Daily WHUFC News II - 14th December 2016

Preview - Burnley
WHUFC.com

Where and when?

West Ham United v Burnley
Premier League
Wednesday 14 December 2016, 7.45pm GMT
London Stadium

What's the story?

West Ham United's run of four consecutive games against teams from the
Premier League's top six comes to an end on Wednesday when Burnley visit
London Stadium. A home double header sees Slaven Bilic's men take on the
Clarets and fellow-newly promoted team Hull City, as the east Londoners look
to move up the Premier League table. Sunday's draw at Liverpool took them
back above Swansea City and out of the division's bottom three and they will
hope to build on that back on home turf. However, Burnley also have a result
to build upon after defeating AFC Bournemouth – and their former boss Eddie
Howe – in a five-goal thriller last time out. Jeff Hendrick, Stephen Ward
and George Boyd were on target, meaning the Cherries' replies from Benik
Afobe and Charlie Daniels counted for little.
The 3-2 victory took Sean Dyche's team to 17 points from 15 games, a tally
which leaves them 13th in the league table. West Ham are six games without a
win, but with draws picked up at Manchester United and Liverpool in recent
weeks, they will have their eyes on ending that run this week.

Team news

West Ham expect to have Cheikhou Kouyate back from injury for the visit of
the Clarets, after he missed the games against Arsenal and Burnley due to a
hamstring injury. Simone Zaza is out with a knee problem and manager Slaven
Bilic could hand Andy Carroll a start after he came off the bench against
both Arsenal and Liverpool.

For Burnley, Andre Gray and Ashley Barnes are pushing to be involved from
the start after performing strongly as substitutes against Bournemouth.
Johann Berg Gudmundsson misses out with a hamstring complaint.

Any links between the two?

Not on the current playing staffs, but two players have turned out for both
sides in the Premier League – Tyrone Mears and Matthew Taylor.

When Burnley were last in the Premier League – in 2014/15 – the Hammers won
3-1 at Turf Moor before triumphing 1-0 in the return fixture at the Boleyn
Ground.

How do I get to the game?

Click here for directions to London Stadium.

The latest news on the Tubes, London Overground network, TfL rail and roads
can be found here. Click here for the latest from National Rail.

How can I watch the game?

The match is not being broadcast live in the UK. However, you can follow
live on whufc.com with live audio commentary, social media updates,
in-running stats, photos and more. Join the conversation on social using
#WHUBUR

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Manager on Matchday
WHUFC.com

Good morning everyone,

We are preparing for another big game under the lights at London Stadium
this evening and we all know the importance of getting a victory over
Burnley. We need the points. I was asked about the pressure of management
going into these big games but the pressure is there anyway. To be fair
every game is pressure. Even last year when we were doing great, every game
there was pressure. Now it's a little bit different kind of pressure. The
pressure is big, the pressure is the same. It is the nature of the job. The
media changes and you have more and more press. You can be criticised
worldwide. Before you didn't know if a guy from New Zealand was criticising
you, but now you are aware. You know what people are saying in Kuala Lumpur
straight after you have made a decision about your change of formation or
during a game. We are playing in the Premier League. It's not a friendly
pre-season game. It is going to be a very different game mentally. We cannot
change it. It is going to be like that.

Hopefully we can make it a little easier for us if we start like I am
expecting us to start. I want us to be brave and confident but also patient
and ready for everything. If we show the intensity, the mentality, the
determination, team work and everything, like we showed at Old Trafford or a
couple of days ago against Liverpool, there is no reason why we should not
do that. I am positive

I spoke to Dimitri Payet in my office after the Liverpool game. He's very
motivated, is up for the schedule in the rest of the year and is acting and
talking about only about West Ham. We speak often. It wasn't like, "Come to
my office, we have to sit down, we have to talk about something in
particular". I wanted to share some ideas with him and that was it. He had a
very demanding season like everybody else last year and then went straight
to the Euros. After the Euros he had a break and it wasn't ideal and it
wasn't like six weeks but he had three weeks off and then he got injured a
bit. He didn't have a proper rest or pre-season but every player who played
at the Euros and went towards the semi-finals or Final was in a similar
position.

The schedule of the Premier League is one that you don't have a winter break
and you cannot give him two or three weeks off. He is experienced enough and
last week against Liverpool he had one extra day off when he was in the gym
and he was on the massage table doing a different kind of training and that
is the kind of thing you can give him to avoid the possibility of fatigue
and overloading.
We have got to do that (to protect him) but it is not just Dimitri, we do
that with other players as well when you feel they are tired and have to
change their routine a bit. It is a team sport but sometimes you have to
treat individuals differently. It depends on how much they play or if they
have any private issues. It is all part of the job of course.
I was also asked about Andy Carroll in the pre-match press conference. I
think I've spoken about Andy more than any other player including Payet. The
only negative thing about Andy is he is not available all the time. For the
team, manager, that is the only one. That box, we are always hoping, we hope
he will be long term available for us. All the other boxes he ticks, his
work rate in training, off the pitch, training ground is very positive. He's
a good lad. We hope he can play a big part against Burnley tonight.

Enjoy the game.
Slaven

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Bilic - We have been waiting for this period
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic has stressed the importance of the next two home games at
London Stadium and says he has been waiting for the Burnley and Hull
fixtures to come around. The West Ham United manager was impressed with the
character and determination his players showed during the 2-2 draw with
Liverpool on Sunday and hopes it will give them even more confidence as they
look to get back on the winning trail at a crucial stage in the season. The
start of December was always going to be a tricky period for the Hammers
after they were forced to play Tottenham, Manchester United, Arsenal and
Liverpool. But Bilic always knew they would have the chance to get more
points on the board playing teams in a similar position in the next few
weeks and hopes it will be a different outcome as they head into the new
year. Bilic said: "We need to beat Burnley. We need points. I have a huge
respect for Burnley and they are doing well. They are a tough team to beat,
but we've been waiting for these couple of games. "We've been talking about
a tough schedule on paper with the four recent games. Spurs, Manchester
United, Arsenal, Liverpool is very difficult on paper and we were hoping to
get something out of them. "We were waiting to get through that period and
then wait for these couple of home games and it has come now.
"We are thinking about Burnley now and have a good chance. We have to show
our determination, our quality and determination together. We have to beat
them.
The Hammers manager also knows the importance of getting back-to-back wins
and points to the example of Stoke who have now moved towards the top half
of the table following recent victories over Watford and Burnley. Bilic
added: "Of course it would be great to have back-to-back wins. We already
have examples of a few clubs who were in a similar situation. "A few games
ago I know Stoke had two or three games and suddenly they won and are out of
the trouble zone and gain confidence. "Now we are in that situation. I am
expecting difficult games but we have to show mentality and character and
what we showed against Liverpool a few days ago."

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The Big Interview - Winston Reid
WHUFC.com

Winston Reid has been one of West Ham United's outstanding performers during
the Club's challenging start to 2016/17. The New Zealand defender, now in
his seventh season in east London, has made more clearances, blocks and
interceptions than any other Hammer this season. Reid was at his resilient
best again during Sunday's 2-2 draw at Liverpool, and believes Slaven
Bilic's side are getting closer to discovering their best form ahead of
vital home Premier League fixtures with Burnley and Hull City.

Winston, do you agree that we deserved a point at Liverpool on Sunday?

"Yeah, we did our best. It's difficult times. I think the most important
thing was to keep hold of a point at the end, because it would have
demoralising for us if we'd lost at the end. "Sunday's result has lifted the
spirit of the team and I think it was important for us as a group of
players, even if the last half-an-hour was a bit of a slog for us. We had to
compact, we had to be solid and defend. I know it sounds a bit boring, but
that's what we had to do. "We had a couple of moments of brilliance from
Dimi, who showed his class again, and Michail got his goal again."

Where are we as a team at the moment? Are we getting back to our best?

"It was a good team performance, but I think we can still improve massively,
especially in the beginning of each half. We have to do much better, because
we haven't been starting games well enough. The guys give everything, so
it's not anything like that, but we need to do better. "Don't get me wrong,
we're conceding goals, but I just think we need to continue doing what we're
doing, because I believe we will improve. "We've got injuries at the moment
and, while it's not an excuse, when you're missing senior players it
restricts the options available to the manager. That's football and injuries
are part of it."

The lads who came into the side at Anfield did well, didn't they?

"I thought Nord came in and did well in an unfamiliar position at
right-back, Cress came back in and he's important. Ayew gave us a bit of
composure when it was needed, and it was good for him to get out and play
the minutes he needed. "It was good to get Andy back out there, too, so
hopefully we can start getting our players back in the squad. Everyone needs
to keep fit and healthy and we can move forward."

We've played four of the top sides in recent weeks – Tottenham Hotspur,
Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool – and now we host Burnley and Hull
City this week…

"If you look at it, we had four tough games, especially as three were away
and only one was at home, and we only played poor in one half – the second
half against Arsenal. "That wasn't very good from us, but really we've done
well in those four games as a whole and could have drawn all three away
games. That was the message from the manager, that we've just got to believe
in ourselves as a team.
"I know it's difficult when you're conceding four and five goals, as we did
recently, and you can see that around the dressing room, but Slaven has
always been good at coming in and keeping the players' spirits high. "We've
been training well and everything and hopefully we're starting to turn the
corner now, because we really need to."

Most importantly, we need everyone on the same page when we face Burnley at
London Stadium on Wednesday night?

"One-hundred per cent. It's important, because we need to get a win. We'll
recover and rest and be back at it on Wednesday."

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Kouyate back for Burnley game
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic welcomes Cheikhou Kouyate back into his squad for the visit of
Burnley
Senegal star missed the last two Premier League fixtures with a hamstring
injury
Manager yet to decide if striker Andy Carroll will start against the Clarets
on Wednesday

Slaven Bilic has been given a major lift ahead of the Burnley game on
Wednesday night after revealing that Cheikhou Kouyate will return to the
squad after he was forced to miss the last two matches with a hamstring
injury. Kouyate picked up the injury on the eve of the London derby against
Arsenal and the injury forced him to miss the 2-2 draw with Liverpool on
Sunday. But the Senegal international resumed training on Monday and the
Hammers manager confirmed he would be available for selection if he doesn't
suffer any reaction in the final training session at London Stadium on
Tuesday afternoon. Bilic said: "He trained normally on Monday with all the
guys. He looked alright and looks fit for tomorrow. We have training and if
nothing unusual happens he is alright. "He's a very important player for us
and has showed that since he joined the club. When he doesn't play it is a
big blow. He's that kind of player."
Bilic says he will make a late decision on whether to start Andy Carroll or
keep him on the bench for the game at London Stadium on Wednesday night.
Carroll has appeared in the last two games as a substitute and is hoping to
get back among the goals as the Hammers prepare for two big home games
against Burnley and Hull. Bilic added "We will decide tomorrow. He came on
twice from the bench. We need to decide whether to use him from the bench or
from the start. "We have two very important games and we have to manage our
players to be available in both. "I've been talking about Carroll for most
of the last season, he's that kind of player. It is a big blow when we are
missing him. We are not afraid (to start him) but have to think twice on how
to manage him. "We can't look only at tomorrow's game, but we have to look
at the bigger picture."

Italian striker Simone Zaza will be sidelined once again after missing the
draw against Liverpool with a knee injury.

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Important travel information for tonight's game
WHUFC.com

Due to gas main repairs on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the walking route
between London Stadium and Stratford station via the bridge between the
South Lawn and Pool Street will not be available for tonight's match against
Burnley.

Spectators are advised to follow the alternative routes highlighted in green
on the map below, which will also be in place on exit from London Stadium
after the game. There will be diversion signage on route and extra stewards
in the area to direct the flow of supporters.

Please note that this will add approximately ten minutes to your journey, so
please plan your route accordingly to ensure you avoid further delays.

The West Ham United Shuttle Bus Service will be in operation for
accessibility supporters as normal, but will take an alternative route
between Stratford Bus Station and the London Stadium drop-off point.

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Five Talking Points - Burnley
WHUFC.com

The Claret and Blue Army will pay tribute to Jack Howard
Heroes to be honoured

West Ham United will honour two Hammers heroes before kick-off this evening.
A minute's applause will be held in memory of 1964 FA Cup winner Peter
Brabrook and young supporter Jack Howard, both of whom passed away earlier
this month. Peter, who died at the age of 79 after a short illness, was an
all-time West Ham great who made 215 appearances between 1962-68 and was
part of arguably the Club's greatest squad. Brave schoolboy Jack was just 12
when he passed following a courageous battle with cancer. Two heroes who
will never been forgotten.

To start or not to start

The big question for Slaven Bilic to answer come 6.45pm is whether or not
Andy Carroll will start tonight's game. The England centre forward has not
started a match since the opening weekend of the season at Chelsea. A knee
injury ruled him out for more than three months, but the No9 has looked fit
and effective on his return appearances as a substitute. With a home win
much-needed, Bilic may well feel it is time to unleash his attacking
talisman from the kick-off.

Home and Away

Burnley have been a force to be reckoned with on home ground at Turf Moor,
where they have picked up 16 of their 17 Premier League points so far. On
the road, it has been a different story for Sean Dyche's side, who sit
bottom of the Away form table with one point and one goal from six matches
played. For whatever reason, Burnley have been suffering from acute travel
sickness, and West Ham don't want to be providing any sort of antidote.

It's been a regular mention in this column, so here it is again - West Ham
could really do with a clean sheet tonight. Winston Reid made mention at
Anfield of the issues the Hammers have had with conceding goals early in
halves, putting them on the back foot almost immediately. Tonight, West Ham
need to be focused from the kick-off and gain control of possession and
territory, not allowing their opponents to settle. Should they come through
the opening ten minutes unscathed, they will feel far more confident about
their chances of keeping that elusive clean sheet.

The big four

Having played four of the Premier League's top guns in the last four
fixtures, West Ham now enter a run of four matches against teams in the
bottom half. Burnley and Hull City at home are followed by Swansea City and
Leicester City away. If the Hammers can pick up eight or nine points from
those games, they should pull themselves away from the bottom three. Even a
win over Burnley on Wednesday could see Bilic's side rise as high as 14th.
However, nothing can be taken for granted in the Premier League. West Ham
will need to be 100% committed and 100% focused if they are to take
advantage of this more friendly run of fixtures.

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Meet Clyde Best at the Stadium Store tonight!
WHUFC.com

West Ham United legend Clyde Best will be at London Stadium this evening,
signing copies of his new autobiography, 'The Acid Test', at the Stadium
Store from 5pm to 6.30pm ahead of the Premier League clash against Burnley.

The Hammers cult hero has travelled over from his home in Bermuda for the
launch of the book, which explores the trials and tribulations he faced as
one of the first black players to make an impact on English football.

In August 1968, a 17-year-old Best arrived in London for a week long trial
with West Ham United. It was his first time away from home, and he reveals
that he felt so alone he would have flown straight back to the Caribbean had
he possessed the return fare.

Thankfully, though, Clyde remained in England and at Upton Park, where he
would become a terrace hero and one of the most influential figures in
British football. Best was the first black goalscoring hero on these shores,
despite being targeted with vile abuse in an era where racism was rife on
the terraces.

In the book he details how he overcame such discrimination, while he also
chronicles his relationship with legendary manager Ron Greenwood, and his
rapport with Hammers greats of that time, such as World Cup-winners Bobby
Moore and Geoff Hurst.

Best also developed a special bond with the Club's fans during his
eight-year spell at the club, in which he found the net 47 times in 186
appearances, before he left to go and play in the USA.

He would later manage the Bermudan National team, before being inducted into
the country's National Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. Two years after that
Best received an MBE for his services to football and the community in
Bermuda.

Clyde Best will be signing copies of 'The Acid Test' this evening from 5pm
to 6.30pm at the West Ham United Stadium Store.

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'It's a Hillsborough waiting to happen'
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 14th December 2016
By: Staff Writer

A number of season ticket holders have expressed their grave concerns
regarding the safety of the Olympic Stadium after they were locked in the
arena during the recent clash with Arsenal.

One ST holder, writing on the SkyscraperCity forum under the pseudonym
'kllblq' revealed how he had tried to leave the stadium at the 80 minute
mark - only to find all the doors were locked and stewards unable to open
them.

"At 3- 0 down I decided that I wanted to leave", wrote the supporter. "To my
horror, all the exits were locked. This was on 80 minutes.

"There was one girl on the door and she was powerless to do anything.
Worryingly I could see more and more supporters coming down the stairs and
joining the hoards of patrons wanting to leave and not being able to.

"At one point I thought I may need to go into the toilets to avoid what I
thought was going to be an inevitable crush. The steward at this point look
scared out of her wits. I tried to use another turnstile and it was also
shut with ever more people swelling the crowd.

"The steward on that turnstile eventually opened what I assume was a
disabled supporters' entrance; that is one manual door to let people out.
Then instead of the doors being opened, stewards turned up ready for a
fight. Astonishing!"

A potentially serious crush was narrowly avoided when other gates were
eventually opened - but only after further confusion, as detailed by the
supporter.

"Someone, somewhere was watching all this and thinking that the
gesticulating to the steward to open the doors was a threat to her safety,"
he added. "There must have been a command to go sort it out as the heavies
arrived in an attempt to misguidedly protect the steward.

"By this point the heavies were already pushing people around and the gate
remained still locked for around another minute or so. Only then did the
woman say people wanted to leave - and the doors miraculously opened, all at
once, and everyone dispersed."

Following the above revelations, Peter Caton - a season ticket holder who
was previously involved in the WHU's View? campaign - has written to West
Ham's Operations Director, Ben Illingworth, to express his concerns.

"It is hard to believe that after Bradford and Hillsborough a Premier League
football club can allow a situation where exit gates cannot be immediately
opened," he wrote.

"A situation where a steward manning the gate apparently has no means of
opening it herself, has no radio contact to get the door opened and the
system seemingly relies on a computer to open the exits. I hope that you are
aware of these problems and that action has been taken to resolve them."

However Peter Smith, the stadium's safety officer refuted claims that exit
were left locked.

"In respect of the Arsenal egress, this particular departure was complicated
by the scoring of a late goal which saw many of those who had decided to
leave the stadium then attempt to return to the seating bowl whilst others
were still attempting to leave, resulting in unusual crowd flows on the
podium level," he replied.

"We are able to monitor all exits via the stadium CCTV and are acutely aware
of the dynamics of departing crowds. There is a process in place to unlock
to multiple exit doors at 80 minutes when egress gathers pace.

"After 75 minutes of Saturday's match, our safety and security teams opened
additional doors when it became clear that large sections of the home
support were keen to leave."

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Three Key Battles - Burnley
WHUFC.com

Wednesday's Premier League fixture between West Ham United and Burnley sees
the Hammers welcome the team with the worst away record in the top-flight to
London Stadium. The Hammers will be eager to exacerbate Burnley's travel
sickness - just one point and one goal from six away matches - and, in turn,
improve their own indifferent home form. On the pitch, the Clarets are one
of the few Premier League sides to favour an old-fashioned 4-4-2 formation,
although Sean Dyche may opt for a more defensive shape in east London. For
the hosts, Slaven Bilic could return talisman Andy Carroll to the starting
XI up front. However, of more pressing concern will be the need to keep a
first clean sheet in nine matches against the shot-shy visitors. Here we
look at Three Key Battles that could decide the destiny of Wednesday's game.

Reid v Keane
Both West Ham and Burnley have kept just three clean sheets in their opening
15 Premier League matches, but that does not mean they do not possess good
defenders. For the Hammers, Winston Reid has shone during a difficult
opening four months, leading the team in clearances, interceptions and
blocks/game, while also weighing in with a vital winning goal against
Sunderland and assists at home to Middlesbrough and away to Tottenham
Hotspur. For the Clarets, England call-up Michael Keane has also been
influential, and is second in the team in interceptions, clearance and
blocks. A strong player who reads the game well and does not dive into
tackles, the 23-year-old will be vital to Burnley's chances of keeping a
fourth clean sheet.

Lanzini Marney
The midfield battle between West Ham's diminutive creator Manuel Lanzini and
Burnley's midfield general Dean Marney will be an interesting one. Lanzini
is vital to West Ham's attacking play. Not only can he dribble past
opponents as if they are not there, lifting the pressure on his defence in
the process, but he is also an accurate finisher and passer of the ball. If
West Ham want to open Burnley up, the Argentine could be the man to do it.
Now 32, the experienced Marney is a disciplined all-round central midfield
player who has become central to Burnley's preferred 4-4-2 formation. Strong
in the tackle and in the air, Marney also passes the ball accurately and
takes many of the Clarets' set pieces.

Obiang Defour
The second midfield battle which will likely take centre-stage this evening
is that between Pedro Obiang and Steven Defour.
Obiang has been a revelation since being handed an opportunity to impress by
Slaven Bilic at home to Middlesbrough on 1 October. The Spaniard is a
super-fit, relentless central midfield player who never gives his opposite
number a moment's peace. Experienced Belgian Defour also sits deep in the
midfield, from where he breaks up attacks with his fine positioning and
interception skills. Like Obiang, the 28-year-old can also open up defences
with his accurate and extensive range of passing. The winner of this battle
will control the midfield area for his respective team

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Bilic - Mentality is key
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic has nothing but praise for the job Sean Dyche has done at
Burnley and feels they have comfortably adapted to life back in the top
flight this season. Despite only taking one point on their travels this
season, Burnley have made up for it with an impressive home form winning
five of their nine games at Turf Moor. The Hammers manager knows the
importance of the next two home games against Burnley and Hull and says he
has been waiting for this period of games to come around. But he is taking
nothing for granted and says the players will be fully prepared for another
tough encounter as they look to turn their season around in the next few
weeks. Bilic said: "Burnley are doing great. I am not just comparing it to a
few years ago when they were in the Premier League. They are doing really
well. "At home they are winning on that small pitch with simple, effective,
very intense and direct football.
"Away they have just one point at the most difficult of away games against
Manchester United. "But in some of those games they played good football
like in the last one against Stoke. The first 20 minutes they were the
better side so we know it is going to be a difficult game."

Bilic says the mentality of the players will be key if they are to record a
crucial three points on Wednesday night, but feels the time has come for his
players to deliver. Bilic added: "We have to do it. We can't count on paper.
Of course we are watching the schedule, but we have a chance. "We have to go
game by game. The key is mentality and I have no doubt we will have that
mentality against Burnley. "We have been waiting for this game with the
greatest of respects to our opponent. We know it is going to be extremely
hard but now the time has come, we have to deliver."

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Sir Trevor recalls Burnley bow
KUMb.com

As he takes his seat at London Stadium for tonight's Premier League clash
between West Ham and Burnley, Sir Trevor Brooking will no doubt have a brief
flashback to 27 August 1967, and a 3-3 draw between the two sides at Turf
Moor.

That afternoon, a fresh-faced 18-year-old Brooking made his first-team debut
for the Hammers, the first step on what was to become an illustrious 17-year
playing career in the Claret and Blue, taking in 643 appearances, 102 goals,
two FA Cup winner's medals, a Second Division title medal, five Hammer of
the Year awards and 47 England caps.

"The manager, Ron Greenwood felt it was good to give young players their
debuts away from home because there was less pressure," recalls Sir Trevor.

"I remember the goal scorers in a 3-3 draw that day were Bobby Moore, Martin
Peters and Geoff Hurst which wasn't bad – just a year after the trio had
played in the World Cup final.

"Later that season, I recall, I scored my one and only hat-trick in a 5-0
win over Newcastle. I got everyone to sign the ball afterwards and gave it
to my mum and dad, who stuck it on top of their TV."

The Hammers legend enjoyed another visit to London Stadium earlier this
week, when he was joined by Evening Standard reporter Ken Dyer for a walk
around the Club's new home, where the pair viewed some of the references and
tributes to Sir Trevor's glittering career that adorn the walls of our new
home.

Ken, who has been covering West Ham United matches as a reporter since the
early 1970s, shared a special moment with Sir Trevor and his team-mates when
John Lyall invited him into the victorious Wembley dressing-room following
our FA Cup final win over Arsenal in May 1980.

More than 36 years on, the two old friends are still gathering memories at
London Stadium, and Sir Trevor insists that, while it will understandably
take time to feel truly like home, he has no doubt that West Ham supporters
will build their own memories to treasure.

"I was at the League Cup tie against Chelsea, it was probably the best
performance and result so far and that is what you want to lift everyone,"
he said. "The atmosphere was terrific and when everyone is behind the team,
it will be fine.

"That is what we have to aim at now, to turn on some good home performances
at the London Stadium and create our own history, as we did in the past.

"More than anything, the crowd can help the team in these next two home
matches, against Burnley and Hull. Four or six points from these two games
would put us in the pack is the middle of the table.

"There's no reason why, against Burnley, we can't raise the roof and set the
benchmark for the future.

"If you had said to me 18 months ago that the Club would go from playing in
front of 35,000 to almost 60,000, I would have said it would have taken two
or three seasons to make that progression.

"It's fantastic though, that because of the loyal support, they've managed
to sell out.

"The first season, no matter how many people came, was always going to be a
hard challenge but now it's for the players and supporters to work together
and get the results that will turn it around."

*Read more from Ken Dyer's exclusive interview with Sir Trevor Brooking,
including his view on West Ham's in-form Michail Antonio, in Wednesday's
Evening Standard.

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Reece Oxford to sign new West Ham deal - Sky sources
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 14/12/16 3:49pm
SSN

Reece Oxford will sign a new long-term contract at West Ham this week,
according to Sky sources. The highly-rated central defender is expected to
sign his new deal on his 18th birthday on Friday following lengthy
negotiations. Oxford, whose current contract expires in 2018, has previously
been linked with a move away from the Hammers, with Manchester United mooted
as potential suitors. He has featured just twice for Slaven Bilic's side
this season, both appearances coming in the Europa League, and is currently
recovering from an ankle ligament injury sustained in training. Oxford
became the youngest Premier League player in the club's history when he
started their opening game of the 2015/16 season - a 2-0 win away at
Arsenal. He appeared a further six times in the Premier League as West Ham
ended the season in seventh place - their highest finish in the top flight
since 2002. Oxford has also been capped by England in all age groups up to
the U20 level.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham must do everything to keep Dimitri Payet, says Mark Noble
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 14/12/16 8:22am
SSN

Mark Noble insists West Ham must do everything they can to keep star man
Dimitri Payet at the club beyond the January transfer window.
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan said in November he had no intention of
selling Payet in the New Year, despite the influential midfielder hinting he
could be open to leaving the Hammers. Despite conceding anything could
happen during the transfer window, Noble said he would not be surprised if
the 29-year-old was still at West Ham come February 1 and stressed he was
too important for the club to lose. "In football, you never know what's
going to happen. I don't care what anyone says, in football money does talk,
whether that's for the club, in transfer fees, or incredible wages in this
day and age," the West Ham captain told Sky Sports News HQ.
"But I wouldn't be surprised if Dimi is here by the end of January. You need
special players to do special things at moments and he's done that on untold
times last season.
"Even against Middlesbrough this year with the solo goal he scored and the
free-kick the other night (v Liverpool), he's a massive player for us and we
must do everything to keep him at the football club." Payet has been a
stand-out performer for West Ham since arriving from Marseille for £10.75m
in June 2015, scoring 15 goals in 54 appearances, and was rewarded with a
new five-and-a-half year deal in February. The Frenchman is likely to start
West Ham's crucial clash against Burnley at London Stadium on Wednesday,
with Slaven Bilic's side in desperate need of points. West Ham sit in 17th
place, just a point above the relegation zone, and are without a win in
their last six Premier League matches, leading to speculation over Bilic's
future at the club.
But, after Sunday's morale-boosting 2-2 draw at Liverpool, Noble gave his
backing to his manager and insisted he remains the right man for the job.
"He knows what the fans are like, he knows the football club inside out, so
he probably takes it (poor form) a bit personal as well," Noble said. "We
don't just go out and forget about the result, I can't really enjoy the week
unless we've won.
"For the last 12 years, if we haven't won on the Saturday, I've got the hump
all week. He probably feels the same way I do. If there's anyone to lead
this football club, it's Slaven."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sexual abuse in football: The responses from each London club when asked
about the Met police investigation
MATT MAJENDIE
Evening Standard

Four Premier League clubs and five in the Football League from London are
being investigated by Scotland Yard over claims of historical sexual abuse
in football. A total of 30 London clubs, many of them amateur, are being
investigated by the Met, with 106 separate allegations of abuse. The capital
has 13 professional clubs, with nine of them now dragged into the scandal
that has hit British football since Andy Woodward became the first former
player to go public last month when he alleged he was abused by coach Barry
Bennell when he was a youth player at Crewe in the Eighties. The Met says
it is looking at allegations involving two Championship clubs and three in
Leagues One and Two. Chelsea are the only London Premier League team named
in the scandal after it was revealed they paid compensation to former player
Gary Johnson after he was abused by former chief scout Eddie Heath. More
complaints have been made about Heath, who also worked at Charlton, Leyton
Orient and Millwall.

Standard Sport revealed claims this month that Heath had abused players
under his charge at Orient but the allegations against him were made after
his death. Last week Charlton said they had opened their own investigation
into claims former youth player Russell Davy was sexually abused by Heath
while at the club in the Eighties.

In addition, QPR said they would fully cooperate with the Met after claims
Chris Gieler, head of youth recruitment at the club for 30 years, had
allegations of abuse dating back to the Seventies against him. As of last
week, police bosses said they had 83 potential suspects linked to 98 clubs
nationwide, although it is not known how many of the alleged abusers are
linked to London clubs.

Detective chief superintendent Ivan Balhatchet said: "The Met takes all
allegations seriously, and specialist officers will work through the
information passed to them. The number of referrals, pieces of information
and allegations will change. Officers will continue to work through the
information that has been reported."

LONDON CLUBS STATE THEIR POSITIONS

AFC WIMBLEDON
Q: Is your club among those the Metropolitan Police is investigating?
A: No comment.

Q: Have you received any allegations of sexual abuse at your club?
A: No comment.


ARSENAL
Q: Is your club among those the Metropolitan Police is investigating?
A: No comment.

Q: Have you received any allegations of sexual abuse at your club?
A: No comment.



BRENTFORD
Q: Is your club among those the Metropolitan Police is investigating?
A: Club say they have not been contacted by the police.

Q: Have you received any allegations of sexual abuse at your club?
A: Club say they have received no allegations.



CHARLTON
Club are investigating claims a youth player was abused by Heath while at
the club in the Eighties.



CHELSEA
The club paid Gary Johnson £50,000 after he was abused by former chief scout
Eddie Heath.



CRYSTAL PALACE
Q: Is your club among those the Metropolitan Police is investigating?
A: Club say they have not been contacted by the police.

Q: Have you received any allegations of sexual abuse at your club?
A: Club say they have received no allegations.



FULHAM
Q: Is your club among those the Metropolitan Police is investigating?
A: "Due to ongoing investigations by a number of police forces into
allegations of non-recent child abuse at professional clubs, it would not be
appropriate to provide information on the matter at this time."

Q: Have you received any allegations of sexual abuse at your club?
A: "Due to ongoing investigations by a number of police forces into
allegations of non-recent child abuse at professional clubs, it would not be
appropriate to provide information on the matter at this time."



QPR
Several complaints have been made about ex-chief scout Chris Gieler, who
worked at QPR for 30 years.



TOTTENHAM
Q: Is your club among those the Metropolitan Police is investigating?
A: Club say they have not been contacted by the police.

Q: Have you received any allegations of sexual abuse at your club?
A: Club say they have received no allegations.



WEST HAM
Q: Is your club among those the Metropolitan Police is investigating?
A: Club say they have not been contacted by the police.

Q: Have you received any allegations of sexual abuse at your club?
A: Club say they have received no allegations.

The Evening Standard are awaiting responses from Barnet, Leyton Orient and
Millwall

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sir Trevor Brooking: West Ham's attack looks more potent with 'outstanding'
Michail Antonio
EXCLUSIVE
KEN DYER
Evening Standard

Having played in the same team as that other West Ham knight of the realm,
Sir Geoff Hurst, and Kevin Keegan with England, Sir Trevor Brooking ought to
know a good striker when he sees one. Which is why, when the West Ham great
who played 635 times for his beloved club, is effusive in his praise of
Michail Antonio, who scored his seventh Premier League goal of the season in
the 2-2 draw at Liverpool on Sunday, it is as well to take notice. Brooking
made his first-team debut aged 18 in 1967 at Turf Moor, the home of Burnley,
who come to the London Stadium tonight and he believes Slaven Bilic could do
a lot worse than stick with Antonio up front. The utility man was pushed
forward at Anfield as Diafra Sakho and Simone Zaza were injured while Andy
Carroll was on the bench after a lengthy lay-off. "Certainly for me, Michail
is the outstanding West Ham player of the season so far," said Brooking.
"His versatility was there for all to see at Liverpool when he began up
front, then went to right-back for a while and finally, when Slaven switched
to a back three, he played as wing-back. "The massive bonus for West Ham,
though, has been that when he has played up front, West Ham's attack has
looked more potent than at any other time, except when Diafra came in for
two games and then you saw the beauty of having a striker who can turn the
opposition around. "Against Chelsea in the League Cup, Michail played up
front and gave them all sorts of problems and on Sunday no one other than
him would have scored that goal because, when the deflection took the ball
over the head of the defender, no one else would have been quick enough to
get behind them."
Brooking, now 68, attends every home match as a guest of honour and has been
impressed by West Ham's new home. He was back at the London Stadium on
Monday to take a closer look at the many references and tributes to his
illustrious 17-year playing career at the club and believes, despite early
problems, it is the team's performances and results which will ultimately
create new history for the Hammers. He said: "Injuries certainly haven't
helped and the move to the stadium was always, initially at least, going to
be tricky. That will be resolved, though, by good home performances similar
to that against Chelsea. The other factor is that, last season, our player
intake was terrific and it was always going to be difficult to match that
again. "In the current climate it's very difficult to replicate because
every club in the Premier League has had money to spend. I believe Slaven
will get it right, though. I like him and he did a terrific job last season
when the squad exceeded expectations. There is no way the club should make a
change now."
'I believe Slaven will get it right. There is no way the club should make a
change now'
Tonight's visitors in the first of two crucial home matches for West Ham,
evoke powerful memories for Brooking of his first taste of action. "The
manager, Ron Greenwood felt it was good to give young players their debuts
away from home because there was less pressure. The goal scorers in a 3-3
draw that day were Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Hurst which wasn't bad —
just a year after the trio had played in the World Cup Final. "Later that
season, I scored my one and only hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Newcastle. I
got everyone to sign the ball and gave it to my mum and dad, who stuck it on
top of their TV."
Brooking is standing in front of the vast stand which bears his name and
which was officially opened in July, when Juventus were the visitors. "The
atmosphere was good," he said. "That's been a subject of debate since but I
think what happens on the pitch dictates everything. I was at the Cup tie
against Chelsea and it was probably the best performance so far. The
atmosphere was terrific and when everyone is behind the team, it will be
fine. "More than anything, the crowd can help the team in these next two
home matches, against Burnley and Hull. Four or six points from these two
games would put us in the pack in the middle of the table. "There's no
reason why, against Burnley, we can't raise the roof and set the benchmark
for the future."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Charlie Adam praises West Ham skipper Mark Noble for his honesty
HITC
Damien Lucas

West Ham United skipper Mark Noble has been praised by Stoke City's Charlie
Adam for his refreshing honesty. The Hammers are one place and one point off
the bottom three after a torrid season so far. Slaven Bilic's second season
at the helm as been the polar opposite of his first where the Hammers came
close to qualifying for the Champions League. An unlikely point at Anfield
against title hopefuls Liverpool restored some pride after consecutive 4-1
and 5-1 thrashings against Manchester United and Arsenal respectively.
Going into crucial back-to-back home games against Burnley and Hull City
Hammers skipper Noble was interviewed on talkSPORT about the club's troubles
this season. The homegrown Hammer gave a refreshingly honest account of the
goings on at London Stadium and insisted the players were all behind the
manager. The interview went down well with Hammers fans and Noble's fellow
professionals too.
Stoke City's Charlie Adam took to Twitter to praise his rival midfielder.
"Great to hear someone so passionate about his club on @talkSPORT," Adam
said. "Well said Mark Noble."

Follow
Charlie Adam ? @Charlie26Adam
Great too hear someone so passionate about his club On @talkSPORT. Well said
Mark noble
10:47 AM - 12 Dec 2016

Adam knows exactly what Noble has been going through given Stoke's early
season troubles. It was actually the Scottish star's return to the first
team which coincided with a change in fortunes for the Potters. And after
his well received interview, Noble will be hoping it sparks a similar
turnaround for West Ham's season.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
REST HAM UNITED Dimitri Payet: West Ham star getting special treatment as
Slaven Bilic hands him days off to skip training
Hammers boss Bilic fears his star man is burning out after gruelling
workload over the last 18 months
BY IAN BAKER 13th December 2016, 10:30 pm
The Sun

SLAVEN BILIC has told Dimitri Payet to skip training to prevent him breaking
down. The West Ham boss is treating his talisman carefully following a
gruelling workload over the past 18 months. Payet came 17th in the Fifa
Ballon d'Or award after his exploits with the Hammers last term and with
France getting to the Euro 2016 final. Now Bilic is having to provide
special treatment for his star man in the build-up to Wednesday's clash with
Burnley. He said: "Dimitri had a very demanding season and then went
straight to the Euros. "After that, he had a break and it wasn't ideal. He
had three weeks off and then got injured a bit. "He didn't have a proper
rest or pre-season. The schedule of the Premier League is one that means you
cannot give him two or three weeks off. "We have to give him days off to
protect him. It is a team sport but sometimes you treat individuals
differently."
Bilic pulled Payet out of full training before Sunday's Liverpool game. And
he said: "Dimi is experienced enough and last week against Liverpool he had
one extra day off when he was in the gym and on the massage table. "That is
the kind of thing you can give him to avoid fatigue."
Payet, 29, has struggled to match last year's exploits but looked more like
his old self by scoring his first goal from a free-kick in the Prem this
season at Anfield. The French ace has been linked with a move but Bilic
said: "West Ham is very much his side."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 13th December 2016

Peter Brabrook – 1937-2016
WHUFC.com

West Ham United has been left deeply saddened by the passing of Hammers
great Peter Brabrook. The 1964 FA Cup winner and England international
winger died following a short illness on Saturday at the age of 79. A hugely
popular character, Peter made 215 appearances across six seasons, scoring 43
goals, before returning to the Club as both an Academy coach and scout,
working in the latter role until just weeks before his death. A friendly,
approachable and hugely knowledgeable figure beloved by his teammates,
colleagues and supporters alike, the 1958 FIFA World Cup finalist will be
sorely missed by everyone at the Club and the football world as a whole.
Born in Greenwich in November 1937, Peter spent the early part of his career
with Chelsea, helping the Blues to win the Football League title as an
18-year-old in 1955. Three years later, the young outside-right was on his
way to the FIFA World Cup finals in Sweden, where he earned one of his three
senior England caps when he started against the Soviet Union.

In 1962, Peter made the move across London to the Boleyn Ground for a
£35,000 fee, making his West Ham debut in a 1-1 draw with Burnley on 22
October of that year. A maiden goal in Claret and Blue arrived the following
month in a 3-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday.
His most successful season with the Club, both personally and collectively,
came in 1963/64, when he netted a career-high 12 goals, including two
against Charlton Athletic and Orient during the Hammers' triumphant run to
the FA Cup final. At Wembley, it was his cross that Ronnie Boyce nodded in
with just seconds remaining to secure the famous trophy for the first time
in the Club's history.

The following season, injuries restricted Peter to just 25 appearances,
including one in West Ham's European Cup Winners' Cup run, which ended in
another glorious victory at the Home of Football. The south London-born
player was more heavily involved the following season, 1965/66, when he
helped the Hammers reach the semi-finals of both the League Cup and European
Cup Winners' Cup. Peter departed the Club in 1968, completing his playing
career with Orient and Romford before returning to the Hammers to work
within the Academy of Football. There, he scouted and coached some of the
finest graduates in West Ham history, including Joe Cole, Michael Carrick
and Frank Lampard Jr. In more recent years, Peter scouted Football League
clubs, seeking to unearth talent at senior level, and he remained a regular
and welcome visitor to both Chadwell Heath and, this season, Rush Green.

West Ham United would like to express their sincere condolences to Peter's
family and friends at this sad time.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic says the Hammers' point at Anfield on Sunday gives them the
perfect platform to build on in what he calls a 'crucial week' for his team.
The east Londoners follow the 2-2 draw with Liverpool by taking on Burnley
and Hull City at London Stadium – two games which the manager wants to use
to climb up the Premier League table. But he knows the challenge both will
present will be a significant one and the boss needs the Hammers to show the
same mental fortitude they displayed on Merseyside. He explained: "I was
pleased with the character shown by the team. After the loss last week, 5-1
to Arsenal, and then making a start that couldn't be worse, we showed a
great reaction. "It's a really great point for us, a positive situation
before this crucial week for us. "We tried to get as many points as possible
from these four, on paper, very difficult fixtures and now we have Burnley
and Hull at home. "Those games will be extremely difficult in every way and
we will have to show the character again, but also the quality,
togetherness, patience, because they will be very mentally demanding games.
We have to be ready for them."

The boss also had praise for how his goalkeeper Darren Randolph bounced back
from the error which led to Divock Origi's leveller early in the second
half, springing to his left to make a terrific stop from Jordan Henderson
and preserve the visitors' point.
He continued: "Darren is more than okay. It's the nature of the goalkeeper's
job. He made a mistake for the equaliser, it's true, but before and after
that he showed a great individual reaction. He was there in the moments we
needed our goalkeeper. "He showed his quality, his composure and he made a
couple of great saves – that strike from Henderson was a crucial moment for
us."

The manager concluded by offering his condolences to the victims of the
bombings in Istanbul this weekend – outside the stadium of his former club
Besiktas, where he spent two years prior to joining the Hammers. He said:
"I'd like to dedicate this point to the people in Turkey. I was there with
my staff for two years and I feel for them. "My prayers go out to them, it
is very sad what is happening in one of the best cities and one of the best
countries – because of the nature of the people, being so friendly and so
warm – that it's tearing me apart what happened there. "[I send] big
condolences to the families of the victims."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan round up
WHUFC.com

George Dobson scored his first goal in senior football for Walsall on
Saturday
Josh Cullen helped Bradford secure an important home point
And Lewis Page, Reece Burke and Enner Valencia all played a part for their
loan sides this weekend

A first goal in senior football for Hammer George Dobson, on loan at
Walsall, could not help the Saddlers claim their second consecutive victory
as they were beaten 2-1 by Fleetwood Town on Saturday. Dobson's 76th minute
strike – a belter that fizzed through a crowd of players and past Town
keeper Alex Cairns from all of 25 yards – could not salvage anything as the
visitors found themselves two down in Lancashire previously. Ash Hunter's
superb curling strike had given the hosts the lead just three minutes before
the interval, and that advantage was doubled on 67 minutes as Bobby Grant
smashed home after an initial effort had hit the crossbar. Despite the
defeat, the match will live long in the memory for Dobson, who has now made
ten appearances for the League One outfit in all competitions.

Elsewhere in the third tier, Josh Cullen continued his terrific season,
starting and completing 90 minutes for Bradford City as they maintained an
unbeaten home record to draw with visiting Charlton Athletic. The Addicks,
under the guidance of new boss Karl Robinson, taking charge of his first
league match, threatened in the first half and struck the woodwork twice
through Josh Magennis and Jordan Botaka. But a second half sending off for
Patrick Bauer helped see Bradford over the line and remain in touch with top
two Scunthorpe United and Sheffield United.

Lewis Page's Coventry City had an afternoon to forget in Essex as Southend
United were 3-1 winners at Roots Hall. The left-back played the full match
for the Sky Blues but could not prevent Anthony Wordsworth, former Hammer
Anton Ferdinand and Stephen McLaughlin bagging goals for the hosts. Dan
Agyei grabbed a consolation one minute from time, but City continue their
battle against relegation this season as they sit just inside the drop zone.

Up a division, there was similar misery for Reece Burke – on loan at
struggling Wigan Athletic – who fell to defeat at Aston Villa.
The West Ham defender played 45 minutes for the Latics in the 1-0 loss in
which Jack Grealish scored the winner in the 88th minute.
Warren Joyce's men, despite the defeat, are still just two points from
safety in the Championship table and will look to improve their position on
Wednesday as they host Newcastle United.

Finally, in the Premier League, Enner Valencia was given 19 minutes for
Everton though the Blues were beaten 3-2 in a thriller at Vicarage Road.
Watford moved up to seventh with the terrific win in which Stefano Okaka's
brace and Sebastian Prodl's first of the season helped c linch the victory.
Romelu Lukaku was also on the scoresheet twice but in vain for the Toffees
who sit in ninth in the top flight.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Boardroom
WHUFC.com

Joint-Chairman David Sullivan pays tribute to two Hammers and looks ahead to
an important week...

I would like to start this week by paying tribute to two special people who
have sadly passed away in recent days, taken from us by the evil disease
that is cancer. Peter Brabrook was a member of our greatest team, a team
that won the FA Cup for the first time in the Club's history in 1964, won
the European Cup Winners' Cup and reached the League Cup final. Peter played
for England at the World Cup at the age of 21, and a player who thrilled
West Ham United fans like me with his exciting wing play. He later returned
to the Club as an Academy coach and scout, helping to develop some of the
best players we have ever produced.

Jack Howard was just 12 when he passed away. A huge Hammers fan, Jack
bravely fought the disease with the support of his loved ones and the West
Ham family. I would like to express my personal condolences to Peter and
Jack's families at this time. We will pay tribute to them both at
Wednesday's game against Burnley.

I think we are all feeling more positive about our season after Sunday's
performance at Liverpool. Personally, I was impressed with the spirit and
togetherness shown by the team after falling behind early on. After what
happened late on against Arsenal, some teams would have crumbled after Adam
Lallana's goal, but not West Ham United.

Slaven Bilic and his players can take a lot of pride from what they achieved
against Liverpool, who have been thrashing teams at home this season.
Instead of going into their shells and feeling sorry for themselves, they
showed what playing for West Ham is all about. We tightened things up at the
back, pressed them all over the pitch as a team scored two great goals. We
deserved to be winning at half-time. It was a shame that we conceded after
the break, but Darren Randolph shrugged off the disappointment of his
mistake to make an absolutely world-class save from Jordan Henderson.

Make no mistake about it, getting a draw at Anfield was important for the
confidence and belief in the squad – and sets us up for two vital home
matches this week. We welcome Burnley and Hull City to London Stadium and we
will need every one of you behind the team as we seek six points that would
take us nearer to where we want to be in the Premier League table.

Tickets are available for both matches – Burnley on our Ticket Exchange and
Hull to our Season Ticket Holders, Claret Members and fans on the Priority
List – and I would strongly urge you to buy now if you want to be here to
cheer the team on.

As I said last week, we are a real force to be reckoned with when we are all
pulling in the same direction – we showed that at Liverpool, at Manchester
United, at Crystal Palace and at home to Chelsea.

These two matches will go a long way to shaping our season and we need a
full house right behind the players to give us the best possible chance of
securing the points we need.

I can assure you we are all determined to end a historic year for West Ham
United on a high.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nordtveit keen to kick on after Anfield draw
WHUFC.com

Norway international Havard Nordtveit said Sunday's draw against Liverpool
was the result of weeks of hard work
The 26-year-old admitted it has been a difficult start to life in the
Premier League
After an assist and a solid performance at Anfield, the summer signing is
keen to kick on for Slaven Bilic's men

Midfielder Havard Nordtveit admitted it felt great to be part of the Hammers
side which picked up a point at Anfield on Sunday after a difficult start to
life at the Club. West Ham travelled to Merseyside to take on an in-form
Liverpool outfit who look to be serious title contenders in the Premier
League this season and came away with a crucial point to show for their
efforts. After Adam Lallana put the Reds on the front foot, Dimitri Payet
equalised with a stunning free-kick before Michail Antonio poked home
Nordtveit's long ball before the break. Divock Origi levelled three minutes
into the second half but the visitors stood strong, with Norwegian Nordtveit
blocking and clearing everything that came his way. After securing the draw
and providing an assist, he said: "We have been working hard for many, many
weeks now and I felt that we got what we deserved today. After a hard start
at West Ham, I finally now want to show the fans what I'm doing in training
every day. "There are always things you can do better – nobody is perfect –
but after a hard start at West Ham, adapting from the Bundesliga to the
Premier League which has been tough, I finally now want to show the fans
what I'm doing in training every day."

Nordtveit joined the east Londoners from German outfit Borussia
Monchengladbach during the summer but was making just his fifth Premier
League start in the clash at the weekend. But after providing some
much-needed solidity at the back as both right-back and centre-back in parts
of the second half, the 26-year-old is now keen to kick on in claret and
blue. "I said last time, I'm always positive and working hard," he
continued. "The group is always positive so I'm just lucky and happy to be
here and hopefully now we can look forward to the next game and do the same
performance at home. "[This result] shows what we have in this Club and in
this team. It shows what spirit we have in each player. "After 90 minutes,
you can always feel when you've played against a good team like Liverpool,
and that shows that we don't belong in the situation we are in in the table.
"We want to be further up and hopefully it was a turning for us. We are just
looking forward to the next game and hopefully we can take more points."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FT - West Ham United PL2 2-3 Swansea City
WHUFC.com

FT: All over here. The Hammers have been beaten 3-2 by Swansea. They staged
a late comeback thanks to goals from Martinez and Quina but in the end
Swansea just had enough to see the win out! Much more reaction to come on
our channels over the next 24 hours. Full-time: West Ham United PL2 2-3
Swansea City.

90+1: GOALLL! There's just one goal in it now! Quina caresses the ball into
the far corner. Do we have a comeback on here? 2-3

90: 4 mins added at the end of this game!

87: But the Hammers respond! Martinez stabs home after Parfitt-Williams's
flick on. Is it too little too late? 1-3

84: And the penalty is scored by Byers for his second of the match. Not been
a great night for the Hammers. 0-3

83: Penalty to Swansea. Sylvestre gets the wrong side of James and bundles
him over in the box. Chance here to wrap things up. 0-2

81: Akinola flicks a Browne free-kick towards goal but it rolls into the
arms of Brighitti. More frustration for the home side. 0-2

77: Samuel goes into the book for a foul of Neufville. Browne again whips in
a teasing ball but it's cleared by Swansea. 0-2

75: Sub now for the Hammers. Dan Kemp is replaced by Djair Parfitt-Williams.
0-2

72: Sub for Swansea. Their goalscorer Biabi is taken off and Owain Jones
comes on. 0-2

70: Neufville is shown the first booking of the evening for a coming
together at worst. Then Martinez has space for a shot but is closed down
well by defenders in white. 0-2

67: Couple of good set pieces delivered by Browne but the Hammers are yet to
make the most of them this evening. Time running out to get back into this
game. 0-2

59: Much better since going behind. Quina fakes a shot before sending a
drive just over the bar from 25 yards. 0-2

57: Better from the Hammers. Samuelsen works the ball to Browne but his
shots squirms just wide. 0-2

53: There's actually been a change at the break. Noah Sylvestre has replaced
Sam Wesley at right back. 0-2

50: It's just got worse for the Hammers. The ball was given away cheaply in
the midfield and was shuffled to Biabi who couldn't miss when through on
goal. 0-2

48: Swansea's Blair works some room on the edge of the box but sends a shot
well over Trott's crossbar. 0-1

46: We're back underway at the Chigwell Construction Stadium. Big half
required from the Hammers. Come on boys! 0-1

HT: We're reached the interval here and the Hammers trail. It's been a
strange half with the home side having much more possession and chances, but
Swansea took theirs on half an hour. George Byers with the goal and there's
work to do for the boys. 0-1 at the brea

45: Edging towards the break here - 1 minute of added time here! 0-1

39: Another great chance for the Hammers. Browne swings a deep free kick in
and it comes off Swansea's captain Davies. Unfortunately, Birighitti tips
the ball round the post for a corner. 0-1

36: A break in proceedings now as the a Swansea player is treated to on the
near touchline. The goal came out of nothing really and the Hammers will
have to come from behind here. 0-1

30: And just like that, the Hammers are behind. Totally against the run of
play in this first half. George Byers finds some space and manages to
squeeze the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. May have
took a deflection on the way through. 0-1

29: Samuelsen flicks the ball through to Martinez who shows his ruthlessness
in front of goal to find the bottom corner. Unfortunately, he was flagged
offside. 0-0

28: Browne tries his luck from distance but his shot sails over the bar.
Swansea haven't had a sniff so far. 0-0

26: Quina tries to find Samuelsen with a delightful cross field pass but
it's just behind the Norwegian. The Hammers are probing and have been the
better side in the opening stages. 0-0

22: Best chance of the game so far! Kemp gets the ball from Quina on the
right, cuts in past two challenges and forces Birighitti into a terrific
reflex save. The Hammers are on top! 0-0

18: Wonderful play again from Browne. He skips about four challenges but his
pass is just behind Martinez. The Spaniard was flagged offside though. 0-0

14: Browne bursts through the challenge of two defenders but a deflection on
his shot takes the sting out of it. Drops into the arms of Birighitti. 0-0

10: Nice build-up by the Hammers. Quina tries to slide the ball through to
Kemp but it's too close to Birighitti. 0-0

7: Neufville fouls Samuel on the Swansea right and the away have a free-kick
in a dangerous area here. Blair sends the ball in but it's straight at
Trott. 0-0

5: Nice one-two between Browne and Martinez. Browne sends a stinging into
the palms of Birighitti. Bright start by the boys! 0-0

2: Spells of possession for both sides in the opening embers. As expected,
the Hammers start with Martinez as the focal point of the attack with Browne
in behind.

1: We're underway at the CCS. Last game at home until the New Year so let's
end with a bang boys!!

6.50pm: Not long from kick-off at the CCS. Terry Westley is without captain
Declan Rice this evening who is out with illness. Tunji Akinola comes back
into the side, with Dan Kemp also returning to the starting eleven. The
players will be out shortly! COYI!

Hammers XI: Trott; Westley (Sylvestre, 45), Pike, Akinola, Neufville; Quina,
Makasi; Kemp (Parfitt-Williams, 75), Browne (c), Samuelsen; Martinez. Subs:
Howes, Hector-Ingram, Diangana.

Goals: Martinez, Quina.

Bookings: Neufville.

Swansea XI: Birighitti, Reid, Lewis, Blair, Davies (c), Rodon, James (Bray,
85), Holland, Biabi (Jones, 72), Byers, Samuel. Subs: Zabret, Evans, Cooper.

Goals: Byers 2, Biabi.

Bookings: Samuel

6pm: Evening and welcome to the Chigwell Construction Stadium for West Ham
United PL2's match with Swansea City. The Hammers are fourth in Premier
League 2 and come up against the league's frontrunners tonight, who have won
five league games on the bounce. It will be a testing night for Terry
Westley's men - that's for sure. Team news to follow!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXWHUEMPLOYEE: EXCLUSIVE TRANSFER, YOUTH AND EVENTS UPDATES
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 12 DECEMBER 2016 AT 9:42PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

That's more like it! A much better performance at Anfield and whilst we were
under pressure for parts of the game we showed spirt, grit and
determination. This is something that we have lacked in many games this
season and it appears Bilic's training ground disclosure about certain
players not applying themselves worked with there being a number of notable
absences from the bench for Liverpool. These players were not injured they
were deliberately not selected.

I thought Payet showed fight, something that some have accused him of not
doing and once again Reid was superb. Mark Noble continues to come under
some stick and he is now needing to raise his game with many players looking
to come back into the starting eleven. I really like Noble and wouldn't drop
him yet but in certain games you may need more intensity to your midfield.

We have drawn up a list of target players of which nearly all come from the
domestic leagues. This is something that I have covered in many of my
columns and radio shows. We are targeting the big clubs especially Chelsea,
Liverpool and Manchester United and we want proven domestic players which is
reassuring compared to our summer signings. The main targets I have all
mentioned in previous columns so the names will not surprise anyone. We will
focus our attentions on a forward possibly two and a right back. We will
also look to cover some of the players who are going to the African nations.
These are likely to be Ayew, Sakho, Feghouli and Kouyate.

The Zaza deal is taking time to negotiate and we have a couple of plans. One
is to try to renegotiate the deal to take out the permanent signing clause,
to organise for a buyer to take over the loan (with some interested from
Spain and Italy) or to just not play him and take the loss of the loan fee
but of course this is the least preferred option. A number of players could
leave the club. Tore was expected to leave but his current complex injury
problems mean this is now tricky. Arbeloa has proven to be a disappointment
since his arrival and despite Bilic and him attempting to have a closer
working relationship it wouldn't surprise me if he left. Feghouli could also
be allowed to leave on loan too. Calleri is currently injured and back in
South America it is also unlikely that he will stay in January which will
bring an end to quite a disappointing gamble. We only spent £1m on loan fees
for him though so not too much is lost.

It was great to see a number of youngsters make the bench including Alex
Pike who I was lucky enough to interview a few years back and is someone who
I also played for the same youth side as (although he is much younger than
me) so it wasn't together. We have many talented youngsters coming through.
Reece Oxford is the highest profile and I know I have said many times he
should sign his contract soon. He turns 18 this Friday and an announcement
cannot be far off. He has now returned to training following his injury.
Martinez is another who has returned from injury and scored another goal for
the development squad today. He surely cannot be overlooked for much longer
and Quina, another talented player, got a goal too. The future is very
bright.

I was devastated to hear the news that Peter Brabrook had sadley passed away
after a short battle with cancer. He was a much loved person around the club
and is credited with the development of many of our top youngsters such as
Frank Lampard Jnr, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and Rio Ferdinand. I have had
the pleasure of getting to know Bertie Brayley from the same youth team as
Carrick and Cole and he often told me how close he and Peter still were and
what he meant to him and I know this is the case with many other West Ham
associated people. He was also meant to be a brilliant winger in his playing
days and played alongside Bobby Moore. He continued to work for the club
until the discovery of his condition and should be remembered as a key part
of our history.

Our West Ham Way Pre Match event was a huge success before the Arsenal game.
We had over 300 people in attendance and have received nothing but positive
praise. Myself, Dave from SD&CC and Mark Ward have been delighted with the
response but all being perfectionists we are determined to make each event
better and better. For the price of £25 you get free unlimited beer
(Carlsberg and Carling) and bitter (Toby and Tetley), we show West Ham DVDs,
play West Ham related music, we have great raffles with prizes such as
books, posters, club shop gifts available, the hammerettes in attendance and
free coach travel to the London Stadium. The coaches drop you as close as
possible to the ground and it is a short walking distance. Even if you do
not have tickets for the game you can still watch it in the East London
Working Man's club with fellow fans. Of course the most important part of
the event is the Q and A session that is hosted by ex "Boys of 86" player
Mark Ward. Mark is very charismatic and brings scouse cheek to the event and
this Hull City match event will see Stuart Slater as the guest. Stuart
Slater was my first ever favourite player and was electric when he broke
through into the side before moving onto Celtic. We look forward to seeing
many of you there! You can purchase tickets here: bit.ly/TWHWTICKET2

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Peter Brabrook
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th December 2016
By: Staff Writer

Peter Brabrook, one of the stars of West Ham United's FA Cup win over
Preston has died aged 79. The Greenwich-born winger made 167 appearances for
West Ham during the mid 1960s including an appearance in the 1964 FA Cup
Final. And having retired from the game in the early 1970s, Brabrook
returned to West Ham to take a place in Tony Carr's Academy, which produced
the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard Jnr during his time at Chadwell
Heath.
Born in 1937, Brabrook began his career at Ford United before joining
Chelsea in 1954. Although he only played a bit-part role in Chelsea's League
Championship success in 1954/55, he went on to make 251 appearances for the
Blues. Unfortunately for Brabrook - but to West Ham's distinct advantage -
he failed to impress incoming Chelsea manager Tommy Docherty and was sold to
the Hammers in 1962, in a deal worth £35,000.
And within three years Brabrook had added an FA Cup winners to his earlier
Championship success at Stamford Bridge. Brabrook, who also won three
England caps during his career had been battling cancer. He passed away on
Saturday.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Payet still the key to future success
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th December 2016
By: Rich Sprent

Dimitri Payet has come in for a bit of stick this season. Apparently he is
overweight, lazy and disinterested.

Payet has never been the sort of player who will continually run down lost
causes. He's not a player who will make block tackles, timely interceptions
or one to throw his weight around in an effort to turn the ball over. He's
being made out that he's failing for not single-handedly winning football
matches for this under performing team.

Yet the stats say otherwise; squawka.com has him achieving three times
overall the amount of the nearest Hammer, Michail Antonio. In fact, they've
given him a higher score than Antonio and Lanzini put together.

And here's a lovely stat for you all. Payet has weighed in with 47 chances
created (assists + key passes). Antonio and Manuel Lanzini have 29 between
them. No one else is worthy of mention. A bit deeper digging amongst the
Opta stats shows that practically everything West Ham does offensively goes
through the inside left position. Through Dimitri Payet.

Lanzini combines well with the Frenchman but of late has been drawn towards
him leaving the right vacant. Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku combine
well with the main man also and it's obvious where we are dangerous. Where
we are not is down the right hand side.

Antonio clearly has an amazing work ethic and engine. In games against
Spurs, Arsenal and Manchester United last season he showed that he could
dominate the opposing fullback and own the right flank. Playing there in the
odd game is one thing. To play there every week is something else.

Bilic wanted Antonio as his starting right back this season. It didn't even
look close to working. The club's summer recruitment was heavily effected by
this decision. It was magnified when Byram tore his hamstring.

The wing back system could be viewed as a cheat by Bilic in trying to cram
in an extra player into the side. Antonio has chipped in with seven goals
and has comparable offensive output as last season. He has the athletic
attributes to cause problems going forward despite playing deeper.

What it has done to the balance of the side is shocking. He simply cannot
defend as a full back and there is no one for him to link with.

Antonio has one of the highest rates for losing possession in the team. He
has continued with this rate from last season. Despite his great effort he
is struggling to fulfill a huge workload. As well as the hole at the back
behind him, there is a glaring hole in the West Ham attack. And it is clear
that it is in the area of inside right forward. There is simply no one that
occupies this area to cause the opposition any sort of issue.

Enter, Andre Ayew. His stats over the past few seasons haven't been
particularly outstanding. He is not a stand out winger. He is not a striker.
He doesn't grab many assists. He's only hit double figures twice in his
career. He does have good pass completion and is blessed with good
acceleration and pace.

Ayew can do a job in the attacking midfield positions across the pitch yet
nothing in his skillset jumps out as to why this player has become our
record signing. If the plan is to fit him in to the inside right position to
fill the void then there were and are arguably much better players out
there. He is more suited as a wide player in a Dutch front three.

The word is that the structure of the deal suited West Ham and that he was
bought on the never-never on some very favourable terms. Despite the signing
fest of right wingers, we do not play them as such. Ayew's union with the
Irons appears to be a marriage of fiscal convenience rather than a true love
of his footballing attributes.

So what next for Slaven Bilic? He has a misfiring team that achieves less
than one in four of its shots on target. It is midfield-heavy and cannot
manage to get ahead of the lone forward. It's a team that struggles to
create any sort of space and goalscoring opportunity despite a Balon D'or
nominee being the focus.

This misfiring attack is then coupled with a defence that allows the most
shots on target inside the penalty area in the Premier League. Add to that
an admitted lack of intensity throughout the team and it should be no
surprise that the team is ailing.

The imperfect system is clearly trying to give flexibility and balance yet
repeatedly fails to do either. It ignores the main strengths of the team and
forces pressure on the three most creative players on the park to excel.
These three have contributed to 76/144 chances created. The team have scored
17 goals.

This system needs to go unless something clicks. It is reliant on Ayew
having a worldy year at inside forward. It's desperate for Sakho and/or
Carroll staying fit. It is begging for there to be resurgence in intensity.
All of these and more are required to make it work.

Failing these factors, then Payet will need to attain even more. He may very
well look disinterested, but he's carrying the team at the moment.

Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the
author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be
attributed to, KUMB.com.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
My disappointment
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th December 2016
By: Staff Writer

Darren Randolph left Anfield a dejected man after his mistake potentially
cost West Ham two Premier League points. The goalkeeper, who recently
replaced Adrian as first team goalkeeper dropped a cross two minutes into
the second half to allow Divock Origi to make it 2-2. "We managed to get
ourselves back in the game and then ahead but I was disappointed with their
equaliser," said a clearly disappointed Randolph. And when asked whether he
felt he had redeemed himself with a stunning save from Jordan Henderson
later in the game, he replied simply: "No. I's one of those things that
happened and we move on."
The Irish international has been in the form of his life form since the
summer, when he excelled for the Republic of Ireland at Euro 16. Slaven
Bilic recalled him to the first team in place of Adrian following the 4-1
defeat against Manchester United, since when he has conceded seven goals in
two games.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Magnusson - I'll never understand how West Ham lost Tevez case
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th December 2016
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's former Chairman Eggert Magnusson says he still cannot
understand how the club managed to lose a £30million+ legal battle with
Sheffield United over Carlos Tevez in 2008.

The reign of Magnusson and business partner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, who
succeeded the outgoing Terry Brown as the majority shareholder of West Ham
in 2006 will mostly be remembered for two significant events.

Firstly, the club's incredible end to the 2006/07 campaign that culminated
in the 'Great Escape' - and secondly, the legal wrangle with Sheffield and
the Premier League that eventually cost West Ham United in excess of
£35million in fines, awards and other associated costs.

Speaking exclusively to the KUMB Podcast's James Longman this week,
Magnusson admitted that he is still baffled by the outcome of the ensuing
court case which saw the League One club land an astonishing and
unprecedented £30million payout.

And although he maintains that predecessor Terry Brown was unaware of the
secret agreements that could have potentially broken Premier League edicts
pertaining to third party ownership, the 69-year-old is less sure about
other prominent members of the club at that time who were instrumental in
closing the deal to sign Tevez and Argentinian team mate Javier Mascherano.

"I still don't understand how West Ham lost the court case," Magnusson,
talking exclusively on this week's KUMB Podcast said. "I think it was badly
handled by the people who were responsible for the club at that time.

"I just can't believe how they lost the case with Sheffield United. I've
been in football all my life and to say that one player can win promotion or
avoid relegation, it's impossible.

"Terry Brown thought that everything was ok with the deal, I sincerely
believe that. But there were some forces within the club that were doing
things they knew were not correct and in the end, that came to light.

"We had problems with the Premier League all season because of this. I
remember how I used to wake up in the middle of the night thinking about
documents out there I had never seen which could have ultimately led to us
being relegated to the Championship."

In the interview, Magnusson also speaks about his (eventual) successors,
David Sullivan and David Gold, and talks about the rest of his brief spell
as Chairman of West Ham.

He also discusses his relationship with Alan Pardew and Alan Curbishley,
"splashing the cash" on players such as Freddie Ljungberg and Craig Bellamy,
the reasons for his sudden and unexpected departure plus his continued
affection for the club and

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ballon d'Or nominee Dimitri Payet is 'fully committed' to West Ham, says
skipper Mark Noble
The Mirror
BYNEIL MCLEMAN
14:07, 12 DEC 2016UPDATED14:07, 12 DEC 2016

Mark Noble has insisted Dimitri Payet is "fully committed" to West Ham – and
still one of the best players in the Premier League .
The France star hinted he could seek a January move last month when he told
French TV: "I will not close the door on anything."
But Payet , who was outstanding last season and is on the Ballon d'Or
shortlist, scored a stunning free kick against Liverpool to lift the Hammers
out of the bottom three – and also has five assists. And captain Noble said:
"This season was going to be so difficult because of what he did last
season. I am not just talking about he was one of the best players in the
Premier League. For the last season, he has been one of the best players in
the whole world with the Euros. "But the chances he has created this season
and the important goals he has scored for us, Dimi is full committed – I can
tell you that now. He is great with the lads. I have got a very close bond
with Dimi. I just love seeing people come to the club and do so well. "I see
him train every day. I see how he feels when he loses games. And don't
forget, he hasn't even had a holiday. "I still believe he has still been one
of the best players this season in the Premier League. He has created
chances for other players. It is up to other players to score those chances
– he can't cross it and score it himself."
West Ham now face home games against Burnley and Hull this week with the
chance to move Slaven Bilic's team clear of relegation trouble. And Noble
gave his boss his full backing. He told talkSPORT : "The thing with the boss
is that he is so passionate and really, really wants to do well for the club
and the fans. Obviously he played here so he knows what it is like.
Sometimes when you are getting the results we have had, he takes it
personally. "He wears his heart on his sleeve and he is not going to be
coming to press conferences buzzing like he was last year. We are not in the
same position. "I wholly believe he is the man to lead this football club –
I am 100% behind him as the captain of this football club and I am pretty
sure the boys are. I am the buffer between him and the changing room."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joe Hart on West Ham radar as Slaven Bilic backs red-faced Darren Randolph
KEN DYER
Evening Standard

Darren Randolph was the villain and then hero for West Ham at Anfield, amid
speculation the club will make a summer bid for Manchester City's England
goalkeeper Joe Hart. West Ham led Liverpool 2-1 at half-time but Randolph's
error early in the second half handed the home side an equaliser, scored by
Divock Origi. Randolph later atoned for the mistake by brilliantly saving
from Jordan Henderson but West Ham may look to strengthen their goalkeeping
department by bidding for Hart at the end of the season. Hart is on a
season-long loan at Serie A club Torino but wants to return to England next
season, in an effort to cement his international place.

Randolph has acquitted himself well since replacing Adrian for the Hammers'
last four League matches and Slaven Bilic defended his keeper, saying: "Yes,
he made a mistake but before and after he showed great reaction because he
was there when you need your goalkeeper. "After they equalised he showed
his quality and composure."

Michail Antonio, West Ham's man of the match yesterday, believes the point
gained at Liverpool provides a much-needed platform on which to build in
what is a massive five days for Bilic and his team. On Wednesday, West Ham
are at home to Burnley and three days later they meet Hull, also at the
London Stadium. "We want to get as far away as we can from the situation
we're in," said Antonio. "Hopefully we'll get three points in the week and
distance ourselves from the bottom three. "The point at Liverpool shows we
have determination and grit. We have to push on from here."

Bilic played Antonio, who missed the 5-1 defeat at Arsenal with a groin
problem, up front and the switch worked. "We knew Liverpool would play very
offensively but Michail is ideal against that because of his pace, timing
and physicality," he said. "He did a brilliant job for us."

West Ham demonstrated character and determination following the mauling by
Arsenal. "We showed great reaction, especially after Liverpool scored so
early. This was a demanding schedule, playing against Spurs, Manchester
United twice, Arsenal and now Liverpool. Now we have Burnley and then Hull
and both will be very demanding games in terms of quality, patience and
mental strength."

Andy Carroll, who came on as a second-half substitute at Anfield, is in line
to start against Burnley while Cheikhou Kouyate could also return following
a hamstring strain.

Meanwhile Bilic, who was coach at Turkish club Besiktas before joining West
Ham, dedicated the draw to the victims of the Istanbul bomb blast. "Me and
my staff were there for two years and I feel for them, my prayers are for
them," he said. "They are maybe the best people I ever met, they're so
friendly, so warm and what has happened is tearing me apart."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic: What I really think about West Ham's Liverpool draw after
Arsenal thrashing
SLAVEN BILIC believes West Ham's draw with Liverpool yesterday was the
perfect reaction to last week's thrashing to Arsenal.
By DAVID WRIGHT
PUBLISHED: 07:24, Mon, Dec 12, 2016 | UPDATED: 07:38, Mon, Dec 12, 2016
Express.co.uk

West Ham went behind early on against Liverpool but left Anfield with a
hard-earned 2-2 draw thanks to goals from Dimitri Payet and Michail Antonio.
The precious point lifted the Hammers out of the relegation zone, one point
clear of Swansea and Hull, and Bilic hopes his side can now build momentum
going into a crucial Christmas period. West Ham have relatively winnable
games for the rest of December, with Burnley, Hull, Swansea and champions
Leicester all to come before the turn of the year. "I'm definitely pleased
with character," said Bilic, whose side lost 5-1 at home to Arsenal last
week. "We lost our last game 5-1 against Arsenal and then after a start that
couldn't be worse when you concede a goal here you expect confidence to drop
more. "But we showed great reaction. I am very pleased with the whole 90
minutes. It was a great point for us and a positive situation before a
crucial week for us. "Now we have Burnley and Hull at home which will be
extremely difficult. We have to show quality and patience."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ian Wright hails "great point" by West Ham united
Shane Callaghan
HITC

West Ham United won an unlikely point at Anfield on Sunday. Ian Wright has
told BBC Sport that West Ham United should be pleased with their hard-fought
point in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Liverpool. The Irons went into the match on
the back of a 5-1 drubbing by Arsenal last week but it was a much-improved
showing from West Ham this time around. It got off to a horrendous start,
however, as Adam Lallana fired the Reds ahead inside five minutes and the
travelling Hammers must have feared the worst. But goals before half time
from Dimitri Payet and Michail Antonio flipped the game on its head, before
Divock Origi levelled up on 48 minutes. West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph
could and probably should have done a little better, but he gifted Origi the
chance to equalise by fluffing a routine catch.
Nevertheless, Wright, who spent time at the East London club during the end
of his playing career, says that Slaven Bilic's side should be delighted
with the result all things considered. "I thought West Ham did well
considering what happened last week," he told BBC Sport.
"It is a great point. I know Darren Randolph is disappointed because of the
mistake he made, but West Ham should be pleased with the result." The point
lifts West Ham up to 17th, one point above Swansea, and Bilic will be
feeling a little less anxious about his job following speculation during the
week.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 12th December 2016

Hammers show desire with Anfield point
WHUFC.com

Liverpool 2-2 West Ham United

52 years. 52 years the Hammers waited for three points on the Red half of
Merseyside. At one point on Sunday, it looked as though it would be two
victories there in 451 days. As when Dimitri Payet equalised with a
trademark free-kick and Michail Antonio poked home – not with his head – to
lead, it was time to dream for the east Londoners packed into Anfield during
a superb first half performance. Four games unbeaten against the Reds last
season, the Hammers put themselves in prime position to make it five in
total. Liverpool, looking the part in 2016/17 under the guidance of
charismatic boss Jurgen Klopp, had other ideas. Hopes dashed through Divock
Origi's equaliser, but not everything lost for West Ham; a crucial point
picked up at what has not been a happy hunting ground over the years.
For all the delight the first half provided the away end filled with almost
3,000 happy Hammers, the clash started in the worst possible fashion for
Slaven Bilic's men. Sadio Mane and Divock Origi combined with frightening
pace before the former found Lallana inside the box, who finished past
Darren Randolph with aplomb on the turn after just five minutes. Time for
West Ham to step up. And step up they did. Peppering Loris Karius' goal with
attempts, the visitors began to turn it on as they had here last season.
First Manuel Lanzini went close on the volley, before Antonio was denied a
quick equaliser on eight minutes. Still behind, inspiration was needed. And
as the football world knows by now, nothing provides the Hammers with more
inspiration than a free-kick within shooting distance. There's only one man
for the job. A pat on the back for the superb Pedro Obiang, drawing the foul
from Lallana, and an opportunity for Payet to draw West Ham level.
Predictably, he did just that. Whip, precision, pace; Karius' dive
despairing, the Frenchman's celebration trademark. Cresswell, back in his
hometown, was next to try from range, before Roberto Firmino dragged one
wide for the hosts. Six minutes from half time stalemate at Anfield;
encouraging, but not satisfying enough for West Ham. Seemingly from nowhere,
excitement was about to transform into ecstasy behind the goal. Back in the
starting XI, Havard Nordtveit provided the assist, clipping a long ball over
the top of the Reds' defence into the path of Antonio – with the help of
Jordan Henderson's head – who coolly slotted home.

No win here in 52 years – surely it couldn't be London buses for the
Hammers? The hosts were sure to cast doubt on that within three minutes of
the restart, however. Disappointment and frustration for BIlic's side –
though for nobody more than Darren Randolph – as Origi tapped in the
Irishman's spilled catch.
If he wanted a chance to atone for his error, Randolph couldn't have hoped
for much better with 20 minutes remaining. World class, no two words better
describing the 29-year-old's save from Henderson's perfectly-placed strike.
Backs to the wall. Wijnaldum twice went close, but the visitors stood
strong, Nordtveit in particular throwing himself at everything that came his
way. Angelo Ogbonna, Pedro Obiang, Michail Antonio; the trio having never
lost against Liverpool were not about to throw this away now. Desire,
passion and commitment; all were present in abundance. Liverpool left
frustrated, West Ham returning to the capital with something to show for
their efforts as the Premier League clash finished 2-2.

Liverpool: Karius, Clyne, Wijnaldum, Lovren (Klaven 46), Milner, Firmino,
Henderson, Mane, Lallana, Origi, Matip.
Subs not used: Mignolet, Moreno, Lucas, Ejaria, Woodburn, Alexander-Arnold.
Goals: Lallana 5, Origi 48
Bookings: Firmino 53, Mane 76

West Ham United: Randolph, Nordtveit, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Obiang,
Lanzini (Fernandes 68), Noble, Antonio, Ayew (Carroll 62), Payet.
Subs not used: Adrian, Fletcher, Quina, Browne, Pike.
Goals: Payet 27, Antonio 39

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio – We showed our character
WHUFC.com

Michail Antonio said that the Hammers showed their grit, determination and
character with a 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield
The Hammers' top scorer grabbed the visitors' second goal to give them the
lead on Merseyside
Bilic's men were forced to battle hard after Divock Origi's equaliser

Determination, grit and character; Michail Antonio believes the Hammers
showed all three qualities in abundance at Anfield as his side picked up a
point in a 2-2 draw. Top scorer Antonio grabbed West Ham's second on
Merseyside, poking past goalkeeper Loris Karius to give the visitors the
lead after Dimitri Payet had beautifully cancelled out Adam Lallana's opener
with a free-kick. After Divock Origi levelled things up again three minutes
into the second period, Slaven Bilic's side were forced to battle hard to
earn their share of the spoils, something Antonio was proud of on Sunday. He
said: "We showed that we've got determination, grit and we showed what
happens in the past doesn't affect us and we can move on. It's a great point
away. "We just want to keep pushing on and build on this now. We need to
keep moving, building and in the week hopefully get the three points and
distance ourselves from the bottom three. "It's a massive show of character.
It shows that we can do it, it shows that we've got the players to do it and
now we just have to do it."

The 26-year-old's seventh of the season – the first not with his head – came
in the 39th minute as he raced clear and left Karius with no chance after
Havard Nordtveit's long ball. And the midfielder, being deployed as the most
advanced Hammer for much of the first half, showed his delight as he
performed one of his much-loved celebrations. "It was the running man
celebration today," he explained. "I was sticking with the nineties theme!
"I was thinking about heading it as I was going through! No, it had a nice
bounce and I could get one with my feet. I take them as they come. "I got
one with my feet and hopefully I can keep doing it. The point is massive for
us. "It's one of those things where we're playing week in, week out to move
forward and get further away from the situation we're in now."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic takes pride in Liverpool draw
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic happy with 2-2 Premier League draw at Liverpool
Hammers fell behind, led, were pegged back and held on to secure a point
Manager wants his team to build on result in home games with Burnley and
Hull

Slaven Bilic hailed West Ham United's resilience and togetherness in
securing a deserved 2-2 Premier League draw at Liverpool. The Hammers went
to Anfield without eleven senior players and on the back of a 5-1 home
defeat by Arsenal, and their confidence took a further dent when Adam
Lallana slotted the Reds into a fourth-minute lead. However, a trademark
Dimitri Payet free-kick and Michail Antonio's opportunistic strike had
Bilic's side in front by half-time. Divock Origi took advantage of a Darren
Randolph error to level three minutes into the second half, but the Hammers
produced a fine rearguard action to hold on and take a very hard-earned
point back to east London. "The players deserve a lot of credit, of course,"
said the manager. "We conceded an early goal so it was a bad start to the
game for us, but after that in the first half we definitely showed a great
reaction and were good on the ball and created chances. "Of course we had to
defend, but I'm really happy with the way we reacted after the goal. "In the
second half we were expecting Liverpool to move forward, but I also expected
us to be better with the ball, which we weren't. However, we showed
compactness and resilience and we got a point, which was a real achievement
for us. "We lost 5-1 at home against Arsenal, then conceded an early goal
here and our confidence dropped even more, but as I said, we showed
character first of all, teamwork and togetherness and we got a really good
result."

Bilic was also supportive of his goalkeeper, who shrugged off his mistake to
make a truly world-class save to keep out Jordan Henderson's curling effort,
which was destined for the top corner. "That's the nature of their job," he
observed. "When they make a mistake like Randy did for the second one, it
can be difficult, but apart from that he was solid, he was really good and
made a couple of great saves, so I'm happy with him."

The challenge for West Ham now is to build on Sunday's draw by beating
newly-promoted Burnley and Hull City at London Stadium this coming week.
Both the Clarets and the Tigers secured their own impressive results at the
weekend – Burnley beating AFC Bournemouth and Hull drawing with Crystal
Palace – so Bilic knows the Hammers will not be able to take their
collective foot off the pedal. "We knew that after these four games we had a
couple of games at home against Burnley and against Hull, which we have to
win, basically," he concluded. "Hopefully we're going to win them and while
it isn't going to change our season, it will help us move up the table and
be in a much better situation. "They will be very hard games, of course,
where we have to show our quality first of all, and our togetherness and
everything. They will be difficult games, but I'm sure we're going to be
ready for Burnley."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pike confident of turnaround in form
WHUFC.com

Alex Pike is confident things will turn around for West Ham United PL2
The Hammers are winless in four matches
They host Swansea City at the Chigwell Construction Stadium (7pm) on Monday

Alex Pike says everyone involved with West Ham United PL2 is working hard to
improve their current form, which has seen them go winless in four matches.
The Hammers have endured a frustrating few weeks, losing consecutive league
matches and going winless since the end of October, but Pike is confidence a
turnaround is on the horizon. With just two games left before the Christmas
break, the 19-year-old understands the need for maximum points in their next
two fixtures. "The spirit is alright. These things happen like the first
team have found out this year, teams hit a bit of bad form. The two losses
aren't ideal but everyone has been working hard to rectify it," he said.
"When you've shown that you can do it, it's just a matter of getting back to
that form. Working hard on the training pitch means you can get the bad
things out of the way and hopefully this week we can bounce back and get a
win."

The Hammers entertain Premier League 2 leaders Swansea City on Monday
evening (7pm kick-off) with the aim of closing the gap on the league's
pacesetters.
Swansea have won five in a row in the league and visit the Chigwell
Construction Stadium in fine form, but Pike is confident the Hammers can
resurrect their own form and achieve a positive result. "Any game in this
league, you never know what to expect because players can push onto the
first team or they might have a cup game coming up," he added. "So you never
know but we've got to expect a hard game as we always do. Hopefully we can
live up to the challenge and do well.
"We've got a strong team at the moment and not too many injuries either. So
hopefully we can get two wins in the next two games and go into Christmas
and enjoy the break a little bit more. It's always better to go into the
break with wins."

West Ham United PL2's match with Swansea City kicks off at 7pm from Dagenham
and Redbridge's Chigwell Construction Stadium on Monday. Admission is free
for season ticket holders – otherwise, it's £5 for adults and £3 for
children.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool 2-2 West Ham United
By Jamie Strickland
BBC Sport

Goals by Dimitri Payet and Michail Antonio exposed Liverpool's defensive
frailties again as West Ham climbed out of the Premier League relegation
zone with a hard-fought draw at Anfield. After conceding four in last
weekend's loss at Bournemouth, Liverpool shipped two avoidable first-half
goals on their way to ceding more ground to Chelsea and Arsenal in the title
race. Adam Lallana's smart low finish had put Liverpool ahead inside five
minutes but the visitors were level before the half-hour when goalkeeper
Loris Karius - at fault for Bournemouth's winner a week ago - failed to deal
with Payet's saveable 25-yard free-kick. Karius was less culpable for West
Ham's second scored by Antonio, but it was a scruffy goal that did not
reflect well on a Liverpool backline that has now conceded 20 goals in 15
league games - the worst record among the teams in the top six. But errors
were not the sole preserve of the Liverpool defence, and a big mistake by
West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph, dropping a cross into the path of
Divock Origi, gifted Liverpool the equaliser.

Randolph made amends with a quite stunning late save to keep o ut Jordan
Henderson's equally sublime strike as West Ham held on for a point that sees
them climb to 17th. Until recently Liverpool's new goalkeeper had largely
gone under the radar since joining from manager Jurgen Klopp's former club
Mainz in the summer. After missing the start of the season with a broken
hand, Karius was installed as Klopp's number one at the end of September,
replacing Simon Mignolet.
The German had a relatively untroubled time of it in his first nine games,
although small mistakes were in evidence - but nothing as high-profile as
the injury-time spill that allowed Nathan Ake to score Bournemouth's winner
last time out. And the pressure is sure to intensify on the 23-year-old
after his part in West Ham's opener, with Payet's free-kick nicely struck
but much too central to be considered unstoppable. West Ham's second goal
was also avoidable from Liverpool's perspective. Havard Nordtveit's hopeful
drilled pass from his own half struck the head of the retreating Henderson,
deflecting the ball high into the air and wrong-footing Reds centre-back
Joel Matip, allowing Antonio in. The West Ham man might not have had the
chance to score had Karius been further advanced in his area, but nothing
should be taken away from the finish, a cute poke with the outside of his
boot that just had enough force to cross the line.

Liverpool lack killer instinct

Liverpool are the top scorers in the Premier League with 37 goals in 15
games, so it is perhaps uncharitable to point the finger at their forward
line after this blip.
Yet for all their possession - 68% - they managed just three shots on target
in the whole match, with two of those coming from West Ham errors. The
visitors were guilty of snoozing for Liverpool's opener as Sadio Mane picked
up the ball in the middle of the park and made unchecked progress to the
left wing. His cross bounced through to Lallana, who had time to control and
finish under zero pressure from a static West Ham defence. Their second was
also a gift, Mane's cross inexplicably squirming out of Randolph's gloves
and landing perfectly for Origi to score for a fourth successive game in all
competitions - the first Liverpool player to do so since Daniel Sturridge in
February 2014. Mane was at the heart of everything good Liverpool did in
attack, playing a part in an intricate passing move that ended with a
blocked Henderson shot, and then twisting and turning on the edge of the
area to create an opening for Georginio Wijnaldum that flew wide.
Wijnaldum also failed to get enough curl on his shot when advancing on goal
down the left channel, while Roberto Firmino was guilty of missing the
target after good approach play. Indeed Liverpool's only other shot on
target was Henderson's superb long-distance strike, which was reminiscent of
his stunning winner against Chelsea in September but met on this occasion by
the right hand of the flying Randolph.

Man of the match - Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

Liverpool will be frustrated at failing to pick up all three points but that
was in no way down to a lack of effort on the part of Sadio Mane, who
provided the assist for both goals and could have had a hand in more had his
team-mates been more clinical

Antonio finds his feet - match stats

Watford are the only side in the top half of the table to have conceded more
goals (26) than Liverpool (20).
West Ham have scored five goals in their past two league games at Anfield -
as many as they did in their previous 20.
Michail Antonio scored his seventh Premier League goal of the season, but
his first that wasn't a header. His last non-headed goal was at Stoke on the
last day of last season.
The Hammers have now lost a league-high 12 points from leading positions in
the Premier League this season.
'The goals could have been avoided' - reaction

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp: "We tried everything. One West Ham goal was a
free-kick and one was lucky. They were 2-1 up and we had some great
offensive situations and should have had more. We tried everything. We were
often in the box, a lot of situations. "It felt like the whole time we were
were in their box. We needed a bit of luck. A draw doesn't feel too good,
doesn't feel too bad. "The goals could have been avoided. For the first goal
- don't make the foul, don't lose the ball. The second goal was unlucky.
Joel Matip had a fantastic game and in this moment he couldn't clear the
ball. Loris Karius was surprised and it was too late.
"Should Karius have saved the free-kick? For this I have to see it again - I
only saw it in the match."

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic: "We showed a great reaction after they were one
up. In the first half we were very good. "I wasn't happy with the second
half because I expected us to be better on the ball. In the end, well done
for the players." On Darren Randolph's mistake: "It's the nature of their
job - when they make a mistake it is obvious. He made a mistake but after
and before he showed real quality and he was crucial for us in moments when
they had a chance or two."

What's next?

It's a quick turnaround for these clubs with a round of midweek Premier
League fixtures to come. Both teams are in back action at 19:45 GMT on
Wednesday as Liverpool travel to Middlesbrough and West Ham host Burnley.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Now we must start winning, says Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 11th December 2016
By: Staff Writer

Slaven Bilic admitted that he was reasonably pleased with a point from
today's Premier League clash at Anfield, but says his team must start
winning again - beginning with their next outing against Burnley.

Having navigated a tricky November and early December, Bilic's side now face
a run of games against teams in the lower half of the table - namely Hull,
Burnley, Swansea and Leicester.

And despite today's point being enough to lift West Ham out fo the
relegation zone - which they dropped into last night following Swansea's
defeat of fellow strugglers Sunderland - Bilic says that his team must turn
one point into three when they face newly-promoted Burnley at the Olympic
Stadium this week.

"We knew that we had a couple of games at home after this that we had to
win, basically," Bilic said following his side's 2-2 draw at Anfield.

"Hopefully we're going to win them and it can change - not the season maybe,
but to help us climb the table. Maybe it won't be a comfortable situation
still, but much better than this.

"They're going to be hard games, of course, where we have to show our
quality and togetherness. It's going to be a difficult couple of matches and
I've got to make sure we're going to be ready for Burnley on Wednesday."

Referring to this afternoon's game, which the Hammers led 2-1 before a
Darren Randolph error allowed the hosts to snatch a point, Bilic insisted
that his players deserved to take the plaudits for a battling display.

"We conceded an early goal so it was a bad start to the game for us, but
after that in the first half we definitely showed a great reaction," he
surmised. "Of course we had to defend, but I'm really happy with the way we
reacted after the goal.

"In the second half we were expecting Liverpool to move forward, but I also
expected us to be better with the ball, which we weren't. However, we showed
compactness and resilience and we got a point, which was a real achievement
for us.

"We lost 5-1 at home against Arsenal, then conceded an early goal here and
our confidence dropped even more, but as I said, we showed character first
of all, teamwork and togetherness and we got a really good result."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic proud of West Ham fight in Liverpool draw
By Michael Hincks
Last Updated: 11/12/16 8:21pm
SSN

Slaven Bilic believes his West Ham side deserve a lot of credit after
recovering from 1-0 down to draw 2-2 with Liverpool. West Ham fell behind to
an early Adam Lallana goal at Anfield, but responded brilliantly and headed
into the break 2-1 ahead after goals from Dimitri Payet and Michail Antonio.
While Divock Origi capitalised on a Darren Randolph error to make it 2-2
three minutes into the second half, the Hammers held on for a valuable
point. BIlic was delighted with his side's resilience in a draw which sees
them move out of the relegation zone and into 17th. "They deserve a lot of
credit. We conceded a very early goal but after that we showed a great
reaction," Bilic said. "We were good on the ball and I was really happy. In
the second half, you are expecting Liverpool to be better but I expected
more from us. "We showed compactness and resilience to get a point which is
a great achievement for us." For a club who has not won since October, West
Ham's draw will still be seen as a positive following 5-1 and 4-1 losses to
Arsenal and Manchester United respectively.
Bilic admitted he feared the worst when his side conceded to Liverpool after
just five minutes. "When you lose 5-1 at home then concede an early goal at
Anfield, your confidence drops even more," Bilic added. "But we reacted
really well and showed character, teamwork and togetherness and at the end
we got a really good point." The Hammers manager went on to defend Randolph
despite his costly error before looking ahead to West Ham's next set of
fixtures. Bilic's side face crucial home league matches against Burnley and
Hull before Christmas, with the Clarets visiting the London Stadium first on
Wednesday night. "We have to win and hopefully we will, and then it will
change - not the season, but it can help up move up the table," Bilic said.
"It's going to be very hard and we will have to show our quality - it will
be a difficult couple of games mentally but I'm sure we're going to be ready
for Burnley on Wednesday."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool 2-2 West Ham United: Jurgen Klopp's men stumble
By Gerard Brand at Anfield
Last Updated: 11/12/16 7:54pm
SSN

Liverpool fell behind in the Premier League title race after being held to a
2-2 draw by West Ham at Anfield on Sunday. Liverpool took the lead early on
through Adam Lallana's neat strike, but Dimitri Payet's 25-yard free-kick
and Michail Antonio's finish had West Ham going into the break 2-1 up via
some questionable goalkeeping from Loris Karius on both occasions. Divock
Origi capitalised on Darren Randolph dropping a Sadio Mane cross to finish
from close range just after the break, but despite dominating the second
half in possession, Liverpool could not grab a winner. The result means
third-place Liverpool are six points behind leaders Chelsea and three behind
second-place Arsenal. West Ham are 17th, a point above the drop zone.
Lallana and Joel Matip both returned for Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp made two
changes from the side that lost at Bournemouth, with Emre Can missing out
through a knee injury.

West Ham made four changes as Aaron Cresswell, Andre Ayew, Antonio and
Havard Nordtveit were given the nod at Anfield following a 5-1 defeat by
Arsenal.
After a dramatic 4-3 defeat by Bournemouth last weekend, it initially looked
more simple for Liverpool this time out as they took the lead after five
minutes.
After getting down the left wing, Mane's centre found Lallana eight yards
out, and the midfielder stroked it into the bottom right corner past
Randolph. There were warning signs early on for Liverpool, as Antonio got in
behind Dejan Lovren and forced a save out of Karius, before West Ham
equalised on 27 minutes. Payet, who had not scored for West Ham since
October 1, curled a free-kick into the bottom left corner from 25 yards,
though there were question marks over the positioning of Karius, who also
got a palm to the effort. Anxiety grew in the Liverpool camp, and it was
soon 2-1 to West Ham in somewhat fortuitous fashion.

Matip was left flat-footed as Nordtveit's hopeful drilled ball forward
deflected off the head of Lovren, allowing Antonio to sneak in and poke the
ball past Karius, who was caught in between racing out and staying closer to
goal. Roberto Firmino then glanced a header wide as Liverpool reacted well
before the break, while Matip's looping header from a corner bounced off the
crossbar. They were back level just two minutes after the break through
Origi, who reacted well to finish into an empty net from a few yards out
after Randolph had failed to catch Mane's hopeful left-wing cross. Gini
Wijnaldum then fired wide from just inside the area a couple minutes later,
while at the other end Ayew's diving header went a few yards wide of the
left post. Jordan Henderson then lined one up from 30 yards out, forcing
Randolph into a fine fingertip save as the ball headed for the top corner,
as Liverpool dominated the second period. They could not find the winner,
however, as West Ham's defence stood firm despite having little possession
in the second half.

Player Ratings

West Ham: Randolph (5), Nordtveit (6), Reid (7), Ogbonna (6), Cresswell (6),
Noble (6), Obiang (7), Ayew (6), Lanzini (6), Payet (7), Antonio (8)
Subs: Carroll (6), Fernandes (6)

Liverpool: Karius (4), Clyne (6), Lovren (5), Matip (4), Milner (6),
Henderson (6), Wijnaldum (8), Lallana (8), Mane (7), Origi (7), Firmino (6)
Subs: Klavan (6)

Man of the match: Michail Antonio

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic sends prayers to Turkey after Besiktas explosions
By Andy Charles
Last Updated: 11/12/16 8:39pm
SSN

Slaven Bilic dedicated West Ham's point against Liverpool to the people of
Turkey after the terror attack outside Besiktas' stadium on Saturday. Bilic
spent two seasons as manager of the Super Lig team before leaving them in
the summer of 2015 to make the move to the Premier League with the Hammers.
He had an emotional reaction after the 2-2 draw at Anfield when asked about
the explosions outside the Vodafone Arena, which claimed the lives of 38
people and left more than 150 being treated in hospital. Many of the dead
were reported to have been riot police who were still in the area around the
stadium nearly two hours after Besiktas had beaten Bursaspor 2-1. "I would
like to dedicate these points to people in Turkey because we were there for
two years, me and my staff, and they are following us big time," Bilic said.
"I feel for them, my prayers are for them, it's unbelievable what happened
there. I was all around the world, working or on holiday, and they are maybe
the best people I ever met. "So it's very sad what's happening in one of the
best cities and one of the best countries...not because of the nature of the
country but because of the people. "They are so friendly, so good, so warm
and everything, that it's basically tearing me apart what's happening there.
Big condolences for the families of the victims."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's refusal to buckle after soft Liverpool opener follows Arsenal
hammering delights Slaven Bilic
Team battered at home by one title contender last weekend gifted another a
fifth-minute goal at Anfield but hit back to lead on their way to a valuable
point
BYDAVID ANDERSON
20:57, 11 DEC 2016UPDATED20:57, 11 DEC 2016
The Mirror

Slaven Bilic managed to out-Klopp Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. It takes some
doing to be more animated than the hyperactive Liverpool boss. But West Ham
counterpart Bilic was during Sunday's 2-2 draw . He prowled his technical
area, kicking and heading every ball and appealing every decision. In the
few moments he was still, he stood in his familiar pose, bent over with his
hands on his thighs, watching the action intently. The passionate Bilic is
clearly still up for the fight in the face of the Hammers' chastening start
to the season. And he was heartened by his side's positive display, if not
their defending, as he continued his remarkable record against Liverpool.
The Croat now has three wins and two draws against the Reds with West Ham
boss —in addition to a Europa League success when his Besiktas side met the
Merseysiders in 2015. West Ham are out of the bottom three after being
pushed in by Saturday's results, and Bilic was delighted — especially after
they gave away a soft early goal. "Definitely, I think we showed character,"
he said. "After we lost our last game 5-1 to Arsenal and after our start,
which couldn't be worse, we showed a great reaction, particularly in the
first half "I'm very pleased. I'm very pleased with the character in the
first half in particular. It's a really good point for us before a crucial
week for us." Bilic defended Darren Randolph for his howler, which gifted
Divock Origi Liverpool's second goal, and highlighted his fantastic
fingertip save to deny Jordan Henderson once it was 2-2. He said: "That's
the nature of the job for a goalkeeper and he made a mistake for the second
goal, but before that, and after that, he showed great ability." The bomb
attack outside the ground of his former club Besiktas put Bilic's troubles
at West Ham into perspective and he offered his condolences to the victims.
"It's tearing me apart what happened," he said. "I'm very sad about what
happened in one of the best cities in the world in one of the best
countries. My condolences go out to the families."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic dedicates West Ham point at Liverpool to victims of Besiktas
stadium bomb
Two separate explosions went off just outside of Besiktas' stadium just 90
minutes after a match on Saturday night and Bilic has paid tribute
BYAARON FLANAGAN
20:10, 11 DEC 2016UPDATED20:12, 11 DEC 2016
The Mirror

Slaven Bilic has dedicated West Ham's point from their draw at Liverpool to
the victims of the bomb attacks outside of his former club's stadium.
Terrorists killed 38 people and injured another 166 more in two bombings
outside of Besiktas' Vodafone Arena in Istanbul. Riot police were targeted
outside the stadium with a car bomb at around 10.20pm on Saturday night. A
second attack 45 seconds later saw a suicide bomber blow themselves up in
Macka Park just across from the stadium. The blasts took place just 90
minutes after Besiktas faced off against Bursaspor, but no fans were thought
to have been injured. Bilic spoke with emotion about the attacks after West
Ham came from behind to secure a valuable 2-2 draw at Liverpool in the
Premier League on Sunday. The Croatian boss took charge of Besiktas between
2013 and 2015 before moving to the Premier League to take charge of the
Hammers. "I would like to dedicate these points to people in Turkey because
we were there for two years, me and my staff, and they are following us big
time. "I feel for them, my prayers are for them, it's unbelievable what
happened there. I was all around the world, working or on holiday, and they
are maybe the best people I ever met. So it's very sad what's happening in
one of the best cities and one of the best countries...not because of the
nature of the country but because of the people. "They are so friendly, so
good, so warm and everything, that it's basically tearing me apart what's
happening there. Big condolences for the families of the victims."

Besiktas adorned the outside of the stadium with Turkish flags on Sunday,
which was a national day of mourning, and posted a message of defiance on
its Twitter feed. It read: "After yesterday's inhumane attacks, £Besiktas
Vodafone Arena is decorated w/ Turkish flags today. Terrorism will not
achieve its goals here!"
The club have offered condolences to the families of two club employees who
were among the deceased - Vefa Karakurdu, a security director at the stadium
and member of the club's congress, and Tunc Uncu who worked in their club
shop. A statement from Fikret Orman, chairman of Besiktas' board, added:
"We strongly condemn the terrorist bomb attack on our police officers during
their departure from the Vodafone Arena. "On behalf of Besiktas I wish the
deceased mercy from Allah. I offer my condolences to the families and I wish
a swift recovery to those injured."
West Ham went behind to an Adam Lallana strike inside of the first five
minutes of the game at Anfield. But Dimitri Payet and Michail Antonio hit
back to give the Hammers the lead before the break. Divock Origi levelled
the game back up shortly after the interval and West Ham were able to hang
on to earn a valuable point to see them move out of the drop zone.

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