Daily WHUFC News - 25th January 2017

Kouyate eyes AFCON title
WHUFC.com

Cheikhou Kouyate says Senegal want to win the AFCON for the first time in
their history
Lions of Teranga completed unbeaten group stage by drawing 2-2 with Algeria
on Monday
Captain Kouyate and company face Cameroon in the quarter-finals on Saturday
evening

West Ham United's Cheikhou Kouyate and Senegal are safely through to the
quarter-finals of the 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Lions of Teranga completed an unbeaten group phase by drawing 2-2 with
Algeria in a thrilling game in Franceville on Monday evening, setting up a
meeting with Cameroon. With Senegal already sealing their place in the last
eight courtesy of 2-0 victories over Tunisia and Zimbabwe, captain Kouyate
was rested for the meeting with the Desert Foxes. With former Hammer Mohamed
Diame taking his place in the middle of the park, Senegal twice led, only to
be pegged back by two goals scored by Leicester City striker Islam Slimani.

Aliou Cisse's side will take on the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in
Franceville on Saturday 28 January, with the tie being screened live by
British Eurosport at 7pm GMT. Kouyate says Senegal are determined to win the
continental title for the first time in their history, having been beaten by
their next opponents in their only previous appearance in the final back in
2002. "We'd been crying like children for ten years," said the No8. "This
year, we've decided to come here and show that Senegal has grown, that this
generation wants to write the history of Senegalese football. "The hardest
bit is to come. The start was to try and get out of the group. We're not
going to stop now, and we'll do everything to make the Senegalese people
happy."

Elsewhere, Andre Ayew's Ghana are already guaranteed to join Senegal in the
quarter-finals, having beaten Uganda – courtesy of the West Ham forward's
penalty – and Mali in their opening two Group D fixtures. The Black Stars,
managed by Avram Grant, need to avoid defeat against Egypt to top the group
and set up a last-eight clash with either DR Congo, Morocco, Ivory Coast or
Togo.

The 2017 AFCON final will be held in Libreville on Sunday 5 February.

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Ticket Exchange explained
WHUFC.com

Our fantastic Ticket Exchange service has given thousands of West Ham
supporters the chance to attend home fixtures which have previously sold out
this season, as well as giving Season Ticket Holders the opportunity to earn
money to redeem against their Season Ticket renewal.

Once home match tickets for a fixture have sold out, the Ticket Exchange
service will be switched on, giving Season Ticket Holders who are unable to
attend the match the option to list their seat for another supporter to
purchase.

Not only will the Season Ticket Holder give another supporter the chance to
attend the match, but if their seat is purchased, they will receive the
seasonal value of their seat for that fixture in Loyalty Cash, minus a 10%
Ticketmaster administration charge.

To view the value each Season Ticket Holder would receive if their seat was
purchased, along with instructions on how to relist a seat, please click
here.

With tickets for both our upcoming fixtures against Manchester City and West
Bromwich Albion sold out, Season Ticket Holders can list their seat for
these matches by clicking here.

Availability for other supporters to buy these relisted seats will fluctuate
depending on when Season Ticket Holders list their seat so we recommend
checking eticketing.co.uk/WHUFC regularly to secure seats.

The Ticket Exchange will close three hours before kick-off on the day of the
fixture. Ticket Exchange terms and conditions can be found here.

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The Big Interview - Sofiane Feghouli
WHUFC.com

After a blistering start to his West Ham United career, scoring in the
Club's first ever match at London Stadium, Sofiane Feghouli became
frustrated with injury troubles soon after. He endured a few difficult weeks
in east London before beginning to make an impact as a substitute in Claret
and Blue. However, the Algerian has bounced back in style, starting the
Hammers' last four matches, scoring in the side's 3-0 home win against
Crystal Palace.

How important was it to score your first Premier League goal for West Ham
United against Crystal Palace recently at London Stadium?

"It was very important. It was also a reward for my efforts so far. It was
my second start in the Premier League and in my first one against Manchester
United, I was very frustrated to get the red card. "Against Palace, I played
the full 90 minutes, we won convincingly and obviously I scored so it was
great."

How special was Andy Carroll's goal in that game?

"I am very happy for him. It was an incredibly difficult goal to score and
it took great technical ability to do so. It was certainly the best I've
seen in the Premier League this season and hopefully he can score many more
to help us get into the top ten this season. "It was fantastic and I can
only congratulate Andy on that particular goal!"

It important was it to build upon the Palace result with the win against
Middlesbrough?

"It was very important. The Palace game was huge because it was a derby
match, making the game extra special for all our supporters, and I was very
happy. Then, it was a huge boost to our confidence to go and win against
Middlesbrough."

Do you think the Club has turned the corner, and things are much more
positive than earlier in the season?

"The whole week at a Club after a win is always very positive. We need to be
humble as players though, and recognise there are always areas to work on.
We are capable of working and moving even further and we know if we give our
all and show our quality, that's what we can do."

What is the mood like around Rush Green at the moment?

"The atmosphere is very good. Everyone is working very hard at the moment,
although we're always doing that. It was hugely important to win on Saturday
against Middlesbrough for our supporters."

What does it mean to you to be starting in the Premier League now after
missing a large chunk of the season with injury?

"Of course, for a player it's always hard when you're not starting games,
and to begin with it was tough when I was struggling to be given a chance.
"When you get that though, you need to take it, so I've been working hard in
training and I feel when I have started the last few I have done that. I am
hoping to continue to start matches and help the team now going forward."

What challenges did you face as a player coming over to West Ham having
never played in England before?

"Coming to the Premier League, you want to prove yourself and adapt quickly.
West Ham have an ambitious project, to be competing in the top half of the
Premier League and I have a contract here for three years, so I hope to be
doing that. "London doesn't quite feel like home just yet, but it's a lovely
city and people are very open here. It's hard when things aren't going as
well on the pitch, it's harder to feel at home but things are looking up in
that regard and I'm very happy here.
"My family is very happy here too. The Club always does everything they can
to help new players settle in, too."

Do you feel as though the fans are now starting to see the best of you as a
player?

"I haven't been here long, so no; I think it will still take some time to
show my absolute best. I know that there is more for me to show to both my
teammates and the supporters of the Club."

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London Stadium to be a sea of Claret and Blue
WHUFC.com

Following feedback at the Vice-Chairman's successful meeting with key fan
sites and bloggers last week, West Ham United are delighted to announce that
supporters will be able to apply for large flags to be displayed on
matchdays at London Stadium.

The initiative forms part of the board's ongoing commitment to improve the
matchday experience and ensure supporters feel at home in London Stadium.

Recent innovations have included the introduction of Supporter Liaison
Officers with 30 scheduled to be assisting fans at Manchester City on 1
February and experienced stewards being positioned in the same areas to
build a rapport with supporters.

London Stadium already allow supporters to bring flags into the stadium on a
match by match basis provided they are no larger than 2m x 2m, however West
Ham United is now working with London Stadium to ensure that the stadium
feels even more like home on matchdays.

To arrange to have your larger flag displayed, contact the club on
supporterservices@westhamunited.co.uk at least 72 hours before the home
match you are attending with the following information:

A picture of the flag you wish to display
Dimensions of the flag
Confirmation it is manufactured to British Standard and is flame retardant
Your season ticket seat number

Once it has been authorised by the Supporter Services team, fans can send
their flags into the Club, or drop them off at the West Ham United Stadium
Store, where club Cfficials will safely store them before displaying them
around the stadium bowl on matchdays.

The Club will endeavour to display as many flags as possible but the number
and location in the stadium bowl will be at the discretion of the Club and
Safety Officer.

*Stadium operator London Stadium 185's policy states flags should not carry
any discriminatory, racist or abusive language nor should they contain any
element that may be considered or interpreted as inflammatory, offensive or
with any overt political slogans. Flag poles are not permitted for health
and safety reasons and certain restrictions may apply to ensure the health
and safety of our supporters which is always our primary concern.

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Accessible Shuttle Bus update
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are reminding supporters that the popular complimentary
Accessible Shuttle Bus Service is available to fans with both permanent and
temporary accessibility needs.

Any supporter with a mobility issue can arrange a permit by emailing
accessibility@westhamunited.co.uk at least 48 hours ahead of kick-off to
secure their place on the innovative free Accessible Shuttle Bus.

Accessibility is a key commitment for the Club and we are proud to be home
of one of the Premier League's most accessible stadia. The Accessible
Shuttle Bus is just one example of that commitment to affordable and
accessible football, and already assists more than 500 fans each and every
matchday.

The Club has recently increased the number of buses from seven to 12 on a
matchday in order to meet demand and reduce waiting times, which are
currently average less than 30 mins.

The buses begin departing two hours before kick-off, picking up supporters
from platform 13 at Stratford station and bringing them within 50m of the
Stadium - to Car Park Two, allowing access to Podium Level at the Stadium
via the lifts in the Stadium Store.

To ensure the Accessible Shuttle Bus Service operates as efficiently as
possible, all Accessibility Season Ticket holders and existing permit
holders are advised that cards and permits will be routinely checked ahead
of departure.

To maintain the smooth running of this valuable service and keep waiting
times as low as possible, the Club would like to reiterate that:

The Accessible Shuttle Bus Service is available for any disabled Season
Ticket Holder, as well as one carer.
All those wishing to use the Accessible Shuttle Bus will need to board the
bus together and show their Access Cards. One card will show the disabled
supporter's name, and the second will have the carer's name.
Access to the Accessible Shuttle Bus is also extended to Claret Members with
accessibility needs, who will have an Access Card with their name on it, and
a paper ticket with a carer printed on it.
All senior and infirm citizens will also be allowed to use the buses but
will need to request a permit in advance in order to use the shuttle bus.
Similarly, any supporter who is pregnant, or those that have a temporary
disability (i.e. a broken leg) can also arrange a permit. Any other
supporters with a mobility problem will have to produce a letter from their
doctor or consultant confirming that they are not able to walk.
All those eligible to apply for a permit need to email
accessibility@westhamunited.co.uk at least 48 hours before kick-off. When
emailing, please include the relevant match in the subject heading of all
correspondence.
Supporters who are eligible and currently make use of the service will be
emailed in advance of our home match against Manchester City to kindly
remind that cards and permits must be produced ahead of travel.

The Club remain fully committed to assisting both home and away supporters
with accessible requirements. We will continue to monitor demand at each
home match, with the club keen to continue to improve wait times, which now
average under 30 minutes.

Supporter Liaison Officers will support the ecently reinforced and dedicated
accessibility team to ensure effective running, monitoring and reporting on
queue times.

Anyone wishing to use the Accessible Shuttle Bus Service at future matches
should contact accessibility@westhamunited.co.uk for further assistance.

For full information on the shuttle service please visit our Matchday Guide
here.

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WINSTON REID – COLOSSUS
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 24 JANUARY 2017 AT 9:58PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
By Michael Bray

When Winston Reid arrived in East London back in 2010, you would have been
forgiven for not being particularly familiar with his career to date. A
young New-Zealander who moved to Denmark aged 11, Reid's raw potential was
evident in his displays for the All Whites during the World Cup in Germany.
Despite this being his first real test at the highest level, West Ham
decided to take a punt on the young Maori-born defender.

Fast-forward to January 2017, and the merit of this decision is without
doubt. In a season where the Club has faced numerous challenges both on and
off the pitch, Winston Reid's qualities as both a defensive colossus and a
natural born leader have been required on a regular basis. Angelo Ogbonna
has rightly received praise from West Ham fans this week, following the
revelation that he has been admirably playing through injury. There is a
general consensus that this is the reason for his below par performances
since the start of the season – as opposed to the second-season syndrome
that appeared to have taken hold. This is not a criticism of Ogbonna, when
fit and on form he is a solid defender (grappling in the box issues aside)
who can read play and has an eye for a pass. However, what his issues this
season really highlight is the importance of Winston Reid to our defence, as
watching from the East Stand it has often felt as if he has played in
central defence on his own.

Perhaps a strange yet apt example of this is the recent FA Cup defeat to
Manchester City. Yes, we conceded five goals, and on face value it would be
easy to suggest the defence were solely culpable for this. However on a
disastrous evening for the Hammers, Reid made countless blocks, battled in
the air and intercepted play intelligently. He also was visibly livid when
we conceded, which was a symbol of his professional pride and something that
the fans want to see. It is without question that were Reid not on the pitch
at the London Stadium that evening, it could well have been a cricket score.
The behaviours Reid showed against City are synonymous with his whole
campaign, and have contributed massively to our points total in the league.
The fact that five of our eight wins this season have been by a 1-0 score
underlines how important his habit of winning headers, blocking shots and
intercepting play on such a consistent basis really is. When the team has
needed commitment, leadership and grit to get through to the final whistle,
Reid has consistently shown his worth.

In the past Reid has been linked with signing for one of the big boys, the
most likely of which at one point looked to be the Gunners. Purely looking
at Reid as a defender he has what it takes to play at this level. However,
doubts over his ability on the ball are presumably the reason that Arsenal's
interest was never more than Newspaper gossip. Having said that, as he has
grown in confidence this season he has shown an improvement in this side of
his game. Passing qualities aside, Reid is the perfect fit for West Ham
right now and has been outstanding this season. His consistently strong
performances have been a monumental factor in our climb up the table, and
without him we may well have been in a relegation dogfight.

By Michael Bray.

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DAVID CONNOLLY'S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: HE REFLECTS ON HIM BEING AN "ANGRY
ANT" AND HIS PARTNERSHIP WITH DEFOE
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 24 JANUARY 2017 AT 9:34PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by David Connolly

We are delighted to announce that David Connolly will join our already
impressive list of ex players writing for the club. We hope to receive more
regular articles from our former Irish international forward this season

FOLLOWING YOUR SPELL AT WATFORD YOU SECURED A MOVE TO DUTCH GIANTS
FEYENOORD. HOW DID THIS MOVE COME ABOUT AND WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO PLAY FOR
THEM?

I was lucky to make my debut for Ireland I was 18 I think and coming to the
end of my contract at Watford. I had scored a hat trick in a World Cup
qualifying game for Ireland and then played against Portugal and Holland, in
Feyenoord's stadium and I impressed them. I was free transfer and it just
happened to be they liked me and wanted a goalscorer.

It was an amazing club, the first day at training there was around 5000
people watching and they had to put up temporary stands. This level of
passion was an ongoing theme, as training was often watched by many fans,
even the open day inside the stadium attracted 50,000 fans throughout the
day or more. I scored on my debut and there were players such as Ronald
Koeman, Henrik Larsson, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst and Jerzy Dudek there it
was incredible and the level of training was just phenomenal.

I quickly learned technically I was behind these players and the average
player had great football ability which drove me to practise, practise
practise but I felt I was always playing catch up.

I scored 2 against Ajax away in the most fierce match, Feyenoord hadn't
beaten Ajax away in 26 years, me this little kid from where I came from
scoring twice and being carried off on Jerzy Dudek's shoulders it was
surreal to be honest. One left foot, one right foot and an assist, it was a
great game. They had Christain Chivu at the back and Van de Vaart. The
season I left they offered me a new contract and we were in The Champions
league again but there were new people in charge at the top and in the end I
chose to come back to Wimbledon. I was just on the verge of signing again
when my Ireland teammate Kenny Cunningham rang me to see if I would join
Wimbledon, they had just been relegated but it was a chance to come back
home and I took it.

As it turns out that season Feyenoord won The UEFA Cup!

YOU MADE THE 2002 IRELAND WORLD CUP SQUAD. CAN YOU DESCRIBE THAT EXPERIENCE
AND WHAT WAS YOUR TAKE ON ROY KEANE'S SPECTACULAR FALL OUT?

The process of getting there was probably something people take for granted,
but we had lost in three play offs, I had played in each, all such huge huge
matches: Euro 2000 Playoffs defeat against Turkey, 1998 World Cup playoff
defeat against Belgium and a 2004 Euro Playoff loss to Switzerland. These
games were so big the pressure was so huge it's what you play football for.
Thankfully we won the 2002 World Cup Play off and I played and was proud to
be selected for such a significant game.

In the other play offs we lost out on the away goals rule, this time we went
through on it and to play a small part against Spain in the last 16 was
special. I guess we look back on what could have been as we came close to
beating Spain but I missed a penalty in the shoot out which was a real low
and we went out on penalties. South Korea were next up in the quarter finals
and you just never know where we could have reached.

I sat next to Roy on the flight there and he could be brilliant company with
a great sense of humour but he could also quite easily cut you down and that
was how he was built, like us all, we are made differently but we got on
well, he roomed next door and I lent him some DVDs etc as teammates do. The
fall out was such a shame as with him I feel obviously we would have
progressed I really do and it created a very unpleasant situation for
everyone and in particular Mick McCarthy who is a great man. I believe at
that point there was some friction and always had been with Mick and Roy as
past teammates. I actually could see a lot of good in both and liked them
both a lot and respected them.

Roy felt things weren't done as well as they should be and he was right I
guess at such an event he couldn't believe Ireland had no kit on our first
training day or that we had no Gk's for training. The GK coach Packie Bonner
had worked them so hard come the game time, they couldn't join in. Roy was
right we all felt the same, he vocalised it his way and the rest is history.

Ironically, I was recording the trip with a video camera and I brought it
everywhere but when the meeting was called I left it in my room, as it was,
I was sat next to Roy when it all kicked off in the meeting room, you
couldn't write it.

YOU STARTED YOUR CAREER UNDER A CERTAIN GLENN ROEDER WHO GAVE YOU YOUR FIRST
TEAM DEBUT AND THEN JOINED HIM AGAIN AT WEST HAM. WHAT DID YOU THINK OF
GLENN AS A MANAGER?

I was very happy to join West Ham and had worked with Glenn before at
Watford so it was nice to hear I was wanted by such a great club. I was on
the back of scoring 24 goals in 28 games in The Championship which was the
highest in all the leagues in England and I won a golden boot so I was in
good form. I wanted to move there above other clubs as it was such an
historic club and the players they had, I took a pay cut to join but I
considered it worth it.

HOW DID YOU FEEL AFTER ROEDER DESCRIBED YOU AS "AN ANGRY ANT" AFTER BEING
LEFT OUT FOR THE FIRST GAME?

I had to battle and scrap for everything and always stood up for myself and
my family, it's just how you are made I believe. I didn't like bullies and I
did have a clear sense of right and wrong and couldn't entertain people who
maybe did things a different way. I struggled to see the grey then, I saw
most things as black and white such as being treated unfairly when
undeserving of it. I didn't agree with and would stand up for myself when
maybe someone less would let things slide I couldn't to my detriment.

I also cared deeply about my football and possibly was a little sensitive!

DID YOU ENJOY YOUR TIME AT THE CLUB?

I am very proud to have worn the West Ham shirt, it is an iconic club with
such a rich history, I never dreamed I would play for such clubs. So many
players I played with would have bitten their arm off to play for such clubs
and I appreciate how lucky I was, but I always did know how lucky I was, I
never took it for granted.

Yes, I started off like a house on fire and loved playing with such great
players, particularly Jermain Defoe who inspired me with his finishing
ability, I fed off wanting to have his power and accuracy and I just wish I
had stayed as a forward rather than be moved to a number 10.

I was probably just on the tails of being the player or forward I wanted to
be when Alan Pardew took over and he then moved me deeper.

He ironically wanted to sign me before he moved to West Ham but after the
most prolific period of my career with 24 in 28 for Wimbledon and then on
similar number of goals per games at the start of my West Ham career, I was
pushed slightly further back with more defensive responsibilities which
affected my greatest strength. Although I had the game to be a number 10 I
wanted to score goals and that was why I left in the end, I wanted to play
up front as a 9.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORIES OF YOUR TIME HERE?

Scoring on my debut was fantastic, as was the early part of my first season,
when we were in a 442 playing with Jermain. The win over Ipswich away was
great as Jermain scored a goal only he could, smashing it in left foot with
such power from outside the box at the GK's near post, whilst I scored my
favourite Hammers goal-a left foot volley as below.

WHAT WAS YOUR BEST GOAL?

A volley against Ipswich I think, I put in one of our lads and his shot was
blocked I remember, the ball bounced outside the area and I was able to
volley it left foot in a difficult technique past the GK. I practised my
finishing so much to improve technically I considered it a pleasure but I
just wanted to be as good as I could be and this goal was maybe the result
of hours of practice especially, as it was my left foot!

I did score 3 goals for Ireland all with my left foot, and I consider
details like these important as I just tried to improve every part of my
game and in the end it takes you where it takes you!

THERE WAS TALK AT THE TIME THAT YOU AND JERMAIN DEFOE REFUSED TO PASS TO
EACH OTHER IN MATCHES AS YOU BOTH WANTED TO SCORE THE GOALS. IS THIS TRUE?
WHAT WAS YOUR RELATIONSHIP LIKE WITH HIM?

As above I thought he was amazing and inspired me to push on and we got on
great, we both wanted to score goals and you need players with such a
desire. He lived for football like me and he is such a great talent, I have
no idea where the stories came from. I sometimes passed when I could have
shot and Jermain sometimes too, that is the decision making you make but
honestly I loved playing with him.

DO YOU STILL KEEP IN TOUCH WITH ANY OF THE PLAYERS FROM YOUR WEST HAM DAYS?

Sadly not, football can be so transient but I popped into the training
ground a few years ago and spoke to a few of the boys still there such as
Mark Noble and I bumped into Teddy Sheringham recently. I saw Bobby Zamora
little while ago, so when I see the players its great but with so much
moving around and in the season everyone is so focused on their game keeping
these relationships becomes harder and harder which is a shame.

IN YOUR TIME AT WEST HAM YOU WERE MANAGED BY ROEDER, BROOKING AND PARDEW.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH EACH MANAGER?

I would like to think each would have me in the trenches beside them and
could count on me as a solid character, honest would run through a brick
wall regardless if selected or not, I didn't sulk I just tried harder.
Injuries and the like affected this though and the hours of practice ruined
my groins and hips and I had over six operations in this area in my career
which robbed me of so many games.

WHY DID YOU LEAVE THE CLUB AND DID YOU WANT TO GO?

I was told: Bobby Zamora, Marlon Harewood and myself were put up for sale
after the play off final defeat ( I don't know if this is true) once I heard
that I felt if Alan had lost confidence in me then it was time to go. As I
say, I was playing deeper as a 10 and I didn't enjoy it as much as a 9.

If a bid came in for any of us I heard it was who would go first. Leicester
had just been relegated from The Premier League and I felt I needed to play
as a 9.

YOU PLAYED FOR FIVE OTHER CLUBS AFTER LEAVING WEST HAM. DO YOU HAVE ANY
PARTICULAR FAVOURITE MEMORIES FROM THAT PERIOD?

I joined Wigan in their debut Premier league season after leading the
Championship scoring charts at the start of the season for Leicester City
and scored on my debut- a great feeling. It was a wonderful part of the
club's history finishing as high as we did with a top 10 finish. I also
played every round of the our League Cup run to the final v Manchester
United ( I scored the winner past my Ireland teammate Shay Given in the
quarter final, a special moment) but got injured in the Semi-final v
Arsenal. Another injury having a negative effect on my career.

I missed a lot of game time and was down the pecking order when I got back
fit, so rather than sit there I dropped down a division to Sunderland.

Winning the league with Sunderland in my first season was brilliant, I was
top scorer and got on so well with everyone, the fans and team-mates. What a
great set of fans and when I look back I feel the clubs I played for
reflected my personality, honest, hard working, passionate who loved
football such as West Ham, Sunderland, Portsmouth and Feyenoord. They are
working class, honest and I got on with the fans at these clubs very well I
think, as I loved my football and I am a football fan, it's the best sport
in the world.

With Southampton we won back to back promotions and as a 35/36 year old
playing with the young lads coming through such as Adam Lallana, Morgan
Schneiderlin and Rickie Lambert was fantastic. They were great lads and I
can't speak highly enough of these lads and others, who were top pros, they
loved their football. I was the older player who they came to for some
advice and their enthusiasm and ability was like West ham all those years
previously where their ability inspired you.

These lads have gone onto great things and it's no surprise they were such
brilliant people and that is what the game is about.

The season we won promotion I started off on fire and then my groins started
hurting again as they did at Sunderland and I had another operation, and
when I got back in, I injured my knee going in on the GK and suffered a bad
grade 2 medial ligament injury and at 36 was released sadly.

Just as I was returning back to The Premier League I was released and then
spent considerable time attempting to get back playing which at 36 and after
so many injuries wasn't easy.

A physio friend was helping me recover and he was at Portsmouth, they were
in an awful situation and so was I, I just wanted to go where I would find
good people and I did that. Once I was fit I scored something like 7 in 11
games and despite being relegated for the financial situation, I found a
great club with amazing fans who packed in every week regardless what league
their team was in. It was such a pleasure to play for them, I became
Captain/ Player Coach and enjoyed my time before coming full circle back to
the first club I came to when I returned from Holland, Wimbledon.

Now in charge was Neal Ardley, I was 38, my body had gone through so much, I
had plenty of time on my contract left but running around after Akinfenwa
was a young player's game. So after scoring the winner v Luton, I said to
Neal thanks so much for going out on a high but spend your money on a
younger player who can offer you a little more.

I guess I signed for clubs where people knew me: from Glenn Roeder and Alan
Pardew who signed me at Southampton after working together at West Ham. To
Roy Keane at Sunderland to Neal Ardley at Wimbledon, so I feel lucky and
proud people thought I was a decent enough sort.

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Transfer window, Payet and Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 24th January 2017
By: Jamie Norwood

So one week to go in the January transfer window and just the one deal done
- Jose Fonte.

I think he will be a really good signing for us. He has a lot of experience
and is a leader. He and Reid should form a formidable partnership.

Meanwhile, the Dimitri Payet saga goes on…. For me, we just need to get rid
of him. If that means taking £25million instead of £30million, so be it. The
club's morale is worth the £5million 'hit'.

To refuse to play for the club that has given him so much is unacceptable
and there is no way back from that. He was idolised by the whole club, the
fans sung his name every game and Slaven Bilic adored him.

Do you remember back in the Euros when Bilic was a pundit for ITV and he
celebrated Payet's goal by jumping on the table? Fast forward a few months
and Payet refuses to play for him.

Well since all this has come out we have won 3-0 and 3-1 and you can see
that it has brought the whole squad together. In a way, the Payet situation
has been a blessing; the fans have been fully behind the squad and the
manager.

I don't care if he comes out and 'apologises' (Or the PR department tells
him what to say) - he is done at this club for me.

Moving on from Payet and we have yet to sign a striker, which we have needed
for what seems like an eternity. Simone Zaza was brought in but wasn't good
enough, Jonathan Calleri? Not convinced at all. And Ashley Fletcher is one
for the future.

So once again we are relying on Andy Carroll to stay fit and we all know
that is a dangerous game. I find it very frustrating that the transfer
window opened 24 days ago and we still haven't brought someone in.

We have been 'close' to signing Scott Hogan from Brentford for the last
couple of weeks, yet reports say we are haggling over the transfer fee. We
also made a ridiculous bid for Jermain Defoe which was never going to be
accepted.

Another position we have needed strengthening for a while is right back.
However with Sam Byram back from injury, Mr Sullivan has given us a subtle
hint on the official website that we won't be buying a right back this
month. Im not sure what has happened with Arbeloa!

A recent report from Deloitte says that we have the 18th highest revenue in
world football at £143.8million. What I would like to know, is where this
money is?

We've moved into a bigger stadium with 52,000 season ticket holders, we sold
the Boleyn Ground and the only real money we spent in the summer was on
Ayew, the rest were loan deals and free transfers.

So why are we making ridiculous bids? Is it just so the board can say "we
tried" again?

Why are we haggling over two or three million for Hogan? £15million is small
fry in today's market. Look at Middlesbrough for example, they have just
spent £16million on Patrick Bamford and Rudy Gestede, two players who have
struggled in the Premier League.

Crystal Palace paid Leicester £12million for Jeffrey Schlupp and are about
to spend another £12million on Patrick Van Aanholt. The transfer fees these
days are ridiculous but it is what it is, we as a club have got to get used
to the fact that £15million isn't so much for a player anymore.

Another player we have been linked with is Robert Snodgrass. Who looks like
a replacement for Payet. Snodgrass, really? Is he the sort of signing that
will improve us or take us to the next level?

Is he a better player than what we have? Feghouli, Antonio, Lanzini, Ayew?
If he comes in I'll get behind him, but I'm not convinced at all. For me, we
should be looking at players like Gylfi Sigurðsson. Whether Swansea would
sell this month is debatable but we should be replacing quality with
quality.

One thing we should have learnt from last summer is that quantity over
quality is not a good idea. Our team has pretty much remained the same as
last season, as the summer signings were not good enough.

If we have to wait until the end of the season to bring that quality in then
so be it – although we have been promised this before. One week to go, let's
see what happens!

I would also like to say "well done" to Karren Brady. I am normally quite
critical of the Board, especially on the promises they made with the stadium
move! But meeting with fans last week was a great idea.

It shows that they are looking to bridge a gap between the Board and fans.
It was feeling as if we were getting a bit 'detached' from the club, so it
is really positive to see her reach out to fans and organise the meeting. I
hope this continues!

I would like to finish by saying that I am so pleased for Slaven Bilic over
these last couple of weeks. You could see he was under pressure and the
Payet situation really had affected him. But two massive wins have got us
looking up, instead of over our shoulder.

The players have stuck behind him and so have the fans. I hope we can
continue this form now and that Bilic is rewarded with a new contract soon
as he is the perfect manager for us in my opinion. 'Super Slav'.

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.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham interested in signing M'Baye Niang from AC Milan - Sky sources
Last Updated: 24/01/17 3:50pm
SSN

West Ham are interested in signing AC Milan forward M'Baye Niang, according
to Sky in Italy. Milan value the 22-year-old at £13m, but would consider a
loan with an option to buy in the summer. Sky in Italy understand Crystal
Palace, Everton and Genoa are also interested in signing Niang, who has
scored three goals in 18 Serie A appearances this season. Niang netted five
times in 14 matches during a brief spell on loan at Genoa in 2015 and Sky
sources understand that a move back to Genoa is his most likely destination.
Meanwhile, West Ham are in talks with La Liga side Las Palmas over a deal
for Jonathan Calleri. The Argentine forward has endured a difficult spell
with the Hammers since joining on a season-long loan from Deportivo
Maldonado in August, but did score his first goal for the club in last
Saturday's 3-1 win at Middlesbrough. Las Palmas president Miguel Angel
Ramirez claims West Ham have delayed making a decision on the proposed deal
as they weigh-up whether to cancel Calleri's loan spell with the club.
"[Jonathan] Calleri and Hernan Toledo are two players that interest [us],"
Ramirez told Spanish newspaper Marca. "We were expecting an answer from West
Ham in order to make the Calleri thing (deal) official, but they have asked
us for a few days."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham could be forced to loan out Dimitri Payet as Frenchman remains
desperate to return home
The Hammers have rejected several bids from Payet's former club Marseille
but could let him leave temporarily in order collect their £35million asking
price in the summer
The Mirror
BYJOHN CROSS
19:19, 24 JAN 2017UPDATED21:56, 24 JAN 2017

West Ham could be forced to loan out wantaway midfielder Dimitri Payet as
the transfer saga turns ugly. Marseille insist they will not improve on
their latest offer - which was £25million plus £3m in add-ons - leaving
Payet in limbo as he is demanding to go. West Ham will not accept anything
less than £35m but that now seems impossible with the deal deadlocked.
However, Marseille are hoping that a loan deal could be brokered with a
fixed price in the summer with Payet insisting he wants to return to France
to save his family. High flying Ligue 1 outfit Nice are also looking into a
loan deal for the Euro 2016 star. Meanwhile, Payet was training with the
Irons' Under-23s on Tuesday at the Hammers' Chadwell Heath training ground.
Payet is refusing to play for the East London club, and last featured as a
substitute in the 5-0 FA Cup defeat by Manchester City on January 6. The
29-year-old created a legendary reputation for himself at West Ham in the 18
months after joining from Marseille but is now public enemy No 1 among
supporters. Despite being the Hammers highest-paid player on £125,000-a-week
he is determined to quit the club this month. He has told the club he is
facing a family crisis, with wife Ludivine determined to raise the couple's
three children in their homeland.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet excluded from winter training camp in Dubai as West Ham
prepare for life without pariah
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic planning winter training camp in Dubai next month
Hammers outcast Dimitri Payet will not be welcomed by team-mates on trip
The Hammers have won both matches since the Payet saga started
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:32, 24 January 2017 | UPDATED: 22:50, 24 January 2017

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is planning a winter training camp in Dubai
next month - and exiled Dimitri Payet is not welcome. The Hammers have begun
organising a trip to the United Arab Emirates with Bilic keen on a few days
of warm weather training ahead of the season climax. The current plan is for
the squad to fly to Dubai after the home clash against West Bromwich Albion
on February 11, though the trip is yet to be finalised. Following the clash
against Tony Pulis' side, West Ham do not have a fixture until February 25
when they travel to Watford. And it looks inevitable that Payet, if he is
still a West Ham player, will not be welcomed on the trip by Bilic or his
team-mates. As it stands, there is no way back at West Ham for Payet, with
senior players making clear the Frenchman would not be welcomed back into
the senior set-up. The Hammers have won both matches since the Payet saga
started and players fear that if the forward was given a route a back into
the first-team fold, it would have a detrimental impact on team spirit.
Bilic's squad has been disrupted by the furore surrounding Payet's ongoing
first-team absence as he looks to force through a return to Marseille. And
the proposed trip to Dubai will not only provide Bilic's men with an
opportunity to train in warmer conditions weather but will also allow the
squad to draw a line under the Payet affair. Such training camps have become
common place in the Premier League in recent years. Tottenham are currently
in Barcelona before returning to face Wycombe in the FA Cup this weekend.
Marseille, despite intimating to the Hammers that they are walking away from
their interest in Payet, are poised to table a fourth offer by the end of
the week. The French club's latest bid, worth £22.8million, was rejected by
the Hammers on Monday. But there is a growing belief at Marseille that West
Ham will accept an offer lower than their £30million asking price believing
the London club have no option but to sell a player who looks to have no
future at the club whatsoever.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
AINT NOBODY, LIKE LANZINI; WHY LANZINI'S TIME IS NOW
DYLAN BREGMAN @breggertelli
readWestHam

It's been a difficult month for the club given the Dimitri Payet saga, but
back-to-back wins have displayed a strong togetherness within the squad and
illustrates that they're committed to the cause.

Many people questioned how West Ham would play without Payet but the man who
lived in his shadow for 18 months, Manuel Lanzini, has seemed to take the
reins as the team's primary creative influence and the Hammers have not
missed a step yet.

During the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace, Lanzini played in Payet's familiar
left-wing role, a position which isn't the Argentine's preference, but he
made the transition seamlessly. He was immense out there. He used his pace,
control and agility to his advantage many times to beat James Tomkins who
was again shafted out at right-back (ironic, seeing as he left the club
because he was forced to play there). Lanzini also, however, more
impressively found little pockets of space infield, from there he had time
to turn, get his head up and orchestrate an attack.

Lanzini may not be as good as Payet technically speaking, but he's still a
young talent; the 23-year-old looked very comfortable on the ball and rather
impressively he did his defensive duties superbly. He got his body in front
of the attacking players, won free kicks and released any pressure from the
West Ham defence.

He also once again showed us his composure whilst through on goal. After a
great defensive header from Winston Reid and a lovely through ball, Lanzini
ran with the ball from the halfway line and when faced by Wayne Hennessey he
looped the ball over his head as cool as you like.

Many rumours have been going around about who Bilic should try and sign to
replace Payet, but in the little jewel, the Hammers might have their
heir-apparent already in the building.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM DISCUSS DIMITRI PAYET LOAN MOVE TO MARSEILLE
MICHAEL OLIVER @themikeoliver_
ReadWestHam

West Ham and Marseille appear to be no closer to agreeing upon a fee for the
transfer of Dimitri Payet.

Since the Frenchman handed in a transfer request to try and force through a
move back to his former club, Marseille have seen three bids rejected by
West Ham for Payet, the latest worth £23.2m was turned down late last week.

The Hammers have been firm on their stance that they won't sell Payet on the
cheap and value him at £35m but that hasn't stopped the Ligue 1 side from
trying to sign the 29-year-old and now they're trying a new tactic.


According to Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol, a deal which sees Payet move to
Marseille on loan for the rest of the season with an option to buy in the
summer has been discussed between them and West Ham.

This would seemingly appease everyone. Marseille get their man, Payet get's
his move back to his former club and West Ham get his wages off their books
in addition to a sizeable loan fee and a large cash sum at the end of the
season if Marseille want to sign Payet permanently which we all know they
do.

The only downside for the Hammers is they don't get the fee for Payet now
and have a chance to reinvest that cash during the current transfer window.
Then again, given clubs increase their demands this month, maybe that's not
the worst thing.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
M'BAYE NIANG COULD LEAVE MILAN THIS MONTH
MICHAEL OLIVER @themikeoliver_
ReadestHam

West Ham have been linked with a move for AC Milan forward M'Baye Niang this
month, and they've been handed a potential boost in their pursuit. According
to Sky Sports who cite their Italian colleagues, West Ham, Everton and
Crystal Palace all want to bring the Frenchman to the Premier League, while
Genoa and Torino are also interested. A former France U21 international,
Niang was a highly-rated prospect at SC Caen prior to signing for AC Milan
in a £2.5m deal in August 2012 but the 22-year-old has yet to really
establish himself in the first-team at the San Siro. Having been shipped out
on half-season loans in each of the last two seasons to Montpellier and
Genoa respectively, Niang could well be once again set to leave Milan in a
January transfer window.

Milan manager Vincenzo Montella speaking to Milan TV (h/t the Mirror) has
revealed that Niang could leave and that he is discussing it with the
management. "Niang might leave the club," Montella told Milan TV. "He's
discussing it with the management. He won't be called up for the game
against Juve as I thought he would definitely have been distracted."

Sky claim that Milan are asking for £13m to sell the striker but they would
be open to sending him on a third loan in as many years with an option to
buy in the summer. Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Niang who
they once had on a pre-season trial prior to him joining Milan.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
AC Milan forward M'Baye Niang could leave San Siro amid Arsenal and West Ham
transfer talk
Milan boss Vincenzo Montella has admitted that the 22-year-old could be on
the move this month
The Mirror
BYJOE MEWIS
14:35, 24 JAN 2017

AC Milan boss Vincenzo Montella has revealed that French forward M'Baye
Niang could leave the club this month. Niang has been the subject of reports
linking him with a move to Arsenal and West Ham during the January transfer
window and Montella has confirmed that he will not play in the Rossoneri's
Coppa Italia quarter-final against Juventus. "Niang might leave the club,"
Montella told Milan TV. "He's discussing it with the management. He won't be
called up for the game against Juve as I thought he would definitely have
been distracted." Reports in Italy this week have linked the 22-year-old
with Torino, with Genoa being another mooted destination.
Montella spoke further about the former Caen man at a press conference,
hinting that his progress has stalled in recent months.
"He's always been involved in normal situations. Sometimes he's been on the
fringes but he's never been out. As long as he's a Milan player he'll get
the consideration he deserves. "He has made himself available right from the
start and he's trying to grow so he can manage his talent better. "He's a
player who has had his ups and downs and there are things he needs to
improve. We tried, and we got to a point where we were delighted with the
results - the boy was, too - and I'm not talking about technical results.
"He got to a certain point and then stopped, and I won't pretend to know
why, nor do I want to say." Niang's contract at the San Siro runs until June
2019.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll: The morale in the West Ham dressing room is 'fantastic'
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Standard

Andy Carroll has revealed the morale and spirit within the dressing room at
West Ham is "fantastic" and "stronger" than ever before.
Carroll scored twice against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium on
Saturday to help West Ham record back-to-back victories in the Premier
League, which lifted the east Londoners into 10th place in the standings.
Slaven Bilic's men have now won five of their last seven top-flight games,
with the last two coming without their star player Dimitri Payet who
recently told West Ham he wants to return to Marseille. With Payet's future
at West Ham remaining uncertain, Carroll revealed that the team have "come
together even stronger" in recent weeks to help reverse the Hammers'
underwhelming first half of the season. "I think the lads have come together
even stronger recently with everything that's going on and you can see on
the pitch everyone is working," the striker told West Ham's official
website. "The morale in the dressing room is fantastic. All the lads are
having a laugh before and it's great to be around. Everyone wants to work
for the manager and it's brilliant. "It was tough at the beginning of the
season but we came out of that and we're just thinking about each game as it
comes." Bilic was full of praise for Carroll after his display against Boro,
particularly as it came a week after the England international scored a
stunning acrobatic goal in the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace. Bilic said:
"He's as good as gold. I keep saying the same words about him week in, week
out. I'm a big fan of him, but for a reason - he gives you everything."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham rebel Dimitri Payet looks happy to be training with the reserves as
Marseille weigh up a fourth bid
Wantaway forward Dimitri Payet looked happy during training on Tuesday
Payet is aiming to leave West Ham United and move to former club Marseille
He has been demoted to the under 23s squad by manager Slaven Bilic
By Matthew Smith For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 13:45, 24 January 2017 | UPDATED: 13:45, 24 January 2017

Dimitri Payet has asked to leave West Ham United and is refusing to play for
the first team, but those who watched him in training on Tuesday would be
forgiven for thinking there is no problem at all. The 29-year-old France
international is training with West Ham's under-23 squad after being dropped
from the first team by manager Slaven Bilic, following his refusal to play
against Crystal Palace a fortnight ago. Payet did not look like he was
missing the action however, giving a thumbs up to the cameras as he went
through his drills. The forward looked in good touch, showing strength and
close control and he trained along with the club's youth and fringe
footballers. It would be a stretch to say West Ham are missing him however -
they have won both games, at home to Palace and away to Middlesbrough, since
his self-enforced exile. Payet is angling for a move back to Marseille, the
club from whom he joined the Hammers, with his wife and three children
having already returned to France. However the move is by no means a
guarantee, with three bids having already been turned down. Marseille went
back to West Ham with a third bid for Dimitri Payet on Monday – but only
increased their offer by 1million euros (£860,000). It came across as an
insult to the Premier League club, who feel Marseille created this problem
with wantaway Payet and now will not cough up the cash to end it. West Ham
insiders say the French club are trying to sign the forward on the cheap
after they offered £22m last week. That was up from their first offer of
only £20m. It is unlikely that Marseille would be willing to match his
£125,000-per-week wages too – a contract which made him the best-paid player
in West Ham's history. On Monday night Marseille insiders indicated that
they are prepared to pull out of the Payet transfer saga after seeing their
third offer turned down but West Ham are wary of it being a tactic.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'Clear as Mud' West Ham youth development policy gains a soupcon of clarity
Posted on January 24, 2017 by Gavin Thurston
http://www.claretandblues.com/

All the noises coming out from Slaven Bilic during recent weeks seem to be
pointing towards the first team squad development being a 'long term
project'. I know some may disagree but I'm always encouraged when I hear
this. Jumping from one speedboat turn to another has hampered the growth of
the team and led to fire-fight after fire-fight historically IMO. Although I
wasn't a fan of his I did appreciate the much-needed stability that Mr
Allardyce brought to the club and it would seem that's now being built on by
the current management. Yes – there are glaring areas for improvement.

Top of the list is a strong, reliable goal-scoring centre-forward who's not
injury prone and a right-back, but it's on the latter of those positions
that we've seen the interesting re-introduction of Sam Byram in the last
couple of games. Maybe by coincidence we've seen two good victories but
isn't it great to see another young player emerging, growing and beginning
to establish himself in the squad? Let's hope he can have a similar impact
to Aaron Cresswell, who also made the step up from a Championship club.

Slaven's pre match post on the official site this weekend made interesting
reading. Again I was encouraged by what he wrote
http://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2017/january/21-january/manager-matchday.

To quote the piece: – "I was asked in the pre-match press conference about
the possibility of more young players going out on loan and the chances of
Toni Martinez breaking into the first-team squad. "Will he (Toni) be good
enough? You never know. He should be good enough. He has scored a lot of
goals but it is very hard to judge players from different levels and
different leagues. "Last year I saw British clubs putting young players in
and I am asking are they putting them based on training and then I found out
they have a policy of 15 games so they send them on loan for a year or too
and then if they are good, they take them back and put them in the team.
"For me that is the key. The U23s is really good for young players but the
stage comes when the players should go. Is it one season, two seasons….

"We have all been there. Even the big players like Frank Lampard and Rio
Ferdinand, you should play and live with the people who are feeding their
families out of those Saturdays and Sundays and that is the key. We send
them and look at them. "We then decide if he is good enough and put him in a
game or he is not good enough, let's release him or sell him. "Frank and Rio
both went out on loan. Rio was great in training but he didn't get a chance
ahead of myself, Marc Rieper and Julian Dicks. "He went to Bournemouth and
that is what Harry Kane did and many others like that. That is why Josh
Cullen is on loan and Reece Burke is on loan. Marcus Browne has gone into
the Championship and that is the way for me. "Reece Oxford had a situation
with the contract and now it is signed, but he also didn't train for six
weeks because of injury, but now he is back and it is too late for a loan.
He might get a chance here.
"The plan with Reece is he has a great future with us and he should be in
West Ham if he is centre-back three or four, but not five. If that is the
case he should go out on loan for one year to emerge and improve and then
come back and play. That is the very simple philosophy but definitely the
best one."

Yesterday Toni Martinez was loaned out to Oxford United. I'll be watching
with a keen eye at what the lad does there as I genuinely believe he's quite
a prospect. If he keeps up a similar rate of scoring to what he's been doing
in the U23s then I'm optimistic t hat his debut won't be too far away. With
Josh Cullen and Reece Burke, both out on loan as well, hopefully they will
all get great experience of first team football if not at a lower level and
will develop further strength to their games. It probably hasn't escaped
your notice that the club have also recruited a youth team prospect from
Everton. Nathan Holland, who's represented England at all levels up to U19,
has signed on a 3 ½ year deal.

Historically we've had some very successful exchanges with the Merseyside
clubs. Alvin Martin joined West Ham at a young age and, going the other way,
we let a certain Ray Houghton go. There have been many more but, generally,
they've gone on to do extremely well.
http://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2017/january/22-january/england-u19-star-
holland-signs As for Reece Oxford I know it's been discussed many times
before but with Slaven's comments it seems clear that, if James Collins
stays, he's less likely to get a chance this season and may follow Martinez
out on loan to a lower level. Depending on the level that he goes out to
play at that may not be a bad thing.

There are many others that we could discuss. Martin Samuelson promises much
but doesn't seem any closer to the first team than he did at the start of
last season when he made a couple of appearances in the Europa League
qualifiers. The club don't always get it right, Junior Stanislas is looking
pretty good nowadays, but when they the players tend to go on to be legends.
Personally I hope that these lads keep knocking on the door but start
knocking even harder. Despite the imminent departure of a certain midfielder
I think the quality of the squad is, generally, improving. I know that this
Summer wasn't the best in terms of recruitment but, good or bad, it seems to
be getting harder and harder for kids to break through. I like nothing
better than seeing 'The Academy' produce first-teamers.

Other clubs' fans seem to take great pride in the 'He's one of our own'
chant and I'd love to be in a similar position in the future. At least, with
Slaven's statements, a little more clarity has been brought to the usual
'clear as mud' subject of youth development through the ranks.

Onwards and upwards, Hammers.

COYI!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Payet Plays the Perfect Pupil despite Post-truth Propaganda
http://www.verywestham.com/

Poor Dimitri Payet - no seriously! Having made the bold step of demanding a
transfer back to France he finds himself in an impossible situation. Having
essentially terminated any hope of playing again for West Ham - a club he is
contracted to until 2022, Marseille have decided to try to take advantage of
the situation and are refusing to meet West Ham's quite reasonable £30
million valuation of the talented player.

Meanwhile, the media are having a field day with a variety of stories that
are Trump-esque in their flimsiness. It was revealed that his car had been
vandalised - with the strong insinuation that it could only have been done
by angry Hammers fans despite no evidence of same and a host of other
parties who have a considerably greater vested interest in Payet's future.

This was then followed by reports that Payet had arrived late for training
and stormed off early - both of which have been strongly denied by the club.
Through all of this Payet has maintained a dignified silence but in the
modern climate failure to manage the media generally results in their
filling the gaps with speculative misinformation.

Hammers fans could be forgiven for feeling that the media have it in for the
club ever since we were awarded the Olympic Stadium. As yet another
investigation has commenced the media seem only too delighted to give air
time to various parties who were unsuccessful in their bids. Even Auntie
Beeb ran a feature with the more than a little tiresome Barry Hearn
indulging in another sour grapes-fest.

It's open season on the Hammers just now, but at least the team are putting
in some decent performances that have pushed us into mid-table obscurity! As
the club are trying to bring back our old Upton Park stewards to the London
stadium and fans are starting to adapt to the largesse of our posh new home
there can be no doubt that things are definitely improving in what has been
a trying season. Meanwhile, as Hearn and Co. persist with their whingeing,
we look set to add another 3000 seats to the match day capacity. West Ham
are a VERY big club now and there can be no doubt that the future will bring
lots of players who are vastly more talented than Payet to the club.

Upwards and onwards - but definitely without Mr Payet

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton battling West Ham to finally sign AC Milan's M'Baye Niang following
2012 trial
HITC
Olly Dawes

Everton are reportedly hoping to land M'Baye Niang - over four years since
he was on trial at Goodison Park. According to Sky Italia's Gianluca Di
Marzio, Everton have joined West Ham United in the race to sign AC Milan
attacker M'Baye Niang – and Crystal Palace are also keen. Niang, 22, was
heavily linked with a move to England when he emerged in his native France
with SM Caen, where he hit five goals in 30 games before earning a 2012 move
to AC Milan. Whilst he arrived with high expectations, Niang scored just
once in his first season with the club, and was then sent out on loan to
Montpellier and Genoa in consecutive seasons as he struggled to live up to
the hype. However, Niang – who can play out wide or up front – hit eight
goals in 19 games last season as he started to realise his potential, and
he's notched three goals and two assists in Serie A this term. Now, Sky
Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Niang is attracting major interest
ahead of next week's transfer deadline, with Everton now joining West Ham
United in the race to land the French attacker. Everton boss Ronald Koeman
is looking for attacking reinforcements, and having allowed Gerard Deulofeu
to join Milan on loan, whilst Romelu Lukaku also needs some support, Niang
makes sense as a possible target either on loan or permanently. Interest
from the Toffees is particularly interesting given that, as reported by Sky
Sports, Everton took Niang on trial in the summer of 2012 in the hope of
luring him to Goodison Park permanently – only for him to choose Milan.
Niang is allegedly tempted by a move to England, meaning Everton could
finally land him, more than four years since his trial with the club – but
with Crystal Palace and West Ham both allegedly keen, there could be a real
fight on for Niang's signature.

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ortFootball
West Ham striker Jonathan Calleri a target for Las Palmas but Spanish side
await Hammers' response
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard

Las Palmas hope to bring Jonathan Calleri to La Liga from West Ham, their
president has confirmed. Calleri scored his first goal of the season in
Saturday's 3-1 win at Middlesbrough but has found first team opportunities
hard to come by under Slaven Bilic, completing just 152 minutes in the
Premier League. The Argentine striker is on loan from Deportivo Maldonado
but Las Palmas chief Miguel Angel Ramirez hopes to convince the Hammers to
cancel that loan so that they can bring in Calleri as well Fiorentina's
Hernan Toledo, another loanee from the Uruguayan second tier. "Calleri and
Hernan Toledo are two interesting players," Ramirez said. "We expected a
response from West Ham to make Calleri official but we've been asked for a
few days."
Having sent Toni Martinez on loan to Oxford and with Diafra Sakho out until
March with a back injury West Ham are unlikely to countenance Calleri's
departure until they can find a replacement. They remain keen to bring in
Scott Hogan but are yet to meet Brentford's £15million asking price.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Las Palmas 'convinced' Calleri will sign amid concerns of Jese deal

Jonathan Calleri is set to leave West Ham only months after joining. Las
Palmas president Miguel Angel Ramirez says he is confident his team will
soon complete the signing of striker Jonathan Calleri but is reportedly
pessimistic about the arrival of Paris Saint-Germain forward Jese Rodriguez.
Calleri joined West Ham United on a season-long loan from Uruguay's
Deportivo Maldonado in August but is yet to start a Premier League game and
is reportedly keen to leave the London outfit during the winter transfer
window.
After weeks of negotiating Calleri's transfer with West Ham, Ramirez is
frustrated a deal has not been done yet. The 23-year-old made his seventh
league appearance at the weekend for West Ham, scoring his first goal in a
3-1 win at Middlesbrough. However, the delay is no cause for concern for the
Las Palmas supremo. "West Ham asked us for one more day but I'm convinced he
will arrive," Ramirez said of Calleri to AS. Calleri is expected to be Las
Palmas' first reinforcement in the winter transfer window. However, Ramirez
has all but given up hope of bringing Jese on loan to the club.

Adriana Garcia is a Valencia-based football writer who covers La Liga for
ESPN FC.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Toni Martinez comments on loan move; says he had another option
HITC
Vincent Ralph

The West Ham United forward will spend the rest of this season at Oxford
United. West Ham United teenager Toni Martinez has been speaking to the
Witney Gazette following his loan move to Oxford United. The 19-year-old has
been in sensational form for the Hammers' under-23 side this season, scoring
12 goals in 11 appearances, and he will now spend the rest of the campaign
with the League One club as he continues his development. It is a major coup
for Oxford and it seems they beat another team to his signature.
"I had another option, but I think this is the best one for me," Martinez
told the Witney Gazette. "It's a good challenge. "The most important thing
for me was there was interest from the manager (Michael Appleton). "My
objective is to play as many games as possible and score goals to help the
team."
Oxford are currently 12th in League One, eight points outside the play-off
places, and while it would be foolish to expect too much too soon from the
West Ham youngster, he will be hoping to fire them up the table in the
months ahead. Some West Ham fans were hoping to see the 29-year-old make his
Hammers debut this season. However now they will be watching eagerly as he
bids to convince his manager Slaven Bilic that he is ready for the next
campaign.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's James Collins targeted by Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce
By Essex Chronicle | Posted: January 24, 2017
By Tommy Wathen

According to reports on Tuesday [January 24], West Ham defender James
Collins is being targeted by Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce this
month. The former Hammers boss is desperate to strengthen his squad during
this month's Transfer Window to avoid the Eagles being centre of a
relegation scrap come the closing months of the season. Collins, who has
made over 160 appearances for West Ham within two spells at the club, has
found game time hard this season with Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna
seemingly looking like Slaven Bilic's preferred starters. Now that Bilic has
spent £8 million on Southampton captain Jose Fonte to replace Ogbonna, who
has been ruled out till the end of the season, Collins may decide to leave
the London Stadium and secure regular action elsewhere. A report by Football
Insider are claiming that Allardyce has drawn up a five-man shortlist, that
includes Collins, Sunderland's Lamine Kone, Everton's Phil Jagielka,
Panathinaikos' Chris Samba and Anderlecht's Kara Mbodji.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Selfless Angelo Ogbonna is Dimitri Payet antidote and should be remembered
as a West Ham legend
Damien Lucas

Angelo Ogbonna has written himself into West Ham United folklore. When West
Ham were struggling this season fingers were occasionally pointed at Italian
centre back Angelo Ogbonna. Games against Everton and Arsenal in particular
spring to mind as examples which showed the former Juventus defender just
was not the same player he was during his first and West Ham's last season
at Upton Park.
Of course more often than not in the first half of the season there were
plenty of others performing worse than 'Oggie' as he is affectionately known
to the Hammers faithful. So good was Ogbonna last season that Antonio Conte
showed a keen interest in bringing his former Juve and Italy player to West
Ham's London rivals Chelsea after his appointment in the summer, as reported
by Football Italia. It was a relief to all including Slaven Bilic that he
stayed but the speculation led many to presume his below par performances
were somehow linked.
Who can forget BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand's assessment of Ogbonna
"ambling" around against Arsenal - a game Bilic's side lost 5-1.
At Everton a few weeks before Ogbonna was also far too slow to react to
danger and cost his side in a 2-0 defeat. Of course Ferdinand and West Ham's
supporters were not to know the truth, not until after the club's 3-1 win
over Middlesbrough at the weekend. It was after that game Bilic - following
the £8 million signing of Southampton captain Jose Fonte - revealed Ogbonna
was set to go under the knife for a knee operation and would be out for the
season. It was a problem that Ogbonna had been playing through pain with all
season. Playing through pain for the club, for the manager, for his
teammates with a serious injury which clearly had been impeding his ability
to get around the pitch in the way he and his fans had become accustomed.
Ogbonna risked ridicule, his reputation and his future for West Ham this
season and not once did he use it as an excuse for his or the team's poor
performances. In fact Ogbonna has been far from the club's worst performer
despite his injury. Had Southampton known of his issue the price for Fonte
would surely have been higher so he has also saved the club money with his
conduct. The plan was to send the Italy international for an operation at
the beginning of January once reinforcements were brought in but Bilic had
to ask him to play one more game until Fonte's signing was pushed through.
Not that he would have minded given his superb attitude. The selflessness of
Ogbonna's act, let's not beat around the bush the player may well have been
risking his career, deserves widespread recognition and applause. And it
comes as the antidote to a player at the other end of the respect spectrum,
Dimitri Payet, who has been sulking and brooding all season long until
effectively going on strike earlier this month to force a return to former
club Marseille. Ogbonna's actions have restored many West Ham fans' faith in
football and though it may sound strong he should be remembered as a legend
as a result.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to make improved £8 million bid for Hull City winger Robert
Snodgrass
Matt Law, football news correspondent
23 JANUARY 2017 • 10:00PM

West Ham United are poised to make an improved offer for Robert Snodgrass
and still hope to sign the Hull City winger before the transfer window shuts
next week. Hull rejected an opening £6 million bid for Snodgrass, but West
Ham are expected to return with another offer in the region of £8m that
could see negotiations progress. Relegation battlers Hull value Snodgrass
closer to £10m and that figure could be reached by performance-related
add-ons. Snodgrass was left out of the Hull squad for the defeat to Chelsea
and the club have signed Liverpool winger Lazar Markovic on loan, which will
further boost West Ham's hopes. When asked about the future of Snodgrass
after Hull's defeat at Stamford Bridge, manager Marco Silva said: "The
player was not available for the game. About the proposals, I don't know
anything new on this. I'll speak with the player again and we'll see. "I
hope the player stays with us. I hope he is available. We'll see if he
starts to train again with us or not. A small injury in the knee, nothing
special. But he had some problems in the past with his knee. Nothing
special."

Other than increasing their offer for Snodgrass, West Ham will bid again for
Brentford striker Scott Hogan, who was also left out of his team's squad at
the weekend. Brentford have been holding out for £15m for Hogan, who West
Ham have already bid twice for but the Hammers hope a third offer will be
enough to clinch the signing of the 24-year-old. West Ham remain braced for
another offer from Marseille for £35m-rated wantaway star Dimitri Payet,
despite the French club claiming they will pursue other targets. Marseille's
most recent offer of £26.5m was rejected by the Hammers, but the Ligue 1
outfit could still try again to re-sign Payet before the January transfer
window closes.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Marseille return with third offer for Dimitri Payet but still refuse to meet
West Ham's £30million asking price
Dimitri Payet has refused to play for West Ham as he looks for a move away
Marseille have offered West Ham £22million for the France international
The offer came across as an insult to the Hammers, who value Payet at £30m
By Kieran Gill for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 22:31, 23 January 2017 | UPDATED: 23:48, 23 January 2017

Marseille went back to West Ham with a third bid for Dimitri Payet on Monday
– but only increased their offer by 1million euros (£860,000). It came
across as an insult to the Premier League club, who feel Marseille created
this problem with wantaway Payet and now will not cough up the cash to end
it. West Ham insiders say the French club are trying to sign the forward on
the cheap after they offered £22m last week. That was up from their first
offer of only £20m. Marseille have made no secret about their ambition to
sign their former player but behind the scenes are refusing to meet West
Ham's £30m asking price. Jacques-Henri Eyraud, Marseille's president, and
Payet's agent Jacques-Olivier Auguste have been in London for talks with
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan previously.
West Ham are unhappy and it could still see Payet stay put, despite the
29-year-old refusing to play for Slaven Bilic's side again.
It is unlikely that Marseille would be willing to match his
£125,000-per-week wages too – a contract which made him the best-paid player
in West Ham's history. On Monday night Marseille insiders indicated that
they are prepared to pull out of the Payet transfer saga after seeing their
third offer turned down but West Ham are wary of it being a tactic. The
stand-off is ongoing with Payet continuing his strike and not welcome in
Bilic's senior side. West Ham have won successive games since their best
player was taken out of the first-team squad.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM LOOK SET TO MEET SNODGRASS ASKING PRICE
STE HOARE @Stehoare
ReadestHam

West Ham look set to finally offer Hull City a deal which will eventually
reach their asking price for Robert Snodgrass, according to a report by Matt
Law of The Telegraph. The Tigers have reportedly been holding out for £10m
for the Scottish winger and West Ham are apparently gong to bid £8m plus
performance-related add-ons that will see the fee eventually become £10m.

Whether Hull deem this as acceptable remains to be seen as they could simply
be looking for £10m straight up rather than a deal that relies on add ons.
However, this does show that the Hammers are willing to spend £10m on the
player so it is not beyond the realms of possibility that they could decide
to offer the amount without add ons if that's what the Tigers request.

Hull have just signed Lazar Markovic on loan so they may feel like they now
have an adequate replacement if they do let Snodgrass leave

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham insulted by latest Dimitri Payet offer from Marseille
HITC
Jordan Harris

West Ham United have now rejected three bids for Dimitri Payet, and the
latest appears to have really annoyed the Hammers hierarchy.
A report in the Daily Mail has suggested that West Ham have rejected a third
offer from Marseille for Dimitri Payet after the Ligue 1 side barely
increased their previous bid. The Mail reports that the 29-year-old wants to
leave the London Stadium and has refused to play for Slaven Bilic's side.
While West Ham are happy to acquiesce to the playmaker's demands, they want
to receive £30 million before they give any deal the green light, the Mail
reports. However, Marseille appear desperate to land him for significantly
less.
After previous bids of £20 million and £22 million, the Mail reports that
the French side - who West Ham blame for the creation of this saga - have
simply added £860,000 to their most recent offer. Perhaps unsurprisingly,
the Mail adds that the Irons hierarchy have rejected the bid and feel
insulted by the way that Marseille are refusing to clean up the mess they
have made - in West Ham's eyes - by meeting the asking price. It is
understandable that West Ham have been left frustrated by the way that
Payet's former team have acted this month, as it is clear that he has had
his head turned by a move back, and it appears to have damaged his
relationship with his current side, perhaps beyond repair. And if the
Hammers are unable to get a deal done during the remaining days of the
window, and Payet remains on strike, then his value could plummet over the
coming months to the point where someone may be able to land him in the
summer for less than what Marseille are putting on the table now.

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

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 24th January 2017

Stat's a Fact - Unstoppable AC
WHUFC.com

West Ham United completed back-to-back victories in the Premier League after an impressive 3-1 victory against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium. Andy Carroll's two goals either side of a Cristhian Stuani strike gave the visitors the advantage at half-time, before a late Jonathan Calleri goal – his first for the Hammers – stretched the unbeaten record over Boro to nine games. Carroll gave the Hammers an early lead through a trademark bullet header, whilst his second was nudged home when he reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box. The third came from second-half substitute, Calleri, who rounded-off an excellent counter-attack to slot home from 18 yards.
West Ham's third away victory of the season has lifted in them to tenth in the Premier League, their first visit to the top half since August, whilst Middlesbrough drop to 17th. Despite coming off as a 67th minute substitute, Andy Carroll continued his recent fine form to put together another excellent display in West Ham shirt. Carroll missed much of the first half of the season, but since his return, has now scored five goals in ten games and his performance yesterday was a perfect example of why he is so valuable to this Hammers side.

In the first half alone, he won five aerial battles – three more than anyone else on the field. After 67 minutes, he had made seven, which remained the most by any player by full time. Aerial duels were just a part of his impressive hold-up play though, as he also completed 27 passes and 43 touches during his time on the field. In fact, no West Ham player had made more touches of the ball at the 67-minute mark. The three goals came from five shots on target, with Carroll's two finishes his only attempts of the game – clinical!

Not just offensively was Andy influential, as he also made a total of six clearances. Only Winston Reid had made more when the big man went off. Eventually, a backs-to-the-wall closing 20 minutes meant the Hammers made an incredible 49 defensive clearances and 16 blocks yesterday.

Whilst the hosts controlled large portions of possession (61 percent), they failed to turn it into clear-cut chances with Darren Randolph tested only once after Stuani's goal. Middlesbrough's Adam Clayton completed the most passes (77) but his front-men, Negredo and Stuani, were rarely an option as West Ham gave no space in the middle of the park.

The Hammers are now not in action until 1 February when they welcome Manchester City to London Stadium. Bilic's side will head into the game with confidence following these recent wins and can hopefully call on Andy Carroll to lead the line exactly as he did yesterday.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam stakes his claim
WHUFC.com

Sam Byram says West Ham United are feeling confident after back-to-back victories
Right-back keen to nail down starting place after making impressive return to action
Young defender was in good form in 3-1 win at Middlesbrough on Saturday

Sam Byram wants to make the right-back position his own after producing another assured display in make West Ham United's 3-1 Premier League win at Middlesbrough. Having returned from injury, the No22 was handed a start after impressing as a substitute in the home win over Crystal Palace, and took his opportunity with both feet at the Riverside Stadium. While social media and fan forums are awash with supporters demanding the Club sign a new right-back, Byram is hoping to save the Board a few million pounds. "I was glad to get the start after the last match," confirmed the Essex-born defender. "I'm still trying to find my feet with regards match-fitness, because I've not played a right lot of football since my injury, so I think I'm growing as a player in the team.
"I'm just enjoying my football at the minute and look forward to every game. I want to play as much as I can, but the squad needs strength in depth and whoever we bring in will challenge whoever is in that position. "I'm confident in my ability that I can play in this division and in this team and bring something to the squad. I'm just focusing on my game and hopefully I'll get to keep playing."

With 16 Premier League games still to play, Byram knows he could have a lengthy audition to cement his long-term future in the starting XI. "When I was out I looked at the fixtures and thought I would be back in mid-January and there are still a lot of fixtures to come," he continued. "I'm an optimistic person and try to keep smiling and will just stay positive and keep working hard."

On Saturday, the former Leeds United star stuck to his task on his return to the North East, particularly when faced with the lightning-quick Adama Traore in the second half, and wants to build on his performance over the closing months of the season. "I saw Cress laughing at half-time when he saw he (Traore) had come over to my side!" Byram said with a trademark grin. "He is said to be the fastest player in the Premier League, so it was a test I'd not faced before. "He's obviously a different type of player, so you've just got to do what you can to try and stop him. I think we dealt with the test well and everyone is feeling really positive at the moment. "I think you've just got to get as many people near him as possible! As you saw a few times, he can just run past players as if they're not there, so as a team we did our best against him, but I'm sure that won't be the last time it does it."

It will not get any easier next time out, as the Hammers host Manchester City – the team Byram faced on his debut a year ago – but he is relishing the challenge. "The atmosphere around the training ground and the changing room is probably the best it's been in a while," he confirmed. "I think the last two performances have really shown what we're about and that we can play and create chances and score goals. "If we can keep putting points on the board, we can keep looking up. "We've got ten days to prepare, which is a lot of time to get on the training pitch and work on things ahead of the next game."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Premier League Cup game postponed
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's Premier League Cup game against Leicester City on Monday night has been postponed due to a frozen pitch. Following the freezing conditions which have affected the majority of the country over the last few days, the pitch was deemed unplayable at the Chigwell Construction Stadium following a pitch inspection on Monday morning. A new date will be announced in due course.

Meanwhile, don't miss the chance to see Terry Westley's side in action again on Friday night when they host Aston Villa in the Premier League at Dagenham & Redbridge. New signing Nathan Holland could make his debut for the Club following his move from Everton over the weekend.

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

Four Hammers were in loan action this weekend
Josh Cullen was crucial once again for Bradford as they drew 1-1 with Millwall
Martin Samuelsen, George Dobson and Alex Pike all also featured for their respective sides

Josh Cullen played 90 minutes for Bradford City as the Bantams looked to keep in touch with the automatic promotion spots in League One when they faced Millwall. It was never going to be an easy task hosting the in-form Lions however, and Stuart McCall's men were forced to battle hard to equalise after Lee Gregory had opened the scoring five minutes into the second half. It took only ten minutes, as the left-back poked in Mark Marshall's drive across the face of goal. Hammers midfielder Cullen, who has been in scintillating form for the Yorkshire side this season, did come close to giving Bradford the lead in the first half at Valley Parade, only to be denied by goalkeeper Jordan Archer.

Elsewhere in the same division, George Dobson and Martin Samuelsen both played their parts as substitutes in wins for their respective loan sides. Dobson's Walsall hosted Bristol Rovers and were comfortable 3-1 winners at the Bescot Stadium. Eoghan O'Connell, Simeon Jackson and Joe Edwards all found the back of the net for the west Midlans outfit before Rovers' top scorer Matt Taylor grabbed a late consolation. Dobson was brought on for the remaining ten minutes of the match as Walsall looked to hold onto their lead and record the three points which eventually boosted them up to 13th in League One. Meanwhile, Samuelsen played the final four minutes as Peterborough United stole maximum points at Swindon Town in a 1-0 victory. Chris Forrester caught the hosts napping as the second half began, bagging the winner thanks to Marcus Maddison's assist.

Finally, Alex Pike made his second appearance since joining Cheltenham Town on loan, playing 70 minutes in the side's 2-1 defeat to high-flyers Plymouth Argyle. The struggling Robins thought they had rescued a point when, five minutes before the end, Dan Holman cancelled out a Sonny Bradley opener. There was a late twist however, as Bradley popped up one minute into injury time to find the back of the net for the second time and keep Plymouth just four points behind Doncaster Rovers at the top of League Two.

Enner Valencia was an unused substitute for Everton in their 1-0 away win at Crystal Palace, while Marcus Browne also sat on the bench for the first time at Wigan Athletic since joining the Latics on loan last week.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid hails Hammers hard work
WHUFC.com

Winston Reid proud of West Ham United's efforts over the past six weeks
Five wins and a draw in the last eight matches have lifted the Hammers up to tenth
Centre-back is looking forward to welcoming new boy Jose Fonte to the Club

Winston Reid said team spirit and a willingness to work for each other were key factors in Saturday's 3-1 Premier League victory at Middlesbrough.

The No2, who has been in eye-catching form during the Hammers' recent run of five wins in seven top-flight matches, again shone brightly on a dull day weather-wise at the Riverside Stadium.

The New Zealander put his body in the right place at the right time repeatedly as Slaven Bilic's side deservedly climbed into the top half of the table after collecting three points on Teesside.

"You know when you go away from home in the Premier League, you are going to come under pressure at some stage of the game and we did, but I thought we defended well," he told journalists.

"We got a little bit lucky in the second half with the one which ricocheted off the bar [via Aaron Cresswell and Cristhian Stuani] but we had so many chances throughout the game that I thought we deserved to win.

"It was important for us to beat teams around us like Palace and now Boro and it's a boost to be in the top ten. We started the season poorly and weren't playing the best, so we had to work harder for each other and the results have come – it's not rocket science."

Pre-match predictions and statistics suggested a tight game between a stingy Boro defence at home and a shot-shy West Ham attack on the road, but instead the match was an end-to-end affair with chances aplenty.

Was Reid surprised it was such an open game?

"No I wasn't surprised," he said. "I thought we could get a win from the game, so we tried to attack from the beginning and tried to get at them and they were at home, so they wanted to win as well.

"They probably thought they could get a win as well so that's why it was end-to-end. It was a good game to be part of. The most important thing was that we got the victory."

We started the season poorly and weren't playing the best, so we had to work harder for each other and the results have come – it's not rocket science

Winston Reid
The main reasons for that victory were the two goals scored by Reid's teammate and close friend Andy Carroll, who took his tally to the five since his return from injury last month.

"I'm happy for him," the No2 revealed. "Obviously he was out for a while with an injury but when he's fit and healthy, he scores goals and causes problems for the opponent, but he's also important for us in relieving pressure, especially from set pieces.

"You know that when's in the area, if the ball comes in to his area, he's going to attack it all-in and it helps it get the ball out."

Reid could have a new central defensive partner when West Ham host Manchester City at London Stadium on Wednesday 1 February – Portugal star Jose Fonte.

The former Southampton captain linked up with the Hammers on Friday and could make his debut in Claret and Blue alongside the Kiwi after Angelo Ogbonna was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury.

"We've had a bit of injuries so to get a good new signing in with Fonte will add to the group," Reid observed. "I'm sure the Club will still want to do more business, but in these last two games we've played better than we'd played previously.

"Bar when we played Manchester City at home, the last month and a half our performances have gone up a lot, which is what I expect from these players and so does the manager as well."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Martinez joins Oxford on loan
WHUFC.com

West Ham United forward Toni Martinez has joined Oxford United on loan until the end of the season. Martinez has been one of the star performers for the PL2 side this season scoring 12 goals in 13 competitive games. The Hammers management have recognised his impressive performances and feel he will benefit from valuable first-team experience as he looks to help the League One side push towards the play-offs. Martinez will join up with Michael Appleton's squad this week and could go straight into contention for the big Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round tie against Newcastle on Saturday. The Spanish forward joined the Club from Valencia back in July 2016 and hit the ground running straight away in a claret and blue shirt when he scored on his U23 debut in the 3-0 win over Stoke City in August. Martinez has continued his rich vein of form in front of goal and everyone at the Club wishes Toni the best of luck for his loan spell at Oxford United.

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#WHUAREYA - Alfie Lewis
WHUFC.com

The Checkatrade Trophy - an opportunity for young Premier League talents to shine amongst senior professionals in the Football League. That's part of the idea, anyway, and it certainly this season worked for young Alfie Lewis.

The cultured midfielder started all three of West Ham's matches in the tournament this term, impressing with his range of passing and energetic displays, leading to starts and appearances from the bench for the Premier League 2 side.

He's enjoyed this season as a real breakthrough year at the Academy and, as he explained to West Ham TV in #WHUAREYA, he hopes to kick on even further in the second half of the campaign.

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New stewarding measures introduced
WHUFC.com

West Ham United have introduced a range of new measures with the aim of improving stewarding at London Stadium on matchdays. The Club have listened to supporters' feedback and is working very closely with London Stadium partners including Stadium operators London Stadium 185 to continue to raise the standard of stewarding.

New Measures Include:

- Writing to all ex-West Ham United stewards inviting them to work at London Stadium
- Former Boleyn Ground stewards deployed in areas where empathy with supporters is key
- Deploying the same stewards to the same areas wherever possible
- Increasing the number of Supporter Liaison Officers to 30 for the Manchester City fixture
- Club officials briefing senior stewards and supervisors about the Club, its traditions and fanbase

As Vice-Chairman Karren Brady told key fan website and forum owners at London Stadium earlier this week, the Club are determined to respond to fans's feedback and concerns from the Hammers' first six months at their new home. "As a Club, we are determined that fans enjoy the best-possible experience when they come to matches at London Stadium, and this includes having a productive and pleasant relationship with the matchday stewards," said the Vice-Chairman. "We want to hear from all former Boleyn Ground stewards and will do all we can to give them the opportunity to make the transition to London Stadium and form part of that vital link between stewards and fans. "While the vast majority of stewards, who are employed by LS185, are professional, approachable and do their jobs superbly, we know there is no substitute for those years of experience. This is just one of a range of initiatives to help build that crucial relationship between fans and stewards."

The Vice-Chairman confirmed that West Ham United will be writing immediately to all former Boleyn Ground stewards who have not taken up a role at the Club's new home for a second time, encouraging them to return to stewarding at London Stadium. The Club is also working encouraging former Boleyn Ground stewards to work towards the NVQ Level 2 Certificate in Spectator Safety qualification, which is required by LS185 for all stewards employed at London Stadium. "We always knew it would take time for everyone – the team, the Board, supporters and stewards – to settle into life at our new home, but we are confident that we are moving in the right direction," the Vice-Chairman continued. "We are working with the other stakeholders to ensure that we can take real action to deal with the issues our fans have raised. "We have introduced our team of SLOs, West Ham supporters who are there to assist their fellow fans on matchdays, and they have been very well received. I would like to have 50 SLOs on duty every matchday by the end of the current season. "In addition, we have launched a new bespoke Supporter Services Twitter feed @WestHamHelp, which is providing valuable information to fans throughout the week and on matchdays. "It is now our collective aim to continue to improve the level of stewarding to the satisfaction of every supporter who visits our iconic home, and I believe the steps we are putting in place will help us work towards that target."

*Are you a former Boleyn Ground steward interesting in taking on a similar role at London Stadium? Or are you a West Ham United fan keen to help your fellow supporters by becoming a steward for the first time?

If so, please email supporterservices@westhamunited.co.uk for information about how to apply to join the London Stadium matchday stewarding team!

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LUNCHTIME ROUND UP: NEW PAYET OFFER, DOUBLE SIGNING ON THE CARDS, CHAIRMAN WORKING HARD, CARROLL FOR ENGLAND?
BY DAN CHAPMAN ON 23 JANUARY 2017 AT 1:21PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Happy Monday Hammers! Here is the news going around this lunchtime:

Marseille are set to increase their offer for Dimitri Payet this week. (Standard)

Increase the bid to what we want so we can just get rid of him now. We all want him gone as quickly as possible.

Roma are desperate to sign Sofiane Feghouli, but it is dependant on the situation with Dimitri Payet. (Daily Star)

I hope we do not sell Feghouli. He has proven to be valuable to the team in recent performances. He could become a key, key player.

West Ham are hoping to complete the double signing of Robert Snodgrass and Scott Hogan before the end of the transfer window. (Standard)

Let's hope we get these done now. Would be two brilliant additions to the team in my opinion. A winger who has a brilliant shot and also has a great delivery too, along with a man who has scored goals for fun in the Championship. Brilliant business if we get them both.

Andy Carroll says the Dimitri Payet situation will not derail West Ham. (Sky Sports)

The boys have shown real character ever since this whole Payet thing started, and I am so proud of them. Hopefully we can keep building as a team and push further up the league table.

Carroll also says that he hopes his recent form can get him back into the England frame. (Telegraph)

He deserves it more than some other obvious names, but we all know what England are like. Its always the same players and there is never a chance for any new blood.

David Sullivan says he will be working around the clock in order to bring new signings to the club. (Standard)

Keep working David, bring the signings in and the fans will be happy.

West Ham are set to finally sign Scott Hogan from Brentford this week. (Daily Star)

This story has been going on for ages, and I am so happy that is finally set to be completed. He is a brilliant striker and I am so excited to see him play upfront with Andy Carroll. It has the potential to be a brilliant strike force in my view.

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IT'S THE WEST HAM WAY BY DAISY LOWE
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 22 JANUARY 2017 AT 9:43PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Daisy Lowe @DaisyLoweX

After our second crucial win in a row I think it's safe to say that us Hammer's fans have certainly got something to smile about. The points are obviously crucial, but more importantly, we are gaining back our West Ham Way. The players have been smiling during games, running the length of the pitch, trying to get on the end of every ball and celebrating in style with the fans and (in some cases) ball boys! It has taken me a bit of time, but I'm starting to feel excited again.

I was lucky enough to spend the last ever season at The Boleyn Ground as a Hostess in the corporate area – some of you may even have had the pleasure of seeing me there! Coming from a West Ham family you can only imagine my Dad's pride when he could tell his mates that I was working at our club. Unfortunately with the move to the Olympic Stadium, us Hostess girls could not go over, which left a massive hole in my Saturday's. I missed seeing everybody and getting my Nathan's Pie n Mash. Although I have a season ticket (Bobby Moore Upper!) at the London Stadium, I just hated watching as a fan and not being involved behind the scenes any more.

Luckily for me, I was asked by an anonymous twitter account that some of you may know, to come and help out at the West Ham Way pre match events.

The events are held at arguably one of my favourite places – The East Ham Working Mans Club! Us Hostess girls used to always go down there after a game, and were sometimes even joined by a few of the legends! Everyone congregates upstairs where the guys set up a stage with a sound system that blasts out all our favourite songs – don't worry, I don't decide what we play. Once you're upstairs, it's time to get yourself comfortable on one of the many tables, and take full advantage of the unlimited beer and cider from the lovely ladies behind the bar. There is also pie n mash available to buy if you are feeling peckish.

About an hour in, Mark Ward will officially announce that tickets are available to buy for the raffle and that is when me and Bekka walk around chatting to everybody and handing out the tickets! The prizes have been great every week, and with 5 winners each event it is always something to look forward to, even if it's just the banter between Wardy and the lads when he is calling out winners.

Hammerettes

Possibly everybody's favourite part of the event is when Mark Ward holds a question and answer session with a former player, where nothing is off limits- and that's just Wardy! Fans are also welcome to ask questions before getting photos and autographs (myself and Bekka are more than happy to help with the photo taking!)

After the Q&A, we officially announce raffle winners, and normally have about 30 minutes left to get the last rounds in before the coaches set off to take everybody to the stadium. The coach journey is actually one of my favourite parts of the day, but be warned I always claim the back! Last week we even had Steve Lomas jump on with us which i am sure was a little bonus for those sitting with him!

If you aren't going to the game, that doesn't matter. The Working Mans Club broadcast the game on a big screen, and after watching it there last week I can say it is a lovely atmosphere that attracts nice proper West Ham fans.

Still not convinced? I get it, I mean, who would want to meet former players, win West Ham prizes, have unlimited drinks, mingle with other fans AND get your transport covered to the stadium…

The next West Ham Way pre match event is on Sat 11 Feb with special guest John Moncur! I can already tell it's going to be a lively one. Get your tickets here: http://bit.ly/TWHWTICKET5

Daisy x

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Hammers fans involved in unsavoury scenes
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 23rd January 2017
By: Staff Writer

Seven people have been arrested in relation to incidents that occurred before, during and after West Ham United's 3-1 win at Middlesbrough. Four 'Boro supporters and three West Ham fans had their collars felt in the wake of a number of disturbing scenes and flashes of violence that occurred both in and around the Riverside Stadium. Two of the travelling supporters were arrested before kick-off for drug-related offences whilst the third, a 57-year-old man was detained on Friday night in relation to a breached banning order. As for the Middlesbrough supporters, two - aged 23 and 24 - were arrested inside the stadium on suspicion of assault and a third for disorderly conduct. A fourth man was arrested outside the stadium after the game for affray.
Meanwhile several supporters have spoken about the hostile atmosphere which greeted West Ham's 3,000 travelling fans on Saturday - with one prominent KUMB member comparing the scenes to the dark days of football hooliganism. "I saw two West Ham fans going down and 20+ kicking them on the floor," he said. "Two separate incidents within 20 yards of each other, right outside the ground. "I tried to help and it was just chaos - then was also a group [of 'Boro fans] with knives further down before you went under the main bridge towards the subway. "I must have seen half-a-dozen regular [West Ham] fans take clumps from behind. One big lump had a go at me and gave it all the 'you stabbed our fans' caper. "When i told him he was just as bad, attacking normal fans, he replied 'you aren't wearing colours, so you're fair game'."
Another travelling KUMB member also witnessed similar scenes after the game. "Me and my mate walked back to the station going behind their stand," they said. "There was a lot of shouting, punches thrown and general bravado from them. "I saw someone get slapped and was told it was one of our fans, not a bloke looking for trouble. Even some older 'Boro fans said it was out of order. All the while there were no Police in sight. "The 'Boro lot lined up across the road waiting for our lot, who by now had grouped up - but still no Plod, They only got involved when our fans got together and gave it back. "They ['Boro fans] were mostly younger lads picking on ones, twos or small numbers. They didn't have a lot of bottle when ours got together. Definitely one of the more lively aways I've been to for a while."

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West Ham turn down Dimitri Payet bid of £22.5m from Marseille - Sky sources
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 23/01/17 8:02pm
SSN

West Ham have rejected a third offer from Marseille for Dimitri Payet worth around £22.5m, according to Sky sources. A source close to the French club's president claims the bid, which Marseille believe is significant, was made in pounds sterling. West Ham, who value the player at £30m and have turned down two previous offers, consider the latest approach unacceptable. Payet has made it clear he wants to return to Marseille for family reasons and continues to train with the Hammers' U23 squad. The 29-year-old cost £10.75m when he arrived in the summer of 2015 and signed a new long-term contract in February last year. West Ham have won back-to-back Premier League games without their France international, who was the club's player of the season last year. He has scored 15 goals in 60 appearances for West Ham and was rewarded with a new five-and-a-half year deal last February.

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West Ham forward Andy Carroll to undergo scan on suspected groin problem
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 23/01/17 3:42pm
SSN

Andy Carroll will undergo a full scan this week, despite being taken off only as a precaution during West Ham's 3-1 victory at Middlesbrough. The Hammers forward scored twice at the Riverside on Saturday, but was substituted in the 67th minute with a suspected groin problem. Sky Sports News HQ understand the injury was not serious and Carroll is expected to be fit to face Manchester City at the London Stadium in the Premier League on February 1. Carroll also played down fears over the possible injury following his successful afternoon in the north-east. "I'm all good and looking forward to the next game. I haven't trained all week. I had a couple of days off in the gym," he said. "My groin is a little bit tight. I didn't want to risk anything. It was a little bit stiff so maybe that's one of the reasons it's tight."

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Andy Carroll says Dimitri Payet situation will not derail West Ham
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 23/01/17 8:36am
SSN

Andy Carroll insists the ongoing situation with wantaway midfielder Dimitri Payet will not destroy the spirit within the West Ham first-team squad. The Hammers have recorded back-to-back Premier League victories since the influential France international informed manager Slaven Bilic of his desire to leave the club. Payet has not featured in the wins over Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough and is currently training with the club's U23s, with former side Marseille yet to agree a deal to re-sign him. "Our response just proves what the lads have got deep down in themselves - our passion for football, for the manager and for our club," Carroll said. "No one player is going to destroy anything. I think the fight the lads have got, the fans standing behind us, it's all been great. "It is a very tight-knit group, the tightest it has been since I joined."
Carroll followed up his sensational bicycle kick against Palace with another two strikes in West Ham's 3-1 success at Middlesbrough on Saturday, taking his tally to four goals in his last six matches. The victory at the Riverside also lifted Bilic's men into the top half of the Premier League for the first time this season and Carroll believes the turnaround in West Ham's fortunes has been down to the spirit in the dressing room. "The atmosphere in and around the place is fantastic and that shows on the pitch," the 28-year-old added. "You go into the dressing room and the lads are laughing and joking. "It helps to bring out the best in players, as you can see because we're on a great run."

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Dimitri Payet and Ross McCormack have taken liberties - the FA should change rules to stop sulkers being paid
Players used to have to submit transfer requests if they wanted a move but now they can start throwing sickies or making ridiculous excuses - and the FA must prevent a similar situation repeating
The Mirror
BYSTAN COLLYMORE
20:00, 23 JAN 2017

The time has come for the FA to step up and make their rules relevant to 2017 to stop a Dimitri Payet or Ross McCormack situation happening again. Fifteen or 20 years ago if you wanted to leave a club you had to submit a transfer request and go on the transfer list. But that has now given way to a new phenomenon of players throwing in sickies or coming up with excuses like McCormack's that he couldn't open the gates outside his house to get out. There is no suggestion McCormack wants to leave Aston Villa but his training no-shows angered boss Steve Bruce. Agents and players have realised that by not turning up to training, staying at home, making threats or claiming the player is sick they can still avoid getting hit in the pocket. Because you lose money if you make it clear you want to leave and go on the transfer list. But this newer way you can have your cake and eat it. Clubs are fairly hamstrung when these situations crop up and a player wants to leave. All they have to do is be mardy, throw a strop and they can get a move without losing any bonus that they would lose if they handed in a transfer request. When I was playing, if you wanted to move to another club, the first step was go on the transfer list and everybody knew where they stood. I remember Pierre Van Hooijdonk doing it when he was at my old club Nottingham Forest and I was at Aston Villa at the time. I know Pierre and he felt at the time promises that had been made weren't being kept. Eventually he said 'enough is enough' and extricated himself from that situation. It is rare these days to hear about a player being transfer listed. But Pierre did that because in the Dutch football culture he came from that happened all the time. If the player was unhappy he would go on strike. Now, because of how players and agents are trying to get out of being punished, downing tools needs to be addressed and the FA needs to modify its rules to give clubs emergency permission to stop a player's wages until a resolution is found. They could set up a panel to assess a case where a situation similar to Payet or McCormack has happened. They would need to decide if - having gathered all the evidence about a player's behaviour and the circumstances ie if he was being linked with a £500,000-per-week move to China and then a week later he is sick or can't get out of his house - a standard two week fine is not enough. If it isn't they should be able to use emergency legislation to stop a player being paid. The PFA molly coddle players and back them up far too much when players are obviously taking liberties and the FA rules don't give clubs the teeth to deal with these situations. But if the rules are changed it will stop this spreading through other clubs.

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Oxford Sign West Ham Striker Martinez
oufc.co.uk
13:47 23rd January 2017
Spanish striker signs for the U's

Oxford United have completed the signing of West Ham United striker Toni Martinez on loan until the end of the season. The 19-year-old forward started his career at Valencia before a £2.4m move to West Ham last summer. He has been in great form for the West Ham Development side with a hat-trick against Wolves taking him to 12 goals from 11 appearances for the Hammers.
Head Coach Michael Appleton said: "It's an exciting signing. He has a terrific scoring record and is very highly thought of at West Ham so it is great that clubs think of Oxford United as a club where we help nurture talented young footballers and help their development. "He will certainly add some serious competition for us at the top of the pitch."

Toni told us : "This is a great opportunity at a very good club. It is an important step for me and one I am really looking forward to."
The striker is ineligible in the Checkatrade Trophy, having scored twice for West Ham against Coventry City earlier in the competition, but will be part of United's squad for the sold out FA Cup tie at home to Newcastle United on Saturday

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Seven arrests at Middlesbrough vs West Ham game including alleged stadium assault
By the end of Saturday, four Middlesbrough fans and three West Ham fans had been arrested for various reasons
BYJAMES CAIN
13:23, 23 JAN 2017

A total of seven men were arrested before, during and after Boro's Premier League clash with West Ham United at the Riverside Stadium.
Four Middlesbrough fans and three West Ham fans were arrested in and around the ground and town centre. Two West Ham supporters were arrested well before kick-off. Before they even got past the turnstiles at the Riverside, the two Hammers fans - aged 22 and 33 - were arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug. Both issued with an adult caution.
Inside the stadium – a man was assaulted leading to the arrest of two men, Middlesbrough fans aged 23 and 34, on suspicion of assault.
Both were released on bail pending further inquiries. Another Boro fan, aged 25, was arrested around the same time on suspicion of disorderly conduct. He was charged and will appear at Teesside Magistrates' Court in February. After the game and outside the stadium, a 28-year-old man - a Boro fan - was arrested on suspicion of affray. He was released with no further police action. And finally, a 57-year-old West Ham fan was arrested in a town centre pub later in the evening on suspicion of breaching a banning order.
He was charged and will appear at Teesside Magistrates' Court early in February.
In October, The Gazette reported how scenes of violence broke out following the final whistle of Middlesbrough's 1-1 draw at West Ham's Olympic Stadium. Travelling supporters described their "absolutely terrifying" experience following the game, with one Boro fan saying "all hell broke loose" when West Ham supporters broke through a cordon. Other fans also told of how bottles and coins were thrown into the away end during the game. And dozens of fans have also complained about the policing and stewarding at the ground.
Frightened Boro fans branded West Ham supporters a "disgrace to football" following unsavoury scenes after Saturday's game, which finished 1-1. Questions have been asked about the security in the London stadium since fighting broke out in the stands during West Ham's games against Bournemouth and Watford earlier this season. West Ham have been pushing for a police presence in the ground but the stadium operators, rather than the club, who are the anchor tenants, would be required to meet the financial cost.

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West Ham veteran James Collins joins in the fun at kids birthday part as he performs impressive backflip
West Ham defender James Collins posted a video of him doing a backflip
The central defender was at a children's birthday part at a trampoline centre
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic will have had his heart in his mouth watching the clip
The club are currently short at the back after losing Angelo Ogbonna to injury
By Harry Slavin For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 13:44, 23 January 2017 | UPDATED: 13:46, 23 January 2017

West Ham had plenty to celebrate at the weekend after they secured back-to-back Premier League wins with a 3-1 win against Middlesbrough. But centre back James Collins was still bouncing – quite literally – on Monday off the back of victory at the Riverside.
The Wales international, who has three children, was in high spirits at a birthday party attended by his own kids, so much so that he decided to join in the fun at the trampoline centre. Not that his manager may have approved all that much. Slaven Bilic lost Angelo Ogbonna for the rest of the season following victory over Middlesbrough after confirming that the Italy defender needed surgery to correct a knee problem. So his heart-rate might have gone up a notch had he seen his 33-year-old stalwart performing a backflip at a kids birthday party. To the manager's relief though, the defender lands his acrobatic stunt perfectly, pulling off the move with all the grace of a young Lomana LuaLua. Like his perfect landing, West Ham are also beginning to find their feet in what has proved a tricky season. The Hammers have taken time to bed into their new home at the London Stadium since their move from Upton Park in the summer, and the transfer fiasco surrounding wantaway winger Dimitri Payet has added further unrest to a difficult season. However, the players and staff have rallied in recent weeks and their win over Aitor Karanka's side have seen them move up into the top half of the table. With their new-found confidence, Collins and West Ham will be hoping to have Manchester City in a spin when they return to the London Stadium for the second time this season on February 1.

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Dimitri Payet continuing to train with West Ham U23s
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 23/01/17 1:02pm
SSN

Dimitri Payet is continuing to train with West Ham's U23 squad, with no agreement yet reached on a sale to Marseille. Reports in the national press claimed the wantaway France international had been turning up late for training and also walked out on a practice session on Sunday. Sky Sports News HQ understands those reports are inaccurate and that the 29-year-old has been following orders from the club since telling manager Slaven Bilic that he wanted to leave. West Ham have won back-to-back Premier League matches without Payet, which has lifted them into the top half of the table. Sky sources understand the Hammers have rejected two offers for Payet from his former club Marseille, including a £20m bid, and value him at £30m. Payet, who joined West Ham from Marseille for £10.75m in the summer of 2015, wants to return to the south of France because of family reasons. He has scored 15 goals in 60 appearances for West Ham and was rewarded with a new five-and-a-half year deal last February.

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West Ham still hope to complete signings of Robert Snodgrass and Scott Hogan after duo were omitted from weekend's games
KEN DYER, GIUSEPPE MURO
Evening Standard

West Ham remain interested in signing Hull midfielder Robert Snodgrass, who was left out of the squad at Chelsea yesterday with an injury. Hull want at least £10m for Snodgrass, £4m more than West Ham have offered, while struggling Crystal Palace are also reported to be keen on the former Leeds and Norwich player. The Hammers are yet to reach an agreement with Brentford for Scott Hogan, with the transfer saga set to rumble on into the final week of the window. Hogan was left out of the squad at Wigan on Saturday after manager Dean Smith said the striker has had his "head turned".
Brentford are holding out for £15m for the 24-year-old and have rejected bids from other Premier League clubs. Meanwhile, Marseille are expected to make an increased offer for Dimitri Payet. The Hammers remain reluctant to sell the France international unless the club match their valuation of £35million. Marseille's most recent offer for Payet, who wants to return to the south of France because his family are unsettled, was £26.5m which was rejected by West Ham.

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Robert Snodgrass Hull talks to be held today as Middlesbrough & West Ham interest grows
Aitor Karanka is keen to sign a winger before next Tuesday's deadline, with the Tigers winger on the club's wishlist
COMMENTS
BYJONATHON TAYLOR
11:32, 23 JAN 2017UPDATED11:37, 23 JAN 2017

Hull City manager Marco Silva will sit down with Robert Snodgrass today to discuss his future at the club. Boro and West Ham have been linked with a January move for the winger, who has rejected a new contract at the KCOM Stadium. The Hammers have seen three bids for the Scot turned down this month, while reports over the weekend claimed Boro had seen a £6m offer - rising to £8m - knocked back.
The 29-year-old did not feature for the Tigers against Chelsea on Sunday, with Silva insisting the player was ruled out through injury, and the Portuguese boss played down reports that Snodgrass had refused to play at Stamford Bridge. "He wasn't available for the game, that's all I can say," Silva said on Snodgrass' future. "It is a small injury in the knee. Nothing special but in the past the player has had problems in the knee. "I hope he will be available for the next game (against Manchester United on Thursday). I hope he will start training this week. "I hope he will not leave because he is a good player in our squad. We need to keep our good players. I don't want any important players to leave the club."

Despite his stance, Hull parted with midfielder Jake Livermore for £10m last week as the 27-year-old joined West Brom - and it remains to be seen whether the Humberside hierarchy are prepared to cash in on Snodgrass too. The player has 18 months left to run on his existing deal after Hull triggered an automatic one-year extension, but the club will loath to lose a key asset for free next summer. Asked if there had been fresh offers for Snodgrass, Silva added: "The player was not available for the game. About proposals, I don't know anything new about this. In the last days my focus was on the game and to prepare the match. (On Monday) I will talk about the player and see what has happened.

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Why Payet isn't a complete dead loss for West Ham
The French has added financial value to a club making the Irons among the sharpest dealmakers in the Premier League
The Wharf
BYGILES BROADBENT
11:44, 23 JAN 2017

Dimitri Payet may no longer be the darling of the London Stadium but he's add value to West Ham. The French was bought for £10.7million from Marseille and his likely exit – and it is likely – will probably net the Irons three times that amount. Some astute buying and talent development has added about €102million (£88million) to the value of the team's players. West Ham rank seventh in the domestic part of this value-added league compiled from research by the CIES Football Observatory with North London rivals Spurs leading the way. Tottenham have spent €274million (£236million at today's exchange rate) in transfer fees to assemble their current squad. That squad has now been valued at €799million (£689million), an increase of €525million (£452million).
That's the biggest increase in the Premier League and the second biggest across Europe's five major leagues. Only Barcelona's players have increased in value more, €586million (£505million).
Leicester's squad has increased the next most (€354million/£305million) which is the fourth biggest increase in the big five leagues.
Arsenal have the next biggest rise with €279million (£240million and sixth overall) followed by Liverpool with €237million (£204million and seventh overall) and then Southampton with €221million (£190million and ninth overall).
Manchester United and Hull are the only two Premier League sides whose players' values have actually DROPPED since they were purchased.
Hull's overall squad value is down €14million (£12million) while United's is down €18million (£15million).

Club: Increase (€m)

Tottenham: 525
Leicester: 354
Arsenal: 279
Liverpool: 237
Southampton: 221
Chelsea: 201
West Ham: 102
Watford: 84
Sunderland: 66
Bournemouth: 65
Swansea: 59
Everton: 50
Man City: 44
Middlesbrough: 38
West Brom: 37
Stoke: 36
Burnley: 24
Crystal Palace: 9
Hull: -14
Man United: 18

Meanwhile, Marseille have indicated they are no longer interested in signing Payet, who had his heart set on a return to France. The French club indicated they would pay no more than £25million for the unsettled international – but the London club believe it's just a negotiating ploy.

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Hogan's amazing Brentford bonusFeatured Image
ate: 23rd January 2017 at 11:50am
Written by: Joe McHugh

Scott Hogan will pick up a £750,000 bonus for LEAVING Brentford when he completes his £15m transfer to West Ham. That deal is expected to be completed this week with Hogan being left out of the Brentford side that lost at Wigan on Saturday. According to a report in The Sun the former Rochdale striker had a clause inserted in his Brentford contract giving him a 5% cut on any transfer fee. Hogan will also get a signing on fee from West Ham while his weekly wage will probably exceed his monthly cheque from Brentford.
With Rochdale also due 20% it means that Brentford will pick up just over £11m from the deal for the striker who has scored 14 goals in 25 Championship appearances. West Ham started bidding at £10m but after two weeks of negotiations it seems that Slaven Bilic is about to add some extra firepower to his side. With Andy Carroll already outscoring Dimitri Payet and Hogan on the way Bilic will be confident that the troubles he endured towards the end of 2016 are over with as the Hammers look to return to the top half of the Premier League table.

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Dimitri Payet latest: Marseille table THIRD bid for West Ham's wantaway rebel
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Monday, January 23, 2017

Marseille have made a third bid worth £25.8million for wantaway West Ham star Dimitri Payet, according to reports in France. The 29-year-old is desperate to leave the Hammers before the January transfer window shuts and he is refusing to play for them.
Marseille are ready to offer the attacking midfielder a route back to France, but so far they have had their opening offers of £19m and £20m rejected. That had led to speculation the French club may end their interest in Payet to pursue cheaper and alternative targets. However, according to L'Equipe, that is not the case and Marseille have in fact submitted a third bid worth £25.8m. That figure, though, is still short of West Ham's reported valuation of £29m. The Ligue 1 side remain desperate to sign Payet, who spent two years at the club before joining West Ham in the summer of 2015.

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West Ham's London Stadium 'could end up costing £1bn'
JONATHAN PRYNN

West Ham's new "white elephant" London Stadium could end costing £1 billion, a senior politician claimed today. The spiralling price of the former Olympic stadium in Stratford — almost entirely paid for by the taxpayer — is to be the subject of an inquiry ordered by Mayor Sadiq Khan. The cost of building it in time for the 2012 Games then converting it so it can be used for football and concerts has already reached more than £753 million and is still rising. Conservative London Assembly member Andrew Boff said: "As far as I can see there is no end to taxpayers' money being used to prop up this white elephant — they've been effectively given this stadium and the taxpayer is paying for it. "The money is mounting up. I wouldn't be surprised if we get rid of a billion on this thing." Mr Boff was speaking to BBC London's Inside Out current affairs show, which investigates the issue tonight. As part of its deal with the London Legacy Development Corporation, West Ham has contributed £15 million to the £321 million cost of conversion, and will pay £2.5 million a year as part of its 99-year lease to cover policing, security and other costs. West Ham have not commented directly on the criticism of the deal. However in December the club's vice-chairman, Baroness Brady, told members of the London Assembly that football clubs such as West Ham "contribute billions of pounds to the UK economy through their taxes and the way they run their businesses and the National Insurance they pay and so on. "This is not an industry that just sucks out of the system. It puts an awful lot back in." Inside Out is on BBC1 at 7.30pm

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Ghana play down malaria concerns for Andre Ayew
Published on: 23 January 2017
ghanasoccernet.com

Ghana officials have clarified Andre Ayew's health status saying the talisman has not contracted malaria at the Africa Cup of Nations.
They argue that malaria would have sidelined him for one week and could not have played in Saturday's match. But the West Ham United star was passed fit and lasted the entire duration in the 1-0 win over Mali.

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Andre Ayew defies claims of malaria to help Ghana at 2017 AFCON
Published on: 23 January 2017
http://ghanasoccernet.com/

Andre Ayew has revealed he played through the pain barrier to help Ghana beat Mali 1-0 on Saturday at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
The West Ham United star was reported ill with some quarters claiming he had contracted malaria but Ayew managed to last the entire duration. ''I wasn't feeling well. I had some temperature and therefore had little training yesterday and the day before but the medical team treated me well. I felt I could help and I gave it my all and I'm very happy we got the qualification,'' he said in a post-match interview. ''The sacrifices we are all making are paying off and make you know that hard work really pays off.'' The Black Stars who have six points in the basket have qualified for the quarter-final with one match to spare. Ayew should be available for their final Group match against Egypt.

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BEG, STEAL AND BORO - WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE ?
By HamburgHammer 23 Jan 2017 at 08:00 0 comments
WTID

Being a West Ham fan is never dull, innit ? Another win, this time a very credible away success at Middlesbrough, plenty of rumours as could be expected of course during this time of the season and yes, the yellow-bellied toad from Reunion, is still officially a West Ham player. We have signed two new players (Fonte and Holland), will lose at least one in the coming days (Calleri), there will be more transfer rumours during the week and later today the BBC will broadcast another little nugget about the Olympic Stadium on the telly, about taxpayers' money being wasted and no doubt the BBC (funded by the taxpayer too of course) will be pointing fingers at West Ham as the main culprit yet again.

But let's try and keep things somewhat organised: Quick Concordia update, my lads won another winter break friendly on Saturday afternoon (Our Kevin scored again) which I obviously couldn't attend because I wanted to watch our game as it happened, screwdriver in hand, cup of tea and a biscuit sitting ready on the living-room table. And what a thrilling game to watch it was, end to end stuff and finally a game where we created numerous chances while playing some nice free-flowing, counter-attacking football.


Just like in the Palace game it was a proper team performance and nice to see. Carroll looks fitter and hungrier than ever – and when he does he seems like he can't and won't stop scoring, but forever hovering above is his tendency to suffer yet another knock or even lengthy injury layoff. All we can do is keep our fingers crossed that he can find a way, in tandem with the West Ham physios and medical team, to keep himself sharp and healthy. His playing style however is so refreshingly passionate and all guns blazing that injuries will always be part of the Carroll package I reckon.

It'd be unfair to just single out Carroll here, the entire team did their bit to get the three points, but one has to say our bench looked incredibly thin/young again.
Yes, Calleri came on, had a decent cameo appearance and even scored his first goal for the Hammers (I'm sure he will claim it despite the deflection taking the ball into the opposite corner), but it looks like the first may also be his last as rumour has it he will fly to Las Palmas and join them on yet another loan deal after all.
Which, coupled with Carroll's tendency to get injured, Sakho's current injury absence and Browne being out on loan, means we do need a signing or two upfront.


After lengthy contract negotiations with Brentford it seemed like we had a deal agreed for Scott Hogan, but apparently West Ham or rather Bilic weren't sure about him, being concerned about his previous knee injuries, and it now looks like Watford might have stepped in, offering a better deal and more money upfront.
Then again it could all be smokes and mirrors, bluff and counterbluff, it is that time of year again after all.

Defoe may or may not come, I'm sure we are still waiting and hoping he will submit a transfer request, but I wouldn't want to bet my house on a deal happening, Defoe remains Sunderland's only hope to preserve their top-flight status this season. So we do need a striker and maybe our club are following up different options as we speak, probably even working on a quick, behind the scenes deal like we did with Jose Fonte.

That came a bit out of the claret and blue and it was done, apparently, in a fashion I find exemplary. Due to Ogbonna needing season ending surgery to repair his knee (hats off to Angelo, he played through the pain barrier all season, obviously suffering in his performances as a byproduct of carrying that injury, but still played on regardless because we needed him, now, THAT is professionalism and sacrifice, talk about taking one for the team! Take notice, Monsieur Payet!) we identified Fonte and signed him for a few million less surely, due to keeping the Ogbonna injury secret enough not to impact contract negotiations.


We now have another very solid, experienced CB who may be just the ideal partner for Reid. I'm confident Fonte has still another two or three good seasons at the top level in him and don't underestimate the fact he used to be Southampton's skipper too. It can't hurt to have a seasoned veteran like him in the side, not just for his footballing skills and reading of the game on the pitch, but also his ability to teach and lead the youngsters off it. A great signing at a reasonable price.

Talking of which I know it is unwise to get sucked into all those transfer rumours in the January window, with social media spreading rumours about bids submitted, rejected, re-submitted and so forth. It seems to be the modus operandi of our owners though to do what we all seem to criticise Marseille for in their pursuit of Dimitri Payet, insulting a selling club with lowball offers that in no way reflect the quality and skill level of the player in question.

I know I tend to be naive in many ways, however, I still think there is long-term merit in submitting realistic bids in the transfer market, showing respect and appreciation for the player and the selling club alike. I am not talking about throwing money away left, right and center or hopelessly overpaying on average players. But don't insult the other party in a potential deal by making offers that are so far off the mark that you are essentially just wasting everyone's time. As a side effect you may also cheese the player off if you merely offer a pittance to sign him as that would suggest you don't really rate the player that much anyway.


Which brings me to Payet. Apparently various sources are claiming other clubs in France have woken up to Payet's availability, Nice may be interested in an initial loan while PSG have apparently also put their nose in now. Which can only be good in terms of finally establishing a proper market for the player, if only to drive the price up to a more realistic level for Marseille who seem to remain Payet's favourite option. It would be nice to see Payet accept a bit of a compromise solution here and go to any other club in France apart from Marseille as that would make sure that West Ham get a fair transfer fee for him – I think it is what our club very much deserve for helping massively to make him the player he is today.

We'll see how things develop further in this matter. Where then do West Ham go from here, after two wins on the trot for the rest of the season ? Well, I shall make some not very bold predictions here.

a) We will not get relegated.
b) We will not qualify for European competition.
c) Andy Carroll will miss more games through injury this season.
d) We will finish the season with a positive goal difference.

Looking at those predictions one might argue we don't need to make any more signings in January at all
(I think we have just signed one for the future in England U19 midfielder Nathan Holland, an attacking midfielder from the Everton Academy). But I would warn against that approach. Surely we need to try to finish the season in a positive fashion, on a high, and climb the table as much as possible. For our summer transfer negotiations we need to ride the crest of a wave of confidence. And we need to spend.

We have seen this season that just being a Premier League team in London, playing in a massive stadium alone doesn't attract top players. It also doesn't make top players want to stay. The simple truth is, you need money, and a lot of it, to attract top players, especially if you cannot offer Europa League or CL football.


So that means that eventually our board will need to spend some serious money if they are indeed serious about taking West Ham to the next level.
I wasn't unhappy with the previous level to be honest, happy with the occasional decent cup run at the Boleyn, surviving most seasons in midtable obscurity while sometimes having an extraordinary one. But our owners, for better or worse, decided to go ahead with the stadium move. That now means that the previous level will no longer do, we need to aim higher and show ambition. And like it or not, we will only be taken seriously if we are prepared to invest in the club and the team.

Are our owners prepared to do that ? Or are we just happy enough to bumble along and avoid relegation while waiting for the filthy rich investor in shining armour, riding into Stratford on his Arabian (or Qatari) steed and make an offer to the Davids they simply cannot refuse ? I suppose our upcoming transfer dealings will give us a bit of an indication in that respect.

What do West Ham fans want, after the stadium move? I cannot and will not speak for everybody, I can only tell you what I want. For me the team is everything, playing positive attacking football, running, fighting, tackling for each other. I am not sure if we will ever be a club, stockpiling £40 million players like Chelsea, Man United or Arsenal.

Maybe that just isn't in our DNA. I like the way Bilic acts, works and conducts himself. I want him to be a permanent fixture at West Ham.

And I want him to sign the right kind of player in future, one who will give his all for the greater good of the team, who will be happy to improve the play of their teammates and make them look good on the pitch too instead of just aiming to improve his own stats. Proper team players, ideally ones who will gladly settle at our club and be happy enough to play the best football of their careers at West Ham, rather than just seeing us as a convenient stepping stone for a move to another club where the grass may be even greener than the one covering the pitch at London Stadium.

Oh, and let's see what that upcoming investigation by Mayor Khan will bring to light. Things at the stadium surely haven't gone according to plan so far, neither for West Ham nor for the taxpayer. Will an ultimate sale to West Ham be the best option financially ? Will that even be feasible ? And at what stage will West Ham fans be able to call the new place home ? There are easier questions to muse about on a Monday I presume, but at least things have picked up at our club again. Which makes everything else a bit easier as well. At least for this German Mockney…:-)

COYI!

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WEST HAM LINKED WITH LUKA MILIVOJEVIC
MICHAEL OLIVER @themikeoliver_
readWestHam

With Cheikhou Kouyate at the African Cup of Nations, West Ham are short of cover in the midfield area. According to the Daily Mail, the Hammers are in a three-way tussle to sign impressive Olympiakos holding midfielder Luka Milivojevic during the January transfer window. West Ham signed Havard Nordtveit on a free transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer to provide competition in central midfield but the Norwegian has been primarily used in defence so far this season. Pedro Obiang has stepped into a more increased role this season and has been very impressive but some extra depth wouldn't go amiss. Milivojevic joined Olympiakos from Anderlecht in a £2m deal in July 2015 and has enjoyed a great spell in Greece attracting the interest of several Premier League sides.
Sunderland are also interested in the 25-year-old, as is Hull manager Marco Silva who worked with the Serbian midfielder during his time as Olympiakos manager. Contracted until 2019, Milivojevic is valued at £13m and he's scored five goals in 16 Super League appearances for the Greek champions this season.

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David Sullivan vows to 'work around the clock' to bring signings to West Ham in January transfer window
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard

David Sullivan has vowed to "work around the clock" to secure new players for West Ham as the January transfer window enters its final days. West Ham have already made two additions in the market this month, agreeing an £8million deal for Southampton centre-back Jose Fonte and on Sunday bringing in England youth international Nathan Holland. The Hammers are expected to be among the busiest clubs in the coming days – they hope to recruit another striker and attacking midfielder with Scott Hogan of Brentford and Hull's Robert Snodgrass among their leading targets with Dimitri Payet expected to leave the club for Marseille. On the field Slaven Bilic's side have won their last two fixtures but are now out of action until February 1, when they face the Manchester City side who eliminated them from the FA Cup. Joint-chairman Sullivan hopes West Ham will have new players to choose from when Pep Guardiola returns to the London Stadium. "We will all go in to that match buoyed by our last two performances and, I hope, with further new signings, which we hope to make between now and the end of the transfer window," Sullivan wrote on the club website. "The market is challenging, but we are positive and will work around the clock to secure the right players to take us forward."

England U19 international Holland put pen to paper on a deal this week. Formerly of Everton the midfielder will join up with the Hammers Under-23 squad. "It's amazing, I'm quite gobsmacked to be honest," he told the club website. "When I first came down, [academy director] Terry [Westley] introduced me to all the staff and they were all very welcoming. They've shown a lot of faith in me and I just want to repay that and kick on. "It's all a bit of a family thing down here. Everyone is close together. It's a brilliant set up they've got and I think it will only help me improve. I think I can do that."

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MERSON: WEST HAM SHOULD CUT THEIR LOSSES WITH PAYET
ALEX NAYLER @alexnayler
ReadWestHam

The ongoing Dimitri Payet saga won't end until the transfer window does, and even then there will be inevitable rumours and speculation running well into the summer.

Payet will be absent once again as his employers travel to the North-East to face Middlesbrough this weekend, and manager Slaven Bilic has hit out at how the Frenchman has conducted himself.

It's about how you move, how you go about everything. Especially the big players, they should respect themselves in the way they go.
Payet is after a move back to France to former club Marseille, but West Ham have turned down two bids so far and are reportedly holding out for £30m.

However, reports say that the club is alarmed with Marseille's reluctance to offer more than £25m. The French side appears to be resigned to the fact that they will not be able to sign the player this window.

The antics that have ensued have angered fans and club officials alike, and haven't done any favours for Payet's already estranged reputation.

Payet is contracted until 2021, and so the club are well within their rights to keep him in the reserves after his behaviour. However Sky Sports pundit, Paul Merson believes the club should cut their losses and sell.

None of the big clubs will touch him with a bargepole after this. He's pushing 30 as well so he's got no resale value
It is not up to the player to say if the move will happen or not but whilst he is a West Ham player, it's his decision as to whether his fate lies in the first team or not.

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Andy Carroll hopes West Ham form and fitness will give him another England chance
Jason Mellor, at the riverside
22 JANUARY 2017 • 10:30PM
The Telegraph

Constant sniping about his less-than-impressive fitness record has often added insult to injury for Andy Carroll, but with a career of peaks and troughs seemingly back on an upward trajectory, his focus is on a return to the England squad rather than the treatment table.

The West Ham United manager, Slaven Bilic, described his player's talent in terms of the perfect storm, and certainly Middlesbrough were unable to weather the battering they received, as a side based on ­defensive stability looked anything but on one of the forward's more unplayable afternoons.

Since breaking through at Newcastle a decade ago, it quickly became clear that Carroll always possessed the talent to thrive at the highest level, but the question was always whether his body was up to the physical demands.

Carroll, 28, scored twice to propel West Ham into to the top half of the Premier League with a fifth win in seven games. He said: "Everyone talks about my injuries, and I can't really say that's unfair because over the years I haven't been as fit as I've wanted to be. I've got to put up with it and I want and need those injuries to be in the past so I can play for the last few years of my career injury free.

"It used to annoy me when people described me as injury prone, but how many years has it been that I've been getting that? I'm used to it and it doesn't bother me any more. I can't deny that I've been injured more than I've wanted but that's over with and forgotten about."

Only a sustained run of games and goals will help erase that unwanted status, but such is the unique threat he poses when on song that talk of an England return swiftly resurfaces after only a handful of decent performances.

More than four years after the most recent of his nine caps, he added: "Obviously, I'd love to be back in the England squad, and if the call comes, fantastic. That's what I want, but instead of looking too far in front, I'm just concentrating on West Ham."

Andy Carroll
Carroll says he would love to work his way back into the England fold CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES
Ironically for a man intent on casting off his injury-prone reputation, Carroll was substituted as a precaution against adding a groin niggle to the litany of ailments that have made him unavailable for a fortnight short of 1,000 days in the past eight-and-a-half seasons, roughly one in every three.

He had connected with the ball just twice in the Middlesbrough area in a little over an hour, but what two touches they were. The first was to head home Manuel Lanzini's corner with such authority that the imprint of his forehead probably remains on the ball. The ­second, shortly before half-time, saw him follow up to score after Michail Antonio's shot had been saved by Victor Valdés.

Asked if Carroll's best is yet to come, Bilic was emphatic. "There is no reason to think otherwise," he said. "He's a great age, he's smiling and is settled, he has got three kids and he is happy in his private life. I think he has found his peace. There is no reason why he shouldn't now enter five years of his best football.

"For the position he plays, he's got everything, you know like the movie Perfect Storm. He's tall, he attacks the ball with great timing, he's got the leap and he's fearless. The only other player I came across like him is my former Everton team-mate Duncan Ferguson. Someone asked me if Andy is still worth £35?million, but I wouldn't sell him for any amount. It's impossible to replace him, because Duncan is retired."

The hosts threatened to make a game of it when Cristhian Stuani equalised at the culmination of an eight-man move. The Uruguayan struck the bar in the second half but hopes of salvaging a point were undone by Jonathan Calleri's deflected stoppage-time effort.

In the wake of one victory in the last eight league games and the continuing fight for top-flight survival, Aitor Karanka hit out at the "small memories" of Middlesbrough supporters, many of whom had irked the Spaniard, he claimed, by demanding long-ball tactics, making for an "awful" atmosphere and then leaving early when "only three years ago this club was heading for League One". It was a harsh, needless criticism which did the head coach few favours. "We pride ourselves on being an organised side," midfielder Adam Forshaw said. "So it's gutting to concede three goals at home."

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Striking Dimitri Payet will not 'destroy' West Ham's season, says Andy Carroll
Louise Taylor
Sunday 22 January 2017 22.30 GMT Last modified on Monday 23 January 2017 00.50 GMT
The Guardian

Andy Carroll has revealed that West Ham United's players have resolved not to allow the striking Dimitri Payet to "destroy" their season and believes the squad's anger with the France midfielder is bonding them to match-winning effect. With Payet once again absent after downing tools in an attempt to provoke a transfer to Marseille, Slaven Bilic's side recorded their fifth victory in seven Premier League games at Middlesbrough on Saturday, with the near unplayable Carroll scoring twice. "Our response [to Payet's strike] just proves what the lads have got deep down in themselves," said the centre-forward, whose link and hold-up play proved of the highest quality on a day when Bilic's erstwhile star creator was not missed. "It proves our passion for football, for the manager and for our club. It's everything. No one player is going to destroy anything. The fight the lads have and the fans standing behind us has all been great. It's a very tight-knit group, certainly the tightest it's been since I joined West Ham. It's great just walking into the dressing room every morning. "The lads have always got a smile on their faces, even when the manager has dragged us in on a Sunday morning when we don't really want to be there because we're supposed to be off. Instead of being upset, we're walking in smiling. It's just a tight, tight group. We're all in one big messaging group. Everyone has an input. Everyone's chatting every day. Everyone's together and we'll have banter about absolutely anything and everything."

Payet has already been excluded from that social media messaging network and, having seemingly burnt his bridges in east London, can only hope Marseille match West Ham's valuation by the middle of next week. "We're not asking for anything crazy," shrugged Bilic, who said he had "nothing new" to report on the errant player's movements but conceded he would be "ridiculous" to say his team were better off without his talent. Although West Ham's manager also reflected that the Payet furore had galvanised his team – "Sometimes you lose something and you gain something," he said – Bilic knows that Carroll's latest return to form and fitness has arrived at an opportune moment. Middlesbrough certainly had no answer to either the ferocious header with which he gave Bilic's team the lead or the left-foot shot that restored West Ham's lead before Jonathan Calleri – on after Carroll was withdrawn with a tight groin – made it 3-1 in stoppage time.

Maintaining his substitution had been merely "precautionary", West Ham's No9 felt sufficiently emboldened to talk of both an England recall and an injury-free future. "I'd love to be back in the England squad," said Carroll. "Right now, it's important to just concentrate on West Ham but, if the call comes, fantastic. That's what I want. "Everyone talks about my injuries and I can't really say that's unfair because over the years I haven't been as fit as I've wanted to be but hopefully that's all in the past. I'm looking forward to many years of injury-free football. I'm 28 now and I want and need those injuries to be firmly in the past so I can play the last few years of my career injury-free."

Bilic trusts that Carroll's new-found off-field contentment will help achieve this aim. "Andy's very happy in his private life," he said. "I think he's found his peace, he's 100% fit and there's no reason why he shouldn't now enter his best five years of football."
Aitor Karanka's mood was somewhat less sunny. Middlesbrough's manager was not only unhappy that Hull City had rejected his £8m offer for Robert Snodgrass, the Scotland winger, but, much more contentiously, with the Riverside crowd for urging his team to attack in the closing stages.

"The atmosphere was awful," said Karanka. "They have small memories. They demanded too much. I don't know how many thousands of people were asking for long balls but it's a style we don't know how to play and the team was broken on the pitch. I was really upset. It's something we have to fix – and while I'm here we won't be playing long balls."

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Andy Carroll insists Dimitri Payet's absence won't dampen the mood at West Ham after Middlesbrough win
West Ham defeated Middlesbrough 3-1 in the Premier League on Saturday
Andy Carroll scored twice as Slaven Bilic's side claimed a deserved victory
Hammers star Dimitri Payet is yet to return since refusing to play for the club
Carroll insists the situation with Payet will not 'destroy' the spirit in the squad
By Craig Hope for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 22:33, 22 January 2017 | UPDATED: 00:39, 23 January 2017

He had just destroyed Middlesbrough with a devastating double strike, but Andy Carroll had a message for wantaway star player Dimitri Payet - 'You won't destroy us'. It is less than two weeks since Payet downed tools and demanded to leave West Ham. In that time Slaven Bilic's side have won two matches, climbed into the top half of the table and found a new leader. This felt like Carroll's inauguration as the team's commander-in-chief and he spoke as well off the pitch as he had played on it. 'No one player is going to destroy anything,' he declared. 'Our response (to the Payet situation) just proves what the lads have got deep down in themselves. Our passion for football, for the manager and for our club - it's everything. 'I think the fight that the lads have got, the fans standing behind us, it's all been great. It is a very tight-knit group, certainly the tightest since I joined West Ham. 'It's great just walking into the dressing room every morning. The lads have always got a smile on their face, even when the manager has dragged us in on a Sunday morning and we don't really want to be there because we're supposed to be off.'

Carroll and Co certainly enjoyed a well-earned day off on Sunday. They were brilliant against Middlesbrough, but it was their No 9 who made them tick. Carroll has been injury-free for two months now and his goals at the Riverside - a bullet header and predatory close-range poach - took his tally to five since his return, including his spectacular bicycle kick against Crystal Palace earlier this month. 'Everyone else has gone on about that goal, but not me,' added Carroll. 'I'm a centre forward and if I put the ball in the net off my back, my shoulder, my backside, an overhead kick, whatever, it comes up on the scoresheet as 'Andy Carroll' - and for me that's all that matters.' It was six years ago next week that Carroll joined Liverpool from Newcastle in a British record £35million transfer. Twenty-three of Andy Carroll's 48 league goals have been headers. Would Bilic sell him for that amount now?
'I wouldn't sell him for no money. No, no, no, no, no money,' he replied, emphatically. 'It's impossible to replace a player like that - because Duncan Ferguson has already retired!'
Bilic became even more animated as he continued: 'You know the movie 'The Perfect Storm', Andy is the only one who has that, he's got everything - it is God. Tall, attacks the ball, great timing, fearless, the leap, everything. 'There is no reason to think his best years aren't still ahead of him because he is a great age (28). 'He is totally happy, he is smiling, he is settled down, he has got three kids and he is very happy in his private life. I think he has found his peace. There is no reason why he shouldn't now enter five years of his best football.' There is no doubt that Saturday was an example of Carroll at his very best. For West Ham and Bilic, long may it continue.

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Andy Carroll targeting England return after good spell of form for West Ham
The powerful frontman has scored five from seven Premier League starts this season
Martin Hardy @mhardysport
The Independent Football

"I'd love to be back in the England squad," said Andy Carroll, back in his native North East, getting on for near enough six years since he became the nation's most expensive footballer. He was stood in a corridor near to a side exit at the Riverside Stadium, but there was no need to hide from the limelight. Carroll, now 28, spoke of his frustration with the injury prone tag that has blighted large spells since the end of January 2011, when he flew off from Newcastle's training ground in a helicopter for £35 million, to Liverpool. It has been stop start ever since, but he is fit now, however; football's renaissance man ready to fulfil the potential that, on his day, renders the six foot five inch powerful forward largely unplayable.
A victory that took West Ham up to tenth place in the league table, two more goals, one a true throwback to a time when centre forwards looked differently in England, took his tally from seven Premier League starts this season to five. People had spent a week digesting the flying volley against Crystal Palace before he terrorised Middlesbrough's defenders. There seemed a collective sigh from those in red shirts when he was withdrawn with 23 minutes remaining for a groin niggle he and Slaven Bilic insisted was nothing to worry about. In the immediate afterglow, his manager was making reference to God, and the film, the Perfect Storm and about the next five years of Carroll's career being the best, about a player he believes is unstoppable.
Bilic insisted that the player finding a happy place in his life, settled in London with his partner and three children was also important, but the North East air, misty, sullen and almost claustrophobic as it hung over Teesside, seemed to help. Carroll almost looked 21, but for an overgrown beard.
"Everyone talks about my injuries and I can't really say that's unfair because over the years I haven't been as fit as I've wanted to be," he said. "That's just what it is. I've got to put up with it and hopefully that's all in the past. I'm looking forward to many years of injury free football. "I'm 28 now, so I want and need those injuries to be firmly in the past and I can play for the last few years of my career injury free. It used to annoy me when people described me as injury prone, but how many years has it been that I've been getting that? I'm used to it. It doesn't bother me any more. I can't deny that I've been injured more than I've wanted to be but that's over with and forgotten about.

"For the first goal I managed to lose my man and had a free run on it. I knew straight away with that connection that it was going in the back of the net. I haven't got a target on goals. It's just a case of keeping myself fit and working hard but obviously I'd love to be back in the England squad.

"Right now, it's important to just concentrate on West Ham. If the call comes, then fantastic. That's what I want, but instead of looking too far in front, I'm just concentrating on West Ham."

Carroll, whose second was from close range, on a rebound, spoke of a flourishing team spirit that has helped revive his and his football club's season. He spoke of Dimitri Payet and his possible departure being something the team could handle.

"Our response just proves what the lads have got deep down in themselves, our passion for football, for the manager and for our club," he added. "It's everything. No one player is going to destroy anything. I think the fight that the lads have got, the fans standing behind us, it's all been great.

"It is a very tight knit group, certainly the tightest it has been since I joined West Ham. It's great just walking into the dressing room every morning. The lads have always got a smile on their faces, even when the manager has dragged us in on a Sunday morning when we don't really want to be there because we're supposed to be off. Everyone is together and we'll have banter about absolutely anything and everything."

Bilic could not have enthused more about the centre forward and his impact.

"He is the only one that's got that, you know, the movie Perfect Storm, he's got everything," said Bilic. "It is God. Tall, they attack the ball, great timing, fearless, the leap, everything, they have got everything.

"I wouldn't sell him for no money. No, no, no, no, no money. It's impossible to replace a player like that.

"There is no reason to think other than the best is yet to come. He is a great age, he is totally happy, he is smiling, he is settled down, he has got three kids and he is very happy in his private life. He is happy with us and I think he has found his peace. There is no reason why he shouldn't now enter five years of his best football."

Carroll was asked if he had enjoyed the crashing header that set his side on the road to their 3-1 victory at Middlesbrough as much as the scissor kick. "A goal is a goal, isn't?" he replied. "Everyone else has gone on about that goal, but not me. I'm a centre forward and if I put the ball in the net off my back, my shoulder, my backside, an overhead kick, whatever, it comes up on the scoresheet as 'Andy Carroll'.

"For me that's all that matters."

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No one player is going to destroy anything' - Carroll shrugs off Payet saga
Jan 23, 2017 01:01:17

Andy Carroll insists the uncertainty surrounding Dimitri Payet's future at West Ham will not be allowed to "destroy anything". The France international has expressed a desire to move on during the January transfer window and is currently refusing to play for the club as he holds out for a switch. The Hammers have fared admirably without him, though, claiming back-to-back victories over Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough. They have plenty of cover in the creativity department and have rebuilt confidence at London Stadium following a shaky start to the season in a new home. That bond will not be broken by one disgruntled individual, with Carroll adamant that Payet's actions are not a distraction to those still fully committed to the club. He said after netting twice in a 3-1 victory over Boro: "No one player is going to destroy anything. "Our response [to the Payet situation] just proves what the lads have got deep down in themselves. Our passion for football, for the manager and for our club - it's everything. "I think the fight that the lads have got, the fans standing behind us, it's all been great. It is a very tight-knit group, certainly the tightest since I joined West Ham. "It's great just walking into the dressing room every morning. The lads have always got a smile on their face, even when the manager has dragged us in on a Sunday morning and we don't really want to be there because we're supposed to be off."
While Hammers boss Slaven Bilic is bracing himself to lose one prized asset, he has been quick to point out that in-form Carroll is going nowhere, with it his opinion that a man who once cost a British record £35 million has become a priceless commodity. He said: "I wouldn't sell him for no money. No, no, no, no, no money.

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Tony Cascarino: West Ham should sign this striker
WEST HAM should sign out of work striker Robbie Keane says Tony Cascarino.
By Joel Watson / Published 23rd January 2017

The Republic of Ireland legend is a free-agent after leaving MLS side LA Galaxy when their season finished. And he's been linked with a host of Championship sides as he looks to resume his playing career in Britain. But former Ireland star Cascarino says Keane still has something to offer a top flight club. THE transfer window is open - which means West Ham will once again be linked with any striker who has ever pulled on a pair of footy boots. "Having been away from home from so long, living closer to Dublin will also appeal to him and his family," he told the Irish Sun. "The Ireland legend also looks after himself so he is a 'young' 36-year-old and he was never a frontman who relied on his pace. "If I was at West Ham, who are desperate for a striker, or a relegation-threatened Prem side, I would be wondering, 'Why not?' "Signing Robbie until the end of the season is virtually no risk. "He could get you the four or five goals that keep you up. "If I am wrong and Robbie is not up to top-flight standard anymore, he will still train well and will be good around the dressing room."

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