Daily WHUFC News -

Superb effort by U17s in Germany
WHUFC.com

Jeremy Ngakia scored the fastest goal in the Wiesbaden Liliencup's 25 year history as West Ham United's U17s finished third at the indoor tournament in Germany at the weekend. The prestigious competition takes place near Frankfurt and the Hammers travelled to the tournament for the very first time. Their group featured U18 regulars Conor Coventry, Ben Johnson and Reece Hannam, and the young Irons showed their class from the get-go. The Hammers were drawn in a group along with Young Boys (Switzerland), SV Darmstadt, SV Wehen Wiesbaden, Mainz 05 and Schalke 04 (all Germany).
Despite playing on German soil and against an array of well-supported German teams, the U17s swept the floor with their opponents, only dropping points in one match throughout the whole group stage. They topped Group B with 13 points ahead of Young Boys, who the Hammers beat 2-1 in a match that will be remembered for Ngakia scoring the fastest goal in the tournament's history. The Group B winners set up a semi-final against Group A runners-up Hamburg, but were unfortunately beaten 2-1 in a close fought contest. However, the Hammers ended the competition on a positive note, thrashing Young Boys 3-0 in the third place match.

Our congratulations goes to all the U17 players and staff for their fantastic achievements!

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Harewood - I couldn't wait to get my shirt off!
HUFC.com

West Ham United defeated Middlesbrough on Saturday - as they did in 2006 FA Cup semi-final
Marlon Harewood was the Hammers' match-winner at Villa Park eleven seasons ago
The former striker reminisced over that unforgettable campaign on a recent visit to London Stadium

If you ask any West Ham United supporter to list their cult heroes, the name Marlon Harewood will appear high on many of them. The whole-hearted centre forward enjoyed three-and-a-half eventful seasons with the Hammers, reaching two Play-Off finals and one FA Cup final and causing a touchline scuffle between then-manager Alan Pardew and Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger. The Hampstead-born striker moved to east London in November 2003 after five seasons scoring regularly for his first club Nottingham Forest, with the £500,000 fee paid by Pardew turning out to be one of the many bargains of his successful reign. In 2004/05, Harewood banged in 23 goals in all competitions to help the Hammers to promotion back to the Premier League. The following season, his extra-time strike against Middlesbrough took Pardew's side through to the Club's first FA Cup final in 26 years.
In November of the same year, 2006, the forward's last-gasp goal scored a much-needed 1-0 win for the struggling Hammers over Arsenal at the Boleyn Ground. With the mounting pressure on him momentarily lifted, Pardew celebrated wildly along the touchline, angering Wenger to such an extent that the pair engaged in some unsavoury handbags.
In spring 2007, Harewood lost his starting place as Pardew's replacement Alan Curbishley opted for a front pairing of Carlos Tevez and Bobby Zamora, and in July the likeable frontman was sold to Aston Villa for a £4m fee. A decade on, the 37-year-old has recently hung up his boots after completing a career spanning 12 clubs, including Chinese outfit Guangzhou R&F and non-league Nuneaton Town, and is concentrating on his successful luxury car business AC13 Premier, providing eye-catching wheels to footballers up and down the country.
Earlier this month, Harewood was back in east London as a guest of the Hammers for the Emirates FA Cup tie with Manchester City, where he and former strike partner Dean Ashton caught up with West Ham TV presenter Chris Scull. "The FA Cup semi-final back in 2006 was an amazing day, wasn't it?" Harewood recalled. "It was an amazing day for me and for the team as well. Helping the lads to get to the final by getting that goal was a great achievement for me and for the team that year. "I couldn't wait to get my shirt off to celebrate!"

Unfortunately for Harewood, his memories of the final as less positive, particularly when Scull reminded him of the late chance that went begging at the Millennium Stadium. Pepe Reina had tipped Nigel Reo-Coker's header onto the post and when the ball fell to a cramp-stricken Harewood, he could only slice his shot wide. It was an amazing day for me and for the team as well. Helping the lads to get to the final by getting that goal was a great achievement for me and for the team that year

A few minutes later, Liverpool were celebrating a penalty shootout victory and the Hammers were left wondering what might have been.
"It's scary how so many people all remember that moment from a 120-minute plus game!" he recalled with a wry smile. "I couldn't even walk and it's funny how people don't think about me walking, but of me missing the chance! "At that time I was just walking around the pitch because I couldn't get anywhere and we were holding out, then we had a free-kick in the last minute and everyone was in the box, the ball came over and I just tried to swing my leg, and everyone remembers that momen in my life now – especially West Ham fans, obviously! "I was usually penalty-taker and I couldn't take one because I couldn't walk! I would have loved to have taken one and hopefully I'd have scored, but you can't really tell until you've taken one to find out what would have really happened. I'd definitely have been up there."

Fast forward to the present day and Harewood was introduced to the Claret and Blue Army to a rousing reception at London Stadium.
"It's definitely an upgrade and it's nice to come here and watch the lads play," he concluded.

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Cresswell lauds attacking duo
WHUFC.com

Aaron Cresswell hails the form of Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll
Attacking duo have been in outstanding form for West Ham United in recent weeks
Hammers are on a run of five wins in their last seven Premier League matches

Aaron Cresswell says Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll are showing the form every West Ham United player knows they are capable of.
Argentine Lanzini has revelled in the No10 role he has filled in the Premier League wins over Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough, scoring once against the Eagles and assisting twice at Boro. The left-back has thoroughly enjoyed watching the former River Plate starlet in action and has backed him to continue his form when Manchester City visit London Stadium on Wednesday 1 February. "We always knew Manu was capable of that, and we saw it last season as well," Cresswell confirmed. "We know the whole team had a bit of a dip in the first ten games of this season but he is starting to show what he showed last season. "Hopefully for us he will continue that, take the No10 role and take chances and make chances."

Another player who has been in unstoppable form in recent weeks is Carroll, scoring five times in ten appearances since his return from a knee injury in December. Like everyone else in the Hammers' dressing room Cresswell has been delighted for the popular No9 and observed that the recent upturn in form has coincided with a strong team spirit in the squad. Andy has been fantastic since he has come back from injury and has been one of the most important players in our team," the No3 observed. "If he keeps scoring, hopefully that can keep pushing us up that table."

"We've got five wins in the last seven games which is very positive and if we keep that up, we'll be further up that table come the end of the season. All we can do as professionals is do our job and do it well for the Club and the lads we've got in that dressing room will do that. "Manchester City one of the toughest teams to play against and it was obviously disappointing to go out of the FA Cup the way we did, but we want to rectify that and put things right."

While Manchester City have beaten West Ham in both previous meetings this season – 3-1 in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium in August and 5-0 at London Stadium in the Emirates FA Cup third round ea lier this month – Cresswell says confidence is high ahead of next week's fixture after victory at Middlesbrough. "That's back-to-back wins, which is not easy," he observed. "We did it over Christmas when we got three wins after a draw, so it's always positives and always puts you up the league, so we want to keep the positivity around the place and keep doing that and we'll be OK. "We played some good stuff in the first half on Saturday and, in some ways, it was disappointing not to score more than two. That said, Andy scored just before half-time, which always helps, and then we managed to get the third goal late on and kill the game off."

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Chelsea match moved
WHUFC.com

West Ham United can confirm that the Premier League fixture with Chelsea at London Stadium will now be played on Monday 6 March at 8pm.
The match has been moved to be broadcast live on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, with the derby set to capture the imagination of football fans the world over. The Hammers and the Blues have met twice already this season, with Antonio Conte's side securing a controversial 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge in the reverse fixture in August, before Slaven Bilic's side edged a thrilling EFL Cup fourth-round tie by the same scoreline in Stratford in October. In all, the two London clubs have met 41 times in the Premier League, with Chelsea holding the overall edge with 23 wins to West Ham's eleven, with seven draws. Last season, the Hammers scored a memorable 2-1 win over the Stamford Bridge club on their final visit to the Boleyn Ground in October 2015, when Mauro Zarate and Andy Carroll scored the goals. Ticket details for this fixture will be announced shortly on whufc.com.

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Here to help
WHUFC.com

London Stadium stewards are settling into life at West Ham United's iconic new home
Many stewards are Hammers fans who previously worked at the Boleyn Ground
Among them are school secretary Helen Matthews and sales adviser Naveed Zahid

Every London Stadium matchday, around a thousand committed stewards give their all to ensure supporters experience a safe and enjoyable visit. The team is drawn from across east London and beyond, from all backgrounds and occupations, but all have two goals in mind – customer service and crowd safety. Employed by stadium operator London Stadium 185, stewards are involved in a wide variety of roles, working on the turnstiles, in the general admission and corporate seating areas and Club London lounges and bars, tunnel and dressing room areas and outside the Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Andrew Bracken is an experienced crowd safety professional and one of a group of outstanding safety officers employed to train and manage London Stadium's stewards. The 33-year-old from north London has enjoyed watching his team grow and settle into life at London Stadium as part of the West Ham family.
"Our staff here have a two-pronged approach – there is a customer service element and a crowd safety element – and they are the only things a steward is responsible for," he explained. "Primarily, it is a customer service role and hopefully the crowd safely element is not required. "If we can be helping customers get to their seats and helping them deal with any queries that they have, particularly in a new stadium like this, that's what we want them to do."

Bracken explained every steward is fully trained and either has, or is working towards, the NVQ Level 2 Certificate in Spectator Safety. "In terms of inclusivity, literally anyone and everyone, male or female, can work in what is a customer service role", explained Bracken "It's nice to have a diverse team drawing people from all over east London and offering everything great about the local area."

Six months on from moving into London Stadium, Bracken believes the stewards – like the supporters – are starting to feel at home.
"I think we've come on leaps and bounds," he confirmed. "At the start we had the same psychological barriers to overcome as the supporters moving into a new venue which we weren't used to. "It took time to bed in, but the fans have started to settle in, as have the staff. We're starting to build that rapport that the fans and stewards had at the old ground. Hopefully, that familiarity will breed friendship."

Many of the thousand-plus enthusiastic stewards – the number varies based on a number of match-specific factors – have travelled with West Ham from the Boleyn Ground to London Stadium. Among them are school secretary and mother Helen Matthews and London City Airport sales adviser Naveed Zahid. Both are enjoying their new home and encouraged other Hammers fans to join them in caring for the needs of their fellow supporters. "I come from a family of West Ham supporters and lived locally to the ground in Plaistow, the job was advertised and I've now been stewarding at the Club for 15 years," Matthews, 52, revealed. "I enjoyed it at Upton Park and I've been doing it ever since. "We have a great relationship with the fans and some of them have even invited me to their weddings and send me Christmas cards! It really is a good job and a fun job. "Crowd safety is the main priority, as is making sure the fans have the best-possible experience when they come to the match, whatever the result. "As long as you know nothing untoward has happened in your area and the fans have had a good experience and will enjoy coming back, you can go home happy and take real satisfaction from the job you have done."

Zahid may be just 23, but he has already been stewarding at Hammers matches for seven seasons, and is looking forward to doing so for many more years to come. "I really enjoyed my role as a steward at Upton Park and am enjoying it at London Stadium too," he said. "It's a very good opportunity to take on, as you gain a lot of experience from it and can learn a lot from your supervisors and managers. "I've done my NVQ Level 2 and have an SIA (Security Industry Authority) Licence and am working towards my Level 3 to become a supervisor and then take on a full-time role. "I enjoy every matchday, getting to know people and the fans. I see a lot of the same people from Upton Park and it's been pleasurable getting to know them again at London Stadium. "I'm watching the crowd rather than the game, but I do enjoy seeing myself on Match of the Day!"

*If you are interested in becoming a London Stadium matchday steward, please email supporterservices@westhamunited.co.uk for information about how to apply.

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West Ham and Burnley have Robert Snodgrass bids accepted by Hull - Sky sources
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 25/01/17 10:20pm
SSN

West Ham and Burnley have bids accepted for Hull City's Robert Snodgrass, Sky sources say. West Ham, Burnley and Middlesbrough have all been bidding for the Scotland international since the transfer window opened, and the Clarets were successful with an offer of around £10m on Wednesday. The Hammers responded by raising their own offer - a third - which was accepted by Hull later in the day. Sky Sports News HQ understands Middlesbrough's current offer also totals £10m but is structured differently to the new bid from Burnley. Snodgrass is Hull's top scorer this season, with nine goals in all competitions, and was on target in the 1-1 draw with Burnley at Turf Moor back in September. Hull activated an option to extend the 29-year-old's contract in December, and his current deal is now due to expire in the summer of 2018. The club's new head coach Marco Silva has been busy adding to his squad since his arrival in the first week of January and sources say the club are looking to bring in four or five additional new players before the window shuts. Evandro Goebel has joined on a permanent deal from FC Porto, while Oumar Niasse and Omar Elabdellaoui have signed on loan from Everton and Olympiakos respectively. And on Monday, Silva was able to complete the signing of winger Lazar Markovic from Liverpool on loan for the rest of the season. They have also allowed Jake Livermore to join West Brom for a fee in the region of £10m, while goalkeeper Allan McGregor has signed for Cardiff on loan.

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Manuel Lanzini can become West Ham's main playmaker, says Aaron Cresswell
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 25/01/17 3:16pm
SSNHQ
Aaron Cresswell has praised Manuel Lanzini for his recent good form and backed the Argentine to become West Ham's main playmaker.
The Hammers have won back-to-back Premier League matches without wantaway midfielder Dimitri Payet, who is currently training with the club's U23s as negotiations continue over his proposed return to Marseille. Lanzini has stepped up in the France international's absence, scoring in the 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace and providing two assists in last Saturday's 3-1 at Middlesbrough. "We always knew Manu was capable of that, and we saw it last season as well," Cresswell told the club's website. "We know the whole team had a bit of a dip in the first 10 games of this season but he is starting to show what he showed last season. "Hopefully for us he will continue that, take the No 10 role and take chances and make chances."
Cresswell also praised fit-again Andy Carroll after the forward followed up his sensational bicycle kick goal against Palace with another two strikes at the Riverside. Carroll returned from a three-month lay-off with a knee injury in December and has featured 10 times for Slaven Bilic's side, scoring five times. "Andy has been fantastic since he has come back from injury and has been one of the most important players in our team," Cresswell added. "If he keeps scoring, hopefully that can keep pushing us up that table."

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Peter Odemwingie sides with Dimitri Payet in his dispute with West Ham
Last Updated: 25/01/17 1:28pm
SSN

Peter Odemwingie believes football supporters show no loyalty to players let go by clubs and has sided with Dimitri Payet in his dispute with West Ham. Payet is currently attempting to force through a move back to the former club Marseille and has been training with West Ham's U23s since informing manager Slaven Bilic of his desire to leave. Odemwingie infamously attempted to secure a Deadline Day switch from West Bromwich Albion to Queens Park Rangers in January 2013, which saw him drive to Loftus Road despite no fee being agreed between the clubs. He was subsequently disciplined by the Baggies for his actions, but did return to first-team action under then-manager Steve Clarke before sealing a move to Cardiff City In September 2013. "Personally, I will always take the side of the player because you can't go against the club, you are just an individual," the 35-year-old, now of Rotherham United, told Premier League Daily. "You will get to a stage where if the club chooses to move you, sometimes a club gets a transfer list of players they don't want, but fans don't stick up for those players who the club said they did not want. "They are showing no loyalty to those players that maybe came back from injury and all they think is that they want to go for better players. Fans don't talk about players that the club has moved on. "Every individual has a choice to make for himself and it's his own decision. "In the case of Payet, he has done well for the club, they are not making any losses and a good judgement has to be made because Slaven Bilic said last week this situation is not good for anyone."

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Marseille tell West Ham they will pay no more than £25m for Dimitri Payet
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 25/01/17 12:24pm
SSN

Marseille have told West Ham they will not pay more than £25m to sign Dimitri Payet, Sky Sports News HQ understands. Sky sources understand a split has emerged between Marseille officials, with some wanting to abandon their pursuit of the 29-year-old and some still keen to continue negotiations with West Ham. A source involved in the negotiations has told SSNHQ that it is looking more likely the French club's pursuit of Payet will go to Deadline Day when they will try and take the France international on loan.
Payet has been training with West Ham's U23s since informing manager Slaven Bilic of his desire to leave the club before the close of the January transfer window. The Hammers have rejected three bids for Payet from his former club, the last of which was worth £22.5m, 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. West Ham have won back-to-back Premier League matches without Payet, which has lifted them into the top half of the table.

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Rangers in advanced talks with West Ham over Reece Oxford loan
By Andrew Dickson
Last Updated: 25/01/17 1:24pm
SSN

Rangers are in advanced talks to sign West Ham defender Reece Oxford on loan until the end of the season, according to Sky sources.
The centre-half, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, recently signed a new deal with the Hammers tying him to the London Stadium until the summer of 2021. He could now join Mark Warburton's squad as Rangers push for a second-place finish in the Scottish Premiership and success in the Scottish Cup. Before signing his contract last month, Oxford had been linked with a move away from West Ham and Manchester United were among those credited with an interest in him. Oxford became West Ham's youngest-ever first-team player at the age of 16 years and 198 days when he started their Europa League qualifier against Andorran side FC Lusitanos in July 2015. He went on to make a total of 12 appearances for the club in 2015/16 and became the second youngest Premier League player of all time as he impressed in a 2-0 win at Arsenal. This season his outings have been more limited - he has played only twice at senior level - but he has just recovered from an ankle injury. Oxford, an England U20 international, will become Rangers' third loan signing of the January transfer window if he moves following the arrivals of Jon Toral from Arsenal and Bournemouth midfielder Emerson Hyndman.
The teenager would compete for a starting berth with Clint Hill, Danny Wilson, Rob Kiernan and Philippe Senderos.

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Mauro Zarate returns to the Premier League with Watford
Date published: Wednesday 25th January 2017 3:33
Mauro Zarate West Ham TEAMtalk

Watford have signed Argentinian forward Mauro Zarate from Fiorentina, the club have announced. The 29-year-old has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal from the Serie A outfit where he has scored four goals in nine starts this season. Zarate returns to the Premier League following previous spells with West Ham, QPR and Birmingham.

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West Ham United considering Glasgow Rangers' approach for Reece Oxford
Aiden Cusick

Glasgow Rangers boss Mark Warburton is trying to land the West Ham United defender on loan. Glasgow Rangers have made a loan enquiry for West Ham United's Reece Oxford, according to the Daily Mail. And it is claimed the Hammers are mulling over whether or not to allow the teenage defender to move to Ibrox on a temporary basis. Rangers have already acquired two loan signings from English Premier League sides this month, with Emerson Hyndman and Jon Toral arriving from Bournemouth and Arsenal respectively. And with the pair both midfielders, it is likely that the versatile Oxford is being earmarked for a central defensive role by Gers boss Mark Warburton. Oxford burst on to the scene on the opening day of last season, impressing in West Ham's 2-0 win at Arsenal at the age of 16. Now 18, the England youth international is yet to feature in a Premier League fixture this season, but remains part of the Hammers' long term plans having signed a new four-and-a-half year deal in December.

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Dimitri Payet's transfer standstill is holding up a complex chain of moves affecting at least five clubs
The Frenchman's protracted departure is affecting clubs at home and abroad, as well as up and down the football pyramid
Jack Pitt-Brooke @jackpittbrooke
The Independent Football

Negotiations between West Ham United and Marseille for Dimitri Payet has created a chain of transfers that cannot be completed until Payet is sold. The chain leads through the Championship all the way down to Coventry City, currently at the bottom of League One.

Payet has made no secret of his desperation to return to Marseille for family reasons. West Ham accept that a sale is the best option for all parties but they have not yet received an offer anywhere near their valuation from the French club.

Marseille have made three bids for Payet so far, the third of which was just under £23million. West Ham's initial asking price was £35m, far beyond Marseille's reach, but there is now confidence in France that West Ham will sell for somewhere just above £25m. Marseille are in no rush, though, and want to push West Ham all the way until the end of window to get the best deal for the player they sold to West Ham for £10.7m in 2015.

But until Payet is sold to Marseille, West Ham are reluctant to close the deal for Scott Hogan, the Brentford forward they are chasing. West Ham and Brentford have agreed a basic fee close to £12m but are still haggling over add-ons that could take the total deal closer to £15m. No deal between the clubs has been reached yet but Hogan has been left out of Brentford's side recently in expectation that it will.

Brentford have already lined up the players they want to sign when Hogan is sold. Dean Smith wants more talented youngsters in his side so has targeted Sergi Canos, so impressive at Griffin Park last year, and Ben Stevenson of Coventry City. Norwich City will sell Canos for £2.5million, the fee they paid for him, but Brentford cannot make a formal bid until they have the Hogan money. Canos would like to return to Brentford, but Leeds United are also keen.

Brentford made two bids of £500,000 and £1m for Stevenson at the start of the month and wanted the deal done quickly. Coventry were initially looking for £1.5m but now that they know Brentford are likely to sell Hogan, they want closer to £2.5m for their most talented youngster.

The likelihood is that all four deals will be completed by the end of the month although Payet will have to be sold for the rest of the deals to happen, leaving Brentford, Norwich and Coventry waiting.

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Rangers make enquiry about a loan for West Ham defender Reece Oxford
Sportsmail understand Rangers made contact with West Ham this week
West Ham consider Reece Oxford to have tremendous potential
Slaven Bilic has said Oxford has the ability to become a world class player
By Riath Al-Samarrai for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 12:02, 25 January 2017 | UPDATED: 12:04, 25 January 2017

Rangers have made contact with West Ham in a bid to take defender Reece Oxford on loan until the end of the season. Sportsmail understands an enquiry was made this week and is being mulled over by West Ham, who see tremendous potential in the 18-year-old but have been unable to give him game time this season. Slaven Bilic has previously stated his belief that Oxford will go on to become 'world class' and it is known that Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal monitored him before he was handed a four-and-a-half year deal on his birthday in December. But an ankle injury kept him out for two months this season, with the centre-back appearing only in the Europa League qualifiers at the start of the campaign. He made West Ham's bench three times in January, but is yet to play in a league game this season. Rangers now hope West Ham will be tempted to let Oxford leave temporarily this month to gain some playing time. Speaking in December, after West Ham extended Oxford's contract, Bilic said: 'I really believe he has got everything. 'On paper he has all the abilities to become a world-class player and it is now up to him to train hard and for us to manage him well for him to fulfil it.' Oxford was the second youngest player to start a Premier League match when he made his competitive debut against Arsenal, aged 16, at the start of last season.

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West Ham unlikely to match £10m Robert Snodgrass fee agreed between Hull and Burnley
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard

West Ham are not expected to match the roughly £10million fee agreed between Burnley and Hull for Robert Snodgrass. The Scottish winger has been at the centre of a bidding war involving several Premier League clubs, including the Hammers, who saw a £6m bid rejected earlier in the transfer window. Bournemouth, Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace have also been linked with Hull's top scorer but Standard Sport understands that interest in Snodgrass has cooled at the London Stadium since West Ham saw their second bid rejected. Sofiane Feghouli's improved form at least partly explains why West Ham may have moved on from Snodgrass, who would be competing with the Algerian for a wide berth in Slaven Bilic's side that can also be filled by Michail Antonio, Andre Ayew and Manuel Lanzini. Hull head coach Marco Silva has already made plans for life without Snodgrass, bringing in Lazar Markovic on loan from Liverpool. Snodgrass will not feature for Hull in tomorrow's EFL Cup semi-final against Manchester United.

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Leave him to rot' - Rio Ferdinand slams Dimitri Payet for 'lack of respect' to West Ham
The former Hammers and Manchester United man has had his say on the Frenchman's behaviour
BYOLIVER HARBORD
10:52, 25 JAN 2017
Football.London

Former West Ham defender turned pundit Rio Ferdinand has launched an extraordinary tirade on wantaway midfielder Dimitri Payet.
The Frenchman still remains in east London following three rejected bids by the Hammers from Payet's former club, Marseille, to take him back to France. It's been more than a fortnight since the 29-year-old downed tools, informing Slaven Bilic he no longer wanted to play for the club and has been banished to the U23s at Chadwell Heath ever since. In the meantime, the Hammers have won two games in a row without Payet in the side against Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough, showing that he and his toxic ways are no longer welcome. Payet has been booted out of the players' Whatsapp group and banned from the next team night out.
West Ham are expecting a fourth bid from Marseille before the transfer window shuts but with the club in no rush to sell and preferring a summer sale with a more open market, it's not a necessity that the attacking midfielder will be on his way in January.
Speaking to the Alan Brazil Breakfast Show on TalkSport, Ferdinand – who came through the youth ranks at West Ham before going on to play for Leeds and Manchester United – said manager Slaven Bilic and the club must continue to take their hard-line stance with the exile.
Ferdinand said: "If I was the gaffer there I would say, 'listen, until I get what I want for you money-wise, you can sit and rot'. That's the way I'd be. The club is bigger than any football player, and if the respect has been taken out of the situation then you've got to deal with it accordingly. "I can understand the frustration and the anger among the West Ham fans. I think every West Ham fan – or every football fan – if you gave them a chance to play for their club they would cut their right arm off to play. They can't understand why he's being paid so much money [but refusing to play]."A bit more respect is due from Payet because without West Ham, would he have gone to the Euros [last summer]? Would we all be speaking about him? And would he be on the type of money he is now? I don't think he would because West Ham gave him the platform to become what he is now. "Sometimes, not just from clubs but from players as well, there are short memories in this game. He's got to be a bit more respectful, although saying that we don't know the ins and outs of the story and what's gone on behind the scenes, so we have to reserve judgement in some capacity."

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Sofiane Feghouli admits struggling to settle but insists he won't do a Dimitri Payet at West Ham
HITC
Damien Lucas

West Ham United midfielder Sofiane Feghouli has lifted the lid on his struggles but insists he won't be doing a Dimitri Payet. France star Payet rocked the Hammers earlier this month when he told manager Slaven Bilic he would never kick a ball for the club again if they did not sell him back to former club Marseille. Payet is reportedly homesick and is desperate to return to France to be with his family who failed to settle in London. Bilic and West Ham's co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan insist Payet will only be sold if Marseille meet their valuation and he is currently training with the club's development team away from the first team squad. Captain Mark Noble, Andy Carroll and Winston Reid have all hinted the team spirit is better without Payet's brooding attitude. Results on the pitch have backed that up with back-to-back 3-0 and 3-1 wins over Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough respectively pushing the Hammers into the top half of the Premier League table. In Payet's absence one of Bilic's summer signings Sofiane Feghouli has stepped up to the plate with vastly improved performances. The skillful Algerian looked like he may be offloaded to Roma after struggling to impress during West Ham's torrid first half of the season.
And while the former Valencia man has admitted on the club's official website he has struggled to adapt to life in London, he insists his family will not be forcing him to do a Payet. "To begin with it was tough when I was struggling to be given a chance," Feghouli told whufc.com. "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."

A first league goal for the Hammers against Palace seems to have done Feghouli the world of good as he slowly rediscovers the confidence which made him a favourite at Valencia. His lack of game time saw him left out of Algeria's African Nations squad. But that could turn out to be a blessing in disguise after they were knocked out after just two games.

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IVAN PERISIC: THE MAN THAT SLAV MADE
By Zaman Siddiqui
WTID

Guest post by Aleksandar Babac

NOTE FROM ZAMAN: The author writes from a Croatian perspective on the potential signing of Ivan Perisic. He is also the creator of the largest West Ham-based Croatian Facebook page.

"I was very honoured when Slaven Bilic called me for my first international duty with the Croatian national team – it was just a month after my 22nd birthday. A month later, for my second cap, Slaven put me into the starting XI for a friendly against France. Slaven showed me that he counted on me and I will remember that moment for the rest of my life."
With those chosen words, Ivan Perisic, the world class Inter Milan left-winger, spoke about Slaven Bilic. Croatian fans and newspapers are absolutely delighted about the possibility that Slaven could line up an ambitious move for the experienced 27 year-old, who could become only the sixth Croat in the Claret and Blue jersey. He will take the place of Payet.

However, in the last few days, media from Croatia, France, and Spain have said that the move is very unlikely to take place. Internazionale Milano must sell some players in accordance with Financial Fair Play rules, and they are ready to sacrifice Ivan Perisic on whom they have already put a price tag of €40M.

But just who is Ivan Perisic? Well, he is one of the best Croatian players at the moment and is a star for Inter. This fast, powerful, and skillful left winger is very strong in aerial duels. On top of that, he is good on both feet.

Ivan was born in Split (the second-largest city of Croatia) and started his youth career in Hajduk Split… just like our very own Slav! He was just 17 when he moved to Sochaux in Ligue 1. Four years later in 2011, he was the top league scorer playing for Club Brugge at the time, and received the best player award in the Belgian Jupiler League.

After Slaven's call to the Croatian National team, Ivan established himself as irreplaceable member of the Croatian team earning 55 caps and scoring 16 goals. Under Slaven's command, Ivan participated at EURO 2012 playing in the group matches. Scoring six goals in the EURO 2016 qualifying round, Perisic become Croatia's top scorer in qualification adding two more in the tournament, which included the winner against Spain.

Bilic actually "invented" Ivan Perisic, and there is a strong bond between them. Ivan's style of play is the product of Hajduk's youth academy which he joined in 2000. At the time, Slaven was the manager of the club. Croatian fans simply adore Ivan Perisic, as well as Slav! In 2014, Croatian supporters officially gave him the Vatrena Krila – an award for the "Best and Biggest Hearted Player". In the same year, Slaven won the lifetime achievement award.

But it is not just Croatian fans who adore him. He is often booked for his rather passionate goal celebrations with the fans… and keep in mind he scores a lot of goals, so the cards do pile up! During his eight seasons spent at Clubb Brugge, Borussia Dortmund, Wolfsburg, and Inter Milan, he has scored 72 league goals in 235 matches, which statistically makes him more effective than the money-grabbing snake.

Whilst the chances of us actually signing him are slim to none, there is a sense of optimism here that Slaven will do all he possibly can to bring Perisic to the East End of London. George Dobson will have to make way with his no. 44 shirt for the new marquee signing!

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West Ham to allow bigger flags at London Stadium... but only if they are approved by club
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard

West Ham fans have been granted their wish to bring flags to the London Stadium… but only if they are approved by the club in advance.
In a meeting between vice-chairman Karren Brady and fan representatives the London Stadium match day experience was a key concern.
The club have entered negotiations with the stadium operators to allow fans to bring bigger flags to the ground; current regulations limit the size of any flag to 2m x 2m. However to have any new flag approved supporters must contact the club 72 hours in advance, with West Ham confirming in their statement on the club website that the following information must be provided:

A picture of the flag
Dimensions of the flag
Confirmation it is manufactured to British Standard and is flame retardant
Supporter's season ticket seat number

Brady also announced new measures to improve stewarding at the stadium, which experienced several high-profile cases of supporter unrest in the early months of the season. These measures include inviting all ex-West Ham stewards to work at the London Stadium and consistently deploying staff in the same area "wherever possible". "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," Brady said. "We are working with the other stakeholders to ensure that we can take real action to deal with the issues our fans have raised."

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MLS Moves: Orlando City snags Spector
by Ridge Mahoney, January 25th, 2017 1:39AM
Soccer America Daily

More than a decade after kick-starting his career with the U.S. Residency program in Bradenton, Florida, Jonathan Spector has returned to the state to play for its MLS team. Orlando City confirmed Tuesday the acquisition of Spector, 30, as a Discovery Player. He has played more than 270 league matches in England, and earned 36 U.S. senior caps from 2004 to 2015. "It's no secret we have been looking for another defender," said Lions general manager Niki Budalic in a team statement. "Jonathan brings the leadership and character we've been looking for. His experience will be a valuable asset to build a competitive squad."

The native of Arlington Heights, Ill., started his pro career with Manchester United after playing for the U.S. at the 2003 FIFA U-17 world championships in Finland. He played on loan with Charlton Athletic and represented the U.S. in the U-20 World Cup in 2005 before joining West Ham United, for which he played 115 league and cup games from 2006 to 2011. He then joined Birmingham City of the League Championship and played 179 games prior to his release this week that paved the way for him to sign with Orlando City. He had played 23 matches (22 in the League Championship) for Birmingham City this season prior to his release. "I've been playing in England for 14 years and now just sort of felt like the right time to make the move back to the States for a number of reasons," said Spector in a team press release. "For one, it will obviously be a great opportunity for me and my family, but also important is the opportunity to play in the States again.

"I've had a few different clubs there over my 14-year career thus far and I don't know, it just seems right coming back to Florida, and certainly what the ownership and Niki is doing here as well as [head coach] Jason Kreis, I spoke to him. He talked to me about the club, certainly the support of the club here from the fans and within the community. It all just kind of felt right and everything seems to be falling into place for me in this very short period of time."

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West Ham star Winston Reid looks to have aimed a not-so-subtle dig at Dimitri Payet
HITC
Damien Lucas

Kicked out of the team WhatsApp, criticised by Mark Noble and Andy Carroll, has Winston Reid now had a pop at West Ham United outcast Dimitri Payet? A forlorn Slaven Bilic told the world's press earlier this month that his talismanic Frenchman was effectively on strike and refusing to play for the club. Despite not reaching the same levels he set last season and at the European Championships with France, this term Payet has still statistically been West Ham's most creative player this season. But his attitude and application has been questioned by Hammers fans all season, long before the recent revelations that the player is desperate to force through a return to former club Marseille. Bilic, along with Hammers co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, have insisted the player will not be sold unless their valuation is met. In Payet's absence, West Ham have won back-to-back league games 3-0 and 3-1 against Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough respectively to climb to a season high 10th place in the table. It has prompted many to suggest that a brooding Payet was actually having a negative impact on the team as a whole. And now Hammers favourite Winston Reid has seemingly posted a not-so-subtle dig at the Frenchman on Instagram. The New Zealand skipper posted a picture of him and his teammates celebrating after victory on Teeside with the simple message: "Teamwork, perfect." It comes after Andy Carroll told Sky Sports that the Payet situation would not derail the team's morale and insisted no player is bigger than the club. Mark Noble also revealed his previously close relationship with Payet was no more, telling The Sun he has not spoken to him 'for weeks'.

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West Ham forward Andre Ayew denies reports he contracted malaria on Africa Cup of Nations duty
SAM LONG
Evening Standard

West Ham forward Andre Ayew has denied reports claiming he has contracted malaria while on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. Ayew plays for Ghana and is currently in Gabon representing his nation as they bid to lift the trophy for the fifth time in their history. Ghana have already booked their place in the quarter-finals of the tournament, having beaten Uganada and Mali in their opening two games. The Black Stars face Egypt in their final Group D this evening and Ayew has moved to deny incorrect reports suggesting he has been suffering from the infectious disease. "'I wasn't feeling well," he told West Ham's official website. "I had some temperature and therefore had little training for two days 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."
Ghana, who are managed by former West Ham boss Avram Grant, need to avoid defeat against Egypt to ensure they finish top of their group. Meanwhile, Ayew's fellow Hammers representative Cheikhou Kouyate will also feature in the latter stages of the tournament.
The midfielder represents Senegal, who have progressed to the quarter finals, where they will face Cameroon.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

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.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.

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