Daily WHUFC News - 16th March 2017

Young Hammers up for national accolades
WHUFC.com

Josh Cullen and Declan Rice have both been nominated for youth Ireland Player of the Year awards
They have also been called-up to their national sides for the upcoming international break
A number of other young Hammers have received call-ups

Josh Cullen and Declan Rice have both been nominated for Football Association of Ireland Player of the Year awards in their respective age groups. Cullen, currently on loan at Sky Bet League One side Bradford City, has been nominated for the U21 award and Rice, captain of the Hammers U23 side, is up for the U17 award. Both players have enjoyed a fantastic year for club and country, with Cullen flourishing on loan with the Bantams. The 20-year-old has established himself as a key part of Stuart McCall's midfield and earned a large number of man-of-the-match awards. He's also made 8 appearances for the Republic of Ireland U21s, scoring once in a win over Andorra at the end of 2015. Rice, meanwhile, has been one of the top performers for the PL2 side this season, captaining the team to the last 16 of the Premier League Cup and to a play-off position in Premier League 2. He's also played a key role for ROI's U17s, U19s and even been selected for the U21s, and the nomination caps of a terrific year for Rice. Both players have also been awarded call-ups for Irish youth sides in the upcoming international breaks. Cullen will represent the U21s as they host Kosovo in Dublin on Saturday in their first 2019 UEFA European Championship qualifier, whereas Rice is in the U19 squad for the trip to Belgium.

There are also a number of other West Ham United youngsters who have received international call-ups. Cullen and Rice's fellow Irishman Conor Coventry is currently with the U17s, as they face three Elite Qualifying round matches against Faroe Islands, Slovakia and Cyprus. Winger Anthony Scully is on standby for Ireland's U19s.

Meanwhile, Dan Kemp and Reece Hannam are on standby for England youth sides. Kemp is ready to step in for the U18s, who are on a training camp in Qatar, whereas Hannam is on standby for the U17s as they face three Elite Qualifying round matches against Czech Republic, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Martin Samuelsen, on loan at Peterborough United, has received a call-up to Norway U21s for their matches against Portugal and Russia.

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Fonte draws confidence from experienced trio
WHUFC.com

Jose Fonte confident he will soon produce his best form in a West Ham United shirt
Portugal defender drawing on experience of working under Pochettino, Koeman and Bilic
Experienced centre-half also possesses great self-belief after successful recent seasons

Jose Fonte says the experience of working under three top-class managers will help him overcome a challenging start to his West Ham United career. The experienced centre-half has tasted victory just once in his opening six Premier League appearances for the Hammers – a 3-1 win at his former club Southampton in February, where he received flak from the same supporters who, until recently, considered him a hero.
A UEFA Euro 2016 winner with Portugal last summer, Fonte spent this final four years at St Mary's Stadium under the guidance of former Argentina defender Mauricio Pocchetino and long-time Netherlands centre-half and sweeper Ronald Koeman. At West Ham, the 33-year-old is now working with former Croatia centre-back Slaven Bilic, and Fonte is confident everything he has learned from that high-profile trio of mentors will help him to produce his best form in a Hammers shirt. "It helps massively to have a coach who played in the same position as me," said Fonte, who will hope to experience his second victory in Claret and Blue when Premier League champions Leicester City visit London Stadium on Saturday afternoon. "In my last few years I've been lucky in that I've had Mauricio Pochettino, Ronald Koeman and now Slaven, so I've had the opportunity to learn from the best and I will improve however I can with him. I just want to get better. "You take anything you can from your managers, but the small details make the difference. You've got to pay attention, because when managers like them speak, they know what they are talking about. You take everything that they say and try to replicate it in the game. In my last few years I've been lucky in that I've had Mauricio Pochettino, Ronald Koeman and now Slaven, so I've had the opportunity to learn from the best and I will improve however I can with him "They were experienced managers and great players, so you've got to take what they say in. With Pocchetino, for example, we worked a lot on improving the physical aspect on the training ground, on interceptions, on playing out from the back, making the right angles, sliding across to be in the right positions all the time, and the distances between the players in the back four – small details that you pick up along the way. "With Koeman, he gave me a lot of confidence and believed in me a lot. I'm very grateful for what he has done for me. He gave me the armband when he arrived and put a lot of trust in me and that's one aspect that really helps you, because he gave me the confidence to perform. "You can see on the touchline that Slaven is very different than most managers. He is honest, direct and a football person himself. He was a centre-back himself, he has character and an aura and I'm just pleased to be working with him and learning from him. "I'm old enough now to deal with any situation. Obviously, it's nice to have the confidence of the manager and everyone, but you need to have some self-confidence and belief, because if you don't, it doesn't matter if others believe in you."

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Hammers to host DT38 Foundation Awareness Day
WHUFC.com

West Ham United to host DT38 Foundation Awareness Day at London Stadium on Saturday
Male health and cancer charity set up in memory of late Hammers striker Dylan Tombides
Day begins with 3.8-mile walk from The Boleyn Tavern to London Stadium on Saturday morning

Saturday's Premier League match with Leicester City marks the third annual DT38 Foundation Awareness Day, promoting the charity set up in the memory of late West Ham United striker Dylan Tombides.

'Dyl' was just 20 when he lost his battle with testicular cancer in April 2014 but the impact he made around Upton Park, both on and off the pitch, will never been forgotten.

And the mission of the DT38 Foundation - set-up by the Tombides family - has made great strides in tackling the stigma surrounding male health.

At the heart of their work across communities lies the message 'delay is deadly, get educated'.

The DT38 Foundation Awareness Day begins on Saturday morning with scores of dedicated supporters completing a 3.8 mile walk - sponsored by Lysis Financial - from The Boleyn Tavern to London Stadium.

Also involved today is Scott Howes, the father of Academy of Football goalkeeper Sam Howes, who is running the London Marathon for DT38 Foundation next month. During today's game, Scott will run 13.8 miles on a treadmill inside the Stadium to raise funds for the cause.

DT38 Foundation is funded by donations from sponsors and the public and from today fans have the opportunity to pledge their support by donating £3 to the cause by texting DIDGE to 70660*.

Just one of the major projects unveiled by DT38 last year was the launch of Didge, a children's book that uses Dylan's inspiring story to educate young people about the importance of health and wellbeing.

A literacy programme around Didge is now being rolled out to primary schools across east London in partnership with the West Ham United Foundation.

DT38 has also teamed up with Spire Roding Hospital to offer free testicular cancer screenings on 20 May as part of their ongoing programme to encourage more men to check or be checked for signs of the disease.

To book your free testicular cancer screening appointment, call 07568 429746 or email Armin.SABOTIC@spirehealthcare.com.

Dylan's eye for goal and natural flair saw him shoot his way through Academy of Football and come to the attention of the Australia U17 side.

It was in 2011, while representing the Joeys in the FIFA U17 World Cup in Mexico, that Dylan was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

With a determination and bravery that astounded everyone around him, he continued to train harder than ever while battling the disease.

In 2012, against all the odds and after months of grueling chemotherapy, Dylan made his first-team debut in a League Cup tie against Wigan Athletic.

Tragically, the disease returned and, on 18 April 2014, cancer took Dylan's life, but it can never take his legacy.

Dylan's mother, Tracy Tombides founded DT38 in his memory.

"The players and staff of West Ham United have done so much to support DT38 since the start and we are eternally grateful," she said. "The Hammers have played a major role in helping us begin to achieve our mission, which is to educate as many people as possible, of all ages, about the risks of testicular cancer. I am also very grateful to Scott Howes and Lysis Financial for their brilliant support today.

"This is our third Awareness Day with West Ham and there is so much going on and I'm tremendously excited about the opportunity to reach even more people with our potentially lifesaving messages.

"Early detection of testicular cancer can be the difference between life and death and as a parent who has lost a child to this horrific disease, I urge you to digest the information that DT38 Foundation is sharing about the importance of self-checking and early detection of testicular cancer."

To find out more about the DT38 Foundation visit the charity's website now.

*Registered Charity No. 1160269. You may be charged for this SMS, please check with your network provider. DT38 Foundation will receive 100% of your donation. Please obtain bill payer's permission. Non-premium charity phone line: 07775 309216.

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Angelo's World
WHUFC.com

Hello everyone,

Everything is really good at the moment and I am pleased to say that the surgery went really well. I cannot wait to get back playing again and I am taking it step-by-step and looking forward now.

The recovery will be a lot quicker than I first expected as the surgery was a big success. I just want to get back playing and to help our team.

I wish that I will play again this season and will get back as soon as possible. The time I spend with my team makes me so happy and I can feel their support.

The support around me from the team, the manager and the fans has been fantastic and I can feel that. I can work without any pressure.

The plan now is to keep my rehab going and when my knee is ready I can get back to training again.

I have to stay strong mentally and I don't have any problems with that. My behaviour will stay the same. I have a lot of good friends here and I am not alone.

It was hard for the team at the beginning of the season but we have all stayed together and we are now starting to get some good results.

Jose Fonte has been a great signing and he brings so much experience to the team. Snodgrass is the same and it is better to have players who know the Premier League. Our situation is not the same as it was two months ago.

The best targets for us in the remaining part of the season is to just take it game-by-game and not look too far ahead.

Maybe one of our problems at the start was all the expectations that were being placed on the team from outside.

It is good to have a dream, but we need to stay quiet with our expectations and just look forward to the next game.

Away from football I am loving life as a new dad. It is something completely new and a new life.

It is a good experience, not just in my life but for every new dad. It is so nice to come back from training and spend time with my son.

I will continue to work hard in my rehab and I look forward to speaking with you in the near future.

Angelo

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LUNCHTIME ROUND UP: CARROLL FOR ENGLAND? STURRIDGE LINKED WITH HAMMERS, TORE TO LEAVE
BY DAN CHAPMAN ON 15 MARCH 2017 AT 12:40PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk

Hello Hammers. Here is today's lunchtime round up.

Andy Carroll is in line for a shock England recall when Gareth Southgate names his squad this weekend. (Mirror)

I really do not want Andy to get a call up, because we all know what will happen if he does. He will go away a fit striker, and he will come back with an injury.

West Ham are the clear favourites to sign Daniel Sturridge this summer. (Football Insider)

I do not want Sturridge at West Ham. He is a good striker on his day, but he is injured way too often for my liking. He would be just a waste of money in my opinion.

Mark Noble says he is glad West Ham are back on track after a nightmare eight months. (Daily Mail)

I wouldn't say we are back on track just yet, because I still think we are capable of much more. However, we are not in the mess like we were earlier in the season.

Winston Reid has insisted that there are no attitude problems amongst the squad. (Tribal Football)

I don't think there are attitude problems as such, but I do think some players are becoming complacent too early, and we do not need that.

Gokhan Tore has confirmed that he plans to return to Besiktas in the summer. (HITC)

One of the worst signings in West Ham history. He is such an awful player and I am happy that he will be going back to Turkey.

Slaven Bilic has insisted that this season is not over for the Hammers just yet. (HITC)

The season is not over until May, and we still have a lot to play for. Every place is valuable, and we should be working hard to finish as high as possible.

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Super Mario linked with West Ham switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 15th March 2017
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are being linked with a move for Simone Zaza'a former strike partner. Mario Mandzukic has spent the last two seasons with Juventus, from whom the Hammers acquired Zaza last summer - albeit for little more than six months. However Zaza'a botched move to England hasn't deterred the Hammers from casting an eye ove the Old Lady once again, with the 30-year-old Croatian international reported to be on the hit-list this summer. The 6'3" striker could be seen as a natural replacement for Zaza or Andy Carroll, whose future at West Ham remains in the balance even though he is on the verge of an England recall.

* Elsewhere today Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is once again being linked with a move to London. This time it's the Daily Star who are suggesting West Ham are ready to spend up to £25million to lure the England international to the Olympic Stadium.

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West Ham add Sampdoria striker Luis Muriel to their summer transfer shopping list
Colombia international with 10 goals and nine assists this season has a £24million release clause in his contract
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
22:30, 15 MAR 2017

West Ham have been alerted to in-form Sampdoria striker Luis Muriel. The 25-year-old Colombia international, who's scored 10 goals and contributed nine assists in 28 games for the Italians this season, has a £24million release clause in his contract. The Hammers are hunting a proven goal-scorer to solve their problems up front once and for all. England international Andy Carroll has attracted interest from China recently. He has also, along with Diafra Sakho and last summer's club-record buy Andre Ayew, had his season badly affected by injury. The Londoners are already monitoring the situations involving Liverpool's little-used Daniel Sturridge , Chelsea misfit Michy Batshuayi, a target last summer before moving from Marseille to Stamford Bridge, and AC Milan marksman Carlos Bacca, who they have been linked with in the last two transfer windows . Italy international striker Simone Zaza , was bombed out in January halfway through a supposed season-long loan from Juventus after struggling badly and failing to score a single goal for West Ham. Muriel, meanwhile, has admitted to being flattered by the increasing interest in him. He said: "The future? I'm happy at Sampdoria, because we've won two derbies [against their city rivals Genoa] for the first time in 57 years. "But I've had several offers from Juventus, Inter, Milan and Roma in Italy, but also from abroad — in Spain and England."

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The curious case of the West Ham striker - why have they not been given a chance?
Has Bilic's stubbornness been the downfall of the Hammers?
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE

If - sorry, when - Andy Carroll is injured, it seems as though the walls are quite literally falling in at West Ham. "Why haven't we signed a striker?" "Where are our other strikers?" "Boy, we really could do with a striker right now."

Those are the kind of things we are used to hearing this season when the big number nine hasn't been available for selection. But there are other strikers at the club but they are not seeing any game time whatsoever - Ashley Fletcher and Jonathan Calleri.

Both were brought in by Slaven Bilic in the summer but have barely featured for the Hammers first team, with both more often than not plying their trade for the U23 PL2 team.

When Carroll has been injured, we've seen Michail Antonio get the nod in a central striker role, with Fletcher and Calleri warming the bench.

Fletcher was handed the start away at Manchester City way back in the early stages of the season and Calleri bagged a handful of substitute appearances without scoring. Both, during their time on the pitch, have looked at the very least capable, if not outstanding.

Both should have been given more of a chance this season to stake their claims as an alternative to Carroll, with West Ham struggling in the goalscoring department all season.

But, manager Slaven Bilic has thought otherwise, preferring to use Antonio and nigh-on ignoring Fletcher and Calleri.

These are strikers who have scored goals at former clubs but since they arrived in east London, haven't been given a sniff. Is it stubborness from Bilic that he simply refuses to use them? Why bring them in the first place if that was the case?

It's easy to sympathise with Argentine Calleri. It's his first time in England, didn't know the language well and was thrusted into the starting line up away at Astra Giurgiu because of Carroll's injury for his debut.

It hasn't really worked out for him, but he did manage to get a goal in the 3-1 win away at Middlesbrough. That coud have seen him kick on but Calleri has barely seen any game time since then.

Fletcher was instrumental for Barnsley last season, enough for Bilic to bring him in. Minus that start away at Manchester City and in the EFL Cup against his former club Manchester United, what chances has he been given?

That's the problem - neither of them have been given enough of a chance to show what they can do. If they weren't good enough, then they wouldn't be at the club in the first place. We've seen Bilic be stubborn with his team selection this season and the striker situation is a perfect example of that.

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ANDY CARROLL IN LINE FOR SHOCK ENGLAND RECALL
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam

Andy Carroll's fine form of late has not gone unnoticed. The Mirror are reporting that due to the lack of available striking options right now, England manager Gareth Southgate is considering calling up Carroll to fill the void.

Wayne Rooney missed Manchester United's last game through injury and is considered in a deeper role for England these days, while the ankle ligament injury Harry Kane suffered last week will keep him out for the foreseeable future and Daniel Sturridge remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Southgate is expected to call up Marcus Rashford and Jamie Vardy to the squad on Thursday but has reservations over the fitness of Danny Welbeck who has been used sparingly by Arsenal after recovering from his latest spell in the physio room.

Christopher Lee/Getty Images SportChristopher Lee/Getty Images Sport

Having been in attendance of several of West Ham's last few games, Southgate has been making regular checks on the fitness of Andy Carroll who has scored four goals in his last six games, and there could even be a return to the squad for Michail Antonio.

Sunderland's Jermain Defoe is also under consideration but there is increasing speculation that Carroll will get the nod tomorrow for the games against Germany and Lithuania next week.

Carroll scored in his last international appearance for England against Sweden at Euro 2012 but injuries have limited his availability over the last few years but now he's fit and back in the goals he's put himself back in the conversation.

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WEST HAM LINKED WITH MOVE FOR BOBBY WOOD
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam

Recruiting a new striker or two is something West Ham need to focus on in the summer transfer window and one of their reported targets has made a move to make a summer transfer more likely.

Hamburg striker Bobby Wood has changed agents from SportsTotal to the Volker Struth group as he continues to assess his options at the end of the season with interest mounting in him.

West Ham have been linked with a move for the USA international but BILD notes that there is growing interest in his services from England.

The 24-year-old has spent his entire professional career in German football starting out life with 1860 Munich before making a £680,000 switch to Union Berlin in the summer of 2015.

Wood made his breakthrough with the 2. Bundesliga outfit, scoring 17 goals in 32 games for the club which earned him a move to Germany's top tier with Hamburg.

So far this season, Wood has netted nine goals in 23 games in all competitions and could be set for a move to the Premier League if West Ham are willing to make a concrete offer for the striker.

With Jonathan Calleri not being kept on when his loan expires in the summer and Enner Valencia likely to make a permanent move following a year out on loan with Everton, the Hammers will be short of options in attack and Wood seems like a player Slaven Bilic is keen on.

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Leroy Rosenior urges Celtic star Moussa Dembele to avoid signing for Tottenham, wants him to join rivals instead
HITC
Olly Dawes

Leroy Rosenior wants to see Celtic star Moussa Dembele join Arsenal instead of Tottenham or West Ham. Pundit and former manager Leroy Rosenior has told bwin.com that Celtic striker Moussa Dembele should snub the likes of Tottenham and West Ham United in order to join Arsenal. Dembele, 20, built up a strong reputation for himself at Fulham, hitting 17 goals in all competitions last season before his contract expired, triggering his move to Celtic last summer. The French attacker has enjoyed a remarkable season in Scotland, smashing 32 goals in 45 games for the Bhoys – and that record in front of goal has unsurprisingly triggered major interest from English clubs.
Glasgow Live recently reported that Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham have all been watching Dembele in action ahead of possible moves to sign him, whilst the Daily Record report that after West Ham United sounded Celtic out about a January deal, Chelsea will make a summer bid for him.

Having lost Fraser Forster, Virgil van Dijk and Victor Wanyama in recent years, Celtic won't want to sell another key player to the Premier League, but Dembele looks set to make a big-money move at some point in the near future. The striker may well have his pick of clubs this summer, and pundit and former manager Leroy Rosenior has offered some advice to the striker should he look to leave Glasgow this summer. Rosenior has told bwin.com that whilst Dembele made the right move in joining Celtic last summer, he needs to play against greater competition, given how the Bhoys are dominating Scottish football.
Rosenior added that Dembele should avoid moves to Chelsea, Spurs and West Ham and instead join Arsenal, suggesting that the Gunners are the best developer of players from those four London clubs. "I think Moussa made the right move," said Rosenior. "However, and this is no disrespect to the Scottish League, Celtic aren't facing enough competition – they're too far ahead. He's playing in a side that dominates games week in, week out. His confidence will be sky high at the moment and the next step for him will be the most important one." "To me, Arsenal are the perfect club for his next step. He needs Premier League competition to really showcase what he can do. He's quick, strong and a lethal finisher and has all the attributes to play in the best league in the world. He knows London but to be honest, if I was him, I would avoid Spurs, Chelsea and West Ham and go to Arsenal – a club that develops players," he added.

Rosenior's claims about Arsenal's ability to develop players is somewhat surprising; whilst that was once true about Arsene Wenger's Gunners, Tottenham have emerged as arguably the top club for developing young players in England, as Mauricio Pochettino has helped the likes of Danny Rose, Eric Dier, Dele Alli and Harry Kane become top players – and Dembele should be heavily considering Spurs as his destination of choice should they come calling this summer.

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STARLET REVEALS "SHOCK" AT SPEED OF WEST HAM TRANSFERFeatured Image
Date: 14th March 2017 at 6:00pm
Written by: David Tully

West Ham midfielder Edimilson Fernandes has revealed the speed at which his move to the Hammers happened in the summer. The Swiss starlet moved from FC Sion for an undisclosed fee in August.

Speaking to Swiss publication Blick, the 20 year old explained how in the space of a few days he went from knowing nothing about the interest from the Hammers to becoming a West Ham player:

"Imagine this: I had not heard anything concrete. And they tell me to get on the plane immediately! I'm not ready yet, was my first thought. But then everything went ultra fast."

"The first interview with coach Slaven Bilic was on the same evening, who asked me if I could start the next day. But I did not even have my football boots! Still I did the first training. Then the medical check. And the signature under the contract until 2020. That was almost a shock!"

Fernandes has performed impressively during the appearances he has made so far for the Hammers. He has featured in 22 matches this campaign, and he has made seven starts already in the first team.

The midfielder's quick rise to prominence has also been reflected at international level where he made his senior debut in a World Cup qualifier for Switzerland against the Faroe Islands back in November. Fernandes came on as a second half substitute during the match, coming on for Valentin Stocker in the 69th minute, as the Swiss sealed a 2-0 win to top Group B.

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Why Mario Mandzukic could be the answer for West HamFeatured Image
Date: 14th March 2017 at 6:36pm
Written by: Marcus Oades

West Ham became the first Premier League side to succumb to defeat to Bournemouth in 2017 following their 3-2 defeat at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday. Slaven Bilic's men led through Michail Antonio's ninth goal of the campaign after just ten minutes, only for a Josh King brace either side of half time to give Eddie Howe's side the advantage. Andre Ayew did level proceedings seven minutes from time as the Hammers looked set to extend their unbeaten away run to four matches, only for King to complete his hat-trick in the final minute to secure the Cherries first league victory of 2017. The result maintains their six-point gap to the bottom three, and also means that Howe's side are just three points behind West Ham in 11th despite their wretched run of form since the turn of the year.
On what was a frustrating day for the Hammers, things have looked a bit brighter since as they have today been linked with a move for Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic in the summer. And what a signing he would be for the East London club.

The 30-year-old signed for the Serie A champions in 2015, and netted 13 times in 36 games for Massimiliano Allegri's side last term, but hasn't been as prolific this time round, and looks to be the club's third choice striker following the return to fitness of starlet Paulo Dybala, as well as the stunning goal-scoring form of €90 million man Gonzalo Higuaín. Mandzukic has managed just five goals in 26 league appearances for Juve this season, and with just a handful of others in their cup competitions and Champions League campaigns, the Croatian international looks set to be nearing the end of his time in Turin. And that could be West Ham's gain, as Mandzukic could be exactly the sort of striker they need to consolidate themselves in the top half of the Premier League, and indeed push for the European spots. That's because the 30-year-old has been prolific at every club he has been at, as well as at every level he has competed at. Whether that's the 63 goals in 128 games he scored for Dinamo Zagreb between 2007 and 2011, or the 48 in 88 for Bayern Munich between 2012 and 2014, Mandzukic knows where the back of the net is.
It equates to 188 goals in 444 club games in his career, and given that it he has had spells in Croatia, Germany, Spain, and Italy, that is an impressive return for a player many never really felt was near the top of the game, despite his goal-scoring record.

Add in that he has netted 25 times in just 73 games in European competition, including in Bayern Munich's Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund in 2013, and Mandzukic knows what it takes to effect a game of huge magnitude in both domestic and European competition.

That can only benefit the Hammers, and it's his experience and guile gained from 444 club games that can help a West Ham side that sometimes look blunt going forward, as Mandzukic has scored all sorts of goals during his career, be it towering headers, tap-ins, or pile-drivers from outside the box.

It's not just his goals though, Mandzukic is exactly the type of striker you want in your side, as his defensive work is excellent, and his work-rate and energy off the ball gives defenders little time to settle into a game, and indeed on the ball.

Bilic will know first-hand of Mandzukic's capabilities given that the 30-year-old played for the Hammers boss during his stint in charge of Croatia, and he'll surely want to beat former club Besiktas to the striker's signature this summer.

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Slaven's Stubborn Nature Holding West Ham back
by Scott Johnson13 hours agoFollow @greensthammers

West Ham have suffered from a number of poor results in recent games. Although the players must take their share of the blame, so must Slaven Bilic. When a manager comes in players expect a bit of movement in regards to the previous style of play. It also takes a while to get used to who the best players are in what positions. But West Ham have suffered from an unreasonably long period of unrest.
Slaven Bilic has been trying to force players out of position for a while now. You only have to look back the Antonio into right back saga to see what that can do to a player. But his reluctance to accept certain players' limitations is a huge hurdle for the Hammers.

Standing firm or Stubborn?

Some pundits and fans will say that Slaven is simply sticking by what he thinks is best. As any manager will tell you it is important he believes in the team. However there comes a point where it is not the best course of action, and you have to look at the evidence that comes in the form of results on the pitch.

Bilic's refusal to put Byram in at right back is causing a huge issue. Combining that with the presence of Noble in the midfield despite his poor performances means that there is no real progress from the side despite a much better squad than we have seen in recent years.

Andre Ayew, our record signing, must be wondering what he has to do to get a game. He is only getting played briefly but he is still scoring and assisting goals. The fact the extremely blunt Feghouli is starting ahead of his is crazy. There needs to be some adjustment to form and position.

Byram needs to go in at right back. It upsets the shape of the team to force a midfielder in there. Kouyate should start in the middle with Obiang, and Ayew should be part of the attacking lineup from the first minute. Without adjustments, Bilic is signing his own P45.

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Payet, Tevez and the best West Ham XI of Premier League era to be sold by the club
We have come up with the best 'Sold XI' the Hammers have got rid of
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
19:40, 14 MAR 2017

In days gone by, West Ham were often considered a selling club. Bring players through the Academy of Football, give them their big break in the first team and then ship them off to other clubs at a higher price. There are also some players brought into the club that maybe haven't performed well and have been moved on but hit their stride elsewhere. With that in mind, we have racked our brains at football.london and have come up with the best 'Sold XI' that the Hammers have got rid of. We've got them in a 3-2-3-2 weird formation that includes Javier Mascherano at centre half, which is his current position at Barcelona before you get mad at us...

David James

The England stopper joined the Hammers in 2001 and enjoyed a three-year stint in east London, making 91 appearances before being moved on to Manchester City to replace the retired David Seaman.

Javier Mascherano

We all remember that day when Alan Pardew shocked the football world by signing Mascherano and his compatriot Carlos Tevez. The Argentinian rarely featured though during his spell at Upton Park, much less so than Tevez, before he was quickly shifted on to Liverpool where he'd make 94 appearances before moving to Barcelona, where he still plies his trade.

Rio Ferdinand

Ferdinand started his career with the Hammers in 1996 and – with a brief loan spell at Bournemouth – before going on to make 127 appearances in claret and blue. He'd leave the Hammers in the year 2000, signing for Leeds United for a then British transfer record and world's most expensive defender in an £18m switch.

Glen Johnson

Johnson only made 15 appearances for the Hammers first team but has gone on to greater success since he left West Ham after coming through the famous academy under Tony Carr. Johnson was quickly snapped up by Chelsea for £6m, the first purchase under the new ownership at Stamford Bridge under Roman Abramovich and breaking into the England set up.

Michael Carrick

Carrick won the FA Youth Cup in the 1998/99 season with West Ham before making his breakthrough into the first team in the 2001/02 campaign. Carrick would make 136 appearances for the Hammers before he was sold to Tottenham Hotspur for £3.5m. A subsequent move to Manchester United has seen him win the Premier League five times and the Champions League in 07/08.

Scott Parker

Parker signed for the Hammers in 2007 for £7m from Newcastle United and in a four-year dtay, made more than 100 appearances for West Ham, scoring ten goals. Following the Hammers relegation to the Championship and despite starting the first four games of 2011/12 season, Parker handed in a transfer request and moved to Tottenham Hotspur.

Frank Lampard

One of the best talents to come through the famed West Ham academy, Lampard made his first start for the first team in 1996. After six years with West Ham, Lampard had enough and decided he wanted to move, with Chelsea snapping him up and he would go on to be their record appearance maker with 429. He also won the Premier League three times, the Champions League and the FA Cup four times in his glittering career.

Dimitri Payet

This is still sore…
Payet signed for the Hammers for £10.75m in the summer of 2015 and would go on to become a superstar at Upton Park. However, it all ended very sourly this season when the 29-year-old refused to play for the club and eventually sealed a £25m move back to Marseille after 18 months in east London.

Joe Cole

Cole is another product of the West Ham youth system and was touted as the best young prospect in English football, with the Hammers turning down a £10m bid from Manchester United for the winger. After winning the Hammer of the Year title in 2003, Cole decided to move on and Chelsea was his destination for £6.6m. Cole had made 126 appearances for West Ham, scoring ten times.

Jermain Defoe

Born in Beckton, Defoe was spotted by the Hammers while he was Charlton and signed him to a professional deal as a 16-year-old. He scored 29 in 93 games – and 18 goals in a season on loan at Bournemouth – before making a controversial switch to Spurs in 2004 for an initial £6m fee.

Carlos Tevez

Tevez was brought in on the same day as Javieer Mascherano in that infamous double deadline day deal which rocked the world of football.
After a difficult start to life in the Premier League, Tevez was handed his first start by Alan Curbishley in 2007 and would score seven goals in 26 games, including that famous winner at Old Trafford that ensured Premier League survival for the Hammers. He'd move to Manchester United that summer and scoop two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy at Old Trafford

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England recall beckons for West Ham's Andy Carroll as injuries leave boss Gareth Southgate struggling for strikers
With Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge all out for Germany and Lithuania double-header, Jermain Defoe is in the frame too
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
22:30, 14 MAR 2017

Gareth Southgate is considering a shock England recall for Andy Carroll. And the 28-year-old West Ham striker, who has scored four goals in his last six games, could be joined in the latest Three Lions squad by team-mate Michail Antonio. The Hammers pair are in the frame because Southgate has been hit by a rash of injuries up front, with Tottenham's Harry Kane, skipper Wayne Rooney of Manchester United and Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge all out. Southgate, who could also call up 34-year-old Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe, has been making checks on Carroll's fitness. Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur holds his ankle as he goes down injured during The Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final match between Tottenham Hotspur and Millwall at White Hart Lane on March 12, 2017 in London, England.
He will make a final decision in the next 24 hours before naming his squad at St George's Park on Thursday for next Wednesday's away friendly with Germany and a World Cup qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley four days later. The 6ft 4in Geordie, who last played for England four years ago, returned from a slight groin injury to start West Ham's most recent league games — losses to Chelsea and Bournemouth. Carroll has made no secret of his desperation to force his way back into the international fold after injuries saw him fall down the pecking order. Wide-man Antonio, in line for a new deal at the London Stadium, was last called up by Sam Allardyce in August for his one and only squad as England boss but did not figure in the subsequent four matches under then-interim boss Southgate.

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Slaven Bilic's training methods questioned as Reece Oxford "surprised" by Reading's intensity
Oxford has been off the pace at new club Reading
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
07:49, 15 MAR 2017

Reading boss Jaap Stam has criticised at West Ham's pre-match preparation, saying that loanee Reece Oxford has been surprised at the Royals' training intensity. Oxford signed with the Championship side on loan for six months on deadline day, but until this past weekend the 18-year-old talent had yet to appear for his new club. That changed on Saturday when Oxford came on as a substitute in Reading's 3-0 defeat away at Preston North End in the but the teenager only managed to get 18 minutes of action under his belt after replacing Paul McShane. Stam's comments about Oxford's lack of preparation appear be a thinly veiled dig at the regime at Rush Green, which is something that another Hammers loanee, Enner Valencia, has also hinted at. Speaking at his press conference ahead of Friday's game against Sheffield Wednesday, former Manchester United defender Stam said: "Reece Oxford has been surprised at the level of intensity in training at Reading, compared to at West Ham. "Young players need to improve. You need to be on top of them and give them good advice, so that's why training is intense."
Back in September, Valencia – who is on loan at Everton this season – also threw shade at Hammers training methods, saying: "I have enjoyed training with my new team-mates, it's different to my last team - it is a little bit harder."

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Pitch size myth at West Ham's London Stadium busted by new report
HITC
Damien Lucas

The size of the pitch at West Ham United's new stadium has been cited as one of the reasons for their struggles this season. The Hammers have turned what was threatening to be a disastrous season around of late and they are now sitting in 11th place in the Premier League, although their form has dipped again recently. Many supporters and pundits have pointed the finger of blame for the huge contrast in form compared to their best ever Premier Leagues points total last term squarely at their controversial new 60,000 seater ground. Some fans believe blaming the stadium move is too easy an excuse, citing that other teams are having no trouble performing there.
But comments this season from Slaven Bilic himself, Scotland boss Gordon Strachan and Stoke City boss Mark Hughes have all suggested the size of the pitch and sight lines have impacted performances. The myth that the Hammers are suddenly playing on a pitch size completely alien to them has been well and truly busted, though, by a new report revealing Premier League surface sizes. And the report, published by the Daily Star, reveals West Ham in actual fact share the same size pitch as no fewer than eight fellow top flight clubs.
The London Stadium pitch is 7,140 square metres. That's the same size as Watford's Vicarage Road surface, West Brom's Hawthorns pitch, Sunderland's Stadium of Light, Swansea City's Liberty Stadium, Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium - where the Hammers lost 3-2 last time out - the pitches at both Old Trafford and the Etihad and Arsenal's Emirates. Only two pitches are bigger, Middlesbrough's Riverside (7,245sqm) and the biggest of the lot, Hull City's massive KCOM Stadium which is 8,436sqm. Stoke City's Bet365 ground (6,400sqm) and the pitches at London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace (6,700sqm) are the smallest. Yes it is bigger than the pitch at Upton Park but not significantly enough to cause the team any undue problems.

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THE FULL BACK PROBLEM
By Tony Hanna 15 Mar 2017 at 08:00
WTID

The past few games have had their share of frustrations. Late goals conceded, being caught on the break, penalties conceded etc etc. The teams resurgence after the Payet saga that saw wins against Palace, Southampton and Boro has now diminished and we have now acquired just two points from the last four games. The winter break in Dubai might just have put the boys in holiday mood for the rest of the season? I made mention many moons ago in an article I wrote on the site about club managers and staff not seeing, or certainly not reacting to things that fans see quite plainly on the pitch that are going wrong. Perhaps I am deluded? Perhaps these highly paid professionals do know much better than us what is going on and we are just mere mortals that do not understand? But I am not going to insult anyone's intelligence here; many of us have been watching football nearly all our lives. Some of us watched West Ham play before some of today's players and managers were born. Fans, in general know football. Slaven might tell me otherwise? (ps; This article was written prior to Mark Noble's comments, so perhaps he might tell me otherwise as well)?

So, when we have been saying for two seasons now that we need a right back, why has the club done next to nothing? Sam Byram was always going to be a gamble. Youngsters stepping up from the lower divisions always are. In fairness, Bilic had no intention of playing him as early as he did, against Man City last January, but needs must at the time. He was meant to be one of those "works in progress" and wasn't even in the squad the day he made his debut. A late injury to James Tomkins got him onto the bench and then an injury to right back Carl Jenkinson in the 13th minute ensured he got an earlier than anticipated debut. Since then Bilic has used him sparingly when he has been fit. The Antonio project failed miserably and so far so has the ploy of playing one of our best midfielders there as well. What other club would play their leading goal scorer at right back? Perhaps in an injury crisis as an emergency, but for months on end when it clearly wasn't working? So, the summer transfer window comes around and a club of our stature would move heaven and earth to get a right back in, right? Nope! Well, we sort of did in the signing of Arbeloa but he was last seen flying over the Bermuda Triangle! The same thing happened on the other side at the beginning of the season. We went into a full season with one recognised, experienced left back. The only reason we bought Masuaku at the last moment was because Cresswell got a bad injury, otherwise we would have started the season with one left back and no right back, if you discount experiments, an ageing loan and the kids. This is simply not good enough. To make matters worse the winter window arrives and goes and still no developments?

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Shifting Kouyate back into the right back role has clearly taken the pressure off Bilic when it comes to determining the midfield set up. If we had a first class right back in place he would have some very difficult decisions to make should Kouyate be vying for one of those places? Whatever the lad might be saying to the media, I can't imagine he is overjoyed at playing right back and I would not be surprised if he is not at the club come next season. Bilic has been playing a lot of square pegs in round holes for a while now and as I said earlier, us fans are no mugs. We can see things that aren't working. We can see players when they are out of form, especially badly out of form. Which brings me to my next subject. A few weeks ago I wrote an article on what was our best midfield? Whilst the object was to gain readers opinions on the range of players available to choose from, it was thinly veiled to gauge what fans thought regarding Mark Noble's place in the team? I will not be as subtle with my next subject – Aaron Cresswell. My personal view is that the player has had a very poor season to date. The inability to stop crosses coming in, the rearing away from any physical challenges and the strange positional play that continually drags Winston Reid out from a central position to cover for Cresswell who in turn runs back to move into the central void left by Reid? This is in no way meant to come across as a personal attack on Cresswell. It is just my view that he is badly out of form. That can happen to any player and when it does occur we should be in a position to act and replace him with a competent alternative for as long as needed.

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The marauding runs and clever interplay with Payet are a distant memory. For what it's worth I have never rated Cresswell as a good defender, but what he brought in an attacking sense was at times superb and very entertaining. However, the master of the whipped in outswinging cross has rarely been seen in recent months and the defensive side of his duties are now being laid to bare. With his cover Masuaku being injured himself for many months now, Creswell has had no competition for his place. Earlier in the season Masuaku did get his chance, but at West Brom he put in an awful performance, coming up with an extraordinary handball in our own area conceding a penalty. Whilst that does nothing for the confidence of the fans or the player himself, the majority of other games he has played he has looked quite an assured player who is very comfortable on the ball. However, his sending off this week in the PL2 match puts another question mark on his suitability. A lot of fans have questioned the form of both Ogbonna, before his season ending injury, and Fonte since his arrival from Southampton. In my view if these central defenders are being let down on the flanks they are not going to be seen anywhere near their best and blaming them may be premature?

Back in my days of playing, at one time we had a superb back four. Booth was a combative right back and decent on the ball, Johnson was a Collins type defender, Myers was our Bobby Moore – tactically excellent and a great reader of the game, and Brophy was a young but very good left back. They all worked well together in front of the best keeper in the district. Then one year Booth decided to quit the club for personal reasons and Brophy joined the Navy. We brought in two full backs that were not really up to the same standard but what was telling was the drop off in play of both our centre backs, Johnson and Myers. From nowhere they were making mistakes and getting pulled ragged at times. The moral of the story is that two very decent centre backs who had always been solid were now a mess playing with two fullbacks that were not quite up to scratch. Ironically, one of the fullbacks really improved when we played him in midfield! I think you can draw your own conclusions from my little story when you relate it to West Ham?

So, no need to hit the panic button just yet, but Bilic must stop playing players that are out of form providing he has decent cover for them, and he must put a squad together next season where every position has a round peg in a round hole and has sufficient cover. At this point in time that means acquiring a proper right back and cover for him should Bilic have no intention of playing Byram if injuries demand. It also means getting a decent left back if Bilic is convinced Masuaku is not good enough. If that is the case get rid. If he does think he is good enough he should be playing him now, if only to refresh Cresswell and send the appropriate message that he needs to get his act together. It also means spending the large part of the kitty on a striker and letting either Carroll or Sakho go. I would love to keep both but history shows that their combined injury records makes that too huge a risk and I doubt both would stay if we got a new first class striker in anyway?

The upcoming Leicester game is another one where I feel the team need to respond and get out of the blocks right from the start to get the crowd behind them. We appear to be starting games very slowly and especially at home we seem determined to play it very tight from the start. This is statistically backed up as we are the worst team in the PL for leading at home half time stats – only once in 14 matches! To counter that, Leicester have been losing a staggering four more matches away from home at half time than any other PL club, trailing in 10 of their 13 away matches at the break. Thoughts?
A few weeks ago I wrote that I would be doing a Q&A with former Hammer Eddie Bovington. Unfortunately Ed has been unwell recently and that is why he hasn't been able to participate. I am pleased to say that Eddie is now well on the mend and the Q&A has been conducted. It will be published during the two week break after the Leicester game.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 15th March 2017

The Big Interview – Winston Reid
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's vice-captain Winston Reid was not happy with the way the
Hammers played at AFC Bournemouth on Saturday. The No2 admitted the
Hammers' first-half display at Vitality Stadium, where the Cherries missed
one penalty and saw another saved but still went in level at 1-1, was simply
not good enough. Then, to further frustrate the centre-half, the hosts went
ahead, were pegged back by Andre Ayew's late leveller, before taking all
three points through Joshua King's last-minute winner. Two short of 200
appearances for the Club, Reid is the second-longest serving player in
Slaven Bilic's squad behind Mark Noble, and he took the weekend setback
personally…

What a dramatic game, Winston…

"It was just bad. Let us just think about the game. The first half was
probably one of the poorest we have played in a long time.
"In saying that we created a couple of chances, so it is not like we were
just bombarded. They had a rough time lately, so we knew they were going to
fight, but if we can't match them for effort… "Forget about the game, but if
we are not going to even compete with them, then we are going to get
punished and to be honest, with two penalty kicks we could have been behind
by a couple already at half-time.
"We came in at half time, we spoke and said we had to correct that because
they were getting in far too easily, but just three minutes into the second
half we conceded another goal at a set play so considering what we had said
that wasn't good. "Then, we have always been able to come back into games
and that is probably the credit that we can give to the boys, because we did
get back into the game by scoring a goal. "But at the end we just give it
away. You can't come away from home and make basic errors like that. Don't
get me wrong, we can all sit here and have a go at the referee, but that is
out of our control. As a group, we need to at least see the game out and be
a bit cleverer. That third goal was just far too easy."

Bournemouth threw men forward with abandon at every opportunity, so how do
you stop a team which plays like that?

You have to expect that, they are at home and they are good there. The
minimum a Premier League team is going to do at home is come at you – 100
per cent. It is not rocket science. It is a little bit frustrating that we
as a group are not doing it. "We started poor at Watford, we started poor at
Southampton and came back from that and we started poor there again on
Saturday, and that is just off the top of my head. "In the past we have been
able to come back and we did again on Saturday, but we have thrown it away."

Do you have any complaints about the two penalties awarded to Bournemouth?

"It is hard to be a referee these days. Some decisions don't go your way and
you can't always hope that the referee is going to get everything right.

You said Bournemouth showed desire, but did they show greater desire than we
did?

"No, no, no. I promise you, if you could see the way we have been training,
because the fans don't get to see that. We have been working really hard,
the boys are fit, doing a lot of training and everyone is working hard. "So
I think we have been a bit naïve lately in some ways. You know before you
come away from home that the crowd is going to be up for it. Bournemouth
were in a tough position so they were going to come out of the blocks quick,
you know it, it is simple. You have to match them and if you don't do that…
It is not like we are playing different systems, we pretty much matched them
up. But in the first half they won all the second balls and when they came
forward they were overlapping and everything. We have to work together and
work as a unit and if you don't do that, you get found out."

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Boss praises battling ten men
WHUFC.com

The Hammers' U23 side travelled to Newcastle United on Monday and earned a
battling point in the north east
They played over an hour with ten men and drew 0-0 after Arthur Masuaku was
shown a straight red card
Boss Terry Westley was also delighted with a number of individual
performances at St. James' Park

West Ham United U23s manager Terry Westley praised his battling youngsters
as they fought for over an hour with ten men to earn a share of the spoils
against Newcastle United at St. James' Park. The Hammers travelled to the
north east to take on the Magpies on Monday night and were reduced to ten
men when Arthur Masuaku was shown a straight red card for an off-the-ball
incident. But, with wingers Dan Kemp and Nathan Holland filling in on both
sides to help the defence, Westley's men stood firm to record a goalless
draw, and could have even nicked all three points in Premier League 2 with a
number of good chances. After the valuable point, the boss said: "Any game
here, even with eleven men, was going to be a tough game, whoever we
brought. "They've had a very good run of results, they're very settled, they
have the same group of players and it was always going to be a very tough
game. "They're in good form and here at St. James', it was always going to
be a difficult game. It made it doubly hard losing a man that early. "You
can't fault our boys' character, desire to play and we also had one or two
really good opportunities maybe to even win the game and get a bit greedy.
"To come away from here with a point, with ten men in these circumstances –
we have two games to go and all to play for."
Marcus Browne was back in the starting XI after making a temporary return
from loan club Wigan Athletic while there was also an opportunity for Tunji
Akinola who replaced the injured Josh Pask early on. And Westley was pleased
with a number of individual performances after the draw. "It's probably the
best I've seen [Ashley] Fletcher play in a game for us, against a physical
side and they're a lot older than us," he continued. "He took the ball in
for us, had a great chance at the back post at the end of the first half,
and he's a player who can go in your first team and do a job for you. "He
was robust, he threatened the space in behind, and he challenge for balls in
the air. Marcus also came back from Wigan as he hasn't had a game for a few
weeks, and he gave us that steely running in midfield. "Tunji came on at
centre-back and did really well to step in when Josh Pask came off injured.
Dan Kemp also filled in on the right hand side, and we didn't have to tell
him too much because he's an intelligent player. It was a really good
performance for us."

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Trott - We showed great character
WHUFC.com

West Ham United PL2 drew 0-0 away at Newcastle United on Monday night
The Hammers were forced to play 60 minutes with ten men after Arthur
Masuaku's red card
Goalkeeper Nathan Trott believes the team showed great character to see the
game out

Nathan Trott praised the character displayed by West Ham United PL2 in their
0-0 draw away at Newcastle United. The Hammers began brightly but were
forced to play the majority of the fixture with ten men after Arthur
Masuaku's red card on 30 minutes. However, Terry Westley's men showed
fantastic discipline in the second half and could have easily taken all
three points. Nonetheless, it was a valuable point and keeper Trott, who
made a string of superb saves on the night, thinks the draw speaks volumes
for the squad's togetherness. "I think we showed great character in the game
especially with ten men," he said. "The lads showed discipline and I think
it was an important point at the end of the day. "Teamwork-wise, we're
probably the best in the league. I think that will take us forward in the
upcoming games. "We were congratulated in the dressing room afterwards for
keeping our heads and discipline, because obviously it's hard to play with
ten men."

Trott came to the Hammers' rescue on a number of occasions in the second
half, as the ten men in claret and blue began to tire in the final 20
minutes. But that was only after the visitors missed a host of chances to
take all three points. Marcus Browne, Edimilson Fernandes and Ashley
Fletcher were all thwarted at some stage by Newcastle keeper Matz Sels. The
point sees the Hammers stay in fifth position in Premier League 2, as they
prepare for another visit to St. James' Park on Saturday in the last 16 of
the Premier League Cup.
"No one has picked up three points [tonight] so everyone is still quite
close together and I think we can still finish in the play-offs," Trott
added. "Having eleven men will be more of an advantage [in the next game]
and that will hopefully help us play the football that we can normally play.
If we can do that on Saturday, we can come out victorious for sure."

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Noble - You've got to stick at it
WHUFC.com

Captain Mark Noble admits the 2016/17 has been the most-challenging of his
career
Off-field issues and inconsistent form and results have contributed to
inconsistent campaign
But skipper insists the Hammers remain 'in great spirits' and will finish
the season strongly

Mark Noble readily admits he will never be the sort of player who 'does four
step-overs', but that does not reduce his value and importance to West Ham
United.

The captain also concedes that his second season as skipper has been among
the most demanding periods of his long career, with the lifelong Hammer
dealing with stadium and training ground moves, the Dimitri Payet situation
and indifferent form and results.

But, with very nearly 400 first-team appearances spanning more than 12 years
under his belt, the No16 is a big, strong character, and says he and the
Hammers will continue to strive to finish the season strongly.

"Football is a game of moments now and if someone does four step-overs,
they've had an incredible game!" said Noble. "That's not something I do.
It's just football, you've got to live with it.

"We had a fantastic season last year but we were second-from-bottom not so
long ago and we dragged ourselves up to ninth. We've lost a couple of
places, but we're still in great spirits and I'm pretty sure we'll be fine.

"It's probably been the hardest [period] of my West Ham career over the
last eight months, because we've had so much to deal with off the pitch.
Obviously the move to the new Stadium and a move to a new training ground,
the Dimi situation, so much has gone on and we lost four of our best players
[Manuel Lanzini, Aaron Cresswell, Andy Carroll and Andre Ayew] to injury in
pre-season, which is hard to replace.

"You've got to stick at it, the players have dug in and over the last couple
of months it's been really good. Although we've lost a couple of games, in
this day and age you're not allowed to lose games, even if one of them was
against Chelsea!"

Noble also pointed out that West Ham players are not the only ones who have
come under scrutiny this season, alluding to other experienced Premier
League figures whose achievements have seemingly been forgotten.

"I don't like talking about people I don't know but it happens in football,"
he continued. "The things Arsene Wenger has done for Arsenal and some people
want him out... Players like Wayne Rooney, some people want him out of the
Manchester United team...

"I think the big characters, that's why we are captains of our clubs,
because we can handle that pressure."

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Everton now on sale to Claret Members
WHUFC.com

The Claret Members window to purchase tickets for the Premier League visit
of Everton on Saturday 22 April is now open - so hurry to secure your seat
at London Stadium!

With demand for tickets expected to continue at the same extraordinarily
high level experienced all season, purchasing within the priority window -
which runs until 3pm on Friday 24 March - will give you the best chance of
securing a ticket.

The Hammers will be giving their all to secure a top half Premier League
finish and you can be there to witness the big moments.

Buy your Everton ticket here

With priority access to all fixtures at London Stadium, Membership really is
the best way of ensuring you can be there for the thrilling run-in this
season - and by joining now you can enter the ticket ballot for the
unmissable visit of the Toffees.

Access to tickets is just one of the great benefits Claret Membership gives
you, bringing you closer to the team in our debut London Stadium season.

Claret Membership benefits include:

Priority access to tickets
Reduced booking fees, saving you £1 per game
£5 discount on official coach travel
Exclusive retail offers throughout the season
An exclusive gift pack
Join the Season Ticket Waiting List for the reduced price of £5
Don't miss the game against Everton – be there by becoming a Claret Member
today!

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AN INTERVIEW WITH DIRECTOR OF IRON MEN PAUL CROMPTON
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 14 MARCH 2017 AT 8:13PM
TheWestHamWayco.uk

The new film Iron Men, detailing the move from the Boleyn Ground to the
London Stadium came out last week, and has had rave reviews. I sat down to
talk to the Director Paul Crompton about his experiences filming the
documentary and his views on the move in general.

I sat down to watch Iron Men, and I absolutely loved it. When it first
announced, I assumed it would be a cash grab but then I watched it, and it
just hit me. Its got a very good reception from people as well.

It's nice to have real genuine hard-core West Ham fans say positive things,
either to your face at the pub or on Twitter and Facebook or whatever. Its
really nice, because, your first thought was a common one, we have had this
a lot; that the film would be a puff piece for the club.

It is an independently made film from people who want to tell a true story
and cover this seismic move. There's a big responsibility in that, and you
have to work with the club as well so there's an interesting relationship
there.

Talk me through how the idea for the film came about?

When I first moved to London a friend of mine had two season tickets at
Upton Park, whenever his mate couldn't turn up to a game he asked me, so
from 12 or 13 years ago, I was going to Upton Park two or three times a
season, that was all. It was enough to get a feel of the place. Even though
I'm not a West Ham fan, I do have a sort of knowledge of what its like to be
a West Ham fan.

I work with Steve Havers, like me, is a TV producer. Steve is a huge West
Ham fan; his support goes back in his family for generations. He wanted to
tell this story. About a year and a half or two years ago we emailed them,
but we weren't the first to ask about documenting the move. There's a sort
of beauty contest there, it happens all the time in TV.

You see a moment on the horizon that would be a great thing to film but so
do 75 other people sat in offices up and down the country. But we pitched
this and had meetings and in the end I think we won it because we were a
small company, with the right spirit. It was like a job interview, so I
think it was useful that Steve was a hard-core West Ham fan, and we got the
gig. It's a boring answer, but it's one of those things that 95% of the time
don't go your way, but this time it did.

Talk me through the production of the film, you start with the Manchester
United FA Cup quarter final replay, which was actually my last game at the
Boleyn. How did you go about filming it all? The documentary does very well
at weaving in and out of different narratives, how did you cope with that?

There are certain things that you don't have control over – the Premier
League fixture list is one of them. We were slaves to that. Because of the
FA Cup replay, it meant West Ham would have to play their final game of the
season on a weekday night against Manchester United. There is quite a
bookend there already, two games against Manchester United, start with
United beating West ham, and ending with a rousing victory.

But what goes in-between? That's all decided in the editing suite. You know
the characters you've found along the way, some are employees of the club
and some are fans. When it comes the season we keep it in a very linear way.
There are three matches in the film, the middle match, the Swansea game, the
last Saturday match at Upton Park we used to find fans stories, and fans
thoughts on leaving Upton Park. You don't set out with a clear idea on
paper. When you are doing documentaries, especially ones like this, you can
see the timeline structure but you really don't know the full story until
you get into the editing suite

What was your favourite part of the film?

There are two answers to this, one, after the final Manchester United game,
I knew instantly that we had a brilliant finale to the film. Football is a
funny old game, but it ended up being a very fitting football match for the
finale. On a smaller scale, the Rib Man, meeting him and trying out the best
ribs in the world, that was fantastic, and I'd like to say he has become a
bit of a friend and I hope to see him again soon (that's not a plug but it
sounds like a plug)

The strongest part of the documentary for me is that you do not shy away
from the issues and concerns that really were a key part of the move. How
did you go about portraying that in a way that the club would be happy
about? Were you aware of how many issues the West Ham fans had with the
move?

It was a story I followed as a football fan anyway, I read about it in the
newspapers long before I was involved in the film, so I knew enough about it
and I saw West Ham fans on the weekly news shouting and screaming about it
not being right.

I thought that something was going on there, it was an inevitability with
modern football that this would happen. Certain west ham fans were more
vociferous than other ones, but even the quiet ones had major doubts and
there is no way that we could do this film without putting the doubts and
the concerns in it. One of the major people in the film stopped going, and
even others only go to away games. Some didn't feature that prominently but
it is important to reflect that. This is a historic move that (without
overdoing it) is the biggest thing that has happened to the club and you
have to reflect that accurately and be fair to everyone. I am fairly sure
the club would prefer it from a PR point of view that those voices weren't
in the film but that's just how the way it is. They can't deny that this was
happening, and that it was the voice of the fans at the time.

Let's talk about the final day and how it was portrayed in the film. The
Manchester United bus arrived and the scenes surrounding it live in infamy.
But the whole debacle was played down in the film. Why did you do that? Was
it a case of driving the narrative forward or to avoid the unflattering
parts of the final day?

I was thinking that if this film is going to be for more than just West Ham
fans. Something bigger, something that anyone can watch, if you live in
Australia or something. You can actually watch this film and get wrapped up
in the story and I think that was my thought throughout it, the film wasn't
only for west ham fans but for everyone in the film. You can touch on it,
you can very lightly touch on it, but it didn't seem to me as an important
part of the story. But its there if you know it.
It doesn't draw you in and it doesn't want to make you love the West Ham
fans if you see those scenes on Green Street. It was definitely an editorial
decision to add more emotion to those who watch the film who aren't West Ham
fans, who just want an entertaining story.

As a football fan you go into this final day, the narrative is set for
something spectacular. Then again we are West Ham. Does the 3-2 win make the
film? Would the film have had the same impact if it was a 0-0 draw or we
lost 2-1?

I think that football match was an absolute gift for the film makers. It was
beautifully shot and all the football action was absolutely terrific. I
couldn't have scripted it. So yes it made it a much stronger piece of
storytelling and a fantastic piece. Being a Manchester United fan I had a
quandary, we could have leapfrogged Manchester City and made it to the
Champions League. West Ham beating us in that special way made it great for
the film. At the same time, I don't think we deserved to be in the Champions
League that year, so the right thing happened.

What was it like working with the team and the board, the two key people are
Mark Noble and David Gold. Was there a conscientious decision to spend more
time with Gold than Sullivan?

From a story point of view, they both have stronger ties to the story. Noble
was brought up in Canning town, and Gold brought up a stones throw from
Upton Park. Where else in the world do you have the owner and the captain
with that kind of backstory? It makes West Ham feel even more special and
the story even more powerful. So there was a conscientious decision to spend
time with those two character, not only because they are both interesting
people but they are great on camera and that was another gift to the film.

One of the main issues with moving was that businesses and the area would be
after moving, what's your opinion on that?

My opinion doesn't really matter but it is sad that the area has lost
something major. I've been in the area since the move primarily to look at
how Upton Park is doing with the Barrat Homes transformation. I actually
filmed it but didn't want to put it in because it was too sad. I've been in
the Boleyn pub for a lunch break, it's a big pub and now its empty. That's
sad. Where else is it going to get its business now? Same with Nathans pies
across to the road, I don't know how much they brought in on match days but
it must be a lot less now. You've got to feel for these people, that's
livelihoods going down the drain.

But what can you do? It's this migration of tens of thousands of people en
masse. They go from being in that area for such a long time then not being
there, its one of those awful things about the decision to move grounds.
David Gold says in the film there will be winners and losers, in Stratford
there are winners, and sadly around Upton Park, there's definitely losers.

Have you managed to visit the new stadium yet? What do you think of it?

I've been quite a few times now, the first thing I realised was, the first
time I went to Stratford station and saw the stadium, you walk towards it
and half and hour later its still miles away!

I have thought about this quite a lot, and my long and painful calculation
is that I think it's the right thing to do. I know its controversial but
it's a bigger ground, there is no more halftime chaos that there was an
Upton park. You couldn't get a drink unless you set off halfway through the
first half. Financially it's the right thing to do. What West Ham have to do
now is to learn to play without relying on the fans breathing down the necks
of the opponents, you can't do that at the London Stadium. West Ham have to
learn to play better football. That's a tip from an expert.

Are you happy with the feedback for the film?

Thrilled, its been warmly received, to the point where its sold out on
Amazon. It's in the club shop and HMV, they're replenishing the shelves at
Amazon as we peak. The comments from people have been fantastic, its been
really well received, and West Ham guys are tough guys to pleased.

I'm really pleased Bilic has dragged the team through the first period where
it looked like they couldn't win at the new stadium. He's a lovely guy and I
hope he has a long and successful career at west ham.
You can follow James Gooderson on Twitter @james_Gooderson and Paul Crompton
@Major_Rawles
This interview has been edited for optimum viewing.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham should keep Adrian, says Parkes
WHUFC.com
Filed: Tuesday, 14th March 2017
By: Staff Writer

Former West Ham shot-stopper Phil Parkes believes current reserve goalkeeper
Adrian should be offered another two-year contract.

Writing his column for Blowing Bubbles Monthly, Parkes says the goalkeeping
situation is one area of the squad Slaven Bilic need not worry about.

"The truth is, there are no great 'keepers out there," he said. "Many of
them are much of the same with the exceptions of Ben Foster and Jack
Butland. This means Slaven's not going to find anyone much better than what
he has.

"I still believe Adrian has the potential to become a much better 'keeper
than he is as he was quite a late starter and is still learning. Over the
next couple of years he will get better - and I have a lot of faith in
Darren Randolph too."

Elsewhere in the March issue of the popular monthly magazine, Blowing
Bubbles chats to Trevor Morley on his time in east London, rumours about his
sexuality and his new life living in Scandinavia.

Blowing Bubbles also argues that Robert Snodgrass will put Dimitri Payet to
shame with his honest efforts and calls for the club to offer Slaven Bilic a
new contract.

They also ask if Roman would have made us happy if he had bought West Ham,
and if fan-favourite Adrian get another chance at the club?

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Come together
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 14th March 2017
By: John Courtney

What to write for a post that may or may not be published? This is new to me
and I'm never short of a word or 100 to say when asked my opinion in any
walk of life, but you learn to pick and choose your moments as you get
older.

Is it growing up? Who knows. I always said I never want to grow up and that
being silly and childish is what keeps you feeling young.

I work with an AC Milan/Chelsea fan, an Ipswich fan (who I secretly have a
soft spot for) and a Spurs fan (enough said, although he is one of the rare
non-irritating sort).

When I asked each of them if they had to write an article on their team,
what would it be about Mr Italian shrugged and went for an espresso. Mr
Ipswich, boring football under McCarthy (we've been there) and Mr Spurs, 40
years of hurt (you see, it is being inferior to Arsenal whatever they say).
So it brings me to me and what would I write about?

We all have opinions about our club and the way it's being run. The new
gaff, Upton Park (I refuse to call it the The Boleyn), new fans, old fans,
stand up, sit down…the list could go on forever. What struck me before the
Chelsea game, is what team are they?

They are certainly not the Chelsea who were on a par with us until the late
90s, winning the odd Cup and flirting with relegation in the 80s, actually
being relegated and Stamford bridge generally being a toilet (putting it
politely). Chelsea are that club now who buy players to stop other clubs
getting them.

Yes that's right, a player moves there to sit on the bench and not play!
(Are you reading this, Michy Batshuayi Tunga? No?) Can you think of any
other profession that would happen in? (No I'm struggling too.) But it's
their prerogative, they can do what they like (apparently) with their
Russian sugar-daddy's money.

We on the other hand have G&S to contend with. Our saviours! David Gold
seems like a nice old Granddad, who you humour and listen to tell those
repetitive stories, because he is nice, not a bad bone in his body and
probably says too much.

Mr Sullivan is the man who I cannot understand. A billionaire, a successful
businessman who has done very well. But why oh why does he open his mouth
and tell the world what he is going to do? Why? Because he is going to do
nothing of the sort.

He is a businessman and business comes first. He wants bums on seats. Paying
customers and what better way to sell tickets than promising the earth? I
actually believed we were going to buy Alexandre Lacazette last season.

Yup the hottest striker in Europe was going to sign for us, my club little
old West Ham and with Payet too! (We know how that ended up.) Yet we ended
up with possibly the worst player I've ever seen in a West Ham shirt (sorry
Razor Ruddock/fill in as applicable) - step forward, Mr Zaza.

His sons tweet too much. We all do. But things West Ham, no! Absolutely not.
I cringe when I read them, I want to curl up and die when I see some of
them. But that is modern day West Ham, that is what we all have signed up
for.

The question is, do I want us being taken over by Red Bull or some rich
Qataris ahead of their 2022 World Cup? Some days, absolutely - but then we
are just like Chelsea. No identity, a toy for the prawn sandwich brigade
when they are not watching Fulham or six nations rugby.

So what do we actually want from West Ham? Last season was everything in a
nutshell and in over 30 years of being a fan, was my favourite ever
campaign. Think about it, everything about it was magical, we were messing
with the big boys and the football we played was fabulous. It wasn't just
Payet, it was everyone.

I would argue that for the last 10 games, we were in fact too reliant on
him. The Chelsea game, Man United, Liverpool, Man City; we went with
expectations high and were going to give whoever rocked up a bloody good
game - and we did.

So I think our expectations were probably unrealistic this season (mine
included). Cast your mind back to that first day of our season in the
Championship (Cardiff at home, 1-0 loss). If you have had offered us this
situation now we'd have all ripped your arm off.

Even the season in the Championship was really enjoyable. (Something
Sunderland need to do to come good again. Learning how to be a team and win
again.) But with success comes expectation and if we are all not 4–0 up in
20 minutes against this lot in the bottom half then some people around me
want Slav hung drawn and quartered! It's unrealistic.

Anyone can beat anyone on their day and yes, we don't help ourselves
sometimes, but you know what? I don't think any one of us could do a better
job. So why do we do it? I've no idea.

My friends who I sit with, the whole West Ham fan base all want the same
thing, our team to win, fight for the shirt and hopefully play well.
(Invariably we don't or we out-West Ham ourselves.) Thinking about last
season, I wouldn't swap it for anyone else's. Because it's what makes us
great. It's what makes us West Ham. It was our season. No, we didn't win
anything, but that didn't matter to me.

So if we have lost our identity a little, imagine what it will be like under
different owners and a new stadium!? I know Chelsea fans who preferred it
when they were shit and Man City fans that feel the same. But do we want a
taste of the top table? We have to ask ourselves that.

I think there is room for both - an easy solution. Current owners - actions
speak louder than words, don't talk about it, do it! Mr Sullivan, get your
sons off twitter! Slav, play a right back, give Noble his Kouyate back.
Aaron, Dimitri isn't in front of you any more, calm down and do your day
job. Andy, please stay fit, Darren/Adrian do the simple things right.

I honestly believe we have the makings a of a decent team and if we played
players on form and in position, I've no doubt we could push on. Reece
Burke/Oxford, are amazing prospects, let us play them. That is how you find
out if they are good enough. (Think about John Stones for a moment.)
Sensible well thought out additions, quality not quantity!

As for the ground, a singing section, stewards who care and can actually do
a job. Programmes sold inside, enough beers to hand out to the masses at
half time rather than wait for an eternity, simple things done well make
such a difference. (And while we are at it, TFL letting more than 30 people
in a DLR station too!)

As for the club, treat the supporters like family, answer emails and
queries, don't just shrug your shoulders. You want our money, listen to us.

There were so many things I wanted to say in this post but ultimately I want
to leave that ground at 5pm on a Saturday - win, lose or draw - and come
home with an experience like we used to. I want to bottle last season and
open when I'm feeling low. (This week, anyone?)

Seeing Upton Park being demolished is like a snuff movie that I cannot help
but look at. I wish I didn't. I left that night in May last year and we were
done. It was the send-off we all wanted.

We cannot look back, we need to move forward. Everyone needs to do their
part and after this season of mediocrity (back to the West Ham I know and
love) I'm ready to. The question you have to ask yourself is, are you?

Not because I love everything currently about the club, I do not. However I
think the club is in need of some TLC right now so how about all of us pull
together in the right direction to make it what we know it can be and should
be? It's not hard. It's now time for EVERYONE to move forward.

It may sound like waffle, but it's my waffle. COYI.

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

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
My hardest season yet, says Noble
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 14th March 2017
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United captain Mark Noble says that the current season has been the
toughest yet for him at the club. The 29-year-old told Sky that off-field
issues had made the current campaign the "hardest" of his time at the club,
for whom he first signed at the age of 11 after leaving Arsenal's Academy.
And he responded to calls by some fans on social media for his replacement
in Slaven Bilic's team by accusing supporters of failing to "understand the
game".
"It's probably been the hardest [period] of my West Ham career because we've
had so much to deal with off the pitch,"he said. "The move to the new
stadium, the Dimi situation, so much has gone on and we lost four of our
best players to injury in pre-season, which is hard to replace. "You've got
to stick at it. The players have dug in and though we've lost a couple of
games, in this day and age you're not allowed to lose games. If I am really
honest, a lot of people who now go to football don't really understand the
game. "Football is a game of moments now and if someone does four
step-overs, they've had an incredible game," he continued. "That's not
something I do. It's just football, you've got to live with it. "The things
Arsene Wenger has done for Arsenal and some people want him out. Players
like Wayne Rooney, some people want him out of the Manchester United team.
That's why we are captains of our clubs, because we can handle that
pressure."

Noble has made 31 appearances for West Ham so far this season, scoring five
times. He is currently one game away from a two-match ban, having collected
nine bookings so far this term (eight in the Premier League and one in the
EFL Cup).

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal striker in the frame?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 14th March 2017
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are being linked with a move for Arsenal's unsetlled forward Lucas
Perez. 28-year-old Perez joined the Gunners last summer in a £17million
switch from Spanish side Deportivo but is reported to be looking for a way
out already, having failed to break into the first team at the Emirates on a
regular basis. And, so say The Times, West Ham have have lodged an enquiry
into Perez's availability with Irons boss Slaven Bilic reported to be an
admirer of the Spaniard, who has hit the target eight times in his 22
appearances for Arsenal in all competitions. It was reported during the last
transfer window that an unnamed Chinese club were keen to sign Perez,
although the Gunners were said to have instantly rejected a £26million offer
- even though that would have represented a near £10m-profit in a matter of
months.
Beginning his pro career with Ahletico Madrid's 'C' team, Perez moved on to
Rayo Vallecano in 2009 and PAOK in 2013 before making a dream move to his
hometown club in July 2014, initially on loan. After two seasons with the
Branquiazuis at Estadio Riazor, he moved to England in August of last summer
but has failed to settle - hence West Ham's purported interest.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham captain Mark Noble hits back at fans calling for him to be dropped
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 14/03/17 8:31am
SSN

West Ham captain Mark Noble admits the last eight months have been the most
difficult of his career, but has hit back at fans calling for him to be
dropped. In recent weeks, Hammers manager Slaven Bilic has defended Noble's
place in his team, with a certain section of the club's support suggesting
the 29-year-old should be left out. Noble, who joined West Ham at the age of
11, is closing in on 400 appearances for his boyhood club and has insisted
he can handle the pressure laid at his door.
"If I am really honest, a lot of people who now go to football don't really
understand the game," Noble told Sky Sports News HQ. "Football is a game of
moments now and if someone does four step-overs, they've had an incredible
game. "That's not something I do. It's just football, you've got to live
with it. The things Arsene Wenger has done for Arsenal and some people want
him out. "Players like Wayne Rooney, some people want him out of Manchester
United team. That's why we are captains of our clubs, because we can handle
that pressure."

West Ham have endured a difficult first season at London Stadium, with a
number off-the-field issues affecting the club and the playing squad. The
sale of star midfielder Dimitri Payet in particular proved to be a huge
disruption for the first-team squad, with the France international stating
he would never play for the club again before eventually sealing a move back
to Marseille in January. "It's probably been the hardest [period] of my West
Ham career because we've had so much to deal with off the pitch," Noble
said. "Obviously the move to the new stadium, the Dimi situation, so much
has gone on and we lost four of our best players to injury in pre-season,
which is hard to replace. "You've got to stick at it, the players have dug
in and though we've lost a couple of games, in this day and age you're not
allowed to lose games."

West Ham, who lie 11th in the table, welcome Leicester to London Stadium on
Saturday, aiming to secure their first win in five Premier League matches.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll says he is ready to win back his place in the England squad
The Hammers forward has played at the highest level for England and wants to
show Gareth Southgate he is good enough to compete on the international
stage
The Mirror
BYMARC ISAACS
18:58, 14 MAR 2017UPDATED19:02, 14 MAR 2017

West Ham United striker Andy Carroll says he is ready to win back his place
in the England team and feels he can make a big difference in Gareth
Southgate's squad. Southgate is set to name his squad for the double-header
against Germany and Lithuania at the end of March on Thursday and has
striking problems to deal with after Harry Kane suffered an ankle injury
against Millwall in the FA Cup quarter-final. Wayne Rooney also missed
Manchester United's FA Cup defeat against Chelsea through injury and reports
have suggested that Southgate will consider naming a bigger than normal
party to deal with the injury crisis.
Carroll has just returned from a groin problem, but looked back to his best
form in the early part of the year which included him scoring one of the
goals of the season against Crystal Palace. Southgate could now turn his
attentions to the former Liverpool and Newcastle forward and Carroll feels
he is good enough to compete on the international stage once again. Carroll
said: "Of course I want to be back in the England squad. I have got nine
caps and I definitely want a lot more. Hopefully I can stay fit for West
Ham, score more goals and hopefully it will come. "It was unbelievable for
me to play at the Euro Finals for my country. I managed to score, but taking
that out of the equation it was still fantastic and a great trip. "If I
could be involved in the World Cup it would be fantastic."
Carroll feels he can bring different qualities into the England set-up and
says there are a number of players at West Ham like Michail Antonio and
Aaron Cresswell who have also shown the quality this season to play for the
national side.
Carroll added: "It is nice when people say I should be in there and I do
feel I can offer something a little different so hopefully fingers crossed I
can keep working hard and the opportunity will come. "The manager has been
to a few of our games and a few of our players have a chance like Cressy and
Michail. Hopefully I am one of them."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham still plan summer decision on Slaven Bilic despite talk a deal for
new contract was near
Joint-chairman David Sullivan spelled out he expects better at the weekend
after Bournemouth loss made it one win on six
The M irror
BYDARREN LEWIS
18:14, 14 MAR 2017UPDATED22:05, 14 MAR 2017

Slaven Bilic's future will be decided at the end of the season. Despite
claims last week that a new deal was close for the popular West Ham boss,
club chiefs will look at his performance in one of the annual reviews that
follow every campaign. The Hammers, who host champions Leicester this
weekend, were stunned 3-2 at Bournemouth last Saturday with the home side
pulling off their first win of 2017 to make it just one win in six for
Bilic's boys. Joint-chairman David Sullivan responded by voicing his
disapproval and warning Bilic that his side needs to improve. Sullivan said:
"'I was very disappointed and frustrated with the manner of our defeat. "We
went down there determined to bounce back from the Chelsea game, but we
didn't play as well as we know we can. "Slaven, the players and the staff
all know we have to do better. "We have conceded too many goals early in
halves in recent games and, while we've managed to get ourselves back into
games like the ones at Southampton and Watford and at home to West Brom,
there will be matches where we cannot equalise. That situation cannot go on.
"I am sure Slaven, his backroom staff and the team were not happy with what
happened and they will think about it a lot over the next few days."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United vs Leicester City: Roger East named as referee for Premier
League champions clash
By Essex Chronicle | Posted: March 14, 2017
By Tommy Wathen

Premier League referee Roger East has been announced as the man to take
charge of West Ham United's home league fixture with champions Leicester
City on Saturday [March 18]. The 51 year-old from Wiltshire has only
officiated six Premier League fixtures so far this season - only one of
which involved either the Hammers or the Foxes.
Back in August 2016, East took charge of Leicester's home 2-1 victory over
Swansea City - where Jamie Vardy and Wes Morgan scored to give Claudio
Ranieri's side the result. During that game, East awarded the Foxes a
penalty when Riyad Mahrez was fouled inside the penalty box, although Swans
keeper Lukasz Fabianski managed to save the spot kick, Over the course of
the season, he has also been covering games within the English Football
League, including eight EFL Championship games, five EFL League One matches
and one single EFL League Two fixture. East will be joined at the London
Stadium by assistant referees Darren Cann and Mark Scholes, along with
fourth official Andre Marriner on the touchline.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's players have been guilty of 'naivety' away from home, says
Winston Reid
SAM LONG
Evening Standard

West Ham's players have been guilty of 'naivety' during Premier League away
fixtures in recent weeks, according to Winston Reid. The Hammers have won
just four games on their travels this season and came up short against
Bournemouth on Saturday, despite taking an early lead against Eddie Howe's
side. The Cherries went on to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory, thanks to Josh
King's hat-trick, as Slaven Bilic's side missed the chance to climb into the
top half of the table. West Ham appeared to be caught cold by the intensity
of Bournemouth's play and Reid is frustrated the Hammers were unable to
match their fired-up opponents. "We have been a bit naive lately in some
ways," he told West Ham's official website. "You know before you come away
from home that the crowd is going to be up for it.
"Bournemouth were in a tough position so they were going to come out of the
blocks quick, you know it, it is simple. "The minimum a Premier League team
is going to do at home is come at you - 100 per cent. It is not rocket
science. "You have to match them. We have to work together and work as a
unit and if you don't do that, you get found out," Reid added. West Ham will
return to the comforts of the London Stadium this weekend when they host
champions Leicester on Saturday afternoon. The Foxes have endured their own
plight on their travels this term and have picked up just three points away
from the King Power Stadium.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle held by ten-man West Ham
14/03/2017
PremierLeague.com
Newcastle 0-0 West Ham, PL2
Hammers earn 0-0 draw at St James' Park despite early dismissal of Arthur
Masuaku

Newcastle United were held to a goalless draw by 10-man West Ham United at
St James' Park. Hammers left-back Arthur Masuaku was dismissed after 30
minutes following an off-the-ball incident, but although Luke Charman hit
the crossbar midway through the second half, the home side were unable to
capitalise. The stalemate means fourth-placed Newcastle remain a point ahead
of West Ham, in fifth, with Aston Villa also in play-off contention a point
further back.

Follow
West Ham United ? @WestHamUtd
"It was an important point."@Nathan_trott believes the draw at @NUFC could
be a vital one ?? http://bit.ly/2ny2J3W #COYI
10:00 AM - 14 Mar 2017
Retweets 13 13 likes

The two sides meet again in the Premier League Cup, once more at St James'
Park, on Saturday lunchtime. After that, Newcastle are next in league
action at home to Fulham at Northumberland FA on Monday April 10, while West
Ham entertain Middlesbrough at London Stadium on the same evening.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The one that got away - how West Ham nearly signed N'Golo Kante for just £5m
The Chelsea midfielder is now widely regarded as one of the best in the
league
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
08:49, 14 MAR 2017

Hindsight truly is a wonderful thing. N'Golo Kante put in another man of the
match performance for Chelsea as they beat Manchester United 1-0 in a feisty
FA Cup quarter final last night, with the French midfielder absolutely
bossing proceedings and showing up Paul Pogba as an over-priced hype
machine. Kante is on track to win successive Premier League titles with two
different clubs, the first time any player has ever done that, having joined
the Blues from Leicester. He is an overwhelming favourite to win the Player
of the Year in the Premier League and, this is not an understatement at all,
has a very strong case to claim he is the best midfielder on the planet
right now. Kante was brought to England by Claudio Ranieri the summer before
last but back in July 2015, Kante could have so easily been seen in claret
and blue. West Ham enquired to Kante's former club Caen nearly two years ago
about signing the diminutive midfielder and was valued at a measly £5m. He
ended up joining the Foxes for £5.6m and lit up the Premier League as
Leicester completed the most incredible season and won the title. A £32m
switch to Chelsea followed last summer and Kante has gone from strength to
strength, while Leicester have struggled without him and Antonio Conte's men
have flourished. Back in 2015, Kante wasn't signed by Slaven Bilic and
instead they plumped for…sigh…Alex Song. At least we have Pedro Obiang now
who is one of the better defensive midfielders in the Premier League but we
can all agree, he's not on Kante's level.

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West Ham fans have already renewed a record number of season tickets - after
just 24 hours on sale
Hammers supporters are already looking ahead to 2017/18
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
10:00, 14 MAR 2017

A record number of West Ham fans have already renewed their season tickets
for last season after only 24 hours on sale. After the renewal process
opened yesterday, a fantastic 18% of supporters have already renewed to keep
hold of the cheapest season tickets in the Premier League. That's nearly
9,500 of the 52,000 season ticket holders already registered. That figure
surpasses comfortably any other previous opening day total for renewals in
the club's history and joint-chairman David Sullivan is clearly delighted.
He said: "To have already had nearly a fifth of our season ticket holders
renew for next season's campaign in the first eight hours is a fantastic
example of why West Ham fans are so special. "This is exactly the kind of
loyalty and togetherness that embodies our fanbase. "We are delighted to
have continued our promise of affordable Premier League football at London
Stadium by freezing Season Ticket renewal prices for next season, and we are
so happy to see so many supporters benefiting from it."
An adult season ticket price has been frozen for a second successive season
at £289 for the year, while an under 16 ticket price also remains at £99.
The waiting list for season tickets is a whopping 55,000 so if you're going
to renew yours, you better be quick.

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WHAT'S WRONG WITH WEST HAM? THE SORRY PLIGHT OF A CLUB IN NEED OF A PLAN
By Seb Stafford-Bloor Mar 14 2017 3:55PM
http://www.fourfourtwo.com.au

The east Londoners were promised an exciting future, but remain blighted by
dysfunction. From a distance, the London Stadium looks every inch the
sporting venue it's supposed to be. Walk towards it from the Westfield
Shopping centre and its eclipsing size and radiant video screens will take
you in. Cranes loom in the distance and on every side theres's evidence of
sprouting modernity; yep, this is a place of great progress. But the
stadium, like its tennant football club, looks better from afar. The
impression inside the ground is of just enough having been done to make it
feel like West Ham's home. Andy Carroll's thundering volley has been
stencilled onto the fascia, the club's crest beams out over the London
skyline, and the colours appear with enough frequency to be convincing.

The stadium's press box sits high up, almost in the atmosphere, affording a
view so detached it's almost voyeuristic
But step closer and see what a strange sort of home this is. The stewarding
and segregation issues have been well covered and the team's form hasn't
helped with the transition, but there's something incurable in the air; an
irritation, maybe, or perhaps even regret? There's a very real sense that
nobody actually wants to be here and that those who do are engaged in
self-deception.

The stadium's press box sits high up, almost in the atmosphere, affording a
view so detached it's almost voyeuristic. But it's a revealing perspective:
it shows the gaps between the tiers and the incongruous details which were
likely never considered during the planning phase.

Shortcuts are becoming a theme at West Ham.

One of last summer's great sagas involved the club's hunt for a forward to
smash across the stadium's bows. Bold promises were made and transfer
targets were callously leaked onto social media by the ownership's children;
the club were newly rich and wanted the world to know. Even, ridiculously,
the clubs they intended to negotiate with.

Across Europe they traipsed, £31m cheque in hand, but with no joy: Alexandre
Lacazette passed, Michy Batshuayi said no and only Simone Zaza could be
convinced to join – but even then only on loan.

Still, a player people knew: a name. Regrettably, that seemed to be the
priority. Not the creation of a balanced squad nor the systematic curing of
its weaknesses, but the pursuit of a 'sit up and take notice' moment – and a
set of headlines.

Until as recently as January 2017, the club were taking the bizarre step of
publishing transfer intentions on their own official website. The Insider
column, presumably birthed by nepotism, was both staggeringly naive and a
transparent attempt to dictate the news cycle.

It has subsequently been put out of its misery, but its memory helps guards
the perception of amateur decision-makers bumbling through an
ultra-professional world.

West Ham's transfer policy has been vague for some time, with no clear
indication as to how powers are separated and decisions are made. What's
more clear, however, is that they have grown increasingly less efficient
under joint-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan.

According to transfermarkt.com, the club have made a net loss on all their
market activity in each season from 2011 onwards. The last time they
recorded a net profit was 2010, but that was a reality obfuscated by the
sale of Carlos Tevez, the true beneficiary of which remains unclear.

It's troubling for two reasons: firstly, although the loss itself is largely
offset by the current broadcasting contract, West Ham don't appear to have
received much in return for their expenditure. They have re-emerged from
relegation and become relatively safe within the top flight, but there's
little evidence of progression in the sides they construct.

They are built for seasons rather than eras and rarely mature into more than
the sum of their parts.

Secondly, they only occasionally buy or develop players who become desirable
to other clubs. They may have recently sold Dimitri Payet back to Marseille
at a healthy profit, but there are few other players in the current squad,
barring Winston Reid and Michail Antonio, who would definitively command
fees greater than their purchase price.

Losing players is galling for supporters, but still a necessary part of
healthy Premier League life. As too is the elevation of academy prospects
which, once a club hallmark, has become a rarity.

While not damning, it's certainly indicative of dysfunction and, when
compared to the strategy of clubs like Southampton, Everton and Tottenham,
casts West Ham's recruitment in an unflattering light. Clubs of their size
and standing naturally prioritise progression up the league table, but
generally also defer to certain imperatives. Players are important, but so
too are assets.

Perhaps there's no greater evidence of wastage than in the succession of
loan deals completed in the years following promotion. In the seasons since,
West Ham have signed Emmanuel Emenike, Alex Song, Marco Borriello, Marouane
Chamakh, Antonio Nocerino, Pablo Armero and Roger Johnson. Roger. Johnson.

Loans, when not bookended with a permanent contract, represent pure loss: a
fee is due to the parent club, wages are paid out (possibly shared), and
those costs can never be recovered through a sale.

The only real benefit is in performance itself and, perhaps, through the
achievement of certain short-term objectives. They are, in effect, stigmata
of an organisation seeking quick bounce rather than a more gentle or
sustainable progress. In this case specifically, West Ham have almost
universally been unsuccessful: with the exception of Song (reported wages:
£140k per week), none of the aforementioned players left a trace of impact
at Upton Park.

Worse still, the past isn't obviously instructing the present: 2016/17
delivered another batch of costly, pointless loan deals, with neither
Jonathan Calleri nor Gokhan Tore faring any better than Zaza.

Regrettably, this transfer malaise neatly frames what West Ham are: a club
with plenty of ambition, but who are either unsure of how to satiate it or
incapable of doing so. The 2016 off-season was a pertinent example of just
that: they had the wherewithal to be bold, but floundered like a club who
hadn't really planned their steps. And that, unfortunately, is a thread
which binds much of their activity, from their recruitment to their stadium
delivery, and is reflective of an operating procedure which continues to
create problems.

In the absence of a more considered culture, they appear to have become
overly reactionary, with organisational energies sapped by the need to
firefight this never-shortening list of issues. There is always either an
unhappy player, a crippling squad shortage, or a logistical or PR battle
which needs plotting. Progressive clubs tend to radiate calm, logical order,
whereas West Ham seem to exist in mild chaos.

There is always some kind of drama.

These needn't be terminal problems. Irrespective of the mood surrounding the
London Stadium tenancy, it has lifted the club into a theoretically
advantageous situation. Without the enormous overheads involved in
constructing a ground (and the planning issues that would have been faced in
the East End), they have been defaulted up the food chain.

That will count for little, however, unless clear thinking prevails and they
allow themselves to be led by a coherent ideology. If they don't, they will
continue to stumble around this world, unsure of whether they actually want
to be a successful side or just to walk around with a strut.

West Ham remain one of this country's great clubs, garnished as they are by
substantial history and enviable tradition, but that identity has never been
weaker than it is right now. The gap between what they are as a club and
what they should be is, unfortuantely, as broad as the chasm between the
London Stadium's pitch and its stands.

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Should Slaven Bilic go big for Brighton star Anthony Knockaert who could top
Dimitri Payet for talent
HITC
Damien Lucas

West Ham United need to get it right in the summer transfer window and
Brighton playmaker could be the answer. The Hammers have turned their season
around since Christmas and despite a dip in form of late are sitting in the
relative comfort of 11th place in the Premier League. In truth, midtable is
likely to be the highest they can finish given the gap to the likes of
Everton above them while there is no danger of Slaven Bilic's side being
dragged into the relegation dogfight. While the mediocrity of midtable may
not provide an exciting end to the season for fans of the East London club,
it does give Bilic and co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan plenty of
time to prepare their summer recruitment. The Hammers got things badly wrong
last summer as they diluted their squad with a glut of poor quality free
transfers and flop loan signings despite promising supporters big name
marquee signings as they took up residence at their new 60,000 seater
Olympic Stadium home.
Having lost star man Dimitri Payet in January the club faces a big task to
bring in better quality players to compete with the Premier League elite.
And Bilic should go big - as the Hammers would undoubtedly have to - in a
bid to land a like for like replacement for Payet in the shape of Brighton's
Anthony Knockaert. The 25-year-old is on course to be named the Championship
Player of the Season and has 13 goals from 36 games this term as well as
countless assists. A skillful number 10 in the Payet mould, Knockaert has
also proved he is willing to work for his teammates and has been leading the
fight from the front to help Brighton to the verge of promotion to the top
flight.
Knockaert is nearly five years younger than his compatriot Payet and has a
slightly better goal record over his career so far with 57 goals in 240
games (1 every 4.2 matches) compared to Payet's 94 in 462 (1 every 4.9
matches). Knockaert would also likely hit the ground running given he is
already settled and accustomed to football in England, something Bilic has
highlighted will be a big factor in future transfers. While Brighton look a
good bet to be promoted, Huddersfield will be just three points behind them
and Newcastle if they win their game in hand. Whether the Seagulls do go up
or not, the Hammers might be able to tempt them with a big money bid which
would give Chris Hughton extra funds to improve his squad for the demands of
the Premier League or a renewed push for promotion next season.
Signing Knockaert would send out the right message and fits with West Ham's
policy of recruiting young, hungry players with good fitness records. Given
the Brighton star's talents, Bilic would undoubtedly face competition for
his signature but a move to West Ham would represent a step up for the
player in terms of stature and ambition, playing in front of 66,000 people
every other week from next season. West Ham would undoubtedly have to shell
out a club record fee in excess of the £20.5 million they paid for Andre
Ayew if they were to have any chance of landing the former Standard Liege
and Leicester City man.

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BETTING UPDATE: WEST HAM INSTALLED FAVOURITES TO SIGN PROVEN PL PLAYMAKER
FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmailShare
14th March, 2017, 6:17 AM
By Harry Sykes

West Ham have been installed as the bookmakers' favourites to sign Swansea
playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson this summer. Sky Bet have priced the Hammers at
5/1 to land the 27-year-old, placing them ahead of Everton (8/1) and
Newcastle (10/1) in the market. There is likely to be considerable turnover
in the West Ham playing squad this summer following a series of flop
signings in the main 2016 transfer window.
Slaven Bilic's squad have struggled to score goals and create opportunities,
with their 28 Premier League fixtures yielding 38 goals.
They also sold Dimitri Payet for £25million in January, which left a major
creative hole in their squad. Sports site Bleacher Report claimed last week
that Everton are keeping a close eye on Sigurdsson and that he is one of
their principal summer targets. It is said that an offer of between
£20million and £25million could be enough to seal the deal for a player who
is proven in the Premier League.
Sigurdsson has had another impressive season for relegation-threatened
Swansea, scoring nine goals and supplying 11 assists in 30 matches in all
competitions, with all but one of those strikes coming in the Premier
League. He joined the Swans from Tottenham in the summer of 2014 for
£9million after being a fringe player at White Hart Lane under Tim Sherwood
and Andre Villas-Boas.
Yes, Sigurdsson is technically excellent, proven in the Premier League and
has pretty hand stats. He consistently delivers for a side who have fought
against relegation in the past two seasons. But that does not mean he is the
answer for West Ham. The 27-year-old is at his most effective when the game
stops, in dead-ball situations. The problem is he is not quite such a
superstar when someone is needed to take charge of a game and design it in
their image. West Ham are better off putting more trust in Manuel Lanzini,
who has the potential to invigorate those around him and carry the ball
forward to scare the opposition.

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WEST HAM TRACKING MANDZUKIC
LUKE OSMAN @LukeOsman
ReadWestHam

West Ham are reportedly considering a move for Juventus striker Mario
Mandzukic. According to a report from talkSPORT today, the Hammers are
looking to test Juventus' resolve to keep the Croatian forward by moving in
for him when the summer transfer window opens.
Slaven Bilic has been looking around the market for quality attacking
options for some time now and it looks as though he's certainly keen on
bringing his compatriot to the London Stadium ahead of next season. However
if he is to pursue his interest in Mandzukic, he will need to fend off
interest from his former team Besiktas, who are also looking to move in for
him. Mandzukic has fallen down the pecking order at Juventus due to the
excellent form and partnership of Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala this
season, leaving the 30-year-old as a substitute mainly. Besiktas are claimed
in the report to have made him their number one target.

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