Slaven Bilic encourages youngsters to make West Ham United breakthrough
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic says a host of West Ham United youngsters are on his radar and challenged them to make a first team breakthrough next season. The Academy of Football production line has continued to roll in recent seasons, with eleven graduates making their senior debuts for the Hammers since Bilic took charge in the summer of 2015.
A number of those debutants, most notably Josh Cullen, Reece Burke and Toni Martinez, have gone out and impressed on loan in the English Football League, while Declan Rice captained the Hammers' U23s to promotion and made his Premier League debut. Now, the manager encouraged them to take the next step and challenge for Premier League minutes in 2017/18.
"Josh Cullen had a fantastic season at Bradford," Bilic began. "Reece Burke went to Wigan but unfortunately he got injured. Unfortunately, Reece Oxford, who is a fantastic talent, it was our aim for him to go on loan in the Championship and he went to Reading but unfortunately he didn't play enough. "On top of that we have two fantastic talents who are younger than them in Domingos Quina and Declan Rice, who are doing really good."
Midfielder Cullen carried an armful of trophies home from Bradford City's awards night and inspired the Bantams to the League One Play-Off final, while he also cemented his place in the Republic of Ireland U21 team. Fellow countryman Rice captained West Ham's U23s to Premier League 2 promotion before being handed his Premier League bow at Burnley and called-up to the Ireland senior squad last month – all of this at the tender age of 18.
Spanish striker Martinez enjoyed a prolific first season in English football after arriving from Valencia. The teenager scored 14 goals in 14 U23 matches for the Hammers, while also scoring in Emirates FA Cup ties against Newcastle United and Middlesbrough for loan club Oxford United.
Burke, meanwhile, enhanced his reputation during his ten Championship appearances for Wigan before suffering a niggling hip problem. Marcus Browne's also spent time with the Latics, while Reece Oxford appeared for Reading and Norway winger Martin Samuelsen turned out for Blackburn Rovers and Peterborough United.
Exciting Portuguese winger Quina, who made his first-team debut in the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds last summer and was named on the Premier League bench a number of times, is another whose potential is without question. All have trained regularly with the first-team squad and Bilic believes they have the potential to make their mark at the highest level. "For me, they all have a future, although we have three centre-backs, so it's going to be hard for them all to knock on the door and play for West Ham very, very soon," the manager confirmed. "There are three of them. "It's up to them. They've been training with us and now it's about time for them to play."
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Dan Kemp honoured after England debut
WHUFC.com
Winger Dan Kemp made his international debut in England U20s 1-0 win over Angola at the Toulon Tournament on Monday
Kemp called the experience "an unbelievable experience and honour"
He hopes to be involved in England's second group match against Cuba on Thursday evening
West Ham winger Dan Kemp said making his international debut was "an unbelievable experience and an honour" and hopes to feature in England U20s second match at the Toulon Tournament. The young star played 65 minutes as England beat Angola 1-0 in their opening Group A fixture on Sunday and the Young Lions face Cuba on Thursday knowing that a victory could see them through to the semi-finals. The appearance was another moment to cherish in a landmark season for Kemp and he spoke of his excitement at pulling on the famous Three Lions jersey. "It was an unbelievable experience and an honour to make my international debut," said Kemp. "It's without doubt the best moment of my career so far. "Before the game, I was excited and nervous but I couldn't wait to put the shirt on and play. When the national anthem was playing and I was singing was when it felt real and exciting and when I felt proud that my hard work so far has all been worth it. During the game I felt relaxed and just tried to enjoy the occasion and do the best for the team. "To start the tournament with a win was massively important for us and all the boys performed well to the challenges that Angola presented. The most important thing was that we got the three points."
Kemp joined West Ham at the age of 16 after spending the rest of his youth career at Chelsea. With much of the England squad in Toulon featuring Blues' players, Kemp has had no issues settling in. It was an unbelievable experience and an honour to make my international debut. It's without doubt the best moment of my career so far. "The boys have been great with me," he observed. "I know about six or seven of them from playing with them over the years for Chelsea and even now when I play against them for West Ham. "They have been great with me and I have got to know some of the other boys really well. It was important for us all to get to know each other quickly to make us stand the best chance of knowing each other on the pitch. This year's crop of England youngsters are aiming to emulate the squad from last season which managed to win the Toulon Tournament overall. The Young Lions take on Cuba on Thursday with kick-off at 6.30pm BST and Kemp believes the team will head into their second group game full of confidence. "To start the tournament with a win is the best way obviously. We feel confident now that we can beat anyone and that is what we're trying to do. Cuba will be a tough game and a game we want to win again to give us the best chance of getting through to the semi-finals. All the boys are looking forward to the game."
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Reece Oxford and Nathan Trott earn England call-ups
WHUFC.com
Reece Oxford and Nathan Trott have both been called up to the England U19s squad for the upcoming UEFA European Championships in Georgia.
Both will join up with Keith Downing's squad next week when they head to Murcia, Spain for a six-day training camp. The team will then return to St. George's Park before flying out to Tbilisi, Georgia for the Euros, which begin on July 2.
Oxford is hugely experienced on the international stage and could captain the side in Georgia, whereas Trott will be hoping to make his first appearance in a Three Lions jersey. The 18-year-old stopper was called-up to the squad for the three Elite Round qualifiers in March, but had to watch from the sidelines. He'll be pushing for a starting spot in the first group fixture against Bulgaria on Monday 3 July. The Young Lions they face the Netherlands three days laters before rounding of their Group B campaign against Germany on Sunday 9 July.
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West Ham United's band of internationals are set for a busy June.
WHUFC.com
Eight Hammers have been called up for senior friendly matches, the FIFA Confederations Cup and FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, while four youngsters are also on duty at age-group level.
Jose Fonte has the busiest month, with Portugal preparing for the Confederations Cup by hosting Cyprus in Coimbra on Saturday 3 June, before travelling to Latvia for a World Cup qualifier on Friday 9 June. The UEFA Euro 2016 winner then heads for Russia, where Portugal will take on Mexico, Russia and New Zealand in Confederations Cup Group A on 18, 21 and 24 June respectively.
This month's slate of international fixtures kicks-off on Thursday evening, when Edimilson Fernandes' Switzerland host Belarus for a friendly in Neuchatel. The 21-year-old will hope to earn his second cap after making his debut in the FIFA World Cup qualifying win over the Faroe Islands in November. Switerland then travel to Torshavn to face the same opposition in the reverse qualifier on 9 June.
Kemp could also make his second appearance at international level when an England U20 side take on Cuba in their second group-stage fixture at the Toulon Tournament in France on Thursday evening. The Academy winger made his debut as England beat Angola 1-0 on Monday and you can read the teenager's reaction here. The Young Lions tackle Japan in their final Group A fixture on Sunday 4 June.
Sticking with England, Nathan Trott and Reece Oxford have been included in the U19 squad for a training camp to be held in Spain ahead of this summer's UEFA European U19 Championship finals in Georgia. The Young Lions will head to Murcia for six days before returning to St George's Park to make final preparations for the tournament, which kicks-off in Tbilisi on 2 July. England face Bulgaria the following day in their Group B opener, followed by ties with the Netherlands on 6 July and Germany on 9 July.
Heading back to senior level, Darren Randolph's Republic of Ireland face Mexico in New Jersey on Thursday evening before returning to Dublin for a second friendly with Uruguay on Sunday, followed by a World Cup qualifier with Austria at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday 11 June.
Winger Robert Snodgrass will need no extra motivation when Scotland host England in a World Cup qualifier at Glasgow's Hampden Park on Saturday 10 June.
Havard Nordtveit and Norway have two games to play, with a must-win World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic in Oslo on Saturday 10 June, followed by a prestige friendly with neighbours Sweden at Ullevaal Stadium on Tuesday 13 June. Nordtveit's fellow countryman Martin Samuelsen is in the Norway U21 squad for a European U21 Championship qualifier with Kosovo in Drammen on Monday 12 June.
Farther afield, Andre Ayew's Ghana host Ethiopia in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Kumasi on 11 June before travelling to North America to take on Mexico and the United States on 29 June and 1 July respectively.
Sofiane Feghouli will hope to return to Algeria duty when new manager Lucas Alcaraz takes charge for friendly internationals with Guinea on 6 June and Togo on 13 June in Blida.
Last but by no means least, Manuel Lanzini will surely make his Argentina debut when the South Americans tackle old rivals Brazil in Melbourne on 9 June, if not their friendly with Singapore four days later.
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2016/17: In numbers
WHUFC.com
West Ham United finished the 2016/17 Premier League strongly, with just one defeat in their final seven matches.
Those are just two of the numbers which matter when it comes to looking back over a ten-month, 46-match, four-competition campaign that had ups and downs galore!
Here, we look back at the Club's first season at London Stadium in numbers, from the men who made a case for the defence to those who regularly went on the attack.
1,082,464 fans bought tickets for Premier League matches at London Stadium in 2016/17 – an average of 56,972 per game
The Hammers scored 28 Premier League goals away from home – the highest of any club outside the top six
Of West Ham United's 12 clean sheets, ten were kept at London Stadium
The Claret and Blue Army travelled a total of 5,654 miles to cheer on their team
Slaven Bilic used 29 different players in the Premier League – two more than he utilised in top-flight matches in the final season at the Boleyn Ground
The Hammers used 33 players in total – Reece Burke, Reece Oxford, Marcus Browne and Domingos Quina features in the UEFA Europa League
Slaven Bilic handed 15 players their debuts, including three Academy graduates
Fifteen different players scored 56 goals in all competition – 29 were scored from open play, 17 from set pieces, five from penalties, four from counter attacks and one own-goal!
Of those 56 goals, 27 were right-foot shots, 14 were left-foot shots, 14 were headers and one was an own goal!
No Hammer played more minutes than Cheikhou Kouyate's 3,167 in all competitions or 2,728 in the Premier League
Michail Antonio, Cheikhou Kouyate, Winston Reid each started 36 matches in league and cup
Manuel Lanzini who made the most appearances all in, with 39 in all competitions
Defensively, Winston Reid led the way in blocks (56), clearances (244) and interceptions (81)
Cheikhou Kouyate totalled 99 tackles – nine more than Mark Noble and Pedro Obiang
Offensively, Michail Antonio led the way in goals scored (nine) and shots (77)
Assist-wise, it was Dimitri Payet who led the way with six, three more than five other players
Nobody won more aerial battles in the Premier League on average than Andy Carroll's 9.1 per game
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LUNCHTIME ROUND UP: SLAV PROMISES BETTER TIMES, MICHY OPEN TO LOAN DEAL, IHEANACHO LATEST!
BY DAN CHAPMAN ON 1 JUNE 2017 AT 12:02PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Hello Hammers. Here is today's lunchtime round up.
West Ham United have announced a record number of season ticket renewals ahead of their second season at the London Stadium. (Evening Standard)
This is very good to see from the fans. Its good to see that despite the problems during last season, the fans have stuck at it and are continuing to pay money to support the team. I'm really pleased to see this.
Slaven Bilic has promised West Ham fans that better days lie ahead, following a poor 2016/17 season. (HITC)
Slaven Bilic says that he believes West Ham will benefit a lot from their first season at the London Stadium. (Evening Standard)
I agree with Slaven on both of these points. Better times are ahead for this club, but we need to sign some good players to progress as a team. If we do that, then I am sure we will see progress next season. As for the stadium, it cannot be used as an excuse for the players anymore. We have been there a year and they should be used to it now. I do believe that we will be better next season and will continue to push on from there.
West Ham target Kelechi Iheanacho wishes to remain in England, should the striker leave Manchester City this summer. (Vital Football)
This is a huge boost to our chances of signing him. I hope that we can get this deal done relatively quickly once he returns from international duty, because I think he would be an excellent signing.
West Ham are keen to sign Michy Batshuayi, who is open to leaving Chelsea this summer. (The Sun)
I hope we sign Batshuayi before we sign anyone else this summer. I have wanted him to join for ages now, and if we can get him on loan with a view to buy him, then I would be very happy with that.
West Ham are leading Everton in the race to sign want-away Arsenal striker Lucas Perez. (Express)
For me, he has not played enough football this season. Yes he has looked good when he has played, but Arsenal will likely want a big fee for him and I do not think he would be value for money.
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Darren Randolph happy with Hammers acclaim
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph is hoping the memory of winning West Ham United's Save of the Season award will inspire him while on international duty.
The Hammers and Republic of Ireland No1 caught the trophy for his outstanding fingertip stop to deny Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson in the 2-2 Premier League draw at Anfield in December. The save was one of a number made by Randolph last season, including impressive stops from Manchester United's Jesse Lingard, Burnley's Scott Arfield, Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez and Tottenham Hotspur's Eric Dier.
It was the wonderful full-length effort to deny Henderson which won Randolph acclaim, and he would love to repeat the trick in Ireland's friendly international with Mexico, which will take place in New Jersey on Thursday evening.
"It's always nice to get a pat on the back for your hard work throughout the season and nice to get that recognition," he confirmed. "I don't remember too much before the actual shot. I remember him hitting the shot and it kind of went in slow motion, then I thought 'Uh-oh!', then I moved my feet and kind of just threw myself and I managed to get there and tip it over the bar.
"I didn't realise how good a save it was until I watched it back, because you never get to see the replays on the big screens. I didn't realise it was so far in the corner at the time, I thought it was more central.
"Sometimes when you back you think 'That wasn't as good as I thought' and other times you think 'It was better than I thought' and that was definitely in the latter category.
"There were a few against Manchester United and another one against Tottenham at White Hart Lane that I liked, but I'd say the Henderson one was probably top of the list."
Randolph is one of two goalkeepers in the Ireland squad for the trip to the United States, with Bradford City's Colin Doyle also present.
Following the Mexico fixture, the Boys in Green return to Dublin to host Uruguay in a friendly on Sunday 4 June, before tackling Austria in an important FIFA World Cup European Group D qualifier at the Aviva Stadium a week later.
Victory over Austria would complete a decent campaign for the 30-year-old, who appeared 27 times in all competitions for the Hammers.
"We have three games in the summer – two friendlies and one qualifier against Austria," he confirmed. "I think we're joint-top of the group now and there's still plenty more football to be played, so let's get a win against Austria and go top of the group and keep on course to go to the World Cup in Russia next summer.
"It was a good season for me. Obviously I got in the team and played 27 games, I think it was, then unfortunately got taken out of the team, but that's football.
"I like to think that, when I've played, I've contributed to the team and helped us pick up points, so on the whole, for myself it's been a good season."
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West Ham announce record number of season ticket renewals ahead of second campaign at London Stadium
SAM LONG
Evening Standard
West Ham have announced a record number of season ticket renewals for the 2017-18 season. More than 90% of the club's 52,000 season ticket holders have opted to renew, while supporters on the waiting list have registered their desire to purchase the remaining seats.
The Hammers moved into the London Stadium last year and are set to boast the highest number of season ticket holders of any club in the capital, with Arsenal their closest challengers, for the second season running.
Co-chairman David Sullivan is delighted to have received such a positive response and believes the club's fans have proved they deserved to watch football on a bigger stage than the Boleyn Ground. Sullivan said: "Once again, our supporters have shown magnificent commitment and devotion to West Ham United. "When we took the decision to move our football club to London Stadium, we did so with the belief and confidence that our fanbase was deserving of a bigger and better stage. "The season ticket renewal figure for next season only serves to emphasise that fact, but I am still amazed and overwhelmed by the loyalty and dedication of our supporters."
Despite such a widespread appetite to see West Ham in action, Slaven Bilic's side endured a difficult season on the pitch. The Hammers flirted with relegation before eventually finishing 11th with a total of 45 points. Bilic is keen to add to his squad, having already signed Pablo Zabaleta, in an attempt to climb the table and Sullivan has vowed to reward fans for their unwavering support. He added: "They have followed us through thick and thin, and shown tremendous faith throughout the first season at our new home. "Our focus now is to do everything we can to reward that faith with success on the pitch next season."
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Dusan Tadic, Kelechi Iheanacho and Michy Batshuayi… the transfer business West Ham will look to complete this summer
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
West Ham fans should not anticipate droves of arrivals but they will be expecting a considerable upgrade on last season's business.
Slaven Bilic has already promised that quality rather than quantity will be the mantra, with pace a priority. That criteria was not top of the agenda when West Ham did some early close-season business with the signing, on a free transfer, of Pablo Zabaleta from City but what the 32-year-old loses in the sprinting stakes, he will more than make up in character and leadership. West Ham's major expenditure could be a £20m-plus deal to take striker Kelechi Iheanacho, again from City, but there is a way to go before this one is done. Michy Batshuayi could be the next arrival, following his admission that he may leave Chelsea on loan to gain more game time.
Southampton's Serbian winger Dusan Tadic is another who could join which could mean Robert Snodgrass, only signed from Hull in January, could make an early exit. The goalkeeper situation also remains unclear despite West Ham activating an option on Adrian's contract which will keep the Spaniard at the club for a further two years. Both Adrian and Darren Randolph were dropped by Bilic last season.
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Former Blackburn and West Ham striker Benni McCarthy forced to deny reports of his death
A fabricated report suggested the Porto striker had died after a car crash in London but he has denied the claims
The Mirror
BYLIAM PRENDERVILLE
18:53, 1 JUN 2017UPDATED19:51, 1 JUN 2017
Reports of former Premier League striker Benni McCarthy's death have been greatly exaggerated. In fact, McCarthy has been forced to deny them. Reports emerged on Wednesday suggesting McCarthy had been involved in a car crash in London. The report appeared to come from a fake news outlet but the ex-Blackburn and West Ham striker took to social media to slam the claims. "Guys please dont believe this news thats going around about me being found dead in London! its totally #FakeNews!!!", he posted on Facebook. "I am very much alive! Thank you for all the messages of concern! People that create this fake news have no respect and are messing with people's lives & emotions! McCarthy also confirmed he will be in Cardiff for this weekend's Champions League final.
The South African joined Blackburn from Porto in 2006 and spent three seasons at Ewood Park before a brief spell with West Ham.
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Odds on West Ham to finish in the top four slashed after links with Iheanacho and Batshuayi
The Hammers are expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer
Football London
BYROB GUEST
14:30, 1 JUN 2017
With the Premier League season finished for another year, football fans across the country are already counting down the days until the new campaign gets underway in August. West Ham have already started planning ahead of next season with Pablo Zabaleta arriving at the London Stadium on a free transfer from Manchester City. It promises to be a big season in east London, especially with the club reportedly close to signing Kelechi Iheanacho from City. Well, ahead of the new season, we have decided to gather all the odds for fans wanting a flutter on their beloved club. If you're confident that Slaven Bilic's side can lift the Premier League title, then you could be in for a large sum of money. The Hammers, who are 500/1 with most bookmakers, are surprisingly priced by SkyBet at 150/1 to lift the title for the first time. However, if you're planning on backing the team, Black Type are the company to go with as they have the team at a whopping 1000/1 to cause a major upset.
A title-winning campaign would be a big shock, especially as the Hammers looked like they could get dragged into relegation trouble last season. You can get odds of 10/1 with SkyBet that the team will suffer relegation for the first time since 2011, while Black Type offer odds of 5/1. SkyBet also offer odds of 1/25 that Bilic will guide his team to Premier League safety. The Hammers narrowly missed out on a top-half finish last season and SkyBet have the team at 13/8 that they jump back into the top 10.
However, it seems a bottom half finish is more likely with odds of 4/9 on offer. West Ham's co-owners have big ambitions for the club and they will be hoping that Bilic can guide his side to a European finish. SkyBet have the Hammers at 28/1 to finish in the top four, while William Hill have the team at 66/1 to cause a major shock and qualify for the Champions League. Finally, with Iheanacho reportedly due to arrive at the club, the Nigerian is 40/1 with BetStars to finish top scorer in the Premier League, with Andy Carroll priced at 66/1.
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West Ham battle Galatasaray for signing of Juventus midfielder
HITC
Tom Seymour
Both West Ham and Southampton are competing with Galatasaray to sign Juventus star Kwadwo Asamoah. Reports from Italy claim that West Ham United and Southampton are keen on bringing Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah to the Premier League. According to Calciomercato the English duo are ready to put in a bid for the 28-year-old, but face stiff competition from Galatasaray. An update from the same publication claims that Gala lead the way currently and are readying a £3.35m bid for Asamoah - whose contract expires at the end of next season. The fact the Ghana international is entering the final year of his current deal probably has something to do with the fact that he is available for such a bargain price. Asamoah has been with Juve since 2012, but has struggled with injury which has limited his game time, and he even asked to be excused from international duty after the 2014 World Cup to concentrate on his club career.
The former Udinese man - who has the ability to play at left-back or in central midfield - has certainly rebuilt his reputation, making 24 appearances in 2016/17 for the Old Lady as they won a sixth successive Scudetto, the Coppa Italia and are also in the Champions League final against Real Madrid. However, with his time in Turin seemingly coming to an end could either Southampton or West Ham be on course to sign a bargain?
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West Ham target Leicester City striker but face competition from West Brom
The Hammers are reportedly interested in the Algerian forward
Football London
BYANDY HA
11:54, 1 JUN 2017UPDATED12:03, 1 JUN 2017
West Ham are reportedly keen on a deal for Leicester City striker Islam Slimani. The Algerian striker moved to the former champions for £29m from Sporting Lisbon last summer, but has enjoyed a disappointing debut season in England, scoring eight goals in 29 appearances.
According to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha several Premier League clubs, including West Brom and West Ham, are interested in signing the striker. Andy Carroll's ongoing fitness problems and the departure of Jonathan Calleri means the Hammers need to add fire power to their squad and Slimani has been discussed as an option alongside the likes of Michy Batshuayi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Daniel Sturridge. However, Slaven Bilic's side could face big competition for Slimani's signature in the shape of his former side Sporting.
The striker has been linked with a return to the Alvalade Stadium, as the Portuguese side prepare for the potential exit of top scorer Bas Dost. Dost has scored a total of 34 goals in just 31 appearances this season and is being linked with a big-money move away from Sporting, with interest in China.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, June 2
Thursday, June 1
Daily WHUFC News - 1st June 2017
Fonte - It's an opportunity to get another title
WHUFC.com
Jose Fonte has been included in Portugal's provisional 24-man squad for the FIFA Confederations Cup. The West Ham United defender is one of 16 members of Portugal's 23-man UEFA Euro 2016-winning squad to be included for the tournament, which will take place in Russia between 17 June-2 July, as a prelude to next summer's FIFA World Cup finals. Portugal and Fonte will hope they can continue the amazing run of form and fortune that carried them to glory in France last year. "It's going to be a good test against good teams," Fonte told whufc.com. "I'm excited for this Confederations Cup because it's an opportunity to get another title – it's as simple as that. We look forward to it. "We will have no rest again this summer, which is tough, because I haven't had more than three weeks off in the last three years, so I need to negotiate with the manager if he can give me four this summer! "Hopefully he will, because it's important to rest. Too much water kills the plant so it's important to rest as well. We will get there when the time comes."
At Euro 2016, with Fonte initially on the bench, Portugal drew their three group-stage matches with Iceland, Austria and Hungary before the then-Southampton man was called in to replace Ricardo Carvalho for the knockout stages. With Fonte in imperious form alongside Real Madrid's Pepe, Portugal beat Croatia 1-0 after extra-time, Poland on penalties, James Collins' Wales 2-0 and hosts France 1-0, again extra-time, to lift the trophy for the first time in their history. Incidentally, the men who scored the winning goals against Croatia and France, Renato Sanches and Eder, are among the seven Euro 2016 winners not included in Fernando Santos' squad for the Confederations Cup. The 24 will be reduced to a final 23 prior to the tournament.
The European champions will kick-off their tournament by taking on CONCACAF Gold Cup winners Mexico in Kazan on Sunday 18 June, before tackling hosts Russia in Moscow on Wednesday 21 June. Their Group A slate is completed with a clash with OFC Nations Cup holders New Zealand – without the injured Winston Reid – in Saint Petersburg on Saturday 24 June. Should Portugal progress, they will contest a semi-final on either 28 or 29 June, with the final and match for third place being held on 2 July in Saint Petersburg and Moscow respectively. The tournament will be screened live in the UK by ITV. Prior to the Confederations Cup, Portugal will host Cyprus in a friendly international in Estoril on Saturday 3 June, before travelling to Latvia for a FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday 9 June.
Fonte and company currently sit second in Group B with 12 points from five matches played, three points behind leaders Switzerland and five ahead of third-place Hungary.
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Big Man expecting little one!
WHUFC.com
West Ham United striker Andy Carroll and fiancee Billi Mucklow are expecting their second child together! The Hammers centre forward, Billi, their son Arlo and Carroll's two older children are currently on holiday in Dubai, from where the former reality TV star posted an image on Instagram announcing that another 'Baby Carroll' is on the way. Carroll told whufc.com he cannot wait to be a father again, saying: "We are all really happy about the news. I've got all three of my kids here with us in Dubai right now and all of them are excited for the new one's arrival!" Carroll is not the only Hammer celebrating fatherhood, as teammate Adrian recently welcomed his second son Eric into the world earlier this month. The Spanish goalkeeper and wife Tamara had their first child, Enzo, in their home city of Seville in January 2016. The little man joined his famous father on the pitch at London Stadium as part of the official opening of West Ham's new home last August.
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Season Ticket relocation process to begin
WHUFC.com
With the deadline for Season Ticket renewals having now passed, the Club would like to confirm the process for the two-week relocation period, which will take place from 1-15 June.
As we have always stressed, supporters wishing to retain their existing seat when renewing of course have the right to do so, and with the renewal rate extremely high, seat relocations will be strictly subject to availability.
For renewing Season Ticket Holders, seat relocations will be prioritised by how early you renewed, which the Ticket Office hold a record of.
As previously explained, there are some priority cases where exceptional circumstances exist, such as accessibility requirements and a group of supporters who had to move out of Block 114 in order to increase the size of the segregation line.
Those Season Ticket holders requesting to relocate will be allocated a relocation window in line with when you renewed. You will receive an email notification of your relocation window, advising when you can call the Ticket Office.
The relocation phase will be a busy period for the Club and we would therefore ask that you only contact us once your window has opened. Supporters calling earlier will be politely requested to call back at their designated time.
Once the relocation period has ended on 15 June, the limited number of available Season Tickets will then go on sale to supporters on the Waiting List from Friday 16 June.
FAQs
I am in a group of Season Ticket Holders, can we relocate together?
Due to seat availability, you will have more chance of relocating if moving in singles or pairs. Groups wishing to relocate will only be able to select in the window for the group member who renewed at the latest point, so as to not disadvantage others. Please make sure you have to hand all client references, names, and postcodes within the group.
Can I relocate to a different price band?
Yes, if your relocation falls into a different price band, the difference in cost will either be refunded or required to be paid in full immediately. As there will be no access to the stadium seating bowl during relocations, supporters are reminded to familiarise themselves with the stadium seating blocks and price bands ahead of their window. You can view our stadium map and pricing by clicking here.
What will I need when calling the Ticket Office about my relocation?
It is important to have your client reference number and postcode to hand and you should have an idea about the location within the stadium you are wishing to relocate to. If you relocate to a higher price band you will need payment details to pay the difference immediately. In the interest of fairness, seats cannot be placed on reserve.
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Club announce record Season Ticket renewals
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce a Club record number of Season Ticket renewals for the 2017/18 Premier League campaign.
At Wednesday's 5pm deadline, over 90% of the 52,000 Season Ticket holders at London Stadium had renewed, with the phonelines still ringing with supporters wishing to retain their seat.
With supporters on the Season Ticket Waiting List (click here to join) having already registered their desire to purchase the limited number of remaining available seats, the Club are on course for another record breaking early sell-out as we approach our second season at London Stadium.
This will again see West Ham United boasting the highest number of Season Ticket holders of any Club in the capital.
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said: "Once again, our supporters have shown magnificent commitment and devotion to West Ham United.
"When we took the decision to move our football club to London Stadium, we did so with the belief and confidence that our fanbase was deserving of a bigger and better stage.
"The Season Ticket renewal figure for next season only serves to emphasise that fact, but I am still amazed and overwhelmed by the loyalty and dedication of our supporters.
"They have followed us through thick and thin, and shown tremendous faith throughout the first season at our new home.
"Our focus now is to do everything we can to reward that faith with success on the pitch next season."
With the renewal deadline now passed, tomorrow will see the start of a two-week period of seat relocations, before the limited number of available Season Tickets go on sale to the Waiting List on June 16.
As we have always stressed, supporters wishing to retain their existing seat when renewing of course have the right to do so, and with the renewal rate extremely high, seat relocations will be strictly subject to availability.
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SHOULD I STAY I SHOULD I GO? (PART 1 – THE GOALKEEPERS)
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 31 MAY 2017 AT 1:45PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Steve Claydon @trbeat
With the season in the books, I thought it was a good time to have a review of the team based on positions. I'm going to focus less on transfers and who explicitly we might want to consider, and more on do we stick or twist on some of the players we have right now and how those decisions might impact the team as a whole
So welcome to part 1 of 4 part series that I am calling Should I stay or Should I go?
This episode I am focusing on our keepers.
Our goalkeepers:
1 Darren Randolph
13 Adrian
34 Raphael Spiegel
Let's start with a rating. Would anyone be mad with a C? While there were a few games the keepers held their own, in general, both Adrian and Randolph were a disappointment. I never felt truly comfortable with either of them, except Adrian's second stint between the sticks. Which coincided with an uptick in our results.
Adrian
Adrian started the year off poorly with mistakes that led to his downfall. The key one being going walkabout in the Stoke game that cost us points. The thing I noticed about him in the early part of the season, was that he had the air of eccentricity; every save was exaggerated, there was a lack of calm about his play, and he made many poor decisions that cost us goals, points and games. I did and do like his commitment though. He is a Hammer. Who can forget the Everton cup game?
I was very vocal in calling for him to be benched, and during the time he was something clearly changed. When he was given the opportunity again, he seemed to come back a changed man and player. He was methodical, focused and his play, in general, was efficient, something we need from a starter. A full year of this and instead of him costing us 6 to 8 points, I believe he will save us 6 to 8 points.
Randolph
Moving on to Randolph. When he came in for Adrian, I thought we were going to see the team turn around. And there were a couple of games where his skills kept us in games, but I always felt he lacked something and that "something", in my eyes, was commanding his area and organising the back four or five. I always felt he was playing the role of the goalkeeper at school; the last one picked gets to go in goal. I did, you did it, we all did it, we played that goalkeeper role but felt a little on the outside. Clearly, Randolph is not an oversight, but I want my team to have a strong spine, and that spine starts with a dominant, focussed and organised goalkeeper. I am just not sure that Randolph has all those qualities.
Spiegel
Not having access to 2nd team games I am not sure how many games Spiegel has played or how well he has played in those games, but he has represented his country at u17, u19 and u21 level, so there must be something that intrigues us. Either way, I don't see him getting much first team action anytime soon but will remain as an understudy to Adrian and whoever our second team choice is.
As I write this, we just exercised the option to sign Adrian for a further two years. Many reports are indicating that we might use him as a makeweight to sign someone else, specifically Sunderland's Pickford.
I am not convinced this is the plan. Bilic has said many times that he was happy with the goalkeepers, and those statements might have been angled at keeping the confidence levels up as opposed to reality. However, I do think Adrian will stay, and I also believe Randolph will be moved on. Randolph will have some value on the open market, even if it is just a few million. We will then look to buy a new backup to Adrian. I don't think we are in the market for an expensive starter whether that be someone like Pickford or Hart.
While our transfer kitty will be somewhat decent, I can't see us spending a huge chunk of change on a goalkeeper or stumping up a considerable amount of money for a salary.
But that's not to say we don't need some quality in this position. I just see us using that money on a couple of forwards, better wide players and maybe another defensive midfield player, along with some quality backups.
So now you know my views for this position. Keep Adrian, look for a better backup and keep Spiegel in reserve. I will be disappointed if we don't freshen up that spot a little. If Adrian stumbles again, I am not sure I have the confidence that Randolph will do the job we need. I'm not excited by him. We need someone with more passion.
See you in a week or two where I'll focus on our defenders and discuss our quality, depth, and the youngsters we have.
I hope we don't make some poor decisions like we did last year (James Tomkins) on who to keep and who should go.
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TALENTED MARTIN SAMUELSEN TO TAKE CENTRE STAGE
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 31 MAY 2017 AT 1:20PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @farehamhammer
The first time I saw Martin Samuelsen my first reaction was: "Your Mum should not allow you out after dark!" So youthful was Samuelsen's appearance but make no mistake about it, Martin Samuelsen's football pedigree is first class. It is easy to see why the supremely talented Samuelsen, was so sought after as a young prodigy. The likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid were all after the young Norwegian international. Someone of Samuelsen's natural ability, need very little coaching, it is more a case of guiding them. Football at its best, is a game of beauty and intelligence, artistry over brawn. That personifies Martin Samuelsen at his best.
The elegant Samuelsen, can play anywhere across the middle, as well as the classic number 9 or 10. Although I will confess, I never tire of watching his goal against Sheffield United, while on loan for Peterborough. Samuelsen, cuts in from the left, turns the Sheffield United defence inside out then BANG! In the far corner of the net goes the ball! Poetry in motion! A West Ham player if ever I've seen one!
It was Yossi Benayoun, who once said "I need to feel the ball", likewise with Samuelsen. To get the best out of Samuelsen, he needs the ball at his feet. Following his last couple of loans, some have said that he is too 'lightweight' for the Premier League. They said exactly the same about Yossi Benayoun and Manuel Lanzini. Some would say the same about Lionel Messi. However, you can have all the talent in the world but as in life, when given chances in football you have got to take them.
Some will point out, that Samuelsen's loans at Blackburn Rovers and Peterborough have not been very successful, which can be for a variety of reasons though. The style of football a club plays, may not be suitable for the way a player plays his game. A sudden change of manager, a club in financial turmoil, unrest in a dressing room .When placing a player on loan, a club must be very careful who they send a player out on loan too. Especially someone like Samuelsen, who is obviously a confidence player. What Grant McCann, the Peterborough manager was up to, when going public and saying: "Martin Samuelsen has lost all confidence "God only knows!
It's a manager's job to give a player confidence! So where to now for Martin Samuelsen? Well it's the first time in three seasons, that The Club will be able to have a proper pre-season. At some point Samuelsen, will get a chance in pre-season to impress the manager. He has got to take those chances, talent wise he is one of the best at The Club. So there is absolutely no reason why he should not make his mark. Having just turned 20, Samuelsen has to be in and around the first team squad.
I do not think sending him out on another loan at 20 is the answer. The Club needs to take a leaf out of Southampton Football Club's books as far as bringing on the youth is concerned. They don't send their youngsters out on loan after loan, 16, 17, 18.They are given first team opportunities, and kept working with the first team squad. Giving them the chance to develop a first team mentality. One or two bad games? Discard them? Not on your life! It's about helping a footballer mature as an adult and footballer. That is one of the reason why the South Coast Club has made millions from transfers. Who knows if we had kept Martin Samuelsen in the first team squad last season, we would not have spent millions on the likes of Robert Snodgrass. It's make or break time this season for Martin Samuelsen, For West Ham and Martin Samuelsen's sake, I hope he not only grasp his chances, but lights up The London Stadium. Shine Martin …shine. We are more than a football club, we're a way of life! COYI!!
Farehamhammer!!!
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West Ham target Michy Batshuayi open to leaving Chelsea on loan
ALEX YOUNG
Evening Standard
Michy Batshuayi is open to leaving Chelsea on loan in the search for more first-team football, with West Ham keen on the striker. The striker endured a frustrating first season at Stamford Bridge with just one Premier League start - coming after Chelsea had confirmed the title. Despite a reduced role, Batushuayi scored four goals in his final three league games and finished the season with a record of scoring every 47 minutes. The 23-year-old is a summer loan target for West Ham with Slaven Bilic failing with a bid last summer and Batshuayi is happy to accept any offer Chelsea deem suitable. "Honestly, I'm not trying to think too much [about my future]," Batshuayi told Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad. "It will be up to the board and the coach to decide. I'm the player, I go where Chelsea send me."
Chelsea have already lost two players ahead of the summer transfer window officially opening. Second-choice goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has joined Bournemouth in a deal worth up to £10 million, while wantaway youth prospect Dominic Solanke will become a Liverpool player on July 1.
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Slaven Bilic: West Ham will benefit a lot from first season at London Stadium
JAMES BENGE
Evening Stadanrd
Slaven Bilic is convinced that the difficulties West Ham faced in their first year at the London Stadium will aid his squad in the coming season. West Ham endured growing pains in their new stadium after their spectacular farewell to the Boleyn Ground, winning just seven league games at home as they battled to an 11th placed finish. To further heap misery on Bilic star player Dimitri Payet went on strike to engineer a move to Marseille and he was hamstrung by a string of injuries to key players. The Hammers have already begun plotting their revival for next season, bringing in Pablo Zabaleta on a free transfer from Manchester City and making a £20million bid for his team-mate, 20-year-old striker Kelechi Iheanacho. Bilic, entering the final season of his three-year contract, is eager to get the new campaign underway. "I have two heads because I need to rest but the other part of me can't wait for the season to start because I really feel we will benefit from this season a lot," he told the West Ham club website. West Ham fans will likely have been glad to see the season come to an end particularly after struggling to settle away from Upton Park. Even during West Ham's worst run of form, when co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold were publicly demanding an improvement in form, the Hammers supporters stood by the boss.
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The inside story behind Toni Martinez's journey from Valencia to West Ham as striker's progress haunts La Liga side
West Ham striker Toni Martinez is exciting fans and his rise to prominence could be complete with a first-team place next season
Football London
BYANDREW GAFFNEY
11:45, 31 MAY 2017UPDATED11:47, 31 MAY 2017
The Premier League has often been the second home for many Spanish players but not when it comes to strikers. They are generally considered too small or slight to succeed with the hustle and bustle of the English game, see Iago Aspas, but there are still players who buck the trend. Diego Costa scored 20 League goals to help fire Chelsea to the Premier League title whereas at the bottom Fernando Llorente was key in Swansea avoiding relegation. Could young Toni Martinez add his name to that list and become the Spaniard to lead West Ham's forward line in the years to come?
Ever since Martinez swapped Valencia for London, he's generated a fair amount of buzz. In a time where it appears West Ham are in danger of losing their identity, moving to a new stadium and searching for big name strikers, the emergence of young talent such as Toni could mean their future will be brighter – if they're crucially given a chance. David Gold's comments about it being hard for teenagers to get minutes were hardly encouraging to those youngsters desperate for a chance. It isn't like those 'seasoned internationals' set the Premier League alight either. While the loan system can be an important tool in a player's development, it isn't the only option. If they're good enough, they're old enough.
When Martinez left Valencia it left distinctive marks on both the fan base as well as the academy director Jose Ramos Alesanco. The fans were largely upset at the selling of a potential star as Valencia is a club steeped with history of bringing through youth prospects. They also felt the fee was on the small side. Despite original reports putting the cost at €3m it turned out to be closer to €1m, plus a load of bonuses. They also have first option should West Ham wish to sell him. On the other side, Alesanco, was happy to accept a decent fee for a player who he didn't see as someone who could make it at the top in Valencia. He saw potential but not enough to justify fighting to keep the player at the club. Martinez, perhaps in part due to this 'it's up to you' attitude and a lack of minutes under Curro Torres, decided the chance to join a Premier League club was too good to turn down.
Anyone who has seen Martinez play will know he's physically more suited to the Premier League than he was La Liga. After a bright start to his career at Valencia he struggled to have the same influence with Valencia Mestalla. West Ham's scouts saw the raw potential and after a positive response from the player's representative made a bid for the young forward's services. A deal suited both parties.
For a striker he didn't score an incredible amount of goals at Valencia and that could've caused some people to think he isn't a good forward. That would be short-sighted as he's got plenty about him and with the right service knows where the back of the net is.
West Ham fans should be excited by the progression Martinez has made in his short time at the club. 10 goals in his 11 Premier League 2 appearances is a fantastic return. Especially when you consider this is his first full season in England, adapting to a new system and learning a new language. His loan spell out at Oxford didn't work out as well as intended but he did score against Middlesbrough and Newcastle in the FA Cup. Not content with that he then returned to West Ham and scored a brace to see them defeat Newcastle and earn a place in Division One of the Premier League 2. It would be a travesty if his improvement and fine form for the Under-23s didn't see him given a chance to link up with the first team during preseason.
The next logical question is: Could Martinez do a job for West Ham in the not so distant future? Those who know the player from his time at Valencia would tell you yes. The biggest concern was adapting to the physical side of the game but that hasn't proven to be an issue. If anything, he's embraced it and become a better player because of that. There's an underlying confidence to Martinez and it's serving him well in England. The fact Ashley Fletcher gained valuable Premier League minutes this season indicates that if Martinez continues his progression then he'll be given a chance at West Ham next year. While those who currently occupy the striker positions at the club cost a great deal more, none of them would fall into the 'keep at all costs' category. As an option off the bench, Martinez would be great.
No one at Valencia wishes anything but the best for the youngster. Valencia fans are always happy to see academy players do well but ideally at the club itself. Although, of course, should he become a household name then that happiness might turn into anger towards the fact they let Martinez go on the cheap. West Ham fans should be excited by the future and the success of their Under-23 side. Far too many have joined the club in recent years for a decent pay day and then wandered off into the wilderness. Mark Noble is loved, flaws and all, because of how much representing West Ham means to him. If you give the kids a chance to impress you'll only increase their own bond with the club. Ignoring them for more of the same would be disappointing. Let's hope the chairman's comments prove to be the biggest motivational speech for the academy lads as opposed to sentencing them to loan deal after loan deal. The kids are alright.
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Newcastle, Everton, West Ham - which loan deal would suit Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi best?
The Belgian international is reportedly open to a loan move away from the Blues
Football London
BYADAM JONES
11:18, 31 MAY 2017
Michy Batshuayi is one of the hot topics surrounding Chelsea in the early stages of this transfer window. The Belgian international turned out to be pretty instrumental to the Blues season in the latter stages - scoring the goal against West Brom which confirmed that Antonio Conte's side won the title. And, let's be honest, a Premier League goal every 47 minutes of action is a pretty fantastic return.
But, due to lack of game time, Batshuayi is reportedly open to at least a loan move away from Chelsea - with Newcastle, Everton and West Ham all credited with interest.
We've had a look at each club's credentials - and seen which one would suit Batshuayi the best.
Newcastle United
Newly-promoted Newcastle will be doing absolutely everything in their power to keep the club in the Premier League this time around.
With Rafael Benitez at the helm for (presumably) the entire campaign this time around - you'd be brave to bet against them staying in the top division. In fact, Magpies fans will probably be targeting at least a mid-table finish, and that ambition could well be tempting to Batshuayi. Of course, playing under a manager like Rafael Benitez could also be a massive factor - we've already seen how well the Spaniard can manage top strikers like Fernando Torres. And, of course, let's not forget the adoration that Newcastle supporters often give to their front men. Dwight Gayle would provide the main competition for Batshuayi, but you have to presume the Belgian international is in another league to the Magpies' current lead striker. The only downside is the fact that Newcastle are a newly-promoted side. Will Batshuayi be able to look beyond that and ignore the interest from other sides in the league?
Everton
Well, this strictly depends on one thing really - whether Romelu Lukaku stays at the club. If the Belgian international does indeed stay with the Toffees, then you can't really expect Batshuayi to be able to oust him - but you never know. He would no doubt get more chances than he did this season at Chelsea in any case, with Everton needing a much bigger squad now that they have European football to contend with. It's also worth noting that the Toffees bascially don't have a senior striker other than Lukaku right now. Arouna Kone's contract has run out, Enner Valencia has returned to West Ham and Oumar Niasse is almost certainly ready to be shown the exit door. The only competition that Batshuayi would face would be the impressive Dominic Calvert-Lewin and any other youngsters that Ronald Koeman decides to bring through. Not only that, but the service that the 23-year-old would be getting from the likes of Tom Davies, Kevin Mirallas and (possibly) Ross Barkley would surely be enough to convince any striker to make the move. Of course, if Lukaku were to leave, then you'd have to say that a move to Goodison Park would easily provide Michy Batshuayi his best challenge away from Chelsea.
Regularly playing for a side hunting down the Premier League top six and also involved in European football? What more could a developing player want?
West Ham United
There's no doubt about it, West Ham United absolutely need a striker - well, one that can regularly keep himself out of the injury room at the very least. Whilst Michy Batshuayi didn't actually get a lot of game-time last season, it wasn't injury that was keeping him on the bench. So West Ham would certainly appreciate a striker who can lead their line on a consistent basis - and one who is Premier League proven is obviously going to be an advantage for them. And, for the Belgian international too, again you can see the benefits.
West Ham offers the chance for the 23-year-old to stay in London at the very least. But, also, with Andre Ayew and the chronically injured Andy Carroll his main competition with the Hammers - you'd have to expect Michy Batshuayi will be starting a lot of games.
But, the question is, where will West Ham finish? There are doubts over the future of Slaven Bilic, and any new manager could potentially take a dislike to Batshuayi. There might just be too many risks surrounding this deal to make it a good idea for the Chelsea man - but it's still an interesting prospect for him.
Verdict
All clubs can honestly consider themselves to have a strong case to sign Batshuayi on loan - but it's hard to look past Everton as the best bet. Not only would the 23-year-old be playing at a higher level of football in the Premier League with Ronald Koeman's side, but the Toffees will also have a European campaign in the Europa League next season. That puts them just a step above West Ham and Newcastle in the running - even if the unlikely scenario occurs and Romelu Lukaku does stay with Everton for another season.
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West Ham unveil ambitious plans
shekicks.net
West Ham say they have made dramatic improvements to their infrastructure and have ambitious plans to reach WSL1 within five years.
The Hammers finished ninth in the FAWPL Southern Division this season, in a campaign that saw them brought 'in-house' by West Ham, and now an injection of investment and several key full-time appointments are set to propel the team to new heights, says whufc.com
In his first full-time role at the club, Jack Sullivan, son of Joint-Chairman David, has been appointed managing director, whilst former player and current coach Karen Ray takes up the full-time position of general manager.
Furthermore, current first-team manager Greg de Carnys has left his role as Academy head of performance to take up a full-time role looking after the Ladies' first team and Academy.
Jack Sullivan said: "This is a massive project of great importance to West Ham United. We have some exciting plans and huge expectations ... and we hope that within five years we can be challenging in FA WSL 1.
"For me personally it's a huge project and something I can't wait to get started on. Whilst I will not be taking a wage, I am excited to be taking on my first full-time role at West Ham United and looking forward to the challenges ahead.
"We hope to make huge strides this summer before the new season starts, and plan to unveil a key player signing, with WSL experience, in the coming weeks."
Karen Ray said: "I am delighted we are able to offer young girls the opportunity to develop as players and people with the new infrastructure that highlights the club's dedication to grow women's football, with the support of West Ham United Foundation.
"We are very passionate about building a sustainable and successful plan that will see us develop a world-class talent pathway for girls of all ages that aligns with the club's overall ambitions."
Greg de Carnys said: "These are exciting times to be involved with West Ham United Ladies - the club has shown outstanding support for our long term vision and I can't wait to get started.
"We already have a talented young squad that believes in what we're doing and they're gaining experience all the time. With a few new additions and investment in the right areas I hope we can build a successful and sustainable future for the club over the next five years."
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West Ham interested in German striker Max Kruse
HITC
Vincent Ralph
West Ham United are allegedly interested in bringing the forward to the London Stadium this summer. According to a report from Wednesday's print edition of Sport Bild (31/05/2017) and later posted online by German website Weser Kurier, West Ham United are among the clubs interested in signing Werder Bremen's Max Kruse this summer. The 29-year-old only arrived at the club last summer but he has enjoyed an impressive campaign, scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists in just 23 appearances. His figures would no doubt have been better were it not for an untimely ligament injury upon his return to the club where he started his career as a youth player.
Given his impact after his return to Bremen it remains to be seen what will happen this summer, although with an alleged promise between the club and the player that he will be allowed to leave if an offer of £10.4million arrives, West Ham could nab themselves something of a bargain. Kruse may be approaching his thirtieth birthday yet he proved this season that he still has plenty to offer in front of goal and he would definitely be an upgrade on the level of striker West Ham signed last summer - namely Jonathan Calleri and Simone Zaza. Kruse may feel he has one big move left in him and if he does fancy a shot at the Premier League West Ham could be the perfect place for the 14-capped Germany international. It is sure to be a busy summer at the London Stadium and West Ham manager Slaven Bilic will know that signing a proven goal-scorer for just over £10million could be a deal too good to refuse.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Jose Fonte has been included in Portugal's provisional 24-man squad for the FIFA Confederations Cup. The West Ham United defender is one of 16 members of Portugal's 23-man UEFA Euro 2016-winning squad to be included for the tournament, which will take place in Russia between 17 June-2 July, as a prelude to next summer's FIFA World Cup finals. Portugal and Fonte will hope they can continue the amazing run of form and fortune that carried them to glory in France last year. "It's going to be a good test against good teams," Fonte told whufc.com. "I'm excited for this Confederations Cup because it's an opportunity to get another title – it's as simple as that. We look forward to it. "We will have no rest again this summer, which is tough, because I haven't had more than three weeks off in the last three years, so I need to negotiate with the manager if he can give me four this summer! "Hopefully he will, because it's important to rest. Too much water kills the plant so it's important to rest as well. We will get there when the time comes."
At Euro 2016, with Fonte initially on the bench, Portugal drew their three group-stage matches with Iceland, Austria and Hungary before the then-Southampton man was called in to replace Ricardo Carvalho for the knockout stages. With Fonte in imperious form alongside Real Madrid's Pepe, Portugal beat Croatia 1-0 after extra-time, Poland on penalties, James Collins' Wales 2-0 and hosts France 1-0, again extra-time, to lift the trophy for the first time in their history. Incidentally, the men who scored the winning goals against Croatia and France, Renato Sanches and Eder, are among the seven Euro 2016 winners not included in Fernando Santos' squad for the Confederations Cup. The 24 will be reduced to a final 23 prior to the tournament.
The European champions will kick-off their tournament by taking on CONCACAF Gold Cup winners Mexico in Kazan on Sunday 18 June, before tackling hosts Russia in Moscow on Wednesday 21 June. Their Group A slate is completed with a clash with OFC Nations Cup holders New Zealand – without the injured Winston Reid – in Saint Petersburg on Saturday 24 June. Should Portugal progress, they will contest a semi-final on either 28 or 29 June, with the final and match for third place being held on 2 July in Saint Petersburg and Moscow respectively. The tournament will be screened live in the UK by ITV. Prior to the Confederations Cup, Portugal will host Cyprus in a friendly international in Estoril on Saturday 3 June, before travelling to Latvia for a FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday 9 June.
Fonte and company currently sit second in Group B with 12 points from five matches played, three points behind leaders Switzerland and five ahead of third-place Hungary.
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Big Man expecting little one!
WHUFC.com
West Ham United striker Andy Carroll and fiancee Billi Mucklow are expecting their second child together! The Hammers centre forward, Billi, their son Arlo and Carroll's two older children are currently on holiday in Dubai, from where the former reality TV star posted an image on Instagram announcing that another 'Baby Carroll' is on the way. Carroll told whufc.com he cannot wait to be a father again, saying: "We are all really happy about the news. I've got all three of my kids here with us in Dubai right now and all of them are excited for the new one's arrival!" Carroll is not the only Hammer celebrating fatherhood, as teammate Adrian recently welcomed his second son Eric into the world earlier this month. The Spanish goalkeeper and wife Tamara had their first child, Enzo, in their home city of Seville in January 2016. The little man joined his famous father on the pitch at London Stadium as part of the official opening of West Ham's new home last August.
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Season Ticket relocation process to begin
WHUFC.com
With the deadline for Season Ticket renewals having now passed, the Club would like to confirm the process for the two-week relocation period, which will take place from 1-15 June.
As we have always stressed, supporters wishing to retain their existing seat when renewing of course have the right to do so, and with the renewal rate extremely high, seat relocations will be strictly subject to availability.
For renewing Season Ticket Holders, seat relocations will be prioritised by how early you renewed, which the Ticket Office hold a record of.
As previously explained, there are some priority cases where exceptional circumstances exist, such as accessibility requirements and a group of supporters who had to move out of Block 114 in order to increase the size of the segregation line.
Those Season Ticket holders requesting to relocate will be allocated a relocation window in line with when you renewed. You will receive an email notification of your relocation window, advising when you can call the Ticket Office.
The relocation phase will be a busy period for the Club and we would therefore ask that you only contact us once your window has opened. Supporters calling earlier will be politely requested to call back at their designated time.
Once the relocation period has ended on 15 June, the limited number of available Season Tickets will then go on sale to supporters on the Waiting List from Friday 16 June.
FAQs
I am in a group of Season Ticket Holders, can we relocate together?
Due to seat availability, you will have more chance of relocating if moving in singles or pairs. Groups wishing to relocate will only be able to select in the window for the group member who renewed at the latest point, so as to not disadvantage others. Please make sure you have to hand all client references, names, and postcodes within the group.
Can I relocate to a different price band?
Yes, if your relocation falls into a different price band, the difference in cost will either be refunded or required to be paid in full immediately. As there will be no access to the stadium seating bowl during relocations, supporters are reminded to familiarise themselves with the stadium seating blocks and price bands ahead of their window. You can view our stadium map and pricing by clicking here.
What will I need when calling the Ticket Office about my relocation?
It is important to have your client reference number and postcode to hand and you should have an idea about the location within the stadium you are wishing to relocate to. If you relocate to a higher price band you will need payment details to pay the difference immediately. In the interest of fairness, seats cannot be placed on reserve.
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Club announce record Season Ticket renewals
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce a Club record number of Season Ticket renewals for the 2017/18 Premier League campaign.
At Wednesday's 5pm deadline, over 90% of the 52,000 Season Ticket holders at London Stadium had renewed, with the phonelines still ringing with supporters wishing to retain their seat.
With supporters on the Season Ticket Waiting List (click here to join) having already registered their desire to purchase the limited number of remaining available seats, the Club are on course for another record breaking early sell-out as we approach our second season at London Stadium.
This will again see West Ham United boasting the highest number of Season Ticket holders of any Club in the capital.
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said: "Once again, our supporters have shown magnificent commitment and devotion to West Ham United.
"When we took the decision to move our football club to London Stadium, we did so with the belief and confidence that our fanbase was deserving of a bigger and better stage.
"The Season Ticket renewal figure for next season only serves to emphasise that fact, but I am still amazed and overwhelmed by the loyalty and dedication of our supporters.
"They have followed us through thick and thin, and shown tremendous faith throughout the first season at our new home.
"Our focus now is to do everything we can to reward that faith with success on the pitch next season."
With the renewal deadline now passed, tomorrow will see the start of a two-week period of seat relocations, before the limited number of available Season Tickets go on sale to the Waiting List on June 16.
As we have always stressed, supporters wishing to retain their existing seat when renewing of course have the right to do so, and with the renewal rate extremely high, seat relocations will be strictly subject to availability.
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SHOULD I STAY I SHOULD I GO? (PART 1 – THE GOALKEEPERS)
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 31 MAY 2017 AT 1:45PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Steve Claydon @trbeat
With the season in the books, I thought it was a good time to have a review of the team based on positions. I'm going to focus less on transfers and who explicitly we might want to consider, and more on do we stick or twist on some of the players we have right now and how those decisions might impact the team as a whole
So welcome to part 1 of 4 part series that I am calling Should I stay or Should I go?
This episode I am focusing on our keepers.
Our goalkeepers:
1 Darren Randolph
13 Adrian
34 Raphael Spiegel
Let's start with a rating. Would anyone be mad with a C? While there were a few games the keepers held their own, in general, both Adrian and Randolph were a disappointment. I never felt truly comfortable with either of them, except Adrian's second stint between the sticks. Which coincided with an uptick in our results.
Adrian
Adrian started the year off poorly with mistakes that led to his downfall. The key one being going walkabout in the Stoke game that cost us points. The thing I noticed about him in the early part of the season, was that he had the air of eccentricity; every save was exaggerated, there was a lack of calm about his play, and he made many poor decisions that cost us goals, points and games. I did and do like his commitment though. He is a Hammer. Who can forget the Everton cup game?
I was very vocal in calling for him to be benched, and during the time he was something clearly changed. When he was given the opportunity again, he seemed to come back a changed man and player. He was methodical, focused and his play, in general, was efficient, something we need from a starter. A full year of this and instead of him costing us 6 to 8 points, I believe he will save us 6 to 8 points.
Randolph
Moving on to Randolph. When he came in for Adrian, I thought we were going to see the team turn around. And there were a couple of games where his skills kept us in games, but I always felt he lacked something and that "something", in my eyes, was commanding his area and organising the back four or five. I always felt he was playing the role of the goalkeeper at school; the last one picked gets to go in goal. I did, you did it, we all did it, we played that goalkeeper role but felt a little on the outside. Clearly, Randolph is not an oversight, but I want my team to have a strong spine, and that spine starts with a dominant, focussed and organised goalkeeper. I am just not sure that Randolph has all those qualities.
Spiegel
Not having access to 2nd team games I am not sure how many games Spiegel has played or how well he has played in those games, but he has represented his country at u17, u19 and u21 level, so there must be something that intrigues us. Either way, I don't see him getting much first team action anytime soon but will remain as an understudy to Adrian and whoever our second team choice is.
As I write this, we just exercised the option to sign Adrian for a further two years. Many reports are indicating that we might use him as a makeweight to sign someone else, specifically Sunderland's Pickford.
I am not convinced this is the plan. Bilic has said many times that he was happy with the goalkeepers, and those statements might have been angled at keeping the confidence levels up as opposed to reality. However, I do think Adrian will stay, and I also believe Randolph will be moved on. Randolph will have some value on the open market, even if it is just a few million. We will then look to buy a new backup to Adrian. I don't think we are in the market for an expensive starter whether that be someone like Pickford or Hart.
While our transfer kitty will be somewhat decent, I can't see us spending a huge chunk of change on a goalkeeper or stumping up a considerable amount of money for a salary.
But that's not to say we don't need some quality in this position. I just see us using that money on a couple of forwards, better wide players and maybe another defensive midfield player, along with some quality backups.
So now you know my views for this position. Keep Adrian, look for a better backup and keep Spiegel in reserve. I will be disappointed if we don't freshen up that spot a little. If Adrian stumbles again, I am not sure I have the confidence that Randolph will do the job we need. I'm not excited by him. We need someone with more passion.
See you in a week or two where I'll focus on our defenders and discuss our quality, depth, and the youngsters we have.
I hope we don't make some poor decisions like we did last year (James Tomkins) on who to keep and who should go.
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TALENTED MARTIN SAMUELSEN TO TAKE CENTRE STAGE
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 31 MAY 2017 AT 1:20PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @farehamhammer
The first time I saw Martin Samuelsen my first reaction was: "Your Mum should not allow you out after dark!" So youthful was Samuelsen's appearance but make no mistake about it, Martin Samuelsen's football pedigree is first class. It is easy to see why the supremely talented Samuelsen, was so sought after as a young prodigy. The likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid were all after the young Norwegian international. Someone of Samuelsen's natural ability, need very little coaching, it is more a case of guiding them. Football at its best, is a game of beauty and intelligence, artistry over brawn. That personifies Martin Samuelsen at his best.
The elegant Samuelsen, can play anywhere across the middle, as well as the classic number 9 or 10. Although I will confess, I never tire of watching his goal against Sheffield United, while on loan for Peterborough. Samuelsen, cuts in from the left, turns the Sheffield United defence inside out then BANG! In the far corner of the net goes the ball! Poetry in motion! A West Ham player if ever I've seen one!
It was Yossi Benayoun, who once said "I need to feel the ball", likewise with Samuelsen. To get the best out of Samuelsen, he needs the ball at his feet. Following his last couple of loans, some have said that he is too 'lightweight' for the Premier League. They said exactly the same about Yossi Benayoun and Manuel Lanzini. Some would say the same about Lionel Messi. However, you can have all the talent in the world but as in life, when given chances in football you have got to take them.
Some will point out, that Samuelsen's loans at Blackburn Rovers and Peterborough have not been very successful, which can be for a variety of reasons though. The style of football a club plays, may not be suitable for the way a player plays his game. A sudden change of manager, a club in financial turmoil, unrest in a dressing room .When placing a player on loan, a club must be very careful who they send a player out on loan too. Especially someone like Samuelsen, who is obviously a confidence player. What Grant McCann, the Peterborough manager was up to, when going public and saying: "Martin Samuelsen has lost all confidence "God only knows!
It's a manager's job to give a player confidence! So where to now for Martin Samuelsen? Well it's the first time in three seasons, that The Club will be able to have a proper pre-season. At some point Samuelsen, will get a chance in pre-season to impress the manager. He has got to take those chances, talent wise he is one of the best at The Club. So there is absolutely no reason why he should not make his mark. Having just turned 20, Samuelsen has to be in and around the first team squad.
I do not think sending him out on another loan at 20 is the answer. The Club needs to take a leaf out of Southampton Football Club's books as far as bringing on the youth is concerned. They don't send their youngsters out on loan after loan, 16, 17, 18.They are given first team opportunities, and kept working with the first team squad. Giving them the chance to develop a first team mentality. One or two bad games? Discard them? Not on your life! It's about helping a footballer mature as an adult and footballer. That is one of the reason why the South Coast Club has made millions from transfers. Who knows if we had kept Martin Samuelsen in the first team squad last season, we would not have spent millions on the likes of Robert Snodgrass. It's make or break time this season for Martin Samuelsen, For West Ham and Martin Samuelsen's sake, I hope he not only grasp his chances, but lights up The London Stadium. Shine Martin …shine. We are more than a football club, we're a way of life! COYI!!
Farehamhammer!!!
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West Ham target Michy Batshuayi open to leaving Chelsea on loan
ALEX YOUNG
Evening Standard
Michy Batshuayi is open to leaving Chelsea on loan in the search for more first-team football, with West Ham keen on the striker. The striker endured a frustrating first season at Stamford Bridge with just one Premier League start - coming after Chelsea had confirmed the title. Despite a reduced role, Batushuayi scored four goals in his final three league games and finished the season with a record of scoring every 47 minutes. The 23-year-old is a summer loan target for West Ham with Slaven Bilic failing with a bid last summer and Batshuayi is happy to accept any offer Chelsea deem suitable. "Honestly, I'm not trying to think too much [about my future]," Batshuayi told Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad. "It will be up to the board and the coach to decide. I'm the player, I go where Chelsea send me."
Chelsea have already lost two players ahead of the summer transfer window officially opening. Second-choice goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has joined Bournemouth in a deal worth up to £10 million, while wantaway youth prospect Dominic Solanke will become a Liverpool player on July 1.
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Slaven Bilic: West Ham will benefit a lot from first season at London Stadium
JAMES BENGE
Evening Stadanrd
Slaven Bilic is convinced that the difficulties West Ham faced in their first year at the London Stadium will aid his squad in the coming season. West Ham endured growing pains in their new stadium after their spectacular farewell to the Boleyn Ground, winning just seven league games at home as they battled to an 11th placed finish. To further heap misery on Bilic star player Dimitri Payet went on strike to engineer a move to Marseille and he was hamstrung by a string of injuries to key players. The Hammers have already begun plotting their revival for next season, bringing in Pablo Zabaleta on a free transfer from Manchester City and making a £20million bid for his team-mate, 20-year-old striker Kelechi Iheanacho. Bilic, entering the final season of his three-year contract, is eager to get the new campaign underway. "I have two heads because I need to rest but the other part of me can't wait for the season to start because I really feel we will benefit from this season a lot," he told the West Ham club website. West Ham fans will likely have been glad to see the season come to an end particularly after struggling to settle away from Upton Park. Even during West Ham's worst run of form, when co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold were publicly demanding an improvement in form, the Hammers supporters stood by the boss.
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The inside story behind Toni Martinez's journey from Valencia to West Ham as striker's progress haunts La Liga side
West Ham striker Toni Martinez is exciting fans and his rise to prominence could be complete with a first-team place next season
Football London
BYANDREW GAFFNEY
11:45, 31 MAY 2017UPDATED11:47, 31 MAY 2017
The Premier League has often been the second home for many Spanish players but not when it comes to strikers. They are generally considered too small or slight to succeed with the hustle and bustle of the English game, see Iago Aspas, but there are still players who buck the trend. Diego Costa scored 20 League goals to help fire Chelsea to the Premier League title whereas at the bottom Fernando Llorente was key in Swansea avoiding relegation. Could young Toni Martinez add his name to that list and become the Spaniard to lead West Ham's forward line in the years to come?
Ever since Martinez swapped Valencia for London, he's generated a fair amount of buzz. In a time where it appears West Ham are in danger of losing their identity, moving to a new stadium and searching for big name strikers, the emergence of young talent such as Toni could mean their future will be brighter – if they're crucially given a chance. David Gold's comments about it being hard for teenagers to get minutes were hardly encouraging to those youngsters desperate for a chance. It isn't like those 'seasoned internationals' set the Premier League alight either. While the loan system can be an important tool in a player's development, it isn't the only option. If they're good enough, they're old enough.
When Martinez left Valencia it left distinctive marks on both the fan base as well as the academy director Jose Ramos Alesanco. The fans were largely upset at the selling of a potential star as Valencia is a club steeped with history of bringing through youth prospects. They also felt the fee was on the small side. Despite original reports putting the cost at €3m it turned out to be closer to €1m, plus a load of bonuses. They also have first option should West Ham wish to sell him. On the other side, Alesanco, was happy to accept a decent fee for a player who he didn't see as someone who could make it at the top in Valencia. He saw potential but not enough to justify fighting to keep the player at the club. Martinez, perhaps in part due to this 'it's up to you' attitude and a lack of minutes under Curro Torres, decided the chance to join a Premier League club was too good to turn down.
Anyone who has seen Martinez play will know he's physically more suited to the Premier League than he was La Liga. After a bright start to his career at Valencia he struggled to have the same influence with Valencia Mestalla. West Ham's scouts saw the raw potential and after a positive response from the player's representative made a bid for the young forward's services. A deal suited both parties.
For a striker he didn't score an incredible amount of goals at Valencia and that could've caused some people to think he isn't a good forward. That would be short-sighted as he's got plenty about him and with the right service knows where the back of the net is.
West Ham fans should be excited by the progression Martinez has made in his short time at the club. 10 goals in his 11 Premier League 2 appearances is a fantastic return. Especially when you consider this is his first full season in England, adapting to a new system and learning a new language. His loan spell out at Oxford didn't work out as well as intended but he did score against Middlesbrough and Newcastle in the FA Cup. Not content with that he then returned to West Ham and scored a brace to see them defeat Newcastle and earn a place in Division One of the Premier League 2. It would be a travesty if his improvement and fine form for the Under-23s didn't see him given a chance to link up with the first team during preseason.
The next logical question is: Could Martinez do a job for West Ham in the not so distant future? Those who know the player from his time at Valencia would tell you yes. The biggest concern was adapting to the physical side of the game but that hasn't proven to be an issue. If anything, he's embraced it and become a better player because of that. There's an underlying confidence to Martinez and it's serving him well in England. The fact Ashley Fletcher gained valuable Premier League minutes this season indicates that if Martinez continues his progression then he'll be given a chance at West Ham next year. While those who currently occupy the striker positions at the club cost a great deal more, none of them would fall into the 'keep at all costs' category. As an option off the bench, Martinez would be great.
No one at Valencia wishes anything but the best for the youngster. Valencia fans are always happy to see academy players do well but ideally at the club itself. Although, of course, should he become a household name then that happiness might turn into anger towards the fact they let Martinez go on the cheap. West Ham fans should be excited by the future and the success of their Under-23 side. Far too many have joined the club in recent years for a decent pay day and then wandered off into the wilderness. Mark Noble is loved, flaws and all, because of how much representing West Ham means to him. If you give the kids a chance to impress you'll only increase their own bond with the club. Ignoring them for more of the same would be disappointing. Let's hope the chairman's comments prove to be the biggest motivational speech for the academy lads as opposed to sentencing them to loan deal after loan deal. The kids are alright.
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Newcastle, Everton, West Ham - which loan deal would suit Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi best?
The Belgian international is reportedly open to a loan move away from the Blues
Football London
BYADAM JONES
11:18, 31 MAY 2017
Michy Batshuayi is one of the hot topics surrounding Chelsea in the early stages of this transfer window. The Belgian international turned out to be pretty instrumental to the Blues season in the latter stages - scoring the goal against West Brom which confirmed that Antonio Conte's side won the title. And, let's be honest, a Premier League goal every 47 minutes of action is a pretty fantastic return.
But, due to lack of game time, Batshuayi is reportedly open to at least a loan move away from Chelsea - with Newcastle, Everton and West Ham all credited with interest.
We've had a look at each club's credentials - and seen which one would suit Batshuayi the best.
Newcastle United
Newly-promoted Newcastle will be doing absolutely everything in their power to keep the club in the Premier League this time around.
With Rafael Benitez at the helm for (presumably) the entire campaign this time around - you'd be brave to bet against them staying in the top division. In fact, Magpies fans will probably be targeting at least a mid-table finish, and that ambition could well be tempting to Batshuayi. Of course, playing under a manager like Rafael Benitez could also be a massive factor - we've already seen how well the Spaniard can manage top strikers like Fernando Torres. And, of course, let's not forget the adoration that Newcastle supporters often give to their front men. Dwight Gayle would provide the main competition for Batshuayi, but you have to presume the Belgian international is in another league to the Magpies' current lead striker. The only downside is the fact that Newcastle are a newly-promoted side. Will Batshuayi be able to look beyond that and ignore the interest from other sides in the league?
Everton
Well, this strictly depends on one thing really - whether Romelu Lukaku stays at the club. If the Belgian international does indeed stay with the Toffees, then you can't really expect Batshuayi to be able to oust him - but you never know. He would no doubt get more chances than he did this season at Chelsea in any case, with Everton needing a much bigger squad now that they have European football to contend with. It's also worth noting that the Toffees bascially don't have a senior striker other than Lukaku right now. Arouna Kone's contract has run out, Enner Valencia has returned to West Ham and Oumar Niasse is almost certainly ready to be shown the exit door. The only competition that Batshuayi would face would be the impressive Dominic Calvert-Lewin and any other youngsters that Ronald Koeman decides to bring through. Not only that, but the service that the 23-year-old would be getting from the likes of Tom Davies, Kevin Mirallas and (possibly) Ross Barkley would surely be enough to convince any striker to make the move. Of course, if Lukaku were to leave, then you'd have to say that a move to Goodison Park would easily provide Michy Batshuayi his best challenge away from Chelsea.
Regularly playing for a side hunting down the Premier League top six and also involved in European football? What more could a developing player want?
West Ham United
There's no doubt about it, West Ham United absolutely need a striker - well, one that can regularly keep himself out of the injury room at the very least. Whilst Michy Batshuayi didn't actually get a lot of game-time last season, it wasn't injury that was keeping him on the bench. So West Ham would certainly appreciate a striker who can lead their line on a consistent basis - and one who is Premier League proven is obviously going to be an advantage for them. And, for the Belgian international too, again you can see the benefits.
West Ham offers the chance for the 23-year-old to stay in London at the very least. But, also, with Andre Ayew and the chronically injured Andy Carroll his main competition with the Hammers - you'd have to expect Michy Batshuayi will be starting a lot of games.
But, the question is, where will West Ham finish? There are doubts over the future of Slaven Bilic, and any new manager could potentially take a dislike to Batshuayi. There might just be too many risks surrounding this deal to make it a good idea for the Chelsea man - but it's still an interesting prospect for him.
Verdict
All clubs can honestly consider themselves to have a strong case to sign Batshuayi on loan - but it's hard to look past Everton as the best bet. Not only would the 23-year-old be playing at a higher level of football in the Premier League with Ronald Koeman's side, but the Toffees will also have a European campaign in the Europa League next season. That puts them just a step above West Ham and Newcastle in the running - even if the unlikely scenario occurs and Romelu Lukaku does stay with Everton for another season.
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West Ham unveil ambitious plans
shekicks.net
West Ham say they have made dramatic improvements to their infrastructure and have ambitious plans to reach WSL1 within five years.
The Hammers finished ninth in the FAWPL Southern Division this season, in a campaign that saw them brought 'in-house' by West Ham, and now an injection of investment and several key full-time appointments are set to propel the team to new heights, says whufc.com
In his first full-time role at the club, Jack Sullivan, son of Joint-Chairman David, has been appointed managing director, whilst former player and current coach Karen Ray takes up the full-time position of general manager.
Furthermore, current first-team manager Greg de Carnys has left his role as Academy head of performance to take up a full-time role looking after the Ladies' first team and Academy.
Jack Sullivan said: "This is a massive project of great importance to West Ham United. We have some exciting plans and huge expectations ... and we hope that within five years we can be challenging in FA WSL 1.
"For me personally it's a huge project and something I can't wait to get started on. Whilst I will not be taking a wage, I am excited to be taking on my first full-time role at West Ham United and looking forward to the challenges ahead.
"We hope to make huge strides this summer before the new season starts, and plan to unveil a key player signing, with WSL experience, in the coming weeks."
Karen Ray said: "I am delighted we are able to offer young girls the opportunity to develop as players and people with the new infrastructure that highlights the club's dedication to grow women's football, with the support of West Ham United Foundation.
"We are very passionate about building a sustainable and successful plan that will see us develop a world-class talent pathway for girls of all ages that aligns with the club's overall ambitions."
Greg de Carnys said: "These are exciting times to be involved with West Ham United Ladies - the club has shown outstanding support for our long term vision and I can't wait to get started.
"We already have a talented young squad that believes in what we're doing and they're gaining experience all the time. With a few new additions and investment in the right areas I hope we can build a successful and sustainable future for the club over the next five years."
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West Ham interested in German striker Max Kruse
HITC
Vincent Ralph
West Ham United are allegedly interested in bringing the forward to the London Stadium this summer. According to a report from Wednesday's print edition of Sport Bild (31/05/2017) and later posted online by German website Weser Kurier, West Ham United are among the clubs interested in signing Werder Bremen's Max Kruse this summer. The 29-year-old only arrived at the club last summer but he has enjoyed an impressive campaign, scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists in just 23 appearances. His figures would no doubt have been better were it not for an untimely ligament injury upon his return to the club where he started his career as a youth player.
Given his impact after his return to Bremen it remains to be seen what will happen this summer, although with an alleged promise between the club and the player that he will be allowed to leave if an offer of £10.4million arrives, West Ham could nab themselves something of a bargain. Kruse may be approaching his thirtieth birthday yet he proved this season that he still has plenty to offer in front of goal and he would definitely be an upgrade on the level of striker West Ham signed last summer - namely Jonathan Calleri and Simone Zaza. Kruse may feel he has one big move left in him and if he does fancy a shot at the Premier League West Ham could be the perfect place for the 14-capped Germany international. It is sure to be a busy summer at the London Stadium and West Ham manager Slaven Bilic will know that signing a proven goal-scorer for just over £10million could be a deal too good to refuse.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, May 31
Daily WHUFC News - 31st May 2017
Hammers appoint Lewin as Head of Medical Services
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce the appointment of Gary Lewin as the Club's new Head of Medical Services. The vastly-experienced Lewin arrives at London Stadium with a peerless CV, having previously combined 22 years as first-team physiotherapist at Arsenal with 18 as England's physio – the last six as England Senior Head of Physiotherapy. The 53-year-old was born in East Ham and spent time on West Ham's books as a schoolboy goalkeeper, before turning to physiotherapy full-time at the age of 19. Now, he is relishing a return to the Premier League and working with a manager in Slaven Bilic who he knows well. "I am really looking forward to it," Lewin said. "I have met Slaven a few times down the years, most memorably when I was sat on the bench when his Croatia team beat England at Wembley in 2007 to stop us qualifying for Euro 2008! "Despite that, I am looking forward greatly to working with Slaven and also with Julian Dicks and Chris Woods, who I know from my time in football, his other backroom staff and all the players."
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Vandenbroucke departs
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm that Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke has left the Club to pursue a new challenge. Vandenbroucke initially joined the Hammers as a first-team physiotherapist in 2009, spending three seasons on the backroom staff under Gianfranco Zola, Avram Grant and Sam Allardyce.
After spells in Russian football with Anzhi Makhachkala and Dinamo Moscow, the Belgian returned to east London to take up a new senior role under Allardyce in February 2014. He has worked under Slaven Bilic for the past two seasons.
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan thanked Vandenbroucke for his more than six years of service to the Hammers. "Stijn was a member of the backroom staff when we arrived at the Club in 2010 and immediately struck the Board with his professionalism and commitment to the role," said Mr Sullivan. "Since taking up his role as the Head of Medical and Sports Science, he has continued to show his expertise in his field and raise the bar with an ambitious philosophy. "He has created and maintained professional and strong relationships with all departments at the Club, the players, the manager and the Board. He was also involved in the transition to London Stadium and the new training ground at Rush Green. "We all have enjoyed working with Stijn and wish him and his family all the best."
The Club would like to thank Stijn for his hard work during his time at the Club and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
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Kemp helps England to victory
WHUFC.com
West Ham United youngster Dan Kemp helped England U20s get their Toulon Tournament title defence off to a great start on Monday. The winger played 65 minutes as the Young Lions beat Angola 1-0 in their opening fixture of the 2017 edition. Chelsea striker Ike Ugbo scored the decisive winner just after half-time as the youngsters stormed to the top of Group A. The squad this year, led by Neil Dewsnip, is aiming to emulate Gareth Southgate's team from last year who managed to win the tournament overall after beating France 2-1 in the final. Kemp will hope to feature once again in England's second group fixture against Cuba on Thursday 1 June (6.30pm BST) where a win could seal qualification to the semi-finals. The Young Lions then round off their group campaign again Japan on Sunday 4 June at 2pm BST.
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Pablo's praise for the Claret and Blue Army
WHUFC.com
Pablo Zabaleta is relishing the prospect of being roared on by the Claret and Blue Army after agreeing to join West Ham United this summer. The highly-decorated Argentina full-back will link up with the Hammers on 1 July after putting pen to paper on a two-year contract. Zabaleta has spent the past nine seasons with Manchester City, during which time he played against West Ham on no fewer on 12 occasions, including four visits to the Boleyn Ground and an appearance at London Stadium in last season's Emirates FA Cup. Every time he played in east London, the 32-year-old was wowed by the noise and atmosphere generated by the passionate West Ham supporters – and hopes to reward their loyalty by bringing silverware to the Club. "I must say that it was always a privilege as a player to go to Upton Park and to London Stadium and see the atmosphere in these stadiums," Zabaleta told West Ham TV. "I would probably say West Ham are one of the greatest fans in England with great tradition and in home games and away games as well, following the team everywhere. "The Bubbles you have when you come out from the tunnel make it more special as well, so hopefully as a player I can give good moments to them, but it's not all about me but about the players performing well as a team to make sure we can win something together."
Pablo Zabaleta and Aaron CresswellWhile his overall career record against the Hammers reads 'Played 12, Won 9, Lost 2', he tasted victory just once in his four appearances in east London – an FA Cup third-round win at London Stadium in January. So, it comes as no surprise that Zabaleta did not always enjoy turning out as a visiting player in the East End, and he is looking forward to the boot being on the other foot going forward! "It was always hard playing at West Ham away," he recalled. "They said that Upton Park was the home of West Ham for so many years and it is now a new era in London Stadium, where when I went to play my first game I thought the atmosphere was really good. That's why I'm here. "I'm really happy, my family will also enjoy it and, as I say, I'm very proud to remain in England to keep playing in this wonderful league."
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Nordtveit called up by Norway
WHUFC.com
Havard Nordtveit has been called up to the Norway side to face Czech Republic and Sweden next month. Norway are currently fifth in Group C of 2018 World Cup qualifying and desperately need a victory over Czech Republic on 10 June to have any chance of reaching the finals in Russia. Nordtveit and his teammates then take on Sweden in a friendly on 13 June. The Hammers midfielder has featured twice in Norway's qualifying campaign so far and will be keen to help his side record their second win in Group C. The 26-year-old played 16 times for West Ham United in his first season at London Stadium and will hope to round off his year on a positive note with his international teammates.
In other news, Martin Samuelsen has been called up to the Norway U21 squad for their upcoming European Championships qualifier against Kosovo in June. Norway narrowly missed out on qualification for this year's tournament and will hope to get their 2019 qualifying campaign off to the perfect start against Kosovo on 12 June. Samuelsen has enjoyed a great year with the Club's U23s, playing a key role as the PL2 side achieved promotion after beating Newcastle United in the Division Two play-off final two weeks ago. The 20-year-old also gained crucial league experience on loan with EFL clubs Blackburn Rovers and Peterborough United over the course of the campaign. On an international level, Samuelsen scored on his just his third senior appearance as Norway beat San Marino 4-1 in a World Cup qualifier in October.
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Hammers youngsters to visit Slovakia
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's newly-promoted Premier League 2 Division 1 side will contest a series of challenging pre-season fixtures ahead of the 2017/18 campaign. Terry Westley's U23 squad, who defeated Newcastle United 2-1 in the Division 2 Play-Off final earlier this month, will travel to Slovakia to face Super Liga clubs Spartak Trnava and FC ViOn Zlaté Moravce, while also tackling EFL, National League and Isthmian League opposition. Academy Director Westley said the Club's developing young players needed to be tested in pre-season to ready them for the challenges that lie ahead. "This group of players is at a level where they need a pre-season which is akin to that of a Championship club," he confirmed. "For that reason, we have organised matches against EFL clubs, as well as a trip to Slovakia where we will take on two of the country's top sides. "The likes of Dan Kemp, who made his England debut on Monday evening, Martin Samuelsen, George Dobson, Toni Martinez, Marcus Browne and Josh Cullen, if they are with us, need to be tested, so we have put together a pre-season schedule that is fit for purpose."
The Hammers' young professionals will kick-off pre-season with a trip to The Hive to face EFL League Two club Barnet on Saturday 15 July at 3pm. Next up is a visit to the Weston Homes Community Stadium to tackle the Bees' League Two rivals Colchester United on Tuesday 18 July at 7.45pm. Saturday 22 July will see West Ham make a return to the familiar surroundings of the Chigwell Construction Stadium, where they will take on National League outfit Dagenham & Redbridge at 3pm.
The Hammers will then travel to Slovakia, where they will take on Super Liga sides Spartak Trnava and FC ViOn Zlaté Moravce.
Westley's promising youngsters will again be playing Premier League 2 fixtures at Chigwell Construction Stadium next season. With Division 1 fixtures to be played against Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City in 2017/18, the Hammers can expect large and vociferous support at the home of the Daggers come August. After their training camp in Slovakia, the young Hammers will return home for their final pre-season match. Big-spending Isthmian League club Billericay Town have made headlines since West Ham-supporting owner Glenn Tamplin signed former Hammer Paul Konchesky and ex-Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie O'Hara earlier this year. Tamplin has since added a host of new names to his squad ahead of a season in which they hope to gain promotion to the National League South.
Hammers fans will have the opportunity to see the Billericay revolution for themselves when the PL2 squad visit the AGP Arena on Tuesday 8 August at 7.45pm. Supporters can pre-order tickets for the Billericay fixture by sending their details via email to info@billericaytownfc.co.uk now.
Ticket details for the trip to Slovakia, Barnet, Colchester United and Dagenham & Redbridge fixtures will be confirmed on whufc.com and the Club's social media channels in due course. In addition, a West Ham United XI, consisting mainly of Academy players, will visit Billericay's Isthmian League rivals Bishop's Stortford on Saturday 15 July at 3pm. The Club are in the process of finalising the first team's pre-season plans.
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Slaven hails 'unbelievable' fans
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic has thanked the 'unbelievable' Claret and Blue Army for their support at the end of his second season as West Ham United manager. The boss, who is currently recovering after undergoing surgery on his hip, has enjoyed a close relationship with Hammers fans since joining the Club as a player back in January 1996. Hailed as a returning hero on his appointment as manager in summer 2015, Bilic led West Ham to seventh in the Premier League in his first season in charge, before enduring a more challenging campaign in 2016/17.
Through it all, the Croatian has enjoyed the unequivocal support of the Club's fans, who have burst into a refrain of 'Super Slav' on countless occasions over the past ten months. "They've been unbelievable and I would love to say a big 'Thank you' to them," the 48-year-old exclaimed. "It's amazing how they treated me and I could feel they were really behind me and the whole team. "They are tremendous fans and I can only promise them that I'm going to give my best and the team is going to do its best to do better next season and to give them more enjoyable games and moments because they definitely deserve it."
While his current priorities are to rest and recover from his operation, while also enjoying valuable time at home with his family in Croatia, Bilic will not allow his attention to slip too far from his day job. Indeed, he has maintained an open line of communication to Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and Director of Player Recruitment, helping the Club to complete the signing of Argentina full-back Pablo Zabaleta from Manchester City already. With the new Premier League season just ten weeks away, Bilic is looking forward to tackling the 2017/18 season. "I have two heads because I need to rest but the other part of me can't wait for the season to start because I really feel we will benefit from this [2016/17] season large," he confirmed.
*West Ham United Season Ticket Holders have until the deadline of 5pm on Wednesday 31 May to renew their existing seats for the 2017/18 campaign. Any Season Tickets not renewed by 5pm on Wednesday 31 May will be made available to supporters on the 55,000-strong Season Ticket Waiting List.
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Hammers unveil ambitious Ladies plans
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies have announced dramatic improvements to their infrastructure and unveiled ambitious plans to reach WSL1 in the next five years.
The Hammers finished ninth in the FAWPL Southern Division this season, in a campaign that saw them brought 'in-house' by West Ham, and now an injection of investment and several key full-time appointments are set to propel the Ladies to new heights.
In his first full-time role at the Club, Jack Sullivan, son of Joint-Chairman David, has been appointed managing director, whilst former player and current coach Karen Ray takes up the full-time position of general manager.
Furthermore, current first-team manager Greg de Carnys has left his role as Academy head of performance to take up a full-time role looking after the Ladies' first team and Academy.
The Ladies currently play in step three of the women's game, one below WSL2, and are making no secret of their desire to reach the top flight in the coming years.
New Ladies managing director Jack Sullivan said: "This is a massive project of great importance to West Ham United. We have some exciting plans and huge expectations for the Ladies team, as we do for the mens, and we hope that within five years we can be challenging in FA WSL 1.
"For me personally it's a huge project and something I can't wait to get started on. Whilst I will not be taking a wage from the Club, I am excited to be taking on my first full-time role at West Ham United and looking forward to the challenges ahead.
"We hope to make huge strides this summer before the new season starts, and plan to unveil a key player signing, with WSL experience, in the coming weeks.
"The Ladies team has great potential, and with the help of Karen Ray, Greg and Josh Ewens, I hope I can help guide them to some exceptional achievements and make them a team that the whole football Club, and its supporters, can be proud of."
Karen Ray said: "I am delighted we are able to offer young girls the opportunity to develop as players and people with the new infrastructure that highlights the Club's dedication to grow women's football, with the support of West Ham United Foundation.
"We are very passionate about building a sustainable and successful plan that will see us develop a world-class talent pathway for girls of all ages that aligns with the Club's overall ambitions.
"West Ham United are breaking down barriers and changing the perception of women's football, and I am looking forward to to working alongside Jack Sullivan to systematically rebuild the ladies team and cement the Club's commitment to female participation."
Greg de Carnys said: "These are exciting times to be involved with West Ham United Ladies - the club has shown outstanding support for our long term vision and I can't wait to get started.
"We already have a talented young squad that believes in what we're doing and they're gaining experience all the time. With a few new additions and investment in the right areas I hope we can build a successful and sustainable future for the Club over the next five years.
"I have an excellent coaching team supporting me in Josh Ewens, Karen Ray and Dan Blewett, all of whom care deeply for the players and work with a distinct pedagogical methodology and now, with Jack involved as well, we have a great opportunity to progress."
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE COLUMN: TRANSFER AND STAFFING UPDATES
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 30 MAY 2017 AT 6:59PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
So after much deliberation and discussion with various people I have decided that I will be continuing with my columns over the summer. I understand there are some people that are not keen on me doing so and I appreciate that opinion. One thing I would like to point out though is that I often hear negative news (from ex-players, agents, disgruntled members of staff) and rather than just putting it out for hits (which many others would) I often let the club know so that it can be dealt with internally, which is why in recent years I think the account/me has/have become more accepted by those working there. Anyway, I simply would ask you to block/unfollow my twitter account and not read the website if you do not approve of me.
The transfer window has already begun successfully and I really think that Zabaleta is a great signing on and off the pitch. He is a leader and a very popular player, as can be seen by his leaving video at Manchester City. The player was signed on Wednesday but as I reported on the radio show, announced to link with the kit launch on Friday. I first reported our interest in the player in March and did regular updates on how this transfer was going proving that transfers are not "ruined" by my tweets. Last week on the radio show/podcast I described the home, away and third shirt on and I will do the same tomorrow if you missed it. The home is likely to be released in June and the third just before the season opens. There has been some talk that Byram will leave because we have signed Zabaleta; I do not believe this is the case and that he will remain to give Bilic alternatives and injury cover. I do not think we will sign another right back now so talk of Malcuit joining (who was once a target) and players from the German league are incorrect.
As I have repeated numerous times on twitter and on our radio show the two top targets for the forward position are Iheanacho of Manchester City and Batshuayi of Chelsea. I find it staggering that a Nigerian website has been used as a regular source of information on this deal, as everything they have reported has been largely inaccurate including us winning the race to sign Henry Onyekuru a week ago and Iheanacho flying in for a medical on Sunday. None of this was remotely true and they have benefit for numerous advertising clicks to their website. We have an interest in Onyekuru but he isn't first choice and a deal isn't agreed and there has been no progress in the Iheanacho deal. I first reported that a bid had been made last week, which sky and many newspapers then followed with. The truth is we have put in our initial offer and haven't really heard much back from Manchester City other then they want a buy back clause. How this would work is that we would set an agreed fee, which we aim to be double what we pay, then if he does really well for us, Manchester City can buy him back for that price. No other clubs could get him for that agreed fee with City and we could reject all offers bar Manchester City's. I understand their thinking on this because if he does do really well they would want to buy him back and can afford pretty much any price. I guess Chelsea wish they had done the same with Lukaku considering they wish to buy him back. At the moment the player is away with the Nigerian national squad, although he did pop back to Manchester at the weekend. This is because there is a few issues that he needs to sort out including a problem with his former agent. The talk of image rights is also wrong because the club do not pay them and after the tax investigation certainly wouldn't be entertaining them now. There are a number of clubs interested but he wants to stay in the UK to get citizenship here meaning that he would be able to move freely across Europe in the future (not knowing how Brexit will affect things) and he only has two years left here to get it. We very much intend to get this deal completed and will also double the player's wages to approximately £80k a week. The deal will not be completed within the next couple of weeks so I would hold tight, stop reading and quoting random sources and hope the club do get this deal over the line.
The next signing we hope to make is Bathsuayi of Chelsea. He has always been a top target and we will not know whether we can get him yet until Chelsea are clear on their forward options. Costa's future is unclear, they have also identified a number of forward targets including Lukaku and Llorente. Solanke, a former target of ours, appears to be joining Liverpool so it all depends on what Chelsea do.
West Ham hope to sign both forwards if possible and have other forward options on the list, including Modeste who plays in Germany and the previously mentioned Onyekuru, if we don't sign these two. The club are no longer interested in Defoe, they felt his form had fallen away and his wage demands are now too high and he is likely to join Bournemouth with Begovic, who I think is a great signing for them. We want to sign at least two forwards but do not see keeper as a priority. John Ruddy from Norwich is being lined up as a backup keeper should we sell Randolph but we want to concentrate transfer fees and wages into the forward positions.
Calleri has returned to Argentina and the club are not sure whether Fletcher or Martinez are ready to play regularly in the Premier League so two forwards are the minimum likely to join with the injury records of Carroll and Sakho. The club would listen to offers for Sakho and Carroll I believe but wouldn't be likely to get any due to their injuries.
Off the pitch the club are very frustrated with the regular injuries and "miss diagnosed" players. Mark Noble came out and admitted he had an injury which he kept quiet from the manager and the likes of Carroll and Sakho have regularly been given incorrect return dates. Both have sustained some "strange" injuries this year but these are some of the stories I have chosen not to reveal. This has meant that the club are considering a reshuffle of the medical and coaching staff. Whilst official confirmation hasn't been given yet, so things can change and may be inaccurate, I have heard that Stijn Vandenbroucke- who is the head of medical and sports science, could be being replaced by Gary Lewin in his role. Gary Lewin is the former Arsenal and England National team physio, he was born in East Ham and is said to have been brought up a West Ham fan. He is extremely highly rated and will be brought in to try and improve our injury record. When Bilic met with the club last Monday to discuss his future he made it clear he didn't want to change his coaching staff too much but was open to a medical reshuffle. Slaven will be given other names that could be brought in to support him in future weeks but he may chose against them all. The manager is currently recovering from a hip replacement operation so may not be too actively involved in the coming weeks however.
Jack Sullivan has been named as the new managing director of the ladies team. I think this is a good move for both. Jack has been learning his apprenticeship at the club this year working in all departments. This will give him vital experience for if/when he takes over from his dad at the club. It will also help raise the profile of the ladies and well and truly bring them under the official club banner now.
We are interested in signing a number of wingers/creative players, some of which I will reveal on the radio show tomorrow but this depends on us moving on a couple of current players, including Snodgrass, who has attracted some interest from other clubs including Brighton, who are looking at a few of our players. We will not sign a player yet in that position because it isn't a priority position but with Tore leaving and potentially Snodgrass going there are a number of players that we are considering signing to replace him.
I will try to write regular columns but we also intend to do at least fortnightly radio shows where I will be bringing my regular news section, so it would be great if we keep up the amount of listeners that we have. Once more I apologise to those who do not like the news that I bring but one thing I will state is that I am this club's biggest fan (along with many of you). I have been a season ticket holder for 30 years and travelled up and down the country supporting us. If I believed I was harming the club I really would stop and have offered to do so a number of times to people within it. Anyway, enjoy the summer and try to take every bit of news with a pinch of salt! Until it is on the official site, anything can happen and change, so if you only want factual news-I would suggest sticking to that site only. COYI
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Premier League new boys Huddersfield eyeing transfer of West Ham's Ashley Fletcher
The Championship play-off final winners want the 21-year-old striker on loan for next season
The Mirror
BYJOHN CROSS
21:56, 30 MAY 2017UPDATED21:59, 30 MAY 2017
Huddersfield boss David Wagner wants to sign West Ham striker Ashley Fletcher on a season-long loan. The newly-promoted Yorkshire club have already made an enquiry to see whether West Ham would allow the ex-Manchester United starlet join them. Wagner is hoping Fletcher could be his first signing as he looks to bolster his Championship play-offs-winning squad on a budget. Fletcher, 21, was given limited opportunities under West Ham boss Slaven Bilic in the recently-ended campaign after a free-agent move from Old Trafford. Huddersfield tried to sign Fletcher before he ever went to the Hammers and also made a loan enquiry in January, so they are clearly keen. Championship trio Fulham, Middlesbrough and Norwich are all interested too, and hope West Ham might let him go out to get more regular first team action.
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Former Arsenal and England physio Gary Lewin joins West Ham as Head of Medical Services
Lewin, who spent 22 years with Arsenal and six with England, replaces Stijn Vandenbroucke
The Mirror
BYLIAM PRENDERVILLE
21:20, 30 MAY 2017
Former Arsenal and England physio Gary Lewin has joined West Ham. The 53-year-old spent 22 years with Arsenal and had recently returned as part of the Ladies' team. He also had six years with the national side before his exit a year ago. Lewin, who spent time with West Ham as a young goalkeeper, arrives as Head of Medical Services. "I am really looking forward to it," Lewin said. "I have met Slaven a few times down the years, most memorably when I was sat on the bench when his Croatia team beat England at Wembley in 2007 to stop us qualifying for Euro 2008! "Despite that, I am looking forward greatly to working with Slaven and also with Julian Dicks and Chris Woods, who I know from my time in football, his other backroom staff and all the players." He replaces Stijn Vandebroucke at the London Stadium.
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Brighton and Hove Albion close in on West Ham United flop
by ADAM ALLCROFT on MAY 30, 2017
The 72
Brighton and Hove Albion could be set to swoop for West Ham United's Robert Snodgrass according to a report from Football London.
The Seagulls finally achieved promotion to the Premier League after years of coming very close but are now working hard to add to their squad to make sure it isn't a temporary stay. And one of the players they look like they might be signing is a Scottish international who only joined his club a few months ago.
Snodgrass was instrumental for Hull City as they got promoted via the play-offs last season and he continued their form when they were in the Premier League. However this got noticed by their rivals and he soon found himself on his way to West Ham in the January transfer window for a fee believed to be around £10m. However the move would not work out for either party as the 28-year-old struggled to break into the first team, mostly spending the second half of the season warming the bench.
This means that Snodgrass may be set to leave the London Stadium just a few months after moving there and Brighton are planning to swoop. They don't seem willing to come anywhere near the fee that West Ham initially paid for the Scot, but it would give the Hammers a way to cut their losses on a player who hasn't been the right fit for their squad. For Brighton, they would get a talented winger who has shown he can perform at this level.
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West Ham to fight Everton and Swansea for RB Leipzig striker after 'official enquiry' - reports
The Hammers are looking for reinforcements up front
Football London
BYROB GUEST
11:02, 30 MAY 2017
West Ham could be set to strengthen upfront by moving for Red Bull Leipzig's German striker Davie Selke. According to Kicker in Germany, the Hammers have officially enquired about signing the frontman ahead of the new Premier League season. Everton and Swansea City are also said to be interested in the 22-year-old, while former club Werder Bremen are believed to want to re-sign the striker.
Leipzig enjoyed a hugely successful season in the Bundesliga after finishing second but Selke struggled for match action throughout the campaign. The frontman finished the season with four goals but he only started two of his 21 appearances for the Champions League newcomers. Selke's agent is in the UK this week as he seeks a move away from the Red Bull Arena in hope of securing first-team football in the Premier League. Slaven Bilic is in need of a new striker with injuries ruling Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho out for long periods of the season, while Jonathan Calleri has returned to parent club Deportivo Maldonado.
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West Ham eye €20m move for Portuguese defender but face competition from Newcastle and Everton
The Hammers are considering a move for Sporting's Ruben Semedo
Football London
BYROB GUEST
09:36, 30 MAY 2017
Reports from Portugal suggest that West Ham could be set to move for Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Semedo in the summer. The centre-back, a product of the club's famous academy, has seen his name linked with numerous Premier League clubs and the Hammers have reportedly shown an interest according to the Portuguese media. Newcastle United are said to have watched Semedo all season and are preparing a bid, while Everton and Southampton have interest in the highly-rated defender. The 23-year-old is also attracting interest outside of the Premier League, with AC Milan and Lille also keen to secure his signature. Semedo, who only signed a new deal with Sporting until 2022 back in March, has a €45million release clause in his contract, although his club are willing to sell for €20 million. Interested clubs wanting the defender may want to quickly tie up a deal for the player after he was named in Portugal's Under-21 squad for the European Championships in Poland. Semedo has impressed in the Primeira Liga this season and if he continues his form for his country then his price tag could well rise. The Hammers have options at centre-back but Slaven Bilic may elect to move for Semedo as he looks to build a squad for the future.
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KELECHI IHEANACHO: COULD HE BE OUR BEST SIGNING OF THE SUMMER?
By Iain Dale 30 May 2017 at 08:42
WTID
I wrote last week that the priority for West Ham in this transfer window is to only sign players who would add to the quality of the team and that it was quality we should be searching out rather than signing a whole host of average players like we did last year. Well we got off to a good start with the signing of Pablo Zabaleta, and if reports are to be believed we head the race to sign Kelechi Iheanacho, the Manchester City striker.
Iheanacho is only 20 years old, but looks to be a real star in the making. He's made 46 appearances, scoring 12 goals, but most of those are substitute appearances. He's also scored five goals in eight senior appearances for Nigeria. It's worth looking at his Manchester City career in its totality. This is from Wikipedia…
In July 2015, Iheanacho was included in City's pre-season tour team in Australia. On the tour, he set up the first goal for Raheem Sterling and scored the second goal in the win against Roma in the 2015 International Champions Cup. He also set up Sterling for the fourth goal in City's 8–1 victory against the Vietnam national team. In City's last pre-season game, against VfB Stuttgart, he came on as a substitute, scoring late on in a 4–2 defeat. Due to his impressive pre-season, Iheanacho was promoted to the Manchester City senior squad. On 10 August 2015, Iheanacho was included in a first-team matchday squad for the first time in a competitive fixture, however he remained an unused substitute in their 3–0 win at West Bromwich Albion in their first game of the Premier League season. Nineteen days later, he made his competitive debut, replacing Raheem Sterling for the final minute of a 2–0 win against Watford at the City of Manchester Stadium. He scored his first competitive goal on 12 September, replacing Wilfried Bony in the final minute in a match away to Crystal Palace and scoring the only goal of the game.
Iheanacho scored his first career hat-trick on 30 January 2016 against Aston Villa in the fourth round of the FA Cup, also setting up City's fourth goal, scored by Raheem Sterling.The following month, he was put in City's UEFA Champions League squad at the expense of the injured Samir Nasri.26 During February, Iheanacho scored against Tottenham Hostpur in a 2–1 home defeat for City.
Iheanacho's next goals came on 23 April 2016, where he scored twice against Stoke City in a 4–0 victory.28 He followed this up with a Champions League semi-final substitute appearance on 26 April 2016. Five days later, on 1 May 2016, he scored two again, albeit in a 4–2 defeat at the hands of Southampton.
Iheanacho ended the 2015–16 season with eight Premier League goals and had the best goals-per-minute ratio of any player averaging, a goal every 93.9 minutes. In all competitions he finished with a record of 14 goals and 5 assists from 35 appearances, although he only started 11 of these games. His goals total also meant he ended the season as City's third-highest scorer.
On 10 September 2016, Iheanacho started in the Manchester Derby. He recorded an assist and his first goal of the season in the 2–1 win. Five days later, Iheanacho came off the bench to score the final goal in City's 4–0 home win in the Champions League, against Borussia Mönchengladbach. This was his first European goal for Manchester City. Three days after the 4–0 win, Kelechi scored the second goal, also assisting the third, in City's game against AFC Bournemouth. That goal took his tally in the Premier League to 10, allowing him to join an exclusive list of players to have scored 10 Premier League goals before the age of 20. This list includes players such as Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Nicolas Anelka, Michael Owen and Romelu Lukaku. In October 2016, Iheanacho was nominated for the FIFA Golden Boy award, which was eventually won by Bayern Munich's midfielder Renato Sanches.
Iheanacho's next goal would come in the Champions League, against Celtic, in a 1–1 home draw on 6 December 2016.
Iheanacho has represented Nigeria at youth levels from under-13 upwards. His first experience of a major international tournament was the 2013 African U-17 Championship in Morocco. For Iheanacho, the highlight was a hat-trick in a win against Botswana. He dedicated his goals to his mother, who died two months before the tournament. Nigeria reached the final of the competition, where they were defeated on penalties by the Ivory Coast.
Iheanacho played a significant role in the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he won the Golden Ball award for player of the tournament. Nigeria won the competition, in which Iheanacho scored six times, including once in the final, and provided seven assists. In the run-up to the 2014 African Nations Championship, Iheanacho trained with the senior Nigeria squad but was released from the squad in order to travel to England to sign with Manchester City. He was part of the Nigeria squad for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, and featured in two matches.
He was selected by Nigeria for their 35-man provisional squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics, but failed to make the final 18. Iheanacho made his senior debut as a substitute in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Swaziland in which Nigeria drew 0–0. His first start for the senior team was on 25 March 2016, a 1–1 draw with Egypt in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.
Kelechi Iheanacho was selected by Nigeria in friendly games against Mali and Luxembourg in May 2016. He scored in the two games providing an assist against Luxembourg. His performance in the friendly matches inspired further confidence within football circles in the nation and was invited to make his competitive debut against Egypt in an African cup of nations qualifying series where he provided an assist for Oghenekaro Etebo in the home game. Despite the change made in the coaching personnel in August this year, he distinguished himself again as one of the most important players in the team when he scored two super goals in the two matches against Tanzania in Uyo and Zambia in Ndola.
Well I don't know about you, but that's got me salivating. £24 million seems a reasonably fair price given his potential, but the stumbling block could be a buyback clause.
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Obiang, Fernandes, Lanzini & Antonio - four West Ham players Bilic should build his team around
Bilic can build a successful team around the likes of Manuel Lanzini, Pedro Obiang and Edimilson Fernandes
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
15:39, 29 MAY 2017UPDATED15:42, 29 MAY 2017
The signings will be made in - ideally - the next couple of weeks that will improve the West Ham squad, not just in terms of the depth but the overall quality of the squad. We know Slaven Bilic wants to bring in first team players, first team starters for that matter, that will hopefully ensure the Hammers have required quality to challenge for a European spot once again next season. The board knows the side needs a bit more quality and they have already sanctioned the move for Pablo Zabaleta, completed earlier this week and the club are already making moves for Kelechi Iheanacho as well. But, lets not forget, there are players already at the club who Slaven Bilic should be looking to build the future around.
Edimilson Fernandes
The youngster is going to get more game time next season, Bilic has already said as much and the 21-year-old has really impressed Hammers fans when he has got the chance this season. Fernandes is the kind of fulcrum you can have in that defensive midfield that just stays in position and everyone else kind of moves around him, l the likes of Cheikhou Kouyate/Mark Noble specifically.
Manuel Lanzini
An obvious choice, he is the creative force in the team now. Bilic needs to tie him down to a long-term deal first of all and then crack on. Iheanacho running in behind to latch on to Lanzini's passes, the pace of Antonio out wide, a help in the middle from Hakim Ziyech/Gylfi Sigurdsson/whoever. This should be Lanzini's team.
Pedro Obiang
In a similar mould to Fernandes, Obiang is the more likely to be a first team regular this evening when he has recovered from injury.
He can run the show from deep in midfield and if he has the right midfield players alongside him, the Hammers could go well. He can hold fort while the likes of Kouyate/Noble/Fernandes maybe pushing on a bit more. Obiang's passing is underrated too, so he can link up with Lanzini.
Michail Antonio
The Hammers' style of play often relies on Antonio - when he is fit - getting the ball a and running at defenders, taking them on and reaching the byline and crossing, or going it alone. Antonio often finds himself in the box as well so another creative player can find him in there,e especially in the air where Antonio excels.
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WEST HAM SET TO MISS OUT ON £11M TRANSFER WINDFALLFeatured Image
Date: 29th May 2017 at 7:00pm
Written by: David Tully
ForeverWestHam
Everton are likely to pull out of talks with West Ham to sign forward Enner Valencia, reports the Liverpool Echo. The Ecuadorian international was sent out on a season long loan to Goodison Park at the start of the season, with the Toffees given an option to buy the 27 year old for £11million at the end of the campaign. Having only started seven games under Ronald Koeman, and due to the fact that the Dutchman is seeking other summer transfer targets, the permanent transfer for Valencia now looks dead in the water. The striker has impressed when he has been given the opportunity this campaign. He scored a goal and provided an assist in the 3-0 win over Southampton at the start of January when he came on as substitute. He then followed that up with a goal against Spurs in the 3-2 defeat, and another goal and assist in the 4-0 victory against Hull City in March.
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Kelechi Iheanacho to West Ham: what do we know so far about the Hammers' chase for Man City striker?
There has been little movement in the past 24 hours but here's what we know so far
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
19:00, 29 MAY 2017UPDATED19:22, 29 MAY 2017
This smells of Carlos Bacca all over again, doesn't it? West Ham's interest in Kelechi Iheanacho, is absolutely genuine, as it is still in Michy Batshuayi as well, as Slaven Bilic hunts out a new striker or two for the 2017/18 Premier League campaign. Iheanacho is the main target for the time being at least, so what do we know so far?
A bid has been made
The Hammers have put in a bid to Man City for Iheanacho, but it hasn't been accepted or declined by Pep Guardiola. Rumours have suggested the the bid is between £20m and £24m but we understand the bid is less than that, with West Ham waiting for Cityto get back to them with a revised offer and then potentially meet them half way. His representative said: "It's clear he won't be sold to a direct title rival by Man City, so when I see the reported interest from Spurs, I know if it becomes official it will be dismissed outrightly, but Everton and West Ham we will have to wait and see."
Everton's interest?
Ronald Koeman's side are also reportedly in the running for the Man City frontman but it is not believed their interest is as concrete as West Ham's.
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EUROPEAN HEAVYWEIGHTS 'CONFIDENT' OF SNATCHING TARGET AWAY FROM WEST HAMFeatured Image
Date: 29th May 2017 at 8:00pm
Written by: David Tully
ForeverWestHam
Paris Saint-Germain are "confident" of signing Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, according to allnigeriasoccer.com. It has been reported that the Nigerian international is subject to a bid from West Ham but it seems the Hammers will have a battle on their hands if they want to sign the 20 year old this summer. PSG are said to be seeking young talent to add to their ranks and Iheanacho has already demonstrated his capabilities in the Premier League with his 21 goals in 64 appearances for City. The decision will likely come down to whether the forward is seeking more game time or a larger contract. If he opts to move to West Ham, depending on whether his club accept the Hammers' bid, he will most likely be the club's top striker. In France, he will almost certainly be given a better contract but it is not certain where he will figure in the club's first team plans. 49 goal striker Edinson Cavani will remain the side's first choice up front, and Iheanacho may struggle for minutes on the field if he makes the switch to Paris.
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Aaron Cresswell could solve a problem area for Liverpool
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
Liverpool should make a move for West Ham United defender Aaron Cresswell in the summer transfer window. Aaron Cresswell is one of the best left-backs in the Premier League and has improved quite steadily at West Ham United. The 27-year-old has also earned an England cap, and it is safe to say that he will improve in the coming years. Liverpool need to sign a left-back in the summer transfer window, and it would make perfect sense for the Reds to make a move for Cresswell. Spanish left-back Alberto Moreno has not convinced and has made far too many mistakes, while James Milner surely cannot be a long-term solution despite his impressive performances in that position this season. The left-back is a problem area for Liverpool, which manager Jurgen Klopp can solve by signing Cresswell from West Ham in the summer. The former Ipswich Town defender is a good passer of the ball, does contribute in attack and is strong defensively. Cresswell was actually released by Liverpool when he was 15, as he revealed to The Telegraph back in November 2016, and perhaps he could be tempted into swapping the London Stadium for Anfield in the summer.
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Brighton move for SnodgrassFeatured Image
Date: 29th May 2017 at 9:10pm
Written by: Joe McHugh
shoot.co.uk
Robert Snodgrass has emerged as a transfer target for Brighton. According to a report on Football London the West Ham midfielder is wanted by Chris Hughton's Premier League newcomers. Snodgrass only moved to West Ham in January and was expected to get among the goals to steer the club away from the relegation zone. While West Ham survived Snodgrass failed to make much of an impact and is still waiting for his first goal after eight starts and seven appearances as a substitute. Slaven Bilic may be tempted to accept a bid for the Scotland favourite or decide that after half a season settling in Snodgrass will come good next season. Brighton are looking to strengthen a number of positions for their first ever spell in the Premier League with Hughton impressed by the seven goals scored from 19 matches that Snodgrass managed in the first half of the season at Hull City.
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Tim Krul would be a smart signing for West Ham United
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
West Ham United should make a move for Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul in the summer transfer window. According to a recent report in The Chronicle, the future of Tim Krul at Newcastle United is uncertain. Krul is scheduled to return to Newcastle following his loan spell at Dutch club AZ and will report for pre-season duty at the Magpies. Newcastle, though, according to the report, are looking to sign another goalkeeper in the summer transfer window. This means that it is not clear that the Netherlands international will be at St. James' Park next season, and West Ham United should swoop in. With Adrian losing his place in West Ham's starting lineup this season and Darren Randolph not always convincing, there is a need for the London club to bring in another goalkeeper. Krul would be a smart signing for the Hammers. The 29-year-old Netherlands international goalkeeper knows the Premier League inside out, and he will be hungry to star again in the English top flight. True, the Dutchman does make mistakes from time to time, but then again, which player doesn't? What Krul's arrival at the London Stadium would do is push Adrian and Randolph to step up their game.
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West Ham fans react as Dusan Tadic rumours intensify
by James Beavis
29/5/2017 | 09:49pm
According to SkyBet, West Ham United are the 9/4 favourites to sign Southampton attacking midfielder Dusan Tadic this summer. Irons manager Slaven Bilic is determined to significantly strengthen his squad this summer and he could be looking for a creative player to replace Dimitri Payet, who left for Marseille during the January transfer window. Despite having his worst season since coming to the Premier League in 2014 based on statistics, the 28-year-old has still scored 15 goals and provided an impressive 27 assists over the course of the last three campaigns. The Serbian is understood to have fallen out with Saints boss Claude Puel last term and he could leave St Mary's this summer. West Ham supporters were quick to have their say on the latest rumours via social media, and many believe that Tadic would be a good signing and that he would link up well with Manuel Lanzini.
Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…
West Ham Social @WestHamSocial
Odds have been significantly lowered on West Ham signing Southampton's Dusan Tadic. pic.twitter.com/rVJmvZKnVu
Follow
Steven Trister @StevenTrister
@WestHamSocial I'd defo take him. Quality player
11:16 AM - 29 May 2017
West Ham Social @WestHamSocial
Odds have been significantly lowered on West Ham signing Southampton's Dusan Tadic. pic.twitter.com/rVJmvZKnVu
Follow
Adam Whiddett 父 @whidderz
@WestHamSocial Yeh I'd take him..he'd link up nicely with lanzini I reckon.
1:37 PM - 29 May 2017
West Ham Social @WestHamSocial
Odds have been significantly lowered on West Ham signing Southampton's Dusan Tadic. pic.twitter.com/rVJmvZKnVu
Follow
Greg richardson @rakis14
@WestHamSocial Takes some of the creative burden off of Lanzini. Would prefer Barkley (v.unlilely ik) but Tadic would be decent addition
11:54 AM - 29 May 2017
Retweets likes
West Ham Social @WestHamSocial
Odds have been significantly lowered on West Ham signing Southampton's Dusan Tadic. pic.twitter.com/rVJmvZKnVu
Follow
Jack. @Jack_L_W
@WestHamSocial Another player who lacks pace, a slighty improved Snodgrass, no thanks. He rarely completes 90mins too.
10:20 AM - 29 May 2017
Retweets likes
West Ham News @WHUFC_News
I'd take him tbh. Need another creative player who can play wide https://twitter.com/westhamsocial/status/869118446906331136 …
Follow
Michael French @frenchie1309
@WHUFC_News Fantastic player - no chance though.
3:12 PM - 29 May 2017
Retweets likes
West Ham News @WHUFC_News
I'd take him tbh. Need another creative player who can play wide https://twitter.com/westhamsocial/status/869118446906331136 …
Follow
Steve @cheekychambers
@WHUFC_News @WestHamSocial Always plays well against us. Would happily offload Snodgrass Feghouli and Ayew for 2 quality signings
12:16 PM - 29 May 2017
Retweets likes
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Manchester City to insist on buy-back clause in Kelechi Iheanacho contract with West Ham interested in striker
£20million-rated Kelechi Iheanacho could be heading for Manchester City exit
West Ham, Everton and Leicester are all battling to sign the Nigerian striker
Pep Guardiola would like to insert a buy-back clause in any transfer this summer
The Hammers will want any buy-back fee to be at least double what they pay
By Kieran Gill for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 29 May 2017 | UPDATED: 22:58, 29 May 2017
Manchester City want a buy-back clause inserted in the contract for Kelechi Iheanacho if they are to sell the 20-year-old. West Ham are hopeful they can win the race for the £20million-rated striker but Everton and Leicester are also interested. City do not want to be left in the same situation as Chelsea, who allowed Romelu Lukaku to leave without inserting an option to buy back the striker at a set price. Iheanacho has struggled to play under Pep Guardiola, having only started five Premier League games all season. The Nigerian has previously spoken about his need to play to build his confidence. West Ham will want any buy-back fee to be at least double what they pay, though City will likely argue it should be closer to the £30m mark or less. The total can vary depending on what Iheanacho achieves at a new club. Despite that limited opportunity Iheanacho still managed seven goals and three assists, with those strikes coming at an average rate of one every 128 minutes. With value for money goalscorers a commodity always cherished by Premier League clubs it is hardly a surprise such a promising forward is in such high demand. However, Iheanacho recently dismissed any talk of an impending Etihad exit, telling reporters: 'I'm not very aware of that. 'I just keep working with the team and I'm still at Manchester City so I'll meet up with the boys and kick off the season with Manchester City. 'I'm happy to stay at Manchester City and keep fighting to help them achieve what they want to achieve. Manchester City is a big team and we need to go far as a squad, so we need everybody.'
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West Ham encouraged to sign Jack Wilshere this summer as Arsenal midfielder faces up to exit
West Ham transfer news includes advice for Jack Wilshere to move from Arsenal to West Ham this summer for more regular first-team football
Football London
BYTOM MARSHALL-BAILEY
07:00, 30 MAY 2017
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has been advised by former Gunners midfielder Ray Parlour to leave the Emirates this summer - and move to West Ham United. Wilshere's future remains up in the air as he recovers from a season-ending broken leg which curtailed his progress on loan at Bournemouth and there are now doubts over his long-term future at the club. The 25-year-old is out of contract next summer and faces a pivotal pre-season to prove his fitness but Parlour believes a move to West Ham would suit all parties, with Slaven Bilic possibly tempted by the player if the right deal can be struck. "Moving forward, it's a massive decision that Jack's got to make as well," Parlour told talkSPORT. "Does he want to try and fight for his position at Arsenal or does he want to go out to a club and play?
"Another club, West Ham might be ideal for Jack Wilshere. I think if he wants to play on a regular basis, yes (I think he should leave), I really do. "I don't think he will play on a regular basis, I know he's had his injuries this season as well but he's played a lot more football. "Again, I'll go back to West Ham, they will be looking at midfielders, a bit more quality. I would say would Jack be worth £10million? "He's only got a year left on his contract, that's the big stumbling block."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce the appointment of Gary Lewin as the Club's new Head of Medical Services. The vastly-experienced Lewin arrives at London Stadium with a peerless CV, having previously combined 22 years as first-team physiotherapist at Arsenal with 18 as England's physio – the last six as England Senior Head of Physiotherapy. The 53-year-old was born in East Ham and spent time on West Ham's books as a schoolboy goalkeeper, before turning to physiotherapy full-time at the age of 19. Now, he is relishing a return to the Premier League and working with a manager in Slaven Bilic who he knows well. "I am really looking forward to it," Lewin said. "I have met Slaven a few times down the years, most memorably when I was sat on the bench when his Croatia team beat England at Wembley in 2007 to stop us qualifying for Euro 2008! "Despite that, I am looking forward greatly to working with Slaven and also with Julian Dicks and Chris Woods, who I know from my time in football, his other backroom staff and all the players."
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Vandenbroucke departs
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm that Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke has left the Club to pursue a new challenge. Vandenbroucke initially joined the Hammers as a first-team physiotherapist in 2009, spending three seasons on the backroom staff under Gianfranco Zola, Avram Grant and Sam Allardyce.
After spells in Russian football with Anzhi Makhachkala and Dinamo Moscow, the Belgian returned to east London to take up a new senior role under Allardyce in February 2014. He has worked under Slaven Bilic for the past two seasons.
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan thanked Vandenbroucke for his more than six years of service to the Hammers. "Stijn was a member of the backroom staff when we arrived at the Club in 2010 and immediately struck the Board with his professionalism and commitment to the role," said Mr Sullivan. "Since taking up his role as the Head of Medical and Sports Science, he has continued to show his expertise in his field and raise the bar with an ambitious philosophy. "He has created and maintained professional and strong relationships with all departments at the Club, the players, the manager and the Board. He was also involved in the transition to London Stadium and the new training ground at Rush Green. "We all have enjoyed working with Stijn and wish him and his family all the best."
The Club would like to thank Stijn for his hard work during his time at the Club and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
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Kemp helps England to victory
WHUFC.com
West Ham United youngster Dan Kemp helped England U20s get their Toulon Tournament title defence off to a great start on Monday. The winger played 65 minutes as the Young Lions beat Angola 1-0 in their opening fixture of the 2017 edition. Chelsea striker Ike Ugbo scored the decisive winner just after half-time as the youngsters stormed to the top of Group A. The squad this year, led by Neil Dewsnip, is aiming to emulate Gareth Southgate's team from last year who managed to win the tournament overall after beating France 2-1 in the final. Kemp will hope to feature once again in England's second group fixture against Cuba on Thursday 1 June (6.30pm BST) where a win could seal qualification to the semi-finals. The Young Lions then round off their group campaign again Japan on Sunday 4 June at 2pm BST.
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Pablo's praise for the Claret and Blue Army
WHUFC.com
Pablo Zabaleta is relishing the prospect of being roared on by the Claret and Blue Army after agreeing to join West Ham United this summer. The highly-decorated Argentina full-back will link up with the Hammers on 1 July after putting pen to paper on a two-year contract. Zabaleta has spent the past nine seasons with Manchester City, during which time he played against West Ham on no fewer on 12 occasions, including four visits to the Boleyn Ground and an appearance at London Stadium in last season's Emirates FA Cup. Every time he played in east London, the 32-year-old was wowed by the noise and atmosphere generated by the passionate West Ham supporters – and hopes to reward their loyalty by bringing silverware to the Club. "I must say that it was always a privilege as a player to go to Upton Park and to London Stadium and see the atmosphere in these stadiums," Zabaleta told West Ham TV. "I would probably say West Ham are one of the greatest fans in England with great tradition and in home games and away games as well, following the team everywhere. "The Bubbles you have when you come out from the tunnel make it more special as well, so hopefully as a player I can give good moments to them, but it's not all about me but about the players performing well as a team to make sure we can win something together."
Pablo Zabaleta and Aaron CresswellWhile his overall career record against the Hammers reads 'Played 12, Won 9, Lost 2', he tasted victory just once in his four appearances in east London – an FA Cup third-round win at London Stadium in January. So, it comes as no surprise that Zabaleta did not always enjoy turning out as a visiting player in the East End, and he is looking forward to the boot being on the other foot going forward! "It was always hard playing at West Ham away," he recalled. "They said that Upton Park was the home of West Ham for so many years and it is now a new era in London Stadium, where when I went to play my first game I thought the atmosphere was really good. That's why I'm here. "I'm really happy, my family will also enjoy it and, as I say, I'm very proud to remain in England to keep playing in this wonderful league."
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Nordtveit called up by Norway
WHUFC.com
Havard Nordtveit has been called up to the Norway side to face Czech Republic and Sweden next month. Norway are currently fifth in Group C of 2018 World Cup qualifying and desperately need a victory over Czech Republic on 10 June to have any chance of reaching the finals in Russia. Nordtveit and his teammates then take on Sweden in a friendly on 13 June. The Hammers midfielder has featured twice in Norway's qualifying campaign so far and will be keen to help his side record their second win in Group C. The 26-year-old played 16 times for West Ham United in his first season at London Stadium and will hope to round off his year on a positive note with his international teammates.
In other news, Martin Samuelsen has been called up to the Norway U21 squad for their upcoming European Championships qualifier against Kosovo in June. Norway narrowly missed out on qualification for this year's tournament and will hope to get their 2019 qualifying campaign off to the perfect start against Kosovo on 12 June. Samuelsen has enjoyed a great year with the Club's U23s, playing a key role as the PL2 side achieved promotion after beating Newcastle United in the Division Two play-off final two weeks ago. The 20-year-old also gained crucial league experience on loan with EFL clubs Blackburn Rovers and Peterborough United over the course of the campaign. On an international level, Samuelsen scored on his just his third senior appearance as Norway beat San Marino 4-1 in a World Cup qualifier in October.
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Hammers youngsters to visit Slovakia
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's newly-promoted Premier League 2 Division 1 side will contest a series of challenging pre-season fixtures ahead of the 2017/18 campaign. Terry Westley's U23 squad, who defeated Newcastle United 2-1 in the Division 2 Play-Off final earlier this month, will travel to Slovakia to face Super Liga clubs Spartak Trnava and FC ViOn Zlaté Moravce, while also tackling EFL, National League and Isthmian League opposition. Academy Director Westley said the Club's developing young players needed to be tested in pre-season to ready them for the challenges that lie ahead. "This group of players is at a level where they need a pre-season which is akin to that of a Championship club," he confirmed. "For that reason, we have organised matches against EFL clubs, as well as a trip to Slovakia where we will take on two of the country's top sides. "The likes of Dan Kemp, who made his England debut on Monday evening, Martin Samuelsen, George Dobson, Toni Martinez, Marcus Browne and Josh Cullen, if they are with us, need to be tested, so we have put together a pre-season schedule that is fit for purpose."
The Hammers' young professionals will kick-off pre-season with a trip to The Hive to face EFL League Two club Barnet on Saturday 15 July at 3pm. Next up is a visit to the Weston Homes Community Stadium to tackle the Bees' League Two rivals Colchester United on Tuesday 18 July at 7.45pm. Saturday 22 July will see West Ham make a return to the familiar surroundings of the Chigwell Construction Stadium, where they will take on National League outfit Dagenham & Redbridge at 3pm.
The Hammers will then travel to Slovakia, where they will take on Super Liga sides Spartak Trnava and FC ViOn Zlaté Moravce.
Westley's promising youngsters will again be playing Premier League 2 fixtures at Chigwell Construction Stadium next season. With Division 1 fixtures to be played against Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City in 2017/18, the Hammers can expect large and vociferous support at the home of the Daggers come August. After their training camp in Slovakia, the young Hammers will return home for their final pre-season match. Big-spending Isthmian League club Billericay Town have made headlines since West Ham-supporting owner Glenn Tamplin signed former Hammer Paul Konchesky and ex-Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie O'Hara earlier this year. Tamplin has since added a host of new names to his squad ahead of a season in which they hope to gain promotion to the National League South.
Hammers fans will have the opportunity to see the Billericay revolution for themselves when the PL2 squad visit the AGP Arena on Tuesday 8 August at 7.45pm. Supporters can pre-order tickets for the Billericay fixture by sending their details via email to info@billericaytownfc.co.uk now.
Ticket details for the trip to Slovakia, Barnet, Colchester United and Dagenham & Redbridge fixtures will be confirmed on whufc.com and the Club's social media channels in due course. In addition, a West Ham United XI, consisting mainly of Academy players, will visit Billericay's Isthmian League rivals Bishop's Stortford on Saturday 15 July at 3pm. The Club are in the process of finalising the first team's pre-season plans.
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Slaven hails 'unbelievable' fans
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic has thanked the 'unbelievable' Claret and Blue Army for their support at the end of his second season as West Ham United manager. The boss, who is currently recovering after undergoing surgery on his hip, has enjoyed a close relationship with Hammers fans since joining the Club as a player back in January 1996. Hailed as a returning hero on his appointment as manager in summer 2015, Bilic led West Ham to seventh in the Premier League in his first season in charge, before enduring a more challenging campaign in 2016/17.
Through it all, the Croatian has enjoyed the unequivocal support of the Club's fans, who have burst into a refrain of 'Super Slav' on countless occasions over the past ten months. "They've been unbelievable and I would love to say a big 'Thank you' to them," the 48-year-old exclaimed. "It's amazing how they treated me and I could feel they were really behind me and the whole team. "They are tremendous fans and I can only promise them that I'm going to give my best and the team is going to do its best to do better next season and to give them more enjoyable games and moments because they definitely deserve it."
While his current priorities are to rest and recover from his operation, while also enjoying valuable time at home with his family in Croatia, Bilic will not allow his attention to slip too far from his day job. Indeed, he has maintained an open line of communication to Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and Director of Player Recruitment, helping the Club to complete the signing of Argentina full-back Pablo Zabaleta from Manchester City already. With the new Premier League season just ten weeks away, Bilic is looking forward to tackling the 2017/18 season. "I have two heads because I need to rest but the other part of me can't wait for the season to start because I really feel we will benefit from this [2016/17] season large," he confirmed.
*West Ham United Season Ticket Holders have until the deadline of 5pm on Wednesday 31 May to renew their existing seats for the 2017/18 campaign. Any Season Tickets not renewed by 5pm on Wednesday 31 May will be made available to supporters on the 55,000-strong Season Ticket Waiting List.
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Hammers unveil ambitious Ladies plans
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies have announced dramatic improvements to their infrastructure and unveiled ambitious plans to reach WSL1 in the next five years.
The Hammers finished ninth in the FAWPL Southern Division this season, in a campaign that saw them brought 'in-house' by West Ham, and now an injection of investment and several key full-time appointments are set to propel the Ladies to new heights.
In his first full-time role at the Club, Jack Sullivan, son of Joint-Chairman David, has been appointed managing director, whilst former player and current coach Karen Ray takes up the full-time position of general manager.
Furthermore, current first-team manager Greg de Carnys has left his role as Academy head of performance to take up a full-time role looking after the Ladies' first team and Academy.
The Ladies currently play in step three of the women's game, one below WSL2, and are making no secret of their desire to reach the top flight in the coming years.
New Ladies managing director Jack Sullivan said: "This is a massive project of great importance to West Ham United. We have some exciting plans and huge expectations for the Ladies team, as we do for the mens, and we hope that within five years we can be challenging in FA WSL 1.
"For me personally it's a huge project and something I can't wait to get started on. Whilst I will not be taking a wage from the Club, I am excited to be taking on my first full-time role at West Ham United and looking forward to the challenges ahead.
"We hope to make huge strides this summer before the new season starts, and plan to unveil a key player signing, with WSL experience, in the coming weeks.
"The Ladies team has great potential, and with the help of Karen Ray, Greg and Josh Ewens, I hope I can help guide them to some exceptional achievements and make them a team that the whole football Club, and its supporters, can be proud of."
Karen Ray said: "I am delighted we are able to offer young girls the opportunity to develop as players and people with the new infrastructure that highlights the Club's dedication to grow women's football, with the support of West Ham United Foundation.
"We are very passionate about building a sustainable and successful plan that will see us develop a world-class talent pathway for girls of all ages that aligns with the Club's overall ambitions.
"West Ham United are breaking down barriers and changing the perception of women's football, and I am looking forward to to working alongside Jack Sullivan to systematically rebuild the ladies team and cement the Club's commitment to female participation."
Greg de Carnys said: "These are exciting times to be involved with West Ham United Ladies - the club has shown outstanding support for our long term vision and I can't wait to get started.
"We already have a talented young squad that believes in what we're doing and they're gaining experience all the time. With a few new additions and investment in the right areas I hope we can build a successful and sustainable future for the Club over the next five years.
"I have an excellent coaching team supporting me in Josh Ewens, Karen Ray and Dan Blewett, all of whom care deeply for the players and work with a distinct pedagogical methodology and now, with Jack involved as well, we have a great opportunity to progress."
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE COLUMN: TRANSFER AND STAFFING UPDATES
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 30 MAY 2017 AT 6:59PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
So after much deliberation and discussion with various people I have decided that I will be continuing with my columns over the summer. I understand there are some people that are not keen on me doing so and I appreciate that opinion. One thing I would like to point out though is that I often hear negative news (from ex-players, agents, disgruntled members of staff) and rather than just putting it out for hits (which many others would) I often let the club know so that it can be dealt with internally, which is why in recent years I think the account/me has/have become more accepted by those working there. Anyway, I simply would ask you to block/unfollow my twitter account and not read the website if you do not approve of me.
The transfer window has already begun successfully and I really think that Zabaleta is a great signing on and off the pitch. He is a leader and a very popular player, as can be seen by his leaving video at Manchester City. The player was signed on Wednesday but as I reported on the radio show, announced to link with the kit launch on Friday. I first reported our interest in the player in March and did regular updates on how this transfer was going proving that transfers are not "ruined" by my tweets. Last week on the radio show/podcast I described the home, away and third shirt on and I will do the same tomorrow if you missed it. The home is likely to be released in June and the third just before the season opens. There has been some talk that Byram will leave because we have signed Zabaleta; I do not believe this is the case and that he will remain to give Bilic alternatives and injury cover. I do not think we will sign another right back now so talk of Malcuit joining (who was once a target) and players from the German league are incorrect.
As I have repeated numerous times on twitter and on our radio show the two top targets for the forward position are Iheanacho of Manchester City and Batshuayi of Chelsea. I find it staggering that a Nigerian website has been used as a regular source of information on this deal, as everything they have reported has been largely inaccurate including us winning the race to sign Henry Onyekuru a week ago and Iheanacho flying in for a medical on Sunday. None of this was remotely true and they have benefit for numerous advertising clicks to their website. We have an interest in Onyekuru but he isn't first choice and a deal isn't agreed and there has been no progress in the Iheanacho deal. I first reported that a bid had been made last week, which sky and many newspapers then followed with. The truth is we have put in our initial offer and haven't really heard much back from Manchester City other then they want a buy back clause. How this would work is that we would set an agreed fee, which we aim to be double what we pay, then if he does really well for us, Manchester City can buy him back for that price. No other clubs could get him for that agreed fee with City and we could reject all offers bar Manchester City's. I understand their thinking on this because if he does do really well they would want to buy him back and can afford pretty much any price. I guess Chelsea wish they had done the same with Lukaku considering they wish to buy him back. At the moment the player is away with the Nigerian national squad, although he did pop back to Manchester at the weekend. This is because there is a few issues that he needs to sort out including a problem with his former agent. The talk of image rights is also wrong because the club do not pay them and after the tax investigation certainly wouldn't be entertaining them now. There are a number of clubs interested but he wants to stay in the UK to get citizenship here meaning that he would be able to move freely across Europe in the future (not knowing how Brexit will affect things) and he only has two years left here to get it. We very much intend to get this deal completed and will also double the player's wages to approximately £80k a week. The deal will not be completed within the next couple of weeks so I would hold tight, stop reading and quoting random sources and hope the club do get this deal over the line.
The next signing we hope to make is Bathsuayi of Chelsea. He has always been a top target and we will not know whether we can get him yet until Chelsea are clear on their forward options. Costa's future is unclear, they have also identified a number of forward targets including Lukaku and Llorente. Solanke, a former target of ours, appears to be joining Liverpool so it all depends on what Chelsea do.
West Ham hope to sign both forwards if possible and have other forward options on the list, including Modeste who plays in Germany and the previously mentioned Onyekuru, if we don't sign these two. The club are no longer interested in Defoe, they felt his form had fallen away and his wage demands are now too high and he is likely to join Bournemouth with Begovic, who I think is a great signing for them. We want to sign at least two forwards but do not see keeper as a priority. John Ruddy from Norwich is being lined up as a backup keeper should we sell Randolph but we want to concentrate transfer fees and wages into the forward positions.
Calleri has returned to Argentina and the club are not sure whether Fletcher or Martinez are ready to play regularly in the Premier League so two forwards are the minimum likely to join with the injury records of Carroll and Sakho. The club would listen to offers for Sakho and Carroll I believe but wouldn't be likely to get any due to their injuries.
Off the pitch the club are very frustrated with the regular injuries and "miss diagnosed" players. Mark Noble came out and admitted he had an injury which he kept quiet from the manager and the likes of Carroll and Sakho have regularly been given incorrect return dates. Both have sustained some "strange" injuries this year but these are some of the stories I have chosen not to reveal. This has meant that the club are considering a reshuffle of the medical and coaching staff. Whilst official confirmation hasn't been given yet, so things can change and may be inaccurate, I have heard that Stijn Vandenbroucke- who is the head of medical and sports science, could be being replaced by Gary Lewin in his role. Gary Lewin is the former Arsenal and England National team physio, he was born in East Ham and is said to have been brought up a West Ham fan. He is extremely highly rated and will be brought in to try and improve our injury record. When Bilic met with the club last Monday to discuss his future he made it clear he didn't want to change his coaching staff too much but was open to a medical reshuffle. Slaven will be given other names that could be brought in to support him in future weeks but he may chose against them all. The manager is currently recovering from a hip replacement operation so may not be too actively involved in the coming weeks however.
Jack Sullivan has been named as the new managing director of the ladies team. I think this is a good move for both. Jack has been learning his apprenticeship at the club this year working in all departments. This will give him vital experience for if/when he takes over from his dad at the club. It will also help raise the profile of the ladies and well and truly bring them under the official club banner now.
We are interested in signing a number of wingers/creative players, some of which I will reveal on the radio show tomorrow but this depends on us moving on a couple of current players, including Snodgrass, who has attracted some interest from other clubs including Brighton, who are looking at a few of our players. We will not sign a player yet in that position because it isn't a priority position but with Tore leaving and potentially Snodgrass going there are a number of players that we are considering signing to replace him.
I will try to write regular columns but we also intend to do at least fortnightly radio shows where I will be bringing my regular news section, so it would be great if we keep up the amount of listeners that we have. Once more I apologise to those who do not like the news that I bring but one thing I will state is that I am this club's biggest fan (along with many of you). I have been a season ticket holder for 30 years and travelled up and down the country supporting us. If I believed I was harming the club I really would stop and have offered to do so a number of times to people within it. Anyway, enjoy the summer and try to take every bit of news with a pinch of salt! Until it is on the official site, anything can happen and change, so if you only want factual news-I would suggest sticking to that site only. COYI
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Premier League new boys Huddersfield eyeing transfer of West Ham's Ashley Fletcher
The Championship play-off final winners want the 21-year-old striker on loan for next season
The Mirror
BYJOHN CROSS
21:56, 30 MAY 2017UPDATED21:59, 30 MAY 2017
Huddersfield boss David Wagner wants to sign West Ham striker Ashley Fletcher on a season-long loan. The newly-promoted Yorkshire club have already made an enquiry to see whether West Ham would allow the ex-Manchester United starlet join them. Wagner is hoping Fletcher could be his first signing as he looks to bolster his Championship play-offs-winning squad on a budget. Fletcher, 21, was given limited opportunities under West Ham boss Slaven Bilic in the recently-ended campaign after a free-agent move from Old Trafford. Huddersfield tried to sign Fletcher before he ever went to the Hammers and also made a loan enquiry in January, so they are clearly keen. Championship trio Fulham, Middlesbrough and Norwich are all interested too, and hope West Ham might let him go out to get more regular first team action.
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Former Arsenal and England physio Gary Lewin joins West Ham as Head of Medical Services
Lewin, who spent 22 years with Arsenal and six with England, replaces Stijn Vandenbroucke
The Mirror
BYLIAM PRENDERVILLE
21:20, 30 MAY 2017
Former Arsenal and England physio Gary Lewin has joined West Ham. The 53-year-old spent 22 years with Arsenal and had recently returned as part of the Ladies' team. He also had six years with the national side before his exit a year ago. Lewin, who spent time with West Ham as a young goalkeeper, arrives as Head of Medical Services. "I am really looking forward to it," Lewin said. "I have met Slaven a few times down the years, most memorably when I was sat on the bench when his Croatia team beat England at Wembley in 2007 to stop us qualifying for Euro 2008! "Despite that, I am looking forward greatly to working with Slaven and also with Julian Dicks and Chris Woods, who I know from my time in football, his other backroom staff and all the players." He replaces Stijn Vandebroucke at the London Stadium.
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Brighton and Hove Albion close in on West Ham United flop
by ADAM ALLCROFT on MAY 30, 2017
The 72
Brighton and Hove Albion could be set to swoop for West Ham United's Robert Snodgrass according to a report from Football London.
The Seagulls finally achieved promotion to the Premier League after years of coming very close but are now working hard to add to their squad to make sure it isn't a temporary stay. And one of the players they look like they might be signing is a Scottish international who only joined his club a few months ago.
Snodgrass was instrumental for Hull City as they got promoted via the play-offs last season and he continued their form when they were in the Premier League. However this got noticed by their rivals and he soon found himself on his way to West Ham in the January transfer window for a fee believed to be around £10m. However the move would not work out for either party as the 28-year-old struggled to break into the first team, mostly spending the second half of the season warming the bench.
This means that Snodgrass may be set to leave the London Stadium just a few months after moving there and Brighton are planning to swoop. They don't seem willing to come anywhere near the fee that West Ham initially paid for the Scot, but it would give the Hammers a way to cut their losses on a player who hasn't been the right fit for their squad. For Brighton, they would get a talented winger who has shown he can perform at this level.
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West Ham to fight Everton and Swansea for RB Leipzig striker after 'official enquiry' - reports
The Hammers are looking for reinforcements up front
Football London
BYROB GUEST
11:02, 30 MAY 2017
West Ham could be set to strengthen upfront by moving for Red Bull Leipzig's German striker Davie Selke. According to Kicker in Germany, the Hammers have officially enquired about signing the frontman ahead of the new Premier League season. Everton and Swansea City are also said to be interested in the 22-year-old, while former club Werder Bremen are believed to want to re-sign the striker.
Leipzig enjoyed a hugely successful season in the Bundesliga after finishing second but Selke struggled for match action throughout the campaign. The frontman finished the season with four goals but he only started two of his 21 appearances for the Champions League newcomers. Selke's agent is in the UK this week as he seeks a move away from the Red Bull Arena in hope of securing first-team football in the Premier League. Slaven Bilic is in need of a new striker with injuries ruling Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho out for long periods of the season, while Jonathan Calleri has returned to parent club Deportivo Maldonado.
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West Ham eye €20m move for Portuguese defender but face competition from Newcastle and Everton
The Hammers are considering a move for Sporting's Ruben Semedo
Football London
BYROB GUEST
09:36, 30 MAY 2017
Reports from Portugal suggest that West Ham could be set to move for Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Semedo in the summer. The centre-back, a product of the club's famous academy, has seen his name linked with numerous Premier League clubs and the Hammers have reportedly shown an interest according to the Portuguese media. Newcastle United are said to have watched Semedo all season and are preparing a bid, while Everton and Southampton have interest in the highly-rated defender. The 23-year-old is also attracting interest outside of the Premier League, with AC Milan and Lille also keen to secure his signature. Semedo, who only signed a new deal with Sporting until 2022 back in March, has a €45million release clause in his contract, although his club are willing to sell for €20 million. Interested clubs wanting the defender may want to quickly tie up a deal for the player after he was named in Portugal's Under-21 squad for the European Championships in Poland. Semedo has impressed in the Primeira Liga this season and if he continues his form for his country then his price tag could well rise. The Hammers have options at centre-back but Slaven Bilic may elect to move for Semedo as he looks to build a squad for the future.
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KELECHI IHEANACHO: COULD HE BE OUR BEST SIGNING OF THE SUMMER?
By Iain Dale 30 May 2017 at 08:42
WTID
I wrote last week that the priority for West Ham in this transfer window is to only sign players who would add to the quality of the team and that it was quality we should be searching out rather than signing a whole host of average players like we did last year. Well we got off to a good start with the signing of Pablo Zabaleta, and if reports are to be believed we head the race to sign Kelechi Iheanacho, the Manchester City striker.
Iheanacho is only 20 years old, but looks to be a real star in the making. He's made 46 appearances, scoring 12 goals, but most of those are substitute appearances. He's also scored five goals in eight senior appearances for Nigeria. It's worth looking at his Manchester City career in its totality. This is from Wikipedia…
In July 2015, Iheanacho was included in City's pre-season tour team in Australia. On the tour, he set up the first goal for Raheem Sterling and scored the second goal in the win against Roma in the 2015 International Champions Cup. He also set up Sterling for the fourth goal in City's 8–1 victory against the Vietnam national team. In City's last pre-season game, against VfB Stuttgart, he came on as a substitute, scoring late on in a 4–2 defeat. Due to his impressive pre-season, Iheanacho was promoted to the Manchester City senior squad. On 10 August 2015, Iheanacho was included in a first-team matchday squad for the first time in a competitive fixture, however he remained an unused substitute in their 3–0 win at West Bromwich Albion in their first game of the Premier League season. Nineteen days later, he made his competitive debut, replacing Raheem Sterling for the final minute of a 2–0 win against Watford at the City of Manchester Stadium. He scored his first competitive goal on 12 September, replacing Wilfried Bony in the final minute in a match away to Crystal Palace and scoring the only goal of the game.
Iheanacho scored his first career hat-trick on 30 January 2016 against Aston Villa in the fourth round of the FA Cup, also setting up City's fourth goal, scored by Raheem Sterling.The following month, he was put in City's UEFA Champions League squad at the expense of the injured Samir Nasri.26 During February, Iheanacho scored against Tottenham Hostpur in a 2–1 home defeat for City.
Iheanacho's next goals came on 23 April 2016, where he scored twice against Stoke City in a 4–0 victory.28 He followed this up with a Champions League semi-final substitute appearance on 26 April 2016. Five days later, on 1 May 2016, he scored two again, albeit in a 4–2 defeat at the hands of Southampton.
Iheanacho ended the 2015–16 season with eight Premier League goals and had the best goals-per-minute ratio of any player averaging, a goal every 93.9 minutes. In all competitions he finished with a record of 14 goals and 5 assists from 35 appearances, although he only started 11 of these games. His goals total also meant he ended the season as City's third-highest scorer.
On 10 September 2016, Iheanacho started in the Manchester Derby. He recorded an assist and his first goal of the season in the 2–1 win. Five days later, Iheanacho came off the bench to score the final goal in City's 4–0 home win in the Champions League, against Borussia Mönchengladbach. This was his first European goal for Manchester City. Three days after the 4–0 win, Kelechi scored the second goal, also assisting the third, in City's game against AFC Bournemouth. That goal took his tally in the Premier League to 10, allowing him to join an exclusive list of players to have scored 10 Premier League goals before the age of 20. This list includes players such as Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Nicolas Anelka, Michael Owen and Romelu Lukaku. In October 2016, Iheanacho was nominated for the FIFA Golden Boy award, which was eventually won by Bayern Munich's midfielder Renato Sanches.
Iheanacho's next goal would come in the Champions League, against Celtic, in a 1–1 home draw on 6 December 2016.
Iheanacho has represented Nigeria at youth levels from under-13 upwards. His first experience of a major international tournament was the 2013 African U-17 Championship in Morocco. For Iheanacho, the highlight was a hat-trick in a win against Botswana. He dedicated his goals to his mother, who died two months before the tournament. Nigeria reached the final of the competition, where they were defeated on penalties by the Ivory Coast.
Iheanacho played a significant role in the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he won the Golden Ball award for player of the tournament. Nigeria won the competition, in which Iheanacho scored six times, including once in the final, and provided seven assists. In the run-up to the 2014 African Nations Championship, Iheanacho trained with the senior Nigeria squad but was released from the squad in order to travel to England to sign with Manchester City. He was part of the Nigeria squad for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, and featured in two matches.
He was selected by Nigeria for their 35-man provisional squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics, but failed to make the final 18. Iheanacho made his senior debut as a substitute in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Swaziland in which Nigeria drew 0–0. His first start for the senior team was on 25 March 2016, a 1–1 draw with Egypt in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.
Kelechi Iheanacho was selected by Nigeria in friendly games against Mali and Luxembourg in May 2016. He scored in the two games providing an assist against Luxembourg. His performance in the friendly matches inspired further confidence within football circles in the nation and was invited to make his competitive debut against Egypt in an African cup of nations qualifying series where he provided an assist for Oghenekaro Etebo in the home game. Despite the change made in the coaching personnel in August this year, he distinguished himself again as one of the most important players in the team when he scored two super goals in the two matches against Tanzania in Uyo and Zambia in Ndola.
Well I don't know about you, but that's got me salivating. £24 million seems a reasonably fair price given his potential, but the stumbling block could be a buyback clause.
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Obiang, Fernandes, Lanzini & Antonio - four West Ham players Bilic should build his team around
Bilic can build a successful team around the likes of Manuel Lanzini, Pedro Obiang and Edimilson Fernandes
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
15:39, 29 MAY 2017UPDATED15:42, 29 MAY 2017
The signings will be made in - ideally - the next couple of weeks that will improve the West Ham squad, not just in terms of the depth but the overall quality of the squad. We know Slaven Bilic wants to bring in first team players, first team starters for that matter, that will hopefully ensure the Hammers have required quality to challenge for a European spot once again next season. The board knows the side needs a bit more quality and they have already sanctioned the move for Pablo Zabaleta, completed earlier this week and the club are already making moves for Kelechi Iheanacho as well. But, lets not forget, there are players already at the club who Slaven Bilic should be looking to build the future around.
Edimilson Fernandes
The youngster is going to get more game time next season, Bilic has already said as much and the 21-year-old has really impressed Hammers fans when he has got the chance this season. Fernandes is the kind of fulcrum you can have in that defensive midfield that just stays in position and everyone else kind of moves around him, l the likes of Cheikhou Kouyate/Mark Noble specifically.
Manuel Lanzini
An obvious choice, he is the creative force in the team now. Bilic needs to tie him down to a long-term deal first of all and then crack on. Iheanacho running in behind to latch on to Lanzini's passes, the pace of Antonio out wide, a help in the middle from Hakim Ziyech/Gylfi Sigurdsson/whoever. This should be Lanzini's team.
Pedro Obiang
In a similar mould to Fernandes, Obiang is the more likely to be a first team regular this evening when he has recovered from injury.
He can run the show from deep in midfield and if he has the right midfield players alongside him, the Hammers could go well. He can hold fort while the likes of Kouyate/Noble/Fernandes maybe pushing on a bit more. Obiang's passing is underrated too, so he can link up with Lanzini.
Michail Antonio
The Hammers' style of play often relies on Antonio - when he is fit - getting the ball a and running at defenders, taking them on and reaching the byline and crossing, or going it alone. Antonio often finds himself in the box as well so another creative player can find him in there,e especially in the air where Antonio excels.
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WEST HAM SET TO MISS OUT ON £11M TRANSFER WINDFALLFeatured Image
Date: 29th May 2017 at 7:00pm
Written by: David Tully
ForeverWestHam
Everton are likely to pull out of talks with West Ham to sign forward Enner Valencia, reports the Liverpool Echo. The Ecuadorian international was sent out on a season long loan to Goodison Park at the start of the season, with the Toffees given an option to buy the 27 year old for £11million at the end of the campaign. Having only started seven games under Ronald Koeman, and due to the fact that the Dutchman is seeking other summer transfer targets, the permanent transfer for Valencia now looks dead in the water. The striker has impressed when he has been given the opportunity this campaign. He scored a goal and provided an assist in the 3-0 win over Southampton at the start of January when he came on as substitute. He then followed that up with a goal against Spurs in the 3-2 defeat, and another goal and assist in the 4-0 victory against Hull City in March.
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Kelechi Iheanacho to West Ham: what do we know so far about the Hammers' chase for Man City striker?
There has been little movement in the past 24 hours but here's what we know so far
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
19:00, 29 MAY 2017UPDATED19:22, 29 MAY 2017
This smells of Carlos Bacca all over again, doesn't it? West Ham's interest in Kelechi Iheanacho, is absolutely genuine, as it is still in Michy Batshuayi as well, as Slaven Bilic hunts out a new striker or two for the 2017/18 Premier League campaign. Iheanacho is the main target for the time being at least, so what do we know so far?
A bid has been made
The Hammers have put in a bid to Man City for Iheanacho, but it hasn't been accepted or declined by Pep Guardiola. Rumours have suggested the the bid is between £20m and £24m but we understand the bid is less than that, with West Ham waiting for Cityto get back to them with a revised offer and then potentially meet them half way. His representative said: "It's clear he won't be sold to a direct title rival by Man City, so when I see the reported interest from Spurs, I know if it becomes official it will be dismissed outrightly, but Everton and West Ham we will have to wait and see."
Everton's interest?
Ronald Koeman's side are also reportedly in the running for the Man City frontman but it is not believed their interest is as concrete as West Ham's.
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EUROPEAN HEAVYWEIGHTS 'CONFIDENT' OF SNATCHING TARGET AWAY FROM WEST HAMFeatured Image
Date: 29th May 2017 at 8:00pm
Written by: David Tully
ForeverWestHam
Paris Saint-Germain are "confident" of signing Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, according to allnigeriasoccer.com. It has been reported that the Nigerian international is subject to a bid from West Ham but it seems the Hammers will have a battle on their hands if they want to sign the 20 year old this summer. PSG are said to be seeking young talent to add to their ranks and Iheanacho has already demonstrated his capabilities in the Premier League with his 21 goals in 64 appearances for City. The decision will likely come down to whether the forward is seeking more game time or a larger contract. If he opts to move to West Ham, depending on whether his club accept the Hammers' bid, he will most likely be the club's top striker. In France, he will almost certainly be given a better contract but it is not certain where he will figure in the club's first team plans. 49 goal striker Edinson Cavani will remain the side's first choice up front, and Iheanacho may struggle for minutes on the field if he makes the switch to Paris.
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Aaron Cresswell could solve a problem area for Liverpool
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
Liverpool should make a move for West Ham United defender Aaron Cresswell in the summer transfer window. Aaron Cresswell is one of the best left-backs in the Premier League and has improved quite steadily at West Ham United. The 27-year-old has also earned an England cap, and it is safe to say that he will improve in the coming years. Liverpool need to sign a left-back in the summer transfer window, and it would make perfect sense for the Reds to make a move for Cresswell. Spanish left-back Alberto Moreno has not convinced and has made far too many mistakes, while James Milner surely cannot be a long-term solution despite his impressive performances in that position this season. The left-back is a problem area for Liverpool, which manager Jurgen Klopp can solve by signing Cresswell from West Ham in the summer. The former Ipswich Town defender is a good passer of the ball, does contribute in attack and is strong defensively. Cresswell was actually released by Liverpool when he was 15, as he revealed to The Telegraph back in November 2016, and perhaps he could be tempted into swapping the London Stadium for Anfield in the summer.
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Brighton move for SnodgrassFeatured Image
Date: 29th May 2017 at 9:10pm
Written by: Joe McHugh
shoot.co.uk
Robert Snodgrass has emerged as a transfer target for Brighton. According to a report on Football London the West Ham midfielder is wanted by Chris Hughton's Premier League newcomers. Snodgrass only moved to West Ham in January and was expected to get among the goals to steer the club away from the relegation zone. While West Ham survived Snodgrass failed to make much of an impact and is still waiting for his first goal after eight starts and seven appearances as a substitute. Slaven Bilic may be tempted to accept a bid for the Scotland favourite or decide that after half a season settling in Snodgrass will come good next season. Brighton are looking to strengthen a number of positions for their first ever spell in the Premier League with Hughton impressed by the seven goals scored from 19 matches that Snodgrass managed in the first half of the season at Hull City.
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Tim Krul would be a smart signing for West Ham United
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
West Ham United should make a move for Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul in the summer transfer window. According to a recent report in The Chronicle, the future of Tim Krul at Newcastle United is uncertain. Krul is scheduled to return to Newcastle following his loan spell at Dutch club AZ and will report for pre-season duty at the Magpies. Newcastle, though, according to the report, are looking to sign another goalkeeper in the summer transfer window. This means that it is not clear that the Netherlands international will be at St. James' Park next season, and West Ham United should swoop in. With Adrian losing his place in West Ham's starting lineup this season and Darren Randolph not always convincing, there is a need for the London club to bring in another goalkeeper. Krul would be a smart signing for the Hammers. The 29-year-old Netherlands international goalkeeper knows the Premier League inside out, and he will be hungry to star again in the English top flight. True, the Dutchman does make mistakes from time to time, but then again, which player doesn't? What Krul's arrival at the London Stadium would do is push Adrian and Randolph to step up their game.
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West Ham fans react as Dusan Tadic rumours intensify
by James Beavis
29/5/2017 | 09:49pm
According to SkyBet, West Ham United are the 9/4 favourites to sign Southampton attacking midfielder Dusan Tadic this summer. Irons manager Slaven Bilic is determined to significantly strengthen his squad this summer and he could be looking for a creative player to replace Dimitri Payet, who left for Marseille during the January transfer window. Despite having his worst season since coming to the Premier League in 2014 based on statistics, the 28-year-old has still scored 15 goals and provided an impressive 27 assists over the course of the last three campaigns. The Serbian is understood to have fallen out with Saints boss Claude Puel last term and he could leave St Mary's this summer. West Ham supporters were quick to have their say on the latest rumours via social media, and many believe that Tadic would be a good signing and that he would link up well with Manuel Lanzini.
Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…
West Ham Social @WestHamSocial
Odds have been significantly lowered on West Ham signing Southampton's Dusan Tadic. pic.twitter.com/rVJmvZKnVu
Follow
Steven Trister @StevenTrister
@WestHamSocial I'd defo take him. Quality player
11:16 AM - 29 May 2017
West Ham Social @WestHamSocial
Odds have been significantly lowered on West Ham signing Southampton's Dusan Tadic. pic.twitter.com/rVJmvZKnVu
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Adam Whiddett 父 @whidderz
@WestHamSocial Yeh I'd take him..he'd link up nicely with lanzini I reckon.
1:37 PM - 29 May 2017
West Ham Social @WestHamSocial
Odds have been significantly lowered on West Ham signing Southampton's Dusan Tadic. pic.twitter.com/rVJmvZKnVu
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Greg richardson @rakis14
@WestHamSocial Takes some of the creative burden off of Lanzini. Would prefer Barkley (v.unlilely ik) but Tadic would be decent addition
11:54 AM - 29 May 2017
Retweets likes
West Ham Social @WestHamSocial
Odds have been significantly lowered on West Ham signing Southampton's Dusan Tadic. pic.twitter.com/rVJmvZKnVu
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Jack. @Jack_L_W
@WestHamSocial Another player who lacks pace, a slighty improved Snodgrass, no thanks. He rarely completes 90mins too.
10:20 AM - 29 May 2017
Retweets likes
West Ham News @WHUFC_News
I'd take him tbh. Need another creative player who can play wide https://twitter.com/westhamsocial/status/869118446906331136 …
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Michael French @frenchie1309
@WHUFC_News Fantastic player - no chance though.
3:12 PM - 29 May 2017
Retweets likes
West Ham News @WHUFC_News
I'd take him tbh. Need another creative player who can play wide https://twitter.com/westhamsocial/status/869118446906331136 …
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Steve @cheekychambers
@WHUFC_News @WestHamSocial Always plays well against us. Would happily offload Snodgrass Feghouli and Ayew for 2 quality signings
12:16 PM - 29 May 2017
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Manchester City to insist on buy-back clause in Kelechi Iheanacho contract with West Ham interested in striker
£20million-rated Kelechi Iheanacho could be heading for Manchester City exit
West Ham, Everton and Leicester are all battling to sign the Nigerian striker
Pep Guardiola would like to insert a buy-back clause in any transfer this summer
The Hammers will want any buy-back fee to be at least double what they pay
By Kieran Gill for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 29 May 2017 | UPDATED: 22:58, 29 May 2017
Manchester City want a buy-back clause inserted in the contract for Kelechi Iheanacho if they are to sell the 20-year-old. West Ham are hopeful they can win the race for the £20million-rated striker but Everton and Leicester are also interested. City do not want to be left in the same situation as Chelsea, who allowed Romelu Lukaku to leave without inserting an option to buy back the striker at a set price. Iheanacho has struggled to play under Pep Guardiola, having only started five Premier League games all season. The Nigerian has previously spoken about his need to play to build his confidence. West Ham will want any buy-back fee to be at least double what they pay, though City will likely argue it should be closer to the £30m mark or less. The total can vary depending on what Iheanacho achieves at a new club. Despite that limited opportunity Iheanacho still managed seven goals and three assists, with those strikes coming at an average rate of one every 128 minutes. With value for money goalscorers a commodity always cherished by Premier League clubs it is hardly a surprise such a promising forward is in such high demand. However, Iheanacho recently dismissed any talk of an impending Etihad exit, telling reporters: 'I'm not very aware of that. 'I just keep working with the team and I'm still at Manchester City so I'll meet up with the boys and kick off the season with Manchester City. 'I'm happy to stay at Manchester City and keep fighting to help them achieve what they want to achieve. Manchester City is a big team and we need to go far as a squad, so we need everybody.'
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West Ham encouraged to sign Jack Wilshere this summer as Arsenal midfielder faces up to exit
West Ham transfer news includes advice for Jack Wilshere to move from Arsenal to West Ham this summer for more regular first-team football
Football London
BYTOM MARSHALL-BAILEY
07:00, 30 MAY 2017
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has been advised by former Gunners midfielder Ray Parlour to leave the Emirates this summer - and move to West Ham United. Wilshere's future remains up in the air as he recovers from a season-ending broken leg which curtailed his progress on loan at Bournemouth and there are now doubts over his long-term future at the club. The 25-year-old is out of contract next summer and faces a pivotal pre-season to prove his fitness but Parlour believes a move to West Ham would suit all parties, with Slaven Bilic possibly tempted by the player if the right deal can be struck. "Moving forward, it's a massive decision that Jack's got to make as well," Parlour told talkSPORT. "Does he want to try and fight for his position at Arsenal or does he want to go out to a club and play?
"Another club, West Ham might be ideal for Jack Wilshere. I think if he wants to play on a regular basis, yes (I think he should leave), I really do. "I don't think he will play on a regular basis, I know he's had his injuries this season as well but he's played a lot more football. "Again, I'll go back to West Ham, they will be looking at midfielders, a bit more quality. I would say would Jack be worth £10million? "He's only got a year left on his contract, that's the big stumbling block."
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