Javier Hernandez completes transfer to West Ham United
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to confirm the signing of Mexican striker Javier Hernandez from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of £16million. The 29-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid star put pen to paper on a three-year deal on Monday afternoon, and will fly out to Germany in the coming days to meet up with Slaven Bilic and his new team-mates at their pre-season training camp. Hernandez, who became Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer earlier this year, is more commonly known to fans as 'Chicharito' – the name he will sport on the back of his 2017/18 West Ham United shirt – and admits he can't wait to get started at London Stadium. "I am very happy to join West Ham United," he said. "For me, the Premier League is the best league in the world and when the opportunity came, I was desperate to sign for this club. "It was not a difficult decision. West Ham is an historic club, and very ambitious – this summer you can see with the players signed that they are looking to have a very good season. "I've had three fantastic years playing in Spain and Germany, but England was really the first big chapter in my career and I am so happy to be back. "I am desperate for the season to start and to help the team achieve all their objectives."
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan added: "We are delighted to welcome Javier as the latest fantastic addition to the West Ham United squad. "Following the arrivals of Pablo Zabaleta, Joe Hart and Marko Arnautovic, he is another top class professional who brings great experience and quality to the Club. "He has a proven goalscoring record in the Premier League, La Liga and the Bundesliga, as well in the UEFA Champions League and at international level with Mexico. "We now have some fantastic options in attacking positions and, like all West Ham fans, I am looking forward to seeing Javier score goals in a claret and blue shirt next season."
Born in Guadalajara, on June 1, 1988, Hernandez began his professional career with his hometown club Chivas in 2006, before becoming the first Mexican player to join Manchester United when Sir Alex Ferguson snapped up his services in July 2010. After becoming the first United player since Ruud Van Nistelrooy in 2001-02 to score 20 goals in his debut season, Hernandez went on to score a total of 59 goals for the Red Devils, winning two Premier League titles. In September 2014, he headed to Real Madrid on a season-long loan spell and scored nine goals in 33 appearances for the Galacticos, including the winner in a Champions League quarter-final Madrid derby against Atletico. After returning to Old Trafford at the end of the 2014-15 season, he then completed a permanent move to Bayer Leverkusen in August 2015, and went on to score 39 goals in just 76 games during his two years in Germany.
In February this year, he became the Mexican player with the most appearances in the Champions League with 47, further helping to cement his legendary status in his homeland. After winning his first cap for Mexico against Colombia in September 2009, Hernandez went on to establish himself as a key member of the national team, scoring in both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. In 2011, he led Mexico to glory in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, finishing top scorer and most valuable player of the tournament, and in May this year he became the nation's all-time top goalscorer with 47 goals when he netted against Croatia in a friendly. Last month he scored his 48th goal against Jose Fonte's Portugal in the Confederations Cup.
His nickname 'Chicharito', which translates into 'Little Pea', originates from his father, Javier Hernandez Gutierrez, a professional footballer himself, who was known as 'Chicharo' (Pea) because of his green eyes.
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14 things you probably didn't know about Chicharito
WHUFC.com
Both Chicharito's father and grandfather were Mexican internationals, and both participated in World Cups with El Tri.
Amazingly, Chicharito scored his first goal in a World Cup against France in South Africa 2010, the same team his father scored against 42 years before in Sweden 1958.
Hernandez was part of the Mexican generation that won the U17 World Cup in 2005, but was cut from the squad only a few weeks before the tournament. The stars of that team, Carlos Vela and Gio dos Santos, also played in the Premier League
His favourite dish is the "tortas ahogadas", a traditional sandwich form his hometown Guadalajara, made with a sort of baguette covered in spicy red sauce.
His favourite shirt number is 14 because his it was the same one his father used when he was a professional player.
Chicharito has scored more goals (eight) against Chelsea than any other team in his career. Wigan Athletic is his next favourite opponent, with six goals, followed by Mainz, Eintracht Frankfurt and Stoke City on five.
In eight career games for Manchester United against the Hammers, he has registered two assists and found the net once himself.
He is the Mexico national team's all-time leading goalscorer, after he surpassed Jared Borgetti's tally of 46 with his strike against Croatia in May of this year.
Chicharito becomes the third two-time Premier League winner to join the Hammers this summer. His titles came in 2010/11 and 2012/13 with Manchester United –
while Joe Hart and Pablo Zabaleta won the title twice each with Manchester City.
Chicharito (Little Pea) inherited his nickname from his father "Chícharo" (Pea). The reason? Both have green eyes, a not so common trait in Mexico.
Hernandez has also won honours with his national team, claiming the CONCACAF Gold Cup title in 2011 and the CONCACAF Cup in 2015.
In just two years in Germany, he was named Bundesliga Player of the Month on five occasions – and took the honour three times in a row between November 2015 and January 2016.
He made a dream start to life in England in his first Premier League spell, scoring on his Manchester United debut as they defeated Chelsea in the FA Community Shield.
With 37 Premier League goals from 103 matches, with a goal coming every 130.2 minutes, only Sergio Aguero, Thierry Henry, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Adam Le Fondre possess a more lethal strike rate than Chicharito.
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HERNANDEZ SET TO BE ANNOUNCED
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 24 JULY 2017 AT 8:42PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
It is with great pleasure and excitement that I can say that Mexican international forward and former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward Javier Hernandez is set to be announced as a West Ham player on Facebook this evening after he completed his medical today and not tomorrow as was suggested on most other media outlets.
This completes a very long process of scouting, negotiating and signing the prolific goalscorer. We have tracked the player for a number of years and after Slaven Bilic identified him as his number one choice of signing this window we went full steam ahead to sign him. There were some concerns of his wage demands but we have reached an agreement that will make him the highest paid player in our history taking over from another new signing (who held the title for little more than two days) Marko Arnautovic.
This is a transfer I first reported in April and have been confident we would finally conclude this week. It has been a great window so far and there promises to be a couple of more signings yet.
I am delighted to say that on the radio show on Wednesday we have Ryan Archer from West Ham Fan Tv and top youngster Declan Rice. I will also be bringing my transfer news round up this window which so far has been pretty spot on thankfully!
I don't know about you but I am buzzing for the new season, we need to fully back the manager and board after a great window!
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Javier Hernandez: West Ham sign striker from Bayer Leverkusen for £16m
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have completed the £16m signing of striker Javier Hernandez from German club Bayer Leverkusen. The former Manchester United forward has signed a three-year contract. In May, Hernandez - widely known by the nickname Chicharito, which means 'little pea' - became Mexico's all-time leading scorer. "The Premier League is the best league in the world and when the opportunity came, I was desperate to sign for this club," he said. Hernandez, 29, scored 59 goals in 156 appearances for United after arriving at Old Trafford in 2010, before joining Leverkusen for £7.3m in August 2015. He netted 39 times in 76 matches for the Bundesliga club. "West Ham is a historic club and very ambitious," he added. "I've had three fantastic years playing in Spain and Germany, but England was really the first big chapter in my career and I am so happy to be back."
The deal for Hernandez follows the club record signing of Marko Arnautovic, who signed a five-year deal for a fee of £20m, which could rise to £25m. The forward, who has been capped 62 times by Austria, scored seven times in 35 games in all competitions for Stoke City last season. The Hammers signed Manchester City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart on a season-long loan deal on Tuesday last week. Former City defender Pablo Zabaleta also signed on a free transfer.
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Hernandez signs
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 24th July 2017
By: Staff Writer
Following weeks of speculation and rumour, Javier Hernandez has completed his move to West Ham. The Mexican international put pen to paper on a three-year contract this afternoon after West Ham and Hernandez's former club, Bayer Leverkusen, agreed a fee in the region of £16million. The 29-year-old striker, colloquially known as 'Chicharito' flew into London earlier today before undergoing a medical at the London Independent Hospital in Stepney Green which he passed with no complications.
Dan smith @smudgersmith77
West Ham's new star man just completed his medical at the independent in Stepney 😍⚒ @ExWHUemployee @Baz1980WHU
4:18 PM - 24 Jul 2017
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"I am very happy to join West Ham United," he told whufc.com. "For me, the Premier League is the best league in the world and when the opportunity came, I was desperate to sign for this club. "It was not a difficult decision. West Ham is an historic club, and very ambitious – this summer you can see with the players signed that they are looking to have a very good season. "I've had three fantastic years playing in Spain and Germany, but England was really the first big chapter in my career and I am so happy to be back."
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West Ham confirm Javier Hernandez signing from Bayer Leverkusen
By Michael Cantillon
Last Updated: 24/07/17 9:58pm
SSN
West Ham have completed the £16m signing of Bayer Leverkusen striker Javier Hernandez. The 29-year-old Mexico international arrived in London on Monday to undergo a medical ahead of the transfer and has signed a three-year contract. Sky sources understand the striker will become the highest-paid player in the club's history and is set to be on wages totalling £140,000 a week. "I am very happy to join West Ham United," he said. "For me, the Premier League is the best league in the world and when the opportunity came, I was desperate to sign for this club. "It was not a difficult decision. West Ham is a historic club, and very ambitious - this summer you can see with the players signed that they are looking to have a very good season. "I've had three fantastic years playing in Spain and Germany, but England was really the first big chapter in my career and I am so happy to be back. "I am desperate for the season to start and to help the team achieve all their objectives."
'Chicharito', as he is known, spent four seasons with Manchester United between 2010 and 2015, where he scored 59 goals in 156 appearances, before going on loan to Real Madrid in the 2014/15 campaign. The two-time Premier League winner left Old Trafford in August 2015 for Germany, where he has been even more prolific, netting 39 times in 76 matches for Leverkusen. Joint-chairman David Sullivan added: "We are delighted to welcome Javier as the latest fantastic addition to the West Ham United squad. "Following the arrivals of Pablo Zabaleta, Joe Hart and Marko Arnautovic, he is another top-class professional who brings great experience and quality to the club. "He has a proven goalscoring record in the Premier League, La Liga and the Bundesliga, as well in the UEFA Champions League and at international level with Mexico. "We now have some fantastic options in attacking positions and, like all West Ham fans, I am looking forward to seeing Javier score goals in a claret and blue shirt next season."
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West Ham announce signing of former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez in £16m deal
The Hammers have been pursuing new front men all summer and have finally secured their No.1 target
The Mirror
BYAARON FLANAGAN
21:21, 24JUL 2017UPDATED21:41, 24 JUL 2017
West Ham have confirmed the signing of Javier Hernandez from Bayer Leverkusen for £16million. The former Manchester United striker has put pen to paper on a three-year deal at the London Stadium. It marks the Hammers' fourth summer arrival, following on from the transfers of Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta and Marko Arnautovic. Slaven Bilic has been looking to strengthen his forward line and has been linked with a number of big strikers throughout the summer. But he has finally got his man after joint-chairman David Sullivan pulled out all the stops to ensure the club beat off interest from a number of rivals to secure Hernandez's signature. Hernandez, 29, who became Mexico's all-time top goalscorer earlier this year, flew to London on Monday in order to thrash out contract details. "I am very happy to join West Ham United," he said. "For me, the Premier League is the best league in the world and when the opportunity came, I was desperate to sign for this club. "It was not a difficult decision. West Ham is an historic club, and very ambitious – this summer you can see with the players signed that they are looking to have a very good season. "I've had three fantastic years playing in Spain and Germany, but England was really the first big chapter in my career and I am so happy to be back. "I am desperate for the season to start and to help the team achieve all their objectives."
Hernandez represented United between 2010 and 2015, scoring 59 times in his 157 appearances. Former boss Louis van Gaal authorised the sale of Hernandez to Leverkusen, where he notched a further 39 in 76 in all competitions.
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'Buy of the century!' What Manchester United said about new West Ham signing Javier Hernandez
West Ham transfer news is dominated by the arrival of Javier Hernandez and the Mexican has proven a hit in the Premier League before
Football London
BYROB GUEST
22:05, 24 JUL 2017UPDATED22:10, 24 JUL 2017
West Ham have completed the signing of former Manchester United signing Javier Hernandez on a three-year deal. The Mexican's transfer was confirmed by the Hammers, who have got a fantastic deal for a fee of £16million from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen. In fact, the signing of the 29-year-old could turn out to be the deal of the summer. The Hammers have lacked goals up front over the past few seasons and Hernandez is likely to give the club what they have been craving for a long time. Hernandez made an instant impact when he joined Manchester United in 2010 and many are excited to see him back in the Premier League. So, with the player having signed on the dotted line at the London Stadium, what can the Hammers expect of the player next season? Well, here is what a number of key figures during his five-year spell at the Red Devils had to say about Chicharito.
Sir Alex Ferguson
"It's been nothing but acceleration. We tell a lot of our young players to take time to settle in, learn the language and develop physically, because it is a physical league. "He's now had his breaking-in period and, although he could speak English, it is now much better. He comes into training every morning at 9am, does his own work in the gym, then stays after training with the rest of the players and practices various parts of his game. "The boy wants to be a player and the footballing tradition of his family has helped. That gives him an extra encouragement and urge to do well, which is sensational."
Gary Neville
"He works so hard and he has done so well since he came to the club, that you get rewards for that. He will score lots and lots of goals for this club. "He's tough. He's grown up in Mexico and what sets him apart for me is his work rate every single day. He's got the right attributes and talent. "You obviously have talent when you come to this club, but his work-rate and his attitude is phenomenal. To be honest, he is one of the most exciting young prospects we've seen at the club for some time."
Ryan Giggs
"It's hard not to get too excited by a player like Javier. We've seen it over the years. You can get excited by players and build them up. But I was genuinely excited in pre-season, seeing what he could do. "Javier's just a natural finisher and they don't come along that often. You saw that when he scored against Valencia, it was just a great goal. His first touch was great as was his finish. It was just instinctive and when you've got that, you'll score an awful lot of goals. "He was only on for about 15 minutes but in that time he hit the post, ran through onto a cross when their keeper saved it, and he's just a dangerous player. "Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] had every finish - left foot, right foot, headers, the lot. And Javier's goal reminded me a little bit of Ole, just because he always used to hit the side netting low and hard, whether it was with his right foot or left foot, and so it was similar in that respect."
Rio Ferdinand
"Not a lot of strikers make the runs he does. It's physically demanding. You have to be really fit to make those movements for 90 minutes. "If I was a coach I would tell every young striker that he should take note of how Javier plays. That is what you have to do if you want to be a top footballer."
Patrice Evra
"Always when he comes on you feel he will score. It's unbelievable."
Paul Scholes
"He looks like an out-and-out goalscorer. That's not to say he can't play outside the box as well, because when the ball comes up to him his touch is good as well.
"But he's a threat in behind defenders, and hopefully he'll score a lot of goals this year. "People say he's like Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer], and I thought that the first time I saw him in training. "We did a finishing session and everything was in the bottom corner. He scores whenever he gets a chance.
"He comes on and looks lively. He's adapted to the pace of the game already. He's capable of scoring goals and if he's anything like Ole, we'll take that."
Wayne Rooney
"Great result for us today. Love playing with Hernandez. Buy of the century. Great lad to [sic]."
Michael Owen
"If I was a manager and I could have one substitute in my team in world football, it would be him. "He is dynamite as a substitute. He is so quick, his movement is unbelievable, he has just got a knack of scoring goals."
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Javier Hernandez: West Ham's ambitious summer made it an easy decision to join
JAMES BENGE
Evening Stadnard
Javier Hernandez hailed the ambition West Ham have shown in the summer transfer window after he completed his £16million move back to the Premier League.
Former Manchester United striker Hernandez was unveiled as a West Ham player on Monday, becoming the fourth signing of a transfer window that has seen the club fulfil Slaven Bilic's wishes for experienced Premier League talent.
Hernandez scored 59 goals for Manchester United between 2010 and 2015 before departing for Bayer Leverkusen where he averaged better than a goal every other game. He will now be tasked with firing West Ham back into the top flight after a disappointing debut season at the London Stadium.
The 29-year-old, who has signed a three year contract, joins record signing Marco Arnautovic and former Manchester City team-mates Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart, the latter of whom has arrived on loan, as West Ham's summer recruits and Hernandez declared himself impressed with West Ham's recruitment drive.
"I am very happy to join West Ham United," he told the West Ham website. "For me, the Premier League is the best league in the world and when the opportunity came, I was desperate to sign for this club. "It was not a difficult decision. West Ham is an historic club, and very ambitious – this summer you can see with the players signed that they are looking to have a very good season. "I've had three fantastic years playing in Spain [on loan at Real Madrid] and Germany, but England was really the first big chapter in my career and I am so happy to be back. "I am desperate for the season to start and to help the team achieve all their objectives."
Chicarito, as Hernandez is also known, becomes the 33rd striker West Ham have signed since David Gold and David Sullivan took over the club in January 2010.
But the latter is convinced Hernandez will prove to be one of the club's more astute signings. "Following the arrivals of Pablo Zabaleta, Joe Hart and Marko Arnautovic, he is another top class professional who brings great experience and quality to the club," Sullivan said of Hernandez. "He has a proven goalscoring record in the Premier League, La Liga and the Bundesliga, as well in the UEFA Champions League and at international level with Mexico. "We now have some fantastic options in attacking positions and, like all West Ham fans, I am looking forward to seeing Javier score goals in a claret and blue shirt next season."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, July 24
Daily WHUFC News - 24th July 2017
Marko Arnautovic can't wait to get started with West Ham
WHUFC.com
Marko Arnautovic cannot wait to get started with the Hammers as Slaven
Bilic's men get set for the second leg of their summer European Tour this
week.
Arnautovic completed his Club-record move from Stoke City on Saturday and
will link up with his new teammates when they depart for their training camp
in Germany on Monday. The 28-year-old forward played for Werder Bremen
before heading to England with Stoke City four years ago, and in one of
football's little quirks, his Hammers debut could come up against Bremen
with West Ham taking them on in a Betway Cup double header next weekend.
Looking in from the outside, Arnautovic has been impressed with the quality
in West Ham's squad and now he is itching to take his place in claret and
blue. He said: "The manager gives me a good feeling for the Club and for
myself, that I can improve here. I didn't have to think long to take this
opportunity. "I spoke also to my family and everyone – everyone was happy
that the agreement was done with West Ham and now we can't wait to get
started at this Club. "West Ham have a lot of quality players here. When you
look at the squad, every player is one who is in that bracket. Now, Joe Hart
and Zabaleta have come in as well. They have a lot of experience in the
Premier League, they have played for Man City and are top players. "I think
we are going to make a good season, and I hope that everyone stays healthy,
without injuries and we can show some good football. "I will try to do my
best here and I hope to celebrate some success [at West Ham]."
With three weeks to the start of the Premier League season, Arnautovic is
already looking forward to walking out at London Stadium for the first time.
He added: "The first thing is that I'm happy to join the team on Monday and
fly with them over to Germany. Then, it's come like that that I'll be
playing against my former club first up, but the most important thing is to
get to know the players better and the Club and try to settle as quickly as
possible in the squad. Then everything will go from there. "I've been in
many stadiums, and many nice ones, but when I came to London Stadium to
watch West Ham play Stoke, it was impressive. All the Bubbles, and all the
fans cheering, it was a nice feeling. When you are a player at this Club and
you play in front of 57,000 people every second weekend, it's amazing."
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West Ham United Ladies add eleven new faces
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies have strengthened their squad still further with the
signing of ELEVEN more players for the 2017/18 season!
The Hammers have been rebuilding this summer after formally becoming part of
the West Ham family in October 2016, with general manager Karen Ray and
first-team manager Greg de Carnys scouting far and wide in search of
talented players.
The Ladies had already signed seven players ahead of the new FA Women's
Premier League Southern Division season, including a number who featured in
Claret and Blue last term, before adding eleven more this weekend.
Two of those who committed their future to the Hammers – Kelly Wealthall and
Chloe Burr – were on the scoresheet in a 5-1 pre-season victory at Harlow
Ladies on Sunday, as were recent captures Amber Stobbs, Paige Anderson-James
and Molly Peters.
Here, former West Ham midfielder and current general manager and first-team
coach Ray introduces the latest arrivals:
Hannah Wheeler – A reliable and composed centre-half who will start her
third season at West Ham after joining from Women's Super League 2 side
Millwall Lionesses in 2015. Wheeler has also represented Kent FA and
currently studies at Kent University.
Jasmine Auguste – Another defender who made the move across the River Thames
from Millwall Lionesses, Auguste is a strong, quick and tenacious player who
initially joined the Hammers in summer 2016. She is a very well respected
member of the team and someone who leads both on and off the pitch.
Lottie Ivison – A third former Millwall Lioness, Ivison also joined the
Hammers in summer 2016. A goalkeeper, Ivison has shown great composure with
the ball at her feet and a passion for taking on the responsibility of
commanding the back line.
Demi Brown – A fourth former Lioness, Brown came through the Millwall Centre
of Excellence before joining Long Lane FC 2nd season at WHUL after joining
us from Blackheath-based Long Lane. She is a solid centre-back who is
difficult to beat in a tackle, while her strength and composure makes her a
very reliable player.
Charlotte Long – A versatile, creative and clever player who can play as a
midfielder or defender, Long begins her second season at West Ham after
joining us from fellow FA Women's Premier League Southern Division club C&K
Basildon.
Kelly Wealthall – A home-grown striker, Wealthall is joining the senior
setup from the Hammers' U16 Junior Academy team. A prolific goal-scorer, she
finished the 2016/17 season with 58 goals in the Essex County Girls League.
Tia Bailey – A defender who is strong, quick and tenacious, Tia Bailey is a
young player with an immeasurable amount of potential. She is starting he
second season at West Ham after joining us from Charlton Athletic in 2016.
Whitney Locke – Another who has been at the Club from a young age, Locke is
a talented and hardworking forward. Her blistering pace sees her skip past
oppositions to provide goal scoring opportunities for herself and others.
Stephaney Bent – Bent is in her second season at West Ham after joining the
Club from Women's Super League 2 side Oxford United. A hardworking,
versatile player who makes it difficult for defenders to play, she was voted
Players' Player of the Season last term.
Chloe Burr – Another player starting her second season at West Ham after
joining the Club from Chelsea Ladies Academy, Burr is a versatile player who
can play as a midfielder or forward. She is a very creative and smart player
who dances through the opposition. She also finished as the Hammers' leading
goal scorer last season.
Andreya Ezekiel-Meade – A second forward joining the senior group from the
U16 Junior Academy team, Ezekiel-Meade is another prolific goal scorer who
finished the 2016/17 season with 43 goals in the Essex County Girls League.
Added to her eye for goal, she will also create chances for others.
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Bilic: Arnautovic is a massive signing
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic hailed the arrival of Marko Arnautovic as a 'massive' one for
the Club after the Austrian international sealed his move from Stoke City on
Saturday.
28-year-old Arnautovic has established himself in the Premier League across
four years with the Potters and Bilic is looking forward to tapping into his
experience of English football at his new home. The manager says it is the
Hammers who will benefit from Arnautovic's prime years as he continues to
build his squad for the new campaign following the earlier arrivals of Pablo
Zabaleta and Joe Hart. "It's a great thing for the Club," Bilic said. "It's
a big signing – he is a massive player who knows the league, which is very
important. "He is in his best age, he is very motivated and I know him very
well. He is a top player and he can play all across the front line, so he is
a great signing for the Club. "Like everybody else he has to prove himself,
but I expect him to and he comes into the category of players who don't need
to adjust a lot to the league because he has been here for four years. He
became one of, if not the, best and most important Stoke players. Stoke is
good club, so with all that and knowing that today it's not easy to get top
players, it makes it a great signing for us."
Bilic says the signings of Arnautovic, Hart and Zabaleta have crossed off
three of his major targets and he is delighted at getting the majority of
his business complete at an early stage of pre-season. He added: "I said at
the end of last season that we don't need squad players, but we need top
players, the players who are going to improve the first eleven, and when I
say the first eleven that means the 14 or 15 you need for that game and the
game after. "The players we have brought in are those kind of players. Joe
Hart, Pablo Zabaleta and Marko Arnautovic, they are the players who can
bring the quality to our team. "Then with those players, the young ones will
flourish because they are going to learn from them and it will ease the
pressure on them. "Now, the majority of that is done, so congratulations to
the Chairman, to the Board. They have done brilliantly and people from other
clubs have recognised it. "You never know how it is going to click, but we
can for sure say we have done well. Also, it is important that we have done
it early enough in the transfer window."It's a massive achievement – it's
not easy, but we have done it."
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Cottee backs Wilshere bid
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 23rd July 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham remain keen on tying up a deal for Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere
during the current transfer window. The lifelong Hammers fan is back at the
Emirates after spending the 2016/17 campaign on loan at Bournemouth and has
been linked with a move to the Olympic Stadium for some time. And were the
Hammers able to broker a deal for the 25-year-old midfielder, one former
Hammer who would be delighted is Tony Cottee, a self-confessed fan of
Wilshere's.
"Pablo Zabaleta arrived earlier this summer, I said we needed a goal-scorer
and we've got Hernadez to solve that problem. Now there's Arnautovic to
create them," he told the Mail. "All we need to now is sign Jack Wilshere. I
think he'd be a great addition. "You've just got to keep him fit, that's all
you've got to do. He's a £50million player when fit. He's had a lot of
problems and I feel for the boy - but they've just got to keep him fit."
Despite being out of contract next summer, Arsenal have slapped a £20million
price tag on Wilshere. West Ham remain interested in signing him on a
permanent basis, but would only offer a considerably lower fee. Although
several other clubs have also expressed interest, including Serie A side
Sampdoria, only Turkish club Antalyaspor are known to have made an official
approach so far. According to Club President Ali Safak Ozturk, speaking via
A Spor, Arsenal have rejected a bid which was some distance below their
asking price.
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Vic is there
WHUFC.com
Filed: Saturday, 22nd July 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have completed the signing of Marko Arnautovic from Stoke City. The
Austrian winger becomes the club's record signing, costing the Hammers in
the region of £20million up front with a further £4million to follow
dependent on certain clauses being met. "It feels special to me to be a West
Ham player," Arnautovic told whufc.com. ""Everyone knows that West Ham is a
big club, with big history and I'm happy to be a part of it now. I can't
wait to get started.
"I played against West Ham at the old stadium – I didn't play last year at
the new stadium because I was suspended – but I came to the game and I can
only say it is a massive club with a lot of fans. "They are crazy for
football and this is what I like. The club is still growing, getting better
and better and that's why I'm here."Hammers boss Slaven Bilic added that he
was delighted to secure one of his key summer targets. "It's a big signing,"
he said. "Marko is a massive player who knows the league, which is very
important. "He is at his peak, he is very motivated and I know him very
well. He is a top player and he can play all across the front line, so he is
a great signing for the club. He doesn't need to adjust a lot to the league
because he has been here for four years. "He became one of, if not the, best
and most important Stoke players. Stoke is good club, so with all that and
knowing that today it's not easy to get top players, it makes it a great
signing for us."
Chairman David Sullivan, who led the move to sign Arnautovic added: "We're
delighted to have completed Marko's transfer from Stoke City. Marko will
bring plenty of quality to our front line and I'm excited to see him in a
claret and blue shirt."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Randolph departs for bumper fee
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 22nd July 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's third-choice goalkeeper Darren Randolph has joined
Championship side Middlesbrough on a permanent basis. And the Hammers have
pulled off an extraordinary deal by securing in the region of £5million for
a player who cost them nothing when joining from Birmingham two years ago.
The 30-year-old Irish international made 42 appearances for West Ham during
his time at the club, 22 of which came during the 2016/17 campaign when he
briefly replaced Adrian as Slaven Bilic's first choice 'keeper. "Darren is a
very good goalkeeper, and I didn't want him to leave," said Bilic.
"However, I could not guarantee him regular first team football and, with
the possibility of playing at the World Cup for the Republic of Ireland next
summer, he wanted to take up the offer from Middlesbrough.
"I would like to thank Darren for his service to the club; he has been a
fantastic professional and, as a player and a person, has the respect of
everyone at West Ham."
Randolph now finds battling against 38-year-old Greek international
Dimitrios Konstantopoulos - rather than England number one Joe Hart and
Adrian - for a first team spot. And maintaining his number one spot will be
his primary target in the final season before next summer's 2018 World Cup
Finals. "Competition is what you need, and it brings out the best in
everybody," he told mfc.co.uk, following confirmation of his arrival in the
North East. "I remember playing against Dimi when I was with Birmingham,
and Connor [Ripley] went to one of my old clubs Motherwell a few years back
and did very well. I've got hopes and aspirations of playing at the World
Cup, and playing games will be key. I can't wait to get started."
Ranbdolph becomes new 'Boro boss Garry Monk's sixth signing since 'Boro's
relegation from the top flight was confirmed.
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Javier Hernandez to fly to London on Tuesday to seal West Ham move
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 23/07/17 7:19pm
SSN
Javier Hernandez will fly to London on Tuesday to have a medical and
complete his move to West Ham, Sky sources understand. The 29-year-old
Mexico international will become the highest-paid player in the club's
history and is set to be on wages totalling £140,000 a week. The Hammers
agreed terms with Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday, releasing a statement
confirming the forward was due in London "in the coming days" to complete
the formalities of his move.
'Chicharito', as he is known, spent four seasons with Manchester United
between 2010 and 2015, where he scored 59 goals in 156 appearances, before
going on loan to Real Madrid in the 2014/15 campaign. The two-time Premier
League winner left Old Trafford in August 2015 for Germany, where he has
been even more prolific, netting 39 times in 76 matches for Leverkusen. West
Ham have made three signings so far this summer, confirming Stoke midfielder
Marko Arnautovic for a club-record fee on Saturday, while Pablo Zabaleta
joined on a free transfer and Joe Hart on a season-long loan from Manchester
City.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM'S DEAL TO SIGN RAUL JIMENEZ 'PRACTICALLY COMPLETED'
RYAN DARBY @RyanDarby_
ReadWestHam
A deal for West Ham to sign Benfica striker Raul Jimenez is 'practically
completed' according to reports in Mexico. O Jogo, who cite the reports
claim that the Hammers are close to completing a deal to sign the forward
after missing out on the player in 2015. The striker left Atletico Madrid
in 2015 and was widely expected to join West Ham, but reportedly over slept
and missed his scheduled medical before eventually joining Benfica. The
striker is yet to return to Benfica for pre-season training after being
granted extra time off as he competed in the Confederations Cup this summer.
The 26-year-old scored 11 goals in all competitions last season for the
Portuguese side, seven of which came domestically. West Ham are also close
to announcing the signing of fellow Mexican striker Javier Hernandez from
Bayer Leverkusen. The former Manchester United striker is due for a medical
at the club after the two clubs agreed on a fee for the forward.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Marko Arnautovic says it was an easy decision to sign for West Ham - 'I
didn't have to think long'
GEORGE ELEK
Evening Standard
Marko Arnautovic says it was an easy decision to move to swap Stoke City for
West Ham after completing his club record signing on Saturday. The Austrian
international spent four seasons at Stoke, scoring 22 goals and grabbing 23
assists in his 125 Premier League appearances. The 28-year old, who can
play across the front line, is especially looking forward to working under
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic. "The manager gives me a good feeling for the
Club and for myself, that I can improve here. I didn't have to think long to
take this opportunity." Arnautovic told the club site. "I spoke also to my
family and everyone – everyone was happy that the agreement was done with
West Ham and now we can't wait to get started at this club."
Arnautovic is also impressed with the other summer recruits that West Ham
have managed to bring in so far. "West Ham have a lot of quality players
here. When you look at the squad, every player is one who is in that
bracket. Now, Joe Hart and Zabaleta have come in as well. They have a lot of
experience in the Premier League, they have played for Man City and are top
players," he added. "I think we are going to make a good season, and I hope
that everyone stays healthy, without injuries and we can show some good
football. "I will try to do my best here and I hope to celebrate some
success."
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PSG officials meet family of West Ham starlet Domingos Quina as French side
eye Portuguese starlet
Quina, 17, was on the bench 13 times in the Premier League last term
The Mirror
BYJOHN CROSS
00:29, 23 JUL 2017
French giants Paris Saint-Germain have made a shock move for West Ham
wonderkid Domingos Quina. PSG head of recruitment Joao Luis Afonso
instructed a party led by his brother Nuno to meet 17-year-old Quina's
family. Portuguese midfielder Quina is regarded as one of the hottest
teenage prospects and West Ham pulled off a major coup to sign him ahead of
Arsenal and Manchester United. But Quina has found it difficult to make an
impact in a struggling team and was a substitute 13 times last season in the
Premier League. PSG's head of recruitment Afonso and new technical director
Antero Henrique are both Portuguese and they saw Quina at the under-19
championships. That has not deterred PSG who are seriously interested and
their meeting in London underlines their interest.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mexico's Juan Carlos Osorio thrilled with Chicharito's move to West Ham
12:15 AM BST
Tom Marshall
ESPN FC
LOS ANGELES -- Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio laid down a challenge to El
Tri's Confederations Cup squad to challenge themselves as much as possible
at their club sides ahead of the next year's World Cup. And the Colombian
believes striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez has done just that by moving
to West Ham United from Bayer Leverkusen. "He'll be in a great league with
very good teams," said Osorio in a news conference on the even of Mexico's
Gold Cup semifinal with Jamaica at the Rose Bowl. "He'll get minutes and the
plus with that league is that it's maybe the only in the world in which last
place can defeat first place. He'll have the opportunity to compete with the
best in very good games."
Osorio and his coaching staff asked the players to try to find a away of
being involved in at least 10 "high level" games before Russia 2018, with
Mexico still having relatively few players in the best European leagues
compared to most top nations. The former Atletico Nacional coach is also
happy with Mexico midfielder Andres Guardado's transfer from PSV Eindhoven
to Real Betis. "He's in a league where he'll play the derby against Sevilla
and games against [Real] Madrid and Barcelona," stated Osorio, who also
talked up Hirving Lozano's opportunity with PSV in the Eredivisie.
The Mexico manager stressed that the current Gold Cup squad has 10 players
between the ages of 19 and 24 and said he's enjoying the challenge of
bringing them through to challenge for a place in the full El Tri squad.
"The biggest motivation to continue [as Mexico coach after the next World
Cup] is to see these youngsters consolidate themselves," said Osorio. "If
time allows me that or not is not my decision."
One of those young players is Chivas midfielder Rodolfo Pizarro, who has
already made a big domestic move from Pachuca in his fledgling career, but
he hopes one day to be joining the likes of Hernandez and Guardado in
Europe. "It's always been my dream to be in Europe, hopefully in the future
the opportunity will come," Pizarro said in the same news conference. Osorio
also talked about Sunday's match against Jamaica, a team El Tri could only
draw 0-0 in the group stage of the Gold Cup. The Colombian said that there
will be changes in the starting lineup compared to the 1-0 quarterfinal win
over Honduras and praised the "athletic" and "fast" Reggae Boyz. Jesus
Molina and Cesar Montes are injury doubts for Mexico, according to Osorio,
while Jamaica coach Theodore Whitmore indicated that Portland Timbers
striker striker Darren Mattocks is on the treatment table and struggling to
make the game.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham discuss move for £8m Badou N'Diaye as fears grow over Cheikhou
Kouyate's injury
West Ham in talks to sign Senegalese midfielder Badou N'Diaye
The 26-year-old plays for Turkish team Osmanlispor and is valued at £8m
The Irons have been charting his progress for more than 12 months
Concerns rise over Cheikhou Kouyate's knee injury sustained during Austria
trip
By Simon Jones for The Mail on Sunday
PUBLISHED: 18:29 EDT, 22 July 2017 | UPDATED: 18:29 EDT, 22 July 2017
West Ham are discussing a move for Badou N'Diaye amid concerns over Cheikhou
Kouyate's injury. Kouyate will at miss the first three games of the season
after injuring his knee in training during the club's pre-season trip to
Austria. N'Diaye is a midfielder West Ham have been watching for the past
year but are aware Galatasaray and Newcastle United have also shown an
interest recently. Senegal international N'Diaye plays for Osmanlispor and
is valued around £8million. West Ham, who completed the £24m signing of
Marko Arnautovic and sold goalkeeper Darren Randolph to Middlesbrough
yesterday, are also considering Jack Wilshere at Arsenal but would prefer a
loan deal. Mexican striker Javier Hernandez is due to have his medical at
the start of the week prior to his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham offer confirmed by club president, other bids made too
By Gareth McKnight - July 23, 2017143 0
Ninetyminutesonline.com
Lazio president Claudio Lotito has confirmed that the Serie A side have
received an offer for Keita Balde Diao from West Ham United – but there are
other suitors for the versatile attacker. The Hammers are on a roll at the
minute, having taken the number of summer signings to four with the recent
additions of Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez, pending a medical. The
attacking duo join Joe Hart and Pablo Zabaleta as new faces at the London
Stadium, with West Ham supporters starting to get excited ahead of the new
Premier League season. Adding strength in depth in the final third has been
a priority for the Hammers over the last 12 months, with injuries to Andy
Carroll and Diafra Sakho leaving Slaven Bilic's men short of options in
2016-17.
Keita would be an exciting addition for West Ham if they can convince him to
move to the Premier League, but the London outfit face competition for the
star's signature. "Many bids have come on his account, now it is up to him
to decide what to do, I'm waiting," Lotito told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Which
offers? West Ham is public, then there are others from abroad, all
responding to our requests. Inter, Juve? No, neither of them have come up
with a proposal."
Keita had a superb season in 2016-17, scoring 16 Serie A goals in 31 outings
for Lazio and impressing with his speed and clinical finishing in front of
goal.
Capable of playing anywhere across the forward line, the 22-year-old is a
rare talent and would be an exciting addition for West Ham if they were able
to land him before the transfer window closes. The Hammers fans will be
weighing up just how Bilic's first-choice attack will set-up next season,
with Arnautovic and Hernandez sure to play.
With Andre Ayew, Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini all key men for the
Premier League side, the West Ham boss has an enviable amount of options now
available to him in the final third. The Irons' summer business will also
pose questions over the future of Carroll, who can be devastating when fit
and firing – but those days have been too few and far between during his
tenure in the capital.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Marko Arnautovic cannot wait to get started with the Hammers as Slaven
Bilic's men get set for the second leg of their summer European Tour this
week.
Arnautovic completed his Club-record move from Stoke City on Saturday and
will link up with his new teammates when they depart for their training camp
in Germany on Monday. The 28-year-old forward played for Werder Bremen
before heading to England with Stoke City four years ago, and in one of
football's little quirks, his Hammers debut could come up against Bremen
with West Ham taking them on in a Betway Cup double header next weekend.
Looking in from the outside, Arnautovic has been impressed with the quality
in West Ham's squad and now he is itching to take his place in claret and
blue. He said: "The manager gives me a good feeling for the Club and for
myself, that I can improve here. I didn't have to think long to take this
opportunity. "I spoke also to my family and everyone – everyone was happy
that the agreement was done with West Ham and now we can't wait to get
started at this Club. "West Ham have a lot of quality players here. When you
look at the squad, every player is one who is in that bracket. Now, Joe Hart
and Zabaleta have come in as well. They have a lot of experience in the
Premier League, they have played for Man City and are top players. "I think
we are going to make a good season, and I hope that everyone stays healthy,
without injuries and we can show some good football. "I will try to do my
best here and I hope to celebrate some success [at West Ham]."
With three weeks to the start of the Premier League season, Arnautovic is
already looking forward to walking out at London Stadium for the first time.
He added: "The first thing is that I'm happy to join the team on Monday and
fly with them over to Germany. Then, it's come like that that I'll be
playing against my former club first up, but the most important thing is to
get to know the players better and the Club and try to settle as quickly as
possible in the squad. Then everything will go from there. "I've been in
many stadiums, and many nice ones, but when I came to London Stadium to
watch West Ham play Stoke, it was impressive. All the Bubbles, and all the
fans cheering, it was a nice feeling. When you are a player at this Club and
you play in front of 57,000 people every second weekend, it's amazing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United Ladies add eleven new faces
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies have strengthened their squad still further with the
signing of ELEVEN more players for the 2017/18 season!
The Hammers have been rebuilding this summer after formally becoming part of
the West Ham family in October 2016, with general manager Karen Ray and
first-team manager Greg de Carnys scouting far and wide in search of
talented players.
The Ladies had already signed seven players ahead of the new FA Women's
Premier League Southern Division season, including a number who featured in
Claret and Blue last term, before adding eleven more this weekend.
Two of those who committed their future to the Hammers – Kelly Wealthall and
Chloe Burr – were on the scoresheet in a 5-1 pre-season victory at Harlow
Ladies on Sunday, as were recent captures Amber Stobbs, Paige Anderson-James
and Molly Peters.
Here, former West Ham midfielder and current general manager and first-team
coach Ray introduces the latest arrivals:
Hannah Wheeler – A reliable and composed centre-half who will start her
third season at West Ham after joining from Women's Super League 2 side
Millwall Lionesses in 2015. Wheeler has also represented Kent FA and
currently studies at Kent University.
Jasmine Auguste – Another defender who made the move across the River Thames
from Millwall Lionesses, Auguste is a strong, quick and tenacious player who
initially joined the Hammers in summer 2016. She is a very well respected
member of the team and someone who leads both on and off the pitch.
Lottie Ivison – A third former Millwall Lioness, Ivison also joined the
Hammers in summer 2016. A goalkeeper, Ivison has shown great composure with
the ball at her feet and a passion for taking on the responsibility of
commanding the back line.
Demi Brown – A fourth former Lioness, Brown came through the Millwall Centre
of Excellence before joining Long Lane FC 2nd season at WHUL after joining
us from Blackheath-based Long Lane. She is a solid centre-back who is
difficult to beat in a tackle, while her strength and composure makes her a
very reliable player.
Charlotte Long – A versatile, creative and clever player who can play as a
midfielder or defender, Long begins her second season at West Ham after
joining us from fellow FA Women's Premier League Southern Division club C&K
Basildon.
Kelly Wealthall – A home-grown striker, Wealthall is joining the senior
setup from the Hammers' U16 Junior Academy team. A prolific goal-scorer, she
finished the 2016/17 season with 58 goals in the Essex County Girls League.
Tia Bailey – A defender who is strong, quick and tenacious, Tia Bailey is a
young player with an immeasurable amount of potential. She is starting he
second season at West Ham after joining us from Charlton Athletic in 2016.
Whitney Locke – Another who has been at the Club from a young age, Locke is
a talented and hardworking forward. Her blistering pace sees her skip past
oppositions to provide goal scoring opportunities for herself and others.
Stephaney Bent – Bent is in her second season at West Ham after joining the
Club from Women's Super League 2 side Oxford United. A hardworking,
versatile player who makes it difficult for defenders to play, she was voted
Players' Player of the Season last term.
Chloe Burr – Another player starting her second season at West Ham after
joining the Club from Chelsea Ladies Academy, Burr is a versatile player who
can play as a midfielder or forward. She is a very creative and smart player
who dances through the opposition. She also finished as the Hammers' leading
goal scorer last season.
Andreya Ezekiel-Meade – A second forward joining the senior group from the
U16 Junior Academy team, Ezekiel-Meade is another prolific goal scorer who
finished the 2016/17 season with 43 goals in the Essex County Girls League.
Added to her eye for goal, she will also create chances for others.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic: Arnautovic is a massive signing
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic hailed the arrival of Marko Arnautovic as a 'massive' one for
the Club after the Austrian international sealed his move from Stoke City on
Saturday.
28-year-old Arnautovic has established himself in the Premier League across
four years with the Potters and Bilic is looking forward to tapping into his
experience of English football at his new home. The manager says it is the
Hammers who will benefit from Arnautovic's prime years as he continues to
build his squad for the new campaign following the earlier arrivals of Pablo
Zabaleta and Joe Hart. "It's a great thing for the Club," Bilic said. "It's
a big signing – he is a massive player who knows the league, which is very
important. "He is in his best age, he is very motivated and I know him very
well. He is a top player and he can play all across the front line, so he is
a great signing for the Club. "Like everybody else he has to prove himself,
but I expect him to and he comes into the category of players who don't need
to adjust a lot to the league because he has been here for four years. He
became one of, if not the, best and most important Stoke players. Stoke is
good club, so with all that and knowing that today it's not easy to get top
players, it makes it a great signing for us."
Bilic says the signings of Arnautovic, Hart and Zabaleta have crossed off
three of his major targets and he is delighted at getting the majority of
his business complete at an early stage of pre-season. He added: "I said at
the end of last season that we don't need squad players, but we need top
players, the players who are going to improve the first eleven, and when I
say the first eleven that means the 14 or 15 you need for that game and the
game after. "The players we have brought in are those kind of players. Joe
Hart, Pablo Zabaleta and Marko Arnautovic, they are the players who can
bring the quality to our team. "Then with those players, the young ones will
flourish because they are going to learn from them and it will ease the
pressure on them. "Now, the majority of that is done, so congratulations to
the Chairman, to the Board. They have done brilliantly and people from other
clubs have recognised it. "You never know how it is going to click, but we
can for sure say we have done well. Also, it is important that we have done
it early enough in the transfer window."It's a massive achievement – it's
not easy, but we have done it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cottee backs Wilshere bid
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 23rd July 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham remain keen on tying up a deal for Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere
during the current transfer window. The lifelong Hammers fan is back at the
Emirates after spending the 2016/17 campaign on loan at Bournemouth and has
been linked with a move to the Olympic Stadium for some time. And were the
Hammers able to broker a deal for the 25-year-old midfielder, one former
Hammer who would be delighted is Tony Cottee, a self-confessed fan of
Wilshere's.
"Pablo Zabaleta arrived earlier this summer, I said we needed a goal-scorer
and we've got Hernadez to solve that problem. Now there's Arnautovic to
create them," he told the Mail. "All we need to now is sign Jack Wilshere. I
think he'd be a great addition. "You've just got to keep him fit, that's all
you've got to do. He's a £50million player when fit. He's had a lot of
problems and I feel for the boy - but they've just got to keep him fit."
Despite being out of contract next summer, Arsenal have slapped a £20million
price tag on Wilshere. West Ham remain interested in signing him on a
permanent basis, but would only offer a considerably lower fee. Although
several other clubs have also expressed interest, including Serie A side
Sampdoria, only Turkish club Antalyaspor are known to have made an official
approach so far. According to Club President Ali Safak Ozturk, speaking via
A Spor, Arsenal have rejected a bid which was some distance below their
asking price.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vic is there
WHUFC.com
Filed: Saturday, 22nd July 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have completed the signing of Marko Arnautovic from Stoke City. The
Austrian winger becomes the club's record signing, costing the Hammers in
the region of £20million up front with a further £4million to follow
dependent on certain clauses being met. "It feels special to me to be a West
Ham player," Arnautovic told whufc.com. ""Everyone knows that West Ham is a
big club, with big history and I'm happy to be a part of it now. I can't
wait to get started.
"I played against West Ham at the old stadium – I didn't play last year at
the new stadium because I was suspended – but I came to the game and I can
only say it is a massive club with a lot of fans. "They are crazy for
football and this is what I like. The club is still growing, getting better
and better and that's why I'm here."Hammers boss Slaven Bilic added that he
was delighted to secure one of his key summer targets. "It's a big signing,"
he said. "Marko is a massive player who knows the league, which is very
important. "He is at his peak, he is very motivated and I know him very
well. He is a top player and he can play all across the front line, so he is
a great signing for the club. He doesn't need to adjust a lot to the league
because he has been here for four years. "He became one of, if not the, best
and most important Stoke players. Stoke is good club, so with all that and
knowing that today it's not easy to get top players, it makes it a great
signing for us."
Chairman David Sullivan, who led the move to sign Arnautovic added: "We're
delighted to have completed Marko's transfer from Stoke City. Marko will
bring plenty of quality to our front line and I'm excited to see him in a
claret and blue shirt."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Randolph departs for bumper fee
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 22nd July 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's third-choice goalkeeper Darren Randolph has joined
Championship side Middlesbrough on a permanent basis. And the Hammers have
pulled off an extraordinary deal by securing in the region of £5million for
a player who cost them nothing when joining from Birmingham two years ago.
The 30-year-old Irish international made 42 appearances for West Ham during
his time at the club, 22 of which came during the 2016/17 campaign when he
briefly replaced Adrian as Slaven Bilic's first choice 'keeper. "Darren is a
very good goalkeeper, and I didn't want him to leave," said Bilic.
"However, I could not guarantee him regular first team football and, with
the possibility of playing at the World Cup for the Republic of Ireland next
summer, he wanted to take up the offer from Middlesbrough.
"I would like to thank Darren for his service to the club; he has been a
fantastic professional and, as a player and a person, has the respect of
everyone at West Ham."
Randolph now finds battling against 38-year-old Greek international
Dimitrios Konstantopoulos - rather than England number one Joe Hart and
Adrian - for a first team spot. And maintaining his number one spot will be
his primary target in the final season before next summer's 2018 World Cup
Finals. "Competition is what you need, and it brings out the best in
everybody," he told mfc.co.uk, following confirmation of his arrival in the
North East. "I remember playing against Dimi when I was with Birmingham,
and Connor [Ripley] went to one of my old clubs Motherwell a few years back
and did very well. I've got hopes and aspirations of playing at the World
Cup, and playing games will be key. I can't wait to get started."
Ranbdolph becomes new 'Boro boss Garry Monk's sixth signing since 'Boro's
relegation from the top flight was confirmed.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Javier Hernandez to fly to London on Tuesday to seal West Ham move
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 23/07/17 7:19pm
SSN
Javier Hernandez will fly to London on Tuesday to have a medical and
complete his move to West Ham, Sky sources understand. The 29-year-old
Mexico international will become the highest-paid player in the club's
history and is set to be on wages totalling £140,000 a week. The Hammers
agreed terms with Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday, releasing a statement
confirming the forward was due in London "in the coming days" to complete
the formalities of his move.
'Chicharito', as he is known, spent four seasons with Manchester United
between 2010 and 2015, where he scored 59 goals in 156 appearances, before
going on loan to Real Madrid in the 2014/15 campaign. The two-time Premier
League winner left Old Trafford in August 2015 for Germany, where he has
been even more prolific, netting 39 times in 76 matches for Leverkusen. West
Ham have made three signings so far this summer, confirming Stoke midfielder
Marko Arnautovic for a club-record fee on Saturday, while Pablo Zabaleta
joined on a free transfer and Joe Hart on a season-long loan from Manchester
City.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM'S DEAL TO SIGN RAUL JIMENEZ 'PRACTICALLY COMPLETED'
RYAN DARBY @RyanDarby_
ReadWestHam
A deal for West Ham to sign Benfica striker Raul Jimenez is 'practically
completed' according to reports in Mexico. O Jogo, who cite the reports
claim that the Hammers are close to completing a deal to sign the forward
after missing out on the player in 2015. The striker left Atletico Madrid
in 2015 and was widely expected to join West Ham, but reportedly over slept
and missed his scheduled medical before eventually joining Benfica. The
striker is yet to return to Benfica for pre-season training after being
granted extra time off as he competed in the Confederations Cup this summer.
The 26-year-old scored 11 goals in all competitions last season for the
Portuguese side, seven of which came domestically. West Ham are also close
to announcing the signing of fellow Mexican striker Javier Hernandez from
Bayer Leverkusen. The former Manchester United striker is due for a medical
at the club after the two clubs agreed on a fee for the forward.
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Marko Arnautovic says it was an easy decision to sign for West Ham - 'I
didn't have to think long'
GEORGE ELEK
Evening Standard
Marko Arnautovic says it was an easy decision to move to swap Stoke City for
West Ham after completing his club record signing on Saturday. The Austrian
international spent four seasons at Stoke, scoring 22 goals and grabbing 23
assists in his 125 Premier League appearances. The 28-year old, who can
play across the front line, is especially looking forward to working under
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic. "The manager gives me a good feeling for the
Club and for myself, that I can improve here. I didn't have to think long to
take this opportunity." Arnautovic told the club site. "I spoke also to my
family and everyone – everyone was happy that the agreement was done with
West Ham and now we can't wait to get started at this club."
Arnautovic is also impressed with the other summer recruits that West Ham
have managed to bring in so far. "West Ham have a lot of quality players
here. When you look at the squad, every player is one who is in that
bracket. Now, Joe Hart and Zabaleta have come in as well. They have a lot of
experience in the Premier League, they have played for Man City and are top
players," he added. "I think we are going to make a good season, and I hope
that everyone stays healthy, without injuries and we can show some good
football. "I will try to do my best here and I hope to celebrate some
success."
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PSG officials meet family of West Ham starlet Domingos Quina as French side
eye Portuguese starlet
Quina, 17, was on the bench 13 times in the Premier League last term
The Mirror
BYJOHN CROSS
00:29, 23 JUL 2017
French giants Paris Saint-Germain have made a shock move for West Ham
wonderkid Domingos Quina. PSG head of recruitment Joao Luis Afonso
instructed a party led by his brother Nuno to meet 17-year-old Quina's
family. Portuguese midfielder Quina is regarded as one of the hottest
teenage prospects and West Ham pulled off a major coup to sign him ahead of
Arsenal and Manchester United. But Quina has found it difficult to make an
impact in a struggling team and was a substitute 13 times last season in the
Premier League. PSG's head of recruitment Afonso and new technical director
Antero Henrique are both Portuguese and they saw Quina at the under-19
championships. That has not deterred PSG who are seriously interested and
their meeting in London underlines their interest.
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Mexico's Juan Carlos Osorio thrilled with Chicharito's move to West Ham
12:15 AM BST
Tom Marshall
ESPN FC
LOS ANGELES -- Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio laid down a challenge to El
Tri's Confederations Cup squad to challenge themselves as much as possible
at their club sides ahead of the next year's World Cup. And the Colombian
believes striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez has done just that by moving
to West Ham United from Bayer Leverkusen. "He'll be in a great league with
very good teams," said Osorio in a news conference on the even of Mexico's
Gold Cup semifinal with Jamaica at the Rose Bowl. "He'll get minutes and the
plus with that league is that it's maybe the only in the world in which last
place can defeat first place. He'll have the opportunity to compete with the
best in very good games."
Osorio and his coaching staff asked the players to try to find a away of
being involved in at least 10 "high level" games before Russia 2018, with
Mexico still having relatively few players in the best European leagues
compared to most top nations. The former Atletico Nacional coach is also
happy with Mexico midfielder Andres Guardado's transfer from PSV Eindhoven
to Real Betis. "He's in a league where he'll play the derby against Sevilla
and games against [Real] Madrid and Barcelona," stated Osorio, who also
talked up Hirving Lozano's opportunity with PSV in the Eredivisie.
The Mexico manager stressed that the current Gold Cup squad has 10 players
between the ages of 19 and 24 and said he's enjoying the challenge of
bringing them through to challenge for a place in the full El Tri squad.
"The biggest motivation to continue [as Mexico coach after the next World
Cup] is to see these youngsters consolidate themselves," said Osorio. "If
time allows me that or not is not my decision."
One of those young players is Chivas midfielder Rodolfo Pizarro, who has
already made a big domestic move from Pachuca in his fledgling career, but
he hopes one day to be joining the likes of Hernandez and Guardado in
Europe. "It's always been my dream to be in Europe, hopefully in the future
the opportunity will come," Pizarro said in the same news conference. Osorio
also talked about Sunday's match against Jamaica, a team El Tri could only
draw 0-0 in the group stage of the Gold Cup. The Colombian said that there
will be changes in the starting lineup compared to the 1-0 quarterfinal win
over Honduras and praised the "athletic" and "fast" Reggae Boyz. Jesus
Molina and Cesar Montes are injury doubts for Mexico, according to Osorio,
while Jamaica coach Theodore Whitmore indicated that Portland Timbers
striker striker Darren Mattocks is on the treatment table and struggling to
make the game.
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West Ham discuss move for £8m Badou N'Diaye as fears grow over Cheikhou
Kouyate's injury
West Ham in talks to sign Senegalese midfielder Badou N'Diaye
The 26-year-old plays for Turkish team Osmanlispor and is valued at £8m
The Irons have been charting his progress for more than 12 months
Concerns rise over Cheikhou Kouyate's knee injury sustained during Austria
trip
By Simon Jones for The Mail on Sunday
PUBLISHED: 18:29 EDT, 22 July 2017 | UPDATED: 18:29 EDT, 22 July 2017
West Ham are discussing a move for Badou N'Diaye amid concerns over Cheikhou
Kouyate's injury. Kouyate will at miss the first three games of the season
after injuring his knee in training during the club's pre-season trip to
Austria. N'Diaye is a midfielder West Ham have been watching for the past
year but are aware Galatasaray and Newcastle United have also shown an
interest recently. Senegal international N'Diaye plays for Osmanlispor and
is valued around £8million. West Ham, who completed the £24m signing of
Marko Arnautovic and sold goalkeeper Darren Randolph to Middlesbrough
yesterday, are also considering Jack Wilshere at Arsenal but would prefer a
loan deal. Mexican striker Javier Hernandez is due to have his medical at
the start of the week prior to his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen.
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West Ham offer confirmed by club president, other bids made too
By Gareth McKnight - July 23, 2017143 0
Ninetyminutesonline.com
Lazio president Claudio Lotito has confirmed that the Serie A side have
received an offer for Keita Balde Diao from West Ham United – but there are
other suitors for the versatile attacker. The Hammers are on a roll at the
minute, having taken the number of summer signings to four with the recent
additions of Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez, pending a medical. The
attacking duo join Joe Hart and Pablo Zabaleta as new faces at the London
Stadium, with West Ham supporters starting to get excited ahead of the new
Premier League season. Adding strength in depth in the final third has been
a priority for the Hammers over the last 12 months, with injuries to Andy
Carroll and Diafra Sakho leaving Slaven Bilic's men short of options in
2016-17.
Keita would be an exciting addition for West Ham if they can convince him to
move to the Premier League, but the London outfit face competition for the
star's signature. "Many bids have come on his account, now it is up to him
to decide what to do, I'm waiting," Lotito told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Which
offers? West Ham is public, then there are others from abroad, all
responding to our requests. Inter, Juve? No, neither of them have come up
with a proposal."
Keita had a superb season in 2016-17, scoring 16 Serie A goals in 31 outings
for Lazio and impressing with his speed and clinical finishing in front of
goal.
Capable of playing anywhere across the forward line, the 22-year-old is a
rare talent and would be an exciting addition for West Ham if they were able
to land him before the transfer window closes. The Hammers fans will be
weighing up just how Bilic's first-choice attack will set-up next season,
with Arnautovic and Hernandez sure to play.
With Andre Ayew, Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini all key men for the
Premier League side, the West Ham boss has an enviable amount of options now
available to him in the final third. The Irons' summer business will also
pose questions over the future of Carroll, who can be devastating when fit
and firing – but those days have been too few and far between during his
tenure in the capital.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, July 22
Daily WHUFC News - 23rd July 2017
Darren Randolph completes Middlesbrough move
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm that goalkeeper Darren Randolph has completed a move to Championship side Middlesbrough for a fee of £5million. The 30-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who had his final outing in a Hammers shirt in Thursday's friendly against Fulham in Austria, leaves having made 42 appearances for the Club during a two-year spell. After signing from Birmingham City in the summer of 2015, Randolph provided back-up to Adrian in his first season, appearing in FA Cup ties and playing a handful of Premier League matches. However, last season he forced his way in to the team in November and went on to make 22 Premier League appearances, before Adrian returned between the sticks for the final five matches of the season. The campaign ended with a highlight for Randolph, though, when he was won the Save of the Season award at the 2016/17 Player Awards dinner, for his stunning fingertip stop up at Liverpool last December.
Manager Slaven Bilic said: "I would like to thank Darren for his service to the Club over the past two years. He has been a fantastic professional and, as a player and a person, has the respect of everyone at West Ham. "Darren is a very good goalkeeper, and I didn't want him to leave. However, I could not guarantee him regular first team football and, with the possibility of playing at the World Cup for the Republic of Ireland next summer, he wanted to take up the offer from Middlesbrough. "We didn't think it was right to deny him this opportunity to establish himself as a No1 playing every week in the Championship, but I am sorry to see him go and I wish him all the very best in the future."
Everyone at West Ham United would like to wish Darren a happy and successful future with Middlesbrough FC.
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U18s held at home by Crystal Palace
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s let slip a lead for the second game in succession as they were held at home by Crystal Palace.
Sean Adarkwa gave the Hammers the lead with 20 minutes to play, but they were pegged back five minutes later in a close encounter at Little Heath.
Head coach Steve Potts made three changes from their midweek defeat away at Charlton Athletic. Sam Caiger and Reece Hannam were replaced by Rosaire Longelo and Kevin Dalipi and Anouar El Mhassani made his first start in claret and blue in place of Korrey Henry.
After an even opening 20 minutes, it was the home side who created the first effort on goal. A terrific corner from El Mhassani was headed inches wide by Dalipi.
Palace had an opportunity of their own minutes later with a fierce effort from the edge of the area fizzing just past the post.
Chances were few and far between for the rest of the first half with Longelo and Dalipi both having speculative efforts on goal.
Potts and assistant Mark Phillips made a number of changes at the interval but the game continued to be competitive. Palace once again went close on the hour mark but goalmouth action as a whole was in short supply.
However, the Hammers found the elusive breakthrough with just over 15 minutes to play. A delicate reverse pass by substitute Louie Watson played in El Mhassani who zipped in an inviting low cross for Adarkwa to tap home and score his first of pre-season.
Palace fought back immediately though and equalised a few minutes later when a low corner was drilled into the net from the edge of the box.
1-1 was probably a fair result as the U18s ticked off another competitive pre-season encounter. Many of the players involved will head to Slovakia for the pre-season camp on Sunday.
West Ham: Matrevics; Ngakia, Dalipi, Wells (c), R. Longelo; Mingi, Belic; El Mhassani, Rosa, Hamilton; E.Longelo.
Subs: Watson, Mbeta, Spyridis, Adarkwa, Greenidge, Okotcha, Forson.
Goals: Adarkwa
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OUR GREATEST SIGNING THIS WINDOW IS….
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 21 JULY 2017 AT 11:02PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Steven McCarthy
It is a great time to be a West Ham fan!
We have had this arduous period of waiting for a big name striker, and hopefully in the form of Hernandez, we will get a regular on both team and score sheet.With the imminent arrival of Arnautovic for a medical, we may add yet another proven premier league attacker to our ranks. And whilst I personally believe that we need at least one more regularly fit, goal scorer to go up top, it is fantastic to have a feel good vibe around the club again!
Why would I sign another striker though, our awful injury records with strikers should answer that well enough.
Ashton, Sakho and Carroll are two of the names that spring to my mind in relatively recent years.
However In Gary Lewin, we have brought to the club a man who is at the very top of the physiotherapy profession, and I believe he is quite possibly the most important signing the club has made in years.
Head Physiotherapist at Arsenal for very nearly 22 years, whilst regularly working within the England set up part time up until a full time transition in 2008, Lewin has worked at the very top level with numerous Legends of the game in the form of Henry, Bergkamp and Viera. Lewin not only brings a wealth of experience at the highest of levels of physiotherapy, but also the egos and personalities of the game, and having heard some of the rumoured stories of the treatment table from a few friends, I can safely say that I have only heard, he is a much loved one!
I cannot understate the importance of a top physiotherapist in and around the club, and before I go any further it is not any intention of mine to doubt the great work of our previous staff. But adding what can be seen as one of the "super stars" of the treatment room – Jean Pierre Meersseman possibly the only name above him. The man who famously kept the likes of Seedorf, Maldini and Alessandro Costacurta playing into their 40's!
A physio is someone who not only manages the injuries and recovery of players, but they also play a key role in squad and club moral! That may sound a little daft, but if you can manage telling a footballer that he won't play for 6 months, in a cup final or a key clash, then instantly switch to talking them through recovery and making them feel involved in the squads, you are priceless to both the individual and team. The main way I think I can explain why I am so excited with this appointment, is through a little injury run down. I'll try and keep it short and to the point, sticking to just a couple of players who have suffered numerous long term spells.
Top of this list is Andre Ayew, who's history of a reoccurring shoulder injuries and horrible tear to the meniscus are the most serious during his career. Both injuries lead to longer stints on the sidelines for Marseille, than that which he subsequently suffered on his debut injury for us. The meniscus is a rubbery, C-shaped disc that cushions your knee. Each knee has two of these menisci, one at the outer edge of the knee and one at the inner edge. These keep your knee steady by balancing your weight across the surface area of the knee.
A torn meniscus is an incredibly serious injury for anyone, let alone a footballer, and it can prevent your knee from working correctly if not managed, recovered and monitored fully. Joining this onto the previously mentioned shoulder injury, which I believe Ayew himself is quoted as saying he has "dislocated several times" it is an essential part of the modern game that players receive, not just reactive, but also preventative treatment to injuries.
This is where I understand that Lewin excels, with constant monitoring of injuries,regular fitness and physical tests across the squad to pinpoint potential problem areas and treat them.
This leads me onto the player who I see this really benefiting…Carroll!
Possibly the most obvious name on our injury list and on everyone's lips, because as almost every fan will tell you "On his day, he is unplayable!". However as West Ham fans we are only really seeing glimpses in recent seasons of what he is capable of. In recent months I have called for his sale precisely because of that injury record, lack of appearances and high wages. However talking to numerous friends I made during my time studying Sports Science and coaching, I have heard nothing but glowing reviews of the man and his work in the field. Almost all of whom have said "if ever you had a chance of fixing Carroll, this man is it!".
Now I really hope I'm not just pissing into the wind with this optimism over this appointment. And to be honest, I would probably still prefer we move Carroll along to sign a regularly performing replacement. However I can understand the thought process behind keeping him with the fresh approach and knowledge that Lewin brings.
A top level physiotherapists introduction could mean a fresh approach to player treatment or even just a step up in the level of care, prevention, rehab and recovery players receive.
Hopefully putting a long overdue reduction to the numbers on our injury list and possibly bringing a brand new Carroll!
@StevenMcCarthy9
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THE TRANSFER WINDOW ON TWITTER
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 21 JULY 2017 AT 10:18PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Anthony Hufton @AnthonyHufton
It's been a somewhat unusual couple of days on Twitter – the positivity amongst our fans probably hasn't been seen since May 2016! Strange actually as a lot of the fans have been demanding silence from the board and their family / associates, yet media speculation (technically that is all it is at the time of writing) re: Arnautovic and West Ham United Official releasing a statement saying a transfer fee for Hernandez has been agreed has led to jubilation online.
All West Ham have confirmed re: Hernandez is that a fee has been agreed, subject to personal terms & a medical. Players have been closer to signing, (Sidwell & Darren Fletcher for example were both on club property at one point) and never signed. Yet a lot of supporters, many of whom are ones critical of the board for pretty much anything between their train being late for a home game to being at fault for Nordtveit for committing a foul in injury time at White Hart Lane seem to have suddenly forgot all that. It just seems to me like a lot of supporters have had a bit of good news confirmed by decent sources and now a lot of their concerns seem to have been dropped.
I don't blame supporters for being a little upset over how last season turned out, however, now we can sit back and review it, I don't think it was as bad as people made out. I haven't checked it out, but I read a few weeks ago that we weren't even in the bottom 5 after Mid-December? I'm sure someone will tell me if that's true or not! There were a lot of obstacles facing the team & management last season –
Injuries (as usual!) – I don't think a new medical team can necessarily prevent injuries, but I would think that a more experienced team can certainly implement a better management system to ensure that they reoccur less and the rehabilitation process runs smoother than before.
London Stadium – I know for a fact that a few players have said they can barely hear the fans when they're on the pitch. It must be an over exaggeration but I guess they are comparing to other stadiums. Obviously we are further from the pitch than most, if not all other stadiums in the country. I still feel that it is down to us to make it home. Hopefully some cosmetic features in the stadium will continue to pop up and I hope eventually that the stadium seats are completely changed. I do feel that the cost of moving the seats and removing the branding over the summer months will eventually outweigh any potential profit made, so much so that they call it a day and we can buy the stadium on the cheap. Whether or not that means modifications can be made to bring us closer, I don't know. I honestly feel that the negativity amongst the supporters, which predominantly starts online led to bad atmospheres in the stands. The noise was immense when the teams came out for the first game there, and the stadium was less of a home then than it is now. The stewarding didn't help. Nor did supporters in other teams shirts. If anyone thinks that these incidents didn't happen at Upton Park though, they are wrong. The stadium is effectively double the size and nearly three times the size if you go back a little further. The chances are that you will get double the amount of opposition fans in the stadium. People say they never saw it, well, they may have been in the Bobby Moore Lower in an area where it was difficult to get tickets but it was happening elsewhere. I can remember a Swansea fan sitting behind me at Upton Park and there was even a Hamburg supporter cheering on Martin Jol when he was managing Fulham. They lost 3-0 and he hasn't managed over here since. The facts are, the majority of problems within the stadium occurred and still occur elsewhere, but you may not have seen them. Russell Brand got accused of only coming to games once he was famous. He correctly replied, "you wouldn't have known me before." It's all in the mind. Does a tree make a noise if it falls but you weren't there to hear it? What about the popcorn? I wouldn't buy it and I'm guilty of seeing people with it and thinking that its muggy. I can tell you one thing for certain, if something isn't selling in the stadium then it won't be available for long – It must be in demand. I don't feel that it is a snack to be eaten at football but there are probably 80 year olds that thought burgers were unusual 60 years ago. I reckon if a bloke walked round the front of the stands selling roasted peanuts, a lot of the "popcorn complainers" would think it's strange. Well, it was happening long before you ever came to Upton Park. What I'm trying to say here is, if you were getting yourselves wound up before you got in the stadium, you were naturally going to be in a bad mood within it. People often dispel my comparisons but if I get stuck in traffic for 2 hours before work, inevitably I'm in a mood when I get into the office. I feel people need to keep a calm head. I'd like to know what issues people have with the stadium now a lot of the problems have been eradicated? It's a serious question. I'm not happy with the distance from the pitch, although in my seat it's not too different to what I was before, I'd say my view is quite similar. I have moved from about Row 20 to Row 8 for that though! Anyone who thought the distance from the front row to the touchline must've been living in a cave. I don't care (I do care) what David Gold said on a video, it was never going to be the case. However, it seems to me that people think the fact that we do not have a "retractable" seat system in place is the reason why we are the distance away that we are. Nonsense. Even if it was state of the art technology, we would still be in the same position. It is how it moves, not where it moves to that has changed. Yes, it does look bad having a scaffold pole on a breeze block. At the end of the day though, it doesn't actually affect you at all. Not unless it collapses with us in it anyway! To summarise this point, if the fans are up for it (Spurs, Chelsea) then we can make the place a cauldron. There will always be games against teams like Hull, West Brom where the team have to turn it on to get us off their seats…like they did against Watford for 30 minutes actually – but again, if people think there was an electric atmosphere for these games at Upton Park, they are wrong again. I can definitely remember seeing fans walk out at 2-0 down vs Watford in Division 1. We ended up winning 3-2 – maybe we were better off without them! We were also often subject to heavy defeats at Upton Park, the most recent in what was the last scheduled game vs Swansea and we lost 4-1. To leave the stadium off the back of that really would've been "the West Ham way". Overall, this doesn't mean I'm delighted with the stadium move, not at all. What I am old enough to realise though is that no amount of moaning, be it justified or not is going to move us back to Upton Park. Unfortunately, it is time to let go, we are supposed to support the team & the club as a whole and that is what we should be doing. 54,000 West Ham fans supporting the team in full voice can't be matched.
Recruitment – The supporters had in their heads that we were going to sign a 20 goal striker last summer. It's not hard to know why. The chairman were particularly vocal and obviously confident they could deliver this. I'm not sure if they ever quoted that they would sign a striker that will score 20 goals, but it was certainly how it seemed. I feel that this was the only place, although probably the most important area that we were let down in. The board are apparently tight. I think we all are with our own money? Anyway, they bid £43m for Lacazette. We know this is for certain. Well, that rules out that they were willing to spend money. The paid £5m for a loan fee for Zaza with the agreement in place that if we wanted, we'd pay the extra £20m to secure the transfer. Zaza could've worked out as much as it may not have. Personally, although he wasn't my first choice, I still thought he would be an adequate signing. I certainly expected him to score a few at least. Maybe I played too much Football Manger 15. We spent a similar amount on Ayew. If anyone thinks that Ayew isn't a good addition to our squad, they're mad. He is potentially our second choice left attacking midfielder now. Compare that to 3 or 4 years ago when our only choice was Jarvis. Unfortunately Ayew got injured very early on and he only really got going as the season was coming to a close. Calleri was brought in as 4th or even 5th choice striker. I still don't think he was a bad footballer, but he lacked composure in front of goal without doubt. Again though, 4/5th choice. Feghouli, a "free transfer" – it's become apparent that he is on extremely high wages as well as a substantial signing on fee. That's good of the tight owners. Although he didn't perform great throughout the season, I think he lacks a bit of common sense and the realisation that he is playing in the Premier League. I think he has the ability. I'm positive about him and certainly think he is worth a place in the squad. Lanzini, he was signed with last season's budget. Nothing needs saying about this absolute steal. Tore – looked terrible but this was all Bilic. Would he have come good? I don't think so, but he did only play at a time when the team was all over the place. He will always be the man who assisted the first ever league goal in the London Stadium. Maybe we can argue the board are tight here. Bilic wanted to sign him. I'd say its probably lucky that Sullivan didn't agree. Arbeloa – I think he looked terrible from day 1, poor transfer but was signed out of desperation at the last minute as Bilic had insisted Antonio was the right back he wanted to use. We also had and still have Byram. We now have Zabaleta too. Masuaku – another decent signing. So much so that it's a 50/50 split amongst the fans over who gets the nod between him and Creswell. Its probably the first time in history that the club have 4 good full backs. Even 3! Fernandes – I don't think anyone was overly enthused with the signing at the time but the fans were often calling for him throughout the season, definitely got a good future, hopefully with us. Nordtveit – on paper this was a good signing. Again, was he the 4th choice DM? Captain of a decent club in Germany and a proven performer. He didn't work out in the end but did look ok in his natural position with the exception of the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool. Snodgrass & Fonte were signed in January. Snodgrass actually started off ok and Fonte looked shaky. By the end of the season, their performances switched if you like. The club obviously went down the line of trying to sign players who know the league. Maybe with a full pre-season both players will show improvement, if they're still here…it looks like Snodgrass might leave. Overall, the club didn't really improve the first team at all. I did think the squad was a lot stronger than the season before when the summer window closed, but in hindsight, I would've rather had Eminike, Song & Moses than Calleri, Nordtveit & Tore. I feel the club definitely went for quantity over quality, although they may feel that they were going for both. We were definitely spoilt with the previous 2 summer transfer windows though. Overall, the club have signed very good players for the level we are / were at, at the time. Carroll as a newly promoted team on loan was magnificent at the time. Nolan in Division One. Yes, they threw money at him, I'll accept that answer from you, as long as you're not one of those that call them tight. Payet – say no more. I don't know why he got the hump. The only really thing he has mentioned is that the team wasn't performing and the only isolated incident he spoke about was the post getting MOTM against Hull. What a signing he was though and again, in hindsight it's a shame Madrid or similar didn't come in for him after the Euros. We would've got a lot more money and the relationship wouldn't be what it is now. What a player to have in the final season at Upton Park at least. We have undoubtedly signed some rubbish in their time also. Often they are not first choice players. I would say out first eleven is very good. It goes without saying that they were all signed by the current board as they've been here so long now that everyone in the squad has, with the exception of Noble. It looks like this summer that every player signed / going to be signed is a major upgrade on whoever was playing in that position come the end of last season. It's more progress. The squad has made great progress under this board. Look at the squad before they took over.
Whether you like it or not, they are the closest thing to a West Ham supporter owning the club you're likely to get now…unless one of us wins the Euromillions – I'm not sure if that's even enough now? We have always known ourselves as a family club yet people want a "rich Arab" in. I guess we would all like someone to own us in the same way Chelsea or Man City are owned. For every good takeover, there is 2 or 3 that are terrible, so we need to use the old Allardyce adage "Be careful what you wish for" We were lucky to see the back of him, I don't know if we would be so lucky to see the owners go.
I really cannot for the life of me see why people thought we weren't going to make good signings this Summer. There is absolutely no chance that the club were not going to push the boat out to sign a proven PL striker. It looks like it will be Hernandez. He might have even scored for us by the time I finish typing this!
I could not believe what I have read over the past few weeks. People giving up season tickets? One in particular "supporter" was giving up his season ticket even though he got two for the price of one last season. Someone else today is gutted they didn't renew because it looks like we'll be signing Hernandez. Has West Ham become that we only care if we're winning. Are people only saying it because we've moved stadiums that we expect to be near the top of the league? I don't think many stadium moves went smoothly. Ours was probably worst of all for trouble within the stadium but again, the internet magnifies things massively now and we were a bit of "public enemy #1" because of the cheap deal we got. There could also be the argument that because it is our club, we see it happening. It's like when you feel like you always join the slowest queue, you only think of that when you actually do it.
People demanding the board leave the club with nobody to come in to replace them. If there is someone with the money to own our club and they're serious about it, that person will come forward whether the current board want to leave or not, and they will make an offer. So far, I don't think anyone has made a serious offer. Other supporters are calling our club a joke. Don't get me wrong, if we had got to September 1st and not signed a top striker, serious questions would've been asked. There was no chance of this happening. I imagine there would've been protests. I wouldn't have necessarily joined in, I think I'm too old for it all now and have enough to worry about with the business I'm involved in than to think I can run a football club better.
The biggest oxymoron of all is how people think the owners of the club deliberately strip their own business of assets and are happy to see relegation so they can sell the club and make more money? I've actually seen people suggest this. I am quite sure that if they spend £70m net to get us challenging and maybe into the top 4 (that nearly happened once already), the club would be worth a lot more and they will be in a better position to sell. These people saying these things must surely look at themselves and ask if they are in a position to judge self-made multi-millionaires. Every single supporter wishes they could own the club. The chances are none of you started off with less than David Gold. Why don't you try to do it better than them? The natural response is you cant. There lies your answer. You either think you can't but you can if you put your head to it or you just can't. If someone walked into my office telling me they could do my job better, I'd give them the chance. It would make my life a lot easier. At least until the following Monday when I'd be picking up the pieces.
Ultimately I want to know why people embarrass themselves by crying their eyes out on Twitter when the players hadn't even done a week's training. We have pretty much always left signings to the last minute – I remember a great summer where we signed Henri Camara at about 23:55. Supporters were quite pleased actually. It looks like we will have 4 good signings wrapped up before Fonte has even returned to train himself. I've seen a couple of supporters say that the club have pulled these out of the bag because of the pressure from the fans. I don't think the board are naïve or stupid enough for that to be the case.
I still believe that we will sign an additional striker, probably Gray? This would effectively make our 3rd & 4th choice strikers Sakho & Carroll…if we have them to choose from! Again, great progress. I think we will also go in for Wilshere on loan which would be another a good addition without doubt and again a major upgrade on Nordtveit. I hope that a lot of the unnecessary moaning will be gone for the foreseeable and that when the season starts in August, all energy is put towards supporting the team on the pitch, especially when we eventually play our first game at home in September (which by the way is only the situation this year because of the World Athletic Championships – it is not going to be a regular occurrence). We do have the best support in the country, you only have to see what we've been through in my time (22 years) of going regularly and compare that to our attendances. We're glutton for punishment it seems.
I'm not sure if we would really have it any other way?
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Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic transfers bring West Ham closer to their European ambitions
The latest West Ham transfer news sees the Hammers confirm the signing of Marko Arnautovic from Stoke
Footbal London
BYPHILLIP EKUWEM
21:45, 22 JUL 2017
The summer transfer window gone very well for West Ham so far. Slaven Bilic has been able to identify great players to fill the weak roles within his squad in a bid to avoid a repeat of last season's dysfunction. The Hammers faithful now have cause to be optimistic as their side has already completed the signings of Joe Hart and Pablo Zabaleta on a loan deal and free transfer respectively. The former Manchester City duo, though, represent the tip of the iceberg in West Ham's summer transfer dealings with Marko Arnautovic confirmed and Javier Hernandez set to arrive at the London Stadium in a few days. West Ham's attacking third was nothing short of dreadful last season as none of the strikers within the club's ranks were able to hit double figures in the Premier League. With Andy Carroll sporadic in both fitness and form, Bilic prioritised the signing of a new striker ahead of the 2017/18 season, one with pace, by the Croat's own admission. Daniel Sturridge, Michy Batshuayi and even Dries Mertens sprung up as possible targets, but none of them were keen on joining the east Londoners. Reports then linked a seemingly unhappy Olivier Giroud with a move to the London Stadium, but that speculation has been put to bed. Only recently did Javier Hernandez emerge as an option for the Hammers. He may have made his name on the mainstream football scene as a super sub for Manchester United, but having produced the goods on a consistent basis for Bayer Leverkusen, he evidently has no problem leading the line over a long stretch. The Mexican striker isn't as physically powerful as Carroll, but he makes up for that in pace, technique and efficiency – he's your typical modern day striker with fox-like cunningness on the pitch. In a transfer window dominated by astronomical price tags for average players, Hernandez could be the biggest bargain of the season with West Ham said to be completing a deal for just £16m. His imminent signing is a real coup for the Hammers as he would probably cost in excess of £30m under normal circumstances due to his goalscoring prowess and experience. Hernandez is capable of hitting at least 15 goals a season when handed ample playing time – figures that could very well launch West Ham into a Europa League place next season. The 29-year-old scored a goal every other game for Leverkusen last season as his total tally for the Bundesliga campaign amounted to 11 goals in 26 appearances - just 20 of which were starts. He notched 17 goals in 25 starts in the previous season, whilst on the international scene he currently has an astonishing record of 48 goals in 96 appearances for Mexico. The Hammers are expected to complete a deal for the Mexico international in the coming days having announced the signing of Arnautovic from Stoke earlier today. The Austria international arrived at the Potters in 2013 as one of the poster boys of Mark Hughes' 'Stokielona' side. Although he has had his fair share of problems on and off the pitch, he's also played a significant role in the team's relative success under Hughes. Arnautovic is poised to be an indirect replacement for Dimitri Payet as they share a similar style of play but markedly different levels of output. Like the Frenchman, Arnautovic is technically gifted and capable of the spectacular, but unlike Payet, Arnautovic isn't the best at creating opportunities for his teammates. He crafted just 50 chances in 32 appearances last term with 5 of them turning into assists – he also notched 6 goals, as opposed to his tally of 11 goals from the previous season. Arnautovic, though, has a high work rate for a winger as exemplified by the 87 tackles he attempted and the 28 interceptions he made last season. At a reported £24million, Arnautovic is sure to be a great addition to the Hammers' front line.
West Ham arguably missed Payet more than anybody else in the team last season. He was revered by fans as the club's best player since Paolo di Canio and it will be difficult for Arnautovic to earn that sort of recognition at the London Stadium. But seeing as he boasts of a similar level of technical proficiency as Payet, he will at the very least prove to be a solid player for the Hammers, and as we all know, they lacked solidity at almost every position last season. A lot is riding on the upcoming campaign for West Ham. Bilic will almost certainly get axed should West Ham undergo another tough spell, plus the club will lose the little momentum they have left. But with an attacking third that features the talents of Arnautovic, Hernandez as well as the sensational Manuel Lanzini, there's little doubt surrounding the Hammers fulfilling their Europa League ambitions.
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West Ham prepared to let Adrian leave alongside Darren Randolph with Crystal Palace and Newcastle on alert
West Ham transfer news: All the latest from the London Stadium
Adrian set to leave West Ham alongside Middlsebrough-bound Darren Randolph
Slaven Bilic happy to let both senior goalkeepers leave after Joe Hart's arrival
The Hammers manager is looking for a back-up to the England international
By Matt Barlow for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 06:37 EDT, 22 July 2017 | UPDATED: 06:58 EDT, 22 July 2017
West Ham are prepared to let Adrian leave despite Darren Randolph's imminent move to Middlesbrough. After signing Joe Hart on loan from Manchester City for the season ahead the Hammers are set to clear out both their senior goalkeepers. Randolph has agreed a £4.5million move to Boro where he has a deal worth £27,000 a week. The Republic of Ireland international impressed enough at the London Stadium to start 22 Premier League games last season but would not be considered to play ahead of Hart. Adrian, who has 29 clean sheets to show from his 106 Premier League appearances for West Ham, has interest from fellow top-flight outfits Crystal Palace and Newcastle. Hammers manager Slaven Bilic has started his search for another goalkeeper to come in as cover for England international Hart.
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LAZIO HAVE OFFERS FOR KEITA BUT NOT FROM INTER AND JUVENTUS
RYAN DARBY @RyanDarby_
readWestHam
Lazio president Claudio Lotito says the Serie A side have received offers for Keita Balde, but not from Inter Milan or Juventus. Goal reports that the club president has revealed Keita does have offers from abroad. I haven't received offers from Inter or Juventus, but they have come from abroad. If he wants to go, he must get an appropriate bid. News emerged during the week that West Ham have agreed a fee with Lazio for the player in a deal reportedly worth around €32 million.
After an impressive season in Italy, the reports came as a surprise with the winger widely expected to leave Lazio for either Inter Milan or Juventus this summer.
Juventus have recently turned their attention to Fiorentina winger and Italy U21 international Federico Bernardeschi, while Inter themselves are in the market for a winger to replace Ivan Perisic, who is being linked with Manchester United. Keita scored 16 league goals in Serie A last season and also managed a further three assists for Lazio, which has not gone unnoticed.
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Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic signings don't mean the end for Andy Carroll at West Ham
West Ham transfer news includes the impact Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic signings will have on Andy Carroll
Football London
BYROB GUEST
12:55, 22 JUL 2017
Former Hammer Steve Lomas believes Andy Carroll still has a big part to play at West Ham despite the pending arrivals of Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic.
Slaven Bilic's side had a number of problems upfront last year and Carroll was limited to 18 games in the Premier League due to injuries. With Hernandez now set to sign on the dotted line at the London Stadium, the former Newcastle striker has a major fight on his hands to seal a place in the starting XI. However, Lomas, who played at Upton Park between 1997 and 2005, has said that the 28-year-old still has a future in east London. "When fit, there's no doubt that Andy Carroll is a great asset to West Ham, but unfortunately you can't rely on him to stay injury free," Lomas told bwin. "I would still keep him around in hope the club can find a formula that will see him training regularly and playing 30 matches per season. "When he's on the pitch, he's dangerous – his bicycle kick last season was astonishing. "What West Ham do need is more options because they lacked a plan B last season. "I think that's why Bilic is targeting players with pace – the likes of Arnautovic and Hernandez to boost his options."
As well as Arnautovic and Hernandez arriving at the club, Bilic has strengthened at the back with the signings of Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart. Although the Hammers conceded five less goals than Sunderland last season, Lomas is confident that the club have plenty of options at the back to improve on the 64 goals they conceded in the league. "West Ham clearly prioritised a new right-back and they were quick to sign Zabaleta," added Lomas. "Though he's 32, I think he has a lot to offer. "Like Hart, he joins the club with something to prove and brings a winning mentality. "I think he'll prove to be a good signing. "I think West Ham lacked consistency in their team selection in defence and that's always a sign that things aren't going well. "West Ham suffered from injuries to the likes of Ogbonna and Reid, but when everyone's fit, they've got four central defenders who have a lot of experience so I don't think it should be a priority."
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EXCLUSIVE: WEST HAM SET TO SIGN BRENTFORD STAR JOTA
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam
West Ham have had a great week in terms of incomings to the London Stadium and another player is set to follow suit. Read West Ham understands that the Hammers are set to sign Brentford midfielder Jota. Slaven Bilic is in the market for a new midfielder after selling Havard Nordtveit to Hoffenheim and the Hammers have been linked with Jota throughout the summer window. The 26-year-old arrived in English football at Brentford in a £1.3m deal from Celta Vigo and scored 11 goals and provided three assists in 42 Championship appearances in his debut season at the club. His second season was derailed by an ankle injury before he joined Eibar on a 12 months loan in January 2016. After returning to Brentford in January 2017, Jota once again found his stride, scoring 12 goals and laying on five assists in 21 League appearances in the second half of the season. With his contract expiring at the end of next season, Jota has received a lot of interest from Premier League clubs and with Brentford pressured to sell or risk losing him on a free, they have been resigned to the fact that he will leave this summer. Able to operate in an attacking midfield role or on either wing, Jota will be another addition to a vastly improved West Ham attack that will feature Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez when their moves from Stoke and Bayer Leverkusen respectively are finalised. Linked with the likes of Everton, Swansea and Burnley, a deal for Jota could be wrapped up soon to become the Hammers' fifth summer signing.
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Joe Cole hails new Hammers signings and insists top seven finish is possible
By Anton Stanley - @antonstanley
Saturday, July 22, 2017
talkSPORT
West Ham United have made quality moves in the transfer market and could challenge for a place in Europe, believes former midfielder Joe Cole. The Hammers have completed deals for Joe Hart and Pablo Zabaleta, while moves for Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez, should be sealed in the coming days. And this business has impressed ex-West Ham man Cole, who is currently playing his football for Tampa Bay Rowdies in the United Soccer League. "I think they are terrific signings," he told talkSPORT. "When Javier Hernandez left Manchester United, West Ham should probably have gone in for him then. He's a proven goalscorer wherever he's gone and Marko Arnautovic is a talent who the West Ham fans will enjoy watching. They're both great signings. "To get Joe Hart, the England goalkeeper, as well, that shows where the club is at the moment. They're doing really good business."
And the former England star insisted Hammers supporters should be excited about the players they have at their disposal this season. "They have got a really good squad there," he added. "I speak to a few of the boys there and the fans have got to be excited to have a team with Arnautovic, Manuel Lanzini, Robert Snodgrass, Andy Carroll, and Hernandez – really good players. They're going to have a cracking time. "I think West Ham, especially after moving into the new stadium, they're on the cusp of moving onto that next level as a club. Credit to the owners and the management, and how the club has been run."
And when asked if he felt his former team could break into the Premier League's top seven, Cole was also extremely positive. "Without a doubt," he replied. "Out of all the clubs, who are under it, West Ham are the best equipped, with them having the new stadium and the financial power to attract players. Stoke are probably a similar quality team but Arnautovic wants to leave them to go to West Ham because of the location and the size of the club, and that's a massive thing.
"It's just a slow build process and I think will [break into the top seven] eventually."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm that goalkeeper Darren Randolph has completed a move to Championship side Middlesbrough for a fee of £5million. The 30-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who had his final outing in a Hammers shirt in Thursday's friendly against Fulham in Austria, leaves having made 42 appearances for the Club during a two-year spell. After signing from Birmingham City in the summer of 2015, Randolph provided back-up to Adrian in his first season, appearing in FA Cup ties and playing a handful of Premier League matches. However, last season he forced his way in to the team in November and went on to make 22 Premier League appearances, before Adrian returned between the sticks for the final five matches of the season. The campaign ended with a highlight for Randolph, though, when he was won the Save of the Season award at the 2016/17 Player Awards dinner, for his stunning fingertip stop up at Liverpool last December.
Manager Slaven Bilic said: "I would like to thank Darren for his service to the Club over the past two years. He has been a fantastic professional and, as a player and a person, has the respect of everyone at West Ham. "Darren is a very good goalkeeper, and I didn't want him to leave. However, I could not guarantee him regular first team football and, with the possibility of playing at the World Cup for the Republic of Ireland next summer, he wanted to take up the offer from Middlesbrough. "We didn't think it was right to deny him this opportunity to establish himself as a No1 playing every week in the Championship, but I am sorry to see him go and I wish him all the very best in the future."
Everyone at West Ham United would like to wish Darren a happy and successful future with Middlesbrough FC.
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U18s held at home by Crystal Palace
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s let slip a lead for the second game in succession as they were held at home by Crystal Palace.
Sean Adarkwa gave the Hammers the lead with 20 minutes to play, but they were pegged back five minutes later in a close encounter at Little Heath.
Head coach Steve Potts made three changes from their midweek defeat away at Charlton Athletic. Sam Caiger and Reece Hannam were replaced by Rosaire Longelo and Kevin Dalipi and Anouar El Mhassani made his first start in claret and blue in place of Korrey Henry.
After an even opening 20 minutes, it was the home side who created the first effort on goal. A terrific corner from El Mhassani was headed inches wide by Dalipi.
Palace had an opportunity of their own minutes later with a fierce effort from the edge of the area fizzing just past the post.
Chances were few and far between for the rest of the first half with Longelo and Dalipi both having speculative efforts on goal.
Potts and assistant Mark Phillips made a number of changes at the interval but the game continued to be competitive. Palace once again went close on the hour mark but goalmouth action as a whole was in short supply.
However, the Hammers found the elusive breakthrough with just over 15 minutes to play. A delicate reverse pass by substitute Louie Watson played in El Mhassani who zipped in an inviting low cross for Adarkwa to tap home and score his first of pre-season.
Palace fought back immediately though and equalised a few minutes later when a low corner was drilled into the net from the edge of the box.
1-1 was probably a fair result as the U18s ticked off another competitive pre-season encounter. Many of the players involved will head to Slovakia for the pre-season camp on Sunday.
West Ham: Matrevics; Ngakia, Dalipi, Wells (c), R. Longelo; Mingi, Belic; El Mhassani, Rosa, Hamilton; E.Longelo.
Subs: Watson, Mbeta, Spyridis, Adarkwa, Greenidge, Okotcha, Forson.
Goals: Adarkwa
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OUR GREATEST SIGNING THIS WINDOW IS….
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 21 JULY 2017 AT 11:02PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Steven McCarthy
It is a great time to be a West Ham fan!
We have had this arduous period of waiting for a big name striker, and hopefully in the form of Hernandez, we will get a regular on both team and score sheet.With the imminent arrival of Arnautovic for a medical, we may add yet another proven premier league attacker to our ranks. And whilst I personally believe that we need at least one more regularly fit, goal scorer to go up top, it is fantastic to have a feel good vibe around the club again!
Why would I sign another striker though, our awful injury records with strikers should answer that well enough.
Ashton, Sakho and Carroll are two of the names that spring to my mind in relatively recent years.
However In Gary Lewin, we have brought to the club a man who is at the very top of the physiotherapy profession, and I believe he is quite possibly the most important signing the club has made in years.
Head Physiotherapist at Arsenal for very nearly 22 years, whilst regularly working within the England set up part time up until a full time transition in 2008, Lewin has worked at the very top level with numerous Legends of the game in the form of Henry, Bergkamp and Viera. Lewin not only brings a wealth of experience at the highest of levels of physiotherapy, but also the egos and personalities of the game, and having heard some of the rumoured stories of the treatment table from a few friends, I can safely say that I have only heard, he is a much loved one!
I cannot understate the importance of a top physiotherapist in and around the club, and before I go any further it is not any intention of mine to doubt the great work of our previous staff. But adding what can be seen as one of the "super stars" of the treatment room – Jean Pierre Meersseman possibly the only name above him. The man who famously kept the likes of Seedorf, Maldini and Alessandro Costacurta playing into their 40's!
A physio is someone who not only manages the injuries and recovery of players, but they also play a key role in squad and club moral! That may sound a little daft, but if you can manage telling a footballer that he won't play for 6 months, in a cup final or a key clash, then instantly switch to talking them through recovery and making them feel involved in the squads, you are priceless to both the individual and team. The main way I think I can explain why I am so excited with this appointment, is through a little injury run down. I'll try and keep it short and to the point, sticking to just a couple of players who have suffered numerous long term spells.
Top of this list is Andre Ayew, who's history of a reoccurring shoulder injuries and horrible tear to the meniscus are the most serious during his career. Both injuries lead to longer stints on the sidelines for Marseille, than that which he subsequently suffered on his debut injury for us. The meniscus is a rubbery, C-shaped disc that cushions your knee. Each knee has two of these menisci, one at the outer edge of the knee and one at the inner edge. These keep your knee steady by balancing your weight across the surface area of the knee.
A torn meniscus is an incredibly serious injury for anyone, let alone a footballer, and it can prevent your knee from working correctly if not managed, recovered and monitored fully. Joining this onto the previously mentioned shoulder injury, which I believe Ayew himself is quoted as saying he has "dislocated several times" it is an essential part of the modern game that players receive, not just reactive, but also preventative treatment to injuries.
This is where I understand that Lewin excels, with constant monitoring of injuries,regular fitness and physical tests across the squad to pinpoint potential problem areas and treat them.
This leads me onto the player who I see this really benefiting…Carroll!
Possibly the most obvious name on our injury list and on everyone's lips, because as almost every fan will tell you "On his day, he is unplayable!". However as West Ham fans we are only really seeing glimpses in recent seasons of what he is capable of. In recent months I have called for his sale precisely because of that injury record, lack of appearances and high wages. However talking to numerous friends I made during my time studying Sports Science and coaching, I have heard nothing but glowing reviews of the man and his work in the field. Almost all of whom have said "if ever you had a chance of fixing Carroll, this man is it!".
Now I really hope I'm not just pissing into the wind with this optimism over this appointment. And to be honest, I would probably still prefer we move Carroll along to sign a regularly performing replacement. However I can understand the thought process behind keeping him with the fresh approach and knowledge that Lewin brings.
A top level physiotherapists introduction could mean a fresh approach to player treatment or even just a step up in the level of care, prevention, rehab and recovery players receive.
Hopefully putting a long overdue reduction to the numbers on our injury list and possibly bringing a brand new Carroll!
@StevenMcCarthy9
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THE TRANSFER WINDOW ON TWITTER
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 21 JULY 2017 AT 10:18PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Anthony Hufton @AnthonyHufton
It's been a somewhat unusual couple of days on Twitter – the positivity amongst our fans probably hasn't been seen since May 2016! Strange actually as a lot of the fans have been demanding silence from the board and their family / associates, yet media speculation (technically that is all it is at the time of writing) re: Arnautovic and West Ham United Official releasing a statement saying a transfer fee for Hernandez has been agreed has led to jubilation online.
All West Ham have confirmed re: Hernandez is that a fee has been agreed, subject to personal terms & a medical. Players have been closer to signing, (Sidwell & Darren Fletcher for example were both on club property at one point) and never signed. Yet a lot of supporters, many of whom are ones critical of the board for pretty much anything between their train being late for a home game to being at fault for Nordtveit for committing a foul in injury time at White Hart Lane seem to have suddenly forgot all that. It just seems to me like a lot of supporters have had a bit of good news confirmed by decent sources and now a lot of their concerns seem to have been dropped.
I don't blame supporters for being a little upset over how last season turned out, however, now we can sit back and review it, I don't think it was as bad as people made out. I haven't checked it out, but I read a few weeks ago that we weren't even in the bottom 5 after Mid-December? I'm sure someone will tell me if that's true or not! There were a lot of obstacles facing the team & management last season –
Injuries (as usual!) – I don't think a new medical team can necessarily prevent injuries, but I would think that a more experienced team can certainly implement a better management system to ensure that they reoccur less and the rehabilitation process runs smoother than before.
London Stadium – I know for a fact that a few players have said they can barely hear the fans when they're on the pitch. It must be an over exaggeration but I guess they are comparing to other stadiums. Obviously we are further from the pitch than most, if not all other stadiums in the country. I still feel that it is down to us to make it home. Hopefully some cosmetic features in the stadium will continue to pop up and I hope eventually that the stadium seats are completely changed. I do feel that the cost of moving the seats and removing the branding over the summer months will eventually outweigh any potential profit made, so much so that they call it a day and we can buy the stadium on the cheap. Whether or not that means modifications can be made to bring us closer, I don't know. I honestly feel that the negativity amongst the supporters, which predominantly starts online led to bad atmospheres in the stands. The noise was immense when the teams came out for the first game there, and the stadium was less of a home then than it is now. The stewarding didn't help. Nor did supporters in other teams shirts. If anyone thinks that these incidents didn't happen at Upton Park though, they are wrong. The stadium is effectively double the size and nearly three times the size if you go back a little further. The chances are that you will get double the amount of opposition fans in the stadium. People say they never saw it, well, they may have been in the Bobby Moore Lower in an area where it was difficult to get tickets but it was happening elsewhere. I can remember a Swansea fan sitting behind me at Upton Park and there was even a Hamburg supporter cheering on Martin Jol when he was managing Fulham. They lost 3-0 and he hasn't managed over here since. The facts are, the majority of problems within the stadium occurred and still occur elsewhere, but you may not have seen them. Russell Brand got accused of only coming to games once he was famous. He correctly replied, "you wouldn't have known me before." It's all in the mind. Does a tree make a noise if it falls but you weren't there to hear it? What about the popcorn? I wouldn't buy it and I'm guilty of seeing people with it and thinking that its muggy. I can tell you one thing for certain, if something isn't selling in the stadium then it won't be available for long – It must be in demand. I don't feel that it is a snack to be eaten at football but there are probably 80 year olds that thought burgers were unusual 60 years ago. I reckon if a bloke walked round the front of the stands selling roasted peanuts, a lot of the "popcorn complainers" would think it's strange. Well, it was happening long before you ever came to Upton Park. What I'm trying to say here is, if you were getting yourselves wound up before you got in the stadium, you were naturally going to be in a bad mood within it. People often dispel my comparisons but if I get stuck in traffic for 2 hours before work, inevitably I'm in a mood when I get into the office. I feel people need to keep a calm head. I'd like to know what issues people have with the stadium now a lot of the problems have been eradicated? It's a serious question. I'm not happy with the distance from the pitch, although in my seat it's not too different to what I was before, I'd say my view is quite similar. I have moved from about Row 20 to Row 8 for that though! Anyone who thought the distance from the front row to the touchline must've been living in a cave. I don't care (I do care) what David Gold said on a video, it was never going to be the case. However, it seems to me that people think the fact that we do not have a "retractable" seat system in place is the reason why we are the distance away that we are. Nonsense. Even if it was state of the art technology, we would still be in the same position. It is how it moves, not where it moves to that has changed. Yes, it does look bad having a scaffold pole on a breeze block. At the end of the day though, it doesn't actually affect you at all. Not unless it collapses with us in it anyway! To summarise this point, if the fans are up for it (Spurs, Chelsea) then we can make the place a cauldron. There will always be games against teams like Hull, West Brom where the team have to turn it on to get us off their seats…like they did against Watford for 30 minutes actually – but again, if people think there was an electric atmosphere for these games at Upton Park, they are wrong again. I can definitely remember seeing fans walk out at 2-0 down vs Watford in Division 1. We ended up winning 3-2 – maybe we were better off without them! We were also often subject to heavy defeats at Upton Park, the most recent in what was the last scheduled game vs Swansea and we lost 4-1. To leave the stadium off the back of that really would've been "the West Ham way". Overall, this doesn't mean I'm delighted with the stadium move, not at all. What I am old enough to realise though is that no amount of moaning, be it justified or not is going to move us back to Upton Park. Unfortunately, it is time to let go, we are supposed to support the team & the club as a whole and that is what we should be doing. 54,000 West Ham fans supporting the team in full voice can't be matched.
Recruitment – The supporters had in their heads that we were going to sign a 20 goal striker last summer. It's not hard to know why. The chairman were particularly vocal and obviously confident they could deliver this. I'm not sure if they ever quoted that they would sign a striker that will score 20 goals, but it was certainly how it seemed. I feel that this was the only place, although probably the most important area that we were let down in. The board are apparently tight. I think we all are with our own money? Anyway, they bid £43m for Lacazette. We know this is for certain. Well, that rules out that they were willing to spend money. The paid £5m for a loan fee for Zaza with the agreement in place that if we wanted, we'd pay the extra £20m to secure the transfer. Zaza could've worked out as much as it may not have. Personally, although he wasn't my first choice, I still thought he would be an adequate signing. I certainly expected him to score a few at least. Maybe I played too much Football Manger 15. We spent a similar amount on Ayew. If anyone thinks that Ayew isn't a good addition to our squad, they're mad. He is potentially our second choice left attacking midfielder now. Compare that to 3 or 4 years ago when our only choice was Jarvis. Unfortunately Ayew got injured very early on and he only really got going as the season was coming to a close. Calleri was brought in as 4th or even 5th choice striker. I still don't think he was a bad footballer, but he lacked composure in front of goal without doubt. Again though, 4/5th choice. Feghouli, a "free transfer" – it's become apparent that he is on extremely high wages as well as a substantial signing on fee. That's good of the tight owners. Although he didn't perform great throughout the season, I think he lacks a bit of common sense and the realisation that he is playing in the Premier League. I think he has the ability. I'm positive about him and certainly think he is worth a place in the squad. Lanzini, he was signed with last season's budget. Nothing needs saying about this absolute steal. Tore – looked terrible but this was all Bilic. Would he have come good? I don't think so, but he did only play at a time when the team was all over the place. He will always be the man who assisted the first ever league goal in the London Stadium. Maybe we can argue the board are tight here. Bilic wanted to sign him. I'd say its probably lucky that Sullivan didn't agree. Arbeloa – I think he looked terrible from day 1, poor transfer but was signed out of desperation at the last minute as Bilic had insisted Antonio was the right back he wanted to use. We also had and still have Byram. We now have Zabaleta too. Masuaku – another decent signing. So much so that it's a 50/50 split amongst the fans over who gets the nod between him and Creswell. Its probably the first time in history that the club have 4 good full backs. Even 3! Fernandes – I don't think anyone was overly enthused with the signing at the time but the fans were often calling for him throughout the season, definitely got a good future, hopefully with us. Nordtveit – on paper this was a good signing. Again, was he the 4th choice DM? Captain of a decent club in Germany and a proven performer. He didn't work out in the end but did look ok in his natural position with the exception of the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool. Snodgrass & Fonte were signed in January. Snodgrass actually started off ok and Fonte looked shaky. By the end of the season, their performances switched if you like. The club obviously went down the line of trying to sign players who know the league. Maybe with a full pre-season both players will show improvement, if they're still here…it looks like Snodgrass might leave. Overall, the club didn't really improve the first team at all. I did think the squad was a lot stronger than the season before when the summer window closed, but in hindsight, I would've rather had Eminike, Song & Moses than Calleri, Nordtveit & Tore. I feel the club definitely went for quantity over quality, although they may feel that they were going for both. We were definitely spoilt with the previous 2 summer transfer windows though. Overall, the club have signed very good players for the level we are / were at, at the time. Carroll as a newly promoted team on loan was magnificent at the time. Nolan in Division One. Yes, they threw money at him, I'll accept that answer from you, as long as you're not one of those that call them tight. Payet – say no more. I don't know why he got the hump. The only really thing he has mentioned is that the team wasn't performing and the only isolated incident he spoke about was the post getting MOTM against Hull. What a signing he was though and again, in hindsight it's a shame Madrid or similar didn't come in for him after the Euros. We would've got a lot more money and the relationship wouldn't be what it is now. What a player to have in the final season at Upton Park at least. We have undoubtedly signed some rubbish in their time also. Often they are not first choice players. I would say out first eleven is very good. It goes without saying that they were all signed by the current board as they've been here so long now that everyone in the squad has, with the exception of Noble. It looks like this summer that every player signed / going to be signed is a major upgrade on whoever was playing in that position come the end of last season. It's more progress. The squad has made great progress under this board. Look at the squad before they took over.
Whether you like it or not, they are the closest thing to a West Ham supporter owning the club you're likely to get now…unless one of us wins the Euromillions – I'm not sure if that's even enough now? We have always known ourselves as a family club yet people want a "rich Arab" in. I guess we would all like someone to own us in the same way Chelsea or Man City are owned. For every good takeover, there is 2 or 3 that are terrible, so we need to use the old Allardyce adage "Be careful what you wish for" We were lucky to see the back of him, I don't know if we would be so lucky to see the owners go.
I really cannot for the life of me see why people thought we weren't going to make good signings this Summer. There is absolutely no chance that the club were not going to push the boat out to sign a proven PL striker. It looks like it will be Hernandez. He might have even scored for us by the time I finish typing this!
I could not believe what I have read over the past few weeks. People giving up season tickets? One in particular "supporter" was giving up his season ticket even though he got two for the price of one last season. Someone else today is gutted they didn't renew because it looks like we'll be signing Hernandez. Has West Ham become that we only care if we're winning. Are people only saying it because we've moved stadiums that we expect to be near the top of the league? I don't think many stadium moves went smoothly. Ours was probably worst of all for trouble within the stadium but again, the internet magnifies things massively now and we were a bit of "public enemy #1" because of the cheap deal we got. There could also be the argument that because it is our club, we see it happening. It's like when you feel like you always join the slowest queue, you only think of that when you actually do it.
People demanding the board leave the club with nobody to come in to replace them. If there is someone with the money to own our club and they're serious about it, that person will come forward whether the current board want to leave or not, and they will make an offer. So far, I don't think anyone has made a serious offer. Other supporters are calling our club a joke. Don't get me wrong, if we had got to September 1st and not signed a top striker, serious questions would've been asked. There was no chance of this happening. I imagine there would've been protests. I wouldn't have necessarily joined in, I think I'm too old for it all now and have enough to worry about with the business I'm involved in than to think I can run a football club better.
The biggest oxymoron of all is how people think the owners of the club deliberately strip their own business of assets and are happy to see relegation so they can sell the club and make more money? I've actually seen people suggest this. I am quite sure that if they spend £70m net to get us challenging and maybe into the top 4 (that nearly happened once already), the club would be worth a lot more and they will be in a better position to sell. These people saying these things must surely look at themselves and ask if they are in a position to judge self-made multi-millionaires. Every single supporter wishes they could own the club. The chances are none of you started off with less than David Gold. Why don't you try to do it better than them? The natural response is you cant. There lies your answer. You either think you can't but you can if you put your head to it or you just can't. If someone walked into my office telling me they could do my job better, I'd give them the chance. It would make my life a lot easier. At least until the following Monday when I'd be picking up the pieces.
Ultimately I want to know why people embarrass themselves by crying their eyes out on Twitter when the players hadn't even done a week's training. We have pretty much always left signings to the last minute – I remember a great summer where we signed Henri Camara at about 23:55. Supporters were quite pleased actually. It looks like we will have 4 good signings wrapped up before Fonte has even returned to train himself. I've seen a couple of supporters say that the club have pulled these out of the bag because of the pressure from the fans. I don't think the board are naïve or stupid enough for that to be the case.
I still believe that we will sign an additional striker, probably Gray? This would effectively make our 3rd & 4th choice strikers Sakho & Carroll…if we have them to choose from! Again, great progress. I think we will also go in for Wilshere on loan which would be another a good addition without doubt and again a major upgrade on Nordtveit. I hope that a lot of the unnecessary moaning will be gone for the foreseeable and that when the season starts in August, all energy is put towards supporting the team on the pitch, especially when we eventually play our first game at home in September (which by the way is only the situation this year because of the World Athletic Championships – it is not going to be a regular occurrence). We do have the best support in the country, you only have to see what we've been through in my time (22 years) of going regularly and compare that to our attendances. We're glutton for punishment it seems.
I'm not sure if we would really have it any other way?
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Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic transfers bring West Ham closer to their European ambitions
The latest West Ham transfer news sees the Hammers confirm the signing of Marko Arnautovic from Stoke
Footbal London
BYPHILLIP EKUWEM
21:45, 22 JUL 2017
The summer transfer window gone very well for West Ham so far. Slaven Bilic has been able to identify great players to fill the weak roles within his squad in a bid to avoid a repeat of last season's dysfunction. The Hammers faithful now have cause to be optimistic as their side has already completed the signings of Joe Hart and Pablo Zabaleta on a loan deal and free transfer respectively. The former Manchester City duo, though, represent the tip of the iceberg in West Ham's summer transfer dealings with Marko Arnautovic confirmed and Javier Hernandez set to arrive at the London Stadium in a few days. West Ham's attacking third was nothing short of dreadful last season as none of the strikers within the club's ranks were able to hit double figures in the Premier League. With Andy Carroll sporadic in both fitness and form, Bilic prioritised the signing of a new striker ahead of the 2017/18 season, one with pace, by the Croat's own admission. Daniel Sturridge, Michy Batshuayi and even Dries Mertens sprung up as possible targets, but none of them were keen on joining the east Londoners. Reports then linked a seemingly unhappy Olivier Giroud with a move to the London Stadium, but that speculation has been put to bed. Only recently did Javier Hernandez emerge as an option for the Hammers. He may have made his name on the mainstream football scene as a super sub for Manchester United, but having produced the goods on a consistent basis for Bayer Leverkusen, he evidently has no problem leading the line over a long stretch. The Mexican striker isn't as physically powerful as Carroll, but he makes up for that in pace, technique and efficiency – he's your typical modern day striker with fox-like cunningness on the pitch. In a transfer window dominated by astronomical price tags for average players, Hernandez could be the biggest bargain of the season with West Ham said to be completing a deal for just £16m. His imminent signing is a real coup for the Hammers as he would probably cost in excess of £30m under normal circumstances due to his goalscoring prowess and experience. Hernandez is capable of hitting at least 15 goals a season when handed ample playing time – figures that could very well launch West Ham into a Europa League place next season. The 29-year-old scored a goal every other game for Leverkusen last season as his total tally for the Bundesliga campaign amounted to 11 goals in 26 appearances - just 20 of which were starts. He notched 17 goals in 25 starts in the previous season, whilst on the international scene he currently has an astonishing record of 48 goals in 96 appearances for Mexico. The Hammers are expected to complete a deal for the Mexico international in the coming days having announced the signing of Arnautovic from Stoke earlier today. The Austria international arrived at the Potters in 2013 as one of the poster boys of Mark Hughes' 'Stokielona' side. Although he has had his fair share of problems on and off the pitch, he's also played a significant role in the team's relative success under Hughes. Arnautovic is poised to be an indirect replacement for Dimitri Payet as they share a similar style of play but markedly different levels of output. Like the Frenchman, Arnautovic is technically gifted and capable of the spectacular, but unlike Payet, Arnautovic isn't the best at creating opportunities for his teammates. He crafted just 50 chances in 32 appearances last term with 5 of them turning into assists – he also notched 6 goals, as opposed to his tally of 11 goals from the previous season. Arnautovic, though, has a high work rate for a winger as exemplified by the 87 tackles he attempted and the 28 interceptions he made last season. At a reported £24million, Arnautovic is sure to be a great addition to the Hammers' front line.
West Ham arguably missed Payet more than anybody else in the team last season. He was revered by fans as the club's best player since Paolo di Canio and it will be difficult for Arnautovic to earn that sort of recognition at the London Stadium. But seeing as he boasts of a similar level of technical proficiency as Payet, he will at the very least prove to be a solid player for the Hammers, and as we all know, they lacked solidity at almost every position last season. A lot is riding on the upcoming campaign for West Ham. Bilic will almost certainly get axed should West Ham undergo another tough spell, plus the club will lose the little momentum they have left. But with an attacking third that features the talents of Arnautovic, Hernandez as well as the sensational Manuel Lanzini, there's little doubt surrounding the Hammers fulfilling their Europa League ambitions.
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West Ham prepared to let Adrian leave alongside Darren Randolph with Crystal Palace and Newcastle on alert
West Ham transfer news: All the latest from the London Stadium
Adrian set to leave West Ham alongside Middlsebrough-bound Darren Randolph
Slaven Bilic happy to let both senior goalkeepers leave after Joe Hart's arrival
The Hammers manager is looking for a back-up to the England international
By Matt Barlow for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 06:37 EDT, 22 July 2017 | UPDATED: 06:58 EDT, 22 July 2017
West Ham are prepared to let Adrian leave despite Darren Randolph's imminent move to Middlesbrough. After signing Joe Hart on loan from Manchester City for the season ahead the Hammers are set to clear out both their senior goalkeepers. Randolph has agreed a £4.5million move to Boro where he has a deal worth £27,000 a week. The Republic of Ireland international impressed enough at the London Stadium to start 22 Premier League games last season but would not be considered to play ahead of Hart. Adrian, who has 29 clean sheets to show from his 106 Premier League appearances for West Ham, has interest from fellow top-flight outfits Crystal Palace and Newcastle. Hammers manager Slaven Bilic has started his search for another goalkeeper to come in as cover for England international Hart.
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LAZIO HAVE OFFERS FOR KEITA BUT NOT FROM INTER AND JUVENTUS
RYAN DARBY @RyanDarby_
readWestHam
Lazio president Claudio Lotito says the Serie A side have received offers for Keita Balde, but not from Inter Milan or Juventus. Goal reports that the club president has revealed Keita does have offers from abroad. I haven't received offers from Inter or Juventus, but they have come from abroad. If he wants to go, he must get an appropriate bid. News emerged during the week that West Ham have agreed a fee with Lazio for the player in a deal reportedly worth around €32 million.
After an impressive season in Italy, the reports came as a surprise with the winger widely expected to leave Lazio for either Inter Milan or Juventus this summer.
Juventus have recently turned their attention to Fiorentina winger and Italy U21 international Federico Bernardeschi, while Inter themselves are in the market for a winger to replace Ivan Perisic, who is being linked with Manchester United. Keita scored 16 league goals in Serie A last season and also managed a further three assists for Lazio, which has not gone unnoticed.
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Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic signings don't mean the end for Andy Carroll at West Ham
West Ham transfer news includes the impact Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic signings will have on Andy Carroll
Football London
BYROB GUEST
12:55, 22 JUL 2017
Former Hammer Steve Lomas believes Andy Carroll still has a big part to play at West Ham despite the pending arrivals of Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic.
Slaven Bilic's side had a number of problems upfront last year and Carroll was limited to 18 games in the Premier League due to injuries. With Hernandez now set to sign on the dotted line at the London Stadium, the former Newcastle striker has a major fight on his hands to seal a place in the starting XI. However, Lomas, who played at Upton Park between 1997 and 2005, has said that the 28-year-old still has a future in east London. "When fit, there's no doubt that Andy Carroll is a great asset to West Ham, but unfortunately you can't rely on him to stay injury free," Lomas told bwin. "I would still keep him around in hope the club can find a formula that will see him training regularly and playing 30 matches per season. "When he's on the pitch, he's dangerous – his bicycle kick last season was astonishing. "What West Ham do need is more options because they lacked a plan B last season. "I think that's why Bilic is targeting players with pace – the likes of Arnautovic and Hernandez to boost his options."
As well as Arnautovic and Hernandez arriving at the club, Bilic has strengthened at the back with the signings of Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart. Although the Hammers conceded five less goals than Sunderland last season, Lomas is confident that the club have plenty of options at the back to improve on the 64 goals they conceded in the league. "West Ham clearly prioritised a new right-back and they were quick to sign Zabaleta," added Lomas. "Though he's 32, I think he has a lot to offer. "Like Hart, he joins the club with something to prove and brings a winning mentality. "I think he'll prove to be a good signing. "I think West Ham lacked consistency in their team selection in defence and that's always a sign that things aren't going well. "West Ham suffered from injuries to the likes of Ogbonna and Reid, but when everyone's fit, they've got four central defenders who have a lot of experience so I don't think it should be a priority."
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EXCLUSIVE: WEST HAM SET TO SIGN BRENTFORD STAR JOTA
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
ReadWestHam
West Ham have had a great week in terms of incomings to the London Stadium and another player is set to follow suit. Read West Ham understands that the Hammers are set to sign Brentford midfielder Jota. Slaven Bilic is in the market for a new midfielder after selling Havard Nordtveit to Hoffenheim and the Hammers have been linked with Jota throughout the summer window. The 26-year-old arrived in English football at Brentford in a £1.3m deal from Celta Vigo and scored 11 goals and provided three assists in 42 Championship appearances in his debut season at the club. His second season was derailed by an ankle injury before he joined Eibar on a 12 months loan in January 2016. After returning to Brentford in January 2017, Jota once again found his stride, scoring 12 goals and laying on five assists in 21 League appearances in the second half of the season. With his contract expiring at the end of next season, Jota has received a lot of interest from Premier League clubs and with Brentford pressured to sell or risk losing him on a free, they have been resigned to the fact that he will leave this summer. Able to operate in an attacking midfield role or on either wing, Jota will be another addition to a vastly improved West Ham attack that will feature Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez when their moves from Stoke and Bayer Leverkusen respectively are finalised. Linked with the likes of Everton, Swansea and Burnley, a deal for Jota could be wrapped up soon to become the Hammers' fifth summer signing.
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Joe Cole hails new Hammers signings and insists top seven finish is possible
By Anton Stanley - @antonstanley
Saturday, July 22, 2017
talkSPORT
West Ham United have made quality moves in the transfer market and could challenge for a place in Europe, believes former midfielder Joe Cole. The Hammers have completed deals for Joe Hart and Pablo Zabaleta, while moves for Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez, should be sealed in the coming days. And this business has impressed ex-West Ham man Cole, who is currently playing his football for Tampa Bay Rowdies in the United Soccer League. "I think they are terrific signings," he told talkSPORT. "When Javier Hernandez left Manchester United, West Ham should probably have gone in for him then. He's a proven goalscorer wherever he's gone and Marko Arnautovic is a talent who the West Ham fans will enjoy watching. They're both great signings. "To get Joe Hart, the England goalkeeper, as well, that shows where the club is at the moment. They're doing really good business."
And the former England star insisted Hammers supporters should be excited about the players they have at their disposal this season. "They have got a really good squad there," he added. "I speak to a few of the boys there and the fans have got to be excited to have a team with Arnautovic, Manuel Lanzini, Robert Snodgrass, Andy Carroll, and Hernandez – really good players. They're going to have a cracking time. "I think West Ham, especially after moving into the new stadium, they're on the cusp of moving onto that next level as a club. Credit to the owners and the management, and how the club has been run."
And when asked if he felt his former team could break into the Premier League's top seven, Cole was also extremely positive. "Without a doubt," he replied. "Out of all the clubs, who are under it, West Ham are the best equipped, with them having the new stadium and the financial power to attract players. Stoke are probably a similar quality team but Arnautovic wants to leave them to go to West Ham because of the location and the size of the club, and that's a massive thing.
"It's just a slow build process and I think will [break into the top seven] eventually."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Daily WHUFC News - Marko Arnautovic
West Ham complete signing of Austria star Marko Arnautovic
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce the Club-record signing of Austria
attacker Marko Arnautovic. The talented Arnautovic joins the Hammers from
Stoke City, adding proven Premier League and international quality to Slaven
Bilic's forward line. The 28-year-old, who arrives from Stoke City on a
five-year contract, becomes West Ham's third signing of the summer,
following England goalkeeper Joe Hart and Argentina full-back Pablo
Zabaleta. "It feels special to me to be a West Ham player," said Arnautovic,
who has 62 caps for his country. "Everyone knows that West Ham is a big
Club, with big history and I'm happy to be a part of it now. I can't wait to
get started. "I played against West Ham at the old stadium – I didn't play
last year at the new stadium because I was suspended – but I came to the
game and I can only say it is a massive Club with a lot of fans. "They are
crazy for football and this is what I like. The Club is still growing,
getting better and better and that's why I'm here."
Joint-Chairman David Sulllivan added: "We're delighted to have completed
Marko's transfer from Stoke City. "Alongside Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart we
have brought in three players with vast Premier League experience this
summer, and that was one of our key targets as we look ahead to the new
season. "Marko will bring plenty of quality to our front line and I'm
excited to see him in a claret and blue shirt."
An exciting player capable of opening up the tightest of defences,
Arnautovic has caught the eye, created and taken chances wherever he has
played. After breaking through as a free-scoring teenager at Dutch club FC
Twente, the versatile forward spent a season on loan under Jose Mourinho at
Italian giants Internazionale before joining German side Werder Bremen in
June 2010. The Austrian produced the goods regularly in the Bundesliga,
scoring 16 goals and assisting 13 more in just 84 appearances over three
seasons, including a first senior hat-trick at Hoffenheim in December 2012.
The following year, Stoke City brought him to the Premier League, where his
career continued to flourish under Mark Hughes. In four seasons in the
Potteries, Arnautovic helped Stoke to three ninth-place finishes, with the
Vienna-born forward scoring 26 times and registering 32 assists in 146
games. Arnautovic is also one of Austria's biggest sports stars and has been
a regular for his national team for the past six years. He started all ten
qualifiers and three finals matches at UEFA Euro 2016 and has scored three
times in Austria's opening six 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Everyone at West Ham United would like to wish Marko the best of luck as he
embarks on a new adventure in Claret and Blue at London Stadium.
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10 things you probably didn't know about Marko Arnautovic
Marko Arnautovic was born to a Serbian father and Austrian mother in the
Floridsdorf district to the north of the Austrian capital Vienna
He can speak six languages fluently, including German, English, Dutch and
Serbian.
The 28-year-old was just 16 when he made his senior debut for Wiener
Stadtliga club Floridsdorfer AC in a 1-0 defeat at KSC Ankerbrot on 26
August 2005
He joined Dutch side FC Twente at the age of 17, scoring 49 goals in 56
games at U19 and reserve-team levels before making his debut in 2007
He became close friends with Mario Balotelli when the pair were teammates at
Italian giants Internazionale in 2009/10
The Austrian has scored more goals (five) against German outfit TSG 1899
Hoffenheim than against any other opponent. In English football, he has
bagged three times each against Aston Villa and Sunderland
Arnautovic has also found the net twice in five appearances against West Ham
United – and never ended on the losing side against the Hammers
The winger embarked on 3.4 dribbles per game in the Premier League last
season – more than any other Stoke City player
He has the nickname Arnie in honour of his Austrian compatriot and star of
the Terminator movies, Arnold Schwarzenegger
Marko Arnautovic becomes just the second Austrian to represent West Ham
United after defender Emanuel Pogatetz, who played for the Hammers for a
short period in spring 2013
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Marko Arnautovic: West Ham sign Stoke City and Austria forward for £20m
BBc.co.uk
West Ham have signed Stoke City and Austria forward Marko Arnautovic for a
club record £20m, which could rise to £25m, on a five-year-deal. The
28-year-old joined Stoke from Werder Bremen four years ago and was just 12
months into a four-year contract with the Potters. He scored seven times in
35 games in all competitions last season. "Everyone knows that West Ham is a
big club and I'm happy to be a part of it. I can't wait to get started," he
said. "It feels special to me to be a West Ham player. They are crazy for
football and this is what I like. The club is still growing, getting better
and better and that's why I'm here."
Arnautovic becomes West Ham's third signing of the summer, following deals
for England goalkeeper Joe Hart and Argentina full-back Pablo Zabaleta.
The Hammers, who confirmed that Arnautovic is their club record signing,
previously broke their record last summer when they signed Andre Ayew from
Swansea for £20.5m.
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Marko Arnautovic joins West Ham from Stoke in club-record deal
By Dev Trehan
Last Updated: 22/07/17 7:21pm
SSN
West Ham have completed the signing of Marko Arnautovic from Stoke for a
club-record fee. Arnautovic came through his medical on Friday and becomes
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic's third summer signing following the arrival of
Joe Hart on loan and Pablo Zabaleta on a free transfer. The Austrian
attacker has penned a five-year deal and told West Ham's official website he
cannot wait to play for the club's supporters. "It feels special to me to be
a West Ham player," Arnautovic said. "Everyone knows that West Ham is a big
club, with a big history and I'm happy to be a part of it now. I can't wait
to get started. "I played against West Ham at the old stadium - I didn't
play last year at the new stadium because I was suspended - but I came to
the game and I can only say it is a massive club with a lot of fans. "They
are crazy for football and this is what I like. The club is still growing,
getting better and better and that's why I'm here."
West Ham co-chairman, David Sullivan, added: "We're delighted to have
completed Marko's transfer from Stoke City. "Alongside Pablo Zabaleta and
Joe Hart we have brought in three players with vast Premier League
experience this summer, and that was one of our key targets as we look ahead
to the new season. "Marko will bring plenty of quality to our front line and
I'm excited to see him in a claret and blue shirt."
Arnautovic scored 26 goals during four seasons at Stoke after joining the
club from German Bundesliga side Werder Bremen in 2013. He has won 62 caps
for Austria and played in all three of his country's matches at Euro 2016.
The 28-year-old has already registered three goals for Austria in their
opening six 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce the Club-record signing of Austria
attacker Marko Arnautovic. The talented Arnautovic joins the Hammers from
Stoke City, adding proven Premier League and international quality to Slaven
Bilic's forward line. The 28-year-old, who arrives from Stoke City on a
five-year contract, becomes West Ham's third signing of the summer,
following England goalkeeper Joe Hart and Argentina full-back Pablo
Zabaleta. "It feels special to me to be a West Ham player," said Arnautovic,
who has 62 caps for his country. "Everyone knows that West Ham is a big
Club, with big history and I'm happy to be a part of it now. I can't wait to
get started. "I played against West Ham at the old stadium – I didn't play
last year at the new stadium because I was suspended – but I came to the
game and I can only say it is a massive Club with a lot of fans. "They are
crazy for football and this is what I like. The Club is still growing,
getting better and better and that's why I'm here."
Joint-Chairman David Sulllivan added: "We're delighted to have completed
Marko's transfer from Stoke City. "Alongside Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart we
have brought in three players with vast Premier League experience this
summer, and that was one of our key targets as we look ahead to the new
season. "Marko will bring plenty of quality to our front line and I'm
excited to see him in a claret and blue shirt."
An exciting player capable of opening up the tightest of defences,
Arnautovic has caught the eye, created and taken chances wherever he has
played. After breaking through as a free-scoring teenager at Dutch club FC
Twente, the versatile forward spent a season on loan under Jose Mourinho at
Italian giants Internazionale before joining German side Werder Bremen in
June 2010. The Austrian produced the goods regularly in the Bundesliga,
scoring 16 goals and assisting 13 more in just 84 appearances over three
seasons, including a first senior hat-trick at Hoffenheim in December 2012.
The following year, Stoke City brought him to the Premier League, where his
career continued to flourish under Mark Hughes. In four seasons in the
Potteries, Arnautovic helped Stoke to three ninth-place finishes, with the
Vienna-born forward scoring 26 times and registering 32 assists in 146
games. Arnautovic is also one of Austria's biggest sports stars and has been
a regular for his national team for the past six years. He started all ten
qualifiers and three finals matches at UEFA Euro 2016 and has scored three
times in Austria's opening six 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Everyone at West Ham United would like to wish Marko the best of luck as he
embarks on a new adventure in Claret and Blue at London Stadium.
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10 things you probably didn't know about Marko Arnautovic
Marko Arnautovic was born to a Serbian father and Austrian mother in the
Floridsdorf district to the north of the Austrian capital Vienna
He can speak six languages fluently, including German, English, Dutch and
Serbian.
The 28-year-old was just 16 when he made his senior debut for Wiener
Stadtliga club Floridsdorfer AC in a 1-0 defeat at KSC Ankerbrot on 26
August 2005
He joined Dutch side FC Twente at the age of 17, scoring 49 goals in 56
games at U19 and reserve-team levels before making his debut in 2007
He became close friends with Mario Balotelli when the pair were teammates at
Italian giants Internazionale in 2009/10
The Austrian has scored more goals (five) against German outfit TSG 1899
Hoffenheim than against any other opponent. In English football, he has
bagged three times each against Aston Villa and Sunderland
Arnautovic has also found the net twice in five appearances against West Ham
United – and never ended on the losing side against the Hammers
The winger embarked on 3.4 dribbles per game in the Premier League last
season – more than any other Stoke City player
He has the nickname Arnie in honour of his Austrian compatriot and star of
the Terminator movies, Arnold Schwarzenegger
Marko Arnautovic becomes just the second Austrian to represent West Ham
United after defender Emanuel Pogatetz, who played for the Hammers for a
short period in spring 2013
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Marko Arnautovic: West Ham sign Stoke City and Austria forward for £20m
BBc.co.uk
West Ham have signed Stoke City and Austria forward Marko Arnautovic for a
club record £20m, which could rise to £25m, on a five-year-deal. The
28-year-old joined Stoke from Werder Bremen four years ago and was just 12
months into a four-year contract with the Potters. He scored seven times in
35 games in all competitions last season. "Everyone knows that West Ham is a
big club and I'm happy to be a part of it. I can't wait to get started," he
said. "It feels special to me to be a West Ham player. They are crazy for
football and this is what I like. The club is still growing, getting better
and better and that's why I'm here."
Arnautovic becomes West Ham's third signing of the summer, following deals
for England goalkeeper Joe Hart and Argentina full-back Pablo Zabaleta.
The Hammers, who confirmed that Arnautovic is their club record signing,
previously broke their record last summer when they signed Andre Ayew from
Swansea for £20.5m.
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Marko Arnautovic joins West Ham from Stoke in club-record deal
By Dev Trehan
Last Updated: 22/07/17 7:21pm
SSN
West Ham have completed the signing of Marko Arnautovic from Stoke for a
club-record fee. Arnautovic came through his medical on Friday and becomes
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic's third summer signing following the arrival of
Joe Hart on loan and Pablo Zabaleta on a free transfer. The Austrian
attacker has penned a five-year deal and told West Ham's official website he
cannot wait to play for the club's supporters. "It feels special to me to be
a West Ham player," Arnautovic said. "Everyone knows that West Ham is a big
club, with a big history and I'm happy to be a part of it now. I can't wait
to get started. "I played against West Ham at the old stadium - I didn't
play last year at the new stadium because I was suspended - but I came to
the game and I can only say it is a massive club with a lot of fans. "They
are crazy for football and this is what I like. The club is still growing,
getting better and better and that's why I'm here."
West Ham co-chairman, David Sullivan, added: "We're delighted to have
completed Marko's transfer from Stoke City. "Alongside Pablo Zabaleta and
Joe Hart we have brought in three players with vast Premier League
experience this summer, and that was one of our key targets as we look ahead
to the new season. "Marko will bring plenty of quality to our front line and
I'm excited to see him in a claret and blue shirt."
Arnautovic scored 26 goals during four seasons at Stoke after joining the
club from German Bundesliga side Werder Bremen in 2013. He has won 62 caps
for Austria and played in all three of his country's matches at Euro 2016.
The 28-year-old has already registered three goals for Austria in their
opening six 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
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