Manchester United v West Ham: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
West Ham United kick-off the 2017/18 Premier League season away at Manchester United on Sunday.
The Irons will take on Jose Mourinho's Red Devils at Old Trafford in what is another tricky opening day test for Slaven Bilic, having faced Arsenal and Chelsea away in his other two first league matches with West Ham.
Read on for everything you could possibly want to know about this weekend's opening league fixture including team news, possible debuts and how to follow this Sunday's fixture.
Where and when?
Manchester United v West Ham will be played at Old Trafford, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 BST.
Fans attending the contest at the 75,000-seater stadium will be interested to know the address, which is: Old Trafford, Sir Matt Busby Way, Stretford, Manchester M16 0RA.
Where to watch and follow?
As usual live updates from Old Trafford will be available at @WestHamUtd.
West Ham's contest at Manchester United will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event from 15:30 BST.
Audio coverage will also be provided by BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio London.
Team news
All five of West Ham's summer signings are fit and available for Sunday's clash meaning that Chicharito could be in line for his Hammers debut against his former side.
However Andy Carroll, Cheikhou Kouyate, Michail Antonio and Diafra Sakho will all miss out as they recover from injury.
Manchester United meanwhile are without long-term absentees Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo,
Mourinho could call on new signings Victor Lindelof, Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic for their United Premier League debuts.
Match Officials
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Assistant Referees: Sam Child and Adam Nunn
Fourth Official: Neil Swarbrick
Meet the opposition
West Ham will face a stern test at Old Trafford this weekend as they take on the most successful club in English football history. Last season's Europa League triumph means Manchester United have 42 major titles, putting them clear of Liverpool's 41 at the top of the rankings.
Despite this the Red Devils have endured a more difficult time in recent seasons, particularly following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson. Only once in the last four campaigns have United managed to finish in the top four, relying on their Europa League win last season to secure passage to the Champions League this year.
Manager Mourinho will be keen to make a major impact in what is set to be his second season in charge of United. Big-money signings have been made and fans are expecting a push for the Premier League title.
Players to watch
The most obvious answer is the best for this one - former Manchester United striker Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez will likely play against his former side on Sunday.
Hernandez spent five years on the books at United, including one which was a loan at Real Madrid, scoring 59 goals in all competitions and winning two Premier League medals.
Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer now returns to Old Trafford with the Hammers looking to continue his fine record in England for the Irons. United know only too well how lethal Chicharito can be in front of goal.
Head-to-head
Recent history is against West Ham in this fixture with the team winning just once against Manchester United since the Club's return to the Premier League.
That win was a 3-2 victory in the final match at the Boleyn Ground thanks to goals from Diafra Sakho, Michail Antonio and Winston Reid.
The Irons have lost their last two contests against United, a 2-0 home league defeat and a 4-1 EFL Cup loss, but drew the last league match at Old Trafford 1-1.
Last five results against Man Utd:
January 2 2017 - 0-2 loss
November 30 2016 - 4-1 loss
November 27 2016 - 1-1 draw
May 10 2016 - 3-2 win
April 13 2016 - 1-2 loss
How to get there
By car: Leave the M6 at junction 19 and take the A556 towards Manchester Airport. Continue on the M56 to Manchester, go past the airport, and follow the signs to the M60 (North & West). Leave the M60 at junction 7 and follow the signs for Manchester United.
Public transport: The Metrolink offers a frequent travel option from the centre of Manchester, including outside the Victoria and Piccadilly stations, to Old Trafford station - a five minute walk from the stadium.
Alternatively North Western Trains also provide a match-day only service from city centre stations to Old Trafford, where the station is located along the South Stand.
Buy tickets
Away tickets for West Ham's trip to Manchester United have sold out.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gary Lewin: Building blocks are in place for the season ahead
WHUFC.com
Head of Medical Services Gary Lewin provides an update on the squad's physical condition ahead of Sunday's Premier League opener at Manchester United on Sunday…
'The pre-season preparations have gone very well. The players have worked very hard and, although it is extremely demanding for them, they understand the benefit in the long run.
Pre-season can be described as the base building blocks that you put in place to see you through the rigours of a long, hard campaign. You hear it time and time again – coaches love players to have a full pre-season because it gives them their core strength for the year ahead.
The majority of our players have now completed a full and comprehensive pre-season programme. Those that haven't, due to injury, are playing a bit of catch-up but it is important that they still do the equivalent of a pre-season and are not rushed back too soon.
In our department, you are never happy if there are players in the medical room, but generally things are positive and moving in the right direction.
Some of the players who ended last season injured have now returned to playing, some are still moving forward in their recovery, and we have also picked up a couple of new injuries during pre-season, but nothing too serious or long-term.
Andy Carroll has stepped up his rehab recently and we are hoping to have him back in full training in the near future.
I never like putting times or dates on a player's return from injury because it has to be assessed day to day and things can change, but we are looking at days not weeks with Andy, in terms of being back on the training pitch.
We have to remember that he has been out for four months, so his return has to be very carefully planned, and it has to be at the right time. But we are all happy with his progress and he is moving in the right direction.
Cheikhou Kouyate is at around the same level – he is now working very hard out on the pitches and is close to joining in full training, as is Manuel Lanzini, and we hope that both will be available again before the international break.
Aaron Cresswell has missed a few days' training with a slight knock but is going to train on Friday and will be available for the weekend.
Diafra Sakho and Winston Reid played in the Under-23 match at Tottenham last weekend and both came through it fine. Diafra has now had a full week of training, which is very positive for him, and we can now start to look at getting him some match time.
He probably needs a bit more training, because he hasn't had a complete pre-season, but it's looking good for Diafra and he is making excellent progress.
Mark Noble and Pedro Obiang, who both ended the season injured, have had a full pre-season and, although Mark missed a couple of days with a minor toe problem, they are both now fully fit and ready for the season.
Finally, Michail Antonio is also getting very close. He has trained all week with the first team and is going to play on Friday night at Dagenham for the Under 23s against Everton.
All being well, he will train fully again next week and be available to Slaven for selection. Again, we have had to be careful with Michail – he is an explosive and powerful player who relies heavily on his hamstring muscles – and so we need to progress him in the right way.
Michail is a fantastic athlete – he looks so fit and there is a temptation to throw him straight back out there, but that wouldn't be the right thing to do.
Dom Rogan, Fraser Young and Eamon Swift in my team have done a fantastic job with Diafra, Winston and Michail through pre-season to get them back to training, working on a very tight timescale.
Obviously we all want the players to be back as quickly as possible, but it is my job to ensure that they return at the time that is right for each individual. It is a balancing act, and you can never be 100% certain, but we make that judgement based on what we believe is right for the player.
What I would say is that the vast majority of Premier League clubs are exactly the same. Obviously supporters only follow their own clubs and we are only interested in West Ham United, but if you've read and seen some of the injury problems that other teams have been having over the past few weeks, they really are no different to us. It is part and parcel of the modern game.
In the eight weeks or so that I have been here, I can honestly say that we have a fantastic set-up here. We've tried to make a few small adjustments behind the scenes that everyone has been responsive to, the players have been great, and everyone is really looking forward to the start of the new season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United's October & November fixture changes announced
WHUFC.com
With the huge interest in seeing how West Ham United perform with our exciting new signings this season, five of our games during October and November have been selected for TV coverage
Following last season's unforgettable derby victory over Tottenham Hotspur, Friday night football returns to London Stadium for the meeting with newly-promoted Brighton & Hove Albion on 20 October with an 8pm kick-off.
Slaven Bilic's men will host Liverpool at 5.30pm on Saturday 4 November*, before heading to Watford after the international break on Sunday 19 November at 4pm.
There is another home Friday night assignment for the Hammers when Leicester City visit east London on 24 November at 8pm.
Finally, the away game at Everton remains on Wednesday 29 November but will now kick-off at 8pm.
*Should Liverpool be involved in the UEFA Europa League the preceding Thursday, this game will move to Sunday 5 November at 12pm.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Holland eyes opening day win over former club Everton
WHUFC.com
Nathan Holland is looking forward to catching up with old friends on Friday when the Hammers' PL2 side face his old club Everton, but ultimately is focused on winning the season opener.
The exciting winger left the Merseysiders for West Ham United midway through last season and impressed for Terry Westley's U23s, scoring a number of goals which saw him train with the first team regularly.
Everton were crowned Premier League 2 Division 1 champions last season, while the Hammers are new to the top flight this term having been promoted via the play-offs in May.
And Holland hopes the team can carry on that momentum when they face his old team at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.
He said: "It will be great to play against my old club, and it's the first game of the season so we're raring to go.
"We've just been promoted and Everton won the league so it will be really good to see where we stand. Overall though, everyone is just really looking forward to it.
"It will be good to see all the boys in that Everton team who I know very well. They work hard, they're a good team and they have a lot of quality. I think we're a very good team too though and I'm sure if we turn up, it will be a great game.
"The confidence in our team is high after last season, though. We want to continue with the momentum from last year. I know I've obviously been with the first team this pre-season but the lads have done well this summer and they've played some good teams."
As the winger highlighted, this pre-season has seen him team-up with Slaven Bilic's squad for trips to Austria, Germany and Iceland.
The teenager ended up playing a part in all of the Hammers' fixtures and was pleased with the progress he made on tour.
"I think everyone's been happy with how I've adapted, training with the first team this summer and I've been happy with how I've made an impact in the games," the youngster continued. "That's brought confidence and more minutes on the pitch and hopefully I can just get better and better.
"I think you just have to take that in your stride. We went away all together and you get on with it and try and do your best. Everyone made me feel welcome and it was a great experience.
"Hopefully I have and we've come out stronger at the end of that pre-season, and I'm looking forward to us getting back to Dagenham and showing everyone what we can do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Date set for Carabao Cup tie
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will travel to Cheltenham Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday 23 August, kick-off 7.45pm.
The Hammers have been drawn against the League 2 side for the second time in five seasons, having played them at the Boleyn Ground at the same stage of this competition in August 2013, triumphing 2-1 thanks to goals from Ricardo Vaz Te and Ravel Morrison.
That game saw Adrian make his first appearance in claret and blue and is the only previous meeting of the sides.
Thursday's draw originally pitted the Hammers at home, but as agreed by the EFL Board earlier this year and confirmed on Monday, a West Ham United home draw would be reversed immediately due to London Stadium welcoming the 2017 IAAF World Athletics Championships for a once-in-a-generation occasion.
The Hammers will therefore travel to Gloucestershire for the tie and ticketing details will be announced in due course.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United's 2017-18 squad numbers revealed
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have confirmed their squad numbers for the 2017/18 season.
Having already confirmed that new boys Chicharito and Joe Hart would take the Nos17 and 25 shirts respectively, Club record signing Marko Arnautovic will line-up for the Hammers with No27 on his back after making the move from Stoke City this summer.
Click here to personalise your shirt at our online store
Fellow new arrival Pablo Zabaleta is the Hammers' new No5 - the same number he wore when winning the Premier League title twice at Manchester City.
The Club's fifth summer signing, Sead Haksabanovic will wear 23, with Jose Fonte moving shirt numbers to four.
2017-18 squad numbers
2. Winston Reid
3. Aaron Cresswell
4. Jose Fonte
5. Pablo Zabaleta
7. Sofiane Feghouli
8. Cheikhou Kouyate
9. Andy Carroll
10. Manuel Lanzini
11. Robert Snodgrass
13. Adrian
14. Pedro Obiang
15. Diafra Sakho
16. Mark Noble
17. Chicharito
19. James Collins
20. Andre Ayew
21. Angelo Ogbonna
22. Sam Byram
23. Sead Haksabanovic
25. Joe Hart
26. Arthur Masuaku
27. Marko Arnautovic
29. Antonio Martinez
30. Michal Antonio
31. Edimilson Fernandes
34. Nathan Trott
36. Domingos Quina
37. Nathan Holland
39. Josh Pask
40. Alex Pike
41. Declan Rice
42. Martin Samuelsen
43. Marcus Browne
44. Vashon Neufville
45. Grady Diangana
46. Moses Makasi
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic: Happy Lanzini, transfer targets, kicking-off at Old Trafford and crazy fees
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic spoke to the media for nearly an hour ahead of West Ham United's opening Premier League fixture of the 2017/18 season. The Hammers travel to Manchester United on Sunday seeking to upset the odds and kick-off the campaign with victory at Old Trafford. At the same time, the summer transfer window remains open, with speculation still rife over who might come and go from London Stadium before it closes at the end of August.
Here is what the manager had to say on those issues, and much more...
Slaven Bilic was asked in his pre-match press conference about the importance of Manuel Lanzini to West Ham United.
The No10 signed a four-year deal on making his move from Al-Jazira Club permanent in March 2016 and the manager revealed the Hammers are now keen to tie Lanzini down to a new long-term contract. Bilic has a close relationship with his playmaker and believes the Argentina international is happy in a Claret and Blue shirt. "He is one of our key players, definitely," said the manager. "Manu is a great lad and he knows his situation. I spoke with him last season a few times, at the end of the season, and at the beginning of the pre-season and he knows we are looking after him. "He has a big year ahead of him and we know his situation and we're going to do everything possible to sort him out. "He has got a long contract with us but, let's be honest, the Chairman always used to appreciate those sorts of situations and I know he activated his clause even before he had to. He already showed him how much we respect him and he deserves from us to do it again. No doubt he is our key player and we're going to well look after him. "When I said he is a great lad, he never showed me – and we speak on a daily basis – any sort of things that he is unhappy. Of course every player knows his situation and wants to use his situation in a good way for himself, but I know for sure that he is happy here and he likes it."
Any other business?
While West Ham United are happy with the business they have done this summer, Bilic says the Club may not be done when it comes to the transfer window.
The Hammers have brought in five international players – Pablo Zabaleta, Joe Hart, Marko Arnautovic, Chicharito and Sead Haksabanovic – and allowed six first-team squad members to leave east London during the current window. However, the manager pointed out that the net expenditure means there are still funds available to make one further big-name signing. "I said I am thankful and I have to congratulate the Chairman and the Board for the business, because I said we wanted players who are going to improve our first eleven – and I mean 15 players – and that's what we've done," he repeated. "We wanted to get good players with great character who know the league and we got them. "Top players are hard to get but all of us are trying to get them. We've done the business but one more, I would love. "If we have to offload or to sell one, even then, but the other positions we have filled and done our priorities – right-back, centre forward and left wing – and then Joe Hart happened. "Now, if one goes, one will come to refresh the side, or if we can get something better then there is a possibility to do the job. The Board did a great job to get our first targets but didn't spend crazy money because we sold players for good money as well."
'It's not the ideal start…but it's brilliant!'
West Ham United face one of the Premier League's toughest tasks this weekend – trying to secure a positive result at Old Trafford. However, Slaven Bilic is unbeaten in two top-flight trips to Manchester United as Hammers manager and is hopeful of completing a creditable hat-trick this weekend So, while he would likely have picked a more simple task to kick-off the 2017/18 campaign, Bilic is not writing off his team's chances by any means. "It's not ideal to play there in the first game of the season, but on the other hand it's brilliant!" he smiled. "It's always the greatest away game in the league and of course we are positive and of course we have a chance. "We know they are Manchester United and they improved the squad with quality and big transfers and all that and they already played one competitive game against Real Madrid. "We are looking forward to it. We have some good recent memories of going to Old Trafford, having gone there twice in the league and we drew two times. "It's going to be very difficult and we know we will need to be on top of our game. We are missing some players who it would be better if we had with us, but of course we are positive."
Neymar's knock-on effect
The €222 million (£201 million) transfer of Neymar from Barcelona to Paris St-Germain has rocked the football world, with speculation rife that a number of other top players will move for huge fees before the current transfer window closes. West Ham United broke their own record fee when they signed Marko Arnautovic from Stoke City last month, but Bilic admitted even he has been surprised by the amount of money being paid this summer. "For me it's crazy money, of course it's crazy money! I mean, where did they find €222 million?" he laughed. "Of course, the money is ridiculous, but then again, if it was only Neymar or Messi or those kind of players and it only raised the price of excellent players, it's OK. "However, it is going to raise the price of average players and that is the problem because there are loads of them, but you can't stop it. "Then, does the circulation of money help the smaller clubs? This money that has gone to Barcelona, they are going to spend it and those clubs who receive it will then buy some players. One part of it will go to smaller clubs but if you ask me if the money is crazy, then yes of course it is. "If you want to play at big game fishing, you've got to be prepared to spend a lot or at least find the balance between spending and producing from your own Academy.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Team News: Chicharito, Hart, Zaba and Arnie all set for West Ham debuts
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic says Chicharito, Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta and Marko Arnautovic are all in line to make their Premier League debuts for West Ham United this weekend.
The four summer signings are all set to pull on a Hammers shirt when Bilic's side take on Jose Mourinho's Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
The manager also revealed that five senior players will miss the Premier League opener, with Michail Antonio, Manuel Lanzini, Cheikhou Kouyate, Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho still working their way back to fitness. However, Bilic is optimistic that all five could all be in action sooner rather than later.
"Most of the injuries we have now are from last season," he began. "Michail was injured against Swansea in April and the plan was for him to miss a couple of games because he had an operation, it was not just an injury but a big one. "He was prepared to miss a couple of games and was and is ahead of schedule. He's a good healer, strong, mentally strong, a hard worker and a bit of a monster also, physically! "So, the fact is he is ahead so he's playing on Friday night for the U23s and then he will miss the opening game of the season against Man United away, but he has been in training with us since Monday, he is playing tonight and he should be in the squad, at least, for the game against Southampton. That was planned. "Andy is a bit further behind but not a lot. At one stage in the pre-season or even last year, he was way behind but now it looks better. He is training individually, still, but he is basically doing all the movements with the ball and all that. If it continues like this, he should train with us next Wednesday. "He will not start from zero. OK, he didn't play for a long time, but he will be in OK condition fitness-wise. Of course he needs to train with the guys, because it's one thing to feel what you are doing individually and another to be part of the group training. "Since March, it is the most promising situation regarding Andy. Of course I wanted him to be fit for the start of the pre-season, but it unfortunately wasn't the face. Now, there is a light or a goal which is very near. If it goes well and according to plan, which we hope and expect, then it's all about how he looks on the pitch regarding the co-ordination. "Knowing Andy from before, he always need a maximum of ten days or two weeks to come back playing, but that was also one of the reasons why he was getting injured again. It's about balance."
The news regarding Kouyate and Lanzini is also encouraging. Bilic is still hopeful that the Senegal midfielder's physical prowess will see him back in action in the not too distant future, with both the No8 and the Argentina international possibly returning at Southampton on Saturday 19 August. "I am fed up hearing from the specialist or the physio that this is an injury they have never seen before in their lives, but I've seen it and it's one of the strangest ones I've ever seen!" he lamented. "The strange ones come out of nothing. It was nothing, basically, not even a sharp movement. It looked bad, bad, but fortunately it is not and, like Michail Antonio, Cheik is a really good healer and is also way ahead. "He and Manu Lanzini, who was our only other player to be injured in the pre-season, should be ready after the Southampton game, if not Newcastle, but certainly after the international break. "Sakho has a longer break after his back injury. He joined us in Germany but lacks match practice. I speak with him every day and he trains with us. He looks healthy but he lacks match practice because he didn't play for a long time."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chicharito 'has football in the blood going back generations'
WHUFC.com
Raul Guzman is a correspondent for Univision Deportes, the Spanish language American sports channel which focuses the majority of its coverage on football.
Univision screens Mexican league, MLS and CONCACAF Champions League matches in the United States, while also following the fortunes of Mexican players plying their trade outside North America.
For that reason, Guzman has been a regular fixture at West Ham United's pre-season training, where he has reported on and interviewed Hammers new boy Chicharito. Here, he shares his thoughts on the impact of the Mexico superstar's transfer to east London…
We are following Javier Hernandez since he is a big star in Mexico and in the United States of America. A lot of people in both countries follow Chicharito everywhere – to Manchester United, to Leverkusen, to Real Madrid and now to West Ham United. A lot of people are watching your club in Mexico and America.
Chicharito has a special place in history. He's the best scorer in the history of the national team of Mexico, so he is at the top level.
Even when we had a huge star like Hugo Sanchez back in the 1980s, who was the top scorer in Europe at the time, he is no longer the leading scorer for the national team because Chicharito is top of the list.
Also, I think he has a charm with the people. He is a nice guy and a good boy and is so professional. I think that's why the people in Mexico and America love him, because he is not only a very good player with good skills, but he is also a good human being. He is the kind of player you would want your children to follow.
Chicharito's family has a long history in football. His grandfather Tomás Balcázar was a very good player for Chivas Guadalajara, the most important and most successful club in Mexico, and with the Mexican national team in the 1960s.
His father also played with the Mexican national team and three or four top-level teams but, in his family, Chicharito is the biggest star!
Chicharito has football in the blood going back generations. He not only has skills and love for the sport, but he has human values like professionalism and he has grown up with a soccer ball and the good advice of two big men, which have kept his feet on the ground.
I can see big qualities in Javier and those are the reasons he is going to fit very well into the West Ham United team.
First, he is hungry and he never stops. He is the kind of player a teammate can find annoying because he never stops running in the training sessions, which can make it busy!
He is energetic and always hyperactive. He cannot stop and he cannot be on the ground without moving. That's one of the biggest skills in his football. He is not only a striker, but he is always moving, which is a headache for defenders, because you never know what he is going to do, so it's very hard to keep close to him.
Javier is a jersey-seller and has been wherever he has played, so I think West Ham need to be prepared to sell a lot of journeys in Mexico! I hope you have enough to send there, because people want to have the West Ham shirt because of Chicharito.
I am sure they will also fall in love with this team because of their history and their spirit, even if they are not the most-successful. This club has a romantic scent and people are going to follow and fall in love with West Ham, I am sure…
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester United v West Ham United
BBC.co.uk
TEAM NEWS
Jose Mourinho is likely to give new signings Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic their Premier League debuts. Luke Shaw, Ashley Young and Marcos Rojo are all long-term absentees, with the latter recovering from a knee injury.
All four of West Ham's major summer signings are available, meaning Javier Hernandez is likely to start against his former club. Michail Antonio, Manuel Lanzini, Cheikhou Kouyate, Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakh are out injured.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Steve Wilson: "You can't argue with two trophies last season, but this time Manchester United fans will demand a proper title challenge. "Four seasons have gone by since United last finished in the league's top three, after 22 seasons in which they never finished outside it. "Slaven Bilic will be among the favourites for the sack if West Ham's season doesn't show early promise, and that would be great shame. "Signing Joe Hart and Pablo Zabaleta has brought in experience and some much-needed strength of character, but it's the return to the Premier League of Javier Hernandez which has caused most interest - finally West Ham may have a striker who knows where the goal is."
Twitter: @Wilsonfooty
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho on the possibility of a new deal for Zlatan Ibrahimovic: "What he did last year was not enough for him. He thinks he can do more. "He wants more at football's highest level, so we are having conversations and we are discussing the possibility of him staying with us for the second part of the season."
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "It's not ideal playing [against Man Utd at Old Trafford] first game of the season, but on the other hand, it is brilliant and one of the greatest away games in the league. "They have improved the squad with quality and big transfers, so we will have to be on top of our game. "We are missing players, it could be better for us but of course we are positive."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
I see West Ham as a mid-table side looking upwards, but it is asking a lot for them to get anything at Old Trafford.
Prediction: 2-0
Lawro's full predictions v Steve Cram & Brendan Foster.
Think you can do better than Lawro? Predict the score for this match and the rest of this round's Premier League fixtures in our Predictor game.
Graphic of the last West Ham side to win at Old Trafford in 2007.
This West Ham side avoided relegation on the final day in 2007 with a 1-0 win at Old Trafford.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Manchester United have won 17 of their 21 Premier League home matches against West Ham (D2, L2).
The Hammers' last win over United was a 3-2 Premier League victory in May 2016, which was also the final game at Upton Park.
However, West Ham have not won at Old Trafford for 10 years since they avoided relegation thanks to a Carlos Tevez winner.
Manchester United
United have only lost one of their 13 opening-day Premier League fixtures at Old Trafford (W9, D3) - a 2-1 defeat by Swansea City in 2014.
Jose Mourinho has never lost a home match on a Sunday in his managerial career, winning 86 and drawing 26 of his 112 games in all competitions.
The Manchester United manager has also never lost on the opening day of a Premier League campaign (W7, D1).
Romelu Lukaku has scored in seven of his last eight games against West Ham.
West Ham United
West Ham have lost 10 opening-day fixtures, more than any other Premier League club.
Javier Hernandez scored 37 goals in 103 Premier League games for Manchester United, netting a goal every 130 minutes for the club.
Joe Hart could become the first away goalkeeper to keep three clean sheets at Old Trafford. His previous two came with Manchester City in March 2014 and October 2015.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 2-0 Probability of draw: 17%
Probability of home win: 75% Probability of away win: 8%
SAM (sports analytics machine) is a super-computer developed by @ProfIanMcHale
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHY THE NEGATIVITY?
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 11 AUGUST 2017 AT 9:34PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @Farehamhammer
Do you remember when Luton Town beat us 6-0 in the pouring rain at their Kenilworth Road Ground? Or when Oldham Athletic beat us by the same score at their ground? Or when Bolton beat us 4-0 in the pouring rain on their patch, as Alan Pardew stood clueless on the touchline, unable to halt the rout? Last but not least, do you remember when Reading beat us 6-0 –a game in which Yossi Benayoun accused his team mates of being "drunks"? I bet you remember all of those games. Games where fans parted with their hard earned cash and were cheated by players representing West Ham United. Fans vented their fury and rightly so. Dark days indeed. Plenty of reasons for West Ham to be negative. Not our mob. Gallows humour and back for more was The West Ham Way!
Against this background, I'm struggling to understand the reasons why so many are negative about anything relating to The Club. A big part of the problem is Social Media, especially twitter. Donald Trump proved how effective twitter is, in last year's U S Presidential Election. During transfer window time, fans live on twitter and sites like News Now. They refresh the pages more than youngsters do Porn Hub. A lot of the problems are caused by player's agents, who leak alleged interest of their player by this or that club. The more a player changes clubs, the more commission an agent will make.
The trouble is even when these agent fed rumours are wide off the mark, you get two or three lazy journalist repeating the stories. As a result things gather pace on the internet, in turn fans convince themselves, that a star player is about to sign for their club. When the deals never materialise its lash out time! Yes, a bit of a spoilt brat attitude I know but fans are only human! Everybody wants their Club signing top stars in the sexed up world of the Premier League. It is also true that the board have leaked a load of utter B******* at times, especially round season ticket renewal time but even they could not dream up some of the fantasy land stuff you read on the internet!
Another source of negativity is the board itself. A lot of people simply do not trust them, as a result of the spin and lies we have been fed constantly in the past. The big problem on the board is Karen Brady, she has treated the fans with absolute disdain. We don't like her and she does not like us, time for G&S to give her, her P45. None has been a more vocal critic of the board than myself but I'm going to call it like it is. To press they have had a great window, and brought in some great signings, quietly gone about doing the business. Yes we still need a few more in but the window has still got three weeks to go. Some Clubs have yet to sign anyone. Even Michael Owen has praised our recruitment this time round FFS! Yet some will STILL find fault with our new signings.
When I see the likes of Neymar move to PSG for £198m and our record signing is £24 million for Marko Arnautovic I don't feel envious at all. It's almost like a kid whose parents give them £800 for a designer jacket. Pretty soon the jacket gets tossed aside, no appreciation whatsoever! Now the second kid has had to save every penny for the same jacket. That kid treats the jacket like pure gold, keeping it in immaculate condition. West Ham is like the second kid. Only a few years ago we had a first team consisting of the likes Di Michele, Tristan, Kovac, Hines, Diamanti and Spector.
We are light years away from that now thank God. When we do reach the next level which we will, as a football Club we will both appreciate it and make it last. It will be a success built on a solid foundation. A foundation that will last. Pity The Clubs that are paying huge transfer fees and wages, for the most mediocre of footballer's chasing the dream. The vanity and greed of football cannot last. A financial crash is coming bigger than the financial crash of 2008. Big names are going to fall. It only takes the likes of Sky to say to the Premier League when the next TV deal comes up: "We are only going to pay you 300m and not a billion. Take it or leave it" Armageddon time for those who have recklessly spent money almost like a bankrupt maxing his credit card before turning it over to the Official Receiver, and West Ham? Not our problem, we will be on the next level. Negative? No chance! What for? I wonder what Sullivan is up to now? God only knows. He has not used his expensive "right to buy loan" yet. That's coming.
We are more than a football Club, we're a way of life!! COYI
Farehamhammer!!!
Edited By Danny Twigg.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic column: West Ham gambled to sign four leaders who have a point to prove
SLAVEN BILIC
Evening Standard
Our pre-season has gone well but now it is over. The players have worked hard, they are fit enough — now comes the real test.
At the end of last season I said we needed quality rather than quantity. We achieved that quality early which is important. We did what we wanted to do.
Okay, you never know how things will go, it's not only down to us or even the players — there are third parties, the clubs, agents — all of that.
The players we signed were our first targets. To be fair, Joe Hart wasn't planned last season but when the opportunity occurred, we jumped on it.
The others — Pablo Zabaleta, Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez — were in our plans from the start.
As I said, all four were our first targets and we gambled a bit. We had second or third targets who were also very good players and at one stage it looked like one or two of our priorities would be hard to get.
But we took the risk, we waited and waited and it turned out well.
All four of them know the Premier League, which is important. Joe and Chicharito played in this league before moving to another country while the other two have been here for some time and don't need time to adjust.
They are all still very hungry and they all have a point to prove, either because they didn't play enough last year, or they want to go to another level. None of them has come here to enjoy the life in London, they want to do it out there on the pitch.
They are all professionals and, which is also so important these days, they want to take responsibility on the pitch.
Arnautovic has been one of Stoke's best players for the past few seasons.
We know Chicharito can score goals but he also gives you energy, he runs in behind, he links play well.
Zabaleta is reliable, responsible and can play in several positions. We have been struggling at right-back, especially when Sam Byram was injured last season and we had to play people there, like Havard Nordtveit or Cheikhou Kouyate, who can do a job but are better elsewhere in the team.
In the case of Joe, we found out that he wasn't going to stay in Italy — that City didn't want him back and that he was available. David Sullivan knew him from his time at Birmingham, where he helped keep them up.
At that moment we had two good goalkeepers but when we had a chance to sign England's No1, it was an opportunity to make a big statement for the club — so I said yes.
I would like to pay a big credit to David Sullivan and the board. They have done a great job — and on time.
Now the job is virtually done, maybe one or two to go and one more to come in.
STABILITY IS THE KEY THIS TIME
Everything went well in Austria and Germany in pre-season. We were away a long time — but that's life. You have to work hard in pre season — it's not a jolly-up.
The only downside was injuries to Cheikhou Kouyate and Manuel Lanzini. They will both miss the first couple of games but they will be back then.
When you look back on last season, it wasn't so bad. We finished 11th. That position doesn't tell the whole truth about the season. Normally, 11th means stability.
It was never like that. There was a great deal of turbulence right until the end. We didn't have time to turn on the auto pilot.
I was very proud of the season but was it the season we wanted? No.
MY CONTRACT IS IRRELEVANT - I AM JUDGED ON RESULTS
I am in the final year on my contract, but as a manager of a Premier League club you are always asked about your future, and the pressure if results are not going well.
Your job is always under scrutiny and, basically, you are judged by the last couple of results.
It doesn't really make any difference with regard to job security because this is the final year of my contract.
It is the game on Sunday at Old Trafford — and the following weekends — that really affect my job.
I am optimistic about this season and I expect us to go forward, but I am not setting any specific targets now. I don't believe in that kind of mathematics. I use numbers a lot, but not in this specific.
We have to play the first three Premier League games away which some may say isn't ideal, but personally I don't see it as an issue. We play every team home and away across the season. We will not spend time setting up any excuses. I don't want any of us, the players, even the fans, to think about that.
I watched Manchester United against Real Madrid earlier this week. They have changed the system in the last few games and they have new players, but the one thing that stands out is their physicality.
United have the size, the kilos, but without losing the pace. Their physicality — with the pace — is quite scary, and new signings such as their striker Romelu Lukaku have only added to that part of their game.
They will be crazy motivated, and for players such as Paul Pogba, it will be their second season at United. They will believe they are one of the favourites to win the league.
We have done well there in the League in the past couple of seasons though, and we are ready.
If we continue to work hard, to pull the right way and have that luck with injuries, then we can have a terrific season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Injury scare for Cresswell
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 11th August 2017
By: Staff Writer
Aaron Cresswell has been passed fit to face Manchester United this weekend - despite missing several training sessions this week. The England international had been given the green late to feature in Sunday's 2017/18 season opener at Old Trafford despite sustaining the injury, according to new Chief Medic Gary Lewin.
"Aaron has missed a few days' training with a slight knock but is going to train on Friday and will be available for the weekend," he told whufc.com.
However the news is not quite so good for no less than SIX of Cresswell's team mates - as Lewin explained: Andy Carroll: "Has stepped up his rehab recently and we are hoping to have him back in full training in the near future. We are looking at days not weeks with Andy, in terms of being back on the training pitch. We have to remember that he has been out for four months." Cheikhou Kouyate: "He is now working very hard out on the pitches and is close to joining in full training, as is..." Manuel Lanzini: "... and we hope that both will be available again before the international break"
Diafra Sakho: "Diafra has now had a full week of training and we can now start to look at getting him some match time. He probably needs a bit more training, because he hasn't had a complete pre-season, but it's looking good and he is making excellent progress." Winston Reid: "Played in the Under 23 match at Tottenham last weekend and came through it fine." Michail Antonio: "He has trained all week with the first team and is going to play at Dagenham for the Under 23s against Everton. All being well, he will train fully again next week and be available to Slaven for selection."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic insists Manuel Lanzini is 'happy' at the club
By Conor Creamer
Last Updated: 11/08/17 4:38pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic says West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini is "happy" at the club amid speculation over his future. The 24-year old, who joined West Ham permanently last summer after a year on loan, has been the subject of speculation regarding his future following an impressive campaign last season. According to reports, Lanzini is a potential target for Liverpool should Philippe Coutinho depart the club, though West Ham insist their Argentinian star is not for sale. And manager Slaven Bilic claims the attacking midfielder is happy at the London Stadium and is focused on returning to full fitness for the new Premier League season. "No player is bigger than the club in any way. I'm not talking about a contract I'm talking about just one player," Bilic said. "I spoke with him last season a few times and in pre-season. We are looking after him. We know that he is happy and that there is a big year ahead of him."
The former Croatia boss also spoke on reported West Ham target William Carvalho. Sky sources understand the Hammers are in talks with Sporting Lisbon for the midfielder, who is targeting a move to the Premier League, and are keen to secure his services. I know he's a good player," Bilic added. "A lot of clubs have shown interest in him in the last few years. "He's a top player, that's all I can say. Top players are hard to get but we are working to get them." However, Bilic maintained that the player's £40m release clause from Sporting Lisbon was "stretchy". "Yes, it would be a bit stretchy - even today." West Ham begin their Premier League campaign away to Manchester United on Sunday, live on Sky Sports Premier League.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Exclusive: London Stadium operators close to securing all West Ham stadium staff a London Living Wage
Staff inside the London Stadium are close to signing a deal to get a London Living wage
Ben Rumsby
11 AUGUST 2017 • 7:40PM
Telegraph.co.uk
The operators of the London Stadium are close to striking deals that would see all workers there paid the London Living Wage in time for West Ham United's first home game of the season. A day after a Daily Telegraph investigation revealed the scale of the use of cheap casual labour by Premier League clubs, it can be revealed a major move to address the problem is imminent. The Telegraph has learnt that the operators of the London Stadium have been working to renegotiate contracts with their suppliers that would mean the inclusion of a clause guaranteeing that all workers there would be paid the independently calculated London Living Wage of £9.75 per hour. The intention is for new deals to be in place in time for West Ham's opening home game of the campaign against Huddersfield Town, which is not until Sept 11 due to the London Stadium's staging of the athletics World Championships. That move could lead to West Ham, who say all their directly employed staff receive the London Living Wage, becoming only the third Premier League club after Chelsea and Everton to be accredited as a Living Wage Employer.
The London Stadium is publicly owned and rented by West Ham for £2.5 million a season. A spokesperson for stadium operators, E20 Stadium, said: "We are currently working with our subcontracting firms with the aim of ensuring all staff are paid the London Living Wage as soon as practicably possible." That is expected later this month, something that will put pressure on West Ham's Premier League rivals to follow suit, with many having committed to making the payment of the independently-calculated living wage part of negotiations with suppliers when contracts are renewed. E20 Stadium has demonstrated there is nothing to prevent any team immediately renegotiating such deals rather than waiting for them to expire before taking action. As revealed by the Telegraph yesterday, not all those working at London 2017 are being paid the London Living Wage. But there are those who are and one of them, who usually earns the legal minimum of just £7.50 per hour, spoke about the difference it had made. The cleaner, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "This month, I have been able to buy better-quality food from the supermarket, purchased some much-needed new shoes and clothes and visited my local cinema for the first time in a long time.
"They are small pleasures but it would not have been possible without the London Living Wage this month "The rest of the year is hard work and it's difficult to survive on £7.50 in this city. We think it's only fair that we are paid the London Living Wage all year round and we want E20 Stadium to accredit as a Living Wage Employer."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham in talks to sign William Carvalho from Sporting Lisbon
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 11/08/17 12:19pm
SSN
West Ham are in talks to sign midfielder William Carvalho but are yet to strike a deal with Sporting Lisbon, according to Sky sources. The Portugal international is understood to want a move to the Premier League and has a £40m release clause in his contract. Sporting have recently signed midfielder Rodrigo Battaglia as a potential replacement for Carvalho. West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has made five major signings ahead of the new Premier League, with Pablo Zabaleta, Joe Hart, Marko Arnautovic, Javier Hernandez and Sead Haksabanovic arriving at the London Stadium.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham move step closer to signing Portugal international William Carvalho from Sporting Lisbon - reports
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Friday, August 11, 2017
West Ham have moved a step close to landing Tottenham target William Carvalho after the club reached a verbal agreement with the player.
The Sporting Lisbon midfielder has been widely linked with a move to England over the last few years and this summer hasn't been any different with a number of Premier League clubs in pursuit of him.
Tottenham and Crystal Palace are rumoured to be interested in snapping him up, but it is London rivals West Ham who are believed to be making all the running.
A West Ham delegation have been in Lisbon, and according to Portuguese daily Diario de Noticias, they have reached an agreement with the player over a proposed transfer.
The Hammers are now working hard to agree terms with Sporting, with the Portuguese giants holding out for in excess of £30m.
The West Ham delegation are expected to stay in Lisbon until Tuesday and they have asked the player to convince the club to accept an offer for him by next week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, August 12
Friday, August 11
Daily WHUFC News II - 11th August 2017
West Ham United's Carabao Cup second round opponents confirmed
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will travel to Cheltenham Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
The Hammers have been drawn against the League 2 side for the second time in five seasons and the tie will be played at Whaddon Road in the week commencing 21 August.
West Ham faced Cheltenham at the Boleyn Ground at the same stage of this competition in August 2013, triumphing 2-1 thanks to goals from Ricardo Vaz Te and Ravel Morrison.
That game saw Adrian make his first appearance in claret and blue and is the only previous meeting of the sides.
Thursday's draw originally pitted the Hammers at home, but as agreed by the EFL Board earlier this year and confirmed on Monday, a West Ham United home draw would be reversed immediately due to London Stadium welcoming the 2017 IAAF World Athletics Championships for a once-in-a-generation occasion.
The Hammers will therefore travel to Gloucestershire for the tie and ticketing details will be announced in due course.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will travel to Cheltenham Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
The Hammers have been drawn against the League 2 side for the second time in five seasons and the tie will be played at Whaddon Road in the week commencing 21 August.
West Ham faced Cheltenham at the Boleyn Ground at the same stage of this competition in August 2013, triumphing 2-1 thanks to goals from Ricardo Vaz Te and Ravel Morrison.
That game saw Adrian make his first appearance in claret and blue and is the only previous meeting of the sides.
Thursday's draw originally pitted the Hammers at home, but as agreed by the EFL Board earlier this year and confirmed on Monday, a West Ham United home draw would be reversed immediately due to London Stadium welcoming the 2017 IAAF World Athletics Championships for a once-in-a-generation occasion.
The Hammers will therefore travel to Gloucestershire for the tie and ticketing details will be announced in due course.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, August 10
Daily WHUFC News - 11th August 2017
Masuaku receives first DR Congo call-up
WHUFC.com
Arthur Masuaku has been called-up by DR Congo for the first time. The West Ham United full-back has been included in the African nation's 36-man provisional squad for two 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with Tunisia next month. Masuaku, who was born in the French city of Lille and played U18 and U19 football for Les Bleus, switched his international allegiance to DR Congo in June The 23-year-old is one of seven English-based players included in Florent Ibenge's selection, with AFC Bournemouth striker Benik Afobe and Newcastle United defender Chancel Mbemba among them.
The Leopards are on course to qualify for next summer's tournament in Russia, having beaten Guinea and Libya in their opening two Group A fixtures, and victories over Tunisia in the back-to-back fixtures on 1 and 5 September. DR Congo travel to Rades for the first meeting before welcoming the Eagles of Carthage to Kinshasa four days later Then named Zaire, DR Congo have qualified for one previous World Cup, when they lost all three group matches and conceded 14 goals without reply in West Germany in 1974.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Commemorative bricks update
WHUFC.com
West Ham United has once again joined forces with fund-raisers for the Bobby Moore Fund to reunite supporters with their treasured commemorative bricks from the Boleyn Ground. Dozens of volunteers supporting the Bobby Moore Fund and the Club's efforts helped to collect the bricks from the memorial walls on the Sir Trevor Brooking and Bobby Moore Stands and continue to work in partnership with the Club to locate the individual or family who commissioned them. The latest brick collection day is taking place this coming Saturday, August 12, at the West Ham United Supporters' Club in Castle Street, next to the site of the Boleyn Ground, from midday to 6pm.
West Ham United was originally advised in 2015 that there was no guarantee the bricks could be saved as part of the demolition process, and arranged for every message to be reproduced on a stone at Champions Place at London Stadium as a lasting memorial. However, the demolition company managed to keep many of the bricks intact and has worked with West Ham United and the Bobby Moore Fund to return them to their owners with more than 100 bricks already handed back. Involved in the initiative is 15-year-old Jonjo Heuerman who, with the help of his family and fellow West Ham supporters, has raised more than £300,000 for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK He was inspired to start fundraising in 2009 following the death of his beloved nanny, Lyn, to bowel cancer and in recognition of Club legend Bobby Moore who passed away of the same illness. Jonjo's fundraising achievements have gained national recognition and he became the youngest ever recipient of the British Empire Medal in the 2016 New Year's Honours list.
Jonjo's mum Donna, who raises money for the Bobby Moore Fund, said: "We are delighted to be working with West Ham United to ensure as many commemorative bricks as possible are returned to their owners. "It has been very emotional to see people came from far and wide to collect their treasured bricks. This is all about re-uniting people with these sentimental items and we would also like to take the opportunity to thank people for the generous donations they have chosen to make to support the Bobby Moore Fund as part of this process."
All of the commemorative bricks have now been recovered and logged. Due to the nature of the process, although every care is taken, not all bricks were able to be salvaged.
If you had a commemorative brick at the Boleyn Ground the Club would be delighted to hear from you to help you locate it please contact: supporterservices@westhamunited.co.uk, or visit www.fornannyandbobby.com where you can search a log of the recovered bricks.
You will also be able to register the inscription of the brick you are trying to trace in the event that it is recovered in the next phase of reclamation. Alternatively you can search via Facebook group Boleyn Brick Salvage at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2047807192112530/
To identify the location of your new stone at Champions Place, please follow our step-by-step guide below:
Visit the Champions Place home page at https://www.championsplace.whufc.com
Click the 'Customer log In' tab in the top right hand corner of the page.
You can either input your surname and order reference or surname and voucher number.
Once logged in, you will be able to view the zone your stone is located in along with a downloadable/printable location map.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United partners with Ricoh to re-engineer processes and ways of working
WHUFC.com
West Ham United work with Ricoh to modernise its IT services and impact business processes.
As one of London's most iconic football clubs and with the recent move to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the club needed a revamped and fit-for-purpose IT infrastructure.
With an ageing server estate and a greater demand for mobile and flexible working, Ricoh could offer the holistic package needed to modernise.
Ricoh IT services designed a converged IT solution based on a thin-client and cloud-based infrastructure. This provides the club with an IT infrastructure that is more efficient, flexible and scalable to meet demand without compromising on security. Other key features are: simple, quick needs-based disaster recovery plans and centralised and automated application deployment.
400 existing PCs have been replaced with 230 thin-clients and on-site hardware replaced by a virtual server environment. Microsoft System Centre is used for systems management and monitoring. The new IT infrastructure integrates with additional Ricoh services and solutions, including a Ricoh Managed Print Service and Ricoh digital display equipment.
As well as day-to-day business operations of West Ham, the IT infrastructure also supports the club's customer-facing operations, such as the call centre and on-site and remote retail outlets.
Mike Bohndiek, Head of IT, West Ham United commented "The transformation project that Ricoh has helped West Ham deliver is critical to the business and a significant catalyst for change. Staff have seen IT go from a poor relation into something that really works for them day-to-day. It has challenged thinking across the business. Before it was muddling along with an adequate IT service, now it's become an enabler for better, smarter and more productive working."
Chas Moloney, director at Ricoh UK also commented , "Working with West Ham to help create a truly flexible and modernised mobile working environment makes for a rewarding partnership. We are proud to provide the services and solutions that can help the club streamline key business processes."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nathan Trott: The Big Interview
WHUFC.com
It has been some 18 months for West Ham United's talented young goalkeeper Nathan Trott. Born and raised in Bermuda, Trott initially played as a midfielder before converting to a goalkeeper as a teenager. He was then spotted by the Hammers and invited to London for a trial, which he came through with flying colours.
Last season, aged just 18, Trott established himself as first-choice goalkeeper for West Ham's U23 side, before earning a call-up to England's squad for the UEFA European U19 Championship finals, which they ultimately won! Trott spoke to whufc.com about his eventful 2017, prospects for the new U23 season and ambitions for the future with club and country…
Nathan, you were back in a West Ham United shirt for the first time since winning the UEFA European U19 Championship with England, but not the result you would have wanted?
"It's always good to get back to West Ham and it feels good to be playing with my teammates again after quite a long summer. Obviously the result was not what we wanted but we're working towards the start of the new season on Friday, so that's the main focus.
"Hopefully we can get off to a good start. It'll be a tough game, everyone knows that because they are the champions, but I think we can try and get a result."
You mentioned the start of the season and that means Premier League 2 Division 1 football, kicking-off with a home fixture with Everton on Friday. We are also taking part in the Premier League International Cup this season, so there's plenty to be excited about…
"It's good for everyone to experience different types of football. It's a different level after getting promoted, so I think it will push everyone and make us all better players and develop, as it will playing against foreign teams in the International Cup."
Looking back on the summer, you helped England win the Euros, so how do you reflect on that experience?
"It was a long but successful summer. Obviously next time I'd like to play and get more minutes, but it's always good to be in a squad of that quality and win a major championship.
"The main thing was that we made England proud and I think everyone was happy with the way we played. It's been a successful summer for the England teams, with everyone making a semi-final or a final.
"I thought it was a good experience for me as my first major tournament as an England player, so to win it was amazing!"
You have only been a goalkeeper for a few years, so to change position, get picked for England and win a major tournament is some achievement!
"That's a big benefit to my game, the fact I was an outfield player when I was younger. My distribution and technique with the ball at my feet are a strength and I think they helped get me there."
England kick-off the 2017/18 Euro U19 qualifiers in November, when they face Bulgaria, Iceland and the Faroe Islands, so hopefully you can start this time around!
"Hopefully next time I can get some more minutes and keep pushing myself as I'd love to be in goal at the Euros and, if all goes well, the U20 World Cup next summer!"
You are from Bermuda and still send and receive messages of support from your home country, too!
"Even when I'm playing and supporting England, I feel I am still representing Bermuda because you can never forget where you've come from. Everyone back home is supporting me and sending me messages, too, which is great."
Back here at West Ham, you are one of a number of promising young goalkeepers, but behind Joe Hart and Adrian there is not a third 'experienced' stopper. Are you aiming to fill that role this season?
"I am hoping to move towards the first-team squad this season. I would like to be the one to fill that spot as I feel I am ready for it. Hopefully I can be on the bench and maybe make my first-team debut in a cup game. Whatever comes, I'm ready!"
Do you have to pinch yourself, when you consider how quickly your career is developing?
"Yeah, sometimes! I think the best thing is just to stay humble, keep your head down and keep working. When you are that way, it's easier, because things then just happen one thing after the other."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chicharito: I'm going back to my old house on Sunday
WHUFC.com
Chicharito cannot wait to start his 'new chapter' in the Premier League at his 'old house'.
West Ham United's superstar summer signing spent five years as a Manchester United player and is set to make his competitive debut for the Hammers at Old Trafford.
The Mexico striker has only positive memories of 157 games he played and 59 goals he scored for the Red Devils, but insists he will have no sentiment in his head or his heart when he returns to Salford on Sunday. "I don't know how to describe the fact we are playing Manchester United in my first game for West Ham, but I can just say it's luck!" he smiled "I'm very lucky to be going back to my old club, to my old home, my old house, to start my new chapter in this second part of my English life and in the Premier League.
"It's going to be something happy, one very important and very lucky moment. We want to go there, try to play, and move forward. "I'm feeling in the same way I did in my first day in England, the same way I go to play with the national team I've been playing in for seven or eight years, because I love this game. "I love to do what I do and of course we have a good salary as well, we live in good cities, I have had good experiences and met good people, I'm just living my dream and trying to improve as a player and a human being as well. "Game by game, training by training, I'm just trying to improve and help my team-mates and then, if the results come, we're going to be happy."
It is seven years this week since Chicharito announced his arrival in English football with a debut goal in Manchester United's Community Shield win over Chelsea at Wembley.
The striker would go on to score regularly in all competitions and the Premier League title twice in his four seasons as a Red Devil. Unsurprisingly, therefore, he says he was 'living the dream' during his time there.
"It was a great experience," confirmed the No17, who also revealed that former Manchester United teammate David De Gea had been in contact ahead of Sunday's game. "Now, it was seven years ago, but I remember only happiness. There was happiness that I was living my dream that I made that big step which is not common [from Mexico to the Premier League]. "I was very glad, very happy, my family was with me so they were living that dream as well. I have very good memories of those four years that I lived in Manchester. "I will play against some friends, against my old club, one of the best clubs in the world, and I'm going to see some of the people who worked around the club that I have very good relationships with them. There is nothing negative to going there. "It's going to be emotional, of course, to be in my old house against my old club. With my new team, my new chapter. I want to do as best as I can. It's an important moment for me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ONE TO WATCH: WILLIAM CARVALHO
AUTHOR: BRIAN KNOX. PUBLISHED: 19 FEBRUARY 2016 AT 8:29PM ( *** NOTE DATE **** )
THE WESTHAMWAY.CO.UK
Age: 23 years
Nationality: Portuguese
Current Team: Sporting Lisbon
This week we have a promising young tough holding midfielder in William Carvalho. He has great defensive qualities about him. William is strong, tough and reads the game very well to make the good interceptions. He tracks back helping the defence hugely… adding that steel to the team. William makes it hard work for teams trying too break through, he is always limiting the spaces and working hard.
On the ball he is comfortable, he is very good with his passes, rarely gives the ball away and uses it well. He is a calm composed player and one who would be consistently good for a team. I think he could be a great asset for a top 4 team and maybe a club outside the top 4 could land him as he has been linked continuously to Arsenal in previous years but nothing has happened.
He has great experience for his age being 23, 15 caps already and I feel he is ready for a move to a top league. He shows a good attitude , works for the team and I think a player of his type would be a great asset despite the price. He is consistent ,will do the job required week in week out and is a very reliable player.
Carvalho is certainly a top talent and he will only get better. His price is likely to be 20 million plus I would think, but you got to pay the going rate these days to get these top players most of the time.
He would obviously be a player I'd like to see come in if Alex Song departs …..he would be a great replacement for him at West Ham. He would be a top coup for us but an expensive one as I said.
STRENGTHS : Tackling – Strength – Composure – Passing
WEAKNESSES : None
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Villa boss plays down Snodgrass links
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 10th August 2017
By: Staff Writer
Aston Villa CHairman Dr Tony Xia has played down reports linking the Championship club with a move for out-of-favour Hammer Robert Snodgrass.
Despite moving to West Ham just seven months ago, when switching from Hull in an eye-opening £10million move, the Scottish internation is already surplus to requirements at the Olympic Stadium. However shifting the 29-year-old has proved rather more difficult in persuading him to sign back in January.
And whilst Villa were reported to have expressed an interest in taking Snodgrass earlier in the transfer window, such a move materialising now would appear extremely unlikely according to comments made by Xia on social media. Speaking in response to a question on twitter from a supporter, Xia admitted that there were no plans to sign Snodgrass imminently. When asked whether the story was just a rumour, Xia simply replied "yes".
And in response to another queston asking about Snodgrass and fellow purported target Jordan Rhodes, he added: "Both were never on our radar. They were not on our list - completely made up rumours."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham interested in Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 10/08/17 12:59pm
SSN
West Ham are interested in signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho, according to Sky sources. The Portugal international, who joined Sporting Lisbon in 2012, is understood to want a move to the Premier League. The 25-year-old midfielder, who has scored nine goals in 137 appearances for the club in four seasons, has a £40m release clause in his contract which still has three years remaining.
Angola-born Carvalho was an integral part of the Portugal team which won the European Championships in France last summer and has previously been linked with moves to Arsenal and Manchester United. West Ham have already signed strikers Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic this summer, but manager Slaven Bilic is keen to add further options to his squad.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Who is William Carvalho and why does Slaven Bilic want him? West Ham transfer target profiled
West Ham transfer news has been dominated by William Carvalho and the Portuguese midfielder could be perfect for Slaven Bilic
Football London
BYTOM MARSHALL-BAILEY
15:40, 10 AUG 2017
After a summer of spending at the London Stadium, West Ham could be about to dip into the transfer market once again with the signing of Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho. Many of Europe's top clubs have been linked with the player in the past, yet he still remains at Sporting despite his commanding displays in the middle of the park. Although co-owner David Sullivan previously stated that the club would not be moving for a midfielder, the Hammers have reportedly submitted an offer of €30m (£27.1m) for the player.
With Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez already joining the Hammers ahead of the new season, the potential arrival of Carvalho would cap off a remarkable summer in the transfer market for the club. Here we take a look a closer look at Carvalho following talk of him moving to the capital.
Who is he?
Carvalho is a defensive midfielder who has caught the eye of many of Europe's top clubs since making his debut in April 2011. The 25-year-old has become a key part of Sporting's team and it is quite surprising that he is still with the Primeira Liga side after all this time. Carvalho, who is known for his imposing displays on the pitch, is a master in his holding role with his ability to read play and dispossess opponents. The player has also impressed against some of Europe's top sides in the Champions League, as well as for the Portugal national team. The Euro 2016 winner would be an excellent signing for the club if they could manage to get a deal over the line.
How did he do last season?
After helping Portugal win the European Championship against France, Carvalho carried his form into the new season for Sporting. Although the team finished the season in third, 12 points behind champions Benfica, the midfielder once again came to the attention of a number of top clubs with his displays. Carvalho was impressive in the Champions League against the likes of Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, even though Lisbon crashed out of the group stage with one win from six games. The Angolan-born player appeared in 38 games in all competitions for his club, scoring three goals and picking up 11 bookings throughout the campaign.
Who wants him?
Carvalho has attracted the attention of Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool in the past, while European giants Juventus and Bayern Munich have also cast their eye over the 25-year-old. West Brom had tried their luck to sign Carvalho back in January, only for Sporting to knock back their bid of £26million.
Player profile
Despite Carvalho previously admitting that he would like to move to Arsenal, it looks unlikely that Arsene Wenger will resurrect his interest in the player.
West Ham could potentially have a free run on signing Carvalho, although other clubs may well join the race and finally move for the midfielder if it looks like he's heading to east London.
How much would he cost?
After signing Arnautovic for a club-record fee, the Hammers will have to surpass the £24m paid to Stoke for the Austrian if they are to sign Carvalho.
According to The Telegraph, the Hammers have submitted an offer of €30m (£27.1m) to Sporting for the Euro 2016 winner. However, Sporting are believed to be holding out for €40m (£36.1m) for their prize asset. While the Hammers won't pay Sporting's asking price, club representatives currently in Lisbon will be hoping to come to an agreement for the midfielder.
What have people said about him?
Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal said the midfielder is capable of playing for one of the top Premier League sides following links with West Brom. Carvalhal, speaking to Radio Renascenca in Portugal, said: "William Carvalho is a player for a big club, a top one. "West Brom are not a top club but being in the best league in the world at a medium club isn't negative for any player. "He has the ability to be in a team with other goals, but if he comes to West Brom he'll join the Premier League which is a great stage and where almost every player would like to be."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham bid £27.1m for William Carvalho: Hammers chiefs in Lisbon trying to close deal
WEST HAM have made a club-record £27.1million bid to sign William Carvalho from Sporting Lisbon.
By JACK STAPLEHURST
PUBLISHED: 14:28, Thu, Aug 10, 2017 | UPDATED: 15:00, Thu, Aug 10, 2017
Express.co.uk
Slaven Bilic has identified the 25-year-old as his final key addition to his side this summer. The Hammers have been strong in their business so far, bringing in Joe Hart, Javier Hernandez, Marko Arnautovic, Pablo Zabaleta and Sead Haksabanovic. And with money still left to spend, Carvalho has been targeted to strengthen West Ham's midfield. According to The Telegraph, an offer has now been submitted for the Portugal international worth the equivalent of €30m. Carvalho has a buy-out clause in his contract of £36.1m and Sporting are attempting to hold out for that figure.
However, it is said they are aware Carvalho is now keen on the move to the Premier League. Arsenal have previously shown interest, but West Ham appear close to landing their man following negotiations that have been going on for over a week. The Telegraph add Hammers representatives are currently in Lisbon attempting to seal the deal. And West Ham are optimistic Carvalho can be signed. Despite the east London side being unwilling to pay as much as £36.1m, talks remain positive between the two clubs.
Carvalho is apparently aware he need to move on to further his career, having been at Sporting since the start of his professional career. The highly-rated player is represented by Pep Guardiola's brother, Pere, and would offer strong competition for Pedro Obiang, Cheikhou Kouyate and Mark Noble at the London Stadium. But while the Hammers feel there is a real chance of getting Carvalho, outgoings are needed too. Sofiane Feghouli is due to leave for Galatasaray, while Aston Villa are after Robert Snodgrass.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Lanzini ready to sign new £85k-a-week West Ham deal amid Liverpool interest
HITC
Aiden Cusick
Liverpool are said to have earmarked the West Ham United star as a potential replacement for Philippe Coutinho. Playmaker Manuel Lanzini is 'ready to sign' a new £85,000-a-week contract at West Ham United, The Sun reports. It is claimed that negotiations over an improved deal began four months ago, with West Ham said to have been willing to increase Lanzini's earnings from £35,000-a-week to £50,000-a-week. But with new signings Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez reported to earn more than double that - and amid alleged interest from other clubs including Liverpool - the Hammers appear to seen their hand forced. And according to The Sun, Lanzini will finally commit to Slaven Bilic's side, and sign on for another five years at the London Stadium.
It is claimed that Liverpool have been tracking the Argentine since January, with the Reds are said to have earmarked him as a potential replacement for Philippe Coutinho, who has been the subject of bids from Barcelona. The new deal for Lanzini - who has scored 15 goals and created another seven since moving to West Ham two years ago, initially on loan - would see him collect £4.42 million per year.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham bid club record £27.1m for William Carvalho
Telegraph.co.uk
Jason Burt, chief football correspondent
10 AUGUST 2017 • 1:32PM
West Ham United have bid a club record €30 million (£27.1m) for the highly-rated Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho. Club representatives are currently in Lisbon attempting to close the deal for the Portuguese international and negotiations have been going on for more than a week. Sporting are attempting to hold out for €40m (£36.1m) but are aware that the 25-year-old is keen to finally move to the Premier League club.
Signing Carvalho would represent another huge coup for West Ham who have already signed Marko Arnautovic, for a club record fee that could rise to £24m, Javier Hernandez, Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart during this transfer window as manager Slaven Bilic re-shapes his side ahead of Sunday's kick-off away to Manchester United.
It is not thought that West Ham will go as high as €40m for Carvalho but talks remain positive between the two clubs and sources close to the deal are optimistic it can be done. The highly-rated midfielder, who has been linked to a number of big Premier League clubs in recent seasons, including Arsenal, is understood to be aware of the fact that he needs to move to further his career.
Carvalho is represented by Pere Guardiola, the brother of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and would be expected to go straight into the West Ham side as a holding midfielder.
Born in Angola, Carvalho has 37 caps for Portugal and was part of the squad that won Euro 2016. Bringing him in would complete Bilic's transfer moves this summer with the manager aware that his team needs a high-quality addition in midfield.
If Carvalho is signed then West Ham, who have also signed 18-year-old Montenegro midfielder Sead Haksabanovic, will then concentrate on balancing their squad with Sofiane Feghouli due to leave and join Galatasaray while Robert Snodgrass may also go with Aston Villa having expressed an interest. In addition at least one more departure is expected.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham told they must pay £36m for William Carvalho - but have not been put off by Sporting asking price
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic wants to continue his productive summer by signing the Portugal international
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
16:11, 10 AUG 2017UPDATED17:01, 10 AUG 2017
West Ham have been told by Sporting Lisbon that they want a staggering £36million for William Carvalho. The Irons have representatives in Portugal trying to thrash out a deal for the highly-rated holding midfielder who would become their sixth signing of a productive summer. West Ham have already landed England keeper Joe Hart, Stoke forward Marko Arnautovic for a club-record £24million, ex-Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez for £17million and Pablo Zabaleta from Manchester City on a free transfer. This week the club also confirmed the arrival of 18-year-old attacking midfielder Sead Haksabanovic for £2.7million. The Hammers' £27.1million bid for Carvalho went in to Sporting earlier this week. The Irons were told that they would have to pay closer to the £36.1million asking price if they want to take him. The valuation has not scared West Ham off with the club determined to add quality to their midfield before the window closes. Key midfielder Cheikou Kouyate is out injured and will miss at least the first month of the season. When fit, West Ham believe he would form a powerful combination with Carvalho in the middle of the park.
Carvalho has 37 caps for Portugal and was a member of the squad that lifted the Euro2016 title last summer. West Ham are now willing to listen to offers for Robert Snodgrass with Aston Villa interested. Winger Sofiane Feghouli is also likely to go to Galatasaray.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Arthur Masuaku has been called-up by DR Congo for the first time. The West Ham United full-back has been included in the African nation's 36-man provisional squad for two 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with Tunisia next month. Masuaku, who was born in the French city of Lille and played U18 and U19 football for Les Bleus, switched his international allegiance to DR Congo in June The 23-year-old is one of seven English-based players included in Florent Ibenge's selection, with AFC Bournemouth striker Benik Afobe and Newcastle United defender Chancel Mbemba among them.
The Leopards are on course to qualify for next summer's tournament in Russia, having beaten Guinea and Libya in their opening two Group A fixtures, and victories over Tunisia in the back-to-back fixtures on 1 and 5 September. DR Congo travel to Rades for the first meeting before welcoming the Eagles of Carthage to Kinshasa four days later Then named Zaire, DR Congo have qualified for one previous World Cup, when they lost all three group matches and conceded 14 goals without reply in West Germany in 1974.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Commemorative bricks update
WHUFC.com
West Ham United has once again joined forces with fund-raisers for the Bobby Moore Fund to reunite supporters with their treasured commemorative bricks from the Boleyn Ground. Dozens of volunteers supporting the Bobby Moore Fund and the Club's efforts helped to collect the bricks from the memorial walls on the Sir Trevor Brooking and Bobby Moore Stands and continue to work in partnership with the Club to locate the individual or family who commissioned them. The latest brick collection day is taking place this coming Saturday, August 12, at the West Ham United Supporters' Club in Castle Street, next to the site of the Boleyn Ground, from midday to 6pm.
West Ham United was originally advised in 2015 that there was no guarantee the bricks could be saved as part of the demolition process, and arranged for every message to be reproduced on a stone at Champions Place at London Stadium as a lasting memorial. However, the demolition company managed to keep many of the bricks intact and has worked with West Ham United and the Bobby Moore Fund to return them to their owners with more than 100 bricks already handed back. Involved in the initiative is 15-year-old Jonjo Heuerman who, with the help of his family and fellow West Ham supporters, has raised more than £300,000 for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK He was inspired to start fundraising in 2009 following the death of his beloved nanny, Lyn, to bowel cancer and in recognition of Club legend Bobby Moore who passed away of the same illness. Jonjo's fundraising achievements have gained national recognition and he became the youngest ever recipient of the British Empire Medal in the 2016 New Year's Honours list.
Jonjo's mum Donna, who raises money for the Bobby Moore Fund, said: "We are delighted to be working with West Ham United to ensure as many commemorative bricks as possible are returned to their owners. "It has been very emotional to see people came from far and wide to collect their treasured bricks. This is all about re-uniting people with these sentimental items and we would also like to take the opportunity to thank people for the generous donations they have chosen to make to support the Bobby Moore Fund as part of this process."
All of the commemorative bricks have now been recovered and logged. Due to the nature of the process, although every care is taken, not all bricks were able to be salvaged.
If you had a commemorative brick at the Boleyn Ground the Club would be delighted to hear from you to help you locate it please contact: supporterservices@westhamunited.co.uk, or visit www.fornannyandbobby.com where you can search a log of the recovered bricks.
You will also be able to register the inscription of the brick you are trying to trace in the event that it is recovered in the next phase of reclamation. Alternatively you can search via Facebook group Boleyn Brick Salvage at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2047807192112530/
To identify the location of your new stone at Champions Place, please follow our step-by-step guide below:
Visit the Champions Place home page at https://www.championsplace.whufc.com
Click the 'Customer log In' tab in the top right hand corner of the page.
You can either input your surname and order reference or surname and voucher number.
Once logged in, you will be able to view the zone your stone is located in along with a downloadable/printable location map.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United partners with Ricoh to re-engineer processes and ways of working
WHUFC.com
West Ham United work with Ricoh to modernise its IT services and impact business processes.
As one of London's most iconic football clubs and with the recent move to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the club needed a revamped and fit-for-purpose IT infrastructure.
With an ageing server estate and a greater demand for mobile and flexible working, Ricoh could offer the holistic package needed to modernise.
Ricoh IT services designed a converged IT solution based on a thin-client and cloud-based infrastructure. This provides the club with an IT infrastructure that is more efficient, flexible and scalable to meet demand without compromising on security. Other key features are: simple, quick needs-based disaster recovery plans and centralised and automated application deployment.
400 existing PCs have been replaced with 230 thin-clients and on-site hardware replaced by a virtual server environment. Microsoft System Centre is used for systems management and monitoring. The new IT infrastructure integrates with additional Ricoh services and solutions, including a Ricoh Managed Print Service and Ricoh digital display equipment.
As well as day-to-day business operations of West Ham, the IT infrastructure also supports the club's customer-facing operations, such as the call centre and on-site and remote retail outlets.
Mike Bohndiek, Head of IT, West Ham United commented "The transformation project that Ricoh has helped West Ham deliver is critical to the business and a significant catalyst for change. Staff have seen IT go from a poor relation into something that really works for them day-to-day. It has challenged thinking across the business. Before it was muddling along with an adequate IT service, now it's become an enabler for better, smarter and more productive working."
Chas Moloney, director at Ricoh UK also commented , "Working with West Ham to help create a truly flexible and modernised mobile working environment makes for a rewarding partnership. We are proud to provide the services and solutions that can help the club streamline key business processes."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nathan Trott: The Big Interview
WHUFC.com
It has been some 18 months for West Ham United's talented young goalkeeper Nathan Trott. Born and raised in Bermuda, Trott initially played as a midfielder before converting to a goalkeeper as a teenager. He was then spotted by the Hammers and invited to London for a trial, which he came through with flying colours.
Last season, aged just 18, Trott established himself as first-choice goalkeeper for West Ham's U23 side, before earning a call-up to England's squad for the UEFA European U19 Championship finals, which they ultimately won! Trott spoke to whufc.com about his eventful 2017, prospects for the new U23 season and ambitions for the future with club and country…
Nathan, you were back in a West Ham United shirt for the first time since winning the UEFA European U19 Championship with England, but not the result you would have wanted?
"It's always good to get back to West Ham and it feels good to be playing with my teammates again after quite a long summer. Obviously the result was not what we wanted but we're working towards the start of the new season on Friday, so that's the main focus.
"Hopefully we can get off to a good start. It'll be a tough game, everyone knows that because they are the champions, but I think we can try and get a result."
You mentioned the start of the season and that means Premier League 2 Division 1 football, kicking-off with a home fixture with Everton on Friday. We are also taking part in the Premier League International Cup this season, so there's plenty to be excited about…
"It's good for everyone to experience different types of football. It's a different level after getting promoted, so I think it will push everyone and make us all better players and develop, as it will playing against foreign teams in the International Cup."
Looking back on the summer, you helped England win the Euros, so how do you reflect on that experience?
"It was a long but successful summer. Obviously next time I'd like to play and get more minutes, but it's always good to be in a squad of that quality and win a major championship.
"The main thing was that we made England proud and I think everyone was happy with the way we played. It's been a successful summer for the England teams, with everyone making a semi-final or a final.
"I thought it was a good experience for me as my first major tournament as an England player, so to win it was amazing!"
You have only been a goalkeeper for a few years, so to change position, get picked for England and win a major tournament is some achievement!
"That's a big benefit to my game, the fact I was an outfield player when I was younger. My distribution and technique with the ball at my feet are a strength and I think they helped get me there."
England kick-off the 2017/18 Euro U19 qualifiers in November, when they face Bulgaria, Iceland and the Faroe Islands, so hopefully you can start this time around!
"Hopefully next time I can get some more minutes and keep pushing myself as I'd love to be in goal at the Euros and, if all goes well, the U20 World Cup next summer!"
You are from Bermuda and still send and receive messages of support from your home country, too!
"Even when I'm playing and supporting England, I feel I am still representing Bermuda because you can never forget where you've come from. Everyone back home is supporting me and sending me messages, too, which is great."
Back here at West Ham, you are one of a number of promising young goalkeepers, but behind Joe Hart and Adrian there is not a third 'experienced' stopper. Are you aiming to fill that role this season?
"I am hoping to move towards the first-team squad this season. I would like to be the one to fill that spot as I feel I am ready for it. Hopefully I can be on the bench and maybe make my first-team debut in a cup game. Whatever comes, I'm ready!"
Do you have to pinch yourself, when you consider how quickly your career is developing?
"Yeah, sometimes! I think the best thing is just to stay humble, keep your head down and keep working. When you are that way, it's easier, because things then just happen one thing after the other."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chicharito: I'm going back to my old house on Sunday
WHUFC.com
Chicharito cannot wait to start his 'new chapter' in the Premier League at his 'old house'.
West Ham United's superstar summer signing spent five years as a Manchester United player and is set to make his competitive debut for the Hammers at Old Trafford.
The Mexico striker has only positive memories of 157 games he played and 59 goals he scored for the Red Devils, but insists he will have no sentiment in his head or his heart when he returns to Salford on Sunday. "I don't know how to describe the fact we are playing Manchester United in my first game for West Ham, but I can just say it's luck!" he smiled "I'm very lucky to be going back to my old club, to my old home, my old house, to start my new chapter in this second part of my English life and in the Premier League.
"It's going to be something happy, one very important and very lucky moment. We want to go there, try to play, and move forward. "I'm feeling in the same way I did in my first day in England, the same way I go to play with the national team I've been playing in for seven or eight years, because I love this game. "I love to do what I do and of course we have a good salary as well, we live in good cities, I have had good experiences and met good people, I'm just living my dream and trying to improve as a player and a human being as well. "Game by game, training by training, I'm just trying to improve and help my team-mates and then, if the results come, we're going to be happy."
It is seven years this week since Chicharito announced his arrival in English football with a debut goal in Manchester United's Community Shield win over Chelsea at Wembley.
The striker would go on to score regularly in all competitions and the Premier League title twice in his four seasons as a Red Devil. Unsurprisingly, therefore, he says he was 'living the dream' during his time there.
"It was a great experience," confirmed the No17, who also revealed that former Manchester United teammate David De Gea had been in contact ahead of Sunday's game. "Now, it was seven years ago, but I remember only happiness. There was happiness that I was living my dream that I made that big step which is not common [from Mexico to the Premier League]. "I was very glad, very happy, my family was with me so they were living that dream as well. I have very good memories of those four years that I lived in Manchester. "I will play against some friends, against my old club, one of the best clubs in the world, and I'm going to see some of the people who worked around the club that I have very good relationships with them. There is nothing negative to going there. "It's going to be emotional, of course, to be in my old house against my old club. With my new team, my new chapter. I want to do as best as I can. It's an important moment for me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ONE TO WATCH: WILLIAM CARVALHO
AUTHOR: BRIAN KNOX. PUBLISHED: 19 FEBRUARY 2016 AT 8:29PM ( *** NOTE DATE **** )
THE WESTHAMWAY.CO.UK
Age: 23 years
Nationality: Portuguese
Current Team: Sporting Lisbon
This week we have a promising young tough holding midfielder in William Carvalho. He has great defensive qualities about him. William is strong, tough and reads the game very well to make the good interceptions. He tracks back helping the defence hugely… adding that steel to the team. William makes it hard work for teams trying too break through, he is always limiting the spaces and working hard.
On the ball he is comfortable, he is very good with his passes, rarely gives the ball away and uses it well. He is a calm composed player and one who would be consistently good for a team. I think he could be a great asset for a top 4 team and maybe a club outside the top 4 could land him as he has been linked continuously to Arsenal in previous years but nothing has happened.
He has great experience for his age being 23, 15 caps already and I feel he is ready for a move to a top league. He shows a good attitude , works for the team and I think a player of his type would be a great asset despite the price. He is consistent ,will do the job required week in week out and is a very reliable player.
Carvalho is certainly a top talent and he will only get better. His price is likely to be 20 million plus I would think, but you got to pay the going rate these days to get these top players most of the time.
He would obviously be a player I'd like to see come in if Alex Song departs …..he would be a great replacement for him at West Ham. He would be a top coup for us but an expensive one as I said.
STRENGTHS : Tackling – Strength – Composure – Passing
WEAKNESSES : None
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Villa boss plays down Snodgrass links
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 10th August 2017
By: Staff Writer
Aston Villa CHairman Dr Tony Xia has played down reports linking the Championship club with a move for out-of-favour Hammer Robert Snodgrass.
Despite moving to West Ham just seven months ago, when switching from Hull in an eye-opening £10million move, the Scottish internation is already surplus to requirements at the Olympic Stadium. However shifting the 29-year-old has proved rather more difficult in persuading him to sign back in January.
And whilst Villa were reported to have expressed an interest in taking Snodgrass earlier in the transfer window, such a move materialising now would appear extremely unlikely according to comments made by Xia on social media. Speaking in response to a question on twitter from a supporter, Xia admitted that there were no plans to sign Snodgrass imminently. When asked whether the story was just a rumour, Xia simply replied "yes".
And in response to another queston asking about Snodgrass and fellow purported target Jordan Rhodes, he added: "Both were never on our radar. They were not on our list - completely made up rumours."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham interested in Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 10/08/17 12:59pm
SSN
West Ham are interested in signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho, according to Sky sources. The Portugal international, who joined Sporting Lisbon in 2012, is understood to want a move to the Premier League. The 25-year-old midfielder, who has scored nine goals in 137 appearances for the club in four seasons, has a £40m release clause in his contract which still has three years remaining.
Angola-born Carvalho was an integral part of the Portugal team which won the European Championships in France last summer and has previously been linked with moves to Arsenal and Manchester United. West Ham have already signed strikers Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic this summer, but manager Slaven Bilic is keen to add further options to his squad.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Who is William Carvalho and why does Slaven Bilic want him? West Ham transfer target profiled
West Ham transfer news has been dominated by William Carvalho and the Portuguese midfielder could be perfect for Slaven Bilic
Football London
BYTOM MARSHALL-BAILEY
15:40, 10 AUG 2017
After a summer of spending at the London Stadium, West Ham could be about to dip into the transfer market once again with the signing of Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho. Many of Europe's top clubs have been linked with the player in the past, yet he still remains at Sporting despite his commanding displays in the middle of the park. Although co-owner David Sullivan previously stated that the club would not be moving for a midfielder, the Hammers have reportedly submitted an offer of €30m (£27.1m) for the player.
With Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez already joining the Hammers ahead of the new season, the potential arrival of Carvalho would cap off a remarkable summer in the transfer market for the club. Here we take a look a closer look at Carvalho following talk of him moving to the capital.
Who is he?
Carvalho is a defensive midfielder who has caught the eye of many of Europe's top clubs since making his debut in April 2011. The 25-year-old has become a key part of Sporting's team and it is quite surprising that he is still with the Primeira Liga side after all this time. Carvalho, who is known for his imposing displays on the pitch, is a master in his holding role with his ability to read play and dispossess opponents. The player has also impressed against some of Europe's top sides in the Champions League, as well as for the Portugal national team. The Euro 2016 winner would be an excellent signing for the club if they could manage to get a deal over the line.
How did he do last season?
After helping Portugal win the European Championship against France, Carvalho carried his form into the new season for Sporting. Although the team finished the season in third, 12 points behind champions Benfica, the midfielder once again came to the attention of a number of top clubs with his displays. Carvalho was impressive in the Champions League against the likes of Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, even though Lisbon crashed out of the group stage with one win from six games. The Angolan-born player appeared in 38 games in all competitions for his club, scoring three goals and picking up 11 bookings throughout the campaign.
Who wants him?
Carvalho has attracted the attention of Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool in the past, while European giants Juventus and Bayern Munich have also cast their eye over the 25-year-old. West Brom had tried their luck to sign Carvalho back in January, only for Sporting to knock back their bid of £26million.
Player profile
Despite Carvalho previously admitting that he would like to move to Arsenal, it looks unlikely that Arsene Wenger will resurrect his interest in the player.
West Ham could potentially have a free run on signing Carvalho, although other clubs may well join the race and finally move for the midfielder if it looks like he's heading to east London.
How much would he cost?
After signing Arnautovic for a club-record fee, the Hammers will have to surpass the £24m paid to Stoke for the Austrian if they are to sign Carvalho.
According to The Telegraph, the Hammers have submitted an offer of €30m (£27.1m) to Sporting for the Euro 2016 winner. However, Sporting are believed to be holding out for €40m (£36.1m) for their prize asset. While the Hammers won't pay Sporting's asking price, club representatives currently in Lisbon will be hoping to come to an agreement for the midfielder.
What have people said about him?
Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal said the midfielder is capable of playing for one of the top Premier League sides following links with West Brom. Carvalhal, speaking to Radio Renascenca in Portugal, said: "William Carvalho is a player for a big club, a top one. "West Brom are not a top club but being in the best league in the world at a medium club isn't negative for any player. "He has the ability to be in a team with other goals, but if he comes to West Brom he'll join the Premier League which is a great stage and where almost every player would like to be."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham bid £27.1m for William Carvalho: Hammers chiefs in Lisbon trying to close deal
WEST HAM have made a club-record £27.1million bid to sign William Carvalho from Sporting Lisbon.
By JACK STAPLEHURST
PUBLISHED: 14:28, Thu, Aug 10, 2017 | UPDATED: 15:00, Thu, Aug 10, 2017
Express.co.uk
Slaven Bilic has identified the 25-year-old as his final key addition to his side this summer. The Hammers have been strong in their business so far, bringing in Joe Hart, Javier Hernandez, Marko Arnautovic, Pablo Zabaleta and Sead Haksabanovic. And with money still left to spend, Carvalho has been targeted to strengthen West Ham's midfield. According to The Telegraph, an offer has now been submitted for the Portugal international worth the equivalent of €30m. Carvalho has a buy-out clause in his contract of £36.1m and Sporting are attempting to hold out for that figure.
However, it is said they are aware Carvalho is now keen on the move to the Premier League. Arsenal have previously shown interest, but West Ham appear close to landing their man following negotiations that have been going on for over a week. The Telegraph add Hammers representatives are currently in Lisbon attempting to seal the deal. And West Ham are optimistic Carvalho can be signed. Despite the east London side being unwilling to pay as much as £36.1m, talks remain positive between the two clubs.
Carvalho is apparently aware he need to move on to further his career, having been at Sporting since the start of his professional career. The highly-rated player is represented by Pep Guardiola's brother, Pere, and would offer strong competition for Pedro Obiang, Cheikhou Kouyate and Mark Noble at the London Stadium. But while the Hammers feel there is a real chance of getting Carvalho, outgoings are needed too. Sofiane Feghouli is due to leave for Galatasaray, while Aston Villa are after Robert Snodgrass.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Lanzini ready to sign new £85k-a-week West Ham deal amid Liverpool interest
HITC
Aiden Cusick
Liverpool are said to have earmarked the West Ham United star as a potential replacement for Philippe Coutinho. Playmaker Manuel Lanzini is 'ready to sign' a new £85,000-a-week contract at West Ham United, The Sun reports. It is claimed that negotiations over an improved deal began four months ago, with West Ham said to have been willing to increase Lanzini's earnings from £35,000-a-week to £50,000-a-week. But with new signings Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez reported to earn more than double that - and amid alleged interest from other clubs including Liverpool - the Hammers appear to seen their hand forced. And according to The Sun, Lanzini will finally commit to Slaven Bilic's side, and sign on for another five years at the London Stadium.
It is claimed that Liverpool have been tracking the Argentine since January, with the Reds are said to have earmarked him as a potential replacement for Philippe Coutinho, who has been the subject of bids from Barcelona. The new deal for Lanzini - who has scored 15 goals and created another seven since moving to West Ham two years ago, initially on loan - would see him collect £4.42 million per year.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham bid club record £27.1m for William Carvalho
Telegraph.co.uk
Jason Burt, chief football correspondent
10 AUGUST 2017 • 1:32PM
West Ham United have bid a club record €30 million (£27.1m) for the highly-rated Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho. Club representatives are currently in Lisbon attempting to close the deal for the Portuguese international and negotiations have been going on for more than a week. Sporting are attempting to hold out for €40m (£36.1m) but are aware that the 25-year-old is keen to finally move to the Premier League club.
Signing Carvalho would represent another huge coup for West Ham who have already signed Marko Arnautovic, for a club record fee that could rise to £24m, Javier Hernandez, Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart during this transfer window as manager Slaven Bilic re-shapes his side ahead of Sunday's kick-off away to Manchester United.
It is not thought that West Ham will go as high as €40m for Carvalho but talks remain positive between the two clubs and sources close to the deal are optimistic it can be done. The highly-rated midfielder, who has been linked to a number of big Premier League clubs in recent seasons, including Arsenal, is understood to be aware of the fact that he needs to move to further his career.
Carvalho is represented by Pere Guardiola, the brother of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and would be expected to go straight into the West Ham side as a holding midfielder.
Born in Angola, Carvalho has 37 caps for Portugal and was part of the squad that won Euro 2016. Bringing him in would complete Bilic's transfer moves this summer with the manager aware that his team needs a high-quality addition in midfield.
If Carvalho is signed then West Ham, who have also signed 18-year-old Montenegro midfielder Sead Haksabanovic, will then concentrate on balancing their squad with Sofiane Feghouli due to leave and join Galatasaray while Robert Snodgrass may also go with Aston Villa having expressed an interest. In addition at least one more departure is expected.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham told they must pay £36m for William Carvalho - but have not been put off by Sporting asking price
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic wants to continue his productive summer by signing the Portugal international
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
16:11, 10 AUG 2017UPDATED17:01, 10 AUG 2017
West Ham have been told by Sporting Lisbon that they want a staggering £36million for William Carvalho. The Irons have representatives in Portugal trying to thrash out a deal for the highly-rated holding midfielder who would become their sixth signing of a productive summer. West Ham have already landed England keeper Joe Hart, Stoke forward Marko Arnautovic for a club-record £24million, ex-Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez for £17million and Pablo Zabaleta from Manchester City on a free transfer. This week the club also confirmed the arrival of 18-year-old attacking midfielder Sead Haksabanovic for £2.7million. The Hammers' £27.1million bid for Carvalho went in to Sporting earlier this week. The Irons were told that they would have to pay closer to the £36.1million asking price if they want to take him. The valuation has not scared West Ham off with the club determined to add quality to their midfield before the window closes. Key midfielder Cheikou Kouyate is out injured and will miss at least the first month of the season. When fit, West Ham believe he would form a powerful combination with Carvalho in the middle of the park.
Carvalho has 37 caps for Portugal and was a member of the squad that lifted the Euro2016 title last summer. West Ham are now willing to listen to offers for Robert Snodgrass with Aston Villa interested. Winger Sofiane Feghouli is also likely to go to Galatasaray.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, August 9
Daily WHUFC News - 10th August 2017
Chicharito: I'm 100 per cent fit and ready
WHUFC.com
Chicharito says he is '100 per cent fit and ready' to make his West Ham United debut at Manchester United on Sunday. By a quirk of the fixture computer, West Ham kick-off the 2017/18 Premier League season at Old Trafford, the stadium where the No17 spent four seasons as a Red Devil between 2010-15. And the Mexico striker has been training daily since joining the Hammers a fortnight ago, improving his fitness and developing a chemistry with his new teammates ahead of what he admits will be an emotional return to Salford "I'm very happy and very glad at the prospect of playing my first game for West Ham on Sunday," he began. "It's the best way for me to come back to the Premier League and to a country which gave me my first chapter and first four years in Europe. It's going to be the best way to start this Premier League season if we get a good result over there, obviously, because that's the main goal in my mind and for everyone in this Club, to get a very good and very important result. "I feel I am ready and 100 per cent fit. I've been training pretty well with the lads and the decision stands with my manager, with my boss. The only thing I can say is that I am ready and if I am picked to start, I am ready and I am glad."
Chicharito refused to speculate on whether he is a better centre forward now than the one who left Manchester United for Bayer Leverkusen two summers ago, instead insisting that his only focus is on repaying the faith put in him by his new employers. "That's something I can't describe, but rather something I can only prove inside the pitch, which is where I prefer to speak!" he explained. "In May, we can see how my season went and we can answer that question.The only thing in my mind here is to obey the ideas that the manager has for me and for the team and deliver that confidence that he has in me."My mind is completely at West Ham. Right now, I'm a Hammer, I'm a West Ham player and I want to do even better than I did in Manchester and then we'll see what happens in this season."
Speaking of managers who had confidence in him, Chicharito is hoping to bump into the man who brought him to the Premier League for the first time seven years ago – Sir Alex Ferguson. "I didn't speak to him before I moved to West Ham and I don't know if he will text me before the game on Sunday, but hopefully I can see him if he goes to watch the game!" he smiled.
*You can follow West Ham United's opening Premier League game of the 2017/18 season live on whufc.com from 3pm on Sunday 13 August.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio & Haksabanovic to feature in PL2 opener
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio and West Ham United's latest signing Sead Haksabanovic are set to feature when the Hammers' PL2 side get their season underway at home to Everton on Friday night. Terry Westley's team take on the Toffees at Dagenham & Redbridge's Chigwell Construction Stadium with kick-off at 7pm and Hammers fans will get their first chance to see exciting Montenegro international Haksabanovic in action. Meanwhile, Antonio has been working hard on his comeback from a hamstring injury and will continue his countdown to a first team return with a run-out against Everton.
West Ham United Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members can watch the match for free, simply take your 2016/17 Season Ticket Card or confirmation of your Season Ticket renewal or Membership with you to gain access through the turnstiles. Tickets for non-Season Ticket Holders and non-members are priced at £5 adults and £3 concessions and turnstiles open at 6pm. Supporters are advised to arrive early to avoid queues at the turnstiles.
Academy director Terry Westley said: "It's our first game, playing against a very good side in Everton who are the Premier League 2 champions from last season. They'll be strong, and we'll be strong too. "The more people that come along to Dagenham, the better chance we have to up our game and perform to our best to get off to the best possible start, so we hope there will be a big crowd "Michail Antonio and our new boy Sead Haksabanovic will be playing, so it's also a great chance for fans to see those players in action for the first time this season."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hurst and Henry laud the signing of 'quality' Chicharito
WHUFC.com
Sir Geoff Hurst believes the signing of Chicharito is exactly what West Ham need to take the Club to the next level. Javier Hernandez became West Ham's fourth signing of the summer when he joined from Bayer Leverkusen and is poised to make his debut for the Club against Manchester United on Sunday.
The Mexican forward has impressed in training and Club legend Hurst, who scored 248 goals in his Irons career, reckons Chicharito and West Ham are a match made in heaven. The 1966 World Cup winner and hat-trick hero has also backed West Ham's new No17 to score at least 15 goals this season.
"West Ham have made good signings in my opinion," Hurst said at the 2017 FA & McDonald's Community Awards. "Hernandez is absolutely the right kind of striker for them. "He's got pace and if you have that you can always cause problems - 15 to 20 goals has got to be his goal this season.
"Any less than that and he should be disappointed. He's a quality player who has great movement and can score goals."
Hurst's sentiments have been echoed by Premier League legend Thierry Henry, who is expecting Chicharito to maintain his reputation of scoring important goals while at the London Stadium. The former Arsenal attacker recalls playing against Hernandez while the new West Ham signing was with Chivas and believes he will prove himself to be a great addition to Slaven Bilic's side. Henry told Sky Sports: "I played against him when I was at Barcelona and he was a young player at Chivas. I remember saying to Rafael Marquez: 'Who is that guy?' He said he was going to be a good player and it has turned out to be true. "He's an old-fashioned striker, in a way. He's lethal in the box and he can hold the ball. We've seen it since he was at Manchester United. It's not always easy to just come off the bench and score but he used to come up with some big goals at crucial moments. "It looks like a very, very good buy for West Ham. He knows the league and he has the experience of playing for two of the biggest teams in the world in Manchester United and Real Madrid.
"I wasn't surprised to see him join West Ham because they have a history of luring players like that to the club. They had Paolo Di Canio and more recently Dimitri Payet. so there is a bit of history there. "I think Chicharito will do well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Paul Konchesky back at Chadwell Heath
WHUFC.com
Tuesday night presented a strange situation for former Hammer Paul Konchesky, who faced a number of West Ham youngsters he now mentors.
The ex-England left-back – who now turns out for Billericay Town – was part of the Isthmian League side which took on, and beat 3-1, a Hammers XI consisting of Academy players. And since the defender has recently returned to Chadwell Heath in a bid to ignite his coaching career, his opposition was full of familiar faces.
Konchesky has been assisting Academy Director Terry Westley in recent weeks and admitted it was a strange feeling going up against the youngsters he now helps to develop. "It was weird playing against some of those lads, but of course it was a great evening and for me, it's always nice coming up against the team that you support," said the 36-year-old "It doesn't matter what age they are – it's always a great thing to do. They're a good bunch of lads – some I know pretty well now – but ultimately it was great to beat them! "I'm helping Terry and Liam [Manning] out and really enjoying it at the moment. I'm going into Chadwell Heath, mentoring a couple of the players and if I can try and help bring one or two of those through and help them develop, then that's great. "They gave us a good test on the pitch, as well. First half, I think we were on top and the strength and power showed. "They are still young boys though and they're still developing, and that's what I'm trying to help with at the Academy. You never know when you're that age – I'm sure many have a great future ahead of them."
Konchesky, who was an Academy of Football talent himself years ago, made his senior debut at Charlton Athletic in 1997, before returning to east London and West Ham in 2005. Making 70 competitive appearances for the Hammers over two seasons with the Club, the two-time international left-back knows his way around Chadwell Heath and is glad to be back. "It's good for people like me, who have been at the Club and know the Club, to be around there again, so of course it's nice to be back at Chadwell Heath," he continued. "Jack Collison is obviously also working at the Academy and he was a player with West Ham for a long while. He knows the Club inside out and I think that's a big boost for the Academy. "You never know, with me also doing a bit there, there could be a few more going back there! Coaching is something I'm definitely looking at for after playing. I'd like to think I'm really going to get involved in that side of things and I want to help the young boys develop at the Club. "At the moment, I've still got a focus on playing for this year. I always say one more year, but who knows? We will see at the end of the season. I am going to play this season here at Billericay, but I'll think about things again then."
Konchesky missed just one league game in his debut West Ham season in 2005/06, helping Alan Pardew's men to their highest finish – ninth in the top flight – for four years. And with this summer's signings, the Barking-born man believes Slaven Bilic's team can be successful in the Premier League this term. "West Ham have made some great signings this summer. Hopefully they can gel quickly, build themselves as a team and get up and running with some good early results. If that happens, you never know where that can take you."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Westley focused on Friday's Everton opener
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley's focus immediately switched to Friday's Premier League 2 opener against Everton after the Academy of Football completed their pre-season preparations at Billericay Town on Tuesday. A young Hammers side were beaten 3-1 at the AGP Arena against a Town outfit containing former Hammers Paul Konchesky and Leo Chambers. But with the U23s set to take on last season's Premier League 2 champions later this week at Dagenham and Redbridge, Westley looked straight ahead to the campaign opener after Tuesday's defeat. He said: "It was great to be involved in the game at Billericay with all the work that's been done there, but our team will look a lot different to how it did on Tuesday. "I think when you change a team too much, it can be a too bigger test for some, and I think that showed. The end result was fragmented, and our performance. But sometimes, that's what pre-season is about. "There were no injuries though, and people are ready for selection on Friday. I'll now sit down with Liam [Manning] this week to discuss what we think the team ought to be. "It's our first game, playing against a very good side in Everton who are the Premier League 2 champions from last season. They'll be strong, and we'll be strong too. We're looking forward to it."
Isthmian League Billericay proved too strong for the Hammers ultimately, scoring through Billy Bricknell, new signing and former Arsenal and Liverpool man Jermaine Pennant, and Sam Deering.But playing against strong, senior players can only be positive for the development of the Academy's talents, according to the boss. Westley continued: "It was a good night and a good experience. For the younger players to play in front of 5,000 people, to play against a men's team which contained Paul Konchesky and Leo Chambers and Jermaine Pennant – that's great. "It was always going to be a tough game for our players. There were still a number of players who couldn't play for us tonight, some of the older ones.
"I have to say that Will Greenidge, who came on at right-back, he's only 15, and Josh Okotcha – a centre-back – they both did very well and have come away from the game in credit. "Grady Diangana, who did well and added a bit as a sub when he came on, and Martin Samuelsen first half – they were the ones who we looked at and impressed. Nathan Trott too. "It's a chance to get started on the right foot on Friday, and the more people that come, the better chance we have to up our game and perform to our best to get off to the best possible start."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Where's there's a Will, there's a way
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 9th August 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are being linked with a move for Portugal international William Carvalho. The 25-year-old Sporting Lisbon star is set to be the target of a £25million bid by the Hammers, according to Simon Jones, writing for the Mail Online. And West Ham are said to be hopeful of pushing a deal through, adds Jones, despite several other Premier League clubs having previously failed to secure a deal for the highly-rated defensive midfielder. The Angola-born Carvalho, who moved to Europe with his family as a child and joined his current club at ther age of just 13 in 2005 is understood to have a release clause of £39.5million in his contract.
* Aston Villa are keen on signing West Ham winger Robert Snodgrass, according to various sources. The 29-year-old, who joined West Ham in January in a £10million switch from relegated Hull City is being linked with a loan move to Villa Park.
* Sofiane Feghouli remains a West Ham player despite having agreed terms with Turkish club Galatasary. Regardless, the Algerian winger is still expected to complete his move to the Super Lig ahead of the start of the new season.
* Former Ajax youth star Ezra Walian has joined West Ham on trial. The 19-year-old forward, who represents Indonesia at international level was released by Ajax at the end of last season and is currrently a free agent.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Romelu Lukaku's amazing record against West Ham
By Adam Bate
Last Updated: 09/08/17 1:47pm
SSN
Romelu Lukaku will make his Premier League debut for Manchester United on Sunday and he will fancy his chances of marking it with a goal given his record against opponents West Ham…
Much is expected of Romelu Lukaku at Manchester United following his £90m switch from Everton and he will be hoping for a fast start to life at Old Trafford. The good news for the 24-year-old striker is that he could not have picked a better opening fixture than West Ham at home. The Belgian already boasts a formidable record against Sunday's opponents.
Although Lukaku failed to find the net against the Irons in his two matches against them when on loan at West Brom, he enjoyed an astonishing scoring sequence against them during his time at Everon. In fact, Lukaku scored in his first nine appearances for Everton against West Ham, his goals directly earning nine Premier League points for his side.
The run began with a late winner on his Everton debut in 2013, and he was knocked unconscious in the process of scoring in a 3-2 win. "I remember nothing about it," Lukaku admitted at the time. "I did not even know I had scored. That was the first thing I asked the doc. I said, 'Who scored?' He said, 'You.'" But West Ham fans will not forget his knack for crucial late goals.
In the reverse fixture at Goodison Park in 2014, Lukaku grabbed the only goal of the game in the 81st minute. The following year there was a last-gasp equaliser in an FA Cup tie. He also scored in extra-time of the replay and then finished that season by scoring a stoppage-time winner in a 2-1 victory over the Hammers in May.
Not that Lukaku has always had it his own way. Despite extending his scoring sequence against West Ham to eight matches with the opener at Goodison Park in March 2016, a missed penalty when two goals up proved costly. Everton went on to surrender the lead and lose 3-2. Even so, he was back on the scoresheet in a 2-0 home win last October.
Romelu Lukaku scored against West Ham on nine of the 10 occasions he faced them in an Everton shirt. He also has four assists against the Irons.
Lukaku's streak only came to an end in a goalless draw at the London Stadium in April. West Ham were particularly vigilant. "He has got a good record against us, and we probably haven't defended as well against him as we could have done in games gone by," said James Collins beforehand. "Physically, he has got everything, he is big, strong and he can finish."
That shut out owed much to the efforts of Winston Reid and he is likely to be the man asked to mark Lukaku again at Old Trafford. Given the team's earlier struggles against the striker, Reid was pretty blunt about what is required to keep Lukaku at bay when explaining the long-awaited clean sheet afterwards. "Don't let him turn," said the centre-back.
"If he's not going to turn then he is not going to score, is he? It'd be pretty difficult. We wanted to try and keep him away from the goal. I know it's pretty boring but it's pretty simple I guess. We just had to be on him in the box and make sure he couldn't turn."
Nothing too complex then but is it easier said than done? It certainly has been on the last five occasions that West Ham have faced Lukaku on their travels. Bookmakers Sky Bet rate the forward as an 8/13 on chance to score on his Manchester United debut. Lukaku's history against the Hammers would suggest that he is odds-on for a very good reason.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Javier Hernandez may not celebrate at Man Utd
Last Updated: 09/08/17 6:00pm
SSN
West Ham striker Javier Hernandez admits he does not know if he will celebrate a debut goal against former club Manchester United. The 29-year-old joined the Hammers for £16m from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, two years after he left United for the Bundesliga side, and finds himself facing his old team at Old Trafford on Sunday. Hernandez, who scored 59 goals in his time in Manchester, says he will have a tough decision to make if he manages to open his West Ham account in their opening game, live on Sky Sports Premier League. "I don't know if I will celebrate if I score at Old Trafford," he said.
"It's my old club, my old fans, my old stadium but it'll be my first goal for West Ham. "I am not thinking about the celebration, I just want to have the chance to start and get my team the result. "I am very happy and glad, it's the best way to come back and open at Old Trafford. "I am a Hammer, a West Ham player, I want to do even better than I did in Manchester."
Hernandez found his first-team options limited during his final days at United and even spent a season on loan at Real Madrid in an attempt to play more football. He left for Leverkusen in 2015 - with current United boss Jose Mourinho since insisting he would never have allowed the Mexico international to leave had he been in charge - but Hernandez says he does not rue his decision. "I never have regretted leaving Manchester United," he said. "I had some great experiences there and it helped me when I did move on."
Hernandez is one of a number of new arrivals at the London Stadium as Slaven Bilic looks to build a squad capable of improving on the 11th-placed finish last season. Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has joined on a season-long loan while his former team-mate at the Etihad Stadium, Pablo Zabaleta, has also come in. The club broke their transfer record to bring in Stoke's Marko Arnautovic, with midfielder Sead Haksabanovic signing from Halmstads earlier this week. Hernandez is a big fan of Hart and believes the new crop can help West Ham qualify for continental competition. The European spots are the main goal for us this season. No doubt," he added. "Joe Hart is a great lad, a great professional. He always gives 100 per cent on the training ground. "He has been in the national team for so long, playing in the Champions League, he is a great goalkeeper."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM NEED THREE AT THE BACK
By Blind Hammer 9 Aug 2017 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer is puzzled about Bilic's apparent reluctance to address defensive weaknesses.
Readers of my posts here will be familiar with my concentration on the defensive fragilities of West Ham. This is the 3rd post this summer and the 6th since last year which has tried to highlight this as an issue. There is a risk that I sound like a broken record, but the point has to be hammered home. Like all on here I love West Ham. However I am baffled by the priorities and squad analysis which is highlighted by both Bilic and the Board.
First of all broken record time. 6 weeks ago I flatly and completely disagreed with the publicly stated analysis produced by the club hierarchy that West Ham flirted with relegation because they did not have sufficient strikers last season. I fail to see how any detailed analysis of last season can conclude this. West Ham was plunged into the relegation mire because we could not defend. This was the sad and unpalatable fact. Actually West Ham conceded more points from winning positions than any other team. This was the standout weakness.
Certainly there were other problems. Bilic admitted problems with intensity, commentators criticised fitness and athleticism, and there was undeniably a problem with finding a fit striker to play up front.
Despite these issues it was overwhelmingly the defence which nearly dragged us into the relegation mire. Although we eventually finished 11th, this disguised the real position. In a compressed lower table we were, like many other clubs, in the end only a few points away from the relegation trapdoor. We were certainly far closer to the relegation fight than any realistic chance of challenging the top 7.
In actual fact there were two questions with our defensive performances. The first was that we managed to regularly concede goals against competition from teams around and below us. For example we conceded a lead against Middlesbrough at home, a performance remarkable given Middlesbrough's inability to score against most of the rest of the PL. The Watford defeat at home was particularly demoralising for the team, with promising attacking play ending up with us being hammered with 4 goals at the other end.
In addition, on most occasions we simply could not live, defensively, with top 6 teams either at home or way. The problem for our fan base is that in general we started to approach games against Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool with an element of fear and apprehension. Expecting a rout at home by 4 or more goals certainly did not help adjust to the new London Stadium.
However I am personally convinced that these terrible defensive performances have nothing whatsoever to do with playing at the London Stadium. The fact is that ever since January of 2016 we have had a leaky defence. The final year at the Boleyn was exciting but we were seeping goals all over the place. I produced an analysis last year to show how we were conceding on average 2 goals a game in the latter half of that season starting with the famous Everton away win during which, even there, we conceded 2 goals. We should remember that in our last two games at the Boleyn alone, despite the excitement of the Manchester United game, we conceded 6 goals, losing 1-4 to Swansea.
So this is a problem which has beset our team for at least 18 months. We go on quite long unwelcome runs during which we on average concede at least 2 goals a game, at times last season we were averaging a 3 goal deficit every game. There is no way on earth a side can plan for success with this defensive record. If a team has to score 3 goals on average to win, or 2 to gain a point we will be in trouble. This will be the case whatever Stella attackers we bring to the club, welcome though they be, If we had Namer, Ronaldo Messy and so on we would struggle if we continued to concede at this rate.
Thankfully, for our survival last season, Bilic adjusted to this problem. The most productive and successful tactic he deployed was to play 3 centre backs. Although this system was tried and failed in the away games against Chelsea and Manchester City early in the season it was deployed with much more success, with Collins as a component in the latter parts of the season. This was the bedrock which underpinned the famous win against Tottenham. It was also the method underlying the shut out of Everton's Romelu Lukaku to finally stop his scoring run against us. These were important not just for morale, but the eventual critical points they provided us with. Our points total was helped by the away win at Burnley but as Bilic said at the time it might have been very different if the pressure had been on to get a result on that final day.
This makes it all the more baffling is that, as far as I can see, all the club recruitment and pre-season preparation has revolved around returning to the failed 4 at the back formation which has created so many problems. There is only limited evidence that the club has got to grips with this over the summer. Weaknesses in the Goalkeeping and right back position have been addressed. However the critical central part of our defence is completely unrefreshed and actually denuded. We have a suspect central defensive section which is just as much injury prone as our striking section. Collins, Obonna, Reid, and Fonte all have significant injury records. If we are to cover 3 positions at the back it seems irresponsible to me to rely on 4 defenders, none of which have managed to complete a season in recent history.
In comparison and in contrast we have 3 or possibly 4 striking options to cover essentially 1 loan striking position in our normal formation. Admittedly our striking options are injury prone but the same can be said for our defensive options.
It stretches my credibility that we are really intending to rely on only 4 central defenders with inconsistent fitness to cover 3 critical positions in our squad. With our present line up it will, I predict, be inevitable that we will be playing people out of position in central defence to fill the gaps.
This seems a monumental gamble to me. Yet this is a gamble that the club seem oblivious to. 2 of our brightest young guns, Burke and Oxford, have been sent out on loan, with only the promising 18 year old Rice to backup what looks largely like an aging quartet with suspect pace.
Most of you will have the advantage over me in reviewing pre-season performances. I have not been able to access any radio or audio commentaries. We should also be aware that famously pre-season performances may not be a guide to actual Premier League performance. Despite this it appears, from reports, that at no time have we reverted to 3 at the back in our pre-season preparation. I find this baffling given that the only time we looked secure last season was when we deployed this formation.
Despite the unreliability of pre-season friendlies it does not look like that we have achieved any defensive solidity against even lesser opposition. Conceding 3 in a lack lustre display against Manchester City was wearyingly predictable but surely it was not part of the plan for a largely first choice defence to concede 3 goals a few days earlier against the German equivalent of Forest Green Rovers?
Finally and in conclusion I do not insist that West Ham have to play 3 at the back. If we can play 4 at the back and achieve successful defensive solidity I will be personally delighted and race onto this site to eat humble pie. However what I do insist on is that West Ham should at the very least prepare in their squad and team formations for the option of playing 3 at the back, given the critical role this has achieved with past performances. There seems limited evidence that this has achieved sufficient priority in either squad development or the pre-season friendlies. In our first game we will face the agent of multiple previous goals conceded and defeats in the shape of Romelu Lukaku. We overcame his goalscoring prowess with the Payet inspired comeback in 2016. Apart from this The only occasion in 9 attempts that we looked as if we could cope with his threat was when we played 3 at the back against Everton in our home fixture last season. Our pre-season does not seem to have learnt any of these lessons.
Time will tell.
COYI
David Griffith
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham take Ezra Walian on loan as former Ajax youth star looks to impress in English football
Ezra Walian was released by Ajax this summer and is looking to move to England
West Ham have had the former youth star on trial at the club this summer
Forward has also been invited to Bolton and Hull as he looks for a new club
Meanwhile, West Ham could sell midfielder Robert Snodgrass to Aston Villa
By Simon Jones for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 13:31 BST, 9 August 2017 | UPDATED: 13:31 BST, 9 August 2017
West Ham have been giving a trial to former Jong Ajax forward Ezra Walian. The 19-year-old can play as a central striker or on either wing and is a free agent after his contract ran out at the end of June. He scored 11 goals in 22 games for Jong Ajax last season. Born in Amsterdam, Walian represented Holland at U19 level but is now an Indonesia international and has also been invited to Bolton Wanderers and Hull City for training.
Meanwhile, West Ham could see Robert Snodgrass leave this summer, with Aston Villa eyeing a move for the midfielder. He only joined last season, but the Hammers are open to offers for the 29-year-old Scotland international.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aston Villa eyeing move for Robert Snodgrass with West Ham open to offers for midfielder
29-year-old midfielder Robert Snodgrass only joined West Ham last season
However, the Hammers are open to offers for the Scotland international
Aston Villa would have to sign him on an initial loan with view to permanent deal
Villa are also among the clubs to hold an interest in striker Jordan Rhodes
By Simon Jones for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 12:52 BST, 9 August 2017 | UPDATED: 12:52 BST, 9 August 2017
Aston Villa are keen on bringing in West Ham midfielder Robert Snodgrass this summer. The 29-year-old only joined West Ham last season but they are open to offers for the Scotland international. Villa, however, would need to sign him on an initial loan with view to a permanent deal owing to financial fair play implications The left-footed midfielder failed to make a major impact at West Ham last campaign, making just 15 appearances, with eight of those coming from the bench. Snodgrass also failed to score for the Hammers following his £10.2million move from Hull back in January.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Has the new John Terry, Declan Rice, played his way into the Slaven Bilic's side at West Ham?
HITC
Damien Lucas
There have not been many positives to take from West Ham United's pre-season matches. Slaven Bilic's side have looked unfit and out of form during the build up to the new Premier League season. The last two games saw the Hammers draw 3-3 with a German fourth tier team before a 3-0 hiding at the hands of Manchester City which could have been many more. While results don't matter in pre-season, the club's only win has come against Fulham 2-1.
The club's new signings Pablo Zabaleta, Joe Hart, Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez have been slowly bedding in. But it is academy graduate Declan Rice who has been the biggest positive. West Ham's defence is ageing with Jose Fonte and James Collins turning 34 this season and Zabaleta turning 33 while Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna both have questionable injury records too. So the emergence of the 18-year-old Rice - who has already been called up by Ireland to train with Martin O'Neill's first team squad - has come at the perfect time.
While the equally promising and arguably more talented Reece Oxford has been shipped out on loan to Germany, Rice, a year below him has been included in Bilic's plans for the first team. And it is easy to see why. Amid all the mediocrity on show from West Ham against Manchester City Rice was the standout player. Reading the game, showing confidence, strength, determination, leadership and a will to win Rice was nothing short of a revelation.
Whisper it quietly because he is not the most popular figure in East London but the young Irishman has the hallmarks of another former West Ham academy product.... one John Terry. Terry left for Chelsea at the age of 14 to play with his friends. But Rice has come in the other direction and is here to stay. Don't be surprised if he is a first team regular by Christmas.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Chicharito says he is '100 per cent fit and ready' to make his West Ham United debut at Manchester United on Sunday. By a quirk of the fixture computer, West Ham kick-off the 2017/18 Premier League season at Old Trafford, the stadium where the No17 spent four seasons as a Red Devil between 2010-15. And the Mexico striker has been training daily since joining the Hammers a fortnight ago, improving his fitness and developing a chemistry with his new teammates ahead of what he admits will be an emotional return to Salford "I'm very happy and very glad at the prospect of playing my first game for West Ham on Sunday," he began. "It's the best way for me to come back to the Premier League and to a country which gave me my first chapter and first four years in Europe. It's going to be the best way to start this Premier League season if we get a good result over there, obviously, because that's the main goal in my mind and for everyone in this Club, to get a very good and very important result. "I feel I am ready and 100 per cent fit. I've been training pretty well with the lads and the decision stands with my manager, with my boss. The only thing I can say is that I am ready and if I am picked to start, I am ready and I am glad."
Chicharito refused to speculate on whether he is a better centre forward now than the one who left Manchester United for Bayer Leverkusen two summers ago, instead insisting that his only focus is on repaying the faith put in him by his new employers. "That's something I can't describe, but rather something I can only prove inside the pitch, which is where I prefer to speak!" he explained. "In May, we can see how my season went and we can answer that question.The only thing in my mind here is to obey the ideas that the manager has for me and for the team and deliver that confidence that he has in me."My mind is completely at West Ham. Right now, I'm a Hammer, I'm a West Ham player and I want to do even better than I did in Manchester and then we'll see what happens in this season."
Speaking of managers who had confidence in him, Chicharito is hoping to bump into the man who brought him to the Premier League for the first time seven years ago – Sir Alex Ferguson. "I didn't speak to him before I moved to West Ham and I don't know if he will text me before the game on Sunday, but hopefully I can see him if he goes to watch the game!" he smiled.
*You can follow West Ham United's opening Premier League game of the 2017/18 season live on whufc.com from 3pm on Sunday 13 August.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio & Haksabanovic to feature in PL2 opener
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio and West Ham United's latest signing Sead Haksabanovic are set to feature when the Hammers' PL2 side get their season underway at home to Everton on Friday night. Terry Westley's team take on the Toffees at Dagenham & Redbridge's Chigwell Construction Stadium with kick-off at 7pm and Hammers fans will get their first chance to see exciting Montenegro international Haksabanovic in action. Meanwhile, Antonio has been working hard on his comeback from a hamstring injury and will continue his countdown to a first team return with a run-out against Everton.
West Ham United Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members can watch the match for free, simply take your 2016/17 Season Ticket Card or confirmation of your Season Ticket renewal or Membership with you to gain access through the turnstiles. Tickets for non-Season Ticket Holders and non-members are priced at £5 adults and £3 concessions and turnstiles open at 6pm. Supporters are advised to arrive early to avoid queues at the turnstiles.
Academy director Terry Westley said: "It's our first game, playing against a very good side in Everton who are the Premier League 2 champions from last season. They'll be strong, and we'll be strong too. "The more people that come along to Dagenham, the better chance we have to up our game and perform to our best to get off to the best possible start, so we hope there will be a big crowd "Michail Antonio and our new boy Sead Haksabanovic will be playing, so it's also a great chance for fans to see those players in action for the first time this season."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hurst and Henry laud the signing of 'quality' Chicharito
WHUFC.com
Sir Geoff Hurst believes the signing of Chicharito is exactly what West Ham need to take the Club to the next level. Javier Hernandez became West Ham's fourth signing of the summer when he joined from Bayer Leverkusen and is poised to make his debut for the Club against Manchester United on Sunday.
The Mexican forward has impressed in training and Club legend Hurst, who scored 248 goals in his Irons career, reckons Chicharito and West Ham are a match made in heaven. The 1966 World Cup winner and hat-trick hero has also backed West Ham's new No17 to score at least 15 goals this season.
"West Ham have made good signings in my opinion," Hurst said at the 2017 FA & McDonald's Community Awards. "Hernandez is absolutely the right kind of striker for them. "He's got pace and if you have that you can always cause problems - 15 to 20 goals has got to be his goal this season.
"Any less than that and he should be disappointed. He's a quality player who has great movement and can score goals."
Hurst's sentiments have been echoed by Premier League legend Thierry Henry, who is expecting Chicharito to maintain his reputation of scoring important goals while at the London Stadium. The former Arsenal attacker recalls playing against Hernandez while the new West Ham signing was with Chivas and believes he will prove himself to be a great addition to Slaven Bilic's side. Henry told Sky Sports: "I played against him when I was at Barcelona and he was a young player at Chivas. I remember saying to Rafael Marquez: 'Who is that guy?' He said he was going to be a good player and it has turned out to be true. "He's an old-fashioned striker, in a way. He's lethal in the box and he can hold the ball. We've seen it since he was at Manchester United. It's not always easy to just come off the bench and score but he used to come up with some big goals at crucial moments. "It looks like a very, very good buy for West Ham. He knows the league and he has the experience of playing for two of the biggest teams in the world in Manchester United and Real Madrid.
"I wasn't surprised to see him join West Ham because they have a history of luring players like that to the club. They had Paolo Di Canio and more recently Dimitri Payet. so there is a bit of history there. "I think Chicharito will do well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Paul Konchesky back at Chadwell Heath
WHUFC.com
Tuesday night presented a strange situation for former Hammer Paul Konchesky, who faced a number of West Ham youngsters he now mentors.
The ex-England left-back – who now turns out for Billericay Town – was part of the Isthmian League side which took on, and beat 3-1, a Hammers XI consisting of Academy players. And since the defender has recently returned to Chadwell Heath in a bid to ignite his coaching career, his opposition was full of familiar faces.
Konchesky has been assisting Academy Director Terry Westley in recent weeks and admitted it was a strange feeling going up against the youngsters he now helps to develop. "It was weird playing against some of those lads, but of course it was a great evening and for me, it's always nice coming up against the team that you support," said the 36-year-old "It doesn't matter what age they are – it's always a great thing to do. They're a good bunch of lads – some I know pretty well now – but ultimately it was great to beat them! "I'm helping Terry and Liam [Manning] out and really enjoying it at the moment. I'm going into Chadwell Heath, mentoring a couple of the players and if I can try and help bring one or two of those through and help them develop, then that's great. "They gave us a good test on the pitch, as well. First half, I think we were on top and the strength and power showed. "They are still young boys though and they're still developing, and that's what I'm trying to help with at the Academy. You never know when you're that age – I'm sure many have a great future ahead of them."
Konchesky, who was an Academy of Football talent himself years ago, made his senior debut at Charlton Athletic in 1997, before returning to east London and West Ham in 2005. Making 70 competitive appearances for the Hammers over two seasons with the Club, the two-time international left-back knows his way around Chadwell Heath and is glad to be back. "It's good for people like me, who have been at the Club and know the Club, to be around there again, so of course it's nice to be back at Chadwell Heath," he continued. "Jack Collison is obviously also working at the Academy and he was a player with West Ham for a long while. He knows the Club inside out and I think that's a big boost for the Academy. "You never know, with me also doing a bit there, there could be a few more going back there! Coaching is something I'm definitely looking at for after playing. I'd like to think I'm really going to get involved in that side of things and I want to help the young boys develop at the Club. "At the moment, I've still got a focus on playing for this year. I always say one more year, but who knows? We will see at the end of the season. I am going to play this season here at Billericay, but I'll think about things again then."
Konchesky missed just one league game in his debut West Ham season in 2005/06, helping Alan Pardew's men to their highest finish – ninth in the top flight – for four years. And with this summer's signings, the Barking-born man believes Slaven Bilic's team can be successful in the Premier League this term. "West Ham have made some great signings this summer. Hopefully they can gel quickly, build themselves as a team and get up and running with some good early results. If that happens, you never know where that can take you."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Westley focused on Friday's Everton opener
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley's focus immediately switched to Friday's Premier League 2 opener against Everton after the Academy of Football completed their pre-season preparations at Billericay Town on Tuesday. A young Hammers side were beaten 3-1 at the AGP Arena against a Town outfit containing former Hammers Paul Konchesky and Leo Chambers. But with the U23s set to take on last season's Premier League 2 champions later this week at Dagenham and Redbridge, Westley looked straight ahead to the campaign opener after Tuesday's defeat. He said: "It was great to be involved in the game at Billericay with all the work that's been done there, but our team will look a lot different to how it did on Tuesday. "I think when you change a team too much, it can be a too bigger test for some, and I think that showed. The end result was fragmented, and our performance. But sometimes, that's what pre-season is about. "There were no injuries though, and people are ready for selection on Friday. I'll now sit down with Liam [Manning] this week to discuss what we think the team ought to be. "It's our first game, playing against a very good side in Everton who are the Premier League 2 champions from last season. They'll be strong, and we'll be strong too. We're looking forward to it."
Isthmian League Billericay proved too strong for the Hammers ultimately, scoring through Billy Bricknell, new signing and former Arsenal and Liverpool man Jermaine Pennant, and Sam Deering.But playing against strong, senior players can only be positive for the development of the Academy's talents, according to the boss. Westley continued: "It was a good night and a good experience. For the younger players to play in front of 5,000 people, to play against a men's team which contained Paul Konchesky and Leo Chambers and Jermaine Pennant – that's great. "It was always going to be a tough game for our players. There were still a number of players who couldn't play for us tonight, some of the older ones.
"I have to say that Will Greenidge, who came on at right-back, he's only 15, and Josh Okotcha – a centre-back – they both did very well and have come away from the game in credit. "Grady Diangana, who did well and added a bit as a sub when he came on, and Martin Samuelsen first half – they were the ones who we looked at and impressed. Nathan Trott too. "It's a chance to get started on the right foot on Friday, and the more people that come, the better chance we have to up our game and perform to our best to get off to the best possible start."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Where's there's a Will, there's a way
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 9th August 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are being linked with a move for Portugal international William Carvalho. The 25-year-old Sporting Lisbon star is set to be the target of a £25million bid by the Hammers, according to Simon Jones, writing for the Mail Online. And West Ham are said to be hopeful of pushing a deal through, adds Jones, despite several other Premier League clubs having previously failed to secure a deal for the highly-rated defensive midfielder. The Angola-born Carvalho, who moved to Europe with his family as a child and joined his current club at ther age of just 13 in 2005 is understood to have a release clause of £39.5million in his contract.
* Aston Villa are keen on signing West Ham winger Robert Snodgrass, according to various sources. The 29-year-old, who joined West Ham in January in a £10million switch from relegated Hull City is being linked with a loan move to Villa Park.
* Sofiane Feghouli remains a West Ham player despite having agreed terms with Turkish club Galatasary. Regardless, the Algerian winger is still expected to complete his move to the Super Lig ahead of the start of the new season.
* Former Ajax youth star Ezra Walian has joined West Ham on trial. The 19-year-old forward, who represents Indonesia at international level was released by Ajax at the end of last season and is currrently a free agent.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Romelu Lukaku's amazing record against West Ham
By Adam Bate
Last Updated: 09/08/17 1:47pm
SSN
Romelu Lukaku will make his Premier League debut for Manchester United on Sunday and he will fancy his chances of marking it with a goal given his record against opponents West Ham…
Much is expected of Romelu Lukaku at Manchester United following his £90m switch from Everton and he will be hoping for a fast start to life at Old Trafford. The good news for the 24-year-old striker is that he could not have picked a better opening fixture than West Ham at home. The Belgian already boasts a formidable record against Sunday's opponents.
Although Lukaku failed to find the net against the Irons in his two matches against them when on loan at West Brom, he enjoyed an astonishing scoring sequence against them during his time at Everon. In fact, Lukaku scored in his first nine appearances for Everton against West Ham, his goals directly earning nine Premier League points for his side.
The run began with a late winner on his Everton debut in 2013, and he was knocked unconscious in the process of scoring in a 3-2 win. "I remember nothing about it," Lukaku admitted at the time. "I did not even know I had scored. That was the first thing I asked the doc. I said, 'Who scored?' He said, 'You.'" But West Ham fans will not forget his knack for crucial late goals.
In the reverse fixture at Goodison Park in 2014, Lukaku grabbed the only goal of the game in the 81st minute. The following year there was a last-gasp equaliser in an FA Cup tie. He also scored in extra-time of the replay and then finished that season by scoring a stoppage-time winner in a 2-1 victory over the Hammers in May.
Not that Lukaku has always had it his own way. Despite extending his scoring sequence against West Ham to eight matches with the opener at Goodison Park in March 2016, a missed penalty when two goals up proved costly. Everton went on to surrender the lead and lose 3-2. Even so, he was back on the scoresheet in a 2-0 home win last October.
Romelu Lukaku scored against West Ham on nine of the 10 occasions he faced them in an Everton shirt. He also has four assists against the Irons.
Lukaku's streak only came to an end in a goalless draw at the London Stadium in April. West Ham were particularly vigilant. "He has got a good record against us, and we probably haven't defended as well against him as we could have done in games gone by," said James Collins beforehand. "Physically, he has got everything, he is big, strong and he can finish."
That shut out owed much to the efforts of Winston Reid and he is likely to be the man asked to mark Lukaku again at Old Trafford. Given the team's earlier struggles against the striker, Reid was pretty blunt about what is required to keep Lukaku at bay when explaining the long-awaited clean sheet afterwards. "Don't let him turn," said the centre-back.
"If he's not going to turn then he is not going to score, is he? It'd be pretty difficult. We wanted to try and keep him away from the goal. I know it's pretty boring but it's pretty simple I guess. We just had to be on him in the box and make sure he couldn't turn."
Nothing too complex then but is it easier said than done? It certainly has been on the last five occasions that West Ham have faced Lukaku on their travels. Bookmakers Sky Bet rate the forward as an 8/13 on chance to score on his Manchester United debut. Lukaku's history against the Hammers would suggest that he is odds-on for a very good reason.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Javier Hernandez may not celebrate at Man Utd
Last Updated: 09/08/17 6:00pm
SSN
West Ham striker Javier Hernandez admits he does not know if he will celebrate a debut goal against former club Manchester United. The 29-year-old joined the Hammers for £16m from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, two years after he left United for the Bundesliga side, and finds himself facing his old team at Old Trafford on Sunday. Hernandez, who scored 59 goals in his time in Manchester, says he will have a tough decision to make if he manages to open his West Ham account in their opening game, live on Sky Sports Premier League. "I don't know if I will celebrate if I score at Old Trafford," he said.
"It's my old club, my old fans, my old stadium but it'll be my first goal for West Ham. "I am not thinking about the celebration, I just want to have the chance to start and get my team the result. "I am very happy and glad, it's the best way to come back and open at Old Trafford. "I am a Hammer, a West Ham player, I want to do even better than I did in Manchester."
Hernandez found his first-team options limited during his final days at United and even spent a season on loan at Real Madrid in an attempt to play more football. He left for Leverkusen in 2015 - with current United boss Jose Mourinho since insisting he would never have allowed the Mexico international to leave had he been in charge - but Hernandez says he does not rue his decision. "I never have regretted leaving Manchester United," he said. "I had some great experiences there and it helped me when I did move on."
Hernandez is one of a number of new arrivals at the London Stadium as Slaven Bilic looks to build a squad capable of improving on the 11th-placed finish last season. Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has joined on a season-long loan while his former team-mate at the Etihad Stadium, Pablo Zabaleta, has also come in. The club broke their transfer record to bring in Stoke's Marko Arnautovic, with midfielder Sead Haksabanovic signing from Halmstads earlier this week. Hernandez is a big fan of Hart and believes the new crop can help West Ham qualify for continental competition. The European spots are the main goal for us this season. No doubt," he added. "Joe Hart is a great lad, a great professional. He always gives 100 per cent on the training ground. "He has been in the national team for so long, playing in the Champions League, he is a great goalkeeper."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM NEED THREE AT THE BACK
By Blind Hammer 9 Aug 2017 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer is puzzled about Bilic's apparent reluctance to address defensive weaknesses.
Readers of my posts here will be familiar with my concentration on the defensive fragilities of West Ham. This is the 3rd post this summer and the 6th since last year which has tried to highlight this as an issue. There is a risk that I sound like a broken record, but the point has to be hammered home. Like all on here I love West Ham. However I am baffled by the priorities and squad analysis which is highlighted by both Bilic and the Board.
First of all broken record time. 6 weeks ago I flatly and completely disagreed with the publicly stated analysis produced by the club hierarchy that West Ham flirted with relegation because they did not have sufficient strikers last season. I fail to see how any detailed analysis of last season can conclude this. West Ham was plunged into the relegation mire because we could not defend. This was the sad and unpalatable fact. Actually West Ham conceded more points from winning positions than any other team. This was the standout weakness.
Certainly there were other problems. Bilic admitted problems with intensity, commentators criticised fitness and athleticism, and there was undeniably a problem with finding a fit striker to play up front.
Despite these issues it was overwhelmingly the defence which nearly dragged us into the relegation mire. Although we eventually finished 11th, this disguised the real position. In a compressed lower table we were, like many other clubs, in the end only a few points away from the relegation trapdoor. We were certainly far closer to the relegation fight than any realistic chance of challenging the top 7.
In actual fact there were two questions with our defensive performances. The first was that we managed to regularly concede goals against competition from teams around and below us. For example we conceded a lead against Middlesbrough at home, a performance remarkable given Middlesbrough's inability to score against most of the rest of the PL. The Watford defeat at home was particularly demoralising for the team, with promising attacking play ending up with us being hammered with 4 goals at the other end.
In addition, on most occasions we simply could not live, defensively, with top 6 teams either at home or way. The problem for our fan base is that in general we started to approach games against Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool with an element of fear and apprehension. Expecting a rout at home by 4 or more goals certainly did not help adjust to the new London Stadium.
However I am personally convinced that these terrible defensive performances have nothing whatsoever to do with playing at the London Stadium. The fact is that ever since January of 2016 we have had a leaky defence. The final year at the Boleyn was exciting but we were seeping goals all over the place. I produced an analysis last year to show how we were conceding on average 2 goals a game in the latter half of that season starting with the famous Everton away win during which, even there, we conceded 2 goals. We should remember that in our last two games at the Boleyn alone, despite the excitement of the Manchester United game, we conceded 6 goals, losing 1-4 to Swansea.
So this is a problem which has beset our team for at least 18 months. We go on quite long unwelcome runs during which we on average concede at least 2 goals a game, at times last season we were averaging a 3 goal deficit every game. There is no way on earth a side can plan for success with this defensive record. If a team has to score 3 goals on average to win, or 2 to gain a point we will be in trouble. This will be the case whatever Stella attackers we bring to the club, welcome though they be, If we had Namer, Ronaldo Messy and so on we would struggle if we continued to concede at this rate.
Thankfully, for our survival last season, Bilic adjusted to this problem. The most productive and successful tactic he deployed was to play 3 centre backs. Although this system was tried and failed in the away games against Chelsea and Manchester City early in the season it was deployed with much more success, with Collins as a component in the latter parts of the season. This was the bedrock which underpinned the famous win against Tottenham. It was also the method underlying the shut out of Everton's Romelu Lukaku to finally stop his scoring run against us. These were important not just for morale, but the eventual critical points they provided us with. Our points total was helped by the away win at Burnley but as Bilic said at the time it might have been very different if the pressure had been on to get a result on that final day.
This makes it all the more baffling is that, as far as I can see, all the club recruitment and pre-season preparation has revolved around returning to the failed 4 at the back formation which has created so many problems. There is only limited evidence that the club has got to grips with this over the summer. Weaknesses in the Goalkeeping and right back position have been addressed. However the critical central part of our defence is completely unrefreshed and actually denuded. We have a suspect central defensive section which is just as much injury prone as our striking section. Collins, Obonna, Reid, and Fonte all have significant injury records. If we are to cover 3 positions at the back it seems irresponsible to me to rely on 4 defenders, none of which have managed to complete a season in recent history.
In comparison and in contrast we have 3 or possibly 4 striking options to cover essentially 1 loan striking position in our normal formation. Admittedly our striking options are injury prone but the same can be said for our defensive options.
It stretches my credibility that we are really intending to rely on only 4 central defenders with inconsistent fitness to cover 3 critical positions in our squad. With our present line up it will, I predict, be inevitable that we will be playing people out of position in central defence to fill the gaps.
This seems a monumental gamble to me. Yet this is a gamble that the club seem oblivious to. 2 of our brightest young guns, Burke and Oxford, have been sent out on loan, with only the promising 18 year old Rice to backup what looks largely like an aging quartet with suspect pace.
Most of you will have the advantage over me in reviewing pre-season performances. I have not been able to access any radio or audio commentaries. We should also be aware that famously pre-season performances may not be a guide to actual Premier League performance. Despite this it appears, from reports, that at no time have we reverted to 3 at the back in our pre-season preparation. I find this baffling given that the only time we looked secure last season was when we deployed this formation.
Despite the unreliability of pre-season friendlies it does not look like that we have achieved any defensive solidity against even lesser opposition. Conceding 3 in a lack lustre display against Manchester City was wearyingly predictable but surely it was not part of the plan for a largely first choice defence to concede 3 goals a few days earlier against the German equivalent of Forest Green Rovers?
Finally and in conclusion I do not insist that West Ham have to play 3 at the back. If we can play 4 at the back and achieve successful defensive solidity I will be personally delighted and race onto this site to eat humble pie. However what I do insist on is that West Ham should at the very least prepare in their squad and team formations for the option of playing 3 at the back, given the critical role this has achieved with past performances. There seems limited evidence that this has achieved sufficient priority in either squad development or the pre-season friendlies. In our first game we will face the agent of multiple previous goals conceded and defeats in the shape of Romelu Lukaku. We overcame his goalscoring prowess with the Payet inspired comeback in 2016. Apart from this The only occasion in 9 attempts that we looked as if we could cope with his threat was when we played 3 at the back against Everton in our home fixture last season. Our pre-season does not seem to have learnt any of these lessons.
Time will tell.
COYI
David Griffith
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham take Ezra Walian on loan as former Ajax youth star looks to impress in English football
Ezra Walian was released by Ajax this summer and is looking to move to England
West Ham have had the former youth star on trial at the club this summer
Forward has also been invited to Bolton and Hull as he looks for a new club
Meanwhile, West Ham could sell midfielder Robert Snodgrass to Aston Villa
By Simon Jones for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 13:31 BST, 9 August 2017 | UPDATED: 13:31 BST, 9 August 2017
West Ham have been giving a trial to former Jong Ajax forward Ezra Walian. The 19-year-old can play as a central striker or on either wing and is a free agent after his contract ran out at the end of June. He scored 11 goals in 22 games for Jong Ajax last season. Born in Amsterdam, Walian represented Holland at U19 level but is now an Indonesia international and has also been invited to Bolton Wanderers and Hull City for training.
Meanwhile, West Ham could see Robert Snodgrass leave this summer, with Aston Villa eyeing a move for the midfielder. He only joined last season, but the Hammers are open to offers for the 29-year-old Scotland international.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aston Villa eyeing move for Robert Snodgrass with West Ham open to offers for midfielder
29-year-old midfielder Robert Snodgrass only joined West Ham last season
However, the Hammers are open to offers for the Scotland international
Aston Villa would have to sign him on an initial loan with view to permanent deal
Villa are also among the clubs to hold an interest in striker Jordan Rhodes
By Simon Jones for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 12:52 BST, 9 August 2017 | UPDATED: 12:52 BST, 9 August 2017
Aston Villa are keen on bringing in West Ham midfielder Robert Snodgrass this summer. The 29-year-old only joined West Ham last season but they are open to offers for the Scotland international. Villa, however, would need to sign him on an initial loan with view to a permanent deal owing to financial fair play implications The left-footed midfielder failed to make a major impact at West Ham last campaign, making just 15 appearances, with eight of those coming from the bench. Snodgrass also failed to score for the Hammers following his £10.2million move from Hull back in January.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Has the new John Terry, Declan Rice, played his way into the Slaven Bilic's side at West Ham?
HITC
Damien Lucas
There have not been many positives to take from West Ham United's pre-season matches. Slaven Bilic's side have looked unfit and out of form during the build up to the new Premier League season. The last two games saw the Hammers draw 3-3 with a German fourth tier team before a 3-0 hiding at the hands of Manchester City which could have been many more. While results don't matter in pre-season, the club's only win has come against Fulham 2-1.
The club's new signings Pablo Zabaleta, Joe Hart, Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez have been slowly bedding in. But it is academy graduate Declan Rice who has been the biggest positive. West Ham's defence is ageing with Jose Fonte and James Collins turning 34 this season and Zabaleta turning 33 while Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna both have questionable injury records too. So the emergence of the 18-year-old Rice - who has already been called up by Ireland to train with Martin O'Neill's first team squad - has come at the perfect time.
While the equally promising and arguably more talented Reece Oxford has been shipped out on loan to Germany, Rice, a year below him has been included in Bilic's plans for the first team. And it is easy to see why. Amid all the mediocrity on show from West Ham against Manchester City Rice was the standout player. Reading the game, showing confidence, strength, determination, leadership and a will to win Rice was nothing short of a revelation.
Whisper it quietly because he is not the most popular figure in East London but the young Irishman has the hallmarks of another former West Ham academy product.... one John Terry. Terry left for Chelsea at the age of 14 to play with his friends. But Rice has come in the other direction and is here to stay. Don't be surprised if he is a first team regular by Christmas.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
