Kouyate helps Senegal to victory
WHUFC.com
Cheikhou Kouyate ended his 2014/15 season by helping Senegal get their 2017 Orange Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign off to a winning start on Saturday. The Lions of Teranga made no mistake in their home clash with Burundi, running out 3-1 winners to set the early pace in Group K. Burundi made their hosts work for the points in Dakar, however, as a goal from Fiston Abdul Rasak cancelled out Moussa Konate's early opener. Senegal would not be denied, and a 63rd minute strike from Stoke City striker Mame Biram Diouf was followed up by a late goal from Southampton's Saido Mane to seal the points. Kouyate started in Senegal's success and was pleased to come through the test. He said: "Burundi were a disciplined team and even at 3-1, the game was not finished. It's not easy in games like that, but we stayed focused to the end."
Senegal's next qualifier sees them take on Namibia, who lost their opener 1-0 to Niger, in early September.
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From the Boardroom - David Gold
WHUFC.com
I was thrilled to meet up with Slaven Bilic when he came back to the Boleyn Ground on Friday and we then showed him around our magnificent new Stadium. It is a great day for the Club when you are seeing the manager in more familiar surroundings at his football Club and then showing him the new Stadium which he was just spellbound by. I was at the ground six weeks ago but I could not believe the progress that has been made since that time.
Every time you go you cannot help but be excited by the sheer size and it is just magnificent. Slaven was seriously impressed and he has been around and seen some of the best stadiums around Europe. I know Slaven has been talking about his love for the Boleyn Ground as well and he cannot wait to get back managing there. He spoke about the tiny streets as he approaches the stadium and I know that feeling as well, having been brought up in the area. I remember the back streets around the Boleyn Ground and there were times there was hardly any cars on the streets and we would be playing football and cricket in the area.
Now the streets are packed with cars and I have got great memories. I can understand exactly what Slaven is saying. Slaven is special to the fans and he was the fans favourite throughout the managerial process. It is when all those things come together and you could sum it up by saying this is 'West Ham's time.'
The new manager, saying goodbye to the Boleyn Ground which is going to be emotional for everyone and then the new adventure of going into the new Stadium.
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EXCLUSIVE: Bilic Video Part Two
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic has pledged to get his West Ham United side playing attractive and entertaining football. The new manager has arrived in east London with a reputation for coaching sides which employ a possession-based brand of football that would no doubt go down a storm with the Claret and Blue Army. With Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold calling for a return to the traditions of the 'West Ham Way', Bilic's preferred style of play he will be music to the ears of the Board and supporters alike. "I like my teams to play total football but nowadays in football you cannot just play one way and a one-sided team," he told West Ham TV. "You have to do both – you have to be a good as a defensive unit and you have to attack with numbers.
"It is easy to talk now, but I'm going to say what I'm going to try to do. The philosophy is that we want to be solid but I want to have the ball and possession. I love the ball and have done with all the teams I have managed so far. "My hometown team Hajduk Split had the aim to win the league every year, the Croatian national team was in the top ten in the FIFA rankings for six years and were expected to win every game, whether it was against Germany, England or Andorra. "Lokomotiv Moscow was also a club that wants to finish in the top five and with Besiktas, the plan before the season is to try to win the league, so I got used to it. "The fans can expect that we will try to be dominant, play with the ball and try to play good football. I'm very optimistic that we're going to be successful in that, but also we have to be very stable. "The defensive and organisation will give you the privilege to play with flair. Everything comes from good organisation."
Mr Sullivan revealed that Bilic had arrived for his interview armed with observations gleaned from watching hour upon hour of West Ham matches from last season. The new manager hugely impressed his new employer with his expert knowledge of each individual and the squad as a whole. "Even before there were any sort of rumours, I followed West Ham because I'm crazy about football and I watch the Premier League like everyone all over the world. Almost every game is on TV, whether you are in Russia or Turkey or anywhere! "Before the end of the season, I was concentrating on Besiktas because it was a very intense season and it is a great club, but after the end of the season and talks started, then I watched a lot of games and was very excited by the quality of the players. "I was excited by how they played in the first half of the season and impresed by some individual players. I've now watched them closer and there are a lot of things we can improve, many things were really good, and with the addition of a few players I am realistically very optimistic. "We have a good team and we have a chance. This is a very difficult league and it all comes down to two or three games and getting that little bit of luck you need and we can do really, really well. "That's why I came. If I was pessimistic, what is the point? I am really optimistic we can do well."
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Hammers appoint Woods as goalkeeping coach
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have appointed former England international Chris Woods as the Club's new goalkeeping coach. The 55-year-old, who won 43 caps for his country between 1985-1993, has extensive experience of coaching in the Barclays Premier League, having worked at Everton and Manchester United over the last two decades. He will become part of new manager Slaven Bilic's backroom team as the Hammers prepare for the 2015/16 campaign. Woods said: "I am thrilled to be joining West Ham United. It is a Club with a great history and tradition. "I've known Slaven from my time at Everton and we go back a long way even though we have gone on our different paths since he left Goodison Park. "It will be great for me to get back working alongside him and I am pleased to be given the opportunity. "Slaven has his own ideas and puts his own stamp on the team that he manages. "It is certainly an exciting time for me to be coming to West Ham and I am looking forward to working with the goalkeepers. "I saw Adrian in action last season and I will be hoping to bring something to his game and the other keepers at the Club. "It is brilliant for the Club to be back in Europe and you want to be playing in the top competitions."
Woods still has fond memories of his playing days and used to relish playing in the East End of London. Woods added: "I used to enjoy playing at the Boleyn Ground – especially in a night game under the lights. "It has been amazing to see the stadium grow as it has done now and the atmosphere is still second to none."
Woods enjoyed a long and successful playing career, forming part of the Nottingham Forest squad which won the European Cup in 1979 before going on to earn four Scottish Premier Division medals with Rangers and play a part in a League Cup triumph at Norwich City. He also turned out for Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday on the way to making over 700 senior appearances, while he also travelled to four major tournaments with England. The Lincolnshire-born stopper then moved into coaching, first taking up a role under Walter Smith at Everton in 1998. He would go on to enjoy a long association with David Moyes, acting as his goalkeeping coach throughout the Scot's tenure at Goodison Park before moving with him to Manchester United in 2013.
Alongside his club work, Woods also served as goalkeeping coach to the United States national team. West Ham United can confirm that four members of the first-team backroom staff have left the Club. West Ham United would like to thank assistant manager Neil McDonald, first-team coach Ian Hendon, goalkeeper coach Bobby Mimms and head of recruitment Martyn Glover for their hard work and commitment during their time at the Club and wish them well for their future careers.
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From the Newsroom - Simon Hart
WHUFC.com
Freelance journalist and Evertonian Simon Hart on why the appointment of Chris Woods as goalkeeping coach is good news for the Hammers…
Chris Woods was part of a very successful backroom staff at Everton, who helped to build very strong foundations at the club. They brought in good players and good characters and there was a real sense of unity, which brought the best out of players. He's seen how players can develop within the right structures and Tim Howard is a case in point. He probably arrived at Everton with his confidence maybe a little damaged by what happened at Manchester United, and developed into one of the Premier League's best goalkeepers with Chris Woods playing an integral part in that. The relationship between him and Tim Howard must have been special, because he then became the USA goalkeeping coach too. Jurgen Klinsmann, who as a German must have worked with some pretty good goalkeepers in his time, must respect what he can bring.
So, not only does Chris bring Premier League experience, but World Cup experience too, from that American team who got to the last 16 in Brazil last summer. Before that, Chris went to Manchester United along with David Moyes, Steve Round, Jimmy Lumsden and Phil Neville. Like many people at the top of their industries, to get into Moyes' circle may not be easy, but Chris obviously became a trusted lieutenant.
Of course, It was Walter Smith who brought him to Everton back in 1998 so he must be very respected if Moyes kept him on. He brought in Alan Irvine from Newcastle, and Mike Rathbone too, but kept Chris Woods, which says something in itself. Slaven Bilic was also a player at Everton, and it's not the first time there's been a connection between the clubs, with the likes of Tony Cottee, Ian Bishop and Mark Ward, so Chris adds to that line!
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Boleyn Insider
WHUFC.com
In our exciting new feature on whufc.com, the Boleyn Insider blog will bring you exclusive insight into the behind-the-scenes goings on at the Boleyn Ground. The Boleyn Insider will try to offer a digest on the latest gossip from around the Club and the major transfer speculation surrounding the first-team. In today's blog, he looks at potential signings that could be made under new manager Slaven Bilic.
We have seen a lot of speculation linking players with the Club over the weekend ranging from Dimitri Payet to Diego Perotti. My understanding is that the Club are looking at a number of targets and are confident they can sign two more players in the next seven days.
The Club have wasted no time bringing in Darren Randolph and Pedro Obiang and I believe there will be more big name arrivals in the near future. The Boleyn Insider told you last week that the Club were close to appointing a goalkeeping coach and I have been proved right after Chris Woods was announced as the first member of Slaven Bilic's backroom staff. With the players set to return to first-team training at the end of the month and all eyes focused on the club playing in the Europa League, I can confirm that the draw for the first qualifying round will take place next Monday. You should stay tuned to whufc.com where you can get all the latest information. I will bring you more news as and when I have it.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
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EXCLUSIVE: Sullivan on transfers
WHUFC.com
In another exclusive interview on whufc.com, West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan says the club are doing everything they can to bring in more new signings during the summer. With Slaven Bilic being unveiled as the new manager last week, the Club have been working hard behind the scenes to strengthen the squad and have already announced the signings of Darren Randolph from Birmingham and Pedro Obiang from Sampdoria. With the players set to return for pre-season training at the end of June, Mr Sullivan hopes he will be able to land several more targets before the new season gets underway Sullivan said: "I hope we will have a few more players with one or two very exciting signings. We will be making bids for players and will see what will develop over the coming weeks. "We know we need to strengthen the squad and have competition for places. We are not panicking and know we have plenty of time."
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Last man standing finally falls
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 15th June 2015
By: Staff Writer
Former Head of Recruitment Martyn Glover has left West Ham - the last of Sam Allardyce's men to move on. Glover, who previously spent more than a decade at Blackburn Rovers was appointed as Big Sam's chief scout at West Ham in 2011, shortly after the manager arrived at the club. But he has now followed Ian Hendon (Orient), Teddy Sheringham (Stevenage) and Neil McDonald (Blackpool) out of Upton Park - and straight into a new post with Championship club Leeds United. Speaking about his new role, Glover told the Yorkshire Evening Post: ""Obviously things were coming to an end at West Ham and it was about trying to get something sorted and establish where I might be next.
It came out of the blue (at Leeds) to some extent and it's a nice opportunity and I am delighted. It is nice to get things sanctioned one and for all and I can finally actually start to get on with the job."
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Gold tells fan to "pull yourself together man"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
David Gold is clearly adopting a different approach to life on Twitter after taking his fair share of abuse down the years. The co chairman has firmly taken a follower to task after he declared himself"disappointed by the spin and lies over the move" (to the Olympic Stadium). The fan had opened his tweet by declaring: "Thanks for selling our home without giving the fans a say in the matter." Gold has been attacked at various times over the move from the Boleyn but was in no mood to soft pedal on the matter any further. Instead he said: "Pull your self together man, you are a West Ham supporter, start behaving like one. Be proud and loud. dg."
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TC: "We'll be safe under Slav"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Tony Cottee -having regularly pleaded the case that Sam Allardyce would have been a safe pair of hands for our last season at the Boleyn – doesn't believe the Hammers are in any danger of the drop under Slaven Bilic. And he admitted: "He would have been my Number One choice given the board had decided to make the change and he will bring real passion, excitement and a great way of playing to the club. Speaking to ClaretandHugh he said: "I know how he feels about this club and I see no dangers at all next season. He finished third in the Turkish League with a team that didn't have a home ground. That's a big achievement "He was handed the third largest transfer budget in the League and finished third – you can't say fairer than that."
Cottee said that when discussing the Sam Allardyce issue separate questions had to be addressed explaining: "From a business point of view he was a safe bet but I understand why the fans were unhappy with the football. "I thought he was the best person to carry on from a business point of view but when the decision was made to bring in Slaven I was more than comfortable with that. He will be fine but we will need some players of quality. That's a certainty. With the right finanical backing he'll find them. "He's a passionate and intelligent guy who won't accept anything less than 100 per cent. We are gonna be fine and more important than anything else, our fans are going to love him. "Even after 18 years he remains a passionate Hammer and that means so much for this fabulous club and the supporters.".
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McAvennie is ClaretandHugh star signing
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham striking legend Frankie McAvennie is joining ClaretandHugh as a regular columnist. He will join another new face in Irons 'character' JohnMoncur and our regular pundit Leroy Rosenior commenting on all the burning issues affecting the club. We will be adding great new surprise names to our line up as the summer goes by thus bringing our loyal and growing band of followers the very best coverage of the Irons on the net. Frankie Mac's first column of the summer will be published later today when he discusses how he feels about the departure of Sam Allardyce and what we can look forward to under Slaven Bilic. It's a great read ….don't miss it.
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Slav: "My Irons will play with flair."
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C ADN H
Boss Slaven Bilic has claimed his Irons will be "successful" in dominating games by playing 'flair' football. With the Hammers on the move to the OS in 2016, he plans to introduce a different brand of football under the new boss than that often endured under previous manager Sam Allardyce. Slav told West Ham TV: "The fans can expect that we will try to be dominant, play with the ball and try to play good football. I'm very optimistic that we're going to be successful in that, but also we have to be very stable. "The defensive and organisation will give you the privilege to play with flair. Everything comes from good organisation."
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No rest for Kouyate
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 15, 2015 in Videos, Whispers
C AND H
Hammer Cheikhou Kouyate helped Senegal get their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign off to a winning start over the weekend. The 25 year old midfielder played 90 minutes as Senegal beat Burundi 3-1. Sakho was absent from the Senegal squad as he recovers from injury.
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McAvennie: "I'm relieved Sam's gone"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 15, 2015 in News, Super Mc's Blogs, Whispers
C AND H
I really was never a Sam Allardyce man and like many others was relieved when he and the club parted company at the end of the season. Perhaps now we can get back to playing football under a bloke I have a high regard for- Slaven Bilic. There were other problems beyond Sam's styleof football. You do not disrespect the fans with a cupped hand to the ear or of denying our DNA – we are West Ham and there is a West Ham Way Sam. Nor do you take down pictures of the club's greats and replace them with such Kevin Nolan holding a play-off winner's trophy – dearie me.
Speaking of Kevin Nolan, how did he ever get back into the team on a regular basis.Last season I saw him as a player to bring on maybe for the last half an hour not as a regular. Then – after the brilliant start with Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia up front – back came Andy Carroll to join Nolan and slowly but surely the wheels came off as we went back to Sam's Plan A. It was not good to watch, nor did it get results. It had to end – and I believe the board have got it spot on in saying "thank you and goodbye." We needed to reclaim the footballing traditions of this club and I reckon Slav will will do that. We are moving on. It's Slav's first Premier League job of course but I see no risks. He has managed a very good Croatia team and did well enough in Turkey. He knows players and will bring some passers of the ball in.He knows our ways and could be here for a long time. I see no dangers of relegation or of being close to it. And best of all I am looking forward to a West Ham season again
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Chris Woods joins West Ham as goalkeeping coach
Last Updated: 15/06/15 5:26pm
SSN
Chris Woods has joined West Ham as the club's new goalkeeping coach. The 55-year-old, who won 43 England caps between 1985 and 1993, has previously worked at Everton, Manchester United and with the United States national team, and becomes the first addition to new manager Slaven Bilic's backroom staff. Woods said: "I am thrilled to be joining West Ham United. It is a club with a great history and tradition. "I've known Slaven from my time at Everton and we go back a long way even though we have gone on our different paths since he left Goodison Park. "It will be great for me to get back working alongside him and I am pleased to be given the opportunity. Slaven has his own ideas and puts his own stamp on the team that he manages. "It is certainly an exciting time for me to be coming to West Ham and I am looking forward to working with the goalkeepers. "I saw Adrian in action last season and I will be hoping to bring something to his game and the other keepers at the club. "It is brilliant for the club to be back in Europe and you want to be playing in the top competitions."
Woods replaces Bobby Mimms, who is one of four coaches who have left the club. Assistant manager Neil McDonald, who has become Blackpool's boss, first-team coach Ian Hendon, who has become Leyton Orient's manager, and head of recruitment Martyn Glover have all moved on.
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Dean Ashton feels West Ham's Slaven Bilic needs to be busy in summer market
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 15/06/15 6:37pm
SSN
Former West Ham forward Dean Ashton believes his old club need to make half a dozen quality signings this summer if they are to compete in the top half of the Premier League next season. New Hammers boss Slaven Bilic was confirmed as Sam Allardyce's successor last Tuesday and has since been linked with big money swoops for out-of-favour Chelsea forward Loic Remy and want-away Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Yohan Cabaye. Bilic, 46, made it clear on his arrival at Upton Park last week that his ambition is to finish his debut managerial season in England in the top ten. But Ashton insists the former Croatia manager will need to improve his squad significantly to stand any chance of achieving that goal. Former England international Ashton, who spent three years with the Hammers up until his retirement in 2009, says both Remy and Cabaye would be top class additions to Bilic's squad, if he decides to splash the cash on the former Newcastle United duo.
"Both Remy and Cabaye would be fantastic signings for West Ham. Remy is a top-class forward and has the pace to strike fear into any defence. That kind of pace is something that every Premier League side needs and it is something that West Ham did have at the start of last season with [Diafra] Sakho and [Enner] Valencia. Pace had been missing from their attack for a while until then," Ashton told Sky Sports. "Cabaye is also a top-class player. The way he can control things in the middle of the park, when he is on his game, is on another level. That is another side of West Ham's game that they are desperately in need of - a creative midfielder, who can pick a pass and set the forwards on their way. "Mark Noble is probably the most creative player for West Ham at the moment and he is more of holding midfielder. So it would be a massive coup to get a player like Cabaye, who can be that playmaker, distribute the defence splitting passes and bring that winning mentality to the club. "Both of them have played at the highest level and West Ham will want players that are always striving to reach the top."
West Ham - who qualified for the Europa League via the Fair Play League last season - kick-off their new season on July 2 in the first qualifying round of European football's secondary competition. And Ashton feels the added burden of European football means the East Londoners have no choice but to be extremely active in the summer transfer window. "They probably need at least half a dozen signings and that has to be quality as well. The biggest thing West Ham struggled with last season was not having quality to come in when first-team players were out injured," the 31-year-old added. "They are in the Europa League this season and that could turn out to be a real big problem for West Ham with the amount of matches they may to have play if they qualify for the group stage. "The players that come in will need to be of a certain quality and able to really add something to the first-team, so there is some real strength in depth there."
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West Ham players wanted Marcelo Bielsa as new manager rather than Slaven Bilic says Guy Demel
16:10, 15 JUNE 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
The departing Ivorian says that the current Marseille boss was the choice of the playing staff at Upton Park rather than the Croatian coach
The Mirror
West Ham's players wanted Marcelo Bielsa as their new boss and not Slaven Bilic - according to Guy Demel. The Upton Park board opted last week for the Croatian former Besiktas boss over experienced Bielsa, who took Marseille into Europe on a tight budget last season. But Demel, set to leave the club on a free transfer on July 1, said: "When the rumour came out we talked about it in the locker room with Morgan [Amalfitano] and other French-speaking players. "Given the results and the performances of Marseille last season, we thought [Bielsa] would be a good choice."
Ivorian Demel, 34, went on: "It's a big job that has been offered but, unfortunately for West Ham, it did not happen." Bilic meanwhile has told Hammers fans to expect the kind of football that the club claimed they did not get enough of under Sam Allardyce. Bilic said: "The fans can expect that we will try to be dominant, play with the ball and try to play good football. "I'm very optimistic that we're going to be successful in that, but also we have to be very stable. "The defensive organisation will give you the privilege to play with flair. Everything comes from good organisation."
[PeterR - so Demel actually didn't mention Bilic - sh*t journalism as usual from the Mirror]
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Two more signings in the next 7 days
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
The club's in house ITK has revealed that West Ham expect to sign two more players within the next week. Speaking on the highky amusing Boleyn Insider column the insider told us "My understanding is that the Club are looking at a number of targets and are confident they can sign two more players in the next seven days." The Boleyn Insider went on to pat himself on the back that he got the appointment of the new goal keeping coach spot on after Chris Woods was announced today. Finally he went on to reveal the draw for the Europa league will happen next Monday on 22nd June. I Didn't know that was a secret? I am sure UEFA publish that on their website. The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of Claret and Hugh :)
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Baby boy for Andy and Billi
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Andy Carroll's fiancee Billi Mucklow has given birth to a baby boy. The Irons striker and former The Only Way Is Essex reality star announced the news by posting photos of their young family on Instagram. Carroll is seen cradling his son and the footballer wrote: "Welcome To The World Little AC!! 9 Months Of Cooking And What A Wonderful Job You Have Done @billimucklow." Mucklow wrote: "Welcome To The World Our Beautiful Baby Boy @andytcarroll You Are My Rock Love My Boys More Than Anything Best Feeling In The World! #BabyCarroll #LittleAC." The couple got engaged in November last year.
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Former England keeper joins Slav's staff
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Former England international Chris Woods has been appointed as the club's new goalkeeping coach. Woods, 55, won 43 caps for his country between 1985 and 1993 and will become part of new manager Slaven Bilic's backroom team. Woods said on www.whufc.com: "I am thrilled to be joining West Ham United. It is a club with a great history and tradition. "I've known Slaven from my time at Everton and we go back a long way even though we have gone on our different paths since he left Goodison Park. "It will be great for me to get back working alongside him and I am pleased to be given the opportunity. "Slaven has his own ideas and puts his own stamp on the team that he manages."
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West Ham chase £15million Charlie Austin to join strike force
09:15, 15 JUNE 2015
BY GILES BROADBENT
The Wharf
West Ham have joined the queue for £15million striker Charlie Austin as relegated QPR look to sell off their prized assets. The Irons would join Southampton, Chelsea and Newcastle in pursuing the 25-year-old who was with the England senior squad in Slovenia for the 3-2 Euro 2016 qualifier victory, although he never made it to the pitch Newcastle will consider themselves front of the queue have been tracking the player and with new manager Steve McClaren keen to net a big early signing. Southampton may be hampered by sales in the pipeline with money from Morgan Schneiderlin deal key to unlocking any bid. Chelsea would not be able to offer Austin regular first-team football, which is understood to be Austin's preference.
West Ham have been pursuing a striker for a while and Loic Remy is another in the sights of new manager Slaven Bilic who is also reportedly interested in Leicester City's star midfielder Esteban Cambiasso and £6million Marseille winger Dimitri Payet. The club have also attempted to scotch rumours that big-money, injury-prone striker Andy Carroll will be returning to Newcastle. Co-chairman David Gold said: "There have been a lot of suggestions that he would like a move 'home' but Andy is now very happy and settled in London. He will be here next season.
"He's our record signing and the best is yet to come from him. It could be a very big season for him and us."
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WEST HAM MAY YET SNATCH CHARLIE AUSTIN FROM NEWCASTLE'S GRASP
Money has been coming for the 18-goal striker to stay in London with the Hammers this year
15 June 2015
Ladbrokes.com
Priced at 2/9 to join Newcastle United this summer, it may look as if Charlie Austin's future is decided. But are West Ham about to come in and change all that? A report in the London Evening Standard suggests Slaven Bilic has set his sights on bringing the QPR striker to the Boleyn Ground, and the market has moved accordingly. A flurry of interest in Ladbrokes' betting on Austin's next club saw the Upton Park outfit go from 18/1 to 6/1 in the space of 24 hours. The north-east still looks his likely destination, but it appears far from the done deal it seemed last week. With a price tag of £15m on his head, the 25-year-old wouldn't come cheap, but with an excellent season in a poor Rangers side behind him, his acquisition could be a big piece of business. Throw in his surely-imminent introduction onto the international scene, and the former Swindon striker may be seen as a worthwhile investment.
A move for the forward has already been urged by former Hammer Dean Ashton. "If it was me in charge at West Ham, I'd go out straight away and put the money down QPR want for Charlie Austin," he told the Daily Star. "He scored 18 Premier League goals last season in a team which was struggling. "I know what it's like to play in teams when you're not playing every week and it's tough. You only get a few chances and he's so clinical."
The east London side remain behind or level with Newcastle, Chelsea (3/1) and Southampton (6/1) in the betting to secure his signature, though with the champions seemingly intent on bringing in Radamel Falcao, they may yet step aside. And with little interest in the Saints in Ladbrokes' market, the money suggests the Irons are the side in pole position to sneak in should any move to Steve McClaren's side fall through.
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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: I like my teams to play total football
Evening Standard
KEN DYER
Published: 15 June 2015 Updated: 12:03, 15 June 2015
Slaven Bilic wants West Ham to play "total football" next season. The new Hammers manager, who is back in Croatia after a flying visit to London on Friday, also revealed he is "excited" about the quality of his squad and that with the addition of several new faces, he is optimistic about a successful season ahead. As the club were today reported to be interested in £15million-rated QPR striker Charlie Austin, Bilic said in an interview with West Ham TV: "I like my teams to play total football but nowadays you cannot just play one way and be a one-sided team. "You have to do both — you have to be a good defensive unit and you have to attack with numbers. "It is easy to talk now but the philosophy is that we want to be solid but I want to have the ball and possession. I love the ball and have done with all the teams I have managed so far. "My hometown team, Hajduk Split, had the aim to win the league every year, the Croatian national team was in the top 10 in the FIFA rankings for six years and were expected to win every game, whether it was against Germany, England or Andorra. "Lokomotiv Moscow was also a club that wanted to finish in the top five and with Besiktas, the plan before the season was to try to win the league, so I got used to it. "Before the end of the season, I was concentrating on Besiktas because it was a very intense season and it is a great club but after the end and when talks started, then I watched a lot of West Ham games. I was very excited by the quality of their players. "I was excited by how they played in the first half of the season and impressed by some individual players. "I've now watched them more closely and there are a lot of things we can improve, many things were really good, and with the addition of a few players I am realistically very optimistic."
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Why Newcastle-linked striker Andy Carroll would be no great loss to West Ham
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United's most expensive ever player Andy Carroll has been linked with a return home to Newcastle United, but his departure would be no great loss. The likes of the Mirror have reported that Andy Carroll's first club Newcastle are seriously weighing up a move for their former player. And that should be music to the East Londoners' ears because the Hammers simply cannot rely on their injury-prone record £18 million signing anymore. With every injury - and generally there is a long-term one every season for the 26-year-old - his value rapidly decreases. No-one is doubting the target man's work ethic. But after just 46 appearances in three years at West Ham, much like the man who brought him to the club Sam Allardyce, the relationship has reached a natural conclusion. When Carroll was signed on loan from Anfield by Big Sam in 2012, it seemed a match made in heaven. The club even inexplicably wasted more than £10 million on flop Matt Jarvis to provide the ammunition for the 6ft 4 star. Here was a player who cost Liverpool a record £35 million just the year before leading the attack at the Boleyn. Things could not have started much better for the big Geordie as he set up two goals during a towering display in 3–0 home win against Fulham. But a lengthy injury, two words that have cast a shadow over the 26-year-old's career so far, restricted him to just 24 appearances and seven goals that season. He made a long-awaited comeback during the following February and scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Swansea. But in the last game of that season at home to Reading, he was injured yet again. Nevertheless the Hammers were unperturbed and pressed ahead with sanctioning the biggest transfer in their history and gave him a six-year contract despite his well documented injury problems. It is a deal which outspoken West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has since admitted he wouldn't have done with the benefit of hindsight.
Two years on, and four long-term injuries later, Carroll has become little more than an expensive bonus for West Ham. When he is fit and firing there are not many better all-round forwards in the Premier League. But that is half the problem - he very rarely is. In the two years since making his move to Upton Park permanent, Carroll has made just 27 appearances, scoring seven goals. With Slaven Bilic in place now many West Ham fans have started looking to a future without Carroll despite being split over the striker in a HITC poll last month. The truth is, Bilic will be under the microscope next season, over his style of football more than anything given most West Ham fans' disdain for the tactics employed by their former boss. And the former Besiktas manager simply cannot afford to rely on Carroll's availability, let alone shape a team or squad around him. If Newcastle's interest is genuine the Hammers could do a lot worse than recoup some good money for him now and ignore any paranoid thoughts of 'what if he stays fit?' because it is one big 'if'. The England man may still be relatively young but there is nothing to suggest his injury woes are going to go away anytime soon. And given his hefty weekly wage at the Hammers, Bilic - like Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool before him - could decide it is money much better spent elsewhere.
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Report: West Ham beaten by Aston Villa in race for Micah Richards
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham have reportedly failed in a move to sign defender Micah Richards. According to The Sun, West Ham United have missed out on a deal for out-of-contract defender Micah Richards, with Aston Villa set to secure a move. The Hammers appointed Slaven Bilic as the club's new manager last week, with the 46-year-old returning to Upton Park 18 years after leaving as a player. Whilst the Croatian needs time to assess his squad, he did oversee one signing just a day after his arrival, snapping up Sampdoria midfielder Pedro Obiang. Now, more reinforcements will be needed ahead of the club's Europa League qualifiers this summer, and right back could be a problem given that loan star Carl Jenkinson has now returned to Arsenal - and The Sun believe that the Hammers have failed in a move to sign Micah Richards. The 26-year-old is a free agent having seen his Manchester City contract expire, and would have been earmarked as a replacement for Jenkinson, only for the report to suggest that West Ham have now lost out in the race to sign the former England international. The Sun suggest that it's Aston Villa who West Ham have lost out to in the race to sign Richards, with Tim Sherwood keen to improve his squad this summer. It's also added that Bilic is looking to add defensive options and will look elsewhere after losing out on Richards, with The Mirror recently reporting that Bilic wants to reunite with former Tottenham defender Vedran Corluka this summer.
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Greenland Shenhua make €14m bid for West Ham target Demba Ba
Posted by Emre Sarigul June 15, 2015
turkishfootball.com
Besiktas will hold a board meeting today to regarding Demba Ba's future at the club following a €14 million bid from Greenland Shenhua according to Fanatik. The report claims that Besiktas could be tempted to take a significant profit and part ways with the Senegalese international. Ba joined the Black Eagles on a €7 million move from Chelsea last season and will turn 30 this year. The Sun have also reported that former Besiktas boss Slaven Bilic is reported to be considering bringing Ba back to West Ham. The Senegalese international has also received a €10 million offer from UAE outfit Al Ahli according to Fotomaç. Ba scored a career high 27 goals for the Black Eagles in all competitions last season. The prolific striker has years of Premier League experience behind him having played for Chelsea, Newcastle United and West Ham United. Recently appointed Besiktas manager Senol Günes has however, been keen on keeping hold of Ba next season.
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Tuesday, June 16
Monday, June 15
Daily WHUFC News - 15th June 2015
From the Newsroom - Jacob Steinberg
WHUFC.com
It may be less than a week since Slaven Bilic was given the nod as West Ham
United's new manager, but football and tennis writer for the Guardian Jacob
Steinberg says the early signs are good ones.
The West Ham-supporting journalist likes what he is hearing from the Croat
thus far and is encouraged too by the acquisition of 23-year-old Spaniard
Pedro Obiang.
Here, Steinberg surveys Bilic's style and pedigree, considers possible
summer recruits and offers his take on what can be expected from the
46-year-old's first season in charge.
What have you made of the response to Bilic's appointment?
"He has certainly said a lot of the right things. You can immediately tell
that he gets West Ham fans and he gets the Club.
"One of the issues over the last few years was the lack of a relationship
between the manager and the supporters. I don't think it was ever there. It
was always a losing battle and one that never ever seemed to be resolved.
"If West Ham were to get off to a slow start next season, then you might see
Bilic given more leeway by supporters and maybe the Board as well. In that
sense, arguably, looking at it with the glass half full, you could say
that's creating a more positive atmosphere around the place.
"From Bilic's perspective, you would want to be getting down to business
straight away. A manager's not going to rely on what he says in the press as
the foundation for any kind of success. You can say what you want in the
media but it ultimately doesn't matter if it doesn't match up to what's on
the pitch."
You'll have seen plenty of Bilic teams in the past, what can West Ham fans
expect?
"I was pretty impressed when I saw Besiktas last season against the English
teams in Europe. They really pushed Arsenal very hard in the Champions
League qualifier, which was probably the most eye-catching of their
performances.
"So, if anything, he has shown that he can manage against English teams,
which is certainly reassuring because he otherwise doesn't have any
experience of managing in England which obviously Sam Allardyce had in
spades.
"He's spoken a lot about getting young, quick players and, if I'm not
mistaken, Besiktas wanted a team full of young Turkish players. If it were
all to go to plan, I think it could be quite exciting, fast, energetic
football under him.
"That spell at Lokomotiv Moscow is the only red flag that leaves a few
doubts over him. But there has always been a lot of hype around him, ever
since 2006/07 when he was in charge of the Croatian team.
"How much of that, when you're an international manager, is down to having
good players is up for debate. Luka Modric was breaking into the team at
that point, but you still have to put all the component parts together and
make it into a winning team and they were a pretty good side then."
As ever, there are plenty of names being bandied around. Any that catch your
eye?
"It will be interesting to see whether Bilic goes back to Besiktas for
anyone. Gokhan Tore's a pretty good player and there's talk about Loic Remy
as well. Clearly, he has had his injury problems, but if he were to stay fit
for a large chunk of the season, you would almost have a guarantee of goals
there, based on his record over the last few seasons ."
What do you know of Pedro Obiang?
"He's an industrious, box-to-box midfielder, who, at that price, is a very
good signing, so that's encouraging. At only 23, it's a good sign that West
Ham are looking to younger, hungrier players which was certainly a key theme
of last summer's recruitment, with the likes of Aaron Cresswell, Cheikhou
Kouyate and Carl Jenkinson.
"I guess, overall, there is not too much needed in midfield, it's all fairly
strong in that department, but obviously there's potentially that gap with
Alex Song heading back to Barcelona.
"If anything, they could probably do with a little bit more creativity in
there. There are a lot of good qualities in there but perhaps a bit more
creativity would be something to look out for.
"Bilic was a 4-2-3-1 man at Besiktas, so I'm not sure whether the diamond
will be so much in vogue next season. Stewart Downing was a revelation as
the No.10 last season and maybe less effective when he played on the wing.
"I guess if he were to go with a 4-2-3-1, you could have Downing just behind
the striker and two either side of him."
What would you consider a good first season for Bilic?
"Top ten. I know they were fourth at Christmas, but there was no realistic
prospect of West Ham finishing above Arsenal or Liverpool. I don't think
anyone at the start of last season would have been talking about that.
"We've seen it before. Teams have a good first half of the season and then
the financial reality will kick in. Teams with bigger squads and more
experience of that level of football will start to overtake you. There would
have been a fair few people talking about West Ham as relegation candidates
last August.
"They finished 12th this season so you would have to say that top ten would
be perfectly acceptable. There are a lot of good teams around I don't think
that you should automatically think that you are going to finish above
Stoke, Southampton or Swansea, or even Crystal Palace, just because they
don't sound as glamorous.
"They all have good players, have good managers and good teams. In the case
of say Stoke or Swansea, they have been in the league longer than West Ham
and have had more stability and more of a foundation. West Ham are growing
and you have to take into account the possibility of the Europa League as
well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Valparaiso set for the Valencia show
WHUFC.com
Enner Valencia's Ecuador will be looking to get their Copa America campaign
back on track when they face Bolivia on Monday 15 June.
Despite the West Ham United striker's best efforts, his side lost 2-0 to
hosts Chile in the opening game of the tournament on Friday, an Arturo Vidal
penalty and a late Eduardo Vargas goal securing the victory.
Valencia came closest to scoring for La Tricolor, a looping header that hit
the crossbar.
As for Ecuador's opponents Bolivia, they opened their account with a
credible 0-0 draw with Mexico. As a result, Ecuador are currently bottom of
Group A, knowing they need a result on Monday to keep their dreams of
progressing to knock-out stages alive.
Ecuador play Bolivia on Monday 15 June in Estadio Elias Figueroa Brander in
Valparaiso, Chile. Kick off is 6pm local time, 10pm BST.
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Sunderland turn up heat for Jenks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Sunderland are believed ready to pay Arsenal the £2 million loan required
for Carl Jenkinson.
The Hammers are keen to bring the right sided defender back to Upton Park
but there's now a very real possibility that the Black Cats will get the
England under-21.
New boss Slaven Bilic is ready to renew a deal for Jenks - who would prefer
to stay in London- but with Sunderland offering the loan fee and his wages,
the Irons have a real fight on their hands.
Jenks of course enjoyed an outstanding season with us and all is not lost
but Bilic is likely to look elsewhere given the cost of the loan would cost
around £4 million plus the wage bill.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slav: "Why I didn't win the Turkish League"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic's third placed finish with Besiktas last season has been
described as a failure by many pundits with some claiming he's a lucky man
to get the West Ham job as a result.
But Slav is convinced he knows exactly why he didn't finish top of the pile
in Turkey and none of it can be put down to him or his team.
He said the main reason was because the club did not have a home stadium.
He explained: "I can say this without any reservations one of the key
factors behind Beşiktaş not winning the league was not having a stadium,"
"If we had our own stadium more decisions would have gone our way and we
would have got better results it is very different playing at home."
The club's former İnönü stadium was demolished at the end of the 2012-2013
season and have since used the Ataturk Olympic Stadium (pictured above). The
new Vodafone Arena is scheduled for completion this year.
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Hammers work on complex Jenks deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham are working hard to outflank Sunderland with a complex offer that
would see them grab Carl Jenkinson on a further year-long loan next season.
Sunderland were believed to be in the driving seat to conclude deal for the
right back after reports emerged they were ready to pay a £2 million loan
fee plus the player's wages.
However, these are much lower than might have been expected for an England
under-21 at a reported £32k a week and are well within the Irons compass.
ClaretandHugh has learned that we remain very much in the hunt and are ready
to pay the £2 million loan fee so long as we get the first option on a
permanent move next summer or when Arsenal are ready to sell.
Jenkinson is believed to be helping the cause by making it clear he would be
far happier staying in London than moving to the north east.
He wouldn't hesitate to return to the Boleyn where Arsene Wenger has been
particularly impressed with the progress he made as a result of getting
regular first team football.
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Stimac: "Get some quality passers in Slav"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Igor Stimac reckons Slaven Bilic will be fine at West Ham so long as he
brings in players who can provide genuine passing quality.
The former Irons defender said: "I hope Slaven and West Ham are a great fit.
He is a wise guy.
"He needs to make good signings, some proper signings, players with passing
quality, and he will be OK.
"Is he ready for the Premier League? He knows the league and the players so
why not? I don't think it matters that he doesn't have any Premier League
experience."
"All he needs in his first year there is to give some excitement to the
crowd and finish in the top 10."
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Hammers linked with Argentine winger
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Diego Perotti is the latest players to hit the tabloids as a West Ham
target.
The 26 year old Argentine winger is currently on the books of the Italian
outfit Genoa and has been described as a player who Slaven Bilic has long
admired.
Previously the Argentine, who has two caps, has played for Sevilla in Spain
and Boca Juniors in his native Argentina.
Perotti signed for Genoa last summer but The Sun suggests that Bilic is a
long term admirer and that a bid for the player, of around £5 million, could
see a deal sealed.
Perotti would not need a work permit as he holds an EU passport.
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West Ham goalkeeper Adrian caps promising season by tying the knot with his
fiancee
By BEN GROUNDS FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 22:12, 14 June 2015 | UPDATED: 22:12, 14 June 2015
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian was arguably the Hammers' most consistent
performer throughout the 2014-15 campaign, and the Spaniard has capped a
promising season by marrying his fiancee. The 28-year-old described the
occasion as the 'best day of his life', in a cute picture posted on his
Twitter account on Sunday evening. Adrian, who was signed by Sam Allardyce
from Real Betis in June 2013, became the No1 choice midway through the
previous season, usurping long-standing Finnish keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen
between the sticks at the Boleyn Ground. Adrian will be resuming his club
commitments sooner than anticipated with the Hammers set to embark on a
Europa League campaign at the start of July. The wedding may have always
been planned for mid June, but the keeper will be glad to have time for a
honeymoon period with his new wife before meeting up with the new West Ham
manager Slaven Bilic.
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West Ham join race for £15m Charlie Austin with Chelsea, Southampton and
Newcastle United all keen on QPR star
Evening Standard
SAM WALLACE
Published: 14 June 2015 Updated: 16:39, 14 June 2015
Charlie Austin is wanted by Southampton and West Ham as well as Newcastle
United with relegated Queen's Park Rangers looking for a fee of £15m from
the transfer of their most saleable asset. Newcastle have a longstanding
interest in Austin, 25, currently with the England senior squad in Slovenia
for the Euro 2016 qualifier this afternoon. Newcastle's scouting department
had identified Austin as a prime target before the appointment last week of
Steve McClaren, who considers the player as his first choice. The player
whose rise from non-league Poole Town to 18 goals in his first Premier
League season has attracted widespread interest.
Southampton would like to sign the player but have to wait for deals to go
through first, with Morgan Schneiderlin their key sale. Graziano Pelle is 30
next month and the club are looking at alternative long-term options. West
Ham have spread their net wide in the search for a new striker, and Loic
Remy is under consideration. Austin appeals because of his proven record in
the Premier League and his homegrown status. Chelsea have also looked at
Austin, although the player is keen to be a first-choice striker at his new
club.
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Forgotten West Ham striker Modibo Maiga scores on international duty
Mathew Nash
HITC
The Mali striker is an outcast at Upton Park. Modibo Maiga may be a
forgotten man at West Ham, but he is still racking up the goals for his
country. The striker scored for Mali yesterday as The Eagles defeated South
Sudan 2-0 in African Cup of Nations qualifying. It was his 11th goal for his
country in his 29th appearance. Maiga was signed from French outfit Sochaux
in 2013 for a fee reported by the BBC to be in the region of £4.7 million.
The Mali international striker had scored 24 goals in 52 games for the
French club and West Ham decided to take a punt on the player. Maiga has
struggled to make an impact at Upton Park. The 27-year-old striker has only
featured in 37 games for the Hammers since joining nearly three years ago.
There are underlying reasons for his troubles. He struggled for a long time
trying to shake the affects of a malaria infection, picked up in early 2012.
He has shown glimpses of his talent. A goal against Chelsea was a
particularly memorable moment from his 2012-13 campaign and he has scored
six goals for the club overall. But Maiga,who spent time on loan at QPR in
2014, spent last season back in France with Metz. He scored 10 goals in 29
appearances. It remains to be seen whether Slaven Bilic gives him a go next
term
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WHUFC.com
It may be less than a week since Slaven Bilic was given the nod as West Ham
United's new manager, but football and tennis writer for the Guardian Jacob
Steinberg says the early signs are good ones.
The West Ham-supporting journalist likes what he is hearing from the Croat
thus far and is encouraged too by the acquisition of 23-year-old Spaniard
Pedro Obiang.
Here, Steinberg surveys Bilic's style and pedigree, considers possible
summer recruits and offers his take on what can be expected from the
46-year-old's first season in charge.
What have you made of the response to Bilic's appointment?
"He has certainly said a lot of the right things. You can immediately tell
that he gets West Ham fans and he gets the Club.
"One of the issues over the last few years was the lack of a relationship
between the manager and the supporters. I don't think it was ever there. It
was always a losing battle and one that never ever seemed to be resolved.
"If West Ham were to get off to a slow start next season, then you might see
Bilic given more leeway by supporters and maybe the Board as well. In that
sense, arguably, looking at it with the glass half full, you could say
that's creating a more positive atmosphere around the place.
"From Bilic's perspective, you would want to be getting down to business
straight away. A manager's not going to rely on what he says in the press as
the foundation for any kind of success. You can say what you want in the
media but it ultimately doesn't matter if it doesn't match up to what's on
the pitch."
You'll have seen plenty of Bilic teams in the past, what can West Ham fans
expect?
"I was pretty impressed when I saw Besiktas last season against the English
teams in Europe. They really pushed Arsenal very hard in the Champions
League qualifier, which was probably the most eye-catching of their
performances.
"So, if anything, he has shown that he can manage against English teams,
which is certainly reassuring because he otherwise doesn't have any
experience of managing in England which obviously Sam Allardyce had in
spades.
"He's spoken a lot about getting young, quick players and, if I'm not
mistaken, Besiktas wanted a team full of young Turkish players. If it were
all to go to plan, I think it could be quite exciting, fast, energetic
football under him.
"That spell at Lokomotiv Moscow is the only red flag that leaves a few
doubts over him. But there has always been a lot of hype around him, ever
since 2006/07 when he was in charge of the Croatian team.
"How much of that, when you're an international manager, is down to having
good players is up for debate. Luka Modric was breaking into the team at
that point, but you still have to put all the component parts together and
make it into a winning team and they were a pretty good side then."
As ever, there are plenty of names being bandied around. Any that catch your
eye?
"It will be interesting to see whether Bilic goes back to Besiktas for
anyone. Gokhan Tore's a pretty good player and there's talk about Loic Remy
as well. Clearly, he has had his injury problems, but if he were to stay fit
for a large chunk of the season, you would almost have a guarantee of goals
there, based on his record over the last few seasons ."
What do you know of Pedro Obiang?
"He's an industrious, box-to-box midfielder, who, at that price, is a very
good signing, so that's encouraging. At only 23, it's a good sign that West
Ham are looking to younger, hungrier players which was certainly a key theme
of last summer's recruitment, with the likes of Aaron Cresswell, Cheikhou
Kouyate and Carl Jenkinson.
"I guess, overall, there is not too much needed in midfield, it's all fairly
strong in that department, but obviously there's potentially that gap with
Alex Song heading back to Barcelona.
"If anything, they could probably do with a little bit more creativity in
there. There are a lot of good qualities in there but perhaps a bit more
creativity would be something to look out for.
"Bilic was a 4-2-3-1 man at Besiktas, so I'm not sure whether the diamond
will be so much in vogue next season. Stewart Downing was a revelation as
the No.10 last season and maybe less effective when he played on the wing.
"I guess if he were to go with a 4-2-3-1, you could have Downing just behind
the striker and two either side of him."
What would you consider a good first season for Bilic?
"Top ten. I know they were fourth at Christmas, but there was no realistic
prospect of West Ham finishing above Arsenal or Liverpool. I don't think
anyone at the start of last season would have been talking about that.
"We've seen it before. Teams have a good first half of the season and then
the financial reality will kick in. Teams with bigger squads and more
experience of that level of football will start to overtake you. There would
have been a fair few people talking about West Ham as relegation candidates
last August.
"They finished 12th this season so you would have to say that top ten would
be perfectly acceptable. There are a lot of good teams around I don't think
that you should automatically think that you are going to finish above
Stoke, Southampton or Swansea, or even Crystal Palace, just because they
don't sound as glamorous.
"They all have good players, have good managers and good teams. In the case
of say Stoke or Swansea, they have been in the league longer than West Ham
and have had more stability and more of a foundation. West Ham are growing
and you have to take into account the possibility of the Europa League as
well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Valparaiso set for the Valencia show
WHUFC.com
Enner Valencia's Ecuador will be looking to get their Copa America campaign
back on track when they face Bolivia on Monday 15 June.
Despite the West Ham United striker's best efforts, his side lost 2-0 to
hosts Chile in the opening game of the tournament on Friday, an Arturo Vidal
penalty and a late Eduardo Vargas goal securing the victory.
Valencia came closest to scoring for La Tricolor, a looping header that hit
the crossbar.
As for Ecuador's opponents Bolivia, they opened their account with a
credible 0-0 draw with Mexico. As a result, Ecuador are currently bottom of
Group A, knowing they need a result on Monday to keep their dreams of
progressing to knock-out stages alive.
Ecuador play Bolivia on Monday 15 June in Estadio Elias Figueroa Brander in
Valparaiso, Chile. Kick off is 6pm local time, 10pm BST.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sunderland turn up heat for Jenks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Sunderland are believed ready to pay Arsenal the £2 million loan required
for Carl Jenkinson.
The Hammers are keen to bring the right sided defender back to Upton Park
but there's now a very real possibility that the Black Cats will get the
England under-21.
New boss Slaven Bilic is ready to renew a deal for Jenks - who would prefer
to stay in London- but with Sunderland offering the loan fee and his wages,
the Irons have a real fight on their hands.
Jenks of course enjoyed an outstanding season with us and all is not lost
but Bilic is likely to look elsewhere given the cost of the loan would cost
around £4 million plus the wage bill.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slav: "Why I didn't win the Turkish League"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic's third placed finish with Besiktas last season has been
described as a failure by many pundits with some claiming he's a lucky man
to get the West Ham job as a result.
But Slav is convinced he knows exactly why he didn't finish top of the pile
in Turkey and none of it can be put down to him or his team.
He said the main reason was because the club did not have a home stadium.
He explained: "I can say this without any reservations one of the key
factors behind Beşiktaş not winning the league was not having a stadium,"
"If we had our own stadium more decisions would have gone our way and we
would have got better results it is very different playing at home."
The club's former İnönü stadium was demolished at the end of the 2012-2013
season and have since used the Ataturk Olympic Stadium (pictured above). The
new Vodafone Arena is scheduled for completion this year.
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Hammers work on complex Jenks deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham are working hard to outflank Sunderland with a complex offer that
would see them grab Carl Jenkinson on a further year-long loan next season.
Sunderland were believed to be in the driving seat to conclude deal for the
right back after reports emerged they were ready to pay a £2 million loan
fee plus the player's wages.
However, these are much lower than might have been expected for an England
under-21 at a reported £32k a week and are well within the Irons compass.
ClaretandHugh has learned that we remain very much in the hunt and are ready
to pay the £2 million loan fee so long as we get the first option on a
permanent move next summer or when Arsenal are ready to sell.
Jenkinson is believed to be helping the cause by making it clear he would be
far happier staying in London than moving to the north east.
He wouldn't hesitate to return to the Boleyn where Arsene Wenger has been
particularly impressed with the progress he made as a result of getting
regular first team football.
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Stimac: "Get some quality passers in Slav"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Igor Stimac reckons Slaven Bilic will be fine at West Ham so long as he
brings in players who can provide genuine passing quality.
The former Irons defender said: "I hope Slaven and West Ham are a great fit.
He is a wise guy.
"He needs to make good signings, some proper signings, players with passing
quality, and he will be OK.
"Is he ready for the Premier League? He knows the league and the players so
why not? I don't think it matters that he doesn't have any Premier League
experience."
"All he needs in his first year there is to give some excitement to the
crowd and finish in the top 10."
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Hammers linked with Argentine winger
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Diego Perotti is the latest players to hit the tabloids as a West Ham
target.
The 26 year old Argentine winger is currently on the books of the Italian
outfit Genoa and has been described as a player who Slaven Bilic has long
admired.
Previously the Argentine, who has two caps, has played for Sevilla in Spain
and Boca Juniors in his native Argentina.
Perotti signed for Genoa last summer but The Sun suggests that Bilic is a
long term admirer and that a bid for the player, of around £5 million, could
see a deal sealed.
Perotti would not need a work permit as he holds an EU passport.
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West Ham goalkeeper Adrian caps promising season by tying the knot with his
fiancee
By BEN GROUNDS FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 22:12, 14 June 2015 | UPDATED: 22:12, 14 June 2015
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian was arguably the Hammers' most consistent
performer throughout the 2014-15 campaign, and the Spaniard has capped a
promising season by marrying his fiancee. The 28-year-old described the
occasion as the 'best day of his life', in a cute picture posted on his
Twitter account on Sunday evening. Adrian, who was signed by Sam Allardyce
from Real Betis in June 2013, became the No1 choice midway through the
previous season, usurping long-standing Finnish keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen
between the sticks at the Boleyn Ground. Adrian will be resuming his club
commitments sooner than anticipated with the Hammers set to embark on a
Europa League campaign at the start of July. The wedding may have always
been planned for mid June, but the keeper will be glad to have time for a
honeymoon period with his new wife before meeting up with the new West Ham
manager Slaven Bilic.
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West Ham join race for £15m Charlie Austin with Chelsea, Southampton and
Newcastle United all keen on QPR star
Evening Standard
SAM WALLACE
Published: 14 June 2015 Updated: 16:39, 14 June 2015
Charlie Austin is wanted by Southampton and West Ham as well as Newcastle
United with relegated Queen's Park Rangers looking for a fee of £15m from
the transfer of their most saleable asset. Newcastle have a longstanding
interest in Austin, 25, currently with the England senior squad in Slovenia
for the Euro 2016 qualifier this afternoon. Newcastle's scouting department
had identified Austin as a prime target before the appointment last week of
Steve McClaren, who considers the player as his first choice. The player
whose rise from non-league Poole Town to 18 goals in his first Premier
League season has attracted widespread interest.
Southampton would like to sign the player but have to wait for deals to go
through first, with Morgan Schneiderlin their key sale. Graziano Pelle is 30
next month and the club are looking at alternative long-term options. West
Ham have spread their net wide in the search for a new striker, and Loic
Remy is under consideration. Austin appeals because of his proven record in
the Premier League and his homegrown status. Chelsea have also looked at
Austin, although the player is keen to be a first-choice striker at his new
club.
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Forgotten West Ham striker Modibo Maiga scores on international duty
Mathew Nash
HITC
The Mali striker is an outcast at Upton Park. Modibo Maiga may be a
forgotten man at West Ham, but he is still racking up the goals for his
country. The striker scored for Mali yesterday as The Eagles defeated South
Sudan 2-0 in African Cup of Nations qualifying. It was his 11th goal for his
country in his 29th appearance. Maiga was signed from French outfit Sochaux
in 2013 for a fee reported by the BBC to be in the region of £4.7 million.
The Mali international striker had scored 24 goals in 52 games for the
French club and West Ham decided to take a punt on the player. Maiga has
struggled to make an impact at Upton Park. The 27-year-old striker has only
featured in 37 games for the Hammers since joining nearly three years ago.
There are underlying reasons for his troubles. He struggled for a long time
trying to shake the affects of a malaria infection, picked up in early 2012.
He has shown glimpses of his talent. A goal against Chelsea was a
particularly memorable moment from his 2012-13 campaign and he has scored
six goals for the club overall. But Maiga,who spent time on loan at QPR in
2014, spent last season back in France with Metz. He scored 10 goals in 29
appearances. It remains to be seen whether Slaven Bilic gives him a go next
term
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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Sunday, June 14
Daily WHUFC News - 14th June 2015
On this day - 13 June
WHUFC.com
Anniversary
Name: Frank McAvennie
Clubs: St Mirren, West Ham United, Celtic, West Ham United, Aston Villa, Cliftonville, South China, Celtic, Swindon Town (loan), Airdrieonians, Falkirk, St Mirren
International: Scotland - five caps, one goal
Frank McAvennie signed for the Hammers on this day in 1985 from St Mirren for a £340,000 fee. The Scottish striker started the first of two spells at the Boleyn Ground in style, helping the Boys of '86 secure the Club's highest ever finish of third in the top flight.
Originally signed as an attacking midfielder, an injury to Paul Goddard in the opening game pushed him up front and McAvennie formed a strong partnership with Tony Cottee. He notched 26 league goals - a tally only bettered by Everton's Gary Lineker in Division One that season - but following a less successful second season, he moved back north of the border to join Celtic in October 1987. Less than two years later he was back with the Hammers, and although he suffered a broken leg at the start of the 1989/90 campaign, he helped the Club win promotion back to the top flight the following year. In all he scored 60 goals for the Hammers in 190 games, and later turned out for Aston Villa, Cliftonville, South China, Swindon Town, Airdrieonians and Falkirk before ending his career where it all began - at St Mirren.
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Bilic makes Boleyn return
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic has expressed his pride and delight at returning to the Boleyn Ground as West Ham United's new manager. The Croatian flew into London on Friday and made straight for the stadium he called home as a Hammers player in the late 1990s. This time around, Bilic arrived as the Club's 15th full-time manager – a role he told West Ham TV he is hugely honoured to take on as West Ham enter their historic final season at their home of 110 years. "It feels great to be back," said the new boss. "I was expected this kind of feeling but when I entered the pitch, all the emotions started to come back. The Chairman asked me if it looked the same, but it has been nearly 20 years and it has changed a bit and is definitely bigger! "The atmosphere around the whole stadium came flooding back to me and it felt like it did 17 or 18 years back. I can still remember the roar and the atmosphere and the good feeling to be in this stadium. "Why have I come back to east London? Because it's a great club and is my club and it has never gone from me. It's one of the best, if not the best league in the world and it was always my ambition to one day come back and manage this club, my club, West Ham."
Bilic told how he always felt destined to return to the Club he played for 54 times between January 1996 and May 1997, explaining how he could have been back sooner had he not done such a fantastic job during six years in charge of his own Croatian national team. "Why now? Because I was free and also West Ham were looking for a new manager!" he explained. "I have been linked a couple of times in the past, but while it was never the case that I didn't want to come to West Ham, but in 2008 and 2010 I was national team manager. "That was more than a job and was totally personal, so it was impossible because I had committed myself to Croatia. West Ham was always good enough for me, but at that time I was not free and was in a special kind of job, as national team manager of my country."
So, ten days before his squad return for pre-season training ahead of a campaign that will include the welcome distraction of UEFA Europa League football, what can fans expect from Bilic's West Ham in 2015/16? Young Spanish midfielder Pedro Obiang and Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph have already signed up, with a number of other high-profile players being strongly linked with moves to E13. "The Board has been here for five years and they are very ambitious and they are doing a good job," the 46-year-old continued. "They are moving in the right way and the team is good, so we can expect to be better. "To be fair, we should not forget that only four years ago we were relegated, so we should get stability. I can't set the standard or the goals now that we want to finish fifth, seventh, eighth or whatever. "The fact is that we are going to work hard and I'm sure we are going to improve. Me and my players will try to get the best out of the players and the team individually, of course, so I'm expecting us, week by week, month by month to play better, to improve.
"That will get us in a position to create more chances in each game and get more points. With then, the position comes by itself. That's the aim. "Where it will take us in the first season, I don't know, but my personal ambition and that of the Board is very, very high. We're going to be good – that's my aim and that's why they brought me here and appointed me as a manager, to go a step up."
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Norwich City ticket information
Ticket information for West Ham United's pre-season fixture at Norwich City on Tuesday 28 July is as follows:
WHUFC.com
Norwich City
Tuesday 28 July 2015, 7.45pm kick-off
Allocation: 2,600
Standard Prices:
£10 Adults/Over-65s and £5 Under-17s and Under-12s
Wheelchair/Ambulant Accessibility Tickets:
£10 Adults/Over-65s and £5 Under-17s and Under-12s + Carer complimentary
Sale Dates:
Tickets are now on General Sale and can be purchased via the Box Office.
Coach Travel:
Coach travel is not available for this pre-season fixture.
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Sunderland to pip West Ham in Jenkinson race?
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 13th June 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's chances of re-signing Carl Jenkinson for a second successive season appear to have subsided after it was revealed Sunderland have agreed to pay a £2million loan fee for the England right back.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a relatively successful campaign at the Boleyn Ground last season, where he made 36 appearances under Sam Allardyce, and looked set to return to east London - until the Black Cats moved to hijack the deal.
According to reports, Sunderland have agreed to meet the £2million fee Arsenal are said to be demanding to allow Jenkinson out on loan. West Ham have thus far refused to comply with Arsenal's demands.
Anthony Reveillere's recent departure has left new Mackems boss Dick Advocaat with just two specialist full-backs in Billy Jones and Patrick van Aanholt.
Jenkinson joined West Ham at the end of July 2014 after snubbing a move to Hull City, who had agreed a £4million fee with Arsenal. Sunderland are yet to comment on the latest reports.
West Ham's plans to bring Jenkinson back to the club have been on the table for some considerable time. However the Board postponed the decision to re-sign the former England Under 21 until a new manager had been hired.
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Mauro Zarate eyes first team return
KUMb.com
Filed: Saturday, 13th June 2015
By: Staff Writer
He wasn't good enough to get in last year's Hammers side, nor was he good enough to play for relegated QPR - but Mauro Zarate insists that he has a future at West Ham.
The 28-year-old forward, who was bombed out of the Boleyn by Big Sam last Christmas believes that Slaven Bilic's arrival gives him renewed hope of nailing down a first team place at the club.
"It is an exciting time for the club and I want to be part of that," he told a tabloid. "I know the new manager had a good relationship with his players at Besiktas and I want to work hard to become a part of his plans.
"West Ham is still a club that I love. I have been training hard and I am looking forward to showing that I can still be an important player for them."
Zarate was West Ham's first signing of last summer, having been signed on a free transfer from Velez Sarsfield. But after just six months he was shunted out to Queens Park Rangers on loan, having fallen out with then-manager Sam Allardyce.
That loan spell resulted in Zarate playing just four times for Rangers, as he failed to settle there either.. Only last month he was fined two weeks' wages for walking out of a pre-match session after discovering he had been dropped from the team to face Liverpool.
Rangers had previously tried to send the Argentine back to West Ham, due to his poor attitude and fitness levels.
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West Ham linked with €20million German international
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 13th June 2015
By: Staff Writer
Sources in Germany claim that West Ham United are about to make a huge offer for German international defender Antonio Rüdiger.
The 22-year-old VfB Stuttgart defender, whose father is German and whose mother hails from Sierra Leonne is, according to VFB1, being keenly sought by new Hammers boss Slaven Bilic.
And the website claims this morning that West Ham are set to test Stuttgart's resolve with a massive €20million bid for the 6'3", six-times-capped international.
Stuttgart have already began to look for alternatives should Rüdiger move on this summer, with fellow international Matthias Ginter (Borussia Dortmund) strongly linked to Die Schwaben.
In other transfer news, the Mirror claims this morning that West Ham are also eyeing Croatian international centre half Vedran Ćorluka.
Ćorluka, 29, a long-term friend of new Hammers boss Bilic currently plays for Lokomotiv Moscow. He moved to Russia in 2012, a £5.5million signing from Tottenham.
Finally Carl Jenkinson's on/off move from Arsenal appears to be off again at present, with West Ham currently unwilling to meet the Gunners' £2million loan fee.
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Dailly: top six or bust for West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 13th June 2015
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Christian Dailly believes West Ham can break into the Premier League's top six having appointed Slaven Bilic as manager.
The ex-Hammers captain, who was on West Ham's books for seven years between 2001 and 2008 called Bilic's appointment "exciting" - and believes the Irons are "more than capable" of challenging for a regular European spot.
"It's a new era at the club. It's definitely the type of appointment that excites me," Dailly, now 41, told SSN. "I've been to a few West Ham games since I've left a few years ago, but I think i'd be likely to go a bit more knowing that he is managing.
"I'm really interested to see what he does with the team and the players he brings in. He seems like a bright guy and he's got real character about him. If they start well and get a couple of good results it could take off, which would be really exciting.
"They'll want top ten, they'll try and push for that. West Ham is an incredible club with a huge fanbase and brilliant fans. But they're demanding too and they'll want big characters, a good team with big players.
"My frustration when I was there was that I just wanted someone to get hold of it and take them towards that top five or six teams. I think they're more than capable of doing that. That's where they want to be and with the sort of fanbase they've got I thin they can do it long-term."
Dailly, who once scored a vital play-off goal against Ipswich via his nether regions also believes Bilic is the man to restore harmony in the dressing room.
"I think he knows how to deal with the players from a personal perspective and I think his man management is very good," he added. "Croatian players are hugely passionate and he's the type of guy that when he goes into a new club, he completely throws himself in there.
"I've played against a few Croatians in my time and they're really passionate, bright guys who want to do well. Bilic did that when he was at West Ham previously and it never leaves you, that. I think that's why he's been tempted to come back.
"He's talked about them being a bit more consistent when they play. I think there'll be a completely new regime when they go in there in terms of the way they structure their week.
"They said they're going to spend some money but I think he'll improve the players they've already got there. Sometimes teams can play in a way that doesn't suit certain players. As soon as a new manager comes in he can use they in a slightly different way."
Despite his enthusiasm over Bilic's appointment, Dailly also felt that his predecessor had done a good job - despite having his issues with his employers played out in public.
"The way that the Board would say one thing and then Sam would say something else, it seemed like it was being played out in the public eye, the way that things ended up happening," he surmised. "I think Sam did a good job, he kept them in the league and consolidated."
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West Ham: Christian Dailly excited by Slaven Bilic appointment
Last Updated: 13/06/15 3:00pm
SSN
Former West Ham defender Christian Dailly thinks fans can be hugely excited about the type of football new manager Slaven Bilic will bring to the club.
Bilic, formerly in charge of the Croatian national side, was unveiled as Sam Allardyce's replacement going into what will be the Hammers' last season at Upton Park before moving to the Olympic Stadium next year.
Dailly, who spent seven years with the club, told Sky Sports News HQ that the appointment of another former player in Bilic will excite West Ham fans and players alike, and thinks the 46-year-old is capable of taking the side to the next level.
"It is the type of appointment that excited me," Dailly said. "I've been to a few West Ham games since I left, quite a number of years ago now, but I think I would probably be likely to go even more knowing that he was managing because I'm really interested to see what he does with the team and what players he brings in.
"I think it is exciting - it will certainly start a new era at the club and they are moving into the new stadium eventually.
"He seems like a bright guy, he's got real character about him and if that started to go well, they got a couple of good results, I think it could take off which would be really exciting."
While the two never played alongside each other, Dailly, who won 67 caps for Scotland, has appeared with some of Bilic's former Croatia team-mates and knows the passion he will bring to the role as a result.
Dailly said: "He's a young manager, Bilic, and I've played with a few Croatians in my time who were quite like him. Guys like Igor Stimac, Aljosa Asanovic, and Davor Suker and they are really passionate, bright guys who want to do well.
"I think he knows how to deal with players from a personal perspective and his man-management is apparently very good. They never suffer fools, the Croatian guys I've played with. Hugely passionate, probably close to matching the Scots in terms of when they play for their country, what it means to play for the team.
"He'd be the type of guy who, when he goes to a club, will completely throw himself in there. I know that when he played at West Ham before he threw himself in there and ended up with huge passion for the club - it never leaves you. I think that's why he's been tempted to come back."
Dailly appeared as a substitute the last time West Ham played in an FA Cup final in 2006, losing out to Liverpool.
With a move to the 80,000-seater Olympic Stadium on the horizon after next season, expectations are beginning to shift for the Hammers and Dailly thinks the club has the infrastructure and fan base to start to trouble the top reaches of the Premier League and compete for trophies.
"They'll want top 10, they'll try and push for that," he said. "In my own opinion of West Ham, having been there, it is an incredible club with a huge fan base, brilliant fans who are really demanding. They want big characters; they want a good team with good players and big players.
"My frustration, when I was there, was that I just wanted someone to get a hold of it and take them towards that top five or six teams and I think they are more than capable of doing that.
"That's the potential of where they want to be and with the sort of fan base that they have got and the owners that they've got there now, they can do that long term. That's where I think they are heading and that's going to be great to watch."
Bilic returned to West Ham after leaving Besiktas following the end of the Turkish season, replacing Sam Allardyce at Upton Park.
While Dailly appreciated the job Allardyce did for his former club, he reckons a parting of the ways may have suited everyone in the end.
He said: "In some ways you could see it being slightly harsh on Sam Allardyce but by the way the board would say one thing and Sam would say something else, it seemed like it was being played out slightly in the public eye, the way that things were going to end up happening.
"I think Sam did a good job. He kept them in the league, they consolidated and are looking to stay there because they are moving to the new stadium.
"It was just a case of maybe Sam wanting to do something different now as well, he can go somewhere else and do something else and they felt like it was time to bring someone in to move things on a little bit to see how that goes, a bit of a change and something exciting."
However, now that Bilic has taken up the Hammers' hotseat, Dailly can see changes being made to the way the players train, and doesn't necessarily see the club having to splash the cash as they have promised to do.
He said: "I think he (Bilic) has talked about them being a little more consistent in the way they play and he is probably more likely to change the way that they train.
"I think there will be a completely new regime that will go in there in terms of the way they structure their week and he'll try and improve the players that are there already.
"They have said they are going to spend some money. Where that money gets spent really depends on how he sees the players that he's got because sometimes teams can play a certain way and it doesn't really suit some players, but as soon as you have a new manager come in he can use them in a slightly different way.
"It's a little bit like what you see with Gordon Strachan and Scotland. You get similar players but get them to play slightly differently, in slightly different positions, and all of a sudden you look at bringing in a different type of player than you might have thought they would bring in.
"So I think he will weigh it up and look at it before they makes any decisions."
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New West Ham boss Slaven Bilic will bring spark - and some "balls", says ex-team mate Igor Stimac
22:30, 13 JUNE 2015
BY TOM HOPKINSON
Long-time pals Stimac and Bilic played for the Hammers in the 90's and the former insists his defensive colleague has all the traits to be a success
The Mirror
West Ham fans first fell in love with Slaven Bilic ... because of his big balls, writes Tom Hopkinson in the Sunday People.
And they hope the Hammers legend and new boss will be a world away from Sam Allardyce and his long balls.
Long-time pal and ex-team-mate Igor Stimac who, like Bilic, played for the club back in the '90s, said: "West Ham fans are very similar to ours in Croatia. They love players who can pass the ball well or the ones with big balls."
Former centre-halves Bilic and Stimac were both good on the ball but they loved to get stuck in, too, and it was that trait which really endeared them to the Upton Park faithful.
So much so that, when the fans decided they'd had enough of Allardyce, it was Bilic most of them called for.
Richard HeathcoteGone: Bilic has replaced Allardyce
Stimac said: "I hope Slaven and West Ham are a great fit. Slaven knows the club and the atmosphere around it. They used to love him while he was playing there.
"He is a wise guy. He needs to make good signings, some proper signings, players with passing quality, and he will be OK.
"Is he ready for the Premier League? He knows the league and the players so why not? The biggest problem for Slaven is that the Europa League starts so soon, so he has to be very careful this season.
"But I am pretty sure that in a few seasons he can turn things round there. I don't think it matters that he doesn't have any Premier League experience.
"All he needs in his first year there is to give some excitement to the crowd and finish in the top 10."
Mark ThompsonHammer: Bilic during his playing days at Upton Park
Stimac moved to West Ham in 1999, two years after Bilic had departed for Everton, but the pair go back to the late '80s when they came together as young stars of Yugoslav football at Hajduk Split.
Since then their lives have been intertwined, with Stimac spending six years in England – four at Derby before his move to West Ham – and Bilic four years (18 months of them in east London) before both returned to their homeland to end their playing days at Hajduk.
Stimac replaced Bilic as manager of Croatia in 2012 when the latter returned to club management with Lokomotiv Moscow in Russia and set out on a path that led him back to West Ham last week.
Stimac added: "Slaven and I go back together a long time. I was on the board of directors at Hajduk when he got his first coaching job, supporting him all the way down.
"As a person and friend he is fantastic. As a manager, he takes proper care of each player."
Stimac has fond memories of his own days at West Ham, playing under Harry Redknapp and alongside some famous old names as well as a number of rising stars including Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand.
He said: "Oh my God, what a team we used to have: Paolo Di Canio, Freddie Kanoute, Rio, Lamps, Stuart Pearce, Trevor Sinclair, the youngsters Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and Jermain Defoe coming in.
"We had the jokes from Harry and John Moncur and then there was Razor Ruddock always ready to make us smile."
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic eyeing Europe's hottest prospects and top 10 finish
By JACK BRIDEN FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:55, 13 June 2015 | UPDATED: 12:02, 13 June 2015
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady says new manager Slaven Bilic is already preparing to bring in some of Europe's future stars. As the Croatian sets himself to take charge of the Hammers' final season at Upton Park after 111 years of residency, he is already looking at the areas in which they can improve. And Brady is convinced the former Hammers centre back is exactly what the club needs as they embark on the next chapter of their history. 'The two chairmen worked night and day to whittle down to our preferred candidates and in the final interviews last weekend, Slaven Bilic convinced us he was the man to take on that challenge,' she said. Writing in her column for the Sun, Brady admitted that although the 46 year old is untested as a manager in England's top flight, his experience having played at the Boleyn Ground for 18 months, combined with his international pedigree and insatiable thirst for knowledge set him apart from the competition to land the job. 'Although he is yet manage in the Premier League, Slaven is very knowledgeable about it and watched hours and hours of West Ham games in preparation for his interview,' said Brady. Since their promotion back to the Premier League in 2012 West Ham have finished inside the top half just once but Brady is sure Bilic is the man to help make that become more of a habit. Following the departure of former boss Sam Allardyce at the end of last season the east London club welcomed their first signing of the summer transfer window in Sampdoria midfielder Pedro Obiang, and Brady insists Bilic has more tricks up his sleeve in the countdown to the start of next season.
'[Bilic] has a clear vision of how he wants to improve the team and I know he and [club chairman] David Sullivan have already agreed to lodge bids for a number of Europe's hottest prospects. 'He is also a realist and agreed that although our first priority is stability, with the right signings a top-ten finish and an extended run in one of the cup competitions is not unrealistic.'
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Gold sends Ravel advice
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
David Gold has sent a new cryptic message to Ravel Morrison.
The 22 year old midfielder is reportedly suffering from homs sickness ahead of his Lazio experience and angling for a return home.
We reported yesterday that a Boleyn return was described as a "big longshot" by sources inside the Boleyn but Gold's Twitter comments may fuel speculation.
Gold – commenting on a follower's comment that Ravel could have been one of the greats declared : "I urge Ravel to look in the mirror every day and say to him self "IF IT'S TO BE ITS UP TO ME"
The midfielder is being linked with possible moves to Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle and Swansea.
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Bilic to get a Hammers legend
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham United are planning to draft in a club legend to assist Slaven Bilic.
The Telegraph – which is developing a good track record for getting things right at the club – reports that names have been put forward as the club look to replicate Teddy Sheringham's success last season.
Among the candidates being mentioned are John Hartson, Tony Cottee, Don Hutchinson and Dean Ashton while another idea is to also employ someone such as Julian Dicks on the staff.
John-HartsonNo-one has yet been approached and it all depends on who wants to do it – and what coaching badges they have.
Bilic's immediate concern, however, is s to obtain work permits for two of his trusted backroom staff.
It is a formality for one of the Croatians, Edin Terzic, as he was born in Menden, Germany, and has an EU passport but for the other two, Nikola Jurcevic, the first-team coach, and Miljenko Rak, the fitness coach, there may be a hearing this week with West Ham hoping, given their vast experience, they will be backed by the Football Association.
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Gold: AC can have a big season
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
David Gold has made it clear that Andy Carroll will be going nowhere this summer as newly appointed Newcastle boss Steve McLaren casts his eyes towards Upton Park.
Carroll has long been linked with a move back to Tyneside but the co chairman talking to ClaretandHugh said: "We are not allowing Andy to go anywhere.
"There have been a lot of suggestions that he would like a move 'home' but Andy is now very happy and settled in London. He will be here next season."
McClaren – as reported by The Times – is apparently keen to hatch a loan deal which will see the Geordie striker return to St James' Park for a season.
But Gold said: "He's our record signing and the best is yet to come from him. It could be a very big season for him and us."
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Irons watch Morrison dilemma
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham are watching the situation surrounding Ravel Morrison who it is claimed has become homesick since joining Lazio.
And the club has learned that Queens Park Rangers have been joined by Newcastle United and Swansea in displaying an interest in the 22 year old.
But a source claimed that as far as the Irons were concerned a return to Upton Park was " a very big longshot."
New manager Slaven Bilic is known to be looking for creative midfielder and Ravel's name been mentioned in conversations between the board and new manager.
We were told: "Given the history it has to be hugely unlikely but the manager will decide where he goes and who he looks at.
"He has made it clear he wants a right back, central defender and a creative player in the middle of the park."
When we spoke to a well placed insider a week ago were told move for the player was possible it was firmly ruled out but with Bilic's arrival the landscape may have changed.
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Newcastle's crazy AC offer
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Cheeky Newcastle want Andy Carroll on a season-long loan according to The Times and have been told to take a running jump by the Irons.
According to The Times, new Magpies manager Steve McClaren has offered to take AC on loan which has no appeal whatsoever to us.
With Carlton Cole gone and only Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia available, the Hammers board were gobsmacked by the Toon offer.
One insider told ClaretandHugh: "It may be an attempt to unsettle Andy but there's no chance of that with his new baby on the way when he is so settled in London. And why would we loan out the club's record signing."
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Three words for Keys: Shut your gob
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 13, 2015 in Hugh's Blogs, Whispers
C AND H
There have been times in my life when I really wish I could allow myself to let loose with a mouthful of bad language.
This morning I did as I read the the anti Hammers and Slaven Bilic comments from long forgotten Coventry supporter and one time TV presenter Richard Keys.
I didn't like him back then or now and his his comments about the Irons new boss were graceless, and entirely out of order.
In case you missed them Keys slagged off the Davids for not getting the likes of Rafa Benitez, Carlo Ancellotti, Jurgen Klopp or one of the world's top bosses and then put the boot into Slav.
He said: " I wish him well. He's a cunning operator, as Laurent Blanc will testify. Remember Bilic going down like a sack of spuds in that WC semi-final and costing Blanc a place in the final?
"I do actually fear for West Ham. Big Sam did a fantastic job for them. He delivered on every front they asked and walked with pride."
Keys – believing media reports without bothering to discover the facts – assumes Slav has a "no compensation for relegation" clause in his deal as reported by the Telegraph.
He says: "If next season starts as this season finished they'll be in big trouble. And maybe they'll be right about insisting Bilic walk with nothing if they go down. "
"THE SEASON FINISHED!" Wasn't that under the Allardyce Keys claims did such a wonderful job? No compensation – can you show us the clause?
His reasoning that the Davids cocked up the appointment is questionable at best. In fact the co chairmen were looking at every top boss around which is actually thoroughly good business practice.
He then lays into Slav over one possible negative in a career full of numerous plus points. A real balanced and fair operator old Keys eh?
This is the voice of the 'expert' we suffered on Sky Sports for all those years before he was sacked for sexism. Well done Sky we don't need these sort of big mouthed keyboard warriors in front of us too often.
Anybody who decides to take on a Premier League manager's job needs encouragement from those who are supposed to know what they are talking about especially before they start – not this sort of bad mouthing.
Slav is about to put his head into the Premier League lion's mouth whilst Keys looks for his next bitter turn of phrase as he tries to get over the sack and almost complete fall from grace.
Three words for a bitter man: SHUT YOUR MOUTH!
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Brady lifts lid on Slaven's interview
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Karren Brady seems pleased with Slaven Bilic's appointment claiming that David Gold and David Sullivan worked night to make the correc t choic.
And writing in her Sun column she declared: "He convinced us he was the man to take on that challenge."
She added: "Although he is yet to manage in the Premier League, Slaven is very knowledgeable about it and watched hours and hours of West Ham games in preparation for his interview."
"He is also a realist and agreed that although our first priority is stability, with the right signings a top-ten finish and an extended run in one of the cup competitions is not unrealistic.
"Slaven was also clearly the people's choice after leading most of the online supporter polls and their initial reaction to his appointment has generally been one of delight.
"The feeling, it seems, is mutual as Slaven clearly has a deep affection for what he called a "special" club, he has a clear vision for how he wants to improve the team and I know he and David Sullivan have already agreed to lodge bids for a number of Europe's hottest prospects," added Brady
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Bilic's target looks spot on
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AN D H
Reports that Slaven Bilic wants Vedran Corluka at Upton Park look pretty accurate.
The Mirror's Darren Lewis has reported the central defender/right back as a Bilic target and given their history together, that makes perfect sense.
ClaretandHugh reported yesterday that sources close to Slav had explained he was looking, somewhat surprisingly, for a central defender despite having Winston Reid, James Tomkins, James Collins, Reece Burke, Doniel Henry and the up and coming Reece Oxford on the books.
We explained that the new manager believes he needs another top central defender and given 29 year old Corluka can double at right back and is out of contract, he looks ideal.
Slav signed Corluka for £5.5 million from Spurs when taking over at Lokomotiv Moscow in 2012 and the defender scored on his debut.
He won two monthly supporters polls on the social networks and was named the best club player of the month. In June 2015, after Ćorluka helped Lokomotiv to win Russian Cup, fans named him team's Player of the Year.
He was part of Croatia's 2008 Euro qualifying squad under the Hammers boss which finished first in Group E, ahead of Russia and England who eventually failed to qualify from the group.
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WHUFC.com
Anniversary
Name: Frank McAvennie
Clubs: St Mirren, West Ham United, Celtic, West Ham United, Aston Villa, Cliftonville, South China, Celtic, Swindon Town (loan), Airdrieonians, Falkirk, St Mirren
International: Scotland - five caps, one goal
Frank McAvennie signed for the Hammers on this day in 1985 from St Mirren for a £340,000 fee. The Scottish striker started the first of two spells at the Boleyn Ground in style, helping the Boys of '86 secure the Club's highest ever finish of third in the top flight.
Originally signed as an attacking midfielder, an injury to Paul Goddard in the opening game pushed him up front and McAvennie formed a strong partnership with Tony Cottee. He notched 26 league goals - a tally only bettered by Everton's Gary Lineker in Division One that season - but following a less successful second season, he moved back north of the border to join Celtic in October 1987. Less than two years later he was back with the Hammers, and although he suffered a broken leg at the start of the 1989/90 campaign, he helped the Club win promotion back to the top flight the following year. In all he scored 60 goals for the Hammers in 190 games, and later turned out for Aston Villa, Cliftonville, South China, Swindon Town, Airdrieonians and Falkirk before ending his career where it all began - at St Mirren.
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Bilic makes Boleyn return
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic has expressed his pride and delight at returning to the Boleyn Ground as West Ham United's new manager. The Croatian flew into London on Friday and made straight for the stadium he called home as a Hammers player in the late 1990s. This time around, Bilic arrived as the Club's 15th full-time manager – a role he told West Ham TV he is hugely honoured to take on as West Ham enter their historic final season at their home of 110 years. "It feels great to be back," said the new boss. "I was expected this kind of feeling but when I entered the pitch, all the emotions started to come back. The Chairman asked me if it looked the same, but it has been nearly 20 years and it has changed a bit and is definitely bigger! "The atmosphere around the whole stadium came flooding back to me and it felt like it did 17 or 18 years back. I can still remember the roar and the atmosphere and the good feeling to be in this stadium. "Why have I come back to east London? Because it's a great club and is my club and it has never gone from me. It's one of the best, if not the best league in the world and it was always my ambition to one day come back and manage this club, my club, West Ham."
Bilic told how he always felt destined to return to the Club he played for 54 times between January 1996 and May 1997, explaining how he could have been back sooner had he not done such a fantastic job during six years in charge of his own Croatian national team. "Why now? Because I was free and also West Ham were looking for a new manager!" he explained. "I have been linked a couple of times in the past, but while it was never the case that I didn't want to come to West Ham, but in 2008 and 2010 I was national team manager. "That was more than a job and was totally personal, so it was impossible because I had committed myself to Croatia. West Ham was always good enough for me, but at that time I was not free and was in a special kind of job, as national team manager of my country."
So, ten days before his squad return for pre-season training ahead of a campaign that will include the welcome distraction of UEFA Europa League football, what can fans expect from Bilic's West Ham in 2015/16? Young Spanish midfielder Pedro Obiang and Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph have already signed up, with a number of other high-profile players being strongly linked with moves to E13. "The Board has been here for five years and they are very ambitious and they are doing a good job," the 46-year-old continued. "They are moving in the right way and the team is good, so we can expect to be better. "To be fair, we should not forget that only four years ago we were relegated, so we should get stability. I can't set the standard or the goals now that we want to finish fifth, seventh, eighth or whatever. "The fact is that we are going to work hard and I'm sure we are going to improve. Me and my players will try to get the best out of the players and the team individually, of course, so I'm expecting us, week by week, month by month to play better, to improve.
"That will get us in a position to create more chances in each game and get more points. With then, the position comes by itself. That's the aim. "Where it will take us in the first season, I don't know, but my personal ambition and that of the Board is very, very high. We're going to be good – that's my aim and that's why they brought me here and appointed me as a manager, to go a step up."
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Norwich City ticket information
Ticket information for West Ham United's pre-season fixture at Norwich City on Tuesday 28 July is as follows:
WHUFC.com
Norwich City
Tuesday 28 July 2015, 7.45pm kick-off
Allocation: 2,600
Standard Prices:
£10 Adults/Over-65s and £5 Under-17s and Under-12s
Wheelchair/Ambulant Accessibility Tickets:
£10 Adults/Over-65s and £5 Under-17s and Under-12s + Carer complimentary
Sale Dates:
Tickets are now on General Sale and can be purchased via the Box Office.
Coach Travel:
Coach travel is not available for this pre-season fixture.
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Sunderland to pip West Ham in Jenkinson race?
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 13th June 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's chances of re-signing Carl Jenkinson for a second successive season appear to have subsided after it was revealed Sunderland have agreed to pay a £2million loan fee for the England right back.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a relatively successful campaign at the Boleyn Ground last season, where he made 36 appearances under Sam Allardyce, and looked set to return to east London - until the Black Cats moved to hijack the deal.
According to reports, Sunderland have agreed to meet the £2million fee Arsenal are said to be demanding to allow Jenkinson out on loan. West Ham have thus far refused to comply with Arsenal's demands.
Anthony Reveillere's recent departure has left new Mackems boss Dick Advocaat with just two specialist full-backs in Billy Jones and Patrick van Aanholt.
Jenkinson joined West Ham at the end of July 2014 after snubbing a move to Hull City, who had agreed a £4million fee with Arsenal. Sunderland are yet to comment on the latest reports.
West Ham's plans to bring Jenkinson back to the club have been on the table for some considerable time. However the Board postponed the decision to re-sign the former England Under 21 until a new manager had been hired.
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Mauro Zarate eyes first team return
KUMb.com
Filed: Saturday, 13th June 2015
By: Staff Writer
He wasn't good enough to get in last year's Hammers side, nor was he good enough to play for relegated QPR - but Mauro Zarate insists that he has a future at West Ham.
The 28-year-old forward, who was bombed out of the Boleyn by Big Sam last Christmas believes that Slaven Bilic's arrival gives him renewed hope of nailing down a first team place at the club.
"It is an exciting time for the club and I want to be part of that," he told a tabloid. "I know the new manager had a good relationship with his players at Besiktas and I want to work hard to become a part of his plans.
"West Ham is still a club that I love. I have been training hard and I am looking forward to showing that I can still be an important player for them."
Zarate was West Ham's first signing of last summer, having been signed on a free transfer from Velez Sarsfield. But after just six months he was shunted out to Queens Park Rangers on loan, having fallen out with then-manager Sam Allardyce.
That loan spell resulted in Zarate playing just four times for Rangers, as he failed to settle there either.. Only last month he was fined two weeks' wages for walking out of a pre-match session after discovering he had been dropped from the team to face Liverpool.
Rangers had previously tried to send the Argentine back to West Ham, due to his poor attitude and fitness levels.
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West Ham linked with €20million German international
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 13th June 2015
By: Staff Writer
Sources in Germany claim that West Ham United are about to make a huge offer for German international defender Antonio Rüdiger.
The 22-year-old VfB Stuttgart defender, whose father is German and whose mother hails from Sierra Leonne is, according to VFB1, being keenly sought by new Hammers boss Slaven Bilic.
And the website claims this morning that West Ham are set to test Stuttgart's resolve with a massive €20million bid for the 6'3", six-times-capped international.
Stuttgart have already began to look for alternatives should Rüdiger move on this summer, with fellow international Matthias Ginter (Borussia Dortmund) strongly linked to Die Schwaben.
In other transfer news, the Mirror claims this morning that West Ham are also eyeing Croatian international centre half Vedran Ćorluka.
Ćorluka, 29, a long-term friend of new Hammers boss Bilic currently plays for Lokomotiv Moscow. He moved to Russia in 2012, a £5.5million signing from Tottenham.
Finally Carl Jenkinson's on/off move from Arsenal appears to be off again at present, with West Ham currently unwilling to meet the Gunners' £2million loan fee.
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Dailly: top six or bust for West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 13th June 2015
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Christian Dailly believes West Ham can break into the Premier League's top six having appointed Slaven Bilic as manager.
The ex-Hammers captain, who was on West Ham's books for seven years between 2001 and 2008 called Bilic's appointment "exciting" - and believes the Irons are "more than capable" of challenging for a regular European spot.
"It's a new era at the club. It's definitely the type of appointment that excites me," Dailly, now 41, told SSN. "I've been to a few West Ham games since I've left a few years ago, but I think i'd be likely to go a bit more knowing that he is managing.
"I'm really interested to see what he does with the team and the players he brings in. He seems like a bright guy and he's got real character about him. If they start well and get a couple of good results it could take off, which would be really exciting.
"They'll want top ten, they'll try and push for that. West Ham is an incredible club with a huge fanbase and brilliant fans. But they're demanding too and they'll want big characters, a good team with big players.
"My frustration when I was there was that I just wanted someone to get hold of it and take them towards that top five or six teams. I think they're more than capable of doing that. That's where they want to be and with the sort of fanbase they've got I thin they can do it long-term."
Dailly, who once scored a vital play-off goal against Ipswich via his nether regions also believes Bilic is the man to restore harmony in the dressing room.
"I think he knows how to deal with the players from a personal perspective and I think his man management is very good," he added. "Croatian players are hugely passionate and he's the type of guy that when he goes into a new club, he completely throws himself in there.
"I've played against a few Croatians in my time and they're really passionate, bright guys who want to do well. Bilic did that when he was at West Ham previously and it never leaves you, that. I think that's why he's been tempted to come back.
"He's talked about them being a bit more consistent when they play. I think there'll be a completely new regime when they go in there in terms of the way they structure their week.
"They said they're going to spend some money but I think he'll improve the players they've already got there. Sometimes teams can play in a way that doesn't suit certain players. As soon as a new manager comes in he can use they in a slightly different way."
Despite his enthusiasm over Bilic's appointment, Dailly also felt that his predecessor had done a good job - despite having his issues with his employers played out in public.
"The way that the Board would say one thing and then Sam would say something else, it seemed like it was being played out in the public eye, the way that things ended up happening," he surmised. "I think Sam did a good job, he kept them in the league and consolidated."
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West Ham: Christian Dailly excited by Slaven Bilic appointment
Last Updated: 13/06/15 3:00pm
SSN
Former West Ham defender Christian Dailly thinks fans can be hugely excited about the type of football new manager Slaven Bilic will bring to the club.
Bilic, formerly in charge of the Croatian national side, was unveiled as Sam Allardyce's replacement going into what will be the Hammers' last season at Upton Park before moving to the Olympic Stadium next year.
Dailly, who spent seven years with the club, told Sky Sports News HQ that the appointment of another former player in Bilic will excite West Ham fans and players alike, and thinks the 46-year-old is capable of taking the side to the next level.
"It is the type of appointment that excited me," Dailly said. "I've been to a few West Ham games since I left, quite a number of years ago now, but I think I would probably be likely to go even more knowing that he was managing because I'm really interested to see what he does with the team and what players he brings in.
"I think it is exciting - it will certainly start a new era at the club and they are moving into the new stadium eventually.
"He seems like a bright guy, he's got real character about him and if that started to go well, they got a couple of good results, I think it could take off which would be really exciting."
While the two never played alongside each other, Dailly, who won 67 caps for Scotland, has appeared with some of Bilic's former Croatia team-mates and knows the passion he will bring to the role as a result.
Dailly said: "He's a young manager, Bilic, and I've played with a few Croatians in my time who were quite like him. Guys like Igor Stimac, Aljosa Asanovic, and Davor Suker and they are really passionate, bright guys who want to do well.
"I think he knows how to deal with players from a personal perspective and his man-management is apparently very good. They never suffer fools, the Croatian guys I've played with. Hugely passionate, probably close to matching the Scots in terms of when they play for their country, what it means to play for the team.
"He'd be the type of guy who, when he goes to a club, will completely throw himself in there. I know that when he played at West Ham before he threw himself in there and ended up with huge passion for the club - it never leaves you. I think that's why he's been tempted to come back."
Dailly appeared as a substitute the last time West Ham played in an FA Cup final in 2006, losing out to Liverpool.
With a move to the 80,000-seater Olympic Stadium on the horizon after next season, expectations are beginning to shift for the Hammers and Dailly thinks the club has the infrastructure and fan base to start to trouble the top reaches of the Premier League and compete for trophies.
"They'll want top 10, they'll try and push for that," he said. "In my own opinion of West Ham, having been there, it is an incredible club with a huge fan base, brilliant fans who are really demanding. They want big characters; they want a good team with good players and big players.
"My frustration, when I was there, was that I just wanted someone to get a hold of it and take them towards that top five or six teams and I think they are more than capable of doing that.
"That's the potential of where they want to be and with the sort of fan base that they have got and the owners that they've got there now, they can do that long term. That's where I think they are heading and that's going to be great to watch."
Bilic returned to West Ham after leaving Besiktas following the end of the Turkish season, replacing Sam Allardyce at Upton Park.
While Dailly appreciated the job Allardyce did for his former club, he reckons a parting of the ways may have suited everyone in the end.
He said: "In some ways you could see it being slightly harsh on Sam Allardyce but by the way the board would say one thing and Sam would say something else, it seemed like it was being played out slightly in the public eye, the way that things were going to end up happening.
"I think Sam did a good job. He kept them in the league, they consolidated and are looking to stay there because they are moving to the new stadium.
"It was just a case of maybe Sam wanting to do something different now as well, he can go somewhere else and do something else and they felt like it was time to bring someone in to move things on a little bit to see how that goes, a bit of a change and something exciting."
However, now that Bilic has taken up the Hammers' hotseat, Dailly can see changes being made to the way the players train, and doesn't necessarily see the club having to splash the cash as they have promised to do.
He said: "I think he (Bilic) has talked about them being a little more consistent in the way they play and he is probably more likely to change the way that they train.
"I think there will be a completely new regime that will go in there in terms of the way they structure their week and he'll try and improve the players that are there already.
"They have said they are going to spend some money. Where that money gets spent really depends on how he sees the players that he's got because sometimes teams can play a certain way and it doesn't really suit some players, but as soon as you have a new manager come in he can use them in a slightly different way.
"It's a little bit like what you see with Gordon Strachan and Scotland. You get similar players but get them to play slightly differently, in slightly different positions, and all of a sudden you look at bringing in a different type of player than you might have thought they would bring in.
"So I think he will weigh it up and look at it before they makes any decisions."
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New West Ham boss Slaven Bilic will bring spark - and some "balls", says ex-team mate Igor Stimac
22:30, 13 JUNE 2015
BY TOM HOPKINSON
Long-time pals Stimac and Bilic played for the Hammers in the 90's and the former insists his defensive colleague has all the traits to be a success
The Mirror
West Ham fans first fell in love with Slaven Bilic ... because of his big balls, writes Tom Hopkinson in the Sunday People.
And they hope the Hammers legend and new boss will be a world away from Sam Allardyce and his long balls.
Long-time pal and ex-team-mate Igor Stimac who, like Bilic, played for the club back in the '90s, said: "West Ham fans are very similar to ours in Croatia. They love players who can pass the ball well or the ones with big balls."
Former centre-halves Bilic and Stimac were both good on the ball but they loved to get stuck in, too, and it was that trait which really endeared them to the Upton Park faithful.
So much so that, when the fans decided they'd had enough of Allardyce, it was Bilic most of them called for.
Richard HeathcoteGone: Bilic has replaced Allardyce
Stimac said: "I hope Slaven and West Ham are a great fit. Slaven knows the club and the atmosphere around it. They used to love him while he was playing there.
"He is a wise guy. He needs to make good signings, some proper signings, players with passing quality, and he will be OK.
"Is he ready for the Premier League? He knows the league and the players so why not? The biggest problem for Slaven is that the Europa League starts so soon, so he has to be very careful this season.
"But I am pretty sure that in a few seasons he can turn things round there. I don't think it matters that he doesn't have any Premier League experience.
"All he needs in his first year there is to give some excitement to the crowd and finish in the top 10."
Mark ThompsonHammer: Bilic during his playing days at Upton Park
Stimac moved to West Ham in 1999, two years after Bilic had departed for Everton, but the pair go back to the late '80s when they came together as young stars of Yugoslav football at Hajduk Split.
Since then their lives have been intertwined, with Stimac spending six years in England – four at Derby before his move to West Ham – and Bilic four years (18 months of them in east London) before both returned to their homeland to end their playing days at Hajduk.
Stimac replaced Bilic as manager of Croatia in 2012 when the latter returned to club management with Lokomotiv Moscow in Russia and set out on a path that led him back to West Ham last week.
Stimac added: "Slaven and I go back together a long time. I was on the board of directors at Hajduk when he got his first coaching job, supporting him all the way down.
"As a person and friend he is fantastic. As a manager, he takes proper care of each player."
Stimac has fond memories of his own days at West Ham, playing under Harry Redknapp and alongside some famous old names as well as a number of rising stars including Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand.
He said: "Oh my God, what a team we used to have: Paolo Di Canio, Freddie Kanoute, Rio, Lamps, Stuart Pearce, Trevor Sinclair, the youngsters Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and Jermain Defoe coming in.
"We had the jokes from Harry and John Moncur and then there was Razor Ruddock always ready to make us smile."
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic eyeing Europe's hottest prospects and top 10 finish
By JACK BRIDEN FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:55, 13 June 2015 | UPDATED: 12:02, 13 June 2015
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady says new manager Slaven Bilic is already preparing to bring in some of Europe's future stars. As the Croatian sets himself to take charge of the Hammers' final season at Upton Park after 111 years of residency, he is already looking at the areas in which they can improve. And Brady is convinced the former Hammers centre back is exactly what the club needs as they embark on the next chapter of their history. 'The two chairmen worked night and day to whittle down to our preferred candidates and in the final interviews last weekend, Slaven Bilic convinced us he was the man to take on that challenge,' she said. Writing in her column for the Sun, Brady admitted that although the 46 year old is untested as a manager in England's top flight, his experience having played at the Boleyn Ground for 18 months, combined with his international pedigree and insatiable thirst for knowledge set him apart from the competition to land the job. 'Although he is yet manage in the Premier League, Slaven is very knowledgeable about it and watched hours and hours of West Ham games in preparation for his interview,' said Brady. Since their promotion back to the Premier League in 2012 West Ham have finished inside the top half just once but Brady is sure Bilic is the man to help make that become more of a habit. Following the departure of former boss Sam Allardyce at the end of last season the east London club welcomed their first signing of the summer transfer window in Sampdoria midfielder Pedro Obiang, and Brady insists Bilic has more tricks up his sleeve in the countdown to the start of next season.
'[Bilic] has a clear vision of how he wants to improve the team and I know he and [club chairman] David Sullivan have already agreed to lodge bids for a number of Europe's hottest prospects. 'He is also a realist and agreed that although our first priority is stability, with the right signings a top-ten finish and an extended run in one of the cup competitions is not unrealistic.'
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Gold sends Ravel advice
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
David Gold has sent a new cryptic message to Ravel Morrison.
The 22 year old midfielder is reportedly suffering from homs sickness ahead of his Lazio experience and angling for a return home.
We reported yesterday that a Boleyn return was described as a "big longshot" by sources inside the Boleyn but Gold's Twitter comments may fuel speculation.
Gold – commenting on a follower's comment that Ravel could have been one of the greats declared : "I urge Ravel to look in the mirror every day and say to him self "IF IT'S TO BE ITS UP TO ME"
The midfielder is being linked with possible moves to Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle and Swansea.
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Bilic to get a Hammers legend
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham United are planning to draft in a club legend to assist Slaven Bilic.
The Telegraph – which is developing a good track record for getting things right at the club – reports that names have been put forward as the club look to replicate Teddy Sheringham's success last season.
Among the candidates being mentioned are John Hartson, Tony Cottee, Don Hutchinson and Dean Ashton while another idea is to also employ someone such as Julian Dicks on the staff.
John-HartsonNo-one has yet been approached and it all depends on who wants to do it – and what coaching badges they have.
Bilic's immediate concern, however, is s to obtain work permits for two of his trusted backroom staff.
It is a formality for one of the Croatians, Edin Terzic, as he was born in Menden, Germany, and has an EU passport but for the other two, Nikola Jurcevic, the first-team coach, and Miljenko Rak, the fitness coach, there may be a hearing this week with West Ham hoping, given their vast experience, they will be backed by the Football Association.
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Gold: AC can have a big season
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
David Gold has made it clear that Andy Carroll will be going nowhere this summer as newly appointed Newcastle boss Steve McLaren casts his eyes towards Upton Park.
Carroll has long been linked with a move back to Tyneside but the co chairman talking to ClaretandHugh said: "We are not allowing Andy to go anywhere.
"There have been a lot of suggestions that he would like a move 'home' but Andy is now very happy and settled in London. He will be here next season."
McClaren – as reported by The Times – is apparently keen to hatch a loan deal which will see the Geordie striker return to St James' Park for a season.
But Gold said: "He's our record signing and the best is yet to come from him. It could be a very big season for him and us."
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Irons watch Morrison dilemma
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham are watching the situation surrounding Ravel Morrison who it is claimed has become homesick since joining Lazio.
And the club has learned that Queens Park Rangers have been joined by Newcastle United and Swansea in displaying an interest in the 22 year old.
But a source claimed that as far as the Irons were concerned a return to Upton Park was " a very big longshot."
New manager Slaven Bilic is known to be looking for creative midfielder and Ravel's name been mentioned in conversations between the board and new manager.
We were told: "Given the history it has to be hugely unlikely but the manager will decide where he goes and who he looks at.
"He has made it clear he wants a right back, central defender and a creative player in the middle of the park."
When we spoke to a well placed insider a week ago were told move for the player was possible it was firmly ruled out but with Bilic's arrival the landscape may have changed.
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Newcastle's crazy AC offer
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Cheeky Newcastle want Andy Carroll on a season-long loan according to The Times and have been told to take a running jump by the Irons.
According to The Times, new Magpies manager Steve McClaren has offered to take AC on loan which has no appeal whatsoever to us.
With Carlton Cole gone and only Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia available, the Hammers board were gobsmacked by the Toon offer.
One insider told ClaretandHugh: "It may be an attempt to unsettle Andy but there's no chance of that with his new baby on the way when he is so settled in London. And why would we loan out the club's record signing."
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Three words for Keys: Shut your gob
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 13, 2015 in Hugh's Blogs, Whispers
C AND H
There have been times in my life when I really wish I could allow myself to let loose with a mouthful of bad language.
This morning I did as I read the the anti Hammers and Slaven Bilic comments from long forgotten Coventry supporter and one time TV presenter Richard Keys.
I didn't like him back then or now and his his comments about the Irons new boss were graceless, and entirely out of order.
In case you missed them Keys slagged off the Davids for not getting the likes of Rafa Benitez, Carlo Ancellotti, Jurgen Klopp or one of the world's top bosses and then put the boot into Slav.
He said: " I wish him well. He's a cunning operator, as Laurent Blanc will testify. Remember Bilic going down like a sack of spuds in that WC semi-final and costing Blanc a place in the final?
"I do actually fear for West Ham. Big Sam did a fantastic job for them. He delivered on every front they asked and walked with pride."
Keys – believing media reports without bothering to discover the facts – assumes Slav has a "no compensation for relegation" clause in his deal as reported by the Telegraph.
He says: "If next season starts as this season finished they'll be in big trouble. And maybe they'll be right about insisting Bilic walk with nothing if they go down. "
"THE SEASON FINISHED!" Wasn't that under the Allardyce Keys claims did such a wonderful job? No compensation – can you show us the clause?
His reasoning that the Davids cocked up the appointment is questionable at best. In fact the co chairmen were looking at every top boss around which is actually thoroughly good business practice.
He then lays into Slav over one possible negative in a career full of numerous plus points. A real balanced and fair operator old Keys eh?
This is the voice of the 'expert' we suffered on Sky Sports for all those years before he was sacked for sexism. Well done Sky we don't need these sort of big mouthed keyboard warriors in front of us too often.
Anybody who decides to take on a Premier League manager's job needs encouragement from those who are supposed to know what they are talking about especially before they start – not this sort of bad mouthing.
Slav is about to put his head into the Premier League lion's mouth whilst Keys looks for his next bitter turn of phrase as he tries to get over the sack and almost complete fall from grace.
Three words for a bitter man: SHUT YOUR MOUTH!
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Brady lifts lid on Slaven's interview
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Karren Brady seems pleased with Slaven Bilic's appointment claiming that David Gold and David Sullivan worked night to make the correc t choic.
And writing in her Sun column she declared: "He convinced us he was the man to take on that challenge."
She added: "Although he is yet to manage in the Premier League, Slaven is very knowledgeable about it and watched hours and hours of West Ham games in preparation for his interview."
"He is also a realist and agreed that although our first priority is stability, with the right signings a top-ten finish and an extended run in one of the cup competitions is not unrealistic.
"Slaven was also clearly the people's choice after leading most of the online supporter polls and their initial reaction to his appointment has generally been one of delight.
"The feeling, it seems, is mutual as Slaven clearly has a deep affection for what he called a "special" club, he has a clear vision for how he wants to improve the team and I know he and David Sullivan have already agreed to lodge bids for a number of Europe's hottest prospects," added Brady
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Bilic's target looks spot on
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AN D H
Reports that Slaven Bilic wants Vedran Corluka at Upton Park look pretty accurate.
The Mirror's Darren Lewis has reported the central defender/right back as a Bilic target and given their history together, that makes perfect sense.
ClaretandHugh reported yesterday that sources close to Slav had explained he was looking, somewhat surprisingly, for a central defender despite having Winston Reid, James Tomkins, James Collins, Reece Burke, Doniel Henry and the up and coming Reece Oxford on the books.
We explained that the new manager believes he needs another top central defender and given 29 year old Corluka can double at right back and is out of contract, he looks ideal.
Slav signed Corluka for £5.5 million from Spurs when taking over at Lokomotiv Moscow in 2012 and the defender scored on his debut.
He won two monthly supporters polls on the social networks and was named the best club player of the month. In June 2015, after Ćorluka helped Lokomotiv to win Russian Cup, fans named him team's Player of the Year.
He was part of Croatia's 2008 Euro qualifying squad under the Hammers boss which finished first in Group E, ahead of Russia and England who eventually failed to qualify from the group.
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Saturday, June 13
Daily WHUFC News -
New arrivals excite Carroll
WHUFC.com
West Ham United striker Andy Carroll is relishing the chance to play under new manager Slaven Bilic and says he is excited by the style of play that the Croatian will bring to the Boleyn Ground. Carroll has been working hard throughout the summer to regain full fitness following a knee injury he suffered back in February, and is on course to return to action in the pre-season. The former Newcastle United and Liverpool forward was thrilled to hear the news that Bilic was appointed as the new manager this week and hopes he can play a major part in the final season at the Boleyn Ground.
Carroll said: "I think it has been a great appointment. I have spoken to the lads and everyone seems to be happy with it. He plays a lot of attacking football and I have seen the teams he has been coaching and they love to go out and attack. "That is a great feeling for me and I cannot wait to get started."
The 26-year-old has worked under a variety of managers during his career, including Kevin Keegan, Chris Hughton, Brendan Rodgers and Sam Allardyce, and is now looking forward to learning the methods employed by the former Croatia and Besiktas boss. "It is interesting to see how he is on the touchline," Carroll continued. "Different managers have got different styles and this will be very different to what we have had in the past, but it will be very interesting and I cannot wait to get started."
Away from football, there is the impending patter of tiny feet to look forward to for the No9, as Carroll is eagerly awaiting the birth of his first child, a son, with fiancee Billi Mucklow.
The front man says he cannot wait to become a father again and hopes this is the start of a memorable few months, on and off the pitch. Carroll added: "The baby is due on Monday and these are exciting times. We cannot wait and it is very exciting. Everything has been sorted out and we cannot wait. "I am a dad already but this is my first (with Billi) and it will be great for us down here to start a family. These are really exciting times at the moment and everything is going well."
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2014/15 Season Review - January
WHUFC.com
West Ham United faced a busy start to 2015 as the FA Cup got under way. Despite the dark wintery January days, the Hammers enjoyed one of the most exciting games in living memory as Adrian's penalty shootout heroics left the fans dreaming of Wembley…
The Hammers fixture against West Bromwich Albion side on New Year's Day was one marked down as one to win, yet the Baggies were rejuvenated following the appointment of Tony Pulis.
While the experienced manager was only watching from the stands, his impact could be felt on the pitch. Diafra Sakho's opener was cancelled out by Saido Berahino who capitalised following a break-away.
Cup fever then descended on the country with the FA Cup third round. The Hammers made the journey to the Blue half of Merseyside, for the second time, and again, Romelu Lukaku did his best to ruin the party. James Collins' bullet header looked to have given the Hammers safe passage to the fourth round yet the dominating Belgian had other ideas, equalising with seconds to go.
Before the two teams did battle again in the replay, the Irons faced a difficult away trip to Garry Monk's high-flying Swansea City.
In a tight affair, Andy Carroll scored a simply majestic opening goal. The big No9 controlled the ball expertly, before shifting his feet with breath-taking poise and elegance before lashing a shot into the top corner. A goal any forward would've been proud of. Unfortunately, the Swans refused to be cowed and their efforts came to fruition via a Mark Noble own-goal. The ball hit the midfielder on the line who could not readjust in time. A goal as unfortunate as Carroll's was classy. Just three days later and the Hammers were in action again. There was little to suggest prior to kick off that the game would turn out to be a classic, but a classic it certainly was.
In a pulsating match, Enner Valencia scored his first goal at the Boleyn, a neat finish from Carroll's knock-down, shortly before Aiden McGeady got himself sent off for two clumsy challenges. Substitute Kevin Mirallas' rocket free-kick took the game to extra time. Tormentor-in-chief Romelu Lukaku was up to his old tricks again however Carlton Cole's poked finish ensured the game would be decided on a dreaded penalty shootout. There would be more drama to come as the penalty shootout entered sudden death with the goalkeepers called up. Up-stepped Adrian, who flung his gloves away midway through his run up and smashed it past Joel Robles. He wheeled away in delight as his teammates flung themselves on him. It was a sight few will ever forget. Buoyed by the epic victory, the Irons took the momentum into their league campaign, securing a comfortable 3-0 win over Hull City.
The Hammers tamed the Tigers with second-half goals from Andy Carroll, Morgan Amalfitano and Stewart Downing. The Frenchman finished the move he started with a burst into the box while the English international raced onto Alex Song's threaded through-ball. January continued to be prosperous as the Hammers cup run gathered pace with a narrow 1-0 win over League One highflyers Bristol City. Despite a rather sluggish performance, substitute Diafra Sakho bagged the all-important winner nine minutes from time.
By the last game of January, West Ham found themselves six games unbeaten, however the busy schedule took its toll on a squad hit by injury as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, leaving the Hammers eighth in the table.
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Jack Sullivan Column
WHUFC.com
Jack Sullivan is the youngest son of West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and is a huge Hammers fan. Jack will be giving his exclusive views to the official website in a regular new column...
Hello everyone,
I am excited to be starting this new column for the official website giving you my thoughts on all the latest news that is happening at West Ham.
This is certainly an exciting period for the Club and I said last summer that I had never seen someone like my dad work so hard in getting in all the new signings.
But I have hardly seen him for the last two weeks and I only get to to talk with him at dinner time.
We have finally got our new man and he is a manager who I wanted to lead us next season.
It has been surreal seeing some big name coaches come to my house during the managerial process and seeing them walk past me. I have even sat in their chair after they have gone!
But I was thrilled when Slaven was identified as the best choice. I think it is great for our fans and we have got someone who shows so much passion.
I love seeing managers who are animated on the touchline and I'm sure the majority of fans will be the same. It shows they care about what is happening on the field.
He has got a great managerial record and has shown he can compete against the best teams in England when he helped his Besiktas side knock Liverpool out of the Europa League last season.
Slaven has said our team is good and with him at the top I can see this being a very strong season for the club.
All the talk now is about what players Slaven will bring into the club and I get constantly hassled by all my school mates asking if we have signed anyone. I try and keep quiet as much as possible.
It has been great to see Pedro Obiang come into the Club this week. I watched him play against Napoli last season and he is very similar to Esteban Cambiasso.
I like that he rarely loses the ball and he has been one of the star players for Sampdoria.
Dad is working hard to get more players in and I am confident we will have more new arrivals before the new season gets underway.
Dad is going for players I would never have imagined we could get into the Club and it shows how far we have come. A lot of the players are buying into the Olympic Stadium and I am really confident ahead of the new season.
I can't believe that the new season for us is getting underway on July 2 but it is great that the Club is back in Europe and playing in the Europa League.
I have got to try and persuade my dad to let me go and watch some of the games now!
The number of games will be hard on the squad but I'm sure that Slaven will be able to manage the situation really well as he has the experience through his managerial career.
It is also going to be an emotional last season at the Boleyn Ground. We have over 100 years of history at the stadium, but I genuinely feel this is the right move for West Ham and I can assure everyone that it is breathtaking at the new stadium.
The whole stadium is so vast and everyone has been so good for us to move there. I cannot wait for us to get started there.
I look forward to speaking with you all again soon.
Jack
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Striker target snubs Premier League
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 12th June 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham target Andre Pierre Gignac is set to snub the chance to work in the Premier League - in favour of a move to Mexico. According to Get French Football (via Le Aficion), 29-year-old Gignac has rejected a number of offers from European clubs - including at least two from the Premier League - in order to join Mexican side Tigres. In addition to West Ham, Gignac - who is currently in Cancun on holiday - has also been linked with a move to West Brom this week. Southampton, Newcastle and Stoke are also said to have expressed their interest in signing the Marseille forward. West Ham have already spawned the opportunity to sign Gignac's former team mate Andre Ayew this week. The 25-year-old midfielder signed for Swansea on a free transfer yesterday.
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What next for Kevin Nolan?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 12th June 2015
By: Staff Writer
Kevin Nolan is almost certain to leave the Boleyn Ground this summer after four years as West Ham United's captain. With his closest ally, former manager Sam Allardyce now departed following the conclusion of his most recent (two-year) contract, Nolan is likely to find himself out of the first team picture at the Boleyn. Vice-captain Mark Noble, Cheik Kouyate, new arrival Pedro Obiang and potentially Alex Song, who the Hammers are seeking to sign on a permanent basis from Barcelona will all be above Nolan in the pecking order next season - notwithstanding any additional summer acquisitions. And having become the latest scapegoat for some West Ham United fans last season, the former Bolton and Newcastle man is seeking one final move before calling time on a playing career that began at Bolton 18 years ago.
Acutely aware that he is unlikely to be able to shake off the ill-feeling his alliance with Allardyce generated amongst sections of the club's fanbase, Nolan has already indicated privately that he is looking to move on this summer. Now 32, the attacking midfielder is entering the final 12 months of a lucrative five-year contract, signed in 2011 when the Hammers had just been relegated from the Premier League under Avram Grant. Born in Liverpool, Nolan spent his entire professional career in the North (with Bolton and Newcastle) before joining Allardyce at West Ham in July 2011. His £2.6million annual salary is likely to keep him out of reach of all but Premier League/major forieign clubs this summer - unless West Ham opt to cover a percentage of his wages as part of a loan agreement.
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West Ham eye transfer of Tottenham old boy Vedran Corluka from Lokomotiv Moscow
22:30, 12 JUNE 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
New boss Slaven Bilic plotting reunion with experienced defender who was a key player as his Croatia side lost just EIGHT times in six years
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic is trying to bring former Tottenham star Vedran Corluka to West Ham. The 29-year-old, currently at Lokomotiv Moscow, spent four years at the White Hart Lane club between 2008 and 2012. Before that, he spent a year at Manchester City but was replaced when then-boss Mark Hughes brought in Pablo Zabaleta. Corluka was a key player for the Croatian national team under Bilic and was part of the side that lost just eight games in six years under Bilic, the Hammers' new boss. He has just been voted one of the best players of the past season at Lokomotiv - one of Bilic's former clubs - who have lifted the 2015 Russia Cup. West Ham had an interest in free agent ex-England full-back Micah Richards following his release by Manchester City. But the 26-year-old is set to join Aston Villa on a free transfer next week when he returns from holiday. The Irons have also expressed an interest to Arsenal in taking Carl Jenkinson on loan, as they did last season. The Gunners, however, want a £2million loan fee, which the east Londoners are not prepared to pay. Meanwhile Mauro Zarate has insisted he is ready to prove himself an asset for Bilic. The 28-year-old Argentine was brought in by Hammers' joint-chairman David Gold last summer but then-manager Sam Allardyce rarely included him in his plans and the two men fell out. Zarate was farmed out on loan to QPR but arrived at Loftus Road disillusioned and unfit. He was also fined for his angry reaction to not being able to make the team to face Liverpool last month. He was eventually sent back to West Ham who, in turn sent him home to Argentina for a break to regain his fitness ahead of the new season. With Bilic now in charge, Zarate is aiming for a fresh start next season. He said: "It is an exciting time for the club and I want to be part of that. I know the new manager had a good relationship with his players at Besiktas and I want to work hard to become a part of his plans. "West Ham is still a club that I love. I have been training hard and I am looking forward to showing that I can still be an important player for them." Earlier this week, Gold made it clear that Zarate would get another chance. He said: "The slate has been wiped clean and under Slaven everyone will get their chance."
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Bilic returns to London
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 12, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic flew back to London today from his family holiday in Croatia to attend his work permit hearing which was described as a formality. He also took time out to visit the Boleyn Ground for the first time since his appointment.
In an interview with the club's official TV channel Bilic said
"It feels great to be back, I was expected this kind of feeling but when I entered the pitch, all the emotions started to come back. The Chairman asked me if it looked the same, but it has been nearly 20 years and it has changed a bit and is definitely bigger!
"The atmosphere around the whole stadium came flooding back to me and it felt like it did 17 or 18 years back. I can still remember the roar and the atmosphere and the good feeling to be in this stadium.
"Why have I come back to east London? Because it's a great club and is my club and it has never gone from me. It's one of the best, if not the best league in the world and it was always my ambition to one day come back and manage this club, my club, West Ham."
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Cabaye words raise Hammers hopes
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 12, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Speaking to L'Equipe, Yohan Cabaye has said that he must leave PSG his summer to ensure that he impresses enough ahead of Euro 2016.
Cabaye told the French paper: "I know that if I stay I could do everything, but nothing would change. It's clear. I know this. At the club, they know it too. It will be important to make the best choice possible."
"Sometimes it's better to go backward in order to go forward. I enjoyed myself in England, in a league that works for me."
His comments may raise hopes of his availability this summer.
Yesterday the club's ITK Boleyn Insider said "There have been reports linking West Ham with a move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Yohan Cabaye and my sources indicate to me that although the Club really like him, they are not convinced that PSG will be willing to sell him this summer."
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Slav thrilled by Mourinho welcome
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic has become a major fan of Jose Mourinho after the Chelsea boss went right out of his way to welcome him to the Premier League.
The new Hammers boss received a phone call from 'The Special One' soon after being installed as the new Hammer boss and is thrilled to bits with the new connection.
He said:"I was shocked to get a message from Jose Mourinho. Demba Ba texted me to say Jose had asked for my number.
"It was great. I felt 'wow.' He said to me: "I'm glad you are here and welcome to England. It was really flattering. The guy is class. What can I say."
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Bilic confirms backroom team
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 12, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic has confirmed his desire to bring in a Croatian back room team to help him manage West Ham. Fellow Croatians Nicola Jurcevic, Edin Terzic and Miljenko Rak are set to take up important positions in his technical staff subject to agreeing contracts and work permits being granted.
On Jurcevic, Bilic told the Sun "My first team coach. We had six years with the national team, then in Russia and Besiktas. Hopefully he will join me at West Ham" On Terziz he said "My second assistant, a great coach. Really good with players. He worked for Borussia Dortmund and has great experience"
On Rak he added "My fitness coach. Won Olympic medals as Croatia handball team fitness coach. Then he was in many sports. He's a legend" The Boleyn Insider yesterday suggested Slaven Bilic is about to announce a new goal keeping coach after the departure of Bobby Mimms. I wonder what Ludo Miklosko is up to? It would be fantastic if Bilic managed to persuade the West Ham hero to come out of retirement.
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David Gold delivers Mauro Zarate transfer update on Twitter
HITC
Tim Poole
The West Ham co-chairman has been discussing the forward's future. David Gold has delivered an update on the future of Mauro Zarate on Twitter. The West Ham United forward struggled for form, game time and fitness at Upton Park last season and was loaned out to Queens Park Rangers. However, Gold says the Argentine's future will lie with the Hammers for now. Indeed, asked by a West Ham fan on Twitter about whether Zarate will get more playing time at the east London club next season, the co-chairman suggested the slate will be wiped clean under new boss Slaven Bilic, with everyone getting a chance. Sam Allardyce was criticised for his handling of the 28-year-old, who was rarely played and, when he was, it was often out of position.
Zarate has his work cut out impressing the Hammers faithful, of course, as attitude and work-rate are paramount to success and, despite any complaints he may have about unfair treatment, the Argentine didn't exactly display those two qualities in abundance. Under Bilic, however, there may just be a striker in there somewhere for West Ham...
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he's 'grateful' to Allardyce
HITC
Olly Dawes
Slaven Bilic wants to make new signings at Upton Park. Slaven Bilic has told The Sun that West Ham need to make new signings this summer despite being left with a 'good team' by Sam Allardyce. Bilic, 46, was appointed West Ham's new manager earlier this week, returning to Upton Park having played for the Hammers as a defender in the 1990's. The Croatian replaces Allardyce, who left the club just minutes after the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United on the final day of the Premier League season. It was another disappointing season for 'Big Sam', with a 12th place finish not enough to keep him in the job after just three Premier League wins in 2015. The Hammers have though qualified for the preliminary rounds of the Europa League by virtue of their Fair Play record, meaning Bilic has an immediate chance to impress the West Ham faithful this summer. Yet, in order to make an impact in Europe and achieve at top ten finish in the Premier League, Bilic will need new signings this summer to strengthen a squad which lacks depth. The new manager told The Sun that, whilst he is 'grateful' to Allardyce for assembling a good squad, he must add more quality this summer to achieve his goals - and called on the team to be more consistent next season. "Sam left behind a good team. They are in good shape and I'm grateful for it," said Bilic. "The team is good but, as at any team, we're going to try to make it better and we're going to buy some new players. We must now find a way to make the team more consistent for the whole season," he added.
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Report: The loan fee West Ham would have to pay to sign Carl Jenkinson from Arsenal
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
Carl Jenkinson played on loan for West Ham United from Premier League rivals Arsenal in the 2014-15 season. West Ham United will have to pay as much as £2 million to sign Carl Jenkinson on loan from Arsenal for the 2015-16 season, according to The Daily Mail. It has been reported by the British newspaper that Arsenal want £2m as loan fee to send the England international defender back to their London rivals on a temporary basis. The right-back played on loan for the Hammers during the recently concluded 2014-15 campaign and gave a good account of himself.
Jenkinson made 32 appearances in the Premier League for West Ham, creating 22 chances in the process. The 23-year-old right-back had a pass accuracy of 78% and a shot accuracy of 60%, and he won 22 headers, 11 dribbles and 26 tackles. Former Charlton Athletic defender Jenkinson progressed well at the Boleyn Ground, but he will find it tough to break into the Arsenal first team next season. Mathieu Debuchy, formerly of Newcastle United, is the Gunners' undisputed number one, while youngster Hector Bellerin is his deputy; Calum Chambers can also play at right-back. It would be best for the development of Jenkinson that he stays at West Ham next season, but it remains to be seen if the Hammers are willing to pay the £2m loan fee that Arsenal reportedly want.
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James Collins wants West Ham United stay
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
James Collins wants to remain at West Ham United for the rest of his career. West Ham United defender James Collins has written on the club's official website that he wants to sign a new contract with the London outfit. The Wales international centre-back has been on the books of the Hammers since 2012 and has a contract until June 2016. "Finally I hope to sign a new contract soon with the club and I would love to finish my career at West Ham," Collins wrote on West Ham's official website. "It is a club I love and I would love the chance to play at the new stadium. I always give my all and 100% every time I pull on the shirt and always want to do my best for the fans." Collins has made over 70 league appearances for West Ham since his return to the London outfit from Aston Villa in the summer of 2012. The 31-year-old is a senior figure in the current Hammers squad, and him remaining at the Boleyn Ground is good for the club. The former Cardiff City star made 27 appearances in the Premier League in the recently concluded 2014-15 season, creating five chances in the process. Collins had a pass accuracy of 67% and a shot accuracy of 38%, and won 101 headers and 24 tackles. West Ham finished 12th in the league table with 47 points from 38 matches.
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Report: West Ham to fight Arsenal and European giants for Burak Yilmaz
HITC
Stephen Pickering
West Ham are looking to lock horns with Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea to land Galatasaray forward Burak Yilmaz. According to Turkish publication Eurosport, West Ham, under new manager Slaven Bilic, will look to beat Chelsea, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid to highly-rated forward Burak Yilmaz. The report states that the striker is high on the list of targets put together by Bilic, who will know him well due to his previous two seasons in Turkey, and will look to fight off Europe's big boys for his signature. The 29-year-old, who turns 30 on the 30th June, has had an exceptional year for Galatasaray once again and netted a staggering 22 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions. In fact, over the past six seasons, there haven't been many more prolific forwards in Europe as he can boast a tally of 130 goals in 213 appearances. Although he is undoubtedly a talented player, the age of the striker is likely to put some suitors off – especially the top clubs. At 30, if he does move, he will be after a big contract to secure his future in the past few years of his playing days. In fact, a longer contract could be the deal breaker in the Turkish forward's thinking. If West Ham can offer a substantially better contract than the other interested parties then him agreeing a move to East London wouldn't at all be a surprise. Next season, the Olympic Stadium will become the Hammers' new home and for all players linked to the club over this summer, that will be a big pull.
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James Collins comments on Pedro Obiang signing
Subhankar Mondal
James Collins is delighted to have Pedro Obiang as his West Ham United teammate for next season. West Ham United defender James Collins has written on the club's official website that he expects Pedro Obiang to be a success. The 23-year-old midfielder has joined the Hammers from Italian club Sampdoria, as announced on the club's official website earlier this week. The former Spain Under-21 international has put pen to paper on a four-year deal and has become the London outfit's second signing of the summer after goalkeeper Darren Randolph. Collins is delighted to have the Spaniard as his teammate for next season, and believes that he will prove himself at the Boleyn Ground. "We have been busy in the transfer market as well and it is massive for us to have someone like Pedro Obiang coming into the club," the 31-year-old Wales international wrote on West Ham's official website. "It is a great signing and he is a young, talented player so it will only add to the squad. "I think we will lose a few out of contract lads so we need to make a few signings and that is a great start." Obiang was one of the best players for Sampdoria in the recently concluded 2014-15 Serie A campaign. The Spanish midfielder scored three goals and created 28 chances in 33 league appearances. The 23-year-old had a pass accuracy of 82% and a shot accuracy of 52%, and won 22 headers, 26 dribbles and 76 tackles.
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Report: Everton rivalling West Ham for Marseille playmaker Dimitri Payet
HITC
Billy Hawkins
Everton and West Ham are keen on signing Dimitri Payet. West Ham were linked with a move for Payet yesterday, as per the Telegraph, but now it appears as if the Hammers are not the only team to be interested in the prolific playmaker. A report in L'Equipe has today claimed that Everton are also planning summer move for him, with both Premier League sides already starting their advances to open talks with Marseille. Payet, a 28-year-old playmaker, enjoyed a prolific season with Marseille in 2014/15. In 36 games, he netted seven goals and registered an impressive 17 assists. Generally selected as a number 10, playing through the centre, he registered 2.1 shots per game, as well as 3.7 key passes and 1.8 dribbles, making him one of the most consistently creative players in Ligue 1. Central to much of Marseille's attacking play, the French international excelled under Marcelo Bielsa, and a move to the Premier League would come as no surprise. The Hammers were linked with a move for him following the appointment of Slaven Bilic at the Boleyn Ground, whilst Everton's interest comes from a need to increase the attacking threat the Toffees possess. Payet would be a great signing for either club, although with his contract not expiring until 2017, he will cost a pretty penny to sign him - even if he is worth a large transfer fee.
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Report: West Ham United interested in Esteban Cambiasso
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Esteban Cambiasso, who is out of contract at Leicester City at the end of the month. West Ham United are interested in signing Esteban Cambiasso when his current contract with Leicester City runs out at the end of the month, according to The Sun. It has been reported by the British tabloid that the former Argentina international midfielder is "wanted as part of new Hammers boss Slaven Bilic's cultural revolution". The London outfit have already "made contact" with Cambiasso's agent, according to the report. It has also been claimed by The Sun that West Ham are ready to offer "top wages" to Cambiasso if they can get him on a free transfer. Cambiasso joined Leicester on a one-year contract in the summer of 2014 after leaving Italian giants Inter Milan. The former Real Madrid midfielder was one of the best and most influential players at Leicester and was a key figure in their survival battle in the recently concluded 2014-15 season. The 34-year-old scored five goals and created 36 chances in 31 appearances in the Premier League. Cambiasso had a pass accuracy of 73% and a shot accuracy of 32%, and won 36 headers, 14 dribbles and 43 tackles.
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Gunners look for huge Jenks LOAN fee
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Arsenal want £2 million for Carl Jenkinson just to go out on loan next season. And with those sort of numbers floating around expect it to be a quieter summer than usual for if we add in a fairly conservative £50,000 a week wages that would bring the cost of Jenks to £4.5 million for the year! And although the Gooner had a top Upton Park season playing 36 times that sort of money may be too rich for our blood. As we reported earlier in the week Slaven Bilic is an admirer but is likely to start looking elsewhere given the apparent Gunners' financial requirements.
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Barcelona's Alen Halilovic will flourish at West Ham
Published 26 minutes ago Add your comment
GiveMeFootball.com
Fans of Premier League outfit West Ham United could see one of the best young players ever pulling on the claret and blue next season. Barca B's Croatian midfielder Alen Halilovic is the real deal. His moniker of "The Croatian Messi" is well earned and well deserved and for such a young talent, he is a delight to watch. Hammers fans might recall the last time there was such a buzz about a young player in the East End. During the mid 1990's, Portuguese wonderkid Dani arrived at Upton Park but it was obvious fairly quickly that the move wouldn't end well.
There are no such worries as far as Halilovic is concerned. New Hammers manager Slaven Bilic knows all about what Halilovic can bring to the table and it's no surprise that he has moved so quickly to try and secure the services of a player who will be wasted in Spain's Segunda B, equivalent to England's League One.
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Jose Mourinho gives Slaven Bilic that 'wow' feeling after congratulating him on West Ham job by text message
RICHARD PARRY
Published: 12 June 2015 Updated: 08:53, 12 June 2015
Evening Standard
Jose Mourinho congratulated Slaven Bilic on landing the West Ham job this week via text, the Croatian has revealed. Bilic was appointed as Sam Allardyce's successor this week after arriving from Besiktas on a three-year deal as the Hammers embark on a new era in East London. The Croatian spent a season playing at West Ham in the mid-nineties before joining Everton, but that has not stopped Chelsea boss Mourinho from welcoming him to England. Bilic revealed that, via former Chelsea player Demba Ba who he coached at Besiktas, Mourinho sort his number before sending him a short message by text. "I was shocked to get a message from Jose Mourinho," Bilic told The Sun. "Demba Ba texted me to say Jose asked him for my number. It was great. I felt 'wow'. He said 'I'm glad you're here and welcome to England'." "It was really flattering. The guy is class, what can I say." Meanwhile, former Hammers boss Allardyce has warned Bilic that his popularity with the fans will not stop them turning on him. "Slaven's popular and it will start off okay but it won't take much for the mood to change if results aren't going well," said Allardyce.
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Report: Unhappy Ravel wants out of Lazio
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Ravel Morrison is reported homesick at Lazio and desperate for a return to England. According to Mirror Sport the the 22-year old wants a way out of the country before he's kicked a ball for his club. The Mirror claims that discussions have been going on between Lazio and Queens Park Rangers with whom Rav did not enjoy a particularly successful loan spell. Morrison announced this week that he one day wanted to manage West Ham raising speculation he could be on a fishing mission for an Upton Park return. However, it seems at the moment that the newly relegated Rangers are his best chance of return to English football. Ravel moved to Rome earlier this year but has been unhappy there for some time now. The Mirror claims though that contrary to suggestions he has caused his new club a problem Lazio have been sympathetic to his plight and are helping him to try and find a way back to England.
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Hammers track Marseille playmaker
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 11, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham are allegedly tracking Marseille midfielder Dimitri Payet according to a number of media outlets over the past twenty four hours. The 28-year-old scored in France's game on Sunday and has been monitored several times by both Everton and West Ham scouts it is reported. The French international did well last season at Marseille, where he scored seven goals in 36 appearances making an incredible 16 assists. Payet moved to Stade Velodrome from Lille in 2013 for €11m (£8m) and was previously at St Etienne, where he attracted attention from Chelsea and Liverpool.
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Vaz Te on Bilic and Turkey
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Ricardo Vaz Te reckons Slaven Bilic's time in Turkish football will serve him well at West Ham. The former Hammer – now with Turkish Super Lig side Akhisar Belediyespor – saw the new Hammers boss operate in the country last season. And he said: "I think Bilic was and is well respected and is seen as having done a good job here in Turkey, at times with limited resources," said the 2012 Championship Play-Off final hero. Speaking to the official site he added: "He got a great reception from fans when he left and I know that he was well respected amongst the players. " I am not sure what went on near the end in-house at the club, but he wasn't far off landing the title with them. They also saw off Liverpool in the Europa League and that was a big result here, a big victory and achievement. "He has experience of European football and that can only be a big positive thing. He likes to play good football, from what I could see and from what I heard, he is a very focused person and instils this in his players."
Vaz Te, who scored 19 goals in 61 appearances said: "The other thing is he knows West Ham as a club personally, having been there as a player himself and that is something he will look to embrace further I am sure. "It is exciting times for West Ham with the Europa League and then the big move to the new stadium. They are in a good place and can now hopefully build on that."
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Bilic sets out his shopping list
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic has identified the key areas he want to fill in the Irons side but won't rush to get the first available options. The new manager believes he needs a top right back, central defender, holding midfielder and creative middle of the park operator as his first signings. He and David Sullivan are holding intensive talks over each position but a source close to the new boss said: "Slav wants the absolute best he can find and won't be rushed. "He has identified the areas he's looking at and it's caused a ripple of surprise that he sees the need for another top class central defender." "However, with James Collins hitting his 32nd birthday in August he sees this as the time to bring inhig h quality new blood at the heart of defence."
David Sullivan insists that Alex Song could yet arrive as permanent signing but doubts are arising over Carl Jenkinson on a new loan deal as Arsenal are believed to want £2 million for the privilege of letting him out for a season . Key to Bilic is to find a top class creative midfielder in the Luka Modric mould whom he once claimed was the best player in the world.
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Slav: "I want to feel as boss what I felt as a player "
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic has made it clear he would have signed as West Ham's boss even if they were not on the move to the Olympic Stadium. Indeed, he said: 'I would have signed for West Ham even if they played at Upton Park for another 50 years. I didn't sign because of the new stadium." And he claimed he can't wait to get into the dug out at the Boleyn adding:" 'I definitely love the fact I will spend most of this season in the dugout at the Boleyn Ground,' he continued. 'I wouldn't like to go now. 'I want to feel now as manager what I felt as a player. That dugout at Upton Park, and the fans coming, and those tiny streets when you're coming on a coach there. It's brilliant.' He's looking forward to life at the OS but added: 'Of course I'm looking forward to it and it's a step up and a great stadium for the club. But for me Upton Park is great.'
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I'd like to get my guitar out with Slaven Bilic! James Collins looking forward to working with new West Ham boss
Evening Standard
RICHARD PARRY
Published: 12 June 2015 Updated: 11:03, 12 June 2015
West Ham defender James Collins cannot wait to start working with new boss Slaven Bilic. Bilic was appointed as the club's new manager on Tuesday but there will be no settling in period for the Croat, with the club's Europa League campaign kicking off on July 2. Collins said: "It will be great having Slaven as our new manager. He is on to a winner straight away because the West Ham fans loved him when he played here and you can tell by the way he played that he is a winner. All the lads are looking forward to it. "A lot of my mates are West Ham fans and they loved him when he was a player. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was a committed defender." Bilic has his own rock band and Collins said: "I would like to get my guitar out with Slaven. I am still not the best on it but I practise every day and fingers crossed I will come in and give the boys a song!"
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Yohan Cabaye admits stubborn PSG could hinder West Ham or Crystal Palace moves
London 24
11:40 12 June 2015 Brad Pinard
Former Newcastle man Yohan Cabaye Former Newcastle United man Yohan Cabaye reveals he hopes PSG are 'clever enough' to allow him to leave with minimal fuss this summer. The France international has failed to make much impact in the French capital during his 18 months there and is looking likely to come back to the Premier League this summer. West Ham and Crystal Palace are reportedly battling it out for Cabaye's signature, with Spurs, Arsenal and Newcastle also monitoring the situation with a view to a late bid. The 29-year-old admits he wants to come back to England but knows it isn't all in his hands. "I really enjoyed myself in England, it is a league that corresponds well with me," Cabaye told L'Equipe. "Today, I am at PSG. Of course, I would have liked for things to work out differently, the club too, but we must consider reality. "If I have the chance to return to England, I hope that everyone will be clever enough in order for things to work out. There could of course be other destinations…" West Ham signed midfielder Pedro Obiang and confirmed they are in talks to bring Alex Song back to Upton Park, a deal which could scupper Cabaye's plans. However, Alan Pardew is keen to link up with the playmaker again after enjoying a successful spell together at Newcastle.
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Slaven Bilic: West Ham arrival has nothing to do with Olympic Stadium move
By BEN NAGLE FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 09:31, 12 June 2015 | UPDATED: 09:31, 12 June 2015
Slaven Bilic insists his arrival at West Ham United has nothing to do with the club's impending move to the Olympic Stadium. Bilic will take charge of the Hammers' final season at their current stadium after 111 years, and the former Croatia boss admits he can't wait to get in the dugout at Upton Park. Speaking to The Sun, Bilic said: 'I would have signed for West Ham even if they played at Upton Park for another 50 years. I didn't sign because of the new stadium. 'Of course I'm looking forward to it and it's a step up and a great stadium for the club. But for me Upton Park is great.' Bilic spent a season-and-a-half at West Ham as a player under Harry Redknapp, before moving to Everton in the summer of 1997. He returns to West Ham as manager following two seasons in charge of Besiktas, and admits he is happy to have one more season at his old stadium. 'I definitely love the fact I will spend most of this season in the dugout at the Boleyn Ground,' he continued. 'I wouldn't like to go now. 'I want to feel now as manager what I felt as a player. 'That dugout at Upton Park, and the fans coming, and those tiny streets when you're coming on a coach there. It's brilliant.'
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WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES AND EXPECTATIONS?
By Iain Dale 12 Jun 2015 at 09:17
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Banjo
I've been thinking….
There is much talk on the blogs that Slaven needs to be given time and that provided we see attractive football then a mid table finish and a cup run will be sufficient. I don't buy that at all. We get criticised for our lack of ambition and lack of positivity at West Ham, well here's some ambition and some positivity, we should go into next season aiming for a top 6 finish and a cup win and certainly expect top 8 and a shot at a cup.
The above is a minimum expectation of Spurs, Everton and Liverpool so let's have the same expectations as them for heavens sake. We should always have higher expectations than Stoke, Swansea and Palace, and probably Southampton too (where do you think they are aiming for next season?)
Slaven WILL get the support he needs. To suggest that those that supported Sam for his tenure will turn on Slaven first opportunity completely misses the point. They supported Sam because they support the manager and their club. That's what they (we) do so Slaven will get the same treatment from them. Those that hated Sam from day one will support Slaven because, well because he isn't Sam. There will be those fans that will turn on him if the football isn't flowing and if we are dicing with the bottom 3 come the new year but I don't think that's a likely scenario and he will certainly be given more time than many.
Why should we be aiming for a top 6 finish? I have 4 arguments;
1) the Boleyn factor. Some already have us winning all 19 home matches in the Premiership! So that's 57 points then, couple of decent away performances and we are Champions League! But seriously, because the place will be hopping. 12th man and some.
2) the Slav factor. The ground will be full of Slavs army, Super Slav and He's one of our own. It won't quite be the PDC effect but it won't be far off. On top of that he is the 53rd best manager in the world and Sam was 113th so he's twice as good, right?
3) the Sam factor. Sorry folks! Sam has laid good foundations for Slav. We are in a far better place now than we were when he joined. Promotion and 3 mid table finishes and a squad that contains value and talent. Adrian, jenkinson, Creswell, Tonks, Reid, Sakho, Valencia, AC, Kouyate, are all £10M – £25M players. Add Obaing and potentially Song to that and a couple more big signings and a couple of promising youth players in Reece and Oxford and what's not to like about that squad?
4) the we are on the up factor. We really are people. There are only 3 clubs out of our reach just now in my view when you factor in the OS and they are Chelsea, City and United, in that order. Arsenal are going to be the 4th side in the distance, although I think they are catchable, but Liverpool and Spurs are definitely catchable as are, of course, Everton and Southampton. We just need to get our shite together!
I expect our net spend this year to be £30M and quite possibly more. Over the last 5 years only Chelsea, City and United have significantly exceeded that. Spurs, Liverpool and Southampton have had big spends as a result of selling Bale, Suarez and, well, half a team in the case of Southampton! Our average nett spend compares favourably with our piers and with the OS we will narrow that gap. I could cut and paste the nett spends of those clubs but I will make a mess of it. Some years these clubs have had minus nett spends due to selling on their stars!
So there you go ladies and gentlemen of the blog, I give you my case for us aiming higher. The fans need to aim higher, forget all the fading of your dreams, think positive, Sullivan and his board certainly are, he is in the top 6 camp, and I can't imagine for one moment Slav is thinking mid table, can you?
COYI's
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£8m Chelsea striker given PERMISSION to talk to West Ham
LOIC REMY has reportedly been given permission to speak to West Ham over a summer move.
By CHARLES PERRIN
PUBLISHED: 07:37, Fri, Jun 12, 2015 | UPDATED: 07:44, Fri, Jun 12, 2015
Express.co.uk
New Hammers boss Slaven Bilic, as Express Sport reported earlier this week has made Remy one of his top targets. The east London outfit are looking to make a serious foray in the transfer window, and it is thought they could spend up to £25million on new recruits. Remy has become increasingly frustrated with life at Stamford Bridge after playing second fiddle to Diego Costa.
The Sun claim Remy is desperate to force a move away from the Blues. They suggest West Ham have held informal talks with Remy and will offer him a lucrative contract to entice him to Upton Park. Remy is also believed to have told his team-mates that he feels he has no future at the club. The Frenchman hit nine goals in all competitions last season.
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Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson demands could deter West Ham as £2m loan fee sets tone
By CHARLES SALE FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 00:13, 12 June 2015 | UPDATED: 00:38, 12 June 2015
The £2million fee that Arsenal want for full back Carl Jenkinson just to go out on loan next season underlines why the summer transfer window might be less frenetic than forecast. There had been expectation of the biggest market ever in the wake of a record, £5billion domestic TV rights deal. Instead, it is loan moves rather than permanent transfers that are set to be exploited during the uncertain financial climate for clubs. Most Premier League outfits — apart from the big four or five — are reluctant to commit to huge transfer fees while there are still doubts about the Ofcom investigation into how the Premier League sell their domestic TV rights, the amount of money coming in from overseas TV deals and the financial fair play changes. And the loan price Arsenal are quoting for Jenkinson might put off West Ham, for whom the England international defender made 36 appearances last term.
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Newcastle United striker hunt: Andy Carroll in the frame as Steve McClaren admits club want forward
17:53, 11 JUNE 2015
BY MARK DOUGLAS
The Chronicle
Steve McClaren wants to add a striker in the mould of the typical Newcastle United number nine to his squad this summer. McClaren already has goalscorer Papiss Cisse who wears the shirt but he admits getting another forward – who fits in with the goalscoring traditions of a shirt that was worn by Alan Shearer, Andy Carroll, Malcolm Macdonald and Jackie Milburn – would be "great". United want Charlie Austin of QPR while West Ham's Andy Carroll has emerged as a shock target this summer. Bas Dost, the Wolfsburg striker, was also linked on Thursday as McClaren gets his feet under the desk. No new signings are imminent, but the club are increasingly hopeful of landing Austin. Speaking to the Chronicle for the first time since his appointment on Wednesday, McClaren set out his vision for a team that "fights" the way the team did against West Ham on the final day of the season – and while he says the result is king, he will make room for flair. "One thing I want to see is exciting players – a bit of pace, a bit of speed and individualism. This crowd has always had a number nine-style player and it'd be great to get one of them in," he said.
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Loic Remy tells team-mates his time at Chelsea is over
Published 47 minutes ago Add your comment
Give Me Sport
Loic Remy has told his Chelsea team-mates that he has no future at the club after Jose Mourinho gave him permission to open talks with West Ham United, reports The Sun. The France international arrived at Stamford Bridge from Queens Park Rangers last summer after an impressive season on loan at Newcastle United. But chances have been hard to come by at Chelsea with Diego Costa consistently being preferred in a lone-striker system. As a result, Remy has told the club he wishes to leave this summer and Mourinho has done everything to help him by allowing West Ham to open talks regarding personal terms. Chelsea paid £10.5m to sign the 28-year-old and are hoping to recoup most of that by slapping an £8m price tag on his head.
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West Ham chief confirms Slaven Bilic to give first-team chance to forgotten man
08:26 12 June 2015
Brad Pinard
London 24
West Ham co-owner David Gold claims the likes of Mauro Zarate will be given a clean slate under new boss Slaven Bilic. Bilic arrived this week and is now on holiday until June 22 when he will officially start work. The Hammers squad will have just ten days before their first Europa League game of the season and Bilic will want to asses his squad as quickly as possible. Zarate initially showed promise, running the show and scoring a beauty in an early season win away at Crystal Palace. However Sam Allardyce quickly decided the Argentinean wasn't going to last and farmed him out to QPR on loan in January. ADVERTISEMENT - Article continues bellow... The relegated R's also had no luck with Zarate, but Gold admits he will be given a second chance at West Ham. The likes of Modibo Maiga, Diego Poyet and Matt Jarvis are also set to be given a chance to break into the team this summer.
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United striker Andy Carroll is relishing the chance to play under new manager Slaven Bilic and says he is excited by the style of play that the Croatian will bring to the Boleyn Ground. Carroll has been working hard throughout the summer to regain full fitness following a knee injury he suffered back in February, and is on course to return to action in the pre-season. The former Newcastle United and Liverpool forward was thrilled to hear the news that Bilic was appointed as the new manager this week and hopes he can play a major part in the final season at the Boleyn Ground.
Carroll said: "I think it has been a great appointment. I have spoken to the lads and everyone seems to be happy with it. He plays a lot of attacking football and I have seen the teams he has been coaching and they love to go out and attack. "That is a great feeling for me and I cannot wait to get started."
The 26-year-old has worked under a variety of managers during his career, including Kevin Keegan, Chris Hughton, Brendan Rodgers and Sam Allardyce, and is now looking forward to learning the methods employed by the former Croatia and Besiktas boss. "It is interesting to see how he is on the touchline," Carroll continued. "Different managers have got different styles and this will be very different to what we have had in the past, but it will be very interesting and I cannot wait to get started."
Away from football, there is the impending patter of tiny feet to look forward to for the No9, as Carroll is eagerly awaiting the birth of his first child, a son, with fiancee Billi Mucklow.
The front man says he cannot wait to become a father again and hopes this is the start of a memorable few months, on and off the pitch. Carroll added: "The baby is due on Monday and these are exciting times. We cannot wait and it is very exciting. Everything has been sorted out and we cannot wait. "I am a dad already but this is my first (with Billi) and it will be great for us down here to start a family. These are really exciting times at the moment and everything is going well."
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2014/15 Season Review - January
WHUFC.com
West Ham United faced a busy start to 2015 as the FA Cup got under way. Despite the dark wintery January days, the Hammers enjoyed one of the most exciting games in living memory as Adrian's penalty shootout heroics left the fans dreaming of Wembley…
The Hammers fixture against West Bromwich Albion side on New Year's Day was one marked down as one to win, yet the Baggies were rejuvenated following the appointment of Tony Pulis.
While the experienced manager was only watching from the stands, his impact could be felt on the pitch. Diafra Sakho's opener was cancelled out by Saido Berahino who capitalised following a break-away.
Cup fever then descended on the country with the FA Cup third round. The Hammers made the journey to the Blue half of Merseyside, for the second time, and again, Romelu Lukaku did his best to ruin the party. James Collins' bullet header looked to have given the Hammers safe passage to the fourth round yet the dominating Belgian had other ideas, equalising with seconds to go.
Before the two teams did battle again in the replay, the Irons faced a difficult away trip to Garry Monk's high-flying Swansea City.
In a tight affair, Andy Carroll scored a simply majestic opening goal. The big No9 controlled the ball expertly, before shifting his feet with breath-taking poise and elegance before lashing a shot into the top corner. A goal any forward would've been proud of. Unfortunately, the Swans refused to be cowed and their efforts came to fruition via a Mark Noble own-goal. The ball hit the midfielder on the line who could not readjust in time. A goal as unfortunate as Carroll's was classy. Just three days later and the Hammers were in action again. There was little to suggest prior to kick off that the game would turn out to be a classic, but a classic it certainly was.
In a pulsating match, Enner Valencia scored his first goal at the Boleyn, a neat finish from Carroll's knock-down, shortly before Aiden McGeady got himself sent off for two clumsy challenges. Substitute Kevin Mirallas' rocket free-kick took the game to extra time. Tormentor-in-chief Romelu Lukaku was up to his old tricks again however Carlton Cole's poked finish ensured the game would be decided on a dreaded penalty shootout. There would be more drama to come as the penalty shootout entered sudden death with the goalkeepers called up. Up-stepped Adrian, who flung his gloves away midway through his run up and smashed it past Joel Robles. He wheeled away in delight as his teammates flung themselves on him. It was a sight few will ever forget. Buoyed by the epic victory, the Irons took the momentum into their league campaign, securing a comfortable 3-0 win over Hull City.
The Hammers tamed the Tigers with second-half goals from Andy Carroll, Morgan Amalfitano and Stewart Downing. The Frenchman finished the move he started with a burst into the box while the English international raced onto Alex Song's threaded through-ball. January continued to be prosperous as the Hammers cup run gathered pace with a narrow 1-0 win over League One highflyers Bristol City. Despite a rather sluggish performance, substitute Diafra Sakho bagged the all-important winner nine minutes from time.
By the last game of January, West Ham found themselves six games unbeaten, however the busy schedule took its toll on a squad hit by injury as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, leaving the Hammers eighth in the table.
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Jack Sullivan Column
WHUFC.com
Jack Sullivan is the youngest son of West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and is a huge Hammers fan. Jack will be giving his exclusive views to the official website in a regular new column...
Hello everyone,
I am excited to be starting this new column for the official website giving you my thoughts on all the latest news that is happening at West Ham.
This is certainly an exciting period for the Club and I said last summer that I had never seen someone like my dad work so hard in getting in all the new signings.
But I have hardly seen him for the last two weeks and I only get to to talk with him at dinner time.
We have finally got our new man and he is a manager who I wanted to lead us next season.
It has been surreal seeing some big name coaches come to my house during the managerial process and seeing them walk past me. I have even sat in their chair after they have gone!
But I was thrilled when Slaven was identified as the best choice. I think it is great for our fans and we have got someone who shows so much passion.
I love seeing managers who are animated on the touchline and I'm sure the majority of fans will be the same. It shows they care about what is happening on the field.
He has got a great managerial record and has shown he can compete against the best teams in England when he helped his Besiktas side knock Liverpool out of the Europa League last season.
Slaven has said our team is good and with him at the top I can see this being a very strong season for the club.
All the talk now is about what players Slaven will bring into the club and I get constantly hassled by all my school mates asking if we have signed anyone. I try and keep quiet as much as possible.
It has been great to see Pedro Obiang come into the Club this week. I watched him play against Napoli last season and he is very similar to Esteban Cambiasso.
I like that he rarely loses the ball and he has been one of the star players for Sampdoria.
Dad is working hard to get more players in and I am confident we will have more new arrivals before the new season gets underway.
Dad is going for players I would never have imagined we could get into the Club and it shows how far we have come. A lot of the players are buying into the Olympic Stadium and I am really confident ahead of the new season.
I can't believe that the new season for us is getting underway on July 2 but it is great that the Club is back in Europe and playing in the Europa League.
I have got to try and persuade my dad to let me go and watch some of the games now!
The number of games will be hard on the squad but I'm sure that Slaven will be able to manage the situation really well as he has the experience through his managerial career.
It is also going to be an emotional last season at the Boleyn Ground. We have over 100 years of history at the stadium, but I genuinely feel this is the right move for West Ham and I can assure everyone that it is breathtaking at the new stadium.
The whole stadium is so vast and everyone has been so good for us to move there. I cannot wait for us to get started there.
I look forward to speaking with you all again soon.
Jack
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Striker target snubs Premier League
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 12th June 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham target Andre Pierre Gignac is set to snub the chance to work in the Premier League - in favour of a move to Mexico. According to Get French Football (via Le Aficion), 29-year-old Gignac has rejected a number of offers from European clubs - including at least two from the Premier League - in order to join Mexican side Tigres. In addition to West Ham, Gignac - who is currently in Cancun on holiday - has also been linked with a move to West Brom this week. Southampton, Newcastle and Stoke are also said to have expressed their interest in signing the Marseille forward. West Ham have already spawned the opportunity to sign Gignac's former team mate Andre Ayew this week. The 25-year-old midfielder signed for Swansea on a free transfer yesterday.
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What next for Kevin Nolan?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 12th June 2015
By: Staff Writer
Kevin Nolan is almost certain to leave the Boleyn Ground this summer after four years as West Ham United's captain. With his closest ally, former manager Sam Allardyce now departed following the conclusion of his most recent (two-year) contract, Nolan is likely to find himself out of the first team picture at the Boleyn. Vice-captain Mark Noble, Cheik Kouyate, new arrival Pedro Obiang and potentially Alex Song, who the Hammers are seeking to sign on a permanent basis from Barcelona will all be above Nolan in the pecking order next season - notwithstanding any additional summer acquisitions. And having become the latest scapegoat for some West Ham United fans last season, the former Bolton and Newcastle man is seeking one final move before calling time on a playing career that began at Bolton 18 years ago.
Acutely aware that he is unlikely to be able to shake off the ill-feeling his alliance with Allardyce generated amongst sections of the club's fanbase, Nolan has already indicated privately that he is looking to move on this summer. Now 32, the attacking midfielder is entering the final 12 months of a lucrative five-year contract, signed in 2011 when the Hammers had just been relegated from the Premier League under Avram Grant. Born in Liverpool, Nolan spent his entire professional career in the North (with Bolton and Newcastle) before joining Allardyce at West Ham in July 2011. His £2.6million annual salary is likely to keep him out of reach of all but Premier League/major forieign clubs this summer - unless West Ham opt to cover a percentage of his wages as part of a loan agreement.
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West Ham eye transfer of Tottenham old boy Vedran Corluka from Lokomotiv Moscow
22:30, 12 JUNE 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
New boss Slaven Bilic plotting reunion with experienced defender who was a key player as his Croatia side lost just EIGHT times in six years
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic is trying to bring former Tottenham star Vedran Corluka to West Ham. The 29-year-old, currently at Lokomotiv Moscow, spent four years at the White Hart Lane club between 2008 and 2012. Before that, he spent a year at Manchester City but was replaced when then-boss Mark Hughes brought in Pablo Zabaleta. Corluka was a key player for the Croatian national team under Bilic and was part of the side that lost just eight games in six years under Bilic, the Hammers' new boss. He has just been voted one of the best players of the past season at Lokomotiv - one of Bilic's former clubs - who have lifted the 2015 Russia Cup. West Ham had an interest in free agent ex-England full-back Micah Richards following his release by Manchester City. But the 26-year-old is set to join Aston Villa on a free transfer next week when he returns from holiday. The Irons have also expressed an interest to Arsenal in taking Carl Jenkinson on loan, as they did last season. The Gunners, however, want a £2million loan fee, which the east Londoners are not prepared to pay. Meanwhile Mauro Zarate has insisted he is ready to prove himself an asset for Bilic. The 28-year-old Argentine was brought in by Hammers' joint-chairman David Gold last summer but then-manager Sam Allardyce rarely included him in his plans and the two men fell out. Zarate was farmed out on loan to QPR but arrived at Loftus Road disillusioned and unfit. He was also fined for his angry reaction to not being able to make the team to face Liverpool last month. He was eventually sent back to West Ham who, in turn sent him home to Argentina for a break to regain his fitness ahead of the new season. With Bilic now in charge, Zarate is aiming for a fresh start next season. He said: "It is an exciting time for the club and I want to be part of that. I know the new manager had a good relationship with his players at Besiktas and I want to work hard to become a part of his plans. "West Ham is still a club that I love. I have been training hard and I am looking forward to showing that I can still be an important player for them." Earlier this week, Gold made it clear that Zarate would get another chance. He said: "The slate has been wiped clean and under Slaven everyone will get their chance."
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Bilic returns to London
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 12, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic flew back to London today from his family holiday in Croatia to attend his work permit hearing which was described as a formality. He also took time out to visit the Boleyn Ground for the first time since his appointment.
In an interview with the club's official TV channel Bilic said
"It feels great to be back, I was expected this kind of feeling but when I entered the pitch, all the emotions started to come back. The Chairman asked me if it looked the same, but it has been nearly 20 years and it has changed a bit and is definitely bigger!
"The atmosphere around the whole stadium came flooding back to me and it felt like it did 17 or 18 years back. I can still remember the roar and the atmosphere and the good feeling to be in this stadium.
"Why have I come back to east London? Because it's a great club and is my club and it has never gone from me. It's one of the best, if not the best league in the world and it was always my ambition to one day come back and manage this club, my club, West Ham."
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Cabaye words raise Hammers hopes
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 12, 2015 in Whispers
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Speaking to L'Equipe, Yohan Cabaye has said that he must leave PSG his summer to ensure that he impresses enough ahead of Euro 2016.
Cabaye told the French paper: "I know that if I stay I could do everything, but nothing would change. It's clear. I know this. At the club, they know it too. It will be important to make the best choice possible."
"Sometimes it's better to go backward in order to go forward. I enjoyed myself in England, in a league that works for me."
His comments may raise hopes of his availability this summer.
Yesterday the club's ITK Boleyn Insider said "There have been reports linking West Ham with a move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Yohan Cabaye and my sources indicate to me that although the Club really like him, they are not convinced that PSG will be willing to sell him this summer."
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Slav thrilled by Mourinho welcome
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Slaven Bilic has become a major fan of Jose Mourinho after the Chelsea boss went right out of his way to welcome him to the Premier League.
The new Hammers boss received a phone call from 'The Special One' soon after being installed as the new Hammer boss and is thrilled to bits with the new connection.
He said:"I was shocked to get a message from Jose Mourinho. Demba Ba texted me to say Jose had asked for my number.
"It was great. I felt 'wow.' He said to me: "I'm glad you are here and welcome to England. It was really flattering. The guy is class. What can I say."
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Bilic confirms backroom team
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 12, 2015 in Whispers
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Slaven Bilic has confirmed his desire to bring in a Croatian back room team to help him manage West Ham. Fellow Croatians Nicola Jurcevic, Edin Terzic and Miljenko Rak are set to take up important positions in his technical staff subject to agreeing contracts and work permits being granted.
On Jurcevic, Bilic told the Sun "My first team coach. We had six years with the national team, then in Russia and Besiktas. Hopefully he will join me at West Ham" On Terziz he said "My second assistant, a great coach. Really good with players. He worked for Borussia Dortmund and has great experience"
On Rak he added "My fitness coach. Won Olympic medals as Croatia handball team fitness coach. Then he was in many sports. He's a legend" The Boleyn Insider yesterday suggested Slaven Bilic is about to announce a new goal keeping coach after the departure of Bobby Mimms. I wonder what Ludo Miklosko is up to? It would be fantastic if Bilic managed to persuade the West Ham hero to come out of retirement.
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David Gold delivers Mauro Zarate transfer update on Twitter
HITC
Tim Poole
The West Ham co-chairman has been discussing the forward's future. David Gold has delivered an update on the future of Mauro Zarate on Twitter. The West Ham United forward struggled for form, game time and fitness at Upton Park last season and was loaned out to Queens Park Rangers. However, Gold says the Argentine's future will lie with the Hammers for now. Indeed, asked by a West Ham fan on Twitter about whether Zarate will get more playing time at the east London club next season, the co-chairman suggested the slate will be wiped clean under new boss Slaven Bilic, with everyone getting a chance. Sam Allardyce was criticised for his handling of the 28-year-old, who was rarely played and, when he was, it was often out of position.
Zarate has his work cut out impressing the Hammers faithful, of course, as attitude and work-rate are paramount to success and, despite any complaints he may have about unfair treatment, the Argentine didn't exactly display those two qualities in abundance. Under Bilic, however, there may just be a striker in there somewhere for West Ham...
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he's 'grateful' to Allardyce
HITC
Olly Dawes
Slaven Bilic wants to make new signings at Upton Park. Slaven Bilic has told The Sun that West Ham need to make new signings this summer despite being left with a 'good team' by Sam Allardyce. Bilic, 46, was appointed West Ham's new manager earlier this week, returning to Upton Park having played for the Hammers as a defender in the 1990's. The Croatian replaces Allardyce, who left the club just minutes after the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United on the final day of the Premier League season. It was another disappointing season for 'Big Sam', with a 12th place finish not enough to keep him in the job after just three Premier League wins in 2015. The Hammers have though qualified for the preliminary rounds of the Europa League by virtue of their Fair Play record, meaning Bilic has an immediate chance to impress the West Ham faithful this summer. Yet, in order to make an impact in Europe and achieve at top ten finish in the Premier League, Bilic will need new signings this summer to strengthen a squad which lacks depth. The new manager told The Sun that, whilst he is 'grateful' to Allardyce for assembling a good squad, he must add more quality this summer to achieve his goals - and called on the team to be more consistent next season. "Sam left behind a good team. They are in good shape and I'm grateful for it," said Bilic. "The team is good but, as at any team, we're going to try to make it better and we're going to buy some new players. We must now find a way to make the team more consistent for the whole season," he added.
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Report: The loan fee West Ham would have to pay to sign Carl Jenkinson from Arsenal
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
Carl Jenkinson played on loan for West Ham United from Premier League rivals Arsenal in the 2014-15 season. West Ham United will have to pay as much as £2 million to sign Carl Jenkinson on loan from Arsenal for the 2015-16 season, according to The Daily Mail. It has been reported by the British newspaper that Arsenal want £2m as loan fee to send the England international defender back to their London rivals on a temporary basis. The right-back played on loan for the Hammers during the recently concluded 2014-15 campaign and gave a good account of himself.
Jenkinson made 32 appearances in the Premier League for West Ham, creating 22 chances in the process. The 23-year-old right-back had a pass accuracy of 78% and a shot accuracy of 60%, and he won 22 headers, 11 dribbles and 26 tackles. Former Charlton Athletic defender Jenkinson progressed well at the Boleyn Ground, but he will find it tough to break into the Arsenal first team next season. Mathieu Debuchy, formerly of Newcastle United, is the Gunners' undisputed number one, while youngster Hector Bellerin is his deputy; Calum Chambers can also play at right-back. It would be best for the development of Jenkinson that he stays at West Ham next season, but it remains to be seen if the Hammers are willing to pay the £2m loan fee that Arsenal reportedly want.
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James Collins wants West Ham United stay
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
James Collins wants to remain at West Ham United for the rest of his career. West Ham United defender James Collins has written on the club's official website that he wants to sign a new contract with the London outfit. The Wales international centre-back has been on the books of the Hammers since 2012 and has a contract until June 2016. "Finally I hope to sign a new contract soon with the club and I would love to finish my career at West Ham," Collins wrote on West Ham's official website. "It is a club I love and I would love the chance to play at the new stadium. I always give my all and 100% every time I pull on the shirt and always want to do my best for the fans." Collins has made over 70 league appearances for West Ham since his return to the London outfit from Aston Villa in the summer of 2012. The 31-year-old is a senior figure in the current Hammers squad, and him remaining at the Boleyn Ground is good for the club. The former Cardiff City star made 27 appearances in the Premier League in the recently concluded 2014-15 season, creating five chances in the process. Collins had a pass accuracy of 67% and a shot accuracy of 38%, and won 101 headers and 24 tackles. West Ham finished 12th in the league table with 47 points from 38 matches.
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Report: West Ham to fight Arsenal and European giants for Burak Yilmaz
HITC
Stephen Pickering
West Ham are looking to lock horns with Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea to land Galatasaray forward Burak Yilmaz. According to Turkish publication Eurosport, West Ham, under new manager Slaven Bilic, will look to beat Chelsea, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid to highly-rated forward Burak Yilmaz. The report states that the striker is high on the list of targets put together by Bilic, who will know him well due to his previous two seasons in Turkey, and will look to fight off Europe's big boys for his signature. The 29-year-old, who turns 30 on the 30th June, has had an exceptional year for Galatasaray once again and netted a staggering 22 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions. In fact, over the past six seasons, there haven't been many more prolific forwards in Europe as he can boast a tally of 130 goals in 213 appearances. Although he is undoubtedly a talented player, the age of the striker is likely to put some suitors off – especially the top clubs. At 30, if he does move, he will be after a big contract to secure his future in the past few years of his playing days. In fact, a longer contract could be the deal breaker in the Turkish forward's thinking. If West Ham can offer a substantially better contract than the other interested parties then him agreeing a move to East London wouldn't at all be a surprise. Next season, the Olympic Stadium will become the Hammers' new home and for all players linked to the club over this summer, that will be a big pull.
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James Collins comments on Pedro Obiang signing
Subhankar Mondal
James Collins is delighted to have Pedro Obiang as his West Ham United teammate for next season. West Ham United defender James Collins has written on the club's official website that he expects Pedro Obiang to be a success. The 23-year-old midfielder has joined the Hammers from Italian club Sampdoria, as announced on the club's official website earlier this week. The former Spain Under-21 international has put pen to paper on a four-year deal and has become the London outfit's second signing of the summer after goalkeeper Darren Randolph. Collins is delighted to have the Spaniard as his teammate for next season, and believes that he will prove himself at the Boleyn Ground. "We have been busy in the transfer market as well and it is massive for us to have someone like Pedro Obiang coming into the club," the 31-year-old Wales international wrote on West Ham's official website. "It is a great signing and he is a young, talented player so it will only add to the squad. "I think we will lose a few out of contract lads so we need to make a few signings and that is a great start." Obiang was one of the best players for Sampdoria in the recently concluded 2014-15 Serie A campaign. The Spanish midfielder scored three goals and created 28 chances in 33 league appearances. The 23-year-old had a pass accuracy of 82% and a shot accuracy of 52%, and won 22 headers, 26 dribbles and 76 tackles.
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Report: Everton rivalling West Ham for Marseille playmaker Dimitri Payet
HITC
Billy Hawkins
Everton and West Ham are keen on signing Dimitri Payet. West Ham were linked with a move for Payet yesterday, as per the Telegraph, but now it appears as if the Hammers are not the only team to be interested in the prolific playmaker. A report in L'Equipe has today claimed that Everton are also planning summer move for him, with both Premier League sides already starting their advances to open talks with Marseille. Payet, a 28-year-old playmaker, enjoyed a prolific season with Marseille in 2014/15. In 36 games, he netted seven goals and registered an impressive 17 assists. Generally selected as a number 10, playing through the centre, he registered 2.1 shots per game, as well as 3.7 key passes and 1.8 dribbles, making him one of the most consistently creative players in Ligue 1. Central to much of Marseille's attacking play, the French international excelled under Marcelo Bielsa, and a move to the Premier League would come as no surprise. The Hammers were linked with a move for him following the appointment of Slaven Bilic at the Boleyn Ground, whilst Everton's interest comes from a need to increase the attacking threat the Toffees possess. Payet would be a great signing for either club, although with his contract not expiring until 2017, he will cost a pretty penny to sign him - even if he is worth a large transfer fee.
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Report: West Ham United interested in Esteban Cambiasso
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Esteban Cambiasso, who is out of contract at Leicester City at the end of the month. West Ham United are interested in signing Esteban Cambiasso when his current contract with Leicester City runs out at the end of the month, according to The Sun. It has been reported by the British tabloid that the former Argentina international midfielder is "wanted as part of new Hammers boss Slaven Bilic's cultural revolution". The London outfit have already "made contact" with Cambiasso's agent, according to the report. It has also been claimed by The Sun that West Ham are ready to offer "top wages" to Cambiasso if they can get him on a free transfer. Cambiasso joined Leicester on a one-year contract in the summer of 2014 after leaving Italian giants Inter Milan. The former Real Madrid midfielder was one of the best and most influential players at Leicester and was a key figure in their survival battle in the recently concluded 2014-15 season. The 34-year-old scored five goals and created 36 chances in 31 appearances in the Premier League. Cambiasso had a pass accuracy of 73% and a shot accuracy of 32%, and won 36 headers, 14 dribbles and 43 tackles.
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Gunners look for huge Jenks LOAN fee
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Arsenal want £2 million for Carl Jenkinson just to go out on loan next season. And with those sort of numbers floating around expect it to be a quieter summer than usual for if we add in a fairly conservative £50,000 a week wages that would bring the cost of Jenks to £4.5 million for the year! And although the Gooner had a top Upton Park season playing 36 times that sort of money may be too rich for our blood. As we reported earlier in the week Slaven Bilic is an admirer but is likely to start looking elsewhere given the apparent Gunners' financial requirements.
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Barcelona's Alen Halilovic will flourish at West Ham
Published 26 minutes ago Add your comment
GiveMeFootball.com
Fans of Premier League outfit West Ham United could see one of the best young players ever pulling on the claret and blue next season. Barca B's Croatian midfielder Alen Halilovic is the real deal. His moniker of "The Croatian Messi" is well earned and well deserved and for such a young talent, he is a delight to watch. Hammers fans might recall the last time there was such a buzz about a young player in the East End. During the mid 1990's, Portuguese wonderkid Dani arrived at Upton Park but it was obvious fairly quickly that the move wouldn't end well.
There are no such worries as far as Halilovic is concerned. New Hammers manager Slaven Bilic knows all about what Halilovic can bring to the table and it's no surprise that he has moved so quickly to try and secure the services of a player who will be wasted in Spain's Segunda B, equivalent to England's League One.
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Jose Mourinho gives Slaven Bilic that 'wow' feeling after congratulating him on West Ham job by text message
RICHARD PARRY
Published: 12 June 2015 Updated: 08:53, 12 June 2015
Evening Standard
Jose Mourinho congratulated Slaven Bilic on landing the West Ham job this week via text, the Croatian has revealed. Bilic was appointed as Sam Allardyce's successor this week after arriving from Besiktas on a three-year deal as the Hammers embark on a new era in East London. The Croatian spent a season playing at West Ham in the mid-nineties before joining Everton, but that has not stopped Chelsea boss Mourinho from welcoming him to England. Bilic revealed that, via former Chelsea player Demba Ba who he coached at Besiktas, Mourinho sort his number before sending him a short message by text. "I was shocked to get a message from Jose Mourinho," Bilic told The Sun. "Demba Ba texted me to say Jose asked him for my number. It was great. I felt 'wow'. He said 'I'm glad you're here and welcome to England'." "It was really flattering. The guy is class, what can I say." Meanwhile, former Hammers boss Allardyce has warned Bilic that his popularity with the fans will not stop them turning on him. "Slaven's popular and it will start off okay but it won't take much for the mood to change if results aren't going well," said Allardyce.
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Report: Unhappy Ravel wants out of Lazio
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Ravel Morrison is reported homesick at Lazio and desperate for a return to England. According to Mirror Sport the the 22-year old wants a way out of the country before he's kicked a ball for his club. The Mirror claims that discussions have been going on between Lazio and Queens Park Rangers with whom Rav did not enjoy a particularly successful loan spell. Morrison announced this week that he one day wanted to manage West Ham raising speculation he could be on a fishing mission for an Upton Park return. However, it seems at the moment that the newly relegated Rangers are his best chance of return to English football. Ravel moved to Rome earlier this year but has been unhappy there for some time now. The Mirror claims though that contrary to suggestions he has caused his new club a problem Lazio have been sympathetic to his plight and are helping him to try and find a way back to England.
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Hammers track Marseille playmaker
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 11, 2015 in Whispers
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West Ham are allegedly tracking Marseille midfielder Dimitri Payet according to a number of media outlets over the past twenty four hours. The 28-year-old scored in France's game on Sunday and has been monitored several times by both Everton and West Ham scouts it is reported. The French international did well last season at Marseille, where he scored seven goals in 36 appearances making an incredible 16 assists. Payet moved to Stade Velodrome from Lille in 2013 for €11m (£8m) and was previously at St Etienne, where he attracted attention from Chelsea and Liverpool.
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Vaz Te on Bilic and Turkey
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Ricardo Vaz Te reckons Slaven Bilic's time in Turkish football will serve him well at West Ham. The former Hammer – now with Turkish Super Lig side Akhisar Belediyespor – saw the new Hammers boss operate in the country last season. And he said: "I think Bilic was and is well respected and is seen as having done a good job here in Turkey, at times with limited resources," said the 2012 Championship Play-Off final hero. Speaking to the official site he added: "He got a great reception from fans when he left and I know that he was well respected amongst the players. " I am not sure what went on near the end in-house at the club, but he wasn't far off landing the title with them. They also saw off Liverpool in the Europa League and that was a big result here, a big victory and achievement. "He has experience of European football and that can only be a big positive thing. He likes to play good football, from what I could see and from what I heard, he is a very focused person and instils this in his players."
Vaz Te, who scored 19 goals in 61 appearances said: "The other thing is he knows West Ham as a club personally, having been there as a player himself and that is something he will look to embrace further I am sure. "It is exciting times for West Ham with the Europa League and then the big move to the new stadium. They are in a good place and can now hopefully build on that."
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Bilic sets out his shopping list
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic has identified the key areas he want to fill in the Irons side but won't rush to get the first available options. The new manager believes he needs a top right back, central defender, holding midfielder and creative middle of the park operator as his first signings. He and David Sullivan are holding intensive talks over each position but a source close to the new boss said: "Slav wants the absolute best he can find and won't be rushed. "He has identified the areas he's looking at and it's caused a ripple of surprise that he sees the need for another top class central defender." "However, with James Collins hitting his 32nd birthday in August he sees this as the time to bring inhig h quality new blood at the heart of defence."
David Sullivan insists that Alex Song could yet arrive as permanent signing but doubts are arising over Carl Jenkinson on a new loan deal as Arsenal are believed to want £2 million for the privilege of letting him out for a season . Key to Bilic is to find a top class creative midfielder in the Luka Modric mould whom he once claimed was the best player in the world.
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Slav: "I want to feel as boss what I felt as a player "
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic has made it clear he would have signed as West Ham's boss even if they were not on the move to the Olympic Stadium. Indeed, he said: 'I would have signed for West Ham even if they played at Upton Park for another 50 years. I didn't sign because of the new stadium." And he claimed he can't wait to get into the dug out at the Boleyn adding:" 'I definitely love the fact I will spend most of this season in the dugout at the Boleyn Ground,' he continued. 'I wouldn't like to go now. 'I want to feel now as manager what I felt as a player. That dugout at Upton Park, and the fans coming, and those tiny streets when you're coming on a coach there. It's brilliant.' He's looking forward to life at the OS but added: 'Of course I'm looking forward to it and it's a step up and a great stadium for the club. But for me Upton Park is great.'
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I'd like to get my guitar out with Slaven Bilic! James Collins looking forward to working with new West Ham boss
Evening Standard
RICHARD PARRY
Published: 12 June 2015 Updated: 11:03, 12 June 2015
West Ham defender James Collins cannot wait to start working with new boss Slaven Bilic. Bilic was appointed as the club's new manager on Tuesday but there will be no settling in period for the Croat, with the club's Europa League campaign kicking off on July 2. Collins said: "It will be great having Slaven as our new manager. He is on to a winner straight away because the West Ham fans loved him when he played here and you can tell by the way he played that he is a winner. All the lads are looking forward to it. "A lot of my mates are West Ham fans and they loved him when he was a player. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was a committed defender." Bilic has his own rock band and Collins said: "I would like to get my guitar out with Slaven. I am still not the best on it but I practise every day and fingers crossed I will come in and give the boys a song!"
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Yohan Cabaye admits stubborn PSG could hinder West Ham or Crystal Palace moves
London 24
11:40 12 June 2015 Brad Pinard
Former Newcastle man Yohan Cabaye Former Newcastle United man Yohan Cabaye reveals he hopes PSG are 'clever enough' to allow him to leave with minimal fuss this summer. The France international has failed to make much impact in the French capital during his 18 months there and is looking likely to come back to the Premier League this summer. West Ham and Crystal Palace are reportedly battling it out for Cabaye's signature, with Spurs, Arsenal and Newcastle also monitoring the situation with a view to a late bid. The 29-year-old admits he wants to come back to England but knows it isn't all in his hands. "I really enjoyed myself in England, it is a league that corresponds well with me," Cabaye told L'Equipe. "Today, I am at PSG. Of course, I would have liked for things to work out differently, the club too, but we must consider reality. "If I have the chance to return to England, I hope that everyone will be clever enough in order for things to work out. There could of course be other destinations…" West Ham signed midfielder Pedro Obiang and confirmed they are in talks to bring Alex Song back to Upton Park, a deal which could scupper Cabaye's plans. However, Alan Pardew is keen to link up with the playmaker again after enjoying a successful spell together at Newcastle.
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Slaven Bilic: West Ham arrival has nothing to do with Olympic Stadium move
By BEN NAGLE FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 09:31, 12 June 2015 | UPDATED: 09:31, 12 June 2015
Slaven Bilic insists his arrival at West Ham United has nothing to do with the club's impending move to the Olympic Stadium. Bilic will take charge of the Hammers' final season at their current stadium after 111 years, and the former Croatia boss admits he can't wait to get in the dugout at Upton Park. Speaking to The Sun, Bilic said: 'I would have signed for West Ham even if they played at Upton Park for another 50 years. I didn't sign because of the new stadium. 'Of course I'm looking forward to it and it's a step up and a great stadium for the club. But for me Upton Park is great.' Bilic spent a season-and-a-half at West Ham as a player under Harry Redknapp, before moving to Everton in the summer of 1997. He returns to West Ham as manager following two seasons in charge of Besiktas, and admits he is happy to have one more season at his old stadium. 'I definitely love the fact I will spend most of this season in the dugout at the Boleyn Ground,' he continued. 'I wouldn't like to go now. 'I want to feel now as manager what I felt as a player. 'That dugout at Upton Park, and the fans coming, and those tiny streets when you're coming on a coach there. It's brilliant.'
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WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES AND EXPECTATIONS?
By Iain Dale 12 Jun 2015 at 09:17
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Banjo
I've been thinking….
There is much talk on the blogs that Slaven needs to be given time and that provided we see attractive football then a mid table finish and a cup run will be sufficient. I don't buy that at all. We get criticised for our lack of ambition and lack of positivity at West Ham, well here's some ambition and some positivity, we should go into next season aiming for a top 6 finish and a cup win and certainly expect top 8 and a shot at a cup.
The above is a minimum expectation of Spurs, Everton and Liverpool so let's have the same expectations as them for heavens sake. We should always have higher expectations than Stoke, Swansea and Palace, and probably Southampton too (where do you think they are aiming for next season?)
Slaven WILL get the support he needs. To suggest that those that supported Sam for his tenure will turn on Slaven first opportunity completely misses the point. They supported Sam because they support the manager and their club. That's what they (we) do so Slaven will get the same treatment from them. Those that hated Sam from day one will support Slaven because, well because he isn't Sam. There will be those fans that will turn on him if the football isn't flowing and if we are dicing with the bottom 3 come the new year but I don't think that's a likely scenario and he will certainly be given more time than many.
Why should we be aiming for a top 6 finish? I have 4 arguments;
1) the Boleyn factor. Some already have us winning all 19 home matches in the Premiership! So that's 57 points then, couple of decent away performances and we are Champions League! But seriously, because the place will be hopping. 12th man and some.
2) the Slav factor. The ground will be full of Slavs army, Super Slav and He's one of our own. It won't quite be the PDC effect but it won't be far off. On top of that he is the 53rd best manager in the world and Sam was 113th so he's twice as good, right?
3) the Sam factor. Sorry folks! Sam has laid good foundations for Slav. We are in a far better place now than we were when he joined. Promotion and 3 mid table finishes and a squad that contains value and talent. Adrian, jenkinson, Creswell, Tonks, Reid, Sakho, Valencia, AC, Kouyate, are all £10M – £25M players. Add Obaing and potentially Song to that and a couple more big signings and a couple of promising youth players in Reece and Oxford and what's not to like about that squad?
4) the we are on the up factor. We really are people. There are only 3 clubs out of our reach just now in my view when you factor in the OS and they are Chelsea, City and United, in that order. Arsenal are going to be the 4th side in the distance, although I think they are catchable, but Liverpool and Spurs are definitely catchable as are, of course, Everton and Southampton. We just need to get our shite together!
I expect our net spend this year to be £30M and quite possibly more. Over the last 5 years only Chelsea, City and United have significantly exceeded that. Spurs, Liverpool and Southampton have had big spends as a result of selling Bale, Suarez and, well, half a team in the case of Southampton! Our average nett spend compares favourably with our piers and with the OS we will narrow that gap. I could cut and paste the nett spends of those clubs but I will make a mess of it. Some years these clubs have had minus nett spends due to selling on their stars!
So there you go ladies and gentlemen of the blog, I give you my case for us aiming higher. The fans need to aim higher, forget all the fading of your dreams, think positive, Sullivan and his board certainly are, he is in the top 6 camp, and I can't imagine for one moment Slav is thinking mid table, can you?
COYI's
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£8m Chelsea striker given PERMISSION to talk to West Ham
LOIC REMY has reportedly been given permission to speak to West Ham over a summer move.
By CHARLES PERRIN
PUBLISHED: 07:37, Fri, Jun 12, 2015 | UPDATED: 07:44, Fri, Jun 12, 2015
Express.co.uk
New Hammers boss Slaven Bilic, as Express Sport reported earlier this week has made Remy one of his top targets. The east London outfit are looking to make a serious foray in the transfer window, and it is thought they could spend up to £25million on new recruits. Remy has become increasingly frustrated with life at Stamford Bridge after playing second fiddle to Diego Costa.
The Sun claim Remy is desperate to force a move away from the Blues. They suggest West Ham have held informal talks with Remy and will offer him a lucrative contract to entice him to Upton Park. Remy is also believed to have told his team-mates that he feels he has no future at the club. The Frenchman hit nine goals in all competitions last season.
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Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson demands could deter West Ham as £2m loan fee sets tone
By CHARLES SALE FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 00:13, 12 June 2015 | UPDATED: 00:38, 12 June 2015
The £2million fee that Arsenal want for full back Carl Jenkinson just to go out on loan next season underlines why the summer transfer window might be less frenetic than forecast. There had been expectation of the biggest market ever in the wake of a record, £5billion domestic TV rights deal. Instead, it is loan moves rather than permanent transfers that are set to be exploited during the uncertain financial climate for clubs. Most Premier League outfits — apart from the big four or five — are reluctant to commit to huge transfer fees while there are still doubts about the Ofcom investigation into how the Premier League sell their domestic TV rights, the amount of money coming in from overseas TV deals and the financial fair play changes. And the loan price Arsenal are quoting for Jenkinson might put off West Ham, for whom the England international defender made 36 appearances last term.
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Newcastle United striker hunt: Andy Carroll in the frame as Steve McClaren admits club want forward
17:53, 11 JUNE 2015
BY MARK DOUGLAS
The Chronicle
Steve McClaren wants to add a striker in the mould of the typical Newcastle United number nine to his squad this summer. McClaren already has goalscorer Papiss Cisse who wears the shirt but he admits getting another forward – who fits in with the goalscoring traditions of a shirt that was worn by Alan Shearer, Andy Carroll, Malcolm Macdonald and Jackie Milburn – would be "great". United want Charlie Austin of QPR while West Ham's Andy Carroll has emerged as a shock target this summer. Bas Dost, the Wolfsburg striker, was also linked on Thursday as McClaren gets his feet under the desk. No new signings are imminent, but the club are increasingly hopeful of landing Austin. Speaking to the Chronicle for the first time since his appointment on Wednesday, McClaren set out his vision for a team that "fights" the way the team did against West Ham on the final day of the season – and while he says the result is king, he will make room for flair. "One thing I want to see is exciting players – a bit of pace, a bit of speed and individualism. This crowd has always had a number nine-style player and it'd be great to get one of them in," he said.
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Loic Remy tells team-mates his time at Chelsea is over
Published 47 minutes ago Add your comment
Give Me Sport
Loic Remy has told his Chelsea team-mates that he has no future at the club after Jose Mourinho gave him permission to open talks with West Ham United, reports The Sun. The France international arrived at Stamford Bridge from Queens Park Rangers last summer after an impressive season on loan at Newcastle United. But chances have been hard to come by at Chelsea with Diego Costa consistently being preferred in a lone-striker system. As a result, Remy has told the club he wishes to leave this summer and Mourinho has done everything to help him by allowing West Ham to open talks regarding personal terms. Chelsea paid £10.5m to sign the 28-year-old and are hoping to recoup most of that by slapping an £8m price tag on his head.
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West Ham chief confirms Slaven Bilic to give first-team chance to forgotten man
08:26 12 June 2015
Brad Pinard
London 24
West Ham co-owner David Gold claims the likes of Mauro Zarate will be given a clean slate under new boss Slaven Bilic. Bilic arrived this week and is now on holiday until June 22 when he will officially start work. The Hammers squad will have just ten days before their first Europa League game of the season and Bilic will want to asses his squad as quickly as possible. Zarate initially showed promise, running the show and scoring a beauty in an early season win away at Crystal Palace. However Sam Allardyce quickly decided the Argentinean wasn't going to last and farmed him out to QPR on loan in January. ADVERTISEMENT - Article continues bellow... The relegated R's also had no luck with Zarate, but Gold admits he will be given a second chance at West Ham. The likes of Modibo Maiga, Diego Poyet and Matt Jarvis are also set to be given a chance to break into the team this summer.
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