Noble - Collins is a great servant
WHUFC
Mark Noble has nothing but praise for the impact that James Collins has had at West Ham United and joked that London has now changed him for all the right reasons. Collins is celebrating a memorable milestone after he first joined the Club ten-years ago to the day.
The Wales international has become a fans favourite and after being nicknamed the 'ginger Pele', Collins has become a crucial member of the West Ham defence. Noble will never forget the first day that Collins arrived at the Club's training ground and says he has become a changed man both on and off the pitch. Noble said: "I knew Ginge when he came here from Cardiff. He had a terrible big ginger barnet and wore horrendous clothes! But London changed him in a year. He had all the new gear on and a new haircut! "I can't speak highly enough of him. We get on so well and everyone knows he gives everything in training and in games. He has been a great servant to the club."
Noble and Collins are part of the squad that are currently out in Ireland and the West Ham United midfielder believes the whole squad will benefit from spending time together with new manager Slaven Bilic at the Club's training base in Cork. The first-team players who were not involved in Thursday's Europa League victory over FC Lusitans are currently being put through their paces as they build up their fitness ahead of the new season.
Noble says this is always a crucial period for the players as they get to know how the new manager works and the systems he wants to put in place. There have also been new additions to the backroom staff with Julian Dicks and Chris Woods joining Bilic during the summer and Noble can sense the excitement around the squad as they head into the new season. Noble added: "It is nice to be back training and out on the pitch. We are still getting used to how Slaven works but nothing has changed dramatically yet and I am just enjoying getting fit again. Everyone needs to get used to how each other works. "Everyone knows Julian and Woodsy and they are a great addition to the coaching staff. We are together for long periods and it is great to be back with the boys and back out on the pitch working again."
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Important message for Band 1 Season Ticket Holders
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have an important message for all current Band 1 Season Ticket Holders still awaiting the opportunity to select their seats in the Club's magnificent new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. By now, all supporters in that group should have received an email from the Club notifying them of the date and time of their appointment at the New Stadium Reservation Centre in Westfield Stratford City, and providing them with personal login details to manage their appointment. The appointments for Band 1 Season Ticket Holders are scheduled to run until Wednesday 15 July, after which there will be a short break before the first appointments begin the following week for Band 2 Season Ticket Holders.
It is therefore essential that any Band 1 Season Ticket Holder who has not so far received notice of their Reservation Centre appointment, or who cannot attend at the time scheduled for them, contacts the Club as a matter of urgency on 0808 110 2016 to ensure they do not miss their place in the seat selection process.
The Reservation Centre features state-of-the-art Virtual Venue technology so that - over the course of an hour-long appointment - Season Ticket Holders can experience the different views and surroundings that await them at the new Stadium, and decide on the seat that suits them best, with the assistance of one of our dedicated Club advisers.
In recognition of their status as Founders of our new Stadium, each Season Ticket Holder also has the opportunity to bring two friends and family with them to Stratford as new Season Ticket Holders, and choose their seats together at the Reservation Centre. The names of all Founders will be displayed, pride of place, at West Ham's new home.
Season Ticket Holders who have received an email scheduling their appointment should visit reservations.whufc.com and use the personal login details contained in that email to add their two fellow Hammers fans to their appointment.
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O'Brien focused on second leg
WHUFc.com
Joey O'Brien says West Ham United go into next week's Europa League first qualifying round second leg against FC Lusitans in Andorra with a strong 3-0 lead but will be looking to make sure the job is done. The Republic of Ireland defender said there are memories to be made, especially for the younger players in the squad, if they can progress further in the competition, but the team will be going over for the away leg to make sure they finish what they have started. "We wanted to go out there win the game which we did [on Thursday], see how many we could get. We could've scored more. It was such a great atmosphere, with our fans and a packed stadium, we wanted to do as best we could for them. "We will go over there now in similar fashion and make sure we finish what we have started here."
O'Brien said the fantastic atmosphere created by the West Ham fans on Thursday was something he feels will stay in the player's minds, especially younger players like Reece Oxford and Josh Cullen who were making their senior debuts. "I played for Bolton when they were in Europe and they were some of the top nights, games to play in. You could have been playing a pre-season friendly in front of just a few thousand but it was great to play in front of full house at the Boleyn Ground on Thursday, our fans were fantastic. "If you can get through the early rounds of the competition home and away, it stays with you forever."
O'Brien said despite an early return to the pitch for the Hammers, there has been a nice mix of new manager Slaven Bilic coming in to meet everyone and Academy manager Terry Westley taking training and the team for these games. "There has been a mix of senior lads and younger boys, it's been really good. We came back and went straight over to Ireland for a training camp. Terry took the team and has done a great job with the lads. "The manager has come in and spoken to all the lads. He came over to Ireland and saw us there, was here for the match and spoke to us all before and afterwards. He has also been over with the lads that are currently in Ireland. "It's a chance for him to have a look at everyone and everything, so it's been good. He can see the younger lads, the boys who haven't been playing as much and those who have. When a new manager comes in, there's a new start on everything."
O'Brien said that there is a lot to look forward at this early stage of the new season. "Expectations get higher every year, to finish higher each time and the new manager will have that. It's always been the same. We are going into the last season here [at the Boleyn Ground] and then into a new stadium, so there is a lot to go for."
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SUNDAY TRANSFER ROUND-UP
By Iain Dale 5 Jul 2015 at 09:43
West Ham Till I Die
We may live to regret letting go of Sebastian Lletget. He's scored again for LA Galazy in a 4-0 victory over Toronto. Watch it HERE
James Tomkins talks about the special 'aura' around Slaven Bilic, as reportd by Claret & Hugh?
Will West Ham sign Angelo Ogbonna from Juventus or Aymen Abdennour from Monaco? We've apparently submitted £14 million bids. It seems we are definitely in the market for a central defender.
We are competing with Tottenham and WBA for Basel striker Breel Embolo according to Shoot. The 18 year old Cameroonian scored 17 goals in 42 games last season.
If Chelsea don't want him, West Ham top Charlie Austin's list of favoured destinations according to Claret & Hugh?
Glen Johnson is holding talks with West Ham according to various newspapers.
Claret N Blues? delve into the Kevin Nolan conundrum.
MK Dons starlet Daniel Agyei is currently training with West Ham according to HITC?, but Crystal Palace are on his trail too.
Darren Randolph raves about Reece Oxford on HITC?
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West Ham hopeful transfer of Alex Song from Barcelona will be completed this week
21:39, 5 JULY 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
Midfielder was one of the Hammers' key men last season while on a year-long loan and new boss Bilic wants him at Upton Park permanently
The Mirror
West Ham hope to confirm the capture of Alex Song this week. The east Londoners are understood to have reached an agreement with Spanish giants Barcelona to take the 27-year-old midfielder on a permanent basis after the Catalans initially demanded £6million. Cameroon international Song was in the stands at Upton Park last Thursday night as the Hammers beat FC Lusitans 3-0 in the first leg of their Europa League first qualifying round tie. The former Arsenal star, who is surplus to requirements at new European champions Barca, wants to remain in London. West Ham are aiming to seal his capture, along with that of right-back Carl Jenkinson on a second successive season-long loan from Arsenal.
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Slav and Irons face king sized AC problem
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Andy Carroll's relentless injury problems are set to become a major issue for Slaven Bilic as he plans West Ham's way towards the Olympic Stadium. Any new boss faced with a player who, at £17 million, has made 27 first team appearances and scored seven goals at £2,5 million each would be forgiven for wondering whether there is an answer anywhere to such a problem. Frankly, it doesn't look like it as all the talk about getting rid as quickly as possible doesn't really stack up given the stark financial realities of the situation.
I spent considerable time on the phone this afternoon to an agent very familiar with the problem that is AC and despite his years of experience in buying and selling players he sees only one flicker of hope – but more of that in a minute.
He explained: "How do you sell a player who is injured for such long periods. Even if a buyer came in the fee would be considerably lower than the £17 million West Ham paid and the wages on offer would be a fraction of the deal he has with the club. Why would he leave?
"Make no mistake West Ham – and therefore Slaven Bilic – has a problem which is seemingly insoluble and the added issue is that even were he fit, the new manager would prefer a front two of Sakho and Valencia with Payet playing behind them. "Nobody should try diminishing the problem because at this moment few inside the club have a clue on how this one is going to pan out. "And that's why the club and manager may decide to delay a decision on a long term replacement and instead bring in a player on loan for a season as cover for a Carroll who may or may not stay fit once he has returned."
AC will have three years left on his deal at the start of next season but my agent pal declared that the one hope comes in the fulsome shape of Sam Allardyce and his even more fulsome pal, Mr Carroll's agent, Mark Curtis. There's already a conspiracy theory doing the rounds that Sam may well be Leicester City's manager-in-waiting following the departure of his other big mate Nigel Pearson. He's an ideal candidate to keep a team that struggled last season in the Premier League. The theory was inspired by the move for Charlie Austin, an unlikely target for the club unless perhaps Sam – who does love a big man up front – is getting the gig.
If he does walk into the club at a time – hopefully when AC is fit – there's every chance the Foxes could put in a knockdown bd for him. It's a long shot shot but in the meantime the Irons and Slaven Bilic have a problem on their hands which may not be about to go away any time soon!
How ironic if the man so many Hammers fans love to hate turned out to be their salvation!
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The Terminator plays it cool on Slav attacks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Julian Dicks has shrugged off criticism of his big pal Slaven Bilic. The new manager has been attacked by some fans for not being in the dug-out for the Europa Cup qualifier against Lusines. But Dicks is clearly mellowing with the years and made his position clear when a follower on Twitter had called some of the fans morons for their comments against the new boss. 'The Terminator' merely commented: "Mate, whatever we do in life we can't keep everyone happy."
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'Fantastic offer' piles pressure on Irons
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson is ready to break the bank in the club's recent history to land Stewart Downing in time for the new season.
ClaretandHugh has been told this afternoon that an "entirely fantastic offer" is being made to West Ham for a player that Gibson admires as a man and a player above all others.
And one source close to the club said: "On the face of it this seems like madness – nobody knows how they make such an offer – but the thinking is that Gibson wants Stewart at the club in order to tie up his long term future as a coach and future manager.
"Downing is a hero figure to the Riverside fans and after the club failed to make the Premier League via the play-offs, landing him would also help dispel the bitter taste left in the fans' mouths. But there has to be a long term plan in place based on these figures"
Whilst West Ham have consistently said the player will not be allowed to leave, the latest offer is seeing them rethink their position and with the terms set to be offered to the player the pressure could well come on them from the £6m signing himself.
Were Downing to remain at Upton Park his starting position in the team would be under serious scrutiny with the likes of Chiek Kouyate, Pedro Obiang and Dimitri Payet certain to fill three of the midfield slots with Alex Song employed as the defensive midfielder should terms be agreed with Barcelona.
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"Irons board move quickly to get Bilic targets"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
New reports that the Hammers are ready to hold talks with Dynamo Kiev central defender Alexsander Dragovic this week have been described as "highly unlikely." The 24 year old was named as a Hammers target a couple of weeks back before Kiev went public with a £20 million plus valuation However, a source close to the Hammers board claimed that he was one of a number of names that had been discussed "and no more than that."
This morning however, one national paper said that the player was set for talks with the player which were again knocked back by the same source who is also privvy to Slaven Bilic's thoughts on players. But he said: "The board are moving quickly in their efforts to fulfil the brief given to them by Slav. He said: "We expect a deal for the central defender within seven days- a player to join Winston Reid has always been the manager's priori ty. "The two major signings so far – Pedro Obiang and Dimitri Payet had been identified before his arrival but the new manager made it clear at the interview stage he would need the top defender plus another attacking and holding midfielder and right back."
The current thinking is that Juventus' Angelo Ogbonna is seen as the Reid partner whilst a loan deal will be organised for the fourth striker. The next attacking midfielder through the dressing room doors is still being kept a well guarded secret.
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Hendrie gets Hammers all-clear
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 5, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham signing Stephen Hendrie has finally been given international clearance by the Scottish FA to play for the club. The Assoiation tweeted the news earlier this morning and wished the young left back all the best with his new club. The signing from Hamilton, who spent the rest of last season with the Scottish Premier League side, has been training with his new team-mates in Ireland. Having missed out on the Europa League squad due to ineligibility, Hendrie will stay with the first team group and could feature in upcoming pre-season friendlies. Fellow left back Lewis Page will continue to be in the Europa League squad and Aaron Cresswell is with Hendrie in the main squad.
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ExWHUemployee Column: Olympic Stadium season tickets set to sell-out
by @ExWHUemployee on July 5th, 2015Comments0 Comments Share to Facebook 12 Share to Twitter 13 Share to Google Plus 0 More...
WHUFCTV.com
It has been a week since my last column and there hasn't been much movement in any of our transfer deals at the moment
In the last week we played our first Europa League Qualifier match and won by three goals, a margin that could have been even more if superb efforts from Amalfitano and Cullen had not hit the bar and gone in. It is very hard to judge players from that game due to fitness levels and the quality of the opposition. I thought Matt Jarvis played well (something I haven't felt for a while) as did Zarate who could be about to start a new leash of life at the club. Sakho obviously got his two goals and I felt all the youngsters looked solid too. It is impossible to judge individual performances on that game but one thing that is for certain is how great our support his. Selling out that match was a brilliant effort and to hear that we have already sold out our away allocation for the second leg is equally as impressive. The TV rights for the fixture are with the home side so we are yet to know whether it will be shown on the website again but I think to show the home leg for free on there was a grand gesture.
There hasn't been any further additions to the squad since my last column despite the Boleyn Insider's inaccurate claims. I am not sure why he, or other figures in the club always put short time scales on things because anything can happen. They are best off doing what some "fake ITKs" do and put 2-3 weeks and cover all basis.
Alex Song watched the game at Upton Park and has agreed to join us, we are still trying to negotiate the exact terms of his release from Barcelona before he can complete the move but it is very close. He also has a niggling injury at the moment which he is receiving treatment on. Carl Jenkinson should also be signing soon. The club had hoped that they could turn the deal into a permanent one and had tried to negotiate this with Arsenal. It appears this is not likely to happen as Arsenal are asking too much and still seem reluctant to let him go on a permanent deal. Whilst this is a positive reflection on how they value the player it seems a strange move considering they have three other right backs, two of which are also young talented players.
Glen Johnson has been linked with a return to the club and this is easy media reporting. There hasn't been any talks with him as of yet because he doesn't fit the age of players we are looking for. If the deal with Jenkinson falls through for some reason then he may be considered but not at the moment and of course both parties are not going to want him signed as a squad player either.
The club are exploring the option of getting a striker in on loan, with Mario Balotelli and Fabio Borini both linked with the club, but I do not expect either of these to join. Mattia Destro has been strongly linked with a loan move to West Ham. He is an Italian international forward currently playing for Roma. He is only 24 and apparently keen to move on from Roma. He is a likely option on loan for us. We were keen on both Remy and Austin, but Remy appears to be staying at Chelsea and we will not match Austin's transfer fee. QPR's financial situation means they will need to sell players this window. It is thought by us and many other clubs that if we hold off until the end of the window the players asking price will decrease and then we will make a move.
As I have reported many times we had a list of about six centre-backs that Bilic would like to sign. He believes we need a top quality centre-back to play alongside Reid. I would argue that we don't with Tomkins, Collins, Henry, Burke and Oxford all available but being a centre-back by trade it seems Bilic thinks we must get this position right. The names on that list of centre-backs are Abdennour, who appears to be joining a top European team, Ogbonna (who some media outlets are reporting is on his way to London this weekend-I will find out tomorrow, Dragovic (who is Bilic's first choice) and Alderweireld are (who is joining Spurs) and two others who I will not reveal in this column as they are not as public.
N'Zonzi is another player who we have been linked with and as I have said in the past I don't think there is much in this. He was a player that was regularly linked with us in the past and that was because Big Sam brought him to Blackburn and had maintained a good relationship with the player.
The club feel we have a number of midfielders and that Diego Poyet will now be considered an important player too. I have regularly spoke of Cabaye and how there was interest and it keeps changing. He is highly rated by the establishment but it is felt we couldn't justify his price tag when we already have a number of players in that position. Middlesborough, Sunderland and Leicester all seem very keen on Stewart Downing. As I have reported before, he isn't for sale unless we receive a very big offer. These clubs appear to be willing to pay more than we expected so we may consider this given his age. This would then free up money to spend on Cabaye. We didn't want to get into a price war with Palace but he seems reluctant to go there and if we move quickly, we may well be able to change the deal. I have spoke to a number of people in the club about making a move for Cabaye and whilst it seems they were keen, not for the price or without selling someone, hopefully we will be able to do something as I believe we do not have a player like him.
The club would like to move Nolan on if this is possible but talk of him going to Bolton is far off. They simply would not be able to afford his wages which are rumoured at 50K a week. We may accept to pay some of the wages as a loan agreement but Bolton would only be able to cover roughly 10k maximum so it wouldn't be worth it. Nolan has a year left of his contract so it maybe that he sees that out and is used regularly in Europe. Another attacking midfielder that we have been alerted to by our South American connections is Manuel Lanzini who is currently with Al Jazira club. He is a 22 year old highly rated Argentinian who has played for their under 21 team.
Julian Dicks' appointment was great news for the club and seems to have really brought a much better team spirit to the squad. The only people to suffer are the ladies team who have lost their inspirational manager. The club are looking to appoint a new manager, two assistants, a goalkeeper coach and two physios to bring in a new backroom team. A couple of ex-players were interested in the post and the club have a number of strong candidates available for these positions. I hope that they find the right people to do the job and replace Julian well, as hard a task that is. The women's World Cup has been a real inspiration and I think it would be brilliant for the club if our ladies team continue to build on their successes. Stephen Hunt the current chairmen is doing a good job and there is no reason to suggest that it can't continue.
I heard that the club are getting 1000 people viewing their new season tickets via the virtual programme at Stratford each week and that the waiting list is increasing every week as well. The club expect to sell all the allocated season tickets for the stadium which is brilliant news and dispels the myth that we wouldn't ever sell it out.
Have a great start to the week and I will update you on any news that I hear, COYI.
Twitter - @ExWHUemployee
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Monday, July 6
Sunday, July 5
Daily WHUFC News - 5th July 2015
Burke happy with first leg advantage
WHUFC.com
Reece Burke said the Hammers' professional attitude helped them get the result they wanted against FC Lusitans on Thursday. Diafra Sakho scored twice and James Tomkins was also on the scoresheet as West Ham United secured a 3-0 win in their UEFA Europa League first qualifying round first leg tie. Burke played the 90 minutes at the back and said the result was all in the planning. "I thought we played really well. We came back early and only had ten days to prepare for the game but I thought we played well and could have had more goals," he said. "Every game is competitive and we treated it as a normal game. Yes, we were expected to win, but we prepared properly and got the win."
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Adrian benefits from Woods arrival
WHUFC.com
West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian is hoping the arrival of Chris Woods to the new management team will help him become an even better keeper in the Premier League next season. Woods became the first member of Slaven Bilic's backroom team and has a proven track record as both a player and a coach. The 55-year-old won the European Cup with Nottingham Forest and was understudy to Peter Shilton in the 1986 World Cup. Woods has made a successful switch into coaching where he has worked with some of the best keepers in the world including David de Gea at Manchester United. Adrian is now hoping to draw on all those experiences and feels these are exciting times for the Club as we prepare for a new adventure under Slaven Bilic. Adrian said: "Chris has arrived and we have been working very well together. It is a different style but this is good because now we have other options to train in the goal. "I think Chris can help me and the other keepers to be better. I hope he will make me even better. If you have an experienced goalkeeping coach you have the option you to improve your performance. "It is very exciting for the Club to be in the Europa League. For me this is really important and this is going to be an exciting season for everyone at West Ham."
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Proud moment for debutants
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's debutants were presented with their match shirts by first team manager Slaven Bilic and Joint-Chairman David Gold prior to Thursday's UEFA Europa League game against FC Lusitans. Academy products Reece Oxford and Lewis Page made their senior bows and were honoured in the dressing room moments before kick-off. Bilic said: ""It was a very nice moment for me as I wanted to go to the dressing room to wish them luck. I didn't want to interrupt their pre-match routine too much but I wanted to wish them luck and hope that they did well. "They both did a good job and it will stay in their memories for ever." Academy manager Terry Westley added: "He gave the team talk before the match, and presented Reece Oxford and Lewis Page, the young players making their debuts, with their match shirts. "He told them it was their turn to build their own legacy in the same shirt the likes of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand wore."
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Poyet hungry for more
WHUFC.com
Diego Poyet says there is a lot to look forward to at West Ham United this season and he hopes to be playing a part in what will be a big season at the Club. The midfielder played an important role as the Hammers secured a 3-0 first leg win over FC Lusitans at the Boleyn Ground on Thursday, to take into the second leg of the Europa League first round qualifier on Thursday.
And fresh from the game which saw West Ham start back early for pre-season, he said he is hungry for more chances under new manager Slaven Bilic in the forthcoming campaign. "It depends on how far we get in things like cups and Europa League," he explained. "The gaffer might give a chance to some of the younger players. We were unfortunate last season as we lost in the Capital One Cup against Sheffield United early on, so it was difficult. Hopefully, fingers crossed, some youngsters will get the chance to play. "
Poyet said that the new Hammers boss came into the dressing room before the game to wish the players luck, speak to them and then see them again afterwards. "He is trying to get to know us all, he has spoken to us as a group in Ireland. He has good presence about him. All I can say of him is what I have seen of him before at Bestikas and Croatia, that he has charisma, it is exciting for everyone."
Having gone out on loan last season to Huddersfield Town to get match action, Poyet says that could be the case again for him this year but he is looking to battle for a place in the West Ham team first and foremost. "I don't know about a loan," he said. "I haven't spoken to anyone about it. My preference would be to stay at West Ham as that is where I want to be and that is where I want to play. If the manager tells me I'm better off going out on loan and get some games in, then I will respect him for that and I will do that, but until I am told to, I am not going anywhere."
Poyet said the players are looking forward to the second leg and says that these matches are tremendous experience for any player, especially at a young age. "These games are great, Lusitans played 5-4-1 on Thursday and a solid 5-4-1 and were happy with 1-0, 2-0 and stuck to it. That is something you don't really get in the Premier League. "These are different things you learn and it is great experience for all the players involved."
*For supporters without a 15/16 Season Ticket and who have not been invited to attend a Reservation Centre appointment, joining the New Stadium Season Ticket Priority List is now the only way to guarantee priority for the Hammers' first season on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Those who join the Season Ticket Priority List will be invited to select their seats once all current Season Ticket Holders have had their appointments. It costs just £10 to join, which is non-refundable but will be redeemed against the purchase of your 2016/17 Season Ticket. Please note that supporters on the final season waiting list who have been unsuccessful in securing a 15/16 Season Ticket will automatically be transferred onto the New Stadium Season Ticket Priority List.
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Newcastle and West Ham transfer target Charlie Austin waiting for Chelsea to firm up interest
22:30, 4 JULY 2015
BY ALAN OLIVER
Newly-wed QPR star can stay in London if he becomes the champions' No4 striker and with the Hammers next in line, Steve McClaren is looking elsewhere
The Mirror
Charlie Austin is keeping West Ham and Newcastle sweating while he waits for Chelsea to come in for him, writes Alan Oliver in the Sunday People. Jose Mourinho is interested in making Austin, 26 this week, his fourth-choice striker behind Diego Costa, Loic Remy and new loan signing Radamel Falcao. And the QPR star, who used to sweat for his wages as a bricklayer while playing in non-League, is interested in joining the champions because of the cash on offer. He is not keen on Leicester, who had a £12million bid turned down last week. If Chelsea do not follow up their interest, West Ham are favourites to keep the relegated Hoops' newly-married striker in London. So Newcastle have stepped up their interest in Anderlecht frontman Aleksandar Mitrovic as hopes of signing Austin fade. New Toon boss Steve McClaren is ready to pay £15m for the 20-year-old Serbia international.
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West Ham face Tottenham transfer fight over £10m-rated Basel striker Breel Embolo
22:30, 4 JULY 2015
BY STEVE BATES
West Brom are also interested in the Cameroon-born Swiss rising star PLUS: Hammers to hold talks with Dynamo Kiev defender Dragovic
The Mirror
West Ham are battling rivals Tottenham and West Brom in the race for £10million-rated FC Basel hot-shot Breel Embolo, writes Steve Bates in the Sunday People. The Cameroon-born Swiss striker is a target for the Hammers' new boss Slaven Bilic and Albion chief Tony Pulis after bagging 10 goals for his club last season. And their counterpart at the White Hart Lane club, Mauricio Pochettino, is also keen on the 18-year-old after sending scouts to watch him last term. Embolo is rated one of the best young emerging players in Switzerland with the talented teenager establishing himself as a key member of the Basel side over the last two seasons. The Hammers will also hold talks with Dynamo Kiev central defender Aleksandar Dragovic this week. But they may have to fork out up to £17m to sign the 24-year-old Austria international.
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West Ham transfers: Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson wanted on a permanent deal at Upton Park
22:30, 4 JULY 2015
BY DEAN JONES
The Hammers were so impressed with the defender on loan last season they now want to buy him - but his parent club are expected to farm him out again
The Mirror
West Ham believe they could yet sign Carl Jenkinson on a permanent deal. It has been expected that full-back Jenkinson will sign a new contract with parent club Arsenal before heading out on another loan – he spent last season with the Hammers. The east Londoners were so impressed that they hope to convince the Gunners to let the player move to Upton Park full-time. Sunderland have already had a loan offer accepted, but West Ham know the England Under-21 international would prefer to play for them next season. Jenkinson made 31 league appearances for the Irons and played in all three England U21s games in their unsuccessful European Championship campaign last month.
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West Ham's James Tomkins praises ''unbelievable'' Slaven Bilic after just one match in charge
22:30, 4 JULY 2015
BY STEVE STAMMERS
The fans already love the Croatian from his days as a player for the Hammers and defender reveals he is rapidly winning the squad over too
The Mirror
In one short, succinct sentence James Tomkins summed up the effect Slaven Bilic has had on the players at West Ham. "When he comes in the room, you can almost hear the silence," said the 26-year-old central defender who became the first captain of a winning team under the new managerial regime of the Croatian when Lusitanos of Andorra were beaten 3-0 in the first leg of a Europa League first qualifying round tie at Upton Park last week. The acid test of Premier League football is still to come of course. But clearly Tomkins feels that West Ham have someone special in charge now. The fans are already on-side judging by the reception given to Bilic last Thursday. And Bilic is making an impression on the players. Tomkins knows the importance of East End support. He also knows Bilic has got it. There was a warmth towards the new man that was never evident for Sam Allardyce but Tomkins was quick to swerve any criticism of Bilic's predecessor. "It is hard to criticise the old manager," said Tomkins. "He brought us up to the Premier League and he kept us there."
And he then used an interesting – and accurate – word to describe Bilic who has been labelled a club legend which is hard to justify when the subject played fewer than 50 games for West Ham and stayed only 18 months. Instead, Tomkins said: "Slaven was a face here, wasn't he? He's a legend, even though he played only 30 or 40 games. Why? I think it was the way he played, the passion he showed. He does that on the touchline as well. "I have seen him with Besiktas and Croatia. It is the same. He is an animated man and that is what he was like on the pitch. "That is what the fans like to see. I was only young when he was here, but I remember seeing him play and I know he loved a challenge! "But he has that presence about him that good managers do."
Tomkins has been getting feedback from the training base in Cork from his close friend Mark Noble. And the omens are good. "I have heard that the training has been unbelievable," Tomkins said. "I keep speaking to the lads over there and they keep telling me how good and sharp it is. I can't wait to start training with him."
Tomkins missed the trip to the Republic of Ireland to work on his fitness back at the club after he missed three months of last season with a shoulder injury. It was a frustrating time – but he is now fit and actually relishes the rigours of an early start to the season that the Europa League qualification has brought. "It was a massive honour to lead out the team, " he said. "And it was massive support. There aren't many teams who could put out 35,000 for a Europa League qualifier first-leg. "As for myself, I thought I did well last year. My game was coming along nicely. In the first half of the season I felt I had a massive say in what we were doing in the league. "We were fourth in the league at one point. We were flying. It was really disappointing for me to get injured at that point. I felt I was improving and getting better and better. But these things happen in football. It is how you bounce back that is important.
"As for the Europa League, it is better than playing friendlies. The match on Thursday was a proper game and we prepared properly for it."
One player who is certain to benefit from the arrival of Bilic is James Collins. Bilic is a mean guitar player – a musical skill that proved beyond Collins – or "Ginge" as Tomkins called him – last season. "Ginge tried to learn last year but he gave up when he realised how hard it was, " said Tomkins. Yet another challenge for Bilic then to get James Collins up to Stereophonics standard. West Ham staying up seems more likely.
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West Ham eye transfer of Aleksandar Dragovic in case of Aymen Abdennour gazumping
22:30, 1 JULY 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
Newcastle and Liverpool are also looking at Monaco defender who wants a Prem move so the Dynamo Kiev man is Hammers' Plan B, PLUS: Downing latest
The Mirror
West Ham have lined up Dynamo Kiev defender Aleksandar Dragovic in case they miss out on Monaco's Aymen Abdennour. We revealed last Friday that the Hammers are targeting a commanding centre-half as part of their revamp, and that they had made a £13.5million move for Abdennour.
The Londoners, who play the first leg of their Europa League first qualifying round tie against Andorran visitors Lusitans on Thursday, are ready to back new boss Slaven Bilic as he bids to reconfigure the side. The Tunisian also has offers from Spain and Italy, but would prefer to play in the Premier League. West Ham face competition for Abdennour from Newcastle and also from Liverpool and have Dragovic in their sights in case they are gazumped for the 25-year-old's services. The 24-year-old Austrian clinched the Ukrainian League and Cup double with Kiev last season and has 35 caps for his country. Meanwhile, the Hammers remain ready to sell England international Stewart Downing following the £14m arrival of Marseille winger Dimitri Payet. Downing, who turns 31 this month, is concerned he will not play regularly next season and is open to a move, with both Newcastle and rivals Sunderland interested in taking him back to his native north-east. West Ham have already rejected an informal £6m offer from the Wearsiders for Downing, but are willing to do business at around £8m.
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Balotelli at 3/1 to join Irons – Downing 4/11 to leave
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Sky Bet have hugely controversial Mario Balotelli as low as 3/1 to join the Hammers this summer. The betting firm make the Irons clear favourites to move for the trouble torn former Manchester City and Liverpool striker at half the odds of second favourites AC Milan and Sampdoria with Newcastle priced at 8/1 to get him. It's very hard to see why the Irons board would want to invest in a player who scored one in 16 for Liverpool last season although the Italy international did grab 20 in 54 for Manchester City before moving to Roma where he grabbed 26 in 43 games. While West Ham need a new striker, going for another big-money forward who couldn't quite cut it at Liverpool (see Andy Carroll) wouldn't maye be the wisest of approaches. Meanwhile Loic Remy – despite Jose Mourinho's apparent refusal to sell him remains a 4/6 favourite to join the Irons whilst Glen Johnson is priced at 9/4 to join us and Stewart Downing is as short as 4/11 to joing Middlesbrough.
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Bilic eyes Argentine playmaker
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
The Irons have been reported as having made a move for Argentine playmaker Manuel Lanzini currently playing for the Al Jazira club in the United Arab Emirates. According to the Mirror we are seeking a loan deal for next season with an option to buy if he impresses at Upton Park. Formerly with River Plate, Lanzini, is seen as a possible addition to a squad which Slaven Bilic believes deepening and his skilful, dribbling style would suit the style of play that new manager wants to bring to the Boleyn. Bilic has also reportedly asked the two Davids to try bringing Roma striker Mattia Destro to the club in what would be another loan deal.
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Irons on Nolan future
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham are keen to see captain Kevin Nolan find a suitable club this summer but deny any knowledge of him talking to former club Bolton.
Nolan is known to have been considering his future since last season and the arrival of new boss Slaven Bilic looks to be the likely end of the midfielder's Irons career. At 33 he cannot supply the energy he once provided in midfield and with the club looking to bring in younger players, his departure would boost their abilities to meet wage demands. Sam Allardyce's departure has always been seen as likely to mark the end of Nolan's Upton Park stay and speculation arose within the last couple of weeks that he was inn talks with, and could be on his his way back to Bolton. However, a ClaretandHugh source said: "We know of no such talks and I think it's likely we would. Were Kevin to find a suitable club we are unlikely to stand in his way. He's been a great servant to the club. "However, we find the prospect of a return to Bolton unlikely as we really don't believe they could satisfy his personal terms were they to be in talks."
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Irons old boy linked with return
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Irons old boy Glen Johnson is AGAIN being linked with a return to the Boleyn. The Express is the latest outlet to try this one on us in the middle of the silly season although it takes a bit of swallowing given that we are known to be in ongoing talks with Carl Jenkinson's advisors and that new boss Slaven Blic is a known admirer of the Arsenal full back. However, the report concerning Johnson declares that he is now a Liverpool outcast following manager Brendan Rodgers has splashed out £12.5 million for Nathanial Clyne. Stoke, Glatasaray and Beskitas are all claimed to be in the market for Johnson who was a product of our academy of course. The right back made just 19 Premier League appearances last term and has lost his place in the England squad.
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Pearce backs Bilic's central defender move
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Former Hammers defender Ian Pearce has backed Slaven Bilic's view that the club needs a classy central defender. ClaretandHugh has regularly reported that this is the new manager's No 1 priority and Pearce has confirmed that's a position that needs strengthening.
Now amid reports that Juventus' Angelo Ogbanna is on his way to the club Pearce has declared: "I think the club need a centre-half and maybe a centre forward and I think you're away. He told TalkSport: "I think he'll know the European market very well and [Julian Dicks] Dicksy will know the domestic market. "I think he has people like the Chairmen to support him, so if he goes to them and says i want this player, i think they'll be really supportive with him.
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Poyet's hopes
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Diego Poyet is looking for game time. And after his display in the Europa Cup match on Thirsday he spoke about the new boss and the welcome he had given the lads as he appeared in the dressing room od 2015 for the first time. The defensive midfielder said: "He is trying to get to know us all, he has spoken to us as a group in Ireland. He has good presence about him. All I can say of him is what I have seen of him before at Bestikas and Croatia, that he has charisma, it is exciting for everyone." He's hopeful that he will get a chance to impress but knows that depends to the team's progress in domestic and League Cup competitions. He added: "It depends on how far we get in things like cups and Europa League. The gaffer might give a chance to some of the younger players. "We were unfortunate last season as we lost in the Capital One Cup against Sheffield United early on, so it was difficult. Hopefully, fingers crossed, some youngsters will get the chance to play. "
Having gone out on loan last season to Huddersfield Town to get match action, Poyet told the official site that could be the case again for him this year but his objective is an Irons first team place. He explained: "I don't know about a loan. I haven't spoken to anyone about it. My preference would be to stay at West Ham as that is where I want to be."
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Collins: 'These are very confident coaches'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
James Collins is thrilled that Julian Dicks is now part of the Irons coaching set-up and looking forward to his ideas for the first team squad. Talking to the club's official website, Ginge declared himself impressed with the new training regime and said: "Julian has come in and is a legend around the club and it will be interesting to see his ideas as well." "All the players are looking to impress Bilic, Dicks and co and the central defender said of things: "It is very organised and they know what they are doing. They are confident coaches and that is rubbing off on the players. "Everyone is trying to impress the new manager and everyone has got a chance of playing. Training has been sharp." .
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Cursed Andy Carroll gives new West Ham boss Slaven Bilic his first problem
Express.co.uk
SLAVEN BILIC is expected to make his Europa League bow with West Ham this week - but without the injury cursed Andy Carroll.
By COLIN MAFHAM
PUBLISHED: 22:30, Sat, Jul 4, 2015
The Hammers new boss will have to settle instead for reports from the club medics to let him know if and when he can count on the services of his jinxed Geordie striker. Bilic is likely to see West Ham complete their Euro canter against the Andorran minnows from FC Lusitans after beating them 3-0 in last week's first leg. What to do about Carroll, however, remains a major headache for the Croatian. The pony-tailed hitman who has cost more than £50million in transfer fees alone since leaving Newcastle more than four years ago is said to be progressing on his latest comeback trail. But he won't be fit enough to face little Lusitans on Thursday or probably Arsenal in the new season curtain-raiser at The Emirates on August 9. And that leaves Bilic in a real quandary about whether he needs to splash some more cash on someone to help Diafra Sakho in case the curse of Carroll strikes again. In the meantime Carroll continues a summer of gruelling rehabilitation to try to prove he really is worth the incredible amount of money that has been spent on him.
Apart from the £90,000-a-week wages he banks - that's a little more than £28million if he sees out his six-year contract - Carroll can also count on financial endorsements to help ease the pain. The stats on what West Ham have so far got for their money make for mind boggling reading. In the two years since Carroll joined the Hammers from Liverpool for a little more than £17million he has been fit enough to make only 27 first team appearances and scored just seven goals. That works out to around £2.5million per goal. He cost his former club, Liverpool, almost twice as much. They paid Newcastle £35million for his services in 2011 and got just six goals in only 34 appearances during a similarly blighted three seasons at Anfield. On a cash for goals comparison the aptly tagged Reds bank manager worked that one out as costing them nearly £6million per goal.
It is not, of course, Carroll's fault. His all-out commitment and challenges - when he's on the pitch - have taken a high toll. As his former West Ham manager, Sam Allardyce, said last season: "He's his own worst enemy because he goes for everything." That, though, is no consolation for Bilic who wrestles with the problem of whether he and the Hammers can wait much longer for Carroll to deliver on the high expectations they face ahead of their move into the Olympic Stadium at the start of next season. West Ham bosses have already backed the new man in the transfer market with the signings of Dimitri Payet, Pedro Obiang and Darren Randolph. Reports now also suggest they are on the brink of bringing Alex Song back from Barcelona for around £5million and Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson following their successful loan spells last season. Dynamo Kiev defender Aleksandar Dragovic and Paris St Germain midfielder Yohan Cabaye are also believed to be on the West Ham radar. Substantial funds will also be made available for a new striker - if the struggling Carroll falls short again.
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Luis Advincula admits speculation surrounding West Ham transfer is 'nice'
HITC
Olly Dawes
Peru defender Luis Advincula has admitted that it is 'nice' to be linked with a move to West Ham. Hoffenheim full back Luis Advincula has told El Comercio in Peru that it's 'nice' to have been linked with a move to West Ham this summer. Advincula, 25, is currently on international duty with Peru, and has been one of the breakout stars of the Copa America tournament, starring in a Peru side which reached the semi-finals before defeat to Chile. The right back spent last season on loan at Vitoria Setubal in Portugal, but has now returned to parent club Hoffenheim for pre-season - but speculation now surrounds his future. According to Peruvian newspaper Libero, Advincula is close to signing a deal to join West Ham this summer, with the Hammers impressed by his performances at Copa America. Now, El Comercio have asked Advincula how he feels about a proposed move to Upton Park - and he admitted that he is happy with the speculation, but isn't focusing on the reports right now. "It's nice because you feel your work is being recognised, but at the same time, I am calm," said Advincula, who helped Peru clinch third place in Copa America on Friday, having beaten Paraguay 2-0.
What would Advincula bring to West Ham?
Advincula is a pacey, attack minded right back who needs to settle down having been farmed out on loan three times since joining Hoffenheim in 2013. The Peruvian possesses immense stamina and effort, working relentlessly down the right hand side right until the very end, which would certainly be welcome at West Ham. With West Ham yet to re-sign Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson and having released Guy Demel this summer, Advincula would give some depth for manager Slaven Bilic, who needs to bring at least one right back this summer, if not two.
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West Ham 'in talks to re-sign free agent Glen Johnson'
Sean Kearns for Metro.co.ukSaturday 4 Jul 2015 5:34 pm
Metro.co.uk
West Ham United are in talks to re-sign former defender Glen Johnson after the full-back was released by Liverpool this summer. The 30-year-old spent six seasons at Anfield but was released after Brendan Rodgers' side turned down the chance of offering the former England defender a new deal. Johnson started his career at Upton Park and spent three years with the Hammers before moving to Chelsea in 2003. And, according to reports, the defender is in talks to return to the east London club, with Slaven Bilic keen to sign the right-back on a free transfer this summer.
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Report: West Ham finalise deal to sign Angelo Ogbonna from Juventus
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
Aston Villa, West Ham United, Everton, Liverpool and Southampton have all been linked with Juventus defender Angelo Ogbonna. West Ham United are set to sign Angelo Ogbonna from Juventus, according to Tuttosport. According to the Italian newspaper, the Hammers have won the race for the Italy international defender and have finalised a deal with Juventus. The Hammers will have to pay €10 million (£7.1m) as a transfer fee to the Italian champions, with another €2m in performance-related bonuses (£1.4m). Tuttosport has also claimed that West Ham's Premier League rivals, Everton, remain interested in Ogbonna and have not given up on their hopes of signing him despite the latest development. Previous reports had credited a number of clubs with holding an interest in the 27-year-old former Torino centre-back.
Last month, TuttoMercatoWeb claimed interest from Aston Villa in Ogbonna, who was linked with Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Southampton by Tuttosport, ESPN and Gianlucadimarzio.com respectively. Ogbonna is a highly-rated centre-back, but he has struggled to make a huge impact at Juventus since his move to the Italian giants from city-rivals Torino in the summer of 2013. During the 2013-14 season, the Italian could make just 16 appearances in Serie A, creating 16 chances in the process. The defender had a pass accuracy of 90%, and won 36 headers, eight dribbles and 16 tackles. Ogbonna featured in three Champions League matches that campaign, while last season he played just once in Europe's premier club competition. The former Torino star, though, played in 25 Serie A games for Juventus in the 2014-15 campaign. Ogbonna created four chances, had a pass accuracy of 89% and a shot accuracy of 22%, and won 41 headers, 15 dribbles and 20 tackles.
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Report: West Ham interested in Southampton's Graziano Pelle
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Graziano Pelle from Southampton this summer. West Ham United are interested in signing Graziano Pelle from Southampton this summer, according to Gianlucadimarzio.com. It has been reported by the Italian news outlet that the Hammers are pondering making a move for the Italy international striker after finding it tough to recruit Mattia Destro of AS Roma. Pelle enjoyed a strong debut season in the Premier League with Southampton in 2014-15, playing an important role in the Saints finishing as high as seventh in the league table. The former Feyenoord striker scored 12 goals and created 42 chances in 38 Premier League appearances last season. The Italian had a pass accuracy of 65% and a shot accuracy of 38%, and won 170 headers, seven dribbles and 10 tackles. However, Pelle has had just one good season in the Premier League, and he was inconsistent as well. Moreover, the striker will be 30 later this month, and it will not be a wise long-term investment for West Ham to sign Pelle this summer.
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Diego Poyet ready to stake claim in Slaven Bilic's West Ham side for forthcoming Premier League campaign
By MARK BRYANS, PRESS ASSOCIATION
PUBLISHED: 00:37, 4 July 2015 | UPDATED: 01:12, 4 July 2015
Diego Poyet is determined to establish himself in Slaven Bilic's West Ham side in the forthcoming season. The 20-year-old joined the Hammers from Charlton last summer but has only played three times in the Premier League. He spent a spell out on loan at Huddersfield last season but could find first-team opportunities easier to come by at Upton Park this year as Bilic looks to lead his side into the Europa League group stages. Poyet turned out for West Ham in their 3-0 victory over Andorra minnows FC Lusitans in their first qualifying round tie on Thursday night.And the Uruguay Under-20 international, son of former Chelsea and Tottenham ace Gus Poyet, wants to stay put and stake his claim for a prominent role in Bilic's plans.'My preference is to want to be at West Ham,' he said when asked if another loan move may be on the cards. 'That is where I want to be and that is where I want to play. If the manager tells me 'Look you are better off going out on loan and get some games' then I will respect him for that and I will do that. But until I am told to leave I am not going anywhere. 'If you are a young player and not playing then soon as there is a new manager, the thing you want to do is impress. In a way to get into his good books and he trusts you. 'That is the important thing. If you are young but the manager trusts you, it doesn't matter how old you are. He has faith in you, he is going to play you, or at least give you a chance.' With the Europa League fixtures and the hope of further runs in the FA Cup and Capital One Cup, Poyet believes he and a number of other young players at the club will be given their opportunities to shine. 'It depends how far we get in things like cups and Europa league,' the midfielder said of his chances of playing more regularly. 'He (Bilic) might give a chance to some of the young players. We were unfortunate last season as we lost the capital one cup against Sheffield United early on so it was difficult. Hopefully fingers crossed some youngsters will get the chance to play.'
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WHUFC.com
Reece Burke said the Hammers' professional attitude helped them get the result they wanted against FC Lusitans on Thursday. Diafra Sakho scored twice and James Tomkins was also on the scoresheet as West Ham United secured a 3-0 win in their UEFA Europa League first qualifying round first leg tie. Burke played the 90 minutes at the back and said the result was all in the planning. "I thought we played really well. We came back early and only had ten days to prepare for the game but I thought we played well and could have had more goals," he said. "Every game is competitive and we treated it as a normal game. Yes, we were expected to win, but we prepared properly and got the win."
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Adrian benefits from Woods arrival
WHUFC.com
West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian is hoping the arrival of Chris Woods to the new management team will help him become an even better keeper in the Premier League next season. Woods became the first member of Slaven Bilic's backroom team and has a proven track record as both a player and a coach. The 55-year-old won the European Cup with Nottingham Forest and was understudy to Peter Shilton in the 1986 World Cup. Woods has made a successful switch into coaching where he has worked with some of the best keepers in the world including David de Gea at Manchester United. Adrian is now hoping to draw on all those experiences and feels these are exciting times for the Club as we prepare for a new adventure under Slaven Bilic. Adrian said: "Chris has arrived and we have been working very well together. It is a different style but this is good because now we have other options to train in the goal. "I think Chris can help me and the other keepers to be better. I hope he will make me even better. If you have an experienced goalkeeping coach you have the option you to improve your performance. "It is very exciting for the Club to be in the Europa League. For me this is really important and this is going to be an exciting season for everyone at West Ham."
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Proud moment for debutants
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's debutants were presented with their match shirts by first team manager Slaven Bilic and Joint-Chairman David Gold prior to Thursday's UEFA Europa League game against FC Lusitans. Academy products Reece Oxford and Lewis Page made their senior bows and were honoured in the dressing room moments before kick-off. Bilic said: ""It was a very nice moment for me as I wanted to go to the dressing room to wish them luck. I didn't want to interrupt their pre-match routine too much but I wanted to wish them luck and hope that they did well. "They both did a good job and it will stay in their memories for ever." Academy manager Terry Westley added: "He gave the team talk before the match, and presented Reece Oxford and Lewis Page, the young players making their debuts, with their match shirts. "He told them it was their turn to build their own legacy in the same shirt the likes of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand wore."
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Poyet hungry for more
WHUFC.com
Diego Poyet says there is a lot to look forward to at West Ham United this season and he hopes to be playing a part in what will be a big season at the Club. The midfielder played an important role as the Hammers secured a 3-0 first leg win over FC Lusitans at the Boleyn Ground on Thursday, to take into the second leg of the Europa League first round qualifier on Thursday.
And fresh from the game which saw West Ham start back early for pre-season, he said he is hungry for more chances under new manager Slaven Bilic in the forthcoming campaign. "It depends on how far we get in things like cups and Europa League," he explained. "The gaffer might give a chance to some of the younger players. We were unfortunate last season as we lost in the Capital One Cup against Sheffield United early on, so it was difficult. Hopefully, fingers crossed, some youngsters will get the chance to play. "
Poyet said that the new Hammers boss came into the dressing room before the game to wish the players luck, speak to them and then see them again afterwards. "He is trying to get to know us all, he has spoken to us as a group in Ireland. He has good presence about him. All I can say of him is what I have seen of him before at Bestikas and Croatia, that he has charisma, it is exciting for everyone."
Having gone out on loan last season to Huddersfield Town to get match action, Poyet says that could be the case again for him this year but he is looking to battle for a place in the West Ham team first and foremost. "I don't know about a loan," he said. "I haven't spoken to anyone about it. My preference would be to stay at West Ham as that is where I want to be and that is where I want to play. If the manager tells me I'm better off going out on loan and get some games in, then I will respect him for that and I will do that, but until I am told to, I am not going anywhere."
Poyet said the players are looking forward to the second leg and says that these matches are tremendous experience for any player, especially at a young age. "These games are great, Lusitans played 5-4-1 on Thursday and a solid 5-4-1 and were happy with 1-0, 2-0 and stuck to it. That is something you don't really get in the Premier League. "These are different things you learn and it is great experience for all the players involved."
*For supporters without a 15/16 Season Ticket and who have not been invited to attend a Reservation Centre appointment, joining the New Stadium Season Ticket Priority List is now the only way to guarantee priority for the Hammers' first season on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Those who join the Season Ticket Priority List will be invited to select their seats once all current Season Ticket Holders have had their appointments. It costs just £10 to join, which is non-refundable but will be redeemed against the purchase of your 2016/17 Season Ticket. Please note that supporters on the final season waiting list who have been unsuccessful in securing a 15/16 Season Ticket will automatically be transferred onto the New Stadium Season Ticket Priority List.
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Newcastle and West Ham transfer target Charlie Austin waiting for Chelsea to firm up interest
22:30, 4 JULY 2015
BY ALAN OLIVER
Newly-wed QPR star can stay in London if he becomes the champions' No4 striker and with the Hammers next in line, Steve McClaren is looking elsewhere
The Mirror
Charlie Austin is keeping West Ham and Newcastle sweating while he waits for Chelsea to come in for him, writes Alan Oliver in the Sunday People. Jose Mourinho is interested in making Austin, 26 this week, his fourth-choice striker behind Diego Costa, Loic Remy and new loan signing Radamel Falcao. And the QPR star, who used to sweat for his wages as a bricklayer while playing in non-League, is interested in joining the champions because of the cash on offer. He is not keen on Leicester, who had a £12million bid turned down last week. If Chelsea do not follow up their interest, West Ham are favourites to keep the relegated Hoops' newly-married striker in London. So Newcastle have stepped up their interest in Anderlecht frontman Aleksandar Mitrovic as hopes of signing Austin fade. New Toon boss Steve McClaren is ready to pay £15m for the 20-year-old Serbia international.
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West Ham face Tottenham transfer fight over £10m-rated Basel striker Breel Embolo
22:30, 4 JULY 2015
BY STEVE BATES
West Brom are also interested in the Cameroon-born Swiss rising star PLUS: Hammers to hold talks with Dynamo Kiev defender Dragovic
The Mirror
West Ham are battling rivals Tottenham and West Brom in the race for £10million-rated FC Basel hot-shot Breel Embolo, writes Steve Bates in the Sunday People. The Cameroon-born Swiss striker is a target for the Hammers' new boss Slaven Bilic and Albion chief Tony Pulis after bagging 10 goals for his club last season. And their counterpart at the White Hart Lane club, Mauricio Pochettino, is also keen on the 18-year-old after sending scouts to watch him last term. Embolo is rated one of the best young emerging players in Switzerland with the talented teenager establishing himself as a key member of the Basel side over the last two seasons. The Hammers will also hold talks with Dynamo Kiev central defender Aleksandar Dragovic this week. But they may have to fork out up to £17m to sign the 24-year-old Austria international.
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West Ham transfers: Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson wanted on a permanent deal at Upton Park
22:30, 4 JULY 2015
BY DEAN JONES
The Hammers were so impressed with the defender on loan last season they now want to buy him - but his parent club are expected to farm him out again
The Mirror
West Ham believe they could yet sign Carl Jenkinson on a permanent deal. It has been expected that full-back Jenkinson will sign a new contract with parent club Arsenal before heading out on another loan – he spent last season with the Hammers. The east Londoners were so impressed that they hope to convince the Gunners to let the player move to Upton Park full-time. Sunderland have already had a loan offer accepted, but West Ham know the England Under-21 international would prefer to play for them next season. Jenkinson made 31 league appearances for the Irons and played in all three England U21s games in their unsuccessful European Championship campaign last month.
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West Ham's James Tomkins praises ''unbelievable'' Slaven Bilic after just one match in charge
22:30, 4 JULY 2015
BY STEVE STAMMERS
The fans already love the Croatian from his days as a player for the Hammers and defender reveals he is rapidly winning the squad over too
The Mirror
In one short, succinct sentence James Tomkins summed up the effect Slaven Bilic has had on the players at West Ham. "When he comes in the room, you can almost hear the silence," said the 26-year-old central defender who became the first captain of a winning team under the new managerial regime of the Croatian when Lusitanos of Andorra were beaten 3-0 in the first leg of a Europa League first qualifying round tie at Upton Park last week. The acid test of Premier League football is still to come of course. But clearly Tomkins feels that West Ham have someone special in charge now. The fans are already on-side judging by the reception given to Bilic last Thursday. And Bilic is making an impression on the players. Tomkins knows the importance of East End support. He also knows Bilic has got it. There was a warmth towards the new man that was never evident for Sam Allardyce but Tomkins was quick to swerve any criticism of Bilic's predecessor. "It is hard to criticise the old manager," said Tomkins. "He brought us up to the Premier League and he kept us there."
And he then used an interesting – and accurate – word to describe Bilic who has been labelled a club legend which is hard to justify when the subject played fewer than 50 games for West Ham and stayed only 18 months. Instead, Tomkins said: "Slaven was a face here, wasn't he? He's a legend, even though he played only 30 or 40 games. Why? I think it was the way he played, the passion he showed. He does that on the touchline as well. "I have seen him with Besiktas and Croatia. It is the same. He is an animated man and that is what he was like on the pitch. "That is what the fans like to see. I was only young when he was here, but I remember seeing him play and I know he loved a challenge! "But he has that presence about him that good managers do."
Tomkins has been getting feedback from the training base in Cork from his close friend Mark Noble. And the omens are good. "I have heard that the training has been unbelievable," Tomkins said. "I keep speaking to the lads over there and they keep telling me how good and sharp it is. I can't wait to start training with him."
Tomkins missed the trip to the Republic of Ireland to work on his fitness back at the club after he missed three months of last season with a shoulder injury. It was a frustrating time – but he is now fit and actually relishes the rigours of an early start to the season that the Europa League qualification has brought. "It was a massive honour to lead out the team, " he said. "And it was massive support. There aren't many teams who could put out 35,000 for a Europa League qualifier first-leg. "As for myself, I thought I did well last year. My game was coming along nicely. In the first half of the season I felt I had a massive say in what we were doing in the league. "We were fourth in the league at one point. We were flying. It was really disappointing for me to get injured at that point. I felt I was improving and getting better and better. But these things happen in football. It is how you bounce back that is important.
"As for the Europa League, it is better than playing friendlies. The match on Thursday was a proper game and we prepared properly for it."
One player who is certain to benefit from the arrival of Bilic is James Collins. Bilic is a mean guitar player – a musical skill that proved beyond Collins – or "Ginge" as Tomkins called him – last season. "Ginge tried to learn last year but he gave up when he realised how hard it was, " said Tomkins. Yet another challenge for Bilic then to get James Collins up to Stereophonics standard. West Ham staying up seems more likely.
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West Ham eye transfer of Aleksandar Dragovic in case of Aymen Abdennour gazumping
22:30, 1 JULY 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
Newcastle and Liverpool are also looking at Monaco defender who wants a Prem move so the Dynamo Kiev man is Hammers' Plan B, PLUS: Downing latest
The Mirror
West Ham have lined up Dynamo Kiev defender Aleksandar Dragovic in case they miss out on Monaco's Aymen Abdennour. We revealed last Friday that the Hammers are targeting a commanding centre-half as part of their revamp, and that they had made a £13.5million move for Abdennour.
The Londoners, who play the first leg of their Europa League first qualifying round tie against Andorran visitors Lusitans on Thursday, are ready to back new boss Slaven Bilic as he bids to reconfigure the side. The Tunisian also has offers from Spain and Italy, but would prefer to play in the Premier League. West Ham face competition for Abdennour from Newcastle and also from Liverpool and have Dragovic in their sights in case they are gazumped for the 25-year-old's services. The 24-year-old Austrian clinched the Ukrainian League and Cup double with Kiev last season and has 35 caps for his country. Meanwhile, the Hammers remain ready to sell England international Stewart Downing following the £14m arrival of Marseille winger Dimitri Payet. Downing, who turns 31 this month, is concerned he will not play regularly next season and is open to a move, with both Newcastle and rivals Sunderland interested in taking him back to his native north-east. West Ham have already rejected an informal £6m offer from the Wearsiders for Downing, but are willing to do business at around £8m.
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Balotelli at 3/1 to join Irons – Downing 4/11 to leave
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Sky Bet have hugely controversial Mario Balotelli as low as 3/1 to join the Hammers this summer. The betting firm make the Irons clear favourites to move for the trouble torn former Manchester City and Liverpool striker at half the odds of second favourites AC Milan and Sampdoria with Newcastle priced at 8/1 to get him. It's very hard to see why the Irons board would want to invest in a player who scored one in 16 for Liverpool last season although the Italy international did grab 20 in 54 for Manchester City before moving to Roma where he grabbed 26 in 43 games. While West Ham need a new striker, going for another big-money forward who couldn't quite cut it at Liverpool (see Andy Carroll) wouldn't maye be the wisest of approaches. Meanwhile Loic Remy – despite Jose Mourinho's apparent refusal to sell him remains a 4/6 favourite to join the Irons whilst Glen Johnson is priced at 9/4 to join us and Stewart Downing is as short as 4/11 to joing Middlesbrough.
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Bilic eyes Argentine playmaker
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
The Irons have been reported as having made a move for Argentine playmaker Manuel Lanzini currently playing for the Al Jazira club in the United Arab Emirates. According to the Mirror we are seeking a loan deal for next season with an option to buy if he impresses at Upton Park. Formerly with River Plate, Lanzini, is seen as a possible addition to a squad which Slaven Bilic believes deepening and his skilful, dribbling style would suit the style of play that new manager wants to bring to the Boleyn. Bilic has also reportedly asked the two Davids to try bringing Roma striker Mattia Destro to the club in what would be another loan deal.
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Irons on Nolan future
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham are keen to see captain Kevin Nolan find a suitable club this summer but deny any knowledge of him talking to former club Bolton.
Nolan is known to have been considering his future since last season and the arrival of new boss Slaven Bilic looks to be the likely end of the midfielder's Irons career. At 33 he cannot supply the energy he once provided in midfield and with the club looking to bring in younger players, his departure would boost their abilities to meet wage demands. Sam Allardyce's departure has always been seen as likely to mark the end of Nolan's Upton Park stay and speculation arose within the last couple of weeks that he was inn talks with, and could be on his his way back to Bolton. However, a ClaretandHugh source said: "We know of no such talks and I think it's likely we would. Were Kevin to find a suitable club we are unlikely to stand in his way. He's been a great servant to the club. "However, we find the prospect of a return to Bolton unlikely as we really don't believe they could satisfy his personal terms were they to be in talks."
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Irons old boy linked with return
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Irons old boy Glen Johnson is AGAIN being linked with a return to the Boleyn. The Express is the latest outlet to try this one on us in the middle of the silly season although it takes a bit of swallowing given that we are known to be in ongoing talks with Carl Jenkinson's advisors and that new boss Slaven Blic is a known admirer of the Arsenal full back. However, the report concerning Johnson declares that he is now a Liverpool outcast following manager Brendan Rodgers has splashed out £12.5 million for Nathanial Clyne. Stoke, Glatasaray and Beskitas are all claimed to be in the market for Johnson who was a product of our academy of course. The right back made just 19 Premier League appearances last term and has lost his place in the England squad.
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Pearce backs Bilic's central defender move
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Former Hammers defender Ian Pearce has backed Slaven Bilic's view that the club needs a classy central defender. ClaretandHugh has regularly reported that this is the new manager's No 1 priority and Pearce has confirmed that's a position that needs strengthening.
Now amid reports that Juventus' Angelo Ogbanna is on his way to the club Pearce has declared: "I think the club need a centre-half and maybe a centre forward and I think you're away. He told TalkSport: "I think he'll know the European market very well and [Julian Dicks] Dicksy will know the domestic market. "I think he has people like the Chairmen to support him, so if he goes to them and says i want this player, i think they'll be really supportive with him.
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Poyet's hopes
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Diego Poyet is looking for game time. And after his display in the Europa Cup match on Thirsday he spoke about the new boss and the welcome he had given the lads as he appeared in the dressing room od 2015 for the first time. The defensive midfielder said: "He is trying to get to know us all, he has spoken to us as a group in Ireland. He has good presence about him. All I can say of him is what I have seen of him before at Bestikas and Croatia, that he has charisma, it is exciting for everyone." He's hopeful that he will get a chance to impress but knows that depends to the team's progress in domestic and League Cup competitions. He added: "It depends on how far we get in things like cups and Europa League. The gaffer might give a chance to some of the younger players. "We were unfortunate last season as we lost in the Capital One Cup against Sheffield United early on, so it was difficult. Hopefully, fingers crossed, some youngsters will get the chance to play. "
Having gone out on loan last season to Huddersfield Town to get match action, Poyet told the official site that could be the case again for him this year but his objective is an Irons first team place. He explained: "I don't know about a loan. I haven't spoken to anyone about it. My preference would be to stay at West Ham as that is where I want to be."
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Collins: 'These are very confident coaches'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
James Collins is thrilled that Julian Dicks is now part of the Irons coaching set-up and looking forward to his ideas for the first team squad. Talking to the club's official website, Ginge declared himself impressed with the new training regime and said: "Julian has come in and is a legend around the club and it will be interesting to see his ideas as well." "All the players are looking to impress Bilic, Dicks and co and the central defender said of things: "It is very organised and they know what they are doing. They are confident coaches and that is rubbing off on the players. "Everyone is trying to impress the new manager and everyone has got a chance of playing. Training has been sharp." .
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Cursed Andy Carroll gives new West Ham boss Slaven Bilic his first problem
Express.co.uk
SLAVEN BILIC is expected to make his Europa League bow with West Ham this week - but without the injury cursed Andy Carroll.
By COLIN MAFHAM
PUBLISHED: 22:30, Sat, Jul 4, 2015
The Hammers new boss will have to settle instead for reports from the club medics to let him know if and when he can count on the services of his jinxed Geordie striker. Bilic is likely to see West Ham complete their Euro canter against the Andorran minnows from FC Lusitans after beating them 3-0 in last week's first leg. What to do about Carroll, however, remains a major headache for the Croatian. The pony-tailed hitman who has cost more than £50million in transfer fees alone since leaving Newcastle more than four years ago is said to be progressing on his latest comeback trail. But he won't be fit enough to face little Lusitans on Thursday or probably Arsenal in the new season curtain-raiser at The Emirates on August 9. And that leaves Bilic in a real quandary about whether he needs to splash some more cash on someone to help Diafra Sakho in case the curse of Carroll strikes again. In the meantime Carroll continues a summer of gruelling rehabilitation to try to prove he really is worth the incredible amount of money that has been spent on him.
Apart from the £90,000-a-week wages he banks - that's a little more than £28million if he sees out his six-year contract - Carroll can also count on financial endorsements to help ease the pain. The stats on what West Ham have so far got for their money make for mind boggling reading. In the two years since Carroll joined the Hammers from Liverpool for a little more than £17million he has been fit enough to make only 27 first team appearances and scored just seven goals. That works out to around £2.5million per goal. He cost his former club, Liverpool, almost twice as much. They paid Newcastle £35million for his services in 2011 and got just six goals in only 34 appearances during a similarly blighted three seasons at Anfield. On a cash for goals comparison the aptly tagged Reds bank manager worked that one out as costing them nearly £6million per goal.
It is not, of course, Carroll's fault. His all-out commitment and challenges - when he's on the pitch - have taken a high toll. As his former West Ham manager, Sam Allardyce, said last season: "He's his own worst enemy because he goes for everything." That, though, is no consolation for Bilic who wrestles with the problem of whether he and the Hammers can wait much longer for Carroll to deliver on the high expectations they face ahead of their move into the Olympic Stadium at the start of next season. West Ham bosses have already backed the new man in the transfer market with the signings of Dimitri Payet, Pedro Obiang and Darren Randolph. Reports now also suggest they are on the brink of bringing Alex Song back from Barcelona for around £5million and Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson following their successful loan spells last season. Dynamo Kiev defender Aleksandar Dragovic and Paris St Germain midfielder Yohan Cabaye are also believed to be on the West Ham radar. Substantial funds will also be made available for a new striker - if the struggling Carroll falls short again.
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Luis Advincula admits speculation surrounding West Ham transfer is 'nice'
HITC
Olly Dawes
Peru defender Luis Advincula has admitted that it is 'nice' to be linked with a move to West Ham. Hoffenheim full back Luis Advincula has told El Comercio in Peru that it's 'nice' to have been linked with a move to West Ham this summer. Advincula, 25, is currently on international duty with Peru, and has been one of the breakout stars of the Copa America tournament, starring in a Peru side which reached the semi-finals before defeat to Chile. The right back spent last season on loan at Vitoria Setubal in Portugal, but has now returned to parent club Hoffenheim for pre-season - but speculation now surrounds his future. According to Peruvian newspaper Libero, Advincula is close to signing a deal to join West Ham this summer, with the Hammers impressed by his performances at Copa America. Now, El Comercio have asked Advincula how he feels about a proposed move to Upton Park - and he admitted that he is happy with the speculation, but isn't focusing on the reports right now. "It's nice because you feel your work is being recognised, but at the same time, I am calm," said Advincula, who helped Peru clinch third place in Copa America on Friday, having beaten Paraguay 2-0.
What would Advincula bring to West Ham?
Advincula is a pacey, attack minded right back who needs to settle down having been farmed out on loan three times since joining Hoffenheim in 2013. The Peruvian possesses immense stamina and effort, working relentlessly down the right hand side right until the very end, which would certainly be welcome at West Ham. With West Ham yet to re-sign Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson and having released Guy Demel this summer, Advincula would give some depth for manager Slaven Bilic, who needs to bring at least one right back this summer, if not two.
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West Ham 'in talks to re-sign free agent Glen Johnson'
Sean Kearns for Metro.co.ukSaturday 4 Jul 2015 5:34 pm
Metro.co.uk
West Ham United are in talks to re-sign former defender Glen Johnson after the full-back was released by Liverpool this summer. The 30-year-old spent six seasons at Anfield but was released after Brendan Rodgers' side turned down the chance of offering the former England defender a new deal. Johnson started his career at Upton Park and spent three years with the Hammers before moving to Chelsea in 2003. And, according to reports, the defender is in talks to return to the east London club, with Slaven Bilic keen to sign the right-back on a free transfer this summer.
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Report: West Ham finalise deal to sign Angelo Ogbonna from Juventus
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
Aston Villa, West Ham United, Everton, Liverpool and Southampton have all been linked with Juventus defender Angelo Ogbonna. West Ham United are set to sign Angelo Ogbonna from Juventus, according to Tuttosport. According to the Italian newspaper, the Hammers have won the race for the Italy international defender and have finalised a deal with Juventus. The Hammers will have to pay €10 million (£7.1m) as a transfer fee to the Italian champions, with another €2m in performance-related bonuses (£1.4m). Tuttosport has also claimed that West Ham's Premier League rivals, Everton, remain interested in Ogbonna and have not given up on their hopes of signing him despite the latest development. Previous reports had credited a number of clubs with holding an interest in the 27-year-old former Torino centre-back.
Last month, TuttoMercatoWeb claimed interest from Aston Villa in Ogbonna, who was linked with Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Southampton by Tuttosport, ESPN and Gianlucadimarzio.com respectively. Ogbonna is a highly-rated centre-back, but he has struggled to make a huge impact at Juventus since his move to the Italian giants from city-rivals Torino in the summer of 2013. During the 2013-14 season, the Italian could make just 16 appearances in Serie A, creating 16 chances in the process. The defender had a pass accuracy of 90%, and won 36 headers, eight dribbles and 16 tackles. Ogbonna featured in three Champions League matches that campaign, while last season he played just once in Europe's premier club competition. The former Torino star, though, played in 25 Serie A games for Juventus in the 2014-15 campaign. Ogbonna created four chances, had a pass accuracy of 89% and a shot accuracy of 22%, and won 41 headers, 15 dribbles and 20 tackles.
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Report: West Ham interested in Southampton's Graziano Pelle
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Graziano Pelle from Southampton this summer. West Ham United are interested in signing Graziano Pelle from Southampton this summer, according to Gianlucadimarzio.com. It has been reported by the Italian news outlet that the Hammers are pondering making a move for the Italy international striker after finding it tough to recruit Mattia Destro of AS Roma. Pelle enjoyed a strong debut season in the Premier League with Southampton in 2014-15, playing an important role in the Saints finishing as high as seventh in the league table. The former Feyenoord striker scored 12 goals and created 42 chances in 38 Premier League appearances last season. The Italian had a pass accuracy of 65% and a shot accuracy of 38%, and won 170 headers, seven dribbles and 10 tackles. However, Pelle has had just one good season in the Premier League, and he was inconsistent as well. Moreover, the striker will be 30 later this month, and it will not be a wise long-term investment for West Ham to sign Pelle this summer.
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Diego Poyet ready to stake claim in Slaven Bilic's West Ham side for forthcoming Premier League campaign
By MARK BRYANS, PRESS ASSOCIATION
PUBLISHED: 00:37, 4 July 2015 | UPDATED: 01:12, 4 July 2015
Diego Poyet is determined to establish himself in Slaven Bilic's West Ham side in the forthcoming season. The 20-year-old joined the Hammers from Charlton last summer but has only played three times in the Premier League. He spent a spell out on loan at Huddersfield last season but could find first-team opportunities easier to come by at Upton Park this year as Bilic looks to lead his side into the Europa League group stages. Poyet turned out for West Ham in their 3-0 victory over Andorra minnows FC Lusitans in their first qualifying round tie on Thursday night.And the Uruguay Under-20 international, son of former Chelsea and Tottenham ace Gus Poyet, wants to stay put and stake his claim for a prominent role in Bilic's plans.'My preference is to want to be at West Ham,' he said when asked if another loan move may be on the cards. 'That is where I want to be and that is where I want to play. If the manager tells me 'Look you are better off going out on loan and get some games' then I will respect him for that and I will do that. But until I am told to leave I am not going anywhere. 'If you are a young player and not playing then soon as there is a new manager, the thing you want to do is impress. In a way to get into his good books and he trusts you. 'That is the important thing. If you are young but the manager trusts you, it doesn't matter how old you are. He has faith in you, he is going to play you, or at least give you a chance.' With the Europa League fixtures and the hope of further runs in the FA Cup and Capital One Cup, Poyet believes he and a number of other young players at the club will be given their opportunities to shine. 'It depends how far we get in things like cups and Europa league,' the midfielder said of his chances of playing more regularly. 'He (Bilic) might give a chance to some of the young players. We were unfortunate last season as we lost the capital one cup against Sheffield United early on so it was difficult. Hopefully fingers crossed some youngsters will get the chance to play.'
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Saturday, July 4
Daily WHUFC News -
Bilic blown away by Boleyn welcome
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic has praised the 35,000 West Ham United fans for their spine-tingling welcome as he was introduced as the Boleyn Ground as the Club's new manager before Thursday night's UEFA Europa League qualifier with FC Lusitans. Bilic was presented to the sell-out crowd just before kick-off in the 3-0 win and confessed he was blown away by the reception he received. He added that vocal backing and a boisterous rendition of Bubbles simply served to further whet his appetite for the upcoming final season in West Ham's home of more than 110 years. "I would like to start by saying congratulations to Terry Westley and the team of course," Bilic said. "I thought they played very well. It was a good game and a terrific atmosphere. "I would also like to thank the fans for the wonderful reception I received. It was amazing. It was an incredible moment and I can't wait to be playing in Upton Park this year."
Bilic flew in from Ireland following the conclusion of first-team training on Thursday to take his seat in the Director's Box alongside Vice-Chairman Karren Brady. After watching an intriguing mix of familiar first-teamers and the most promising youngsters overcome the Andorran side courtesy of a brace from Diafra Sakho and a header from James Tomkins, Bilic will catch a few hours' sleep before jetting back out to Ireland on Friday morning to join up with the training party once more. "I will now go back to Ireland on Friday morning to meet back up with the first-team group. To be honest I don't really like this kind of situation with one half of the team in Ireland and one half in England but it will be that way until after we play our second leg in Andorra next week. "That was the only option because of the very early qualification rounds and the fact that players needed rest ahead of the Premier League season. I don't like the situation but we have to cope with it and we can't get away from it. It's going to be like that until after the second leg in Andorra."
Perhaps without all the facts to hand, FC Lusitans manager Xavi Roura chose to use his post-match press conference to question why the new West Ham manager was not in the dugout for the match, despite the fact that Academy manager Terry Westley had trained the squad for the past few weeks and knew the Under-21s involved well. For the former Croatia international, though, the reasoning and rationale was clear. "I was thinking about the best way to manage the game and the training camp we have in Ireland. I didn't want to disrespect anyone and especially not a football team from Andorra as I respect them big time. "But I respect Terry and I respect West Ham so I wanted to show respect to Terry as he coached this team and he took them for pre-season in Ireland and knew them all well. I didn't want to be disrespectful to him. Also the majority of the first team is in Ireland so that was behind our decision to do it like this.
"Overall it was a good result and a good display, especially after we scored a couple of goals. The second half was much more fluid. "The rest of the team did well and Sakho took his goals very well, which is always important for strikers. "It was good for the senior players to have a game and it was good for the youngsters to play in front of a full stadium on a big European night. I am really pleased with the way they played."
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Sakho pleased with first game brace
WHUFC.com
Diafra Sakho was pleased to chalk up the first two goals towards his target of 20 as West Ham United gained a 3-0 first leg advantage against FC Lusitans on Thursday. The Senegal striker got the Hammers up and running with his brace in the five minutes before half time, before James Tomkins added a third in the second period. Sakho was happy with a professional job done, but warned that more work will be needed in Andorra next week. "Two down, now 18 more for the 20!" he said. "It's important to win the first game at home. Every fan came to see the team play, and the young players did well for us today. "It's difficult to play against a team who every time play back, and so it was important for me to score the first goal. Every player is happy with the result, but we're not finished because we also need to win next Thursday. "We need to stay focused and go away to win at Lusitans. All the qualifying rounds are important - we want to have six games in this competition before the league starts, and now we have five more to win. "Lusitans were strong in their play and every player had respect for them.
"Zarate assisted the first, and Amalfitano the second. They are important players for passes and assists for me. Today I'm happy that Mauro was back and it's good for the striker to have two players like them assisting them."
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'It was very close to a perfect night'
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley said Thursday's 3-0 UEFA Europa League first qualifying round first leg win over FC Lusitans represented a hugely positive night for West Ham United. A sold-out Boleyn Ground witnessed a comfortable victory, attractive passing football, five debuts, seven Academy graduates, a youngest-ever player in Reece Oxford, two goals for Diafra Sakho and a rapturous welcome for new manager Slaven Bilic. With Bilic watching on intently from the stands – but not before presenting Oxford and Lewis Page with their debut match shirts – Academy Manager Westley was a happy man when he spoke to West Ham TV. "The crowd, the game, playing some young players, the senior players scoring goals and no real major injuries made for a positive night," he began. "Sakho scored two goals and if we had got one more goal it would have been the perfect score. "We had senior players who came through the game and ended up getting seven Academy players on the pitch, including James Tomkins, so it was very close to a perfect night. "We have had ten days to prepare and nobody has gone through the motions. Everyone has been professional, the manager came to Cork and flew over today and came in the dressing room and presented shirts to the two players making their debuts. "He was there again at half-time and came down again after the game and you can't ask for much more than that from the new manager with his busy schedule. It was a real positive for everyone to play in front of the new manager.
"James led the team and was terrific and Diaf's goals will really boost his confidence. We got 70 minutes out of him, so they're all positives. "I looked at Burke and he looked good again and is starting to get established and Josh Cullen came on in the second half and had a real spring in his step. He gave us some real purpose going forward and Diego Poyet kept the ball ticking over for us. "There were so many positives and not really a negative for me. Everything was on the front foot and I'm well-pleased."
For Westley, it was a real feather in the Academy Manager's cap to have given the England U18 captain Oxford his debut at the age of 16 years 198 days – breaking a 93-year-old club record.
"He has done well and it gets that out of the way. It was the ideal night to play him and to play him in midfield to quicken his feet up. Then, when he stepped back towards the end, he was in control of the game and getting the ball and punching it to the wide men. "He looks a prospect and now he knows he still has a lot to do, a lot to learn and a lot to work for. That was the other reason to put him in. He's not the finished article, but we've got a real prospect on our hands."
With a three-goal advantage to take to Andorra next week, Westley said the Hammers will take a similarly-composed squad to the Pyrenees. "I think it'll be the same squad, barring any injuries. Mauro Zarate got a slight groin and if he isn't fit, we'll bring someone else in. "We'll show respect to the Andorran team and also to the opposition. If we can score some goals, keep a clean sheet and get some more minutes out of the senior players again, that's what we're after."
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Fixture changes announced
WHUFC.com
Three of West United's early season Barclays Premier League fixtures have new dates or kick-off times.
The Hammers will now start the new campaign at Arsenal on Sunday 9 August, with a 1.30pm kick-off.
September's home game with Newcastle United will now be played on Monday 14 September at 8pm.
Finally, the trip to Manchester City is set for 5.30pm on Saturday 19 September. However, this fixture is subject to change should the Hammers qualify for the UEFA Europa League group stage.
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Noble and Collins enjoy Hurling
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble and James Collins wasted no time getting into the swing of things in Ireland and mixed in with the local fans as they took part in a game of Hurling after training. Both players were keen to take part in one of the world's oldest field games and relished the chance to pick up the shorter stick and strike the ball to one another. The West Ham United players are currently undergoing intensive fitness work ahead of the new season and are making the most of their trip to Cork.
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FC Lusitans ticket update
WHUFC.com
Updated Friday 3 July 2015, 3pm
West Ham United can issue an update on the allocation of tickets for the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round second leg tie with FC Lusitans in Andorra on Thursday 9 July at 7.30pm local time (6.30pm UK time). Every Season Ticket Holder who applied via the Priority Points system has been successful with their request. A very limited number of tickets remaining from the Club's allocation of 450 unreserved seats will go on General Sale to Season Ticket Holders from 9am on Saturday 4 July. The remaining tickets are priced at €45 (£32) per person, with no concessions. In the very unlikely event these remain unsold, any remaining tickets will go on sale to Members from 9am on Monday 6 July. West Ham were allocated approximately 450 tickets for the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round second leg tie in Andorra. The Hammers will tackle Primera Divisio runners-up FC Lusitans at the 1,300-capacity Estadia Comunal d'Andorra La Vella at 7.30pm local time (6.30pm UK time) on Thursday 9 July. A no duplicate policy will be in operation, so all tickets will need to be sent via Special Delivery, which means a £6.95 postal fee will be added to all transactions. Fans applying for tickets will also be required to provide their mode and route of travel to Andorra. The Club will not be running an official trip to this fixture. Further information, including local transport advice and information about activities for fans to enjoy in Andorra applicable to those travelling to the game, will be provided.
*Supporters should also note that, should the Hammers go through and Maltese clubs FC Birkirkara and Valetta both emerge victorious from their own UEFA Europa League first qualifying round ties, West Ham's visit to the Mediterranean island would be reversed. Should Birkirkara overcome Ulisses FC of Armenia and Valetta defeat Newtown of Wales, West Ham will travel to Malta for the first leg on Thursday 16 July, with the return game at the Boleyn Ground on Thursday 23 July. If Birkirkara win, but Valetta lose, the fixture will remain as per the original draw, with the first leg in east London and the second leg taking place in Malta. Birkirkara and FC Ulisses drew 0-0 in Malta in their first leg, while Valetta lost 2-1 at Newtown in the first meeting.
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Darren's delight at clean sheet on debut
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph had a huge smile on his face following a victorious debut in front of a packed Boleyn Ground crowd on Thursday night.
The goalkeeper who arrived at West Ham United at the start of the summer, was delighted to have a clean sheet on his first full game for the Hammers in the Europa League first round qualifier against FC Lusitans. Randolph had a quiet night as the Hammers won convincingly 3-0 against their Andorran counterparts but was thrilled to play in front of a sell-out crowd who had earlier given a rousing welcome to new manager Slaven Bilic.
Although Randolph acknowledged he didn't have that much to do on the night, he was never the less happy to have played a part and got a taste of action in the game, which saw a brace by Diafra Sakho and a header from James Tomkins seal the victory. "It was quieter for me in front of goal but it was a clean sheet in a European qualifying game and that is a main thing on a debut, in any match you play so I was very pleased at that. "The atmosphere was great. It could have been more of a nerve-racking debut because of being in front of a full house but it was a good night to make a debut and I will take that all day long!"
With the Hammers only just returned to pre-season, earlier than normal in order to prepare for the Europa League matches, the players have had a relatively short space of time to train and with hitting the ground running against opposition that is not over familiar to them. But Randolph said everyone is in good shape. "We are feeling good, but we have only had nine days or so training, so not too much building up to this game. There is only so much fitness work you can do in nine days but playing in such a competitive game so early can get the sharpness you want pretty quickly. I don't think you can be too critical after only a few days training and going straight into a competitive match.
"I have played in these early rounds before, with Motherwell. You don't really know the opposition, you might get a few clips on them so it is a case of preparing as best you can. We had some other good chances, but this is not just any pre-season friendly, we created chances in a competitive game and that is a good thing."
With that in mind and with the opposition perhaps not being as familiar to them as would normally, Randolph said the 3-0 win reflected a solid start and was a great experience for the younger members of the squad who he said, stepped up their responsibilities very well.
"It is a great experience for these lads, playing at home, in front of sold-out stadium and European competition. It gives everyone a taste of what to expect week in week out and gives the young lads something to chase, something to work towards.
"I was very impressed with all who made their debuts, played the game. Reece [Oxford] has been very impressive all week in training. He doesn't look like a 16 year-old, he's bigger than me!
He is very strong and was not fazed by anything. If he keeps his head down and keeps working, there is no reason why he can't go on to have a big future. Lewis [Page], Josh [Cullen], there's some good young lads here and that is good for the club."
Randolph is settling in well at the Hammers and says while it could be a long season ahead, it is all positive. He is also looking forward to working alongside fellow keeper Adrian.
"I would like to think I can push him [Adrian]. Even if I don't get to start as long as I am keeping him on his toes, which I think he would expect me to do. If he is playing well and the team are doing well, I will be happy.
"It could be a long season but hopefully a good one and we're all looking forward to it."
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Collins - We are all looking to impress
WHUFC.com
West Ham United defender James Collins admits the whole squad is looking sharp as they look to impress new manager Slaven Bilic at the training camp in Ireland.
Bilic has wasted no time settling into familiar surroundings and is working hard with the players as they undergo intensive fitness work at the Club's training base in Cork.
With the Club already playing their first game in the Europa League on Thursday night, Collins knows these are exciting times for the Hammers and hopes to play his part in a memorable last season at the Boleyn Ground.
Bilic has already brought in Chris Woods as the new Goalkeeping Coach and fans favourite Julian Dicks as Coaching Assistant and the players are certainly responding to the new management structure.
Collins said: "It is very organised and they know what they are doing. They are confident coaches and that is rubbing off on the players.
"Everyone is trying to impress the new manager and everyone has got a chance of playing. Training has been sharp and everyone looks good.
"Julian has come in and is a legend around the Club and it will be interesting to see his ideas as well.
"We played well in the Europa League. People said we would win eight or nine but that is not the case and I have seen that at international level. It was a tough game and the lads played really well.
"European football is a must for a size of the club like West Ham and with the quality of players we have got."
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Debut delight for Academy duo
WHUFC.com
For Academy graduates Reece Oxford and Lewis Page, Thursday's 3-0 UEFA Europa League win over FC Lusitans was anything but routine, with senior debuts under the lights at a sold-out Boleyn Ground to savour.
At 16 years and 198 days, England U17s skipper Oxford became the youngest player to ever represent the Hammers, doing so in a slightly unfamiliar midfield berth.
Though tougher tests await, no doubt, the young duo had plenty to smile about on the night, having earlier been presented with their match shirts by new manager Slaven Bilic.
"It was a very nice moment for me as I wanted to go to the dressing room to wish them luck," Bilic explained. "I didn't want to interrupt their pre-match routine too much but I wanted to wish them luck and hope that they did well.
"They both did a good job and it will stay in their memories for ever."
A special gesture appreciated by full-back Page, who certainly enjoyed his evening's work with Matt Jarvis down the left-hand side.
"We didn't expect it until a couple of minutes before we were told, and then it was just a bit of a surprise. It just made you feel confident to go into the game, so that was really nice of him."
For record-breaker Oxford, it comes as something of a relief to have got his senior bow out of the way, in the hope that he can now make an impression on a first team.
"It's a privilege to be the youngest player to have played since 1922, I think, so hopefully I can just progress now and stay in the team.
"It was tough to begin with and then I started to find my way into the game, started getting a few passes off and feeling more comfortable.
"There had been a lot of talk about when I was going to come on, but now that I've come on hopefully I can stay in the team, or on the bench."
It was a similarly proud moment for 19-year-old Page, who will long remember the first time he stepped out in front a full house for West Ham.
"It was a great experience," he added. "I had goosebumps walking out, that's what I've been dreaming of since I was ten when I joined here and just to play was amazing.
"I think we handled it all right, we had the game under control and we won quite comfortably.
"I love playing with Jarvo [Matt Jarvis] because he's a nice man as well, so I just gave him the ball and we just worked together really. He really helps me out defensively as well.
Against a physical Andorran outfit, the Hammers duo certainly had to be on their toes, but were not about to be fazed by a strong challenge or two.
"Physically I had to be on point," Oxford explained. "When I gave a foul away in the first ten minutes I got a yellow and I just knew not to go flying in because they were rolling about a bit, but they were physical on the ball and off it."
As for the return leg in a week's time, Page is understandably keen to repeat the feat at the 1,300-capacity Estadia Comunal d'Andorra La Vella.
"It's another game under your belt, another 90 minutes in the first team, that's all you want to do really, keep playing in the first team and hopefully get your chance again."
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Harrison joins Hendon at Orient
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Academy goalkeeper coach Lee Harrison has joined Sky Bet League Two side Leyton Orient as their first team goalkeeper coach.
Harrison links up with former Hammers first team coach Ian Hendon, who took over the reins at Brisbane Road after departed West Ham this summer.
The 43-year-old played alongside Hendon at Barnet and later featured under his management at Underhill before moving into coaching himself.
He joined West Ham from Wycombe Wanderers in January 2014 and will now work with Academy products Blair Turgott and Paul McCallum, who both signed for the O's this summer.
The Club would like to thank Lee for his services and wishes him well in his future career.
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Alex Song spotted at the Boleyn
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 3rd July 2015
By: Staff Writer
Alex Song was at the Boleyn Ground last night to watch West Ham beat Lusitanos in their Europa League qualifying tie. The Barcelona midfielder was in the stands as Terry Westley's young side beat the Andorrans 3-0, ahead of a return to the club on a permanent basis according to reports. The 27-year-old midfielder proved a stunning success at the Boleyn initially last season before going off the boil in the second half of the season (although that applied to many more than just the former Cameroon international). Further speculation tonight suggests that the Hammers have landed their man on a free transfer, despite Barcelona having set his sale price at circa £5million. Despite interest from other major European clubs, Song is happy in London and has expressed a preference for remaining in the capital - apparently swaying Barce to comply with West Ham's - and Song's - wishes.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic accused of lacking respect
Last Updated: 03/07/15 6:52am
SSN
New West Ham boss Slaven Bilic watched his new side ease to victory in their Europa League first qualifying round clash with FC Lusitans - but was then accused of disrespecting the Andorran team. Diafra Sakho scored twice and James Tomkins headed home to wrap up a 3-0 win for the Hammers, who will now head to Andorra next Thursday all-but guaranteed of advancing into the next qualifying phase. Bilic, presented to a packed Upton Park before the contest, left academy director Terry Westley in charge as he decided to watch from the stands after returned from a training camp in Ireland earlier in the day. The decision not to be involved annoyed Lusitans coach Xavi Roura who was angry with the Croatian for sitting out of the contest.
"Slaven Bilic showed a lack of respect by not being on the bench," he said. It does make me sad, in a country where fair play was invented that something like this could happen. I think he must have thought our team was not important for him to be present. "I imagine that he has won many titles and maybe he thought he was the 'Special One'. The minimum thing I can hope for is that the club like West Ham - this won't happen again. "I think he is the West Ham coach so I expected him to be on the bench. Slaven Bilic, 'The Special One' should come to Andorra."
Despite Roura's plea for Bilic to turn up in the principality, Westley - addressing the media as he had in the build-up to the tie - admitted he is likely to be disappointed. "I wouldn't have thought so, he can't be in two places," Westley said when asked if Bilic would be present for the next leg. "He shows his respect for the tournament and the game by the group of players we had out on the pitch. Not every manager sits in the dug out. "The manager has flown back from a training camp, got here this afternoon, spent all afternoon with the players.
"He was in the dressing-room for the team talk. We presented (Lewis) Page and (Reece) Oxford with their debut shirts and the manager and the chairman did the talk. "They said 'Wear these shirts with pride and some honour. You are following some outstanding players, (Geoff) Hurst, (Bobby) Moore, (Frank) Lampard, (Rio) Ferdinand ... it's time for you to create your legacy.' The manager did that speech. He was very respectful for the game."
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Hammers star at centre of £8m bid claim
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
New reports linking Middlesborough with a £8 million offer for Stewart Downing have been circulating in the north east over the past few hours and quite frankly seem way off the wall. A couple of media outlets claim that the Championship club has hit the Irons with the an offer despite us turning down similar bids from Sunderland and Leicester City. The mathematics involved are mind boggling for a Championship outfit which, if they are believed demand that we accept the Riverside club will commit to a £7 million transfer fee and £1o million plus in wages over a three year deal. And for a player aged 30 that really does take a bit of swallowing. A key club insider told ClaretandHugh this week that that we have indeed received several bids but that the player is simply not for sale. We never rule anything out entirely however, although if this one were to be true we would find it perhaps one of the most bizarre and perhaps ill considered deals in a long time.
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Report: Irons "one step away" from top defender
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham are tonight reported to be close to signing Juventus defender Angel Ogbonna although Everton are still in the race for the Italian international. However, according to the Turn based daily newspaper Tuttosport the Hammers are" just one step away" from signing the defender. The report adds that Juventus are expected to let the player depart for the Boleyn for €10m plus a potential further €2m in bonus payments. Ogbonna has found commanding a regular first team spot at Juventus to be tough and will be aiming for more minutes of game time in England. ClaretandHugh has already reported sources close to boss Slaven Bilic as saying he expects to get his Number One priority player – a top central defender – over the next seven days and if Tuttosport is to be believed Ogbonna is that man.
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Sakho happy to see Zarate back
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Diafra Sakho and David Gold are both very happy to see Mauro Zarate back at Upton Park. The skilful front man had a tough first season under Sam Allardyce and was farmed out to Queens Park Rangers in January where he was 'branded' unfit and placed on special fitness regime. But he looked in great nick last night as the team cruised past Lusitans and Sakho said: "Today I'm happy that Mauro was back."
And he is pleased that Morgan Amalfitano was involved too adding: "It's good for the striker to have two players like them assisting them." He added: "Zarate assisted the first, and Amalfitano the second. They are important players for passes and assists for me."
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DG: 'Fans are smiling again after tough times'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
David Gold has warned fans to not be unduly carried away by the Europa Cup qualifying victory over Lusians but declared: "You have to hand it to Diafra Sakho – goalscoring is an art whoever you score against." The two co chairmen flew out to a well earned break in the south of France earlier today where more transfer business will almost certainly be on the agenda. But before boarding his private jet, DG told ClaretandHugh exclusively: The opposition wasn't strong but whatever team you are playing, putting the ball in the back of the net is hard and 'Sak' again showed his quality. "You would expect good players to go past players of a certain level but good crosses and goals always count whatever the opposition."
And he added: Had we been further into the summer training programme I think we would haver won by more but it was frustrating over the last 20 minutes not to score again when the opposition were clearly tiring. "However, we have to be happy because the fans have smiles on their faces again. They have been through a difficult period. They have seen the club relegated and squeeze back into the Premier League.
We have now established ourselves and Sam Allardyce, players and owners all take credit for that although there's not been an awful lot to get excited about. "Now we are looking at a new era a new stadium, a new manager and a new way of playing. To see those smiles on faces was great."
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Palace join hunt for Hammers 33 goal trialist
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
AFC Wimbledon striker Daniel Agyei – having been on trial at the Irons all week – has now been handed a trial with Crystal Palace.
Burnley have also made him the same offer as the 17 year old weighs his options after the 17 year old grabbed 35 goals for the Dons' Under 18 and Under 21 sides. The Irons may hold a big edge given the number of Development Squad players who were offered their chances against Lusiens in last last night's Europa Cup qualifier. They will hope the lad realises that under new manager Slaven Bilic youth is about to be given its chance wherever and whenever possible. Young striker Daniel Agyei enjoyed a prolific campaign for AFC Wimbledon Under 18s last season The striker was expected to make the step up into AFC Wimbledon's senior side next season but it will be a miracle if they can hold onto him in the light of this week's developments.
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Irons Jenks hopes dashed
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham's hopes of signing Karl Jenkinson permanently have been dashed. The Hammers would love to sign the Arsenal right back to a long term deal but Arsenal flatly refuse to entertain the idea. Speculation that we would try to do a permanent deal started back in the January and has resurfaced over recent days. And although the club's negotiators attempted to get talks underway, the Emirates board made it clear that wasn't on. However, there is now a big chance of the Gunners England under 21 rejoining us on loan for the new season but unless there is a dramatic change of heart a permanent switch won't happen. A high level Upton Park source said after we posed the question: "No, Arsenal 100 per cent won't do a permanent deal."
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Gold hits back at 'ill informed' Lusiens boss
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers#
C AND H
David Gold has hit back at Lusians boss Xavi Roura describing his blast at Hammers boss Slaven Bilic as 'ill informed.' The manager of the Andorran minnows had objected to Bilic not being in the dug-out for last night match saying:"Slaven Bilic showed a lack of respect for not taking his place on the bench. I am disappointed with with him and I feel a club from home of football and fair play should have insisted he sat there," said Roura. I know he has won a lot of titles but not sitting on the bench ; who does he think he is ? The Special One ?"
However, Gold has rushed to his manager's defence declaring: "Slaven is a hugely respectful man and that's precisely why he WASN'T in the dug out. He was showing his respect to Terry Westley who had worked with the squad . Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh DG added: "He could have waltzed in like some film star and taken all the credit from a victory but instead, after working with the first team squad in Ireland, he allowed the obvious man to take control. That shows character. "I am sure that when Xavi understands the full position he will offer an apology to Slaven for his ill informed remarks."
Gold was delighted with the victory and said: "I heard it said there were no long balls but that appears sometimes when you are under pressure. We weren't last night and there was a real determination to pass the ball. It was encouraging and there was not one youngster out there who didn't do well. That was very pleasing. "But let's pay credit to Andorra. It's a country of 78,000 people – nothing like as big even as the the Isle of Wight. Yet they came and gave it everything they had which we saw in the last 20 minutes when as part-timers they were going down like ninepins. "Having said that, there was a lot to enjoy and I think we are now on the edge of some really good times with a style of football the crowd will enjoy."
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Fans the big factor in Sam's departure
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Sam Allardyce's West Ham departure was driven by the fans who brought his reign to an "inevitable conclusion." Since the 60 year old's final appearance at the club, the atmosphere around Upton Park has lifted to the point where a sell-out crowd was ready to turn out in the middle of the season to watch a match against a team of part timers last night. And the fact that by and large the Irons team was always going to be made up largely of Development Squad players makes that even more impressive. However, the decision to allow Allardyce to walk away was clearly a big reason as fans hero, Slaven Bilic made his first appearance in front of the Claret and Blue Army. One wonders how many would have been inside the ground had the former manager still been in charge. In a TalkSport interview earlier this week co chairman David Gold had claimed that the board and former manager had felt that four years was long enough for both sides but explained nothing further.
H
owever, insiders have made it clear to ClaretandHughthat the two central reasons were:
O the increasingly impossible relationship with the majority of the fans
O and the knowledge that nothing much was ever going to change in the style of play
We were told: "Certainly everybody finally agreed that four years was long enough as the tensions between Sam and the fan base increased. "He was finding life more and more difficult and the reaction from the terraces following the previous season drove things to an inevitable conclusion. "However both the style of play and tensions in the transfer market were also hindering relationships and in the end both sides agreed that a parting of the ways was the only answer." "There will always be plenty of goodwill and gratitude towards him for establishing this club back where it belonged but there is relief that period is now part of our history."
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Leader Slav recalls our greats to inspire the kids
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in Hugh's Blogs, News, Whispers
C AND H
Every true blood Hammers fan bows his head in respect when the names Moore, Hurst, Peters and Ferdinand are mentioned…which makes Slaven Bilic a true blood Iron! For his first job in terms of dressing room man management he presented Reece Oxford and Lewis Page with their first team debut shirts and immediately reminded them of the club's great players and ambassadors before telling them to go and make their "own legacy." In footballing terms that's Churchillian stuff and a fine reminder of this man's many qualities. As the words appeared in my inbox for sub editing from ClaretandHugh's Rob Shepherd ,who was reporting the game for us, I admit to a puff of pride. Slaven Bilic has yet to put a foot wrong as our new boss and personally I think it's very unlikely. The words he addressed to the young Hammers will inspire the Development Squad players to follow them. To mention such names to young players in the same breath as the club legends tells you everything you need to now about our new manager – he may have only had a season here as a player but he's an Iron to his backbone and is a LEADER. His decision to take a back seat last night – as detailed by David Gold in another story on the site today – was class and unlike some before him shows he's no glory seeker and egotist. Everyone gets credit and opportunity in Slav's world and last night it was Terry Westley's turn to take centre stage. Slav made sure it happened. However, a body language expert would have had a field day watching the Croatian in the directors' box as he leaned forward eagle eyed and chattering non stop to Karren Brady about what was going on down on the field of play. West Ham is changing at every level with his arrival and it is a joy – a real joy to be part of it all. I wonder whether arch high Tory Karren knows that our manager is a died in the wool Socialist?
You know what, I don't reckon it would make a jot of difference – something new, great, tolerant and massively enjoyable is happening at our beloved club!
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O'Brien: Oxford will find it hard
BT Sport
Last updated: 03 July 2015, 15:03 BST Print this story
Joey O'Brien knows fellow defender Reece Oxford will have to put up with comparisons to former West Ham academy products having become the youngest player to ever represent the Hammers.
The 16-year-old broke a 93-year record when he lined up against FC Lusitans in the Europa League first qualifying round fixture against FC Lusitans on Thursday. Oxford, captain of England's Under-17 side, usually plays in defence but operated in midfield as West Ham recorded a 3-0 victory over their Andorran opponents - with academy director Terry Westley in charge of the side. O'Brien was one of five first-team regulars to start the game and, after Westley revealed Oxford and fellow debutant Lewis Page had been given a speech by new boss Slaven Bilic telling them to make their own destiny despite comparisons with the likes of Rio Ferdinand, the Republic of Ireland international says those kinds of pressures will have to be dealt with. "It's something he will have to deal with and that isn't easy for a 16-year-old kid," O'Brien replied when asked if comparisons with Ferdinand were likely. "The Premier League is probably the toughest league in the world and it's even tougher than 10 years or so ago when those players came through, so it will be harder for him to come through."
Oxford penned a long-term deal at Upton Park earlier in the year having attracted attention from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United whilst playing in the youth teams at West Ham.
Westley was pleased with Oxford's outing but knows he still has work to do and is far from the finished article, and O'Brien agreed that there is a long way between exciting prospect and first-team regular. "When I was 16 I was still in school back home," he added. "It is fantastic for him and the academy. He was on the bench last year and nothing really phases him. "That's the most important thing, especially today with the hype around the game. Sometimes you can get carried away with the whole thing but he just comes in and it doesn't bother him.
"But he has a lot to do. I have seen many a player play with expectations so high and never quite fulfil it. So many things have to fall your way. Physically he looks great but there is so much luck involved in making it to the top."
Westley selected the team for the tie and was also in the dug-out as new boss Bilic opted to sit out what would have been his first game in charge. Lusitans coach Xavi Roura accused the Croatian of showing a lack of respect for his side by not being at the helm. But former Besiktas boss Bilic, who flew in from a first-team training base in Ireland to be presented to the crowd before kick-off, was quick to explain his reasoning after seeing a Diafra Sakho brace and a James Tomkins header wrap up a comfortable win ''I was thinking about the best way to manage the game and the training camp we have in Ireland,'' he said. ''I didn't want to disrespect anyone and especially not a football team from Andorra as I respect them big time.
''I respect Terry and I respect West Ham so I wanted to show respect to Terry as he coached this team and he took them for pre-season in Ireland and knew them all well. ''I didn't want to be disrespectful to him. Also the majority of the first team is in Ireland so that was behind our decision to do it like this." It is unlikely Bilic will travel with Westley and the matchday squad for the second leg in Andorra as he continues to split his time between his two groups of players.
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Why giving Zarate another chance could prove a West Ham masterstroke
HITC
Tim Poole
The 28-year-old already looks a different player for the Hammers. During Mauro Zarate's first-season struggles at West Ham United, some lost patience with the Argentine - but many felt he deserved more of a chance. Indeed, the forward was rarely used and, when he was, was played out of position. It is no coincidence that Sam Allardyce since left the club, with Zarate staying put at Upton Park. The West Ham owners have made their allegiance very clear and, interestingly, the 28-year-old looks as though he could be repaying their faith already. Last term, Zarate showed flashes for the Hammers before seriously fading away. When he was loaned to Queens Park Rangers, he made no impact whatsoever and his fitness levels were dire. Observe him against Lusitanos, however, and you have a different player altogether. The Argentine assisted Diafra Sakho and was a lively, energetic presence. This was only a Europa League qualifier against an Andorran side, of course, but it showed two things. One: There is a player in there. Two: Zarate has used pre-season to get some sort of fitness back - already a huge step. Could giving the Argentine a second chance prove a West Ham masterstroke?
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Tottenham rejected chance to sign West Ham record breaker Reece Oxford after failing to find his best position
Reece Oxford became West Ham's youngest ever player when he started the Europa League qualifier against FC Lusitans on Thursday
Tottenham released the youngster when he was 12-13 years-old after playing the defender as a forward
The Hammers teenager has been tipped as a future England captain
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 12:18, 3 July 2015 | UPDATED: 12:22, 3 July 2015
Tottenham rejected the chance to sign West Ham prodigy Reece Oxford, Sportsmail can reveal. The 16-year-old became the Hammers' youngest ever player on Thursday night, starting in the 3-0 Europa League qualifying win over FC Lusitans. Despite his tender age, Oxford, who plays for England Under-17, is being tipped as a future England captain such is his huge potential. But the teenager could easily have been turning out for West Ham's deadly rivals Tottenham. Oxford, who grew up a stone's throw away from White Hart Lane in Edmonton, was on Spurs' books during his pre-teen years, playing for the club as a forward. But Tottenham released Oxford, informing the youngster he didn't have a future at the club when he was 12-13 years old.
His departure opened the door for Oxford's move to West Ham, and the rest is history. Arriving at Upton Park as a forward, Hammers staff believed Oxford would be better suited to a defensive position and began moulding him into a centre-back. The positional change has turned out to be masterstroke; with the youngster now widely recognised as one of the best emerging central defenders in Europe. Oxford has attracted interest from all of the Premier League's elite; Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal have all tried to lure the defender away from Upton Park. But Oxford ended speculation regarding his future by signing his first professional deal earlier this year. That, however, is unlikely to stop England's top club's from trailing Oxford, who is expected to have a role in manager Slaven Bilic's first-team plans next season.
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Reece Oxford stole the headlines on his West Ham debut but Diego Poyet was the standout performer in front of Slaven Bilic
By MATT LAWLESS FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:59, 3 July 2015 | UPDATED: 11:59, 3 July 2015
Reece Oxford, take a bow, son. Now we know what all the fuss was about. On Thursday night, the England Under 17 captain made his long-awaited West Ham debut. He's 16. Breaking Billy Williams' 93-year-old record, Oxford looked like he'd been around for years. In fact, he wasn't even born when Slaven Bilic last played at Upton Park. Deployed in the middle of the park, the boy who has previously attracted the attention of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, eventually slotted in to his familiar role at centre-half. Throughout he displayed incredible maturity that belied his youth. In the air, he was formidable. There was a terrific tenacity in his tackling. And he wasn't afraid to have a go either, desperately unlucky not to score with a rasping effort from 30 yards. Even when the FC Lusitans players ludicrously got him booked, Oxford refused to rise to the bait, when most youngsters his age would have found the temptation too difficult to resist in front of a crowd of 35,000 fans spurring them on. 'This kid will go right to the top. The very top.' Remember when Harry Redknapp famously told supporters that about a young Frank Lampard? The same can be said about Oxford. While he deserves all the plaudits he is getting, perspective is needed. Indeed, the hard work really does begin now. Can he establish himself as a first-team regular? That is the question. To get to the very top - like Lampard, who won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League - there can be no room for complacency. You have to be determined to beat the best, to be the best. I've no doubt that Oxford has those qualities but this is only the beginning for the extremely talented teenager.
That leads me nicely to Diego Poyet, who won't steal the headlines as such yet he deserves high praise indeed. By his own admission, his first season at Upton Park was 'tough'. To prove himself he went out on loan to Huddersfield Town for a short stint. On June 11, he was part of the Uruguay side who lost on penalties to Brazil at the Under 20s World Cup in New Zealand.
A week later he was back at Chadwell Heath, desperate to show new manager Bilic his desire to break through into the first team this season. How can you not be impressed by that? Poyet has a tremendous work ethic and impeccable attitude on the field. Off it, he's a bright, intelligent, multi-lingual lad. He's 20. Most 20-year-olds are probably clubbing in Magaluf this time of year. Few would have turned an eye had Poyet joined them after his international exploits. Instead he put his fledgling career first in order to make a name for himself at Upton Park, in this historic farewell season. Total professionalism. For me, he was Thursday night's standout performer. Not Oxford. Not match-winner Diafro Sakho. It was Poyet. He wanted to be on the ball at every opportunity. I love that. Sure, he was raw in places and misplaced a couple of passes when he could have perhaps carried the ball a little longer. But it was an assured display and one that would have caught the eye of his watching new manager in the stands. Cool and composed, with an elegant touch to fit his long-flowing looks, Poyet instigated many attacking moves by getting the ball moving. By definition, he embodied the West Ham way. The trouble is, West Ham's midfield is already uber-competitive. Mark Noble, Pedro Obiang, Kevin Nolan and Chiekhou Kouyate are among those still to slot in. Alex Song too. Poyet, however, didn't do his chances any harm at all. I thoroughly enjoyed watching him. Even with a surname like his, young Diego knows he hasn't made it yet. But with a gutsy character and with that hunger and that determination, he surely will. I just hope it's with West Ham.
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IRONS BID €20M FOR MANCHESTER UNITED & JUVENTUS TARGET
West Ham have made a fresh €20m bid to sign highly-rated AS Monaco defender Aymen Abdennour.
The Hammers have edged ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign the Tunisian.
Michael Oliver
ironscircle
West Ham have made a fresh €20m bid to sign AS Monaco defender Aymen Abdennour, claims L'Equipe. The Tunisian defender has been heavily linked with a move away from France this summer, with several of Europe's biggest clubs queueing up for his services. Manchester United and Liverpool are tracking the player, with AC Milan and Juventus both keen, and have submitted undisclosed bids for the player this month, both of which have been rejected. It was reported that West Ham were willing to meet Monaco's €20m asking price for the 25-year-old, but due to the increased interest in their star defender, they have upped their demands to €25m. It's now being reported that West Ham have made the largest bid to date for Abdennour – a €20m offer to test Monaco's resolve, who are still holding out for a slightly larger offer from the East London club. Atletico Madrid could also be interested in the centre-back. Diego Simeone has just sold Miranda to Inter Milan for €15m, and has lined up Abdennour as a potential replacement.
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Report: West Ham linked with Manuel Lanzini; perfect man to help Zarate?
HITC
Tim Poole
West Ham have reportedly made a move for the 22-year-old Argentine. West Ham United have made a move for Al Jazira Club and former River Plate playmaker Manuel Lanzini, according to the Daily Mirror. The Hammers are said to want the Argentine on loan with an option to buy, with his superior dribbling ability perfect for how Slaven Bilic wants the east London side to play.
The Mirror say West Ham rate the 22-year-old - no doubt previously unheard of to many - very highly.
A helping hand for Zarate?
Should any interest be genuine, Lanzini could be brought to Upton Park with a view to getting the best out of Mauro Zarate. Zarate, also from Argentina, failed to impress during his first season with West Ham but has been given a second chance ahead of this term. And the 28-year-old could already be paying the club back after a promising performance against Lusitanos in the Europa League. Lanzini, then, could further aid the forward, simply as they are countrymen but also both creative, flair players. Dimitri Payet, already signed by West Ham this summer, will also add a creative element to the Hammers.
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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic denies disrespecting Europa League opponents by watching match from the stands
Evening Standard
JAMES BENGE
Published: 03 July 2015 Updated: 10:16, 03 July 2015
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has denied disrespecting his Andorran opponents by spending last night's Europa League qualifying tie in the stands. The new manager handed over coaching duties to academy director Terry Westley in what should have been his first game at the helm of the club. Westley was entrusted with selecting the team and sat in the dugout, a move that FC Lusitans manager Xavi Roura said "showed a lack of respect". Roura also said that the new coach "thought he was the 'Special One'" by choosing to watch his players from the Boleyn Ground stands. However Bilic has defended himself against such accusations, saying that he wanted to support his academy director, who has been training the squad for a number of weeks and has extensive experience working with the youngsters who were promoted to the squad. "I was thinking about the best way to manage the game and the training camp we have in Ireland," the manager told the club website. "I didn't want to disrespect anyone and especially not a football team from Andorra as I respect them big time. "But I respect Terry and I respect West Ham so I wanted to show respect to Terry as he coached this team and he took them for pre-season in Ireland and knew them all well. I didn't want to be disrespectful to him. Also the majority of the first team is in Ireland so that was behind our decision to do it like this."
Bilic will now return to Ireland, where those not involved in last night's match are taking part in a pre-season training camp. He said: "To be honest I don't really like this kind of situation with one half of the team in Ireland and one half in England but it will be that way until after we play our second leg in Andorra next week. "That was the only option because of the very early qualification rounds and the fact that players needed rest ahead of the Premier League season. I don't like the situation but we have to cope with it and we can't get away from it. It's going to be like that until after the second leg in Andorra." The 3-0 victory leaves the Hammers well-poised to advance to the next stage of the qualifying rounds and Bilic was pleased with a confident display early in pre-season. "Overall it was a good result and a good display, especially after we scored a couple of goals," he said. "The second half was much more fluid. The rest of the team did well and Sakho took his goals very well, which is always important for strikers. "It was good for the senior players to have a game and it was good for the youngsters to play in front of a full stadium on a big European night. I am really pleased with the way they played."
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Terry Westley raves about Reece Oxford
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
Reece Oxford made his debut for West Ham United in a Europa League qualifier on Thursday. West Ham United Academy manager Terry Westley has been singing the praises of Reece Oxford on the club's official website. Oxford made his debut for the Hammers during the first leg of their Europa League first qualifying round against FC Lusitans on Thursday evening. The 16-year-old defender played well against the Andorran side and was impressive during the 3-0 win at the Boleyn Ground. The England Under-18 international captain normally plays as a centre-back, but on Thursday he featured as a midfielder. Oxford became the youngster ever player to play for West Ham, breaking Billy Williams' 93-year record in the process. Westley was impressed with the performance of the teenager on his debut and was full of praise for him after the match. "He has done well and it gets that out of the way," Westley told West Ham's official website. "It was the ideal night to play him and to play him in midfield to quicken his feet up. "Then, when he stepped back towards the end, he was in control of the game and getting the ball and punching it to the wide men. "He looks a prospect and now he knows he still has a lot to do, a lot to learn and a lot to work for. That was the other reason to put him in. He's not the finished article, but we've got a real prospect on our hands."
Good performance
It was a memorable debut performance from Oxford, who showed that he can be effective in midfield. The youngster looked calm and confident when he had the ball at his feet, and also tried an ambitious effort on goal from 30 yards.
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Bilic: I respect FC Lusitans
Last Updated: July 3 2015, 9:56 BST
Sporting Life
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic insists he has "big time" respect for FC Lusitans after he was criticised for sitting out the Europa League qualifying fixture on Thursday evening. Having been appointing on June 9, Bilic watched from the stands with academy director Terry Westley overseeing a 3-0 first-leg victory as the Hammers got their season under way just 39 days after the end of the last campaign. Bilic, 46, was presented to a sold-out Upton Park before the game before moving to the directors' box having flown over from a training camp in Ireland with those senior players not involved in the Europa League fixture. Lusitans coach Xavi Roura was not happy with Bilic's decision not to take charge of West Ham - saying he was saddened that his counterpart was not on the bench - claiming the Croatian thought he was the 'Special One' and that Lusitans were "not important enough" for Bilic. But former Besiktas boss Bilic, who is yet to address the media since replacing Sam Allardyce, told West Ham's official website it was more about splitting his time between two groups of players rather than disrespecting both opponent and competition on Thursday. "I was thinking about the best way to manage the game and the training camp we have in Ireland," he said. "I didn't want to disrespect anyone and especially not a football team from Andorra as I respect them big time. "I respect Terry and I respect West Ham so I wanted to show respect to Terry as he coached this team and he took them for pre-season in Ireland and knew them all well. "I didn't want to be disrespectful to him. Also the majority of the first team is in Ireland so that was behind our decision to do it like this."
Roura hopes to see Bilic in Andorra for the second leg next Thursday but Westley said he would not expect the manager to make the trip - with Bilic still looking to spread his time.
"I will now go back to Ireland on Friday to meet back up with the first-team group," he added. "To be honest I don't really like this kind of situation with one half of the team in Ireland and one half in England but it will be that way until after we play our second leg in Andorra next week." Diafra Sakho scored twice with James Tomkins adding the third against Lusitans on Thursday and, if the Hammers can safely navigate the return leg, they will still face two more qualifying rounds and a play-off to reach the Europa League group stages.
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How West Ham's Payet signing proves McClaren's Newcastle comments very wrong
HITC
Tim Poole
The Newcastle United boss has defended his club's lack of transfer activity. But West Ham have already proven him very wrong. According to the Shields Gazette, Newcastle boss Steve McClaren has emailed fans asking for patience and explaining that he needs time to acquire the 'right' players for the Magpies. But, just days into the job, McClaren is making basic mistakes and offering poor excuses for a club that simply aren't pulling their weight in the transfer market. Indeed, the Magpies boss is already singing from a different hymnsheet than the one when he took the job. Back then, he boldly stated that Newcastle will spend plenty and sign plenty. McClaren claimed he was convinced of that by Mike Ashley's Sky Sports interview saying the same last season. Well, if the Newcastle coach really did fall for a PR stunt like that, his reasoning for there being no signings in place by July isn't really good enough for a club of the Magpies' stature.
For McClaren only need look south to West Ham United, whose capture of Dimitry Payet proves his comments very wrong. You don't need too long to identify the 'right' players if your club is pulling together in the right direction. Payet was signed by West Ham just days after Slaven Bilic was appointed. Newcastle, meanwhile, finished lower than the Hammers last season and only appointed McClaren a day after the Croat was put in place. In short, it may not be the 54-year-old's fault that his club are yet to sign anyone - but his excuses are lame at best. Newcastle simply haven't been doing enough in the transfer market and that is inexcusable. West Ham, by contrast, have. And their signings so far - capped off by the Payet capture - show just what a club can have done by now with a little bit of cohesion and effort.
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West Ham youngster Reece Oxford will have to get used to comparisons with Rio Ferdinand, says team mate
Evening Standard
JULIAN BENNETTS
Published: 03 July 2015 Updated: 09:29, 03 July 2015
Joey O'Brien has told Reece Oxford he will have to get used to comparisons with Rio Ferdinand after the 16-year-old became West Ham's youngest ever player last night. Aged just 16 years and 198 days Oxford played the full 90 minutes in a comfortable 3-0 win over Lusitans of Andorra as he beat the club record set by Billy Williams in 1922. But O'Brien has warned the centre-back he has achieved nothing yet and says the England Under-17 captain needs to ignore the hype as he looks to establish himself in the Premier League under new boss Slaven Bilic.
And O'Brien also believes Oxford will have to get used to regular comparisons with Ferdinand, who came through the ranks at Upton Park before enjoying a stellar career with Manchester United and England. "It's something he will have to deal with and that isn't easy for a 16-year-old kid," said O'Brien when asked if comparisons with Ferdinand are inevitable. "The Premier League is probably the toughest league in the world and it's even tougher than 10 years or so ago when those players came through, so it will be harder for him to come through. "It's unbelievable, it is top-end stuff doing that at that young age. "When I was 16 I was still in school back home. It is fantastic for him and the Academy. He was on the bench last year and nothing really phases him. West Ham boss Slaven Bilic will be sacked with no pay-off if Hammers go down - and needs top-eight finish to land bonus "That's the most important thing, especially today with the hype around the game. Sometimes you can get carried away with the whole thing but he just comes in and it doesn't bother him. "But he has a lot to do. I have seen many a player play with expectations so high and never quite fulfil it. So many things have to fall your way. Physically he looks great but there is so much luck involved in making it to the top."
And O'Brien revealed Bilic came into the dressing room to thank the players after this comfortable win, which was secured by a Diafra Sakho double and James Tomkins' header. The Croat watched from the stands as academy manager Terry Westley took charge, leading Lusitans manager Xavi Roura to accuse him of thinking he was 'a Special One' and showing a lack of respect – a charge he is unlikely to revise with Bilic thought unlikely to travel to the second leg. But O'Brien says Sam Allardyce's replacement has made a positive impression. "He came in after the game and thanked us all," said the Irishman. "In Ireland (at the team's training camp) he came over, looked at us, spoke to a few of the lads and came across really well. "This is a chance for everyone – young lads, old lads, lads who haven't been playing. The manager comes in and it is a new start for everyone."
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'Slaven Bilic thinks he is the Special One' - West Ham boss accused of disrespecting Europa League opponents
Evening Standard
MARK BRYANS
Published: 03 July 2015 Updated: 06:52, 03 July 2015
West Ham were left red-faced on Thursday night as their Europa League victory over FC Lusitans was over-shadowed by claims of a lack of respect from new Hammers boss Slaven Bilic. The Croatian, who replaced Sam Allardyce at Upton Park, was expected to take charge of his first game since his appointment on June 9. Instead it was academy director Terry Westley who selected the side and was in the dug-out for the 3-0 win whilst Bilic, who was presented to the sold-out crowd before the first-round qualifying clash, watched from the stands as a Diafra Sakho brace and a James Tomkins header sealed a routine victory. And Westley was left defending the former Besiktas boss after Lusitans coach Xavi Roura accused him of disrespecting his side. "He shows his respect for the tournament and the game by the group of players we had out on the pitch," Westley said. "Not every manager sits in the dug-out. The manager has flown back from a training camp (in Ireland), got here this afternoon, spent all afternoon with the players. "He was in the dressing-room for the team talk. We presented (Lewis) Page and (Reece) Oxford with their debut shirts and the manager and the chairman did the talk. "They said 'Wear these shirts with pride and some honour. You are following some outstanding players, (Geoff) Hurst, (Bobby) Moore, (Frank) Lampard, (Rio) Ferdinand ... it's time for you to create your legacy.' The manager did that speech. He was very respectful for the game."
But Roura, whose side welcome West Ham to Andorra for the return leg next Thursday, saw things differently and was upset by Bilic's no-show in the dugout. "Slaven Bilic showed a lack of respect by not being on the bench," he said. "It does make me sad, in a country where fair play was invented, that something like this could happen. I think he must have thought our team was not important for him to be present. "I imagine that he has won many titles and maybe he thought he was the 'Special One'. The minimum thing I can hope for is that this won't happen again. "I think he is the West Ham coach so I expected him to be on the bench. Slaven Bilic, 'The Special One', should come to Andorra." Despite Roura's plea for Bilic, who has yet to face the media since landing the job, to turn up next week, Westley admitted he is likely to be disappointed. "I wouldn't have thought so, with all that he's got going on. He can't be in two places," Westley said when asked if Bilic would be present for the next leg.
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Crystal Palace told to up Yohan Cabaye bid in order to fend off rivals
London 24
07:00 03 July 2015 Brad Pinard
Crystal Palace have been told to cough up £12million to sign midfielder Yohan Cabaye from PSG this summer. French reports claim the Eagles have lodged a £9million bid (€12.5million) but the French champions are not looking for a quick sale and so will it could take some serious negotiations to get the deal done. Palace are by far and away the favourites to sign Cabaye, who was linked with the likes of Arsenal, West Ham, Newcastle and Southampton last month. However, a number of those clubs have cooled their interest, with West Ham and Southampton still seeing Cabaye as a back up option. Alan Pardew is desperate to be reunited with his former Toon playmaker and is hoping to make him the Eagles' main summer buy.
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WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic has praised the 35,000 West Ham United fans for their spine-tingling welcome as he was introduced as the Boleyn Ground as the Club's new manager before Thursday night's UEFA Europa League qualifier with FC Lusitans. Bilic was presented to the sell-out crowd just before kick-off in the 3-0 win and confessed he was blown away by the reception he received. He added that vocal backing and a boisterous rendition of Bubbles simply served to further whet his appetite for the upcoming final season in West Ham's home of more than 110 years. "I would like to start by saying congratulations to Terry Westley and the team of course," Bilic said. "I thought they played very well. It was a good game and a terrific atmosphere. "I would also like to thank the fans for the wonderful reception I received. It was amazing. It was an incredible moment and I can't wait to be playing in Upton Park this year."
Bilic flew in from Ireland following the conclusion of first-team training on Thursday to take his seat in the Director's Box alongside Vice-Chairman Karren Brady. After watching an intriguing mix of familiar first-teamers and the most promising youngsters overcome the Andorran side courtesy of a brace from Diafra Sakho and a header from James Tomkins, Bilic will catch a few hours' sleep before jetting back out to Ireland on Friday morning to join up with the training party once more. "I will now go back to Ireland on Friday morning to meet back up with the first-team group. To be honest I don't really like this kind of situation with one half of the team in Ireland and one half in England but it will be that way until after we play our second leg in Andorra next week. "That was the only option because of the very early qualification rounds and the fact that players needed rest ahead of the Premier League season. I don't like the situation but we have to cope with it and we can't get away from it. It's going to be like that until after the second leg in Andorra."
Perhaps without all the facts to hand, FC Lusitans manager Xavi Roura chose to use his post-match press conference to question why the new West Ham manager was not in the dugout for the match, despite the fact that Academy manager Terry Westley had trained the squad for the past few weeks and knew the Under-21s involved well. For the former Croatia international, though, the reasoning and rationale was clear. "I was thinking about the best way to manage the game and the training camp we have in Ireland. I didn't want to disrespect anyone and especially not a football team from Andorra as I respect them big time. "But I respect Terry and I respect West Ham so I wanted to show respect to Terry as he coached this team and he took them for pre-season in Ireland and knew them all well. I didn't want to be disrespectful to him. Also the majority of the first team is in Ireland so that was behind our decision to do it like this.
"Overall it was a good result and a good display, especially after we scored a couple of goals. The second half was much more fluid. "The rest of the team did well and Sakho took his goals very well, which is always important for strikers. "It was good for the senior players to have a game and it was good for the youngsters to play in front of a full stadium on a big European night. I am really pleased with the way they played."
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Sakho pleased with first game brace
WHUFC.com
Diafra Sakho was pleased to chalk up the first two goals towards his target of 20 as West Ham United gained a 3-0 first leg advantage against FC Lusitans on Thursday. The Senegal striker got the Hammers up and running with his brace in the five minutes before half time, before James Tomkins added a third in the second period. Sakho was happy with a professional job done, but warned that more work will be needed in Andorra next week. "Two down, now 18 more for the 20!" he said. "It's important to win the first game at home. Every fan came to see the team play, and the young players did well for us today. "It's difficult to play against a team who every time play back, and so it was important for me to score the first goal. Every player is happy with the result, but we're not finished because we also need to win next Thursday. "We need to stay focused and go away to win at Lusitans. All the qualifying rounds are important - we want to have six games in this competition before the league starts, and now we have five more to win. "Lusitans were strong in their play and every player had respect for them.
"Zarate assisted the first, and Amalfitano the second. They are important players for passes and assists for me. Today I'm happy that Mauro was back and it's good for the striker to have two players like them assisting them."
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'It was very close to a perfect night'
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley said Thursday's 3-0 UEFA Europa League first qualifying round first leg win over FC Lusitans represented a hugely positive night for West Ham United. A sold-out Boleyn Ground witnessed a comfortable victory, attractive passing football, five debuts, seven Academy graduates, a youngest-ever player in Reece Oxford, two goals for Diafra Sakho and a rapturous welcome for new manager Slaven Bilic. With Bilic watching on intently from the stands – but not before presenting Oxford and Lewis Page with their debut match shirts – Academy Manager Westley was a happy man when he spoke to West Ham TV. "The crowd, the game, playing some young players, the senior players scoring goals and no real major injuries made for a positive night," he began. "Sakho scored two goals and if we had got one more goal it would have been the perfect score. "We had senior players who came through the game and ended up getting seven Academy players on the pitch, including James Tomkins, so it was very close to a perfect night. "We have had ten days to prepare and nobody has gone through the motions. Everyone has been professional, the manager came to Cork and flew over today and came in the dressing room and presented shirts to the two players making their debuts. "He was there again at half-time and came down again after the game and you can't ask for much more than that from the new manager with his busy schedule. It was a real positive for everyone to play in front of the new manager.
"James led the team and was terrific and Diaf's goals will really boost his confidence. We got 70 minutes out of him, so they're all positives. "I looked at Burke and he looked good again and is starting to get established and Josh Cullen came on in the second half and had a real spring in his step. He gave us some real purpose going forward and Diego Poyet kept the ball ticking over for us. "There were so many positives and not really a negative for me. Everything was on the front foot and I'm well-pleased."
For Westley, it was a real feather in the Academy Manager's cap to have given the England U18 captain Oxford his debut at the age of 16 years 198 days – breaking a 93-year-old club record.
"He has done well and it gets that out of the way. It was the ideal night to play him and to play him in midfield to quicken his feet up. Then, when he stepped back towards the end, he was in control of the game and getting the ball and punching it to the wide men. "He looks a prospect and now he knows he still has a lot to do, a lot to learn and a lot to work for. That was the other reason to put him in. He's not the finished article, but we've got a real prospect on our hands."
With a three-goal advantage to take to Andorra next week, Westley said the Hammers will take a similarly-composed squad to the Pyrenees. "I think it'll be the same squad, barring any injuries. Mauro Zarate got a slight groin and if he isn't fit, we'll bring someone else in. "We'll show respect to the Andorran team and also to the opposition. If we can score some goals, keep a clean sheet and get some more minutes out of the senior players again, that's what we're after."
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Fixture changes announced
WHUFC.com
Three of West United's early season Barclays Premier League fixtures have new dates or kick-off times.
The Hammers will now start the new campaign at Arsenal on Sunday 9 August, with a 1.30pm kick-off.
September's home game with Newcastle United will now be played on Monday 14 September at 8pm.
Finally, the trip to Manchester City is set for 5.30pm on Saturday 19 September. However, this fixture is subject to change should the Hammers qualify for the UEFA Europa League group stage.
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Noble and Collins enjoy Hurling
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble and James Collins wasted no time getting into the swing of things in Ireland and mixed in with the local fans as they took part in a game of Hurling after training. Both players were keen to take part in one of the world's oldest field games and relished the chance to pick up the shorter stick and strike the ball to one another. The West Ham United players are currently undergoing intensive fitness work ahead of the new season and are making the most of their trip to Cork.
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FC Lusitans ticket update
WHUFC.com
Updated Friday 3 July 2015, 3pm
West Ham United can issue an update on the allocation of tickets for the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round second leg tie with FC Lusitans in Andorra on Thursday 9 July at 7.30pm local time (6.30pm UK time). Every Season Ticket Holder who applied via the Priority Points system has been successful with their request. A very limited number of tickets remaining from the Club's allocation of 450 unreserved seats will go on General Sale to Season Ticket Holders from 9am on Saturday 4 July. The remaining tickets are priced at €45 (£32) per person, with no concessions. In the very unlikely event these remain unsold, any remaining tickets will go on sale to Members from 9am on Monday 6 July. West Ham were allocated approximately 450 tickets for the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round second leg tie in Andorra. The Hammers will tackle Primera Divisio runners-up FC Lusitans at the 1,300-capacity Estadia Comunal d'Andorra La Vella at 7.30pm local time (6.30pm UK time) on Thursday 9 July. A no duplicate policy will be in operation, so all tickets will need to be sent via Special Delivery, which means a £6.95 postal fee will be added to all transactions. Fans applying for tickets will also be required to provide their mode and route of travel to Andorra. The Club will not be running an official trip to this fixture. Further information, including local transport advice and information about activities for fans to enjoy in Andorra applicable to those travelling to the game, will be provided.
*Supporters should also note that, should the Hammers go through and Maltese clubs FC Birkirkara and Valetta both emerge victorious from their own UEFA Europa League first qualifying round ties, West Ham's visit to the Mediterranean island would be reversed. Should Birkirkara overcome Ulisses FC of Armenia and Valetta defeat Newtown of Wales, West Ham will travel to Malta for the first leg on Thursday 16 July, with the return game at the Boleyn Ground on Thursday 23 July. If Birkirkara win, but Valetta lose, the fixture will remain as per the original draw, with the first leg in east London and the second leg taking place in Malta. Birkirkara and FC Ulisses drew 0-0 in Malta in their first leg, while Valetta lost 2-1 at Newtown in the first meeting.
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Darren's delight at clean sheet on debut
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph had a huge smile on his face following a victorious debut in front of a packed Boleyn Ground crowd on Thursday night.
The goalkeeper who arrived at West Ham United at the start of the summer, was delighted to have a clean sheet on his first full game for the Hammers in the Europa League first round qualifier against FC Lusitans. Randolph had a quiet night as the Hammers won convincingly 3-0 against their Andorran counterparts but was thrilled to play in front of a sell-out crowd who had earlier given a rousing welcome to new manager Slaven Bilic.
Although Randolph acknowledged he didn't have that much to do on the night, he was never the less happy to have played a part and got a taste of action in the game, which saw a brace by Diafra Sakho and a header from James Tomkins seal the victory. "It was quieter for me in front of goal but it was a clean sheet in a European qualifying game and that is a main thing on a debut, in any match you play so I was very pleased at that. "The atmosphere was great. It could have been more of a nerve-racking debut because of being in front of a full house but it was a good night to make a debut and I will take that all day long!"
With the Hammers only just returned to pre-season, earlier than normal in order to prepare for the Europa League matches, the players have had a relatively short space of time to train and with hitting the ground running against opposition that is not over familiar to them. But Randolph said everyone is in good shape. "We are feeling good, but we have only had nine days or so training, so not too much building up to this game. There is only so much fitness work you can do in nine days but playing in such a competitive game so early can get the sharpness you want pretty quickly. I don't think you can be too critical after only a few days training and going straight into a competitive match.
"I have played in these early rounds before, with Motherwell. You don't really know the opposition, you might get a few clips on them so it is a case of preparing as best you can. We had some other good chances, but this is not just any pre-season friendly, we created chances in a competitive game and that is a good thing."
With that in mind and with the opposition perhaps not being as familiar to them as would normally, Randolph said the 3-0 win reflected a solid start and was a great experience for the younger members of the squad who he said, stepped up their responsibilities very well.
"It is a great experience for these lads, playing at home, in front of sold-out stadium and European competition. It gives everyone a taste of what to expect week in week out and gives the young lads something to chase, something to work towards.
"I was very impressed with all who made their debuts, played the game. Reece [Oxford] has been very impressive all week in training. He doesn't look like a 16 year-old, he's bigger than me!
He is very strong and was not fazed by anything. If he keeps his head down and keeps working, there is no reason why he can't go on to have a big future. Lewis [Page], Josh [Cullen], there's some good young lads here and that is good for the club."
Randolph is settling in well at the Hammers and says while it could be a long season ahead, it is all positive. He is also looking forward to working alongside fellow keeper Adrian.
"I would like to think I can push him [Adrian]. Even if I don't get to start as long as I am keeping him on his toes, which I think he would expect me to do. If he is playing well and the team are doing well, I will be happy.
"It could be a long season but hopefully a good one and we're all looking forward to it."
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Collins - We are all looking to impress
WHUFC.com
West Ham United defender James Collins admits the whole squad is looking sharp as they look to impress new manager Slaven Bilic at the training camp in Ireland.
Bilic has wasted no time settling into familiar surroundings and is working hard with the players as they undergo intensive fitness work at the Club's training base in Cork.
With the Club already playing their first game in the Europa League on Thursday night, Collins knows these are exciting times for the Hammers and hopes to play his part in a memorable last season at the Boleyn Ground.
Bilic has already brought in Chris Woods as the new Goalkeeping Coach and fans favourite Julian Dicks as Coaching Assistant and the players are certainly responding to the new management structure.
Collins said: "It is very organised and they know what they are doing. They are confident coaches and that is rubbing off on the players.
"Everyone is trying to impress the new manager and everyone has got a chance of playing. Training has been sharp and everyone looks good.
"Julian has come in and is a legend around the Club and it will be interesting to see his ideas as well.
"We played well in the Europa League. People said we would win eight or nine but that is not the case and I have seen that at international level. It was a tough game and the lads played really well.
"European football is a must for a size of the club like West Ham and with the quality of players we have got."
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Debut delight for Academy duo
WHUFC.com
For Academy graduates Reece Oxford and Lewis Page, Thursday's 3-0 UEFA Europa League win over FC Lusitans was anything but routine, with senior debuts under the lights at a sold-out Boleyn Ground to savour.
At 16 years and 198 days, England U17s skipper Oxford became the youngest player to ever represent the Hammers, doing so in a slightly unfamiliar midfield berth.
Though tougher tests await, no doubt, the young duo had plenty to smile about on the night, having earlier been presented with their match shirts by new manager Slaven Bilic.
"It was a very nice moment for me as I wanted to go to the dressing room to wish them luck," Bilic explained. "I didn't want to interrupt their pre-match routine too much but I wanted to wish them luck and hope that they did well.
"They both did a good job and it will stay in their memories for ever."
A special gesture appreciated by full-back Page, who certainly enjoyed his evening's work with Matt Jarvis down the left-hand side.
"We didn't expect it until a couple of minutes before we were told, and then it was just a bit of a surprise. It just made you feel confident to go into the game, so that was really nice of him."
For record-breaker Oxford, it comes as something of a relief to have got his senior bow out of the way, in the hope that he can now make an impression on a first team.
"It's a privilege to be the youngest player to have played since 1922, I think, so hopefully I can just progress now and stay in the team.
"It was tough to begin with and then I started to find my way into the game, started getting a few passes off and feeling more comfortable.
"There had been a lot of talk about when I was going to come on, but now that I've come on hopefully I can stay in the team, or on the bench."
It was a similarly proud moment for 19-year-old Page, who will long remember the first time he stepped out in front a full house for West Ham.
"It was a great experience," he added. "I had goosebumps walking out, that's what I've been dreaming of since I was ten when I joined here and just to play was amazing.
"I think we handled it all right, we had the game under control and we won quite comfortably.
"I love playing with Jarvo [Matt Jarvis] because he's a nice man as well, so I just gave him the ball and we just worked together really. He really helps me out defensively as well.
Against a physical Andorran outfit, the Hammers duo certainly had to be on their toes, but were not about to be fazed by a strong challenge or two.
"Physically I had to be on point," Oxford explained. "When I gave a foul away in the first ten minutes I got a yellow and I just knew not to go flying in because they were rolling about a bit, but they were physical on the ball and off it."
As for the return leg in a week's time, Page is understandably keen to repeat the feat at the 1,300-capacity Estadia Comunal d'Andorra La Vella.
"It's another game under your belt, another 90 minutes in the first team, that's all you want to do really, keep playing in the first team and hopefully get your chance again."
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Harrison joins Hendon at Orient
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Academy goalkeeper coach Lee Harrison has joined Sky Bet League Two side Leyton Orient as their first team goalkeeper coach.
Harrison links up with former Hammers first team coach Ian Hendon, who took over the reins at Brisbane Road after departed West Ham this summer.
The 43-year-old played alongside Hendon at Barnet and later featured under his management at Underhill before moving into coaching himself.
He joined West Ham from Wycombe Wanderers in January 2014 and will now work with Academy products Blair Turgott and Paul McCallum, who both signed for the O's this summer.
The Club would like to thank Lee for his services and wishes him well in his future career.
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Alex Song spotted at the Boleyn
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 3rd July 2015
By: Staff Writer
Alex Song was at the Boleyn Ground last night to watch West Ham beat Lusitanos in their Europa League qualifying tie. The Barcelona midfielder was in the stands as Terry Westley's young side beat the Andorrans 3-0, ahead of a return to the club on a permanent basis according to reports. The 27-year-old midfielder proved a stunning success at the Boleyn initially last season before going off the boil in the second half of the season (although that applied to many more than just the former Cameroon international). Further speculation tonight suggests that the Hammers have landed their man on a free transfer, despite Barcelona having set his sale price at circa £5million. Despite interest from other major European clubs, Song is happy in London and has expressed a preference for remaining in the capital - apparently swaying Barce to comply with West Ham's - and Song's - wishes.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic accused of lacking respect
Last Updated: 03/07/15 6:52am
SSN
New West Ham boss Slaven Bilic watched his new side ease to victory in their Europa League first qualifying round clash with FC Lusitans - but was then accused of disrespecting the Andorran team. Diafra Sakho scored twice and James Tomkins headed home to wrap up a 3-0 win for the Hammers, who will now head to Andorra next Thursday all-but guaranteed of advancing into the next qualifying phase. Bilic, presented to a packed Upton Park before the contest, left academy director Terry Westley in charge as he decided to watch from the stands after returned from a training camp in Ireland earlier in the day. The decision not to be involved annoyed Lusitans coach Xavi Roura who was angry with the Croatian for sitting out of the contest.
"Slaven Bilic showed a lack of respect by not being on the bench," he said. It does make me sad, in a country where fair play was invented that something like this could happen. I think he must have thought our team was not important for him to be present. "I imagine that he has won many titles and maybe he thought he was the 'Special One'. The minimum thing I can hope for is that the club like West Ham - this won't happen again. "I think he is the West Ham coach so I expected him to be on the bench. Slaven Bilic, 'The Special One' should come to Andorra."
Despite Roura's plea for Bilic to turn up in the principality, Westley - addressing the media as he had in the build-up to the tie - admitted he is likely to be disappointed. "I wouldn't have thought so, he can't be in two places," Westley said when asked if Bilic would be present for the next leg. "He shows his respect for the tournament and the game by the group of players we had out on the pitch. Not every manager sits in the dug out. "The manager has flown back from a training camp, got here this afternoon, spent all afternoon with the players.
"He was in the dressing-room for the team talk. We presented (Lewis) Page and (Reece) Oxford with their debut shirts and the manager and the chairman did the talk. "They said 'Wear these shirts with pride and some honour. You are following some outstanding players, (Geoff) Hurst, (Bobby) Moore, (Frank) Lampard, (Rio) Ferdinand ... it's time for you to create your legacy.' The manager did that speech. He was very respectful for the game."
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Hammers star at centre of £8m bid claim
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
New reports linking Middlesborough with a £8 million offer for Stewart Downing have been circulating in the north east over the past few hours and quite frankly seem way off the wall. A couple of media outlets claim that the Championship club has hit the Irons with the an offer despite us turning down similar bids from Sunderland and Leicester City. The mathematics involved are mind boggling for a Championship outfit which, if they are believed demand that we accept the Riverside club will commit to a £7 million transfer fee and £1o million plus in wages over a three year deal. And for a player aged 30 that really does take a bit of swallowing. A key club insider told ClaretandHugh this week that that we have indeed received several bids but that the player is simply not for sale. We never rule anything out entirely however, although if this one were to be true we would find it perhaps one of the most bizarre and perhaps ill considered deals in a long time.
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Report: Irons "one step away" from top defender
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham are tonight reported to be close to signing Juventus defender Angel Ogbonna although Everton are still in the race for the Italian international. However, according to the Turn based daily newspaper Tuttosport the Hammers are" just one step away" from signing the defender. The report adds that Juventus are expected to let the player depart for the Boleyn for €10m plus a potential further €2m in bonus payments. Ogbonna has found commanding a regular first team spot at Juventus to be tough and will be aiming for more minutes of game time in England. ClaretandHugh has already reported sources close to boss Slaven Bilic as saying he expects to get his Number One priority player – a top central defender – over the next seven days and if Tuttosport is to be believed Ogbonna is that man.
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Sakho happy to see Zarate back
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Diafra Sakho and David Gold are both very happy to see Mauro Zarate back at Upton Park. The skilful front man had a tough first season under Sam Allardyce and was farmed out to Queens Park Rangers in January where he was 'branded' unfit and placed on special fitness regime. But he looked in great nick last night as the team cruised past Lusitans and Sakho said: "Today I'm happy that Mauro was back."
And he is pleased that Morgan Amalfitano was involved too adding: "It's good for the striker to have two players like them assisting them." He added: "Zarate assisted the first, and Amalfitano the second. They are important players for passes and assists for me."
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DG: 'Fans are smiling again after tough times'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
David Gold has warned fans to not be unduly carried away by the Europa Cup qualifying victory over Lusians but declared: "You have to hand it to Diafra Sakho – goalscoring is an art whoever you score against." The two co chairmen flew out to a well earned break in the south of France earlier today where more transfer business will almost certainly be on the agenda. But before boarding his private jet, DG told ClaretandHugh exclusively: The opposition wasn't strong but whatever team you are playing, putting the ball in the back of the net is hard and 'Sak' again showed his quality. "You would expect good players to go past players of a certain level but good crosses and goals always count whatever the opposition."
And he added: Had we been further into the summer training programme I think we would haver won by more but it was frustrating over the last 20 minutes not to score again when the opposition were clearly tiring. "However, we have to be happy because the fans have smiles on their faces again. They have been through a difficult period. They have seen the club relegated and squeeze back into the Premier League.
We have now established ourselves and Sam Allardyce, players and owners all take credit for that although there's not been an awful lot to get excited about. "Now we are looking at a new era a new stadium, a new manager and a new way of playing. To see those smiles on faces was great."
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Palace join hunt for Hammers 33 goal trialist
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
AFC Wimbledon striker Daniel Agyei – having been on trial at the Irons all week – has now been handed a trial with Crystal Palace.
Burnley have also made him the same offer as the 17 year old weighs his options after the 17 year old grabbed 35 goals for the Dons' Under 18 and Under 21 sides. The Irons may hold a big edge given the number of Development Squad players who were offered their chances against Lusiens in last last night's Europa Cup qualifier. They will hope the lad realises that under new manager Slaven Bilic youth is about to be given its chance wherever and whenever possible. Young striker Daniel Agyei enjoyed a prolific campaign for AFC Wimbledon Under 18s last season The striker was expected to make the step up into AFC Wimbledon's senior side next season but it will be a miracle if they can hold onto him in the light of this week's developments.
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Irons Jenks hopes dashed
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham's hopes of signing Karl Jenkinson permanently have been dashed. The Hammers would love to sign the Arsenal right back to a long term deal but Arsenal flatly refuse to entertain the idea. Speculation that we would try to do a permanent deal started back in the January and has resurfaced over recent days. And although the club's negotiators attempted to get talks underway, the Emirates board made it clear that wasn't on. However, there is now a big chance of the Gunners England under 21 rejoining us on loan for the new season but unless there is a dramatic change of heart a permanent switch won't happen. A high level Upton Park source said after we posed the question: "No, Arsenal 100 per cent won't do a permanent deal."
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Gold hits back at 'ill informed' Lusiens boss
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers#
C AND H
David Gold has hit back at Lusians boss Xavi Roura describing his blast at Hammers boss Slaven Bilic as 'ill informed.' The manager of the Andorran minnows had objected to Bilic not being in the dug-out for last night match saying:"Slaven Bilic showed a lack of respect for not taking his place on the bench. I am disappointed with with him and I feel a club from home of football and fair play should have insisted he sat there," said Roura. I know he has won a lot of titles but not sitting on the bench ; who does he think he is ? The Special One ?"
However, Gold has rushed to his manager's defence declaring: "Slaven is a hugely respectful man and that's precisely why he WASN'T in the dug out. He was showing his respect to Terry Westley who had worked with the squad . Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh DG added: "He could have waltzed in like some film star and taken all the credit from a victory but instead, after working with the first team squad in Ireland, he allowed the obvious man to take control. That shows character. "I am sure that when Xavi understands the full position he will offer an apology to Slaven for his ill informed remarks."
Gold was delighted with the victory and said: "I heard it said there were no long balls but that appears sometimes when you are under pressure. We weren't last night and there was a real determination to pass the ball. It was encouraging and there was not one youngster out there who didn't do well. That was very pleasing. "But let's pay credit to Andorra. It's a country of 78,000 people – nothing like as big even as the the Isle of Wight. Yet they came and gave it everything they had which we saw in the last 20 minutes when as part-timers they were going down like ninepins. "Having said that, there was a lot to enjoy and I think we are now on the edge of some really good times with a style of football the crowd will enjoy."
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Fans the big factor in Sam's departure
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Sam Allardyce's West Ham departure was driven by the fans who brought his reign to an "inevitable conclusion." Since the 60 year old's final appearance at the club, the atmosphere around Upton Park has lifted to the point where a sell-out crowd was ready to turn out in the middle of the season to watch a match against a team of part timers last night. And the fact that by and large the Irons team was always going to be made up largely of Development Squad players makes that even more impressive. However, the decision to allow Allardyce to walk away was clearly a big reason as fans hero, Slaven Bilic made his first appearance in front of the Claret and Blue Army. One wonders how many would have been inside the ground had the former manager still been in charge. In a TalkSport interview earlier this week co chairman David Gold had claimed that the board and former manager had felt that four years was long enough for both sides but explained nothing further.
H
owever, insiders have made it clear to ClaretandHughthat the two central reasons were:
O the increasingly impossible relationship with the majority of the fans
O and the knowledge that nothing much was ever going to change in the style of play
We were told: "Certainly everybody finally agreed that four years was long enough as the tensions between Sam and the fan base increased. "He was finding life more and more difficult and the reaction from the terraces following the previous season drove things to an inevitable conclusion. "However both the style of play and tensions in the transfer market were also hindering relationships and in the end both sides agreed that a parting of the ways was the only answer." "There will always be plenty of goodwill and gratitude towards him for establishing this club back where it belonged but there is relief that period is now part of our history."
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Leader Slav recalls our greats to inspire the kids
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 3, 2015 in Hugh's Blogs, News, Whispers
C AND H
Every true blood Hammers fan bows his head in respect when the names Moore, Hurst, Peters and Ferdinand are mentioned…which makes Slaven Bilic a true blood Iron! For his first job in terms of dressing room man management he presented Reece Oxford and Lewis Page with their first team debut shirts and immediately reminded them of the club's great players and ambassadors before telling them to go and make their "own legacy." In footballing terms that's Churchillian stuff and a fine reminder of this man's many qualities. As the words appeared in my inbox for sub editing from ClaretandHugh's Rob Shepherd ,who was reporting the game for us, I admit to a puff of pride. Slaven Bilic has yet to put a foot wrong as our new boss and personally I think it's very unlikely. The words he addressed to the young Hammers will inspire the Development Squad players to follow them. To mention such names to young players in the same breath as the club legends tells you everything you need to now about our new manager – he may have only had a season here as a player but he's an Iron to his backbone and is a LEADER. His decision to take a back seat last night – as detailed by David Gold in another story on the site today – was class and unlike some before him shows he's no glory seeker and egotist. Everyone gets credit and opportunity in Slav's world and last night it was Terry Westley's turn to take centre stage. Slav made sure it happened. However, a body language expert would have had a field day watching the Croatian in the directors' box as he leaned forward eagle eyed and chattering non stop to Karren Brady about what was going on down on the field of play. West Ham is changing at every level with his arrival and it is a joy – a real joy to be part of it all. I wonder whether arch high Tory Karren knows that our manager is a died in the wool Socialist?
You know what, I don't reckon it would make a jot of difference – something new, great, tolerant and massively enjoyable is happening at our beloved club!
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O'Brien: Oxford will find it hard
BT Sport
Last updated: 03 July 2015, 15:03 BST Print this story
Joey O'Brien knows fellow defender Reece Oxford will have to put up with comparisons to former West Ham academy products having become the youngest player to ever represent the Hammers.
The 16-year-old broke a 93-year record when he lined up against FC Lusitans in the Europa League first qualifying round fixture against FC Lusitans on Thursday. Oxford, captain of England's Under-17 side, usually plays in defence but operated in midfield as West Ham recorded a 3-0 victory over their Andorran opponents - with academy director Terry Westley in charge of the side. O'Brien was one of five first-team regulars to start the game and, after Westley revealed Oxford and fellow debutant Lewis Page had been given a speech by new boss Slaven Bilic telling them to make their own destiny despite comparisons with the likes of Rio Ferdinand, the Republic of Ireland international says those kinds of pressures will have to be dealt with. "It's something he will have to deal with and that isn't easy for a 16-year-old kid," O'Brien replied when asked if comparisons with Ferdinand were likely. "The Premier League is probably the toughest league in the world and it's even tougher than 10 years or so ago when those players came through, so it will be harder for him to come through."
Oxford penned a long-term deal at Upton Park earlier in the year having attracted attention from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United whilst playing in the youth teams at West Ham.
Westley was pleased with Oxford's outing but knows he still has work to do and is far from the finished article, and O'Brien agreed that there is a long way between exciting prospect and first-team regular. "When I was 16 I was still in school back home," he added. "It is fantastic for him and the academy. He was on the bench last year and nothing really phases him. "That's the most important thing, especially today with the hype around the game. Sometimes you can get carried away with the whole thing but he just comes in and it doesn't bother him.
"But he has a lot to do. I have seen many a player play with expectations so high and never quite fulfil it. So many things have to fall your way. Physically he looks great but there is so much luck involved in making it to the top."
Westley selected the team for the tie and was also in the dug-out as new boss Bilic opted to sit out what would have been his first game in charge. Lusitans coach Xavi Roura accused the Croatian of showing a lack of respect for his side by not being at the helm. But former Besiktas boss Bilic, who flew in from a first-team training base in Ireland to be presented to the crowd before kick-off, was quick to explain his reasoning after seeing a Diafra Sakho brace and a James Tomkins header wrap up a comfortable win ''I was thinking about the best way to manage the game and the training camp we have in Ireland,'' he said. ''I didn't want to disrespect anyone and especially not a football team from Andorra as I respect them big time.
''I respect Terry and I respect West Ham so I wanted to show respect to Terry as he coached this team and he took them for pre-season in Ireland and knew them all well. ''I didn't want to be disrespectful to him. Also the majority of the first team is in Ireland so that was behind our decision to do it like this." It is unlikely Bilic will travel with Westley and the matchday squad for the second leg in Andorra as he continues to split his time between his two groups of players.
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Why giving Zarate another chance could prove a West Ham masterstroke
HITC
Tim Poole
The 28-year-old already looks a different player for the Hammers. During Mauro Zarate's first-season struggles at West Ham United, some lost patience with the Argentine - but many felt he deserved more of a chance. Indeed, the forward was rarely used and, when he was, was played out of position. It is no coincidence that Sam Allardyce since left the club, with Zarate staying put at Upton Park. The West Ham owners have made their allegiance very clear and, interestingly, the 28-year-old looks as though he could be repaying their faith already. Last term, Zarate showed flashes for the Hammers before seriously fading away. When he was loaned to Queens Park Rangers, he made no impact whatsoever and his fitness levels were dire. Observe him against Lusitanos, however, and you have a different player altogether. The Argentine assisted Diafra Sakho and was a lively, energetic presence. This was only a Europa League qualifier against an Andorran side, of course, but it showed two things. One: There is a player in there. Two: Zarate has used pre-season to get some sort of fitness back - already a huge step. Could giving the Argentine a second chance prove a West Ham masterstroke?
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Tottenham rejected chance to sign West Ham record breaker Reece Oxford after failing to find his best position
Reece Oxford became West Ham's youngest ever player when he started the Europa League qualifier against FC Lusitans on Thursday
Tottenham released the youngster when he was 12-13 years-old after playing the defender as a forward
The Hammers teenager has been tipped as a future England captain
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 12:18, 3 July 2015 | UPDATED: 12:22, 3 July 2015
Tottenham rejected the chance to sign West Ham prodigy Reece Oxford, Sportsmail can reveal. The 16-year-old became the Hammers' youngest ever player on Thursday night, starting in the 3-0 Europa League qualifying win over FC Lusitans. Despite his tender age, Oxford, who plays for England Under-17, is being tipped as a future England captain such is his huge potential. But the teenager could easily have been turning out for West Ham's deadly rivals Tottenham. Oxford, who grew up a stone's throw away from White Hart Lane in Edmonton, was on Spurs' books during his pre-teen years, playing for the club as a forward. But Tottenham released Oxford, informing the youngster he didn't have a future at the club when he was 12-13 years old.
His departure opened the door for Oxford's move to West Ham, and the rest is history. Arriving at Upton Park as a forward, Hammers staff believed Oxford would be better suited to a defensive position and began moulding him into a centre-back. The positional change has turned out to be masterstroke; with the youngster now widely recognised as one of the best emerging central defenders in Europe. Oxford has attracted interest from all of the Premier League's elite; Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal have all tried to lure the defender away from Upton Park. But Oxford ended speculation regarding his future by signing his first professional deal earlier this year. That, however, is unlikely to stop England's top club's from trailing Oxford, who is expected to have a role in manager Slaven Bilic's first-team plans next season.
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Reece Oxford stole the headlines on his West Ham debut but Diego Poyet was the standout performer in front of Slaven Bilic
By MATT LAWLESS FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:59, 3 July 2015 | UPDATED: 11:59, 3 July 2015
Reece Oxford, take a bow, son. Now we know what all the fuss was about. On Thursday night, the England Under 17 captain made his long-awaited West Ham debut. He's 16. Breaking Billy Williams' 93-year-old record, Oxford looked like he'd been around for years. In fact, he wasn't even born when Slaven Bilic last played at Upton Park. Deployed in the middle of the park, the boy who has previously attracted the attention of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, eventually slotted in to his familiar role at centre-half. Throughout he displayed incredible maturity that belied his youth. In the air, he was formidable. There was a terrific tenacity in his tackling. And he wasn't afraid to have a go either, desperately unlucky not to score with a rasping effort from 30 yards. Even when the FC Lusitans players ludicrously got him booked, Oxford refused to rise to the bait, when most youngsters his age would have found the temptation too difficult to resist in front of a crowd of 35,000 fans spurring them on. 'This kid will go right to the top. The very top.' Remember when Harry Redknapp famously told supporters that about a young Frank Lampard? The same can be said about Oxford. While he deserves all the plaudits he is getting, perspective is needed. Indeed, the hard work really does begin now. Can he establish himself as a first-team regular? That is the question. To get to the very top - like Lampard, who won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League - there can be no room for complacency. You have to be determined to beat the best, to be the best. I've no doubt that Oxford has those qualities but this is only the beginning for the extremely talented teenager.
That leads me nicely to Diego Poyet, who won't steal the headlines as such yet he deserves high praise indeed. By his own admission, his first season at Upton Park was 'tough'. To prove himself he went out on loan to Huddersfield Town for a short stint. On June 11, he was part of the Uruguay side who lost on penalties to Brazil at the Under 20s World Cup in New Zealand.
A week later he was back at Chadwell Heath, desperate to show new manager Bilic his desire to break through into the first team this season. How can you not be impressed by that? Poyet has a tremendous work ethic and impeccable attitude on the field. Off it, he's a bright, intelligent, multi-lingual lad. He's 20. Most 20-year-olds are probably clubbing in Magaluf this time of year. Few would have turned an eye had Poyet joined them after his international exploits. Instead he put his fledgling career first in order to make a name for himself at Upton Park, in this historic farewell season. Total professionalism. For me, he was Thursday night's standout performer. Not Oxford. Not match-winner Diafro Sakho. It was Poyet. He wanted to be on the ball at every opportunity. I love that. Sure, he was raw in places and misplaced a couple of passes when he could have perhaps carried the ball a little longer. But it was an assured display and one that would have caught the eye of his watching new manager in the stands. Cool and composed, with an elegant touch to fit his long-flowing looks, Poyet instigated many attacking moves by getting the ball moving. By definition, he embodied the West Ham way. The trouble is, West Ham's midfield is already uber-competitive. Mark Noble, Pedro Obiang, Kevin Nolan and Chiekhou Kouyate are among those still to slot in. Alex Song too. Poyet, however, didn't do his chances any harm at all. I thoroughly enjoyed watching him. Even with a surname like his, young Diego knows he hasn't made it yet. But with a gutsy character and with that hunger and that determination, he surely will. I just hope it's with West Ham.
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IRONS BID €20M FOR MANCHESTER UNITED & JUVENTUS TARGET
West Ham have made a fresh €20m bid to sign highly-rated AS Monaco defender Aymen Abdennour.
The Hammers have edged ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign the Tunisian.
Michael Oliver
ironscircle
West Ham have made a fresh €20m bid to sign AS Monaco defender Aymen Abdennour, claims L'Equipe. The Tunisian defender has been heavily linked with a move away from France this summer, with several of Europe's biggest clubs queueing up for his services. Manchester United and Liverpool are tracking the player, with AC Milan and Juventus both keen, and have submitted undisclosed bids for the player this month, both of which have been rejected. It was reported that West Ham were willing to meet Monaco's €20m asking price for the 25-year-old, but due to the increased interest in their star defender, they have upped their demands to €25m. It's now being reported that West Ham have made the largest bid to date for Abdennour – a €20m offer to test Monaco's resolve, who are still holding out for a slightly larger offer from the East London club. Atletico Madrid could also be interested in the centre-back. Diego Simeone has just sold Miranda to Inter Milan for €15m, and has lined up Abdennour as a potential replacement.
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Report: West Ham linked with Manuel Lanzini; perfect man to help Zarate?
HITC
Tim Poole
West Ham have reportedly made a move for the 22-year-old Argentine. West Ham United have made a move for Al Jazira Club and former River Plate playmaker Manuel Lanzini, according to the Daily Mirror. The Hammers are said to want the Argentine on loan with an option to buy, with his superior dribbling ability perfect for how Slaven Bilic wants the east London side to play.
The Mirror say West Ham rate the 22-year-old - no doubt previously unheard of to many - very highly.
A helping hand for Zarate?
Should any interest be genuine, Lanzini could be brought to Upton Park with a view to getting the best out of Mauro Zarate. Zarate, also from Argentina, failed to impress during his first season with West Ham but has been given a second chance ahead of this term. And the 28-year-old could already be paying the club back after a promising performance against Lusitanos in the Europa League. Lanzini, then, could further aid the forward, simply as they are countrymen but also both creative, flair players. Dimitri Payet, already signed by West Ham this summer, will also add a creative element to the Hammers.
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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic denies disrespecting Europa League opponents by watching match from the stands
Evening Standard
JAMES BENGE
Published: 03 July 2015 Updated: 10:16, 03 July 2015
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has denied disrespecting his Andorran opponents by spending last night's Europa League qualifying tie in the stands. The new manager handed over coaching duties to academy director Terry Westley in what should have been his first game at the helm of the club. Westley was entrusted with selecting the team and sat in the dugout, a move that FC Lusitans manager Xavi Roura said "showed a lack of respect". Roura also said that the new coach "thought he was the 'Special One'" by choosing to watch his players from the Boleyn Ground stands. However Bilic has defended himself against such accusations, saying that he wanted to support his academy director, who has been training the squad for a number of weeks and has extensive experience working with the youngsters who were promoted to the squad. "I was thinking about the best way to manage the game and the training camp we have in Ireland," the manager told the club website. "I didn't want to disrespect anyone and especially not a football team from Andorra as I respect them big time. "But I respect Terry and I respect West Ham so I wanted to show respect to Terry as he coached this team and he took them for pre-season in Ireland and knew them all well. I didn't want to be disrespectful to him. Also the majority of the first team is in Ireland so that was behind our decision to do it like this."
Bilic will now return to Ireland, where those not involved in last night's match are taking part in a pre-season training camp. He said: "To be honest I don't really like this kind of situation with one half of the team in Ireland and one half in England but it will be that way until after we play our second leg in Andorra next week. "That was the only option because of the very early qualification rounds and the fact that players needed rest ahead of the Premier League season. I don't like the situation but we have to cope with it and we can't get away from it. It's going to be like that until after the second leg in Andorra." The 3-0 victory leaves the Hammers well-poised to advance to the next stage of the qualifying rounds and Bilic was pleased with a confident display early in pre-season. "Overall it was a good result and a good display, especially after we scored a couple of goals," he said. "The second half was much more fluid. The rest of the team did well and Sakho took his goals very well, which is always important for strikers. "It was good for the senior players to have a game and it was good for the youngsters to play in front of a full stadium on a big European night. I am really pleased with the way they played."
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Terry Westley raves about Reece Oxford
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
Reece Oxford made his debut for West Ham United in a Europa League qualifier on Thursday. West Ham United Academy manager Terry Westley has been singing the praises of Reece Oxford on the club's official website. Oxford made his debut for the Hammers during the first leg of their Europa League first qualifying round against FC Lusitans on Thursday evening. The 16-year-old defender played well against the Andorran side and was impressive during the 3-0 win at the Boleyn Ground. The England Under-18 international captain normally plays as a centre-back, but on Thursday he featured as a midfielder. Oxford became the youngster ever player to play for West Ham, breaking Billy Williams' 93-year record in the process. Westley was impressed with the performance of the teenager on his debut and was full of praise for him after the match. "He has done well and it gets that out of the way," Westley told West Ham's official website. "It was the ideal night to play him and to play him in midfield to quicken his feet up. "Then, when he stepped back towards the end, he was in control of the game and getting the ball and punching it to the wide men. "He looks a prospect and now he knows he still has a lot to do, a lot to learn and a lot to work for. That was the other reason to put him in. He's not the finished article, but we've got a real prospect on our hands."
Good performance
It was a memorable debut performance from Oxford, who showed that he can be effective in midfield. The youngster looked calm and confident when he had the ball at his feet, and also tried an ambitious effort on goal from 30 yards.
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Bilic: I respect FC Lusitans
Last Updated: July 3 2015, 9:56 BST
Sporting Life
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic insists he has "big time" respect for FC Lusitans after he was criticised for sitting out the Europa League qualifying fixture on Thursday evening. Having been appointing on June 9, Bilic watched from the stands with academy director Terry Westley overseeing a 3-0 first-leg victory as the Hammers got their season under way just 39 days after the end of the last campaign. Bilic, 46, was presented to a sold-out Upton Park before the game before moving to the directors' box having flown over from a training camp in Ireland with those senior players not involved in the Europa League fixture. Lusitans coach Xavi Roura was not happy with Bilic's decision not to take charge of West Ham - saying he was saddened that his counterpart was not on the bench - claiming the Croatian thought he was the 'Special One' and that Lusitans were "not important enough" for Bilic. But former Besiktas boss Bilic, who is yet to address the media since replacing Sam Allardyce, told West Ham's official website it was more about splitting his time between two groups of players rather than disrespecting both opponent and competition on Thursday. "I was thinking about the best way to manage the game and the training camp we have in Ireland," he said. "I didn't want to disrespect anyone and especially not a football team from Andorra as I respect them big time. "I respect Terry and I respect West Ham so I wanted to show respect to Terry as he coached this team and he took them for pre-season in Ireland and knew them all well. "I didn't want to be disrespectful to him. Also the majority of the first team is in Ireland so that was behind our decision to do it like this."
Roura hopes to see Bilic in Andorra for the second leg next Thursday but Westley said he would not expect the manager to make the trip - with Bilic still looking to spread his time.
"I will now go back to Ireland on Friday to meet back up with the first-team group," he added. "To be honest I don't really like this kind of situation with one half of the team in Ireland and one half in England but it will be that way until after we play our second leg in Andorra next week." Diafra Sakho scored twice with James Tomkins adding the third against Lusitans on Thursday and, if the Hammers can safely navigate the return leg, they will still face two more qualifying rounds and a play-off to reach the Europa League group stages.
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How West Ham's Payet signing proves McClaren's Newcastle comments very wrong
HITC
Tim Poole
The Newcastle United boss has defended his club's lack of transfer activity. But West Ham have already proven him very wrong. According to the Shields Gazette, Newcastle boss Steve McClaren has emailed fans asking for patience and explaining that he needs time to acquire the 'right' players for the Magpies. But, just days into the job, McClaren is making basic mistakes and offering poor excuses for a club that simply aren't pulling their weight in the transfer market. Indeed, the Magpies boss is already singing from a different hymnsheet than the one when he took the job. Back then, he boldly stated that Newcastle will spend plenty and sign plenty. McClaren claimed he was convinced of that by Mike Ashley's Sky Sports interview saying the same last season. Well, if the Newcastle coach really did fall for a PR stunt like that, his reasoning for there being no signings in place by July isn't really good enough for a club of the Magpies' stature.
For McClaren only need look south to West Ham United, whose capture of Dimitry Payet proves his comments very wrong. You don't need too long to identify the 'right' players if your club is pulling together in the right direction. Payet was signed by West Ham just days after Slaven Bilic was appointed. Newcastle, meanwhile, finished lower than the Hammers last season and only appointed McClaren a day after the Croat was put in place. In short, it may not be the 54-year-old's fault that his club are yet to sign anyone - but his excuses are lame at best. Newcastle simply haven't been doing enough in the transfer market and that is inexcusable. West Ham, by contrast, have. And their signings so far - capped off by the Payet capture - show just what a club can have done by now with a little bit of cohesion and effort.
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West Ham youngster Reece Oxford will have to get used to comparisons with Rio Ferdinand, says team mate
Evening Standard
JULIAN BENNETTS
Published: 03 July 2015 Updated: 09:29, 03 July 2015
Joey O'Brien has told Reece Oxford he will have to get used to comparisons with Rio Ferdinand after the 16-year-old became West Ham's youngest ever player last night. Aged just 16 years and 198 days Oxford played the full 90 minutes in a comfortable 3-0 win over Lusitans of Andorra as he beat the club record set by Billy Williams in 1922. But O'Brien has warned the centre-back he has achieved nothing yet and says the England Under-17 captain needs to ignore the hype as he looks to establish himself in the Premier League under new boss Slaven Bilic.
And O'Brien also believes Oxford will have to get used to regular comparisons with Ferdinand, who came through the ranks at Upton Park before enjoying a stellar career with Manchester United and England. "It's something he will have to deal with and that isn't easy for a 16-year-old kid," said O'Brien when asked if comparisons with Ferdinand are inevitable. "The Premier League is probably the toughest league in the world and it's even tougher than 10 years or so ago when those players came through, so it will be harder for him to come through. "It's unbelievable, it is top-end stuff doing that at that young age. "When I was 16 I was still in school back home. It is fantastic for him and the Academy. He was on the bench last year and nothing really phases him. West Ham boss Slaven Bilic will be sacked with no pay-off if Hammers go down - and needs top-eight finish to land bonus "That's the most important thing, especially today with the hype around the game. Sometimes you can get carried away with the whole thing but he just comes in and it doesn't bother him. "But he has a lot to do. I have seen many a player play with expectations so high and never quite fulfil it. So many things have to fall your way. Physically he looks great but there is so much luck involved in making it to the top."
And O'Brien revealed Bilic came into the dressing room to thank the players after this comfortable win, which was secured by a Diafra Sakho double and James Tomkins' header. The Croat watched from the stands as academy manager Terry Westley took charge, leading Lusitans manager Xavi Roura to accuse him of thinking he was 'a Special One' and showing a lack of respect – a charge he is unlikely to revise with Bilic thought unlikely to travel to the second leg. But O'Brien says Sam Allardyce's replacement has made a positive impression. "He came in after the game and thanked us all," said the Irishman. "In Ireland (at the team's training camp) he came over, looked at us, spoke to a few of the lads and came across really well. "This is a chance for everyone – young lads, old lads, lads who haven't been playing. The manager comes in and it is a new start for everyone."
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'Slaven Bilic thinks he is the Special One' - West Ham boss accused of disrespecting Europa League opponents
Evening Standard
MARK BRYANS
Published: 03 July 2015 Updated: 06:52, 03 July 2015
West Ham were left red-faced on Thursday night as their Europa League victory over FC Lusitans was over-shadowed by claims of a lack of respect from new Hammers boss Slaven Bilic. The Croatian, who replaced Sam Allardyce at Upton Park, was expected to take charge of his first game since his appointment on June 9. Instead it was academy director Terry Westley who selected the side and was in the dug-out for the 3-0 win whilst Bilic, who was presented to the sold-out crowd before the first-round qualifying clash, watched from the stands as a Diafra Sakho brace and a James Tomkins header sealed a routine victory. And Westley was left defending the former Besiktas boss after Lusitans coach Xavi Roura accused him of disrespecting his side. "He shows his respect for the tournament and the game by the group of players we had out on the pitch," Westley said. "Not every manager sits in the dug-out. The manager has flown back from a training camp (in Ireland), got here this afternoon, spent all afternoon with the players. "He was in the dressing-room for the team talk. We presented (Lewis) Page and (Reece) Oxford with their debut shirts and the manager and the chairman did the talk. "They said 'Wear these shirts with pride and some honour. You are following some outstanding players, (Geoff) Hurst, (Bobby) Moore, (Frank) Lampard, (Rio) Ferdinand ... it's time for you to create your legacy.' The manager did that speech. He was very respectful for the game."
But Roura, whose side welcome West Ham to Andorra for the return leg next Thursday, saw things differently and was upset by Bilic's no-show in the dugout. "Slaven Bilic showed a lack of respect by not being on the bench," he said. "It does make me sad, in a country where fair play was invented, that something like this could happen. I think he must have thought our team was not important for him to be present. "I imagine that he has won many titles and maybe he thought he was the 'Special One'. The minimum thing I can hope for is that this won't happen again. "I think he is the West Ham coach so I expected him to be on the bench. Slaven Bilic, 'The Special One', should come to Andorra." Despite Roura's plea for Bilic, who has yet to face the media since landing the job, to turn up next week, Westley admitted he is likely to be disappointed. "I wouldn't have thought so, with all that he's got going on. He can't be in two places," Westley said when asked if Bilic would be present for the next leg.
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Crystal Palace told to up Yohan Cabaye bid in order to fend off rivals
London 24
07:00 03 July 2015 Brad Pinard
Crystal Palace have been told to cough up £12million to sign midfielder Yohan Cabaye from PSG this summer. French reports claim the Eagles have lodged a £9million bid (€12.5million) but the French champions are not looking for a quick sale and so will it could take some serious negotiations to get the deal done. Palace are by far and away the favourites to sign Cabaye, who was linked with the likes of Arsenal, West Ham, Newcastle and Southampton last month. However, a number of those clubs have cooled their interest, with West Ham and Southampton still seeing Cabaye as a back up option. Alan Pardew is desperate to be reunited with his former Toon playmaker and is hoping to make him the Eagles' main summer buy.
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