Tomkins wants fast start in Andorra
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins wants West Ham United to make a faster start when they take on FC Lusitans in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League first qualifying round tie on Thursday. The Hammers defeated their Andorran opponents 3-0 at the Boleyn Ground, but had to wait until the 40th minute for Diafra Sakho to open the scoring. Tomkins, who skippered the hosts, was happy with the result but wants to dampen Lusitans' enthusiasm early on this time around. It's always important to get on the scoresheet early on against teams like this, as that makes them quiet straight away," he explained. "We could have got the goal earlier than we did. It felt like a long time coming, but when it came we got another one quickly and that killed them off.
"We could have got more out of it, but we took the positives. It was the first game back we're still trying to pick up our fitness. A win's a win and 3-0 was quite convincing in the end."
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FC Lusitans v West Ham United – Travel Advice
WHUFC.com
Advice for fans making the trip to Andorra for our UEFA Europa League first qualifying round second leg tie
Introduction
West Ham United would like to thank the Club's loyal supporters for following the team to Andorra for the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round second leg tie with FC Lusitans.
The Club is rightly proud of its fans and would ask that you uphold the Hammers' reputation by respecting local customs, amenities and cultures.
Fixture information
FC Lusitans v West Ham United
UEFA Europa League first qualifying round second leg, Estadi Comunal d'Andorra la Vella, Thursday 9 July 2015, 7.30pm CET (6.30pm BST)
Stadium information
The Estadi Comunal d'Andorra la Vella is situated on the main CG1 road, the Avinguda de Salou, 22, AD 500 – Andorra la Vella, west of the town centre.
The stadium has an all-seated capacity of around 1,100 fans, a grass pitch and has hosted a number of senior international matches in recent years, with Andorra hosting the Netherlands, Republic of Ireland and Slaven Bilic's Croatia.
The stadium is only accessible from one side – the Avinguda de Salou – and supporters should be aware that potentially fast-moving traffic will be passing. Police will control this traffic flow before the match and plan to close the road for a period after the final whistle.
On entering the stadium, fans will be ticket checked and be searched by security staff for any prohibited items before being allowed through a security gate granting access to the visiting supporters' seated area behind the goal.
Flags and banners are welcome, but not those on sticks, but may be checked prior to entry. Please bear in mind that flags of an overtly political, sectarian or religious nature will not be permitted and may be confiscated.
West Ham United stewards will be travelling to Andorra and will be present at the stadium to assist supporters.
Toilet and catering facilities will be available inside the stadium. However, UEFA regulations stipulate that alcohol will NOT be on sale inside the stadium.
Any fans without tickets will NOT be granted access and will be removed from the stadium area by police.
Getting to Andorra La Vella
The Club is not arranging any official travel to Andorra.
By plane…
Andorra is a remote principality perched high in the Pyrenean mountains and therefore it is not easy to get to. The easiest and 'quickest' way to reach Andorra is by flying to north eastern Spain (Barcelona via Easyjet or British Airways) or southern France (Toulouse via Easyjet, British Airways or Perpignan via Ryanair). From all three, it is about a three-hour drive by hire car. You do not need an international driving licence to drive in Andorra if you are visiting solely for the match.
Fans driving from Barcelona should take the B22, C32 and B20 to junction nine, where you join the E9/C16 road for 72 miles. The remaining part of the trip on single carriageway roads – N260, N145, CG1, CG3 A. Drivers taking this route have to pay four tolls totalling €21.
From Toulouse, you need to skirt the city's west edge, take the E80/A620 toll road before heading south down the E9. At L'Hospitalet-pres-l'Andorre, turn left onto the N22. You will travel through the Tunel d'Envalira into Andorra (a toll road) before joining the CG2 and CG1 to Andorra La Vella.
If you fly into Perpginan, you will be on the road for a little longer, as the D614, D117, D107, D222 and D613 are all slow roads until you pick up the N22 at L'Hospitalet-pres-l'Andorre, then follow the route as above.
If you do not want to hire your own vehicle, you can take an express bus service from the airports in Barcelona, Girona and Toulouse Airports, as well as the town of L'Hospitalet-pres-l'Andorre.
By train…
Even though Andorra itself has no railway station, travelling by train is possibly easier than flying and driving! You can take the train from London via Paris to L'Hospitalet-pres-l'Andorre – the gateway to Andorra. From there, it is a spectacular bus ride up through the mountains to Andorra la Vella. For more information, please visit Seat61.com.
Andorra La Vella
Andorra La Vella (population 22,500) is the capital of the Principality of Andorra, and is located high in the east Pyrenean mountain range between France and Spain.
The town has many hotels, bars and restaurants, all within a fairly concentrated area.
Supporters should note that drinking alcohol on the streets is not permitted. The Andorran police have told the Club that West Ham United fans will be made very welcome in Andorra la Vella, but that anyone causing trouble can expect to be arrested and detained for 48 hours. Supporters should also note that UEFA rules ban the sale of alcoholic drinks within the ground.
Among the many local cultural attractions, are the Casa de la Vall – the parliament building, which was built in 1580 – and the 12th-century Sant Esteve Church with its fine carved woodwork.
With its tax-free status, Andorra is also popular with shoppers.
General information
The official language of Andorra is Catalan, while Spanish and French are also widely spoken.
The currency of Andorra is the Euro.
Andorra is on Central European Time (CET), one hour ahead of British Summer Time (BST).
Crime
Street crime is rare in Andorra, but you should take care of your personal belongings. Don't keep money and valuables all in one place.
Emergency contacts
You may telephone the Emergency Services on the following numbers:
112 – General Emergencies / Mountain Rescue
118 – Ambulance/Fire Brigade
110 – Police
116 – Medical Emergency Service
Passports
Passports or copies of your passport should be carried with you at all times for identification purposes if required by the authorities.
British Embassy Contact Details
British Consulate-General Edifico Torre de Barcelona, Avenida Diagonal 477 – 13, 08036 Barcelona
Email – spain.consulate@fco.gov.uk
Telephone – 902 109 356 (if calling from within Spain)/+34 91 334 2194 (International/alternative number)
Fax – +34 933 666 221
For further FCO advice regarding a visit to Andorra, please click here.
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Noble ready for biggest season in Club's history
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble is relishing the chance to play in one of the biggest season's in the Club's history and knows the fans are going to make it an unforgettable final year at the Boleyn Ground. Noble will be full of emotions as the Club prepare to face their final ever home game against Swansea on May 8 as he made his debut at the Boleyn Ground and has so many special memories. With Slaven Bilic arriving as the new manager during the summer and several new additions including French superstar Dimitri Payet, Noble feels these are exciting times for West Ham United.
The Club are still working hard to bring in more new signings and Noble says the squad needs to be strong so they can cope with the busy schedule in both domestic and European competition. Noble said: "With European football hopefully we are going to have a lot of games and we need a big squad to deal with that. With the quality of players that are coming in it is only going to help us. "I have said this is a big season for us to stay in the Premier League and to go into the new Stadium on a high. This season is probably the biggest in the club's history and we need all the players that we can get. "I made my debut at Upton Park and have had some amazing times there. Hopefully we can go out on a bang and I'm sure the fans will be with us. "To sell out the ground for the first qualifying round of the Europa League is a credit to the fans and I'm sure we will sell out every week. "The new Stadium will be one of the best in Europe. The facilities are unbelievable and when we come to the end of the season it will be exciting to know that we are moving into a Stadium like that. Hopefully we can go into it playing European football.
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Former Hammer Joe Cole to feature in Chigwell charity match
WHUFC.com
West Ham United legend Joe Cole will lead a star studded line up of former players and famous faces in a charity match held at Chigwell School on Wednesday 8 July.
Cole will take his place in Celebrity Headmasters XI featuring Mark Wright, Ben Shephard, Bradley Walsh, Joint-Chairman David Sullivan's son David and former Hammers first-team coach Ian Hendon. The impressive collection of names will face a Sixth Form XI in the 4pm kick off, which will raise funds for the local charity Smiles with Grace.
Tickets cost just £5 and are available on the door with free car parking at Old Chigwellian's car park. Your support will be hugely appreciated for this worthwhile cause.
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Jack Sullivan Column
WHUFC.com
Jack Sullivan is the youngest son of West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and is a huge Hammers fan. Jack will be giving his exclusive views to the official website in a regular new column...
Hello everyone,
I cannot believe the new season is already underway, but what a fantastic way for us to get started coming away with a 3-0 win in our first game in the Europa League. The scoreline could have been a lot more but we are able to take with us a comfortable lead to Andorra and hopefully we can make it through to the second qualifying round. I thought Mauro Zarate played really well and it will be great if he can keep up this form and show Slaven Bilic that he is ready to fight for a place in the starting line-up.
It was also good to see Diafra Sakho get among the goals straight away. We all know the quality he has got in front of goal and if we can keep him fit this could be another big season for him at West Ham United. I was able to meet Slaven for the first time which I was really excited about. He was in a really good mood and looked very happy to be back at the Club. I listened to what James Tomkins had to say after the game and that you cannot hear a pin drop when the manager speaks in the dressing room. That shows the respect that all the players have towards him. There were so many positives to come out of the game and I think a lot of people would have gone away impressed with the performance of Reece Oxford. He started in midfield and then went back to a defensive role where I thought he looked very strong.
Lewis Page also looked very comfortable playing on that stage and it was exciting to see Josh Cullen come on and almost get on the scoresheet with a fantastic shot which struck the crossbar. I like watching Josh in action and whenever I have been to see the Under-21s in action he has already impressed me. The atmosphere at the Boleyn Ground was excellent and you can sense that the fans are really excited by the arrival of the new manager and the new signings.
We now look forward to making the trip to Andorra and I know a few people who are going to the game. I am sure we are going to get a great reception over there. The directors of FC Lusitans were really nice people and they brought us a plate for the first game which had a horse on it. We gave them a meal the night before the game and it was all good sportsmanship. I cannot wait to see the team play abroad and I will be going to the game with my dad. We are flying to Spain and will then drive over to the game and will not get back until the early hours of Friday morning. It promises to be an extremely long day with a lot of travelling involved but it is all part of the European experience. I know the other first-team players who are not involved in this stage of the Europa League are out working hard in Ireland at their fitness camp. It is nice for the players to bond with each other at this stage of pre-season and especially the new signings who have come into the squad.
We hope to bring even more new signings into the squad, but it is a slow process and there is no rush at the moment.
I love all the games that are taking place at the moment and will try to see as many of them as possible.
I look forward to speaking with you all again soon.
Jack
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Defender snubs Blues bid in favour of West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th July 2015
By: Staff Writer
Angelo Ogbonna is close to completing a move to West Ham after rejecting an offer from fellow Premier League outfit Everton, according to reports. Sources in Italy (Di Marzio) are reporting this afternoon (Tuesday) that the 27-year-old Italian international defender is on the verge of sealing a switch to West Ham from Juventus for a fee in the region of €12million (£8.5million). West Ham are understood to have beaten off a rival bid from Everton who are reported to have offered a similar amount for the Italian, who has been capped on ten occasions by his country. Ironically perhaps, co-owner David Gold inadvertently tweeted a picture of Ogbonna when West Ham announced the capture of Pedro Obiang from Sampdoria last month.
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Payet jets in: more from Ireland
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th July 2015
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic was delighted to welcome latest signing Dimitri Payet to Cork this morning when his latest signing joined up with the rest of the first team squad. Payet, who cost West Ham a shade under £11million when moving from Marseille met up with his new team mates for the first time today in Ireland, where those players not travelling to Andorra later this week are currently based. As you can see from our exclusive pictures below, Bilic and his coaching staff were fully involved once again as they took their new squad through its paces - and as has been the case every day, the players were also happy to pose for pictures with fans.
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The feeling of optimism has returned
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th July 2015
By: Matt Bell
Wonderful summer time in London. Lunchtime beers, evening beers, barbecues and girls wearing very little. Simple pleasures but ones that keep me happy while I expose my tattooed pink body to the sun. Regardless of the above distractions I still check any and all West Ham gossip links repeatedly through the day. Most summers I fear the departures of our star players but one of our biggest "stars" is Andy Carroll and I wouldn't cry if he were sold (NB - I really don't have it in for Carroll, I like him but I prefer Sakho who plays and scores). This summer the bubbles really are flying high.
Discounting our win against Lusitanos and the early date the game was played it was great to see the Board reduce ticket costs so the ground was full and for Betway to screen it live for free. Ok, the cameraman had a drink or two before starting his swooping shots and Stuart Slater told us a few times he had sweaty legs and the Betway chap was excited about the 9/4 possibility of Reece Oxford scoring with a header - but all in all we won and Sakho played and scored, twice. (That's why i prefer him to Carroll.)
The feeling of optimism has returned. As I've previously written I respect what Sam did and we are on a solid footing now because of his tenure. I don't go in for the less-favourable names that some have called him and not going to go back on my thoughts that if wasn't for his stubbornness he may have earned an additional two years from the Davids.
The West Ham chairmen are fans and they listened and brought in Bilic (I'm ignoring Benitez, Emery, Klopp, Ancelotti et al) because the fact is, it wasn't David Moyes or Steve McClaren - both of whom would've been abused for courting favour if they brought in Dicks as coach.
Now we have Bilic as boss, Dicks as coaching assistant and rumours of John Hartson coming in as striker coach. All sits well with me and I don't believe anyone would wish to argue with those three anyway. Things look good, really good.
We have signed Dmitri Payet, Pedro Obiang and Darren Randolph. Carl Jenkinson could soon be on his way as may be Alex Song. Ogbonna from Juve is close by all accounts to add to our strong pool of defenders, following recent news we had bid approximately £14million for Abdennour of Monaco.
There still seems to be a chance fo signing Yohan Cabaye which really does get me excited. Our midfield is strong, so for me it's another winger and maybe a new big-signing striker.
Which then leaves the question of who is sold to offset some of the outlay. Of course we need a strong number of players but let's not get carried away with needing a big squad for Europe. 23 games to win it and even BT don't start their coverage until September (mugs).
I was up for selling Jarvis but he is settled and looked sharp last week, so why not give him a chance to shine? I like Downing and he showed last season that as the "10" he is creative and knits the play together, but at his age if we can turn a profit by selling I say we sell. Payet looks good on YouTube (but then so did Faubert) but I do think he will soon become a Hammers hero.
We have Mauro Zarate in the mix as well. He has a few flashy touches but generally he doesn't look ready for 90 minutes, let alone two games a week. I don't think we would get much for him anyway, so he may as well be given another crack.
Modibo Maiga didn't make the cut of the squad players named for Europa action. I was open to giving him another chance, but that's a blow he won't recover from. Plus I would like to see Elliott Lee get a fair crack.
We won't make anything on Kevin Nolan and will probably end up paying half his wages while he runs his final year down out on loan, but that's football. Like Sam he was needed at the time and served us well for the first two years, but has looked out of date since.
So.... what wingers are there that we can buy ?
I'm not a big fan of Victor Moses, would take Salah on an unlikely loan from Chelsea and due to Man Citys "homegrown" quota issues I'd even get on the phone to City offering a loan swap of Jesus Navas for Nolan! Neither will play and someone needs to talk to Richard Wright on the bus.
Wingers seem bad investments. Even Manchester United may lose money on Angel Di Maria and we can't waste big money on players that don't deliver, so a loan is a better move.
As for the big money man up front, I now can't see that one happening, I've said before how much I like Charlie Austin but £15million is a bit high and yes, he has had injury problems.
I wouldn't take Mario Balotelli on loan as he is a Newcastle player if ever there was one. Or more likely, he will score 20 goals in Turkey. But we don't need his joke value - plus he looks a lazy sod, with an ego.
As it stands, even with Europa League action and the knock-on effect that has on the Premier League fixtures I now think we are strong in all areas and if we had to start the season as we are, then I would still look to top 10.
Sign Cabaye, a winger on loan here and there or a big money striker and I am then dreaming of the ultimate glory.... which for me is winning ANY cup and finishing higher than Tottenham.
Ah the delirious effect of sunshine drinking. But maybe - just maybe - we can enjoy a really exciting final season at the Boleyn and then come the Olympic Stadium and the staggering TV money, our bubbles really will be flying high. (Beyond that? Well this is West Ham, so those fears of trauma can wait for a rainy day)
Feel free to reply with some suggestions, I'll still read your comments even if I get stick for refusing to hate Nolan...
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The battle for the armband: Cheik-mate
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th July 2015
By: Gursimran Hans
It seems likely that Kevin Nolan will be playing away from Upton Park next year or play a much smaller role than he has in recent seasons. With Nolan being the current West Ham United captain, obvious questions have been asked, just who will replace him as skipper?
It seems likely Nolan will be club captain with a new team captain appointed given that he seems to be behind the likes of Mark Noble, Stewart Downing, Cheikou Kouyate, Pedro Obiang and Morgan Amalfitano in the pecking order. It also will not be surprising to see him behind Mauro Zarate and with rumours of more midfielders coming in, it seems as though it is unlikely that Nolan will remain a regular.
Slaven Bilic will have a big decision to make in replacing one of the best captains this club has ever had, who has been pivotal to the club's successes over the past four years. For many, the obvious choice seems to be the incumbent vice-captain Mark Noble. Noble is of course, a one club man (what do you mean he had loan spells at Hull City and Ipswich Town?), and has made more Premier League appearances for the club than any other player.
He seems full of passion whenever he plays, although this can get the better of him; back in February he was very close to getting himself sent-off against Spurs and was taken off due to fears he would. This caused the team to lose their shape and eventually let a 2-0 lead slip to a 2-2 draw.
Yes, the midfielder has captained England at various youth levels, but in the FA Cup 3rd Round replay against Everton he was involved in an on-field spat with teammate James Tomkins and had to be dragged away by Kevin Nolan. This suggests he can sometimes be caught in the occasion, something that definitely is not a quality befitting of a captain.
Noble was also badly out of form towards the end of the season and with the signings of Pedro Obiang and Dimitri Payet and rumours of more reinforcements he, like Nolan, could have a reduced role next year.
Not including Nolan, some of West Ham's greatest captains have been defenders - notably the likes of Bobby Moore, Billy Bonds, Alvin Martin, Julian Dicks and Lucas Neil. Two obvious candidates for captaincy from the current defence are New Zealand captain Winston Reid and James Collins.
Whilst both defenders are always 100 per cent committed and capable of helping out their less experienced partners, it is questionable if either are captain material - minly because of the amount of games they miss, as both are prone to injury. Reid missed three months of the 2013/14 season and both he and Collins have suffered niggling injuries during the past year.
The presence of James Tomkins and rumours that another central defender may be coming in makes it even less certain they will play as regularly as they would like. Having said that, they could both do a job if they do indeed play regularly.
A goalkeeping solution?
Some fans will say the captain should be the man who is currently our last line of defence, goalkeeper Adrian. Nobody could argue that Adrian does not loves West Ham, however he can be a little eccentric - illustrated most notably during the home game against Liverpool when he received a yellow card for a scuffle with Mario Balotelli, when it briefly looked like he was going to try and smash the Italian forward's face in.
That same day Adrian nearly got a second yellow and gave away a penalty for a foul on Fabio Borini. Whilst he escaped without punishment, his challenge was unnecessary and we could have gone down to ten men and Liverpool could have equalised with the resultant penalty.
He also received a red card against Southampton, which was later rescinded, but the fact of the matter remains - he should have cleared the ball first time rather than try to skill Sadio Mane; then it would not have been a problem.
West Ham then wasted a substitution which meant Andy Carroll had to stay on the field, despite the fact he could barely walk and never featured again after that. On both of those occasions Adrian caused a problem for the team, when it could've easily have been avoided.
A stick often used to beat Kevin Nolan with is his dismissals against Millwall, Liverpool and Fulham. So surely Adrian should have his sending off/near sending offs count against him? Make no doubt about it, he is another in a long line of excellent West Ham goalkeepers but that could count against him. He's a goalkeeper and many would argue that the captain should be a player who can be in the thick of the action.
The club seem to have an abundance of high quality midfielders. As mentioned before, Mark Noble is a well-supported candidate. Another potential candidate is Stewart Downing, but as his only previous experience as skipper was the 5-0 thrashing at Nottingham Forest and he seems to try and avoid tackles and tackling at all costs. Excellent player definitely, captain material? Certainly not.
Alex Song, who was pictured at the Boleyn Ground last Thursday night captained the club a few times during his season-long loan from Barcelona. However the main problem many have with Song is his loss of form during the latter part of the season. Whilst during the final few games he looked a lot better, he experienced what was surely the greatest dip on form that is known to man. In a matter of games he went from Trevor Brooking to Adam Nowland.
Consistency is key for a captain. When the heads begin to drop a captain has to be able to give his all and drive a team on. Whilst Song can be more than capable of that, he needs to prove he can do it consistently, which he didn't do last season. To sum it up, he hasn't shown enough to be captain material.
All these possible candidates have got great qualities, but it is another midfielder who seems to tick all the boxes required to be an excellent captain. That man in Cheikhou Kouyate.
Captain elect?
Kouyate is an absolute beast of a player, he is as good as Mo Diame thinks he is. The Senegalese midfielder has been played out of position and not thrown a strop about it. He was still able to put in magnificent performances, out of position, as a central defender against Manchester United (he played there with Collins and Reid injured).
Downing has not been able to perform out wide and Song suffered when pushed back to protecting the back four. Kouyate has been a consistent performer and brings good performances when it matters, scoring goals in big games against Arsenal, Spurs and Man Utd. He is also a great ambassador for the club, having worked hard to get to the position where he is, and is keen to spend time with his fans.
Whilst he isn't immune to injuries, Kouyate seems to be able to take a lot more knocks than most players and is able to recover a lot quicker, something which means strikers Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho are not realistic candidates. (You thought I was going to miss out strikers, didn't you?)
He also seems to be the only player that was almost guaranteed to play our matches last year (bar perhaps Adrian, Carl Jenkinson and Aaron Cresswell). So barring an extraordinarily-influential signing, it seems difficult to look further than Cheikou Kouyate as the next captain of West Ham United.
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IS IT TIME TO TELL CARL JENKINSON THAT IT'S A PERMANENT DEAL OR NOTHING?
By Iain Dale 7 Jul 2015 at 18:10
West Ham Till I Die
If Carl Jenkinson signs a new contract with Arsenal as the Mirror suggests HERE? should that alter our view that we should have him back at Upton Park for a second season? I'd love us to sign him permanently, but if he signs a new Arsenal contract he's going to cost us a lot more in wages and his heart clearly still lies at the Emirates. I'm not saying he wouldn't be fully committed to us, but maybe we should take this as a sign that we should look elsewhere. Wouldn't it be great to find another Aaron Cresswell in the Championship, for instance. Who would you suggest? Or do you think we should welcome Glen Johnson back to the club?
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West Ham closing in on £8million deal for Juventus defender Angelo Ogbonna
17:36, 7 JULY 2015
BY JOHN CROSS , DARREN LEWIS
Slaven Bilic is also eyeing a loan deal for Argentine playmaker Manuel Lanzini as he looks to build a squad capable of competing in Europe
The Mirror
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is close to pulling off an £8million deal for Juventus defender Angelo Ogbonna. Italy centre half Ogbonna has been given permission to travel to London for a medical and to discuss personal terms on a four year deal with West Ham. The Hammers have beaten off competition from Everton to get their man after Juventus accepted an offer and will allow him to leave Turin. West Ham also hope to finalise the loan capture of playmaker Manuel Lanzini this week. Mirror Sport exclusively revealed last week that the Irons had moved for the 22-year-old Argentine on a season-long loan basis with an option for a permanent deal. He is understood to have an Italian passport which means he will not need a work permit to play for the Hammers. Hopes are high at Upton Park that he will develop into an important player as boss Slaven Bilic seeks to impose a more free-flowing style of play at Upton Park.
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Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson set to sign Gunners contract extension despite possible West Ham loan
17:13, 7 JULY 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
The 23-year-old right-back, currently on £35,000-a-week, is poised to extend his Gunners contract which currently runs until 2018
The Mirror
Carl Jenkinson is set for a new deal at Arsenal despite being lined up for another loan move to West Ham. The 23-year-old right-back, currently on £35,000-a-week, is poised to extend his Gunners contract which currently runs until 2018. Jenkinson impressed at Upton Park last season. The Irons had sought to keep him on a permanent basis but Arsenal were unwilling to sell. West Ham are confident, however, of being able to announce his return for another year-long spell within the next week. He played in 32 of the Hammers' 38 Premier League games last term, starting 29 of them.
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Dimitri Payet to start training
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham coach Julian Dicks has revealed new signing Dimitri Payet will commence full training with the Hammers for the first time this morning. The player flew out to Cork, Ireland on Sunday to meet up with his fellow team mates but the actual hard work begins today.
Yesterday Slaven Bilic told the club's official website:
"He is a great player and did really well at a big club like Marseille. He was fantastic last year and I really wanted him. The Club did a great job to get a player who had so many offers. We are expecting big things from him and we will help him to adjust. Everyone who is connected to West Ham will enjoy seeing him. The French League is one of the big five and we have seen so many good players who have come over from France and done well in the Premier League.He is a great player and was my number one target. I am delighted that he has joined us."
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Irons favourites as Toffees enter Ogbonna race
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Everton are this morning being linked with West Ham central defensive target Angel Ogbonna as a replacement for Sylvain Distin. The north western club have been monitoring the progress in talks between ourselves and Juventus and according to some reports will make a firm offer over the next few days. However, according to the Liverpool Echo, Ogbonna is on his way to London for talks with the Irons as manager Slaven Bilic aims to conclude his third signing since taking over as boss. The Hammers interest first became known via a case of mistaken identity when co chairman David Gold bizarrely welcomed Pedro Obiang, to the club. Gold tweeted: "I am delighted to announce the signing of 23 year old midfield Pedro Obiang from Sampdoria. Pedro, welcome. dg." but included a picture of Ogbonna rather than Obiang – before quickly deleting the message. According to one morning report, however, Toffees boss Roberto Martinez is willing to "spend big" in his bid to snatch Ogbonna away to Goodison. But West Ham insiders remain confident they are in the driving seat to conclude a deal with Juventus reported as wanting €10m plus a potential further €2m in bonus payments for Ogbonna
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£15m Townsend/Irons link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Andros Townsend is a regular arrival in the West Ham silly season transfer news. He is again raised as a possible arrival in some morning newspapers although the stories look like a near repeat of those we were seeing in October 2014. Back then he was seen as a replacement for Matt Jarvis who – it was claimed – is edging towards the exit door . In fact he wasn"t THEN and he isn't NOW as ClaretandHugh reported yesterday. Indeed as we explained, the club have had no offers for either either a permanent or loan deal offered in the case of the former Wolves winger who cost us a cool £10 million. Today, however, despite the arrival of Dimitri Payet at £10 million and with talks going on for Carl Jenkinson, Angel Ogbonna and Alex Song, we are apparently ready to talk around a £15 million deal for the Spurs wide man. Given that Payet can play either on the left or right side it seems unlikely the position is currently a priority and it's a central striker the club is looking for anyway. With £20 million spent on Payet and a minimum £10 million set aside for a central defender only around £5m or £6 million will be left in the kitty – some way short of the reported £15 million Spurs valuation for Townsend. This one looks unlikely to put it kindly.
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TV Stream for Europa League 2nd leg possible
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham media officer Rob Pritchard has confirmed that FC Lusitans has the rights to sell broadcast rights for Thursday night's 2nd Leg Europa league first qualifying round match but he admits if they don't exercise that right West Ham could ask them permission to stream it themselves.
However he does add on his personal twitter account "Obviously it also depends on the internet connection at the stadium, which we plan to investigate on arrival tomorrow"
The Estadi Comunal d'Andorra la Vella is situated in the mountains and has a seated capacity of around 1,100 fans.
West Ham own coverage via WHUFC.com last Thursday was beset with technical problems with many fans unable to watch the match on the club's own website although it was possible to watch the stream live on West Ham's youtube channel.
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Twin Reids born
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Winston Reid's wife Yana has given birth to twins the club have announced this evening. The twins have been named Arianna and Damien.
Claret and Hugh wishes Mr and Mrs Reid all the best for their new life adventure.
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Payet 'nicked ' on speeding rap
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham United's Dimitri Payet is tonight reported as having received a driving ban and been summoned to appear in court in September after being caught by police driving at 170km an hour (105 mph). West Ham's new playmaker is reported in L'Equipe as having recorded the speed after travelling back to his birthplace, Reunion, for a short break ahead of pre-season training. He was allegedly 'nicked' while driving in a zone where there is a 110km limit. L'Equipe explain that speeding is a big problem on the island and causes an increasing numbers of deaths. That court appearance would be on Reunion, off Madagascar, not exactly a short hop from Chawell Heath and it's not clear whether he can send a legal representative to avoid any headaches for the Irons.
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Ogbonna medical imminent
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
According to GianlucaDiMarzio.com, defender Angelo Ogbonna has rejected a move to Everton in favor of West Ham. They claim the centre back will sign a 4 year deal with the Hammers earning more than €2 million (£1.4m) net a season around £26,000 per week after tax.
The report suggests Juventus will receive €12 million (£8.5m) plus performance related bonuses. Once the last few details are settled with Juve they say he will travel to London to take his medical which they claim could be as early Wednesday or Thursday.
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Report: Ogbonna agrees Hammers terms
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Multiple media sources are currently reporting that Angelo Ogbonna has agreed to join West Ham ahead of Everton in an £8million deal.
It is understood that he held talks with the club today and has agreed a four year contract with us.
The left-sided was reported this morning to be a target for Everton but it seems from the unanimous coverage that he is now set to become the first choice partner to Winston Reid.
Juventus defender Angelo Ogbonna has agreed to join West Ham ahead of Everton in an £8million deal
Ogbonna was apparently attracted to London living and has opted to sign up for Slaven Bilic and will have his medical later this week.
The player was an unused substitute for Juventus when they were beaten by Barcelona in the Champions League final in May, and he has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs this summer.
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Report: Paul-Georges Ntep rejects West Ham offer, Tottenham also linked
HITC
Olly Dawes
Rennes forward Paul-Georges Ntep has reportedly snubbed a move to West Ham. According to the Daily Mail, West Ham have failed in a bid to sign Rennes winger Paul-Georges Ntep, who would prefer a move to a Champions League club. Ntep, 22, joined Rennes in January 2014 having impressed with Auxerre, and has now established himself as one of the top young players in French football. With 14 goals in 45 games for Rennes, Ntep has proven his quality with Philippe Montanier, and even earned his first cap for the French national team last month - despite being born in Cameroon. Ntep is bound to attract interest in the transfer market as a result of his fine performances for Rennes, and the Daily Mail believe that West Ham have failed in a bid to land him. The report states that Ntep has rejected the Hammers' advances as he wants to play for a club pushing for the Champions League if he is to leave Rennes. Intriguingly, it's also noted that Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham are also interested in signing Ntep, and offers from those clubs may be more appealing to the player having snubbed West Ham.
Next priority for West Ham?
West Ham have so far strengthen their midfield with the signing of Pedro Obiang, added a creative force in Dimitri Payet and snapped up cover for goalkeeper Adrian by signing Darren Randolph. Now, with Bilic having a history of playing with wingers at Besiktas, the new Hammers boss could turn his attention to landing a true, natural winger this summer. They may have failed to land Ntep, but it seems clear that Bilic and West Ham are now prioritising the signing of a natural winger, given that they are short of options in that area right now.
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West Ham in talks with Roma over Seydou Doumbia loan deal as Valencia are told Victor Valdes is staying at Man United
By SIMON JONES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 14:23, 7 July 2015 | UPDATED: 14:23, 7 July 2015
West Ham have held discussions with Roma about a loan deal for Seydou Doumbia but have been rebuffed in an attempt to sign Paul-Georges Ntep from Rennes. West Ham manager Slaven Bilic wants a striker and a wide player with Stewart Downing interested in a return to the North East. Roma are confident the 29-year-old Dzeko wants to join but have yet to agree a fee with City who want around £20million for the Bosnian. Doumbia is interested in leaving but would prefer a permanent move. Watford have shown an interest but that deal is unlikely to move forward though West Ham is more appealing. West Ham have been talking to Roma about the possibility of signing another striker, Mattia Destro. The 24-year-old has been in discussions with Monaco and is waiting for interest from Fiorentina. Ntep, a £12m-rated France international winger, has been linked with Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham and would prefer to play for a club challenging for Champions League places. West Ham are having a go in this window though. They are pushing for a decision from Angelo Ogbonna of Juventus amid a strong challenge from Everton, have outlined a deal with Manuel Lanzini from Al Jazira and have agreements in place with Carl Jenkinson of Arsenal and Alex Song of Barcelona.
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Arsenal ready to offer Carl Jenkinson new contract
Published 20 minutes ago Add your comment
givemesport.com
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is ready to offer Carl Jenkinson an improved deal but still expects the defender to leave on loan, reports The Mail. The 23-year-old spent the whole of last season on loan to West Ham and quickly established himself as an important player under Sam Allardyce. But while he was lighting up east London, a Spanish teenager called Hector Bellerin was busy establishing himself as the best young right-back on Arsenal's books. Bellerin's emergence coupled with the continued presence of Mathieu Debuchy left Jenkinson with little or no future at the Emirates with reports tipping him to leave on a permanent basis. West Ham were keen to sign him and were ready to pay upwards of £7m while other reports suggested Arsenal were looking for close to £10m. It now seems as if Jenkinson's fine form has convinced Wenger that he may well have a future at the club and is ready to give him a pay rise on his current £35,000-a-week. However, the one-time England international is still expected to leave on loan with West Ham still interested in another temporary deal after failing to agree a permanent one. They will have to compete with Southampton though, who are are looking to replace their recently departed defender Nathaniel Clyne Sunderland have also showed an interest and had offered Arsenal a £2m loan fee, an offer that was accepted. However, Jenkinson, obviously a London lad through and through, rejected the chance to move to Wearside.
SIGNIFICANT NEWS
Arsenal's decision to give Jenkinson a new contract is nothing out of the ordinary for a player about to leave on loan. In fact, it is actually club policy for players to extend their contracts before leaving on temporary deals. Joel Campbell was essentially forced to extend his contract before leaving for Villarreal despite the fact he was never likely to play for Arsenal again. He is still at the club but is up for transfer this summer. Arsenal's decision to extend Jenkinson's contract may just be a safeguard should they decide to sell next summer, but it indicates that Wenger sees him as a future first-team star, potentially after Debuchy's contract expires in 2018. As a homegrown player, Jenkinson's presence in the squad will always be of added value to Arsenal, hence why they are likely to keep him on the books, if not the squad.
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Carl Jenkinson in line for improved contract at Arsenal but will still be sent out on loan with West Ham leading race for defender
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:29, 7 July 2015 | UPDATED: 12:16, 7 July 2015
Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson is in line for an improved contract, despite heading out on loan this summer. The Gunners will offer the defender a new contract, which will include an increase on his current £35,000-per-week wages. His existing deal expires in 2018, but he is now set to extend that period. That is despite the fact the right-back will move on loan to a Barclays Premier League rival this summer. West Ham are leading the race to take the former Charlton man on a second consecutive season-long loan spell ahead of next season. But Southampton and Sunderland have also shown an interest in the 23-year-old. Even though Arsene Wenger is prepared to let Jenkinson leave this summer, the Arsenal manager isn't ready to sell him on a permanent basis. Hector Bellerin and Mathieu Debuchy are both ahead of Jenkinson in the right-back pecking order for next season. But another impressive loan spell away could force Wenger into a rethink ahead of the 2016/17
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West Ham want £15million Andros Townsend but fear Tottenham won't deal with them
22:30, 6 JULY 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
Bad blood between the clubs stems from their rival bids to move into the Olympic Stadium and a loan move for Emmanuel Adebayor which collapsed West Ham are keen on England winger Andros Townsend - but fear a deal is unlikely with Spurs because of their poor relationship. Aston Villa, Swansea, Newcastle and Sunderland are already interested in the 23-year-old wide man. Tottenham want around £15million for him. Townsend, who has three years left on his contract, wants to fight for his place at Spurs but is aware that he needs to be playing regularly with the European Championship next summer. Tottenham have already shown an interest in Monaco wide man Yannick Ferreira Carrasco. The bad blood with West Ham - who beat Spurs to the Olympic Stadium - hit a fresh low back in January when Spurs chairman Daniel Levy blocked the Hammers' loan move for striker Emmanuel Adebayor. Levy refused to pay part of the Togo front man's £100,000-a-week wages at Upton Park even though he was willing to do so if Adebayor played elsewhere. West Brom, Stoke and Crystal Palace were among the other clubs that had come in for the player but he preferred a move to the Boleyn.
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West Ham close to loan deal for Argentine Manuel Lanzini from UAE club Al Jazira
By SIMON JONES FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 23:12, 6 July 2015 | UPDATED: 04:48, 7 July 2015
West Ham have agreed a deal in principle to sign Argentine midfielder Manuel Lanzini on loan from UAE-based club Al Jazira. The 22-year-old, who has an Italian passport, was considered by West Ham while at River Plate last summer but he moved to the Middle East instead for £5.25million. Known as 'La Joya' or 'The Jewel', Lanzini also has interest from Sharjah. He scored eight goals in 24 appearances to help Jazira to a second-place finish in the Arabian Gulf League last season. West Ham are continuing discussions over a proposed loan deal for Carl Jenkinson from Arsenal and are awaiting Alex Song's injury to clear up before proceeding with his proposed move from Barcelona. Meanwhile, Sunderland and Middlesbrough will continue their pursuit of Hammers winger Stewart Downing this week. West Ham have been surprised at the bidding particularly with Middlesbrough's efforts to take the 30-year-old England international back to the Riverside. Downing turns 31 later this month but Boro are willing to offer a four-year deal worth in excess of £55,000 a week and offer £6million plus add-ons to West Ham.
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Angelo Ogbonna 'agrees transfer deal to sign for West Ham'
Jamie Sanderson for Metro.co.uk
Tuesday 7 Jul 2015 12:16 am
West Ham have agreed a deal to sign Juventus star Angelo Ogbonna after weeks of talks, according to reports. The Hammers have been locked in negotiations to bring powerful centre back Ogbonna to England after he was made a top target by new boss Slaven Bilic. And now ESPN says an agreement has been reached for Ogbonna to move to Upton Park, with personal terms believed to have been sorted. No fee has been agreed but Juve are happy to sell the 27-year-old, who is also a target for Everton.
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Lanzini set to join West Ham on loan
West Ham United are closing in on a deal to sign Al Jazira midfielder Manuel Lanzini on a season-long loan.
foxsports
Tuesday 07th July 2015
Al Jazira paid River Plate nearly £10 million for the Argentine last year, but it appears that his spell with the club will be brief. After spending just one season with the Abu Dhabi-based club, where he scored eight goals in 22 appearances, the 22-year-old is set to get his first taste of the Premier League. Lanzini possesses an Italian passport and therefore he will not require a work permit to play for West Ham, who are pushing for a deal to be finalised this week. "Everything is agreed, the player is now sorting things out but if everything goes according to plan he will be flying to England for a medical at some point this week," a source in the Middle East told Goal.
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Everton set to challenge West Ham over the signing of £8million-rated Juventus defender Angelo Ogbonna
By SIMON JONES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 00:37, 7 July 2015 | UPDATED: 00:37, 7 July 2015
Everton are challenging West Ham to sign Juventus defender Angelo Ogbonna. The Italian club and the 27-year-old are poised to make a decision on Tuesday, with West Ham having the slight edge. Ogbonna's agent has spoken to both clubs and Juventus want £8m for the former Torino defender. Last month, West Ham co-chairman David Gold accidentally tweeted a picture of Ogbonna when welcoming new signing Pedro Obiang to the club. He wrote: 'I am delighted to announce the signing of 23 year old midfield Pedro Obiang from Sampdoria. Pedro, welcome. dg.', but accidentally used a picture of Ogbonna alongside the text. Ogbonna was an unused substitute for Juventus when they were beaten by Barcelona in the Champions League final in May, and he has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs this summer. Elsewhere, West Ham have agreed a deal in principle to sign Argentine midfielder Manuel Lanzini on loan from UAE-based club Al Jazira. The 22-year-old, who has an Italian passport, was considered by West Ham while at River Plate last summer but he moved to the Middle East instead for £5.25million.
Known as 'La Joya' or 'The Jewel', Lanzini also has interest from Sharjah. He scored eight goals in 24 appearances to help Jazira to a second-place finish in the Arabian Gulf League last season.
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Angelo Ogbonna, West Ham agree a deal, according to sources
ESPN
Angelo Ogbonna failed to secure a starting spot at Juventus since moving from Torino in 2013. West Ham United have agreed a deal with Juventus for defender Angelo Ogbonna, sources have told ESPN FC. ESPN FC revealed earlier on Monday that West Ham were battling Premier League rivals Everton for the 27-year-old's signature, but now West Ham have moved into pole position to land the Italian international. Juventus are willing to cash-in on Ogbonna as he has been unable to hold down a regular place in the side since his arrival from Torino on 2013.
West Ham have been tracking Ogbonna for some time and they have been locked in talks with Juventus for the past few weeks as they look to bring the defender to Upton Park New West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has made a commanding central defender one of his top targets since taking charge at Upton Park this summer and Ogbonna fits the bill. West Ham have been busy so far in this summer's transfer window bringing in the likes of Pedro Obiang, Dimitri Payet, Darren Randolph and Martin Samuelsen.
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Tuesday, July 7
Daily WHUFC News - 7th July 2015
Bilic excited by Payet arrival
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic is thrilled that the Club were able to purchase his number one target and hopes that Dimitri Payet can follow in the footsteps of some big French names and be a major star in the Premier League. Payet, who signed a five-year deal for an eight-figure sum joined up with his new team-mates for the first time on Sunday night at the Club's training base in Ireland and is relishing the chance to make his first start. The France international was the one of the star performers for Marseille last season and was being chased by a number of top European clubs. But West Ham United won the race to clinch his signature and Bilic is confident he will become a fans favourite at the Boleyn Ground next season. Bilic said: "He is a great player and did really well at a big club like Marseille. He was fantastic last year and I really wanted him. The Club did a great job to get a player who had so many offers. We are expecting big things from him and we will help him to adjust. "Everyone who is connected to West Ham will enjoy seeing him. The French League is one of the big five and we have seen so many good players who have come over from France and done well in the Premier League. "He is a great player and was my number one target. I am delighted that he has joined us."
Bilic was also happy to appoint his close friend and former team-mate Julian Dick to his backroom staff before the team flew out to Ireland and believes he will have a major impact in the dressing room. Bilic added: "It was my choice from the beginning. I didn't bring Julian onto my staff because he is a legend. He is my friend and we were room-mates when we played together. We were very close then. "We met after I signed and it was like we had never been apart. Without a doubt it was something I wanted to do. I am very demanding and ask a lot from my players and staff. "That is only possible if you have a good atmosphere and people with good qualities. I am very happy that my staff have that."
Bilic has wasted no time getting out onto the training field with his new players and feels this is a crucial period as he gets to know his new players. "The lads have been training really well and I can see the energy and motivation from the players. All the facilities have been really good. "The only thing I don't like is that we basically have two teams but that will change after the second leg in Andorra. We will then have one group. "It is crucial to have this time together and if you can have a good pre-season you can achieve better results. For me as a new manager you need time for the players to understand your principles and your philosophy. We have enough time."
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Boleyn Insider
WHUFC.com
Our man on the inside lifts the lid on the latest transfer speculation...
The hard work continues behind the scenes to strengthen the squad and I have been told there is both good and bad news for the Club as they look to bring in new players. I believe that one of the Club's major targets has all but agreed to join and should put pen to paper when he returns from holiday. My understanding is that the player has agreed a 12-month loan deal and is another exciting signing for Slaven Bilic. However, my sources have told me that a move for another summer target has unfortunately been delayed after the player picked up an injury and is expected to face a spell on the sidelines. I believe that the Club will not consider making a move until the injury has cleared up.
There is better news surrounding further additions to the squad and I have been told that the Club expect to have the first of two or three major signings by the middle of the month. There have also been reports in Spain linking West Ham United with a move for Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa, but I have been told there is no truth in those rumours.
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Dicksie lays down spot kick challenge for Nobes
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th July 2015
By: Staff Writer
Julian Dicks threw down the gauntlet this weekend by insisting that he could still beat Mark Noble in a penalty shootout competition.
The two Hammers are both well-known for their accuracy from 12 yards with current penalty taker Noble's record being equally as strong as that of former spot kick supremo Dicks, who scored 35 of his 39 penalties for West Ham during his two spells at the club in the 1980s and 1990s.
Likewise current midfielder Noble - who scored an incredible 18 consecutive spot kicks before missing against Tottenham on the opening day of the 2014/15 season - is just as deadly from 12 yards. Although not as deadly as the club's new Coaching Assistant, according to Dicks himself!
Posing on Saturday in reply to a message from a supporter asking if they'd practised together yet, Dicks replied: "No need to - I'd win" - before posting a thumbs-up emoji.
Julian Dicks @JULIAN3DICKS
No need too I'd win 👍 https://twitter.com/sjpwhu/status/617330075265028100 …
2:55 PM - 4 Jul 2015
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Bilic explains Dicks appointment
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th July 2015
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic has explained the reasoning behind hiring former West Ham Ladies manager Julian Dicks.
Dicks, a former KUMB columnist was appointed as Coaching Assistant last weekend, ending his short spell with the Ladies.
And Bilic explained that he was delighted to bring the 46-year-old former fell back into his new camp due to their great friendship, which began when the two first played together under Harry Redknapp in the mid-1990s.
"It was my choice from the beginning," he told whufc.com. "I didn't bring Julian onto my staff because he is a legend. He is my friend and we were room-mates when we played together. We were very close then.
"We met after I signed and it was like we had never been apart. Without a doubt it was something I wanted to do. I am very demanding and ask a lot from my players and staff.
"That is only possible if you have a good atmosphere and people with good qualities. I am very happy that my staff have that."
Dicks is currently in Ireland with Bilic and the remainder of the first team squad that will not be travelling to Andorra later this week for the first qualifying round, second leg clash with FC Lusitanos.
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Irons "coming closer" on defender talks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham are continuing talks with Juventus over the prospect of Angelo Ogbonna making a switch to Upton Park. Manager Slaven Bilic is keen to get a new central defender drafted into pre-season training as soon as possible but ClaretandHugh understands there is still some way to go in negotiations. The two sides were last night described to us as "coming closer" but reports that the 27 year old had given his farewells to the Juventus team mates were described as "clearly premature."
No firm offer has been made by the club and with clubs unwilling to put the first price marker down in negotiations these days some "fencing" is going on although there is a willingness on both sides for a deal to be done We were also told that both Monaco's Aymen Abdennour and Aleksandar Dragovic of Lokomitiv Moscow were both unavailable at around £20 million plus but that the Hammers had three other central defenders on their list if the talks for Ogbonna failed. However, our source said: "At the moment things are proceeding at the sort of pace we would expect and that a fee of around 10 to 12 million euros was likely starting point. There's some fencing going on."
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Hammers looking for fringe player offer
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham are still unable to find a loan or permanent deal for Matt Jarvis. The £10 million winger would be allowed to move on if the club could find a buyer but we understand even those clubs who have expressed a loan interest are unwilling to cover the player's wages in full. With Modibo Maiga back at the club and Kevin Nolan in the final season of his contract the club are keen to recoup wages to bring in new players. But Jarvis' dip in form isn't encouraging any serious offers from the Premier League and the club is hoping that some good pre-season excursions may encourage interest. The player has expressed his enthusiasm to work under the new boss as he bids to kick start his Hammers career but the club is open to offers. Nolan meanwhile has been training seriously hard and one training ground source said: "He's lean and hard. He's really been at it – don't rule him out as a serious impact sub type player in his last season." However, as reported yesterday on ClaretandHugh, he remains another the club would allow to move on if he could find the right deal
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New Irons line-up taking shape!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AN H
Andy Carroll's chances of becoming a regular first team starter – even when fit – look no better and perhaps worse than any other player – as Slaven Bilic goes about the task of bulding his new West Ham., a regular front two. Even though it's being predicted that the £17 million signing is likely to be ready for the start of the Premier League season those close to the manager – and aware of the way he likes to play – reckon that Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia will be his preferred pairing. ObiangIndeed a regular front two will be a welcome move to a fanbase that's been screaming out for it and the manager looks likely to put new £10 million signing, Dimitri Payet, in behind them two as a major playmaking presence. With a new central defender being hunted and word that the manager also wants a new attacking midfielder, plus of course a right back it's impossible to name his first starting line up with entire accuracy.
But it's likely he will play an orthodox four at the back with Song – assuming the transfer goes through – sat in front with Kouyate and Obiang in advanced midfield roles ready to join the offensive motion whilst being fully capable of defensive duties.
(4-3-1-2) AN Other (probably Jenkinson), Reid, An Other, Cresswell; Song; Obiang, Kouyate; Payet; Sakho and Valencia.
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New Downing talks underway
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham and Middlesbrough are now locked in talks over Stewart Downing's future. We reported yesterday that the Championship outfit had made a "fantastic offer" to the Irons in the hope of wooing the fans favourite back to the Riverside. The Hammers had initially knocked back Boro's opening offer and rebuffed interest from Sunderland but the north eastern club's chairman Stewart Gibson has now upped the ante considerably with his latest bid. ClaretandHugh was told yesterday (Sunday) of the new offer which has piled the pressure on the Irons management to do a deal. And we understand talks are now again in progress but an insider stressed: "There is certainly no agreement at this stage of things." With the arrival of Dimitri Payet and Pedro Obiang the Irons are ready to talk but will play serious hardball over the fee given that Downing was one of our best players last season earning an international recall
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Big Ray sticks it on Spurs
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Ray Winstone's view of the move to the Olympic Stadium makes brilliant reading in his autobiography which is my current reading.
Here's what he has to say on the subject in his book titled "Young Winston":
"I'm proud of where I come from but that doesn't mean I never want things to change. For instance, on the controversial subject of West Ham moving to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford in 2016, a lot of people who ask me about it expect me to get really upset, but I don't think it's a shame at all. I will miss Upton Park but it's always been hard work to get to. And if you want the club to progress , we've got to take the chance of a proper stadium with better transport links and parking facilities as that's the only way to attract better players. On top that, to be honest, the whole thing has probably been worth doing just for how much it's pissed Tottenham off."
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Gold: I don't want to lose control of Irons'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
David Gold has declared that he doesn't want to give up ownership of West Ham with his co chairman David Sullivan all the while he has breath in his body.
Many believe that the move to Stratford could see the club become a magnet for rich investors – a view seemingly shared by former Arsenal star Ray Parlour.
Speaking to talkSport Parlour said; "I think down the line, a big hitter might come in and buy West Ham and suddenly that could put them in the same bracket and they're going for that top four."
Gold, however, insists that is very much a double-edged sword scenario and that he wants to remain in charge of the club with his long term business colleague Sullivan.
Speaking to ClaretandHugh he said: "To be in control of this great club has been my dream for many years but if someone really really really rich came along maybe we would have to move aside.
"But I think we would both want to continue playing a role in helping establish and stabilise the club."
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Report: Cabaye fancies Hammers switch
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
New reports are circulating this evening that Yohan Cabaye is keen on a move to Upton Park. According to Le Parisien the former Newcastle United midfielder Cabaye fanices a move to east London rather than south where his former Toon boss Alan Pardew is believed to be closing in on him. The French publication claims that the former Newcastle star wants to leave Paris St Germain – which is well known – but that his preferred destination is the Boleyn. The 'paper reveales that Palace have made a bid of €14 million (£9.9m) for Cabaye, but that the midfielder is still hoping the Hammers will move in.
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Hammers legend left "gutted" after losing U-21's job
by WHUFCTV.com on July 6th, 2015
Former West Ham defender turned coach Steve Potts has been demoted from managing West Ham's development squad, and will once again take charge of the U-18's
Former West Ham defender turned coach Steve Potts has been demoted from managing West Ham's development squad, and will once again take charge of the U-18's side.
According to a reliable source, Potts, who only landed the U-21's management role back in January 2015 following a coaching re-structure in the Hammers' backroom set-up, was told a while back that he would be no longer be in charge of the development squad and will return to manage the U-18's once again by Academy Director Terry Westley.
Potts is a former Hammers captain and made more than 400 appearances for the club in all competitions.
As a coach, the former Hammers defender led the club's Under-18 side to the Under-18 Premier League play-offs the season before last and has worked within the Hammers' academy structure since 2011.
A source told WHUFCTV.com that Potts is "gutted" to have lost the job, and although some may not see it as a "demotion" of sorts, the Hammers legend certainly thinks of it in that way.
WHUFCTV.com was also informed that the decision to move Potts back to managing the U-18's squad was taken by Terry Westley before Slaven Bilic was appointed as West Ham's new manager.
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Report: Yohan Cabaye wants West Ham move despite Crystal Palace interest
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
Crystal Palace and West Ham United are reportedly interested in former Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye. Former Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye wants to join West Ham United this summer, according to Le Parisien. It has been reported by the French publication that the former Newcastle star wants to leave PSG, and that he desires to move to West Ham.
According to the report, Crystal Palace have made a bid of €14 million (£9.9m) for Cabaye, but the players want to join the Hammers and is waiting for the right proposal. Le Parisien has also claimed that London outfit West Ham have made contact with PSG regarding the transfer of the 29-year-old. This latest development will come as a blow to Palace, who seem to be keen on signing former Newcastle star Cabaye this summer. If the player is not interested in joining the Eagles, then perhaps the London outfit should look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements. As for West Ham, the quality of manager Slaven Bilic's squad will certainly increase if they are able to sign Cabaye.
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Parlour makes an exciting prediction over the future of West Ham
HITC
Lewis Doe
Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has suggested West Ham United could be an attractive proposition for new investment in the near future. Former Arsenal favourite Ray Parlour made a prediction over the future of West Ham when he appeared as a co-host on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast Show for talkSPORT. Parlour suggested that the Hammers are heading in the right direction under co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan, which could see the club get to a point where a new investor wants to come in and help transform the club. "West Ham are obviously looking forward to the Olympic Stadium with 54,000 fans suddenly," he told talkSPORT. "West Ham in the future, whether they are thinking about selling it Gold and Sullivan, I think down the line, a big hitter might come in and buy West Ham and suddenly that could put them in the same bracket and they're going for that top four."
One step at a time
It's important West Ham and the fans don't get too far ahead of themselves because there is a lot of pressure over manager Slaven Bilic. He's now had a chance to see his squad in competitive action with a comfortable first leg win over Lusitans in the Europa League, which is just one competition the club will be expected to compete in over the coming season.
The Premier League is always going to be the priority and West Ham do have the potential to become a very attractive club to new investors, but the thinking shouldn't applied to more than just the next couple of months.
What's a realistic aim for the Hammers?
The first priority should be to stay in the top flight because of how important the Premier League has become financially. A top half finish would be great, but it's vital West Ham are in the hat to take a share of that massive TV deal, which will only increase their financial power over the next couple of seasons.
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Picture: Slaven Bilic and the proud moment these West Ham youngsters Reece Oxford and Lewis Page will never forget
HITC
Damien Lucas
This is the proud moment West Ham United youngsters Reece Oxford and Lewis Page will never forget as new boss Slaven Bilic hands them their debut shirts. The Hammers Academy stars were presented with their match shirts by new boss Bilic and co-owner David Gold ahead of their impressive debuts in the 3-0 Europa League win over FC Lusitans. Bilic elected to watch the game from the stands as a show of respect to academy manager Terry Westley who had already started preparations for the match ahead of Bilic's official arrival at the club. But he did visit the dressing room before and after the match and in a poignant moment handed 16-year-old Oxford the shirt which would make him the youngest ever player in West Ham's 120-year history. It was a proud moment for Bilic, who told the club's official website: "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."
An unforgettable moment to cherish
But it will be something the young duo will never forget and should cherish for the rest of their careers. At just 16, it is easy to see why Oxford had some of the top clubs in Europe chasing him before signing a long term deal with the Hammers. He was unlucky not to mark his debut with a goal and was even barking out orders to his teammates. Remember the name because the Hammers have a real future England star on their hands here. Page also shone in his first senior game for the club he supported as a young boy. The homegrown starlet looked sharp and focused on his first team debut and showed some neat touches out on the left. He also wasn't afraid to get on the ball and get at his opposite number, a quality West Ham fans like to see in their full-backs. Both players could not be under better coaches . With Bilic a former West Ham favourite and centre half and one of his new coaches, Julian Dicks, a legendary left back for the Hammers, both Oxford and Page could not be better placed to learn their trade. Like Page, Dicks liked to get bomb forward and attack the opposition from the left back position.
Oxford is a cultured centre back much like Bilic was and has been likened to another West Ham academy graduate Rio Ferdinand, who flourished under the tutelage of the Croatian international when they were teammates back in 1997.
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Cabaye wants West Ham, not Crystal Palace, talks started
Posted by SPORT WITNESS on July 6, 2015 at 11:19 in Sport Witness FootballView Discussions
French newspaper Le Parisien claim on Monday that Yohan Cabaye isn't as keen on a move to Crystal Palace as is generally thought. Cabaye started the Crystal Palace reports largely by himself with comments to the French media about reuniting with Alan Pardew.
Speaking to Le Parisien at the beginning of June, the former Newcastle United player said about a possible Pardew reunion at Crystal Palace "It went very well with him. I enjoyed it with him and he does a great job. The most important thing is to find fun. If I have to make that decision, it will be a pleasure to see my old coach."
It's understandable that those comments launched a thousand transfer stories but Le Parisien seem to put a brake on those on Monday. The French newspaper say 'The French international will leave Paris. He's just waiting for the right proposal. Crystal Palace, 10th in the last Premier League season, have offered €14m to Paris to secure his services. Yohan Cabaye but would prefer elsewhere, for example at West Ham. The London club recently made contact with PSG.'
Given that it was Le Parisien who spoke to the player in the first place, their information has to be considered pretty strong. Cabaye may feel he'll get a bigger platform at West Ham and therefore stand a better chance of getting into France's Euro 2016 squad. He'd also likely get a better wage at West Ham and the London club should probably accelerate their initial contact to something rather more concrete. Yohan Cabaye for about £10m? Even at 29 years of age that's quite some deal to be had.
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West Ham United will reportedly return to Monaco with a second offer for centre-back Aymen Abdennour
GUardian Series
West Ham United are being heavily linked with a move for Monaco centre-back Aymen Abdennour. The 25-year old defender only joined the club on a permanent basis last summer after a successful loan spell the year before, and has made over 30 appearances for the Tunisian national side. French newspaper L'Equipe reports that the Hammers made a bid approaching £15 million last week, which was turned down, although they seem set to improve on that in the coming days. Abdennour is also the subject of interest from Liverpool.
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Forgotten man Joey O'Brien says Slaven Bilic is already under pressure at West Ham
HITC
Damien Lucas
Forgotten defender Joey O'Brien says new West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic is already under pressure due to the club's ever increasing expectations. O'Brien has been speaking to West Ham's official website as the players begin to settle into life under Bilic, who was appointed successor to Sam Allardyce last month. The Hammers have already played their first competitive game of the season thanks to their involvement in Europa League qualifying. They cruised to a 3-0 win over Andorran minnows FC Lusitans in that match to get Bilic's new era off to the perfect start. After spending almost all of last season playing second fiddle to the brilliant Carl Jenkinson, frozen out Republic of Ireland international O'Brien was back in action during the Europa League win which attracted a sell out 35,000 crowd. But just one game in O'Brien says his new boss is already under pressure to do well on his return to the Boleyn Ground, which will be torn down next summer when the club moves to the Olympic Stadium. "Expectations get higher every year, to finish higher each time and the new manager will have that," O'Brien told whufc.com. "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."
O'Brien was one of Sam Allardyce's key players since his signing in 2011. He played 65 league games in his first two seasons as the club got promoted and then reestablished themselves back in the Premier League. But he made just nine league appearances for the Hammers last season, the least since he joined the club. Such was the superb form of England fullback Jenkinson, who was on loan from Arsenal, O'Brien found game time hard to come by.
Future in the balance?
Despite starting and playing relatively well in West Ham's return to European competition for the first time in nine years, O'Brien does not appear to have much of a future in the club's starting XI if speculation is to be believed. That's because the Hammers are being heavily linked with a permanent move for the 23-year-old Gunner by the likes of the Mirror. The club is also said to be weighing up a swoop for ex West Ham academy prodigy Glen Johnson on a free transfer, as per the Express. But given his experience and versatility - O'Brien can play at right back, left back, centre half and in midfield - and the fact Guy Demel, the man who had kept him out of the team before Jenkinson, has now left the club he could have a future yet under Bilic.
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West Ham to sign Ligue 1 star this week after £14m bid
08:17 06 July 2015 Jack Green
LONDON24
West Ham are expected to complete a move for Monaco's Aymen Abdennour in the coming days after they had a bid accepted for the defender. Abdennour, a Tunisian international, has been heavily linked with a move away from the Ligue 1 side this summer. Several Premier League sides are rumoured to be interested, with West Ham and Newcasle leading the chase while Arsenal and Spurs are monitoring the situation. According to French newspaper L'Equipe, the Hammers have now made an offer of €20m (£14.1m) for Abdennour. Monaco have rejected that bid, but L'Equipe claim the clubs are close to coming to an agreement and the deal will be completed within a week. New West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is keen to add a new central defender to the side to partner Winston Reid this season. Reid had his injury problems last season, and the likes of James Tomkins, James Collins, Doneil Henry and Reece Burke will provide depth. The Hammers have been active in the transfer market so far this summer. The club have brought in Darren Randolph, Pedro Obiang and Dimitri Payet on permanent deals and are expected to sign Alex Song from Barcelona.
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Ian Pearce suggests Bilic will be backed over any request for more new players
HITC
Lewis Doe
Former West Ham United defender Ian Pearce has suggested that Slaven Bilic will be backed if he asks for more new players at the club. Former West Ham United defender Ian Pearce told talkSPORT show Sports Bar what he feels will be the reaction of the club's chairmen if Slaven Bilic goes asking for more new players. Bilic has already overseen some positive additions to the West Ham squad in the form of Pedro Obiang and Dimitri Payet, but could still go cap in hand to David Gold and David Sullivan as he seeks new additions. "I think the club need a centre-half and maybe a centre forward and I think you're away," Pearce told talkSPORT. "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."
Why the joint-chairmen must back Bilic
It's simply a massive season for West Ham because it's important the club can present themselves as an exciting club to follow for when they look to attract new fans to the Olympic Stadium.
Fans won't turn up week after week to watch a disappointing side play, which is why Bilic needs a free licence to go and improve the squad where he sees fit over the course of the summer.
He'll still have thoughts on where holes need to be plugged in West Ham's squad and if he can improve his options in every position, he won't have any excuses.
Where does the squad still need to be improved?
Up front is where Bilic could use an extra player following the exit of Carlton Cole, but Pearce's suggestion of another centre half is debatable. The Hammers already have some very good options in the middle of their backline in the form of Winston Reid, James Tomkins, James Collins and Reece Burke, which would suggest that all boxes are ticked for that position
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic is thrilled that the Club were able to purchase his number one target and hopes that Dimitri Payet can follow in the footsteps of some big French names and be a major star in the Premier League. Payet, who signed a five-year deal for an eight-figure sum joined up with his new team-mates for the first time on Sunday night at the Club's training base in Ireland and is relishing the chance to make his first start. The France international was the one of the star performers for Marseille last season and was being chased by a number of top European clubs. But West Ham United won the race to clinch his signature and Bilic is confident he will become a fans favourite at the Boleyn Ground next season. Bilic said: "He is a great player and did really well at a big club like Marseille. He was fantastic last year and I really wanted him. The Club did a great job to get a player who had so many offers. We are expecting big things from him and we will help him to adjust. "Everyone who is connected to West Ham will enjoy seeing him. The French League is one of the big five and we have seen so many good players who have come over from France and done well in the Premier League. "He is a great player and was my number one target. I am delighted that he has joined us."
Bilic was also happy to appoint his close friend and former team-mate Julian Dick to his backroom staff before the team flew out to Ireland and believes he will have a major impact in the dressing room. Bilic added: "It was my choice from the beginning. I didn't bring Julian onto my staff because he is a legend. He is my friend and we were room-mates when we played together. We were very close then. "We met after I signed and it was like we had never been apart. Without a doubt it was something I wanted to do. I am very demanding and ask a lot from my players and staff. "That is only possible if you have a good atmosphere and people with good qualities. I am very happy that my staff have that."
Bilic has wasted no time getting out onto the training field with his new players and feels this is a crucial period as he gets to know his new players. "The lads have been training really well and I can see the energy and motivation from the players. All the facilities have been really good. "The only thing I don't like is that we basically have two teams but that will change after the second leg in Andorra. We will then have one group. "It is crucial to have this time together and if you can have a good pre-season you can achieve better results. For me as a new manager you need time for the players to understand your principles and your philosophy. We have enough time."
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Boleyn Insider
WHUFC.com
Our man on the inside lifts the lid on the latest transfer speculation...
The hard work continues behind the scenes to strengthen the squad and I have been told there is both good and bad news for the Club as they look to bring in new players. I believe that one of the Club's major targets has all but agreed to join and should put pen to paper when he returns from holiday. My understanding is that the player has agreed a 12-month loan deal and is another exciting signing for Slaven Bilic. However, my sources have told me that a move for another summer target has unfortunately been delayed after the player picked up an injury and is expected to face a spell on the sidelines. I believe that the Club will not consider making a move until the injury has cleared up.
There is better news surrounding further additions to the squad and I have been told that the Club expect to have the first of two or three major signings by the middle of the month. There have also been reports in Spain linking West Ham United with a move for Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa, but I have been told there is no truth in those rumours.
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Dicksie lays down spot kick challenge for Nobes
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th July 2015
By: Staff Writer
Julian Dicks threw down the gauntlet this weekend by insisting that he could still beat Mark Noble in a penalty shootout competition.
The two Hammers are both well-known for their accuracy from 12 yards with current penalty taker Noble's record being equally as strong as that of former spot kick supremo Dicks, who scored 35 of his 39 penalties for West Ham during his two spells at the club in the 1980s and 1990s.
Likewise current midfielder Noble - who scored an incredible 18 consecutive spot kicks before missing against Tottenham on the opening day of the 2014/15 season - is just as deadly from 12 yards. Although not as deadly as the club's new Coaching Assistant, according to Dicks himself!
Posing on Saturday in reply to a message from a supporter asking if they'd practised together yet, Dicks replied: "No need to - I'd win" - before posting a thumbs-up emoji.
Julian Dicks @JULIAN3DICKS
No need too I'd win 👍 https://twitter.com/sjpwhu/status/617330075265028100 …
2:55 PM - 4 Jul 2015
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Bilic explains Dicks appointment
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th July 2015
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic has explained the reasoning behind hiring former West Ham Ladies manager Julian Dicks.
Dicks, a former KUMB columnist was appointed as Coaching Assistant last weekend, ending his short spell with the Ladies.
And Bilic explained that he was delighted to bring the 46-year-old former fell back into his new camp due to their great friendship, which began when the two first played together under Harry Redknapp in the mid-1990s.
"It was my choice from the beginning," he told whufc.com. "I didn't bring Julian onto my staff because he is a legend. He is my friend and we were room-mates when we played together. We were very close then.
"We met after I signed and it was like we had never been apart. Without a doubt it was something I wanted to do. I am very demanding and ask a lot from my players and staff.
"That is only possible if you have a good atmosphere and people with good qualities. I am very happy that my staff have that."
Dicks is currently in Ireland with Bilic and the remainder of the first team squad that will not be travelling to Andorra later this week for the first qualifying round, second leg clash with FC Lusitanos.
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Irons "coming closer" on defender talks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham are continuing talks with Juventus over the prospect of Angelo Ogbonna making a switch to Upton Park. Manager Slaven Bilic is keen to get a new central defender drafted into pre-season training as soon as possible but ClaretandHugh understands there is still some way to go in negotiations. The two sides were last night described to us as "coming closer" but reports that the 27 year old had given his farewells to the Juventus team mates were described as "clearly premature."
No firm offer has been made by the club and with clubs unwilling to put the first price marker down in negotiations these days some "fencing" is going on although there is a willingness on both sides for a deal to be done We were also told that both Monaco's Aymen Abdennour and Aleksandar Dragovic of Lokomitiv Moscow were both unavailable at around £20 million plus but that the Hammers had three other central defenders on their list if the talks for Ogbonna failed. However, our source said: "At the moment things are proceeding at the sort of pace we would expect and that a fee of around 10 to 12 million euros was likely starting point. There's some fencing going on."
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Hammers looking for fringe player offer
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham are still unable to find a loan or permanent deal for Matt Jarvis. The £10 million winger would be allowed to move on if the club could find a buyer but we understand even those clubs who have expressed a loan interest are unwilling to cover the player's wages in full. With Modibo Maiga back at the club and Kevin Nolan in the final season of his contract the club are keen to recoup wages to bring in new players. But Jarvis' dip in form isn't encouraging any serious offers from the Premier League and the club is hoping that some good pre-season excursions may encourage interest. The player has expressed his enthusiasm to work under the new boss as he bids to kick start his Hammers career but the club is open to offers. Nolan meanwhile has been training seriously hard and one training ground source said: "He's lean and hard. He's really been at it – don't rule him out as a serious impact sub type player in his last season." However, as reported yesterday on ClaretandHugh, he remains another the club would allow to move on if he could find the right deal
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New Irons line-up taking shape!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AN H
Andy Carroll's chances of becoming a regular first team starter – even when fit – look no better and perhaps worse than any other player – as Slaven Bilic goes about the task of bulding his new West Ham., a regular front two. Even though it's being predicted that the £17 million signing is likely to be ready for the start of the Premier League season those close to the manager – and aware of the way he likes to play – reckon that Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia will be his preferred pairing. ObiangIndeed a regular front two will be a welcome move to a fanbase that's been screaming out for it and the manager looks likely to put new £10 million signing, Dimitri Payet, in behind them two as a major playmaking presence. With a new central defender being hunted and word that the manager also wants a new attacking midfielder, plus of course a right back it's impossible to name his first starting line up with entire accuracy.
But it's likely he will play an orthodox four at the back with Song – assuming the transfer goes through – sat in front with Kouyate and Obiang in advanced midfield roles ready to join the offensive motion whilst being fully capable of defensive duties.
(4-3-1-2) AN Other (probably Jenkinson), Reid, An Other, Cresswell; Song; Obiang, Kouyate; Payet; Sakho and Valencia.
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New Downing talks underway
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham and Middlesbrough are now locked in talks over Stewart Downing's future. We reported yesterday that the Championship outfit had made a "fantastic offer" to the Irons in the hope of wooing the fans favourite back to the Riverside. The Hammers had initially knocked back Boro's opening offer and rebuffed interest from Sunderland but the north eastern club's chairman Stewart Gibson has now upped the ante considerably with his latest bid. ClaretandHugh was told yesterday (Sunday) of the new offer which has piled the pressure on the Irons management to do a deal. And we understand talks are now again in progress but an insider stressed: "There is certainly no agreement at this stage of things." With the arrival of Dimitri Payet and Pedro Obiang the Irons are ready to talk but will play serious hardball over the fee given that Downing was one of our best players last season earning an international recall
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Big Ray sticks it on Spurs
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Ray Winstone's view of the move to the Olympic Stadium makes brilliant reading in his autobiography which is my current reading.
Here's what he has to say on the subject in his book titled "Young Winston":
"I'm proud of where I come from but that doesn't mean I never want things to change. For instance, on the controversial subject of West Ham moving to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford in 2016, a lot of people who ask me about it expect me to get really upset, but I don't think it's a shame at all. I will miss Upton Park but it's always been hard work to get to. And if you want the club to progress , we've got to take the chance of a proper stadium with better transport links and parking facilities as that's the only way to attract better players. On top that, to be honest, the whole thing has probably been worth doing just for how much it's pissed Tottenham off."
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Gold: I don't want to lose control of Irons'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
David Gold has declared that he doesn't want to give up ownership of West Ham with his co chairman David Sullivan all the while he has breath in his body.
Many believe that the move to Stratford could see the club become a magnet for rich investors – a view seemingly shared by former Arsenal star Ray Parlour.
Speaking to talkSport Parlour said; "I think down the line, a big hitter might come in and buy West Ham and suddenly that could put them in the same bracket and they're going for that top four."
Gold, however, insists that is very much a double-edged sword scenario and that he wants to remain in charge of the club with his long term business colleague Sullivan.
Speaking to ClaretandHugh he said: "To be in control of this great club has been my dream for many years but if someone really really really rich came along maybe we would have to move aside.
"But I think we would both want to continue playing a role in helping establish and stabilise the club."
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Report: Cabaye fancies Hammers switch
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 6, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
New reports are circulating this evening that Yohan Cabaye is keen on a move to Upton Park. According to Le Parisien the former Newcastle United midfielder Cabaye fanices a move to east London rather than south where his former Toon boss Alan Pardew is believed to be closing in on him. The French publication claims that the former Newcastle star wants to leave Paris St Germain – which is well known – but that his preferred destination is the Boleyn. The 'paper reveales that Palace have made a bid of €14 million (£9.9m) for Cabaye, but that the midfielder is still hoping the Hammers will move in.
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Hammers legend left "gutted" after losing U-21's job
by WHUFCTV.com on July 6th, 2015
Former West Ham defender turned coach Steve Potts has been demoted from managing West Ham's development squad, and will once again take charge of the U-18's
Former West Ham defender turned coach Steve Potts has been demoted from managing West Ham's development squad, and will once again take charge of the U-18's side.
According to a reliable source, Potts, who only landed the U-21's management role back in January 2015 following a coaching re-structure in the Hammers' backroom set-up, was told a while back that he would be no longer be in charge of the development squad and will return to manage the U-18's once again by Academy Director Terry Westley.
Potts is a former Hammers captain and made more than 400 appearances for the club in all competitions.
As a coach, the former Hammers defender led the club's Under-18 side to the Under-18 Premier League play-offs the season before last and has worked within the Hammers' academy structure since 2011.
A source told WHUFCTV.com that Potts is "gutted" to have lost the job, and although some may not see it as a "demotion" of sorts, the Hammers legend certainly thinks of it in that way.
WHUFCTV.com was also informed that the decision to move Potts back to managing the U-18's squad was taken by Terry Westley before Slaven Bilic was appointed as West Ham's new manager.
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Report: Yohan Cabaye wants West Ham move despite Crystal Palace interest
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
Crystal Palace and West Ham United are reportedly interested in former Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye. Former Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye wants to join West Ham United this summer, according to Le Parisien. It has been reported by the French publication that the former Newcastle star wants to leave PSG, and that he desires to move to West Ham.
According to the report, Crystal Palace have made a bid of €14 million (£9.9m) for Cabaye, but the players want to join the Hammers and is waiting for the right proposal. Le Parisien has also claimed that London outfit West Ham have made contact with PSG regarding the transfer of the 29-year-old. This latest development will come as a blow to Palace, who seem to be keen on signing former Newcastle star Cabaye this summer. If the player is not interested in joining the Eagles, then perhaps the London outfit should look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements. As for West Ham, the quality of manager Slaven Bilic's squad will certainly increase if they are able to sign Cabaye.
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Parlour makes an exciting prediction over the future of West Ham
HITC
Lewis Doe
Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has suggested West Ham United could be an attractive proposition for new investment in the near future. Former Arsenal favourite Ray Parlour made a prediction over the future of West Ham when he appeared as a co-host on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast Show for talkSPORT. Parlour suggested that the Hammers are heading in the right direction under co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan, which could see the club get to a point where a new investor wants to come in and help transform the club. "West Ham are obviously looking forward to the Olympic Stadium with 54,000 fans suddenly," he told talkSPORT. "West Ham in the future, whether they are thinking about selling it Gold and Sullivan, I think down the line, a big hitter might come in and buy West Ham and suddenly that could put them in the same bracket and they're going for that top four."
One step at a time
It's important West Ham and the fans don't get too far ahead of themselves because there is a lot of pressure over manager Slaven Bilic. He's now had a chance to see his squad in competitive action with a comfortable first leg win over Lusitans in the Europa League, which is just one competition the club will be expected to compete in over the coming season.
The Premier League is always going to be the priority and West Ham do have the potential to become a very attractive club to new investors, but the thinking shouldn't applied to more than just the next couple of months.
What's a realistic aim for the Hammers?
The first priority should be to stay in the top flight because of how important the Premier League has become financially. A top half finish would be great, but it's vital West Ham are in the hat to take a share of that massive TV deal, which will only increase their financial power over the next couple of seasons.
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Picture: Slaven Bilic and the proud moment these West Ham youngsters Reece Oxford and Lewis Page will never forget
HITC
Damien Lucas
This is the proud moment West Ham United youngsters Reece Oxford and Lewis Page will never forget as new boss Slaven Bilic hands them their debut shirts. The Hammers Academy stars were presented with their match shirts by new boss Bilic and co-owner David Gold ahead of their impressive debuts in the 3-0 Europa League win over FC Lusitans. Bilic elected to watch the game from the stands as a show of respect to academy manager Terry Westley who had already started preparations for the match ahead of Bilic's official arrival at the club. But he did visit the dressing room before and after the match and in a poignant moment handed 16-year-old Oxford the shirt which would make him the youngest ever player in West Ham's 120-year history. It was a proud moment for Bilic, who told the club's official website: "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."
An unforgettable moment to cherish
But it will be something the young duo will never forget and should cherish for the rest of their careers. At just 16, it is easy to see why Oxford had some of the top clubs in Europe chasing him before signing a long term deal with the Hammers. He was unlucky not to mark his debut with a goal and was even barking out orders to his teammates. Remember the name because the Hammers have a real future England star on their hands here. Page also shone in his first senior game for the club he supported as a young boy. The homegrown starlet looked sharp and focused on his first team debut and showed some neat touches out on the left. He also wasn't afraid to get on the ball and get at his opposite number, a quality West Ham fans like to see in their full-backs. Both players could not be under better coaches . With Bilic a former West Ham favourite and centre half and one of his new coaches, Julian Dicks, a legendary left back for the Hammers, both Oxford and Page could not be better placed to learn their trade. Like Page, Dicks liked to get bomb forward and attack the opposition from the left back position.
Oxford is a cultured centre back much like Bilic was and has been likened to another West Ham academy graduate Rio Ferdinand, who flourished under the tutelage of the Croatian international when they were teammates back in 1997.
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Cabaye wants West Ham, not Crystal Palace, talks started
Posted by SPORT WITNESS on July 6, 2015 at 11:19 in Sport Witness FootballView Discussions
French newspaper Le Parisien claim on Monday that Yohan Cabaye isn't as keen on a move to Crystal Palace as is generally thought. Cabaye started the Crystal Palace reports largely by himself with comments to the French media about reuniting with Alan Pardew.
Speaking to Le Parisien at the beginning of June, the former Newcastle United player said about a possible Pardew reunion at Crystal Palace "It went very well with him. I enjoyed it with him and he does a great job. The most important thing is to find fun. If I have to make that decision, it will be a pleasure to see my old coach."
It's understandable that those comments launched a thousand transfer stories but Le Parisien seem to put a brake on those on Monday. The French newspaper say 'The French international will leave Paris. He's just waiting for the right proposal. Crystal Palace, 10th in the last Premier League season, have offered €14m to Paris to secure his services. Yohan Cabaye but would prefer elsewhere, for example at West Ham. The London club recently made contact with PSG.'
Given that it was Le Parisien who spoke to the player in the first place, their information has to be considered pretty strong. Cabaye may feel he'll get a bigger platform at West Ham and therefore stand a better chance of getting into France's Euro 2016 squad. He'd also likely get a better wage at West Ham and the London club should probably accelerate their initial contact to something rather more concrete. Yohan Cabaye for about £10m? Even at 29 years of age that's quite some deal to be had.
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West Ham United will reportedly return to Monaco with a second offer for centre-back Aymen Abdennour
GUardian Series
West Ham United are being heavily linked with a move for Monaco centre-back Aymen Abdennour. The 25-year old defender only joined the club on a permanent basis last summer after a successful loan spell the year before, and has made over 30 appearances for the Tunisian national side. French newspaper L'Equipe reports that the Hammers made a bid approaching £15 million last week, which was turned down, although they seem set to improve on that in the coming days. Abdennour is also the subject of interest from Liverpool.
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Forgotten man Joey O'Brien says Slaven Bilic is already under pressure at West Ham
HITC
Damien Lucas
Forgotten defender Joey O'Brien says new West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic is already under pressure due to the club's ever increasing expectations. O'Brien has been speaking to West Ham's official website as the players begin to settle into life under Bilic, who was appointed successor to Sam Allardyce last month. The Hammers have already played their first competitive game of the season thanks to their involvement in Europa League qualifying. They cruised to a 3-0 win over Andorran minnows FC Lusitans in that match to get Bilic's new era off to the perfect start. After spending almost all of last season playing second fiddle to the brilliant Carl Jenkinson, frozen out Republic of Ireland international O'Brien was back in action during the Europa League win which attracted a sell out 35,000 crowd. But just one game in O'Brien says his new boss is already under pressure to do well on his return to the Boleyn Ground, which will be torn down next summer when the club moves to the Olympic Stadium. "Expectations get higher every year, to finish higher each time and the new manager will have that," O'Brien told whufc.com. "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."
O'Brien was one of Sam Allardyce's key players since his signing in 2011. He played 65 league games in his first two seasons as the club got promoted and then reestablished themselves back in the Premier League. But he made just nine league appearances for the Hammers last season, the least since he joined the club. Such was the superb form of England fullback Jenkinson, who was on loan from Arsenal, O'Brien found game time hard to come by.
Future in the balance?
Despite starting and playing relatively well in West Ham's return to European competition for the first time in nine years, O'Brien does not appear to have much of a future in the club's starting XI if speculation is to be believed. That's because the Hammers are being heavily linked with a permanent move for the 23-year-old Gunner by the likes of the Mirror. The club is also said to be weighing up a swoop for ex West Ham academy prodigy Glen Johnson on a free transfer, as per the Express. But given his experience and versatility - O'Brien can play at right back, left back, centre half and in midfield - and the fact Guy Demel, the man who had kept him out of the team before Jenkinson, has now left the club he could have a future yet under Bilic.
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West Ham to sign Ligue 1 star this week after £14m bid
08:17 06 July 2015 Jack Green
LONDON24
West Ham are expected to complete a move for Monaco's Aymen Abdennour in the coming days after they had a bid accepted for the defender. Abdennour, a Tunisian international, has been heavily linked with a move away from the Ligue 1 side this summer. Several Premier League sides are rumoured to be interested, with West Ham and Newcasle leading the chase while Arsenal and Spurs are monitoring the situation. According to French newspaper L'Equipe, the Hammers have now made an offer of €20m (£14.1m) for Abdennour. Monaco have rejected that bid, but L'Equipe claim the clubs are close to coming to an agreement and the deal will be completed within a week. New West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is keen to add a new central defender to the side to partner Winston Reid this season. Reid had his injury problems last season, and the likes of James Tomkins, James Collins, Doneil Henry and Reece Burke will provide depth. The Hammers have been active in the transfer market so far this summer. The club have brought in Darren Randolph, Pedro Obiang and Dimitri Payet on permanent deals and are expected to sign Alex Song from Barcelona.
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Ian Pearce suggests Bilic will be backed over any request for more new players
HITC
Lewis Doe
Former West Ham United defender Ian Pearce has suggested that Slaven Bilic will be backed if he asks for more new players at the club. Former West Ham United defender Ian Pearce told talkSPORT show Sports Bar what he feels will be the reaction of the club's chairmen if Slaven Bilic goes asking for more new players. Bilic has already overseen some positive additions to the West Ham squad in the form of Pedro Obiang and Dimitri Payet, but could still go cap in hand to David Gold and David Sullivan as he seeks new additions. "I think the club need a centre-half and maybe a centre forward and I think you're away," Pearce told talkSPORT. "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."
Why the joint-chairmen must back Bilic
It's simply a massive season for West Ham because it's important the club can present themselves as an exciting club to follow for when they look to attract new fans to the Olympic Stadium.
Fans won't turn up week after week to watch a disappointing side play, which is why Bilic needs a free licence to go and improve the squad where he sees fit over the course of the summer.
He'll still have thoughts on where holes need to be plugged in West Ham's squad and if he can improve his options in every position, he won't have any excuses.
Where does the squad still need to be improved?
Up front is where Bilic could use an extra player following the exit of Carlton Cole, but Pearce's suggestion of another centre half is debatable. The Hammers already have some very good options in the middle of their backline in the form of Winston Reid, James Tomkins, James Collins and Reece Burke, which would suggest that all boxes are ticked for that position
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Monday, July 6
Daily WHUFC News - 6th July 2015
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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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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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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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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