Jenkinson re-joins on loan
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are thrilled to announce that Carl Jenkinson will be
re-joining the Club from Arsenal on a 12-month loan deal. Jenkinson became a
fans' favourite during his spell with the Hammers last season and made 36
appearances in all competitions. The England Under-21 defender made his
debut for the east London Club as a late substitute during the 2-2 draw at
Hull last September. The 23-year-old then made his full debut against QPR in
a 2-0 victory at the Boleyn Ground on October 5 and went on to become the
first-choice right-back.
Jenkinson is delighted to be returning to Upton Park and hopes to play a big
role under new manager Slaven Bilic this season.
Jenkinson said: "I'm really happy to be back after last year," he said. "It
was a good season for the Club and a good season for myself.
"To be honest I just wanted to come back here and I'm happy everything's
been sorted out. I've got another season here and I can't wait.
"I'm a young player and I haven't had too many experiences of different
clubs, but I loved every minute of it here. Everything about it is fantastic
- it's a real family Club, the lads are great and the fans are great, so it
ticks all the boxes you want when you join a football Club. "I've got to
come in, show what I can do and prove myself to a new manager. That keeps
you on your toes and I've got to go and do that in pre-season. I'm looking
forward to it. The talented full-back started his career with Charlton and
had brief spells with non-league sides Welling United and Eastbourne Borough
before making a move across London to join Arsenal in June 2011. Jenkinson
quickly showed Arsene Wenger that he was ready to play in the first-team and
started 43 games for the north London Club. He also has experience of
playing in the Champions League. His performances have not gone un-noticed
and he has been a regular in the England Under-21 side and started all three
games in the European Championship Finals in the Czech Republic this summer.
Jenkinson was also called up by Roy Hodgson to the full senior squad back in
2012 and made his debut against Sweden when he appeared as a late substitute
during the 4-2 defeat and will be looking to add to his one cap for England.
Jenkinson will become the sixth new arrival this summer following the
signings of Darren Randolph, Pedro Obiang, Stephen Hendrie, Dimitri Payet
and Angelo Ogbonna. The right back will join up with his new manager and the
first-team squad in the near future and will be looking forward to playing
in the final ever season at the Boleyn Ground.
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Carl Jenkinson - 10 fast facts
WHUFC.com
Carl Jenkinson rejoined the Club on a season-long loan from Arsenal on
Tuesday and whufc.com is on hand with everything you need to know about the
full-back.
Born in Harlow and a former pupil of Davenant Foundation School in Loughton,
Jenkinson will be one of the most local members of the West Ham United
squad.
With his father being English and his mother Finnish-Swede, his options for
international football were open. In fact his representative career began
with England U17, before he turned out for Finland at U19 and U21 levels. He
then decided to play for England once more, and has a senior cap and 14 U21
caps to his name.
His career began in the youth system at Charlton Athletic, where he
progressed to make eight league appearances.
During his Charlton days, he gained experience at non-league level with
Welling United and Eastbourne Borough.
Less than a year after playing in the Conference South with Eastbourne,
Jenkinson found himself in the UEFA Champions League and Barclays Premier
League after signing for Arsenal.
His debut for the Gunners – the team he supported as a boy – came in the
Champions League as Arsenal saw off Udinese in the final qualifying round to
secure their place in the group stages for the 2011/12 campaign.
Jenkinson's first season with the Gunners included a spell on the sidelines
with a stress fracture in his back, but he still made 14 appearances in all
competitions.
He would go on to play 37 league games for Arsenal before moving to West Ham
on loan for the first time last summer.
After recovering from a thigh problem, he was a virtual ever-present for the
Hammers last term, only missing three games after his debut – two of which
were against his parent club Arsenal.
He is awaiting his first goal in claret and blue, but made two assists – one
for Enner Valencia at Burnley and one for Andy Carroll at home to Swansea.
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First team stars set for Boleyn bow - get your £10 Europa Tickets
WHUFC.com
Just a few thousand tickets remain for Thursday's UEFA Europa League second
qualifying round first leg tie against Birkirkara of Malta.
Tickets are priced at just £10 for Adults and £5 Under-16s and offer an
unmissable opportunity to watch several first team stars in European action
at the Boleyn Ground.
Many of the players who returned from the Hammers' training camp in Cork and
played at Peterborough on Saturday are set to feature, so the likes of Mark
Noble, James Collins, Winston Reid, Adrian, Aaron Cresswell and Pedro Obiang
could be involved.
Hurry to secure your seat as they are selling quickly, so head to
whufcboxoffice.com to book your place now!
Be there for another special European night at the Boleyn Ground – buy now
at whufcboxoffice.com, on 0871 529 1966* or in person from the Betway Stand
Ticket Office, open 9am-5pm.
Remember prices on matchday will rise to £20 Adults and £10 Under-16s, so
make sure you buy in advance!
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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,
This has been another exciting week for the Club and I am thrilled that we
have been able to bring back Carl Jenkinson from Arsenal on another
season-long loan. He had a very good season last year and I know from
speaking to dad that Slaven said he was a player that we had to keep and
felt he would be a great signing. Carl has a wealth of experience and showed
both his defensive and attacking qualities in the time he spent with us last
year. We now have two fantastic full-backs and like Aaron Cresswell, he is
very attacking and gives us even more options going forward. It also helps
that his family are from Essex and he clearly has a deep affection for the
Club. I hope Carl will be excited by the Club being back in Europe and it
was great that we were able to comfortably come through the first qualifying
round.
I had a great trip out to Andorra for the second leg last week and it was
made even more special when I was able to go in the dressing room before the
game. I presented Josh Cullen with his shirt on his debut and it was a great
feeling. I really like Josh as a player and felt he had another good game.
He can dribble and tackle and can go on to become a top player. There was
certainly a good atmosphere in the dressing room and it was great to see all
the players in such a confident mood. It shows the good spirit we have got
in the squad at the moment. I wasn't in there for a long period but I do
remember coming out and hearing Terry Westley say 'let's get the job done'
and the players certainly responded.
My travelling did not stop there and I made the trip to Peterborough on
Saturday as well. I loved watching Martin Samuelsen in action and couldn't
believe how good he was. He had a great touch and showed he wants to play at
the highest level. I sat with my dad in the directors box and it was great
that we were right next to the West Ham United fans. The atmosphere as
always was amazing from the away support and I wanted to go and stand with
them! It was great to see Mark Noble get on the scoresheet and I feel the
arrival of our summer signings has provided real competition for places and
is bringing out the best in all the midfielders who want to show Slaven they
should stay in the side. We want our midfielders to score more and chip in
with their fair share this season to take the pressure off the forwards.
The focus now switches to the second qualifying round of the Europa League
and it fantastic that we are close to selling out once again.
We are hoping to play a number of the first-team players and if you want
tickets I would urge you to get them as quickly as possible so you are not
left disappointed.
We are also launching our new away kit this week and I know the fans will
not be disappointed once again. It is a fantastic kit and I hope supporters
will go and buy it. I will make sure I go and buy it.
Finally, I am launching a competition this week on my Twitter site where I
am giving away a signed shirt every day until Friday as a thank-you for me
reaching 50k followers. If you want to stand a chance of winning, all you
need to do is re-tweet my giveaway message and I will choose a winner.
I look forward to speaking with you all again soon.
Jack
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Carl Jenkinson: West Ham re-sign Arsenal defender on loan
BBC/co.uk
Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson has joined West Ham on loan for a second
season after signing a new long-term contract with the Gunners. The
23-year-old right-back made 32 Premier league appearances for the Hammers
last season. He said : "I'm really happy to be back after last year. I
can't wait." Jenkinson is West Ham's sixth signing of the summer after
Darren Randolph, Pedro Obiang, Stephen Hendrie, Dimitri Payet and Angelo
Ogbonna. Capped once by England, Jenkinson has made 37 league appearances
for Arsenal since joining from Charlton in 2011 but is behind Mathieu
Debuchy, Calum Chambers and Hector Bellerin for a first-team place at
Emirates Stadium.
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Jenkinson hails Bilic factor in West Ham return
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 14th July 2015
By: Staff Writer
Carl Jenkinson says that the opportunity to work with new West Ham manager
Slaven Bilic was am important factor in his return to the Boleyn Ground. The
23-year-old full back has returned to West Ham for a second consecutive
season, on loan, from Arsenal. And he revealed this afternoon that it was
Bilic's words that persuaded him to return for the 2015/16 campaign. "I know
from speaking to the boss on the phone his style of football, how he wants
to play and his philosophy," Jenkinson told whufc.com. "Hearing what he had
to say and how he wants to play football was an attraction for me and that's
one of the reasons I signed here. He sounds like he's going to be a great
manager and I'm glad to be a part of that. "It's going to be good; I've got
to come in, show what I can do and prove myself to a new manager. That's
good, it keeps you on your toes - and I've got to go and do that in
pre-season. I'm looking forward to it."
Jenkinson also confirmed that, as reported on KUMB throughout the summer, he
had set his sights on a return to the Boleyn Ground since the end of last
season. "I just wanted to come back here and I'm happy things have got
sorted out," he said. "I've got another season here and I can't wait. I
enjoyed every minute last year so it's a pleasure to be here again. "I'm a
young player and I haven't had too many experiences of different clubs, but
I loved every minute of it here. Everything about the club is fantastic and
it's a real family club. The lads are great, the fans are great; it ticks
all the boxes you want when you join a football Club. "Last year was the
first year I've played regularly every week and I was a different person on
and off the pitch. I found my love for the game again - you forget how much
that means to you as a player. I just want to do that again and I can't wait
to get started."
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Wenger: why I let Jenkinson go
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 14th July 2015
By: Staff Writer
Arsene Wenger has explained why he allowed Carl Jenkinson to return to West
Ham on loan - but onoly after he'd signed a new contract. As revealed here
on KUMB previously, Jenkinson is returning to West Ham for a second season
on loan. However he preceded his return to the Boleyn Ground by signing a
new extended contract with Arsenal - thanks to Wenger's input.
"We have three right backs already in Debuchy, Chambers and Bellerin,"
Wenger said. "But we do not want to lose Carl Jenkinson and that is why I
extended his contract. I don't want four right-backs so this is a good
compromise." Although Chambers has failed to impress since moving from
Southampton, Debuchy and Bellerin are currently considered to be Wenger's
two first choice right backs. Jenkinson is thought to have increased his
salary by almost a third (to circa £45,000 per week) by signing the new
deal.
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Carl Jenkinson back at West Ham on loan from Arsenal
Last Updated: 14/07/15 5:31pm
SSN
Carl Jenkinson is back at West Ham on a season-long loan from Arsenal, who
have announced the defender has also signed a new long-term deal with his
parent club. The Hammers used Twitter on Tuesday to say they are pleased to
welcome back the 23-year-old for another Premier League campaign at Upton
Park. He featured in 32 of West Ham's Premier League games during 2014/15
and will spend next season in east London under new manager Slaven Bilic.
The former Charlton trainee moved to the Emirates in 2011 and he told the
West Ham website: "I'm really happy to be back after last year. "It was a
good season for the club and a good season for myself."
Jenkinson, who has made 57 appearances for the Gunners, played for England
at the recent European Under-21 Championship finals. And Arsenal boss Arsene
Wenger said of the deal: "We have the emergence of Hector Bellerin, we have
(Mathieu) Debuchy, we have (Calum) Chambers. "We are a bit congested in an
area where you do not find many right-backs all over the world. "He will
continue his development with West Ham. I found that all are winners there -
West Ham and Arsenal and Jenkinson."
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Carl Jenkinson signs new five-year deal at Arsenal - before immediately
joining West Ham on loan
16:44, 13 JULY 2015
BY JOHN CROSS
The England international enjoyed a stellar campaign in East London last
term and now will return for the Hammers last season at the Boleyn Ground
The Mirror
Carl Jenkinson signed a new five year deal with Arsenal - and was then
immediately loaned out to West Ham United. England under-21 right back
Jenkinson impressed while on loan at Upton Park last season and West Ham
beat off competition from Southampton and Sunderland.
Jenkinson will go to West Ham on another season long loan after the Hammers
agreed to pay a big loan fee of around £2million. But the new deal at
Arsenal also means that he could yet be part of Arsene Wenger's long term
plans as the Gunners boss refused to let him go permanently. Mathieu Debuchy
and Hector Bellerin are competing for Arsenal's right back slot but another
strong season from Jenkinson could see him return to the Emirates.
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Grass is laid at Olympic Stadium
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
The Olympic Stadium approaches it's final stages of transformation this week
as grass is laid down on what will become West Ham's pitch next year. All
construction work must be complete by this weekend and will not resume until
the winter.
The first test event will take place this Sunday when the Morrison's Great
Newham run takes place followed the Sainsbury's anniversary games the
following weekend.
Claret and Hugh understands the turf being laid this week is not the final
pitch West Ham will play on in August 2016. After the Rugby World cup is
completed and a further Rugby match is played then the pitch will be ripped
up again and re-installed using the Desso Grass Master system, a mixture of
plastic fibres and natural grass currently used at Wembley Stadium and the
Boleyn Ground.
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Jenks becomes sixth official signing
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham officially announced their sixth signing of the summer this
afternoon as the return of Carl Jenkinson a 12 month loan. Jenkinson told
the official website: "I'm really happy to be back after last year, It was a
good season for the Club and a good season for myself." "To be honest I just
wanted to come back here and I'm happy everything's been sorted out. I've
got another season here and I can't wait." "I'm a young player and I haven't
had too many experiences of different clubs, but I loved every minute of it
here. Everything about it is fantastic – it's a real family Club, the lads
are great and the fans are great, so it ticks all the boxes you want when
you join a football Club." "I've got to come in, show what I can do and
prove myself to a new manager. That keeps you on your toes and I've got to
go and do that in pre-season. I'm looking forward to it."
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Report: Croat striker linked with Irons loan
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Croatian striker Marko Livaja – currently with Rubin Kazan – is believed to
be on loan at the Irons. The Rubin Kazan striker joined the Russian outfit
last season but struggled to adapt and failed to find the net. According to
reports in the Russian media, Livaja is currently on loan at a team from the
Premier League and West Ham is his likeliest destination. Fellow Croatian
Slaven Bilic is familiar with the striker and Russian newspaper Business
Gazeta report that a loan move to Upton Park could be on the cards. Livaja,
a Croatian Under-21 international, made his name at Italian side Atalanta.
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Jenkinson will cost Hammers over £4m
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 13, 2015 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C AND H
Carl Jenkinson will be unveiled as West Ham's sixth summer signing after the
right back agreed a new season long loan keeping him a temporary Hammer
until 30th June 2016. The 23 year old is thought to have agreed a new five
year deal with Arsenal increasing his wages from £32,000 to £45,000 per week
in the process. His success as an Iron last year has come at a price as West
Ham had to fend off other Premier League admirers such as Southampton and
Sunderland. West Ham are thought to be covering that £13,000 per week rise
given by Arsenal for next season together with a £2m loan fee. His wages are
thought to be £2.25m for his 50 week loan but a loan fee bumps that figure
up to £4.25m.
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Wenger reveals Hammers Jenkinson loan
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Arsene Wenger has pipped Jack Sullivan, David Gold and West Ham's media
department to the post by confirming the news that Carl Jenkinson is
returning back to West Ham on loan but says he still has a long-term future
with Arsenal. "We have three right backs already in Debuchy, Chambers and
Bellerin," Wenger told a press conference in Singapore ahead of a pre-season
tour. "But we do not want to lose Carl Jenkinson – and that is why I
extended his contract. But I don't want four right-backs so this is a good
compromise."
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Irons close to Man Utd Hernandez valuation
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham's £9 million opening offer for Javier Hernandez is marginally below
Manchester United's valuation of £10-£12 million for the Mexican striker.
Despite inserting a clause of £7 million into the deal for a permanent
switch to Real Madrid if they wanted to buy at the end of his loan deal last
season, the Manchester club now believe they can get between £10-£12 million
for the frontman. Thus the Hammers opening bid is perfectly pitched for the
striker who is currently on wages of £84k a week as a 'third tier' player at
the club. Curently, however, Louis van Gaal has only him, Wayne Rooney,
James Wilson available as central strikers although he is currently with
every top striker around including Robert Lewandowski and Edinson Cavani. It
looks certain that United will bring in one or two new front men pushing
Hernandez way back down the pecking order. And we understand that the
Hammers are ready to offer him around £60,000 which will be made possible
from the sale of Stewart Downing. A source said: "We are trying to do a deal
but he is one of several targets."
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Hernandez injury "no big problem"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham have checked on the broken collarbone sustained by Javier Hernandez
and have been assured the player will be fit for the start of the season.
The Irons are moving s fast as possible to do a deal but if that fails have
other targets. As reported a few minutes ago the club has pitched its first
offer at £9 million. ClaretandHugh has been told the injury should be "fixed
" in time for the 2015-16 season with a source explaining: "It's not seen as
a big problem. " The player sustained the injury in a match on July 2
against Honduras and is now missing from the Mexican squad for the Gold Cup
tournament. Our source said: "The collarbone injury is known and we are
happy with what we have been told. He would have no problem passing a
medical."
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Former West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison earns comparisons with Paul
Gascoigne on Lazio debut
Evening Standard
JAMES BENGE
Published: 14 July 2015 Updated: 10:35, 14 July 2015
Former West Ham and Manchester United midfielder Ravel Morrison may be on
course to resurrect his struggling career in Italy, where the Lazio player
is receiving rave reviews from the Italian media. Making his debut for the
Rome side on Sunday and picking up two assists and two goals, Morrison
received an ecstatic response from fans and the media, with Corriere dello
Sport describing him as "the revelation of the summer" and Lazio's "new
Gazza". The praise was echoed by manager Stefano Pioli, who was impressed by
the improvement the midfielder has made since he began training with Lazio
in March. He said: "The Morrison who got here in March must have been a
brother or a relative of his." Teammate Keita Balde Diao also praised
Morrison, describing him as "easy to play with". And the English midfielder
was clearly delighted to be making a start, tweeting his happiness at making
his debut. Off the field problems stopped the 22-year-old from reaching his
sizeable potential in the Premier League, with the player Sir Alex Ferguson
described as "the best 16-year-old he had seen", only intermittently showing
his ability.
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West Ham 'lining up transfer bid for Manchester United striker Javier
Hernandez'
Louis Sealey for Metro.co.ukTuesday 14 Jul 2015 10:21 am
West Ham are reportedly lining up a transfer bid for Manchester United
striker Javier Hernandez. The 27-year-old looks set to leave Old Trafford
this summer after falling out of favour with United boss Louis van Gaal and
spending last season on loan to Spanish giants Real Madrid. Hernandez
impressed during his limited appearances for Madrid, scoring 7 league goals,
but his future in Manchester remains doubtful and, according to the Daily
Mail, West Ham are considering targeting the Mexican. The forward would
significantly bolster Hammers manager Slaven Bilic's attacking options ahead
of West Ham's final season at the Boleyn Ground.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic says young defenders will be sent out on loan
after Ogbonna capture
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic says 'one or two' of his young defenders
will be sent out on loan this season after he landed key target Angelo
Ogbonna. West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has hinted on the club's
website that some youngsters may go out on loan following the club's move
for Angelo Ogbonna. The Hammers have been busy this summer and completed the
signing of the Italy international centre back from Juventus last week.
There is no doubt the 27-year-old adds much needed quality to a West Ham
squad which will also compete in Europe this season. But some fans have
questioned whether defensive reinforcements were needed given the crop of
exciting youngsters coming through the club's famous Academy. "We now have
the numbers and the quality so maybe some, one or two, will go on loan or
whatever," he told whufc.com. "But we really needed (Ogbonna) to have
competition and to have a real strength there where it is maybe the most
important (area of the team) for the whole season."
Bilic, a defender of some repute himself by trade, said he was 'thrilled' a
player of Ogbonna's quality agreed to come to east London and is expecting
big things from the former Torino man.
While going out on loan is par for the course for most youngsters coming
through at Premier League clubs in this day and age, Bilic's revelation that
he is likely to send the likes of Reece Burke, Reece Oxford, Doneil Henry or
Lewis Page out on loan may come as something of a surprise to fans. That's
because so far most of those players have been well utilised in the Europa
League, which could add as many as 23 games to West Ham's calendar if they
go all the way. The likes of Burke have also excelled since breaking into
the Hammers first team squad at the tail end of last season. One thing it
does show is how seriously the club is taking European competition with
Winston Reid, James Collins, James Tomkins and now Ogbonna all likely to be
rotated.
Right to be cautious
Bilic is also right to be somewhat cautious when it comes to his strength in
depth at the back. In the last two seasons West Ham have picked up multiple
injuries in that department which has hampered their progress. The Upton
Park faithful will now be hoping Bilic adopts the same policy to the
striking department ahead of the big Premier League kick off on August 9th.
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Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson pictured in new West Ham shirt ahead of loan move
to Upton Park
Evening Standard
SAM LONG
Published: 14 July 2015 Updated: 09:22, 14 July 2015
Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson has been pictured in West Ham United's new
home shirt ahead of his proposed season-long loan move to the Hammers. The
23-year-old defender, who primarily plays as a right back, spent the
previous campaign at Upton Park in order to receive regular game time, which
he was not assured of in north London. Competition for a place in the
Gunners' starting line up is fierce with full-backs Mathieu Debuchy, Calum
Chambers and Hector Bellerin all vying for a place in Arsene Wenger's side.
As a result, it was decided that the England international's development
would be best served with a temporary switch away from his parent club. And
the Hammers are on the verge of completing a similar deal, despite a
managerial change at the east London club.
Jenkinson became an important member of West Ham's defence under Sam
Allardyce and started 29 Premier League fixtures for the Irons last season.
Slaven Billic is now in charge of the east London outfit and the Croatian
manager is closing in on a deal for Jenkinson, who is also set to sign new
long-term contract with the Gunners. A deal is yet to be officially
announced, but Wenger told reporters during Arsenal's pre-season tour: "I
don't want to lose Carl Jenkinson, that's why I extended his contract."
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West Ham face striker shortage as Hammers chief reveals major injury doubt
08:22 14 July 2015 Jack Green
London 24
West Ham co-owner David Gold has confirmed that Mauro Zarate is a major
doubt to face Birkirkara in the Europa League qualifier on Thursday. Zarate
missed the second leg of the Hammers' first qualifying round tie against
Lusitanos, which they won 1-0 to secure a 4-0 aggregate victory. The
Argentine struggled to make a major impact at Upton Park last season after
he signed from Velez Sarsfield in the summer of 2014. He was sent on loan to
QPR but made just four appearances for the club and failed to find the net.
Zarate has been tipped to bounce back this season for a new-look West Ham
that features a host of new summer signings. But his comeback has been put
on hold as what seemed to be an innocuous injury will keep him out of action
for Thursday's game at Upton Park. When asked on Twitter if Zarate would be
fit to face Birkirkara, Gold replied: "I doubt it". His absence would leave
West Ham short of strikers as Diafra Sakho is suspended after getting sent
off in the second leg against Lusitanos. Modibo Maiga and Elliot Lee could
be called upon to start in the absence of Sakho and Zarate.
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West Ham want Charlie Austin and could offer QPR Matt Jarvis to get him
By SIMON JONES FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:33, 13 July 2015 | UPDATED: 01:55, 14 July 2015
West Ham are considering offering QPR a players plus cash deal for their
star striker Charlie Austin. Rangers have slapped a £15million asking price
on Austin, but West Ham are hopeful of circumventing that fee by using Matt
Jarvis or Kevin Nolan as possible makeweights. QPR tried to sign Jarvis
during the January transfer window and could be tempted. QPR striker Charlie
Of course, Austin, who scored 18 goals in his maiden Premier League campaign
last season, has no shortage of suitors. West Ham will face stiff
competition for his signature from the likes of Newcastle, Southampton and
Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, the Hammers are also discussing moves for Roma's
Mattia Destro and Manchester United's Javier Hernandez. Mexico
international Hernandez spent last term on loan at Real Madrid and looks
unlikely to have a first-team future at Old Trafford.
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Andy Carroll says football isn't about money, he just loves playing and
recalls days as a boyhood Newcastle fan
By ROHAN BANERJEE FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 23:46, 13 July 2015 | UPDATED: 01:53, 14 July 2015
West Ham striker Andy Carroll insists that he didn't pursue professional
football for the handsome pay-packet, but simply because of his genuine love
for the game. The 26-year-old said during an interview with Forever Sports,
'I've been playing football all my life and I wasn't getting paid for it
when I was younger. I kicked a ball round the streets with no leather
patches on. For me to play in the Premier League, it's not for the money
it's because I love it. He added, 'I don't find it's about the money or the
media or anything. It's all about what you love doing and football is what I
love doing.' 'I was 10 rows from the sideline and a few along the dugout. It
was pretty close and Shearer was top dog. 'His goal against Aston Villa, the
volley, was incredible. Some of his finishing, and his headers were just
quality. It's what I looked up to.'
Carroll joined Newcastle as a trainee in 2005 and made his first-team debut
for them the following season, aged 17 years and 300 days in the UEFA Cup
tie against Palermo. He played a bit-part role for the Magpies to begin
with and was sent out on loan to Preston in the 2007-08 campaign to gain
experience. However, following the Toon's relegation to the Championship in
2009 and the exits of several first-team strikers including Michael Owen,
Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka, Carroll was called upon to make the step
up. He spearheaded Newcastle's promotion charge at the first attempt and got
off to a promising start in their first season back in the top flight,
netting 11 goals 19 league games. Off the back of this fine form, he was
sold to Liverpool for £35million in January 2011, at the time the highest
transfer fee ever paid for an English player. But Carroll struggled to hit
the same heights for the Reds as he did on Tyneside, while also suffering a
succession of injuries. He was loaned to West Ham during the 2012–13 season
and after performing well for them, they made the deal permanent for £15m
that summer. Alas, the injuries persisted and the forward once tipped to
break Shearer's scoring record has seen his game-time severely limited over
the past three years. Carroll's latest injury, ligament damage to his
knee, has kept him out of action since February, yet he remains hopeful of
an England recall. He said, '100% I need to get back in the England squad.
And I think I can, you know. I've been really unlucky with injuries. I've
got nine caps but I think it should be a lot more'
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Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson to rejoin West Ham on loan - Sky sources
Last Updated: 13/07/15 10:24pm
SSN
Arsenal right-back Carl Jenkinson has agreed to rejoin West Ham United in
another loan deal, according to Sky sources. While Jenkinson has signed a
one-year deal at Upton Park, there are also unconfirmed reports he has
secured a new five-year contract at Arsenal. West Ham co-chairman David Gold
revealed on July 2 the club were "working hard" to sign the Gunners
defender.
But on Monday night, Sky sources reported the Hammers had got their man,
albeit on a season-long contract. Jenkinson found his first-team chances at
Arsenal blocked by Calum Chambers and Hector Bellerin and spent last season
on loan at the Hammers. The 23-year-old made 29 Premier League starts for
them. Gold had previously stated the club were keen to bring in players to
play the "West Ham way" and last week stated: "We are very working hard to
try and get Carl back here. "We recognise this is an important season for
us, being in Europe, and we will go the extra mile to ensure we have got the
strongest possible squad we can muster." Mathieu Debuchy and Bellerin will
be fighting for the right-back position in Arsene Wenger's team and another
impressive campaign could see Jenkinson return to the Emirates.
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Why loaning Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson again is just papering over the cracks
at West Ham
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United are expected to complete another season-long loan for
Arsenal full-back Carl Jenkinson, but the deal will just be papering over
the cracks. According to the Mirror, England international Carl Jenkinson
has signed a new five year deal with Arsenal and has subsequently loaned
back to the Hammers, where he spent last season. But the deal is simply
putting a plaster on a gaping wound in east London because it fails to
answer West Ham's call for a decent long term solution at right back. The
club currently has an exciting crop of youngster emerging from its famous
Academy.Many of those players are defenders but none operate at right back.
The Hammers had hoped to try and land Jenkinson on a permanent deal this
summer after his outstanding loan spell under Sam Allardyce last season. But
despite being well stocked in the right back department with the likes of
Mathieu Debuchy, Hector Bellerin and Callum Chambers, Arsene Wenger was
reluctant to let him leave. So much so that the club today agreed a new
extended deal with the boyhood Gunners fan and immediately agreed to send
him out on loan again, as per the Mirror. While West Ham are getting a
fantastic player for a season, it fails to solve what has become something
of a problem position for the club.
How do you solve a problem like right back?
Ever since Glen Johnson shone briefly before joining Chelsea when the
Hammers were relegated under the hapless Glen Roeder in 2003, the right back
position has been like a revolving door.
From Thomas Repka to Lionel Scaloni and more recently Julien Faubert a
string of players have failed to really make the position their own Guy
Demel did a decent enough job of it with his understudy Joey O'Brien during
Allardyce's tenure. But the former has now left the club while the latter
was frozen out last season and is expected to be used as a squad player
under Slaven Bilic. With no youngsters coming through for that position in
the immediate future to fill the void, Jenkinson will plug the gap for now.
And it will only be for now as Arsenal clearly see him as part of their
long-term plans. In the cold light of day it is a deal which may not sit
easily with some Hammers fans who feel Arsenal are treating them like a
feeder club.
One positive is that the Jenkinson deal at least gives West Ham a year to
identify that long-term replacement and ensure they make the right choice
going into the Olympic Stadium next summer.
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Will Martin Samuelsen prove to be one of West Ham's smartest signings in
years?
HITC
Vincent Ralph
Taking a closer look at West Ham United's new teenage attacking midfielder.
When West Ham United signed Martin Samuelsen on a free transfer earlier this
summer it is fair to say the vast majority of Hammers fans did not know what
they were getting. But after the teenager's debut in Saturday's pre-season
clash with Peterborough, things have suddenly become a lot clearer.
Samuelsen had spent the previous three years at City's academy but having
been released by the Blues it was West Ham who were smart enough to offer
the young Norwegian a deal following a succesful trial. If they saw then
what West Ham fans did at the weekend it would have been a no-brainer, and
it begs the question: Have the Hammers pulled off one of their smartest
transfers in years? While Dimitri Payet, Angelo Ogbonna and Pedro Obiang are
the headline arrivals to date, Samuelsen has already proved he could have a
very bright future at the club.
At the weekend the teenager scored one of West Ham's three goals and his
overall performance spoke of an innate talent who just needs a stage on
which to shine. He has now found that stage, and while it is very early to
be making assumptions the boy clearly has talent in abundance. So hats off
to West Ham for taking a chance on a player who at this rate will be
sticking around long beyond his initial two-year contract.
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Martin Samuelsen speaks highly of Diafra Sakho and Modibo Maiga
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
West Ham United's Martin Samuelsen seems to have been impressed with
Manchester United-linked Diafra Sakho and Modibo Maiga. West Ham United
youngster Martin Samuelsen has told the club's official website that he
enjoyed playing with Diafra Sakho and Modibo Maiga at the weekend. Earlier
this summer, the 18-year-old moved to West Ham from Premier League rivals
Manchester City, where he was a member of their Elite Development Squad.
Samuelsen earned the contract at the Hammers after impressing coaches at the
West Ham United Academy while on trial on the back end of last season. The
teenager made his debut for the Hammers in a pre-season friendly game
against Peterborough United at London Road on Saturday. The match ended in a
3-3 draw, and Samuelsen was pleased to have played with forwards Sakho and
Maiga. "Playing with Diafra and Modibo in the front three was a brilliant
experience – they're great players so they make it easy for me," the
youngster told West Ham's official website. "I know where they are and they
have good movement. It's a good connection."
Diafra Sakho
Sakho started the 2014-15 season for West Ham brilliantly following his move
from French club Metz last summer. At one stage it looked as though the
25-year-old Senegal international would score 15 to 20 goals in the Premier
League, but he ended up with 10 in 23 league appearances. According to The
Daily Mail, Manchester United are interested in signing Sakho this summer.
Maiga has been on the books of West Ham since 2012, but he is not guaranteed
a place in the starting line-up. The Mali international, who can feature as
a striker as well as a winger, played on loan for Metz during the 2014-15
season.
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Ravel back in Claret n Blue
verywestham.blogspot
As the launch of the Hammers new away strip gets ever nearer, news has
emerged of the return to form for ex-Hammers 'bad' boy Ravel Morrison. Since
departing the Boleyn, his reputation for trouble is such that he has had to
take employment at Italian Serie A outfit, Lazio. Ironically, the Rome-based
club's delightful new away outfit (shown above) brings them into the foreign
claret n blue club, along with Trabonzspur and Drogheda United. In his
recent debut for the club he netted twice in a MOTM performance that has
raised eyebrows back in England. However, the match was a preseason friendly
that finished 14-0!!! Hammers fans know the drill by now, early shapes
suggest a real jewel has been discovered but they will be wondering how long
it will be before he starts appearing in the media wearing a Roma or Juve
jersey? Either way, good luck to the lad. He is undoubtedly talented but
needs to grow up in time to make some use of his abilities before its too
late.
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Andy Carroll discusses international hopes, admits he 'needs' another
England call-up
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham striker Andy Carroll is aiming to return to the England squad. West
Ham United striker Andy Carroll has told Forever Sports, as reported by the
Daily Mail, that he wants to get back into the England squad. Carroll, 26,
once again had another injury-hit season last term, playing just 14 games
for West Ham in a frustrating campaign for the former Liverpool forward.
His return of five goals in those 14 games was impressive, but with just 30
appearances in the last two seasons, Carroll was earned the tag of being
unreliable over the course of an entire season. Now, Carroll is once again
on the road back to the first team, and will be looking to make an impact
under new West Ham manager Slaven Bilic. However, Carroll has his sights set
on something bigger - a recall to Roy Hodgson's England squad. The giant
striker has nine caps and two goals for the Three Lions, and with the
European Championship on the horizon, Carroll needs a big season to get
close to the squad again. Speaking to Forever Sports, as reported by the
Daily Mail, Carroll says that he needs to get back into the squad - and
believes that he should have earned more caps already. "100% I need to get
back in the England squad," said Carroll. "And I think I can, you know. I've
been really unlucky with injuries. I've got nine caps but I think it should
be a lot more," he added. Could Carroll return to the England squad? Hodgson
has a number of strikers in contention for the England squad; Wayne Rooney,
Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck, Harry Kane, Charlie Austin, Saido Berahino
and Danny Ings will all be pushing for places in that European Championships
squad in 2016. Hodgson has limited spaces for strikers, and whilst Carroll
offers the unique aerial ability that makes him such a threat, it's
currently hard to see him surpassing the likes of Kane or Austin. A big
season for Carroll - featuring full fitness over the course of the season -
could at least make Hodgson think about a call-up, but it looks unlikely
right now.
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Wednesday, July 15
Tuesday, July 14
Daily WHUFC News - 14th July 2015
Reid aims for strong season
WHUFC.com
West Ham United centre back Winston Reid can see a bright year ahead, hailing the impact of the Club's new coaching staff, fresh signings and emerging young talent as he played his first pre-season match of the year in Saturday's 3-3 draw away to Peterborough. The New Zealand international played the first hour at London Road and said it was good to get some playing time into his legs: "It's always nice to get your first game back in pre-season. It was nice to get back out there, and play a little bit. There were some good performances today, but the main thing is to get fitter."
As well as describing new signing Pedro Obiang as a really good addition to the squad, Reid singled out performances from West Ham's emerging stars, such as Martin Samuelson and Alex Pike:
"They were really, really good, and that's the important thing about pre-season - giving the youngsters an opportunity. We've all been there as youngsters, coming out in pre-season with an opportunity to prove yourself, and this is a really good time for them to do so."
Reid also commented on the rapid impact that Slaven Bilic, Julian Dicks and other new members of the coaching staff have had on the team: "We've had a new manager come in. I'm sure he will want us to play in a different way and he has his own ideas, and the players are looking forward to learning from him. We get to play on the training pitch and see what he wants us to do, and it's been good. "He's very passionate. You can see from the way he is on the sidelines: he wants us to win, he wants us to do our very best, he wants us to go out and for us to enjoy ourselves, but the most important thing at the end of the day is winning games. Julian Dicks has also been a great new addition, and the rest of the coaching staff are really, really great guys. They push us really hard, and certainly the boys are enjoying it, and we're learning from them."
With the new management team in place, top international players arriving, and exciting young talent emerging, Reid says he is glad he recently signed a new long-term contract with the Hammers: "I'm really, really happy to be here, and hopefully we'll have a really good season this year, and carry ourselves well into the new stadium. But the most important thing is this next season, and we'll just take things game by game. "We need to improve on what we did last year. We had a fantastic first half of the season but the second half was not the best. So we need to improve and make sure the first half of the season also continues into the second."
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Friends reunited for JC
WHUFC.com
West Ham United came up against a familiar face at Peterborough United on Saturday when Jack Collison came off the bench to make his home debut for his new club. Collison played 121 games for the Hammers after making his way through the Academy, but is now looking to rebuild his career with the Posh having spent the last six months building himself up for a return to the game. The large contingent of Hammers fans at the ABAX Stadium showed they had not forgotten the 26-year-old, who was afforded a fine reception when he entered the pitch. He said: "It was a really nice feeling to get back out on the pitch, and a great day in all areas. The reception was fantastic, and obviously I've got really fond memories of West Ham and had a great relationship with the fans, so it was nice to be in front of them again on Saturday. "The West Ham fans love seeing their youngsters come through and have an impact on the first team, while enjoying wearing the shirt and playing for the Club. I did that over the years and have a very special relationship with them. "I was itching to get on from the sidelines and I couldn't wait. I think you could tell from the way I was running about like a bit of a nutter when I did get on. It's exciting times for West Ham, and it's going to be one hell of a season
Jack Collison "It's been a long time out and I've taken my time. To be fair to Peterborough the staff have been fantastic with me, easing me in slowly, so come the first game I should be fit, firing and ready to go."
Collison was impressed by the Hammers' performance in an entertaining 3-3 draw and believes Slaven Bilic's men are in for a successful season. He thinks the same is true of his new team, too. He added: "It's exciting times for West Ham, and it's going to be one hell of a season, the last at the Boleyn. That will be emotional, and there's a new manager in, a couple of new signings and it looks like there's more on the way. "The boys were fantastic today, they had a great attitude as always and Mark Noble was just different gear in there. Speaking to our boys in the changing room, they were saying 'what a player' and it's great for our boys that they can test themselves against good opposition, and the same for West Ham. I think they're going to have a good season. "The aim for Peterborough is a promotion push. That's how the manager sold it to me, he said he feels he's got a good enough squad and from what I've seen since I've been here we definitely do."
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Bilic has big expectations for Ogbonna
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has big expectations for new signing Angelo Ogbonna and believes he will add a lot of quality to the defensive unit. Ogbonna joined the Club from Italian giants Juventus on Friday and will bring a wealth of experience to the squad.
Bilic is delighted that the Club were able to clinch his signature and feels it will provide even more competition at the back and provide the strength in depth he needs heading into the new season. Bilic said: "I am thrilled with the signing. He is a really good player and is a great defender. He was at one of the best clubs in the world with Juventus and we are really delighted he has signed for us . The expectations are big of course. "We now have the numbers and the quality at the back. We really need the competition and strength (in the defence) which is one of the most important areas for the whole season."
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Boleyn Insider
WHUFC.com
Our man on the inside lifts the lid on the latest transfer speculation...
The pre-season campaign is well and truly underway and the squad is going to be tested to the maximum over the coming weeks. The Club have certainly been busy over the summer bringing in five new players and I understand the hard work is continuing behind the scenes to bring in even more new arrivals. My sources have told me that another international player should put pen to paper in the next 24 hours and complete a loan move to the Boleyn Ground. Rumours continue to surface over more big names signing for the Club this summer.
But I have been told that stories suggesting the agent of Roma striker Mattia Destro has flown to London for talks over a move to the Club are not true. Reports in Italy are claiming that Destro's Roma team-mate Gervinho is also on the verge of making a move to West Ham United, but I have also been told there is no truth to those rumours. My understanding is that the Club have made signing a striker one of their main priorities now and they ideally want a forward with a proven track record in the Premier League.
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Downing to complete £5m 'Boro return this week
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th July 2015
By: Staff Writer
Stewart Downing is set for a return to his native Teeside after West Ham and Middlesbrough agreed a transfer fee for the England international. The 30-year-old attacking midfielder is on the verge of returning to his home town club, after 'Boro agreed to pay £5million to take Downing back to the Riverside Stadium where he spent the early part of his career. According to a KUMB source, last season's Championship play-off finalists have offered the former Liverpool and Aston Villa man a five-year contract that will keep him tied to 'Boro until the age of 35.
Aitor Karanka's side will also pay an additional £1million should they achieve promotion to the Premier League whilst Downing is at the club.
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Destro representatives in England for talks
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th July 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are closing in on a deal for Italian striker Mattia Destro. As exclusively revealed here on KUMB last week, the 24-year-old Roma striker was set for talks with West Ham over a switch to east London. Now representatives of the player are reported to have flown into London at the weekend, to discuss a move for a player also said to be interesting the likes of fellow Premier League outfit Crystal Palace and Monaco. The 24-year-old has featured for his country at all levels from Under 16 right through to the first team. Earlier in the transfer window had been closely linked with a move to Ligue 1 with Monaco, but that deal is understood to have fallen through over contractual obligations.
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Slav: "I'm grateful to God for this opportunity"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic has revealed that playing in the English Premier League has affected his entire lifestyle. The West Ham boss – in a revealing interview with www.fourfourtwo.com – declared: "I'm very pleased to have played ?in the Premier League. It helped me not only in football terms, but also ?in other aspects of life. "I spent my most important time there, and the experience had a huge impact on me as a player and a manager. ?I learned to work hard, how to be professional, how to approach everything with a bit of humour… ?it affected my management style, ?of course, but more importantly ?it helped me to form my lifestyle. And as a Roman Catholic – like Jose Mourinho – he added: "?I'll always be grateful to God for giving me such an opportunity. "Every day you are improving, learning ?– in training, by watching games, ?by reading books or just by talking with your staff and players. You're changing but also improving. Every single second, I try to change and improve."
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Hammers allocated 3,000 tickets in Malta
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham have been allocated 3,000 away tickets for the second round Europa League tie against Birkirkara FC on Thursday 23rd July. Tickets will cost £32 (€45) each with the Hammers situated in the Millennium stand. The Second leg match between Birkirkara FC and West Ham has been switched to the National Stadium which has a capacity of 18,000. Bond Holders and Priority points applications must be made by Thursday 16th July. Season ticket general sale will be held on Saturday 18th July with any remaining tickets put on general sale on Monday 20th July. Home Birkirkara supporters will pay between €10 (£7) and €30 (£21) for their tickets for the match with sales available in Mc Donald's Restaurant, 8 Till Late and Agenda Bookshops in Malta.
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Transfer window fact and fiction!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
We all love a rumour or ten but reality bites and 12 days into the transfer window perhaps it might be a good idea to check facts against speculation and hopeful thinking Back in June, David Gold declared on Twitter that fans could expect around five new faces this summer and right now we have Darren Randolph, Stephen Hendrie, Dimitri Payet, Pedro Obiang and Angelo Ogbonna on board. THAT'S FIVE! He said "new faces" which may cover loan signings as well as permanent buys – a sixth will almost certainly be Carl Jenkinson and then possibly Alex Song and somebody like him. There's also rumours about Kevin Miralles and Charlie Austin.
My understanding is that the total cost of the new arrivals tops out at between £21-£22 million leaving, whether we find it acceptable or not, about £3 million in the kitty. £25 million was the ceiling. There is the chance of course – a good one – that a Stewart Downing departure will add a few more quid to the pot but that certainly won't be sufficient to add the number of names with whom we are being linked.
Many names have been mentioned as far as a new front player is concerned – Loic Remy, Charlie Austin and the like among them. Thus far nothing has happened because it's not seen as a priority position. Why would it be with Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia and Andy Carroll on board. Instead it is far more likely a striker will arrive on loan as Slaven Bilic wants to give Carroll an opportunity to show his injury problems behind him before he decides on what his West Ham future may be.
A striker has never been a priority but we are still without a defensive midfielder – who is! Elsewhere we look reasonably ok. On the outward front Kevin Nolan and Matt Jarvis to move on should there be any interest but currently – as reported here previously – there's not. The club has done a lot of business very early and that is all to the good. The rest of the summer looks likely to be relatively quiet with Jenkinson and a loan striker on the way – anything else will be a bonus.
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Roma striker agent in London
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Mattia Destro's agent is in London to finalise a move to West Ham, according to reports in Italy today. Italy international Destro, who was loaned to AC Milan last season, has returned to Roma but been told he has no future. Corriere dello Sport says West Ham have agreed a loan deal in principle with a view to a permanent transfer option at the end of the season. According to Emanuele Giulianelli, Roma's director of football Walter Sabatini is in Manchester attempting negotiating a deal to sign Dzeko. They say he will come to London to discuss Destro with West Ham after his business is concluded in Manchester.
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Historic Away Kit to be unveiled
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham should reveal their Away Kit for the 2015/2016 season this week ahead of the second round Europa League clash at the Boleyn Ground on Thursday. The kit is thought to have been inspired by the historic 1901-1903 Hammers kit which was light blue with single claret chest hoop, Shorts: White with claret side stripes, Socks: Claret
The strip became known in the press as the "Union Jack" in the earlky 1900's. This mock up picture on the right is said to be a close resemblance of what the away shirt will look like when unveiled.
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Reid on Slav "passion" and Dicks appointment
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Winston Reid has dubbed new manager Slaven Bilic as "very passionate" – and hailed the recruitment of Julian Dicks to the coaching set-up as a "great new addition". The central defender – who is likely to start the season alongside new recruit Anglo Ogbonna – declared: "We've had a new manager come in. I'm sure he will want us to play in a different way and he has his own ideas, and the players are looking forward to learning from him. "We get to play on the training pitch and see what he wants us to do, and it's been good."
Talking to the club's official website, Reid added: "He's very passionate. You can see from the way he is on the sidelines: he wants us to win, he wants us to do our very best, he wants us to go out and for us to enjoy ourselves, but the most important thing at the end of the day is winning games. "Julian Dicks has also been a great new addition, and the rest of the coaching staff are really, really great guys. They push us really hard, and certainly the boys are enjoying it, and we're learning from them."
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West Ham transfer news: Loan deal for Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson on verge of completion
Evening Standard
KEN DYER
Published: 13 July 2015 Updated: 13:57, 13 July 2015
West Ham are hoping to complete a loan deal with Arsenal for Carl Jenkinson within the next 48 hours. Jenkinson was on loan at Upton Park last season and impressed sufficiently for new manager Slaven Bilic to be keen to repeat the deal for the new season. West Ham wanted to sign the England Under-21 full-back on a permanent basis but Arsenal rejected that proposition.
Jenkinson's arrival would bring the total of summer signings to four — with more in the pipeline. Co-chairman David Sullivan's son, Jack, suggested on Twitter over the weekend that the club are looking to bring in another three or four signings, with Roma striker Mattia Destro the latest to be linked. Bilic, meanwhile, will field a significantly stronger team in Thursday's Europa League clash against Maltese side Birkirkara than he did for the first qualifying round. The Croat picked a combination of young and squad players for the win over Lusitans but looks likely to include a number of first-team players for the first leg at Upton Park. West Ham are hoping for a sell-out, with advance tickets priced at £10 and £5 for Under 16s.
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More creative than Messi – introducing West Ham's Dimitri Payet
14:00, 13 July 2015
The Mirror
So, Slaven Bilic has taken over the reigns at West Ham for their last ever season at the Boleyn Ground. They move to the Olympic Stadium for the 2016-17 campaign, and the fans will only turn up in their droves if he can bring back the 'West Ham' style of play that they crave. And while he has a good base of a squad, he will want to bring in his own players to achieve that dream. He has started well, and West Ham fans should be particularly excited by the £10.7m arrival of Dimitri Payet from Marseille.
No other player in Europe created more chances that Payet last season – 23 ahead of De Bruyne and 40 ahead of Messi – with 135 chances. He is fast, attacking, clever and knows where the goal is. He led the French League last season with a very impressive 17 assists, which was also the fourth best in any major European League. These stats will give Bilic, and the West Ham fans, real belief that if he can produce anywhere near that kind of form, then the likes of Carroll, Sakho and Valencia will reap the rewards. The French League isn't as tough as the Premier League of course, but it's no Eredivisie...
He is also a French international, and while his 9 caps have been spread out over the last 5 years, he has always been on the edge of the first team. He will be looking for this season to be a continuation of the last – which was easily his most consistent and prolific so far. This could be a win-win for all concerned. West Ham needed a player who can provide those vital assists, and the player will be looking to cement a place in the French squad and also to make his mark in the Premier League.
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Bilic suggests Cresswell is an example of a naturally fit player
HITC
Lewis Doe
West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic has suggested defender Aaron Cresswell is a good player for others to follow in terms of his fitness. West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has told the club's official website that Aaron Cresswell is a good example of the sort of naturally fit player that he wants in his first team squad. West Ham's preparations for the new season are in full swing and Cresswell is someone that Bilic will be looking to challenge, as he tries to progress and develop further after winning the club's player of the season award last time round.
"Aaron is a good player and has a great left foot. I wanted a player who could play for 90 minutes and he is a naturally fit player," Bilic told whufc.com. "It is always good for a defender who is good on the ball to play a little bit in midfield because you have less space there and it was good for him."
Fitness is vital
Fitness is very important not just for Cresswell, but for the entire West Ham defence throughout next season. There were occasions last season, against Tottenham and Manchester United, where West Ham conceded late goals, which directly led to a loss of points and momentum at important points in the season. Improved fitness will help the club to just maintain that intensity and concentration a little bit longer, to ensure that a repeat of the same mistakes doesn't happen again.
The challenge for Cresswell
The challenge for Cresswell is that he's not a surprise commodity. He's a player that opposition teams will now identify as a key threat and strength in West Ham's team and they could look to make life as difficult as possible for him very early. Teams could get two men onto him quickly and look to keep him isolated, which could cause weaknesses to develop.
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West Ham finally set to land first choice summer signing as spending nearly done
London 24
07:59 13 July 2015 Brad Pinard
West Ham are set to announce the signing of Carl Jenkinson on loan for the season from Arsenal in the next 48 hours. The Hammers have been busy this summer and fans have already seen two of three of their new signings in action under Slaven Bilic. Dimitri Payet and Angelo Ogbonna are yet to get a run out but could do against Southend on Saturday. Jenkinson could also be in that squad after returning from his extended summer holiday after England under-21 duty took up most of his post-season break. Arsenal are refusing to sell the former Charlton man, instead another season-long loan is in order for the impressive full back who majorly impressed last term at Upton Park. Jenkinson was the first name on David Gold and David Sullivan's shopping list and so they will be mightily glad to get it done. A striker is now the main concern for the Hammers who are set to make just one more major signing after Jenkinson.
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'Star of the show' Ravel Morrison impresses with brace on Lazio debut
London 24
07:27 13 July 2015 Brad Pinard
Lazio new-boy Ravel Morrison scored twice and won the man of the match award on his debut for the club. The Italian media claim Morrison was 'the star of the show' and his 'sensational lob' was only bettered by two clever assists for his team-mates in a thumping 8-0 win over Aurozono. Serie A kicks off later than the Premier League and so Morrison will have plenty of time to adapt to life in Italy, something that was rumoured to be tough for him. However, after banishing reports he could return to QPR this summer without kicking a ball for Lazio, Morrison is now hoping to become a hit in Italy and has started in the best possible way. The Lazio tweet translates as 'It's easy to play with Ravel Morrison', from the playmakers new team-mate and four goal hero Keita.
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United centre back Winston Reid can see a bright year ahead, hailing the impact of the Club's new coaching staff, fresh signings and emerging young talent as he played his first pre-season match of the year in Saturday's 3-3 draw away to Peterborough. The New Zealand international played the first hour at London Road and said it was good to get some playing time into his legs: "It's always nice to get your first game back in pre-season. It was nice to get back out there, and play a little bit. There were some good performances today, but the main thing is to get fitter."
As well as describing new signing Pedro Obiang as a really good addition to the squad, Reid singled out performances from West Ham's emerging stars, such as Martin Samuelson and Alex Pike:
"They were really, really good, and that's the important thing about pre-season - giving the youngsters an opportunity. We've all been there as youngsters, coming out in pre-season with an opportunity to prove yourself, and this is a really good time for them to do so."
Reid also commented on the rapid impact that Slaven Bilic, Julian Dicks and other new members of the coaching staff have had on the team: "We've had a new manager come in. I'm sure he will want us to play in a different way and he has his own ideas, and the players are looking forward to learning from him. We get to play on the training pitch and see what he wants us to do, and it's been good. "He's very passionate. You can see from the way he is on the sidelines: he wants us to win, he wants us to do our very best, he wants us to go out and for us to enjoy ourselves, but the most important thing at the end of the day is winning games. Julian Dicks has also been a great new addition, and the rest of the coaching staff are really, really great guys. They push us really hard, and certainly the boys are enjoying it, and we're learning from them."
With the new management team in place, top international players arriving, and exciting young talent emerging, Reid says he is glad he recently signed a new long-term contract with the Hammers: "I'm really, really happy to be here, and hopefully we'll have a really good season this year, and carry ourselves well into the new stadium. But the most important thing is this next season, and we'll just take things game by game. "We need to improve on what we did last year. We had a fantastic first half of the season but the second half was not the best. So we need to improve and make sure the first half of the season also continues into the second."
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Friends reunited for JC
WHUFC.com
West Ham United came up against a familiar face at Peterborough United on Saturday when Jack Collison came off the bench to make his home debut for his new club. Collison played 121 games for the Hammers after making his way through the Academy, but is now looking to rebuild his career with the Posh having spent the last six months building himself up for a return to the game. The large contingent of Hammers fans at the ABAX Stadium showed they had not forgotten the 26-year-old, who was afforded a fine reception when he entered the pitch. He said: "It was a really nice feeling to get back out on the pitch, and a great day in all areas. The reception was fantastic, and obviously I've got really fond memories of West Ham and had a great relationship with the fans, so it was nice to be in front of them again on Saturday. "The West Ham fans love seeing their youngsters come through and have an impact on the first team, while enjoying wearing the shirt and playing for the Club. I did that over the years and have a very special relationship with them. "I was itching to get on from the sidelines and I couldn't wait. I think you could tell from the way I was running about like a bit of a nutter when I did get on. It's exciting times for West Ham, and it's going to be one hell of a season
Jack Collison "It's been a long time out and I've taken my time. To be fair to Peterborough the staff have been fantastic with me, easing me in slowly, so come the first game I should be fit, firing and ready to go."
Collison was impressed by the Hammers' performance in an entertaining 3-3 draw and believes Slaven Bilic's men are in for a successful season. He thinks the same is true of his new team, too. He added: "It's exciting times for West Ham, and it's going to be one hell of a season, the last at the Boleyn. That will be emotional, and there's a new manager in, a couple of new signings and it looks like there's more on the way. "The boys were fantastic today, they had a great attitude as always and Mark Noble was just different gear in there. Speaking to our boys in the changing room, they were saying 'what a player' and it's great for our boys that they can test themselves against good opposition, and the same for West Ham. I think they're going to have a good season. "The aim for Peterborough is a promotion push. That's how the manager sold it to me, he said he feels he's got a good enough squad and from what I've seen since I've been here we definitely do."
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Bilic has big expectations for Ogbonna
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has big expectations for new signing Angelo Ogbonna and believes he will add a lot of quality to the defensive unit. Ogbonna joined the Club from Italian giants Juventus on Friday and will bring a wealth of experience to the squad.
Bilic is delighted that the Club were able to clinch his signature and feels it will provide even more competition at the back and provide the strength in depth he needs heading into the new season. Bilic said: "I am thrilled with the signing. He is a really good player and is a great defender. He was at one of the best clubs in the world with Juventus and we are really delighted he has signed for us . The expectations are big of course. "We now have the numbers and the quality at the back. We really need the competition and strength (in the defence) which is one of the most important areas for the whole season."
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Boleyn Insider
WHUFC.com
Our man on the inside lifts the lid on the latest transfer speculation...
The pre-season campaign is well and truly underway and the squad is going to be tested to the maximum over the coming weeks. The Club have certainly been busy over the summer bringing in five new players and I understand the hard work is continuing behind the scenes to bring in even more new arrivals. My sources have told me that another international player should put pen to paper in the next 24 hours and complete a loan move to the Boleyn Ground. Rumours continue to surface over more big names signing for the Club this summer.
But I have been told that stories suggesting the agent of Roma striker Mattia Destro has flown to London for talks over a move to the Club are not true. Reports in Italy are claiming that Destro's Roma team-mate Gervinho is also on the verge of making a move to West Ham United, but I have also been told there is no truth to those rumours. My understanding is that the Club have made signing a striker one of their main priorities now and they ideally want a forward with a proven track record in the Premier League.
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Downing to complete £5m 'Boro return this week
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th July 2015
By: Staff Writer
Stewart Downing is set for a return to his native Teeside after West Ham and Middlesbrough agreed a transfer fee for the England international. The 30-year-old attacking midfielder is on the verge of returning to his home town club, after 'Boro agreed to pay £5million to take Downing back to the Riverside Stadium where he spent the early part of his career. According to a KUMB source, last season's Championship play-off finalists have offered the former Liverpool and Aston Villa man a five-year contract that will keep him tied to 'Boro until the age of 35.
Aitor Karanka's side will also pay an additional £1million should they achieve promotion to the Premier League whilst Downing is at the club.
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Destro representatives in England for talks
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th July 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are closing in on a deal for Italian striker Mattia Destro. As exclusively revealed here on KUMB last week, the 24-year-old Roma striker was set for talks with West Ham over a switch to east London. Now representatives of the player are reported to have flown into London at the weekend, to discuss a move for a player also said to be interesting the likes of fellow Premier League outfit Crystal Palace and Monaco. The 24-year-old has featured for his country at all levels from Under 16 right through to the first team. Earlier in the transfer window had been closely linked with a move to Ligue 1 with Monaco, but that deal is understood to have fallen through over contractual obligations.
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Slav: "I'm grateful to God for this opportunity"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic has revealed that playing in the English Premier League has affected his entire lifestyle. The West Ham boss – in a revealing interview with www.fourfourtwo.com – declared: "I'm very pleased to have played ?in the Premier League. It helped me not only in football terms, but also ?in other aspects of life. "I spent my most important time there, and the experience had a huge impact on me as a player and a manager. ?I learned to work hard, how to be professional, how to approach everything with a bit of humour… ?it affected my management style, ?of course, but more importantly ?it helped me to form my lifestyle. And as a Roman Catholic – like Jose Mourinho – he added: "?I'll always be grateful to God for giving me such an opportunity. "Every day you are improving, learning ?– in training, by watching games, ?by reading books or just by talking with your staff and players. You're changing but also improving. Every single second, I try to change and improve."
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Hammers allocated 3,000 tickets in Malta
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham have been allocated 3,000 away tickets for the second round Europa League tie against Birkirkara FC on Thursday 23rd July. Tickets will cost £32 (€45) each with the Hammers situated in the Millennium stand. The Second leg match between Birkirkara FC and West Ham has been switched to the National Stadium which has a capacity of 18,000. Bond Holders and Priority points applications must be made by Thursday 16th July. Season ticket general sale will be held on Saturday 18th July with any remaining tickets put on general sale on Monday 20th July. Home Birkirkara supporters will pay between €10 (£7) and €30 (£21) for their tickets for the match with sales available in Mc Donald's Restaurant, 8 Till Late and Agenda Bookshops in Malta.
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Transfer window fact and fiction!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
We all love a rumour or ten but reality bites and 12 days into the transfer window perhaps it might be a good idea to check facts against speculation and hopeful thinking Back in June, David Gold declared on Twitter that fans could expect around five new faces this summer and right now we have Darren Randolph, Stephen Hendrie, Dimitri Payet, Pedro Obiang and Angelo Ogbonna on board. THAT'S FIVE! He said "new faces" which may cover loan signings as well as permanent buys – a sixth will almost certainly be Carl Jenkinson and then possibly Alex Song and somebody like him. There's also rumours about Kevin Miralles and Charlie Austin.
My understanding is that the total cost of the new arrivals tops out at between £21-£22 million leaving, whether we find it acceptable or not, about £3 million in the kitty. £25 million was the ceiling. There is the chance of course – a good one – that a Stewart Downing departure will add a few more quid to the pot but that certainly won't be sufficient to add the number of names with whom we are being linked.
Many names have been mentioned as far as a new front player is concerned – Loic Remy, Charlie Austin and the like among them. Thus far nothing has happened because it's not seen as a priority position. Why would it be with Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia and Andy Carroll on board. Instead it is far more likely a striker will arrive on loan as Slaven Bilic wants to give Carroll an opportunity to show his injury problems behind him before he decides on what his West Ham future may be.
A striker has never been a priority but we are still without a defensive midfielder – who is! Elsewhere we look reasonably ok. On the outward front Kevin Nolan and Matt Jarvis to move on should there be any interest but currently – as reported here previously – there's not. The club has done a lot of business very early and that is all to the good. The rest of the summer looks likely to be relatively quiet with Jenkinson and a loan striker on the way – anything else will be a bonus.
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Roma striker agent in London
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Mattia Destro's agent is in London to finalise a move to West Ham, according to reports in Italy today. Italy international Destro, who was loaned to AC Milan last season, has returned to Roma but been told he has no future. Corriere dello Sport says West Ham have agreed a loan deal in principle with a view to a permanent transfer option at the end of the season. According to Emanuele Giulianelli, Roma's director of football Walter Sabatini is in Manchester attempting negotiating a deal to sign Dzeko. They say he will come to London to discuss Destro with West Ham after his business is concluded in Manchester.
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Historic Away Kit to be unveiled
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham should reveal their Away Kit for the 2015/2016 season this week ahead of the second round Europa League clash at the Boleyn Ground on Thursday. The kit is thought to have been inspired by the historic 1901-1903 Hammers kit which was light blue with single claret chest hoop, Shorts: White with claret side stripes, Socks: Claret
The strip became known in the press as the "Union Jack" in the earlky 1900's. This mock up picture on the right is said to be a close resemblance of what the away shirt will look like when unveiled.
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Reid on Slav "passion" and Dicks appointment
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Winston Reid has dubbed new manager Slaven Bilic as "very passionate" – and hailed the recruitment of Julian Dicks to the coaching set-up as a "great new addition". The central defender – who is likely to start the season alongside new recruit Anglo Ogbonna – declared: "We've had a new manager come in. I'm sure he will want us to play in a different way and he has his own ideas, and the players are looking forward to learning from him. "We get to play on the training pitch and see what he wants us to do, and it's been good."
Talking to the club's official website, Reid added: "He's very passionate. You can see from the way he is on the sidelines: he wants us to win, he wants us to do our very best, he wants us to go out and for us to enjoy ourselves, but the most important thing at the end of the day is winning games. "Julian Dicks has also been a great new addition, and the rest of the coaching staff are really, really great guys. They push us really hard, and certainly the boys are enjoying it, and we're learning from them."
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West Ham transfer news: Loan deal for Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson on verge of completion
Evening Standard
KEN DYER
Published: 13 July 2015 Updated: 13:57, 13 July 2015
West Ham are hoping to complete a loan deal with Arsenal for Carl Jenkinson within the next 48 hours. Jenkinson was on loan at Upton Park last season and impressed sufficiently for new manager Slaven Bilic to be keen to repeat the deal for the new season. West Ham wanted to sign the England Under-21 full-back on a permanent basis but Arsenal rejected that proposition.
Jenkinson's arrival would bring the total of summer signings to four — with more in the pipeline. Co-chairman David Sullivan's son, Jack, suggested on Twitter over the weekend that the club are looking to bring in another three or four signings, with Roma striker Mattia Destro the latest to be linked. Bilic, meanwhile, will field a significantly stronger team in Thursday's Europa League clash against Maltese side Birkirkara than he did for the first qualifying round. The Croat picked a combination of young and squad players for the win over Lusitans but looks likely to include a number of first-team players for the first leg at Upton Park. West Ham are hoping for a sell-out, with advance tickets priced at £10 and £5 for Under 16s.
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More creative than Messi – introducing West Ham's Dimitri Payet
14:00, 13 July 2015
The Mirror
So, Slaven Bilic has taken over the reigns at West Ham for their last ever season at the Boleyn Ground. They move to the Olympic Stadium for the 2016-17 campaign, and the fans will only turn up in their droves if he can bring back the 'West Ham' style of play that they crave. And while he has a good base of a squad, he will want to bring in his own players to achieve that dream. He has started well, and West Ham fans should be particularly excited by the £10.7m arrival of Dimitri Payet from Marseille.
No other player in Europe created more chances that Payet last season – 23 ahead of De Bruyne and 40 ahead of Messi – with 135 chances. He is fast, attacking, clever and knows where the goal is. He led the French League last season with a very impressive 17 assists, which was also the fourth best in any major European League. These stats will give Bilic, and the West Ham fans, real belief that if he can produce anywhere near that kind of form, then the likes of Carroll, Sakho and Valencia will reap the rewards. The French League isn't as tough as the Premier League of course, but it's no Eredivisie...
He is also a French international, and while his 9 caps have been spread out over the last 5 years, he has always been on the edge of the first team. He will be looking for this season to be a continuation of the last – which was easily his most consistent and prolific so far. This could be a win-win for all concerned. West Ham needed a player who can provide those vital assists, and the player will be looking to cement a place in the French squad and also to make his mark in the Premier League.
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Bilic suggests Cresswell is an example of a naturally fit player
HITC
Lewis Doe
West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic has suggested defender Aaron Cresswell is a good player for others to follow in terms of his fitness. West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has told the club's official website that Aaron Cresswell is a good example of the sort of naturally fit player that he wants in his first team squad. West Ham's preparations for the new season are in full swing and Cresswell is someone that Bilic will be looking to challenge, as he tries to progress and develop further after winning the club's player of the season award last time round.
"Aaron is a good player and has a great left foot. I wanted a player who could play for 90 minutes and he is a naturally fit player," Bilic told whufc.com. "It is always good for a defender who is good on the ball to play a little bit in midfield because you have less space there and it was good for him."
Fitness is vital
Fitness is very important not just for Cresswell, but for the entire West Ham defence throughout next season. There were occasions last season, against Tottenham and Manchester United, where West Ham conceded late goals, which directly led to a loss of points and momentum at important points in the season. Improved fitness will help the club to just maintain that intensity and concentration a little bit longer, to ensure that a repeat of the same mistakes doesn't happen again.
The challenge for Cresswell
The challenge for Cresswell is that he's not a surprise commodity. He's a player that opposition teams will now identify as a key threat and strength in West Ham's team and they could look to make life as difficult as possible for him very early. Teams could get two men onto him quickly and look to keep him isolated, which could cause weaknesses to develop.
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West Ham finally set to land first choice summer signing as spending nearly done
London 24
07:59 13 July 2015 Brad Pinard
West Ham are set to announce the signing of Carl Jenkinson on loan for the season from Arsenal in the next 48 hours. The Hammers have been busy this summer and fans have already seen two of three of their new signings in action under Slaven Bilic. Dimitri Payet and Angelo Ogbonna are yet to get a run out but could do against Southend on Saturday. Jenkinson could also be in that squad after returning from his extended summer holiday after England under-21 duty took up most of his post-season break. Arsenal are refusing to sell the former Charlton man, instead another season-long loan is in order for the impressive full back who majorly impressed last term at Upton Park. Jenkinson was the first name on David Gold and David Sullivan's shopping list and so they will be mightily glad to get it done. A striker is now the main concern for the Hammers who are set to make just one more major signing after Jenkinson.
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'Star of the show' Ravel Morrison impresses with brace on Lazio debut
London 24
07:27 13 July 2015 Brad Pinard
Lazio new-boy Ravel Morrison scored twice and won the man of the match award on his debut for the club. The Italian media claim Morrison was 'the star of the show' and his 'sensational lob' was only bettered by two clever assists for his team-mates in a thumping 8-0 win over Aurozono. Serie A kicks off later than the Premier League and so Morrison will have plenty of time to adapt to life in Italy, something that was rumoured to be tough for him. However, after banishing reports he could return to QPR this summer without kicking a ball for Lazio, Morrison is now hoping to become a hit in Italy and has started in the best possible way. The Lazio tweet translates as 'It's easy to play with Ravel Morrison', from the playmakers new team-mate and four goal hero Keita.
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Monday, July 13
Daily WHUFC News - 13th July 2015
Samuelsen delighted to take Posh chance
WHUFC.com
Thursday's UEFA Europa League tie at Lusitans gave several of West Ham United's youngsters the chance to impress, and it was another of the Development Squad starlets who caught the eye at Peterborough United on Saturday. Norway youth international Martin Samuelsen was a summer arrival from Manchester City and the 18-year-old marked his first game in Claret and Blue with a goal as the Hammers drew 3-3 in their first pre-season friendly. Playing as part of a front three with Diafra Sakho and Modibo Maiga, Samuelsen was a lively presence and he was thrilled to grab his opportunity with both hands. "I was really happy to get this chance so early, and with getting a goal it couldn't have been better," he beamed. "For the goal, I just got the ball and did what I do in training, tucked it away in the bottom corner. "I was close to scoring earlier too when the goalkeeper touched my shot onto the post. That was just unlucky. "I think I did some good things in the game, but it was the first game of the season and I got really tired, so there were some silly errors but it's just about getting the fitness at this stage. "Playing in front of the West Ham fans was amazing, I didn't expect so many of them to come down today. "I didn't expect to get this opportunity this quickly, but I was really happy when he called out my name for the starting team and I hope to get more chances now."
Samuelsen's first couple of weeks with the Hammers has been spent with the first team, as he was part of the group which travelled to train in Ireland, and he is already feeling the benefits of being around the senior players. He added: "It was fantastic to be away with the first team group in Cork. I learned a lot from the senior players and got to know them better, so it was a good trip. "Playing with Diafra and Modibo in the front three was a brilliant experience – they're great players so they make it easy for me. I know where they are and they have good movement. It's a good connection. "It looks like it's going to be a good season for us. We have a good squad and it seems like a good group. "I can only hope that I'm involved in the Europa League game on Thursday, but if I'm not I'll be supporting the boys playing."
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IS THIS OUR STRONGEST CENTRAL DEFENSIVE LINEUP EVER?
By Iain Dale 12 Jul 2015 at 09:26
West Ham Till I Die
Looking at the number and quality of our central defenders you'd have to say that it is the strongest we have ever had. And with the number of games we'll be playing this year, it will need to be. It really is strength in depth…
Winston Reid
Angelo Ogbonna
James Tomkins
James Collins
Doneil Henry
Reece Burke
Reece Oxford
And of course Joey O'Brien and Cheikhou Kouyate can play in central defence too. Even if we have a really bad run of injuries, we are well covered.
But of course seven into two won't go, so Slaven Bilic has some awkward selection decisions to make. You don't pay nearly £10 million for a player and then leave him on the bench so I assume Ogbonna will start against Arsenal, but who should his partner be? I imagine it will be Winston Reid, but you never know.
Which pairing would you pick?
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Iron may be on move this week
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Middlesbrough hope to complete the signing of Stewart Downing this week. The Hammers have made it clear via ClaretandHugh that they want to bring in players before allowing Downing to move on but Boro believe they have got their man. And his absence from the squad at Peterborough yesterday and any Europa Cup action suggests he could be on his way quickly Sunderland are still hoping they can tempt the player to opt for the Stadium of Light but we have been told a Riverside move is the more likely option. We understand that a fee of between £5m-£6m is likely to involved for a player who is one of the highest earners at Upton Park. He is believed to earn the same £50,000 per week basic wage plus bonuses which totals round around £2.4 million a year. The Hammers are believed to be keeping an eye on Everton's Kevin Miralles as a possible replacement for Downing.
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Elliot Lee: I can be the next Harry Kane!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Elliot Lee is using Harry Kane as his inspiration as he seeks to launch his long delayed Irons career. The Spurs striker used the early rounds of the Europa Cup to clinch a place in the Spurs line-up and Lee wants some of the same. Kane started the season as an unknown quantity but ended it with 32 goals and the nation's most hyped striker in years. Lee opened his account for the Irons against FC Lusitans to help them into the second qualifying round, which will see them host Malta's Birkirkara next Thursday. And talking to The Mirror the 20 year old said:"Look at Harry Kane in the Europa League – that put him where he is today. "He got his chance and he scores goals and I hope to emulate that. Harry took his chances and he is a late developer. Football changes in the blink of an eye. I will always be both positive and optimistic. "I am confident in my ability. If I get my chance in the Europa League, I think I can score goals." He added: "I really see it [having a famous footballing father] as an advantage. He comes to a lot of my games and tells me what I did right and what I did wrong. "To have someone who can give you this advice, as he has done it, has bought the t-shirt, is great – not many lads can say that."
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Emotional Ogbonna: "OS better for the Hammers"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Angelo Ogbonna may have been playing for the best team in Italy admitting: ""I am very emotional and excited to be playing at the new Stadium. I know the story and everything around it but I am also sorry that it will be the final season at the Boleyn Ground. The former Juve star said: "When I played for Juventus we were the best team and I am very sorry to leave Italy but I am very happy to come to England because this is an opportunity that I want." He told the official site: "Moving to the new Stadium is better for West Ham and the mentality will change. It is better to move to another stadium and everyone knows that something is changing and there is a lot to look forward to. "I know the club is back in Europe but we need to take it step by step. We cannot look too far ahead and need to take it game by game. But it will improve everyone in the squad and help us move forward. "I like everything at West Ham and I have the opportunity to move forward."
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Irons Europa Cup clash goes to National Stadium
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham are heading into an 18,000 seater stadium when they travel to Malta for the second leg of the second round of the Europa Cup.
Their Maltese hosts – Birkirkara FC – have switched the game from their own 2,500 capacity stadium to the National Stadium. The news has been announced on the club's official website at www.birkirkarafc.com and the game will kick off at 8.45pm.
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DG: 'Fans are buzzing and we are looking good'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
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David Gold is thrilled at the new atmosphere around Upton Park and ready for more signings. He revealed earlier in the year that the club were hoping to bring in around eight new players and once again it looks as though the club will be true to its promises. He said: "Slaven has told us his requirements and we are doing everything to meet them as we do with all our managers. "You can't build a club in five minutes. Year by year you bring in another marquee signing and finish up with a team of stars! "You can feel the new atmosphere around the club. There's a real feel good factor. There's a lot of optimism and the fans are buzzing. It's great to be part of it all." "Unlike many other clubs we don't have directors and shareholders to pay. Karren Brady gets a salary of course and earns it but apart from that every penny goes back into the team and that's how it will continue."
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Hammers and four others chase winger
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Watford have joined West Ham, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Sunderland in being linked with former Leeds – now St Etienne winger Max Gradel The Ivory Coast international scored 19 goals from out wide last season, including 13 in his last 12 appearances but whilst LeEquipe reports that Bournemouth have reached an agreement with the player, they have yet to match St Etienne's €10m (£7.2m) asking price. Gradel wants a move back to England saying: "I want to play in big competitions and push further. I will sit down at the table with St Étienne representatives to discuss and see if they harbour even greater ambitions for next season. "Then I will take my decision. England welcomed me, adopted me, made me feel confident and allowed me to realise my dream of becoming a professional footballer. This country is my heart's desire. That is no secret."
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Teddy gives former Irons keeper a trial
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Stevenage manager Teddy Sheringham has confirmed that former West Ham goalkeeper Peter Kurucz is on trial with Stevenage. The 27-year-old Hungarian was on the Hammers' books between 2009-2012, coming on as substitute for Rob Green against Manchester United. The former Hammer's time at The Boleyn Ground was cut short after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament. Sheringham confirmed the trial saying: "We have got Peter Kurucz from Hungary on trial with us, who was with West Ham a couple of years ago, so we are having a look at him."
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Jack reckons three or four more on way
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Hammers Chairman's son Jack Sullivan has hinted we should expect three or four more signing in addition to the five already signed. When asked by one West Ham fan whether we can expect anymore signing 15 year old replied: 'Always more, signing maybe 3-4′ Darren Randolph, Stephen Hendrie , Pedro Obiang, Dimitri Payet and Angelo Ogbonna have all signed so far this summer. Arsenal right back Carl Jenkinson is likely to become signing No.6 on a season-long loan on Monday or Tuesday. Despite his injury Alex Song is also likely to sign before the transfer window closes assuming a second medical gives him the all clear. The remaining two signings are thought to be a midfielder and a winger. The midfielder on a season long loan could be Argentine midfielder Manuel Lanzini from UAE-based club Al Jazira. Lanzini was previously linked with West Ham in the past but the former River Plate star opted for a move to Al Jazira for a fee of around £5.25million. The striker is a harder to gauge with the Hammer being linked with a number of targets. One of those heavily linked in recent weeks is Mattia Destro who appeared on the verge of signing for Monaco over the weekend. However, reports in Italy suggest Roma's deal with AS Monaco for striker Destro looks to be in jeopardy as the Italian has reportedly rejected the move. If we do sign a total of nine players by the time the summer transfer window ends we would have shown serious ambition in our final season at the Boleyn Ground.
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Legal rep may save Payet a court appearancce
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Dimitri Payet's driving ban after a speeding incident while holidaying on the Indian Ocean island Reunion may have no effect on his season whatsoever. Reports in a national newspaper today claim the £10 million Hammer "will now have to face a judge on the island in September." However, ClaretandHugh has been told exclusively that the player and club are currently in the process of discovering whether he can be represented by a legal representative rather than travel thousands of miles for the hearing. Cops caught the midfielder doing 106mph on a 55mph road in his Audi Quattro RS5 on July 3. They seized the supercar and confiscated the 28-year-old's licence. He risks a three-year ban and £1,000 fine. Former Saint-Etienne ace Payet was born on Reunion, a former French colony, and was visiting family and friends.
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ExWHUemployee Column: Swap deal for Austin, Danish players linked, Jenkinson, Song & more
by WHUFCTV.com on July 12th, 2015
Since my last column we have advanced to the next round of the Europa League and now face a Maltese team in the second round of the qualifiers on Thursday which I am very excited about. The club expect the game to be a sell-out again and the website had some issues this morning when the tickets opened up at 10am to the general public.
In the next round we will have Slaven and Julian in the dugout and we should get our first glimpse of a few of our new players as well. There is a strong chance that the new away kit will be released this week so that it can be bought at the club shop before the match. I have booked my ticket up and I am excited to go as I missed the first game. Thankfully Sakho will only serve a one match ban following his sending off in Andorra and because of the lack of TV coverage I think the authorities will find it hard to prove it is more deserving than one game, which they have the power to do.
We completed the signing of Angelo Ogbonna on Friday, a transfer that I had said was close a few days before and canvased opinion on. The opinion seems to be split and I don't think it was helped by the Boleyn Insider describing him as "one of the best performing centre-backs in Europe last year" which was a questionable description. Of course some of the "ITKs" jumped on this statement and took a gamble by claiming we were back in for Abdennour, Dragovic or loosely saying it is none of them. This simply was never the case. We were interested in both these centre-backs as I said in my previous column but there was a huge difference in the asking price. We have picked up Ogbonna for more than half what we would have had to pay for the other two. We were quoted £20m plus for the other targets and of course we got Ogbonna for a lot less. People will try to claim this is because he isn't as good as the other two but I am lead to believe this isn't the case. Ogbonna is an Italian international defender and as we all know the Italians are known for their defending. He is also at Juventus and played a part in winning Serie A and getting to the Champions League final so he must be able to play somewhat.
I expect us to sign at least four other players as I said during the week (before Jack backed it up) with one being Carl Jenkinson on loan from Arsenal for a second time. He should complete his move on Monday/Tuesday as Jack has also confirmed. This transfer has been on the cards all summer and he was never going to join Sunderland, despite their fans "informing me" (amongst other things) that he would and that my information was not accurate. It is hard to be inaccurate when you have heard it from the horses' mouth twice in the last month and it is no surprise that he wasn't included in Arsenal's squad to tour Asia.
Johnson was never a target (again I have covered this in previous columns) as we always wanted Jenkinson and Johnson didn't fit the age criteria we have set for new signings. He wanted to join us, we didn't want him, similar to Cabaye. We were keen on Cabaye but not for that price or the wages, personally I would have liked him but the board feel we are strong in that position. Johnson has now joined Stoke City so thankfully this inaccurate rumour can stop. Likewise the recycled N'Zonzi signing. As I have explained so many times, he was only a target under Sam as they worked together at Blackburn, never under Bilic. He has now joined Sevilla so that is that one finished as well.
We now turn our attention to a goalscorer. I have mentioned him a number of times before but the club are keeping an eye on Austin still. Clubs will not move for him yet because they know that QPR will have to lower their value and eventually sell him. We are weighing up an offer or a down payment plus Jarvis and/or Nolan being used in the deal. This is not an offer we have made but one that is being considered. Stewart Downing is also very likely to leave the club soon as the club had not been expecting the amount that has been offered for him. He is one of the highest earners at the club too and he leaving would free up substantial wages. The club were not looking to sell him but the offers and Downing expressing an interest in moving back north has changed our stance.
We have scouts looking at a number of forwards and wingers as well, as this is the next target position. Kevin Mirallas is someone who we are keen on, as has been reported elsewhere, but we face very strong competition for him and so I don't believe that it is close at all. Townsend is another that has been reported but Spurs will not deal with us and we won't pay the reported £15m. We have learnt from the Adebayor rubbish in January which means we will not get a player from them in the near future, this also therefore rules out Lennon.
We have been searching the continent for forwards in the hope that we discover another Sakho. One French player of African descent that we were keen on is Paul-Georges Ntep of Rennes. We had an initial enquiry for him knocked back and it is believed that he wants Champions League football. He is highly rated and recently broke into the French team. Another player who we were very close to signing in the past only for Big Sam to change the terms of the deal is Max Gradel. Max flew in to join us and was in England set to sign only for the manager to want him on loan first rather than permanent and the deal fell through. The chairmen has kept a keen interest on him since and he could be another option explored.
We have looked across many European countries and a couple of names have jumped out from Denmark. As far as I know these have not been reported elsewhere but after appearing in the column I expect that will be soon! These players are Yussuf Poulsen who is a Danish international currently playing for German side RP Leipzig. He is a 21 year old 6 foot 4 forward, who has already scored for his national side. Pione Sisto is another with an African background who plays for Fc Midtjylland in Denmark. He is a 5'7 midfielder so not top priority but one that has also been scouted. The big clubs have also looked at him with Arsenal reportedly having made an offer that was rejected. Of course we have also been looking at Lanzini too as an option on loan which I described in more detail last week.
Alex Song was at the last European home game and has his move to West Ham all sorted out. He is currently injured, with an injury he was carrying towards the end of last season. This injury is delaying the transfer as it is expected that he is out for approximately three months. I think the club will still sign him but want to hold out a bit longer to see what the recovery is like from it.
The ladies team are currently searching for a new manager still and I believe an announcement could be made at the end of this week. It was pleasing to see that some of the players were invited to model the new home kit at the club and the away kit too (which we have yet to see) although I hear that the ladies were equally as impressed with it as others have been too. After the Women's World Cup and the success of the Lionesses, I really see that the ladies game is moving in the right direction. As a club, the profile of the ladies team has increased recently but I hope the club further their backing to enable the ladies to move onto the next level even quicker and to keep up with the times. There is still more that could still be done. Season tickets will be available to watch the ladies team at a very good price for next season.
I expect this week will be another great one as a fan, this is becoming my catchphrase at the moment. There is such a positivity around the club both with the staff and the supporters. It really is something that has been missed in recent years and I hope that it continues. Another win on Thursday will certainly help. As I have said before the club expect to sell all their season tickets for the new stadium! This is a great sign of what the future holds.
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Thursday's UEFA Europa League tie at Lusitans gave several of West Ham United's youngsters the chance to impress, and it was another of the Development Squad starlets who caught the eye at Peterborough United on Saturday. Norway youth international Martin Samuelsen was a summer arrival from Manchester City and the 18-year-old marked his first game in Claret and Blue with a goal as the Hammers drew 3-3 in their first pre-season friendly. Playing as part of a front three with Diafra Sakho and Modibo Maiga, Samuelsen was a lively presence and he was thrilled to grab his opportunity with both hands. "I was really happy to get this chance so early, and with getting a goal it couldn't have been better," he beamed. "For the goal, I just got the ball and did what I do in training, tucked it away in the bottom corner. "I was close to scoring earlier too when the goalkeeper touched my shot onto the post. That was just unlucky. "I think I did some good things in the game, but it was the first game of the season and I got really tired, so there were some silly errors but it's just about getting the fitness at this stage. "Playing in front of the West Ham fans was amazing, I didn't expect so many of them to come down today. "I didn't expect to get this opportunity this quickly, but I was really happy when he called out my name for the starting team and I hope to get more chances now."
Samuelsen's first couple of weeks with the Hammers has been spent with the first team, as he was part of the group which travelled to train in Ireland, and he is already feeling the benefits of being around the senior players. He added: "It was fantastic to be away with the first team group in Cork. I learned a lot from the senior players and got to know them better, so it was a good trip. "Playing with Diafra and Modibo in the front three was a brilliant experience – they're great players so they make it easy for me. I know where they are and they have good movement. It's a good connection. "It looks like it's going to be a good season for us. We have a good squad and it seems like a good group. "I can only hope that I'm involved in the Europa League game on Thursday, but if I'm not I'll be supporting the boys playing."
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IS THIS OUR STRONGEST CENTRAL DEFENSIVE LINEUP EVER?
By Iain Dale 12 Jul 2015 at 09:26
West Ham Till I Die
Looking at the number and quality of our central defenders you'd have to say that it is the strongest we have ever had. And with the number of games we'll be playing this year, it will need to be. It really is strength in depth…
Winston Reid
Angelo Ogbonna
James Tomkins
James Collins
Doneil Henry
Reece Burke
Reece Oxford
And of course Joey O'Brien and Cheikhou Kouyate can play in central defence too. Even if we have a really bad run of injuries, we are well covered.
But of course seven into two won't go, so Slaven Bilic has some awkward selection decisions to make. You don't pay nearly £10 million for a player and then leave him on the bench so I assume Ogbonna will start against Arsenal, but who should his partner be? I imagine it will be Winston Reid, but you never know.
Which pairing would you pick?
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Iron may be on move this week
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Middlesbrough hope to complete the signing of Stewart Downing this week. The Hammers have made it clear via ClaretandHugh that they want to bring in players before allowing Downing to move on but Boro believe they have got their man. And his absence from the squad at Peterborough yesterday and any Europa Cup action suggests he could be on his way quickly Sunderland are still hoping they can tempt the player to opt for the Stadium of Light but we have been told a Riverside move is the more likely option. We understand that a fee of between £5m-£6m is likely to involved for a player who is one of the highest earners at Upton Park. He is believed to earn the same £50,000 per week basic wage plus bonuses which totals round around £2.4 million a year. The Hammers are believed to be keeping an eye on Everton's Kevin Miralles as a possible replacement for Downing.
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Elliot Lee: I can be the next Harry Kane!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Elliot Lee is using Harry Kane as his inspiration as he seeks to launch his long delayed Irons career. The Spurs striker used the early rounds of the Europa Cup to clinch a place in the Spurs line-up and Lee wants some of the same. Kane started the season as an unknown quantity but ended it with 32 goals and the nation's most hyped striker in years. Lee opened his account for the Irons against FC Lusitans to help them into the second qualifying round, which will see them host Malta's Birkirkara next Thursday. And talking to The Mirror the 20 year old said:"Look at Harry Kane in the Europa League – that put him where he is today. "He got his chance and he scores goals and I hope to emulate that. Harry took his chances and he is a late developer. Football changes in the blink of an eye. I will always be both positive and optimistic. "I am confident in my ability. If I get my chance in the Europa League, I think I can score goals." He added: "I really see it [having a famous footballing father] as an advantage. He comes to a lot of my games and tells me what I did right and what I did wrong. "To have someone who can give you this advice, as he has done it, has bought the t-shirt, is great – not many lads can say that."
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Emotional Ogbonna: "OS better for the Hammers"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Angelo Ogbonna may have been playing for the best team in Italy admitting: ""I am very emotional and excited to be playing at the new Stadium. I know the story and everything around it but I am also sorry that it will be the final season at the Boleyn Ground. The former Juve star said: "When I played for Juventus we were the best team and I am very sorry to leave Italy but I am very happy to come to England because this is an opportunity that I want." He told the official site: "Moving to the new Stadium is better for West Ham and the mentality will change. It is better to move to another stadium and everyone knows that something is changing and there is a lot to look forward to. "I know the club is back in Europe but we need to take it step by step. We cannot look too far ahead and need to take it game by game. But it will improve everyone in the squad and help us move forward. "I like everything at West Ham and I have the opportunity to move forward."
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Irons Europa Cup clash goes to National Stadium
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham are heading into an 18,000 seater stadium when they travel to Malta for the second leg of the second round of the Europa Cup.
Their Maltese hosts – Birkirkara FC – have switched the game from their own 2,500 capacity stadium to the National Stadium. The news has been announced on the club's official website at www.birkirkarafc.com and the game will kick off at 8.45pm.
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DG: 'Fans are buzzing and we are looking good'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
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David Gold is thrilled at the new atmosphere around Upton Park and ready for more signings. He revealed earlier in the year that the club were hoping to bring in around eight new players and once again it looks as though the club will be true to its promises. He said: "Slaven has told us his requirements and we are doing everything to meet them as we do with all our managers. "You can't build a club in five minutes. Year by year you bring in another marquee signing and finish up with a team of stars! "You can feel the new atmosphere around the club. There's a real feel good factor. There's a lot of optimism and the fans are buzzing. It's great to be part of it all." "Unlike many other clubs we don't have directors and shareholders to pay. Karren Brady gets a salary of course and earns it but apart from that every penny goes back into the team and that's how it will continue."
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Hammers and four others chase winger
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Watford have joined West Ham, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Sunderland in being linked with former Leeds – now St Etienne winger Max Gradel The Ivory Coast international scored 19 goals from out wide last season, including 13 in his last 12 appearances but whilst LeEquipe reports that Bournemouth have reached an agreement with the player, they have yet to match St Etienne's €10m (£7.2m) asking price. Gradel wants a move back to England saying: "I want to play in big competitions and push further. I will sit down at the table with St Étienne representatives to discuss and see if they harbour even greater ambitions for next season. "Then I will take my decision. England welcomed me, adopted me, made me feel confident and allowed me to realise my dream of becoming a professional footballer. This country is my heart's desire. That is no secret."
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Teddy gives former Irons keeper a trial
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Stevenage manager Teddy Sheringham has confirmed that former West Ham goalkeeper Peter Kurucz is on trial with Stevenage. The 27-year-old Hungarian was on the Hammers' books between 2009-2012, coming on as substitute for Rob Green against Manchester United. The former Hammer's time at The Boleyn Ground was cut short after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament. Sheringham confirmed the trial saying: "We have got Peter Kurucz from Hungary on trial with us, who was with West Ham a couple of years ago, so we are having a look at him."
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Jack reckons three or four more on way
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Hammers Chairman's son Jack Sullivan has hinted we should expect three or four more signing in addition to the five already signed. When asked by one West Ham fan whether we can expect anymore signing 15 year old replied: 'Always more, signing maybe 3-4′ Darren Randolph, Stephen Hendrie , Pedro Obiang, Dimitri Payet and Angelo Ogbonna have all signed so far this summer. Arsenal right back Carl Jenkinson is likely to become signing No.6 on a season-long loan on Monday or Tuesday. Despite his injury Alex Song is also likely to sign before the transfer window closes assuming a second medical gives him the all clear. The remaining two signings are thought to be a midfielder and a winger. The midfielder on a season long loan could be Argentine midfielder Manuel Lanzini from UAE-based club Al Jazira. Lanzini was previously linked with West Ham in the past but the former River Plate star opted for a move to Al Jazira for a fee of around £5.25million. The striker is a harder to gauge with the Hammer being linked with a number of targets. One of those heavily linked in recent weeks is Mattia Destro who appeared on the verge of signing for Monaco over the weekend. However, reports in Italy suggest Roma's deal with AS Monaco for striker Destro looks to be in jeopardy as the Italian has reportedly rejected the move. If we do sign a total of nine players by the time the summer transfer window ends we would have shown serious ambition in our final season at the Boleyn Ground.
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Legal rep may save Payet a court appearancce
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Dimitri Payet's driving ban after a speeding incident while holidaying on the Indian Ocean island Reunion may have no effect on his season whatsoever. Reports in a national newspaper today claim the £10 million Hammer "will now have to face a judge on the island in September." However, ClaretandHugh has been told exclusively that the player and club are currently in the process of discovering whether he can be represented by a legal representative rather than travel thousands of miles for the hearing. Cops caught the midfielder doing 106mph on a 55mph road in his Audi Quattro RS5 on July 3. They seized the supercar and confiscated the 28-year-old's licence. He risks a three-year ban and £1,000 fine. Former Saint-Etienne ace Payet was born on Reunion, a former French colony, and was visiting family and friends.
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ExWHUemployee Column: Swap deal for Austin, Danish players linked, Jenkinson, Song & more
by WHUFCTV.com on July 12th, 2015
Since my last column we have advanced to the next round of the Europa League and now face a Maltese team in the second round of the qualifiers on Thursday which I am very excited about. The club expect the game to be a sell-out again and the website had some issues this morning when the tickets opened up at 10am to the general public.
In the next round we will have Slaven and Julian in the dugout and we should get our first glimpse of a few of our new players as well. There is a strong chance that the new away kit will be released this week so that it can be bought at the club shop before the match. I have booked my ticket up and I am excited to go as I missed the first game. Thankfully Sakho will only serve a one match ban following his sending off in Andorra and because of the lack of TV coverage I think the authorities will find it hard to prove it is more deserving than one game, which they have the power to do.
We completed the signing of Angelo Ogbonna on Friday, a transfer that I had said was close a few days before and canvased opinion on. The opinion seems to be split and I don't think it was helped by the Boleyn Insider describing him as "one of the best performing centre-backs in Europe last year" which was a questionable description. Of course some of the "ITKs" jumped on this statement and took a gamble by claiming we were back in for Abdennour, Dragovic or loosely saying it is none of them. This simply was never the case. We were interested in both these centre-backs as I said in my previous column but there was a huge difference in the asking price. We have picked up Ogbonna for more than half what we would have had to pay for the other two. We were quoted £20m plus for the other targets and of course we got Ogbonna for a lot less. People will try to claim this is because he isn't as good as the other two but I am lead to believe this isn't the case. Ogbonna is an Italian international defender and as we all know the Italians are known for their defending. He is also at Juventus and played a part in winning Serie A and getting to the Champions League final so he must be able to play somewhat.
I expect us to sign at least four other players as I said during the week (before Jack backed it up) with one being Carl Jenkinson on loan from Arsenal for a second time. He should complete his move on Monday/Tuesday as Jack has also confirmed. This transfer has been on the cards all summer and he was never going to join Sunderland, despite their fans "informing me" (amongst other things) that he would and that my information was not accurate. It is hard to be inaccurate when you have heard it from the horses' mouth twice in the last month and it is no surprise that he wasn't included in Arsenal's squad to tour Asia.
Johnson was never a target (again I have covered this in previous columns) as we always wanted Jenkinson and Johnson didn't fit the age criteria we have set for new signings. He wanted to join us, we didn't want him, similar to Cabaye. We were keen on Cabaye but not for that price or the wages, personally I would have liked him but the board feel we are strong in that position. Johnson has now joined Stoke City so thankfully this inaccurate rumour can stop. Likewise the recycled N'Zonzi signing. As I have explained so many times, he was only a target under Sam as they worked together at Blackburn, never under Bilic. He has now joined Sevilla so that is that one finished as well.
We now turn our attention to a goalscorer. I have mentioned him a number of times before but the club are keeping an eye on Austin still. Clubs will not move for him yet because they know that QPR will have to lower their value and eventually sell him. We are weighing up an offer or a down payment plus Jarvis and/or Nolan being used in the deal. This is not an offer we have made but one that is being considered. Stewart Downing is also very likely to leave the club soon as the club had not been expecting the amount that has been offered for him. He is one of the highest earners at the club too and he leaving would free up substantial wages. The club were not looking to sell him but the offers and Downing expressing an interest in moving back north has changed our stance.
We have scouts looking at a number of forwards and wingers as well, as this is the next target position. Kevin Mirallas is someone who we are keen on, as has been reported elsewhere, but we face very strong competition for him and so I don't believe that it is close at all. Townsend is another that has been reported but Spurs will not deal with us and we won't pay the reported £15m. We have learnt from the Adebayor rubbish in January which means we will not get a player from them in the near future, this also therefore rules out Lennon.
We have been searching the continent for forwards in the hope that we discover another Sakho. One French player of African descent that we were keen on is Paul-Georges Ntep of Rennes. We had an initial enquiry for him knocked back and it is believed that he wants Champions League football. He is highly rated and recently broke into the French team. Another player who we were very close to signing in the past only for Big Sam to change the terms of the deal is Max Gradel. Max flew in to join us and was in England set to sign only for the manager to want him on loan first rather than permanent and the deal fell through. The chairmen has kept a keen interest on him since and he could be another option explored.
We have looked across many European countries and a couple of names have jumped out from Denmark. As far as I know these have not been reported elsewhere but after appearing in the column I expect that will be soon! These players are Yussuf Poulsen who is a Danish international currently playing for German side RP Leipzig. He is a 21 year old 6 foot 4 forward, who has already scored for his national side. Pione Sisto is another with an African background who plays for Fc Midtjylland in Denmark. He is a 5'7 midfielder so not top priority but one that has also been scouted. The big clubs have also looked at him with Arsenal reportedly having made an offer that was rejected. Of course we have also been looking at Lanzini too as an option on loan which I described in more detail last week.
Alex Song was at the last European home game and has his move to West Ham all sorted out. He is currently injured, with an injury he was carrying towards the end of last season. This injury is delaying the transfer as it is expected that he is out for approximately three months. I think the club will still sign him but want to hold out a bit longer to see what the recovery is like from it.
The ladies team are currently searching for a new manager still and I believe an announcement could be made at the end of this week. It was pleasing to see that some of the players were invited to model the new home kit at the club and the away kit too (which we have yet to see) although I hear that the ladies were equally as impressed with it as others have been too. After the Women's World Cup and the success of the Lionesses, I really see that the ladies game is moving in the right direction. As a club, the profile of the ladies team has increased recently but I hope the club further their backing to enable the ladies to move onto the next level even quicker and to keep up with the times. There is still more that could still be done. Season tickets will be available to watch the ladies team at a very good price for next season.
I expect this week will be another great one as a fan, this is becoming my catchphrase at the moment. There is such a positivity around the club both with the staff and the supporters. It really is something that has been missed in recent years and I hope that it continues. Another win on Thursday will certainly help. As I have said before the club expect to sell all their season tickets for the new stadium! This is a great sign of what the future holds.
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Sunday, July 12
Daily WHUFC News - 12th July 2015
FT - Peterborough United 3-3 West Ham United
WHUFC.com
Pre-Season Friendly
FT: The full-time whistle blows and it has ended 3-3. A good, competitive workout for the Hammers in their first pre-season run-out and they certainly created a number of chances. Peterborough led early though Ricardo Almeidwa Santos, but the Hammers hit back with goals from Mark Noble, Diafra Sakho and Martin Samuelsen. Jon Taylor pulled one back before the break, and Michael Bostwick completed the scoring on the hour.
Slaven Bilic will be happy with the run-out, and we head into Birkirkara next on Thursday for the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League.
Reaction will follow here soon. Thanks for your company today and see you at the Boleyn Ground on Thursday!
86: Jack Collison takes his bow, replacing Harry Anderson from the bench. He gets a hearty welcome from all the fans present, not least from the Hammers contingent over in the corner.
84: Should be 4-3 West Ham. Alnwick's kick is along the ground and straight at Jaanai Gordon. He's at an angle, but the goal is gaping and the crowd waits to bulge. However, he finds the sidenetting instead and we're still level.
81: Nathan Mavila is the next to go close, forcing a fumble from Alnwick. However, there's nobody close enough to snaffle up the chance.
77: Amos Nasha, who made his first team debut off the bench late on at Lusitans on Thursday, has the first shot in a while, drilling an effort in from 30 yards. It's well struck, but ultimately straight at goalkeeper Alnwick, who holds on comfortably enough.
75: I must admit it's all gone a bit quiet here since that flurry of subsitutions. That's to be expected though, in such an early game with both teams finding their feet.
70: This will be a first look at this group of Hammers youngsters for a lot of the away fans here today. They won't get a better chance to impress the boss.
67: Martin Samuelsen was one of the players who departed the action on the hour and he made an impression on debut. Here's a pic of him celebrating his first half goal.
65: It's a youthful Hammers team out there, and Peterborough also took the opportunity to make wholesale changes. A very different game now to the one which started.
61: Straight after the goal, the Hammers made nine changes. Only Aaron Cresswell is left on the pitch from the starters and he's in central midfield. Elsewhere, we have Sam Howes in goal, Kyle Knoyle, Josh Pask, Doneil Henry and Stephen Hendrie across the back. Amos Nasha, Cresswell and Moses Makasi are in midfield, and Nathan Mavila, Jaanai Gordon and Djair Parfitt-Williams make up the front three.
60: Goal! To the other end and Peterborough win a penalty when Noble brings down Maddison in the box. Michael Bostwick steps up and drills low to the right with Adrian diving the other way.
58: The Hammers work another shooting chance from outside the box as they work it to Noble in space centrally. He has time to take a touch and shoot, but it's straight at Alnwick, who holds on.
56: The ball sits up nicely for Maiga on the edge of the box. It's on his left foot and he fancies it, but doesn't quite catch it right, with the shot flying behind for a goal kick.
53: The corner is half cleared, but Obiang wins it back on the edge of the box. He exchanges passes with Henry and crosses from the right. The ball spoons up and Nolan flicks a back header over Alnwick in goal. Collins completes the job by touching home, but the flag goes up for offside and it remains 3-2.
52: Cresswell lets fly from range and he really catches it, but the ball strikes the back of a defender and loops over.
50: Sakho shows an impressive turn of pace to run around the outside of Santos and burst into the box, but he used his hand to control and play is pulled back.
48: Kgosi Ntlhe gets forward to provide the first cross of the secunond half, but it's overhit and Collins can let it run across and to safety.
4.01pm We're back underway at the ABAX Stadium. Peterborough have made one change, with Harry Anderson replacing Jon Taylot. West Ham make one change too, Doneil Henry coming on for Winston Reid.
HT: Here's a pic of Mark Noble celebrating his goal at the ABAX Stadium.
HT: The half time whistle blows and it's certainly been value for money for the spectators in the opening period! Sakho has looked sharp, Obiang involved and Samielsen lively in midfield. Work to do defensively though and we'll be back in 15 minutes for the second half.
42: Adrian has to deal with a bouncy backpass from Reid, but does it well, crouching to control on his chest before thumping clear.
39: Goal! The goals keep on coming before the break. Michael Bostwick plays a ball forward and the Hammers' backline is slightly disjointed, allowing Jon Taylor to break the offside line, round Adrian and slot home.
34: Winston Reid catches Maddison in midfield as he goes for a loose ball. Maddison gets there first and is clattered, but his pass heads to Washington, so play continues. He passes square to Gormley. The chance is a good one, but he fires over and it's still 3-1.
30: Collins is never one to take any prisoners and he thunders into a tackle to win possession back for the Hammers on the edge of the box. The very definition of hard but fair.
28: Plenty of entertainment early on for the fans who have come to the ABAX Stadium this afternoon. Sakho has looked good too, clearly keen to atone for his red card on Thursday night.
23: GOAL! Just as we were saying Samuelsen looked lively he's added a goal to that. Cresswell did very well in the build-up, firing a pass into Sakho's feet and continuing his run into the box. Sakho laid off to the left-back, who checked and returned the favour. Sakho's shot is blocked by the defender, but the ball drops to Samuelsen, who fires into the bottom left hand corner. 3-1.
21: Peterborough look to respond with a run through Washington. He shows a good turn of pace, but Collins comes across to help Obiang out and between them snuff out the danger.
18: Martin Samuelsen, an 18-year-old summer signing for the Dev Squad from Man City, is looking lively, knitting together the midfield as the Hammers impose themselves on the game.
13: GOAL! Another! 2-1 to the Hammers immediately. The ball comes back to goalkeeper Anlwick and Sakho is rewarded for chasing a lost cause as the keeper's kick cannons off the Senegal frontman and flies in. 2-1 West Ham, eventful start.
12: GOAL! The Posh's lead didn't last long. A nice move from the Hammers sees Aaron Cresswell pasxs square to Nolan, who passes on to Mark Noble and he slides home neatly. 1-1.
11: So close to a leveller as Samuelsen drills in a shot from the edge of the box. It flicks off Nolan and Alnwick is wrongfooted, but he readjusts and tips onto the post.
10: Almost a second as Nolan is beaten to a pass from Samuelsen, allowing Peterborough to break. Anderson carries forward and the hosts have a man over. Maddison receives the ball and fires goalwards but Adrian palms up and grabs.
8: Goal! Petetborough lead. Ntlhe wins a corner down the left. The ball comes in and big defender Ricardo Almeidwa Santos times his run perfectly to leap high and power his header home. 1-0 Posh.
4: Peterborough now threaten for the first time and Washington crosses dangerously from the left. Winston Reid is facing his own goal but gets out of the way of the ball and it flashes across.
3: Aaron Cresswell shows some nifty footwork down the left to work space for a cross and he wins the first cotner of the game. Peterborough clear and Mark Noble tries his luck from outside the box but fires over.
2: The Hammers have begun the game in a 4-3-3 formation, with youngster Martin Samuelsen wide on the left and Modibo Maiga on the right. Diafra Sakho is the central frontman.
0: We're off and underway. Come on you Irons!
2.58pm Kevin Nolan leads the Hammers out onto the pitch - we're nearly ready for action in our first pre-season friendly.
2.45pm The teams are just finishing up their warm-ups. Here's a pic of Aaron Cresswell getting ready for his first run-out of the summer.
2.27pm We've got Peterborough team news now too...
Peterborough: Alnwick, Smith, Ntlhe, Anderson, Zakuani, Santos, Bostwick, Gormley, Washington, Maddison, Taylor
Subs: Edwards, Rowling, Brisley, Ferdinand, Lopes, Anderson, Payne and two trialists.
2.15pm The Hammers teamsheet is in!
We'll start with Adrian in goal, Alex Pike, Winston Reid, James Collins and Aaron Cresswell in midfield.
Pedro Obiang, Martin Samuelsen, Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan are in midfield, and Diafra Sakho partners Modibo Maiga up front.
Our subs bench is made up mainly of Development Squad and Academy players, with Sam Howes, Stephen Hendrie, Djair Parfitt-Williams, Josh Pask, Nathan Mavila, Jaanai Gordon, Moses Makasi, Amos Nasha, Kyle Knoyle and Doneil Henry the subs.
Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of the Hammers' first pre-season friendly against Peterborough United.
It's a sunny day here in Cambridgeshire and a healthy contingent of Hammers fans are expected to watch their new look ream in action.
We'll have team news soon so stay tuned for all the build-up to kick-off.
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Boleyn Insider
WHUFC.com
Our man on the inside lifts the lid on the latest transfer speculation...
West Ham United progressed through to the second qualifying round of the Europa League but the victory in Andorra was affected by the early dismissal of Diafra Sakho. There have been a lot of stories circulating on how many games the Club's star striker will be forced to miss. My understanding is that the Senegal forward will miss a minimum of one game and more could be added when UEFA decide the final sanction at the meeting of their UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on Wednesday. The Club have been busy in the transfer market once again this week making their fifth summer signing. Juventus defender Angelo Ogbonna followed Darren Randolph, Stephen Hendrie, Pedro Obiang and Dimitri Payet into the Club and will provide even more competition for the likes of Winston Reid, James Tomkins and James Collins. I have been told that more new arrivals will follow in the coming weeks and my sources tell me that the priority is now bringing a right back and a striker to the Club.
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From the Newsroom - James Horncastle
WHUFC,com
Italian football expert and BT Sport pundit James Horncastle believes West Ham United have signed a player with the potential to succeed in the Barclays Premier League in Angelo Ogbonna…
Angelo Ogbonna was a player of great potential when he was coming through – he was getting called up to be a part of the Italy squad even when Torino were in the second division. That's how highly thought of he was, and Juventus paid a lot of money for him, close to €15m, in 2013.
There has been some reaction that West Ham are buying a Juventus reserve, but that defensive unit was one of the best in Europe. It has won four league titles in a row, did the double this year and could have had the treble with the Champions League and he played a part in that success.
I think he's well suited to be playing for a team who will be competing for a place in the Europa League and he has the skillset and physicality to be a success in England.
He is 6'3, and even though he didn't play as regularly as he wanted at Juventus, the experience has still been a positive one for him as he got to play with other great defenders, under great coaches and he's got to know what it's like to win things. I think that's important.
Also, tactically, the last couple of years have been really crucial to him too because he's had to adapt to playing in a back three, he's also had to play in a back four this year, so that gives Slaven Bilic options.
He's adaptable, so that works in his favour to do well at West Ham and in the Premier League.
I think Bilic could bring the aggressive side out of Ogbonna. To be fair to him, at Juventus he was caught between two stools as to what to be – the hard typical Italian defender like Chiellini or is the defender who brings the ball out like Bonucci.
It will be interesting to see the work that Bilic can do with him, to settle on one type of his game, and there's a lot of potential to be developed in Ogbonna.
Even when he hasn't been starting regularly for Juventus, his former coach there Antonio Conte has been calling him into the squad for Italy. So, West Ham have a centre back who, should he play every Saturday, will have the opportunity to play his best football.
He is the second player to join West Ham this summer after Pedro Obiang and I think there's an element in that of just how rich Premier League clubs are with the TV money coming in.
Serie A, aside from the likes of Juventus, Roma, Napoli and the Milan clubs, needs the money and can't really afford to refuse the kind of money put on the table by Premier League clubs.
Obiang is a really good signing and he has the physique and stamina to be a success in the Premier League. You look at some of the young players who have come through at Samp and gone on to bigger and better things – Mauro Icardi, the top scorer in Serie A last season, for example – so I think he's a top signing and is Premier League ready.
Follow James on Twitter @jameshorncastle
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Bilic wants more goals from midfield
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic was pleased to see Mark Noble get on the scoresheet during the 3-3 draw with Peterborough and hopes all the midfielders will get among the goals this season.
Bilic was managing his first game in England and was pleased to see a number of first-team regulars get some crucial match time following their return from a fitness camp in Ireland.
Noble got West Ham back in the game with a clinical finish before Diafra Sakho continued his impressive start to the pre-season campaign with another goal.
New signing Martin Samuelsen also scored his first goal for the club and Bilic is now wanting to see all his midfielders add to their tally and take the pressure off the forwards.
Bilic said: "It is always good to see the strikers get among the goals. It is good for their confidence to keep scoring goals and we have to add more goals from midfield than we scored last year.
"That was missing and we cannot just rely on strikers. It is very important that people like Mark, Pedro, Kevin score their share of goals.
"It was good for the first game. We didn't want to give the guys from the first-team more than 60 minutes. But we did okay and it was good training.
"We were playing against good opponents on a good pitch in front of a good crowd. We played some really good football, but we conceded three goals and a sloppy penalty.
"But we were able to play some of the younger guys who didn't make the squad for the Europa League game in Andorra and it was good for everybody."
Bilic had special praise for talented youngster Samuelsen who capped an impressive debut with a well taken goal and hopes he can fulfil his potential following his summer move from Manchester City.
Bilic added: "Martin was lively and is a very talented player. You can see that he has quick feet and a quick way to control the ball which is very important. He can be very useful."
The West Ham United manager made a number of changes during the second half and switched Aaron Cresswell into an unfamiliar central midfield position, but he was pleased to see the Hammer of the Year show his versatility.
"Aaron is a good player and has a great left foot. I wanted a player who could play for 90 minutes and he is a naturally fit player.
"It is always good for a defender who is good on the ball to play a little bit in midfield because you have less space there and it was good for him."
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Noble impressed by 'fantastic' Slaven
WHUFC,com
Mark Noble got his 2015/16 season off to a fine start with a goal and a typically bullish performance during Saturday's 3-3 friendly draw at Peterborough United.
The match marked new manager Slaven Bilic's first full game in charge and it was clear that the 20 players who appeared in claret and blue were keen to impress their new boss. Noble, who was joined on the scoresheet by Diafra Sakho and Martin Samuelsen, is already talking up the impact made by Bilic, but admitted it will take some time for his philosophy to be fully instilled on the squad.
"We've got a new manager and new ways and the lads will have to get used to it," Noble said. "Once the lads get used to it, the new manager will drill in to us how he wants us to play and how we're going to gel together.
"Slaven is an approachable man and he has made it clear that we can approach him. He's been fantastic up until now but it's still pre-season so it's not normally well into the season that you see the real character of the manager.
"We had Sam for four years and he did fantastically for the club after getting us promoted and then three more years in the Premier League. But there are now a bunch of new staff and new players and I'm looking forward to working with them all."
The starting XI offered Noble and the likes of Adrian, Winston Reid, James Collins, Aaron Cresswell, Kevin Nolan and Modibo Maiga their first match action of pre-season, before a host youngsters saw out the final 30 minutes. New signings Martin Samuelsen and Pedro Obiang also got their first games in a West Ham shirt and showed the potential they will add to Bilic's squad.
"We felt good out there and a 3-3 draw is an entertaining one for the supporters. It was the first 45 minutes back and everyone came through it, which is the main thing.
"My legs feel fine. We've had a good ten days training in Ireland and we did a lot of work out there. You can tell by the way the boys have come back for pre-season that they've done a lot of work to keep themselves in shape over the summer."
With UEFA Europa League commitments meaning there have effectively been two separate pre-seasons going on at the same time, Monday will see normal service resume and Noble is looking forward to re-joining some familiar faces on the training pitch.
"It's been a bit of a strange pre-season and normally everyone is together but we haven't seen many of the other boys like Joey O'Brien and James Tomkins and only saw Diafra Sakho for the first time after he got back from Andorra.
"It's a little bit strange but then we can all gel together as a team and get the new signings training with us every day and hopefully we can have that as an almost new start to our pre-season."
The five new signings made thus far are all expected to report to Chadwell Heath on Monday, when Obiang will be joined by Dimitri Payet, Angelo Ogbonna, Stephen Hendrie and Darren Randolph. The Board have promised further new additions and Noble is excited by the ambition being shown.
"I'm pleased with the investment made and we need to as it's a big season for us and we need to spend money to compete with the rest of the teams. We've brought Dimitri, Angelo and Pedro in and we need to now gel together on Monday and push on from there.
"They'll be players coming in and some going out, but that's pre-season. You never know what's going to happen but we seem to be making the right moves off the pitch, which can hopefully help us on it."
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Standing ovation for Collison
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 11th July 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham fans gave former Hammer Jack Collison a rousing reception as he warmed up during today's pre-season friendly at London Road.
Collison, who was released by West Ham last summer signed a one-year deal with the Posh at the end of May as he attempts to rebuild a career halted by a series of injuries. And travelling Hammers fans gave the 26-year-old former Welsh international a standing ovation as he warmed up on the touchline during this afternoon's 3-3 draw between the two sides.
West Ham were held to a draw in the match which ended 3-3; Collison played the last five minutes as a late substitute.
Peterborough Utd: Alnwick (Alnwick 60), Smith (Adebayo-Rowling 60), Ntlhe, J Anderson (Payne 60), Zakuani (60), Almeida (60), Santos (Da Silva Lopes 60), Bostwick (Ferdinand 60), Gormley (Brisley 60), Washington (Trialist 60), Maddison (Trialist 60), Taylor (H Anderson 46, Collison 85).
West Ham Utd: Adrian (Howes 60), Reid (Henry 46), Cresswell, Nolan (Pask 60), Obiang (Mavilla 60), Maiga (Gordon 60), Samuelsen (Parfitt-Williams 60), Sakho (Makasi 60), Noble (Nasha 60), Pike (Hendry 60), Collins (Knoyle 60).
Attendance: 3,916.
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Behrami back in the BPL
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 11th July 2015
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Valon Behrami is back in the Premier League - this time with newly-promoted Watford. The Swiss international spent two-and-a-half years with West Ham before leaving in January 2011 to join Serie A side Fiorentina in a £2million switch. And it was confirmed this afternoon (Saturday) that he has returned to England having signed for the Hornets, who are back in the top flight for 2015/16 having won automatic promotion last season. Behrami was signed from Lazio on Gianfranco Zola's watch in the summer of 2008 for £5million. He went on to make 63 appearances for the Hammers before returning to Italy in 2011. After just 18 months back in Italy with Fiorentina, Behrami was on the move again, this time joining Napoli for an undisclosed fee. Last July he moved to the Bundesliga in order to join Hamburg, but despite signing a three-year deal is on his way back to England.
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West Ham new boy Dimitri Payet will have season disrupted due to court appearance in Africa
21:43, 11 JULY 2015
BY STEVE GOODMAN
The France international has landed a driving ban for speeding while holidaying on the Indian Ocean island Reunion
The Mirror
West Ham new boy Dimitri Payet will have his season disrupted – by a court appearance in Africa, report the Sunday People. The France international has landed a driving ban for speeding while holidaying on the Indian Ocean island Reunion. He also had his £70,000 car towed away. Payet, an £11million Hammers buy from Marseille, will now have to face a judge on the island in September. Cops caught the midfielder doing 106mph on a 55mph road in his Audi Quattro RS5 on July 3. They seized the supercar and confiscated the 28-year-old's licence. He risks a three-year ban and £1,000 fine. Former Saint-Etienne ace Payet was born on Reunion, a former French colony, and was visiting family and friends.
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Collison: Samuelsen could be the 'surprise packet'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Jack Collison watched West Ham teenage wing sensation, Martin Samuelsen, from the Peterborough dugout this afternoon and then purred: this lad has the potential to be the real deal!
The former Hammer – now with The Posh – was highly impressed with Samulesen's overall contribution during the 3-3 friendly draw. And he told Claret and Hugh: "It's very early, but the skill level is obvious. He was brilliant at times and looks as though he could even break through this year. It was hard not to be impressed. He's great."
Jack was delighted with the welcome he got from the Irons fans when he made his Posh bow four minutes from the end and said: "It was just great to get back out there. I will settle in slowly but it was all good."
Collison was also impressed with his mate Mark Noble saying: "He put in the type of shift you'd expect: the man's a different class. But I hope the Hammers give young Samuelsen his chance – maybe a run out in the next Europa Cup games.
"He could be a real surprise packet for them. He excited me and excited the crowd. The Hammers look in very good nick and the boy Samuelsen could be anything!"
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Samuelson/Noble please Slav
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Boss Slaven Bilic was delighted to see Mark Noble score in the 3-3 draw with Peterborough and wants all the midfielders to get among the goals this term. Noble scored the first before Diafra Sakho grabbed the second and teenager Martin Samuelsen the third in an entertainag affair. Bilic commented to the official site: "It is always good to see the strikers get among the goals. It is good for their confidence to keep scoring goals and we have to add more goals from midfield than we scored last year. "That was missing and we cannot just rely on strikers. It is very important that people like Mark, Pedro, Kevin score their share of goals. "It was good for the first game. We didn't want to give the guys from the first-team more than 60 minutes. But we did okay and it was good training. "We were playing against good opponents on a good pitch in front of a good crowd. We played some really good football, but we conceded three goals and a sloppy penalty. "But we were able to play some of the younger guys who didn't make the squad for the Europa League game in Andorra and it was good for everybody."
Bilic had special praise for talented youngster Samuelsen who capped an impressive debut with a well taken goal and hopes he can fulfil his potential following his summer move from Manchester City. Bilic added: "Martin was lively and is a very talented player. You can see that he has quick feet and a quick way to control the ball which is very important. He can be very useful." "Aaron is a good player and has a great left foot. I wanted a player who could play for 90 minutes and he is a naturally fit player. "It is always good for a defender who is good on the ball to play a little bit in midfield because you have less space there and it was good for him."
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Gold singles out teenager's Posh display
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
David Gold has been quick to single out 18 year old Martin Samuelsen as on to watch following the Irons 3-3 draw at Peterborough United this afternoon (Sat). The Norwegian teenager grabbed the third goal as the Irons took a 3-1 lead who fired into the bottom corner after a build up involving Aaron Cresswell and Diafra Sakho. The former Manchester City academy prospect was bright all afternoon and following the game Gold tweeted: "Watch out for 18 year old Martin Samuelson, looks a player. dg " The game finished all square at 3-3 with boss Slaven Bilic taking the opportunity of parading a large number of Development Squad players . Modibo Maiga also featured.
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WHUFC.com
Pre-Season Friendly
FT: The full-time whistle blows and it has ended 3-3. A good, competitive workout for the Hammers in their first pre-season run-out and they certainly created a number of chances. Peterborough led early though Ricardo Almeidwa Santos, but the Hammers hit back with goals from Mark Noble, Diafra Sakho and Martin Samuelsen. Jon Taylor pulled one back before the break, and Michael Bostwick completed the scoring on the hour.
Slaven Bilic will be happy with the run-out, and we head into Birkirkara next on Thursday for the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League.
Reaction will follow here soon. Thanks for your company today and see you at the Boleyn Ground on Thursday!
86: Jack Collison takes his bow, replacing Harry Anderson from the bench. He gets a hearty welcome from all the fans present, not least from the Hammers contingent over in the corner.
84: Should be 4-3 West Ham. Alnwick's kick is along the ground and straight at Jaanai Gordon. He's at an angle, but the goal is gaping and the crowd waits to bulge. However, he finds the sidenetting instead and we're still level.
81: Nathan Mavila is the next to go close, forcing a fumble from Alnwick. However, there's nobody close enough to snaffle up the chance.
77: Amos Nasha, who made his first team debut off the bench late on at Lusitans on Thursday, has the first shot in a while, drilling an effort in from 30 yards. It's well struck, but ultimately straight at goalkeeper Alnwick, who holds on comfortably enough.
75: I must admit it's all gone a bit quiet here since that flurry of subsitutions. That's to be expected though, in such an early game with both teams finding their feet.
70: This will be a first look at this group of Hammers youngsters for a lot of the away fans here today. They won't get a better chance to impress the boss.
67: Martin Samuelsen was one of the players who departed the action on the hour and he made an impression on debut. Here's a pic of him celebrating his first half goal.
65: It's a youthful Hammers team out there, and Peterborough also took the opportunity to make wholesale changes. A very different game now to the one which started.
61: Straight after the goal, the Hammers made nine changes. Only Aaron Cresswell is left on the pitch from the starters and he's in central midfield. Elsewhere, we have Sam Howes in goal, Kyle Knoyle, Josh Pask, Doneil Henry and Stephen Hendrie across the back. Amos Nasha, Cresswell and Moses Makasi are in midfield, and Nathan Mavila, Jaanai Gordon and Djair Parfitt-Williams make up the front three.
60: Goal! To the other end and Peterborough win a penalty when Noble brings down Maddison in the box. Michael Bostwick steps up and drills low to the right with Adrian diving the other way.
58: The Hammers work another shooting chance from outside the box as they work it to Noble in space centrally. He has time to take a touch and shoot, but it's straight at Alnwick, who holds on.
56: The ball sits up nicely for Maiga on the edge of the box. It's on his left foot and he fancies it, but doesn't quite catch it right, with the shot flying behind for a goal kick.
53: The corner is half cleared, but Obiang wins it back on the edge of the box. He exchanges passes with Henry and crosses from the right. The ball spoons up and Nolan flicks a back header over Alnwick in goal. Collins completes the job by touching home, but the flag goes up for offside and it remains 3-2.
52: Cresswell lets fly from range and he really catches it, but the ball strikes the back of a defender and loops over.
50: Sakho shows an impressive turn of pace to run around the outside of Santos and burst into the box, but he used his hand to control and play is pulled back.
48: Kgosi Ntlhe gets forward to provide the first cross of the secunond half, but it's overhit and Collins can let it run across and to safety.
4.01pm We're back underway at the ABAX Stadium. Peterborough have made one change, with Harry Anderson replacing Jon Taylot. West Ham make one change too, Doneil Henry coming on for Winston Reid.
HT: Here's a pic of Mark Noble celebrating his goal at the ABAX Stadium.
HT: The half time whistle blows and it's certainly been value for money for the spectators in the opening period! Sakho has looked sharp, Obiang involved and Samielsen lively in midfield. Work to do defensively though and we'll be back in 15 minutes for the second half.
42: Adrian has to deal with a bouncy backpass from Reid, but does it well, crouching to control on his chest before thumping clear.
39: Goal! The goals keep on coming before the break. Michael Bostwick plays a ball forward and the Hammers' backline is slightly disjointed, allowing Jon Taylor to break the offside line, round Adrian and slot home.
34: Winston Reid catches Maddison in midfield as he goes for a loose ball. Maddison gets there first and is clattered, but his pass heads to Washington, so play continues. He passes square to Gormley. The chance is a good one, but he fires over and it's still 3-1.
30: Collins is never one to take any prisoners and he thunders into a tackle to win possession back for the Hammers on the edge of the box. The very definition of hard but fair.
28: Plenty of entertainment early on for the fans who have come to the ABAX Stadium this afternoon. Sakho has looked good too, clearly keen to atone for his red card on Thursday night.
23: GOAL! Just as we were saying Samuelsen looked lively he's added a goal to that. Cresswell did very well in the build-up, firing a pass into Sakho's feet and continuing his run into the box. Sakho laid off to the left-back, who checked and returned the favour. Sakho's shot is blocked by the defender, but the ball drops to Samuelsen, who fires into the bottom left hand corner. 3-1.
21: Peterborough look to respond with a run through Washington. He shows a good turn of pace, but Collins comes across to help Obiang out and between them snuff out the danger.
18: Martin Samuelsen, an 18-year-old summer signing for the Dev Squad from Man City, is looking lively, knitting together the midfield as the Hammers impose themselves on the game.
13: GOAL! Another! 2-1 to the Hammers immediately. The ball comes back to goalkeeper Anlwick and Sakho is rewarded for chasing a lost cause as the keeper's kick cannons off the Senegal frontman and flies in. 2-1 West Ham, eventful start.
12: GOAL! The Posh's lead didn't last long. A nice move from the Hammers sees Aaron Cresswell pasxs square to Nolan, who passes on to Mark Noble and he slides home neatly. 1-1.
11: So close to a leveller as Samuelsen drills in a shot from the edge of the box. It flicks off Nolan and Alnwick is wrongfooted, but he readjusts and tips onto the post.
10: Almost a second as Nolan is beaten to a pass from Samuelsen, allowing Peterborough to break. Anderson carries forward and the hosts have a man over. Maddison receives the ball and fires goalwards but Adrian palms up and grabs.
8: Goal! Petetborough lead. Ntlhe wins a corner down the left. The ball comes in and big defender Ricardo Almeidwa Santos times his run perfectly to leap high and power his header home. 1-0 Posh.
4: Peterborough now threaten for the first time and Washington crosses dangerously from the left. Winston Reid is facing his own goal but gets out of the way of the ball and it flashes across.
3: Aaron Cresswell shows some nifty footwork down the left to work space for a cross and he wins the first cotner of the game. Peterborough clear and Mark Noble tries his luck from outside the box but fires over.
2: The Hammers have begun the game in a 4-3-3 formation, with youngster Martin Samuelsen wide on the left and Modibo Maiga on the right. Diafra Sakho is the central frontman.
0: We're off and underway. Come on you Irons!
2.58pm Kevin Nolan leads the Hammers out onto the pitch - we're nearly ready for action in our first pre-season friendly.
2.45pm The teams are just finishing up their warm-ups. Here's a pic of Aaron Cresswell getting ready for his first run-out of the summer.
2.27pm We've got Peterborough team news now too...
Peterborough: Alnwick, Smith, Ntlhe, Anderson, Zakuani, Santos, Bostwick, Gormley, Washington, Maddison, Taylor
Subs: Edwards, Rowling, Brisley, Ferdinand, Lopes, Anderson, Payne and two trialists.
2.15pm The Hammers teamsheet is in!
We'll start with Adrian in goal, Alex Pike, Winston Reid, James Collins and Aaron Cresswell in midfield.
Pedro Obiang, Martin Samuelsen, Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan are in midfield, and Diafra Sakho partners Modibo Maiga up front.
Our subs bench is made up mainly of Development Squad and Academy players, with Sam Howes, Stephen Hendrie, Djair Parfitt-Williams, Josh Pask, Nathan Mavila, Jaanai Gordon, Moses Makasi, Amos Nasha, Kyle Knoyle and Doneil Henry the subs.
Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of the Hammers' first pre-season friendly against Peterborough United.
It's a sunny day here in Cambridgeshire and a healthy contingent of Hammers fans are expected to watch their new look ream in action.
We'll have team news soon so stay tuned for all the build-up to kick-off.
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Boleyn Insider
WHUFC.com
Our man on the inside lifts the lid on the latest transfer speculation...
West Ham United progressed through to the second qualifying round of the Europa League but the victory in Andorra was affected by the early dismissal of Diafra Sakho. There have been a lot of stories circulating on how many games the Club's star striker will be forced to miss. My understanding is that the Senegal forward will miss a minimum of one game and more could be added when UEFA decide the final sanction at the meeting of their UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on Wednesday. The Club have been busy in the transfer market once again this week making their fifth summer signing. Juventus defender Angelo Ogbonna followed Darren Randolph, Stephen Hendrie, Pedro Obiang and Dimitri Payet into the Club and will provide even more competition for the likes of Winston Reid, James Tomkins and James Collins. I have been told that more new arrivals will follow in the coming weeks and my sources tell me that the priority is now bringing a right back and a striker to the Club.
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From the Newsroom - James Horncastle
WHUFC,com
Italian football expert and BT Sport pundit James Horncastle believes West Ham United have signed a player with the potential to succeed in the Barclays Premier League in Angelo Ogbonna…
Angelo Ogbonna was a player of great potential when he was coming through – he was getting called up to be a part of the Italy squad even when Torino were in the second division. That's how highly thought of he was, and Juventus paid a lot of money for him, close to €15m, in 2013.
There has been some reaction that West Ham are buying a Juventus reserve, but that defensive unit was one of the best in Europe. It has won four league titles in a row, did the double this year and could have had the treble with the Champions League and he played a part in that success.
I think he's well suited to be playing for a team who will be competing for a place in the Europa League and he has the skillset and physicality to be a success in England.
He is 6'3, and even though he didn't play as regularly as he wanted at Juventus, the experience has still been a positive one for him as he got to play with other great defenders, under great coaches and he's got to know what it's like to win things. I think that's important.
Also, tactically, the last couple of years have been really crucial to him too because he's had to adapt to playing in a back three, he's also had to play in a back four this year, so that gives Slaven Bilic options.
He's adaptable, so that works in his favour to do well at West Ham and in the Premier League.
I think Bilic could bring the aggressive side out of Ogbonna. To be fair to him, at Juventus he was caught between two stools as to what to be – the hard typical Italian defender like Chiellini or is the defender who brings the ball out like Bonucci.
It will be interesting to see the work that Bilic can do with him, to settle on one type of his game, and there's a lot of potential to be developed in Ogbonna.
Even when he hasn't been starting regularly for Juventus, his former coach there Antonio Conte has been calling him into the squad for Italy. So, West Ham have a centre back who, should he play every Saturday, will have the opportunity to play his best football.
He is the second player to join West Ham this summer after Pedro Obiang and I think there's an element in that of just how rich Premier League clubs are with the TV money coming in.
Serie A, aside from the likes of Juventus, Roma, Napoli and the Milan clubs, needs the money and can't really afford to refuse the kind of money put on the table by Premier League clubs.
Obiang is a really good signing and he has the physique and stamina to be a success in the Premier League. You look at some of the young players who have come through at Samp and gone on to bigger and better things – Mauro Icardi, the top scorer in Serie A last season, for example – so I think he's a top signing and is Premier League ready.
Follow James on Twitter @jameshorncastle
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Bilic wants more goals from midfield
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic was pleased to see Mark Noble get on the scoresheet during the 3-3 draw with Peterborough and hopes all the midfielders will get among the goals this season.
Bilic was managing his first game in England and was pleased to see a number of first-team regulars get some crucial match time following their return from a fitness camp in Ireland.
Noble got West Ham back in the game with a clinical finish before Diafra Sakho continued his impressive start to the pre-season campaign with another goal.
New signing Martin Samuelsen also scored his first goal for the club and Bilic is now wanting to see all his midfielders add to their tally and take the pressure off the forwards.
Bilic said: "It is always good to see the strikers get among the goals. It is good for their confidence to keep scoring goals and we have to add more goals from midfield than we scored last year.
"That was missing and we cannot just rely on strikers. It is very important that people like Mark, Pedro, Kevin score their share of goals.
"It was good for the first game. We didn't want to give the guys from the first-team more than 60 minutes. But we did okay and it was good training.
"We were playing against good opponents on a good pitch in front of a good crowd. We played some really good football, but we conceded three goals and a sloppy penalty.
"But we were able to play some of the younger guys who didn't make the squad for the Europa League game in Andorra and it was good for everybody."
Bilic had special praise for talented youngster Samuelsen who capped an impressive debut with a well taken goal and hopes he can fulfil his potential following his summer move from Manchester City.
Bilic added: "Martin was lively and is a very talented player. You can see that he has quick feet and a quick way to control the ball which is very important. He can be very useful."
The West Ham United manager made a number of changes during the second half and switched Aaron Cresswell into an unfamiliar central midfield position, but he was pleased to see the Hammer of the Year show his versatility.
"Aaron is a good player and has a great left foot. I wanted a player who could play for 90 minutes and he is a naturally fit player.
"It is always good for a defender who is good on the ball to play a little bit in midfield because you have less space there and it was good for him."
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Noble impressed by 'fantastic' Slaven
WHUFC,com
Mark Noble got his 2015/16 season off to a fine start with a goal and a typically bullish performance during Saturday's 3-3 friendly draw at Peterborough United.
The match marked new manager Slaven Bilic's first full game in charge and it was clear that the 20 players who appeared in claret and blue were keen to impress their new boss. Noble, who was joined on the scoresheet by Diafra Sakho and Martin Samuelsen, is already talking up the impact made by Bilic, but admitted it will take some time for his philosophy to be fully instilled on the squad.
"We've got a new manager and new ways and the lads will have to get used to it," Noble said. "Once the lads get used to it, the new manager will drill in to us how he wants us to play and how we're going to gel together.
"Slaven is an approachable man and he has made it clear that we can approach him. He's been fantastic up until now but it's still pre-season so it's not normally well into the season that you see the real character of the manager.
"We had Sam for four years and he did fantastically for the club after getting us promoted and then three more years in the Premier League. But there are now a bunch of new staff and new players and I'm looking forward to working with them all."
The starting XI offered Noble and the likes of Adrian, Winston Reid, James Collins, Aaron Cresswell, Kevin Nolan and Modibo Maiga their first match action of pre-season, before a host youngsters saw out the final 30 minutes. New signings Martin Samuelsen and Pedro Obiang also got their first games in a West Ham shirt and showed the potential they will add to Bilic's squad.
"We felt good out there and a 3-3 draw is an entertaining one for the supporters. It was the first 45 minutes back and everyone came through it, which is the main thing.
"My legs feel fine. We've had a good ten days training in Ireland and we did a lot of work out there. You can tell by the way the boys have come back for pre-season that they've done a lot of work to keep themselves in shape over the summer."
With UEFA Europa League commitments meaning there have effectively been two separate pre-seasons going on at the same time, Monday will see normal service resume and Noble is looking forward to re-joining some familiar faces on the training pitch.
"It's been a bit of a strange pre-season and normally everyone is together but we haven't seen many of the other boys like Joey O'Brien and James Tomkins and only saw Diafra Sakho for the first time after he got back from Andorra.
"It's a little bit strange but then we can all gel together as a team and get the new signings training with us every day and hopefully we can have that as an almost new start to our pre-season."
The five new signings made thus far are all expected to report to Chadwell Heath on Monday, when Obiang will be joined by Dimitri Payet, Angelo Ogbonna, Stephen Hendrie and Darren Randolph. The Board have promised further new additions and Noble is excited by the ambition being shown.
"I'm pleased with the investment made and we need to as it's a big season for us and we need to spend money to compete with the rest of the teams. We've brought Dimitri, Angelo and Pedro in and we need to now gel together on Monday and push on from there.
"They'll be players coming in and some going out, but that's pre-season. You never know what's going to happen but we seem to be making the right moves off the pitch, which can hopefully help us on it."
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Standing ovation for Collison
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 11th July 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham fans gave former Hammer Jack Collison a rousing reception as he warmed up during today's pre-season friendly at London Road.
Collison, who was released by West Ham last summer signed a one-year deal with the Posh at the end of May as he attempts to rebuild a career halted by a series of injuries. And travelling Hammers fans gave the 26-year-old former Welsh international a standing ovation as he warmed up on the touchline during this afternoon's 3-3 draw between the two sides.
West Ham were held to a draw in the match which ended 3-3; Collison played the last five minutes as a late substitute.
Peterborough Utd: Alnwick (Alnwick 60), Smith (Adebayo-Rowling 60), Ntlhe, J Anderson (Payne 60), Zakuani (60), Almeida (60), Santos (Da Silva Lopes 60), Bostwick (Ferdinand 60), Gormley (Brisley 60), Washington (Trialist 60), Maddison (Trialist 60), Taylor (H Anderson 46, Collison 85).
West Ham Utd: Adrian (Howes 60), Reid (Henry 46), Cresswell, Nolan (Pask 60), Obiang (Mavilla 60), Maiga (Gordon 60), Samuelsen (Parfitt-Williams 60), Sakho (Makasi 60), Noble (Nasha 60), Pike (Hendry 60), Collins (Knoyle 60).
Attendance: 3,916.
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Behrami back in the BPL
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 11th July 2015
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Valon Behrami is back in the Premier League - this time with newly-promoted Watford. The Swiss international spent two-and-a-half years with West Ham before leaving in January 2011 to join Serie A side Fiorentina in a £2million switch. And it was confirmed this afternoon (Saturday) that he has returned to England having signed for the Hornets, who are back in the top flight for 2015/16 having won automatic promotion last season. Behrami was signed from Lazio on Gianfranco Zola's watch in the summer of 2008 for £5million. He went on to make 63 appearances for the Hammers before returning to Italy in 2011. After just 18 months back in Italy with Fiorentina, Behrami was on the move again, this time joining Napoli for an undisclosed fee. Last July he moved to the Bundesliga in order to join Hamburg, but despite signing a three-year deal is on his way back to England.
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West Ham new boy Dimitri Payet will have season disrupted due to court appearance in Africa
21:43, 11 JULY 2015
BY STEVE GOODMAN
The France international has landed a driving ban for speeding while holidaying on the Indian Ocean island Reunion
The Mirror
West Ham new boy Dimitri Payet will have his season disrupted – by a court appearance in Africa, report the Sunday People. The France international has landed a driving ban for speeding while holidaying on the Indian Ocean island Reunion. He also had his £70,000 car towed away. Payet, an £11million Hammers buy from Marseille, will now have to face a judge on the island in September. Cops caught the midfielder doing 106mph on a 55mph road in his Audi Quattro RS5 on July 3. They seized the supercar and confiscated the 28-year-old's licence. He risks a three-year ban and £1,000 fine. Former Saint-Etienne ace Payet was born on Reunion, a former French colony, and was visiting family and friends.
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Collison: Samuelsen could be the 'surprise packet'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Jack Collison watched West Ham teenage wing sensation, Martin Samuelsen, from the Peterborough dugout this afternoon and then purred: this lad has the potential to be the real deal!
The former Hammer – now with The Posh – was highly impressed with Samulesen's overall contribution during the 3-3 friendly draw. And he told Claret and Hugh: "It's very early, but the skill level is obvious. He was brilliant at times and looks as though he could even break through this year. It was hard not to be impressed. He's great."
Jack was delighted with the welcome he got from the Irons fans when he made his Posh bow four minutes from the end and said: "It was just great to get back out there. I will settle in slowly but it was all good."
Collison was also impressed with his mate Mark Noble saying: "He put in the type of shift you'd expect: the man's a different class. But I hope the Hammers give young Samuelsen his chance – maybe a run out in the next Europa Cup games.
"He could be a real surprise packet for them. He excited me and excited the crowd. The Hammers look in very good nick and the boy Samuelsen could be anything!"
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Samuelson/Noble please Slav
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Boss Slaven Bilic was delighted to see Mark Noble score in the 3-3 draw with Peterborough and wants all the midfielders to get among the goals this term. Noble scored the first before Diafra Sakho grabbed the second and teenager Martin Samuelsen the third in an entertainag affair. Bilic commented to the official site: "It is always good to see the strikers get among the goals. It is good for their confidence to keep scoring goals and we have to add more goals from midfield than we scored last year. "That was missing and we cannot just rely on strikers. It is very important that people like Mark, Pedro, Kevin score their share of goals. "It was good for the first game. We didn't want to give the guys from the first-team more than 60 minutes. But we did okay and it was good training. "We were playing against good opponents on a good pitch in front of a good crowd. We played some really good football, but we conceded three goals and a sloppy penalty. "But we were able to play some of the younger guys who didn't make the squad for the Europa League game in Andorra and it was good for everybody."
Bilic had special praise for talented youngster Samuelsen who capped an impressive debut with a well taken goal and hopes he can fulfil his potential following his summer move from Manchester City. Bilic added: "Martin was lively and is a very talented player. You can see that he has quick feet and a quick way to control the ball which is very important. He can be very useful." "Aaron is a good player and has a great left foot. I wanted a player who could play for 90 minutes and he is a naturally fit player. "It is always good for a defender who is good on the ball to play a little bit in midfield because you have less space there and it was good for him."
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Gold singles out teenager's Posh display
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
David Gold has been quick to single out 18 year old Martin Samuelsen as on to watch following the Irons 3-3 draw at Peterborough United this afternoon (Sat). The Norwegian teenager grabbed the third goal as the Irons took a 3-1 lead who fired into the bottom corner after a build up involving Aaron Cresswell and Diafra Sakho. The former Manchester City academy prospect was bright all afternoon and following the game Gold tweeted: "Watch out for 18 year old Martin Samuelson, looks a player. dg " The game finished all square at 3-3 with boss Slaven Bilic taking the opportunity of parading a large number of Development Squad players . Modibo Maiga also featured.
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