Preview - Arsenal
WHUFC.com
The background
The wait is almost over. The new Barclays Premier League season gets
underway for West Ham United on Sunday when they travel to London rivals
Arsenal for a lunchtime kick-off.
Slaven Bilic's first league game in charge of the Hammers could hardly have
been tougher, as last season's FA Cup winners look to get their own season
off to a good start at the Emirates Stadum.
The Gunners came third in the league last season, earning them direct entry
to the UEFA Champions League group stages, and they have already won
silverware this term, defeating Chelsea 1-0 in last Sunday's Community
Shield at Wembley.
West Ham, in their third season back in the top flight, came 12th last term
and have added several players to their squad as they aim to take a step
forward in their final Boleyn Ground season.
The Hammers will go into Sunday's game as outsiders, but they will hope to
upset the odds with Arsenal possessing a mixed opening day record in recent
years.
The history
Sunday's game is the 132nd meeting between Arsenal and West Ham, with the
Gunners having history on their side. They have won 60 of those games, with
the Hammers triumphing on 33 occasions~
In recent times, West Ham have struggled against the north Londoners, not
tasting victory against them in 15 attempts. The last success came back in
April 2007 when Bobby Zamora's goal meant West Ham became the first team to
win at Emirates Stadium.
Last season the Gunners won 3-0 in north London, with goals in the final ten
minutes from Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini sealing victory after Olivier
Giroud struck on the stroke of half time
At the Boleyn Ground, Cheikhou Kouyate scored for West Ham, but Santi
Cazorla and Danny Welbeck secured a 2-1 win for Wenger's side.
Match info
Team news
West Ham United
The Hammers could hand Premier League debuts to the likes of Dimitri Payet
and Angelo Ogbonna at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Fellow summer arrival Pedro Obiang could also be involved after returning to
training this week, while Winston Reid will also hope to be available after
suffering a hamstring injury in pre-season.
Enner Valencia (lower leg) and Andy Carroll (knee) are definitely out, while
Carl Jenkinson is ineligible against his parent club.
Arsenal
Alexis Sanchez will not be considered for selection after returning late
from Chile's successful Copa America campaign this summer.
Jack WIlshere, Tomas Rosicky and Danny Welbeck are all ruled out with
injury, but Petr Cech should make his Premier League debut for his new club
after making the move from Chelsea.
Match facts
Arsenal have won their last ten league and cup meetings with the Hammers.
West Ham did the double over Arsenal in the 2006/07 season, but have since
found success against the Gunners had to come by, drawing two and winning
none of the next 15 clashes
Arsenal have won only one of their last five opening day Premier League
fixtures.
Summer signing Dimitri Payet made 135 chances for Marseille last season -
the highest figure in the top five European leagues.
Betting
Our principal sponsors Betway make us 8/1 shots to win at Arsenal on Sunday.
Check out their full betting preview here.
Coverage, tickets, travel and weather info
The match is live on Sky Sports in the UK, while we will be on hand at
Emirates Stadium with live updates and audio commentary on whufc.com and
exclusive behind the scenes content on our social media channels.
Tickets for this game have SOLD OUT.
Supporters planning on using the Victoria line to reach Emirates Stadium
should note that it will be closed between Walthamstow Central and Seven
Sisters. London Overground services will not be running between Stratford
and Hackney Wick, and supporters travelling from east London are advised to
use the Hammersmith & City line to King's Cross, changing to use National
Rail services to Finsbury Park. Click here for detailed travel advice.
Sunday is set to be a fine summer's day, with temperatures reaching 25C
(75F) and sunny intervals predicted at kick-off.
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Slaven speaks - Arsenal
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic says a confident West Ham United will travel to Arsenal to
kick-off the 2015/16 Barclays Premier League season. The Hammers make the
short trip to the Emirates on the back of a midweek UEFA Europa League exit
in Romania, but the manager says that disappointment will not be allowed to
affect their preparations to face the Gunners. In a wide-ranging press
conference, Bilic also revealed that Andy Carroll could be back in
first-team action by the end of August and that the potential signing of
Mexico international striker Raul Jimenez is 'close'...
Slaven, can we start with team news for Sunday's trip to Arsenal?
SB: "Valencia has a major injury but it could be worse. The predictions are
that he is out for ten to 12 weeks, but hopefully it's going to be nine! We
have a few more small ones apart from him but we will see in training.
"We are going to roll out a good team and we are ready for the beginning of
the Premier League."
What is the situation with the potential signing of Raul Jimenez from
Atletico Madrid?
SB: "Jimenez is close, but it is not done. We hope to get it done today or
tomorrow, but anyway he would not be ready for the squad for Sunday's game.
"It would be good for us to get a player as soon as possible, considering we
need players in some positions. Jimenez is a striker and that would be it
then. I would be happy.
"The situation with Valencia means we might need more players but
considering that Andy Carroll is doing really well and he will be joining
the team in terms of training really soon, I would be happy with the
addition of one striker.
"As I said, Andy is working well and last week he was doing a lot of
individual stuff and everything without any problems. The injury is gone now
and now we have just to bring him back slowly but as quickly as possible
without any risk to training to get the fitness, first of all.
"It's totally different to training by yourself because you are training
with tackles and not controlling the environment. It's not only up to you
but the others as well.
"The target the medical department tell me is for Liverpool or Newcastle
which is the fourth and fifth game of the season."
Will you seek to bring in any more players, or are you happy with what you
have got?
SB: "I'm pretty happy. Some players may leave the club and a few players
have left already. We are concentrating on one striker and maybe one more
player in midfield and that should be it."
I would like us to play good football and to win games, which is easy to say
now before the first game
Are you looking forward to your first game as a Premier League manager?
SB: "Of course I am. I'm excited. I know from when I was here before and
have played against English teams in European competition and they all say
the Premier League is different and is the hardest league. I'm looking
forward to it"
"As I said, I'm ready and the team is ready and we're going to see on Sunday
how it starts.
What would constitute a successful season for West Ham United?
SB: "I would like us to play good football and to win games, which is easy
to say now before the first game. Let's say our aim is to be mid-table. Our
aim is to be as high as possible and I would say a top ten finish would be a
major success."
How will you approach Arsenal? Have you seen them play in pre-season?
SB: "First of all Arsenal are a big team, a big club and they have been
doing well and have won a trophy (the Community Shield) already, which is
always good. It's nice to win it.
"I went to see them live against Wolfsburg in the Emirates Cup. They are the
same Arsenal and they like to have the ball and keep the ball. They are very
versatile and are also the quickest team in the league and are the best on
breaks. When you lose the ball, they are very dangerous to you.
"Against Wolfsburg and against Chelsea, particularly, they improved
defensively in terms of as a unit. They are on a high and are full of
confidence but we are starting, we are very confident we can go there and
play good football and get something out of the game."
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Joint-Chairman: We are ready to close the gap
Whufc.COM
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Gold is excited by the prospect of
facing Arsenal in the opening Premier League game and feels the time has
come for the Club to start closing the gap on the top four. With Slaven
Bilic taking charge of the Hammers during the summer and a number of new
players arriving at the Boleyn Ground, Mr Gold believes the Club can have
another successful season in the top flight.
West Ham United fans showed their amazing support once again during the
Europa League Qualifiers and with the move to the new Stadium next summer,
Mr Gold sees no reason why the Hammers cannot compete with the big teams in
England. Gold said: "I am always excited by the beginning of the season and
this is no different. It could not be more difficult than going to Arsenal
but I think we are ready. I am confident we are going to have an exciting
season. "Arsenal are a top four football club and have been so for many
years, We are getting closer and closer and they will be looking over their
shoulders. Our ambition is to make the top four worried. With us moving to
the new Stadium I am sure that is going to be the case. "We have got a
fantastic fan base and that is the key. The numbers have been proven and we
had 100,000 fans coming to see the Europa League Qualifiers and that is
unheard of. "Slaven will be coming up against Arsene Wenger and from that
point of view you could not ask for a better game. It would be great if he
could upset the odds and get a result there."
New summer signing Dimitri Payet is expected to make his Premier League
debut at the Emirates Stadium and Mr Gold believes he could become one of
the major stars in the top flight this season. Gold added: "I am very
excited and we have brought in a top quality player. That shows our intent
and it shows the top players want to play here. We are an ambitious football
club with an ambitious manager."
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Arsenal v West Ham
KO 13:30
7 August 2015
Last updated at 13:46
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Emirates Stadium Date: Sunday, 9 August
TEAM NEWS
Petr Cech is set to make his Premier League debut for Arsenal but Jack
Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky and Danny Welbeck are ruled out with injuries.
Alexis Sanchez will not feature as he regains fitness following an extended
break after the Copa America, although he could return on 24 August.
West Ham strikers Enner Valencia and Andy Carroll are both unavailable
because of injuries. Loanee Carl Jenkinson is ineligible to face his parent
club. Pedro Obiang, Winston Reid and Matt Jarvis returned to training this
week after minor injury problems and could be involved.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Steve Wilson: "For older West Ham fans this might stir memories of 1980 and
Sir Trev's header at a sunny Wembley which saw off Arsenal and won the FA
Cup for John Lyall's second-tier team.
"For anyone with shorter memories it's mostly just a succession of Arsenal
victories; in league and cup the last 10 encounters have all been won by the
Gunners. "If Slaven Bilic can open his league account by ending that
sequence then West Ham's poor, blink-and-you-missed-it Europa League
qualifying campaign will be forgiven. "If Arsenal don't win then all that
optimism engendered by the Community Shield victory over Chelsea will pop as
quickly as one of those east London bubbles."
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "We won the FA Cup last year and we finished
third in the Premier League so our target is very high. "Our ambition is to
win the Premier League but we have to sustain that by performance and
fighting spirit in every single game. "Before we suffered sometimes from the
fact that at the start of the season nobody considered us at all because we
lost our best players. That period is over now so we are happy to be under
this kind of pressure."
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "We have a big season ahead of us which
starts on Sunday. We are going to be good in the Premier League. I am very
confident about that." Arsenal have been shown six red cards in their
opening Premier League fixture - more than any other side.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Arsenal have won their last 10 league and cup games against West Ham,
including nine Premier League matches.
The Hammers did the double over the Gunners in 2006-07 but since then are
winless in 15 league and cup games (D2, L13) against them.
Arsenal
The Gunners have lost their opening Premier League game just once in the
last 14 seasons (W9, D4) - a 3-1 home defeat by Aston Villa in 2013.
However, they have begun with a victory just once in the past five years,
albeit against Crystal Palace last term.
Arsenal have failed to score in three of their last four home league games.
Olivier Giroud has scored five goals in five top-flight games against West
Ham, while Theo Walcott has also scored five times against the Hammers.
West Ham United
The Hammers have lost nine times on the opening weekend of a Premier League
season - more than any other club.
They won nine of their first 17 Premier League games last season, but just
three of the subsequent 21.
West Ham are winless in 12 Premier League away games (D5, L7) since a 2-1
victory at West Brom on 2 December 2014.
Dimitri Payet, who has joined from Marseille, created 135 chances in 2014-15
- the highest figure in the top five European leagues.
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Tactically speaking - Arsenal
WHUFC.com
Sunday's trip to the Emirates Stadium is one which West Ham United could be
forgiven for making full of trepidation.
The Hammers have not beaten Arsenal on home soil since becoming the first
opposition club to do so back in April 2007, when Bobby Zamora's lobbed
winner and Robert Green's heroics secured a shock 1-0 success.
Victory for Slaven Bilic's side on his first Barclays Premier League match
in charge would be something approaching as big a surprise as that win was
eight years ago, especially considering Arsenal showed good form in winning
the Community Shield last weekend.
So, how will each club approach their Sunday lunchtime clash in north
London?
Arsenal
Arsenal's approach to their football under Arsene Wenger is well-known the
world over - pass, move, pass, move, score.
What has been added to that mantra is a steel and solidity that has helped
the Gunners emerge as real Barclays Premier League title contenders this
season.
Arsenal finished third last season, conceding just 36 goals in 38 league
matches. With Petr Cech joining from Chelsea this summer, Wenger's side
looks even stronger in defence.
With attacking threats provided from all over the pitch, devastating pace on
the counter-attack, and the ability to keep the ball and pass their
opponents into submission still very much there, Arsenal look to be a
formidable outfit.
Formation-wise, the Gunners are likely to adopt a 4-4-1-1 system against
West Ham, but who will play as the centre forward remains to be seen.
Olivier Giroud is an all-round striker who has five goals in five games
against West Ham, while the speedy Theo Walcott could look to continue his
own fine record against the Hammers if he is selected in the same position
he occupied against Chelsea at Wembley.
Behind the centre forward, Arsenal's three attacking midfielders are vital
to their success. Against Chelsea, match-winner Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and
Germany international Mesut Ozil played alongside Spanish playmaker Santi
Cazorla.
Of the three, Oxlade-Chamberlain is more of an old-fashioned winger, with
the strength, pace and skill to beat his full-back on the outside, but with
the added weapon of being able to cut inside onto his left foot.
Ozil is a passer who will play behind the centre forward and drift inside
from the left channel, picking through balls and making clever runs between
the lines.
Cazorla will nominally start on the left wing, but the dimuntive player will
pop up all over the pitch. Elusive and two-footed, Cazorla combines well
with Ozil.
Behind them, Francis Coquelin and Aaron Ramsey sit in front of the back
four, collecting the ball from the centre-backs when in possession and
pressing the opposition when out of it.
Defensively, Arsenal always employ attacking full-backs and that remains the
case with young Frenchman Hector Bellerin on the right and Spaniard Nacho
Monreal on the left. Both are quick, athletic, but can leave space in behind
for the opposition to exploit.
In the middle, tall German Per Mertesacker and Frenchman Laurent Koscielny
have developed a good partnership. Mertesacker is a dominant stopper, while
Koscielny has pace and ability on the ball.
Possible team: (4-4-1-1) Cech, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal,
Coquelin, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Ozil, Giroud
West Ham United
West Ham United have teamed up with football stats website WhoScored.com to
preview Sunday's Barclays Premier League opener with Arsenal.
West Ham will have played six competitive UEFA Europa League games before
Sunday's London derby comes around and Slaven Bilic will hope his team are
fit and ready to spring out of the blocks at the Emirates Stadium.
One player who is expected to be key for Bilic's side against Arsenal is
summer arrival Dimitri Payet. West Ham signalled their intention to better
last season's 12th-placed finish with the capture of the Frenchman, who
enjoyed a hugely successful campaign for former side Marseille last term.
The 28-year-old gained a WhoScored.com rating of 7.62 in France's top tier
last season, a figure only three players bettered. As a result, his
performances gained him a place in WhoScored.com's Ligue 1 team of the
season, with his 17 league assists contributing to that.
Following Stewart Downing's move to Middlesbrough, Payet will be expected to
undertake the role of creator-in-chief for the east London team and if he
and the West Ham frontmen can strike up an instant understanding, the
results could be devastating. Payet setting up former L'OM teammate
Andre-Pierre Gignac was the most prolific assist to goalscorer combination
in Ligue 1 last season, laying on six of the latter's goals.
Boasting a statistically calculated WhoScored.com strength of 'key passes' -
he completed 134 of them last season - Payet has the vision and creative
capability to unlock any defence and Bilic needs this facet of the
Frenchman's game to be prevalent in north London on Sunday.
Payet was one of the headline grabbing signings in the Premier League this
summer, and with 17 assists, seven goals and a 79.4 per cent pass-completion
percentage last season, that should come as little surprise to anyone.
Now, the challenge is for the No27 to replicate that devastating form in the
Barclays Premier League.
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Gold: Arsenal 'looking over their shoulders'
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 8th August 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham co-owner David Gold believes Arsenal will be "looking over their
shoulders" at West Ham this season. The septuagenarian, who has been in
joint control of the club since 2010 insisted that Slaven Bilic's side have
enough about them this season to threaten not only Arsenal, but the Premier
League's elite. "Arsenal are a top four football club and have been so for
many years," he told the club's website. "We are getting closer and closer
and they will be looking over their shoulders. "Our ambition is to make the
top four worried. With us moving to the new Stadium I am sure that is going
to be the case. "We have got a fantastic fan base and that is the key. The
numbers have been proven and we had 100,000 fans coming to see the Europa
League Qualifiers, which that is unheard of. ""I am always excited by the
beginning of the season and this is no different. It could not be more
difficult than going to Arsenal but I think we are ready. I am confident we
are going to have an exciting season."
However as one eagle-eyed KUMB member pointed out, Gold has a little history
for making bold claims ahead of the start of a new campaign.
For back in 2005/06, he made similar comments when still owner of Birmingham
City. "It's time to shrug off that fear of relegation and start talking
about being as good as anyone outside the top three or four," he said.
Birmingham City were relegated at the end of that season - which, like West
Ham, happened to be their fourth consecutive season in the top flight.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic planning payback on former mentor Arsene Wenger
in Emirates opener
22:30, 7 AUGUST 2015
BY MIKE WALTERS
New Hammers chief spent a week monitoring Arsene Wenger in 2001 while taking
his Pro Licence coaching badges and now wants to inflict defeat
The mirror
Slaven Bilic will thank Arsene Wenger for helping him set out on the road to
management - by trying to catch Arsenal loitering in the blocks again. New
West Ham boss Bilic spent a week monitoring Le Professeur at work in 2001,
when he was taking his Pro Licence coaching badges. The former Croatian
national manager , who left Steve McClaren to face a nation's wrath in 2007,
has kept in touch with Wenger since he watched the Gunners training 14 years
ago. But at his first game as a Premier League manager, Bilic is planning a
spectacular payback at the Emirates on Sunday - when he hopes to inflict
another shattering opening-day defeat on Arsenal Two years ago, the Gunners
were ambushed 3-1 by Aston Villa on the first day of term, and Bilic - on a
spying mission ahead of a Champion s League meeting with Wenger - says they
were lucky to beat Crystal Palace for starters 12 months ago. The Hammers
boss, who could include 16-year-old defender Reece Oxford in his line-up,
said: "When I was preparing to become a coach myself, Arsene Wenger was one
of the managers I studied at work on the training field for a week. "We've
stayed in touch and, of course, I rate him very highly. Arsenal are not just
role models for us, they are an example for all clubs to copy because of
their history and the way they do things. "But sometimes, the big teams
don't start the season well. I watched Arsenal play Palace in their first
Premier League game last season, because their next game was against my
Besiktas team in a Champions League play-off, and they won 2-1 with a
last-minute goal. "I remember the game well, and Palace deserved a point.
You have to play against Arsenal some time, and you know it will be a tough
game, but like most things in life it's a matter of how you approach
it."Some people try to look at these games as a bonus, where they have
nothing to lose, and maybe we are not the favourites - but it is a great
opportunity for us to show we are good enough, and it wouldn't be the first
time." Bilic has set a nominal target of a top 10 finish for the Hammers in
their final season at Upton Park before their state-sponsored move to the
Olympic Stadium. He will also be under the scrutiny in terms of playing
style after Sam Allardyce was ditched on the altar of the so-called West Ham
way, and Bilic admitted: "Good football is important to me, but you also
need people who are ready to make sacrifices for the team.
"Every manager's heart swells when his team plays good football, but I am
also pragmatic because it's results that matter." Striker Andy Carroll could
be back before the end of the month six months after a knee ligament
operation.
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West Ham sweating on 'a few' injury worries ahead of Arsenal clash
London 24
14:54 07 August 2015 Brad Pinard
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic admits he has a few injury concerns ahead of
opening Arsenal clash. The Hammers have question marks over the likes of
Winston Reid and Pedro Obiang for the Emirates battle but Bilic is hoping
they make it. "We are fit," Bilic said. "Valencia of course is badly
injured. But it could be worse. "We have a few more small issues, we will
see in training, but we will have a strong team. The Croatian left a number
of key players in London as the Hammers crashed out of the Europa League at
the hands of Astra Giurgiu but most are in line to return at the Emirates,
with loanee Carl Jenkinson unavailable against his parent club. Strikers
Enner Valencia and Andy Carroll (both knee) are definite absentees, with
Bilic ruling the roost over the remainder of his squad over the weekend.
Provisional squad: Adrian, Randolph, O'Brien, Tomkins, Collins, Ogbonna,
Reid, Cresswell, Hendrie, Noble, Nolan, Amalfitano, Obiang, Kouyate, Poyet,
Payet, Jarvis, Lanzini, Maiga, Zarate, Sakho.
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IFAB ANNOUNCE THE REFEREE FOR ARSENAL VS WEST HAM ON SUNDAY
2015/08/04 . by Editor . in News
redlondon.net
Martin Atkinson has been appointed as the referee for Sunday's Premier
League opening fixture against West Ham United. The Gunners will host the
Hammers at Emirates stadium in a bid to begin their challenge for title with
all three points. Apart from a 6-1 victory at Everton in 2009, Arsenal have
not made a habit of flying start on the opening day of the campaign in
recent years.
The last time Martin Atkinson was in charge of an Arsenal league match was
during the north London derby in February which saw Wenger's men succumb to
a 2-1 defeat at White Hart Lane.
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Arsenal vs West Ham United: Team news, kick-off time, line-up predictions
and stats for Barclays Premier League clash
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 13:05, 7 August 2015 | UPDATED: 13:05, 7 August 2015
Ahead of the opening weekend of Premier League action, Sportsmail will be
providing you with all you need to know about every fixture, with team news,
provisional squads, betting odds and Opta stats. Here is all the information
you need for Arsenal's home clash with West Ham.
Arsenal vs West Ham United (Emirates Stadium)
Team news
Arsenal
Jack Wilshere will miss Arsenal's Barclays Premier League opener against
West Ham at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The England international faces
four weeks on the sidelines after suffering a hairline fracture to his left
fibula. Alexis Sanchez, who only recently returned to training after his
Copa America exploits for Chile, is also out while Danny Welbeck and Tomas
Rosicky are both unavailable through injury.
Provisional squad: Cech, Bellerin, Chambers, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin,
Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Ozil, Walcott, Ospina, Giroud, Gibbs,
Mertesacker, Debuchy, Ramsey, Gabriel, Flamini, Arteta.
West Ham
Arsenal vs West Ham United
Kick-off: Sunday 1.30pm - Sky Sports 1
Odds (subject to change):
Arsenal 3/10
Draw 5/1
West Ham 11/1
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Managers: Arsene Wenger (Arsenal), Slaven Bilic (West Ham)
Head-to-head league record: Arsenal wins 55, draws 32, West Ham wins 27
Key match stats (supplied by Opta)
Arsenal have lost just one of their last 14 Premier League fixtures on the
opening weekend, winning nine (D4).
West Ham have lost more Premier League games on the opening weekend than any
other side (9).
Arsenal have been shown more opening day red cards than any other Premier
League side (6).
The Gunners have won their last nine league encounters with West Ham and are
unbeaten in 14 (W12 D2).
The Hammers won on their last trip to Highbury in 2005/06 and on their first
trip to the Emirates in 2006/07 but have not won at Arsenal in the league
since (D1 L6).
Olivier Giroud has scored five goals in five PL appearances against West
Ham, with four of those strikes coming on home soil.
Theo Walcott has scored more top-flight goals against the Hammers than
versus any other opponent (5).
Petr Cech has posted the best saves to shots ratio (min. 50 saves) of any
goalkeeper in the Premier League over the last three seasons (78%).
Dimitri Payet created the most chances in the top five European leagues in
2014/15 (135).
West Ham scored 15 headed goals in 2014/15, second only to West Brom (16),
while Arsenal conceded the highest proportion of goals to headers (36%).
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Sunday, August 9
Daily WHUFC News - 9th August 2015
U18s fall to opening-day Fulham defeat
WHUFc.com
Debutant George Dobson drew the Hammers level at 1-1
Barclays U18 Premier League
Fulham 3-1 West Ham United
Summer signing George Dobson opened his account for West Ham United U18s,
but could not prevent the Hammers from falling to a 3-1 Barclays U18 Premier
League defeat at Fulham on Saturday. The hosts made the perfect start at
Motspur Park when Aron Davies found space to fire home after 11 minutes,
before former Arsenal midfielder Dobson levelled matters after Jahmal
Hector-Ingram had hit a post. The visitors might have completed the
turnaround midway through the half, but Joe Powell saw his spot-kick saved
by Fulham keeper Jake Soutter.
The Cottagers made the most of their reprieve after the break, with frontman
Joshua Walker and full-back Ryheem Sheckleford firing the hosts to an
opening-day win. On his West Ham debut, Dobson started alongside Matt
Carter in the heart of midfield, while Oscar Borg, Marcus Browne and Joe
Powell, all of whom featured for the Development Squad at Canvey Island on
Wednesday, supported Hector Ingram in attack. But it was the Whites who
showed first, with a goal which stemmed from a set piece. Hammers stopper
Tim Brown had initially repelled Ravin Shamsi's free-kick, but Foday Nabay
reacted quickest to whip the ball in across the face of the goal for Davies
to stab home. The Hammers, however, were not behind for long. With 19 gone,
Fulham 'keeper Soutter spilled a Hector-Ingram shot from distance onto the
woodwork, which fell to the feet of Dobson, who finished confidently to
restore parity. New boy Dobson was involved again three minutes later, this
time being upended in the box as he prepared to shoot. Powell took charge
from 12 yards but was denied by Soutter, who was smartly back to his feet to
repel Browne's follow up.West Ham carved out another fine opportunity five
minutes into the second half, when Hector-Ingram slotted through to Browne,
but Soutter was again on hand to smother. And Fulham made the Hammers pay
for their missed chances with their second of the contest on the hour mark.
Walker raced in behind the West Ham backline and slotted sweetly into the
corner. As Steve Potts' side searched for a second equaliser, Declan Rice
and Dobson both connected with Powell free-kicks, but neither could keep
their headers on target. At the other end, Fulham went desperately close to
extending their advantage. Shamsi saw his strike cannon back off the
woodwork, before Brown denied Fulham's Estonian substitute Mattias Kait on
the rebound. With just five minutes left to play, Brown was again called
into action, this time to brilliantly repel Walker's header. But the second
ball fell kindly for Sheckleford, who slammed home to consign the Hammers to
defeat. Potts' men will look to pick up their first points of the season
when they host Tottenham Hotspur at Little Heath on Saturday 15 August.
Kick-off is set for 11am.
West Ham United U18s: Brown, Sylvestre, Neufville (Pask 46), Dobson (Henry
79), Akinola, Rice, Borg, Carter (Eggleton 64), Hector-Ingram, Browne,
Powell. Subs not used: Boness, Lewis.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cresswell - We're definitely raring to go
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell says West Ham United will give it everything to get their
2015/16 Barclays Premier League campaign off to a successful start on
Sunday. The Hammers make the short trip to the Emirates Stadium to face
Arsenal, with many predicting the visitors will return home with nothing to
show for their efforts. Hammer of the Year Cresswell is having none of that,
however, and says the squad are determined to get Slaven Bilic's domestic
managerial reign underway with a performance to be proud of. "It's never
going to be easy going to Arsenal, but we've been working hard over the last
six weeks and it's one we're looking forward to and we're confident going
there," said the left-back. After half-a-dozen pre-season matches and six
UEFA Europa League ties, West Ham finally get their Barclays Premier League
campaign underway this weekend, and Cresswell admitted the players have been
looking forward to their return to top-flight action. "We're definitely
raring to go," the told West Ham TV. "It was never going to be easy with the
schedule we've had, but as professionals we've just got to get on with it as
there's nothing we could do about it. "We have prepared ourselves the best
we possibly could do over the last few weeks. It's been tough at times,
playing Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, but we've adapted well to it and
hopefully it will stand us in good stead come the start of the Premier
League season."
Last year we hit the ground running with the signings that came into the
building and hopefully we can do the same this year With a new manager,
backroom staff and nine new signings through the door, Cresswell is hoping
West Ham can replicate the strong start they made last season, and avoid the
post-Christmas collapse this time around. "Last year we hit the ground
running with the signings that came into the building and hopefully we can
do the same this year," he continued. "We had a good first half to the
season last season, but the second half wasn't so good. "It we can get a
good start and take it into the Christmas period, we can kick on from there.
The main aim is to finish in the top ten. "
After signing a new long-term contract in the summer, the No3 is keen to
take his own game to the next level after a superb first season in the
Barclays Premier League. "That's in the past now and I'm looking to kick on
and improve each day on the training ground and in each game I play in,
taking each experience as it comes along," he explained. "For me, I want to
play as many games as I can and keep improving."
So, what of Arsenal, who beat Chelsea 1-0 to win the Community Shield at
Wembley last weekend thanks to a goal from the man who could be Cresswell's
direct opponent on Sunday, right winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain? "It's the
Premier League and anyone can beat anyone, but we know it's not going to be
easy going there and it's not going to be a stroll in the park," Cresswell
conceded. "We're going to go there and give 110 per cent, as we will in
every game we play, and hopefully we'll get a result there. "There are
plenty of world-class players in the Premier League and everyone wants to
test themselves against the best there is out there. The top five or six
teams in the Premier League have got some of the best players in the world,
so it's good to put yourself up against them. "It is one I am personally
looking forward to and I'm sure all the other lads are as well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Edin in the right direction
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's new first-team coach Edin Terzic cannot hide his
excitement as he prepares to start work in the Barclays Premier League. The
32-year-old arrives in England's top-flight after cutting his teeth with
German giants Borussia Dortmund, where he served as a scout and coach to the
hugely successful Jurgen Klopp, before spending the past two and a half
years working under Slaven Bilic. After stints with the Croatian national
team and Turkish club Besiktas, the UEFA 'A' Licence holder has followed
Bilic to West Ham to begin a project he hopes will bring great success to
the east London club. "We need to honour this great stadium by having a
great season," Terzic told West Ham TV, alluding to the final season at the
Boleyn Ground. "We want to improve with every game and, as a coach, I want
us to improve with every session. "We would like to leave the club in a
better condition than when we found it. That's hard, but this is what we are
here for."
So, just who is Edin Terzic and how did he become a member of Slaven Bilic's
technical staff? "I was born and grew up in Germany but my mother is
Croatian and my father is from Bosnia, so I speak Croatian and I met Slaven
a couple of years ago and I started doing some analysis work for him with
the national team," he explained. "At the time I was working as a youth
coach with the Academy of Borussia Dortmund and was also one of the scouts
for Jurgen Klopp and his team and I was looking at players. "For the last
two years I have worked with Slaven in Besiktas and for the last
two-and-a-half years overall."
As a youngster, Terzic himself harboured hopes of becoming a professional
footballer himself, playing for German lower-league clubs SG Wattenscheid,
SC Westfalia Herne and BV Cloppenburg before hanging up his boots in 2012.
When he realised he would not make it to the Bundesliga as a player, Terzic
decided to try to do so as a coach and scout. "I was very young as a coach,
so I started doing my coaching licences and studied sports science in
Germany and paid my bills and university by playing semi-professional
football," he continued.
"I studied for my UEFA 'A' Licence and met the chief scout of Borussia
Dortmund and a couple of months later he called me and offered me a job. In
2010, I stopped playing and started to be a coach with Borussia Dortmund."
During his time with Dortmund, Terzic was sent on a scouting mission to
Croatia, where he was hosted by an agent. "It was a totally strange story,"
he smiled. "I had been in Croatia on a scouting job to watch a player and
usually the scouts arecked up and given a lift to the ground. "On this
occasion the agent was very kind and we had a great dinner, but then he said
'You must meet my brother'. I was polite and said I would, but I didn't know
who his brother was! "He said he was called Domagoj Bilic and his brother
was Slaven Bilic! I didn't think about it until I was at a game in Sweden
and three days before the European Championship in 2012 I got a phone call.
I didn't respond, then I got another phone call and didn't respond. Then I
got a message 'Please call me back. Regards, Slaven Bilic' so I thought I
better call back! "I called back and that's the story of how we met each
other in 2012!"
Having joined forces with Bilic, the duo have evolved a style of play that
has seen them enjoy great success in recent years. So, what is the
philosophy of West Ham's new managerial team? "I don't want to talk about
philosophy but to show it," said Terzic, with a determination that clearly
drives him. "It's about acting and not reacting. Acting doesn't mean we want
to have 85 per cent ball possession, but we want to have the right solution
at the right moment. This is the main part of it. "I think we have a great
relationship. It's totally open, so are spending a lot of time together and
we see each other more than we see our families. We are talking about
everything on and off the pitch and we definitely understand each other and
are on the same wavelength."
With Terzic and Bilic in the dugout, West Ham United are Edin in the right
direction…
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Euro exit ended Raul Jimenez deal
KUMB,com
Filed: Saturday, 8th August 2015
By: Staff Writer
Raul Jimenez has opted against signing for West Ham - following the club's
exit from the Europa League on Thursday. The talented 24-year-old was all
set to join West Ham on loan for the season having agreed personal terms
with the club. However a report in today's Mundo Deportivo claims that
Jiminez opted to join Benfica instead after West Ham's second string were
dumped out of the Europa League by Romanian minnows Astra Giurgiu. Benfica
are now set to sign the Mexican international on a permanent basis, although
50 per cent of his rights will continue to be owned by his agent. Jiminez is
also thought to have been tempted by the move to Portugal having been
guaranteed first team football, which wouldn't have been the case at West
Ham.
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West Ham have gambled on Slaven Bilic, and the club is more under the
microscope than ever
22:15, 8 August 2015
OPINION BY ANDYDUNN
The Croat is undoubtedly charismatic, but he will need to do more than just
make people laugh in east London
The Mirror
The last time Slaven Bilic managed a team at the Emirates – Besiktas in a
Champions League play-off last year – he was forbidden from being in the
dugout. West Ham's season is not even a Premier League game old yet and
Bilic has already served one touchline ban. With the Football Association
introducing a clampdown on technical area tantrums, there is every chance
Slaven will be spending more time in the posh seats this season than David
Sullivan's furry hat. He's a passionate man, you see. We've been told that
about a million times. But also a pragmatic one, it seems. The Europa League
is insulted on a regular basis by English teams but not usually BEFORE the
first whistle of our own one. Bilic preferred to send what was pretty much a
hybrid second/third team to Astra Giurgiu and West Ham's European adventure
was over before a grouse has been pelleted on British moors. Now, you won't
find a defence of the Europa League here. It is a bloated nonsense of a
competition, made even more farcical by the parachuting of Champions League
failures into the later stages.
But a competitive football match is a competitive football match. Bilic
should have found a way to win a two-legged tie against the team that
finished fourth in the Romanian league last season and didn' t. It is a
first failure on his West Ham record. Whatever way you look at it.His
rationale was to keep the vast majority of the first-team squad fresh for
the visit to Arsenal. And why not? After all, West Ham's recent history at
the Emirates is promising. Since a 1-0 win nine seasons ago, they have
played seven, lost six, drawn one, scored two, conceded 16. But you never
know. Law of averages, and all that. Every point scraped this season will,
of course, be vital. Just before Bilic's selection succumbed on Thursday
night, there was a BBC news special which suggested the Olympic Stadium deal
was even more peachy for West Ham than was first imagined. If that can be
possible. It is a scandal, for sure. But a scandal that lies with those in
charge of Olympic legacy not with the West Ham owners. Sullivan and David
Gold have negotiated the footballing deal of a century that still has 85
years left to run. They are extremely sure-footed businessmen. Which made
their appointment of Bilic earlier this summer a surprise. A surprise, as in
a risk. Keeping Sam Allardyce would not have been much of a risk. Going all
out for a David Moyes or a Tony Pulis would not have been much of a risk.
Bilic is. He is one of the biggest risks taken by Premier League owners in a
long while.
This will be an emotional and crucial season for West Ham. But the board
didn't want a cold, calculating, no-nonsense figure. Bilic is popular
because, well, he's a bit mad. He was a populist choice even if the reasons
for his popularity are a little opaque. His start has been erratic. He has
already overseen three red cards, in addition to his own indiscretion, and
his team have conceded some pretty shoddy goals. Reading too much into a
hapless summer exit from a competition so broadly sneered at in these parts
would be wrong. But one thing is for sure. If, at the time, Messrs Gold and
Sullivan didn't realise appointing Bilic for such a watershed West Ham
season was one hell of a gamble… they do now.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
est Ham offered transfer of Dimitar Berbatov as he eyes a return to the
Premier League
0 COMMENTS22:30, 8 AUGUST 2015
BY MIRROR FOOTBALL
The 34-year-old striker is clubless after being released by Monaco and his
representatives have also approached Aston Villa and Leicester
The Mirror
Dimitar Berbatov has been offered to West Ham, writes the Sunday People.
Former Tottenham, Manchester United and Fulham striker Berbatov is desperate
to get back to the Premier League after French club Monaco decided not to
offer him a new deal.Representatives acting on his behalf have also alerted
Aston Villa and Leicester to the fact England is his desired destination.
And the Hammers are the latest club to be asked if they would consider a
move for the 34-year-old Bulgaria international.
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West Ham's Dimitri Payet reveals Joe Cole was driving force behind his Upton
Park move
22:30, 8 AUGUST 2015
BY DEAN JONES
Frenchman says the former Hammers midfielder spoke in glowing terms about
his boyhood club when they were teammates at Lille
The Mirror
Dimitri Payet has revealed how Joe Cole was a driving force behind his move
to West Ham. The Frenchman will make his Premier League debut against
Arsenal on Sunday after completing a £10.7million switch from Marseille to
Upton Park this summer. The exciting midfielder, who also attracted
attention from Inter Milan, met ex-Hammer Cole while they were team-mates in
France at Lille three years ago, and the pair stayed in contact. Payet – who
created more goalscoring opportunities than anyone else in EUROPE last
season – now wants to emulate his English pal at Upton Park. He said: "Joe
Cole motivated me to sign for West Ham. "I met him when he was playing for
Lille and he spoke about the club in a very positive way. He told me it is a
great club and that it had so much ambition and wants to achieve things.
"Now, I need to go out and give 100 per cent if I want to go into the same
category as people like Joe Cole and Paolo Di Canio." The Hammers are
looking to bounce back from a Europa League exit to little-known Romanian
side Astra Giugiu on Thursday. But Payet added: "The real question is
whether the Europa League was really of use to us this season... I don't
think so."
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Slav won't park the bus!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic has told the squad for the Arsenal game nobody should be
looking for a little rest during tomorrow's (Sun)"90 minutes at the
Emirates. The manager declared: 'Basically, we have to defend as a unit. You
cannot have two or three bodies staying up front, and resting, against
teams, especially with Arsenal. You cannot get away with it. "You have to be
as a unit, defend with numbers, attack with numbers.' But he appears to have
no intention of going to the Emirates and defending for the duration of the
game adding: "You can say: "we are going to defend", we are going to say in
England we will park the bus and hope you have that magic moment. "But we
have a team, when we are fit, that has got a lot of creative players."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moncur's CandH blog: Gunners v Irons
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
So today we will be either trekking our way to North London or settling down
in front of Sky Sports for the opening game of the season probably with more
hope than expectation in our hearts.
And despite the uneven spread of results across pre-season I believe the
team is ready although we'll find out for the first time today exactly how
Slaven sees things.
I sat down in his office a few days back and we caught up on old times. It
was great to meet up again and I was struck again by his intelligence and
absolute love of the game.
Sunday's game could hardly be tougher. Arsenal are a terrific team and I
know that Slav has a great regard for Arsene Wenger but our man may just
have one or two surprises up his sleeve.
Let's remember though that we finished last season as one of – if not THE –
most out of form team in the Premier League and there's a confidence
building job to be done as well as a new style of play to be introduced.
Whatever some may think, we now have a better squad than we have had for
several years and I've got everything crossed that we can take the Gunners
by surprise.
First and foremost I'm a fan and always see the best side of things but I
hope I'm also a realist and the truth is we have one hell of a job on our
hands.
We are about 10/1 outsiders to win the game and it's around 5/1 for the draw
with the Arsenal well odds-on to win. I think those odds are a bit over the
top but I honestly can't tip us to win.
A draw would be fantastic but the main thing is that we go there and give
them a real game, put in a performance and come out with our heads held
high.
What we can't afford to happen is to get battered because that sets up a
mental reaction which is hard to shake off. I think Slav will have them in
good shape and that we'll give 'em a game.
But the fans have to give Slav a chance. It could take him a couple of years
to really put his mark on this team.
I'm sure we'll be safe and mid table but let's keep the expectancy levels
down a bit and give the man a real crack of the whip.
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Irons look to wreck Wenger's fast start hope
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has demanded his team shake off the "slow
starters" tag which plagued them last season when the team clash with the
Irons tomorrow.
They won just two of their opening eight games and the Frenchman, heading
into his 20th campaign as Arsenal boss, wants no repeats."
They were held to a point on four occasions and lost a couple before
hitting their stride around November so unsurprisingly the mood within the
Irons camp is that this is the best time of the season to travel to the
Emirates.
Slaven Bilic believes the Irons can acquit themselves well and will look to
capitalise on any psychological reserve given that history.
'I'm motivated to start well,' said Wenger, who will be without Jack
Wilshere, Danny Welbeck and Tomas Rosicky for Arsenal's opener against West
Ham.
"One of our targets is to start strongly, we've had good preparation and
that should give us much-needed confidence.
"The Premier League is a fight in every single game so we have to prepare
ourselves mentally for that and come out of the blocks straight away against
West Ham.
'Every game of pre-season went well, and I cannot remember a much better
preparation.
We won the FA Cup last year, we finished third in the league so our target
is very high – we want to win the Premier League.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dicksie: "I know what the fans want"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Julian Dicks is living his ultimate dream and every moment of it is down to
Slaven Bilic. Dicksie had been looking for a major coaching job for a long
time before taking over the Irons Ladies team but the arrival of his room m
ate from his playing days changed everything.
Talkimg to London24.com he admitted: "The only time I would have got a job
back here is with someone like Slaven, Fortunately for me he ot the
manager's job, he gave me a call and said he wanted me to come back – it
really is a dream job for me." He brings an intimate knowledge of the fans'
requirements declaring: "I know what the fans want. I know what this club is
about and it is getting that over to the players. "Certain players already
know, it is about work-rate, about desire to play in the shirt that you are
wearing." "I have played under managers like John Lyall, who signed me,
Billy Bonds and Harry Redknapp and all of them knew what this club is all
about. They knew what the fans wanted and what they expected and that is
good football. "They know we are not going to win the Premier League, but
they want the team to work hard and play for the badge. "Morale is good
here, the players enjoy training, but it is not all about that, it is also
about doing that on the pitch for each other."
As we all enter the last season at the Boleyn, Dicksie said: "I have 11
years of memories here. There have been ups and downs, quite a lot of downs,
but this is a fantastic place and it is going to be sad to leave. "I have
been here for so long, but we have supporters who have been watching for 60
or 70 years and so we want it to be a memorable last season for them. "I
remember making my debut here against Everton. I had downs with my injuries,
but for me the most important thing about this place is the supporters.
Without them there isn't a football club and they stuck by me through thick
and thin. For me this place will always be in my heart."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moncur "bitter" over son George's treatment
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
ClaretandHugh blogger John Moncur has spoken for the first time of his
bitterness at seeing son George leave the club. Moncur snr is delighted that
new boss Slaven Bilic has given so many youngsters a chance in pre-season
and culd be forgiven for believing things could have been so much different
for his by under the new boss. He believes his lad's career as an Iron came
to an end at the City Ground on Sunday January 5, 2014 when Sam Allardyce
crazily chose to play a team of kids and was on the end of a 5-0 thrashing
by Nottingham Forest.
Monc recalls his emotions perfectly and sums them up in three words: "I
was gutted. He played nearly a whole team of kids when only two or three
should have been involved."
Speaking exclsuively to ClaretandHugh he said: "I don't really need to say
any more than that – everybody in football will tell you the same and George
– after playing a not bad at all 45 minutes – saw his career as a Hammer
ended that afternoon. Yeah you can say I was bitter. "The boy had been at
West Ham since he was nine years old, his Dad had played for the club. His
life was centred on becoming a star with West Ham and it was ll over – just
like that. "He carried scars for a while and got a fresh chance with
Colchester where he scored 10 goals out of midfield last season and I really
hope and pray he has a career in the game. "They've got Blackpool this
afternoon where Allardyce's Number Two from West Ham, Neil McDonald is
manager so I hope he shows him how wrong it was to get rid of him.
"George wasn't alone in suffering – Danny Potts left but proving his own oin
point in America is Sebastian Lleteg – not good enough apparently but
performing brilliantly in the MLS." Moncs added: "George would come back to
the Irons like a shot and I just wish Slaven had been here last year because
had that been the case I think George would still be here with a Hammers
career ahead of him."
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Benfica move on Jiminez
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham's hopes of landing Raul Jimenez on loan over the weekend depend on
whether the Atletico Madird striker rejects a move from Benfica.
ClaretandHugh understands the Portuguese giants have offered the striker a
permanent deal and he is currently thinking over his two options. The
Hammers had appealed his work permit and he is now clear to come to Britain
but Benfica made their move on the 24 year old. We revealed exclusively
yesterday that other clubs had moved in on the front man and this morning we
were told Benfica had come in with the offer of a permanent deal. A Hammers
source said: "Benfica are all over him but it remains fifty fifty – we are
hopeful but things aren't as straightforward as they seemed."
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"I spent too long at West Ham"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Freddie Sears fought a long losing battle to establish himself at the Irons
and now admits – TOO LONG! Five loan spells in four years tells its own
story and he now admits he'd have been better off moving on earlier and
getting match tim e. He told The Mail: "It didn't work out for me at West
Ham. It was my goal to play for them, but maybe my regret is not leaving
earlier and trying to get out and play more games. "It's a hard decision to
leave the club you support and the club that's local to you, but at the end
of the day you need to be playing football. I was 22 when I left; maybe I
could have left a bit earlier and played more but West Ham's a great club so
it wasn't easy."
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WHUFc.com
Debutant George Dobson drew the Hammers level at 1-1
Barclays U18 Premier League
Fulham 3-1 West Ham United
Summer signing George Dobson opened his account for West Ham United U18s,
but could not prevent the Hammers from falling to a 3-1 Barclays U18 Premier
League defeat at Fulham on Saturday. The hosts made the perfect start at
Motspur Park when Aron Davies found space to fire home after 11 minutes,
before former Arsenal midfielder Dobson levelled matters after Jahmal
Hector-Ingram had hit a post. The visitors might have completed the
turnaround midway through the half, but Joe Powell saw his spot-kick saved
by Fulham keeper Jake Soutter.
The Cottagers made the most of their reprieve after the break, with frontman
Joshua Walker and full-back Ryheem Sheckleford firing the hosts to an
opening-day win. On his West Ham debut, Dobson started alongside Matt
Carter in the heart of midfield, while Oscar Borg, Marcus Browne and Joe
Powell, all of whom featured for the Development Squad at Canvey Island on
Wednesday, supported Hector Ingram in attack. But it was the Whites who
showed first, with a goal which stemmed from a set piece. Hammers stopper
Tim Brown had initially repelled Ravin Shamsi's free-kick, but Foday Nabay
reacted quickest to whip the ball in across the face of the goal for Davies
to stab home. The Hammers, however, were not behind for long. With 19 gone,
Fulham 'keeper Soutter spilled a Hector-Ingram shot from distance onto the
woodwork, which fell to the feet of Dobson, who finished confidently to
restore parity. New boy Dobson was involved again three minutes later, this
time being upended in the box as he prepared to shoot. Powell took charge
from 12 yards but was denied by Soutter, who was smartly back to his feet to
repel Browne's follow up.West Ham carved out another fine opportunity five
minutes into the second half, when Hector-Ingram slotted through to Browne,
but Soutter was again on hand to smother. And Fulham made the Hammers pay
for their missed chances with their second of the contest on the hour mark.
Walker raced in behind the West Ham backline and slotted sweetly into the
corner. As Steve Potts' side searched for a second equaliser, Declan Rice
and Dobson both connected with Powell free-kicks, but neither could keep
their headers on target. At the other end, Fulham went desperately close to
extending their advantage. Shamsi saw his strike cannon back off the
woodwork, before Brown denied Fulham's Estonian substitute Mattias Kait on
the rebound. With just five minutes left to play, Brown was again called
into action, this time to brilliantly repel Walker's header. But the second
ball fell kindly for Sheckleford, who slammed home to consign the Hammers to
defeat. Potts' men will look to pick up their first points of the season
when they host Tottenham Hotspur at Little Heath on Saturday 15 August.
Kick-off is set for 11am.
West Ham United U18s: Brown, Sylvestre, Neufville (Pask 46), Dobson (Henry
79), Akinola, Rice, Borg, Carter (Eggleton 64), Hector-Ingram, Browne,
Powell. Subs not used: Boness, Lewis.
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Cresswell - We're definitely raring to go
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell says West Ham United will give it everything to get their
2015/16 Barclays Premier League campaign off to a successful start on
Sunday. The Hammers make the short trip to the Emirates Stadium to face
Arsenal, with many predicting the visitors will return home with nothing to
show for their efforts. Hammer of the Year Cresswell is having none of that,
however, and says the squad are determined to get Slaven Bilic's domestic
managerial reign underway with a performance to be proud of. "It's never
going to be easy going to Arsenal, but we've been working hard over the last
six weeks and it's one we're looking forward to and we're confident going
there," said the left-back. After half-a-dozen pre-season matches and six
UEFA Europa League ties, West Ham finally get their Barclays Premier League
campaign underway this weekend, and Cresswell admitted the players have been
looking forward to their return to top-flight action. "We're definitely
raring to go," the told West Ham TV. "It was never going to be easy with the
schedule we've had, but as professionals we've just got to get on with it as
there's nothing we could do about it. "We have prepared ourselves the best
we possibly could do over the last few weeks. It's been tough at times,
playing Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, but we've adapted well to it and
hopefully it will stand us in good stead come the start of the Premier
League season."
Last year we hit the ground running with the signings that came into the
building and hopefully we can do the same this year With a new manager,
backroom staff and nine new signings through the door, Cresswell is hoping
West Ham can replicate the strong start they made last season, and avoid the
post-Christmas collapse this time around. "Last year we hit the ground
running with the signings that came into the building and hopefully we can
do the same this year," he continued. "We had a good first half to the
season last season, but the second half wasn't so good. "It we can get a
good start and take it into the Christmas period, we can kick on from there.
The main aim is to finish in the top ten. "
After signing a new long-term contract in the summer, the No3 is keen to
take his own game to the next level after a superb first season in the
Barclays Premier League. "That's in the past now and I'm looking to kick on
and improve each day on the training ground and in each game I play in,
taking each experience as it comes along," he explained. "For me, I want to
play as many games as I can and keep improving."
So, what of Arsenal, who beat Chelsea 1-0 to win the Community Shield at
Wembley last weekend thanks to a goal from the man who could be Cresswell's
direct opponent on Sunday, right winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain? "It's the
Premier League and anyone can beat anyone, but we know it's not going to be
easy going there and it's not going to be a stroll in the park," Cresswell
conceded. "We're going to go there and give 110 per cent, as we will in
every game we play, and hopefully we'll get a result there. "There are
plenty of world-class players in the Premier League and everyone wants to
test themselves against the best there is out there. The top five or six
teams in the Premier League have got some of the best players in the world,
so it's good to put yourself up against them. "It is one I am personally
looking forward to and I'm sure all the other lads are as well."
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Edin in the right direction
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's new first-team coach Edin Terzic cannot hide his
excitement as he prepares to start work in the Barclays Premier League. The
32-year-old arrives in England's top-flight after cutting his teeth with
German giants Borussia Dortmund, where he served as a scout and coach to the
hugely successful Jurgen Klopp, before spending the past two and a half
years working under Slaven Bilic. After stints with the Croatian national
team and Turkish club Besiktas, the UEFA 'A' Licence holder has followed
Bilic to West Ham to begin a project he hopes will bring great success to
the east London club. "We need to honour this great stadium by having a
great season," Terzic told West Ham TV, alluding to the final season at the
Boleyn Ground. "We want to improve with every game and, as a coach, I want
us to improve with every session. "We would like to leave the club in a
better condition than when we found it. That's hard, but this is what we are
here for."
So, just who is Edin Terzic and how did he become a member of Slaven Bilic's
technical staff? "I was born and grew up in Germany but my mother is
Croatian and my father is from Bosnia, so I speak Croatian and I met Slaven
a couple of years ago and I started doing some analysis work for him with
the national team," he explained. "At the time I was working as a youth
coach with the Academy of Borussia Dortmund and was also one of the scouts
for Jurgen Klopp and his team and I was looking at players. "For the last
two years I have worked with Slaven in Besiktas and for the last
two-and-a-half years overall."
As a youngster, Terzic himself harboured hopes of becoming a professional
footballer himself, playing for German lower-league clubs SG Wattenscheid,
SC Westfalia Herne and BV Cloppenburg before hanging up his boots in 2012.
When he realised he would not make it to the Bundesliga as a player, Terzic
decided to try to do so as a coach and scout. "I was very young as a coach,
so I started doing my coaching licences and studied sports science in
Germany and paid my bills and university by playing semi-professional
football," he continued.
"I studied for my UEFA 'A' Licence and met the chief scout of Borussia
Dortmund and a couple of months later he called me and offered me a job. In
2010, I stopped playing and started to be a coach with Borussia Dortmund."
During his time with Dortmund, Terzic was sent on a scouting mission to
Croatia, where he was hosted by an agent. "It was a totally strange story,"
he smiled. "I had been in Croatia on a scouting job to watch a player and
usually the scouts arecked up and given a lift to the ground. "On this
occasion the agent was very kind and we had a great dinner, but then he said
'You must meet my brother'. I was polite and said I would, but I didn't know
who his brother was! "He said he was called Domagoj Bilic and his brother
was Slaven Bilic! I didn't think about it until I was at a game in Sweden
and three days before the European Championship in 2012 I got a phone call.
I didn't respond, then I got another phone call and didn't respond. Then I
got a message 'Please call me back. Regards, Slaven Bilic' so I thought I
better call back! "I called back and that's the story of how we met each
other in 2012!"
Having joined forces with Bilic, the duo have evolved a style of play that
has seen them enjoy great success in recent years. So, what is the
philosophy of West Ham's new managerial team? "I don't want to talk about
philosophy but to show it," said Terzic, with a determination that clearly
drives him. "It's about acting and not reacting. Acting doesn't mean we want
to have 85 per cent ball possession, but we want to have the right solution
at the right moment. This is the main part of it. "I think we have a great
relationship. It's totally open, so are spending a lot of time together and
we see each other more than we see our families. We are talking about
everything on and off the pitch and we definitely understand each other and
are on the same wavelength."
With Terzic and Bilic in the dugout, West Ham United are Edin in the right
direction…
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West Ham's Euro exit ended Raul Jimenez deal
KUMB,com
Filed: Saturday, 8th August 2015
By: Staff Writer
Raul Jimenez has opted against signing for West Ham - following the club's
exit from the Europa League on Thursday. The talented 24-year-old was all
set to join West Ham on loan for the season having agreed personal terms
with the club. However a report in today's Mundo Deportivo claims that
Jiminez opted to join Benfica instead after West Ham's second string were
dumped out of the Europa League by Romanian minnows Astra Giurgiu. Benfica
are now set to sign the Mexican international on a permanent basis, although
50 per cent of his rights will continue to be owned by his agent. Jiminez is
also thought to have been tempted by the move to Portugal having been
guaranteed first team football, which wouldn't have been the case at West
Ham.
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West Ham have gambled on Slaven Bilic, and the club is more under the
microscope than ever
22:15, 8 August 2015
OPINION BY ANDYDUNN
The Croat is undoubtedly charismatic, but he will need to do more than just
make people laugh in east London
The Mirror
The last time Slaven Bilic managed a team at the Emirates – Besiktas in a
Champions League play-off last year – he was forbidden from being in the
dugout. West Ham's season is not even a Premier League game old yet and
Bilic has already served one touchline ban. With the Football Association
introducing a clampdown on technical area tantrums, there is every chance
Slaven will be spending more time in the posh seats this season than David
Sullivan's furry hat. He's a passionate man, you see. We've been told that
about a million times. But also a pragmatic one, it seems. The Europa League
is insulted on a regular basis by English teams but not usually BEFORE the
first whistle of our own one. Bilic preferred to send what was pretty much a
hybrid second/third team to Astra Giurgiu and West Ham's European adventure
was over before a grouse has been pelleted on British moors. Now, you won't
find a defence of the Europa League here. It is a bloated nonsense of a
competition, made even more farcical by the parachuting of Champions League
failures into the later stages.
But a competitive football match is a competitive football match. Bilic
should have found a way to win a two-legged tie against the team that
finished fourth in the Romanian league last season and didn' t. It is a
first failure on his West Ham record. Whatever way you look at it.His
rationale was to keep the vast majority of the first-team squad fresh for
the visit to Arsenal. And why not? After all, West Ham's recent history at
the Emirates is promising. Since a 1-0 win nine seasons ago, they have
played seven, lost six, drawn one, scored two, conceded 16. But you never
know. Law of averages, and all that. Every point scraped this season will,
of course, be vital. Just before Bilic's selection succumbed on Thursday
night, there was a BBC news special which suggested the Olympic Stadium deal
was even more peachy for West Ham than was first imagined. If that can be
possible. It is a scandal, for sure. But a scandal that lies with those in
charge of Olympic legacy not with the West Ham owners. Sullivan and David
Gold have negotiated the footballing deal of a century that still has 85
years left to run. They are extremely sure-footed businessmen. Which made
their appointment of Bilic earlier this summer a surprise. A surprise, as in
a risk. Keeping Sam Allardyce would not have been much of a risk. Going all
out for a David Moyes or a Tony Pulis would not have been much of a risk.
Bilic is. He is one of the biggest risks taken by Premier League owners in a
long while.
This will be an emotional and crucial season for West Ham. But the board
didn't want a cold, calculating, no-nonsense figure. Bilic is popular
because, well, he's a bit mad. He was a populist choice even if the reasons
for his popularity are a little opaque. His start has been erratic. He has
already overseen three red cards, in addition to his own indiscretion, and
his team have conceded some pretty shoddy goals. Reading too much into a
hapless summer exit from a competition so broadly sneered at in these parts
would be wrong. But one thing is for sure. If, at the time, Messrs Gold and
Sullivan didn't realise appointing Bilic for such a watershed West Ham
season was one hell of a gamble… they do now.
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est Ham offered transfer of Dimitar Berbatov as he eyes a return to the
Premier League
0 COMMENTS22:30, 8 AUGUST 2015
BY MIRROR FOOTBALL
The 34-year-old striker is clubless after being released by Monaco and his
representatives have also approached Aston Villa and Leicester
The Mirror
Dimitar Berbatov has been offered to West Ham, writes the Sunday People.
Former Tottenham, Manchester United and Fulham striker Berbatov is desperate
to get back to the Premier League after French club Monaco decided not to
offer him a new deal.Representatives acting on his behalf have also alerted
Aston Villa and Leicester to the fact England is his desired destination.
And the Hammers are the latest club to be asked if they would consider a
move for the 34-year-old Bulgaria international.
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West Ham's Dimitri Payet reveals Joe Cole was driving force behind his Upton
Park move
22:30, 8 AUGUST 2015
BY DEAN JONES
Frenchman says the former Hammers midfielder spoke in glowing terms about
his boyhood club when they were teammates at Lille
The Mirror
Dimitri Payet has revealed how Joe Cole was a driving force behind his move
to West Ham. The Frenchman will make his Premier League debut against
Arsenal on Sunday after completing a £10.7million switch from Marseille to
Upton Park this summer. The exciting midfielder, who also attracted
attention from Inter Milan, met ex-Hammer Cole while they were team-mates in
France at Lille three years ago, and the pair stayed in contact. Payet – who
created more goalscoring opportunities than anyone else in EUROPE last
season – now wants to emulate his English pal at Upton Park. He said: "Joe
Cole motivated me to sign for West Ham. "I met him when he was playing for
Lille and he spoke about the club in a very positive way. He told me it is a
great club and that it had so much ambition and wants to achieve things.
"Now, I need to go out and give 100 per cent if I want to go into the same
category as people like Joe Cole and Paolo Di Canio." The Hammers are
looking to bounce back from a Europa League exit to little-known Romanian
side Astra Giugiu on Thursday. But Payet added: "The real question is
whether the Europa League was really of use to us this season... I don't
think so."
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Slav won't park the bus!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic has told the squad for the Arsenal game nobody should be
looking for a little rest during tomorrow's (Sun)"90 minutes at the
Emirates. The manager declared: 'Basically, we have to defend as a unit. You
cannot have two or three bodies staying up front, and resting, against
teams, especially with Arsenal. You cannot get away with it. "You have to be
as a unit, defend with numbers, attack with numbers.' But he appears to have
no intention of going to the Emirates and defending for the duration of the
game adding: "You can say: "we are going to defend", we are going to say in
England we will park the bus and hope you have that magic moment. "But we
have a team, when we are fit, that has got a lot of creative players."
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Moncur's CandH blog: Gunners v Irons
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
So today we will be either trekking our way to North London or settling down
in front of Sky Sports for the opening game of the season probably with more
hope than expectation in our hearts.
And despite the uneven spread of results across pre-season I believe the
team is ready although we'll find out for the first time today exactly how
Slaven sees things.
I sat down in his office a few days back and we caught up on old times. It
was great to meet up again and I was struck again by his intelligence and
absolute love of the game.
Sunday's game could hardly be tougher. Arsenal are a terrific team and I
know that Slav has a great regard for Arsene Wenger but our man may just
have one or two surprises up his sleeve.
Let's remember though that we finished last season as one of – if not THE –
most out of form team in the Premier League and there's a confidence
building job to be done as well as a new style of play to be introduced.
Whatever some may think, we now have a better squad than we have had for
several years and I've got everything crossed that we can take the Gunners
by surprise.
First and foremost I'm a fan and always see the best side of things but I
hope I'm also a realist and the truth is we have one hell of a job on our
hands.
We are about 10/1 outsiders to win the game and it's around 5/1 for the draw
with the Arsenal well odds-on to win. I think those odds are a bit over the
top but I honestly can't tip us to win.
A draw would be fantastic but the main thing is that we go there and give
them a real game, put in a performance and come out with our heads held
high.
What we can't afford to happen is to get battered because that sets up a
mental reaction which is hard to shake off. I think Slav will have them in
good shape and that we'll give 'em a game.
But the fans have to give Slav a chance. It could take him a couple of years
to really put his mark on this team.
I'm sure we'll be safe and mid table but let's keep the expectancy levels
down a bit and give the man a real crack of the whip.
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Irons look to wreck Wenger's fast start hope
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has demanded his team shake off the "slow
starters" tag which plagued them last season when the team clash with the
Irons tomorrow.
They won just two of their opening eight games and the Frenchman, heading
into his 20th campaign as Arsenal boss, wants no repeats."
They were held to a point on four occasions and lost a couple before
hitting their stride around November so unsurprisingly the mood within the
Irons camp is that this is the best time of the season to travel to the
Emirates.
Slaven Bilic believes the Irons can acquit themselves well and will look to
capitalise on any psychological reserve given that history.
'I'm motivated to start well,' said Wenger, who will be without Jack
Wilshere, Danny Welbeck and Tomas Rosicky for Arsenal's opener against West
Ham.
"One of our targets is to start strongly, we've had good preparation and
that should give us much-needed confidence.
"The Premier League is a fight in every single game so we have to prepare
ourselves mentally for that and come out of the blocks straight away against
West Ham.
'Every game of pre-season went well, and I cannot remember a much better
preparation.
We won the FA Cup last year, we finished third in the league so our target
is very high – we want to win the Premier League.'
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Dicksie: "I know what the fans want"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Julian Dicks is living his ultimate dream and every moment of it is down to
Slaven Bilic. Dicksie had been looking for a major coaching job for a long
time before taking over the Irons Ladies team but the arrival of his room m
ate from his playing days changed everything.
Talkimg to London24.com he admitted: "The only time I would have got a job
back here is with someone like Slaven, Fortunately for me he ot the
manager's job, he gave me a call and said he wanted me to come back – it
really is a dream job for me." He brings an intimate knowledge of the fans'
requirements declaring: "I know what the fans want. I know what this club is
about and it is getting that over to the players. "Certain players already
know, it is about work-rate, about desire to play in the shirt that you are
wearing." "I have played under managers like John Lyall, who signed me,
Billy Bonds and Harry Redknapp and all of them knew what this club is all
about. They knew what the fans wanted and what they expected and that is
good football. "They know we are not going to win the Premier League, but
they want the team to work hard and play for the badge. "Morale is good
here, the players enjoy training, but it is not all about that, it is also
about doing that on the pitch for each other."
As we all enter the last season at the Boleyn, Dicksie said: "I have 11
years of memories here. There have been ups and downs, quite a lot of downs,
but this is a fantastic place and it is going to be sad to leave. "I have
been here for so long, but we have supporters who have been watching for 60
or 70 years and so we want it to be a memorable last season for them. "I
remember making my debut here against Everton. I had downs with my injuries,
but for me the most important thing about this place is the supporters.
Without them there isn't a football club and they stuck by me through thick
and thin. For me this place will always be in my heart."
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Moncur "bitter" over son George's treatment
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
ClaretandHugh blogger John Moncur has spoken for the first time of his
bitterness at seeing son George leave the club. Moncur snr is delighted that
new boss Slaven Bilic has given so many youngsters a chance in pre-season
and culd be forgiven for believing things could have been so much different
for his by under the new boss. He believes his lad's career as an Iron came
to an end at the City Ground on Sunday January 5, 2014 when Sam Allardyce
crazily chose to play a team of kids and was on the end of a 5-0 thrashing
by Nottingham Forest.
Monc recalls his emotions perfectly and sums them up in three words: "I
was gutted. He played nearly a whole team of kids when only two or three
should have been involved."
Speaking exclsuively to ClaretandHugh he said: "I don't really need to say
any more than that – everybody in football will tell you the same and George
– after playing a not bad at all 45 minutes – saw his career as a Hammer
ended that afternoon. Yeah you can say I was bitter. "The boy had been at
West Ham since he was nine years old, his Dad had played for the club. His
life was centred on becoming a star with West Ham and it was ll over – just
like that. "He carried scars for a while and got a fresh chance with
Colchester where he scored 10 goals out of midfield last season and I really
hope and pray he has a career in the game. "They've got Blackpool this
afternoon where Allardyce's Number Two from West Ham, Neil McDonald is
manager so I hope he shows him how wrong it was to get rid of him.
"George wasn't alone in suffering – Danny Potts left but proving his own oin
point in America is Sebastian Lleteg – not good enough apparently but
performing brilliantly in the MLS." Moncs added: "George would come back to
the Irons like a shot and I just wish Slaven had been here last year because
had that been the case I think George would still be here with a Hammers
career ahead of him."
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Benfica move on Jiminez
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham's hopes of landing Raul Jimenez on loan over the weekend depend on
whether the Atletico Madird striker rejects a move from Benfica.
ClaretandHugh understands the Portuguese giants have offered the striker a
permanent deal and he is currently thinking over his two options. The
Hammers had appealed his work permit and he is now clear to come to Britain
but Benfica made their move on the 24 year old. We revealed exclusively
yesterday that other clubs had moved in on the front man and this morning we
were told Benfica had come in with the offer of a permanent deal. A Hammers
source said: "Benfica are all over him but it remains fifty fifty – we are
hopeful but things aren't as straightforward as they seemed."
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"I spent too long at West Ham"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 8, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Freddie Sears fought a long losing battle to establish himself at the Irons
and now admits – TOO LONG! Five loan spells in four years tells its own
story and he now admits he'd have been better off moving on earlier and
getting match tim e. He told The Mail: "It didn't work out for me at West
Ham. It was my goal to play for them, but maybe my regret is not leaving
earlier and trying to get out and play more games. "It's a hard decision to
leave the club you support and the club that's local to you, but at the end
of the day you need to be playing football. I was 22 when I left; maybe I
could have left a bit earlier and played more but West Ham's a great club so
it wasn't easy."
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Saturday, August 8
Daily WHUFC News - 8th August 2015
Nolan - Youngsters can hold their heads high
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan believes West Ham United's young team can hold their heads high despite exiting the UEFA Europa League to Astra Giurgiu on Thursday night. A 2-1 defeat on the night meant the Romanian side progressed to the Play-Off round by a 4-3 aggregate scoreline. West Ham led 2-0 at one stage at home, and were again in front 3-2 on aggregate when they scored early on at Astra, but they were ultimately outgunned, leading to that empty feeling of an early exit. The visitors' skipper said: "We were all disappointed and there are a lot of disappointed young boys in there who ran their hearts out, but they showed the quality they have. "There were positives to be taken, but the result is disappointing."
West Ham were without several first team regulars as they kept an eye on Sunday's Barclays Premier League opener at Arsenal, and although the result did not go their way, Nolan said the team which did take to the field showed they had the quality to do the job. He explained: "The Gaffer has planned this how he wanted to and the priority is the Premier League - we know we need to be in it going into that fantastic stadium next year, but he still wanted this too. "The passion he showed for the competition [was clear] and this was a chance for all the boys to put them in his head for Sunday. "We're all majorly disappointed, but a few of these boys will now be looking forward to hopefully getting a bit of time in the Premier League."
Manuel Lanzini gave West Ham hope with his third minute goal and Nolan admitted he felt that could be the springboard to victory. He added: "We thought we had a chance when we went 1-0 up, but then maybe we started not attacking enough and that sort of brought the pressure on ourselves. "In the second half we showed we wanted it. It was only late on that they had a few chances, but overall these lads can be proud of themselves. "We've just fallen short and that goes down to the first leg as well. We were 2-0 up, if we see the game out we'd have won the leg quite comfortably."
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Poyet - Euro exit hurts
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's exit from the UEFA Europa League at Astra Girugiu on Thursday hurt in more ways than one for Diego Poyet. The Hammers midfielder was frustrated at losing a lead for the second time in the tie, and even more so at missing out on future opportunities to impress in this competition. After drawing the first leg 2-2 at the Boleyn Ground, the Hammers had their work cut out in Romania, but after going 1-0 up early on through Manuel Lanzini, Poyet felt at that point his team could go on to win. "It's a massive disappointment," he admitted. "Obviously we're out and it's difficult. We were 1-0 up and I thought we were comfortable, but then they scored that long range shot and it all changed. "In the second half we just couldn't get that equaliser and it's a shame to go out in this manner after we went 2-0 up in the first leg. "We knew we had to score, but we said [before the game] let's not rush anything. We were lucky enough that we scored early on, but as I said their goal changed everything. "Goals change games and we started off really well and gave it a go but at the end of the day we feel that it's not good enough to be knocked out this early. "We came here to get a result and get through, so apologies to the travelling fans and those who won't be able to travel around Europe for a few more games. Trust me we're as disappointed as them. "What you want as players is to play games, so for the likes of myself it's another disappointment because this competition could have been an opportunity to play and show what I'm capable of. "It's up to the manager now that we're out, and all I can do is play well [when he calls on me] and do my best in training to get that chance."
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U18s set for Fulham opener
WHUFC.com
Academy midfielder Joe Powell believes the experience of playing in front of a boisterous full house at Canvey Island will stand the Hammers' youngsters in good stead as they kick off their Barclays U18 Premier League campaign at Fulham on Saturday. Though the visitors fell to a 2-0 defeat on the night, first-year scholar Powell says he and his colleagues will be better for having played against senior pros, understandably a rarity for West Ham's Academy boys. First up is a trip to the Cottagers' Motspur Park training ground for an 11am kick-off on Saturday for what Powell expects to be a suitably tough start. "Fulham have always had a good academy, it will be a tough game for us but hopefully we can go there and get the three points," Powell said. "Everyone's had the experience now of what it's like to play against grown men and the physicality of the game, so hopefully we can adapt to the game that much easier as we grow up.
"To play against men, physically, is a battle, I think technically I coped with it well, getting on the ball and spraying it about. It was a good game."
Academy Manager Terry Westley agreed, citing Powell as one of the Hammers' brightest performers on Wednesday evening. "I personally thought Powell [was the pick of the bunch], he picked up a lot of the ball and made a lot of passes," Westley confirmed. "Was I critical, yes, because he's had it too deep, and he wasn't threatening enough, but he showed me glimpses for a first-year scholar at 16 that he can play. He can make things happen for us."
Powell himself is pleased with how pre-season has panned out, but knows there is plenty more hard work to be done in the weeks and months ahead, if he is to replicate the likes of Reece Oxford in rising through the ranks. "It's been a great pre-season for myself, personally, and obviously for all the age groups. "I've seen Reece Oxford is doing well, playing with the first team quite regularly and I wish him all the best. Hopefully he keeps going on with positive vibes and progresses. "I spoke to Terry and he said he can see improvements in my game, technically, he said, I've always been good but there's always work to be done. Hopefully I can see myself in that squad soon."
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Andy Carroll: West Ham striker close to comeback
BBC.co.uk
West Ham striker Andy Carroll could return in time to face former clubs Liverpool or Newcastle, according to manager Slaven Bilic. The 26-year-old has been out since February following knee surgery but returned to training with the under-21 squad last week. He could now face either Liverpool on 29 August or Newcastle on 14 September. "Andy Carroll is doing really well. He will be joining the squad in terms of training very soon," said Bilic. "He has been working for a few weeks but last week he was doing individual stuff without any problems so now the injury is gone. "We just have to bring him in slowly, but as soon as possible to gain fitness. "The target the medical department told me is Liverpool or Newcastle, which is the fourth or fifth game of the season."
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West Ham mid-table in 'net spend' chart
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 7th August 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are currently mid-table in a list of their Premier League peers' net spending so far this summer.
The Hammers may have outspent the likes of established Premier League clubs such as Aston Villa and Everton so far this summer, however they are lagging some distance behind the likes of Newcastle United and Crystal Palace.
When considering the clubs who finished 10th or lower in the Premier League last season - plus the three promoted clubs Bournemouth, Norwich and Watford - West Ham appear sixth in a 'total net spend' table.
According to all available statistics, the Hammers have made a net spend of £17.5million so far this summer following the acquisition of Angelo Ogbonna, Dimitri Payet, Pedro Obiang (£23m in total) and the sale of Stewart Downing (£5.5m).
And whilst that (currently) beats the spending of five clubs, a further five - including two of the three promoted sides - have invested considerably more in their playing squads so far this summer.
The following table was compiled by KUMB member OllyWHU6.
Premier League net spends, summer 2015/16
1. Newcastle
In: Mbembe £8.5m; Wijnaldum £14.5m; Mitrovic £13m; Toney £0.3m.
Out: No fees received
Net Spend: £36.3m
2. Watford
In: Capoue £6m; Behrami £3m; Holebas £2m; Vydra £6m; Berghuis £4.5m; Prodl £0; Arlauskis £0; Britos £4m; Jurado £4m; Nyom £4m.
Outs: Bond £0.25m; McGugan £0.5m.
Net Spend: £33m
3. Crystal Palace
In: Cabaye £13m; Bamford - loan; Wickham £9m; McCarthy £3.5m.
Out: No fees received.
Net Spend: £25.5m
Crystal Palace spent £13m on bringing Yohan Cabaye back to the Premier League
4. Leicester
In: Huth £3m; Okazaki £7.5m; Fuchs - free; Benalouane £6m; Kante £6m.
Out: Wood £2m.
Net Spend: £20.5m
5. Bournemouth
In: Mings £8m; Gradel £7.5m; Tomlin £3m; Distin £0; Boruc £0; Federici £0; Atsu - loan; Costa - loan; King - tribunal.
Out: No fees received.
Net Spend: £18.5m + tribunal fee.
6. West Ham Utd
In: Ogbonna £8m; Payet £10.5m; Obiang £4.5m; Randolph - free; Jenkinson - loan; Lanzini - loan.
Outs: Downing £5.5m.
Net Spend: £17.5m
7. Norwich City
In: Dorrans £3m; Mulumbu £0; Wisom - loan; Brady £7m; Kean - loan.
Out: No fees received.
Net Spend: £10m
8. West Brom
In: McLean £1.5m; Lambert £3m; Chester £8m.
Out: Dorrans £2.5m.
Net Spend: £10m
9. Sunderland
In: Lens £8.5m; Kaboul £3m; Matthews £2m; Coates £2m; M-Vila - loan.
Out: Wickham £9m.
Net Spend: £6.5m
10. Everton
In: Deulofeu £4.25m; Cleverly - free; Henen £0.2m.
Out: Long £0.5m.
Net Spend: £4m
11. Aston Villa
In: Sinclair £2.5m; Gestede £6m; Veretout £7m; Richards - free; Amavi £7m; Gueye £9m; Bunn - free; Ayew £10m; Crespo £0.5m.
Out: Benteke £32.5m; Delph £8m; Weimann £2.75m.
Net Spend: £1.25m.
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Two more targets fall by the wayside
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 7th August 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have lost out on two transfer targets with whom they have been heavily linked in recent weeks.
Kevin Mirallas, who was thought to be keen on a move to London has shunned the chance to join either West Ham or Tottenham - who were also linked with the Belgian international - by signing a new deal with the Toffees.
"I'm very happy to sign," he told the club's website. "I've signed at Everton to win a trophy. I'm at a good team and I can continue my performances here.
"Now I am very happy because I can concentrate on my team and our future, starting with the Premier League tomorrow."
Meanwhile Kara Mbodj, who was close to sealing a move to east London back in January and was again linked with the Hammers this summer, has completed a switch to Anderlecht.
The 25-year-old Genk defensive midfielder was also linked with Premier League rivals Leicester City, although Les Mauves et Blancs' €4.5million offer proved good enough to secure the Senegalese international's signature.
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Nolan: I'd love to stay
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 7th August 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan has said that he'd love to remain at the club - but accepts that a move might be his best option of playing regular, first team football. Nolan, speaking after last night's Europa League exit at the hands of Romanian side Astra Giurgiu, revealed that he had spoken with Slaven Bilic about his future - without receiving any assurances. And that means the former Bolton and Newcastle midfielder could be set for pastures new ahead of the transfer window deadline later this month. "The gaffer has been great with me this summer," he said, following last night's game. "I will probably sit down with him between now and the end of the window and have a chat. "I'm 33, I love the club and I have got a lot of years left in me. I would like to stay, I am not that type of player - but that is a long way away." Despite expressing his desire to continue to work with Bilic, Nolan was critical of the team selection that lad to West Ham's Europa League exit. "We started very brightly but got stuck in a bit of rut," he said. "Where we lost it over the two legs was at home. We are disappointed as a squad and team because we wanted to go through. "The gaffer has shown in his selection that the main priority is the Premier League and to make sure we go to the Olympic Stadium in the Premier League. "Who knows, it might be a blessing in disguise - but I'm not saying it's what we wanted."
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Should West Ham adopt a more Saintly approach?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 7th August 2015
By: Het-Field
The idea that European Competition is something of a hindrance, and should be avoided at all costs. is probably what annoys me the most. It is an attitude that will allow the 'top six' to dominate English football, and the European places for years to come. Southampton have shown the greatest ambition and taken some extraordinary risks, yet have managed to secure themselves as a Premier League team. They've made whopping profits on a number of players (Lallana, Lambert, Clyne, Shaw, Lovern, Chambers), accepted a large pay-out for the loss of former manager Mauricio Pochettino's management team, and replaced him with the highly capable and ambitious Koeman - whilst also bringing in some top players like Pelle, Long, Clasie, Juanmi, and Tadic.
I even notice that unlike West Ham, they now have Dutch international keeper Stelekenburg on loan from Fulham as back-up, while they effectively have first refusal on Steve Caulker. They have also managed to purchase their equivalent of Carl Jenkinson in Ryan Bertrand, while it seems that we are paying Arsenal from the privilege of raising their player (who now has a long term deal with them). The only disappointment from this season's window for Southampton has been their failure to secure Toby Alderweireld. Yes, the likes of Dani Osvaldo have been a mistake, but in the three seasons that Southampton have been in the Premier League, they have seemed almost incapable of falling into a relegation dogfight, have taken out some big teams, and have made St Mary's a tough place to travel.
It's hard not to look at Southampton - whose experience is not entirely different to ours - and feel that we are just not utilising the same mechanisms that they have employed to make themselves as competitive as they can be.
1. Both teams were promoted in 2011-2012.
2. Both teams have sustained a three year Premier League existence (which is usually a barometer).
3. Both teams currently have one of the new wave of manager with good experience, but not old style.
But that is where it ends.
1.Southampton have constantly attempted to upgrade their team, and have often sold some real talents to do so (although I'm not sure by choice), but their scouting has been excellent.
2.The likes of Clyne, Chambers (although awaiting his debut with Arsenal), Shaw, Lambert, Lallana, and Rodriguez have all become England internationals while at Southampton, while it only seems a matter of time before Ward-Prowse gets his chance. Equally, Pelle became an Italy international due to his performances at Southampton, as did Fonte with Portugal.
3.Southampton have willingly invested £10million+ on multiple players, each season since promotion, and said players have generally delivered.
4.Southampton have developed a competitive squad, with a number of good players not guaranteed starting places.
5.Southampton take cup competitions seriously.
West Ham United, on the other hand:
1.Have attempted to rely on some of the same players year in, year out since promotion. In fact up until around this time last season, the team which started the play-off final, could still have taken its place on their field at why.
2.We pine for the likes of Tomkins and Noble (our best possibilities) to get international recognition, but it just seems highly unlikely to happen, particularly in the case of the latter who has been playing first team football here for over a decade.
3.Our commercial value signings have not worked out. Jarvis' value has plummeted, Carroll has been on his sick bed for most of his career here, and the jury will have to decide whether Valencia has been money well spent once he returns from injury.
4.Our squad is relying on players like Randolph, O'Brien, Nolan, Amalfitano, Zarate, and Maiga. They are not competition to the likes of Cresswell, Tomka, Noble, Jenkinson, Kouyate, Reid, Sakho, and Payet, and as such it should be a concern that complacency is an issue.
5. Our attitudes to the cups have been a disgrace since promotion.
Essentially, I think we could learn a lot by looking at the model that Southampton have in place, whether we like them or not. Realistically, they are not nearly as attractive a prospect as we are, but with European Football likely to be on offer, they have already made themselves more attractive than we have.
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Bilic: it was my choice to select weakened team
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 7th August 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham may have thrown in the towel in Romania last night - but manager Slaven Bilic still saw enough in the performance to be pleased. Bilic, reflecting n the 2-1 defeat that saw West Ham knocked out 4-3 on aggregate by the mighty Astra Giurgiu watched the game from the stands, having been sent off during the first leg at the Boleyn Ground last week. And he was delighted with the efforts of some of his younger players, who deputised for the first team stars left at home - a decision that Bilic insisted was his, and his alone. "Some of the young players played really good," he said. "Some of them showed me that we can count on them. After some of the games we got calls from other clubs who would like to take them on loan, so there are a few positive things. "Of course we are out sooner than we wanted to be, sooner than we expected to be. But the beginning of the Premier League will show us if we got the right balance and see if we can cope with it. I think we are ready."
The demand a result of some kind at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon against Arsenal has now increased as a result of his decision to rest West Ham's star players. However Bilic says nothing has changed on that front. "We would want a result anyway," he added. "When the Premier League starts of course we are looking to get a positive result. Do I need to justify the result here? I told you it was my decision. I have spoken with the people from the club about the Europa League and about next season, which is a huge one. "I made this decision, not only for this game but for the game in Malta. I wanted to go through. I believed that we could go through with this team. I'm very proud of the effort they put in and disappointed with the result."
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The truth about Raul Jiminez
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 7th August 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are on the verge of completing the signing of Athletico reserve striker Raul Jiminez on loan. But what exactly do we know about him? Probably not as much as KUMB member RealisticHammer, who has watched the 24-year-old Mexican international extensively in recent seasons. So we asked RH for his views on Jiminez, who is expected to complete his move imminently. Here what he has to say about West Ham's latest acquisition...
"I saw Jiminez play quite a lot for Mexico and Atletico last season. Most people seem to think he's some kind of Sully special in the same way Sakho was, and that his record at Atletico was abysmal.
In fact, he only played four full games for Atletico last season, scoring once and getting an assist. He was used mainly as a substitute as Simeone liked his work ethic and ability to hold the ball up, he was also admired by Simeone for being a willing runner. The fact that he did not get much football last season, at a huge club like Atletico, affected his chances hugely in the national team set-up. He scored a few goals in the Copa America but Mexico prioritised the Gold Cup (which they won) and generally sent a B team to the Copa America.
Nevertheless, Jimenez played well in the two games he got to start, scoring in both. He is a good all round player and would honestly be an asset to us but a bridge too far, last season at Atletico because displacing Griezmann and Mandzukic was pretty much impossible for a newcomer to that league. I honestly believe if he gets regular games in the Premier League he could be a one-in-three kind of striker who would be beneficial to our campaign this season. For those wanting Hernandez as our main striker this season for £12million, I've seen both playing alongside each other multiple times for Mexico over the last few years and there was honestly not much in it. Jimenez is a tad slower than Hernandez, but he has a greater work ethic and is far better at holding up the ball. Hopefully he can put a poor last season behind him and hit the ground running at the Boleyn. "
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West Ham striker Andy Carroll close to return to action
Last Updated: 07/08/15 5:46pm
SSN
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic expects England striker Andy Carroll to be available for selection before the end of the month. Carroll, West Ham's record signing, has not featured since February and has made just 27 first-team appearances since arriving from Liverpool for £15m in May 2013. The news will come as welcome relief for Bilic, who already has a significant selection headache ahead of Sunday's Premier League fixture at Arsenal. The Croat has just two experienced strikers available for the game, Diafra Sakho and Mauro Zarate, with both Carroll and fellow-forward Enner Valencia sidelined through injury. "Our aim is to be mid-table, to be as high as possible; we will give everything we can - let's say if we finish top 10 that is major success"
Bilic is hopeful that Carroll, who has been out with a long-term knee problem, could be back before the end of the month in time to face his former club Liverpool on August 29. "Andy Carroll is doing really well," said Bilic. "He will be joining the squad in terms of training with the team very soon. "It is easy to predict (when he will be fit) but it is also hard - I ask the simple questions to our medical department but it is hard for them. "He has been working for a few weeks but last week he was doing individual stuff without any problems so now the injury is gone. We just have to bring him in slowly, but as soon as possible to gain fitness. "It should be, the target the medical department told me, Liverpool or Newcastle which is the fourth or fifth game of the season."
Bilic is still looking to reinforce his squad and expects to secure the loan signing of Raul Jimenez from Atletico Madrid this week, subject to a pending work permit. "We are close but it is not done," he said. "Hopefully it is going to be done today or tomorrow but he will not make the squad for Sunday, no way. But it would be good for us to get the player as soon as possible. That would be it done. Then I would be happy." Bilic also played down any talk of challenging for Europe this season, and stressed that the club's expectations must remain realistic. "I would like us to play good football, to win games," he said. "It's easy to say now before the first game. "Our aim is to be mid-table, to be as high as possible; we will give everything we can - let's say if we finish top 10 that is major success."
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Adrian: "A totally different style under Slaven"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Adrian has revealed that the style of football West Ham will be play under Slaven Bilic is entirely different to Sam Allardyce's 'brand.'
In an exclusive with London 24 the Hammers keeper said: "It is totally different. With Slaven we will try to keep the ball, start from the goalkeeper and the back, which is different.
"It's a different mentality with the new boss and we need to adapt quickly to the way he wants us to play."
Adrian – now firmly established as a terrace hero – is aiming for another top season and has been working out with new goalkeeping coach Chris Woods.
The Spaniard said:"He is a good man and a very good goalkeeping coach and we are training hard. I'm enjoying training with Darren Randolph and Raphael Spiegel as well, so between us we think we have the goalkeeper position well covered!"
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Redknapp: 'Bilic can lead Irons to new golden era'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Harry Redknapp believes Slaven Bilic can lead West Ham United into a new golden period in their history. In an interview with West Ham magazine Blowing Bubbles Monthly, the former Hammers chief says the Croatian is the perfect man to take the club into the Olympic Stadium.
He also reckons the move will give West Ham the chance to compete with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea at the top of the Premier League. In a wide ranging interview in Blowing Bubbles' first issue of the season, the 68-year-old insisted the Irons were right to leave Upton Park and maintained it could herald a new dawn in the club's future.
"People say West Ham won't fill it but I think they will easily. West Ham can attract the fans, they have a great fanbase and are a well-supported club.
"It's sad to see them leave Upton Park after all this time but sooner or later you have to move on. There is no room to extend the current ground and this is a great opportunity."
Elsewhere in the August issue of the magazine, Sky Sports' Bianca Westwood writes in her column that QPR's Charlie Austin would give Bilic enough firepower to enjoy a fast start to life at West Ham.
"We need someone upfront who is a proven goalscorer and that's what Austin is," she wrote. "He works hard, tracks back and has a proven record of scoring goals at the top level." George Parris is also unveiled as the magazine's new ex-Hammer columnist after Julian Dicks had to step down from the role following his appointment to the first team coaching staff.
Meanwhile Blowing Bubbles also celebrates reaching the impressive milestone of 50 issues as well as asking if Dimitri Payet can send West Ham in a new direction, and whether summer signing Darren Randolph can really challenge Adrian to be our No 1. They also look at five thrilling opening days that will never be forgotten, and how Julian Dicks must inject old school passion into the stars of 2015. They've also got an exclusive interview with West Ham Ladies joint chairman Stephen Hunt who believes the Hammers are only 'two years away from Women's Super League'
The latest issue of Blowing Bubbles Monthly is now available to read for FREE on your computer, tablet or mobile phone.
Link: http://www.blowing-bubbles.co.uk/read-our-latest-issue.html
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Kevin Mirallas signs new three-year deal
Posted by Hammers Newshound on August 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Former West Ham summer target Kevin Mirallas has committed his future to Everton after he signed a new three-year deal today. The Belgian extends his stay at Goodison Park until June 2018. The 27 year old put pen to paper on his new deal on Friday. The winger has scored 29 goals in 85 starts and 25 substitute appearances for the Toffees.
Speaking to Everton TV he said: "I'm very happy to sign. I've signed at Everton to win a trophy. I'm at a good team and I can continue my performances here. Now I am very happy because I can concentrate on my team and our future, starting with the Premier League tomorrow."
The Hammers were reported to have submitted two bids over the summer for Mirallas with an initial bid of £6m increased later to £7.5m, both of which were rejected.
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BBC's hatchet job knights Mooro!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Dan Roan's well publicised programme – 'The Olympic Stadium' – shown on BBC London last night turned out ,as most expected, to be a Hammers hatchet job with a few threats thrown in for good measure. I'll leave Sean – who appeared in the show – to pick the bones pout of all that later.
However, Mr Roan managed – in reviewing the World Cup of '66- to dub the club's greatest legend Mooro "Sir Bobby Moore." If he gets something so basic entirely wrong how much else was incorrect. For such and error to find its way through the BBC's network of sub editors is pretty extraordinary but then the Corporation was so busy producing an entirely unbalanced documentary that such small details are easily overlooked I guess!!! Barry Hearn of course made his appearance for the prosecution but claimed that West Ham will eventually be worth hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of millions of pounds. But he admitted – as we have regularly argued: "The buck on this stops with Boris Johnson." Quite right so why were the Hammers in the shape of the two Davids made the fall guys by the BBC?
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Slav refuses to back down!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Slaven Bilic finds himself under pressure to get a big result at Arsenal given the events in in Romania last night. But the Irons boss refused to back off from his decision to play a "shadow" team against FC Astra and said: "We would want a result (against Arsenal) anyway. "When the Premier League starts, we have a game and of course we are looking to get a positive result. "Do I need to justify the result here? I told you it was my decision. I have spoken with the people from the club about the Europa League and about next season, which is a huge one.
"I made this decision, not only for this game but for the game in Malta (in the second qualifying round against Birkirkara). "I wanted to go through. I believed that we could go through with this team. "I'm very proud of the effort they put in and disappointed with the result.Of course we are out sooner than we wanted to be, sooner than we expected to be. "But the beginning of the Premier League will show us if we got the right balance (with the team) and see if we can cope with it – I think we are ready."
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HIJACKED: Jiminez deal in danger!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham look set to miss out on Raul Jiminez. The Hammers have of course been awaiting the Home Office result of the appeal on his work permit but events appear to have overtaken the Irons.
The Athletico Madrid striker looked to be on his way to Upton Park assuming the work permit was finally granted but the deal has hit other snags. We have been told this morning when asking if the deal was now done that it looks set to fail but not for the work permit reason. A well placed source told us exclusively: " No it hasn't been done – sadly other clubs have got into him while we waited for the appeal ."
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SHEP'S BLOG Big Sam camp waits to wield knife
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 7, 2015 in News, Shep's Blogs, Whispers
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To coin the old chestnut West Ham can now concentrate on the league. Getting knocked out of Europe in Romania on Thursday by Astra Giurgiu was no surprise in the circumstances and deep down a blessed relief for Slaven Bilic. The new West Ham boss goes into the Premier League season under immediate pressure and scrutiny and the last thing he needed was the complication of Europa League involvement. Far better for West Ham have a real go at the FA or League Cup this season for a shot at silverware and glory than the go through the grind of UEFA's hybrid competition that simply doesn't have the allure that the old knockout Cup winners and UEFA Cups had.
But the absolute priority at the club this season is ,of course ,staying in the Premier League and to that end I think that the fixture list has actually been kind to the Hammers. Yes three of the first seven games up to the end of the September are away to heavyweights Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. But after Sunday's opener at Arsenal, come two on the spin at home against Leicester and Bournemouth followed by further home matches versus Newcastle then Norwich up to the end of September when the league will start to take shape. Those home games come into the "winnable" category and the Hammers have to take advantage of the "gentle" opening phase on home soil given those first three away games where really any points at all are bonus balls. Failure to get eight or nine points from those four home games would pile immediate pressure on the players and especially the manager not least because there are some fans and plenty of pundits out there who are from the "Should have stuck by Big Sam" camp and will only too glad and quick plunge a knife into Slaven's back.
Already this week Martin Keown is one pundit who has been particularly vocal on that front even suggesting West Ham might have to beg back Allardyce to save them from going down.
Fat chance of that. It also fails to recognise that under the so called safe hands of Big Sam the Hammers won only three of the last 21 games. That's relegation form. For all that, season's are usually shaped how a team starts and to be fair to Allardyce he had the Hammers pumped up from off the last term but then became a bit too smug about everything and that was one of the main reasons for the dismal slump. Any new manager deserves time to bed in, but time is an ever shorter commodity in this hot house era where instant results and judgements are made. So Bilic has to fire the team to get out of the blocks and into a stride. On the face of it playing Arsenal away in the first game doesn't help then again if the Hammers pulled off a draw or even snatched a win then suddenly Bilic has a bit more breathing space. And one hopes the new manager will show a bit more tactical ambition that Allardyce when it came to away games especially against the big clubs. I have a feeling he might. But the key to the whole season is those first four home games. To that end with Enner Valencia out for at least three months there is urgent need to sign a proven goal scorer, and that Andy Carroll might actually get fit.
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Noble: "It'll take a while to learn Slav's ways."
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Mark Noble believes the squad will need a couple of months to understand Slaven Bilic's ways. Noble – in an excellent exclusive interview with London24 – said: ""I might have a little bit of a different role to play, it depends on how the manager plays as he has two or three ?different ways he likes to play. But wherever he asks me to go, I am happy with that." Noble has admitted in the past it's not been an ideal building and adds: It is definitely the strangest pre-season I have had – a million per cent!" said the 28-year-old midfielder. "Normally you have all your pre-season away from home until the week before the season and the fans get really excited, but things have not gone that way. "We have gone through the Europa with the squad not being together for the first two weeks, with the manager not being able to play his best team." But he appears to back the manager placing the emphasis on the Premier League declaring: "So long as the boys ready to go for Sunday, that is the key." Discussing some indifferent results he explained: "I used to get so wound up when I was 20 or 2 and think we are not ready', but you are, you know? "Last summer we went to New Zealand and got battered by an Australian and a New Zealand team, but look at the way we started the season. "To be honest, the results don't really matter as long as you stay fit and keep the morale high." "The new boys are still ?learning. The Premier League is a completely different kettle of fish to anything they've experienced and Arsenal is going to be a tough one to go into first up. "They are important games, but Leicester are going to be buzzing with a new manager and staying up last season, Bournemouth are a decent side, I watched them a lot last season and they are also going to be buzzing playing in the top flight. We have to match their energy and show our quality." Noble is likely to be playing with French new boy Dimitri Payet and he is pleased with that. "If he keeps creating goals then why not give him the ball? We have been crying out for a player like that, a creative player for a long time. "
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Sullivan working 20 hours per day to sign players
Posted by Hammers Newshound on August 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
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David Sullivan junior took to twitter to defend his father after last night's exit from Europa league. Sullivan Junior told his 13,000 followers on twitter "I highly doubt West Ham would exist now if we didn't take over. The future is bright." When challenged whether West Ham would have gone bust without his dad's help young Dave replied "Yes I am saying that. Or they would be playing the league one/two by now and be skint." When asked when we haven't signed a new striker Sullivan Junior said: "My dad is working between 15-20 hours every day to sign players it isn't easy! I can't even get hold of him !"
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Bilic: 'Jimenez deal is close'
Posted by Hammers Newshound on August 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has confirmed the Hammer closing in on the signature of Atletico Madrid striker Raul Jimenez. Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Bilic said: "Jimenez is close. We hope to get it done today or tomorrow, but he would not be ready for Sunday's game.' Speaking about Sunday's game at the Emirates Bilic added: "I'm excited for Sunday. I was here before and have played against English teams in European competition. I'm looking forward to it. I'm ready and the team is ready. I would like us to play good football and to win games, which is easy to say now before the start"
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Bilic: 'Some players may leave the club'
Posted by Hammers Newshound on August 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic has admitted some players may still leave the club this transfer window but confirmed that he wants one striker and one more player in midfield before the Hammers transfer business is complete. Speaking at his pre-match press conference this afternoon Bilic said "Some players may leave the club and some have left already. We want 1 striker and 1 more player in midfield and that would be it" Players likely not to be in Bilic's plans include Kevin Nolan, Matt Jarvis and Maiga who could still be outbound if reasonable offers come in. The inbound striker is likely to be Raul Jimenez which Bilic says should be done today or tomorrow and the midfielder is likely to be Alex Song which the Hammers haven't given up on as yet. It appears our transfer window is almost done.
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Andy Carroll could return for West Ham against Liverpool this month, reveals Slaven Bilic
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Friday, August 7, 2015
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has revealed Andy Carroll is three weeks away from returning to action. The striker has been out since February with a knee injury as fitness woes continue to plague his time at Upton Park. However, a video of the 26-year-old back running this week was posted on the West Ham website. And now manager Bilic has confirmed that the England international could return to action by the time the Hammers play Liverpool at the end of the month. "He is doing really well," said Bilic. "The medical team told me it is likely to be the Liverpool (29th August) or Newcastle game (14th September), which is our fourth or fifth game."
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Defender Offered Four-Year Contract By Hammers
Posted by whufc_news@hotmail.com on August 6, 2015 in News, Transfer Rumours
West Ham United have offered a four-year contract to Inter Milan defender Danilo D'Ambrosio, according to Italian source Tutto Mercato. The Hammers have been locked in negotiations with the representatives of the 26 year-old, who can operate as a left or right-back, and they have finally proposed an offer to take him to Upton Park. Despite this, the East London club are yet to find an agreement with the player's club, who are demanding a fee of around £5m for the Italian. West Ham face competition from Bundesliga side FC Schalke, who have already made a bid to sign D'Ambrosio.
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Raul Jimenez will be West Ham's last summer signing, says Slaven Bilic
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Friday, August 7, 2015
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has confirmed the club are on the verge of signing Raul Jimenez. The Atletico Madrid forward is set to arrive on a season-long loan as the Hammers attempt to strengthen their forward line. The Mexico international started just four La Liga games last season and is keen to gain more first-team opportunities. Jimenez should complete his switch before Sunday's Premier League opener against Arsenal, but will not feature at the Emirates. And he will be the last arrival at Upton Park this summer, according to Bilic. "Jimenez is close. We hope to get it done today or tomorrow but he would not be ready for Sunday's game," said Bilic. "That would be it [for signings] then."
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West Ham given attacking boost as Slaven Bilic confirms Raul Jimenez move is close and Andy Carroll is edging towards a return
By PRESS ASSOCIATION
PUBLISHED: 14:49, 7 August 2015 | UPDATED: 14:49, 7 August 2015
Daily MailOnline
Slaven Bilic says West Ham are close to signing Atletico Madrid striker Raul Jimenez over the next 24 hours – with Andy Carroll likely to return to action at the end of this month. The West Ham manager was speaking just eight hours after returning home after a disappointing elimination from the Europa League. The east Londoners were dumped out of the Europa League third qualifying round on Thursday night following a 2-1 defeat in the second leg by Romanian side Astra. To ensure they possess enough fire-power before the start of the Premier League, West Ham are keen to seal the deal for Mexican international Jimenez on a £1.4million season-long loan as quickly as possible. Bilic, preparing for Sunday's Premier League clash at Arsenal, said: 'We are close (to signing Jimenez). But it's not done yet. Hopefully, it will be done Thursday, or Friday. Anyway, he will not make the squad for Sunday. 'It will be good for us to get a player as soon as possible considering that in some positons we need players.'
Andy Carroll has been sidelined since February following major surgery on a knee injury. The operation meant that the England international missed the remainder of last season. Bilic says that he may return to action in late August or early September – which could mean potentially playing against one of his former clubs, either Liverpool away or Newcastle United at home.
Bilic confirmed: 'Andy is doing well. He will be joining the squad in terms of training with the team very soon. I ask the same simple questions to my physio and medical department. It's hard for them to know. 'He's working well, working for a few weeks now. We want to bring him back slowly but as soon as possible without any risk to his training, so he can gain fitness.
'The target of the medical department is the Liverpool or Newcastle United games, the fourth or fifth games of the season.' Bilic stood by his decision to send over a second-string side to Romania – given that he has to field a strong team to face the Gunners three days later at the Emirates. Many of the 330 fans that travelled to Eastern Europe were unhappy with the under-strengthen side that played as well as the overall performance. But the Croatian said that remaining in the Premier League is the No.1 priority. He said: 'Of course we wanted to go through but then we didn't want to jeopardise the Premier League. For us, the league starts on Sunday with a big game, but we will be ready for when it starts. 'We are ready for the beginning of the Premier League.'
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THE STRIKER GAP PART 1
By Blind Hammer 7 Aug 2015 at 13:30
West Ham Till I Die
Why have West Ham struggle to produce Strikers? In the first of a 2 part blog Blind Hammer examines a little acknowledged structural problem with youth development at West Ham
The current scramble, in the light of Valencia's injury, to invest resources in a striker is but the latest example of what has become an annual event at West Ham. Every year we always seem to need to buy or loan in strikers in an effort to increase the team's potency. Rarely has this need been met from within. I hope I am proved wrong, but sadly Elliot Lee appears to be the latest striker hopeful who will probably follow the likes of Freddie Sears and Gary Alexander to the lower divisions to continue their careers.
In the first match I ever saw at the Boleyn in November 1968, Geoff Hurst and Brian Dear were part of a fizzling team that demolished Leicester City. Hurst and Dear were both products of West Ham's then famous youth development. Geoff Hurst actually went to my school in Chelmsford, whilst Brian Dear was an East Ender who joined the club as a 15 year old. He never reached the heights of Hurst but nevertheless scored 33 goals in 69 league appearances, a ratio of goal success that would be startling nowadays for a youth product and would probably invoke suggestions of international recognition. Dear never got anywhere near the England team and was really a footballing flash in the pan. Nevertheless he played in a victorious European Cup Winners Final team, and holds the record for the quickest ever five goals in an English game, 20 minutes either side of half time, in a 1965 FA Cup home tie against West Bromwich Albion. Dear though severely blotted his copybook with Greenwood in 1970 when he was found to be with Bobby Moore, Jimmy Greaves and Clyde Best in the infamous nightclub session, hours before West Ham crashed out 4-0 to Blackpool in the third round of the FA Cup. He was never really seen again.
The point is however is that it is now 50 years since 1965 and with one glorious exception the Academy has not produced any similar talent which equates to the achievements of Brian Dear, let alone Geoff Hurst. The exception is of course Tony Cottee who was able to delight in the service provided by another local product, Trevor Brooking during the 1980s.
We may be able to claim a little credit for the development of Jermaine Defoe, but it should be remembered that he was actually a product of the Charlton Academy that we were able to poach, much to their chagrin. Defoe spent little development time at West Ham in comparison to his time at Charlton, instead cutting his teeth in his famous year long loan spell at Bournemouth where he smashed goal scoring records.
Clearly the Academy has produced some good players over the last 50 years but rarely have these players been strikers. Defenders yes, Ferdinand and Tomkins immediately come to mind, and midfield players relatively frequently, from Geoff Pike to the more illustrious Joe Cole and Frank Lampard Junior, and more contemporaneously Mark Noble.
But when was the last time a West Ham development striker was even a regular part of the first team squad let alone the team itself?
According to David Sullivan the current overhauling of the Academy setup at West Ham is prompted by a general concern about the once famous Academy's recent failure to bring through players of sufficient quality. Sullivan's concern is well merited. He points out that the Academy invests £4 million a year in producing talent. Presumably then the club have invested something like £30 to £40 million over the last 10 years in essentially producing Noble and Tomkins, neither of which are necessarily guaranteed a starting place in Bilic's assembling new team. There are some promising signs from Reeces Burke and Oxford but again these are defensive/midfield developments. Elliot Lee may still develop but he did not set Luton on fire in the same way that Defoe impacted Bournemouth in his spell there.
Of course it would only take the production of one successful striker every 5 years to completely revolutionise the efficacy and cost effectiveness of the Academy. However its current success rate is one striker every 50 years. To my mind this is unacceptable. In part 2 of my blog I will examine the disastrous consequences of this Gap in our Academy places on our Club transfer policy, and start to suggest some strategic improvements which may possibly finally start to resolve this historic deficiency.
David Griffith
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Diamanti set for Watford
By Football Italia staff
Alessandro Diamanti, who spent the second half of last season at Fiorentina, is reportedly close to joining Watford. The Italian international moved to the Viola in January, on loan from Guangzhou Evergrande, making 11 appearances and scoring twice. According to Sky Sports News, the 32-year-old has passed a medical with the Hornets, and is ready to join up with the English Premier League side. Diamanti is believed to have agreed personal terms for the move, and is set to become the 12th signing for the newly-promoted side. The player has previous Premier League experience, having spent a memorable season with West Ham United.
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West Ham 'cleared to sign Alen Halilovic after insider confirms he will leave Barcelona'
Louis Sealey for Metro.co.uk
Friday 7 Aug 2015 1:54 pm
West Ham 'cleared to sign future superstar after insider confirms he will leave Euro giants' West Ham have been cleared to complete a deal to bring Alen Halilovic to Upton Park after a Barcelona insider confirmed he would leave the Spanish giants. The Hammers have been heavily linked with the 19-year-old, who has impressed a host of clubs with solid performances for Barcelona B and Croatia. And the east London club have seemingly been given the green light to complete a move for Halilovic with Barcelona's technical secretary, Robert Fernandez, revealing that he will be loaned out. 'Halilovic will be loaned,' Fernandez was quoted as saying by Spanish outlet Sport. 'We are looking for the best option for him, one that's right for him to grow with.'
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Slaven Bilic comments on Enner Valencia's injury, discusses making more signings
HITC
Billy Hawkins
West Ham star Valencia will be out of action for a couple of months. Valencia injured his ankle in pre-season, keeping him out for the start of the Premier League season, and Bilic has told the Standard that his loss is a huge blow - even though the club will look at signing more players. He said: "I am absolutely gutted for Enner Valencia. He is a smashing lad, he is a big player for us and it's a giant blow that he has injured his ankle and knee. It could have been worse, though, and hopefully he will be back in 10 to 12 weeks. In the meantime, we will keep looking for top players — not a lot of them but the right ones for us." It is true that Valencia will be a big loss, having shown his abilities for the Hammers last term. Although struggling to find the back of the net consistently, the Ecuadorian striker proved to be a valuable attacking player, and his running and work rate in the final third was the perfect accompaniment for the more precise Diafra Sakho. He would have been looking to get off to a good start this campaign, especially with better attacking players around him, but Valencia will now be behind his teammates in the search for fitness - and is not likely to play for 12 weeks. However, Bilic has eased some fears by admitting that new players are still being targeted - if they are the correct fit for the club. There have been calls to bring in another striker, due to Andy Carroll's injury issues, and the latest set-back to Valencia means that the Hammers may push ahead with their plans. Bilic appears keen with the strike force he already has, with Modibo Maiga taking a role in the Europa League, potentially hinting at a Premier League position for him, and a new striker may not be a priority. However, even if Bilic pushes forward with the strike force he has - with Sakho the only top level player available - signings in other positions may be possible if the Croatian boss finds players who suit his system.
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West Ham duo send message to fans on Twitter after Europa League disappointment
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
West Ham United will not feature in the group stage of the Europa League this season. West Ham United striker Elliot Lee has taken to social networking site Twitter to express his disappointment at his side's failure to progress to the group stage of the Europa League this season. The Premier League outfit lost the third qualifying round 4-3 on aggregate to Romanian side Astra Giurgiu. Having drawn the first leg of the tie 2-2 at the Boleyn Ground last week, the Hammers lost the second leg 2-1 away from home on Thursday. Lee, who started Thursday's second leg and played for 80 minutes, has taken to Twitter to express his disappointment. West Ham goalkeeper Adrian was also dejected to watch his team fail to secure a place in the playoff round of the Europa League. Failure to play in the Europa League proper will be a huge disappointment to West Ham, but it is time that they turn their focus to the Premier League.
The first league game of the season for the Hammers is against Arsenal away from home at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
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West Ham co-owner's son responds to fans on Twitter, plenty of frustration
Tim Poole
West Ham's Europa League exit has seen tensions rise on social media. The son of West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan, Dave, has responded to a few frustrated fans on Twitter following the east London club's Europa League exit. West Ham's 2-1 loss to Astra Giurgiu on Thursday night, which eliminated them from European competition after a very brief qualifying stint indeed, has split opinion at Upton Park and caused tensions to rise on social media. Indeed, many feel the Hammers will be better off without the second-tier tournament but plenty are frustrated with a repeat of the disappointing feeling that plagued last season. As such, Sullivan Jr, brother of Jack, took to Twitter with the strong claim that West Ham wouldn't exist now were it not for his father and fellow co-owner David Gold.
Importantly, he also suggested even he can't get hold of the owners as they are working '15-20 hours every day' to recruit new players for West Ham. West Ham travel to the Emirates Stadium next to face Arsenal on Sunday afternoon for their Premier League opener. Now that the Hammers are out of Europe, disappointment in the league won't be met too well by supporters.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic gives Raul Jimenez transfer update
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
Raul Jimenez looks set to join West Ham United from Atletico Madrid. West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has been quoted as saying by the club's official Twitter page that they are close to the signing of Raul Jimenez. The Mexico international striker is on the books of Atletico Madrid at the moment, but it seems that the 24-year-old is set to join the Hammers imminently.
Jimenez does not seem to feature in the plans of Atletico coach Diego Simeone for the 2015-16 campaign, having struggled to play well last season. During the 2014-15 campaign, the Mexican scored one goal and created eight chances in 21 La Liga appearances for Atletico. Jimenez had a pass accuracy of 70% and a shot accuracy of 63%, and won 20 headers, three dribbles and 11 tackles. The jury is out on whether the 24-year-old former Club America striker will be a success at West Ham, but perhaps the London outfit did not have a choice other than to sign him.
It will be interesting to see how Jimenez adapts to the Premier League, having not had a proper pre-season with West Ham.
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Matthew Etherington poses key Allardyce question on Twitter after West Ham exit
HITC
Tim Poole
The former West Ham winger feels the current boss might be getting off lightly...
Ex-West Ham United winger Matthew Etherington believes Sam Allardyce would have been heavily criticised for fielding the team Slaven Bilic did in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Indeed, Bilic made it clear he was picking a weakened side against Astra Giurgiu in Europe and the Hammers were subsequently knocked out of the tournament, losing 2-1 on the night. Many feel the loss will help West Ham concentrate on their forthcoming Premier League campaign, however. And yet Etherington believes Allardyce would have been hammered (pardon the pun) for similar tactics. Meanwhile, former West Ham midfielder Trevor Sinclair, now a pundit with the BBC, also took to Twitter to air his opinion and his response to the club's Europa League exit was a calm one. Indeed, Sinclair feels the east London side's squad isn't yet big enough to compete both in Europe and the Premier League. As such, he delivered the following response to a fan who asked the question of what exactly the point of achieving a high finish is if elimination is the subsequent result.
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Report: West Ham United to miss out on Barcelona wonderkid Alen Halilovic to Celta Vigo
HITC
Mathew Nash
The young Croatian is set to remain in Spain next season. This week it looked like West Ham United would be making a move for Croatian international wonderkid Alen Halilovic. The player is known to countryman and current West Ham manager Slaven Bilic, who wanted to bring him in from Barcelona 'B' – who will be playing in Spain's third tier next season. But with a move to West Ham seemingly on the cards, suddenly the rug has been pulled up from underneath The Hammers. It is now reported that Barcelona will not be selling or loaning him to West Ham at all.
Instead, he will be sent on loan to La Liga rivals Celta Vigo. Mundo Deportivo are reporting that Barca would much rather see Halilovic head out on loan to a a team in Spain – so they can properly track their progress. Barca have good links with Celta Vigo. Current boss Luis Enrique is the former Celta manager and the likes of Rafinha have enjoyed loan spells at the club in the past. West Ham will be gutted if they lose out on Halilovic, as it seemed a deal that should have been easy to get tied up. Now they are out of Europe for the season they have lost yet another bargaining chip in their hunt for the player, which makes matters worse. It looks like Halilovic is slipping from their grasp.
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West Ham will reap rewards of Machiavellian Europa League plot
bwin.com
After three rounds of trying to varying degrees, West Ham finally sealed an exit from the Europa League on Thursday, going out 4-3 on aggregate to Astra Giurgiu. Somehow they'd survived three red cards, a penalty shootout and a two-goal lead let slip prior to the second leg in Romania, where a suicide note squad selection finally put them out of their misery. For many Irons who had been cherishing the prospect of seeing the Boleyn Ground's final campaign burnished with European evenings under the Thursday-night lights, their seemingly wilful capitulation will stick in the craw. All the more so given the upcoming Premier League match against Arsenal, the most likely excuse for fielding such an understrength line-up in Girgiu, pits Slaven Bilic's men against a side who have done the double over them four times in succession. Yet, while such a ploy can be regarded as unsporting and disrespectful to a loyal fanbase robbed of the chance to travel the outposts of the continent for too long, it's also shrewd. Unless a club can sustain the size of squad reserved for Champions League aspirants then the Europa League is a domestic-divisional millstone. Just ask Newcastle, Swansea or Everton – all of whom have suffered when trying to juggle European football with their default commitments in recent campaigns. The Irons are now free to concentrate on top-flight mid-table consolidation ahead of their move to the Olympic Stadium next season without fear of being drawn into squad-stretched relegation skirmish. Championship football in such a hulking arena would not be a good look. Odds compilers at bwin.com have priced up a Premier League seasonal match bet between Bilic's side and Southampton, who, unlike West Ham, qualified for the Europa League play-off round. It has the looks of a fascinating betting heat, with the Saints 4/11 favourites and the Eastenders must be value at 2/1 to finish above the south-coast club. Ronald Koeman's squad has been raided for key players over the summer – true they bounced back from a similar setback last season, but the added burden of regular European football may thwart them in their attempts to do similar this time. West Ham, by contrast, will be unanchored, free to float up the standings like those Boleyn Ground bubbles in the stadium's farewell campaign.
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Real Madrid Barcelona Atletico Madrid Valencia Sevilla Villarreal Malaga Celta Vigo Espanyol Real Sociedad Eibar Athletic Bilbao Getafe Rayo Vallecano Deportivo La Coruña Almeria Elche insidespanishfootball.com
by Tom Conn | Posted on Friday, August 7th, 2015
West Ham United have reportedly secured the season-long loan for Atletico Madrid striker Raul Jimenez for a fee of £1.4 million, after the London side secured a work permit for the 24-year-old. According to various media outlets in both Spain and England, West Ham have been working diligently on securing the Mexican international, who has been deemed as surplus to the requirement at the Vicente Calderon, even giving away his number. After securing the work permit, West Ham will now sit down with Atletico officials on Friday to finalise the deal, which comes with a purchase option following the expiration of the loan on 30th June. Jimenez will become West Ham's ninth signing so far this season, freeing up a non-EU spot on Atletico Madrid's roster, while also giving the Mexican a chance to have consistent first team minutes. Jimenez is expected to arrive in London and undergo his standard medical as the team prepares for their English Premier League opener against Arsenal on the weekend. Jimenez was unable to break into Diego Simeone's starting XI last season, despite the injury to Mario Mandzukic, and made 21 La Liga appearances, scoring just one goal last season.
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Kevin Nolan admits he could leave West Ham after shock Europa League exit
London 24
06:55 07 August 2015 Brad Pinard
West Ham captain Kevin Nolan is keen to sit down and discuss his future with boss Slaven Bilic. The 33-year-old led the Hammers to defeat on Thursday night in Romania against Astra which saw them knocked out of the Europa League. It may be Nolan's last ever European appearance but it could also be his final game for West Ham as Bilic has plenty of options in midfield. "The gaffa has been great with me this summer," Nolan told BT Sport "I will probably sit down with him between now and the end of the window and have a chat. "I love the club, I am 33, I have got a lot of years left in me. "I would like to stay, I am not that type of player, but that is a long way away." Nolan is unlikely to feature as the Hammers head to Arsenal on Sunday.
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Slaven Bilic hails West Ham youngsters despite being dumped out of Europa League
By PA REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 06:55, 7 August 2015 | UPDATED: 06:56, 7 August 2015
Slaven Bilic praised his sought-after youngsters despite seeing his West Ham side eliminated from the Europa League at the hands of Astra Giurgiu. With Sunday's Premier League opener against Arsenal always Bilic's priority, the Hammers boss took an inexperienced squad out to Romania, looking to move into the Europa League qualification play-off round. But, after a 2-2 draw in the opening leg at Upton Park last week, his young players could not get the job done - despite debutant Manuel Lanzini giving them an early lead. A four-minute brace from Astra captain Constantin Budescu turned the match and the tie in favour of the Liga I side and they held on to progress - but Bilic was pleased with the young players who have shown their worth in their ultimately unsuccessful attempt to reach the group stages. 'Some of the young players played really good,' he said. 'Some of them showed me that we can count on them. After some of the games we got calls from other clubs who would like to take them on loan so there are a few positive things. 'Of course we are out sooner than we wanted to be, sooner than we expected to be. But the beginning of the Premier League will show us if we got the right balance (with the team) and see if we can cope with it - I think we are ready.' Bilic will now be under pressure to prove his decision to leave his key players in London was justified by recording a positive result at the Emirates Stadium - but he did not back down from his original call. 'We would want a result (against Arsenal) anyway,' he added. 'When the Premier League starts, we have a game and of course we are looking to get a positive result. 'Do I need to justify the result here? I told you it was my decision. I have spoken with the people from the club about the Europa League and about next season, which is a huge one. 'I made this decision, not only for this game but for the game in Malta (in the second qualifying round against Birkirkara). 'I wanted to go through. I believed that we could go through with this team. I'm very proud of the effort they put in and disappointed with the result.' Astra coach Marius Sumudica admitted he was aware of West Ham's plans to rotate their squad for the second leg - but accused the Premier League club of underestimating his side at Upton Park. 'I followed all of the discussions (about team selection) in London,' he said. 'I want to stress that we obtained this qualification in London. West Ham thought they could comfortably win this qualifying round and have an easy second match. I understand why they kept their players in London to face Arsenal - but we obtained this result in London.'
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Both West Ham and Everton willing to pay £7m to complete deal, fight on
Posted by SPORT WITNESS on August 7, 2015 at 6:54 in Sport Witness Football
Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo on Friday have a piece on the future of Barcelona youngster Alen Halilovic. The Croatian only signed for Barcelona because they assured him he'd spend a year with Barcelona B before moving up to the first team squad.
Talks have taken place this week between Barcelona and the player's agent and it's hard to see how Halilovic could have any meaningful role with Barcelona's first team next season, and a lack of games could harm the youngster's development.
Cue rumours. West Ham United rumours relating to Halilovic have all over the place this last week, and that's all over the place in terms of what has been in the actual claims rather than the distribution. On Friday Mundo Deportivo say that both West Ham and Everton would be prepared to pay €10m for the player, which works out to be around £7m. Neither have actually made that offer yet.
However, both English clubs may be better served not fighting with each other for Halilovic and walking away, because Mundo Deportivo say a loan within La Liga is more likely. Barcelona have a decent relationship with Celta Vigo and Mundo Deportivo see that as the most likely destination as things stand.
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West Ham fans react on Twitter to Manuel Lanzini's performance
HITC
Dan Coombs
West Ham got their first look at new midfielder Manuel Lanzini last night, as the side took on Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League. The Argentine playmaker was part of an inexperienced side who lost in Romania, with the exit from the competition a potential blessing in disguise for the club's Premier League campaign. Lanzini at least showed what he could do in the circumstances, scoring the side's only goal in a 2-1 loss on the night. He is on loan from Emirates club Al Jazira, and will hope he has done enough to earn more chances for the first team, but it was not all positive for him. Lanzini was culpable for Astra's first goal, giving the ball away to the opposition, but it is hard to be too harsh on him, and nor were watching supporters. The reaction to his performance was positive, with Lanzini seen as one of the reasons to be cheerful on a night the club suffered defeat. He showed energy in possession and was trying to make things happen, but found it tough with Modibo Maiga offering little up front in terms of movement.
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Astra Giurgiu 2 West Ham United 1; agg 4-3, Europa League match report: Slaven Bilic gamble backfires
Astra Giurgiu v West Ham United, Europa League qualifier - East London club's European adventure fails at first hurdle in Romania
telegraph.co.uk
By Mark Bryans, Marin Anastasovici Stadium11:35PM BST 06 Aug 2015
Slaven Bilic watched from the stands as his Europa League gamble ended with West Ham crashing out in Romania. The Hammers manager left a host of first-team players at home ahead of this tie – despite the fact that it was hanging in the balance following a 2-2 draw at Upton Park a week ago. Bilic was sent to the stands late on in that game and was not in the dugout as his Romanian roll of the dice did not see his side come up trumps – with Astra captain Constantin Budescu scoring twice in four first-half minutes to cancel out the Argentine Manuel Lanzini's early opener and seal a memorable 2-1 win for the hosts. Lanzini, who had already delivered a tempting free-kick and a corner which led to Kevin Nolan's effort being hacked off the line, collected the ball and his low shot squeezed in off the post with just 2½ minutes gone. Astra almost levelled when the busy Budescu's whipped free-kick caught out Darren Randolph in the West Ham goal and came back off the crossbar. It was a different outcome when he next had a sight of goal as the 26-year-old collected the ball before driving forward unchallenged and arrowing a low 25-yard effort out of Randolph's reach. West Ham's young defence had started well but the leveller seemed to knock their confidence and Budescu capitalised on indecisiveness at a cross as he finished coolly to put the home team ahead at the break. As many as six of the visitors' starting line-up have never appeared in the Barclays Premier League for West Ham while defensive duo Doneil Henry and Kyle Knoyle and new signing Lanzini were making their club debuts. Bilic had no obvious options on the bench as his experimental side toiled in the humid conditions, with captain Nolan coming close on the hour mark as he looked to inspire those around him. It was Astra who started to threaten again as the second half wore on and Fernando Boldrin almost followed up his goal from the opening leg with another here, only for Randolph to tip his effort behind. Lanzini stung the palms of Silvu Lung with West Ham's first effort of note since the break, but there were only 12 minutes remaining and his side looked bereft of ideas. Randolph was the busier of the two goalkeepers and was again at his best to push away two late Denis Alibec shots but his team-mates could not find the equaliser they needed to force extra time and dreams of a lengthy European campaign to mark the final season at Upton Park came to an abrupt and feeble conclusion.
Match details
Astra Giurgiu: Lung; Pedro Queiros, Gaman, Geraldo Alves (Oros 19), Junior Morais, Seto, Boldrin, Enache, Teixeira (Alibec 67), William Amorim, Budescu (Lovin 83).
Subs: Gavrilas (g), Florea, Dandea, Stan.
Booked: Junior Morais, Alibec, Lovin.
West Ham: Randolph; Knoyle, Jenkinson, Henry, Page (Pike 90), Lanzini, Cullen, Poyet, Nolan, Lee (Brown 80), Maiga.
Subs: Spiegel (g), Chambers, Mavila, Nasha, Pask.
Booked: Cullen, Henry.
Referee: P Valeri (Italy).
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Astra Giurgiu vs West Ham United match report: Slaven Bilic's men miss out on Europa League as Romania gamble goes awry
Astra Giurgiu 2 West Ham United 1 (Astra Giurgiu win 4-3 on aggregate)
MARK BRYANS STADIONUL MARIN ANASTASOVICI Thursday 06 August 2015
The Independent
Slaven Bilic watched from the stands as his Europa League gamble ended with West Ham going bust and crashing out in Romania. The Hammers manager left several first-team players at home for this tie despite the 2-2 draw in the first leg at Upton Park a week ago. Bilic was sent to the stands late on in that game and was not in the dugout as his Romanian roll of the dice was unrewarded. The Astra captain, Constantin Budescu, scored twice in four first-half minutes to cancel out Manuel Lanzini's early opener and seal a memorable 2-1 win for the hosts. Six of the visitors' starting line-up have never appeared in the Premier League for West Ham, with defensive duo Doneil Henry and Kyle Knoyle joining Lanzini as debutants. Bilic said: "I wanted to go through. I believed that we could go through with this team. I'm very proud of the effort they put in and disappointed with the result."
Lanzini collected the ball and his low shot squeezed in off the post with just two and half minutes gone. But Astra had proved last week that they can be a potent attacking force and almost levelled when the busy Budescu's whipped free-kick caught out Darren Randolph in the West Ham goal and came back off the crossbar. It was a different outcome when he next had a sight of goal as the 26-year-old collected the ball before driving forward unchallenged and arrowing a low, 25-yard effort out of Randolph's reach. West Ham's young defence had started well but that goal seemed to knock their confidence and Budescu was on hand to capitalise on some indecision at a cross as he finished coolly to put the home team in charge at the interval.
Bilic had no obvious options on the bench as his experimental side toiled in the humidity. Nolan came close on the hour mark as he looked to inspire those around him. It was Astra who threatened again as the second half wore on and Fernando Boldrin almost followed up his goal from the opening leg with another, only for Randolph to tip his effort behind. Lanzini stung the palms of Silvu Lung with West Ham's first effort of note after the break, but there were only 12 minutes remaining and his side looked bereft of ideas. Randolph was at his best to push away two late Denis Alibec shots but his team-mates could not find the equaliserthey needed and dreams of a European campaign to mark the final season at Upton Park came to an abrupt and feeble conclusion.
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West Ham join the race to sign Leicester City target Inler
Posted by Eren Sarigul August 7, 2015
turkish-football.com
West Ham, Schalke 04, Besiktas, Fiorentina, Hamburg and Werder Bremen are all in the race to sign Napoli central midfielder Gokhan Inler according to Sky Sports journalist Gianluca di Marzio. The report goes onto state that Leicester City are currently front runners in the race with Inler's agent currently in England holding talks with the Premier League side.
The Foxes are understood to have tabled an offer of €6 million for the 31-year-old. Leicester's newly appointed manager Claudio Ranieri revealed earlier this week that he was close to securing a replacement for Esteban Cambiasso. Cambiasso opted against extending his contract with the Foxes and departed the club at the end of last season. Inler scored one goal in 33 appearances for Napoli in all competitions last season. The Switzerland international has also previously played for Udinese, Zurich and FC Basel. Leicester pulled off the 'great-escape' last season to beat the drop. The foxes ended the season in 14th place with 41 points.
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WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan believes West Ham United's young team can hold their heads high despite exiting the UEFA Europa League to Astra Giurgiu on Thursday night. A 2-1 defeat on the night meant the Romanian side progressed to the Play-Off round by a 4-3 aggregate scoreline. West Ham led 2-0 at one stage at home, and were again in front 3-2 on aggregate when they scored early on at Astra, but they were ultimately outgunned, leading to that empty feeling of an early exit. The visitors' skipper said: "We were all disappointed and there are a lot of disappointed young boys in there who ran their hearts out, but they showed the quality they have. "There were positives to be taken, but the result is disappointing."
West Ham were without several first team regulars as they kept an eye on Sunday's Barclays Premier League opener at Arsenal, and although the result did not go their way, Nolan said the team which did take to the field showed they had the quality to do the job. He explained: "The Gaffer has planned this how he wanted to and the priority is the Premier League - we know we need to be in it going into that fantastic stadium next year, but he still wanted this too. "The passion he showed for the competition [was clear] and this was a chance for all the boys to put them in his head for Sunday. "We're all majorly disappointed, but a few of these boys will now be looking forward to hopefully getting a bit of time in the Premier League."
Manuel Lanzini gave West Ham hope with his third minute goal and Nolan admitted he felt that could be the springboard to victory. He added: "We thought we had a chance when we went 1-0 up, but then maybe we started not attacking enough and that sort of brought the pressure on ourselves. "In the second half we showed we wanted it. It was only late on that they had a few chances, but overall these lads can be proud of themselves. "We've just fallen short and that goes down to the first leg as well. We were 2-0 up, if we see the game out we'd have won the leg quite comfortably."
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Poyet - Euro exit hurts
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's exit from the UEFA Europa League at Astra Girugiu on Thursday hurt in more ways than one for Diego Poyet. The Hammers midfielder was frustrated at losing a lead for the second time in the tie, and even more so at missing out on future opportunities to impress in this competition. After drawing the first leg 2-2 at the Boleyn Ground, the Hammers had their work cut out in Romania, but after going 1-0 up early on through Manuel Lanzini, Poyet felt at that point his team could go on to win. "It's a massive disappointment," he admitted. "Obviously we're out and it's difficult. We were 1-0 up and I thought we were comfortable, but then they scored that long range shot and it all changed. "In the second half we just couldn't get that equaliser and it's a shame to go out in this manner after we went 2-0 up in the first leg. "We knew we had to score, but we said [before the game] let's not rush anything. We were lucky enough that we scored early on, but as I said their goal changed everything. "Goals change games and we started off really well and gave it a go but at the end of the day we feel that it's not good enough to be knocked out this early. "We came here to get a result and get through, so apologies to the travelling fans and those who won't be able to travel around Europe for a few more games. Trust me we're as disappointed as them. "What you want as players is to play games, so for the likes of myself it's another disappointment because this competition could have been an opportunity to play and show what I'm capable of. "It's up to the manager now that we're out, and all I can do is play well [when he calls on me] and do my best in training to get that chance."
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U18s set for Fulham opener
WHUFC.com
Academy midfielder Joe Powell believes the experience of playing in front of a boisterous full house at Canvey Island will stand the Hammers' youngsters in good stead as they kick off their Barclays U18 Premier League campaign at Fulham on Saturday. Though the visitors fell to a 2-0 defeat on the night, first-year scholar Powell says he and his colleagues will be better for having played against senior pros, understandably a rarity for West Ham's Academy boys. First up is a trip to the Cottagers' Motspur Park training ground for an 11am kick-off on Saturday for what Powell expects to be a suitably tough start. "Fulham have always had a good academy, it will be a tough game for us but hopefully we can go there and get the three points," Powell said. "Everyone's had the experience now of what it's like to play against grown men and the physicality of the game, so hopefully we can adapt to the game that much easier as we grow up.
"To play against men, physically, is a battle, I think technically I coped with it well, getting on the ball and spraying it about. It was a good game."
Academy Manager Terry Westley agreed, citing Powell as one of the Hammers' brightest performers on Wednesday evening. "I personally thought Powell [was the pick of the bunch], he picked up a lot of the ball and made a lot of passes," Westley confirmed. "Was I critical, yes, because he's had it too deep, and he wasn't threatening enough, but he showed me glimpses for a first-year scholar at 16 that he can play. He can make things happen for us."
Powell himself is pleased with how pre-season has panned out, but knows there is plenty more hard work to be done in the weeks and months ahead, if he is to replicate the likes of Reece Oxford in rising through the ranks. "It's been a great pre-season for myself, personally, and obviously for all the age groups. "I've seen Reece Oxford is doing well, playing with the first team quite regularly and I wish him all the best. Hopefully he keeps going on with positive vibes and progresses. "I spoke to Terry and he said he can see improvements in my game, technically, he said, I've always been good but there's always work to be done. Hopefully I can see myself in that squad soon."
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Andy Carroll: West Ham striker close to comeback
BBC.co.uk
West Ham striker Andy Carroll could return in time to face former clubs Liverpool or Newcastle, according to manager Slaven Bilic. The 26-year-old has been out since February following knee surgery but returned to training with the under-21 squad last week. He could now face either Liverpool on 29 August or Newcastle on 14 September. "Andy Carroll is doing really well. He will be joining the squad in terms of training very soon," said Bilic. "He has been working for a few weeks but last week he was doing individual stuff without any problems so now the injury is gone. "We just have to bring him in slowly, but as soon as possible to gain fitness. "The target the medical department told me is Liverpool or Newcastle, which is the fourth or fifth game of the season."
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West Ham mid-table in 'net spend' chart
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 7th August 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are currently mid-table in a list of their Premier League peers' net spending so far this summer.
The Hammers may have outspent the likes of established Premier League clubs such as Aston Villa and Everton so far this summer, however they are lagging some distance behind the likes of Newcastle United and Crystal Palace.
When considering the clubs who finished 10th or lower in the Premier League last season - plus the three promoted clubs Bournemouth, Norwich and Watford - West Ham appear sixth in a 'total net spend' table.
According to all available statistics, the Hammers have made a net spend of £17.5million so far this summer following the acquisition of Angelo Ogbonna, Dimitri Payet, Pedro Obiang (£23m in total) and the sale of Stewart Downing (£5.5m).
And whilst that (currently) beats the spending of five clubs, a further five - including two of the three promoted sides - have invested considerably more in their playing squads so far this summer.
The following table was compiled by KUMB member OllyWHU6.
Premier League net spends, summer 2015/16
1. Newcastle
In: Mbembe £8.5m; Wijnaldum £14.5m; Mitrovic £13m; Toney £0.3m.
Out: No fees received
Net Spend: £36.3m
2. Watford
In: Capoue £6m; Behrami £3m; Holebas £2m; Vydra £6m; Berghuis £4.5m; Prodl £0; Arlauskis £0; Britos £4m; Jurado £4m; Nyom £4m.
Outs: Bond £0.25m; McGugan £0.5m.
Net Spend: £33m
3. Crystal Palace
In: Cabaye £13m; Bamford - loan; Wickham £9m; McCarthy £3.5m.
Out: No fees received.
Net Spend: £25.5m
Crystal Palace spent £13m on bringing Yohan Cabaye back to the Premier League
4. Leicester
In: Huth £3m; Okazaki £7.5m; Fuchs - free; Benalouane £6m; Kante £6m.
Out: Wood £2m.
Net Spend: £20.5m
5. Bournemouth
In: Mings £8m; Gradel £7.5m; Tomlin £3m; Distin £0; Boruc £0; Federici £0; Atsu - loan; Costa - loan; King - tribunal.
Out: No fees received.
Net Spend: £18.5m + tribunal fee.
6. West Ham Utd
In: Ogbonna £8m; Payet £10.5m; Obiang £4.5m; Randolph - free; Jenkinson - loan; Lanzini - loan.
Outs: Downing £5.5m.
Net Spend: £17.5m
7. Norwich City
In: Dorrans £3m; Mulumbu £0; Wisom - loan; Brady £7m; Kean - loan.
Out: No fees received.
Net Spend: £10m
8. West Brom
In: McLean £1.5m; Lambert £3m; Chester £8m.
Out: Dorrans £2.5m.
Net Spend: £10m
9. Sunderland
In: Lens £8.5m; Kaboul £3m; Matthews £2m; Coates £2m; M-Vila - loan.
Out: Wickham £9m.
Net Spend: £6.5m
10. Everton
In: Deulofeu £4.25m; Cleverly - free; Henen £0.2m.
Out: Long £0.5m.
Net Spend: £4m
11. Aston Villa
In: Sinclair £2.5m; Gestede £6m; Veretout £7m; Richards - free; Amavi £7m; Gueye £9m; Bunn - free; Ayew £10m; Crespo £0.5m.
Out: Benteke £32.5m; Delph £8m; Weimann £2.75m.
Net Spend: £1.25m.
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Two more targets fall by the wayside
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 7th August 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have lost out on two transfer targets with whom they have been heavily linked in recent weeks.
Kevin Mirallas, who was thought to be keen on a move to London has shunned the chance to join either West Ham or Tottenham - who were also linked with the Belgian international - by signing a new deal with the Toffees.
"I'm very happy to sign," he told the club's website. "I've signed at Everton to win a trophy. I'm at a good team and I can continue my performances here.
"Now I am very happy because I can concentrate on my team and our future, starting with the Premier League tomorrow."
Meanwhile Kara Mbodj, who was close to sealing a move to east London back in January and was again linked with the Hammers this summer, has completed a switch to Anderlecht.
The 25-year-old Genk defensive midfielder was also linked with Premier League rivals Leicester City, although Les Mauves et Blancs' €4.5million offer proved good enough to secure the Senegalese international's signature.
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Nolan: I'd love to stay
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 7th August 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan has said that he'd love to remain at the club - but accepts that a move might be his best option of playing regular, first team football. Nolan, speaking after last night's Europa League exit at the hands of Romanian side Astra Giurgiu, revealed that he had spoken with Slaven Bilic about his future - without receiving any assurances. And that means the former Bolton and Newcastle midfielder could be set for pastures new ahead of the transfer window deadline later this month. "The gaffer has been great with me this summer," he said, following last night's game. "I will probably sit down with him between now and the end of the window and have a chat. "I'm 33, I love the club and I have got a lot of years left in me. I would like to stay, I am not that type of player - but that is a long way away." Despite expressing his desire to continue to work with Bilic, Nolan was critical of the team selection that lad to West Ham's Europa League exit. "We started very brightly but got stuck in a bit of rut," he said. "Where we lost it over the two legs was at home. We are disappointed as a squad and team because we wanted to go through. "The gaffer has shown in his selection that the main priority is the Premier League and to make sure we go to the Olympic Stadium in the Premier League. "Who knows, it might be a blessing in disguise - but I'm not saying it's what we wanted."
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Should West Ham adopt a more Saintly approach?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 7th August 2015
By: Het-Field
The idea that European Competition is something of a hindrance, and should be avoided at all costs. is probably what annoys me the most. It is an attitude that will allow the 'top six' to dominate English football, and the European places for years to come. Southampton have shown the greatest ambition and taken some extraordinary risks, yet have managed to secure themselves as a Premier League team. They've made whopping profits on a number of players (Lallana, Lambert, Clyne, Shaw, Lovern, Chambers), accepted a large pay-out for the loss of former manager Mauricio Pochettino's management team, and replaced him with the highly capable and ambitious Koeman - whilst also bringing in some top players like Pelle, Long, Clasie, Juanmi, and Tadic.
I even notice that unlike West Ham, they now have Dutch international keeper Stelekenburg on loan from Fulham as back-up, while they effectively have first refusal on Steve Caulker. They have also managed to purchase their equivalent of Carl Jenkinson in Ryan Bertrand, while it seems that we are paying Arsenal from the privilege of raising their player (who now has a long term deal with them). The only disappointment from this season's window for Southampton has been their failure to secure Toby Alderweireld. Yes, the likes of Dani Osvaldo have been a mistake, but in the three seasons that Southampton have been in the Premier League, they have seemed almost incapable of falling into a relegation dogfight, have taken out some big teams, and have made St Mary's a tough place to travel.
It's hard not to look at Southampton - whose experience is not entirely different to ours - and feel that we are just not utilising the same mechanisms that they have employed to make themselves as competitive as they can be.
1. Both teams were promoted in 2011-2012.
2. Both teams have sustained a three year Premier League existence (which is usually a barometer).
3. Both teams currently have one of the new wave of manager with good experience, but not old style.
But that is where it ends.
1.Southampton have constantly attempted to upgrade their team, and have often sold some real talents to do so (although I'm not sure by choice), but their scouting has been excellent.
2.The likes of Clyne, Chambers (although awaiting his debut with Arsenal), Shaw, Lambert, Lallana, and Rodriguez have all become England internationals while at Southampton, while it only seems a matter of time before Ward-Prowse gets his chance. Equally, Pelle became an Italy international due to his performances at Southampton, as did Fonte with Portugal.
3.Southampton have willingly invested £10million+ on multiple players, each season since promotion, and said players have generally delivered.
4.Southampton have developed a competitive squad, with a number of good players not guaranteed starting places.
5.Southampton take cup competitions seriously.
West Ham United, on the other hand:
1.Have attempted to rely on some of the same players year in, year out since promotion. In fact up until around this time last season, the team which started the play-off final, could still have taken its place on their field at why.
2.We pine for the likes of Tomkins and Noble (our best possibilities) to get international recognition, but it just seems highly unlikely to happen, particularly in the case of the latter who has been playing first team football here for over a decade.
3.Our commercial value signings have not worked out. Jarvis' value has plummeted, Carroll has been on his sick bed for most of his career here, and the jury will have to decide whether Valencia has been money well spent once he returns from injury.
4.Our squad is relying on players like Randolph, O'Brien, Nolan, Amalfitano, Zarate, and Maiga. They are not competition to the likes of Cresswell, Tomka, Noble, Jenkinson, Kouyate, Reid, Sakho, and Payet, and as such it should be a concern that complacency is an issue.
5. Our attitudes to the cups have been a disgrace since promotion.
Essentially, I think we could learn a lot by looking at the model that Southampton have in place, whether we like them or not. Realistically, they are not nearly as attractive a prospect as we are, but with European Football likely to be on offer, they have already made themselves more attractive than we have.
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Bilic: it was my choice to select weakened team
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 7th August 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham may have thrown in the towel in Romania last night - but manager Slaven Bilic still saw enough in the performance to be pleased. Bilic, reflecting n the 2-1 defeat that saw West Ham knocked out 4-3 on aggregate by the mighty Astra Giurgiu watched the game from the stands, having been sent off during the first leg at the Boleyn Ground last week. And he was delighted with the efforts of some of his younger players, who deputised for the first team stars left at home - a decision that Bilic insisted was his, and his alone. "Some of the young players played really good," he said. "Some of them showed me that we can count on them. After some of the games we got calls from other clubs who would like to take them on loan, so there are a few positive things. "Of course we are out sooner than we wanted to be, sooner than we expected to be. But the beginning of the Premier League will show us if we got the right balance and see if we can cope with it. I think we are ready."
The demand a result of some kind at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon against Arsenal has now increased as a result of his decision to rest West Ham's star players. However Bilic says nothing has changed on that front. "We would want a result anyway," he added. "When the Premier League starts of course we are looking to get a positive result. Do I need to justify the result here? I told you it was my decision. I have spoken with the people from the club about the Europa League and about next season, which is a huge one. "I made this decision, not only for this game but for the game in Malta. I wanted to go through. I believed that we could go through with this team. I'm very proud of the effort they put in and disappointed with the result."
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The truth about Raul Jiminez
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 7th August 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are on the verge of completing the signing of Athletico reserve striker Raul Jiminez on loan. But what exactly do we know about him? Probably not as much as KUMB member RealisticHammer, who has watched the 24-year-old Mexican international extensively in recent seasons. So we asked RH for his views on Jiminez, who is expected to complete his move imminently. Here what he has to say about West Ham's latest acquisition...
"I saw Jiminez play quite a lot for Mexico and Atletico last season. Most people seem to think he's some kind of Sully special in the same way Sakho was, and that his record at Atletico was abysmal.
In fact, he only played four full games for Atletico last season, scoring once and getting an assist. He was used mainly as a substitute as Simeone liked his work ethic and ability to hold the ball up, he was also admired by Simeone for being a willing runner. The fact that he did not get much football last season, at a huge club like Atletico, affected his chances hugely in the national team set-up. He scored a few goals in the Copa America but Mexico prioritised the Gold Cup (which they won) and generally sent a B team to the Copa America.
Nevertheless, Jimenez played well in the two games he got to start, scoring in both. He is a good all round player and would honestly be an asset to us but a bridge too far, last season at Atletico because displacing Griezmann and Mandzukic was pretty much impossible for a newcomer to that league. I honestly believe if he gets regular games in the Premier League he could be a one-in-three kind of striker who would be beneficial to our campaign this season. For those wanting Hernandez as our main striker this season for £12million, I've seen both playing alongside each other multiple times for Mexico over the last few years and there was honestly not much in it. Jimenez is a tad slower than Hernandez, but he has a greater work ethic and is far better at holding up the ball. Hopefully he can put a poor last season behind him and hit the ground running at the Boleyn. "
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West Ham striker Andy Carroll close to return to action
Last Updated: 07/08/15 5:46pm
SSN
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic expects England striker Andy Carroll to be available for selection before the end of the month. Carroll, West Ham's record signing, has not featured since February and has made just 27 first-team appearances since arriving from Liverpool for £15m in May 2013. The news will come as welcome relief for Bilic, who already has a significant selection headache ahead of Sunday's Premier League fixture at Arsenal. The Croat has just two experienced strikers available for the game, Diafra Sakho and Mauro Zarate, with both Carroll and fellow-forward Enner Valencia sidelined through injury. "Our aim is to be mid-table, to be as high as possible; we will give everything we can - let's say if we finish top 10 that is major success"
Bilic is hopeful that Carroll, who has been out with a long-term knee problem, could be back before the end of the month in time to face his former club Liverpool on August 29. "Andy Carroll is doing really well," said Bilic. "He will be joining the squad in terms of training with the team very soon. "It is easy to predict (when he will be fit) but it is also hard - I ask the simple questions to our medical department but it is hard for them. "He has been working for a few weeks but last week he was doing individual stuff without any problems so now the injury is gone. We just have to bring him in slowly, but as soon as possible to gain fitness. "It should be, the target the medical department told me, Liverpool or Newcastle which is the fourth or fifth game of the season."
Bilic is still looking to reinforce his squad and expects to secure the loan signing of Raul Jimenez from Atletico Madrid this week, subject to a pending work permit. "We are close but it is not done," he said. "Hopefully it is going to be done today or tomorrow but he will not make the squad for Sunday, no way. But it would be good for us to get the player as soon as possible. That would be it done. Then I would be happy." Bilic also played down any talk of challenging for Europe this season, and stressed that the club's expectations must remain realistic. "I would like us to play good football, to win games," he said. "It's easy to say now before the first game. "Our aim is to be mid-table, to be as high as possible; we will give everything we can - let's say if we finish top 10 that is major success."
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Adrian: "A totally different style under Slaven"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Adrian has revealed that the style of football West Ham will be play under Slaven Bilic is entirely different to Sam Allardyce's 'brand.'
In an exclusive with London 24 the Hammers keeper said: "It is totally different. With Slaven we will try to keep the ball, start from the goalkeeper and the back, which is different.
"It's a different mentality with the new boss and we need to adapt quickly to the way he wants us to play."
Adrian – now firmly established as a terrace hero – is aiming for another top season and has been working out with new goalkeeping coach Chris Woods.
The Spaniard said:"He is a good man and a very good goalkeeping coach and we are training hard. I'm enjoying training with Darren Randolph and Raphael Spiegel as well, so between us we think we have the goalkeeper position well covered!"
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Redknapp: 'Bilic can lead Irons to new golden era'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Harry Redknapp believes Slaven Bilic can lead West Ham United into a new golden period in their history. In an interview with West Ham magazine Blowing Bubbles Monthly, the former Hammers chief says the Croatian is the perfect man to take the club into the Olympic Stadium.
He also reckons the move will give West Ham the chance to compete with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea at the top of the Premier League. In a wide ranging interview in Blowing Bubbles' first issue of the season, the 68-year-old insisted the Irons were right to leave Upton Park and maintained it could herald a new dawn in the club's future.
"People say West Ham won't fill it but I think they will easily. West Ham can attract the fans, they have a great fanbase and are a well-supported club.
"It's sad to see them leave Upton Park after all this time but sooner or later you have to move on. There is no room to extend the current ground and this is a great opportunity."
Elsewhere in the August issue of the magazine, Sky Sports' Bianca Westwood writes in her column that QPR's Charlie Austin would give Bilic enough firepower to enjoy a fast start to life at West Ham.
"We need someone upfront who is a proven goalscorer and that's what Austin is," she wrote. "He works hard, tracks back and has a proven record of scoring goals at the top level." George Parris is also unveiled as the magazine's new ex-Hammer columnist after Julian Dicks had to step down from the role following his appointment to the first team coaching staff.
Meanwhile Blowing Bubbles also celebrates reaching the impressive milestone of 50 issues as well as asking if Dimitri Payet can send West Ham in a new direction, and whether summer signing Darren Randolph can really challenge Adrian to be our No 1. They also look at five thrilling opening days that will never be forgotten, and how Julian Dicks must inject old school passion into the stars of 2015. They've also got an exclusive interview with West Ham Ladies joint chairman Stephen Hunt who believes the Hammers are only 'two years away from Women's Super League'
The latest issue of Blowing Bubbles Monthly is now available to read for FREE on your computer, tablet or mobile phone.
Link: http://www.blowing-bubbles.co.uk/read-our-latest-issue.html
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Kevin Mirallas signs new three-year deal
Posted by Hammers Newshound on August 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Former West Ham summer target Kevin Mirallas has committed his future to Everton after he signed a new three-year deal today. The Belgian extends his stay at Goodison Park until June 2018. The 27 year old put pen to paper on his new deal on Friday. The winger has scored 29 goals in 85 starts and 25 substitute appearances for the Toffees.
Speaking to Everton TV he said: "I'm very happy to sign. I've signed at Everton to win a trophy. I'm at a good team and I can continue my performances here. Now I am very happy because I can concentrate on my team and our future, starting with the Premier League tomorrow."
The Hammers were reported to have submitted two bids over the summer for Mirallas with an initial bid of £6m increased later to £7.5m, both of which were rejected.
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BBC's hatchet job knights Mooro!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Dan Roan's well publicised programme – 'The Olympic Stadium' – shown on BBC London last night turned out ,as most expected, to be a Hammers hatchet job with a few threats thrown in for good measure. I'll leave Sean – who appeared in the show – to pick the bones pout of all that later.
However, Mr Roan managed – in reviewing the World Cup of '66- to dub the club's greatest legend Mooro "Sir Bobby Moore." If he gets something so basic entirely wrong how much else was incorrect. For such and error to find its way through the BBC's network of sub editors is pretty extraordinary but then the Corporation was so busy producing an entirely unbalanced documentary that such small details are easily overlooked I guess!!! Barry Hearn of course made his appearance for the prosecution but claimed that West Ham will eventually be worth hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of millions of pounds. But he admitted – as we have regularly argued: "The buck on this stops with Boris Johnson." Quite right so why were the Hammers in the shape of the two Davids made the fall guys by the BBC?
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Slav refuses to back down!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic finds himself under pressure to get a big result at Arsenal given the events in in Romania last night. But the Irons boss refused to back off from his decision to play a "shadow" team against FC Astra and said: "We would want a result (against Arsenal) anyway. "When the Premier League starts, we have a game and of course we are looking to get a positive result. "Do I need to justify the result here? I told you it was my decision. I have spoken with the people from the club about the Europa League and about next season, which is a huge one.
"I made this decision, not only for this game but for the game in Malta (in the second qualifying round against Birkirkara). "I wanted to go through. I believed that we could go through with this team. "I'm very proud of the effort they put in and disappointed with the result.Of course we are out sooner than we wanted to be, sooner than we expected to be. "But the beginning of the Premier League will show us if we got the right balance (with the team) and see if we can cope with it – I think we are ready."
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HIJACKED: Jiminez deal in danger!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham look set to miss out on Raul Jiminez. The Hammers have of course been awaiting the Home Office result of the appeal on his work permit but events appear to have overtaken the Irons.
The Athletico Madrid striker looked to be on his way to Upton Park assuming the work permit was finally granted but the deal has hit other snags. We have been told this morning when asking if the deal was now done that it looks set to fail but not for the work permit reason. A well placed source told us exclusively: " No it hasn't been done – sadly other clubs have got into him while we waited for the appeal ."
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SHEP'S BLOG Big Sam camp waits to wield knife
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 7, 2015 in News, Shep's Blogs, Whispers
C AND H
To coin the old chestnut West Ham can now concentrate on the league. Getting knocked out of Europe in Romania on Thursday by Astra Giurgiu was no surprise in the circumstances and deep down a blessed relief for Slaven Bilic. The new West Ham boss goes into the Premier League season under immediate pressure and scrutiny and the last thing he needed was the complication of Europa League involvement. Far better for West Ham have a real go at the FA or League Cup this season for a shot at silverware and glory than the go through the grind of UEFA's hybrid competition that simply doesn't have the allure that the old knockout Cup winners and UEFA Cups had.
But the absolute priority at the club this season is ,of course ,staying in the Premier League and to that end I think that the fixture list has actually been kind to the Hammers. Yes three of the first seven games up to the end of the September are away to heavyweights Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. But after Sunday's opener at Arsenal, come two on the spin at home against Leicester and Bournemouth followed by further home matches versus Newcastle then Norwich up to the end of September when the league will start to take shape. Those home games come into the "winnable" category and the Hammers have to take advantage of the "gentle" opening phase on home soil given those first three away games where really any points at all are bonus balls. Failure to get eight or nine points from those four home games would pile immediate pressure on the players and especially the manager not least because there are some fans and plenty of pundits out there who are from the "Should have stuck by Big Sam" camp and will only too glad and quick plunge a knife into Slaven's back.
Already this week Martin Keown is one pundit who has been particularly vocal on that front even suggesting West Ham might have to beg back Allardyce to save them from going down.
Fat chance of that. It also fails to recognise that under the so called safe hands of Big Sam the Hammers won only three of the last 21 games. That's relegation form. For all that, season's are usually shaped how a team starts and to be fair to Allardyce he had the Hammers pumped up from off the last term but then became a bit too smug about everything and that was one of the main reasons for the dismal slump. Any new manager deserves time to bed in, but time is an ever shorter commodity in this hot house era where instant results and judgements are made. So Bilic has to fire the team to get out of the blocks and into a stride. On the face of it playing Arsenal away in the first game doesn't help then again if the Hammers pulled off a draw or even snatched a win then suddenly Bilic has a bit more breathing space. And one hopes the new manager will show a bit more tactical ambition that Allardyce when it came to away games especially against the big clubs. I have a feeling he might. But the key to the whole season is those first four home games. To that end with Enner Valencia out for at least three months there is urgent need to sign a proven goal scorer, and that Andy Carroll might actually get fit.
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Noble: "It'll take a while to learn Slav's ways."
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Mark Noble believes the squad will need a couple of months to understand Slaven Bilic's ways. Noble – in an excellent exclusive interview with London24 – said: ""I might have a little bit of a different role to play, it depends on how the manager plays as he has two or three ?different ways he likes to play. But wherever he asks me to go, I am happy with that." Noble has admitted in the past it's not been an ideal building and adds: It is definitely the strangest pre-season I have had – a million per cent!" said the 28-year-old midfielder. "Normally you have all your pre-season away from home until the week before the season and the fans get really excited, but things have not gone that way. "We have gone through the Europa with the squad not being together for the first two weeks, with the manager not being able to play his best team." But he appears to back the manager placing the emphasis on the Premier League declaring: "So long as the boys ready to go for Sunday, that is the key." Discussing some indifferent results he explained: "I used to get so wound up when I was 20 or 2 and think we are not ready', but you are, you know? "Last summer we went to New Zealand and got battered by an Australian and a New Zealand team, but look at the way we started the season. "To be honest, the results don't really matter as long as you stay fit and keep the morale high." "The new boys are still ?learning. The Premier League is a completely different kettle of fish to anything they've experienced and Arsenal is going to be a tough one to go into first up. "They are important games, but Leicester are going to be buzzing with a new manager and staying up last season, Bournemouth are a decent side, I watched them a lot last season and they are also going to be buzzing playing in the top flight. We have to match their energy and show our quality." Noble is likely to be playing with French new boy Dimitri Payet and he is pleased with that. "If he keeps creating goals then why not give him the ball? We have been crying out for a player like that, a creative player for a long time. "
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Sullivan working 20 hours per day to sign players
Posted by Hammers Newshound on August 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
David Sullivan junior took to twitter to defend his father after last night's exit from Europa league. Sullivan Junior told his 13,000 followers on twitter "I highly doubt West Ham would exist now if we didn't take over. The future is bright." When challenged whether West Ham would have gone bust without his dad's help young Dave replied "Yes I am saying that. Or they would be playing the league one/two by now and be skint." When asked when we haven't signed a new striker Sullivan Junior said: "My dad is working between 15-20 hours every day to sign players it isn't easy! I can't even get hold of him !"
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Bilic: 'Jimenez deal is close'
Posted by Hammers Newshound on August 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has confirmed the Hammer closing in on the signature of Atletico Madrid striker Raul Jimenez. Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Bilic said: "Jimenez is close. We hope to get it done today or tomorrow, but he would not be ready for Sunday's game.' Speaking about Sunday's game at the Emirates Bilic added: "I'm excited for Sunday. I was here before and have played against English teams in European competition. I'm looking forward to it. I'm ready and the team is ready. I would like us to play good football and to win games, which is easy to say now before the start"
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Bilic: 'Some players may leave the club'
Posted by Hammers Newshound on August 7, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic has admitted some players may still leave the club this transfer window but confirmed that he wants one striker and one more player in midfield before the Hammers transfer business is complete. Speaking at his pre-match press conference this afternoon Bilic said "Some players may leave the club and some have left already. We want 1 striker and 1 more player in midfield and that would be it" Players likely not to be in Bilic's plans include Kevin Nolan, Matt Jarvis and Maiga who could still be outbound if reasonable offers come in. The inbound striker is likely to be Raul Jimenez which Bilic says should be done today or tomorrow and the midfielder is likely to be Alex Song which the Hammers haven't given up on as yet. It appears our transfer window is almost done.
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Andy Carroll could return for West Ham against Liverpool this month, reveals Slaven Bilic
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Friday, August 7, 2015
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has revealed Andy Carroll is three weeks away from returning to action. The striker has been out since February with a knee injury as fitness woes continue to plague his time at Upton Park. However, a video of the 26-year-old back running this week was posted on the West Ham website. And now manager Bilic has confirmed that the England international could return to action by the time the Hammers play Liverpool at the end of the month. "He is doing really well," said Bilic. "The medical team told me it is likely to be the Liverpool (29th August) or Newcastle game (14th September), which is our fourth or fifth game."
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Defender Offered Four-Year Contract By Hammers
Posted by whufc_news@hotmail.com on August 6, 2015 in News, Transfer Rumours
West Ham United have offered a four-year contract to Inter Milan defender Danilo D'Ambrosio, according to Italian source Tutto Mercato. The Hammers have been locked in negotiations with the representatives of the 26 year-old, who can operate as a left or right-back, and they have finally proposed an offer to take him to Upton Park. Despite this, the East London club are yet to find an agreement with the player's club, who are demanding a fee of around £5m for the Italian. West Ham face competition from Bundesliga side FC Schalke, who have already made a bid to sign D'Ambrosio.
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Raul Jimenez will be West Ham's last summer signing, says Slaven Bilic
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Friday, August 7, 2015
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has confirmed the club are on the verge of signing Raul Jimenez. The Atletico Madrid forward is set to arrive on a season-long loan as the Hammers attempt to strengthen their forward line. The Mexico international started just four La Liga games last season and is keen to gain more first-team opportunities. Jimenez should complete his switch before Sunday's Premier League opener against Arsenal, but will not feature at the Emirates. And he will be the last arrival at Upton Park this summer, according to Bilic. "Jimenez is close. We hope to get it done today or tomorrow but he would not be ready for Sunday's game," said Bilic. "That would be it [for signings] then."
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West Ham given attacking boost as Slaven Bilic confirms Raul Jimenez move is close and Andy Carroll is edging towards a return
By PRESS ASSOCIATION
PUBLISHED: 14:49, 7 August 2015 | UPDATED: 14:49, 7 August 2015
Daily MailOnline
Slaven Bilic says West Ham are close to signing Atletico Madrid striker Raul Jimenez over the next 24 hours – with Andy Carroll likely to return to action at the end of this month. The West Ham manager was speaking just eight hours after returning home after a disappointing elimination from the Europa League. The east Londoners were dumped out of the Europa League third qualifying round on Thursday night following a 2-1 defeat in the second leg by Romanian side Astra. To ensure they possess enough fire-power before the start of the Premier League, West Ham are keen to seal the deal for Mexican international Jimenez on a £1.4million season-long loan as quickly as possible. Bilic, preparing for Sunday's Premier League clash at Arsenal, said: 'We are close (to signing Jimenez). But it's not done yet. Hopefully, it will be done Thursday, or Friday. Anyway, he will not make the squad for Sunday. 'It will be good for us to get a player as soon as possible considering that in some positons we need players.'
Andy Carroll has been sidelined since February following major surgery on a knee injury. The operation meant that the England international missed the remainder of last season. Bilic says that he may return to action in late August or early September – which could mean potentially playing against one of his former clubs, either Liverpool away or Newcastle United at home.
Bilic confirmed: 'Andy is doing well. He will be joining the squad in terms of training with the team very soon. I ask the same simple questions to my physio and medical department. It's hard for them to know. 'He's working well, working for a few weeks now. We want to bring him back slowly but as soon as possible without any risk to his training, so he can gain fitness.
'The target of the medical department is the Liverpool or Newcastle United games, the fourth or fifth games of the season.' Bilic stood by his decision to send over a second-string side to Romania – given that he has to field a strong team to face the Gunners three days later at the Emirates. Many of the 330 fans that travelled to Eastern Europe were unhappy with the under-strengthen side that played as well as the overall performance. But the Croatian said that remaining in the Premier League is the No.1 priority. He said: 'Of course we wanted to go through but then we didn't want to jeopardise the Premier League. For us, the league starts on Sunday with a big game, but we will be ready for when it starts. 'We are ready for the beginning of the Premier League.'
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THE STRIKER GAP PART 1
By Blind Hammer 7 Aug 2015 at 13:30
West Ham Till I Die
Why have West Ham struggle to produce Strikers? In the first of a 2 part blog Blind Hammer examines a little acknowledged structural problem with youth development at West Ham
The current scramble, in the light of Valencia's injury, to invest resources in a striker is but the latest example of what has become an annual event at West Ham. Every year we always seem to need to buy or loan in strikers in an effort to increase the team's potency. Rarely has this need been met from within. I hope I am proved wrong, but sadly Elliot Lee appears to be the latest striker hopeful who will probably follow the likes of Freddie Sears and Gary Alexander to the lower divisions to continue their careers.
In the first match I ever saw at the Boleyn in November 1968, Geoff Hurst and Brian Dear were part of a fizzling team that demolished Leicester City. Hurst and Dear were both products of West Ham's then famous youth development. Geoff Hurst actually went to my school in Chelmsford, whilst Brian Dear was an East Ender who joined the club as a 15 year old. He never reached the heights of Hurst but nevertheless scored 33 goals in 69 league appearances, a ratio of goal success that would be startling nowadays for a youth product and would probably invoke suggestions of international recognition. Dear never got anywhere near the England team and was really a footballing flash in the pan. Nevertheless he played in a victorious European Cup Winners Final team, and holds the record for the quickest ever five goals in an English game, 20 minutes either side of half time, in a 1965 FA Cup home tie against West Bromwich Albion. Dear though severely blotted his copybook with Greenwood in 1970 when he was found to be with Bobby Moore, Jimmy Greaves and Clyde Best in the infamous nightclub session, hours before West Ham crashed out 4-0 to Blackpool in the third round of the FA Cup. He was never really seen again.
The point is however is that it is now 50 years since 1965 and with one glorious exception the Academy has not produced any similar talent which equates to the achievements of Brian Dear, let alone Geoff Hurst. The exception is of course Tony Cottee who was able to delight in the service provided by another local product, Trevor Brooking during the 1980s.
We may be able to claim a little credit for the development of Jermaine Defoe, but it should be remembered that he was actually a product of the Charlton Academy that we were able to poach, much to their chagrin. Defoe spent little development time at West Ham in comparison to his time at Charlton, instead cutting his teeth in his famous year long loan spell at Bournemouth where he smashed goal scoring records.
Clearly the Academy has produced some good players over the last 50 years but rarely have these players been strikers. Defenders yes, Ferdinand and Tomkins immediately come to mind, and midfield players relatively frequently, from Geoff Pike to the more illustrious Joe Cole and Frank Lampard Junior, and more contemporaneously Mark Noble.
But when was the last time a West Ham development striker was even a regular part of the first team squad let alone the team itself?
According to David Sullivan the current overhauling of the Academy setup at West Ham is prompted by a general concern about the once famous Academy's recent failure to bring through players of sufficient quality. Sullivan's concern is well merited. He points out that the Academy invests £4 million a year in producing talent. Presumably then the club have invested something like £30 to £40 million over the last 10 years in essentially producing Noble and Tomkins, neither of which are necessarily guaranteed a starting place in Bilic's assembling new team. There are some promising signs from Reeces Burke and Oxford but again these are defensive/midfield developments. Elliot Lee may still develop but he did not set Luton on fire in the same way that Defoe impacted Bournemouth in his spell there.
Of course it would only take the production of one successful striker every 5 years to completely revolutionise the efficacy and cost effectiveness of the Academy. However its current success rate is one striker every 50 years. To my mind this is unacceptable. In part 2 of my blog I will examine the disastrous consequences of this Gap in our Academy places on our Club transfer policy, and start to suggest some strategic improvements which may possibly finally start to resolve this historic deficiency.
David Griffith
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Diamanti set for Watford
By Football Italia staff
Alessandro Diamanti, who spent the second half of last season at Fiorentina, is reportedly close to joining Watford. The Italian international moved to the Viola in January, on loan from Guangzhou Evergrande, making 11 appearances and scoring twice. According to Sky Sports News, the 32-year-old has passed a medical with the Hornets, and is ready to join up with the English Premier League side. Diamanti is believed to have agreed personal terms for the move, and is set to become the 12th signing for the newly-promoted side. The player has previous Premier League experience, having spent a memorable season with West Ham United.
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West Ham 'cleared to sign Alen Halilovic after insider confirms he will leave Barcelona'
Louis Sealey for Metro.co.uk
Friday 7 Aug 2015 1:54 pm
West Ham 'cleared to sign future superstar after insider confirms he will leave Euro giants' West Ham have been cleared to complete a deal to bring Alen Halilovic to Upton Park after a Barcelona insider confirmed he would leave the Spanish giants. The Hammers have been heavily linked with the 19-year-old, who has impressed a host of clubs with solid performances for Barcelona B and Croatia. And the east London club have seemingly been given the green light to complete a move for Halilovic with Barcelona's technical secretary, Robert Fernandez, revealing that he will be loaned out. 'Halilovic will be loaned,' Fernandez was quoted as saying by Spanish outlet Sport. 'We are looking for the best option for him, one that's right for him to grow with.'
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Slaven Bilic comments on Enner Valencia's injury, discusses making more signings
HITC
Billy Hawkins
West Ham star Valencia will be out of action for a couple of months. Valencia injured his ankle in pre-season, keeping him out for the start of the Premier League season, and Bilic has told the Standard that his loss is a huge blow - even though the club will look at signing more players. He said: "I am absolutely gutted for Enner Valencia. He is a smashing lad, he is a big player for us and it's a giant blow that he has injured his ankle and knee. It could have been worse, though, and hopefully he will be back in 10 to 12 weeks. In the meantime, we will keep looking for top players — not a lot of them but the right ones for us." It is true that Valencia will be a big loss, having shown his abilities for the Hammers last term. Although struggling to find the back of the net consistently, the Ecuadorian striker proved to be a valuable attacking player, and his running and work rate in the final third was the perfect accompaniment for the more precise Diafra Sakho. He would have been looking to get off to a good start this campaign, especially with better attacking players around him, but Valencia will now be behind his teammates in the search for fitness - and is not likely to play for 12 weeks. However, Bilic has eased some fears by admitting that new players are still being targeted - if they are the correct fit for the club. There have been calls to bring in another striker, due to Andy Carroll's injury issues, and the latest set-back to Valencia means that the Hammers may push ahead with their plans. Bilic appears keen with the strike force he already has, with Modibo Maiga taking a role in the Europa League, potentially hinting at a Premier League position for him, and a new striker may not be a priority. However, even if Bilic pushes forward with the strike force he has - with Sakho the only top level player available - signings in other positions may be possible if the Croatian boss finds players who suit his system.
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West Ham duo send message to fans on Twitter after Europa League disappointment
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
West Ham United will not feature in the group stage of the Europa League this season. West Ham United striker Elliot Lee has taken to social networking site Twitter to express his disappointment at his side's failure to progress to the group stage of the Europa League this season. The Premier League outfit lost the third qualifying round 4-3 on aggregate to Romanian side Astra Giurgiu. Having drawn the first leg of the tie 2-2 at the Boleyn Ground last week, the Hammers lost the second leg 2-1 away from home on Thursday. Lee, who started Thursday's second leg and played for 80 minutes, has taken to Twitter to express his disappointment. West Ham goalkeeper Adrian was also dejected to watch his team fail to secure a place in the playoff round of the Europa League. Failure to play in the Europa League proper will be a huge disappointment to West Ham, but it is time that they turn their focus to the Premier League.
The first league game of the season for the Hammers is against Arsenal away from home at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
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West Ham co-owner's son responds to fans on Twitter, plenty of frustration
Tim Poole
West Ham's Europa League exit has seen tensions rise on social media. The son of West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan, Dave, has responded to a few frustrated fans on Twitter following the east London club's Europa League exit. West Ham's 2-1 loss to Astra Giurgiu on Thursday night, which eliminated them from European competition after a very brief qualifying stint indeed, has split opinion at Upton Park and caused tensions to rise on social media. Indeed, many feel the Hammers will be better off without the second-tier tournament but plenty are frustrated with a repeat of the disappointing feeling that plagued last season. As such, Sullivan Jr, brother of Jack, took to Twitter with the strong claim that West Ham wouldn't exist now were it not for his father and fellow co-owner David Gold.
Importantly, he also suggested even he can't get hold of the owners as they are working '15-20 hours every day' to recruit new players for West Ham. West Ham travel to the Emirates Stadium next to face Arsenal on Sunday afternoon for their Premier League opener. Now that the Hammers are out of Europe, disappointment in the league won't be met too well by supporters.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic gives Raul Jimenez transfer update
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
Raul Jimenez looks set to join West Ham United from Atletico Madrid. West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has been quoted as saying by the club's official Twitter page that they are close to the signing of Raul Jimenez. The Mexico international striker is on the books of Atletico Madrid at the moment, but it seems that the 24-year-old is set to join the Hammers imminently.
Jimenez does not seem to feature in the plans of Atletico coach Diego Simeone for the 2015-16 campaign, having struggled to play well last season. During the 2014-15 campaign, the Mexican scored one goal and created eight chances in 21 La Liga appearances for Atletico. Jimenez had a pass accuracy of 70% and a shot accuracy of 63%, and won 20 headers, three dribbles and 11 tackles. The jury is out on whether the 24-year-old former Club America striker will be a success at West Ham, but perhaps the London outfit did not have a choice other than to sign him.
It will be interesting to see how Jimenez adapts to the Premier League, having not had a proper pre-season with West Ham.
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Matthew Etherington poses key Allardyce question on Twitter after West Ham exit
HITC
Tim Poole
The former West Ham winger feels the current boss might be getting off lightly...
Ex-West Ham United winger Matthew Etherington believes Sam Allardyce would have been heavily criticised for fielding the team Slaven Bilic did in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Indeed, Bilic made it clear he was picking a weakened side against Astra Giurgiu in Europe and the Hammers were subsequently knocked out of the tournament, losing 2-1 on the night. Many feel the loss will help West Ham concentrate on their forthcoming Premier League campaign, however. And yet Etherington believes Allardyce would have been hammered (pardon the pun) for similar tactics. Meanwhile, former West Ham midfielder Trevor Sinclair, now a pundit with the BBC, also took to Twitter to air his opinion and his response to the club's Europa League exit was a calm one. Indeed, Sinclair feels the east London side's squad isn't yet big enough to compete both in Europe and the Premier League. As such, he delivered the following response to a fan who asked the question of what exactly the point of achieving a high finish is if elimination is the subsequent result.
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Report: West Ham United to miss out on Barcelona wonderkid Alen Halilovic to Celta Vigo
HITC
Mathew Nash
The young Croatian is set to remain in Spain next season. This week it looked like West Ham United would be making a move for Croatian international wonderkid Alen Halilovic. The player is known to countryman and current West Ham manager Slaven Bilic, who wanted to bring him in from Barcelona 'B' – who will be playing in Spain's third tier next season. But with a move to West Ham seemingly on the cards, suddenly the rug has been pulled up from underneath The Hammers. It is now reported that Barcelona will not be selling or loaning him to West Ham at all.
Instead, he will be sent on loan to La Liga rivals Celta Vigo. Mundo Deportivo are reporting that Barca would much rather see Halilovic head out on loan to a a team in Spain – so they can properly track their progress. Barca have good links with Celta Vigo. Current boss Luis Enrique is the former Celta manager and the likes of Rafinha have enjoyed loan spells at the club in the past. West Ham will be gutted if they lose out on Halilovic, as it seemed a deal that should have been easy to get tied up. Now they are out of Europe for the season they have lost yet another bargaining chip in their hunt for the player, which makes matters worse. It looks like Halilovic is slipping from their grasp.
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West Ham will reap rewards of Machiavellian Europa League plot
bwin.com
After three rounds of trying to varying degrees, West Ham finally sealed an exit from the Europa League on Thursday, going out 4-3 on aggregate to Astra Giurgiu. Somehow they'd survived three red cards, a penalty shootout and a two-goal lead let slip prior to the second leg in Romania, where a suicide note squad selection finally put them out of their misery. For many Irons who had been cherishing the prospect of seeing the Boleyn Ground's final campaign burnished with European evenings under the Thursday-night lights, their seemingly wilful capitulation will stick in the craw. All the more so given the upcoming Premier League match against Arsenal, the most likely excuse for fielding such an understrength line-up in Girgiu, pits Slaven Bilic's men against a side who have done the double over them four times in succession. Yet, while such a ploy can be regarded as unsporting and disrespectful to a loyal fanbase robbed of the chance to travel the outposts of the continent for too long, it's also shrewd. Unless a club can sustain the size of squad reserved for Champions League aspirants then the Europa League is a domestic-divisional millstone. Just ask Newcastle, Swansea or Everton – all of whom have suffered when trying to juggle European football with their default commitments in recent campaigns. The Irons are now free to concentrate on top-flight mid-table consolidation ahead of their move to the Olympic Stadium next season without fear of being drawn into squad-stretched relegation skirmish. Championship football in such a hulking arena would not be a good look. Odds compilers at bwin.com have priced up a Premier League seasonal match bet between Bilic's side and Southampton, who, unlike West Ham, qualified for the Europa League play-off round. It has the looks of a fascinating betting heat, with the Saints 4/11 favourites and the Eastenders must be value at 2/1 to finish above the south-coast club. Ronald Koeman's squad has been raided for key players over the summer – true they bounced back from a similar setback last season, but the added burden of regular European football may thwart them in their attempts to do similar this time. West Ham, by contrast, will be unanchored, free to float up the standings like those Boleyn Ground bubbles in the stadium's farewell campaign.
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Real Madrid Barcelona Atletico Madrid Valencia Sevilla Villarreal Malaga Celta Vigo Espanyol Real Sociedad Eibar Athletic Bilbao Getafe Rayo Vallecano Deportivo La Coruña Almeria Elche insidespanishfootball.com
by Tom Conn | Posted on Friday, August 7th, 2015
West Ham United have reportedly secured the season-long loan for Atletico Madrid striker Raul Jimenez for a fee of £1.4 million, after the London side secured a work permit for the 24-year-old. According to various media outlets in both Spain and England, West Ham have been working diligently on securing the Mexican international, who has been deemed as surplus to the requirement at the Vicente Calderon, even giving away his number. After securing the work permit, West Ham will now sit down with Atletico officials on Friday to finalise the deal, which comes with a purchase option following the expiration of the loan on 30th June. Jimenez will become West Ham's ninth signing so far this season, freeing up a non-EU spot on Atletico Madrid's roster, while also giving the Mexican a chance to have consistent first team minutes. Jimenez is expected to arrive in London and undergo his standard medical as the team prepares for their English Premier League opener against Arsenal on the weekend. Jimenez was unable to break into Diego Simeone's starting XI last season, despite the injury to Mario Mandzukic, and made 21 La Liga appearances, scoring just one goal last season.
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Kevin Nolan admits he could leave West Ham after shock Europa League exit
London 24
06:55 07 August 2015 Brad Pinard
West Ham captain Kevin Nolan is keen to sit down and discuss his future with boss Slaven Bilic. The 33-year-old led the Hammers to defeat on Thursday night in Romania against Astra which saw them knocked out of the Europa League. It may be Nolan's last ever European appearance but it could also be his final game for West Ham as Bilic has plenty of options in midfield. "The gaffa has been great with me this summer," Nolan told BT Sport "I will probably sit down with him between now and the end of the window and have a chat. "I love the club, I am 33, I have got a lot of years left in me. "I would like to stay, I am not that type of player, but that is a long way away." Nolan is unlikely to feature as the Hammers head to Arsenal on Sunday.
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Slaven Bilic hails West Ham youngsters despite being dumped out of Europa League
By PA REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 06:55, 7 August 2015 | UPDATED: 06:56, 7 August 2015
Slaven Bilic praised his sought-after youngsters despite seeing his West Ham side eliminated from the Europa League at the hands of Astra Giurgiu. With Sunday's Premier League opener against Arsenal always Bilic's priority, the Hammers boss took an inexperienced squad out to Romania, looking to move into the Europa League qualification play-off round. But, after a 2-2 draw in the opening leg at Upton Park last week, his young players could not get the job done - despite debutant Manuel Lanzini giving them an early lead. A four-minute brace from Astra captain Constantin Budescu turned the match and the tie in favour of the Liga I side and they held on to progress - but Bilic was pleased with the young players who have shown their worth in their ultimately unsuccessful attempt to reach the group stages. 'Some of the young players played really good,' he said. 'Some of them showed me that we can count on them. After some of the games we got calls from other clubs who would like to take them on loan so there are a few positive things. 'Of course we are out sooner than we wanted to be, sooner than we expected to be. But the beginning of the Premier League will show us if we got the right balance (with the team) and see if we can cope with it - I think we are ready.' Bilic will now be under pressure to prove his decision to leave his key players in London was justified by recording a positive result at the Emirates Stadium - but he did not back down from his original call. 'We would want a result (against Arsenal) anyway,' he added. 'When the Premier League starts, we have a game and of course we are looking to get a positive result. 'Do I need to justify the result here? I told you it was my decision. I have spoken with the people from the club about the Europa League and about next season, which is a huge one. 'I made this decision, not only for this game but for the game in Malta (in the second qualifying round against Birkirkara). 'I wanted to go through. I believed that we could go through with this team. I'm very proud of the effort they put in and disappointed with the result.' Astra coach Marius Sumudica admitted he was aware of West Ham's plans to rotate their squad for the second leg - but accused the Premier League club of underestimating his side at Upton Park. 'I followed all of the discussions (about team selection) in London,' he said. 'I want to stress that we obtained this qualification in London. West Ham thought they could comfortably win this qualifying round and have an easy second match. I understand why they kept their players in London to face Arsenal - but we obtained this result in London.'
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Both West Ham and Everton willing to pay £7m to complete deal, fight on
Posted by SPORT WITNESS on August 7, 2015 at 6:54 in Sport Witness Football
Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo on Friday have a piece on the future of Barcelona youngster Alen Halilovic. The Croatian only signed for Barcelona because they assured him he'd spend a year with Barcelona B before moving up to the first team squad.
Talks have taken place this week between Barcelona and the player's agent and it's hard to see how Halilovic could have any meaningful role with Barcelona's first team next season, and a lack of games could harm the youngster's development.
Cue rumours. West Ham United rumours relating to Halilovic have all over the place this last week, and that's all over the place in terms of what has been in the actual claims rather than the distribution. On Friday Mundo Deportivo say that both West Ham and Everton would be prepared to pay €10m for the player, which works out to be around £7m. Neither have actually made that offer yet.
However, both English clubs may be better served not fighting with each other for Halilovic and walking away, because Mundo Deportivo say a loan within La Liga is more likely. Barcelona have a decent relationship with Celta Vigo and Mundo Deportivo see that as the most likely destination as things stand.
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West Ham fans react on Twitter to Manuel Lanzini's performance
HITC
Dan Coombs
West Ham got their first look at new midfielder Manuel Lanzini last night, as the side took on Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League. The Argentine playmaker was part of an inexperienced side who lost in Romania, with the exit from the competition a potential blessing in disguise for the club's Premier League campaign. Lanzini at least showed what he could do in the circumstances, scoring the side's only goal in a 2-1 loss on the night. He is on loan from Emirates club Al Jazira, and will hope he has done enough to earn more chances for the first team, but it was not all positive for him. Lanzini was culpable for Astra's first goal, giving the ball away to the opposition, but it is hard to be too harsh on him, and nor were watching supporters. The reaction to his performance was positive, with Lanzini seen as one of the reasons to be cheerful on a night the club suffered defeat. He showed energy in possession and was trying to make things happen, but found it tough with Modibo Maiga offering little up front in terms of movement.
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Astra Giurgiu 2 West Ham United 1; agg 4-3, Europa League match report: Slaven Bilic gamble backfires
Astra Giurgiu v West Ham United, Europa League qualifier - East London club's European adventure fails at first hurdle in Romania
telegraph.co.uk
By Mark Bryans, Marin Anastasovici Stadium11:35PM BST 06 Aug 2015
Slaven Bilic watched from the stands as his Europa League gamble ended with West Ham crashing out in Romania. The Hammers manager left a host of first-team players at home ahead of this tie – despite the fact that it was hanging in the balance following a 2-2 draw at Upton Park a week ago. Bilic was sent to the stands late on in that game and was not in the dugout as his Romanian roll of the dice did not see his side come up trumps – with Astra captain Constantin Budescu scoring twice in four first-half minutes to cancel out the Argentine Manuel Lanzini's early opener and seal a memorable 2-1 win for the hosts. Lanzini, who had already delivered a tempting free-kick and a corner which led to Kevin Nolan's effort being hacked off the line, collected the ball and his low shot squeezed in off the post with just 2½ minutes gone. Astra almost levelled when the busy Budescu's whipped free-kick caught out Darren Randolph in the West Ham goal and came back off the crossbar. It was a different outcome when he next had a sight of goal as the 26-year-old collected the ball before driving forward unchallenged and arrowing a low 25-yard effort out of Randolph's reach. West Ham's young defence had started well but the leveller seemed to knock their confidence and Budescu capitalised on indecisiveness at a cross as he finished coolly to put the home team ahead at the break. As many as six of the visitors' starting line-up have never appeared in the Barclays Premier League for West Ham while defensive duo Doneil Henry and Kyle Knoyle and new signing Lanzini were making their club debuts. Bilic had no obvious options on the bench as his experimental side toiled in the humid conditions, with captain Nolan coming close on the hour mark as he looked to inspire those around him. It was Astra who started to threaten again as the second half wore on and Fernando Boldrin almost followed up his goal from the opening leg with another here, only for Randolph to tip his effort behind. Lanzini stung the palms of Silvu Lung with West Ham's first effort of note since the break, but there were only 12 minutes remaining and his side looked bereft of ideas. Randolph was the busier of the two goalkeepers and was again at his best to push away two late Denis Alibec shots but his team-mates could not find the equaliser they needed to force extra time and dreams of a lengthy European campaign to mark the final season at Upton Park came to an abrupt and feeble conclusion.
Match details
Astra Giurgiu: Lung; Pedro Queiros, Gaman, Geraldo Alves (Oros 19), Junior Morais, Seto, Boldrin, Enache, Teixeira (Alibec 67), William Amorim, Budescu (Lovin 83).
Subs: Gavrilas (g), Florea, Dandea, Stan.
Booked: Junior Morais, Alibec, Lovin.
West Ham: Randolph; Knoyle, Jenkinson, Henry, Page (Pike 90), Lanzini, Cullen, Poyet, Nolan, Lee (Brown 80), Maiga.
Subs: Spiegel (g), Chambers, Mavila, Nasha, Pask.
Booked: Cullen, Henry.
Referee: P Valeri (Italy).
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Astra Giurgiu vs West Ham United match report: Slaven Bilic's men miss out on Europa League as Romania gamble goes awry
Astra Giurgiu 2 West Ham United 1 (Astra Giurgiu win 4-3 on aggregate)
MARK BRYANS STADIONUL MARIN ANASTASOVICI Thursday 06 August 2015
The Independent
Slaven Bilic watched from the stands as his Europa League gamble ended with West Ham going bust and crashing out in Romania. The Hammers manager left several first-team players at home for this tie despite the 2-2 draw in the first leg at Upton Park a week ago. Bilic was sent to the stands late on in that game and was not in the dugout as his Romanian roll of the dice was unrewarded. The Astra captain, Constantin Budescu, scored twice in four first-half minutes to cancel out Manuel Lanzini's early opener and seal a memorable 2-1 win for the hosts. Six of the visitors' starting line-up have never appeared in the Premier League for West Ham, with defensive duo Doneil Henry and Kyle Knoyle joining Lanzini as debutants. Bilic said: "I wanted to go through. I believed that we could go through with this team. I'm very proud of the effort they put in and disappointed with the result."
Lanzini collected the ball and his low shot squeezed in off the post with just two and half minutes gone. But Astra had proved last week that they can be a potent attacking force and almost levelled when the busy Budescu's whipped free-kick caught out Darren Randolph in the West Ham goal and came back off the crossbar. It was a different outcome when he next had a sight of goal as the 26-year-old collected the ball before driving forward unchallenged and arrowing a low, 25-yard effort out of Randolph's reach. West Ham's young defence had started well but that goal seemed to knock their confidence and Budescu was on hand to capitalise on some indecision at a cross as he finished coolly to put the home team in charge at the interval.
Bilic had no obvious options on the bench as his experimental side toiled in the humidity. Nolan came close on the hour mark as he looked to inspire those around him. It was Astra who threatened again as the second half wore on and Fernando Boldrin almost followed up his goal from the opening leg with another, only for Randolph to tip his effort behind. Lanzini stung the palms of Silvu Lung with West Ham's first effort of note after the break, but there were only 12 minutes remaining and his side looked bereft of ideas. Randolph was at his best to push away two late Denis Alibec shots but his team-mates could not find the equaliserthey needed and dreams of a European campaign to mark the final season at Upton Park came to an abrupt and feeble conclusion.
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West Ham join the race to sign Leicester City target Inler
Posted by Eren Sarigul August 7, 2015
turkish-football.com
West Ham, Schalke 04, Besiktas, Fiorentina, Hamburg and Werder Bremen are all in the race to sign Napoli central midfielder Gokhan Inler according to Sky Sports journalist Gianluca di Marzio. The report goes onto state that Leicester City are currently front runners in the race with Inler's agent currently in England holding talks with the Premier League side.
The Foxes are understood to have tabled an offer of €6 million for the 31-year-old. Leicester's newly appointed manager Claudio Ranieri revealed earlier this week that he was close to securing a replacement for Esteban Cambiasso. Cambiasso opted against extending his contract with the Foxes and departed the club at the end of last season. Inler scored one goal in 33 appearances for Napoli in all competitions last season. The Switzerland international has also previously played for Udinese, Zurich and FC Basel. Leicester pulled off the 'great-escape' last season to beat the drop. The foxes ended the season in 14th place with 41 points.
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