On this day - 5 September – WHUFC.com
Anniversary
Name: Tony Carr MBE
Born: Bow, 5 September 1950
West Ham United's Academy Director Tony Carr MBE celebrates his birthday
today.
Carr first joined the Club in 1966, when he was signed as a youth player.
However, injury meant that he had not made a senior appearance when he left
to join Barnet in 1971. There, he made 13 appearances and scored one goal
before he returned to the Boleyn Ground as a youth coach under John Lyall in
1973. Carr has overseen the development of Academy graduates such as Rio
Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick and Jermain Defoe, to name but a
few, as well as current first-team players Mark Noble, James Tomkins and
Jack Collison during his time with the Hammers. Carr was awarded a
Testimonial in 2009, and was also made an MBE for his services to football
in the Queen's Birthday Honours List the following year. He is now West Ham
United Ambassador, in his 42nd season of service to the Academy of Football.
Classic match
Sunderland 0-2 West Ham United
Division One
5 September 1981
West Ham United followed up a 4-0 away win over Tottenham Hotspur with
another victory on the road against Sunderland at Roker Park.
David Cross was the hero against Spurs, netting all four goals, and he was
on target again when they took on the Black Cats. Paul Goddard also scored
as the newly-promoted Hammers maintained their unbeaten start to the
1981/82 Division One season.
Despite their good early season form, this win was one of only five on their
travels all season as they finished the campaign in ninth place.
Complete record
1921 Bradford Park Avenue 2-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
1925 Liverpool 0-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1931 West Ham United 0-2 Middlesbrough (Division One)
1936 Blackpool 1-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1949 West Ham United 1-2 Southampton (Division One)
1953 West Ham United 3-1 Fulham (Division One)
1959 West Ham United 1-2 Leeds United (Division One)
1960 West Ham United 2-1 Manchester United (Division One)
1964 Stoke City 3-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1967 Everton 2-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1970 West Ham United 1-2 Everton (Division One)
1981 Sunderland 0-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1987 West Ham United 1-1 Liverpool (Division One)
1992 West Ham United 2-1 Watford (Division One)
2000 Sunderland 1-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
Played 15, Won 4, Drawn 3, Lost 8, Scored 15, Conceded 2
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Lanzini happy with 'special' goal – WHUFC.com
Despite only being at the Club for a few months, Argentine midfielder Manuel
Lanzini has certainly hit the ground running. While eyebrows may have been
raised when Slaven Bilic brought the 22-year-old to east London from United
Arab Emirates-based Al Jariza, the former River Plate man has demonstrated
his pedigree, scoring twice in two starts. Having opened his account against
Astra Giurgiu, he famously scored the Hammers' opener against Liverpool
after just three minutes. Speaking at a Store Signing at the Club's Official
Lakeside Thurrock store, Lanzini spoke of his delight at opening his Premier
League account: "It was very special, for myself and for the team. We won
and we played very well, and it was important too. "I am very happy and I
hope it keeps going like that. I'm very happy. The Club and the Premier
League are excellent; the people have been very polite to me. I came from a
different background but I am enjoying this a lot."
While the Argentinian U20 international has settled in well at the Boleyn
Ground, he continued to say that he hoped this was just the start of a
special season for both himself and the Club. As the Hammers are already two
home games into their final season in E13, Lanzini said he was focusing on
making the most of each game. "I try to enjoy London as much as I can, but I
try to rest and keep focus to be ready for my job. This is why I am here! "I
will always do my best to show respect to the fans and the Club. It will
help establish a good relationship with the fans. "I'm grateful for the
support that they are showing to us. I heard that there is a long waiting
list to get a season ticket for next year in the new Stadium. This is really
good for the Club."
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Captain Sylvestre ready for Foxes – WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s return to action after a weekend off Premier League
action with a home game against table toppers Leicester City. The Foxes have
made a strong start to their campaign, winning all three of their opening
games, scoring ten goals in the process. One player likely to feature is
midfielder and captain Noha Sylvestre: "We've been training really well
recently, obviously we need to win this weekend so everyone is working hard.
"The second years are really setting an example for the new first years
coming through. We're all trying to lead the team and I can feel the good
atmosphere around the squad at the moment."
The Swiss U17 international has played in every game of the season so far
and continued to say how much he is enjoying his role as U18 captain.
"I'm really enjoying it. I like to take risks with my ability and to push
myself. I like talking on the pitch and making sure everything is going
alright. I like to think I can motivate the younger players around me and
encourage them. "Leicester are top of the table so we know they're a strong
team, it's always been a difficult game whenever I've come up against
Leicester. But I think we have enough to do well on Saturday, everyone will
work really hard and I hope we will get a win."
On top of his newfound responsibility, Sylvestre was one of the more senior
players who made the journey to the Netherlands last week which faced AZ
Alkmaar and FC Groningen. Reflecting on the experience, the 17-year-old said
he thought the weekend away would stand them in good stead for this
Saturday's match with the Foxes. "I really enjoyed the trip to Holland, it
was a good experience. The games were pretty tough because we came up
against some first team players who were 23, and we were much younger so it
was a good challenge. In the second game, we were much, much better. We kept
the ball well and only lost out to a last minute penalty which was unlucky.
"We were good against Tottenham where we drew 1-1 but we could have played
much better against Fulham and Norwich. We know where we need to improve and
we should demonstrate that this by getting the three points."
Having made a strong start to the season, Sylvestre is hoping this is just
the start of a big season as he hopes to bridge the gap between the U18s and
U21s. The ambitious midfielder finished by saying: "My targets for this
season are to try and get a few games for the U21s while captaining the U18s
as much as possible and setting an example to the younger players. The
target by the end of the season is to be an established U21 player."
West Ham United U18s host Leicester City at Little Heath, kick off 12pm.
Admission is FREE for all fans so come down and see some of the stars of the
future!
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Jack Sullivan Column –WHUFC.com
Jack Sullivan is the youngest son of West Ham United Joint-Chairman David
Sullivan and is a huge Hammers fan. Jack will be giving his exclusive views
to the official website in a regular column...
Hello everyone,
It has been an incredible few days and I didn't think it could get any
better following our memorable 3-0 win over Liverpool last weekend. But my
dad and everyone behind the scenes have made it a great end to the transfer
window and we were able to bring in four major new signings before the
deadline closed. To be fair my dad has been extremely busy throughout the
summer trying to bring in new players and all the fans can now see what we
were working towards. These deals are not straight forward and my dad can
spend hours trying to negotiate a deal and then for whatever reason it
doesn't happen. But thankfully all his hard word paid off in the end and if
you look at our squad, it is much stronger than what it was last year. We
have got lots of different options throughout the team and the quality of
our bench is going to be so much better now. We are going to see more
attacking football. I asked my dad what his starting XI would be now and he
couldn't name it – I was the same !!
We have got so much competition for places and there is real strength in
depth which is what you need at this level. I am thrilled that we were able
to do a deal to bring Alex Song back to the Club. There is every chance he
will be back to the player he was in the first half of last season. Even
though he is injured at the moment, we still wanted to sign him and that
shows how much we rate him. You can learn a lot from someone like him as he
has played at the highest level and has Champions League experience. He can
teach the other players and I'm sure the youngsters in the squad will be
looking up to someone like him. He can pass the ball and open up defences
and there are not many better than him. A big signing like Song shows the
Club is heading in the right direction.
Victor Moses is another great signing. He has the hunger to do well and is
unplayable at times. We have been working hard on that deal for a number of
weeks and fought off some big clubs who were also desperate to sign him. But
like Song, we managed to clinch his signature and he can see the ambition
that we have. We have already beaten Arsenal and Liverpool away from home
and there was no luck from us in either game. Someone like Moses can see
there is a lot of quality in the squad. The fans are going to be excited by
the signing of Nottingham Forest winger Michail Antonio and he has great
potential. He has come from non-league to the very top. He scored a lot of
goals in the Championships and created a number of assists last season and
Forest didn't want to sell him. But we wanted him to come to us and his
personality has shown that he is not prepared to give up and wants to
compete at the highest level. We also solved our striking problems by
bringing in Nikica Jelavic and Slaven was keen to bring him to the Club. The
manager knows everything about him and he has scored goals in the Premier
League before. He will put more pressure on Sakho and Carroll and give us
real competition for places in the forward line. I'm sure there a lot of
Clubs in the top flight that would have liked to have signed him. The
players we have brought in make us so much stronger.
All this followed a remarkable victory at Anfield and ending 52-years
without a win over Liverpool. I will remember the celebrations at the final
whistle for a long time to come and even seeing David Gold head down to the
tunnel and towards the West Ham fans behind the goal. I'm still not sure how
he managed to get down there !! But the away fans were magnificent as
always and we cannot thank them enough for all their support. Everyone can
see that the squad has so much enthusiasm and we are playing fast-flowing
football. Dimitri Payet was outstanding and Manuel Lanzini was superb. He
was not frightened of anyone and showed he can tackle as well. The whole
midfield was so strong and I have to pay special tribute to Cheikhou Kouyate
who was so strong and looks so dangerous when he drives with the ball into
the opposing half. I was so pleased for Sakho to get his first league goal
and it all went to plan. It really shook up the Liverpool defence who didn't
expect it. There is no reason why can't we push on and have a really good
season this year.
Why can't we do really well in the cup competitions and make this a season
to remember – especially in our final ever year at the Boleyn Ground.
We are welcoming back the Boys of 86' for the next home game against
Newcastle so it will be another great night. I look forward to speaking with
you all again soon.
Jack
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Joe Cole back at the Academy – WHUFC.com
West Ham legend Joe Cole made an emotional return to the Club's Academy
training ground this week and came out on top once again after he passed his
UEFA B coaching licence. Cole is already thinking about his next move in the
game when he eventually hangs up his boots and would love the chance to go
into management. The former England star will never forget his breakthrough
into first-team action and the chance he was given by Tony Carr when he made
his way through the Club's famous Academy alongside the likes of Rio
Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Frank Lampard. Cole, who is currently playing
for Aston Villa was back in east London and faced the final assessment when
he coached the Academy's Under 15/16's. The 33-year-old impressed as he put
the youngsters through their paces and relished the chance to pass on his
vast knowledge of the game. Cole said: "It is nerve-wracking because it is
not something I am used to. I really enjoyed coaching and it has sparked
something inside of me. I want to stay in the game when I finish eventually
and you need to get these badges. "Once you play for West Ham you are always
part of the family and I'm sure I will be back one day in some capacity. "It
was great to see all the old faces and seeing some old friends. All the top
clubs bring players through and West Ham have a good tradition of doing it
and they need to keep improving. "West Ham need to keep producing players
and everyone here is doing well."
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International round up – WHUFC.com
Hammers' goalkeeper Darren Randolph is set to start for his native Ireland
after impressing in his two Premier League appearances for the Claret and
Blues. Having joined West Ham in the summer, the 28-year-old was the Irons'
best player against Bournemouth before putting in another assured display
away at Liverpool. The Greens will travel to minnows Gibraltar with Martin
O'Neills men knowing they need a win to keep their chances of qualifying for
France 2016 alive. After six games, Ireland are in fourth with nine points,
behind Poland, Germany and Scotland.
Meanwhile fellow goalkeeper Sam Howes is also in international action. The
highly rated youngster will travel with his Three Lions' teammates to face
arch-rivals Germany before playing their Croatian counterparts on Monday 7
September.
Senegalese duo Diafra Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyate return to international
action against Namibia in the Sam Nujoma Stadium, Windhoek. Les
Lions approach the game in good form having won their last three consecutive
games. Just three days later, they face South Africa in a friendly match in
Johannesburg. Kick off on Tuesday 8 September is 7pm local time.
Stephen Hendrie has been called up to the Scottish U21 squad to face
Northern Ireland in their UEFA European Championship Qualifier while Martin
Samuelsen's Norway U18 lost 2-1 to Sweden. They face Denmark on Saturday,
kick off is 1pm.
Defender James Collins was unused substitute in Wales' 1-0 win over Cyprus.
Gareth Bale's 82nd minute header sealed the victory which leaves Chris
Coleman's men, ranked 9th in the FIFA rankings, one win away from
qualification.
U17 midfielder Declan Rice came on as a substitute in Ireland's 0-0 draw
away in Hungary.
Hammers in International action
5pm, Sunday 6th – James Collins' Wales could secure a spot at France 2016
with a win against Israel at the Millennium stadium.
12.30pm, Monday 7th – Winston Reid's All Whites play Myanmar in a friendly
7pm – Sam Howes's England U19 face their Croatian counterparts
7.30pm – Reece Burke could make his U20 debut when the Three Lions play
Czech Republic
5pm, Tuesday 8th – Josh Cullen's Ireland U21 travel to Andorra
7pm, Tuesday 8th – Sakho and Kouyate's Senegal play South Africa
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Chadwell Chatter – WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
Well, what a week it has been! Not only did we win 3-0 at Liverpool and do
some fantastic business in the transfer window, but I also managed to make
my Barclays Premier League debut and sign a new long-term contract with my
club, West Ham United. Our win at Liverpool was fully deserved, too. The
boys were saying in the dressing room afterwards that they didn't really
have a chance because we restricted them well. We looked a constant threat
really, every time we got the ball. When they got it, we looked resilient
and they didn't get a sniff to be honest. I would like to thank the gaffer
a lot for chucking me on for my Premier League debut. It was amazing, and
hopefully it's the first of many and I can repay him the favour sometime
soon.
It was a surreal feeling straight after the game, what with us not having
won at Anfield for a long, long time, so to go there and win 3-0 and get on
the pitch for a few minutes at the end made for one of the best days of my
life. I'm absolutely chuffed. I managed to swap shirts with James Milner at
the final whistle, but then I had a bit of a panic because I wanted to keep
my Premier League debut shirt too! Luckily, I was able to get it back so
it'll be great to have two shirts, one for my Premier League debut and also
one from a full international like James.
After beating Arsenal at the Emirates and Liverpool an Anfield, we can go
into every game believing we can win it. People probably expected us to be
on six points by now but not in the way we've done it! We've proved we can
beat the best teams and there's no doubt in the changing room that the
results at home will come. We've proved it to ourselves and everyone else
that we can mix it with the best of them.
On a personal level, I know I've got a long way to go. Obviously the U21s
isn't quite the same as playing in front of 45,000 fans. When I get the
opportunities, I need to do my best and show what I can do. On Monday, I
was delighted to sign a new contract until 2018, which was great. West Ham
is my club and I want to be here for as long as possible, so to have this
security means I can concentrate 100 per cent on my football and not worry
where I will be playing for the next few seasons. We are currently on an
international break and I was honoured to be called up by Republic of
Ireland U21s for the first time and I hope to be involved on Friday night
when we take on Qatar U23s in Bury. We play in Andorra next week in our
second 2017 European Championship qualifier – in the same stadium where I
played for West Ham against FC Lusitans back in July in the Europa League!
It'll be funny to go back to Andorra, as it's a place I thought I'd never go
to in my life but I'll have gone there twice in a few weeks! It's my first
U21 call-up so hopefully that'll go well and we'll get another win like West
Ham did. The boys beat Lithuania in their first qualifier, so we want to
build on that and keep our 100 per cent record going.
Have a great weekend.
Josh
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Andy Carroll in contention to face former club – KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 4th September 2015
By: Staff Writer
Perma-crock Andy Carroll is set to return to West Ham United's match day
squad on Monday week in order to face former club Newcastle United. The
Hammers number nine, who has made just 27 Premier League starts since
becoming the club's record signing more than two years ago is set to make
the bench - at least - when the Magpies visit the Boleyn Ground. The news
was hinted at by co-Chairman David Gold in response to a fan's question via
Twitter. DG also revealed that Enner Valencia, who was still in plaster a
week ago is seto make his return sometime in October, as previously planned.
West Ham ar scheduled to face Newcastle United at the Boleyn Ground on
Monday, 14th September.
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Lifeline for Amalfitano
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 4th September 2015
By: Staff Writer
Morgan Amalfitano may have been banished to train with the reserves, but he
has been handed an unexpected lifeline by manager Slaven Bilic. Three weeks
ago it was revealed that the French winger had been ordered to train with
the club's youngsters after he fell foul of Bilic's rules and rergulations,
implemented when he arrivd at the club in the summer. However Bilic has
handed an olive branch to the 30-year-old by including him in West Ham's
25-man squad for the current Premier League season. Amalfitano has been
granted the numbet 18 shirt by Bilic in this year's squad list, which also
sees Alex Song given the number four shirt and fellow new arrival Victor
Moses handed the number 20, previously worn by Guy Demel. Meanwhil Nikica
Jelavic will wear the previously vacant number 26 shirt, whilst Michail
Antonio takes number 30 - Alex Song's 2014/15 squad number.
The full list is as follows; last season's squad numbers in brackets (where
applicable):
1 (GK) Darren Randolph (n/a)
2 (DF) Winston Reid (2)
3 (DF) Aaron Cresswell (3)
4 (MF) Alex Song (30)
5 (DF) James Tomkins (5)
6 Retired
7 Unused
8 (MF) Cheikhou Kouyate (8)
9 (FW) Andy Carroll (9)
10 (FW) Mauro Zarate (10)
11 (FW) Enner Valencia (31)
12 (DF) Carl Jenkinson (18)
13 (GK) Adrian (13)
14 (MF) Pedro Obiang (n/a)
15 (FW) Diafra Sakho (15)
16 (MF) Mark Noble (16)
17 (DF) Joey O'Brien (17)
18 (MF) Morgan Amalfitano (21)
19 (DF) James Collins (19)
20 (MF) Victor Moses (n/a)
21 (DF) Angelo Ogbonna (n/a)
22 Unused
23 Unused
24 Unused
25 (DF) Doneil Henry (n/a)
26 (FW) NIkica Jelavic (n/a)
27 (MF) Dimitri Payet (n/a)
28 (MF) Manuel Lanzini (n/a)
29 Unused
30 (MF) Michail Antonio (n/a)
31 Unused
32 (DF) Reece Burke (32)
33 Unused
34 (GK) Raphael Spiegel (34)
35 (DF) Reece Oxford
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Nay, nay and thrice nay
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 3rd September 2015
By: Staff Writer
The Government has rejected calls from supporters of other London football
clubs to investigate the circumstances in which West Ham were granted
tenancy of the Olympic Stadium. Supporters from clubs such as Charlton,
Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea called upon the Government to re-examine the
deal which awarded West Ham a 99-year lease and anchor tenancy of the
stadium last year. However the appeal - which was signed by some 24,000
people - was rejected by HMG, who insisted that the contract had already
been "tested in court". A spokesman for the Department for Culture, Media
and Sport said: "West Ham United has a concession at the stadium and their
contributions reflect that status. "The contract, awarded after an open
public competition, has been widely scrutinised and tested in court. "The
stadium remains in public ownership and the profits from its multiple uses
will flow to the taxpayer." West Ham are scheduled to move to Stratford next
summer in time for the beginning of the 2016/17 Premier League season.
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Parksey tells Slav he must sort home sickness
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Phil Parkes has told boss Slaven Bilic he has to quickly find a system which
will ensure that visiting teams are broken down at the Boleyn. Obviously
pleased with the away form, Parksey wants to see the gaffer get it right at
home very soon and said: "A 4-4-2 would be lovely but a 4-3-3 is probably
more likely. He told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "We have creative players
and should be able to break teams down but it didn't look good against
either Leicester or Bournemouth. In the case of the Cherries they are a team
that has to attack or get found out but we need to work out a system that
sorts teams out at the Boleyn. "We don't want it becoming like the promotion
season when we won away from home regularly but allowed teams to sit and
found we couldn't break them down at home. "We had a decent transfer window
although I've never been sure about Jelavic Slaven seems to think he knows
his game and can get him performing so fingers crossed. "The strikers are
coming back quickly now so hopefully all will be well but it's a challenge
to Slav and one he has to meet – I believe he will."
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Gold: Carroll should be on the bench for Newcastle
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham Chairman David Gold says Andy Carroll is working hard and he is
hopeful that Carroll will be on the subs bench for the Newcastle game at
the Boleyn Ground on the 14th September after the International break. David
Gold was responding to one Hammers fan on twitter who asked whether Carroll
would be back in time for Newcastle. Gold replied "He is working hard and he
is determined. I am hopeful he will be on the bench"
Gold also shared he expects a top ten finish for West Ham in the Premier
League table this season telling his 123,000 followers: "I will be
disappointed if we don't finish in the top half of the table but I'm hopeful
that we will do better."
Gold also suggested that rival supporters who started a petition demanding a
public inquiry into the Olympic Stadium should be more productive with their
time. When asked by one West Ham fan 'What do you think of people signing
a petition for our new stadium to be a debate in parliament?'
Gold said "I think it would be more productive if they were to apply
themselves to something more worthwhile. dg"
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Moses promotes the wrong Krays film
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Victor Moses hasn't got off to the greatest starts with West Ham Chairman
David Sullivan by promoting the wrong Krays film on his twitter account to
his 716,000 followers this morning. Moses posted 'Looking forward to seeing
this with a picture of Krays film Legend.'
Wouldn't mind being a fly on the wall when the winger meets his new employer
following that one – what a plonker – Del Boy stuff Victor! Sullivan is the
main investor in the £3m 'Rise of the Krays' film which was released on
Monday. Alex Song promoted the 'Rise of the Krays film' on his instagram
yesterday to his 803,000 followers getting over 6,000 likes showing he knows
which side his bread is buttered.
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Injury News: Valencia due back in October
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham Chairman David Gold was the bringer of good news on his twitter
account late last night night telling his 123,000 followers that Enner
Valencia has told him he will be back in October. Gold tweeted out "I saw
Valencia today working very hard in the Gym. He told me he will be back in
October."
Previously it was thought that the Hammers could be without Valencia until
December, missing the first four months of the season after the club
admitted there remained a possibility he may yet require an operation.
Last month Valencia told Ecuadorian radio station, La Deportiva 'West Ham
seem to have forgotten that I'm injured. But they don't let me speak to
another doctor. I don't understand why West Ham doctors are doing this to
me,'The truth is that West Ham have not been supporting me.'
He later issued a clarification telling WHUFC.com : "I have had a number
of consultation meetings with specialists in London, accompanied by members
of the Club's medical staff, and they have always kept me updated me on my
injury. It has been a frustrating time, but I would like to make clear that
I have the utmost respect and confidence in the Club's medical team and the
specialists I was referred to and I would like to apologise to them and the
Club for any issues arising from the recent press coverage. I will continue
to work as hard as I can with them to return to help the team as quickly as
possible, and continue the good start I made to the season."
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Parkesy: "I checked Randolph out for DS"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and h
Former Hammers goalkeeping hero Phil Parkes is delighted he gave chairman
David Sullivan a good reference on Darren Randolph. Speaking exclusively to
ClaretandHugh 'Parksey' revealed the co-chairman had asked him to check the
former Birmingham City stopper out which he did twice last season. And he
said that having watched him in games against Blackburn Rovers and Watford,
he had no hesitation in giving the 28 year old a thumbs up. He said: "I
checked Randolph out for DS after he asked me to have a look at him and he
impressed me enough games to recommend him as a number two. Randolph"He can
be a bit flamboyant – there's a bit of the Tim Howard in him – but I think
he's proved my judgement correct over the last couple of games. "It was
unfortunate that he came up against Birmingham first home against whom he
has such a poor record but he couldn't be faulted for the goals and made
some good saves. Liverpool of course was something else again!. "He's not
going to dislodge Adrian but as a number two he's going to really push him
which Jussie Jaaskalain was never going to do. "He had his early doubters
during the Europa Cup matches but he's shown himself to be very decent and I
for one am very pleased"
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Irons not surprised by Government decision
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 4, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham are not in the least surprised the government has rejected pleas
from numerous Supporters' Trusts for a public enquiry into the Olympic
Stadium bidding process. A petition backed by a host of supporters' trusts,
including Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and Crystal Palace, Charlton, Leyton
Orient and others plus Manchester United, Aston Villa, Norwich City,
Everton, Leicester City looked to be gathering pace.
But an official statement from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport,
confirming the Government's decision, said: "The contract, awarded after an
open public competition, has been widely scrutinised and tested in court.
"Following the completion of its transformation programme the Stadium will
be – unlike so many previous Olympic Stadiums – a world-class multi-use
arena with a long-term future, and one that won't require continuous support
from the taxpayer.
"West Ham United will only access the full stadium facilitiaes for and
shortly ahead of home matches, anticipated to be an average of 25 games a
year. The stadium's other anchor concession-holder, British Athletics, has a
concession for one month a year. The stadium will be available for
commercial and other uses at all times outside of these existing
commitments."
The Hammers have always remained untroubled by the moves and a top insider
said this morning: " This was not unexpected was it? The government 's
response simply repeats facts which speak for themselves. "There's never
been an issue as far as we are concerned. We're not surprised by the
government's reaction."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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Saturday, September 5
Friday, September 4
Daily WHUFC News - 4th September 2015
Squad List confirmed
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have submitted their 25-man Squad List of Senior Players
available for selection for Barclays Premier League fixtures until the
opening of the January 2016 Transfer Window.
The Squad List* is as follows – Adrian, Morgan Amalfitano, Michail Antonio,
Andy Carroll, James Collins, Aaron Cresswell, Doneil Henry, Nikica Jelavic,
Carl Jenkinson, Cheikhou Kouyate, Manuel Lanzini, Victor Moses, Mark Noble,
Joey O'Brien, Pedro Obiang, Angelo Ogbonna, Dimitri Payet, Darren Randolph,
Winston Reid, Diafra Sakho, Alex Song, Raphael Spiegel, James Tomkins, Enner
Valencia, Mauro Zarate.
In addition to the 25 Senior Players, the Club has also named eight Under-21
players born on or after 1 January 1994, who are also available for
selection – Josh Cullen, Stephen Hendrie, Sam Howes, Kyle Knoyle, Elliot
Lee, Lewis Page, Martin Samuelsen and Reece Oxford.
*The 25-man Squad List includes eleven 'Home Grown' players who have,
irrespective of his nationality or age, been registered with any club
affiliated to the Football Association or the Football Association of Wales
for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons or 36 months prior
to his 21st birthday (or the end of the Season during which he turns 21).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
We have some positive news From the Treatment Room this week!
First we would like to welcome Alex Song back to West Ham United after he
re-joined the Club this week. Like everyone, we in the medical team are very
happy to see him back with us.
Alex underwent ankle surgery in June and has been working very hard on his
rehabilitation and we are hopeful that he will be able to step up his
recovery to the next level soon.
We are grateful that he has put his trust in the medical department here at
West Ham and are looking forward to seeing him back out on the pitch.
The next good news story is that Andy Carroll has been training very well
with the squad and is preparing to make his return to the pitch with the
first team very soon.
I would like to thank the medical team for their hard work in getting Andy
fit and ready for action, in particular Eamon Swift who has made a
successful transition from first-team fitness coach to rehabilitation
fitness coach this season and has been working very hard one-on-one with
Andy.
Enner Valencia is doing very well. He had a Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
injection to stabilise his joint in his leg and is moving in the right
direction. He is working twice a day and is rehabbing well.
Finally, Joey O'Brien is working hard on his rehabilitation after suffering
a calf injury and we hope to see him return to full training soon.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Exclusive - Hurst happy to see Anfield hoodoo end
WHUFC.com
Sir Geoff Hurst has hailed West Ham United for ending their Anfield
heartache – 52 years after scoring the winning goal at Liverpool.
The Hammers and England legend had to rub his eyes in joyful disbelief while
watching final Barclays Premier League scores filter through on Saturday
evening – Liverpool 0 West Ham United 3. That result marked West Ham's first
victory at the home of the Reds since 14 September 1963, when Hurst and
fellow future FIFA World Cup winner Martin Peters scored in a 2-1 success
for Ron Greenwood's side.
Speaking to West Ham TV during a visit to talkSPORT to discuss the impending
release of the film BO66Y The Movie – a tribute to his late, great captain
and teammate Bobby Moore – Hurst said he was happy that the Hammers' Anfield
hoodoo was finally a thing of the past.
"It's talked about every year when we go to Liverpool and people remind us
and it's in their programme and in the press that we haven't won there since
'63," he began. "I remember the game well because we used to do quite well
against Liverpool in that period. We drew 2-2 with them in the 1964 Charity
Shield as it was, which was held up at Anfield as they were the league
champions, and I scored another goal there. "I remember the win there and
the goals. For Martin's goal when he scored, he was in the corner of the box
and cut in on his right foot and screwed it into the bottom left-hand corner
past Tommy Lawrence. "For my goal I beat the offside trap. We had a ball
knocked over because Liverpool played quite flat and I knocked it under
Tommy, who was nicknamed the Flying Pig, as he came out with one touch."
Aside from the match-winning goals, Sir Geoff also recalled a comedy moment
as West Ham tried to play out the clock in the final few moments. "The funny
part about it was we were hanging on 2-1, not at The Kop but down the other
end and there were about five minutes to go and we had a corner," he smiled.
"Peter Brabrook, who was a bit of a joker at Chadwell Heath, used to have
this trick of kicking the back of his other foot and missing the ball and
tripping himself up on the training ground. "He actually did this taking the
corner! He went to take the corner, kicked his back leg, missed the ball and
fell over! These days that is a yellow card and possibly real trouble, but
we just fell about laughing with three or four minutes to go!"
Fast forward more than half a century and Sir Geoff was able to celebrate
another victory at Anfield – at last – as Manuel Lanzini, Mark Noble and
Diafra Sakho netted in a historic Barclays Premier League 3-0 success. "It
is overdue and quite remarkable," he enthused. "When I saw the results on TV
when I got home about six o'clock I saw nothing-three and had to look again!
It was astonishing, but records are there to be broken, so it's great!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jelavic relishing Bilic reunion
WHUFC.com
As soon as Nikica Jelavic knew Slaven Bilic was keen on securing his
services this Summer, the Croatian forward was only ever going to make West
Ham United his next move. The 30-year-old striker completed his transfer
from Hull City to the Boleyn Ground on deadline day, linking up once more
with a boss who was in charge of his first club Hajduk Split, then gave him
his international debut in 2009.After suffering the pain of relegation with
Hull last term, Jelavic is determined to bounce back under the leadership of
Bilic. He said: "I'm very excited to be linking up with Slaven again. He is
a great manager and a great man. I'm delighted to be working with him and
his staff again. "We worked together for the national team for four years
and I am really happy to be with him here. "He played for West Ham and for
Everton – he knows the league and I know he can do the job here."
As for Jelavic's own experience, he possesses plenty of top-flight knowhow,
having turned out for Everton and Hull in recent years.
He continued: "Hopefully I can impress the staff, the supporters and
everyone at the Club. I am here to help and will do anything to do that.
"It's good timing to join now, with the international break allowing me to
settle in before that first game against Newcastle.
"I don't think it's going to be a problem to adapt, because I know most of
the players and have played against them in the past."
Jelavic is especially looking forward to linking up with a squad that is
sure to be on a high after dispatching Liverpool 3-0 last weekend. He added:
"I watched the game against Liverpool. It was an amazing performance and
they played well as a team. West Ham have showed that this season they can
make a big step forward. "We have a good unit of strikers here and it is
always good to have a couple of good names in your position because then you
push yourself more and give your maximum in every training session. "I'm
looking forward to working with all these lads because they are all very,
very good players."
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Matrevics signs Hammers' scholarship
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce that highly rated goalkeeper
Rihards Matrevics has signed a scholarship with the Club. The 16-year-old
Latvian, a towering figure at 6'7, is rated among one of the most promising
young goalkeepers in Europe. As the shot-stopper is under 18, the deal
remains subject to FIFA approval and International clearance. Speaking after
signing his scholarship, the Latvian U17 international said: "I am really
delighted to have a signed. I've worked hard for this, and it's always nice
to for that to be recognised. "I found out I was signing the contract only a
few days ago but it's something I've been hoping would happen for a while
now."
Despite his tender years, Matrevics has an impressive maturity, both on and
off the pitch, and this has no doubt helped him to settle into life in a new
country. "I'm really enjoying my football here in England so far. It's
quite different to life in Latvia where my friends and family are. It is
sacrifice and at times it is tough, but I love it at West Ham so it's all
worth it. "The Academy staff are excellent at helping me and the other boys
settle in. Obviously I'm still quite young."
Despite only being at the club for a short time, Matrevics has already
impressed fellow teammates and coaches alike, as well as trained with the
first team. "I love training alongside Adrian and the other first team
goalkeepers. It's very different to the standard in Latvia. It's a great
learning experience and I really enjoy it. "Out of the strikers Andy Carroll
has definitely got the hardest shot, the power he gets is unbelievable. I've
saved a few of his shots; it's always a great feeling when you make a save
against a Premier League player of his quality."
Having committed his future, the 16-year-old, who identified Manuel Neuer
and Thibaut Courtois as his goalkeeping idols, stated his aims for his first
season in Claret and Blues. "This season, I want to make my way into the
U18s, see how I do there and maybe make a few appearances for the U21s. "I
made my international debut last year against Belarus. I did alright, it
wasn't my best game ever but hopefully there'll be more to come. "Playing
for my country is a huge honour, it is hard to describe how special it
really is. Alongside playing for a Premier League club it is something I
have been dreaming about for a while."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Boardroom - David Gold
WHUFC.com
In all my time in football I have never known a transfer window like the one
we have just experienced and it was quite simply a remarkable final day for
the football Club. The fact that we were able to bring in four major
transfers is testament to everyone who worked so tirelessly behind the
scenes. These are huge deals for both the players and the Club. I have to
pay special tribute to David Sullivan who has worked so hard throughout the
summer to ensure we have got the best possible deals for West Ham United. He
has had endless number of calls and emails over the last few months to last
him a lifetime. But we have been buying the right players that the manager
feels will improve the squad. We are facing two of the biggest seasons in
the Club's history with the final ever year at the Boleyn Ground and then
our move into the new Stadium next summer. We owe it to our fans that we
leave on a high note and everyone will remember the final ever season at
this famous stadium. These are the most important two-years in my football
career. We are building the football Club for when we move into the new
Stadium and we are building a squad of players and strength in depth for the
coming years.
I'm sure the fans are just as excited as I am by the four new arrivals we
managed to bring into the squad on deadline day. We started with the big
announcement of Alex Song coming back to the Club. There is absolutely no
reason why he cannot be the same player that we saw in the first half of
last season. He can open up defences and has the experience of playing at
the highest level in the Champions League.
I am sure he will enjoy the new way that we are playing and will come in and
do a great job for West Ham United. I know he is injured at the moment but
he is a strong man and I don't think we are taking a risk. We are delighted
that Victor Moses has also joined us on a season-long loan from Chelsea. He
is the perfect fit for us and I hope he will excite the fans this season. We
knew that we need to bring some wide players into the squad and it is
fantastic that the Club were also able to secure a deal for Nottingham
Forest's highly-rated winger Michail Antonio. He has pace and power and has
an impressive goalscoring record and we hope he can bring those talents into
the Premier League this season. If he manages to do that, he will be a big
addition for the squad. We want to excite our fans and have pacy wingers who
can make things happen. We also needed to bring in another striker and I
know that Slaven is delighted to see Nikica Jelavic join the Club. He will
fit straight into the squad and is an experienced pro. Slaven is very
familiar with him and they have worked together in the past. I'm sure he
will get the best out of him.
West Ham United is becoming an exciting football Club and we are showing
incredible ambition. The owners and manager all have the same passion to
make us even stronger and I hope this is going to be a memorable two-years
for everyone connected with the Club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Government responds to petition
WHUFC.com
The Government has responded to a petition to hold a public enquiry into the
deal for West Ham United's rental of the former Olympic Stadium.
"West Ham United has a concession at the Stadium and their contributions
reflect that status. The contract, awarded after an open public competition,
has been widely scrutinised and tested in court.
"Following the completion of its transformation programme the Stadium will
be - unlike so many previous Olympic Stadiums - a world-class multi-use
arena with a long-term future, and one that won't require continuous support
from the taxpayer. The stadium remains in public ownership (E20 Stadium LLP
– a joint venture between the London Legacy Development Corporation and
Newham Council) and the profits from its multiple uses will flow to the
taxpayer.
"As a long-term concessionaire West Ham United will only access the full
stadium facilities for and shortly ahead of home matches, anticipated to be
an average of 25 games a year. The stadium's other anchor concession-holder,
British Athletics, has a concession for one month a year. The stadium will
be available for commercial and other uses at all times outside of these
existing commitments.
"The Stadium is a multi-use venue, which has already hosted a major
athletics meet this year, the Sainsbury's Anniversary Games, and will host a
range of other events in 2015 including five matches during the Rugby World
Cup this autumn, a Rugby League international between England and New
Zealand and the Race of Champions motorsport event. In addition the Stadium
will host elite athletics including the IAAF and IPC Athletics World
Championships in 2017.
"A world class stadium operator has been appointed and it is part of the
operator agreement that the Stadium will host concerts and other events.
"None of these events will financially benefit West Ham United. All revenues
from these events will be shared by the operator and the Stadium owners. The
stadium operator has a proven international track record of success in
managing and maximising revenue from multi-use stadia and is contractually
incentivised to generate maximum income.
"The agreement with West Ham United, including their contribution to
transformation costs and rent, followed an open competitive process, which
was delivered under EU rules, conducted visibly and exposed to significant
scrutiny. The outcome has been tested in the courts and upheld. As the
winning bid this constituted the best available return for the taxpayer and
secures the commercial viability of a national asset for the next 100 years.
"The European Commission (EC) is responsible for assessing whether public
investment distorts the competitive market. The EC has considered this issue
on more than one occasion and has done so with full sight of the contractual
terms, comprehensive detail of the tender exercise and in depth legal
opinion on compliance with UK and EU law. It has found no case to answer.
Therefore we do not believe that a public inquiry is necessary.
"The detail of the rental agreement between the Stadium owners and West Ham
United is commercially sensitive. Disclosing details of the contract would
undermine the future negotiating position of the Stadium's operator, Vinci,
who are working hard to bring in future events to get the greatest possible
return and ensure that the Stadium is a commercial success.
"It is important that the stadium owners and operator are able to negotiate
future contracts in a way that derive maximum value and are not constrained
by any one agreement. Such arrangements are standard practice and are
designed to both protect the previous public expenditure and maximise the
return on this investment."
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Olympic Stadium deal: Fans inquiry call thrown out
BBC.co.uk
The government has rejected a request from a group of football supporters to
investigate the rental of the Olympic Stadium to West Ham United. The
supporters claimed the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) would
subsidise rent, which it denied. The group made up of trusts from clubs
including Arsenal said it was "disappointed" by the decision but had
expected it. The government said the deal had been "scrutinised" and
"upheld". A Freedom of Information request previously revealed West Ham
contributed £15m to the £272m conversion of the stadium and will pay up to
£2.5m a year in rent. The LLDC, which owns the stadium, will pay for
"facilities and services" such as pitch maintenance and for stewarding on
match days, which can cost £2.5m annually. In comparison, Manchester City,
who moved into the former Commonwealth Games venue, pay overheads on top of
£4m rent.
The coalition of supporters, made up of trusts from clubs including Chelsea
and Tottenham Hotspur, started an online petition which had gained more than
24,000 signatures in favour of an inquiry. Mat Roper said the group remained
concerned they were expected to see it as a "fabulous deal for the taxpayer"
when they had not seen any figures backing that up and one document they
requested had been "completely redacted". He said: "We're no nearer the
truth of what we think is in the rental agreement....until we know that then
we're going to continue. "Whether it happens to be continuing with that
petition, a new petition or... a new FOI request, it's certainly not dead in
the water."
The group said they remained concerned the deal would give the Hammers a
competitive advantage. But the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said:
"West Ham United has a concession at the stadium and their contributions
reflect that status. "The contract, awarded after an open public
competition, has been widely scrutinised and tested in court. "The stadium
remains in public ownership and the profits from its multiple uses will flow
to the taxpayer." While West Ham will host all of their home matches at the
stadium, British Athletics will take control of the arena for one month
every summer.
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Bilic failed to tempt Zaza into Premier League switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 3rd September 2015
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic was so desperate to land Juventus' Simone Zaza before the
transfer window closed that he told the striker he would be one of the first
names on his team sheet, a report claims today.
TMW claim that Bilic contacted the 24-year-old Italian shortly before the
window closed in one final last-ditch attempt to lure him to the Boleyn
Ground, amidst reported interest from Arsenal - the only club in Europe's
top five leagues not to sign an outfield player during the summer.
However Zaza rejected the opportunity to move to London after Juventus sold
Fernando Llorente to Seville and allowed Kingsley Coman to join Bayern
Munich on a season-long loan - which sent him shooting up the pecking order
at the Serie A club.
Despite Zaza's decision to remain in Italy, it has been confirmed that Juve
agreed to allow the player to join West Ham, but left the decision down to
the player himself.
Following Zaza's decision to remain in Italy, West Ham signed Nikica Jelavic
from Hull City - one of four signings Bilic and the Hammers made in the
final 48 hours of the transfer window.
* Another striker who also cliamed to have rejected overtures from West Ham
during the final few days of the transfer window is former Fenerbahce star
Moussa Sow, who signed for United Arab Emirates outfit Al Ahli in a £16m
deal.
Speaking to the National, Sow claimed that he rejected two Premier League
clubs in order to move to the Middle East.
"I received a few offers from England and other teams in the UAE," he said,
"but I have been here many times and, after I spoke with my family and
friends, I decided to come to Al Ahli.
"It's a project I like, I feel safe with the people here and they helped me
come here. I heard the club has had lots of big players pass through, such
as Grafite and Fabio Cannavaro, which gave me more information about the
club and helped me make my decision."
Al Ahli ensured the move went through by agreeing to pay Sow a $1m bonus he
claimed he was owed by Fenerbahce.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Government won't look into West Ham stadium move
Last Updated: 03/09/15 4:19pm
SSN
The Government has rejected a request from a host of supporters' clubs for
an inquiry into West Ham's move to the Olympic Stadium. The Hammers are due
to take on a 99-year deal as tenants starting from next season but the
decision to hand West Ham the stadium has been questioned ever since it was
first announced two-and-a-half years ago. A television documentary aired
last month pointed out how much West Ham would be saving due to their
agreement with the London Legacy Development Corporation and, since then,
eight supporters' groups started a petition for an inquiry into the details
of the decision.
Fans' trusts from Arsenal, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Charlton, Fulham and QPR
- as well as two clubs who failed in bids to take over the stadium, Leyton
Orient and Tottenham - all called on the Government to open a case but their
request was thrown out on Thursday. "West Ham United has a concession at the
stadium and their contributions reflect that status. The contract, awarded
after an open public competition, has been widely scrutinised and tested in
court," a statement released by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport
read.
"The stadium remains in public ownership (E20 Stadium LLP - a joint venture
between the London Legacy Development Corporation and Newham Council) and
the profits from its multiple uses will flow to the taxpayer. "The agreement
with West Ham United, including their contribution to transformation costs
and rent, followed an open competitive process, which was delivered under EU
rules, conducted visibly and exposed to significant scrutiny. As the winning
bid this constituted the best available return for the taxpayer and secures
the commercial viability of a national asset for the next 100 years. "The
outcome has been tested in the courts and upheld. As the winning bid this
constituted the best available return for the taxpayer and secures the
commercial viability of a national asset for the next 100 years." While West
Ham will host all of their home matches at the stadium, which will sport
West Ham livery and colours, British Athletics also have a deal to take
control of the arena for one month every summer - with the Anniversary Games
and the 2017 World Athletics Championships set to be hosted there.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE LIVERPOOL RESULT, THE PLAYERS ON LOAN AND THE NEW SIGNINGS SHOW
AMBITION, AMBITION, AMBITION.
By Tony McNulty 3 Sep 2015 at 10:03
WTID
I have to say it has been a bloody good week all round for West Ham. I went
to university in Liverpool so have a real soft spot for both the town and
the reds – but beating them 3-0 at Anfield as just wonderful. As other have
already said, it wasn't only winning 3-0 that caused so much joy, but the
manner of it. The last time we won there – the goalscorers were Geoff Hurst
and Martin Peters!
Hurst scored at Anfield 52 years ago.
There was a fantastic start from Manuel Lanzini, a great take by Mark Noble
and then it was really good to see Diafra Sakho score as he does so well for
us. It was a very solid performance at the back and this allowed the rest of
the team to play flowing attacking football. Liverpool didn't have a chance.
All the new signings played well – as did older hands especially Mark Noble
and Diafra Sakho.
The historic victory – our first at Anfield since 1963 – was marred
temporarily by the absurd red card that Mark Noble got – but this has since
been rescinded by the F.A. Quite right too. They should also have a look at
the two yellow cards that Coutinho got, especially the second one. It was a
lovely pirouette from Payet, but it wasn't a yellow card.
It is very strange to look at the early league table after four games. On
home form, we are rock bottom with only WBA below us, yet on away form we
are top – with Manchester City. It would be entirely normal to have looked
at the first four games of the season and say that hopefully we would emerge
with at least six points from the two home games and – with a little luck –
we might get something at either the Emirates or Anfield! No-one would have
foreseen that we would emerge with six points – but from two away games,
with nothing to show for two very poor performances at home. So far, then,
these are very strange times indeed. But should we worry?
I said in an earlier post that I remain really optimistic about this season
and think that we will have a good overall performance and one that will do
the club proud in our last season at the Boleyn ground. I am ow more
convinced than ever that this will be the case. As I said, all our new
signings played well at Liverpool – Randolph, Ogbanna, Obiang, Lanzini and
Payet – as did our existing players. This was part of the reason for my
optimism.
But then, by the time the window was firmly closed shut yesterday – but
optimism doubled or trebled – we have never had such a successful in the
transfer market. Adding Victor Moses to a now confirmed loan quartet of him,
Jenkinson, Lanzini and Alex Song is a masterstroke. Each of this quartet not
only knows how to play football, they know how to play in a team. Jenkinson
had a bad game against Bournemouth– but he wasn't alone and will be a key
player this year. The solidity of the defence against Liverpool was without
him, remember, and he will only add to this strength.
When you look at the depth of skills that these loan players bring and add
them to the existing squad – then any true fan will be encouraged. When you
add to this MIchail Antonio, Stephen Hendrie, Nikica Jalevic then you have a
really balanced squad with the depth to survive the rigours of the season.
Indeed, not only to survive but to flourish. There are good grounds for my
optimism and good grounds for giving the manager and his staff a bit of
leeway to produce the football we all want to see.
Tuesday was the culmination of a very productive summer in the markets and
the addition of seven players bought outright and four on loan is a sign of
a team that has the ambition to do well this season. It is a squad that
should mean our overall form resembles our away form up to now, not our form
at home. However much the management and whole staff feel like patting
themselves on the back because of such a successful summer in the markets,
they should be a little cautious.
We need to start delivering the goods at home. I can think of nothing better
than knocking hell out of Newcastle on Monday 14th's night game to show the
way forward. To show that the success in the markets was for a reason – that
it had some purpose – and that was to make sure that the fans would get the
send-off that we deserve in our last season at Upton Park. I think we are in
for exciting times. I think Bilic will deliver. I think Newcastle should be
concerned – our home form it just about to become as good as our opening
away form.
One other small point – the millions and millions swirling around the
premiership, especially the TV money, has made this a record year again in
the transfer market. Maybe we should celebrate this success, but the
championship seems further and further away from the premiership – and the
drop now seems increasingly to be a drop into oblivion. That is something we
should be really worried about.
Martin Peters went to Spurs as part of Jimmy Greaves deal
I know it was different times completely, but I was flicking through a
newspaper album on West Ham and noted that on May 15th 1967 West Ham paid
£50,000 for Billy Bonds and three years later – March 17th 1970 – West Ham
paid £100,000 plus Martin Peters for the great Jimmy Greaves. Dim and
distant history I know – but it makes you wonder, doesn't it.
Bring on Newcastle – our first three points at Upton Park – and that will be
another bloody good week for West Ham.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BLINDERS AND BUSES
By Jo Phillips 3 Sep 2015 at 18:07
WTID
Mr Dale is right. Our transfer deals were blinders and personally I can't
wait to see Alex Song playing again. He's an exciting player, always
energetic, physical and somehow manages to cross great distances so he seems
to be in several places at once. Blinders aside, I can't help thinking that
the transfer deadline is a relief and marks the start of the season proper.
Endless speculation that means football columns bear more resemblance to a
bookies' board can stop and we can focus on the game. The window shopping
and wish lists go and we get on with what we've got. That looks like a
pretty solid squad or as Bilic may say a busload of talent and potential.
What's with him and buses? I watched his interview after Anfield several
times to see if repetition would make it more comprehensible but frankly,
after that historic victory, I don't care if he's using reruns of On The
Buses and a poster of Reg Varney to get them playing like that.
Several commentators praised the West Ham composition on Saturday – the
dictionary definition is putting together of parts into a whole. That's a
pretty fair summing up of a team that played almost effortlessly together,
in tune and attuned to each other, the opposition and the opportunities. A
brilliant game and a terrific result, almost incredible after our previous
two matches. There wasn't a poor player on the pitch for us and indeed, many
were outstanding but I would single out Aaron Cresswell who showed again
what an important player he is – I remember the first time we saw him. The
aforementioned Mr Dale and I were astounded that such talent had been ours
to snap up from Ipswich.
So, good new signings, a brilliant result and as the late Ian Dury sang ,
reasons to be cheerful.
And yes, we fans are as fickle as the weather and I'm sure managers,
chairmen and players get used to love and hate in equal doses. Let's hope
they're basking in our collective love this week. I just hope Bilic's
enigmatic comments about buses isn't a veiled reference to coaches required
for winning only away. But if it is then tickets please and all aboard the
Hammers rollercoaster.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Premier League squad list: Michail Antonio included after deadline
day switch
20:28, 3 SEPTEMBER 2015
BY JAMES WHALING
The winger moved from Nottingham Forest in a £7million move, and joins Andy
Carroll in the squad who is on the comeback trail
The Mirror
West Ham have named their 25-man squad for Premier League fixtures this
season. Deadline day signing Michail Antonio makes the cut, as does striker
Andy Carroll who is on the comeback trail after a knee ligament injury, and
Alex Song who has rejoined the Hammers. Antonio joined from Nottingham
Forest for £7million as the window slammed shut, as Slaven Bilic looks to
build on wins at Arsenal and Liverpool early in the season. Players such as
Reece Oxford are included in the U21 squad list, along with a host of other
youngsters who are eligible for selection.
Here is the full squad...
Amalfitano, Morgan
Antonio, Michail
Carroll, Andrew
Collins, James
Cresswell, Aaron
Henry, Doneil Jor-Dee Ashley
Jelavic, Nikica
Jenkinson, Carl
Kouyate, Cheikhou
Lanzini, Manuel
Moses, Victor
Noble, Mark
O'Brien, Joseph
Obiang Avomo, Pedro Mba
Ogbonna, Obinze Angelo
Payet, Dimitri
Randolph, Darren
Reid, Winston
Sakho, Diafra
San Miguel Del Castillo, Adrian
Song Bilong, Alexandre
Spiegel, Raphael
Tomkins, James
Valencia Lastra, Enner
Zarate, Mauro Matias
Under-21 players (Contract and Scholars)
Akinola, Olatunji Oluwasehun
Bogard, Clarke Ellis
Boness, Danny
Borg, Oscar Francis
Brown, Jordan Antonio
Brown, Tim
Browne, Marcus Alexander
Burke, Reece
Carter, Matthew James
Chambers, Leo Alexander
Cullen, Joshua Jon
Diangana, Grady
Dobson, George David
Elsom, Ross
Gordon, Jaanai Derece
Hector-Ingram, Jahmal Justin
Hendrie, Stephen
Howes, Samuel Scott
Knoyle, Kyle
Lee, Elliot Robert
Makasi, Kusu Moses
Mavila, Nathan
Nasha, Amos Lawrence
Neufville, Vashon
Onariase, Osaore Emmanuel
Oxford, Reece Joel
Page, Lewis Robert
Parfitt-Williams, Djair Terraii Carl
Pask, Joshua David
Pike, Alexander George
Powell, Joe
Poyet Gonzalez, Diego
Rice, Declan
Samuelsen, Martin
Scully, Anthony Richard
Sylvestre, Noha
Westley, Samuel Edward
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Explaining Downing's departure to Martin Keown
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 3, 2015 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C AND H
Martin Keown has spoken about West Ham's transfer window and says he doesn't
understand why we let Stewart Downing go. Speaking in his Daily Mail blog
Keown said "Generally West Ham did not lose too much with their outgoings
but I must say the sale of Stewart Downing to Middlesbrough is a deal I just
don't understand. It was not so long ago that we were praising him and the
influence he was having. He has been outstanding in recent seasons and
though I'm sure he's happy to be back 'home' at Middlesbrough, he should
want to play in the Premier League for as long as possible."
Happy to answer that one for you Martin, Downing telephoned David Sullivan
three times and asked to leave West Ham. He left West Ham for one final mega
pay deal and an enormous bonus if he helps his boyhood team Middlesborough
get back to the Premier League. However, he later claimed he never wanted
to join West Ham in the first place and was quoted by one newspaper as
saying about Liverpool "I wanted to stay and fight for my place, Brendan
said he wanted me to stay, but the club told me that there was an offer from
West Ham. I didn't want to move."
He also told another newspaper after leaving West Ham "The change of manager
was a big factor, If Sam had stayed, then I'm sure he'd have had a good sit
down to try to persuade me to stay. After speaking to Slaven, I didn't get
that feel of someone who really wanted me there. He said, 'I'd love you to
say', but I didn't get the feeling that I got when Sam signed me."
On the KUMBPodcast West Ham Co Chairman David Sullivan explained the truth
about Downing:
"Downing phoned me personally and asked three times to leave so it is
nothing to do that he didn't feel wanted, they offered him a five year
contract on more money than he was on with us which is incredible for a
Championship side, he was on big money with us. What Downing has said is
dam right lies, I can say that, look at his phone bill and you can see he
personally phoned me up desperately wanting to go back to Middlesborough, it
was his home town club. We said we would like to to stay, we don't want you
to go and he said I don't want to stay, he has now said he didn't feel
(loved), no-one asked him, he went for financial reasons and they then have
to justify it and tell fibs. They just made him an incredible offer and he's
gone back to his home town club, they gave him a 4 to 5 year contract, I can
see his point of view, we wish him all the best, we wish Middlesborough get
promotion because we get a million and a half quid more, we will be cheering
them on"
The reality is you left for the money Downing, we know it, you know it and
know hopefully Martin Keown now knows it. Problem solved Martin, you only
had to ask!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan refuses to backtrack on Austin and Barton
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
After conducting a question and answer session with David Sullivan, HUGH
SOUTHON reckons an unapologetic co-chairman has now put the recent Charlie
Austin and Joey Barton controversies in their rightful place.
David Sullivan found himself at the centre of a couple of controversies
during the transfer window but trust me, this is not a man to back down when
he believes he's in the right.
And the co chairman was pretty true to form in an exclusive interview with
ClaretandHugh when discussing both matters frankly and openly.
It will be recalled that during a podcast with KUMB, Sullivan made it clear
his reasons for not moving in on QPR's Austin was because of concerns over a
previously failed medical at Hull, and worries about the state of the
player's knee.
Being the silly season, the story took off like an airliner and even Austin
took to Twitter to aim both barrels at the co-chairman's head, claiming he
had no knowledge of his injury history or anything else.
Sullivan remained unmoved then, and as defiant in his interview with us,
despite an apology from his fellow chairman David Gold on talkSPORT which
appeared to be linked to another over Joey Barton.
The new Burnley midfielder has been moaning about reports that West Ham's
interest cooled presumably when fans and reportedly players weren't too
happy at the idea of him being offered even a pay as you play contract.
Sullivan's response to both players was to say of DG's apology: "I wouldn't
be apologising: there's nothing to apologise for."
What's interesting about these cases is that both individuals will be
plying their trade in the Championship this season and it's significant that
no other Premier League clubs were in a big hurry to sign Austin.
Love him or hate him, Sullivan tells it how it is, and to demonstrate
there's another side to the coin, he'll hold his hands up when necessary, as
he did in the question and answer session.
He was quick to admit he was sorry he hadn't signed Andrew Ayew admitting:
"I really fancied him."
Apologies? Regrets? They occasionally have their place in this game. But
there's no time to dwell on either, and its reassuring to hear them put in
their proper perspective by Sullivan.
Thinking about it, words such as storms and teacups come to mind.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Exclusive: Sullivan on deals, controversy and Bilic!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
David Sullivan has been leading the Irons' transfer activities all summer.
And with its closure yesterday, he has received almost unanimous acclaim
from the Claret and Blue Army.
As a friend of ClaretandHugh, the co chairman has kindly agreed to answer a
series of EXCLUSIVE questions which tackle some important issues, such as
any regrets he might have on signings that got away; how he feels in
retrospect about the Charlie Austin and Joey Barton controversies; and how
he is getting along with new boss, Slaven Bilic.
He gives his views to ClaretandHugh's founding editor HUGH SOUTHON.
CandH: David, on ClaretandHugh estimates you have spent more money in the
transfer market than ever before – was that always the plan?
DS: NO, but we realised how important this season was for the club and we've
dug deep !
CandH: You almost seem to have become our director of football along with
your role as co chairman – is that a fair assessment ?
DS: No, but I'm a very hands-on chairman
CandH: With Mark Noble's red card having been rescinded should the FA look
at Danny Ings' play acting in the challenge
DS: No, I think he was genuinely hurt.
CandH: The fans have rarely been happier than over the last few days – after
the last 18 months or so you must be happy and relieved.
DS: Yes both happy and relieved, its been a very tough window. My own regret
is not signing Andre Ayew who went to Swansea, as I really fancied him.
CandH: How difficult or easy is it settling down to life with a new manager
and his methods after a long relationship with the previous boss,
DS: There is always an adjustment , but he's a nice man and very hard
working. I admire hard work
CandH: David Gold apologised on talkSPORT for the controversies over Barton
and Austin but is there actually much to apologise for.
DS: I wouldn't be apologising ! I don't think there is anything to apologise
for.
CandH: Your thoughts on the season ahead?
DS: I really don't know as we've had the strangest first four results.
This must be the best team we've had at West Ham United since we've been at
the club. Let's HOPE that translates into league position. I do NOT like
4-3 defeats even if there are lots of goals!
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United have submitted their 25-man Squad List of Senior Players
available for selection for Barclays Premier League fixtures until the
opening of the January 2016 Transfer Window.
The Squad List* is as follows – Adrian, Morgan Amalfitano, Michail Antonio,
Andy Carroll, James Collins, Aaron Cresswell, Doneil Henry, Nikica Jelavic,
Carl Jenkinson, Cheikhou Kouyate, Manuel Lanzini, Victor Moses, Mark Noble,
Joey O'Brien, Pedro Obiang, Angelo Ogbonna, Dimitri Payet, Darren Randolph,
Winston Reid, Diafra Sakho, Alex Song, Raphael Spiegel, James Tomkins, Enner
Valencia, Mauro Zarate.
In addition to the 25 Senior Players, the Club has also named eight Under-21
players born on or after 1 January 1994, who are also available for
selection – Josh Cullen, Stephen Hendrie, Sam Howes, Kyle Knoyle, Elliot
Lee, Lewis Page, Martin Samuelsen and Reece Oxford.
*The 25-man Squad List includes eleven 'Home Grown' players who have,
irrespective of his nationality or age, been registered with any club
affiliated to the Football Association or the Football Association of Wales
for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons or 36 months prior
to his 21st birthday (or the end of the Season during which he turns 21).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
We have some positive news From the Treatment Room this week!
First we would like to welcome Alex Song back to West Ham United after he
re-joined the Club this week. Like everyone, we in the medical team are very
happy to see him back with us.
Alex underwent ankle surgery in June and has been working very hard on his
rehabilitation and we are hopeful that he will be able to step up his
recovery to the next level soon.
We are grateful that he has put his trust in the medical department here at
West Ham and are looking forward to seeing him back out on the pitch.
The next good news story is that Andy Carroll has been training very well
with the squad and is preparing to make his return to the pitch with the
first team very soon.
I would like to thank the medical team for their hard work in getting Andy
fit and ready for action, in particular Eamon Swift who has made a
successful transition from first-team fitness coach to rehabilitation
fitness coach this season and has been working very hard one-on-one with
Andy.
Enner Valencia is doing very well. He had a Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
injection to stabilise his joint in his leg and is moving in the right
direction. He is working twice a day and is rehabbing well.
Finally, Joey O'Brien is working hard on his rehabilitation after suffering
a calf injury and we hope to see him return to full training soon.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Exclusive - Hurst happy to see Anfield hoodoo end
WHUFC.com
Sir Geoff Hurst has hailed West Ham United for ending their Anfield
heartache – 52 years after scoring the winning goal at Liverpool.
The Hammers and England legend had to rub his eyes in joyful disbelief while
watching final Barclays Premier League scores filter through on Saturday
evening – Liverpool 0 West Ham United 3. That result marked West Ham's first
victory at the home of the Reds since 14 September 1963, when Hurst and
fellow future FIFA World Cup winner Martin Peters scored in a 2-1 success
for Ron Greenwood's side.
Speaking to West Ham TV during a visit to talkSPORT to discuss the impending
release of the film BO66Y The Movie – a tribute to his late, great captain
and teammate Bobby Moore – Hurst said he was happy that the Hammers' Anfield
hoodoo was finally a thing of the past.
"It's talked about every year when we go to Liverpool and people remind us
and it's in their programme and in the press that we haven't won there since
'63," he began. "I remember the game well because we used to do quite well
against Liverpool in that period. We drew 2-2 with them in the 1964 Charity
Shield as it was, which was held up at Anfield as they were the league
champions, and I scored another goal there. "I remember the win there and
the goals. For Martin's goal when he scored, he was in the corner of the box
and cut in on his right foot and screwed it into the bottom left-hand corner
past Tommy Lawrence. "For my goal I beat the offside trap. We had a ball
knocked over because Liverpool played quite flat and I knocked it under
Tommy, who was nicknamed the Flying Pig, as he came out with one touch."
Aside from the match-winning goals, Sir Geoff also recalled a comedy moment
as West Ham tried to play out the clock in the final few moments. "The funny
part about it was we were hanging on 2-1, not at The Kop but down the other
end and there were about five minutes to go and we had a corner," he smiled.
"Peter Brabrook, who was a bit of a joker at Chadwell Heath, used to have
this trick of kicking the back of his other foot and missing the ball and
tripping himself up on the training ground. "He actually did this taking the
corner! He went to take the corner, kicked his back leg, missed the ball and
fell over! These days that is a yellow card and possibly real trouble, but
we just fell about laughing with three or four minutes to go!"
Fast forward more than half a century and Sir Geoff was able to celebrate
another victory at Anfield – at last – as Manuel Lanzini, Mark Noble and
Diafra Sakho netted in a historic Barclays Premier League 3-0 success. "It
is overdue and quite remarkable," he enthused. "When I saw the results on TV
when I got home about six o'clock I saw nothing-three and had to look again!
It was astonishing, but records are there to be broken, so it's great!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jelavic relishing Bilic reunion
WHUFC.com
As soon as Nikica Jelavic knew Slaven Bilic was keen on securing his
services this Summer, the Croatian forward was only ever going to make West
Ham United his next move. The 30-year-old striker completed his transfer
from Hull City to the Boleyn Ground on deadline day, linking up once more
with a boss who was in charge of his first club Hajduk Split, then gave him
his international debut in 2009.After suffering the pain of relegation with
Hull last term, Jelavic is determined to bounce back under the leadership of
Bilic. He said: "I'm very excited to be linking up with Slaven again. He is
a great manager and a great man. I'm delighted to be working with him and
his staff again. "We worked together for the national team for four years
and I am really happy to be with him here. "He played for West Ham and for
Everton – he knows the league and I know he can do the job here."
As for Jelavic's own experience, he possesses plenty of top-flight knowhow,
having turned out for Everton and Hull in recent years.
He continued: "Hopefully I can impress the staff, the supporters and
everyone at the Club. I am here to help and will do anything to do that.
"It's good timing to join now, with the international break allowing me to
settle in before that first game against Newcastle.
"I don't think it's going to be a problem to adapt, because I know most of
the players and have played against them in the past."
Jelavic is especially looking forward to linking up with a squad that is
sure to be on a high after dispatching Liverpool 3-0 last weekend. He added:
"I watched the game against Liverpool. It was an amazing performance and
they played well as a team. West Ham have showed that this season they can
make a big step forward. "We have a good unit of strikers here and it is
always good to have a couple of good names in your position because then you
push yourself more and give your maximum in every training session. "I'm
looking forward to working with all these lads because they are all very,
very good players."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Matrevics signs Hammers' scholarship
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce that highly rated goalkeeper
Rihards Matrevics has signed a scholarship with the Club. The 16-year-old
Latvian, a towering figure at 6'7, is rated among one of the most promising
young goalkeepers in Europe. As the shot-stopper is under 18, the deal
remains subject to FIFA approval and International clearance. Speaking after
signing his scholarship, the Latvian U17 international said: "I am really
delighted to have a signed. I've worked hard for this, and it's always nice
to for that to be recognised. "I found out I was signing the contract only a
few days ago but it's something I've been hoping would happen for a while
now."
Despite his tender years, Matrevics has an impressive maturity, both on and
off the pitch, and this has no doubt helped him to settle into life in a new
country. "I'm really enjoying my football here in England so far. It's
quite different to life in Latvia where my friends and family are. It is
sacrifice and at times it is tough, but I love it at West Ham so it's all
worth it. "The Academy staff are excellent at helping me and the other boys
settle in. Obviously I'm still quite young."
Despite only being at the club for a short time, Matrevics has already
impressed fellow teammates and coaches alike, as well as trained with the
first team. "I love training alongside Adrian and the other first team
goalkeepers. It's very different to the standard in Latvia. It's a great
learning experience and I really enjoy it. "Out of the strikers Andy Carroll
has definitely got the hardest shot, the power he gets is unbelievable. I've
saved a few of his shots; it's always a great feeling when you make a save
against a Premier League player of his quality."
Having committed his future, the 16-year-old, who identified Manuel Neuer
and Thibaut Courtois as his goalkeeping idols, stated his aims for his first
season in Claret and Blues. "This season, I want to make my way into the
U18s, see how I do there and maybe make a few appearances for the U21s. "I
made my international debut last year against Belarus. I did alright, it
wasn't my best game ever but hopefully there'll be more to come. "Playing
for my country is a huge honour, it is hard to describe how special it
really is. Alongside playing for a Premier League club it is something I
have been dreaming about for a while."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Boardroom - David Gold
WHUFC.com
In all my time in football I have never known a transfer window like the one
we have just experienced and it was quite simply a remarkable final day for
the football Club. The fact that we were able to bring in four major
transfers is testament to everyone who worked so tirelessly behind the
scenes. These are huge deals for both the players and the Club. I have to
pay special tribute to David Sullivan who has worked so hard throughout the
summer to ensure we have got the best possible deals for West Ham United. He
has had endless number of calls and emails over the last few months to last
him a lifetime. But we have been buying the right players that the manager
feels will improve the squad. We are facing two of the biggest seasons in
the Club's history with the final ever year at the Boleyn Ground and then
our move into the new Stadium next summer. We owe it to our fans that we
leave on a high note and everyone will remember the final ever season at
this famous stadium. These are the most important two-years in my football
career. We are building the football Club for when we move into the new
Stadium and we are building a squad of players and strength in depth for the
coming years.
I'm sure the fans are just as excited as I am by the four new arrivals we
managed to bring into the squad on deadline day. We started with the big
announcement of Alex Song coming back to the Club. There is absolutely no
reason why he cannot be the same player that we saw in the first half of
last season. He can open up defences and has the experience of playing at
the highest level in the Champions League.
I am sure he will enjoy the new way that we are playing and will come in and
do a great job for West Ham United. I know he is injured at the moment but
he is a strong man and I don't think we are taking a risk. We are delighted
that Victor Moses has also joined us on a season-long loan from Chelsea. He
is the perfect fit for us and I hope he will excite the fans this season. We
knew that we need to bring some wide players into the squad and it is
fantastic that the Club were also able to secure a deal for Nottingham
Forest's highly-rated winger Michail Antonio. He has pace and power and has
an impressive goalscoring record and we hope he can bring those talents into
the Premier League this season. If he manages to do that, he will be a big
addition for the squad. We want to excite our fans and have pacy wingers who
can make things happen. We also needed to bring in another striker and I
know that Slaven is delighted to see Nikica Jelavic join the Club. He will
fit straight into the squad and is an experienced pro. Slaven is very
familiar with him and they have worked together in the past. I'm sure he
will get the best out of him.
West Ham United is becoming an exciting football Club and we are showing
incredible ambition. The owners and manager all have the same passion to
make us even stronger and I hope this is going to be a memorable two-years
for everyone connected with the Club.
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Government responds to petition
WHUFC.com
The Government has responded to a petition to hold a public enquiry into the
deal for West Ham United's rental of the former Olympic Stadium.
"West Ham United has a concession at the Stadium and their contributions
reflect that status. The contract, awarded after an open public competition,
has been widely scrutinised and tested in court.
"Following the completion of its transformation programme the Stadium will
be - unlike so many previous Olympic Stadiums - a world-class multi-use
arena with a long-term future, and one that won't require continuous support
from the taxpayer. The stadium remains in public ownership (E20 Stadium LLP
– a joint venture between the London Legacy Development Corporation and
Newham Council) and the profits from its multiple uses will flow to the
taxpayer.
"As a long-term concessionaire West Ham United will only access the full
stadium facilities for and shortly ahead of home matches, anticipated to be
an average of 25 games a year. The stadium's other anchor concession-holder,
British Athletics, has a concession for one month a year. The stadium will
be available for commercial and other uses at all times outside of these
existing commitments.
"The Stadium is a multi-use venue, which has already hosted a major
athletics meet this year, the Sainsbury's Anniversary Games, and will host a
range of other events in 2015 including five matches during the Rugby World
Cup this autumn, a Rugby League international between England and New
Zealand and the Race of Champions motorsport event. In addition the Stadium
will host elite athletics including the IAAF and IPC Athletics World
Championships in 2017.
"A world class stadium operator has been appointed and it is part of the
operator agreement that the Stadium will host concerts and other events.
"None of these events will financially benefit West Ham United. All revenues
from these events will be shared by the operator and the Stadium owners. The
stadium operator has a proven international track record of success in
managing and maximising revenue from multi-use stadia and is contractually
incentivised to generate maximum income.
"The agreement with West Ham United, including their contribution to
transformation costs and rent, followed an open competitive process, which
was delivered under EU rules, conducted visibly and exposed to significant
scrutiny. The outcome has been tested in the courts and upheld. As the
winning bid this constituted the best available return for the taxpayer and
secures the commercial viability of a national asset for the next 100 years.
"The European Commission (EC) is responsible for assessing whether public
investment distorts the competitive market. The EC has considered this issue
on more than one occasion and has done so with full sight of the contractual
terms, comprehensive detail of the tender exercise and in depth legal
opinion on compliance with UK and EU law. It has found no case to answer.
Therefore we do not believe that a public inquiry is necessary.
"The detail of the rental agreement between the Stadium owners and West Ham
United is commercially sensitive. Disclosing details of the contract would
undermine the future negotiating position of the Stadium's operator, Vinci,
who are working hard to bring in future events to get the greatest possible
return and ensure that the Stadium is a commercial success.
"It is important that the stadium owners and operator are able to negotiate
future contracts in a way that derive maximum value and are not constrained
by any one agreement. Such arrangements are standard practice and are
designed to both protect the previous public expenditure and maximise the
return on this investment."
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Olympic Stadium deal: Fans inquiry call thrown out
BBC.co.uk
The government has rejected a request from a group of football supporters to
investigate the rental of the Olympic Stadium to West Ham United. The
supporters claimed the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) would
subsidise rent, which it denied. The group made up of trusts from clubs
including Arsenal said it was "disappointed" by the decision but had
expected it. The government said the deal had been "scrutinised" and
"upheld". A Freedom of Information request previously revealed West Ham
contributed £15m to the £272m conversion of the stadium and will pay up to
£2.5m a year in rent. The LLDC, which owns the stadium, will pay for
"facilities and services" such as pitch maintenance and for stewarding on
match days, which can cost £2.5m annually. In comparison, Manchester City,
who moved into the former Commonwealth Games venue, pay overheads on top of
£4m rent.
The coalition of supporters, made up of trusts from clubs including Chelsea
and Tottenham Hotspur, started an online petition which had gained more than
24,000 signatures in favour of an inquiry. Mat Roper said the group remained
concerned they were expected to see it as a "fabulous deal for the taxpayer"
when they had not seen any figures backing that up and one document they
requested had been "completely redacted". He said: "We're no nearer the
truth of what we think is in the rental agreement....until we know that then
we're going to continue. "Whether it happens to be continuing with that
petition, a new petition or... a new FOI request, it's certainly not dead in
the water."
The group said they remained concerned the deal would give the Hammers a
competitive advantage. But the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said:
"West Ham United has a concession at the stadium and their contributions
reflect that status. "The contract, awarded after an open public
competition, has been widely scrutinised and tested in court. "The stadium
remains in public ownership and the profits from its multiple uses will flow
to the taxpayer." While West Ham will host all of their home matches at the
stadium, British Athletics will take control of the arena for one month
every summer.
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Bilic failed to tempt Zaza into Premier League switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 3rd September 2015
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic was so desperate to land Juventus' Simone Zaza before the
transfer window closed that he told the striker he would be one of the first
names on his team sheet, a report claims today.
TMW claim that Bilic contacted the 24-year-old Italian shortly before the
window closed in one final last-ditch attempt to lure him to the Boleyn
Ground, amidst reported interest from Arsenal - the only club in Europe's
top five leagues not to sign an outfield player during the summer.
However Zaza rejected the opportunity to move to London after Juventus sold
Fernando Llorente to Seville and allowed Kingsley Coman to join Bayern
Munich on a season-long loan - which sent him shooting up the pecking order
at the Serie A club.
Despite Zaza's decision to remain in Italy, it has been confirmed that Juve
agreed to allow the player to join West Ham, but left the decision down to
the player himself.
Following Zaza's decision to remain in Italy, West Ham signed Nikica Jelavic
from Hull City - one of four signings Bilic and the Hammers made in the
final 48 hours of the transfer window.
* Another striker who also cliamed to have rejected overtures from West Ham
during the final few days of the transfer window is former Fenerbahce star
Moussa Sow, who signed for United Arab Emirates outfit Al Ahli in a £16m
deal.
Speaking to the National, Sow claimed that he rejected two Premier League
clubs in order to move to the Middle East.
"I received a few offers from England and other teams in the UAE," he said,
"but I have been here many times and, after I spoke with my family and
friends, I decided to come to Al Ahli.
"It's a project I like, I feel safe with the people here and they helped me
come here. I heard the club has had lots of big players pass through, such
as Grafite and Fabio Cannavaro, which gave me more information about the
club and helped me make my decision."
Al Ahli ensured the move went through by agreeing to pay Sow a $1m bonus he
claimed he was owed by Fenerbahce.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Government won't look into West Ham stadium move
Last Updated: 03/09/15 4:19pm
SSN
The Government has rejected a request from a host of supporters' clubs for
an inquiry into West Ham's move to the Olympic Stadium. The Hammers are due
to take on a 99-year deal as tenants starting from next season but the
decision to hand West Ham the stadium has been questioned ever since it was
first announced two-and-a-half years ago. A television documentary aired
last month pointed out how much West Ham would be saving due to their
agreement with the London Legacy Development Corporation and, since then,
eight supporters' groups started a petition for an inquiry into the details
of the decision.
Fans' trusts from Arsenal, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Charlton, Fulham and QPR
- as well as two clubs who failed in bids to take over the stadium, Leyton
Orient and Tottenham - all called on the Government to open a case but their
request was thrown out on Thursday. "West Ham United has a concession at the
stadium and their contributions reflect that status. The contract, awarded
after an open public competition, has been widely scrutinised and tested in
court," a statement released by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport
read.
"The stadium remains in public ownership (E20 Stadium LLP - a joint venture
between the London Legacy Development Corporation and Newham Council) and
the profits from its multiple uses will flow to the taxpayer. "The agreement
with West Ham United, including their contribution to transformation costs
and rent, followed an open competitive process, which was delivered under EU
rules, conducted visibly and exposed to significant scrutiny. As the winning
bid this constituted the best available return for the taxpayer and secures
the commercial viability of a national asset for the next 100 years. "The
outcome has been tested in the courts and upheld. As the winning bid this
constituted the best available return for the taxpayer and secures the
commercial viability of a national asset for the next 100 years." While West
Ham will host all of their home matches at the stadium, which will sport
West Ham livery and colours, British Athletics also have a deal to take
control of the arena for one month every summer - with the Anniversary Games
and the 2017 World Athletics Championships set to be hosted there.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE LIVERPOOL RESULT, THE PLAYERS ON LOAN AND THE NEW SIGNINGS SHOW
AMBITION, AMBITION, AMBITION.
By Tony McNulty 3 Sep 2015 at 10:03
WTID
I have to say it has been a bloody good week all round for West Ham. I went
to university in Liverpool so have a real soft spot for both the town and
the reds – but beating them 3-0 at Anfield as just wonderful. As other have
already said, it wasn't only winning 3-0 that caused so much joy, but the
manner of it. The last time we won there – the goalscorers were Geoff Hurst
and Martin Peters!
Hurst scored at Anfield 52 years ago.
There was a fantastic start from Manuel Lanzini, a great take by Mark Noble
and then it was really good to see Diafra Sakho score as he does so well for
us. It was a very solid performance at the back and this allowed the rest of
the team to play flowing attacking football. Liverpool didn't have a chance.
All the new signings played well – as did older hands especially Mark Noble
and Diafra Sakho.
The historic victory – our first at Anfield since 1963 – was marred
temporarily by the absurd red card that Mark Noble got – but this has since
been rescinded by the F.A. Quite right too. They should also have a look at
the two yellow cards that Coutinho got, especially the second one. It was a
lovely pirouette from Payet, but it wasn't a yellow card.
It is very strange to look at the early league table after four games. On
home form, we are rock bottom with only WBA below us, yet on away form we
are top – with Manchester City. It would be entirely normal to have looked
at the first four games of the season and say that hopefully we would emerge
with at least six points from the two home games and – with a little luck –
we might get something at either the Emirates or Anfield! No-one would have
foreseen that we would emerge with six points – but from two away games,
with nothing to show for two very poor performances at home. So far, then,
these are very strange times indeed. But should we worry?
I said in an earlier post that I remain really optimistic about this season
and think that we will have a good overall performance and one that will do
the club proud in our last season at the Boleyn ground. I am ow more
convinced than ever that this will be the case. As I said, all our new
signings played well at Liverpool – Randolph, Ogbanna, Obiang, Lanzini and
Payet – as did our existing players. This was part of the reason for my
optimism.
But then, by the time the window was firmly closed shut yesterday – but
optimism doubled or trebled – we have never had such a successful in the
transfer market. Adding Victor Moses to a now confirmed loan quartet of him,
Jenkinson, Lanzini and Alex Song is a masterstroke. Each of this quartet not
only knows how to play football, they know how to play in a team. Jenkinson
had a bad game against Bournemouth– but he wasn't alone and will be a key
player this year. The solidity of the defence against Liverpool was without
him, remember, and he will only add to this strength.
When you look at the depth of skills that these loan players bring and add
them to the existing squad – then any true fan will be encouraged. When you
add to this MIchail Antonio, Stephen Hendrie, Nikica Jalevic then you have a
really balanced squad with the depth to survive the rigours of the season.
Indeed, not only to survive but to flourish. There are good grounds for my
optimism and good grounds for giving the manager and his staff a bit of
leeway to produce the football we all want to see.
Tuesday was the culmination of a very productive summer in the markets and
the addition of seven players bought outright and four on loan is a sign of
a team that has the ambition to do well this season. It is a squad that
should mean our overall form resembles our away form up to now, not our form
at home. However much the management and whole staff feel like patting
themselves on the back because of such a successful summer in the markets,
they should be a little cautious.
We need to start delivering the goods at home. I can think of nothing better
than knocking hell out of Newcastle on Monday 14th's night game to show the
way forward. To show that the success in the markets was for a reason – that
it had some purpose – and that was to make sure that the fans would get the
send-off that we deserve in our last season at Upton Park. I think we are in
for exciting times. I think Bilic will deliver. I think Newcastle should be
concerned – our home form it just about to become as good as our opening
away form.
One other small point – the millions and millions swirling around the
premiership, especially the TV money, has made this a record year again in
the transfer market. Maybe we should celebrate this success, but the
championship seems further and further away from the premiership – and the
drop now seems increasingly to be a drop into oblivion. That is something we
should be really worried about.
Martin Peters went to Spurs as part of Jimmy Greaves deal
I know it was different times completely, but I was flicking through a
newspaper album on West Ham and noted that on May 15th 1967 West Ham paid
£50,000 for Billy Bonds and three years later – March 17th 1970 – West Ham
paid £100,000 plus Martin Peters for the great Jimmy Greaves. Dim and
distant history I know – but it makes you wonder, doesn't it.
Bring on Newcastle – our first three points at Upton Park – and that will be
another bloody good week for West Ham.
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BLINDERS AND BUSES
By Jo Phillips 3 Sep 2015 at 18:07
WTID
Mr Dale is right. Our transfer deals were blinders and personally I can't
wait to see Alex Song playing again. He's an exciting player, always
energetic, physical and somehow manages to cross great distances so he seems
to be in several places at once. Blinders aside, I can't help thinking that
the transfer deadline is a relief and marks the start of the season proper.
Endless speculation that means football columns bear more resemblance to a
bookies' board can stop and we can focus on the game. The window shopping
and wish lists go and we get on with what we've got. That looks like a
pretty solid squad or as Bilic may say a busload of talent and potential.
What's with him and buses? I watched his interview after Anfield several
times to see if repetition would make it more comprehensible but frankly,
after that historic victory, I don't care if he's using reruns of On The
Buses and a poster of Reg Varney to get them playing like that.
Several commentators praised the West Ham composition on Saturday – the
dictionary definition is putting together of parts into a whole. That's a
pretty fair summing up of a team that played almost effortlessly together,
in tune and attuned to each other, the opposition and the opportunities. A
brilliant game and a terrific result, almost incredible after our previous
two matches. There wasn't a poor player on the pitch for us and indeed, many
were outstanding but I would single out Aaron Cresswell who showed again
what an important player he is – I remember the first time we saw him. The
aforementioned Mr Dale and I were astounded that such talent had been ours
to snap up from Ipswich.
So, good new signings, a brilliant result and as the late Ian Dury sang ,
reasons to be cheerful.
And yes, we fans are as fickle as the weather and I'm sure managers,
chairmen and players get used to love and hate in equal doses. Let's hope
they're basking in our collective love this week. I just hope Bilic's
enigmatic comments about buses isn't a veiled reference to coaches required
for winning only away. But if it is then tickets please and all aboard the
Hammers rollercoaster.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Premier League squad list: Michail Antonio included after deadline
day switch
20:28, 3 SEPTEMBER 2015
BY JAMES WHALING
The winger moved from Nottingham Forest in a £7million move, and joins Andy
Carroll in the squad who is on the comeback trail
The Mirror
West Ham have named their 25-man squad for Premier League fixtures this
season. Deadline day signing Michail Antonio makes the cut, as does striker
Andy Carroll who is on the comeback trail after a knee ligament injury, and
Alex Song who has rejoined the Hammers. Antonio joined from Nottingham
Forest for £7million as the window slammed shut, as Slaven Bilic looks to
build on wins at Arsenal and Liverpool early in the season. Players such as
Reece Oxford are included in the U21 squad list, along with a host of other
youngsters who are eligible for selection.
Here is the full squad...
Amalfitano, Morgan
Antonio, Michail
Carroll, Andrew
Collins, James
Cresswell, Aaron
Henry, Doneil Jor-Dee Ashley
Jelavic, Nikica
Jenkinson, Carl
Kouyate, Cheikhou
Lanzini, Manuel
Moses, Victor
Noble, Mark
O'Brien, Joseph
Obiang Avomo, Pedro Mba
Ogbonna, Obinze Angelo
Payet, Dimitri
Randolph, Darren
Reid, Winston
Sakho, Diafra
San Miguel Del Castillo, Adrian
Song Bilong, Alexandre
Spiegel, Raphael
Tomkins, James
Valencia Lastra, Enner
Zarate, Mauro Matias
Under-21 players (Contract and Scholars)
Akinola, Olatunji Oluwasehun
Bogard, Clarke Ellis
Boness, Danny
Borg, Oscar Francis
Brown, Jordan Antonio
Brown, Tim
Browne, Marcus Alexander
Burke, Reece
Carter, Matthew James
Chambers, Leo Alexander
Cullen, Joshua Jon
Diangana, Grady
Dobson, George David
Elsom, Ross
Gordon, Jaanai Derece
Hector-Ingram, Jahmal Justin
Hendrie, Stephen
Howes, Samuel Scott
Knoyle, Kyle
Lee, Elliot Robert
Makasi, Kusu Moses
Mavila, Nathan
Nasha, Amos Lawrence
Neufville, Vashon
Onariase, Osaore Emmanuel
Oxford, Reece Joel
Page, Lewis Robert
Parfitt-Williams, Djair Terraii Carl
Pask, Joshua David
Pike, Alexander George
Powell, Joe
Poyet Gonzalez, Diego
Rice, Declan
Samuelsen, Martin
Scully, Anthony Richard
Sylvestre, Noha
Westley, Samuel Edward
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Explaining Downing's departure to Martin Keown
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 3, 2015 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C AND H
Martin Keown has spoken about West Ham's transfer window and says he doesn't
understand why we let Stewart Downing go. Speaking in his Daily Mail blog
Keown said "Generally West Ham did not lose too much with their outgoings
but I must say the sale of Stewart Downing to Middlesbrough is a deal I just
don't understand. It was not so long ago that we were praising him and the
influence he was having. He has been outstanding in recent seasons and
though I'm sure he's happy to be back 'home' at Middlesbrough, he should
want to play in the Premier League for as long as possible."
Happy to answer that one for you Martin, Downing telephoned David Sullivan
three times and asked to leave West Ham. He left West Ham for one final mega
pay deal and an enormous bonus if he helps his boyhood team Middlesborough
get back to the Premier League. However, he later claimed he never wanted
to join West Ham in the first place and was quoted by one newspaper as
saying about Liverpool "I wanted to stay and fight for my place, Brendan
said he wanted me to stay, but the club told me that there was an offer from
West Ham. I didn't want to move."
He also told another newspaper after leaving West Ham "The change of manager
was a big factor, If Sam had stayed, then I'm sure he'd have had a good sit
down to try to persuade me to stay. After speaking to Slaven, I didn't get
that feel of someone who really wanted me there. He said, 'I'd love you to
say', but I didn't get the feeling that I got when Sam signed me."
On the KUMBPodcast West Ham Co Chairman David Sullivan explained the truth
about Downing:
"Downing phoned me personally and asked three times to leave so it is
nothing to do that he didn't feel wanted, they offered him a five year
contract on more money than he was on with us which is incredible for a
Championship side, he was on big money with us. What Downing has said is
dam right lies, I can say that, look at his phone bill and you can see he
personally phoned me up desperately wanting to go back to Middlesborough, it
was his home town club. We said we would like to to stay, we don't want you
to go and he said I don't want to stay, he has now said he didn't feel
(loved), no-one asked him, he went for financial reasons and they then have
to justify it and tell fibs. They just made him an incredible offer and he's
gone back to his home town club, they gave him a 4 to 5 year contract, I can
see his point of view, we wish him all the best, we wish Middlesborough get
promotion because we get a million and a half quid more, we will be cheering
them on"
The reality is you left for the money Downing, we know it, you know it and
know hopefully Martin Keown now knows it. Problem solved Martin, you only
had to ask!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan refuses to backtrack on Austin and Barton
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
After conducting a question and answer session with David Sullivan, HUGH
SOUTHON reckons an unapologetic co-chairman has now put the recent Charlie
Austin and Joey Barton controversies in their rightful place.
David Sullivan found himself at the centre of a couple of controversies
during the transfer window but trust me, this is not a man to back down when
he believes he's in the right.
And the co chairman was pretty true to form in an exclusive interview with
ClaretandHugh when discussing both matters frankly and openly.
It will be recalled that during a podcast with KUMB, Sullivan made it clear
his reasons for not moving in on QPR's Austin was because of concerns over a
previously failed medical at Hull, and worries about the state of the
player's knee.
Being the silly season, the story took off like an airliner and even Austin
took to Twitter to aim both barrels at the co-chairman's head, claiming he
had no knowledge of his injury history or anything else.
Sullivan remained unmoved then, and as defiant in his interview with us,
despite an apology from his fellow chairman David Gold on talkSPORT which
appeared to be linked to another over Joey Barton.
The new Burnley midfielder has been moaning about reports that West Ham's
interest cooled presumably when fans and reportedly players weren't too
happy at the idea of him being offered even a pay as you play contract.
Sullivan's response to both players was to say of DG's apology: "I wouldn't
be apologising: there's nothing to apologise for."
What's interesting about these cases is that both individuals will be
plying their trade in the Championship this season and it's significant that
no other Premier League clubs were in a big hurry to sign Austin.
Love him or hate him, Sullivan tells it how it is, and to demonstrate
there's another side to the coin, he'll hold his hands up when necessary, as
he did in the question and answer session.
He was quick to admit he was sorry he hadn't signed Andrew Ayew admitting:
"I really fancied him."
Apologies? Regrets? They occasionally have their place in this game. But
there's no time to dwell on either, and its reassuring to hear them put in
their proper perspective by Sullivan.
Thinking about it, words such as storms and teacups come to mind.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Exclusive: Sullivan on deals, controversy and Bilic!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
David Sullivan has been leading the Irons' transfer activities all summer.
And with its closure yesterday, he has received almost unanimous acclaim
from the Claret and Blue Army.
As a friend of ClaretandHugh, the co chairman has kindly agreed to answer a
series of EXCLUSIVE questions which tackle some important issues, such as
any regrets he might have on signings that got away; how he feels in
retrospect about the Charlie Austin and Joey Barton controversies; and how
he is getting along with new boss, Slaven Bilic.
He gives his views to ClaretandHugh's founding editor HUGH SOUTHON.
CandH: David, on ClaretandHugh estimates you have spent more money in the
transfer market than ever before – was that always the plan?
DS: NO, but we realised how important this season was for the club and we've
dug deep !
CandH: You almost seem to have become our director of football along with
your role as co chairman – is that a fair assessment ?
DS: No, but I'm a very hands-on chairman
CandH: With Mark Noble's red card having been rescinded should the FA look
at Danny Ings' play acting in the challenge
DS: No, I think he was genuinely hurt.
CandH: The fans have rarely been happier than over the last few days – after
the last 18 months or so you must be happy and relieved.
DS: Yes both happy and relieved, its been a very tough window. My own regret
is not signing Andre Ayew who went to Swansea, as I really fancied him.
CandH: How difficult or easy is it settling down to life with a new manager
and his methods after a long relationship with the previous boss,
DS: There is always an adjustment , but he's a nice man and very hard
working. I admire hard work
CandH: David Gold apologised on talkSPORT for the controversies over Barton
and Austin but is there actually much to apologise for.
DS: I wouldn't be apologising ! I don't think there is anything to apologise
for.
CandH: Your thoughts on the season ahead?
DS: I really don't know as we've had the strangest first four results.
This must be the best team we've had at West Ham United since we've been at
the club. Let's HOPE that translates into league position. I do NOT like
4-3 defeats even if there are lots of goals!
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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Thursday, September 3
Daily WHUFC News - 3rd September 2015
Noble red card rescinded
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm that the Club's claim for wrongful dismissal against Mark Noble for the red card he was shown at Liverpool on Saturday has been successful. The rescinding of Noble's red card by the Football Association means he will be eligible to play in the Hammers' next Barclays Premier League fixture at home to Newcastle United on Monday 14 August and no suspension will be served.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic thrilled with deadline day business
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic was able to reflect on a job well done after West Ham United successfully completed four incoming transfers on Tuesday's deadline. Alex Song, Victor Moses, Nikica Jelavic and Michail Antonio all made their way to the Boleyn Ground on a busy day, with Matt Jarvis the sole departure the other way - on loan to Norwich City. Bilic is now delighted with the make-up of his squad, saying Tuesday's additions were exactly the names he was after. "I think we did well with our business around the deadline," he said. "I would like to thank everyone who was involved, especially the board, because they have to finish it and they had to find the finance. "I think we've done a good job - that's what we wanted and it looks like the last day was a hectic day, but really the deals were done a few days ago and we just needed the papers [finalised]. "We knew from the start what we wanted and for a few players we waited until the end because it was impossible to get them done earlier because of their clubs. "But we were patient and we said we'd wait until the last day and have a back-up if necessary. "That's why maybe it looks like it was all done on the last day, but it wasn't. "We had some positions in which we needed some quality additions and more numbers. We didn't want to just get the numbers, but the quality ones and I'm really glad that we've done that. "I wish all the new signings a welcome and hopefully both sides enjoy it - the players and the Club. We have a big expectation of them, they know that and that's why they've come. "We are really pleased that they are at West Ham United, and on Tuesday Matt Jarvis went on loan to Norwich too and I wish him all the best of luck."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com
This has been a fantastic transfer window for West Ham United and we are glad that it all came together in the end. We stated at the weekend that we hoped to bring in between two and four players before the deadline closed on Tuesday, so to get all four is a major achievement for everyone at the football Club. I understand the supporters frustration that nothing had been happening for several weeks, but it wasn't for the lack of effort by myself and my head of recruitment Tony Henry. We tried to do the best deals possible with the funds available and not overpay for players. Having brought in eight players already during the summer, we knew that our major focus heading into the final few days of the window was to bring in a couple of forward players as we have been depleted by injuries in that area of the squad.
Even though Andy Carroll is close to making a first-team return, Slaven and myself decided that we needed more cover in the striking area and we are delighted to have secured the signature of Nikica Jelavic from Hull. Slaven knows him well from his time in charge of Croatia and he has a wealth of experience in the top flight. We have given Nikica a two-year contract with an option for a further two-years which shows we believe in his ability and hope he can score a number of goals for the Club. He has scored goals for Hull and Everton in the Premier League over the last three-years and we feel he will add the strength we need in the forward line and provide healthy competition for a starting place.
We then announced the signing of Victor Moses from Chelsea and are really excited by his arrival at the Boleyn Ground. Victor has a wealth of talent and wants the chance to play regular first-team football. He has just signed a new contract with Chelsea which shows what they feel about him as a player, but we are thrilled that we were able to take him on a season-long loan and hope he can enjoy a memorable year with us.
A lot of fans thought we might have been finished then, but we were determined to make the squad even stronger and were delighted that we were able to bring in Michail Antonio from Nottingham Forest. We have paid a sizeable fee for Michail and believe he could become a star player for the Club over the next few years. He has got pace and power and his stats show he has an eye for goal with an impressive record wherever he has played. He scored 15 goals last season in the Championship and was voted player of the year at Forest which shows what the fans thought of him. He has already scored four goals this season as well. As well as scoring, Michail has been instrumental in setting up goals for his team-mates creating 15 assists last season and it would be fantastic if he could repeat that at West Ham.
We hope like Aaron Cresswell, he can make an immediate impression in the top flight and repeat the form which saw him attract interest from a number of Clubs in this window. I'm sure the fans have known for a while that we were interested in taking Alex Song back to the Club and despite rumours of other teams wanting to sign him, we are delighted to have secured his services again on a season-long loan. He is a player we all admire. Alex is currently sidelined with an ankle injury as he had an operation on his ankle in the close season. But he is making good progress and we expect to see him back in action soon. On his pre-Chistmas form he was possibly the best player we've ever signed. But after Christmas his form took a dip in the second half of the campaign. Maybe there's reasons for that and hopefully we'll see the true Alex Song and he will make a huge contribution this year. We are quite short in that department and if we get an injury or two we could have a problem in the central midfield role. So we wanted another senior pro in that position.
I would like to thank everyone at the Club who all worked tirelessly during the window to make sure we got these deals in place and we can now look forward to a memorable final season at the Boleyn Ground. I would stress that if the fans are not already on the priority list for season tickets at the new stadium, that they should register as soon as possible. I look forward to seeing everyone at the Newcastle game and hope we can build on our memorable victory over Liverpool at Anfield last Saturday.
Come on you Irons!
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The Big Interview - Mark Noble
WHUFC.com
Following a frantic Transfer Deadline Day which saw the Hammers sign four players, captain Mark Noble welcomed the new recuits. Nobes has been in superb form so far this term, scoring his second goal of the season at Liverpool on Saturday, to add to the penalty he netted at home to AFC Bournemouth the previous weekend. The midfielder was invited on to talkSPORT's Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast on Wednesday, where he answered a range of questions on the Hammers' summer transfer business, their outstanding away form, his new license to roam forward and his hopes to mark his time at the Club...
So far, it's been a great season in terms of away form. Those wins at Arsenal and Liverpool were unbelievable!
MN: "After the Arsenal win everyone got double excited and the fans were saying West Ham are going to win the league. But that's not the case, football isn't like that and we put ourselves under a lot of pressure. "At Arsenal I think we played as well as we could've and then again at Liverpool, after two home defeats, it was very pleasing. The results we've had is why everyone loves this league."
There are a few new faces coming in. Slaven Bilic is clearly not afraid to change it up a little bit and keep everyone on their toes?
MN: "Yes, and I think we needed the signings. If you look at our bench we had four kids at Anfield who don't have much Premier League experience. As you know, if you get a few injuries then the squad starts to look a little bit thin. "In all fairness to the Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold and Vice-Chairman Karren Brady, they've brought in some quality players. You can see from everyone's reaction how happy everyone is."
You scored a great goal at Liverpool, so has Slaven pushed you forward a little bit?
MN: "To be honest, I've been given a little bit more freedom. I've played a lot in front of the back four [in previous seasons] but the new manager has changed it a little bit and told me to get forward more. I've been encouraged to try and create more opportunities as well as score, which I'm really enjoying."
One of the new signings, Alex Song, is a familiar face, so are you happy to see him back?
MN: "Of course, Alex is a great player and we're delighted he's back. I'm sure he'll fit in just as well as he did last year, he's knows most of the boys and the set up here. His addition will definitely bolster the squad we've already got."
West Ham are moving to their New Stadium next summer. Should the first game there be your testimonial? That's what Arsenal did for Dennis Bergkamp!
MN: "You'd have to speak to the Chairmen about that one! It would certainly be a special thing and I would love to do something like that. West Ham is a very special club for me, everyone knows that. It's a club that is moving forward with the new Stadium and with the calibre of players that we're signing. We're really pushing onto the next level."
We are only four games into the league season and Manchester City have started strongly, as have Crystal Palace. Who has impressed you the most so far?
MN: "We played Bournemouth the other day and I thought they were very good. They were very energetic and tough to play against. That's the great thing about this league, anything can happen really. "There's been some mad scorelines already and I think they're becoming more common than even a few years ago. Manchester City have won every game so far, they're looking very strong and they're also our next away game, so that's a game to look forward too."
What do you think is behind so few home wins across the Barclays Premier League so far this season?
MN: "I think there are a few reasons. There's a lot more pressure and expectation on the home side and especially if you go a goal down it can become very different. Away from home, there's less pressure so you have more freedom to play."
*Mark Noble was speaking to talkSPORT
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Dylan Tombides sculpture unveiled
WHUFC.com
A bronze sculpture crafted in honour of the late Dylan Tombides has been unveiled in the West Ham United youngster's home city of Perth, Western Australia. The striker, who passed away at the age of 20 following a brave three-year battle with cancer in April 2014, has been immortalised by Perth artist Robert Hitchcock. The sculpture depicts Dylan holding up his shinguard at the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup finals, where he was diagnosed with testicular cancer after undergoing a random drug test, to wish 'Happy birthday Mum X' to his mother Tracy, who joined Dylan's father Jim, brother Taylor and Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett at the unveiling at the nib Stadium.
Dylan, who fought courageously against the disease which ultimately took his life and bravely made his first-team debut for West Ham while undergoing chemotherapy in August 2012, made a huge impact during his time as a Hammer. The outstanding forward, who started his career in Perth with Wembley Downs Soccer Club and Stirling Lions, was blessed with a character to match. The No38 will never be forgotten in east London, with his squad number being retired by the Club. "To have a place for his friends and family who are still here in Perth and have a memorial of him is huge," said Tracy. "The story that it gives is an awareness story, and we hope that people can take on board and learn about him and also be inspired by him. "Every day he inspired us, with his attitude and his approach to everything in life. So I'm hoping his story is heard for all the right reasons."
Since his untimely passing, Dylan's family have worked tirelessly in his memory, creating the DT38 Foundation, which aims to fund research into testicular cancer, educate young men and change society's approach to diagnosing the disease. The DT38 Foundation has attracted huge support in England, Australia and beyond, and Tracy hopes the unveiling of her son's sculpture will only serve to raise further awareness of the charity. "I want it to be mandatory that if a man presents with an issue with his testes, the doctor tests for the worst-case scenario instead of just putting them on antibiotics," she said. During the family's return visit to Perth, Tracy will join Socceroos and Perth Glory players in visiting schools to speak about her son's story. "He had a lot of self-belief and a lot of respect for others and I want people to see that's what you need to achieve your goals," she added. Australian football fans will be able to see the sculpture for themselves when the Socceroos host Thailand in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday.
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Song - We have to finish higher than last year
WHUFC.com
Alex Song may only have been away from West Ham United for a little over three months before sealing a second loan move from Barcelona this week – but already so much has changed at the Club. Song is one of eleven players added to the Hammers' squad this summer by a new boss in the shape of Slaven Bilic. For Song, he views a second season as a Hammer as a fantastic opportunity to build on the good work of the first half of last year. "Last season we started very well, then the second part of the season we didn't do as well as we wanted," he explained. "It's a new season now and a new start. We've got some new players, a new manager and everything is changing. The ambition the Club has is to finish better than we did last year. "It's not easy because when you have new players coming in they have to settle, but the people who are here help do that. That's what happened for me last season and when I've watched them this year, they're doing very well. "We have to do well this season to keep growing and it's very important for the Club to make the fans happy by finishing better than last season."
There might be a different face in the manager's seat this year, but Song said he needed little persuading by Bilic to return to E13.
He continued: "When I spoke to the manager we had a very good chat. What he wants is someone who loves playing football. He's played for West Ham, he's managed in Croatia, Russia and Turkey and he's a very good manager. "For me it was very easy when I spoke to him because it's important for me to go somewhere that the manager really wants you. "When you have someone like that you always want to give your best. It was the same last year with Sam – he really wanted me – and so did the new manager. I said to him straight away that I would play for him and do everything to come here."
Song has already witnessed the Hammers defeat Arsenal and Liverpool this year and cannot wait to contribute to more memorable matches in this Farewell Boleyn campaign. He concluded: "The first game against Arsenal was unbelievable – a really good result – and I saw that last week against Liverpool again. It makes the fans feel very happy. We've got to keep that going now. "The squad has taken another step forward this year. We just have to improve game-by-game and then we'll see what happens at the end of the season."
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Moses goes on counter-attack
WHUFC.com
Victor Moses says his pace and trickery could be the perfect fit for West Ham United's new-found counter-attacking style away from home.
The Nigeria winger has arrived at the Boleyn Ground on a season-long loan from Chelsea as the Hammers celebrate historic back-to-back Barclays Premier League victories at Arsenal and his former club Liverpool. Moses was impressed with the way Slaven Bilic's side worked hard to shut down the opposition before repeatedly springing forward at pace and putting their hosts under threat. With a trip to Manchester City up next on the road, the new No20 is hoping West Ham can make it an unforgettable hat-trick of away wins to start the 2015/16 campaign. "It's not just been the way they have played that has impressed me, but it's been the hard work as well," he told West Ham TV. "You can tell everyone is fighting for each other and it was a great result at Arsenal and then at Liverpool at the weekend.
"I love playing counter-attacking football and this Club has definitely got it here and it will definitely suit my game. We've got a good quality of players up front and the wingers are quick, so if we can get it going on the counter-attack we can really be a threat as a team. "I'm delighted to be here and I want to help the Club finish as high up in the table as possible this season."
Moses was one of four Deadline Day signings made by the Club, joining midfielder Alex Song, Croatia striker Nikica Jelavic and fellow winger Michail Antonio in moving to the Boleyn Ground, and one of 12 summer arrivals in total. The 24-year-old spent his first day training alongside his new colleagues at Chadwell Heath on Wednesday and is already feeling part of things. "I am very pleased and delighted to have come to West Ham on loan," he continued. "It's a great club and you can tell that by the history and by the fact I've played here a few times and the atmosphere is amazing. "I want to add my quality to what West Ham already have and hopefuly we can do much better this season than last season. I am very pleased to work under the new manager. "The lads are working very well and I've seen them all and they're great lads. I spoke to the manager he's a great manager and I'm very pleased to be here working under him."
Moses' introduction has been made easier by the fact he has played with or against many of West Ham's players in the Barclays Premier League and international fixtures in recent years. "Alex Song was here on loan last season and he's a quality player with a huge amount of talent, and we all saw that last season. Nikica Jelavic is a great striker too, and score goals and it's good to have that kind of quality of players coming into West Ham. "We already know Andy Carroll is a great striker and he has lots of experience in the Premier League, as do Jelavic and the other strikers we've got here as well. If I can help them to score goals this season, that will really help. "For me personally, I just want to play as much as I can and enjoy my football – that's the most important thing."
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Ginge set for Cypriot challenge
WHUFC.com
James Collins' Wales are hoping to extend their unbeaten run to seven games as they close in on qualification to the European Championships in France 2016. Currently top of Group B, three points ahead of heavyweights Belgium, Chris Coleman's side travel to Cyprus looking to complete the double having beaten them 2-1 in Cardiff last year. The central-defender, who recently celebrated the birth of his son Jesse, played in the 3-0 trouncing of Israel in Haifa, six months ago. Following the game against the Cypriots, Wales host Israel on Sunday 6 September at the Millennium Stadium. Irish U17 international Declan Rice played the full match in a 2-0 defeat to Hungary. The current Academy of Football scholar made his Hammers' U21 debut against Arsenal last week. In sweltering 37 degree heat, the hosts ran out winners through goals from Levente Sazbo and Mark Bencze's penalty. The Greens will have the opportunity to avenge the defeat on Thursday 3 September as the two sides face each other in the second game of a double header.
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West Ham charged for protesting Mark Noble red card
BBC.co.uk
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble's red card for a tackle on Liverpool's Danny Ings has been overturned. But the Premier League club has been charged by the Football Association with failing to control its players as they reacted to Noble's dismissal. The club have until 18:00 BST on 7 September to respond to the charge. The incident happened during West Ham's 3-0 Premier League win at Anfield on Saturday - and Noble faced a three-match suspension for the red card. "I got a red card from the referee but it wasn't even a yellow," Noble said after the match. He is now free to face Newcastle on 14 September.
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Wonders never cease! Noble's red card rescinded
Kumb.COM
Filed: Wednesday, 2nd September 2015
By: Staff Writer
The FA have rescinded the red card Mark Noble was issued by referee Kevin Friend during Saturday's 3-0 win at Anfield. Noble was erroneously dismissed by the erring official during the second half of West Ham's historic 3-0 trouncing of Brendan Rodgers' side last weekend. However the decision was overturned during a hearing on Wednesday afternoon, according to West Ham's co-Chairman David Gold.
That means Noble - who was due to sit out the forthcoming fixtures with Newcastle Utd, Man City and Leicester City - will be available for selection when the Magpies visit the Boleyn Ground in 12 days' time.
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Noble praises Board for transfer window business
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 2nd September 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's new captain Mark Noble believes that the club are well positioned for a strong Premier League season. Noble, who was named as successor to the departed Kevin Nolan last week told Talksport that the owners and Vice Chairman should be congratulated for bringing 13 players to the club during the summer transfer window. "We needed the signings," he said. "If you have a look at our bench on Saturday [at Liverpool] we had four or five kids with no experience of the Premier League whatsoever. If you get a couple more injuries your squad becomes a little bit light. "In all fairness to the Chairmen and Karren [Brady], they've brought in some top players in the last couple of days and as you can see from everyone's reaction, everyone's over the moon about it."
And despite the added pressure for places the new signings bring, Noble is enjoying playing under Slaven Bilic - and the new, more attacking role he had been given by the new manager. "This year I've got a little bit more freedom," he added. "I played a lot in front of the back four and tried to start things off. Now I've had to change my game a little bit and try and get forward a little bit more, create some stuff and score some goals. "Right now I've got two in two, so I'm prolific at the minute! Goals for me have been quite rare over the years so to score at the Kop end at Liverpool was a little bit special."
As things stand, Noble is set to miss West Ham's next three matches against Newcastle and Manchester City in the Premier League plus United's trip to Leicester in the Capital One Cup as a result of the ridiculous red card he was issued by the bumbling Kevin Friend at Anfield last weekend. However the midfielder believes West Ham will have no problem having the decision reversed upon appeal. "I spoke to the people who organise that kind of stuff after the game and they said straight away that we were going to appeal against it," he confirmed. "To be honest, I was still in a little bit of shock that I got a straight red for it - but there you go. As I said afterwards in an interview, Kevin [Friend] is a really top referee and obviously he saw it in a different light to what I did. "You could see - and I think everyone agrees - that there was no malice in the tackle as I won the ball cleanly. It was a little bit harsh."
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An interesting window
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 2nd September 2015
By: Het-Field
It was an interesting transfer window, which has ultimately proved quite fruitful - although I don't think anybody could criticise anybody else for believing at one point that our dealings were done after Manuel Lanzini signed and that a free transfer for Joey Barton was the only likely outcome.
It is rare that a club goes for so long without making any transfers and it seemed like a lost cause at one point, all building up to a crescendo of disappointment, where we would purchase one or two players on free transfers.
I have individual views on each player who has arrived, and varying views on each player who has departed. I have views on the manner in which the club has conducted itself at boardroom level. I also have views on the manner certain players have appeared to be treated.
I have views on the nature of some deals. I have questions as to the extent of the net which has been trawled for some of the signings. However, I also have great commendations for some of the deals which have been established.
1. The New Manager
A complete mixed bag so far. Wins against Liverpool and Arsenal have been spectacular, the losses to Leicester and Bournemouth disappointing, and the departure from Europe a complete farce.
The six red cards we have received this season as of September 1st is also a major worry (even if one or two have been dubious).
The manner in which Bilic dealt with the away tie in Astra was truly worrying. He has yet to truly find his feet with his best team, but he is definitely getting there. He doesn't have unwavering support from me yet, but he is getting there.
2. The New Players
Darren Randolph
I don't think the net was trawled nearly far enough for our new reserve goalkeeper. I don't pour nearly the same level of criticism over him that some do, but I have posted that keepers like Shay Given, Brad Friedel, Paul Robinson, Victor Valdes, Adam Bogdan, David Ospina/Schnezy, seemed to be available, yet we went for a lower Championship free agent.
In spite of this, he is an international, with plenty of league experience. I don't worry too much about his concession of 8 goals against Bournemouth, as often times the whole team is responsible for such a loss. I will reserve judgement until the end of the season, and he has endeared himself a little with a clean sheet at Anfield.
Angelo Ogbonna
This is a man who on paper we are lucky to have although so far on the pitch it's been Jekyll and Hyde. The man, once settled will be a rock in the heart of our defence, and will bring much needed European Cup experience to the club. He will find his feet, and I believe he will ultimately be the name on the team sheet who will be joined by one of the other centre backs at the club.
Also, it looks like the deal didn't involve an upfront payment of the full fee. An international centre back, with Champions League experience and two Serie A medals in his back pocket who needs a bit of time to adjust. Yep, I think I like this deal.
Carl Jenkinson
I'm not a fan of this deal at all. This loan has multiple strings attached including a loan fee of £2million and the existence of Jenkinson's five year deal, which he signed with Arsenal last month.
He has started the season poorly, and has been the subject of a red card. His crossing hasn't really improved at all, and it seems that he needs either some time off.
Unlike last season, it seems like he is less in the shop window, and the new contract will raise his asking price, regardless of at what level it will be set. Even if he goes on to have a good season, its hard not to feel that he will have played 70 games or so, over two seasons to Arsenal's benefit.
Alex Song
A deal which I would like to have seen concluded earlier, even though I can understand the monetary and commercial reasons for holding off. Yes, he blew hot and cold last season, but this is a world class player we have on our hands, and on his best days he will boss other teams off the park.
The loan deal will also allow us rectify his injury issues, and perhaps if the right performances are forthcoming, and the injury clears up, there may be scope for an outright purchase in January? I feel that unlike Jenkinson, this deal has no strings attached, and the sale of a performing Song to West Ham, would ultimately benefit everybody.
Pedro Obiang
Another experienced Serie A player who has got rave reviews from aficionados of Italian football. I know little about him, apart from what I've seen, but so far, so good.
Victor Moses
The reason id be more willing to swallow this deal, as opposed to the Jenkinson deal, is that I feel we could woo Moses before the move to the Olympic Stadium (also, if I recall correctly, Moses has expressed an unwillingness to return to Chelsea during the course of loan spells in the past).
Also, I feel Chelsea will use the contract as leverage to cash in on the player at some point, and this gives them the protection they need, while also allowing Moses to continue to provide reason for them to keep him. He is tricky, fast, and capable of beating players easily. Not a goalscorer, but a goal provider. I think this deal could prove to be one of the best.
Dimitri Payet
This guy is sheer class, and our version of Shaquiri, Rondon, or Juanmi. A playmaker with a serious eye for goal and like Moses, ability to create things in tiny spaces.
His season has started reasonably well, and it was a joke that Dechamps dropped him from the French team, ostensibly for the reason that he didn't join Chelsea or Arsenal during the window. He had a good preseason, really stole the headlines during the Arsenal game, and is already on the scoresheet for us. This is money very well spent.
Manuel Lanzini
So far, so good from a player who is something of a mystery. It was hard not to be slightly perturbed by the signing of another non-capped Argentine, with a good reputation in the Argentine league. However, Lanzini has scored goals, and seems not too shy in his new surroundings.
Nikica Jelevic
A good out-and-out striker, but like Randolph I feel the net could have been trawled slightly wider. Jelevic is the harvest of a relegated team, which is always something I'm a little reticent to endorse given the relegation that such a player suffered - and it's not as though Jelevic has been setting the world alight at Hull, also he is no longer a Croatian international.
Be that as it may, he is a recognised striker who knows where the back of the net is - and one who has scored almost 30 Premier League goals in three years, which isn't too bad. Also, he has played under Bilic before, which was probably a key factor in the transfer. Essentially, I have mixed views on this transfer, but I wish him well.
Michael Antonio
I cannot possibly comment on Antonio due to a complete lack of knowledge, but he seems to be a capable provider and scorer of goals in the Championship. Much like Cresswell, it would be wonderful if he could make the appropriate step up - and with highly positive results. Along with Moses, we have covered off the deficiency we have for wingers, with his signature.
3. Players Out
Kevin Nolan
His time had come. An excellent captain, a good goalscorer, and a positive influence in difficult circumstances. Sadly, he had been on the wane in terms of his on-pitch influence for two years, and on some occasions let his frustrations get the better of him.
He seemed like a package deal with Sam and really shouldn't have been re-introduced to the team after returning from injury last season. In fact, he seemed to be shoe-horned into the team when he didn't need to be. I feel his departure was advantageous for both parties, and hopefully he finds a new club quickly.
Guy Demel
Guy gave West Ham excellent service over his four years at the club, but last season suggested that he was a fringe squad player, let alone a squad player. At his best he showed some great form, was able to beat his man, and even grabbed a goal against Liverpool to boot. Injuries hampered him, but he was a very good player for his time here.
Carlton Cole
I've said it before, this was a particularly strange relationship. Signed in 2006, he alienated fans by mentioning that we would be a platform for greater things. Cole then proceeded to struggle for his first season, and then lose his place to Freddy Sears during his second.
Although finances (and Ashton's injuries and retirement) dictated, Cole was well worth his place in the team during 2008-2010 as he scored plenty of goals and even picked up a few England caps along the way. But then his presence in the team became erratic.
Yes, he retained his place during the Championship season, but after that he lost it before being let go, re-signed, and then reduced to a fringe role, only required during Carroll's long spells on the treatment table. We then scuppered a move to WBA in January, and now he is in the footballing wilderness again.
It reminds me of the type of guy or girl who has a friend who they have no interest in, but they are willing to take out to events like weddings/discos etc as the +1 to "be seen", but at any point where something more attractive comes along, the other party is reduced again, only to be called upon every time the new relationship turns rocky.
It is mutually advantageous to both parties, but it actually holds back both parties as they have become reliant on each other's constant presence as a 'back up plan', but with no intention of ever solidfiying. Essentially West Ham and Carlton Cole have been the 'friends', with Andy Carroll, Dean Ashton, and Diafra Sakho as the 'shinier options'. Hence, I believe the time to cut the cord has arrived.
Jussi Jaaskelainen
This is a keeper who needs to be playing regularly and playing well regularly. It was canvassed on this site that when Jussi arrived in 2012 his confidence was shot to bits and that it took time to bring him round to understanding his quality.
He played exceptionally well during 2012/2013, was genuinely unlucky to lose his place to Adrian in 2013/2014 and was a virtual ever-present reserve 'keeper last season. However, given the confidence nature of his abilities, his absence from the first team could be an issue and as a result it was better to release him to play somewhere else.
Mobido Maiga
M'eh. He has played a handful of games for us in the past 18 months and was given a great opportunity in 2013/2014 when he was the only fit striker on our books, which he really didn't take.
He scored some important goals and one or two absolute screamers, but he never set the world alight or looked like he could change games. I always feel his opening day failure to score against Aston Villa in 2012, when one-on-one with Shay Given set the tone for his career here. He cut the mustard in France, but didn't really do so here or at QPR. Again, I wish him well.
Matt Jarvis
The true extent of Jarvis' depreciation is quite unknown. Like Maiga he seemed to be back in the team based on a lack of options, as opposed to anything to do with his abilities.
He has struggled to justify his high price tag and has been in and out of the team over the past year. A loan deal could work wonders, and it's always good to have the option to bring him home. Also, I feel we have more than enough wingers for the time being.
Stewart Downing
Being honest, I'm pretty displeased with this one. Downing, when played properly is a top player who can terrorise defences and can score a goal. I also am displeased to hear him say that the club didn't do enough to keep him.
I feel given the current squad, combined with Valencia's injury, Downing could really have made the step up in terms of his influence, however, we won't know. The only upside is we managed to recoup the fee for a player who is now north of 30.
Dan Potts
Potts joins the list of youth players who just didn't have enough. I really thought we had an excellent player on our hands, but his progress was not as rapid as it needed to be. I hope his time at Luton Town goes well, and he can return up the leagues in due course.
Reece Burke & Diego Poyet
Two loan deals that will help (in my opinion) our best potential youth players (along with Oxford).
My Overall View
I think the window, while not as positive as last year's ended on a high note. As fans, we were right to be concerned. Between the Europa League debacle, the rampant indiscipline, the defeats to mid-ranking teams at home, the drip-feeding of information and the attempt at convincing us that Joey Barton would be a "great deal", we were given major cause for concern.
The victory over Arsenal could have been a flash in the pan (Cech's errors were particularly poor), and the weak first half performances against Leicester City and Bournemouth could have become the norm. However, the really good actions of the team and the board over the past three days have really shown that there is much to be excited for this season.
The transfer window has provided us with an opportunity to remove accumulating dead-wood, and upgrade where necessary. I don't agree with every transfer, and I don't agree with the terms of every transfer, but if we can avoid long term injury, and players like Carroll and Valencia can return quickly, our squad will be well able to challenge for the best.
I also hope that Bilic will reconcile with Morgan Amalfitano as I feel he also has something to offer the team. Ditto James Collins. Injuries will happen, and with Collins on board we can avoid having to look into signing a Roger Johnson, or Emmanuel Pogatetz to plug the gap.
The summer has also been useful in promoting some of our young players, and it seems that the likes of Oxford, Burke, Cullen, and Poyet are very much in contention for big things in due course, and are all emerging with early European and Premier League experience which will stand to them. Hopefully, the likes of Lee will also get a chance to play in the early rounds of the League Cup, and perhaps develop further.
I think we are well set for a good season; hopefully the new players will gel quickly and we can start looking forward to great things!
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Moving on up
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 2nd September 2015
By: Paul Walker
Before our very eyes in the amazing last hours of the transfer window, we watched ourselves moving to a different level. Whatever you say about our leaders and Lady B, they are business people, and they knew a very long time ago that going to the Olympic stadium in the wrong division was not an option.
Failing to back a new manager with good money was also something that could not be countenanced, and lets face it, Slav would not have set foot in the place without assurances that money would be spent.
To change our image as mid-table, occasional relegation fodder, things had to be changed. And the club needed upgrading from top to bottom.
You can bet that this new approach has been on the cards for months, revamping the squad, getting rid of the expensive, old timers as well as the kids who had seen patience but were not going to make it, was clearly the master plan.
It's pretty clear that moves were afoot way back. Ian Hendon's parting shot when leaving was that Sam and his staff knew they were not being retained back in January. And Slav has made it clear that he was aware of our interest in him some while before the axe fell on the previous regime. So these changes have not happened overnight.
It has been months in the making, but Tuesday's remarkable flurry of new signings was the end produce of that plan. And that deserves praise and respect for our leaders.
David Gold pointed out just how many kids were on the bench at Anfield, and that had to be addressed. A half-dozen injuries…our usual quota it seems…puts us under great pressure.
So things have had to change. The new men that arrived on Tuesday underlined that. And the fact that we were able to beat off other clubs in the process. That is something new, no longer it seems are we at the whim of David Levy's nasty anti-West Ham streak.
And just for a change it was Spurs who came off worst. Yes, earlier in the window that did good business, but in the final days they failed to get their main targets, Victor Wanyama and Saido Berahino…., as well as also failing to unsettle our own Cheikhou Kouyate. And they were unable to get rid of Emmanuel Adebayor.
Every window seems to see us trying to signing him, and Levy playing hardball to the last seconds, and winning. But the very act of us signing Victor Moses on loan on the morning of deadline day, shifted the power battle. Moses was our second domestic loan of the window, so Levy was denied the drawn-out loan route and was left with the battle over what percentage of his contract Spurs paid up to persuade him to leave.
We could sit and wait while he had to negotiate with the player. We had our insurance of Jelavic as well as Moses's frontline adaptability. And Levy lost the face-off, with Aderbayor's wages still on Spurs' wage bill.
The only way out now is to cancel his contract, but he still cannot sign for anyone until January, so that's five month's wages for the guy that Levy must stump out. How very sad for the man who has held the whip hand for so long, and who virtually stole Michael Carrick from us.
But that's enough about the Spurs sideshow. We produced a window of buys that has surpassed anything in the past. We are usually left with a bevy of dodgy Italians or half-fit, free agent Frenchmen. Or we have to re-sign Carlton Cole. Remember the painful last hours of January's window?
This time has been different. The arrival of Moses, Alex Song, the experienced back-up of Jelavic and the obvious promise of Micheil Antonio capped off an excellent window. A dozen new faces overall, an injection of genuine talent in Dimitri Payet and the exciting Manuel Lanzini, plus experience from Angelo Ogbanna and Pedro Obiang are a cut above anything we have seen in previous windows.
It has cost money, but it had to be done. The budget was supposed to be around £25m, added to that any cash from the Stewart Downing and Maiga sales. That probable took the pot to £30m, and we are just about in that margin, although that can always be manipulated because nobody pays all of a fee upfront, unless you are Manchester City.
Wages are high, the loans expensive, but our board have gone for it, and given Bilic what he wanted.
Around 20 players have left since the end of last season and around £400,000 has been cut from the weekly wage bill. A lot of high earners have gone, with Matt Jarvis now away on loan at Norwich. Every penny helps.
But there has been deeper planning. Eight promising youngsters have new contracts, including a lot of money spent to keep Reece Oxford, when we might well have lost in days gone by. We even found time in Tuesday's mayhem to sort out Josh Cullen's new contract. Good thinking.
Senior men like Mark Noble, Winston Reid and James Tomkins have also got new deals. The structure of the club has improved and there has been impressive good house keeping. All, I believe, part of a structured plan for the future.
Sometimes you feel our club is being run from a stall in Queens road market, other times you feel there is proper joined-up planning. This is one of those times.
You can only hope that it pays off and Slav can continue to produce such results like the win at Liverpool. And even that makes an impact of new targets. Antonio, I noticed, made a point of underlining that the Anfield triumph had influenced his decision to move to East London.
There were a few things I did not like about this window, and the odious Barry Silkman is top of the list, but more about him later.
We have spent all summer chasing a top notch striker, and it hasn't happened. Now we have Andy Carroll almost fit, but with Cole and Modibo Maiga gone and Nikica Jelavic as decent back-up, there at least is an insurance policy. And Moses can play wide or central, so the options are there for Bilic when Enner Valencia is back (and as long as Mauro Zarate and Diafra Sakho can stay fit).
I am still not convinced by Zarate. He is a show-boater who can do the occasional clever thing but never seems to have the staying power to last a match. Premier League class? I am not convinced, but the Sullivans love him, so that's all right then.
And as for Sullivan's pal, Silkman? For the second deadline day on the trot he has gone on Sky in the morning to try to sell one of our players. In January it was Noble, and it took Ms Brady to go into print to rubbish the idea.
This time the slimy Silkman, Sullivan's go-to agent, was trying to put James Collins in the shop-window. Collins was furious, away on international duty and with a new baby back home, it was not what was wanted and not how one of our very best 'soldiers' and loyal servants should be treated.
Silkman would not consider talking about one of his own clients in this way, so why does he think he can do it to Collins. Shut him up, Sullivan, it was almost as bad as you trash talking Charlie Austin. Ginge deserves more respect than that.
But all that is secondary to the big picture. And we have certainly made a point, put down a marker and given Bilic the tools to do the job, and to cope with injuries..and the continual suspensions! Just for once I was glued to the TV wondering who would be next, not who we would sell.
Quite a day; well done, everybody.
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West Ham win appeal over Mark Noble's red card but FA charges club
Last Updated: 02/09/15 5:43pm
SSN
West Ham have won their appeal to have Mark Noble's red card from Saturday's 3-0 victory over Liverpool rescinded, although the club have been charged by the FA following the dismissal. Midfielder Noble was sent off by referee Kevin Friend in the 78th minute at Anfield for a challenge on Danny Ings, despite Friend blowing his whistle for a previous foul on Noble, who then appeared to win the ball cleanly in a challenge with the Liverpool forward. The West Ham players surrounded the official after he brandished the red card and this has led to the club being charged for failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.
The club has until 6pm on September 7 to respond to the charge. West Ham manager Slaven Bilic said following his side's win that he was confident the decision to send off Noble would be reversed on appeal. And the FA has now rescinded the red card shown to Noble following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing and he will now not serve the proposed three-match suspension. The 28-year-old will therefore be available to face Newcastle United at Upton Park, live on Ford Monday Night Football on September 14.
Hammers co-owner David Gold revealed the FA's decision by tweeting: "Great news. Mark Noble's red card has been rescinded and he will be available to play against Newcastle."
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On-loan Matt Jarvis eager to make his mark at Norwich
Last Updated: 02/09/15 4:54pm
SSN
Matt Jarvis is relishing the chance to play his part in the Norwich City revival after completing a deadline-day loan switch from West Ham United. The winger will be in Norfolk for the rest of the season and has been impressed by what he has seen so far. Jarvis told the Canaries' official website: "I'm delighted to be here for the season and I'm really excited about getting started and helping the team.
"Everyone's made me feel welcome. It seems like a very nice club, and I'm looking forward to seeing what it's like when all the lads get back off international duty – there aren't loads of them here, so it will be good to get going."
Jarvis, who signed for West Ham from Wolves £10.75m in 2012, believes his early start for West Ham this season will help him settle in quickly at Carrow Road. He said: "I was back in on June 22 with West Ham and I played all of the Europa League qualifying matches for them. I'm fully fit and I've been involved in pretty much all the games so far this season. "I played 60 minutes at Carrow Road in pre-season too - I'm in good condition and ready to go. It's a fresh start for me, it's a chance for me to get back to playing games and back to my best."
Jarvis says he has been impressed by the progress of the club in 2015 under Alex Neil, who took over from Chris Hughton in January and went on to guide them back into the top flight through the play-offs. "You only have to look at what he's done and the team has done in recent times. It's a fantastic journey the club has been on and hopefully we can kick on now," Jarvis said. "Hopefully I'll be training with the lads on Thursday and then I'll get a full week with them next week. I'm really looking forward to being part of the team. You've got to work hard. The manager has said that he's very honest and that he will tell you what you think, and that's all you can ask for as a player."
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Tottenham's Emmanuel Adebayor too expensive for West Ham, says David Gold
Last Updated: 02/09/15 11:40am
SSN
West Ham co-chairman David Gold says manager Slaven Bilic pulled out of a deal to sign Emmanuel Adebayor because the Tottenham forward was "very expensive". The 31-year-old was expected to leave White Hart Lane this summer having been left out of manager Mauricio Pochettino's first-teams plans for the new season. Adebayor, who saw a move to Aston Villa fail to materialise earlier in the transfer window, met with Bilic at Upton Park on Monday to discuss joining the club. It is understood Tottenham were happy for the Togo international to leave and offered to pay off a portion of the final year of his contract - which is worth £5m - but Adebayor rejected their proposal. Bilic, however, decided against pursuing a deal for Adebayor and focused his attention on clinching the signing of Hull forward and Croatian compatriot Nikica Jelavic. Gold has revealed that, as well as stepping up efforts to sign Jelavic instead, the cost of signing Adebayor proved to be a stumbling block. "I think it was more an enquiry and again, Slaven showed interest - we showed a bit of interest - and then it sort of all went quiet and Slaven obviously decided against it," he told talkSPORT. "Very expensive player and I think he just weighed it up and felt with Andy [Carroll] coming back, with [Enner] Valencia coming back, with [Mauro] Zarate coming back and, of course, he was confident we would bring in the player from Hull [Jelavic]." The Hammers were initially keen on a loan deal for Adebayor but their deadline day pursuit was complicated by the arrival of Victor Moses at Upton Park. Moses, who signed on a season-long loan from Chelsea, ensured West Ham had already filled their loan quota of two, with Carl Jenkinson having joined on the same type of deal from Arsenal.
Premier League rules state no club can have more than two domestic loan players in their squad at any one time. Gold also admitted Bilic's desire to sign his former Croatia forward Jelavic played a role in their decision to pull the plug on a deal for Adebayor. "He [Bilic] came to us and said 'look, I like this player - I think that I can get more out of him than previous clubs'," Gold added. West Ham also secured the signings of Alex Song from Barcelona on a season-long loan and Michail Antonio from Nottingham Forest on a four-year deal on deadline day.
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Emmanuel Adebayor priced himself out of a move to West Ham, says Irons chairman David Gold
0 COMMENTS 18:17, 2 SEPTEMBER 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
The striker wanted a £5million pay-off from Tottenham, so the Hammers swooped for Nikica Jelavic instead
The Mirror
West Ham chairman David Gold has confirmed Emmanuel Adebayor priced himself out of a move to the club from Spurs. The striker refused to back down on his demand for a £5million pay-off from his club after Spurs had offered him a settlement to go. As a result, while he and the north Londoners haggled, the injury-hit Hammers focused on sealing the capture of Hull frontman Nikita Jelavic. Describing the on-off transfer, Gold said: "Slaven showed interest - we showed a bit of interest - and then it sort of all went quiet and Slaven obviously decided against it. "It was very expensive player and I think he just weighed it up and felt with Andy [Carroll] coming back, with [Enner] Valencia coming back, with [Mauro] Zarate coming back and, of course, he was confident we would bring in the player from Hull [Jelavic]."
Even then there was still a chance that £100,000-a-week Adebayor, frozen out at Tottenham, could sign for the Hammers. For that to have happened, however, the former Arsenal and Manchester City striker would have had to become a free agent before the transfer deadline.
West Ham had already added the loan signing of Victor Moses from Chelsea to that of Carl Jenkinson from Arsenal. Premier League rules state no club can have more than two domestic loan players in their squad at any one time. Even if Adebayor, who has not been given a squad number at Spurs, manages to seal his exit he will not be allowed to play for another team until January as he would have had to have become a free agent before Tuesday's deadline in order to do so
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Transfer news: Hammers spend £36m on players
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham made a whopping investment of £36 million in new players during the summer transfer window! With so many comings and goings in recent days, ClaretandHugh has decided to take a look at the figures and players involved in the latest merrygoround.
Inbound players and their transfer/loan fees:
Pedro Obiang £4.5m
Darren Randolph (free transfer)
Martin Samuelsen (nominal fee)
Dimitri Payet £10.7m
Angelo Ogbonna £8.5m
Manuel Lanzini £2m loan fee
Carl Jenkinson £1.5m loan fee
Alex Song £1.5m loan fee
Victor Moses £2.5m loan fee
Nikica Jelavic £2.5m
Michail Antonio £6m.
Our total outgoing spend is thought to have reached £39.7m – and this figure DOESN'T INCLUDE any future add-ons!
Outbound players and their transfer fees:
Stewart Downing £5m (not including add ons)
Maiga (Free)
Kevin Nolan (released with £1.3m pay-off)
Matty Jarvis (loaned to Norwich with no fee involved).
We calculate the Hammers' net transfer spend of £36m puts the club in fifth place as the the Premier League's big spenders – just behind Chelsea (£37m), Newcastle (£42m), Manchester United (£43m) and Manchester City (£102m).
Who said we had no ambition!
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Irons may launch new Noble FA appeal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham will look at the video evidence of the players' reaction to Mark Noble's sending off at Liverpool before deciding whether to appeal an FA charge they failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion. The club has until 6pm on 7 September 2015 to respond to the charge. David Gold – speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh – said: "There's every chance we will appeal but we will have to look at the video evidence as we did when deciding whether to appeal the red card. "Obviously players cannot encircle and intimidate referees but we will need to see what the reaction was before deciding what to do. "Personally, I believe that as at law, we should ensure that the punishment always fits the crime and that there should be a sliding scale of fines. "I do not know how the lads reacted until we see that video. We will look at it and then make up our minds."
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FA MUST always have the last word
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 2, 2015 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham have been charged yet again by The FA for failing to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion after the Mark Noble red card fiasco at Anfield last Saturday. The standard fine for this offence is £20,000 if the club admit breaching FA Rules in relation to player conduct. West Ham have been fined £20,000 twice before in the last 12 months after the club admitted breaching FA Rules in relation to player conduct back in February 2015 against Southampton when Adrian got sent off (later overturned) and again in November 2014 against Everton last year after James McCarthy mis-timed tackle on Morgan Amalfitano. It appears that it is standard practice for the FA to charge a club after having having a red card overturned as if to have the last word in some childish contest. Never mind that the Irons players were justifiably complaning against a decision with which the FA now agree, there has to be an edge somewhere for the game's ruling body in this country eh? Just plain WRONG! West Ham are unlikely to contest or appeal the charge and will probably just roll over and pay the £20,000 with gritted teeth but if the referee got these important decisions right there would be no over reaction by players. Maybe the FA should use all these £20,000 fines it has gathered and invest in video technology to put an end to sending off errors by professional referees in the first place.
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Transfer news: Jarvis loan deal saves Irons £1.75m
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Matty Jarvis's eleventh hour transfer deadline day loan deal to Norwich City will save West Ham £1.75 million over the season, it has been revealed. Although the Hammers have paid a total of £7.5m in loan fees on top of wages for in demand players like Alex Song, Victor Moses, Manuel Lanzini and Carl Jenkinson, no such loan fee could be agreed with Norwich for the services of livewire Jarvis. But Norwich will be paying 100 per cent of the player's £45,000-per-week wages. A senior source told ClaretandHugh: "Just wages on Jarvis saves us £1.75 million." On the departures of Maiga and Nolan, our insider added: "For Maiga we got NOTHING – reports of £6m are madness. But this again saved us over £2m in wages. On Kevin Nolan, he got two thirds of his money to go."
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Leroy: Antonio is a 'powerhouse' who scores goals!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
I've watched Michail Antonio for several years now. He's a very strong physical player who can play down the left wing or on the left side of a front three. Without any shadow of a doubt, Antonio is a very strong player. I've regularly watched him for Nottingham Forest, where he has been very much the main main – a guy who can score goals and provide real strength. AntonioHe needs to add some consistency to his game, but like Victor Moses – who sometimes has the same problem – he can be a quality player as he settles down to life with Slaven Bilic. I certainly see him as a lad who is going to get us 10-12 goals a season providing he gets a decent amount of games under his belt. Finding the net is very much part of his game.
At £7 million, I think he was worth going for and know that many clubs have been tracking him over recent months. He's a highly interesting player. I'm glad we have him. He's a powerhouse. Everybody knows all about Victor Moses. He will get the fans out of their seats on some days but he can disappear from matches although I reckon he's a brilliant signing on balance. The club have been very careful in signing Alex Song to a short term loan deal given his injuries, and if he recovers we all know how good a player he is. This is sensible and decent business. I spoke about Jelavic last week and have my reservations. But at £2.5 million, and working under a manager who knows him, it could work. Much of that will be down to the boss but so long as we remember the guy is a cover striker we aren't going to be disappointed. His control is not the best and therefore not a player who can bring others into play. But he does know where the goal is and Slav will be working with him. Overall it's been a very good window for the Irons. They have signaled their ambitions and look to have a squad that can now cope with whatever comes at them.
Leroy Rosenior is ClaretandHugh's Chief Analyst.
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Gold apologises over Barton and Austin transfers
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
David Gold has apologised for the controversies that marked the Irons summer transfer window. Comments concerning Charlie Austin's alleged "injuries" and Joey Barton's disappointment over his move to the club that broke down at the eleventh hour are clearly still talking points within the game – and among fans. And Gold was keen to pacify anybody who had been upset by any remarks made during a radio broadcast on talkSPORT. He said: "I wish it hadn't happened. I apologise to anybody who is upset – that was not our intention. We are involved in a very emotional game. "I am really sorry if anybody upset – that is all I can say."
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Juventus Striker Rejected West Ham United Switch
Forza Italian Football
Juventus forward Simone Zaza opted to stay in Turin as he rejected the advances of West Ham United. The Premier League club were known to have been interested in the 24-year-old but a move failed to materialise with the Italian keen on staying with the reigning Serie A champions. This is despite the fact that the former Sassuolo forward would not be be guaranteed first team football with the Bianconeri.
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Hammers boss Slaven Bilic is said to have promised the forward that he would receive regular playing time as he is a huge admirer of the striker. "Come to us, you will lead our attack and are my first choice," the Croatian coach told Zaza.
Zaza made 64 appearances during his time with the Neroverdi, scoring a total of 20 goals.
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Moussa Sow Turned Down West Ham and Sunderland For Gulf Move
Insidefutbol.com
Moussa Sow claims to have turned down offers from West Ham and Sunderland to complete a big-money move to the United Arab Emirates. The 29-year-old has joined Al Ahli from Fenerbahce for a fee of €16m, making him one of the most expensive signings in the history of the United Arab Emirates game. Al Ahli also agreed to pay Sow a €1m loyalty bonus he was owed from Fenerbahce to smooth through the move.
According to United Arab Emirates daily the National, Sow claims to have turned down both West Ham and Sunderland, preferring to move to Al Ahli. Sow was quoted as saying: "I heard this is one of the biggest transfers here in the Emirates and I'm happy to have that much value in me. "I'm trying to give back what the club paid for me and attempting to do my best. I received a few offers from England and other teams in the UAE, but I have been here many times and, after I spoke with my family and friends, I decided to come to Al Ahli club.
"It's a project I like, I feel safe with the people here and they helped me come here. I heard the club has had lots of big players pass through, such as Grafite and Fabio Cannavaro, which gave me more information about the club and helped me make my decision."
Sow is not available for Al Ahli to call upon for their Asian Champions League campaign, with the United Arab Emirates outfit already through to the quarter-final, where they have a second leg against Naft Tehran on the horizon later this month. The Senegalese striker was prolific in Turkish football and scored 52 times in 107 appearances in the Turkish top flight for the Yellow Canaries.
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm that the Club's claim for wrongful dismissal against Mark Noble for the red card he was shown at Liverpool on Saturday has been successful. The rescinding of Noble's red card by the Football Association means he will be eligible to play in the Hammers' next Barclays Premier League fixture at home to Newcastle United on Monday 14 August and no suspension will be served.
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Bilic thrilled with deadline day business
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic was able to reflect on a job well done after West Ham United successfully completed four incoming transfers on Tuesday's deadline. Alex Song, Victor Moses, Nikica Jelavic and Michail Antonio all made their way to the Boleyn Ground on a busy day, with Matt Jarvis the sole departure the other way - on loan to Norwich City. Bilic is now delighted with the make-up of his squad, saying Tuesday's additions were exactly the names he was after. "I think we did well with our business around the deadline," he said. "I would like to thank everyone who was involved, especially the board, because they have to finish it and they had to find the finance. "I think we've done a good job - that's what we wanted and it looks like the last day was a hectic day, but really the deals were done a few days ago and we just needed the papers [finalised]. "We knew from the start what we wanted and for a few players we waited until the end because it was impossible to get them done earlier because of their clubs. "But we were patient and we said we'd wait until the last day and have a back-up if necessary. "That's why maybe it looks like it was all done on the last day, but it wasn't. "We had some positions in which we needed some quality additions and more numbers. We didn't want to just get the numbers, but the quality ones and I'm really glad that we've done that. "I wish all the new signings a welcome and hopefully both sides enjoy it - the players and the Club. We have a big expectation of them, they know that and that's why they've come. "We are really pleased that they are at West Ham United, and on Tuesday Matt Jarvis went on loan to Norwich too and I wish him all the best of luck."
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From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com
This has been a fantastic transfer window for West Ham United and we are glad that it all came together in the end. We stated at the weekend that we hoped to bring in between two and four players before the deadline closed on Tuesday, so to get all four is a major achievement for everyone at the football Club. I understand the supporters frustration that nothing had been happening for several weeks, but it wasn't for the lack of effort by myself and my head of recruitment Tony Henry. We tried to do the best deals possible with the funds available and not overpay for players. Having brought in eight players already during the summer, we knew that our major focus heading into the final few days of the window was to bring in a couple of forward players as we have been depleted by injuries in that area of the squad.
Even though Andy Carroll is close to making a first-team return, Slaven and myself decided that we needed more cover in the striking area and we are delighted to have secured the signature of Nikica Jelavic from Hull. Slaven knows him well from his time in charge of Croatia and he has a wealth of experience in the top flight. We have given Nikica a two-year contract with an option for a further two-years which shows we believe in his ability and hope he can score a number of goals for the Club. He has scored goals for Hull and Everton in the Premier League over the last three-years and we feel he will add the strength we need in the forward line and provide healthy competition for a starting place.
We then announced the signing of Victor Moses from Chelsea and are really excited by his arrival at the Boleyn Ground. Victor has a wealth of talent and wants the chance to play regular first-team football. He has just signed a new contract with Chelsea which shows what they feel about him as a player, but we are thrilled that we were able to take him on a season-long loan and hope he can enjoy a memorable year with us.
A lot of fans thought we might have been finished then, but we were determined to make the squad even stronger and were delighted that we were able to bring in Michail Antonio from Nottingham Forest. We have paid a sizeable fee for Michail and believe he could become a star player for the Club over the next few years. He has got pace and power and his stats show he has an eye for goal with an impressive record wherever he has played. He scored 15 goals last season in the Championship and was voted player of the year at Forest which shows what the fans thought of him. He has already scored four goals this season as well. As well as scoring, Michail has been instrumental in setting up goals for his team-mates creating 15 assists last season and it would be fantastic if he could repeat that at West Ham.
We hope like Aaron Cresswell, he can make an immediate impression in the top flight and repeat the form which saw him attract interest from a number of Clubs in this window. I'm sure the fans have known for a while that we were interested in taking Alex Song back to the Club and despite rumours of other teams wanting to sign him, we are delighted to have secured his services again on a season-long loan. He is a player we all admire. Alex is currently sidelined with an ankle injury as he had an operation on his ankle in the close season. But he is making good progress and we expect to see him back in action soon. On his pre-Chistmas form he was possibly the best player we've ever signed. But after Christmas his form took a dip in the second half of the campaign. Maybe there's reasons for that and hopefully we'll see the true Alex Song and he will make a huge contribution this year. We are quite short in that department and if we get an injury or two we could have a problem in the central midfield role. So we wanted another senior pro in that position.
I would like to thank everyone at the Club who all worked tirelessly during the window to make sure we got these deals in place and we can now look forward to a memorable final season at the Boleyn Ground. I would stress that if the fans are not already on the priority list for season tickets at the new stadium, that they should register as soon as possible. I look forward to seeing everyone at the Newcastle game and hope we can build on our memorable victory over Liverpool at Anfield last Saturday.
Come on you Irons!
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The Big Interview - Mark Noble
WHUFC.com
Following a frantic Transfer Deadline Day which saw the Hammers sign four players, captain Mark Noble welcomed the new recuits. Nobes has been in superb form so far this term, scoring his second goal of the season at Liverpool on Saturday, to add to the penalty he netted at home to AFC Bournemouth the previous weekend. The midfielder was invited on to talkSPORT's Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast on Wednesday, where he answered a range of questions on the Hammers' summer transfer business, their outstanding away form, his new license to roam forward and his hopes to mark his time at the Club...
So far, it's been a great season in terms of away form. Those wins at Arsenal and Liverpool were unbelievable!
MN: "After the Arsenal win everyone got double excited and the fans were saying West Ham are going to win the league. But that's not the case, football isn't like that and we put ourselves under a lot of pressure. "At Arsenal I think we played as well as we could've and then again at Liverpool, after two home defeats, it was very pleasing. The results we've had is why everyone loves this league."
There are a few new faces coming in. Slaven Bilic is clearly not afraid to change it up a little bit and keep everyone on their toes?
MN: "Yes, and I think we needed the signings. If you look at our bench we had four kids at Anfield who don't have much Premier League experience. As you know, if you get a few injuries then the squad starts to look a little bit thin. "In all fairness to the Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold and Vice-Chairman Karren Brady, they've brought in some quality players. You can see from everyone's reaction how happy everyone is."
You scored a great goal at Liverpool, so has Slaven pushed you forward a little bit?
MN: "To be honest, I've been given a little bit more freedom. I've played a lot in front of the back four [in previous seasons] but the new manager has changed it a little bit and told me to get forward more. I've been encouraged to try and create more opportunities as well as score, which I'm really enjoying."
One of the new signings, Alex Song, is a familiar face, so are you happy to see him back?
MN: "Of course, Alex is a great player and we're delighted he's back. I'm sure he'll fit in just as well as he did last year, he's knows most of the boys and the set up here. His addition will definitely bolster the squad we've already got."
West Ham are moving to their New Stadium next summer. Should the first game there be your testimonial? That's what Arsenal did for Dennis Bergkamp!
MN: "You'd have to speak to the Chairmen about that one! It would certainly be a special thing and I would love to do something like that. West Ham is a very special club for me, everyone knows that. It's a club that is moving forward with the new Stadium and with the calibre of players that we're signing. We're really pushing onto the next level."
We are only four games into the league season and Manchester City have started strongly, as have Crystal Palace. Who has impressed you the most so far?
MN: "We played Bournemouth the other day and I thought they were very good. They were very energetic and tough to play against. That's the great thing about this league, anything can happen really. "There's been some mad scorelines already and I think they're becoming more common than even a few years ago. Manchester City have won every game so far, they're looking very strong and they're also our next away game, so that's a game to look forward too."
What do you think is behind so few home wins across the Barclays Premier League so far this season?
MN: "I think there are a few reasons. There's a lot more pressure and expectation on the home side and especially if you go a goal down it can become very different. Away from home, there's less pressure so you have more freedom to play."
*Mark Noble was speaking to talkSPORT
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Dylan Tombides sculpture unveiled
WHUFC.com
A bronze sculpture crafted in honour of the late Dylan Tombides has been unveiled in the West Ham United youngster's home city of Perth, Western Australia. The striker, who passed away at the age of 20 following a brave three-year battle with cancer in April 2014, has been immortalised by Perth artist Robert Hitchcock. The sculpture depicts Dylan holding up his shinguard at the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup finals, where he was diagnosed with testicular cancer after undergoing a random drug test, to wish 'Happy birthday Mum X' to his mother Tracy, who joined Dylan's father Jim, brother Taylor and Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett at the unveiling at the nib Stadium.
Dylan, who fought courageously against the disease which ultimately took his life and bravely made his first-team debut for West Ham while undergoing chemotherapy in August 2012, made a huge impact during his time as a Hammer. The outstanding forward, who started his career in Perth with Wembley Downs Soccer Club and Stirling Lions, was blessed with a character to match. The No38 will never be forgotten in east London, with his squad number being retired by the Club. "To have a place for his friends and family who are still here in Perth and have a memorial of him is huge," said Tracy. "The story that it gives is an awareness story, and we hope that people can take on board and learn about him and also be inspired by him. "Every day he inspired us, with his attitude and his approach to everything in life. So I'm hoping his story is heard for all the right reasons."
Since his untimely passing, Dylan's family have worked tirelessly in his memory, creating the DT38 Foundation, which aims to fund research into testicular cancer, educate young men and change society's approach to diagnosing the disease. The DT38 Foundation has attracted huge support in England, Australia and beyond, and Tracy hopes the unveiling of her son's sculpture will only serve to raise further awareness of the charity. "I want it to be mandatory that if a man presents with an issue with his testes, the doctor tests for the worst-case scenario instead of just putting them on antibiotics," she said. During the family's return visit to Perth, Tracy will join Socceroos and Perth Glory players in visiting schools to speak about her son's story. "He had a lot of self-belief and a lot of respect for others and I want people to see that's what you need to achieve your goals," she added. Australian football fans will be able to see the sculpture for themselves when the Socceroos host Thailand in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday.
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Song - We have to finish higher than last year
WHUFC.com
Alex Song may only have been away from West Ham United for a little over three months before sealing a second loan move from Barcelona this week – but already so much has changed at the Club. Song is one of eleven players added to the Hammers' squad this summer by a new boss in the shape of Slaven Bilic. For Song, he views a second season as a Hammer as a fantastic opportunity to build on the good work of the first half of last year. "Last season we started very well, then the second part of the season we didn't do as well as we wanted," he explained. "It's a new season now and a new start. We've got some new players, a new manager and everything is changing. The ambition the Club has is to finish better than we did last year. "It's not easy because when you have new players coming in they have to settle, but the people who are here help do that. That's what happened for me last season and when I've watched them this year, they're doing very well. "We have to do well this season to keep growing and it's very important for the Club to make the fans happy by finishing better than last season."
There might be a different face in the manager's seat this year, but Song said he needed little persuading by Bilic to return to E13.
He continued: "When I spoke to the manager we had a very good chat. What he wants is someone who loves playing football. He's played for West Ham, he's managed in Croatia, Russia and Turkey and he's a very good manager. "For me it was very easy when I spoke to him because it's important for me to go somewhere that the manager really wants you. "When you have someone like that you always want to give your best. It was the same last year with Sam – he really wanted me – and so did the new manager. I said to him straight away that I would play for him and do everything to come here."
Song has already witnessed the Hammers defeat Arsenal and Liverpool this year and cannot wait to contribute to more memorable matches in this Farewell Boleyn campaign. He concluded: "The first game against Arsenal was unbelievable – a really good result – and I saw that last week against Liverpool again. It makes the fans feel very happy. We've got to keep that going now. "The squad has taken another step forward this year. We just have to improve game-by-game and then we'll see what happens at the end of the season."
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Moses goes on counter-attack
WHUFC.com
Victor Moses says his pace and trickery could be the perfect fit for West Ham United's new-found counter-attacking style away from home.
The Nigeria winger has arrived at the Boleyn Ground on a season-long loan from Chelsea as the Hammers celebrate historic back-to-back Barclays Premier League victories at Arsenal and his former club Liverpool. Moses was impressed with the way Slaven Bilic's side worked hard to shut down the opposition before repeatedly springing forward at pace and putting their hosts under threat. With a trip to Manchester City up next on the road, the new No20 is hoping West Ham can make it an unforgettable hat-trick of away wins to start the 2015/16 campaign. "It's not just been the way they have played that has impressed me, but it's been the hard work as well," he told West Ham TV. "You can tell everyone is fighting for each other and it was a great result at Arsenal and then at Liverpool at the weekend.
"I love playing counter-attacking football and this Club has definitely got it here and it will definitely suit my game. We've got a good quality of players up front and the wingers are quick, so if we can get it going on the counter-attack we can really be a threat as a team. "I'm delighted to be here and I want to help the Club finish as high up in the table as possible this season."
Moses was one of four Deadline Day signings made by the Club, joining midfielder Alex Song, Croatia striker Nikica Jelavic and fellow winger Michail Antonio in moving to the Boleyn Ground, and one of 12 summer arrivals in total. The 24-year-old spent his first day training alongside his new colleagues at Chadwell Heath on Wednesday and is already feeling part of things. "I am very pleased and delighted to have come to West Ham on loan," he continued. "It's a great club and you can tell that by the history and by the fact I've played here a few times and the atmosphere is amazing. "I want to add my quality to what West Ham already have and hopefuly we can do much better this season than last season. I am very pleased to work under the new manager. "The lads are working very well and I've seen them all and they're great lads. I spoke to the manager he's a great manager and I'm very pleased to be here working under him."
Moses' introduction has been made easier by the fact he has played with or against many of West Ham's players in the Barclays Premier League and international fixtures in recent years. "Alex Song was here on loan last season and he's a quality player with a huge amount of talent, and we all saw that last season. Nikica Jelavic is a great striker too, and score goals and it's good to have that kind of quality of players coming into West Ham. "We already know Andy Carroll is a great striker and he has lots of experience in the Premier League, as do Jelavic and the other strikers we've got here as well. If I can help them to score goals this season, that will really help. "For me personally, I just want to play as much as I can and enjoy my football – that's the most important thing."
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Ginge set for Cypriot challenge
WHUFC.com
James Collins' Wales are hoping to extend their unbeaten run to seven games as they close in on qualification to the European Championships in France 2016. Currently top of Group B, three points ahead of heavyweights Belgium, Chris Coleman's side travel to Cyprus looking to complete the double having beaten them 2-1 in Cardiff last year. The central-defender, who recently celebrated the birth of his son Jesse, played in the 3-0 trouncing of Israel in Haifa, six months ago. Following the game against the Cypriots, Wales host Israel on Sunday 6 September at the Millennium Stadium. Irish U17 international Declan Rice played the full match in a 2-0 defeat to Hungary. The current Academy of Football scholar made his Hammers' U21 debut against Arsenal last week. In sweltering 37 degree heat, the hosts ran out winners through goals from Levente Sazbo and Mark Bencze's penalty. The Greens will have the opportunity to avenge the defeat on Thursday 3 September as the two sides face each other in the second game of a double header.
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West Ham charged for protesting Mark Noble red card
BBC.co.uk
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble's red card for a tackle on Liverpool's Danny Ings has been overturned. But the Premier League club has been charged by the Football Association with failing to control its players as they reacted to Noble's dismissal. The club have until 18:00 BST on 7 September to respond to the charge. The incident happened during West Ham's 3-0 Premier League win at Anfield on Saturday - and Noble faced a three-match suspension for the red card. "I got a red card from the referee but it wasn't even a yellow," Noble said after the match. He is now free to face Newcastle on 14 September.
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Wonders never cease! Noble's red card rescinded
Kumb.COM
Filed: Wednesday, 2nd September 2015
By: Staff Writer
The FA have rescinded the red card Mark Noble was issued by referee Kevin Friend during Saturday's 3-0 win at Anfield. Noble was erroneously dismissed by the erring official during the second half of West Ham's historic 3-0 trouncing of Brendan Rodgers' side last weekend. However the decision was overturned during a hearing on Wednesday afternoon, according to West Ham's co-Chairman David Gold.
That means Noble - who was due to sit out the forthcoming fixtures with Newcastle Utd, Man City and Leicester City - will be available for selection when the Magpies visit the Boleyn Ground in 12 days' time.
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Noble praises Board for transfer window business
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 2nd September 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's new captain Mark Noble believes that the club are well positioned for a strong Premier League season. Noble, who was named as successor to the departed Kevin Nolan last week told Talksport that the owners and Vice Chairman should be congratulated for bringing 13 players to the club during the summer transfer window. "We needed the signings," he said. "If you have a look at our bench on Saturday [at Liverpool] we had four or five kids with no experience of the Premier League whatsoever. If you get a couple more injuries your squad becomes a little bit light. "In all fairness to the Chairmen and Karren [Brady], they've brought in some top players in the last couple of days and as you can see from everyone's reaction, everyone's over the moon about it."
And despite the added pressure for places the new signings bring, Noble is enjoying playing under Slaven Bilic - and the new, more attacking role he had been given by the new manager. "This year I've got a little bit more freedom," he added. "I played a lot in front of the back four and tried to start things off. Now I've had to change my game a little bit and try and get forward a little bit more, create some stuff and score some goals. "Right now I've got two in two, so I'm prolific at the minute! Goals for me have been quite rare over the years so to score at the Kop end at Liverpool was a little bit special."
As things stand, Noble is set to miss West Ham's next three matches against Newcastle and Manchester City in the Premier League plus United's trip to Leicester in the Capital One Cup as a result of the ridiculous red card he was issued by the bumbling Kevin Friend at Anfield last weekend. However the midfielder believes West Ham will have no problem having the decision reversed upon appeal. "I spoke to the people who organise that kind of stuff after the game and they said straight away that we were going to appeal against it," he confirmed. "To be honest, I was still in a little bit of shock that I got a straight red for it - but there you go. As I said afterwards in an interview, Kevin [Friend] is a really top referee and obviously he saw it in a different light to what I did. "You could see - and I think everyone agrees - that there was no malice in the tackle as I won the ball cleanly. It was a little bit harsh."
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An interesting window
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 2nd September 2015
By: Het-Field
It was an interesting transfer window, which has ultimately proved quite fruitful - although I don't think anybody could criticise anybody else for believing at one point that our dealings were done after Manuel Lanzini signed and that a free transfer for Joey Barton was the only likely outcome.
It is rare that a club goes for so long without making any transfers and it seemed like a lost cause at one point, all building up to a crescendo of disappointment, where we would purchase one or two players on free transfers.
I have individual views on each player who has arrived, and varying views on each player who has departed. I have views on the manner in which the club has conducted itself at boardroom level. I also have views on the manner certain players have appeared to be treated.
I have views on the nature of some deals. I have questions as to the extent of the net which has been trawled for some of the signings. However, I also have great commendations for some of the deals which have been established.
1. The New Manager
A complete mixed bag so far. Wins against Liverpool and Arsenal have been spectacular, the losses to Leicester and Bournemouth disappointing, and the departure from Europe a complete farce.
The six red cards we have received this season as of September 1st is also a major worry (even if one or two have been dubious).
The manner in which Bilic dealt with the away tie in Astra was truly worrying. He has yet to truly find his feet with his best team, but he is definitely getting there. He doesn't have unwavering support from me yet, but he is getting there.
2. The New Players
Darren Randolph
I don't think the net was trawled nearly far enough for our new reserve goalkeeper. I don't pour nearly the same level of criticism over him that some do, but I have posted that keepers like Shay Given, Brad Friedel, Paul Robinson, Victor Valdes, Adam Bogdan, David Ospina/Schnezy, seemed to be available, yet we went for a lower Championship free agent.
In spite of this, he is an international, with plenty of league experience. I don't worry too much about his concession of 8 goals against Bournemouth, as often times the whole team is responsible for such a loss. I will reserve judgement until the end of the season, and he has endeared himself a little with a clean sheet at Anfield.
Angelo Ogbonna
This is a man who on paper we are lucky to have although so far on the pitch it's been Jekyll and Hyde. The man, once settled will be a rock in the heart of our defence, and will bring much needed European Cup experience to the club. He will find his feet, and I believe he will ultimately be the name on the team sheet who will be joined by one of the other centre backs at the club.
Also, it looks like the deal didn't involve an upfront payment of the full fee. An international centre back, with Champions League experience and two Serie A medals in his back pocket who needs a bit of time to adjust. Yep, I think I like this deal.
Carl Jenkinson
I'm not a fan of this deal at all. This loan has multiple strings attached including a loan fee of £2million and the existence of Jenkinson's five year deal, which he signed with Arsenal last month.
He has started the season poorly, and has been the subject of a red card. His crossing hasn't really improved at all, and it seems that he needs either some time off.
Unlike last season, it seems like he is less in the shop window, and the new contract will raise his asking price, regardless of at what level it will be set. Even if he goes on to have a good season, its hard not to feel that he will have played 70 games or so, over two seasons to Arsenal's benefit.
Alex Song
A deal which I would like to have seen concluded earlier, even though I can understand the monetary and commercial reasons for holding off. Yes, he blew hot and cold last season, but this is a world class player we have on our hands, and on his best days he will boss other teams off the park.
The loan deal will also allow us rectify his injury issues, and perhaps if the right performances are forthcoming, and the injury clears up, there may be scope for an outright purchase in January? I feel that unlike Jenkinson, this deal has no strings attached, and the sale of a performing Song to West Ham, would ultimately benefit everybody.
Pedro Obiang
Another experienced Serie A player who has got rave reviews from aficionados of Italian football. I know little about him, apart from what I've seen, but so far, so good.
Victor Moses
The reason id be more willing to swallow this deal, as opposed to the Jenkinson deal, is that I feel we could woo Moses before the move to the Olympic Stadium (also, if I recall correctly, Moses has expressed an unwillingness to return to Chelsea during the course of loan spells in the past).
Also, I feel Chelsea will use the contract as leverage to cash in on the player at some point, and this gives them the protection they need, while also allowing Moses to continue to provide reason for them to keep him. He is tricky, fast, and capable of beating players easily. Not a goalscorer, but a goal provider. I think this deal could prove to be one of the best.
Dimitri Payet
This guy is sheer class, and our version of Shaquiri, Rondon, or Juanmi. A playmaker with a serious eye for goal and like Moses, ability to create things in tiny spaces.
His season has started reasonably well, and it was a joke that Dechamps dropped him from the French team, ostensibly for the reason that he didn't join Chelsea or Arsenal during the window. He had a good preseason, really stole the headlines during the Arsenal game, and is already on the scoresheet for us. This is money very well spent.
Manuel Lanzini
So far, so good from a player who is something of a mystery. It was hard not to be slightly perturbed by the signing of another non-capped Argentine, with a good reputation in the Argentine league. However, Lanzini has scored goals, and seems not too shy in his new surroundings.
Nikica Jelevic
A good out-and-out striker, but like Randolph I feel the net could have been trawled slightly wider. Jelevic is the harvest of a relegated team, which is always something I'm a little reticent to endorse given the relegation that such a player suffered - and it's not as though Jelevic has been setting the world alight at Hull, also he is no longer a Croatian international.
Be that as it may, he is a recognised striker who knows where the back of the net is - and one who has scored almost 30 Premier League goals in three years, which isn't too bad. Also, he has played under Bilic before, which was probably a key factor in the transfer. Essentially, I have mixed views on this transfer, but I wish him well.
Michael Antonio
I cannot possibly comment on Antonio due to a complete lack of knowledge, but he seems to be a capable provider and scorer of goals in the Championship. Much like Cresswell, it would be wonderful if he could make the appropriate step up - and with highly positive results. Along with Moses, we have covered off the deficiency we have for wingers, with his signature.
3. Players Out
Kevin Nolan
His time had come. An excellent captain, a good goalscorer, and a positive influence in difficult circumstances. Sadly, he had been on the wane in terms of his on-pitch influence for two years, and on some occasions let his frustrations get the better of him.
He seemed like a package deal with Sam and really shouldn't have been re-introduced to the team after returning from injury last season. In fact, he seemed to be shoe-horned into the team when he didn't need to be. I feel his departure was advantageous for both parties, and hopefully he finds a new club quickly.
Guy Demel
Guy gave West Ham excellent service over his four years at the club, but last season suggested that he was a fringe squad player, let alone a squad player. At his best he showed some great form, was able to beat his man, and even grabbed a goal against Liverpool to boot. Injuries hampered him, but he was a very good player for his time here.
Carlton Cole
I've said it before, this was a particularly strange relationship. Signed in 2006, he alienated fans by mentioning that we would be a platform for greater things. Cole then proceeded to struggle for his first season, and then lose his place to Freddy Sears during his second.
Although finances (and Ashton's injuries and retirement) dictated, Cole was well worth his place in the team during 2008-2010 as he scored plenty of goals and even picked up a few England caps along the way. But then his presence in the team became erratic.
Yes, he retained his place during the Championship season, but after that he lost it before being let go, re-signed, and then reduced to a fringe role, only required during Carroll's long spells on the treatment table. We then scuppered a move to WBA in January, and now he is in the footballing wilderness again.
It reminds me of the type of guy or girl who has a friend who they have no interest in, but they are willing to take out to events like weddings/discos etc as the +1 to "be seen", but at any point where something more attractive comes along, the other party is reduced again, only to be called upon every time the new relationship turns rocky.
It is mutually advantageous to both parties, but it actually holds back both parties as they have become reliant on each other's constant presence as a 'back up plan', but with no intention of ever solidfiying. Essentially West Ham and Carlton Cole have been the 'friends', with Andy Carroll, Dean Ashton, and Diafra Sakho as the 'shinier options'. Hence, I believe the time to cut the cord has arrived.
Jussi Jaaskelainen
This is a keeper who needs to be playing regularly and playing well regularly. It was canvassed on this site that when Jussi arrived in 2012 his confidence was shot to bits and that it took time to bring him round to understanding his quality.
He played exceptionally well during 2012/2013, was genuinely unlucky to lose his place to Adrian in 2013/2014 and was a virtual ever-present reserve 'keeper last season. However, given the confidence nature of his abilities, his absence from the first team could be an issue and as a result it was better to release him to play somewhere else.
Mobido Maiga
M'eh. He has played a handful of games for us in the past 18 months and was given a great opportunity in 2013/2014 when he was the only fit striker on our books, which he really didn't take.
He scored some important goals and one or two absolute screamers, but he never set the world alight or looked like he could change games. I always feel his opening day failure to score against Aston Villa in 2012, when one-on-one with Shay Given set the tone for his career here. He cut the mustard in France, but didn't really do so here or at QPR. Again, I wish him well.
Matt Jarvis
The true extent of Jarvis' depreciation is quite unknown. Like Maiga he seemed to be back in the team based on a lack of options, as opposed to anything to do with his abilities.
He has struggled to justify his high price tag and has been in and out of the team over the past year. A loan deal could work wonders, and it's always good to have the option to bring him home. Also, I feel we have more than enough wingers for the time being.
Stewart Downing
Being honest, I'm pretty displeased with this one. Downing, when played properly is a top player who can terrorise defences and can score a goal. I also am displeased to hear him say that the club didn't do enough to keep him.
I feel given the current squad, combined with Valencia's injury, Downing could really have made the step up in terms of his influence, however, we won't know. The only upside is we managed to recoup the fee for a player who is now north of 30.
Dan Potts
Potts joins the list of youth players who just didn't have enough. I really thought we had an excellent player on our hands, but his progress was not as rapid as it needed to be. I hope his time at Luton Town goes well, and he can return up the leagues in due course.
Reece Burke & Diego Poyet
Two loan deals that will help (in my opinion) our best potential youth players (along with Oxford).
My Overall View
I think the window, while not as positive as last year's ended on a high note. As fans, we were right to be concerned. Between the Europa League debacle, the rampant indiscipline, the defeats to mid-ranking teams at home, the drip-feeding of information and the attempt at convincing us that Joey Barton would be a "great deal", we were given major cause for concern.
The victory over Arsenal could have been a flash in the pan (Cech's errors were particularly poor), and the weak first half performances against Leicester City and Bournemouth could have become the norm. However, the really good actions of the team and the board over the past three days have really shown that there is much to be excited for this season.
The transfer window has provided us with an opportunity to remove accumulating dead-wood, and upgrade where necessary. I don't agree with every transfer, and I don't agree with the terms of every transfer, but if we can avoid long term injury, and players like Carroll and Valencia can return quickly, our squad will be well able to challenge for the best.
I also hope that Bilic will reconcile with Morgan Amalfitano as I feel he also has something to offer the team. Ditto James Collins. Injuries will happen, and with Collins on board we can avoid having to look into signing a Roger Johnson, or Emmanuel Pogatetz to plug the gap.
The summer has also been useful in promoting some of our young players, and it seems that the likes of Oxford, Burke, Cullen, and Poyet are very much in contention for big things in due course, and are all emerging with early European and Premier League experience which will stand to them. Hopefully, the likes of Lee will also get a chance to play in the early rounds of the League Cup, and perhaps develop further.
I think we are well set for a good season; hopefully the new players will gel quickly and we can start looking forward to great things!
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Moving on up
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 2nd September 2015
By: Paul Walker
Before our very eyes in the amazing last hours of the transfer window, we watched ourselves moving to a different level. Whatever you say about our leaders and Lady B, they are business people, and they knew a very long time ago that going to the Olympic stadium in the wrong division was not an option.
Failing to back a new manager with good money was also something that could not be countenanced, and lets face it, Slav would not have set foot in the place without assurances that money would be spent.
To change our image as mid-table, occasional relegation fodder, things had to be changed. And the club needed upgrading from top to bottom.
You can bet that this new approach has been on the cards for months, revamping the squad, getting rid of the expensive, old timers as well as the kids who had seen patience but were not going to make it, was clearly the master plan.
It's pretty clear that moves were afoot way back. Ian Hendon's parting shot when leaving was that Sam and his staff knew they were not being retained back in January. And Slav has made it clear that he was aware of our interest in him some while before the axe fell on the previous regime. So these changes have not happened overnight.
It has been months in the making, but Tuesday's remarkable flurry of new signings was the end produce of that plan. And that deserves praise and respect for our leaders.
David Gold pointed out just how many kids were on the bench at Anfield, and that had to be addressed. A half-dozen injuries…our usual quota it seems…puts us under great pressure.
So things have had to change. The new men that arrived on Tuesday underlined that. And the fact that we were able to beat off other clubs in the process. That is something new, no longer it seems are we at the whim of David Levy's nasty anti-West Ham streak.
And just for a change it was Spurs who came off worst. Yes, earlier in the window that did good business, but in the final days they failed to get their main targets, Victor Wanyama and Saido Berahino…., as well as also failing to unsettle our own Cheikhou Kouyate. And they were unable to get rid of Emmanuel Adebayor.
Every window seems to see us trying to signing him, and Levy playing hardball to the last seconds, and winning. But the very act of us signing Victor Moses on loan on the morning of deadline day, shifted the power battle. Moses was our second domestic loan of the window, so Levy was denied the drawn-out loan route and was left with the battle over what percentage of his contract Spurs paid up to persuade him to leave.
We could sit and wait while he had to negotiate with the player. We had our insurance of Jelavic as well as Moses's frontline adaptability. And Levy lost the face-off, with Aderbayor's wages still on Spurs' wage bill.
The only way out now is to cancel his contract, but he still cannot sign for anyone until January, so that's five month's wages for the guy that Levy must stump out. How very sad for the man who has held the whip hand for so long, and who virtually stole Michael Carrick from us.
But that's enough about the Spurs sideshow. We produced a window of buys that has surpassed anything in the past. We are usually left with a bevy of dodgy Italians or half-fit, free agent Frenchmen. Or we have to re-sign Carlton Cole. Remember the painful last hours of January's window?
This time has been different. The arrival of Moses, Alex Song, the experienced back-up of Jelavic and the obvious promise of Micheil Antonio capped off an excellent window. A dozen new faces overall, an injection of genuine talent in Dimitri Payet and the exciting Manuel Lanzini, plus experience from Angelo Ogbanna and Pedro Obiang are a cut above anything we have seen in previous windows.
It has cost money, but it had to be done. The budget was supposed to be around £25m, added to that any cash from the Stewart Downing and Maiga sales. That probable took the pot to £30m, and we are just about in that margin, although that can always be manipulated because nobody pays all of a fee upfront, unless you are Manchester City.
Wages are high, the loans expensive, but our board have gone for it, and given Bilic what he wanted.
Around 20 players have left since the end of last season and around £400,000 has been cut from the weekly wage bill. A lot of high earners have gone, with Matt Jarvis now away on loan at Norwich. Every penny helps.
But there has been deeper planning. Eight promising youngsters have new contracts, including a lot of money spent to keep Reece Oxford, when we might well have lost in days gone by. We even found time in Tuesday's mayhem to sort out Josh Cullen's new contract. Good thinking.
Senior men like Mark Noble, Winston Reid and James Tomkins have also got new deals. The structure of the club has improved and there has been impressive good house keeping. All, I believe, part of a structured plan for the future.
Sometimes you feel our club is being run from a stall in Queens road market, other times you feel there is proper joined-up planning. This is one of those times.
You can only hope that it pays off and Slav can continue to produce such results like the win at Liverpool. And even that makes an impact of new targets. Antonio, I noticed, made a point of underlining that the Anfield triumph had influenced his decision to move to East London.
There were a few things I did not like about this window, and the odious Barry Silkman is top of the list, but more about him later.
We have spent all summer chasing a top notch striker, and it hasn't happened. Now we have Andy Carroll almost fit, but with Cole and Modibo Maiga gone and Nikica Jelavic as decent back-up, there at least is an insurance policy. And Moses can play wide or central, so the options are there for Bilic when Enner Valencia is back (and as long as Mauro Zarate and Diafra Sakho can stay fit).
I am still not convinced by Zarate. He is a show-boater who can do the occasional clever thing but never seems to have the staying power to last a match. Premier League class? I am not convinced, but the Sullivans love him, so that's all right then.
And as for Sullivan's pal, Silkman? For the second deadline day on the trot he has gone on Sky in the morning to try to sell one of our players. In January it was Noble, and it took Ms Brady to go into print to rubbish the idea.
This time the slimy Silkman, Sullivan's go-to agent, was trying to put James Collins in the shop-window. Collins was furious, away on international duty and with a new baby back home, it was not what was wanted and not how one of our very best 'soldiers' and loyal servants should be treated.
Silkman would not consider talking about one of his own clients in this way, so why does he think he can do it to Collins. Shut him up, Sullivan, it was almost as bad as you trash talking Charlie Austin. Ginge deserves more respect than that.
But all that is secondary to the big picture. And we have certainly made a point, put down a marker and given Bilic the tools to do the job, and to cope with injuries..and the continual suspensions! Just for once I was glued to the TV wondering who would be next, not who we would sell.
Quite a day; well done, everybody.
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West Ham win appeal over Mark Noble's red card but FA charges club
Last Updated: 02/09/15 5:43pm
SSN
West Ham have won their appeal to have Mark Noble's red card from Saturday's 3-0 victory over Liverpool rescinded, although the club have been charged by the FA following the dismissal. Midfielder Noble was sent off by referee Kevin Friend in the 78th minute at Anfield for a challenge on Danny Ings, despite Friend blowing his whistle for a previous foul on Noble, who then appeared to win the ball cleanly in a challenge with the Liverpool forward. The West Ham players surrounded the official after he brandished the red card and this has led to the club being charged for failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.
The club has until 6pm on September 7 to respond to the charge. West Ham manager Slaven Bilic said following his side's win that he was confident the decision to send off Noble would be reversed on appeal. And the FA has now rescinded the red card shown to Noble following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing and he will now not serve the proposed three-match suspension. The 28-year-old will therefore be available to face Newcastle United at Upton Park, live on Ford Monday Night Football on September 14.
Hammers co-owner David Gold revealed the FA's decision by tweeting: "Great news. Mark Noble's red card has been rescinded and he will be available to play against Newcastle."
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On-loan Matt Jarvis eager to make his mark at Norwich
Last Updated: 02/09/15 4:54pm
SSN
Matt Jarvis is relishing the chance to play his part in the Norwich City revival after completing a deadline-day loan switch from West Ham United. The winger will be in Norfolk for the rest of the season and has been impressed by what he has seen so far. Jarvis told the Canaries' official website: "I'm delighted to be here for the season and I'm really excited about getting started and helping the team.
"Everyone's made me feel welcome. It seems like a very nice club, and I'm looking forward to seeing what it's like when all the lads get back off international duty – there aren't loads of them here, so it will be good to get going."
Jarvis, who signed for West Ham from Wolves £10.75m in 2012, believes his early start for West Ham this season will help him settle in quickly at Carrow Road. He said: "I was back in on June 22 with West Ham and I played all of the Europa League qualifying matches for them. I'm fully fit and I've been involved in pretty much all the games so far this season. "I played 60 minutes at Carrow Road in pre-season too - I'm in good condition and ready to go. It's a fresh start for me, it's a chance for me to get back to playing games and back to my best."
Jarvis says he has been impressed by the progress of the club in 2015 under Alex Neil, who took over from Chris Hughton in January and went on to guide them back into the top flight through the play-offs. "You only have to look at what he's done and the team has done in recent times. It's a fantastic journey the club has been on and hopefully we can kick on now," Jarvis said. "Hopefully I'll be training with the lads on Thursday and then I'll get a full week with them next week. I'm really looking forward to being part of the team. You've got to work hard. The manager has said that he's very honest and that he will tell you what you think, and that's all you can ask for as a player."
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Tottenham's Emmanuel Adebayor too expensive for West Ham, says David Gold
Last Updated: 02/09/15 11:40am
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West Ham co-chairman David Gold says manager Slaven Bilic pulled out of a deal to sign Emmanuel Adebayor because the Tottenham forward was "very expensive". The 31-year-old was expected to leave White Hart Lane this summer having been left out of manager Mauricio Pochettino's first-teams plans for the new season. Adebayor, who saw a move to Aston Villa fail to materialise earlier in the transfer window, met with Bilic at Upton Park on Monday to discuss joining the club. It is understood Tottenham were happy for the Togo international to leave and offered to pay off a portion of the final year of his contract - which is worth £5m - but Adebayor rejected their proposal. Bilic, however, decided against pursuing a deal for Adebayor and focused his attention on clinching the signing of Hull forward and Croatian compatriot Nikica Jelavic. Gold has revealed that, as well as stepping up efforts to sign Jelavic instead, the cost of signing Adebayor proved to be a stumbling block. "I think it was more an enquiry and again, Slaven showed interest - we showed a bit of interest - and then it sort of all went quiet and Slaven obviously decided against it," he told talkSPORT. "Very expensive player and I think he just weighed it up and felt with Andy [Carroll] coming back, with [Enner] Valencia coming back, with [Mauro] Zarate coming back and, of course, he was confident we would bring in the player from Hull [Jelavic]." The Hammers were initially keen on a loan deal for Adebayor but their deadline day pursuit was complicated by the arrival of Victor Moses at Upton Park. Moses, who signed on a season-long loan from Chelsea, ensured West Ham had already filled their loan quota of two, with Carl Jenkinson having joined on the same type of deal from Arsenal.
Premier League rules state no club can have more than two domestic loan players in their squad at any one time. Gold also admitted Bilic's desire to sign his former Croatia forward Jelavic played a role in their decision to pull the plug on a deal for Adebayor. "He [Bilic] came to us and said 'look, I like this player - I think that I can get more out of him than previous clubs'," Gold added. West Ham also secured the signings of Alex Song from Barcelona on a season-long loan and Michail Antonio from Nottingham Forest on a four-year deal on deadline day.
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Emmanuel Adebayor priced himself out of a move to West Ham, says Irons chairman David Gold
0 COMMENTS 18:17, 2 SEPTEMBER 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
The striker wanted a £5million pay-off from Tottenham, so the Hammers swooped for Nikica Jelavic instead
The Mirror
West Ham chairman David Gold has confirmed Emmanuel Adebayor priced himself out of a move to the club from Spurs. The striker refused to back down on his demand for a £5million pay-off from his club after Spurs had offered him a settlement to go. As a result, while he and the north Londoners haggled, the injury-hit Hammers focused on sealing the capture of Hull frontman Nikita Jelavic. Describing the on-off transfer, Gold said: "Slaven showed interest - we showed a bit of interest - and then it sort of all went quiet and Slaven obviously decided against it. "It was very expensive player and I think he just weighed it up and felt with Andy [Carroll] coming back, with [Enner] Valencia coming back, with [Mauro] Zarate coming back and, of course, he was confident we would bring in the player from Hull [Jelavic]."
Even then there was still a chance that £100,000-a-week Adebayor, frozen out at Tottenham, could sign for the Hammers. For that to have happened, however, the former Arsenal and Manchester City striker would have had to become a free agent before the transfer deadline.
West Ham had already added the loan signing of Victor Moses from Chelsea to that of Carl Jenkinson from Arsenal. Premier League rules state no club can have more than two domestic loan players in their squad at any one time. Even if Adebayor, who has not been given a squad number at Spurs, manages to seal his exit he will not be allowed to play for another team until January as he would have had to have become a free agent before Tuesday's deadline in order to do so
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Transfer news: Hammers spend £36m on players
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham made a whopping investment of £36 million in new players during the summer transfer window! With so many comings and goings in recent days, ClaretandHugh has decided to take a look at the figures and players involved in the latest merrygoround.
Inbound players and their transfer/loan fees:
Pedro Obiang £4.5m
Darren Randolph (free transfer)
Martin Samuelsen (nominal fee)
Dimitri Payet £10.7m
Angelo Ogbonna £8.5m
Manuel Lanzini £2m loan fee
Carl Jenkinson £1.5m loan fee
Alex Song £1.5m loan fee
Victor Moses £2.5m loan fee
Nikica Jelavic £2.5m
Michail Antonio £6m.
Our total outgoing spend is thought to have reached £39.7m – and this figure DOESN'T INCLUDE any future add-ons!
Outbound players and their transfer fees:
Stewart Downing £5m (not including add ons)
Maiga (Free)
Kevin Nolan (released with £1.3m pay-off)
Matty Jarvis (loaned to Norwich with no fee involved).
We calculate the Hammers' net transfer spend of £36m puts the club in fifth place as the the Premier League's big spenders – just behind Chelsea (£37m), Newcastle (£42m), Manchester United (£43m) and Manchester City (£102m).
Who said we had no ambition!
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Irons may launch new Noble FA appeal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham will look at the video evidence of the players' reaction to Mark Noble's sending off at Liverpool before deciding whether to appeal an FA charge they failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion. The club has until 6pm on 7 September 2015 to respond to the charge. David Gold – speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh – said: "There's every chance we will appeal but we will have to look at the video evidence as we did when deciding whether to appeal the red card. "Obviously players cannot encircle and intimidate referees but we will need to see what the reaction was before deciding what to do. "Personally, I believe that as at law, we should ensure that the punishment always fits the crime and that there should be a sliding scale of fines. "I do not know how the lads reacted until we see that video. We will look at it and then make up our minds."
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FA MUST always have the last word
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 2, 2015 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C AND H
West Ham have been charged yet again by The FA for failing to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion after the Mark Noble red card fiasco at Anfield last Saturday. The standard fine for this offence is £20,000 if the club admit breaching FA Rules in relation to player conduct. West Ham have been fined £20,000 twice before in the last 12 months after the club admitted breaching FA Rules in relation to player conduct back in February 2015 against Southampton when Adrian got sent off (later overturned) and again in November 2014 against Everton last year after James McCarthy mis-timed tackle on Morgan Amalfitano. It appears that it is standard practice for the FA to charge a club after having having a red card overturned as if to have the last word in some childish contest. Never mind that the Irons players were justifiably complaning against a decision with which the FA now agree, there has to be an edge somewhere for the game's ruling body in this country eh? Just plain WRONG! West Ham are unlikely to contest or appeal the charge and will probably just roll over and pay the £20,000 with gritted teeth but if the referee got these important decisions right there would be no over reaction by players. Maybe the FA should use all these £20,000 fines it has gathered and invest in video technology to put an end to sending off errors by professional referees in the first place.
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Transfer news: Jarvis loan deal saves Irons £1.75m
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Matty Jarvis's eleventh hour transfer deadline day loan deal to Norwich City will save West Ham £1.75 million over the season, it has been revealed. Although the Hammers have paid a total of £7.5m in loan fees on top of wages for in demand players like Alex Song, Victor Moses, Manuel Lanzini and Carl Jenkinson, no such loan fee could be agreed with Norwich for the services of livewire Jarvis. But Norwich will be paying 100 per cent of the player's £45,000-per-week wages. A senior source told ClaretandHugh: "Just wages on Jarvis saves us £1.75 million." On the departures of Maiga and Nolan, our insider added: "For Maiga we got NOTHING – reports of £6m are madness. But this again saved us over £2m in wages. On Kevin Nolan, he got two thirds of his money to go."
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Leroy: Antonio is a 'powerhouse' who scores goals!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
I've watched Michail Antonio for several years now. He's a very strong physical player who can play down the left wing or on the left side of a front three. Without any shadow of a doubt, Antonio is a very strong player. I've regularly watched him for Nottingham Forest, where he has been very much the main main – a guy who can score goals and provide real strength. AntonioHe needs to add some consistency to his game, but like Victor Moses – who sometimes has the same problem – he can be a quality player as he settles down to life with Slaven Bilic. I certainly see him as a lad who is going to get us 10-12 goals a season providing he gets a decent amount of games under his belt. Finding the net is very much part of his game.
At £7 million, I think he was worth going for and know that many clubs have been tracking him over recent months. He's a highly interesting player. I'm glad we have him. He's a powerhouse. Everybody knows all about Victor Moses. He will get the fans out of their seats on some days but he can disappear from matches although I reckon he's a brilliant signing on balance. The club have been very careful in signing Alex Song to a short term loan deal given his injuries, and if he recovers we all know how good a player he is. This is sensible and decent business. I spoke about Jelavic last week and have my reservations. But at £2.5 million, and working under a manager who knows him, it could work. Much of that will be down to the boss but so long as we remember the guy is a cover striker we aren't going to be disappointed. His control is not the best and therefore not a player who can bring others into play. But he does know where the goal is and Slav will be working with him. Overall it's been a very good window for the Irons. They have signaled their ambitions and look to have a squad that can now cope with whatever comes at them.
Leroy Rosenior is ClaretandHugh's Chief Analyst.
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Gold apologises over Barton and Austin transfers
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
David Gold has apologised for the controversies that marked the Irons summer transfer window. Comments concerning Charlie Austin's alleged "injuries" and Joey Barton's disappointment over his move to the club that broke down at the eleventh hour are clearly still talking points within the game – and among fans. And Gold was keen to pacify anybody who had been upset by any remarks made during a radio broadcast on talkSPORT. He said: "I wish it hadn't happened. I apologise to anybody who is upset – that was not our intention. We are involved in a very emotional game. "I am really sorry if anybody upset – that is all I can say."
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Juventus Striker Rejected West Ham United Switch
Forza Italian Football
Juventus forward Simone Zaza opted to stay in Turin as he rejected the advances of West Ham United. The Premier League club were known to have been interested in the 24-year-old but a move failed to materialise with the Italian keen on staying with the reigning Serie A champions. This is despite the fact that the former Sassuolo forward would not be be guaranteed first team football with the Bianconeri.
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Hammers boss Slaven Bilic is said to have promised the forward that he would receive regular playing time as he is a huge admirer of the striker. "Come to us, you will lead our attack and are my first choice," the Croatian coach told Zaza.
Zaza made 64 appearances during his time with the Neroverdi, scoring a total of 20 goals.
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Moussa Sow Turned Down West Ham and Sunderland For Gulf Move
Insidefutbol.com
Moussa Sow claims to have turned down offers from West Ham and Sunderland to complete a big-money move to the United Arab Emirates. The 29-year-old has joined Al Ahli from Fenerbahce for a fee of €16m, making him one of the most expensive signings in the history of the United Arab Emirates game. Al Ahli also agreed to pay Sow a €1m loyalty bonus he was owed from Fenerbahce to smooth through the move.
According to United Arab Emirates daily the National, Sow claims to have turned down both West Ham and Sunderland, preferring to move to Al Ahli. Sow was quoted as saying: "I heard this is one of the biggest transfers here in the Emirates and I'm happy to have that much value in me. "I'm trying to give back what the club paid for me and attempting to do my best. I received a few offers from England and other teams in the UAE, but I have been here many times and, after I spoke with my family and friends, I decided to come to Al Ahli club.
"It's a project I like, I feel safe with the people here and they helped me come here. I heard the club has had lots of big players pass through, such as Grafite and Fabio Cannavaro, which gave me more information about the club and helped me make my decision."
Sow is not available for Al Ahli to call upon for their Asian Champions League campaign, with the United Arab Emirates outfit already through to the quarter-final, where they have a second leg against Naft Tehran on the horizon later this month. The Senegalese striker was prolific in Turkish football and scored 52 times in 107 appearances in the Turkish top flight for the Yellow Canaries.
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