Newcastle United 2 West Ham United 1
Barclays Premier League, St James' Park, Saturday 16 January 2016, 3pm
Two early goals caught West Ham United cold at a freezing St James' Park as
Newcastle United condemned the Hammers to their first Barclays Premier
League defeat in nine matches. Ayoze Perez and Georgino Wijnaldum netted for
the Magpies within the opening 15 minutes to leave Slaven Bilic's side with
a mountain to climb. Nikica Jelavic's first league goal in Claret and Blue
reduced the arrears just after half-time, but despite an improved second
half showing, the Hammers could not grab an equaliser. Ultimately, it was
the slow start which gave West Ham too much to do in a game Newcastle were
clearly desperate to win, seeing as they kicked-off in the Premier League
relegation zone. Expectations on the Hammers side were high after four
straight wins in all competitions and a record-equalling eight-game unbeaten
Premier League run, but all good things have to come to an end sometime.
Newcastle tore out of the blocks and were ahead within six minutes. Spaniard
Perez had already been denied by Adrian once and he made no mistake with his
second chance, finishing superbly into the bottom right-hand corner after a
slick build-up involving new boy Jonjo Shelvey and Moussa Sissoko. Adrian
then tipped Aleksandr Mitrovic's drive over the top, but it would not be
long before the Magpies flew further into the lead. Former West Ham
schoolboy Shelvey was the architect with an accurate diagonal pass for
Janmaat, whose first touch took him past Aaron Cresswell and into the clear.
The Dutchman looked up and crossed low for fellow countryman Wijnaldum to
thump high into the net from eight yards out. Two goals to the good, the
hosts continued to dominate as West Ham struggled to maintain possession of
the football without the physical presence of a Carroll, Jelavic or Sakho in
the forward areas. Adrian saved from Mitrovic, before James Collins stooped
to head Paul Dummett's shot away from goal. In between, Enner Valencia
headed wide, before seeing another effort squirm past the post, but not
before he had been flagged for being offside from a Dimitri Payet free-kick.
West Ham finally enjoyed some sustained pressure as half-time approached,
with Pedro Obiang's superb first-time pass picking out Cheikhou Kouyate, but
the Senegal midfielder was denied by Rob Elliot's parry.
Bilic shuffled his pack at half-time, replacing defensive midfielder Obiang
with striker Jelavic, and within four minutes the change in personnel reaped
its reward. Centre-half Chancel Mbemba was the culprit, playing a lazy back
pass that left Elliot with no chance as the Croatian forward took
possession, rounded the goalkeeper and finished with a calmness you would
expect from such an experienced international. The home side were rattled,
and Steve McClaren changed his formation to a 3-5-2 to stem the Claret and
Blue tide. With the visiting fans roaring the Hammers on, West Ham continued
to carry a threat, but it was the hosts who continued to create the clearer
chances. Wijnaldum sent a shot wide before Adrian twice saved from Mitrovic,
while Collins and Cresswell both put their bodies on the line to make vital
blocks. Bilic threw on the fit-again Victor Moses and the Nigerian looked
lively on his return, but still West Ham could not force a clear chance to
level. Instead, Adrian again had to be at his best to deny Mitrovic the goal
his performance probably deserved.
The Spaniard endured a busy afternoon and was again in the right place to
stop a long-range effort from debutant Shelvey, who was urged to shoot by
the Toon Army every time he got near the West Ham penalty area. Into the
final few minutes and West Ham created the chance they craved, but when
Jelavic crossed for Kouyate, the No8's powerful downward header was blocked
by the legs of Elliot. Moses got to the ball first, but his penalty claims
for a foul were waved away by referee Neil Swarbrick. Mitrovic was denied
again, Jelavic fired a volley narrowly over the top, Colback dragged low and
wide, Adrian saved from the game Mitrovic and finally Shelvey curled another
effort off-target as the game finished with a flurry of action in both
penalty areas, but it was Newcastle who ultimately won the day.
Newcastle United: Elliott, Janmaat, Coloccini (c), Dummett (Saivet 57),
Mbemba, Colback, Shelvey, Sissoko, Wijnaldum, Perez (Gouffran 80), Mitrovic
(Lascelles 90+5)
Subs not used: Darlow (GK), Aarons, Riviere, Toney
Goals: Perez 6, Wijnaldum 15
West Ham United: Adrian, Tomkins (Jenkinson 75), Collins, Ogbonna,
Cresswell, Obiang (Jelavic 46), Noble (c), Kouyate, Antonio (Moses 70),
Payet, Valencia
Subs not used: Randolph (GK), Song, Cullen, Reid
Goal: Jelavic 49
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
Attendance: 50,031
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Bilic bemoans slow start
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic bemoaned West Ham United's slow start at St James' Park on
Saturday, as two Newcastle United goals inside the opening 15 minutes ended
the Hammers' eight-match unbeaten Barclays Premier League run. Fresh from
Tuesday's emphatic win at Bournemouth, Bilic's side were caught cold in the
north east. After just six minutes, Moussa Sissoko's deft lay-off invited
Ayoze Perez to shoot and the Spaniard promptly curled home with precision
from 20 yards. Then, Daryl Janmaat skipped past Aaron Cresswell and squared
for Georginio Wijnaldum to thump home from point-blank range. Though
half-time substitute Nikica Jelavic profited from Chancel Mbemba's
ill-judged backpass to halve the deficit in the 49th minute, West Ham were
ultimately unable to produce an equaliser, leaving Bilic to rue a costly
first-half display.
He told West Ham TV: "For West Ham it was a game of two halves. We started
badly, to be fair, and very soon they were two up and we were in a kind of
shock. It was then hard to stop them because they started to play with
confidence and belief in the quality that they always had. "We couldn't
match it and they were much better in the first half. We needed half time to
get back in shape and the condition that is required when you play in the
Premier League."
The Hammers were an altogether different proposition after the break and,
following Jelavic's opportunistic strike, might have snatched a point late
on, as Rob Elliot repelled Cheikhou Kouyate's downward header. But, all in
all, Bilic conceded that Steve McClaren's men were worthy of all three
points. "The second half was much better from us, we scored a goal and then
we had a few chances and at the end we had a great chance to equalise."We
have to be fair and say they also had a few chances on the counter attack
but we took that risk and unfortunately we didn't score. "We have to be fair
and realistically say that they were better on the day and they deserved to
beat us. Unfortunately, it's the end of the positive run and now we have to
come back in shape and prepare for our next game."
It is not the first time this season that the Hammers have had to recover
from a disappointing first-half showing and Bilic was at a loss to explain
his side's difficulty in getting going."We have had a few first halves like
this, without any particular reason," he confirmed. "We knew that we were
playing against a good team that is underachieving, at a great stadium and
with really great fans.
"Simply, it's very difficult to come back. If you're one down in the Premier
League, you have to open up and that leaves them space to score another goal
or to create chances. And it's very hard to come back after you're 2-0 down.
"But one goal can change everything. We scored at a good time, so there was
enough time. We took risks and from those risks we created a few chances. We
had a great chance at the end of the game. "Overall, I told the players, if
you play like this in the first half and you get punished with two goals, it
requires a small miracle to come back and it doesn't happen very often. We
have to start the game like we started the second half."
Though the unbeaten run is over, Bilic insists there is still plenty to
smile about, not least the Hammers' spirited second-half response and the
prospect of a showdown with Manchester City at the Boleyn Ground next
weekend. "The positive thing is that we came back, in terms of character, in
terms of turning the game a little bit around," he added. We're going to
stay positive and we're going to try to eliminate those things that were not
good on Saturday. We have a week in front of us and we have a great game to
look forward to."
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Newcastle 2 West Ham 1
16 January 2016
Last updated at 17:54
By Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport
Jonjo Shelvey made an impressive debut for Newcastle as he helped his side
move out of the relegation zone with a win over West Ham.
Shelvey had a hand in both goals as Ayoze Perez curled in a low shot before
Georginio Wijnaldum side-footed in from six yards to make it 2-0. A stray
backpass by Chancel Mbemba let Nikica Jelavic score for the Hammers.
Newcastle squandered a number of chances but held on for a first win in six
league games. Magpies striker Aleksandar Mitrovic produced a hard-working
performance but was denied by Hammers keeper Adrian three times. Missed
opportunities almost cost the home side, but keeper Rob Elliot kept out a
90th-minute Cheikhou Kouyate header with his knee.
Very good. The 23-year-old midfielder, signed for £12m from Swansea, showed
the kind of passing, creativity and energy which helped him break into the
England squad earlier this season. With just six minutes on the clock,
Shelvey found Wijnaldum, who laid the ball off for Perez to open the
scoring. The new signing then helped set up his side's second with a raking
60-yard ball to Daryl Janmaat, who crossed for Wijnaldum to score his ninth
Magpies goal of the season. Victory moved Newcastle out of the relegation
zone at the expense of Swansea, where Shelvey said he had been "hung out to
dry". "I've enjoyed every minute I've been up here," said Shelvey. "It's
nice to get out there and show what I am about. "It's not about me. It is
about the team. We are out of the relegation zone and it's onwards and
upwards from here. "I'm very shocked this team is in and around the
relegation places. Normally it is hard coming into a new team and slotting
straight in, but credit to the players and staff here."
McClaren finally beats Bilic
Steve McClaren was cruelly dubbed the 'wally with the brolly' when his
England side were beaten by a Croatia team managed by Slaven Bilic in 2007.
That defeat ended England's hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008, and McClaren
duly lost his job. Bilic also came out on top when the Hammers won the
reverse fixture earlier this season, but McClaren deservedly emerged
victorious this time. The visitors were overwhelmed in the first half and,
despite improving after the break, would have been beaten more convincingly
had it not been for Adrian.
Man of the match - Jonjo Shelvey
'It shouldn't have been close'
Newcastle manager Steve McClaren: "They must have gone in at half-time
thinking 'wow, get in' because it was only 2-0. "Then we gifted them a goal,
but we didn't get nervous. We kept playing, we had chances that we didn't
take but defended well and saw the game through.
"Jonjo is a very, very good player with real potential and it will suit him
playing in this team, a team of footballers." West Ham boss
Slaven Bilic: "They scored two goals very early and it gave them confidence,
but from the first minute of the game they were getting to second balls and
looked hungrier, sharper, quicker. "In the second half, we improved a lot.
In the end we could have nicked a point when we had a great chance to
equalise. But, overall, they deserved to beat us."
West Ham have won just one of their past 13 Premier League trips to St
James' Park (W1 D5 L7).
All nine of Wijnaldum's league goals this season have come at St James'
Park.
Perez has scored in four of Newcastle's five Premier League wins in 2015-16.
Newcastle attempted 23 shots (including blocked) in this match - their
highest tally in a single Premier League game this season and the most they
have had in a top-flight game since September 2014.
Jelavic scored his first Premier League goal for West Ham and his first in
the competition since February 2015.
What next?
Newcastle are away at Watford on 23 January, while West Ham play host to
Manchester City on the same day.
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Mike Ashley faces £2.4 million bill after struggling Newcastle beat West Ham
- and here's why
18:48, 16 JAN 2016 UPDATED 18:56, 16 JAN 2016
BY MIRROR FOOTBALL
Mike Ashley offered a free coat worth £59.99 if the Magpies beat the Hammers
- so Ayoze Perez and Georginio Wijnaldum goals cost their chairman dearly
The Mirror
Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has been left with a £2.4 million bill
after the Magpies defeated West Ham United . Prior to the game, Ashley
stated that he would give away a free winter jacket worth £59.99 if
struggling Newcastle beat the Hammers. Against the odds, the Magpies beat a
so-far impressive West Ham 2-1 at St James Park, with goals from Ayoze Perez
and Georginio Wijnaldum. Immediately after the game, the Sports Direct
website put up a statement promising to make good on the offer to all 45,000
people who registered for the offer.
As snow hits Newcastle and the North, Ashley, who also owns Newcastle
United, set aside an amazing £2.4 million of freebie stock in case Steve
McClaren's side delivered three points. The offer of an Everlast super-warm
padded jacket was open to ANY fan on Sports Direct's Facebook page.Newcastle
owner Ashley originally vowed to give away the jackets if Newcastle had won
against Manchester United on Tuesday.
But a thrilling 3-3 draw meant fans were left out in the cold. Participants
who registered received a voucher that entitles them to the free Everlast
coat, which will be available from Sports Direct website subject to normal
delivery charges while stocks last.
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How we rated the Irons
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 16, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Adrian: No chance with either goal and made some outstanding saves 7
Tomkins: Steady Eddie display again – made the position his own this season
7
Collins: Still performing great and overcame what looked like a nasty knock
7
Ogbonna: Very good performance again – Winston is finding life tough! 7
Cresswell: Spent most f the afternoon defending for a change – did ok 7
Noble: Sub standard and lost possession a couple of times which led to
dangerous situations 5
Kouyate: All action high energy stuff and but for a couple of great saves
would have bagged a brace 8
Obiang: Continues his strong form but taken off at the interval for the more
goal threatening Jelavic 7
Antonio: Usual high energy display but as elsewhere no end product 6
Payet: Off colour by his own very high standards and it showed across the
team 6
Valencia: He's Marmite – you do or you don't. Worked hard trying to make
things happen 6
Subs: Jenkinson Looked livlier thn he has done for some time 6
Jelavic Grabbed a goal – worked hard, no complaints 6
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Hammers transfer silly season in full swing
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 16, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The silly season is now truly is full swing for West Ham this January
transfer window. The latest amusing link today is 'West Ham are ready to
make a move for Milan striker Mario Balotelli' from our friends over at the
Brentwood Gazette. The rumour has since been reprinted by the Daily Express.
It is the same Brentwood Gazette who today claimed West Ham are set to miss
out on Spurs winger Andros Townsend who instead favors a move to Newcastle.
They also said today that West Ham has fallen behind Watford and Crystal
Palace in the race to sign former Spurs and Arsenal striker Emmanuel
Adebayor. That old chestnut!
Finally today, that West Ham has joined Sunderland in the race to sign
Swansea winger Andre Ayew. It is the same publication that two days ago said
Hammers were set to make a move for QPR striker Austin after the latest
Carroll injury. Bilic himself ruled out any move for Austin the week before
and Southampton signed him today. We think you forgot to link us for a
return home for Carlos Tevez from Boca Juniors to the Hammers. We salute and
thank you Brentwood Gazette for keeping us amused during this rather quiet
and dull transfer window.
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Mauro Zarate exit looks inevitable
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 16, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Mauro Zarate was notable absent again from the 18 man squad that faced
Newcastle this afternoon. His exclusion came after Bilic claimed he should
be fit for the Newcastle match, suggesting he missed Bournemouth's game on
Tuesday evening due to cramp.
Slav told the assembled media earlier this week "On Zarate, he felt (pain)
before the Bournemouth game in training the day before he was shooting some
free kicks and all that then he felt a bit (of pain), but was just a kind of
cramp so he is also training today and should be fit for Saturday and that
is basically it"
Some have suggested this situation has all the hall marks of the infamous
Ravel Morrison groin injury situation last January when West Ham medical
staff struggled to find anything wrong with Mr Morrison.
Zarate's absence over the last two games has created much speculation he
could be outbound in this January transfer window and he could have played
his last game in a Claret and Blue shirt. We have been told that West Ham
are ready to allow Mauro Zarate to leave the club if an offer of around £3
million were to emerge out of Europe.
ClaretandHugh have been told whilst there have been no firm bids for the
Argentinian so far, the club is ready to listen to bids for him. Within
Zarate's 11 year career he has moved either permanently or on loan eight
times. A senior insider told ClaretandHugh: "There has been no official
approach from anywhere" that was quickly followed by the source adding: "It
wouldn't be a great surprise to be honest were we to get one later on in the
window. Should bids come in then we will certainly be ready to listen."
Malaga seem to be the front runners to make a bid after their owner, Sheikh
Abdullah Al Thani confirmed on Friday that Nordin Amrabat will leave the
club this month, with Watford his likely destination. This would free up
£6.7m in funds to allow a bid for Zarate.
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Sullivan complains about unfairness of fixtures
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 16, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Dave Sullivan Junior, eldest son of the West Ham chairman (pictured centre)
has highlighted the unfairness of playing two back to back away games within
such a short period of time at opposite ends of the country.
Posting on twitter the young Sullivan said "All away teams (as far as I
know) today had double away fixtures. If you look today, every away team
were haemorrhaging goals. Huge advantage for the teams who had double home
fixtures. West Ham had to travel to different ends of the country, not an
excuse but a serious amount of travelling. I think back to back away games
isn't bad if it's Saturday to Saturday but a 3/4 day window isn't enough"
West Ham had an away trip to South coast on Tuesday, a round trip of 290
miles on the motorway from the Boleyn Ground to Dean Court in Bournemouth.
Five days later the team travelled to St James Park a round trip of 560
miles to Newcastle. Eight hundred and fifty miles in five days!
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, January 16
Daily WHUFC News - 16th January 2016
Preview - Newcastle United
WHUFC.com
The background
There's no time for rest for Slaven Bilic and his West Ham United team as
they make the long journey to Newcastle United on Saturday.
Fresh from defeating AFC Bournemouth 3-1 on Tuesday night, the Hammers will
hope to make it a Club record in the Premier League and extend their
unbeaten run to nine games.
Of those eight matches undefeated, the Hammers have won their last three to
move to within a solitary point of the top four.
They showed real heart and character to pull off their result at
Bournemouth, fighting back from a goal down to take the points thanks to a
Dimitri Payet free-kick and Enner Valencia's double.
Newcastle are in the drop zone, with 18 points from 21 matches, but did show
heart of their own on Tuesday to come back from 3-1 behind to claim a point
against Manchester United.
Hope seemed minimal when Wayne Rooney and Jesse Lingard fired United into a
2-0 lead, but back came Newcastle through Georginio Wijnaldum and Aleksandar
Mitrovic.
A second for Rooney gave the visitors the lead again, but Phil Dummett's
last gasp leveller ensured the points would be shared.
The history
West Ham and Newcastle have met 128 times previously, with Newcastle holding
the edge with 51 victories to the Hammers' 40.
The history dates back to an FA Cup tie in February 1908, which the Magpies
won 3-0.
West Ham's first win against the north east side came in the very first
league meting, in October 1923, when William Brown's goal was enough to
separate the sides.
In recent times, West Ham defeated the Geordies 2-0 at the Boleyn Ground
earlier this season thanks to a Dimitri Payet double, while the
corresponding fixture last term ended 2-0 in Newcastle's favour – a result
which sealed their Premier League survival.
The match
Team news
West Ham United
The Hammers welcome Victor Moses back into their squad after a six-week
lay-off due to a hamstring injury. The on-loan winger returned to full
training this week.
Cheikhou Kouyate could also feature after sitting out of Tuesday's game, but
Andy Carroll is out after suffering a hamstring problem at the Vitality
Stadium.
Diafra Sakho and Manuel Lanzini are the only other absentees as Bilic begins
to have more options to call upon again.
Newcastle United
Newcastle's new signings Henri Salvert and Jonjo Shelvey could make their
Magpies debuts in Saturday's game against the Hammers.
However, Papiss Cisse has had surgery on a groin injury and is set to be out
for a further month.
Match info
- Saturday's referee is Neil Swarbrick. He will be assisted by Scott Ledger
and John Brooks. Lee Mason is the fourth official. Swarbrick has refereed
one Hammers match this term, the 2-2 draw at Sunderland in which he sent off
the Black Cats' Jeremain Lens.
- West Ham have won two of the last three encounters, including a 2-0
triumph at Upton Park in September.
- Newcastle have drawn a league-high five matches at home this season.
- West Ham have won their last three league matches and are unbeaten in
their last eight (D5).
- Their win at Bournemouth on Tuesday was their first in six away games (D3,
L2).
- Only Leicester and Arsenal have won more away league games than West Ham's
five this season.
- Dimitri Payet has scored or set up more goals for West Ham in all
competitions this season than any other player (six goals, five assists).
Ticketing, travel, coverage and other info
- Tickets for the game have SOLD OUT to Hammers supporters.
- Supporters travelling by train to the game can find up to the minute info
here, while latest news on the roads is here.
- A very cold day is expected on Tyneside, with temperatures only crawling
up to 2C (36F) at kick-off time. It is, at least, expected to be a dry day.
- If you're not heading to the game, make sure you stay up to date on our
digital channels. The whufc.com Match Centre has live audio commentary and
text updates, in-running stats and photos and more, while you can get
involved in the conversation on social using #NEWWHU
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Former Player Blog - Kevin Nolan
WHUFc.com
Former midfielder and captain Kevin Nolan made 157 appearances for West Ham
United between 2011 and 2015, scoring 31 goals and leading the Hammers to
promotion in May 2012...
Hello again!
It's been a few months since I left the Club, but you can be sure I've been
keeping a close eye on how the boys have been getting on – and I've been
really impressed. The lads have done absolutely fantastic. It was always a
risk to change over so many players in the summer, but Slaven has come in
and knew exactly how he wanted to go about things, and the lads have really
bought into it.
He had a great core of lads already at the Club when he arrived, which has
obviously helped, but you can see that the new and old players have a great
camaraderie. You can see how well they are playing and how hard they are
working for each other. It is great to see the Club striving forward. When
you look at where we were five years ago when I arrived, the Club was in a
bit of a sorry state and everyone was feeling sorry for themselves.
Since then, everyone has really executed well and we are now in a really
exciting year for everyone associated with the Club – West Ham are playing
great stuff, are fifth in the table and looking comfortable against every
team they face. I'll be watching the game at one of my other former clubs,
Newcastle United, on Saturday, and I am anticipating an exciting 90 minutes.
Newcastle came back well against Manchester United on Tuesday, but I think
they play open and West Ham can exploit them with their counter-attacking
style. As my last club, I want West Ham to do well this year, but I also
want Newcastle to stay up, which I am sure they will do with the quality
they have up there.
Off the pitch, everyone I speak to is really excited about the Stadium move
and where it could take the Club in the future. I still live in Essex and
when I'm out and about it is great to meet fans, shake hands and be thanked
and recognised for the role I have played in recent seasons, scoring my
share of goals and as captain. I've always said how much I enjoyed being
part of such a big Club and that will never change.
Nobes has done a great job as captain this season and I'm delighted that he
has asked me to play in his Testimonial match in March.
I'm really looking forward to it, because when you leave a Club you don't
get the chance to say goodbye and show your appreciation to the fans, your
teammates and the staff for the support you have received. I spent four
really good seasons with West Ham and I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the
Club, so it will be a nice touch to be out there with all the lads again –
the current squad, the boys I played alongside during my four years at the
Club, and loads of other Hammers legends. Although I am not training with a
Club now, I have been keeping myself fit and ticking over. I am doing
regular gym sessions with a lad called Jamie Goldsmith, who was part of the
backroom staff for a couple of seasons at West Ham. I am ready to go, when
the chance comes around to play again.
I am looking forward to seeing you all again for Nobes' Testimonial on 28
March.
Come on you Irons!
Nobby
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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
Daily Mirror Football Writer Darren Lewis believes West Ham United have
secured one of the bargain buys of the season in Dimitri Payet and feels the
French star can help the Hammers secure a Champions League place.
Dimitri Payet just continues to show what a quality player he is. As far as
West Ham are concerned he is the best player they have signed for a number
of years . He has got to be a bargain and will only get better.
I know he has only been at the club a short time but he has got the
potential to be better than Paolo Di Canio.
He can obviously score goals but he does more than that. He lifts the
players around him and changes games. He has still got several good years
ahead of him and is at the peak of his powers.
He is the kind of game changer that a team competing for a place in the top
four needs. He is a player when a game is going no-where, he can change it.
His level of consistency is outstanding.
A lot of other Premier League clubs will be wishing they had a had player
like Payet. Arsenal have Ozil, but when you consider United paid £25m for
Depay and Liverpool paid £30m for Firmino, you look back at Payet and
realise he is an outstanding footballer.
I would say he is not as good as Tevez because he has played for some big
teams and is world class, but Payet is a very special footballer.
Di Canio was over 30 when he joined the club, Payet is 28 and at the peak of
his powers.
I think he is a contender for Player of the Year. But Jamie Vardy is right
up there and so is Mahrez and Ozil.
But when you consider Payet has been out for two months and has come back
where he left off, why not.
If Payet stays fit I can see West Ham getting into the Champions League. He
reminds me of Suarez and Aguero at Man City. What those players have in
common is that they can galvanise the team with their performances.
When the game is going no-where they can take it by the scruff of the neck
and change it.
The facts speak for themselves. You look at West Ham's position and they are
just one point off the top four.
You look at West Ham's results and the big teams they have beaten and you
realise what his contribution has been.
If you look at the West Ham defence, you realise there is a big difference
to last year. They are much more solid this time around and when they are
not playing part well they are not losing games.
They have conceded three goals in their last eight games and even when they
go behind, they have got the character to come back.
You also look at the strength in depth and even the most die-hard fan would
say the club was very reliant on Andy Carroll. But they can now cope without
him.
Slaven Bilic gets the club and understands them having played for them
before. He understands the fans mentality and when you look at the country
he has managed before, he can cope with pressure.
He is also very good at managing expectations so while it is a fact that the
club are in Champions League contention and nobody can doubt that, he is the
right man to make sure that nobody goes overboard.
He was asked about winning the FA Cup over finishing in the top four last
week, but if the draw is kind then why not. They have obviously got a tough
game up at Liverpool, but if they can get through that they have got every
chance.
It will be a tough game up at Newcastle this weekend. Even though the north
east club have only won one of their last seven games conceding nine goals,
they showed with their performance against Manchester United during the week
that they are not going down without a fight.
What helps West Ham is that most of their best results this season have come
on the road and obviously inspired by Payet, they have got another chance of
getting a result at St James Park.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those
of West Ham United.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s ready to bounce back against Villa
WHUFC.com
Having lost their opening game of 2016, a tough away game at title
challengers Reading, the U18s are looking to bounce back when they host
Aston Villa on Saturday 16 January at Little Heath.
Last time out, a young Claret and Blue side were ousted by an in-form Royals
who secured a 3-0 win to strengthen their title push. Reflecting on the
defeat, the U18's assistant manager Mark Philips said: "I was very
disappointed with the first half. We just didn't seem to come out of the
traps in the first half and it was a strange performance. "In the second
half, we came out fighting and I feel like we were on top for the first 10
to 15 minutes so it was nice to see us have a go."
Despite the disappointing result, Philips is confident his charges will have
learnt their lessons when they meet high-flying Villa on Saturday afternoon.
Philips continued: "Looking at the performance, Saturday was not the
standard that we expect here at West Ham. "We seemed to learn some lessons
in the second half which is important. "Villa away was one of our best
performances of the season. You know that you're always going to get a good,
physical game from Villa."
With the young Hammers currently seventh, five points away from the Elite
Play Off spots, Philips knows it'll be tough to close the gap with just four
games remaining. However he remains confident about his side's chances: "We
haven't lost hope of getting into the top four playoff group. If we can put
a run together in our final fixtures against Villa, Southampton, Swansea and
Brighton then we can still get in there. "It's all well and good saying
that, but we actually need to get out on that pitch and get the points on
the board." The U18s play Aston Villa on Satursday 16 January at Little
Heath, kick off is 12.30pm. Make sure you follow @whufc_official and
whufc.com for updates and reaction.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Terraces - David Croft
WHUFC.com
Sky Sports F1 commentator and Hammers fan David Croft offers his take on
Dimitri Payet and our recent form...
I must confess that I didn't write a letter to Santa this year, just didn't
get the time. But it has to be said that the big man came up trumps over the
Christmas period with tickets to Villa away, Southampton and Liverpool at
home and then Wolves in the cup as well. Four games on the trot, something
of a rarity for me these days and impossible once the F1 season gets
underway on 20 March.
So thank you Santa, what a pressie and a proper away day trip in the mix as
well, although for long periods at Villa and the first half against
Southampton it didn't seem like much of a present. But then Slav made the
changes and brought on Lanzini and Carroll, and the rest as they say, is
history.
On that point, kudos to Slav for making the changes straight away rather
than wasting ten minutes or so just to see if things could work out. Nice to
have a manager that is proactive in that regard. It was the same at
Bournemouth. Dimitri Payet wasn't really influencing the game, until the
Gaffer made a positional change that suddenly gave the midfielder some
freedom to influence the game. And man can that guy influence the game.
There's a lot of talk about Dimitri at the moment, and quite frankly there
should be. Was it just me or was the sight of him pointing to the badge and
celebrating with the fans at Bournemouth just as delightful as the free kick
itself? As a fan, I want to see that as much as I want his match winning
performances to continue. I don't want to be negative, but the temptation
will come. Offers from other clubs, big transfers and bigger wage packets to
go with it. And I'm really sorry, but let's all be a bit selfish here, I
want this guy to stay, and stay at my club for a long, long time.
Interestingly I noticed a thread on Knees Up Mother Brown asking 'Di Canio
or Payet, who's the better player?' It's a great debate and one that I've
been pondering myself for a while.
For me, when Dimitri gets the ball, you can expect that at the moment he's
going to produce something sensible, or from time to time, magical. He does
things that leave defenders flailing and West Ham supporters grinning. But
he pretty much, always does the right thing.
Di Canio meanwhile, was the maverick. Capable of moments of utter genius,
along with some moments of utter madness. From my point of view he could
leave me scratching my head every time he played, often at the mesmerising
skills he possessed, wondering just how he did it? But there were times too
that you were left puzzled as to where the real Paulo had gone that
afternoon or why he felt the need to catch the ball in the Everton box, yeah
I still can't work that one out.
Di Canio or Payet? It's a great question, and the answer probably can't be
given until Dimitri has played a few years for the team. What I'd say at the
moment is that Dimitri for me is way more of a team player and that's a
great asset to go along with his incredible skill. He fits in to this team
and importantly, this team fits well around him. In the same way that the
Mercedes Formula 1 team is a terrific fit for Lewis Hamilton. He gets the
freedom allowed by the team, and way more freedom than he ever had at
McLaren, and in return Hamilton has delivered two world titles in the last
two years. He couldn't do that without the support of the whole team and F1
is as much of a team sport as football when you break it down. But the team
need his genius as the icing on the cake and that's why they're such a good
fit.
Same with West Ham and Dimitri Payet, a player that every single Premier
League team would want in their side, and I include our next visitors to the
Boleyn Ground Manchester City in that sentence. It's a big claim I know, but
I'm not wrong and it staggers me that nobody else picked up on his talents
before we did. It's not like he didn't perform in France. It staggers me,
but I'm not complaining for a minute, I'm just enjoying the fact that we did
sign him. Loving the moment as my sons and I stand up and sing "We've got
Payet, Dimitri Payet, I just don't think you'd understand" I even caught my
eight-year-old singing it in the house the other day.
Payet or Paulo? I loved Paulo, but I think Dimitri has the potential to be
even better although maybe the true test of his potential legendary status
at West Ham is the day we ask 'Who's better? Dimitri Payet or Trevor
Brooking?' Now there's a discussion………
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those
of West Ham United
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle v West Ham
KO 15:00
15 January 2016
Last updated at 11:39
BBC.co.uk
Barclays Premier League
Venue: St James' Park Date: Saturday, 16 January
TEAM NEWS
New signings Jonjo Shelvey and Henri Saivet could both make their Newcastle
debuts against West Ham. Papiss Cisse has had surgery on a groin injury and
is facing a further month on the sidelines, having missed the last five
matches. West Ham are without Manuel Lanzini, Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll,
who suffered a hamstring injury in midweek and will be out for four to six
weeks. However, Victor Moses, Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate are all fit
to return.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Conor McNamara: "'They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger - and it
did nearly kill me.' That's how Steve McClaren recounts his duel with Slaven
Bilic at Wembley in 2007.
"Croatia denied England a place at Euro 2008 and covered themselves in
glory. McClaren, infamously, covered himself with a brolly.
"Newcastle secured their survival in May by beating West Ham. Now, after
five games without a win, they are once again in danger of being washed away
by the relegation tide.
"Regardless of the strength of downpour - whether it rains or floods - you
certainly won't see McClaren reach for an umbrella during this game."
Twitter: @ConorMcNamaraIE
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "Are we favourites now to finish in the top
four? We are not. But nobody can take the hope and the belief out of you.
"My philosophy in life is that there is nothing wrong with being confident,
optimistic or positive. For me, on the contrary, you have to be like that if
you want to get any chance to make it, whatever you do in your life. "If you
go to take a driving test and you say 'I can't do it', of course you're
going to fail. If you're approaching a girl in a nightclub and you think
she's going to tell you off and all that, no chance."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
After the stick I've been getting from West Ham fans over my predictions, I
should probably go for them to win 8-0. In the past few seasons I have
annoyed Southampton and Swansea fans by tipping them to lose, but I have
never had supporters chanting my name over a prediction before, like the
Hammers fans were doing at the end of their win at Bournemouth on Tuesday.
Probably the only way I can upset anybody this time is by saying it is going
to be a draw, so that is what I'm going for. Prediction: 1-1
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Newcastle have only lost one of the last 12 home league meetings (W6, D5).
West Ham have won two of the last three encounters, including a 2-0 triumph
at Upton Park in September.
Newcastle United
Newcastle have drawn a league-high five matches at home this season.
The Magpies scored more than twice in a Premier League game this season for
only the second time against Manchester United on Tuesday night.
Georginio Wijnaldum's eight Newcastle goals have all been scored at home.
West Ham United
West Ham have won their last three league matches and are unbeaten in their
last eight (D5).
Their win at Bournemouth on Tuesday was their first in six away games (D3,
L2).
Only Leicester and Arsenal have won more away league games than West Ham's
five this season.
Dimitri Payet has scored or set up more goals for West Ham in all
competitions this season than any other player (six goals, five assists).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hendrie joins Southend on temporary deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 15th January 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's reserve defender Stephen Hendrie has joined League One
Southend United on a month's loan. The former Hamilton full back cost West
Ham £1million when moving south at the end of last season but has failed to
break into Slaven Bilic's first team set-up. And it was confirmed this
afternoon that Hendrie has become the latest Hammer to make the short
journey down the A13 in order to join the Shrimpers. "I'm absolutely
delighted," said Southend boss Phil Brown. "He comes here making his English
debut, having not played first team football since he left Hamilton
Academical. "I spoke to his former manager, Alex Neil, last night about
him, to ask about the type character we're bringing in. He says he's a solid
character, reliable, got bags of energy and probably his biggest asset will
be his legs, as he can run all day. "He brings a lovely left foot to the
party, as Ben Coker does, so he's got a great opportunity to get his career
going in England at Southend United."
Speaking about his temporary switch, Hendrie - who featured for West Ham in
their pre-season friendly win at Southend last July - added: "I'm just happy
to be here, get some games under my belt and fire us up the league."
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Slaven Bilic: One look at Dimitri Payet and I wanted to sign him - and now
the West Ham fans love him too
SLAVEN BILIC 34 minutes ago0 comments
Evening Standard
Anyone who watched the TV highlights of our 3-1 win at Bournemouth on
Tuesday night, whether they are West Ham fans or not, will surely have
appreciated the special talent of Dimitri Payet.
When I came to West Ham it was my number one priority for the club to sign
him from Marseille – but my knowledge of him goes back a few more years.
First and foremost, my staff and I are football fans. We watch matches on TV
from all over the world because we love the game. Marseille are one of the
biggest clubs in Europe and as a manager I wanted to see how they played.
Even before that, when he was at Lille, I watched them in the French league
and I noticed this player who was swaying, dancing around the ball, taking
responsibility, making a difference.
I also took note that, although he was an individual talent, he was also
looking for a pass. When I was at Besiktas I wanted to sign him but it was
impossible. When I came here though it happened – and it happened quickly. I
had no doubt he would be able to play in the Premier League. The French
League is as physical as the football here. Of course you are never one
hundred per cent sure how they will adapt to a new culture, different
environment but as far as the football went, I knew he would be OK. When he
is in our team, his team-mates are better. You have some players who, no
matter how good they are, depend on the team to create something, then
demand the ball and try to do the job. Dimitri is different. You just have
to give him the ball – and move. Then he will make all of you better. Can
you imagine how important Dimitri is for a player like Aaron Cresswell for
example? Aaron is an offensive full-back but he needs someone further
forward to keep the ball for a few seconds so he can go on an overlap. If he
has confidence that his team-mate will hold onto the ball, then he can go.
If he is not sure, he may not risk it. It's not just about the free-kicks or
goals people will watch on TV. It's more about the bread and butter things
Dimitri does which are so important for a team.
Dimitri was doing similar things at Marseille but here he feels he has more
responsibility, he's the one. I think he likes it, he enjoys it — and we
enjoy him. In the dressing-room he is good, he doesn't talk a lot but it is
special when your team recognises you as a special player. The West Ham fans
love him also. He says he has never had a song about him before and the
reception he had when he came back from injury meant a lot to him.
Sometimes, when one player is given all the credit, it can create problems
with others but he is not looking for that – he's good with everyone. In
training also, he's not one of those who thinks 'I am the star, I'm not
going to run.' No, when we play five-a-side, he wants to win. When he makes
a mistake in training, something which doesn't match his high standards, he
goes crazy, he is angry with himself. Luka Modric is also like this. At
Bournemouth at half-time, you could see he wasn't happy with himself. He
wanted to do more – and he did. We are all glad he is back fit and in the
team.
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Our best ever January signings?
KUMB.com
Postby Up the Junction on Thu Jan 14, 2016 8:16 pm
The current January transfer window was introduced in 2002/03. Being a
little more constructive, here's your full list of January signings since
the new system was adopted; I suggest we start at the penultimate name from
2006's list and work out who comes second...
2015
Doneil Henry
(Nene followed mid-February)
2014
Antonio Nocerino (loan)
Marco Borriello (loan)
Roger Johnson (loan)
2013
Wellington Paulista (loan)
Joe Cole
Marouane Chamakh (loan)
2012
Ravel Morrison
Ricardo Vaz Te
Nicky Maynard
George John (loan)
2011
Robbie Keane (loan)
Demba Ba
Gary O'Neil
Wayne Bridge (loan)
2010
Benni McCarthy
Mido (loan)
Ilan (loan)
2009
Savio Nsereko
2007
Matthew Upson
Kepa Blanco
Lucas Neill
Nigel Quashie
Calum Davenport
Luis Boa Morte
2006
Lionel Scaloni (loan)
Dean Ashton
Yaniv Katan
2004
Seb Carole
Adam Nowland
Nigel Reo-Coker
John Harley
Andy Melville
Rami Shabaan
2003
David Noble
Rufus Brevett
Les Ferdinand
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Newcastle v West Ham preview: Jonjo Shelvey set for debut
By Simeon Gholam
Last Updated: 15/01/16 4:13pm
SSN
Jonjo Shelvey and Henri Saivet could make their debuts for Newcastle when
West Ham visit St James' Park on Saturday. The two sides will head into the
clash with very different ambitions, as West Ham attempt to force their way
into the top four and Newcastle try and climb out of the relegation zone.
Slaven Bilic will be hoping that Dimitri Payet, who scored both goals as
they beat Newcastle 2-0 in September, will continue the fine form he showed
in their win at Bournemouth in midweek following his return from injury.
Team news
Shelvey and Saivet are in the Newcastle squad, and they could be joined by
Rolando Aarons (foot) and striker Emmanuel Riviere (knee) after both played
for the club's U21s on Thursday evening. Steven Taylor (hamstring) is back
in training, but Siem de Jong will be sidelined for up to two weeks after
being rushed to hospital with an eye injury suffered in training. Papiss
Cisse could miss eight weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a groin
injury.
Andy Carroll will miss West Ham's trip to his former club. The striker
suffered a hamstring injury at Bournemouth on Tuesday night and will be out
for four to six weeks, joining Manuel Lanzini and Diafra Sakho (both thigh)
on the sidelines. But Victor Moses is fit after six weeks out with a
hamstring problem while Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate have shaken off
the knocks which kept them out in midweek.
Opta stats
West Ham have won just one of their last 12 Premier League trips to St
James' Park (W1 D5 L6).
The Hammers have failed to score in three of their last four trips to play
Newcastle in the top flight, but the Mapgies have failed to score in five of
their last seven league games against West Ham.
Newcastle are winless in five league fixtures (D2 L3), their longest run
since failing to win any of their opening eight fixtures this season.
West Ham are the only Premier League side yet to concede in the final five
minutes of a game this season, while no side have scored more than them in
this period (5 - level with Man City and Crystal Palace).
All eight of Georginio Wijnaldum's goals for Newcastle have been scored at
St James' Park.
Merson's prediction
At the moment Newcastle are just not getting the rub of the green. To score
three goals and not win at home is disappointing but they are still right in
the fight to stay up. I know Sunderland have gone above them but with
Swansea getting beat, Newcastle have an excellent chance of staying up.
However, I really like what Bilic is doing at West Ham. Newcastle have to
stop Payet. If they can find a way to stop him then they will get a result,
but if they don't then he will rip them to absolute shreds.
Newcastle are playing well but the problem for them is that I can't see them
stopping Payet. He's up there with Mesut Ozil in my opinion and he's 100 per
cent the signing of the summer. For West Ham to get him was brilliant. There
has got to be a lot of big clubs turning around to their scouting system and
asking 'how's he not playing for us'. I'm going for West Ham to keep their
run going with a 2-1 away win and Enner Valencia scoring the first goal.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2
Betting
Newcastle are 11/8 with Sky Bet with West Ham 19/10 and the draw trading at
12/5. There have been three goals or more in one of the teams' last seven
meetings so under 2.5 goals should appeal at 8/11. Wijnaldum to open the
scoring for the Toon is 15/2, while Payet, who netted in the midweek win at
Bournemouth, to score anytime for the visitors is 5/2.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic optimistic on West Ham's Champions League chances
By Michael Kelleher
Last Updated: 15/01/16 10:37am
SSN
Slaven Bilic believes positive thinking holds the key to West Ham qualifying
for the Champions League for the first time. The Hammers are one point
behind fourth-placed Tottenham after defeating Bournemouth 3-1 on Tuesday,
to secure their third consecutive league win. Bilic has been keen to play
down talk of a top-four finish this season but admits, with the right
attitude, anything is possible for a team who could set a club record of
nine Premier League games unbeaten at Newcastle on Saturday. "If you ask me
if we are thinking about it realistically and starting to be a little bit
big-headed about the Champions League, no, we are not," he said. "We know
that we are West Ham and we are enjoying the season and we are respecting
every opponent without being afraid of them, and that's it. "Are we
favourites now to finish in the top four? We are not. But nobody can take
the hope and the belief out of you.
"My philosophy in life is that there is nothing wrong with being confident,
optimistic or positive. For me, on the contrary, you have to be like that if
you want to get any chance to make it, whatever you do in your life. "If you
go to take a driving test and you say 'I can't do it', of course you're
going to fail. If you got on a date and you're approaching a girl in a
nightclub and you think she's going to tell you off and all that, no chance.
"But if you are positive, you have a chance. For the Champions League, or
whatever - top 10, or staying up. Sunderland believe they can stay up. You
have to do it, without that there is no chance."
The game against Newcastle comes after the Magpies showed impressive spirit
to twice come from behind to draw 3-3 with Manchester United on Tuesday.
That performance has not gone unnoticed by Bilic and he believes they will
provide a stern test this weekend. "They are definitely improving," added
Bilic. "They had a slow start; a new team, a new manager, new everything.
"They are a massive club which in recent seasons had slow starts or
difficult seasons. But they have improved; they have a good squad, great
individuals, and great strikers. "They made a good comeback against
Manchester United and they are on a high, so I expect a difficult game at a
great stadium."
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Lawro: 'I have to take off my hat to West Ham'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 15, 2016 in News
C and H
The BBC's Mark Lawrenson has been getting plenty of stick from the club, the
chairman and West Ham fans but he says it is all good fun and he is pleased
they continue to prove him wrong. That said the stubborn fool refuses to
predict a win this weekend so goes for a draw instead! "After the stick I've
been getting from West Ham fans over my predictions, I should probably go
for them to win 8-0." "In the past few seasons I have annoyed Southampton
and Swansea fans by tipping them to lose, but I have never had supporters
chanting my name over a prediction before, like the Hammers fans were doing
at the end of their win at Bournemouth on Tuesday." "It is all good fun, and
I am really pleased they have continued to prove me wrong." "I thought their
results would fall away after their good start, much like they did under Sam
Allardyce last season, but they have picked up after a wobble where they did
not win for eight games from the end of October." "I thought they would slip
down the table but instead they have won their past four games in the league
and FA Cup, and I have to take my hat off to them."
"Newcastle were a bit unlucky not to get a draw at Watford in the FA Cup and
stuck at it to pick up a point against Manchester United on Tuesday, so it
seems Magpies boss Steve McClaren has found a way to get a response from his
players after their poor form over Christmas." "Taking all of that into
consideration, probably the only way I can upset anybody this time is by
saying it is going to be a draw, so that is what I'm going for."
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
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Hammers linked with Real Madrid starlet
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 15, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
17-year-old Martin Odegaard has been linked with a loan move to West Ham on
social media in recent days. The young Real Madrid starlet has recently been
linked with Liverpool with reports that Real Madrid rejected a permanent
move for the promising attacking midfielder who has been tipped for the top.
Madrid's president Florentino Perez has previously said he is adamant that
the player stays at Madrid until he is ready for first-team football.
Odegaard made his debut for Madrid in last season's 7-3 win at home to
Getafe on the final day of the La Liga campaign, but he has not featured for
the first team this season The Norweigan joined Real Madrid a year ago but
his one run out for the club's first-team involved coming on a substitute
for Ronaldo no less. Real Madrid have been slapped with a two-window
transfer ban this week, similar to the judgement passed down to rivals
Barcelona although they are appealing. Whether the ban could mean that a
loan will be less likely or there is any truth in this internet rumour we
don't know but the kid looks like a future star from the same Norwegian
stable as Martin Samuelson. We can all dream!
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Irons admit late move for defender possible
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 15, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are seriously watching developments between Everton and long term
target Sam Byram who is heading for talks on personal terms with the
Toffees. Reports that the mersey-siders have seen a bid accepted by Leeds
are correct but the deal rests on Byram's advisers getting the best possible
deal for the young right back. And this morning – despite remaining
reluctant to declare their hand – the Irons are clearly seriously
considering a late move for the 22 year old. Everton may be keen to score a
point or two over the Hammers by landing the player after Angelo Ogbonna
snubbed their late move for him before joining us last summer. But the game
is far from up despite the fact the Irons would have preferred to get Byram
on a free in the summer. Our senior source gave a very guarded answer when
we asked whether a late bid was on the cards saying only: "Possibly – can
say no more!" That suggests that moves have either started or afoot.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Malaga to receive funds for Zarate bid
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 15, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Malaga owner Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani has confirmed that Nordin Amrabat will
leave the club this month, with Watford his likely destination. This would
free up £6.7m in funds to allow a bid for Mauro Zarate. The Watford Observer
claims the Hornets are ready to meet the winger's €8.8m release clause, and
the owner concedes he is powerless to deny the player dream move to the
Premier League. He is quoted as saying: " I want to clarify some things
about Nordin Amrabat, I'm not and [I] will not think of selling the player,
but everyone must understand this."[He] told me 'this is my dream! "I can't
say to him 'you can't go'. We are human beings. I hope everyone knows that
very well." ClaretandHugh have been told whilst there have been no firm bids
for the Argentinian, the club is ready to listen to bids for him. Malaga
have long been linked with Zarate who thus far in his 11 year career has
moved either permanently or on loan eight times. A senior insider told
ClaretandHugh: "There has been no official approach from anywhere" that was
quickly followed by the source adding: "It wouldn't be a great surprise to
be honest were we to get one later on in the window. Should bids come in
then we will certainly be ready to listen."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Supermac says best years in our history lie ahead
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 15, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
By the great Frankie Mac
I've waited a lot of years to see what we are seeing at West Ham at the
moment…these are the best of times and what's even better is that I
genuinely believe they are here to stay!
I said at the start of the season we can finish in the top four and I
believe that is what's going to happen. It's fantastic to see the football
we are playing. I'm pleased that Sam Allardyce has gone and that an honest
man who understands this club and the fans is at the helm. Like everyone
else I'm loving Slaven Bilic. The excuse-making, respecting the point and
all that rubbish is gone, instead we have players who can play and a real
future around the corner. Nobody can kid a West Ham fan – they are far too
sharp and the vast majority knew what was happening last year was all wrong.
They are now getting what they have waited for and there's no group of fan
in the country ho deserve it more. At their very best the Irons are playing
tremendous stuff and that's down to the boss who has produced such an
incredible turnaround in five months. The best thing he did was to get out
of that European qualifying tournament as quickly as he did. He didn't know
the squad or the players but has shown all his quality in bringing them to
this point. Now here we are having sold nearly 40,000 season tickets for
next season – I'll tell you now: We are gonna be bigger than Spurs …..f..k
em! Dimi Payet of course has been utterly extraordinary – what a player but
there's quality right through the squad and I really believe we are looking
forward to the best years in our history. Like I say there's no fans in the
country ho deserve it more or who have waited as long! I have one lingering
worry but I'll be covering that in a separate piece later in the day
although it certainly doesn't take the shine off what I believe will be a
fantastic season.
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Leroy admits his Payet fear
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 15, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Exclusive
ClaretandHugh's top analyst Leroy Rosenior has admitted he feared Dimtri
Payet may not be the same player again after the shocking 'tackle' by
Everton's James McCarthy. He said: "It was a shocker but his performance
against Bournemouth was incredible and I am incredibly relieved that he has
come back better than ever – it's not always the case after an injury like
that. "He showed such confidence and despite that awful challenge remains
happy to dance around players – it's magnificent to watch. He looks even
better than before the Everton match. "Slaven Bilic said that he makes every
other player play better and that is totally spot on. Enner Valencia showed
a an atttitude we haven't seen before and I think that was down to Dimi.
"Valencia wanted to show what he could do …and how! His goals were superb
and it won't be long before Sakho is back which will make another enormous
difference. Payet is the first name on the team sheet of course – an
extraordinary player – but the competition for places elsewhere is brilliant
and the sky is the limit for this club."
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Jack Sullivan's column: We may get a loan in!
January 14, 2016
WestHamWay.co.uk
Jack Sullivan
Wolves was a game that I'm sure most people will forget, as the 1-0 shows.
We played averagely and struggled to breakdown a very defensive Wolves team.
The goal from Jelavic was fantastic and I was pleased to see him score.
Even with my high hopes, the Bournemouth game didn't start great for us,
with AC going off and also going 1-0 down within the first 20 minutes.
Personally I thought we really started to play some good football for the
last 15 minutes of the first half, putting Bournemouth under some sort of
pressure! The second half was completely different, we really started to
take the game to the Cherries. I felt the game started to turn in our
favour as we started to run at their defence. The free kick that got us the
goal was an example of this, as Antonio ran very directly towards goal;
which is something I love about his game. Of course you need real quality
to finish from a free kick and we know Payet has got bags of it. He drew us
level and during the game I think you could see how much we had missed the
man. I believe the stat is we score 1.3 more goals with him in the side. I
was also over the moon for Enner when he scored from Payet's assist and
again scoring one of the most unbelievable free kicks. I'm hoping this is
just the start for Enner and that he has finally adapted to the Prem. I
hope he can get a few more for us on Saturday!!
As I've said before this window will be a slow one. I think this shows how
much the club has come on, as there is no need for panic buys with such
great depth in the squad! We may just loan in, but as I've said we are
looking towards the future and working towards some deals in the summer with
our move to the OS! Everyone should be feeling like a happy hammer at the
moment, as we are 1 point off 4th and getting more and more injuries back
each day, with Reid and Moses almost ready to play! I'm hoping we can carry
on, so it is a real fitting farewell the the Bolyen.
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Everton and West Ham are battling for his signature, so is Leeds United
full-back Sam Byram ready to make the step up to the Premier League?
By AMITAI WINEHOUSE FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 14:21, 15 January 2016 | UPDATED: 14:21, 15 January 2016
Daily Mail
There was a sense that Sam Byram would be leaving Leeds United from the
minute talks over a new contract broke down in 2015. At that point, Italian
owner Massimo Cellino offered Byram a reduced wage over a longer period of
time, a deal the player was never likely to accept. His rapidly expiring
contract has become an ongoing issue for Leeds to deal with. Everton have
now had a reported £3.7 million bid accepted for the 22-year-old. West Ham
are aiming to scupper that move and capture Byram themselves. With no
Premier League experience to his name, will the attacking full-back cut it
in the top flight?
Byram's style has always been defined by his willingness to get forward and
affect the game in the attacking third. For example, Byram has contributed
the second highest number of key passes - 23 to Northern Ireland
international Stuart Dallas's 26 - in Leeds' squad. This is despite spending
a significant chunk of the season on the sidelines or being used as a
substitute due to his contractual situation. Dallas has eked 2,072 minutes
out of 26 appearances, while Byram has only played for 1,467 minutes in his
22 games, which makes his chance creation even more impressive. He is quick
without being rapid, good at dribbling and able to pick out a pass. There
are under-appreciated parts of Byram's game, too - he is better in the air
than most players who end up playing out wide. One issue with his game is
that he has been shuffled around far too much positionally over the last few
seasons. He broke through as a right-back but spent the majority of 2015
playing on the right wing. On the few occasions he has been moved back to
full-back, he has looked slightly less assured in reading the play than he
did when he debuted. However, there are doubts over how much quality
coaching Byram has received in the midst of Leeds' continual managerial
churn, an issue he is unlikely to face at a stable club such as Everton or
West Ham. He scored his first professional goal on 28 August in the 3–0
League Cup second-round victory over Oxford United.
It is an easy and lazy comparison to make, but it would not be beyond the
realms of possibility to suggest Byram will follow a similar positional path
to Gareth Bale. It is increasingly clear that Byram can be a huge influence
in front of goal. He has scored three goals in Leeds' last six games - one
was an instinctive poacher's effort, another was with his head and the last
was perfectly placed in the corner from the edge of the area. One major
issue for Everton this season has been defensive consistency, and the recent
news that Seamus Coleman is likely to be out until February means there
would be an opportunity for Byram to make the right-back berth his own. West
Ham are also lacking quality in that position. James Tomkins has filled in
well on the right side of defence, but there is little doubt that the
26-year-old is naturally a central defender. He is less inclined to push
forward than expected from a modern full-back.
Further forward, Everton seem slightly better staffed and it is questionable
that he would overhaul the likes of Gerard Deulofeu. Roberto Martinez has,
however, previously shown a commitment to longer term projects, and there is
no reason why a six-month adaptation period would not be afforded to Byram.
In my opinion, Byram clearly has the talent to step up to the Premier
League. That opinion is shared by Leeds head coach Steve Evans, who said on
Friday: 'He's a gifted young man, and in the event that he goes and plays in
the Premier League then he will become a regular in the Premier League.'
Whether a manager would trust a 22-year-old ahead of a player with
top-flight experience is another question entirely. Martinez even hinted at
that on Friday: 'He is a young man with a lot of experience of the
Championship but his next step needs to be a good step for Sam and his
family.' He is, however, Leeds' highest appearance maker in the current
squad. Byram has played 130 times in the league for the club between the
ages of 18 and 22. It is hard to imagine a Premier League side being able to
acquire another player at such a young age and for such a low price, who has
such a vast amount of league experience.
What is Byram's personality like?
Ask anyone at Leeds United and they will tell you that Byram is a delight to
work with, from academy staff to managers and head coaches. Evans's reign
has essentially been defined by Byram's contract dispute, but he revealed:
'I'll give Sam a big hug and a big kiss. He's been fantastic for me.' Byram
is a personal favourite of club legend Eddie Gray, one of the most talented
wingers to play in the British game who remains closely tied to Leeds. Stood
on the touchline at Queens Park Rangers in November, with Byram having not
appeared due to his contractual situation, Gray put it simply: 'Why is the
kid not playing?'
How do the fans view Byram?
Like most players who come through a club's youth development system, Byram
is fondly regarded by the fans. There have been hints of ill feeling the
longer his contract dispute has rolled on, especially on social media after
the news broke that a deal had been agreed with Everton. However, it has
never been from more than a few fans. It was symbolic that at the game
against Wolves, when Byram returned to score two, the fans never stopped
singing the player's name. As he was interviewed on television after the
game, the chorus of 'One Sam Byram' was deafening, and he ran over to the
fans to hand over his shirt afterwards. There has mainly been anger that
Byram is being allowed to leave for a reported fee of £3.7m and that the
club got itself into this position in the first place. While stories like
this are always difficult to unpick, there has always been an insistence
that the player's agent sat down with Cellino with a real interest in
staying at Leeds. The two fell out terribly over the initial contract offer
and the situation has never recovered, hence the cut-price move. Former
manager Brian McDermott summed it up in 2013 when asked about a potential £3
million bid: 'For which boot?'
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Two players plus cash for West Ham target? Former star returning?
Date: 15th January 2016 at 2:48 pm
Written by: James Pearson | Comments (0)
foreverwestham.com
Slaven Bilic has spoken a few times about the transfer window and how his
West Ham side won't be seeing many players coming in, even suggesting there
is a 99% chance that we won't be seeing any new signings. However, we have
been reportedly interested in one young player throughout this window and it
seems we may be forced into making a move now.
Leeds United full back Sam Byram has been linked to a few clubs this window.
But last night it was reported that Everton have a had a bid accepted by
Leeds. This may force Bilic's hand into dipping into the market to secure
the services of a promising talent.
The Guardian this morning wrote that Newcastle and West Ham are interested,
and we are prepared to offer two young players and cash in exchange for
Byram, who is supposedly a West Ham, hoping that the players will be more
enticing than Everton's £3.7 million that has been agreed.
Who these players are is yet to be revealed, but judging by the fact that
Leeds have accepted £3.7m million, its likely they won't be first team
players. Byram is a player that could be extremely useful for West Ham, with
Carl Jenkinson signing a new Arsenal deal last summer. Jenkinson has been in
and out of Bilic's first team plans, suggesting that the manager may be
looking at alternatives for the long term. Tomkins is doing a solid job in
that position at the moment, but Byram is a player that we won't want to
miss out on in the long run.
Ravel Morrison
Could Ravel Morrison be returning to The Boleyn? There are reports in the
last few days that we may be interested in bring Ravel Morrison back on a
short term loan deal. Morrison has undeniable talent, but is hit and miss. I
would be shocked if Bilic did decide to bring him back because of the
trouble that surrounds him, especially with the amount of attacking talent
that are playing well this season.
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West Ham paying £10.7m for Dimitri Payet is the signing of the season... the
Frenchman has inspired a remarkable transformation
West Ham may boast the signing of Dimitri Payet is this season's best
The Frenchman joined the club from Marseille in a £10.7million deal
Payet has helped transform the Hammers into European chasers
By ADAM SHERGOLD FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 01:47, 15 January 2016 | UPDATED: 03:07, 15 January 2016
The Olympic Stadium in Stratford looks pretty desolate against the backdrop
of slate grey skies and intermittent sleet when you pass it on a winter's
morning. But come August it will once again be a vibrant place, bedecked in
West Ham's colours of claret and blue, that glorious spirit of 2012 revived.
Supporters will flock from miles around to watch Slaven Bilic's equally
vibrant team, challenging in the upper reaches of the Barclays Premier
League table and - who knows - even in the Champions League. And as they
clack through the turnstiles they should look up and see - 30ft tall, gazing
out proudly over the east London skyline - their club's new poster boy
Dimitri Payet. For seldom has a signing caused such a dramatic uplift in a
team's fortunes. Seldom has any player become so integral so quickly. And
seldom has a £10.7million investment looked like such a bargain. There can
be no doubt that Payet, brought in by Bilic from Marseille at the end of
June, is the Premier League's signing of the season. You might make a case
for Petr Cech at Arsenal, but the true dynamos of their title challenge lie
further forward on the field. Dele Alli at Tottenham? Well, the deal was
actually secured back in the January so that doesn't really count. It's
Payet that has inspired the remarkable transformation in West Ham's
fortunes. A transformation that sees them, against all expectations, just a
point off the Champions League places ahead of their Saturday visit to
Newcastle United. Let's consider the stats. With Payet in the team, the
Hammers have won eight of 14 matches, scoring a total of 28 goals. Their win
percentage stands at a muscular 57.1 per cent.
Now compare that to the seven matches when Payet wasn't in the side when he
suffered ankle ligament damage against Everton in early November. Just one
win from those seven, a mere five goals scored. A paltry win percentage of
14.3. There is nothing coincidental about West Ham recording three wins on
the bounce - against Liverpool, Wolves in the FA Cup and Bournemouth - since
Payet returned to full fitness. The 28-year-old France international brings
so much more than the six goals and five assists contributed in claret and
blue so far. He supplies that spark, a certain galvanising effect that
produced another 10 per cent from his team-mates. Bilic summarised it nicely
after Payet curled home a lovely free-kick on his return to the starting
line-up in the 3-1 win at Bournemouth on Tuesday night. 'It was a team win
but Payet made the difference,' Bilic said. 'West Ham fans love that kind of
player with a bit of magic and he has got more than a bit. 'But it is not
only about his quality. He is deciding games, he is keeping the ball and he
is doing the things which are very hard in football. 'He is taking the whole
team 20 yards up the pitch without kicking the ball and that is important.
He is also making all the players around him better.' Bilic has taken Payet
under his wing like a son. The Croat was absolutely despondent when he
suffered his injury - describing it as a 'massive blow' - and West Ham
crashed 4-1 at Tottenham in their next game. Five successive draws followed
as they struggled to replace that missing impetus delivered by Payet. There
has inevitably been an upturn in mood and form since their talisman returned
to fitness. The Upton Park faithful adore him too, as witnessed by the
wonderful ovation he received on his return against Liverpool a fortnight
ago. He's almost ranked in their affections as highly as Paolo di Canio and
Carlos Tevez. And that's just off the back of seven months. Continue this
trajectory in the coming years and he'll go down in legend. These are
historic times for West Ham. Their move to the Olympic Stadium is imminent,
representing a move to the next level. And with their inspired signing of
Payet, they have a team ready to meet that challenge.
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West Ham NOT getting big-headed about being in the Champions League frame
insists Slaven Bilic
22:57, 14 JAN 2016 UPDATED 23:30, 14 JAN 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The Hammers are a point behind fourth-placed Spurs and could make it nine
games unbeaten this weekend — but the boss is refusing to get carried away
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic insists West Ham are not becoming big-headed about moving into
Champions League contention. The Irons are a point behind fourth-placed
Tottenham and could set a club record of nine Premier League games unbeaten
at Newcastle on Saturday. However, with last season's collapse after a
similarly impressive start still very much on the minds of those at Upton
Park, Bilic is refusing to get carried away. Asked if qualifying for
Europe's top club competition was a possibility, the Hammers boss replied:
"I've no problem saying that but we're not thinking that way. "The league is
so tight, I would say definitely we have a chance of getting there. "I know
it's very tight but all I can say is we're not afraid of that and we're
going to do everything to win every game until the end of the season. "If
you ask me whether we are thinking about it realistically and starting to be
a little bit big-headed about the Champions League, no, we are not. "We know
that we are West Ham and enjoying the season and we are respecting every
opponent we play without being afraid of them – and that's it."
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West Ham plot late move to gazump Everton in race for Leeds ace Sam Byram
WEST HAM have not given up hope of signing Sam Byram from Leeds despite
Everton already having a bid accepted.
By EXPRESS SPORT
PUBLISHED: 00:03, Fri, Jan 15, 2016
Roberto Martinez is hoping to discuss terms with the talented 22-year-old,
who can operate in any position on the right, and make him his latest young
signing after having a bid accepted this afternoon. The fee would start at
round £3m and rise. But West Ham are also seeking to lure Byram to the
Premier League and will look to offer him a starting role. Leeds have been
offered cash plus two unnamed players for Byram by the Hammers. Byram told
Leeds he would not sign a new deal and, given that he is out of contract
this summer, Leeds chairman Massimo Cellino has chosen to bank the bid
rather than risking a tribunal setting a lower fee. Aston Villa have also
bid, but Martinez's track record of developing young talent could swing it.
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Morrison To Get Another Chance at the Boleyn
verywestham.blogspot.co.uk
No he's not - at least not as a permanent part of the playing staff! Since
his announced inclusion for the Mark Noble testimonial, the rumours have
grown regarding a possible return to West Ham for Ravel Morrison. Currently
stranded at Lazio, where he has once again failed to settle in, Raveldo
needs an out and many observers (e.g. Footballfancast) believe that could be
Slaven Bilic's West Ham!
However, such speculation is silenced by any logical review of the facts.
Slaven Bilic has spoken candidly about the need for "harmony" in his squad
(ask Morgan whazhisname!). Moreover, with the current riches in terms of
attacking midfielders, Bilic simply doesn't need Morrison, who even at his
best wouldn't get within an asses roar of this much improved Hammers side
due to the presence of Payet, Lanzini et al.
Bilic is far more likely to gamble upon more game time for the eager,
focused and disciplined Josh Cullen, who has been skirting the margins of a
first team start for weeks now. It's simply tantalisingly exciting for
Hammers fans to reflect upon the effect training alongside Payet and Lanzini
is having for Cullen and Reece Oxford.
West Ham are unlikely to gamble in this window, unless a decent striker
becomes available (err NOT Chaz Austin, quoted at £12M with only 5 months
left on his contract and only having played once since November). Meanwhile
the Morrison speculation continues to attract the attentions of the poorly
informed. Quite simply, despite multiple opportunities, Ravel blew it!
In an effort to finally communicate the true odds of a Ravel return we
contacted everybody's favourite bookmaker - Paddy Poormaker - to seek odds
on a Morrison return. After a delay caused by much guffawing they offered us
the following odds;
We think legendary Doors frontman Jim Douglas Morrison is a decent bet,
especially given new evidence to support the fact that he faked his own
death to escape the twenty-plus paternity suits he was facing at the time of
his disappearance. He has apparently been spotted playing for a second tier
team in Senegal and if he's one tenth as useful as Cheikidh Kouyate we would
love him!
Much less attractive, is the possibility of Van 'the grumpy man' Morrison
joining the Hammers. However, his recurrent difficulties in getting on with
anybody would make him a poor investment. Meanwhile, the Baggies James
Morrison is a decent Premiership performer but simply to 'average' for the
current West Ham side!
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West Ham offer two players plus cash to trump Everton's Byram bid
HITC
Dan Coombs
West Ham are attempting to sign Leeds United's Sam Byram from under
Everton's noses. West Ham have made a late bid to try and sign Sam Byram
from Leeds United, report The Express.
The report states the Hammers have offered two unnamed players plus cash, in
an attempt to try and trump Everton's £3.7 million bid. Earlier this month
we speculated upon three players Leeds should potentially demand in exchange
for the 22-year-old. Jack Sullivan, son of West Ham co-owner David Sullivan,
posted this cryptic tweet soon after Everton's accepted bid for Byram was
reported. Byram was voted PFA player of the month in the Championship for
December, winning 82 per cent of the vote, after scoring three goals for
Leeds, playing in an advanced role. He has been at the club since turning
professional, but has been unable to agree a new contract. Now it seems he
has a big decision to make between Everton and West Ham, if Leeds accept the
offer from the East London side.
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Dimitri Payet jokes about West Ham fans' song, says it's the next big single
HITC
Tim Poole
The West Ham playmaker is in an understandably good mood. Dimitri Payet's
'love affair' with the West Ham United fans has continued, with the
28-year-old joking that the supporters' song about him is 'the next big
single,' according to the club's official website. The Frenchman says he is
keen to repay the fans' support with hard work, goals and assists. And he
feels the West Ham faithful's Payet song is going to be a hit. He said on
'Chadwell Chatter': "The love affair with the fans continues and all the
better for it! You show me your love and I try to repay it on the pitch,
with hard work, goals and assists, so that it continues. Apparently my
song's going to be the next big single!" Next up for West Ham is a trip to
Newcastle United - and Payet will have good memories of the reverse fixture
earlier this season. Indeed, on that occasion, the Frenchman linked up
effectively with Victor Moses as the east London side won 2-0 and could have
scored even more. On the break, West Ham were quick as lightning and ended
up dominating against a limp Steve McClaren side. This time around,
Newcastle may go into proceedings with more confidence after a 3-3 draw with
Manchester United - as well as the knowledge they'll be at home. But the
Hammers have more to be confident about right now, sitting fifth in the
Premier League and knowing there's no reason they can't hunt a top-four spot
down.
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Captain Mark Noble has his say on lack of recognition for West Ham
HITC
Damien Lucas
All the talk has been about Tottenham Hotspur but Mark Noble has given his
verdict on a lack of recognition for his high-flying West Ham United side.
The Hammers are fifth in the Premier League table and one point off the
Champions League places after winning 3-1 away at Bournemouth in midweek. It
was a fourth win in a row for Slaven Bilic's side in all competitions and
extended the club's unbeaten run to eight games. That is despite a glut of
injuries to seven key first team players and amid a lot of media hype about
the likes of Spurs, Leicester City and Stoke City who are all enjoying
impressive seasons of their own. Spurs have even been talked about as
potential title contenders but West Ham's form has barely registered in some
quarters. While Bilic is probably quite happy for his side to be out of the
limelight as they quietly go about mounting a surprise bid for a Champions
League spot, some supporters - and co-owner David Gold in particular - are
not. Hammers fans have been bemoaning a lack of coverage and recognition for
their high-flying team on the likes of BBC's Match of the Day and from
pundits in general. In fact Gold has been so incensed he has recently taken
to Twitter to lambast the BBC and one of their pundits Mark Lawrenson.
Lawrenson has predicted 15 defeats and just two wins for the Hammers this
season - which would have left them second bottom of the Premier League
rather than fifth.
'Over the moon'
But despite the lack of recognition, Noble has told the club's official
website he is more than happy to go under the radar. "We are going to keep
working hard, keep putting points on the board," the homegrown Hammer told
whufc.com. "We are over the moon that no-one is talking about us and talking
about the other teams. "Hopefully, we are going to keep creeping up table."
If West Ham can produce another away win on the road to Newcastle United on
Saturday it could push them above rivals Tottenham into fourth place. And if
that happens Noble's team will find themselves very much in the spotlight as
we approach the business end of this most open of Premier League seasons.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
The background
There's no time for rest for Slaven Bilic and his West Ham United team as
they make the long journey to Newcastle United on Saturday.
Fresh from defeating AFC Bournemouth 3-1 on Tuesday night, the Hammers will
hope to make it a Club record in the Premier League and extend their
unbeaten run to nine games.
Of those eight matches undefeated, the Hammers have won their last three to
move to within a solitary point of the top four.
They showed real heart and character to pull off their result at
Bournemouth, fighting back from a goal down to take the points thanks to a
Dimitri Payet free-kick and Enner Valencia's double.
Newcastle are in the drop zone, with 18 points from 21 matches, but did show
heart of their own on Tuesday to come back from 3-1 behind to claim a point
against Manchester United.
Hope seemed minimal when Wayne Rooney and Jesse Lingard fired United into a
2-0 lead, but back came Newcastle through Georginio Wijnaldum and Aleksandar
Mitrovic.
A second for Rooney gave the visitors the lead again, but Phil Dummett's
last gasp leveller ensured the points would be shared.
The history
West Ham and Newcastle have met 128 times previously, with Newcastle holding
the edge with 51 victories to the Hammers' 40.
The history dates back to an FA Cup tie in February 1908, which the Magpies
won 3-0.
West Ham's first win against the north east side came in the very first
league meting, in October 1923, when William Brown's goal was enough to
separate the sides.
In recent times, West Ham defeated the Geordies 2-0 at the Boleyn Ground
earlier this season thanks to a Dimitri Payet double, while the
corresponding fixture last term ended 2-0 in Newcastle's favour – a result
which sealed their Premier League survival.
The match
Team news
West Ham United
The Hammers welcome Victor Moses back into their squad after a six-week
lay-off due to a hamstring injury. The on-loan winger returned to full
training this week.
Cheikhou Kouyate could also feature after sitting out of Tuesday's game, but
Andy Carroll is out after suffering a hamstring problem at the Vitality
Stadium.
Diafra Sakho and Manuel Lanzini are the only other absentees as Bilic begins
to have more options to call upon again.
Newcastle United
Newcastle's new signings Henri Salvert and Jonjo Shelvey could make their
Magpies debuts in Saturday's game against the Hammers.
However, Papiss Cisse has had surgery on a groin injury and is set to be out
for a further month.
Match info
- Saturday's referee is Neil Swarbrick. He will be assisted by Scott Ledger
and John Brooks. Lee Mason is the fourth official. Swarbrick has refereed
one Hammers match this term, the 2-2 draw at Sunderland in which he sent off
the Black Cats' Jeremain Lens.
- West Ham have won two of the last three encounters, including a 2-0
triumph at Upton Park in September.
- Newcastle have drawn a league-high five matches at home this season.
- West Ham have won their last three league matches and are unbeaten in
their last eight (D5).
- Their win at Bournemouth on Tuesday was their first in six away games (D3,
L2).
- Only Leicester and Arsenal have won more away league games than West Ham's
five this season.
- Dimitri Payet has scored or set up more goals for West Ham in all
competitions this season than any other player (six goals, five assists).
Ticketing, travel, coverage and other info
- Tickets for the game have SOLD OUT to Hammers supporters.
- Supporters travelling by train to the game can find up to the minute info
here, while latest news on the roads is here.
- A very cold day is expected on Tyneside, with temperatures only crawling
up to 2C (36F) at kick-off time. It is, at least, expected to be a dry day.
- If you're not heading to the game, make sure you stay up to date on our
digital channels. The whufc.com Match Centre has live audio commentary and
text updates, in-running stats and photos and more, while you can get
involved in the conversation on social using #NEWWHU
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Former Player Blog - Kevin Nolan
WHUFc.com
Former midfielder and captain Kevin Nolan made 157 appearances for West Ham
United between 2011 and 2015, scoring 31 goals and leading the Hammers to
promotion in May 2012...
Hello again!
It's been a few months since I left the Club, but you can be sure I've been
keeping a close eye on how the boys have been getting on – and I've been
really impressed. The lads have done absolutely fantastic. It was always a
risk to change over so many players in the summer, but Slaven has come in
and knew exactly how he wanted to go about things, and the lads have really
bought into it.
He had a great core of lads already at the Club when he arrived, which has
obviously helped, but you can see that the new and old players have a great
camaraderie. You can see how well they are playing and how hard they are
working for each other. It is great to see the Club striving forward. When
you look at where we were five years ago when I arrived, the Club was in a
bit of a sorry state and everyone was feeling sorry for themselves.
Since then, everyone has really executed well and we are now in a really
exciting year for everyone associated with the Club – West Ham are playing
great stuff, are fifth in the table and looking comfortable against every
team they face. I'll be watching the game at one of my other former clubs,
Newcastle United, on Saturday, and I am anticipating an exciting 90 minutes.
Newcastle came back well against Manchester United on Tuesday, but I think
they play open and West Ham can exploit them with their counter-attacking
style. As my last club, I want West Ham to do well this year, but I also
want Newcastle to stay up, which I am sure they will do with the quality
they have up there.
Off the pitch, everyone I speak to is really excited about the Stadium move
and where it could take the Club in the future. I still live in Essex and
when I'm out and about it is great to meet fans, shake hands and be thanked
and recognised for the role I have played in recent seasons, scoring my
share of goals and as captain. I've always said how much I enjoyed being
part of such a big Club and that will never change.
Nobes has done a great job as captain this season and I'm delighted that he
has asked me to play in his Testimonial match in March.
I'm really looking forward to it, because when you leave a Club you don't
get the chance to say goodbye and show your appreciation to the fans, your
teammates and the staff for the support you have received. I spent four
really good seasons with West Ham and I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the
Club, so it will be a nice touch to be out there with all the lads again –
the current squad, the boys I played alongside during my four years at the
Club, and loads of other Hammers legends. Although I am not training with a
Club now, I have been keeping myself fit and ticking over. I am doing
regular gym sessions with a lad called Jamie Goldsmith, who was part of the
backroom staff for a couple of seasons at West Ham. I am ready to go, when
the chance comes around to play again.
I am looking forward to seeing you all again for Nobes' Testimonial on 28
March.
Come on you Irons!
Nobby
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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
Daily Mirror Football Writer Darren Lewis believes West Ham United have
secured one of the bargain buys of the season in Dimitri Payet and feels the
French star can help the Hammers secure a Champions League place.
Dimitri Payet just continues to show what a quality player he is. As far as
West Ham are concerned he is the best player they have signed for a number
of years . He has got to be a bargain and will only get better.
I know he has only been at the club a short time but he has got the
potential to be better than Paolo Di Canio.
He can obviously score goals but he does more than that. He lifts the
players around him and changes games. He has still got several good years
ahead of him and is at the peak of his powers.
He is the kind of game changer that a team competing for a place in the top
four needs. He is a player when a game is going no-where, he can change it.
His level of consistency is outstanding.
A lot of other Premier League clubs will be wishing they had a had player
like Payet. Arsenal have Ozil, but when you consider United paid £25m for
Depay and Liverpool paid £30m for Firmino, you look back at Payet and
realise he is an outstanding footballer.
I would say he is not as good as Tevez because he has played for some big
teams and is world class, but Payet is a very special footballer.
Di Canio was over 30 when he joined the club, Payet is 28 and at the peak of
his powers.
I think he is a contender for Player of the Year. But Jamie Vardy is right
up there and so is Mahrez and Ozil.
But when you consider Payet has been out for two months and has come back
where he left off, why not.
If Payet stays fit I can see West Ham getting into the Champions League. He
reminds me of Suarez and Aguero at Man City. What those players have in
common is that they can galvanise the team with their performances.
When the game is going no-where they can take it by the scruff of the neck
and change it.
The facts speak for themselves. You look at West Ham's position and they are
just one point off the top four.
You look at West Ham's results and the big teams they have beaten and you
realise what his contribution has been.
If you look at the West Ham defence, you realise there is a big difference
to last year. They are much more solid this time around and when they are
not playing part well they are not losing games.
They have conceded three goals in their last eight games and even when they
go behind, they have got the character to come back.
You also look at the strength in depth and even the most die-hard fan would
say the club was very reliant on Andy Carroll. But they can now cope without
him.
Slaven Bilic gets the club and understands them having played for them
before. He understands the fans mentality and when you look at the country
he has managed before, he can cope with pressure.
He is also very good at managing expectations so while it is a fact that the
club are in Champions League contention and nobody can doubt that, he is the
right man to make sure that nobody goes overboard.
He was asked about winning the FA Cup over finishing in the top four last
week, but if the draw is kind then why not. They have obviously got a tough
game up at Liverpool, but if they can get through that they have got every
chance.
It will be a tough game up at Newcastle this weekend. Even though the north
east club have only won one of their last seven games conceding nine goals,
they showed with their performance against Manchester United during the week
that they are not going down without a fight.
What helps West Ham is that most of their best results this season have come
on the road and obviously inspired by Payet, they have got another chance of
getting a result at St James Park.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those
of West Ham United.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s ready to bounce back against Villa
WHUFC.com
Having lost their opening game of 2016, a tough away game at title
challengers Reading, the U18s are looking to bounce back when they host
Aston Villa on Saturday 16 January at Little Heath.
Last time out, a young Claret and Blue side were ousted by an in-form Royals
who secured a 3-0 win to strengthen their title push. Reflecting on the
defeat, the U18's assistant manager Mark Philips said: "I was very
disappointed with the first half. We just didn't seem to come out of the
traps in the first half and it was a strange performance. "In the second
half, we came out fighting and I feel like we were on top for the first 10
to 15 minutes so it was nice to see us have a go."
Despite the disappointing result, Philips is confident his charges will have
learnt their lessons when they meet high-flying Villa on Saturday afternoon.
Philips continued: "Looking at the performance, Saturday was not the
standard that we expect here at West Ham. "We seemed to learn some lessons
in the second half which is important. "Villa away was one of our best
performances of the season. You know that you're always going to get a good,
physical game from Villa."
With the young Hammers currently seventh, five points away from the Elite
Play Off spots, Philips knows it'll be tough to close the gap with just four
games remaining. However he remains confident about his side's chances: "We
haven't lost hope of getting into the top four playoff group. If we can put
a run together in our final fixtures against Villa, Southampton, Swansea and
Brighton then we can still get in there. "It's all well and good saying
that, but we actually need to get out on that pitch and get the points on
the board." The U18s play Aston Villa on Satursday 16 January at Little
Heath, kick off is 12.30pm. Make sure you follow @whufc_official and
whufc.com for updates and reaction.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Terraces - David Croft
WHUFC.com
Sky Sports F1 commentator and Hammers fan David Croft offers his take on
Dimitri Payet and our recent form...
I must confess that I didn't write a letter to Santa this year, just didn't
get the time. But it has to be said that the big man came up trumps over the
Christmas period with tickets to Villa away, Southampton and Liverpool at
home and then Wolves in the cup as well. Four games on the trot, something
of a rarity for me these days and impossible once the F1 season gets
underway on 20 March.
So thank you Santa, what a pressie and a proper away day trip in the mix as
well, although for long periods at Villa and the first half against
Southampton it didn't seem like much of a present. But then Slav made the
changes and brought on Lanzini and Carroll, and the rest as they say, is
history.
On that point, kudos to Slav for making the changes straight away rather
than wasting ten minutes or so just to see if things could work out. Nice to
have a manager that is proactive in that regard. It was the same at
Bournemouth. Dimitri Payet wasn't really influencing the game, until the
Gaffer made a positional change that suddenly gave the midfielder some
freedom to influence the game. And man can that guy influence the game.
There's a lot of talk about Dimitri at the moment, and quite frankly there
should be. Was it just me or was the sight of him pointing to the badge and
celebrating with the fans at Bournemouth just as delightful as the free kick
itself? As a fan, I want to see that as much as I want his match winning
performances to continue. I don't want to be negative, but the temptation
will come. Offers from other clubs, big transfers and bigger wage packets to
go with it. And I'm really sorry, but let's all be a bit selfish here, I
want this guy to stay, and stay at my club for a long, long time.
Interestingly I noticed a thread on Knees Up Mother Brown asking 'Di Canio
or Payet, who's the better player?' It's a great debate and one that I've
been pondering myself for a while.
For me, when Dimitri gets the ball, you can expect that at the moment he's
going to produce something sensible, or from time to time, magical. He does
things that leave defenders flailing and West Ham supporters grinning. But
he pretty much, always does the right thing.
Di Canio meanwhile, was the maverick. Capable of moments of utter genius,
along with some moments of utter madness. From my point of view he could
leave me scratching my head every time he played, often at the mesmerising
skills he possessed, wondering just how he did it? But there were times too
that you were left puzzled as to where the real Paulo had gone that
afternoon or why he felt the need to catch the ball in the Everton box, yeah
I still can't work that one out.
Di Canio or Payet? It's a great question, and the answer probably can't be
given until Dimitri has played a few years for the team. What I'd say at the
moment is that Dimitri for me is way more of a team player and that's a
great asset to go along with his incredible skill. He fits in to this team
and importantly, this team fits well around him. In the same way that the
Mercedes Formula 1 team is a terrific fit for Lewis Hamilton. He gets the
freedom allowed by the team, and way more freedom than he ever had at
McLaren, and in return Hamilton has delivered two world titles in the last
two years. He couldn't do that without the support of the whole team and F1
is as much of a team sport as football when you break it down. But the team
need his genius as the icing on the cake and that's why they're such a good
fit.
Same with West Ham and Dimitri Payet, a player that every single Premier
League team would want in their side, and I include our next visitors to the
Boleyn Ground Manchester City in that sentence. It's a big claim I know, but
I'm not wrong and it staggers me that nobody else picked up on his talents
before we did. It's not like he didn't perform in France. It staggers me,
but I'm not complaining for a minute, I'm just enjoying the fact that we did
sign him. Loving the moment as my sons and I stand up and sing "We've got
Payet, Dimitri Payet, I just don't think you'd understand" I even caught my
eight-year-old singing it in the house the other day.
Payet or Paulo? I loved Paulo, but I think Dimitri has the potential to be
even better although maybe the true test of his potential legendary status
at West Ham is the day we ask 'Who's better? Dimitri Payet or Trevor
Brooking?' Now there's a discussion………
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those
of West Ham United
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle v West Ham
KO 15:00
15 January 2016
Last updated at 11:39
BBC.co.uk
Barclays Premier League
Venue: St James' Park Date: Saturday, 16 January
TEAM NEWS
New signings Jonjo Shelvey and Henri Saivet could both make their Newcastle
debuts against West Ham. Papiss Cisse has had surgery on a groin injury and
is facing a further month on the sidelines, having missed the last five
matches. West Ham are without Manuel Lanzini, Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll,
who suffered a hamstring injury in midweek and will be out for four to six
weeks. However, Victor Moses, Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate are all fit
to return.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Conor McNamara: "'They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger - and it
did nearly kill me.' That's how Steve McClaren recounts his duel with Slaven
Bilic at Wembley in 2007.
"Croatia denied England a place at Euro 2008 and covered themselves in
glory. McClaren, infamously, covered himself with a brolly.
"Newcastle secured their survival in May by beating West Ham. Now, after
five games without a win, they are once again in danger of being washed away
by the relegation tide.
"Regardless of the strength of downpour - whether it rains or floods - you
certainly won't see McClaren reach for an umbrella during this game."
Twitter: @ConorMcNamaraIE
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "Are we favourites now to finish in the top
four? We are not. But nobody can take the hope and the belief out of you.
"My philosophy in life is that there is nothing wrong with being confident,
optimistic or positive. For me, on the contrary, you have to be like that if
you want to get any chance to make it, whatever you do in your life. "If you
go to take a driving test and you say 'I can't do it', of course you're
going to fail. If you're approaching a girl in a nightclub and you think
she's going to tell you off and all that, no chance."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
After the stick I've been getting from West Ham fans over my predictions, I
should probably go for them to win 8-0. In the past few seasons I have
annoyed Southampton and Swansea fans by tipping them to lose, but I have
never had supporters chanting my name over a prediction before, like the
Hammers fans were doing at the end of their win at Bournemouth on Tuesday.
Probably the only way I can upset anybody this time is by saying it is going
to be a draw, so that is what I'm going for. Prediction: 1-1
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Newcastle have only lost one of the last 12 home league meetings (W6, D5).
West Ham have won two of the last three encounters, including a 2-0 triumph
at Upton Park in September.
Newcastle United
Newcastle have drawn a league-high five matches at home this season.
The Magpies scored more than twice in a Premier League game this season for
only the second time against Manchester United on Tuesday night.
Georginio Wijnaldum's eight Newcastle goals have all been scored at home.
West Ham United
West Ham have won their last three league matches and are unbeaten in their
last eight (D5).
Their win at Bournemouth on Tuesday was their first in six away games (D3,
L2).
Only Leicester and Arsenal have won more away league games than West Ham's
five this season.
Dimitri Payet has scored or set up more goals for West Ham in all
competitions this season than any other player (six goals, five assists).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hendrie joins Southend on temporary deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 15th January 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's reserve defender Stephen Hendrie has joined League One
Southend United on a month's loan. The former Hamilton full back cost West
Ham £1million when moving south at the end of last season but has failed to
break into Slaven Bilic's first team set-up. And it was confirmed this
afternoon that Hendrie has become the latest Hammer to make the short
journey down the A13 in order to join the Shrimpers. "I'm absolutely
delighted," said Southend boss Phil Brown. "He comes here making his English
debut, having not played first team football since he left Hamilton
Academical. "I spoke to his former manager, Alex Neil, last night about
him, to ask about the type character we're bringing in. He says he's a solid
character, reliable, got bags of energy and probably his biggest asset will
be his legs, as he can run all day. "He brings a lovely left foot to the
party, as Ben Coker does, so he's got a great opportunity to get his career
going in England at Southend United."
Speaking about his temporary switch, Hendrie - who featured for West Ham in
their pre-season friendly win at Southend last July - added: "I'm just happy
to be here, get some games under my belt and fire us up the league."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic: One look at Dimitri Payet and I wanted to sign him - and now
the West Ham fans love him too
SLAVEN BILIC 34 minutes ago0 comments
Evening Standard
Anyone who watched the TV highlights of our 3-1 win at Bournemouth on
Tuesday night, whether they are West Ham fans or not, will surely have
appreciated the special talent of Dimitri Payet.
When I came to West Ham it was my number one priority for the club to sign
him from Marseille – but my knowledge of him goes back a few more years.
First and foremost, my staff and I are football fans. We watch matches on TV
from all over the world because we love the game. Marseille are one of the
biggest clubs in Europe and as a manager I wanted to see how they played.
Even before that, when he was at Lille, I watched them in the French league
and I noticed this player who was swaying, dancing around the ball, taking
responsibility, making a difference.
I also took note that, although he was an individual talent, he was also
looking for a pass. When I was at Besiktas I wanted to sign him but it was
impossible. When I came here though it happened – and it happened quickly. I
had no doubt he would be able to play in the Premier League. The French
League is as physical as the football here. Of course you are never one
hundred per cent sure how they will adapt to a new culture, different
environment but as far as the football went, I knew he would be OK. When he
is in our team, his team-mates are better. You have some players who, no
matter how good they are, depend on the team to create something, then
demand the ball and try to do the job. Dimitri is different. You just have
to give him the ball – and move. Then he will make all of you better. Can
you imagine how important Dimitri is for a player like Aaron Cresswell for
example? Aaron is an offensive full-back but he needs someone further
forward to keep the ball for a few seconds so he can go on an overlap. If he
has confidence that his team-mate will hold onto the ball, then he can go.
If he is not sure, he may not risk it. It's not just about the free-kicks or
goals people will watch on TV. It's more about the bread and butter things
Dimitri does which are so important for a team.
Dimitri was doing similar things at Marseille but here he feels he has more
responsibility, he's the one. I think he likes it, he enjoys it — and we
enjoy him. In the dressing-room he is good, he doesn't talk a lot but it is
special when your team recognises you as a special player. The West Ham fans
love him also. He says he has never had a song about him before and the
reception he had when he came back from injury meant a lot to him.
Sometimes, when one player is given all the credit, it can create problems
with others but he is not looking for that – he's good with everyone. In
training also, he's not one of those who thinks 'I am the star, I'm not
going to run.' No, when we play five-a-side, he wants to win. When he makes
a mistake in training, something which doesn't match his high standards, he
goes crazy, he is angry with himself. Luka Modric is also like this. At
Bournemouth at half-time, you could see he wasn't happy with himself. He
wanted to do more – and he did. We are all glad he is back fit and in the
team.
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Our best ever January signings?
KUMB.com
Postby Up the Junction on Thu Jan 14, 2016 8:16 pm
The current January transfer window was introduced in 2002/03. Being a
little more constructive, here's your full list of January signings since
the new system was adopted; I suggest we start at the penultimate name from
2006's list and work out who comes second...
2015
Doneil Henry
(Nene followed mid-February)
2014
Antonio Nocerino (loan)
Marco Borriello (loan)
Roger Johnson (loan)
2013
Wellington Paulista (loan)
Joe Cole
Marouane Chamakh (loan)
2012
Ravel Morrison
Ricardo Vaz Te
Nicky Maynard
George John (loan)
2011
Robbie Keane (loan)
Demba Ba
Gary O'Neil
Wayne Bridge (loan)
2010
Benni McCarthy
Mido (loan)
Ilan (loan)
2009
Savio Nsereko
2007
Matthew Upson
Kepa Blanco
Lucas Neill
Nigel Quashie
Calum Davenport
Luis Boa Morte
2006
Lionel Scaloni (loan)
Dean Ashton
Yaniv Katan
2004
Seb Carole
Adam Nowland
Nigel Reo-Coker
John Harley
Andy Melville
Rami Shabaan
2003
David Noble
Rufus Brevett
Les Ferdinand
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle v West Ham preview: Jonjo Shelvey set for debut
By Simeon Gholam
Last Updated: 15/01/16 4:13pm
SSN
Jonjo Shelvey and Henri Saivet could make their debuts for Newcastle when
West Ham visit St James' Park on Saturday. The two sides will head into the
clash with very different ambitions, as West Ham attempt to force their way
into the top four and Newcastle try and climb out of the relegation zone.
Slaven Bilic will be hoping that Dimitri Payet, who scored both goals as
they beat Newcastle 2-0 in September, will continue the fine form he showed
in their win at Bournemouth in midweek following his return from injury.
Team news
Shelvey and Saivet are in the Newcastle squad, and they could be joined by
Rolando Aarons (foot) and striker Emmanuel Riviere (knee) after both played
for the club's U21s on Thursday evening. Steven Taylor (hamstring) is back
in training, but Siem de Jong will be sidelined for up to two weeks after
being rushed to hospital with an eye injury suffered in training. Papiss
Cisse could miss eight weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a groin
injury.
Andy Carroll will miss West Ham's trip to his former club. The striker
suffered a hamstring injury at Bournemouth on Tuesday night and will be out
for four to six weeks, joining Manuel Lanzini and Diafra Sakho (both thigh)
on the sidelines. But Victor Moses is fit after six weeks out with a
hamstring problem while Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate have shaken off
the knocks which kept them out in midweek.
Opta stats
West Ham have won just one of their last 12 Premier League trips to St
James' Park (W1 D5 L6).
The Hammers have failed to score in three of their last four trips to play
Newcastle in the top flight, but the Mapgies have failed to score in five of
their last seven league games against West Ham.
Newcastle are winless in five league fixtures (D2 L3), their longest run
since failing to win any of their opening eight fixtures this season.
West Ham are the only Premier League side yet to concede in the final five
minutes of a game this season, while no side have scored more than them in
this period (5 - level with Man City and Crystal Palace).
All eight of Georginio Wijnaldum's goals for Newcastle have been scored at
St James' Park.
Merson's prediction
At the moment Newcastle are just not getting the rub of the green. To score
three goals and not win at home is disappointing but they are still right in
the fight to stay up. I know Sunderland have gone above them but with
Swansea getting beat, Newcastle have an excellent chance of staying up.
However, I really like what Bilic is doing at West Ham. Newcastle have to
stop Payet. If they can find a way to stop him then they will get a result,
but if they don't then he will rip them to absolute shreds.
Newcastle are playing well but the problem for them is that I can't see them
stopping Payet. He's up there with Mesut Ozil in my opinion and he's 100 per
cent the signing of the summer. For West Ham to get him was brilliant. There
has got to be a lot of big clubs turning around to their scouting system and
asking 'how's he not playing for us'. I'm going for West Ham to keep their
run going with a 2-1 away win and Enner Valencia scoring the first goal.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2
Betting
Newcastle are 11/8 with Sky Bet with West Ham 19/10 and the draw trading at
12/5. There have been three goals or more in one of the teams' last seven
meetings so under 2.5 goals should appeal at 8/11. Wijnaldum to open the
scoring for the Toon is 15/2, while Payet, who netted in the midweek win at
Bournemouth, to score anytime for the visitors is 5/2.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic optimistic on West Ham's Champions League chances
By Michael Kelleher
Last Updated: 15/01/16 10:37am
SSN
Slaven Bilic believes positive thinking holds the key to West Ham qualifying
for the Champions League for the first time. The Hammers are one point
behind fourth-placed Tottenham after defeating Bournemouth 3-1 on Tuesday,
to secure their third consecutive league win. Bilic has been keen to play
down talk of a top-four finish this season but admits, with the right
attitude, anything is possible for a team who could set a club record of
nine Premier League games unbeaten at Newcastle on Saturday. "If you ask me
if we are thinking about it realistically and starting to be a little bit
big-headed about the Champions League, no, we are not," he said. "We know
that we are West Ham and we are enjoying the season and we are respecting
every opponent without being afraid of them, and that's it. "Are we
favourites now to finish in the top four? We are not. But nobody can take
the hope and the belief out of you.
"My philosophy in life is that there is nothing wrong with being confident,
optimistic or positive. For me, on the contrary, you have to be like that if
you want to get any chance to make it, whatever you do in your life. "If you
go to take a driving test and you say 'I can't do it', of course you're
going to fail. If you got on a date and you're approaching a girl in a
nightclub and you think she's going to tell you off and all that, no chance.
"But if you are positive, you have a chance. For the Champions League, or
whatever - top 10, or staying up. Sunderland believe they can stay up. You
have to do it, without that there is no chance."
The game against Newcastle comes after the Magpies showed impressive spirit
to twice come from behind to draw 3-3 with Manchester United on Tuesday.
That performance has not gone unnoticed by Bilic and he believes they will
provide a stern test this weekend. "They are definitely improving," added
Bilic. "They had a slow start; a new team, a new manager, new everything.
"They are a massive club which in recent seasons had slow starts or
difficult seasons. But they have improved; they have a good squad, great
individuals, and great strikers. "They made a good comeback against
Manchester United and they are on a high, so I expect a difficult game at a
great stadium."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lawro: 'I have to take off my hat to West Ham'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 15, 2016 in News
C and H
The BBC's Mark Lawrenson has been getting plenty of stick from the club, the
chairman and West Ham fans but he says it is all good fun and he is pleased
they continue to prove him wrong. That said the stubborn fool refuses to
predict a win this weekend so goes for a draw instead! "After the stick I've
been getting from West Ham fans over my predictions, I should probably go
for them to win 8-0." "In the past few seasons I have annoyed Southampton
and Swansea fans by tipping them to lose, but I have never had supporters
chanting my name over a prediction before, like the Hammers fans were doing
at the end of their win at Bournemouth on Tuesday." "It is all good fun, and
I am really pleased they have continued to prove me wrong." "I thought their
results would fall away after their good start, much like they did under Sam
Allardyce last season, but they have picked up after a wobble where they did
not win for eight games from the end of October." "I thought they would slip
down the table but instead they have won their past four games in the league
and FA Cup, and I have to take my hat off to them."
"Newcastle were a bit unlucky not to get a draw at Watford in the FA Cup and
stuck at it to pick up a point against Manchester United on Tuesday, so it
seems Magpies boss Steve McClaren has found a way to get a response from his
players after their poor form over Christmas." "Taking all of that into
consideration, probably the only way I can upset anybody this time is by
saying it is going to be a draw, so that is what I'm going for."
Lawro's prediction: 1-1
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers linked with Real Madrid starlet
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 15, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
17-year-old Martin Odegaard has been linked with a loan move to West Ham on
social media in recent days. The young Real Madrid starlet has recently been
linked with Liverpool with reports that Real Madrid rejected a permanent
move for the promising attacking midfielder who has been tipped for the top.
Madrid's president Florentino Perez has previously said he is adamant that
the player stays at Madrid until he is ready for first-team football.
Odegaard made his debut for Madrid in last season's 7-3 win at home to
Getafe on the final day of the La Liga campaign, but he has not featured for
the first team this season The Norweigan joined Real Madrid a year ago but
his one run out for the club's first-team involved coming on a substitute
for Ronaldo no less. Real Madrid have been slapped with a two-window
transfer ban this week, similar to the judgement passed down to rivals
Barcelona although they are appealing. Whether the ban could mean that a
loan will be less likely or there is any truth in this internet rumour we
don't know but the kid looks like a future star from the same Norwegian
stable as Martin Samuelson. We can all dream!
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Irons admit late move for defender possible
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 15, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are seriously watching developments between Everton and long term
target Sam Byram who is heading for talks on personal terms with the
Toffees. Reports that the mersey-siders have seen a bid accepted by Leeds
are correct but the deal rests on Byram's advisers getting the best possible
deal for the young right back. And this morning – despite remaining
reluctant to declare their hand – the Irons are clearly seriously
considering a late move for the 22 year old. Everton may be keen to score a
point or two over the Hammers by landing the player after Angelo Ogbonna
snubbed their late move for him before joining us last summer. But the game
is far from up despite the fact the Irons would have preferred to get Byram
on a free in the summer. Our senior source gave a very guarded answer when
we asked whether a late bid was on the cards saying only: "Possibly – can
say no more!" That suggests that moves have either started or afoot.
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Malaga to receive funds for Zarate bid
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 15, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Malaga owner Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani has confirmed that Nordin Amrabat will
leave the club this month, with Watford his likely destination. This would
free up £6.7m in funds to allow a bid for Mauro Zarate. The Watford Observer
claims the Hornets are ready to meet the winger's €8.8m release clause, and
the owner concedes he is powerless to deny the player dream move to the
Premier League. He is quoted as saying: " I want to clarify some things
about Nordin Amrabat, I'm not and [I] will not think of selling the player,
but everyone must understand this."[He] told me 'this is my dream! "I can't
say to him 'you can't go'. We are human beings. I hope everyone knows that
very well." ClaretandHugh have been told whilst there have been no firm bids
for the Argentinian, the club is ready to listen to bids for him. Malaga
have long been linked with Zarate who thus far in his 11 year career has
moved either permanently or on loan eight times. A senior insider told
ClaretandHugh: "There has been no official approach from anywhere" that was
quickly followed by the source adding: "It wouldn't be a great surprise to
be honest were we to get one later on in the window. Should bids come in
then we will certainly be ready to listen."
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Supermac says best years in our history lie ahead
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 15, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
By the great Frankie Mac
I've waited a lot of years to see what we are seeing at West Ham at the
moment…these are the best of times and what's even better is that I
genuinely believe they are here to stay!
I said at the start of the season we can finish in the top four and I
believe that is what's going to happen. It's fantastic to see the football
we are playing. I'm pleased that Sam Allardyce has gone and that an honest
man who understands this club and the fans is at the helm. Like everyone
else I'm loving Slaven Bilic. The excuse-making, respecting the point and
all that rubbish is gone, instead we have players who can play and a real
future around the corner. Nobody can kid a West Ham fan – they are far too
sharp and the vast majority knew what was happening last year was all wrong.
They are now getting what they have waited for and there's no group of fan
in the country ho deserve it more. At their very best the Irons are playing
tremendous stuff and that's down to the boss who has produced such an
incredible turnaround in five months. The best thing he did was to get out
of that European qualifying tournament as quickly as he did. He didn't know
the squad or the players but has shown all his quality in bringing them to
this point. Now here we are having sold nearly 40,000 season tickets for
next season – I'll tell you now: We are gonna be bigger than Spurs …..f..k
em! Dimi Payet of course has been utterly extraordinary – what a player but
there's quality right through the squad and I really believe we are looking
forward to the best years in our history. Like I say there's no fans in the
country ho deserve it more or who have waited as long! I have one lingering
worry but I'll be covering that in a separate piece later in the day
although it certainly doesn't take the shine off what I believe will be a
fantastic season.
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Leroy admits his Payet fear
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 15, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Exclusive
ClaretandHugh's top analyst Leroy Rosenior has admitted he feared Dimtri
Payet may not be the same player again after the shocking 'tackle' by
Everton's James McCarthy. He said: "It was a shocker but his performance
against Bournemouth was incredible and I am incredibly relieved that he has
come back better than ever – it's not always the case after an injury like
that. "He showed such confidence and despite that awful challenge remains
happy to dance around players – it's magnificent to watch. He looks even
better than before the Everton match. "Slaven Bilic said that he makes every
other player play better and that is totally spot on. Enner Valencia showed
a an atttitude we haven't seen before and I think that was down to Dimi.
"Valencia wanted to show what he could do …and how! His goals were superb
and it won't be long before Sakho is back which will make another enormous
difference. Payet is the first name on the team sheet of course – an
extraordinary player – but the competition for places elsewhere is brilliant
and the sky is the limit for this club."
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Jack Sullivan's column: We may get a loan in!
January 14, 2016
WestHamWay.co.uk
Jack Sullivan
Wolves was a game that I'm sure most people will forget, as the 1-0 shows.
We played averagely and struggled to breakdown a very defensive Wolves team.
The goal from Jelavic was fantastic and I was pleased to see him score.
Even with my high hopes, the Bournemouth game didn't start great for us,
with AC going off and also going 1-0 down within the first 20 minutes.
Personally I thought we really started to play some good football for the
last 15 minutes of the first half, putting Bournemouth under some sort of
pressure! The second half was completely different, we really started to
take the game to the Cherries. I felt the game started to turn in our
favour as we started to run at their defence. The free kick that got us the
goal was an example of this, as Antonio ran very directly towards goal;
which is something I love about his game. Of course you need real quality
to finish from a free kick and we know Payet has got bags of it. He drew us
level and during the game I think you could see how much we had missed the
man. I believe the stat is we score 1.3 more goals with him in the side. I
was also over the moon for Enner when he scored from Payet's assist and
again scoring one of the most unbelievable free kicks. I'm hoping this is
just the start for Enner and that he has finally adapted to the Prem. I
hope he can get a few more for us on Saturday!!
As I've said before this window will be a slow one. I think this shows how
much the club has come on, as there is no need for panic buys with such
great depth in the squad! We may just loan in, but as I've said we are
looking towards the future and working towards some deals in the summer with
our move to the OS! Everyone should be feeling like a happy hammer at the
moment, as we are 1 point off 4th and getting more and more injuries back
each day, with Reid and Moses almost ready to play! I'm hoping we can carry
on, so it is a real fitting farewell the the Bolyen.
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Everton and West Ham are battling for his signature, so is Leeds United
full-back Sam Byram ready to make the step up to the Premier League?
By AMITAI WINEHOUSE FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 14:21, 15 January 2016 | UPDATED: 14:21, 15 January 2016
Daily Mail
There was a sense that Sam Byram would be leaving Leeds United from the
minute talks over a new contract broke down in 2015. At that point, Italian
owner Massimo Cellino offered Byram a reduced wage over a longer period of
time, a deal the player was never likely to accept. His rapidly expiring
contract has become an ongoing issue for Leeds to deal with. Everton have
now had a reported £3.7 million bid accepted for the 22-year-old. West Ham
are aiming to scupper that move and capture Byram themselves. With no
Premier League experience to his name, will the attacking full-back cut it
in the top flight?
Byram's style has always been defined by his willingness to get forward and
affect the game in the attacking third. For example, Byram has contributed
the second highest number of key passes - 23 to Northern Ireland
international Stuart Dallas's 26 - in Leeds' squad. This is despite spending
a significant chunk of the season on the sidelines or being used as a
substitute due to his contractual situation. Dallas has eked 2,072 minutes
out of 26 appearances, while Byram has only played for 1,467 minutes in his
22 games, which makes his chance creation even more impressive. He is quick
without being rapid, good at dribbling and able to pick out a pass. There
are under-appreciated parts of Byram's game, too - he is better in the air
than most players who end up playing out wide. One issue with his game is
that he has been shuffled around far too much positionally over the last few
seasons. He broke through as a right-back but spent the majority of 2015
playing on the right wing. On the few occasions he has been moved back to
full-back, he has looked slightly less assured in reading the play than he
did when he debuted. However, there are doubts over how much quality
coaching Byram has received in the midst of Leeds' continual managerial
churn, an issue he is unlikely to face at a stable club such as Everton or
West Ham. He scored his first professional goal on 28 August in the 3–0
League Cup second-round victory over Oxford United.
It is an easy and lazy comparison to make, but it would not be beyond the
realms of possibility to suggest Byram will follow a similar positional path
to Gareth Bale. It is increasingly clear that Byram can be a huge influence
in front of goal. He has scored three goals in Leeds' last six games - one
was an instinctive poacher's effort, another was with his head and the last
was perfectly placed in the corner from the edge of the area. One major
issue for Everton this season has been defensive consistency, and the recent
news that Seamus Coleman is likely to be out until February means there
would be an opportunity for Byram to make the right-back berth his own. West
Ham are also lacking quality in that position. James Tomkins has filled in
well on the right side of defence, but there is little doubt that the
26-year-old is naturally a central defender. He is less inclined to push
forward than expected from a modern full-back.
Further forward, Everton seem slightly better staffed and it is questionable
that he would overhaul the likes of Gerard Deulofeu. Roberto Martinez has,
however, previously shown a commitment to longer term projects, and there is
no reason why a six-month adaptation period would not be afforded to Byram.
In my opinion, Byram clearly has the talent to step up to the Premier
League. That opinion is shared by Leeds head coach Steve Evans, who said on
Friday: 'He's a gifted young man, and in the event that he goes and plays in
the Premier League then he will become a regular in the Premier League.'
Whether a manager would trust a 22-year-old ahead of a player with
top-flight experience is another question entirely. Martinez even hinted at
that on Friday: 'He is a young man with a lot of experience of the
Championship but his next step needs to be a good step for Sam and his
family.' He is, however, Leeds' highest appearance maker in the current
squad. Byram has played 130 times in the league for the club between the
ages of 18 and 22. It is hard to imagine a Premier League side being able to
acquire another player at such a young age and for such a low price, who has
such a vast amount of league experience.
What is Byram's personality like?
Ask anyone at Leeds United and they will tell you that Byram is a delight to
work with, from academy staff to managers and head coaches. Evans's reign
has essentially been defined by Byram's contract dispute, but he revealed:
'I'll give Sam a big hug and a big kiss. He's been fantastic for me.' Byram
is a personal favourite of club legend Eddie Gray, one of the most talented
wingers to play in the British game who remains closely tied to Leeds. Stood
on the touchline at Queens Park Rangers in November, with Byram having not
appeared due to his contractual situation, Gray put it simply: 'Why is the
kid not playing?'
How do the fans view Byram?
Like most players who come through a club's youth development system, Byram
is fondly regarded by the fans. There have been hints of ill feeling the
longer his contract dispute has rolled on, especially on social media after
the news broke that a deal had been agreed with Everton. However, it has
never been from more than a few fans. It was symbolic that at the game
against Wolves, when Byram returned to score two, the fans never stopped
singing the player's name. As he was interviewed on television after the
game, the chorus of 'One Sam Byram' was deafening, and he ran over to the
fans to hand over his shirt afterwards. There has mainly been anger that
Byram is being allowed to leave for a reported fee of £3.7m and that the
club got itself into this position in the first place. While stories like
this are always difficult to unpick, there has always been an insistence
that the player's agent sat down with Cellino with a real interest in
staying at Leeds. The two fell out terribly over the initial contract offer
and the situation has never recovered, hence the cut-price move. Former
manager Brian McDermott summed it up in 2013 when asked about a potential £3
million bid: 'For which boot?'
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Two players plus cash for West Ham target? Former star returning?
Date: 15th January 2016 at 2:48 pm
Written by: James Pearson | Comments (0)
foreverwestham.com
Slaven Bilic has spoken a few times about the transfer window and how his
West Ham side won't be seeing many players coming in, even suggesting there
is a 99% chance that we won't be seeing any new signings. However, we have
been reportedly interested in one young player throughout this window and it
seems we may be forced into making a move now.
Leeds United full back Sam Byram has been linked to a few clubs this window.
But last night it was reported that Everton have a had a bid accepted by
Leeds. This may force Bilic's hand into dipping into the market to secure
the services of a promising talent.
The Guardian this morning wrote that Newcastle and West Ham are interested,
and we are prepared to offer two young players and cash in exchange for
Byram, who is supposedly a West Ham, hoping that the players will be more
enticing than Everton's £3.7 million that has been agreed.
Who these players are is yet to be revealed, but judging by the fact that
Leeds have accepted £3.7m million, its likely they won't be first team
players. Byram is a player that could be extremely useful for West Ham, with
Carl Jenkinson signing a new Arsenal deal last summer. Jenkinson has been in
and out of Bilic's first team plans, suggesting that the manager may be
looking at alternatives for the long term. Tomkins is doing a solid job in
that position at the moment, but Byram is a player that we won't want to
miss out on in the long run.
Ravel Morrison
Could Ravel Morrison be returning to The Boleyn? There are reports in the
last few days that we may be interested in bring Ravel Morrison back on a
short term loan deal. Morrison has undeniable talent, but is hit and miss. I
would be shocked if Bilic did decide to bring him back because of the
trouble that surrounds him, especially with the amount of attacking talent
that are playing well this season.
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West Ham paying £10.7m for Dimitri Payet is the signing of the season... the
Frenchman has inspired a remarkable transformation
West Ham may boast the signing of Dimitri Payet is this season's best
The Frenchman joined the club from Marseille in a £10.7million deal
Payet has helped transform the Hammers into European chasers
By ADAM SHERGOLD FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 01:47, 15 January 2016 | UPDATED: 03:07, 15 January 2016
The Olympic Stadium in Stratford looks pretty desolate against the backdrop
of slate grey skies and intermittent sleet when you pass it on a winter's
morning. But come August it will once again be a vibrant place, bedecked in
West Ham's colours of claret and blue, that glorious spirit of 2012 revived.
Supporters will flock from miles around to watch Slaven Bilic's equally
vibrant team, challenging in the upper reaches of the Barclays Premier
League table and - who knows - even in the Champions League. And as they
clack through the turnstiles they should look up and see - 30ft tall, gazing
out proudly over the east London skyline - their club's new poster boy
Dimitri Payet. For seldom has a signing caused such a dramatic uplift in a
team's fortunes. Seldom has any player become so integral so quickly. And
seldom has a £10.7million investment looked like such a bargain. There can
be no doubt that Payet, brought in by Bilic from Marseille at the end of
June, is the Premier League's signing of the season. You might make a case
for Petr Cech at Arsenal, but the true dynamos of their title challenge lie
further forward on the field. Dele Alli at Tottenham? Well, the deal was
actually secured back in the January so that doesn't really count. It's
Payet that has inspired the remarkable transformation in West Ham's
fortunes. A transformation that sees them, against all expectations, just a
point off the Champions League places ahead of their Saturday visit to
Newcastle United. Let's consider the stats. With Payet in the team, the
Hammers have won eight of 14 matches, scoring a total of 28 goals. Their win
percentage stands at a muscular 57.1 per cent.
Now compare that to the seven matches when Payet wasn't in the side when he
suffered ankle ligament damage against Everton in early November. Just one
win from those seven, a mere five goals scored. A paltry win percentage of
14.3. There is nothing coincidental about West Ham recording three wins on
the bounce - against Liverpool, Wolves in the FA Cup and Bournemouth - since
Payet returned to full fitness. The 28-year-old France international brings
so much more than the six goals and five assists contributed in claret and
blue so far. He supplies that spark, a certain galvanising effect that
produced another 10 per cent from his team-mates. Bilic summarised it nicely
after Payet curled home a lovely free-kick on his return to the starting
line-up in the 3-1 win at Bournemouth on Tuesday night. 'It was a team win
but Payet made the difference,' Bilic said. 'West Ham fans love that kind of
player with a bit of magic and he has got more than a bit. 'But it is not
only about his quality. He is deciding games, he is keeping the ball and he
is doing the things which are very hard in football. 'He is taking the whole
team 20 yards up the pitch without kicking the ball and that is important.
He is also making all the players around him better.' Bilic has taken Payet
under his wing like a son. The Croat was absolutely despondent when he
suffered his injury - describing it as a 'massive blow' - and West Ham
crashed 4-1 at Tottenham in their next game. Five successive draws followed
as they struggled to replace that missing impetus delivered by Payet. There
has inevitably been an upturn in mood and form since their talisman returned
to fitness. The Upton Park faithful adore him too, as witnessed by the
wonderful ovation he received on his return against Liverpool a fortnight
ago. He's almost ranked in their affections as highly as Paolo di Canio and
Carlos Tevez. And that's just off the back of seven months. Continue this
trajectory in the coming years and he'll go down in legend. These are
historic times for West Ham. Their move to the Olympic Stadium is imminent,
representing a move to the next level. And with their inspired signing of
Payet, they have a team ready to meet that challenge.
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West Ham NOT getting big-headed about being in the Champions League frame
insists Slaven Bilic
22:57, 14 JAN 2016 UPDATED 23:30, 14 JAN 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The Hammers are a point behind fourth-placed Spurs and could make it nine
games unbeaten this weekend — but the boss is refusing to get carried away
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic insists West Ham are not becoming big-headed about moving into
Champions League contention. The Irons are a point behind fourth-placed
Tottenham and could set a club record of nine Premier League games unbeaten
at Newcastle on Saturday. However, with last season's collapse after a
similarly impressive start still very much on the minds of those at Upton
Park, Bilic is refusing to get carried away. Asked if qualifying for
Europe's top club competition was a possibility, the Hammers boss replied:
"I've no problem saying that but we're not thinking that way. "The league is
so tight, I would say definitely we have a chance of getting there. "I know
it's very tight but all I can say is we're not afraid of that and we're
going to do everything to win every game until the end of the season. "If
you ask me whether we are thinking about it realistically and starting to be
a little bit big-headed about the Champions League, no, we are not. "We know
that we are West Ham and enjoying the season and we are respecting every
opponent we play without being afraid of them – and that's it."
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West Ham plot late move to gazump Everton in race for Leeds ace Sam Byram
WEST HAM have not given up hope of signing Sam Byram from Leeds despite
Everton already having a bid accepted.
By EXPRESS SPORT
PUBLISHED: 00:03, Fri, Jan 15, 2016
Roberto Martinez is hoping to discuss terms with the talented 22-year-old,
who can operate in any position on the right, and make him his latest young
signing after having a bid accepted this afternoon. The fee would start at
round £3m and rise. But West Ham are also seeking to lure Byram to the
Premier League and will look to offer him a starting role. Leeds have been
offered cash plus two unnamed players for Byram by the Hammers. Byram told
Leeds he would not sign a new deal and, given that he is out of contract
this summer, Leeds chairman Massimo Cellino has chosen to bank the bid
rather than risking a tribunal setting a lower fee. Aston Villa have also
bid, but Martinez's track record of developing young talent could swing it.
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Morrison To Get Another Chance at the Boleyn
verywestham.blogspot.co.uk
No he's not - at least not as a permanent part of the playing staff! Since
his announced inclusion for the Mark Noble testimonial, the rumours have
grown regarding a possible return to West Ham for Ravel Morrison. Currently
stranded at Lazio, where he has once again failed to settle in, Raveldo
needs an out and many observers (e.g. Footballfancast) believe that could be
Slaven Bilic's West Ham!
However, such speculation is silenced by any logical review of the facts.
Slaven Bilic has spoken candidly about the need for "harmony" in his squad
(ask Morgan whazhisname!). Moreover, with the current riches in terms of
attacking midfielders, Bilic simply doesn't need Morrison, who even at his
best wouldn't get within an asses roar of this much improved Hammers side
due to the presence of Payet, Lanzini et al.
Bilic is far more likely to gamble upon more game time for the eager,
focused and disciplined Josh Cullen, who has been skirting the margins of a
first team start for weeks now. It's simply tantalisingly exciting for
Hammers fans to reflect upon the effect training alongside Payet and Lanzini
is having for Cullen and Reece Oxford.
West Ham are unlikely to gamble in this window, unless a decent striker
becomes available (err NOT Chaz Austin, quoted at £12M with only 5 months
left on his contract and only having played once since November). Meanwhile
the Morrison speculation continues to attract the attentions of the poorly
informed. Quite simply, despite multiple opportunities, Ravel blew it!
In an effort to finally communicate the true odds of a Ravel return we
contacted everybody's favourite bookmaker - Paddy Poormaker - to seek odds
on a Morrison return. After a delay caused by much guffawing they offered us
the following odds;
We think legendary Doors frontman Jim Douglas Morrison is a decent bet,
especially given new evidence to support the fact that he faked his own
death to escape the twenty-plus paternity suits he was facing at the time of
his disappearance. He has apparently been spotted playing for a second tier
team in Senegal and if he's one tenth as useful as Cheikidh Kouyate we would
love him!
Much less attractive, is the possibility of Van 'the grumpy man' Morrison
joining the Hammers. However, his recurrent difficulties in getting on with
anybody would make him a poor investment. Meanwhile, the Baggies James
Morrison is a decent Premiership performer but simply to 'average' for the
current West Ham side!
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West Ham offer two players plus cash to trump Everton's Byram bid
HITC
Dan Coombs
West Ham are attempting to sign Leeds United's Sam Byram from under
Everton's noses. West Ham have made a late bid to try and sign Sam Byram
from Leeds United, report The Express.
The report states the Hammers have offered two unnamed players plus cash, in
an attempt to try and trump Everton's £3.7 million bid. Earlier this month
we speculated upon three players Leeds should potentially demand in exchange
for the 22-year-old. Jack Sullivan, son of West Ham co-owner David Sullivan,
posted this cryptic tweet soon after Everton's accepted bid for Byram was
reported. Byram was voted PFA player of the month in the Championship for
December, winning 82 per cent of the vote, after scoring three goals for
Leeds, playing in an advanced role. He has been at the club since turning
professional, but has been unable to agree a new contract. Now it seems he
has a big decision to make between Everton and West Ham, if Leeds accept the
offer from the East London side.
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Dimitri Payet jokes about West Ham fans' song, says it's the next big single
HITC
Tim Poole
The West Ham playmaker is in an understandably good mood. Dimitri Payet's
'love affair' with the West Ham United fans has continued, with the
28-year-old joking that the supporters' song about him is 'the next big
single,' according to the club's official website. The Frenchman says he is
keen to repay the fans' support with hard work, goals and assists. And he
feels the West Ham faithful's Payet song is going to be a hit. He said on
'Chadwell Chatter': "The love affair with the fans continues and all the
better for it! You show me your love and I try to repay it on the pitch,
with hard work, goals and assists, so that it continues. Apparently my
song's going to be the next big single!" Next up for West Ham is a trip to
Newcastle United - and Payet will have good memories of the reverse fixture
earlier this season. Indeed, on that occasion, the Frenchman linked up
effectively with Victor Moses as the east London side won 2-0 and could have
scored even more. On the break, West Ham were quick as lightning and ended
up dominating against a limp Steve McClaren side. This time around,
Newcastle may go into proceedings with more confidence after a 3-3 draw with
Manchester United - as well as the knowledge they'll be at home. But the
Hammers have more to be confident about right now, sitting fifth in the
Premier League and knowing there's no reason they can't hunt a top-four spot
down.
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Captain Mark Noble has his say on lack of recognition for West Ham
HITC
Damien Lucas
All the talk has been about Tottenham Hotspur but Mark Noble has given his
verdict on a lack of recognition for his high-flying West Ham United side.
The Hammers are fifth in the Premier League table and one point off the
Champions League places after winning 3-1 away at Bournemouth in midweek. It
was a fourth win in a row for Slaven Bilic's side in all competitions and
extended the club's unbeaten run to eight games. That is despite a glut of
injuries to seven key first team players and amid a lot of media hype about
the likes of Spurs, Leicester City and Stoke City who are all enjoying
impressive seasons of their own. Spurs have even been talked about as
potential title contenders but West Ham's form has barely registered in some
quarters. While Bilic is probably quite happy for his side to be out of the
limelight as they quietly go about mounting a surprise bid for a Champions
League spot, some supporters - and co-owner David Gold in particular - are
not. Hammers fans have been bemoaning a lack of coverage and recognition for
their high-flying team on the likes of BBC's Match of the Day and from
pundits in general. In fact Gold has been so incensed he has recently taken
to Twitter to lambast the BBC and one of their pundits Mark Lawrenson.
Lawrenson has predicted 15 defeats and just two wins for the Hammers this
season - which would have left them second bottom of the Premier League
rather than fifth.
'Over the moon'
But despite the lack of recognition, Noble has told the club's official
website he is more than happy to go under the radar. "We are going to keep
working hard, keep putting points on the board," the homegrown Hammer told
whufc.com. "We are over the moon that no-one is talking about us and talking
about the other teams. "Hopefully, we are going to keep creeping up table."
If West Ham can produce another away win on the road to Newcastle United on
Saturday it could push them above rivals Tottenham into fourth place. And if
that happens Noble's team will find themselves very much in the spotlight as
we approach the business end of this most open of Premier League seasons.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, January 15
Daily WHUFC News - 15th January 2016
Stat's a Fact - Bournemouth
WHUFC.com
'We've got Payet!' sang the West Ham United fans long into the night at AFC
Bournemouth on Tuesday, and everyone connected with the Hammers will be
delighted that they do after another virtuoso performance from the midfield
schemer. Making his first start since suffering an ankle injury back in
November, Payet reminded the watching world of what they had been missing in
the intervening two months as he dragged the Hammers back from a goal down,
helping them secure a fourth straight win. The No27 curled home a beautiful
free-kick to level the scores after 67 minutes of the Vitality Stadium
clash, before wriggling clear of Charlie Daniels and Juan Iturbe to lay on
Enner Valencia's goal for 2-1. He departed the action after 78 minutes well
satisfied with a good night's work that meant the Hammers moved above
Manchester United and up to fifth in the Barclays Premier League tab le.
Earning a rating of 9.0 on football stats side WhoScored.com, Payet had 69
touches of the ball – more than any other attacking player on the Vitality
Stadium pitch. As his touch map shows, he popped up all over the pitch as
the Hammers pressed for a route back into the game – eventually knocking the
Bournemouth door down. Completing an evening where he made 57 passes, took
two shots on – both on target – and completed two dribbles, Payet's
influence was clear for all to see.
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Westley - It's a happy dressing room
WHUFC.com
Following the Development Squad's progression into the quarter-finals of the
U21 Premier League Cup, Terry Westley highlighted the collective effort from
both the players and the backroom staff. The win, a 3-2 over Fulham after
extra-time, saw the young Hammers extend their unbeaten to an impressive
eight matches. Speaking after the final whistle, Westley said: "I'm
delighted with the player's commitment and desire. "It's all a collective
effort, obviously from the players but also away from the pitch. Liam
Manning has come in and made a huge impact. All the work Steve Potts and
Mark Philips does for the U18s; it's a collective effort from everybody."
In a thrilling match that ebbed and flowed, opponents Fulham took the lead
twice in the first half yet a Djair Parfitt-Williams header and an Elliot
Lee brace including a late penalty, was enough to see off the Cottagers.
Westley continued: "The character of everyone to comeback from behind twice
was really excellent. It's a happy dressing room at the moment. "You can see
the confidence in the way we're playing, and this was against a good team,
they had a lot of senior players with lots of league experience. In the end
I thought we deserved to win on the strength of our second half performance.
"I'd highlight our two centre-halfs Leo Chambers and Reece Oxford, as really
standing out and dealing with the threat their senior striker posed.
"The back four and goalkeeper were very solid. The midfield in the end
dominated, Josh Cullen was everywhere and then we had a threat in behind and
on the wings."
For Westley, the positives continue to mount as the Dev Squad are currently
in the Play Off positions in the Barclays U21 Premier League Division Two
table. Further to that, the likes of Reece Burke, Lewis Page and Martin
Samuelsen are all prospering out on loan in the lower leagues. Now, the
experienced coach is hoping more players make the step up into the Football
League: "The bottom line is, can you bridge that gap and play games in the
Football League? Samuelsen has done that by playing for Peterborough, Burke
is doing the same. That's the challenge these boys face. They've either got
to get into our team or be an asset by playing away somewhere else and
coming back stronger. "You can see when we play like we are at the moment
that all the players are capable of having careers in the game at a good
level, we were excellent collectively and individually."
The Hammers are set to face Fulham for a third time in short succession,
when the two sides face each other again on Friday 22 January at the
Cottager's Motspur Park training ground.
"I think both teams will be fed up of each other! We're playing each other
twice over a quick space of time. "Our players now need a rest. Cullen, Song
and Oxford all got back from Bournemouth after 2am on Wednesday morning so
there commitment is excellent."
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Carroll injury update
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm Andy Carroll underwent a scan on his left leg on
Thursday morning. The results show an injury to his hamstring, which is
expected to keep him out of action for a month. Carroll's absence means
Slaven Bilic is likely to use either Enner Valencia or Nikica Jelavic in the
Hammers attack for Saturday's trip to Newcastle United.
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Chadwell Chatter – Dimitri Payet
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
What a week it's been! Saturday's another big game for us and it's always
difficult to play at St James' Park. Manchester United drew there on Tuesday
night and it's definitely a difficult place to go to and win. But we're
going to rest up, rest the minds, rest the legs and prepare as best we
possibly can to get a result there. We were perhaps a bit below par in the
first half on Tuesday but thankfully we were able to turn it around in the
second half with three goals and we were delighted with that.
We were up against a good side, we saw that in the first half. If you let
them play, they can hurt you. In the second half we were a lot more
aggressive, we played as a team, we played on the floor, which enabled us to
score three goals and to be a lot more dangerous. I think there was a slight
deflection on my free-kick but it didn't change the ball's trajectory and
the goal really brought me into the game. It's great for Enner as well. I'm
really pleased that he's hitting the back of the net again!
We're in a good position in the league now. We're picking up points and when
you win three on the spin you can rise up the table. But we can slide down
just as quickly if we're not careful! We have to continue working hard. The
love affair with the fans continues and all the better for it! You show me
your love and I try to repay it on the pitch, with hard work, goals and
assists, so that it continues. Apparently my song's going to be the next big
single!
Come on you Irons,
Dimi
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Lee delighted to be back among the goals
WHUFc.com
Having scored a match-winning brace against Fulham on Wednesday evening,
Elliot Lee described the football the Development Squad have been playing
recently as "the best we've played in years." The 21-year-old striker scored
twice for the Development Squad, helping his side to come back from behind
twice to beat Fulham 3-2 at Rush Green. The win takes the Hammers into the
quarter-finals of the U21 Premier League Cup as well as extending their
unbeaten to eight games. A delighted Lee said: "It's great to be back here
in with the boys and I think we showed great character tonight. 3-2, in
extra time, it was tough out there so the boys are delighted and obviously
I'm delighted to score twice. "We talked about that strength to come back
from behind afterwards in the changing room, it shows the character we have
in the squad. Everyone knows we started the season badly but we knew we'd
turn that round. "Now, we're playing the best football we've played in
years, credit to the lads for sticking together and carrying on the winning
streak."
In total, Lee, now top goalscorer, has now scored six goals for the Dev
Squad in eight appearances. He continued: "There's a few slumped bodies in
the dressing room now but happy faces. It was a great effort from the lads.
120 minutes against a good side was tough but we fully deserved the win
tonight. "It's brilliant for the development of all the players who are
involved, people weren't really talking about us at the start of the season
but they are now. A lot of people are talking, so credit to the lads because
we deserve that. "Eight games unbeaten, most of them wins, is brilliant. It
can only bode well for all of us."
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Slaven Speaks - Newcastle United
WHUFc.com
Ahead of the Hammers trip to Newcastle United Slaven Bilic held his weekly
pre-match press conference.
During the briefing, the manager answered a range of questions on Andy
Carroll, the transfer window and facing the Magpies.
Morning Slaven, can we start with injury news about Andy Carroll?
SB: "I knew you were going to ask me that! It's a hamstring injury, it's one
of those injuries that it is hard to tell how long he'll be out. He's having
a scan later on today so we'll know more soon. It wasn't a big one, but it's
not a small one either, hopefully it's only going to three and a half weeks
or so, not four to six.
"It's a big blow, of course, he was looking good, he was sharp and fully
fit. He'll be back soon and he won't lose too much fitness."
Do you have to make sure he stays positive?
SB: "Yes, but he is a positive lad himself. He was gutted of course, he felt
he was back and he was enjoying his football. We don't have to make a big
story about it. If everything goes well he will be back very soon, if it is
three weeks then it's not the end of the world. Then he'll be back for a
very significant part of the season."
Does this injury have any impact on your plans for the Transfer Window?
SB: "Not big time, no. We are working in the transfer window, but that
started before the injury. We are well covered quantity wise, so only if
something good comes up then we'll act. We don't need the numbers, and I
think that is right. Our players who haven't featured much have done well
when they have played, they started our unbeaten run, I want to give them
credit and I believe in them."
We've heard about Andy Carroll, what other injury updates are there?
SB: "Victor Moses is back with us, he is available. Cheikhou Kouyate missed
the Bournemouth game, he probably could have played, he was about 85% then,
but we had the option of resting him. He is a very physical player, one of
the best in the Premier League at what he does, so we didn't risk him."
You play Newcastle this weekend, what do you make of them? They seem to be
an improving side?
SB: "Definitely, they had a slow start but now they are doing OK. They are a
massive club, they are improving, they have a very good roster of players.
Going forward they have many options, they are very dangerous. They had a
good comeback against Man United so they are on a high. It should be a good
game, at a great stadium so we are really looking forward to it."
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Don't panic, says Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 14th January 2016
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic has revealed that West Ham will not panic buy in the transfer
window despite having lost both main strikers for a month. With Diafra Sakho
and Andy Carroll both ruled out until February, Bilic faces the next few
games with just Nikica Jelavic and Mauro Zarate - both of whom have been
tipped to leave the club during the current transfer window - as attacking
choices. However despite the continuing injury concerns, Bilic confirmed
that West Ham will not be pushed into making a signing during the window -
although he refused to rule out bringing in at least one quality player,
should the opportunity present itself. "We are good. We're not panicking and
we're confident," he said during his pre-match press conference this
morning. "We're well-covered, quantity-wise, in all positions in the team.
Only if something really good comes along - whether that's permanent or
temporary - ar we going to act. "We don't need numbers, that's what we
decided and I think that's right. It's not very likely to happen, but we're
doing good. Those players who didn't play a lot, when they got a chance they
were unbeaten and playing well. So give them credit; I believe in them.
"There's no team in the world that can't be improved. Even Barcelona are
trying to buy a striker - and if there's a team in the world that doesn't
need one, it's Barcelona! So every team in every situation can be improved.
But we have to find a balance. "We are in a situation where we might think
that way and we are thinking that way - that if we add one or two, we should
be better. On the other hand, if you bring in too many that can damage the
good atmosphere at the club. "But if we find a quality player who is
available, wants to come to us and we can afford it then we're going to
react."
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Trio set to return for Newcastle trip
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 14th January 2016
By: Staff Writer
Cheikhou Kouyate, Mauro Zarate and Vic Moses should all be available for
this weekend's trip to Newcastle, says Saven Bilic. Neither the midfielders
nor the striker were available for the 3-1 win at Bournemouth on Tuesday
night due to injury - minor ones in the case of both Kouyate and Zarate, who
pulled out less than 24 hours before kick off. However Bilic expects all
three players to return to his match day squad this weekend, when West Ham
face a resurgent Newcastle at St James' Park. "Victor Moses started to train
with the team the day before Bournemouth so he's available," confirmed the
manager. "He's training with us today and tomorrow so we're going to see
what shape he's in before the game. "Cheikhou Kouyate missed the game at
Bournemouth as he felt a little bit [of a strain]. He was 80, 85 per cent
fit and maybe he could have played. But as he's a very physical player,
who's played all the games for us, we opted to rest him and give him a few
days off so he'd be 100 per cent [for Newcastle]. "After training the day
before the Bournemouth game, Mauro Zarate was shooting and taking free kicks
and felt kind of a cramp. But he's also training today and should be fit for
Saturday. "Meanwhile [Diafra] Sakho is progressing really well and [Manuel]
Lanzini is in rehab."
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Everton beat West Ham to transfer of highly-rated Leeds defender Sam Byram
20:02, 14 JAN 2016 UPDATED 20:18, 14 JAN 2016
BY DAVID ANDERSON
Roberto Martinez had Byram watched against Ipswich on Tuesday by his chief
European scout Ian Atkins and has swooped for the 22-year-old
The Mirror
Everton have beaten West Ham to the signing of Sam Byram after having a
£3million bid accepted by Leeds. Toffees boss Roberto Martinez had Byram
watched against Ipswich on Tuesday by his chief European scout Ian Atkins
and has swooped for the highly-rated 22-year-old. Leeds were keen to sell
Byram now rather than lose him on a Bosman in the summer and he had refused
their offer of a new deal. The initial fee is £3million plus another
£1million in add-ons. The transfer has yet to be finalised and Byram can
expect a hike on his current £12,000-a-week salary at Elland Road. West Ham
were also interested in Byram, who can play right-back or right midfield,
but the Academy product preferred a move to Everton.
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Football fans to be offered FREE Sports Direct winter jacket if Newcastle
beat West Ham
19:06, 14 JAN 2016 UPDATED 20:16, 14 JAN 2016
BY MIRROR FOOTBALL
Mike Ashley is offering the unprecedented £59.99 giveaway which could turn
every neutral into a Newcastle fan for the day
The Mirror
Footy fans are being offered a FREE winter jacket by Sports Direct Tycoon
Mike Ashley ... if Newcastle beat West Ham. Ashley is offering the
unprecedented £59.99 giveaway which could turn every neutral into a
Newcastle fan for the day. As snow hit Newcastle and the North, Ashley, who
also owns Newcastle United, set aside an amazing £2.4 million of freebie
stock in case Steve McClaren's side deliver three points. The offer of an
Everlast super-warm padded jacket is open to ANY fan on Sports Direct's
Facebook page. A free jacket would also be a comfort to any West Ham fans
annoyed by a defeat on Tyneside.
A Sports Direct insider said: "Mike knows that customers love our crazy
prices and great giveaways so he's decided to go the extra mile to get
everybody behind the team." Newcastle owner Ashley originally vowed to give
away the jackets if Newcastle had won against Manchester United on Tuesday.
But a thrilling 3-3 draw meant fans were left out in the cold. A Sport
Direct source said: "Newcastle threw everything at Man Utd so Mike felt that
it's only fair that fans should get a second chance to claim their jacket."
Sports Direct say the offer is to members of the public regardless of what
team they support. Participants who register will receive a voucher that
will entitle them to the free Everlast coat worth £59.99, which will be
available from Sports Direct website subject to normal delivery charges
while stocks last.
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Exclusive: Samuelsen set for major deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Exclusive
West Ham are preparing a big new deal for their superb teenage prospect
Martin Samuelsen. The young Norwegian is out of contract next summer but the
Davids are ready to offer the youngster a package which reflects his huge
potential and value to the club. Samuelsen has been touted as a future £20
million superstar by both Peterborough director of footballer Barry Fry and
former Hammer hero Jack Collison – now with Posh when discussing him with
ClaretandHugh. Martin has been on loan at the club since November and Fry
wants him for another season should the Posh make it into the Championship.
Commenting on the player's situation tonight (Thurs) ClaretandHugh's senior
source made it clear the club would ensure he would be offered a new deal
which "reflected his promise and value to the Irons." He explained: "We have
an option to extend and we'll look to offer him a longer contract in the
summer which truly reflects his value to us. We are thrilled with the
progress he is making and realise he's a very exciting young player."
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Bilic reports on Sakho progress
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven told told a press conference this morning that "Diafra Sakho is
progressing really good" Sakho returned to training in the last week of
December and is expected to make his return in early February with the
possibility of inclusion in the squad for the Aston Villa home game on the
2nd February. If not then the Southampton away game on the 8th February or
Norwich away on 13th Feb would appear to be nailed on for his return to the
squad. Last week Bilic told the press conference "Sakho is ahead of
schedule, so he could be fit earlier than we thought. It will be a big
thing for us when he comes back." The striker has been sidelined since 29th
November after injuring himself against West Bromwich Albion. Sakho has made
13 appearances this season scoring 3 goals, in total he has made 35
appearances and scored 13 goals since joining the Hammers in August 2014 on
a 4 year contract.
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Julien Faubert: Former West Ham and Real Madrid winger eyeing England return
By Nick Wright
Last Updated: 14/01/16 6:14am
SSN
Julien Faubert speaks to Sky Sports about his special connection with West
Ham, the truth behind that loan move to Real Madrid and his dream of
returning to England to finish his career…
It was seven years ago this January that Julien Faubert found himself at the
centre of one of the most surprising transfers in recent history. The French
winger was in and out of mid-table West Ham's starting line-up after an
injury-hit start to life in east London, when out of nowhere he received a
phone call from Real Madrid. Even Faubert couldn't quite believe it. "I
remember I was on the team coach to go to play against Fulham when they
called me," he tells Sky Sports. "First of all I said: 'Yeah, I'm quite busy
now', because I didn't really believe it. We played the game, I think we
won, and afterwards I picked up my phone and I saw around 15 calls and 20
messages. I thought, okay, maybe it's not a joke! It was crazy."
Faubert called his agent, who confirmed the news, and two weeks later he was
unveiled on a six-month loan deal at the Bernabeu. The reigning La Liga
champions needed cover on the right flank, and they were willing to pay an
initial £1m for Faubert, who had joined West Ham from Bordeaux 18 months
earlier. Faubert would return to Upton Park that summer having made just two
substitute appearances for Madrid, but the experience holds happy memories
too. "I didn't play a lot because, to be honest, I didn't have a good
connection with the manager Juande Ramos," he said. "The team was also
playing pretty well, and in my place Arjen Robben was playing and scoring
every game. The feeling and the experience was amazing. I played with Fabio
Cannavaro, Michel Salgado, Raul, Guti. The quality was crazy. "The press and
friends were laughing and things, but not many players can say that kind of
club was interested in you. It is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and
the feeling and the experience was amazing. I played with Fabio Cannavaro,
Michel Salgado, Raul, Guti. The quality was crazy."
Faubert was infamously - and unfairly - accused of falling asleep on the
bench during a La Liga game with Villarreal, but no one could reproach him
for slacking now. The 32-year-old rejected offers from the MLS and elsewhere
after reaching the end of his second stint at Bordeaux in the summer, and he
has spent the last few months tirelessly honing his physical condition with
a view to finding a new club in the winter transfer window. Near his family
home in Catalonia, Faubert spends six days a week training with CE
L'Hospitalet, a small club in Spain's third tier who have welcomed him with
open arms. "I'm training every week from Monday to Saturday, because they
play on Sundays," he says. "In the morning I train with them, then I have a
rest in the afternoon, and at 7pm I go to the gym with a personal trainer,
lifting weights, doing foot exercises and cardio. So that's my day. Every
day, every day, every day… I'm in good shape, I'm ready to play and mentally
I'm hungry. I need to play now. I need to compete."
The ramshackle surroundings of L'Hospitalet are a world away from the
Bernabeu, but Faubert is optimistic about the future. After all, this is a
player who, at the age of 22, wore Zinedine Zidane's iconic No 10 shirt on
his debut for France, marking the occasion with a late winner against Bosnia
and Herzegovina. The highly-rated wideman looked destined for big things
when he earned a £6m transfer to West Ham a year later, but disaster struck
when he ruptured an Achilles tendon on his first appearance for the club in
pre-season. The prognosis was six months out. His debut would have to wait.
"It was my dream to play in the Premier League so when I arrived I was
really motivated," he recalls. "The pain was crazy but mentally as well it
was like a punch in the head." Alan Curbishley, West Ham's manager at the
time, described it as a "devastating blow for everyone". "The club was
really kind to me and helped me to come back," says Faubert. "They didn't
push me, they didn't put me under pressure. To be honest West Ham is just an
amazing club in England. In France, the people don't know that club like
English people. I think that's why I had some problems with the national
team. But I really love that club."
Payet making the difference
The stats that show how important Dimitri Payet is to Slaven Bilic's West
Ham.
Faubert was one of West Ham's best players after returning from Real Madrid
in the 2009/10 campaign, making 33 Premier League appearances and endearing
himself to supporters when he played through a 0-0 draw with Blackburn just
48 hours after the death of his mother. In the end, his last game for the
club was the victorious Championship play-off final against Blackpool in
2012. "West Ham is a part of my life now, and when I go back to Upton Park
it feels like home," he says. "I spent a really good time there with crazy,
special fans. If I could have finished my career at West Ham, I would have
done. I don't know exactly what happened when I left. I had an agent who
told me they had offered me something, but I never saw the offer. In the end
I had to find something else."
Faubert had a brief stint in Turkey before his second spell at Bordeaux, but
now he is dreaming of a return to England. There has been interest from the
Championship, and newspaper reports have linked him with Remi Garde's Aston
Villa. If I could have finished my career at West Ham, I would have done.
"My body is ready and I have three or four years in front of me," he says.
"At the moment I have nothing concrete, but we are in touch with some clubs
in the Championship. I hope it's going to happen. I think everybody knows I
like English football. I had one year in the Championship and I enjoyed it a
lot because the tempo and the rhythm of the game is crazy." Faubert's career
has taken plenty of unexpected turns over the years, but coming back to
England just feels right. "If something happens," he says, "I will be very
happy."
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Bilic breaks silence on Zarate
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic has broken his silence on Mauro Zarate and his mysterious
absence from Tuesday night's squad against Bournemouth. Slav told the
assembled media at a press conference this morning "On Zarate, he felt
(pain) before the Bournemouth game in training the day before he was
shooting some free kicks and all that then he felt a bit (of pain), but wast
just a kind of cramp so he is also training today and should be fit for
Saturday and that is basically it"
Zarate's absence created speculation he could be outbound in this January
transfer window. We have been told that West Ham are ready to allow Mauro
Zarate to leave the club if an offer of around £3 million were to emerge out
of Europe. ClaretandHugh have been told whilst there have been no firm bids
for the Argentinian the club is ready to listen to bids for him. Malaga have
long been linked with Zarate who thus far in his 11 year career has moved
either permanently or on loan eight times. A senior insider told
ClaretandHugh "There has been no official approach from anywhere" that was
quickly followed by the source adding: "It wouldn't be a great surprise to
be honest were we to get one later on in the window.Should bids come in then
we will certainly be ready to listen."
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Bilic facing big choice
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Michail Antonio is set to find out of he has moved into a midfield No 1
slot over Victor Moses. The £7 million signing has been in brilliant form
over the last few games with the Chelsea loanee injured but he is now fit
again and looking for match time. It poses another pleasant headache for the
manager who is surely likely to stick with Antonio given his form since
since coming up to full match fitness. Bilic confirmed that Moses was ready
for action at his morning presser and he has a fascinating problem on his
hands ahead of the match against the Toon Army. He said: "Victor Moses is
back with us, he is available. Cheikhou Kouyate missed the Bournemouth game,
he probably could have played, he was about 85% then, but we had the option
of resting him. He is a very physical player, one of the best in the Premier
League at what he does, so we didn't risk him."
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Bilic facing big choice
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Michail Antonio is set to find out of he has moved into a midfield No 1
slot over Victor Moses. The £7 million signing has been in brilliant form
over the last few games with the Chelsea loanee injured but he is now fit
again and looking for match time. It poses another pleasant headache for the
manager who is surely likely to stick with Antonio given his form since
since coming up to full match fitness. Bilic confirmed that Moses was ready
for action at his morning presser and he has a fascinating problem on his
hands ahead of the match against the Toon Army. He said: "Victor Moses is
back with us, he is available. Cheikhou Kouyate missed the Bournemouth game,
he probably could have played, he was about 85% then, but we had the option
of resting him. He is a very physical player, one of the best in the Premier
League at what he does, so we didn't risk him."
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Bilic: Carroll will be out for three and a half weeks
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 14, 2016 in News
C and H
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic faced the press this morning ahead the Hammers
game against Newcastle and was asked about Andy Carroll and other injuries
Bilic told the media that Andy should be out for three and a half weeks and
not four to six weeks. " It's a hamstring injury, it's one of those injuries
that it is hard to tell how long he'll be out. He's having a scan later on
today so we'll know more soon. It wasn't a big one, but it's not a small one
either, hopefully it's only going to three and a half weeks or so, not four
to six."
"It's a big blow, of course, he was looking good, he was sharp and fully
fit. He'll be back soon and he won't lose too much fitness."
"He is a positive lad himself. He was gutted of course, he felt he was back
and he was enjoying his football. We don't have to make a big story about
it. If everything goes well he will be back very soon, if it is three weeks
then it's not the end of the world. Then he'll be back for a very
significant part of the season."
"Victor Moses is back with us, he is available. Cheikhou Kouyate missed the
Bournemouth game, he probably could have played, he was about 85% then, but
we had the option of resting him. He is a very physical player, one of the
best in the Premier League at what he does, so we didn't risk him."
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Obiang is open to offers says agent
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
A person claiming to be the agent of West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang has
told CalcioMercato.it in Italy that his client would consider offers from
other clubs but bizarrely insisted Obiang is currently happy to stay with
the Hammers. 23 year old Obiang only joined the Irons from Serie A side
Sampdoria last summer on a five-year contract for a transfer fee believed to
be £4.5 million. Jose Miguel Gonzalez has told CalcioMercato.it that Obiang
would consider leaving if a team made a proposal for him. "We're very
pleased with the adaptation to the new project with West Ham and the Premier
League in general," said Gonzalez. "Pedro is fascinated by the city, the
language and everything else. It's a great experience and the team is doing
very well, fighting for the top places."
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BT Sport to show Hammers FA Clash
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
BT Sports has announced it will provide TV coverage of West Ham's FA cup
trip to either Exeter or Liverpool. Kick-off is set for 5:30pm on Saturday
30th January. If Liverpool over come Exeter the Irons will need to beat
Jurgen Klopp's outfit for the third time this season after the thrilling 2-2
draw at St James' Park. The possibility of doing the treble over the Reds
will be a major incentive for Slaven Bilic's side who have seen the
merseysiders off twice this season. We have not played Exeter for 101 years
since we beat them 4-1 at the Boleyn Ground on 2nd January 1915 in front of
7,000 fans in the old Southern First division, on that day Hammer Sydney
Puddlefoot scored a hat trick. We have played the Grecians 14 times between
1909 and 1915 with 6 wins, 5 draws and 3 losses.
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West Ham linked with Ligue 1 striker
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 14, 2016 in News
C and H
West Ham has been linked with Ben Yedder after reports in France claimed he
is ready to force a move out of Toulouse this month. The twenty-five year
striker is one of French football's rising stars netting six goals in his
last six games for the Ligue 1 outfit. That form has attracted the attention
of the Spurs, Lyon, Marseille and West Ham according to a report in the Sun
today. Radio station RMC reported that Toulouse have told their Ligue 1
rivals that the former France Under-21 international would be available for
just £5.3million — as long as he is loaned straight back to the club for the
rest of the season. Yedder who scored fourteen league goals last season is
believed to prefer a move to the Premier League in this transfer window.
Toulouse coach Dominique Arribage is aware of the player's desire to move
on, and admitted last week that he might not be able to keep hold of the
attacker. He said: "With every game we have in January I will have several
press conferences a week and every time I will get asked the question about
Ben Yedder. I will say that I am very happy to have him in the squad. He is
a powerful player and I want him to be with us as long as possible, but
indeed there is a possibility that he leaves."
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Irons react to Obiang transfer talk
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Exclusive
West Ham have made it clear this morning that Pedro Obiang is their player
for the next three years and that it may be as well for agents to understand
that. The Italian was at the centre of reports this morning that he could be
up for a transfer if a club came in for him and the clubs are not in a
position to discuss what may or may not be going on among his advisers.
We reported earlier that the midfielder's agent, Jose Miguel Gonzalez, has
told CalcioMercato that Obiang would consider leaving if a team made a
proposal for him. But ClaretandHugh's top source immediately told us
exclusively: "In reality 99% of players at all clubs would consider/like to
move if they were offered say twice the money they are on. However, if they
are contracted to a club they can't and Pedro is contracted to West Ham for
another three years. Every window there are players who think we should let
them leave for nothing or a low fee if they are aware of other clubs ready
to offer them more."
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The Reason Payet is NOT the New Tevez
verywestham
Dimitri Payet has undoubtedly been the Premiership's signing of the year to
date. The midfield talisman is blessed with outrageous skills and, despite a
two month absence of late, is already being hailed as a Hammers legend! The
comparison points for such status are fascinating - Carlos Tevez being the
most recent benchmark. While Tevez's contribution to our survival in 2007
was outstanding, there are many key differences between Payet and 'the
Apache'.
Firstly, Tevez arrived at Upton Park in that bizarre transfer in poor shape
- overweight and unfit, both he and Mascherano initially struggled to adapt
to English football such that Tevez's first nine games consisted of one draw
and eight defeats! And no goals. In fact, the gamble on the two
Argentinians was a key reason why West Ham faced certain relegation in 2007.
Moreover, Carlos also had a few tantrums during his time at Upton Park -
most notably storming out of the ground after a match versus Sheffield
United. And then there was THAT run in with all those key goals, and that
crucial goal on the final day that ensured legendary status in what surely
was the greatest ever Premiership escape (yes, better than Leicesters recent
efforts!).
In stark contrast, Payet has hit the ground running and already has almost
surpassed the Apachhe in goals and, one suspects, has quadrupled his assist
count. For sure, Dimitri is part of a better team, but his contribution in
terms of leadership and example is tremendous. Tevez tried (and ultimately
succeeded) to do it on his own. Payet, as Bilic keeps reminding us, makes
everybody better. We can debate who has the greater innate skills (surely
Payet also wins this?) but in the comparison of team leader versus maverick
there can only be one winner! It's time to go back much further in seeking
our comparison points for this evolving legend, much further indeed!
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Manuel Lanzini: The jewel of River Plate now shining for West Ham after Al
Jazira spell
West Ham are reportedly close to making Manuel Lanzini's loan switch from Al
Jazira to Upton Park permanent, and Sport360 analyses why the east London
side are in such a hurry to wrap-up a deal.
Sport360
Peter Coates
13th January 2016
Lanzini, 22, has been a revelation in the Premier League this term. Lanzini,
22, has been a revelation in the Premier League this term. The era of Sam
Allardyce and his dour brand of football had come to an end at Upton Park
and in his place arrived law graduate, guitar-playing rocker Slaven Bilic.
The charismatic new West Ham boss swaggered back into East London and when
the high-profile signings of Dimitri Payet and Alex Song followed it wasn't
only bubbles in the air, it was a renewed sense of optimism. In the
circumstances, The Hammers' loan signing of young Argentine midfielder
Manuel Lanzini from UAE side Al Jazira went somewhat under the radar. A
slightly built South American who had been playing in a league with a
reputation as more of a final payday for footballers rather than a breeding
ground for talent was understandably viewed as a signing that would require
a little patience.
The truth, however, was that the West Ham faithful needed to wait just three
minutes into Lanzini's debut for a glimpse of his talent. The 22-year-old
dropped his shoulder, cut onto his right foot and rifled Bilic's side in
front against Romanian's Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League qualifiers. Some
would argue that impressing against relative minnows and excelling in the
Premier League are worlds apart but it wasn't long before Lanzini answered
those critics too.
A second goal in his first start for the trip to Anfield confirmed Lanzini's
presence in Bilic's midfield for the season but his impact surprised even
the Croatian coach, who had been tracking the youngster since his River
Plate days. "I am only surprised that he hit it off straight away," Bilic
said. "I thought he was going to need more time because he played in the
UAE. It is a good level but you can't compare that with the Premier League.
"He is a phenomenal player, who is very comfortable on the ball, no matter
where he is and gives everything in every training session. I know him
really well because I tried a couple of times to get him to my previous
club, Besiktas, but it didn't happen."
Besiktas' interest in Lanzini whilst at River was well documented but Bilic
appears to have seen something in the attacking midfielder that few others
did. Emerging from the youth system of the Argentine giants, which he had
joined as a nine-year-old, Lanzini made his first-team debut at 17 and drew
immediate comparisons with former No. 10, Pablo Aimar. What both players
lacked in physical attributes they made up for in touch and vision and the
similarity was not lost on the young Lanzini. "Aimar was my hero", explained
Lanzini. "He came through the youth ranks in more or less the same position.
I watched him often, partly because it was a pleasure – the way he moved the
ball and got the team going – and partly because people said we had similar
styles. I honed in on him for that."
Bestowed the famous River No. 10 shirt, Lanzini at times struggled for
consistency but endeared himself to supporters with two memorable goals at
La Bombonera against bitter rivals Boca Juniors – his header in the 2013
Torneo Final being the fastest scored in a superclásico. Given the reported
European interest and Argentine football economics dictating player sales,
Lanzini's exit was inevitable but it came as something of a surprise when
that move was to Emirati club, Al Jazira. The concern was that Lanzini was
taking a sideways step in his career but he and the Pride of Abu Dhabi club
appeared confident that his stay in the UAE capital would be temporary. Liam
Weeks, the club's head of performance analysis, would later say they "knew
as soon as he arrived that he wouldn't stay long". It proved to be entirely
accurate.
Marking his debut with a brace, Lanzini's overall contribution to the Al
Jazira attack during the 2014-15 campaign was impressive. Behind
centre-forward Mirko Vucinic, Lanzini scored a modest eight but crucially
was involved in 70 per cent of his side's goals. Not wanting to miss out on
Lanzini again, Bilic ordered West Ham to move and a one-year loan agreement
with an option to make the deal permanent for £7 million (Dh37m) was
arranged. The statistics that Lanzini produced in the UAE are not quite so
spectacular in the Premier League but his four goals from twelve appearances
fail to fully capture what the 22-year-old has brought to the Boleyn Ground
side. With a pass completion rate of 88.8 per cent, no West Ham regular can
boast a higher value and only Payet, in his more advanced role, is more
creative. Bilic has taken Lanzini, the advanced playmaker, and dropped him
deeper to play a far more significant role in retaining possession,
dictating play and assisting with defensive duties. Where many had seen
Pablo Aimar, earlier in his career, Bilic sees more of his Croatian
counterpart, Luka Modric.
"I have never seen a player who reminds me of Luka Modric as much as
Lanzini," Bilic asserted after the Argentine scored in the victory over
Crystal Palace. "Luka is my favourite player. He is my prototype of a great
midfielder and Lanzini has the same kind of qualities. "He is making other
players better. He always wants the ball and that's why we put him in
midfield. He always makes himself available. If players are in trouble, he
comes and gets it. He doesn't look strong but some players can defy that
physicality to impose themselves. Modric is the same and, like him, Lanzini
is not afraid either."
Bilic can certainly take credit for making Lanzini a far more complete
midfielder and West Ham look a much better side with the 22-year-old in the
starting eleven. These performances have prompted interest from other clubs
but West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has already calmed supporters by
claiming the transfer will be made permanent before the deadline. "By
February or March, he will be a permanent West Ham player," Sullivan said.
"He could be a top, top, top player. He's already sensational and he could
be as good as any player in the world." There is some way to go before this
is true but Lanzini is beginning to deliver on his early promise and a
bright future surely beckons.
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Dimitri Payet shares what Aaron Cresswell told him before scoring stunning
free-kick
HITC
Olly Dawes
Dimitri Payet scoring a remarkable free kick for West Ham against
Bournemouth. West Ham United hero Dimitri Payet has told the club's official
website that left back Aaron Cresswell urged him to shoot from his free-kick
against Bournemouth. The Hammers made it three Premier League wins in a row
on Tuesday evening, as they recorded a 3-1 victory away at Bournemouth.
Bournemouth took the lead through Harry Arter, but three goals in 17 second
half minutes turned the game or West Ham, with Dimitri Payet hitting the
first, and Enner Valencia adding two more later on. French playmaker Payet
was making his first Premier League start in two months, having been ruled
out with an ankle injury since November, and he marked it in style with a
stunning goal. Payet's free kick from 25 yards went over the will, dipped
viciously and cannoned in off the crossbar, leaving Cherries goalkeeper
Artur Boruc with no chance. After the game, Payet spoke to the West Ham
official website, and admitted that the reason he shot from his free kick
rather than cross it into the box was because left back Aaron Cresswell told
him to have a go from range. Payet also reflected on his superb return to
the West Ham side having spent two months out of action, celebrating his
goal in the process. "Cress said to me 'Shoot!' so I shoot," said a gleeful
Payet. "I'm very happy because I don't play for two months. I'm very happy I
can play, and [get a] good goal, good assist. It's my job. I'm very happy,"
he added.
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Report: Sunderland still considering free transfer move to reunite Allardyce
with Kevin Nolan
HITC
Olly Dawes
Sunderland are reportedly still looking at a deal for Kevin Nolan. According
to the Daily Mail, Sunderland are still pursuing a move for free agent Kevin
Nolan, who has been one of Sam Allardyce's most trusted players over the
years. The Black Cats have made one move so far during the January transfer
window, with Bayern Munich defender Jan Kirchhoff joining the club earlier
this month. Further additions are expected for Sunderland, who are still
fighting relegation despite a superb 4-2 win at Swansea City tonight, where
Jermain Defoe's hat-trick handed Allardyce a vital three points. Fans will
be hoping to see some players with Premier League experience brought in to
help battle the drop, and it seems that Allardyce has his eye on a familiar
face. Midfielder Kevin Nolan has been a free agent ever since being released
by West Ham United back in August, and the Daily Mail report that Sunderland
are still considering a move to sign Nolan. The 33-year-old worked with
Allardyce at both Bolton Wanderers and West Ham, enjoying the best stints of
his career under 'Big Sam' and his management. A move to reunite the duo
would make some sense, especially with Nolan available for free, but after
nearly five months out of the game, there have to be questions over his
fitness, whilst League Two side Leyton Orient tried to sign Nolan, according
to the report, but couldn't strike a deal - and many will question whether
Nolan still has a role to play in the Premier League at this stage of his
career.
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Report explains how West Ham feel about Payet's future and contract
situation
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham reportedly aren't looking to hand Dimitri Payet a new contract.
According to The Times, West Ham won't be offering Dimitri Payet a new
contract despite his fine performances - and believe he will stay at the
club regardless. Payet, 28, has been one of the signings of the Premier
League season, with his skill dazzling the Upton Park faithful, earning
comparisons to former Hammers heroes such as Paolo Di Canio and Carlos Tevez
in the process. Having arrived from Marseille, Payet was billed as West
Ham's big summer arrival, and he has certainly lived up to the hype, even
though he has missed two months of the season through injury. Payet's first
start in the league since November came on Tuesday night in West Ham's 3-1
victory at Bournemouth, and he came back with a bang, scoring a superb free
kick before notching an assist for Enner Valencia to score. Now, The Times
report that despite the fact that Payet has been serving up some incredible
performances, West Ham currently have no plans to offer him a new and
improved contract. It's also stated that West Ham don't fear losing Payet
right now, and believe that they can keep hold of him long-term - because
they think playing at Upton Park on a regular basis offers him the best
chance to get back in to the French national team squad.
Payet currently isn't in the plans of France boss Didier Deschamps, and
doesn't look like making the French squad for their home European
Championships campaign this summer - but if he continues to keep up this run
of form, it will be hard for Deschamps, and possibly rival clubs, to ignore
him.
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FAKING IT
By Blind Hammer 14 Jan 2016 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer examines whether Bilic has any options for a False Number 9.
The injury to Andy Carroll has again highlighted the comparative fragilities
of our front line. Hopefully Sakho will return early and immediately hit the
ground running, but in the short term it appears that only Jelavic will be
available as a main central forward option. Interestingly whenever I have
heard Bilic refer to Valencia he has called him not a striker but a "winger"
which seems to indicate that he, at least, sees Valencia primarily in a wide
role.
Bilic strikes me as a manager who dislikes not having an alternative Plan B
to his Plan A. We have seen how, in recent weeks, he has changed games in
the second half. Assuming Jelavic is the default starting Plan A then Bilic
will have limited option to move to a plan B in the absence of both Sakho
and Carroll.
It may be then that Bilic, as a deep thinking strategist, has to give
serious thought to West Ham playing with a Fake or False number 9 in the
weeks ahead.
Once upon a time all teams played at least two forwards in a 4-4-2
formation. West Ham was actually one of the pioneers of playing with one
striker with the other forward in a withdrawn deep lying role. The most
famous example of this was the tactical masterstroke Lyall pulled off in the
1981 FA Cup Final win over Arsenal where Stuart Pearson was withdrawn into
midfield with David Cross up front by himself. This move completely
disorientated the Arsenal defence who wasted player manpower with defenders
marking a non-existent forward.
The False number 9 is and extension of this idea where even the lone striker
is withdrawn into midfield. Although known as a tactic from the 1930's the
strategy appears to have its roots in Pep Guardiola's successful Barcelona
team in 2010. His use of Lionel Messi as a False Number 9 altered the
landscape for football strategy across the world forever.
Messi was light years away from the old-fashioned number 9, traditionally a
physically strong and tall leader who battled for possession and held up
play for an advancing midfield.
Barcelona instead confused defenders by playing their way with short
diagonal passes from the back to front into the final third. Here they
retained possession, hitting teams with lightening runs, amazing dribbles
into the box or slip passes to runners from deep to bamboozle unprepared
defenders. In such a system retaining possession is key and there is not
often the luxury of a long ball unless it is released over a running wide
player.
So playing with a false nine relies on midfielders running from deep to do
the damage in the opposition penalty area. The system was in a sense natural
and logical for Barcelona to implement as it played into their strengths.
Messi was too talented a player to be simply deployed in a wide role,
potentially on the periphery of any action. Playing him as a traditional
number 10 also courted the risk that he be man marked out of the game. In
the event Messi was supported in a running and passing game in midfield, the
most advance of a midfield quintet.
See the Bleacher Report for a good general discussion of the False Number 9
strategies.
There are of course cynics who will argue that in playing Jelavic West Ham
are already playing with a false number 9 but this is a frivolous view and
one that misses the crucial point. Payet has drawn comparisons with Messi
over the last year and it is not inconceivable that he might be able to
adapt into a false Number 9 role, at least in the short term.
The role of the false number 9 is complicated, demanding and ultimately
integral to the team's performance. He must not only be able to retain
possession under pressure, but must have an eye for the killer pass and be
able to beat a player on the ground with dribbling ability. The demanding
nature of the role requires a level of world class skill. Few players are
able to perform the role consistently. However if any player in the Premier
League is capable of playing the false number 9 role it is probably Payet.
Of course West Ham has used a False Number 9 before, most famously in the
3-0 demolition of Spurs in October 2013. In that team Ravel Morrison, Nolan
and Downing combined to execute a passing press up the pitch which Spurs
could not cope with. The success of this ploy was not long lived however.
Spurs were taken by surprise on the night but in subsequent weeks other
teams wised up and countered the effectiveness of the strategy. We did not
have Barcelona style players to implement the strategy beyond this initial
surprise.
Arguably now we are better equipped to support a Fake Number 9. Not just
Valencia and Antonio but also the returning Moses may well provide the
running and dribbling threat for Payet to find as they arrive in the penalty
area.
Notwithstanding all this, the likely event is that we will almost certainly
start with the Plan A of Jelavic up front in the upcoming games against
Newcastle, Manchester City and Aston Villa. Given what we know about Bilic
though I would be extremely surprised if he is not now considering a Plan B
of a fake Number 9, utilising to the full the world class skills of Payet.
David Griffith
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THE GREAT LEAP FORWARD?
By S J Chandos 14 Jan 2016 at 13:00
WTID
I have previously commented on the absence of a winning mentality amongst
sections of our support base. Years of under-achievement and bitter
disappointment has conspired to nurture a skeptical outlook which expects
and almost seeks comfort in the worst case scenario transpiring. For
example, we sign a world-class talent in Payet and discussion turns to
losing him to one of the so-called 'big clubs.' We hit an injury crisis and
the narrative turns to clinging on to 10th place in the league. I disagree
with that viewpoint, but I do understand it. And at the end of the day, it
will probably only change when the club secures sustained success and
actually give the fans something to be confident about!
However, what I cannot understand is a club source actually stating that
they would prefer to win the FA Cup over qualifying for the Champions
League. Now, I have great memories of the FA Cup and, like all Hammers fans,
I would of course relish winning the cup for a fourth time. But does a PL
club with ambition make such a public statement? Qualification for the
Champions League this season would indeed signal that the club are moving up
a level. Apart from the financial incentives, involvement in the CL would
put a whole new complexion on the debut season at the OS. We have the world
class stadium, we have the squad (and it will be strengthened even further
in the summer) and we have the opportunity. So, lets go for it! Lest we
forget, we currently sit in 5th, one point behind Spurs (in 4th) and five
points behind Man City (in 3rd). Moreover, we have played many of our
toughest away matches, our remaining fixtures are fairly favourable and we
are presently on a strong unbeaten run, having won our last three PL
matches. Thus, the tide appears to have turned in our favour and we have a
massive opportunity in the here and now.
Here is a novel thought, how about we deploy the full playing resources of
our squad (injuries allowing) and attempt to maintain a strong challenge on
both fronts. After all, does FA Cup progress inevitably mean that there has
to be a drop off in our league form and results? Of course not. lndeed, if
you aspire to be a top four club, then it is a pre-requisite that you are
able to challenge for honours on two or three fronts. It is something that
all such clubs have in common. It is a non-negotiable fact of life at the
top of the PL tree! So, we might as well accept it and try to show that we
are capable of doing it. Hopefully this is exactly what the club intend to
do. It is just that I question this apparent logic that the FA Cup should be
prioritised over the PL. Because if you communicate that preference to the
squad, what is to stop it adversely influencing PL performance and results?
That would be very disappointing considering the excellent league position
that we have carved out for ourselves up to this juncture.
I was expecting the club to adjust and strengthen the squad in the January
window. I was not anticipating a major recruitment, but I thought that the
club would make one or two quality signings to 'keep the pot boiling.' In
particular, I thought that either Jelavic or Zarate might move on and this
would free up room for a new striker. Similarly, I also hoped that we might
bring in another play-maker on-loan to cover for Payet and Lanzini. With
both Sakho and Carroll now injured maybe the board will be forced to revisit
their winter transfer plans? Although I must admit that I do wonder to what
extent this 'no business in January' position is a tactical manoeuvre to
underline the point to selling clubs that they will not be held to ransom?
We shall see?
At the end of the day, we can always talk about 'jam tomorrow.' But
sometimes a unique opportunity presents itself (a la our current league
position) and the challenge is to capitalise upon it. It could turn out to
be a 'great leap forward' as juxtaposed to a planned, gradualist advance. An
unexpected plan B to supplement the anticipated plan A. So, lets buckle
down, deploy our squad and try to finish as high as possible in the PL and
progress in the FA Cup. Who knows, it could turn out to be a significant
short-cut in the club's journey towards a bigger and better future?
SJ. Chandos.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
'We've got Payet!' sang the West Ham United fans long into the night at AFC
Bournemouth on Tuesday, and everyone connected with the Hammers will be
delighted that they do after another virtuoso performance from the midfield
schemer. Making his first start since suffering an ankle injury back in
November, Payet reminded the watching world of what they had been missing in
the intervening two months as he dragged the Hammers back from a goal down,
helping them secure a fourth straight win. The No27 curled home a beautiful
free-kick to level the scores after 67 minutes of the Vitality Stadium
clash, before wriggling clear of Charlie Daniels and Juan Iturbe to lay on
Enner Valencia's goal for 2-1. He departed the action after 78 minutes well
satisfied with a good night's work that meant the Hammers moved above
Manchester United and up to fifth in the Barclays Premier League tab le.
Earning a rating of 9.0 on football stats side WhoScored.com, Payet had 69
touches of the ball – more than any other attacking player on the Vitality
Stadium pitch. As his touch map shows, he popped up all over the pitch as
the Hammers pressed for a route back into the game – eventually knocking the
Bournemouth door down. Completing an evening where he made 57 passes, took
two shots on – both on target – and completed two dribbles, Payet's
influence was clear for all to see.
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Westley - It's a happy dressing room
WHUFC.com
Following the Development Squad's progression into the quarter-finals of the
U21 Premier League Cup, Terry Westley highlighted the collective effort from
both the players and the backroom staff. The win, a 3-2 over Fulham after
extra-time, saw the young Hammers extend their unbeaten to an impressive
eight matches. Speaking after the final whistle, Westley said: "I'm
delighted with the player's commitment and desire. "It's all a collective
effort, obviously from the players but also away from the pitch. Liam
Manning has come in and made a huge impact. All the work Steve Potts and
Mark Philips does for the U18s; it's a collective effort from everybody."
In a thrilling match that ebbed and flowed, opponents Fulham took the lead
twice in the first half yet a Djair Parfitt-Williams header and an Elliot
Lee brace including a late penalty, was enough to see off the Cottagers.
Westley continued: "The character of everyone to comeback from behind twice
was really excellent. It's a happy dressing room at the moment. "You can see
the confidence in the way we're playing, and this was against a good team,
they had a lot of senior players with lots of league experience. In the end
I thought we deserved to win on the strength of our second half performance.
"I'd highlight our two centre-halfs Leo Chambers and Reece Oxford, as really
standing out and dealing with the threat their senior striker posed.
"The back four and goalkeeper were very solid. The midfield in the end
dominated, Josh Cullen was everywhere and then we had a threat in behind and
on the wings."
For Westley, the positives continue to mount as the Dev Squad are currently
in the Play Off positions in the Barclays U21 Premier League Division Two
table. Further to that, the likes of Reece Burke, Lewis Page and Martin
Samuelsen are all prospering out on loan in the lower leagues. Now, the
experienced coach is hoping more players make the step up into the Football
League: "The bottom line is, can you bridge that gap and play games in the
Football League? Samuelsen has done that by playing for Peterborough, Burke
is doing the same. That's the challenge these boys face. They've either got
to get into our team or be an asset by playing away somewhere else and
coming back stronger. "You can see when we play like we are at the moment
that all the players are capable of having careers in the game at a good
level, we were excellent collectively and individually."
The Hammers are set to face Fulham for a third time in short succession,
when the two sides face each other again on Friday 22 January at the
Cottager's Motspur Park training ground.
"I think both teams will be fed up of each other! We're playing each other
twice over a quick space of time. "Our players now need a rest. Cullen, Song
and Oxford all got back from Bournemouth after 2am on Wednesday morning so
there commitment is excellent."
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Carroll injury update
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm Andy Carroll underwent a scan on his left leg on
Thursday morning. The results show an injury to his hamstring, which is
expected to keep him out of action for a month. Carroll's absence means
Slaven Bilic is likely to use either Enner Valencia or Nikica Jelavic in the
Hammers attack for Saturday's trip to Newcastle United.
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Chadwell Chatter – Dimitri Payet
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
What a week it's been! Saturday's another big game for us and it's always
difficult to play at St James' Park. Manchester United drew there on Tuesday
night and it's definitely a difficult place to go to and win. But we're
going to rest up, rest the minds, rest the legs and prepare as best we
possibly can to get a result there. We were perhaps a bit below par in the
first half on Tuesday but thankfully we were able to turn it around in the
second half with three goals and we were delighted with that.
We were up against a good side, we saw that in the first half. If you let
them play, they can hurt you. In the second half we were a lot more
aggressive, we played as a team, we played on the floor, which enabled us to
score three goals and to be a lot more dangerous. I think there was a slight
deflection on my free-kick but it didn't change the ball's trajectory and
the goal really brought me into the game. It's great for Enner as well. I'm
really pleased that he's hitting the back of the net again!
We're in a good position in the league now. We're picking up points and when
you win three on the spin you can rise up the table. But we can slide down
just as quickly if we're not careful! We have to continue working hard. The
love affair with the fans continues and all the better for it! You show me
your love and I try to repay it on the pitch, with hard work, goals and
assists, so that it continues. Apparently my song's going to be the next big
single!
Come on you Irons,
Dimi
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Lee delighted to be back among the goals
WHUFc.com
Having scored a match-winning brace against Fulham on Wednesday evening,
Elliot Lee described the football the Development Squad have been playing
recently as "the best we've played in years." The 21-year-old striker scored
twice for the Development Squad, helping his side to come back from behind
twice to beat Fulham 3-2 at Rush Green. The win takes the Hammers into the
quarter-finals of the U21 Premier League Cup as well as extending their
unbeaten to eight games. A delighted Lee said: "It's great to be back here
in with the boys and I think we showed great character tonight. 3-2, in
extra time, it was tough out there so the boys are delighted and obviously
I'm delighted to score twice. "We talked about that strength to come back
from behind afterwards in the changing room, it shows the character we have
in the squad. Everyone knows we started the season badly but we knew we'd
turn that round. "Now, we're playing the best football we've played in
years, credit to the lads for sticking together and carrying on the winning
streak."
In total, Lee, now top goalscorer, has now scored six goals for the Dev
Squad in eight appearances. He continued: "There's a few slumped bodies in
the dressing room now but happy faces. It was a great effort from the lads.
120 minutes against a good side was tough but we fully deserved the win
tonight. "It's brilliant for the development of all the players who are
involved, people weren't really talking about us at the start of the season
but they are now. A lot of people are talking, so credit to the lads because
we deserve that. "Eight games unbeaten, most of them wins, is brilliant. It
can only bode well for all of us."
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Slaven Speaks - Newcastle United
WHUFc.com
Ahead of the Hammers trip to Newcastle United Slaven Bilic held his weekly
pre-match press conference.
During the briefing, the manager answered a range of questions on Andy
Carroll, the transfer window and facing the Magpies.
Morning Slaven, can we start with injury news about Andy Carroll?
SB: "I knew you were going to ask me that! It's a hamstring injury, it's one
of those injuries that it is hard to tell how long he'll be out. He's having
a scan later on today so we'll know more soon. It wasn't a big one, but it's
not a small one either, hopefully it's only going to three and a half weeks
or so, not four to six.
"It's a big blow, of course, he was looking good, he was sharp and fully
fit. He'll be back soon and he won't lose too much fitness."
Do you have to make sure he stays positive?
SB: "Yes, but he is a positive lad himself. He was gutted of course, he felt
he was back and he was enjoying his football. We don't have to make a big
story about it. If everything goes well he will be back very soon, if it is
three weeks then it's not the end of the world. Then he'll be back for a
very significant part of the season."
Does this injury have any impact on your plans for the Transfer Window?
SB: "Not big time, no. We are working in the transfer window, but that
started before the injury. We are well covered quantity wise, so only if
something good comes up then we'll act. We don't need the numbers, and I
think that is right. Our players who haven't featured much have done well
when they have played, they started our unbeaten run, I want to give them
credit and I believe in them."
We've heard about Andy Carroll, what other injury updates are there?
SB: "Victor Moses is back with us, he is available. Cheikhou Kouyate missed
the Bournemouth game, he probably could have played, he was about 85% then,
but we had the option of resting him. He is a very physical player, one of
the best in the Premier League at what he does, so we didn't risk him."
You play Newcastle this weekend, what do you make of them? They seem to be
an improving side?
SB: "Definitely, they had a slow start but now they are doing OK. They are a
massive club, they are improving, they have a very good roster of players.
Going forward they have many options, they are very dangerous. They had a
good comeback against Man United so they are on a high. It should be a good
game, at a great stadium so we are really looking forward to it."
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Don't panic, says Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 14th January 2016
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic has revealed that West Ham will not panic buy in the transfer
window despite having lost both main strikers for a month. With Diafra Sakho
and Andy Carroll both ruled out until February, Bilic faces the next few
games with just Nikica Jelavic and Mauro Zarate - both of whom have been
tipped to leave the club during the current transfer window - as attacking
choices. However despite the continuing injury concerns, Bilic confirmed
that West Ham will not be pushed into making a signing during the window -
although he refused to rule out bringing in at least one quality player,
should the opportunity present itself. "We are good. We're not panicking and
we're confident," he said during his pre-match press conference this
morning. "We're well-covered, quantity-wise, in all positions in the team.
Only if something really good comes along - whether that's permanent or
temporary - ar we going to act. "We don't need numbers, that's what we
decided and I think that's right. It's not very likely to happen, but we're
doing good. Those players who didn't play a lot, when they got a chance they
were unbeaten and playing well. So give them credit; I believe in them.
"There's no team in the world that can't be improved. Even Barcelona are
trying to buy a striker - and if there's a team in the world that doesn't
need one, it's Barcelona! So every team in every situation can be improved.
But we have to find a balance. "We are in a situation where we might think
that way and we are thinking that way - that if we add one or two, we should
be better. On the other hand, if you bring in too many that can damage the
good atmosphere at the club. "But if we find a quality player who is
available, wants to come to us and we can afford it then we're going to
react."
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Trio set to return for Newcastle trip
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 14th January 2016
By: Staff Writer
Cheikhou Kouyate, Mauro Zarate and Vic Moses should all be available for
this weekend's trip to Newcastle, says Saven Bilic. Neither the midfielders
nor the striker were available for the 3-1 win at Bournemouth on Tuesday
night due to injury - minor ones in the case of both Kouyate and Zarate, who
pulled out less than 24 hours before kick off. However Bilic expects all
three players to return to his match day squad this weekend, when West Ham
face a resurgent Newcastle at St James' Park. "Victor Moses started to train
with the team the day before Bournemouth so he's available," confirmed the
manager. "He's training with us today and tomorrow so we're going to see
what shape he's in before the game. "Cheikhou Kouyate missed the game at
Bournemouth as he felt a little bit [of a strain]. He was 80, 85 per cent
fit and maybe he could have played. But as he's a very physical player,
who's played all the games for us, we opted to rest him and give him a few
days off so he'd be 100 per cent [for Newcastle]. "After training the day
before the Bournemouth game, Mauro Zarate was shooting and taking free kicks
and felt kind of a cramp. But he's also training today and should be fit for
Saturday. "Meanwhile [Diafra] Sakho is progressing really well and [Manuel]
Lanzini is in rehab."
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Everton beat West Ham to transfer of highly-rated Leeds defender Sam Byram
20:02, 14 JAN 2016 UPDATED 20:18, 14 JAN 2016
BY DAVID ANDERSON
Roberto Martinez had Byram watched against Ipswich on Tuesday by his chief
European scout Ian Atkins and has swooped for the 22-year-old
The Mirror
Everton have beaten West Ham to the signing of Sam Byram after having a
£3million bid accepted by Leeds. Toffees boss Roberto Martinez had Byram
watched against Ipswich on Tuesday by his chief European scout Ian Atkins
and has swooped for the highly-rated 22-year-old. Leeds were keen to sell
Byram now rather than lose him on a Bosman in the summer and he had refused
their offer of a new deal. The initial fee is £3million plus another
£1million in add-ons. The transfer has yet to be finalised and Byram can
expect a hike on his current £12,000-a-week salary at Elland Road. West Ham
were also interested in Byram, who can play right-back or right midfield,
but the Academy product preferred a move to Everton.
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Football fans to be offered FREE Sports Direct winter jacket if Newcastle
beat West Ham
19:06, 14 JAN 2016 UPDATED 20:16, 14 JAN 2016
BY MIRROR FOOTBALL
Mike Ashley is offering the unprecedented £59.99 giveaway which could turn
every neutral into a Newcastle fan for the day
The Mirror
Footy fans are being offered a FREE winter jacket by Sports Direct Tycoon
Mike Ashley ... if Newcastle beat West Ham. Ashley is offering the
unprecedented £59.99 giveaway which could turn every neutral into a
Newcastle fan for the day. As snow hit Newcastle and the North, Ashley, who
also owns Newcastle United, set aside an amazing £2.4 million of freebie
stock in case Steve McClaren's side deliver three points. The offer of an
Everlast super-warm padded jacket is open to ANY fan on Sports Direct's
Facebook page. A free jacket would also be a comfort to any West Ham fans
annoyed by a defeat on Tyneside.
A Sports Direct insider said: "Mike knows that customers love our crazy
prices and great giveaways so he's decided to go the extra mile to get
everybody behind the team." Newcastle owner Ashley originally vowed to give
away the jackets if Newcastle had won against Manchester United on Tuesday.
But a thrilling 3-3 draw meant fans were left out in the cold. A Sport
Direct source said: "Newcastle threw everything at Man Utd so Mike felt that
it's only fair that fans should get a second chance to claim their jacket."
Sports Direct say the offer is to members of the public regardless of what
team they support. Participants who register will receive a voucher that
will entitle them to the free Everlast coat worth £59.99, which will be
available from Sports Direct website subject to normal delivery charges
while stocks last.
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Exclusive: Samuelsen set for major deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Exclusive
West Ham are preparing a big new deal for their superb teenage prospect
Martin Samuelsen. The young Norwegian is out of contract next summer but the
Davids are ready to offer the youngster a package which reflects his huge
potential and value to the club. Samuelsen has been touted as a future £20
million superstar by both Peterborough director of footballer Barry Fry and
former Hammer hero Jack Collison – now with Posh when discussing him with
ClaretandHugh. Martin has been on loan at the club since November and Fry
wants him for another season should the Posh make it into the Championship.
Commenting on the player's situation tonight (Thurs) ClaretandHugh's senior
source made it clear the club would ensure he would be offered a new deal
which "reflected his promise and value to the Irons." He explained: "We have
an option to extend and we'll look to offer him a longer contract in the
summer which truly reflects his value to us. We are thrilled with the
progress he is making and realise he's a very exciting young player."
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Bilic reports on Sakho progress
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven told told a press conference this morning that "Diafra Sakho is
progressing really good" Sakho returned to training in the last week of
December and is expected to make his return in early February with the
possibility of inclusion in the squad for the Aston Villa home game on the
2nd February. If not then the Southampton away game on the 8th February or
Norwich away on 13th Feb would appear to be nailed on for his return to the
squad. Last week Bilic told the press conference "Sakho is ahead of
schedule, so he could be fit earlier than we thought. It will be a big
thing for us when he comes back." The striker has been sidelined since 29th
November after injuring himself against West Bromwich Albion. Sakho has made
13 appearances this season scoring 3 goals, in total he has made 35
appearances and scored 13 goals since joining the Hammers in August 2014 on
a 4 year contract.
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Julien Faubert: Former West Ham and Real Madrid winger eyeing England return
By Nick Wright
Last Updated: 14/01/16 6:14am
SSN
Julien Faubert speaks to Sky Sports about his special connection with West
Ham, the truth behind that loan move to Real Madrid and his dream of
returning to England to finish his career…
It was seven years ago this January that Julien Faubert found himself at the
centre of one of the most surprising transfers in recent history. The French
winger was in and out of mid-table West Ham's starting line-up after an
injury-hit start to life in east London, when out of nowhere he received a
phone call from Real Madrid. Even Faubert couldn't quite believe it. "I
remember I was on the team coach to go to play against Fulham when they
called me," he tells Sky Sports. "First of all I said: 'Yeah, I'm quite busy
now', because I didn't really believe it. We played the game, I think we
won, and afterwards I picked up my phone and I saw around 15 calls and 20
messages. I thought, okay, maybe it's not a joke! It was crazy."
Faubert called his agent, who confirmed the news, and two weeks later he was
unveiled on a six-month loan deal at the Bernabeu. The reigning La Liga
champions needed cover on the right flank, and they were willing to pay an
initial £1m for Faubert, who had joined West Ham from Bordeaux 18 months
earlier. Faubert would return to Upton Park that summer having made just two
substitute appearances for Madrid, but the experience holds happy memories
too. "I didn't play a lot because, to be honest, I didn't have a good
connection with the manager Juande Ramos," he said. "The team was also
playing pretty well, and in my place Arjen Robben was playing and scoring
every game. The feeling and the experience was amazing. I played with Fabio
Cannavaro, Michel Salgado, Raul, Guti. The quality was crazy. "The press and
friends were laughing and things, but not many players can say that kind of
club was interested in you. It is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and
the feeling and the experience was amazing. I played with Fabio Cannavaro,
Michel Salgado, Raul, Guti. The quality was crazy."
Faubert was infamously - and unfairly - accused of falling asleep on the
bench during a La Liga game with Villarreal, but no one could reproach him
for slacking now. The 32-year-old rejected offers from the MLS and elsewhere
after reaching the end of his second stint at Bordeaux in the summer, and he
has spent the last few months tirelessly honing his physical condition with
a view to finding a new club in the winter transfer window. Near his family
home in Catalonia, Faubert spends six days a week training with CE
L'Hospitalet, a small club in Spain's third tier who have welcomed him with
open arms. "I'm training every week from Monday to Saturday, because they
play on Sundays," he says. "In the morning I train with them, then I have a
rest in the afternoon, and at 7pm I go to the gym with a personal trainer,
lifting weights, doing foot exercises and cardio. So that's my day. Every
day, every day, every day… I'm in good shape, I'm ready to play and mentally
I'm hungry. I need to play now. I need to compete."
The ramshackle surroundings of L'Hospitalet are a world away from the
Bernabeu, but Faubert is optimistic about the future. After all, this is a
player who, at the age of 22, wore Zinedine Zidane's iconic No 10 shirt on
his debut for France, marking the occasion with a late winner against Bosnia
and Herzegovina. The highly-rated wideman looked destined for big things
when he earned a £6m transfer to West Ham a year later, but disaster struck
when he ruptured an Achilles tendon on his first appearance for the club in
pre-season. The prognosis was six months out. His debut would have to wait.
"It was my dream to play in the Premier League so when I arrived I was
really motivated," he recalls. "The pain was crazy but mentally as well it
was like a punch in the head." Alan Curbishley, West Ham's manager at the
time, described it as a "devastating blow for everyone". "The club was
really kind to me and helped me to come back," says Faubert. "They didn't
push me, they didn't put me under pressure. To be honest West Ham is just an
amazing club in England. In France, the people don't know that club like
English people. I think that's why I had some problems with the national
team. But I really love that club."
Payet making the difference
The stats that show how important Dimitri Payet is to Slaven Bilic's West
Ham.
Faubert was one of West Ham's best players after returning from Real Madrid
in the 2009/10 campaign, making 33 Premier League appearances and endearing
himself to supporters when he played through a 0-0 draw with Blackburn just
48 hours after the death of his mother. In the end, his last game for the
club was the victorious Championship play-off final against Blackpool in
2012. "West Ham is a part of my life now, and when I go back to Upton Park
it feels like home," he says. "I spent a really good time there with crazy,
special fans. If I could have finished my career at West Ham, I would have
done. I don't know exactly what happened when I left. I had an agent who
told me they had offered me something, but I never saw the offer. In the end
I had to find something else."
Faubert had a brief stint in Turkey before his second spell at Bordeaux, but
now he is dreaming of a return to England. There has been interest from the
Championship, and newspaper reports have linked him with Remi Garde's Aston
Villa. If I could have finished my career at West Ham, I would have done.
"My body is ready and I have three or four years in front of me," he says.
"At the moment I have nothing concrete, but we are in touch with some clubs
in the Championship. I hope it's going to happen. I think everybody knows I
like English football. I had one year in the Championship and I enjoyed it a
lot because the tempo and the rhythm of the game is crazy." Faubert's career
has taken plenty of unexpected turns over the years, but coming back to
England just feels right. "If something happens," he says, "I will be very
happy."
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Bilic breaks silence on Zarate
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic has broken his silence on Mauro Zarate and his mysterious
absence from Tuesday night's squad against Bournemouth. Slav told the
assembled media at a press conference this morning "On Zarate, he felt
(pain) before the Bournemouth game in training the day before he was
shooting some free kicks and all that then he felt a bit (of pain), but wast
just a kind of cramp so he is also training today and should be fit for
Saturday and that is basically it"
Zarate's absence created speculation he could be outbound in this January
transfer window. We have been told that West Ham are ready to allow Mauro
Zarate to leave the club if an offer of around £3 million were to emerge out
of Europe. ClaretandHugh have been told whilst there have been no firm bids
for the Argentinian the club is ready to listen to bids for him. Malaga have
long been linked with Zarate who thus far in his 11 year career has moved
either permanently or on loan eight times. A senior insider told
ClaretandHugh "There has been no official approach from anywhere" that was
quickly followed by the source adding: "It wouldn't be a great surprise to
be honest were we to get one later on in the window.Should bids come in then
we will certainly be ready to listen."
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Bilic facing big choice
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Michail Antonio is set to find out of he has moved into a midfield No 1
slot over Victor Moses. The £7 million signing has been in brilliant form
over the last few games with the Chelsea loanee injured but he is now fit
again and looking for match time. It poses another pleasant headache for the
manager who is surely likely to stick with Antonio given his form since
since coming up to full match fitness. Bilic confirmed that Moses was ready
for action at his morning presser and he has a fascinating problem on his
hands ahead of the match against the Toon Army. He said: "Victor Moses is
back with us, he is available. Cheikhou Kouyate missed the Bournemouth game,
he probably could have played, he was about 85% then, but we had the option
of resting him. He is a very physical player, one of the best in the Premier
League at what he does, so we didn't risk him."
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Bilic facing big choice
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Michail Antonio is set to find out of he has moved into a midfield No 1
slot over Victor Moses. The £7 million signing has been in brilliant form
over the last few games with the Chelsea loanee injured but he is now fit
again and looking for match time. It poses another pleasant headache for the
manager who is surely likely to stick with Antonio given his form since
since coming up to full match fitness. Bilic confirmed that Moses was ready
for action at his morning presser and he has a fascinating problem on his
hands ahead of the match against the Toon Army. He said: "Victor Moses is
back with us, he is available. Cheikhou Kouyate missed the Bournemouth game,
he probably could have played, he was about 85% then, but we had the option
of resting him. He is a very physical player, one of the best in the Premier
League at what he does, so we didn't risk him."
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Bilic: Carroll will be out for three and a half weeks
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 14, 2016 in News
C and H
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic faced the press this morning ahead the Hammers
game against Newcastle and was asked about Andy Carroll and other injuries
Bilic told the media that Andy should be out for three and a half weeks and
not four to six weeks. " It's a hamstring injury, it's one of those injuries
that it is hard to tell how long he'll be out. He's having a scan later on
today so we'll know more soon. It wasn't a big one, but it's not a small one
either, hopefully it's only going to three and a half weeks or so, not four
to six."
"It's a big blow, of course, he was looking good, he was sharp and fully
fit. He'll be back soon and he won't lose too much fitness."
"He is a positive lad himself. He was gutted of course, he felt he was back
and he was enjoying his football. We don't have to make a big story about
it. If everything goes well he will be back very soon, if it is three weeks
then it's not the end of the world. Then he'll be back for a very
significant part of the season."
"Victor Moses is back with us, he is available. Cheikhou Kouyate missed the
Bournemouth game, he probably could have played, he was about 85% then, but
we had the option of resting him. He is a very physical player, one of the
best in the Premier League at what he does, so we didn't risk him."
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Obiang is open to offers says agent
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
A person claiming to be the agent of West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang has
told CalcioMercato.it in Italy that his client would consider offers from
other clubs but bizarrely insisted Obiang is currently happy to stay with
the Hammers. 23 year old Obiang only joined the Irons from Serie A side
Sampdoria last summer on a five-year contract for a transfer fee believed to
be £4.5 million. Jose Miguel Gonzalez has told CalcioMercato.it that Obiang
would consider leaving if a team made a proposal for him. "We're very
pleased with the adaptation to the new project with West Ham and the Premier
League in general," said Gonzalez. "Pedro is fascinated by the city, the
language and everything else. It's a great experience and the team is doing
very well, fighting for the top places."
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BT Sport to show Hammers FA Clash
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 13, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
BT Sports has announced it will provide TV coverage of West Ham's FA cup
trip to either Exeter or Liverpool. Kick-off is set for 5:30pm on Saturday
30th January. If Liverpool over come Exeter the Irons will need to beat
Jurgen Klopp's outfit for the third time this season after the thrilling 2-2
draw at St James' Park. The possibility of doing the treble over the Reds
will be a major incentive for Slaven Bilic's side who have seen the
merseysiders off twice this season. We have not played Exeter for 101 years
since we beat them 4-1 at the Boleyn Ground on 2nd January 1915 in front of
7,000 fans in the old Southern First division, on that day Hammer Sydney
Puddlefoot scored a hat trick. We have played the Grecians 14 times between
1909 and 1915 with 6 wins, 5 draws and 3 losses.
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West Ham linked with Ligue 1 striker
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 14, 2016 in News
C and H
West Ham has been linked with Ben Yedder after reports in France claimed he
is ready to force a move out of Toulouse this month. The twenty-five year
striker is one of French football's rising stars netting six goals in his
last six games for the Ligue 1 outfit. That form has attracted the attention
of the Spurs, Lyon, Marseille and West Ham according to a report in the Sun
today. Radio station RMC reported that Toulouse have told their Ligue 1
rivals that the former France Under-21 international would be available for
just £5.3million — as long as he is loaned straight back to the club for the
rest of the season. Yedder who scored fourteen league goals last season is
believed to prefer a move to the Premier League in this transfer window.
Toulouse coach Dominique Arribage is aware of the player's desire to move
on, and admitted last week that he might not be able to keep hold of the
attacker. He said: "With every game we have in January I will have several
press conferences a week and every time I will get asked the question about
Ben Yedder. I will say that I am very happy to have him in the squad. He is
a powerful player and I want him to be with us as long as possible, but
indeed there is a possibility that he leaves."
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Irons react to Obiang transfer talk
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 14, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Exclusive
West Ham have made it clear this morning that Pedro Obiang is their player
for the next three years and that it may be as well for agents to understand
that. The Italian was at the centre of reports this morning that he could be
up for a transfer if a club came in for him and the clubs are not in a
position to discuss what may or may not be going on among his advisers.
We reported earlier that the midfielder's agent, Jose Miguel Gonzalez, has
told CalcioMercato that Obiang would consider leaving if a team made a
proposal for him. But ClaretandHugh's top source immediately told us
exclusively: "In reality 99% of players at all clubs would consider/like to
move if they were offered say twice the money they are on. However, if they
are contracted to a club they can't and Pedro is contracted to West Ham for
another three years. Every window there are players who think we should let
them leave for nothing or a low fee if they are aware of other clubs ready
to offer them more."
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The Reason Payet is NOT the New Tevez
verywestham
Dimitri Payet has undoubtedly been the Premiership's signing of the year to
date. The midfield talisman is blessed with outrageous skills and, despite a
two month absence of late, is already being hailed as a Hammers legend! The
comparison points for such status are fascinating - Carlos Tevez being the
most recent benchmark. While Tevez's contribution to our survival in 2007
was outstanding, there are many key differences between Payet and 'the
Apache'.
Firstly, Tevez arrived at Upton Park in that bizarre transfer in poor shape
- overweight and unfit, both he and Mascherano initially struggled to adapt
to English football such that Tevez's first nine games consisted of one draw
and eight defeats! And no goals. In fact, the gamble on the two
Argentinians was a key reason why West Ham faced certain relegation in 2007.
Moreover, Carlos also had a few tantrums during his time at Upton Park -
most notably storming out of the ground after a match versus Sheffield
United. And then there was THAT run in with all those key goals, and that
crucial goal on the final day that ensured legendary status in what surely
was the greatest ever Premiership escape (yes, better than Leicesters recent
efforts!).
In stark contrast, Payet has hit the ground running and already has almost
surpassed the Apachhe in goals and, one suspects, has quadrupled his assist
count. For sure, Dimitri is part of a better team, but his contribution in
terms of leadership and example is tremendous. Tevez tried (and ultimately
succeeded) to do it on his own. Payet, as Bilic keeps reminding us, makes
everybody better. We can debate who has the greater innate skills (surely
Payet also wins this?) but in the comparison of team leader versus maverick
there can only be one winner! It's time to go back much further in seeking
our comparison points for this evolving legend, much further indeed!
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Manuel Lanzini: The jewel of River Plate now shining for West Ham after Al
Jazira spell
West Ham are reportedly close to making Manuel Lanzini's loan switch from Al
Jazira to Upton Park permanent, and Sport360 analyses why the east London
side are in such a hurry to wrap-up a deal.
Sport360
Peter Coates
13th January 2016
Lanzini, 22, has been a revelation in the Premier League this term. Lanzini,
22, has been a revelation in the Premier League this term. The era of Sam
Allardyce and his dour brand of football had come to an end at Upton Park
and in his place arrived law graduate, guitar-playing rocker Slaven Bilic.
The charismatic new West Ham boss swaggered back into East London and when
the high-profile signings of Dimitri Payet and Alex Song followed it wasn't
only bubbles in the air, it was a renewed sense of optimism. In the
circumstances, The Hammers' loan signing of young Argentine midfielder
Manuel Lanzini from UAE side Al Jazira went somewhat under the radar. A
slightly built South American who had been playing in a league with a
reputation as more of a final payday for footballers rather than a breeding
ground for talent was understandably viewed as a signing that would require
a little patience.
The truth, however, was that the West Ham faithful needed to wait just three
minutes into Lanzini's debut for a glimpse of his talent. The 22-year-old
dropped his shoulder, cut onto his right foot and rifled Bilic's side in
front against Romanian's Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League qualifiers. Some
would argue that impressing against relative minnows and excelling in the
Premier League are worlds apart but it wasn't long before Lanzini answered
those critics too.
A second goal in his first start for the trip to Anfield confirmed Lanzini's
presence in Bilic's midfield for the season but his impact surprised even
the Croatian coach, who had been tracking the youngster since his River
Plate days. "I am only surprised that he hit it off straight away," Bilic
said. "I thought he was going to need more time because he played in the
UAE. It is a good level but you can't compare that with the Premier League.
"He is a phenomenal player, who is very comfortable on the ball, no matter
where he is and gives everything in every training session. I know him
really well because I tried a couple of times to get him to my previous
club, Besiktas, but it didn't happen."
Besiktas' interest in Lanzini whilst at River was well documented but Bilic
appears to have seen something in the attacking midfielder that few others
did. Emerging from the youth system of the Argentine giants, which he had
joined as a nine-year-old, Lanzini made his first-team debut at 17 and drew
immediate comparisons with former No. 10, Pablo Aimar. What both players
lacked in physical attributes they made up for in touch and vision and the
similarity was not lost on the young Lanzini. "Aimar was my hero", explained
Lanzini. "He came through the youth ranks in more or less the same position.
I watched him often, partly because it was a pleasure – the way he moved the
ball and got the team going – and partly because people said we had similar
styles. I honed in on him for that."
Bestowed the famous River No. 10 shirt, Lanzini at times struggled for
consistency but endeared himself to supporters with two memorable goals at
La Bombonera against bitter rivals Boca Juniors – his header in the 2013
Torneo Final being the fastest scored in a superclásico. Given the reported
European interest and Argentine football economics dictating player sales,
Lanzini's exit was inevitable but it came as something of a surprise when
that move was to Emirati club, Al Jazira. The concern was that Lanzini was
taking a sideways step in his career but he and the Pride of Abu Dhabi club
appeared confident that his stay in the UAE capital would be temporary. Liam
Weeks, the club's head of performance analysis, would later say they "knew
as soon as he arrived that he wouldn't stay long". It proved to be entirely
accurate.
Marking his debut with a brace, Lanzini's overall contribution to the Al
Jazira attack during the 2014-15 campaign was impressive. Behind
centre-forward Mirko Vucinic, Lanzini scored a modest eight but crucially
was involved in 70 per cent of his side's goals. Not wanting to miss out on
Lanzini again, Bilic ordered West Ham to move and a one-year loan agreement
with an option to make the deal permanent for £7 million (Dh37m) was
arranged. The statistics that Lanzini produced in the UAE are not quite so
spectacular in the Premier League but his four goals from twelve appearances
fail to fully capture what the 22-year-old has brought to the Boleyn Ground
side. With a pass completion rate of 88.8 per cent, no West Ham regular can
boast a higher value and only Payet, in his more advanced role, is more
creative. Bilic has taken Lanzini, the advanced playmaker, and dropped him
deeper to play a far more significant role in retaining possession,
dictating play and assisting with defensive duties. Where many had seen
Pablo Aimar, earlier in his career, Bilic sees more of his Croatian
counterpart, Luka Modric.
"I have never seen a player who reminds me of Luka Modric as much as
Lanzini," Bilic asserted after the Argentine scored in the victory over
Crystal Palace. "Luka is my favourite player. He is my prototype of a great
midfielder and Lanzini has the same kind of qualities. "He is making other
players better. He always wants the ball and that's why we put him in
midfield. He always makes himself available. If players are in trouble, he
comes and gets it. He doesn't look strong but some players can defy that
physicality to impose themselves. Modric is the same and, like him, Lanzini
is not afraid either."
Bilic can certainly take credit for making Lanzini a far more complete
midfielder and West Ham look a much better side with the 22-year-old in the
starting eleven. These performances have prompted interest from other clubs
but West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has already calmed supporters by
claiming the transfer will be made permanent before the deadline. "By
February or March, he will be a permanent West Ham player," Sullivan said.
"He could be a top, top, top player. He's already sensational and he could
be as good as any player in the world." There is some way to go before this
is true but Lanzini is beginning to deliver on his early promise and a
bright future surely beckons.
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Dimitri Payet shares what Aaron Cresswell told him before scoring stunning
free-kick
HITC
Olly Dawes
Dimitri Payet scoring a remarkable free kick for West Ham against
Bournemouth. West Ham United hero Dimitri Payet has told the club's official
website that left back Aaron Cresswell urged him to shoot from his free-kick
against Bournemouth. The Hammers made it three Premier League wins in a row
on Tuesday evening, as they recorded a 3-1 victory away at Bournemouth.
Bournemouth took the lead through Harry Arter, but three goals in 17 second
half minutes turned the game or West Ham, with Dimitri Payet hitting the
first, and Enner Valencia adding two more later on. French playmaker Payet
was making his first Premier League start in two months, having been ruled
out with an ankle injury since November, and he marked it in style with a
stunning goal. Payet's free kick from 25 yards went over the will, dipped
viciously and cannoned in off the crossbar, leaving Cherries goalkeeper
Artur Boruc with no chance. After the game, Payet spoke to the West Ham
official website, and admitted that the reason he shot from his free kick
rather than cross it into the box was because left back Aaron Cresswell told
him to have a go from range. Payet also reflected on his superb return to
the West Ham side having spent two months out of action, celebrating his
goal in the process. "Cress said to me 'Shoot!' so I shoot," said a gleeful
Payet. "I'm very happy because I don't play for two months. I'm very happy I
can play, and [get a] good goal, good assist. It's my job. I'm very happy,"
he added.
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Report: Sunderland still considering free transfer move to reunite Allardyce
with Kevin Nolan
HITC
Olly Dawes
Sunderland are reportedly still looking at a deal for Kevin Nolan. According
to the Daily Mail, Sunderland are still pursuing a move for free agent Kevin
Nolan, who has been one of Sam Allardyce's most trusted players over the
years. The Black Cats have made one move so far during the January transfer
window, with Bayern Munich defender Jan Kirchhoff joining the club earlier
this month. Further additions are expected for Sunderland, who are still
fighting relegation despite a superb 4-2 win at Swansea City tonight, where
Jermain Defoe's hat-trick handed Allardyce a vital three points. Fans will
be hoping to see some players with Premier League experience brought in to
help battle the drop, and it seems that Allardyce has his eye on a familiar
face. Midfielder Kevin Nolan has been a free agent ever since being released
by West Ham United back in August, and the Daily Mail report that Sunderland
are still considering a move to sign Nolan. The 33-year-old worked with
Allardyce at both Bolton Wanderers and West Ham, enjoying the best stints of
his career under 'Big Sam' and his management. A move to reunite the duo
would make some sense, especially with Nolan available for free, but after
nearly five months out of the game, there have to be questions over his
fitness, whilst League Two side Leyton Orient tried to sign Nolan, according
to the report, but couldn't strike a deal - and many will question whether
Nolan still has a role to play in the Premier League at this stage of his
career.
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Report explains how West Ham feel about Payet's future and contract
situation
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham reportedly aren't looking to hand Dimitri Payet a new contract.
According to The Times, West Ham won't be offering Dimitri Payet a new
contract despite his fine performances - and believe he will stay at the
club regardless. Payet, 28, has been one of the signings of the Premier
League season, with his skill dazzling the Upton Park faithful, earning
comparisons to former Hammers heroes such as Paolo Di Canio and Carlos Tevez
in the process. Having arrived from Marseille, Payet was billed as West
Ham's big summer arrival, and he has certainly lived up to the hype, even
though he has missed two months of the season through injury. Payet's first
start in the league since November came on Tuesday night in West Ham's 3-1
victory at Bournemouth, and he came back with a bang, scoring a superb free
kick before notching an assist for Enner Valencia to score. Now, The Times
report that despite the fact that Payet has been serving up some incredible
performances, West Ham currently have no plans to offer him a new and
improved contract. It's also stated that West Ham don't fear losing Payet
right now, and believe that they can keep hold of him long-term - because
they think playing at Upton Park on a regular basis offers him the best
chance to get back in to the French national team squad.
Payet currently isn't in the plans of France boss Didier Deschamps, and
doesn't look like making the French squad for their home European
Championships campaign this summer - but if he continues to keep up this run
of form, it will be hard for Deschamps, and possibly rival clubs, to ignore
him.
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FAKING IT
By Blind Hammer 14 Jan 2016 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer examines whether Bilic has any options for a False Number 9.
The injury to Andy Carroll has again highlighted the comparative fragilities
of our front line. Hopefully Sakho will return early and immediately hit the
ground running, but in the short term it appears that only Jelavic will be
available as a main central forward option. Interestingly whenever I have
heard Bilic refer to Valencia he has called him not a striker but a "winger"
which seems to indicate that he, at least, sees Valencia primarily in a wide
role.
Bilic strikes me as a manager who dislikes not having an alternative Plan B
to his Plan A. We have seen how, in recent weeks, he has changed games in
the second half. Assuming Jelavic is the default starting Plan A then Bilic
will have limited option to move to a plan B in the absence of both Sakho
and Carroll.
It may be then that Bilic, as a deep thinking strategist, has to give
serious thought to West Ham playing with a Fake or False number 9 in the
weeks ahead.
Once upon a time all teams played at least two forwards in a 4-4-2
formation. West Ham was actually one of the pioneers of playing with one
striker with the other forward in a withdrawn deep lying role. The most
famous example of this was the tactical masterstroke Lyall pulled off in the
1981 FA Cup Final win over Arsenal where Stuart Pearson was withdrawn into
midfield with David Cross up front by himself. This move completely
disorientated the Arsenal defence who wasted player manpower with defenders
marking a non-existent forward.
The False number 9 is and extension of this idea where even the lone striker
is withdrawn into midfield. Although known as a tactic from the 1930's the
strategy appears to have its roots in Pep Guardiola's successful Barcelona
team in 2010. His use of Lionel Messi as a False Number 9 altered the
landscape for football strategy across the world forever.
Messi was light years away from the old-fashioned number 9, traditionally a
physically strong and tall leader who battled for possession and held up
play for an advancing midfield.
Barcelona instead confused defenders by playing their way with short
diagonal passes from the back to front into the final third. Here they
retained possession, hitting teams with lightening runs, amazing dribbles
into the box or slip passes to runners from deep to bamboozle unprepared
defenders. In such a system retaining possession is key and there is not
often the luxury of a long ball unless it is released over a running wide
player.
So playing with a false nine relies on midfielders running from deep to do
the damage in the opposition penalty area. The system was in a sense natural
and logical for Barcelona to implement as it played into their strengths.
Messi was too talented a player to be simply deployed in a wide role,
potentially on the periphery of any action. Playing him as a traditional
number 10 also courted the risk that he be man marked out of the game. In
the event Messi was supported in a running and passing game in midfield, the
most advance of a midfield quintet.
See the Bleacher Report for a good general discussion of the False Number 9
strategies.
There are of course cynics who will argue that in playing Jelavic West Ham
are already playing with a false number 9 but this is a frivolous view and
one that misses the crucial point. Payet has drawn comparisons with Messi
over the last year and it is not inconceivable that he might be able to
adapt into a false Number 9 role, at least in the short term.
The role of the false number 9 is complicated, demanding and ultimately
integral to the team's performance. He must not only be able to retain
possession under pressure, but must have an eye for the killer pass and be
able to beat a player on the ground with dribbling ability. The demanding
nature of the role requires a level of world class skill. Few players are
able to perform the role consistently. However if any player in the Premier
League is capable of playing the false number 9 role it is probably Payet.
Of course West Ham has used a False Number 9 before, most famously in the
3-0 demolition of Spurs in October 2013. In that team Ravel Morrison, Nolan
and Downing combined to execute a passing press up the pitch which Spurs
could not cope with. The success of this ploy was not long lived however.
Spurs were taken by surprise on the night but in subsequent weeks other
teams wised up and countered the effectiveness of the strategy. We did not
have Barcelona style players to implement the strategy beyond this initial
surprise.
Arguably now we are better equipped to support a Fake Number 9. Not just
Valencia and Antonio but also the returning Moses may well provide the
running and dribbling threat for Payet to find as they arrive in the penalty
area.
Notwithstanding all this, the likely event is that we will almost certainly
start with the Plan A of Jelavic up front in the upcoming games against
Newcastle, Manchester City and Aston Villa. Given what we know about Bilic
though I would be extremely surprised if he is not now considering a Plan B
of a fake Number 9, utilising to the full the world class skills of Payet.
David Griffith
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THE GREAT LEAP FORWARD?
By S J Chandos 14 Jan 2016 at 13:00
WTID
I have previously commented on the absence of a winning mentality amongst
sections of our support base. Years of under-achievement and bitter
disappointment has conspired to nurture a skeptical outlook which expects
and almost seeks comfort in the worst case scenario transpiring. For
example, we sign a world-class talent in Payet and discussion turns to
losing him to one of the so-called 'big clubs.' We hit an injury crisis and
the narrative turns to clinging on to 10th place in the league. I disagree
with that viewpoint, but I do understand it. And at the end of the day, it
will probably only change when the club secures sustained success and
actually give the fans something to be confident about!
However, what I cannot understand is a club source actually stating that
they would prefer to win the FA Cup over qualifying for the Champions
League. Now, I have great memories of the FA Cup and, like all Hammers fans,
I would of course relish winning the cup for a fourth time. But does a PL
club with ambition make such a public statement? Qualification for the
Champions League this season would indeed signal that the club are moving up
a level. Apart from the financial incentives, involvement in the CL would
put a whole new complexion on the debut season at the OS. We have the world
class stadium, we have the squad (and it will be strengthened even further
in the summer) and we have the opportunity. So, lets go for it! Lest we
forget, we currently sit in 5th, one point behind Spurs (in 4th) and five
points behind Man City (in 3rd). Moreover, we have played many of our
toughest away matches, our remaining fixtures are fairly favourable and we
are presently on a strong unbeaten run, having won our last three PL
matches. Thus, the tide appears to have turned in our favour and we have a
massive opportunity in the here and now.
Here is a novel thought, how about we deploy the full playing resources of
our squad (injuries allowing) and attempt to maintain a strong challenge on
both fronts. After all, does FA Cup progress inevitably mean that there has
to be a drop off in our league form and results? Of course not. lndeed, if
you aspire to be a top four club, then it is a pre-requisite that you are
able to challenge for honours on two or three fronts. It is something that
all such clubs have in common. It is a non-negotiable fact of life at the
top of the PL tree! So, we might as well accept it and try to show that we
are capable of doing it. Hopefully this is exactly what the club intend to
do. It is just that I question this apparent logic that the FA Cup should be
prioritised over the PL. Because if you communicate that preference to the
squad, what is to stop it adversely influencing PL performance and results?
That would be very disappointing considering the excellent league position
that we have carved out for ourselves up to this juncture.
I was expecting the club to adjust and strengthen the squad in the January
window. I was not anticipating a major recruitment, but I thought that the
club would make one or two quality signings to 'keep the pot boiling.' In
particular, I thought that either Jelavic or Zarate might move on and this
would free up room for a new striker. Similarly, I also hoped that we might
bring in another play-maker on-loan to cover for Payet and Lanzini. With
both Sakho and Carroll now injured maybe the board will be forced to revisit
their winter transfer plans? Although I must admit that I do wonder to what
extent this 'no business in January' position is a tactical manoeuvre to
underline the point to selling clubs that they will not be held to ransom?
We shall see?
At the end of the day, we can always talk about 'jam tomorrow.' But
sometimes a unique opportunity presents itself (a la our current league
position) and the challenge is to capitalise upon it. It could turn out to
be a 'great leap forward' as juxtaposed to a planned, gradualist advance. An
unexpected plan B to supplement the anticipated plan A. So, lets buckle
down, deploy our squad and try to finish as high as possible in the PL and
progress in the FA Cup. Who knows, it could turn out to be a significant
short-cut in the club's journey towards a bigger and better future?
SJ. Chandos.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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