The Big Interview - Angelo Ogbonna
WHUFC.com
Angelo Ogbonna is loving life in London and rightly so after becoming an integral part of the team following his move from Juventus last summer.
The Italian defender has wasted no time settling into his new surroundings and became an even bigger hero with the Hammers fans when he scored the dramatic winner against Liverpool in the last round of the FA Cup with just seconds left on the clock to keep alive the Club's hopes of winning major silverware this season.
Ogbonna brings with him a wealth of experience having won the Serie A title with Juventus and despite being part of the losing side when the Italian giants lost to Barcelona in the Champions League back in June 2015, Ogbonna is now hoping to go one stage further and play his part in steering his side to Wembley this season and making it a memorable final season at the Boleyn Ground.
Angelo, you must be so proud of the way the team are performing at the moment. Did you expect the club to be performing this well when you joined the Club last summer?
AO: "When I signed for West Ham I knew what could be achieved but I didn't want to tell anyone!
"I didn't know about Leicester and how teams like Chelsea and Manchester United would perform because they should be at the top.
"The Premier League is so good because every game is played at such a high level and everyone wants to fight against the opposition.
"This is a good time for us to achieve what we want to achieve."
The West Ham United supporters are dreaming of playing in Europe next season. Having played in the Champions League, what would it mean for the Club to play on the European stage next season?
AO: "I understand why the fans are dreaming about this because this is a big chance for us, but we should not focus too much on our position in the table. We need to keep our feet on the ground."
We switch our attentions away from the Premier League this weekend and are now preparing for another huge game in the FA Cup quarter final against Manchester United. How excited are the players at the prospect of playing at Old Trafford and the possibility of reaching the semi-final stage at Wembley?
AO: "We are very excited about this and we will do everything to play at Wembley. We know it will be a really good game and a great atmosphere.
"It was an unforgettable moment when I scored the winning goal against Liverpool. This is the first time in my career I have experienced an atmosphere like that – maybe it was because we are playing the final ever season at the Boleyn Ground and you can see what it means to the fans.
"It was not only the Liverpool game. The fans helped us so much during the Tottenham match and the crowd was unbelievable."
You have played in Cup Finals and been part of the Champions League Final. What does it mean for a Club to reach the Final and everything that goes with it?
AO: "It would be amazing for us to reach the Final. It is a dream for everyone and sometimes you need to dream.
"We are in this position because we want to achieve a lot and we continue to dream."
How much are you enjoying living in London and how do you like to spend time away from football?
AO: "I love living in London. It is a good experience for me. I have met a lot of good people, including my team-mates.
"I have been to Petticoat Lane Market and someone spoke to me about the history of the market.
"I managed to come away with some very good bargains and really enjoyed it!!
"I have also been to Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and all the tourist attractions. The first time I came to London I was on holiday, but this time I can enjoy everything.
"I enjoy going to different restaurants and have also been on the London Eye which gives you amazing views of the city. I think it is amazing here."
You managed to head back to Italy after the Everton victory. How much do you appreciate going back to see your family back home?
AO: "I went to see my mother as it was Mothers Day and I wanted to celebrate it with her.
"She is very proud of what I am doing at West Ham. She knows if I am happy then she is happy as well!!"
You have played with a number of top players during your career. Is Dimitri Payet one of the best you have seen ?
AO: "Yes he is one of the best. He has a lot of quality but the secret of this team is the group and we have a very good mix of players.
"We have many players who can do everything and show different sides to their game. When we have to fight they will go and win the ball.
"We are a very good team and have players like Lanzini, Sakho, Kouyate and Noble who can all make a difference.
"My team have helped me to settle in and when they support you, you have the confidence to do what you want to do. This is a good moment for everyone."
Unfortunately, you were an unused substitute during the Champions League Final against Barcelona. How much would you like to make up for that and just maybe play in a major final for West Ham?
AO: "That is a nice dream for me. We are in a very good situation at the moment and we don't have to be scared. We prepare well for the game and the coach is preparing us very well."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers to open Claret and Blue coffee house!
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United Coffee Co. will be the perfect place to enjoy a drink at the Hammers' new ground! The stylish Claret and Blue-themed coffee house will be situated inside the new Stadium Store at the Club's new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, just a well-placed pass away from the Hammers new 54,000-capacity Stadium. With bespoke beans and brews being served alongside refreshments supplied by catering partner Delaware North and décor depicting the biggest names in Hammers history, the West Ham United Coffee Co. will be the ideal location to warm up for the big match. Designed and fitted out by leading agency 442 Design, the West Ham United Coffee Co. will give fans of all ages the opportunity to relax and recharge, whether it be before or after the game or Tour of the Hammers' new home, or as part of a visit to the new, enlarged and improved Stadium Store. Vice-Chairman Karren Brady CBE said the West Ham United Coffee Co. was just one of a host of fantastic new facilities which will be available to fans at the Hammers' new home. "Situated within our new, improved and much larger Superstore, the West Ham United Coffee Co. will provide supporters with a wonderful environment to enjoy on their visit to our new home," said the Vice Chairman. "When I saw the designs for the West Ham United Coffee Co., I was hugely impressed by the way the traditions of our fantastic football club have been entwined with the surroundings of a modern coffee house. "The West Ham United Coffee Co., of course, will be just one of a wide range of fabulous facilities for our fans to enjoy at our new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park."
The spectacular surroundings will see fans pick their chosen cuppa from a unique Scoreboard Style menu board, before taking their seats in an awe-inspiring feature dining area that draws on everything that is great about West Ham United. The centrepiece of this stunning dining area will be a 'Dream Team' table, which utilises a set of turnstiles from the Boleyn Ground providing a timeless link between the Club's old and new stadia, featuring the names of eleven players and a manager, the identities of which will be picked by fans in the near future!
Smaller tables and perch benches will be covered by images of Hammer of the Year winners and historical facts, figures and quotes, while wall graphics will show images of the Claret and Blue Army. Whether fans are 'dining in' or 'taking out', refreshments will be served in smart bespoke West Ham United Coffee Co. branded cups and bags. Designed with Hammers fans in mind, the West Ham United Coffee Co. will be the perfect venue to get ready for the game, or simply take time out in spectacular Claret and Blue surroundings. The West Ham United Coffee Co. will open for business this summer.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies stun Spurs under the lights
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies marked International Women's Day by beating local rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Upton Park, with captain Katie Bottom scoring in a 1-0 win. It was the first time that the Boleyn Ground had ever hosted an FA Women's Premier League match under the lights and plenty of Hammers and Spurs fans braved the cold weather to cheer on both sets of teams. West Ham fan and Foundation coach Bottom was handed the chance to realise her dreams as she led her team mates out onto the famous turf - leading a defence that also contained vice-captain Hannah Wheeler, left back Olivia Sammons and right back Danni Ritson, who had even more to celebrate as the game was played on her 21st birthday. In the first half, the Hammers looked like a completely different team to the one that has suffered disappointing league defeats in recent weeks, with Gemma Abela, Rosie Missen and Karen Ray controlling possession in the middle of the park. Up front, French winger Cindy Ferreira and former Development Squad top scorer Whitney Locke used their pace to panic their north London opponents. The best chance of the half fell to Spurs striker Wendy Martin, but she failed to keep her shot down. Down the other end, former Hammer and current Spurs keeper Toni-Anne Wayne's clearance only travelled as far as Ray, who went to line up an audacious shot from distance, although the ball unfortunately hit her on the knee and was cleared. After the break, the Hammers came out with a buzz and could have led when Ferreira raced through on goal just minutes into the half, although she rushed her effort and fired narrowly over the crossbar. Spurs weathered the storm and actually managed to force the ball into the back of the West Ham net shortly before the hour mark, but the assistant referee's flag halted any celebrations. It was West Ham that took the lead though, when fantastic play by substitute Laura Curtis won the home side a penalty, with Bottom stepping up as captain to send Wayne the wrong way and bury into the corner. The visitors went looking for an instant equaliser, but the hosts could have made it two when Ferreira fired over from 18 yards after latching onto a Locke cross. Spurs responded by putting plenty of pressure onto the home defence, but the Hammers stood strong. In the closing stages, West Ham tried their hardest to search for a goal that would put the result beyond doubt, although Spurs continued to rally forward. The referee finally blowed his full time whistle and Nurse's side celebrated a well-earned three points and a return to winning ways. Nurse's side will be hoping that Tuesday night's result will inspire them as they host high-flying Cardiff City at AFC Hornchurch on Sunday 13 March at 2pm.
LADIES: Griffins, Ritson, Bottom (c), Wheeler, Sammons, Abela (Curtis), Missen, Ray, Campesi, Ferreira (Hinz), Locke (Berkeley). Subs not used: Turner, Kelly.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
Long-time West Ham United correspondent for the Evening Standard, Ken Dyer, reflects on a memorable couple of weeks for the Club…
I have a lot of West Ham friends, and obviously they have been talking to each other after the events of the last week. Coming on top of the win against Spurs and the way the result came about against Everton, they all agreed that it doesn't get better than that!
I suppose it does get better than that if we are able to go on and beat Manchester United on Sunday, but to come back from that position just shows you how much spirit and character there is in that team.
When you have that, the players must be thinking that whatever the circumstances, they can go out and win this game.
Slaven is very proactive in what he does, in the way he changes things if necessary. He doesn't take too long, he gives things plenty of time, as he did against Everton when he brought Andy Carroll on at half time.
Quite rightly, Pochettino and Ranieri have had the spotlight this year, and Slaven has gone a bit under the radar, which has probably helped. That won't happen for much longer if we continue as we are.
Now we have a trip to Old Trafford with 9,000 West Ham fans and that harks back to memories of Di Canio and Barthez. That was one of those wow moments, what happened there? It was a fabulous game and Old Trafford has special memories too with the year we stayed up.
The Barthez-Di Canio moment was great showbiz, two big characters facing each other and obviously Di Canio came out on top.
We also beat Manchester United in the semi-final of 1964, which is a game I remember well. I had been to all the home games that year in the cup run and I couldn't get to the semi-final but I tuned in to the crackly radio.
I remember that it didn't stop raining, and when you see footage of the pitch now, those kind of surfaces don't exist any more.
Ronnie Boyce came up with two goals, which was fairly rare for him as he supplied the midfield engine room of the team. Then he popped up in the final and got the winner there as well. It was a great day.
What the Cup does is throw up unlikely heroes, and I don't mind who scores on Sunday as long as we do it!
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A message from the Board
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to endorse this afternoon's Premier League announcement of a league-wide £30 cap on all away tickets for the next three seasons. While the decision to cap tickets at £30 each will cost the Club over £2,000,000 in lost revenue over the next three years, the Club supported the move to ensure its own supporters benefited from the price cap when they travel to watch the Hammers play away from home. The Board are also pleased to confirm that following extraordinary demand for tickets at the Hammers' new world-class home, West Ham are now doing everything in their power to expand the capacity to 60,000. Should that hard work pay off, there will be an additional 5,000 Band 5 seats and thus a total of 8,000 Season Tickets available for £289 a season. What's more, the Club project that some 8,000 Season Tickets will be sold to Under-16s for just £99.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Keeping up with Kouyate
WHUFC.com
As West Ham fans have long since realised, Cheikhou Kouyate is one of the best at what he does in the Premier League.
Boundless energy and enthusiasm, both on and off the pitch, the 26-year-old has been outstanding since his arrival in east London.
Having recently been utilised as defensive cover, whufc.com caught up with the Senegalese international…
A great victory for the team against Everton last weekend, what was the turning point of the game?
CK: "We tried to start like we had done against Tottenham at home the week before but unfortunately, we conceded an early goal and so we made life difficult for ourselves.
"Unlike in other games when we have conceded, I thought we did well and tried to stay on the front foot. Then they scored their second goal which made the task even harder. The manager was positive and put on two strikers and I think that this was the turning point of the match."
You are currently covering at centre back due to the several defensive injuries, how do you feel about playing at the back?
CK: "As I have said before, I am a midfielder however; I am prepared to do anything for the benefit of the team. I would even be willing to play in goal if needed. So when the boss asked me to fill in at centre back, I was happy to do so. I played at the back in the Champions League with Anderlecht and so I am comfortable playing in that position."
A difficult match against Manchester United on Sunday at Old Trafford, do you have any particular memories of playing at the ground or against United?
CK: "We are all aware of the size of their club; they are one of the biggest teams in the country. We know what to expect from a game there, a nice stadium, good playing surface and a great atmosphere.
"I have some great memories of playing for the Senegalese national side during the London Olympics in 2012 at Old Trafford, when we played against Team GB and we held them to a 1-1 draw. I hope that we can go to Sunday's game and play in the same way, we know that it won't be easy, but with the team spirit as it is at the moment, we know that we can get something from the game."
Tell us a bit about the goal you scored against Manchester United at Upton Park last season.
CK: "We had a free kick, Mark Noble and Stewart Downing were standing over the ball and I didn't know which of them would be taking the free kick. Mark put a great ball into the box and I tried to attack the ball, but I didn't get to it. Rooney headed the ball away and it fell to me, I juggled the ball once and then twice and then fired towards goal and luckily it went in and I scored one of the best goals of my career."
You have a busy month with West Ham and then with the Senegalese national side. Qualification is achievable, what can this Senegalese team go on to do?
CK: "All is going well, we are top of the table, but we know there is a long way to go. Things have changed a bit, with a new manager who is trying to take the team to the next level.
"We are determined to qualify and then really progress within the African Cup of Nations in 2017. We face Niger at home and away later this month and we plan to take the game to them at home to try to secure qualification as soon as possible."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues his weekly update – in association with Spire Roding Hospital
Hello everybody,
We had a very positive week last week, with three Barclays Premier League victories in the space of eight days, including our home win over Tottenham Hotspur and the fantastic comeback at Everton.
Unfortunately, James Collins suffered a hamstring injury in the Spurs game. This was the first injury he has suffered this season and we hope to recover him after the international break.
Enner Valencia, Victor Moses and Joey O'Brien all re-joined training earlier this week after recovering from a right high ankle sprain, a quadriceps injury and hamstring problem respectively.
Winston Reid is going to join training on Friday. Winston is in the last stages of his hamstring rehab and needs a good training block with the team.
James Tomkins is in the final stage of his rehabilitation after recovering from the calf injury he suffered at Southampton on 6 February, and he will start training again next week.
We were delighted to see Diafra Sakho come through his return to the team successfully, with a goal and an assist at Everton on Saturday.
Diafra worked extremely hard to recover from his quadriceps injury and showed great professionalism in his approach to what was a very complex rehab.
We naturally hope he will continue to enjoy this form and fitness until the end of the season and beyond.
Finally, I want to say some words about Carl Jenkinson. He is rehabbing with Arsenal following the knee injury he suffered in the match with Manchester City in January, and has recently moved onto the next stage of his treatment.
Carl has a long road ahead of him and we wish him well as he continues with his recovery.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies delighted with Spurs win
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies captain and Foundation coach Katie Bottom marked a perfect day by netting the hosts' only goal as they defeated local rivals Tottenham Hotspur Ladies 1-0 at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday night.
It was International Women's Day and the first time ever that an FA Women's Premier League game had been played under the famous lights at Upton Park and the night was made all the better when Bottom stepped up to convert from the penalty spot after substitute Laura Curtis was tripped in the box.
Having supported the club her whole life and spent many years working for the West Ham Foundation as a community coach, Bottom told whufc.com after the game just how perfect her day was.
"I'm always around the ground but I've never had the chance to lead a team out before and to be one of the last captains to do it at the end of this last season at Upton Park is a massive achievement for me and for all the girls," she said.
"It was a perfect day from the start to the finish. The performance from every single one of the girls that went out onto the pitch was top drawer.
"We kept it solid and knew that we could get something on the break and obviously we won the penalty so it's was a fantastic night for us.
"I was a bit nervous [stepping up for the penalty]. I've come up against Tor [Toni-Anne Wayne] a couple of times, because she used to play for us, but I knew where I was going to put it and I just hoped she didn't guess the same way as me - try putting it in the corner and keep it away from her.
"The results haven't been that great but we've certainly put that on its head. The solid performance, the win, the three points that we needed and the confidence which is going to shoot now.
"The next three games are vital for us so hopefully we can pick up some more points. We've done this game and we now have to focus on the next one and keep on going and keep plodding away.
"Overall though, it's the perfect day and the perfect performance, so we'll be going to bed happy!
First team manager Marc Nurse similarly used the word 'perfect' to describe many parts of the day too, as he echoed his captain's feelings about the performance and the day as a whole.
"It was absolutely perfect," added Nurse. "It's our first and last game at the Boleyn Ground and it was absolutely fantastic. There were so many supporters for both West Ham and Tottenham, more so for West Ham, which helped to make the occasion that fantastic.
"The game itself was very entertaining with plenty of end-to-end stuff, but grit and determination got us the result that we needed which was a 1-0 win. Three more points on the board now and I'm a very happy man."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham poised to benefit from luck of the Irish with Shamrock Rovers in line for new partnership to develop players - The Daily Mail
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
The Daily Mail have stated that West Ham are exploring the possibility of a link-up with League of Ireland side Shamrock Rovers as revealed exclusively by our very own ExWHUEmployee in his column last night. Ex has confirmed that this is under consideration by the club.The deal would allow the Premier League high fliers to loan players out and potentially help speed up work permit applications for new signings. Shamrock opened their campaign last Saturday with a 2-0 win at Sligo Rovers as their season runs from March to November. Managed by former Chelsea trainee and Hibernian boss Pat Fenlon, Shamrock finished third last season and are the most successful side in League of Ireland history.West Ham have examined several possibilities but Shamrock are emerging as the favoured option.They have a strong fanbase in Ireland and it is hoped both clubs can reap the benefits on and off the pitch.West Ham are enjoying one of their most successful seasons under the guidance of Slaven Bilic and are moving to the Olympic Stadium in the summer. The Hammers climbed up to fifth in the Premier League last weekend with a 3-2 victory against Everton.They are only a point behind Manchester City, who occupy fourth place, although City have a game in-hand on West Ham.Bilic's side face Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-final on Saturday. Co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold are looking at adding some big name players to their squad with the prospect of European football next season but will also need to source bargains who could be allowed to bed in with an affiliated club.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham seeking extended OS capacity
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 9th March 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have officially confirmed that they are seeking to extend the capacity of the Olympic Stadium to 60,000. The current capacity was provisionally set at 54,000,when the club were unsure whether they would be able to sell the full allocation of season tickets for the 2016/17 campaign. But with sales having gone better than expected, the club have confirmed that they are seeking to extend the capacity by a further 6,000 ahead of this summer's move from Upton Park to Stratford. "Following extraordinary demand for tickets at the Hammers' new world-class home, West Ham are now doing everything in their power to expand the capacity to 60,000," read a statement on whufc.com."
And it was confirmed that the vast majority of those extra spaces would be added to the much-vaunted £289 season ticket price range. "Should that hard work pay off, there will be an additional 5,000 Band 5 seats and thus a total of 8,000 Season Tickets available for £289 a season," added the club. "What's more, the Club project that some 8,000 Season Tickets will be sold to Under-16s for just £99."
The Olympic Stadium's capacity was capped at 80,000 for the 2012 Olympic Games three years ago. Should West Ham secure the additional 6,000 seats it would make the stadium joint-second largest in the Premier League, behind Manchester United but almost identical to Arsenal's Emirates Stadium which holds 60,432.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The best is yet to come, but let's forget Premier League records
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 9th March 2016
By: Paul Walker
It's started already hasn't it? We are happily being told that Slaven's outstanding team with their string of brilliant results are on the brink of the best season in our history.
Utter nonsense, and nothing is certainly to send me off on a rant when someone, somewhere mentions the words, 'Premier League records'. Aaaah!
It is lazy, clumsy journalism prompted by the PR people at the Premier League who never stop churning our information suggesting something is the best since…well 1992!
PL records were invented for Sky, to give them something to prattle about that they actually had footage to back it up. The Premier League was nothing more than a rebranding of a much-loved institution for the benefit of moneymen.
Back in the old black and white days we actually won a European trophy. How does that square with the headlines now?
For the record…sorry…our best performance since the Premier League was invented by the marketing men is fifth in 98-99. But it's just the best in 24 seasons.
The Football League started in 1888 and I have been delighted to hear an old mate, Alan Green, ridicule the whole concent of Premier League records on BBC Five Live recently. Brilliant, well done. Now let's move on.
If the season ended now, with us fifth and in the FA Cup quarter-finals, it would be pretty damned close to our best-ever season. It's good, but not it's not quite Carling!
There is the need, though, to come up with a definitive 'best season' because the way Slaven Bilic is going, we will need to know pretty soon.
For me, it will always be the 1964-65 season when we lifted the European Cup Winners' Cup at Wembley, and we finished ninth in the First Division that season. The domestic cups were not so good, we lost our hold on the FA Cup in the fourth round, losing 1-0 at home to Chelsea, while getting to the second stage of the League Cup.
I remember that Chelsea defeat like it was yesterday. Only because the night before me and my mum and dad, had queued for hours alongside a bitterly cold Thames to file past the coffin of Winston Churchill, as he lay in state. Me and dad had only a couple of hours sleep before heading off to the Boleyn. Funny how things stick in your memory.
Anyway, I feel, and it's only my criteria which I am sure many of you will want to shoot down, that a 'best season' must take into account the rest of the campaign, rather than the one major achievement.
So there is a case for the 85-86 campaign when we managed third place in the top flight, and reached the FA Cup quarter-finals, still our best-ever league performance.
But back to the 60s. A season before the European triumph, we won the FA Cup for the first time, finished 14th in the league and reached the League Cup semi-finals before being beaten 6-3 on aggregate by Leicester, also has a shout.
So the current debate has prompted me to get the record books out and waffle on about the past. (I can see my son and his mates diving for cover as I speak!)
I was searching for something that might compete with '64, '65 and '86. It's tough, but I believe that trio is already the best bet.
The pre-First World War seasons were regional and obviously not really in contention either as Thames Ironworks or West Ham. The 1922-23 season saw us figure in history as taking part in the first FA Cup final at Wembley, but we still lost and were runners-up in the second division.
From then on, until relegation in 1931-32, our best league position was sixth. You can see where I am coming from, now.
The Second World War robbed us of a great team, with Len Goulden, my dad's favourite player, the key. He was probably a comparison with Trevor Brooking, and that War Time Cup Final-winning side would almost certainly have got us promotion.
All this new-found knowledge is not me, it's thanks to another fine book by Brian Belton, War Hammers Two. It has filed a huge gap in my West Ham historical library, and given me the chance to read about the Irons of my late father's youth.
He was a teenager during the war, bombed out twice and reduced to a nervous wreck by the day and night bombing of the Blitz. He was tongue-tied and had a terrible stutter by the end of the war, but recalled his days at the Boleyn.
I can still hear my mum finishing sentences for him when I was a kid. I look at the youngsters around me sometimes and wonder whether they realise how lucky they are not to have gone through that.
OK, weepy bit over. From then until 1957-58 when we won promotion back to the top flight, there had been nothing but very ordinary mid-table second division rubbish.
The 60s take some beating. There was also the 65-66 season when we defended the Cup Winners' Cup until the semi-finals, finished 12th in the league and got to the League Cup Final.
I don't consider the '75 and 1980 Cup winning seasons being better than the 60s. In '75 while beating Bobby Moore's Fulham in the final, we were only 13th in the league and out of the League Cup early, We were ECWC runners-up the following season, but finished 18th in the league, winning only one of our final 21 league matches.
In 1980, as a Second Division side, we also reached the League Cup quarter-finals. Mind you, the following season we won the Second Division title , were League Cup runners-up and got to the European third round.
It was all the forerunner to 85-86. Third is still the pinnacle, but we also beat Manchester United on the way to the FA Cup quarter-finals. An omen for the weekend, I hope.
From, then on it was all pretty ordinary until 2005-06 and that Cup Final defeat by Liverpool, and a ninth place finish.
So to my mind, 1965 was the best, '86 second, and 1964 third. Nothing else that the Premier League PR people can throw up will better that. Until Slaven really gets stuck in.
The way this season is going, it may well be our fourth best season in history. Still an amazing achievement. OK, rant over!
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Angelo Ogbonna urges caution over West Ham's Champions League challenge
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 09/03/16 12:05pm
SSN
Angelo Ogbonna believes West Ham must "keep their feet on the ground" as they attempt to secure Champions League qualification for the first time in the club's history. The Hammers made it three successive wins on Saturday when they came from 2-0 down in last 10 minutes to beat Everton 3-2 at Goodison Park. Victory kept West Ham just a point behind Manchester City, who occupy the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot, with just nine matches of the Premier League season remaining. "I understand why the fans are dreaming about this because this is a big chance for us, but we should not focus too much on our position in the table. We need to keep our feet on the ground," Ogbonna told the club's official website. Ogbonna joined West Ham from Juventus for £7.9m last summer and has featured 23 times this season for Slaven Bilic's side. "When I signed for West Ham I knew what could be achieved but I didn't want to tell anyone," he added. I didn't know about Leicester and how teams like Chelsea and Manchester United would perform because they should be at the top. "The Premier League is so good because every game is played at such a high level and everyone wants to fight against the opposition. "This is a good time for us to achieve what we want to achieve."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham do the double over Spurs in a week
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham Ladies repeated the feat of the West Ham men last Wednesday by beating Spurs Ladies 1-0 at the Boleyn ground last night! A record 1,741 fans attended the game under the Boleyn ground famous lights smashing the previous home attendance record of just 298!
West Ham Ladies Chairman, Stephen Hunt said " Stunned to hear that our game last night beat the attendance in 9 of Dagenham & Redbridge's FC League 2 fixtures this season"
West Ham chairman David Gold added: "Congratulations West ham Ladies you did us proud. Well done. dg"
West Ham ladies Captain Katie Bottom scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in front of the crowd of 1,741 at the Boleyn Ground.
Katie works for West Ham United, supports West Ham United as well as captaining the West Ham Ladies. Today is her 23rd birthday! What an amazing 48 hours. Happy Birthday Katie!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
8,000 OS season tickets available for £289 or less
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
This afternoon, West Ham has confirmed officially for the first they have requested to increase capacity to 60,000 at the Olympic Stadium for next season.
The club confirm should that be agreed then they would make a further 5,000 seats available at band 5 prices at £289 for adults and £99 for the under 16's.
They also reveal for the first time that should the extra 5,000 be agreed it would take the total number of band 5 season tickets to 8,000
The statement on WHUFC.com read:
"The Board are also pleased to confirm that following extraordinary demand for tickets at the Hammers' new world-class home, West Ham are now doing everything in their power to expand the capacity to 60,000."
"Should that hard work pay off, there will be an additional 5,000 Band 5 seats and thus a total of 8,000 Season Tickets available for £289 a season. What's more, the Club project that some 8,000 Season Tickets will be sold to Under-16s for just £99."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Frankie Mac exclusive: "No changing my mind now"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
I said at the start of the season we could grab a Champions League spot and I see absolutely no reason to change my mind now. But let me say at the outset – Slaven Bilic has been incredible… remarkable and I love love love what's happening at my club. Every expectation has been passed and now we wait for the final verdict – are we good enough for the Champions League? I really think we are. However, as to the bigger question: Is this team better than the Boys of 86 …. Eff off LOL! Seriously, I'll tell yer this – it would be one hell of a game.
Everything is possible as we reach the end of the season because of one thing – Sakho is back and make no mistake he IS the No1 striker. No disrespect to Andy Carroll or Enner Valencia but they really don't have the pace and movement of this guy. He's brilliant and with him in the team we can go anywhere as favourites. I know what it must be like playing in that team with Dimi Payet around because I had Alan Devonshire. Those sort of players make it easy for strikers. Payet, like Dev, is pure class and if I was part of this squad I'd be gagging to get out there. The excitement in the air is incredible and that's shown in us having sold 40,000 odd season tickets for the Olympic Stadium which is remarkable. You can put that all down to the owners who have shown real vision and put their money where their mouths are. There has never been a time like this in Hammers history and I personally thank everybody involved. It's brilliant – absolutely brilliant!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slav facing Reid dilemma
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic is facing a Winston Reid dilemma as he prepares for the massive clash with Manchester United this weekend. The central defender has been freely tipped as being ready to join the squad for the FA Cup clash at Old Trafford n Saturday but it leaves the manager with a big decision. He has never been big on plunging players back into action following injury but the alternative appears to be sticking with young Reece Oxford. And whilst nobody is blaming the youngster for the first goal against Everton on Saturday. Slav's dilemma is clear as he prepares for another huge match. ClaretandHugh was told: "There's no issue with the injury, just whether the manager will go with Reidy from the start. We still have an issue at right back of course with Sam Byram suspended and Cup tied anyway. It maybe one for Joey O'Brien."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Transparency and fairness please WHUFC
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 9, 2016 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C and H
By Sean Whetstone
It's no secret, I am openly pro-club, pro-owners and pro-Olympic Stadium move and I make no excuses over that. I have even been accused by some of being a 'club stooge' always toeing the party line and afraid to speak out against the club hierarchy.
Well, two things have got my goat recently and I felt compelled to say so.
The first is the priority waiting list which supporters are encouraged to spend a non-refundable £10 to join. Over 34,000 supporters have paid their tenner but it has been obvious for long time that demand will outstrip supply.
At the end of the season ticket sales period for the Olympic Stadium next season 9,000 seats remained for sale meaning around 25,000 on the list will be disappointed and out of pocket by £10. Despite that, the club continues to actively market the priority list and will gladly still take your money despite there being little chance of you getting a season ticket in the foreseeable future.
They should be open and transparent about the total number on the waiting list and the number of seats remaining before allowing more fans on the list. I would even go as far as returning the tenner for those who did not get a chance to buy a season ticket.
BO_1_Membership_v1The second gripe is the ballot for the last three games, yet again they are encouraging you to sign up to something you have very little chance of getting, The club want you to shell out £40 to join the Academy to have a chance in the ballot for tickets for the last three home games at the Boleyn Ground.
What they don't tell you is there is less than 3,000 tickets on general sale for each of these games and there are over 18,000 Academy members. It will be already oversubscribed as much as six times over but the club wants you shell out forty quid for the slim chance of getting your hands on a ticket.
Existing Academy members will also feel hard done by with their odds reduced and many of the supporters paying £40 will feel cheated when they don't get tickets.
Again the club should be open and transparent to those buying the £40 membership in admitting there is less than a one in six chance of getting a ticket.
Tickets for members for the Arsenal and Manchester United games will cost between £60-£85 depending on the band although I told there are no Band 1's available as they belong to season ticket holders.
Including the £40 membership fee and £1.50 booking fee supporters could end up forking out between £101.50 and £116.50 for a ticket for two of the final games at the Boleyn Ground and that's if they are lucky enough to beat the six to one odds in the first place.
I am sorry but this all seems less about celebrating our farewell to the Boleyn and more about cashing in on the final season. Transparency and fairness is all we ask for!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Paralysing Irons fear and the hand of history
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
ClaretandHugh is delighted to welcome KUMB.com's award winning podcaster Chris Scull as he makes his debut as our latest top name blogger today. 'Scully' is one of the good guys and here he gives his exclusive overview of a season which simply gets better after admitting to the "paralysing" fear he felt before the Spurs match.
EXCLUSIVE
In a season of incredibly memorable moments, last week really seemed to take the biscuit. With Spurs' extraordinary away record, and with the form they're in, I – like most West Ham fans – was paralysed by fear on the day of the Spurs game. I could hear the forthcoming banter of every deluded Spurs fan, I could feel us being stuck with 'the last team to beat you at Upton Park' for decades to come.
But this team really is something else. Spurs were never in the match and we fully deserved all three points. Antonio, Payet, Noble, Collins; what further praise can we heap on these lads this season?
The atmosphere too was incredible; the rain lashing down, almost every Hammer in the ground giving it both barrels. It was a night that will live long in the memory.
Have to say, personally, it was the first time a wave of emotion washed over me with regard to our upcoming departure from the motherland of Green Street – this was the last London derby with Spurs.
The lights, the sights, the smells; you could almost feel the hand of history on your shoulder. All the hundreds of thousands of West Ham fans over those one hundred plus years – all those that came before us. And there we were, the last game against Spurs.
I'm sure there's going to be a few more moments like that over the next two and a bit months.
As for the Everton game, again, speechless. 12 minutes of sheer delirium.
This season is already more than a bit special, the question now is; how far can we go?
People are already starting to discuss this season as potentially our best ever; I believe, in terms of our squad, that is probably true. But for the record books and history to reflect that, we need our defining moment.
And so to Manchester in the cup this Sunday. We were lucky enough to have the Head of Sport for the Daily Mail, Lee Clayton, on the podcast this week. He didn't mind what happened this season as long as beat Spurs last week; but for me, this season is a collection of scattered good memories without that defining moment.
All the tension I felt about Spurs has almost doubled when it comes to United on Sunday. If we win, we return to Wembley in the FA Cup for the first time in 36 years. But not only that, we become serious contenders for our first major trophy in all that time (for the purposes of this article, I'm not counting our InterToto 1999 triumph).
It, probably, all comes down to this weekend. We have a better team than them, I genuinely believe we should beat them. They're low on confidence, they've got a busy mid-week. But most crucially, they're really, really rubbish.
If we beat them on Sunday, a couple of wins on two days out at Wembley will define this season for a generation.
Failing that, we'll just have to beat them under the lights for fourth spot on the last game at Upton Park. A game that is bound to be an emotional send off, not just for us, but for the Chelmsford Reds too I'm sure.
COME ON YOU IRONS!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, March 10
Wednesday, March 9
Daily WHUFC News - 9th March 2016
A message from the Vice-Chairman
WHUFC.com
Vice-Chairman Baroness Brady CBE celebrates International Women's Day with a
special message to West Ham United supporters
It is a fantastically exciting time to be writing to you as Vice-Chairman of
West Ham United Football Club. The team are marking our historic Farewell
Boleyn season by flying high in the Barclays Premier League and mounting a
serious challenge for the Emirates FA Cup, while work on our stunning new
home in Stratford continues to progress superbly with each day bringing yet
more excitement as it moves closer to becoming a truly world-class football
stadium. Today is International Women's Day and I am proud and honoured to
continue to champion the role of women in business and women in football. It
is incredible to think that it is 23 years since I arrived for work on my
first day at Birmingham City at the age of 23. My life as a female football
club Chief Executive, and now Vice-Chairman, has changed markedly since I
entered football in 1993 and, while there is still some way to go, the
issues I encountered on an almost daily basis two decades ago are mercifully
on the decline. I am proud to be one of three female CEOs in the top two
divisions of English football. I am even prouder of the number of women who
now hold senior management positions here at West Ham United. I have
recently championed and appointed Tara Warren to my Board, brought in
Felicity Croft as my Commercial Director, Michele Gull to lead our Human
Resources department and promoted Kerry Patterson as joint Head of Retail in
such a critical transitional time for the business. I have always been
committed to giving women an opportunity to play a leading role in football
- a business which had traditionally been male-dominated - and, as we
continue to grow and expand our Football Club into a truly worldwide brand,
I can only foresee more senior positions being taken by intelligent, driven
and able women in the future. To mark International Women's Day, I am
delighted that our own West Ham Ladies will be playing their first
competitive match at the Boleyn Ground this evening. We are expecting a
record-breaking crowd to attend the game against Tottenham Hotspur Ladies,
so please do come along and lend your support. Looking to the future, the
Club is in a far better position than it was when we arrived a little more
than six years ago.
The Joint-Chairmen have pulled the Club back from the brink of the financial
abyss, the inherited debt is falling and, with the team assured of its
Barclays Premier League position next season, we will continue to benefit
from increased broadcast revenue. We have already sold more Season Tickets
for the first season at our new home than there are seats in the Boleyn
Ground and the Board are currently doing everything we can to expand the
capacity of the new Stadium to 60,000 to cater for the unprecedented demand.
You may well have seen that a number of our first team players recently
bolted in the first claret seats and my New Stadium team are continuing to
work 24/7 to ensure it is a fitting home for West Ham United with many more
exciting announcements to follow soon. Before then, we have our final five
home league matches at the Boleyn Ground to play and they promise to be, in
Slaven Bilic's words, 'five cup finals'! Such is demand for seats that
Academy Membership is needed to be placed in a ballot for tickets for these
final three home games at the Boleyn Ground. I am not surprised, because the
appointment of Slaven, and the signings he and the Board have made, has
reinvigorated the whole Club - the 'West Ham way' is definitely back! We are
playing great football, winning lots of matches and our best players are
being rewarded with new contracts - we are no longer a selling club, that's
for sure. So, as today marks International Women's Day, and I reflect on my
23 years in football I can honestly say I am as excited as I have ever been
and I hope you all are too. Thank you all for your amazing and unrivalled
support.
Baroness Brady CBE
Vice-Chairman
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble - We're a little bit special
WHUFC.com
Reflecting on a phenomenal week which saw West Ham United score an
impressive maximum of nine points from their three league games, captain
Mark Noble described his sheer delight. The midfielder has been nothing
short of talismanic recently, leading his side to three hard-fought and
thoroughly deserved victories. Noble beamed: "I'm delighted, as you can
imagine! "We've had some unbelievable results recently, Spurs in midweek was
fantastic but in terms of team spirit the win at Goodison was absolutely
fantastic."
Now, with just nine league games left to play, the captain is refusing to
put a limit on where his Hammers could finish: "We still have thirty points
to play for, that's the way we have to look at it. We know we're a good team
and over the last eight or nine months we've proved that we're a little bit
special. "We've picked up nine points from three games in a week which is
outstanding. Going away to Everton, we knew it would be difficult, believe
me we've been here several times and got nothing."
Noble continued to stress the importance team spirit played in turning a two
goal deficit into a fantastic 3-2 victory. All seemed lost when Romelu
Lukaku stepped up to take a penalty which would have seen Everton take a
commanding 3-0 league, however Adrian pulled off a terrific save before
three late goals turned the game on its head. The skipper continued: "It
just shows what we have in the dressing room. The team spirit and the
desire, the never say die attitude is just amazing. "Adrian's penalty save
was the turning point really and we never looked back from there.
"I always knew the importance of getting just one goal, and I was saying
that to the lads out on the pitch. We knew the first goal would give us the
belief and it would also give them a bit of nervousness. And we managed to
do that."
Looking ahead to Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final at Manchester United this
Sunday, Noble is hoping the Hammers can take their electrifying league form
into the cup. He continued: "The pleasing thing is they have all been hard
games, but deserved victories. Big Sam coming back with Sunderland, then
obviously the derby and Everton away which has traditionally been a bogey
ground for us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Legends to face-off in Boleyn farewell
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Boleyn Ground will play host to a unique clash between
England and Germany to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Three Lions'
1966 FIFA World Cup win.
Two squads packed with international legends will take to the Hammers'
hallowed turf Bank Holiday Monday 2 May at 4pm in what promises to be a
fitting farewell to one of English football's most iconic stadia.
This landmark fixture will see some of the biggest names in modern football
history take to the same Boleyn Ground pitch that was the regular stomping
ground of 1966 heroes Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters five
decades ago.
Among those who have already signed up for international duty one more time
are former Hammers and England internationals Joe Cole, Teddy Sheringham,
Dean Ashton, Trevor Sinclair and David James.
Joining them in the red shirts made famous 50 years ago will be a host of
latter-day Three Lions heroes boasting hundreds of England caps between
them; Italia 90 hero David Platt, five-time major tournament finalist Sol
Campbell, two-time FIFA World Cup finalist Paul Scholes, Euro 96
semi-finalists Steve McManaman, Jamie Redknapp and Robbie Fowler.
The professionals will be supported by a cast of stars from film, music,
sport and television, including lifelong Hammer and assistant manager Ray
Winstone.
Winstone and his star-studded England squad will not have it all their own
way, however, as the Germany Legends also possess a fearsome line-up of
international heroes of years gone by.
Die Mannschaft will be captained by former Chelsea and Bayern Munich
midfielder Michael Ballack, who will be able to call upon 1990 FIFA World
Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthaus and defender Guido Buchwald, Euro 96
winners Fredi Bobic and Mario Basler and 2002 World Cup centre-half Jens
Nowotny.
Seats for this fantastic send-off to the Boleyn Ground are on sale to West
Ham United Season Ticket Holders now, with a priority period to secure their
own regular seat in place until 9am on Monday 14 March. Click here to buy
now!
Tickets will then go on sale to Members, with any remaining seats going on
General Sale from 9am on Monday 21 March.
Standard Tickets are priced at £20 for Adults, £10 for Over-65s and
Under-21s and £5 for Under-16s.
Alternatively, you can watch this special Farewell Boleyn fixture in style,
with VIP packages available from £99 plus VAT. For more information or to
buy now, please call 0871 091 1811 (calls cost 10p/min plus network extras).
*West Ham fans should also keep a close eye on the Club's website and social
media channels for an once-in-a-lifetime chance to live out their ultimate
football fantasy and spend ten minutes playing on the hallowed Upton Park
turf with the Legends in front of an international TV audience. More details
will follow soon.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
German youngster turned down Hammers to continue his education March 8, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk BKHammer
Swiss newspaper Blick have an interesting story about FC St.Gallen's
youngster Lucas Cueto, who came close to joining West Ham United on
professional terms. In 2012, Cueto was spotted by the scouts of West Ham
when he went to London, and enjoyed a brief stint with the West Ham U18s
team. Cueto told Blick that he'd move to London for study and was noticed by
West Ham: "The youth team of 'Brandwood School' played in a tournament.
There I was discovered by West Ham scouts and committed immediately. At 16,
I played in their Under-18 team. A brilliant experience."
Cueto impressed the youth team coaches at West Ham, and was quickly offered
a two-year contract, but unfortunately for him, he had to complete his
school, and didn't wanted to sacrifice his education so he had to reject it.
Now, Cueto has joined Swiss side St. Gallen, where he is making a name for
himself, and is also continuing further studies in Business Administration
and Psychology. He has also played for the German U18 and U19 teams. Cueto
says he doesn't regret rejecting West Ham, and is quite content at St.
Gallen, who according to him are similar to West Ham. West Ham would have
been a golden opportunity for Cueto.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce neglected us, says Galaxy star KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 8th March 2016
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham Academy prospect Seb Lletget has revealed how he and his
fellow youth stars were hung out to dry by Sam Allardyce in the infamous FA
Cup defeat at Nottingham Forest. Lletget - who is currently wowing the
crowds at LA Galaxy alongside Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane - was one of a
number of Academy players who were handed their debuts at the City Ground
for the FA Cup third round clash with Forest back in January 2014, due to a
chronic injury list. West Ham's young team - that included half-a-dozen
debutants - were thrashed 5-0 on the day by the Championship side. And
Lletget believes that Allardyce deliberately sent out an inexperienced side
in order to make a point about his lack of first team options. "I look back
at that now and it's just like 'oh'!" Lletget told KUMB.com's James Longman.
"I enjoyed it because it was our only opportunity. But we played a formation
that we've never played in our life and we didn't have too much experience
on the field - which I realise is important now having played with Stevie
[Gerrard] and Keano. "It's important having those senior guys around to
control things, the kind of things the fans don't see. We had none of that.
We were just improvising really and I've never been in that position before.
I couldn't even tell you what he said to us out there because it wasn't
inspiring."
Lletget was also critical of Allardyce's perceived lack of interest in the
Academy and its players - something that, as a developing player, he found
immensely frustrating. "I can say this now as it's been a long while and a
lot has happened," he added. "But I believe there was a lot of neglect.
"It's not that he didn't care, but it's like he had better things on his
mind. He didn't have time for us and I couldn't understand that. "Being a
Premier League manager is tough, it's not easy. But I feel like even if it's
tough, you can still care and show that. With us, all we wanted was a
handshake in the morning, for him to know our names - but he had none of
that. "People respected him because they were scared of him, but they all
wanted to do well and make it because they didn't want to get exiled. And a
lot of players did, immediately, without a second thought. "It was a real
shame because we had a really good group of lads and a lot of talent, but it
never got to shine."
San Franciscan Lletget - who was allowed to leave West Ham on a free
transfer in May 2015 - returned to the US in order to join LA Galaxy after
six years in England. Since then his form has resulted in widespread backing
for a place in the US national squad. However he admits that he still keeps
an eye out for West Ham's results - "it's the first team I check for!", he
says - and believes that current manager Slaven Bilic has got the balance
right. "I want to see them do well. I have a lot of love for West Ham, I
really do," he said. "I still speak to a lot of the players at the club. It
seems like Slaven Bilic is doing a fantastic job and you can tell right away
he shows a lot of love to the youth. I think as a West Ham fan you like
that, the likes of Nobes who has come up through the Academy and you want
more."
* To listen to James Longman's exclusive interview wih Lletget in full,
download or stream the latest edition of the award-winning Knees up Mother
Brown West Ham Podcast, also featuring journalist Lee Clayton, from here.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers stars set for huge financial bonus Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on
March 8, 2016 in News C and H
West Ham's players are in line to share a bonus of at least £7million if
they can gatecrash the Champions League places. The Mirror's Darren Lewis -
who yesterday appeared both here and on our ClaretandHugh interview section
of MooreThanJust aPodcast - has revealed the huge financial jackpot the
players could share. He writes: "After a run of just one win in five they
have now won their last three League games as the battle for a qualifying
place for next season's elite European club competition hots up." And he
repeats our story of yesterday in which we revealed the huge cash bonanza if
they can see their shock top four challenge through. As we explained: "Last
season's 12th place saw us pick up £11.2million in Premier League prize
money whereas a top four placing could see that nearly double.".
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Hammer bags brace on Irish debut
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 8, 2016 in News, Whispers C and H
Former Hammer, Sean Maguire has made a perfect start for Cork City by
scoring twice at the weekend. The striker was the difference between the two
teams as he helped Cork get off to a winning start at home on the first day
of the Irish league. "Before the game, I would have taken three points and
no goals, but scoring two goals in the 'Shed End' on my debut is just a
bonus, so I'm delighted," Maguire told reporters. "Coming here, there was a
bit of pressure, but I think scoring in the past couple of games has given
me confidence and hopefully I can just kick on from here." The Republic of
Ireland Under-21 international added: "I worked really hard in pre-season
and John [Caulfield] has shown faith in me, playing me up front on my own
with Gav [Holohan] and we've formed a good partnership, we know each other
really well." Cork manager John Caulfield was impressed by his new
acquisition. "It might be a rejuvenated Seanie Maguire and that's what we
want," Caulfield told reporters after the game. It was two 'fox in the box'
finishes in a game that was tight and I suppose they were goals out of
nothing, which is a credit to Sean. Since he's come in, his work rate and
attitude have been phenomenal. If he keeps working like that, he'll score
goals and that's what we want."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DG sends Hodgson a Hammers invitation
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 8, 2016 in News, Whispers C and H
David Gold has made it clear that Mark Noble, Aaron Cresswell and Michail
Antonio have all well and truly stamped out their England claims this
season. Whether Roy Hodgson chooses to include any or all of them in his
next squad later this month is one thing but Gold has no doubt that they
should all be under his microscope. West Ham fans have in the main given up
of the England boss giving Noble a call despite his outstanding form this
season but Gold has little doubt he could do a job at international level.
Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he said: "I like Roy and would far
sooner have an Englishman running our national team than a foreigner - that
has never felt right. "Now I would urge him to home and look at at West Ham-
those three Englishmen in particular are doing brilliantly for us. Mark is
in the form of his life and must surely have a chance. "For me Aaron should
be in the squad - he has been brilliant and there can't be many, if any,
better than him. I have my fingers crossed for the lad. "And Michail has had
a wonderful season. He is totally fearless and would not be in the last bit
fazed by an international call up. "Whether he's playing for Tooting and
Mitcham or England, it all comes the same to him - he has fantastic ability
and attitude."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Batshuayi blow for West Ham
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 8, 2016 in News, Whispers C and H
Michy Batshuayi appears to have pledged his foreseeable future to Olympique
Marseille. Batshuayi signed a new contract in January this year in a move
that was widely believed to be designed to raise the striker's asking price
up to £30million, with the 22 year old striker now tied to Marseille until
2020. West Ham are said to be prepared to pay £20m for Batshuayi in the
summer but the player has said he is still keen to remain at Marseille, who
signed him from Standard Liege in 2014. Batshuayi"For me, the future is with
Olympique Marseille," said Batshuayi. "I like it here, there's a magnificent
stadium, good players that I love. "I want to stay, I love the club as a
whole: the club, the supporters, the joy." "Whether in Europe or not, it
will not change. I began my story with OM, and I find that my story with OM
is still far from over." Olympique Marseille coach Michel is determined to
keep hold of Benjamin Mendy and Michy Batshuayi. Michel is aware of the
rumours and says Mendy and Micy must be kept. "I would keep Michy
(Batshuayi) and Mendy. They are two young players still learning. They have
to play," said Michel.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham squad set to share £7million bonus if they claim Champions League
place
22:30, 7 MAR 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The Hammers are a point off fourth-placed Manchester City following their
come-from-behind win at Everton this weekend
The Mirror
West Ham's players are in line to share a bonus of at least £7million if
they can gatecrash the Champions League places. Slaven Bilic has his men
just a point off fourth-placed Manchester City after their stunning win from
2-0 down at Goodison on Saturday. It means that after a run of just one win
in five they have now won their last three League games as the battle for a
qualifying place for next season's elite European club competition hots up.
It also means the club can set their sights on a huge cash bonanza if they
can see their shock top four challenge through.
Last season under Sam Allardyce, West Ham's 25-man squad finished 12th,
picking up £11.2million in Premier League prize money and sharing a
£2million bonus. This year the Hammers will more than double that amount if
they can defy all expectations and finish fourth. It would land them over
£21million in Premier League merit payments. It would double the players'
end-of-season bonus and it would land the squad a further bonus for reaching
the Champions League.
West Ham chiefs budgeted at the start of this season for a crack at the
Europa League at best. Inspired by star signing Dimitri Payet and arguably
their best squad in Premier League history, however, they have given
themselves the chance of a dream finish to their last-ever season at Upton
Park. Finishing in the Champions League places would increase the club's
chances of landing the high-calibre stars they have already targeted for
summer moves, including £25million-rated Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi.
Victory in the play-off, should the Irons snatch fourth, would also land
them £1.5million. A place in the group stages would rake in a guaranteed
£9million along with around £25million in TV money. Group stage wins earn
clubs £1.1million while each draw brings in £386,000.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold on Dimi's Everton revenge
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 8, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has refused to pull his punches in discussing the amazing win
over Everton and Dimi Payet's part in it. The 'Upton Park Zinedine Zidane'
suffered the biggest low of his season when ruthlessly challenged by James
McCarthy in the first encounter at the Boleyn. That put him out of action
for two months and the bad blood between the two club reached boiling point
as a result. Now the Hammers co chairman has made his feelings pretty clear
on the McCarthy challenge and how Dimi will have responded to his last
minute winner at Goodison Park. A follower on Twitter said to him:"Imagine
if McCarthy hadn't of put Payet out for 2 months we would've won the league.
Gold's response was succinct and to the point as he declared: "Beating
Everton in the last minute was sweet revenge for Dimitri Payet. dg" He
added: "Great players, great manager great fans. Perfect storm.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Batshuayi blow for West Ham
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 8, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Michy Batshuayi appears to have pledged his foreseeable future to Olympique
Marseille. Batshuayi signed a new contract in January this year in a move
that was widely believed to be designed to raise the striker's asking price
up to £30million, with the 22 year old striker now tied to Marseille until
2020. West Ham are said to be prepared to pay £20m for Batshuayi in the
summer but the player has said he is still keen to remain at Marseille, who
signed him from Standard Liege in 2014. Batshuayi"For me, the future is with
Olympique Marseille," said Batshuayi. "I like it here, there's a magnificent
stadium, good players that I love. "I want to stay, I love the club as a
whole: the club, the supporters, the joy."
"Whether in Europe or not, it will not change. I began my story with OM, and
I find that my story with OM is still far from over." Olympique Marseille
coach Michel is determined to keep hold of Benjamin Mendy and Michy
Batshuayi. Michel is aware of the rumours and says Mendy and Micy must be
kept. "I would keep Michy (Batshuayi) and Mendy. They are two young players
still learning. They have to play," said Michel.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Enner Valencia poses in a full face cast as his wife hails the West Ham star
'Superman'
West Ham United news: Click here for all the latest Enner Valencia's wife,
Sharon, has posted a photograph to Instagram The picture depicts the
26-year-old forward wearing a full face cast He has been in good form in
2016 and has been involved in six goals By JOHN DOWNES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 13:18, 8 March 2016 | UPDATED: 13:40, 8 March 2016
Enner Valencia's Ecuadorian wife, Sharon, has posted a photograph to
Instagram of her partner posing in a full face cast, hailing the West Ham
United forward as 'Superman.' The 26-year-old has impressed in east London
since his move from Pachuca in 2014 and has been integral to the Irons'
unprecedented Champions League push this season. Valencia was in great form
this year before picking up an injury in mid-February and has been involved
in six goals since January 1, scoring four and assisting two, as he leads
West Ham's top four charge alongside team-mates, Michail Antonio and Dimitri
Payet. With Valencia in his squad, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is
confident that Leicester City's remarkable rise heralds an end to a period
of dominance by a select few clubs and is looking forward to a more
unpredictable Premier League. Leicester lead the division by five points
with nine games to play in a season that has seen powerhouses such as
Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool struggling to break into the top
four, let alone challenge for the title. Bilic, whose team are fifth in the
table, two points ahead of United in sixth, described the Foxes'
transformation from relegation strugglers last season to current title
favourites as a miracle that could mark the start of a trend. 'I think this
is a permanent shift at the top,' the Croatian told British media after his
team came from behind to defeat Everton 3-2 on Saturday. 'Our story is
excellent but their (Leicester's) story is miraculous.' The 20 Premier
League teams will share most of the 5.1 billion pounds ($7.2 billion) for
live domestic TV coverage in a three-year deal starting next term and Bilic
said the money would lead to even greater competition in the seasons to
come. 'Say Manchester City buy Karim Benzema,' he said. 'They have Sergio
Aguero already, so there is no big gap for them to improve. 'Chelsea can
sell Diego Costa and buy Robert Lewandowski, yes, but they are only
different, not better. 'But clubs like us, Crystal Palace, West Bromwich
Albion, Leicester, we can still improve with the money. Two years ago West
Brom maybe could afford Salomon Rondon, but they would have had to sell
Saido Berahino to get him. 'Now they can keep Berahino, so next year, with
more investment, you can keep those players.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester United line up shock summer move for West Ham winger MANCHESTER
UNITED are lining up a shock move for West Ham winger Michail Antonio.
By BRUCE ARCHER
PUBLISHED: 11:45, Tue, Mar 8, 2016 | UPDATED: 11:59, Tue, Mar 8, 2016
Express
The 25-year-old joined the Hammers from Nottingham Forest this summer on a
four-year deal for £7million. But, according to Football Insider, United
have been impressed with his performances and could make a move at the end
of the season. Antonio has scored five goals in his last eight games
including the winner against Tottenham last week and one in the 3-2 victory
over Everton on Saturday. United will listen to offers for Antonio Valencia
and see the Hammers man as a replacement. They are still expected to sack
Louis van Gaal in the summer and undergo a fresh recruitment drive under a
new boss. Jose Mourinho remains the favourite to take over from the Dutchman
but Ryan Giggs is still in the running. Van Gaal had won four games on the
bounce before Sunday's defeat to West Brom which leaves them three points
off the top four having played a game more than Manchester City. West Ham
meanwhile are just a point behind City in fifth.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
How Dimitri Payet the late developer has become West Ham's Zinedine
Zidane... but could still miss out on a place at Euro 2016 West Ham ace
Dimitri Payet has taken Upton Park by storm since his move The Hammers made
Payet their highest-paid ever player in February Chinese side Shanghai
Shenhua tried to prise Payet away with £38m offer Payet could miss out on a
place in France's squad despite his superb form By ADAM CRAFTON FOR THE
DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:41, 7 March 2016 | UPDATED: 08:12, 8 March 2016
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic hails him as the best thing to happen to the
club since Paolo Di Canio, chairman David Sullivan ranks him alongside
Trevor Brooking and Carlos Tevez in the pantheon of East End heroes and the
fans serenade him with a ditty declaring him better than Zinedine Zidane.
For Dimitri Payet, the eulogies might be beginning to sound a little uneasy
but nobody at West Ham will mind while the Frenchman is bewitching Upton
Park, bamboozling defenders and leading an improbable assault on the
Barclays Premier League top four.
On Saturday, Everton were the latest to be undone by Payet in another
performance of fleet-footedness, dazzling pirouettes, precise set-piece
delivery and a dramatic late goal that secured a 3-2 victory and lifted West
Ham to fifth in the table.
DIMITRI PAYET'S FORMER CLUBS
2005-07: Nantes (34 appearances, 5 goals)
2007-11: Saint-Etienne (148 apps, 25 goals)
2011-13: Lille (94 apps, 19 goals)
2013-15: Marseille (83 apps, 15 goals)
2015- : West Ham (25 apps, 9 goals)
2010- : France (15 apps, 1 goal)
After signing from Marseille last summer, Payet has scored eight league
goals and created 81 chances - 43 more than West Ham's next best Mark Noble,
35 more than Lionel Messi of Barcelona this season and the fourth best in
Europe's top five leagues. 'I think you English guys love this kind of
player,' says Rene Girard, the former Lille and Montpellier coach who called
up Payet to the France Under 21 side in 2007. 'He is a Cantona type, a
Gascoigne type. It's that bit of arrogance, the strut, the artistic sense
and that innate ability to illuminate a match. He's had that kind of impact
on West Ham.' Payet's form persuaded Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua to offer
£38million for the midfielder last month and also explains why West Ham
responded instantly by making him the highest-paid player in the club's
history as he signed a five-year deal worth £125,000-per-week. Bilic
believes Payet is a serious contender for the end-of-season individual
awards, which makes it all the more surprising to learn that he turns 29
later this month.
So why has it taken so long for the midfielder to announce himself as a
serious presence on the European stage?
His story begins more than 6,000 miles away from Green Street. Payet spent
his childhood years in the French territory of Reunion, a remote Indian
Ocean island with a tropical climate and idyllic beaches that lies midway
between Madagascar and Mauritius. It is home to one of the world's most
active volcanoes, Le Piton de la Fournaise, known for its frequent but
short-lived eruptions. Yet for all its exotic allure, Reunion, an overseas
department of France, mirrors its mother country. The locals drive the same
Peugeots and Renaults you would see on the streets of Paris and patisseries
furnish every street corner. Payet adored his 'paradise' upbringing, his
father introducing him and his two younger brothers to football, and he soon
began playing for local teams Saint Philippe and Saint-Pierroise. His
potential was swiftly recognised, attracting the attention of scouts on the
France mainland. Saint-Pierroise had a reciprocal agreement with Le Havre
and scouts recruited the 12-year-old Payet, who moved to France, where he
shared a room at the club's academy with former Liverpool forward Florent
Sinama Pongolle. 'He found it hard when he came here,' says Michael
Lebaillif, who coached Payet between the age of 14 and 16. 'He came over
here alone as a kid. He went home at Christmas or Easter but that's really
tough, to be without your family. 'He lacked maturity and he did some silly,
childish things. He had problems in the nearby school. He lacked rigour and
the ability to really dedicate himself to his football at that age. He never
did anything terrible but it was an accumulation of factors. 'He was always
technically sound. On the field, he was always obsessed with scoring
beautiful goals, he was attempting acrobatics during games and rarely chose
the easy option. 'It is the old story of expression against rigour and we
certainly want our players to enjoy themselves but he did enjoy those
bicycle kicks a bit too much!' But at the age of 16, Le Havre decided to cut
their ties with Payet. On entering the academy building at Le Havre, you
wander past framed photographs of Riyad Mahrez, Paul Pogba, Lassana Diarra
and many more products of this highly-impressive youth system. The only
picture of Payet, however, is found in an old storage cupboard. It is a
portrait of the full academy squad from his days as a teenager. Perhaps
poignantly, Payet is sat on the bottom row, in the furthest chair to the
right and it would appear a fitting snapshot of a rather unedifying
experience at the club.
Lebaillif says: 'It might surprise you now when you see how ripped and
muscular he is, but you have to understand that at that age, he was frail,
weak and he lacked pace. He was encountering stronger players who were more
physically developed and he struggled to hold his own on the field. He was
always technically impressive but the surprise to us has been his physical
evolution.'
Academy director Johann Louvel says: 'It was a shock when it happened but
also expected. He knew how it was going. We believe we allowed Dimitri to
become the person he is today.
'It was part of his development. It's not a regret for us. We've spoken
since, we have a very good relationship. I am very fond of him.' Le Havre
secured him a move to AS Excelsior but that meant a return to Reunion
Island.
Payet is part of the feted French 1987 generation, but while Karim Benzema,
Samir Nasri and Hatem Ben Arfa were lifting the Under 17 European
Championship in 2004, Payet was not yet on the radar of the French youth
team scouts. Payet would stay on his home island for two years, playing in
Excelsior's modest 1,200 capacity stadium, before Nantes offered him a
lifeline at the age of 18 in 2005. Local reports suggested Nantes were even
given the option of terminating the contract after six months if they so
wished. The club's former manager Rene Degenne recalled to French
publication La Provence: 'The day I watched him, it was so windy, and wind
is the worst enemy of a footballer. Dimitri was poor, to be truthful but did
two or three classy things that stood out. On that alone, I took a chance on
him.' At Nantes, he worked part-time in a clothes store to supplement his
income, breaking into the first-team in the 2005-2006 season before signing
for Saint-Etienne, followed by subsequent progressive moves to Lille and
Marseille in 2011 and 2013 respectively.
Questions have persisted over his attitude. At Nantes, there was an
altercation in training with former Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien
Barthez, who was moonlighting as an outfield player and launched a crude
tackle on Payet. The winger, a youngster at the time, reacted furiously. At
Saint-Etienne, there was an on-field brawl with team-mate Blaise Matuidi, as
Payet punched the midfielder in the head. Despite such misdemeanours, Payet
has demonstrated gradual progression. His manager at Lille, Rudi Garcia,
explains: 'His development has been slow but now he has arrived. Previously,
his issue has been consistency. I think with every transfer he has improved
and now we see the fruits of this. 'He's always been special, we beat Paris
Saint-Germain to his signing. For a coach, he is amazing because he is
genuinely ambidextrous, he can play left, right, or through the middle
comfortably. 'For me, he had one good game and then one bad game. He now
understands that you have to give 100 per cent in every match. The English
school of football is good for him. You can't survive without that
intensity. For all the talent in the world, hard work is the key. 'He is now
more complete, a good character. The decision to reject the move to China
was big. It demonstrates his maturity and the fact he has grown up. 'He is a
big talent. Look at his free-kicks. Did you see that one against Blackburn
in the FA Cup? Wow! He would stay every day for hours to perfect his
free-kicks. 'It became pure repetition and calm execution. He practises like
a pianist ensuring he is always in tune.'
In France, there is growing appreciation for Payet. He impressed for
Marseille last season under manager Marcelo Bielsa, admitting that he 'spent
one year with Bielsa but learned enough for the next 10 years'. Sources
close to the Marseille dressing room say Argentine Bielsa pushed Payet like
never before, challenging him to apply himself for every minute of every
game or threatening to drop him to the substitutes' bench. Payet was left
out on occasion, but also contributed 17 assists and it was a highly
fruitful relationship. One man who remains unconvinced is the France
national team manager Didier Deschamps and, remarkably, very few across the
Channel expect Payet to be in the Euro 2016 squad. One L'Équipe journalist
explains: 'Mathieu Valbuena is ahead of him in the pecking order and
possibly Ben Arfa, too. Of course there is Antoine Griezmann and Anthony
Martial, too. There is big competition. 'Valbuena has a great history with
the national team while Payet doesn't and he gave a silly interview last
year in which he suggested it was an "injustice" that Deschamps overlooks
him.' When Payet made his full France debut against Romania in 2010, he sent
the signed shirt to his mother on Reunion Island. He still longs for a place
at Euro 2016. If his star keeps shining bright at West Ham, he may yet
transport both his own and his club's aspirations towards their very own
paradise.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Vice-Chairman Baroness Brady CBE celebrates International Women's Day with a
special message to West Ham United supporters
It is a fantastically exciting time to be writing to you as Vice-Chairman of
West Ham United Football Club. The team are marking our historic Farewell
Boleyn season by flying high in the Barclays Premier League and mounting a
serious challenge for the Emirates FA Cup, while work on our stunning new
home in Stratford continues to progress superbly with each day bringing yet
more excitement as it moves closer to becoming a truly world-class football
stadium. Today is International Women's Day and I am proud and honoured to
continue to champion the role of women in business and women in football. It
is incredible to think that it is 23 years since I arrived for work on my
first day at Birmingham City at the age of 23. My life as a female football
club Chief Executive, and now Vice-Chairman, has changed markedly since I
entered football in 1993 and, while there is still some way to go, the
issues I encountered on an almost daily basis two decades ago are mercifully
on the decline. I am proud to be one of three female CEOs in the top two
divisions of English football. I am even prouder of the number of women who
now hold senior management positions here at West Ham United. I have
recently championed and appointed Tara Warren to my Board, brought in
Felicity Croft as my Commercial Director, Michele Gull to lead our Human
Resources department and promoted Kerry Patterson as joint Head of Retail in
such a critical transitional time for the business. I have always been
committed to giving women an opportunity to play a leading role in football
- a business which had traditionally been male-dominated - and, as we
continue to grow and expand our Football Club into a truly worldwide brand,
I can only foresee more senior positions being taken by intelligent, driven
and able women in the future. To mark International Women's Day, I am
delighted that our own West Ham Ladies will be playing their first
competitive match at the Boleyn Ground this evening. We are expecting a
record-breaking crowd to attend the game against Tottenham Hotspur Ladies,
so please do come along and lend your support. Looking to the future, the
Club is in a far better position than it was when we arrived a little more
than six years ago.
The Joint-Chairmen have pulled the Club back from the brink of the financial
abyss, the inherited debt is falling and, with the team assured of its
Barclays Premier League position next season, we will continue to benefit
from increased broadcast revenue. We have already sold more Season Tickets
for the first season at our new home than there are seats in the Boleyn
Ground and the Board are currently doing everything we can to expand the
capacity of the new Stadium to 60,000 to cater for the unprecedented demand.
You may well have seen that a number of our first team players recently
bolted in the first claret seats and my New Stadium team are continuing to
work 24/7 to ensure it is a fitting home for West Ham United with many more
exciting announcements to follow soon. Before then, we have our final five
home league matches at the Boleyn Ground to play and they promise to be, in
Slaven Bilic's words, 'five cup finals'! Such is demand for seats that
Academy Membership is needed to be placed in a ballot for tickets for these
final three home games at the Boleyn Ground. I am not surprised, because the
appointment of Slaven, and the signings he and the Board have made, has
reinvigorated the whole Club - the 'West Ham way' is definitely back! We are
playing great football, winning lots of matches and our best players are
being rewarded with new contracts - we are no longer a selling club, that's
for sure. So, as today marks International Women's Day, and I reflect on my
23 years in football I can honestly say I am as excited as I have ever been
and I hope you all are too. Thank you all for your amazing and unrivalled
support.
Baroness Brady CBE
Vice-Chairman
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble - We're a little bit special
WHUFC.com
Reflecting on a phenomenal week which saw West Ham United score an
impressive maximum of nine points from their three league games, captain
Mark Noble described his sheer delight. The midfielder has been nothing
short of talismanic recently, leading his side to three hard-fought and
thoroughly deserved victories. Noble beamed: "I'm delighted, as you can
imagine! "We've had some unbelievable results recently, Spurs in midweek was
fantastic but in terms of team spirit the win at Goodison was absolutely
fantastic."
Now, with just nine league games left to play, the captain is refusing to
put a limit on where his Hammers could finish: "We still have thirty points
to play for, that's the way we have to look at it. We know we're a good team
and over the last eight or nine months we've proved that we're a little bit
special. "We've picked up nine points from three games in a week which is
outstanding. Going away to Everton, we knew it would be difficult, believe
me we've been here several times and got nothing."
Noble continued to stress the importance team spirit played in turning a two
goal deficit into a fantastic 3-2 victory. All seemed lost when Romelu
Lukaku stepped up to take a penalty which would have seen Everton take a
commanding 3-0 league, however Adrian pulled off a terrific save before
three late goals turned the game on its head. The skipper continued: "It
just shows what we have in the dressing room. The team spirit and the
desire, the never say die attitude is just amazing. "Adrian's penalty save
was the turning point really and we never looked back from there.
"I always knew the importance of getting just one goal, and I was saying
that to the lads out on the pitch. We knew the first goal would give us the
belief and it would also give them a bit of nervousness. And we managed to
do that."
Looking ahead to Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final at Manchester United this
Sunday, Noble is hoping the Hammers can take their electrifying league form
into the cup. He continued: "The pleasing thing is they have all been hard
games, but deserved victories. Big Sam coming back with Sunderland, then
obviously the derby and Everton away which has traditionally been a bogey
ground for us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Legends to face-off in Boleyn farewell
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Boleyn Ground will play host to a unique clash between
England and Germany to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Three Lions'
1966 FIFA World Cup win.
Two squads packed with international legends will take to the Hammers'
hallowed turf Bank Holiday Monday 2 May at 4pm in what promises to be a
fitting farewell to one of English football's most iconic stadia.
This landmark fixture will see some of the biggest names in modern football
history take to the same Boleyn Ground pitch that was the regular stomping
ground of 1966 heroes Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters five
decades ago.
Among those who have already signed up for international duty one more time
are former Hammers and England internationals Joe Cole, Teddy Sheringham,
Dean Ashton, Trevor Sinclair and David James.
Joining them in the red shirts made famous 50 years ago will be a host of
latter-day Three Lions heroes boasting hundreds of England caps between
them; Italia 90 hero David Platt, five-time major tournament finalist Sol
Campbell, two-time FIFA World Cup finalist Paul Scholes, Euro 96
semi-finalists Steve McManaman, Jamie Redknapp and Robbie Fowler.
The professionals will be supported by a cast of stars from film, music,
sport and television, including lifelong Hammer and assistant manager Ray
Winstone.
Winstone and his star-studded England squad will not have it all their own
way, however, as the Germany Legends also possess a fearsome line-up of
international heroes of years gone by.
Die Mannschaft will be captained by former Chelsea and Bayern Munich
midfielder Michael Ballack, who will be able to call upon 1990 FIFA World
Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthaus and defender Guido Buchwald, Euro 96
winners Fredi Bobic and Mario Basler and 2002 World Cup centre-half Jens
Nowotny.
Seats for this fantastic send-off to the Boleyn Ground are on sale to West
Ham United Season Ticket Holders now, with a priority period to secure their
own regular seat in place until 9am on Monday 14 March. Click here to buy
now!
Tickets will then go on sale to Members, with any remaining seats going on
General Sale from 9am on Monday 21 March.
Standard Tickets are priced at £20 for Adults, £10 for Over-65s and
Under-21s and £5 for Under-16s.
Alternatively, you can watch this special Farewell Boleyn fixture in style,
with VIP packages available from £99 plus VAT. For more information or to
buy now, please call 0871 091 1811 (calls cost 10p/min plus network extras).
*West Ham fans should also keep a close eye on the Club's website and social
media channels for an once-in-a-lifetime chance to live out their ultimate
football fantasy and spend ten minutes playing on the hallowed Upton Park
turf with the Legends in front of an international TV audience. More details
will follow soon.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
German youngster turned down Hammers to continue his education March 8, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk BKHammer
Swiss newspaper Blick have an interesting story about FC St.Gallen's
youngster Lucas Cueto, who came close to joining West Ham United on
professional terms. In 2012, Cueto was spotted by the scouts of West Ham
when he went to London, and enjoyed a brief stint with the West Ham U18s
team. Cueto told Blick that he'd move to London for study and was noticed by
West Ham: "The youth team of 'Brandwood School' played in a tournament.
There I was discovered by West Ham scouts and committed immediately. At 16,
I played in their Under-18 team. A brilliant experience."
Cueto impressed the youth team coaches at West Ham, and was quickly offered
a two-year contract, but unfortunately for him, he had to complete his
school, and didn't wanted to sacrifice his education so he had to reject it.
Now, Cueto has joined Swiss side St. Gallen, where he is making a name for
himself, and is also continuing further studies in Business Administration
and Psychology. He has also played for the German U18 and U19 teams. Cueto
says he doesn't regret rejecting West Ham, and is quite content at St.
Gallen, who according to him are similar to West Ham. West Ham would have
been a golden opportunity for Cueto.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce neglected us, says Galaxy star KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 8th March 2016
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham Academy prospect Seb Lletget has revealed how he and his
fellow youth stars were hung out to dry by Sam Allardyce in the infamous FA
Cup defeat at Nottingham Forest. Lletget - who is currently wowing the
crowds at LA Galaxy alongside Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane - was one of a
number of Academy players who were handed their debuts at the City Ground
for the FA Cup third round clash with Forest back in January 2014, due to a
chronic injury list. West Ham's young team - that included half-a-dozen
debutants - were thrashed 5-0 on the day by the Championship side. And
Lletget believes that Allardyce deliberately sent out an inexperienced side
in order to make a point about his lack of first team options. "I look back
at that now and it's just like 'oh'!" Lletget told KUMB.com's James Longman.
"I enjoyed it because it was our only opportunity. But we played a formation
that we've never played in our life and we didn't have too much experience
on the field - which I realise is important now having played with Stevie
[Gerrard] and Keano. "It's important having those senior guys around to
control things, the kind of things the fans don't see. We had none of that.
We were just improvising really and I've never been in that position before.
I couldn't even tell you what he said to us out there because it wasn't
inspiring."
Lletget was also critical of Allardyce's perceived lack of interest in the
Academy and its players - something that, as a developing player, he found
immensely frustrating. "I can say this now as it's been a long while and a
lot has happened," he added. "But I believe there was a lot of neglect.
"It's not that he didn't care, but it's like he had better things on his
mind. He didn't have time for us and I couldn't understand that. "Being a
Premier League manager is tough, it's not easy. But I feel like even if it's
tough, you can still care and show that. With us, all we wanted was a
handshake in the morning, for him to know our names - but he had none of
that. "People respected him because they were scared of him, but they all
wanted to do well and make it because they didn't want to get exiled. And a
lot of players did, immediately, without a second thought. "It was a real
shame because we had a really good group of lads and a lot of talent, but it
never got to shine."
San Franciscan Lletget - who was allowed to leave West Ham on a free
transfer in May 2015 - returned to the US in order to join LA Galaxy after
six years in England. Since then his form has resulted in widespread backing
for a place in the US national squad. However he admits that he still keeps
an eye out for West Ham's results - "it's the first team I check for!", he
says - and believes that current manager Slaven Bilic has got the balance
right. "I want to see them do well. I have a lot of love for West Ham, I
really do," he said. "I still speak to a lot of the players at the club. It
seems like Slaven Bilic is doing a fantastic job and you can tell right away
he shows a lot of love to the youth. I think as a West Ham fan you like
that, the likes of Nobes who has come up through the Academy and you want
more."
* To listen to James Longman's exclusive interview wih Lletget in full,
download or stream the latest edition of the award-winning Knees up Mother
Brown West Ham Podcast, also featuring journalist Lee Clayton, from here.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers stars set for huge financial bonus Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on
March 8, 2016 in News C and H
West Ham's players are in line to share a bonus of at least £7million if
they can gatecrash the Champions League places. The Mirror's Darren Lewis -
who yesterday appeared both here and on our ClaretandHugh interview section
of MooreThanJust aPodcast - has revealed the huge financial jackpot the
players could share. He writes: "After a run of just one win in five they
have now won their last three League games as the battle for a qualifying
place for next season's elite European club competition hots up." And he
repeats our story of yesterday in which we revealed the huge cash bonanza if
they can see their shock top four challenge through. As we explained: "Last
season's 12th place saw us pick up £11.2million in Premier League prize
money whereas a top four placing could see that nearly double.".
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Hammer bags brace on Irish debut
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 8, 2016 in News, Whispers C and H
Former Hammer, Sean Maguire has made a perfect start for Cork City by
scoring twice at the weekend. The striker was the difference between the two
teams as he helped Cork get off to a winning start at home on the first day
of the Irish league. "Before the game, I would have taken three points and
no goals, but scoring two goals in the 'Shed End' on my debut is just a
bonus, so I'm delighted," Maguire told reporters. "Coming here, there was a
bit of pressure, but I think scoring in the past couple of games has given
me confidence and hopefully I can just kick on from here." The Republic of
Ireland Under-21 international added: "I worked really hard in pre-season
and John [Caulfield] has shown faith in me, playing me up front on my own
with Gav [Holohan] and we've formed a good partnership, we know each other
really well." Cork manager John Caulfield was impressed by his new
acquisition. "It might be a rejuvenated Seanie Maguire and that's what we
want," Caulfield told reporters after the game. It was two 'fox in the box'
finishes in a game that was tight and I suppose they were goals out of
nothing, which is a credit to Sean. Since he's come in, his work rate and
attitude have been phenomenal. If he keeps working like that, he'll score
goals and that's what we want."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DG sends Hodgson a Hammers invitation
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 8, 2016 in News, Whispers C and H
David Gold has made it clear that Mark Noble, Aaron Cresswell and Michail
Antonio have all well and truly stamped out their England claims this
season. Whether Roy Hodgson chooses to include any or all of them in his
next squad later this month is one thing but Gold has no doubt that they
should all be under his microscope. West Ham fans have in the main given up
of the England boss giving Noble a call despite his outstanding form this
season but Gold has little doubt he could do a job at international level.
Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he said: "I like Roy and would far
sooner have an Englishman running our national team than a foreigner - that
has never felt right. "Now I would urge him to home and look at at West Ham-
those three Englishmen in particular are doing brilliantly for us. Mark is
in the form of his life and must surely have a chance. "For me Aaron should
be in the squad - he has been brilliant and there can't be many, if any,
better than him. I have my fingers crossed for the lad. "And Michail has had
a wonderful season. He is totally fearless and would not be in the last bit
fazed by an international call up. "Whether he's playing for Tooting and
Mitcham or England, it all comes the same to him - he has fantastic ability
and attitude."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Batshuayi blow for West Ham
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 8, 2016 in News, Whispers C and H
Michy Batshuayi appears to have pledged his foreseeable future to Olympique
Marseille. Batshuayi signed a new contract in January this year in a move
that was widely believed to be designed to raise the striker's asking price
up to £30million, with the 22 year old striker now tied to Marseille until
2020. West Ham are said to be prepared to pay £20m for Batshuayi in the
summer but the player has said he is still keen to remain at Marseille, who
signed him from Standard Liege in 2014. Batshuayi"For me, the future is with
Olympique Marseille," said Batshuayi. "I like it here, there's a magnificent
stadium, good players that I love. "I want to stay, I love the club as a
whole: the club, the supporters, the joy." "Whether in Europe or not, it
will not change. I began my story with OM, and I find that my story with OM
is still far from over." Olympique Marseille coach Michel is determined to
keep hold of Benjamin Mendy and Michy Batshuayi. Michel is aware of the
rumours and says Mendy and Micy must be kept. "I would keep Michy
(Batshuayi) and Mendy. They are two young players still learning. They have
to play," said Michel.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham squad set to share £7million bonus if they claim Champions League
place
22:30, 7 MAR 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The Hammers are a point off fourth-placed Manchester City following their
come-from-behind win at Everton this weekend
The Mirror
West Ham's players are in line to share a bonus of at least £7million if
they can gatecrash the Champions League places. Slaven Bilic has his men
just a point off fourth-placed Manchester City after their stunning win from
2-0 down at Goodison on Saturday. It means that after a run of just one win
in five they have now won their last three League games as the battle for a
qualifying place for next season's elite European club competition hots up.
It also means the club can set their sights on a huge cash bonanza if they
can see their shock top four challenge through.
Last season under Sam Allardyce, West Ham's 25-man squad finished 12th,
picking up £11.2million in Premier League prize money and sharing a
£2million bonus. This year the Hammers will more than double that amount if
they can defy all expectations and finish fourth. It would land them over
£21million in Premier League merit payments. It would double the players'
end-of-season bonus and it would land the squad a further bonus for reaching
the Champions League.
West Ham chiefs budgeted at the start of this season for a crack at the
Europa League at best. Inspired by star signing Dimitri Payet and arguably
their best squad in Premier League history, however, they have given
themselves the chance of a dream finish to their last-ever season at Upton
Park. Finishing in the Champions League places would increase the club's
chances of landing the high-calibre stars they have already targeted for
summer moves, including £25million-rated Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi.
Victory in the play-off, should the Irons snatch fourth, would also land
them £1.5million. A place in the group stages would rake in a guaranteed
£9million along with around £25million in TV money. Group stage wins earn
clubs £1.1million while each draw brings in £386,000.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold on Dimi's Everton revenge
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 8, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has refused to pull his punches in discussing the amazing win
over Everton and Dimi Payet's part in it. The 'Upton Park Zinedine Zidane'
suffered the biggest low of his season when ruthlessly challenged by James
McCarthy in the first encounter at the Boleyn. That put him out of action
for two months and the bad blood between the two club reached boiling point
as a result. Now the Hammers co chairman has made his feelings pretty clear
on the McCarthy challenge and how Dimi will have responded to his last
minute winner at Goodison Park. A follower on Twitter said to him:"Imagine
if McCarthy hadn't of put Payet out for 2 months we would've won the league.
Gold's response was succinct and to the point as he declared: "Beating
Everton in the last minute was sweet revenge for Dimitri Payet. dg" He
added: "Great players, great manager great fans. Perfect storm.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Batshuayi blow for West Ham
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 8, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Michy Batshuayi appears to have pledged his foreseeable future to Olympique
Marseille. Batshuayi signed a new contract in January this year in a move
that was widely believed to be designed to raise the striker's asking price
up to £30million, with the 22 year old striker now tied to Marseille until
2020. West Ham are said to be prepared to pay £20m for Batshuayi in the
summer but the player has said he is still keen to remain at Marseille, who
signed him from Standard Liege in 2014. Batshuayi"For me, the future is with
Olympique Marseille," said Batshuayi. "I like it here, there's a magnificent
stadium, good players that I love. "I want to stay, I love the club as a
whole: the club, the supporters, the joy."
"Whether in Europe or not, it will not change. I began my story with OM, and
I find that my story with OM is still far from over." Olympique Marseille
coach Michel is determined to keep hold of Benjamin Mendy and Michy
Batshuayi. Michel is aware of the rumours and says Mendy and Micy must be
kept. "I would keep Michy (Batshuayi) and Mendy. They are two young players
still learning. They have to play," said Michel.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Enner Valencia poses in a full face cast as his wife hails the West Ham star
'Superman'
West Ham United news: Click here for all the latest Enner Valencia's wife,
Sharon, has posted a photograph to Instagram The picture depicts the
26-year-old forward wearing a full face cast He has been in good form in
2016 and has been involved in six goals By JOHN DOWNES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 13:18, 8 March 2016 | UPDATED: 13:40, 8 March 2016
Enner Valencia's Ecuadorian wife, Sharon, has posted a photograph to
Instagram of her partner posing in a full face cast, hailing the West Ham
United forward as 'Superman.' The 26-year-old has impressed in east London
since his move from Pachuca in 2014 and has been integral to the Irons'
unprecedented Champions League push this season. Valencia was in great form
this year before picking up an injury in mid-February and has been involved
in six goals since January 1, scoring four and assisting two, as he leads
West Ham's top four charge alongside team-mates, Michail Antonio and Dimitri
Payet. With Valencia in his squad, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is
confident that Leicester City's remarkable rise heralds an end to a period
of dominance by a select few clubs and is looking forward to a more
unpredictable Premier League. Leicester lead the division by five points
with nine games to play in a season that has seen powerhouses such as
Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool struggling to break into the top
four, let alone challenge for the title. Bilic, whose team are fifth in the
table, two points ahead of United in sixth, described the Foxes'
transformation from relegation strugglers last season to current title
favourites as a miracle that could mark the start of a trend. 'I think this
is a permanent shift at the top,' the Croatian told British media after his
team came from behind to defeat Everton 3-2 on Saturday. 'Our story is
excellent but their (Leicester's) story is miraculous.' The 20 Premier
League teams will share most of the 5.1 billion pounds ($7.2 billion) for
live domestic TV coverage in a three-year deal starting next term and Bilic
said the money would lead to even greater competition in the seasons to
come. 'Say Manchester City buy Karim Benzema,' he said. 'They have Sergio
Aguero already, so there is no big gap for them to improve. 'Chelsea can
sell Diego Costa and buy Robert Lewandowski, yes, but they are only
different, not better. 'But clubs like us, Crystal Palace, West Bromwich
Albion, Leicester, we can still improve with the money. Two years ago West
Brom maybe could afford Salomon Rondon, but they would have had to sell
Saido Berahino to get him. 'Now they can keep Berahino, so next year, with
more investment, you can keep those players.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester United line up shock summer move for West Ham winger MANCHESTER
UNITED are lining up a shock move for West Ham winger Michail Antonio.
By BRUCE ARCHER
PUBLISHED: 11:45, Tue, Mar 8, 2016 | UPDATED: 11:59, Tue, Mar 8, 2016
Express
The 25-year-old joined the Hammers from Nottingham Forest this summer on a
four-year deal for £7million. But, according to Football Insider, United
have been impressed with his performances and could make a move at the end
of the season. Antonio has scored five goals in his last eight games
including the winner against Tottenham last week and one in the 3-2 victory
over Everton on Saturday. United will listen to offers for Antonio Valencia
and see the Hammers man as a replacement. They are still expected to sack
Louis van Gaal in the summer and undergo a fresh recruitment drive under a
new boss. Jose Mourinho remains the favourite to take over from the Dutchman
but Ryan Giggs is still in the running. Van Gaal had won four games on the
bounce before Sunday's defeat to West Brom which leaves them three points
off the top four having played a game more than Manchester City. West Ham
meanwhile are just a point behind City in fifth.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
How Dimitri Payet the late developer has become West Ham's Zinedine
Zidane... but could still miss out on a place at Euro 2016 West Ham ace
Dimitri Payet has taken Upton Park by storm since his move The Hammers made
Payet their highest-paid ever player in February Chinese side Shanghai
Shenhua tried to prise Payet away with £38m offer Payet could miss out on a
place in France's squad despite his superb form By ADAM CRAFTON FOR THE
DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:41, 7 March 2016 | UPDATED: 08:12, 8 March 2016
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic hails him as the best thing to happen to the
club since Paolo Di Canio, chairman David Sullivan ranks him alongside
Trevor Brooking and Carlos Tevez in the pantheon of East End heroes and the
fans serenade him with a ditty declaring him better than Zinedine Zidane.
For Dimitri Payet, the eulogies might be beginning to sound a little uneasy
but nobody at West Ham will mind while the Frenchman is bewitching Upton
Park, bamboozling defenders and leading an improbable assault on the
Barclays Premier League top four.
On Saturday, Everton were the latest to be undone by Payet in another
performance of fleet-footedness, dazzling pirouettes, precise set-piece
delivery and a dramatic late goal that secured a 3-2 victory and lifted West
Ham to fifth in the table.
DIMITRI PAYET'S FORMER CLUBS
2005-07: Nantes (34 appearances, 5 goals)
2007-11: Saint-Etienne (148 apps, 25 goals)
2011-13: Lille (94 apps, 19 goals)
2013-15: Marseille (83 apps, 15 goals)
2015- : West Ham (25 apps, 9 goals)
2010- : France (15 apps, 1 goal)
After signing from Marseille last summer, Payet has scored eight league
goals and created 81 chances - 43 more than West Ham's next best Mark Noble,
35 more than Lionel Messi of Barcelona this season and the fourth best in
Europe's top five leagues. 'I think you English guys love this kind of
player,' says Rene Girard, the former Lille and Montpellier coach who called
up Payet to the France Under 21 side in 2007. 'He is a Cantona type, a
Gascoigne type. It's that bit of arrogance, the strut, the artistic sense
and that innate ability to illuminate a match. He's had that kind of impact
on West Ham.' Payet's form persuaded Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua to offer
£38million for the midfielder last month and also explains why West Ham
responded instantly by making him the highest-paid player in the club's
history as he signed a five-year deal worth £125,000-per-week. Bilic
believes Payet is a serious contender for the end-of-season individual
awards, which makes it all the more surprising to learn that he turns 29
later this month.
So why has it taken so long for the midfielder to announce himself as a
serious presence on the European stage?
His story begins more than 6,000 miles away from Green Street. Payet spent
his childhood years in the French territory of Reunion, a remote Indian
Ocean island with a tropical climate and idyllic beaches that lies midway
between Madagascar and Mauritius. It is home to one of the world's most
active volcanoes, Le Piton de la Fournaise, known for its frequent but
short-lived eruptions. Yet for all its exotic allure, Reunion, an overseas
department of France, mirrors its mother country. The locals drive the same
Peugeots and Renaults you would see on the streets of Paris and patisseries
furnish every street corner. Payet adored his 'paradise' upbringing, his
father introducing him and his two younger brothers to football, and he soon
began playing for local teams Saint Philippe and Saint-Pierroise. His
potential was swiftly recognised, attracting the attention of scouts on the
France mainland. Saint-Pierroise had a reciprocal agreement with Le Havre
and scouts recruited the 12-year-old Payet, who moved to France, where he
shared a room at the club's academy with former Liverpool forward Florent
Sinama Pongolle. 'He found it hard when he came here,' says Michael
Lebaillif, who coached Payet between the age of 14 and 16. 'He came over
here alone as a kid. He went home at Christmas or Easter but that's really
tough, to be without your family. 'He lacked maturity and he did some silly,
childish things. He had problems in the nearby school. He lacked rigour and
the ability to really dedicate himself to his football at that age. He never
did anything terrible but it was an accumulation of factors. 'He was always
technically sound. On the field, he was always obsessed with scoring
beautiful goals, he was attempting acrobatics during games and rarely chose
the easy option. 'It is the old story of expression against rigour and we
certainly want our players to enjoy themselves but he did enjoy those
bicycle kicks a bit too much!' But at the age of 16, Le Havre decided to cut
their ties with Payet. On entering the academy building at Le Havre, you
wander past framed photographs of Riyad Mahrez, Paul Pogba, Lassana Diarra
and many more products of this highly-impressive youth system. The only
picture of Payet, however, is found in an old storage cupboard. It is a
portrait of the full academy squad from his days as a teenager. Perhaps
poignantly, Payet is sat on the bottom row, in the furthest chair to the
right and it would appear a fitting snapshot of a rather unedifying
experience at the club.
Lebaillif says: 'It might surprise you now when you see how ripped and
muscular he is, but you have to understand that at that age, he was frail,
weak and he lacked pace. He was encountering stronger players who were more
physically developed and he struggled to hold his own on the field. He was
always technically impressive but the surprise to us has been his physical
evolution.'
Academy director Johann Louvel says: 'It was a shock when it happened but
also expected. He knew how it was going. We believe we allowed Dimitri to
become the person he is today.
'It was part of his development. It's not a regret for us. We've spoken
since, we have a very good relationship. I am very fond of him.' Le Havre
secured him a move to AS Excelsior but that meant a return to Reunion
Island.
Payet is part of the feted French 1987 generation, but while Karim Benzema,
Samir Nasri and Hatem Ben Arfa were lifting the Under 17 European
Championship in 2004, Payet was not yet on the radar of the French youth
team scouts. Payet would stay on his home island for two years, playing in
Excelsior's modest 1,200 capacity stadium, before Nantes offered him a
lifeline at the age of 18 in 2005. Local reports suggested Nantes were even
given the option of terminating the contract after six months if they so
wished. The club's former manager Rene Degenne recalled to French
publication La Provence: 'The day I watched him, it was so windy, and wind
is the worst enemy of a footballer. Dimitri was poor, to be truthful but did
two or three classy things that stood out. On that alone, I took a chance on
him.' At Nantes, he worked part-time in a clothes store to supplement his
income, breaking into the first-team in the 2005-2006 season before signing
for Saint-Etienne, followed by subsequent progressive moves to Lille and
Marseille in 2011 and 2013 respectively.
Questions have persisted over his attitude. At Nantes, there was an
altercation in training with former Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien
Barthez, who was moonlighting as an outfield player and launched a crude
tackle on Payet. The winger, a youngster at the time, reacted furiously. At
Saint-Etienne, there was an on-field brawl with team-mate Blaise Matuidi, as
Payet punched the midfielder in the head. Despite such misdemeanours, Payet
has demonstrated gradual progression. His manager at Lille, Rudi Garcia,
explains: 'His development has been slow but now he has arrived. Previously,
his issue has been consistency. I think with every transfer he has improved
and now we see the fruits of this. 'He's always been special, we beat Paris
Saint-Germain to his signing. For a coach, he is amazing because he is
genuinely ambidextrous, he can play left, right, or through the middle
comfortably. 'For me, he had one good game and then one bad game. He now
understands that you have to give 100 per cent in every match. The English
school of football is good for him. You can't survive without that
intensity. For all the talent in the world, hard work is the key. 'He is now
more complete, a good character. The decision to reject the move to China
was big. It demonstrates his maturity and the fact he has grown up. 'He is a
big talent. Look at his free-kicks. Did you see that one against Blackburn
in the FA Cup? Wow! He would stay every day for hours to perfect his
free-kicks. 'It became pure repetition and calm execution. He practises like
a pianist ensuring he is always in tune.'
In France, there is growing appreciation for Payet. He impressed for
Marseille last season under manager Marcelo Bielsa, admitting that he 'spent
one year with Bielsa but learned enough for the next 10 years'. Sources
close to the Marseille dressing room say Argentine Bielsa pushed Payet like
never before, challenging him to apply himself for every minute of every
game or threatening to drop him to the substitutes' bench. Payet was left
out on occasion, but also contributed 17 assists and it was a highly
fruitful relationship. One man who remains unconvinced is the France
national team manager Didier Deschamps and, remarkably, very few across the
Channel expect Payet to be in the Euro 2016 squad. One L'Équipe journalist
explains: 'Mathieu Valbuena is ahead of him in the pecking order and
possibly Ben Arfa, too. Of course there is Antoine Griezmann and Anthony
Martial, too. There is big competition. 'Valbuena has a great history with
the national team while Payet doesn't and he gave a silly interview last
year in which he suggested it was an "injustice" that Deschamps overlooks
him.' When Payet made his full France debut against Romania in 2010, he sent
the signed shirt to his mother on Reunion Island. He still longs for a place
at Euro 2016. If his star keeps shining bright at West Ham, he may yet
transport both his own and his club's aspirations towards their very own
paradise.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, March 8
Daily WHUFC News - 8th March 2016
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic believes the performances of the likes of Leicester City and his own team this season are indicative of a shift in power in the Barclays Premier League. With Leicester leading the way, and the Hammers only a point outside the top four, the traditional big boys are in danger of having their usual dominance usurped. Bilic explained that the increasing financial power of the chasing pack goes some way to explaining that. He said: "Let's say Man City and Chelsea want to buy a striker. They can buy, I don't know, Benzema, but they have Aguero. There's no big space for them to improve. "For the clubs like us, Crystal Palace, West Brom. Maybe two years they would have to sell to get Rondon, but now they can get Rondon. "Next year, if you are clever with more investment you can keep those players. Crystal Palace can keep Cabaye and buy another one. So those teams have bigger room to improve. "That's why I think this is a hopefully a permanent shift."
Focusing on Saturday's comeback against Everton, Bilic said his team always believed they could get back in it. He added: "When it was 1-0 and even 2-0, the fact we were the better team over the 90 minutes allowed us to tell the players 'don't be slow, but don't lose your composure'. "On breaks with Lukaku and Barkley of course they can cause us problems, but if your remember Payet had a shot in the first minutes that he normally scores and that was the pattern that with a few passes we could make dangerous situations. "We were a little bit too sexy in the first half, but not clinical. We felt that we had that, and the players knew that they were better and they kept at it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lanzini delighted with Hammers form
WHUFC.com
It has been a great return to first team action for Manuel Lanzini, with the side winning three matches in a week. He was in fine spirits after the victory at Goodison Park where he played a key role in turning the game around. The Hammers slipped to a 2-0 deficit yet late goals from Michail Antonio, Diafra Sakho and Dimitri Payet turned the game around in dramatic fashion. Lanzini said: "We knew before coming here that it was going to be a difficult game, facing a tough side with some great players who are playing well. "I am not sure if we really deserved to be 2-0 down, but I am delighted that we were able to turn it around and to take home the three points. "The turning point was the penalty, because if we had fallen three behind, it would have been almost impossible to get back into the game. We knew we needed one chance to be able to at least draw the game, and luckily for us, Adrian saved the penalty which offered us that chance."
The playmaker insisted that the players kept faith even though they were still trailing by two goals with 15 minutes to go. He added: "It was always going to be difficult to get back into the game, but in football these things can always happen. They were so organised and we struggled to break them down. We tried a bit of everything, from out wide, through the middle, switching the play and we couldn't get through. We are pleased that we finally managed it and took home the three points."
The squad will now begin to prepare for Sunday's FA Cup quarter final against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Argentine told whufc.com: "First of all, I think we need to rest and recover. It has been a tough week with three games, but thankfully we have made it through with nine points. "Then it is time to switch our attention to Manchester United, which is going to be another complicated game. However, we all know that we can achieve our objectives by beating United and progressing to the next stage of the competition."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers to run ballot process for final three fixtures
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are pleased to announce details of how Academy Members will be able to apply for tickets for our final three Barclays Premier League games at the Boleyn Ground.
There has been overwhelming demand for tickets in this historic season for the Hammers, with the upcoming fixture for Crystal Palace selling out to Academy Members, several days before tickets were due to go on general sale.
Due to the expected rush to purchase tickets for any of our final three Boleyn Ground fixtures, the Club is opening a ballot process exclusively for Academy Members, to fairly allocate tickets for the visits of Arsenal, Swansea City and Manchester United.
The first ballot for the Arsenal fixture is open now, and will close at 5pm Tuesday 22 March. The lead client on successful applications will be notified by email.
If you are an existing Academy Member, you will receive an email with the link to the ballot form. Or alternatively you can download one here.
Each fixture will undergo a separate ballot process, with a different form for all three games. The forms can be accessed on whufc.com and will be emailed to Academy Members when each future ballot opens.
It is not too late to become a Member either. So to give yourself a chance of being there as history is made, join now! Call the Ticket Office on 0871 529 1966* or visit whufcboxoffice.com to purchase Academy or Youth Academy Membership. Full details on membership can be found here.
*Calls are charged at 13p/min plus your phone provider's access charge
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers support Enterprise team ahead of final
WHUFC.com
Development Squad duo Alex Pike and Jake Eggleton visited the West Ham United Foundation's Premier League Enterprise team at the Boleyn Ground ahead of the much anticipated final this week.
Students from Stepney Green Maths, Computing and Science College will be representing the Club at the Premier League Enterprise Challenge Final in central London on Wednesday 9 March and the Hammers pair were keen to see how their presentation was coming along.
With 29 school groups representing Premier League and Football League clubs up and down the country, the Hammers will go head-to-head in pitching their ideas to a panel of judges from the world of sport and business.
The group presented their ideas to the players who offered them feedback on where they might look to improve. Pike, who scored the last ever U21 goal at the Boleyn against Arsenal late last year, was impressed with the wannabe entrepreneur's innovative ideas.
He said: "It was really good. It was nice to see the kid's presentation; they've clearly got some good ideas and a lot of work has obviously been put into it. For us to be able to come down and give them a bit of our time is great, I really enjoyed it and had a good time.
"It's always good to support worthy causes, and in the West Ham United Foundation and Sport's Relief, they're both very two very important charities that do a lot of good work."
The Premier League Enterprise challenge has the power to change lives and none more so than for the tournament's former winners from 2014. Having come through the project with the WHU Foundation, they are now acting as mentors for this year's challengers.
2014 Enterprise Challenge winner Sayed Ashrabul said of the group's preparation: "They've really put the hard work in and have been really creative! I think having the players down today was a real confidence boost for them which they can take into the final.
"The Premier League Enterprise programme has opened so many doors for me that would not have been possible prior to being involved. I keep reminding the guys that they too can achieve great things off the back of this!"
The business and skills based challenge is run by the Premier League and Sport Relief, and this year tasked pupils with working on a strategy to help encourage fans to spend more time at stadiums on matchdays. The final is set to take place at Altitude 360 on Wednesday 9 March.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Player Blog – Kevin Lock
WHUFC.com
Plaistow-born 1975 FA Cup winner Kevin Lock made 165 West Ham United appearances between 1972 and 1977…
I have spoken to a lot of fellow fans recently and and this is the most excited I have been about West Ham for at least the last ten years! I just think there is a whole buzz and vibe around the Club! I go to home matches regularly with my grandson and it's just a great feeling going along to games at the Boleyn Ground expecting to see a good, entertaining performance. I am really excited about the end of this season and what the future holds for my Club. It's not just the football itself but the whole character of the Club seems to have changed under Slaven Bilic. He has instilled that never-say-die attitude in the team and they literally never give up, no matter how the game is going for them. That comeback at Norwich City instilled even more belief in the players and they have carried that on through the FA Cup replay win over Liverpool and the three Premier League wins last week. The encouraging thing for me is that West Ham have not just relied on one player this season. While Dimitri Payet has come in and created and scored goals, we seem to have had someone ready to step up in every game. One player who I really like is Cheikhou Kouyate – I think he is one of the best and most valuable members of the team, and he is certainly underrated for me. He is strong, gets to the ball quickly and uses it well. Like I said, though, it is not just Dimitri or Cheikhou who has done well this season, but all the players in the squad. We've got an FA Cup quarter-final to look forward to this weekend at Manchester United and I am backing the boys to go there and win, such is my belief in what they can achieve this season. I remember back in 1975 when we won it, we were all in a steakhouse down opposite Upton Park station listening to the semi-final draw, and we were in the hat with Birmingham City, Fulham and Ipswich Town. We were in mid-table, while Ipswich were flying at the top of the old Division One and we really didn't want to draw them, but we did. We held them nil-nil in the first game and then beat them 2-1 in the replay at Stamford Bridge, with Alan Taylor getting both goals. What I am saying is that, while we might not be favourites to go to Old Trafford and win, if you have the belief and talent in your squad then you can do it. After the win over Liverpool and the brilliant win at Blackburn, this team believes it can beat anyone in the FA Cup and, like in 1975, I have this feeling that our name is on the trophy. If we can win, it means we will have European football at our new Stadium and my grandson Jack and I cannot wait to be there to see it, as we hope to be Season Ticket Holders at the new Stadium.
I was obsessed with West Ham when I was a kid and I can see Jack has the same feelings for the Club as I do. He went to his first game at the age of eight and is 14 now and is a massive fan. We watched the Liverpool FA Cup replay together on TV and he was chanting and singing along with the fans as if we were at the ground! I just want to get these Season Tickets for him because he is taking on the family's support for West Ham to the next generation. West Ham is in our blood and there's nothing we can do about it. I want him to experience this Club for the rest of his life.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joint-Chairman - Our fans are entitled to dream
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Gold believes the players will be relishing the chance to take on Manchester United in the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final on Sunday and feels this is a special time for the east London Club. The Hammers produced a memorable comeback to come from two goals down to beat Everton 3-2 at Goodison Park and keep alive their hopes of securing a European place at the end of the season. The victory moved Slaven Bilic's side back up to fifth in the table and are now just three points behind Arsenal in third place. Three consecutive victories over Sunderland, Tottenham and Everton in the space of week has provided the perfect confidence boost ahead of a big game at Old Trafford this weekend. And with the historic move to the new Stadium taking place during the summer, Mr Gold can only see exciting times ahead for everyone connected with the Club.
Mr Gold said: "We are now going to Manchester United with our tails up and with a bit of luck we will have some more senior players to come back into the squad. "We are entitled to dream (about the Champions League). Now it is looking more of a possibility. "We are playing superbly well and we are knocking on the door. We were facing two difficult games against Tottenham and Everton and to get six points makes it more of a dream.
"It is hard to believe that we have achieved the three victories but we have and everyone is so excited. The fans are absolutely over the moon.
"We are lucky that West Ham United has the most famous year in the club's history. We are leaving our beloved Boleyn Ground and that will be very sad and emotional. "But at the same time we are moving into the new Stadium which is absolutely thrilling. What a year this is for West Ham United. "Our fans are entitled to dream now and we have won the right to dream. I honestly cannot remember the last time we came back from two goals down to win a game and it is rare in football, let alone at West Ham. "You look at Everton on paper and they have a fantastic group of players. Lukaku is one of the best centre-forwards in the Premier League and up against a 17-year-old man in Reece Oxford, I thought he did very well coming up against a world class centre-forward. "To come from 2-0 down and battle back like that shows the character of our team. We have had bad luck losing three of our central defenders and having to play a right back as a winger, so we had a makeshift defence but they all did fantastic."
Mr Gold has nothing but praise for the way the new signings have settled in this season and have played such a big role in the Club's success.
What more can be said about Dimitri Payet after he stole the headlines once again with the winning goal while Michail Antonio continued his rich vein of form in front of goal. Angelo Ogbonna, Pedro Obiang and Manuel Lanzini have also showed their quality and played their role in a fantastic comeback against the Merseyside Club. Mr Gold added: "The players that we brought in have all excelled our expectations – we thought Lanzini would be good but he has been very good. "We thought Payet was good but he has turned out to be brilliant. Another great success has been Michail Antonio who arrived from Nottingham Forest last summer and has been sensational. "Ogbonna and Obiang have also done very well. All of the new players have come together and helped make this a special season."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Joe Difford reflects on Saturday's dramatic win at Everton…
Not one person at Goodison Park would have expected the outcome of Saturday's result. Our long-standing problem with beating Everton stretches back almost nine years and having gone two goals down and watching as Romelu Lukaku stepped up to take a penalty, it appeared to be game over.
In the past week, Slaven Bilic's side have shown great versatility and desire; beating Sunderland in an ugly game of football, taking three points against Spurs who are chasing the title, and now coming from two goals down against Everton.
Adrian has a thing for saving penalties, especially against Everton where he became the hero in the FA Cup last year. Lukaku's spot kick wasn't great, but justice was done as the foul came outside the 18 yard box anyway.
Before the turning point, the Belgian striker had already done what he does best against West Ham. The ball was fed into his feet and he turned quickly, shrugging off young Reece Oxford, before firing into the far corner. It was his eighth goal in eight appearances against the Hammers, and he was instrumental in the second goal too.
Again, the ball came to his feet, but this time he flicked it on for Aaron Lennon to run onto and slot home. These two goals came either side of Kevin Mirallas' dismissal, the first booking for a blatant dive on the edge of our penalty area, the second for a dangerous challenge on Aaron Cresswell.
Credit to the Toffees, you couldn't tell that they were a man down until the penalty was saved and Bilic's men were shocked into gear.
Mark Noble, who is now surely as close as ever to an England call-up, whipped a cross in and Michail Antonio headed in yet another goal.
Just three minutes later, it was Dimitri Payet's turn to send in a perfect ball, this time for Diafra Sakho to head home. Enner Valencia, Andy Carroll and Emmanuel Emenike have all showed signs of greatness, but it sure is good to have Sakho back fit.
At 2-2, you would have expected Bilic to shut up shop and take a well-earned point, but this is Super Slav we're talking about here, and we went for the jugular. A couple of questionable Everton substitutions certainly helped, as Gareth Barry replaced Lukaku when the home crowd were hoping for a late winner.
The moment of magic came as Cresswell played a long, accurate ball up to Carroll, who nodded onto Sakho, with the Senegalese striker flicking it on once more with a lovely back heel, and Payet pounced to poke home, nutmegging the goalkeeper in the process.
It was the first time we have come back from a two goal deficit to win since Paolo Di Canio inspired a 5-4 victory over Bradford City in 2000, so it was fitting that the man who has come closest to matching him in claret and blue scored the winning goal.
Thanks to a Manchester United slip-up, we will now remain fifth for at least two weeks, with our game next weekend at Old Trafford for the FA Cup Quarter Final, and if we play the way we have against top sides this season, we could be at Wembley in a few weeks.
For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ExWHUEmployee Exclusive: Feeder club deal to be announced? Top targets on radar?
March 7, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee
My word the Everton game was something special. I don't think I have ever experienced emotions like that. When they were awarded the penalty, I really thought to myself let's just leave and beat the traffic, something I don't usually do, but I was gutted at the thought of us losing this game and it spoiling my weekend in Liverpool. Little did I know what was just around the corner. The feeling when the third goal went in was something special and something that I would never forget. I will always remember the feeling of walking out into the streets with all the other fans and singing "We've got Payet!!" My voice still hasn't recovered yet and I think I am still drunk.
The club is exploring the options of getting another feeder club where we can buy players from abroad and get them work permits at this club. We have looked at a number of clubs from smaller leagues and have a club in mind. This club is one of the best clubs in its league and will enable us to loan players there too. They currently have a few decent players playing for them and it will be really beneficial to both clubs. I know the club involved, as will you when it is revealed, but for now until the deal is confirmed the club want the name to remain quiet. Although one thing I will say is, according to my google analytics of where my website viewers come from, many of you will be delighted at the prospect. I will reveal soon though but remember where you heard it first as others will start to guess now. Investing in other clubs and leagues is certainly something that we wish to explore further and have done much research on.
I have hinted at many players appearances affecting their contract situation before; a number of players are close to triggering new deals some of which are very significant. As I have mentioned before Lanzini is close to completing his terms and there could be another very important contract signed soon (more to be revealed in an exclusive this week from us)!
We have some extremely exciting names on our radar. When I see the list I think "no way" "not possible" to the point I dare not put them out there because I will get called all sorts, like I did when I announced Ibrahimovic. All I can say is that it is extremely exciting hearing about these names and knowing that they are not just fantasy and that we have put the wheels in motion. We have looked at Bony and Benteke as has been reported in the Telegraph today but these are just some of the many options being explored.
Although previously I have been told he isn't on the radar, it is worth noting that Oxlade Chamberlain changed agents recently to Will Salthouse who is the agent for Cresswell, Randolph and Antonio. I still don't think this deal will happen but sometimes the agents of certain players are significant. For example Payet has the same agent (Mark/Willie McKay) as Michy Batshuayi. Remember I have spoken many times of our desire to raid that club.
Terry Westley is also working very hard on our youth prospects. He is looking at signing youngsters from a number of clubs for them to develop here. The latest player plays for Reading. We want to take the best youngsters from elsewhere and turn them into Premier League stars as well as improving our own scouting network. It is fair to say the potential players emerging from the youth team is our most exciting group yet.
We should have Reid, Valencia, O'Brien and Moses back for the Manchester United game and Tomkins to follow for the Chelsea match. This would leave only Collins being injured and he could be back within two weeks. If we can keep players fit, which is unlikely, we could have our full team back for the crucial end of season run in. Just think how well we could have done if they all had stayed fit. I do not fear Manchester United and now that Mata is suspended we have even more of a chance. Follow my day on snapchat as I am again going to the match.
There has been strong rumours coming from inside the club that Roy could pull off a major surprise and name at least one West Ham player in his next England squad! The three candidates are obvious but I will not believe it till I see it but it could (doubtful) mean that Noble's testimonial would have to be moved.
I honestly love being a West Ham fan. I know this isn't the most "exclusive" thing to talk about in my column but everything is going so well for us. The new stadium looks brilliant, the rights and deals with companies bring us on further, players want to play for us both at youth and senior level, we have chairmen that love the club and are exploring options to make us bigger and better, we have a great manager, fantastic players and we are really going places.
Don't forget the ladies match tomorrow where they are trying to break the attendance record for a ladies league match, make sure you get a programme and read why I support the ladies game so much!
Please have a look round the new look site. Some of the tabs do not work at the moment as they need articles but we are getting there and the speed has much improved. We also have a news reporter running the site and twitter account during the day so you will hear the breaking news first. If you miss the news then the daily news rounds it all up for you anyway. It was recently mentioned in feedback to the site that people want to see all our news in order rather than searching for it, we have added a tab called latest articles. You will not miss an article now as all will be posted there!
The future is bright, the future is claret and blue!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Monday musings: Poetic justice
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 7th March 2016
By: Graeme Howlett
Last November a dreadful challenge by Everton's James McCarthy sidelined West Ham's Dimitri Payet for the remainder of 2015.
So it was poetic justice when the brilliant Frenchman popped up inside the Toffees' six-yard box during Saturday's return meeting between the two clubs to score the winning goal, as West Ham recorded their first win on the Blue side of Stanley Park since December 2005.
And what an incredible win it was for Slaven Bilic's side, who were two goals behind with less than fifteen minutes of normal time remaining before staging a remarkable comeback to steal all three points, courtesy of Payet's last-minute winner.
Having fallen behind to strikes from Romelu Lukaku and Aaron Lennon, Adrian made a brilliant save from a (Lukaku) penalty to prevent West Ham from going 3-0 down - at which point the travelling fans must have been wondering whether the early start had been worth it!
However their patience and endeavour was ultimately rewarded as West Ham staged an epic comeback. Michail Antonio, prolific of late scored United's first on 78 minutes, the returning Diafra Sakho levelled the game three minutes later - and Payet – who else? - grabbed the winner, just as added-on time commenced.
The victory - West Ham's third in a week, following the wins against Sunderland and Tottenham - lifted Bilic's side back above Manchester United into fourth place in the Premier League, thus keeping alive the Irons' hopes of ending what is already a memorable campaign in a European position.
But which competition that will be in remains to be seen, with the Hammers now presenting a very real threat to those clubs hoping to finish in the top four and qualify for next season's Champions League.
Just three points separate West Ham and second-placed Arsenal, who drew at Spurs on Saturday and whilst Bilic won't dare speak of it, a spot in Europe's premier competition is certainly within reach. Unlikely still - but who thought Leicester City would be title favourites in March!?
However all thoughts of Premier League success will be set aside for the next week or so as attention returns to the FA Cup, where a tantalising quarter final tie at Old Trafford awaits.
West Ham have enjoyed mixed FA Cup fortunes against Manchester United in recent seasons. Few present on the day will forget Paolo Di Canio's winning goal in a 2001, fourth round meeting; few who witnessed the Gary Breen-inspired 6-0 defeat two years later will wish to remember it!
More recently, in a 2013 third round tie, the Hammers were seconds away from securing a 2-1 win at the Boleyn Ground when Robin Van Persie grabbed a last-minute equaliser, taking the tie back to Old Trafford for a replay - which the hosts won 1-0.
But this is a very different West Ham team right now - and one that has every chance of turning the tables and securing a place in this year's FA Cup semi finals.
*An abridged version of this article first appeared in the Echo newspaper.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Seeing is believing
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 7th March 2016
By: Paul Walker
I suppose I wanted to see it with my own eyes, the phenomenon that is Slaven Bilic, the manager who is turning West Ham into a Champions League club.
Say that last summer, even a few months ago and you could hear them laughing all the way from Stamford Bridge to White Hart Lane. Say it now, and nobody laughs.
Now the one or two people who read my nonsense will know by now that in a previous life I spent a fair amount of time talking to football managers.
I can go back to Bill Shankly, Matt Busby, our own much-loved John Lyall, right through to Fergie, Rafa and Jose. And a lovely fella called Howard Kendall.
Many I have known have been con-men, liars, cheats, criminals, self-centred egotists or just incompetent. And those were the better ones. (For legal reasons, none of those mentioned above come into any of these categories..just making that clear!)
So I tend not to go with the hype, the media outlets who write stuff just to please owners or chairmen. I have also restrained myself from sounding off that we are now potential champions, world beaters or just the best West Ham side ever.
Many of us over the past 50 years or so of watching the Irons have seen far too many false dawns and burst bubbles to allow ourselves to build ourselves up for more heartbreak.
But I have seen the future of rock n' roll…and Slaven will appreciate that remark, because he will know all about Bruce Springsteen. I am at last tempted to allow myself to suggest that Bilic is the future of West Ham.
The fact that a 66 year-old pensioner (me) could be seen singing the Payet song while sitting in a horrendous M6 traffic jam on Saturday says it all.
I had not been able to sing it until them…I think you will understand shortly. A few weeks back an old friend who works brilliantly in the Everton media department rang me and said did I want to see Saturday's game at Goodison Park.
I did ask him whether he was just trying to punish me by forcing me to sit and watch more Romelu Lukaku goals and the customary defeat at Goodison. But it was a free ticket, as well as a free car park pass plus some free food…so it had to be done.
So there I was back in the Everton press room for the first time in six years, meeting old colleagues and trying not to think about the expected defeat to follow.
By the end I was watching my fellow Hammers fans in wild celebrations in the away section as our team, led by Dimitri, was deservedly milked the acclaim. I was sitting on my hands, tight=lipped and trying not to laugh.
I had seen something special. Two defeats in 20 games now, and we have a team who do not accept defeat. Those last 12 minutes will live with us all for a very long time.
And it was no fluke. I recall also watching plenty of Manchester United games when they staged amazing comebacks in the dying minutes of Fergie time. They were not flukes either.
Never giving in, you can win the Champions League like that. We all remember that amazing night in Barcelona, with Man United having been outplayed by Bayern Munich for almost 90 minutes. But Man U, despite all the other reasons that I hate them, can be applauded for never giving in.
This was Slaven's team. He has installed a new mentality into our club. And I wanted to see him in the flesh handle a big press conference. Just to see how he operated. I was impressed, to say the least, and coming from an old hack who has sat through thousands of these tedious after-match affairs, that says something.
Slav has a presence. He is 6ft 3in, walks with a stoop but still dominates the room. He also starts the conference himself with a resume of what happens. Fergie and Arsene Wenger do that, it gives them control over the line of questioning, it is on their terms.
Bilic shows such desire, ,steely determination, almost tunnel vision. It is an impressive performance. He does not sit there and await the loaded line of questioning. You can feel his intensity and belief, That is what rubs off on his players.
Footballers play for whatever manager is thrown their way. The hardened ones, like Mark Noble, have seen it all. They do their best, because those are the requirements of the job. But when players see a manager they respect instantly because of his reputation as a player and leader of men, they take notice.
Here is something to clutch onto. Something that could lead them to trophies, to a higher level. And Bilic offers that. He did it for six years with Croatia, and that is the key to him.
He rubbed shoulders them with the best managers, best players, but not in a demanding club atmosphere. Everybody at the very top of the European game knows him.
My lad, astute sometimes, reckons we have got a hungry young manager who has done his apprentice in the job at a very high level. It gives him a head start. You only have to look at the guy at Norwich to see the point.
It bothers me that our owners spent so much time looking elsewhere..at managers at a supposed higher level who just used us to enhance their own contracts with current employers.
I wanted Bilic from the start. He was the perfect fit. A hungry, confident coach who had done brilliantly at Besiktas, as he says a cult club very similar to the Irons, living in the shadows of giant clubs in their own city.
Bilic knew he needed to show he could manage in a top league, and the Premier League was always his aim. And boy has he proved himself. His tactics against Spurs were spot on, never letting their full backs into the game.
He changed the system against Everton, and that is no reflection on young Reece Oxford, who was a yard the wrong side of Lukaku for his customary goal. He won't make that mistake again. He was substituted because against ten men and only one striker--with Kevin Mirallas sent-off---you don't need three centre backs.
And he spelt out exactly how to overcome Everton with that remark about not needing so much sexy football around the box. He kept throwing on strikers, Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho while making sure Michail Antonio was left out there.
Then came the barrage of demanding, pinpoint accurate crosses. First Noble, then Payet. Plus that sheer will to win, to not give it up. Bilic said he impressed on the team at the break how the game was still there for them.
Bilic talks with such force of conviction it is almost hypnotic. I believed him by the end of the conference so just think what sort of influence he has on players, this manager who kisses and cuddles his players.
Did you notice him hug and kiss Sakho on the cheek as he came on against Spurs after three months out. Managers here just don't do that.
He also talked about the togetherness of his squad, and how he sat them down some while ago and pointed out that they had a strong, defiant, organised defensive shield, so why couldn't they go on a run and win matches and reach for the moon.
And it all came right against at Everton side who many feel we owe them something. The long list of Lukaku goals, the failure to beat them anywhere for 11 years. The dreadful James McCarthy tackle on Payet, those Leighton Baines free-kicks.
And then there is Roberto Martinez. Sometimes some managers should just keep it buttoned. But he has such an ego he cannot resist, can he. I can imagine the pre-match presser when he was goaded into defending McCarthy again, and arrogantly suggesting that West Ham were wrong, he is such a nice boy.
Noble, complete with two black eyes, doesn't think so. He was giving McCarthy a piece of his mind about Everton's tackling while our physic was putting Arron Cresswell back together after Mirallas' stupid lunge after being booked. And Alan Shearer reckoned his was diving for the first one, and he should know being a striker of such repute.
Martinez has already made him look stupid by suggesting that 'he didn't' really want Sam Byram anyway.' So why did the kid have a medical at Goodison Park?
But he left his best for Payet. Of course Martinez turned down the chance of signing the Frenchman because he already had Ross Barkley. So there we had Payet creating the equaliser and scoring the winner. Payback for that McCarthy tackle in spades. Nice one Roberto!
And on Payet and Manuel Lanzini. We have two players with courage who will carry the ball knowing they will get kicked to bits. But knowing that by driving at players they will win free-kicks, and players will get sent-off.
We are approaching a point when this could be maybe the best season of our lives, there are just a few candidates….1964, 1965 and 1986 to my mind. Nothing else comes close for me.
And we go to Manchester United on Sunday believing we can win. Bilic had to be reminded who our next league game was against…Chelsea came the answer from the press officer. And Bilic just shrugged.
Not a flinch of acceptance, not a frown. Bring 'em on. We may not win these two games that will rather cruelly define our season. But we have a manager who never takes a backward step, who has a team rock solid with him. And a fan base in near disbelief.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers plotting move for Reading youngster?
March 7, 2016
TheWstHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
Arsenal and West Ham are the latest clubs to show an interest in young Reading midfielder Aaron Kuhl, and may look to sign him in the summer, according to the Transfermarketweb.
The 20-year-old is available to be snapped up on a free transfer in the summer, with any club who wishes to sign him only due to pay the necessary compensation.
Kuhl is a holding midfield player who is set to have a bright future, with many at Reading fully expecting him to move on and make the leap to the Premier League given his ability.
He broke in to the team last season with a string of appearances and impressed fans and coaches alike, however this season he has struggled to break into the team, spending time on loan with Dundee United, and he may well see a move to Arsenal or West Ham as just too good to turn down.
Kuhl has been capped by England at under-19 and under-20 level, and is obviously seen by Arsene Wenger as another young player who he can bring on and develop, adding to his long list of developed youngsters during his time with the Gunners.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Referee Analysis: Anthony Taylor
March 6, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Sam Royden-Ryell
After a great win at the Boleyn against Spurs midweek, we go to Goodison Park to play an Everton team which West Ham hadn't beaten there in 10 games. The referee appointed for this game was Anthony Taylor. I wrote about Taylor for IronViews back in September vs Newcastle and I thought he was excellent in that game.
In the first half, Taylor had his work cut out. The first caution of the game was to Everton midfielder Kevin Mirallas for a dive. Mirallas was goal side of Pedro Obiang and in a good position when he went down, under no pressure from the West Ham midfielder. Taylor was spot on to issue a caution to Mirallas for Unsporting Behaviour. Within 34 minutes, Everton were down to 10-men and this was due to a second bookable offence for Kevin Mirallas. The Everton midfielder caught West Ham left back Aaron Cresswell with nasty late challenge which gave Taylor no option but to send him off. I saw a tweet asking me my thoughts on the West Ham players surrounding the referee at this point. This is something that the FA look at and they look at whether 3 or more players have surrounded the referee in a confrontational manner. When the incident happened, West Ham Captain Mark Noble, Angelo Ogbonna and Dimitri Payet where around the referee. However, you also had 3 or 4 Everton players doing the exactly the same; they were trying to build a defence to not get Mirallas sent off. I don't believe that either the West Ham or Everton players were confrontational towards Taylor so there shouldn't be any action from the FA.
In the second half, there wasn't much improvement from Taylor. On 68 minutes, Taylor awarded a penalty after an apparent trip inside the area by West Ham midfielder Alex Song and I very much disagree with this decision. Firstly, Muhamed Bešić was tripped by Alex Song in the build up to this incident which was just inside the D outside the penalty area. The Everton midfielder skipped past the initial contact and made his way towards the penalty area. Song then challenged Bešić and the Everton man ensured that he stumbled inside the West Ham penalty area. Initial contact from Song was just outside the penalty area and the contact was made on Bešić left leg which was planted on the line of the penalty area. The motion of the trip ensured Bešić stumbled inside the penalty area. The law states that a penalty should be given if the foul has taken place inside the penalty area, and in this instance this was not the case. This incident is very much like when the ball is deemed in or out of play. The whole ball has to be over the line to be deemed out of play and it's the same principle to award a penalty. The incident has to happen inside the penalty area, not on the line, and on first contact rather than where the player ends after contact is made. There where a couple of penalty shouts in the second half. Another was when Bešić left an outward arm after he turned his back on a Dimitri Payet cross. Although it did strike his arm, he was relatively close to the West Ham man and Bešić didn't know that once he turned his back, the ball was going to strike his outward right arm. I have seen penalties for this type of handball given this season, but felt it would have been quite harsh. The next appeal was from the Everton fans for a handball by Cheikhou Kouyaté. Bešić was involved again after the Everton midfielder had a shot on goal which appeared to hit Kouyaté on the upper arm. I think the referee could have given this as a penalty but decided not too. Kouyaté was 12 yards from the initial shot and would of had enough time to move his arm away from the ball. It did look like Kouyaté completely misjudged it. It was technically a penalty but it would have been harsh and there was no obvious intent to control with his arm.
Overall, I felt that Taylor wasn't great in this game. He got the majority of the major decisions right but when they are potentially game changers, you need to be 100% that your decision is correct. Taylor also missed a potential penalty on Angelo Ogbonna but that wasn't meant to be. I saw that Roberto Martínez labelled Taylor as 'picky' on Match of The Day, and you could say that. However, you can't say that cheating deserves just a free kick and a talking too because when it's early in the game, players needs to be punished when their being unsporting within the game. A note on West Ham; what a great win this was and this shows great fight by a West Ham side which has a completely different mindset under Slaven Bilic. I saw a stat on MOTD that this comeback was the first time West Ham have come back from two goals down to win a Premier League game since February 2000, an astonishing stat.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Premier League: Who can stop Leicester in title run-in?
BBC.co.uk
Leicester's charge towards the Premier League title is still rolling along nicely, with the downturn of form anticipated by many yet to materialise. The Foxes are five points clear at the summit after picking up seven from their past three games. But not only are Claudio Ranieri's men still winning points - their nearest rivals are continuing to drop them. Tottenham and Arsenal took points off each other after Saturday's 2-2 draw in the north London derby. Fourth-placed Manchester City did, however, revive their title hopes after three straight league defeats with a 4-0 thumping of Aston Villa. Fifth-placed West Ham and Manchester United, two points behind the Hammers, also still have an outside chance.
Here's the lowdown on each of the top six's run-in
Leicester
Played 29, 60 points, goal difference +21
Last won the league title: Never
Leicester fixtures
Results in reverse fixtures: Leicester have five home games in their final nine-game run-in, and were unbeaten in the reverse fixtures, picking up 23 points from the nine games. A repeat haul would see the Foxes end the campaign with 83 points - enough to win the league on seven occasions in the Premier League era, but not since Manchester United won with 80 points in 2011.
Scores in reverse games: beat Newcastle 3-0, beat Crystal Palace 1-0, drew with Southampton 2-2, beat Sunderland 4-2, beat West Ham 2-1, beat Swansea 3-0, drew with Manchester United 1-1, beat Everton 3-2, beat Chelsea 2-1.
Recent form: In a word, excellent. The Foxes have lost just once in their last 10 games, a narrow defeat at fellow challengers Arsenal, and taken 21 points from a possible 30.
Key games: May. It's the month for crowning champions but the Foxes may hope that they can have it done before a very tough final three games. Ranieri's side go to Old Trafford on 1 May, a ground where they have won just once in the Premier League, before hosting Everton and ending the season at defending champions Chelsea. A guard of honour from one champion to another?
Tottenham
Played 29, 55 points, goal difference +27
Last won the league title: 1961
Tottenham fixtures
Results in reverse fixtures: Spurs picked up just 13 points from the nine games against the remaining sides they have to face - and a repeat performance would see them finish the season with just 68 points - only four more than they managed last season when finishing fifth. Too many draws may hurt Spurs. They could only take a point from Liverpool, Stoke, West Brom and Chelsea and lost to Manchester United and Newcastle. They do have a superior goal difference to Leicester though.
Scores in reverse games: Beat Aston Villa 3-1, beat Bournemouth 5-1, drew with Liverpool 0-0, lost 1-0 to Manchester United, drew 2-2 with Stoke, drew 1-1 with West Brom, drew 0-0 with Chelsea, beat Southampton 2-0, lost 2-1 to Newcastle.
Recent form: Clinical. Spurs drew eight of their opening 15 league games but have cut that habit out of late, winning six of their last 10 games and losing just twice. Dropping points to rivals may hurt them though. A 1-0 defeat to Leicester and a 2-2 draw against Arsenal have stemmed their flow of points at crucial times.
Key games: Trips to Anfield (2 April) and Stamford Bridge (2 May) look massive. Spurs have only won twice at Anfield in the Premier League, losing the last three, and have never won at Stamford Bridge since 1992.
In fact their last league win at the home of Chelsea came in February 1990, when Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker scored the winner. Newcastle away on the last day may not be the easiest place to travel to, either...
Arsenal
Played 29, 52 points, goal difference +16
Last won the league title: 2004
Arsenal's fixtures
Results in reverse fixtures: The Gunners picked up a respectable 19 points from these nine fixtures, though defeats to West Brom and West Ham could prove decisive come May. A further 19 points in the run-in would see Arsene Wenger's side finish on 71 points, four points fewer than their total last season. When they last won the league, going unbeaten 12 years ago, the Gunners collected 90 points.
Scores in reverse games: Lost 2-1 to West Brom, beat Everton 2-1, beat Watford 3-0, lost 2-0 to West Ham, beat Crystal Palace 2-1, beat Sunderland 3-1, drew 1-1 with Norwich, beat Manchester City 2-1, beat Aston Villa 2-0.
Recent form: Not good enough. Arsenal have won only three of their last 10 games, a run that has seen them slump from leaders in the New Year to third place. Defeats to Chelsea, Swansea and Manchester United have been damaging, though at least the Gunners managed to claim a point with 10 men at rivals Spurs.
Key games: Trips to Manchester City, West Ham and Everton all look difficult but perhaps the inconvenient truth for Arsenal is that their key games have been and gone. It is not irretrievable to win the league from here but Wenger will have to rely on favours and slip-ups from other sides.
Manchester City
Played 28, 50 points, goal difference +21
Last won the league title: 2014
Manchester City fixtures
Results in reverse fixtures: Manchester City have a game in hand on their title rivals, with a trip to Newcastle yet to be slotted into a congested diary. In the 10 games against sides they still have to play again, Manuel Pellegrini's side collected 22 points, losing to Stoke and Arsenal. A further 22 points would see Pellegrini end his reign as City boss on 72 points. Would that be enough for a top-four finish, never mind a title?
Scores in reverse games: Beat Norwich 2-1, drew 0-0 with Manchester United, beat Bournemouth 5-1, beat West Brom 3-0, beat Chelsea 3-0, lost 2-0 to Stoke, beat Southampton 3-1, lost 2-1 to Arsenal, beat Swansea 2-1, beat Newcastle 6-1.
Recent form: Disappointing. A 4-0 win over Aston Villa stopped a run of three successive league defeats but City have won just four of their last 10 games. They were last on the top of the table after beating Swansea in mid-December but have collected just 18 points from a possible 36 since.
Key games: The Manchester derby on 20 March stands out, but it is looking like both sides involved are playing for a place in the top four now, at best. Six of the final 10 games are on the road, with a trip to resurgent Chelsea on 16 April and an as-yet scheduled journey to face struggling Newcastle also looking tough.
West Ham
Played 29, points 49, goal difference +12
Last won the league title: Never
West Ham
Results in reverse fixtures: West Ham fans and the producers of Match of the Day will hope not to see three goalless draws in the run-in - a sequence of results the Hammers picked up back-to-back against Swansea, Stoke and Manchester United in December. But that was when Slaven Bilic was without Dimitri Payet, who is back firing now.
The Hammers collected 13 points from nine games in their remaining fixtures - a repeat would see them end on 62 points. A repeat of that and Leicester would only need one more win to finish above the Hammers...
Scores in reverse games: Beat Chelsea 2-1, beat Crystal Palace 3-1, beat Arsenal 2-0, lost 2-1 to Leicester, drew 1-1 with West Brom, drew 0-0 with Swansea, drew 0-0 with Stoke, lost 2-0 to Watford, drew 0-0 with Manchester United.
Recent form: Dimitri Payet made his first start after an ankle injury at Bournemouth on 12 January. The Hammers have won five of nine league games since, losing just twice. Bilic's side have won their last three games to propel them into Champions League contention. But a title challenge? They would surely need to win all of their games from here...
Key games: Back-to-back games with title challengers Arsenal and Leicester in April could shape the Hammers' top-four push, while an FA Cup run means they still have games with Watford and Manchester United to reschedule.
Manchester United
Played 29, 47 points, goal difference +10
Last won the league title: 2013
Manchester United
Results in reverse fixtures: Does anyone believe that Manchester United are genuine title challengers? Even if Louis van Gaal's side were to win all remaining nine games they would only end up with 74 points - which would represent their third-worst haul in the Premier League era. Their worst totals, of 64 points and 70 points, have both come in the last two seasons. David Moyes' record-low haul of 64 points may come under threat yet. United would need 18 points from their final nine games to overhaul that mark. In the corresponding nine games United took 13 points, and drew four times, three of which were goalless.
Scores in reverse games: Drew 0-0 with Manchester City, beat Everton 3-0, beat Tottenham 1-0, beat Aston Villa 1-0, drew 1-1 with Leicester, lost 2-1 to Norwich, lost 2-1 to Bournemouth, drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace, drew 0-0 with West Ham.
Key games: United face Liverpool home and away in the Europa League and West Ham in the FA Cup quarter final before their next Premier League game against rivals Manchester City on 20 March. United are only currently three points outside the top four but with winning the Europa League now carrying automatic Champions League qualification, that competition is arguably of great importance for Van Gaal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
That's your lot - final Boleyn tickets go to a ballot
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 7th March 2016
By: Staff Writer
Academy members are being given the opportunity to purchase tickets for the final three home game of the season - by virtue of a ballot process.
West Ham United revealed today that any supporters without automatic access (ie Bondholders, season ticket holders and existing corporate clients) with be able to apply for tickets to West Ham's last three games at the Boleyn Ground in three seperate ballots.
The first of those - for the London derby with Arsenal on 9 April - opened today and will run until 5pm on Tuesday, 22 Match. The application form may be downloaded from here.
Dates of the two remaining ballots are yet to be announced. The club are still welcoming applications from potential Academy members who will be entered into the ballots if they complete their membership (cost £40) before each one ends.
West Ham United have not revealed how many members will be potentially involved in the process. Tickets are only available in the Boleyn Ground's Upper tiers - that's the Bobby Moore Upper, East Stand Upper & West Stand Upper.
This is a good thing, right?
* Fans won't have to pay 13p per minute on the club's extortionate premium rate phone line to wait for a representative to answer their call
* Everyone who enters the ballot should have an equal chance of securing a ticket
This is a bad thing, right?
* It's going to costs you £40 to apply (plus the cost of phone calls) for membership - and there's no guarantee that you'll get a ticket
* It'll cost you a mere £25 to become a Swansea City member and guarantee a ticket - albeit in the away end - for our penultimate home match
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHAT MAKES THIS SUCH A FANTASTIC STORY? IS IT ALL ABOUT THE CHARACTER?
By Benjamin Cronin 7 Mar 2016 at 17:50
WTID
This season could be an epic, for some it's a fantasy but one things for certain, thus far, it wouldn't be described as a tragedy. While we may not be a central figure in Leicester's fabled battle of David vs Goliath, Slaven Bilic and West Ham United are in the process of masterminding something that may well be regarded as the stuff of legend in the near future. The remainder of the plot is still unwritten and there will undoubtedly be the twists and turns that make any great novel but this Premier League season is a book that no Hammers fan wants to put down.
The previous instalment of what could have been a metaphorical literary masterpiece didn't have the greatest of endings. It all started so well but under the command of someone who many saw as our antagonist, everything crumbled away at the end. Enter stage right, our deus ex machina, Slaven Bilic. His first season in charge started in the same fairytale fashion as before, yet as time has gone on and the number of remaining fixtures dwindles, belief and spirit amongst players and fans alike is higher than ever before. Those top four aspirations are gathering momentum and the wider footballing community is only now starting to recognise our genuine chances.
In amongst all the action and drama we've witnessed over the past 29 league fixtures, one thing stands out that I've rarely experienced in my 25 years of supporting West Ham. Character. Resilience. Determination. A 'never-say-die attitude'. Call it what you want, it's something that has had a huge bearing on our current points tally and position in the league table. It would appear the days of watching West Ham go one down and struggle for the remainder of the game are long gone. Now, no deficit seems too big to overturn. No challenge too tough to conquer. There's been a shift within the club that means our players believe they can win any game, right up until the final whistle. This isn't to say players didn't try before. It could be that they now realise there's no limit to what they can achieve or produce on the football pitch. I'll be honest, I really don't know what's happened. It's just clear to see that something has changed.
Whilst I'd love to revel in Saturday afternoon's result a bit longer and with many of you happy to read another opinion on that magnificent comeback I'm sure, I'm going to delve a little deeper into the success that this weekend's result was just another example of instead. What hasn't been said about our historic 3-2 victory already? The long awaited breaking of an incredibly frustrating hoodoo. The first victory earned after falling two goals behind since defeating Bradford just over sixteen years ago. An outstanding performance from every player that stepped foot onto that pitch. It really was a day that will live long in the memory. I suppose the question everyone's asking now is, how far can we actually go?
The notion of this new found ability to get a result out of games in which we are in a losing position is most evident when analysing the statistics. We have now managed to gain a total of twelve points from a losing position so far this season, joint second with Leicester City in a 'comeback league table', bettered only by Tottenham Hotspur. The pessimists amongst us may see going behind and having to come back as being a problem but when you consider that Spurs and Leicester are the only two sides in the Premier League to lose fewer games than ourselves, I don't think there's much room for criticism.
Comparing those figures to last season, it's obvious that a vast improvement has been made. Under Sam Allardyce, we managed to amass nine points from losing positions throughout the entirety of the 14/15 campaign. With the majority of those ending up as 1-1 draws after going a goal behind, the claim of a new mentality within the squad is actually a proven fact. Another point to reflect on that perhaps exemplifies this resilience is our ability to see out a game and maintain our level of performance right until the very end. A brief scan of last season's fixtures shows a considerable amount of late goals conceded that turned wins into draws and draws into defeats (two draws turning into losses and one win turning into a draw is just three examples from our last eight games of that particular season).
With the mistakes and lapses in concentration from last season eliminated, we've barely had to suffer the heartache of conceding late goals this season. Instead, we're the beneficiaries of the last gasp winner (this weekend and the FA Cup tie against Liverpool still fresh in everyone's memory I'm sure). It's hard to pinpoint one particular factor that has enabled us to enjoy such great success this season. The reason for that is simple, there isn't one. It's a combination of everything Bilic has implemented falling into place and the confidence that has come about as a result of that. Every player is stepping up to the mark, everyone has the hunger and desire required to be part of a successful team, with no one left hiding in the shadows. We've shown we can take the game to our opponents and catch them on the break when they try to take it to us. We're solid at the back and incredibly tough to breakdown whilst possessing skill, pace, end product and clinical finishing in the final third.
Much has been made of our expectations coming into this season. Were Bilic actually constructing a narrative, he may have wished to title it 'Be Careful What You Wish For: A Wish Come True'. Instead, he's crafted a work of art that's still awaiting a title (or a cup if we're speaking in literal terms). We know the protagonists have come to the fore; Payet, Antonio, Noble, Lanzini, Adrian, Kouyate, I've honestly had to stop myself writing out the whole squad. The pages will keep on turning as this incredible story goes on and not knowing what will happen next is all part of the thrill. It seems the better we play, the more important the next games become. Rather than seeing upcoming fixtures against teams near us in the table as a challenge, it feels like everyone sees them as an opportunity.
I honestly don't think it's ever felt so good to be a Hammer. I'm not going to tell people to not get carried away because that's all part of the fun. Regardless of what happens from here, this season has been one of my greatest as a fan. I've thoroughly enjoyed what we've seen so far and I hope, I believe, there's still more to come.
COYI!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Deadly Diafra's back so here's my final points tally
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Sak's back and in my world that means anything is possible. Yes of course we have Payet and I really do understand but with the club's Number One striker up front even the main man becomes a far better player. This has been repeated several times but after his goalscoring return against Everton at the weekend let's remind ourselves of one simple fact. With Diafra runnning the channels and dragging players out of position – a gift that only he possesses among our strikers – Dimi and Lanzini run into more and more space and create serious havoc. I remember Palace defender Damien Delaney saying the same after our Selhurst Park victory erly on claiming that he was a seriously difficult player to keep under control.
With Sak up front, Reidy back at the heart of defence and Payet pulling the strings I really do see United having their work seriously cut out at the weekend. And after that – despite the "oh dear they have a tough run-in brigade" creasing their brows I believe we can go into virtually every match as favourites. I really am that confident. Why wouldn't I be – it's the way supporters of big and successful clubs carry on and we've beaten most of thebig boys anyway…why suffer an inferiority complex now. So here's how I see us performing over the remaining league games with my points tally at the bottom. If it turns out as I expect, then the aforementioned Diafra Sakho will have hd everything to do with it.
Chelsea ( away) 1 point
Palace (home) 3 points
Arsenal (home) 3 points
Leicester (away) 1 point (they won't do a treble over us!)
Manchester U (home) 3 points
WBA (away) 1 point
Swansea (home) 3 points
Stoke ( away) 1 point
Watford (home) 3 points
FINAL POINTS TALLY 68
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons heading for huge financial jackpot
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
If West Ham were to finish in the top four this season it could be worth another £35 million to the club.. Finishing fourth position in the Premier League would earn the Hammers an extra £10 million in merit payments after taking £11m for their twelfth place finish last season.
That would jump massively to £21m for fourth place and £22.2m if we could manage third place. However, the really serious money would be made qualifying for UEFA Champions League football with prize money significantly increasing this season. Each club reaching the group stages gets a 12 million Euro bonus, a rise of 40% on last season. Every group win would earn 1.5m Euros while a draw gets 500,000 Euros. On top of this clubs get a share of the TV rights money called the 'Market Pool' worth 482 million Euros spilt by the 32 clubs depending on how much each country paid for their rights. This meant last season, Manchester City earned 45.9m Euros from the Champions League, Chelsea got 39.2m, Arsenal 36.3m and Liverpool 33.6m. Liverpool failed to qualify from the Champions League group stage losing three games, drawing two and winning one game. Despite this poor performance they still earned £26m from the Champions League and this was before the prize money increased. If West Ham qualified to group stage they could expect to earn a minimum of £25m without winning a game or progressing to the final 16. Progress to the last 16 and a minimum of £35m extra awaits us. Dreaming I know! but beat Barcelona in the final of the Champions League next season and we could earn another £75m!
West Ham are currently in fifth place on 49 points in the Premier League table just 1 point away from fourth place Manchester City and 3 points away from third-place Arsenal on 52 points.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Poll says Everton penalty should have been re-taken
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Former Premier League referee, Graham Poll says Everton's penalty against Adrian should have been re-taken because he moved off his line twice before the ball was kicked but he admits this law is often overlooked in the Premier League. He did admit that Kevin Mirallas deserved to be sent off for his two yellow cards.
Writing for the Daily Mail, poll said "Referee Anthony Taylor was absolutely correct to dismiss Kevin Mirallas for two cautionable offences but how Everton didn't get a second chance to convert their penalty was beyond belief."
"There are quite a few laws which seem to be ignored at the top level and keepers coming off the goalline before a penalty kick is taken is one of them. "
However, Poll conveniently failed to mention whether it should have been a penalty in the first place with TV replays showing the incident happened just outside the six yard box. So maybe justice was restored anyway.
Since his debut, Adrian has saved twice as many penalties as any other goalkeeper in the Premier League (4).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons win at Everton changed EVERYTHING!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The Mirror's Darren Lewis always gives the Irons the credit they deserve. We witnessed that last week when he made the Irons v Spurs game all about us rather than follow the others who decided to report on "what's gone wrong with Spurs." We are delighted he has given ClaretandHugh this exclusive blog in which he declares: "Even those within Upton Park can dare to dream."
By Darren Lewis
JUST ONE thing should please West Ham fans even more than that stunning win at Everton on Saturday. Not the return to the scoresheet of talismanic striker Diafra Sakho after more than three months out with injury. Nor the brilliance of keeper Adrian for that game-changing save to keep out Romelu Lukaku's penalty with Everton 2-0 up and rampant. Or even the scintillating form of winger Michail Antonio, who now has five in eight – including key goals in his each of his last three League games. What should delight the West Ham faithful is the fact that so few people outside the Irons' fanbase are talking about the club in relation to the Champions League.
Glance through Twitter, listen to the radio or watch the TV. It is all Manchester City this, United that – even chat about Liverpool or Chelsea's chances of succeeding with a late run. West Ham right now are the team that isn't there. Even though they have been in and around the European places for months. Even though they have beaten the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, City and Liverpool this season. Even though they sit fifth in the Premier League, a point behind fourth-placed City and just three behind Arsenal in third. City may have a game in hand but Manuel Pellegrini's impressive squad have shown themselves to be inconsistent. They have won just two of their last seven games in all competitions.
United sit two points behind West Ham in sixth and were beaten at West Brom yesterday. They have won just one of their last eight away games. Yet their top-four credentials are seen to be greater than West Ham's: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35681004.
Liverpool's win at Crystal Palace left them six points off the Champions League places. Yet they too are shorter odds than West Ham. It is easy to see why. Both sides have a higher calibre of player and managers perceived as being equal to the task. Slaven Bilic won't mind that as he quietly (too quietly for a few dictaphones in press conferences) goes about his business. It is he, however, who could yet provide a fitting climax to what has been – and still is – an incredible season.
Don't get me wrong, the Irons need to do better themselves on the road if they are to make the most of this golden opportunity to open the Olympic Stadium with Champions League football next season. Yet considering they have won just three of their last 12 on the road and have struggled with crippling injuries this season they have done superbly well to have put themselves in this position. Saturday's win at Goodison was even more impressive as Bilic had had just one fit senior centre-half, Angelo Ogbonna, available to him.
It was the first time in 16 years that West Ham had recovered from two goals down to win a Premier League game. They previously did it in February 2000 with a 5-4 win over Bradford City.
James Tomkins is expected back for next weekend's FA Cup tie at Manchester United. Even more significantly, Winston Reid should return for West Ham's next league game, away to Chelsea on March 19.
Even allowing for the (big) loss of James Collins – out for a month – the returning centre-halves give the club added cause for optimism going into perhaps their biggest end of season home straight in Premier League history.
They enter it with inspirational Dimitri Payet on fire, Andy Carroll hungry to make up for lost time, Antonio on a hot-streak and skipper Mark Noble fuelled with that sense of injustice after Roy Hodgson's frankly ludicrous claim that Jack Wilshere could yet go to the Euros despite not having played all season.
Cheikou Kouyate is a player that would walk into any team in the top flight bar none. Aaron Cresswell hasn't had the credit he deserves while Enner Valencia and Victor Moses should be back at Old Trafford next weekend.
The squad built by Bilic, owner David Sullivan and fixer Tony Henry has survived test after test this season. They coped for two months with Payet. They battled on for three without Sakho. They hung in there when Valencia and Moses were both ruled out for lengthy periods.
Keeper Darren Randolph did superbly when Adrian was suspended. And during that mid-season run of eight games without a win they fought to escape with a share of the points on six occasions. They wouldn't have done last season. They were not good enough back then.
Yes, West Ham still have tough games against Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United to come. Yet they beat the champions at home earlier this season. They stunned Arsene Wenger's men on the opening weekend and they held United to a goalless draw in December.
They will relish those fixtures. Not fear them.
Up until this point few fans have been willing to believe that the club could be planning for anything other than a Europa League campaign – at a push.
Everton, however, changed all that.
There is still nervous apprehension as the season enters squeaky bum time. But with so many pundits seemingly oblivious to West Ham's position in the Premier League table, the pressure remains off the club for the time being.
It means that even those within Upton Park can dare to dream.
Because in this incredible season of outrageous fantasy, West Ham are more than capable of providing the last big shock.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian's spot kick homework pays off
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Adrian's penalty save against Romelu Lukaku was the pivotal moment of a game which saw the Irons stage a remarkable comeback on Saturday.
And whilst it was a very poor spot kick, Adrian had put in the homework which ensured he kept the big fella at bay and helped build the platform for a magificent three points.
Speaking the London24.com the Spaniard said: "Lukaku is one of the best penalty takers but sometimes I have seen him try to wait until the last moment and when the keeper goes down he chips it over him.
"I just stayed in the middle and waited until the last moment and finally I managed to save it. Yes, it was the most important situation in the game because we were 2-0 down and if they score the third one, it would have been over.
"When I saved the penalty I really believed that we could get back, even from 2-0 down.
"I think we played well, we kept the ball and created a lot of chances and after the penalty, the team changed their mentality and we went directly at them. We deserved it in the end."
Adrin added: "The top of the table is so tight. If you lose two games in a row you can lose your position, but we have got maximum points from our last three games and I think we are in a good position in the league and we also have the FA Cup."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
OS running track is ripped up
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The Olympic Stadium running track is being ripped up to make way for a new running track.
The London 2012 track is being replaced with a brand new blue surface, laid in time for the two world championships taking place at the former Olympic Stadium.
Londoner Olympic hurdler Perri Shakes-Drayton and Paralympic and reigning world champion Richard Whitehead, who won gold over 200m at the Paralympic Games, were invited to remove the final pieces of the Olympic Stadium track including the famous finish line.
The new track will be laid in late spring in time for a range of events this summer including the London Anniversary Games in July. As well as laying a new seven figure state of the art athletics running track work has started to lay a brand new Desso grassmaster grass pitch which is also likely to cost a seven figure sum to install. Both the new pitch and the running track will be funded by Stadium owners E20 Stadium LLP.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Ladies break attendance record
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham Ladies have sold more than treble their record attendance in tickets purchased already for tomorrow night at the Boleyn Ground lights.
Tickets can still be bought at https://sales.webticketmanager.com/default.aspx?companyid=1307
£5 adults and £1 child. We need as much support as possible, the Premier League South record is by Brighton (3,256) that they achieved this season at the Amex
Geo from C&H partners, Hammers Chat, is the programme editor which can be bought on the night for £2 or here http://www.westhamladies.co.uk/club/ClubShop/product_details/6087 and it gets delivered, articles from Jack Sullivan and England footballer Ellen White plus many more!!
There will be eighty supporters in executive boxes and you can still purchase a box but needs to be done ASAP, £350 for a one course meal and the box (10 per box) with bar.
The club have got the bar and food facilities open on the night as normal
Geo will be leading the media side with Gonzo's help, and Hammers Chat are going to be there in numbers so it would be a pleasure to meet as many C&H readers as possible, so come say hi.
The mascot spaces are fully booked and West Ham Ladies thank C&H for their article as it helped.
Hammers Chat are the media team, with me the head of media as we expand.
We can exclusively reveal that Spence Owen of SpencerFC youtube fame will be the stadium announcer for the night. Don't go changing!
West Ham Ladies v Spurs Ladies Boleyn Ground Tuesday, 19.45pm Kick Off
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Blimey Keys give it a rest
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Richard Keys has treated the West Ham fans to another dose of Sam creeping on his personal blog. The shamed former Sky Sports presenter – kicked out with his buddy Andy Gray for sexism – just can't bear what's happening at West Ham without time and again dragging his mate into the equation.
Earlier in the season he used his blog to continually remind us that we were in no better a position than when his Dudley-born mate was around.
And even earlier he claimed that we would blow out earlier than other teams because we had started earlier – hasn't happened mate! Quite the opposite. Now – with the Irons two points in advance of the Allardyce total for last season and with 27 still to play for – Keys is giving a history lesson on how all of us including Slav presumably, should be grateful to his mate. He wrote: ""On the subject of West Ham. Let's keep this simple. I say again, I hope Bilic wins the FA Cup. I like his attitude towards the competition AND he's master-minded a terrific season so far.
But – I do wish that a small minded minority of West Ham fans would understand that Bilic wouldn't have the club he's got to manage right now had it not been for Sam Allardyce. You were dead in the water when Allardyce picked the club up. He got you up – kept you up – twice – and left a fantastic platform for Bilic to work from."
All been said a million times before of course and I believe Slaven, David Sullivan and David Gold were among those who said it. For how long are we supposed to be grateful to a man who led us to 12th place with that fantastic platform! Presumably, until Keys has finished getting his nose as brown as possible.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE NEW WEST HAM: BOUNCEBACKABILITY, BOLDNESS AND THE BEST 4TH STRIKER IN THE LEAGUE
By HamburgHammer 7 Mar 2016 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Okay, can someone please come out and tell me what the heck is actually going on at West Ham ? I've been following this club since 1996. In that respect I'm still merely a teenage kid, proudly shaving his first stubble on chin and cheeks, at least compared to most of those diehard Hammers who have been cheering on the boys in claret and blue for 30, 40 or 50 odd years.
Still I thought I had a pretty good idea how this club worked, what to expect (the unexpected) and what NOT to expect (trophies, titles, European football, winning at Liverpool away, winning against Everton no matter where, beating lower league opposition in Cup games, winning three league games in a row etc.).
West Ham's loyal fans like a laugh, their humour is quite unique and in our history we needed plenty of it just to cope with what was happening to our club on and off the pitch.
And now this ? Winning convincingly away to Blackburn in the FA Cup where we tend to slip up on any banana skin that cares to present itself in the early rounds.
Winning three league games in a row, first against Sunderland and our previous manager (and still nemesis to plenty of Hammers fans), then against our fiercest London rivals under the lights in our final home game against them in Boleyn history to be followed only a few days later with a win against our proverbial bogey boys from Goodison, the not so sweet but rather thuggish and nasty Toffees from Everton.
If someone had written the script for this game and had sent it to Hollywood, offering to make a sports drama out of this (soaringc movie score from Hans Zimmer and emotional slow-motion shots included) they would have laughed like a drain, shaking their heads violently, declining the kind offer by saying: "Fantasy films are no longer a hit at the box office my dear friend! Pull the other one!"
West Ham just simply are not supposed to win against Everton. Not even with a man advantage for 55 minutes of the game, not when being two goals down with 15 minutes to go. Especially not at Goodison Park. When we drew with Norwich a few weeks ago after being two goals down I was flabberghasted, but pleasantly surprised.
Today, after the turnaround at Everton, I am still in shock actually. I mentioned in the match thread how I was not worried when we were behind, not even at 0:2. After the Norwich game I knew we had it in us to bounce back and earn ourselves a draw. I knew we could get a result, a cherished point against our bogey team.
But winning it at the death in the manner we did, with a beautifully worked goal like this? A fantastic LONG diagonal ball by Cresswell, nicely headed on by Carroll to be followed by a masterstroke of a backheel layoff from Sakho only to be completed by a composed finishing touch from the man whose name escapes me at the moment…what was it again ? I have it on the tip of my tongue………………….BAZINGA!!!
It had to be THAT man again of course: Dimitri Payet, Super Slav's man, better than Zidane and we've got him for another five years! I'm running out of words to express my astonishment, my sense of incredulity, my utter admiration and gratefulness for what Bilic, Payet, Gold, Sullivan and Brady have made possible at West Ham.
No one can predict how the season will pan out for West Ham, of course but the club has already given us so many happy matchday memories this season that they would have been enough to last for four or five season actually as far as the old West Ham is concerned.
Winning against the odds, history books, bogey teams and common sense. Bilic has just done it all, week after week. All in his first season without much time to get used to his surroundings and his new players. Transition season, my a***!
Bilic has taken to the West Ham job like a fish to water.
It all feels completely natural, in double quick time he seems to have moulded the club to his specifications and everyone appears to be singing from the same hymn sheet these days. Whenever we get to see pictures of the team on social media, post-game in the dressing room, the team bus, on the training pitch or wherever, you get the feeling that these chaps really enjoy playing with and for each other. Each of them would gladly run through walls for their manager and teammates.
A proper team, playing football the right way with not a single bad apple in sight.
Which brings me to Emmanuel Emenike who is not a bad apple but merely the latest (loan) addition to the squad. I like him a lot actually. His arrival has coincided with one of our strongest runs of results in our recent history. Which is strange because he was brought into the club as a replacement for China bound Jelavic, as a fourth striker, a safety blanket so to speak who we'd probably not see on the pitch all too often anyway. Injuries to all other strikers though made him a regular starter for us and in my view he's done tremendously well. Which may seem like a strange thing to say, considering he hasn't scored a league goal for us yet.
But after playing in some dodgy Arabian league on loan it is no surprise Emenike may need some more time to adjust to the pace and grit of the Premier League.
Surely he has put himself about. He is quick, strong as an ox and runs his socks off whenever he's out there. He scared the crap out of Tottenham's keeper, charging at him at pace numerous times when we beat them 1:0 in midweek.
He certainly wears defenders down well for other guys to come on after 60 minutes or so and reap the benefits of a shagged out backline. He still is somewhat at odds with a certain offside rule, but I'm sure he'd eventually be able to sort this out as well.
The sad thing is that with Carroll, Sakho and Valencia back in action he will now probably drop back into the 4th striker role he was brought in for in the first place. But what a fourth striker option he is! I'm not sure he will now be able to do enough to win himself a permanent deal (not for the rumoured 8.5 million anyway) in the summer.
On the other hand we know that Bilic will give him every chance to remain a West Ham player if he sees him as a valuable contributor in our team.
This seems to be a transitional season not so much for the new manager and the team but much more so for the fans. I for one sometimes struggle to quite keep up with our ongoing success on and off the field. I never expected West Ham to have a season like this when I joined the fold 20 years ago. It feels great and weird at the same time.
Did we ever have it so good in terms of looking forward to games, regardless of opposition ? You tell me…
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Leicester and West Ham success signals 'permanent shift' at the top of Premier League, says Slaven Bilic
22:30, 6 MAR 2016
BY DAVID MADDOCK
Bilic's West Ham side are in the chase for a Champions League spot following Saturday's dramatic win over Everton
The Mirror
English football has gone stark, raving bonkers. Leicester are five points clear at the top with nine games left and West Ham are now hunting down the Manchester clubs in the race for a Champions League spot. If Hammers can harass Everton into submission like this, then they can surely catch two teams who don't currently deserve to finish in the top four. After watching the Londoners go two goals down to 10-man Everton before producing three stunning goals in the final 12 minutes, there is a bigger question to be asked: are sides like West Ham heralding a permanent Premier League shift? Hammers boss Slaven Bilic thinks so. He believes astute investment allows teams like his to compete on a more level playing field. "I really do believe it is a permanent shift at the top," said Bilic. "The big teams like Manchester City change players but the new players are not better, they are just different. "Chelsea can sell Costa and buy Lewandowski – different, not better. City buy Benzema but they have Aguero already, so there is no big gap for them to improve. There is no scope to get better. "But clubs like us with the money now – clubs like Crystal Palace, West Brom, and Leicester – can still improve. "Two years ago West Brom would have had to sell Berahino to afford Rondon. Now they can keep Berahino. So next year with even more investment you can keep those players... and teams likes us have more room to improve."
Bilic claimed West Ham were the better side throughout but Everton battered them for an hour and, despite a stupid red card for Kevin Mirallas, should have been out of sight. Everton took the lead with 11 men when Romelu Lukaku turned and finished brilliantly. Even after Mirallas had been sent off for a second bookable offence, the Mersey men carried more threat and deservedly extended the lead through Aaron Lennon, linking sweetly with Lukaku. When Blues won a penalty on 68 minutes, it seemed all over. But Lukaku's spot kick was criminally tame and West Ham made the most of the let-off by exposing the aerial limitations of Ramiro Funes Mori.
Goals for Michail Antonio, as he leapt above the Blues defender, sub Diafra Sakho, and Dimitri Payet after Andy Carroll had won another header underlined the spirit the visitors have. Everton paid a price for manager Roberto Martinez's refusal to bring on a defensive player to shore things up. Martinez suggested it was a remarkable performance from his side, conveniently forgetting the final 12 minutes. "We are in the Premier League, the most ruthless in world football," said the Spaniard. "Fortunately I have got seven years of experience in this league and I know what it takes."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Payet accepts Deschamps' decision
March 7, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
Dimitri Payet has been arguably the signing of the season in the Premier League but he is not expecting a call from Didier Deschamps. France outcast Dimitri Payet said he accepts coach Didier Deschamps' decision to overlook him for the national team, though the West Ham star would love to feature at Euro 2016 according to Canal Plus. Payet has not represented France since June last year and that is not expected to change with the European Championship in his homeland three months away, despite the 28-year-old staking his claim to be the signing of the season in the Premier League. The 15-cap international, who netted a dramatic 90th-minute winner at Everton on Saturday, has been a revelation since joining West Ham from Marseille in the off-season, scoring eight goals and tallying seven assists. However, Payet has no hard feelings toward Deschamps amid his France snub. [It's] not as an injustice," Payet told Canal Plus. "The coach has to make choices. This is the boss, he selects the players he needs. I'm happy in my shoes, I try to be efficient. I will not say I'm happy to be replaced, I like to play and fight for my place.
"In sporting terms, I am in one of the best periods of my career. If I'm at the Euro that is fine, if I am not there, I know I would have given anything and there will be no regrets."
France are scheduled to play two friendlies later this month, away to Netherlands on March 25 and at home to Russia four days later.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kevin Nolan: Why I left West Ham for Leyton Orient
March 7, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
Kevin Nolan has explained why he left West Ham and turned his back on Premier League offers to become Leyton Orient's player-manager. The 33-year-old spent four years at the Hammers and helped the club earn promotion back into the top flight under Sam Allardyce But Slaven Bilic made it clear to Nolan that he would not be guaranteed regular football after the Croatian took over at Upton Park last summer. Nolan had one year remaining on his contract but the veteran midfielder opted to depart as he did not feel a reduced role would be beneficial to him or the club.
"There was no moment of 'oh yeah, that's the final nail in the coffin for me at West Ham.' "Slaven Bilic was first class and I loved working with him," Nolan told the Times. "He said 'I can't guarantee you'll play but you'll always be around my squad.' "I could have picked up my money, but I didn't feel like I was giving what I can to a team. "I played 29 times in the Premier League last season, but I can't give what I give from the substitutes' bench. "There's a drive inside. I needed a challenge, the next step."
Nolan initially linked up with Orient to keep fit and - after rejecting a contract - was offered the player-manager position in January in the wake of Ian Hendon's dismissal. Nolan has guided the League Two outfit to five wins in nine games since he took charge and the east Londoners are currently three points outside the play-off places.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham will use Dimitri Payet to beat Tottenham to Michy Batshuayi signing
East London club hope Marseille striker's relationship with playmaker will help seal summer move
By Matt Law
2:10PM GMT 07 Mar 2016
West Ham have identified Batshuayi as their number one summer transfer target, but face competition from Spurs and Juventus for the 22-year-old who has scored 17 goals this season. Despite the fact Tottenham and Juve are already virtually guaranteed Champions League football next season, West Ham, who are still fighting for a top-four place themselves, believe they hold a significant advantage. Payet is close friends with Batshuayi from their season together at Marseille and the midfielder is understood to have started trying to convince his old team-mate to link up with him once again at West Ham. The agent who played a prominent part in bringing Payet to West Ham is also involved in the club's chase of Batshuayi and is hopeful a deal can be done.
West Ham's hopes of landing Batshuayi would be boosted considerably by securing Champions League football for next season, but the club are optimistic that Europa League qualification would be enough to fulfil his immediate ambition. Unlike Spurs, whose first-choice striker will be Harry Kane no matter who they sign, West Ham can guarantee Batshuayi a regular starting place just in front of his friend Payet. Tottenham's long-standing interest in Saido Berahino also places a question mark against how hard they will push for Batshuayi.
Payet has adapted superbly to life in London at West Ham and demonstrated his commitment to the club by signing a new contract that runs until 2021. The 28-year-old believes Batshuayi would be a similarly big success with the Hammers at their new Olympic Stadium next season. West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has been told he will have around £20million to spend on a new striker at the end of the season and that should be enough to land Batshuayi. Should West Ham miss out on Batshuayi, then they will look at Wilfried Bony and Christian Benteke, both of whom will be allowed to leave Manchester City and Liverpool respectively this summer. Other than identifying strikers, West Ham are also lining up summer moves for two more Marseille players – full-back Benjamin Mendy and winger Georges-Kevin N'Koudou.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham plan summer shopping spree for Marseille trio of Michy Batshuayi, Benjamin Mendy and Georges-Kevin N'Koudou
Marseille players wanted by West Ham during summer transfer window
By SIMON JONES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 12:32, 7 March 2016 | UPDATED: 13:37, 7 March 2016
West Ham have targeted three players from Marseille ahead of the summer transfer window. Striker Michy Batshuayi remains their prime objective but the Hammers have also held discussions over signing winger Georges-Kevin N'Koudou and full-back Benjamin Mendy. N'Koudou in particular is a bright talent who started out at Paris St Germain and has been capped by France at Under 21 level.
THE MARSEILLE THREE: STATS
MICHY BATSHUAYI
Age: 22
Nationality: Belgian
Position: Striker
Clubs: Standard Liege, Marseille
Appearances: 63
Goals: 28
GEORGES-KEVIN N'KOUDOU
Age: 21
Nationality: French
Position: Winger
Clubs: Nantes, Marseille
Appearances: 60
Goals: 9
BENJAMIN MENDY
Age: 21
Nationality: French
Position: Full-back
Clubs: Le Havre, Marseille
Appearances: 148
Goals: 3
His contributions have been noted by Liverpool and Manchester United also and, though he only joined from Nantes last summer, Marseille will look at suitable bids. Despite the talent in their ranks, Marseille have had a disappointing season and will look to make changes in the summer.
West Ham have had success recruiting Dimitri Payet from the French side and believe a deal can be done for all three as they plan for their move from the Boleyn Ground to the Olympic Stadium. Payet has been a revelation during his first season in England, scoring 10 goals in 28 appearances so far this term and driving the Hammers towards qualification for European competition. The main threat to their plans is that Tottenham and Juventus have expressed interest in £25million-rated Batshuayi. The Hammers remain in the chase for a Champions League place following their 3-2 victory over Everton on Saturday. Payet scored the winning goal after Slaven Bilic's side came from two down with 12 minutes remaining to claim all three Premier League points at Goodison Park.
West Ham are a point behind fourth-placed Manchester City with nine games of the campaign remaining.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Players of the season: How Dimitri Payet became West Ham's wizard
Frenchman is a deserved front runner for PFA Player of the Year after an exceptional season - even if France do not recognise it
Telegraph.co.uk
By JJ Bull
1:44PM GMT 07 Mar 2016
West Ham have a lot of reasons to be happy at the moment. A new stadium is hoving into view, bringing with it a stack of cash as well as prestige; their manager is beloved by the fans and looks good in a Beanie hat; and they boast an over-performing squad which has the Champions League locked in its sights.
And the jewel set into the heart of that squad is the most precious asset of all - Dimitri Payet. The Frenchman has been a sensation all season, but his performance in helping West Ham come back from a 2-0 deficit for the first time in the Premier League since 2000 to move within a point of the top four demanded a whole new set of superlatives.
His first major contribution to that victory was a whipped cross from wide on the right, the ball curling round a defender and into that bit of the box in which strikers love to lurk. Diafra Sakho obliged and headed home the equaliser. Only Mesut Ozil and Christian Eriksen have created more chances than Payet this season, despite the midfielder missing nearly three months of the season with an ankle injury.
Nine minutes later Payet completed the comeback himself, reading the path of the ball from a header and popping up in the perfect position to shoot past Joel. "He does things on the pitch that are lifting you out of your seat," says Slaven Bilic about his star player, signed from Marseille for £10.5million in the summer. "He is a goalscorer, a very attractive player. He excites you with the way he is playing. This is what football is all about".
Payet's season has been astonishing. It can take some players an entire year to adjust to the demands of the Premier League but Payet barely broke stride the minute he stepped on an English pitch. One of his first touches for West Ham in the opening game of the season against Arsenal involved chasing a long Mark Noble ball out to the left, controlling at speed and using his head, literally and metaphorically, to keep it in play and cross to the front post.
It was an impressive bit of skill but one necessary to keep the ball alive: Payet doesn't do tricks for the sake of it, everything is done with purpose. Bellerin was beaten and Petr Cech was forced to gather in his six-yard area. Although Arsenal defended the danger this time, Payet had set a marker.
The first imprint he left in the Premier League record books was an assist from that wicked, long free-kick which deceived Petr Cech and resulted in West Ham's opening goal of the season, Kouyate heading into an open net. People even questioned Cech's ability as a goalkeeper after that one, but the whip and curl on Payet's set piece made things very difficult for him - in terms of set-pieces from that part of the pitch, it was perfect. You would do well to name another time that Cech has committed such a high-profile error.
In terms of where the statistics really matter, Payet has assisted seven and scored eight goals this season – more than any other West Ham player in both departments. Bilic has not exactly constructed a one-man team, but without him a top-four finish would surely be inconceivable. After Payet was injured against Everton in October, West Ham won only one of their next seven games, drawing with a dreadful Swansea and an even worse Aston Villa. Not coincidentally, they rediscovered their form immediately after Payet returned to the starting line-up – a 3-1 win away to Bournemouth was entirely inspired by Payet magic – and have now won five of their last nine league games.
Who creates the most chances?
PLAYER CHANCES CREATED (INC. ASSISTS) AVERAGE CHANCES CREATED PER 90 MINS
PLAYER CHANCES CREATED (INC. ASSISTS) AVERAGE CHANCES CREATED PER 90 MINS
Mesut Özil 116 4.4
Dimitri Payet 81 3.9
Kevin De Bruyne 67 3.9
Christian Eriksen 89 3.7
David Silva 54 3.2
Dusan Tadic 53 3.0
Willian 71 2.9
Eden Hazard 56 2.8
Santi Cazorla 37 2.8
Erik Lamela 50 2.7
He creates an average of 3.9 chances per match, second only to Ozil, in a team without the superstars of Arsenal. With Payet in the team Sakho becomes a real threat in the box, likewise Andy Carroll – and even Michail Antonio has been impressive.
It is not because these players are performing out of their skin or even particularly on-form. Payet just makes them better. His ability to find them in the box means that any sort of clever run into the box is usually rewarded with a delivery that can be turned into a goal.
Now that absolutely everyone is aware of what he can do, teams tend to double up on Payet in an attempt to mark him out of the game but he solves that by roaming from his position, usually on the left or just behind the striker, dropping deep and picking up the ball. Opposition players do not know who's supposed to go and tackle him and before they know it, he's already found a team-mate with an incisive through-ball. Only certain players are gifted creative freedom – Payet practically demands it.
His vision for a pass is phenomenal. In his last season at Marseille he created more chances than any other player in Europe, and that includes Lionel Messi. But the best thing about Payet, more than the consistent assists and key contributions he provides, is that he genuinely gets fans out of their seats. Whether it is the brilliant free-kick against Bournemouth, hit with power into the top corner, Or the way he spots the run, charges in ahead of his marker to receive a through-ball at pace and confidently dinks it over the helpless goalkeeper against Crystal Palace, he's just really, really entertaining.
Didier Deschamps doesn't seem to like Payet, perhaps unwilling to chance the player's former reputation as a bit of a trouble-maker upsetting the harmony of his squad, and he seems unlikely to be part of Euro 2016. Payet himself says it is an "injustice" that he continues to be excluded from his national team. "All I can say is that if France have in those positions, four, five maybe even six better options than Dimitri," Slaven Bilic said, "They're going to win the Euros easy. This guy can play in any team in the world."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic believes the performances of the likes of Leicester City and his own team this season are indicative of a shift in power in the Barclays Premier League. With Leicester leading the way, and the Hammers only a point outside the top four, the traditional big boys are in danger of having their usual dominance usurped. Bilic explained that the increasing financial power of the chasing pack goes some way to explaining that. He said: "Let's say Man City and Chelsea want to buy a striker. They can buy, I don't know, Benzema, but they have Aguero. There's no big space for them to improve. "For the clubs like us, Crystal Palace, West Brom. Maybe two years they would have to sell to get Rondon, but now they can get Rondon. "Next year, if you are clever with more investment you can keep those players. Crystal Palace can keep Cabaye and buy another one. So those teams have bigger room to improve. "That's why I think this is a hopefully a permanent shift."
Focusing on Saturday's comeback against Everton, Bilic said his team always believed they could get back in it. He added: "When it was 1-0 and even 2-0, the fact we were the better team over the 90 minutes allowed us to tell the players 'don't be slow, but don't lose your composure'. "On breaks with Lukaku and Barkley of course they can cause us problems, but if your remember Payet had a shot in the first minutes that he normally scores and that was the pattern that with a few passes we could make dangerous situations. "We were a little bit too sexy in the first half, but not clinical. We felt that we had that, and the players knew that they were better and they kept at it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lanzini delighted with Hammers form
WHUFC.com
It has been a great return to first team action for Manuel Lanzini, with the side winning three matches in a week. He was in fine spirits after the victory at Goodison Park where he played a key role in turning the game around. The Hammers slipped to a 2-0 deficit yet late goals from Michail Antonio, Diafra Sakho and Dimitri Payet turned the game around in dramatic fashion. Lanzini said: "We knew before coming here that it was going to be a difficult game, facing a tough side with some great players who are playing well. "I am not sure if we really deserved to be 2-0 down, but I am delighted that we were able to turn it around and to take home the three points. "The turning point was the penalty, because if we had fallen three behind, it would have been almost impossible to get back into the game. We knew we needed one chance to be able to at least draw the game, and luckily for us, Adrian saved the penalty which offered us that chance."
The playmaker insisted that the players kept faith even though they were still trailing by two goals with 15 minutes to go. He added: "It was always going to be difficult to get back into the game, but in football these things can always happen. They were so organised and we struggled to break them down. We tried a bit of everything, from out wide, through the middle, switching the play and we couldn't get through. We are pleased that we finally managed it and took home the three points."
The squad will now begin to prepare for Sunday's FA Cup quarter final against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Argentine told whufc.com: "First of all, I think we need to rest and recover. It has been a tough week with three games, but thankfully we have made it through with nine points. "Then it is time to switch our attention to Manchester United, which is going to be another complicated game. However, we all know that we can achieve our objectives by beating United and progressing to the next stage of the competition."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers to run ballot process for final three fixtures
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are pleased to announce details of how Academy Members will be able to apply for tickets for our final three Barclays Premier League games at the Boleyn Ground.
There has been overwhelming demand for tickets in this historic season for the Hammers, with the upcoming fixture for Crystal Palace selling out to Academy Members, several days before tickets were due to go on general sale.
Due to the expected rush to purchase tickets for any of our final three Boleyn Ground fixtures, the Club is opening a ballot process exclusively for Academy Members, to fairly allocate tickets for the visits of Arsenal, Swansea City and Manchester United.
The first ballot for the Arsenal fixture is open now, and will close at 5pm Tuesday 22 March. The lead client on successful applications will be notified by email.
If you are an existing Academy Member, you will receive an email with the link to the ballot form. Or alternatively you can download one here.
Each fixture will undergo a separate ballot process, with a different form for all three games. The forms can be accessed on whufc.com and will be emailed to Academy Members when each future ballot opens.
It is not too late to become a Member either. So to give yourself a chance of being there as history is made, join now! Call the Ticket Office on 0871 529 1966* or visit whufcboxoffice.com to purchase Academy or Youth Academy Membership. Full details on membership can be found here.
*Calls are charged at 13p/min plus your phone provider's access charge
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers support Enterprise team ahead of final
WHUFC.com
Development Squad duo Alex Pike and Jake Eggleton visited the West Ham United Foundation's Premier League Enterprise team at the Boleyn Ground ahead of the much anticipated final this week.
Students from Stepney Green Maths, Computing and Science College will be representing the Club at the Premier League Enterprise Challenge Final in central London on Wednesday 9 March and the Hammers pair were keen to see how their presentation was coming along.
With 29 school groups representing Premier League and Football League clubs up and down the country, the Hammers will go head-to-head in pitching their ideas to a panel of judges from the world of sport and business.
The group presented their ideas to the players who offered them feedback on where they might look to improve. Pike, who scored the last ever U21 goal at the Boleyn against Arsenal late last year, was impressed with the wannabe entrepreneur's innovative ideas.
He said: "It was really good. It was nice to see the kid's presentation; they've clearly got some good ideas and a lot of work has obviously been put into it. For us to be able to come down and give them a bit of our time is great, I really enjoyed it and had a good time.
"It's always good to support worthy causes, and in the West Ham United Foundation and Sport's Relief, they're both very two very important charities that do a lot of good work."
The Premier League Enterprise challenge has the power to change lives and none more so than for the tournament's former winners from 2014. Having come through the project with the WHU Foundation, they are now acting as mentors for this year's challengers.
2014 Enterprise Challenge winner Sayed Ashrabul said of the group's preparation: "They've really put the hard work in and have been really creative! I think having the players down today was a real confidence boost for them which they can take into the final.
"The Premier League Enterprise programme has opened so many doors for me that would not have been possible prior to being involved. I keep reminding the guys that they too can achieve great things off the back of this!"
The business and skills based challenge is run by the Premier League and Sport Relief, and this year tasked pupils with working on a strategy to help encourage fans to spend more time at stadiums on matchdays. The final is set to take place at Altitude 360 on Wednesday 9 March.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Player Blog – Kevin Lock
WHUFC.com
Plaistow-born 1975 FA Cup winner Kevin Lock made 165 West Ham United appearances between 1972 and 1977…
I have spoken to a lot of fellow fans recently and and this is the most excited I have been about West Ham for at least the last ten years! I just think there is a whole buzz and vibe around the Club! I go to home matches regularly with my grandson and it's just a great feeling going along to games at the Boleyn Ground expecting to see a good, entertaining performance. I am really excited about the end of this season and what the future holds for my Club. It's not just the football itself but the whole character of the Club seems to have changed under Slaven Bilic. He has instilled that never-say-die attitude in the team and they literally never give up, no matter how the game is going for them. That comeback at Norwich City instilled even more belief in the players and they have carried that on through the FA Cup replay win over Liverpool and the three Premier League wins last week. The encouraging thing for me is that West Ham have not just relied on one player this season. While Dimitri Payet has come in and created and scored goals, we seem to have had someone ready to step up in every game. One player who I really like is Cheikhou Kouyate – I think he is one of the best and most valuable members of the team, and he is certainly underrated for me. He is strong, gets to the ball quickly and uses it well. Like I said, though, it is not just Dimitri or Cheikhou who has done well this season, but all the players in the squad. We've got an FA Cup quarter-final to look forward to this weekend at Manchester United and I am backing the boys to go there and win, such is my belief in what they can achieve this season. I remember back in 1975 when we won it, we were all in a steakhouse down opposite Upton Park station listening to the semi-final draw, and we were in the hat with Birmingham City, Fulham and Ipswich Town. We were in mid-table, while Ipswich were flying at the top of the old Division One and we really didn't want to draw them, but we did. We held them nil-nil in the first game and then beat them 2-1 in the replay at Stamford Bridge, with Alan Taylor getting both goals. What I am saying is that, while we might not be favourites to go to Old Trafford and win, if you have the belief and talent in your squad then you can do it. After the win over Liverpool and the brilliant win at Blackburn, this team believes it can beat anyone in the FA Cup and, like in 1975, I have this feeling that our name is on the trophy. If we can win, it means we will have European football at our new Stadium and my grandson Jack and I cannot wait to be there to see it, as we hope to be Season Ticket Holders at the new Stadium.
I was obsessed with West Ham when I was a kid and I can see Jack has the same feelings for the Club as I do. He went to his first game at the age of eight and is 14 now and is a massive fan. We watched the Liverpool FA Cup replay together on TV and he was chanting and singing along with the fans as if we were at the ground! I just want to get these Season Tickets for him because he is taking on the family's support for West Ham to the next generation. West Ham is in our blood and there's nothing we can do about it. I want him to experience this Club for the rest of his life.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joint-Chairman - Our fans are entitled to dream
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Gold believes the players will be relishing the chance to take on Manchester United in the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final on Sunday and feels this is a special time for the east London Club. The Hammers produced a memorable comeback to come from two goals down to beat Everton 3-2 at Goodison Park and keep alive their hopes of securing a European place at the end of the season. The victory moved Slaven Bilic's side back up to fifth in the table and are now just three points behind Arsenal in third place. Three consecutive victories over Sunderland, Tottenham and Everton in the space of week has provided the perfect confidence boost ahead of a big game at Old Trafford this weekend. And with the historic move to the new Stadium taking place during the summer, Mr Gold can only see exciting times ahead for everyone connected with the Club.
Mr Gold said: "We are now going to Manchester United with our tails up and with a bit of luck we will have some more senior players to come back into the squad. "We are entitled to dream (about the Champions League). Now it is looking more of a possibility. "We are playing superbly well and we are knocking on the door. We were facing two difficult games against Tottenham and Everton and to get six points makes it more of a dream.
"It is hard to believe that we have achieved the three victories but we have and everyone is so excited. The fans are absolutely over the moon.
"We are lucky that West Ham United has the most famous year in the club's history. We are leaving our beloved Boleyn Ground and that will be very sad and emotional. "But at the same time we are moving into the new Stadium which is absolutely thrilling. What a year this is for West Ham United. "Our fans are entitled to dream now and we have won the right to dream. I honestly cannot remember the last time we came back from two goals down to win a game and it is rare in football, let alone at West Ham. "You look at Everton on paper and they have a fantastic group of players. Lukaku is one of the best centre-forwards in the Premier League and up against a 17-year-old man in Reece Oxford, I thought he did very well coming up against a world class centre-forward. "To come from 2-0 down and battle back like that shows the character of our team. We have had bad luck losing three of our central defenders and having to play a right back as a winger, so we had a makeshift defence but they all did fantastic."
Mr Gold has nothing but praise for the way the new signings have settled in this season and have played such a big role in the Club's success.
What more can be said about Dimitri Payet after he stole the headlines once again with the winning goal while Michail Antonio continued his rich vein of form in front of goal. Angelo Ogbonna, Pedro Obiang and Manuel Lanzini have also showed their quality and played their role in a fantastic comeback against the Merseyside Club. Mr Gold added: "The players that we brought in have all excelled our expectations – we thought Lanzini would be good but he has been very good. "We thought Payet was good but he has turned out to be brilliant. Another great success has been Michail Antonio who arrived from Nottingham Forest last summer and has been sensational. "Ogbonna and Obiang have also done very well. All of the new players have come together and helped make this a special season."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Joe Difford reflects on Saturday's dramatic win at Everton…
Not one person at Goodison Park would have expected the outcome of Saturday's result. Our long-standing problem with beating Everton stretches back almost nine years and having gone two goals down and watching as Romelu Lukaku stepped up to take a penalty, it appeared to be game over.
In the past week, Slaven Bilic's side have shown great versatility and desire; beating Sunderland in an ugly game of football, taking three points against Spurs who are chasing the title, and now coming from two goals down against Everton.
Adrian has a thing for saving penalties, especially against Everton where he became the hero in the FA Cup last year. Lukaku's spot kick wasn't great, but justice was done as the foul came outside the 18 yard box anyway.
Before the turning point, the Belgian striker had already done what he does best against West Ham. The ball was fed into his feet and he turned quickly, shrugging off young Reece Oxford, before firing into the far corner. It was his eighth goal in eight appearances against the Hammers, and he was instrumental in the second goal too.
Again, the ball came to his feet, but this time he flicked it on for Aaron Lennon to run onto and slot home. These two goals came either side of Kevin Mirallas' dismissal, the first booking for a blatant dive on the edge of our penalty area, the second for a dangerous challenge on Aaron Cresswell.
Credit to the Toffees, you couldn't tell that they were a man down until the penalty was saved and Bilic's men were shocked into gear.
Mark Noble, who is now surely as close as ever to an England call-up, whipped a cross in and Michail Antonio headed in yet another goal.
Just three minutes later, it was Dimitri Payet's turn to send in a perfect ball, this time for Diafra Sakho to head home. Enner Valencia, Andy Carroll and Emmanuel Emenike have all showed signs of greatness, but it sure is good to have Sakho back fit.
At 2-2, you would have expected Bilic to shut up shop and take a well-earned point, but this is Super Slav we're talking about here, and we went for the jugular. A couple of questionable Everton substitutions certainly helped, as Gareth Barry replaced Lukaku when the home crowd were hoping for a late winner.
The moment of magic came as Cresswell played a long, accurate ball up to Carroll, who nodded onto Sakho, with the Senegalese striker flicking it on once more with a lovely back heel, and Payet pounced to poke home, nutmegging the goalkeeper in the process.
It was the first time we have come back from a two goal deficit to win since Paolo Di Canio inspired a 5-4 victory over Bradford City in 2000, so it was fitting that the man who has come closest to matching him in claret and blue scored the winning goal.
Thanks to a Manchester United slip-up, we will now remain fifth for at least two weeks, with our game next weekend at Old Trafford for the FA Cup Quarter Final, and if we play the way we have against top sides this season, we could be at Wembley in a few weeks.
For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ExWHUEmployee Exclusive: Feeder club deal to be announced? Top targets on radar?
March 7, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee
My word the Everton game was something special. I don't think I have ever experienced emotions like that. When they were awarded the penalty, I really thought to myself let's just leave and beat the traffic, something I don't usually do, but I was gutted at the thought of us losing this game and it spoiling my weekend in Liverpool. Little did I know what was just around the corner. The feeling when the third goal went in was something special and something that I would never forget. I will always remember the feeling of walking out into the streets with all the other fans and singing "We've got Payet!!" My voice still hasn't recovered yet and I think I am still drunk.
The club is exploring the options of getting another feeder club where we can buy players from abroad and get them work permits at this club. We have looked at a number of clubs from smaller leagues and have a club in mind. This club is one of the best clubs in its league and will enable us to loan players there too. They currently have a few decent players playing for them and it will be really beneficial to both clubs. I know the club involved, as will you when it is revealed, but for now until the deal is confirmed the club want the name to remain quiet. Although one thing I will say is, according to my google analytics of where my website viewers come from, many of you will be delighted at the prospect. I will reveal soon though but remember where you heard it first as others will start to guess now. Investing in other clubs and leagues is certainly something that we wish to explore further and have done much research on.
I have hinted at many players appearances affecting their contract situation before; a number of players are close to triggering new deals some of which are very significant. As I have mentioned before Lanzini is close to completing his terms and there could be another very important contract signed soon (more to be revealed in an exclusive this week from us)!
We have some extremely exciting names on our radar. When I see the list I think "no way" "not possible" to the point I dare not put them out there because I will get called all sorts, like I did when I announced Ibrahimovic. All I can say is that it is extremely exciting hearing about these names and knowing that they are not just fantasy and that we have put the wheels in motion. We have looked at Bony and Benteke as has been reported in the Telegraph today but these are just some of the many options being explored.
Although previously I have been told he isn't on the radar, it is worth noting that Oxlade Chamberlain changed agents recently to Will Salthouse who is the agent for Cresswell, Randolph and Antonio. I still don't think this deal will happen but sometimes the agents of certain players are significant. For example Payet has the same agent (Mark/Willie McKay) as Michy Batshuayi. Remember I have spoken many times of our desire to raid that club.
Terry Westley is also working very hard on our youth prospects. He is looking at signing youngsters from a number of clubs for them to develop here. The latest player plays for Reading. We want to take the best youngsters from elsewhere and turn them into Premier League stars as well as improving our own scouting network. It is fair to say the potential players emerging from the youth team is our most exciting group yet.
We should have Reid, Valencia, O'Brien and Moses back for the Manchester United game and Tomkins to follow for the Chelsea match. This would leave only Collins being injured and he could be back within two weeks. If we can keep players fit, which is unlikely, we could have our full team back for the crucial end of season run in. Just think how well we could have done if they all had stayed fit. I do not fear Manchester United and now that Mata is suspended we have even more of a chance. Follow my day on snapchat as I am again going to the match.
There has been strong rumours coming from inside the club that Roy could pull off a major surprise and name at least one West Ham player in his next England squad! The three candidates are obvious but I will not believe it till I see it but it could (doubtful) mean that Noble's testimonial would have to be moved.
I honestly love being a West Ham fan. I know this isn't the most "exclusive" thing to talk about in my column but everything is going so well for us. The new stadium looks brilliant, the rights and deals with companies bring us on further, players want to play for us both at youth and senior level, we have chairmen that love the club and are exploring options to make us bigger and better, we have a great manager, fantastic players and we are really going places.
Don't forget the ladies match tomorrow where they are trying to break the attendance record for a ladies league match, make sure you get a programme and read why I support the ladies game so much!
Please have a look round the new look site. Some of the tabs do not work at the moment as they need articles but we are getting there and the speed has much improved. We also have a news reporter running the site and twitter account during the day so you will hear the breaking news first. If you miss the news then the daily news rounds it all up for you anyway. It was recently mentioned in feedback to the site that people want to see all our news in order rather than searching for it, we have added a tab called latest articles. You will not miss an article now as all will be posted there!
The future is bright, the future is claret and blue!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Monday musings: Poetic justice
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 7th March 2016
By: Graeme Howlett
Last November a dreadful challenge by Everton's James McCarthy sidelined West Ham's Dimitri Payet for the remainder of 2015.
So it was poetic justice when the brilliant Frenchman popped up inside the Toffees' six-yard box during Saturday's return meeting between the two clubs to score the winning goal, as West Ham recorded their first win on the Blue side of Stanley Park since December 2005.
And what an incredible win it was for Slaven Bilic's side, who were two goals behind with less than fifteen minutes of normal time remaining before staging a remarkable comeback to steal all three points, courtesy of Payet's last-minute winner.
Having fallen behind to strikes from Romelu Lukaku and Aaron Lennon, Adrian made a brilliant save from a (Lukaku) penalty to prevent West Ham from going 3-0 down - at which point the travelling fans must have been wondering whether the early start had been worth it!
However their patience and endeavour was ultimately rewarded as West Ham staged an epic comeback. Michail Antonio, prolific of late scored United's first on 78 minutes, the returning Diafra Sakho levelled the game three minutes later - and Payet – who else? - grabbed the winner, just as added-on time commenced.
The victory - West Ham's third in a week, following the wins against Sunderland and Tottenham - lifted Bilic's side back above Manchester United into fourth place in the Premier League, thus keeping alive the Irons' hopes of ending what is already a memorable campaign in a European position.
But which competition that will be in remains to be seen, with the Hammers now presenting a very real threat to those clubs hoping to finish in the top four and qualify for next season's Champions League.
Just three points separate West Ham and second-placed Arsenal, who drew at Spurs on Saturday and whilst Bilic won't dare speak of it, a spot in Europe's premier competition is certainly within reach. Unlikely still - but who thought Leicester City would be title favourites in March!?
However all thoughts of Premier League success will be set aside for the next week or so as attention returns to the FA Cup, where a tantalising quarter final tie at Old Trafford awaits.
West Ham have enjoyed mixed FA Cup fortunes against Manchester United in recent seasons. Few present on the day will forget Paolo Di Canio's winning goal in a 2001, fourth round meeting; few who witnessed the Gary Breen-inspired 6-0 defeat two years later will wish to remember it!
More recently, in a 2013 third round tie, the Hammers were seconds away from securing a 2-1 win at the Boleyn Ground when Robin Van Persie grabbed a last-minute equaliser, taking the tie back to Old Trafford for a replay - which the hosts won 1-0.
But this is a very different West Ham team right now - and one that has every chance of turning the tables and securing a place in this year's FA Cup semi finals.
*An abridged version of this article first appeared in the Echo newspaper.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Seeing is believing
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 7th March 2016
By: Paul Walker
I suppose I wanted to see it with my own eyes, the phenomenon that is Slaven Bilic, the manager who is turning West Ham into a Champions League club.
Say that last summer, even a few months ago and you could hear them laughing all the way from Stamford Bridge to White Hart Lane. Say it now, and nobody laughs.
Now the one or two people who read my nonsense will know by now that in a previous life I spent a fair amount of time talking to football managers.
I can go back to Bill Shankly, Matt Busby, our own much-loved John Lyall, right through to Fergie, Rafa and Jose. And a lovely fella called Howard Kendall.
Many I have known have been con-men, liars, cheats, criminals, self-centred egotists or just incompetent. And those were the better ones. (For legal reasons, none of those mentioned above come into any of these categories..just making that clear!)
So I tend not to go with the hype, the media outlets who write stuff just to please owners or chairmen. I have also restrained myself from sounding off that we are now potential champions, world beaters or just the best West Ham side ever.
Many of us over the past 50 years or so of watching the Irons have seen far too many false dawns and burst bubbles to allow ourselves to build ourselves up for more heartbreak.
But I have seen the future of rock n' roll…and Slaven will appreciate that remark, because he will know all about Bruce Springsteen. I am at last tempted to allow myself to suggest that Bilic is the future of West Ham.
The fact that a 66 year-old pensioner (me) could be seen singing the Payet song while sitting in a horrendous M6 traffic jam on Saturday says it all.
I had not been able to sing it until them…I think you will understand shortly. A few weeks back an old friend who works brilliantly in the Everton media department rang me and said did I want to see Saturday's game at Goodison Park.
I did ask him whether he was just trying to punish me by forcing me to sit and watch more Romelu Lukaku goals and the customary defeat at Goodison. But it was a free ticket, as well as a free car park pass plus some free food…so it had to be done.
So there I was back in the Everton press room for the first time in six years, meeting old colleagues and trying not to think about the expected defeat to follow.
By the end I was watching my fellow Hammers fans in wild celebrations in the away section as our team, led by Dimitri, was deservedly milked the acclaim. I was sitting on my hands, tight=lipped and trying not to laugh.
I had seen something special. Two defeats in 20 games now, and we have a team who do not accept defeat. Those last 12 minutes will live with us all for a very long time.
And it was no fluke. I recall also watching plenty of Manchester United games when they staged amazing comebacks in the dying minutes of Fergie time. They were not flukes either.
Never giving in, you can win the Champions League like that. We all remember that amazing night in Barcelona, with Man United having been outplayed by Bayern Munich for almost 90 minutes. But Man U, despite all the other reasons that I hate them, can be applauded for never giving in.
This was Slaven's team. He has installed a new mentality into our club. And I wanted to see him in the flesh handle a big press conference. Just to see how he operated. I was impressed, to say the least, and coming from an old hack who has sat through thousands of these tedious after-match affairs, that says something.
Slav has a presence. He is 6ft 3in, walks with a stoop but still dominates the room. He also starts the conference himself with a resume of what happens. Fergie and Arsene Wenger do that, it gives them control over the line of questioning, it is on their terms.
Bilic shows such desire, ,steely determination, almost tunnel vision. It is an impressive performance. He does not sit there and await the loaded line of questioning. You can feel his intensity and belief, That is what rubs off on his players.
Footballers play for whatever manager is thrown their way. The hardened ones, like Mark Noble, have seen it all. They do their best, because those are the requirements of the job. But when players see a manager they respect instantly because of his reputation as a player and leader of men, they take notice.
Here is something to clutch onto. Something that could lead them to trophies, to a higher level. And Bilic offers that. He did it for six years with Croatia, and that is the key to him.
He rubbed shoulders them with the best managers, best players, but not in a demanding club atmosphere. Everybody at the very top of the European game knows him.
My lad, astute sometimes, reckons we have got a hungry young manager who has done his apprentice in the job at a very high level. It gives him a head start. You only have to look at the guy at Norwich to see the point.
It bothers me that our owners spent so much time looking elsewhere..at managers at a supposed higher level who just used us to enhance their own contracts with current employers.
I wanted Bilic from the start. He was the perfect fit. A hungry, confident coach who had done brilliantly at Besiktas, as he says a cult club very similar to the Irons, living in the shadows of giant clubs in their own city.
Bilic knew he needed to show he could manage in a top league, and the Premier League was always his aim. And boy has he proved himself. His tactics against Spurs were spot on, never letting their full backs into the game.
He changed the system against Everton, and that is no reflection on young Reece Oxford, who was a yard the wrong side of Lukaku for his customary goal. He won't make that mistake again. He was substituted because against ten men and only one striker--with Kevin Mirallas sent-off---you don't need three centre backs.
And he spelt out exactly how to overcome Everton with that remark about not needing so much sexy football around the box. He kept throwing on strikers, Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho while making sure Michail Antonio was left out there.
Then came the barrage of demanding, pinpoint accurate crosses. First Noble, then Payet. Plus that sheer will to win, to not give it up. Bilic said he impressed on the team at the break how the game was still there for them.
Bilic talks with such force of conviction it is almost hypnotic. I believed him by the end of the conference so just think what sort of influence he has on players, this manager who kisses and cuddles his players.
Did you notice him hug and kiss Sakho on the cheek as he came on against Spurs after three months out. Managers here just don't do that.
He also talked about the togetherness of his squad, and how he sat them down some while ago and pointed out that they had a strong, defiant, organised defensive shield, so why couldn't they go on a run and win matches and reach for the moon.
And it all came right against at Everton side who many feel we owe them something. The long list of Lukaku goals, the failure to beat them anywhere for 11 years. The dreadful James McCarthy tackle on Payet, those Leighton Baines free-kicks.
And then there is Roberto Martinez. Sometimes some managers should just keep it buttoned. But he has such an ego he cannot resist, can he. I can imagine the pre-match presser when he was goaded into defending McCarthy again, and arrogantly suggesting that West Ham were wrong, he is such a nice boy.
Noble, complete with two black eyes, doesn't think so. He was giving McCarthy a piece of his mind about Everton's tackling while our physic was putting Arron Cresswell back together after Mirallas' stupid lunge after being booked. And Alan Shearer reckoned his was diving for the first one, and he should know being a striker of such repute.
Martinez has already made him look stupid by suggesting that 'he didn't' really want Sam Byram anyway.' So why did the kid have a medical at Goodison Park?
But he left his best for Payet. Of course Martinez turned down the chance of signing the Frenchman because he already had Ross Barkley. So there we had Payet creating the equaliser and scoring the winner. Payback for that McCarthy tackle in spades. Nice one Roberto!
And on Payet and Manuel Lanzini. We have two players with courage who will carry the ball knowing they will get kicked to bits. But knowing that by driving at players they will win free-kicks, and players will get sent-off.
We are approaching a point when this could be maybe the best season of our lives, there are just a few candidates….1964, 1965 and 1986 to my mind. Nothing else comes close for me.
And we go to Manchester United on Sunday believing we can win. Bilic had to be reminded who our next league game was against…Chelsea came the answer from the press officer. And Bilic just shrugged.
Not a flinch of acceptance, not a frown. Bring 'em on. We may not win these two games that will rather cruelly define our season. But we have a manager who never takes a backward step, who has a team rock solid with him. And a fan base in near disbelief.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers plotting move for Reading youngster?
March 7, 2016
TheWstHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
Arsenal and West Ham are the latest clubs to show an interest in young Reading midfielder Aaron Kuhl, and may look to sign him in the summer, according to the Transfermarketweb.
The 20-year-old is available to be snapped up on a free transfer in the summer, with any club who wishes to sign him only due to pay the necessary compensation.
Kuhl is a holding midfield player who is set to have a bright future, with many at Reading fully expecting him to move on and make the leap to the Premier League given his ability.
He broke in to the team last season with a string of appearances and impressed fans and coaches alike, however this season he has struggled to break into the team, spending time on loan with Dundee United, and he may well see a move to Arsenal or West Ham as just too good to turn down.
Kuhl has been capped by England at under-19 and under-20 level, and is obviously seen by Arsene Wenger as another young player who he can bring on and develop, adding to his long list of developed youngsters during his time with the Gunners.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Referee Analysis: Anthony Taylor
March 6, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Sam Royden-Ryell
After a great win at the Boleyn against Spurs midweek, we go to Goodison Park to play an Everton team which West Ham hadn't beaten there in 10 games. The referee appointed for this game was Anthony Taylor. I wrote about Taylor for IronViews back in September vs Newcastle and I thought he was excellent in that game.
In the first half, Taylor had his work cut out. The first caution of the game was to Everton midfielder Kevin Mirallas for a dive. Mirallas was goal side of Pedro Obiang and in a good position when he went down, under no pressure from the West Ham midfielder. Taylor was spot on to issue a caution to Mirallas for Unsporting Behaviour. Within 34 minutes, Everton were down to 10-men and this was due to a second bookable offence for Kevin Mirallas. The Everton midfielder caught West Ham left back Aaron Cresswell with nasty late challenge which gave Taylor no option but to send him off. I saw a tweet asking me my thoughts on the West Ham players surrounding the referee at this point. This is something that the FA look at and they look at whether 3 or more players have surrounded the referee in a confrontational manner. When the incident happened, West Ham Captain Mark Noble, Angelo Ogbonna and Dimitri Payet where around the referee. However, you also had 3 or 4 Everton players doing the exactly the same; they were trying to build a defence to not get Mirallas sent off. I don't believe that either the West Ham or Everton players were confrontational towards Taylor so there shouldn't be any action from the FA.
In the second half, there wasn't much improvement from Taylor. On 68 minutes, Taylor awarded a penalty after an apparent trip inside the area by West Ham midfielder Alex Song and I very much disagree with this decision. Firstly, Muhamed Bešić was tripped by Alex Song in the build up to this incident which was just inside the D outside the penalty area. The Everton midfielder skipped past the initial contact and made his way towards the penalty area. Song then challenged Bešić and the Everton man ensured that he stumbled inside the West Ham penalty area. Initial contact from Song was just outside the penalty area and the contact was made on Bešić left leg which was planted on the line of the penalty area. The motion of the trip ensured Bešić stumbled inside the penalty area. The law states that a penalty should be given if the foul has taken place inside the penalty area, and in this instance this was not the case. This incident is very much like when the ball is deemed in or out of play. The whole ball has to be over the line to be deemed out of play and it's the same principle to award a penalty. The incident has to happen inside the penalty area, not on the line, and on first contact rather than where the player ends after contact is made. There where a couple of penalty shouts in the second half. Another was when Bešić left an outward arm after he turned his back on a Dimitri Payet cross. Although it did strike his arm, he was relatively close to the West Ham man and Bešić didn't know that once he turned his back, the ball was going to strike his outward right arm. I have seen penalties for this type of handball given this season, but felt it would have been quite harsh. The next appeal was from the Everton fans for a handball by Cheikhou Kouyaté. Bešić was involved again after the Everton midfielder had a shot on goal which appeared to hit Kouyaté on the upper arm. I think the referee could have given this as a penalty but decided not too. Kouyaté was 12 yards from the initial shot and would of had enough time to move his arm away from the ball. It did look like Kouyaté completely misjudged it. It was technically a penalty but it would have been harsh and there was no obvious intent to control with his arm.
Overall, I felt that Taylor wasn't great in this game. He got the majority of the major decisions right but when they are potentially game changers, you need to be 100% that your decision is correct. Taylor also missed a potential penalty on Angelo Ogbonna but that wasn't meant to be. I saw that Roberto Martínez labelled Taylor as 'picky' on Match of The Day, and you could say that. However, you can't say that cheating deserves just a free kick and a talking too because when it's early in the game, players needs to be punished when their being unsporting within the game. A note on West Ham; what a great win this was and this shows great fight by a West Ham side which has a completely different mindset under Slaven Bilic. I saw a stat on MOTD that this comeback was the first time West Ham have come back from two goals down to win a Premier League game since February 2000, an astonishing stat.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Premier League: Who can stop Leicester in title run-in?
BBC.co.uk
Leicester's charge towards the Premier League title is still rolling along nicely, with the downturn of form anticipated by many yet to materialise. The Foxes are five points clear at the summit after picking up seven from their past three games. But not only are Claudio Ranieri's men still winning points - their nearest rivals are continuing to drop them. Tottenham and Arsenal took points off each other after Saturday's 2-2 draw in the north London derby. Fourth-placed Manchester City did, however, revive their title hopes after three straight league defeats with a 4-0 thumping of Aston Villa. Fifth-placed West Ham and Manchester United, two points behind the Hammers, also still have an outside chance.
Here's the lowdown on each of the top six's run-in
Leicester
Played 29, 60 points, goal difference +21
Last won the league title: Never
Leicester fixtures
Results in reverse fixtures: Leicester have five home games in their final nine-game run-in, and were unbeaten in the reverse fixtures, picking up 23 points from the nine games. A repeat haul would see the Foxes end the campaign with 83 points - enough to win the league on seven occasions in the Premier League era, but not since Manchester United won with 80 points in 2011.
Scores in reverse games: beat Newcastle 3-0, beat Crystal Palace 1-0, drew with Southampton 2-2, beat Sunderland 4-2, beat West Ham 2-1, beat Swansea 3-0, drew with Manchester United 1-1, beat Everton 3-2, beat Chelsea 2-1.
Recent form: In a word, excellent. The Foxes have lost just once in their last 10 games, a narrow defeat at fellow challengers Arsenal, and taken 21 points from a possible 30.
Key games: May. It's the month for crowning champions but the Foxes may hope that they can have it done before a very tough final three games. Ranieri's side go to Old Trafford on 1 May, a ground where they have won just once in the Premier League, before hosting Everton and ending the season at defending champions Chelsea. A guard of honour from one champion to another?
Tottenham
Played 29, 55 points, goal difference +27
Last won the league title: 1961
Tottenham fixtures
Results in reverse fixtures: Spurs picked up just 13 points from the nine games against the remaining sides they have to face - and a repeat performance would see them finish the season with just 68 points - only four more than they managed last season when finishing fifth. Too many draws may hurt Spurs. They could only take a point from Liverpool, Stoke, West Brom and Chelsea and lost to Manchester United and Newcastle. They do have a superior goal difference to Leicester though.
Scores in reverse games: Beat Aston Villa 3-1, beat Bournemouth 5-1, drew with Liverpool 0-0, lost 1-0 to Manchester United, drew 2-2 with Stoke, drew 1-1 with West Brom, drew 0-0 with Chelsea, beat Southampton 2-0, lost 2-1 to Newcastle.
Recent form: Clinical. Spurs drew eight of their opening 15 league games but have cut that habit out of late, winning six of their last 10 games and losing just twice. Dropping points to rivals may hurt them though. A 1-0 defeat to Leicester and a 2-2 draw against Arsenal have stemmed their flow of points at crucial times.
Key games: Trips to Anfield (2 April) and Stamford Bridge (2 May) look massive. Spurs have only won twice at Anfield in the Premier League, losing the last three, and have never won at Stamford Bridge since 1992.
In fact their last league win at the home of Chelsea came in February 1990, when Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker scored the winner. Newcastle away on the last day may not be the easiest place to travel to, either...
Arsenal
Played 29, 52 points, goal difference +16
Last won the league title: 2004
Arsenal's fixtures
Results in reverse fixtures: The Gunners picked up a respectable 19 points from these nine fixtures, though defeats to West Brom and West Ham could prove decisive come May. A further 19 points in the run-in would see Arsene Wenger's side finish on 71 points, four points fewer than their total last season. When they last won the league, going unbeaten 12 years ago, the Gunners collected 90 points.
Scores in reverse games: Lost 2-1 to West Brom, beat Everton 2-1, beat Watford 3-0, lost 2-0 to West Ham, beat Crystal Palace 2-1, beat Sunderland 3-1, drew 1-1 with Norwich, beat Manchester City 2-1, beat Aston Villa 2-0.
Recent form: Not good enough. Arsenal have won only three of their last 10 games, a run that has seen them slump from leaders in the New Year to third place. Defeats to Chelsea, Swansea and Manchester United have been damaging, though at least the Gunners managed to claim a point with 10 men at rivals Spurs.
Key games: Trips to Manchester City, West Ham and Everton all look difficult but perhaps the inconvenient truth for Arsenal is that their key games have been and gone. It is not irretrievable to win the league from here but Wenger will have to rely on favours and slip-ups from other sides.
Manchester City
Played 28, 50 points, goal difference +21
Last won the league title: 2014
Manchester City fixtures
Results in reverse fixtures: Manchester City have a game in hand on their title rivals, with a trip to Newcastle yet to be slotted into a congested diary. In the 10 games against sides they still have to play again, Manuel Pellegrini's side collected 22 points, losing to Stoke and Arsenal. A further 22 points would see Pellegrini end his reign as City boss on 72 points. Would that be enough for a top-four finish, never mind a title?
Scores in reverse games: Beat Norwich 2-1, drew 0-0 with Manchester United, beat Bournemouth 5-1, beat West Brom 3-0, beat Chelsea 3-0, lost 2-0 to Stoke, beat Southampton 3-1, lost 2-1 to Arsenal, beat Swansea 2-1, beat Newcastle 6-1.
Recent form: Disappointing. A 4-0 win over Aston Villa stopped a run of three successive league defeats but City have won just four of their last 10 games. They were last on the top of the table after beating Swansea in mid-December but have collected just 18 points from a possible 36 since.
Key games: The Manchester derby on 20 March stands out, but it is looking like both sides involved are playing for a place in the top four now, at best. Six of the final 10 games are on the road, with a trip to resurgent Chelsea on 16 April and an as-yet scheduled journey to face struggling Newcastle also looking tough.
West Ham
Played 29, points 49, goal difference +12
Last won the league title: Never
West Ham
Results in reverse fixtures: West Ham fans and the producers of Match of the Day will hope not to see three goalless draws in the run-in - a sequence of results the Hammers picked up back-to-back against Swansea, Stoke and Manchester United in December. But that was when Slaven Bilic was without Dimitri Payet, who is back firing now.
The Hammers collected 13 points from nine games in their remaining fixtures - a repeat would see them end on 62 points. A repeat of that and Leicester would only need one more win to finish above the Hammers...
Scores in reverse games: Beat Chelsea 2-1, beat Crystal Palace 3-1, beat Arsenal 2-0, lost 2-1 to Leicester, drew 1-1 with West Brom, drew 0-0 with Swansea, drew 0-0 with Stoke, lost 2-0 to Watford, drew 0-0 with Manchester United.
Recent form: Dimitri Payet made his first start after an ankle injury at Bournemouth on 12 January. The Hammers have won five of nine league games since, losing just twice. Bilic's side have won their last three games to propel them into Champions League contention. But a title challenge? They would surely need to win all of their games from here...
Key games: Back-to-back games with title challengers Arsenal and Leicester in April could shape the Hammers' top-four push, while an FA Cup run means they still have games with Watford and Manchester United to reschedule.
Manchester United
Played 29, 47 points, goal difference +10
Last won the league title: 2013
Manchester United
Results in reverse fixtures: Does anyone believe that Manchester United are genuine title challengers? Even if Louis van Gaal's side were to win all remaining nine games they would only end up with 74 points - which would represent their third-worst haul in the Premier League era. Their worst totals, of 64 points and 70 points, have both come in the last two seasons. David Moyes' record-low haul of 64 points may come under threat yet. United would need 18 points from their final nine games to overhaul that mark. In the corresponding nine games United took 13 points, and drew four times, three of which were goalless.
Scores in reverse games: Drew 0-0 with Manchester City, beat Everton 3-0, beat Tottenham 1-0, beat Aston Villa 1-0, drew 1-1 with Leicester, lost 2-1 to Norwich, lost 2-1 to Bournemouth, drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace, drew 0-0 with West Ham.
Key games: United face Liverpool home and away in the Europa League and West Ham in the FA Cup quarter final before their next Premier League game against rivals Manchester City on 20 March. United are only currently three points outside the top four but with winning the Europa League now carrying automatic Champions League qualification, that competition is arguably of great importance for Van Gaal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
That's your lot - final Boleyn tickets go to a ballot
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 7th March 2016
By: Staff Writer
Academy members are being given the opportunity to purchase tickets for the final three home game of the season - by virtue of a ballot process.
West Ham United revealed today that any supporters without automatic access (ie Bondholders, season ticket holders and existing corporate clients) with be able to apply for tickets to West Ham's last three games at the Boleyn Ground in three seperate ballots.
The first of those - for the London derby with Arsenal on 9 April - opened today and will run until 5pm on Tuesday, 22 Match. The application form may be downloaded from here.
Dates of the two remaining ballots are yet to be announced. The club are still welcoming applications from potential Academy members who will be entered into the ballots if they complete their membership (cost £40) before each one ends.
West Ham United have not revealed how many members will be potentially involved in the process. Tickets are only available in the Boleyn Ground's Upper tiers - that's the Bobby Moore Upper, East Stand Upper & West Stand Upper.
This is a good thing, right?
* Fans won't have to pay 13p per minute on the club's extortionate premium rate phone line to wait for a representative to answer their call
* Everyone who enters the ballot should have an equal chance of securing a ticket
This is a bad thing, right?
* It's going to costs you £40 to apply (plus the cost of phone calls) for membership - and there's no guarantee that you'll get a ticket
* It'll cost you a mere £25 to become a Swansea City member and guarantee a ticket - albeit in the away end - for our penultimate home match
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHAT MAKES THIS SUCH A FANTASTIC STORY? IS IT ALL ABOUT THE CHARACTER?
By Benjamin Cronin 7 Mar 2016 at 17:50
WTID
This season could be an epic, for some it's a fantasy but one things for certain, thus far, it wouldn't be described as a tragedy. While we may not be a central figure in Leicester's fabled battle of David vs Goliath, Slaven Bilic and West Ham United are in the process of masterminding something that may well be regarded as the stuff of legend in the near future. The remainder of the plot is still unwritten and there will undoubtedly be the twists and turns that make any great novel but this Premier League season is a book that no Hammers fan wants to put down.
The previous instalment of what could have been a metaphorical literary masterpiece didn't have the greatest of endings. It all started so well but under the command of someone who many saw as our antagonist, everything crumbled away at the end. Enter stage right, our deus ex machina, Slaven Bilic. His first season in charge started in the same fairytale fashion as before, yet as time has gone on and the number of remaining fixtures dwindles, belief and spirit amongst players and fans alike is higher than ever before. Those top four aspirations are gathering momentum and the wider footballing community is only now starting to recognise our genuine chances.
In amongst all the action and drama we've witnessed over the past 29 league fixtures, one thing stands out that I've rarely experienced in my 25 years of supporting West Ham. Character. Resilience. Determination. A 'never-say-die attitude'. Call it what you want, it's something that has had a huge bearing on our current points tally and position in the league table. It would appear the days of watching West Ham go one down and struggle for the remainder of the game are long gone. Now, no deficit seems too big to overturn. No challenge too tough to conquer. There's been a shift within the club that means our players believe they can win any game, right up until the final whistle. This isn't to say players didn't try before. It could be that they now realise there's no limit to what they can achieve or produce on the football pitch. I'll be honest, I really don't know what's happened. It's just clear to see that something has changed.
Whilst I'd love to revel in Saturday afternoon's result a bit longer and with many of you happy to read another opinion on that magnificent comeback I'm sure, I'm going to delve a little deeper into the success that this weekend's result was just another example of instead. What hasn't been said about our historic 3-2 victory already? The long awaited breaking of an incredibly frustrating hoodoo. The first victory earned after falling two goals behind since defeating Bradford just over sixteen years ago. An outstanding performance from every player that stepped foot onto that pitch. It really was a day that will live long in the memory. I suppose the question everyone's asking now is, how far can we actually go?
The notion of this new found ability to get a result out of games in which we are in a losing position is most evident when analysing the statistics. We have now managed to gain a total of twelve points from a losing position so far this season, joint second with Leicester City in a 'comeback league table', bettered only by Tottenham Hotspur. The pessimists amongst us may see going behind and having to come back as being a problem but when you consider that Spurs and Leicester are the only two sides in the Premier League to lose fewer games than ourselves, I don't think there's much room for criticism.
Comparing those figures to last season, it's obvious that a vast improvement has been made. Under Sam Allardyce, we managed to amass nine points from losing positions throughout the entirety of the 14/15 campaign. With the majority of those ending up as 1-1 draws after going a goal behind, the claim of a new mentality within the squad is actually a proven fact. Another point to reflect on that perhaps exemplifies this resilience is our ability to see out a game and maintain our level of performance right until the very end. A brief scan of last season's fixtures shows a considerable amount of late goals conceded that turned wins into draws and draws into defeats (two draws turning into losses and one win turning into a draw is just three examples from our last eight games of that particular season).
With the mistakes and lapses in concentration from last season eliminated, we've barely had to suffer the heartache of conceding late goals this season. Instead, we're the beneficiaries of the last gasp winner (this weekend and the FA Cup tie against Liverpool still fresh in everyone's memory I'm sure). It's hard to pinpoint one particular factor that has enabled us to enjoy such great success this season. The reason for that is simple, there isn't one. It's a combination of everything Bilic has implemented falling into place and the confidence that has come about as a result of that. Every player is stepping up to the mark, everyone has the hunger and desire required to be part of a successful team, with no one left hiding in the shadows. We've shown we can take the game to our opponents and catch them on the break when they try to take it to us. We're solid at the back and incredibly tough to breakdown whilst possessing skill, pace, end product and clinical finishing in the final third.
Much has been made of our expectations coming into this season. Were Bilic actually constructing a narrative, he may have wished to title it 'Be Careful What You Wish For: A Wish Come True'. Instead, he's crafted a work of art that's still awaiting a title (or a cup if we're speaking in literal terms). We know the protagonists have come to the fore; Payet, Antonio, Noble, Lanzini, Adrian, Kouyate, I've honestly had to stop myself writing out the whole squad. The pages will keep on turning as this incredible story goes on and not knowing what will happen next is all part of the thrill. It seems the better we play, the more important the next games become. Rather than seeing upcoming fixtures against teams near us in the table as a challenge, it feels like everyone sees them as an opportunity.
I honestly don't think it's ever felt so good to be a Hammer. I'm not going to tell people to not get carried away because that's all part of the fun. Regardless of what happens from here, this season has been one of my greatest as a fan. I've thoroughly enjoyed what we've seen so far and I hope, I believe, there's still more to come.
COYI!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Deadly Diafra's back so here's my final points tally
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Sak's back and in my world that means anything is possible. Yes of course we have Payet and I really do understand but with the club's Number One striker up front even the main man becomes a far better player. This has been repeated several times but after his goalscoring return against Everton at the weekend let's remind ourselves of one simple fact. With Diafra runnning the channels and dragging players out of position – a gift that only he possesses among our strikers – Dimi and Lanzini run into more and more space and create serious havoc. I remember Palace defender Damien Delaney saying the same after our Selhurst Park victory erly on claiming that he was a seriously difficult player to keep under control.
With Sak up front, Reidy back at the heart of defence and Payet pulling the strings I really do see United having their work seriously cut out at the weekend. And after that – despite the "oh dear they have a tough run-in brigade" creasing their brows I believe we can go into virtually every match as favourites. I really am that confident. Why wouldn't I be – it's the way supporters of big and successful clubs carry on and we've beaten most of thebig boys anyway…why suffer an inferiority complex now. So here's how I see us performing over the remaining league games with my points tally at the bottom. If it turns out as I expect, then the aforementioned Diafra Sakho will have hd everything to do with it.
Chelsea ( away) 1 point
Palace (home) 3 points
Arsenal (home) 3 points
Leicester (away) 1 point (they won't do a treble over us!)
Manchester U (home) 3 points
WBA (away) 1 point
Swansea (home) 3 points
Stoke ( away) 1 point
Watford (home) 3 points
FINAL POINTS TALLY 68
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons heading for huge financial jackpot
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
If West Ham were to finish in the top four this season it could be worth another £35 million to the club.. Finishing fourth position in the Premier League would earn the Hammers an extra £10 million in merit payments after taking £11m for their twelfth place finish last season.
That would jump massively to £21m for fourth place and £22.2m if we could manage third place. However, the really serious money would be made qualifying for UEFA Champions League football with prize money significantly increasing this season. Each club reaching the group stages gets a 12 million Euro bonus, a rise of 40% on last season. Every group win would earn 1.5m Euros while a draw gets 500,000 Euros. On top of this clubs get a share of the TV rights money called the 'Market Pool' worth 482 million Euros spilt by the 32 clubs depending on how much each country paid for their rights. This meant last season, Manchester City earned 45.9m Euros from the Champions League, Chelsea got 39.2m, Arsenal 36.3m and Liverpool 33.6m. Liverpool failed to qualify from the Champions League group stage losing three games, drawing two and winning one game. Despite this poor performance they still earned £26m from the Champions League and this was before the prize money increased. If West Ham qualified to group stage they could expect to earn a minimum of £25m without winning a game or progressing to the final 16. Progress to the last 16 and a minimum of £35m extra awaits us. Dreaming I know! but beat Barcelona in the final of the Champions League next season and we could earn another £75m!
West Ham are currently in fifth place on 49 points in the Premier League table just 1 point away from fourth place Manchester City and 3 points away from third-place Arsenal on 52 points.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Poll says Everton penalty should have been re-taken
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Former Premier League referee, Graham Poll says Everton's penalty against Adrian should have been re-taken because he moved off his line twice before the ball was kicked but he admits this law is often overlooked in the Premier League. He did admit that Kevin Mirallas deserved to be sent off for his two yellow cards.
Writing for the Daily Mail, poll said "Referee Anthony Taylor was absolutely correct to dismiss Kevin Mirallas for two cautionable offences but how Everton didn't get a second chance to convert their penalty was beyond belief."
"There are quite a few laws which seem to be ignored at the top level and keepers coming off the goalline before a penalty kick is taken is one of them. "
However, Poll conveniently failed to mention whether it should have been a penalty in the first place with TV replays showing the incident happened just outside the six yard box. So maybe justice was restored anyway.
Since his debut, Adrian has saved twice as many penalties as any other goalkeeper in the Premier League (4).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons win at Everton changed EVERYTHING!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The Mirror's Darren Lewis always gives the Irons the credit they deserve. We witnessed that last week when he made the Irons v Spurs game all about us rather than follow the others who decided to report on "what's gone wrong with Spurs." We are delighted he has given ClaretandHugh this exclusive blog in which he declares: "Even those within Upton Park can dare to dream."
By Darren Lewis
JUST ONE thing should please West Ham fans even more than that stunning win at Everton on Saturday. Not the return to the scoresheet of talismanic striker Diafra Sakho after more than three months out with injury. Nor the brilliance of keeper Adrian for that game-changing save to keep out Romelu Lukaku's penalty with Everton 2-0 up and rampant. Or even the scintillating form of winger Michail Antonio, who now has five in eight – including key goals in his each of his last three League games. What should delight the West Ham faithful is the fact that so few people outside the Irons' fanbase are talking about the club in relation to the Champions League.
Glance through Twitter, listen to the radio or watch the TV. It is all Manchester City this, United that – even chat about Liverpool or Chelsea's chances of succeeding with a late run. West Ham right now are the team that isn't there. Even though they have been in and around the European places for months. Even though they have beaten the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, City and Liverpool this season. Even though they sit fifth in the Premier League, a point behind fourth-placed City and just three behind Arsenal in third. City may have a game in hand but Manuel Pellegrini's impressive squad have shown themselves to be inconsistent. They have won just two of their last seven games in all competitions.
United sit two points behind West Ham in sixth and were beaten at West Brom yesterday. They have won just one of their last eight away games. Yet their top-four credentials are seen to be greater than West Ham's: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35681004.
Liverpool's win at Crystal Palace left them six points off the Champions League places. Yet they too are shorter odds than West Ham. It is easy to see why. Both sides have a higher calibre of player and managers perceived as being equal to the task. Slaven Bilic won't mind that as he quietly (too quietly for a few dictaphones in press conferences) goes about his business. It is he, however, who could yet provide a fitting climax to what has been – and still is – an incredible season.
Don't get me wrong, the Irons need to do better themselves on the road if they are to make the most of this golden opportunity to open the Olympic Stadium with Champions League football next season. Yet considering they have won just three of their last 12 on the road and have struggled with crippling injuries this season they have done superbly well to have put themselves in this position. Saturday's win at Goodison was even more impressive as Bilic had had just one fit senior centre-half, Angelo Ogbonna, available to him.
It was the first time in 16 years that West Ham had recovered from two goals down to win a Premier League game. They previously did it in February 2000 with a 5-4 win over Bradford City.
James Tomkins is expected back for next weekend's FA Cup tie at Manchester United. Even more significantly, Winston Reid should return for West Ham's next league game, away to Chelsea on March 19.
Even allowing for the (big) loss of James Collins – out for a month – the returning centre-halves give the club added cause for optimism going into perhaps their biggest end of season home straight in Premier League history.
They enter it with inspirational Dimitri Payet on fire, Andy Carroll hungry to make up for lost time, Antonio on a hot-streak and skipper Mark Noble fuelled with that sense of injustice after Roy Hodgson's frankly ludicrous claim that Jack Wilshere could yet go to the Euros despite not having played all season.
Cheikou Kouyate is a player that would walk into any team in the top flight bar none. Aaron Cresswell hasn't had the credit he deserves while Enner Valencia and Victor Moses should be back at Old Trafford next weekend.
The squad built by Bilic, owner David Sullivan and fixer Tony Henry has survived test after test this season. They coped for two months with Payet. They battled on for three without Sakho. They hung in there when Valencia and Moses were both ruled out for lengthy periods.
Keeper Darren Randolph did superbly when Adrian was suspended. And during that mid-season run of eight games without a win they fought to escape with a share of the points on six occasions. They wouldn't have done last season. They were not good enough back then.
Yes, West Ham still have tough games against Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United to come. Yet they beat the champions at home earlier this season. They stunned Arsene Wenger's men on the opening weekend and they held United to a goalless draw in December.
They will relish those fixtures. Not fear them.
Up until this point few fans have been willing to believe that the club could be planning for anything other than a Europa League campaign – at a push.
Everton, however, changed all that.
There is still nervous apprehension as the season enters squeaky bum time. But with so many pundits seemingly oblivious to West Ham's position in the Premier League table, the pressure remains off the club for the time being.
It means that even those within Upton Park can dare to dream.
Because in this incredible season of outrageous fantasy, West Ham are more than capable of providing the last big shock.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian's spot kick homework pays off
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Adrian's penalty save against Romelu Lukaku was the pivotal moment of a game which saw the Irons stage a remarkable comeback on Saturday.
And whilst it was a very poor spot kick, Adrian had put in the homework which ensured he kept the big fella at bay and helped build the platform for a magificent three points.
Speaking the London24.com the Spaniard said: "Lukaku is one of the best penalty takers but sometimes I have seen him try to wait until the last moment and when the keeper goes down he chips it over him.
"I just stayed in the middle and waited until the last moment and finally I managed to save it. Yes, it was the most important situation in the game because we were 2-0 down and if they score the third one, it would have been over.
"When I saved the penalty I really believed that we could get back, even from 2-0 down.
"I think we played well, we kept the ball and created a lot of chances and after the penalty, the team changed their mentality and we went directly at them. We deserved it in the end."
Adrin added: "The top of the table is so tight. If you lose two games in a row you can lose your position, but we have got maximum points from our last three games and I think we are in a good position in the league and we also have the FA Cup."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
OS running track is ripped up
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The Olympic Stadium running track is being ripped up to make way for a new running track.
The London 2012 track is being replaced with a brand new blue surface, laid in time for the two world championships taking place at the former Olympic Stadium.
Londoner Olympic hurdler Perri Shakes-Drayton and Paralympic and reigning world champion Richard Whitehead, who won gold over 200m at the Paralympic Games, were invited to remove the final pieces of the Olympic Stadium track including the famous finish line.
The new track will be laid in late spring in time for a range of events this summer including the London Anniversary Games in July. As well as laying a new seven figure state of the art athletics running track work has started to lay a brand new Desso grassmaster grass pitch which is also likely to cost a seven figure sum to install. Both the new pitch and the running track will be funded by Stadium owners E20 Stadium LLP.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Ladies break attendance record
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham Ladies have sold more than treble their record attendance in tickets purchased already for tomorrow night at the Boleyn Ground lights.
Tickets can still be bought at https://sales.webticketmanager.com/default.aspx?companyid=1307
£5 adults and £1 child. We need as much support as possible, the Premier League South record is by Brighton (3,256) that they achieved this season at the Amex
Geo from C&H partners, Hammers Chat, is the programme editor which can be bought on the night for £2 or here http://www.westhamladies.co.uk/club/ClubShop/product_details/6087 and it gets delivered, articles from Jack Sullivan and England footballer Ellen White plus many more!!
There will be eighty supporters in executive boxes and you can still purchase a box but needs to be done ASAP, £350 for a one course meal and the box (10 per box) with bar.
The club have got the bar and food facilities open on the night as normal
Geo will be leading the media side with Gonzo's help, and Hammers Chat are going to be there in numbers so it would be a pleasure to meet as many C&H readers as possible, so come say hi.
The mascot spaces are fully booked and West Ham Ladies thank C&H for their article as it helped.
Hammers Chat are the media team, with me the head of media as we expand.
We can exclusively reveal that Spence Owen of SpencerFC youtube fame will be the stadium announcer for the night. Don't go changing!
West Ham Ladies v Spurs Ladies Boleyn Ground Tuesday, 19.45pm Kick Off
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Blimey Keys give it a rest
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 7, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Richard Keys has treated the West Ham fans to another dose of Sam creeping on his personal blog. The shamed former Sky Sports presenter – kicked out with his buddy Andy Gray for sexism – just can't bear what's happening at West Ham without time and again dragging his mate into the equation.
Earlier in the season he used his blog to continually remind us that we were in no better a position than when his Dudley-born mate was around.
And even earlier he claimed that we would blow out earlier than other teams because we had started earlier – hasn't happened mate! Quite the opposite. Now – with the Irons two points in advance of the Allardyce total for last season and with 27 still to play for – Keys is giving a history lesson on how all of us including Slav presumably, should be grateful to his mate. He wrote: ""On the subject of West Ham. Let's keep this simple. I say again, I hope Bilic wins the FA Cup. I like his attitude towards the competition AND he's master-minded a terrific season so far.
But – I do wish that a small minded minority of West Ham fans would understand that Bilic wouldn't have the club he's got to manage right now had it not been for Sam Allardyce. You were dead in the water when Allardyce picked the club up. He got you up – kept you up – twice – and left a fantastic platform for Bilic to work from."
All been said a million times before of course and I believe Slaven, David Sullivan and David Gold were among those who said it. For how long are we supposed to be grateful to a man who led us to 12th place with that fantastic platform! Presumably, until Keys has finished getting his nose as brown as possible.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE NEW WEST HAM: BOUNCEBACKABILITY, BOLDNESS AND THE BEST 4TH STRIKER IN THE LEAGUE
By HamburgHammer 7 Mar 2016 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Okay, can someone please come out and tell me what the heck is actually going on at West Ham ? I've been following this club since 1996. In that respect I'm still merely a teenage kid, proudly shaving his first stubble on chin and cheeks, at least compared to most of those diehard Hammers who have been cheering on the boys in claret and blue for 30, 40 or 50 odd years.
Still I thought I had a pretty good idea how this club worked, what to expect (the unexpected) and what NOT to expect (trophies, titles, European football, winning at Liverpool away, winning against Everton no matter where, beating lower league opposition in Cup games, winning three league games in a row etc.).
West Ham's loyal fans like a laugh, their humour is quite unique and in our history we needed plenty of it just to cope with what was happening to our club on and off the pitch.
And now this ? Winning convincingly away to Blackburn in the FA Cup where we tend to slip up on any banana skin that cares to present itself in the early rounds.
Winning three league games in a row, first against Sunderland and our previous manager (and still nemesis to plenty of Hammers fans), then against our fiercest London rivals under the lights in our final home game against them in Boleyn history to be followed only a few days later with a win against our proverbial bogey boys from Goodison, the not so sweet but rather thuggish and nasty Toffees from Everton.
If someone had written the script for this game and had sent it to Hollywood, offering to make a sports drama out of this (soaringc movie score from Hans Zimmer and emotional slow-motion shots included) they would have laughed like a drain, shaking their heads violently, declining the kind offer by saying: "Fantasy films are no longer a hit at the box office my dear friend! Pull the other one!"
West Ham just simply are not supposed to win against Everton. Not even with a man advantage for 55 minutes of the game, not when being two goals down with 15 minutes to go. Especially not at Goodison Park. When we drew with Norwich a few weeks ago after being two goals down I was flabberghasted, but pleasantly surprised.
Today, after the turnaround at Everton, I am still in shock actually. I mentioned in the match thread how I was not worried when we were behind, not even at 0:2. After the Norwich game I knew we had it in us to bounce back and earn ourselves a draw. I knew we could get a result, a cherished point against our bogey team.
But winning it at the death in the manner we did, with a beautifully worked goal like this? A fantastic LONG diagonal ball by Cresswell, nicely headed on by Carroll to be followed by a masterstroke of a backheel layoff from Sakho only to be completed by a composed finishing touch from the man whose name escapes me at the moment…what was it again ? I have it on the tip of my tongue………………….BAZINGA!!!
It had to be THAT man again of course: Dimitri Payet, Super Slav's man, better than Zidane and we've got him for another five years! I'm running out of words to express my astonishment, my sense of incredulity, my utter admiration and gratefulness for what Bilic, Payet, Gold, Sullivan and Brady have made possible at West Ham.
No one can predict how the season will pan out for West Ham, of course but the club has already given us so many happy matchday memories this season that they would have been enough to last for four or five season actually as far as the old West Ham is concerned.
Winning against the odds, history books, bogey teams and common sense. Bilic has just done it all, week after week. All in his first season without much time to get used to his surroundings and his new players. Transition season, my a***!
Bilic has taken to the West Ham job like a fish to water.
It all feels completely natural, in double quick time he seems to have moulded the club to his specifications and everyone appears to be singing from the same hymn sheet these days. Whenever we get to see pictures of the team on social media, post-game in the dressing room, the team bus, on the training pitch or wherever, you get the feeling that these chaps really enjoy playing with and for each other. Each of them would gladly run through walls for their manager and teammates.
A proper team, playing football the right way with not a single bad apple in sight.
Which brings me to Emmanuel Emenike who is not a bad apple but merely the latest (loan) addition to the squad. I like him a lot actually. His arrival has coincided with one of our strongest runs of results in our recent history. Which is strange because he was brought into the club as a replacement for China bound Jelavic, as a fourth striker, a safety blanket so to speak who we'd probably not see on the pitch all too often anyway. Injuries to all other strikers though made him a regular starter for us and in my view he's done tremendously well. Which may seem like a strange thing to say, considering he hasn't scored a league goal for us yet.
But after playing in some dodgy Arabian league on loan it is no surprise Emenike may need some more time to adjust to the pace and grit of the Premier League.
Surely he has put himself about. He is quick, strong as an ox and runs his socks off whenever he's out there. He scared the crap out of Tottenham's keeper, charging at him at pace numerous times when we beat them 1:0 in midweek.
He certainly wears defenders down well for other guys to come on after 60 minutes or so and reap the benefits of a shagged out backline. He still is somewhat at odds with a certain offside rule, but I'm sure he'd eventually be able to sort this out as well.
The sad thing is that with Carroll, Sakho and Valencia back in action he will now probably drop back into the 4th striker role he was brought in for in the first place. But what a fourth striker option he is! I'm not sure he will now be able to do enough to win himself a permanent deal (not for the rumoured 8.5 million anyway) in the summer.
On the other hand we know that Bilic will give him every chance to remain a West Ham player if he sees him as a valuable contributor in our team.
This seems to be a transitional season not so much for the new manager and the team but much more so for the fans. I for one sometimes struggle to quite keep up with our ongoing success on and off the field. I never expected West Ham to have a season like this when I joined the fold 20 years ago. It feels great and weird at the same time.
Did we ever have it so good in terms of looking forward to games, regardless of opposition ? You tell me…
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Leicester and West Ham success signals 'permanent shift' at the top of Premier League, says Slaven Bilic
22:30, 6 MAR 2016
BY DAVID MADDOCK
Bilic's West Ham side are in the chase for a Champions League spot following Saturday's dramatic win over Everton
The Mirror
English football has gone stark, raving bonkers. Leicester are five points clear at the top with nine games left and West Ham are now hunting down the Manchester clubs in the race for a Champions League spot. If Hammers can harass Everton into submission like this, then they can surely catch two teams who don't currently deserve to finish in the top four. After watching the Londoners go two goals down to 10-man Everton before producing three stunning goals in the final 12 minutes, there is a bigger question to be asked: are sides like West Ham heralding a permanent Premier League shift? Hammers boss Slaven Bilic thinks so. He believes astute investment allows teams like his to compete on a more level playing field. "I really do believe it is a permanent shift at the top," said Bilic. "The big teams like Manchester City change players but the new players are not better, they are just different. "Chelsea can sell Costa and buy Lewandowski – different, not better. City buy Benzema but they have Aguero already, so there is no big gap for them to improve. There is no scope to get better. "But clubs like us with the money now – clubs like Crystal Palace, West Brom, and Leicester – can still improve. "Two years ago West Brom would have had to sell Berahino to afford Rondon. Now they can keep Berahino. So next year with even more investment you can keep those players... and teams likes us have more room to improve."
Bilic claimed West Ham were the better side throughout but Everton battered them for an hour and, despite a stupid red card for Kevin Mirallas, should have been out of sight. Everton took the lead with 11 men when Romelu Lukaku turned and finished brilliantly. Even after Mirallas had been sent off for a second bookable offence, the Mersey men carried more threat and deservedly extended the lead through Aaron Lennon, linking sweetly with Lukaku. When Blues won a penalty on 68 minutes, it seemed all over. But Lukaku's spot kick was criminally tame and West Ham made the most of the let-off by exposing the aerial limitations of Ramiro Funes Mori.
Goals for Michail Antonio, as he leapt above the Blues defender, sub Diafra Sakho, and Dimitri Payet after Andy Carroll had won another header underlined the spirit the visitors have. Everton paid a price for manager Roberto Martinez's refusal to bring on a defensive player to shore things up. Martinez suggested it was a remarkable performance from his side, conveniently forgetting the final 12 minutes. "We are in the Premier League, the most ruthless in world football," said the Spaniard. "Fortunately I have got seven years of experience in this league and I know what it takes."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Payet accepts Deschamps' decision
March 7, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
Dimitri Payet has been arguably the signing of the season in the Premier League but he is not expecting a call from Didier Deschamps. France outcast Dimitri Payet said he accepts coach Didier Deschamps' decision to overlook him for the national team, though the West Ham star would love to feature at Euro 2016 according to Canal Plus. Payet has not represented France since June last year and that is not expected to change with the European Championship in his homeland three months away, despite the 28-year-old staking his claim to be the signing of the season in the Premier League. The 15-cap international, who netted a dramatic 90th-minute winner at Everton on Saturday, has been a revelation since joining West Ham from Marseille in the off-season, scoring eight goals and tallying seven assists. However, Payet has no hard feelings toward Deschamps amid his France snub. [It's] not as an injustice," Payet told Canal Plus. "The coach has to make choices. This is the boss, he selects the players he needs. I'm happy in my shoes, I try to be efficient. I will not say I'm happy to be replaced, I like to play and fight for my place.
"In sporting terms, I am in one of the best periods of my career. If I'm at the Euro that is fine, if I am not there, I know I would have given anything and there will be no regrets."
France are scheduled to play two friendlies later this month, away to Netherlands on March 25 and at home to Russia four days later.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kevin Nolan: Why I left West Ham for Leyton Orient
March 7, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
Kevin Nolan has explained why he left West Ham and turned his back on Premier League offers to become Leyton Orient's player-manager. The 33-year-old spent four years at the Hammers and helped the club earn promotion back into the top flight under Sam Allardyce But Slaven Bilic made it clear to Nolan that he would not be guaranteed regular football after the Croatian took over at Upton Park last summer. Nolan had one year remaining on his contract but the veteran midfielder opted to depart as he did not feel a reduced role would be beneficial to him or the club.
"There was no moment of 'oh yeah, that's the final nail in the coffin for me at West Ham.' "Slaven Bilic was first class and I loved working with him," Nolan told the Times. "He said 'I can't guarantee you'll play but you'll always be around my squad.' "I could have picked up my money, but I didn't feel like I was giving what I can to a team. "I played 29 times in the Premier League last season, but I can't give what I give from the substitutes' bench. "There's a drive inside. I needed a challenge, the next step."
Nolan initially linked up with Orient to keep fit and - after rejecting a contract - was offered the player-manager position in January in the wake of Ian Hendon's dismissal. Nolan has guided the League Two outfit to five wins in nine games since he took charge and the east Londoners are currently three points outside the play-off places.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham will use Dimitri Payet to beat Tottenham to Michy Batshuayi signing
East London club hope Marseille striker's relationship with playmaker will help seal summer move
By Matt Law
2:10PM GMT 07 Mar 2016
West Ham have identified Batshuayi as their number one summer transfer target, but face competition from Spurs and Juventus for the 22-year-old who has scored 17 goals this season. Despite the fact Tottenham and Juve are already virtually guaranteed Champions League football next season, West Ham, who are still fighting for a top-four place themselves, believe they hold a significant advantage. Payet is close friends with Batshuayi from their season together at Marseille and the midfielder is understood to have started trying to convince his old team-mate to link up with him once again at West Ham. The agent who played a prominent part in bringing Payet to West Ham is also involved in the club's chase of Batshuayi and is hopeful a deal can be done.
West Ham's hopes of landing Batshuayi would be boosted considerably by securing Champions League football for next season, but the club are optimistic that Europa League qualification would be enough to fulfil his immediate ambition. Unlike Spurs, whose first-choice striker will be Harry Kane no matter who they sign, West Ham can guarantee Batshuayi a regular starting place just in front of his friend Payet. Tottenham's long-standing interest in Saido Berahino also places a question mark against how hard they will push for Batshuayi.
Payet has adapted superbly to life in London at West Ham and demonstrated his commitment to the club by signing a new contract that runs until 2021. The 28-year-old believes Batshuayi would be a similarly big success with the Hammers at their new Olympic Stadium next season. West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has been told he will have around £20million to spend on a new striker at the end of the season and that should be enough to land Batshuayi. Should West Ham miss out on Batshuayi, then they will look at Wilfried Bony and Christian Benteke, both of whom will be allowed to leave Manchester City and Liverpool respectively this summer. Other than identifying strikers, West Ham are also lining up summer moves for two more Marseille players – full-back Benjamin Mendy and winger Georges-Kevin N'Koudou.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham plan summer shopping spree for Marseille trio of Michy Batshuayi, Benjamin Mendy and Georges-Kevin N'Koudou
Marseille players wanted by West Ham during summer transfer window
By SIMON JONES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 12:32, 7 March 2016 | UPDATED: 13:37, 7 March 2016
West Ham have targeted three players from Marseille ahead of the summer transfer window. Striker Michy Batshuayi remains their prime objective but the Hammers have also held discussions over signing winger Georges-Kevin N'Koudou and full-back Benjamin Mendy. N'Koudou in particular is a bright talent who started out at Paris St Germain and has been capped by France at Under 21 level.
THE MARSEILLE THREE: STATS
MICHY BATSHUAYI
Age: 22
Nationality: Belgian
Position: Striker
Clubs: Standard Liege, Marseille
Appearances: 63
Goals: 28
GEORGES-KEVIN N'KOUDOU
Age: 21
Nationality: French
Position: Winger
Clubs: Nantes, Marseille
Appearances: 60
Goals: 9
BENJAMIN MENDY
Age: 21
Nationality: French
Position: Full-back
Clubs: Le Havre, Marseille
Appearances: 148
Goals: 3
His contributions have been noted by Liverpool and Manchester United also and, though he only joined from Nantes last summer, Marseille will look at suitable bids. Despite the talent in their ranks, Marseille have had a disappointing season and will look to make changes in the summer.
West Ham have had success recruiting Dimitri Payet from the French side and believe a deal can be done for all three as they plan for their move from the Boleyn Ground to the Olympic Stadium. Payet has been a revelation during his first season in England, scoring 10 goals in 28 appearances so far this term and driving the Hammers towards qualification for European competition. The main threat to their plans is that Tottenham and Juventus have expressed interest in £25million-rated Batshuayi. The Hammers remain in the chase for a Champions League place following their 3-2 victory over Everton on Saturday. Payet scored the winning goal after Slaven Bilic's side came from two down with 12 minutes remaining to claim all three Premier League points at Goodison Park.
West Ham are a point behind fourth-placed Manchester City with nine games of the campaign remaining.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Players of the season: How Dimitri Payet became West Ham's wizard
Frenchman is a deserved front runner for PFA Player of the Year after an exceptional season - even if France do not recognise it
Telegraph.co.uk
By JJ Bull
1:44PM GMT 07 Mar 2016
West Ham have a lot of reasons to be happy at the moment. A new stadium is hoving into view, bringing with it a stack of cash as well as prestige; their manager is beloved by the fans and looks good in a Beanie hat; and they boast an over-performing squad which has the Champions League locked in its sights.
And the jewel set into the heart of that squad is the most precious asset of all - Dimitri Payet. The Frenchman has been a sensation all season, but his performance in helping West Ham come back from a 2-0 deficit for the first time in the Premier League since 2000 to move within a point of the top four demanded a whole new set of superlatives.
His first major contribution to that victory was a whipped cross from wide on the right, the ball curling round a defender and into that bit of the box in which strikers love to lurk. Diafra Sakho obliged and headed home the equaliser. Only Mesut Ozil and Christian Eriksen have created more chances than Payet this season, despite the midfielder missing nearly three months of the season with an ankle injury.
Nine minutes later Payet completed the comeback himself, reading the path of the ball from a header and popping up in the perfect position to shoot past Joel. "He does things on the pitch that are lifting you out of your seat," says Slaven Bilic about his star player, signed from Marseille for £10.5million in the summer. "He is a goalscorer, a very attractive player. He excites you with the way he is playing. This is what football is all about".
Payet's season has been astonishing. It can take some players an entire year to adjust to the demands of the Premier League but Payet barely broke stride the minute he stepped on an English pitch. One of his first touches for West Ham in the opening game of the season against Arsenal involved chasing a long Mark Noble ball out to the left, controlling at speed and using his head, literally and metaphorically, to keep it in play and cross to the front post.
It was an impressive bit of skill but one necessary to keep the ball alive: Payet doesn't do tricks for the sake of it, everything is done with purpose. Bellerin was beaten and Petr Cech was forced to gather in his six-yard area. Although Arsenal defended the danger this time, Payet had set a marker.
The first imprint he left in the Premier League record books was an assist from that wicked, long free-kick which deceived Petr Cech and resulted in West Ham's opening goal of the season, Kouyate heading into an open net. People even questioned Cech's ability as a goalkeeper after that one, but the whip and curl on Payet's set piece made things very difficult for him - in terms of set-pieces from that part of the pitch, it was perfect. You would do well to name another time that Cech has committed such a high-profile error.
In terms of where the statistics really matter, Payet has assisted seven and scored eight goals this season – more than any other West Ham player in both departments. Bilic has not exactly constructed a one-man team, but without him a top-four finish would surely be inconceivable. After Payet was injured against Everton in October, West Ham won only one of their next seven games, drawing with a dreadful Swansea and an even worse Aston Villa. Not coincidentally, they rediscovered their form immediately after Payet returned to the starting line-up – a 3-1 win away to Bournemouth was entirely inspired by Payet magic – and have now won five of their last nine league games.
Who creates the most chances?
PLAYER CHANCES CREATED (INC. ASSISTS) AVERAGE CHANCES CREATED PER 90 MINS
PLAYER CHANCES CREATED (INC. ASSISTS) AVERAGE CHANCES CREATED PER 90 MINS
Mesut Özil 116 4.4
Dimitri Payet 81 3.9
Kevin De Bruyne 67 3.9
Christian Eriksen 89 3.7
David Silva 54 3.2
Dusan Tadic 53 3.0
Willian 71 2.9
Eden Hazard 56 2.8
Santi Cazorla 37 2.8
Erik Lamela 50 2.7
He creates an average of 3.9 chances per match, second only to Ozil, in a team without the superstars of Arsenal. With Payet in the team Sakho becomes a real threat in the box, likewise Andy Carroll – and even Michail Antonio has been impressive.
It is not because these players are performing out of their skin or even particularly on-form. Payet just makes them better. His ability to find them in the box means that any sort of clever run into the box is usually rewarded with a delivery that can be turned into a goal.
Now that absolutely everyone is aware of what he can do, teams tend to double up on Payet in an attempt to mark him out of the game but he solves that by roaming from his position, usually on the left or just behind the striker, dropping deep and picking up the ball. Opposition players do not know who's supposed to go and tackle him and before they know it, he's already found a team-mate with an incisive through-ball. Only certain players are gifted creative freedom – Payet practically demands it.
His vision for a pass is phenomenal. In his last season at Marseille he created more chances than any other player in Europe, and that includes Lionel Messi. But the best thing about Payet, more than the consistent assists and key contributions he provides, is that he genuinely gets fans out of their seats. Whether it is the brilliant free-kick against Bournemouth, hit with power into the top corner, Or the way he spots the run, charges in ahead of his marker to receive a through-ball at pace and confidently dinks it over the helpless goalkeeper against Crystal Palace, he's just really, really entertaining.
Didier Deschamps doesn't seem to like Payet, perhaps unwilling to chance the player's former reputation as a bit of a trouble-maker upsetting the harmony of his squad, and he seems unlikely to be part of Euro 2016. Payet himself says it is an "injustice" that he continues to be excluded from his national team. "All I can say is that if France have in those positions, four, five maybe even six better options than Dimitri," Slaven Bilic said, "They're going to win the Euros easy. This guy can play in any team in the world."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
