Special Barking screening for Bo66y movie
WHUFC.com
Last night The Broadway Theatre in Barking paid tribute to West Ham United
and England legend Bobby Moore with a special screening of Bo66y Moore – The
Movie. The new biopic, which celebrates 50 years since England won the World
Cup, premiered at Wembley Stadium last week, and has received widespread
praise. All proceeds from the special screening have gone to The Moore
Family Foundation, which strives to provide life-changing opportunities for
some 16,000 students in the local boroughs. Roberta Moore, Bobby's daughter
attended the screening, as did the film's producer Matthew Lorenzo. Speaking
ahead of the event, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren
Rodwell, said: "Bobby was a Barking boy as well as an England and West Ham
legend. This screening kick starts our celebrations of the 50th anniversary
of England's world cup win. "Just as Hammers' fans can claim West Ham won
the world cup – Barking and Dagenham can say we helped raise the Jules Rimet
trophy too!"
For more information about The Moore Family Foundation, please click here.
http://www.whufc.com/Club/Charities/Principal-Partners/WHU-Moore-Family-Foun
dation
For more information on Bo66y Moore – The Movie, click here.
http://www.bobbymooremovie.com/
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Scully helps Ireland youngsters to win
WHUFC.com
The Republic of Ireland U18s were 3-1 winners over Hungary on Thursday night
and young Hammer Anthony Scully played his part in the win, assisting the
Boys in Green's second goal.
The fixture, held in Kestvallen, was the side's first in a three-team
tournament being held in Sweden this week and the young squad will face the
hosts on Saturday in their second match. Scully started for Tom Mohan's side
and completed 83 minutes before he was replaced by Shamrock Rovers youngster
Sean Boyd. Ireland took the lead after just 27 minutes when Wolves man Conor
Levingston fired home after the ball came to him from a corner kick. Just
before the break, Hungary drew level through Mate Kemenyffy but just ten
minutes after the restart Ireland were once again in front, as Scully
provided Ronan Hale to find the back of the net with a neat finish. And a
gloss was added to the scoreline in injury time as Dundalk's Michael
O'Connor grabbed Ireland's third, turning home Simon Power's right-wing
cross. The young Republic of Ireland side next face Sweden on Saturday at
Stålringens ishall with an 11am kick-off.
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Season Ticket payments due
WHUFC.com
Supporters are reminded that the deadline for paying the balance of their
2016/17 Season Ticket is 5pm on Sunday 5 June. As the Hammers prepare for
the historic first season at the new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic
Park, fans have snapped up Season Tickets in record-breaking numbers. With
over 50,000 fans getting behind Slaven Bilic's men at their new home, it
will be a campaign not to be missed and if you need to pay off your balance,
you can do so by clicking here and signing in to your account or by calling
us on 0871 529 1966* option 3.
Before signing in for the first time, you will need to activate your account
by clicking here. When activating your account or signing in, it is vitally
important that you use your client reference number which relates to your
Season Ticket. Once you have signed in to your account, you will see your
Season Ticket under 'reserved tickets'.
Although you may have purchased more than one Season Ticket, only your
ticket will be displayed on your account. To pay for other Season Tickets
you will need to add the selected supporter account to your network. Details
of how to do this can be found here.
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Ray Winstone looks ahead to the transfer window
WHUFC.com
Hammers fan Ray Winstone wants to see Slaven Bilic's side continue to add to
their British core by bringing through players from their famed Academy of
Football while also exploring other options during the transfer window. Last
season saw the emergence of hot prospect Reece Oxford, while a number of
other youngsters were also part of first team squads and Reece Burke was
Bradford City's Player of the Season while on loan with fellow Hammer Josh
Cullen.
And though Winstone believes the Club can find value for money in the
transfer market this summer, he reiterated the importance of a solid spine
to the team. "All the teams who don't seem to have longevity haven't got a
backbone and they haven't got British players there and they don't seem to
last too long," the actor said. "Chelsea, when they had just that with the
spine of their team being very British, stayed there and won things and
there was a bit more belief in the side, so I'd like to see our youth system
come through more than buy players. "Up front I suppose another
centre-forward would be great, so you'd love to buy [Jamie] Vardy, but
Leicester fans won't thank me for that. And he has [the Champions League]
beckoning, so let's develop one ourselves. I'm sure we must have kids in the
youth system."
West Ham ended their Premier League campaign in seventh – their highest
finish for 14 years – but will look to add to their squad this summer ahead
of a campaign which will see European football arrive at the new Stadium on
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. And like many supporters, Winstone has been
assessing the market and who might be on offer for the Hammers. "I'd like to
mix it up a bit, so who would you buy? Who would you get? We're talking
about looking for a forward and we've got £20 or £30 million. Of course,
you'd love to see someone like Vardy come in. "[I would strengthen] in
defence, and although I like Collins and Tomkins at the back, when we were
there with Reid, we looked mighty strong. Collins is a bit of a leader and
we've always looked a bit better in midfield when he's there, for some
reason. "In midfield, I love Marky Noble, and he's got better every year.
But I'd love to see some of the kids come through from the youth system a
bit more, like Reece Oxford, who is a good player and I'd like to see that
happen."
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UEFA Europa League field complete
WHUFC.com
West Ham United to enter UEFA Europa League at third qualifying round stage
Hammers will be among 29 seeded sides in the draw to be made on 15 July
Slaven Bilic's side have qualified for Europe for the second successive
season
The field for the 2016/17 UEFA Europa League is now complete!
West Ham United will enter the competition for the second successive season,
but this time around the Hammers have a little longer to wait until they
learn their opponents.
Slaven Bilic's side, who finished seventh in the Barclays Premier League
last term, will enter the Europa League at the third qualifying round stage,
joining 57 other clubs from across Europe.
Those clubs with the highest coefficients are seeded in each of the three
qualifying rounds, with winning unseeded teams taking the coefficient of
their vanquished opponent in the next round. This is because the draw for
the next qualifying round is made prior to the previous round being
completed.
However, while the exact nature of West Ham's opposition will not be
revealed until Thursday 15 July, the east Londoners are assured of being
seeded due to the Club's UEFA Team Ranking of 16.256.
This Ranking is calculated by adding together West Ham's UEFA team
coefficient in the last five years, with the Hammers receiving credit for
the performances of other English clubs during that period. England are
currently ranked third in the UEFA Team Ranking table behind Spain and
Germany.
So, who could West Ham face in the third qualifying round come Thursday 28
July?
As things stand before the competition begins, the club with the highest
coefficient that the Hammers could be drawn against is Grasshoppers Zurich,
who finished fourth in the Swiss Super League and enter the tournament at
the second qualifying round stage.
Also among the other recognisable names who could appear in the unseeded
half of the draw are AIK Stockholm and IFK Gothenburg of Sweden, AEK Athens
of Greece, Brondby IF and Midtjylland – Winston Reid's former club –
Scotland's Heart of Midlothian and Slavia Prague from the Czech Republic.
However, there are plenty of other well-known clubs looking to upset the
seeding system and make it through to tackle the Hammers, including League
of Ireland trio Cork City, Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic and
Scottish pair Aberdeen and Hibernian.
Welsh sides Bala Town, Llandudno FC and Connah's Quay and Northern Ireland's
Glenavon, Linfield and Cliftonville also also kick-off their challenges in
the first qualifying round.
The rank outsiders are Europa FC of Gibraltar, just behind Folgore of San
Marino and Estonia's Infonet Tallinn.
The two clubs beaten by West Ham last season, Lusitanos of Andorra and
Malta's Birkirkara, are both in the hat for the first qualifying round after
finishing second and third in their respective domestic leagues.
The Hammers' first-ever opponents in European football back in autumn 1964,
Belgian club AA Gent, are also seeded entrants to the third qualifying
round, while their compatriots and West Ham's 1976 European Cup Winners' Cup
final opponents Anderlecht will go straight into the group stage.
Dinamo Tbilisi of Georgia, who humbled the Hammers on home turf in the
1980/81 European Cup Winners' Cup, are potential fourth qualifying round
opponents, while 1999 UEFA Cup opponents Steaua Bucharest of Romania are
seeded entrants at the same stage.
The 1965 European Cup Winners' Cup winners, West Ham have played 48 European
matches in total, winning 24 and losing 16.
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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
Italian sports journalist and author Gabriele Marcotti says Angelo Ogbonna
earned his place in Italy's Euro 2016 squad…
It's a big transition coming to the Premier League and playing for a club
like West Ham after being in a situation at Juventus where he trained a
certain way.
They would have double training sessions and there would be a lot more
tactical instructions and here the game is a bit different, so I think it
perhaps took Angelo a little bit of time to get used to it. Once he found
his measure, he started to contribute.
Something he has told me personally and that the senior players like Mark
Noble and James Collins, who have been at the club a long time, went out of
their way to make the newcomers feel welcome.
West Ham have had a lot of players from a lot of different parts of the
world over the last few years and the senior players have gone out of their
way to make them feel welcome and include them in the squad.
It's a credit to them and it's something we often under-estimate. Clubs sign
players on good wages but often dump them in a new city where they don't
know the language, but his transition to West Ham was made easily because
the leaders in the dressing room went out of their way to make Angelo feel
more comfortable.
Once that became clear and he got into the starting XI, I think he has
thrived.
Angelo has tremendous football and tactical understanding and is very
comfortable with managers who provide very complicated instructions
Gabriele Marcotti on Angelo Ogbonna
Angelo is one of four centre-backs who have been picked by Italy manager
Antonio Conte for Euro 2016, ironically alongside three of his old Juventus
teammates.
One of the reasons he left Juventus was to get more playing time at West
Ham, although ironically he came into a club with senior centre-halves in
Reid, Tomkins and Collins.
However, he is a very versatile player and that's a reason why he has been
included by Italy. He can also play at left-back and it's a position he
played when he was younger, but West Ham fans haven't seen that as they have
a fantastic left-back in Aaron Cresswell.
Angelo also has tremendous football and tactical understanding and is very
comfortable with managers who provide very complicated instructions, as
that's what he was used to in Italy. Conte knows he can drop fancy schemes
and Angelo is a very intelligent guy and can take those on board very
easily.
Without getting too granular, a lot of people see Italy playing 3-5-2 but
it's not quite like that – when they defend it's a back four and one of the
wing-backs will slot in and one of the centre-backs will go into a full-back
position. When they attack it is going to be a 3-3-4 formation with the
full-backs way up the pitch.
It's a hybrid system and not easy to take on board, but Angelo certainly has
the athleticism and intelligence to do it.
In my opinion this is the least-talented Italy squad in 50-60 years and
they've lost two certain starters in midfield in Claudio Marchisio and Marco
Verratti, so Conte has gone with a lot of versatile and intelligent players
who can play multiple positions.
Now, we will have to see how that formula works in practice at Euro 2016.
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Four Hammers in international action
WHUFC.com
West Ham star Dimitri Payet could feature for France on Saturday as they
take on Scotland in their final UEFA Euro 2016 warm-up fixture.
The tournament's hosts face Gordon Strachan's side, who did not qualify for
this summer's competition, in Metz at 8pm, hoping to head into their opening
match on 10 June on the back of a friendly victory.
France, who are favourites with the bookmakers at the Euros, have played
only friendlies since their quarter-final elimination from the 2014 FIFA
World Cup, but have been in good form, beating Portugal, Germany and Holland
in the last twelve months.
Payet was recalled by Didier Deschamps after a year out Les Bleus' squad
thanks to his dazzling displays in Claret and Blue, and he has recreated his
form in a France shirt, scoring stunning free-kicks against Russia and, more
recently, Cameroon on Monday.
With his side level at 2-2 heading into added time, Payet converted a superb
set-piece from a tight angle, finding the net via the post with the
goalkeeper beaten all ends up.
After the test against Scotland, France will play Romania in the
tournament's opener next Friday before Group A ties against Albania and
Switzerland.
Also in international duty on Saturday will be first team midfielder
Cheikhou Kouyate, who hopes to seal African Cup of Nations qualification for
his Senegal side against Burundi.
The Lions of Teranga need only a draw in Bujumbura to secure their place at
next year's tournament to be held in Gabon, as they currently top Group K
which also contains Niger and Namibia.
Kouyate has 25 caps for his country and has scored twice, most recently
against Namibia in the current AFCON qualifying campaign.
Finally, young Hammers Anthony Scully and Sam Howes could represent their
national sides at youth level on Saturday.
Scully's Republic of Ireland U18s play hosts Sweden in the second match of
their three-team tournament on Saturday. The midfielder set up Ireland's
second goal in the 3-1 win over Hungary on Thursday night.
Meanwhile Howes is one of three goalkeepers travelling with England U19s to
face Mexico on Saturday in the first of two matches being played just
outside Mexico City.
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New video of Man Utd crush revealed
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 3rd June 2016
By: Staff Writer
A new video of the crush in which several thousand West Ham supporters were
involved prior to the recent meeting with Manchester United has been
unveiled.
A Manchester United supporter posting on the KUMB Forum this afternoon has
uploaded the video which demonstrates Police ignoring calls from supporters
to disperse the rapidly-swelling crowds (from 25:00), as Manchester United's
team bus attempted to enter the Boleyn Ground car park.
" I already contacted West Ham United, the Met Police, Newham Council and
the Football Supporters Federation," wrote MUFC_Away on the KUMB Forum.
"Only the FSF cared to respond.
West Ham supporters were vilified by the media for angry scenes before the
game in which a small group of individuals hurled missiles at Manchester
United's team bus, which arrived late before attempting to drive through the
heaving crowds.
http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129936
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Brown out
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 3rd June 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham youngster Jordan Brown has joined German side Hannover on a free
transfer. The 19-year-old, who signed for West Ham in June 2013 has joined
the German side who will play in the German second division (2. Bundesliga)
next season after finishing bottom of the Bundesliga in 2015/16. Brown, an
England Under 16 at the time joined West Ham from Arsenal having rejected
the opportunity to sign a scholarship with the Gunners, with whom he had
been since the age of eight. "Arsenal wanted to keep me, but I sat down
with my parents and my agents and we thought it was a better decision to
come to West Ham," he said at the time. "The opportunities are here and I
thought, at Arsenal, maybe I could have faded away; I've seen it happen
before. I thought the opportunity was there for me at West Ham and it has
the attributes for me to be what I want to be in football."
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Sunderland want Diafra Sakho from West Ham, say Sky sources
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 03/06/16 3:45pm
SSN
Sunderland have made an £11m bid for West Ham forward Diafra Sakho,
according to Sky sources. Sam Allardyce is looking to strengthen the
Sunderland squad after narrowly avoiding the drop last season and knows
Sakho well from his time as Hammers boss. Sakho was signed by Allardyce from
Metz in the summer of 2014 and was the top scorer for the Londoners the
following season with 12 goals in 26 games. He was not as prolific last
term, finishing with seven Premier League goals after missing time between
November and March due to a thigh injury. The 26-year-old Senegal
international may be available this summer for the right price, as West Ham
are in the market themselves and have put in bids for several strikers.
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AC/DC gig looks another OS loser
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 3, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The costs involved in preparing the Hammers' new home for the AC/DC concert
tomorrow are estimated to exceed any profit the gig may produce. The
legendary band will step on stage before thousands of fans but the work
involved in getting the OS ready has ruffled a few feathers among some of
those aware of what's been going on behind the scenes. Inside sources among
the builders told ClaretandHugh: "The entire building work had to stop for
seven days and contractors had to clear vast quantities of their stuff. It
looks likely to us the extra building costs created by this vacation of the
site will exceed any income from AC/DC and this forgets the fact things are
all delayed a week." We revealed earlier this morning that the stadium
recorded zero profit despite 12 major events being held there at a time when
the Hammers have long been unfairly criticised over their rent levels as new
anchor tenants.
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Exclusive: Twelve OS events yields zero cash!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 3, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham have been vilified right across the media after it was revealed we
will pay £2.5m per year index linked over 99 years to rent the Olympic
Stadium. The Guardian, followed by the BBC, egged on by the Charlton
Athletics Supporters Trust managed to convince many the Irons were fleecing
the taxpayer by paying so little. However, ClaretandHugh can now exclusively
reveal that according to official financial accounts released by the LLDC at
the end of May other stadium hirers appear to have paid absolutely nothing
in the last two years. Figures between 1st April 2014 and 31st March 2015
show zero income for the Stadium in rent while the same period for 1st April
2015 to 31st March 2016 show a minus figure of -£157,000 for income rental.
Meanwhile, the operating cost of running the stadium was reported as £2.62m
for the year finishing March 2015 and £1.176m against a budget of £705,000
for the year finishing March 2016. So the taxpayer has forked out £3.8m to
the run the stadium and appears to have received nothing back in rent. Last
year a total of 12 events were held at the Stadium on a paid for basis:
UK Athletics Anniversary Games over the weekend 24th-26th July 2015
Rugby match between Barbarians and Samoa on 29th August 2015
Rugby World Cup matches including France v Romania 23rd September 2015, New
Zealand v Namibia 24th September 2015, Ireland v Italy on October 4th 2015,
South Africa v United States on October 7th 2015 and the Rugby World Cup
bronze final on October 30th 2015
RaceTrackRugby League match between England and New Zealand on 7th November
2015
Race of Champions on weekend of 20th to 21st November 2015.
ClaretandHugh submitted a Freedom of Information request to the LLDC in
April to ask what rent other hirers had paid after the LLDC was forced to
reveal details of the confidential agreement between West Ham and the
stadium owners E20 Stadium LLP. That Freedom of information request has been
initially refused last month on grounds of protecting commercial interest of
the stadium owners, and another 20 days to consider the public interest case
in that request was requested. Maybe – and I am only speculating – they
don't want know other potential hirers to know they rented the stadium for
free between 2014-2016. ClaretandHugh asked the LLDC press office to
officially comment but we were told "We are looking into this for you and
will get back to you as soon as we can."
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Cost of OS transformation increases again
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 3, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The cost of converting the former Olympic Stadium has increased again by
another £5m financial accounts released by London Legacy Development
Corporation have revealed. The transformation program had previously hit
£272m after problems with the roof but the stadium owners have called off an
additional £5m from their contingency fund which is likely to fund the
alternative wrap comprising of 92 fabric panels and a giant TV screen which
was not previously budgeted for. It means the total cost of the initial
build and transformation of the Stadium rises to an eye watering £707m and
that doesn't include the millions spent by West Ham in replacing seats or
WestHamification or branding of the stadium.
Figures released in May show E20 LLP spent £90.11m of capital on stadium in
the financial year ending 31st march 2016 against an initial budget of
£72.3m, an over spend of £17.8m.
As we revealed this morning, income generated by the Stadium was recorded as
a minus figure of £157,000. Surely they didn't pay hirers to use the stadium
did they?
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Basildon store closes doors
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 3, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The West Ham club store in Eastgate Shopping Centre, Basildon has closed
it's doors for the last time due to the imminent grand opening of the new
club megastore in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford which three
times the size of the previous Boleyn ground store. An official West Ham
spokesman told Claret and Hugh this afternoon:
"The West Ham United Store at the Eastgate Shopping Centre was opened as a
pop-up to cope with high demand over the Christmas period. In response to
the store's popularity, the pop-up venture's run was extended but the store
has now closed as attention turns to the Club's new Megastore beside its
magnificent Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, due to open this
summer. "Details of the official new Club Store opening will be available
on whufc.com in the coming weeks."
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Slav confident top winger will sign
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 3, 2016 in News
C and H
Slaven Bilic is remaining confident that he can attract Gokhan Tore to West
Ham this summer but currently there is no deal in place. The West Ham
manager's admiration of the Besiktas winger is widely known and there have
been widespread reports of the player arriving as out latest signing within
days. But although that is not the case, sources inside the club remain
confident that the 24 year old Turkish international will join the Irons
this summer. The club's co chairman David Sullivan has been working hard
behind the scenes on various deals and has made it clear that no players
will be allowed to move on until they have been replaced with better. Tore
would certainy be a classy addition and although current reports about a
deal having been set up they are premature. However, we were told this
morning by a club insider: "The manager remains confident the player will
come to West Ham – he's always on our radar."
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Irons reject "joke" Sunderland Sakho bid
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 3, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham have told to Sunderland to stuff a "joke" offer they have made for
Diafra Sakho. Irons insiders told us earlier in the week that no offers have
been received for the Senegal front man but today it was reported by Sky
News that an £11m bid had been received. And just a few minutes ago a top
Hammers soure told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "It's a joke offer and
Sunderland know it – quite ridiculous." £11 million would not be acceptable
anyway and it was far less than that. To be honest it was almost as
unbelievable as it could possiby have got." We were told that Sunderland had
attached some totally ridiculous clauses to the offer which meant that to
reach the £11m mentioned they would have needed to have stayed up three
seasons in a row with Diafra starting a minimum of 30 games every season.
The Irons immediately explained that the offer was unacceptable at every
level!
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, June 4
Friday, June 3
Daily WHUFC News - 3rd May 2016
Samuelsen delighted by Norway debut
WHUFC.com
Martin Samuelsen was all smiles after making a successful senior international debut for Norway in Wednesday's 3-2 win over Iceland in Olso. The West Ham United winger came off the bench eight minutes after half-time to replace goalscorer Pal Andre Helland of Rosenborg with the hosts leading 2-1. Samuelsen caught the eye with his fast feet and willingness to take on his man and was involved in the move which led to Norway's third goal, scored by FC Groningen's Alexander Sorloth. Speaking to Norway's TV2 after the game at the Ullevaal Stadium, the 19-year-old was happy with his contribution, saying: "It's always nice to be involved when a goal is scored. That's why I want to play. It was fun!
"I did try a few things and to take on my defender, but did not always work. It's a bit of a long time since I've played a match, so I quickly got tired. I made some little stupid mistakes with my touch that I need to weed out the next time. "I'm not really happy when I lose the ball, but these things sometimes happen."
Samuelsen, who debuted for West Ham in the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round win over Maltese club Birkirkara in July 2015 following his arrival from Manchester City, could now be involved when Norway take on Iceland's fellow Euro 2016 qualifiers Belgium on Sunday. The confident teenager will certainly not be fazed should he be involved in Brussels. "It's good to get my debut done and out of the way," he continued. "It introduced me to the audience and allowed me to become familiar with the national team set-up and my teammates. "I can play the next game with more confidence now."
Norway coach Per-Mathias Hogmo was pleased with Samuelsen's senior debut, but avoided putting more pressure on a player whose skills and creativity have got the Norwegian football public excited. "We have seen his expertise in training, he has scored goals and has been so fearless and we saw that tonight," said Hogmo. "He has a unique talent, but you can see that he has a good way to go in terms of making the right decisions in match situations. But for a debut, I think we should give the boy credit and perhaps even more."
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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke on summer training programmes – with Spire Roding Hospital...
With our early start in the UEFA Europa League and prolonged run in the Emirates FA Cup, our season was considerably longer than normal. Therefore, it is vitally important that the players give their bodies and minds sufficient rest that they both need and deserve. Once they are refreshed, they will begin progressive individual maintenance programmes prior to returning for pre-season training. The off-season programme involves schedules for each player to follow over the next two months, along with the strength and conditioning work they are required to complete.
After a long season that included more games than normal, it is important that they fully rest in the beginning and then meet their individual programmes to enable them to come back in the right condition.
We hit the ground running in pre-season as we go to the United States, with a competitive game against Seattle Sounders early July, so this will require professionalism from the players and staff to be ready. It is important that the players do not rest for too long, so every player has been given an off-season programme that stipulates every exercise that they have to do to keep themselves in good shape. For example, the players rested from the end of the season and will do so until 9 June, when they start their first strength and conditioning session. This starts generally and slowly progresses to specific football related work.
We have a number of international players who have continued to train since the end of the season and we congratulate them on making their respective county's final selections, whether that be for Euro 2016, the Copa America, Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers or international friendly matches. For them, the off-season plan looks completely different as they will train and play until they are finished with their international commitments, and will then be important for them to have a few weeks to rest and recover mentally and physically before they join us after a specified period. For example, the four players who are taking part in the Euros will obviously finish at different times depending on how far their nations go in the competition – and of course we want them to go as far as possible. These players will of course have a shorter off-season, but they still need a period of rest.
Even if one or more of our players reaches the Euro 2016 final, there are still a few weeks from then until the start of the Premier League season. West Ham is on a journey and we want to be a top team, so the experience the players have at big tournaments like the European Championship finals will only benefit us as a Club. One other aspect to consider is that we have reached the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round, which starts on 28 July. Last season was a real challenge when we started in the first qualifying round, but we got the players fit and ready and we have confidence as a staff that we will do so again this time around.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
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Westley delighted for debutant Samuelsen
WHUFC.com
Academy Director and Head of Coaching and Player Development Terry Westley has hailed Martin Samuelsen's first senior international cap for Norway. Westley played a major role in attracting the exciting winger to join West Ham United from Manchester City in summer 2015. A year on and Samuelsen has made his Hammers debut, starred for loan club Peterborough United, helped the Development Squad to lift the U21 Premier League Cup and now made a successful bow for his national team. The Haugesund-born youngster caught the eye in Oslo, with his mazy run helping to set up Alexander Sorloth's winner in Norway's 3-2 victory. Westley, for one, says the teenager has worked hard for the opportunities he has earned over the past 12 months. "For any club to have full internationals shows they have a very talented team, but for someone of 19 years of age to be called-up to the full squad for matches against the likes of Portugal, Iceland and Belgium shows how far Martin has come in a short space of time," said the Academy Director. "He went out on loan and had a real impact for Peterborough against West Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup live on TV, has also done very well for our Under-21s and has consistently caught the eye. "As an Academy and as a Club, we were proud to see Martin become our latest full international when he came on and helped Norway to beat a decent Iceland side on Wednesday evening."
Westley says Samuelsen still has a way to go before he is the finished article, but his attitude, work ethic and match-winning ability will all stand him in good stead as he continues to develop. Having already featured twice for Slaven Bilic's side, the next challenge for the young Norwegian is to force his way into the first-team squad on a regular basis. "Even before he made his debut for Slaven last year, Martin showed glimpses of what a talented boy he is, so I'm delighted for him because he and his family put their trust in us by joining West Ham when he had many other options. "For Martin, making his Norway debut is a fairytale end to the season and will hopefully push him to achieve even more next season and make the next step in his career with us."
Samuelsen will hope to earn his second cap when Norway take on Euro 2016 qualifiers Belgium in Brussels on Sunday.
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New Stadium progress report
WHUFC.com
Following last week's installation of the World Cup winners' giant shirts on the new Stadium concourse, whufc.com brings supporters the very latest images from the Hammers' new home.
The Club's 50,000 plus Season Ticket Holders for the historic 2016/17 campaign will be particularly keen to note the bespoke Founders graphics going up. Every Season Ticket Holder will have their names proudly displayed on the walls of the iconic arena.
Elsewhere, the brand new Stadium Store is looking the part, ahead of its official opening later this summer.
The Stadium Store is nearly three times the size of its Boleyn Ground equivalent and, as well as a stylish Claret and Blue-themed coffee house, boasts a dedicated shirt printing area with 12 stations.
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Kouyate goes for AFCON qualification
WHUFC.com
Cheikhou Kouyate and Senegal will clinch qualification for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) if they avoid defeat in Burundi on Saturday.
The Lions of Teranga top Group K with four wins out of four so far, including a 3-1 home victory over Burundi in the reverse fixture played in June 2015.
Captain Kouyate and his compatriots know a win or a draw at the Prince Louis Rwagasore Stadium, Bujumbura, will secure their place at next summer's finals in Gabon.
With 25 caps and two goals, the West Ham United midfielder is a vital member of the Senegal squad, having scored in the 2-0 win in Namibia in the current AFCON qualifying campaign.
However, the West Africans took time out from their preparations in Burundi on Monday to pay an important tribute to the Tutsi people.
Kouyate, head coach Aliou Cisse and the squad visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Nyarugenge District in neighbouring Rwanda on Monday afternoon.
There, they paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. The team was showed around the memorial site, where the remains of 250,000 victims of the massacre were laid to rest.
In an Instagram post, Kouyate wrote: "Senegal National Team Pay Tribute to Genocide Victims of #Rwanda #Tutsi #Love #Peace #Respect #Senegal"
On Tuesday, Kouyate captained Senegal to a 2-0 friendly victory over Rwanda at the Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali, with Stoke City's Mame Biram Diouf among the scorers.
Saturday's vital qualifying match in Burundi kicks-off at 3pm local time (2pm BST).
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Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph still coming to terms with Euro 2016 inclusion
Last Updated: 02/06/16 6:35pm
SSN
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph has conceded he is still coming to terms with his involvement in Euro 2016. The West Ham goalkeeper will travel to France with Shay Given, one of his boyhood heroes, who he recalls trying to emulate during past international tournaments. Now the 29-year-old has the prospect of representing his country in a major competition for the first time, and he expects Given's experience will help him deal with the situation. Randolph said: "You are running around the pitch with your mates when you are younger calling out names of different players from different World Cups and European Championships, and it will be surreal to be there myself, involved in one.
"Shay is one of the names, yes. He was around then as well, so he would have been one of them, yes. Not only Irish goalkeepers, but most goalkeepers, he's up there with the top ones. "It's always good to have any experienced player there, especially someone with his experience. I was reading the programme the other day - 133 caps, or 134 after last night - that's invaluable."
Ireland boss Martin O'Neill rarely gives anything away about his team selection, even to the players, but Randolph and his fellow goalkeepers have become used to that. "It's how he works. It has been that way since he first came into the job. You go out and train, train hard and we know he's not going to have the team until we get to the changing room," Randolph said. "Everyone just prepares like you're going to play if you get the nod - and if you don't get the nod, be prepared to come on."
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West Ham's £15m bid for Carlos Bacca rejected by AC Milan - agent
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 02/06/16 10:53pm
SSN
West Ham's offer to sign AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca has been rejected, the player's agent has confirmed. Earlier this week, Sky sources reported that the Hammers had made a £15m bid for the Colombian. But his intermediary Sergio Barila confirmed to the Guardian on Thursday: "There was an offer last week from West Ham which was rejected, so we must wait. "Carlos is very happy in Milan because it is a very big club and he has enjoyed his time there so far. But they will not play in European competition next season and that could be a problem. "At the moment Carlos is training with the national team for the Copa America and it is likely we will have to wait for the new investors before anything can develop."
West Ham are confident they can sign a top striker this summer and have been putting in bids for forwards across Europe since the last day of the Premier League season. They had a £31m bid for Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette turned down last month as well as offers for Bournemouth duo Callum Wilson and Matt Ritchie, and Marseille forward Michy Batshuayi. Sky sources reported back in March that the Hammers had made Lacazette, Batshuayi and Liverpool's Christian Benteke their priority targets this summer. Bacca, 29, signed for AC Milan from Sevilla last summer and scored 18 goals in 38 Serie A performances as the club finished seventh.
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Burke linked with clubs -maybe we know why!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The Daily Mail say West Ham face a battle holding onto Reece Burke as Manchester City and Southampton both target the highly-rated young defender. The 'paper claims the Hammers will facing a fight to keep highly-rated youngster saying a host of Premier League clubs are plotting moves for the Hammers academy graduate. He also adds Newcastle have also shown a firm interest in the talented 19-year-old. Burke signed up with agent Mark Curtis towards the end of Sam Allardyce's final season at the club. Unsurprisingly there are no quotes from him or anybody else to back up the claims in what is a shamelessly speculative piece!. Maybe bored with with linking Reece Oxford with a move away the media appear to have turned turned their attentions to another West Ham star in the making. Agent activity is not ruled out Reece Oxford spolit the Sun's fun by laughing at suggestions he was asking for £40,000 calling them fake. In the modern world at least players have the right to reply quickly to dispel rumours on social media.
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Oxford..the agent.. and other int£re$ts
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
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By Pete Ellis
Agent provocateur or merely a football agent?
If you were to name the two biggest transfer sagas of recent years, the chances are the Raheem Sterling move to City and th Saido Berhinho non move to Spurs would be right up there.
Raheem believing he was the English Messi and wanting out of Liverpool was worthy of an episode in the Brookside soap while Berahino was being touted as a £20m player to Spurs, which seemed to me to be uncharacteristically generous from everyone's favourite the desperately dour and dull Mr Levy.
So what connects these two sorry affairs?
The agent. The guy that has these players "int€re$ts" at heart.
Call me crazy, but were both these players ready and willing for a big money move?
Even if they were, was it handled in a manner that would fill you with confidence if you were a player?
Sterling's gamble in playing hardball eventually paid off. Berhinho has suffered an embarrassment of a season in contrast, often holding the bibs on the bench while the fourth choice striker comes on to try and rescue a game.
It's a risky strategy, and one that causes serious rifts with both club and fans if you don't get you move.
With young Mr Oxford, the papers say that he'll sign a mega deal for for years with city, United, Liverpool etc.
The fact he can't sign anything longer than two years at the moment is irrelevant (as it makes the story less spectacular).
I think the Oxford family will probably know where Reece is likely to get more game time, and also where he can get more money. His agent knows, and I suspect we can imagine what option he prefers.
Regardless, Reece is a young man that has not said he wants to leave, so let's hold off on the character assassination just yet.
He could decide to go down the Reece Burke route and prove himself to be one of the outstanding players at League One or Championship level.
He may want West Ham action instead, but whatever he decides, if he stays we'll certainly back him, and if he goes, then it's a shame but better players have gone and we have been ok.
Let's wait and see what happens, as even as I write this, more reports of another club bidding and a signature on a new whufc deal are being touted about in equal measure.
We want everything NOW and the requirement to put in the graft is sometimes an inconvenience.
The fact people pollute our TVs most Saturday nights with a poor singing voice or a mediocre party trick are proof enough of that.
Same with young players. There are those that want the Audi TT at 17 and those that are more interested in playing the game and developing themselves.
Burke is clearly a young man that wants to do the graft. I suspect Oxford is the same, so let's hope he decides to show it at West Ham, rather than a reserve squad elsewhere. I still have faith in him staying, despite the agent that he has.
Over to you young Mr Oxford. Whatever you decide I'll wish you well (although how well will be up for discussion)!
Transfer windows, Twitter ITKs, and agents.
What a delightful cocktail…..
The views expressed are those solely of the blogger and are not necessarily shared by ClaretandHugh
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Hammers linked with Austrian playmaker
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
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According to a report from German newspaper Kicker West Ham is interested in Werder Bremen midfielder Zlatko Junuzovic.
The playmaker will be heading to the forthcoming European Championships this summer with Austria, and has made a huge impact in the Bundesliga since arriving at Bremen in 2012 from Austria Wien.
It is understood that the 28-year-old has recently been playing on the left side of the pitch in a wide formation and has since fallen out with his manager after stressing that his capabilities are better utilised from a central role.
Junuzovic has scored 15 goals in 115 appearances for Bremen and seven goals in 45 for his national side. West Ham can offer Europa League football next year which could sway a decision to the Premier League. Southampton are also said to be tracking him. West Ham played Werder Bremen in a pre-season friendly last August losing 2-1 in the last ever friendly at the Boleyn ground.
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Bacca's wage demands
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Carlos Bacca's agent, SergioBarila will fly to London for talks with West Ham over the possible transfer of the Inter Milan striker claims Sky Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio.
West Ham have reportedly offered 20 million Euros (£16m) despite Milan asking for 25 million Euros (£19.4m) for the 29 year old goal scorer and a deal seems some way off as it stands. The Colombian is currently Milan's joint top earner on 3.5 million euros per year (roughly £52,500 per week) but he wants a pay rise to a minimum 4 million Euros a year basic wage (roughly £60,000 per week) to join the Premier League plus peformance related bonuses. Bacca has smashed 20 goals for AC Milan this season in all competitions having arrived from Sevilla last summer, and that's now 97 league goals in the last four seasons, across spells with Belgian side Club Brugge, La Liga's Sevilla and now AC Milan.
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Irons 'Insider' shouldn't give up day job
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
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I'm still trying to work out exactly why West Ham's 'Insider' – who now and again appears on the official website – decided to do so today. Indeed he or she does so under the sub head: 'The Insider brings you exclusive insight into the behind-the-scenes goings on at West Ham United…
But apart from repeating rumours that have been in the media generally over the last few days/weeks and confirming what ClaretandHugh told you regarding Reece Oxford (that he's going nowhere) there appears to be absolutely nothing else happening as far as he or she is concerned. The expression 'insider' in these terms depends very much on having inside information – read on and make up your minds whether this qualifies… 'Another international player who has seen his name mentioned in conjunction with West Ham is AC Milan's Colombia striker Carlos Bacca, who is currently preparing to take part in the centennial Copa America tournament. 'The Insider understands the Club are on the lookout for new signings to add to that of Norway midfielder Havard Nordtveit, who will join on a free transfer on 1 July, with the intention that any new players markedly improve the strength of the squad.
'The Insider has been told that no senior players will be allowed to leave the Boleyn Ground until after their replacements have been secured. 'However, the Insider has learned that Hammers do not want to reveal the names of any targets for fear of alerting rival clubs to their interest. 'The media have also been speculating over the future of promising England U19 international Reece Oxford, with Manchester United among the clubs rumoured to be interested in securing the 17-year-old's services. 'The Insider has been told that West Ham have no intention of allowing Oxford to leave and are hopeful that the teenager will sign a new long-term contract in the near future.'
Well thanks for that Insider – don't give up the day job!
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Hammers linked with French International
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
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West Ham have made a 'very significant proposal' for young French defender Samuel Umtiti according to reports in French daily newspaper Le Parisen. The Cameroon-born France Under-21 international made 30 appearances for Lyon last season and is regarded as one of Europe's brightest young talents. Umtiti has previously been linked with moves to Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Spurs. France manager Didier Deschamps has named the 22-year-old on the standby list for this summer's European Championships which starts this month.
His natural position is centre-back but he can also play in the Left back. Despite being just 22 years of age Umtiti has played 163 times for Lyon, 140 of those at centre-back, 19 as left back. He has scored three times in 124 Ligue 1 appearances and once in 13 Europa League games. Last summer the then 21-year-old was claimed to snub offers from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City to play in the Premier League instead signing a new four-year contract with the French club.
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Turkish right back available on free transfer
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Fenerbahce full-back Gokhan Gonul has received interest from West Ham according to reports in Turkey. His agent, Ahmet Bulut was quoted in the Turkish media as saying: "Other than Besiktas there have been five offers which have come from England and Spain." A report in www.aksam.com.tr claims the Hammers reached an agreement-in-principle with the right-back whose contract with Fenerbahce expires in June. The Hammers are reported to have offered a three-year deal worth €2.5 million per-season (£37,000 per week) and a €3 million sign-on fee (£2,3m) who would join on a free transfer. 31-year-old Gonul has over 50 caps for Turkey and has been a regular at Fenerbahce since joining the club from Hacettepe in 2007. According to another Turkish football website, Ajansspor, Gonul wants to join Istanbul rivals and Slaven Bilic's former team Besiktas instead and is likely to turn down interest from West Ham.
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Clock ticking on Lacazette bid
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas claims the club will refuse any bid for Alexandre Lacazette from July onwards, irrelevant of the fee offered. "If on 28th August, we are offered €80m for Alexandre Lacazette, he will not leave," Aulas told French newspaper L'Equipe. 'However, if he comes to me in the days to come, because he has an offer he cannot refuse, it's possible. Finally, if there must be departures, they will be before June 30. There will be none after, except for minor players."
West Ham have already put in a bid of £31m only to have it rejected but a widely rumoured bid from PSG has yet to materialise. West Ham are sais to be happy to play a waiting game but that game will run out in less than a month's time if Aulas sticks to his word.
The 24-year-old has excelled once again this season, having followed up his Ligue 1-leading haul of 27 goals in 2014/15 with an impressive 21 goals this term – second only to Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic
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Ozzy unlikely to join West Ham this summer
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
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Oguzhan Özyakup has enjoyed his best season at to date in his young career at Besiktas. The 23 year old Turkish international was instrumental in Senol Günes' side that conquered the 2015-2016 Süper lig title. With 9 goals and 7 assists to his name as a playmaker, Oguzhan managed to impress friend and foe and attracted the interest of several clubs, including but not limited to Inter Milan, Chelsea as well as former coach Slaven Bilic.
Despite the plethora of interest Kaan Bayazit of www.besiktas-international.com says that Ozzy, as he is known in Turkey is not keen on an exit this Summer and instead wants to remain at least one more season with the Black Eagles to win another title and get some Champions League experience under his belt.
The 23-year-old played for Arsenal's youth set-up between 2008 and 2012 but never made a senior league appearance for the north London side. He's since made 110 appearances for the Turkish club and has broken into the Turkey international side.
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Sakho/Tomkins Sunderland update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Despite continuing rumours suggesting that both Diafra Sakho and James Tomkins are fancied by Sunderland, there has been "absolutely no contact" between the Hammers and Black Cats.
The local newspaper – the Northern Echo is again linking Sak strongly with a Sam Allardyce reunion which given the atmosphre beteen the pair seems odd in the extreme. Sakho went out of his way to thank David Sullivan for his move to the club after the former manager tried to turn a permanent move into a loan deal. And this morning a top source inside West Ham repeated assurances that nothing was currently on saying: "There has been no contact whatsoever for either player. "If something were going to happen one would have expeted to have heard some sort of word by now."
The Hammers co chairmen enjoy a good relationship with Sunderland chairman Ellis Short and would expect to have been injformed but our soure added: "It's entirely quiet – nothing."
Should interest surface in Sakho the Hammers have a £15 minimum price tag attached to him. The club have consistently claimed that no player will be sold until better ones are brought in and our source said: "That remains very much the case."
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Reece Oxford to reject Manchester United and sign long-term deal at West Ham United
Guardian Series
Reece Oxford is set to stay at West Ham as he is willing to sign a new long-term contract in the near future to fend off any potential suitors. The Daily Express reported Oxford is likely to commit to the Hammers after the club said they had no intention of allowing the 17-year-old to leave. Manchester United were reportedly interested in the England Under-19 international after his breakthrough season at the Boleyn Ground. The Sun linked United with a £15million move after Jose Mourinho, who was announced at Old Trafford last week, is said to have sanctioned a summer move for the defender.
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West Ham eyeing £6m-rated Prem star, may have to pay over double
By James Jones - Jun 1, 2016 0
westhamworld.co.uk
West Ham have expressed an interest in signing Newcastle forward Ayoze Perez, according to the International Business Times. The Spain U21 international only signed an improved contract with the Magpies earlier this year but is said to be considering a move away from St. James' Park this summer following the club's relegation to the Championship.
IBTimes claim the Hammers have joined Everton and Inter Milan in keeping close tabs on the 22-year-old's situation this summer, while he has also previously been linked with moves to Man United and Tottenham. It is being reported that Rafa Benitez is eager to keep Perez at Newcastle in order to boost his chances of guiding them back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, but would be willing to cash in if a club stumps up around £15m for the striker's services. That price tag may put potential suitors off, though West Ham's clear intentions of spending big money on players this summer may also put them in the driving seat for Perez's signature. Perez signed for Newcastle from Tenerife in 2014 and has since scored 13 goals in 70 Premier League appearances. Transfermarkt.com value him at just £6m, which is less than half Newcastle's reported asking price.
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STRIKER LINKED WITH WEST HAM MAKES MAJOR ADMISSION OVER HIS FUTUREFeatured Image
Date: 2nd June 2016 at 5:00am
Written by: Gareth McKnight
foreeverwesthamcom
West Ham United target Jonathan Calleri has admitted that he is closing in on getting an Italian passport, which would in turn facilitate a move to Europe. The Boca Juniors forward has impressed in his homeland and also scored consistently during a loan stint at Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo. With Calleri making headlines for his goals and individual performances, the promising attacker has been named in Argentina's Olympics squad for the summer event. A move to Europe looks like an inevitability, with West Ham one of those clubs said to be most closely looking at the South American ace. Calleri has stated that in the near future he wants to get his dream move to one of the continent's top leagues.
"In a month or so I should get an Italian passport, to relocate to Europe in September," he told Tutto Mercato Web. "That would be my dream." Should Calleri get an Italian passport it would remedy any work permit issues and make it much easier for West Ham to bring him to the Olympic Stadium. The Hammers are most likely set to sign two strikers this summer, with the Argentine potentially the second option.
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This is the most promising thing about West Ham's future….
By Rob Taylor - Jun 1, 2016 0
westhamworld.co.uk
So with the season behind us, Bilic providing us with Europa League football and the new look side taking to the Premiers League like ducks to water, we are now at close season.
And whilst the impatient amongst us await the start of the Euros, the launch of the fixture list and the release of a new kit, it isn't past me to sit and reflect on what we've seen, but also look forward to what should be a very exciting and prosperous future.
For a while, the opinion of Sam that our owners had was, whilst he'd done a good job for us and consolidated the side, he wasn't investing in the future.
Our academy, of which we had been so proud of for producing stars, was not getting much attention. Ultimately, it was important to consolidate and ensure we had Premier League survival, but at what cost?
Money was thrown around, and not all of it was spent successfully, but stay up we did, possibly at the expense of youth and our future.
So Sam eventually left, in time finding himself on Wearside, performing one of his famous survival routines. We cast our net as far as Turkey, bringing in an old Croatian face who not only provided success at his first knocking, but seems to have focused on bringing in, and developing youth.
Reece Oxford of course is the first name that springs to mind. His impressive display against Arsenal in August set the standard, and 90 minutes later we'd chalked up our first win of the season. Eyebrows were originally raised at the idea of playing an untested 16-year-old, but he admirably handled the threat of Mesut Ozil and broke up play with maturity beyond his years. Plaudits were tossed around for him after the game and well-deserved.
Add to him the younger players we sent out on loan. Reece Burke went on loan to Bradford City, playing the majority of the season for them, netting twice from defence. Impressive a feat as that is, for a youngster to go in and immediately play so often, even more incredible is his haul of trophies from the Bradford end of season awards, where Burke picked up seven, including Player Of The Season as voted for by both supporters and sponsors.
With Josh Cullen also plying his trade at Bradford, and Diego Poyet still gaining experience at various Championship sides, the learning curve they are climbing is very much invaluable.
Furthermore, investment is being made into signing young, up-and-coming players to benefit our future. Toni Martinez from Valencia has come in after the club tracked him for a while, seeing him as one definitely for the future.
Portuguese youngster Domingo Quina has come in from Chelsea, a talent that Academy coach Terry Westley ha already likened to Manuel Lanzini. As someone who is working alongside both players, this is nothing but encouraging news.
Martin Samuelsen, who signed last year from Manchester City, has already earned rave reviews from his loan performances at Peterborough, even getting called up to the Norway senior squad at just 19-years-old. Once he gets the chance, which given the European adventure on the horizon could be this season, I'm sure he'll grab it with both hands.
Serbian striker Luka Belic has also come in, looking to emulate the success of those who have come before him.
So, whilst we look forward to next season with anticipation, wondering who our next big signing will be and what colour our third kit will turn out once unveiled, it's worth maybe looking even further into the future and just wondering if the current crop of youngsters could be part of a famous West Ham story.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Martin Samuelsen was all smiles after making a successful senior international debut for Norway in Wednesday's 3-2 win over Iceland in Olso. The West Ham United winger came off the bench eight minutes after half-time to replace goalscorer Pal Andre Helland of Rosenborg with the hosts leading 2-1. Samuelsen caught the eye with his fast feet and willingness to take on his man and was involved in the move which led to Norway's third goal, scored by FC Groningen's Alexander Sorloth. Speaking to Norway's TV2 after the game at the Ullevaal Stadium, the 19-year-old was happy with his contribution, saying: "It's always nice to be involved when a goal is scored. That's why I want to play. It was fun!
"I did try a few things and to take on my defender, but did not always work. It's a bit of a long time since I've played a match, so I quickly got tired. I made some little stupid mistakes with my touch that I need to weed out the next time. "I'm not really happy when I lose the ball, but these things sometimes happen."
Samuelsen, who debuted for West Ham in the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round win over Maltese club Birkirkara in July 2015 following his arrival from Manchester City, could now be involved when Norway take on Iceland's fellow Euro 2016 qualifiers Belgium on Sunday. The confident teenager will certainly not be fazed should he be involved in Brussels. "It's good to get my debut done and out of the way," he continued. "It introduced me to the audience and allowed me to become familiar with the national team set-up and my teammates. "I can play the next game with more confidence now."
Norway coach Per-Mathias Hogmo was pleased with Samuelsen's senior debut, but avoided putting more pressure on a player whose skills and creativity have got the Norwegian football public excited. "We have seen his expertise in training, he has scored goals and has been so fearless and we saw that tonight," said Hogmo. "He has a unique talent, but you can see that he has a good way to go in terms of making the right decisions in match situations. But for a debut, I think we should give the boy credit and perhaps even more."
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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke on summer training programmes – with Spire Roding Hospital...
With our early start in the UEFA Europa League and prolonged run in the Emirates FA Cup, our season was considerably longer than normal. Therefore, it is vitally important that the players give their bodies and minds sufficient rest that they both need and deserve. Once they are refreshed, they will begin progressive individual maintenance programmes prior to returning for pre-season training. The off-season programme involves schedules for each player to follow over the next two months, along with the strength and conditioning work they are required to complete.
After a long season that included more games than normal, it is important that they fully rest in the beginning and then meet their individual programmes to enable them to come back in the right condition.
We hit the ground running in pre-season as we go to the United States, with a competitive game against Seattle Sounders early July, so this will require professionalism from the players and staff to be ready. It is important that the players do not rest for too long, so every player has been given an off-season programme that stipulates every exercise that they have to do to keep themselves in good shape. For example, the players rested from the end of the season and will do so until 9 June, when they start their first strength and conditioning session. This starts generally and slowly progresses to specific football related work.
We have a number of international players who have continued to train since the end of the season and we congratulate them on making their respective county's final selections, whether that be for Euro 2016, the Copa America, Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers or international friendly matches. For them, the off-season plan looks completely different as they will train and play until they are finished with their international commitments, and will then be important for them to have a few weeks to rest and recover mentally and physically before they join us after a specified period. For example, the four players who are taking part in the Euros will obviously finish at different times depending on how far their nations go in the competition – and of course we want them to go as far as possible. These players will of course have a shorter off-season, but they still need a period of rest.
Even if one or more of our players reaches the Euro 2016 final, there are still a few weeks from then until the start of the Premier League season. West Ham is on a journey and we want to be a top team, so the experience the players have at big tournaments like the European Championship finals will only benefit us as a Club. One other aspect to consider is that we have reached the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round, which starts on 28 July. Last season was a real challenge when we started in the first qualifying round, but we got the players fit and ready and we have confidence as a staff that we will do so again this time around.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
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Westley delighted for debutant Samuelsen
WHUFC.com
Academy Director and Head of Coaching and Player Development Terry Westley has hailed Martin Samuelsen's first senior international cap for Norway. Westley played a major role in attracting the exciting winger to join West Ham United from Manchester City in summer 2015. A year on and Samuelsen has made his Hammers debut, starred for loan club Peterborough United, helped the Development Squad to lift the U21 Premier League Cup and now made a successful bow for his national team. The Haugesund-born youngster caught the eye in Oslo, with his mazy run helping to set up Alexander Sorloth's winner in Norway's 3-2 victory. Westley, for one, says the teenager has worked hard for the opportunities he has earned over the past 12 months. "For any club to have full internationals shows they have a very talented team, but for someone of 19 years of age to be called-up to the full squad for matches against the likes of Portugal, Iceland and Belgium shows how far Martin has come in a short space of time," said the Academy Director. "He went out on loan and had a real impact for Peterborough against West Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup live on TV, has also done very well for our Under-21s and has consistently caught the eye. "As an Academy and as a Club, we were proud to see Martin become our latest full international when he came on and helped Norway to beat a decent Iceland side on Wednesday evening."
Westley says Samuelsen still has a way to go before he is the finished article, but his attitude, work ethic and match-winning ability will all stand him in good stead as he continues to develop. Having already featured twice for Slaven Bilic's side, the next challenge for the young Norwegian is to force his way into the first-team squad on a regular basis. "Even before he made his debut for Slaven last year, Martin showed glimpses of what a talented boy he is, so I'm delighted for him because he and his family put their trust in us by joining West Ham when he had many other options. "For Martin, making his Norway debut is a fairytale end to the season and will hopefully push him to achieve even more next season and make the next step in his career with us."
Samuelsen will hope to earn his second cap when Norway take on Euro 2016 qualifiers Belgium in Brussels on Sunday.
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New Stadium progress report
WHUFC.com
Following last week's installation of the World Cup winners' giant shirts on the new Stadium concourse, whufc.com brings supporters the very latest images from the Hammers' new home.
The Club's 50,000 plus Season Ticket Holders for the historic 2016/17 campaign will be particularly keen to note the bespoke Founders graphics going up. Every Season Ticket Holder will have their names proudly displayed on the walls of the iconic arena.
Elsewhere, the brand new Stadium Store is looking the part, ahead of its official opening later this summer.
The Stadium Store is nearly three times the size of its Boleyn Ground equivalent and, as well as a stylish Claret and Blue-themed coffee house, boasts a dedicated shirt printing area with 12 stations.
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Kouyate goes for AFCON qualification
WHUFC.com
Cheikhou Kouyate and Senegal will clinch qualification for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) if they avoid defeat in Burundi on Saturday.
The Lions of Teranga top Group K with four wins out of four so far, including a 3-1 home victory over Burundi in the reverse fixture played in June 2015.
Captain Kouyate and his compatriots know a win or a draw at the Prince Louis Rwagasore Stadium, Bujumbura, will secure their place at next summer's finals in Gabon.
With 25 caps and two goals, the West Ham United midfielder is a vital member of the Senegal squad, having scored in the 2-0 win in Namibia in the current AFCON qualifying campaign.
However, the West Africans took time out from their preparations in Burundi on Monday to pay an important tribute to the Tutsi people.
Kouyate, head coach Aliou Cisse and the squad visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Nyarugenge District in neighbouring Rwanda on Monday afternoon.
There, they paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. The team was showed around the memorial site, where the remains of 250,000 victims of the massacre were laid to rest.
In an Instagram post, Kouyate wrote: "Senegal National Team Pay Tribute to Genocide Victims of #Rwanda #Tutsi #Love #Peace #Respect #Senegal"
On Tuesday, Kouyate captained Senegal to a 2-0 friendly victory over Rwanda at the Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali, with Stoke City's Mame Biram Diouf among the scorers.
Saturday's vital qualifying match in Burundi kicks-off at 3pm local time (2pm BST).
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Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph still coming to terms with Euro 2016 inclusion
Last Updated: 02/06/16 6:35pm
SSN
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph has conceded he is still coming to terms with his involvement in Euro 2016. The West Ham goalkeeper will travel to France with Shay Given, one of his boyhood heroes, who he recalls trying to emulate during past international tournaments. Now the 29-year-old has the prospect of representing his country in a major competition for the first time, and he expects Given's experience will help him deal with the situation. Randolph said: "You are running around the pitch with your mates when you are younger calling out names of different players from different World Cups and European Championships, and it will be surreal to be there myself, involved in one.
"Shay is one of the names, yes. He was around then as well, so he would have been one of them, yes. Not only Irish goalkeepers, but most goalkeepers, he's up there with the top ones. "It's always good to have any experienced player there, especially someone with his experience. I was reading the programme the other day - 133 caps, or 134 after last night - that's invaluable."
Ireland boss Martin O'Neill rarely gives anything away about his team selection, even to the players, but Randolph and his fellow goalkeepers have become used to that. "It's how he works. It has been that way since he first came into the job. You go out and train, train hard and we know he's not going to have the team until we get to the changing room," Randolph said. "Everyone just prepares like you're going to play if you get the nod - and if you don't get the nod, be prepared to come on."
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West Ham's £15m bid for Carlos Bacca rejected by AC Milan - agent
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 02/06/16 10:53pm
SSN
West Ham's offer to sign AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca has been rejected, the player's agent has confirmed. Earlier this week, Sky sources reported that the Hammers had made a £15m bid for the Colombian. But his intermediary Sergio Barila confirmed to the Guardian on Thursday: "There was an offer last week from West Ham which was rejected, so we must wait. "Carlos is very happy in Milan because it is a very big club and he has enjoyed his time there so far. But they will not play in European competition next season and that could be a problem. "At the moment Carlos is training with the national team for the Copa America and it is likely we will have to wait for the new investors before anything can develop."
West Ham are confident they can sign a top striker this summer and have been putting in bids for forwards across Europe since the last day of the Premier League season. They had a £31m bid for Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette turned down last month as well as offers for Bournemouth duo Callum Wilson and Matt Ritchie, and Marseille forward Michy Batshuayi. Sky sources reported back in March that the Hammers had made Lacazette, Batshuayi and Liverpool's Christian Benteke their priority targets this summer. Bacca, 29, signed for AC Milan from Sevilla last summer and scored 18 goals in 38 Serie A performances as the club finished seventh.
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Burke linked with clubs -maybe we know why!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The Daily Mail say West Ham face a battle holding onto Reece Burke as Manchester City and Southampton both target the highly-rated young defender. The 'paper claims the Hammers will facing a fight to keep highly-rated youngster saying a host of Premier League clubs are plotting moves for the Hammers academy graduate. He also adds Newcastle have also shown a firm interest in the talented 19-year-old. Burke signed up with agent Mark Curtis towards the end of Sam Allardyce's final season at the club. Unsurprisingly there are no quotes from him or anybody else to back up the claims in what is a shamelessly speculative piece!. Maybe bored with with linking Reece Oxford with a move away the media appear to have turned turned their attentions to another West Ham star in the making. Agent activity is not ruled out Reece Oxford spolit the Sun's fun by laughing at suggestions he was asking for £40,000 calling them fake. In the modern world at least players have the right to reply quickly to dispel rumours on social media.
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Oxford..the agent.. and other int£re$ts
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
By Pete Ellis
Agent provocateur or merely a football agent?
If you were to name the two biggest transfer sagas of recent years, the chances are the Raheem Sterling move to City and th Saido Berhinho non move to Spurs would be right up there.
Raheem believing he was the English Messi and wanting out of Liverpool was worthy of an episode in the Brookside soap while Berahino was being touted as a £20m player to Spurs, which seemed to me to be uncharacteristically generous from everyone's favourite the desperately dour and dull Mr Levy.
So what connects these two sorry affairs?
The agent. The guy that has these players "int€re$ts" at heart.
Call me crazy, but were both these players ready and willing for a big money move?
Even if they were, was it handled in a manner that would fill you with confidence if you were a player?
Sterling's gamble in playing hardball eventually paid off. Berhinho has suffered an embarrassment of a season in contrast, often holding the bibs on the bench while the fourth choice striker comes on to try and rescue a game.
It's a risky strategy, and one that causes serious rifts with both club and fans if you don't get you move.
With young Mr Oxford, the papers say that he'll sign a mega deal for for years with city, United, Liverpool etc.
The fact he can't sign anything longer than two years at the moment is irrelevant (as it makes the story less spectacular).
I think the Oxford family will probably know where Reece is likely to get more game time, and also where he can get more money. His agent knows, and I suspect we can imagine what option he prefers.
Regardless, Reece is a young man that has not said he wants to leave, so let's hold off on the character assassination just yet.
He could decide to go down the Reece Burke route and prove himself to be one of the outstanding players at League One or Championship level.
He may want West Ham action instead, but whatever he decides, if he stays we'll certainly back him, and if he goes, then it's a shame but better players have gone and we have been ok.
Let's wait and see what happens, as even as I write this, more reports of another club bidding and a signature on a new whufc deal are being touted about in equal measure.
We want everything NOW and the requirement to put in the graft is sometimes an inconvenience.
The fact people pollute our TVs most Saturday nights with a poor singing voice or a mediocre party trick are proof enough of that.
Same with young players. There are those that want the Audi TT at 17 and those that are more interested in playing the game and developing themselves.
Burke is clearly a young man that wants to do the graft. I suspect Oxford is the same, so let's hope he decides to show it at West Ham, rather than a reserve squad elsewhere. I still have faith in him staying, despite the agent that he has.
Over to you young Mr Oxford. Whatever you decide I'll wish you well (although how well will be up for discussion)!
Transfer windows, Twitter ITKs, and agents.
What a delightful cocktail…..
The views expressed are those solely of the blogger and are not necessarily shared by ClaretandHugh
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Hammers linked with Austrian playmaker
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
According to a report from German newspaper Kicker West Ham is interested in Werder Bremen midfielder Zlatko Junuzovic.
The playmaker will be heading to the forthcoming European Championships this summer with Austria, and has made a huge impact in the Bundesliga since arriving at Bremen in 2012 from Austria Wien.
It is understood that the 28-year-old has recently been playing on the left side of the pitch in a wide formation and has since fallen out with his manager after stressing that his capabilities are better utilised from a central role.
Junuzovic has scored 15 goals in 115 appearances for Bremen and seven goals in 45 for his national side. West Ham can offer Europa League football next year which could sway a decision to the Premier League. Southampton are also said to be tracking him. West Ham played Werder Bremen in a pre-season friendly last August losing 2-1 in the last ever friendly at the Boleyn ground.
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Bacca's wage demands
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Carlos Bacca's agent, SergioBarila will fly to London for talks with West Ham over the possible transfer of the Inter Milan striker claims Sky Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio.
West Ham have reportedly offered 20 million Euros (£16m) despite Milan asking for 25 million Euros (£19.4m) for the 29 year old goal scorer and a deal seems some way off as it stands. The Colombian is currently Milan's joint top earner on 3.5 million euros per year (roughly £52,500 per week) but he wants a pay rise to a minimum 4 million Euros a year basic wage (roughly £60,000 per week) to join the Premier League plus peformance related bonuses. Bacca has smashed 20 goals for AC Milan this season in all competitions having arrived from Sevilla last summer, and that's now 97 league goals in the last four seasons, across spells with Belgian side Club Brugge, La Liga's Sevilla and now AC Milan.
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Irons 'Insider' shouldn't give up day job
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 1, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
I'm still trying to work out exactly why West Ham's 'Insider' – who now and again appears on the official website – decided to do so today. Indeed he or she does so under the sub head: 'The Insider brings you exclusive insight into the behind-the-scenes goings on at West Ham United…
But apart from repeating rumours that have been in the media generally over the last few days/weeks and confirming what ClaretandHugh told you regarding Reece Oxford (that he's going nowhere) there appears to be absolutely nothing else happening as far as he or she is concerned. The expression 'insider' in these terms depends very much on having inside information – read on and make up your minds whether this qualifies… 'Another international player who has seen his name mentioned in conjunction with West Ham is AC Milan's Colombia striker Carlos Bacca, who is currently preparing to take part in the centennial Copa America tournament. 'The Insider understands the Club are on the lookout for new signings to add to that of Norway midfielder Havard Nordtveit, who will join on a free transfer on 1 July, with the intention that any new players markedly improve the strength of the squad.
'The Insider has been told that no senior players will be allowed to leave the Boleyn Ground until after their replacements have been secured. 'However, the Insider has learned that Hammers do not want to reveal the names of any targets for fear of alerting rival clubs to their interest. 'The media have also been speculating over the future of promising England U19 international Reece Oxford, with Manchester United among the clubs rumoured to be interested in securing the 17-year-old's services. 'The Insider has been told that West Ham have no intention of allowing Oxford to leave and are hopeful that the teenager will sign a new long-term contract in the near future.'
Well thanks for that Insider – don't give up the day job!
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Hammers linked with French International
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham have made a 'very significant proposal' for young French defender Samuel Umtiti according to reports in French daily newspaper Le Parisen. The Cameroon-born France Under-21 international made 30 appearances for Lyon last season and is regarded as one of Europe's brightest young talents. Umtiti has previously been linked with moves to Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Spurs. France manager Didier Deschamps has named the 22-year-old on the standby list for this summer's European Championships which starts this month.
His natural position is centre-back but he can also play in the Left back. Despite being just 22 years of age Umtiti has played 163 times for Lyon, 140 of those at centre-back, 19 as left back. He has scored three times in 124 Ligue 1 appearances and once in 13 Europa League games. Last summer the then 21-year-old was claimed to snub offers from Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City to play in the Premier League instead signing a new four-year contract with the French club.
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Turkish right back available on free transfer
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Fenerbahce full-back Gokhan Gonul has received interest from West Ham according to reports in Turkey. His agent, Ahmet Bulut was quoted in the Turkish media as saying: "Other than Besiktas there have been five offers which have come from England and Spain." A report in www.aksam.com.tr claims the Hammers reached an agreement-in-principle with the right-back whose contract with Fenerbahce expires in June. The Hammers are reported to have offered a three-year deal worth €2.5 million per-season (£37,000 per week) and a €3 million sign-on fee (£2,3m) who would join on a free transfer. 31-year-old Gonul has over 50 caps for Turkey and has been a regular at Fenerbahce since joining the club from Hacettepe in 2007. According to another Turkish football website, Ajansspor, Gonul wants to join Istanbul rivals and Slaven Bilic's former team Besiktas instead and is likely to turn down interest from West Ham.
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Clock ticking on Lacazette bid
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas claims the club will refuse any bid for Alexandre Lacazette from July onwards, irrelevant of the fee offered. "If on 28th August, we are offered €80m for Alexandre Lacazette, he will not leave," Aulas told French newspaper L'Equipe. 'However, if he comes to me in the days to come, because he has an offer he cannot refuse, it's possible. Finally, if there must be departures, they will be before June 30. There will be none after, except for minor players."
West Ham have already put in a bid of £31m only to have it rejected but a widely rumoured bid from PSG has yet to materialise. West Ham are sais to be happy to play a waiting game but that game will run out in less than a month's time if Aulas sticks to his word.
The 24-year-old has excelled once again this season, having followed up his Ligue 1-leading haul of 27 goals in 2014/15 with an impressive 21 goals this term – second only to Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic
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Ozzy unlikely to join West Ham this summer
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Oguzhan Özyakup has enjoyed his best season at to date in his young career at Besiktas. The 23 year old Turkish international was instrumental in Senol Günes' side that conquered the 2015-2016 Süper lig title. With 9 goals and 7 assists to his name as a playmaker, Oguzhan managed to impress friend and foe and attracted the interest of several clubs, including but not limited to Inter Milan, Chelsea as well as former coach Slaven Bilic.
Despite the plethora of interest Kaan Bayazit of www.besiktas-international.com says that Ozzy, as he is known in Turkey is not keen on an exit this Summer and instead wants to remain at least one more season with the Black Eagles to win another title and get some Champions League experience under his belt.
The 23-year-old played for Arsenal's youth set-up between 2008 and 2012 but never made a senior league appearance for the north London side. He's since made 110 appearances for the Turkish club and has broken into the Turkey international side.
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Sakho/Tomkins Sunderland update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Despite continuing rumours suggesting that both Diafra Sakho and James Tomkins are fancied by Sunderland, there has been "absolutely no contact" between the Hammers and Black Cats.
The local newspaper – the Northern Echo is again linking Sak strongly with a Sam Allardyce reunion which given the atmosphre beteen the pair seems odd in the extreme. Sakho went out of his way to thank David Sullivan for his move to the club after the former manager tried to turn a permanent move into a loan deal. And this morning a top source inside West Ham repeated assurances that nothing was currently on saying: "There has been no contact whatsoever for either player. "If something were going to happen one would have expeted to have heard some sort of word by now."
The Hammers co chairmen enjoy a good relationship with Sunderland chairman Ellis Short and would expect to have been injformed but our soure added: "It's entirely quiet – nothing."
Should interest surface in Sakho the Hammers have a £15 minimum price tag attached to him. The club have consistently claimed that no player will be sold until better ones are brought in and our source said: "That remains very much the case."
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Reece Oxford to reject Manchester United and sign long-term deal at West Ham United
Guardian Series
Reece Oxford is set to stay at West Ham as he is willing to sign a new long-term contract in the near future to fend off any potential suitors. The Daily Express reported Oxford is likely to commit to the Hammers after the club said they had no intention of allowing the 17-year-old to leave. Manchester United were reportedly interested in the England Under-19 international after his breakthrough season at the Boleyn Ground. The Sun linked United with a £15million move after Jose Mourinho, who was announced at Old Trafford last week, is said to have sanctioned a summer move for the defender.
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West Ham eyeing £6m-rated Prem star, may have to pay over double
By James Jones - Jun 1, 2016 0
westhamworld.co.uk
West Ham have expressed an interest in signing Newcastle forward Ayoze Perez, according to the International Business Times. The Spain U21 international only signed an improved contract with the Magpies earlier this year but is said to be considering a move away from St. James' Park this summer following the club's relegation to the Championship.
IBTimes claim the Hammers have joined Everton and Inter Milan in keeping close tabs on the 22-year-old's situation this summer, while he has also previously been linked with moves to Man United and Tottenham. It is being reported that Rafa Benitez is eager to keep Perez at Newcastle in order to boost his chances of guiding them back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, but would be willing to cash in if a club stumps up around £15m for the striker's services. That price tag may put potential suitors off, though West Ham's clear intentions of spending big money on players this summer may also put them in the driving seat for Perez's signature. Perez signed for Newcastle from Tenerife in 2014 and has since scored 13 goals in 70 Premier League appearances. Transfermarkt.com value him at just £6m, which is less than half Newcastle's reported asking price.
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STRIKER LINKED WITH WEST HAM MAKES MAJOR ADMISSION OVER HIS FUTUREFeatured Image
Date: 2nd June 2016 at 5:00am
Written by: Gareth McKnight
foreeverwesthamcom
West Ham United target Jonathan Calleri has admitted that he is closing in on getting an Italian passport, which would in turn facilitate a move to Europe. The Boca Juniors forward has impressed in his homeland and also scored consistently during a loan stint at Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo. With Calleri making headlines for his goals and individual performances, the promising attacker has been named in Argentina's Olympics squad for the summer event. A move to Europe looks like an inevitability, with West Ham one of those clubs said to be most closely looking at the South American ace. Calleri has stated that in the near future he wants to get his dream move to one of the continent's top leagues.
"In a month or so I should get an Italian passport, to relocate to Europe in September," he told Tutto Mercato Web. "That would be my dream." Should Calleri get an Italian passport it would remedy any work permit issues and make it much easier for West Ham to bring him to the Olympic Stadium. The Hammers are most likely set to sign two strikers this summer, with the Argentine potentially the second option.
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This is the most promising thing about West Ham's future….
By Rob Taylor - Jun 1, 2016 0
westhamworld.co.uk
So with the season behind us, Bilic providing us with Europa League football and the new look side taking to the Premiers League like ducks to water, we are now at close season.
And whilst the impatient amongst us await the start of the Euros, the launch of the fixture list and the release of a new kit, it isn't past me to sit and reflect on what we've seen, but also look forward to what should be a very exciting and prosperous future.
For a while, the opinion of Sam that our owners had was, whilst he'd done a good job for us and consolidated the side, he wasn't investing in the future.
Our academy, of which we had been so proud of for producing stars, was not getting much attention. Ultimately, it was important to consolidate and ensure we had Premier League survival, but at what cost?
Money was thrown around, and not all of it was spent successfully, but stay up we did, possibly at the expense of youth and our future.
So Sam eventually left, in time finding himself on Wearside, performing one of his famous survival routines. We cast our net as far as Turkey, bringing in an old Croatian face who not only provided success at his first knocking, but seems to have focused on bringing in, and developing youth.
Reece Oxford of course is the first name that springs to mind. His impressive display against Arsenal in August set the standard, and 90 minutes later we'd chalked up our first win of the season. Eyebrows were originally raised at the idea of playing an untested 16-year-old, but he admirably handled the threat of Mesut Ozil and broke up play with maturity beyond his years. Plaudits were tossed around for him after the game and well-deserved.
Add to him the younger players we sent out on loan. Reece Burke went on loan to Bradford City, playing the majority of the season for them, netting twice from defence. Impressive a feat as that is, for a youngster to go in and immediately play so often, even more incredible is his haul of trophies from the Bradford end of season awards, where Burke picked up seven, including Player Of The Season as voted for by both supporters and sponsors.
With Josh Cullen also plying his trade at Bradford, and Diego Poyet still gaining experience at various Championship sides, the learning curve they are climbing is very much invaluable.
Furthermore, investment is being made into signing young, up-and-coming players to benefit our future. Toni Martinez from Valencia has come in after the club tracked him for a while, seeing him as one definitely for the future.
Portuguese youngster Domingo Quina has come in from Chelsea, a talent that Academy coach Terry Westley ha already likened to Manuel Lanzini. As someone who is working alongside both players, this is nothing but encouraging news.
Martin Samuelsen, who signed last year from Manchester City, has already earned rave reviews from his loan performances at Peterborough, even getting called up to the Norway senior squad at just 19-years-old. Once he gets the chance, which given the European adventure on the horizon could be this season, I'm sure he'll grab it with both hands.
Serbian striker Luka Belic has also come in, looking to emulate the success of those who have come before him.
So, whilst we look forward to next season with anticipation, wondering who our next big signing will be and what colour our third kit will turn out once unveiled, it's worth maybe looking even further into the future and just wondering if the current crop of youngsters could be part of a famous West Ham story.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 2
Daily WHUFC News - 2nd May 2016
Samuelsen hopeful of Norway debut
WHUFC.com
Martin Samuelsen is hoping to make his full international debut for Norway in Wednesday's meeting with Iceland in Olso. The West Ham United winger was an unused substitute as the Norwegians fell to a 3-0 defeat in Portugal on Sunday evening, having been called into the senior squad from the U21s by coach Per-Mathias Høgmo. Despite the arrival of home-based players in the squad, the 19-year-old has been retained and could be handed his senior bow when Høgmo's side welcome the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers to the Ullevaal Stadium. The Norway coach has said publicly that Samuelsen's opportunity 'will surely come sooner or later' but said he had opted not to throw the Hammers youngster and fellow teenager Ulrik Yttergård Jenssen into Sunday's defeat in Porto. "I wasn't sure I would be retained in the senior squad for this match, but when I heard I would be I was happy," said Samuelsen, who made his Hammers debut in a UEFA Europa League second qualifying round win over Maltese side Birkirkara at the Boleyn Ground in July 2015. "Hopefully I'll make my debut in the next match. "I don't think it makes much difference that this game is at home and the Portugal game was away in Lisbon, but this game is against a slightly different opponent.
"I did allow my expectations to build up on Sunday when I was asked to warm-up, and I was disappointed there and then when I didn't come on, but now my head is clear and I'm ready for the next game. "I'll do my best and hopefully it will be good enough for senior international level."
Elsewhere, fellow teenager Anthony Scully has been named in the Republic of Ireland U18 squad for an Invitational Tournament in Sweden. The Hammers midfielder and his fellow Boys in Green will meet Hungary in Kastvallen on Thursday 2 June at 7pm local time, before tackling the Swedes at Stalringens ishall at 11am local time on Saturday 4 June.
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Proud Carter signs pro deal
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce that 18-year-old midfielder Matt Carter has signed a professional contract with the Club. Having impressed during 19 appearances for the U18s, the youngster capped off a successful campaign by signing a new contract with the club he first joined as a five-year-old. After putting pen to paper, Carter said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have signed my first professional contract, it's been my dream ever since I started at West Ham. "It's a great achievement, I am very proud of myself and my family, I always try to make them proud. "It's been 13 years of hard work to get to this point so I am very glad and hopefully there'll be more to come."
Reflecting on a breakthrough campaign, Carter further impressed while on Development Squad duty, playing a key part in the Hammers' 4-1 victory away at Newcastle United. The east London native rounded off a great personal performance by scoring the Hammers' fourth goal of the evening with a well-executed lob from distance. He continued: "Personally I think I had a good season just finished. I was happy to be out on the pitch as I've had a few injuries in the past few seasons. Now I've been out playing a lot and playing pretty well so I'm happy. I hope that continues into next season. "I think my major highlight so far at West Ham is making my U21 debut at such a young age, I hope that one day I can make it into the first team and play at the new stadium. "Obviously, I've always dreamt of this moment so I am very happy. A lot of the coaches have been here since I started so it's nice to come through with them. I've also been supported by the new coaches so everyone has really helped me become the player I am today."
Having recently returned from the Development Squad's Hong Kong Soccer Sevens campaign which saw them finish runners up for the second consecutive year, Carter is already looking ahead to next term. And in what promises to be a hugely exciting first year at the club's fantastic new stadium, Carter finished by setting his sights high: "I haven't actually been there yet but from what I've heard it's going to be amazing, and I hope I'll play there plenty of times. 60,000 West Ham fans in one place, I hope one day they cheer my name!
"I'd describe myself as a box-to-box midfielder, I'm more of a No8 than a No4 who just sits. My favourite player is Luka Modric, I think he's the best midfielder in the world at the moment. I was watching him closely in the Champions League final, he is the player I want to become in the long run. "Next season I really want to establish myself in the U21s, start every week and hopefully impress Slaven Bilic and get on his radar."
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The Insider
WHUFC.com
The Insider brings you exclusive insight into the behind-the-scenes goings on at West Ham United...
West Ham United have been linked to a number of players in the media in recent days.
Lyon and France pair Samuel Umtiti and Alexandre Lacazette have both been named as Hammers targets, with Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain also reportedly interested in securing the services of the latter.
Another international player who has seen his name mentioned in conjunction with West Ham is AC Milan's Colombia striker Carlos Bacca, who is currently preparing to take part in the centennial Copa America tournament.
The Insider understands the Club are on the lookout for new signings to add to that of Norway midfielder Havard Nordtveit, who will join on a free transfer on 1 July, with the intention that any new players markedly improve the strength of the squad.
The Insider has been told that no senior players will be allowed to leave the Boleyn Ground until after their replacements have been secured.
However, the Insider has learned that Hammers do not want to reveal the names of any targets for fear of alerting rival clubs to their interest.
The media have also been speculating over the future of promising England U19 international Reece Oxford, with Manchester United among the clubs rumoured to be interested in securing the 17-year-old's services.
The Insider has been told that West Ham have no intention of allowing Oxford to leave and are hopeful that the teenager will sign a new long-term contract in the near future.
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From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Joe Difford reflects on a memorable 2015/16 season…
What a season it has been at West Ham United. The 38 games seem to have gone from first whistle to last in the blink of an eye.
Slaven Bilic's arrival was never expected to have the immediate impact it did, and the football on show has been an absolute joy to watch almost every game.
So where do you start when talking about the best moments of our strongest league performance in Premier League history?
Dimitri Payet's physics-defying free kicks that managed to find their way into the top corner no matter how far away from goal or how many men are in the wall? James Collins' dramatic last-second blocks that cause the Boleyn Ground to erupt in a chant of 'One Ginger Pele'? Or perhaps seeing Mark Noble complete a 70 yard run to steal the ball off an attacker, before playing a long, accurate through ball to a forward?
The individual moments of greatness have been in abundance this season, and almost every player has done something special that won't be forgotten anytime soon.
As a team, we have picked up some spectacular results, especially against teams who almost always finish above us in the table. We went to Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool to take all three points. Tottenham's title hopes were taken away in our final ever clash at Upton Park and the last game in the ground saw us beat Manchester United in one of the most electrifying matches of football in history.
Euro 2016 and Roy Hodgson's England squad was subject of a great deal of discussion after he overlooked Noble, Michail Antonio, Andy Carroll and Aaron Cresswell, despite the quartet having the best season of their careers.
Antonio in particular has impressed, having had to wait patiently for an opportunity after joining from Nottingham Forest last summer. The wide man has had a part to play in over 15 goals, and has shown his versatility by filling in at right back. His crowning moment, a Simpsons inspired celebration that started a theme of dances every time he scored.
Farewell Boleyn. Arguably the toughest part of the season, having to say goodbye to our home of 112 years. It is difficult to accept the move, even with the magnificent Olympic Stadium awaiting our arrival, but having seen how we can perform with a top manager and a top squad makes you wonder what we could achieve with 60,000 Hammers cheering them on.
It has been a record breaking year for West Ham. We went on our longest home unbeaten run that stretched almost nine months, finished with a positive goal difference for the first time in Premier League history and accumulated our highest points total too, lifting us to seventhth in the league.
When the season started way back in August, many fans would have been happy with a top half finish, but Bilic kept us fighting for the top four until the final few weeks, and still we have a Europa League place and were unlucky not to make it to the FA Cup final.
This season has been one of many highs and few lows, something rare in recent years. Players have shone and some truly wonderful goals have been scored, and with the positive atmosphere around the club and the terraces, who knows how excellent next season will be.
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No deal yet, says Bacca agent
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Sergio Barila is flying to London for talks with West Ham over the possible transfer of Milan striker Carlos Bacca. However Barila, who represents the Columbian international says that any possible deal is some way from being concluded - despite admitting to calciomercato.com that his client is very interested in a move to the Premier League. "For now it's time to wait and to see what the future will hold,"he told calciomercato.com. "I have to evaluate what is best for Carlos and, above all, confirm the options that are being presented. "Carlos is a player with great value on the [transfer] market. It 's normal to have clubs interested in knowing his situation. "For now, we have to be quiet and wait. There is nothing concrete and I can not say anything more concrete on this issue at present."
Milan, who are currently experiencing serious financial difficulties are looking for a fee in the region of €25million for 29-year-old Bacca. West Ham's current offer stands at €20million.
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Hands off Champions sculpture, say Newham residents KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Local residents have launched a campaign to keep the iconic Champions statue at the junction of Green Street and the Barking Road. The Newham Recorder reports today that a local resident, Cecilia Walsh, has set up a petition aimed at keeping the statue in Newham which has already attracted more than 1,000 signatures. "It seems right to keep it where it is," Ms Walsh told the Recorder. "They're taking everything to Stratford, all the memories of West Ham. Can't they leave us something to remember?" A spokesman for the Council said: "Councillors agreed it could only be moved once a fully funded plan was in place to improve the junction where the sculpture currently stands after it has been relocated."
The statue, which was erected in 2003, stands 16 feet tall and weighs four tons is set to be moved to the Hammers' new home at the Olympic Stadium later this summer. Sculpted by Royal Sculptor Philip Jackson and formally titled 'The Champions or The World Cup Sculpture', it was jointly commisioned by Newham Council and West Ham United FC. It took two years and cost £725,000 to build - £400,000 of which came from a Government grant.
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Bacca agent in London for West Ham talks KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Carlos Bacca's agent is flying to London for talks with representatives of West Ham. It was revealed earlier this week that they Hammers had made an offer, thought to be in the region of €20million (circa £15million), for the 29-year-old Milan striker. And Gianluca Di Marzio, who broke that particular piece of news has revealed that the player's agent is on his way to England for talks with the Hammers - even though Milan are yet to formally accept West Ham's opening offer. The Columbian international is said to be earning in the region of £130,000 per week with I Rossoneri, whom he joined from Sevilla in a €30million deal just 12 months ago. Since moving to Serie A, Bacca - who has maintained 'a goal every two games' throughout his professional career - has netted 20 times in 42 games for the Serie A side.
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Lacazette deal must be concluded by July KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas says any deal for striker Alexandre Lacazette must be concluded by 1 July - otherwise he will remain with Lyon. Aulus, who has stolen the limelight in recent weeks with his regular updates on the striker's situation has told L'Equipe that unless a deal is concluded by the end of the month, Lacazette will remain with Les Gones. And that will be the case even if Lyon were offered €80million, insisted Aulus. "If, on 28 August, we are offered €80m for Alexandre Lacazette, he will not leave," he told L'Equipe. "However if he comes to me in the days to come, because he has an offer he cannot refuse, it's possible. If there must be departures, they will be before June 30th. There will be none after, except for minor players."
PSG remain the hot favourites to sign Lacazette after West Ham's interest cooled, although Tottenham are reported to be keen to hold talks with the 24-year-old goalscorer.
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Oggs off to France
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Angelo Ogbonna will be joining fellow Hammers Dimi Payet, James Collins and Darren Randolph in France for the European Championships. The centre half, who joined West Ham in an £8million switch from Serie A champions Juventus has been handed the #5 shirt in Italy's squad for this summer's extravaganza, which begins in France next week. Manager Antonio Conte, speaking on Italian TV last night revealed he was very happy with his 23-man selection. "The choices are made, we reflected a great deal and picked the best players at our disposal," he said. "As far as I am concerned, I have some pretty precise ideas." The most notable omissions from Conte's roster are Napoli midfielder Jorginho and Riccardo Montolivo, who is ruled out of the tournament with a calf problem.
Italy: Euro 16 squad
1 Buffon, 2 De Sciglio, 3 Chiellini, 4 Darmian, 5 Ogbonna, 6 Candreva, 7 Zaza, 8 Florenzi, 9 Pelle, 10 Motta, 11 Immobile, 12 Sirigu, 13 Marchetti, 14 Sturaro, 15 Barzagli, 16 De Rossi, 17 Eder, 18 Parolo, 19 Bonucci, 20 Insigne, 21 Bernardeschi, 22 El Shaarawy, 23 Giaccherini.
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Under-represented? West Ham way down in Euro 16 table KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham will be represented by just four players at this summer's Euro 16 - one of the lowest numbers for an established Premier League club. Of 552 players registered to take part in this summer's tournament, 134 come from the top two divisions in England (103 from the Premier League and 33 from the Championship). That's way more than the Bundesliga (57 players), Serie A (52), the Super Lig (35) and La Liga, which had produced both European club champions this season (just 34). And with regards to the Premier League, nine clubs will will be represented with more players than West Ham, who finished the 2015/16 season in seventh place. Liverpool lead the pack with 12 players whilst Tottenham (11) and Manchester United (10) complete the top three. Way down the table, in joint ninth, are West Ham, whose meagre total of four players is matched by the likes of Crystal Palace, relegated Norwich City and Championship side Reading. The most represented clubs at Euro 16 - as compiled by Ekstra Stats - will be as follows. West Ham's four representatives at the tournament will be Dimitri Payet (France), James Collins (Wales), Darren Randolph (RO Ireland) and Angelo Ogbonna (Italy).
Most Players at Euro 16 (all Europe)
1. Liverpool, Juventus (12 players)
2. Tottenham (11)
3. Manchester United (10)
4. Barcelona, Bayern Munich (9)
5. Real Madrid, Arsenal, Basel, CSKA Moscow, Fenerbahce, Roma (8) 6. Besiktas, Dynamo Kiev, Southampton, Shakhtar Donetsk (7) 7. Chelsea, Manchester City, Zenit, Viktoria Pilzno, Napoli, Ferencvaros, Dynamo Zagrzeb (6) 8. Everton, Stoke City, Bursaspor, Dortmund, Fiorentina, Galatasaray, Krasnodar, Legia Warsaw, Lokomotiv, Sparta Prague (5) 9. West Ham Utd, Leicester City, Crystal Palace, Derby County, Norwich, Reading, Swansea, Watford, West Brom + 10 others (4)
All UK Clubs Represented at Euro 16
1. Liverpool (12 players)
2. Tottenham (11)
3. Manchester Utd (10)
4. Arsenal (8)
5. Southampton (7)
6. Chelsea, Manchester City (6)
7. Everton, Stoke City (5)
8. West Ham Utd, Leicester City, Crystal Palace, Derby County, Norwich, Reading, Swansea, Watford, West Brom (4) 9. Burnley, Sheffield Weds (3) 10. Blackburn Rovers, Fulham, MK Dons, Nottingham Forest, Sunderland (2) 11. Aberdeen, Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Bournemouth, Brighton, Cardiff, Celtic, Charlton, Doncaster, Fleetwood, Hamilton, Hull, Inverness, Ipswich, Kilmarniokc, Leeds, Millwall, Newcastle, QPR, St Johnstone, Wigan, Wolves (1)
Most Represented Leagues
1. Premier League (England) 103
2. Bundesliga (Germany) 57
3. Serie A (Italy) 52
4. Super Lig (Turkey) 35
5. La Liga (Spain) 34
6. Premier League (Russia) 32
7. Championship (England) 31
8. Ligue 1 (France) 22
9. Premier League (Ukraine) 20
10. Super League (Switzerland) 16
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Tore certain to leave Besiktas
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have been linked to a whole succession of players from Super Lig club Besiktas in recent weeks. So we thought we'd ask an expert for his views on the players currently linked with a move to the Olympic Stadium this summer. Here Kaan Bayazit, the Editor of respected Besiktas website www.besiktas-international.com gives us the lowdown an some of the Black Eagles' stars tipped to move to England this summer...
Gokhan Töre
"Töre is going to happen sooner rather than later, he is 100 per cent leaving Besiktas during this transfer window."
Oguzhan 'Ozzy' Özyakup
"Don't hold your breath on this one as his relationship with Bilic wasn't as strong as Töre's. Bilic benched him a lot during the 2014/15 season. And unlike Töre, Oguzhan [who began his career with Arsenal] isn't desperate to return to England in a hurry.
Veli Kavlak
"If the interest in Kavlak is serious, that shouldn't pose much of an issue for Besiktas given that his place in the team is questionable."
Atiba Hutchinson
"His name gets brought up with West Ham every season and his dream is to play in the Premier League. He had the chance last summer when he was a free agent but he opted to stay in Turkey, so I have a hard time imagining that would happen. Hutchinson is the pillar of the Besiktas team but is already 33, so I doubt West Ham will be willing to offer what he's worth to BJK."
* You may read more from Kaan with view to who will be coming and going at Besiktas this summer here.
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Be encouraged – Slav looking only at very best Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 1, 2016 in News, Whispers C and H
It was very reassuring to learn that Slaven Bilic will be watching those players on his priority list at the Euro 201 Finals. For days we have been told that any number of previously unheard of strikers, midfielders and defenders could be on their way to the club plus of course …Gokham Tore!!! It's par for the course at this time of the year for such stuff to be contantly doing the rounds but with a major tournament in front of us why wouldn't Slav be looking at the very best players aroundbefore making big decisions?
We were told categorically yesterday evening that all his big targets are involved in the competition and any that aren't would be very low on his priorty list. Frankly it's enough for me at the moment to know that is the case and entirely as I expected when we reported people inside the club as saying "no dealings are likely to be done before the tournament." Be encouraged Slav is on the case and in Slav we trust!
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Martin Samuelsen is hoping to make his full international debut for Norway in Wednesday's meeting with Iceland in Olso. The West Ham United winger was an unused substitute as the Norwegians fell to a 3-0 defeat in Portugal on Sunday evening, having been called into the senior squad from the U21s by coach Per-Mathias Høgmo. Despite the arrival of home-based players in the squad, the 19-year-old has been retained and could be handed his senior bow when Høgmo's side welcome the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers to the Ullevaal Stadium. The Norway coach has said publicly that Samuelsen's opportunity 'will surely come sooner or later' but said he had opted not to throw the Hammers youngster and fellow teenager Ulrik Yttergård Jenssen into Sunday's defeat in Porto. "I wasn't sure I would be retained in the senior squad for this match, but when I heard I would be I was happy," said Samuelsen, who made his Hammers debut in a UEFA Europa League second qualifying round win over Maltese side Birkirkara at the Boleyn Ground in July 2015. "Hopefully I'll make my debut in the next match. "I don't think it makes much difference that this game is at home and the Portugal game was away in Lisbon, but this game is against a slightly different opponent.
"I did allow my expectations to build up on Sunday when I was asked to warm-up, and I was disappointed there and then when I didn't come on, but now my head is clear and I'm ready for the next game. "I'll do my best and hopefully it will be good enough for senior international level."
Elsewhere, fellow teenager Anthony Scully has been named in the Republic of Ireland U18 squad for an Invitational Tournament in Sweden. The Hammers midfielder and his fellow Boys in Green will meet Hungary in Kastvallen on Thursday 2 June at 7pm local time, before tackling the Swedes at Stalringens ishall at 11am local time on Saturday 4 June.
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Proud Carter signs pro deal
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce that 18-year-old midfielder Matt Carter has signed a professional contract with the Club. Having impressed during 19 appearances for the U18s, the youngster capped off a successful campaign by signing a new contract with the club he first joined as a five-year-old. After putting pen to paper, Carter said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have signed my first professional contract, it's been my dream ever since I started at West Ham. "It's a great achievement, I am very proud of myself and my family, I always try to make them proud. "It's been 13 years of hard work to get to this point so I am very glad and hopefully there'll be more to come."
Reflecting on a breakthrough campaign, Carter further impressed while on Development Squad duty, playing a key part in the Hammers' 4-1 victory away at Newcastle United. The east London native rounded off a great personal performance by scoring the Hammers' fourth goal of the evening with a well-executed lob from distance. He continued: "Personally I think I had a good season just finished. I was happy to be out on the pitch as I've had a few injuries in the past few seasons. Now I've been out playing a lot and playing pretty well so I'm happy. I hope that continues into next season. "I think my major highlight so far at West Ham is making my U21 debut at such a young age, I hope that one day I can make it into the first team and play at the new stadium. "Obviously, I've always dreamt of this moment so I am very happy. A lot of the coaches have been here since I started so it's nice to come through with them. I've also been supported by the new coaches so everyone has really helped me become the player I am today."
Having recently returned from the Development Squad's Hong Kong Soccer Sevens campaign which saw them finish runners up for the second consecutive year, Carter is already looking ahead to next term. And in what promises to be a hugely exciting first year at the club's fantastic new stadium, Carter finished by setting his sights high: "I haven't actually been there yet but from what I've heard it's going to be amazing, and I hope I'll play there plenty of times. 60,000 West Ham fans in one place, I hope one day they cheer my name!
"I'd describe myself as a box-to-box midfielder, I'm more of a No8 than a No4 who just sits. My favourite player is Luka Modric, I think he's the best midfielder in the world at the moment. I was watching him closely in the Champions League final, he is the player I want to become in the long run. "Next season I really want to establish myself in the U21s, start every week and hopefully impress Slaven Bilic and get on his radar."
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The Insider
WHUFC.com
The Insider brings you exclusive insight into the behind-the-scenes goings on at West Ham United...
West Ham United have been linked to a number of players in the media in recent days.
Lyon and France pair Samuel Umtiti and Alexandre Lacazette have both been named as Hammers targets, with Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain also reportedly interested in securing the services of the latter.
Another international player who has seen his name mentioned in conjunction with West Ham is AC Milan's Colombia striker Carlos Bacca, who is currently preparing to take part in the centennial Copa America tournament.
The Insider understands the Club are on the lookout for new signings to add to that of Norway midfielder Havard Nordtveit, who will join on a free transfer on 1 July, with the intention that any new players markedly improve the strength of the squad.
The Insider has been told that no senior players will be allowed to leave the Boleyn Ground until after their replacements have been secured.
However, the Insider has learned that Hammers do not want to reveal the names of any targets for fear of alerting rival clubs to their interest.
The media have also been speculating over the future of promising England U19 international Reece Oxford, with Manchester United among the clubs rumoured to be interested in securing the 17-year-old's services.
The Insider has been told that West Ham have no intention of allowing Oxford to leave and are hopeful that the teenager will sign a new long-term contract in the near future.
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From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Joe Difford reflects on a memorable 2015/16 season…
What a season it has been at West Ham United. The 38 games seem to have gone from first whistle to last in the blink of an eye.
Slaven Bilic's arrival was never expected to have the immediate impact it did, and the football on show has been an absolute joy to watch almost every game.
So where do you start when talking about the best moments of our strongest league performance in Premier League history?
Dimitri Payet's physics-defying free kicks that managed to find their way into the top corner no matter how far away from goal or how many men are in the wall? James Collins' dramatic last-second blocks that cause the Boleyn Ground to erupt in a chant of 'One Ginger Pele'? Or perhaps seeing Mark Noble complete a 70 yard run to steal the ball off an attacker, before playing a long, accurate through ball to a forward?
The individual moments of greatness have been in abundance this season, and almost every player has done something special that won't be forgotten anytime soon.
As a team, we have picked up some spectacular results, especially against teams who almost always finish above us in the table. We went to Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool to take all three points. Tottenham's title hopes were taken away in our final ever clash at Upton Park and the last game in the ground saw us beat Manchester United in one of the most electrifying matches of football in history.
Euro 2016 and Roy Hodgson's England squad was subject of a great deal of discussion after he overlooked Noble, Michail Antonio, Andy Carroll and Aaron Cresswell, despite the quartet having the best season of their careers.
Antonio in particular has impressed, having had to wait patiently for an opportunity after joining from Nottingham Forest last summer. The wide man has had a part to play in over 15 goals, and has shown his versatility by filling in at right back. His crowning moment, a Simpsons inspired celebration that started a theme of dances every time he scored.
Farewell Boleyn. Arguably the toughest part of the season, having to say goodbye to our home of 112 years. It is difficult to accept the move, even with the magnificent Olympic Stadium awaiting our arrival, but having seen how we can perform with a top manager and a top squad makes you wonder what we could achieve with 60,000 Hammers cheering them on.
It has been a record breaking year for West Ham. We went on our longest home unbeaten run that stretched almost nine months, finished with a positive goal difference for the first time in Premier League history and accumulated our highest points total too, lifting us to seventhth in the league.
When the season started way back in August, many fans would have been happy with a top half finish, but Bilic kept us fighting for the top four until the final few weeks, and still we have a Europa League place and were unlucky not to make it to the FA Cup final.
This season has been one of many highs and few lows, something rare in recent years. Players have shone and some truly wonderful goals have been scored, and with the positive atmosphere around the club and the terraces, who knows how excellent next season will be.
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No deal yet, says Bacca agent
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Sergio Barila is flying to London for talks with West Ham over the possible transfer of Milan striker Carlos Bacca. However Barila, who represents the Columbian international says that any possible deal is some way from being concluded - despite admitting to calciomercato.com that his client is very interested in a move to the Premier League. "For now it's time to wait and to see what the future will hold,"he told calciomercato.com. "I have to evaluate what is best for Carlos and, above all, confirm the options that are being presented. "Carlos is a player with great value on the [transfer] market. It 's normal to have clubs interested in knowing his situation. "For now, we have to be quiet and wait. There is nothing concrete and I can not say anything more concrete on this issue at present."
Milan, who are currently experiencing serious financial difficulties are looking for a fee in the region of €25million for 29-year-old Bacca. West Ham's current offer stands at €20million.
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Hands off Champions sculpture, say Newham residents KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Local residents have launched a campaign to keep the iconic Champions statue at the junction of Green Street and the Barking Road. The Newham Recorder reports today that a local resident, Cecilia Walsh, has set up a petition aimed at keeping the statue in Newham which has already attracted more than 1,000 signatures. "It seems right to keep it where it is," Ms Walsh told the Recorder. "They're taking everything to Stratford, all the memories of West Ham. Can't they leave us something to remember?" A spokesman for the Council said: "Councillors agreed it could only be moved once a fully funded plan was in place to improve the junction where the sculpture currently stands after it has been relocated."
The statue, which was erected in 2003, stands 16 feet tall and weighs four tons is set to be moved to the Hammers' new home at the Olympic Stadium later this summer. Sculpted by Royal Sculptor Philip Jackson and formally titled 'The Champions or The World Cup Sculpture', it was jointly commisioned by Newham Council and West Ham United FC. It took two years and cost £725,000 to build - £400,000 of which came from a Government grant.
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Bacca agent in London for West Ham talks KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Carlos Bacca's agent is flying to London for talks with representatives of West Ham. It was revealed earlier this week that they Hammers had made an offer, thought to be in the region of €20million (circa £15million), for the 29-year-old Milan striker. And Gianluca Di Marzio, who broke that particular piece of news has revealed that the player's agent is on his way to England for talks with the Hammers - even though Milan are yet to formally accept West Ham's opening offer. The Columbian international is said to be earning in the region of £130,000 per week with I Rossoneri, whom he joined from Sevilla in a €30million deal just 12 months ago. Since moving to Serie A, Bacca - who has maintained 'a goal every two games' throughout his professional career - has netted 20 times in 42 games for the Serie A side.
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Lacazette deal must be concluded by July KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas says any deal for striker Alexandre Lacazette must be concluded by 1 July - otherwise he will remain with Lyon. Aulus, who has stolen the limelight in recent weeks with his regular updates on the striker's situation has told L'Equipe that unless a deal is concluded by the end of the month, Lacazette will remain with Les Gones. And that will be the case even if Lyon were offered €80million, insisted Aulus. "If, on 28 August, we are offered €80m for Alexandre Lacazette, he will not leave," he told L'Equipe. "However if he comes to me in the days to come, because he has an offer he cannot refuse, it's possible. If there must be departures, they will be before June 30th. There will be none after, except for minor players."
PSG remain the hot favourites to sign Lacazette after West Ham's interest cooled, although Tottenham are reported to be keen to hold talks with the 24-year-old goalscorer.
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Oggs off to France
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Angelo Ogbonna will be joining fellow Hammers Dimi Payet, James Collins and Darren Randolph in France for the European Championships. The centre half, who joined West Ham in an £8million switch from Serie A champions Juventus has been handed the #5 shirt in Italy's squad for this summer's extravaganza, which begins in France next week. Manager Antonio Conte, speaking on Italian TV last night revealed he was very happy with his 23-man selection. "The choices are made, we reflected a great deal and picked the best players at our disposal," he said. "As far as I am concerned, I have some pretty precise ideas." The most notable omissions from Conte's roster are Napoli midfielder Jorginho and Riccardo Montolivo, who is ruled out of the tournament with a calf problem.
Italy: Euro 16 squad
1 Buffon, 2 De Sciglio, 3 Chiellini, 4 Darmian, 5 Ogbonna, 6 Candreva, 7 Zaza, 8 Florenzi, 9 Pelle, 10 Motta, 11 Immobile, 12 Sirigu, 13 Marchetti, 14 Sturaro, 15 Barzagli, 16 De Rossi, 17 Eder, 18 Parolo, 19 Bonucci, 20 Insigne, 21 Bernardeschi, 22 El Shaarawy, 23 Giaccherini.
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Under-represented? West Ham way down in Euro 16 table KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham will be represented by just four players at this summer's Euro 16 - one of the lowest numbers for an established Premier League club. Of 552 players registered to take part in this summer's tournament, 134 come from the top two divisions in England (103 from the Premier League and 33 from the Championship). That's way more than the Bundesliga (57 players), Serie A (52), the Super Lig (35) and La Liga, which had produced both European club champions this season (just 34). And with regards to the Premier League, nine clubs will will be represented with more players than West Ham, who finished the 2015/16 season in seventh place. Liverpool lead the pack with 12 players whilst Tottenham (11) and Manchester United (10) complete the top three. Way down the table, in joint ninth, are West Ham, whose meagre total of four players is matched by the likes of Crystal Palace, relegated Norwich City and Championship side Reading. The most represented clubs at Euro 16 - as compiled by Ekstra Stats - will be as follows. West Ham's four representatives at the tournament will be Dimitri Payet (France), James Collins (Wales), Darren Randolph (RO Ireland) and Angelo Ogbonna (Italy).
Most Players at Euro 16 (all Europe)
1. Liverpool, Juventus (12 players)
2. Tottenham (11)
3. Manchester United (10)
4. Barcelona, Bayern Munich (9)
5. Real Madrid, Arsenal, Basel, CSKA Moscow, Fenerbahce, Roma (8) 6. Besiktas, Dynamo Kiev, Southampton, Shakhtar Donetsk (7) 7. Chelsea, Manchester City, Zenit, Viktoria Pilzno, Napoli, Ferencvaros, Dynamo Zagrzeb (6) 8. Everton, Stoke City, Bursaspor, Dortmund, Fiorentina, Galatasaray, Krasnodar, Legia Warsaw, Lokomotiv, Sparta Prague (5) 9. West Ham Utd, Leicester City, Crystal Palace, Derby County, Norwich, Reading, Swansea, Watford, West Brom + 10 others (4)
All UK Clubs Represented at Euro 16
1. Liverpool (12 players)
2. Tottenham (11)
3. Manchester Utd (10)
4. Arsenal (8)
5. Southampton (7)
6. Chelsea, Manchester City (6)
7. Everton, Stoke City (5)
8. West Ham Utd, Leicester City, Crystal Palace, Derby County, Norwich, Reading, Swansea, Watford, West Brom (4) 9. Burnley, Sheffield Weds (3) 10. Blackburn Rovers, Fulham, MK Dons, Nottingham Forest, Sunderland (2) 11. Aberdeen, Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Bournemouth, Brighton, Cardiff, Celtic, Charlton, Doncaster, Fleetwood, Hamilton, Hull, Inverness, Ipswich, Kilmarniokc, Leeds, Millwall, Newcastle, QPR, St Johnstone, Wigan, Wolves (1)
Most Represented Leagues
1. Premier League (England) 103
2. Bundesliga (Germany) 57
3. Serie A (Italy) 52
4. Super Lig (Turkey) 35
5. La Liga (Spain) 34
6. Premier League (Russia) 32
7. Championship (England) 31
8. Ligue 1 (France) 22
9. Premier League (Ukraine) 20
10. Super League (Switzerland) 16
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Tore certain to leave Besiktas
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st June 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have been linked to a whole succession of players from Super Lig club Besiktas in recent weeks. So we thought we'd ask an expert for his views on the players currently linked with a move to the Olympic Stadium this summer. Here Kaan Bayazit, the Editor of respected Besiktas website www.besiktas-international.com gives us the lowdown an some of the Black Eagles' stars tipped to move to England this summer...
Gokhan Töre
"Töre is going to happen sooner rather than later, he is 100 per cent leaving Besiktas during this transfer window."
Oguzhan 'Ozzy' Özyakup
"Don't hold your breath on this one as his relationship with Bilic wasn't as strong as Töre's. Bilic benched him a lot during the 2014/15 season. And unlike Töre, Oguzhan [who began his career with Arsenal] isn't desperate to return to England in a hurry.
Veli Kavlak
"If the interest in Kavlak is serious, that shouldn't pose much of an issue for Besiktas given that his place in the team is questionable."
Atiba Hutchinson
"His name gets brought up with West Ham every season and his dream is to play in the Premier League. He had the chance last summer when he was a free agent but he opted to stay in Turkey, so I have a hard time imagining that would happen. Hutchinson is the pillar of the Besiktas team but is already 33, so I doubt West Ham will be willing to offer what he's worth to BJK."
* You may read more from Kaan with view to who will be coming and going at Besiktas this summer here.
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Be encouraged – Slav looking only at very best Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 1, 2016 in News, Whispers C and H
It was very reassuring to learn that Slaven Bilic will be watching those players on his priority list at the Euro 201 Finals. For days we have been told that any number of previously unheard of strikers, midfielders and defenders could be on their way to the club plus of course …Gokham Tore!!! It's par for the course at this time of the year for such stuff to be contantly doing the rounds but with a major tournament in front of us why wouldn't Slav be looking at the very best players aroundbefore making big decisions?
We were told categorically yesterday evening that all his big targets are involved in the competition and any that aren't would be very low on his priorty list. Frankly it's enough for me at the moment to know that is the case and entirely as I expected when we reported people inside the club as saying "no dealings are likely to be done before the tournament." Be encouraged Slav is on the case and in Slav we trust!
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, June 1
Daily WHUFC News - 1st June 2016
Payet proud of France winner
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet was full of pride after firing France to victory over Cameroon with another fantastic free-kick on Monday evening. Les Bleus had been pegged back twice in Nantes before Payet clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory by curling past Fabrice Ondoa from fully 30 yards. Payet's winner was his SIXTH successful direct free-kick of the season and his second in consecutive matches for the UEFA Euro 2016 hosts, following another sensational effort against Russia in March. The West Ham United midfielder, who looks set to start the tournament opener against Romania next Friday, was delighted to make another decisive contribution for his country and France supporters. "It's always important to win, especially in front of your own fans," Payet told FFF tv. "We saw at the end just what it meant to them and they supported us during a difficult match against a tough opposition. "It is nice to win and there are, of course, things that could be better and we have the time to make those changes." "I wasn't that far out, but at the same time I was quite far out, so I didn't know whether I should cross it or not," Payet revealed. "Patrice (Evra) told me to have a go and I saw the goalkeeper try to move early to one side, so I tried to put it into the other corner and it hit the post and went in.
"It was a pretty good one because it was really one for a left-footer. I need to see the replay again, but I am pretty pleased with it."
For the player himself, the goal and victory were even more special as they came at the Stade de la Beaujoir, where he began his professional career with Nantes between 2005 and 2007.
"It was special for me to come back here to this stadium, where I spent two beautiful seasons," he explained. "And I was happy to feel the fans get behind us." France's victory came on the back of a 4-2 win over the Russians in Paris and 3-2 victory against the Netherlands in Amsterdam, setting Didier Deschamps' squad up perfectly for Euro 2016. "They equalised twice in the game so to score the third goal is great. In the last three games we have scored quite a few a goals and so that is something to be pleased with. "You don't want to use everything up at once, but it is good for us to leave here confident and when you win, it's always better for the recovery and the morale in the camp."
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Payet bags breathtaking France free-kick
WHUFC.com
Hammers superstar Dimitri Payet curled home an incredible last-minute 30-yard free-kick to win France's friendly with Cameroon 3-2 on Monday night. The Euro 2016 hosts were level in Nantes heading towards added time before the West Ham midfielder placed the ball down to the right of goal and found the back of the net with breathtaking accuracy from a tight angle. It is the second free-kick Payet has scored in consecutive matches for Les Bleus, having converted an equally brilliant effort against Russia back in March. The 29-year-old was of course one of the Premier League's most-feared set-piece takers in 2015/16, and scored with magnificent free-kicks against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace as well as FA Cup strikes over Blackburn Rovers and Manchester United. Blaise Matuidi opened the scoring after 20 minutes for the hosts of this summer's tournament, which kicks off on 10 June, before Vincent Aboubakar equalised for the African nation just two minutes later. Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud then restored Didier Deschamps' side's lead just before the break following a Paul Pogba cross, but Cameroon's Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting thought he had spoiled the party two minutes from time. However Payet had other ideas, placing the ball down 30-yards from the target on the right-hand side, before curling his effort into the far corner well beyond the reach of helpless Cameroon stopper Fabrice Ondoa. France face Scotland in their final match before Euro 2016 on Saturday night, then take on Romania in the tournament's opener in Paris.
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Ginge named in Wales Squad
WHUFC.com
James Collins will be heading to UEFA Euro 2016 as part of Wales' squad for their first appearance at a major finals since 1958. West Ham United defender Collins, who has 46 Wales caps to his name, is named in Chris Coleman's 23-man squad for the tournament, which gets underway in France a week on Friday. Wales qualified for Euro 2016 by finishing runners-up in a group containing Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Israel, Cyprus and Andorra, and Collins cannot wait to represent his country this summer. He said: "For all us Welsh lads, it's a new experience so many great Wales players never had, for one reason or another. "We're going into it blind, because none of us really know what to expect, but we're full of excitement. "We've got three games to play and we'll be looking to qualify out of our group, and I think we've got every chance."
Following a friendly against Sweden on Sunday, Wales' Euro 2016 campaign gets underway on Saturday 11 June when they take on Slovakia in Bordeaux. The much-anticipated meeting with England follows in Lens on Thursday 16 June, before the Group B fixtures conclude with Wales taking on Russia in Toulouse on Monday 20 June. Collins sees that opening game as being crucial. He added: "We have got Slovakia first and I think that's a must-win for us. We need to go there and get three points there to kick us off nicely. I think a win and a draw will see us through, so that's what we're looking to do and we're confident we can."
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Excitement growing in North Carolina
WHUFC.com
Excitement is growing ahead of West Ham United's 2016 US Tour visit to North Carolina. Slaven Bilic's squad will make the second stop of their summer visit to the United States in the town of Cary, where they will take on North American Soccer League (NASL) side Carolina RailHawks on Tuesday 12 July at 8pm ET. West Ham will be the first English Premier League club to visit the area known as the Triangle – Cary sits between three prestigious universities – and RailHawks President and General Manager Curt Johnson cannot wait for the big game. "We have the opportunity to test ourselves against one of the top teams in the world," said Johnson. "What we are going to see on 12 July is an absolutely fantastic event with a lot of world-class players and a lot of excitement."
West Ham's Commercial Director Felicity Barnard joined Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke on a visit to North Carolina in mid-May, and both were hugely impressed by what they found. Speaking to CarolinaRailHawks.com, Barnard said the fixture and training facilities would provide West Ham would a superb base at which to prepare for the 2016/17 season. "Coming over to the US is part of our pre-season and a really important part of us getting ready for the Premier League season ahead and, next season, for our European campaign as well," said Barnard.
"Each year we look at where we can get the most competitive matches and the best facilities to do that and the US is a natural choice for us. We want to go somewhere with lots of soccer fans and the sport is on such an upward trajectory that it's an exciting place to be. "Having looked around the facilities, it's a great stadium and the training facilities are fantastic and they will definitely help us to get ready for the new season back home."
Having looked around the facilities, it's a great stadium and the training facilities are fantastic and they will definitely help us to get ready for the new season back home While they may be just a decade old, the RailHawks hail from an area with a long and close association with the sport, where a Youth Soccer League has been in place for 40 years and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels have reached the NCAA final three times since 2001. Barnard explained that the heritage, combined with the RailHawks' own ambitions of winning the NASL and eventually breaking into Major League Soccer (MLS), were part of the thinking behind West Ham's visit this summer. "It's really important for us to pick opposition teams who share our ethos and we are both very attacking sides in the way we play and exciting to watch. "Having looked at the background of the club, their ambitions and what they want to do in their home market, those are very important and it's the same for us. "Looking at both clubs and the region as a whole and how deep-rooted the region is in soccer, it was a natural choice for us to visit North Carolina."
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West Ham chasing Umtiti, say Sky sources
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Lyon's brilliant young central defender Samuel Umtiti is the latest player to be linked with a move to the Olympic Stadium. According to Sky Sports, West Ham are "leading the chase" to capture the 22-year-old, who plays alongside West Ham's Dimitri Payet for the French national squad.
Umtiti, who has been linked with some of Europe's elite clubs this summer, and Tottenham, has spent his entire pro career with Lyon who finished runners-up to Paris St Germain in Ligue 1 last season. Having featured for his country at all levels from Under 17 to Under 21, Umtiti has been included in Didier Deschamps' Euro 16 squad and was an unused substitute in France's 3-2 win over Cameroon last night.
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Payet joins Europe's elite
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's Dimitri Payet is currently ranked as the fourth best player in Europe, according to UEFA's 'Player Barometer'. United's 29-year-old French star, who scored an injury-time winner for his country in a friendly with Cameroon last night ranks below just three players across the entire continent at present.
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo - who scored the winning penalty in the Champions League Final at the weekend, free agent Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Atletico striker Antoine Griezmann are the only players to rank higher than West Ham's talisman.
The UEFA chart is decided by comparing what UEFA describe as "official player statistics [run] through a specially designed algorithm to create rankings based on player performances."
Performance data for both club and country since 1 January is considered to rate each individual player, although the table is weighted in favour of more recent data.
The full top ten is as follows:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (ex-PSG)
3. Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
4. Dimitri Payet (West Ham United)
5. James Milner (Liverpool)
6. Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid)
7. Koke (Atletico Madrid)
8. Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
9. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
10. Hakan Calhanoglu (Bayer Leverkusen)
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Sunderland launch Sakho bid
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Sunderland are understood to have opened talks with view to signing West Ham United's Diafra Sakho. The North East club, who narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League last season have made an opening offer for the striker, according to a KUMB source. Sakho - who cost just West Ham just £4million when moving from Metz two summers ago - has been in and out of the news all season, with his topsy-turvy private life having made almost as many headlines as his on-field achievements in recent months. As a result of his numerous and well-documented personal issues, Slaven Bilic will allow him to leave West Ham - but only for the right offer, with United looking to recoup around £15million. The 26-year-old Senegal international, who was brought to England on Sam Allardyce's watch made just 24 appearances for West Ham last season, scoring just seven goals. DUring his first season in England (2014/15) he fared slightly better, managed 12 goals from 26 appearances.
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Collins makes final cut
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer
James Collins has been named in Wales' final 23-man squad for the forthcoming European Championships.
West Ham United's experienced central defender is one of seven defenders named by Wales boss Chris Coleman, along with Ashley Williams (Swansea), James Chester (West Brom), Ben Davies (Tottenham), Chris Gunter (Reading), Neil Taylor (Swansea) and Ashley Richards (Fulham).
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Sosa, so good
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are poised to make another raid on Slaven Bilic's former club. Having already courted the likes of Gokhan Tore, Veli Kavlak and Oguzhan Ozyakup in recent weeks, West Ham are now said to be lining up a bid for yet another Besiktas star - Argentine international Jose Sosa. The 30-year-old midfielder - who has previously enjoyed spells with Bayern Munich (2007-10) and Napoli (2010-11) - has been in Turkey with the Black Eagles for the past two seasons, having made the move from Atletico in La Liga during the summer of 2014. And according to a KUMB source, the Hammers are lining up a £9million bid for the Carcaraná-born Sosa, who has also been linked with a return home to Argentina this week. Estudiantes, with whom Sosa began his professional career back in 2002 are also rumoured to be keen on re-signing the player. Earlier this week SOsa indicated that he would not be averse to a move back to his first team.
Sosa made 31 appearances for Besiktas last season, scoring seven goals and providing 12 assists.
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West Ham leading Samuel Umtiti race, Sky sources understand
By Dev Trehan
Last Updated: 31/05/16 5:06pm
SSN
West Ham are leading the chase to sign Lyon centre-back Samuel Umtiti, Sky sources understand. The Cameroon-born France Under-21 international made 30 appearances for Lyon last season and is regarded as one of Europe's brightest young talents. Umtiti has previously been linked with moves to Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Spurs. France manager Didier Deschamps has named the 22-year-old on the standby list for this summer's European Championship. The news of West Ham's efforts to sign Umtiti comes on the same day news emerged of a bid from the Hammers for AC Milan's Colombian striker Carlos Bacca. West Ham have already had bids for Alexandre Lacazette and Callum Wilson turned down this summer, but co-chairman David Sullivan told Sky Sports News HQ last week the club are keen to add a world-class goalscorer to their ranks. West Ham have already agreed a deal to sign Norway international Havard Nordtveit, who will join the club on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with German side Borussia Monchengladbach.
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West Ham insist teenager Reece Oxford will not be sold despite interest from Manchester United
22:30, 30 MAY 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
United are lining up a £10m move for the teenager but West Ham rate him as one of the best young talents they have produced
The Mirror
West Ham are determined to fend off Manchester United's attempts to land starlet Reece Oxford. Jose Mourinho wants to make versatile Hammers academy product Oxford, 17, one of the first signings of his Manchester United reign. United are lining up a £10m move for the teenager, who can play in defence or midfield and has represented England's under-19s. But West Ham rate Oxford as the best talent they have produced since former United and England star Rio Ferdinand and insist there is no way he will be sold. They also claim they have not yet received an official bid for Oxford from the Old Trafford outfit. Star man Dimitri Payet is another Hammers player who has been linked with a summer move. Payet signed a fresh £125,000-a-week deal in February after a stunning start to his West Ham career but that hasn't silenced talk that the Frenchman could leave after an impressive debut season in England. But co-chairman David Gold vowed neither player is going anywhere, saying: "We have no plans to let these players go."
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Hammers talk on Sakho/Sunderland link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 31, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Sunderland have shown no interest in signing Diafra Sakho despite regular recent reports that Sam Allardyce is keen on the Irons striker.
Reports in the national press that a deal could be done have been joined by another in the local newspaper The Northern Echo today that both Sak and Swansea City striker Bafetimibi Gomis interest the former Hammers manager.
However, there has been zero contact between the two clubs where it is well known a close relationship exists between the chairmen.
We were told that it would be quite impossible to do business even had there been contact because Slaven Bilic won't firm up his plans until he has watched all his targets at the Euro Finals.
Enner Valencia is known to be available but the manager has given no indication that Sakho is a player he would allow to leave although a bid of between around £20 million might change that.
However, we were told: "If both were to go both would have to be replaced very quickly and it might be too much change too quickly anyway.
"Sakho is very highly regarded and it would be a surprise if he were allowed to move on even should interest emerge but to confirm – there has been no Sunderland contact."
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Slav to watch targets at Euros
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 31, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic will scout players on his Hammers wanted list at the European Championship in France. ClaretandHugh has already reported that the manager will not be doing any business before the Euros have finished and that his prime targets will be on display in France. Sadly, nobody is letting on at this stage as to who they are and in fact the manager is playing his cards close to his chest on names even to his closest confidantes having clamped down on any leaks. But ClaretandHugh was told this evening that anybody not involved in the competition will "be very low on the manager's list." We were told that both Gokhan Tore and AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca were names that Bilic has mentioned in the past but that there is no movement in either direction at this stage. There has been intense speculation that Gor is a "done deal" but our sources insisted: "That's just guesswork and not very inspired. The manager has one or two targets and will be in France to watch them."
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Former Hammer's £170m goal
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 31, 2016 in Videos, Whispers C and H
Former Hammer Mo Diame scored the only goal in the Championship Play-off final to win Hull City a place in the Premier League on the eve of the biggest ever TV deal in football history. That goal is said to worth a minimum of £170m to Hull as they rejoin the top flight of English football. Diame had earlier hit the post earlier in a final against Sheffield Wednesday which Hull dominated. Diame joined West Ham from Wigan on a free transfer in 2012, playing 79 times and scoring 7 goals for the Hammers. In late August 2014 he signed for Hull City on a three-year contract for a fee believed to be £3.5m. He has scored 9 goals from 38 appearances in the Championship this season for the Hull Tigers. Diame once told a french website while still at West Ham 'I don't want to stop here, I still want more, Joining a club from the top six would be a dream come true.'
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West Ham table £15m bid for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca - reports By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT Tuesday, May 31, 2016
West Ham have lodged a bid for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca, according to reports in Italy. The Hammers are trying to get their transfer business done early this year ahead of their move to the Olympic Stadium and landing a forward is at the top of the agenda. Having failed with bids for Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette and Bournemouth's Callum Wilson, West Ham have now turned their attention to the highly-rated Bacca. The Colombian, who scored 24 goals for club and country last season, has been linked with a number of clubs in the last few months, including Manchester United. But now, according to Sky Italia, West Ham have slapped down a £15million offer. Milan are unlikely to sell the former Sevilla hitman for that price so the bid is expected to be rejected. However, the report does suggest that an offer close to the £20m region could tempt the Italian giants to part ways with the 29-year-old - so a deal could still be on the cards.
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Tottenham and West Ham issued with warning over Lyon star Alexandre Lacazette By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has told Tottenham and West Ham they must tie up a deal for Alexandre Lacazette by the end of June. The striker is wanted by several Premier League clubs this summer after scoring 23 goals last season, to go with the 31 he bagged in 2014/15. Tottenham and West Ham are leading the race, but both clubs have so far failed to strike a deal with Lyon. And now Aulas has warned them to get a move on - or else they will have no chance of signing the Frenchman. "If on 28th August, we are offered €80m for Alexandre Lacazette, he will not leave," Aulas told L'Equipe. "However, if he comes to me in the days to come, because he has an offer he cannot refuse, it's possible. "Finally, if there must be departures, they will be before June 30th. There will be none after, except for minor players."
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West Ham launch £16m raid for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca as Slaven Bilic steps up search for top striker The experienced striker is one of several names on the club's wishlist Milan want £20m for the 29-year-old, who is chasing £60k a week wages Manager Slaven Bilic has been scouring the market for different strikers By SIMON JONES FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 00:12, 31 May 2016 | UPDATED: 00:17, 31 May 2016
West Ham have made an offer of £16million for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca. The Colombia international is one of several names on the club's wishlist as they try lure a top class striker to the Olympic Stadium for next season. Milan want £20m for the 29-year-old which would leave no re-sale value and Bacca is understood to be chasing £60,000 a week after tax. He is prolific though and scored 24 goals in all competitions last season. Slaven Bilic and co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold have been scouring the market for different strikers and have been rebuffed in their efforts to sign Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon. They remain in talks with Toulouse over a deal for Martin Braithwaite but he would be a secondary striker with Diafra Sakho likely to leave and a target for Sunderland among others.
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Sunderland step up bid for West Ham striker Diafra Sakho as £10m move edges closer Sunderland are keen on signing Diafra Sakho after staying in top flight West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan is preparing to give the go-ahead The striker, bought for £3.5m in 2014, would cost Sunderland £10m West Ham are working on targets and are keen on Martin Braithwaite By SIMON JONES FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 30 May 2016 | UPDATED: 01:27, 31 May 2016
Sunderland are pressing ahead with a £10million move for West Ham striker Diafra Sakho. Manager Sam Allardyce is ready to speak to the Senegal international as West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan prepares to give the go-ahead. The 26-year-old was signed for £3.5million from Metz and proved an instant success, scoring 12 goals in 26 games in his first season. Although Sakho had his differences with Allardyce, when he was in charge of West Ham, the forward is looking for a fresh challenge after growing frustrated this season, in which he has scored seven goals. West Bromwich Albion showed interest in January and remain keen as they ponder possible replacements for Saido Berahino but Allardyce hopes to convince him to move to the Stadium of Light. West Ham will use the proceeds of any sale to bring in a quality striker and are continuing to work through targets. One forward they hope to sign is Toulouse's Danish international striker Martin Braithwaite. West Ham have made a £3m offer for the 24-year-old.
Meanwhile, West Ham will step up talks with defender Reece Oxford over a new contract. Manchester United have yet to make a formal offer but are keen on the 17-year-old, who has two years left on his current deal. Hammers star Dimitri Payet scored a last-minute free-kick to help France beat Cameroon 3-2 on Monday night.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet was full of pride after firing France to victory over Cameroon with another fantastic free-kick on Monday evening. Les Bleus had been pegged back twice in Nantes before Payet clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory by curling past Fabrice Ondoa from fully 30 yards. Payet's winner was his SIXTH successful direct free-kick of the season and his second in consecutive matches for the UEFA Euro 2016 hosts, following another sensational effort against Russia in March. The West Ham United midfielder, who looks set to start the tournament opener against Romania next Friday, was delighted to make another decisive contribution for his country and France supporters. "It's always important to win, especially in front of your own fans," Payet told FFF tv. "We saw at the end just what it meant to them and they supported us during a difficult match against a tough opposition. "It is nice to win and there are, of course, things that could be better and we have the time to make those changes." "I wasn't that far out, but at the same time I was quite far out, so I didn't know whether I should cross it or not," Payet revealed. "Patrice (Evra) told me to have a go and I saw the goalkeeper try to move early to one side, so I tried to put it into the other corner and it hit the post and went in.
"It was a pretty good one because it was really one for a left-footer. I need to see the replay again, but I am pretty pleased with it."
For the player himself, the goal and victory were even more special as they came at the Stade de la Beaujoir, where he began his professional career with Nantes between 2005 and 2007.
"It was special for me to come back here to this stadium, where I spent two beautiful seasons," he explained. "And I was happy to feel the fans get behind us." France's victory came on the back of a 4-2 win over the Russians in Paris and 3-2 victory against the Netherlands in Amsterdam, setting Didier Deschamps' squad up perfectly for Euro 2016. "They equalised twice in the game so to score the third goal is great. In the last three games we have scored quite a few a goals and so that is something to be pleased with. "You don't want to use everything up at once, but it is good for us to leave here confident and when you win, it's always better for the recovery and the morale in the camp."
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Payet bags breathtaking France free-kick
WHUFC.com
Hammers superstar Dimitri Payet curled home an incredible last-minute 30-yard free-kick to win France's friendly with Cameroon 3-2 on Monday night. The Euro 2016 hosts were level in Nantes heading towards added time before the West Ham midfielder placed the ball down to the right of goal and found the back of the net with breathtaking accuracy from a tight angle. It is the second free-kick Payet has scored in consecutive matches for Les Bleus, having converted an equally brilliant effort against Russia back in March. The 29-year-old was of course one of the Premier League's most-feared set-piece takers in 2015/16, and scored with magnificent free-kicks against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace as well as FA Cup strikes over Blackburn Rovers and Manchester United. Blaise Matuidi opened the scoring after 20 minutes for the hosts of this summer's tournament, which kicks off on 10 June, before Vincent Aboubakar equalised for the African nation just two minutes later. Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud then restored Didier Deschamps' side's lead just before the break following a Paul Pogba cross, but Cameroon's Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting thought he had spoiled the party two minutes from time. However Payet had other ideas, placing the ball down 30-yards from the target on the right-hand side, before curling his effort into the far corner well beyond the reach of helpless Cameroon stopper Fabrice Ondoa. France face Scotland in their final match before Euro 2016 on Saturday night, then take on Romania in the tournament's opener in Paris.
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Ginge named in Wales Squad
WHUFC.com
James Collins will be heading to UEFA Euro 2016 as part of Wales' squad for their first appearance at a major finals since 1958. West Ham United defender Collins, who has 46 Wales caps to his name, is named in Chris Coleman's 23-man squad for the tournament, which gets underway in France a week on Friday. Wales qualified for Euro 2016 by finishing runners-up in a group containing Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Israel, Cyprus and Andorra, and Collins cannot wait to represent his country this summer. He said: "For all us Welsh lads, it's a new experience so many great Wales players never had, for one reason or another. "We're going into it blind, because none of us really know what to expect, but we're full of excitement. "We've got three games to play and we'll be looking to qualify out of our group, and I think we've got every chance."
Following a friendly against Sweden on Sunday, Wales' Euro 2016 campaign gets underway on Saturday 11 June when they take on Slovakia in Bordeaux. The much-anticipated meeting with England follows in Lens on Thursday 16 June, before the Group B fixtures conclude with Wales taking on Russia in Toulouse on Monday 20 June. Collins sees that opening game as being crucial. He added: "We have got Slovakia first and I think that's a must-win for us. We need to go there and get three points there to kick us off nicely. I think a win and a draw will see us through, so that's what we're looking to do and we're confident we can."
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Excitement growing in North Carolina
WHUFC.com
Excitement is growing ahead of West Ham United's 2016 US Tour visit to North Carolina. Slaven Bilic's squad will make the second stop of their summer visit to the United States in the town of Cary, where they will take on North American Soccer League (NASL) side Carolina RailHawks on Tuesday 12 July at 8pm ET. West Ham will be the first English Premier League club to visit the area known as the Triangle – Cary sits between three prestigious universities – and RailHawks President and General Manager Curt Johnson cannot wait for the big game. "We have the opportunity to test ourselves against one of the top teams in the world," said Johnson. "What we are going to see on 12 July is an absolutely fantastic event with a lot of world-class players and a lot of excitement."
West Ham's Commercial Director Felicity Barnard joined Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke on a visit to North Carolina in mid-May, and both were hugely impressed by what they found. Speaking to CarolinaRailHawks.com, Barnard said the fixture and training facilities would provide West Ham would a superb base at which to prepare for the 2016/17 season. "Coming over to the US is part of our pre-season and a really important part of us getting ready for the Premier League season ahead and, next season, for our European campaign as well," said Barnard.
"Each year we look at where we can get the most competitive matches and the best facilities to do that and the US is a natural choice for us. We want to go somewhere with lots of soccer fans and the sport is on such an upward trajectory that it's an exciting place to be. "Having looked around the facilities, it's a great stadium and the training facilities are fantastic and they will definitely help us to get ready for the new season back home."
Having looked around the facilities, it's a great stadium and the training facilities are fantastic and they will definitely help us to get ready for the new season back home While they may be just a decade old, the RailHawks hail from an area with a long and close association with the sport, where a Youth Soccer League has been in place for 40 years and the University of North Carolina Tar Heels have reached the NCAA final three times since 2001. Barnard explained that the heritage, combined with the RailHawks' own ambitions of winning the NASL and eventually breaking into Major League Soccer (MLS), were part of the thinking behind West Ham's visit this summer. "It's really important for us to pick opposition teams who share our ethos and we are both very attacking sides in the way we play and exciting to watch. "Having looked at the background of the club, their ambitions and what they want to do in their home market, those are very important and it's the same for us. "Looking at both clubs and the region as a whole and how deep-rooted the region is in soccer, it was a natural choice for us to visit North Carolina."
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West Ham chasing Umtiti, say Sky sources
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Lyon's brilliant young central defender Samuel Umtiti is the latest player to be linked with a move to the Olympic Stadium. According to Sky Sports, West Ham are "leading the chase" to capture the 22-year-old, who plays alongside West Ham's Dimitri Payet for the French national squad.
Umtiti, who has been linked with some of Europe's elite clubs this summer, and Tottenham, has spent his entire pro career with Lyon who finished runners-up to Paris St Germain in Ligue 1 last season. Having featured for his country at all levels from Under 17 to Under 21, Umtiti has been included in Didier Deschamps' Euro 16 squad and was an unused substitute in France's 3-2 win over Cameroon last night.
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Payet joins Europe's elite
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's Dimitri Payet is currently ranked as the fourth best player in Europe, according to UEFA's 'Player Barometer'. United's 29-year-old French star, who scored an injury-time winner for his country in a friendly with Cameroon last night ranks below just three players across the entire continent at present.
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo - who scored the winning penalty in the Champions League Final at the weekend, free agent Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Atletico striker Antoine Griezmann are the only players to rank higher than West Ham's talisman.
The UEFA chart is decided by comparing what UEFA describe as "official player statistics [run] through a specially designed algorithm to create rankings based on player performances."
Performance data for both club and country since 1 January is considered to rate each individual player, although the table is weighted in favour of more recent data.
The full top ten is as follows:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (ex-PSG)
3. Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
4. Dimitri Payet (West Ham United)
5. James Milner (Liverpool)
6. Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid)
7. Koke (Atletico Madrid)
8. Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
9. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
10. Hakan Calhanoglu (Bayer Leverkusen)
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Sunderland launch Sakho bid
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer
Sunderland are understood to have opened talks with view to signing West Ham United's Diafra Sakho. The North East club, who narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League last season have made an opening offer for the striker, according to a KUMB source. Sakho - who cost just West Ham just £4million when moving from Metz two summers ago - has been in and out of the news all season, with his topsy-turvy private life having made almost as many headlines as his on-field achievements in recent months. As a result of his numerous and well-documented personal issues, Slaven Bilic will allow him to leave West Ham - but only for the right offer, with United looking to recoup around £15million. The 26-year-old Senegal international, who was brought to England on Sam Allardyce's watch made just 24 appearances for West Ham last season, scoring just seven goals. DUring his first season in England (2014/15) he fared slightly better, managed 12 goals from 26 appearances.
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Collins makes final cut
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer
James Collins has been named in Wales' final 23-man squad for the forthcoming European Championships.
West Ham United's experienced central defender is one of seven defenders named by Wales boss Chris Coleman, along with Ashley Williams (Swansea), James Chester (West Brom), Ben Davies (Tottenham), Chris Gunter (Reading), Neil Taylor (Swansea) and Ashley Richards (Fulham).
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Sosa, so good
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are poised to make another raid on Slaven Bilic's former club. Having already courted the likes of Gokhan Tore, Veli Kavlak and Oguzhan Ozyakup in recent weeks, West Ham are now said to be lining up a bid for yet another Besiktas star - Argentine international Jose Sosa. The 30-year-old midfielder - who has previously enjoyed spells with Bayern Munich (2007-10) and Napoli (2010-11) - has been in Turkey with the Black Eagles for the past two seasons, having made the move from Atletico in La Liga during the summer of 2014. And according to a KUMB source, the Hammers are lining up a £9million bid for the Carcaraná-born Sosa, who has also been linked with a return home to Argentina this week. Estudiantes, with whom Sosa began his professional career back in 2002 are also rumoured to be keen on re-signing the player. Earlier this week SOsa indicated that he would not be averse to a move back to his first team.
Sosa made 31 appearances for Besiktas last season, scoring seven goals and providing 12 assists.
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West Ham leading Samuel Umtiti race, Sky sources understand
By Dev Trehan
Last Updated: 31/05/16 5:06pm
SSN
West Ham are leading the chase to sign Lyon centre-back Samuel Umtiti, Sky sources understand. The Cameroon-born France Under-21 international made 30 appearances for Lyon last season and is regarded as one of Europe's brightest young talents. Umtiti has previously been linked with moves to Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Spurs. France manager Didier Deschamps has named the 22-year-old on the standby list for this summer's European Championship. The news of West Ham's efforts to sign Umtiti comes on the same day news emerged of a bid from the Hammers for AC Milan's Colombian striker Carlos Bacca. West Ham have already had bids for Alexandre Lacazette and Callum Wilson turned down this summer, but co-chairman David Sullivan told Sky Sports News HQ last week the club are keen to add a world-class goalscorer to their ranks. West Ham have already agreed a deal to sign Norway international Havard Nordtveit, who will join the club on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with German side Borussia Monchengladbach.
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West Ham insist teenager Reece Oxford will not be sold despite interest from Manchester United
22:30, 30 MAY 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
United are lining up a £10m move for the teenager but West Ham rate him as one of the best young talents they have produced
The Mirror
West Ham are determined to fend off Manchester United's attempts to land starlet Reece Oxford. Jose Mourinho wants to make versatile Hammers academy product Oxford, 17, one of the first signings of his Manchester United reign. United are lining up a £10m move for the teenager, who can play in defence or midfield and has represented England's under-19s. But West Ham rate Oxford as the best talent they have produced since former United and England star Rio Ferdinand and insist there is no way he will be sold. They also claim they have not yet received an official bid for Oxford from the Old Trafford outfit. Star man Dimitri Payet is another Hammers player who has been linked with a summer move. Payet signed a fresh £125,000-a-week deal in February after a stunning start to his West Ham career but that hasn't silenced talk that the Frenchman could leave after an impressive debut season in England. But co-chairman David Gold vowed neither player is going anywhere, saying: "We have no plans to let these players go."
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Hammers talk on Sakho/Sunderland link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 31, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Sunderland have shown no interest in signing Diafra Sakho despite regular recent reports that Sam Allardyce is keen on the Irons striker.
Reports in the national press that a deal could be done have been joined by another in the local newspaper The Northern Echo today that both Sak and Swansea City striker Bafetimibi Gomis interest the former Hammers manager.
However, there has been zero contact between the two clubs where it is well known a close relationship exists between the chairmen.
We were told that it would be quite impossible to do business even had there been contact because Slaven Bilic won't firm up his plans until he has watched all his targets at the Euro Finals.
Enner Valencia is known to be available but the manager has given no indication that Sakho is a player he would allow to leave although a bid of between around £20 million might change that.
However, we were told: "If both were to go both would have to be replaced very quickly and it might be too much change too quickly anyway.
"Sakho is very highly regarded and it would be a surprise if he were allowed to move on even should interest emerge but to confirm – there has been no Sunderland contact."
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Slav to watch targets at Euros
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 31, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic will scout players on his Hammers wanted list at the European Championship in France. ClaretandHugh has already reported that the manager will not be doing any business before the Euros have finished and that his prime targets will be on display in France. Sadly, nobody is letting on at this stage as to who they are and in fact the manager is playing his cards close to his chest on names even to his closest confidantes having clamped down on any leaks. But ClaretandHugh was told this evening that anybody not involved in the competition will "be very low on the manager's list." We were told that both Gokhan Tore and AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca were names that Bilic has mentioned in the past but that there is no movement in either direction at this stage. There has been intense speculation that Gor is a "done deal" but our sources insisted: "That's just guesswork and not very inspired. The manager has one or two targets and will be in France to watch them."
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Former Hammer's £170m goal
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 31, 2016 in Videos, Whispers C and H
Former Hammer Mo Diame scored the only goal in the Championship Play-off final to win Hull City a place in the Premier League on the eve of the biggest ever TV deal in football history. That goal is said to worth a minimum of £170m to Hull as they rejoin the top flight of English football. Diame had earlier hit the post earlier in a final against Sheffield Wednesday which Hull dominated. Diame joined West Ham from Wigan on a free transfer in 2012, playing 79 times and scoring 7 goals for the Hammers. In late August 2014 he signed for Hull City on a three-year contract for a fee believed to be £3.5m. He has scored 9 goals from 38 appearances in the Championship this season for the Hull Tigers. Diame once told a french website while still at West Ham 'I don't want to stop here, I still want more, Joining a club from the top six would be a dream come true.'
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West Ham table £15m bid for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca - reports By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT Tuesday, May 31, 2016
West Ham have lodged a bid for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca, according to reports in Italy. The Hammers are trying to get their transfer business done early this year ahead of their move to the Olympic Stadium and landing a forward is at the top of the agenda. Having failed with bids for Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette and Bournemouth's Callum Wilson, West Ham have now turned their attention to the highly-rated Bacca. The Colombian, who scored 24 goals for club and country last season, has been linked with a number of clubs in the last few months, including Manchester United. But now, according to Sky Italia, West Ham have slapped down a £15million offer. Milan are unlikely to sell the former Sevilla hitman for that price so the bid is expected to be rejected. However, the report does suggest that an offer close to the £20m region could tempt the Italian giants to part ways with the 29-year-old - so a deal could still be on the cards.
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Tottenham and West Ham issued with warning over Lyon star Alexandre Lacazette By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has told Tottenham and West Ham they must tie up a deal for Alexandre Lacazette by the end of June. The striker is wanted by several Premier League clubs this summer after scoring 23 goals last season, to go with the 31 he bagged in 2014/15. Tottenham and West Ham are leading the race, but both clubs have so far failed to strike a deal with Lyon. And now Aulas has warned them to get a move on - or else they will have no chance of signing the Frenchman. "If on 28th August, we are offered €80m for Alexandre Lacazette, he will not leave," Aulas told L'Equipe. "However, if he comes to me in the days to come, because he has an offer he cannot refuse, it's possible. "Finally, if there must be departures, they will be before June 30th. There will be none after, except for minor players."
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West Ham launch £16m raid for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca as Slaven Bilic steps up search for top striker The experienced striker is one of several names on the club's wishlist Milan want £20m for the 29-year-old, who is chasing £60k a week wages Manager Slaven Bilic has been scouring the market for different strikers By SIMON JONES FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 00:12, 31 May 2016 | UPDATED: 00:17, 31 May 2016
West Ham have made an offer of £16million for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca. The Colombia international is one of several names on the club's wishlist as they try lure a top class striker to the Olympic Stadium for next season. Milan want £20m for the 29-year-old which would leave no re-sale value and Bacca is understood to be chasing £60,000 a week after tax. He is prolific though and scored 24 goals in all competitions last season. Slaven Bilic and co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold have been scouring the market for different strikers and have been rebuffed in their efforts to sign Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon. They remain in talks with Toulouse over a deal for Martin Braithwaite but he would be a secondary striker with Diafra Sakho likely to leave and a target for Sunderland among others.
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Sunderland step up bid for West Ham striker Diafra Sakho as £10m move edges closer Sunderland are keen on signing Diafra Sakho after staying in top flight West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan is preparing to give the go-ahead The striker, bought for £3.5m in 2014, would cost Sunderland £10m West Ham are working on targets and are keen on Martin Braithwaite By SIMON JONES FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 30 May 2016 | UPDATED: 01:27, 31 May 2016
Sunderland are pressing ahead with a £10million move for West Ham striker Diafra Sakho. Manager Sam Allardyce is ready to speak to the Senegal international as West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan prepares to give the go-ahead. The 26-year-old was signed for £3.5million from Metz and proved an instant success, scoring 12 goals in 26 games in his first season. Although Sakho had his differences with Allardyce, when he was in charge of West Ham, the forward is looking for a fresh challenge after growing frustrated this season, in which he has scored seven goals. West Bromwich Albion showed interest in January and remain keen as they ponder possible replacements for Saido Berahino but Allardyce hopes to convince him to move to the Stadium of Light. West Ham will use the proceeds of any sale to bring in a quality striker and are continuing to work through targets. One forward they hope to sign is Toulouse's Danish international striker Martin Braithwaite. West Ham have made a £3m offer for the 24-year-old.
Meanwhile, West Ham will step up talks with defender Reece Oxford over a new contract. Manchester United have yet to make a formal offer but are keen on the 17-year-old, who has two years left on his current deal. Hammers star Dimitri Payet scored a last-minute free-kick to help France beat Cameroon 3-2 on Monday night.
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