International round-up
WHUFC.com
Enner Valencia's Copa America campaign got underway in the early hours of Sunday as Ecuador battled to a creditable 0-0 draw with Brazil. Valencia played 81 minutes of the Group B draw in Pasadena, with Peru defeating Haiti 1-0 in the group's other fixture. Winning his 25th cap, Valencia picked up a yellow card during the second half against Brazil and will look to build on the point when Ecuador return to action on Wednesday against Peru. Their Group B campaign concludes next Sunday when they take on Haiti at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
On Saturday, Senegal secured their place at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 win over Burundi. Senegal have a perfect five wins from five in qualifying and the Hammers' Cheikhou Kouyate played the full 90 minutes in Bujumbura. The Lions of Teranga can now focus on the final tournament, which will be played in Gabon early next year.
Meanwhile, in Europe, Dimitri Payet's preparations for Euro 2016 concluded with a 3-0 win for France against Scotland in Metz. Payet started to earn his 19th cap for his country and laid on the second goal for Olivier Giroud, when Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall could only parry his fizzing shot into the path of the Arsenal striker. France get the tournament underway on Friday when they take on Romania in St Denis and Payet will be hopeful of a starting role after starring in the warm-up fixtures.
On Friday, Doneil Henry won his 18th senior cap for Canada in a 1-1 draw with Azerbaijan, while James Collins will hope to play for Wales in their friendly against Sweden later on Sunday.
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE COLUMN: MYSTERY WINGER REVEALED AND WHO ELSE IS LIKELY TO JOIN?
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 5 JUNE 2016 AT 10:09PM TheWestHamWay.co.uk
So another week and no players have arrived. This is not something that we need to panic about because already we have brought in Nordvteit, who is a massive signing. When speaking to my mate who works at Arsenal Academy, he said he was brilliant there and that Wenger was desperate to bring him back before we secured his signature this summer! Martinez the Spanish signing and Quina will be useful additions for both the future and Europe. Both of these transfers were brought exclusively by us at The West Ham Way, way before others and we are doing our best to keep our finger on the transfer pulse.
It is clear that we want to sign a forward and an offer did go in for Bacca!
However, he is currently playing in the Copa America and has a number of offers on the plate and will not make a decision until after this tournament has ended. I don't think we are overly hopeful on pulling this deal off. We have an interest in both Toulouse forwards and their links with the agent Mark McKay could prove pivotal (Braithwaite and Ben Yedder). Another player we have watched is Vincent Jannsen, who plays for Az in Holland. We are warming to players proving themselves from Holland, now Pelle, Bony and others have done so. Calleri has said this week he is going to get an Italian passport for his move to Europe and despite his dad saying he is joining Spurs (which I don't believe is true); I know we are still keen too!
I am aware that I am mentioning a number of names here, but it is genuinely the case there are others that I have mentioned in previous columns and chosen not to here.
David Sullivan works non-stop trying to get the right names in and is very frustrated. On the eve of two major tournaments (Euro 2016 and Copa America), it is never a good time to sign a player! Benteke continues to be a situation that we will monitor closely too. We are not close to signing any of these players at this point though. One forward who will not be joining us though is Vardy he has turned us down for Arsenal. He is expected to join them tomorrow. We did speak to the player but he didn't ever seem that keen and demanded very high wages and didn't show a real desire to play here whereas he seems to be excited by the Arsenal offer.
Sakho to Sunderland was a strange story of this week. Whilst it does appear Sunderland have some interest in the player they obviously do not trust him to stay fit. The deal was very heavily weighted around appearances and we know his injury record too. Whether Sakho would even want to go there is another question and rumours of him demanding to leave by preseason are rubbish. If we do not sign at least two quality forwards Sakho will remain at the club. We are set to announce the players who will be leaving at the end of their contracts soon and it will free up a lot of wages. All of these players I have mentioned in previous columns so I will not repeat it again.
Bilic wants to sign two wingers, with Tore being his first choice and the club will do all they can to sign him. At this point the deal isn't close at all because his club know how keen we are, so are trying to make more money out of us than we want to pay! DS is hopeful that Tore will be signed for Bilic eventually and of course he is not featuring in the Euros, which is handy.
We want to sign another winger who will not cost as much as Tore. This player who Jack Sullivan mentioned is Sofiane Feghouli another name that we have brought you previously. The player is on holiday at the moment but as Jack has said we hope to tie a deal up after that. He is an Algerian international (although born in France) who plays for Valencia. He is a very skilful winger and he is likely to be available for a free transfer I believe due to his contract expiring. I can say that despite us being interested a few months ago; N'Koudou of Marseille is not a target at this point. There has been a lot of interest in him from other clubs and therefore his price has been driven up. We will not be moving for Townsend either despite another agent reporting this because he is close to joining another Premiership team.
We are now interested in more wingers than we were before as our right back options all seem to be unlikely to happen now. Van der Weil seems likely to join Roma, Gokhan Gonul has a number of offers on the table as well. We do rate the Wolves right back Dominic Iorfa but he will cost a fair amount of money and at the moment Bilic is happy to stick and develop the right back options he currently has rather than gamble on unproven players.
Many clubs are showing an interest in Reece Burke and we have a real challenge on our hands to keep him! He impressed so much at Bradford and his contract expires in January. We want to keep him, he loves the club but he is conscious of the competition he faces this year and we hope to get him to sign a deal.
This week I took a lot of stick for saying Manchester United had launched a bid for Oxford. If I could say who the sources were on this (three of them), you would understand why I said it. In translation the offer seems to have been fabricated by an agent in close circles, as a way of making us as a club panic and offer him a much higher deal than before. These clubs are still interested in him and have had "chats" with his agent, although his future is yet to be decided and no official bid has come in for the player. The club hope he will sign a new deal soon and will do all they can to make it happen.
Speaking of Manchester United, whilst Bilic and the club obviously recognise the talents of Mata, his wages and the transfer fee for a player who plays in a very similar role to Payet and Lanzini means the deal is very unlikely to ever happen.
Ante Coric a young 19 year old Croatian who Bilic is very aware of is someone that we could sign for the future in that position and possibly another addition to our development squad. We have sent scouts to watch him a few times now.
One thing to remember with this window is that it is constantly changing and there are so many dominos effects of transfer deals. I spoke to Dave Sullivan Jnr this week who said how flat out dad works on these deals and that he is often left frustrated and unsure what is happening himself at times. Rest assured no one cares more than our chairman about getting the best players in.
Working 9-5 in a job unrelated to West Ham I am unable to know the ins and outs of every deal that happens on an hourly basis. I do my best to bring news as I hear it and I always verify it through more than one source but there will be times when this news changes without my knowledge. Under no circumstance do I try to mislead fans, I just try to bring news that I believe to be accurate and hopefully my three year track record has done enough to prove, that most of the time, it is reliable.
As a site we are continuing to look for ways to grow and expand and we believe now is the perfect time to do it. I am delighted to announce that Baz Cox will be running our West Ham Way TV at Away games. Baz is a twitter sensation who has built up a good relationship with the players especially Mark Noble who he was caught on camera singing a one direction tribute to.
Baz and his mates will be attending most away games including ones on our European tour and we are delighted to have him on board. Please feel free to speak to him about featuring in forth coming videos. George Allen will still produce all the videos and Evan Jones will continue to be our home game host. Having two presenters both with very large personalities gives us a lot of scope for future videos.
I would also like to say a big shout out to West Ham fan TV who we get on very well with and who set the bar very high for these videos. We are in no way trying to be competition to them but are aiming to work together on many future projects. As a site I have had one massive meeting and have another set for this week. Last week's has brought an extremely exciting feature for us which we will be launching in July. I will bring more news on this in the future but it is definitely the first of its kind, like our apps were when we released those in April. The Apps are due to be updated when Matthew Kirk, our IT man, returns from holiday and they should be even better than before. We will be adding our forum and our downloads feature this week to
the website too. One last plug! Our fanzine is almost sold out so please
get yourself a copy where there will be many exclusive articles and features only to be found there.
It's been a great day, and I have a few beers, I intend to finish the job off. COYI
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sub role for Colllins in Sweden defeat
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 5th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
James Collins was a second half substitute as Wales fell to a 3-0 defeat against Sweden at the Friends Arena in Stockholm this afternoon. Chris Coleman's side, playing their only pre-Euro 16 friendly ahead of next weekend's kick off were dismantled with consummate ease by the Swedes who had Emil Forsberg (40 minutes), Mikael Lustig (57) and substitute John Guidetti (87) to thank for their three goals. West Ham's Collins entered the fray with the score at 0-2 as a 64th-minute replacement for James Chester and enjoyed a relatively easy afternoon at the heart of the Welsh defence, but could do little to prevent the Swedes from coasting to victory.
Collins and Wales will face Slovakia (Saturday 11 June), England (Thursday 16 June) and Russia (Monday 20 June) in Group B of the tournament, which begins with hosts France tackling Romania in St Denis next Friday evening (10 June).
Elsewhere Enner Valencia featured for Ecuador as they laboured to a goalless draw with Brazil. The Hammers striker, who is widely tipped to leave the club this summer played for around 80 minutes before being substituted with cramp.
And in other international news, Martin Samuelsen is hoping to win his second cap for Norway when they face Belgium in a friendly later this evening.
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Weekend transfer update
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 5th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have been linked with a string of fresh faces this weekend...
* Sky Sports 'sources' (which we'll assume isn't Twitter on this occasion) suggest that Diafra Sakho is seeking reassurances about his future at West Ham. The 26-year-old striker, who continues to be linked with a move to Sunderland is understood to have reiterated his desire to resolve his future before returning to pre-season training. KUMB understands that West Ham are seeking a fee in the region of 13million for the former Metz star..
* West Ham are said to be vying with Liverpool and Manchester United for the signature of Marseille winger Georges-Kevin N'Koudou. The 21-year-old France Under-21 star - who scored 11 times for L'OM in 2015/16 - is said to be available for around £10million, despite having moved to Stade Vélodrome from Nantes less than 12 months ago for just £1million.
* England international Jamie Vardy, who West Ham were reported to have offered circa £20million for at the end of May is set to sign for Arsenal. The Leicester City striker's contract allows him to join a Champions League club for a set fee, close to that offered by West Ham previously.
* Bournemouth forward and long-term Hammers target Matt Richie is close to completing a move to the Olympic Stadium, according to Talksport presenter Tom Latchem. A friend of the radio presenter claims to have spoken with Richie, who is keen to complete a switch.
* West Ham are keen to take Gillingham's Bradley Dack on trail ahead of the forthcoming 2016/17 Premier League campaign. The 22-year-old has also been linked with a move to Selhurst Park whilst Bristol City saw a £1.8million bid for the striker rejected last January. Having fallen short in the League One play offs, the Gills are likely to cash in on the young forward, who scored 15 times for the Kent club last term.
* Reports that Barcelona are set to tie up a €20million deal for French defender Samuel Umtiti have been scotched by Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas. The Hammers target, who has already made 131 appearances for last season's Ligue 1 runners-up is "not in contact with Barcelona" according to Aulas, who admitted that the Spanish club had made an enquiry into his availability last week.
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Wolves star seeking West Ham move
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 5th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Dominic Iorfa wants a move to West Ham, according to a family member. The 20-year-old right-sided full back has been linked with a string of Premier League clubs since partaking in a successful Toulon tournament with England's Under 21s. Crystal Palace were considered to be the front-runners to sign Iorfa and fellow Wolves star Kortney Hause, but an an unnamed family member insists the Southend-born defender would prefer a move to the Olympic Stadium. "It's true that Iorfa is wanted by Southampton, Arsenal, West Ham and Crystal Palace," the unnamed individual is quoted as saying by Own Goal Nigeria. "But for obvious reasons he is more comfortable with a move to West Ham where he is most likely to get more playing time than any of the above team."
West Ham, who previously expressed an interest in signing Iorfa back in January have only rookie Sam Byram as a recognised right-sided full back on their books. In recent weeks the position has been filled by winger Michail Antonio, whilst centre half James Tomkins has also operated in the position previously. Wolves are said to be seeking around £7miilion for Iorfa, who played the full 90 minutes of England's recent 2-1 Toulon Final win against hosts France.
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Gold set to plunder Ligue 1
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 5th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
David Gold says that West Ham are likely to look to Ligue 1 and the Championship again this summer following the successes of last summer's previous recruitment campaign.
Dimitri Payet, Diafra Sakho, Darren Randolph, Michail Antonio and Sam Byram are amongst those to have joined West Ham from either Ligue 1 or the Championship with the past two seasons, whilst the Hammers have been linked with a string of players from both since the end of the 2015/16 campaign.
And Gold, speaking via the club's website admitted that the club will be looking to those divisions again in order to improve Slaven Bilic's squad this summer. "We have plucked gems out of the French league and the Championship in the past year and we will be looking to do likewise again this summer," he said.
"What we have to ensure now is that we keep that momentum going when we move to the new stadium, and that means we will be bringing in some new players to replace the four loan players - Carl Jenkinson, Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike and Alex Song - who have left us.
"Our intention is to replace them with better quality. Of course we have already shown our intent by bringing in Havard Nordtveit, a talented Norwegian player who our fans will enjoy."
West Ham have agreed to sign four players so far this summer - Nordtveit, Manuel Lanzini plus youngsters Toni Martinez and Domingos Quina (from Valencia and Chelsea respectively).
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Vardy agrees Irons deal…then moves on!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 5, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham believed they had clinched a deal to take Jamie Vardy to the club at around £105k a week before they were hit by new inflationary demands in negotiations. Arsenal are now big favourites to clinch a deal for the Leicester City striker on a deal whic is close to be around £120k a week. But ClaretandHugh can reveal the player looked to be on his way to the Olympic Stadium six weeks ago when we understand his advisors had agreed he would sign for around £90k a week plus £15k for every first team appearance . But when the two sides sat down to iron out the details they were told there was new interest and that a deal would cost them around £125k-£150k a week pus appearance fees. We believe that Liverpool had also been made aware of his availability but dropped their interest when they were quoted personal terms of £140k a week. Now the Gooners are close to agreeing a transfer fee of £20 million with City whilst offering the player £120k a week. A Hammers source told ClaretadHugh: "We thought we had a deal and it came as a surprise when the fee moved up so dramatically – there was a lot going on behind the scenes with other clubs!"
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New Sakho Sunderland 'spin' changes nothing!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 5, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
It seems that Sky Sports are refusing to give up on their Diafra Sakho to Sunderland for £11 million story despite West Ham revealing the bid is entirely unacceptable. Sky have today new spin to the tale claiming the player wants a swift resolution on his future amid the speculation.
Well, given the story was started by them perhaps whoever is involved in breaking it could put the facts as he/she understands them on the line thus helping the situation considerably However, what ClaretandHugh was told again this moring is that nothing like an £11 m bid has been lodged.
Instead the offer was around half of that and involved clauses which involved Sunderland staying up for three seasons and Sakho playing 30 games per campaign. That suggests the Black Cats manager Sam Allardyce has noted the players injury problems and realised he is unlikely to have to fulfill any of those obligations given that in his two seasons with the Irons, Sak has managed 26 and 24 first team appearances. Sky then justify the new line they have taken with the following quote : 'Sources close to the player have told Sky Sports News HQ that Sakho is looking for clarity regarding his future, adding the player would like to start pre-season with the club he will be playing for next season." Blah blah blah
Well we an answer that one for him and Sky. He will be a West Ham player unless a realistic bid starting at around £15 million is made.
Okay, is that sorted?
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, June 6
Sunday, June 5
Ex-WHUEmployee Column
EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE COLUMN: MYSTERY WINGER REVEALED AND WHO ELSE IS
LIKELY TO JOIN?
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 5 JUNE 2016 AT 10:09PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
So another week and no players have arrived. This is not something that we
need to panic about because already we have brought in Nordvteit, who is a
massive signing. When speaking to my mate who works at Arsenal Academy, he
said he was brilliant there and that Wenger was desperate to bring him back
before we secured his signature this summer! Martinez the Spanish signing
and Quina will be useful additions for both the future and Europe. Both of
these transfers were brought exclusively by us at The West Ham Way, way
before others and we are doing our best to keep our finger on the transfer
pulse.
It is clear that we want to sign a forward and an offer did go in for Bacca!
However, he is currently playing in the Copa America and has a number of
offers on the plate and will not make a decision until after this tournament
has ended. I don't think we are overly hopeful on pulling this deal off. We
have an interest in both Toulouse forwards and their links with the agent
Mark McKay could prove pivotal (Braithwaite and Ben Yedder). Another player
we have watched is Vincent Jannsen, who plays for Az in Holland. We are
warming to players proving themselves from Holland, now Pelle, Bony and
others have done so. Calleri has said this week he is going to get an
Italian passport for his move to Europe and despite his dad saying he is
joining Spurs (which I don't believe is true); I know we are still keen too!
I am aware that I am mentioning a number of names here, but it is genuinely
the case there are others that I have mentioned in previous columns and
chosen not to here.
David Sullivan works non-stop trying to get the right names in and is very
frustrated. On the eve of two major tournaments (Euro 2016 and Copa
America), it is never a good time to sign a player! Benteke continues to be
a situation that we will monitor closely too. We are not close to signing
any of these players at this point though. One forward who will not be
joining us though is Vardy he has turned us down for Arsenal. He is expected
to join them tomorrow. We did speak to the player but he didn't ever seem
that keen and demanded very high wages and didn't show a real desire to play
here whereas he seems to be excited by the Arsenal offer.
Sakho to Sunderland was a strange story of this week. Whilst it does appear
Sunderland have some interest in the player they obviously do not trust him
to stay fit. The deal was very heavily weighted around appearances and we
know his injury record too. Whether Sakho would even want to go there is
another question and rumours of him demanding to leave by preseason are
rubbish. If we do not sign at least two quality forwards Sakho will remain
at the club. We are set to announce the players who will be leaving at the
end of their contracts soon and it will free up a lot of wages. All of these
players I have mentioned in previous columns so I will not repeat it again.
Bilic wants to sign two wingers, with Tore being his first choice and the
club will do all they can to sign him. At this point the deal isn't close
at all because his club know how keen we are, so are trying to make more
money out of us than we want to pay! DS is hopeful that Tore will be signed
for Bilic eventually and of course he is not featuring in the Euros, which
is handy.
We want to sign another winger who will not cost as much as Tore. This
player who Jack Sullivan mentioned is Sofiane Feghouli another name that we
have brought you previously. The player is on holiday at the moment but as
Jack has said we hope to tie a deal up after that. He is an Algerian
international (although born in France) who plays for Valencia. He is a very
skilful winger and he is likely to be available for a free transfer I
believe due to his contract expiring. I can say that despite us being
interested a few months ago; N'Koudou of Marseille is not a target at this
point. There has been a lot of interest in him from other clubs and
therefore his price has been driven up. We will not be moving for Townsend
either despite another agent reporting this because he is close to joining
another Premiership team.
We are now interested in more wingers than we were before as our right back
options all seem to be unlikely to happen now. Van der Weil seems likely to
join Roma, Gokhan Gonul has a number of offers on the table as well. We do
rate the Wolves right back Dominic Iorfa but he will cost a fair amount of
money and at the moment Bilic is happy to stick and develop the right back
options he currently has rather than gamble on unproven players.
Many clubs are showing an interest in Reece Burke and we have a real
challenge on our hands to keep him! He impressed so much at Bradford and
his contract expires in January. We want to keep him, he loves the club but
he is conscious of the competition he faces this year and we hope to get him
to sign a deal.
This week I took a lot of stick for saying Manchester United had launched a
bid for Oxford. If I could say who the sources were on this (three of
them), you would understand why I said it. In translation the offer seems
to have been fabricated by an agent in close circles, as a way of making us
as a club panic and offer him a much higher deal than before. These clubs
are still interested in him and have had "chats" with his agent, although
his future is yet to be decided and no official bid has come in for the
player. The club hope he will sign a new deal soon and will do all they can
to make it happen.
Speaking of Manchester United, whilst Bilic and the club obviously recognise
the talents of Mata, his wages and the transfer fee for a player who plays
in a very similar role to Payet and Lanzini means the deal is very unlikely
to ever happen.
Ante Coric a young 19 year old Croatian who Bilic is very aware of is
someone that we could sign for the future in that position and possibly
another addition to our development squad. We have sent scouts to watch him
a few times now.
One thing to remember with this window is that it is constantly changing and
there are so many dominos effects of transfer deals. I spoke to Dave
Sullivan Jnr this week who said how flat out dad works on these deals and
that he is often left frustrated and unsure what is happening himself at
times. Rest assured no one cares more than our chairman about getting the
best players in.
Working 9-5 in a job unrelated to West Ham I am unable to know the ins and
outs of every deal that happens on an hourly basis. I do my best to bring
news as I hear it and I always verify it through more than one source but
there will be times when this news changes without my knowledge. Under no
circumstance do I try to mislead fans, I just try to bring news that I
believe to be accurate and hopefully my three year track record has done
enough to prove, that most of the time, it is reliable.
As a site we are continuing to look for ways to grow and expand and we
believe now is the perfect time to do it. I am delighted to announce that
Baz Cox will be running our West Ham Way TV at Away games. Baz is a twitter
sensation who has built up a good relationship with the players especially
Mark Noble who he was caught on camera singing a one direction tribute to.
Baz and his mates will be attending most away games including ones on our
European tour and we are delighted to have him on board. Please feel free to
speak to him about featuring in forth coming videos. George Allen will still
produce all the videos and Evan Jones will continue to be our home game
host. Having two presenters both with very large personalities gives us a
lot of scope for future videos.
I would also like to say a big shout out to West Ham fan TV who we get on
very well with and who set the bar very high for these videos. We are in no
way trying to be competition to them but are aiming to work together on many
future projects. As a site I have had one massive meeting and have another
set for this week. Last week's has brought an extremely exciting feature for
us which we will be launching in July. I will bring more news on this in the
future but it is definitely the first of its kind, like our apps were when
we released those in April. The Apps are due to be updated when Matthew
Kirk, our IT man, returns from holiday and they should be even better than
before. We will be adding our forum and our downloads feature this week to
the website too. One last plug! Our fanzine is almost sold out so please
get yourself a copy where there will be many exclusive articles and features
only to be found there.
It's been a great day, and I have a few beers, I intend to finish the job
off. COYI
LIKELY TO JOIN?
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 5 JUNE 2016 AT 10:09PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
So another week and no players have arrived. This is not something that we
need to panic about because already we have brought in Nordvteit, who is a
massive signing. When speaking to my mate who works at Arsenal Academy, he
said he was brilliant there and that Wenger was desperate to bring him back
before we secured his signature this summer! Martinez the Spanish signing
and Quina will be useful additions for both the future and Europe. Both of
these transfers were brought exclusively by us at The West Ham Way, way
before others and we are doing our best to keep our finger on the transfer
pulse.
It is clear that we want to sign a forward and an offer did go in for Bacca!
However, he is currently playing in the Copa America and has a number of
offers on the plate and will not make a decision until after this tournament
has ended. I don't think we are overly hopeful on pulling this deal off. We
have an interest in both Toulouse forwards and their links with the agent
Mark McKay could prove pivotal (Braithwaite and Ben Yedder). Another player
we have watched is Vincent Jannsen, who plays for Az in Holland. We are
warming to players proving themselves from Holland, now Pelle, Bony and
others have done so. Calleri has said this week he is going to get an
Italian passport for his move to Europe and despite his dad saying he is
joining Spurs (which I don't believe is true); I know we are still keen too!
I am aware that I am mentioning a number of names here, but it is genuinely
the case there are others that I have mentioned in previous columns and
chosen not to here.
David Sullivan works non-stop trying to get the right names in and is very
frustrated. On the eve of two major tournaments (Euro 2016 and Copa
America), it is never a good time to sign a player! Benteke continues to be
a situation that we will monitor closely too. We are not close to signing
any of these players at this point though. One forward who will not be
joining us though is Vardy he has turned us down for Arsenal. He is expected
to join them tomorrow. We did speak to the player but he didn't ever seem
that keen and demanded very high wages and didn't show a real desire to play
here whereas he seems to be excited by the Arsenal offer.
Sakho to Sunderland was a strange story of this week. Whilst it does appear
Sunderland have some interest in the player they obviously do not trust him
to stay fit. The deal was very heavily weighted around appearances and we
know his injury record too. Whether Sakho would even want to go there is
another question and rumours of him demanding to leave by preseason are
rubbish. If we do not sign at least two quality forwards Sakho will remain
at the club. We are set to announce the players who will be leaving at the
end of their contracts soon and it will free up a lot of wages. All of these
players I have mentioned in previous columns so I will not repeat it again.
Bilic wants to sign two wingers, with Tore being his first choice and the
club will do all they can to sign him. At this point the deal isn't close
at all because his club know how keen we are, so are trying to make more
money out of us than we want to pay! DS is hopeful that Tore will be signed
for Bilic eventually and of course he is not featuring in the Euros, which
is handy.
We want to sign another winger who will not cost as much as Tore. This
player who Jack Sullivan mentioned is Sofiane Feghouli another name that we
have brought you previously. The player is on holiday at the moment but as
Jack has said we hope to tie a deal up after that. He is an Algerian
international (although born in France) who plays for Valencia. He is a very
skilful winger and he is likely to be available for a free transfer I
believe due to his contract expiring. I can say that despite us being
interested a few months ago; N'Koudou of Marseille is not a target at this
point. There has been a lot of interest in him from other clubs and
therefore his price has been driven up. We will not be moving for Townsend
either despite another agent reporting this because he is close to joining
another Premiership team.
We are now interested in more wingers than we were before as our right back
options all seem to be unlikely to happen now. Van der Weil seems likely to
join Roma, Gokhan Gonul has a number of offers on the table as well. We do
rate the Wolves right back Dominic Iorfa but he will cost a fair amount of
money and at the moment Bilic is happy to stick and develop the right back
options he currently has rather than gamble on unproven players.
Many clubs are showing an interest in Reece Burke and we have a real
challenge on our hands to keep him! He impressed so much at Bradford and
his contract expires in January. We want to keep him, he loves the club but
he is conscious of the competition he faces this year and we hope to get him
to sign a deal.
This week I took a lot of stick for saying Manchester United had launched a
bid for Oxford. If I could say who the sources were on this (three of
them), you would understand why I said it. In translation the offer seems
to have been fabricated by an agent in close circles, as a way of making us
as a club panic and offer him a much higher deal than before. These clubs
are still interested in him and have had "chats" with his agent, although
his future is yet to be decided and no official bid has come in for the
player. The club hope he will sign a new deal soon and will do all they can
to make it happen.
Speaking of Manchester United, whilst Bilic and the club obviously recognise
the talents of Mata, his wages and the transfer fee for a player who plays
in a very similar role to Payet and Lanzini means the deal is very unlikely
to ever happen.
Ante Coric a young 19 year old Croatian who Bilic is very aware of is
someone that we could sign for the future in that position and possibly
another addition to our development squad. We have sent scouts to watch him
a few times now.
One thing to remember with this window is that it is constantly changing and
there are so many dominos effects of transfer deals. I spoke to Dave
Sullivan Jnr this week who said how flat out dad works on these deals and
that he is often left frustrated and unsure what is happening himself at
times. Rest assured no one cares more than our chairman about getting the
best players in.
Working 9-5 in a job unrelated to West Ham I am unable to know the ins and
outs of every deal that happens on an hourly basis. I do my best to bring
news as I hear it and I always verify it through more than one source but
there will be times when this news changes without my knowledge. Under no
circumstance do I try to mislead fans, I just try to bring news that I
believe to be accurate and hopefully my three year track record has done
enough to prove, that most of the time, it is reliable.
As a site we are continuing to look for ways to grow and expand and we
believe now is the perfect time to do it. I am delighted to announce that
Baz Cox will be running our West Ham Way TV at Away games. Baz is a twitter
sensation who has built up a good relationship with the players especially
Mark Noble who he was caught on camera singing a one direction tribute to.
Baz and his mates will be attending most away games including ones on our
European tour and we are delighted to have him on board. Please feel free to
speak to him about featuring in forth coming videos. George Allen will still
produce all the videos and Evan Jones will continue to be our home game
host. Having two presenters both with very large personalities gives us a
lot of scope for future videos.
I would also like to say a big shout out to West Ham fan TV who we get on
very well with and who set the bar very high for these videos. We are in no
way trying to be competition to them but are aiming to work together on many
future projects. As a site I have had one massive meeting and have another
set for this week. Last week's has brought an extremely exciting feature for
us which we will be launching in July. I will bring more news on this in the
future but it is definitely the first of its kind, like our apps were when
we released those in April. The Apps are due to be updated when Matthew
Kirk, our IT man, returns from holiday and they should be even better than
before. We will be adding our forum and our downloads feature this week to
the website too. One last plug! Our fanzine is almost sold out so please
get yourself a copy where there will be many exclusive articles and features
only to be found there.
It's been a great day, and I have a few beers, I intend to finish the job
off. COYI
Daily WHUFC News - 5th June 2016
From the Boardroom
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Gold says co-operation is vital to the continued
success of the English Premier League…
Hello everyone,
I spent last Thursday and Friday at the Premier League Annual General
Meeting in Harrogate, where I was joined by my fellow Chairmen and Chief
Executives from the 19 other clubs.
The Premier League goes from strength to strength, it is as simple as that,
both in terms of its success and the fantastic work that it does for so many
good causes that we all sign up to.
Most of what we discussed has to remain private, but we did receive
interesting presentations from our broadcast partners Sky Sports and NBC
Sports from the United States.
One thing I can tell you is that the meeting culminated with the
presentation of the four Premier League trophies – the senior title to
Leicester City, the U21 Premier League trophy to Manchester United, the U18
Premier League trophy to Manchester City and of course the U21 Premier
League Cup to ourselves!
It had not occurred to me that I would be presented with the Cup, so I was
so excited to receive it when it was announced that the winners were West
Ham United.
To get up in front of all the Chairmen and Chief Executives was wonderful
and well done to our U21s and to our Academy Director Terry Westley.
Congratulations to Terry and the lads, because it was great to win the Cup
when we beat Hull and a great moment for me personally on Thursday evening.
The Premier League is all about collaboration and promoting the league
around the world and that's what makes it the greatest league on the planet.
It's important that we continue to attract the best players from around the
world.
Our meeting is very much about discussing whether we are doing the right
things, what we can do better and what we can improve, whether that be the
technology to help match officials, the behaviour of our players or the
facilities we provide our supporters.
All those kind of things are part and parcel of what the Premier League do
to ensure we deliver a product which is the best in the world.
I mentioned there about the Premier League attracting the best players and
the summer transfer window is almost upon us.
Our aim, as it has been every year, is to get stronger as a football club,
both on the pitch and in terms of our fan base.
Of course we receive income from our broadcast deals and sponsors, but a
huge part of our success is down to our supporters. Who could have believed
we would sell out a 60,000-capacity stadium, but we've done it!
The fans play a big part in the strength of a football club. We need a
decent Board, a manager with passion and a will to win and players who want
to go that extra mile, but we have those things coming together at the same
time that we're experiencing.
We have plucked gems out of the French league and the Championship in the
past year and we will be looking to do likewise again this summer.
What we have to ensure now is that we keep that momentum going when we move
to the new Stadium, and that means we will be bringing in some new players
to replace the four loan players who have left us – Carl Jenkinson, Victor
Moses, Emmanuel Emenike and Alex Song. Our intention is to replace them with
better quality.
Of course we have already shown our intent by bringing in Havard Nordtveit,
a talented Norwegian player who our fans will enjoy.
The other part of this which is coming together is the group of youth
players coming through the ranks – Reece Oxford and Reece Burke are two of
the most-talented young defenders coming through in this country.
Then you have Martin Samuelsen who made his full international debut this
week and I hope it is only a matter of time before he emerges into the first
team.
We didn't win the U21 Cup I was presented with on Thursday because we have
poor players – it is because they are special young players and I look
forward to seeing their continued development.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collins' Wales and Valencia's Ecuador in action
WHUFC.com
Wales will be hosted by Sweden in their final fixture prior to UEFA Euro
2016 on Sunday and West Ham defender James Collins could be involved.
The 32-year-old, who played six times in qualifying for the tournament as
Wales finished second behind Belgium in Group B, last played for his country
in November and will be keen to get some minutes behind him before the
tournament starts.
The mouth-watering clash in Selna, which pits two world superstars – Gareth
Bale and Zlatan Ibrahimovic – against each other, will act as a warm-up game
for both sides prior to this summer's tournament, which begins on 10 June.
The game kicks-off at 3pm UK time.
Hammers man Collins hopes to be a key part of Chris Coleman's squad during
their campaign which kicks-off against Slovakia in Bordeaux on 11 June.
The Dragons then, of course, face England in a huge tie in Lens, before
completing their Group B fixtures against Russia in Toulouse.
Also set to be in action on Sunday is West Ham striker Enner Valencia, whose
Ecuador side take on Brazil in their opening Copa America tie.
The Yellows will contest Haiti and Peru as well as the Brazilians in Group B
for a place in the knockout stages of the competition held in the USA.
Valencia, who has scored 14 times in 24 appearances for his country, has
started Ecuador's last three games and found the net against Paraguay in
March.
Neither side can boast terrific recent form however, with two wins apiece
from their last five games respectively.
The match, which kicks-off at 3am UK time, will be played in the Rose Bowl
stadium in Pasadena, California, and the tournament is the first Copa
America to be held outside South America.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham striker Diafra Sakho wants future clarified amid Sunderland bid,
say Sky sources
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 04/06/16 11:02pm
SSN
West Ham striker Diafra Sakho wants a swift resolution on his future, Sky
sources understand. On Friday, 26-year-old Sakho, who scored seven goals for
the Hammers last season, was the subject of an £11m bid from Sunderland.
Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce knows Sakho well, having signed the player
during his time as West Ham boss from French side Metz in the summer of
2014. The Senegal international scored 12 goals in his first season,
finishing as the club's top goal scorer. Sources close to the player have
told Sky Sports News HQ that Sakho is looking for clarity regarding his
future, adding the player would like to start pre-season with the club he
will be playing for next season. Sakho is aware that West Ham have made
several offers for other strikers and it is understood that he hopes any
move away from the club can be concluded as swiftly as possible.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Crowd safety concerns at the Olympic Stadium
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 5, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Some rock fans complained of safety concerns as nearly 80,000 AC/DC ticket
holders attempted to leave the Olympic Stadium around 10.30pm last night.
One music fan who is a journalist and a Spurs season ticket holder took to
social media to highlight the danger to the Premier League.
John Toner wrote "Safety at the Olympic Stadium dangerous. Closed the
majority of exits & were funnelling thousands into a handful of exits.Crush
only prevented when stewards opened extra gates. I was told I was 'drunk'
for wanting to use nearest exit. Crowd became angry and began scaling
barriers to escape. Scary and dangerous"
One West Ham messaged David Gold saying "Great venue but badly staffed,
couldn't get up walk ways, stewards apalling"
A Hull City fan complained about the massive queues outside the stadium for
the underground station saying "West Ham will love the tube queues at full
time on Matchday…" together which this picture below of the queues.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham odds to win the league tumble
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 5, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Premier League in the 2016/2017 season have tumbled this year as short as
66/1 which makes them eighth favourite to lift the trophy. Man City are the
favourites followed by Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea for the top
four. Spurs at fifth favorites followed by Liverpool and last season's
winners Leicester City in seventh before West Ham.
Leicester City were a massive 5000/1 chance last year and bookies took a
battering paying out millions of pounds to Leicester fans who bunged a
tenner of their team.
West Ham were placed as 1000/1 outsiders last year to win the league but our
odds shortened to 400/1 by November after they got a great start to the
season.
Just in case you think the bookies have placed everyone short odds. West
Brom, Watford, Middlesborough, Hull, Burnley, Bournemouth and Sunderland are
all 1500-1 to lift the Premier League title. Swansea are 1250-1 and Crystal
Palace 1000-1.
If you shop around you can still get 100-1 for West Ham to win the league
with some bookies including West Ham's shirt sponsors Betway.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"We look better with Collins at the back"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 5, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Big Ray Winstone knows what he's on a bout when it comes to the Hammers and
here he discusses what he reckons we need this summer. This frst appeared on
West Ham FC Tv and is well worth a watch!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Gold says co-operation is vital to the continued
success of the English Premier League…
Hello everyone,
I spent last Thursday and Friday at the Premier League Annual General
Meeting in Harrogate, where I was joined by my fellow Chairmen and Chief
Executives from the 19 other clubs.
The Premier League goes from strength to strength, it is as simple as that,
both in terms of its success and the fantastic work that it does for so many
good causes that we all sign up to.
Most of what we discussed has to remain private, but we did receive
interesting presentations from our broadcast partners Sky Sports and NBC
Sports from the United States.
One thing I can tell you is that the meeting culminated with the
presentation of the four Premier League trophies – the senior title to
Leicester City, the U21 Premier League trophy to Manchester United, the U18
Premier League trophy to Manchester City and of course the U21 Premier
League Cup to ourselves!
It had not occurred to me that I would be presented with the Cup, so I was
so excited to receive it when it was announced that the winners were West
Ham United.
To get up in front of all the Chairmen and Chief Executives was wonderful
and well done to our U21s and to our Academy Director Terry Westley.
Congratulations to Terry and the lads, because it was great to win the Cup
when we beat Hull and a great moment for me personally on Thursday evening.
The Premier League is all about collaboration and promoting the league
around the world and that's what makes it the greatest league on the planet.
It's important that we continue to attract the best players from around the
world.
Our meeting is very much about discussing whether we are doing the right
things, what we can do better and what we can improve, whether that be the
technology to help match officials, the behaviour of our players or the
facilities we provide our supporters.
All those kind of things are part and parcel of what the Premier League do
to ensure we deliver a product which is the best in the world.
I mentioned there about the Premier League attracting the best players and
the summer transfer window is almost upon us.
Our aim, as it has been every year, is to get stronger as a football club,
both on the pitch and in terms of our fan base.
Of course we receive income from our broadcast deals and sponsors, but a
huge part of our success is down to our supporters. Who could have believed
we would sell out a 60,000-capacity stadium, but we've done it!
The fans play a big part in the strength of a football club. We need a
decent Board, a manager with passion and a will to win and players who want
to go that extra mile, but we have those things coming together at the same
time that we're experiencing.
We have plucked gems out of the French league and the Championship in the
past year and we will be looking to do likewise again this summer.
What we have to ensure now is that we keep that momentum going when we move
to the new Stadium, and that means we will be bringing in some new players
to replace the four loan players who have left us – Carl Jenkinson, Victor
Moses, Emmanuel Emenike and Alex Song. Our intention is to replace them with
better quality.
Of course we have already shown our intent by bringing in Havard Nordtveit,
a talented Norwegian player who our fans will enjoy.
The other part of this which is coming together is the group of youth
players coming through the ranks – Reece Oxford and Reece Burke are two of
the most-talented young defenders coming through in this country.
Then you have Martin Samuelsen who made his full international debut this
week and I hope it is only a matter of time before he emerges into the first
team.
We didn't win the U21 Cup I was presented with on Thursday because we have
poor players – it is because they are special young players and I look
forward to seeing their continued development.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collins' Wales and Valencia's Ecuador in action
WHUFC.com
Wales will be hosted by Sweden in their final fixture prior to UEFA Euro
2016 on Sunday and West Ham defender James Collins could be involved.
The 32-year-old, who played six times in qualifying for the tournament as
Wales finished second behind Belgium in Group B, last played for his country
in November and will be keen to get some minutes behind him before the
tournament starts.
The mouth-watering clash in Selna, which pits two world superstars – Gareth
Bale and Zlatan Ibrahimovic – against each other, will act as a warm-up game
for both sides prior to this summer's tournament, which begins on 10 June.
The game kicks-off at 3pm UK time.
Hammers man Collins hopes to be a key part of Chris Coleman's squad during
their campaign which kicks-off against Slovakia in Bordeaux on 11 June.
The Dragons then, of course, face England in a huge tie in Lens, before
completing their Group B fixtures against Russia in Toulouse.
Also set to be in action on Sunday is West Ham striker Enner Valencia, whose
Ecuador side take on Brazil in their opening Copa America tie.
The Yellows will contest Haiti and Peru as well as the Brazilians in Group B
for a place in the knockout stages of the competition held in the USA.
Valencia, who has scored 14 times in 24 appearances for his country, has
started Ecuador's last three games and found the net against Paraguay in
March.
Neither side can boast terrific recent form however, with two wins apiece
from their last five games respectively.
The match, which kicks-off at 3am UK time, will be played in the Rose Bowl
stadium in Pasadena, California, and the tournament is the first Copa
America to be held outside South America.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham striker Diafra Sakho wants future clarified amid Sunderland bid,
say Sky sources
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 04/06/16 11:02pm
SSN
West Ham striker Diafra Sakho wants a swift resolution on his future, Sky
sources understand. On Friday, 26-year-old Sakho, who scored seven goals for
the Hammers last season, was the subject of an £11m bid from Sunderland.
Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce knows Sakho well, having signed the player
during his time as West Ham boss from French side Metz in the summer of
2014. The Senegal international scored 12 goals in his first season,
finishing as the club's top goal scorer. Sources close to the player have
told Sky Sports News HQ that Sakho is looking for clarity regarding his
future, adding the player would like to start pre-season with the club he
will be playing for next season. Sakho is aware that West Ham have made
several offers for other strikers and it is understood that he hopes any
move away from the club can be concluded as swiftly as possible.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Crowd safety concerns at the Olympic Stadium
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 5, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Some rock fans complained of safety concerns as nearly 80,000 AC/DC ticket
holders attempted to leave the Olympic Stadium around 10.30pm last night.
One music fan who is a journalist and a Spurs season ticket holder took to
social media to highlight the danger to the Premier League.
John Toner wrote "Safety at the Olympic Stadium dangerous. Closed the
majority of exits & were funnelling thousands into a handful of exits.Crush
only prevented when stewards opened extra gates. I was told I was 'drunk'
for wanting to use nearest exit. Crowd became angry and began scaling
barriers to escape. Scary and dangerous"
One West Ham messaged David Gold saying "Great venue but badly staffed,
couldn't get up walk ways, stewards apalling"
A Hull City fan complained about the massive queues outside the stadium for
the underground station saying "West Ham will love the tube queues at full
time on Matchday…" together which this picture below of the queues.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham odds to win the league tumble
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 5, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Premier League in the 2016/2017 season have tumbled this year as short as
66/1 which makes them eighth favourite to lift the trophy. Man City are the
favourites followed by Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea for the top
four. Spurs at fifth favorites followed by Liverpool and last season's
winners Leicester City in seventh before West Ham.
Leicester City were a massive 5000/1 chance last year and bookies took a
battering paying out millions of pounds to Leicester fans who bunged a
tenner of their team.
West Ham were placed as 1000/1 outsiders last year to win the league but our
odds shortened to 400/1 by November after they got a great start to the
season.
Just in case you think the bookies have placed everyone short odds. West
Brom, Watford, Middlesborough, Hull, Burnley, Bournemouth and Sunderland are
all 1500-1 to lift the Premier League title. Swansea are 1250-1 and Crystal
Palace 1000-1.
If you shop around you can still get 100-1 for West Ham to win the league
with some bookies including West Ham's shirt sponsors Betway.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"We look better with Collins at the back"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 5, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Big Ray Winstone knows what he's on a bout when it comes to the Hammers and
here he discusses what he reckons we need this summer. This frst appeared on
West Ham FC Tv and is well worth a watch!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, June 4
Daily WHUFC News - 4th June 2016
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/
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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
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$ts
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 2, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
By Pete Ellis
Agent provocateur or merely a football agent?
If you were to name the two biggest transfer sagas of recent years, the chances are the Raheem Sterling move to City and th Saido Berhinho non move to Spurs would be right up there.
Raheem believing he was the English Messi and wanting out of Liverpool was worthy of an episode in the Brookside soap while Berahino was being touted as a £20m player to Spurs, which seemed to me to be uncharacteristically generous from everyone's favourite the desperately dour and dull Mr Levy.
So what connects these two sorry affairs?
The agent. The guy that has these players "int€re$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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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