Payet prepped for Euro 2016 opener
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet and France kick-off Euro 2016 against Romania in Paris on
Friday
West Ham United star has scored three goals in 18 caps for his country
The 29-year-old set to form part of star-studded forward line for Didier
Deschamps' side
Dimitri Payet is hoping to be part of a feared France attack when Les Bleus
kick-off UEFA Euro 2016 against Romania on Friday. The French begin their
home tournament as 3/1 favourites and Payet is expected to be an important
figure for Didier Deschamps? star-studded side.
Payet has carried his scintillating form for West Ham United into a France
shirt in the run-up to Euro 2016, scoring sensational free-kicks in
victories over Russia and Cameroon.
The Hammer of the Year is expected to start in Friday?s tournament opener at
the Stade de France in a six-pronged attack alongside Juventus powerhouse
Paul Pogba, Paris Saint-Germain star Blaise Matuidi, Atletico Madrid striker
Antoine Griezmann, outstanding Manchester United youngster Anthony Martial
and Arsenal centre forward Olivier Giroud. However, the 29-year-old is
taking nothing for granted.
Payet continued his outstanding pre-Euro 2016 form by setting up two goals
in a 3-0 win over the Scots in Metz last weekend.
When asked about his own form leading up to the finals, the Hammers star is
enjoying playing alongside energetic central midfielders Pogba and Matuidi
and being given the opportunity to dictate the play himself from a central
trequartista position.
?I was involved in the play a lot against Scotland, and that allows me to be
at the beginning of the attacks,? he continued.
?I can link-up with midfielders Paul and Blaise in particular, and we made
??good combinations.?
While his ability to pick holes in defences from open play will pose a
threat to any defence, it is Payet?s skill from set plays that will have
fans on the edge of their seats throughout Euro 2016.
The Reunion-born maestro scored SIX direct free-kicks for Club and country
in 2015/16, including a wonderful last-minute effort to defeat Cameroon on
31 May.
?This is an important weapon, as there will be close games and set pieces
can unlock situations,? the West Ham favourite confirmed.
Payet is rated as a 25/1 shot to be named Player of the Tournament, behind
only teammates Pogba and Griezmann, Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo,
Germany?s Thomas Muller, Belgium pair Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard and
England?s Harry Kane. He is also a 50/1 chance to finish the competition as
top scorer.
France face Romania in their Group A opener in Paris at 8pm BST tonight,
live on ITV, before tackling Albania in Marseille on Thursday 15 June (ITV)
and Switzerland in Lille on Monday 19 June (BBC 1), with both matches also
kicking-off at 8pm.
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Moose's Euro 2016 preview
WHUFC.com
I am sure all West Ham fans would agree with me that Mark Noble, Aaron
Cresswell, Andy Carroll and Michail Antonio should have been strong
contenders to play for England at Euro 2016.
But the Hammers will nevertheless still have four players at the tournament
in Dimitri Payet, Angelo Ogbonna, Darren Randolph and James Collins.
All four have had to prove themselves this season to their national coaches
and thoroughly deserve their chance to shine in the second biggest
tournament they can feature in for their countries, outside the World Cup.
It wasn't so long ago that France head coach Didier Deschamps questioned
Payet and his ability to produce the same form for his country.
Dimi proved otherwise, as the Hammer of the Year forced the France coach to
have a rethink, with his outstanding performances and free-kicks.
Dimi should start for me in Paris in the opening game against Romania and
show those in his homeland what we've been marvelling at here. France are my
favourites and Dimitri could be one of the star performers at the
tournament.
No-one could begrudge any of the Wales squad the right to be fiercely proud
of making it to a first major tournament in more than 50 years, and to that
end it is great to see Ginge back in the squad.
James and Wales manager Chris Coleman had a difference of opinion but,
having sorted it out, Ginge is set to end a memorable season with a historic
time in France.
"It's massive as ten or 12 years ago, with no disrespect to the teams or
managers I have played under for Wales, we were meeting up and half-thinking
'we haven't got a chance of qualifying'." Ginge told me.
"Now it's a club feel, a lot more professional and we're doing well. Results
speak for themselves and we've got some world-class players now, a real team
spirit and a real bond. It's more than just Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey,
but obviously they are our main players. They are two tremendous players, so
if we can use them to our advantage as we have been then all the better for
us."
Good luck to Ginge and Wales, except against England of course!
Shay Given is Ireland's number one goalkeeper, or he was until he got
injured, allowing Darren Randolph his chance in qualifying – a chance he
definitely took!
Darren never lets anyone down and although it must be hard being an
understudy to Adrian at West Ham and Shay with Ireland, the quietly-spoken
but incredibly friendly keeper definitely deserves his place in France. I
hope he doesn't go upsetting that mild-mannered Roy Keane though!
Finally to Angelo Ogbonna. I'll never forget the night against Liverpool in
the FA Cup.
After his match-winning goal I spoke to him for the first time. With a
beaming smile and grasp of English that has surprisingly improved
dramatically over the months, Angelo really won me over.
He got better as the season went on and I was delighted that Antonio Conte
picked him. I don't think he'll get too much match time if all the Italians
stay fit, but the experience can only benefit him going forward.
So we have four men, all having proved a point, but still with one to prove,
on the eve of the biggest tournament of their lives. I've tipped France to
win it, so what a summer if could be for West Ham's Player of the Year?
Wales could make the quarter-finals, certainly the last-16. Despite it being
a long way off Italy's best squad, we know they will make the quarters or
semis, and if Roy Keane has anything to do with it, Ireland will give it a
really good go in a difficult group.
I have just arrived in Paris for my sixth major tournament for talkSPORT –
wouldn't it be something if a West Ham player made a big impact in this
tournament?
Don't forget, you can tweet me throughout Euro 2016 @BroadcastMoose
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RailHawks ready for familiar foes
WHUFC.com
Two Carolina RailHawks have extra special reason to be excited about West
Ham United's US Tour 2016.
Railhawks regulars Paul Black and Matt Watson were both born and started
their careers in England before heading for North Carolina at the start of
the 2016 North American Soccer League (NASL) season.
For former Manchester City trainee and Rochdale defender Black, the prospect
of facing the Hammers at WakeMed Soccer Park on Tuesday 12 July is one he
cannot wait to arrive.
"It's nice to play an English team as I've not against played one for a
while," said the 26-year-old, who played professionally for Oldham Athletic,
Tranmere Rovers, Carlisle United and Cheltenham Town before moving to NASL
club Atlanta Silverbacks in January 2015."
Prior to moving Stateside, former England U19 international Black faced a
Charlton Athletic side containing West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph and
Tranmere Rovers team including Aaron Cresswell.
The right-back is relishing the visit of Slaven Bilic's UEFA Europa League
qualifiers to the Tar Heel State, which has already caught the imagination
of thousands of Hammers fans from across the United States.
"Obviously West Ham are a Premier League team as well so it will be massive
for the club and for myself as well," he continued. "It will be nice to play
against some players that I've played against in England as well. I'm
excited. It's going to be great."
Obviously West Ham are a Premier League team as well so it will be massive
for the club and for myself as well
Carolina RailHawks defender Paul Black
Redditch-born Watson moved to the US to attend the University of Maryland,
where he scored five goals and recorded 16 assists in two seasons. From
there, started a successful professional career with USL side Richmond
Kickers before winning the NASL regular season title with the RailHawks in
2011.
The 31-year-old moved to the top-flight MLS (Major League Soccer) with
Vancouver Whitecaps in 2012 – earning a US green card in the same year –
before joining Chicago Fire in March 2014. Watson returned to Carolina in
January this year.
The midfielder, a lifelong Arsenal supporter, confirmed his excitement at
facing the Hammers, saying:
"It's obviously great experience to play against a very experienced squad
playing at the top level. It should be a good night."
Tickets are selling fast for the second match of West Ham's US Tour 2016,
with three sections of WakeMed Soccer Park already filled by the Claret and
Blue Army for the 8pm kick-off Eastern Time.
Fans from all over the United States have snapped up seats for the
eagerly-anticipated fixture, with supporters from Ohio, Washington DC,
Atlanta, New York, Pennsylvania and both North and South Carolina all
confirmed attendees.
To secure your Carolina RailHawks v West Ham United tickets now, click here.
West Ham will also take on the best-supported club in the club, Seattle
Sounders, at CenturyLink Field on Tuesday 5 July at 8pm Pacific Time. For
tickets to this game, click here.
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Collins' Wales set for Euros debut
WHUFC.com
James Collins and Wales set for their first-ever UEFA European Championship
finals
The Dragons are in Group B alongside first opponents Slovakia, England and
Russia
The Times correspondent Gary Jacob gives his lowdown on Wales' chances
James Collins and Wales will attempt to make history when their Euro 2016
campaign gets underway in Bordeaux this weekend.
The Welsh will play at their first UEFA European Championship finals – and
just their second-ever major tournament – in France, where they have been
paired in Group B alongside rivals England, Russia and Saturday's opponents
Slovakia.
Chris Coleman's side have been in outstanding form over the last few years,
reaching their highest FIFA ranking – above England – and finishing as
runners-up in a qualification group that included Belgium, Bosnia and
Herzegovina and Israel.
Now, the challenge for Collins, close pal Gareth Bale and company is to make
their mark at Euro 2016, where they are considered third-favourites to win
their group behind England and Russia.
With four of the eight third-place teams set to reach the last-16, The
Times' Wales correspondent Gary Jacob – a regular at West Ham United matches
in recent seasons – says The Dragons can reach the knockout stages.
However, Jacob feels Collins may have to be patient and wait for his chance
to shine in France.
"Chris Coleman likes a 3-4-2-1 system to get his two most influential
attacking players, Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, as far up the pitch as
possible and cause the maximum possible damage to the opposition," Jacob
told whufc.com from Wales' training camp in the Brittany town of Dinard.
"He uses two deep-lying midfielders and essentially three-at-the-back when
attacking and five-at-the-back when Wales are defending, with the two
wing-backs dropping in.
"Coleman has preferred to use captain Ashley Williams alongside James
Chester and Ben Davies in the middle, with Chris Gunter and Neil Taylor in
the wing-back positions, then James Collins and Jazz Richards as options on
the bench."
Despite their struggles against Sweden in their one and only warm-up fixture
in Stockholm last weekend, when Wales were defeated 3-0, Jacob feels Coleman
will stay loyal to his defenders against Slovakia.
"James Chester started against Sweden and didn't have the best of games, and
when Ginge came on at 2-0 down he had a positive attitude, clapped his hands
and tried to get them motivated for the final half-hour," Jacob continued.
"James Collins had his best season in a few years and was absolutely
outstanding for West Ham around Christmas time and some people would say he
should be starting for Wales alongside Williams and Davies.
"However, Chris Coleman is very loyal and I expect him to stick with Chester
against Slovakia. He may be tempted to change things and bring Ginge in
against England and Russia, who will carry more of a physical threat."
Whether he starts or not, Jacob says Collins' presence in the Wales camp is
always felt.
"At a press conference this week talk turned to Joe Ledley's return after a
broken leg and Coleman was asked 'Has he had a James Collins tackle yet?',"
Jacob revealed.
So, with one world-class player, a smattering of Premier League regulars and
Football League stars, how will Wales approach Euro 2016?
"Slovakia is key for Wales, because the feeling within the camp is that four
points will be enough to qualify for the last-16, so a win would set them up
nicely ahead of the England and Russia games," Jacob continued.
"The thing for Wales is that they like to play on the break, but teams like
Slovakia and Russia also like to sit back, so they may have trouble breaking
their opponents down. In qualifying they played better against the teams who
let them play, while they struggled to break down Andorra and Israel, so it
remains to be seen how things will play out.
"One thing Wales can rely on is their team spirit. Coleman has formed this
#TogetherStronger mentality and that will not have been affected by the
Sweden defeat."
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Foundation youngsters enjoy European adventure
WHUFC.com
Representatives for the Foundation traveled to the San Siro in Milan, Italy
for the tournament
This year's tournament, which promotes co-operation and raises cultural
awareness, was the fourth such event
The young Hammers reached the Round of 16 before being knocked out
West Ham United Foundation's handpicked youngsters from its Premier League
Kicks programme represented the UK at the fourth international Football for
Friendship forum in Milan.
The group travelled to Italy on the weekend of the UEFA Champions League
final and the event featured a total of 32 countries from Asia, Africa,
Europe and South America.
Teams gathered for a spectacular opening ceremony, which demonstrated each
of the participating nation's pride and confidence as they were introduced.
It also served as a perfect illustration of the enormity of the event as the
600 participants had the opportunity to size up the opposing teams for the
first time.
Once the tournament got underway the young Hammers were narrowly defeated by
Slovenian side FC Maribor in the Round of 16.
While the Foundation side demonstrated great individual ability, the results
failed to reflect their performances.
However, despite this frustrating defeat, the team was in high spirits as
they acknowledged their weaknesses and gained an appreciation of the
different styles of football from around the world.
The tournament acted as a gateway to developing tolerance towards other
cultures, while the competition as a whole proved a perfect platform which,
despite the different language barriers, football became a means of
communication.
As the competition progressed, a fierce competitive atmosphere soon
dissipated as an air of camaraderie and sportsmanship took hold.
The fourth season of the Football for Friendship international children's
project came to a brilliant conclusion as the participants got an exclusive
opportunity to have a Q&A session with legendary football icon Franz
Beckenbauer during a flamboyant closing ceremony full of wonderful dance and
musical performances which preceded the final game between Hungary and
Slovenia.
"We went into this tournament with only one goal in mind, which was to win
it," said Elliot Wavita, goalkeeper of the young West Ham side.
"Although we were disappointed with the overall outcome, I think the team
did well and it was a fantastic experience meeting young footballers from
all over globe and making friends along the way which for me was the
highlight of this whole experience.
"Playing with these people showed me what I lacked and I am sure the others
feel the same way."
Battles were lost, hearts were broken but bonds were made, friendships were
created and this is the fundamental aim of this Football for Friendship
forum.
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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
Raphael Raymond is one of the most respected journalists in France and has
been following the progress of Dimitri Payet throughout the season.
Raymond works for French newspaper L'Equipe and will be covering Payet and
France during the Euro Finals.
After scoring an impressive free-kick for France against Cameroon last week,
Raymond is expecting Payet to continue his best form when the host nation
get the tournament underway in the opening game against Romania on Friday
night....
It has been a great first season for Dimitri in the Premier League. In
France everyone thought it would be very hard for him in his first year.
But I have known Slaven Bilic since Euro 2008 and he is a great coach. He
loves his players and Dimitri is a player who needs to be loved and to play
his best football.
I came over to England earlier in the season and went down to the West Ham
training ground to see Slaven and Dimitri. I can see it is a family club and
it is a very good club for Dimitri.
I understand now why he has enjoyed such a good season because he is happy
there. It has nothing to do with his ability because he is one of the best
players in France.
He deserves to be in the France squad for the Euro Finals. Didier Deschamps
called him up for the Russia game back in March and he scored a great
free-kick.
When Deschamps takes a place three months before a big competition gets
underway, he is not doing it to be nice. He was planning to have him for the
tournament this summer.
I first saw Dimitri play for Nantes when he was a youngster and saw his
first professional goal against Metz back in 2005. Ten years later has
matured into a great player and has so much ability.
We know he is a great player and it was not good for the fans that he left
the French League. But everybody in France is happy for Dimitri that he is
now doing so well.
I expect France to do very well in the tournament.
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Shadowman Adrian for Euro call-up?
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Unconfirmed reports a few minutes ago suggest that Adrian could be on the
brink of a Spanish call-up for the European 2016 Championship. The news
follows dramatic allegations that the Manchester United goalkeeper could be
sent home. The reports claim he has been dismissed from the Spain squad but
a few moments ago Sky Sports News reported the stopper was still at the
Spanish team hotel. And the Mail reported: "Manchester United goalkeeper
David de Gea has reportedly been implicated in a police probe into a porn
director accused of running a child prostitution ring.
A protected witness has reportedly implicated de Gea in an ongoing
high-profile case centred on well-known X-rated film entrepreneur Ignacio
Allende Fernandez. The Spain squad is scheduled to hold a press conference
on Friday evening. It is not believed De Gea will be in attendance. Adrian
was injured at the end of the Premier League season and we are waiting
confirmation that he fit enough to play if called upon. Sources close to
West Ham are unaware of plans for a Euro 2016 call-up but since he is
officially on holiday in Spain, news may not have filtered through as yet.
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Snag looms on Albion ace interest
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are "keeping their powder dry" after Watford were reported to have
moved in on West Brom striker Saido Berahino.
The Hornets are believed to have lodged a bid with the front mn who has been
regularly linked with Spurs over the last 12 months.
However, although the Hammers are keeping a careful eye on him they fear he
won't be allowed to leave until Christmas with Albion's owner Jeremy Peace
apparently ready to sell the club should he get the right offer.
A Hammers insider told ClaretandHugh: "Our understanding is that's the case.
The Albion chairman may want Berahino in place until Christmas as the club
then becomes more attractive to a potential buyer.
"Yes we are interested in the boy as we are several other strikers and it's
one that we would obviously be monitoring."
Berahino managed just seven goals in 35 appearances last season when but hit
20 in the previous campaign when his Enland under 21 international career
was taking off.
He has had well publicised problems at the club with reports of late
arrivals at training and a court appearance before North Cheshire
magistrates on a drink-driving charge.
He's gone public to put his reputation a different light insisting he's not
the bad boy he's painted by the media and clearly a new start is beckoning a
striker with plenty of goals in him.
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West Ham eye Albion striker
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have enquired into the availability of West Bromwich Albion striker
Saido Berahino. The 22-year-old was expected to leave The Hawthorns this
summer, with Tottenham being heavily linked with a move for the
£20million-rated goalscorer. However Berahino remains with the Baggies -
although that could all be set to change with West Ham one of four clubs
looking into the possibility of landing the England under 21 international.
Watford, Everton and Crystal Palace are also understood to be monitoring the
striker's situation, with former potential suitors Tottenham having moved on
to other targets since the end of last season.
Meanwhile Albion have not entirely ruled out the possibility of retaining
the services of Berahino, who has just 12 months remaining on his current
contract. Speaking recently, Albion Technical Director Nick Hammond admitted
that he hopes to keep the player. "I've had conversations with him and have
been very impressed with him as an individual," he said.
"He's a very talented individual, he's a good age and he's a home-grown
academy player. I like him a lot and think he's a top player. I told him
clearly I'd love him to be at the football club next season."
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By 'eck! Burke makes Yorkshire Team of the Year
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's teenage defender Reece Burke has been named in the
Yorkshire Post's Team of the Year for the 2015/16 season. The 19-year-old,
who spent much of the season on loan at Bradford was named alongside Hull
City's Michael Dawson in the newspaper's select XI for the most recent
campaign.
The full team, as selected by the Post, was as follows:
Lee Camp (Rotherham); Moses Odubajo (Hull), Charlie Taylor (Leeds), Michael
Dawson (Hull), Reece Burke (Bradford; Adam Clayton (Middlesbrough), Barry
Bannan (Sweff Weds), Conor Hourihane (Barnsley); Fernando Forestieri (Sheff
Weds), Nahki Wells (Huddersfield), Sam Winnall (Barnsley).
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Snag looms on Albion ace interest
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are "keeping their powder dry" after Watford were reported to have
moved in on West Brom striker Saido Berahino. The Hornets are believed to
have lodged a bid with the front mn who has been regularly linked with Spurs
over the last 12 months. However, although the Hammers are keeping a careful
eye on him they fear he won't be allowed to leave until Christmas with
Albion's owner Jeremy Peace apparently ready to sell the club should he get
the right offer. A Hammers insider told ClaretandHugh: "Our understanding is
that's the case. The Albion chairman may want Berahino in place until
Christmas as the club then becomes more attractive to a potential buyer.
"Yes we are interested in the boy as we are several other strikers and it's
one that we would obviously be monitoring."
Berahino managed just seven goals in 35 appearances last season when but hit
20 in the previous campaign when his Enland under 21 international career
was taking off. He has had well publicised problems at the club with reports
of late arrivals at training and a court appearance before North Cheshire
magistrates on a drink-driving charge. He's gone public to put his
reputation a different light insisting he's not the bad boy he's painted by
the media and clearly a new start is beckoning a striker with plenty of
goals in him.
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"Dimi to become the hero"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 10, 2016 in News
C and H
France World Cup winner Frank Lebouef reckons Dmi Payet is set to become a
hero! The former Chelsea star believes the West Ham maestro is the main man
for the Ero 2016 home team declaring: "II am really proud of Dimitri. When
he wasn't in the squad, every time I was asked to speak about him I said he
had to be in the squad. He told ESPN: "So I am so pleased he has become one
of the leaders in the team. He not only has the potential, but the
intelligence and knowledge of football to bring class to the team. "Not
since Platini has France had such a fantastic free-kick taker. "When he is
in a good mood the team is better. I am very fond of him and hope he will be
the key man." And he added: "I saw him the day before he was about to join
up with the squad and he was in good spirits. He was up for it. It's a
fantastic chance for him to become a hero."
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More and more players on bookies Irons list
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham's regular links to various players sees them feature strongly in
any of the various bookies lists when looking at summer transfers. Four
strikers feature with Theo Walcott – despite categorical denials from West
Ham insiders and co chairman David Sullivan's son Jack – is priced up at
10/11 which isn't going to tempt me – nor should it you.
Christian Benteke is at a hugely unattractive 5/2 after club insiders have
regulary admitted that he's in their minds whilst adding that his persona
terms are too high as they normally are with Anfield players. Big outisders
are Daniel Sturridge and Saido Berahimo at 18/1 – odds which probably aren't
long enough.
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Slav puts his foot down – he's not leaving
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 10, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic rates Angelo Ogbonna as important at the back as Dimi Payet is
further forward and has no intention of selling the Italian. Reports have
been circulating that Roma are keen on the 28 year old but the Irons boss
has made it clear privately he will resist all bids. After the arrival of
Payet, Slav had made central defence his major priority are on arriving at
the club and Ogbonna was his single target. And after a season which
included injuries, Ogbonna responded superbly to nail down a place at
central defence – plus of course THAT goal against Liverpool – and show why
he is one of Slav's most important players. ClaretadHugh was told this
morning that the manager had made it clear this was a player he wanted from
the moment he took over at the club and that he rates him very highly inde
ed. A source said: "Dimi rates him as highy defensively as he does Dimi
offensively. There's no chance of Angelo going anywhere."
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MIND THE GAP
By Blind Hammer 10 Jun 2016 at 08:28
WTID
Blind Hammer assesses how much financial pressure West Ham can place on the
top 4 positions and wonders if we will need to manage expectations from our
move to the OS.
Leicester's upsetting of the form book was a memorable highlight of last
season, along with our sparkling performances at Arsenal, Manchester City
and Liverpool. For the first time in a long time the apparent "right" of
clubs with greater financial resources to dominate the top of the Premier
League was shaken up. Chelsea finished in an unfamiliar 10th place and
Manchester United, despite winning the FA Cup missed out on Champion's
League qualification.
As well as Leicester and ourselves , Tottenham also achieved above most
expectations grabbing a Champion's League spot, whilst Arsenal provided the
consistency which many of their fans complain about, in grabbing for yet
another season, a Champion's League berth. The relative fluidity of places
in the top 4, plus the prospect of moving into the Olympic Stadium has
caused some excitement that West Ham are also poised to break into the top
four of the Premiership. Paul Merson has predicted that West Ham will be a
Champion's League club by 2019. The argument goes is that the move to the OS
will allow West Ham the financial clout to compete with the top four. Whilst
West Ham may compete on the pitch, whether they can compete, in the short
term financially is less certain.
Despite the relative decline of Chelsea and Manchester United the extent to
which their financial resources still dwarf that of West Ham is sobering.
Not many football supporters realise the sheer size of the inequality in
resources in the Premiership. Sullivan has gone on record as saying that he
expects turnover at West Ham to increase next year because of increased
ticket sales, but this increases is not as much as you would expect as the
club lose exclusive rights to catering and other sources of revenue from
activities such as stadium tours. Sullivan estimated that the club would
receive a net £12 million boost from the move to the OS.
Whilst this is a welcome increase in resources, it is a drop in the ocean
when we compare it to existing turnovers in the Premier League. The latest
figures available are for the 2014-2015 season. In that year Manchester
United had a turnover of £395 million, and Chelsea had £319 million. Their
turnover figures were both massively higher than West Ham's, about 3 times
higher, at £121 million. The gap between West Ham and Manchester united and
Chelsea turnover was therefore £274 million and 198 million respectively. In
other words the gap in financial power alone dwarfed West Ham's complete
turnover. As you might imagine similar gaps exist between us and Manchester
City and Arsenal. Arsenal's turnover of £345 million was £224 million bigger
than ours and Manchester City's at £352 million was £231 million greater.
Even Liverpool at £298 million was £177 million ahead of us.
So whilst with the move to the Olympic Stadium West Ham can start a process
of catch up, we should have no illusions as to the scale of the financial
mountain we have to climb. Financial resources are not, as we have seen last
season, necessarily a guide to performance. Newcastle united had a greater
turnover than West Ham, at £129 million, yet still managed to suffer
relegation. Yet across Europe if we look at a table of turnover we find that
money provides results. The clubs with the largest turnovers tend to
prevail. The reality is that over time money talks, clubs are able to buy in
the players they need to compete at the top level.
In fact, a good way of judging the performance of your club is to compare
results against the turnover table. West Ham was 9th in the turnover table,
so can be judged, in finishing 7th to have performed well, punching above
their weight.
So given the turnover table that are the sides around us who are our nearest
competitors? Well the good news for next season at least is that 2 of our
nearest turnover competitors were relegated. Newcastle was 2 places above us
at £129 million, whilst Villa was one place behind us at £116 million. This
means that, looking upwards, our nearest competitor was Everton at £126
million, and looking behind, Southampton at £114 million. With these
competitors our yearly £12 million increase will potentially make a
difference, however as we know Everton have been promised extra investment
to try and maintain their edge.
For many of us though the most pertinent question is what is the gap between
West Ham and Tottenham? The gap in turnover between West Ham and Tottenham
is not as big as other top 6 clubs but is still substantial. Tottenham at
£198 million is a hefty £77 million greater than West Ham. Tottenham Also
have plans to move into a 61,000 seater stadium. Whilst the terms of this
stadium construction is unlikely to approach the deal available to West Ham
at the OS, it does mean that, unlike West ham, they will have exclusive
rights to income generated from their stadium.
Much will depend, over the next 10 years, as to the extent that West Ham can
extend their commercial revenues amongst an expanded supporter base both at
home and abroad. In this they are involved in a race with other clubs to
unlock resources in developing world markets. However the consequences of
the gap will also tend, I imagine, over time to increase pressure on ticket
prices at the OS.
The existing gap in resources is a reality background we should bear in mind
when we move to the OS. We will not, as a result of moving to the OS become
a club with the resources of Tottenham and Liverpool, let alone Chelsea or
Arsenal overnight and we may have to manage expectations. If the project all
goes according to plan West Ham can start the long process of overhauling
the gap which exists between us and these clubs above us in the turnover
table. As with everything results will be critical. Attempts to expand the
turnover potential of the club will flounder if the team struggles in their
new home. For myself I will keep an eye on the turnover table. If our
results on the pitch match or exceed our financial turnover I will consider
each season a success.
COYI
David Griffith
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, June 11
Friday, June 10
Daily WHUFC News - 10th June 2016
Happy anniversary boss!
WHUFC.com
The 9 June 2015 will always be a special day for Slaven Bilic as he made an emotional return to West Ham United to become the 15th full-time manager in the Club's 120-year history.
After becoming a fans' favourite during his short stay as a player when he arrived in England back in 1996, the Croatian coach has now become an even bigger cult hero with the Hammers supporters following a memorable final season at the Boleyn Ground. Bilic has steered West Ham into the Europa League for the second consecutive season and has brought a style of football and passion to the job that has been embraced by everyone at the Club. Twelve months on from his appointment and the boss is now celebrating his first anniversary in charge of the Hammers and it has been some year to remember. Bilic said: "I have loved this season. We expected it to be good. We knew we had potential. I spoke to my staff and with a bit of luck we knew we had a chance. Sam (Allardyce) left me a good team and well organised squad. "Beating Spurs at home was special. It is about the journey we have had. At the start we signed Dimitri Payet and other good players. When you ask me the highlights there are so many. We beat some big teams at the start. "The best moment for me was being so strong and solid. We didn't look like we would get beat."
From the day Bilic arrived he promised to achieve great things with the fans and he has not let anybody down. He got to work straight away and with the help of David Sullivan and the Club's Board, they brought in 12 new players to rejuvenate the squad. In particular the summer arrivals of Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini were a clear indication of the entertaining football that Bilic wanted to employ and it was evident from the very first game that exciting times were ahead for the east London Club. Few could forget the big three away wins at the start of the season that Bilic orchestrated. Victories over Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City showed the Hammers could be a match for any team on their day and it was the manner of the victories that gave everyone optimism that the team could challenge at the top of the table.
Bilic made it clear that Payet was his number one transfer target and the French star quickly became a hero at the Boleyn Ground with his impressive displays and unforgettable free-kicks which saw him become one of the best set-piece takers in the world. Add to that the flair and creativity of Lanzini and the Hammers had two of the best attacking talents in the top flight.
Bilic was also instrumental in helping to get the best out of Mark Noble after handing him the captain's armband at the start of the season. Noble produced the best form of his career and was desperately unlucky to miss out on a place in the England squad for the Euro Finals this summer. It was always going to be an emotional final season at the Boleyn Ground, but Bilic created a team spirit that saw the players give everything for each other as they made Upton Park a fortress and helped produce some of the best performances of the season. Home wins over Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham and the dramatic final minute win over Liverpool in the FA Cup will live long in the memory. But no-one will ever forget the final home game at the Boleyn Ground against Manchester United when Winston Reid scored a late winner to leave Bilic in tears at the final whistle. That typified the emotion and passion that the Hammers manager has for the Club and he will be hoping for another magical adventure when the Club prepare to make a historic move into the new Stadium in the next few weeks.
Happy Anniversary Boss.
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Valencia scores in Copa America draw
WHUFC.com
Ecuador went 2-0 down against Peru in Arizona
Fightback began when Hammers forward Valencia halved the deficit
Eventually claimed a 2-2 draw, leaving them third in Copa America Group B
West Ham striker Enner Valencia was on the scoresheet in the Copa America on Thursday morning as his Ecuador side fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Peru. The Yellows gave themselves a mountain to climb after their Group B opponents took the lead after five minutes through Christian Cueva before doubling the advantage eight minutes later with an Edison Flores strike. But, six minutes before the break, Valencia, earning his 26th Ecuador cap, latched onto a through ball from Manchester United namesake Antonio, before slotting past the keeper to half the deficit. And just three minutes after the restart, Ecuador were level in Glendale, Arizona, as Miler Balonos tapped home from close range to make it 2-2. Neither side could grab a decisive winner, and the result leaves Ecuador third in Group B, just outside the automatic spots for qualification to the knockout stages. With Brazil beating Haiti 7-1 in the other Group fixture, Ecuador will be hopeful they can record a victory over the minnows in the final fixture to qualify while Brazil will be expected to beat Peru. 26-year-old Valencia has now found the net 15 times for his country in 26 games and will hope to add to that figure in the Haiti match at the tournament being held in the USA; the first Copa America to venture outside South America. Valencia made 19 appearances in Claret and Blue during 2015/16, getting himself on the scoresheet on four occasions.
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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
Raphael Raymond is one of the most respected journalists in France and has been following the progress of Dimitri Payet throughout the season.
Raymond works for French newspaper L'Equipe and will be covering Payet and France during the Euro Finals. After scoring an impressive free-kick for France against Cameroon last week, Raymond is expecting Payet to continue his best form when the host nation get the tournament underway in the opening game against Romania on Friday night....
It has been a great first season for Dimitri in the Premier League. In France everyone thought it would be very hard for him in his first year.
But I have known Slaven Bilic since Euro 2008 and he is a great coach. He loves his players and Dimitri is a player who needs to be loved and to play his best football. I came over to England earlier in the season and went down to the West Ham training ground to see Slaven and Dimitri. I can see it is a family club and it is a very good club for Dimitri. I understand now why he has enjoyed such a good season because he is happy there. It has nothing to do with his ability because he is one of the best players in France. He deserves to be in the France squad for the Euro Finals. Didier Deschamps called him up for the Russia game back in March and he scored a great free-kick.
When Deschamps takes a place three months before a big competition gets underway, he is not doing it to be nice. He was planning to have him for the tournament this summer. I first saw Dimitri play for Nantes when he was a youngster and saw his first professional goal against Metz back in 2005. Ten years later has matured into a great player and has so much ability. We know he is a great player and it was not good for the fans that he left the French League. But everybody in France is happy for Dimitri that he is now doing so well. I expect France to do very well in the tournament.
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Dot Dexter - 1923-2016
WHUFC.com
Dot Dexter was a lifelong fan and Season Ticket Holder who has passed away, aged 93
Was landlady to young players including Clyde Best, Alan Taylor and Alvin Martin
As a Supporters' Club committee member, she counted Hammer of the Year votes
West Ham United would like to pay tribute to Dot Dexter, who has passed away at the age of 93. A lifelong fan and long-time Season Ticket Holder right up until the Farewell Boleyn season, Dot played an influential role in Hammers history, taking in promising young players as lodgers at their east London home. Together with her husband, Dot helped mould some of the most important players to have pulled on a Claret and Blue shirt over the last 50 years.
Son Phil said West Ham played an integral part in his mother's life, as she also sold pools coupons at the Boleyn Ground and helped to organise the annual Hammer of the Year vote at the Supporters' Club. "West Ham was a big part of her life, not just as a supporter for 60-plus years," said Phil. "During her time she was a West Ham Pools Agent, and my father was a steward at the Boleyn Ground. "Then, in 1968/69, she and my father helped the Club by taking in players as lodgers, in particular youngsters coming on trial or joining as youth players. The first player they took in was Clyde Best from Bermuda, while other lodgers included Alvin Martin and Alan Taylor. "One young lodger, Malcolm Hill, kept in regular touch with Mum, sending her birthday and Christmas cards every year and also postcards from wherever he and his family were on holiday. "Both Mum and Dad were members of the Supporters' Club in Castle Street and became committee members, Mum in particular helping to organise the Hammer of the Year voting, counting and presentation nights for several years."
Dot also took time out from here role as a landlady and committee member to travel over land and sea to follow her beloved Hammers. She remained a committed fan into her 80s, attending games regularly, latterly using taxis organised by Club staff to ferry her to and from her home. "Mum followed West Ham all over Europe, including games in Germany, Spain, Holland and even Russia," Phil continued. "Prior to her 86th birthday I had contacted the club requesting a half-time birthday announcement in the programme for the home match against Chelsea. However, the Club very generously and kindly offered Mum (and myself) the opportunity to watch the match in one of the executive boxes, sent someone from the media department to interview her in the Supporters' Club before the match and also interviewed her on the pitch at half-time. "I know she felt very special at being treated so superbly well and even more so when she saw the programme for the next home match against Liverpool, which contained a double-page spread of her story."
Even in her final days, West Ham was never far from Dot's heart – or ears! "Mum had been a Season Ticket Holder for many years, including this last season, during which she attained the age of 93," her son explained. "Sadly she was unable to attend the last home match at Upton Park as she was in Newham General Hospital but I'm sure she could hear the roars of the crowd and the wonderful atmosphere that was created throughout the match from her hospital bed!"
Dot Dexter passed away on 22 May 2016, aged 93.
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Ray Winstone is hopeful for England's chances
WHUFC.com
West Ham supporter Ray Winstone is hopeful for England's chances at this summer's UEFA Euro 2016, however he believes Roy Hodgson's side would be better off with Hammers skipper Mark Noble in the squad. Though the Three Lions have not included any of Slaven Bilic's team in their 23-man squad, four West Ham players will be going to the tournament with other nations. Dimitri Payet, James Collins, Angelo Ogbonna and Darren Randolph have been included in the France, Wales, Italy and Republic of Ireland squads respectively, and Winstone thinks the Club's skipper should have joined them in France. He said: "For me, I'm a bit gutted Marky Noble never went. I think he's had a wonderful season in midfield. Yeah, I'd take [Jack] Wilshere as he's one of our better midfielders, but there are other people who haven't had a full season and I think Marky Noble would do a better job. "His passing is immaculate, he runs about and I think he learned from Scott Parker about the work-rate he puts in. I've seen Mark's work-rate has gone up and he gives 120 per cent every game."
Despite England manager Roy Hodgson deciding on other midfield options for his squad, 59-year-old Winstone fancies the Three Lions' chances in France this summer. "I think you've always got a chance and I'm always an optimist with England anyway," the actor continued. "We've come very close in the past and I don't think we've got the credit for that. "You know, the semi-finals and quarter-finals when it could have gone either way, against the Germans with Lineker and Gascoigne, the hand of God; they just had a little fat geezer in an Argentinian shirt! "I do worry about our defence, though. But maybe that will come. Sometimes in tournaments, people gel, and if you're lucky enough to get through those first three games, things can happen. "Are we as good as some of the other teams? We're not, yet. But what we have got, who I like up front, and I would definitely play them together, is Vardy and Kane. And I'd put Rooney in behind them."
Another Hammer Winstone believes deserved to be in with a shout was Andy Carroll, who has not played in an England shirt since 2012. "I think Carroll would bring something. Rather than take Sturridge who is injured and is hit and miss, I would put Andy Carroll there to bring on.
"I don't know a defence in Europe who would be able to deal with Andy Carroll smashing you about. It's just another option if you need it when you're 1-0 down. I'd have loved to see him going, from a personal point of view."
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Joint-Chairman - Bilic has done a very good job
WHUFC.com
Sullivan could not have asked anymore from Bilic
Bilic helps the new players settle in quickly
Sullivan respects the honesty that Bilic shows after a game
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan has nothing but praise for the job Slaven Bilic has done over the last year and says he could not have done anymore as he celebrates his first year in charge. Bilic helped to secure European football for the second consecutive season and became an even bigger hero with the Hammers supporters with his passion on the touchline and entertaining style of play. Mr Sullivan played a key role in helping to bring the Croatian manager back to the east London Club last summer and hopes he can grow even stronger as the Club prepare to make the big move into the new Stadium. Mr Sullivan said: "I think overall he has done a very good job and we could not have asked for anymore from the manager. "He believes in the Club and the project and with a bit of good luck we could have been in the Champions League. "I think you want to see someone with the passion he shows and when we lose we want to see the manager feeling how we feel. "The best thing about Slaven is that when he makes a comment after the game you would virtually agree every time with what he says. He is honest, smart and has a very fair judgement. We hope next year we can do even better. "We value his opinion on all signings. He is very good with new players and helps them along. Other than a Leicester miracle we could not have asked for a better season."
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Payet prepped for Euro 2016 opener
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet is hoping to be part of a feared France attack when Les Bleus kick-off UEFA Euro 2016 against Romania on Friday. The French begin their home tournament as 3/1 favourites and Payet is expected to be an important figure for Didier Deschamps' star-studded side. Payet has carried his scintillating form for West Ham United into a France shirt in the run-up to Euro 2016, scoring sensational free-kicks in victories over Russia and Cameroon. The Hammer of the Year is expected to start in Friday's tournament opener at the Stade de France in a six-pronged attack alongside Juventus powerhouse Paul Pogba, Paris Saint-Germain star Blaise Matuidi, Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann, outstanding Manchester United youngster Anthony Martial and Arsenal centre forward Olivier Giroud. However, the 29-year-old is taking nothing for granted.
"If you look at the forward line, everyone was efficient in our win over Scotland on Saturday, so it will be the coach to choose his team [to face Romania]," Payet began. "It is better to have these choices than to have no options." Payet continued his outstanding pre-Euro 2016 form by setting up two goals in a 3-0 win over the Scots in Metz last weekend. When asked about his own form leading up to the finals, the Hammers star is enjoying playing alongside energetic central midfielders Pogba and Matuidi and being given the opportunity to dictate the play himself from a central trequartista position. "I was involved in the play a lot against Scotland, and that allows me to be at the beginning of the attacks," he continued. "I can link-up with midfielders Paul and Blaise in particular, and we made good combinations."
While his ability to pick holes in defences from open play will pose a threat to any defence, it is Payet's skill from set plays that will have fans on the edge of their seats throughout Euro 2016. The Reunion-born maestro scored SIX direct free-kicks for Club and country in 2015/16, including a wonderful last-minute effort to defeat Cameroon on 31 May. "This is an important weapon, as there will be close games and set pieces can unlock situations," the West Ham favourite confirmed. Payet is rated as a 25/1 shot to be named Player of the Tournament, behind only teammates Pogba and Griezmann, Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo, Germany's Thomas Muller, Belgium pair Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard and England's Harry Kane. He is also a 50/1 chance to finish the competition as top scorer.
France face Romania in their Group A opener in Paris at 8pm BST tonight, live on ITV, before tackling Albania in Marseille on Thursday 15 June (ITV) and Switzerland in Lille on Monday 19 June (BBC 1), with both matches also kicking-off at 8pm.
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Stadium seeding starts
WHUFC.com
West Ham United moved another exciting step closer to moving to their new London Stadium home the first seeds were sown on the pitch. The work will result in the Hammers playing on a world-class surface on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, began on Wednesday morning and the process took around four hours to complete. The first sprouts of grass are hoped to be seen within just five days of the seeding process being completed, and the pitch should be ready for its inaugural full cut just two to five days later. Head Groundsman at the London Stadium Greg Bolton, working in conjunction with West Ham's Head Groundsman Dougie Robertson, expressed the importance of the seeding and assured supporters that it would be handled in the right way. He said: "It certainly is a big moment [in the development of the Stadium]. It's very important that this is taken with great care. I think the idea is not to rush this process. We have to get it right. "The contractors we have on site are one of the best around. They do all the top grounds in the country, and we're glad to have them on board here. It most certainly will be one of the best surfaces around."
The Stadium hosted its first gig on Saturday night, with rock legends AC/DC attracting a huge crowd in E20, and the ground staff ensured the pitch was prepared for the seeding process after the concert. Though the seeds on the surface will take around a week to shoot, the pitch already has a green colouring, which Bolton explained is due to the artificial components in the turf. "It's very deceiving at the moment," he continued. "We've got the Desso fibres all exposed, and a lot of people think we've got full grass coverage already, but all that is just the reinforcing system in the surface. "It's exactly the same as the Club had at the Boleyn Ground, and it just helps aid soil stability. We shouldn't have any big divots coming out of the surface; it should just be scarring. It helps with repairs and holding the surface together."
Athletics events will be held at the London Stadium prior to the start of the Hammers' 2016/17 campaign – which will kick-off with a UEFA Europa League third-qualifying round tie and the Betway Cup clash with Juventus on Sunday 7 August. The London Anniversary Games will see track and field events take place there over the weekend of 22-23 July, but Bolton assured fans that the surface will be ready for the Club's opening game at their new home. "We are expecting to see slight imprints in the surface [after the athletics] which we don't see as being too much of an issue," he explained. "It will just be a case of going round with a fork and just lifting areas which have any slight impressions in them.
"The athletics require a clean surface without any markings, so the first [football] markings will be going on the week after the athletics ahead of the West Ham fixtures."
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Sowing the seeds of love
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United took another step closer to moving to their new stadium as the first seeds were sown on the pitch.
The work, which will result in the Hammers playing on a world-class surface on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, began on Wednesday morning with the process taking around four hours to complete.
The first sprouts of grass should be seen within just five days of the seeding process being completed, and the pitch should be ready for its inaugural full cut between two to five days later.
Head Groundsman at the Olympic Stadium Greg Bolton, working in conjunction with West Ham United's Head Groundsman Dougie Robertson, expressed the importance of the seeding and assured supporters that it would be handled in the right way.
"It certainly is a big moment," he said. "It's very important that this is taken with great care. The idea is not to rush this process. We have to get it right.
"The contractors we have on site are one of the best around. They do all the top grounds in the country and we're glad to have them on board here. It most certainly will be one of the best surfaces around."
The Stadium hosted its first gig last weekend with rock legends AC/DC attracting a huge crowd in E20, and the ground staff ensured the pitch was prepared for the seeding process after the concert.
Though the seeds on the surface will take around a week to shoot, the pitch already has a green colouring which Bolton explained is due to the artificial components in the turf.
"It's very deceiving at the moment," he continued. "We've got the Desso fibres all exposed, and a lot of people think we've got full grass coverage already, but all that is just the reinforcing system in the surface.
"It's exactly the same as the club had at the Boleyn Ground, and it just helps aid soil stability. We shouldn't have any big divots coming out of the surface; it should just be scarring. It helps with repairs and holding the surface together."
Athletics events will be held at the stadium prior to the start of the Hammers' 2016/17 campaign. The London Anniversary Games will see track and field events take place there over the weekend of 22-23 July, but Bolton assured fans that the surface will be ready for the Club's opening game at their new home.
"We are expecting to see slight imprints in the surface [post-athletics] which we don't see as being too much of an issue," he explained. "It will just be a case of going round with a fork and just lifting areas which have any slight impressions in them.
"The athletics require a clean surface without any markings, so the first [football] markings will be going on the week after the athletics ahead of the West Ham fixtures."
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Roma eye Ogbonna move
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's Italian international Angelo Ogbbonna is being linked with a string of clubs - both at home and abroad. The 28-year-old centre half enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Winston Reid at the heart of United's defence last season following his £8million arrival from Juventus. And that consistent good form appears to have piqued the interest or several clubs, with Serie A side Roma plus both Manchester clubs said to be examining the possibility of making a move for the defender, who is part of Italy's Euro 16 squad. Italian outlet Tuttosport have carried the Roma link, who they claim are also keeping tabs on Inter's Brazilian defender Juan Jesus. Despite the links, Ogbonna recently stated that he was content with life in east London. "I'm really happy with my first season in England," he tsaid, speaking last month. "I'm really happy because I scored against Liverpool [in the FA Cup replay] and that was an amazing moment for us. We have to be proud about this season and maybe next season we can do better."
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Bilic brings back the West Ham way
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th June 2016
By: Ben Green
Following the departure of Sam Allardyce, a plethora of names were being touted for the vacant West Ham manager's position.
Klopp and Ancelotti were whispered in hush melodies around the Boleyn Ground and audacious swoops for Rafa Benitez and Unai Emery proved futile. This of course left the door open for former Hammer Slaven Bilic to step in.
The arrival of Bilic was met with a certain anticipation and an air of uncertainty, given his lack of managerial experience in the Premier League. There was no doubt though about the grandeur of the Croat, he came to the Boleyn Ground with an impeccable swagger and a refreshing likability. A tactically astute manager with a reputation of affection for the beautiful game, Bilic posed an appropriate figure to conclude West Ham's tenure at the Boleyn Ground.
Having eliminated the relatively unknown Lusitanos and Birkirkara, the prospect of a European journey was an invigorating one. A reminiscence of Fulham's Europa league fairytale in 2010 made that prospect all the more appetising.
Unfortunately the journey came to an abrupt end against Astra Giurgiu, but despite our short stint in European football, I wasn't too worried, as staying in the Premier League for our first year in the Olympic Stadium was crucial. To be honest, as a University student at Portsmouth, getting knocked out of the Europa League was probably a blessing in disguise, as I wouldn't have to make the strenuous journey up the M25 on a Thursday night.
Pressure is a ubiquitous part of football and the defeat to Astra Giurgiu meant added weight on the shoulders of Slaven Bilic. If there was any sign of pressure towards Bilic however, he instinctively brushed it away with his team selection for the match against Arsenal.
The inclusion of 16-year-old Reece Oxford raised eyebrows and was definitely a courageous decision by the Croat. One of the main talking points surrounding the Boleyn Ground is the supposed 'West Ham way,' and many pundits and fans alike have diminished this ideal. The lines are extremely blurred when talking about it nd there will always be ambiguity surrounding the philosophy, but the Arsenal game pretty much summed up what the 'West Ham way' is to me.
For me, it is not necessarily the style of football we play, but more to do with the way in which we approach games. One fundamental aspect is the consideration of The Academy of Football, giving youth players a chance on the big stage.
Sam Allardyce believed the demand for instant success in football meant neglecting the youth academies, and in some respect I agree with him. The life of a manager in modern football is far too short and there isn't enough time to nurture raw talent in the academies. Why risk playing a youngster when you could be sacked in a couple of weeks for a run of bad results? Bilic took this risk and for me this epitomised what the 'West Ham way' is, it's this idea of trusting the Academy, throwing one of your own into the mix against the big boys.
Notoriously we have always had a talisman that excites the terraces and brings fans off their seats and onto their feet. Over the years players such as Di Canio, Berkovic, Tevez, Brady, McAvennie, Brooking and Hurst have constituted to an elite group of players that produce moments of sheer quality, they have the ability to invigorate the terraces and create a special atmosphere in the Boleyn Ground. The 'West Ham way,' was to always allow these players to express themselves and give them license to showcase their individual brilliance.
Many felt Ravel Morrison had that potential and after his sensational solo goal against Tottenham, I thought he was our next talisman. Perhaps his potential wasn't allowed to flourish because of the rigid philosophy of an Allardyce team, but then again he hasn't exactly pushed on with Lazio in Serie A. This time round however, we have Dimitri Payet, a player you would pay to watch train, in the pouring rain, at Chadwell Heath. Creative freedom is given room to flourish under Bilic, and players such as Payet and Lanzini are given license to roam and produce those moments of excellence.
Although style of play isn't the fundamental basis for the 'West Ham way,' it does appear to be an important aspect for West Ham fans. The football wasn't always the most exciting, but I will always be grateful to Sam Allardyce for what he did for my football club. We were staring down the barrel when Allardyce took charge, and he gave me one of my best ever seasons as a West Ham fan in the Championship. I loved the away trips to Barnsley, Blackpool and Watford to name a few, but more so, I loved the trip to Wembley where Vaz Tê scored a dramatic 87th minute winner to secure our return to top-flight football.
He then went on to stabilise us in the Premier League and he laid down the framework for Bilic to come in and build upon. Cries of 'be careful what you wish for,' were heard ringing around the football community when Allardyce departed. Bilic however, has done a commendable job and he has kept us in the Premier League whilst producing some of our best football. He summed up the style of play perfectly after the Liverpool victory: "We parked the bus but we didn't put the handbrake on. It was simply great defending when we didn't have the ball."
We didn't go to Arsenal, Liverpool or Man City with the thought of just defending; we went with intent and an eye for attacking their back lines. Defend resolutely, but break with venom was the philosophy imposed by Bilic - and it worked to a T.
There isn't a straight definition for the 'West Ham way,' but aspects such as faith in the Academy, going to the big clubs with an intent to attack, allowing players to express their individual quality all contribute to a philosophy that West Ham pride themselves on. We have been a bit of a yo-yo club in recent times, which is why the work of Allardyce will always be appreciated. And I may be deluded for saying this, but I do believe in the 'West Ham way,' and Bilic has reignited that optimism for the philosophy.
The 2015/16 campaign was, without a doubt, my most memorable season as a West Ham fan - and having already bid crazy money for players of such calibre as Alexandre Lacazette, I am buzzing with anticipation for the future of my football club.
Let's not forget a few years ago we had Mido and Benni McCarthy up top. The future does look bright, but this is football and anything can happen at anytime, and as West Ham fans, we should know not to get too carried away when things start looking good. Hopefully this time round is different - and I have complete faith in Bilic and the board to continue the growth of this wonderful football club.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
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Dowie Jnr thanks Uncle Iain
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Iain Dowie's niece Natasha has revealed how her father and uncle's influence helped her become an international footballer. 27-year-old Dowie has represented England on 14 occasions since breaking into the national team back in 2009. And speaking in an interview with FIFA.com, Dowie Jnr explained how her father Bob and uncle Iain - who enjoyed two spells at West Ham in the 1990s - were the driving forces behind here emergence as a top pro. "My father has been my coach since I remember kicking a ball for the first time, and still is today," she said. "No doubt he has been the biggest influence I've had in my football career and I wouldn't be where I am without his help. "My uncle has also been important and has always supported me. Although he's a busy man and couldn't come to see me play as often as my father, we are a very close family. "I know I can always count on their support also - though my uncle says that as I have scored more goals than him I do not need his advice!"
Iain Dowie made 12 appearances for a Second Division West Ham in 1991 following a £480,000 move from Luton Town with his goals helping cement United's return to the top flight. However he was allowed to join Southampton later that year following the return of Trevor Morley from injury, with the Hammers recouping their outlay from the £500,000 fee. Having moved on to Crystal Palace, Dowie returned to West Ham in 1995 where he remained for three years - a spell that will probably be best remembered for his stunning own goal against Stockport in front of the SKy TV cameras. After hanging up his boots, Dowie spent more than a decade in management before moving into TV. Most notably, he was in charge of the Crystal Palace side that beat Alan Pardew's West Ham in the 2003/04 play-off final.
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Chelsea enter Batshuayi race
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Chelsea are the latest club to be linked with a move for Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi.
he 22-year-old Belgian international was the subject of a €40million bid from West Ham last month - an offer that was instantly rejected by the financially-stricken Ligue 1 club, who need to sell players this summer in order to balance the books.
And the impasse over Batshuayi's position has alerted the west London club, who are seeking to strengthen across the park this summer following the announcement that Italian national boss Antonio Conte will be taking charge at Stamford Bridge post-Euro 16.
* Another of West Ham's transfer targets, Lyon star Alexandre Lacazette is being linked with La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid. Manager Diego Simeone is said to be a keen admirer of the forward, who, like Batshuayi, was the subject of a rejected bid from West Ham last month.
Atletico join Barcelona on the list of Lacazette's Spanish admirers, whilst the player's current club Lyon have insisted that any deal must be concluded by the end of June in order to give them time to find a replacement.
* In other transfer news, Arsenal forward Theo Walcott insists that he will stay and fight for his place at the Emirates despite being linked with a move away from the north London club.
David Sullivan Jnr claimed last week that the player was not on the club's immediate radar, despite a number of media sources suggesting interest from West Ham.
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2015/16 in review: October & November
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th June 2016
By: Graeme Howlett
Join us as we take a look back at the 2015/16 season through the eyes of KUMB Editor Graeme Howlett, who penned a weekly column for the Echo newspaper throughout the campaign.
Today we look back at October and November 2015 in the third part of our review...
25 October
The benefits of goal-line technology were clear to see at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday afternooon when Kurt Zouma's effort failed to result in the awarding of a goal - despite at least 95 per cent of the ball having crossed the line.
Let's make no bones about it; prior to its introduction the same scenario would almost certainly have resulted in a goal being awarded to Chelsea, when it was commonplace for the benefit of the doubt to be given to the Premier League's more notable clubs. Not any more, though.
Referee Jonathan Moss had no option but to allow play to continue when his earpiece failed to announce that the entire ball had crossed the line. To his considerable credit, the official got every one of the game's contentious issues right - as West Ham went on to beat neighbours Chelsea 2-1 at the Boleyn.
The visitors, who are rapidly turning into a laughing stock saw Nemanja Matic dismissed in the first half for two bookable offences plus coach Silvino Louro and manager Jose Mourinho sent to the stands. Six further yellow cards were issued too, should anyone question whether the reigning league champions were given a fair crack of the whip.
But is it any doubt that Chelsea's players behave so petulantly when their management team display such a lack of professionalism? Mourinho, who raged at Moss during at half time interval thus earning him a second half touchline ban didn't even have the courtesy to fulfil his media requirements post-match, leaving defender Gary Cahill to face the music instead.
On the contrary, Slaven Bilic continues to impress. That he has managed to unite a fractured fanbase little more than three months after succeeding the divisive Sam Allardyce is a feat in itself - and the team's results continue to be outstanding.
Incredibly, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and now Chelsea have been put to the sword inside the opening ten games of the season and the Hammers sit third in the Premier League at time of writing. This weekend it was goals from Mauro Zarate - rejuvenated under the new manager - and Andy Carroll that did for the ten-man Blues.
The real test for West Ham will probably arrive post-Christmas, when fatigue and injuries generally begin to take effect. But when you consider that the likes of Enner Valencia, Alex Song and £7million signing Michail Antonio have barely kicked a ball between them this season it's not hard to see why some Hammers fans believe that this could finally be the season that the much-vaunted 'Boys of '86' are finally usurped.
1 November
West Ham marked Halloween with a horror show of their own at Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon, going down 2-0 to newly-promoted Watford.
And it was a defeat that raised further questions regarding United's ability to raise their game against the so-called weaker teams in the Premier League.
During his pre-match press conference last Thursday, Slaven Bilic denied that his squad had an issue with motivation when it came to facing teams such as the Hornets.
However the evidence tends to suggest otherwise, with the Hammers having collected just one point this season against the teams promoted from the Championship last season - that's Bournemouth, 4-3 winners at the Boleyn Ground back in August, Norwich with whom West Ham drew 2-2 and now Watford.
That of course is in stark contrast to West Ham's unparalleled form against the league's more successful sides with Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and current leaders Arsenal having already been put to the sword this term.
Particularly disappointing from a claret and blue perspective on Saturday was that Quique Sánchez Flores' side, who went into the game having managed just one win at home this season didn't even have to work exceptionally hard to take all three points.
Both of Watford's goals were handed to them on a plate thanks to a schoolboy error in the first half from Andy Carroll and an uncharacteristic mistake shortly after the interval by the previously-reliable James Tomkins.
My Thundersley Rovers Under Nines players know better than to try and pull off a Cruyff turn in their own penalty box, yet that's exactly what West Ham's number nine attempted to do in the first half - thus gifting Watford the opening goal.
And just three minutes after the restart, Tomkins inexplicably allowed a low cross to slip between his legs from where Odion Ighalo found the net - with some aplomb, to his credit.
Even though Enner Valencia hit the woodwork having intercepted Craig Cathcart's poor back pass after Watford had doubled their advantage, West Ham rarely looked like getting back into the game.
And their misery was compounded when James Collins was issued with a straight red card six minutes from time for a late - yet not particularly dangerous - challenge on Watford's match winner Ighalo.
It was the fourth successive West Ham match in which the game had ended with less than the full quota of 22 players on the field - with Collins becoming the fourth Hammer to see red already this season.
That's quite ironic given that the Hammers qualified for this season's Europa League having topped the Premier League's 'Fair Play table' in 2014/15!
8 November
West Ham's home record against Everton in recent years is little short of appalling, so it was with some trepidation that Irons fans approached Saturday's clash at the Boleyn Ground. The visitors had won on seven of their last ten trips to east London, so to stem the tide with a draw wasn't perhaps the worst result for Slaven Bilic's side.
Manuel Lanzini arrived in London back in July as a virtual unknown on these shores, but it has taken the diminutive 22-year-old no time at all to settle into life in England and the Premier League. His stunning strike opened the scoring at the Boleyn Ground against the Toffees and it was a goal that deserves to be replayed over and over again.
Unfortunately West Ham shot themselves in the foot by conceding possession and allowing the visitors to hit them on the break just a couple of minutes ahead of the interval. The last man you want to see with the ball in such situations is £40million-rated Romelu Lukaku - and the Belgian international rounded goalkeeper Adrian to find the net, thus extending his amazing record of scoring against the Hammers to seven consecutive games.
The inherent ability to self-combust has cost West Ham dearly this season. Although the point took West Ham back above Tottenham into fifth place in the Premier League on Saturday night, it could have been so much better for Bilic's boys.
Against Everton it was Dimitri Payet who gave the ball away to such costly effect, allowing the Blues to counter and score - although the Frenchman can be partly excused as he was still suffering from the effects of a heavy challenge that saw him withdrawn just five minutes into the second half.
Only seven days earlier Andy Carroll and James Tomkins both gaffed to gift Watford a 2-0 win at Vicarage Road - whilst Payet was again guilty of losing possession cheaply at Sunderland last month, leading to Jeremain Lens' excellent goal.
Meanwhile captain Mark Noble was responsible for an almost identical goal conceded against Norwich back in September, whilst Pedro Obiang's fluffed attempt at clearing his lines helped Leicester knock the Hammers out of the Capital One Cup a matter of days prior to that.
And so whilst West Ham are having a good season so far, one can't help but think it could be even better. Eradicate these utterly avoidable mistakes and as unlikely as it may seem, the Hammers could yet challenge for a Champions League or Europa Cup spot come next May.
15 November
The terrorist attacks on Stade de France last Friday night left a handful of football fans dead and many more injured. But for the swift actions of French security forces, those numbers could have reached into the thousands.
Fortunately the sick and misguided individuals who perpetrated this heinous crime - along with the others that briefly paralysed the French capital - failed to breach the outer perimeter of the stadium and departed this mortal coil with the blood of few on their hands, instead of many more.
For many football supporters, this was their worst fears realised. The potential for such an attack has always existed; after all, what better place to ensure maximum carnage than an arena in which thousands upon thousands of people are gathered closely together?
It's a concern that will be felt acutely by West Ham United supporters given the club's impending move to the iconic Olympic Stadium, home of the 2012 summer games. With the exception perhaps of Wembley, no stadium in the capital is as widely recognised across the globe than the 54,000 capacity Stratford-based arena which the Irons will call home from next summer.
If nothing else, Friday's terrible events across the channel are a reminder that we all need to remain vigilant wherever we are - be it on business or pleasure.
* A reckless challenge by Everton's James McCarthy during last weekend's Premier League meeting at the Boleyn Ground means that West Ham will be without their talisman Dimitri Payet until next February, at the earliest.
The attacking midfielder, who moved to east London from Olympique de Marseille for circa £11million during the summer has scored five goals already this season and is regularly cited by pundits as one of the league's most exciting players.
His impending absence represents a huge blow for Slaven Bilic and his squad, for whom the French international has been instrumental thus far this campaign.
Particularly frustrating is that as he was booked by rookie referee Paul Tierney for the challenge, McCarthy will face no further sanction from the Football Association. Yet had he not been cautioned, he would almost certainly be facing sanctions for what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to nullify Payet.
Angry Hammers fans have argued long and hard all week that the governing body's rules should be amended to allow retrospective action in such cases. And given the loss that West Ham have incurred, it's difficult to disagree.
Vive le France.
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West Ham fan guide to Euro 2016
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 9, 2016 in News, Videos, Whispers
C and H
Dimitri Payet has a got a very good chance of starting for France. It is a toss-up between Anthony Martial and Dimitri Payet as to who plays on the left wing. If Payet doesn't get the nod to start he very likely to be in the bench as an impact sub. France are in Group A.
Friday 10 June 2016 France v Romania 8pm
Wednesday 15 June 2016 France v Albania 8pm
Sunday 19 June 2016 France v Switzerland 8pm
Darren Randolph is in the Republic of Ireland squad and is likely to be first choice keeper after impressive displays for his country. Ireland are in Group E
Monday 13 June 2016 Republic of Ireland v Sweden 5pm
Saturday 18 June 2016 Republic of Ireland v Belgium 2pm
Wednesday 22 June 2016 Republic of Ireland v Italy 8pm
James Collins will probably have to wait patiently for his chance for Wales on the bench. He had a spat with Coleman in 2013 but the two have since patched up their differences. He came on a 64 minute substitute in the recent 3-0 loss to Sweden. He has a good chance of making the bench. Wales are in group B with England.
Saturday 11 June 2016 Wales v Slovakia 5pm
Thursday 16 June 2016 Wales v England 2pm
Monday 20 June 2016 Wales v Russia 8pm
Angelo Ogbonna is in Italy's 30-man squad for UEFA Euro 2016 but unlikely to play or make the bench. Italy are also in Group E. A defence containing the Juventus block of Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Berzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini means Ogbonna will find it difficult to get game time unless there are injuries.
Monday 13 June 2016 Italy v Belgium 8pm
Friday 17 June 2016 Italy v Sweden 2pm
Wednesday 22 June 2016 Italy v Republic of Ireland 8pm
Oh and in case you are STILL interested these are England's fixtures with NO Mark Noble, Aaron Cresswell, Andy Carroll or Michail Antonio but lots of Spurs players.
Saturday 11 June 2016 England v Russia 8pm
Thursday 16 June 2016 England v Wales 2pm
Monday 20 June 2016 England v Slovakia 8pm
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Irons fans may face long term OS exit plans
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 9, 2016 in Fans Forum, Hammers Chat, News, Whispers
C and H
Routes out of the Olympic Stadium could be varies – possibly from game to game.
ClaretandHugh have learned this may extend over a lengthy period – not merely the frst four home games – as revealed here by our partners Hammers Chat yesterday.
HC's story explained that their own sources had told them that those first four games would see fans sent home in a different direction than via the Westfield Centre http://www.claretandhugh.info/westfield-no-to-west-ham-fans/
And although there has been no official confirmation it is now as probable as it is possible that fans will face a detours over the course of the season.
ClaretandHugh has learned that routes may well be altered throughout the season depending on the 'level' of the game.
We understand the criteria could rest on the same basis as the way policing levels or what areas are alcohol free or managed according to the visiting team are decided.
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Hammers striker hunt goes on despite Calleri
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
News that the Hammers are keen to bring in striker Johnathon Calleri indirectly confirms the Irons are looking for two front men as we suggested a few days here. The 22 year old has already interested Spurs but we had it confrmed this morning the Hammers are now in talks and hopeful of concluding the deal. The Argentinian is with São Paulo FC and at the centre of talks for an Irons move as confrmed by our own sources inside West Ham. He is valued at £7.5 million who can operate on the right wing – not unlike Sakho! Thus, he is NOT the £25 million front man plus being hunted by the club as we look to our first season in the Olympic Stadium. As we reported with offers around from agents for Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia certan to leave if we can the right price the team could have a very different look next season. We are assured that the club are still working on the main striker and that manager Slaven Bilic will be eyeing up targets at the Euros.
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Auction raises £300,000 for Academy so far
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The West Ham online auction has raised over £300,000 for the club's Academy so far with over £48,000 going to the auctioneers in fees and nearly £56,000 in VAT to the tax man.
The stadium contents auction – including the signs, seats, gates and other fittings from The Boleyn Ground opened on May 18th and closed yesterday and later today.
The first set of auction lots which closed yesterday is claimed to have raised nearly £204,000 in final bids. Buyers paid auctioneers Hilco Global a 'buyers premium' of 16% setting them back another £32,640 before VAT of 20% was added on to give tax man £47,328. The grand total of takings for day one is estimated to be just under £284,000.
Day two has already passed £100,000 in bids which would see at least £16,000 in auctioneers fees added plus VAT of at least £23,200.
The £304,000 raised so far will go to fund the Academy but whether this is additional funding to the Academy or just replaces existing budget remains unclear.
The Football Memorabilia Online Auction opened on 23rd May 2016 and is set ti close over two days on 13th and 14th June. A live Webcast Auction was be held at the Boleyn Ground last Saturday 4th June.
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VALENCIA SPARKS ECUADOR COMEBACK
By Dan Coker 9 Jun 2016 at 08:00
WTID
Congratulations to Enner Valencia, who scored Ecuador's first goal in their 2-2 draw with Peru in the Copa America Centenario last night. Los Amarillos, who had drawn their opening match of the tournament 0-0 with Brazil over the weekend, found themselves 2-0 down after just 13 minutes before Valencia controlled a chipped pass on his chest inside the penalty area and rifled home a volleyed shot in the 39th minute.
Ecuador take on Haiti in their final match in Group B on Sunday – Valencia's side will qualify for the quarter-finals if they win that match and Peru lose to Brazil. The Ecuadorians would be most likely to face Colombia in the last eight. The Hammers forward's strike last night was his 15th international goal in his 26th appearance.
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WHAT DOES NEXT SEASON HOLD FOR DIEGO POYET?
By S J Chandos 8 Jun 2016 at 08:00
WTID
When West Ham signed Diego Poyet on a Bosman deal it was widely lauded as something of a coup. He won Charlton's player of the year award for 2013-14, his debut season, despite only making his first appearance for the Addicks, in the 3rd round of the FA Cup, in January 2014 and making a total of 20 league appearances. With his existing Charlton deal expiring on 1 July 2014, he subsequently signed a four year contract with the Hammers on 8 July 2014. Poyet had established a reputation as a top prospect and it was widely anticipated that he would continue his progress with the Hammers and go on to become a first team regular.
Yet, the reality of his time at West Ham has proven somewhat different from that anticipated. He has made a mere three appearances for the club, over two seasons, (one in each of the PL, League Cup and Europa Cup), and has spent the vast majority of his time out on loan. Over that period, he spent time at Huddersfield Town, Milton Keynes Dons and Charlton Athletic, making a grand total of 26 appearances for all three clubs. There is nothing unusual in young prospects spending time out on loan, just look at the successful loans enjoyed by Burke, Cullen and Samuelson last season. However, Poyet's loan experience has sharply contrasted with that of the aforementioned youngsters. He made 2 appearances for Huddersfield, had his loan to MK Dons cut short after 18 appearances and made little impact at Charlton, where he appeared only 6 times.
Those statistics are disappointing for such a talented young player. Charlton were relegated from the Championship at the end of the last campaign, and the situation at the club was undoubtedly problematic, but surely Poyet should still have featured more prominently for his former club? When a young player consistently fails to perform whilst out on loan it does inevitably raise alarm bells about their development and ability to succeed in the top tier of English football. Alternatively, perhaps Poyet has been exceptionally unlucky with the clubs that he has joined on loan and this record has given somewhat of a false impression? Is it not premature to write off Poyet's potential just yet, considering that youngsters can develop at different rates and often suffer dips in form as part of the developmental process?
It does pose an interesting question that Slaven Bilic will need to address over the summer. Arguably, there are three options. The club can decide to cut their losses and put Poyet up for sale; they can determine to put him out on loan again, to a decent Championship side, and closely monitor his progress; or (and this is the bravest option) they can retain him in the first team squad next season and utilise him in the demanding PL, domestic cup and Europa League programme that we face. With Alex Song exiting the club, there is probably a need for another out and out defensive midfielder to cover for Nordtvelt and Obiang. But the problem for Poyet is that he has an outstanding prospect like Reece Oxford ahead of him for that role. If it did, indeed, boil down to a straight choice between Oxford or Poyet, which would you choose?
So I guess the key proposition offered for discussion is: which of the three options, outlined above, do you consider most likely with regard to Poyet next season?
SJ. Chandos.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
The 9 June 2015 will always be a special day for Slaven Bilic as he made an emotional return to West Ham United to become the 15th full-time manager in the Club's 120-year history.
After becoming a fans' favourite during his short stay as a player when he arrived in England back in 1996, the Croatian coach has now become an even bigger cult hero with the Hammers supporters following a memorable final season at the Boleyn Ground. Bilic has steered West Ham into the Europa League for the second consecutive season and has brought a style of football and passion to the job that has been embraced by everyone at the Club. Twelve months on from his appointment and the boss is now celebrating his first anniversary in charge of the Hammers and it has been some year to remember. Bilic said: "I have loved this season. We expected it to be good. We knew we had potential. I spoke to my staff and with a bit of luck we knew we had a chance. Sam (Allardyce) left me a good team and well organised squad. "Beating Spurs at home was special. It is about the journey we have had. At the start we signed Dimitri Payet and other good players. When you ask me the highlights there are so many. We beat some big teams at the start. "The best moment for me was being so strong and solid. We didn't look like we would get beat."
From the day Bilic arrived he promised to achieve great things with the fans and he has not let anybody down. He got to work straight away and with the help of David Sullivan and the Club's Board, they brought in 12 new players to rejuvenate the squad. In particular the summer arrivals of Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini were a clear indication of the entertaining football that Bilic wanted to employ and it was evident from the very first game that exciting times were ahead for the east London Club. Few could forget the big three away wins at the start of the season that Bilic orchestrated. Victories over Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City showed the Hammers could be a match for any team on their day and it was the manner of the victories that gave everyone optimism that the team could challenge at the top of the table.
Bilic made it clear that Payet was his number one transfer target and the French star quickly became a hero at the Boleyn Ground with his impressive displays and unforgettable free-kicks which saw him become one of the best set-piece takers in the world. Add to that the flair and creativity of Lanzini and the Hammers had two of the best attacking talents in the top flight.
Bilic was also instrumental in helping to get the best out of Mark Noble after handing him the captain's armband at the start of the season. Noble produced the best form of his career and was desperately unlucky to miss out on a place in the England squad for the Euro Finals this summer. It was always going to be an emotional final season at the Boleyn Ground, but Bilic created a team spirit that saw the players give everything for each other as they made Upton Park a fortress and helped produce some of the best performances of the season. Home wins over Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham and the dramatic final minute win over Liverpool in the FA Cup will live long in the memory. But no-one will ever forget the final home game at the Boleyn Ground against Manchester United when Winston Reid scored a late winner to leave Bilic in tears at the final whistle. That typified the emotion and passion that the Hammers manager has for the Club and he will be hoping for another magical adventure when the Club prepare to make a historic move into the new Stadium in the next few weeks.
Happy Anniversary Boss.
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Valencia scores in Copa America draw
WHUFC.com
Ecuador went 2-0 down against Peru in Arizona
Fightback began when Hammers forward Valencia halved the deficit
Eventually claimed a 2-2 draw, leaving them third in Copa America Group B
West Ham striker Enner Valencia was on the scoresheet in the Copa America on Thursday morning as his Ecuador side fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Peru. The Yellows gave themselves a mountain to climb after their Group B opponents took the lead after five minutes through Christian Cueva before doubling the advantage eight minutes later with an Edison Flores strike. But, six minutes before the break, Valencia, earning his 26th Ecuador cap, latched onto a through ball from Manchester United namesake Antonio, before slotting past the keeper to half the deficit. And just three minutes after the restart, Ecuador were level in Glendale, Arizona, as Miler Balonos tapped home from close range to make it 2-2. Neither side could grab a decisive winner, and the result leaves Ecuador third in Group B, just outside the automatic spots for qualification to the knockout stages. With Brazil beating Haiti 7-1 in the other Group fixture, Ecuador will be hopeful they can record a victory over the minnows in the final fixture to qualify while Brazil will be expected to beat Peru. 26-year-old Valencia has now found the net 15 times for his country in 26 games and will hope to add to that figure in the Haiti match at the tournament being held in the USA; the first Copa America to venture outside South America. Valencia made 19 appearances in Claret and Blue during 2015/16, getting himself on the scoresheet on four occasions.
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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
Raphael Raymond is one of the most respected journalists in France and has been following the progress of Dimitri Payet throughout the season.
Raymond works for French newspaper L'Equipe and will be covering Payet and France during the Euro Finals. After scoring an impressive free-kick for France against Cameroon last week, Raymond is expecting Payet to continue his best form when the host nation get the tournament underway in the opening game against Romania on Friday night....
It has been a great first season for Dimitri in the Premier League. In France everyone thought it would be very hard for him in his first year.
But I have known Slaven Bilic since Euro 2008 and he is a great coach. He loves his players and Dimitri is a player who needs to be loved and to play his best football. I came over to England earlier in the season and went down to the West Ham training ground to see Slaven and Dimitri. I can see it is a family club and it is a very good club for Dimitri. I understand now why he has enjoyed such a good season because he is happy there. It has nothing to do with his ability because he is one of the best players in France. He deserves to be in the France squad for the Euro Finals. Didier Deschamps called him up for the Russia game back in March and he scored a great free-kick.
When Deschamps takes a place three months before a big competition gets underway, he is not doing it to be nice. He was planning to have him for the tournament this summer. I first saw Dimitri play for Nantes when he was a youngster and saw his first professional goal against Metz back in 2005. Ten years later has matured into a great player and has so much ability. We know he is a great player and it was not good for the fans that he left the French League. But everybody in France is happy for Dimitri that he is now doing so well. I expect France to do very well in the tournament.
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Dot Dexter - 1923-2016
WHUFC.com
Dot Dexter was a lifelong fan and Season Ticket Holder who has passed away, aged 93
Was landlady to young players including Clyde Best, Alan Taylor and Alvin Martin
As a Supporters' Club committee member, she counted Hammer of the Year votes
West Ham United would like to pay tribute to Dot Dexter, who has passed away at the age of 93. A lifelong fan and long-time Season Ticket Holder right up until the Farewell Boleyn season, Dot played an influential role in Hammers history, taking in promising young players as lodgers at their east London home. Together with her husband, Dot helped mould some of the most important players to have pulled on a Claret and Blue shirt over the last 50 years.
Son Phil said West Ham played an integral part in his mother's life, as she also sold pools coupons at the Boleyn Ground and helped to organise the annual Hammer of the Year vote at the Supporters' Club. "West Ham was a big part of her life, not just as a supporter for 60-plus years," said Phil. "During her time she was a West Ham Pools Agent, and my father was a steward at the Boleyn Ground. "Then, in 1968/69, she and my father helped the Club by taking in players as lodgers, in particular youngsters coming on trial or joining as youth players. The first player they took in was Clyde Best from Bermuda, while other lodgers included Alvin Martin and Alan Taylor. "One young lodger, Malcolm Hill, kept in regular touch with Mum, sending her birthday and Christmas cards every year and also postcards from wherever he and his family were on holiday. "Both Mum and Dad were members of the Supporters' Club in Castle Street and became committee members, Mum in particular helping to organise the Hammer of the Year voting, counting and presentation nights for several years."
Dot also took time out from here role as a landlady and committee member to travel over land and sea to follow her beloved Hammers. She remained a committed fan into her 80s, attending games regularly, latterly using taxis organised by Club staff to ferry her to and from her home. "Mum followed West Ham all over Europe, including games in Germany, Spain, Holland and even Russia," Phil continued. "Prior to her 86th birthday I had contacted the club requesting a half-time birthday announcement in the programme for the home match against Chelsea. However, the Club very generously and kindly offered Mum (and myself) the opportunity to watch the match in one of the executive boxes, sent someone from the media department to interview her in the Supporters' Club before the match and also interviewed her on the pitch at half-time. "I know she felt very special at being treated so superbly well and even more so when she saw the programme for the next home match against Liverpool, which contained a double-page spread of her story."
Even in her final days, West Ham was never far from Dot's heart – or ears! "Mum had been a Season Ticket Holder for many years, including this last season, during which she attained the age of 93," her son explained. "Sadly she was unable to attend the last home match at Upton Park as she was in Newham General Hospital but I'm sure she could hear the roars of the crowd and the wonderful atmosphere that was created throughout the match from her hospital bed!"
Dot Dexter passed away on 22 May 2016, aged 93.
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Ray Winstone is hopeful for England's chances
WHUFC.com
West Ham supporter Ray Winstone is hopeful for England's chances at this summer's UEFA Euro 2016, however he believes Roy Hodgson's side would be better off with Hammers skipper Mark Noble in the squad. Though the Three Lions have not included any of Slaven Bilic's team in their 23-man squad, four West Ham players will be going to the tournament with other nations. Dimitri Payet, James Collins, Angelo Ogbonna and Darren Randolph have been included in the France, Wales, Italy and Republic of Ireland squads respectively, and Winstone thinks the Club's skipper should have joined them in France. He said: "For me, I'm a bit gutted Marky Noble never went. I think he's had a wonderful season in midfield. Yeah, I'd take [Jack] Wilshere as he's one of our better midfielders, but there are other people who haven't had a full season and I think Marky Noble would do a better job. "His passing is immaculate, he runs about and I think he learned from Scott Parker about the work-rate he puts in. I've seen Mark's work-rate has gone up and he gives 120 per cent every game."
Despite England manager Roy Hodgson deciding on other midfield options for his squad, 59-year-old Winstone fancies the Three Lions' chances in France this summer. "I think you've always got a chance and I'm always an optimist with England anyway," the actor continued. "We've come very close in the past and I don't think we've got the credit for that. "You know, the semi-finals and quarter-finals when it could have gone either way, against the Germans with Lineker and Gascoigne, the hand of God; they just had a little fat geezer in an Argentinian shirt! "I do worry about our defence, though. But maybe that will come. Sometimes in tournaments, people gel, and if you're lucky enough to get through those first three games, things can happen. "Are we as good as some of the other teams? We're not, yet. But what we have got, who I like up front, and I would definitely play them together, is Vardy and Kane. And I'd put Rooney in behind them."
Another Hammer Winstone believes deserved to be in with a shout was Andy Carroll, who has not played in an England shirt since 2012. "I think Carroll would bring something. Rather than take Sturridge who is injured and is hit and miss, I would put Andy Carroll there to bring on.
"I don't know a defence in Europe who would be able to deal with Andy Carroll smashing you about. It's just another option if you need it when you're 1-0 down. I'd have loved to see him going, from a personal point of view."
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Joint-Chairman - Bilic has done a very good job
WHUFC.com
Sullivan could not have asked anymore from Bilic
Bilic helps the new players settle in quickly
Sullivan respects the honesty that Bilic shows after a game
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan has nothing but praise for the job Slaven Bilic has done over the last year and says he could not have done anymore as he celebrates his first year in charge. Bilic helped to secure European football for the second consecutive season and became an even bigger hero with the Hammers supporters with his passion on the touchline and entertaining style of play. Mr Sullivan played a key role in helping to bring the Croatian manager back to the east London Club last summer and hopes he can grow even stronger as the Club prepare to make the big move into the new Stadium. Mr Sullivan said: "I think overall he has done a very good job and we could not have asked for anymore from the manager. "He believes in the Club and the project and with a bit of good luck we could have been in the Champions League. "I think you want to see someone with the passion he shows and when we lose we want to see the manager feeling how we feel. "The best thing about Slaven is that when he makes a comment after the game you would virtually agree every time with what he says. He is honest, smart and has a very fair judgement. We hope next year we can do even better. "We value his opinion on all signings. He is very good with new players and helps them along. Other than a Leicester miracle we could not have asked for a better season."
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Payet prepped for Euro 2016 opener
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet is hoping to be part of a feared France attack when Les Bleus kick-off UEFA Euro 2016 against Romania on Friday. The French begin their home tournament as 3/1 favourites and Payet is expected to be an important figure for Didier Deschamps' star-studded side. Payet has carried his scintillating form for West Ham United into a France shirt in the run-up to Euro 2016, scoring sensational free-kicks in victories over Russia and Cameroon. The Hammer of the Year is expected to start in Friday's tournament opener at the Stade de France in a six-pronged attack alongside Juventus powerhouse Paul Pogba, Paris Saint-Germain star Blaise Matuidi, Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann, outstanding Manchester United youngster Anthony Martial and Arsenal centre forward Olivier Giroud. However, the 29-year-old is taking nothing for granted.
"If you look at the forward line, everyone was efficient in our win over Scotland on Saturday, so it will be the coach to choose his team [to face Romania]," Payet began. "It is better to have these choices than to have no options." Payet continued his outstanding pre-Euro 2016 form by setting up two goals in a 3-0 win over the Scots in Metz last weekend. When asked about his own form leading up to the finals, the Hammers star is enjoying playing alongside energetic central midfielders Pogba and Matuidi and being given the opportunity to dictate the play himself from a central trequartista position. "I was involved in the play a lot against Scotland, and that allows me to be at the beginning of the attacks," he continued. "I can link-up with midfielders Paul and Blaise in particular, and we made good combinations."
While his ability to pick holes in defences from open play will pose a threat to any defence, it is Payet's skill from set plays that will have fans on the edge of their seats throughout Euro 2016. The Reunion-born maestro scored SIX direct free-kicks for Club and country in 2015/16, including a wonderful last-minute effort to defeat Cameroon on 31 May. "This is an important weapon, as there will be close games and set pieces can unlock situations," the West Ham favourite confirmed. Payet is rated as a 25/1 shot to be named Player of the Tournament, behind only teammates Pogba and Griezmann, Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo, Germany's Thomas Muller, Belgium pair Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard and England's Harry Kane. He is also a 50/1 chance to finish the competition as top scorer.
France face Romania in their Group A opener in Paris at 8pm BST tonight, live on ITV, before tackling Albania in Marseille on Thursday 15 June (ITV) and Switzerland in Lille on Monday 19 June (BBC 1), with both matches also kicking-off at 8pm.
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Stadium seeding starts
WHUFC.com
West Ham United moved another exciting step closer to moving to their new London Stadium home the first seeds were sown on the pitch. The work will result in the Hammers playing on a world-class surface on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, began on Wednesday morning and the process took around four hours to complete. The first sprouts of grass are hoped to be seen within just five days of the seeding process being completed, and the pitch should be ready for its inaugural full cut just two to five days later. Head Groundsman at the London Stadium Greg Bolton, working in conjunction with West Ham's Head Groundsman Dougie Robertson, expressed the importance of the seeding and assured supporters that it would be handled in the right way. He said: "It certainly is a big moment [in the development of the Stadium]. It's very important that this is taken with great care. I think the idea is not to rush this process. We have to get it right. "The contractors we have on site are one of the best around. They do all the top grounds in the country, and we're glad to have them on board here. It most certainly will be one of the best surfaces around."
The Stadium hosted its first gig on Saturday night, with rock legends AC/DC attracting a huge crowd in E20, and the ground staff ensured the pitch was prepared for the seeding process after the concert. Though the seeds on the surface will take around a week to shoot, the pitch already has a green colouring, which Bolton explained is due to the artificial components in the turf. "It's very deceiving at the moment," he continued. "We've got the Desso fibres all exposed, and a lot of people think we've got full grass coverage already, but all that is just the reinforcing system in the surface. "It's exactly the same as the Club had at the Boleyn Ground, and it just helps aid soil stability. We shouldn't have any big divots coming out of the surface; it should just be scarring. It helps with repairs and holding the surface together."
Athletics events will be held at the London Stadium prior to the start of the Hammers' 2016/17 campaign – which will kick-off with a UEFA Europa League third-qualifying round tie and the Betway Cup clash with Juventus on Sunday 7 August. The London Anniversary Games will see track and field events take place there over the weekend of 22-23 July, but Bolton assured fans that the surface will be ready for the Club's opening game at their new home. "We are expecting to see slight imprints in the surface [after the athletics] which we don't see as being too much of an issue," he explained. "It will just be a case of going round with a fork and just lifting areas which have any slight impressions in them.
"The athletics require a clean surface without any markings, so the first [football] markings will be going on the week after the athletics ahead of the West Ham fixtures."
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Sowing the seeds of love
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United took another step closer to moving to their new stadium as the first seeds were sown on the pitch.
The work, which will result in the Hammers playing on a world-class surface on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, began on Wednesday morning with the process taking around four hours to complete.
The first sprouts of grass should be seen within just five days of the seeding process being completed, and the pitch should be ready for its inaugural full cut between two to five days later.
Head Groundsman at the Olympic Stadium Greg Bolton, working in conjunction with West Ham United's Head Groundsman Dougie Robertson, expressed the importance of the seeding and assured supporters that it would be handled in the right way.
"It certainly is a big moment," he said. "It's very important that this is taken with great care. The idea is not to rush this process. We have to get it right.
"The contractors we have on site are one of the best around. They do all the top grounds in the country and we're glad to have them on board here. It most certainly will be one of the best surfaces around."
The Stadium hosted its first gig last weekend with rock legends AC/DC attracting a huge crowd in E20, and the ground staff ensured the pitch was prepared for the seeding process after the concert.
Though the seeds on the surface will take around a week to shoot, the pitch already has a green colouring which Bolton explained is due to the artificial components in the turf.
"It's very deceiving at the moment," he continued. "We've got the Desso fibres all exposed, and a lot of people think we've got full grass coverage already, but all that is just the reinforcing system in the surface.
"It's exactly the same as the club had at the Boleyn Ground, and it just helps aid soil stability. We shouldn't have any big divots coming out of the surface; it should just be scarring. It helps with repairs and holding the surface together."
Athletics events will be held at the stadium prior to the start of the Hammers' 2016/17 campaign. The London Anniversary Games will see track and field events take place there over the weekend of 22-23 July, but Bolton assured fans that the surface will be ready for the Club's opening game at their new home.
"We are expecting to see slight imprints in the surface [post-athletics] which we don't see as being too much of an issue," he explained. "It will just be a case of going round with a fork and just lifting areas which have any slight impressions in them.
"The athletics require a clean surface without any markings, so the first [football] markings will be going on the week after the athletics ahead of the West Ham fixtures."
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Roma eye Ogbonna move
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's Italian international Angelo Ogbbonna is being linked with a string of clubs - both at home and abroad. The 28-year-old centre half enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Winston Reid at the heart of United's defence last season following his £8million arrival from Juventus. And that consistent good form appears to have piqued the interest or several clubs, with Serie A side Roma plus both Manchester clubs said to be examining the possibility of making a move for the defender, who is part of Italy's Euro 16 squad. Italian outlet Tuttosport have carried the Roma link, who they claim are also keeping tabs on Inter's Brazilian defender Juan Jesus. Despite the links, Ogbonna recently stated that he was content with life in east London. "I'm really happy with my first season in England," he tsaid, speaking last month. "I'm really happy because I scored against Liverpool [in the FA Cup replay] and that was an amazing moment for us. We have to be proud about this season and maybe next season we can do better."
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Bilic brings back the West Ham way
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th June 2016
By: Ben Green
Following the departure of Sam Allardyce, a plethora of names were being touted for the vacant West Ham manager's position.
Klopp and Ancelotti were whispered in hush melodies around the Boleyn Ground and audacious swoops for Rafa Benitez and Unai Emery proved futile. This of course left the door open for former Hammer Slaven Bilic to step in.
The arrival of Bilic was met with a certain anticipation and an air of uncertainty, given his lack of managerial experience in the Premier League. There was no doubt though about the grandeur of the Croat, he came to the Boleyn Ground with an impeccable swagger and a refreshing likability. A tactically astute manager with a reputation of affection for the beautiful game, Bilic posed an appropriate figure to conclude West Ham's tenure at the Boleyn Ground.
Having eliminated the relatively unknown Lusitanos and Birkirkara, the prospect of a European journey was an invigorating one. A reminiscence of Fulham's Europa league fairytale in 2010 made that prospect all the more appetising.
Unfortunately the journey came to an abrupt end against Astra Giurgiu, but despite our short stint in European football, I wasn't too worried, as staying in the Premier League for our first year in the Olympic Stadium was crucial. To be honest, as a University student at Portsmouth, getting knocked out of the Europa League was probably a blessing in disguise, as I wouldn't have to make the strenuous journey up the M25 on a Thursday night.
Pressure is a ubiquitous part of football and the defeat to Astra Giurgiu meant added weight on the shoulders of Slaven Bilic. If there was any sign of pressure towards Bilic however, he instinctively brushed it away with his team selection for the match against Arsenal.
The inclusion of 16-year-old Reece Oxford raised eyebrows and was definitely a courageous decision by the Croat. One of the main talking points surrounding the Boleyn Ground is the supposed 'West Ham way,' and many pundits and fans alike have diminished this ideal. The lines are extremely blurred when talking about it nd there will always be ambiguity surrounding the philosophy, but the Arsenal game pretty much summed up what the 'West Ham way' is to me.
For me, it is not necessarily the style of football we play, but more to do with the way in which we approach games. One fundamental aspect is the consideration of The Academy of Football, giving youth players a chance on the big stage.
Sam Allardyce believed the demand for instant success in football meant neglecting the youth academies, and in some respect I agree with him. The life of a manager in modern football is far too short and there isn't enough time to nurture raw talent in the academies. Why risk playing a youngster when you could be sacked in a couple of weeks for a run of bad results? Bilic took this risk and for me this epitomised what the 'West Ham way' is, it's this idea of trusting the Academy, throwing one of your own into the mix against the big boys.
Notoriously we have always had a talisman that excites the terraces and brings fans off their seats and onto their feet. Over the years players such as Di Canio, Berkovic, Tevez, Brady, McAvennie, Brooking and Hurst have constituted to an elite group of players that produce moments of sheer quality, they have the ability to invigorate the terraces and create a special atmosphere in the Boleyn Ground. The 'West Ham way,' was to always allow these players to express themselves and give them license to showcase their individual brilliance.
Many felt Ravel Morrison had that potential and after his sensational solo goal against Tottenham, I thought he was our next talisman. Perhaps his potential wasn't allowed to flourish because of the rigid philosophy of an Allardyce team, but then again he hasn't exactly pushed on with Lazio in Serie A. This time round however, we have Dimitri Payet, a player you would pay to watch train, in the pouring rain, at Chadwell Heath. Creative freedom is given room to flourish under Bilic, and players such as Payet and Lanzini are given license to roam and produce those moments of excellence.
Although style of play isn't the fundamental basis for the 'West Ham way,' it does appear to be an important aspect for West Ham fans. The football wasn't always the most exciting, but I will always be grateful to Sam Allardyce for what he did for my football club. We were staring down the barrel when Allardyce took charge, and he gave me one of my best ever seasons as a West Ham fan in the Championship. I loved the away trips to Barnsley, Blackpool and Watford to name a few, but more so, I loved the trip to Wembley where Vaz Tê scored a dramatic 87th minute winner to secure our return to top-flight football.
He then went on to stabilise us in the Premier League and he laid down the framework for Bilic to come in and build upon. Cries of 'be careful what you wish for,' were heard ringing around the football community when Allardyce departed. Bilic however, has done a commendable job and he has kept us in the Premier League whilst producing some of our best football. He summed up the style of play perfectly after the Liverpool victory: "We parked the bus but we didn't put the handbrake on. It was simply great defending when we didn't have the ball."
We didn't go to Arsenal, Liverpool or Man City with the thought of just defending; we went with intent and an eye for attacking their back lines. Defend resolutely, but break with venom was the philosophy imposed by Bilic - and it worked to a T.
There isn't a straight definition for the 'West Ham way,' but aspects such as faith in the Academy, going to the big clubs with an intent to attack, allowing players to express their individual quality all contribute to a philosophy that West Ham pride themselves on. We have been a bit of a yo-yo club in recent times, which is why the work of Allardyce will always be appreciated. And I may be deluded for saying this, but I do believe in the 'West Ham way,' and Bilic has reignited that optimism for the philosophy.
The 2015/16 campaign was, without a doubt, my most memorable season as a West Ham fan - and having already bid crazy money for players of such calibre as Alexandre Lacazette, I am buzzing with anticipation for the future of my football club.
Let's not forget a few years ago we had Mido and Benni McCarthy up top. The future does look bright, but this is football and anything can happen at anytime, and as West Ham fans, we should know not to get too carried away when things start looking good. Hopefully this time round is different - and I have complete faith in Bilic and the board to continue the growth of this wonderful football club.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
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Dowie Jnr thanks Uncle Iain
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Iain Dowie's niece Natasha has revealed how her father and uncle's influence helped her become an international footballer. 27-year-old Dowie has represented England on 14 occasions since breaking into the national team back in 2009. And speaking in an interview with FIFA.com, Dowie Jnr explained how her father Bob and uncle Iain - who enjoyed two spells at West Ham in the 1990s - were the driving forces behind here emergence as a top pro. "My father has been my coach since I remember kicking a ball for the first time, and still is today," she said. "No doubt he has been the biggest influence I've had in my football career and I wouldn't be where I am without his help. "My uncle has also been important and has always supported me. Although he's a busy man and couldn't come to see me play as often as my father, we are a very close family. "I know I can always count on their support also - though my uncle says that as I have scored more goals than him I do not need his advice!"
Iain Dowie made 12 appearances for a Second Division West Ham in 1991 following a £480,000 move from Luton Town with his goals helping cement United's return to the top flight. However he was allowed to join Southampton later that year following the return of Trevor Morley from injury, with the Hammers recouping their outlay from the £500,000 fee. Having moved on to Crystal Palace, Dowie returned to West Ham in 1995 where he remained for three years - a spell that will probably be best remembered for his stunning own goal against Stockport in front of the SKy TV cameras. After hanging up his boots, Dowie spent more than a decade in management before moving into TV. Most notably, he was in charge of the Crystal Palace side that beat Alan Pardew's West Ham in the 2003/04 play-off final.
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Chelsea enter Batshuayi race
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Chelsea are the latest club to be linked with a move for Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi.
he 22-year-old Belgian international was the subject of a €40million bid from West Ham last month - an offer that was instantly rejected by the financially-stricken Ligue 1 club, who need to sell players this summer in order to balance the books.
And the impasse over Batshuayi's position has alerted the west London club, who are seeking to strengthen across the park this summer following the announcement that Italian national boss Antonio Conte will be taking charge at Stamford Bridge post-Euro 16.
* Another of West Ham's transfer targets, Lyon star Alexandre Lacazette is being linked with La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid. Manager Diego Simeone is said to be a keen admirer of the forward, who, like Batshuayi, was the subject of a rejected bid from West Ham last month.
Atletico join Barcelona on the list of Lacazette's Spanish admirers, whilst the player's current club Lyon have insisted that any deal must be concluded by the end of June in order to give them time to find a replacement.
* In other transfer news, Arsenal forward Theo Walcott insists that he will stay and fight for his place at the Emirates despite being linked with a move away from the north London club.
David Sullivan Jnr claimed last week that the player was not on the club's immediate radar, despite a number of media sources suggesting interest from West Ham.
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2015/16 in review: October & November
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th June 2016
By: Graeme Howlett
Join us as we take a look back at the 2015/16 season through the eyes of KUMB Editor Graeme Howlett, who penned a weekly column for the Echo newspaper throughout the campaign.
Today we look back at October and November 2015 in the third part of our review...
25 October
The benefits of goal-line technology were clear to see at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday afternooon when Kurt Zouma's effort failed to result in the awarding of a goal - despite at least 95 per cent of the ball having crossed the line.
Let's make no bones about it; prior to its introduction the same scenario would almost certainly have resulted in a goal being awarded to Chelsea, when it was commonplace for the benefit of the doubt to be given to the Premier League's more notable clubs. Not any more, though.
Referee Jonathan Moss had no option but to allow play to continue when his earpiece failed to announce that the entire ball had crossed the line. To his considerable credit, the official got every one of the game's contentious issues right - as West Ham went on to beat neighbours Chelsea 2-1 at the Boleyn.
The visitors, who are rapidly turning into a laughing stock saw Nemanja Matic dismissed in the first half for two bookable offences plus coach Silvino Louro and manager Jose Mourinho sent to the stands. Six further yellow cards were issued too, should anyone question whether the reigning league champions were given a fair crack of the whip.
But is it any doubt that Chelsea's players behave so petulantly when their management team display such a lack of professionalism? Mourinho, who raged at Moss during at half time interval thus earning him a second half touchline ban didn't even have the courtesy to fulfil his media requirements post-match, leaving defender Gary Cahill to face the music instead.
On the contrary, Slaven Bilic continues to impress. That he has managed to unite a fractured fanbase little more than three months after succeeding the divisive Sam Allardyce is a feat in itself - and the team's results continue to be outstanding.
Incredibly, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and now Chelsea have been put to the sword inside the opening ten games of the season and the Hammers sit third in the Premier League at time of writing. This weekend it was goals from Mauro Zarate - rejuvenated under the new manager - and Andy Carroll that did for the ten-man Blues.
The real test for West Ham will probably arrive post-Christmas, when fatigue and injuries generally begin to take effect. But when you consider that the likes of Enner Valencia, Alex Song and £7million signing Michail Antonio have barely kicked a ball between them this season it's not hard to see why some Hammers fans believe that this could finally be the season that the much-vaunted 'Boys of '86' are finally usurped.
1 November
West Ham marked Halloween with a horror show of their own at Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon, going down 2-0 to newly-promoted Watford.
And it was a defeat that raised further questions regarding United's ability to raise their game against the so-called weaker teams in the Premier League.
During his pre-match press conference last Thursday, Slaven Bilic denied that his squad had an issue with motivation when it came to facing teams such as the Hornets.
However the evidence tends to suggest otherwise, with the Hammers having collected just one point this season against the teams promoted from the Championship last season - that's Bournemouth, 4-3 winners at the Boleyn Ground back in August, Norwich with whom West Ham drew 2-2 and now Watford.
That of course is in stark contrast to West Ham's unparalleled form against the league's more successful sides with Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and current leaders Arsenal having already been put to the sword this term.
Particularly disappointing from a claret and blue perspective on Saturday was that Quique Sánchez Flores' side, who went into the game having managed just one win at home this season didn't even have to work exceptionally hard to take all three points.
Both of Watford's goals were handed to them on a plate thanks to a schoolboy error in the first half from Andy Carroll and an uncharacteristic mistake shortly after the interval by the previously-reliable James Tomkins.
My Thundersley Rovers Under Nines players know better than to try and pull off a Cruyff turn in their own penalty box, yet that's exactly what West Ham's number nine attempted to do in the first half - thus gifting Watford the opening goal.
And just three minutes after the restart, Tomkins inexplicably allowed a low cross to slip between his legs from where Odion Ighalo found the net - with some aplomb, to his credit.
Even though Enner Valencia hit the woodwork having intercepted Craig Cathcart's poor back pass after Watford had doubled their advantage, West Ham rarely looked like getting back into the game.
And their misery was compounded when James Collins was issued with a straight red card six minutes from time for a late - yet not particularly dangerous - challenge on Watford's match winner Ighalo.
It was the fourth successive West Ham match in which the game had ended with less than the full quota of 22 players on the field - with Collins becoming the fourth Hammer to see red already this season.
That's quite ironic given that the Hammers qualified for this season's Europa League having topped the Premier League's 'Fair Play table' in 2014/15!
8 November
West Ham's home record against Everton in recent years is little short of appalling, so it was with some trepidation that Irons fans approached Saturday's clash at the Boleyn Ground. The visitors had won on seven of their last ten trips to east London, so to stem the tide with a draw wasn't perhaps the worst result for Slaven Bilic's side.
Manuel Lanzini arrived in London back in July as a virtual unknown on these shores, but it has taken the diminutive 22-year-old no time at all to settle into life in England and the Premier League. His stunning strike opened the scoring at the Boleyn Ground against the Toffees and it was a goal that deserves to be replayed over and over again.
Unfortunately West Ham shot themselves in the foot by conceding possession and allowing the visitors to hit them on the break just a couple of minutes ahead of the interval. The last man you want to see with the ball in such situations is £40million-rated Romelu Lukaku - and the Belgian international rounded goalkeeper Adrian to find the net, thus extending his amazing record of scoring against the Hammers to seven consecutive games.
The inherent ability to self-combust has cost West Ham dearly this season. Although the point took West Ham back above Tottenham into fifth place in the Premier League on Saturday night, it could have been so much better for Bilic's boys.
Against Everton it was Dimitri Payet who gave the ball away to such costly effect, allowing the Blues to counter and score - although the Frenchman can be partly excused as he was still suffering from the effects of a heavy challenge that saw him withdrawn just five minutes into the second half.
Only seven days earlier Andy Carroll and James Tomkins both gaffed to gift Watford a 2-0 win at Vicarage Road - whilst Payet was again guilty of losing possession cheaply at Sunderland last month, leading to Jeremain Lens' excellent goal.
Meanwhile captain Mark Noble was responsible for an almost identical goal conceded against Norwich back in September, whilst Pedro Obiang's fluffed attempt at clearing his lines helped Leicester knock the Hammers out of the Capital One Cup a matter of days prior to that.
And so whilst West Ham are having a good season so far, one can't help but think it could be even better. Eradicate these utterly avoidable mistakes and as unlikely as it may seem, the Hammers could yet challenge for a Champions League or Europa Cup spot come next May.
15 November
The terrorist attacks on Stade de France last Friday night left a handful of football fans dead and many more injured. But for the swift actions of French security forces, those numbers could have reached into the thousands.
Fortunately the sick and misguided individuals who perpetrated this heinous crime - along with the others that briefly paralysed the French capital - failed to breach the outer perimeter of the stadium and departed this mortal coil with the blood of few on their hands, instead of many more.
For many football supporters, this was their worst fears realised. The potential for such an attack has always existed; after all, what better place to ensure maximum carnage than an arena in which thousands upon thousands of people are gathered closely together?
It's a concern that will be felt acutely by West Ham United supporters given the club's impending move to the iconic Olympic Stadium, home of the 2012 summer games. With the exception perhaps of Wembley, no stadium in the capital is as widely recognised across the globe than the 54,000 capacity Stratford-based arena which the Irons will call home from next summer.
If nothing else, Friday's terrible events across the channel are a reminder that we all need to remain vigilant wherever we are - be it on business or pleasure.
* A reckless challenge by Everton's James McCarthy during last weekend's Premier League meeting at the Boleyn Ground means that West Ham will be without their talisman Dimitri Payet until next February, at the earliest.
The attacking midfielder, who moved to east London from Olympique de Marseille for circa £11million during the summer has scored five goals already this season and is regularly cited by pundits as one of the league's most exciting players.
His impending absence represents a huge blow for Slaven Bilic and his squad, for whom the French international has been instrumental thus far this campaign.
Particularly frustrating is that as he was booked by rookie referee Paul Tierney for the challenge, McCarthy will face no further sanction from the Football Association. Yet had he not been cautioned, he would almost certainly be facing sanctions for what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to nullify Payet.
Angry Hammers fans have argued long and hard all week that the governing body's rules should be amended to allow retrospective action in such cases. And given the loss that West Ham have incurred, it's difficult to disagree.
Vive le France.
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West Ham fan guide to Euro 2016
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 9, 2016 in News, Videos, Whispers
C and H
Dimitri Payet has a got a very good chance of starting for France. It is a toss-up between Anthony Martial and Dimitri Payet as to who plays on the left wing. If Payet doesn't get the nod to start he very likely to be in the bench as an impact sub. France are in Group A.
Friday 10 June 2016 France v Romania 8pm
Wednesday 15 June 2016 France v Albania 8pm
Sunday 19 June 2016 France v Switzerland 8pm
Darren Randolph is in the Republic of Ireland squad and is likely to be first choice keeper after impressive displays for his country. Ireland are in Group E
Monday 13 June 2016 Republic of Ireland v Sweden 5pm
Saturday 18 June 2016 Republic of Ireland v Belgium 2pm
Wednesday 22 June 2016 Republic of Ireland v Italy 8pm
James Collins will probably have to wait patiently for his chance for Wales on the bench. He had a spat with Coleman in 2013 but the two have since patched up their differences. He came on a 64 minute substitute in the recent 3-0 loss to Sweden. He has a good chance of making the bench. Wales are in group B with England.
Saturday 11 June 2016 Wales v Slovakia 5pm
Thursday 16 June 2016 Wales v England 2pm
Monday 20 June 2016 Wales v Russia 8pm
Angelo Ogbonna is in Italy's 30-man squad for UEFA Euro 2016 but unlikely to play or make the bench. Italy are also in Group E. A defence containing the Juventus block of Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Berzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini means Ogbonna will find it difficult to get game time unless there are injuries.
Monday 13 June 2016 Italy v Belgium 8pm
Friday 17 June 2016 Italy v Sweden 2pm
Wednesday 22 June 2016 Italy v Republic of Ireland 8pm
Oh and in case you are STILL interested these are England's fixtures with NO Mark Noble, Aaron Cresswell, Andy Carroll or Michail Antonio but lots of Spurs players.
Saturday 11 June 2016 England v Russia 8pm
Thursday 16 June 2016 England v Wales 2pm
Monday 20 June 2016 England v Slovakia 8pm
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Irons fans may face long term OS exit plans
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 9, 2016 in Fans Forum, Hammers Chat, News, Whispers
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Routes out of the Olympic Stadium could be varies – possibly from game to game.
ClaretandHugh have learned this may extend over a lengthy period – not merely the frst four home games – as revealed here by our partners Hammers Chat yesterday.
HC's story explained that their own sources had told them that those first four games would see fans sent home in a different direction than via the Westfield Centre http://www.claretandhugh.info/westfield-no-to-west-ham-fans/
And although there has been no official confirmation it is now as probable as it is possible that fans will face a detours over the course of the season.
ClaretandHugh has learned that routes may well be altered throughout the season depending on the 'level' of the game.
We understand the criteria could rest on the same basis as the way policing levels or what areas are alcohol free or managed according to the visiting team are decided.
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Hammers striker hunt goes on despite Calleri
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
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News that the Hammers are keen to bring in striker Johnathon Calleri indirectly confirms the Irons are looking for two front men as we suggested a few days here. The 22 year old has already interested Spurs but we had it confrmed this morning the Hammers are now in talks and hopeful of concluding the deal. The Argentinian is with São Paulo FC and at the centre of talks for an Irons move as confrmed by our own sources inside West Ham. He is valued at £7.5 million who can operate on the right wing – not unlike Sakho! Thus, he is NOT the £25 million front man plus being hunted by the club as we look to our first season in the Olympic Stadium. As we reported with offers around from agents for Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia certan to leave if we can the right price the team could have a very different look next season. We are assured that the club are still working on the main striker and that manager Slaven Bilic will be eyeing up targets at the Euros.
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Auction raises £300,000 for Academy so far
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 9, 2016 in News, Whispers
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The West Ham online auction has raised over £300,000 for the club's Academy so far with over £48,000 going to the auctioneers in fees and nearly £56,000 in VAT to the tax man.
The stadium contents auction – including the signs, seats, gates and other fittings from The Boleyn Ground opened on May 18th and closed yesterday and later today.
The first set of auction lots which closed yesterday is claimed to have raised nearly £204,000 in final bids. Buyers paid auctioneers Hilco Global a 'buyers premium' of 16% setting them back another £32,640 before VAT of 20% was added on to give tax man £47,328. The grand total of takings for day one is estimated to be just under £284,000.
Day two has already passed £100,000 in bids which would see at least £16,000 in auctioneers fees added plus VAT of at least £23,200.
The £304,000 raised so far will go to fund the Academy but whether this is additional funding to the Academy or just replaces existing budget remains unclear.
The Football Memorabilia Online Auction opened on 23rd May 2016 and is set ti close over two days on 13th and 14th June. A live Webcast Auction was be held at the Boleyn Ground last Saturday 4th June.
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VALENCIA SPARKS ECUADOR COMEBACK
By Dan Coker 9 Jun 2016 at 08:00
WTID
Congratulations to Enner Valencia, who scored Ecuador's first goal in their 2-2 draw with Peru in the Copa America Centenario last night. Los Amarillos, who had drawn their opening match of the tournament 0-0 with Brazil over the weekend, found themselves 2-0 down after just 13 minutes before Valencia controlled a chipped pass on his chest inside the penalty area and rifled home a volleyed shot in the 39th minute.
Ecuador take on Haiti in their final match in Group B on Sunday – Valencia's side will qualify for the quarter-finals if they win that match and Peru lose to Brazil. The Ecuadorians would be most likely to face Colombia in the last eight. The Hammers forward's strike last night was his 15th international goal in his 26th appearance.
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WHAT DOES NEXT SEASON HOLD FOR DIEGO POYET?
By S J Chandos 8 Jun 2016 at 08:00
WTID
When West Ham signed Diego Poyet on a Bosman deal it was widely lauded as something of a coup. He won Charlton's player of the year award for 2013-14, his debut season, despite only making his first appearance for the Addicks, in the 3rd round of the FA Cup, in January 2014 and making a total of 20 league appearances. With his existing Charlton deal expiring on 1 July 2014, he subsequently signed a four year contract with the Hammers on 8 July 2014. Poyet had established a reputation as a top prospect and it was widely anticipated that he would continue his progress with the Hammers and go on to become a first team regular.
Yet, the reality of his time at West Ham has proven somewhat different from that anticipated. He has made a mere three appearances for the club, over two seasons, (one in each of the PL, League Cup and Europa Cup), and has spent the vast majority of his time out on loan. Over that period, he spent time at Huddersfield Town, Milton Keynes Dons and Charlton Athletic, making a grand total of 26 appearances for all three clubs. There is nothing unusual in young prospects spending time out on loan, just look at the successful loans enjoyed by Burke, Cullen and Samuelson last season. However, Poyet's loan experience has sharply contrasted with that of the aforementioned youngsters. He made 2 appearances for Huddersfield, had his loan to MK Dons cut short after 18 appearances and made little impact at Charlton, where he appeared only 6 times.
Those statistics are disappointing for such a talented young player. Charlton were relegated from the Championship at the end of the last campaign, and the situation at the club was undoubtedly problematic, but surely Poyet should still have featured more prominently for his former club? When a young player consistently fails to perform whilst out on loan it does inevitably raise alarm bells about their development and ability to succeed in the top tier of English football. Alternatively, perhaps Poyet has been exceptionally unlucky with the clubs that he has joined on loan and this record has given somewhat of a false impression? Is it not premature to write off Poyet's potential just yet, considering that youngsters can develop at different rates and often suffer dips in form as part of the developmental process?
It does pose an interesting question that Slaven Bilic will need to address over the summer. Arguably, there are three options. The club can decide to cut their losses and put Poyet up for sale; they can determine to put him out on loan again, to a decent Championship side, and closely monitor his progress; or (and this is the bravest option) they can retain him in the first team squad next season and utilise him in the demanding PL, domestic cup and Europa League programme that we face. With Alex Song exiting the club, there is probably a need for another out and out defensive midfielder to cover for Nordtvelt and Obiang. But the problem for Poyet is that he has an outstanding prospect like Reece Oxford ahead of him for that role. If it did, indeed, boil down to a straight choice between Oxford or Poyet, which would you choose?
So I guess the key proposition offered for discussion is: which of the three options, outlined above, do you consider most likely with regard to Poyet next season?
SJ. Chandos.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 9
Daily WHUFC News - 9th May 2016
Valencia set to feature in Copa America
Ecuador face Peru in their second Copa America fixture on Thursday morning and Hammers striker Enner Valencia is set to earn his 26th cap.
The Yellows recorded a goalless draw in their opening tie against Brazil in California, but still have Haiti to face in Group B after the clash against Peru in Glendale, Arizona which kicks-off at 3am UK time. Valencia completed 77 minutes against the five-time FIFA World Cup champions as Ecuador secured an important point that could prove to be a stepping stone to the knockout stages. The 26-year-old has found the net 14 times for his country in 25 games and will hope to add to that figure at the tournament being held in the USA; the first Copa America to venture outside South America. Valencia made 19 appearances in Claret and Blue during 2015/16, getting himself on the scoresheet on four occasions.
Elsewhere, West Ham defender Doneil Henry played 90 minutes for Canada on Tuesday evening as they recorded a 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan in a friendly prior to their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Their first fixture in qualifying for the tournament is against Honduras in September.
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Bilic - France are the favourites
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic believes France are the strong favourites to win the European Championship Finals but also feels England could cause a major surprise. The tournament gets underway on Friday night and West Ham fans will be keeping a close eye on the host nation as Dimitri Payet looks to become one of the star performers at the showpiece event. Payet has already showed his quality in the build-up to the tournament with another impressive free-kick against Cameroon and will be keen to cement his position in the starting line-up. Bilic will also be keeping a close eye on the progress of Darren Randolph, Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins who will be representing the Hammers in France. After helping the Republic of Ireland qualify for the Finals this summer with a memorable display against Germany in the qualifying stage, Randolph will be hoping to secure the number one jersey as his team prepare for a tough group which involves Sweden, Belgium and Italy. Collins is also relishing the chance to play at the Euro Finals and is proud to be part of the Wales squad that have qualified for their first major tournament since 1958, while his central defensive partner Ogbonna has been rewarded for an impressive season with a call-up to the Italy squad.
There is plenty for Bilic to be excited about and he will also be keen to see his native Croatia reach the latter stages. But the Hammers manager feels France are the strong favourites to win the tournament and says Didier Deschamps has created an atmosphere in the squad that will see them become a major threat on home soil. Bilic said: "France are the favourites, not just because they are playing at home, but because of their squad and the atmosphere that Deschamps has created. "They have a good balance and have a young team that is hungry. They have had a few slops in the last few tournaments but they will want to repeat what they did back in 1998. "They have options all throughout the team and have a good balance. They have young players who are already experienced like Pogba and Griezmann so in my opinion they are the favourites. "Of course when you only have one game in the knockout stages you will still have teams like Germany, Spain, Italy and teams who can beat any on their day like Portugal and Croatia."
Despite failing to make it out of the group stage in the World Cup in 2014, Bilic feels England could also be one of the surprise packages at the Euro Finals. Roy Hodgson's side were the only team in Europe to have a 100 per cent unbeaten record through the qualifying campaign winning all ten games and scoring 31 goals in the process. And with the likes of Jamie Vardy brimming with confidence following his title success at Leicester last season, Bilic feels they could be a match for any team on their day. Bilic added: "I saw England in 2014 when they failed to make it past the group stages but I thought they were really good in two games. "They were a bit in-experienced but I noticed the team spirit and energy in the team and I have seen it again when they played Germany recently in a friendly game. "On top of that they are the only team in Europe that had ten wins in the qualification. For me they can be a big surprise. "They have players who are high on confidence like Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane and I feel they can do something really great."
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Who are Seattle Sounders?
WHUFC.com
In 1974, a professional football club called Seattle Sounders was founded, initially playing outdoors at the Memorial Stadium before moving to the indoor Kingdome in 1976.
That same year, the pre-season visit of a New York Cosmos team featuring Pele drew a sell-out crowd of 58,128 to the Kingdome – an illustration how popular 'soccer' was, and remains, in the Pacific Northwest.
The original Sounders attracted big names to the city themselves, with Wales defender Mike England later being joined by West Ham United and England legends Geoff Hurst in 1976 and, two years later, Bobby Moore.
During that period, the Sounders regularly challenged at the top of the Western Division, winning the National Conference in 1980 and overall Western Division title in 1982 – both outdoors.
The original Sounders folded in 1983, and the following year the league itself – which had run for the final 14 years under the guidance of Commissioner and former Hammer Phil Woosnam – ceased operations.
Ten years later, in 1994, a second Seattle Sounders club was founded and played in the United Soccer League (USL) A-League/First Division – the second tier of the pyramid in the United States.
The new club played at Qwest Field – now named CenturyLink Field and home to the modern-day Sounders – for 13 of its 14 seasons in existence.
Like their predecessors, the second Sounders enjoyed success, winning four League Cups and five regular season titles, while also lifting the overall championship on four occasions. During that period, the club also produced future Fulham and United States goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann and fellow international striker Brian Ching.
However, attendances were relatively low, averaging between 2,000 and 3,500 for much of the club's existence, while attempts to become an MLS expansion team were thwarted by a reported lack of investment.
In 2007, however, the club's ownership was awarded an expansion club by the MLS, providing a return of top-level football to the city for the first time since 1983.
The new franchise, complete with new colours and crest, was officially unveiled in April 2008 and, since then, the club has gone from strength to strength.
With the continued growth in 'soccer' in North America and, in particular, the Pacific Northwest region that also boats the Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps MLS clubs, the Sounders have attracted huge support.
Under German head coach Sigi Schmid and boasting a star-studded squad that has featured former Hammer Freddie Ljungberg, former US and Premier League goalkeeper Kasey Keller and Colombia forward Fredy Montero, the Sounders have won the US Open Cup four times and reached the finals of the MLS Cup – the domestic league play-off – on two occasions.
That success has caught the imagination of fans, who have helped attendances at CenturyLink Field regularly top the 40,000-mark, with a high of 67,385 for the derby visit of Portland Timbers in August 2013.
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Transfer round-up: the full list!
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 8th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Going back to the beginning of May (and occasionally further), here's a (fairly comprehensive) list of the players West Ham United have been linked with thus far this summer.
Ins
Carlos Bacca (Inter): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129910
Michy Batshuayi (Marseille): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129854
Henri Bedimo (Lyon): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129888
Asmir Begovic (Chelsea): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129891
Christian Benteke (Liverpool): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129816
Jonathan Calleri (Sao Paulo): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129827
Agor Chukwudi (ASKJ Academy): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129847
Ante Coric (Dinamo): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129950
Mathieu Debuchy (Arsenal): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129827
Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129894
Nabil Fekir (Lyon): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129951
Manolo Gabbiadini (Napoli): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129818
Rachid Ghezzal (Lyon): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129880
Atiba Hutchinson (Besiktas): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129932
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129855
Mauro Icardi (Inter): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129872
Dominic Iorfa (Wolves): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129938
Zlatko Junuzovic (Werder Bremen): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129907
Veli Kavlak (Besiktas): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129923
Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129809
Toni Martinez (Valencia): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129660 - DONE DEAL!
Nampalys Mendy (Nice): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129827
Georges-Kevin N'Koudou (Marseille): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129940
Havard Nordtveit (BMG): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129610 - DONE DEAL!
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129946
Oğuzhan Özyakup (Besiktas): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129923
Roberto Pereyra (Juventus): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129950
Domingos Quina (Chelsea) http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129873 - DONE DEAL!
Matt Richie (Bournemouth): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129940
Jose Sosa (Besiktas): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129914
Gokhan Töre (Besiktas): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129862
Samuel Umtiti (Lyon): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129916
Gregory van der Wiel (PSG): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129827
Jamie Vardy (Leicester): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129948
Theo Walcott (Arsenal): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129946
Callum Wilson (Bournemouth): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129823
Ashley Young (Manchester Utd): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129815
Outs
Michail Antonio (Middlesbrough): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129863
Jordan Brown (Hannover): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129934 - DONE DEAL!
Reece Burke (Wigan Athletic): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129906
Reece Oxford (Manchester Utd): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129904
Diafra Sakho (Sunderland): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129911
Enner Valencia (West Brom): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129825
External links
Ins
Aritz Aduriz (Atletico): http://metro.co.uk/2016/04/27/...5843862/
Andre Ayew (Swansea): http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/670800/...Gossip
Gohi Bi Zoro Cyriac (Oostende): http://www.voetbalnieuws.be/news/211906/...KV_Oostende
Breel Embolo (Basel): ]http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/05/31/...to/
Bruno Godeau (Oostende): http://www.voetbalnieuws.be/news/211906/...KV_Oostende
Max Gradel (Bournemouth): link expired
Juraj Kucka (Milan): http://www.calciomercatonews.com/2016/05/30/...10-milioni/
Diego Laxalt (Fiorentina): http://www.gazzetta.it/Calciomercato/06-06-2016/...shtml
Bruno Ecuele Manga (Cardiff City): http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/...11330287
Neto (Juventus): http://footyfresh.com/news/...football
Ayoze Perez (Newcastle Utd):http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/newcastles-ayoze-perez...1563159
Alassane Plea (Nice): http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/newcastles-ayoze-perez...1563159
Fode Ballo Toure (PSG): http://talksport.com/football/transfer-report...99
Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona): http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/511198/...United
WIssam Ben Yedder (Toulouse): http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/...6302703
Simone Zaza (Juventus): http://www.football-italia.net/85435...zaza
Outs
James Tomkins (Crystal Palace): http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/...7998924
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Sheet of paper sells for £200
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 8th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
A laminated piece of A4 paper has sold for £200 in West Ham United's Boleyn Ground auction.
The sheet of paper, enclosed in see-through plastic bears the words 'Don't Forget Urine Samples Today Please' and once hung in the home dressing room at the Boleyn Ground.
Yet one unnamed supporter was happy to part with £200 plus fees (making the total cost nearer £280) for the piece of paper, which could have been replicated with a printer for a few pence.
Other crazy prices included £35 for an obsolete VHS video recorder, £180 for a battered toaster that once resided in the home dressing room and £35 for a tatty, photocopied A4 sheet of paper - complete with blu-tac on the back - reminding players not to leave kit on the floor.
Meanwhile three tunnel interview room signs that used to hang above the doors where players were interviewed by the media sold for a total of £800, whilst a ladies/gents toilet sign went for £425.
Of some notable lots sold today, the gramatically-incorrect 'winning its what we are here for' sign placed in the home dressing room by Alan Pardew fetched a healthy £425 and the curved perspex whufc.com sign from
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Chelsea ponder £31million Michy Batshuayi swoop after Belgium striker snubbed West Ham transfer bid
22:02, 8 JUN 2016 UPDATED 22:02, 8 JUN 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The Belgium international has rejected interest from West Ham , insisting he wants to join a bigger club or a club in the Champions League
The Mirror
Chelsea are considering a move into the race for £31million Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi. The Belgium international has rejected interest from West Ham , insisting he wants to join a bigger club or a club in the Champions League. But Spurs are unwilling to be held to ransom by Marseille over Batshuayi's valuation. The north Londoners are already in talks with AZ Alkmaar for £12million Dutch striker Vincent Janssen and are hopeful of concluding a deal within days. They also have a number of alternatives to Batshuayi which they are prepared to pursue. Chelsea's primary targets are Everton striker Romelu Lukaku and Juventus marksman Alvaro Morata. But with Manchester United also keen on Morata, Chelsea have Batshuayi on their shortlist as a possible alternative.
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Former Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen 'a transfer target for Liverpool and West Ham'
21:43, 8 JUN 2016 UPDATED 21:43, 8 JUN 2016
BY LIAM CORLESS
Barcelona manager Luis Enrique will allow Vermaelen to leave the Nou Camp despite having already sanctioned the departure of Marc Bartra
The Mirror
Liverpool and West Ham are interested in signing Thomas Vermaelen from Barcelona, according to reports. The Belgium international joined Barca from Arsenal in 2014 but has made just 11 appearances during a frustrating spell in Catalonia. Spanish outlet Sport say Barca boss Luis Enrique will allow Vermaelen to leave the Nou Camp this summer - despite having already sanctioned the departure of Marc Bartra. The 25-year-old Spanish centre-back sealed a move to Borussia Dortmund last week after the German club activated his release clause of 8 million euros. A return to the Premier League is on the cards for ex-Gunners skipper Vermaelen, with Anfield and the Olympic Stadium potential destinations. It is claimed Vermaelen would prefer a return a move to West Ham over Liverpool, although there has not yet been any contact between the Hammers and Barcelona.
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is looking for top quality players to lead the Irons into their first season in their new stadium.
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Crowd fund appeal for Bobby Statue in Barking
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 8, 2016 in News, Whispers
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A public appeal to raise funds for a statue of Bobby Moore has been launched in his home town of Barking. It aims to raise almost £160,000 to
cover the costs of commissioning, casting and erecting the monument.Barking and Dagenham council leader Darren Rodwell launched the campaign alongside Roberta Moore, daughter of the late ex-West Ham captain.
The campaign says: "We need your help to erect the people's statue in honour of Bobby Moore, West Ham and England's only World Cup winning captain in his home town of Barking. We are seeking donations to make it happen."
"We are calling on the public, who have long held Barking's Bobby Moore's titanic achievements in their heart, to show their appreciation for this national hero by helping us raise money to build a statue in his honour.
He is a national icon. The pinnacle of his career and the country's greatest footballing moment is forever frozen in time in one iconic image captured on that historic summer's day in 1966. Barking born and West Ham legend Bobby led England to its greatest ever footballing triumph at the height of the swinging 60's.
We are yet to request planning permission but will do so once the fundraising is completed as we will open a design competition to the public. If planning permission is not granted no pledges will be collected.
Soccer - Football League - West Ham United
What we'll deliver:
Build a lasting monument to Bobby Moore in his home town
Why it's a great idea:
Bobby Moore is a national and international figure of historical significance. Our statue will act as a beacon of civic pride for our residents and as an aspirational and inspiring symbol for our community. Bobby Moore was more than just a footballer, he was an ambassador for the sport and his home town. We will use the statue to help inspire and educate future stars.
Steps to get it done:
Apply for planning permission
bobby-moore-4Get planning approval
Appoint contractor
Start on site
Practical completion
Launch
We propose to commission the "people's statue" – a monument to stand at the gateway to the town where Bobby was born. As Russell Brand says in the soon to be released film, Bo66y –The Movie, "Some are knighted by monarchs. Others are knighted by the people." Bobby or Sir Bobby as he is often referred to falls in to that category and that is why we are passionate about honouring his achievement. Please support our bid."
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Lacazette & Benteke are bookies favourites to join
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 8, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are the bookies favourites to land Alexandre Lacazette this summer transfer window at odds of 3/1.
PSG are 4/1, with Arsenal 5/1, while Liverpool and Juventus are both 6/1 chances.
The Hammers are also bookies favourites to sign Christian Benteke at 5/2 followed by Everton at 6/1 and Juventus at 9/1
West Ham are third favourites to sign Saido Berahino from West Bromwich Albion at 5/1 behind Spurs at 2/1 and Stoke at 4/1.
Juan Mata also gets a mention in the football transfer special bets with the Hammers joint fourth favourites with Spurs, Chelsea and Madrid at 6/1 to sign the Manchester United midfielder. PSG remain favourites at 5/2 followed Valencia at 7/2 and Barcelona at 5/1.
Daniel Sturridge is rated a 18/1 outside chance to join West Ham with Arsenal favourites at 6/1.
Long shot bets include Everton's Romelu Lukaku joining the Irons at 20/1 or Chelsea's John Terry joining West Ham also at 20/1.
The bookies have paid no attention to Jack Sullivan's recent tweet the Hammers are not interested in Theo Walcott or Alex Oxlade Chamberlain.
Walcott remains a 10/11 favourite to join the Hammers this summer while the Ox is a 14/1 outsider to join.
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Midfielder at overwhelming odds to join Irons
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 8, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The bookies have Bournemouth's Matt Ritchie as an overwhelming favourite to join the Irons before the summer transfer deadline.
SkyBet have the midfielder at an extraordinary 1/4 which suggests the deal is all but done despite Cherries boss Eddie Howe claiming he's not interested in selling the player.
The Hammers launched a bid for Ritchie and striker Callum Wilson and after being beaten by Manchester United on the final day of his season Howe hit out at the timing of the bid.
Hwever, the Hammers claimed they had not made the bid public and that it could have found its way into the media from the Cherries end.
Regardless of the war of wors, the bookies have leapt onto the story and are apparently convinced Ritchie is all but a Hammer.
Interestingly, however, there is no suggestion that Callum Wilson will be joining him as he doesn't feature in their odds list.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Ecuador face Peru in their second Copa America fixture on Thursday morning and Hammers striker Enner Valencia is set to earn his 26th cap.
The Yellows recorded a goalless draw in their opening tie against Brazil in California, but still have Haiti to face in Group B after the clash against Peru in Glendale, Arizona which kicks-off at 3am UK time. Valencia completed 77 minutes against the five-time FIFA World Cup champions as Ecuador secured an important point that could prove to be a stepping stone to the knockout stages. The 26-year-old has found the net 14 times for his country in 25 games and will hope to add to that figure at the tournament being held in the USA; the first Copa America to venture outside South America. Valencia made 19 appearances in Claret and Blue during 2015/16, getting himself on the scoresheet on four occasions.
Elsewhere, West Ham defender Doneil Henry played 90 minutes for Canada on Tuesday evening as they recorded a 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan in a friendly prior to their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Their first fixture in qualifying for the tournament is against Honduras in September.
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Bilic - France are the favourites
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic believes France are the strong favourites to win the European Championship Finals but also feels England could cause a major surprise. The tournament gets underway on Friday night and West Ham fans will be keeping a close eye on the host nation as Dimitri Payet looks to become one of the star performers at the showpiece event. Payet has already showed his quality in the build-up to the tournament with another impressive free-kick against Cameroon and will be keen to cement his position in the starting line-up. Bilic will also be keeping a close eye on the progress of Darren Randolph, Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins who will be representing the Hammers in France. After helping the Republic of Ireland qualify for the Finals this summer with a memorable display against Germany in the qualifying stage, Randolph will be hoping to secure the number one jersey as his team prepare for a tough group which involves Sweden, Belgium and Italy. Collins is also relishing the chance to play at the Euro Finals and is proud to be part of the Wales squad that have qualified for their first major tournament since 1958, while his central defensive partner Ogbonna has been rewarded for an impressive season with a call-up to the Italy squad.
There is plenty for Bilic to be excited about and he will also be keen to see his native Croatia reach the latter stages. But the Hammers manager feels France are the strong favourites to win the tournament and says Didier Deschamps has created an atmosphere in the squad that will see them become a major threat on home soil. Bilic said: "France are the favourites, not just because they are playing at home, but because of their squad and the atmosphere that Deschamps has created. "They have a good balance and have a young team that is hungry. They have had a few slops in the last few tournaments but they will want to repeat what they did back in 1998. "They have options all throughout the team and have a good balance. They have young players who are already experienced like Pogba and Griezmann so in my opinion they are the favourites. "Of course when you only have one game in the knockout stages you will still have teams like Germany, Spain, Italy and teams who can beat any on their day like Portugal and Croatia."
Despite failing to make it out of the group stage in the World Cup in 2014, Bilic feels England could also be one of the surprise packages at the Euro Finals. Roy Hodgson's side were the only team in Europe to have a 100 per cent unbeaten record through the qualifying campaign winning all ten games and scoring 31 goals in the process. And with the likes of Jamie Vardy brimming with confidence following his title success at Leicester last season, Bilic feels they could be a match for any team on their day. Bilic added: "I saw England in 2014 when they failed to make it past the group stages but I thought they were really good in two games. "They were a bit in-experienced but I noticed the team spirit and energy in the team and I have seen it again when they played Germany recently in a friendly game. "On top of that they are the only team in Europe that had ten wins in the qualification. For me they can be a big surprise. "They have players who are high on confidence like Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane and I feel they can do something really great."
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Who are Seattle Sounders?
WHUFC.com
In 1974, a professional football club called Seattle Sounders was founded, initially playing outdoors at the Memorial Stadium before moving to the indoor Kingdome in 1976.
That same year, the pre-season visit of a New York Cosmos team featuring Pele drew a sell-out crowd of 58,128 to the Kingdome – an illustration how popular 'soccer' was, and remains, in the Pacific Northwest.
The original Sounders attracted big names to the city themselves, with Wales defender Mike England later being joined by West Ham United and England legends Geoff Hurst in 1976 and, two years later, Bobby Moore.
During that period, the Sounders regularly challenged at the top of the Western Division, winning the National Conference in 1980 and overall Western Division title in 1982 – both outdoors.
The original Sounders folded in 1983, and the following year the league itself – which had run for the final 14 years under the guidance of Commissioner and former Hammer Phil Woosnam – ceased operations.
Ten years later, in 1994, a second Seattle Sounders club was founded and played in the United Soccer League (USL) A-League/First Division – the second tier of the pyramid in the United States.
The new club played at Qwest Field – now named CenturyLink Field and home to the modern-day Sounders – for 13 of its 14 seasons in existence.
Like their predecessors, the second Sounders enjoyed success, winning four League Cups and five regular season titles, while also lifting the overall championship on four occasions. During that period, the club also produced future Fulham and United States goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann and fellow international striker Brian Ching.
However, attendances were relatively low, averaging between 2,000 and 3,500 for much of the club's existence, while attempts to become an MLS expansion team were thwarted by a reported lack of investment.
In 2007, however, the club's ownership was awarded an expansion club by the MLS, providing a return of top-level football to the city for the first time since 1983.
The new franchise, complete with new colours and crest, was officially unveiled in April 2008 and, since then, the club has gone from strength to strength.
With the continued growth in 'soccer' in North America and, in particular, the Pacific Northwest region that also boats the Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps MLS clubs, the Sounders have attracted huge support.
Under German head coach Sigi Schmid and boasting a star-studded squad that has featured former Hammer Freddie Ljungberg, former US and Premier League goalkeeper Kasey Keller and Colombia forward Fredy Montero, the Sounders have won the US Open Cup four times and reached the finals of the MLS Cup – the domestic league play-off – on two occasions.
That success has caught the imagination of fans, who have helped attendances at CenturyLink Field regularly top the 40,000-mark, with a high of 67,385 for the derby visit of Portland Timbers in August 2013.
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Transfer round-up: the full list!
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 8th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
Going back to the beginning of May (and occasionally further), here's a (fairly comprehensive) list of the players West Ham United have been linked with thus far this summer.
Ins
Carlos Bacca (Inter): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129910
Michy Batshuayi (Marseille): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129854
Henri Bedimo (Lyon): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129888
Asmir Begovic (Chelsea): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129891
Christian Benteke (Liverpool): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129816
Jonathan Calleri (Sao Paulo): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129827
Agor Chukwudi (ASKJ Academy): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129847
Ante Coric (Dinamo): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129950
Mathieu Debuchy (Arsenal): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129827
Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129894
Nabil Fekir (Lyon): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129951
Manolo Gabbiadini (Napoli): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129818
Rachid Ghezzal (Lyon): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129880
Atiba Hutchinson (Besiktas): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129932
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129855
Mauro Icardi (Inter): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129872
Dominic Iorfa (Wolves): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129938
Zlatko Junuzovic (Werder Bremen): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129907
Veli Kavlak (Besiktas): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129923
Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129809
Toni Martinez (Valencia): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129660 - DONE DEAL!
Nampalys Mendy (Nice): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129827
Georges-Kevin N'Koudou (Marseille): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129940
Havard Nordtveit (BMG): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129610 - DONE DEAL!
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129946
Oğuzhan Özyakup (Besiktas): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129923
Roberto Pereyra (Juventus): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129950
Domingos Quina (Chelsea) http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129873 - DONE DEAL!
Matt Richie (Bournemouth): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129940
Jose Sosa (Besiktas): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129914
Gokhan Töre (Besiktas): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129862
Samuel Umtiti (Lyon): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129916
Gregory van der Wiel (PSG): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129827
Jamie Vardy (Leicester): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129948
Theo Walcott (Arsenal): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129946
Callum Wilson (Bournemouth): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129823
Ashley Young (Manchester Utd): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129815
Outs
Michail Antonio (Middlesbrough): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129863
Jordan Brown (Hannover): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129934 - DONE DEAL!
Reece Burke (Wigan Athletic): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129906
Reece Oxford (Manchester Utd): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129904
Diafra Sakho (Sunderland): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129911
Enner Valencia (West Brom): http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=129825
External links
Ins
Aritz Aduriz (Atletico): http://metro.co.uk/2016/04/27/...5843862/
Andre Ayew (Swansea): http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/670800/...Gossip
Gohi Bi Zoro Cyriac (Oostende): http://www.voetbalnieuws.be/news/211906/...KV_Oostende
Breel Embolo (Basel): ]http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/05/31/...to/
Bruno Godeau (Oostende): http://www.voetbalnieuws.be/news/211906/...KV_Oostende
Max Gradel (Bournemouth): link expired
Juraj Kucka (Milan): http://www.calciomercatonews.com/2016/05/30/...10-milioni/
Diego Laxalt (Fiorentina): http://www.gazzetta.it/Calciomercato/06-06-2016/...shtml
Bruno Ecuele Manga (Cardiff City): http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/...11330287
Neto (Juventus): http://footyfresh.com/news/...football
Ayoze Perez (Newcastle Utd):http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/newcastles-ayoze-perez...1563159
Alassane Plea (Nice): http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/newcastles-ayoze-perez...1563159
Fode Ballo Toure (PSG): http://talksport.com/football/transfer-report...99
Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona): http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/511198/...United
WIssam Ben Yedder (Toulouse): http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/...6302703
Simone Zaza (Juventus): http://www.football-italia.net/85435...zaza
Outs
James Tomkins (Crystal Palace): http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/...7998924
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Sheet of paper sells for £200
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 8th June 2016
By: Staff Writer
A laminated piece of A4 paper has sold for £200 in West Ham United's Boleyn Ground auction.
The sheet of paper, enclosed in see-through plastic bears the words 'Don't Forget Urine Samples Today Please' and once hung in the home dressing room at the Boleyn Ground.
Yet one unnamed supporter was happy to part with £200 plus fees (making the total cost nearer £280) for the piece of paper, which could have been replicated with a printer for a few pence.
Other crazy prices included £35 for an obsolete VHS video recorder, £180 for a battered toaster that once resided in the home dressing room and £35 for a tatty, photocopied A4 sheet of paper - complete with blu-tac on the back - reminding players not to leave kit on the floor.
Meanwhile three tunnel interview room signs that used to hang above the doors where players were interviewed by the media sold for a total of £800, whilst a ladies/gents toilet sign went for £425.
Of some notable lots sold today, the gramatically-incorrect 'winning its what we are here for' sign placed in the home dressing room by Alan Pardew fetched a healthy £425 and the curved perspex whufc.com sign from
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Chelsea ponder £31million Michy Batshuayi swoop after Belgium striker snubbed West Ham transfer bid
22:02, 8 JUN 2016 UPDATED 22:02, 8 JUN 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
The Belgium international has rejected interest from West Ham , insisting he wants to join a bigger club or a club in the Champions League
The Mirror
Chelsea are considering a move into the race for £31million Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi. The Belgium international has rejected interest from West Ham , insisting he wants to join a bigger club or a club in the Champions League. But Spurs are unwilling to be held to ransom by Marseille over Batshuayi's valuation. The north Londoners are already in talks with AZ Alkmaar for £12million Dutch striker Vincent Janssen and are hopeful of concluding a deal within days. They also have a number of alternatives to Batshuayi which they are prepared to pursue. Chelsea's primary targets are Everton striker Romelu Lukaku and Juventus marksman Alvaro Morata. But with Manchester United also keen on Morata, Chelsea have Batshuayi on their shortlist as a possible alternative.
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Former Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen 'a transfer target for Liverpool and West Ham'
21:43, 8 JUN 2016 UPDATED 21:43, 8 JUN 2016
BY LIAM CORLESS
Barcelona manager Luis Enrique will allow Vermaelen to leave the Nou Camp despite having already sanctioned the departure of Marc Bartra
The Mirror
Liverpool and West Ham are interested in signing Thomas Vermaelen from Barcelona, according to reports. The Belgium international joined Barca from Arsenal in 2014 but has made just 11 appearances during a frustrating spell in Catalonia. Spanish outlet Sport say Barca boss Luis Enrique will allow Vermaelen to leave the Nou Camp this summer - despite having already sanctioned the departure of Marc Bartra. The 25-year-old Spanish centre-back sealed a move to Borussia Dortmund last week after the German club activated his release clause of 8 million euros. A return to the Premier League is on the cards for ex-Gunners skipper Vermaelen, with Anfield and the Olympic Stadium potential destinations. It is claimed Vermaelen would prefer a return a move to West Ham over Liverpool, although there has not yet been any contact between the Hammers and Barcelona.
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is looking for top quality players to lead the Irons into their first season in their new stadium.
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Crowd fund appeal for Bobby Statue in Barking
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 8, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
A public appeal to raise funds for a statue of Bobby Moore has been launched in his home town of Barking. It aims to raise almost £160,000 to
cover the costs of commissioning, casting and erecting the monument.Barking and Dagenham council leader Darren Rodwell launched the campaign alongside Roberta Moore, daughter of the late ex-West Ham captain.
The campaign says: "We need your help to erect the people's statue in honour of Bobby Moore, West Ham and England's only World Cup winning captain in his home town of Barking. We are seeking donations to make it happen."
"We are calling on the public, who have long held Barking's Bobby Moore's titanic achievements in their heart, to show their appreciation for this national hero by helping us raise money to build a statue in his honour.
He is a national icon. The pinnacle of his career and the country's greatest footballing moment is forever frozen in time in one iconic image captured on that historic summer's day in 1966. Barking born and West Ham legend Bobby led England to its greatest ever footballing triumph at the height of the swinging 60's.
We are yet to request planning permission but will do so once the fundraising is completed as we will open a design competition to the public. If planning permission is not granted no pledges will be collected.
Soccer - Football League - West Ham United
What we'll deliver:
Build a lasting monument to Bobby Moore in his home town
Why it's a great idea:
Bobby Moore is a national and international figure of historical significance. Our statue will act as a beacon of civic pride for our residents and as an aspirational and inspiring symbol for our community. Bobby Moore was more than just a footballer, he was an ambassador for the sport and his home town. We will use the statue to help inspire and educate future stars.
Steps to get it done:
Apply for planning permission
bobby-moore-4Get planning approval
Appoint contractor
Start on site
Practical completion
Launch
We propose to commission the "people's statue" – a monument to stand at the gateway to the town where Bobby was born. As Russell Brand says in the soon to be released film, Bo66y –The Movie, "Some are knighted by monarchs. Others are knighted by the people." Bobby or Sir Bobby as he is often referred to falls in to that category and that is why we are passionate about honouring his achievement. Please support our bid."
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Lacazette & Benteke are bookies favourites to join
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 8, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are the bookies favourites to land Alexandre Lacazette this summer transfer window at odds of 3/1.
PSG are 4/1, with Arsenal 5/1, while Liverpool and Juventus are both 6/1 chances.
The Hammers are also bookies favourites to sign Christian Benteke at 5/2 followed by Everton at 6/1 and Juventus at 9/1
West Ham are third favourites to sign Saido Berahino from West Bromwich Albion at 5/1 behind Spurs at 2/1 and Stoke at 4/1.
Juan Mata also gets a mention in the football transfer special bets with the Hammers joint fourth favourites with Spurs, Chelsea and Madrid at 6/1 to sign the Manchester United midfielder. PSG remain favourites at 5/2 followed Valencia at 7/2 and Barcelona at 5/1.
Daniel Sturridge is rated a 18/1 outside chance to join West Ham with Arsenal favourites at 6/1.
Long shot bets include Everton's Romelu Lukaku joining the Irons at 20/1 or Chelsea's John Terry joining West Ham also at 20/1.
The bookies have paid no attention to Jack Sullivan's recent tweet the Hammers are not interested in Theo Walcott or Alex Oxlade Chamberlain.
Walcott remains a 10/11 favourite to join the Hammers this summer while the Ox is a 14/1 outsider to join.
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Midfielder at overwhelming odds to join Irons
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 8, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The bookies have Bournemouth's Matt Ritchie as an overwhelming favourite to join the Irons before the summer transfer deadline.
SkyBet have the midfielder at an extraordinary 1/4 which suggests the deal is all but done despite Cherries boss Eddie Howe claiming he's not interested in selling the player.
The Hammers launched a bid for Ritchie and striker Callum Wilson and after being beaten by Manchester United on the final day of his season Howe hit out at the timing of the bid.
Hwever, the Hammers claimed they had not made the bid public and that it could have found its way into the media from the Cherries end.
Regardless of the war of wors, the bookies have leapt onto the story and are apparently convinced Ritchie is all but a Hammer.
Interestingly, however, there is no suggestion that Callum Wilson will be joining him as he doesn't feature in their odds list.
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