Hammers beat Karlsruher - Report & highlights
West Ham United 3-0 Karlsruher SC
Pre-season match
WHUFC.com
West Ham United saw off German side Karlsruher on Saturday to end the
build-up to their UEFA Europa League campaign on a high. Andy Carroll,
Sofiane Feghouli and Ashley Fletcher were all on target as the Hammers ran
in three unanaswered goals on a sweltering afternoon in Kapfenberg, Austria.
It was a performance full of promise from Slaven Bilic's men, who attacked
with force and looked a threat throughout. The only sour point was a late
injury suffered by Aaron Cresswell and the Hammers will now wait to see how
that settles down. Carroll partnered Enner Valencia up front to make his
first appearance of the tour and he did not have to wait long to leave his
mark, heading the Hammers in front with just nine minutes played. It was a
well-worked goal too, started by Feghouli who cleverly found space between
the lines to receive a pass from Cheikhou Kouyate.
He saw Enner Valencia peeling off his man and fed the ball into the
Ecuadorian to stand up a cross to the back post where Carroll did the rest.
With 15 minutes on the clock Tim Fahrenholz was not far away from a leveller
when he sent a 25-yard free-kick just over the angle of post and bar, and
two minutes later the Hammers went further ahead. Feghouli has been a real
livewire throughout pre-season and he showed his threat again, collecting
the ball 22 yards from goal, seeing the goalkeeper out of position and
drilling low into the net. Midway through the half, wingers Gokhan Tore and
Feghouli combined with some lovely interplay to leave the German side having
to defend desperately to fend off the latter's burst into the box. Then,
with 28 minutes played, Valencia again noticed an opportunity with Dirk
Orlishausen out of position, but could not hit the target from fully 40
yards. Darren Randolph showed good hands to clutch a Dennis Kempe free-kick
to his chest, but it was the Hammers who ended the first period strongly and
Michail Antonio, who got forward well from right back throughout, saw his
dangerous left-footed shot deflect behind.
The Hammers always looked capable of unpicking the Karlsruher defence and
Valencia almost took advantage of some hesitancy at the back after half time
when he got in between the centre back and goalkeeper to reach a lofted
ball, but prodded just wide of Rene Vollath's post. At the other end, Darren
Randolph made comfortable diving stops from Gaetan Krebs and Nick Depuy, but
he was not overly tested and it was the Hammers who added further gloss to
the scoreline late on. Fletcher was introduced from the bench with 75
minutes played and just five minutes later he touched home from Cresswell's
dangerous low cross. Five minutes from time Cresswell had to be substituted
following a tackle on him which provoked anger from the Hammers players on
the pitch and focus will now turn to Thursday's UEFA Europa League tie in
Slovenia on Thursday.
West Ham United: Randolph, Antonio, Nordtveit, Reid (Rice 85), Cresswell
(Makasi 85), Feghouli (Martinez 85), Noble, Kouyate, Tore (Byram 64),
Valencia (Fletcher 75), Carroll (Obiang 64)
Subs: Page, Cullen, Quina, Samuelsen, Martinez
Goals: Carroll 9, Feghouli 17, Fletcher 80
Booked: Valencia
Karlsruher SC: Orlishausen, Stoli, Kom, Hoffer, Diamantakos, Yamada, Barry,
Sallahi, Valentini, Rolim, Hoffman
Subs: Voilath, Srtitzel, Gessl, Kempe, Kinsombi, Torres, Promel, Krebs,
Thoelke, Fahrenholz, Bader, Depuy, Sverko, Maiga
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Bilic - It was a good test
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic was pleased to see his team run in three unanswered goals in a
competitive pre-season victory over Karlsruher SC on Saturday. Andy Carroll,
Sofiane Feghouli and Ashley Fletcher were all on target as the Hammers
concluded their warm-up games before their UEFA Europa League campaign gets
underway in style. It was not all good news for the Hammers, however. Aaron
Cresswell limped off after being on the receiving end of a poor challenge
from Karlsruher's Grischa Promel late on and Bilic will have to wait and see
if the left-back's injury is a serious one. The boss said: "It was a good
test for us, in a good atmosphere against a good team who play in the second
Bundesliga. "They are starting on the first weekend in August, so already
they have been in pre-season for a long time. "It was a good game, and we
expected that to be fair. We expected to have hard legs in the games we have
played so far, and we expected to be a little fresher for this one "We were,
and we played some quality football. We played as a team, we were compact,
we saw some great things and it was a good result. "The only downside of
this game is that we have to see what is [wrong] with Cresswell. He got
injured and it didn't look that good. We will have to assess it."
Andy Carroll played his first game of the tour and waited just nine minutes
to hit the back of the net. Bilic was delighted with his, and new boy
Sofiane Feghouli's contributions. He added: "It's not about Andy's goals
only, it's about his workrate, his linking play and his quality has never
been in doubt. This summer, as we saw in America and now Austria, he has
been training hard and doing something [pre-season] that he hasn't done in a
long time. "Hopefully he is going to stay fit and if he stays fit then I am
the happiest man. Sofiane is already showing what he is all about. We knew
when we were signing him that he is a special kind of player. "He's good in
the dressing room, a very honest player and we're going to benefit as a Club
a lot from him."
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Young Hammers beaten despite late fight-back
WHUFC.com
Southend United – West Ham United Development Squad
Pre-Season Friendly
Burroughs Park
Saturday 23 July, 2016
The Development Squad succumbed to League One outfit Southend United on
Saturday as they were beaten 3-2 by the Shrimpers in their third pre-season
outing.
A Stephen McLaughlin brace came after David Mooney's opener to secure the
win for Phil Brown's men, but Anthony Scully and Jahmal Hector-Ingram
ensured the Irons put up a fight in the second half.
As the 1,000-strong crowd basked in the sunshine at the home of Great
Wakering Rovers, the Hammers lined up without a number of their young stars
who were away in Austria with Slaven Bilic's first team.
In an even first half, it was the Shrimpers – with a full-strength starting
XI – who converted their opportunities as they took the lead half-an-hour
into the clash.
McLaughlin's cross from the left-hand-side was bent into the penalty area
and former Leyton Orient forward Mooney was able to nod the ball into Nathan
Trott's top corner.
Trott had previously been tested on a number of occasions, and his flying
save to deny Mooney a second one minute after the goal was the pick of his
superb stops.
Previously, Grady Diangana has come closest for the Hammers, as he cut
inside from a short corner kick but could only fire into the side netting.
The League One side doubled their advantage ten minutes after the opener,
with McLaughlin again heavily involved.
Full-back Jason Demetriou charged down the right flank and whipped in
another centre which, beyond the reach of Alex Pike, midfielder McLaughlin
was able to convert with a diving header.
After the break, substitute keeper Sam Howes was instantly worked, as he
made a superb double stop to deny McLaughlin and forward Simon Cox.
He could do nothing about United's third six minutes into the second period
however, as star man McLaughlin collected a long ball and fired under the
stopper.
The Hammers probed and eventually got a reward for their tireless efforts.
Luka Belic - a second half substitute - was fouled inside the penalty area
twelve minutes from time, and midfielder Anthony Scully coolly slotted into
the left-hand-corner.
And in the 83rd minute, West Ham set-up a grand stand finish, as
Hector-Ingram tapped home after Joe Powell had crashed against the woodwork.
Despite the late pressure, the third tier side held on to record the
victory, but Westley's men will take confidence from their late fight-back
heading into their pre-season week in the Netherlands.
Southend United: Ted Smith, Jason Demetriou, Ben Coker (John White 45), Adam
Thompson (Adam Barrett 45), Trialist (Trialist 45), Luke O'Neil (Jermaine
McGlashan 62), David Mooney (Trialist 69), Simon Cox (Jason Williams 69),
Stephen McLaughlin, Will Atkinson (Michael Timlin 62), Ryan Leonard (Jack
Bridge 62)
Unused subs: Mark Oxley, Trialist, Jason Williams
Goals: Mooney 30', McLaughlin 40', McLaughlin 51'
Development Squad: Nathan Trott (Sam Howes 45), Alex Pike, Jake Eggleton
(Noha Sylvestre 45), Diego Poyet (Kristjian Belic 73), Josh Pask, Mason
Barrett (Rosaire Longelo 55), Dan Kemp (Joe Powell 62), Alfie Lewis (Anthony
Scully 45), Sam Ford (Luka Belic 45), Jaanai Gordon (Hector-Ingram 45),
Grady Diangana (Conor Coventry 76)
Unused subs: Tunji Akinola
Goals: Anthony Scully 78' (pen), Jahmal Hector-Ingram 83'
Attendance: 1,078
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From the Terraces – Hammers in Austria
WHUFC.com
The support for West Ham United stretches across the globe and that has been
shown once again on their tour to Austria, where fans from as far afield as
Indonesia and Turkey have gathered to watch their team train and play in
pre-season matches.
One local-based supporter who jumped at the chance to take in a training
session this week was Austrian Hammer Aline Anzengruber, who had an extra
special gift for the manager.
After presenting a framed Thames Ironworks bond certificate to the boss, we
caught up with her to find out the story.
Aline said: "I searched for an extraordinary gift for Slaven Bilic, and I
found this bond certificate for Thames Ironworks on eBay.
"There is a company which sells old bonds and I was lucky enough to find the
bond of Thames Ironworks. It's from the year 1899 and I think it's the
perfect gift for the manager.
"I was absolutely thrilled to be able to present it to Slaven. I'm very
happy to have had the opportunity to be at training and it was very nice to
see all the lads, especially Slaven.
"To be honest, I am a West Ham fan because of Slaven. He is a great guy and
a great manager, the best in my opinion.
"It fits perfectly – the perfect club and the perfect manager, West Ham and
Slaven!
"I will be at the match against Karlsruher and I'm really looking forward to
it."
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Page relishing tour experience
WHUFC.com
Hammers youngster Lewis Page is relishing the opportunity to impress first
team manager Slaven Bilic during pre-season.
The 20-year-old left back has been away with the senior squad ever since
their return to training, first travelling to the United States and then
forming part of the group currently in Austria.
With another game against German side Karlsruher to follow on Saturday, Page
is ready to show what he can do again.
"For me it's great to be here," he explained. "It's with the first team and
I'm at the age now where I'm trying to break through.
"It's nice conditions, I'm enjoying training even though it's been tough and
we're working on getting our match fitness back. We're getting there.
"Hopefully I can get a little bit of pitch time on Saturday. I know Cress is
trying to rack up his minutes as well to get ready for the start of the
season, so I'll take as many minutes as I can and try to impress again."
Last year the Europa League gave me the best experience of my career,
playing in front of a full house at Upton Park
Lewis Page
With a UEFA Europa League qualifying game against NK Domzale coming up
quickly, Page is hoping to build on his experience of last season's
campaign.
He continued: "Last year the Europa League gave me the best experience of my
career, playing in front of a full house at Upton Park.
"Hopefully I can be involved in the squad for this year's games and
experience that again."
That experience could include a run out at the Hammers' new home, and having
played in front of a big crowd on tour in Seattle, Page is keen to do so
again.
He added: "It's been a chance to impress, the first game in Seattle was in a
big stadium in front of 40,000, so it was another experience for me and I'm
hoping for many more.
"It's about being ready because the Premier League is such a tough league
fitness-wise. Physically you have to be tip top, so being here in the heat
is only going to help."
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Martinez ready for action
WHUFC.com
When it comes to scoring goals new signing Toni Martinez has a track record
of finding the back of the net and he cannot wait to make his first
appearance at the new Stadium.
Martinez joined the Hammers from Valencia during the summer and will be
hoping to carry on his impressive goalscoring form after netting more than
100 goals over the past four seasons.
The 19-year-old striker has already got to know his new team-mates following
the pre-season tours to America and Austria and has enjoyed settling into
his new surroundings.
West Ham are now preparing for the Europa League third round qualifying tie
against Slovenian side NK Domzale on Thursday and following the emergence of
a number of youngsters in the competition last season, Martinez hopes he
will get to play some part and impress Slaven Bilic.
Martinez said: "The fans want to see ambition and goals from a striker and
that is what I am looking to offer them.
"I was told that this Club likes to put younger players into the team which
is why I am happy that we are playing in the Europa League and I hope to get
some games under my belt.
"We are blessed that we are moving into such a magnificent new Stadium and I
cannot wait to play there in front of a full crowd.
"I come from a warm country and the weather is a lot different so that has
taken some getting used to!
"But London is a beautiful city and this is a beautiful country so I am very
happy to be here."
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Payet enjoys 'magnificent' Reunion
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet has received a hero's welcome on returning to his home island
of La Reunion.
West Ham United's France international playmaker headed back to the Indian
Ocean territory following his outstanding showing at UEFA Euro 2016.
Payet has recently been appointed as an official ambassador for La Reunion
by a French telecoms operator, featuring in advertising campaigns and making
personal appearances.
On landing at Roland Garros Airport on the island's northern coast on
Wednesday, the smiling No27 was met by a group of 500 supporters who
welcomed him with songs and dances.
After signing autographs and posing for photographs with fans, Payet thanked
his fellow islanders for their support in the native Reunion Creole
language. He later met 100 young footballers – many of them wearing their
favourite's No8 France shirt – during a visit to the town of Sainte-Marie.
"When I arrived in La Reunion a few days ago, I was welcomed by a large
group of fans who were playing a song that honours me," he said in one of a
succession of television interviews. "It was a fantastic welcome home from
them and I think there were more or less 500 people at the airport when I
landed."
"I have just become an ambassador for the island of La Reunion – a role that
consists of representing La Reunion and presenting the beauty of this
magnificent island. During the Euros we were able to put La Reunion on the
map and a lot more people are now aware of the island.
"Where possible with my planning, I will be going to certain events to speak
about the island and promoting the island in England."
Born in the town of Saint-Pierre on the island's south coast, Payet was
raised on La Reunion and began his career with AS Saint-Philippe and JS
Saint-Pierroise before moving to France to play for Le Havre.
He returned home in 2004 to win the Reunion Cup with AS Excelsior before
making it big with Nantes, Saint-Etienne, Lille, Marseille and now West Ham
in Europe.
"That spell with Excelsior is what started my career," he recalled. "I
arrived in the Excelsior team in 2004 where I rubbed shoulders with greats
of Reunion football. These are the players who formed me and made me become
a man, and when I moved from Reunion to Nantes I was much stronger
physically and mentally."
For Payet, returning home is always an emotional experience, particularly
when he witnessed a stand being named in his honour at his old club in
Saint-Philippe.
He will enjoy a well-earned break before returning to training with the
Hammers on Friday 5 August.
"It's good to be home," he continued. "In addition, this is the first time I
have been welcomed like that. It stirs a lot of emotions. I can see what we
did with the team of France at Euro 2016 has not gone unnoticed, especially
for me as a Reunionnais. This island is the ultimate community.
"I want to say a big thank you, because I have been touched by this
reception. I have just been to the stadium where I first played, and they
have now named a stand with my name on it!"
"After my trip, I am due to return to training with West Ham at the start of
August."
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WEST HAM 3-0 KARLSRUHER SC – MATCH REPORT
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 23 JULY 2016 AT 6:13PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
West Ham won their first pre-season game this afternoon 3-0 in the
Franz-Fekete-Stadion in Austria against their German opponents FC
Karlsruher. Goals from Andy Carroll, Sofiane Feghouli and Ashley Fletcher
ensured the Hammers won the game at a canter. The Hammers named their
strongest pre-season line-up thus far which included Darren Randolph in
goal. The back four consisted of Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell at
fullback and the returning Winston Reid and Norwegian International Havard
Nordtveit at centreback. Captain Mark Noble anchored the midfield with
Cheikh Kouyate. Sofiane Feghouli started on the right wing with Gokhan Tore
on the left and Enner Valencia partnered Andy Carroll up front. The Irons
started the game on fire and took the lead in the 9th minute when Carroll
powered a header into the net after Valencia found him at the back post with
a perfect cross. Two minutes later and the Hammers almost doubled their
lead as Antonio battled his way past Sallahi but his effort was blocked by
the keeper's legs. The Hammers eventually doubled their lead in the 17th
minute with Sofiane Feghouli's first goal for the club. Sofiane beat the
diving keeper from 22 yards with a decent strike. Four minutes later and
superb interlinking play between Feghouli and Tore nearly resulted in the
Algerian getting in on goal but the Germans managed to clear the danger.
Karlsruher rarely threatened despite the fact they had three free kicks
within 25 yards of Randolph's goal in the first half but none of the efforts
even came close to troubling the Irishman. The German side made many changes
at the break but never really troubled the West Ham backline with the
excellent Reid and sturdy Nordtveit. The third goal came in the 80th minute
with Ashley Fletcher notching his 2nd of pre-season when he connected from
close range from Cresswell's cross. Unfortunately that was Aaron's last real
touch before he was on the wrong end of a terrible two footed tackle.
Thankfully he was able to get up onto his own feet after a couple of minutes
and walk off the pitch. Hopefully he hasn't suffered any injury The referee
actually ended the game in the 88th minute as tempers rose after the
challenge.
I think that this is exactly what Slaven wanted to see from the club's final
pre-season game before their Europa League campaign starts next Thursday.
Good finishing from Carroll who got a 60 minute shift in. Excellent
interplay between Feghouli and Tore, dominance in midfield from Noble and
Kouyate and solid at the back between Reid and Nordtveit. Hopefully though
Cresswell is okay as that is one position the Hammers can ill afford to lose
their best player for any length of time. The squad will now remain in
Austria to prepare for their away leg against NK Domzale next Thursday in
Slovenia.
Match Ratings
Randolph 7
Antonio 7
Cresswell 7
Reid 8
Nordtveit 7
Noble 7
Kouyate 7
Tore 7
Feghouli 8
Valencia 7
Carroll 8
Subs
Fletcher 7
Byram 6
Quina 6
Martinez 6
Rice 6
Obiang 7
Cullen 6
Makasi 6
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE TRANSFER UPDATE
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 23 JULY 2016 AT 1:24PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
We are looking at other targets due to concerns on whether Bacca will agree
to join or not and the web is being stretched further as our quest goes on
for another forward. Bacca is still thinking over the offer from the Irons
however reports have emerged this morning that Bacca's agent is talking to
Napoli as it seems Gonzalo Higuain's move to Juventus is edging closer.
We are considering going back in for an old target in Loic Remy. Whilst he
is not the first choice target and his future is unclear he is a player that
DS has fancied for a while. If Remy is considered he would not be the
marquee signing that most expect this Summer. More than likely a
replacement for Ener Valencia if he is sold.
The club are still confident of signing Calleri subject to him obtaining an
Italian passport and hope that Bacca may change his stance although this
doesn't look that likely at the moment! There are a number of forwards being
considered: Gomez, the German international was considered but it is
believed the club thought he is too similar to Andy Carroll and his wage
demands were excessive. Reports are also emerging this morning that he has
agreed terms with Borussia Dortmund.
Wissam Ben Yedder is also being considered (although a loan deal maybe
preferred for him as there are concerns about his physical attributes and
him adapting to the Premier League) and other targets that have been
mentioned in my columns including Zaza, are also of interest.
It seems should we resort to a forward that has proven himself in the
Premiership, Loic Remy is now ahead of Benteke and Bony in the running.
Again, there is a real domino affect likely to happen with forward signings
across Europe as players continue to move on a daily basis.
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Pre-season round-up: West Ham and Everton win, as Hull start the post-Steve
Bruce era with victory also
20:28, 23 JUL 2016 UPDATED 20:28, 23 JUL 2016
BY KIT MANN
Andy Carroll found the net for the Hammers, Ross Barkley did likewise for
the Toffees and £15million Jordon Ibe did the same for his new side
The Mirror
West Ham cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over Karlsruher SC in the final
game of their pre-season tour of Austria. Andy Carroll opened the scoring
before new boys Ashley Fletcher and Sofiane Feghouli got their names on the
scoresheet. The Premier League club fielded a strong starting line-up
against the team from Germany's second tier as they continued their
preparations for next week's Europa League tie against Slovenian side NK
Domzale. An injury to left-back Aaron Cresswell was the only blight on an
otherwise productive afternoon for the Hammers.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, July 24
Saturday, July 23
Daily WHUFC News - 23rd July 2016
From the Boardroom - David Gold
WHUFC.com
I want to wish Sam Allardyce the best of luck after he was announced as the new England manager. We must remember that Sam did everything we asked of him when he was in charge at West Ham and put all the foundations in place for Slaven when he took over. Sam got us promoted in his first year in charge with that memorable win at Wembley in the Play-Off Final and then kept us in the Premier League the following year.
A lot of people were talking about the second year back in the top flight and the dangers that we could face, but he kept us up once again. I want him to be hugely successful as we all want England to be successful in the future.
The countdown continues to our first ever game at the new Stadium and we now know who we are facing in the UEFA Europa League third round qualifying stage. We will be making the journey to Slovenia next week and it gives us the chance to prepare the Stadium for the second leg and our first home game on August 4. I know everyone on the board is looking forward to it and I know the players and fans will relish the chance to see a historic night for our football club. Results might not have gone our way in Austria this week but I can assure everyone that Slaven will be more focused on getting the players ready for the first major game in the Europa League. Pre-season is more about the players building up a good team spirit and the new signings getting to know the rest of the squad which is exactly what they have been doing in America and Austria.
Work is taking place all the time to make sure our new home is ready for the Europa League game and we will soon be installing our new sign at the top of the Stadium. It will be another momentous moment and really puts our stamp on the new Stadium. We always promised our fans it will feel like West Ham's home. Each time I go back there I see more work taking place and there is claret and blue throughout the Stadium and we have honoured a number of the legends in the Club's lounges. The Champions Place stones have also started to be installed with legends such as Bobby Moore, the three World Cup winners, Billy Bonds and Sir Trevor Brooking having their name placed on the specially-designed walkway. We are establishing the home of West Ham United.
Unfortunately I cannot give any more updates on our pursuit for a new striker. At the moment we are having to be patient, but other clubs are in the same situation and there is still time for us to get the signings we want to add into the squad.
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Domzale away ticket details
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm ticketing details for our UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg tie in Slovenia on Thursday 28 July.
The Hammers will take on NK Domzale at the Stadion Stozice in the nation's capital Ljubljana, with a 8.45 CEST kick-off time (7.45pm BST).
West Ham have been allocated 1,500 tickets at £18 each (plus booking fees and an additional postage cost of £5.95 per booking – tickets will be sent by next day signed special delivery to land Tuesday).
Sale dates are as follows:
Season Ticket Holders: 9am Saturday 23 July
Members: 11am Sunday 24 July (online or in person only)
General Sale: 9am Monday 25 July
Supporters can purchase tickets online by clicking here, in person at the new Stadium Ticket Office or over the telephone on 0871 529 1966* (except Sunday).
Click here for ticketing details for the home leg on Thursday 4 August.
*Calls are charged at 13p/min plus your phone provider's access charge.
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Travel Advice - NK Domzale
WHUFC.com
Introduction
West Ham United would like to thank the Club's loyal supporters for following the team to Slovenia for the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg tie with NK Domzale.
The Club is rightly proud of its fans and would ask that you uphold the Hammers' reputation by respecting local customs, amenities and cultures.
Ticket details for this fixture can be found here.
Fixture information
NK Domzale v West Ham United
UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg, Stadion Stozice, Vojkova cesta 100 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, Thursday 28 July 2016, 8.45pm CEST (7.45pm BST).
Stadium information
The tie has been switched from Domzale's own 2,813-capacity Sports Park home to the modern 16,038-seater Stadion Stozice in Slovenia's capital city Ljubljana – ten miles south east of the town of Domzale.
It is part of the Stozice Center, which is labelled as the 'heart of sport in Ljubljana and Slovenia' and is also home to the indoor Arena Stozice, which hosts handball, volleyball, basketball, ice hockey and concerts.
Opened in 2010, the stadium is the home ground of Olimpija Ljubljana and is also used regularly by the Slovenian national team – England won 3-2 in a Euro 2016 qualifier there in June 2015.
Stadion Stozice has a futuristic design in that it is laid out under the plateau of the Stozice Center, so the pitch is well below the surrounding ground level.
Fans travelling to the stadium from central Ljubljana will need to take a bus, since the city has no metro system.
From the central Bavarski dvor stop, take bus No13 to Center Stozice – the final stop. Services run every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 20-30 minutes off-peak. Extra busses will be laid on for the match to take supporters to and from the stadium.
An alternative is to take bus No20 from Bavarski dvor to Nove Stozice – also the final stop – on the other side of the Stozice Center complex.
For full details of the Ljubljana city bus network, click here.
Should you be more adventurous and want to drive to the game, 1,280 parking spaces are available for cars, accessed from Entrance 1 and Entrance 5.
Parking is priced at €2.40 per day and entitles users to a return journey on city busses, should you wish to leave your vehicle at the stadium and travel into the city and back on match day!
Getting to Slovenia
The Club is not arranging any official travel to Slovenia.
By plane…
Unsurprisingly, flights from London to Ljubljana's Joze Pucnik Airport have rocketed in price since Domzale were confirmed as West Ham's opponents.
At time of writing, the Thursday afternoon Easyjet flight from Stansted to Ljubljana had sold out, while the Wednesday afternoon flight was priced at £230. Coming home on the same airline, the Friday and Saturday afternoon flights are both sold out.
An alternative is to fly with Wizzair, but you will need to fly out on Tuesday 26 July as there is no flight on Wednesday and the Thursday flight is sold out. There is a return flight on Saturday 30 July.
Should you be one of the fortunate fans who have already secure flights, the cheapest way to get into the city is to take the bus, which takes 45 minutes to complete the 16-mile journey.
Alternatively, airport shuttles are run by GoOpti and Markun Shuttle, or you can take a taxi – expect to pay between €35 and €45 each way for the latter.
Ljubljana
The capital city and largest city in Slovenia is the current Green Capital of Europe, with a largely traffic-free centre and the beautiful Ljubljanica River flowing through it – take a river boat cruise!.
Towering over the city is its No1 attraction Ljubljana Castle, which sits on a 375m high hill east of the Old Town and dates from the 16th century. Throughout July, movies are being shown every evening at a 'Film Under The Stars' festival – with the English language Steve Jobs biopic being screened on Wednesday 27 July.
In the middle of town, visitors should explore Presenov Tog, a square and public space blessed with magnificent architecture, including the Triple Bridge and Preseren Monument.
If there is time, fans should also visit the Central Market, the National Gallery of Slovenia, Cathedral of St Nicholas and National Museum of Slovenia.
With more than 50,000 students based there, the city also has a vibrant nightlife, with bars, restaurants and clubs galore for visitors to enjoy.
For more details, head to the official Visit Ljubljana website now.
General information
The official language of Slovenia is Slovene.
The currency of Slovenia is the Euro. The current exchange rate is approximately €1.20/£1.
Slovenia is on Central European Summer Time (CEST), one hour ahead of British Summer Time (BST).
For full details, visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website here.
Crime
Slovenia generally enjoys a low crime rate, but supporters should remain vigilant as petty crimes such as theft and pickpocketing do occur, so valuables should be kept secure and out of sight.
Road Travel
If you hire a car, you may drive in Slovenia using your full UK driving licence. However, you must have adequate insurance cover to drive a hire car.
If you take your own vehicle, you will need to pay for and display a road toll 'vignette' to use on motorways. You can buy the vignette (sticker) at most petrol stations or DARS (the Slovenian Motorway Company). Failure to display the sticker will lead to an on-the-spot fine of up to €800.
Cars of up to 3.5 tonnes must also be equipped with snow chains in the boot. You can be fined €125 for not having this equipment.
By law, you must have your headlights on at all times while driving in Slovenia. You must also carry a reflective jacket, a warning triangle and a first aid kit in the vehicle.
Finally, heavy on-the-spot fines are imposed for traffic offences including speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and using mobile phones without a wireless headset, as well as jaywalking.
Taxis
Taxis in Ljubljana are usually clean and reliable, but different companies charge different fares for their services. Rates are higher for taxis which are hailed in the street.
Supporters are advised to use taxis that have signage on the vehicle in addition to a 'Taxi' roof light.
You are advised that it is always better to enquire and agree on a fare before you enter a taxi.
Entry requirements
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you don't need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.
Visas
British nationals don't need a visa to travel to Slovenia.
Emergency contacts
112 Emergency services – urgent medical help, firefighters, veterinary help, rescue teams
113 Police – emergencies
1987 AMZS – roadside assistance and towing
+386 - International code for Slovenia
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Westley prepared for Southend clash
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Development Squad face Southend United in their third pre-season fixture on Saturday and manager Terry Westley thinks the clash will offer his side a stern test.
The young Hammers beat Peterborough United 2-1 last week after an opening match defeat to Chelmsford City and will be hoping to put in another impressive performance in Essex.
The fixture, at Great Wakering Rovers' Burroughs Park, is the side's last before many of the squad travel to the Netherlands on Sunday for their pre-season tour where they will face the Club's paired side VVV Venlo as well as FC Eindhoven.
And Westley believes the clash against Southend's first team will provide the ideal test for his side ahead of the trip.
He said: "Tuesday's game against Peterborough gave the young players an awful lot of confidence, and you could even see that for the next few days on the grass in training.
"The Southend game will give us a whole new different set of problems to handle, and it will be a great game for us to contest. The style of play from Phil Brown's team will challenge us.
Southend challenged for the play-offs last year so it will be a very competitive game on Saturday, and a physical game for us
Terry Westley
"They challenged for a long while to get near the play-offs last year so it will be a very competitive game on Saturday, and a more physical game for our young ones, I think."
A number of the Academy's stars are currently away with the first team in Austria, while Reece Oxford and Sam Howes have been travelling with England's U19 squad in Germany for the European Championships.
The different experiences all the youngsters have gained is pleasing to see for the Academy's Director.
"Ten players who could play for us against Southend aren't, because they're either away with international sides or with the first team," Westley continued. "It will be a very young side for us out against Southend, but also with the inclusion of Diego Poyet.
"What the youngsters are doing out in Austria is a clear example of the link between Slaven [Bilic], the first team staff and ourselves. Training with the first team group can only help them and us.
"I believe they'll still be there for the Europa League clash next Thursday, so hopefully one or two will be able to show what they can do in that game."
The match at Great Wakering Rovers' home kicks-off at 3pm and tickets can be purchased on the door at Burroughs Park.
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Allardyce named as new England boss
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd July 2016
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has been confirmed as the new manager of England. Big Sam, who was West Ham United's 14th full-time manager served the club for four years from 2011 to 2015 and was officially unveiled as the new national manager shortly before 4pm this afternoon (Friday). According to various commentators that should be good news for West Ham's English contingent, all of whom were entirely overlooked by Roy Hodgson who resigned from his post last month following one of England's worst performances on the international stage ever. The likes of Aaron Cresswell, Mark Noble, Andy Carroll and Michail Antonio, three of whom Allardyce worked with at West Ham are all likely to be considered for future squads - unlike under Hodgson, where the door to selection has been firmly bolted some time ago. Allardyce has signed a two-year contract and will begin his post with immediate effect. Allardyce's former club Sunderland have been strongly linked with Steve Bruce, who resigned from Hull City this morning before a ball has eveen been kicked this season.
West Ham United's English contingent
Aaron Cresswell: Signed by Allardyce from Ipswich Town in 2014.
Andy Carroll: Signed by Allardyce in 2013. The most likely to get the nod.
Mark Noble: Allardyce's captain at West Ham.
Sam Byram: Signed following Big Sam's departure, one for the future.
Michail Antonio: Signed for West Ham weeks after Allardyce's departure but his kind of player.
Reece Burke: Yet to feature for the U21s which will probably be his next step.
Reece Oxford: See Reece Burke. A regular at youth level from U16 onwards
Ashley Fletcher: Ditto. Has played at Under 20 level.
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Monchi - Bacca is not an option
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd July 2016
By: Staff Writer
Carlos Bacca's hopes of reuniting with his former colleagues at Sevilla have been scuppered. e West Ham transfer target, who has held further talks with United within the last 24 hours had expressed a preference to return to Spain, should Milan remain determined to sell him this summer. However that possibility was dismissed this morning when Sevilla sporting director, Monchi, said the club was happy with its quota of foreign players.
We have three foreigners in the team, so there is nothing more to say," he told a press conference. "In addition, Carlos will have more interesting options." Monchi also confirmed that Ciro Immobile, another player who has been linked with a move to West Ham this summer is also expected to leave Sevilla imminently. We are negotiating his exit and evaluating an offer that we believe may be of interest," he added. "We are close to what the president has in mind and may have news in two or three days."
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TIME FOR YOUTH TO FLOURISH?
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 22 JULY 2016 AT 4:42PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
This is a fans blog by The Armchair Hammer.
I've endured many cold and wet Saturday mornings watching my son play football this year. It's a bit of a labour of love I keep telling myself. But it's not. Not really. If I'm being honest with myself, I enjoy going along to watch him play.
There are two reasons for this. Firstly, it's great bonding time – you can't beat a shared experience as a parent. But secondly and perhaps more surprisingly for those of you that haven't witnessed it, football for U9s is actually pretty entertaining.
The FA has taken a look at how the Germans and Spanish train their youngsters and they've overhauled our system in recent years. When I was at school, which, admittedly, was a long time ago, we played on a full sized pitch with full size goals. The fastest and strongest of us would always stand out.
That was then.
Now, thanks to the FA's revolution, U6s play five-a-side football and pitch sizes, goal sizes and players on the pitch grow as the kids get older. It means that rather than seeing a lot of kick and rush football, the emphasis is now on ball skills.
By the time the kids reach the U9s stage, they are doing drag backs, Cruyff turns and step-overs. It's marvellous to watch at times. With the rain hammering down, there's still plenty to cheer.
What's this got to do with the Hammers you may be asking?
Well, here it is.
British players coming through youth football within this new system are going to be very good. So good in fact, they'll lift the bar way above the levels we see today. Now I'm not just talking about one or two top class players in a generation – but dozens – maybe even hundreds.
Now, as Hammers fans, we've been used to seeing the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, Jermain Defoe and Glen Johnson come through the famed Academy in recent (ish) times.
One or two of these players didn't have the type of relationship with the fans that they should have, but I remember each one of them coming through the system and thinking, these boys are good. It was a great source of pride watching them develop and improve at Upton Park – becoming fixtures in the starting line-up.
However, seeing these youngsters move to other clubs was hard to take. Hammers fans had to watch these fantastic players blossom at other clubs.
I guess we could still cheer them on for England – and we did – with pride. Albeit with mixed emotions.
So that was then.
Now we have a new group of young players coming through the Academy that are sure to excite should they develop into the players we all hope they will be. With Tompkins leaving, Noble is likely to be the only youth product we have that will feature regularly in the first eleven next season.
We identify with our Captain. He's one of us. A west Ham fan done good. How great would it be to see more youth products like him in the team – all schooled in the knowledge of what's required of a West Ham player – Passion, Effort and Ability.
It will happen. I'm sure of it. The players that will be coming through over the next few years will be too good to ignore.
All good so far eh?
Well yes, except that this can pose problems of its own if not dealt with properly.
It takes a brave manager and a supportive Board to pick youngsters for the first-team. They are learning their trade. And the Premiership is an unforgiving place. If results drop, the temptation is always to drop the youngsters and go with experience. That's not going to help with their development.
Suppose our manager is brave – and personally, I think Bilic is absolutely the right man for the job – and these youngsters go on to perform well and get to a level that interests other clubs. What then? How will the club react to big juicy bids?
The Chairman are trying to remove the stigma of West Ham as a selling club. Well, I think the time is coming where their mettle is going to be tested. Will they be able to turn down big money?
Personally, I think they will. And that positivity is echoed by the team here at The West Ham Way.
We can do our part too, in keeping hold of the youngsters.
Let's support them as they come through to the first-team. They will make mistakes – but that's how you learn right? If we make them feel like giants when they pull on the shirt – they won't want to leave. There's no better fanbase in the world when we get behind our players. Let's not give them any reason to want to leave.
I'm looking forward to a time when we can keep hold of our best young talent. Watch them develop into first teamers and full internationals, and give us all an enormous sense of pride for years to come.
Hopefully, that time is now.
COYI
The Armchair Hammer
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BILIC PLAYS 19TH CENTURY FOOTBALL… AND I AM WORRIED
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 21 JULY 2016 AT 11:00PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
This is not an article written by ExWHUEmployee, even just published to story.
Bilic Plays 19th Century Football… And I Am Worried
In the late 19th Century when West Ham United was but a twinkling in Arnold Hills' eye, football was a very different game. In essence, you picked up the ball, you dribbled towards goal until you either scored or got tackled. Then the next player picked up the ball and dribbled towards goal until he scored or was tackled. Midfielders and defenders came later. At the start, if you had to name a formation in modern parlance it would 0-0-10.
One of the key factors in West Ham's England's World Cup win in 1966 was that they let loose upon the world, 4-4-2, Alf Ramsey's 'Wingless Wonders'. Everybody else at the time was playing 4-2-4. This trend towards more defensive rather than offensive players culminated in Spain's recent dominance and their 'False Number 9'. Look at the Euros just completed France with two of the best attackers in the tournament could not break down a team that defended, well, as a team.
Jose Mourhino was wrong. Allardici was not playing 19th Century Football. He was playing the ultimate 21st Century game.
I loved watching West Ham last season. I can't remember a single team in the history of the Premier League that had as many goal scoring threats as we did. We could potentially have 8 outfield players with a genuine goal threat of one kind or another. Starting from the back, Cresswell, Antonio, Noble, Kouyate, Lanzini, Payet and whichever of the two strikers that were picked.
But that causes problems. To defend you have to do so as a team. This modern game takes a hell of a lot of concentration and unfortunately, our attacking players by their nature as attacking players do not have it sufficiently. On the flip side, it is all well and good encouraging our fullbacks to maraud, but they need to defend first. Cresswell spent most of last season in the opposite half. Tomkins, bless him got all confused every time he approached the half way line. However, I haven't checked the stats, but I bet we were much more solid at the back with him in defence rather than Antonio.
This isn't to knock Antonio who was one of my favourite players of last season. But he isn't a defender, he lacks the positional sense and the nous, knowing when to tackle and when to stand up and shepherd the attacker outside.
You may be wondering why I am bringing this up now. For all their faults and lack of killer instincts, we were lucky last season that our strikers would put a shift in. They would close down defenders, they would help out at corners and harass the opposition midfielders even if it was clumsy and got themselves booked!
99% of the transfer rumours this season have been for this magical (some would say mythical) 20-goal-a-season striker. 20 goal strikers as a rule, don't put a shift in and don't get their hands dirty as it were. Once we get this striker, my fear is that it will imbalance the team. We are already carrying Payet and to a degree Lanzini defensively. We didn't put teams to the sword last season and towards the end it started to come back and bite us.
I'm worried that we don't have a back up left back. We only have one recognisable right back and he is unproven at the top level. We've had consistent centre-back injuries over the last few years and now we're relying on two kids (yes with huge potential) to be back up in that key position.
Our expansive, free-flowing footy was a joy last season. But if they didn't understand about Payet and Lanzini, but you can bet they do now.
Will Bilic adapt successfully? I'm worried that our transfer policy is going to leave us short on the defensive side. Bilic has hugely impressed me on many levels. Not least his recognition of the need to change tactics after our indifferent home start last season.
I'm not worried about his ability as a manager, I'm worried that he will not have the options to be able to change tactics half way through next season if we get found out. That could seriously undermine all the good work that has been done to this point. Defensive mistakes cost us too many home points. Bournemouth, Leicester, Norwich, Watford and Swansea spring to mind. Have we forgotten? Nobody else seems to be worried!
19th century football isn't an option, and neither for West Ham and our newfound way is to be ultra-pragmatic. Attacking wise next season we are going to be spoilt for choice. But we can't forget how important the defensive side is and that is what I am worried has happened this summer.
If you disagree, let me know @apuvyas or pop into Planet Leasing in Loughton and have a chat.
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West Ham to face Slovenia's NK Domzale in their first game at the Olympic Stadium
West Ham will face NK Domzale in the Europa League on August 4
The third round qualifying clash with be the first at the Olympic Stadium
The Slovenian outfit beat Soligorsk of Belarus in the second round
David Gold confirmed the opening ceremony will still be against Juventus
By SPENCER MORGAN FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 23:26, 21 July 2016 | UPDATED: 00:37, 22 July 2016
West Ham finally know which team they will host in their first game at the Olympic Stadium. The Hammers will begin their Europa League campaign at their new home with a third qualifying round clash against NK Domzale on August 4. Their opponents were confirmed on Thursday night when the Slovenian outfit beat Shakhtyor Soligorsk of Belarus 2-1 (3-2 agg) in the second round. Slaven Bilic's team had been supposed to play the home leg of the tie on July 28 but requested the fixture be reversed in order to allow time for the stadium to be made 'football ready' after the London Anniversary Games. UEFA granted the request and now the squad will travel to Slovenia for the first leg on July 28. NK Domzale are one of Slovenia's oldest clubs and have enjoyed success in recent years winning back-to-back Slovenian titles in 2007 and 2008, the Slovenian Cup in 2011 and Supercup on two occasions. Domzale finished third in the PrvaLiga League last season and began the new campaign with a 2-0 home win over Radomlje last weekend.
West Ham co-chairman David Gold confirmed on Twitter that the opening ceremony for the 60,000 capacity ground will still be against Juventus a few days later. The first Premier League game inside their new home will be against Bournemouth on Sunday, August 21. The Irons are still searching for their first victory of pre-season having registered two draws and two losses in tours of the US and Austria. The most recent of which came in the form of a 3-0 friendly defeat to Russian side Rubin Kazan on Wednesday.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
I want to wish Sam Allardyce the best of luck after he was announced as the new England manager. We must remember that Sam did everything we asked of him when he was in charge at West Ham and put all the foundations in place for Slaven when he took over. Sam got us promoted in his first year in charge with that memorable win at Wembley in the Play-Off Final and then kept us in the Premier League the following year.
A lot of people were talking about the second year back in the top flight and the dangers that we could face, but he kept us up once again. I want him to be hugely successful as we all want England to be successful in the future.
The countdown continues to our first ever game at the new Stadium and we now know who we are facing in the UEFA Europa League third round qualifying stage. We will be making the journey to Slovenia next week and it gives us the chance to prepare the Stadium for the second leg and our first home game on August 4. I know everyone on the board is looking forward to it and I know the players and fans will relish the chance to see a historic night for our football club. Results might not have gone our way in Austria this week but I can assure everyone that Slaven will be more focused on getting the players ready for the first major game in the Europa League. Pre-season is more about the players building up a good team spirit and the new signings getting to know the rest of the squad which is exactly what they have been doing in America and Austria.
Work is taking place all the time to make sure our new home is ready for the Europa League game and we will soon be installing our new sign at the top of the Stadium. It will be another momentous moment and really puts our stamp on the new Stadium. We always promised our fans it will feel like West Ham's home. Each time I go back there I see more work taking place and there is claret and blue throughout the Stadium and we have honoured a number of the legends in the Club's lounges. The Champions Place stones have also started to be installed with legends such as Bobby Moore, the three World Cup winners, Billy Bonds and Sir Trevor Brooking having their name placed on the specially-designed walkway. We are establishing the home of West Ham United.
Unfortunately I cannot give any more updates on our pursuit for a new striker. At the moment we are having to be patient, but other clubs are in the same situation and there is still time for us to get the signings we want to add into the squad.
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Domzale away ticket details
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm ticketing details for our UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg tie in Slovenia on Thursday 28 July.
The Hammers will take on NK Domzale at the Stadion Stozice in the nation's capital Ljubljana, with a 8.45 CEST kick-off time (7.45pm BST).
West Ham have been allocated 1,500 tickets at £18 each (plus booking fees and an additional postage cost of £5.95 per booking – tickets will be sent by next day signed special delivery to land Tuesday).
Sale dates are as follows:
Season Ticket Holders: 9am Saturday 23 July
Members: 11am Sunday 24 July (online or in person only)
General Sale: 9am Monday 25 July
Supporters can purchase tickets online by clicking here, in person at the new Stadium Ticket Office or over the telephone on 0871 529 1966* (except Sunday).
Click here for ticketing details for the home leg on Thursday 4 August.
*Calls are charged at 13p/min plus your phone provider's access charge.
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Travel Advice - NK Domzale
WHUFC.com
Introduction
West Ham United would like to thank the Club's loyal supporters for following the team to Slovenia for the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg tie with NK Domzale.
The Club is rightly proud of its fans and would ask that you uphold the Hammers' reputation by respecting local customs, amenities and cultures.
Ticket details for this fixture can be found here.
Fixture information
NK Domzale v West Ham United
UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg, Stadion Stozice, Vojkova cesta 100 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, Thursday 28 July 2016, 8.45pm CEST (7.45pm BST).
Stadium information
The tie has been switched from Domzale's own 2,813-capacity Sports Park home to the modern 16,038-seater Stadion Stozice in Slovenia's capital city Ljubljana – ten miles south east of the town of Domzale.
It is part of the Stozice Center, which is labelled as the 'heart of sport in Ljubljana and Slovenia' and is also home to the indoor Arena Stozice, which hosts handball, volleyball, basketball, ice hockey and concerts.
Opened in 2010, the stadium is the home ground of Olimpija Ljubljana and is also used regularly by the Slovenian national team – England won 3-2 in a Euro 2016 qualifier there in June 2015.
Stadion Stozice has a futuristic design in that it is laid out under the plateau of the Stozice Center, so the pitch is well below the surrounding ground level.
Fans travelling to the stadium from central Ljubljana will need to take a bus, since the city has no metro system.
From the central Bavarski dvor stop, take bus No13 to Center Stozice – the final stop. Services run every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 20-30 minutes off-peak. Extra busses will be laid on for the match to take supporters to and from the stadium.
An alternative is to take bus No20 from Bavarski dvor to Nove Stozice – also the final stop – on the other side of the Stozice Center complex.
For full details of the Ljubljana city bus network, click here.
Should you be more adventurous and want to drive to the game, 1,280 parking spaces are available for cars, accessed from Entrance 1 and Entrance 5.
Parking is priced at €2.40 per day and entitles users to a return journey on city busses, should you wish to leave your vehicle at the stadium and travel into the city and back on match day!
Getting to Slovenia
The Club is not arranging any official travel to Slovenia.
By plane…
Unsurprisingly, flights from London to Ljubljana's Joze Pucnik Airport have rocketed in price since Domzale were confirmed as West Ham's opponents.
At time of writing, the Thursday afternoon Easyjet flight from Stansted to Ljubljana had sold out, while the Wednesday afternoon flight was priced at £230. Coming home on the same airline, the Friday and Saturday afternoon flights are both sold out.
An alternative is to fly with Wizzair, but you will need to fly out on Tuesday 26 July as there is no flight on Wednesday and the Thursday flight is sold out. There is a return flight on Saturday 30 July.
Should you be one of the fortunate fans who have already secure flights, the cheapest way to get into the city is to take the bus, which takes 45 minutes to complete the 16-mile journey.
Alternatively, airport shuttles are run by GoOpti and Markun Shuttle, or you can take a taxi – expect to pay between €35 and €45 each way for the latter.
Ljubljana
The capital city and largest city in Slovenia is the current Green Capital of Europe, with a largely traffic-free centre and the beautiful Ljubljanica River flowing through it – take a river boat cruise!.
Towering over the city is its No1 attraction Ljubljana Castle, which sits on a 375m high hill east of the Old Town and dates from the 16th century. Throughout July, movies are being shown every evening at a 'Film Under The Stars' festival – with the English language Steve Jobs biopic being screened on Wednesday 27 July.
In the middle of town, visitors should explore Presenov Tog, a square and public space blessed with magnificent architecture, including the Triple Bridge and Preseren Monument.
If there is time, fans should also visit the Central Market, the National Gallery of Slovenia, Cathedral of St Nicholas and National Museum of Slovenia.
With more than 50,000 students based there, the city also has a vibrant nightlife, with bars, restaurants and clubs galore for visitors to enjoy.
For more details, head to the official Visit Ljubljana website now.
General information
The official language of Slovenia is Slovene.
The currency of Slovenia is the Euro. The current exchange rate is approximately €1.20/£1.
Slovenia is on Central European Summer Time (CEST), one hour ahead of British Summer Time (BST).
For full details, visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website here.
Crime
Slovenia generally enjoys a low crime rate, but supporters should remain vigilant as petty crimes such as theft and pickpocketing do occur, so valuables should be kept secure and out of sight.
Road Travel
If you hire a car, you may drive in Slovenia using your full UK driving licence. However, you must have adequate insurance cover to drive a hire car.
If you take your own vehicle, you will need to pay for and display a road toll 'vignette' to use on motorways. You can buy the vignette (sticker) at most petrol stations or DARS (the Slovenian Motorway Company). Failure to display the sticker will lead to an on-the-spot fine of up to €800.
Cars of up to 3.5 tonnes must also be equipped with snow chains in the boot. You can be fined €125 for not having this equipment.
By law, you must have your headlights on at all times while driving in Slovenia. You must also carry a reflective jacket, a warning triangle and a first aid kit in the vehicle.
Finally, heavy on-the-spot fines are imposed for traffic offences including speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and using mobile phones without a wireless headset, as well as jaywalking.
Taxis
Taxis in Ljubljana are usually clean and reliable, but different companies charge different fares for their services. Rates are higher for taxis which are hailed in the street.
Supporters are advised to use taxis that have signage on the vehicle in addition to a 'Taxi' roof light.
You are advised that it is always better to enquire and agree on a fare before you enter a taxi.
Entry requirements
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you don't need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.
Visas
British nationals don't need a visa to travel to Slovenia.
Emergency contacts
112 Emergency services – urgent medical help, firefighters, veterinary help, rescue teams
113 Police – emergencies
1987 AMZS – roadside assistance and towing
+386 - International code for Slovenia
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Westley prepared for Southend clash
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Development Squad face Southend United in their third pre-season fixture on Saturday and manager Terry Westley thinks the clash will offer his side a stern test.
The young Hammers beat Peterborough United 2-1 last week after an opening match defeat to Chelmsford City and will be hoping to put in another impressive performance in Essex.
The fixture, at Great Wakering Rovers' Burroughs Park, is the side's last before many of the squad travel to the Netherlands on Sunday for their pre-season tour where they will face the Club's paired side VVV Venlo as well as FC Eindhoven.
And Westley believes the clash against Southend's first team will provide the ideal test for his side ahead of the trip.
He said: "Tuesday's game against Peterborough gave the young players an awful lot of confidence, and you could even see that for the next few days on the grass in training.
"The Southend game will give us a whole new different set of problems to handle, and it will be a great game for us to contest. The style of play from Phil Brown's team will challenge us.
Southend challenged for the play-offs last year so it will be a very competitive game on Saturday, and a physical game for us
Terry Westley
"They challenged for a long while to get near the play-offs last year so it will be a very competitive game on Saturday, and a more physical game for our young ones, I think."
A number of the Academy's stars are currently away with the first team in Austria, while Reece Oxford and Sam Howes have been travelling with England's U19 squad in Germany for the European Championships.
The different experiences all the youngsters have gained is pleasing to see for the Academy's Director.
"Ten players who could play for us against Southend aren't, because they're either away with international sides or with the first team," Westley continued. "It will be a very young side for us out against Southend, but also with the inclusion of Diego Poyet.
"What the youngsters are doing out in Austria is a clear example of the link between Slaven [Bilic], the first team staff and ourselves. Training with the first team group can only help them and us.
"I believe they'll still be there for the Europa League clash next Thursday, so hopefully one or two will be able to show what they can do in that game."
The match at Great Wakering Rovers' home kicks-off at 3pm and tickets can be purchased on the door at Burroughs Park.
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Allardyce named as new England boss
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd July 2016
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has been confirmed as the new manager of England. Big Sam, who was West Ham United's 14th full-time manager served the club for four years from 2011 to 2015 and was officially unveiled as the new national manager shortly before 4pm this afternoon (Friday). According to various commentators that should be good news for West Ham's English contingent, all of whom were entirely overlooked by Roy Hodgson who resigned from his post last month following one of England's worst performances on the international stage ever. The likes of Aaron Cresswell, Mark Noble, Andy Carroll and Michail Antonio, three of whom Allardyce worked with at West Ham are all likely to be considered for future squads - unlike under Hodgson, where the door to selection has been firmly bolted some time ago. Allardyce has signed a two-year contract and will begin his post with immediate effect. Allardyce's former club Sunderland have been strongly linked with Steve Bruce, who resigned from Hull City this morning before a ball has eveen been kicked this season.
West Ham United's English contingent
Aaron Cresswell: Signed by Allardyce from Ipswich Town in 2014.
Andy Carroll: Signed by Allardyce in 2013. The most likely to get the nod.
Mark Noble: Allardyce's captain at West Ham.
Sam Byram: Signed following Big Sam's departure, one for the future.
Michail Antonio: Signed for West Ham weeks after Allardyce's departure but his kind of player.
Reece Burke: Yet to feature for the U21s which will probably be his next step.
Reece Oxford: See Reece Burke. A regular at youth level from U16 onwards
Ashley Fletcher: Ditto. Has played at Under 20 level.
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Monchi - Bacca is not an option
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd July 2016
By: Staff Writer
Carlos Bacca's hopes of reuniting with his former colleagues at Sevilla have been scuppered. e West Ham transfer target, who has held further talks with United within the last 24 hours had expressed a preference to return to Spain, should Milan remain determined to sell him this summer. However that possibility was dismissed this morning when Sevilla sporting director, Monchi, said the club was happy with its quota of foreign players.
We have three foreigners in the team, so there is nothing more to say," he told a press conference. "In addition, Carlos will have more interesting options." Monchi also confirmed that Ciro Immobile, another player who has been linked with a move to West Ham this summer is also expected to leave Sevilla imminently. We are negotiating his exit and evaluating an offer that we believe may be of interest," he added. "We are close to what the president has in mind and may have news in two or three days."
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TIME FOR YOUTH TO FLOURISH?
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 22 JULY 2016 AT 4:42PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
This is a fans blog by The Armchair Hammer.
I've endured many cold and wet Saturday mornings watching my son play football this year. It's a bit of a labour of love I keep telling myself. But it's not. Not really. If I'm being honest with myself, I enjoy going along to watch him play.
There are two reasons for this. Firstly, it's great bonding time – you can't beat a shared experience as a parent. But secondly and perhaps more surprisingly for those of you that haven't witnessed it, football for U9s is actually pretty entertaining.
The FA has taken a look at how the Germans and Spanish train their youngsters and they've overhauled our system in recent years. When I was at school, which, admittedly, was a long time ago, we played on a full sized pitch with full size goals. The fastest and strongest of us would always stand out.
That was then.
Now, thanks to the FA's revolution, U6s play five-a-side football and pitch sizes, goal sizes and players on the pitch grow as the kids get older. It means that rather than seeing a lot of kick and rush football, the emphasis is now on ball skills.
By the time the kids reach the U9s stage, they are doing drag backs, Cruyff turns and step-overs. It's marvellous to watch at times. With the rain hammering down, there's still plenty to cheer.
What's this got to do with the Hammers you may be asking?
Well, here it is.
British players coming through youth football within this new system are going to be very good. So good in fact, they'll lift the bar way above the levels we see today. Now I'm not just talking about one or two top class players in a generation – but dozens – maybe even hundreds.
Now, as Hammers fans, we've been used to seeing the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, Jermain Defoe and Glen Johnson come through the famed Academy in recent (ish) times.
One or two of these players didn't have the type of relationship with the fans that they should have, but I remember each one of them coming through the system and thinking, these boys are good. It was a great source of pride watching them develop and improve at Upton Park – becoming fixtures in the starting line-up.
However, seeing these youngsters move to other clubs was hard to take. Hammers fans had to watch these fantastic players blossom at other clubs.
I guess we could still cheer them on for England – and we did – with pride. Albeit with mixed emotions.
So that was then.
Now we have a new group of young players coming through the Academy that are sure to excite should they develop into the players we all hope they will be. With Tompkins leaving, Noble is likely to be the only youth product we have that will feature regularly in the first eleven next season.
We identify with our Captain. He's one of us. A west Ham fan done good. How great would it be to see more youth products like him in the team – all schooled in the knowledge of what's required of a West Ham player – Passion, Effort and Ability.
It will happen. I'm sure of it. The players that will be coming through over the next few years will be too good to ignore.
All good so far eh?
Well yes, except that this can pose problems of its own if not dealt with properly.
It takes a brave manager and a supportive Board to pick youngsters for the first-team. They are learning their trade. And the Premiership is an unforgiving place. If results drop, the temptation is always to drop the youngsters and go with experience. That's not going to help with their development.
Suppose our manager is brave – and personally, I think Bilic is absolutely the right man for the job – and these youngsters go on to perform well and get to a level that interests other clubs. What then? How will the club react to big juicy bids?
The Chairman are trying to remove the stigma of West Ham as a selling club. Well, I think the time is coming where their mettle is going to be tested. Will they be able to turn down big money?
Personally, I think they will. And that positivity is echoed by the team here at The West Ham Way.
We can do our part too, in keeping hold of the youngsters.
Let's support them as they come through to the first-team. They will make mistakes – but that's how you learn right? If we make them feel like giants when they pull on the shirt – they won't want to leave. There's no better fanbase in the world when we get behind our players. Let's not give them any reason to want to leave.
I'm looking forward to a time when we can keep hold of our best young talent. Watch them develop into first teamers and full internationals, and give us all an enormous sense of pride for years to come.
Hopefully, that time is now.
COYI
The Armchair Hammer
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BILIC PLAYS 19TH CENTURY FOOTBALL… AND I AM WORRIED
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 21 JULY 2016 AT 11:00PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
This is not an article written by ExWHUEmployee, even just published to story.
Bilic Plays 19th Century Football… And I Am Worried
In the late 19th Century when West Ham United was but a twinkling in Arnold Hills' eye, football was a very different game. In essence, you picked up the ball, you dribbled towards goal until you either scored or got tackled. Then the next player picked up the ball and dribbled towards goal until he scored or was tackled. Midfielders and defenders came later. At the start, if you had to name a formation in modern parlance it would 0-0-10.
One of the key factors in West Ham's England's World Cup win in 1966 was that they let loose upon the world, 4-4-2, Alf Ramsey's 'Wingless Wonders'. Everybody else at the time was playing 4-2-4. This trend towards more defensive rather than offensive players culminated in Spain's recent dominance and their 'False Number 9'. Look at the Euros just completed France with two of the best attackers in the tournament could not break down a team that defended, well, as a team.
Jose Mourhino was wrong. Allardici was not playing 19th Century Football. He was playing the ultimate 21st Century game.
I loved watching West Ham last season. I can't remember a single team in the history of the Premier League that had as many goal scoring threats as we did. We could potentially have 8 outfield players with a genuine goal threat of one kind or another. Starting from the back, Cresswell, Antonio, Noble, Kouyate, Lanzini, Payet and whichever of the two strikers that were picked.
But that causes problems. To defend you have to do so as a team. This modern game takes a hell of a lot of concentration and unfortunately, our attacking players by their nature as attacking players do not have it sufficiently. On the flip side, it is all well and good encouraging our fullbacks to maraud, but they need to defend first. Cresswell spent most of last season in the opposite half. Tomkins, bless him got all confused every time he approached the half way line. However, I haven't checked the stats, but I bet we were much more solid at the back with him in defence rather than Antonio.
This isn't to knock Antonio who was one of my favourite players of last season. But he isn't a defender, he lacks the positional sense and the nous, knowing when to tackle and when to stand up and shepherd the attacker outside.
You may be wondering why I am bringing this up now. For all their faults and lack of killer instincts, we were lucky last season that our strikers would put a shift in. They would close down defenders, they would help out at corners and harass the opposition midfielders even if it was clumsy and got themselves booked!
99% of the transfer rumours this season have been for this magical (some would say mythical) 20-goal-a-season striker. 20 goal strikers as a rule, don't put a shift in and don't get their hands dirty as it were. Once we get this striker, my fear is that it will imbalance the team. We are already carrying Payet and to a degree Lanzini defensively. We didn't put teams to the sword last season and towards the end it started to come back and bite us.
I'm worried that we don't have a back up left back. We only have one recognisable right back and he is unproven at the top level. We've had consistent centre-back injuries over the last few years and now we're relying on two kids (yes with huge potential) to be back up in that key position.
Our expansive, free-flowing footy was a joy last season. But if they didn't understand about Payet and Lanzini, but you can bet they do now.
Will Bilic adapt successfully? I'm worried that our transfer policy is going to leave us short on the defensive side. Bilic has hugely impressed me on many levels. Not least his recognition of the need to change tactics after our indifferent home start last season.
I'm not worried about his ability as a manager, I'm worried that he will not have the options to be able to change tactics half way through next season if we get found out. That could seriously undermine all the good work that has been done to this point. Defensive mistakes cost us too many home points. Bournemouth, Leicester, Norwich, Watford and Swansea spring to mind. Have we forgotten? Nobody else seems to be worried!
19th century football isn't an option, and neither for West Ham and our newfound way is to be ultra-pragmatic. Attacking wise next season we are going to be spoilt for choice. But we can't forget how important the defensive side is and that is what I am worried has happened this summer.
If you disagree, let me know @apuvyas or pop into Planet Leasing in Loughton and have a chat.
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West Ham to face Slovenia's NK Domzale in their first game at the Olympic Stadium
West Ham will face NK Domzale in the Europa League on August 4
The third round qualifying clash with be the first at the Olympic Stadium
The Slovenian outfit beat Soligorsk of Belarus in the second round
David Gold confirmed the opening ceremony will still be against Juventus
By SPENCER MORGAN FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 23:26, 21 July 2016 | UPDATED: 00:37, 22 July 2016
West Ham finally know which team they will host in their first game at the Olympic Stadium. The Hammers will begin their Europa League campaign at their new home with a third qualifying round clash against NK Domzale on August 4. Their opponents were confirmed on Thursday night when the Slovenian outfit beat Shakhtyor Soligorsk of Belarus 2-1 (3-2 agg) in the second round. Slaven Bilic's team had been supposed to play the home leg of the tie on July 28 but requested the fixture be reversed in order to allow time for the stadium to be made 'football ready' after the London Anniversary Games. UEFA granted the request and now the squad will travel to Slovenia for the first leg on July 28. NK Domzale are one of Slovenia's oldest clubs and have enjoyed success in recent years winning back-to-back Slovenian titles in 2007 and 2008, the Slovenian Cup in 2011 and Supercup on two occasions. Domzale finished third in the PrvaLiga League last season and began the new campaign with a 2-0 home win over Radomlje last weekend.
West Ham co-chairman David Gold confirmed on Twitter that the opening ceremony for the 60,000 capacity ground will still be against Juventus a few days later. The first Premier League game inside their new home will be against Bournemouth on Sunday, August 21. The Irons are still searching for their first victory of pre-season having registered two draws and two losses in tours of the US and Austria. The most recent of which came in the form of a 3-0 friendly defeat to Russian side Rubin Kazan on Wednesday.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, July 22
Daily WHUFC News - 22nd July 2016
Antonio – We're concentrating on starting well
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio says the hard work the Hammers are putting in will pay off
when their season kicks-off with a UEFA Europa League third qualifying round
tie next Thursday. Antonio and his teammates faced a second game in as many
days when they took on Rubin Kazan on Wednesday, added to five training
sessions since their arrival in Austria on Sunday. The result may have gone
Rubin Kazan's way – the Russian side ran out 3-0 victors – but Antonio knows
the pieces are coming together and that Slaven Bilic's men will get better
with each passing day in pre-season. "This camp is what you need at this
time of year," he said. "All you've got to do is concentrate on getting
ready for the season and making sure we start well. "Right now we're out
here getting ready and getting fit to push on and ensure we start the season
raring to go. "We've had a couple of players come back this week – me, Tore,
Cheikhou who have met back up with the boys and started to play games
together. "We've come out here with a couple of young kids as well and it's
good to give them experience travelling with the first team. "We're all
gelling and just have to keep pushing on and making things better for
ourselves and hopefully we can get a win [on Saturday]."
The Hammers play the third and final match of their tour to Austria on
Saturday when they take on one of Bilic's former clubs Karlsruher SC and
Antonio is already itching to get back out onto the pitch. He added: "We've
got another game on Saturday and we're looking forward to it. We'll go back,
we'll train again tomorrow and Friday before going again for the game.
There's no rest for the wicked and we'll just keep pushing on. "This week is
all about preparing for the Europa League game next week. That's what we're
doing, we want to go as far as we can in it."
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Oxford's Young Lions defeated in Germany
WHUFC.com
Reece Oxford was in action for England U19s against Italy on Thursday as
they were eliminated from the European U19 Championships in Germany. The
Young Lions were beaten 2-1 by their Italian counterparts in the last four
of the competition having topped their group with three wins from three.
Empoli left-back Federico Dimarco was on the scoresheet twice in Mannheim
for The Azzurri before an own goal from Italian midfielder Aberto Picchi
gave Aidy Boothroyd's side hope. Italy held on for the victory, however, and
will now face either France or Portugal in the tournament's final in
Sinsheim. Hammers teenager Oxford played 90 minutes in three of the side's
fixtures, starting both at centre-back and in midfield, while West Ham
teammate Sam Howes was the squad's backup goalkeeper during the tournament.
England had previously eased to the knockout rounds following consecutive
2-1 victories over France, the Netherlands and Croatia. Howes was part of
the England team which won the U17 European Championship two years ago, but
the side, which contained a number of the same faces, could not replicate
the feat this summer.
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Neufville signs first pro deal
WHUFC.com
Promising Academy full-back Vashon Neufville has signed his first
professional contract with West Ham United. The 17-year-old, who joined the
Hammers from Chelsea as an U11, has been an integral member of the Club's
U18 squad over the last two seasons, and also made eight appearances for the
Development Squad last campaign as a 16-year-old. Playing a part as Terry
Westley's men lifted the U21 Premier League Cup, Neufville impressed and is
keen to make even more of an impact this season. He said: "I'm so glad to
sign the contract and I can't wait to carry on [next season]. Last season
was good because I was pushing myself. "The season before that and this year
I was playing U18s football so it was good to get a feel of a new challenge
playing U21 football. "It was a great achievement for the team last season
[to reach the U21 Cup final] and it was a fantastic experience for all of
us."
Neufville – a left-back who likes to attack – also has international
experience, having represented England at U16 and U17 levels. He sees the
coming season, as West Ham United move into their stunning new Stadium on
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, as a campaign in which he can push on to make
his mark. "Next season, I want to stay consistently with the U21 squad," he
continued. "It would also be great to get a couple of appearances or be on
the bench for the first team. "Other players who have done that are great
inspirations to me, because it just shows that all of us will get a chance
if we're working as hard as we can. "There seems to be a real pathway to the
first team for younger players, and that's why I'm glad to sign my first pro
contract here."
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Noble - We're building well
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble says the hard work is paying off for the West Ham United squad as
the start of their UEFA Europa League qualification campaign draws closer.
The Hammers are currently on an intensive training camp in Austria, where
they have played games against FC Slovacko of the Czech Republic and Russian
side Rubin Kazan. A third friendly follows on Saturday against Karlsruher
SC, and added to a programme of daily double training sessions, the West Ham
skipper is feeling stronger with each day. New signings Havard Nordtveit,
Sofiane Feghouli and Gokhan Tore are all bedding in with the squad, while
the Club's contingent of international players are all making their way back
too. Noble feels Slaven Bilic's men are in good shape to push on and are
ready to show it in that European tie against either Domzale or Shakhtyor
Soligorsk. He said: "It's been a really good camp. The training has been
great in perfect weather, and we've had a couple of tough games too. The
lads are getting their fitness back after a good holiday and a tough last
season, and it's going well.
"The games we've played against Slovacko and Rubin Kazan have been great for
us because we've got as many minutes as possible under our belts. Obviously
the results haven't gone for us but we don't worry about that at this stage.
We worry about players coming off the pitch fit, healthy and ready to train
for the next few days. "This is what pre-season's all about, the Gaffer
trying new things, new players coming in and trying to blend as a squad
together. It's been great. We trained on Thursday morning and then had an
afternoon off, which was nice, then we go back at it with two sessions
tomorrow. "It's the grind of pre-season that builds team spirit. It's out on
the training pitch that you really put in the hard work and you drag each
other through. You try and enjoy the hard sessions and we've got another
game Saturday now before the Europa League game and we need to get into top
form for that."
Noble is excited for the season ahead, with his teammates ready to build on
a momentous 2015/16 campaign with many exciting challenges ahead. He
continued: "We're slowly getting our players back. We'll have Ginge and
Angelo coming back soon, then Dimi who lasted a bit longer than the others!
"We've got a good squad, a really exciting squad and hopefully another
couple of players coming in. We'll go from there and we're really looking
forward to the Europa League. "We've made three really good new signings in
Havard, Gokhan and Sofiane to bolster the squad and with cup games, European
games it's going to be tough this year [so you need a bigger squad].
"There's the new Stadium and teams coming to enjoy the occasion, who will
get that little bit more up for it and we need to be able to cope with
that."
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The Insider
WHUFC.com
The search for a new striker has dominated the headlines throughout the
summer and it is my understanding that there could finally be some movement
in the near future. All the reports this week have once again surrounded a
big money move for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca. My sources have confirmed
to me that Bacca has arrived back from South America in Milan on Thursday
and negotiations are continuing to convince him to become a West Ham United
player. As reported by the Insider last week, the Hammers have agreed a deal
with Milan but the hard part is convincing Bacca to put pen to paper. I have
been told that the Colombia international wants to play Champions League
football but the Club's hierarchy are doing everything they can to persuade
him to sign for West Ham United. It is my understanding that representatives
from the Hammers spent a further hour with Bacca on Thursday, but he is yet
to make a decision. There is however, good news surrounding the signing of
another top class forward.
My sources have told me that a deal has been agreed to sign Argentine
striker Jonathan Calleri from Sao Paolo. Calleri is rated one of the best
young talents in South America and has attracted interest from a number of
top clubs across Europe. But I have been told that West Ham have won the
race to clinch his signature, subject to a work permit application which is
due to be heard next week. There have been a number of reports stating a
host of lower league clubs are interested in making a loan move for Reece
Burke who earned rave reviews at Bradford last season. It is my
understanding that six Championship sides want to sign him on loan.
However, I have been told Slaven Bilic is keen to keep his top young players
while the Club are taking part in the Europa League so it seems unlikely
there will be any movement at this point.
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Bolt relishing London Stadium return
WHUFC.com
Usain Bolt to race at West Ham United's new home on Friday evening
Jamaican sprint legend won triple Gold at London 2012 Olympic Games
Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis-Hill will also compete at Muller Anniversary
Games
The world's fastest man Usain Bolt will be racing at West Ham United's new
home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Friday.
The football-mad Jamaican sprinter, who holds the 100m and 200m world
records and won Olympic Gold in London in 2012, will race in the 200m in
Stratford.
The self-confessed Manchester United fan returns from a hamstring strain to
complete his preparations for the Rio Olympics in the Muller Anniversary
Games at the London Stadium – a venue where he has never lost and plans to
retire after the 2017 World Athletics Championships.
While West Ham will be seeking three points when they kick-off their Premier
League campaign with 90 minutes of action against AFC Bournemouth in E20 on
21 August, Bolt is seeking to complete his evening's work well within 20
seconds!
"I'm here to win!" Bolt told a packed press conference on Thursday. "I'm
good, I'm feeling good and training good and I'm happy with where I am. I'm
here to win, as always, so that's my focus.
"Hopefully everything goes as smoothly as I want it to on Friday – I'm
looking forward to it.
"It always gets my juices flowing to race in London. It's going to be pretty
much in front of a Jamaican contingent, so I'm excited because it's going to
be loud and energetic and a lot of fun!"
While Bolt is more famous for his ability to run 100 metres in 9.58 seconds,
but he will run the 200 in the Diamond League meeting in London, where he
will be joined by Team GB London 2012 heroes Jessica Ennis-Hill and Mo Farah
and dozens of other world-class track and field stars.
"It's definitely special to compete in London and I always enjoy it because
the crowd is always magnificent and energetic," he confirmed. "I love the
energy of the crowd and it's something I love competing in front of and I
look forward to it every time."
Inevitably, Bolt was asked about the England football team and their failure
at UEFA Euro 2016. As a proud Jamaican, the 29-year-old has little empathy
for the Three Lions.
"I've got nothing for the England team!" he laughed. "Personally, I'm
disappointed in England because you guys have the biggest league in the
world and the best footballers but no titles – it's really sad!"
He had more to say about Jose Mourinho, who has been appointed as manager of
his beloved Manchester United – a club he spent time training with and who
will visit the London Stadium for the first time in the Premier League on
Monday 2 January 2017.
"I haven't had the call yet, but I know it's coming, I think he's waiting
until after the Olympics!" he smiled. "I'm happy, because I think we made
the right choice because Mourinho is a winner and he works hard to win
titles, which is what Manchester United need right now.
"He's building the squad and I'm looking forward to seeing more big players
coming, so I'm excited about that."
*To accomodate the huge number of fans anticipated on Friday 22 July, the
Stadium Store's opening hours have been extended until 7pm. Additionally,
the Store will also be open on Saturday 23 July between 9am-5pm.
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Hammers head for Slovenia
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will face Slovenian side NK Domzale in the UEFA Europa
League third qualifying round.
Slaven Bilic's squad will travel to Slovenia for the first leg on Thursday
28 July at 8.45pm CEST (7.45pm BST), with the tie being switched to the
modern 16,155-capacity Stozice Stadium in the capital city of Ljubljana –
ten miles south west of the town Domzale.
The return leg on Thursday 4 August at 7.45pm BST will be the first match at
the Hammers' new London Stadium home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Click
here for second leg ticket details.
NK Domzale are one of Slovenia's oldest clubs, having been formed as long
ago in 1921, when students formed a club called SK Disk, which was expanded
and renamed SK Disk Domzale a decade later.
The club moved to its current home at Domzale Sports Park in 1948 and
competed with varying success in local Ljubljana and national Yugoslavian
competitions.
Slovenia gained independence in 1991 and Domzale was placed in the First
League. Initially, the club struggled and was relegated, but regained their
top-flight position in 1998. Another relegation followed, with the Second
League title secured in 2003.
Since then, the Yellows have enjoyed regular triumphs, winning back-to-back
Slovenian titles in 2007 and 2008, the Slovenian Cup in 2011 and Supercup on
two occasions.
Domzale finished third in the PrvaLiga League last season and reached the
Slovenian Cup semi-finals. They opened the new PrvaLiga season with a 2-0
home win over Radomlje last weekend.
Regular participants in European competition in the last decade, Luka
Elsner's side defeated Andorran side Lusitanos – who West Ham overcame a
year ago – with relative ease in the UEFA Europa League first qualifying
round before edging out Shakhtyor Soligorsk.
West Ham are embarking on their eighth European campaign and second in
succession. The Hammers won the now-defunct European Cup Winners' Cup in
1965 and reached the final of the same competition in 1976.
Bilic's men played in the Europa League qualifying rounds last season,
beating Lusitanos of Andorra and Birkirkara of Malta before losing 4-3 on
aggregate to Astra Giurgiu of Romania in the third qualifying round.
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EXCLUSIVE: Q AND A WITH JACK SULLIVAN
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 21 JULY 2016 AT 10:09PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
For those of you that missed yesterday's question and answer session on our
forum, here is a quick round-up of all Jack Sullivan's responses to your
questions.
We are hoping to have more of these successful Q&A sessions very soon, so
make sure you have signed up to the forum
(http://www.thewesthamway.co.uk/forum/) to ensure you are ready to join in
the action.
Q – (From westhamdan16) Hey Jack, do you think we will sign a striker
before the season starts? Also is there any interest in Ben Yedder?
A – Of course we will, who that will be remains to be seen. However, we
have lots of leads on top players.
Q – (From SteveWalford) Will the club bring in another left back this window
and what do the club think about Rico Henry and Charlie Taylor who have been
linked in the press?
A – We will bring in left back cover by the end of the window!! I will
leave the scouting to DS, Tony Henry and Bilic.
Q – (From West Ham Daily) Do you give your dad suggestions about who to buy
or is it all his and Slav's opinion?
A – I do, I also give my opinion as well on players! However, it is mostly
down to Bilic as it is his team!
Q – (From dixiedean) How many new faces do you think we will bring in?
A – At least three.
Q – (From Daledwhu) How many forwards in an ideal world are the club looking
to bring in, loans or permanent?
A – I think we will bring in at least two forwards.
Q – (From Cole) Would You like Sam Allardyce as the new England Manager?
A – Personally I would be disappointed if Sam got the England job. However,
who else is there really to give it to, if you want a manager from England!?
Q – (From Iron Reader) Are we close to any signings?
A – We are close(ish) to signing two players, with a least one being done in
the next week or so I reckon! The other is touch and go, however we are
hopeful.
Q – (From Tavender) Ex has stated in the past that you have told him the
mysterious player we may or may not be signing. Any details on who this
could be? I.e position.
A – It is in their radio show tonight!!
Q – (From alex.standish) Can you give us a Carlos Bacca update or just
general striker update?
A – I will give an update tonight on my Twitter!!
Q – (From Ben Cooper) Hi Jack, who from our academy excites you the most?
A – Both Reece's and they may now get a chance with Tomkins leaving. I very
much like Cullen as well, along with all the younger players we have bought
in this summer. I forgot Martin as well, I think he could be great also.
Exciting time for our academy.
Q – (From alex.standish) Are we after a certain Real Madrid midfielder who
goes by the name of James Rodriguez? Winking face
A – No.
Q – (From Matthew Edwards) Is Mario Gomez a target?
A – Only time will tell, what I would like to say is we want different
players in our squad. Therefore, we do not want two target men when we have
Andy already.
Q – (From alex.standish) Can you give us a hint on the extremely ambitious
signing Ex has been mentioning?
A – Sorry no, I can't! I try not to give too much away on any transfers.
I'm sorry, but I hope you understand it could affect the deal.
Well I'm all done lads and ladies. Hope you enjoyed that.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
21/07/16 LUNCHTIME NEWS ROUND-UP!
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 21 JULY 2016 AT 11:20AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Sorry about there being no updates yesterday, but I was very short on time!
Bacca to join?
Last night Jack Sullivan tweeted that Bacca would give us his final word
within the next 48 hours. Many reports in Italy are saying this morning that
Bacca has accepted our offer. They are also saying that we have thrown in a
couple of extra thousand a week wages to force the deal through immediately.
Only time will tell whether these rumours are true or not.
Hammers bid for Ginter:
According to SportBid, West Ham have made an ambitious offer for Dortmund
player Matthias Ginter. The young German is very,very highly rated, and can
play CB, RB and CDM. With Antonio still showing a few cracks at RB in
pre-season, is Bilic having a change of mind about who should be playing RB,
and could Ginter be the man?
Calleri set to join…
Last night Jack Sullivan also tweeted that Calleri has agreed to join West
Ham on loan, subject to a work permit. Calleri is a very exciting prospect,
who has an incredible goal scoring record.
Not much news this morning, but most of it is, more importantly, positive.
Even if Bacca calls the deal off, at least we know where we stand now, and
we can just move on. Personally, I think Bacca will join us, as it seems no
Champions League club is interested in him any more. Fingers crossed.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM LADIES APPOINT NEW MANAGER…
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 21 JULY 2016 AT 6:36PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Following the depature of Marc Nurse, West Ham Ladies have appointed former
Brighton Ladies manager James Marrs. Marrs left Brighton Ladies in April
2016, after winning the FA Women's Premier League South Division.
With his recent Division win, this appointment looks as though it could be a
huge coup for the Ladies, who are, according to many, on the up themselves.
With the experience of a Division winning manager, perhaps this coming
season will be a successful one, and hopefully, the Ladies will bring the
club back some silverware.
On behalf of everyone here at The West Ham Way, I would like to wish James
Marrs, and the rest of his team, the best of luck.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Disappointment for Doneil
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st July 2016
By: Staff Writer
Doneil Henry has been ruled out of action for up to two months after
suffering a knee injury during the recent friendly against Carolina
Railhawks. The Canadian reserve centre half discovered after the game -
which ended 2-2 - that he had suffered ligament damage, an injury that is
likely to keep him out of action until the beginning of September. "We had a
successful Tour to the United States, where we had the use of great
facilities which enabled us to train and recover very hard," wrote club
medic Stijn Vandenbroucke. "Unfortunately we picked up a serious injury to
Doneil Henry. He will be out for six to eight weeks with a ligament injury
suffered in the pre-season match at Carolina Railhawks."
Vandenbroucke also revealed that a number of first team squad members were
carrying niggly injuries - although nothing major. "Some players picked up
small fatigue-related injuries which are not really a problem but should not
be underestimated," he added. "Other players have issues that need ongoing
management. This means that, while everybody has been training in Austria,
not all of them featured in the back-to-back games against Slovacko and
Rubin Kazan."
And in terms of West Ham's Euro 16 stars, Vandenbroucke confirmed that DImi
Payet, Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins are also expected to join the rest
of the squad imminently.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers have their say on Allardyce appointment
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st July 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham players past and present have been giving their verdicts on the
news that former Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is set to become the new England
manager.
Following yesterday's revelation that Allardyce is set to be appointed as
the successor to Roy Hodgson, several former players and colleagues have
offered their views.
Rob Green, who played under Allardyce at West Ham for just one season is one
of many who believe he will prove a success. "He's always said 'I will
manage England and I will adapt to that'" said Green. "But if you believe
him, as I do, I think he can do that.
"He can manage flair players and get the best out of them. As a character
one of his main strengths in to protect the players and I think that's key
to this young England team."
Trevor Brooking, the current Director fo Football Development at the FA who
was instrumental in Hodgson's appointment four years ago agreed with Green.
"That's the thing about Sam," he said. "He's always made the best use of the
players available."
Meanwhile, Neil McDonald, Big Sam's number two whilst at West Ham also
backed his former partner to bring a level of success to the England team.
"There are a lot of young players in that squad and Sam would bring some fun
back," he said. "He'll lighten the mood and motivate players."
However it's not just Big Sam's former players and staff who are wishing him
all the best. Jose Mourinho, who once accused Allardyce of playing "19th
century football" said he felt Allardyce was "the right person for the job".
"I think he is a good choice but I think he needs support," he continued. "I
think you can do better in respect of that because my experience in your
country shows that me you, [the] football world, could do a bit better."
Finally, Father Joe Young, the former Chairman of Limerick FC - Allardyce's
first club in management - offered his own personal blessings.
"He believed in what we were trying to do in Limerick and help young people
come through the welfare system," said Father Young. "He believed in it, and
I believe in Sam. God bless him, because he is wonderful."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Utd 0-3 Rubin Kazan
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 20th July 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's woeful pre-season continued in Austria this afternoon as they
slumped to a 3-0 defeat against Russian Premier League side Rubin Kazan.
Just 24 hours after they'd let slip a two goal advantage against Czech
outfit FC Slovacko, Slaven Bilic's side fell to defeat against a Kazan side
who are slightly ahead in their preparation for the season ahead (which
begins ten days from now). It took just 23 minutes for the Russians to take
the lead, a goal from Devic who darted in to score from close range - and
expose Michail Antonio's inexperience at full back. And they were to double
their advantage seconds ahead of the half time break as Declan Rice's
underhit backpass was punished by Lestienne, who coolly finished past West
Ham's first choice goalkeeper Adrian. The Spaniard was to play the whole 90
minutes - perhaps as the result of Raphael Spiegel's poor performance
against Slovacko yesterday - and was forced to pick the ball out of his net
for a third time with 23 minutes remaining. Kazan substitute Karadeniz - who
had been on the pitch for only 13 minutes - finished from close range to
seal the win for his team, just moments after a team mate had struck the
post. Although recent results should be taken with a pinch of salt given
their friendly status there will be a number of concerns for Bilic and his
team to consider in the coming days. Chiefly, the lack of a competent
goalscorer, with Enner Valencia looking powder-puff and not prepared to put
his foot in lest it cost him the chance of a lucrative summer move, just two
years after he arrived at the Boleyn Ground.
Andy Carroll meanwhile continues to train to a specialised programme which
hasn't included involvement in either of the Austrian matches, whilst Diafra
Sakho is unlikely to ever kick a ball for the club again following a
much-publicised fallout which (partly) led to his omission from the
travelling party. Rumours tonight suggest that at least one of those issues
is set to be answered - good news perhaps, given that the Premier League
campaign begins little more than a fortnight from now.
West Ham Utd: Adrian, Antonio (Cullen 64), Nordtveit, Burke (Rice 33),
Cresswell (Page 74), Kouyate (Browne 74), Feghouli (Samuelsen 80), Quina
(Obiang 46), Noble, Tore (Fletcher 74), Valencia (Martinez 80).
Subs not used: Randolph, Spiegel, Makasi.
Rubin Kazan: Ryzhikov, Nabiullin, Devic (Karadeniz 54), Lestienne (Tkachuk
62), Caktas, Sanchez, Ozdoev, Burlak, Garcia, Ustinov, Akhmetov.
Subs: Bergstrom, Kverkvelina, Portnyagin, Mironov, Zhemaletdinov, Bauer,
Nesterenko, Zambrano, Dzhallov, Kuznetcov, Filtsov, Kamenshikov, Kambolov,
Akmurzin
Goals: Devic (23), Lestienne (45), Karadeniz (67).
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham make £27m transfer move for Carlos Bacca as Slaven Bilic plots club
record striker signing
13:40, 21 JUL 2016 UPDATED 13:40, 21 JUL 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
The Hammers have increased their offer to AC Milan to £27m and offered the
Colombian striker a deal worth around £70,000-a-week
The Mirror
West Ham have made a fresh club-record move to try and make Carlos Bacca
their marquee summer signing. The Hammers have increased their offer to AC
Milan to £27m and offered the Colombian striker a deal worth around
£70,000-a-week. West Ham's bid tops the £15m previous highest fee they paid
for Andy Carroll in 2013. The personal terms offer to Bacca would see the 29
year-old land a pay rise, and become the Hammers' third highest earner
behind Dimitri Payet and Carroll. And though Bacca wants Champions League
football the Hammers, who are in the Europa League , hope their offer will
be enough to persuade him. Speaking to the club's official website recently
, co-owner David Sullivan said: "Our search for a new forward has been well
documented and we have been working hard to negotiate moves for some big
name strikers. "Ideally we would have had someone in place by now but sadly
that has not proved to be the case and the forwards we have targeted want to
play Champions League football. "We have still got some fantastic strikers
at the club and we were the fourth highest scorers in the Premier League
last season. "In a perfect world I would like to think we will bring in a
top class striker before the transfer window closes at the end of August,
but if that doesn't happen I have every confidence in our current strikers
to continue doing the business."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United transfer news: Bacca, Calleri deals close; Ginter bid made;
interest in Burke
HITC
Aiden Cusick
A selection of the latest stories involving West Ham United...
West Ham United's striker search could be about to reach a satisfying
conclusion - and a doubly satisfying one at that. According to Jack
Sullivan, son of Hammers co-chairman David, deals for two new strikers are
on the cards. The youngster claims a fee has been agreed with AC Milan for
the transfer of Carlos Bacca, whose decision will be made in the next 48
hours (it's actually about 24 now), adding that only a work permit hearing,
due to be held next week, is preventing Deportivo Maldonado's Jonathan
Calleri becoming an Irons player. And Bacca does appear to be on the move
(somewhere), as the Colombian's latest Instagram post shows. The caption
(loosely) reads: "Leaving. New goals, new dreams, new hopes, new season."
At the other end, a £10 million bid has been made for versatile Borussia
Dortmund defender Matthias Ginter, Bild reports. The 22-year-old can play at
both right- or centre-back - positions vacated by Joey O'Brien and James
Tomkins this summer - as well as in central midfield. According to South
London Today, Charlton Athletic want to sign young West Ham defender Reece
Burke on loan. The centre-back impressed during a spell at Bradford City
last season and is said to have attracted interest from Newcastle United. A
move to The Valley seems unlikely for Burke, who'll only be allowed to the
Championship or higher, Slaven Bilic says.
Meanwhile, the London Evening Standard claims West Ham are among the many
Premier League clubs to have shown an interest in Spurs-bound winger
Georges-Kevin N'Koudou. The Irons, along with Liverpool and Manchester
United, are said to have watched the Marseille man last season. And
finally, ex-Upton Park loanee Alex Song has found a new club it seems. ESPN
reports the Cameroonian will move to Russian side Rubin Kazan on a free
transfer from Barcelona, potentially freeing up Yann M'Vila to sign
permanently with Sunderland.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HATS OFF TO THE WEST HAM ACCESSIBILITY TEAM
By Blind Hammer 21 Jul 2016 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer gives some credit where credit is due.
It was with some dread that I approached the purchase of tickets for the
first game at the OS, the second leg of the Europa cup game today.
This apprehension was fuelled by the experience, earlier this year, of the
complicated registration online process for Season Tickets. This may have
been straightforward for non-disabled supporters but was anything but for
disabled supporters. It was particularly difficult for those who also had a
linked Carer's Ticket. I had tried to get my normally helpful West Ham
Disabled Supporters Line to help at that time. Unfortunately they told me
that they did not have anything to do with Olympic Stadium tickets and all
they could do was give me another booking number, which predictably was
never answered. I represented these and other problems by email to the
Accessibility Team at West Ham.
This morning I was steeling myself for a difficult online process, wondering
how to link my Carer's ticket again, but thought maybe I should just try the
number I used last year for the West Ham Disabled Supporters Line, more in
forlorn hope than anything else.
To my surprise the phone starting ringing and I was told I was in a queue as
normal. There was still part of me braced for disappointment, expecting that
I would get through to somebody only to be told I had to book online or that
I had to use another booking number.
Instead to my relief I was answered by a familiar staff member who smoothly
and efficiently took my details and arranged for my ticket, as well as my
carer's ticket without any issues.
Now this may seem a small thing but the fact that West Ham is retaining
their Disabled Supporter's Helpline has made my day. You should also not
underestimate the work behind the scenes needed to make this happen. It
would have been far easier for West Ham to have devolved all the
responsibility for this to the new Ticket Agency. They could have told their
disabled supporters to sort out any problems with that agency direct.
Instead, they have obviously, at a time when they are frantically preparing
for a new season in a new stadium, decided to give themselves extra work and
do things not the easy way, but the right way. Anybody who manages a
pressured service will know that accepting extra work is not easy unless
your staffs are committed.
The fact is that my Club has obviously reflected on the feedback that I and
other disabled supporters gave them earlier in the year. They have responded
by re-instating their own support services. This makes me proud.
We all moan from time to time but today let's just say Hats Off to West Ham
and the Accessibility Team.
David Griffith
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio says the hard work the Hammers are putting in will pay off
when their season kicks-off with a UEFA Europa League third qualifying round
tie next Thursday. Antonio and his teammates faced a second game in as many
days when they took on Rubin Kazan on Wednesday, added to five training
sessions since their arrival in Austria on Sunday. The result may have gone
Rubin Kazan's way – the Russian side ran out 3-0 victors – but Antonio knows
the pieces are coming together and that Slaven Bilic's men will get better
with each passing day in pre-season. "This camp is what you need at this
time of year," he said. "All you've got to do is concentrate on getting
ready for the season and making sure we start well. "Right now we're out
here getting ready and getting fit to push on and ensure we start the season
raring to go. "We've had a couple of players come back this week – me, Tore,
Cheikhou who have met back up with the boys and started to play games
together. "We've come out here with a couple of young kids as well and it's
good to give them experience travelling with the first team. "We're all
gelling and just have to keep pushing on and making things better for
ourselves and hopefully we can get a win [on Saturday]."
The Hammers play the third and final match of their tour to Austria on
Saturday when they take on one of Bilic's former clubs Karlsruher SC and
Antonio is already itching to get back out onto the pitch. He added: "We've
got another game on Saturday and we're looking forward to it. We'll go back,
we'll train again tomorrow and Friday before going again for the game.
There's no rest for the wicked and we'll just keep pushing on. "This week is
all about preparing for the Europa League game next week. That's what we're
doing, we want to go as far as we can in it."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Oxford's Young Lions defeated in Germany
WHUFC.com
Reece Oxford was in action for England U19s against Italy on Thursday as
they were eliminated from the European U19 Championships in Germany. The
Young Lions were beaten 2-1 by their Italian counterparts in the last four
of the competition having topped their group with three wins from three.
Empoli left-back Federico Dimarco was on the scoresheet twice in Mannheim
for The Azzurri before an own goal from Italian midfielder Aberto Picchi
gave Aidy Boothroyd's side hope. Italy held on for the victory, however, and
will now face either France or Portugal in the tournament's final in
Sinsheim. Hammers teenager Oxford played 90 minutes in three of the side's
fixtures, starting both at centre-back and in midfield, while West Ham
teammate Sam Howes was the squad's backup goalkeeper during the tournament.
England had previously eased to the knockout rounds following consecutive
2-1 victories over France, the Netherlands and Croatia. Howes was part of
the England team which won the U17 European Championship two years ago, but
the side, which contained a number of the same faces, could not replicate
the feat this summer.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Neufville signs first pro deal
WHUFC.com
Promising Academy full-back Vashon Neufville has signed his first
professional contract with West Ham United. The 17-year-old, who joined the
Hammers from Chelsea as an U11, has been an integral member of the Club's
U18 squad over the last two seasons, and also made eight appearances for the
Development Squad last campaign as a 16-year-old. Playing a part as Terry
Westley's men lifted the U21 Premier League Cup, Neufville impressed and is
keen to make even more of an impact this season. He said: "I'm so glad to
sign the contract and I can't wait to carry on [next season]. Last season
was good because I was pushing myself. "The season before that and this year
I was playing U18s football so it was good to get a feel of a new challenge
playing U21 football. "It was a great achievement for the team last season
[to reach the U21 Cup final] and it was a fantastic experience for all of
us."
Neufville – a left-back who likes to attack – also has international
experience, having represented England at U16 and U17 levels. He sees the
coming season, as West Ham United move into their stunning new Stadium on
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, as a campaign in which he can push on to make
his mark. "Next season, I want to stay consistently with the U21 squad," he
continued. "It would also be great to get a couple of appearances or be on
the bench for the first team. "Other players who have done that are great
inspirations to me, because it just shows that all of us will get a chance
if we're working as hard as we can. "There seems to be a real pathway to the
first team for younger players, and that's why I'm glad to sign my first pro
contract here."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble - We're building well
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble says the hard work is paying off for the West Ham United squad as
the start of their UEFA Europa League qualification campaign draws closer.
The Hammers are currently on an intensive training camp in Austria, where
they have played games against FC Slovacko of the Czech Republic and Russian
side Rubin Kazan. A third friendly follows on Saturday against Karlsruher
SC, and added to a programme of daily double training sessions, the West Ham
skipper is feeling stronger with each day. New signings Havard Nordtveit,
Sofiane Feghouli and Gokhan Tore are all bedding in with the squad, while
the Club's contingent of international players are all making their way back
too. Noble feels Slaven Bilic's men are in good shape to push on and are
ready to show it in that European tie against either Domzale or Shakhtyor
Soligorsk. He said: "It's been a really good camp. The training has been
great in perfect weather, and we've had a couple of tough games too. The
lads are getting their fitness back after a good holiday and a tough last
season, and it's going well.
"The games we've played against Slovacko and Rubin Kazan have been great for
us because we've got as many minutes as possible under our belts. Obviously
the results haven't gone for us but we don't worry about that at this stage.
We worry about players coming off the pitch fit, healthy and ready to train
for the next few days. "This is what pre-season's all about, the Gaffer
trying new things, new players coming in and trying to blend as a squad
together. It's been great. We trained on Thursday morning and then had an
afternoon off, which was nice, then we go back at it with two sessions
tomorrow. "It's the grind of pre-season that builds team spirit. It's out on
the training pitch that you really put in the hard work and you drag each
other through. You try and enjoy the hard sessions and we've got another
game Saturday now before the Europa League game and we need to get into top
form for that."
Noble is excited for the season ahead, with his teammates ready to build on
a momentous 2015/16 campaign with many exciting challenges ahead. He
continued: "We're slowly getting our players back. We'll have Ginge and
Angelo coming back soon, then Dimi who lasted a bit longer than the others!
"We've got a good squad, a really exciting squad and hopefully another
couple of players coming in. We'll go from there and we're really looking
forward to the Europa League. "We've made three really good new signings in
Havard, Gokhan and Sofiane to bolster the squad and with cup games, European
games it's going to be tough this year [so you need a bigger squad].
"There's the new Stadium and teams coming to enjoy the occasion, who will
get that little bit more up for it and we need to be able to cope with
that."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Insider
WHUFC.com
The search for a new striker has dominated the headlines throughout the
summer and it is my understanding that there could finally be some movement
in the near future. All the reports this week have once again surrounded a
big money move for AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca. My sources have confirmed
to me that Bacca has arrived back from South America in Milan on Thursday
and negotiations are continuing to convince him to become a West Ham United
player. As reported by the Insider last week, the Hammers have agreed a deal
with Milan but the hard part is convincing Bacca to put pen to paper. I have
been told that the Colombia international wants to play Champions League
football but the Club's hierarchy are doing everything they can to persuade
him to sign for West Ham United. It is my understanding that representatives
from the Hammers spent a further hour with Bacca on Thursday, but he is yet
to make a decision. There is however, good news surrounding the signing of
another top class forward.
My sources have told me that a deal has been agreed to sign Argentine
striker Jonathan Calleri from Sao Paolo. Calleri is rated one of the best
young talents in South America and has attracted interest from a number of
top clubs across Europe. But I have been told that West Ham have won the
race to clinch his signature, subject to a work permit application which is
due to be heard next week. There have been a number of reports stating a
host of lower league clubs are interested in making a loan move for Reece
Burke who earned rave reviews at Bradford last season. It is my
understanding that six Championship sides want to sign him on loan.
However, I have been told Slaven Bilic is keen to keep his top young players
while the Club are taking part in the Europa League so it seems unlikely
there will be any movement at this point.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bolt relishing London Stadium return
WHUFC.com
Usain Bolt to race at West Ham United's new home on Friday evening
Jamaican sprint legend won triple Gold at London 2012 Olympic Games
Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis-Hill will also compete at Muller Anniversary
Games
The world's fastest man Usain Bolt will be racing at West Ham United's new
home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Friday.
The football-mad Jamaican sprinter, who holds the 100m and 200m world
records and won Olympic Gold in London in 2012, will race in the 200m in
Stratford.
The self-confessed Manchester United fan returns from a hamstring strain to
complete his preparations for the Rio Olympics in the Muller Anniversary
Games at the London Stadium – a venue where he has never lost and plans to
retire after the 2017 World Athletics Championships.
While West Ham will be seeking three points when they kick-off their Premier
League campaign with 90 minutes of action against AFC Bournemouth in E20 on
21 August, Bolt is seeking to complete his evening's work well within 20
seconds!
"I'm here to win!" Bolt told a packed press conference on Thursday. "I'm
good, I'm feeling good and training good and I'm happy with where I am. I'm
here to win, as always, so that's my focus.
"Hopefully everything goes as smoothly as I want it to on Friday – I'm
looking forward to it.
"It always gets my juices flowing to race in London. It's going to be pretty
much in front of a Jamaican contingent, so I'm excited because it's going to
be loud and energetic and a lot of fun!"
While Bolt is more famous for his ability to run 100 metres in 9.58 seconds,
but he will run the 200 in the Diamond League meeting in London, where he
will be joined by Team GB London 2012 heroes Jessica Ennis-Hill and Mo Farah
and dozens of other world-class track and field stars.
"It's definitely special to compete in London and I always enjoy it because
the crowd is always magnificent and energetic," he confirmed. "I love the
energy of the crowd and it's something I love competing in front of and I
look forward to it every time."
Inevitably, Bolt was asked about the England football team and their failure
at UEFA Euro 2016. As a proud Jamaican, the 29-year-old has little empathy
for the Three Lions.
"I've got nothing for the England team!" he laughed. "Personally, I'm
disappointed in England because you guys have the biggest league in the
world and the best footballers but no titles – it's really sad!"
He had more to say about Jose Mourinho, who has been appointed as manager of
his beloved Manchester United – a club he spent time training with and who
will visit the London Stadium for the first time in the Premier League on
Monday 2 January 2017.
"I haven't had the call yet, but I know it's coming, I think he's waiting
until after the Olympics!" he smiled. "I'm happy, because I think we made
the right choice because Mourinho is a winner and he works hard to win
titles, which is what Manchester United need right now.
"He's building the squad and I'm looking forward to seeing more big players
coming, so I'm excited about that."
*To accomodate the huge number of fans anticipated on Friday 22 July, the
Stadium Store's opening hours have been extended until 7pm. Additionally,
the Store will also be open on Saturday 23 July between 9am-5pm.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers head for Slovenia
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will face Slovenian side NK Domzale in the UEFA Europa
League third qualifying round.
Slaven Bilic's squad will travel to Slovenia for the first leg on Thursday
28 July at 8.45pm CEST (7.45pm BST), with the tie being switched to the
modern 16,155-capacity Stozice Stadium in the capital city of Ljubljana –
ten miles south west of the town Domzale.
The return leg on Thursday 4 August at 7.45pm BST will be the first match at
the Hammers' new London Stadium home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Click
here for second leg ticket details.
NK Domzale are one of Slovenia's oldest clubs, having been formed as long
ago in 1921, when students formed a club called SK Disk, which was expanded
and renamed SK Disk Domzale a decade later.
The club moved to its current home at Domzale Sports Park in 1948 and
competed with varying success in local Ljubljana and national Yugoslavian
competitions.
Slovenia gained independence in 1991 and Domzale was placed in the First
League. Initially, the club struggled and was relegated, but regained their
top-flight position in 1998. Another relegation followed, with the Second
League title secured in 2003.
Since then, the Yellows have enjoyed regular triumphs, winning back-to-back
Slovenian titles in 2007 and 2008, the Slovenian Cup in 2011 and Supercup on
two occasions.
Domzale finished third in the PrvaLiga League last season and reached the
Slovenian Cup semi-finals. They opened the new PrvaLiga season with a 2-0
home win over Radomlje last weekend.
Regular participants in European competition in the last decade, Luka
Elsner's side defeated Andorran side Lusitanos – who West Ham overcame a
year ago – with relative ease in the UEFA Europa League first qualifying
round before edging out Shakhtyor Soligorsk.
West Ham are embarking on their eighth European campaign and second in
succession. The Hammers won the now-defunct European Cup Winners' Cup in
1965 and reached the final of the same competition in 1976.
Bilic's men played in the Europa League qualifying rounds last season,
beating Lusitanos of Andorra and Birkirkara of Malta before losing 4-3 on
aggregate to Astra Giurgiu of Romania in the third qualifying round.
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EXCLUSIVE: Q AND A WITH JACK SULLIVAN
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 21 JULY 2016 AT 10:09PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
For those of you that missed yesterday's question and answer session on our
forum, here is a quick round-up of all Jack Sullivan's responses to your
questions.
We are hoping to have more of these successful Q&A sessions very soon, so
make sure you have signed up to the forum
(http://www.thewesthamway.co.uk/forum/) to ensure you are ready to join in
the action.
Q – (From westhamdan16) Hey Jack, do you think we will sign a striker
before the season starts? Also is there any interest in Ben Yedder?
A – Of course we will, who that will be remains to be seen. However, we
have lots of leads on top players.
Q – (From SteveWalford) Will the club bring in another left back this window
and what do the club think about Rico Henry and Charlie Taylor who have been
linked in the press?
A – We will bring in left back cover by the end of the window!! I will
leave the scouting to DS, Tony Henry and Bilic.
Q – (From West Ham Daily) Do you give your dad suggestions about who to buy
or is it all his and Slav's opinion?
A – I do, I also give my opinion as well on players! However, it is mostly
down to Bilic as it is his team!
Q – (From dixiedean) How many new faces do you think we will bring in?
A – At least three.
Q – (From Daledwhu) How many forwards in an ideal world are the club looking
to bring in, loans or permanent?
A – I think we will bring in at least two forwards.
Q – (From Cole) Would You like Sam Allardyce as the new England Manager?
A – Personally I would be disappointed if Sam got the England job. However,
who else is there really to give it to, if you want a manager from England!?
Q – (From Iron Reader) Are we close to any signings?
A – We are close(ish) to signing two players, with a least one being done in
the next week or so I reckon! The other is touch and go, however we are
hopeful.
Q – (From Tavender) Ex has stated in the past that you have told him the
mysterious player we may or may not be signing. Any details on who this
could be? I.e position.
A – It is in their radio show tonight!!
Q – (From alex.standish) Can you give us a Carlos Bacca update or just
general striker update?
A – I will give an update tonight on my Twitter!!
Q – (From Ben Cooper) Hi Jack, who from our academy excites you the most?
A – Both Reece's and they may now get a chance with Tomkins leaving. I very
much like Cullen as well, along with all the younger players we have bought
in this summer. I forgot Martin as well, I think he could be great also.
Exciting time for our academy.
Q – (From alex.standish) Are we after a certain Real Madrid midfielder who
goes by the name of James Rodriguez? Winking face
A – No.
Q – (From Matthew Edwards) Is Mario Gomez a target?
A – Only time will tell, what I would like to say is we want different
players in our squad. Therefore, we do not want two target men when we have
Andy already.
Q – (From alex.standish) Can you give us a hint on the extremely ambitious
signing Ex has been mentioning?
A – Sorry no, I can't! I try not to give too much away on any transfers.
I'm sorry, but I hope you understand it could affect the deal.
Well I'm all done lads and ladies. Hope you enjoyed that.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
21/07/16 LUNCHTIME NEWS ROUND-UP!
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 21 JULY 2016 AT 11:20AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Sorry about there being no updates yesterday, but I was very short on time!
Bacca to join?
Last night Jack Sullivan tweeted that Bacca would give us his final word
within the next 48 hours. Many reports in Italy are saying this morning that
Bacca has accepted our offer. They are also saying that we have thrown in a
couple of extra thousand a week wages to force the deal through immediately.
Only time will tell whether these rumours are true or not.
Hammers bid for Ginter:
According to SportBid, West Ham have made an ambitious offer for Dortmund
player Matthias Ginter. The young German is very,very highly rated, and can
play CB, RB and CDM. With Antonio still showing a few cracks at RB in
pre-season, is Bilic having a change of mind about who should be playing RB,
and could Ginter be the man?
Calleri set to join…
Last night Jack Sullivan also tweeted that Calleri has agreed to join West
Ham on loan, subject to a work permit. Calleri is a very exciting prospect,
who has an incredible goal scoring record.
Not much news this morning, but most of it is, more importantly, positive.
Even if Bacca calls the deal off, at least we know where we stand now, and
we can just move on. Personally, I think Bacca will join us, as it seems no
Champions League club is interested in him any more. Fingers crossed.
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WEST HAM LADIES APPOINT NEW MANAGER…
BY MITCH FOYLE-YORK ON 21 JULY 2016 AT 6:36PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Following the depature of Marc Nurse, West Ham Ladies have appointed former
Brighton Ladies manager James Marrs. Marrs left Brighton Ladies in April
2016, after winning the FA Women's Premier League South Division.
With his recent Division win, this appointment looks as though it could be a
huge coup for the Ladies, who are, according to many, on the up themselves.
With the experience of a Division winning manager, perhaps this coming
season will be a successful one, and hopefully, the Ladies will bring the
club back some silverware.
On behalf of everyone here at The West Ham Way, I would like to wish James
Marrs, and the rest of his team, the best of luck.
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Disappointment for Doneil
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st July 2016
By: Staff Writer
Doneil Henry has been ruled out of action for up to two months after
suffering a knee injury during the recent friendly against Carolina
Railhawks. The Canadian reserve centre half discovered after the game -
which ended 2-2 - that he had suffered ligament damage, an injury that is
likely to keep him out of action until the beginning of September. "We had a
successful Tour to the United States, where we had the use of great
facilities which enabled us to train and recover very hard," wrote club
medic Stijn Vandenbroucke. "Unfortunately we picked up a serious injury to
Doneil Henry. He will be out for six to eight weeks with a ligament injury
suffered in the pre-season match at Carolina Railhawks."
Vandenbroucke also revealed that a number of first team squad members were
carrying niggly injuries - although nothing major. "Some players picked up
small fatigue-related injuries which are not really a problem but should not
be underestimated," he added. "Other players have issues that need ongoing
management. This means that, while everybody has been training in Austria,
not all of them featured in the back-to-back games against Slovacko and
Rubin Kazan."
And in terms of West Ham's Euro 16 stars, Vandenbroucke confirmed that DImi
Payet, Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins are also expected to join the rest
of the squad imminently.
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Hammers have their say on Allardyce appointment
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st July 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham players past and present have been giving their verdicts on the
news that former Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is set to become the new England
manager.
Following yesterday's revelation that Allardyce is set to be appointed as
the successor to Roy Hodgson, several former players and colleagues have
offered their views.
Rob Green, who played under Allardyce at West Ham for just one season is one
of many who believe he will prove a success. "He's always said 'I will
manage England and I will adapt to that'" said Green. "But if you believe
him, as I do, I think he can do that.
"He can manage flair players and get the best out of them. As a character
one of his main strengths in to protect the players and I think that's key
to this young England team."
Trevor Brooking, the current Director fo Football Development at the FA who
was instrumental in Hodgson's appointment four years ago agreed with Green.
"That's the thing about Sam," he said. "He's always made the best use of the
players available."
Meanwhile, Neil McDonald, Big Sam's number two whilst at West Ham also
backed his former partner to bring a level of success to the England team.
"There are a lot of young players in that squad and Sam would bring some fun
back," he said. "He'll lighten the mood and motivate players."
However it's not just Big Sam's former players and staff who are wishing him
all the best. Jose Mourinho, who once accused Allardyce of playing "19th
century football" said he felt Allardyce was "the right person for the job".
"I think he is a good choice but I think he needs support," he continued. "I
think you can do better in respect of that because my experience in your
country shows that me you, [the] football world, could do a bit better."
Finally, Father Joe Young, the former Chairman of Limerick FC - Allardyce's
first club in management - offered his own personal blessings.
"He believed in what we were trying to do in Limerick and help young people
come through the welfare system," said Father Young. "He believed in it, and
I believe in Sam. God bless him, because he is wonderful."
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West Ham Utd 0-3 Rubin Kazan
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 20th July 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's woeful pre-season continued in Austria this afternoon as they
slumped to a 3-0 defeat against Russian Premier League side Rubin Kazan.
Just 24 hours after they'd let slip a two goal advantage against Czech
outfit FC Slovacko, Slaven Bilic's side fell to defeat against a Kazan side
who are slightly ahead in their preparation for the season ahead (which
begins ten days from now). It took just 23 minutes for the Russians to take
the lead, a goal from Devic who darted in to score from close range - and
expose Michail Antonio's inexperience at full back. And they were to double
their advantage seconds ahead of the half time break as Declan Rice's
underhit backpass was punished by Lestienne, who coolly finished past West
Ham's first choice goalkeeper Adrian. The Spaniard was to play the whole 90
minutes - perhaps as the result of Raphael Spiegel's poor performance
against Slovacko yesterday - and was forced to pick the ball out of his net
for a third time with 23 minutes remaining. Kazan substitute Karadeniz - who
had been on the pitch for only 13 minutes - finished from close range to
seal the win for his team, just moments after a team mate had struck the
post. Although recent results should be taken with a pinch of salt given
their friendly status there will be a number of concerns for Bilic and his
team to consider in the coming days. Chiefly, the lack of a competent
goalscorer, with Enner Valencia looking powder-puff and not prepared to put
his foot in lest it cost him the chance of a lucrative summer move, just two
years after he arrived at the Boleyn Ground.
Andy Carroll meanwhile continues to train to a specialised programme which
hasn't included involvement in either of the Austrian matches, whilst Diafra
Sakho is unlikely to ever kick a ball for the club again following a
much-publicised fallout which (partly) led to his omission from the
travelling party. Rumours tonight suggest that at least one of those issues
is set to be answered - good news perhaps, given that the Premier League
campaign begins little more than a fortnight from now.
West Ham Utd: Adrian, Antonio (Cullen 64), Nordtveit, Burke (Rice 33),
Cresswell (Page 74), Kouyate (Browne 74), Feghouli (Samuelsen 80), Quina
(Obiang 46), Noble, Tore (Fletcher 74), Valencia (Martinez 80).
Subs not used: Randolph, Spiegel, Makasi.
Rubin Kazan: Ryzhikov, Nabiullin, Devic (Karadeniz 54), Lestienne (Tkachuk
62), Caktas, Sanchez, Ozdoev, Burlak, Garcia, Ustinov, Akhmetov.
Subs: Bergstrom, Kverkvelina, Portnyagin, Mironov, Zhemaletdinov, Bauer,
Nesterenko, Zambrano, Dzhallov, Kuznetcov, Filtsov, Kamenshikov, Kambolov,
Akmurzin
Goals: Devic (23), Lestienne (45), Karadeniz (67).
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham make £27m transfer move for Carlos Bacca as Slaven Bilic plots club
record striker signing
13:40, 21 JUL 2016 UPDATED 13:40, 21 JUL 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
The Hammers have increased their offer to AC Milan to £27m and offered the
Colombian striker a deal worth around £70,000-a-week
The Mirror
West Ham have made a fresh club-record move to try and make Carlos Bacca
their marquee summer signing. The Hammers have increased their offer to AC
Milan to £27m and offered the Colombian striker a deal worth around
£70,000-a-week. West Ham's bid tops the £15m previous highest fee they paid
for Andy Carroll in 2013. The personal terms offer to Bacca would see the 29
year-old land a pay rise, and become the Hammers' third highest earner
behind Dimitri Payet and Carroll. And though Bacca wants Champions League
football the Hammers, who are in the Europa League , hope their offer will
be enough to persuade him. Speaking to the club's official website recently
, co-owner David Sullivan said: "Our search for a new forward has been well
documented and we have been working hard to negotiate moves for some big
name strikers. "Ideally we would have had someone in place by now but sadly
that has not proved to be the case and the forwards we have targeted want to
play Champions League football. "We have still got some fantastic strikers
at the club and we were the fourth highest scorers in the Premier League
last season. "In a perfect world I would like to think we will bring in a
top class striker before the transfer window closes at the end of August,
but if that doesn't happen I have every confidence in our current strikers
to continue doing the business."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United transfer news: Bacca, Calleri deals close; Ginter bid made;
interest in Burke
HITC
Aiden Cusick
A selection of the latest stories involving West Ham United...
West Ham United's striker search could be about to reach a satisfying
conclusion - and a doubly satisfying one at that. According to Jack
Sullivan, son of Hammers co-chairman David, deals for two new strikers are
on the cards. The youngster claims a fee has been agreed with AC Milan for
the transfer of Carlos Bacca, whose decision will be made in the next 48
hours (it's actually about 24 now), adding that only a work permit hearing,
due to be held next week, is preventing Deportivo Maldonado's Jonathan
Calleri becoming an Irons player. And Bacca does appear to be on the move
(somewhere), as the Colombian's latest Instagram post shows. The caption
(loosely) reads: "Leaving. New goals, new dreams, new hopes, new season."
At the other end, a £10 million bid has been made for versatile Borussia
Dortmund defender Matthias Ginter, Bild reports. The 22-year-old can play at
both right- or centre-back - positions vacated by Joey O'Brien and James
Tomkins this summer - as well as in central midfield. According to South
London Today, Charlton Athletic want to sign young West Ham defender Reece
Burke on loan. The centre-back impressed during a spell at Bradford City
last season and is said to have attracted interest from Newcastle United. A
move to The Valley seems unlikely for Burke, who'll only be allowed to the
Championship or higher, Slaven Bilic says.
Meanwhile, the London Evening Standard claims West Ham are among the many
Premier League clubs to have shown an interest in Spurs-bound winger
Georges-Kevin N'Koudou. The Irons, along with Liverpool and Manchester
United, are said to have watched the Marseille man last season. And
finally, ex-Upton Park loanee Alex Song has found a new club it seems. ESPN
reports the Cameroonian will move to Russian side Rubin Kazan on a free
transfer from Barcelona, potentially freeing up Yann M'Vila to sign
permanently with Sunderland.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HATS OFF TO THE WEST HAM ACCESSIBILITY TEAM
By Blind Hammer 21 Jul 2016 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer gives some credit where credit is due.
It was with some dread that I approached the purchase of tickets for the
first game at the OS, the second leg of the Europa cup game today.
This apprehension was fuelled by the experience, earlier this year, of the
complicated registration online process for Season Tickets. This may have
been straightforward for non-disabled supporters but was anything but for
disabled supporters. It was particularly difficult for those who also had a
linked Carer's Ticket. I had tried to get my normally helpful West Ham
Disabled Supporters Line to help at that time. Unfortunately they told me
that they did not have anything to do with Olympic Stadium tickets and all
they could do was give me another booking number, which predictably was
never answered. I represented these and other problems by email to the
Accessibility Team at West Ham.
This morning I was steeling myself for a difficult online process, wondering
how to link my Carer's ticket again, but thought maybe I should just try the
number I used last year for the West Ham Disabled Supporters Line, more in
forlorn hope than anything else.
To my surprise the phone starting ringing and I was told I was in a queue as
normal. There was still part of me braced for disappointment, expecting that
I would get through to somebody only to be told I had to book online or that
I had to use another booking number.
Instead to my relief I was answered by a familiar staff member who smoothly
and efficiently took my details and arranged for my ticket, as well as my
carer's ticket without any issues.
Now this may seem a small thing but the fact that West Ham is retaining
their Disabled Supporter's Helpline has made my day. You should also not
underestimate the work behind the scenes needed to make this happen. It
would have been far easier for West Ham to have devolved all the
responsibility for this to the new Ticket Agency. They could have told their
disabled supporters to sort out any problems with that agency direct.
Instead, they have obviously, at a time when they are frantically preparing
for a new season in a new stadium, decided to give themselves extra work and
do things not the easy way, but the right way. Anybody who manages a
pressured service will know that accepting extra work is not easy unless
your staffs are committed.
The fact is that my Club has obviously reflected on the feedback that I and
other disabled supporters gave them earlier in the year. They have responded
by re-instating their own support services. This makes me proud.
We all moan from time to time but today let's just say Hats Off to West Ham
and the Accessibility Team.
David Griffith
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, July 21
Daily WHUFC News - 21st July 2016
Hammers fall to Kazan defeat
WHUFC.com
Rubin Kazan 3-0 West Ham United
Pre-season match
West Ham United fell to a 3-0 defeat to Russian Premier League side Rubin Kazan in the second match of their tour to Austria on Wednesday. Just 24 hours after drawing 2-2 with FC Slovacko of the Czech Republic, the Hammers were back in action, although they were unable to find a way past their opponents. After Enner Valencia and Reece Burke went close early on, Kazan showed a greater ruthlessness in front of goal, moving into a 2-0 lead by the break through Marko Devic and Maxime Lestienne. Gukdeniz Karadeniz added a third after the break and the Hammers will head into Saturday's meeting with Karlsruher SC hoping to register their first win of the tour. There were starts for Havard Nordtveit and Aaron Cresswell after the pair sat out Tuesday's draw with FC Slovacko, while Adrian also returned between the posts in an experienced Hammers line-up.
Domingos Quina and Reece Burke provided a youthful element too, but it was one of the established players who had the first chance to strike six minutes in. A simple clipped ball over the top caught the Rubin Kazan defence out and left Enner Valencia in the clear, but he couldn't get enough power in his shot to beat goalkeeper Sergey Rzyhikov. Three minutes later Sofiane Feghouli cut out the Russian's defence with a whipped free-kick to the far post, but Burke couldn't keep his effort down. The game then settled down with neither team making too many inroads until Kazan struck the opener out of nothing with 23 minutes on the clock.
It was a well worked goal, as they waited for the overload down the right to feed the onrushing Ilzat Akhmetov. He took his time and waited for the perfect moment to cut back to Devic to knock home from close range.
Two minutes later the same player went close to a second when Quina's loose pass in midfield allowed him to carry the ball forward. Adrian was off his line and Devic tried the chip, only just clearing the crossbar.
Quina had a 25-yard shot easily saved by Ryzhikov, but it was Rubin Kazan who struck next, doubling their lead right on half time. Lestienne pounced on Declan Rice's backpass to sweep home past an exposed Adrian and give his side a 2-0 lead at the break.
The Hammers tried to find a route back into the match after half time, but were being frustrated by some solid defending from Kazan. Instead, it was the Russians who moved further ahead midway through the half when, just moments after Samuel Garcia hit the post, sub Karadeniz burst clear to roll into the bottom left hand corner. Cresswell fired a free kick into the wall and Pedro Obiang fired over, but there would be no consolation goal for the Hammers.
Rubin Kazan: Ryzhikov, Nabiullin, Devic (Karadeniz 54), Lestienne (Tkachuk 62), Caktas, Sanchez, Ozdoev, Burlak, Garcia, Ustinov, Akhmetov
Subs: Bergstrom, Kverkvelina, Portnyagin, Mironov, Zhemaletdinov, Bauer, Nesterenko, Zambrano, Dzhallov, Kuznetcov, Filtsov, Kamenshikov, Kambolov, Akmurzin
Goals: Devic 23, Lestienne 45, Karadeniz 67
Booked: Devic
West Ham United: Adrian; Antonio (Cullen 64), Nordtveit, Burke (Rice 33), Cresswell (Page 74); Kouyate (Browne 74); Feghouli (Samuelsen 80), Quina (Obiang 46), Noble, Tore (Fletcher 74); Valencia (Martinez 80)
Subs: Randolph, Spiegel, Makasi
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New Training Ground on track
West Ham United's first-team squad to move into a new training ground at Rush Green
Head Groundsman Dougie Robertson says Hammers will benefit from a number of key changes
Slaven Bilic and his staff will set up their headquarters at Rush Green at the end of July
The West Ham United first-team players and staff can expect a major transformation when they return to England at the end of July as they prepare for a big move into their new Training Ground. Slaven Bilic, his backroom team and squad will be making the short switch from Chadwell Heath to Rush Green on a permanent basis when they arrive back in England following next week's UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg tie. The Rush Green site was previously used by the Club's Academy, but with the team making a historic move into the new London Stadium, the Hammers' Board is determined to improve the facilities across all areas.
Head Groundsman Dougie Robertson has been helping to oversee the major refurb during the summer and says the players can expect a big change when they arrive at their new training base. Robertson said: "The changes are huge. I was fortunate enough to walk through the building a few days ago and have seen the finishes. "The facilities that are now available really brings us into the big league and that is where the Club wants to be. The Club has done a fantastic job getting the players what they require and hopefully they can do the same in the league. "Everyone sees the players on a matchday but they spend the a lot of their time at the training ground and that is where the team bonding really grows. "We are incredibly fortunate that we will have three different kind of pitches for the players to train on. "We will have the old traditional fibre sand, the Desso pitches which we had at Upton Park and now the new Stadium and a new product called AirFibr which we are trialling in the rehab area and a specialist product which is proven to be softer for players coming back from injury. "The team are very approachable about all the changes and we don't envisage any major problems. The players probably need to bring a map on their first day back as it will be different to what they are used to! "A lot of thanks has to go to [Relocation Project Director] Stewart Pegge, [Operations Director] Ben Illingworth, [Head of Medical and Sports Science] Stijn Vandenbroucke and Slaven for helping us get the project along and give us a facility that the Club deserves."
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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues an update – in association with Spire Roding Hospital...
Hello everybody,
We had a successful Tour to the United States, where we had the use of great facilities which enabled us to train and recover very hard. We travelled back, enjoyed a few days off and some of the players attended the Home Kit launch event, and now the squad has gone to Austria. Unfortunately we picked up a serious injury to Doneil Henry. Doneil will be out for six to eight weeks with a ligament injury suffered in the pre-season match at Carolina Railhawks.
Some players picked up small fatigue-related injuries which are not really a problem but should not be underestimated. Other players have issues that need ongoing management. This means that, while everybody has been training in Austria, not all of them will feature in the back-to-back games against Slovacko – which we drew 2-2 on Tuesday – and Rubin Kazan on Wednesday evening. We individualise the programme to maximise the performance and availability, without compromising the hard training.
Andy Carroll trained fully this week, but he did not play on Tuesday night. This is Andy's first pre-season in several years. We are trying to find the correct balance between training and recovery. Andy has an individual programme where he does 90 per cent of the pre-season and sometimes has an extra day's rest or works in the gym. Likewise, Winston Reid did not train on Tuesday and also missed the Slovacko game.
It is a constant cycle of hard training and recovery, being recovered and prepared enough for the next hard session. A number of players have joined the squad for this training camp, all of whom have slightly different fitness levels. Michail Antonio and Josh Cullen missed the US Tour but have trained with the U21s and the rehab-fitness coach for some time now and featured in a game for 45 minutes, so they are ready. Then you have Cheikhou Kouyate, Enner Valencia and Gokhan Tore who joined up on 11 July, have worked hard with the U21s and fitness coach Eamon Swift. After their impressive showings at Euro 2016, Angelo Ogbonna, Ginge and Dimitri Payet will join the team in the near future.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
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It's Big Sam for England
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 20th July 2016
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is expected to be named as the new England manager within 24 hours. Big Sam, who managed West Ham from 2011 to 2015 is set to become the second former Hammers boss to take the national post following Ron Greenwood's tenure in the late 70s/early 80s. Allardyce, 61, will leave his job at Sunderland to take the post, a role which he has long sought - so much so that a release clause has been added to most of his managerial contracts in recent years.
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A little time and patience
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 20th July 2016
By: Colours Never Run
In a roundabout way, we're roughly breaking even on deals so far this summer and have improved the squad already from last year, as well as keep all of our very best players throughout the squad from junior (yes, especially Oxford, for now) to senior pros.
All this business without having to spend anything of note yet, with six long transfer weeks left to conclude further ins and outs. And much of this business before a single pre-season ball had been kicked which is what I really like to see - integrating new arrivals as early as possible, just as we managed in the recent past.
At this stage of the window, I can definitely think of a lot worse business going on by comparison. It's also worth bearing in mind the clear recruiting strategy we have in place these days to supplement what is already a very decent squad with further genuine quality, as well as shoring up the ranks with a few promising 'kids' as back-up to further push everyone on.
It's not a strategy that's haphazard and without any thought to the inefficiencies we currently suffer from ie. trying to solve our long term striker problems and not just relying on the rest of the squad to bail us out. So I think it's fair to say we've already made some really good business in both football and monetary terms so far, even if it doesn't have all the razzamatazz of a couple of big money 'superstar' signings yet.
We absolutely don't need to rush or panic buy, as even a worst case scenario means we have a slightly improved squad from last season with many of the same players who performed so well for us by scoring goals-a-plenty as well as racking up a record Premier League amount of points to go with it.
My one big complaint I would like to level at the Board (mainly David Sullivan) is his openness regarding making a lot of noise that we need "a new £20million star striker". It was totally unnecessary on a few counts:
1. Some clubs have been made aware that we are prepared to spend big and have killed the situation (Lyon owner).
2. It has completely unsettled Diafra Sakho, probably making him feel even less welcome here if we're so vocal about replacement strikers.
3. It has unnecessarily raised our fans' expectations, with many wanting to hold the Board to account should we not get the star striker that costs a vast sum of money.
I don't actually care if they cost £100million or arrive on a free, as long as they are one of the best around at doing what they do up front. That won't stop many from rightly criticising them though for raising the bar when he really didn't need too. That's our Sully for you though; you have to take the rough with the smooth with him at times.
We are currently in a very strong position of negotiation as a football club knowing we have most players tied down to lengthy contracts and at big valuations, should anyone wish to purchase one. And because of this, it means we can continue to carefully pick and choose as and when to buy the next big signing without the unbearable pressure to know we need a position filling ASAP because we haven't any cover whatsoever.
We've also cleared the decks as much as possible with regards to making sure we have as much of the wages budget (FFP) made available should a top-quality striker (or others) become available that fit in with what we want to achieve.
Naturally I don't want nor expect our transfer dealings to stop here and now, I'm just merely pointing out that what we have done so far is prudent, studious business which still has plenty of room for manoeuvre before the window eventually closes at the end of August (after one day in which a lot of final business around the League is often concluded).
And bearing that in mind, I'm completely at ease about our present transfer situation and don't have grave concerns.
Now that could change should we start selling off a few more of our prized assets and not replacing them accordingly, but considering our successful recruiting trends in the summers since relegation I struggle to accept this stance and instead prefer to continue giving the Board the benefit of the doubt in continuing their excellent work to date in this department.
Our squad has been significantly transformed in just five years, I think we owe them a little more patience and understanding. That's not to let them off the hook entirely, as they must continue to strive to capitalise on what is already a strong squad with the finishing touches it truly deserves in the attacking department (and arguably in defence also).
I've backed them personally for the past five summers or so by appreciating what they are trying to do, I hope they can repay my faith once more by delivering yet another first class squad that we can continue to be proud of.
Desperate, we definitely ain't.
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West Ham beaten by Rubin Kazan in pre-season friendly
By James Walker-Roberts
Last Updated: 20/07/16 7:55pm
SSN
West Ham are still waiting for their first pre-season win after losing 3-0 to Rubin Kazan in Austria, on Wednesday. The Hammers, who drew with FC Slovacko just 24 hours earlier, named a strong starting line-up that included Mark Noble, Aaron Cresswell, Michail Antonio and Gokhan Tore. Sofiane Feghouli started for the second game in a row and youngsters Domingos Quina and Reece Burke were also in the XI. Rubin took the lead after 23 minutes when Ilzat Akhmetov escaped Noble's challenge and crossed for Marko Devic to turn in. Enner Valencia headed over the bar from an offside position before substitute Declan Rice misplaced a pass across goal and Maxime Lestienne pounced to make it 2-0. Feghouli and Pedro Obiang shot over in the second half as West Ham struggled to create clear chances, managing just two efforts on target. Rubin wrapped up the win when Gokdeniz Karadeniz burst through the defence and fired past Adrian.
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WEST HAM 0-3 RUBIN KAZAN – MATCH REPORT
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 20 JULY 2016 AT 7:17PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
West Ham played their 4th pre-season game this afternoon in Krottendorf in Austria against their Russian opponents Rubin Kazan.
The Hammers named a stronger starting line-up than yesterday's game including Adrian in goal.
The back four consisted of Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell at the fullback positions and Reece Burke and new signing Havard Nordtveit at centreback. Captain Mark Noble once again anchored the midfield alongside Cheikh Kouyate and young Portuguese star Domingos Quina. Summer signing Sofiane Feghouli started on the right wing with ex Besiktas man Gokhan Tore on the left and Enner Valencia made his second appearance of pre-season in the lone striker role.
The Irons had the first decent chance of the game when a ball clipped over the top set Valencia free but Ryzhikov managed to save the Ecuadorian's attempt on goal. Once again one of the bright spots for the Hammers was the ex Valencia midfielder Sofiane Feghouli.
Rubin Kazan opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Akhmetov got in behind the West Ham defence and cut the ball back for an easy finish for the Ukrainian international Marko Devic.
The Russian side then doubled their lead right before halftime when a loose pass from young Irish defender Declan Rice set Belgian U21 winger Maxime Lestienne up and he beat off the challenge from Nordtveit and slotted his shot in the bottom right hand corner of the net. Rice had only been on the pitch 13 minutes after replacing Reece Burke in the back line.
Obiang replaced Domingos Quina at halftime and the Hammers huffed and puffed but couldn't really break down the Kazan back four and as their legs began to go after playing two games in 24 hours the Russian side took complete control.
The 3rd goal arrived in the 67 minute just seconds after Garcia had struck the post. This time 36 year old former Turkish international Karadeniz beat Adrian after he got a clear run on goal.
Slaven made more changes as the game neared the end but to no avail as the Hammers rarely theatened to get a foothold and the game ended in a 3-0 defeat.
Although Slaven might be disappointed that his side didn't really get into this game he will be happy that Noble, Nordtveit and Adrian got another 90 minutes under their belts and the players seemed to have come away with a clean bill of health, plus the fact the majority of players just played 2 games in 24 hours against a side two weeks ahead of us in their pre-season preparations.
The Hammers last game of their Austrian tour will be on Saturday against FC Karlsruher and hopefully we will see the first appearances of Carroll and Reid on this tour as it is the club's last game before their 1st game of the 2016/17 Europa League.
Match Ratings
Adrian 6
Antonio 6
Cresswell 6
Burke 7
Nordtveit 6
Noble 6
Kouyate 6
Quina 6
Tore 6
Feghouli 7
Valencia 6
Subs
Fletcher 5
Martinez 5
Rice 5
Cullen 5
Obiang 5
Samuelsen 5
Browne 5
Page 5
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Diafra Sakho transfer chase grows as Crystal Palace target West Ham's wantaway striker
22:30, 19 JUL 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
Sunderland, West Brom and Swansea are also keen on the 26-year-old, but the Hammers say they won't sell until they have a replacement sorted out
The Mirror
Crystal Palace have £15million-rated West Ham striker Diafra Sakho in their sights. The 26-year-old Senegal star wants to leave Upton Park after falling out with the club's top brass, and the Eagles - also keen on West Brom's Saido Berahino - have joined Sunderland, West Brom and Swansea in chasing him. The marksman refused to travel with West Ham 's squad for their pre-season training camp in Austria. Sunderland have had an £11million bid rejected but are ready to return. West Ham say they will not allow Sakho, who has scored 15 goals in 43 appearances, to depart unless they have brought in his replacement. The Hammers are trying to sign AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca. They are waiting for a response from the 29-year-old Colombian after making him a contract offer last week. Sakho, on £30,000-a-week, has already handed in a transfer request in a bid to speed up his departure. Palace's move to sign Liverpool target-man Christian Benteke has stalled, though they still have an offer of around £31m on the table. Selhurst boss Alan Pardew, who has already raided West Ham once this summer for defender James Tomkins, is looking to strengthen his forward line after his side struggled for goals last season.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Rubin Kazan 3-0 West Ham United
Pre-season match
West Ham United fell to a 3-0 defeat to Russian Premier League side Rubin Kazan in the second match of their tour to Austria on Wednesday. Just 24 hours after drawing 2-2 with FC Slovacko of the Czech Republic, the Hammers were back in action, although they were unable to find a way past their opponents. After Enner Valencia and Reece Burke went close early on, Kazan showed a greater ruthlessness in front of goal, moving into a 2-0 lead by the break through Marko Devic and Maxime Lestienne. Gukdeniz Karadeniz added a third after the break and the Hammers will head into Saturday's meeting with Karlsruher SC hoping to register their first win of the tour. There were starts for Havard Nordtveit and Aaron Cresswell after the pair sat out Tuesday's draw with FC Slovacko, while Adrian also returned between the posts in an experienced Hammers line-up.
Domingos Quina and Reece Burke provided a youthful element too, but it was one of the established players who had the first chance to strike six minutes in. A simple clipped ball over the top caught the Rubin Kazan defence out and left Enner Valencia in the clear, but he couldn't get enough power in his shot to beat goalkeeper Sergey Rzyhikov. Three minutes later Sofiane Feghouli cut out the Russian's defence with a whipped free-kick to the far post, but Burke couldn't keep his effort down. The game then settled down with neither team making too many inroads until Kazan struck the opener out of nothing with 23 minutes on the clock.
It was a well worked goal, as they waited for the overload down the right to feed the onrushing Ilzat Akhmetov. He took his time and waited for the perfect moment to cut back to Devic to knock home from close range.
Two minutes later the same player went close to a second when Quina's loose pass in midfield allowed him to carry the ball forward. Adrian was off his line and Devic tried the chip, only just clearing the crossbar.
Quina had a 25-yard shot easily saved by Ryzhikov, but it was Rubin Kazan who struck next, doubling their lead right on half time. Lestienne pounced on Declan Rice's backpass to sweep home past an exposed Adrian and give his side a 2-0 lead at the break.
The Hammers tried to find a route back into the match after half time, but were being frustrated by some solid defending from Kazan. Instead, it was the Russians who moved further ahead midway through the half when, just moments after Samuel Garcia hit the post, sub Karadeniz burst clear to roll into the bottom left hand corner. Cresswell fired a free kick into the wall and Pedro Obiang fired over, but there would be no consolation goal for the Hammers.
Rubin Kazan: Ryzhikov, Nabiullin, Devic (Karadeniz 54), Lestienne (Tkachuk 62), Caktas, Sanchez, Ozdoev, Burlak, Garcia, Ustinov, Akhmetov
Subs: Bergstrom, Kverkvelina, Portnyagin, Mironov, Zhemaletdinov, Bauer, Nesterenko, Zambrano, Dzhallov, Kuznetcov, Filtsov, Kamenshikov, Kambolov, Akmurzin
Goals: Devic 23, Lestienne 45, Karadeniz 67
Booked: Devic
West Ham United: Adrian; Antonio (Cullen 64), Nordtveit, Burke (Rice 33), Cresswell (Page 74); Kouyate (Browne 74); Feghouli (Samuelsen 80), Quina (Obiang 46), Noble, Tore (Fletcher 74); Valencia (Martinez 80)
Subs: Randolph, Spiegel, Makasi
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New Training Ground on track
West Ham United's first-team squad to move into a new training ground at Rush Green
Head Groundsman Dougie Robertson says Hammers will benefit from a number of key changes
Slaven Bilic and his staff will set up their headquarters at Rush Green at the end of July
The West Ham United first-team players and staff can expect a major transformation when they return to England at the end of July as they prepare for a big move into their new Training Ground. Slaven Bilic, his backroom team and squad will be making the short switch from Chadwell Heath to Rush Green on a permanent basis when they arrive back in England following next week's UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg tie. The Rush Green site was previously used by the Club's Academy, but with the team making a historic move into the new London Stadium, the Hammers' Board is determined to improve the facilities across all areas.
Head Groundsman Dougie Robertson has been helping to oversee the major refurb during the summer and says the players can expect a big change when they arrive at their new training base. Robertson said: "The changes are huge. I was fortunate enough to walk through the building a few days ago and have seen the finishes. "The facilities that are now available really brings us into the big league and that is where the Club wants to be. The Club has done a fantastic job getting the players what they require and hopefully they can do the same in the league. "Everyone sees the players on a matchday but they spend the a lot of their time at the training ground and that is where the team bonding really grows. "We are incredibly fortunate that we will have three different kind of pitches for the players to train on. "We will have the old traditional fibre sand, the Desso pitches which we had at Upton Park and now the new Stadium and a new product called AirFibr which we are trialling in the rehab area and a specialist product which is proven to be softer for players coming back from injury. "The team are very approachable about all the changes and we don't envisage any major problems. The players probably need to bring a map on their first day back as it will be different to what they are used to! "A lot of thanks has to go to [Relocation Project Director] Stewart Pegge, [Operations Director] Ben Illingworth, [Head of Medical and Sports Science] Stijn Vandenbroucke and Slaven for helping us get the project along and give us a facility that the Club deserves."
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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues an update – in association with Spire Roding Hospital...
Hello everybody,
We had a successful Tour to the United States, where we had the use of great facilities which enabled us to train and recover very hard. We travelled back, enjoyed a few days off and some of the players attended the Home Kit launch event, and now the squad has gone to Austria. Unfortunately we picked up a serious injury to Doneil Henry. Doneil will be out for six to eight weeks with a ligament injury suffered in the pre-season match at Carolina Railhawks.
Some players picked up small fatigue-related injuries which are not really a problem but should not be underestimated. Other players have issues that need ongoing management. This means that, while everybody has been training in Austria, not all of them will feature in the back-to-back games against Slovacko – which we drew 2-2 on Tuesday – and Rubin Kazan on Wednesday evening. We individualise the programme to maximise the performance and availability, without compromising the hard training.
Andy Carroll trained fully this week, but he did not play on Tuesday night. This is Andy's first pre-season in several years. We are trying to find the correct balance between training and recovery. Andy has an individual programme where he does 90 per cent of the pre-season and sometimes has an extra day's rest or works in the gym. Likewise, Winston Reid did not train on Tuesday and also missed the Slovacko game.
It is a constant cycle of hard training and recovery, being recovered and prepared enough for the next hard session. A number of players have joined the squad for this training camp, all of whom have slightly different fitness levels. Michail Antonio and Josh Cullen missed the US Tour but have trained with the U21s and the rehab-fitness coach for some time now and featured in a game for 45 minutes, so they are ready. Then you have Cheikhou Kouyate, Enner Valencia and Gokhan Tore who joined up on 11 July, have worked hard with the U21s and fitness coach Eamon Swift. After their impressive showings at Euro 2016, Angelo Ogbonna, Ginge and Dimitri Payet will join the team in the near future.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
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It's Big Sam for England
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 20th July 2016
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is expected to be named as the new England manager within 24 hours. Big Sam, who managed West Ham from 2011 to 2015 is set to become the second former Hammers boss to take the national post following Ron Greenwood's tenure in the late 70s/early 80s. Allardyce, 61, will leave his job at Sunderland to take the post, a role which he has long sought - so much so that a release clause has been added to most of his managerial contracts in recent years.
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A little time and patience
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 20th July 2016
By: Colours Never Run
In a roundabout way, we're roughly breaking even on deals so far this summer and have improved the squad already from last year, as well as keep all of our very best players throughout the squad from junior (yes, especially Oxford, for now) to senior pros.
All this business without having to spend anything of note yet, with six long transfer weeks left to conclude further ins and outs. And much of this business before a single pre-season ball had been kicked which is what I really like to see - integrating new arrivals as early as possible, just as we managed in the recent past.
At this stage of the window, I can definitely think of a lot worse business going on by comparison. It's also worth bearing in mind the clear recruiting strategy we have in place these days to supplement what is already a very decent squad with further genuine quality, as well as shoring up the ranks with a few promising 'kids' as back-up to further push everyone on.
It's not a strategy that's haphazard and without any thought to the inefficiencies we currently suffer from ie. trying to solve our long term striker problems and not just relying on the rest of the squad to bail us out. So I think it's fair to say we've already made some really good business in both football and monetary terms so far, even if it doesn't have all the razzamatazz of a couple of big money 'superstar' signings yet.
We absolutely don't need to rush or panic buy, as even a worst case scenario means we have a slightly improved squad from last season with many of the same players who performed so well for us by scoring goals-a-plenty as well as racking up a record Premier League amount of points to go with it.
My one big complaint I would like to level at the Board (mainly David Sullivan) is his openness regarding making a lot of noise that we need "a new £20million star striker". It was totally unnecessary on a few counts:
1. Some clubs have been made aware that we are prepared to spend big and have killed the situation (Lyon owner).
2. It has completely unsettled Diafra Sakho, probably making him feel even less welcome here if we're so vocal about replacement strikers.
3. It has unnecessarily raised our fans' expectations, with many wanting to hold the Board to account should we not get the star striker that costs a vast sum of money.
I don't actually care if they cost £100million or arrive on a free, as long as they are one of the best around at doing what they do up front. That won't stop many from rightly criticising them though for raising the bar when he really didn't need too. That's our Sully for you though; you have to take the rough with the smooth with him at times.
We are currently in a very strong position of negotiation as a football club knowing we have most players tied down to lengthy contracts and at big valuations, should anyone wish to purchase one. And because of this, it means we can continue to carefully pick and choose as and when to buy the next big signing without the unbearable pressure to know we need a position filling ASAP because we haven't any cover whatsoever.
We've also cleared the decks as much as possible with regards to making sure we have as much of the wages budget (FFP) made available should a top-quality striker (or others) become available that fit in with what we want to achieve.
Naturally I don't want nor expect our transfer dealings to stop here and now, I'm just merely pointing out that what we have done so far is prudent, studious business which still has plenty of room for manoeuvre before the window eventually closes at the end of August (after one day in which a lot of final business around the League is often concluded).
And bearing that in mind, I'm completely at ease about our present transfer situation and don't have grave concerns.
Now that could change should we start selling off a few more of our prized assets and not replacing them accordingly, but considering our successful recruiting trends in the summers since relegation I struggle to accept this stance and instead prefer to continue giving the Board the benefit of the doubt in continuing their excellent work to date in this department.
Our squad has been significantly transformed in just five years, I think we owe them a little more patience and understanding. That's not to let them off the hook entirely, as they must continue to strive to capitalise on what is already a strong squad with the finishing touches it truly deserves in the attacking department (and arguably in defence also).
I've backed them personally for the past five summers or so by appreciating what they are trying to do, I hope they can repay my faith once more by delivering yet another first class squad that we can continue to be proud of.
Desperate, we definitely ain't.
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West Ham beaten by Rubin Kazan in pre-season friendly
By James Walker-Roberts
Last Updated: 20/07/16 7:55pm
SSN
West Ham are still waiting for their first pre-season win after losing 3-0 to Rubin Kazan in Austria, on Wednesday. The Hammers, who drew with FC Slovacko just 24 hours earlier, named a strong starting line-up that included Mark Noble, Aaron Cresswell, Michail Antonio and Gokhan Tore. Sofiane Feghouli started for the second game in a row and youngsters Domingos Quina and Reece Burke were also in the XI. Rubin took the lead after 23 minutes when Ilzat Akhmetov escaped Noble's challenge and crossed for Marko Devic to turn in. Enner Valencia headed over the bar from an offside position before substitute Declan Rice misplaced a pass across goal and Maxime Lestienne pounced to make it 2-0. Feghouli and Pedro Obiang shot over in the second half as West Ham struggled to create clear chances, managing just two efforts on target. Rubin wrapped up the win when Gokdeniz Karadeniz burst through the defence and fired past Adrian.
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WEST HAM 0-3 RUBIN KAZAN – MATCH REPORT
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 20 JULY 2016 AT 7:17PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
West Ham played their 4th pre-season game this afternoon in Krottendorf in Austria against their Russian opponents Rubin Kazan.
The Hammers named a stronger starting line-up than yesterday's game including Adrian in goal.
The back four consisted of Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell at the fullback positions and Reece Burke and new signing Havard Nordtveit at centreback. Captain Mark Noble once again anchored the midfield alongside Cheikh Kouyate and young Portuguese star Domingos Quina. Summer signing Sofiane Feghouli started on the right wing with ex Besiktas man Gokhan Tore on the left and Enner Valencia made his second appearance of pre-season in the lone striker role.
The Irons had the first decent chance of the game when a ball clipped over the top set Valencia free but Ryzhikov managed to save the Ecuadorian's attempt on goal. Once again one of the bright spots for the Hammers was the ex Valencia midfielder Sofiane Feghouli.
Rubin Kazan opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Akhmetov got in behind the West Ham defence and cut the ball back for an easy finish for the Ukrainian international Marko Devic.
The Russian side then doubled their lead right before halftime when a loose pass from young Irish defender Declan Rice set Belgian U21 winger Maxime Lestienne up and he beat off the challenge from Nordtveit and slotted his shot in the bottom right hand corner of the net. Rice had only been on the pitch 13 minutes after replacing Reece Burke in the back line.
Obiang replaced Domingos Quina at halftime and the Hammers huffed and puffed but couldn't really break down the Kazan back four and as their legs began to go after playing two games in 24 hours the Russian side took complete control.
The 3rd goal arrived in the 67 minute just seconds after Garcia had struck the post. This time 36 year old former Turkish international Karadeniz beat Adrian after he got a clear run on goal.
Slaven made more changes as the game neared the end but to no avail as the Hammers rarely theatened to get a foothold and the game ended in a 3-0 defeat.
Although Slaven might be disappointed that his side didn't really get into this game he will be happy that Noble, Nordtveit and Adrian got another 90 minutes under their belts and the players seemed to have come away with a clean bill of health, plus the fact the majority of players just played 2 games in 24 hours against a side two weeks ahead of us in their pre-season preparations.
The Hammers last game of their Austrian tour will be on Saturday against FC Karlsruher and hopefully we will see the first appearances of Carroll and Reid on this tour as it is the club's last game before their 1st game of the 2016/17 Europa League.
Match Ratings
Adrian 6
Antonio 6
Cresswell 6
Burke 7
Nordtveit 6
Noble 6
Kouyate 6
Quina 6
Tore 6
Feghouli 7
Valencia 6
Subs
Fletcher 5
Martinez 5
Rice 5
Cullen 5
Obiang 5
Samuelsen 5
Browne 5
Page 5
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Diafra Sakho transfer chase grows as Crystal Palace target West Ham's wantaway striker
22:30, 19 JUL 2016
BY DARREN LEWIS
Sunderland, West Brom and Swansea are also keen on the 26-year-old, but the Hammers say they won't sell until they have a replacement sorted out
The Mirror
Crystal Palace have £15million-rated West Ham striker Diafra Sakho in their sights. The 26-year-old Senegal star wants to leave Upton Park after falling out with the club's top brass, and the Eagles - also keen on West Brom's Saido Berahino - have joined Sunderland, West Brom and Swansea in chasing him. The marksman refused to travel with West Ham 's squad for their pre-season training camp in Austria. Sunderland have had an £11million bid rejected but are ready to return. West Ham say they will not allow Sakho, who has scored 15 goals in 43 appearances, to depart unless they have brought in his replacement. The Hammers are trying to sign AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca. They are waiting for a response from the 29-year-old Colombian after making him a contract offer last week. Sakho, on £30,000-a-week, has already handed in a transfer request in a bid to speed up his departure. Palace's move to sign Liverpool target-man Christian Benteke has stalled, though they still have an offer of around £31m on the table. Selhurst boss Alan Pardew, who has already raided West Ham once this summer for defender James Tomkins, is looking to strengthen his forward line after his side struggled for goals last season.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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