Reid targets Russia 2018
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid captained New Zealand to fine 1-1 draw with United States in Washington DC
West Ham United defender returned to international duty after a 13-month absence
Defender is targeting a place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia
Winston Reid believes New Zealand can qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals after producing two fine performances on their US Tour. The All Whites pushed Mexico all the way before falling to a narrow 2-1 defeat in Nashville, before holding the United States to a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Washington DC. Captain Reid, who was appearing for New Zealand for the first time in 13 months, was impressed by Anthony Hudson's squad and believes his national team can replicate their achievement from 2010, when the West Ham United star scored and helped his country to three group-stage draws in South Africa. "First and foremost it has been nice seeing everyone again," said Reid, who has 20 caps. "The team has been doing well. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. "In the short space of time that we have had in the past week or so together the team has come together from all four corners of the world and the main thing is we went out there, we had a game plan and we stuck to it. "At the end of the day the most important thing is to see we are improving as a group."
Reid, who became a national hero after scoring a late equaliser against Slovakia at the 2010 World Cup, is excited by his country's future prospects after seeing the improvements they have made under English manager Hudson over the past year. "If we continue down these lines it will be very good," he said. "We need to learn from the mistakes we make and continue on doing well. Rome wasn't built in one day so we need to take it one step at a time, keep humble and work hard. "We have learnt from day one when Anthony first took over the group that we need belief in not only ourselves but also our peers and work hard. That is the core ethic of this group, be humble and don't take anything for granted."
Next up for New Zealand, who won the regional OFC Nations Cup in June, is an Oceania World Cup qualifying double-header with New Caledonia next month. The All Whites host the first meeting at North Harbour Stadium on 12 November, just a few miles from his birthplace in the Auckland suburb of North Shore, before travelling to Kone for the return tie three days later.
New Zealand's Round 3 Group A also consists of Fiji, who they will take on home and away in 2017, with the winner going through to a two-legged play-off with Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands or Tahiti. Win that, and the All Whites will face the fifth-placed South American nation home and away for a place in Russia. "It's going to be good," said Reid, whose last game on home soil was actually for West Ham on their 2014 pre-season tour. "It's been a long time since I've been back home so it's something I'll look forward to. "We all want to come back and play on home soil. It's not often we get to do that, so it's definitely something that I'm personally relishing. "It's a big moment for us. I think the way forward is for us to get a big crowd and hopefully they'll be there to cheer us on and give us the support we need."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan pair on target in World Cup qualifying
WHUFC.com
Martin Samuelsen got on the Norway scoresheet for the first time against San Marino on Tuesday
The youngster, in FIFA World Cup qualifying action, was making only his third senior appearance for the side
Meanwhile Enner Valencia grabbed a brace for Ecuador against Bolivia in South American qualifying
Hammers winger Martin Samuelsen scored his first international goal at senior level on Tuesday, finding the back of the net in his Norway side's 4-1 FIFA World Cup qualifying victory over San Marino. The 19-year-old, who is currently on loan at Championship side Blackburn Rovers, bagged the hosts' third strike on just his third cap, cutting into the box on the right hand side and firing low under the keeper following a clever dummy. Norway had previously been struggling against their minnow opponents, who equalised nine minutes into the second period after Norway had previously taken an eleven minute lead through an own goal. Incredibly, it was the visitors' first away World Cup qualifying goal for 15 years, but Norway were sure to spoil the party, getting back in front through Hull City forward Adama Diomande. Bournemouth attacker Joshua King – a former player of Samuelsen's Rovers – rounded off the scoring with seven minutes remaining. The victory was Norway's first in Group C following defeats to Germany and Azerbaijan previously.
Also in scoring action during World Cup qualifying was Ecuador forward Enner Valencia who is currently on loan at Everton. Taking on Bolivia away from home in the South American Group, the visitors were two behind by 43 minutes thanks to goals from Pablo Escobar. Just two minutes into the second half, Valencia halved the deficit, smashing home from six yards out to give the Yellows hope, and one minute from time, they were level. Following a defensive mix-up on the right hand side of the box, the ball broke to Valencia who fired in at pace on the swivel to give Ecuador a point and keep them in the automatic qualifying spots in the Group.
Elsewhere, there was friendly defeat for Doneil Henry's Canada as they were beaten 4-0 by Morocco, however the defender did not feature.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sears - London Stadium can be special
WHUFC.com
Lifelong Hammer Freddie Sears came through the Academy of Football before scoring on his debut against Blackburn Rovers as an 18-year-old in March 2008. After 58 first-team appearances, Sears joined Colchester United and is now a regular starter for Championship club Ipswich Town.
Hello everyone,
I'm a lifelong West Ham fan and I'm hoping to get down to see another game at our new home soon. I came to the Astra game in the Europa League and I like the new Stadium. I went down there with five or six mates and it was like a trip to Wembley. It was the first time most of us had seen the Stadium and it is lovely. The move is brilliant for the Club going forward and now it's about getting the results and making people happy. It was a European night and there weren't many away fans, so the atmosphere was a bit different from a big Premier League game, when I'm sure it will be rocking. Everyone knows Upton Park was a special place and it's going to take a while for people to get over it, but hopefully we've got some good times coming, we'll push up the league and everyone will forget about everything else. Upton Park was a special place, and I'm sure the London Stadium can be special as well. I left West Ham in 2012 and joined Colchester, where they gave me the chance to play regularly and get my career on an upward curve again. I did quite well there and luckily enough Ipswich Town came in for me, a good Championship team, in January last year and I'm really enjoying it here. I've only missed three or four games out of 70-odd since I joined, so I've been playing regularly and it's nice to feel important. When you're in a team and know you're going to play, it gives you confidence, so it's been good. The Championship is a tough league. You can win or lose every week, and you seem to spend the whole season five points from the Play-Offs and five points off relegation. There are some massive clubs in there, it's like a mini Premier League, and some of them can't get anywhere near the promotion places. I have been playing on the left wing this season, but I still see myself as a centre forward, as I was when I came through the ranks at West Ham. In football nowadays, teams prefer to play one up front, so you don't see two strikers playing together too often. Talking of West Ham, I can't look back on my time playing for my Club as anything other than a good time. I can't believe it is eight-and-a-half years since my debut, when I was lucky enough to come on and score against Blackburn.
I still remember it. I had been travelling around for ages with the first-team squad alongside Jack Collison and James Tomkins waiting for a chance to play. We were all in the same position, really. I was on the bench for the team I supported and it was crazy. The manager told me to warm-up and I was going on and I came on with about 15 minutes to go. I remember I came on and made a tackle, which was probably the only tackle I've made in my life! The game is pretty much a blur, but I remember Dean Ashton back-heeled it and my shot was saved by Brad Friedel and followed up to score the rebound. I have watched it back and it's something nobody can ever take away from me – I've scored in the Premier League for West Ham and it's a brilliant feeling. West Ham is my team, so theirs is the first result I look for after our game. It's been nearly five years since I left and there are only really Mark Noble and Winston Reid left of the players I knew. Tonks was also there until recently and West Ham will come up against him at Crystal Palace on Saturday. They paid good money for him and we all know what a good defender Tonks is, and Alan Pardew has taken him and he's fitted in straight away. I had my first loan spell from West Ham at Palace and it was great. It was a real eye-opener to proper football, playing there under Neil Warnock, but what I'll always be remembered for there was my 'ghost' goal against Bristol City, which hit the net and the advertising board and bounced out and wasn't given! It's a good club and it's good to see them doing well, and it's going to be a tough game for West Ham, but they need a result. I'm going to sit on the fence and say it will be a draw!
Freddie
The opinions and views expressed in his article are not necessarily shared by West Ham United.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers surprise London Stadium Tour guests
WHUFC.com
A number of West Ham United supporters were treated to a special London Stadium Tour surprise recently as four first team players delighted the guests with an appearance at the Club's new home. Andy Carroll, Winston Reid, Cheikhou Kouyate and Ashley Fletcher were on hand to surprise supporters of the Club who are terminally ill as they enjoyed the Stadium Tour with their friends and family. The fans were able to meet the Hammers, get their merchandise signed, have photos taken and pick their brains about anything West Ham United. On the Tour, Hammers fans can go behind the scenes at the Club's magnificent new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
With an interactive, multimedia tour guide to lead the way, supporters can see how the home of the London 2012 Olympic Games became the stunning new home of West Ham United. You can check out the home dressing room, walk down the tunnel onto the pitch and see the Stadium through the eyes of Slaven Bilic with a seat in the dugout. And ahead of half term, supporters can book their place on a London Stadium Tour now, with all season ticket holders receiving 10 per cent off as part of an offer which ends on 31 December 2016.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dicks praises positive move for Ladies
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies have now joined the West Ham family at the Club
Former Ladies team manager Julian Dicks thinks the move will be only positive for the side
The ex-Hammers left-back believes problems the team formerly faced will no longer exist
Following the news that West Ham United Ladies will now be run in-house at the Club, Hammers coach and former Ladies team manager Julian Dicks expressed his delight at the move. The Hammers side, who currently play in the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division, enter the West Ham family during FA Girls' Football Week and will now run alongside the rest of the Club's teams. Former Hammers left-back Dicks, who coached the side during the 2014/15 season before joining Slaven Bilic's first team backroom staff, thinks the move will be a huge positive for the Ladies. He said: "For me, it's fantastic news. It can't not be a positive move for them. Taking them in house, sorting all the problems they have faced out, it will all help. "I tried to get it to happen two years ago [when I was coach], but the timing wasn't right. It's brilliant news now, especially for the girls, and they'll get looked after now. "Any problems they were experiencing should now be solved because they will have professional people running the team. It's not just about chucking money at it; it's about doing things right, getting the right kind of players and the right kind of staff in."
The Ladies have endured a tough start to the season this campaign, winning just one of their ten matches, but Dicks believes the move can be a turning point for the side. "The ambition now for the side [is to kick on]," the ex-defender said. "Manchester City [for example] put a lot of money into their girls and hopefully in time that will be something that will happen at West Ham. "There's no reason they couldn't go on and play in the Super League. For me, even when I took over, it's about progression and getting the right players in. It isn't going to happen overnight, and like most things in football, it will take time. "It could take two, three or five seasons, but it's about progression every season. As long as they do that, the future looks bright."
During his time overseeing the Ladies outfit, Dicks admitted he faced difficulties which he hopes can now be solved under the new setup. "There were problems I encountered," he continued. "For every 5,000 men that play football, there are probably five women. "There are plenty of teams looking for their signature. It's difficult to attract the better players. With the squad I had, we finished sixth and it was fantastic. "When I was coach, of course this was something I would have liked to happen in that time. We spoke about it when I first took over. It will be much easier [now]. "Taking them in house, sorting all the problems like the pitches they play on, the facilities they train in and the coaches to take them to games, it will all help. It's fantastic news."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues an update – in association with Spire Roding Hospital...
Hello everyone,
We will start with the positive news this week, which is that Aaron Cresswell, Havard Nordtveit and Jonathan Calleri have all returned to full training. Aaron was injured in a pre-season match with Karlsruhe in Austria in July, while Havard is back in training after undergoing a small medical procedure, while Jonathan has had a minor injury.
Arthur Masuaku is progressing very well after suffering a knee injury in the EFL Cup tie with Accrington Stanley. Arthur will have the brace removed from his knee early next week, after which we will progress to the next step in his rehabilitation.
Unfortunately, Sam Byram and Gokhan Tore have both suffered injuries since the last From the Treatment Room was published. Sam suffered a significant hamstring injury in the early stages of our Premier League fixture with Middlesbrough. He has seen a specialist and underwent an operation on Saturday to reduce the risk of a re-injury and ensure he makes a full recovery as soon as possible.
Gokhan injured his quadriceps in training during the international break and is going to be out for 4-6 weeks.
Andre Ayew is continuing his rehab from the thigh injury he suffered in the opening Premier League fixture at Chelsea in August. He is entering the stage, a mini pre-season, where he needs to get significant fitness work under his belt in order to cope with the demands of the Premier League and adapt to the new biomechanics following a significant injury, basically hard work day after day. You will have seen that Andre travelled to his home country of Ghana, where he and Ashley Fletcher spent two days promoting the Club and principal partner Betway. Myself and first-team sports scientist Tom Taylor travelled with the players to Ghana, where Andre continued his rehab with me on the pitch and in the gym. We also took the opportunity to share some of our methods with local coaches and give a training session to some promising young footballers, which added to the experience of visiting a fascinating country.
Diafra Sakho is also undertaking his own pre-season, working very hard on his fitness levels with a view to join the squad on the pitch.
And finally, Andy Carroll is continuing his rehab following the knee injury he suffered in the UEFA Europa League tie in Romania in August. He is working as hard as he can on the pitch and in the gym, making progress. Andy has a few bridges to cross before he can join in first team training.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Parfitt-Williams - I'm fit and ready
WHUFC.com
West Ham PL2 striker Djair Parfitt-Williams hopes to help his team climb the table in the coming weeks
The Bermudan is now fully fit having recovered from an injury which kept him out of action during the summer
Parfitt-Williams was instrumental as the Hammers lifted the Premier League Cup last season
West Ham Premier League 2 striker Djair Parfitt-Williams revealed he is fully fit and ready to push for a starting place in Terry Westley's outfit this season.
The Bermudan forward, who spent the majority of the summer recovering from a pelvis injury, is now back in action for the U23 side and played in their recent clashes against Brighton and Hove Albion and Wycombe Wanderers. Having scored eight times for the Development Squad last season, Parfitt-Williams is keen to get back on the scoresheet this campaign after a tough off-season break. He said: "My main target now is to push on and try and play as many games for the Academy sides as possible and push towards that first team or go and get out on loan somewhere "It was obviously difficult being injured over the summer. It was mentally really hard seeing everyone getting great opportunities with the first team, training with them, but I just wanted to encourage everyone. "I knew I would come back soon and be able to be involved."
The Development Squad enjoyed a positive campaign last season, topping off the term by winning the Premier League Cup after a two-legged final tie with Hull City which the Hammers eventually won on penalties. Parfitt-Williams was key to the side's success in the competition, scoring four goals including the first leg's only goal against the Tigers, and he believes the side could enjoy similar achievements this year. "Hopefully we can do well [in the Premier League Cup again this season]," he continued. "Every game and every cup we play in, I will just be trying to do my best for the team. "I mean, if goals come, that's a plus, but it's all about the team for me. "I did well in front of goal last season, so of course the target is to do so again this year. I personally think that it's the most important thing for a player in my position, to go and score goals. So, that's the big target."
West Ham PL2 next face Aston Villa away from home on Monday after a period without a game due to the international break. With the side third in the table, just one point off Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion above them, Parfitt-Williams hopes to establish his place in the side once again to help his team push on.
"Hopefully I can be pushing to start for the upcoming games," he said. "I'm fit to play now. "I need to work hard in training so that the manager can pick me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Simone Zaza set for West Ham exit as Valencia eye January move for Juventus striker
21:54, 12 OCT 2016 UPDATED 22:02, 12 OCT 2016
BY JOHN CROSS
The Italian international has struggled to make an impact during his loan spell with the Hammers and could make an early exit
The Mirror
Simone Zaza could be on his way out of West Ham - less than two months after joining. Valencia boss Cesare Prandelli is keen on the Italy striker who is on a season-long loan at West Ham. Zaza has struggled to settle at West Ham who have a clause in his contract to make the transfer a £10m permanent deal if he plays enough games. But former Italy boss Prandelli is keen to try and do a January deal while Napoli are also watching developments. West Ham boss Slaven Bilic claimed that he had spent a year trying to sign Zaza but the 25-year-old - who is on loan from Juventus - has yet to score. But if the deal does not work out then it would be a blow for Bilic who was hoping he would be a big lift for his squad. West Ham have made a poor start to the season, have managed just one win this season and Bilic is beginning to feel the pressure.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Sofiane Feghouli discusses transfer decision, claims Bilic has wanted him for years
HITC
Olly Dawes
Sofiane Feghouli has discussed his decision to join West Ham over the summer. West Ham United winger Sofiane Feghouli has told the club's official website that his decision to join the club over the summer wasn't a difficult one. Despite having great attacking players in Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio last season, manager Slaven Bilic moved to bring in more options for his attacking midfield roles. Even before snapping up Gokhan Tore on loan from Besiktas and Andre Ayew from Swansea City, Bilic swooped to land winger Sofiane Feghouli on a free transfer from Valencia. The former Grenoble starlet, 26, hit 31 goals in 202 games for La Liga side Valencia before his contract expired at the end of last season – and West Ham swooped to sign him on a three-year deal. So far, Feghouli has endured a stop-start opening to his West Ham career; he may have scored his first goal for the club in a Europa League tie against Domzale in August, but has played just 90 minutes of Premier League action having struggled for form and fitness. The Algerian international will be hoping to kick on and live up to his billing over the coming months, and has now discussed his decision to leave Valencia and join West Ham. Feghouli told the club's official website that his decision 'wasn't too difficult', as he wanted to play in the Premier League, and knew that he wanted to join the club after speaking to manager Bilic. The wide man added that he knows Bilic has wanted him for years, and the Croatian knows how to get the best out of him as a result. "It wasn't too difficult to come to my decision," said Feghouli. "I was coming to the end of my contract at Valencia and for various reasons, we were unable to renegotiate and so, I needed to find a new club and consider the offers that were being made. "I wanted to give the Premier League a go because it's one of the best leagues in the world and attracts so much attention from around the world. I knew about West Ham and I had heard a lot about the passion of the fans. After speaking to the manager and listening to his project, it was an easy decision for me to join the Club." "Slaven has followed me for a couple of seasons and so he knows how I play and where best to play me for the good of the team," he added.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan 'fed up with negative campaigning against London Stadium'
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
Co-owner David Sullivan says that West Ham are the subject of "negative campaigning" against the London Stadium. The club's move from the Boleyn Ground, their home of 112 years, to Stratford during the summer has been defined by struggles on the pitch – Slaven Bilic's side are 18th in the table and out of the Europa League – and discontent among fans in the stands.
Though the London Stadium provides the club with the financial muscle to compete with rivals in the capital and the rest of the Premier League supporters are yet to embrace the ground, with a section of supporters chanting "we should have stayed at the Boleyn" during the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough before the international break. Five fans were arrested in clashes outside the ground following the match. West Ham have said that any supporters found to have engaged in violence will receive lifetime bans. "I have to say I am getting increasingly fed up with the negative campaigning against the stadium by some sections of the media," Sullivan wrote on the club website. "I find it particularly galling when the journalists who are writing these skewed opinions have not even been to the stadium! "Reading some write ups they give a very different impression of the Stadium to that which is being reported by people who have actually been there. "To put it into perspective at the Middlesbrough game there were five arrests - ALL outside the stadium in the public park. It has not yet been confirmed which of these supporters are West Ham United fans. "However, I fully accept that's too many and we are in the process of identifying and banning these supporters in line with our zero tolerance policy. "I prefer to listen to the hundreds and hundreds of emails I am getting from supporters who love the new stadium, love that we have made football affordable, and I am very proud that we have 25,000 families inside the stadium, many new to football – this is the future of West Ham's support and this is the reason we made the move in the first place.
"Things will calm down shortly and it will all be helped when we start to win a few games." West Ham host their first London derby at their new home on October 26, welcoming Chelsea in the EFL Cup four days after a Premier League game with Sunderland at the London Stadium. Sullivan confirmed that tickets would only be available to those who had attended a match in the last five years. Chelsea have also been told they may not receive their full allocation, 5,700, for the match as there remain logistical issues in the London Stadium's away end.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Adrian leads the praise for Joe Hart after stunning England performance in Slovenia
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Standard
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian was full of praise for Joe Hart after the England shot-stopper made a string of fine saves to help the Three Lions secure a point in Slovenia on Tuesday.
Hart, who is spending the season on loan at Torino after being deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester City, put in a man-of-the-match performance in the World Cup qualifier in Ljubljana, which ended 0-0. The 29-year-old first came to Eric Dier's aid after he raced out to retrieve the Tottenham midfielder's backpass which had been intercepted by the opposition before making a phenomenal stop to keep out Jasmin Kurtic's header. Such were his heroics that Hammers goalkeeper Adrian took to Twitter during England's game to hail Hart and his performance in Slovenia. "Joe Hart. #Onfire #Respect #goalkeeper," he wrote on the social media website.
Former England and Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman was also full of praise for Hart, writing on Twitter: Great performance Joe Hart!!#MOM".
Speaking about his own performance after the game, Hart admitted he put his body on the line to help England salvage a draw but revealed it was probably his best game for the national side for some time.
Adrián San Miguel ✔ @AdriSanMiguel
Joe Hart🙌🏻⚽️🔥🔥🔥#Onfire #Respect #goalkeeper
9:14 PM - 11 Oct 2016
David Seaman ✔ @thedavidseaman
Great performance Joe Hart!!#MOM
9:38 PM - 11 Oct 2016
Alec Stewart ✔ @StewieCricket
Joe Hart showing why the ability of a goalkeeper to be able to use his hands and not just his feet is rather important! #greatsaves
9:00 PM - 11 Oct 2016
Rio Ferdinand ✔ @rioferdy5
Bit behind on the #SLOENG as had to pause... That save from Joe Hart 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
8:57 PM - 11 Oct 2016
"[It was] my best one [England game] in a while," Hart told ITV Sport. "My body is in absolute pieces. I think I'm going to struggle to get up tomorrow. I just did everything I could to keep it out. "I don't know what happened. I've just seen it [the replay] now - it hurt though!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
What a talent we have... David Gold sends message on Twitter to West Ham teenager Martin Samuelsen
HITC
Olly Dawes
Martin Samuelsen scored his first goal for Norway in a 4-1 win over San Marino this evening. West Ham United co-chairman David Gold has taken to Twitter to congratulate teenager Martin Samuelsen for scoring his first goal for Norway this evening. As the international break draws to an end, Norway were in action against San Marino tonight at the Ullevaal Stadion in Olso – and avoided a potential upset. Davide Simoncini's own goal set Norway on their way in the first half, but minnows San Marino stunned the world when Mattai Stefanelli equalised in the second half. With 15 minutes to go, Norway were being held to a 1-1 draw, and were set for embarrassment before Hull's Adama Diomande, West Ham's Martin Samuelsen and Bournemouth's Joshua King struck within five minutes to clinch a 4-1 win. For 19-year-old playmaker Samuelsen, it was his first goal for Norway in just his second cap as he continues to demonstrate his huge talent. The teenager, snapped up by West Ham from Manchester City back in the summer of 2015, is currently out on loan at Championship side Blackburn Rovers, but looks to have a huge future ahead of him at West Ham. After the final whistle in Oslo, West Ham's co-chairman David Gold took to Twitter to offer a congratulatory message to Samuelsen for his maiden international goal. Gold summed up how West Ham feel about Samuelsen by saying 'what a talent we have' – and fans will hope to see him banging in Premier League goals over the coming years.
David Gold ✔ @davidgold
Congratulations Martin @samuelseen first goal for Norway. What a talent We have. @WestHamUtd @WestHamSocial @ExWHUemployee dg
10:10 PM - 11 Oct 2016
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal defender: How West Ham move helped me grow up
Express.co.uk
By CHARLIE PHILLIPPE
PUBLISHED: 07:39, Wed, Oct 12, 2016 | UPDATED: 07:47, Wed, Oct 12, 2016
Jenkinson spent the last two seasons with the Hammers, before returning to Arsenal with a cruciate ligament injury in January. The 24-year-old finally returned to training at the end of last month after his long injury lay-off. And he insists his time spent with West Ham was beneficial not only for his career but also in his personal development. "I've definitely grown up a lot in the last couple of years," Jenkinson told Arsenal.com. "I like to think I've always been quite a mature lad but just learning how to deal in everyday life with certain situations, I think I've matured a lot. "I think on the pitch I'm better at making decisions and it comes with experience. "I've played a lot of football over the last couple of years for someone my age. "I've played 50 odd games in the Premier League, which was fantastic for me. That experience is invaluable."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IS ZAZA TO EXIT IN JANUARY? WILL HE BE ACCOMPANIED BY OTHERS OUT THE DOOR?
By S J Chandos 12 Oct 2016 at 08:00
WTID
It has been reported by a Spanish media source that La Liga side, Valencia, are preparing a bid to sign Simone Zaza in the January transfer window. Obviously, West Ham are currently in the driving seat with a £5m season long loan agreement and the option to sign the Italian international permanently for a further £20m fee. However, Zaza's indifferent start to his West Ham career has meant that the club may be prepared to end the deal early and allow Juventus and Valencia strike an alternative deal in the winter transfer window. Much depends on whether Zaza can convince the Hammers to sign him in the remaining 10 games before the permanent deal clause in the loan agreement is activated?
So, it looks as if West Ham could have a handy 'get out' if Zaza continues to disappoint. If he does leave, the question is will Zaza be the only one out the door in January? The form of fellow loanees, Tore and Calleri, has been equally disappointing. Apart from his assist for the winner against Bournemouth, Tore has shown little to suggest that the Turkish international has what it takes to make an impact in the PL. While, the Argentinian striker has emulated Zaza in failing to find the back of the net so far this season. Although in fairness to Calleri, unlike Zaza, he has consistently got into goal scoring positions and one could argue that he has been slightly unfortunate not to have broken his PL duck. But nevertheless, neither loanee has hitherto 'pulled up any trees.' But the likelihood is, all things being equal, that both Tore and Calleri will remain with the club for the remainder of their season long loan period. After that is completed, it is unlikely that, on current form, the club will sanction a £13m permanent deal for Tore and, my understanding is that, there is no clause for a permanent deal for Calleri, even if West Ham wished to pursue it.
Of the other summer signings, Feghouli and Ayew have suffered injuries that have limited their first team appearances and Arthur Masuaku has now suffered the same fate. Although Masuaku has clearly struggled with pace of the PL, once he adapts he should be a reasonable deputy for Cresswell. Similarly, it could be argued that Nordtvelt also needs to adapt his game to the greater pace/aggression of the PL. When he does, likewise, he will eventually make a positive impact. Nordtvelt's distribution and ability to pick out a pass is a real strength, but he needs to 'step up to the plate' in the defensive midfield/ball winning aspect of the role. Currently, Obiang looks the stronger option in that latter respect. And there is no doubt that Obiang was one of the major successes in the draw against Middlesboro and should continue in the role in the Palace away match. While Alvaro Arbeloa is undoubtedly a player, with substantial top level experience with Liverpool, Real Madrid and the Spanish national side. Once he raises his match fitness, he can bring vital experience and defensive leadership skills to the right-back position. His free transfer signing could be vital, especially in light of Byram's recent injury. Finally, Fletcher and Fernandes have looked very promising in their early first team appearances and Martinez is demonstrating his goal scoring ability in the U-23s. Indeed, if the young Spaniard continues with this type of goal scoring form it will not be too long before he also forces his way in to Bilic's first team plans.
So, it is an understatement to say that the performances of our new summer additions have been variable. But injuries have been a major contributing factor and I have no doubt that the likes of Ayew and Feghouli are class players, who will eventually make a positive contribution. The big successes this season are arguably two of the stars of the previous campaign, Antonio and Payet. Payet's creativity and vision is crucial and where would we be without his and Antonio's goals? We also need to see Lanzini continue his midfield play-making partnership with Payet and Carroll & Sakho return to fitness. Carroll gives us another option and, in my option, Sakho is the best all-round centre-forward at the club. Not only does Sakho know how to convert chances, but his industry and skilful leading of the line adds cohesion to our forward line and brings our midfielders in to play. I would dearly love to see Sakho overcome his previous differences with the club and dedicate himself to competing for a starting place. That requires 'give and take' on both sides and, if his attitude, fitness and form are good, the club should offer the Senegalese international a new, improved contract.
The major plus points from the Middleboro draw were the greater efficiency of the defence, with Ogbonna at left-back and Collins, Reid and Arbeloa forming an improved rearguard and the performances of Obiang, as the midfield anchor, and, of course, Payet. With Antonio continuing to perform in his preferred wide role and Lanzini coming back to form, there is cause for real optimism. But as I indicated in last week's 'Al Pacino' column, it is about each player doing their jobs, raising their individual performances, winning the 50/50 balls and improving the margins to deliver a significantly improved team performance. We have the players to do it and we will only get stronger once the absentees return. Ideally we need to draw a line in the sand against Crystal Palace and deliver an away win. The good news is that Cresswell and Carroll are nearing a return, whether that is against Palace or Sunderland remains to be seen? We have particularly missed Cresswell and, perhaps, it is only in his absence that one fully appreciates his prime importance to the team, both defensively and in our attacking play down the left flank.
To be honest I would settle for grinding out a 0-1 win on Saturday. Although it would obviously be preferable to ally a solid defensive performance, with a powerful and fluid attacking display. As I have said, I would take a 0-1 win now, but a repeat of last season's 1-3 victory would be ideal. In fact there could be a certain symmetry to this fixture. On 17 October 2015 we registered that 1-3 win to lift us in to the top three of the PL. Would it not be ironic if the corresponding fixture this Saturday provided the three points to lift us out of the bottom three and start a charge up the table. Stranger things have happened! COYI.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Valencia eye Simone Zaza move in January
HITC
Sean Lunt
The Juventus man is currently struggling on loan at West Ham United. According to Valencian newspaper Levante-emv, Valencia are eyeing a move for striker Simone Zaza. The forward is currently on loan at West Ham United from Juventus, with Slaven Bilic's side paying a £5million loan fee with an obligation to buy him for £20 million should he play a certain amount of games. He has failed to shine at the London Stadium, though, and is currently goalless in his first five games. Indeed, talk has already been rife about a potential return to Italy in the January transfer window should he fail to turn things around. And it seems Italy may not be his only option, with Levante-emv reporting that Valencia could offer him an escape route.
According to the newspaper, the Italian has been added to a long list of potential strikers they could target in January and manager Cesare Prandelli has already given his approval.
Los Che have struggled for goals so far, with just nine in their first seven games, and Zaza is viewed as a solution to that issue. The deal is likely to be a tricky one to get done, though, given there are three parties involved in the deal. Although, if he continues to struggle then West Ham will likely take any opportunity to bring his loan spell to an end.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ecuador's Enner Valencia scores twice and celebrates with 'baby bump' after child maintenance row
08:58, 12 OCT 2016 UPDATED 08:59, 12 OCT 2016
BY ALEX RICHARDS
On-loan Everton striker Enner Valencia put a difficult week behind him by scoring twice in Ecuador's World Cup qualifying draw with Bolivia - and celebrated with a baby bump. Valencia has made international headlines amid a row over unpaid child maintenance and appeared to feign injury in last week's 3-0 win over Chile in an astonishing incident which saw him chased by judicial officials and police. But after breaking his silence on that subject over the weekend, Valencia emerged as his country's hero, bagging a brace at La Tri came from two down to draw in La Paz. The hosts had taken control of the match, with veteran striker Pablo Escobar netting both goals. The 38-year-old thumped home from 30-yards inside four minutes to give Bolivia the lead, before firing home two minutes before half-time to double their advantage. But Gustavo Quinteros' side came out firing in the second period and hit back within three minutes of the break, 26-year-old Valencia turning home. And the Toffees forward, who joined on a season-long loan from West Ham in August, notched an 89th minute equaliser - celebrating with a nod to events of recent days. They head to Uruguay next month, with La Celeste currently sitting in second, three points ahead.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, October 13
Wednesday, October 12
Daily WHUFC News - 12th October 2016
Ladies brought into West Ham family
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce that, in agreement with the
current Ladies' committee, the Club have this evening been successful in
bringing West Ham United Ladies into the West Ham family. Fittingly, the
announcement falls during FA Women and Girls week, which will see over
60,000 women and girls participate in grassroots football activities across
the country. West Ham United Ladies, who this season celebrate their 25th
anniversary, currently play in the FA Women's Premier League Southern
Division, and have been working closely with the Club fully supporting the
proposals in order to ensure a smooth transition for the side. Key factors
for improvement in the running of the Ladies' side have been identified by
West Ham United, and the teams will now work in unison to ensure the
delivery of these and help maintain their continued progression. The move
will also see the West Ham Ladies Academy set-up, which includes Under-10,
12, 14 and 16 age groups, fully operated by West Ham United.
West Ham United Ladies will also benefit from direct association with the
West Ham badge further cementing their association with the Irons, as well
as the expertise and knowledge of the Club's administrative and football
staff. Hammers Vice-Chairman Karren Brady is delighted that the Ladies are
now set to go from strength to strength. "West Ham United Ladies have
operated separately to the Club for 25 years, and today marks the next step
in building the future of women's football at West Ham United," she told
whufc.com. "The addition of the Ladies into the West Ham family is the
solution my Board and I have long sought. Not only does it secure the long
term future of the Ladies' side, but also guarantees that current and future
supporters, players and staff of the Ladies' team will form an integral part
of the Club's bright future as we move forward "From the top down, West Ham
United is passionately committed to equality, particularly for women, and
that is precisely why women's football is such a high priority on our
agenda. "We are delighted to be able to support West Ham United Ladies'
continued progression, and look forward to building the momentum that will
see the team become an institution that our Club and our supporters can be
proud of."
West Ham United will be releasing more information regarding the exciting
plans for the West Ham United Ladies over the coming weeks, and getting
behind the Ladies as they host Crystal Palace Ladies in the London FA
Capital Cup first round at Ship Lane in Thurrock, next Sunday 16 October.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Academy of Football plays host to J-League youth bosses
WHUFC.com
Academy directors from Japan's premier football league have visited West Ham
United's Academy of Football to gain an insight into the setup at Chadwell
Heath. Bosses from some of the J-League's top academies spent their time in
East London learning about many different aspects of the club's Category One
academy. Terry Westley and Liam Manning offered their expertise in a number
of coaching sessions throughout the week and West Ham's Head of Academy
Coaching and Player Development said the week was a valuable one for both
parties. "We had a visit from their (J-League's) technical director a few
months ago, who was visiting Category One academies in England," said
Westley. "We showed him some of the work we've been doing, in particular
individual plans for players, plans for staff and development. He liked the
concept and chose West Ham as the base for their visit. "The coaches have
been looking at our club right the way through from operations, our vision
and the strategy of the academy to how we coach the players for nine to 23
year-old"
The visit of some of Japan's top academy coaches has been a worthwhile
experience for the Academy of Football. As a return of favour for West Ham's
hospitality, the Hammers' U17 side have been invited to Japan for a
competition against some of the country's top clubs next year. "The week has
shown them what our structure is, compared to theirs, and our full-time and
hybrid programmes for younger players "They have also been able to see what
our U23 players are like and what their league is like. The Premier League
have also done a talk and they've been able to watch a Champions League
match at Leicester City. "They've had a packed ten days but from a teaching
perspective it's about the learning observations that they've had as well.
"We've been able to learn from them as well; we've asked them lots of
questions about their teams, players and league and it's been a great
experience."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Digital screen installation begins
WHUFC.com
Work to install largest digital screen in Europe at London Stadium is
underway
Eleven-panel high-definition (HD) screen will be 82m wide by 12m high
Screens will enable West Ham United to show live and recorded content
West Ham United is pleased to update supporters that work is underway on the
installation of the largest digital screen in Europe at London Stadium.
Stadium landlords E20 Stadium LLP are set to announce full details soon and
West Ham United fans can expect to see the first five panels of the 82m wide
by 12m high high-definition (HD) screen being carefully lifted into place at
the Hammers' new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and for these to be
operational for the Premier League visit of Sunderland on Saturday 22
October. Following the Sunderland fixture work will then restart
immediately, with the remaining six panels scheduled to be in place for the
Premier League fixture with Stoke City on Saturday 5 November.
Once completed, the digital screen will set a new benchmark in world stadia,
adding another marquee feature to the iconic venue. West Ham United
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said the new screens will enable the Club to
share its market-leading content with millions of supporters every season.
"This is yet another exciting and historic landmark moment for West Ham
United," she said. "We are delighted that the work to install these
magnificent digital screens has begun on schedule, with phase one to be
completed in time for our next home match.
"These record-breaking screens will not only allow us to share entertaining
and engaging live and recorded video content, but also enable us to keep
fans right up to date with the latest news."
The installation is being carried out by Daktronics, the designer and
manufacturer of computer-programmable display systems who previously
installed the digital screens at the new Wembley Stadium, the Millennium
Stadium, Twickenham and Real Madrid's Bernabeu Stadium. Daktronics project
manager Rahman Amin is the person overseeing the installation, which
initially began with work to strengthen the Stadium's external steel
structure in September. "This is one of the iconic projects we have worked
on and we're proud to be involved," he said. "These are state-of-the-art
screens which can handle HD video quality and they are the biggest in
Europe. "This will be a live video screen, enabling you to run live and
recorded video, animated or static content, which means you can show
pre-event content or highlights, or can even be connected to cameras to show
anything going on inside the Stadium."
The digital screen completes the stunning external branding of London
Stadium, which also features panels showing five West Ham United crests
measuring 6.8m high and 7.5m wide, as well as other Hammers signage and
branding, all of which are uplit during specified hours of darkness. To
complete the eye-catching design that has revolutionised the exterior of the
Stadium, an internally illuminated marquee sign spelling out the words 'West
Ham United' in Claret and Blue has also been installed, which is also
illuminated during specified hours of darkness.
At Champions Place, supporters, former players and managers are all honoured
in a unique walkway of personalised engraved granite stones situated behind
the Bobby Moore Stand – one of two named in honour of the Hammers' greatest
sons, alongside Sir Trevor Brooking. Each turnstile pod is adorned with a
Claret and Blue story relating to the Club's achievements and while inside
the concourse hang giant shirts depicting the Hammers' greatest players,
past and present. With every Season Ticket Holder's name adorning the
Stadium's four Founders Walls on the concourses where they sit and stories
celebrating West Ham's successes to be found everywhere from the Players'
Tunnel to the Club London hospitality areas, London Stadium is proving to be
truly a fitting home for West Ham United.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com
We all know the importance of the game against Crystal Palace on Saturday
and it is going to be another tough encounter. Palace have started the
season really well, but we have to get something, and I expect us to get
something, from the game. We had a great result at Selhurst Park last season
when we came away with a 3-1 victory and it would be great if we could get a
similar result this time around. I remember the game clearly. It was a
fantastic London derby with lots of chances at both ends, and we came
through late on with goals from Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet. Dimi
celebrated his fantastic finish with a run to the West Ham fans and a salute
- let's hope we see a similar celebration on Saturday. Despite our
frustrating start to the season, the fans have been fantastic and we will
need their great support more than ever at the game on Saturday. We have
suffered a number of injuries since the start of the season and it will be a
big boost to see Aaron Cresswell back in first-team contention. We hope that
both Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll will also be back in action in the next
few weeks. We also need our club record signing Andre Ayew, but he could
still be a month away from making a first-team return. This will be the
first time that we will be facing James Tomkins since he left the Club
during the summer. James was a great servant to West Ham United and made a
lot of friends during his long spell at the Hammers. I hope that James will
get a great reception as he was always very loyal to the Club and only left
to pursue regular first-team football.
Finally, I just want to touch upon the new Stadium. I have to say I am
getting increasingly fed up with the negative campaigning against the
stadium by some sections of the media. I find it particularly galling when
the journalists who are writing these skewed opinions have not even been to
the stadium! Reading some write ups they give a very different impression of
the Stadium to that which is being reported by people who have actually been
there. To put it into perspective at the Middlesbrough game there were five
arrests - ALL outside the stadium in the public park. It has not yet been
confirmed which of these supporters are West Ham United fans. However, I
fully accept that's too many and we are in the process of identifying and
banning these supporters in line with our zero tolerance policy. I prefer to
listen to the hundreds and hundreds of email I am getting from supporters
who love the new stadium, love that we have made football affordable, and I
am very proud that we have 25,000 families inside the stadium, many new to
football – this is the future of West Ham's support and this is the reason
we made the move in the first place. Things will calm down shortly and it
will all be helped when we start to win a few games. I would like to thank
99.9 per cent of the supporters who are behaving impeccably and are really
getting behind the team. To limit any trouble the Chelsea game is only
available to supporters with a previous buying history.
This game is not on TV and if you have bought a ticket with us in the last
five years I urge you to come along and support us. If we win this game we
are just two rounds from Wembley.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ticket Exchange open for Sunderland
WHUFC.com
Ticket Exchange open for the first time for visit of Sunderland on 22
October
Season Ticket Holders can make seats available for Claret Members to
purchase
Scheme will enable supporters to attend otherwise sold out London Stadium
matches
The West Ham United Ticket Exchange will be open for the first time for the
Premier League visit of Sunderland to London Stadium on Saturday 22 October.
With the visit of the Black Cats sold out to Claret Members via a ballot,
Season Ticket Holders who are unable to attend this fixture can release
their seat to the Ticket Exchange for Claret Members to purchase.
Once a Season Ticket Holder's ticket has been exchanged, his or her Season
Card will be disabled for the game, while the buyer's Claret Membership Card
will be activated.
The credit for the ticket sale will be made available in the seller's Season
Ticket Holder account, minus a 10% administrative charge.
For full details of how to release your seat to the Ticket Exchange, and for
terms and conditions, please click here to view our helpful User Guide.
Season Ticket Holder seats which become available on the Ticket Exchange
will be available to Claret Members to purchase online here.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ray - We are thrilled to be part of West Ham family
WHUFC.com
Ladies captain Karen Ray is thrilled the team have now been brought into the
West Ham United family and feels it can now help them move through the
divisions and achieve success.
The Ladies team are currently celebrating their 25th anniversary and will
now work closely with the Club to ensure key improvements are made and they
can maintain their continued progression.
The move will also see the Ladies Academy set-up fully operated by West Ham
United and Ray says this will help them grow even stronger and produce
better teams across all age groups.
Ray has no doubts that this big move will help them achieve their dreams of
competing with the top women's teams in the country and says the decision
has been welcomed by everyone associated with the team.
Ray said: "For me it is a no-brainer and it needed to happen. When you look
at the likes of Manchester City and how their programmes run and how their
teams are integrated, it is going to be needed.
"As players we wanted it to happen because it will help us climb up the
ladder towards WSL2 and then WSL1 so nothing but good things can come out of
this and I am excited about the chance and to move on in the right
direction.
"Even if I am not playing then, this is what I would love to see the team
achieve and have a lot of success. I want them to have the same chances that
other people have.
"Having the close connections with the Club can help us achieve that."
The Ladies team currently play in the FA Women's Premier League Southern
Division, but have aspirations to play at a higher level and Ray hopes they
can attract even bigger crowds in the near future.
Ray added: "We will keep sticking together as a team and things will
improve. We will see a massive change after Christmas in terms of our
results and climbing back up the table and making sure we stay up this
season.
"Once we have secured that it will be a case of us pushing for the WSL and
that is what we need to aim for.
"As a Club and a group of players I think we have got the talent and it is a
case of sticking together and to the plan the coach has given us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview - Sofiane Feghouli
WHUFC.com
Sofiane Feghouli is ready to make his first Premier League start against
Crystal Palace on Saturday and hopes to make a major impact for the Hammers
this season. Feghouli was forced to miss the opening part of the campaign
after picking up a hamstring injury during the Betway Cup against Juventus.
The Algeria international has now made a full recovery and made a big
impression when he appeared as a half-time substitute in the last game
against Middlesbrough.
The 26-year-old is now hoping to play a big part in the big London derby at
Selhurst Park this weekend and help his team move away from the bottom
three.....
You have now been in England for a few months following your big move to
West Ham United during the summer. How are you settling into your new
surroundings and how much do you enjoy playing in the Premier League?
SF: "I am really happy to be in England and playing for West Ham. Playing in
a new league, in a new country and with a new way of life is an incredibly
rewarding experience and one that I am enjoying. "After six years in Spain
with Valencia, I am pleased with how things are going at the Club. "It was
obviously annoying to have picked up an injury so early on in my career with
West Ham, preventing me from starting the season as I would have liked to.
"I am getting back my form and hopefully, in the next couple of weeks and
with some game time, I can get back to feeling 100 percent."
Was it a difficult decision for you to leave La Liga and join the Premier
League?
SF: "It wasn't too difficult to come to my decision. I was coming to the end
of my contract at Valencia and for various reasons, we were unable to
renegotiate and so, I needed to find a new club and consider the offers that
were being made. "I wanted to give the Premier League a go because it's one
of the best leagues in the world and attracts so much attention from around
the world. "In my opinion, every player needs to play in the Premier League
at least once in their career for it to be a truly successful one. "I knew
about West Ham and I had heard a lot about the passion of the fans. After
speaking to the manager and listening to his project, it was an easy
decision for me to join the Club."
You have now played in front of the West Ham fans at home in the Premier
League, how would you describe the atmosphere of this ground?
SF: "It is really exciting for us to play in front of so many fans at home.
We hope that they can continue to support us and push us on throughout the
ninety minutes so that we can start winning games at home. "We will be doing
everything we can to make them happy and to get the win today. We need to
get a win to improve the confidence of the squad and to help us to start
climbing the table."
How much do the players discuss the reasons for the slow start to the season
and how determined are you to turn the season around?
SF: "Of course we are discussing the reasons for our start to the season in
the dressing room. We have suffered due to a series of injuries to some key
players. So that alone has caused us some issues at the start of the season.
"We also had quite a few games in a short period due to the Europa League
and so physically we struggled a bit. "I know personally that I need time on
the pitch to improve my own match fitness and to get back my rhythm. I am
sure that in the coming weeks as we get some of our players back to fitness,
we will start to perform better as a team."
What qualities will you bring to the team and what can the West Ham fans
expect from Sofiane Feghouli this season?
SF: "First of all, I can bring a hunger and desire to win. I can't stand
losing, be that in training or on matchday. "Then, there are my technical
qualities, I am a player that can deliver quality deliveries to the
attackers, I can score goals and I can play in several positions across the
pitch. "Slaven has followed me for a couple of seasons and so he knows how I
play and where best to play me for the good of the team."
At the start of your career, you were often said to be the 'new Zidane',
what kind of pressure did that put on you?
SF: "At that time in France, after Zidane's fantastic career, every player
coming from the Maghreb was likened to Zidane. "For me, there was no
comparison to make between us. We are two very different types of players
with very different styles, so I haven't felt the pressure at all during my
career because of these comparisons."
When you played in Spain with Valencia and now, here in the Premier League,
do you feel like you are representing your country on the international
stage?
SF: "Of course, I know that when I play abroad that I am representing the
Algerian people. "They are back in Algeria supporting me and so I always try
to give my best to give the best impression possible of Algeria and to make
my fellow countrymen and women proud. "The Algerian national game has never
been as strong as it is today and we have a very talented squad. We have
been playing together for a couple of seasons and we are maturing as a team.
"Hopefully, this will show on the pitch in the upcoming tournaments,
especially during the African Cup of Nations next year."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United Supporters Trust: an update
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th October 2016
By: Paul Christmas
Here is a brief summary of the meeting of the Hammers Supporters Club. There
was broad agreement to work towards two initial aims:
1. To secure the future of the Hammers Supporters Club (HSC), recruit new
members and seek new premises closer to the stadium.
2. To set up an Independent Supporters Association (ISA) or Supporters Trust
with a large membership to act as a voice of the fans and to influence the
club on issues which affect us (maybe a Trust to lead on from ISA as being a
legal entity it takes longer to set up).
Before it can be taken much further the Hammers Supporters Club have to
decide whether they want to expand to accommodate the second of these aims,
bringing in new people and structure alongside their existing committee, and
it would need to be considered whether a change of name is required.
The meeting was very positive and has laid a firm foundation for a voice for
the fans to be heard. Details of those present have been collated to form a
group to work over the next two weeks to take forward the above aims.
Further details will be posted on this and other sites while there is a
dedicated thread on the KUMB Forum.
Any further ideas or suggestions are all welcome.
As mentioned, such efforts have been made in the past to set up an
association/trust. The meeting on Saturday was not staged to re-invent the
wheel and help has been offered with regard to previous efforts/advice and
so on.
This is very much appreciated and a united front is important for this to
move forward. If we can help each other, we will succeed.
Thanks also to representatives of the Hammers Social Club who hosted and
spoke at the meeting and to all who attended - especially one gentleman who
travelled down from Yorkshire.
A number of people were unable to male an appearance due to receiving
relatively-short notice. Therefore the next meeting has already been
scheduled for those to attend.
It will be held on Saturday, 22 October at the Hammers Social Club. The HSC
will be open from 11am with the meeting to start at 12 noon, finishing in
time for us to travel to the OS for the Sunderland match.
After the next meeting on the 22nd we should be in a better position to give
firm feedback on the shape of the organisation(s) and will set up a website
to take membership.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the
author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be
attributed to, KUMB.com.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newham Council accused in ticket scandal
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th October 2016
By: Staff Writer
More than half the free tickets for West Ham United home matches distributed
by Newham Council have gone to their own employees, it has been claimed.
From a total of 5,970 tickets handed out thus far by the Council as part of
their arrangement with West Ham, just 2,728 reached members of the local
community - with the remaining 3,242 being allocated to employees of Newham
Council, according to a KUMB source.
The 3,242 tickets snapped up by Newham employees were used for the Europa
League qualifiers against Domzale (1,433 tickets) and Astra Giurgiu (1,010)
plus the recent EFL Cup tie with Accrington Stanley (799) - resulting in 55
per cent of the available tickets intended for local residents going to
unnamed Council workers. "Newham previously stated that 'the tickets are
used to reward residents for being active and resilient members of the
community'," said the source. "Lead councillors for each of our community
neighbourhoods will have a role in managing these rewards, and settling the
criteria for distributing tickets to their residents who are making a
contribution to their community. "Why is it, that in each of the three
games referred to, there were more tickets given to Newham Council staff
than went to those 'active and resilient members of the community'?"
According to our source, tickets for the first of the three games above were
distributed on "a first come, first served" basis - whilst tickets for the
Astra and Accrington matches were allocated to Newham Council employees via
"a ballot process". "In terms of those tickets being offered to community
groups, relatively few have not been taken - and certainly nowhere near the
number that are then taken by Newham council staff," continued our source.
"For example, a total of 760 tickets were offered but only 60 not taken by
community groups for the Accrington game - whilst Newham council staff used
a further 799 tickets for that game."
Meanwhile a KUMB member has claimed that he is regularly offered free
tickets for West Ham's home matches by a Newham Council employee. "I know
someone who works for Newham and she has text me to ask if I want tickets
when she is offered," said James P. "She gets offered them a day or two
before the game, although It seems to only be the low-interest, non sell-out
games."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan 'fed up' with OS negativity
WHUFC.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th October 2016
By: Staff Writer
Co-Chairman David Sullivan has expressed his frustration at 'negative
campaigning' by some sections of the media. Sullivan, speaking in his weekly
column on the club's website hit out at some sections of the media who he
accused of deliberately presenting "skewed opinions" regarding the Olympic
Stadium. "I have to say I am getting increasingly fed up with the negative
campaigning against the stadium by some sections of the media," he wrote. "I
find it particularly galling when the journalists who are writing these
skewed opinions have not even been to the stadium! "Reading some write-ups,
they give a very different impression of the stadium to that which is being
reported by people who have actually been there. "I prefer to listen to the
hundreds and hundreds of email I am getting from supporters who love the new
stadium, love that we have made football affordable," he continued. "I am
very proud that we have 25,000 families inside the stadium, many new to
football – this is the future of West Ham's support and this is the reason
we made the move in the first place. "Things will calm down shortly and it
will all be helped when we start to win a few games. I would like to thank
99.9 per cent of the supporters who are behaving impeccably and are really
getting behind the team."
To read Sullivan's entire missive visit whufc.com.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tore Injury A Blessing In Disguise As Cresswell Eyes Return?
Submitted by nevillenixon on Tue, 11/10/2016 - 08:07
westhamfans.org
Gokhan Tore's loan move from Besiktas to West Ham has been fraught with
difficulties and niggling injuries, so news that the 24 year old has
suffered a quadriceps muscle problem and won't be back for at least next
month shouldn't really be that much of a surprise. Hammers are not able to
send him back to his parent club in January despite the Turkish
International player's poor start to the season, Tore has played five times
so far this campaign, but has made no real impact and has exhibited all the
traits of a player who is either too confident or too circumspect, classic
behaviour associated with a footballer who is completely out of sorts.
Tore's recent performances have divided opinion among the Hammers faithful
with some willing to give him more time to 'bed in' while others think he is
a waste of space! Such considerations are academic now given the player's
current injury and recent poor showing, but it may well turn out to be a
blessing in disguise for a couple of reasons. Namely the enforced break will
open up a place in the team for Sofianne Feghouli who is only just returning
from injury himself, but more importantly Aaron Cresswell's impending return
means that West Ham fans will finally see a sight that they became used to,
that of the diminutive defender bombing down the wing, scaring the hell out
of the opposition's defence and either pinging in a great cross or
attempting one of the left foot piledriver shots at goal that he is more
than capable of delivering. Slaven Bilic's side have won just once so far
this season in the Premier League and lie uncomfortably in the relegation
zone, injuries have been a major issue with at least seven first team
members unavailable, strikers Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho should be back
within the next few weeks along with record £20million signing Ghana star
Andre Ayew who is scheduled to return towards the end of the month after
nearly requiring thigh surgery but avoiding the actual operation because of
the stellar rehabilitation work carried out by the Hammers medical team.
All the above mentioned players returning should provide a fillip for
manager, co-owners and fans alike, but it is the impending return of
Cresswell that is the most crucial element. Not only has the defence looked
shaky without him, but the team has looked bereft of ideas going forward on
the left hand side of the pitch without him, the entire balance of the team
has looked incorrect since his non availability and has been compared to one
of those old christmas cracker toys where you are required to move all the
numbers or letters around but only have one spare space with which to
manoeuvre, and Cresswell is that 'missing' space. The onus on Cresswell is
huge, however if his recent interviews are anything are anything to go by he
is relishing the prospect of the extra width provided by the expanses of the
London Stadium pitch, electric pace down the flank is his preserve, and an
element that has been sorely missed from West Ham United's opening games.
Perhaps on reflection the club concentrated too much on 'marquee' signings
during the summer and would have been better off consolidating the position
of those who were at the club already and arranging back up just in case! Of
course hindsight is a wonderful thing, but it is to be hoped that the
dreadful start to the season can become a distant memory and that West Ham
can return to being the team that 'top' teams were frightened of playing
last season. - Ed
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce that, in agreement with the
current Ladies' committee, the Club have this evening been successful in
bringing West Ham United Ladies into the West Ham family. Fittingly, the
announcement falls during FA Women and Girls week, which will see over
60,000 women and girls participate in grassroots football activities across
the country. West Ham United Ladies, who this season celebrate their 25th
anniversary, currently play in the FA Women's Premier League Southern
Division, and have been working closely with the Club fully supporting the
proposals in order to ensure a smooth transition for the side. Key factors
for improvement in the running of the Ladies' side have been identified by
West Ham United, and the teams will now work in unison to ensure the
delivery of these and help maintain their continued progression. The move
will also see the West Ham Ladies Academy set-up, which includes Under-10,
12, 14 and 16 age groups, fully operated by West Ham United.
West Ham United Ladies will also benefit from direct association with the
West Ham badge further cementing their association with the Irons, as well
as the expertise and knowledge of the Club's administrative and football
staff. Hammers Vice-Chairman Karren Brady is delighted that the Ladies are
now set to go from strength to strength. "West Ham United Ladies have
operated separately to the Club for 25 years, and today marks the next step
in building the future of women's football at West Ham United," she told
whufc.com. "The addition of the Ladies into the West Ham family is the
solution my Board and I have long sought. Not only does it secure the long
term future of the Ladies' side, but also guarantees that current and future
supporters, players and staff of the Ladies' team will form an integral part
of the Club's bright future as we move forward "From the top down, West Ham
United is passionately committed to equality, particularly for women, and
that is precisely why women's football is such a high priority on our
agenda. "We are delighted to be able to support West Ham United Ladies'
continued progression, and look forward to building the momentum that will
see the team become an institution that our Club and our supporters can be
proud of."
West Ham United will be releasing more information regarding the exciting
plans for the West Ham United Ladies over the coming weeks, and getting
behind the Ladies as they host Crystal Palace Ladies in the London FA
Capital Cup first round at Ship Lane in Thurrock, next Sunday 16 October.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Academy of Football plays host to J-League youth bosses
WHUFC.com
Academy directors from Japan's premier football league have visited West Ham
United's Academy of Football to gain an insight into the setup at Chadwell
Heath. Bosses from some of the J-League's top academies spent their time in
East London learning about many different aspects of the club's Category One
academy. Terry Westley and Liam Manning offered their expertise in a number
of coaching sessions throughout the week and West Ham's Head of Academy
Coaching and Player Development said the week was a valuable one for both
parties. "We had a visit from their (J-League's) technical director a few
months ago, who was visiting Category One academies in England," said
Westley. "We showed him some of the work we've been doing, in particular
individual plans for players, plans for staff and development. He liked the
concept and chose West Ham as the base for their visit. "The coaches have
been looking at our club right the way through from operations, our vision
and the strategy of the academy to how we coach the players for nine to 23
year-old"
The visit of some of Japan's top academy coaches has been a worthwhile
experience for the Academy of Football. As a return of favour for West Ham's
hospitality, the Hammers' U17 side have been invited to Japan for a
competition against some of the country's top clubs next year. "The week has
shown them what our structure is, compared to theirs, and our full-time and
hybrid programmes for younger players "They have also been able to see what
our U23 players are like and what their league is like. The Premier League
have also done a talk and they've been able to watch a Champions League
match at Leicester City. "They've had a packed ten days but from a teaching
perspective it's about the learning observations that they've had as well.
"We've been able to learn from them as well; we've asked them lots of
questions about their teams, players and league and it's been a great
experience."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Digital screen installation begins
WHUFC.com
Work to install largest digital screen in Europe at London Stadium is
underway
Eleven-panel high-definition (HD) screen will be 82m wide by 12m high
Screens will enable West Ham United to show live and recorded content
West Ham United is pleased to update supporters that work is underway on the
installation of the largest digital screen in Europe at London Stadium.
Stadium landlords E20 Stadium LLP are set to announce full details soon and
West Ham United fans can expect to see the first five panels of the 82m wide
by 12m high high-definition (HD) screen being carefully lifted into place at
the Hammers' new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and for these to be
operational for the Premier League visit of Sunderland on Saturday 22
October. Following the Sunderland fixture work will then restart
immediately, with the remaining six panels scheduled to be in place for the
Premier League fixture with Stoke City on Saturday 5 November.
Once completed, the digital screen will set a new benchmark in world stadia,
adding another marquee feature to the iconic venue. West Ham United
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said the new screens will enable the Club to
share its market-leading content with millions of supporters every season.
"This is yet another exciting and historic landmark moment for West Ham
United," she said. "We are delighted that the work to install these
magnificent digital screens has begun on schedule, with phase one to be
completed in time for our next home match.
"These record-breaking screens will not only allow us to share entertaining
and engaging live and recorded video content, but also enable us to keep
fans right up to date with the latest news."
The installation is being carried out by Daktronics, the designer and
manufacturer of computer-programmable display systems who previously
installed the digital screens at the new Wembley Stadium, the Millennium
Stadium, Twickenham and Real Madrid's Bernabeu Stadium. Daktronics project
manager Rahman Amin is the person overseeing the installation, which
initially began with work to strengthen the Stadium's external steel
structure in September. "This is one of the iconic projects we have worked
on and we're proud to be involved," he said. "These are state-of-the-art
screens which can handle HD video quality and they are the biggest in
Europe. "This will be a live video screen, enabling you to run live and
recorded video, animated or static content, which means you can show
pre-event content or highlights, or can even be connected to cameras to show
anything going on inside the Stadium."
The digital screen completes the stunning external branding of London
Stadium, which also features panels showing five West Ham United crests
measuring 6.8m high and 7.5m wide, as well as other Hammers signage and
branding, all of which are uplit during specified hours of darkness. To
complete the eye-catching design that has revolutionised the exterior of the
Stadium, an internally illuminated marquee sign spelling out the words 'West
Ham United' in Claret and Blue has also been installed, which is also
illuminated during specified hours of darkness.
At Champions Place, supporters, former players and managers are all honoured
in a unique walkway of personalised engraved granite stones situated behind
the Bobby Moore Stand – one of two named in honour of the Hammers' greatest
sons, alongside Sir Trevor Brooking. Each turnstile pod is adorned with a
Claret and Blue story relating to the Club's achievements and while inside
the concourse hang giant shirts depicting the Hammers' greatest players,
past and present. With every Season Ticket Holder's name adorning the
Stadium's four Founders Walls on the concourses where they sit and stories
celebrating West Ham's successes to be found everywhere from the Players'
Tunnel to the Club London hospitality areas, London Stadium is proving to be
truly a fitting home for West Ham United.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com
We all know the importance of the game against Crystal Palace on Saturday
and it is going to be another tough encounter. Palace have started the
season really well, but we have to get something, and I expect us to get
something, from the game. We had a great result at Selhurst Park last season
when we came away with a 3-1 victory and it would be great if we could get a
similar result this time around. I remember the game clearly. It was a
fantastic London derby with lots of chances at both ends, and we came
through late on with goals from Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet. Dimi
celebrated his fantastic finish with a run to the West Ham fans and a salute
- let's hope we see a similar celebration on Saturday. Despite our
frustrating start to the season, the fans have been fantastic and we will
need their great support more than ever at the game on Saturday. We have
suffered a number of injuries since the start of the season and it will be a
big boost to see Aaron Cresswell back in first-team contention. We hope that
both Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll will also be back in action in the next
few weeks. We also need our club record signing Andre Ayew, but he could
still be a month away from making a first-team return. This will be the
first time that we will be facing James Tomkins since he left the Club
during the summer. James was a great servant to West Ham United and made a
lot of friends during his long spell at the Hammers. I hope that James will
get a great reception as he was always very loyal to the Club and only left
to pursue regular first-team football.
Finally, I just want to touch upon the new Stadium. I have to say I am
getting increasingly fed up with the negative campaigning against the
stadium by some sections of the media. I find it particularly galling when
the journalists who are writing these skewed opinions have not even been to
the stadium! Reading some write ups they give a very different impression of
the Stadium to that which is being reported by people who have actually been
there. To put it into perspective at the Middlesbrough game there were five
arrests - ALL outside the stadium in the public park. It has not yet been
confirmed which of these supporters are West Ham United fans. However, I
fully accept that's too many and we are in the process of identifying and
banning these supporters in line with our zero tolerance policy. I prefer to
listen to the hundreds and hundreds of email I am getting from supporters
who love the new stadium, love that we have made football affordable, and I
am very proud that we have 25,000 families inside the stadium, many new to
football – this is the future of West Ham's support and this is the reason
we made the move in the first place. Things will calm down shortly and it
will all be helped when we start to win a few games. I would like to thank
99.9 per cent of the supporters who are behaving impeccably and are really
getting behind the team. To limit any trouble the Chelsea game is only
available to supporters with a previous buying history.
This game is not on TV and if you have bought a ticket with us in the last
five years I urge you to come along and support us. If we win this game we
are just two rounds from Wembley.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ticket Exchange open for Sunderland
WHUFC.com
Ticket Exchange open for the first time for visit of Sunderland on 22
October
Season Ticket Holders can make seats available for Claret Members to
purchase
Scheme will enable supporters to attend otherwise sold out London Stadium
matches
The West Ham United Ticket Exchange will be open for the first time for the
Premier League visit of Sunderland to London Stadium on Saturday 22 October.
With the visit of the Black Cats sold out to Claret Members via a ballot,
Season Ticket Holders who are unable to attend this fixture can release
their seat to the Ticket Exchange for Claret Members to purchase.
Once a Season Ticket Holder's ticket has been exchanged, his or her Season
Card will be disabled for the game, while the buyer's Claret Membership Card
will be activated.
The credit for the ticket sale will be made available in the seller's Season
Ticket Holder account, minus a 10% administrative charge.
For full details of how to release your seat to the Ticket Exchange, and for
terms and conditions, please click here to view our helpful User Guide.
Season Ticket Holder seats which become available on the Ticket Exchange
will be available to Claret Members to purchase online here.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ray - We are thrilled to be part of West Ham family
WHUFC.com
Ladies captain Karen Ray is thrilled the team have now been brought into the
West Ham United family and feels it can now help them move through the
divisions and achieve success.
The Ladies team are currently celebrating their 25th anniversary and will
now work closely with the Club to ensure key improvements are made and they
can maintain their continued progression.
The move will also see the Ladies Academy set-up fully operated by West Ham
United and Ray says this will help them grow even stronger and produce
better teams across all age groups.
Ray has no doubts that this big move will help them achieve their dreams of
competing with the top women's teams in the country and says the decision
has been welcomed by everyone associated with the team.
Ray said: "For me it is a no-brainer and it needed to happen. When you look
at the likes of Manchester City and how their programmes run and how their
teams are integrated, it is going to be needed.
"As players we wanted it to happen because it will help us climb up the
ladder towards WSL2 and then WSL1 so nothing but good things can come out of
this and I am excited about the chance and to move on in the right
direction.
"Even if I am not playing then, this is what I would love to see the team
achieve and have a lot of success. I want them to have the same chances that
other people have.
"Having the close connections with the Club can help us achieve that."
The Ladies team currently play in the FA Women's Premier League Southern
Division, but have aspirations to play at a higher level and Ray hopes they
can attract even bigger crowds in the near future.
Ray added: "We will keep sticking together as a team and things will
improve. We will see a massive change after Christmas in terms of our
results and climbing back up the table and making sure we stay up this
season.
"Once we have secured that it will be a case of us pushing for the WSL and
that is what we need to aim for.
"As a Club and a group of players I think we have got the talent and it is a
case of sticking together and to the plan the coach has given us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview - Sofiane Feghouli
WHUFC.com
Sofiane Feghouli is ready to make his first Premier League start against
Crystal Palace on Saturday and hopes to make a major impact for the Hammers
this season. Feghouli was forced to miss the opening part of the campaign
after picking up a hamstring injury during the Betway Cup against Juventus.
The Algeria international has now made a full recovery and made a big
impression when he appeared as a half-time substitute in the last game
against Middlesbrough.
The 26-year-old is now hoping to play a big part in the big London derby at
Selhurst Park this weekend and help his team move away from the bottom
three.....
You have now been in England for a few months following your big move to
West Ham United during the summer. How are you settling into your new
surroundings and how much do you enjoy playing in the Premier League?
SF: "I am really happy to be in England and playing for West Ham. Playing in
a new league, in a new country and with a new way of life is an incredibly
rewarding experience and one that I am enjoying. "After six years in Spain
with Valencia, I am pleased with how things are going at the Club. "It was
obviously annoying to have picked up an injury so early on in my career with
West Ham, preventing me from starting the season as I would have liked to.
"I am getting back my form and hopefully, in the next couple of weeks and
with some game time, I can get back to feeling 100 percent."
Was it a difficult decision for you to leave La Liga and join the Premier
League?
SF: "It wasn't too difficult to come to my decision. I was coming to the end
of my contract at Valencia and for various reasons, we were unable to
renegotiate and so, I needed to find a new club and consider the offers that
were being made. "I wanted to give the Premier League a go because it's one
of the best leagues in the world and attracts so much attention from around
the world. "In my opinion, every player needs to play in the Premier League
at least once in their career for it to be a truly successful one. "I knew
about West Ham and I had heard a lot about the passion of the fans. After
speaking to the manager and listening to his project, it was an easy
decision for me to join the Club."
You have now played in front of the West Ham fans at home in the Premier
League, how would you describe the atmosphere of this ground?
SF: "It is really exciting for us to play in front of so many fans at home.
We hope that they can continue to support us and push us on throughout the
ninety minutes so that we can start winning games at home. "We will be doing
everything we can to make them happy and to get the win today. We need to
get a win to improve the confidence of the squad and to help us to start
climbing the table."
How much do the players discuss the reasons for the slow start to the season
and how determined are you to turn the season around?
SF: "Of course we are discussing the reasons for our start to the season in
the dressing room. We have suffered due to a series of injuries to some key
players. So that alone has caused us some issues at the start of the season.
"We also had quite a few games in a short period due to the Europa League
and so physically we struggled a bit. "I know personally that I need time on
the pitch to improve my own match fitness and to get back my rhythm. I am
sure that in the coming weeks as we get some of our players back to fitness,
we will start to perform better as a team."
What qualities will you bring to the team and what can the West Ham fans
expect from Sofiane Feghouli this season?
SF: "First of all, I can bring a hunger and desire to win. I can't stand
losing, be that in training or on matchday. "Then, there are my technical
qualities, I am a player that can deliver quality deliveries to the
attackers, I can score goals and I can play in several positions across the
pitch. "Slaven has followed me for a couple of seasons and so he knows how I
play and where best to play me for the good of the team."
At the start of your career, you were often said to be the 'new Zidane',
what kind of pressure did that put on you?
SF: "At that time in France, after Zidane's fantastic career, every player
coming from the Maghreb was likened to Zidane. "For me, there was no
comparison to make between us. We are two very different types of players
with very different styles, so I haven't felt the pressure at all during my
career because of these comparisons."
When you played in Spain with Valencia and now, here in the Premier League,
do you feel like you are representing your country on the international
stage?
SF: "Of course, I know that when I play abroad that I am representing the
Algerian people. "They are back in Algeria supporting me and so I always try
to give my best to give the best impression possible of Algeria and to make
my fellow countrymen and women proud. "The Algerian national game has never
been as strong as it is today and we have a very talented squad. We have
been playing together for a couple of seasons and we are maturing as a team.
"Hopefully, this will show on the pitch in the upcoming tournaments,
especially during the African Cup of Nations next year."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United Supporters Trust: an update
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th October 2016
By: Paul Christmas
Here is a brief summary of the meeting of the Hammers Supporters Club. There
was broad agreement to work towards two initial aims:
1. To secure the future of the Hammers Supporters Club (HSC), recruit new
members and seek new premises closer to the stadium.
2. To set up an Independent Supporters Association (ISA) or Supporters Trust
with a large membership to act as a voice of the fans and to influence the
club on issues which affect us (maybe a Trust to lead on from ISA as being a
legal entity it takes longer to set up).
Before it can be taken much further the Hammers Supporters Club have to
decide whether they want to expand to accommodate the second of these aims,
bringing in new people and structure alongside their existing committee, and
it would need to be considered whether a change of name is required.
The meeting was very positive and has laid a firm foundation for a voice for
the fans to be heard. Details of those present have been collated to form a
group to work over the next two weeks to take forward the above aims.
Further details will be posted on this and other sites while there is a
dedicated thread on the KUMB Forum.
Any further ideas or suggestions are all welcome.
As mentioned, such efforts have been made in the past to set up an
association/trust. The meeting on Saturday was not staged to re-invent the
wheel and help has been offered with regard to previous efforts/advice and
so on.
This is very much appreciated and a united front is important for this to
move forward. If we can help each other, we will succeed.
Thanks also to representatives of the Hammers Social Club who hosted and
spoke at the meeting and to all who attended - especially one gentleman who
travelled down from Yorkshire.
A number of people were unable to male an appearance due to receiving
relatively-short notice. Therefore the next meeting has already been
scheduled for those to attend.
It will be held on Saturday, 22 October at the Hammers Social Club. The HSC
will be open from 11am with the meeting to start at 12 noon, finishing in
time for us to travel to the OS for the Sunderland match.
After the next meeting on the 22nd we should be in a better position to give
firm feedback on the shape of the organisation(s) and will set up a website
to take membership.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the
author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be
attributed to, KUMB.com.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newham Council accused in ticket scandal
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th October 2016
By: Staff Writer
More than half the free tickets for West Ham United home matches distributed
by Newham Council have gone to their own employees, it has been claimed.
From a total of 5,970 tickets handed out thus far by the Council as part of
their arrangement with West Ham, just 2,728 reached members of the local
community - with the remaining 3,242 being allocated to employees of Newham
Council, according to a KUMB source.
The 3,242 tickets snapped up by Newham employees were used for the Europa
League qualifiers against Domzale (1,433 tickets) and Astra Giurgiu (1,010)
plus the recent EFL Cup tie with Accrington Stanley (799) - resulting in 55
per cent of the available tickets intended for local residents going to
unnamed Council workers. "Newham previously stated that 'the tickets are
used to reward residents for being active and resilient members of the
community'," said the source. "Lead councillors for each of our community
neighbourhoods will have a role in managing these rewards, and settling the
criteria for distributing tickets to their residents who are making a
contribution to their community. "Why is it, that in each of the three
games referred to, there were more tickets given to Newham Council staff
than went to those 'active and resilient members of the community'?"
According to our source, tickets for the first of the three games above were
distributed on "a first come, first served" basis - whilst tickets for the
Astra and Accrington matches were allocated to Newham Council employees via
"a ballot process". "In terms of those tickets being offered to community
groups, relatively few have not been taken - and certainly nowhere near the
number that are then taken by Newham council staff," continued our source.
"For example, a total of 760 tickets were offered but only 60 not taken by
community groups for the Accrington game - whilst Newham council staff used
a further 799 tickets for that game."
Meanwhile a KUMB member has claimed that he is regularly offered free
tickets for West Ham's home matches by a Newham Council employee. "I know
someone who works for Newham and she has text me to ask if I want tickets
when she is offered," said James P. "She gets offered them a day or two
before the game, although It seems to only be the low-interest, non sell-out
games."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan 'fed up' with OS negativity
WHUFC.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th October 2016
By: Staff Writer
Co-Chairman David Sullivan has expressed his frustration at 'negative
campaigning' by some sections of the media. Sullivan, speaking in his weekly
column on the club's website hit out at some sections of the media who he
accused of deliberately presenting "skewed opinions" regarding the Olympic
Stadium. "I have to say I am getting increasingly fed up with the negative
campaigning against the stadium by some sections of the media," he wrote. "I
find it particularly galling when the journalists who are writing these
skewed opinions have not even been to the stadium! "Reading some write-ups,
they give a very different impression of the stadium to that which is being
reported by people who have actually been there. "I prefer to listen to the
hundreds and hundreds of email I am getting from supporters who love the new
stadium, love that we have made football affordable," he continued. "I am
very proud that we have 25,000 families inside the stadium, many new to
football – this is the future of West Ham's support and this is the reason
we made the move in the first place. "Things will calm down shortly and it
will all be helped when we start to win a few games. I would like to thank
99.9 per cent of the supporters who are behaving impeccably and are really
getting behind the team."
To read Sullivan's entire missive visit whufc.com.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tore Injury A Blessing In Disguise As Cresswell Eyes Return?
Submitted by nevillenixon on Tue, 11/10/2016 - 08:07
westhamfans.org
Gokhan Tore's loan move from Besiktas to West Ham has been fraught with
difficulties and niggling injuries, so news that the 24 year old has
suffered a quadriceps muscle problem and won't be back for at least next
month shouldn't really be that much of a surprise. Hammers are not able to
send him back to his parent club in January despite the Turkish
International player's poor start to the season, Tore has played five times
so far this campaign, but has made no real impact and has exhibited all the
traits of a player who is either too confident or too circumspect, classic
behaviour associated with a footballer who is completely out of sorts.
Tore's recent performances have divided opinion among the Hammers faithful
with some willing to give him more time to 'bed in' while others think he is
a waste of space! Such considerations are academic now given the player's
current injury and recent poor showing, but it may well turn out to be a
blessing in disguise for a couple of reasons. Namely the enforced break will
open up a place in the team for Sofianne Feghouli who is only just returning
from injury himself, but more importantly Aaron Cresswell's impending return
means that West Ham fans will finally see a sight that they became used to,
that of the diminutive defender bombing down the wing, scaring the hell out
of the opposition's defence and either pinging in a great cross or
attempting one of the left foot piledriver shots at goal that he is more
than capable of delivering. Slaven Bilic's side have won just once so far
this season in the Premier League and lie uncomfortably in the relegation
zone, injuries have been a major issue with at least seven first team
members unavailable, strikers Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho should be back
within the next few weeks along with record £20million signing Ghana star
Andre Ayew who is scheduled to return towards the end of the month after
nearly requiring thigh surgery but avoiding the actual operation because of
the stellar rehabilitation work carried out by the Hammers medical team.
All the above mentioned players returning should provide a fillip for
manager, co-owners and fans alike, but it is the impending return of
Cresswell that is the most crucial element. Not only has the defence looked
shaky without him, but the team has looked bereft of ideas going forward on
the left hand side of the pitch without him, the entire balance of the team
has looked incorrect since his non availability and has been compared to one
of those old christmas cracker toys where you are required to move all the
numbers or letters around but only have one spare space with which to
manoeuvre, and Cresswell is that 'missing' space. The onus on Cresswell is
huge, however if his recent interviews are anything are anything to go by he
is relishing the prospect of the extra width provided by the expanses of the
London Stadium pitch, electric pace down the flank is his preserve, and an
element that has been sorely missed from West Ham United's opening games.
Perhaps on reflection the club concentrated too much on 'marquee' signings
during the summer and would have been better off consolidating the position
of those who were at the club already and arranging back up just in case! Of
course hindsight is a wonderful thing, but it is to be hoped that the
dreadful start to the season can become a distant memory and that West Ham
can return to being the team that 'top' teams were frightened of playing
last season. - Ed
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, October 11
Daily WHUFC News - 11th October 2016
Randolph helps Ireland secure another victory
WHUFC.com
Randolp helps Ireland maintain unbeaten run with a 3-1 win over Moldova
Collins is unused sub for Wales during their 1-1 draw with Georgia
Kouyate helps Senegal record opening 2-0 win over Cape Verde
Darren Randolph helped the Republic of Ireland maintain their unbeaten start
to 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying with a 3-1 away win over Moldova. The West
Ham keeper played his part in helping Martin O'Neill's side make it seven
points from their opening three games and put them in a strong position just
behind Serbia in Group D. Shane Long fired Ireland into the lead after just
two minutes and although Moldova grabbed an equaliser, two goals from James
McLean helped them come away with another important victory. Randolph will
now be hoping they can extend their unbeaten run when they prepare for the
next World Cup qualifier which takes place against Austria on 12 November.
James Collins was an unused substitute as Wales suffered a setback in their
qualifying campaign as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Georgia at the
Cardiff City Stadium. Fellow Hammers defender Angelo Ogbonna was also an
unused sub as Italy had to come from behind to secure a 3-2 away win over
Macedonia in Group G. There was better news for West Ham midfielder Cheikhou
Kouyate as he helped Senegal record a 2-0 victory over Cape Verde in their
opening World Cup qualifier. Sofiane Feghouli appeared as a second half
substitute for Algeria as they drew 1-1 with Cameroon in their opening game.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan round up
WHUFC.com
Only one Hammer on loan was in action over the weekend due to the
international break
George Dobson helped Walsall to a 2-1 victory over Millwall
Meanwhile, Josh Pask was an unused substitute for Gillingham as they were
beaten by Oldham Athletic
With the top two tiers out of action due to the international break, it was
a much quieter weekend for the Hammers out on loan, with only one of them in
action. George Dobson – on loan at League One outfit Walsall this term –
played as the Saddlers secured a vital 2-1 victory over Millwall to climb
out the drop zone in England's third tier. As the midfielder started and
completed 83 minutes at the Banks's Stadium, the hosts took the lead after
17 minutes when Simeon Jackson – the former Lions forward – struck his fifth
of the season after Franck Moussa's knock-down. The visitors, hoping to
avoid a fourth-straight defeat, were back on level terms five minutes later;
Fred Onyedinma nodded home a Mahlon Romeo cross from six yards out. Shortly
after the break though, the hosts regained the lead when the same pair
combined. Jackson was denied by goalkeeper Jordan Archer, and Moussa slammed
home the hosts' second to make it 2-1. Steve Morison and Lee Gregory went
close for Neil Harris' side, but Dobson and co held out to move up to 16th
in League One.
Elsewhere in the division, Josh Pask was an unused substitute for Gillingham
as they slipped to defeat against Oldham. Cody McDonald gave the Gills a
first half lead, but second half strikes from Freddie Ladapo and Ryan Flynn
meant Oldham travelled back up north with three points in the bag.
Bradford City continued their excellent form to remain second in the league,
beating Fleetwood Town 2-0, though the Bantams were without Hammers
midfielder Josh Cullen. Away with the Republic of Ireland U21s, Cullen
played for the Boys in Green in their 3-1 UEFA European U21 Championship
qualifying defeat to Serbia.
Doneil Henry, who made his AC Horsens debut last week, was also away on
international duty and helped Canada to a 4-0 win against Mauritania.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Youth international round up
WHUFC.com
A number of West Ham United youth players made appearances for their
international side this weekend
Malyk Hamilton scored his first goal for Canada U18s in their draw with El
Salvador
Rihards Matrevics played twice for Latvia U19s and is set to make a third
appearance on Tuesday
A number of young West Ham United players have represented their youth
international sides across the world during this international break. Malyk
Hamilton scored on just his second start for Canada U18s as they levelled
their two match international series with El Salvador. Canada drew the first
match 1-1 in San Salvador, thanks to a late Alan Camacho equaliser, and were
cancelled out by the same opponents in the second match. Camacho scored
again to level proceedings before Hamilton equalised with the first goal for
his country in the second half to ensure a share of the spoils for Canada.
Goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics has had a packed schedule, appearning twice in
three days for Latvia U19s, and he's set to make his third appearance of
this international break on Tuesday.
The 17-year-old was in goal as Latvia drew 2-2 with Turkey on Thursday and
lost 3-0 to Ukraine on Saturday. He'll aim to keep his place for the
encounter with Iceland this week.
Josh Cullen played the full 90 minutes for the Republic of Ireland U21s on
Friday as they lost 3-1 to Serbia. Everton's Courtney Duffus gave them the
lead in the second half before Serbia - the World U20 champions last year -
scored three times to clinch the victory.
Elsewhere, Domingos Quina came off the bench as Portugal U19s beat Italy 2-1
on Sunday in Marinha Grande. Vrioni Giacomo gave Italy the lead in the
first-half before the Portuguese struck back through Pedro Marques and
Gedson Fernandes to take the win.
Martin Samuelsen was an unused substitute for the Norway senior side, as
they were beaten 1-0 by Azerbaijan on Saturday. The 19-year-old will hope to
make his first appearance of this international break against San Marino on
Tuesday.
Declan Rice was also an unusued substitute as Republic of Ireland's Under
19s thrashed Gibraltar 5-0 on Saturday. They face Germany on Tuesday.
Doneil Henry, who made his AC Horsens debut last week, was also away on
international duty and helped Canada to a 4-0 win against Mauritania.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stoke City ballot now open
WHUFC.com
The Claret Members' ticket ballot for West Ham United's Premier League
fixture with Stoke City at London Stadium is now open. Claret Members can
enter the ballot to secure tickets for the visit of the Potters, which will
kick-off at 3pm on Saturday 5 November, between now and the closing date of
5pm on Sunday 23 October. To enter, Claret Members are required to login to
their Ticketmaster account here, select the fixture and add to basket. Fans
wishing to apply with other Claret Members should include all client
reference numbers in the one transaction, and, if successful, will be seated
together. By becoming a Claret Member, supporters not only ensure access to
the ballot, but will be guaranteed exclusive ticket priority for every
Premier League home game during the first season at our stunning new
Stadium. With 52,000 plus Season Ticket Holders, an even greater number on
the waiting list and thousands of Claret Members already registered, Claret
Membership is your access to home match tickets in this unique season.
Membership is priced at just £40 for Adults and £25 for Under-16s, with
supporters already on the Season Ticket Waiting List eligible for a £5
discount. Similarly, Claret Members can also join the Season Ticket Waiting
List for the reduced price of just £5. Supporters entering the ballot have
the option of selecting up to a maximum of two price points. If you are
happy to accept any price band, and thereby increasing the likelihood of
being successful, kindly select your preferred area of the Stadium and leave
the second option blank.
The ballot closes at 5pm on Sunday 23 October and successful supporters will
be notified via email on Monday 24 October. Hospitality packages for this
fixture are available to buy now from £349 +VAT per person. For further
information and to purchase, email corporatesales@westhamunited.co.uk or
call 0871 091 1811*.
*Calls cost 13p/min plus your networks access charge.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Foundation celebrating heart-warming success
WHUFC.com
Avid footballer Jodie Coombes reconnected with her family after appearing on
Match of the Day, alongside Hammers heroes Adrian and Michail Antonio
The Foundation-backed Street Soccer programme uses football to help improve
social skills and job prospects
Jodie has been invited to train with the Ladies' Development Squad, and will
also compete in the 2016 Homeless World Cup in Glasgow this July
The West Ham United Foundation recently celebrated the spectacular the news
that one of its Street Soccer Foundation participants has reconnected with
her family. Jodie Coombes, 20, had been homeless after falling out with her
Mum and Dad when she was 15, however, the since talented footballer appeared
in an episode of the BBC's Match of the Day, the family's relationship has
greatly improved. The good news continued as Jodie has now been invited to
represent her country in the 2016 Homeless World Cup in Glasgow in July.
The heart-warming story came largely as a result of Jodie's participation
with the Street Soccer Foundation which has dramatically transformed the
young footballer's life, a scheme that has been heavily backed by the West
Ham United Foundation.
Reflecting on the life-changing experience, Jodie said: "I first heard about
Street Soccer through Torchlight. I met with them, talked through the
details and soon started going to the sessions. "I still participate now.
The season just finished went really well, I've really enjoyed every minute
of it to be honest. The whole experience, the new skills and the new people
I've met have all been amazing. "After I'd left home, my parents did stay in
contact, but now I'm living independently we're all trying to rebuild that
relationship, and it's a got a lot better. We're getting on really good."
In April, first team stars Adrian and Michail Antonio visited the
Foundation's base at Beckton to show their support and raise awareness for
the campaign. There that day, among other budding footballers was Jodie,
whose talent has shone through during the training sessions. She continued:
"Meeting Adrian and Michail was a dream to come true, I met them and I was
really, really over the moon, I was speechless! "They gave loads of tips,
and encouraged us to keep on going with what we're doing. "I was quite
nervous to be honest. The whole experience of being on Match of the Day was
a dream come true, it was really amazing."
After coaching a Street Soccer session Hammers hero Michail Antonio had
nothing but praise for the scheme, and the participants: "It's a great
achievement what they've managed to do so far and these kids definitely look
up and are inspired by players like us. "Showing our support hopefully gives
them more of a drive and gives them that self-belief. "It's not easy to get
the right opportunities in life but as long as you're determined and willing
to push yourself, it can be done." West Ham United Foundation
chief-executive Joe Lyons echoed Antonio's sentiments saying: "This is a
fantastic example of how the work we're carrying out is a real long-term
journey for our participants. "Jodie's story is quite remarkable and it just
shows that the right kind of intervention can help change young people's
lives! To go from being homeless to representing England in a football
tournament, just shows local young people that anything is possible."
The budding footballer finished by recalling the moment she was called up to
represent England, beaming: "When I got the phone call to say I was in the
squad, I was speechless, I was just so happy. I've waited so long for a
chance like this, now it has, I just have to keep at it. "Projects like
Street Soccer are so important, they really help people in situations like
myself; it really helps to give people a chance to show what they can do, I
think they do a great job."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
#WHUAREYA - Ben Johnson
WHUFC.com
As Dimitri Payet curled home his fourth direct free-kick of the campaign at
Manchester United last season, there would have been no shortage of
youngsters attempting to replicate the stunner in back gardens all over the
country. For 16-year-old midfielder Ben Johnson, it was slightly different;
he was doing his best to imitate Payet's feats on the training pitches the
Frenchman also graces. "He's an amazing player," says Johnson, in admiration
of the superstar. "It's great to watch him play. I think out of the West Ham
first team squad, he's the player I'm most like. I like him a lot. "His set
pieces are incredible, and I like to think I hit a good set piece too. I
just love watching creative players like Payet. Mesut Ozil also, and
obviously Lionel Messi. They're all fantastic footballers and I try to be
like them on the pitch."
Johnson sees himself as an attacking talent who can "pass quickly, dribble
well, hit a good shot and drive from deep". Those attributes, of course, are
plain to see in Payet's all-round game. As for this season, the 29-year-old
will be hoping to continue his excellent form that helped France reach the
UEFA Euro 2016 final. Johnson hopes a similarly positive campaign is in
store for him. "I want to play a lot of U23s football this season if I can –
that's got to be one of my aims," he continues. "I want to train regularly
with them, and then if I get the chance, to train with the first team maybe
a few times. "I need to try my hardest in training and work my way up. I've
been at the Club nine years now, and every session, every week, the
relationship between me and the Club gets bigger, I feel. "I really love the
Club a lot and I think I can go far here."
While the youngster has begun the season with the U18 squad, he also enjoyed
time with the Hammers' PL2 side during pre-season in Holland this summer.
"It was a great trip, because we built that team spirit that can serve you
well if you take it onto the pitch. If you have a good connection off the
pitch, it's often the same on it and that is a key to success in my opinion.
"We chilled out a lot, played some FIFA and had a laugh – it was a great
trip for us to bond."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimi sets up France winner
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet's France clinched a 1-0 FIFA World Cup qualifying victory over
the Netherlands on Monday
The Hammers midfielder set up the game's only goal
Reece Oxford was also in action as England U20s beat the USA 2-0
Dimitri Payet set up the only goal of the game as his France side picked up
a second win of the international break over the Netherlands on Monday
evening.
The Hammers midfielder started and completed 67 minutes for Didier
Deschamps' side, who followed up last week's 4-1 victory over Bulgaria with
the narrow win in Amsterdam. The game's only goal was scored after just half
an hour when Manchester United's summer signing Paul Pogba rocketed a long
range effort into the bottom corner following Payet's pass in-field. The
visitors moved up to joint top of their Russia 2018 qualifying group, level
on points at the summit of Group A with Sweden. The clash was Payet's 30th
in the blue of his national side.
Teenage prospect Reece Oxford was also in international action on Monday, as
his England U20s outfit were 2-0 winners over the USA at Rochdale's
Spotland.
Competing in the Four Nations competition which the Young Lions had already
clinched following wins over Germany and the Netherlands, the hosts rounded
off an impressive tournament with the comfortable victory. Ovie Ejaria and
Dominic Solanke were on the scoresheet for England in a game which Oxford
started. The defender was making his third appearance for his country at U20
level.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fans group hold inaugural rally
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th October 2016
By: Staff Writer
The first meeting of a new West Ham United supporters organisation was held
on Saturday afternoon. Staged at the West Ham United Supporters' Club in
Castle Street, opposite the club's former Boleyn Ground home, the first
meeting of a proposed, independent organisation aimed at representing the
supporters' interests was held. A spokesman for the group, who are yet to
give themselves an official title told KUMB: "It was a pleasure to meet
everyone that made an effort to turn up. A number of good ideas on how to
move forward together and see where it takes us were put forward." Meanwhile
another fan who attended insisted it was inportant for supporters to have
their own voice, independent of the club's own fan groups such as the
much-maligned SUpporter Advisory Board (SAB). "What became clear from the
meeting is that it is nigh on impossible to engage with WHUFC PLC on any
issue whatsoever," they said. "We are not being heard no matter what route
you take, its as simple as that. "A supporters' trust itself is the ultimate
goal and something that others are already working hard on. These guys know
what they are talking about but quite frankly they cannot do it on their
own, they need foot soldiers - so the more people on board the merrier."
Anyone interest in becoming involved with the new organisation are welcome
to attend the next meeting, which is scheduled for Saturday, 22 October
(ahead of the home match with Sunderland).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Light at the end of tunnel, says Cresswell
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th October 2016
By: Staff Writer
Aaron Cresswell says he can't wait to become involved in first team action
once again having spent the last three months on the sidelines. The
26-year-old full-back is set to make his return from injury this weekend
when Slaven Bilic takes his side across the city to Crystal Palace. And
Cresswell is looking forward to making his first Premier League appearance
of the season - should he secure a first team spot for the fixture, as is
widely expected. "This is the first big injury I have suffered during my
career," he told West Ham's website. "Hopefully I will be able to get over
this little setback and stay injury free for a long time. "I was stuck in a
knee brace for four to six weeks and it was hard to get the knee bending. I
could only bend it so much and it was difficult for me just to get out of
bed and walk down the stairs. "There was some dark days during that time but
I can now see some light at the end of the tunnel."
And Cresswell - who moved to West Ham from Ipswich in the summer of 2014 -
also revealed how additional nursing duties for his wife went a long way to
aiding his recovery! "The missus was great to me during that time," he
added, "and it felt like I had a little bell by the side of the couch that I
kept pressing every time I wanted something! "It was little things from
wanting a cup of tie or getting the food on, but she was fantastic during
that period and helped me through it as well when I couldn't walk or get
down the stairs."
West Ham face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zaza linked with Serie A return
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th October 2016
By: Staff Writer
On-loan striker Simone Zaza is being linked with a return to Italy - just a
matter of weeks after joining West Ham on loan. Having already lost star
striker Gonzalo Higuain to Juventus in the summer, Serie A outfit Napoli are
back in the transfer market following the news that the Argentine
international's replacement, Arkadiusz Milik, has been ruled out of action
until the new year. And with Zaza's future at West Ham already uncertain
following a slow start to his Premier League career - which has seen him
failed to find the net since moving to England - Napoli are said to be
taking keen interest in the 25-year-old. However Zaza - who is currently on
loan at West Ham - has a number of potential rivals for the role. Leonardo
Pavoletti of Genoa - who was linked with Leeds United last year - and
Sassuolo's Gregoire Defrel have also been linked with a move to Gli Azzurri
who are currently second in Serie A, four points behind early leaders
Juventus.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kanu snubs Uniteds and makes history
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 10th October 2016
By: Staff Writer
Talented youngster Idris Kanu has finally left West Ham - for National
League outfit Aldershot Town. The highly-rated 16-year-old began his career
at West Ham, for whom he has featured since the age of 11. And only last
month he appeared to be close to securing a move to Manchester United after
spending a brief spell on loan with the club at their Carrington training
complex. However the striker has surprised many by snubbing both Uniteds in
favour of the fifth-tier non-league club, who are currently sixth in the
National League, 15 games into the campaign. "We're fortunate to have signed
a very talented player," said Shots boss Gary Waddock via his club's
website. "We need to make sure that we help him to realise his potential but
we are planning for the future." Kanu made 17 appearances for West Ham
United's Under 18s last season, scoring two goals. He made his debut for
Aldershot as an 86th-minute substitute in their 2-0 win over Solihull Moors
on Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Randy on a roll as Dimi delights
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th October 2016
By: Staff Writer
Michail Antonio was an unused substitute for the second game in succession
as England beat Malta in their latest Qorld Cup qualifer at Wembley. The
West Ham winger was selected for the second England squad in succession but
was left on the bench by temporary boss Gareth Southgate as the hosts
managed to beat the minnows 2-0 at Wembley. Dimitri Payet was on the
scoresheet for France as the Euro 16 hosts ran out 4-1 winners over
Bul;garia, despite falling a goal behind early on. West Ham's midfielder
scored the second of three French first half goals when his far post cross
evaded everyone before nestling in tthe bottom of the net - as you may see
in our video below. Elsewhere James Collins was an unused substitute as
Wales struggled to a 1-1 draw at home to Georgia, whilst Darren Randolph was
part of the Republic of Ireland team that secured a vital 3-1 World Cup
qualifying win in Moldova last night.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Enner fires back in paternity row
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th October 2016
By: Staff Writer
Enner Valencia has hit back at critics who accused him of failing to stay up
to date with maintenence payments for his daughter. Last week we revealed
how the Hammers striker, currently on loan at Everton made a comical escape
from the Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa by allegedly faking injury in order to
avoid the attention of watching Police officers. And having receiving
widespread condemation for his antics, Valencia has fired back to clear up
any misconceptions regarding his disappearance last week - whilst accusing
ex-wife Synthia Pinargote of seeking personal financial gain. "According to
what has happened in the last few days and regarind the supposed
non-fulfilment of my obligations as a father to my five-year old daughter
Beira, I feel obliged to explain the truth of these matters to honour my
family as well as my personal and professional image," he said in a
statement relased via twitter. "I am currently facing several lawsuits
initiated by Sinthyia Pinargote Chumo, which I perceive are aimed
exclusively on matters of economic and personal gain, such as the demand for
maintenance, presented in 2015, where I set the amount of 30,000 dollars a
month as alimony. "Within the last two years, despite spending a sum
estimated to be 100,000 US dollars, for pensions of food, which can be
verified on the website of the judiciary, she has prevented me strengthening
my relationship with my daughter, because her mother prevents me from
exercising any contact on my visits when I am in Ecuador. "After thinking
all this through with my family, I decided to take legal action and ask for
my daughter's custody. It is my intention to bring my daughter Beira to live
and study in the UK, where I am based at the moment, so she can grow up
within a stable family environment. "In December 2015 my demand was accepted
by the court and my daughter's custody was granted; the judge also ordered
the immediate suspension of all alimony ppayments to Mrs Sinthya
Pinargorte."
Valencia also hit out at his former partner for spending his monthly
payments, that were intended for his daughter, on material items for
herself. "Among other facts, it was proven that she bought a luxury car,
jewelllery, constatnt travels as well as the fact that my daughter was left
abandoned, several times, on her own for long periods whilst her mother was
performing her modelling and stripper activities at a gentlemen's night club
in Guayaquil," he added."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cancer patient Jack Howard thanks West Ham in touching video after £200,000
is raised for treatment
15:57, 10 OCT 2016 UPDATED 15:57, 10 OCT 2016
BY JAKE POLDEN
The 12-year-old also thanked his friends and family for their continued
support
The Mirror
Young cancer patient and West Ham supporter Jack Howard thanked his family,
friends and his club in a heart-warming video. The 12-year-old, who
underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and had his kidney removed in 2013, is
currently battling kidney cancer for a second time. The treatment he has had
in the UK has failed and his family are now raising money so that Jack, who
is in an LA hospital, can have pioneering treatment. His family are hoping
to raise £250,000 and have so far accumulated £200,000. The youngster took
to social media, in the above video, to thank his family and friends for
their continued support. He also thanked the fans of his football club West
Ham as well as the people behind the scenes there. The east London club
donated £5,000 towards Jack's cause, which Hammers co-chairman David
Sullivan matched personally to help boost the figure. The fundraising effort
is being made via a Crowdfunder page, where the football community and
beyond have made donations. Jack recently received a Facetime call from star
players Dimitri Payet and Sam Byram . In the touching clip, Payet tells the
youngster: "We wish you a good recovery and we hope to see you soon in
London Stadium."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's board must forget the corporate jargon and take responsibility
for what is THEIRS
20:30, 10 OCT 2016
OPINION Mike Walters BY MIKEWALTERS
The Hammers move from Upton Park to the Taxpayers Stadium has come with far
more than teething troubles - and the corporate speak has far from helped
The Mirror
Poor old Karren Brady must be suffering from double vision in her two
highest-profile jobs. As Lord Sugar's pouting sidekick on The Apprentice,
she watches from a safe distance in the background as a bunch of clueless
pretenders botch perfectly simple tasks in London. And as West Ham's
vice-chairman, the Duchess of Knightsbridge also watches from a safe
distance, in the directors' box, as another bunch of clueless pretenders
botch perfectly simple tasks in London. But for Brady and Hammers
co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan, the acid test is coming up. Later
this month, when Chelsea come calling at the Taxpayers Stadium for a League
Cup fourth round tie with more than 5,000 fans in their entourage, football
will hold its breath. West Ham have not just had teething troubles with
crowd behaviour since they became anchor tenants at their new home. They
have needed root canal treatment.
Fans have been refusing to sit down, fighting each other and visiting
supporters were ambushed by their coaches after the 1-1 draw with
Middlesbrough 10 days ago. To date, on matchdays there has been no visible
police presence inside the ground because it is not equipped with the
Airwave radio system used by emergency services. It has been left to stadium
operators London Stadium 185 – who were alerted to the radio frequency
problem by Metropolitan Police two years ago – to manage in-house security.
Rob Nichols, editor of Boro fanzine Fly Me to The Moon, said: "I just do not
understand how West Ham got a licence to play games there when they are not
being policed properly. "It's incredible that, in this day and age, a
Premier League match can take place in an environment like that." Ticket
allocations and safety arrangements for Chelsea's visit, by far the biggest
trial of football at the converted London 2012 Olympic cathedral, will be
finalised this week. Although it is unthinkable that a fixture of such
tinderbox potential can be played with no police inside the ground, this is
not a case of West Ham putting a few quid before public safety. It is
stadium owners E20 who are responsible for paying the police bills and the
stewards have been given extra training since the post-match disturbances
against Boro. But it doesn't really matter who pays the bill for the old
bill.
In theory, West Ham could certainly afford it after contributing just £15m
towards the £272m cost of adapting the stadium and they are being charged
only £2.5m-a-year to rent it. Under the terms of their 99-year lease,
however, they do not have to pay for policing, stewarding, heating,
lighting, cleaners or turnstile operators. They don't even have to pay for
the goalposts after successfully arguing that you would not be expected to
rent a tennis court with no net supplied.
But some things are more important than arguing about who picks up the tab
for police costs at a cup tie. This task is not about auditioning to become
Lord Sugar's business partner by flogging tat down at Camden Market. It is
about organising a potentially combustible derby with watertight segregation
inside the ground and taking responsibility for crowd control on the
concourses and walkways around it. Decent fans who venture across the Queen
Elizabeth II Olympic Park on October 26 won't care two whelks who settles
the account with Scotland Yard. They would just prefer it if they didn't
have to navigate skirmishes between Danny Dyer tribute acts and Football
Factory retro-pond life when they go to watch a football match.
Gold, Sullivan and Brady's business acumen is not on trial here. Anyone who
can strike a deal to rent the Taxpayers Stadium for buttons, with the
landlords settling all the household bills, is clearly a formidable
negotiator. But there was trouble at West Ham's home games with Watford and
Boro, which should have been low-risk Category Z fixtures, and the honeymoon
period for buck-passing has expired The Two Daves and Her Ladyship believe
moving to a new home, with the lowest season ticket prices in the Premier
League and almost double the capacity of Upton Park, will hasten the
Hammers' entry to English football's elite.
As a business plan, that's fair enough. But remember, they are YOUR fans,
it's YOUR club's reputation, it's YOUR safety licence. Or, in the corporate
jargon in which Lady Brady is so fluent, it's YOUR culture and it's YOUR
brand.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aaron Cresswell surprised by West Ham's poor start - but backs Slaven
Bilic's side to recover
SAM LONG
Evening Standard
Aaron Cresswell has been surprised by West Ham's poor start to the season
but the full back expects Slaven Bilic's side to begin climbing the Premier
League table after the international break. The Hammers finished seventh
last term and rode a wave of optimism into their new home at the London
Stadium in the early weeks of this season. But such a positive outlook has
stuttered in recent weeks as results have been poor, leaving the east
Londoners languishing in the relegation zone with just four points to their
name after seven games.
Cresswell is yet to feature this season, having suffered a serious knee
injury during pre-season, and has admitted he did not foresee his teammates
making such a sluggish start. "Yes it has [surprised me]. Even in pre-season
we didn't have good results in the Europa League," Cresswell told the club's
official website. "But we still have a strong squad, the same team and the
same manager. No one expected it to be like this. "Everyone thought we were
going to be - not challenging for the title - but certainly up there and
having a right good go. "It's still early doors but we want to try and turn
it round and get further up that table," he added. Cresswell is ahead of
schedule in regards to his personal fitness battle and could be available
for West Ham's next league match against Crystal Palace. Yet injury problems
for a number of key players have clearly played a part in the club's
disappointing run of results and Cresswell is adamant a fully fit squad -
plus the return of a fighting spirit - will help to lead West Ham out of the
mire. "We've still got the same players and we've added some fantastic
players," he insisted. "Once everybody is fit the gaffer will have a
headache picking the starting XI but I'm sure he will welcome that. "We need
that team spirit back, fighting for each other, winning games. "The spirit
hasn't changed - the lads are still tight as ever - but it just hasn't
happened on the pitch. "When we get that fighting spirit back with us all -
and the fans - I'm sure we're going to push further up that table."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham need to stick together and ride out the storm after poor start to
the season, insists Julian Dicks
SAM LONG
EVENING STANDARD
Julian Dicks has urged West Ham to pull together in order to "ride out the
storm" that has engulfed the club in recent weeks. The Hammers moved into
their new home amid an overwhelming feeling of optimism but have endured a
difficult start to life at the London Stadium. Slaven Bilic's side have won
just one Premier League game this season and are currently languishing in
the relegation zone with four points to their name. Such a poor start has
seen frustration grow among the West Ham fanbase, many of whom expected
their side to challenge for a place in the top four, but assistant coach
Dicks has called for unity as they attempt to climb the table. "We had a
great season last season and it was going to be hard to do the same," he
told the club's official website. "But the start we had - obviously we
didn't work enough - we know that. "Collectively we're not working as a
team. You can't really on Dimi or Manu to pop up with goals all the time.
"We have to work as a team. But that's the players, the coaches, the
manager, everybody and even the fans. "We have to stick together and ride
this storm out," he added. Dicks also believes that playing at the London
Stadium has proven to be a motivation for West Ham's opponents and believes
stamping such an attitude out will be key for the east Londoners. "This has
been a big transition and the new stadium is impressive. Teams want to play
there because it is such a fantastic stadium and we have to stop them doing
that. "You do that by working hard. It's down to the players. They need to
start working harder and giving the crowd something to shout about."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham team news: Diafra Sakho to be given first-team chance as he nears
return from back injury
JAMES BENGE
EVENING STANDARD
Diafra Sakho will be part of Slaven Bilic's first-team plans in the coming
months with his recovery from a back injury almost complete. The Senegal
striker has not featured for West Ham this season as he looks to recover
from an injury that has plagued him on and off since late 2014. Sakho seemed
set to depart the London Stadium in the summer after submitting a transfer
request. West Brom had agreed a £15million deal for the 26-year-old only for
the move to collapse over fitness concerns from the Midlands side. In
Sakho's absence West Ham have struggled for goals, particularly from their
strikers. Only four Hammers have found the net this season and not one of
Simone Zaza, Jonathan Calleri or the oft-injured Andy Carroll have yet
troubled the scorers. Whether Sakho would remain beyond January would be
dependent on any offers that came to West Ham but suitors may be reluctant
to target a striker that could be unavailable for much of the hectic new
year period. Senegal's place in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations would almost
certainly see Sakho travel to Gabon, providing he is fit, for the
tournament, which runs from January 14 to February 5. West Ham could be
without the striker, his international team-mate Cheikhou Kouyate, Sofiane
Feghouli and Andre Ayew for up to eight matches, dependant on their progress
in cup competitions. Over 24 appearances last season Sakho managed just
seven goals, five of which came before the end of September. That contrasts
markedly with the 12 he scored in 26 games during Sam Allardyce's final
season at the club. Sakho could be joined by Carroll and Aaron Cresswell in
the coming weeks with West Ham's injury concerns seemingly easing. The
latter completed 50 minutes of a behind closed doors match at the Rush Green
training ground last week and hopes to be available for Saturday's London
derby with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. "I could not have asked anymore
from the physio's, especially Eamon, our rehab fitness coach who has helped
me out massively over the last 12 weeks," Cresswell said. "It is not just
the body, it is the mind as well that you have to get right. For me this is
the first time I have had a long-term injury and hopefully it will be the
last."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll: West Ham players love the London Stadium, I can't wait to play
there again
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
Andy Carroll says West Ham players "love" their new home despite their
struggles to secure positive results at the London Stadium. West Ham have
won just one of their four Premier League matches at their new ground this
season with captain Mark Noble admitting players were struggling to adapt
away from the Boleyn Ground. Supporters have made plain their displeasure at
their new home, with parts of the crowd at last week's 1-1 draw with
Middlesbrough chanting "Stratford's a s***hole" and "We should have stayed
at the Boleyn". But Carroll, who has yet to play a league match at West
Ham's new ground, insists that players are happy to have made the move and
cannot wait to make his bow at the London Stadium.
"It has been fantastic for us moving into the new stadium and it is great
for the club," Carroll told the West Ham website. "I know there have been a
lot of discussions about the move, but the players love it. "It is a great
stadium and it was great for me to score two goals against Juventus and get
the season going. Hopefully there is plenty more. "It is one of the biggest
grounds in England and it is great for us to have that and have it being
part of the club. "Obviously the results have not been going our way and we
have not been performing but I cannot wait to get back out there." Carroll's
last appearance for West Ham came in the Europa League tie with Astra
Giurgiu where he suffered a knee injury. West Ham hope the striker will be
back in time for their first match after the international break, a trip to
Crystal Palace. Carroll though is particularly keen to return to the Olympic
Stadium, where he scored a brace in a friendly win over Juventus in August.
"My recovery is going well. I am working hard in the gym and everything is
going well. Hopefully soon I will be back in action. "I can't wait to play
my first league game at the new stadium. I scored two goals against Juventus
and would love to score a lot more there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Randolp helps Ireland maintain unbeaten run with a 3-1 win over Moldova
Collins is unused sub for Wales during their 1-1 draw with Georgia
Kouyate helps Senegal record opening 2-0 win over Cape Verde
Darren Randolph helped the Republic of Ireland maintain their unbeaten start
to 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying with a 3-1 away win over Moldova. The West
Ham keeper played his part in helping Martin O'Neill's side make it seven
points from their opening three games and put them in a strong position just
behind Serbia in Group D. Shane Long fired Ireland into the lead after just
two minutes and although Moldova grabbed an equaliser, two goals from James
McLean helped them come away with another important victory. Randolph will
now be hoping they can extend their unbeaten run when they prepare for the
next World Cup qualifier which takes place against Austria on 12 November.
James Collins was an unused substitute as Wales suffered a setback in their
qualifying campaign as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Georgia at the
Cardiff City Stadium. Fellow Hammers defender Angelo Ogbonna was also an
unused sub as Italy had to come from behind to secure a 3-2 away win over
Macedonia in Group G. There was better news for West Ham midfielder Cheikhou
Kouyate as he helped Senegal record a 2-0 victory over Cape Verde in their
opening World Cup qualifier. Sofiane Feghouli appeared as a second half
substitute for Algeria as they drew 1-1 with Cameroon in their opening game.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan round up
WHUFC.com
Only one Hammer on loan was in action over the weekend due to the
international break
George Dobson helped Walsall to a 2-1 victory over Millwall
Meanwhile, Josh Pask was an unused substitute for Gillingham as they were
beaten by Oldham Athletic
With the top two tiers out of action due to the international break, it was
a much quieter weekend for the Hammers out on loan, with only one of them in
action. George Dobson – on loan at League One outfit Walsall this term –
played as the Saddlers secured a vital 2-1 victory over Millwall to climb
out the drop zone in England's third tier. As the midfielder started and
completed 83 minutes at the Banks's Stadium, the hosts took the lead after
17 minutes when Simeon Jackson – the former Lions forward – struck his fifth
of the season after Franck Moussa's knock-down. The visitors, hoping to
avoid a fourth-straight defeat, were back on level terms five minutes later;
Fred Onyedinma nodded home a Mahlon Romeo cross from six yards out. Shortly
after the break though, the hosts regained the lead when the same pair
combined. Jackson was denied by goalkeeper Jordan Archer, and Moussa slammed
home the hosts' second to make it 2-1. Steve Morison and Lee Gregory went
close for Neil Harris' side, but Dobson and co held out to move up to 16th
in League One.
Elsewhere in the division, Josh Pask was an unused substitute for Gillingham
as they slipped to defeat against Oldham. Cody McDonald gave the Gills a
first half lead, but second half strikes from Freddie Ladapo and Ryan Flynn
meant Oldham travelled back up north with three points in the bag.
Bradford City continued their excellent form to remain second in the league,
beating Fleetwood Town 2-0, though the Bantams were without Hammers
midfielder Josh Cullen. Away with the Republic of Ireland U21s, Cullen
played for the Boys in Green in their 3-1 UEFA European U21 Championship
qualifying defeat to Serbia.
Doneil Henry, who made his AC Horsens debut last week, was also away on
international duty and helped Canada to a 4-0 win against Mauritania.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Youth international round up
WHUFC.com
A number of West Ham United youth players made appearances for their
international side this weekend
Malyk Hamilton scored his first goal for Canada U18s in their draw with El
Salvador
Rihards Matrevics played twice for Latvia U19s and is set to make a third
appearance on Tuesday
A number of young West Ham United players have represented their youth
international sides across the world during this international break. Malyk
Hamilton scored on just his second start for Canada U18s as they levelled
their two match international series with El Salvador. Canada drew the first
match 1-1 in San Salvador, thanks to a late Alan Camacho equaliser, and were
cancelled out by the same opponents in the second match. Camacho scored
again to level proceedings before Hamilton equalised with the first goal for
his country in the second half to ensure a share of the spoils for Canada.
Goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics has had a packed schedule, appearning twice in
three days for Latvia U19s, and he's set to make his third appearance of
this international break on Tuesday.
The 17-year-old was in goal as Latvia drew 2-2 with Turkey on Thursday and
lost 3-0 to Ukraine on Saturday. He'll aim to keep his place for the
encounter with Iceland this week.
Josh Cullen played the full 90 minutes for the Republic of Ireland U21s on
Friday as they lost 3-1 to Serbia. Everton's Courtney Duffus gave them the
lead in the second half before Serbia - the World U20 champions last year -
scored three times to clinch the victory.
Elsewhere, Domingos Quina came off the bench as Portugal U19s beat Italy 2-1
on Sunday in Marinha Grande. Vrioni Giacomo gave Italy the lead in the
first-half before the Portuguese struck back through Pedro Marques and
Gedson Fernandes to take the win.
Martin Samuelsen was an unused substitute for the Norway senior side, as
they were beaten 1-0 by Azerbaijan on Saturday. The 19-year-old will hope to
make his first appearance of this international break against San Marino on
Tuesday.
Declan Rice was also an unusued substitute as Republic of Ireland's Under
19s thrashed Gibraltar 5-0 on Saturday. They face Germany on Tuesday.
Doneil Henry, who made his AC Horsens debut last week, was also away on
international duty and helped Canada to a 4-0 win against Mauritania.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stoke City ballot now open
WHUFC.com
The Claret Members' ticket ballot for West Ham United's Premier League
fixture with Stoke City at London Stadium is now open. Claret Members can
enter the ballot to secure tickets for the visit of the Potters, which will
kick-off at 3pm on Saturday 5 November, between now and the closing date of
5pm on Sunday 23 October. To enter, Claret Members are required to login to
their Ticketmaster account here, select the fixture and add to basket. Fans
wishing to apply with other Claret Members should include all client
reference numbers in the one transaction, and, if successful, will be seated
together. By becoming a Claret Member, supporters not only ensure access to
the ballot, but will be guaranteed exclusive ticket priority for every
Premier League home game during the first season at our stunning new
Stadium. With 52,000 plus Season Ticket Holders, an even greater number on
the waiting list and thousands of Claret Members already registered, Claret
Membership is your access to home match tickets in this unique season.
Membership is priced at just £40 for Adults and £25 for Under-16s, with
supporters already on the Season Ticket Waiting List eligible for a £5
discount. Similarly, Claret Members can also join the Season Ticket Waiting
List for the reduced price of just £5. Supporters entering the ballot have
the option of selecting up to a maximum of two price points. If you are
happy to accept any price band, and thereby increasing the likelihood of
being successful, kindly select your preferred area of the Stadium and leave
the second option blank.
The ballot closes at 5pm on Sunday 23 October and successful supporters will
be notified via email on Monday 24 October. Hospitality packages for this
fixture are available to buy now from £349 +VAT per person. For further
information and to purchase, email corporatesales@westhamunited.co.uk or
call 0871 091 1811*.
*Calls cost 13p/min plus your networks access charge.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Foundation celebrating heart-warming success
WHUFC.com
Avid footballer Jodie Coombes reconnected with her family after appearing on
Match of the Day, alongside Hammers heroes Adrian and Michail Antonio
The Foundation-backed Street Soccer programme uses football to help improve
social skills and job prospects
Jodie has been invited to train with the Ladies' Development Squad, and will
also compete in the 2016 Homeless World Cup in Glasgow this July
The West Ham United Foundation recently celebrated the spectacular the news
that one of its Street Soccer Foundation participants has reconnected with
her family. Jodie Coombes, 20, had been homeless after falling out with her
Mum and Dad when she was 15, however, the since talented footballer appeared
in an episode of the BBC's Match of the Day, the family's relationship has
greatly improved. The good news continued as Jodie has now been invited to
represent her country in the 2016 Homeless World Cup in Glasgow in July.
The heart-warming story came largely as a result of Jodie's participation
with the Street Soccer Foundation which has dramatically transformed the
young footballer's life, a scheme that has been heavily backed by the West
Ham United Foundation.
Reflecting on the life-changing experience, Jodie said: "I first heard about
Street Soccer through Torchlight. I met with them, talked through the
details and soon started going to the sessions. "I still participate now.
The season just finished went really well, I've really enjoyed every minute
of it to be honest. The whole experience, the new skills and the new people
I've met have all been amazing. "After I'd left home, my parents did stay in
contact, but now I'm living independently we're all trying to rebuild that
relationship, and it's a got a lot better. We're getting on really good."
In April, first team stars Adrian and Michail Antonio visited the
Foundation's base at Beckton to show their support and raise awareness for
the campaign. There that day, among other budding footballers was Jodie,
whose talent has shone through during the training sessions. She continued:
"Meeting Adrian and Michail was a dream to come true, I met them and I was
really, really over the moon, I was speechless! "They gave loads of tips,
and encouraged us to keep on going with what we're doing. "I was quite
nervous to be honest. The whole experience of being on Match of the Day was
a dream come true, it was really amazing."
After coaching a Street Soccer session Hammers hero Michail Antonio had
nothing but praise for the scheme, and the participants: "It's a great
achievement what they've managed to do so far and these kids definitely look
up and are inspired by players like us. "Showing our support hopefully gives
them more of a drive and gives them that self-belief. "It's not easy to get
the right opportunities in life but as long as you're determined and willing
to push yourself, it can be done." West Ham United Foundation
chief-executive Joe Lyons echoed Antonio's sentiments saying: "This is a
fantastic example of how the work we're carrying out is a real long-term
journey for our participants. "Jodie's story is quite remarkable and it just
shows that the right kind of intervention can help change young people's
lives! To go from being homeless to representing England in a football
tournament, just shows local young people that anything is possible."
The budding footballer finished by recalling the moment she was called up to
represent England, beaming: "When I got the phone call to say I was in the
squad, I was speechless, I was just so happy. I've waited so long for a
chance like this, now it has, I just have to keep at it. "Projects like
Street Soccer are so important, they really help people in situations like
myself; it really helps to give people a chance to show what they can do, I
think they do a great job."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
#WHUAREYA - Ben Johnson
WHUFC.com
As Dimitri Payet curled home his fourth direct free-kick of the campaign at
Manchester United last season, there would have been no shortage of
youngsters attempting to replicate the stunner in back gardens all over the
country. For 16-year-old midfielder Ben Johnson, it was slightly different;
he was doing his best to imitate Payet's feats on the training pitches the
Frenchman also graces. "He's an amazing player," says Johnson, in admiration
of the superstar. "It's great to watch him play. I think out of the West Ham
first team squad, he's the player I'm most like. I like him a lot. "His set
pieces are incredible, and I like to think I hit a good set piece too. I
just love watching creative players like Payet. Mesut Ozil also, and
obviously Lionel Messi. They're all fantastic footballers and I try to be
like them on the pitch."
Johnson sees himself as an attacking talent who can "pass quickly, dribble
well, hit a good shot and drive from deep". Those attributes, of course, are
plain to see in Payet's all-round game. As for this season, the 29-year-old
will be hoping to continue his excellent form that helped France reach the
UEFA Euro 2016 final. Johnson hopes a similarly positive campaign is in
store for him. "I want to play a lot of U23s football this season if I can –
that's got to be one of my aims," he continues. "I want to train regularly
with them, and then if I get the chance, to train with the first team maybe
a few times. "I need to try my hardest in training and work my way up. I've
been at the Club nine years now, and every session, every week, the
relationship between me and the Club gets bigger, I feel. "I really love the
Club a lot and I think I can go far here."
While the youngster has begun the season with the U18 squad, he also enjoyed
time with the Hammers' PL2 side during pre-season in Holland this summer.
"It was a great trip, because we built that team spirit that can serve you
well if you take it onto the pitch. If you have a good connection off the
pitch, it's often the same on it and that is a key to success in my opinion.
"We chilled out a lot, played some FIFA and had a laugh – it was a great
trip for us to bond."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimi sets up France winner
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet's France clinched a 1-0 FIFA World Cup qualifying victory over
the Netherlands on Monday
The Hammers midfielder set up the game's only goal
Reece Oxford was also in action as England U20s beat the USA 2-0
Dimitri Payet set up the only goal of the game as his France side picked up
a second win of the international break over the Netherlands on Monday
evening.
The Hammers midfielder started and completed 67 minutes for Didier
Deschamps' side, who followed up last week's 4-1 victory over Bulgaria with
the narrow win in Amsterdam. The game's only goal was scored after just half
an hour when Manchester United's summer signing Paul Pogba rocketed a long
range effort into the bottom corner following Payet's pass in-field. The
visitors moved up to joint top of their Russia 2018 qualifying group, level
on points at the summit of Group A with Sweden. The clash was Payet's 30th
in the blue of his national side.
Teenage prospect Reece Oxford was also in international action on Monday, as
his England U20s outfit were 2-0 winners over the USA at Rochdale's
Spotland.
Competing in the Four Nations competition which the Young Lions had already
clinched following wins over Germany and the Netherlands, the hosts rounded
off an impressive tournament with the comfortable victory. Ovie Ejaria and
Dominic Solanke were on the scoresheet for England in a game which Oxford
started. The defender was making his third appearance for his country at U20
level.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fans group hold inaugural rally
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th October 2016
By: Staff Writer
The first meeting of a new West Ham United supporters organisation was held
on Saturday afternoon. Staged at the West Ham United Supporters' Club in
Castle Street, opposite the club's former Boleyn Ground home, the first
meeting of a proposed, independent organisation aimed at representing the
supporters' interests was held. A spokesman for the group, who are yet to
give themselves an official title told KUMB: "It was a pleasure to meet
everyone that made an effort to turn up. A number of good ideas on how to
move forward together and see where it takes us were put forward." Meanwhile
another fan who attended insisted it was inportant for supporters to have
their own voice, independent of the club's own fan groups such as the
much-maligned SUpporter Advisory Board (SAB). "What became clear from the
meeting is that it is nigh on impossible to engage with WHUFC PLC on any
issue whatsoever," they said. "We are not being heard no matter what route
you take, its as simple as that. "A supporters' trust itself is the ultimate
goal and something that others are already working hard on. These guys know
what they are talking about but quite frankly they cannot do it on their
own, they need foot soldiers - so the more people on board the merrier."
Anyone interest in becoming involved with the new organisation are welcome
to attend the next meeting, which is scheduled for Saturday, 22 October
(ahead of the home match with Sunderland).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Light at the end of tunnel, says Cresswell
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th October 2016
By: Staff Writer
Aaron Cresswell says he can't wait to become involved in first team action
once again having spent the last three months on the sidelines. The
26-year-old full-back is set to make his return from injury this weekend
when Slaven Bilic takes his side across the city to Crystal Palace. And
Cresswell is looking forward to making his first Premier League appearance
of the season - should he secure a first team spot for the fixture, as is
widely expected. "This is the first big injury I have suffered during my
career," he told West Ham's website. "Hopefully I will be able to get over
this little setback and stay injury free for a long time. "I was stuck in a
knee brace for four to six weeks and it was hard to get the knee bending. I
could only bend it so much and it was difficult for me just to get out of
bed and walk down the stairs. "There was some dark days during that time but
I can now see some light at the end of the tunnel."
And Cresswell - who moved to West Ham from Ipswich in the summer of 2014 -
also revealed how additional nursing duties for his wife went a long way to
aiding his recovery! "The missus was great to me during that time," he
added, "and it felt like I had a little bell by the side of the couch that I
kept pressing every time I wanted something! "It was little things from
wanting a cup of tie or getting the food on, but she was fantastic during
that period and helped me through it as well when I couldn't walk or get
down the stairs."
West Ham face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zaza linked with Serie A return
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th October 2016
By: Staff Writer
On-loan striker Simone Zaza is being linked with a return to Italy - just a
matter of weeks after joining West Ham on loan. Having already lost star
striker Gonzalo Higuain to Juventus in the summer, Serie A outfit Napoli are
back in the transfer market following the news that the Argentine
international's replacement, Arkadiusz Milik, has been ruled out of action
until the new year. And with Zaza's future at West Ham already uncertain
following a slow start to his Premier League career - which has seen him
failed to find the net since moving to England - Napoli are said to be
taking keen interest in the 25-year-old. However Zaza - who is currently on
loan at West Ham - has a number of potential rivals for the role. Leonardo
Pavoletti of Genoa - who was linked with Leeds United last year - and
Sassuolo's Gregoire Defrel have also been linked with a move to Gli Azzurri
who are currently second in Serie A, four points behind early leaders
Juventus.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kanu snubs Uniteds and makes history
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 10th October 2016
By: Staff Writer
Talented youngster Idris Kanu has finally left West Ham - for National
League outfit Aldershot Town. The highly-rated 16-year-old began his career
at West Ham, for whom he has featured since the age of 11. And only last
month he appeared to be close to securing a move to Manchester United after
spending a brief spell on loan with the club at their Carrington training
complex. However the striker has surprised many by snubbing both Uniteds in
favour of the fifth-tier non-league club, who are currently sixth in the
National League, 15 games into the campaign. "We're fortunate to have signed
a very talented player," said Shots boss Gary Waddock via his club's
website. "We need to make sure that we help him to realise his potential but
we are planning for the future." Kanu made 17 appearances for West Ham
United's Under 18s last season, scoring two goals. He made his debut for
Aldershot as an 86th-minute substitute in their 2-0 win over Solihull Moors
on Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Randy on a roll as Dimi delights
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th October 2016
By: Staff Writer
Michail Antonio was an unused substitute for the second game in succession
as England beat Malta in their latest Qorld Cup qualifer at Wembley. The
West Ham winger was selected for the second England squad in succession but
was left on the bench by temporary boss Gareth Southgate as the hosts
managed to beat the minnows 2-0 at Wembley. Dimitri Payet was on the
scoresheet for France as the Euro 16 hosts ran out 4-1 winners over
Bul;garia, despite falling a goal behind early on. West Ham's midfielder
scored the second of three French first half goals when his far post cross
evaded everyone before nestling in tthe bottom of the net - as you may see
in our video below. Elsewhere James Collins was an unused substitute as
Wales struggled to a 1-1 draw at home to Georgia, whilst Darren Randolph was
part of the Republic of Ireland team that secured a vital 3-1 World Cup
qualifying win in Moldova last night.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Enner fires back in paternity row
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th October 2016
By: Staff Writer
Enner Valencia has hit back at critics who accused him of failing to stay up
to date with maintenence payments for his daughter. Last week we revealed
how the Hammers striker, currently on loan at Everton made a comical escape
from the Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa by allegedly faking injury in order to
avoid the attention of watching Police officers. And having receiving
widespread condemation for his antics, Valencia has fired back to clear up
any misconceptions regarding his disappearance last week - whilst accusing
ex-wife Synthia Pinargote of seeking personal financial gain. "According to
what has happened in the last few days and regarind the supposed
non-fulfilment of my obligations as a father to my five-year old daughter
Beira, I feel obliged to explain the truth of these matters to honour my
family as well as my personal and professional image," he said in a
statement relased via twitter. "I am currently facing several lawsuits
initiated by Sinthyia Pinargote Chumo, which I perceive are aimed
exclusively on matters of economic and personal gain, such as the demand for
maintenance, presented in 2015, where I set the amount of 30,000 dollars a
month as alimony. "Within the last two years, despite spending a sum
estimated to be 100,000 US dollars, for pensions of food, which can be
verified on the website of the judiciary, she has prevented me strengthening
my relationship with my daughter, because her mother prevents me from
exercising any contact on my visits when I am in Ecuador. "After thinking
all this through with my family, I decided to take legal action and ask for
my daughter's custody. It is my intention to bring my daughter Beira to live
and study in the UK, where I am based at the moment, so she can grow up
within a stable family environment. "In December 2015 my demand was accepted
by the court and my daughter's custody was granted; the judge also ordered
the immediate suspension of all alimony ppayments to Mrs Sinthya
Pinargorte."
Valencia also hit out at his former partner for spending his monthly
payments, that were intended for his daughter, on material items for
herself. "Among other facts, it was proven that she bought a luxury car,
jewelllery, constatnt travels as well as the fact that my daughter was left
abandoned, several times, on her own for long periods whilst her mother was
performing her modelling and stripper activities at a gentlemen's night club
in Guayaquil," he added."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cancer patient Jack Howard thanks West Ham in touching video after £200,000
is raised for treatment
15:57, 10 OCT 2016 UPDATED 15:57, 10 OCT 2016
BY JAKE POLDEN
The 12-year-old also thanked his friends and family for their continued
support
The Mirror
Young cancer patient and West Ham supporter Jack Howard thanked his family,
friends and his club in a heart-warming video. The 12-year-old, who
underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and had his kidney removed in 2013, is
currently battling kidney cancer for a second time. The treatment he has had
in the UK has failed and his family are now raising money so that Jack, who
is in an LA hospital, can have pioneering treatment. His family are hoping
to raise £250,000 and have so far accumulated £200,000. The youngster took
to social media, in the above video, to thank his family and friends for
their continued support. He also thanked the fans of his football club West
Ham as well as the people behind the scenes there. The east London club
donated £5,000 towards Jack's cause, which Hammers co-chairman David
Sullivan matched personally to help boost the figure. The fundraising effort
is being made via a Crowdfunder page, where the football community and
beyond have made donations. Jack recently received a Facetime call from star
players Dimitri Payet and Sam Byram . In the touching clip, Payet tells the
youngster: "We wish you a good recovery and we hope to see you soon in
London Stadium."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's board must forget the corporate jargon and take responsibility
for what is THEIRS
20:30, 10 OCT 2016
OPINION Mike Walters BY MIKEWALTERS
The Hammers move from Upton Park to the Taxpayers Stadium has come with far
more than teething troubles - and the corporate speak has far from helped
The Mirror
Poor old Karren Brady must be suffering from double vision in her two
highest-profile jobs. As Lord Sugar's pouting sidekick on The Apprentice,
she watches from a safe distance in the background as a bunch of clueless
pretenders botch perfectly simple tasks in London. And as West Ham's
vice-chairman, the Duchess of Knightsbridge also watches from a safe
distance, in the directors' box, as another bunch of clueless pretenders
botch perfectly simple tasks in London. But for Brady and Hammers
co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan, the acid test is coming up. Later
this month, when Chelsea come calling at the Taxpayers Stadium for a League
Cup fourth round tie with more than 5,000 fans in their entourage, football
will hold its breath. West Ham have not just had teething troubles with
crowd behaviour since they became anchor tenants at their new home. They
have needed root canal treatment.
Fans have been refusing to sit down, fighting each other and visiting
supporters were ambushed by their coaches after the 1-1 draw with
Middlesbrough 10 days ago. To date, on matchdays there has been no visible
police presence inside the ground because it is not equipped with the
Airwave radio system used by emergency services. It has been left to stadium
operators London Stadium 185 – who were alerted to the radio frequency
problem by Metropolitan Police two years ago – to manage in-house security.
Rob Nichols, editor of Boro fanzine Fly Me to The Moon, said: "I just do not
understand how West Ham got a licence to play games there when they are not
being policed properly. "It's incredible that, in this day and age, a
Premier League match can take place in an environment like that." Ticket
allocations and safety arrangements for Chelsea's visit, by far the biggest
trial of football at the converted London 2012 Olympic cathedral, will be
finalised this week. Although it is unthinkable that a fixture of such
tinderbox potential can be played with no police inside the ground, this is
not a case of West Ham putting a few quid before public safety. It is
stadium owners E20 who are responsible for paying the police bills and the
stewards have been given extra training since the post-match disturbances
against Boro. But it doesn't really matter who pays the bill for the old
bill.
In theory, West Ham could certainly afford it after contributing just £15m
towards the £272m cost of adapting the stadium and they are being charged
only £2.5m-a-year to rent it. Under the terms of their 99-year lease,
however, they do not have to pay for policing, stewarding, heating,
lighting, cleaners or turnstile operators. They don't even have to pay for
the goalposts after successfully arguing that you would not be expected to
rent a tennis court with no net supplied.
But some things are more important than arguing about who picks up the tab
for police costs at a cup tie. This task is not about auditioning to become
Lord Sugar's business partner by flogging tat down at Camden Market. It is
about organising a potentially combustible derby with watertight segregation
inside the ground and taking responsibility for crowd control on the
concourses and walkways around it. Decent fans who venture across the Queen
Elizabeth II Olympic Park on October 26 won't care two whelks who settles
the account with Scotland Yard. They would just prefer it if they didn't
have to navigate skirmishes between Danny Dyer tribute acts and Football
Factory retro-pond life when they go to watch a football match.
Gold, Sullivan and Brady's business acumen is not on trial here. Anyone who
can strike a deal to rent the Taxpayers Stadium for buttons, with the
landlords settling all the household bills, is clearly a formidable
negotiator. But there was trouble at West Ham's home games with Watford and
Boro, which should have been low-risk Category Z fixtures, and the honeymoon
period for buck-passing has expired The Two Daves and Her Ladyship believe
moving to a new home, with the lowest season ticket prices in the Premier
League and almost double the capacity of Upton Park, will hasten the
Hammers' entry to English football's elite.
As a business plan, that's fair enough. But remember, they are YOUR fans,
it's YOUR club's reputation, it's YOUR safety licence. Or, in the corporate
jargon in which Lady Brady is so fluent, it's YOUR culture and it's YOUR
brand.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aaron Cresswell surprised by West Ham's poor start - but backs Slaven
Bilic's side to recover
SAM LONG
Evening Standard
Aaron Cresswell has been surprised by West Ham's poor start to the season
but the full back expects Slaven Bilic's side to begin climbing the Premier
League table after the international break. The Hammers finished seventh
last term and rode a wave of optimism into their new home at the London
Stadium in the early weeks of this season. But such a positive outlook has
stuttered in recent weeks as results have been poor, leaving the east
Londoners languishing in the relegation zone with just four points to their
name after seven games.
Cresswell is yet to feature this season, having suffered a serious knee
injury during pre-season, and has admitted he did not foresee his teammates
making such a sluggish start. "Yes it has [surprised me]. Even in pre-season
we didn't have good results in the Europa League," Cresswell told the club's
official website. "But we still have a strong squad, the same team and the
same manager. No one expected it to be like this. "Everyone thought we were
going to be - not challenging for the title - but certainly up there and
having a right good go. "It's still early doors but we want to try and turn
it round and get further up that table," he added. Cresswell is ahead of
schedule in regards to his personal fitness battle and could be available
for West Ham's next league match against Crystal Palace. Yet injury problems
for a number of key players have clearly played a part in the club's
disappointing run of results and Cresswell is adamant a fully fit squad -
plus the return of a fighting spirit - will help to lead West Ham out of the
mire. "We've still got the same players and we've added some fantastic
players," he insisted. "Once everybody is fit the gaffer will have a
headache picking the starting XI but I'm sure he will welcome that. "We need
that team spirit back, fighting for each other, winning games. "The spirit
hasn't changed - the lads are still tight as ever - but it just hasn't
happened on the pitch. "When we get that fighting spirit back with us all -
and the fans - I'm sure we're going to push further up that table."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham need to stick together and ride out the storm after poor start to
the season, insists Julian Dicks
SAM LONG
EVENING STANDARD
Julian Dicks has urged West Ham to pull together in order to "ride out the
storm" that has engulfed the club in recent weeks. The Hammers moved into
their new home amid an overwhelming feeling of optimism but have endured a
difficult start to life at the London Stadium. Slaven Bilic's side have won
just one Premier League game this season and are currently languishing in
the relegation zone with four points to their name. Such a poor start has
seen frustration grow among the West Ham fanbase, many of whom expected
their side to challenge for a place in the top four, but assistant coach
Dicks has called for unity as they attempt to climb the table. "We had a
great season last season and it was going to be hard to do the same," he
told the club's official website. "But the start we had - obviously we
didn't work enough - we know that. "Collectively we're not working as a
team. You can't really on Dimi or Manu to pop up with goals all the time.
"We have to work as a team. But that's the players, the coaches, the
manager, everybody and even the fans. "We have to stick together and ride
this storm out," he added. Dicks also believes that playing at the London
Stadium has proven to be a motivation for West Ham's opponents and believes
stamping such an attitude out will be key for the east Londoners. "This has
been a big transition and the new stadium is impressive. Teams want to play
there because it is such a fantastic stadium and we have to stop them doing
that. "You do that by working hard. It's down to the players. They need to
start working harder and giving the crowd something to shout about."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham team news: Diafra Sakho to be given first-team chance as he nears
return from back injury
JAMES BENGE
EVENING STANDARD
Diafra Sakho will be part of Slaven Bilic's first-team plans in the coming
months with his recovery from a back injury almost complete. The Senegal
striker has not featured for West Ham this season as he looks to recover
from an injury that has plagued him on and off since late 2014. Sakho seemed
set to depart the London Stadium in the summer after submitting a transfer
request. West Brom had agreed a £15million deal for the 26-year-old only for
the move to collapse over fitness concerns from the Midlands side. In
Sakho's absence West Ham have struggled for goals, particularly from their
strikers. Only four Hammers have found the net this season and not one of
Simone Zaza, Jonathan Calleri or the oft-injured Andy Carroll have yet
troubled the scorers. Whether Sakho would remain beyond January would be
dependent on any offers that came to West Ham but suitors may be reluctant
to target a striker that could be unavailable for much of the hectic new
year period. Senegal's place in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations would almost
certainly see Sakho travel to Gabon, providing he is fit, for the
tournament, which runs from January 14 to February 5. West Ham could be
without the striker, his international team-mate Cheikhou Kouyate, Sofiane
Feghouli and Andre Ayew for up to eight matches, dependant on their progress
in cup competitions. Over 24 appearances last season Sakho managed just
seven goals, five of which came before the end of September. That contrasts
markedly with the 12 he scored in 26 games during Sam Allardyce's final
season at the club. Sakho could be joined by Carroll and Aaron Cresswell in
the coming weeks with West Ham's injury concerns seemingly easing. The
latter completed 50 minutes of a behind closed doors match at the Rush Green
training ground last week and hopes to be available for Saturday's London
derby with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. "I could not have asked anymore
from the physio's, especially Eamon, our rehab fitness coach who has helped
me out massively over the last 12 weeks," Cresswell said. "It is not just
the body, it is the mind as well that you have to get right. For me this is
the first time I have had a long-term injury and hopefully it will be the
last."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll: West Ham players love the London Stadium, I can't wait to play
there again
JAMES BENGE
Evening Standard
Andy Carroll says West Ham players "love" their new home despite their
struggles to secure positive results at the London Stadium. West Ham have
won just one of their four Premier League matches at their new ground this
season with captain Mark Noble admitting players were struggling to adapt
away from the Boleyn Ground. Supporters have made plain their displeasure at
their new home, with parts of the crowd at last week's 1-1 draw with
Middlesbrough chanting "Stratford's a s***hole" and "We should have stayed
at the Boleyn". But Carroll, who has yet to play a league match at West
Ham's new ground, insists that players are happy to have made the move and
cannot wait to make his bow at the London Stadium.
"It has been fantastic for us moving into the new stadium and it is great
for the club," Carroll told the West Ham website. "I know there have been a
lot of discussions about the move, but the players love it. "It is a great
stadium and it was great for me to score two goals against Juventus and get
the season going. Hopefully there is plenty more. "It is one of the biggest
grounds in England and it is great for us to have that and have it being
part of the club. "Obviously the results have not been going our way and we
have not been performing but I cannot wait to get back out there." Carroll's
last appearance for West Ham came in the Europa League tie with Astra
Giurgiu where he suffered a knee injury. West Ham hope the striker will be
back in time for their first match after the international break, a trip to
Crystal Palace. Carroll though is particularly keen to return to the Olympic
Stadium, where he scored a brace in a friendly win over Juventus in August.
"My recovery is going well. I am working hard in the gym and everything is
going well. Hopefully soon I will be back in action. "I can't wait to play
my first league game at the new stadium. I scored two goals against Juventus
and would love to score a lot more there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
