Loan round up
WHUFC.com
Two Hammers were in loan action over the international break
Josh Cullen played as Bradford City thrashed Rochdale at home
There was also game time for Lewis Page, though his Coventry side could not
prevent Scunthorpe grabbing all three points
Though England's top two divisions halted for the weekend due to the
international break, there were still two Hammers in loan action in the
third tier. Firstly, Bradford City's Josh Cullen, who after the weekend has
made 14 appearances for the Bantams this campaign, was in winning action. He
played 90 minutes for the Yorkshire outfit in their resounding 4-0 victory
at home against Rochdale on Saturday to keep his side in the automatic
promotion spots in the division. Only Scunthorpe United – who took on Lewis
Page's Coventry City at the weekend – have so far eclipsed Stuart McCall's
men this term. The clash at Valley Parade, heading towards a goalless first
half, sparked into life on 41 minutes as Billy Clarke bagged his sixth of
the season via James Hanson's assist. And it was two three minutes later,
Tim Dieng this time the City hero as he glanced home Clarke's centre. Things
went from bad to worse for Rochdale in the second period, as minutes after
going down to ten men following Niall Canavan's second bookable offence,
given for pulling back Hammer Cullen, they conceded a third. Hanson, after
seeing his initial effort block, rifled home the rebound to put the result
beyond doubt with half an hour still to play. Mark Marshall, four minutes
later, put the cherry on the cake for the hosts as he scored direct from a
free-kick to make it 4-0 and keep the side within touching distance of
Scunthorpe at League One's summit.
The Iron were in no mood to reduce the gap at the top of the table, however,
as they were 1-0 winners at Coventry City's Ricoh Arena. Lewis Page played
90 minutes for the Sky Blues but could not prevent the defeat, as the
division's top scorer Josh Morris added his 15th of a prolific season to
grab all three points.
Finally, George Dobson was an unused substitute for Walsall as they picked
up a 1-1 draw at struggling MK Dons. The Saddlers went ahead through Scott
Laird in the 28th minute and thought they had done enough for all three
points until Dean Bowditch pounced in the final minute to earn his side a
share of the spoils.
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Rice eager for U21 bow
WHUFC.com
Declan Rice is hoping to continue a dream 2016 by making his Republic of
Ireland U21 debut this week. The centre-half does not turn 18 until January,
but he has already signed a three-year professional contract, featured on
West Ham United's pre-season tour of the United States and been appointed
captain of the Club's Premier League 2 side. A strong and composed defender
and mature character, Rice has previously been capped at U17 and U19 level,
and could make his U21 bow against Slovakia or Czech Republic in La Manga.
"It's been a really good year for me, to be honest," said the teenager, who
has travelled with Noel King's squad to a week-long training camp and
friendly double-header in Spain. "I am so pleased with the call-up because,
to be honest, I didn't expect it. I was not included in the Under-19 squad,
so I thought I'd be getting the international break off, but of course I was
buzzing to get the call for the Under-21s. "We've got two games against
Slovakia and the Czech Republic in La Manga, so hopefully I'll get on the
pitch and make my debut. "Josh Cullen has also linked up with the squad
after playing for Bradford at the weekend and I'll be speaking to him about
the Under-21s and that will help me to settle in."
For Rice, inclusion in King's squad for the first time is reward for a
consistent start to 2016/17, during which he has captained the Hammers in
nine Premier League 2 fixtures and a Checkatrade Trophy tie at Coventry
City. "This season, playing Premier League 2 football and against senior
players in the Checkatrade Trophy are different levels to the old U21
Premier League, and they've really helped my game come on," "I think I've
been quite consistent this season. Luckily enough, I've had the opportunity
to play regularly for the PL2 side and we have carried on our form as a team
from last season. "Terry spoke to me at the start of the season and told me
it was time to step up and start leading and organising, and so far it's
gone well. "I've been called over to train with the first-team squad a fair
few times, too, so I just have to keep working hard and take my chances if
they come."
*Rice's fellow countryman Anthony Scully featured twice for Republic of
Ireland U18s during the international break, helping the young Boys in Green
to a goalless draw with the Netherlands, before starring in a narrow 3-2
defeat by Germany. Both matches were played in Cambrils on Spain's
Mediterranean coast.
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From the Boardroom
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan responds to Eggert Magnusson's comments about
London Stadium...
I was disappointed to read some irresponsible and, quite frankly, incorrect
comments made by Eggert Magnusson in one of the Sunday newspapers. Mr
Magnusson was Chairman at the Club for little more than a year between 2006
and 2007 and when he left the Club it was saddled with £110m of debt. His
tenure, which saw the Club taken to the brink of Administration, threatened
the very future of West Ham United. Thankfully, myself and my current Board
were able to protect the Club and ensure its future.
Now, Eggert has criticised us for helping to fulfil the legacy of the hugely
successful London 2012 Olympic Games, providing London and the country with
a multi-use Stadium that we can all be proud of. Mr Magnussson has not, to
my knowledge, visited London Stadium.
London Stadium has been converted to a UEFA Category 4 football stadium –
the highest possible category of stadia deemed capable of hosting a
Champions League final by UEFA – and is a venue which has been used for
Premier League football, and played host to the Rugby World Cup and concert
performances including one of the world's biggest bands.
The atmosphere at the opening game through to the Chelsea game has been
incredible and you have to have been there to experience it.
We appreciate that the Stadium is not yet perfect, but we have solved many
of the initial issues we faced and are working closely with our fellow
stakeholders to find solutions to those which remain outstanding. We would
therefore politely suggest Mr Magnusson's views on the stadium carry as much
credibility as his short-lived but hugely flawed tenure as chairman of West
Ham United.
With the support of our fantastic and loyal supporters, the vast majority of
whom are benefiting from the cheaper, affordable tickets we are able to
provide at our bigger, better equipped, more modern and superbly situated
home. I, my fellow Board members and stakeholders are confident that we will
iron out the remaining issues over time.
Onto other matters, we at West Ham might be enjoying the final international
break of the year, but our players are certainly doing their respective
countries proud. I watched the England match with my sons on Friday evening
and enjoyed seeing the Three Lions secure a deserved victory over Scotland.
We also flicked channels throughout the game to see Dimitri Payet in
outstanding form for France – again! Dimitri has had an outstanding year and
has become a vital player for France and I am so proud that he is a West Ham
player.
He has played 16 times for his country in 2016, scoring seven goals and
assisting five more, and inspiring them to the final of the European
Championship. Dimi signed a new long-term contract in February, pledging his
future to this Club, and it is very much our intention that he remains with
us for years to come.
Sticking with internationals, I would like to congratulate Aaron Cresswell
on his first England call-up. As a Club, we very much hope Aaron is given
his debut against Spain at Wembley on Tuesday. And finally on the same
subject, congratulations also to our outstanding young midfielder Edimilson
Fernandes on making his full Switzerland debut, Darren Randolph on keeping
another clean sheet for the Republic of Ireland, and both Andre Ayew and
Cheikhou Kouyate on captaining their countries at the weekend.
David Sullivan
Joint-Chairman
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#WHUAREYA - Anthony Scully
WHUFC.com
In a week in which exciting midfielder Anthony Scully made his fourth
appearance for the Republic of Ireland's U18s, he features as the next
youngster to go under the spotlight in #WHUAREYA.
The 17-year-old was lively throughout his side's 3-2 defeat to Germany,
having a number of attempts on goal himself including an ambitious effort
from the halfway line which drifted just wide.
Scully has also been in fine form for the Hammers' U18 side this season,
scoring once and starring as they remain second in the Premier League U18
South.
In the company of West Ham TV, the teenager spoke about his influences as a
youngster, who he looks up to in the first team squad now, and why he is
such a fan of TV show I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!
Click here to catch last week's episode with 19-year-old full-back Alex
Pike.
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Hammers pay tribute to West Ham Pals
WHUFC.com
West Ham United paid tribute to the 13th (Service) Battalion of the Essex
Regiment, known as the 'West Ham Pals', at a moving ceremony on Armistice
Day.
Author and historian Elliott Taylor and Club chaplain Rev Alan Bolding led
the ceremony, which was attended by supporters and staff.
Here, Taylor recounts the story of the courageous West Ham Pals…
The West Ham Battalion left England for the First World War combat zone of
France on 16/17 November 1915 – almost exactly 101 years to the day.
The Hammers had been raised by the Mayor of the Borough in January and it
had only taken a month to fill the ranks of the Battalion, including my own
great-grandfather, Joe Cooper from Limehouse.
So many local lads volunteered that a 'Reserve' Battalion was formed and it
was these men who played football at the Boleyn Ground in 1915.
East London as a whole provided the largest number of men throughout the
nation for the Great War, with more than 18,000 volunteers before
Conscription was introduced.
The West Ham Battalion lost many men over the coming 12 months this week
marks exactly 100 Years since the Hammers 'did their bit' on The Somme,
which culminated in one last devastating battle in 1916 on 13 November.
This attack was on a strongly held German position near to Beaumont Hamel
called 'The Quadrilateral' and it took place in thick fog. It led to the
deaths of many fine local men, including Captain William Busby who had
already been awarded the Military Cross aged 24.
Capt. Busby was from Sherrard Road in Forest Gate, just a few streets away
from here. He worked in the City as a chemical analyst and was also the
local Scout Master of the West Ham Troop (now 2nd Newham). On his death in
action the Scouts renamed themselves Busby Troop in his honour.
Honour was something the Hammers had in abundance. They had the lowest
disciplinary rate in the Brigade which was the envy of other Battalions and,
by the war's end, had stacked up more than half a dozen Distinguished
Conduct Medals, nearly a dozen of the Military Cross and over 40 of the
Military Medal.
Their largest medal haul came during their final battle in the Great War on
the last day of November, 1917, at the Battle of Cambrai. This intense fight
lasted for more than 24 hours and at one moment, early on, D Company had
become surrounded yet they remained determined to fight on to the last
round.
As their ammunition became drastically reduced a call went out for a
volunteer to attempt to get back to the West Ham lines for reinforcements.
It was almost a suicide mission. The lad who stepped forward was Laurie
Legg, a 23-year-old former shipping clerk from Walthamstow.
Somehow Laurie made it through the German lines and mud and gave his report.
Every effort was immediately made to rescue D Company but, sadly, all in
vain. Less than 20 men survived and they became Prisoners of War by the next
day, remaining in awful captivity until 1918.
The memorial to The Hammers was unveiled at the Boleyn back in November 2009
by Sir Trevor Brooking.
As you can see, the month of November holds some significant dates for the
West Ham Battalion.
But we equally commemorate the wider sacrifices made by our armed forces in
many conflicts since the Great War including World War Two, Korea, Suez,
Northern Ireland, the Falklands, Iraq and most recently Afghanistan.
I would like to commend the tireless work done by the Royal British Legion,
East Ham Branch, with a special mention for Ken Hill and Bob Stokes who have
provided the Colour Party for many years.
Their dedication is unwavering as they regard the tasks as an honour and a
duty and it marked another poignant day when a new memorial to our West Ham
Pals was installed at the Queen Elizabeth Park on Armistice Day.
As we have done for many years West Ham United will continue to ensure that
At the going down of the sun. And in the morning. We will remember them.
*Elliott Taylor is the author of Up The Hammers! The West Ham Battalion in
the Great War 1914-1918 and also runs the West Ham Pals blog where you can
find much more information and photos of the West Ham Battalion.
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The end of an era
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 14th November 2016
By: Staff Writer
43 years ago today West Ham United legend Bobby Moore made his 108th and
final appearance in an England shirt.
Moore, whose England career had begun 11 years earlier in 1962 played his
final ever game for his country in a friendly against Italy at Wembley in
1974.
The game - which also signalled the end of 1966 World Cup-winning manager
Alf Ramsey's international career - ended 1-0 to the visitors with the goal
being scored three minutes from time by Italy's Fabio Capello.
The team featured just one other player who featuired in the World Cup Final
eight years earlier - former Hammer Martin Peters, who had moved to
Tottenham two years earlier.
Since Bobby hung up his international boots in 1974, four players have gone
on to beat his record haul of 108 caps - albeit in an era when far more
international football is played.
They are Steven Gerrard (114 caps), David Beckham (115), Wayne Rooney (119)
and Peter Shilton - who also played in Moore's final England match against
the Italians - with 125.
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Mad Dog to undergo heart surgery
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 14th November 2016
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Martin 'Mad Dog' Allen is to undergo what has been described
as 'minor heart surgery'. The 51-year-old, who made 190 appearances for West
Ham between 1989 and 1995 is currently enjoying a FOURTH spell as manager of
Barnet FC. And earlier today, Allen wrote to supporters of the League Two
club - who are currently 12th in the table but just two points off the
play-off spots - to explain why he won't be in the dugout for the Bees' next
fixture. "This morning I'm on my way to the Royal Berkshire Hospital for a
minor procedure which will keep me out of action for one week," he said.
"I've got tightness of the arteries around my heart which simply need
clearing. It's simple and straightforward. "Rossi Eames, James Russell, Carl
Muggleton and Luigi Cerullo will look after the players throughout the week
along with the senior players who will continue, no doubt, to be model
professionals. "We've got ourselves into a nice little position and we must
all march together. There is nothing to fear."
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Sullivan's disappointment at 'flawed' Magnusson comments
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 14th November 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's co-chairman David Sullivan has criticised his predecessor
Eggert Magnusson after the latter insisted the Olympic Stadium should be
torn down. Magnusson, who was West Ham's CEO between 2006 and 2008 told a
tabloid newspaper that the arena should be "started from scratch" following
the numerous problems the club have experienced since moving from the Boleyn
Ground last summer.
"I really feel sorry for the fans," he said. "I don't think anything can be
done now. It's better for it to be torn down and started from scratch. We
had plans and costings for a stadium with retractable seats, like the Stade
de France. What we have now is a mess."
And Magnusson's comments clearly touched a nerve with the club's current
administrators, who responded with a terse statement published via the
club's website this afternoon. "I was disappointed to read some
irresponsible and, quite frankly, incorrect comments made by Eggert
Magnusson in one of the Sunday newspapers," said Sullivan. "Mr Magnusson was
Chairman at the club for little more than a year between 2006 and 2007 and
when he left it was saddled with £110million of debt. "His tenure, which saw
the club taken to the brink of administration, threatened the very future of
West Ham United. Thankfully, myself and my current board were able to
protect the club and ensure its future. "Now Eggert has criticised us for
helping to fulfil the legacy of the hugely successful London 2012 Olympic
Games, providing London and the country with a multi-use stadium that we can
all be proud of. Mr Magnussson has not, to my knowledge, visited the
stadium. "We appreciate that the stadium is not yet perfect, but we have
solved many of the initial issues we faced and are working closely with our
fellow stakeholders to find solutions to those which remain outstanding. "We
would therefore politely suggest Mr Magnusson's views on the stadium carry
as much credibility as his short-lived but hugely flawed tenure as chairman
of West Ham United."
Sullivan previously hit out at Magnusson a matter of days after completing
his and David Gold's purchase of West Ham United, when he accused the
Icelandic businessman of committing to a "reckless spending spree". Speaking
in reply, Magnusson responded by insisting that he was proud of his short
spell at the club. ""Maybe I was led to believe there was more money
available than there was," he said."If people are blaming me, so be it. But
I know better and am still proud of my time at West Ham United."
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West Ham not interested in selling Dimitri Payet, says David Sullivan
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 14/11/16 3:13pm
SSN
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan insists the club have no intention of
selling star man Dimitri Payet. The 29-year-old playmaker hinted he could
leave the Hammers in the January transfer window during an interview with
French television channel Telefoot last week.
When asked about his future plans, Payet said: "We've had a very poor start.
Leave in January? I'm asking other questions right now but I've closed the
door to nothing."
Payet has been a star performer for West Ham since arriving from Marseille
for £10.75m in June 2015, scoring 14 goals in 48 appearances, and was
rewarded with a new five-and-a-half year deal in February. "Dimitri has had
an outstanding year and has become a vital player for France and I am so
proud that he is a West Ham player," Sullivan told the club's website. "He
has played 16 times for his country in 2016, scoring seven goals and
assisting five more, and inspiring them to the final of the European
Championship.
"Dimi signed a new long-term contract in February, pledging his future to
this club, and it is very much our intention that he remains with us for
years to come."
Payet scored the winner in France's 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory over
Sweden on Friday and could feature once again for Les Bleus when they host
the Ivory Coast at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Tuesday.
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West Ham weighing up shock January move for Watford striker Troy Deeney
16:44, 14 NOV 2016 UPDATED 17:37, 14 NOV 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
The Hammers have Watford skipper Deeney in their sights as they renew their
attempts to land a big-money striker
The Mirror
West Ham are weighing up a shock January move for Troy Deeney. The Hammers
have Watford skipper Deeney in their sights as they renew their attempts to
land a big-money striker. They tried and failed to secure one during the
summer window despite being putting aside £30m to spend on one of their
frontman targets.
But the Irons will try again in the new year and Deeney, 28, is one of the
names on their list. Mirror Sport understands enquiries have been made into
Deeney's availability in January. And should West Ham firm up their
interest it will pose a fresh test of Watford's resolve to hang onto their
talismanic striker. They managed to fend off Leicester in the summer after
the champions bid as high as £25m for Deeney, who scored 13 Premier League
goals last season. Watford then rewarded Deeney, who has 99 goals from 275
Hornets appearances since joining in 2010, with a new five-year deal worth
around £50,000 a week. His new contract further ensures Deeney won't come
cheap but Hammers boss Slaven Bilic is prepared to splash the cash to solve
his problems up front. Andy Carroll has been dogged by injury again this
season, prompting Bilic to admit he can no longer rely on the 27 year-old
target-man. Andre Ayew's hopes of hitting the ground running following his
£20.5m summer move from Swansea were wrecked on his debut against Chelsea by
a thigh injury that sidelined him until last month. Diafra Sakho, whose
proposed summer switch to West Brom collapsed, has yet to play this season
due to a back problem. And loan strike duo Simone Zaza and Jonathan Calleri
have both also failed to make an impact at the London Stadium.
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West Ham hope Dimitri Payet will stay at London Stadium for "many years to
come"
17:36, 14 NOV 2016 UPDATED 17:37, 14 NOV 2016
BY JACOB MURTAGH
The Frenchman recently said he will consider his future in the New Year, but
David Sullivan insists their talisman is staying put
The Mirror
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan hopes to keep Dimitri Payet in east
London for "many years to come." The Frenchman starred during his debut
season with the Hammers following his £10.7million move from Marseille. His
exploits saw him rewarded with a bumper new deal in February as the club
looked to ward off potential suitors. However, Payet said recently he will
consider his future in the New Year, but Sullivan insists their talisman is
staying at the London Stadium.
"Dimitri has had an outstanding year and has become a vital player for
France and I am so proud that he is a West Ham player," he told the club's
official website.
"Dimitri signed a new long-term contract in February, pledging his future to
this club, and it is very much our intention that he remains with us for
years to come."
Slaven Bilic's side have made a poor start to the season, with Payet
weighing in with just one Premier League goal.
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Everton and West Ham eyeing Manolo Gabbiadini as Napoli prepare to sell
striker in January
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Monday, November 14, 2016
Napoli will sell striker Manolo Gabbiadini in January - putting Everton and
West Ham on alert. Both Premier League clubs have been heavily linked with
the frontman over the past 12 months and it has even been claimed that he
turned down a move to Everton in the summer. Gabbiadini stayed put but has
endured a disappointing start to the season, scoring just once in nine Serie
A outings, and Napoli now look ready to move him on. According to Rai Sport,
the forward expects to leave during the window with Everton and West Ham
showing an interest. However, they are not the only clubs keen on the
24-year-old, with Sampdoria and Udinese keen to keep him in Italy, while
Wolfsburg and Valencia are also monitoring his situation.
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West Ham set to secure Reece Oxford future with new contract amid interest
from Manchester United and City
KEN DYER
Evening Stanadard
Reece Oxford is poised to sign a new long-term deal with West Ham worth more
than a £1 million a year. There had been fears that Oxford, who is 18 next
month, would leave West Ham amid interest from Manchester United, whose
manager Jose Mourinho is a big fan of the Edmonton-born player - and
Manchester City. West Ham have always said they were determined to keep hold
of the England Under-20 international star though and now Oxford looks ready
to sign a new five-year deal worth a basic £20,000 a week, increasing with
appearances and other add-ons. Oxford became the youngest ever player to
appear for West Ham's first team when, aged 16 years and 198 days, he made
his senior debut in the opening match of last season away at Arsenal. Since
then however his opportunities have been rare as the East London Premier
League club looked progress his career carefully. Currently recovering from
an ankle injury, Oxford almost went on loan to several clubs, including
Charlton – and there has been increased speculation this season that he
would refuse a new West Ham contract and move on. With his current deal due
to end in 2018, the club would have been due some compensation but will be
pleased that the teenager, rated as one of the hottest defensive prospects
in English football, has decided to stay and sign a new deal.
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West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell could make England debut vs Spain as Ryan
Bertrand misses training
STANDARD SPORT
Evening Standard
West Ham left-back Aaron Cresswell could be in line to make his full
international debut for England against Spain in Tuesday night's friendly.
The 26-year-old Hammers defender received his first England call-up for the
November international break, and may press for minutes at Wembley given
Southampton's Ryan Bertrand sat out training on Tuesday while Tottenham's
Danny Rose is set to be rested. The FA confirmed that England and Manchester
United captain Wayne Rooney would join Bertrand in sitting out of training
on Monday, with both players suffering "minor issues". Should Southgate
follow through with his original plans and decide to rest Spurs wing-backs
Rose and Kyle Walker, that would leave Cresswell as the only recognised
left-back left in the Three Lions squad for Tuesday's clash against La Roja.
Cresswell has missed the majority of the Premier League season through
injury, having suffered a serious knee problem in July. But the full-back
has worked his way back into contention for the Hammers and successfully
caught Southgate's eye, leading to his first senior international call up.
Cresswell said of his call-up last week: "The manager has been fantastic. To
come here and train with some of the world-class players who are here is
great to be a part of. "When you first start playing football, every boy
wants to represent their country, and for me to do that would be a proud
moment for me and my family."
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Man due in court over 'attempted robbery of footballer Andy Carroll'
JUSTIN DAVENPORT
Evening Standard
A man is due to appear in court charged with the attempted robbery of
England footballer Andy Carroll. The West Ham striker was driving back to
his home in Essex after a training session when he was approached at a
junction in Chigwell by two motorcyclists. The men allegedly demanded his
watch. Carroll, 27, sped off in his Mercedes G-Wagon and returned to the
Rush Green training ground four miles away where he raised the alarm. Today
Jack O'Brien, 22, of Dagenham was due to appear in court charged with one
count of attempted robbery in relation to an offence on November 2 on
Romford Road in Chigwell. He is also charged with one count of handling
stolen goods, one count of aggravated burglary and 13 counts of burglary.
The charges relate to multiple offences in London, Essex and Hertfordshire.
He was due to appear at Basildon Magistrates' Court on Monday.
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Reece Oxford set to sign new five-year contract with West Ham in an attempt
to end speculation over his future
The new deal is expected to tie Reece Oxford to West Ham until 2021
Manchester United and Manchester City were reportedly both interested
His current deal was due to expire in 2018 and West Ham had to act
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 13 November 2016 | UPDATED: 23:48, 13 November 2016
West Ham wonderkid Reece Oxford will sign a new five-year deal with the club
to end uncertainty over his future. Negotiations over a new deal for Oxford,
17, had been at an impasse but the teenager is now ready to commit to the
London Stadium club in news that comes as a major boost to manager Slaven
Bilic. Manchester United and Manchester City have both been keen on Oxford,
who is being tipped as a future England international. Jose Mourinho is a
particularly big fan and looked into the prospect of landing the teenager
during the summer transfer window. And there had been major fears from
within the corridors of power at West Ham that they could lose Oxford to one
of the Premier League big guns. But he is now ready to end speculation over
his future by signing a new long-term contract. His existing deal was due to
expire in 2018 which left the Hammers open to Oxford leaving on a Bosman
transfer at the end of next season, though they would have been due
compensation. Oxford is currently injured after picking up an ankle ligament
problem during training earlier this month. But he is expected back towards
the end of November and should be available for the club's festive schedule.
Oxford broke onto the scene at the start of last season, starting in the
historic win at Arsenal and nullifying Mesut Ozil's threat. Bilic has used
Oxford sparingly ever since, preferring to ease him into senior football and
he even came close to a loan move to local rivals Charlton. Nevertheless,
West Ham have high hopes for Oxford - who has been likened to Rio Ferdinand
- and news of his new contract will come as a huge boost for the club.
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West Ham summer signing Simone Zaza clarifies his future, claims leaving
would be a personal failure
HITC
Olly Dawes
@O_DawesSport
West Ham's Simone Zaza has struggled in English football so far. West Ham
United striker Simone Zaza has told Rai Sport, as quoted by Football Italia,
that it would be a 'personal failure' to leave the club. Zaza, 25, joined
West Ham on season-long loan deal from Juventus back in August, and was seen
as the striker to give a welcome boost to Slaven Bilic's front line after a
summer of searching for a new centre forward. The Italian international has
endured a miserable time in England so far, as he has failed to score a goal
in any competition for the Hammers, and has now gone 432 minutes without
opening his account for the club. Speculation surrounds Zaza's long-term
future at the London Stadium. If he plays in a total of 14 games for West
Ham, Bilic's men have to purchase him permanently, and his goal-shy start to
life has fans questioning whether he should be kept.
In fact, Zaza's agent and father Antonio told Corriere Dello Sport just days
ago that he is open to talking to Napoli about a move back to Italy, with
the Serie A side searching for a striker after Arkadiusz Milik's knee
injury. Despite his struggles, Zaza was still called up by Italy for
internationals against Liechtenstein and Germany, and he even came on as a
late substitute in the 4-0 win over Liechtenstein on Saturday evening. After
the final whistle, Zaza spoke to Rai Sport about his future, and – as quoted
by Football Italia – he suggested that leaving West Ham would be a 'personal
failure', even though Napoli are a 'great team'. "Napoli are a great team
and I have already been fortunate enough to play for Juventus, so I am proud
of that, but I am focused on breaking my duck and playing well," said Zaza.
"West Ham are my current club and it would be a personal failure if I was to
leave now," he added.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, November 15
Monday, November 14
Daily WHUFC News - 14th November 2016
Fletcher ready for more chances
WHUFC.com
Ashley Fletcher is hoping to get more opportunities to impress in the coming
weeks and says he is keen to open his account for West Ham in the Premier
League.
Fletcher has certainly made an impact following his move to the Hammers
during the summer and has been unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. The
21-year-old arrived at the east London Club with a big pedigree having come
through the ranks at Manchester United and is keen to show he can compete at
the highest level.
Fletcher helped change the game when he appeared as a substitute against
Stoke last weekend as the Hammers opened the scoring two minutes after he
came on, but they failed to hold on and had to settle for a point. West Ham
now face a tricky run of games as they prepare to face Tottenham, Manchester
United, Arsenal and Liverpool, but Fletcher says he is up for the challenge
and hopes to impress once again. Fletcher said: "I didn't expect to be this
involved but every opportunity I get, I try and make an impact on the pitch.
"I am hungry to do more, I am hungry to help this team and I am hungry to
score more goals. Hopefully I will get more opportunities. "The manager told
me to make an impact when I came on against Stoke and I like to think that I
did that. "Obviously Michail is not happy that he was not given the goal and
it turned out to be a frustrating afternoon. "It is a tough league and it
will be an interesting couple of weeks, but we need to start picking up
points."
Despite the disappointing defeat against Everton and the late draw against
Stoke, Fletcher has no doubts that his side have the quality to get straight
back on the winning trail when they face Tottenham in the next game. "It has
been the story of our season so far. We play really well and then a lapse of
concentration or something doesn't go for us and we get punished. "But that
is the Premier League and no game is easy in the top flight as we have
found. "We are working hard in training and the results will definitely turn
around soon. "We will be looking to bounce back against Tottenham after the
international break and we have a run of fixtures that we need to start
taking points from."
Fletcher says he is well aware of the importance surrounding the game at
White Hart Lane next Saturday and knows what it will mean to the fans if the
Hammers can celebrate another memorable win in north London. "This is a game
where we want to come away with the three points. As soon as I joined West
Ham I was made aware that Tottenham is one game that the fans look forward
to. "We will be doing everything we can to win and hopefully it will propel
us up the league.
"There will be a lot of good players on show and a lot of English talent so
it will be an exciting game for everyone."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Randolph helps Ireland to big win
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph helped Ireland to a 1-0 FIFA World Cup qualifying win in
Austria
Simone Zaza was also victorious as Italy triumphed in Liechtenstein
Cheikhou Kouyate and Sofiane Feghouli both suffered defeats in African
qualifying
West Ham United's four international representatives had a mixed Saturday in
2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying. The Hammers' two European stars - Republic
of Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph and Italy striker Simone Zaza - were
both victorious.
However, in Africa, both Senegal's Cheikhou Kouyate and Algeria winger
Sofiane Feghouli were on the losing side in their respective qualifiers.
Randolph was again impressive as his clean sheet ensured James McClean's
second-half strike secured Ireland a valuable win in Vienna. Ireland end
2016 unbeaten and two points clear at the top of Group D.
Italy are level on points with Spain at the top of Group G, where Zaza
appeared as a late substitute in the Azzurri's 4-0 victory in Liechtenstein.
In Africa, Kouyate started and completed the full 90 minutes for Senegal,
but the Lions of Teranga were beaten 2-1 in South Africa in Group D. The
result leaves Senegal third in the group, with four matches still to play.
Finally, Feghouli was a late substitute for Algeria, but was powerless to
prevent Nigeria scoring a 3-1 win in Group B. Two of the Nigerians' goals
were scored by former West Ham loanee Victor Moses, with the result leaving
Algeria bottom of the group with just one point from their two matches.
The World Cup qualifiers continue on Sunday, with West Ham's Edimilson
Fernandes hoping to make his Switzerland debut at home to the Faroe Islands
in European Group B.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Obiang - This is another big derby
WHUFC.com
Obiang wins possessionPedro Obiang knows the importance of getting a good
result against Tottenham next weekend and hopes they can get their season
back on track with a victory at White Hart Lane.
Obiang has made a major difference to the team since he returned to
first-team action which coincided with the impressive four-match unbeaten
run.
Despite getting big victories over Sunderland and Chelsea, the Hammers have
failed to build on that in the last two games and have only take one point
from the last two games.
But Obiang insists the players have been working even harder over the
international break to put things right and hopes they can produce another
big away performance and make it a memorable evening in north London next
Saturday.
Obiang said: "We were disappointed that we could not get the victory against
Stoke but we have to keep the right mentality over the international break
and prepare well for the Tottenham game.
"This is another big derby for us and we want to come away with the victory.
"We know what this game means for the fans and we will be doing everything
to get the three points.
"We had some big away wins last season against the big teams.
"It is more important for us this time around to do something similar as we
are going through a difficult period, but we will have a big determination
to and get the points."
Obiang will be hoping to earn the bragging rights over a number of his
team-mates when Spain face England in a friendly on Tuesday night.
The former Spanish U21 midfielder will be keeping a close eye on events at
Wembley, but also hopes to see Aaron Cresswell make his first appearance in
an England shirt and says it is long overdue
Obiang said: "I will be staying with the family and watching the game but I
wish the best of luck to Aaron.
"We are very happy for him and when I first joined West Ham I could see he
was a very good left back and has progressed even more.
"He has now moved into the national team and it is very good for him and
everyone connected with the Club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies looking for long-term success
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies host Cardiff City Ladies at Thurrock FC on Sunday
afternoon
Hammers seeking first league victory since new management team were
installed
Club became a formal member of the West Ham family in October
West Ham United Ladies first-team coach Karen Ray says long-term and
sustainable success are the club's main aims.
The Hammers sit tenth in the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division,
having recorded just one victory in nine matches played, ahead of Sunday's
visit of unbeaten Cardiff City Ladies.
However, having run divisional rivals Keynsham Town very close in the FA WPL
Plate last weekend, Ray says the Ladies are confident of turning improved
performances into positive results.
However, the former West Ham player – part of a new three-strong management
team alongside first-team backroom staff members Greg de Carnys and Josh
Ewens – says the club has a long-term philosophy that everyone has bought
into.
"Our philosophy focuses on long-term development over short-term success,
with player ownership and a relentless desire to improve," she told
whufc.com.
"We learn new lessons from every opportunity, and approach them with the
same appetite. Problem solving is key for players and the girls keep solving
everything we throw at them which empowers all of us."
"With two senior teams and four junior teams, our future ambition is to be
recognised as the best place to develop as a player at all ages. We are
fully aware this will take hard work and time, but with the Club's support
we are prepared for the challenge."
While victories may have proved difficult to come by since the change in
leadership, Ray says the positive atmosphere around the club will help
foster a successful future.
"It is an exciting time to be a part of West Ham Ladies; being brought
in-house has certainly raised expectations, but I couldn't think of a better
management team to support this. Greg and Josh bring a wealth of knowledge,
experience and professionalism to every individual within the team.
"We have been made to feel very welcome by everyone at the Club and can't
thank people enough for the support we are receiving. Witnessing the change
has been a remarkable process that has only served to cement my love for
West Ham.
"Personally I would like to thank everyone involved in West Ham Ladies;
players, parents, staff, volunteers and supporters. You are all a very
important part of the transition and have had an immeasurably positive
impact on the future of the club.
"This is a journey and it will come with some bumps, but nothing worth
having comes without hard work."
West Ham United Ladies host Cardiff City Ladies at Thurrock FC's Ship Lane
at 2pm on Sunday 13 November. Admission is priced at £5 for Adults and Free
for Under-16s.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE: OXFORD TO SIGN A NEW 5 YEAR DEAL!
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 13 NOVEMBER 2016 AT 12:34PM
TheWesTHamWay.co.uk
We are delighted to announce that young star Reece Oxford is expected to
sign a new 5 year deal with the club in the next week.
The contract had been on the table for a little while for the academy star
but the club wanted to keep the news close to their chest to avoid other
clubs making a last ditch attempt to sign him.
Following reports on Skysports
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11685/10655962/reece-oxford-close-to-
signing-new-west-ham-deal-sky-sources that this deal is expected to happen
we can announce that the player is set to earn himself over £20k a week in
the new deal which could rise depending on clauses and appearance related
terms.
The news is a significant boost to the club who had faced competition from
Manchester United and Manchester City for his signature. The club hopes
that Reece is be a massive part of the future and have done all they can to
tie him down.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reece Oxford close to signing new West Ham deal - Sky sources
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 13/11/16 11:33am
SSN
Reece Oxford is close to signing a new long-term contract at West Ham,
according to Sky sources. The highly-rated 17-year-old is expected to put
pen to paper on his new deal this week following lengthy negotiations.
Contract talks between Oxford and the Hammers began earlier this year, with
defender rejecting the club's initial offer in May. Oxford, whose current
contract expires in 2018, has previously been linked with a move away from
West Ham, with Manchester United mooted as potential suitors. He has
featured just twice for Slaven Bilic's side this season, both appearances
coming in the Europa League, and is currently recovering from an ankle
ligament injury sustained in training. Oxford became the youngest Premier
League player in West Ham's history when he started their opening game of
the 2015/16 season - a 2-0 win away at Arsenal. He appeared a further six
times in the Premier League as West Ham ended the season in seventh place -
their highest finish in the top-flight since 2002. Oxford has also been
capped by England in all age groups up to the U20 level.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham youngster Reece Oxford to sign new long-term deal at London Stadium
20:02, 13 NOV 2016 UPDATED 20:02, 13 NOV 2016
BY JOHN CROSS
Manchester United and Manchester City have both been courting Oxford who is
seen as an England prospect for the future
The Mirror
Reece Oxford will sign a new long term contract at West Ham. Highly-rated
Oxford, 17, whose current deal expires in 2018, has had lengthy negotiations
but is now ready to commit. Manchester United and Manchester City have both
been courting Oxford who is seen as an England prospect for the future.
Oxford has played both in defence and midfield and is clearly regarded by
Slaven Bilic as one for the future which has been highlighted by this new
deal. The youngster is currently sidelined with an ankle injury after
being named as an unused substitute on six appearances in the early part of
the season. He played 19 times for the Hammers in the Premier League last
term, including three starts.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson hits out at London Stadium - 'it
is unfit for football'
15:53, 13 NOV 2016 UPDATED 16:17, 13 NOV 2016
BY LIAM PRENDERVILLE
Magnusson was in charge of the club when they drew up initial plans to move
to the London Stadium in 2006, although they were rejected by Lord Coe
The Mirror
Former West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson believes the club can solve their
problems at the London Stadium by rebuilding the venue. The Hammers have
endured a number of difficulties since moving to their new home at the start
of the season. Clashes between opposition fans continue to mar matches, with
the EFL Cup clash with Chelsea seeing a series of violent incidents.
Magnusson was in charge of the club when they drew up initial plans to move
to the London Stadium in 2006, only for them to be rejected by Lord Coe. The
69-year-old believes his plans would have prevented violence and saved money
for the club. "You cannot build an Olympic stadium and then make it a
football stadium. You begin with football in mind. What we have now is a
mess, the stadium is unfit for football," he told the Sun. "Money has been
thrown down the toilet and the original plans could have saved hundreds of
millions. "I don't think anything can be done now. It's better for it to be
torn down and started from scratch."
West Ham face Tottenham next weekend in the Premier League as they bid to
climb away from the relegation zone. Their next home match is against
Arsenal on December 3, with the club determined to avoid trouble between the
London rivals.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet set to 'stay at West Ham' despite interest from Paris
Saint-Germain
15:03, 13 NOV 2016 UPDATED 15:03, 13 NOV 2016
BY NEIL MCLEMAN , AARON FLANAGAN
Payet had suggested that he could leave the Hammers in the near future but
the club appear set to stay firm in any negotiations
The Mirror
Dimitri Payet is set to stay at West Ham despite alleged interest from Paris
Saint-Germain. The French winger has appeared to send a something of a
come-and-get-me plea to the free-spending Ligue 1 champions. But according
to the Mail on Sunday, West Ham are not prepared to be pushed over in any
negotiations relating to his departure. Payet has a £125,000-a-week contract
that runs until 2021 at the London Stadium and the Hammers are set to stand
firm should they received a bid. However, they will be alerted by recent
comments by from the 29-year-old where he failed to rule out a move away
from the club. He told French TV: "We have made a very bad start to the
season – we are going to try and climb back into the top half of the table.
"Leave West Ham this winter? I am asking myself other questions, but I will
not close the door on anything. "It is always the sporting project that
interests me. For me, PSG and Marseille have not approached me."
Payet's outstanding form last term saw him force his way back into the
France squad ahead of Euro 2016, and the 29-year-old was key to Les Bleus'
run to the final, leading to him being linked with the likes of Real Madrid.
Now the Frenchman has been included on the longlist for the Ballon D'Or
after his outstanding performances for club and country last season. But
West Ham have struggled on and off the pitch since their move to the
controversial London Stadium.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham flop Simone Zaza emerges as January target for Valencia after
failing to impress at London Stadium
22:30, 12 NOV 2016 UPDATED 23:41, 12 NOV 2016
BY TOM HOPKINSON
The Hammers want to off-load the on-loan frontman, who hasn't fired since
arriving from Juventus in the summer
The Mirror
West Ham striker Simone Zaza has emerged as a January target for Valencia,
writes Tom Hopkinson in the Sunday People. The Hammers want to off-load the
on-loan frontman, who has failed to fire since arriving from Juventus in the
summer. Valencia are in the market for a striker when the transfer window
opens and Italian coach Cesar Prandelli has included his compatriot on his
shortlist of targets. Zaza would prefer a return to his homeland but is open
to a move to the Spanish club. Valencia want the player to give them a
definitive answer by the first week of December.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Ashley Fletcher is hoping to get more opportunities to impress in the coming
weeks and says he is keen to open his account for West Ham in the Premier
League.
Fletcher has certainly made an impact following his move to the Hammers
during the summer and has been unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. The
21-year-old arrived at the east London Club with a big pedigree having come
through the ranks at Manchester United and is keen to show he can compete at
the highest level.
Fletcher helped change the game when he appeared as a substitute against
Stoke last weekend as the Hammers opened the scoring two minutes after he
came on, but they failed to hold on and had to settle for a point. West Ham
now face a tricky run of games as they prepare to face Tottenham, Manchester
United, Arsenal and Liverpool, but Fletcher says he is up for the challenge
and hopes to impress once again. Fletcher said: "I didn't expect to be this
involved but every opportunity I get, I try and make an impact on the pitch.
"I am hungry to do more, I am hungry to help this team and I am hungry to
score more goals. Hopefully I will get more opportunities. "The manager told
me to make an impact when I came on against Stoke and I like to think that I
did that. "Obviously Michail is not happy that he was not given the goal and
it turned out to be a frustrating afternoon. "It is a tough league and it
will be an interesting couple of weeks, but we need to start picking up
points."
Despite the disappointing defeat against Everton and the late draw against
Stoke, Fletcher has no doubts that his side have the quality to get straight
back on the winning trail when they face Tottenham in the next game. "It has
been the story of our season so far. We play really well and then a lapse of
concentration or something doesn't go for us and we get punished. "But that
is the Premier League and no game is easy in the top flight as we have
found. "We are working hard in training and the results will definitely turn
around soon. "We will be looking to bounce back against Tottenham after the
international break and we have a run of fixtures that we need to start
taking points from."
Fletcher says he is well aware of the importance surrounding the game at
White Hart Lane next Saturday and knows what it will mean to the fans if the
Hammers can celebrate another memorable win in north London. "This is a game
where we want to come away with the three points. As soon as I joined West
Ham I was made aware that Tottenham is one game that the fans look forward
to. "We will be doing everything we can to win and hopefully it will propel
us up the league.
"There will be a lot of good players on show and a lot of English talent so
it will be an exciting game for everyone."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Randolph helps Ireland to big win
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph helped Ireland to a 1-0 FIFA World Cup qualifying win in
Austria
Simone Zaza was also victorious as Italy triumphed in Liechtenstein
Cheikhou Kouyate and Sofiane Feghouli both suffered defeats in African
qualifying
West Ham United's four international representatives had a mixed Saturday in
2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying. The Hammers' two European stars - Republic
of Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph and Italy striker Simone Zaza - were
both victorious.
However, in Africa, both Senegal's Cheikhou Kouyate and Algeria winger
Sofiane Feghouli were on the losing side in their respective qualifiers.
Randolph was again impressive as his clean sheet ensured James McClean's
second-half strike secured Ireland a valuable win in Vienna. Ireland end
2016 unbeaten and two points clear at the top of Group D.
Italy are level on points with Spain at the top of Group G, where Zaza
appeared as a late substitute in the Azzurri's 4-0 victory in Liechtenstein.
In Africa, Kouyate started and completed the full 90 minutes for Senegal,
but the Lions of Teranga were beaten 2-1 in South Africa in Group D. The
result leaves Senegal third in the group, with four matches still to play.
Finally, Feghouli was a late substitute for Algeria, but was powerless to
prevent Nigeria scoring a 3-1 win in Group B. Two of the Nigerians' goals
were scored by former West Ham loanee Victor Moses, with the result leaving
Algeria bottom of the group with just one point from their two matches.
The World Cup qualifiers continue on Sunday, with West Ham's Edimilson
Fernandes hoping to make his Switzerland debut at home to the Faroe Islands
in European Group B.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Obiang - This is another big derby
WHUFC.com
Obiang wins possessionPedro Obiang knows the importance of getting a good
result against Tottenham next weekend and hopes they can get their season
back on track with a victory at White Hart Lane.
Obiang has made a major difference to the team since he returned to
first-team action which coincided with the impressive four-match unbeaten
run.
Despite getting big victories over Sunderland and Chelsea, the Hammers have
failed to build on that in the last two games and have only take one point
from the last two games.
But Obiang insists the players have been working even harder over the
international break to put things right and hopes they can produce another
big away performance and make it a memorable evening in north London next
Saturday.
Obiang said: "We were disappointed that we could not get the victory against
Stoke but we have to keep the right mentality over the international break
and prepare well for the Tottenham game.
"This is another big derby for us and we want to come away with the victory.
"We know what this game means for the fans and we will be doing everything
to get the three points.
"We had some big away wins last season against the big teams.
"It is more important for us this time around to do something similar as we
are going through a difficult period, but we will have a big determination
to and get the points."
Obiang will be hoping to earn the bragging rights over a number of his
team-mates when Spain face England in a friendly on Tuesday night.
The former Spanish U21 midfielder will be keeping a close eye on events at
Wembley, but also hopes to see Aaron Cresswell make his first appearance in
an England shirt and says it is long overdue
Obiang said: "I will be staying with the family and watching the game but I
wish the best of luck to Aaron.
"We are very happy for him and when I first joined West Ham I could see he
was a very good left back and has progressed even more.
"He has now moved into the national team and it is very good for him and
everyone connected with the Club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies looking for long-term success
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies host Cardiff City Ladies at Thurrock FC on Sunday
afternoon
Hammers seeking first league victory since new management team were
installed
Club became a formal member of the West Ham family in October
West Ham United Ladies first-team coach Karen Ray says long-term and
sustainable success are the club's main aims.
The Hammers sit tenth in the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division,
having recorded just one victory in nine matches played, ahead of Sunday's
visit of unbeaten Cardiff City Ladies.
However, having run divisional rivals Keynsham Town very close in the FA WPL
Plate last weekend, Ray says the Ladies are confident of turning improved
performances into positive results.
However, the former West Ham player – part of a new three-strong management
team alongside first-team backroom staff members Greg de Carnys and Josh
Ewens – says the club has a long-term philosophy that everyone has bought
into.
"Our philosophy focuses on long-term development over short-term success,
with player ownership and a relentless desire to improve," she told
whufc.com.
"We learn new lessons from every opportunity, and approach them with the
same appetite. Problem solving is key for players and the girls keep solving
everything we throw at them which empowers all of us."
"With two senior teams and four junior teams, our future ambition is to be
recognised as the best place to develop as a player at all ages. We are
fully aware this will take hard work and time, but with the Club's support
we are prepared for the challenge."
While victories may have proved difficult to come by since the change in
leadership, Ray says the positive atmosphere around the club will help
foster a successful future.
"It is an exciting time to be a part of West Ham Ladies; being brought
in-house has certainly raised expectations, but I couldn't think of a better
management team to support this. Greg and Josh bring a wealth of knowledge,
experience and professionalism to every individual within the team.
"We have been made to feel very welcome by everyone at the Club and can't
thank people enough for the support we are receiving. Witnessing the change
has been a remarkable process that has only served to cement my love for
West Ham.
"Personally I would like to thank everyone involved in West Ham Ladies;
players, parents, staff, volunteers and supporters. You are all a very
important part of the transition and have had an immeasurably positive
impact on the future of the club.
"This is a journey and it will come with some bumps, but nothing worth
having comes without hard work."
West Ham United Ladies host Cardiff City Ladies at Thurrock FC's Ship Lane
at 2pm on Sunday 13 November. Admission is priced at £5 for Adults and Free
for Under-16s.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE: OXFORD TO SIGN A NEW 5 YEAR DEAL!
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 13 NOVEMBER 2016 AT 12:34PM
TheWesTHamWay.co.uk
We are delighted to announce that young star Reece Oxford is expected to
sign a new 5 year deal with the club in the next week.
The contract had been on the table for a little while for the academy star
but the club wanted to keep the news close to their chest to avoid other
clubs making a last ditch attempt to sign him.
Following reports on Skysports
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11685/10655962/reece-oxford-close-to-
signing-new-west-ham-deal-sky-sources that this deal is expected to happen
we can announce that the player is set to earn himself over £20k a week in
the new deal which could rise depending on clauses and appearance related
terms.
The news is a significant boost to the club who had faced competition from
Manchester United and Manchester City for his signature. The club hopes
that Reece is be a massive part of the future and have done all they can to
tie him down.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reece Oxford close to signing new West Ham deal - Sky sources
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 13/11/16 11:33am
SSN
Reece Oxford is close to signing a new long-term contract at West Ham,
according to Sky sources. The highly-rated 17-year-old is expected to put
pen to paper on his new deal this week following lengthy negotiations.
Contract talks between Oxford and the Hammers began earlier this year, with
defender rejecting the club's initial offer in May. Oxford, whose current
contract expires in 2018, has previously been linked with a move away from
West Ham, with Manchester United mooted as potential suitors. He has
featured just twice for Slaven Bilic's side this season, both appearances
coming in the Europa League, and is currently recovering from an ankle
ligament injury sustained in training. Oxford became the youngest Premier
League player in West Ham's history when he started their opening game of
the 2015/16 season - a 2-0 win away at Arsenal. He appeared a further six
times in the Premier League as West Ham ended the season in seventh place -
their highest finish in the top-flight since 2002. Oxford has also been
capped by England in all age groups up to the U20 level.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham youngster Reece Oxford to sign new long-term deal at London Stadium
20:02, 13 NOV 2016 UPDATED 20:02, 13 NOV 2016
BY JOHN CROSS
Manchester United and Manchester City have both been courting Oxford who is
seen as an England prospect for the future
The Mirror
Reece Oxford will sign a new long term contract at West Ham. Highly-rated
Oxford, 17, whose current deal expires in 2018, has had lengthy negotiations
but is now ready to commit. Manchester United and Manchester City have both
been courting Oxford who is seen as an England prospect for the future.
Oxford has played both in defence and midfield and is clearly regarded by
Slaven Bilic as one for the future which has been highlighted by this new
deal. The youngster is currently sidelined with an ankle injury after
being named as an unused substitute on six appearances in the early part of
the season. He played 19 times for the Hammers in the Premier League last
term, including three starts.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson hits out at London Stadium - 'it
is unfit for football'
15:53, 13 NOV 2016 UPDATED 16:17, 13 NOV 2016
BY LIAM PRENDERVILLE
Magnusson was in charge of the club when they drew up initial plans to move
to the London Stadium in 2006, although they were rejected by Lord Coe
The Mirror
Former West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson believes the club can solve their
problems at the London Stadium by rebuilding the venue. The Hammers have
endured a number of difficulties since moving to their new home at the start
of the season. Clashes between opposition fans continue to mar matches, with
the EFL Cup clash with Chelsea seeing a series of violent incidents.
Magnusson was in charge of the club when they drew up initial plans to move
to the London Stadium in 2006, only for them to be rejected by Lord Coe. The
69-year-old believes his plans would have prevented violence and saved money
for the club. "You cannot build an Olympic stadium and then make it a
football stadium. You begin with football in mind. What we have now is a
mess, the stadium is unfit for football," he told the Sun. "Money has been
thrown down the toilet and the original plans could have saved hundreds of
millions. "I don't think anything can be done now. It's better for it to be
torn down and started from scratch."
West Ham face Tottenham next weekend in the Premier League as they bid to
climb away from the relegation zone. Their next home match is against
Arsenal on December 3, with the club determined to avoid trouble between the
London rivals.
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Dimitri Payet set to 'stay at West Ham' despite interest from Paris
Saint-Germain
15:03, 13 NOV 2016 UPDATED 15:03, 13 NOV 2016
BY NEIL MCLEMAN , AARON FLANAGAN
Payet had suggested that he could leave the Hammers in the near future but
the club appear set to stay firm in any negotiations
The Mirror
Dimitri Payet is set to stay at West Ham despite alleged interest from Paris
Saint-Germain. The French winger has appeared to send a something of a
come-and-get-me plea to the free-spending Ligue 1 champions. But according
to the Mail on Sunday, West Ham are not prepared to be pushed over in any
negotiations relating to his departure. Payet has a £125,000-a-week contract
that runs until 2021 at the London Stadium and the Hammers are set to stand
firm should they received a bid. However, they will be alerted by recent
comments by from the 29-year-old where he failed to rule out a move away
from the club. He told French TV: "We have made a very bad start to the
season – we are going to try and climb back into the top half of the table.
"Leave West Ham this winter? I am asking myself other questions, but I will
not close the door on anything. "It is always the sporting project that
interests me. For me, PSG and Marseille have not approached me."
Payet's outstanding form last term saw him force his way back into the
France squad ahead of Euro 2016, and the 29-year-old was key to Les Bleus'
run to the final, leading to him being linked with the likes of Real Madrid.
Now the Frenchman has been included on the longlist for the Ballon D'Or
after his outstanding performances for club and country last season. But
West Ham have struggled on and off the pitch since their move to the
controversial London Stadium.
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West Ham flop Simone Zaza emerges as January target for Valencia after
failing to impress at London Stadium
22:30, 12 NOV 2016 UPDATED 23:41, 12 NOV 2016
BY TOM HOPKINSON
The Hammers want to off-load the on-loan frontman, who hasn't fired since
arriving from Juventus in the summer
The Mirror
West Ham striker Simone Zaza has emerged as a January target for Valencia,
writes Tom Hopkinson in the Sunday People. The Hammers want to off-load the
on-loan frontman, who has failed to fire since arriving from Juventus in the
summer. Valencia are in the market for a striker when the transfer window
opens and Italian coach Cesar Prandelli has included his compatriot on his
shortlist of targets. Zaza would prefer a return to his homeland but is open
to a move to the Spanish club. Valencia want the player to give them a
definitive answer by the first week of December.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, November 12
Daily WHUFC News - 12th November 2016
Payet at it again with France strike
WHUFC.com
Hammers star Dimitri Payet added to his sensational recent France record on Friday by adding an eighth international goal to his collection with Les Bleus' winner against Sweden. In FIFA World Cup qualifying, Payet found the net from close range with 25 minutes remaining to down his side's Scandinavian opponents and stay top of European Group A. France had previously fallen behind in the 54th minute when Emil Forsberg opened the scoring from a free-kick, however Paul Pogba nodded home to level the score at the Stade de France from Payet's delivery. And the 29-year-old, who has already scored two terrific goals for the Hammers this season in domestic football, marked his 31st cap with a crucial winning strike. Didier Deschamps' team had already beaten Bulgaria and the Netherlands in qualifying in addition to a goalless draw with Belarus. They face the Ivory Coast on Tuesday in an international friendly and Payet will be looking to continue his superb form into next week.
Elsewhere, Aaron Cresswell was left on the bench in England's 3-0 win over Scotland at Wembley. The full-back received his first international call-up earlier this week and he watched on as a substitute as the Three Lions secured the three points thanks to goals from Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana and Gary Cahill.
Finally, Havard Nordtveit was also an unused substitute as Norway were beaten 2-1 by the Czech Republic in Prague.
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Randolph eager to take chances
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph is set to start Republic of Ireland's Russia 2018 qualifier with Austria on Saturday
West Ham United stopper has been his country's No1 for more than a year
No1 is hoping international performance can earn him more playing time with the Hammers
Darren Randolph is hoping an impressive performance in Republic of Ireland's final international of 2016 could help him get more playing time with West Ham United.
The 29-year-old will start Ireland's 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier with Austria in Vienna on Saturday, having established himself as his country's No1 over the last 12 months.
However, while he wears the same number for the Hammers, Randolph has found his club appearances so far this season restricted to cup matches, with Spaniard Adrian keeping goal in the Premier League.
The Bray-born stopper is hoping another eye-catching display for the Boys in Green could change that situation, with West Ham preparing to travel to Tottenham Hotspur in the top flight a week on Saturday.
"I just need to keep training myself and when I do get the chance to perform, do so," said Randolph, who has 17 caps. "It's down to me then.
"Adrian has been [at the Club] for four years, so he's going to get the benefit of the doubt and get more games for the team to try and turn things around. I have to be patient like I have been.
"It's only my second season and I'm not going to give up on [playing regularly at Premier League level] that easily."
Randolph has done well when called upon this season, helping the Hammers to record a superb EFL Cup fourth-round win over Chelsea last month.
He now has a quarter-final at Manchester United to look forward to, but first the County Wicklow native has international duty to worry about.
Ireland have picked up seven points from their opening three Group D fixtures and can put themselves top if they better Serbia's result in Wales on Saturday.
"It's kind of must-win for them and for us, we'd like to get minimum a point to keep us up there in the group, so there's going to be pressure on both teams," he observed.
"They'll obviously want to improve on their last result, so it's going to be a tough game, a tough place to go.
"It would be a very good end to the year, and it would set us up nicely then going into next year and the rest of the games."
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Angelo's World
WHUFC.com
Hammers defender Angelo Ogbonna returns in the latest edition of his new blog, which delves into the Italian's life with the Club and outside football.
This week, the former Juventus centre-back discusses the disappointing draw with Stoke and looks ahead to the big London derby against Tottenham next week.
The 28-year-old also reveals why this is a different kind of international break for the Ogbonna household…
Hello everyone,
We were obviously disappointed to drop two points against Stoke last weekend.
After we scored the opening goal it looked like we were going to go on and win the game so everyone was a bit frustrated at the final whistle.
We cannot complain about what has happened and need to focus all our energy on preparing for the next game against Tottenham.
We need to get back that winning feeling and everyone at the Club wants to see us push towards the top half of the table.
We all know the next game is a big one for everyone at West Ham. We know it is going to be a tough game like every derby we have faced against Arsenal and Chelsea.
But I am looking forward to the atmosphere because our home game against Spurs last season was one of the best atmospheres I have ever seen in England and it was a memorable victory.
I have played in big derbies for Juventus but you cannot compare those derbies.
The Premier League is different and we face a lot of big derbies. There is a lot of competition.
We had a number of big away wins last season and hopefully this will be the time where we can go and get an away win over Tottenham.
It is more important for us to get the three points in the situation we face at the moment and get back to winning ways. Our position in the table is not good and we want to make it better.
We want to show our quality and that we can play against the big teams. We should be a lot higher in the table with the quality of players we have got in the squad.
We are getting some big players back from injury and it is a good feeling when you know the likes of Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll are close to making a first-team return.
Finally, it has been a bit strange for me not joining up with the Italy squad this week, but on the positive side it allows me to train hard with my team and concentrate on West Ham.
When we are winning a couple of games it will give me the chance to get back into the Italy squad.
I am using the time to relax and make sure I am in the best condition possible for the next game against Tottenham.
My fiance is expecting a baby soon and we are very close to the birth so my focus is on getting everything ready and making sure she is okay.
I look forward to speaking with you again soon.
Angelo
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Dicks - Cresswell has got his just rewards
WHUFC.com
Dicks hopes to see more Hammers called up for EnglandWest Ham United coaching assistant Julian Dicks believes Aaron Cresswell has been rewarded for his all hard work over the last two seasons following his call-up to the England squad and feels he has been one of the most consistent left backs in the Premier League.
Cresswell has been one of the star performers for the Hammers following his move to the east London Club back in 2014.
The 26-year-old was strongly tipped to be included in the England squad for the European Championship Finals during the summer, but just missed out on a place.
Despite a knee injury which forced him to miss the start of the season, Cresswell has made a successful return to action and has now been called up by Gareth Southgate for the big games against Scotland and Spain at Wembley.
Dicks has worked closely with Cresswell and helped him to become an even better left back and was delighted to see him earn a call-up.
Dicks said: "I thought Aaron was our most consistent player last season. Unfortunately he got injured during pre-season but his call-up has been a long time coming. He is a good lad and hopefully he gets to play.
"It surprised me that he didn't get a call-up during the summer and that he never got the chance to play last season. He has been the most consistent player and has a great left foot on him.
"He has developed since he joined West Ham and when players have the ability like he has, you can work and develop them even more. He is as fit as you like and can play as a wing-back as well. He has been a fantastic signing for West Ham.
"The new system that we are playing obviously suits him and it gives him the freedom as well.
"He is fit enough to do that job. I remember Harry Redknapp trying to put me into that position against Charlton and I couldn't do it!
"But Aaron has got a great engine on him and does the job very well. It is about time that a West Ham left back got a call-up into the England squad!
"I sent a text message to him as soon as I found out and he got back to me straight away and it is great news for him. Everyone wants to play for their country and he has got his just rewards."
The West Ham fans will be thrilled to see Cresswell follow in the footsteps of Michail Antonio and become the second Hammer to be included in the England squad this season.
Dicks, who himself was unlucky not to get an England cap when he was producing his best form at West Ham, feels the time has finally come for the Hammers players to be rewarded and represent their country at the highest level.
Dicks added: "A lot of West Ham players have been overlooked by England over the years going back to when Billy Bonds was playing.
"But when you have players like Michail and Cress, you can't keep overlooking them because they are two outstanding players.
"The World Cup in 2018 is a big goal for any player and now Cress has got into the squad, hopefully he can stay there and it would be lovely for West Ham to have some players performing at the World Cup."
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Hammers mark Remembrance Day
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have moved into a new home during the summer, but the Club will never forget those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom.
The Hammers have always planned special commemorations around Remembrance Day and this year was no different.
The fact that nearly 60,000 fans were able to take part inside London Stadium for the first time made it even more special and it was an emotional tribute from the West Ham supporters at the Stoke game last weekend.
The Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps performed on the London Stadium pitch in the build-up, while a Guard of Honour provided by G Company 7 Rifles, the army Reserve battalion based in West Ham, and the Royal British Legion saw the two teams come out onto the pitch.
Joint-Chairman David Gold, Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales and Stoke City Chairman Peter Coates then laid wreaths in the centre circle before an impeccable Minute Silence was held in memory of those who have been lost in conflict.
Ken Hill from the Royal British Legion in East Ham believes this was one of the best ever tributes from West Ham United and cannot thank the fans enough for their support.
Hill said: "The way the Club treated us was amazing. The way the bugle came across on the PA system inside the ground was very touching.
"Everyone really appreciated it and we could hear everyone talking about it. You could not hear a pin drop during the silence. The bigger the better as far as we are concerned.
"I thought this was one of the best ever tributes that West Ham have done.
"The Last Post gets me every time I hear it and it brings back memories of the guys who have fallen. That is the most important part of the service.
"A lot of credit to the fans for showing their respect and they do the same every year. They always give the troops a warm welcome."
Ken Hill and Bob Stokes from the British LegionHill says the British Legion have a special relationship with West Ham United and hopes it will continue for a number of years in the future.
Hill added: "I really like working with West Ham and we have a close relationship. It promotes the British Legion and everyone appreciates each other.
"I am a Season-Ticket holder and I love coming to London Stadium. It is a fantastic Stadium and the fans make it a special place.
"The fans seem to come over even earlier when we mark Remembrance Day to support everyone and see the band playing. This is something that could become even bigger over the next few years."
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Return Tore but no refund, say Besiktas
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 11th November 2016
By: Staff Writer
Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas say they are happy to cut short Gokhan Tore's season-long loan spell - on the basis that they keep the entire £2.5million loan fee.
As soon as West Ham were dumped out of Europe by Astra Giurgiu for the second successive season back in August, Tore was already surplus to requirements (along with the likes of Havard Nordtveit and Sofiane Feghouli, who were signed in order to boost the club's squad with view to particupating in this season's Europa League).
And whilst the Turkish international's parent club are happy to take him back, chairman Fikret Orman insists that West Ham will not be offered a part refund - should that happen.
"We will take Tore back in January on one condition," he told a tabloid newspaper. "That we won't pay West Ham back the £2.5m loan money for him.
"Gokhan wants to come back to Besiktas. We will only agree if they agree over the loan payment. And they are paying his wages in full."
Last month reports from Turkey suggested that Bilic had told Tore he could return to his home country having failed to settle in England.
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Safe standing back on the agenda
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 11th November 2016
By: Staff Writer
Premier League clubs are set to discuss the possibility of re-introducing standing areas to top flight grounds, it has been revealed.
That the 20 League members are scheduled to meet in London next Thursday is nothing unusual in itself, with the event being just one of a number of gatherings scheduled to take place during the season.
However it will be the first time since all-seater stadia was introduced in 1994 that safe standing has been on the agenda, or jointly considered by the member clubs.
"It is in discussion with our clubs," Richard Scudamore, the Premier League's chief executive said. "They are all looking at the issue.
"At some point it will come around our table and we will see if there's a point at which we might open up discussions with government to see what their view is on it.
"It's very much individual clubs sensing for themselves where they are with it and we may or may not facilitate that discussion in the weeks and months to come."
Top flight football grounds in England have been all-seater since the 1990 Taylor report found that the Hillsborough disaster was partly the result of open terraces - a conclusion later proved to be entirely false.
Currently the rules only apply to the Premier League and Premier League events. Meanwhile football is the only activity currently staged at the Olympic Stadium at which spectators are required to sit in the seats at all times (facing ejection should they fail to comply).
West Ham United co-owner David Gold is a long-term supporter of bringing standing areas back to Premier League grounds. The club's move to Stratford has been dogged by hundreds of incidents between fans and stewards clashing over persistent standing.
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Simone Zaza ready to quit West Ham as agent father discusses January transfer escape to Napoli
13:35, 11 NOV 2016 UPDATED 13:35, 11 NOV 2016
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
On-loan Hammers flop Zaza has been linked with a swap deal for Napoli forward Manolo Gabbiadini
The Mirror
Simone Zaza's agent father is ready to listen to offers for the Italy striker to leave West Ham . The former Juventus forward has joined on a season-long loan with a view to a £20m permanent transfer. But Zaza, who missed a penalty in a Euro 2016 shootout against Germany, has failed to score in nine appearances in English football. This week he has been linked with a swap deal for Napoli forward Manolo Gabbiadini. Antonio Zaza told Corriere dello Sport: "Napoli is Napoli. If they called, I would listen. The contract is dependent on the games that Simone plays. "He must accumulate 14 appearances in order for the deal to become permanent, and up to now he has played nine. "So far he has not been contacted by any club, but if someone seeks me out, of course I would listen. I am available to all, but especially to Napoli."
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Cesare Prandelli wants West Ham flop Zaza to move to Valencia
calciomercato.com
11 November at 15:51
Simone Zaza is set to be handed a lifeline by another foreign club. The former Juventus man has been a complete flop at West Ham, failing to register much of an impact since moving to the London Stadium in August. With reports from Italy suggesting that he could be swapped with Manolo Gabbiadini of Napoli rife, Spanish outlet SuperDeporte have confirmed that Valencia are also in the hunt for the 25-year-old. His eight goals in a reserve role last season at Juventus were enough to parlay a €5 million loan move to London, with another €20 million being added on if he were to reach a certain number of appearances. Instead of shining, the Italian has since failed to score in seven Premier League and two League Cup appearances. Zaza shone at the 2016 European Championships, assisting Eder for Italy's winner against Sweden and generally playing well. Valencia would very much need someone of his calibre, none of their current crop netting more than three Liga BBVA goals so far. Cesare Prandelli's side has lost three of its last five after a brief resurgence, and sits in 15th place.
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Harry Redknapp's hilarious tales… from Razor Ruddock taking West Ham United to court to pleading with Benjani to go to Manchester City
Harry Redknapp has a new book out: 'It Shouldn't Happen To A Manager'
Sportsmail brings you some of the 69-year-old's funniest stories from it
Redknapp has spoken to Sportsmail about the England national team
PUBLISHED: 13:16, 11 November 2016 | UPDATED: 13:18, 11 November 2016
With the release of Harry Redknapp's new book, 'It Shouldn't Happen To A Manager', Sportsmail brings you some of the funniest extracts from it.
There were reports Neil Ruddock had been in a fight with Mike Newell at Gleneagles golf club. The issue was that he was supposed to be ill, or having treatment, and not playing golf before going out drinking. So I fined him a fortnight's wages. I thought that would be straight forward enough but he appealed and we all ended up having to go to an FA tribunal. Razor turned up with some Australian barrister, who looked like a film star and was the cleverest boy I've ever met. Within minutes, he had us tied up in knots. It was embarrassing. Razor won the case and the club was forced to reimburse him. Then the barrister turned to Dave Richards, who was chairman of the Premier League and on the FA's board and said: 'Thank you Mr Richards, I'm afraid I don't come cheap' and he handed over a bill for £30,000 to Dave Richards, who said: 'This is not a court of law, we don't cover costs.' Razor's face was a picture. He had to pay, and his barrister was charging him more than the fine, £30,000 instead of £20,000 fine. Unlucky, Razor.
This young guy from Liverpool turned up at Bournemouth telling me he should be playing for us. He wouldn't go away. In the end, I told him if he came back the next morning I'd take a look. He turned up, out of breath, just before 12, saying he'd been waiting to cash his Giro to buy these boots. So I took pity on him and started kicking some balls. The first one bounced off him and the next two he kicked like he'd never seen a ball in his life. They went like a banana back towards the car park. I said: 'Stop, don't kick the ball anymore, let's give those boots a wipe down. Take them straight back to the shop and get your money back.' We had a few religious players and they'd go to what they called their prayer room shortly before kick-off at Fratton Park. It was actually Kev, the kit-man's room. The tumble dryers would be going and it could get smelly and hot. Before one game, there were 17 of them in there, like sardines. As I was handed the Man United team-sheet I turned to Joe Jordan and said: 'Where's everybody gone?' He said: 'They're all in Kev's kit-room saying their prayers.' I looked at the team-sheet.
It said Scholes, Ferdinand, Ronaldo, Rooney, Giggs. I said: 'I think I'd better join them.' The money was also too good to turn down. His work-rate was incredible but he was liable to put a few balls down the M27 when he was finishing. We told Benji about the interest from City and he was unimpressed. 'I like it here, boss, I'm happy,' he said. We were: 'No, no. You should go. Manchester, big club, big chance. You'll love it.' We had to pretty much shove him out of the door. When he got to the airport he didn't get on the plane. One plane went, then another. I rang him and said: 'Benji, what're you doing?' He got on the last plane and we completed the deal one minute before the window closed. They loved him at City as well. He was a great lad. But £9.5million! Only Sven could have paid that much for him.
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Fiorentina want West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang in January
HITC
Mathew Nash
The Spanish midfielder has been in good form for the Hammers recently. Italian side Fiorentina are putting into place their transfer plans for the winter, with a central midfielder at the forefront of their thinking. It is now being reported in Italy that one of the names being considered is that of West Ham United midfielder Pedro Obiang. The Spanish midfielder previously played in Italy with Sampdoria before his move to West Ham and has been linked with a move to Fiorentina in the past.
TuttoMercatoWeb is reporting that one option that Fiorentina are considering is West Ham's 24-year-old midfielder Obiang. Six months ago, it is a deal that would have made sense. The Spaniard was struggling for regular football at West Ham and was a player the club seemingly could have moved on. But in recent weeks, since West Ham tweaked with their formation, Obiang has become an increasingly important member of the first team at the London Stadium. Now a sale would be a surprise from West Ham and leaving would be just as shocking from Obiang, who finally looks settled into his new environment. Fiorentina may want Obiang, but it looks likely the player will not be heading back to Italy in January.
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TONY COTTEE DESCRIBES WEST HAM SITUATION AS A JOKEFeatured Image
Date: 10th November 2016 at 7:47pm
Written by: David Tully
ReadWestHam
Former West Ham striker Tony Cottee says the fact that a striker has not scored a goal for the Hammers in the first 17 matches of this season is "an absolute joke."
Writing in his column for the Newham Recorder, Cottee said he would have been anticipating leaving a club if he himself had gone that long without scoring: "West Ham have played 17 games so far this season and in that time not one striker has hit the net and for me that is an absolute joke. I was a striker and prided myself on scoring goals." "I think the longest I went without scoring was 10 games, so if after 17 games, not just me, but all my fellow strikers had failed to hit the net then I would be making a bee-line for the exit door. If you want to work out why we are sitting fourth from bottom in the table, look no further than that statistic. It's embarrassing to think about."
Both Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho are expected to return to the fold after the international break, and will hopefully be able to improve on the performances of both Simone Zaza and Jonathan Calleri who have so far failed to impress since their arrival at the club at the start of the season. Carroll has been sidelined with a knee injury since August, and Sakho has been suffering from a chronic back complaint which caused him to fail his medical when he was on the verge of a £16million to West Bromwich Albion in the summer.
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David Sullivan has his say on West Ham forward's international snub
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has spoken out about Michail Antonio's England snub. Interim Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate dropped Antonio from his squad to face Scotland and Spain. The Hammers have endured a terrible season so far and sit 17th in the Premier League, just one point off the bottom three. But one of the club's shining lights has been top scorer Antonio who has consistently delivered for Slaven Bilic's side so far with six goals, making him one of the highest scoring Englishmen in the top flight this season. He was at it again on Saturday, scoring West Ham's goal in their 1-1 draw against Stoke City. Antonio was included in the last two squads by Sam Allardyce and his replacement Southgate. But he was not given a single minute of action during either international break and even Andros Townsend, who was handed a late call-up to replace an injured squad member for the October internationals, got game time ahead of the powerful winger. The likes of Jack Wilshere, Townsend and Jesse Lingard have all received call-ups to Southgate's squad for the games against Scotland and Spain. But former Nottingham Forest man Antonio, who has worked his way up from non league to Premier League, has been snubbed altogether and now Sullivan has had his say on the matter on the club's official website. "It was obviously disappointing for Michail Antonio to miss out on a place this time around," Sullivan told whufc.com. "But if he continues to show his early season form, I have no doubts that he can quickly win back his place in the England squad. "We have been saying for some time that our players deserve the chance to break into the England squad and with the next World Cup in 2018, we would love to see our players performing on the biggest stage in world football."
Some Hammers fans felt former England boss Roy Hodgson had a vendetta against their club as he continually ignored their players during his tenure. Former Hammers boss Allardyce seemed to change that when he gave Antonio his first call-up during his short stint in the Three Lions hotseat. The same accusation cannot necessarily be levelled at Southgate, though, as he has called up left back Aaron Cresswell to his latest squad, something the East London club's supporters have felt is long overdue.
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West Ham's Aaron Cresswell delighted to be training alongside 'world-class players' with England
SAM LONG
Evening Standard
West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell is delighted to be training alongside England's "world-class players." Cresswell has missed the majority of the Premier League season through injury, having suffered a serious knee problem in July. But the full back has worked his way back into contention for the Hammers and successfully caught Gareth Southgate's eye, leading to his first senior international call up. The 26-year-old has been acclimatising to his surroundings at St. George's Park this week and is thrilled to have been given an opportunity to join up with the squad. The manager has been fantastic," Cresswell told the FA's official website.
"To come here and train with some of the world-class players who are here is great to be a part of. "I'm delighted to be here using these fantastic facilities. I've been here [to St George's Park] before with West Ham as we've trained here a few times. "I've enjoyed it and hopefully that continues," he added. Cresswell could be handed his England debut when the Three Lions host Gordon Strachan's Scotland at Wembley on Friday night. Danny Rose may yet be preferred on the left-hand side of defence but Cresswell is relishing the occasion. "When you first start playing football, every boy wants to represent their country, and for me to do that would be a proud moment for me and my family. "I'm looking forward to Friday night. Of course there will be a fantastic atmosphere, I'm sure, and it's one we're all looking forward to and hopefully we'll get the job done," the full back insisted.
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Slaven Bilic faces defensive crisis for crucial match against bitter rivals Spurs
HITC
Damien Lucas
Slaven Bilic is facing a worrying defensive crisis for the crunch match against bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur after the international break. The Hammers are sat 17th in the Premier League table, just one point above the bottom three after a torrid start to Slaven Bilic's second season in charge. And things don't look like getting better any time soon if things go to form with a hellish fixture list on the horizon for the next month. Bilic's out of form side go to White Hart Lane next to play Mauricio Pochettino's unbeaten Spurs followed by a double header against Manchester United at Old Trafford, a home game against Arsenal and a trip to Anfield to face title hopefuls Liverpool. As if that was not daunting enough the Hammers, already sporting the fourth worst goal difference in the top flight, may have to make the short trip to North London without three defenders. That's according to the latest injury update from West Ham's head of medical and sports science Stijn Vandenbroucke on the East London club's official website which reveals young prodigy Reece Oxford is out and rates Winston Reid and James Collins' chances as touch and go. "Two players who were unfortunately unable to link up with their respective countries were James Collins and Winston Reid," Vandenbroucke told whufc.com.
"Ginge suffered a calf injury in the Stoke game and had to withdraw from the Wales squad. He will rehab with us this week and we hope he will be available for the trip to Tottenham Hotspur. "Winston was injured towards the end of the Everton game. He is working on his rehab at Rush Green, having had to withdraw from the New Zealand squad. "Reece Oxford suffered a high ankle sprain in training before the Everton game and is currently using crutches as he is in the non-weight bearing phase of his rehab."
It would not be easy for West Ham going to Spurs with a fully fit squad let alone one low on confidence and decimated by injuries. Without Reid and Collins West Ham would probably be forced to play defensive midfielder Havard Nordtveit - who has endured a woeful start to life at the club since signing in the summer - at centre back alongside another midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate and Angelo Ogbonna. It once again highlights just how bad a decision it was for the Hammers to sell versatile homegrown defender James Tomkins to Crystal Palace in the summer. Hammers fans now face an anxious wait over the international break to see that star players like Aaron Cresswell and Dimitri Payet come back unscathed.
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Martin Samuelsen will be Ewood Park success story believes Blackburn Rovers boss Owen Coyle
http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/
Alex James , Sports Editor
OWEN Coyle has backed Blackburn's teenage wing ace Martin Samuelsen to fulfil his considerable talents – even though he hasn't played him for nearly a month. The Norway international could line up for his country in a World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic in Prague tonight. But he hasn't been on the pitch for Rovers since being hauled off in the second half of the goalless home draw with Ipswich four weeks ago. That was his only league start – although he was also in the line-up for the EFL Cup defeat at Leeds – and it followed a dazzling cameo and debut goal for his country the week before. Samuelsen is on a season-long loan from Premier League side West Ham and arrived at Ewood Park with a sparkling reputation. He hasn't been helped in his quest for first team football by his new club's lowly league position, which means Coyle is more likely to rely on his senior players than take a chance on a youngster. But following last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, after which the Rovers manager stated his loyalty to 'certain players' had run out, Samuelsen's chances have improved. He must, however, prove his physical strength and improve his end product, according to his boss. Coyle told the Lancashire Telegraph: "Young Samuelsen is going to be an exciting player and he's going to have a very good career. "A number of them I have brought in are young players with the potential and the scope for growth. "Martin showed some lovely touches and worked hard when he played against Ipswich, but I think we do have to get him a bit physically stronger for the demands of the Championship. "But I do think in showed a couple of instances in the box where he takes people on for fun. "What he's got to understand, and he'll learn and get better once he's done that, is that you deliver that cross. You don't have to go and beat your man again. "Ultimately wide players are judged on their end product. "But he's certainly going to get better. It was important to give him that opportunity to do that. "He worked hard and on another day something special would have happened off him. He's going to be a very good player."
Nineteen-year-old Samuelsen signed for the Hammers after a spell at the Manchester City academy and spent most of last season on loan with League One side Peterborough. Last month he spoke about how he was finding life in East Lancashire difficult, but was determined to stick with it. He said: "It has been a tough start, you can say, both for the team and for me. "There has been little playing time. I wish that I could have been involved more and contribute, to score and create goals, which is something I can do, but that's it. "The coach has a lot to think about and cannot go and talk to each player. "I hope the turning point comes soon because I'm sure when I get to play I'm going to show what I can do."
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Blackburn Rovers boss Owen Coyle states what West Ham United's Martin Samuelsen needs to learn
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham United's Martin Samuelsen has only made four appearances for Blackburn Rovers so far. Blackburn Rovers boss Owen Coyle has told the Lancashire Telegraph that West Ham United's Martin Samuelsen needs to stop over-complicating things. Samuelsen has failed to make much of an impact at Blackburn since moving to Ewood Park on loan from West Ham. The youngster has only been handed fleeting chances at Rovers, and although Coyle sees plenty of potential in Samuelsen, the 50-year-old boss wants to see more end product from the attacking midfielder. Leeds United's Charlie Taylor (R) in action against Blackburn Rovers' Martin Samuelsen "What he's got to understand, and he'll learn and get better once he's done that, is that you deliver that cross. You don't have to go and beat your man again," Coyle said.
"Ultimately wide players are judged on their end product. "But he's certainly going to get better. It was important to give him that opportunity to do that." Samuelsen has played just four times for Blackburn since moving on loan from West Ham, and he has only started twice. The 19-year-old has regularly been kept on the sidelines, with question marks over whether West Ham could recall him starting to emerge. Samuelsen made a positive impression last season, when on a loan spell with Peterborough United, and there are still high hopes for his future at West Ham. Samuelsen's next chance to impress for Blackburn could come after the international break, when Coyle's men are due to face Brentford at Ewood Park.
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Besiktas chairman changes his tune about West Ham United loanee Gokhan Tore
HITC
Aiden Cusick
Tore has started just three times in the Premier League for West Ham United. Besiktas chairman Fikret Orman has changed his tune about West Ham United loanee Gokhan Tore, the Sun reports. Tore has started just three of the West Ham's Premier League fixtures this season and the Hammers reportedly want rid of the 24-year-old before his temporary deal expires next summer. Earlier this week, Orman was quoted as saying there was '100 per cent not a chance' that Besiktas would take back the former Chelsea youngster, despite mounting injuries at the Vodafone Arena. But the Turkish businessman has since admitted that he is willing to take Tore back in January, albeit on one fairly sizeable condition. "We will take Tore back in January on one condition," Orman is quoted as saying by the Sun. "We won't pay West Ham back the £2.5 million loan money for him. "Gokhan wants to come back to Besiktas. We will only agree if they agree over the loan payment. And they are paying his wages in full." West Ham are said to be paying Tore £40,000 a week throughout the duration of his spell, on top of the £2.5 million loan fee. The Turkish international is currently sidelined with a thigh problem and his chances of regular football look to have taken another hit in recent weeks, with Andre Ayew returning to action after a similar issue. The Hammers paid Swansea a reported £20.5 million for the Ghana star this summer.
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West Ham set to offload disaster loan flop duo
By Essex Chronicle | Posted: November 11, 2016
By Sam Inkersole sam.inkersole@KRNmedia.co.uk
West Ham are willing to cut their losses and offload disaster flop duo Simone Zaza and Gokhan Tore in January, according to reports. Zaza, a £5m loan signing from Juventus at the back of the transfer window, hasn't scored during his time with the Hammers and if he plays 14 games, will trigger a £17m permanent deal to join the Londoners. One good shift against Crystal Palace aside, the Italian striker hasn't produced the goods whatsoever and hasn't even come off the bench for the past two matches. Tore, who cost £2.5m to sign on loan from Besiktas, has been even worse than Zaza, doing pretty much nothing in the handful of appearances he has made. He is currently rehabbing form a thigh injury and is unlikely to be seen in Claret & Blue again.
Tore had been at the centre of a bizarre tug of war between West Ham and Besiktas with neither side reportedly willing to have his services, but that is believed to be over the fee that was set to paid by the Hammers but according to the reports, that issue has been resolved. Meanwhile with Zaza, Football Italia say that the striker is open to a move to Napoli, with West Ham interested in signing their striker Manolo Gabbiadini in a potential player swap plus cash deal.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Hammers star Dimitri Payet added to his sensational recent France record on Friday by adding an eighth international goal to his collection with Les Bleus' winner against Sweden. In FIFA World Cup qualifying, Payet found the net from close range with 25 minutes remaining to down his side's Scandinavian opponents and stay top of European Group A. France had previously fallen behind in the 54th minute when Emil Forsberg opened the scoring from a free-kick, however Paul Pogba nodded home to level the score at the Stade de France from Payet's delivery. And the 29-year-old, who has already scored two terrific goals for the Hammers this season in domestic football, marked his 31st cap with a crucial winning strike. Didier Deschamps' team had already beaten Bulgaria and the Netherlands in qualifying in addition to a goalless draw with Belarus. They face the Ivory Coast on Tuesday in an international friendly and Payet will be looking to continue his superb form into next week.
Elsewhere, Aaron Cresswell was left on the bench in England's 3-0 win over Scotland at Wembley. The full-back received his first international call-up earlier this week and he watched on as a substitute as the Three Lions secured the three points thanks to goals from Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana and Gary Cahill.
Finally, Havard Nordtveit was also an unused substitute as Norway were beaten 2-1 by the Czech Republic in Prague.
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Randolph eager to take chances
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph is set to start Republic of Ireland's Russia 2018 qualifier with Austria on Saturday
West Ham United stopper has been his country's No1 for more than a year
No1 is hoping international performance can earn him more playing time with the Hammers
Darren Randolph is hoping an impressive performance in Republic of Ireland's final international of 2016 could help him get more playing time with West Ham United.
The 29-year-old will start Ireland's 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier with Austria in Vienna on Saturday, having established himself as his country's No1 over the last 12 months.
However, while he wears the same number for the Hammers, Randolph has found his club appearances so far this season restricted to cup matches, with Spaniard Adrian keeping goal in the Premier League.
The Bray-born stopper is hoping another eye-catching display for the Boys in Green could change that situation, with West Ham preparing to travel to Tottenham Hotspur in the top flight a week on Saturday.
"I just need to keep training myself and when I do get the chance to perform, do so," said Randolph, who has 17 caps. "It's down to me then.
"Adrian has been [at the Club] for four years, so he's going to get the benefit of the doubt and get more games for the team to try and turn things around. I have to be patient like I have been.
"It's only my second season and I'm not going to give up on [playing regularly at Premier League level] that easily."
Randolph has done well when called upon this season, helping the Hammers to record a superb EFL Cup fourth-round win over Chelsea last month.
He now has a quarter-final at Manchester United to look forward to, but first the County Wicklow native has international duty to worry about.
Ireland have picked up seven points from their opening three Group D fixtures and can put themselves top if they better Serbia's result in Wales on Saturday.
"It's kind of must-win for them and for us, we'd like to get minimum a point to keep us up there in the group, so there's going to be pressure on both teams," he observed.
"They'll obviously want to improve on their last result, so it's going to be a tough game, a tough place to go.
"It would be a very good end to the year, and it would set us up nicely then going into next year and the rest of the games."
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Angelo's World
WHUFC.com
Hammers defender Angelo Ogbonna returns in the latest edition of his new blog, which delves into the Italian's life with the Club and outside football.
This week, the former Juventus centre-back discusses the disappointing draw with Stoke and looks ahead to the big London derby against Tottenham next week.
The 28-year-old also reveals why this is a different kind of international break for the Ogbonna household…
Hello everyone,
We were obviously disappointed to drop two points against Stoke last weekend.
After we scored the opening goal it looked like we were going to go on and win the game so everyone was a bit frustrated at the final whistle.
We cannot complain about what has happened and need to focus all our energy on preparing for the next game against Tottenham.
We need to get back that winning feeling and everyone at the Club wants to see us push towards the top half of the table.
We all know the next game is a big one for everyone at West Ham. We know it is going to be a tough game like every derby we have faced against Arsenal and Chelsea.
But I am looking forward to the atmosphere because our home game against Spurs last season was one of the best atmospheres I have ever seen in England and it was a memorable victory.
I have played in big derbies for Juventus but you cannot compare those derbies.
The Premier League is different and we face a lot of big derbies. There is a lot of competition.
We had a number of big away wins last season and hopefully this will be the time where we can go and get an away win over Tottenham.
It is more important for us to get the three points in the situation we face at the moment and get back to winning ways. Our position in the table is not good and we want to make it better.
We want to show our quality and that we can play against the big teams. We should be a lot higher in the table with the quality of players we have got in the squad.
We are getting some big players back from injury and it is a good feeling when you know the likes of Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll are close to making a first-team return.
Finally, it has been a bit strange for me not joining up with the Italy squad this week, but on the positive side it allows me to train hard with my team and concentrate on West Ham.
When we are winning a couple of games it will give me the chance to get back into the Italy squad.
I am using the time to relax and make sure I am in the best condition possible for the next game against Tottenham.
My fiance is expecting a baby soon and we are very close to the birth so my focus is on getting everything ready and making sure she is okay.
I look forward to speaking with you again soon.
Angelo
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Dicks - Cresswell has got his just rewards
WHUFC.com
Dicks hopes to see more Hammers called up for EnglandWest Ham United coaching assistant Julian Dicks believes Aaron Cresswell has been rewarded for his all hard work over the last two seasons following his call-up to the England squad and feels he has been one of the most consistent left backs in the Premier League.
Cresswell has been one of the star performers for the Hammers following his move to the east London Club back in 2014.
The 26-year-old was strongly tipped to be included in the England squad for the European Championship Finals during the summer, but just missed out on a place.
Despite a knee injury which forced him to miss the start of the season, Cresswell has made a successful return to action and has now been called up by Gareth Southgate for the big games against Scotland and Spain at Wembley.
Dicks has worked closely with Cresswell and helped him to become an even better left back and was delighted to see him earn a call-up.
Dicks said: "I thought Aaron was our most consistent player last season. Unfortunately he got injured during pre-season but his call-up has been a long time coming. He is a good lad and hopefully he gets to play.
"It surprised me that he didn't get a call-up during the summer and that he never got the chance to play last season. He has been the most consistent player and has a great left foot on him.
"He has developed since he joined West Ham and when players have the ability like he has, you can work and develop them even more. He is as fit as you like and can play as a wing-back as well. He has been a fantastic signing for West Ham.
"The new system that we are playing obviously suits him and it gives him the freedom as well.
"He is fit enough to do that job. I remember Harry Redknapp trying to put me into that position against Charlton and I couldn't do it!
"But Aaron has got a great engine on him and does the job very well. It is about time that a West Ham left back got a call-up into the England squad!
"I sent a text message to him as soon as I found out and he got back to me straight away and it is great news for him. Everyone wants to play for their country and he has got his just rewards."
The West Ham fans will be thrilled to see Cresswell follow in the footsteps of Michail Antonio and become the second Hammer to be included in the England squad this season.
Dicks, who himself was unlucky not to get an England cap when he was producing his best form at West Ham, feels the time has finally come for the Hammers players to be rewarded and represent their country at the highest level.
Dicks added: "A lot of West Ham players have been overlooked by England over the years going back to when Billy Bonds was playing.
"But when you have players like Michail and Cress, you can't keep overlooking them because they are two outstanding players.
"The World Cup in 2018 is a big goal for any player and now Cress has got into the squad, hopefully he can stay there and it would be lovely for West Ham to have some players performing at the World Cup."
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Hammers mark Remembrance Day
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have moved into a new home during the summer, but the Club will never forget those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom.
The Hammers have always planned special commemorations around Remembrance Day and this year was no different.
The fact that nearly 60,000 fans were able to take part inside London Stadium for the first time made it even more special and it was an emotional tribute from the West Ham supporters at the Stoke game last weekend.
The Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps performed on the London Stadium pitch in the build-up, while a Guard of Honour provided by G Company 7 Rifles, the army Reserve battalion based in West Ham, and the Royal British Legion saw the two teams come out onto the pitch.
Joint-Chairman David Gold, Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales and Stoke City Chairman Peter Coates then laid wreaths in the centre circle before an impeccable Minute Silence was held in memory of those who have been lost in conflict.
Ken Hill from the Royal British Legion in East Ham believes this was one of the best ever tributes from West Ham United and cannot thank the fans enough for their support.
Hill said: "The way the Club treated us was amazing. The way the bugle came across on the PA system inside the ground was very touching.
"Everyone really appreciated it and we could hear everyone talking about it. You could not hear a pin drop during the silence. The bigger the better as far as we are concerned.
"I thought this was one of the best ever tributes that West Ham have done.
"The Last Post gets me every time I hear it and it brings back memories of the guys who have fallen. That is the most important part of the service.
"A lot of credit to the fans for showing their respect and they do the same every year. They always give the troops a warm welcome."
Ken Hill and Bob Stokes from the British LegionHill says the British Legion have a special relationship with West Ham United and hopes it will continue for a number of years in the future.
Hill added: "I really like working with West Ham and we have a close relationship. It promotes the British Legion and everyone appreciates each other.
"I am a Season-Ticket holder and I love coming to London Stadium. It is a fantastic Stadium and the fans make it a special place.
"The fans seem to come over even earlier when we mark Remembrance Day to support everyone and see the band playing. This is something that could become even bigger over the next few years."
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Return Tore but no refund, say Besiktas
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 11th November 2016
By: Staff Writer
Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas say they are happy to cut short Gokhan Tore's season-long loan spell - on the basis that they keep the entire £2.5million loan fee.
As soon as West Ham were dumped out of Europe by Astra Giurgiu for the second successive season back in August, Tore was already surplus to requirements (along with the likes of Havard Nordtveit and Sofiane Feghouli, who were signed in order to boost the club's squad with view to particupating in this season's Europa League).
And whilst the Turkish international's parent club are happy to take him back, chairman Fikret Orman insists that West Ham will not be offered a part refund - should that happen.
"We will take Tore back in January on one condition," he told a tabloid newspaper. "That we won't pay West Ham back the £2.5m loan money for him.
"Gokhan wants to come back to Besiktas. We will only agree if they agree over the loan payment. And they are paying his wages in full."
Last month reports from Turkey suggested that Bilic had told Tore he could return to his home country having failed to settle in England.
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Safe standing back on the agenda
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 11th November 2016
By: Staff Writer
Premier League clubs are set to discuss the possibility of re-introducing standing areas to top flight grounds, it has been revealed.
That the 20 League members are scheduled to meet in London next Thursday is nothing unusual in itself, with the event being just one of a number of gatherings scheduled to take place during the season.
However it will be the first time since all-seater stadia was introduced in 1994 that safe standing has been on the agenda, or jointly considered by the member clubs.
"It is in discussion with our clubs," Richard Scudamore, the Premier League's chief executive said. "They are all looking at the issue.
"At some point it will come around our table and we will see if there's a point at which we might open up discussions with government to see what their view is on it.
"It's very much individual clubs sensing for themselves where they are with it and we may or may not facilitate that discussion in the weeks and months to come."
Top flight football grounds in England have been all-seater since the 1990 Taylor report found that the Hillsborough disaster was partly the result of open terraces - a conclusion later proved to be entirely false.
Currently the rules only apply to the Premier League and Premier League events. Meanwhile football is the only activity currently staged at the Olympic Stadium at which spectators are required to sit in the seats at all times (facing ejection should they fail to comply).
West Ham United co-owner David Gold is a long-term supporter of bringing standing areas back to Premier League grounds. The club's move to Stratford has been dogged by hundreds of incidents between fans and stewards clashing over persistent standing.
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Simone Zaza ready to quit West Ham as agent father discusses January transfer escape to Napoli
13:35, 11 NOV 2016 UPDATED 13:35, 11 NOV 2016
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
On-loan Hammers flop Zaza has been linked with a swap deal for Napoli forward Manolo Gabbiadini
The Mirror
Simone Zaza's agent father is ready to listen to offers for the Italy striker to leave West Ham . The former Juventus forward has joined on a season-long loan with a view to a £20m permanent transfer. But Zaza, who missed a penalty in a Euro 2016 shootout against Germany, has failed to score in nine appearances in English football. This week he has been linked with a swap deal for Napoli forward Manolo Gabbiadini. Antonio Zaza told Corriere dello Sport: "Napoli is Napoli. If they called, I would listen. The contract is dependent on the games that Simone plays. "He must accumulate 14 appearances in order for the deal to become permanent, and up to now he has played nine. "So far he has not been contacted by any club, but if someone seeks me out, of course I would listen. I am available to all, but especially to Napoli."
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Cesare Prandelli wants West Ham flop Zaza to move to Valencia
calciomercato.com
11 November at 15:51
Simone Zaza is set to be handed a lifeline by another foreign club. The former Juventus man has been a complete flop at West Ham, failing to register much of an impact since moving to the London Stadium in August. With reports from Italy suggesting that he could be swapped with Manolo Gabbiadini of Napoli rife, Spanish outlet SuperDeporte have confirmed that Valencia are also in the hunt for the 25-year-old. His eight goals in a reserve role last season at Juventus were enough to parlay a €5 million loan move to London, with another €20 million being added on if he were to reach a certain number of appearances. Instead of shining, the Italian has since failed to score in seven Premier League and two League Cup appearances. Zaza shone at the 2016 European Championships, assisting Eder for Italy's winner against Sweden and generally playing well. Valencia would very much need someone of his calibre, none of their current crop netting more than three Liga BBVA goals so far. Cesare Prandelli's side has lost three of its last five after a brief resurgence, and sits in 15th place.
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Harry Redknapp's hilarious tales… from Razor Ruddock taking West Ham United to court to pleading with Benjani to go to Manchester City
Harry Redknapp has a new book out: 'It Shouldn't Happen To A Manager'
Sportsmail brings you some of the 69-year-old's funniest stories from it
Redknapp has spoken to Sportsmail about the England national team
PUBLISHED: 13:16, 11 November 2016 | UPDATED: 13:18, 11 November 2016
With the release of Harry Redknapp's new book, 'It Shouldn't Happen To A Manager', Sportsmail brings you some of the funniest extracts from it.
There were reports Neil Ruddock had been in a fight with Mike Newell at Gleneagles golf club. The issue was that he was supposed to be ill, or having treatment, and not playing golf before going out drinking. So I fined him a fortnight's wages. I thought that would be straight forward enough but he appealed and we all ended up having to go to an FA tribunal. Razor turned up with some Australian barrister, who looked like a film star and was the cleverest boy I've ever met. Within minutes, he had us tied up in knots. It was embarrassing. Razor won the case and the club was forced to reimburse him. Then the barrister turned to Dave Richards, who was chairman of the Premier League and on the FA's board and said: 'Thank you Mr Richards, I'm afraid I don't come cheap' and he handed over a bill for £30,000 to Dave Richards, who said: 'This is not a court of law, we don't cover costs.' Razor's face was a picture. He had to pay, and his barrister was charging him more than the fine, £30,000 instead of £20,000 fine. Unlucky, Razor.
This young guy from Liverpool turned up at Bournemouth telling me he should be playing for us. He wouldn't go away. In the end, I told him if he came back the next morning I'd take a look. He turned up, out of breath, just before 12, saying he'd been waiting to cash his Giro to buy these boots. So I took pity on him and started kicking some balls. The first one bounced off him and the next two he kicked like he'd never seen a ball in his life. They went like a banana back towards the car park. I said: 'Stop, don't kick the ball anymore, let's give those boots a wipe down. Take them straight back to the shop and get your money back.' We had a few religious players and they'd go to what they called their prayer room shortly before kick-off at Fratton Park. It was actually Kev, the kit-man's room. The tumble dryers would be going and it could get smelly and hot. Before one game, there were 17 of them in there, like sardines. As I was handed the Man United team-sheet I turned to Joe Jordan and said: 'Where's everybody gone?' He said: 'They're all in Kev's kit-room saying their prayers.' I looked at the team-sheet.
It said Scholes, Ferdinand, Ronaldo, Rooney, Giggs. I said: 'I think I'd better join them.' The money was also too good to turn down. His work-rate was incredible but he was liable to put a few balls down the M27 when he was finishing. We told Benji about the interest from City and he was unimpressed. 'I like it here, boss, I'm happy,' he said. We were: 'No, no. You should go. Manchester, big club, big chance. You'll love it.' We had to pretty much shove him out of the door. When he got to the airport he didn't get on the plane. One plane went, then another. I rang him and said: 'Benji, what're you doing?' He got on the last plane and we completed the deal one minute before the window closed. They loved him at City as well. He was a great lad. But £9.5million! Only Sven could have paid that much for him.
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Fiorentina want West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang in January
HITC
Mathew Nash
The Spanish midfielder has been in good form for the Hammers recently. Italian side Fiorentina are putting into place their transfer plans for the winter, with a central midfielder at the forefront of their thinking. It is now being reported in Italy that one of the names being considered is that of West Ham United midfielder Pedro Obiang. The Spanish midfielder previously played in Italy with Sampdoria before his move to West Ham and has been linked with a move to Fiorentina in the past.
TuttoMercatoWeb is reporting that one option that Fiorentina are considering is West Ham's 24-year-old midfielder Obiang. Six months ago, it is a deal that would have made sense. The Spaniard was struggling for regular football at West Ham and was a player the club seemingly could have moved on. But in recent weeks, since West Ham tweaked with their formation, Obiang has become an increasingly important member of the first team at the London Stadium. Now a sale would be a surprise from West Ham and leaving would be just as shocking from Obiang, who finally looks settled into his new environment. Fiorentina may want Obiang, but it looks likely the player will not be heading back to Italy in January.
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TONY COTTEE DESCRIBES WEST HAM SITUATION AS A JOKEFeatured Image
Date: 10th November 2016 at 7:47pm
Written by: David Tully
ReadWestHam
Former West Ham striker Tony Cottee says the fact that a striker has not scored a goal for the Hammers in the first 17 matches of this season is "an absolute joke."
Writing in his column for the Newham Recorder, Cottee said he would have been anticipating leaving a club if he himself had gone that long without scoring: "West Ham have played 17 games so far this season and in that time not one striker has hit the net and for me that is an absolute joke. I was a striker and prided myself on scoring goals." "I think the longest I went without scoring was 10 games, so if after 17 games, not just me, but all my fellow strikers had failed to hit the net then I would be making a bee-line for the exit door. If you want to work out why we are sitting fourth from bottom in the table, look no further than that statistic. It's embarrassing to think about."
Both Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho are expected to return to the fold after the international break, and will hopefully be able to improve on the performances of both Simone Zaza and Jonathan Calleri who have so far failed to impress since their arrival at the club at the start of the season. Carroll has been sidelined with a knee injury since August, and Sakho has been suffering from a chronic back complaint which caused him to fail his medical when he was on the verge of a £16million to West Bromwich Albion in the summer.
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David Sullivan has his say on West Ham forward's international snub
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has spoken out about Michail Antonio's England snub. Interim Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate dropped Antonio from his squad to face Scotland and Spain. The Hammers have endured a terrible season so far and sit 17th in the Premier League, just one point off the bottom three. But one of the club's shining lights has been top scorer Antonio who has consistently delivered for Slaven Bilic's side so far with six goals, making him one of the highest scoring Englishmen in the top flight this season. He was at it again on Saturday, scoring West Ham's goal in their 1-1 draw against Stoke City. Antonio was included in the last two squads by Sam Allardyce and his replacement Southgate. But he was not given a single minute of action during either international break and even Andros Townsend, who was handed a late call-up to replace an injured squad member for the October internationals, got game time ahead of the powerful winger. The likes of Jack Wilshere, Townsend and Jesse Lingard have all received call-ups to Southgate's squad for the games against Scotland and Spain. But former Nottingham Forest man Antonio, who has worked his way up from non league to Premier League, has been snubbed altogether and now Sullivan has had his say on the matter on the club's official website. "It was obviously disappointing for Michail Antonio to miss out on a place this time around," Sullivan told whufc.com. "But if he continues to show his early season form, I have no doubts that he can quickly win back his place in the England squad. "We have been saying for some time that our players deserve the chance to break into the England squad and with the next World Cup in 2018, we would love to see our players performing on the biggest stage in world football."
Some Hammers fans felt former England boss Roy Hodgson had a vendetta against their club as he continually ignored their players during his tenure. Former Hammers boss Allardyce seemed to change that when he gave Antonio his first call-up during his short stint in the Three Lions hotseat. The same accusation cannot necessarily be levelled at Southgate, though, as he has called up left back Aaron Cresswell to his latest squad, something the East London club's supporters have felt is long overdue.
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West Ham's Aaron Cresswell delighted to be training alongside 'world-class players' with England
SAM LONG
Evening Standard
West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell is delighted to be training alongside England's "world-class players." Cresswell has missed the majority of the Premier League season through injury, having suffered a serious knee problem in July. But the full back has worked his way back into contention for the Hammers and successfully caught Gareth Southgate's eye, leading to his first senior international call up. The 26-year-old has been acclimatising to his surroundings at St. George's Park this week and is thrilled to have been given an opportunity to join up with the squad. The manager has been fantastic," Cresswell told the FA's official website.
"To come here and train with some of the world-class players who are here is great to be a part of. "I'm delighted to be here using these fantastic facilities. I've been here [to St George's Park] before with West Ham as we've trained here a few times. "I've enjoyed it and hopefully that continues," he added. Cresswell could be handed his England debut when the Three Lions host Gordon Strachan's Scotland at Wembley on Friday night. Danny Rose may yet be preferred on the left-hand side of defence but Cresswell is relishing the occasion. "When you first start playing football, every boy wants to represent their country, and for me to do that would be a proud moment for me and my family. "I'm looking forward to Friday night. Of course there will be a fantastic atmosphere, I'm sure, and it's one we're all looking forward to and hopefully we'll get the job done," the full back insisted.
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Slaven Bilic faces defensive crisis for crucial match against bitter rivals Spurs
HITC
Damien Lucas
Slaven Bilic is facing a worrying defensive crisis for the crunch match against bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur after the international break. The Hammers are sat 17th in the Premier League table, just one point above the bottom three after a torrid start to Slaven Bilic's second season in charge. And things don't look like getting better any time soon if things go to form with a hellish fixture list on the horizon for the next month. Bilic's out of form side go to White Hart Lane next to play Mauricio Pochettino's unbeaten Spurs followed by a double header against Manchester United at Old Trafford, a home game against Arsenal and a trip to Anfield to face title hopefuls Liverpool. As if that was not daunting enough the Hammers, already sporting the fourth worst goal difference in the top flight, may have to make the short trip to North London without three defenders. That's according to the latest injury update from West Ham's head of medical and sports science Stijn Vandenbroucke on the East London club's official website which reveals young prodigy Reece Oxford is out and rates Winston Reid and James Collins' chances as touch and go. "Two players who were unfortunately unable to link up with their respective countries were James Collins and Winston Reid," Vandenbroucke told whufc.com.
"Ginge suffered a calf injury in the Stoke game and had to withdraw from the Wales squad. He will rehab with us this week and we hope he will be available for the trip to Tottenham Hotspur. "Winston was injured towards the end of the Everton game. He is working on his rehab at Rush Green, having had to withdraw from the New Zealand squad. "Reece Oxford suffered a high ankle sprain in training before the Everton game and is currently using crutches as he is in the non-weight bearing phase of his rehab."
It would not be easy for West Ham going to Spurs with a fully fit squad let alone one low on confidence and decimated by injuries. Without Reid and Collins West Ham would probably be forced to play defensive midfielder Havard Nordtveit - who has endured a woeful start to life at the club since signing in the summer - at centre back alongside another midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate and Angelo Ogbonna. It once again highlights just how bad a decision it was for the Hammers to sell versatile homegrown defender James Tomkins to Crystal Palace in the summer. Hammers fans now face an anxious wait over the international break to see that star players like Aaron Cresswell and Dimitri Payet come back unscathed.
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Martin Samuelsen will be Ewood Park success story believes Blackburn Rovers boss Owen Coyle
http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/
Alex James , Sports Editor
OWEN Coyle has backed Blackburn's teenage wing ace Martin Samuelsen to fulfil his considerable talents – even though he hasn't played him for nearly a month. The Norway international could line up for his country in a World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic in Prague tonight. But he hasn't been on the pitch for Rovers since being hauled off in the second half of the goalless home draw with Ipswich four weeks ago. That was his only league start – although he was also in the line-up for the EFL Cup defeat at Leeds – and it followed a dazzling cameo and debut goal for his country the week before. Samuelsen is on a season-long loan from Premier League side West Ham and arrived at Ewood Park with a sparkling reputation. He hasn't been helped in his quest for first team football by his new club's lowly league position, which means Coyle is more likely to rely on his senior players than take a chance on a youngster. But following last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, after which the Rovers manager stated his loyalty to 'certain players' had run out, Samuelsen's chances have improved. He must, however, prove his physical strength and improve his end product, according to his boss. Coyle told the Lancashire Telegraph: "Young Samuelsen is going to be an exciting player and he's going to have a very good career. "A number of them I have brought in are young players with the potential and the scope for growth. "Martin showed some lovely touches and worked hard when he played against Ipswich, but I think we do have to get him a bit physically stronger for the demands of the Championship. "But I do think in showed a couple of instances in the box where he takes people on for fun. "What he's got to understand, and he'll learn and get better once he's done that, is that you deliver that cross. You don't have to go and beat your man again. "Ultimately wide players are judged on their end product. "But he's certainly going to get better. It was important to give him that opportunity to do that. "He worked hard and on another day something special would have happened off him. He's going to be a very good player."
Nineteen-year-old Samuelsen signed for the Hammers after a spell at the Manchester City academy and spent most of last season on loan with League One side Peterborough. Last month he spoke about how he was finding life in East Lancashire difficult, but was determined to stick with it. He said: "It has been a tough start, you can say, both for the team and for me. "There has been little playing time. I wish that I could have been involved more and contribute, to score and create goals, which is something I can do, but that's it. "The coach has a lot to think about and cannot go and talk to each player. "I hope the turning point comes soon because I'm sure when I get to play I'm going to show what I can do."
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Blackburn Rovers boss Owen Coyle states what West Ham United's Martin Samuelsen needs to learn
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham United's Martin Samuelsen has only made four appearances for Blackburn Rovers so far. Blackburn Rovers boss Owen Coyle has told the Lancashire Telegraph that West Ham United's Martin Samuelsen needs to stop over-complicating things. Samuelsen has failed to make much of an impact at Blackburn since moving to Ewood Park on loan from West Ham. The youngster has only been handed fleeting chances at Rovers, and although Coyle sees plenty of potential in Samuelsen, the 50-year-old boss wants to see more end product from the attacking midfielder. Leeds United's Charlie Taylor (R) in action against Blackburn Rovers' Martin Samuelsen "What he's got to understand, and he'll learn and get better once he's done that, is that you deliver that cross. You don't have to go and beat your man again," Coyle said.
"Ultimately wide players are judged on their end product. "But he's certainly going to get better. It was important to give him that opportunity to do that." Samuelsen has played just four times for Blackburn since moving on loan from West Ham, and he has only started twice. The 19-year-old has regularly been kept on the sidelines, with question marks over whether West Ham could recall him starting to emerge. Samuelsen made a positive impression last season, when on a loan spell with Peterborough United, and there are still high hopes for his future at West Ham. Samuelsen's next chance to impress for Blackburn could come after the international break, when Coyle's men are due to face Brentford at Ewood Park.
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Besiktas chairman changes his tune about West Ham United loanee Gokhan Tore
HITC
Aiden Cusick
Tore has started just three times in the Premier League for West Ham United. Besiktas chairman Fikret Orman has changed his tune about West Ham United loanee Gokhan Tore, the Sun reports. Tore has started just three of the West Ham's Premier League fixtures this season and the Hammers reportedly want rid of the 24-year-old before his temporary deal expires next summer. Earlier this week, Orman was quoted as saying there was '100 per cent not a chance' that Besiktas would take back the former Chelsea youngster, despite mounting injuries at the Vodafone Arena. But the Turkish businessman has since admitted that he is willing to take Tore back in January, albeit on one fairly sizeable condition. "We will take Tore back in January on one condition," Orman is quoted as saying by the Sun. "We won't pay West Ham back the £2.5 million loan money for him. "Gokhan wants to come back to Besiktas. We will only agree if they agree over the loan payment. And they are paying his wages in full." West Ham are said to be paying Tore £40,000 a week throughout the duration of his spell, on top of the £2.5 million loan fee. The Turkish international is currently sidelined with a thigh problem and his chances of regular football look to have taken another hit in recent weeks, with Andre Ayew returning to action after a similar issue. The Hammers paid Swansea a reported £20.5 million for the Ghana star this summer.
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West Ham set to offload disaster loan flop duo
By Essex Chronicle | Posted: November 11, 2016
By Sam Inkersole sam.inkersole@KRNmedia.co.uk
West Ham are willing to cut their losses and offload disaster flop duo Simone Zaza and Gokhan Tore in January, according to reports. Zaza, a £5m loan signing from Juventus at the back of the transfer window, hasn't scored during his time with the Hammers and if he plays 14 games, will trigger a £17m permanent deal to join the Londoners. One good shift against Crystal Palace aside, the Italian striker hasn't produced the goods whatsoever and hasn't even come off the bench for the past two matches. Tore, who cost £2.5m to sign on loan from Besiktas, has been even worse than Zaza, doing pretty much nothing in the handful of appearances he has made. He is currently rehabbing form a thigh injury and is unlikely to be seen in Claret & Blue again.
Tore had been at the centre of a bizarre tug of war between West Ham and Besiktas with neither side reportedly willing to have his services, but that is believed to be over the fee that was set to paid by the Hammers but according to the reports, that issue has been resolved. Meanwhile with Zaza, Football Italia say that the striker is open to a move to Napoli, with West Ham interested in signing their striker Manolo Gabbiadini in a potential player swap plus cash deal.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, November 11
Daily WHUFC News - 11th November 2016
Like My Dreams – Brooke's story
WHUFC.com
West Ham fan Brooke Lawrance has bravely battled cerebral palsy since she was a toddler
Ten-year-old Season Ticket Holder has a lifelong goal walking the Hammers out unaided
Courageous youngster and sister Nadine were mascots for Saturday's visit of Stoke City
Brooke Lawrance had two wishes. The first was to walk unaided. The second was to lead her beloved West Ham United out at London Stadium. The courageous ten-year-old has battled cerebral palsy – a neurological condition that weakens the muscles, affecting movement and co-ordination – since she was diagnosed with the condition as a toddler.
Initially, the prognosis was bleak, with Brooke confined to a wheelchair for the vast majority of her young life, with her dream of walking seemingly set to be forever unfulfilled. Then, following the amazing 'Brooke's Wish to Walk' fundraising drive led by her parents Sarah and Pete which saw well-wishers from all over the country raise £75,000, Brooke travelled to the United States in November 2012, where she underwent pioneering surgery.
Supported by her sisters Nadine and Neve and little brother Sam, the brave youngster has spent the past four years going through rigorous physiotherapy sessions, including regular trips to visit a specialist in Scotland and spending hours on a treadmill at the family's Ipswich home. While Brooke still requires her wheelchair to make long journeys, she has progressed from using a walker to building up her core muscles using specially-adapted walking sticks.
In May 2013, Joint-Chairman David Gold shed a tear as she led West Ham out at the Boleyn Ground. After the game, Brooke met Kevin Nolan, who handed her his 'very sweaty' match-worn boots!
"It was really nerve-wracking with 35,000 people staring at me, but fun too!" she recalled. Three-and-a-half years on and, with the support of her family, Brooke continues to work to get stronger every day, all the time with aim of realising her wish to walk. "During the week, I go on the treadmill every night and we build it up," she explained. "I also see a man up in Scotland who gives me a certain programme to follow to improve and to get better. "My family help me a lot. Whenever I need something, they always offer to help. My sisters help me transition from one place to another and have really helped me by giving up their whole lives and childhood for me. "When everyone else is going on their six-week holiday, we go to Scotland so I can get treatment."
The love and support in the Lawrance household is there for all to see, as is their satisfaction at seeing Brooke being rewarded for the commitment she has shown to her arduous regimen of therapy. The result is that she is now living a fulfilling and rewarding life. "I am now able to go to mainstream school and I love it," she explained. "Me and my friend who is a Man United fan talk about West Ham and how much better West Ham are than Man United – that's fun!"
On Saturday, before West Ham's Premier League fixture with Stoke City, Brooke, older sister Nadine, mum Sarah, dad Peter and grandfather Brian – all Season Ticket Holders – travelled down the A12 to London Stadium. "We are busy all week with school, Cubs, Beavers and other family activities, and we have Brooke's strengthening exercises every night, so matchdays are our day off!" Sarah explained. There, Brooke enjoys her view from one of the more than 200 seats provided for supporters with special Accessibility requirements. "I like the new Stadium!" she smiled. "I was pretty shocked because I thought it would be the same as the old ground, where I was sat right at the front and couldn't see too well. "The new seats are really impressive and I have a really great view. After the match, we normally talk about it on the way home. We normally talk about the officials, but I won't go into that!" "It's so much easier to get to and to get around," Sarah confirmed. "She couldn't bring her electric wheelchair to the old stadium, but it's great at the new ground. We all love it and we love our seats!"
On Saturday, though, the Lawrance's matchday routine was slightly different to normal. The family were invited to Club London, where they were welcomed by centre forward Andy Carroll, who invited them into the hallowed surroundings of the Players' Lounge. There, he informed Brooke and Nadine that they would be mascots, handing them each Home kits emblazoned with their names and numbers, Brooke's with Carroll's No9, and Nadine's with her favourite Aaron Cresswell's No3. The look on the girls' faces was a picture, but nothing to the mixture of shock and excitement which they showed when Carroll took them to meet the squad – Dimitri Payet, Mark Noble, Cresswell and all – in the Hammers dressing room. "I like Adrian, like my Mum does!" Brooke smiled, "I also like Dimitri Payet, like everyone else!"
For her parents, the sight of their little girls meeting their heroes was one they will never forget. "Words cannot describe the feeling seeing my daughters' faces!" said Peter. "We will always remember this day and take it away and it will live long in our memories. We cannot thank the Club enough, because it has totally blown us away. "Football has always been our little release, but this day has been extra-special." After collecting photographs and autographs they will cherish forever, the family headed pitchside, meeting Hammers legend Tony Gale on the way, before receiving a warm welcome from Joint-Chairman David Gold. Come ten to three, the girls led their heroes onto the pitch, Brooke with captain Noble and Nadine with Cresswell. With her proud parents and grandfather watching on from the stands, and more than 50,000 fans singing 'Bubbles' at the tops of their voices, Brooke smiled. One of her two wishes had been well and truly fulfilled.
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Cricket greats enjoy London Stadium visit
WHUFC.com
England greats Michael Vaughan and Graeme Swann visited London Stadium on Saturday
Pair were joined by fellow Ashes winner and former Australia captain Ricky Ponting
Trio have been working with BT Sport on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
West Ham United have played host to three sporting greats at London Stadium. Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan, spinner Graeme Swann and Australia great Ricky Ponting were guests of the Hammers at the Premier League fixture with Stoke City. The three Ashes winners made the short trip from BT Sport's base at nearby Here East, where they had spent the previous night commentating on Australia's Test match with South Africa. For Sheffield Wednesday fan Vaughan, who captained his country to their unforgettable 2005 Ashes victory over Ponting's Australia, the visit gave him the opportunity to see London Stadium in football mode for the first time.
Newcastle United supporter Swann, rated England's best spin bowler of all-time, expressed a hope that the Magpies would be promoted and visit next season, while AFL fan Ponting was grateful for the opportunity to attend his first live Premier League match. "As a Sheffield Wednesday fan, I like West Ham, for obvious reasons!" he smiled. "I'm actually on a scouting mission, because as long as you lot stay up, we'll be coming here next year! "I have to say, I was here for the Olympics [in 2012] and it's an amazing venue. What they've done with Stratford and around this area of London is quite remarkable. "I'm here to watch some good football and especially Dimitri Payet, who reminds me of a good Sheffield Wednesday man Chris Waddle, who lit up Hillsborough on many occasions. It looks like Payet does exactly the same here at West Ham."
For a big football fan like Vaughan, the chance to see a Premier League match on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was one he could not pass up. "We're at BT – myself, Graeme, Ricky and the presenter Greg James, but he's gone to bed – but Kevin Pietersen has got the good gig as he's down in Australia in the 35-degree heat. "To be honest, it's great to be able to finish work and just nip over the road and watch a bit of football, it's almost like the perfect dream."
Vaughan joined Essex Cricket counterpart James Foster in backing calls for cricket to be played at West Ham's new home during the summer months. "If you want to broaden the horizon of support for cricket, there are so many pieces of technology now that mean you can drop pitches in," he confirmed. "I was in the US recently and we dropped pitches into baseball stadia in New York, Houston and Los Angeles and it worked, and I can certainly see it working at London Stadium. It would be a great venue for Twenty20 cricket. "What cricket has got to do is rip up the textbook, because it doesn't really matter where you play. If you promoted and marketed it properly that Essex or England were going to play T20 here, then you'd sell it out. It's absolutely perfect for cricket."
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Woods - Scotland game holds special memories
WHUFC.com
Woods in action at Hampden ParkEngland against Scotland will always hold special memories for goalkeeping coach Chris Woods and he hopes the Three Lions can go one better on Friday night and claim another big win at Wembley.
Woods played 43 games for his country but one of the most memorable was facing the old rivals Scotland in the Rous Cup back in May 1987.
Over 64,000 fans made it a hostile atmosphere at Hampden Park and it was even more daunting for Woods as he was playing for Rangers at the time.
England came away with a 0-0 draw but Woods said the experience will always stay with him and knows exactly what the current squad will be going through as they prepare to face a big derby encounter.
Woods said: "This game brings back a lot of memories. I played in the Rous Cup and it was nice to play in that game and not concede a goal!
"I was playing at Rangers at the time and I remember having a weird feeling going into the game as I thought I might not get a bad reception as I was playing up there.
"But when it is England against Scotland it was just as hostile as if I was not playing for Rangers. All the support that I had from the Rangers fans probably went out of the window that day!
"I will always remember the journey to the game and Scotland fans wearing their kilts and showing off their backsides to us!
"It always nice remembering the journey and seeing all the fans on the way to the ground because once you arrive, you get into the zone and completely focus on the game.
"Everybody knew the occasion and that we didn't want to lose to our old rivals. There was not any need for Bobby Robson to put any more importance on it. We had done all our preparation and we obviously got a few butterflies going out there, but once the game started we were fully focused on trying to win the game.
"Scotland wanted to show that the English league is not miles ahead of them and England were hoping to show they were better. It just added more spice to the game.
"The game finished 0-0 and I remember Charlie Nicholas hitting the bar but we came away with a draw and you could see how much it meant to both sets of supporters.
"It promises to be another great game on Friday and I hope England can get the right result."
Woods has nothing but praise for Aaron Cresswell getting his maiden call-up to the England squad and hopes this is the start of a long international career for the talented full-back.
Woods added: "He has kept working hard and we have obviously changed the system recently and pushed him a bit further forward.
"The balls that he puts in are so dangerous and it is a great asset to have for the team.
"It is great news for Aaron to be included in the squad and hopefully it is the start of a long international career for him."
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Payet included in Player of the Year shortlist
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 10th November 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Dimitri Payet has been shortlisted for this year's Football Supporters' Federation Player of the Year award.
The French international is one of six players nominated for the award, which will be announced in early December.
The other players nominated alongside Payet are Sergio Agüero (Manchester City), Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool), Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City), and Mesut Özil (Arsenal
This year's FSF's will take place at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, London, on Monday 5th December. Other categories this year include Radio Show of the Year and Supporter Liaison Officer of the Year.
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West Ham winger Dimitri Payet stars in new 'survival of the fastest' Nike advert
18:29, 10 NOV 2016 UPDATED 18:30, 10 NOV 2016
BY AARON FLANAGAN
Payet has recalled the time where he realised he could use his speed to gain an advantage and also touched on why the Euro 2016 final defeat motivates him
The Mirror
Dimitri Payet is the star of Nike's latest advert, the 'survival of the fastest'. The France international talks about how much his speed has had a major influence on his game during the two-minute clip. Payet shot to stardom last season after his bargain move to West Ham, before he starred for France during their run to the Euro 2016 final in their homeland. Speaking in the video, Payet says that he will is now using the loss in the final to Portugal as motivation for the future.
The 29-year-old told Nike of the moment that he realised that his pace was going to have a major impact on his career, during his time as a youth team player.
He said: "When I was between 8 and 10 years old, I realised that I was faster than the others. "I remember a trial game with a famous club in La Reunion — it was a game in which I felt that I was faster. "I knew the opposition's best defender was placed against me. At each action during the game, I managed to be faster than him and I really disturbed him. "At this moment, I realised that if I was able to do that with this kind of defender, a quality player, it was something I have to do to move forward with my game."
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RAVEL MORRISON SEEKING A RETURN TO ENGLISH FOOTBALL
MICHAEL OLIVER @themikeoliver_
ReadWestHam
Ravel Morrison has reportedly gone AWOL at Lazio and fled to England to seek a return to English football, says Il Tiempo (h/t Sport Witness). The former Manchester United attacking midfielder was released by West Ham in February 2015 after three indifferent years at the club and signed a four-year contract with Lazio in a bid to get his career back on track. However, in the last 18 months, the ex-England U21 starlet has made just eight appearances for Lazio combining for just 159 minutes of action, with just four of those appearances coming in Serie A.
In the summer, Morrison was heavily linked with a return to English football with Aston Villa who decided against the move in the eleventh hour, but that hasn't stopped Ravel pursuing a career back home. Morrison packed his bags and left Italy to seek refuge back in England and hopefully a fresh start would present itself. He's refusing to answer calls from Lazio, including from club owner Claudio Lotito who is still hopefully he can sell the attacking midfielder in the future but is severely lacking in takers. The 23-year-old is still picking up his weekly wage which seems him earn in excess of €1m-a-year and does not want to return to Lazio and Italy. While the majority of Morrison's time at West Ham was spent out on loan with the likes of Birmingham, Cardiff and QPR, his best moments came whilst wearing the claret and blue where he flashed some genuine world-class potential. There are subsets of the West Ham fan base that would like Ravel Morrison to return to the club after being forced out by Sam Allardyce, but I wouldn't hold your breath.
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Senegal's Cheikhou Kouyate fires Bafana warning ahead of World Cup qualifier
Posted: 10 November 2016 Time: 15:06
Senegal skipper Cheikhou Kouyate says he and his teammates are looking to keep up a winning streak when they take on Bafana Bafana in their World cup qualifier in Polokwane on Saturday. Senegal were the only country with a 100 percent record in their recently completed 2017 African Nations Cup qualifiers winning six out of six matches, and then last month began the group phase of the World Cup qualifiers with a 2-0 home win over the Cape Verde Islands. "We are here to earn points, we are here to play in a final," said the West Ham United midfielder in the build-up to the Group D qualifier at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. "The series of wins we have had have been a big boost in confidence for the team. And we all have the motivation to go and play at the World Cup."
Senegal top the standings after beating Cape Verde in their opening group match last month at the same time as South Africa drew 1-1 away in Burkina Faso. The Lions of Teranga have been in the country since Monday and moved to Polokwane on Tuesday to continue their preparations.
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LLDC could ask West Ham to contribute to the cost of policing inside the London Stadium
KEN DYER
Evening Stadnard
West Ham will reportedly be asked to contribute to the cost of policing inside the London Stadium. The costs — as well as those of the stewarding — are the responsibility of the landlords, the London Legacy Development Corporation, and have risen due to the increased police presence at the ground following trouble at a number of games this season. West Ham have still to hear from the LLDC on the issue but a spokesman said: "Matters of safety and security are discussed by all stakeholders at regular meetings of the Safety Advisory Group."
As revealed by Standard Sport last month, the Hammers have set out improved plans to eradicate crowd trouble within the London Stadium. Ahead of the home match with Stoke City, the club put in place a five-point plan that included physical changes to the infrastructure of the former Olympic Stadium, with focus being placed on improving the segregation of away fans. Creating higher barriers and a 10 metre wide sterile area on the lower concourse walkway (the scene of much of the violence in Wednesday's match) Segregating home and away fans upon exiting the stadium through the construction of a physical barrier on either side of the away supporter turnstiles Permanently banning perceived "risk groups" from the stadium and issuing video cameras to a group of stewards inside the stadium
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Aaron Cresswell is shocked by his England call up... but this is why the humble Hammer shouldn't be
11:46, 10 NOV 2016
OPINION BY BIANCAWESTWOOD
After recovering from injury, West Ham's vibrant and reliable left back has earned well-earned attention from national team boss Gareth Southgate
The Mirror
It's been a funny old season for Aaron Cresswell so far. It started in the worst way possible after suffering a knee ligament injury in a pre-season friendly win over German side Karlsruher in July. Three months of anguish on the side-lines followed as West Ham were having a defensive nightmare going five league games without a win and conceding 15 goals, and all he could do was watch from the stands.
Last week I spoke to him in an interview for Sky Sports about what it was like: "It was very frustrating. It's the first big injury I've ever had. Hopefully the last. To sit there and see the lads aren't doing so well, you want to help in any way you can and of course I still had months to go. Frustration was really kicking in but it made me a stronger person and you learn to deal with these things".
Thanks to a lot of hard graft and dedication to his recovery he was able to make his return at Selhurst Park last month. You could say he had an impact. He went from putting in an inch-perfect assist for Manuel Lanzini's opening, and ultimately winning, goal to getting two yellow cards in the space of 51 seconds and an early bath.
Most fans and pundits agree both bookings were pretty severe decisions. "I've looked back and even Howard Webb said it was very harsh," he told me. "I set Manu up for the goal and it was all going well. At the time I was thinking surely not then the referee spoke to the linesman, the linesman made the decision and he's given me the second yellow card. "So I've walked down the tunnel. It happened so quickly I was so disappointed. To be on the sidelines for three months and then to be shown a red card, I hadn't missed a game in two years then this happened - luckily I didn't have long to wait."
He can laugh about it now. Unfortunately for West Ham their results are still no laughing matter and they haven't improved in the league dramatically since Cresswell's second coming, an away defeat and a home draw to Everton and Stoke respectively. Having said that he did enjoy his debut match at the London Stadium in the EFL Cup win against Chelsea and he does seem to be flourishing in the new wing back system adopted by manager Slaven Bilic. "I like to get forward and create things. It seems to work well to have that extra man at the back so you have a licence to go forward. That's what I prefer to do in my game. Get further up the pitch. Link up with Dimi (Payet) on the left and Manu (Lanzini) and Nobes (Mark Noble) coming across. It suits me."
It has been difficult for Cresswell to influence games as much as he'd like when the team are playing without a recognised striker to target but his work-rate, ability and creativity has made him a firm favourite with the Hammers fans. Now he's caught the eye of Gareth Southgate and earned a fully-deserved first call-up to the England squad.
On his selection, Cresswell told the Hammers' official website: "I just want to enjoy the experience and do my best in training and, if I can do that, then I hope I can achieve my dream of pulling on an England shirt, which is what I've wanted to do ever since I started playing football as a little kid in Liverpool. "My main focus has always been on playing for West Ham and doing the best I can for my club. As long as I was giving 100 per cent, that's all I could do. I am sure the training is going to be at a real high tempo and I can't wait to be part of it."
Competition in the left-back spot has been fierce in this country with the likes of Leighton Baines, Danny Rose, Kieran Gibbs, Luke Shaw and Ryan Bertrand all ahead of him but Cresswell has finally been noticed and many would say it's about time.
The first time I became aware of Aaron Cresswell myself was when I almost forgot his name on Soccer Saturday. In my defence it was when I'd just started match reporting. I was nervous, desperate to do well, still very inexperienced on live TV, there were two Aarons playing for Ipswich that day and I had a tiny, momentary, lapse of memory when Ipswich went ahead just before half-time through a Tommy Smith header "Aaron……." Everything went quiet for what seemed like an age, mind goes blank…whatshisname?!? I frantically screamed at myself…."CRESSWELL with the corner!"
I got it right eventually and I certainly never forgot his name again. Not only because of that scary moment of panic in front of the Sky Sports-viewing nation but because he was the stand out player that day and has been virtually every time I've seen him since. I watched him numerous times in the Championship that season and the one following. He never failed to impress me and I wasn't the only one to have my head turned.
Sam Allardyce, tasked with delivering "more attacking football" to West Ham, signed Cresswell in the summer of 2014 and the full back certainly didn't falter. If there were any doubts about whether he could make the leap from the second tier to the Premier League they were soon laid to rest. He slotted into the team immediately. His pace and presence on the left really stretched the pitch, forcing opposing defenders to work hard and think fast - he provided not only a creative outlet from defensive areas which the Hammers had lacked in previous seasons, but ensured the team transitioned from defence to attack at a much quicker rate than before. He's dangerous on set pieces, he supplies a good number of assists, crosses into the box with pinpoint accuracy, despite his diminutive stature he's strong on the ball, has a high pass completion rate and can put in a decent tackle.
As well as all that, he can actually defend, and I don't think that Cresswell would mind me saying that Big Sam really helped him improve that area of his game. His awareness is sharp and he has a composure that settles the nerves of those watching him. In short he's got everything you want. Although his debut season heralded the end of the Allardyce era at Upton Park, Cresswell finished as Hammer of the Year. Since then he's gone from strength to strength. When we spoke last week about breaking into the England set-up it was clear he wasn't expecting a call but said how much of a proud day it would be for him and his family. I had the pleasure of sitting with his father at the Farewell Boleyn game and he spoke constantly about his pride for his boy. He must be fit to bursting.
Cresswell is a humble guy from a down-to-earth family on Merseyside who still cleans his own boots from time to time and hasn't forgotten where he came from. He grew up a Liverpool fan and played for them as a youngster and at 14 years old was moved from centre midfield to left back. Initially he was upset and concerned he wouldn't be able to score goals and grab all the glory. Instead he decided to study Ashley Cole and soon realised it was a position in which he could develop and eventually establish himself. The next set-back came when he was released. It broke his heart. What he couldn't know then was that it was probably a blessing in disguise. He ended up playing three seasons in League One at Tranmere, followed by three at Ipswich where he played in 138 matches.
The talent was always there but the rejection, the experience, the relentless fixtures and sheer physicality of lower league football toughened him up, got him his move and gave him the preparation and the determination to thrive in the top flight. At £3.5 million he was a snip. The bad news for West Ham is that having been brought into the international sphere he will attract unwanted attention from all quarters. Not least from the boyhood club that rejected him all those years ago because James Milner, as competent as he is, can't play left back forever. Cresswell has stressed that he is more than happy to stay at West Ham. He is an integral part of the team, he is well loved by his team mates and his relationship with Bilic is strong but playing for the club you supported as a boy is a very seductive prospect, even if they once threw you away.
West Ham fans will be hoping Cresswell is thinking 'once bitten twice shy'. If he's not and he carries on shining for his club and gets the chance to shine for his country, inevitably it's the Hammers' hearts that will be next to break.
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Watch the touching moment West Ham fan Brooke Lawrance fulfilled her dream by leading out the Hammers at London Stadium... after meeting Andy Carroll and Dimitri Payet
10-year-old Brooke Lawrance suffers with Cerebral palsy
She was told by doctors that she would never be able to walk
The young West Ham fan had two dreams; to be able to walk unaided and lead out the team she supports before a match
Mother Sarah said: 'We will always remember this day and take it away and it will live long in our memories.'
By PETE SOUTH FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:30, 10 November 2016 | UPDATED: 11:35, 10 November 2016
Young West Ham fan Brooke Lawrance fulfilled a lifelong dream on Saturday when she led the Hammers out before their game against Stoke at the London Stadium. The 10-year-old suffers from Cerebral palsy - a neurological condition that weakens the muscles, affecting movement and co-ordination - and was told she would never be able to walk. However a campaign led by her parents, Sarah and Pete from Ipswich, helped to raise £75,000 which gave Brooke the chance to travel to America to receive pioneering surgery. Although she requires regular physiotherapy and visits a specialist in Scotland, the young Hammer has made impressive progress and now uses specially adapted sticks to build up her core muscles.
While Brooke's not yet able to walk unaided, she was able to tick one item off her bucket list after West Ham invited her for a surprise visit on to the pitch before their 1-1 draw with Stoke last weekend, along with her sisters. The family were invited to Club London where they were welcomed by Andy Carroll, who invited them into the Players' Lounge before the game. There, he informed Brooke and sister Nadine that they would be mascots, handing them each Home kits emblazoned with their names and numbers, Brooke's with Carroll's No9, and Nadine's with her favourite Aaron Cresswell's No3. The youngster responded: 'I'm shaking right now!'. After meeting the team, including Mark Noble and star midfielder Dimitri Payet who signed a match programme for her, Brooke led the team out on the pitch and shook hands with the Stoke players as well.
The family headed pitchside, meeting Hammers legend Tony Gale on the way, before receiving a warm welcome from Joint-Chairman David Gold. Mrs Lawrance said: 'She doesn't get a day off, she's forever doing physio and strengthening every day, and a day like this is just amazing to push her and show her that one day she will be able to walk out the team unaided, with no sticks or wheelchair.' Father Pete added: 'Words cannot describe the feeling seeing my daughters' faces!' said Peter. 'We will always remember this day and take it away and it will live long in our memories. We cannot thank the Club enough, because it has totally blown us away.' 'Football has always been our little release, but this day has been extra-special.'
West Ham were unfortunately unable to provide the Lawrance family with a win on the day, instead playing out a 1-1 draw against Mark Hughes' side. A Glenn Whelan own goal handed the Hammers the lead after the hour mark, however a 75th minute effort from Bojan Krkic levelled things up. The result leaves West Ham just one point above the relegation zone on 11 points, with Stoke two points ahead in 12th.
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Tottenham injury news: Vincent Janssen being assessed by doctors and could miss West Ham clash with suspected concussion
TOM COLLOMOSSE
Evening Standard
Vincent Janssen is being assessed by Holland doctors after suffering a memory blackout. The Tottenham forward suffered suspected concussion after a collision with Belgium goalkeeper Simon Mignolet in last night's friendly between the countries and "lost 20 minutes of his memory". Players are usually not allowed to return to action for at least six days after a possible concussion incident, meaning Janssen is highly likely to miss Holland's World Cup qualifier in Luxembourg on Sunday.
Holland coach Danny Blind said: "Vincent Janssen is going to be a very difficult story. The physician told me it is a concussion. He lost 20 minutes of his memory and doesn't know what happened. We have to be careful with that and talk it through."
Janssen may also be a doubt for Tottenham's next match against West Ham, on November 19, although more will be known after he has been assessed in the coming days.
The 22-year-old forward has scored three times for Spurs — all from the penalty spot — since joining the club from AZ Alkmaar last summer in a deal worth nearly £18million.
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Quote unquote: Pardew's 'When you're the King…'
Date published: Thursday 10th November 2016 9:24
football365.com
The first thing to say is that it's absolutely true. When a 'behind the scenes' figure at a football club writes a book, you're always liable to suspect they may have, well, exaggerated a few things for effect. Some stories you will treat with a degree of suspicion, no matter how funny or plausible, or how much you would like them to be true. But this one is true, independently confirmed as such to Football365. It's absolutely true.
Stevie Bacon was West Ham's club photographer for around 35 years and, by all accounts, something of a 'character'. There was a terrace song dedicated to him. There was even a burger named after him (called, imaginatively enough, the Steve Bacon Burger), sold at Upton Park. Or the Boleyn Ground. Or whatever the hell that pile of rubble in east London used to be called.
In 2012 he, as you might expect from someone who had been around a club like West Ham for such a long time, published a book. This was the story of a man who watched a football club change over a generation, and the book featured assorted anecdotes of japes with and opinions from John Lyall, Lou Macari, Billy Bonds and Harry Redknapp. One passage about the latter includes the phrase 'people questioned why he bought certain players….' The foreword was written by Trevor Brooking. One chapter begins 'Avram Grant is a miserable character'.
But in among some relatively tame tales and standard banter, one story – one chapter, in fact – stands out, like floodlights on a misty winter evening, bright and cutting through the dark. 'I don't like Alan Pardew,' begins chapter six. 'There, I've said it,' as if this was Stevie finally breathing a sigh of relief and letting loose what he had held for the entire tenure of a West Ham manager. 'In fact, I don't think I've ever known a more arrogant person in my life,' he continues, 'There was one occasion when I threatened to stick a fork in his hand. I was sort of joking, but there were definitely times when I felt like swinging at him. Or telling him to fork off, if you follow my drift.' We do, Stevie. We do.
Arrogance is not a surprising accusation to level at Pardew, a man you'd imagine is fond of a mirror, but in a piece of reportage such as this, you'd want some evidence to back up Bacon's statement. And he provides it. Boy, does he. If you'll excuse simply copying a healthy tract from the book, here it is:
'Let me tell you a story. In fact, it's called the 'King story' among those who were present and who believe it's a perfect example of Pardew's arrogance. We were staying at a hotel in the North East ahead of a game at Sunderland during Alan's first season in charge and were about to have our Friday evening meal…I sat down with Pardew…and fitness coach Tony Strudwick, who now works for Manchester United and has done very well for himself. We ordered our meals and suddenly Pardew asked us all what were were having. I think Eddie said he'd gone for the chicken, while I'd chosen the steak.
'Pards then turned to Struds, who revealed whatever it was he'd asked for. 'That sounds good,' said Pards. 'Tell you what; if yours is better than mine when it turns up, I'm having that. That was one of the things he'd always say: I'm having that. 'See that bloke's haircut. I'm having that.' He said it all the time. Anyway, I wasn't 'having that' at all. So I said 'Well, you're certainly not having my dinner. You'll get a fork in the back of your hand!' Pardew sort of laughed, before turning back to Struds and saying, 'Yeah, if yours is better than mine, I'm having that.'
'Our meals eventually arrived and Pards looked at Tony and said, 'Yeah, I was right, yours definitely looks much better than mine; I'm having that.' And he went to swap the plates over. 'You can't do that!' I said. 'What do you mean?' he asked. 'You can't just take somebody's else's dinner,' I said in disbelief. And he replied, without any hint of a joke, 'When you're the King, you can do anything.'
The King. Apparently this became a running joke, and people who had previously worked with Pardew at Reading told Bacon that was how he referred to himself there, too. As revelations go, Pardew being rather fond and full of himself is not exactly the most difficult to believe (this is, after all, the man who did that dance at Wembley last season), and this seems to be simply the confirmation of what we already knew.
Not that arrogance is necessarily a bad thing (indeed, it's probably essential for anyone involved in football), but what's presumably enjoyable for Bacon, and indeed anyone who appreciates a little light schadenfreude, is that Pardew doesn't exactly have the goods to back up his lofty opinion. After being sacked by West Ham he spent just under two years at Charlton, leaving with protests ringing in his ears, and was then sacked by Southampton before lucking out by getting the Newcastle job. His subsequent reputation seems to be built largely on his one good – excellent – season there, and as the award-nominated Daniel Storey detailed recently, things are starting to go south at Crystal Palace. Those links with the England job do look a little more far-fetched at the moment. Not that Pardew would think so, of course. It's also worth noting that West Ham lost the game to Sunderland, before which the 'King' meal took place. All about timing, this game.
In some respects, it doesn't really matter whether the story is true. It fits with our idea of Pardew, and thus becomes a story we want to believe, without knowing if it is true. But just remember: it is absolutely true.
Nick Miller
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West Ham keeper Darren Randolph won't look to leave Hammers to keep Republic of Ireland spot
HITC
Jordan Harris
The West Ham stopper has been first-choice for his country recently, but not for his club. West Ham United goalkeeper Darren Randolph has insisted that he will not look to leave the London Stadium just to keep his place as the Republic of Ireland's number one, The Irish Sun reports. The 29-year-old has established himself as Ireland's first-choice in recent times and took his place between the sticks for all of their games during the summer's European Championships. However, he has seemingly found it much tougher to make a similar impact for the Irons as he is yet to make a Premier League appearance this season as Adrian continues to be Slaven Bilic's preferred choice in the top flight. But despite the limited opportunities, Randolph suggested that a move away from the Hammers is not on his mind currently, even if his place in the national team comes under threat. "I'm not going to give up on Premiership football already," he said, as reported by The Irish Sun. "This is just the start of my second season. "I'm not just going to up and leave all of a sudden. I've had an enjoyable year but hopefully that's not the end of it."
To be fair to Randolph, he has featured regularly in both the Europa League and EFL Cup this term, so has not been stuck on the sidelines for the entire campaign.
And if he can continue to impress for his country and when given a chance for his club, then perhaps he will manage to move himself up the pecking order at West Ham anyway.
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NO DOGS NO DRAMA
By Blind Hammer 10 Nov 2016 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer says Andy Carroll should reject a strategy of using "Killer Dogs" for personal security.
There is no doubt that being the subject of an attempted armed attack is an event that would shake and traumatise most of us. The Sun reported last week that armed men on motorbikes attempted to intercept West Ham's Andy Carroll in Chigwell, on his way home from training at the Rush Green complex. Carroll described how one of the bikers threatened him with a gun through his Car window. The Sun then reported that Carroll was able to escape these bikers after a high speed pursuit involving other cars in crashes.
The motive for the threat and attempted waylaying of Carroll is not clear, though the Sun reported that Carroll was driving his "£100,000 Mercedes Benz" which I suppose is a possible robbery motive. Kidnapping and bodily harm are even more sinister possibilities. The Mail followed up this story with a report that Carroll has been anxious about threats from Criminal gangs for several months.
An uncharitable view of this incident, which I have heard expressed, is to cynically observe that this is another example of Carroll being involved in another news escapade, alongside difficult news reports of his inappropriate drinking whilst supposedly trying to establish his fitness to return to West Ham as a desperately needed striking option. The argument goes that people who have lurid and disordered life styles can attract the wrong kind of attention. Paul Gascoigne is often cited as perhaps an example of alcohol providing a chaotic descent into mire from which only footballing ineffectiveness can emerge.
There does seem something strange going on. Certainly most of us are not participating in life styles which attract the attention of criminal gangs. Despite this I genuinely felt that this uncharitable cynicism was unfair to Carroll and my instincts were to provide support for what must have been a horrendous ordeal.
My unequivocal support for Carroll has now started to undergo severe strain after news emerged in The Mail of the security measures Carroll is to deploy in response to these threats.
Carroll is to employ a personal bodyguard, which is entirely supportable and understandable. What is more controversial is the report The Mail made in relation to Carroll having so called "Killer Dogs" trained to provide protection.
The Mail reported that Carroll 'bought two £15,000 "fearsome" mastiff dogs over fears he was being targeted by criminal gang months before his attempted carjacking. As he feared for this own and his family's safety , he ordered two seven and a half stone Cane Corsos mastiff guard dogs are apparently are completing their training and will be delivered soon.
The Mail also reported that the company producing the Guard Dogs described them as "perfectly safe". Now I am a dog lover. Many of you know I have a lovable, amazing, clever and gentle Guide Dog called Nyle. However the fact I am the owner of this wonderful kind and gentle dog does not make me unaware of the dangers in other dog breeds. I have the advantage of a family with a huge collected knowledge of dogs. My Sister has owned and run a large Kennels for a variety of dog for over 30 years. She has, along with her Husband, bred dogs for a similar time. Her Husband is an acknowledge dog expert and has judged at high profile dog competitions in the UK and abroad.
They will both tell you, as will many other Kennel Owners, that there is no such thing as a "safe" Guard Dog. Dogs which are bread and trained for attack can never be safe dogs. There are loads of example they can recite of dogs which can behave perfectly acceptably for years, then completely unpredictably attack even a stranger or even their own master. When discussing this article with my sister she reminded me of a Kennel User who had both his arm and leg broken after his guard Dog attacked him. This came out of the blue after years of no problems, and almost as disturbingly the dog appeared perfectly normal and calm after the attack. The dog was euthanized but the owner had to spend 3 months in hospital recovering from his injuries.
The clue is in the description "Killer Dogs". Legislation has been enacted in this country to try and curb the actions of irresponsible owner encouraging dangerous dogs. The maximum penalty for dangerous dog ownership leading to an attack has now been increased to a potential 14 years imprisonment. Specifically the Cane Corsos breed Carroll is recruiting for his family's protection have been involved with vicious attacks, including the killing of Craig Sytsma, 46, in Michigan in 2014.
Andy Carroll is suffering a disturbed existence at the moment. By recruiting dangerous dogs into his family at this time is in my view an appalling lack of judgement which could come back to haunt him.
Dogs are clever but they are not human, They obey orders most of the time, but sometimes they do not and, as dogs, sometimes have poor understanding and discretion in relation to the safety of themselves and others. With gentle breeds this is manageable. With dangerous dogs it is potentially disastrous. Andy Carroll is embarking on a course which could bring even more disastrous drama into the lives of either his family or other families associating with these dogs.
As a West Ham football supporter I love it when Andy Carroll plays for us. He offers an extent of skill of physicality which can barely be matched across the globe. If he had retained fitness the combination of the extraordinary talents of Payet and Carroll could unlock any football defence on the planet.
It grieves me now with almost a physical pain to realise that perhaps it is in Carroll's best interest that he now move on to find a more sober, less dramatic life style away from the cauldron that appears to be developing for him in Essex. Whether any other club could pay his wages is a moot point but for all concerned, including Carroll's family, a fresh start is probably the best course. Carroll desperately requires an environment without drama, where he can get his head down to try and achieve some of his unfulfilled potential in the remaining years of his career. It is with this strategy, rather than the inviting of dangerous dogs into his home, that I feel Carroll should now concentrate.
COYI
David Griffith
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Black Stars hit by the death of Coach Afrane; aim to beat Egypt in his honour
Published on: 10 November 2016
The sad news of the passing on of celebrated Ghanaian coach E. K. Afrane has not only hit the country but has struck the senior national team the Black Stars like a thunderbolt according to deputy skipper Andre Ayew and has promised that they will beat Egypt to honour the late coach. The veteran coach perished in an accident when he was being transferred from Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra to the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi for further treatment. The ambulance that was carrying him along with two nurses and his son swerved and somersaulted into a nearby river under a huge bridge on their way to Kumasi where the coach finally bid farewell to the world. And Andre Ayew in an interview ahead of their clash with Egypt in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers say the team is down with the death of Coach Afrane but will beat Egypt to honour the coach. "It's a sad news and we send our condolences to the entire family," Ayew said.
"Coach Afrane is a big coach whose demise means Ghana has lost a great person. He qualified the Black Queens to our first ever senior World Cup. "He has coached all our national teams and that is an enviable achievement. He also coached all the big clubs in Ghana including Kotoko and Hearts. We are really sad and we express our condolences to the entire family and will try to win the game in his honour, " he added. Ghana is currently in camp in Dubai preparing for the cracker with the Egyptians in Alexandria on Sunday.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham fan Brooke Lawrance has bravely battled cerebral palsy since she was a toddler
Ten-year-old Season Ticket Holder has a lifelong goal walking the Hammers out unaided
Courageous youngster and sister Nadine were mascots for Saturday's visit of Stoke City
Brooke Lawrance had two wishes. The first was to walk unaided. The second was to lead her beloved West Ham United out at London Stadium. The courageous ten-year-old has battled cerebral palsy – a neurological condition that weakens the muscles, affecting movement and co-ordination – since she was diagnosed with the condition as a toddler.
Initially, the prognosis was bleak, with Brooke confined to a wheelchair for the vast majority of her young life, with her dream of walking seemingly set to be forever unfulfilled. Then, following the amazing 'Brooke's Wish to Walk' fundraising drive led by her parents Sarah and Pete which saw well-wishers from all over the country raise £75,000, Brooke travelled to the United States in November 2012, where she underwent pioneering surgery.
Supported by her sisters Nadine and Neve and little brother Sam, the brave youngster has spent the past four years going through rigorous physiotherapy sessions, including regular trips to visit a specialist in Scotland and spending hours on a treadmill at the family's Ipswich home. While Brooke still requires her wheelchair to make long journeys, she has progressed from using a walker to building up her core muscles using specially-adapted walking sticks.
In May 2013, Joint-Chairman David Gold shed a tear as she led West Ham out at the Boleyn Ground. After the game, Brooke met Kevin Nolan, who handed her his 'very sweaty' match-worn boots!
"It was really nerve-wracking with 35,000 people staring at me, but fun too!" she recalled. Three-and-a-half years on and, with the support of her family, Brooke continues to work to get stronger every day, all the time with aim of realising her wish to walk. "During the week, I go on the treadmill every night and we build it up," she explained. "I also see a man up in Scotland who gives me a certain programme to follow to improve and to get better. "My family help me a lot. Whenever I need something, they always offer to help. My sisters help me transition from one place to another and have really helped me by giving up their whole lives and childhood for me. "When everyone else is going on their six-week holiday, we go to Scotland so I can get treatment."
The love and support in the Lawrance household is there for all to see, as is their satisfaction at seeing Brooke being rewarded for the commitment she has shown to her arduous regimen of therapy. The result is that she is now living a fulfilling and rewarding life. "I am now able to go to mainstream school and I love it," she explained. "Me and my friend who is a Man United fan talk about West Ham and how much better West Ham are than Man United – that's fun!"
On Saturday, before West Ham's Premier League fixture with Stoke City, Brooke, older sister Nadine, mum Sarah, dad Peter and grandfather Brian – all Season Ticket Holders – travelled down the A12 to London Stadium. "We are busy all week with school, Cubs, Beavers and other family activities, and we have Brooke's strengthening exercises every night, so matchdays are our day off!" Sarah explained. There, Brooke enjoys her view from one of the more than 200 seats provided for supporters with special Accessibility requirements. "I like the new Stadium!" she smiled. "I was pretty shocked because I thought it would be the same as the old ground, where I was sat right at the front and couldn't see too well. "The new seats are really impressive and I have a really great view. After the match, we normally talk about it on the way home. We normally talk about the officials, but I won't go into that!" "It's so much easier to get to and to get around," Sarah confirmed. "She couldn't bring her electric wheelchair to the old stadium, but it's great at the new ground. We all love it and we love our seats!"
On Saturday, though, the Lawrance's matchday routine was slightly different to normal. The family were invited to Club London, where they were welcomed by centre forward Andy Carroll, who invited them into the hallowed surroundings of the Players' Lounge. There, he informed Brooke and Nadine that they would be mascots, handing them each Home kits emblazoned with their names and numbers, Brooke's with Carroll's No9, and Nadine's with her favourite Aaron Cresswell's No3. The look on the girls' faces was a picture, but nothing to the mixture of shock and excitement which they showed when Carroll took them to meet the squad – Dimitri Payet, Mark Noble, Cresswell and all – in the Hammers dressing room. "I like Adrian, like my Mum does!" Brooke smiled, "I also like Dimitri Payet, like everyone else!"
For her parents, the sight of their little girls meeting their heroes was one they will never forget. "Words cannot describe the feeling seeing my daughters' faces!" said Peter. "We will always remember this day and take it away and it will live long in our memories. We cannot thank the Club enough, because it has totally blown us away. "Football has always been our little release, but this day has been extra-special." After collecting photographs and autographs they will cherish forever, the family headed pitchside, meeting Hammers legend Tony Gale on the way, before receiving a warm welcome from Joint-Chairman David Gold. Come ten to three, the girls led their heroes onto the pitch, Brooke with captain Noble and Nadine with Cresswell. With her proud parents and grandfather watching on from the stands, and more than 50,000 fans singing 'Bubbles' at the tops of their voices, Brooke smiled. One of her two wishes had been well and truly fulfilled.
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Cricket greats enjoy London Stadium visit
WHUFC.com
England greats Michael Vaughan and Graeme Swann visited London Stadium on Saturday
Pair were joined by fellow Ashes winner and former Australia captain Ricky Ponting
Trio have been working with BT Sport on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
West Ham United have played host to three sporting greats at London Stadium. Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan, spinner Graeme Swann and Australia great Ricky Ponting were guests of the Hammers at the Premier League fixture with Stoke City. The three Ashes winners made the short trip from BT Sport's base at nearby Here East, where they had spent the previous night commentating on Australia's Test match with South Africa. For Sheffield Wednesday fan Vaughan, who captained his country to their unforgettable 2005 Ashes victory over Ponting's Australia, the visit gave him the opportunity to see London Stadium in football mode for the first time.
Newcastle United supporter Swann, rated England's best spin bowler of all-time, expressed a hope that the Magpies would be promoted and visit next season, while AFL fan Ponting was grateful for the opportunity to attend his first live Premier League match. "As a Sheffield Wednesday fan, I like West Ham, for obvious reasons!" he smiled. "I'm actually on a scouting mission, because as long as you lot stay up, we'll be coming here next year! "I have to say, I was here for the Olympics [in 2012] and it's an amazing venue. What they've done with Stratford and around this area of London is quite remarkable. "I'm here to watch some good football and especially Dimitri Payet, who reminds me of a good Sheffield Wednesday man Chris Waddle, who lit up Hillsborough on many occasions. It looks like Payet does exactly the same here at West Ham."
For a big football fan like Vaughan, the chance to see a Premier League match on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was one he could not pass up. "We're at BT – myself, Graeme, Ricky and the presenter Greg James, but he's gone to bed – but Kevin Pietersen has got the good gig as he's down in Australia in the 35-degree heat. "To be honest, it's great to be able to finish work and just nip over the road and watch a bit of football, it's almost like the perfect dream."
Vaughan joined Essex Cricket counterpart James Foster in backing calls for cricket to be played at West Ham's new home during the summer months. "If you want to broaden the horizon of support for cricket, there are so many pieces of technology now that mean you can drop pitches in," he confirmed. "I was in the US recently and we dropped pitches into baseball stadia in New York, Houston and Los Angeles and it worked, and I can certainly see it working at London Stadium. It would be a great venue for Twenty20 cricket. "What cricket has got to do is rip up the textbook, because it doesn't really matter where you play. If you promoted and marketed it properly that Essex or England were going to play T20 here, then you'd sell it out. It's absolutely perfect for cricket."
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Woods - Scotland game holds special memories
WHUFC.com
Woods in action at Hampden ParkEngland against Scotland will always hold special memories for goalkeeping coach Chris Woods and he hopes the Three Lions can go one better on Friday night and claim another big win at Wembley.
Woods played 43 games for his country but one of the most memorable was facing the old rivals Scotland in the Rous Cup back in May 1987.
Over 64,000 fans made it a hostile atmosphere at Hampden Park and it was even more daunting for Woods as he was playing for Rangers at the time.
England came away with a 0-0 draw but Woods said the experience will always stay with him and knows exactly what the current squad will be going through as they prepare to face a big derby encounter.
Woods said: "This game brings back a lot of memories. I played in the Rous Cup and it was nice to play in that game and not concede a goal!
"I was playing at Rangers at the time and I remember having a weird feeling going into the game as I thought I might not get a bad reception as I was playing up there.
"But when it is England against Scotland it was just as hostile as if I was not playing for Rangers. All the support that I had from the Rangers fans probably went out of the window that day!
"I will always remember the journey to the game and Scotland fans wearing their kilts and showing off their backsides to us!
"It always nice remembering the journey and seeing all the fans on the way to the ground because once you arrive, you get into the zone and completely focus on the game.
"Everybody knew the occasion and that we didn't want to lose to our old rivals. There was not any need for Bobby Robson to put any more importance on it. We had done all our preparation and we obviously got a few butterflies going out there, but once the game started we were fully focused on trying to win the game.
"Scotland wanted to show that the English league is not miles ahead of them and England were hoping to show they were better. It just added more spice to the game.
"The game finished 0-0 and I remember Charlie Nicholas hitting the bar but we came away with a draw and you could see how much it meant to both sets of supporters.
"It promises to be another great game on Friday and I hope England can get the right result."
Woods has nothing but praise for Aaron Cresswell getting his maiden call-up to the England squad and hopes this is the start of a long international career for the talented full-back.
Woods added: "He has kept working hard and we have obviously changed the system recently and pushed him a bit further forward.
"The balls that he puts in are so dangerous and it is a great asset to have for the team.
"It is great news for Aaron to be included in the squad and hopefully it is the start of a long international career for him."
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Payet included in Player of the Year shortlist
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 10th November 2016
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Dimitri Payet has been shortlisted for this year's Football Supporters' Federation Player of the Year award.
The French international is one of six players nominated for the award, which will be announced in early December.
The other players nominated alongside Payet are Sergio Agüero (Manchester City), Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool), Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City), and Mesut Özil (Arsenal
This year's FSF's will take place at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, London, on Monday 5th December. Other categories this year include Radio Show of the Year and Supporter Liaison Officer of the Year.
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West Ham winger Dimitri Payet stars in new 'survival of the fastest' Nike advert
18:29, 10 NOV 2016 UPDATED 18:30, 10 NOV 2016
BY AARON FLANAGAN
Payet has recalled the time where he realised he could use his speed to gain an advantage and also touched on why the Euro 2016 final defeat motivates him
The Mirror
Dimitri Payet is the star of Nike's latest advert, the 'survival of the fastest'. The France international talks about how much his speed has had a major influence on his game during the two-minute clip. Payet shot to stardom last season after his bargain move to West Ham, before he starred for France during their run to the Euro 2016 final in their homeland. Speaking in the video, Payet says that he will is now using the loss in the final to Portugal as motivation for the future.
The 29-year-old told Nike of the moment that he realised that his pace was going to have a major impact on his career, during his time as a youth team player.
He said: "When I was between 8 and 10 years old, I realised that I was faster than the others. "I remember a trial game with a famous club in La Reunion — it was a game in which I felt that I was faster. "I knew the opposition's best defender was placed against me. At each action during the game, I managed to be faster than him and I really disturbed him. "At this moment, I realised that if I was able to do that with this kind of defender, a quality player, it was something I have to do to move forward with my game."
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RAVEL MORRISON SEEKING A RETURN TO ENGLISH FOOTBALL
MICHAEL OLIVER @themikeoliver_
ReadWestHam
Ravel Morrison has reportedly gone AWOL at Lazio and fled to England to seek a return to English football, says Il Tiempo (h/t Sport Witness). The former Manchester United attacking midfielder was released by West Ham in February 2015 after three indifferent years at the club and signed a four-year contract with Lazio in a bid to get his career back on track. However, in the last 18 months, the ex-England U21 starlet has made just eight appearances for Lazio combining for just 159 minutes of action, with just four of those appearances coming in Serie A.
In the summer, Morrison was heavily linked with a return to English football with Aston Villa who decided against the move in the eleventh hour, but that hasn't stopped Ravel pursuing a career back home. Morrison packed his bags and left Italy to seek refuge back in England and hopefully a fresh start would present itself. He's refusing to answer calls from Lazio, including from club owner Claudio Lotito who is still hopefully he can sell the attacking midfielder in the future but is severely lacking in takers. The 23-year-old is still picking up his weekly wage which seems him earn in excess of €1m-a-year and does not want to return to Lazio and Italy. While the majority of Morrison's time at West Ham was spent out on loan with the likes of Birmingham, Cardiff and QPR, his best moments came whilst wearing the claret and blue where he flashed some genuine world-class potential. There are subsets of the West Ham fan base that would like Ravel Morrison to return to the club after being forced out by Sam Allardyce, but I wouldn't hold your breath.
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Senegal's Cheikhou Kouyate fires Bafana warning ahead of World Cup qualifier
Posted: 10 November 2016 Time: 15:06
Senegal skipper Cheikhou Kouyate says he and his teammates are looking to keep up a winning streak when they take on Bafana Bafana in their World cup qualifier in Polokwane on Saturday. Senegal were the only country with a 100 percent record in their recently completed 2017 African Nations Cup qualifiers winning six out of six matches, and then last month began the group phase of the World Cup qualifiers with a 2-0 home win over the Cape Verde Islands. "We are here to earn points, we are here to play in a final," said the West Ham United midfielder in the build-up to the Group D qualifier at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. "The series of wins we have had have been a big boost in confidence for the team. And we all have the motivation to go and play at the World Cup."
Senegal top the standings after beating Cape Verde in their opening group match last month at the same time as South Africa drew 1-1 away in Burkina Faso. The Lions of Teranga have been in the country since Monday and moved to Polokwane on Tuesday to continue their preparations.
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LLDC could ask West Ham to contribute to the cost of policing inside the London Stadium
KEN DYER
Evening Stadnard
West Ham will reportedly be asked to contribute to the cost of policing inside the London Stadium. The costs — as well as those of the stewarding — are the responsibility of the landlords, the London Legacy Development Corporation, and have risen due to the increased police presence at the ground following trouble at a number of games this season. West Ham have still to hear from the LLDC on the issue but a spokesman said: "Matters of safety and security are discussed by all stakeholders at regular meetings of the Safety Advisory Group."
As revealed by Standard Sport last month, the Hammers have set out improved plans to eradicate crowd trouble within the London Stadium. Ahead of the home match with Stoke City, the club put in place a five-point plan that included physical changes to the infrastructure of the former Olympic Stadium, with focus being placed on improving the segregation of away fans. Creating higher barriers and a 10 metre wide sterile area on the lower concourse walkway (the scene of much of the violence in Wednesday's match) Segregating home and away fans upon exiting the stadium through the construction of a physical barrier on either side of the away supporter turnstiles Permanently banning perceived "risk groups" from the stadium and issuing video cameras to a group of stewards inside the stadium
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Aaron Cresswell is shocked by his England call up... but this is why the humble Hammer shouldn't be
11:46, 10 NOV 2016
OPINION BY BIANCAWESTWOOD
After recovering from injury, West Ham's vibrant and reliable left back has earned well-earned attention from national team boss Gareth Southgate
The Mirror
It's been a funny old season for Aaron Cresswell so far. It started in the worst way possible after suffering a knee ligament injury in a pre-season friendly win over German side Karlsruher in July. Three months of anguish on the side-lines followed as West Ham were having a defensive nightmare going five league games without a win and conceding 15 goals, and all he could do was watch from the stands.
Last week I spoke to him in an interview for Sky Sports about what it was like: "It was very frustrating. It's the first big injury I've ever had. Hopefully the last. To sit there and see the lads aren't doing so well, you want to help in any way you can and of course I still had months to go. Frustration was really kicking in but it made me a stronger person and you learn to deal with these things".
Thanks to a lot of hard graft and dedication to his recovery he was able to make his return at Selhurst Park last month. You could say he had an impact. He went from putting in an inch-perfect assist for Manuel Lanzini's opening, and ultimately winning, goal to getting two yellow cards in the space of 51 seconds and an early bath.
Most fans and pundits agree both bookings were pretty severe decisions. "I've looked back and even Howard Webb said it was very harsh," he told me. "I set Manu up for the goal and it was all going well. At the time I was thinking surely not then the referee spoke to the linesman, the linesman made the decision and he's given me the second yellow card. "So I've walked down the tunnel. It happened so quickly I was so disappointed. To be on the sidelines for three months and then to be shown a red card, I hadn't missed a game in two years then this happened - luckily I didn't have long to wait."
He can laugh about it now. Unfortunately for West Ham their results are still no laughing matter and they haven't improved in the league dramatically since Cresswell's second coming, an away defeat and a home draw to Everton and Stoke respectively. Having said that he did enjoy his debut match at the London Stadium in the EFL Cup win against Chelsea and he does seem to be flourishing in the new wing back system adopted by manager Slaven Bilic. "I like to get forward and create things. It seems to work well to have that extra man at the back so you have a licence to go forward. That's what I prefer to do in my game. Get further up the pitch. Link up with Dimi (Payet) on the left and Manu (Lanzini) and Nobes (Mark Noble) coming across. It suits me."
It has been difficult for Cresswell to influence games as much as he'd like when the team are playing without a recognised striker to target but his work-rate, ability and creativity has made him a firm favourite with the Hammers fans. Now he's caught the eye of Gareth Southgate and earned a fully-deserved first call-up to the England squad.
On his selection, Cresswell told the Hammers' official website: "I just want to enjoy the experience and do my best in training and, if I can do that, then I hope I can achieve my dream of pulling on an England shirt, which is what I've wanted to do ever since I started playing football as a little kid in Liverpool. "My main focus has always been on playing for West Ham and doing the best I can for my club. As long as I was giving 100 per cent, that's all I could do. I am sure the training is going to be at a real high tempo and I can't wait to be part of it."
Competition in the left-back spot has been fierce in this country with the likes of Leighton Baines, Danny Rose, Kieran Gibbs, Luke Shaw and Ryan Bertrand all ahead of him but Cresswell has finally been noticed and many would say it's about time.
The first time I became aware of Aaron Cresswell myself was when I almost forgot his name on Soccer Saturday. In my defence it was when I'd just started match reporting. I was nervous, desperate to do well, still very inexperienced on live TV, there were two Aarons playing for Ipswich that day and I had a tiny, momentary, lapse of memory when Ipswich went ahead just before half-time through a Tommy Smith header "Aaron……." Everything went quiet for what seemed like an age, mind goes blank…whatshisname?!? I frantically screamed at myself…."CRESSWELL with the corner!"
I got it right eventually and I certainly never forgot his name again. Not only because of that scary moment of panic in front of the Sky Sports-viewing nation but because he was the stand out player that day and has been virtually every time I've seen him since. I watched him numerous times in the Championship that season and the one following. He never failed to impress me and I wasn't the only one to have my head turned.
Sam Allardyce, tasked with delivering "more attacking football" to West Ham, signed Cresswell in the summer of 2014 and the full back certainly didn't falter. If there were any doubts about whether he could make the leap from the second tier to the Premier League they were soon laid to rest. He slotted into the team immediately. His pace and presence on the left really stretched the pitch, forcing opposing defenders to work hard and think fast - he provided not only a creative outlet from defensive areas which the Hammers had lacked in previous seasons, but ensured the team transitioned from defence to attack at a much quicker rate than before. He's dangerous on set pieces, he supplies a good number of assists, crosses into the box with pinpoint accuracy, despite his diminutive stature he's strong on the ball, has a high pass completion rate and can put in a decent tackle.
As well as all that, he can actually defend, and I don't think that Cresswell would mind me saying that Big Sam really helped him improve that area of his game. His awareness is sharp and he has a composure that settles the nerves of those watching him. In short he's got everything you want. Although his debut season heralded the end of the Allardyce era at Upton Park, Cresswell finished as Hammer of the Year. Since then he's gone from strength to strength. When we spoke last week about breaking into the England set-up it was clear he wasn't expecting a call but said how much of a proud day it would be for him and his family. I had the pleasure of sitting with his father at the Farewell Boleyn game and he spoke constantly about his pride for his boy. He must be fit to bursting.
Cresswell is a humble guy from a down-to-earth family on Merseyside who still cleans his own boots from time to time and hasn't forgotten where he came from. He grew up a Liverpool fan and played for them as a youngster and at 14 years old was moved from centre midfield to left back. Initially he was upset and concerned he wouldn't be able to score goals and grab all the glory. Instead he decided to study Ashley Cole and soon realised it was a position in which he could develop and eventually establish himself. The next set-back came when he was released. It broke his heart. What he couldn't know then was that it was probably a blessing in disguise. He ended up playing three seasons in League One at Tranmere, followed by three at Ipswich where he played in 138 matches.
The talent was always there but the rejection, the experience, the relentless fixtures and sheer physicality of lower league football toughened him up, got him his move and gave him the preparation and the determination to thrive in the top flight. At £3.5 million he was a snip. The bad news for West Ham is that having been brought into the international sphere he will attract unwanted attention from all quarters. Not least from the boyhood club that rejected him all those years ago because James Milner, as competent as he is, can't play left back forever. Cresswell has stressed that he is more than happy to stay at West Ham. He is an integral part of the team, he is well loved by his team mates and his relationship with Bilic is strong but playing for the club you supported as a boy is a very seductive prospect, even if they once threw you away.
West Ham fans will be hoping Cresswell is thinking 'once bitten twice shy'. If he's not and he carries on shining for his club and gets the chance to shine for his country, inevitably it's the Hammers' hearts that will be next to break.
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Watch the touching moment West Ham fan Brooke Lawrance fulfilled her dream by leading out the Hammers at London Stadium... after meeting Andy Carroll and Dimitri Payet
10-year-old Brooke Lawrance suffers with Cerebral palsy
She was told by doctors that she would never be able to walk
The young West Ham fan had two dreams; to be able to walk unaided and lead out the team she supports before a match
Mother Sarah said: 'We will always remember this day and take it away and it will live long in our memories.'
By PETE SOUTH FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:30, 10 November 2016 | UPDATED: 11:35, 10 November 2016
Young West Ham fan Brooke Lawrance fulfilled a lifelong dream on Saturday when she led the Hammers out before their game against Stoke at the London Stadium. The 10-year-old suffers from Cerebral palsy - a neurological condition that weakens the muscles, affecting movement and co-ordination - and was told she would never be able to walk. However a campaign led by her parents, Sarah and Pete from Ipswich, helped to raise £75,000 which gave Brooke the chance to travel to America to receive pioneering surgery. Although she requires regular physiotherapy and visits a specialist in Scotland, the young Hammer has made impressive progress and now uses specially adapted sticks to build up her core muscles.
While Brooke's not yet able to walk unaided, she was able to tick one item off her bucket list after West Ham invited her for a surprise visit on to the pitch before their 1-1 draw with Stoke last weekend, along with her sisters. The family were invited to Club London where they were welcomed by Andy Carroll, who invited them into the Players' Lounge before the game. There, he informed Brooke and sister Nadine that they would be mascots, handing them each Home kits emblazoned with their names and numbers, Brooke's with Carroll's No9, and Nadine's with her favourite Aaron Cresswell's No3. The youngster responded: 'I'm shaking right now!'. After meeting the team, including Mark Noble and star midfielder Dimitri Payet who signed a match programme for her, Brooke led the team out on the pitch and shook hands with the Stoke players as well.
The family headed pitchside, meeting Hammers legend Tony Gale on the way, before receiving a warm welcome from Joint-Chairman David Gold. Mrs Lawrance said: 'She doesn't get a day off, she's forever doing physio and strengthening every day, and a day like this is just amazing to push her and show her that one day she will be able to walk out the team unaided, with no sticks or wheelchair.' Father Pete added: 'Words cannot describe the feeling seeing my daughters' faces!' said Peter. 'We will always remember this day and take it away and it will live long in our memories. We cannot thank the Club enough, because it has totally blown us away.' 'Football has always been our little release, but this day has been extra-special.'
West Ham were unfortunately unable to provide the Lawrance family with a win on the day, instead playing out a 1-1 draw against Mark Hughes' side. A Glenn Whelan own goal handed the Hammers the lead after the hour mark, however a 75th minute effort from Bojan Krkic levelled things up. The result leaves West Ham just one point above the relegation zone on 11 points, with Stoke two points ahead in 12th.
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Tottenham injury news: Vincent Janssen being assessed by doctors and could miss West Ham clash with suspected concussion
TOM COLLOMOSSE
Evening Standard
Vincent Janssen is being assessed by Holland doctors after suffering a memory blackout. The Tottenham forward suffered suspected concussion after a collision with Belgium goalkeeper Simon Mignolet in last night's friendly between the countries and "lost 20 minutes of his memory". Players are usually not allowed to return to action for at least six days after a possible concussion incident, meaning Janssen is highly likely to miss Holland's World Cup qualifier in Luxembourg on Sunday.
Holland coach Danny Blind said: "Vincent Janssen is going to be a very difficult story. The physician told me it is a concussion. He lost 20 minutes of his memory and doesn't know what happened. We have to be careful with that and talk it through."
Janssen may also be a doubt for Tottenham's next match against West Ham, on November 19, although more will be known after he has been assessed in the coming days.
The 22-year-old forward has scored three times for Spurs — all from the penalty spot — since joining the club from AZ Alkmaar last summer in a deal worth nearly £18million.
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Quote unquote: Pardew's 'When you're the King…'
Date published: Thursday 10th November 2016 9:24
football365.com
The first thing to say is that it's absolutely true. When a 'behind the scenes' figure at a football club writes a book, you're always liable to suspect they may have, well, exaggerated a few things for effect. Some stories you will treat with a degree of suspicion, no matter how funny or plausible, or how much you would like them to be true. But this one is true, independently confirmed as such to Football365. It's absolutely true.
Stevie Bacon was West Ham's club photographer for around 35 years and, by all accounts, something of a 'character'. There was a terrace song dedicated to him. There was even a burger named after him (called, imaginatively enough, the Steve Bacon Burger), sold at Upton Park. Or the Boleyn Ground. Or whatever the hell that pile of rubble in east London used to be called.
In 2012 he, as you might expect from someone who had been around a club like West Ham for such a long time, published a book. This was the story of a man who watched a football club change over a generation, and the book featured assorted anecdotes of japes with and opinions from John Lyall, Lou Macari, Billy Bonds and Harry Redknapp. One passage about the latter includes the phrase 'people questioned why he bought certain players….' The foreword was written by Trevor Brooking. One chapter begins 'Avram Grant is a miserable character'.
But in among some relatively tame tales and standard banter, one story – one chapter, in fact – stands out, like floodlights on a misty winter evening, bright and cutting through the dark. 'I don't like Alan Pardew,' begins chapter six. 'There, I've said it,' as if this was Stevie finally breathing a sigh of relief and letting loose what he had held for the entire tenure of a West Ham manager. 'In fact, I don't think I've ever known a more arrogant person in my life,' he continues, 'There was one occasion when I threatened to stick a fork in his hand. I was sort of joking, but there were definitely times when I felt like swinging at him. Or telling him to fork off, if you follow my drift.' We do, Stevie. We do.
Arrogance is not a surprising accusation to level at Pardew, a man you'd imagine is fond of a mirror, but in a piece of reportage such as this, you'd want some evidence to back up Bacon's statement. And he provides it. Boy, does he. If you'll excuse simply copying a healthy tract from the book, here it is:
'Let me tell you a story. In fact, it's called the 'King story' among those who were present and who believe it's a perfect example of Pardew's arrogance. We were staying at a hotel in the North East ahead of a game at Sunderland during Alan's first season in charge and were about to have our Friday evening meal…I sat down with Pardew…and fitness coach Tony Strudwick, who now works for Manchester United and has done very well for himself. We ordered our meals and suddenly Pardew asked us all what were were having. I think Eddie said he'd gone for the chicken, while I'd chosen the steak.
'Pards then turned to Struds, who revealed whatever it was he'd asked for. 'That sounds good,' said Pards. 'Tell you what; if yours is better than mine when it turns up, I'm having that. That was one of the things he'd always say: I'm having that. 'See that bloke's haircut. I'm having that.' He said it all the time. Anyway, I wasn't 'having that' at all. So I said 'Well, you're certainly not having my dinner. You'll get a fork in the back of your hand!' Pardew sort of laughed, before turning back to Struds and saying, 'Yeah, if yours is better than mine, I'm having that.'
'Our meals eventually arrived and Pards looked at Tony and said, 'Yeah, I was right, yours definitely looks much better than mine; I'm having that.' And he went to swap the plates over. 'You can't do that!' I said. 'What do you mean?' he asked. 'You can't just take somebody's else's dinner,' I said in disbelief. And he replied, without any hint of a joke, 'When you're the King, you can do anything.'
The King. Apparently this became a running joke, and people who had previously worked with Pardew at Reading told Bacon that was how he referred to himself there, too. As revelations go, Pardew being rather fond and full of himself is not exactly the most difficult to believe (this is, after all, the man who did that dance at Wembley last season), and this seems to be simply the confirmation of what we already knew.
Not that arrogance is necessarily a bad thing (indeed, it's probably essential for anyone involved in football), but what's presumably enjoyable for Bacon, and indeed anyone who appreciates a little light schadenfreude, is that Pardew doesn't exactly have the goods to back up his lofty opinion. After being sacked by West Ham he spent just under two years at Charlton, leaving with protests ringing in his ears, and was then sacked by Southampton before lucking out by getting the Newcastle job. His subsequent reputation seems to be built largely on his one good – excellent – season there, and as the award-nominated Daniel Storey detailed recently, things are starting to go south at Crystal Palace. Those links with the England job do look a little more far-fetched at the moment. Not that Pardew would think so, of course. It's also worth noting that West Ham lost the game to Sunderland, before which the 'King' meal took place. All about timing, this game.
In some respects, it doesn't really matter whether the story is true. It fits with our idea of Pardew, and thus becomes a story we want to believe, without knowing if it is true. But just remember: it is absolutely true.
Nick Miller
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West Ham keeper Darren Randolph won't look to leave Hammers to keep Republic of Ireland spot
HITC
Jordan Harris
The West Ham stopper has been first-choice for his country recently, but not for his club. West Ham United goalkeeper Darren Randolph has insisted that he will not look to leave the London Stadium just to keep his place as the Republic of Ireland's number one, The Irish Sun reports. The 29-year-old has established himself as Ireland's first-choice in recent times and took his place between the sticks for all of their games during the summer's European Championships. However, he has seemingly found it much tougher to make a similar impact for the Irons as he is yet to make a Premier League appearance this season as Adrian continues to be Slaven Bilic's preferred choice in the top flight. But despite the limited opportunities, Randolph suggested that a move away from the Hammers is not on his mind currently, even if his place in the national team comes under threat. "I'm not going to give up on Premiership football already," he said, as reported by The Irish Sun. "This is just the start of my second season. "I'm not just going to up and leave all of a sudden. I've had an enjoyable year but hopefully that's not the end of it."
To be fair to Randolph, he has featured regularly in both the Europa League and EFL Cup this term, so has not been stuck on the sidelines for the entire campaign.
And if he can continue to impress for his country and when given a chance for his club, then perhaps he will manage to move himself up the pecking order at West Ham anyway.
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NO DOGS NO DRAMA
By Blind Hammer 10 Nov 2016 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer says Andy Carroll should reject a strategy of using "Killer Dogs" for personal security.
There is no doubt that being the subject of an attempted armed attack is an event that would shake and traumatise most of us. The Sun reported last week that armed men on motorbikes attempted to intercept West Ham's Andy Carroll in Chigwell, on his way home from training at the Rush Green complex. Carroll described how one of the bikers threatened him with a gun through his Car window. The Sun then reported that Carroll was able to escape these bikers after a high speed pursuit involving other cars in crashes.
The motive for the threat and attempted waylaying of Carroll is not clear, though the Sun reported that Carroll was driving his "£100,000 Mercedes Benz" which I suppose is a possible robbery motive. Kidnapping and bodily harm are even more sinister possibilities. The Mail followed up this story with a report that Carroll has been anxious about threats from Criminal gangs for several months.
An uncharitable view of this incident, which I have heard expressed, is to cynically observe that this is another example of Carroll being involved in another news escapade, alongside difficult news reports of his inappropriate drinking whilst supposedly trying to establish his fitness to return to West Ham as a desperately needed striking option. The argument goes that people who have lurid and disordered life styles can attract the wrong kind of attention. Paul Gascoigne is often cited as perhaps an example of alcohol providing a chaotic descent into mire from which only footballing ineffectiveness can emerge.
There does seem something strange going on. Certainly most of us are not participating in life styles which attract the attention of criminal gangs. Despite this I genuinely felt that this uncharitable cynicism was unfair to Carroll and my instincts were to provide support for what must have been a horrendous ordeal.
My unequivocal support for Carroll has now started to undergo severe strain after news emerged in The Mail of the security measures Carroll is to deploy in response to these threats.
Carroll is to employ a personal bodyguard, which is entirely supportable and understandable. What is more controversial is the report The Mail made in relation to Carroll having so called "Killer Dogs" trained to provide protection.
The Mail reported that Carroll 'bought two £15,000 "fearsome" mastiff dogs over fears he was being targeted by criminal gang months before his attempted carjacking. As he feared for this own and his family's safety , he ordered two seven and a half stone Cane Corsos mastiff guard dogs are apparently are completing their training and will be delivered soon.
The Mail also reported that the company producing the Guard Dogs described them as "perfectly safe". Now I am a dog lover. Many of you know I have a lovable, amazing, clever and gentle Guide Dog called Nyle. However the fact I am the owner of this wonderful kind and gentle dog does not make me unaware of the dangers in other dog breeds. I have the advantage of a family with a huge collected knowledge of dogs. My Sister has owned and run a large Kennels for a variety of dog for over 30 years. She has, along with her Husband, bred dogs for a similar time. Her Husband is an acknowledge dog expert and has judged at high profile dog competitions in the UK and abroad.
They will both tell you, as will many other Kennel Owners, that there is no such thing as a "safe" Guard Dog. Dogs which are bread and trained for attack can never be safe dogs. There are loads of example they can recite of dogs which can behave perfectly acceptably for years, then completely unpredictably attack even a stranger or even their own master. When discussing this article with my sister she reminded me of a Kennel User who had both his arm and leg broken after his guard Dog attacked him. This came out of the blue after years of no problems, and almost as disturbingly the dog appeared perfectly normal and calm after the attack. The dog was euthanized but the owner had to spend 3 months in hospital recovering from his injuries.
The clue is in the description "Killer Dogs". Legislation has been enacted in this country to try and curb the actions of irresponsible owner encouraging dangerous dogs. The maximum penalty for dangerous dog ownership leading to an attack has now been increased to a potential 14 years imprisonment. Specifically the Cane Corsos breed Carroll is recruiting for his family's protection have been involved with vicious attacks, including the killing of Craig Sytsma, 46, in Michigan in 2014.
Andy Carroll is suffering a disturbed existence at the moment. By recruiting dangerous dogs into his family at this time is in my view an appalling lack of judgement which could come back to haunt him.
Dogs are clever but they are not human, They obey orders most of the time, but sometimes they do not and, as dogs, sometimes have poor understanding and discretion in relation to the safety of themselves and others. With gentle breeds this is manageable. With dangerous dogs it is potentially disastrous. Andy Carroll is embarking on a course which could bring even more disastrous drama into the lives of either his family or other families associating with these dogs.
As a West Ham football supporter I love it when Andy Carroll plays for us. He offers an extent of skill of physicality which can barely be matched across the globe. If he had retained fitness the combination of the extraordinary talents of Payet and Carroll could unlock any football defence on the planet.
It grieves me now with almost a physical pain to realise that perhaps it is in Carroll's best interest that he now move on to find a more sober, less dramatic life style away from the cauldron that appears to be developing for him in Essex. Whether any other club could pay his wages is a moot point but for all concerned, including Carroll's family, a fresh start is probably the best course. Carroll desperately requires an environment without drama, where he can get his head down to try and achieve some of his unfulfilled potential in the remaining years of his career. It is with this strategy, rather than the inviting of dangerous dogs into his home, that I feel Carroll should now concentrate.
COYI
David Griffith
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Black Stars hit by the death of Coach Afrane; aim to beat Egypt in his honour
Published on: 10 November 2016
The sad news of the passing on of celebrated Ghanaian coach E. K. Afrane has not only hit the country but has struck the senior national team the Black Stars like a thunderbolt according to deputy skipper Andre Ayew and has promised that they will beat Egypt to honour the late coach. The veteran coach perished in an accident when he was being transferred from Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra to the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi for further treatment. The ambulance that was carrying him along with two nurses and his son swerved and somersaulted into a nearby river under a huge bridge on their way to Kumasi where the coach finally bid farewell to the world. And Andre Ayew in an interview ahead of their clash with Egypt in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers say the team is down with the death of Coach Afrane but will beat Egypt to honour the coach. "It's a sad news and we send our condolences to the entire family," Ayew said.
"Coach Afrane is a big coach whose demise means Ghana has lost a great person. He qualified the Black Queens to our first ever senior World Cup. "He has coached all our national teams and that is an enviable achievement. He also coached all the big clubs in Ghana including Kotoko and Hearts. We are really sad and we express our condolences to the entire family and will try to win the game in his honour, " he added. Ghana is currently in camp in Dubai preparing for the cracker with the Egyptians in Alexandria on Sunday.
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