From the Boardroom
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan was left disappointed by the nature of
Saturday's defeat at AFC Bournemouth...
Hello everyone,
Like you all, I was very disappointed and frustrated with the manner of our
defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday. We went down there determined to bounce
back from the Chelsea game, but we didn't play as well as we know we can at
Vitality Stadium. Slaven, the players and the staff all know we have to do
better.
Bournemouth had been on a difficult run of results and hadn't won a game
this year, but they were at home and their crowd were right behind them. You
could see from the kick-off that they really wanted that game and it showed
on the pitch throughout the 90 minutes. They missed a penalty and we went
straight up the other end and scored through Michail Antonio, which I
expected to settle us down. However, the game remained really open and they
got an equaliser, then missed another penalty before going ahead from a set
piece just after half-time. We have conceded too many goals early in halves
in recent games and, while we've managed to get ourselves back into games
like the ones at Southampton and Watford and at home to West Bromwich
Albion, there will be matches where we cannot equalise. That situation
cannot go on.
We managed to level this time around, with another goal from Andre Ayew, so
I was really disappointed when we let them score a third so late in the
game.
I am sure that Slaven, his backroom staff and the team were not happy with
what happened and they will think about it a lot over the next few days. We
have a week to prepare for our next game at home to Leicester City and I
really urge you to give everything you can to support the team at London
Stadium, as it is a massive game for us. Before then, we have a special Iron
Men DVD signing event with our Final Game goalscorers Diafra Sakho, Michail
Antonio and Winston Reid at the Stadium Store on Thursday between 4-6pm.
Please head along, meet the players and grab a copy of a piece of our
history. Thank you again for your loyal support – particularly the 1,340 of
you who travelled to Bournemouth and did not once stop singing.
Come on you Irons!
David Sullivan
Joint-Chairman
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Carroll - It was shocking
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll admits West Ham United produced a 'terrible performance' at AFC
Bournemouth
Striker said the Hammers 'didn't really get going' in their 3-2 defeat at
Vitality Stadium
No9 felt the visitors could have had a penalty awarded for handball late on
"It was a terrible performance from us." Andy Carroll gave that brutally
honest assessment of West Ham United's 3-2 Premier League defeat at AFC
Bournemouth.
Despite their hosts missing two first-half penalties, Michail Antonio firing
the Hammers into the lead and Andre Ayew equalising with just seven minutes
remaining, Joshua King's hat-trick ensured Carroll and company departed the
Vitality Stadium with nothing. "We didn't really get going and their two
penalties could have really finished the game, but we kept ourselves in it
and got back into it late on, luckily, but I don't know what went on from
then on," he observed. We went gung-ho and lost the game. "We were just all
over the place. We spoke in the dressing room after the game and every
player agreed they just weren't at it. I think it was just a shocking game
for everyone. "We came down and felt well but didn't really get going at
all. Obviously we got the two goals, but it wasn't good enough."
The Hammers trained hard in the days leading up to the game, having pushed
Chelsea all the way at London Stadium on Monday evening. With a near
fully-fit squad and Michail Antonio returning from suspension to score the
opening goal at Bournemouth, one might have expected West Ham to go on and
condemn Bournemouth to a sixth defeat in nine matches. Instead, they allowed
Eddie Howe's side to play their open, attacking brand of football. "I
haven't got a clue what happened, but it was a bad day at the office,"
Carroll confirmed. The No9 admitted both Bournemouth penalties were rightly
awarded, but felt referee Bobby Madley could have given the Hammers a
spot-kick of their own when his cross hit Adam Smith on the upper arm late
on. "With the way I saw them, I thought they were both penalties, to be
honest, but we could have had one when I crossed the ball and it has hit his
hand when it wasn't in a natural position," he said. "I thought we could
have had one, but it wasn't given. "Their second goal also hit their lad on
the hand and it's bounced into King's path, so that could have been
disallowed. "It was just one of those days when we didn't get the decisions
and it didn't really happen."
While Carroll was clearly hugely frustrated by Saturday's performance, it
should be said that the defeat was West Ham's first on the road since New
Year's Eve.
"We need to get this performance and whatever caused it out of our systems,"
he concluded. "We need to start again against Leicester next weekend, put it
right and get the three points."
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PL2 Hammers travel north
WHUFC.com
West Ham United PL2 face Newcastle United at St. James' Park on Monday
The Hammers can strengthen a PL2 Division 2 play-off place with a victory
Newcastle are currently a place and a point above Terry Westley's men in the
league table
West Ham United PL2 make the long trip up north on Monday to face fellow
Premier League 2 Division 2 promotion hopefuls Newcastle United.
The Hammers were held to a 1-1 draw by Stoke City at London Stadium last
week but can strengthen a play-off position at St James' Park.
Newcastle are a place above the Hammers in fifth position and a win would
see Terry Westley's side leapfrog their opponents in the league table.
The match also signals the start an exciting period for the U23s, as they
will be playing at three Premier League stadiums in their final three
matches.
Assistant coach Liam Manning believes his players should make the most of
the opportunity to perform at such big arenas.
"We need to pick up some results in the last three games to get in the
play-offs and the pleasing thing in we have three games in three stadiums;
Newcastle on Monday at St. James', back here [London Stadium] against
Middlesbrough and then away to West Brom at the Hawthorns," he said.
"They're really good experiences for the boys and hopefully we can kick on
and finish in that top five.
Newcastle have only won one of their last five fixtures and were beaten 2-1
by Norwich City at home last week.
Meanwhile, a strong Hammers XI could only draw at home to Stoke City,
despite dominating possession and creating a host of chances to take all
three points.
Speaking after the draw, Moses Makasi said: "We wanted to beat them so we
could go towards the top of the play-offs but it is what it is and we'll go
again next week against Newcastle.
"We dominated possession but when a team like that gets a goal in a game,
they've got something to hold on to. Once it went 1-1, they were fighting
for their lives. We needed to try and break them down but we've just got to
take the positives out of it."
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Stat's A Fact - Ayew's Impact
WHUFC.com
West Ham United left the Vitality Stadium extremely frustrated as a late
Joshua King goal compounded Slaven Bilic's side to a 3-2 defeat against
Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
King had a memorable afternoon as he bagged all three for the hosts, while
West Ham's goals came from Michail Antonio – his first of 2017 - and Andre
Ayew.
Despite the disappointing result, there was one positive to come from
Saturday's south coast outing as Andre Ayew came off the bench to score
again - his second goal in successive away Premier League matches.
Playing for only the last 32 minutes of the game, Ayew attempted two shots
on goal with only Michail Antonio (six) and Sofiane Feghouli (three), who
both started, having more.
The Hammers enjoyed slightly a higher pass-success rate than the hosts (76
per cent) and the impact of Andre Ayew was fundamental in that.
Individually, his 92 per cent completion rate was the best by any West Ham
United player on the day.
After joining the Hammers from Swansea City for a club record fee in August,
Ayew was ruled out for three months after picking up an unfortunate groin
injury during the opening Premier League game of the season.
Ayew celebrates his goal against Bournemouth
However, since scoring his first league goal, against Swansea, on 26
December and returning from a successful Africa Cup of Nations campaign with
Ghana, Ayew has begun to show his true colours.
Despite not starting in either game, Andre has now scored in consecutive
away matches after he netted in the 1-1 draw with Watford, as well as on
Saturday against Bournemouth. Not only through his goals has he made an
impact but his high work rate and clever movement have made him a
threatening game changer for Bilic whenever he comes off the bench.
Saturday's goal was his third in the claret and blue of West Ham United.
Such is his impressive form of late, though, that all of those three have
come in just six matches since December 26.
Ayew is now up to five goals in all competitions in that period after he
also netted twice for Ghana, against Uganda and DR Congo, during the 2017
Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Of course, Andre will be hoping to force his way in to Slaven Bilic's
starting XI plans and there is no doubt that if he can continue his goal
scoring form of 2017, his call up may not be too far away.
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A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF A WEST HAM FAN
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 12 MARCH 2017 AT 8:57PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Steve Claydon
Welcome to my world. I'm planning to give you a weekly game re-cap, my five
thoughts for the week and if a topic that comes up that excites me, makes me
mad, or I want to give you my opinion on something then I'll be posting an
extra topic.
Strap yourself in and let's go.
**Game Recap**
### Bournemouth 3-2 West Ham
I'd like to say I was hoping that the day at the seaside would make
everything ok. I mean it worked for me as a kid, and for a fleeting moment I
thought lady luck had finally turned up on our door step.
We started S.L.O.W.L.Y again for the umpteenth time. I'm not sure what gets
said inside the dressing room before the game and I'm sure Bilic gee's them
up but we come out of the blocks in almost every game like Jeff Capes
carrying a couple of spare wheels. Maybe it's complacency and the thought
that we are better than the other team and by us showing up we will bag all
us all three points, whatever the problem we found ourselves on the other
end of some attractive football with our goal constantly under threat. Every
attack left me in fear. Our right side was being bullied, Feghouli lacks the
presence to track back on a consistent basis, and Kouyaté is playing in a
position that does not utilize his skills. Within minutes we gave away a
cheap penalty via Bournemouths movement and strength and our lack of
discipline to do the right things, which at this level should not be
happening.
Up stepped King who opened his hips, sent Randolph the wrong way and placed
the ball outside the upright. Let off number 1.
Then from the ensuring goal kick, a flick on by Carroll, a poor square pass
by a Bournemouth defender allowed Feghouli to snatch the ball just outside
the box, a nice pass to Antonio allowed him to turn his defender a and steer
the ball into the corner of the net. 1-0. COYI. Lady Luck is with us.
For the next ten minutes or so we withstood the pressure from Bournemouth
and then we finally settled down, with both teams having chances but nothing
to write home about. I was starting to feel better about where this game may
go.
Then, had been the case during the first thirty minutes our defense got
stretched and nice piece of skill saw King flick the ball over Fontes and
beat Randolph on the side of the goal he was covering. Fair play, it was
coming, they had been the better side in the first 30 minutes.
To compound our misery Pugh drove into the box made Fontes (that name keeps
coming up) look silly, who stuck out a foot, and down when the Bournemouth
attacker. Penalty. Afobe placed the ball down, checked on his run up and
dribbled the ball into the diving arms of Randolph. Let off number 2.
And so we made it to the first half tied at 1-1. We should have been 3-1 or
more down but Lady Luck was hanging around for us.
The second half started like the first; slow out of the blocks again, and
this time King punished us right away with a close range finish. A free kick
outside the box had Reid beaten by a double team and as the ball fell to
King he volleyed the header home.
A little drama though for this goal. King was in a offside position, but not
interfering with play when the kick was taken, and watching the replays
showed that Antonio played him onside after the header. The referee
conferred with his linesman and they both decided the goal should stand.
2-1.
Sparring continued for the next thirty-five minutes with it increasingly
looking like they would grab a third before we got our second.
To switch things up we introduced Ayew and Snodgrass, and Snodgrass within
minutes of coming on looked like he was going off as he chased down a lost
cause and twisted his ankle, he stayed on but was pretty much invisible the
rest of the game.
Lanzini dropped deeper and was getting more involved and starting to make
things tick a little quicker and we started to see the odd chance but it
still never looked like we were dominating or really going to get that
equalizer.
Kouyaté was substituted for Byram and I have to admit that seemed a weird
decision, however it was Byram who got behind the defense, via a sublime
pass from Obiang, who Fifa'd the ball backwards to Ayew who calmly put the
ball into an open net. 2-2.
Game on, until Ayew tried to be clever in the middle of the park, had the
ball stolen from him and the counter attack was on. Swift movement down the
middle by Wilshire with West Ham backing off allowed him to play a ball out
to the left, who received the retuned pass and shot low and hard towards our
goal. Randolph deflected this to the on coming King who thumped the ball
high into the net. 3-2.
G.A.M.E.O.V.E.R
We could talk about the loss until the proverbial cows come home and there
will be the usual requests for Bilics head after another poor showing and if
I'm honest that flirtation with a relegation battle still looms a little
close, especially if you consider we have to play a number of those teams in
that battle. We play with a lack off intensity a lot of the time and look
labored. I look at our fixture list and wonder where we will get additional
points.
**Steve's Fives.**
1) Cresswell has not been the same player the year as he was last year. The
injury he sustained in preseason seems to have slowed and actually regressed
his development. He looks less assured on the ball, doesn't seem up for a
fight and in general his positioning has been poor throughout the season. He
was chasing shadows most of the game against Bournemouth.
2) No CB partnership. From week one our CB's have had no partnership.
Injuries and the constant change of formation may account for a lot of this,
but the game against Burnley highlighted even more the lack of communication
and how weak this partnership makes the whole defense. While we are on CB's,
I thought Fontes would be a good option and cover for the injured Ogbonna
but so far he has been slow, bullied, moved out of position too easily, a
liability 1 on 1 and lacks the West Ham passion. I need to see more from him
the rest of the year.
3) Carroll has been ineffective since returning. Carroll is only useful when
he is fit and when decent crosses are coming, the last two games (Chelsea
and Bournemouth) have shown us that neither is true. Carroll lacks a step or
three and the wing backs and wide men are not providing him decent service,
and to be honest I'm not convinced that should be plan A – I'd like to see
Carroll coming on for the last 30 minutes, after we have played a little
more on the ground and run the other team around but we have no player
(hurry up Sakho) that can offer that to us at the moment, even Antonio is
played as a target man.
4) We must protect this right side. Move Kouyaté into the middle of the park
with Obiang. Put Byram at right back and have Antonio support him and tell
Obiang to keep an overall eye on that side too. Sorry Noble, I love you more
than you know, but I want to see what this team can do with Kouyaté in the
right position and both he and Obiang are better than you at the moment. And
I can hear you, Byram and Antonio would be a liability there. Any worse than
what we have right now?
5) Pitch Size, what pitch size?. Upton Park – 110 x 70 yards – 7700 sq.
yards, Olympic Stadium 115 by 74 yards – 8510, Southampton, St Mary's
Stadium, 115 x 74.5, 8740, Swansea, Liberty Stadium, 115 x 74 yards, 8510.
We don't win at home because it does not feel home, It's not the pitch size.
We beat Southampton 3-1 at their ground even though it's larger than ours.
I'm going to cover my naïve view of the move in an up coming blog.
Thanks for reading – I'm excited to write and give you the West Ham
perspective from a life long fan living in Coatesville, PA.
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REF ANALYSIS – BOBBY MADLEY
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 11 MARCH 2017 AT 6:54PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @SamRoyden
A less than convincing first half by Robert Madley and his overall game in
general. Madley awarded two penalties to Bournemouth in the first half. I
had no question about his decision to award the first penalty however I
thought his positioning was poor for the second penalty which I felt could
have been a lot better.
The first penalty was as obvious as you could get. Sofiane Feghouli was the
wrong side of Daniels before bringing him down. It was a poor decision by
Feghouli and it was an easy decision for Madley. After the penalty had been
given, Madley cautioned Mark Noble for dissent. Feghouli wasn't punished for
his foul however, it could have easily been a caution. Feghouli wasn't
denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity so a red card wasn't warranted.
The second penalty was a difficult one for me because there was contact by
Fonte but it was clear that Pugh was looking for contact with Fonte's
planted leg. Madley's position was completely wrong to see this in my
opinion.
I noticed on a handful of occasions that whenever West Ham fouled
Bournemouth, the Bournemouth players were surrounding the referee moaning
and gesturing for a stronger punishment than a foul. This is unacceptable
behaviour and the FA & the IFAB have been keen to stamp this out. However,
it's the duty of the referee to manage the players and this showed a lack of
authority from Robert Madley and a lack of respect by the players. This was
apparent after Pedro Obiang was cautioned for brining down Joshua King 30
yards outside of West Ham's goal. The swarm of Bournemouth players were
indicating that other players, including Mark Noble, attempted to bring down
the Cherries striker.
There were a couple of decisions that Madley choose not make during the
first half. Firstly, Madley could have sent off Mark Noble for a second
bookable offence after sliding into a challenge and catching a Bournemouth
midfielder late. Madley could have also cautioned Bournemouth's Gosling
after a high foot on Mark Noble that caught the West Ham captain.
There was uproar in the second half from the West Ham players for
Bournemouth's second goal of the afternoon. The biggest question was whether
Joshua King was offside or not. The answer is that we wasn't offside when
the goal was scored. The offside law is one of the laws that is still a huge
grey area. To clear up King's goal, during the first phase, King was at
least 5 yards beyond the last West Ham defender in an offside position, not
interfering with play. When the ball was delivered, King was still in an
offside position, but once the Bournemouth player flicked the ball towards
the direction of King, Michail Antonio already tracked and played King
onside. Even though West Ham players were questioning the linesmans decision
to not signal for offside, Madley consulted his assistant referee before
awarding the goal.
There were two handball shouts by West Ham in the second half. Handball has
to be deliberate, it's extremely difficult for a player to move his arm out
of the way, when the player is in close proximity and at high speeds. The
question I always ask, is it deliberate?
Madley issued a handful of cautions in the second half for Bournemouth
players. Madley remained consistent after Pugh brought down Kouyate, a
similar challenge to Obiang who was booked in the first half. I think Afobe
was particularly lucky only receiving a yellow card as the big Bournemouth
striker was extremely late when challenging Randolph. Not only was the
challenge late, but Afobe wasn't in control and his studs were raised which
caught Randolph high on the top of the ankle.
As mentioned previously, Gosling could and should have had a yellow card for
his high boot on Mark Noble. Ironically, Gosling was cautioned for
completely preventing Antonio advancing after the West Ham man cleverly put
the ball past the Bournemouth man.
For West Ham's second goal, it appears that Sam Bryan was offside when the
ball was played by Pedro Obiang. The West Ham substitute was at least a yard
offside when the ball was played forward – this just sums up a pretty woeful
afternoon from the officials.
I do struggle to give Madley credit as I feel that his decision making is
often incorrect and he shows a lack of authority and player management. I
felt that his decision making was poor throughout the game and I feel his
position was poor for the awarding of the second penalty and he struggled to
maintain consistency.
It's hugely frustrating that after going level at 2-2 on 83 minutes, you'd
expect experienced Premier League players to be well drilled and ensure that
after a difficult game, which West Ham were obviously second best
throughout, to shut up shop and take the point. You have to question the
mentality of the players as this season has been below average and if it
wasn't for the scrappy wins against Burnley and Hull over the Christmas
period, we would be in horrible trouble. There needs to be some serious
improvement on recruitment in the summer transfer window as players are not
pulling their weight this season.
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PRO MANAGER ARTICLE
BILIC IN
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 12 MARCH 2017 AT 8:13PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @WHU_Forever
Hello everyone, as this is my first time writing I would like to say what a
pleasure it is to be writing for The West Ham Way and am grateful for the
opportunity to express my opinion on such a well-established Fan site.
Bilic In or Bilic out? A question which has caused debate between West Ham
fans all over social media. Following our form throughout the season it
really isn't a surprise. An early exit from Europe, followed by stadium
issues, Payet and awful form has put serious question marks the man's
ability to take us to the next level.
Bilic has avoided a lot of stick because he is "proper West Ham" and I can
understand people's loyalty to him, after the highs we got from last season.
Emotions running high last year, he delivered some truly unforgettable
memories, and wrote his name in the history books. He got everything right
last season. Tactics, transfers, and had everyone bang behind him. He has a
lot of reasons to be offered another year in my opinion. Was he fully backed
in the summer? Absolutely not. Cheap loans and missed targets impacted the
season massively and had our season starting off in a frustrating manor. The
Payet saga was handled with class, and really reunited the players and the
fans, leading to us picking up important points. He looks to be securing
Premier League football for another year despite all the difficulties.
But, is there more he could have done? Most definitely. It's safe to say
Bilic is a very suborn man who, when he has a plan in head will not change.
We learnt the hard way that we desperately needed a Right Back, but Antonio
was continued to be played there even when it was clear for all to see it
was damaging him as a player. To make it worse, instead of buying a right
back in the window, he decided to play Kouyate in RB. Kouyate being one of
our most influential players in the midfield being wasted at RB. All this
happening while we have a young, hardworking RB on the bench in Sam Byram,
who must be devastated by the lack of game time he has been getting. I do
think we have better options in the midfield than Mark Noble too, who he
seems to have a loyalty too. I think Noble gets some seriously undeserved
stick, although he isn't our best option, he isn't a bad player. But poor
performances and being persistently played has put serious pressure on him,
which he clearly can't handle.
For me, if Slaven can reach 40 points, and keep us up comfortably, he should
be offered another year. He loves the club, and we have seen he can provide
success from his first season. He needs to adapt, needs to properly backed
and trusted.
Thanks for reading,
COME ON YOU IRONS!!
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ANTI MANAGER ARTICLE
BILIC OUT
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 12 MARCH 2017 AT 8:23PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Ian Barnard @onebarian1
There's no doubt that as a person Slaven Bilic appears to be a really nice
chap, he's an educated man that shows warmth and humility and in just about
every interview comes across as one of life's good guys. Add to this the
fact that he had one whole playing season with us, where he was quickly
adored by the faithful for his committed playing style, and it's easy to see
why he retains the unwavering support of the majority of West Ham fans, but
does that necessarily mean a good man is a good manager?….lets take off the
claret and blue tinted specs for a minute and take a look.
A manager needs a number of things in his armoury, clearly tactical
awareness is paramount but communication skills, people skills, decision
making and trust all form part of good leadership, and in essence good
managers not only display all of these elements but they use them all in
conjunction, take one element out and the strength of the individual is
lessened.
Taking those individual elements in order let's start by looking at his
tactical awareness, the man knows his onions, listening to him as a pundit
last year it's clear he knows what it takes to win matches, be that
nullifying opposition threats, setting up a team to attack or counter attack
and making those fine 'in game' adjustments to win or at least not lose
matches. He's done it with reasonable success as the Croatia national team
manager and to some degree with Besiktas, his spell in Russia was a bit of a
disaster but that aside from a purely technical perspective he has a tick in
the box.
So to communication skills, not just language but body language, he's a
highly intelligent man and his command of the English language poses no
problems, he clearly works on tactics and strategy during the week and again
I've no doubt there are no issues getting his methods and work ethic across.
Similarly on the touch line he's involved barking out instructions and
gesturing those little 'in game' tweaks that are required, so again I think
it's fair to say outward communication isn't a major issue. However
communication is a 2-way thing and I do wonder how much, if at all, he
listens to those around him, surely his coaching staff are flagging issues
which clearly means his blinkered Alladyce like pigheadedness dictates that
he won't listen to them, or more worryingly is there a detachment between
him and his staff?
Now let's look at people skills and this is where I perceive there's a
gaping whole in his armoury, having good people skills as a manager isn't
just about being fair or understanding, there are times when difficult
decisions need to be made and ultimately upsetting individuals comes with
the territory. Being loyal is great but good managers have the ability to
detach themselves, take a step back and take stock of the situation, and to
be honest Slaven can't or more likely won't do this. Yes he handled the
Payet situation well once things had come to a head but this had clearly
festered for nearly half of the season. I think Slaven as a Manager likes to
be liked and it's clear he shows unwavering faith in those players closest
to him, what he doesn't have is that hard streak which allows him to make
those unpleasant decisions. If he was at Man Utd he'd find a spot for
Rooney, if he was at Man City and Aguerro would have been found a spot even
with Jesus in the side, if he was at Liverpool Sturridge would probably be
in goal, but that's the difference Mourinho, Guardiola, Conte and Klopp will
bench players for the betterment of the side. Bilic trusts Noble despite the
fact we've got stronger options available, Obiang is our Kante and Kouyate
has the ability to be another Viera, what he'll never be is a right back,
but because those Bilic adores his core men those difficult decisions will
always be averted.
I like and respect Slaven as a man but personally I think his people skills
are his Achilles heel, he needs to be more detached and see what tens of
thousands of fans have seen since the start of the season.
Now let's quickly look at decision making, this obviously follows on from
people skills as its so closely linked, again this shows major short
comings, some of his starting formations are baffling to say the least,
Lanzini a man who can be a modern day Berkovic is deployed wide left when
he's clearly more dangerous in the centre, Snodgrass brought in but used in
a variety of positions and then there's Antonio. Slaven also has this
ability to make changes at the end of games which invite pressure on us,
surely it's no coincidence that we top the charts when it comes to giving
points away at the death of matches, the Tottscum one in particular still
pains me! I'd hate to think how many points we've dropped through poor
management decisions this season.
Finally trust, again sadly a deficiency from my perspective. How long did it
take Antonio to break into the team last year, and low and behold once he
was given the chance he turned out to be rather good! We've the best crop of
youngsters coming through for ages but I just can't see them getting a
chance with Slav at the helm, Martinez was scoring for fun in PL2 but didn't
get a sniff, we've got several out on loan but will they get a chance when
they return?…I personally doubt it. Sadly Mr Bilic has serious trust issues,
ok so he sees Byram in training but give the lad some proper game time to
really appraise him. Look at Koeman at Everton and before at Southampton,
he's not afraid to blood youngsters and watch them flourish. An 18 year old
scored a champions league goal for Dortmund this week, would he have got
that chance if Slav were their manager I somehow doubt it.
So to summarise, yes our Slav is a genuinely nice fella, he's tactically
astute, he's sadly detrimentally loyal and clearly falls short when those
difficult decisions need to be made, which is why he'll never manage a top 5
club. For us to push on its my belief that the board need to make one of
those decisions that sadly Slaven cannot make, either that or settle for
being a mid table side like Stoke, I for one want us to push on not slip
back and as much as I like Slaven the man, sadly I've lost faith in Slaven
the Manager. COYI
Ian Barnard @onebarian1
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Sullivan urges Slaven Bilic and West Ham to improve after Bournemouth
loss
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 12/03/17 11:53am
SSN
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan insists manager Slaven Bilic and his
side must improve following their 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth. Sullivan
expressed his frustration after West Ham produced a below-par performance at
the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, which left the Hammers without a win in
four matches.
Josh King netted a hat-trick, including a 90th-minute winner, to secure
Bournemouth's first victory of 2017 after he and Benik Afobe had both missed
from the penalty spot Michail Antonio opened the scoring for West Ham and
Andre Ayew had made it 2-2 with less than seven minutes remaining before
King grabbed the decisive goal.
West Ham welcome a revitalised Leicester side to London Stadium on Saturday
and Sullivan is expecting a response from Bilic and his players. "I was very
disappointed and frustrated with the manner of our defeat at Bournemouth on
Saturday," Sullivan told the club's official website. "We went down there
determined to bounce back from the Chelsea defeat on Monday, but we didn't
play as well as we know we can. "Slaven, the players and the staff all know
we have to do better. "We have conceded too many goals early in halves in
recent games and, while we've managed to get ourselves back into games like
the ones at Southampton and Watford and at home to West Brom, there will be
matches where we cannot equalise. That situation cannot go on. "I am sure
that Slaven, his backroom staff and the team were not happy with what
happened and they will think about it a lot over the next few days."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Michail Antonio backed for England recall by admittedly biased
Slaven Bilic
"I'm his club manager and I'm not objective, but I don't see many strikers
or wingers playing better than him"
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
22:30, 10 MAR 2017
Slaven Bilic believes Michail Antonio's red-hot form for West Ham this
season should see him back in the England fold. The versatile 26-year-old is
back from suspension for Saturday's Premier League trip to Bournemouth ,
having scored the winner against them in the Hammers' first top-flight game
at their new London Stadium home back in August. With boss Gareth Southgate
finalising his Three Lions squad for this month's games against Germany and
Lithuania, West Ham counterpart Bilic sees no reason why forward Antonio
should not be in the frame. "I'm his club manager and I'm not objective,"
admitted Bilic, "but I don't see many strikers or wingers playing better
than him. "Dele Alli got his chance and grabbed it in the first game
against France, the friendly game [last November]. He scored. Same with
Jamie Vardy. "If Mikey continues like this, or improves, it's going to come
to him."
Antonio was called up for Sam Allardyce's one and only squad last summer,
but did not play in the victory away to Sloavakia. He was not in the parties
for Southgate's four games in interim charge during the autumn. This season,
he has eight goals in the league and three assists, to attract interest from
Chelsea.
Bilic added: "The categories that really matter are high intensity and
sprinting. They are the most important ones. Mikey is our best player in all
of them. He gives you that kind of boost of energy. "He opens the spaces and
then, if you add goals that he scores, he's vital for us. "Players like
Kante, Michail, they can run always. Cheikhou Kouyate. They can run for fun,
because they're born like that. Their muscles, their heart most of all,
their lungs are ideal for that. "Then you have some players who can do it
naturally but are a little bit lazy. You have to push them. "Michail has all
three: He has natural ability, he wants to do it and maybe the most
important one he can do it at high intensity. He's quick, he's got pace,
that's why we talk about him a lot."
West Ham have lost only two of their last seven games — and they were to
champions-elect Chelsea and third-placed Manchester City. Although
Bournemouth are struggling at the other end of the table with five defeats
in their last seven, Bilic believes their point at Manchester United last
weekend — secured despite playing the second half with 10 men — served as a
warning for his players not to take them lightly. He said: "Sometimes the
wounded lion is the most dangerous one. But are we going to be afraid? No."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Winston Reid in line for West Ham contract extension worth more than £70,000
per week
The 28-year-old New Zealander only signed a six-year deal in 2015 but he is
set to pen another contract with improved terms
The Mirror
BYFOOTBALL SPY
22:30, 11 MAR 2017
Winston Reid is in line to have his contract renewed by West Ham – earning
him a pay rise that will bring him in line with Jose Fonte. The New Zealand
star, 28, signed a six-year agreement in 2015, but is now set to be handed a
fresh deal. Fonte, 33, moved from Southampton on wages of over £70,000 a
week and Reid is among a number of the current Hammers squad set to be given
similar. Fonte's January arrival has done little to improve West Ham's
defence and they have conceded in every league game since he joined for
£8million. Michael Antonio is one player revising his demands following
Fonte's arrival.
Antonio is the Hammers' top scorer this season with nine goals in all
competitions and is likely to ask for more money to reflect his contribution
on the field.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, March 13
Sunday, March 12
Daily WHUFC News - 12th March 2017
Cherries pick off Hammers
WHUFC.com
AFC Bournemouth miss two penalties before securing 3-2 Premier League win
over Hammers
Joshua King missed a spot-kick but recovered to score a hat-trick for the
Cherries
West Ham United led through Michail Antonio and levelled through Andre Ayew
late on
West Ham United paid the penalty for failing to take advantage of two missed
AFC Bournemouth spot-kicks to fall to a 3-2 defeat at Vitality Stadium.
The Hammers would have climbed back into the Premier League's top ten with a
point, only to allow Joshua King's hat-trick to condemn them to a first away
defeat of 2017.
An ultimately disappointing game on the south coast featured five goals, two
missed penalties, six yellow cards, 36 goal attempts (16 of them on target)
and seemingly endless talking points.
King had missed a first-half penalty before Michail Antonio fired Slaven
Bilic's side in front. The Bournemouth striker then equalised and scored a
second either side of Benik Afobe's own miss from 12 yards.
Substitute Andre Ayew looked to have snatched a draw seven minutes from
full-time, only for King to win it in the 90th when he slammed the loose
ball high into the net from ten yards.
A breathless first half saw Bournemouth become the first opponent to miss
two penalties in a Premier League fixture against West Ham, and the first
top-flight team since Aston Villa against Wimbledon back in September 1998
to miss two penalties in the opening 45 minutes.
King was the first culprit, firing into the advertising board after Sofiane
Feghouli had been adjudged to have fouled Marc Pugh as he burst into the
box.
Within 48 seconds, the visitors were ahead as Feghouli made amends by
finding the returning Antonio, back after a one-game ban, who controlled and
rolled a low left-foot shot beyond Artur Boruc.
With Bournemouth seemingly shell-shocked, West Ham then assumed control and
missed a succession of presentable opportunities to extend their lead, with
Antonio dragging wide and Manuel Lanzini slamming too high.
Eddie Howe's side gradually got their composure back and, as they continued
to throw players forward with abandon, forced Darren Randolph to save from
Ryan Fraser and Steve Cook.
The home side finally equalised on 31 minutes through King when Norway
forward flicked the ball over Jose Fonte with his right foot before sending
a controlled half-volley into the corner with his left.
Five minutes later and Bournemouth won their second penalty when Fonte was
ruled to have tripped Pugh. However, Afobe's effort was weak and the
Republic of Ireland plunged to his right to hold on safely.
To complete a relentless first half, Boruc then made a fortunate save to
keep out Feghouli's deflected effort with his legs, meaning the two sides
went in as they started - level.
That remained the case for less than three second-half minutes as Afobe
flicked a free-kick into the path of the No17, who swept past a helpless
Randolph to turn the game on its head.
Eyes again turned to Mr Madley as he debated with his assistant - either
over Afobe's handling of the ball or whether King should have been adjudged
offside from the initial free-kick - before awarding the goal.
Bilic responded by sending on Ayew, Robert Snodgrass and, later, Sam Byram.
After both teams had passed up further opportunities - Afobe for Bournemouth
and Antonio and Lanzini for West Ham - the changes looked to have paid off
when Byram crossed for Ayew to score on 83 minutes.
However, King still had time to crown a memorable personal performance when
he was in the right place at the right time to score after Randolph had
saved substitute Jack Wilshere's shot with his left boot.
AFC Bournemouth: Boruc, A.Smith, Francis C, Cook, Daniels, Fraser (Mousset
85), Arter, Gosling, Pugh, King, Afobe (Wilshere 85)
Subs not used: Allsop (GK), Cargill, B.Smith, Gradel, Ibe
Goals: King 31, 48, 90
Booked: Pugh, Afobe, Gosling, Cook
West Ham United: Randolph, Kouyate (Byram 78), Fonte, Reid, Cresswell,
Obiang, Noble C (Snodgrass 58), Feghouli (Ayew 58), Lanzini, Antonio,
Carroll
Subs not used: Adrian (GK), Collins, Masuaku, Fernandes
Goals: Antonio 11, Ayew 83
Booked: Noble, Obiang
Referee: Robert Madley
Attendance: N/A
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic left 'very disappointed'
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic left 'very disappointed' by 3-2 Premier League defeat at AFC
Bournemouth
West Ham United led early on and equalised through Andre Ayew with seven
minutes remaining
Manager admitted his team should have played for a draw after leveling at
2-2
Slaven Bilic admitted his side should have played for a draw after leveling
late in their 3-2 Premier League defeat at AFC Bournemouth.
West Ham United clawed their way back into a dramatic game at Vitality
Stadium when substitute Andre Ayew slotted home with seven minutes of the 90
remaining.
However, with a host of attacking starters and substitutes on the pitch, the
Hammers went forward one more time in search of a winner. Rather than
snatching an unlikely victory, the Cherries pick Bilic's side off with a
last-minute winner scored by hat-trick hero Josh King, who had earlier
missed a penalty and scored twice after Michail Antonio had opened the
scoring.
"At the end I definitely felt we should have got something out of it," said
the manager, "but Bournemouth also played good and they showed great
aggression and missed a couple of penalties too.
"We were good when we scored the first goal and then we had a few good
opportunities and situations to maybe go two up, having taken advantage of
their shock at missing the first penalty and then us scoring within a
minute.
"After they scored the second goal, we were really good up until we
equalised. After that, it's hard to concede a goal. When it was 2-2 we
should not have conceded a goal from a counter-attack, basically. We are
disappointed, of course."
West Ham had 15 of a relentless game's 36 goal attempts, and seven of the 16
which were hitting their target, but the manager said his team should have
known not to commit too many men forward as full-time approached.
Instead, Bournemouth threw bodies forward - as they had done all afternoon -
and, when childhood Hammers fan Jack Wilshere's shot was saved superbly by
Darren Randolph, King was on hand to roof the loose ball and break the
hearts of the 1,340 travelling supporters.
"At that moment we went for a third goal but basically with too many
players," Bilic observed. "We were very, very open and we lost the ball and
then it was a good counter-attack from them. Darren made a good save, of
course, but it went to their player and they scored.
"We are disappointed, especially because we had so many chances. At the end
of the day, we scored two goals away from home and we should have got
something out of the game.
"We had been on a good run and had been playing good and we showed good
quality to equalise. We had pressure, but they were always dangerous on the
counter-attack. Basically, when we made it 2-2 they can't score, not from a
counter-attack."
At the end of the day, we scored two goals away from home and we should have
got something out of the game
Slaven Bilic
The manager was asked for his thoughts on referee Bobby Madley's
performance, which involved awarding two spot-kicks to the home side, but
turning down the visitors' appeals for a late penalty when Andy Carroll's
cross hit Adam Smith on the arm.
There was also a debate around Bournemouth's second goal, which was awarded
after Mr Madley had discussed whether King had been offside when Benik Afobe
- whose first-half penalty was saved by Randolph - knocked the ball into his
path with his arm.
"After the second goal, the players asked for the handball, but to be fair
it was a good goal," Bilic said. "From the touchline I could not see it. I
saw it afterwards and it wasn't clear, but for me it wasn't handball."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio - We needed to be more composed
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio's ninth goal of the season can't prevent Hammers from
falling to 3-2 loss at AFC Bournemouth
Antonio finished left footed just moments after Josh King missed a penalty
for the hosts
Hammers suffer just second away league defeat since November
Michail Antonio edged closer to double figures for the season with his first
half goal at Bournemouth on Saturday, but his ninth of the campaign is not
one he will remember with any fondness after the Cherries came from behind
to win 3-2.
The Hammers were the beneficiaries of two missed penalties by the Cherries
before the game had even reached half-time, but their luck ran out after the
break as Josh King added to his 31st minute leveller with two more goals to
consign the visitors to defeat.
Antonio was disappointed to end up on the losing team - especially after
they had clawed it back to 2-2 with seven minutes left to play - and said
the Londoners should have closed the game out better.
"It was a dramatic game, but a frustrating one for us," Antonio admitted.
"It was end-to-end stuff and we should have stayed a bit more composed when
we went into the lead - especially as we scored straight after they missed
their pen.
"Bournemouth kept pressing us and working hard. They desperately need the
points right now and they showed some grit and some fight.
"The good thing in football is you always get the chance to put it right, so
we'll go again at home against Leicester and hopefully we can get the three
points then."
Antonio's goal came in the tenth minute, finishing off on his weaker left
side after being set up by Sofiane Feghouli, but he will hope his next
strike comes in a winning cause.
He added: "I always want to score goals, but I always want to win games as
well, so it's disappointing that we've ended up losing.
"It's all about winning games, so it's not the feeling I wanted. I can't
really remember the goal to be honest. I just remember Sofiane passing me
the ball, taking it on my left and it going into the net."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic says defeat at Bournemouth was hard to take
By Richard Morgan
Last Updated: 11/03/17 8:04pm
SSN
West Ham United's 3-2 loss to Bournemouth was hard to take after the
visitors has appeared set for a hard-earned point at the Vitality Stadium,
according to manager Slaven Bilic.
The Hammers, who had taken an early lead through Michail Antonio's ninth
goal of the season, found themselves trailing late on after Josh King's
double either side of half-time.
However, despite the Cherries also missing two first-half penalties, West
Ham looked on course for a draw when substitute Andre Ayew scored with just
seven minutes to go, that was until King completed his hat-trick with a
last-minute strike.
Bilic, though, was angry that his players had thrown away a point by getting
caught on the counter-attack going in search of their own winner, with his
defence out of position as a result.
"We are disappointed because first of all when you score two away goals, we
expect to get something out of the game, especially when you equalise a few
minutes before the end of the game," he said.
"It is hard to concede a goal from a counter-attack. Because we were good
when we were on the ball, we went basically with too many players up too
early and we left the right side of our defence completely open for them.
"Then we lost the ball and they made a good counter-attack with good
positions and a good number of players. And we were open and split at the
back and they scored, so it is hard of course to lose like this.
"We could have still gone for the win, but not so early. The players should
be in position and then if we are with the ball, 30 metres from their goal,
I am expecting my defenders to go up and try and win the ball."
West Ham made the perfect start to the game by scoring just 48 seconds after
King had side-footed a ninth-minute penalty wide of the right-hand post.
Bilic, however, thought his team could have taken advantage of their
opponents' emotional struggles at that point by scoring another goal.
"It was a great moment to score the goal because they were in a little bit
of shock because they missed the penalty," he said. "And straight away
instead of 1-0 to them, it is 1-0 to us.
"We had those 10 minutes when we could use that situation and maybe score
another one, but it is never too early to score a goal."
Overall, though, Bilic was pleased with his side's display on the south
coast, with the Croat now targeting a win against champions Leicester City
at the London Stadium next Saturday to make up for this painful loss.
"There were a lot of positives in this performance," Bilic said. "But also,
especially in the first half, they were much more aggressive, they were much
better in the transition and winning the second ball. And that is how they
created the chances.
"In the second half we conceded very early, then after that we played really
good, so of course it is a setback.
"Every defeat is a setback, but we are looking like a really good team and
we have another game next week and we have to make up for today."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
AFC Bournemouth miss two penalties before securing 3-2 Premier League win
over Hammers
Joshua King missed a spot-kick but recovered to score a hat-trick for the
Cherries
West Ham United led through Michail Antonio and levelled through Andre Ayew
late on
West Ham United paid the penalty for failing to take advantage of two missed
AFC Bournemouth spot-kicks to fall to a 3-2 defeat at Vitality Stadium.
The Hammers would have climbed back into the Premier League's top ten with a
point, only to allow Joshua King's hat-trick to condemn them to a first away
defeat of 2017.
An ultimately disappointing game on the south coast featured five goals, two
missed penalties, six yellow cards, 36 goal attempts (16 of them on target)
and seemingly endless talking points.
King had missed a first-half penalty before Michail Antonio fired Slaven
Bilic's side in front. The Bournemouth striker then equalised and scored a
second either side of Benik Afobe's own miss from 12 yards.
Substitute Andre Ayew looked to have snatched a draw seven minutes from
full-time, only for King to win it in the 90th when he slammed the loose
ball high into the net from ten yards.
A breathless first half saw Bournemouth become the first opponent to miss
two penalties in a Premier League fixture against West Ham, and the first
top-flight team since Aston Villa against Wimbledon back in September 1998
to miss two penalties in the opening 45 minutes.
King was the first culprit, firing into the advertising board after Sofiane
Feghouli had been adjudged to have fouled Marc Pugh as he burst into the
box.
Within 48 seconds, the visitors were ahead as Feghouli made amends by
finding the returning Antonio, back after a one-game ban, who controlled and
rolled a low left-foot shot beyond Artur Boruc.
With Bournemouth seemingly shell-shocked, West Ham then assumed control and
missed a succession of presentable opportunities to extend their lead, with
Antonio dragging wide and Manuel Lanzini slamming too high.
Eddie Howe's side gradually got their composure back and, as they continued
to throw players forward with abandon, forced Darren Randolph to save from
Ryan Fraser and Steve Cook.
The home side finally equalised on 31 minutes through King when Norway
forward flicked the ball over Jose Fonte with his right foot before sending
a controlled half-volley into the corner with his left.
Five minutes later and Bournemouth won their second penalty when Fonte was
ruled to have tripped Pugh. However, Afobe's effort was weak and the
Republic of Ireland plunged to his right to hold on safely.
To complete a relentless first half, Boruc then made a fortunate save to
keep out Feghouli's deflected effort with his legs, meaning the two sides
went in as they started - level.
That remained the case for less than three second-half minutes as Afobe
flicked a free-kick into the path of the No17, who swept past a helpless
Randolph to turn the game on its head.
Eyes again turned to Mr Madley as he debated with his assistant - either
over Afobe's handling of the ball or whether King should have been adjudged
offside from the initial free-kick - before awarding the goal.
Bilic responded by sending on Ayew, Robert Snodgrass and, later, Sam Byram.
After both teams had passed up further opportunities - Afobe for Bournemouth
and Antonio and Lanzini for West Ham - the changes looked to have paid off
when Byram crossed for Ayew to score on 83 minutes.
However, King still had time to crown a memorable personal performance when
he was in the right place at the right time to score after Randolph had
saved substitute Jack Wilshere's shot with his left boot.
AFC Bournemouth: Boruc, A.Smith, Francis C, Cook, Daniels, Fraser (Mousset
85), Arter, Gosling, Pugh, King, Afobe (Wilshere 85)
Subs not used: Allsop (GK), Cargill, B.Smith, Gradel, Ibe
Goals: King 31, 48, 90
Booked: Pugh, Afobe, Gosling, Cook
West Ham United: Randolph, Kouyate (Byram 78), Fonte, Reid, Cresswell,
Obiang, Noble C (Snodgrass 58), Feghouli (Ayew 58), Lanzini, Antonio,
Carroll
Subs not used: Adrian (GK), Collins, Masuaku, Fernandes
Goals: Antonio 11, Ayew 83
Booked: Noble, Obiang
Referee: Robert Madley
Attendance: N/A
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic left 'very disappointed'
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic left 'very disappointed' by 3-2 Premier League defeat at AFC
Bournemouth
West Ham United led early on and equalised through Andre Ayew with seven
minutes remaining
Manager admitted his team should have played for a draw after leveling at
2-2
Slaven Bilic admitted his side should have played for a draw after leveling
late in their 3-2 Premier League defeat at AFC Bournemouth.
West Ham United clawed their way back into a dramatic game at Vitality
Stadium when substitute Andre Ayew slotted home with seven minutes of the 90
remaining.
However, with a host of attacking starters and substitutes on the pitch, the
Hammers went forward one more time in search of a winner. Rather than
snatching an unlikely victory, the Cherries pick Bilic's side off with a
last-minute winner scored by hat-trick hero Josh King, who had earlier
missed a penalty and scored twice after Michail Antonio had opened the
scoring.
"At the end I definitely felt we should have got something out of it," said
the manager, "but Bournemouth also played good and they showed great
aggression and missed a couple of penalties too.
"We were good when we scored the first goal and then we had a few good
opportunities and situations to maybe go two up, having taken advantage of
their shock at missing the first penalty and then us scoring within a
minute.
"After they scored the second goal, we were really good up until we
equalised. After that, it's hard to concede a goal. When it was 2-2 we
should not have conceded a goal from a counter-attack, basically. We are
disappointed, of course."
West Ham had 15 of a relentless game's 36 goal attempts, and seven of the 16
which were hitting their target, but the manager said his team should have
known not to commit too many men forward as full-time approached.
Instead, Bournemouth threw bodies forward - as they had done all afternoon -
and, when childhood Hammers fan Jack Wilshere's shot was saved superbly by
Darren Randolph, King was on hand to roof the loose ball and break the
hearts of the 1,340 travelling supporters.
"At that moment we went for a third goal but basically with too many
players," Bilic observed. "We were very, very open and we lost the ball and
then it was a good counter-attack from them. Darren made a good save, of
course, but it went to their player and they scored.
"We are disappointed, especially because we had so many chances. At the end
of the day, we scored two goals away from home and we should have got
something out of the game.
"We had been on a good run and had been playing good and we showed good
quality to equalise. We had pressure, but they were always dangerous on the
counter-attack. Basically, when we made it 2-2 they can't score, not from a
counter-attack."
At the end of the day, we scored two goals away from home and we should have
got something out of the game
Slaven Bilic
The manager was asked for his thoughts on referee Bobby Madley's
performance, which involved awarding two spot-kicks to the home side, but
turning down the visitors' appeals for a late penalty when Andy Carroll's
cross hit Adam Smith on the arm.
There was also a debate around Bournemouth's second goal, which was awarded
after Mr Madley had discussed whether King had been offside when Benik Afobe
- whose first-half penalty was saved by Randolph - knocked the ball into his
path with his arm.
"After the second goal, the players asked for the handball, but to be fair
it was a good goal," Bilic said. "From the touchline I could not see it. I
saw it afterwards and it wasn't clear, but for me it wasn't handball."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio - We needed to be more composed
WHUFC.com
Michail Antonio's ninth goal of the season can't prevent Hammers from
falling to 3-2 loss at AFC Bournemouth
Antonio finished left footed just moments after Josh King missed a penalty
for the hosts
Hammers suffer just second away league defeat since November
Michail Antonio edged closer to double figures for the season with his first
half goal at Bournemouth on Saturday, but his ninth of the campaign is not
one he will remember with any fondness after the Cherries came from behind
to win 3-2.
The Hammers were the beneficiaries of two missed penalties by the Cherries
before the game had even reached half-time, but their luck ran out after the
break as Josh King added to his 31st minute leveller with two more goals to
consign the visitors to defeat.
Antonio was disappointed to end up on the losing team - especially after
they had clawed it back to 2-2 with seven minutes left to play - and said
the Londoners should have closed the game out better.
"It was a dramatic game, but a frustrating one for us," Antonio admitted.
"It was end-to-end stuff and we should have stayed a bit more composed when
we went into the lead - especially as we scored straight after they missed
their pen.
"Bournemouth kept pressing us and working hard. They desperately need the
points right now and they showed some grit and some fight.
"The good thing in football is you always get the chance to put it right, so
we'll go again at home against Leicester and hopefully we can get the three
points then."
Antonio's goal came in the tenth minute, finishing off on his weaker left
side after being set up by Sofiane Feghouli, but he will hope his next
strike comes in a winning cause.
He added: "I always want to score goals, but I always want to win games as
well, so it's disappointing that we've ended up losing.
"It's all about winning games, so it's not the feeling I wanted. I can't
really remember the goal to be honest. I just remember Sofiane passing me
the ball, taking it on my left and it going into the net."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic says defeat at Bournemouth was hard to take
By Richard Morgan
Last Updated: 11/03/17 8:04pm
SSN
West Ham United's 3-2 loss to Bournemouth was hard to take after the
visitors has appeared set for a hard-earned point at the Vitality Stadium,
according to manager Slaven Bilic.
The Hammers, who had taken an early lead through Michail Antonio's ninth
goal of the season, found themselves trailing late on after Josh King's
double either side of half-time.
However, despite the Cherries also missing two first-half penalties, West
Ham looked on course for a draw when substitute Andre Ayew scored with just
seven minutes to go, that was until King completed his hat-trick with a
last-minute strike.
Bilic, though, was angry that his players had thrown away a point by getting
caught on the counter-attack going in search of their own winner, with his
defence out of position as a result.
"We are disappointed because first of all when you score two away goals, we
expect to get something out of the game, especially when you equalise a few
minutes before the end of the game," he said.
"It is hard to concede a goal from a counter-attack. Because we were good
when we were on the ball, we went basically with too many players up too
early and we left the right side of our defence completely open for them.
"Then we lost the ball and they made a good counter-attack with good
positions and a good number of players. And we were open and split at the
back and they scored, so it is hard of course to lose like this.
"We could have still gone for the win, but not so early. The players should
be in position and then if we are with the ball, 30 metres from their goal,
I am expecting my defenders to go up and try and win the ball."
West Ham made the perfect start to the game by scoring just 48 seconds after
King had side-footed a ninth-minute penalty wide of the right-hand post.
Bilic, however, thought his team could have taken advantage of their
opponents' emotional struggles at that point by scoring another goal.
"It was a great moment to score the goal because they were in a little bit
of shock because they missed the penalty," he said. "And straight away
instead of 1-0 to them, it is 1-0 to us.
"We had those 10 minutes when we could use that situation and maybe score
another one, but it is never too early to score a goal."
Overall, though, Bilic was pleased with his side's display on the south
coast, with the Croat now targeting a win against champions Leicester City
at the London Stadium next Saturday to make up for this painful loss.
"There were a lot of positives in this performance," Bilic said. "But also,
especially in the first half, they were much more aggressive, they were much
better in the transition and winning the second ball. And that is how they
created the chances.
"In the second half we conceded very early, then after that we played really
good, so of course it is a setback.
"Every defeat is a setback, but we are looking like a really good team and
we have another game next week and we have to make up for today."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, March 11
Daily WHUFC News - 11th March 2017
Preview - AFC Bournemouth
WHUFC.com
When and where?
AFC Bournemouth v West Ham United
Premier League
Saturday 11 March 2017, 3pm GMT
Vitality Stadium
What's the story?
West Ham United face AFC Bournemouth on Saturday as they look to maintain a fine run of away form which has seen them lose just once on their Premier League travels since November.
The Hammers have taken ten points from their last five away games in the league, winning at Swansea City, Middlesbrough and Southampton during that run.
League leaders Chelsea took the points at London Stadium last time out, as goals from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa meant Manuel Lanzini's late strike counted for little, but the away form of Slaven Bilic's team will mean they can head to the South Coast with confidence.
West Ham currently sit eleventh in the Premier League table, with 33 points from their 27 games to date, but could rise to ninth with victory on Saturday.
Bournemouth are six points and three places lower than the Hammers, but gained an important point in a 1-1 draw at Manchester United last weekend.
The draw ended a run of four straight defeats which has them looking over their shoulders as the league table tightens up below them.
The Cherries continue to impress with their attacking outlook in their second Premier League campaign, however, and their tally of 37 goals scored is the best of anyone outside the division's top seven.
West Ham have won two of the three league meetings between the clubs since Bournemouth's promotion in 2015, triumphing 1-0 in the most recent clash – at London Stadium in August.
Team news
Winston Reid was forced off during the second half of Monday's defeat to Chelsea after suffering from a leg injury, but is expected to be fit for Saturday's trip to the South Coast.
Andy Carroll came through 90 minutes on his return from a groin injury against the Blues and will be hoping for another start.
Michail Antonio returns after serving his one-match ban on Monday, but Diafra Sakho (back), Angelo Ogbonna and Gokhan Tore (both knee) remain sidelined.
For Bournemouth, Tyrone Mings starts a five-match ban after being found guilty of violent conduct in last weekend's draw at Manchester United.
Andrew Surman is also banned after being sent off in the same game.
Striker Callum Wilson is out with a serious knee injury, while Adam Federici and former Hammer Junior Stanislas are sidelined.
Jack Wilshere could return to the starting XI after training all week, while Eddie Howe will make a late call on defender Simon Francis, who has missed the last two games with a hamstring problem.
Player head-to-head
Head-to-Head
How do I get to the game?
Click here for Bournemouth's comprehensive guide to the Vitality Stadium for away supporters.
Supporters travelling to the game by train should be aware that a replacement bus service will replace trains between Southampton Airport Parkway and Bournemouth.
Click here for up-to-the-minute news on the trains and here for the very latest on the road network.
How can I watch the game?
This match is not being broadcast live in the UK. Overseas supporters may be able to watch the match, depending on your location. Click here for global television information.
Remember, you can follow the action as it happens right here on whufc.com, with live audio commentary, social media updates, in-running stats, photos and more. Get involved in the conversation on social using #BOUWHU
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Opposition View - Martin Tyler
WHUFC.com
Commentator Martin Tyler is looking forward to seeing two of his favourite clubs in action this weekend.
West Ham United travel south to face AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, and the veteran broadcaster told whufc.com he has a soft spot for both the Hammers and the Cherries in an exclusive interview.
The popular Tyler, who has commentated on numerous matches featuring the two Premier League clubs throughout his illustrious career with ITV and Sky Sports, also pointed to the many links between the east London outfit and their Dorset counterparts.
You will have watched AFC Bournemouth this season. What have you made of Eddie Howe's side?
"Their weakness has been defensively, and the stats mean that I don't have to show you that. Last weekend, they went to Manchester United and had a player sent-off in the first half and defended far better with ten men than they have been with eleven men!
"From that point of view, losing Andre Surman probably focused their minds, but they did extremely well in difficult circumstances, battled hard and certainly frustrated Manchester United. I'm not saying they've turned a corner, but it would have given them a huge boost and a point they wouldn't have expected to get, and now West Ham are up next for them.
"Surman will be suspended, as will Tyrone Mings, but they are capable of winning games because the attacking side of their play is very good."
As you say, they attack well, so who are their key men?
"Josh King is in great form. He's knocked about a bit since leaving Manchester United but he's a more mature player now and he's on a great run, with six goals in his last nine Premier League matches."
Their recent rise to the Premier League is some story…
"They've done remarkably well. It would be foolish to say that it is a complete fairy story because they've had the finances to do it, but you've still got to do it and they've done it in some style.
"It's extraordinary to think that this is just their second season in the top division of English football. They must take great credit for that and they're fighting hard to make sure there is a third season – and that's the challenge West Ham have to meet."
There are a lot of close links between the two clubs too, of course, so do you have any stories that spring to mind?
"I always mention when Manchester United, as FA Cup holders, lost to Harry Redknapp's Bournemouth in the third round in 1984. That was the last away tie that they lost to a lower-division opponent, so it's still in the record books. Obviously, I work with Jamie so I hear Harry stories all the time!
"Rio Ferdinand went there on loan, as did Jermain Defoe, so the links are there. There were a number of players who have played for West Ham at the top level and either built their careers or retired down at Bournemouth."
What about West Ham? Things appear to be on the up, generally?
"Yes, I was at London for the Southampton game and that was hot on the heels of the Watford game, and there were clearly some teething troubles in terms of results.
"It seems to me that things have settled down a lot and results have improved, except against the very top teams, and there is no disgrace in losing to the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United.
"The two games at home to Burnley and Hull before Christmas seem to me like they were a turning point, because the team didn't play particularly well but they managed to win both, with the post winning Man of the Match in one of them!
"I think there has definitely been improvement. I spent part of the time preparing for the Chelsea game with the manager and the lads and I felt there was a feeling of optimism."
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Kouyate - We'll battle hard for the win
WHUFC.com
Cheikhou Kouyate urges West Ham United to 'battle' for victory at AFC Bournemouth
Hammers are without a win in their previous two Premier League matches
Senegal star would prefer to play in midfield but is content to continue at right-back
Cheikhou Kouyate says West Ham United need to overcome recent disappointments and 'battle' for the victory at AFC Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
The Hammers have picked up just one point from their previous two Premier League matches, drawing 1-1 at Watford before going down to a 2-1 home defeat by Chelsea.
Having slipped back into the bottom half of the table, Kouyate says a victory in Dorset would provide a major boost to Slaven Bilic's squad ahead of the visit of resurgent champions Leicester City to London Stadium on 18 March.
"Of course we do need the points at the moment, because in the last two games we dropped two points against Watford and we lost at home to Chelsea, although of course Chelsea are a fantastic side," observed the Senegal captain.
"Now, we have the Bournemouth game coming up and we will be going there to try and take all three points. It's a very important game, then we have Leicester the following week, so we'll be preparing for that game as well.
"We know that many teams go to Bournemouth and don't win, so we know it'll be tough, but we'll be battling as hard as we can to get the win."
Kouyate has been deployed in an unaccustomed right-back role in both games, giving away an unfortunate penalty at Vicarage Road before coming up against the formidable Eden Hazard at London Stadium.
When asked, the No8 admitted he would rather be playing in his preferred midfield role, but insisted he would be content to fill a full-back position again at Vitality Stadium, so long as West Ham leave the south coast with three points.
"I am very happy that I have become an important player for the team and that is all down to the hard work I have put in every day," he explained. "Everything I do here is for the team. For me, I am happy with the progress I've been making.
"The most important thing here is West Ham United and not Cheikhou Kouyate and everything I am doing is for the team to go as far as it can."
"I don't like playing there [at right-back], to be honest. It's not my position and it doesn't suit my game, but I play for the team. The fact the coach has asked me to do so is a compliment, of course, but it isn't my preference."
So, where would Kouyate play if he could pick his position on the pitch himself?
"Striker! No, I prefer playing in midfield and that's where I played when I was coming through the ranks as a youngster. There is more freedom in that position and I like going box-to-box, so that's where I prefer to play."
*West Ham United's Premier League fixture at AFC Bournemouth will be broadcast live on BBC London Sport radio on Saturday 11 March, with kick-off at 3pm. Television highlights will be shown on BBC One's Match of the Day show from 10.20pm.
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Five Talking Points – AFC Bournemouth
WHUFC.com
1. Away form
West Ham United's away form under Slaven Bilic has been outstanding in recent months. The Hammers have lost just once in their last seven Premier League matches on their travels – and even that one defeat was a hard-to-take 1-0 reverse at Leicester City on New Year's Eve. Since taking over in summer 2015, the Croatian has led his side superbly on the road, achieving eleven wins, ten draws and eleven defeats in 32 league matches away from east London. Forty-three points from 32 league games would be acceptable form in a normal season, but to pick up that many points from away games only shows how well the Hammers have played on enemy territory.
2. Cherries on top or Cherries squished?
AFC Bournemouth's recent Premier League form has been indifferent, with the Cherries collecting just three points from their last eight matches. Since going 3-0 up against Arsenal on 3 January, Eddie Howe's side have conceded 21 goals and scored just eight, slipping from ninth to 14th in the table. While last weekend's 1-1 draw at Manchester United showed a refreshing resilience, what looked to be a comfortable second season in the top flight has turned into an anxious glance over the shoulder from everyone at the Vitality Stadium. While relegation still looks highly unlikely, Howe will want his side to end their winless run as soon as possible if they are to enjoy the remaining weeks of 2016/17.
3. Crucial Michy
West Ham United are a different proposition when Michail Antonio is in the team, that much is obvious. Manager Slaven Bilic hailed Antonio's athleticism, work-rate and energy in his pre-match press conference, pointing to the huge number of high-intensity sprints he makes in each game. The No30 also brings pace to stretch the opposition defence and run in behind, while his aerial ability will give Bournemouth's full-backs something extra to worry about on Saturday, when he returns following a one-match ban. Simply put, in a little more than a year, Antonio has become a crucial member of the starting XI.
4. Right-back where we started from
Slaven Bilic admitted that Cheikhou Kouyate is 'wasted' at right-back in his pre-match press conference and, despite the Senegalese star's versatility, he could move into a more accustomed midfield role on Saturday. Sam Byram's impressive cameo against Chelsea may see the former Leeds United player drafted into the starting XI, with Kouyate moving into midfield. If that happens, Bilic will then have a big decision to make, as Kouyate, captain Mark Noble and Pedro Obiang will then likely be vying for two deep midfield roles.
Ahead of them, Slaven will also need to decide who to play in the three advanced midfield positions behind Andy Carroll, with Manuel Lanzini, Michail Antonio, Sofiane Feghouli, Andre Ayew and Robert Snodgrass all in contention.
5. Close links
Despite being 100 miles apart, there are dozens of links between West Ham United and AFC Bournemouth. Former Hammers John Bond, Harry Redknapp and Jimmy Quinn have all managed Bournemouth, as has one-time West Ham assistant Paul Groves. Player-wise, John Arnott, Bobby Barnes, Ian Bishop, Phil Brignull, Jack Collison, Jermain Defoe, Anthony Edgar, Rio Ferdinand, Carl Fletcher, Dale Gordon, Trevor Hartley, Stephen Henderson, Zavon Hines, Pat Holland, Matt Holmes, Bobby Howe, David James, Steve Jones, Bill Kitchener, Everald La Ronde, Ted MacDougall, Scott Mean, Keith Miller, Paul Mitchell, Nicky Morgan, Emmanuel Omoyinmi, Keith Rowland, Tony Scott, Tommy Southren, Marek Stech and Mark Watson have all worn the colours of both clubs. Nowadays, Academy of Football graduate Junior Stanislas is in Eddie Howe's squad, while the Cherries boss is assisted by Jason Tindall, the son of long-time Hammers scout Jimmy. Oh, and midfielder Jack Wilshere is a West Ham fan!
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Slav: Noble is our leader
WHUFC.com
To quote the legendary American Football coach Vince Lombardi: 'It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up.'
When it comes to Mark Noble and the personal responsibility he takes as West Ham United captain, it's not just a case of getting up, but lifting those around him at the same time and then driving them on to bigger and better things. For Slaven Bilic, that leadership quality is an asset he has been able to rely on since the day he walked back into the Club in the summer of 2015 and named Noble as his skipper. "He is the leader of the team," said the Hammers boss. "He keeps us balanced. Sometimes he has a great game, sometimes he doesn't. But overall he is playing good for us. "And he is more than a player on the pitch. His presence means a lot. It means a lot for the others around him."
The praise for his captain came in response to questions about Noble's mindset following the 2-1 home defeat against London rivals Chelsea on Monday, when his misplaced pass midway through the first-half led to Eden Hazard opening the scoring for the visitors.
Noble responded in the same way he has done since breaking into the Hammers' first-team as a fresh-faced 17-year-old in 2004 – by rolling his sleeves up, refusing to hide or shirk a challenge, and doing his utmost to drag his team back into the match.
To his manager, that came as no surprise. And using the example of Barcelona's jaw-dropping comeback against Paris St Germain in the Champions League this week, Bilic explained exactly why his faith in Noble remains absolute.
"You can't just judge a player on one mistake," he said. "If it's like that, Barcelona should have sold all their players after the first leg in Paris. Now they should give them all long-term contracts. Paris the other way around. Sell them all. "Before Chelsea I was asked the question: Does Mark Noble deserve an England call-up? Now, after nothing basically, I am being asked: What about Mark Noble? "It's about believing in your team. The Barcelona game showed that that changing something when needed is good. But what is 100% is that you never stop believing in your players."
As the squad trained in the sunshine at Rush Green on Thursday in preparation for Saturday's trip to Bournemouth, Noble was there again, working, demanding, encouraging. He is now just four games from reaching 400 senior appearances in claret and blue, yet that determination, drive and desire shows no sign of abating. "Mark loves to train," said Bilic. "He very rarely misses a training session. He listens, he leads, he is a top professional. He never trains at 50, 60, 70 or 80 per cent. He trains at 100 per cent. "It's ideal when you have players like him."
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Ray's labour of love
WHUFC.com
His glittering career includes Hollywood blockbusters and BAFTA nominations, but when it comes to the film closest to his heart, Ray Winstone's latest starring role will take some beating. Iron Men, ON SALE NOW, tells the historic, emotional story of West Ham United's final season at the Boleyn Ground and move to London Stadium, and focuses on the journey of several key figures following the Club, including legendary actor and lifelong Hammers fan Ray. The 60-year-old spoke exclusively to West Ham TV at the world premiere of Iron Men last week, and revealed what persuaded him to sign up to a true labour of love. "You start getting nostalgic," said Ray. "When you talk about where you were brought up and what West Ham means to you, not just as a person but as part of a community. "For me, the film is about where we came from, and that's why I wanted to do it, to talk about that history but also to talk about the future and where we want to go."
While the film provides an emotional trip down memory lane for Hammers fans, it is a journey that also looks forward to an exciting future at London Stadium, and Ray didn't hesitate when giving his views on the Club's new home and the progress being made under Slaven Bilic. "We had to move," he said. "If you want to be a bigger club, in this day and age, that is the approach you have to take.
"I like the past, I like thinking about, but in football terms we needed to move on. And I think when the team are really playing well, the atmosphere will be there and the stadium will be a fortress. "I like Slaven, he is everything that West Ham is," added Ray. "He has got heart, he has got passion, and he knows his football. "Early on, I wasn't sure if there was a Plan B. We were great away from home, set up to hit teams on the break, but we needed something else at home.
"But then Andy Carroll came back, we've had pace in wide areas, and the home form has been getting better and better. We're getting there I think."
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Both sides of the fence - Harry Redknapp
WHUFC.com
Harry Redknapp has a unique connection with West Ham and Bournemouth, having played and managed both clubs during a career spanning more than 50 years.
Harry, who celebrated his 70th birthday earlier this month, looks forward to the clash between his former clubs this weekend and talks Slaven Bilic, London Stadium and life after management…
I'll be there at the match on Saturday.
I'm looking forward to what should be an exciting game between two footballing sides who like to attack. I've seen a lot of Bournemouth this season as I live nearby. I take the grandchildren along and it's nice to enjoy watching Premier League football without the pressures of management. We get to the ground five minutes before kick-off and often make a quick exit five minutes before the end so I can be home in time to see all the other results coming in. The grandkids get a bit annoyed though – we've missed a lot of late goals this season!
Bournemouth have had a tough time recently.
After a fantastic first season in the Premier League last year, it was always going to be a bit tougher in the second season, but they were going well early on. They had a great 3-1 win over Liverpool at home and should have beaten Arsenal at the start of the year after going 3-0 up, but were pegged back to 3-3. That was a real blow and, since then, they've been on a tricky run and haven't won a game. The point at Old Trafford last week was a big confidence boost, though, and they'll be desperate to get their home form back on track this weekend.
Eddie Howe has a great future ahead of him.
What he has achieved in his short time as manager so far is nothing short of incredible. Bournemouth hadn't been out of the bottom two divisions for 100 years before I took them up to the old Second Division in 1987, but Eddie stole my thunder by taking them into the Premier League! He is a great lad, though, and has all the qualities to be a top, top manager. I signed him as a player and he always showed a great interest in learning the game. I'm proud that a lot of young players I managed have gone in to coaching. The likes of young Frank, Rio and Joe Cole are all taking their coaching badges and have the ability to go far.
West Ham have turned things around after a difficult start.
It was always going to take time to settle in at the new stadium, and there have been a lot of injuries to key players that have disrupted their progress. Then there was the situation with Dimitri Payet, which was a real difficult one. As a manager, you don't want to have to deal with that kind of problem, but I thought Slaven and the club handled it very well. At the end of the day, West Ham have had better players before him and they will have better players in the future. If he doesn't want to play for a fantastic club like West Ham, then that's up to him. Slaven has steadied the ship, though, and they have had some excellent results recently.
There is some real quality in West Ham's team.
I like Manuel Lanzini, he is a playmaker in the true West Ham style and can do everything – pass, dribble, score goals. Mark Noble is someone who doesn't get the credit he deserves for the influence he has – he's a leader, a great character who drives others around him and keeps the team spirit together. The two new boys are also good signings. I've followed Fonte since he was playing for Southampton in League One and he is a top player, a true pro and a solid character. And Snodgrass is similar, a great character with a lot of ability and a great left foot. No disrespect to Hull, but I always felt he deserved to be at a bigger club.
It's no surprise to me that Slaven has gone on to become a successful manager.
He's always been a bright, clever guy, with a strong personality and the right character to manage players. He comes from that terrific generation of Croatian players that I had the pleasure to manage. Slaven, Igor Stimac, Davor Suker, Robert Prosinecki, Niko Kranjcar, Luka Modric, Vedran Corluka – all fantastic players with magnificent character. After he left West Ham as a player, I bumped into Slaven on many occasions in various places around the world and was always pleased to see him and enjoyed his company. I'll hopefully get down to see him after the game on Saturday and say hello if he's had a good result.
I've only been to London Stadium once, but what a place.
I was there for the opening ceremony and friendly against Juventus back in August. It's a fantastic stadium and the move was an opportunity that the club just couldn't turn down. Obviously I grew up at Upton Park and it was a different story. We used to train on the concrete forecourt in front of the main entrance when it snowed, and during the summer we'd paint the old Chicken Run, which used to be piled six foot high with fag ends! The new stadium is the future, though, and will take the Club to another level. With the backing they have, and almost 60,000 sold out every week, it will give them a great chance of success. It has put West Ham in a position where they could have a chance of winning the Premier League one day.
Being completely honest, I have no desire or wish to get back into management.
I'm very happy and enjoying my life. I do a bit of media work for BT Sport and I've recently bought a little racing stable down in Dorset, in a beautiful little village called Piddletrenthide. It's not Poplar or East Ham, that's for sure! I have a trainer called Nick Mitchell, who looks after around 18 horses, and we've got room for a few more. I own four of them, but I'd be lying if I said there was a champion among them. I just enjoy popping down to the yard, and watching a few races at the local track, Wincanton. The rest of my time is spent with the family, and the grandchildren keep me busy. There are seven in total and a couple are into their football. Jamie's little one Beau (8) is at Chelsea's Academy, while Mark's son Harry, who's 10, is at Bournemouth. He's a right-back, though, not a winger like his grandad!
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Hammers draw Newcastle in Premier League Cup
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will play Newcastle United the first knock-out round the 2016/17 Premier League Cup. The tie will take place at Newcastle's St James' Park.
Terry Westley's men have beaten Newcastle once already this season when goals from Toni Martinez (2) and Marcus Browne completed a 3-1 win back in August. Today's draw means that the young Hammers will visit the North-east twice in the space of a few weeks, with the reverse of August's PL2 fixture set to take place in three days time on Monday.
West Ham are holders of the Premier League Cup after they beat Hull City on penalties in May, after neither side could be separated over two legs and extra-time.
Djair Parfitt-Williams scored in the first leg at the Boleyn Ground to give the Hammers a slender advantage, but Will Annan made the scores level in the second leg.
Fortunately, the Hammers clinched the title on penalties, winning 5-3 on spot kicks at the KCOM Stadium.
Terry Westley's men were drawn in Group E with Leicester City, Nottingham Forest and Brighton and Hove Albion and made the perfect start, beating the Foxes 2-0 in arguably their best performance of the season so far.
The game is most likely remembered for Domingos Quina's outrageous 50 yard lob, which gave the Hammers a two goal cushion.
Their next fixture, played at the home of Alfreton Town FC, was against the lowest ranked side in the group but the U23s had to be right on their game against a spirited Nottingham Forest side.
Ben Brereton gave the hosts the lead in the first half before Jahmal Hector-Ingram equalised on the stroke of half-time. Marcus Browne slotted home the crucial winner with three minutes to play to make it two wins from two.
On match day three, the Hammers came up against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Chigwell Construction Stadium but despite an even fixture, they were beaten 3-1.
The Cup then resumed in February with the final three fixtures being played over a period of two and a half weeks.
It began with a resilient draw at home to Leicester after January signing Nathan Holland scored a last minute equaliser on just his third start for the U23s.
The Hammers then secured their spot in the last 16 with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Forest, with Joe Powell scoring his first two goals of the season. Holland also grabbed his second in as many games.
The final match of the group saw the Hammers visit Brighton once again, after previously meeting on the south coast in the league. Westley's men lost the fixture 3-0 but had already qualified for the next phase of the competition.
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U18s begin Merit Group A with defeat
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s were beaten 4-0 by Chelsea at Little Heath
The Hammers responded well in the second half and could have easily pulled goals back
Captain Tunji Akinola believes the game will stand them in good stead for the rest of the Merit Group
West Ham United U18s battled resiliently but ultimately came up against top opposition in the form of Chelsea, as the Hammers went down 4-0 at Little Heath.
Chelsea are in FA Youth Cup semi-final action next week and showed their quality in the first-half. Two goal from Callum Hudson-Odoi and a penalty Luke McCormick saw the Blues cruise to a 3-0 lead inside 25 minutes.
The Hammers tried to force things in the second half, despite going four down on 48 minutes through Cole Dasilva. Korrey Henry had a penalty saved and Jahmal Hector-Ingram missed a header from close range, but the Hammers ultimately left their first Merit Group A match with no points.
"Being in the Elite Stage, we have to expect tough tests like this one. All the teams are of high calibre and we need to up our performance to match that," said captain Tunji Akinola.
"Chelsea have got quality, but one thing we noticed is that they really want it. They ran, they pressed and they didn't stop until the 90th minute.
"That's something we can take from the game. I don't think we kept the ball well enough today and that's what hurt us."
The Hammers will now dust themselves now and be ready for a trip to Reading next week, a match that captain Akinola says they'll be ready for.
"Reading should be a game that we're looking to win. They're not of the calibre of Chelsea. In the rest of the Elite phase games, we need to stamp our authority on the game from the start."
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Bournemouth v West Ham United
SAT, 11 MAR 2017PREMIER LEAGUE
15:00
Venue: Vitality Stadium
TEAM NEWS
Bournemouth will be without suspended pair Andrew Surman and Tyrone Mings. Last week's debutant Baily Cargill could keep his place because Simon Francis is still nursing a hamstring injury and may not be ready to return.
West Ham welcome back Michail Antonio after a one-match ban, and Winston Reid should have recovered from a leg injury he suffered against Chelsea. Andy Carroll and Robert Snodgrass are expected to be fit despite both needing stitches after that game.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
John Motson: "This is a game in which I'm expecting goals. "Bournemouth have conceded 36 goals in their past 15 league games, while West Ham have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six. "The Cherries have let in three or more goals in 10 league games this season - they really need to tighten up at the back to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle. "But they're missing Nathan Ake, and the absence of Tyrone Mings for the next five games won't help. "Yet it's an important game for West Ham too, as they aren't going through a great spell either. "In short, both teams need a win to turn around a very indifferent spell."
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe: "West Ham have done well. They've picked up, got some good results and it coincides with some key players returning for them. "They're a different team with Andy Carroll - he's got strengths and is a huge part of their game."
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "They have had a few defeats and a draw but the last game [a draw against Manchester United] would have given them a big boost and confidence. "It's a great result to get a point at Old Trafford, especially with 10 men. "We are expecting a difficult game. [It's] a small pitch and a good atmosphere."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Eddie Howe's side need a win - they have not had one in their past eight league matches - and I think they might do it on Saturday.
I don't see West Ham's season just petering out, because they are chasing a top-half finish - but I am backing Bournemouth to edge this one.
Prediction: 2-1
West Ham red cards
It is the joint-highest total in the division
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
This will be just the fourth Premier League meeting between the teams. West Ham have won the last two, including the corresponding fixture last season.
Bournemouth's only victory against West Ham in any competition was 4-3 at Upton Park last season.
All seven of West Ham's Premier League goals against the Cherries have come in the second half of games.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth have gone eight league games without a win in 2017 (D3, L5).
The Cherries haven't won any of their last five home league games (D2, L3).
They haven't had a clean sheet in nine games in all competitions, the current longest such run in the Premier League.
Artur Boruc, who saved Zlatan Ibrahimovic's penalty last weekend, has saved four of the last seven penalties he has faced in the Premier League.
Bournemouth have scored all seven of their Premier League penalties this season, more than any other side.
Joshua King has scored five goals in his last six league appearances for Bournemouth.
West Ham United
West Ham have won just one of their last five league games.
However, they've taken seven points from the last three away matches.
The Hammers have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six matches.
They have scored 17 goals from set-pieces, the joint-highest total in the Premier League.
Andy Carroll is one goal shy of 50 in the Premier League. This season, he's averaging his best minutes per goal ratio in a single league campaign, with a goal every 148 minutes.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-1 Probability of draw: 23%
Probability of home win: 38% Probability of away win: 39%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale at the University of Salford that is used to predict the outcome of football matches.
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KOUYATE IS NOT A RIGHT BACK
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 9 MARCH 2017 AT 10:04PM
Here is our latest video's showcasing the fan's opinions from the Chelsea game. We were lucky enough to speak to Sammy McNess, West Ham's very own boxing talent, who reflected on the disappointing result but decent performance. Sammy is a massive West Ham fan and a great friend of the site. If you haven't already you must get tickets for his up and coming fight in Stratford .We spoke to other fans' who were disappointed with Kouyate being picked at right back again. Another call is for Feghouli to be dropped for Ayew. Do you agree with any of the supporters that we captured on the show?
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE NEWS: PLAYERS IN AND PLAYERS OUT, CONTRACTS AND INJURIES
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 10 MARCH 2017 AT 6:06PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
So it has been a long time since I wrote one of these but this week due to our interview with Paul Konchesky on the radio we didn't run my news section so I thought I would make a return to the old school and write a column again. Here is the interview if you missed it. Paul shared some great information and stories from his time at the club and picked his all-time eleven that he had played with. It is well worth a listen http://www.phoenixfm.com/2017/03/08/the-west-ham-way-show-32/
So onto all things West Ham. We are looking strong for the weekend with no reported injuries. As Bilic confirmed in his interview Andy Carroll needed stiches and Winston Reid and Jose Fonte picked up slight injuries although both should be back in the frame for Saturday. Sakho is still on the road to recovery having been involved in running sessions at training, following a closer look by experts in France, he should be back in full training by April. He is looking to feature over the Easter period. Monday's result was disappointing although I thought the performance against the champions elect was good and we just conceded silly goals. This week the team has set up many training sessions with Sam Byram at right back so it will be interesting to see if they bring him in, stick with Kouyate or play Noble there as Claret and Hugh was reporting (I would be extremely surprised if that was the case). Sam Byram hasn't kicked on as much as was hoped for him this year and Bilic doesn't appear to trust him.
A right back in the next window is the top priority. Arbeloa's contract will run out in the summer and this will not be renewed and it is thought if a top right back could be brought in Byram could be allowed to leave on loan or possibly permanently if the right price comes in. I hope he gets his chance this season to prove his worth. There are a number of right backs who are of interest. Sagna of Manchester City is a target as he is available on a free and is said to want to return to the capital. He is still a current French international and could be a decent option for a year or so having played quite well for Manchester City this year. His City team mate Zabaleta is also available on a free and being a year younger and having leadership qualities it could be this right back that we turn to. There are others on the radar too. The top target in January was Trippier of Spurs and whilst we know it is near impossible for us to trade with our North London rivals should he become available we would certainly move for him. We are also looking at St Etienne full back Kevin Malcuit but we would be looking at a deal for over £10m if we were to persuade him to join.
The other position is upfront. I think we need to sign at least two forwards and the club do too and possible three depending on Andy Carroll's situation. There was interest from China for Andy in the January window but the club turned down the offer because at the time he was bang in form and there were no other options. Since then he has got injured with a couple of injuries, one of which-due to the nature of it, has frustrated the club and we could consider entertaining offers in the summer. Whether we sell depends on how much we get and what Carroll does from now and until the end of the season. Andy is also very settled in the area with a child and an ex "Towie personality" as his partner so he may not wish to go, although I think the Chinese wages may be able to persuade him.
In terms of targets that we are after it is a little bit like Déjà vu. Bathsuayi of Chelsea is apparently very unhappy with the amount of football he has got this year and would like to move. A loan or even a permanent deal could be on the cards. It is said that he would be keen on a move to us and we have been long term admirers. If Sunderland go down Defoe will be available to sign because he has a relegation release clause and we would try to activate this and bring him into finish his career at the club where it all started. Lacazette wants to leave Lyon, I would imagine bigger clubs will be in for him but if initial enquiries show we have a chance we would go for him. Looking domestically Andre Gray of Burnley has been a long term target as well, Wilson of Bournemouth too but his injuries may put us off him. The relegation situation could be important in deciding who we go for; Crystal Palace and we could move for Benteke, Leicester (although unlikely) Vardy and Swansea Llorente. Another top target of ours from Swansea is Icelandic midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson. We enquired about him in January but we were told £25m but should they go down the value could decrease. We have also been scouting abroad too and the net is being cast wide to bring in the goalscorer we have all been craving. If Carroll goes, target men like Gignac, Yilmaz and Negredo could be explored but I think these moves will depend on the Geordie forwards whereabouts.
So Payet has now declared that he left West Ham because he was "bored of the defensive approach" and disappointed by the transfers that we brought in during the summer window. He stated then in August that he wanted to leave, according to him, but then said it was due to the fact that we hadn't signed anyone of note-which he wouldn't have known at that point because the window wouldn't have closed. The club wouldn't let him leave, something I stated for a while rather than the popular believe that we tried to engineer a move for him. He was also states that he was worried that his career was going to go backwards-even though we had just qualified for Europe and had one of our most successful seasons. The whole quotes from him contradict his previous ones. According to another ITK when I reported that Payet had been playing up for a while (which he did; countless missed training sessions, constant strops, eating on his own in the canteen etc.) I was directly quoted and told to be talking rubbish. Payet today and other players previously have confirmed this to be true. He was determined to leave and his performances, attitude and demands reflected this. It is good to finally be confirmed as speaking the truth and that Payet was really the character I had portrayed him as. I hope that now, finally, this is the end of the saga and that we can move on and not have to speak of him again.
The club is planning to offer new contracts to Bilic (unless results take a terrible turn), Antonio, Ogbonna (who is recovering well from his injury), Obiang (to put off any interest from Liverpool) and are considering triggering the automatic two year renewal that Adrian has in his contract. Other players who could leave us though are likely to be Arbeloa, Byram (possibly), Tore, Nordtveit, Calleri, Fletcher (on loan) and James Collins. Whilst this isn't confirmed and they have until the end of the season to prove their worth they are the likely candidates.
We will also be continuing our youth policy of scouting promising youngster from across the world and bringing them to the academy. It is felt that next year the likes of Cullen, Quina, Martinez, Burke and Oxford will be regular features of the match day squad and that others like Rice and Dobson may have a chance too. There are a couple of youngsters from Arsenal and Chelsea's academies that we have looked at to bring over.
At the West Ham Way we are continually looking for people to help with the site. We really need advertisers to keep the brand going particularly with our YouTube channel and site. We need people to help with the YouTube channel being regular contributors and building up your own line profile as well as helping getting people chatting to us on the day. I am also keen to get new writers, who do the fundamental thing and write regularly. Previous attempts at doing this have been very frustrating with writers coming in, doing one article and then not having time to write again. Committed writers who want to build up a portfolio are encouraged to apply.
Finally tickets for our West Ham way events have been selling brilliantly and the last one with John Moncur was a sell-out. We are on track to match that with Phil Parkes before the Leicester game next week. Not only is Phil and Mark Ward there to take all your questions, Sammy McNess will be appearing on stage and talking about his next fight and selling tickets. There will be a raffle draw with signed shirts, Phil Parkes signed items, books, posters and a free copy of Bubbles Fanzine for each visitor. We have a memorabilia stall selling great items and great prices. Not to mention the unlimited drink, West Ham films and shirts and great atmosphere. Everyone who attends loves it so get your tickets here. bit.ly/TWHWTICKET6
I shall be going to the Bournemouth game tomorrow and filming on the Snap Chat channel. I hope to see many of you down there! Come on you Irons!
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The myth of reaching the Champions League
WHUFC.com
Filed: Friday, 10th March 2017
By: Paul Walker
The numbers are in...make of them what you want, be they Budgets or West Ham balance sheets. All can be interpreted to mean anything you like.
As for us, I get this nasty feeling that we are being peddled a myth, the impossible dream that is becoming the movable dream, one that never really gets any closer regardless of the glowing numbers.
The Budget, and I'll keep this brief because you aren't bothered about my political views, quite right too. But Philip Hammond has discovered it does not pay to hammer the very people who vote for you, be it the self-employed white van man on the M25, or the business rates of an entrepreneur running a central London shop.
OK, back to the serious stuff. The very reason we left the Boleyn was that a big stadium, big revenue and big-name players would take us into the Champions League.
I did find it ironic this week to hear a wet-behind-the-ears Arsenal fan talking about a protest march against Arsene Wenger from Highbury to the Emirates (not to taxing for them), the route Gunners fans were told would make them even more self-important and entitled than they already are. Bless.
We have made a similar journey from E13 to E20 for the same reasons. We have seen all our financial bits and pieces soar to untold heights--we are now richer than Everton, you know--but we are even further away from the promised land than we were at the end of last season.
Yes, I know it's easy to be smug and sneering about what has happened to West Ham this season. Every Tom, Dick and Daily Mail is at it.
I am beginning to hear folk ask 'why' we are here at all. But I have always insisted that the theory of moving to a bigger stadium is sound. Ray Winstone was right when he said in an interview ahead of the excellent Ironmen film, that to stay at Upton Park would have seen us overtaken, left behind, eventually relegated again.
These days, you have to make that move, aim for more revenue, just to stand still. Soon Spurs and Chelsea will have bigger stadiums, and don't forget Wembley and Twickenham. Even the likes of QPR and Brentford are planning new grounds not far away from the capacity of the Boleyn.
Staying put would have seen us regress, not even stand still. So the move was right, shame though that we could not afford to build our own new stadium, or even own the Olympic Stadium. But it's history why that didn't happen, we are where we are and we won't be going back, so we have to move on.
Much of my complaints about our new home are centred on the people who own it, the ones that failed to understand what having a Premier League club on their premises really entailed. Trying to do the policing and stewarding on the cheap has backfired.
Now we seem locked in arguments over when or if those 3,000 extra seats are released, Karren Brady has gone quiet on that one. Or even the 6,000 David Gold was promising for the near future.
We are seemingly in a whole new ball game now, with our owners frightened of their own shadows with the new regime at County Hall searching for scapegoats for the overspend on the transformation of the stadium.
It seems that it is being suggested that those extra 9,000 seats should come with a hike in the rent. I wonder if Karren is now looking closely at the very favourable contracts she negotiated to see how we get out of that one. Surely such eventualities were covered in the small print, your Ladyship?
But the small fact remains that we will never reach the holy grail of the Champions League without Champions League players. And we will never get close to qualifying while the top six in this country are vastly richer than we are--and they are chasing four places--and who will increase their revenue at about the same rate that we will.
Turnover, commercial cash flow, ticket sales and TV deals will make us richer, and Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs even richer. It's what Financial Fair Play and the sliding scale of TV revenues were invented for.
The notion that FFP was all for our own good so we wouldn't spend beyond our means--oh yes, we did that under the Icelandic regime anyway--is the sop that the high and mighty clubs and UEFA came up with. What they really wanted to do was maintain the status quo.
To stop up-and-coming clubs getting too close to them. Manchester City were the last, and they spent vast fortunes to achieve it via the deep wells of the Abu Dhabi government, just before FFP kicked in. Then the drawbridge was pulled up. With us and the rest of the plebs on the other side.
The FFP rules change somewhat for next season, but not enough to make much of a difference. We were working on something between £65m and £70m and next season, I am told by those that understand these things that it climbs over £80m.
Significant increases come from being able to add commercial income, extra sponsorship and naming rights (the latter of course we won't have). Lady Karren has done all that was asked of her there. Our coffers from the rich folks' seats have boomed, and will keep on doing so, which is why the wage rise she has got to closer £1m a year is a minor extra expenditure for us, considering what has been achieved in her department.
And in a capitalist world I don't see much wrong with our owners taking back some of their loans and interest. It's how the financial game is played. We will have more to spend in the transfer market this summer, our owners have said, along with a new contract for Slaven Bilic.
And yes, our £142m turnover is impressive (It was just £46m after our relegation season of 2011). But we are still worlds away from the top six, and I fail to see how that will ever change in the foreseeable future. We need £50m players to compete with teams who have £50m players.
And we also need to convince Champions League quality players to join us. Our owners discovered how hard, if not impossible, that was last summer, when we can barely even offer the Europa League on a consistent basis. Linked with many players, but nobody came.
Two of our top six, maybe Arsenal and Manchester United (again) will fail to reach the Champions League, and their turnovers are £350m and £515m respectively.
Our owners spent all last summer talking about Champions League qualification, after last season's seventh place finish…just four points behind fourth placed Manchester City, albeit with a significantly smaller goal difference. But we were that close.
But last season was a freak, not a fluke because we played so well against the big boys, but a freak of nature as much as Leicester winning the title was. These situations come around very, very infrequently. How often do we finish above Chelsea and Liverpool?
Last January was the time to go for it. We were four points off fourth spot then and were flying. More ambition, bravery and risk then may just have got us to that impossible dream. But we signed just Sam Byram and Emmanuel Emenike, of any significance. Oh, and gave Dimi Payet a new contract.
But I fear that chance was lost and won't come around again for a very long time. We have lost our best player, a true star, since then. And it is becoming increasingly clear just how long the Payet saga had been going on.
Slav talked of problems before Christmas, and now Payet is saying he told the club he was leaving before the season started. And he admitted he was tapped up. Just how much front does he have, but the French--their media and clubs--just shrug their shoulders at such small points like breaking transfer regulations.
So there is the possibility that our owners knew about that at the same time they were building their exit plan from the Boleyn around the Frenchman.
It would have been impossible to let him go then, with so much at stake…20,000 extra ticket sales and the mass migration to Stratford to be precise. But I don't blame our board for that. What on earth were they supposed to do at that critical stage of the move, with Payet's shirt being hoisted to the rafters of the Olympic Stadium?
Now the treasonable little rat is dreaming up even more nonsense to explain away his behaviour. Bored with our defensive play against Hull in December, seemingly, but having told Slav and the board he wanted out in August with the knowledge that his class performances for France in the Euros had produced plenty of offers.
If he was bored with our display against Hull, many like me were already incensed by his shocking, disinterested displays on the pitch. Not trying very hard, sulking, and also we now know, messing about in training and being a complete disruptive influence around the training ground. Now he sees fit to try to blacken our name. You can't make it up.
I was never 100 per cent convinced by him anyway. Great on the ball but not one to work when not in possession. You wonder, in hindsight, what our bunch of new signings thought about his behaviour? Most not speaking English well, some needing interpreters and all needing to integrate into a disrupted squad quickly. Payet has a lot to answer for in terms of our failed progress this season.
There was a point this season when we needed some consistency, a few wins, and for people to battle and pull together for the team. But he was never a fighter, just a very selfish man only concerned about himself, never the team he was supposed to be part of.
So Sullivan will try again in the summer in his beloved transfer market. He may think that when he finally sells up, gives up, turns his toes up or just retires, that his legacy will be the new stadium. He's wrong, his legacy will be the squad he puts on the pitch for his manager and fans.
Only quality players, and several of them, will take us close to the next level. After watching our OK performance against Chelsea, I started wondering how many of our team would get into their starting line-up.
And, likewise, the starting elevens of the rest of the top six, accepted of course that Liverpool have been playing without a goalkeeper all season so Randy or Adrian would certainly get in there. You would suggest that Mani Lanzini, Cheikhou Kouyate and Michail Antonio would have a shout somewhere, but the rest? Maybe Winston Reid.
And that's not a deliberate slight on our squad, but we looked a class lower all over the pitch on Monday, and that has been born our by our results against the top six clubs this season. Just two points from nine matches so far, which after last term is a bitter disappointment.
I would love to be proved wrong, love to see us charge into the top six. The impossible dream may be there, in all of us, but reality says it is a myth, a giant step only achieved with vast wealth and time.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
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Under 18s: West Ham Utd 0-4 Chelsea
kumb.COM
Filed: Friday, 10th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
The Under 18s' Merit Group campaign get off to a poor start this lunchtime as they were heavily beaten by Chelsea at Rush Green.
In the first of their seven fixtures in the Elite group, for which they only qualified by the skin of their teeth, Steve Potts' side were downed 4-0 by a strong Chelsea side who extended their unbeaten run to 19 games. Unbeaten since last September, the visitors took the lead after just 13 minutes through Luke McCormick from the penalty spot - a lead they doubled four minutes later when Hudson-Odoi passed the ball into an empty net, having left Irons' Latvian 'keeper Rihards Matrevics trailing in his wake. Chelsea were threatening to run up a cricket score when they made it 3-0 on 25 minutes as Hudson-Odoi grabbed his second, but the Hammers survived to half time without conceding any further. However they were to last just three minutes of the second half before conceding a fourth; this time Cole Dasilva - who scored against the Hammers in Chelsea's 3-0 win at Rush Green three weeks ago - was on target.
West Ham's remaining Merit Group fixtures - of which there are a total of eight, featuring the top four teams to qualify from the North and South preliminary groups - are as follows:
10 March: Chelsea (h) 0-4
18 March: Reading (a) 11am
1 April: Liverpool (a) 11am
8 April: Blackburn Rovers (h) 11am
22 April: Manchester Utd (a) 12pm
29 April: Manchester City (h) 12pm
13 May: Arsenal (a) 12pm
West Ham Utd: Matrevics, Eggleton, Akinola (c), Alese, Neufville, Coventry, Lewis, Johnson, Powell, Henry, Hector-Ingram.
Chelsea: Thompson, C.Dasilva, James, Colley, Guehi, McCormick, Hudson-Odoi, Uwakwe, Taylor-Crossdale, McEachran, Castillo.
Goals:: McCormick (13), Hudson-Odoi (17, 25), Dasilva (48).
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Slaven Bilic tells Standard Sport: West Ham wary of Bournemouth despite winless 2017
EXCLUSIVE
SLAVEN BILIC
Evening Standard
Slaven Bilic is expecting a tough afternoon for West Ham when they travel to face Bournemouth on Saturday despite the hosts' downturn in form. The Cherries remain without a victory in any competition in 2017, last winning on New Year's Eve away at Swansea City, and have lost five of eight in the Premier League since. The Hammers, meanwhile, are winless in three but know all claiming three points on the road this weekend could see them move back into the top half but Bilic is not preempting an easy ride. "I expect a tough game at Bournemouth tomorrow, despite them being without Andrew Surman and Tyrone Mings, who are suspended," Bilic told Standard Sport.
"They are a very energetic team who were going well up until Christmas but in the last couple of months, because of injuries, they have struggled a bit."It all started to go downhill when they led Arsenal 3-0 and it finished 3-3. Then Millwall sent them out of the FA Cup. "They earned a good point at Manchester United with 10 men last weekend and that will have given them a boost. "Our away record is good but this is a new game. They've beaten Liverpool this season and having started so well meant that, when their dip came, they could afford a few defeats without being into the bottom three. They are not safe, though, and neither are we.
"One final piece of good news. Diafra Sakho has stepped up his training and should be with us very soon. Monday's 2-1 loss at home to Chelsea continued West Ham's poor record against the Premier League's top six this season. Goals from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa means the Hammers have taken just two points from a possible 27, and Bilic feels those challenging at the top of the table have improved from last term. Bilic said: "We lost just once last season against the current top six in the Premier League — at Tottenham — and took 25 points from a possible 36. "This season, with nine of those matches played we have earned just two points, having drawn at Manchester United and Liverpool. "Conversely, our record against teams outside the top six has been better, so what is the explanation? "First of all, most of the top teams are better — Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and City. "Last season, the momentum was with us. We beat Arsenal away in the first game of the season and followed that with victories at Liverpool and Manchester City. "The fact remains that, if you are talking about just those games against the top clubs, our record last season was exceptional. "This season, we have done well to earn a point apiece from Liverpool and United. We could — and should — have won at Spurs again, we lost 2-0 to United but having played with 10 men for most of the game and Chelsea scored in the final minutes at Stamford Bridge. So it could easily have been much better. "The two games that were poor for us were against Manchester City and Arsenal, both at home. Next season, I do expect us to do much better against those top teams."
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Slaven Bilic tells Standard Sport: Chelsea are Premier League favourites, but they don't have title in the bag yet
EXCLUSIVE
SLAVEN BILIC
Evening Standard
Slaven Bilic accepts Chelsea are favourites to win the Premier League this season, with their preference for substance over style, but feels the door remains open for another title challenger. West Ham went down 2-1 to the Blues on Monday as Antonio Conte's side maintained their 10-point lead over second- and third-placed Tottenham and Manchester City with 11 games left to play. Bilic feels Conte has sacrificed "beauty" for a winning formula, noting Arsenal, City and Liverpool's "sexy" approach, as they punish teams who slip up against them. The 48-year-old told Standard Sport: "The one question I have been asked more than any other since our match against Chelsea on Monday night is: have West Ham just played this season's Premier League champions?
"Despite the temptation, I would still not say categorically that Chelsea will win the title — even though they are strong favourites. Look at the three at the bottom. Could anyone say they will all go down? It is still open at both ends. "If someone caught Chelsea, yes, it would be a surprise, but we have seen it before. It wouldn't be a surprise to rank alongside Leicester last season — and the gap is a considerable one — but there are enough games to play. Chelsea, though, look good, they look serious.
"One difference between Antonio Conte's side and, let's say Manchester City and Arsenal, is that the latter two want to play great football, they want to do it in style. Chelsea don't care. First and foremost, they want to win. They are there to win and they are ready to sacrifice the beauty for the winning cause. "They don't care about ball position, they don't care about outplaying you. They are solid and they counter-attack with pace and skill. They are a team, they want to do it and they are there with the coach. "On their day, Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool are definitely more 'sexy' than Chelsea, but only on their day. Chelsea are what I like to call a 'Punishment Unit'. You make one mistake and it's over, finished. "So, let me put it this way: they would have to be very unlucky in the remainder of this season not to win the title, because I am sure they will not lose their focus or their intensity."
Goals from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa saw Chelsea run out winners at the London Stadium, with Manuel Lanzini netting an injury-time consolation. Bilic was pleased with his players' work rate, congratulating their fitness in the face of superior opposition, and now welcomes the return of suspended Michail Antonio for Saturday's visit to the Vitality Stadium. "As for us, yes, I am disappointed, because we gave away two cheap goals — the first one especially — and lost," Bilic continued. "We had started so well. The plan was to put plenty of crosses into their box, which we were doing, but the only thing was we didn't have enough bodies in there, apart from Andy Carroll. "We should have put the ball in but we didn't — and if you lose the ball there, with your centre-backs up for a corner, they grab the opportunity. "I am not happy after a defeat, but what I am glad about is that we never stopped and — against such a physical team — we matched that physicality. We couldn't match them for pace but we did in effort and the number of runs, which is more proof that we are a fit team. "We had similar chances in the game to the one which led to their first goal, but Chelsea have that added quality which makes the difference; quality in terms of pace, stealing the second ball and skill. "The match showed me that, although it ended in defeat, we are in a good place, we are fit. I have just received the running statistics from my staff and it was one of our best games. Against a physical team, we were with them — and that was without our most physical player, Michail Antonio."
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Bored - of earning £125k per week
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
Dimitri Payet has slammed West Ham's tactical approach during his final few months at the club, whilst claiming that he was "bored".
The 29-year-old French international returned to Marseille in January in a £25m deal. But whilst he refused to comment on West Ham at the time of his departure, he certainly has plenty to sat now. "Some people didn't understood my urgent need to leave West Ham in January," he told L'Equipe. "I didn't want to play the last few matches in the Premier League. "We did not like the way we approached the matches, the defensive system that was put in place. With a 5-4-1 formation I could have all the freedom of the world, but it was complicated to express myself."
And Payet specifically cited the 1-0 win against Hill City in December as the game that determined his decision to request a transfer.
"We won 1-0 and in the changing room, everyone was happy - even though the man of the match that day had been the post," he said. "I felt I did not have any room for improvement. On the contrary, I was in danger of regressing. I needed a new challenge."
Seemingly oblivious to the fact that he was providing evidence of being 'tapped up' by his new club, Payet also revealed that he had been in touch with L'OM boss Rudi Garcia for some considerable time prior to making a transfer request. "I was bothered and yes, I went through the matches without taking any pleasure. I had contact with L'OM and especially with Rudi Garcia, who has a philosophy that I know well. The decision has to be made quickly. If I waited six months, I would lose six months. "I warned West Ham I was going to do it and maybe they did not take me seriously. I told them that I would suffer the consequences of my actions. Slaven Bilic knew that I had desires elsewhere as we had discussed it at the beginning of the season, when I returned from the Euros. "The club closed the door. I respected that choice. But the sporting situation has worsened ad in Jn January, I told him I wanted to go."
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West Ham tell Dimitri Payet to get on with his life after stating he was 'bored'
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 10/03/17 4:05pm
SSN
West Ham are bemused by Dimitri Payet's comments that was "bored" with the team's negative style of play and believe the player should get on with his life, Sky sources understand. Payet told French newspaper L'Equipe that one of the main reasons he left the Hammers in January was the team's defensiveness and poor form, and said his career risked regressing if he had stayed. A source at West Ham has told Sky Sports News HQ they could not understand why Payet had decided to give the interview and said that manager Slaven Bilic would feel let down by the Frenchman's comments.
The source added that Payet had told them he wanted to leave for personal reasons, and there were no mentions of him not liking the team's formation or wanting to leave for football reasons. West Ham believe Payet's career was "resurrected" during his 18 months at the club. The 29-year-old's weekly wage was quadrupled to £120,000 a week, and he regained his place in the France national team to become one the stand-out performers at Euro 2016 in his home nation. West Ham were forced to sell Payet to Marseille in January for £25m after he went on strike.
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Bournemouth v West Ham preview: Tyrone Mings begins five-match ban for Hammers clash
Last Updated: 10/03/17 11:54am
SSN
Tyrone Mings will serve the first game of his five-match ban as Bournemouth host West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday. The defender was charged by the FA after he appeared to stamp on the head of Zlatan Ibrahimovic during a 1-1 draw with Manchester United last weekend and will not be available for selection until the middle of April. It is a decision that both the club and player have expressed their disappointment about as the Cherries look to pull themselves clear of a relegation battle.
West Ham are winless in their last three Premier League outings but they do have a good record when facing Bournemouth, having never lost on their three previous trips to the Vitality Stadium. Victory will see them break into the top 10, with Stoke and Southampton not in action this weekend.
Team news
Bournemouth captain Simon Francis is making progress after a hamstring injury but could miss out again, while goalkeeper Adam Federici and striker Callum Wilson are continuing their rehabilitation from knee injuries.
Andrew Surman will also be unavailable after picking up a red card at Old Trafford.
Slaven Bilic will welcome back Michail Antonio for the trip to the south coast after his suspension, while striker Andy Carroll is also available despite requiring stitches after clashing with Victor Moses against Chelsea last weekend.
Winston Reid, who limped off against the Blues with a leg injury, is also in contention for the game.
Opta stats
Bournemouth's only previous victory against West Ham in any competition was at the Boleyn Ground last season (4-3) - their first ever top-flight win.
All seven of West Ham's Premier League goals against the Cherries have come in the second half of games.
Josh King has scored five goals in his last six Premier League appearances for Bournemouth, this after scoring just three goals in his first 20 league games in 2016-17.
No club in Premier League history have used more English players than West Ham United (105 - level with Aston Villa), while Bournemouth have used the joint-most this season (15 - level with Burnley).
Bournemouth are currently on a winless run of eight games in the Premier League (W0 D3 L5) and have conceded 21 goals in this run (2.6 per game).
The Cherries still haven't managed to win a Premier League home match against opposition from London (W0 D3 L5).
Of West Ham United's 33 Premier League points this season, 26 have been won against teams currently in the bottom 10 (79 per cent). Eight of their nine wins have also come against these sides.
Bournemouth averaged the highest kilometres per game in the Premier League last season (117), but this season that has dropped by 3.6km to 113.4km per game - the joint seventh best.
Andy Carroll (49 goals) is one goal away from 50 Premier League goals. He's currently averaging his best minutes per goal ratio in a single PL campaign in 2016-17 (a goal every 148 minutes).
Merson's prediction
This is a big game. Bournemouth have to win otherwise they could be in real danger. They let in too many goals and are now missing Tyrone Mings through suspension. He will be a big miss. West Ham are a better side away from home. They will cause Eddie Howe's side plenty of problems. I know a lot of people will go against Bournemouth in this one. I'm going with my heart instead of my head.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-2
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Slaven Bilic backs West Ham captain Mark Noble
Last Updated: 10/03/17 12:17am
SSN
Slaven Bilic has thrown his support behind captain Mark Noble after he was criticised for his performance in West Ham's defeat against Chelsea on Monday night. Noble played an unwanted role in Chelsea's opener as it was his intercepted pass which led to Eden Hazard scoring after 25 minutes at the London Stadium. Noble was substituted in the second half after Diego Costa had already doubled Chelsea's lead en route to securing a comfortable 2-1 victory for the runaway Premier League leaders. Some West Ham fans have called for Bilic to drop Noble, 29, who has played more than 400 matches for the east London club. But speaking ahead of his side's Premier League clash at Bournemouth on Saturday, Bilic said: "Mark is our captain, he is our skipper and he has done really well recently.
"He is the leader of the team. He keeps us balanced. Sometimes he has a great game and sometimes he doesn't, but overall he is playing good for us. "He is also more than a player on the pitch. His presence means a lot for the others around him. He is very influential, especially when it is not going well. He motivates the players and he cheers them up. "You can't just judge a player on one mistake. Otherwise Barcelona should have sold all their players after the first leg in Paris, and now they should give them all long-term contracts. Paris, the other way round. Sell them all."
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West Ham star Robert Snodgrass responds to Barcelona transfer links in talkSPORT interview – LISTEN
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Friday, March 10, 2017
West Ham star Robert Snodgrass has laughed off suggestions he rejected a trial with Spanish giants Barcelona when he was a teenager.
The £10million January signing was speaking to talkSPORT's Ian Abrahams ahead of Saturday's clash against Bournemouth, when the chat turned to the bizarre reports which have done the rounds throughout the winger's career. It was claimed Barcelona scouts had offered a 17-year-old Snodgrass a trial after watching him in action during his early career with Livingston. The Scottish club's chief executive confirmed the Catalan club had been in touch and were interested in the youngster, but, unfortunately for him, the potential move fell through. Snodgrass is still uncertain why, but rubbished the rumours which followed that claimed he turned down the offer to remain in Scotland. "I don't know enough about it, but it was something that happened," the Hammers man told talkSPORT.
"We played in a tournament in Scotland and there was a lot of talk about it. "Supposedly they rang the chief exec at the time, but nothing ever came of it, it just fizzled away really. "It's something that's been floating for about ten years, ever since I was sixteen or seventeen. "I never really knew enough about it, but there was this story that I'd turned them down! "You've got to be crazy to turn that down when something like that comes about."
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Premier League MANHUNT: Cops in major search for former England U21 and West Ham star
A FORMER West Ham United and Charlton Athletic star is being hunted by cops after failing to show up to court.
By Jess Bell / Published 10th March 2017
WANTED: Shaun Newton failed to attend court over a burglary charge
Ex-England U21 ace Shaun Newton, 41, was charged with burglary after being arrested in May last year. But the former winger failed to appear at Kingston Crown Court on October 13. He appeared in Merton Police's most wanted list of suspects yesterday as cops continued their manhunt. Newton, who played for The Hammers, Leicester City and England U21s, was suspended from the game in July 2006 for seven months after testing positive for drug abuse. Traces of cocaine were found after West Ham's FA Cup semi-final win over Middlesborough at Villa Park in April 2006. Newton was then named along with a string of other footballers who abused narcotics but received only short bans by the FA in a Dispatches documentary. At the time he said: "I have let down my family, my friends, the club and its supporters. "It was an isolated incident, but I must face up to my responsibilities and I will abide by whatever the board decides."
Midfielder Newton was then loaned to Leicester City before retiring in 2008. Before moving to east London, Newton made 240 appearances for Charlton in the 90s and early 2000s, before moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers. A spokesman for the Met Police said: "Newton was charged with burglary on May 16, 2016, after being arrested for the offence the previous day. He was bailed to appear at court. "Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call the police non-emergency line on 101." He is said to have links to Croydon, Lambeth and Merton in south London as well as Newham in east London. Police described him as a black male, approximately 5ft 8ins tall with an athletic build and with black cropped hair.
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Oxford United fans' chant means world to West Ham loanee Toni Martinez
David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United.
TONI Martinez has been humbled by the warm welcome from Oxford United's supporters – and goes home with their chant for him in his head. The 19-year-old's only experience of English football before his January loan to the U's was playing for West Ham United's under 23 side. But he has found it very different playing in front of big crowds in competitive first-team matches, scoring in high-profile FA Cup clashes with Newcastle United and Middlesbrough. Scoring on his debut against the Magpies ensured he made an instant impression and fans have been quick to come up with a catchy chant for him to the tune of 'La Bamba'.
When I finish the game I have the song in my head every time," Martinez said. "It's important for me because I've only been here a month. It's important the fans like me. "At West Ham (under 23s) when I score it's different because there's not many supporters watching. "When I score here it's the first time I've had that. "I'm happy to stay here because of the support from the boys and the fans."
Martinez got off the mark in Sky Bet League One on Tuesday night, smashing a low finish in stoppage-time during the 3-2 defeat to Sheffield United. It came via an appearance as a substitute, but the goal pushed his claims to return to the starting line-up for tomorrow's trip to Peterborough United. Martinez's best moments have come alongside Conor McAleny, with whom he has struck up a promising rapport. While the former Spain youth international's English is limited, he has had no problem building an understanding with the Everton loanee. He said: "Conor is a very good player and I think we play together very well. "He's different to me, more of a No 10, which is better for me. "We can talk but inside the pitch the language is football."
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ow are West Ham doing compared to last season?
Leicester have slumped, Chelsea have soared, but how have the Irons made the switch to the London Stadium
Football London
BYDAVID DUBAS-FISHERGILES BROADBENT
09:15, 10 MAR 2017
The gulf between last season's West Ham and this season's version has been revealed. Only Leicester City have fared worse, if comparisons are made between the same fixtures over the two seasons – although the Foxes have the consolation of the Premier League trophy in their cabinet. West Ham have dropped 16 points – which, like Leicester, indicates a strong 2105/16 as well as a poor 2016/17. The team third from bottom, Crystal Palace, show a difference of –6 which shows a consistency of performance. Bournemouth, who host West Ham on Saturday (March 11) also fare worse than last season's efforts. It is the dramatic jumps that are telling and it unsurprising that Chelsea, victors at the London Stadium this week , come out top of the comparison league, having won 30 more points than they did from the same fixtures last season. That makes the west London club the most improved side in the division.
Last season, for example, Chelsea lost 1-0 at home to Bournemouth. Overall then Antonio Conte's side have won 53 points this season compared to 23 points last season from games played in both campaigns.
points than they did from the corresponding matches last season.
Club: Point difference
Chelsea: 30
Everton: 14
Liverpool: 11
West Brom: 7
Stoke: 5
Man United: 5
Watford: 4
Man City: 4
Arsenal: 2
Tottenham: 1
Bournemouth: -4
Swansea: -5
Sunderland: -5
Southampton: -5
Crystal Palace: -6
West Ham: -16
Leicester: -20
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'I risked going backwards' - Payet reveals why he left West Ham
Sporting News
March 10, 2017 3:48am EST
The France international attacker had to go to war with the English club in January, but seems to believe that it was all worth it
Robin Bairner
Updated at 3:48 a.m. ET
Dimitri Payet has explained why he was so quick to depart West Ham in January, revealing that it was a combination of family and footballing pressures that made him seek a move back to Marseille. The France star became a household name in England after a stellar 2015-16 season at Upton Park but struggled to rediscover his best form this term as Slaven Bilic's side struggled in the Premier League. In January, he went on strike in attempt to force through a move back to France, which he eventually made for £25 million, reportedly taking a 25 per cent pay cut in the process. "I had no desire to play in the lower reaches of the Premier League," he told L'Equipe. "The defensive system that we put in place did not give me any pleasure. With a 5-4-2 in front of our box, I could have had all the freedom in the world, so it's difficult for me to explain. You could say that I was pissed off, yes. I worked hard in every game without taking any pleasure. "I had contact with OM and notably with Rudi Garcia, who has a philosophy of play I know well. So the choice was made quickly – if I had waited six months, I would have lost six months."
Payet remembers one match in particular as a turning point. "With West Ham, we won 1-0 at home against Hull [on December 17], and our opponents hit the post four times. In the changing room, everyone was happy, but our man of the match was the post," the attacker reflected. "I told myself that I could not improve there. On the contrary, I risked going backwards. I needed another challenge."
He does not regret the strong-arm tactics he used to force his move away from a team where he had been named Player of the Season only six months previously. "I had given them a warning that I would do it and maybe they thought I wasn't serious," he said. "Bilic knew that I wanted to go elsewhere. We discussed it at the start of the season when I returned from Euro 2016, but the club closed the door and I respected their choice. "In January, I told them I wanted to go to Marseille and nowhere else… The day they told me no, and that it was definitive, I responded to them by saying I would no longer play with West Ham."
But it was not just footballing issues that drove the player back to France, where he has turned out previously for Nantes, Saint-Etienne and Lille. His partner wanted to move back to Marseille, where Payet played from 2013 until 2015. "It had some weight in my decision," he explained. "When everything's good on the park, everything goes well away from it. When it's complicated at a family level, that can prevent you from doing your job." Nevertheless, things got worse for those close to him before they got better, due to the abuse the player took from Hammers supporters. "I wasn't scared, but it was more complicated for my family," he said. "Lots of things were said, but I never worried about my car, for example. I continued to live normally. "I did the same at Saint-Etienne, and we know their fans… "It was to be expected. For a year and a half, they gave me a great deal and I'll never forget that."
Meanwhile, Payet has little desire to reflect upon potentially losing the chance to play for one of Europe's biggest sides. "When a club announces that you're worth €100m, negotiations never get far," he commented. "I could have gone to war last summer, August was badly managed. "The most important thing is that I am where I want to be, me and my family. And the best is yet to come."
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Why West Ham trying to sign Aleksandar Mitrovic makes perfect sense
The Newcastle striker has been linked with a move to the Hammers again
Football London
BYADAM JONES
07:43, 10 MAR 2017UPDATED07:44, 10 MAR 2017
The latest name that the rumour mill has thrown out for West Ham United is Aleksandar Mitrovic - and it's not the first time he's been linked with a move to the Hammers. The Newcastle United striker has fallen down the pecking order somewhat with the Magpies and, according to The Sun, that has interested the likes of Slaven Bilic. The report also claims that Crystal Palace are in for the Serbian international. And, this move seems to make a lot of sense for those of West Ham leanings. Sure, he's not going to be your 30-goal-a-season lead striker - but he's a young forward who we already know is capable of bagging goals in the Premier League. As an option from the bench, it really wouldn't be bad to have Mitrovic. He should be allowed to leave Newcastle in the summer and you can bet that the Serbian international will definitely want to prove himself at a new club. He might have been in bad form this season, but West Ham could provide the perfect opportunity to unlock that potential. Whether the Hammers firm up their interest or not in the future is yet to be seen, but this is a rumour that you could see developing when the summer comes around.
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West Ham United's Reid has better interception figures than Kante
by Danielle Joynson
Football Fancast
Chelsea star N'Golo Kante has been one of the standout Premier League players of the season, but there is one aspect of his game that he needs to work on, judging by talkSPORT's statistics. There are eight players who have made more interceptions in the top flight than the Frenchman, and one of them is West Ham United defender Winston Reid. The Hammers had a miserable start to the season, winning just one of their first seven league games, but they have since made improvements, which has moved them to 11th in the table.
Reid has been a regular in Slaven Bilic's team, starting 24 league games and featuring six times in cup competitions. talkSPORT's stats prove why he is so often trusted by the manager as he has made the fourth-most interceptions in the Premier League this season.
Reid has cut out opponents' passes 65 times, which is six more than Kante has managed, while Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera and Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny have made 67 and 73 interceptions respectively. Surprisingly, Hull City's Curtis Davies has snatched the ball on 83 occasions in the top flight this season, which is more than anyone else.
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Injury-plagued forward on verge of return for West Ham United
by Danielle Joynson
Footbal fancast
West Ham United striker Diafra Sakho is closing in on a long-awaited comeback. The club's head of medical and sports science Stijn Vandenbroucke has told West Ham's official website that Sakho is targeting a return to the pitch in April. It has been a frustrating season for the 27-year-old, who has been restricted to just two Premier League appearances. Sakho's last outing for the Hammers was in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford on November 27. The Senegal international made an impressive start to life at West Ham when he signed from Metz in 2014, scoring 10 goals in 23 top-flight appearances. Last season he was unable to recreate his form as just five goals were produced from the striker, who played 21 times in the league. Due to his injury woes in the current campaign, Sakho has only found the back of the net once, but he will have an opportunity to provide a late flourish if all goes to plan in terms of his recovery.
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Dimitri Payet admits he did not enjoy his final weeks at West Ham as French star opens up on Marseille return
Dimitri Payet left West Ham in acrimonious circumstances in January
The French international rejoined Marseille in a dramatic £25m deal
He admits that he did not enjoy the Slaven Bilic's defensive style
By James Dutton For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 00:29, 10 March 2017 | UPDATED: 01:53, 10 March 2017
Dimitri Payet has hit out at Slaven Bilic's defensive style of football as he reveals the reasons behind his acrimonious departure from West Ham in January. The French star rejoined Marseille in a £25m deal earlier this year in a move that angered supporters after the manager revealed he did not want to play for the club again. After a lacklustre end to his Hammers career, the 29-year-old already has three goals in eight appearances for his new club. And Payet has lifted the lid on his controversial exit from the London Stadium, admitting to French newspaper L'Equipe: 'Our way of approaching matches, the defensive system put in place did not please me.
'You can say that it bothered me, yes. I got through games without any pleasure. 'I had had contact with Marseille and most notably with Rudi Garcia, who had a philosophy that I knew well. The choice was quick. If I waited six months I would lose six months.'
Payet reveals that he snapped after West Ham's fortuitous home win over Hull in December, secured thanks to a Mark Noble penalty.
PAYET'S CAREER
2004-2005: AS Excelsior
2005-2007: Nantes
2007-2011: Saint-Etienne
2011-2013: Lille
2013-2015: Marseille
2015-2017: West Ham
2017-present: Marseille
The result lifted Bilic's side five points above the drop zone, but Payet knew that he risked going backwards if he remained with the Premier League club. 'With West Ham at home against Hull, we won 1-0 and they hit the post four times.In the changing room everyone was happy, but the the man of the match that day was the post. 'I thought that I would not have room for improvement. On the contrary, I risked regressing. I need another challenge.'
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FEGHOULI HAPPY AT WEST HAM
LUKE OSMAN @LukeOsman
readWestHam
West Ham winger Sofiane Feghouli has reiterated that he is loving life at the club and in the Premier League. Speaking exclusively to EFE, Feghouli spoke of how he was enjoying his time at the London Stadium and that how he is happy to now be living in London. In the first part of the season I did not have many opportunities to play, but now, as soon as I have had them, I have taken advantage of them and I have won my position. The Algeria international has picked up in form after a poor start to the season for both him and West Ham, and has scored three goals for the club since his arrival. Feghouli joined the Hammers on a free transfer ahead of the 2016/17 season after he opted to see out the remainder of his contract with Valencia, seeing it expire at the end of June. I am very happy, enjoying this league and I want to continue here. It's a new and very positive experience after six years in Valencia. I'm happy here in London, although it's colder and rainier than in Spain! The 27-year-old will be hoping he has tied down a place in Slaven Bilic's regular starting line-up, given that he has made just eight starts for West Ham in the Premier League since joining, coming off the bench eight times.
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Robert Snodgrass responds when asked about similarities between West Ham and Old Firm fans
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham winger Robert Snodgrass has compared the club's fans to those of Celtic and Rangers. West Ham United winger Robert Snodgrass has told the club's official website that he 'definitely' thinks the club's fans are similar to the support of Celtic and Rangers.
The Hammers swooped to land Snodgrass during the January transfer window, luring the Scotland international away from Premier League rivals Hull City after hitting seven goals and three assists in 20 Premier League appearances for the Tigers. Snodgrass has been brought in to replace Dimitri Payet's ability from set pieces, and whilst he's made something of a slow start to life in East London, he should prove to be a dependable player for the Hammers. On Monday, Snodgrass played in West Ham's 2-1 home defeat to Chelsea, sampling a top London derby for the first time as a player, and all the atmosphere that comes with such a game. This weekend, Snodgrass may have one eye on the Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers, having been born in Glasgow and even grew up supporting Celtic. The derby between Glasgow's two biggest clubs is one of the fiercest rivals in world football, and Snodgrass will be hoping that Brendan Rodgers' men come out on top at Celtic Park. Ahead of that game and after Monday's clash with Chelsea, Snodgrass has told the West Ham official website that he 'definitely' sees similarities between Hammers fans and those that support Old Firm clubs.
Snodgrass also noted that West Ham fans expect 'blood, sweat and tears' from their players, but will continue to back their players even in times of struggle. "Yes, definitely," said Snodgrass. "These are people who are working all week to take their kid to a football match and it's not cheap nowadays. They expect somebody to give them blood, sweat and tears for that jersey." "That's what it takes. If they know you've given everything, but still lose, they'll still back you because they'll know through the work you're putting that you appreciate them coming to support," he added.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
When and where?
AFC Bournemouth v West Ham United
Premier League
Saturday 11 March 2017, 3pm GMT
Vitality Stadium
What's the story?
West Ham United face AFC Bournemouth on Saturday as they look to maintain a fine run of away form which has seen them lose just once on their Premier League travels since November.
The Hammers have taken ten points from their last five away games in the league, winning at Swansea City, Middlesbrough and Southampton during that run.
League leaders Chelsea took the points at London Stadium last time out, as goals from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa meant Manuel Lanzini's late strike counted for little, but the away form of Slaven Bilic's team will mean they can head to the South Coast with confidence.
West Ham currently sit eleventh in the Premier League table, with 33 points from their 27 games to date, but could rise to ninth with victory on Saturday.
Bournemouth are six points and three places lower than the Hammers, but gained an important point in a 1-1 draw at Manchester United last weekend.
The draw ended a run of four straight defeats which has them looking over their shoulders as the league table tightens up below them.
The Cherries continue to impress with their attacking outlook in their second Premier League campaign, however, and their tally of 37 goals scored is the best of anyone outside the division's top seven.
West Ham have won two of the three league meetings between the clubs since Bournemouth's promotion in 2015, triumphing 1-0 in the most recent clash – at London Stadium in August.
Team news
Winston Reid was forced off during the second half of Monday's defeat to Chelsea after suffering from a leg injury, but is expected to be fit for Saturday's trip to the South Coast.
Andy Carroll came through 90 minutes on his return from a groin injury against the Blues and will be hoping for another start.
Michail Antonio returns after serving his one-match ban on Monday, but Diafra Sakho (back), Angelo Ogbonna and Gokhan Tore (both knee) remain sidelined.
For Bournemouth, Tyrone Mings starts a five-match ban after being found guilty of violent conduct in last weekend's draw at Manchester United.
Andrew Surman is also banned after being sent off in the same game.
Striker Callum Wilson is out with a serious knee injury, while Adam Federici and former Hammer Junior Stanislas are sidelined.
Jack Wilshere could return to the starting XI after training all week, while Eddie Howe will make a late call on defender Simon Francis, who has missed the last two games with a hamstring problem.
Player head-to-head
Head-to-Head
How do I get to the game?
Click here for Bournemouth's comprehensive guide to the Vitality Stadium for away supporters.
Supporters travelling to the game by train should be aware that a replacement bus service will replace trains between Southampton Airport Parkway and Bournemouth.
Click here for up-to-the-minute news on the trains and here for the very latest on the road network.
How can I watch the game?
This match is not being broadcast live in the UK. Overseas supporters may be able to watch the match, depending on your location. Click here for global television information.
Remember, you can follow the action as it happens right here on whufc.com, with live audio commentary, social media updates, in-running stats, photos and more. Get involved in the conversation on social using #BOUWHU
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Opposition View - Martin Tyler
WHUFC.com
Commentator Martin Tyler is looking forward to seeing two of his favourite clubs in action this weekend.
West Ham United travel south to face AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, and the veteran broadcaster told whufc.com he has a soft spot for both the Hammers and the Cherries in an exclusive interview.
The popular Tyler, who has commentated on numerous matches featuring the two Premier League clubs throughout his illustrious career with ITV and Sky Sports, also pointed to the many links between the east London outfit and their Dorset counterparts.
You will have watched AFC Bournemouth this season. What have you made of Eddie Howe's side?
"Their weakness has been defensively, and the stats mean that I don't have to show you that. Last weekend, they went to Manchester United and had a player sent-off in the first half and defended far better with ten men than they have been with eleven men!
"From that point of view, losing Andre Surman probably focused their minds, but they did extremely well in difficult circumstances, battled hard and certainly frustrated Manchester United. I'm not saying they've turned a corner, but it would have given them a huge boost and a point they wouldn't have expected to get, and now West Ham are up next for them.
"Surman will be suspended, as will Tyrone Mings, but they are capable of winning games because the attacking side of their play is very good."
As you say, they attack well, so who are their key men?
"Josh King is in great form. He's knocked about a bit since leaving Manchester United but he's a more mature player now and he's on a great run, with six goals in his last nine Premier League matches."
Their recent rise to the Premier League is some story…
"They've done remarkably well. It would be foolish to say that it is a complete fairy story because they've had the finances to do it, but you've still got to do it and they've done it in some style.
"It's extraordinary to think that this is just their second season in the top division of English football. They must take great credit for that and they're fighting hard to make sure there is a third season – and that's the challenge West Ham have to meet."
There are a lot of close links between the two clubs too, of course, so do you have any stories that spring to mind?
"I always mention when Manchester United, as FA Cup holders, lost to Harry Redknapp's Bournemouth in the third round in 1984. That was the last away tie that they lost to a lower-division opponent, so it's still in the record books. Obviously, I work with Jamie so I hear Harry stories all the time!
"Rio Ferdinand went there on loan, as did Jermain Defoe, so the links are there. There were a number of players who have played for West Ham at the top level and either built their careers or retired down at Bournemouth."
What about West Ham? Things appear to be on the up, generally?
"Yes, I was at London for the Southampton game and that was hot on the heels of the Watford game, and there were clearly some teething troubles in terms of results.
"It seems to me that things have settled down a lot and results have improved, except against the very top teams, and there is no disgrace in losing to the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United.
"The two games at home to Burnley and Hull before Christmas seem to me like they were a turning point, because the team didn't play particularly well but they managed to win both, with the post winning Man of the Match in one of them!
"I think there has definitely been improvement. I spent part of the time preparing for the Chelsea game with the manager and the lads and I felt there was a feeling of optimism."
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Kouyate - We'll battle hard for the win
WHUFC.com
Cheikhou Kouyate urges West Ham United to 'battle' for victory at AFC Bournemouth
Hammers are without a win in their previous two Premier League matches
Senegal star would prefer to play in midfield but is content to continue at right-back
Cheikhou Kouyate says West Ham United need to overcome recent disappointments and 'battle' for the victory at AFC Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
The Hammers have picked up just one point from their previous two Premier League matches, drawing 1-1 at Watford before going down to a 2-1 home defeat by Chelsea.
Having slipped back into the bottom half of the table, Kouyate says a victory in Dorset would provide a major boost to Slaven Bilic's squad ahead of the visit of resurgent champions Leicester City to London Stadium on 18 March.
"Of course we do need the points at the moment, because in the last two games we dropped two points against Watford and we lost at home to Chelsea, although of course Chelsea are a fantastic side," observed the Senegal captain.
"Now, we have the Bournemouth game coming up and we will be going there to try and take all three points. It's a very important game, then we have Leicester the following week, so we'll be preparing for that game as well.
"We know that many teams go to Bournemouth and don't win, so we know it'll be tough, but we'll be battling as hard as we can to get the win."
Kouyate has been deployed in an unaccustomed right-back role in both games, giving away an unfortunate penalty at Vicarage Road before coming up against the formidable Eden Hazard at London Stadium.
When asked, the No8 admitted he would rather be playing in his preferred midfield role, but insisted he would be content to fill a full-back position again at Vitality Stadium, so long as West Ham leave the south coast with three points.
"I am very happy that I have become an important player for the team and that is all down to the hard work I have put in every day," he explained. "Everything I do here is for the team. For me, I am happy with the progress I've been making.
"The most important thing here is West Ham United and not Cheikhou Kouyate and everything I am doing is for the team to go as far as it can."
"I don't like playing there [at right-back], to be honest. It's not my position and it doesn't suit my game, but I play for the team. The fact the coach has asked me to do so is a compliment, of course, but it isn't my preference."
So, where would Kouyate play if he could pick his position on the pitch himself?
"Striker! No, I prefer playing in midfield and that's where I played when I was coming through the ranks as a youngster. There is more freedom in that position and I like going box-to-box, so that's where I prefer to play."
*West Ham United's Premier League fixture at AFC Bournemouth will be broadcast live on BBC London Sport radio on Saturday 11 March, with kick-off at 3pm. Television highlights will be shown on BBC One's Match of the Day show from 10.20pm.
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Five Talking Points – AFC Bournemouth
WHUFC.com
1. Away form
West Ham United's away form under Slaven Bilic has been outstanding in recent months. The Hammers have lost just once in their last seven Premier League matches on their travels – and even that one defeat was a hard-to-take 1-0 reverse at Leicester City on New Year's Eve. Since taking over in summer 2015, the Croatian has led his side superbly on the road, achieving eleven wins, ten draws and eleven defeats in 32 league matches away from east London. Forty-three points from 32 league games would be acceptable form in a normal season, but to pick up that many points from away games only shows how well the Hammers have played on enemy territory.
2. Cherries on top or Cherries squished?
AFC Bournemouth's recent Premier League form has been indifferent, with the Cherries collecting just three points from their last eight matches. Since going 3-0 up against Arsenal on 3 January, Eddie Howe's side have conceded 21 goals and scored just eight, slipping from ninth to 14th in the table. While last weekend's 1-1 draw at Manchester United showed a refreshing resilience, what looked to be a comfortable second season in the top flight has turned into an anxious glance over the shoulder from everyone at the Vitality Stadium. While relegation still looks highly unlikely, Howe will want his side to end their winless run as soon as possible if they are to enjoy the remaining weeks of 2016/17.
3. Crucial Michy
West Ham United are a different proposition when Michail Antonio is in the team, that much is obvious. Manager Slaven Bilic hailed Antonio's athleticism, work-rate and energy in his pre-match press conference, pointing to the huge number of high-intensity sprints he makes in each game. The No30 also brings pace to stretch the opposition defence and run in behind, while his aerial ability will give Bournemouth's full-backs something extra to worry about on Saturday, when he returns following a one-match ban. Simply put, in a little more than a year, Antonio has become a crucial member of the starting XI.
4. Right-back where we started from
Slaven Bilic admitted that Cheikhou Kouyate is 'wasted' at right-back in his pre-match press conference and, despite the Senegalese star's versatility, he could move into a more accustomed midfield role on Saturday. Sam Byram's impressive cameo against Chelsea may see the former Leeds United player drafted into the starting XI, with Kouyate moving into midfield. If that happens, Bilic will then have a big decision to make, as Kouyate, captain Mark Noble and Pedro Obiang will then likely be vying for two deep midfield roles.
Ahead of them, Slaven will also need to decide who to play in the three advanced midfield positions behind Andy Carroll, with Manuel Lanzini, Michail Antonio, Sofiane Feghouli, Andre Ayew and Robert Snodgrass all in contention.
5. Close links
Despite being 100 miles apart, there are dozens of links between West Ham United and AFC Bournemouth. Former Hammers John Bond, Harry Redknapp and Jimmy Quinn have all managed Bournemouth, as has one-time West Ham assistant Paul Groves. Player-wise, John Arnott, Bobby Barnes, Ian Bishop, Phil Brignull, Jack Collison, Jermain Defoe, Anthony Edgar, Rio Ferdinand, Carl Fletcher, Dale Gordon, Trevor Hartley, Stephen Henderson, Zavon Hines, Pat Holland, Matt Holmes, Bobby Howe, David James, Steve Jones, Bill Kitchener, Everald La Ronde, Ted MacDougall, Scott Mean, Keith Miller, Paul Mitchell, Nicky Morgan, Emmanuel Omoyinmi, Keith Rowland, Tony Scott, Tommy Southren, Marek Stech and Mark Watson have all worn the colours of both clubs. Nowadays, Academy of Football graduate Junior Stanislas is in Eddie Howe's squad, while the Cherries boss is assisted by Jason Tindall, the son of long-time Hammers scout Jimmy. Oh, and midfielder Jack Wilshere is a West Ham fan!
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Slav: Noble is our leader
WHUFC.com
To quote the legendary American Football coach Vince Lombardi: 'It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up.'
When it comes to Mark Noble and the personal responsibility he takes as West Ham United captain, it's not just a case of getting up, but lifting those around him at the same time and then driving them on to bigger and better things. For Slaven Bilic, that leadership quality is an asset he has been able to rely on since the day he walked back into the Club in the summer of 2015 and named Noble as his skipper. "He is the leader of the team," said the Hammers boss. "He keeps us balanced. Sometimes he has a great game, sometimes he doesn't. But overall he is playing good for us. "And he is more than a player on the pitch. His presence means a lot. It means a lot for the others around him."
The praise for his captain came in response to questions about Noble's mindset following the 2-1 home defeat against London rivals Chelsea on Monday, when his misplaced pass midway through the first-half led to Eden Hazard opening the scoring for the visitors.
Noble responded in the same way he has done since breaking into the Hammers' first-team as a fresh-faced 17-year-old in 2004 – by rolling his sleeves up, refusing to hide or shirk a challenge, and doing his utmost to drag his team back into the match.
To his manager, that came as no surprise. And using the example of Barcelona's jaw-dropping comeback against Paris St Germain in the Champions League this week, Bilic explained exactly why his faith in Noble remains absolute.
"You can't just judge a player on one mistake," he said. "If it's like that, Barcelona should have sold all their players after the first leg in Paris. Now they should give them all long-term contracts. Paris the other way around. Sell them all. "Before Chelsea I was asked the question: Does Mark Noble deserve an England call-up? Now, after nothing basically, I am being asked: What about Mark Noble? "It's about believing in your team. The Barcelona game showed that that changing something when needed is good. But what is 100% is that you never stop believing in your players."
As the squad trained in the sunshine at Rush Green on Thursday in preparation for Saturday's trip to Bournemouth, Noble was there again, working, demanding, encouraging. He is now just four games from reaching 400 senior appearances in claret and blue, yet that determination, drive and desire shows no sign of abating. "Mark loves to train," said Bilic. "He very rarely misses a training session. He listens, he leads, he is a top professional. He never trains at 50, 60, 70 or 80 per cent. He trains at 100 per cent. "It's ideal when you have players like him."
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Ray's labour of love
WHUFC.com
His glittering career includes Hollywood blockbusters and BAFTA nominations, but when it comes to the film closest to his heart, Ray Winstone's latest starring role will take some beating. Iron Men, ON SALE NOW, tells the historic, emotional story of West Ham United's final season at the Boleyn Ground and move to London Stadium, and focuses on the journey of several key figures following the Club, including legendary actor and lifelong Hammers fan Ray. The 60-year-old spoke exclusively to West Ham TV at the world premiere of Iron Men last week, and revealed what persuaded him to sign up to a true labour of love. "You start getting nostalgic," said Ray. "When you talk about where you were brought up and what West Ham means to you, not just as a person but as part of a community. "For me, the film is about where we came from, and that's why I wanted to do it, to talk about that history but also to talk about the future and where we want to go."
While the film provides an emotional trip down memory lane for Hammers fans, it is a journey that also looks forward to an exciting future at London Stadium, and Ray didn't hesitate when giving his views on the Club's new home and the progress being made under Slaven Bilic. "We had to move," he said. "If you want to be a bigger club, in this day and age, that is the approach you have to take.
"I like the past, I like thinking about, but in football terms we needed to move on. And I think when the team are really playing well, the atmosphere will be there and the stadium will be a fortress. "I like Slaven, he is everything that West Ham is," added Ray. "He has got heart, he has got passion, and he knows his football. "Early on, I wasn't sure if there was a Plan B. We were great away from home, set up to hit teams on the break, but we needed something else at home.
"But then Andy Carroll came back, we've had pace in wide areas, and the home form has been getting better and better. We're getting there I think."
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Both sides of the fence - Harry Redknapp
WHUFC.com
Harry Redknapp has a unique connection with West Ham and Bournemouth, having played and managed both clubs during a career spanning more than 50 years.
Harry, who celebrated his 70th birthday earlier this month, looks forward to the clash between his former clubs this weekend and talks Slaven Bilic, London Stadium and life after management…
I'll be there at the match on Saturday.
I'm looking forward to what should be an exciting game between two footballing sides who like to attack. I've seen a lot of Bournemouth this season as I live nearby. I take the grandchildren along and it's nice to enjoy watching Premier League football without the pressures of management. We get to the ground five minutes before kick-off and often make a quick exit five minutes before the end so I can be home in time to see all the other results coming in. The grandkids get a bit annoyed though – we've missed a lot of late goals this season!
Bournemouth have had a tough time recently.
After a fantastic first season in the Premier League last year, it was always going to be a bit tougher in the second season, but they were going well early on. They had a great 3-1 win over Liverpool at home and should have beaten Arsenal at the start of the year after going 3-0 up, but were pegged back to 3-3. That was a real blow and, since then, they've been on a tricky run and haven't won a game. The point at Old Trafford last week was a big confidence boost, though, and they'll be desperate to get their home form back on track this weekend.
Eddie Howe has a great future ahead of him.
What he has achieved in his short time as manager so far is nothing short of incredible. Bournemouth hadn't been out of the bottom two divisions for 100 years before I took them up to the old Second Division in 1987, but Eddie stole my thunder by taking them into the Premier League! He is a great lad, though, and has all the qualities to be a top, top manager. I signed him as a player and he always showed a great interest in learning the game. I'm proud that a lot of young players I managed have gone in to coaching. The likes of young Frank, Rio and Joe Cole are all taking their coaching badges and have the ability to go far.
West Ham have turned things around after a difficult start.
It was always going to take time to settle in at the new stadium, and there have been a lot of injuries to key players that have disrupted their progress. Then there was the situation with Dimitri Payet, which was a real difficult one. As a manager, you don't want to have to deal with that kind of problem, but I thought Slaven and the club handled it very well. At the end of the day, West Ham have had better players before him and they will have better players in the future. If he doesn't want to play for a fantastic club like West Ham, then that's up to him. Slaven has steadied the ship, though, and they have had some excellent results recently.
There is some real quality in West Ham's team.
I like Manuel Lanzini, he is a playmaker in the true West Ham style and can do everything – pass, dribble, score goals. Mark Noble is someone who doesn't get the credit he deserves for the influence he has – he's a leader, a great character who drives others around him and keeps the team spirit together. The two new boys are also good signings. I've followed Fonte since he was playing for Southampton in League One and he is a top player, a true pro and a solid character. And Snodgrass is similar, a great character with a lot of ability and a great left foot. No disrespect to Hull, but I always felt he deserved to be at a bigger club.
It's no surprise to me that Slaven has gone on to become a successful manager.
He's always been a bright, clever guy, with a strong personality and the right character to manage players. He comes from that terrific generation of Croatian players that I had the pleasure to manage. Slaven, Igor Stimac, Davor Suker, Robert Prosinecki, Niko Kranjcar, Luka Modric, Vedran Corluka – all fantastic players with magnificent character. After he left West Ham as a player, I bumped into Slaven on many occasions in various places around the world and was always pleased to see him and enjoyed his company. I'll hopefully get down to see him after the game on Saturday and say hello if he's had a good result.
I've only been to London Stadium once, but what a place.
I was there for the opening ceremony and friendly against Juventus back in August. It's a fantastic stadium and the move was an opportunity that the club just couldn't turn down. Obviously I grew up at Upton Park and it was a different story. We used to train on the concrete forecourt in front of the main entrance when it snowed, and during the summer we'd paint the old Chicken Run, which used to be piled six foot high with fag ends! The new stadium is the future, though, and will take the Club to another level. With the backing they have, and almost 60,000 sold out every week, it will give them a great chance of success. It has put West Ham in a position where they could have a chance of winning the Premier League one day.
Being completely honest, I have no desire or wish to get back into management.
I'm very happy and enjoying my life. I do a bit of media work for BT Sport and I've recently bought a little racing stable down in Dorset, in a beautiful little village called Piddletrenthide. It's not Poplar or East Ham, that's for sure! I have a trainer called Nick Mitchell, who looks after around 18 horses, and we've got room for a few more. I own four of them, but I'd be lying if I said there was a champion among them. I just enjoy popping down to the yard, and watching a few races at the local track, Wincanton. The rest of my time is spent with the family, and the grandchildren keep me busy. There are seven in total and a couple are into their football. Jamie's little one Beau (8) is at Chelsea's Academy, while Mark's son Harry, who's 10, is at Bournemouth. He's a right-back, though, not a winger like his grandad!
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Hammers draw Newcastle in Premier League Cup
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will play Newcastle United the first knock-out round the 2016/17 Premier League Cup. The tie will take place at Newcastle's St James' Park.
Terry Westley's men have beaten Newcastle once already this season when goals from Toni Martinez (2) and Marcus Browne completed a 3-1 win back in August. Today's draw means that the young Hammers will visit the North-east twice in the space of a few weeks, with the reverse of August's PL2 fixture set to take place in three days time on Monday.
West Ham are holders of the Premier League Cup after they beat Hull City on penalties in May, after neither side could be separated over two legs and extra-time.
Djair Parfitt-Williams scored in the first leg at the Boleyn Ground to give the Hammers a slender advantage, but Will Annan made the scores level in the second leg.
Fortunately, the Hammers clinched the title on penalties, winning 5-3 on spot kicks at the KCOM Stadium.
Terry Westley's men were drawn in Group E with Leicester City, Nottingham Forest and Brighton and Hove Albion and made the perfect start, beating the Foxes 2-0 in arguably their best performance of the season so far.
The game is most likely remembered for Domingos Quina's outrageous 50 yard lob, which gave the Hammers a two goal cushion.
Their next fixture, played at the home of Alfreton Town FC, was against the lowest ranked side in the group but the U23s had to be right on their game against a spirited Nottingham Forest side.
Ben Brereton gave the hosts the lead in the first half before Jahmal Hector-Ingram equalised on the stroke of half-time. Marcus Browne slotted home the crucial winner with three minutes to play to make it two wins from two.
On match day three, the Hammers came up against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Chigwell Construction Stadium but despite an even fixture, they were beaten 3-1.
The Cup then resumed in February with the final three fixtures being played over a period of two and a half weeks.
It began with a resilient draw at home to Leicester after January signing Nathan Holland scored a last minute equaliser on just his third start for the U23s.
The Hammers then secured their spot in the last 16 with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Forest, with Joe Powell scoring his first two goals of the season. Holland also grabbed his second in as many games.
The final match of the group saw the Hammers visit Brighton once again, after previously meeting on the south coast in the league. Westley's men lost the fixture 3-0 but had already qualified for the next phase of the competition.
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U18s begin Merit Group A with defeat
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s were beaten 4-0 by Chelsea at Little Heath
The Hammers responded well in the second half and could have easily pulled goals back
Captain Tunji Akinola believes the game will stand them in good stead for the rest of the Merit Group
West Ham United U18s battled resiliently but ultimately came up against top opposition in the form of Chelsea, as the Hammers went down 4-0 at Little Heath.
Chelsea are in FA Youth Cup semi-final action next week and showed their quality in the first-half. Two goal from Callum Hudson-Odoi and a penalty Luke McCormick saw the Blues cruise to a 3-0 lead inside 25 minutes.
The Hammers tried to force things in the second half, despite going four down on 48 minutes through Cole Dasilva. Korrey Henry had a penalty saved and Jahmal Hector-Ingram missed a header from close range, but the Hammers ultimately left their first Merit Group A match with no points.
"Being in the Elite Stage, we have to expect tough tests like this one. All the teams are of high calibre and we need to up our performance to match that," said captain Tunji Akinola.
"Chelsea have got quality, but one thing we noticed is that they really want it. They ran, they pressed and they didn't stop until the 90th minute.
"That's something we can take from the game. I don't think we kept the ball well enough today and that's what hurt us."
The Hammers will now dust themselves now and be ready for a trip to Reading next week, a match that captain Akinola says they'll be ready for.
"Reading should be a game that we're looking to win. They're not of the calibre of Chelsea. In the rest of the Elite phase games, we need to stamp our authority on the game from the start."
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Bournemouth v West Ham United
SAT, 11 MAR 2017PREMIER LEAGUE
15:00
Venue: Vitality Stadium
TEAM NEWS
Bournemouth will be without suspended pair Andrew Surman and Tyrone Mings. Last week's debutant Baily Cargill could keep his place because Simon Francis is still nursing a hamstring injury and may not be ready to return.
West Ham welcome back Michail Antonio after a one-match ban, and Winston Reid should have recovered from a leg injury he suffered against Chelsea. Andy Carroll and Robert Snodgrass are expected to be fit despite both needing stitches after that game.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
John Motson: "This is a game in which I'm expecting goals. "Bournemouth have conceded 36 goals in their past 15 league games, while West Ham have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six. "The Cherries have let in three or more goals in 10 league games this season - they really need to tighten up at the back to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle. "But they're missing Nathan Ake, and the absence of Tyrone Mings for the next five games won't help. "Yet it's an important game for West Ham too, as they aren't going through a great spell either. "In short, both teams need a win to turn around a very indifferent spell."
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe: "West Ham have done well. They've picked up, got some good results and it coincides with some key players returning for them. "They're a different team with Andy Carroll - he's got strengths and is a huge part of their game."
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "They have had a few defeats and a draw but the last game [a draw against Manchester United] would have given them a big boost and confidence. "It's a great result to get a point at Old Trafford, especially with 10 men. "We are expecting a difficult game. [It's] a small pitch and a good atmosphere."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Eddie Howe's side need a win - they have not had one in their past eight league matches - and I think they might do it on Saturday.
I don't see West Ham's season just petering out, because they are chasing a top-half finish - but I am backing Bournemouth to edge this one.
Prediction: 2-1
West Ham red cards
It is the joint-highest total in the division
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
This will be just the fourth Premier League meeting between the teams. West Ham have won the last two, including the corresponding fixture last season.
Bournemouth's only victory against West Ham in any competition was 4-3 at Upton Park last season.
All seven of West Ham's Premier League goals against the Cherries have come in the second half of games.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth have gone eight league games without a win in 2017 (D3, L5).
The Cherries haven't won any of their last five home league games (D2, L3).
They haven't had a clean sheet in nine games in all competitions, the current longest such run in the Premier League.
Artur Boruc, who saved Zlatan Ibrahimovic's penalty last weekend, has saved four of the last seven penalties he has faced in the Premier League.
Bournemouth have scored all seven of their Premier League penalties this season, more than any other side.
Joshua King has scored five goals in his last six league appearances for Bournemouth.
West Ham United
West Ham have won just one of their last five league games.
However, they've taken seven points from the last three away matches.
The Hammers have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six matches.
They have scored 17 goals from set-pieces, the joint-highest total in the Premier League.
Andy Carroll is one goal shy of 50 in the Premier League. This season, he's averaging his best minutes per goal ratio in a single league campaign, with a goal every 148 minutes.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-1 Probability of draw: 23%
Probability of home win: 38% Probability of away win: 39%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale at the University of Salford that is used to predict the outcome of football matches.
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KOUYATE IS NOT A RIGHT BACK
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 9 MARCH 2017 AT 10:04PM
Here is our latest video's showcasing the fan's opinions from the Chelsea game. We were lucky enough to speak to Sammy McNess, West Ham's very own boxing talent, who reflected on the disappointing result but decent performance. Sammy is a massive West Ham fan and a great friend of the site. If you haven't already you must get tickets for his up and coming fight in Stratford .We spoke to other fans' who were disappointed with Kouyate being picked at right back again. Another call is for Feghouli to be dropped for Ayew. Do you agree with any of the supporters that we captured on the show?
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE NEWS: PLAYERS IN AND PLAYERS OUT, CONTRACTS AND INJURIES
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 10 MARCH 2017 AT 6:06PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
So it has been a long time since I wrote one of these but this week due to our interview with Paul Konchesky on the radio we didn't run my news section so I thought I would make a return to the old school and write a column again. Here is the interview if you missed it. Paul shared some great information and stories from his time at the club and picked his all-time eleven that he had played with. It is well worth a listen http://www.phoenixfm.com/2017/03/08/the-west-ham-way-show-32/
So onto all things West Ham. We are looking strong for the weekend with no reported injuries. As Bilic confirmed in his interview Andy Carroll needed stiches and Winston Reid and Jose Fonte picked up slight injuries although both should be back in the frame for Saturday. Sakho is still on the road to recovery having been involved in running sessions at training, following a closer look by experts in France, he should be back in full training by April. He is looking to feature over the Easter period. Monday's result was disappointing although I thought the performance against the champions elect was good and we just conceded silly goals. This week the team has set up many training sessions with Sam Byram at right back so it will be interesting to see if they bring him in, stick with Kouyate or play Noble there as Claret and Hugh was reporting (I would be extremely surprised if that was the case). Sam Byram hasn't kicked on as much as was hoped for him this year and Bilic doesn't appear to trust him.
A right back in the next window is the top priority. Arbeloa's contract will run out in the summer and this will not be renewed and it is thought if a top right back could be brought in Byram could be allowed to leave on loan or possibly permanently if the right price comes in. I hope he gets his chance this season to prove his worth. There are a number of right backs who are of interest. Sagna of Manchester City is a target as he is available on a free and is said to want to return to the capital. He is still a current French international and could be a decent option for a year or so having played quite well for Manchester City this year. His City team mate Zabaleta is also available on a free and being a year younger and having leadership qualities it could be this right back that we turn to. There are others on the radar too. The top target in January was Trippier of Spurs and whilst we know it is near impossible for us to trade with our North London rivals should he become available we would certainly move for him. We are also looking at St Etienne full back Kevin Malcuit but we would be looking at a deal for over £10m if we were to persuade him to join.
The other position is upfront. I think we need to sign at least two forwards and the club do too and possible three depending on Andy Carroll's situation. There was interest from China for Andy in the January window but the club turned down the offer because at the time he was bang in form and there were no other options. Since then he has got injured with a couple of injuries, one of which-due to the nature of it, has frustrated the club and we could consider entertaining offers in the summer. Whether we sell depends on how much we get and what Carroll does from now and until the end of the season. Andy is also very settled in the area with a child and an ex "Towie personality" as his partner so he may not wish to go, although I think the Chinese wages may be able to persuade him.
In terms of targets that we are after it is a little bit like Déjà vu. Bathsuayi of Chelsea is apparently very unhappy with the amount of football he has got this year and would like to move. A loan or even a permanent deal could be on the cards. It is said that he would be keen on a move to us and we have been long term admirers. If Sunderland go down Defoe will be available to sign because he has a relegation release clause and we would try to activate this and bring him into finish his career at the club where it all started. Lacazette wants to leave Lyon, I would imagine bigger clubs will be in for him but if initial enquiries show we have a chance we would go for him. Looking domestically Andre Gray of Burnley has been a long term target as well, Wilson of Bournemouth too but his injuries may put us off him. The relegation situation could be important in deciding who we go for; Crystal Palace and we could move for Benteke, Leicester (although unlikely) Vardy and Swansea Llorente. Another top target of ours from Swansea is Icelandic midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson. We enquired about him in January but we were told £25m but should they go down the value could decrease. We have also been scouting abroad too and the net is being cast wide to bring in the goalscorer we have all been craving. If Carroll goes, target men like Gignac, Yilmaz and Negredo could be explored but I think these moves will depend on the Geordie forwards whereabouts.
So Payet has now declared that he left West Ham because he was "bored of the defensive approach" and disappointed by the transfers that we brought in during the summer window. He stated then in August that he wanted to leave, according to him, but then said it was due to the fact that we hadn't signed anyone of note-which he wouldn't have known at that point because the window wouldn't have closed. The club wouldn't let him leave, something I stated for a while rather than the popular believe that we tried to engineer a move for him. He was also states that he was worried that his career was going to go backwards-even though we had just qualified for Europe and had one of our most successful seasons. The whole quotes from him contradict his previous ones. According to another ITK when I reported that Payet had been playing up for a while (which he did; countless missed training sessions, constant strops, eating on his own in the canteen etc.) I was directly quoted and told to be talking rubbish. Payet today and other players previously have confirmed this to be true. He was determined to leave and his performances, attitude and demands reflected this. It is good to finally be confirmed as speaking the truth and that Payet was really the character I had portrayed him as. I hope that now, finally, this is the end of the saga and that we can move on and not have to speak of him again.
The club is planning to offer new contracts to Bilic (unless results take a terrible turn), Antonio, Ogbonna (who is recovering well from his injury), Obiang (to put off any interest from Liverpool) and are considering triggering the automatic two year renewal that Adrian has in his contract. Other players who could leave us though are likely to be Arbeloa, Byram (possibly), Tore, Nordtveit, Calleri, Fletcher (on loan) and James Collins. Whilst this isn't confirmed and they have until the end of the season to prove their worth they are the likely candidates.
We will also be continuing our youth policy of scouting promising youngster from across the world and bringing them to the academy. It is felt that next year the likes of Cullen, Quina, Martinez, Burke and Oxford will be regular features of the match day squad and that others like Rice and Dobson may have a chance too. There are a couple of youngsters from Arsenal and Chelsea's academies that we have looked at to bring over.
At the West Ham Way we are continually looking for people to help with the site. We really need advertisers to keep the brand going particularly with our YouTube channel and site. We need people to help with the YouTube channel being regular contributors and building up your own line profile as well as helping getting people chatting to us on the day. I am also keen to get new writers, who do the fundamental thing and write regularly. Previous attempts at doing this have been very frustrating with writers coming in, doing one article and then not having time to write again. Committed writers who want to build up a portfolio are encouraged to apply.
Finally tickets for our West Ham way events have been selling brilliantly and the last one with John Moncur was a sell-out. We are on track to match that with Phil Parkes before the Leicester game next week. Not only is Phil and Mark Ward there to take all your questions, Sammy McNess will be appearing on stage and talking about his next fight and selling tickets. There will be a raffle draw with signed shirts, Phil Parkes signed items, books, posters and a free copy of Bubbles Fanzine for each visitor. We have a memorabilia stall selling great items and great prices. Not to mention the unlimited drink, West Ham films and shirts and great atmosphere. Everyone who attends loves it so get your tickets here. bit.ly/TWHWTICKET6
I shall be going to the Bournemouth game tomorrow and filming on the Snap Chat channel. I hope to see many of you down there! Come on you Irons!
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The myth of reaching the Champions League
WHUFC.com
Filed: Friday, 10th March 2017
By: Paul Walker
The numbers are in...make of them what you want, be they Budgets or West Ham balance sheets. All can be interpreted to mean anything you like.
As for us, I get this nasty feeling that we are being peddled a myth, the impossible dream that is becoming the movable dream, one that never really gets any closer regardless of the glowing numbers.
The Budget, and I'll keep this brief because you aren't bothered about my political views, quite right too. But Philip Hammond has discovered it does not pay to hammer the very people who vote for you, be it the self-employed white van man on the M25, or the business rates of an entrepreneur running a central London shop.
OK, back to the serious stuff. The very reason we left the Boleyn was that a big stadium, big revenue and big-name players would take us into the Champions League.
I did find it ironic this week to hear a wet-behind-the-ears Arsenal fan talking about a protest march against Arsene Wenger from Highbury to the Emirates (not to taxing for them), the route Gunners fans were told would make them even more self-important and entitled than they already are. Bless.
We have made a similar journey from E13 to E20 for the same reasons. We have seen all our financial bits and pieces soar to untold heights--we are now richer than Everton, you know--but we are even further away from the promised land than we were at the end of last season.
Yes, I know it's easy to be smug and sneering about what has happened to West Ham this season. Every Tom, Dick and Daily Mail is at it.
I am beginning to hear folk ask 'why' we are here at all. But I have always insisted that the theory of moving to a bigger stadium is sound. Ray Winstone was right when he said in an interview ahead of the excellent Ironmen film, that to stay at Upton Park would have seen us overtaken, left behind, eventually relegated again.
These days, you have to make that move, aim for more revenue, just to stand still. Soon Spurs and Chelsea will have bigger stadiums, and don't forget Wembley and Twickenham. Even the likes of QPR and Brentford are planning new grounds not far away from the capacity of the Boleyn.
Staying put would have seen us regress, not even stand still. So the move was right, shame though that we could not afford to build our own new stadium, or even own the Olympic Stadium. But it's history why that didn't happen, we are where we are and we won't be going back, so we have to move on.
Much of my complaints about our new home are centred on the people who own it, the ones that failed to understand what having a Premier League club on their premises really entailed. Trying to do the policing and stewarding on the cheap has backfired.
Now we seem locked in arguments over when or if those 3,000 extra seats are released, Karren Brady has gone quiet on that one. Or even the 6,000 David Gold was promising for the near future.
We are seemingly in a whole new ball game now, with our owners frightened of their own shadows with the new regime at County Hall searching for scapegoats for the overspend on the transformation of the stadium.
It seems that it is being suggested that those extra 9,000 seats should come with a hike in the rent. I wonder if Karren is now looking closely at the very favourable contracts she negotiated to see how we get out of that one. Surely such eventualities were covered in the small print, your Ladyship?
But the small fact remains that we will never reach the holy grail of the Champions League without Champions League players. And we will never get close to qualifying while the top six in this country are vastly richer than we are--and they are chasing four places--and who will increase their revenue at about the same rate that we will.
Turnover, commercial cash flow, ticket sales and TV deals will make us richer, and Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs even richer. It's what Financial Fair Play and the sliding scale of TV revenues were invented for.
The notion that FFP was all for our own good so we wouldn't spend beyond our means--oh yes, we did that under the Icelandic regime anyway--is the sop that the high and mighty clubs and UEFA came up with. What they really wanted to do was maintain the status quo.
To stop up-and-coming clubs getting too close to them. Manchester City were the last, and they spent vast fortunes to achieve it via the deep wells of the Abu Dhabi government, just before FFP kicked in. Then the drawbridge was pulled up. With us and the rest of the plebs on the other side.
The FFP rules change somewhat for next season, but not enough to make much of a difference. We were working on something between £65m and £70m and next season, I am told by those that understand these things that it climbs over £80m.
Significant increases come from being able to add commercial income, extra sponsorship and naming rights (the latter of course we won't have). Lady Karren has done all that was asked of her there. Our coffers from the rich folks' seats have boomed, and will keep on doing so, which is why the wage rise she has got to closer £1m a year is a minor extra expenditure for us, considering what has been achieved in her department.
And in a capitalist world I don't see much wrong with our owners taking back some of their loans and interest. It's how the financial game is played. We will have more to spend in the transfer market this summer, our owners have said, along with a new contract for Slaven Bilic.
And yes, our £142m turnover is impressive (It was just £46m after our relegation season of 2011). But we are still worlds away from the top six, and I fail to see how that will ever change in the foreseeable future. We need £50m players to compete with teams who have £50m players.
And we also need to convince Champions League quality players to join us. Our owners discovered how hard, if not impossible, that was last summer, when we can barely even offer the Europa League on a consistent basis. Linked with many players, but nobody came.
Two of our top six, maybe Arsenal and Manchester United (again) will fail to reach the Champions League, and their turnovers are £350m and £515m respectively.
Our owners spent all last summer talking about Champions League qualification, after last season's seventh place finish…just four points behind fourth placed Manchester City, albeit with a significantly smaller goal difference. But we were that close.
But last season was a freak, not a fluke because we played so well against the big boys, but a freak of nature as much as Leicester winning the title was. These situations come around very, very infrequently. How often do we finish above Chelsea and Liverpool?
Last January was the time to go for it. We were four points off fourth spot then and were flying. More ambition, bravery and risk then may just have got us to that impossible dream. But we signed just Sam Byram and Emmanuel Emenike, of any significance. Oh, and gave Dimi Payet a new contract.
But I fear that chance was lost and won't come around again for a very long time. We have lost our best player, a true star, since then. And it is becoming increasingly clear just how long the Payet saga had been going on.
Slav talked of problems before Christmas, and now Payet is saying he told the club he was leaving before the season started. And he admitted he was tapped up. Just how much front does he have, but the French--their media and clubs--just shrug their shoulders at such small points like breaking transfer regulations.
So there is the possibility that our owners knew about that at the same time they were building their exit plan from the Boleyn around the Frenchman.
It would have been impossible to let him go then, with so much at stake…20,000 extra ticket sales and the mass migration to Stratford to be precise. But I don't blame our board for that. What on earth were they supposed to do at that critical stage of the move, with Payet's shirt being hoisted to the rafters of the Olympic Stadium?
Now the treasonable little rat is dreaming up even more nonsense to explain away his behaviour. Bored with our defensive play against Hull in December, seemingly, but having told Slav and the board he wanted out in August with the knowledge that his class performances for France in the Euros had produced plenty of offers.
If he was bored with our display against Hull, many like me were already incensed by his shocking, disinterested displays on the pitch. Not trying very hard, sulking, and also we now know, messing about in training and being a complete disruptive influence around the training ground. Now he sees fit to try to blacken our name. You can't make it up.
I was never 100 per cent convinced by him anyway. Great on the ball but not one to work when not in possession. You wonder, in hindsight, what our bunch of new signings thought about his behaviour? Most not speaking English well, some needing interpreters and all needing to integrate into a disrupted squad quickly. Payet has a lot to answer for in terms of our failed progress this season.
There was a point this season when we needed some consistency, a few wins, and for people to battle and pull together for the team. But he was never a fighter, just a very selfish man only concerned about himself, never the team he was supposed to be part of.
So Sullivan will try again in the summer in his beloved transfer market. He may think that when he finally sells up, gives up, turns his toes up or just retires, that his legacy will be the new stadium. He's wrong, his legacy will be the squad he puts on the pitch for his manager and fans.
Only quality players, and several of them, will take us close to the next level. After watching our OK performance against Chelsea, I started wondering how many of our team would get into their starting line-up.
And, likewise, the starting elevens of the rest of the top six, accepted of course that Liverpool have been playing without a goalkeeper all season so Randy or Adrian would certainly get in there. You would suggest that Mani Lanzini, Cheikhou Kouyate and Michail Antonio would have a shout somewhere, but the rest? Maybe Winston Reid.
And that's not a deliberate slight on our squad, but we looked a class lower all over the pitch on Monday, and that has been born our by our results against the top six clubs this season. Just two points from nine matches so far, which after last term is a bitter disappointment.
I would love to be proved wrong, love to see us charge into the top six. The impossible dream may be there, in all of us, but reality says it is a myth, a giant step only achieved with vast wealth and time.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
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Under 18s: West Ham Utd 0-4 Chelsea
kumb.COM
Filed: Friday, 10th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
The Under 18s' Merit Group campaign get off to a poor start this lunchtime as they were heavily beaten by Chelsea at Rush Green.
In the first of their seven fixtures in the Elite group, for which they only qualified by the skin of their teeth, Steve Potts' side were downed 4-0 by a strong Chelsea side who extended their unbeaten run to 19 games. Unbeaten since last September, the visitors took the lead after just 13 minutes through Luke McCormick from the penalty spot - a lead they doubled four minutes later when Hudson-Odoi passed the ball into an empty net, having left Irons' Latvian 'keeper Rihards Matrevics trailing in his wake. Chelsea were threatening to run up a cricket score when they made it 3-0 on 25 minutes as Hudson-Odoi grabbed his second, but the Hammers survived to half time without conceding any further. However they were to last just three minutes of the second half before conceding a fourth; this time Cole Dasilva - who scored against the Hammers in Chelsea's 3-0 win at Rush Green three weeks ago - was on target.
West Ham's remaining Merit Group fixtures - of which there are a total of eight, featuring the top four teams to qualify from the North and South preliminary groups - are as follows:
10 March: Chelsea (h) 0-4
18 March: Reading (a) 11am
1 April: Liverpool (a) 11am
8 April: Blackburn Rovers (h) 11am
22 April: Manchester Utd (a) 12pm
29 April: Manchester City (h) 12pm
13 May: Arsenal (a) 12pm
West Ham Utd: Matrevics, Eggleton, Akinola (c), Alese, Neufville, Coventry, Lewis, Johnson, Powell, Henry, Hector-Ingram.
Chelsea: Thompson, C.Dasilva, James, Colley, Guehi, McCormick, Hudson-Odoi, Uwakwe, Taylor-Crossdale, McEachran, Castillo.
Goals:: McCormick (13), Hudson-Odoi (17, 25), Dasilva (48).
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Slaven Bilic tells Standard Sport: West Ham wary of Bournemouth despite winless 2017
EXCLUSIVE
SLAVEN BILIC
Evening Standard
Slaven Bilic is expecting a tough afternoon for West Ham when they travel to face Bournemouth on Saturday despite the hosts' downturn in form. The Cherries remain without a victory in any competition in 2017, last winning on New Year's Eve away at Swansea City, and have lost five of eight in the Premier League since. The Hammers, meanwhile, are winless in three but know all claiming three points on the road this weekend could see them move back into the top half but Bilic is not preempting an easy ride. "I expect a tough game at Bournemouth tomorrow, despite them being without Andrew Surman and Tyrone Mings, who are suspended," Bilic told Standard Sport.
"They are a very energetic team who were going well up until Christmas but in the last couple of months, because of injuries, they have struggled a bit."It all started to go downhill when they led Arsenal 3-0 and it finished 3-3. Then Millwall sent them out of the FA Cup. "They earned a good point at Manchester United with 10 men last weekend and that will have given them a boost. "Our away record is good but this is a new game. They've beaten Liverpool this season and having started so well meant that, when their dip came, they could afford a few defeats without being into the bottom three. They are not safe, though, and neither are we.
"One final piece of good news. Diafra Sakho has stepped up his training and should be with us very soon. Monday's 2-1 loss at home to Chelsea continued West Ham's poor record against the Premier League's top six this season. Goals from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa means the Hammers have taken just two points from a possible 27, and Bilic feels those challenging at the top of the table have improved from last term. Bilic said: "We lost just once last season against the current top six in the Premier League — at Tottenham — and took 25 points from a possible 36. "This season, with nine of those matches played we have earned just two points, having drawn at Manchester United and Liverpool. "Conversely, our record against teams outside the top six has been better, so what is the explanation? "First of all, most of the top teams are better — Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and City. "Last season, the momentum was with us. We beat Arsenal away in the first game of the season and followed that with victories at Liverpool and Manchester City. "The fact remains that, if you are talking about just those games against the top clubs, our record last season was exceptional. "This season, we have done well to earn a point apiece from Liverpool and United. We could — and should — have won at Spurs again, we lost 2-0 to United but having played with 10 men for most of the game and Chelsea scored in the final minutes at Stamford Bridge. So it could easily have been much better. "The two games that were poor for us were against Manchester City and Arsenal, both at home. Next season, I do expect us to do much better against those top teams."
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Slaven Bilic tells Standard Sport: Chelsea are Premier League favourites, but they don't have title in the bag yet
EXCLUSIVE
SLAVEN BILIC
Evening Standard
Slaven Bilic accepts Chelsea are favourites to win the Premier League this season, with their preference for substance over style, but feels the door remains open for another title challenger. West Ham went down 2-1 to the Blues on Monday as Antonio Conte's side maintained their 10-point lead over second- and third-placed Tottenham and Manchester City with 11 games left to play. Bilic feels Conte has sacrificed "beauty" for a winning formula, noting Arsenal, City and Liverpool's "sexy" approach, as they punish teams who slip up against them. The 48-year-old told Standard Sport: "The one question I have been asked more than any other since our match against Chelsea on Monday night is: have West Ham just played this season's Premier League champions?
"Despite the temptation, I would still not say categorically that Chelsea will win the title — even though they are strong favourites. Look at the three at the bottom. Could anyone say they will all go down? It is still open at both ends. "If someone caught Chelsea, yes, it would be a surprise, but we have seen it before. It wouldn't be a surprise to rank alongside Leicester last season — and the gap is a considerable one — but there are enough games to play. Chelsea, though, look good, they look serious.
"One difference between Antonio Conte's side and, let's say Manchester City and Arsenal, is that the latter two want to play great football, they want to do it in style. Chelsea don't care. First and foremost, they want to win. They are there to win and they are ready to sacrifice the beauty for the winning cause. "They don't care about ball position, they don't care about outplaying you. They are solid and they counter-attack with pace and skill. They are a team, they want to do it and they are there with the coach. "On their day, Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool are definitely more 'sexy' than Chelsea, but only on their day. Chelsea are what I like to call a 'Punishment Unit'. You make one mistake and it's over, finished. "So, let me put it this way: they would have to be very unlucky in the remainder of this season not to win the title, because I am sure they will not lose their focus or their intensity."
Goals from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa saw Chelsea run out winners at the London Stadium, with Manuel Lanzini netting an injury-time consolation. Bilic was pleased with his players' work rate, congratulating their fitness in the face of superior opposition, and now welcomes the return of suspended Michail Antonio for Saturday's visit to the Vitality Stadium. "As for us, yes, I am disappointed, because we gave away two cheap goals — the first one especially — and lost," Bilic continued. "We had started so well. The plan was to put plenty of crosses into their box, which we were doing, but the only thing was we didn't have enough bodies in there, apart from Andy Carroll. "We should have put the ball in but we didn't — and if you lose the ball there, with your centre-backs up for a corner, they grab the opportunity. "I am not happy after a defeat, but what I am glad about is that we never stopped and — against such a physical team — we matched that physicality. We couldn't match them for pace but we did in effort and the number of runs, which is more proof that we are a fit team. "We had similar chances in the game to the one which led to their first goal, but Chelsea have that added quality which makes the difference; quality in terms of pace, stealing the second ball and skill. "The match showed me that, although it ended in defeat, we are in a good place, we are fit. I have just received the running statistics from my staff and it was one of our best games. Against a physical team, we were with them — and that was without our most physical player, Michail Antonio."
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Bored - of earning £125k per week
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
Dimitri Payet has slammed West Ham's tactical approach during his final few months at the club, whilst claiming that he was "bored".
The 29-year-old French international returned to Marseille in January in a £25m deal. But whilst he refused to comment on West Ham at the time of his departure, he certainly has plenty to sat now. "Some people didn't understood my urgent need to leave West Ham in January," he told L'Equipe. "I didn't want to play the last few matches in the Premier League. "We did not like the way we approached the matches, the defensive system that was put in place. With a 5-4-1 formation I could have all the freedom of the world, but it was complicated to express myself."
And Payet specifically cited the 1-0 win against Hill City in December as the game that determined his decision to request a transfer.
"We won 1-0 and in the changing room, everyone was happy - even though the man of the match that day had been the post," he said. "I felt I did not have any room for improvement. On the contrary, I was in danger of regressing. I needed a new challenge."
Seemingly oblivious to the fact that he was providing evidence of being 'tapped up' by his new club, Payet also revealed that he had been in touch with L'OM boss Rudi Garcia for some considerable time prior to making a transfer request. "I was bothered and yes, I went through the matches without taking any pleasure. I had contact with L'OM and especially with Rudi Garcia, who has a philosophy that I know well. The decision has to be made quickly. If I waited six months, I would lose six months. "I warned West Ham I was going to do it and maybe they did not take me seriously. I told them that I would suffer the consequences of my actions. Slaven Bilic knew that I had desires elsewhere as we had discussed it at the beginning of the season, when I returned from the Euros. "The club closed the door. I respected that choice. But the sporting situation has worsened ad in Jn January, I told him I wanted to go."
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West Ham tell Dimitri Payet to get on with his life after stating he was 'bored'
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 10/03/17 4:05pm
SSN
West Ham are bemused by Dimitri Payet's comments that was "bored" with the team's negative style of play and believe the player should get on with his life, Sky sources understand. Payet told French newspaper L'Equipe that one of the main reasons he left the Hammers in January was the team's defensiveness and poor form, and said his career risked regressing if he had stayed. A source at West Ham has told Sky Sports News HQ they could not understand why Payet had decided to give the interview and said that manager Slaven Bilic would feel let down by the Frenchman's comments.
The source added that Payet had told them he wanted to leave for personal reasons, and there were no mentions of him not liking the team's formation or wanting to leave for football reasons. West Ham believe Payet's career was "resurrected" during his 18 months at the club. The 29-year-old's weekly wage was quadrupled to £120,000 a week, and he regained his place in the France national team to become one the stand-out performers at Euro 2016 in his home nation. West Ham were forced to sell Payet to Marseille in January for £25m after he went on strike.
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Bournemouth v West Ham preview: Tyrone Mings begins five-match ban for Hammers clash
Last Updated: 10/03/17 11:54am
SSN
Tyrone Mings will serve the first game of his five-match ban as Bournemouth host West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday. The defender was charged by the FA after he appeared to stamp on the head of Zlatan Ibrahimovic during a 1-1 draw with Manchester United last weekend and will not be available for selection until the middle of April. It is a decision that both the club and player have expressed their disappointment about as the Cherries look to pull themselves clear of a relegation battle.
West Ham are winless in their last three Premier League outings but they do have a good record when facing Bournemouth, having never lost on their three previous trips to the Vitality Stadium. Victory will see them break into the top 10, with Stoke and Southampton not in action this weekend.
Team news
Bournemouth captain Simon Francis is making progress after a hamstring injury but could miss out again, while goalkeeper Adam Federici and striker Callum Wilson are continuing their rehabilitation from knee injuries.
Andrew Surman will also be unavailable after picking up a red card at Old Trafford.
Slaven Bilic will welcome back Michail Antonio for the trip to the south coast after his suspension, while striker Andy Carroll is also available despite requiring stitches after clashing with Victor Moses against Chelsea last weekend.
Winston Reid, who limped off against the Blues with a leg injury, is also in contention for the game.
Opta stats
Bournemouth's only previous victory against West Ham in any competition was at the Boleyn Ground last season (4-3) - their first ever top-flight win.
All seven of West Ham's Premier League goals against the Cherries have come in the second half of games.
Josh King has scored five goals in his last six Premier League appearances for Bournemouth, this after scoring just three goals in his first 20 league games in 2016-17.
No club in Premier League history have used more English players than West Ham United (105 - level with Aston Villa), while Bournemouth have used the joint-most this season (15 - level with Burnley).
Bournemouth are currently on a winless run of eight games in the Premier League (W0 D3 L5) and have conceded 21 goals in this run (2.6 per game).
The Cherries still haven't managed to win a Premier League home match against opposition from London (W0 D3 L5).
Of West Ham United's 33 Premier League points this season, 26 have been won against teams currently in the bottom 10 (79 per cent). Eight of their nine wins have also come against these sides.
Bournemouth averaged the highest kilometres per game in the Premier League last season (117), but this season that has dropped by 3.6km to 113.4km per game - the joint seventh best.
Andy Carroll (49 goals) is one goal away from 50 Premier League goals. He's currently averaging his best minutes per goal ratio in a single PL campaign in 2016-17 (a goal every 148 minutes).
Merson's prediction
This is a big game. Bournemouth have to win otherwise they could be in real danger. They let in too many goals and are now missing Tyrone Mings through suspension. He will be a big miss. West Ham are a better side away from home. They will cause Eddie Howe's side plenty of problems. I know a lot of people will go against Bournemouth in this one. I'm going with my heart instead of my head.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-2
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Slaven Bilic backs West Ham captain Mark Noble
Last Updated: 10/03/17 12:17am
SSN
Slaven Bilic has thrown his support behind captain Mark Noble after he was criticised for his performance in West Ham's defeat against Chelsea on Monday night. Noble played an unwanted role in Chelsea's opener as it was his intercepted pass which led to Eden Hazard scoring after 25 minutes at the London Stadium. Noble was substituted in the second half after Diego Costa had already doubled Chelsea's lead en route to securing a comfortable 2-1 victory for the runaway Premier League leaders. Some West Ham fans have called for Bilic to drop Noble, 29, who has played more than 400 matches for the east London club. But speaking ahead of his side's Premier League clash at Bournemouth on Saturday, Bilic said: "Mark is our captain, he is our skipper and he has done really well recently.
"He is the leader of the team. He keeps us balanced. Sometimes he has a great game and sometimes he doesn't, but overall he is playing good for us. "He is also more than a player on the pitch. His presence means a lot for the others around him. He is very influential, especially when it is not going well. He motivates the players and he cheers them up. "You can't just judge a player on one mistake. Otherwise Barcelona should have sold all their players after the first leg in Paris, and now they should give them all long-term contracts. Paris, the other way round. Sell them all."
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West Ham star Robert Snodgrass responds to Barcelona transfer links in talkSPORT interview – LISTEN
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Friday, March 10, 2017
West Ham star Robert Snodgrass has laughed off suggestions he rejected a trial with Spanish giants Barcelona when he was a teenager.
The £10million January signing was speaking to talkSPORT's Ian Abrahams ahead of Saturday's clash against Bournemouth, when the chat turned to the bizarre reports which have done the rounds throughout the winger's career. It was claimed Barcelona scouts had offered a 17-year-old Snodgrass a trial after watching him in action during his early career with Livingston. The Scottish club's chief executive confirmed the Catalan club had been in touch and were interested in the youngster, but, unfortunately for him, the potential move fell through. Snodgrass is still uncertain why, but rubbished the rumours which followed that claimed he turned down the offer to remain in Scotland. "I don't know enough about it, but it was something that happened," the Hammers man told talkSPORT.
"We played in a tournament in Scotland and there was a lot of talk about it. "Supposedly they rang the chief exec at the time, but nothing ever came of it, it just fizzled away really. "It's something that's been floating for about ten years, ever since I was sixteen or seventeen. "I never really knew enough about it, but there was this story that I'd turned them down! "You've got to be crazy to turn that down when something like that comes about."
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Premier League MANHUNT: Cops in major search for former England U21 and West Ham star
A FORMER West Ham United and Charlton Athletic star is being hunted by cops after failing to show up to court.
By Jess Bell / Published 10th March 2017
WANTED: Shaun Newton failed to attend court over a burglary charge
Ex-England U21 ace Shaun Newton, 41, was charged with burglary after being arrested in May last year. But the former winger failed to appear at Kingston Crown Court on October 13. He appeared in Merton Police's most wanted list of suspects yesterday as cops continued their manhunt. Newton, who played for The Hammers, Leicester City and England U21s, was suspended from the game in July 2006 for seven months after testing positive for drug abuse. Traces of cocaine were found after West Ham's FA Cup semi-final win over Middlesborough at Villa Park in April 2006. Newton was then named along with a string of other footballers who abused narcotics but received only short bans by the FA in a Dispatches documentary. At the time he said: "I have let down my family, my friends, the club and its supporters. "It was an isolated incident, but I must face up to my responsibilities and I will abide by whatever the board decides."
Midfielder Newton was then loaned to Leicester City before retiring in 2008. Before moving to east London, Newton made 240 appearances for Charlton in the 90s and early 2000s, before moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers. A spokesman for the Met Police said: "Newton was charged with burglary on May 16, 2016, after being arrested for the offence the previous day. He was bailed to appear at court. "Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call the police non-emergency line on 101." He is said to have links to Croydon, Lambeth and Merton in south London as well as Newham in east London. Police described him as a black male, approximately 5ft 8ins tall with an athletic build and with black cropped hair.
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Oxford United fans' chant means world to West Ham loanee Toni Martinez
David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United.
TONI Martinez has been humbled by the warm welcome from Oxford United's supporters – and goes home with their chant for him in his head. The 19-year-old's only experience of English football before his January loan to the U's was playing for West Ham United's under 23 side. But he has found it very different playing in front of big crowds in competitive first-team matches, scoring in high-profile FA Cup clashes with Newcastle United and Middlesbrough. Scoring on his debut against the Magpies ensured he made an instant impression and fans have been quick to come up with a catchy chant for him to the tune of 'La Bamba'.
When I finish the game I have the song in my head every time," Martinez said. "It's important for me because I've only been here a month. It's important the fans like me. "At West Ham (under 23s) when I score it's different because there's not many supporters watching. "When I score here it's the first time I've had that. "I'm happy to stay here because of the support from the boys and the fans."
Martinez got off the mark in Sky Bet League One on Tuesday night, smashing a low finish in stoppage-time during the 3-2 defeat to Sheffield United. It came via an appearance as a substitute, but the goal pushed his claims to return to the starting line-up for tomorrow's trip to Peterborough United. Martinez's best moments have come alongside Conor McAleny, with whom he has struck up a promising rapport. While the former Spain youth international's English is limited, he has had no problem building an understanding with the Everton loanee. He said: "Conor is a very good player and I think we play together very well. "He's different to me, more of a No 10, which is better for me. "We can talk but inside the pitch the language is football."
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ow are West Ham doing compared to last season?
Leicester have slumped, Chelsea have soared, but how have the Irons made the switch to the London Stadium
Football London
BYDAVID DUBAS-FISHERGILES BROADBENT
09:15, 10 MAR 2017
The gulf between last season's West Ham and this season's version has been revealed. Only Leicester City have fared worse, if comparisons are made between the same fixtures over the two seasons – although the Foxes have the consolation of the Premier League trophy in their cabinet. West Ham have dropped 16 points – which, like Leicester, indicates a strong 2105/16 as well as a poor 2016/17. The team third from bottom, Crystal Palace, show a difference of –6 which shows a consistency of performance. Bournemouth, who host West Ham on Saturday (March 11) also fare worse than last season's efforts. It is the dramatic jumps that are telling and it unsurprising that Chelsea, victors at the London Stadium this week , come out top of the comparison league, having won 30 more points than they did from the same fixtures last season. That makes the west London club the most improved side in the division.
Last season, for example, Chelsea lost 1-0 at home to Bournemouth. Overall then Antonio Conte's side have won 53 points this season compared to 23 points last season from games played in both campaigns.
points than they did from the corresponding matches last season.
Club: Point difference
Chelsea: 30
Everton: 14
Liverpool: 11
West Brom: 7
Stoke: 5
Man United: 5
Watford: 4
Man City: 4
Arsenal: 2
Tottenham: 1
Bournemouth: -4
Swansea: -5
Sunderland: -5
Southampton: -5
Crystal Palace: -6
West Ham: -16
Leicester: -20
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'I risked going backwards' - Payet reveals why he left West Ham
Sporting News
March 10, 2017 3:48am EST
The France international attacker had to go to war with the English club in January, but seems to believe that it was all worth it
Robin Bairner
Updated at 3:48 a.m. ET
Dimitri Payet has explained why he was so quick to depart West Ham in January, revealing that it was a combination of family and footballing pressures that made him seek a move back to Marseille. The France star became a household name in England after a stellar 2015-16 season at Upton Park but struggled to rediscover his best form this term as Slaven Bilic's side struggled in the Premier League. In January, he went on strike in attempt to force through a move back to France, which he eventually made for £25 million, reportedly taking a 25 per cent pay cut in the process. "I had no desire to play in the lower reaches of the Premier League," he told L'Equipe. "The defensive system that we put in place did not give me any pleasure. With a 5-4-2 in front of our box, I could have had all the freedom in the world, so it's difficult for me to explain. You could say that I was pissed off, yes. I worked hard in every game without taking any pleasure. "I had contact with OM and notably with Rudi Garcia, who has a philosophy of play I know well. So the choice was made quickly – if I had waited six months, I would have lost six months."
Payet remembers one match in particular as a turning point. "With West Ham, we won 1-0 at home against Hull [on December 17], and our opponents hit the post four times. In the changing room, everyone was happy, but our man of the match was the post," the attacker reflected. "I told myself that I could not improve there. On the contrary, I risked going backwards. I needed another challenge."
He does not regret the strong-arm tactics he used to force his move away from a team where he had been named Player of the Season only six months previously. "I had given them a warning that I would do it and maybe they thought I wasn't serious," he said. "Bilic knew that I wanted to go elsewhere. We discussed it at the start of the season when I returned from Euro 2016, but the club closed the door and I respected their choice. "In January, I told them I wanted to go to Marseille and nowhere else… The day they told me no, and that it was definitive, I responded to them by saying I would no longer play with West Ham."
But it was not just footballing issues that drove the player back to France, where he has turned out previously for Nantes, Saint-Etienne and Lille. His partner wanted to move back to Marseille, where Payet played from 2013 until 2015. "It had some weight in my decision," he explained. "When everything's good on the park, everything goes well away from it. When it's complicated at a family level, that can prevent you from doing your job." Nevertheless, things got worse for those close to him before they got better, due to the abuse the player took from Hammers supporters. "I wasn't scared, but it was more complicated for my family," he said. "Lots of things were said, but I never worried about my car, for example. I continued to live normally. "I did the same at Saint-Etienne, and we know their fans… "It was to be expected. For a year and a half, they gave me a great deal and I'll never forget that."
Meanwhile, Payet has little desire to reflect upon potentially losing the chance to play for one of Europe's biggest sides. "When a club announces that you're worth €100m, negotiations never get far," he commented. "I could have gone to war last summer, August was badly managed. "The most important thing is that I am where I want to be, me and my family. And the best is yet to come."
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Why West Ham trying to sign Aleksandar Mitrovic makes perfect sense
The Newcastle striker has been linked with a move to the Hammers again
Football London
BYADAM JONES
07:43, 10 MAR 2017UPDATED07:44, 10 MAR 2017
The latest name that the rumour mill has thrown out for West Ham United is Aleksandar Mitrovic - and it's not the first time he's been linked with a move to the Hammers. The Newcastle United striker has fallen down the pecking order somewhat with the Magpies and, according to The Sun, that has interested the likes of Slaven Bilic. The report also claims that Crystal Palace are in for the Serbian international. And, this move seems to make a lot of sense for those of West Ham leanings. Sure, he's not going to be your 30-goal-a-season lead striker - but he's a young forward who we already know is capable of bagging goals in the Premier League. As an option from the bench, it really wouldn't be bad to have Mitrovic. He should be allowed to leave Newcastle in the summer and you can bet that the Serbian international will definitely want to prove himself at a new club. He might have been in bad form this season, but West Ham could provide the perfect opportunity to unlock that potential. Whether the Hammers firm up their interest or not in the future is yet to be seen, but this is a rumour that you could see developing when the summer comes around.
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West Ham United's Reid has better interception figures than Kante
by Danielle Joynson
Football Fancast
Chelsea star N'Golo Kante has been one of the standout Premier League players of the season, but there is one aspect of his game that he needs to work on, judging by talkSPORT's statistics. There are eight players who have made more interceptions in the top flight than the Frenchman, and one of them is West Ham United defender Winston Reid. The Hammers had a miserable start to the season, winning just one of their first seven league games, but they have since made improvements, which has moved them to 11th in the table.
Reid has been a regular in Slaven Bilic's team, starting 24 league games and featuring six times in cup competitions. talkSPORT's stats prove why he is so often trusted by the manager as he has made the fourth-most interceptions in the Premier League this season.
Reid has cut out opponents' passes 65 times, which is six more than Kante has managed, while Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera and Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny have made 67 and 73 interceptions respectively. Surprisingly, Hull City's Curtis Davies has snatched the ball on 83 occasions in the top flight this season, which is more than anyone else.
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Injury-plagued forward on verge of return for West Ham United
by Danielle Joynson
Footbal fancast
West Ham United striker Diafra Sakho is closing in on a long-awaited comeback. The club's head of medical and sports science Stijn Vandenbroucke has told West Ham's official website that Sakho is targeting a return to the pitch in April. It has been a frustrating season for the 27-year-old, who has been restricted to just two Premier League appearances. Sakho's last outing for the Hammers was in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford on November 27. The Senegal international made an impressive start to life at West Ham when he signed from Metz in 2014, scoring 10 goals in 23 top-flight appearances. Last season he was unable to recreate his form as just five goals were produced from the striker, who played 21 times in the league. Due to his injury woes in the current campaign, Sakho has only found the back of the net once, but he will have an opportunity to provide a late flourish if all goes to plan in terms of his recovery.
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Dimitri Payet admits he did not enjoy his final weeks at West Ham as French star opens up on Marseille return
Dimitri Payet left West Ham in acrimonious circumstances in January
The French international rejoined Marseille in a dramatic £25m deal
He admits that he did not enjoy the Slaven Bilic's defensive style
By James Dutton For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 00:29, 10 March 2017 | UPDATED: 01:53, 10 March 2017
Dimitri Payet has hit out at Slaven Bilic's defensive style of football as he reveals the reasons behind his acrimonious departure from West Ham in January. The French star rejoined Marseille in a £25m deal earlier this year in a move that angered supporters after the manager revealed he did not want to play for the club again. After a lacklustre end to his Hammers career, the 29-year-old already has three goals in eight appearances for his new club. And Payet has lifted the lid on his controversial exit from the London Stadium, admitting to French newspaper L'Equipe: 'Our way of approaching matches, the defensive system put in place did not please me.
'You can say that it bothered me, yes. I got through games without any pleasure. 'I had had contact with Marseille and most notably with Rudi Garcia, who had a philosophy that I knew well. The choice was quick. If I waited six months I would lose six months.'
Payet reveals that he snapped after West Ham's fortuitous home win over Hull in December, secured thanks to a Mark Noble penalty.
PAYET'S CAREER
2004-2005: AS Excelsior
2005-2007: Nantes
2007-2011: Saint-Etienne
2011-2013: Lille
2013-2015: Marseille
2015-2017: West Ham
2017-present: Marseille
The result lifted Bilic's side five points above the drop zone, but Payet knew that he risked going backwards if he remained with the Premier League club. 'With West Ham at home against Hull, we won 1-0 and they hit the post four times.In the changing room everyone was happy, but the the man of the match that day was the post. 'I thought that I would not have room for improvement. On the contrary, I risked regressing. I need another challenge.'
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FEGHOULI HAPPY AT WEST HAM
LUKE OSMAN @LukeOsman
readWestHam
West Ham winger Sofiane Feghouli has reiterated that he is loving life at the club and in the Premier League. Speaking exclusively to EFE, Feghouli spoke of how he was enjoying his time at the London Stadium and that how he is happy to now be living in London. In the first part of the season I did not have many opportunities to play, but now, as soon as I have had them, I have taken advantage of them and I have won my position. The Algeria international has picked up in form after a poor start to the season for both him and West Ham, and has scored three goals for the club since his arrival. Feghouli joined the Hammers on a free transfer ahead of the 2016/17 season after he opted to see out the remainder of his contract with Valencia, seeing it expire at the end of June. I am very happy, enjoying this league and I want to continue here. It's a new and very positive experience after six years in Valencia. I'm happy here in London, although it's colder and rainier than in Spain! The 27-year-old will be hoping he has tied down a place in Slaven Bilic's regular starting line-up, given that he has made just eight starts for West Ham in the Premier League since joining, coming off the bench eight times.
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Robert Snodgrass responds when asked about similarities between West Ham and Old Firm fans
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham winger Robert Snodgrass has compared the club's fans to those of Celtic and Rangers. West Ham United winger Robert Snodgrass has told the club's official website that he 'definitely' thinks the club's fans are similar to the support of Celtic and Rangers.
The Hammers swooped to land Snodgrass during the January transfer window, luring the Scotland international away from Premier League rivals Hull City after hitting seven goals and three assists in 20 Premier League appearances for the Tigers. Snodgrass has been brought in to replace Dimitri Payet's ability from set pieces, and whilst he's made something of a slow start to life in East London, he should prove to be a dependable player for the Hammers. On Monday, Snodgrass played in West Ham's 2-1 home defeat to Chelsea, sampling a top London derby for the first time as a player, and all the atmosphere that comes with such a game. This weekend, Snodgrass may have one eye on the Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers, having been born in Glasgow and even grew up supporting Celtic. The derby between Glasgow's two biggest clubs is one of the fiercest rivals in world football, and Snodgrass will be hoping that Brendan Rodgers' men come out on top at Celtic Park. Ahead of that game and after Monday's clash with Chelsea, Snodgrass has told the West Ham official website that he 'definitely' sees similarities between Hammers fans and those that support Old Firm clubs.
Snodgrass also noted that West Ham fans expect 'blood, sweat and tears' from their players, but will continue to back their players even in times of struggle. "Yes, definitely," said Snodgrass. "These are people who are working all week to take their kid to a football match and it's not cheap nowadays. They expect somebody to give them blood, sweat and tears for that jersey." "That's what it takes. If they know you've given everything, but still lose, they'll still back you because they'll know through the work you're putting that you appreciate them coming to support," he added.
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