Stat's A Fact - Leicester City
WHUFC.com
Despite a dominant second-half display, a mistake-ridden first half proved
costly for the Hammers as they suffered a 3-2 defeat against Leicester City
at London Stadium on Saturday.
Last year's Premier League champions made the most of a slow start by Slaven
Bilic's side by scoring twice in the opening seven minutes. Manuel Lanzini
and Andre Ayew then scored either side of a Jamie Vardy goal but despite a
host of late chances for the Hammers, the visitors held out to secure their
first away win of the season.
Whilst the result is of immense disappointment to West Ham United, it was
their magician in midfield that once again ran the show. Manuel Lanzini
bagged his seventh league goal of the season with a stunning free-kick from
20 yards, before causing Leicester's defence problems throughout the
afternoon.
In a second half where West Ham United enjoyed 66 per cent possession and
had three times as many shots on goal (12), Lanzini's influence was telling.
The Argentinian made three successful dribbles, maintained a pass completion
rate of 95 per cent from 48 passes and had the most touches of any player on
the pitch – just in the second half.
In total, he had 96 touches (1st), attempted 70 passes (1st) at a success
rate of 95 per cent (1st), completed seven successful dribbles (3rd) and
made three interceptions (2nd).
Slaven Bilic praised his side's second half display and the stats certainly
suggest the Hammers were unlucky to not take at least a point from the game.
The 66 per cent possession was backed up by a pass success rate of 86 per
cent, eight successful dribbles (twice as many as Leicester City) and 12
shots on goal.
Ayew CelebratesFor the visitors, Jamie Vardy scored his third goal in three
league games and Shinji Okazaki's 89 pass success rate was the best by a
Leicester player. That said, the Japanese international ranked 4th in that
discipline from both sides - behind Jose Fonte, Cheikhou Kouyate and Manuel
Lanzini.
Of course, the second half display on Saturday, which included that Ayew
goal, might give encouragement to Bilic but he will know that there are
defensive issues to address. The Hammers have now conceded eight goals from
their last three matches and the injury picked up by Winston Reid on
Saturday could rule the New Zealander out for an extended period.
West Ham will not return to league action until the 1 April when the travel
to Hull City and the upcoming international break might have come at a good
time: They have now not won in the Premier League since beating Southampton
at St Mary's on 4 February.
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Masuaku - We have to believe
WHUFC.com
Arthur Masuaku pleased to play but disappointed in defeat by Leicester City
Frenchman made his first-team return after three-and-a-half months away
No26 says West Ham United need to remain positive and results will turn
Arthur Masuaku is sincerely hoping history will not repeat itself.
Last time the left-back was part of a team which went five league games
without a win, back in spring 2014, he and Valenciennes ended the season by
being relegated from France's Ligue 1.
Masuaku moved on to Olympiacos in Greece, where he lost just five league
matches in two seasons combined, before joining West Ham United in August
2016.
The Frenchman's first campaign in east London has been disrupted by a knee
injury, but the 23-year-old was back in action in Saturday's 3-2 Premier
League defeat by Leicester City.
While Masuaku was disappointed by the result, he was happy to be back in the
first-team picture and is hoping to ensure Slaven Bilic's side do not
emulate his Valenciennes team of four seasons.
"It was very frustrating," he told West Ham TV, when asked how the Hammers
failed to equalise during his 20-minute appearance as a substitute against
Leicester. "All these things are frustrating because in every game we are
not playing our level.
"We didn't play our level in the first half but after in the second half we
stepped up. We are very disappointed because I think we should have won this
game. In the second half we were much better than them but we have to be
positive and win the next game."
We have to believe and we always have to think positive, even if the results
are not with us
The Hammers conceded three soft first-half goals against the Foxes but going
forward they were a different proposition. The hosts created 20 goal
attempts, including seven on target, only to find Leicester goalkeeper
Kasper Schmeichel in inspired form.
"Especially in the second half, we were dangerous every time we had the
ball," Masuaku observed. "We had many chances and we should have scored
more, normally three or four goals, to be honest."
"We have to believe and we always have to think positive, even if the
results are not with us. One day the chance will come and we will start to
win again."
While the situation is not the same as he experienced in two seasons of
dominating the Greek Super League, Masuaku says the Hammers should be
confident in their ability to turn their recent indifferent form around.
"It's not the same as in Greece, as with Olympiacos we had the best team and
we played only for the victory," he explained. "Every time we played to
attack and score goals and we were dominating the championship, and every
time we played against an opponent they were afraid.
"Now, it's not the same, but I think we have a good team at West Ham, so we
just have to keep working."
Masuaku himself will keep working with the aim of dislodging Aaron Cresswell
from the starting XI. Whoever gets the nod, the competition for the
left-back position can only be good for the team.
"I was happy to play because it was a long time ago, December I think, since
I played with the first team," he confirmed. "I was injured for a while so
it was a good feeling to play, even if it was hard because I'm not fully
match-fit yet.
"It was great to be back with the team and I will try to give my best."
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Mediawatch - 19 March
WHUFC.com
Our daily look at the papers includes plenty of praise for Leicester
goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
The Guardian's match report leads on Schmeichel's heroics, which saw him
deny Andy Carroll twice in the closing stages. It reads: 'After a frenzied
late assault from West Ham, Leicester passed this test. That they did so
owed much to Schmeichel's latest heroics. The Dane was engaged in a personal
duel with Andy Carroll by the end and it was difficult to know which of his
two saves from the West Ham forward was better.'
The manager couldn't believe his team hadn't managed to secure a third goal
to make it 3-3 either, telling the Daily Star: "Last 20 minutes the ball
just didn't want to go in.
"You can call it poor finishing but we have to give huge credit to Kasper
Schmeichel, especially for the save to the last chance from Andy Carroll.
"What gives us hope is our performance in the second half. We were good with
and without the ball. All we need to add is goals."
However, Slav conceded it wasn't just down to that - and that his team could
not afford the lax start they made. On Sky Sports, he explained: "We are
very disappointed, we fought back and we can talk about a lot of positives,
especially from the second half.
"We conceded really sloppy goals from our part and when we came back, to
concede another from a set-piece, it is very hard psychologically to come
back into the game."
There was also a blow for Michail Antonio, as he picked up a hamstring
injury which looks set to rule him out of England's games against Germany
and Lithuania, according to the Daily Mail.
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From the Boardroom
WHUFC.c0m
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan says the Hammers 'need to be good before we
are losing'...
Hello everyone,
I think all we can do after Saturday's 3-2 Premier League defeat by
Leicester City at London Stadium is say is 'sorry' to the supporters. As I
have learned in my many decades as a fan, it is never easy being a West Ham
United supporter and we all know that we have to do better. To be 2-0 down
after seven minutes of any football match, be it in the Premier League or in
your local Sunday League, makes it very difficult to get a positive result.
In parts of the second half we were very good, but so was their goalkeeper
Kasper Schmeichel, who made world-class saves from Andy Carroll. We also had
a shot cleared off the line and another good chance which Andre Ayew shot
just over the crossbar. But, we need to be good before we are losing! We
have to find out why we are conceding so many goals and fix it because it is
obviously harder to win games when you concede two or three goals in a game
than if you keep a clean sheet. The next few games now become vital for our
season. We go to Hull City, then to Arsenal, before we welcome Swansea City
to London Stadium. Once again thank you to the fans for your wonderful
support. The noise in the second half, in particular, was superb and clearly
inspired the team to keep pushing for the equaliser.
It was just a shame for all of us that it did not arrive.
Come on you Irons!
David Sullivan
Joint-Chairman
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U23s skipper gutted after Cup exit
WHUFC.com
Declan Rice was left gutted after West Ham United exited the Premier League
Cup against Newcastle United
The Magpies were 3-2 winners in the entertaining tie at St. James' Park
Rice grabbed a goal himself but could not prevent Sammy Ameobi running the
show in the north east
West Ham United U23s captain Declan Rice was left gutted after a 3-2 defeat
at Newcastle United's St. James' Park on Saturday spelled the end to the
Hammers' Premier League Cup run.
The visitors, reigning champions of the competition, were hoping to get the
victory in their second meeting with the Magpies in a week after Monday's
goalless league draw, but Peter Beardsley's men were winners in extra time.
Rice thought he had won the game for West Ham when he headed in to make it
2-1 with seven minutes of normal time remaining, however Sammy Ameobi curled
home superbly shortly after to signal an extra 30 minutes.
Ashley Fletcher's opener had previously been cancelled out by Luke Charman,
and in the first period of extra-time, Ameobi grabbed his second with a
25-yard screamer to put Newcastle in the last-eight.
After the frustrating defeat, Rice said: "It was very disappointing to lose
this game. First half, we absolutely dominated it. Second half, we came out
and didn't play the best, but when we went a goal down it kicked us up the
backside a bit.
"Luckily I was able to get a goal, but it wasn't enough and it wasn't meant
to be in the end.
We dominated the first half. We had about 15 chances from what I remember
and we showed great character to keep on fighting.
Declan Rice
"It was great to get the goal and we thought it was going to be the winner.
It's always a great feeling to score and I think you can see I enjoyed it
from my celebration!
"We had about ten or 15 chances from what I remember. We also had the one
where the keeper was fouled but it should have been a penalty to us. If we
put that in the net then it's a game changer.
"We just couldn't break them down. We showed great character to keep
fighting. Terry [Westley] has said he couldn't fault our effort. We have
come up here twice this week and it's been two long journeys and we've
worked hard for each other. That's what we do and it shows on the pitch."
Ameobi – with plenty of experience in both the Premier and Football League –
proved to be the difference on the day and Rice said it was a good
experience to face the Nigerian.
"When you get to play against players who have played over 30, 40, 50 games
for Newcastle, the likes of Ameobi and Haidara, it's a great experience and
a great learning experience," the skipper continued.
"Ameobi was very good. He's a strong player and he's very good technically
and he's smart, too. He kept coming into pockets and he's a good player.
"I think we just need to be more clinical to be honest in front of goal.
Defensively as well, there are areas, so I guess it's a mixture of both, but
we'll go back to the training field and go and try and get three points
against Middlesbrough to chase those play-offs."
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"EVENTUALLY THE FANS WILL TURN AGAINST YOU" WARNED SAM ALLARDYCE
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 19 MARCH 2017 AT 12:27PM
TheWestHamWayc.o.uk
This is written by Fake Carlton Cole @_CarltonCole9
Just after he left West Ham, Sam Allardyce warned Slaven Bilic that
"eventually, the fans will turn against you." At the time we just laughed at
him, accused him of being salty after the way he was being treated by fans.
Look at what's happening now.
After last season, we all thought Slaven was the second coming of Christ. He
gave us a last season at the Boleyn to remember, leading us to an impressive
7th position. We had a world class player in Dimitri Payet and we were going
into a "world class stadium". All was good wasn't it?
Underneath the surface, behind the facade of overachievement, something more
poisonous was happening; we were becoming arrogant. We started thinking that
this was going to be the norm. We had deluded ourselves into thinking we
could compete for Europe year in year out. Our expectations outgrew our
ability.
I include myself in that list. This has probably been the most disappointing
year as a West Ham fan that I can remember. Even in 2011 when we got
relegated, I sort of knew it was coming. But this season I thought would be
different. I thought this would be the season, with the stadium and all, in
which we could break through the glass ceiling and become the type of club
who would expect top 6 each year. That's how deluded I was (and how deluded
some fans still are). This is why this season has been a reality check; at
the end of the day we are West Ham United – a mid table side with mid table
financial backing. We are a team who have ups and downs, and this current
"down" isn't even the worst we have been through in the past 15-20 years by
a long shot.
This is where Slaven comes in. Personally I don't think he's done as bad a
job as everyone seems to think. Don't get me wrong I have questioned his
tactics many times, whether it be playing people out of position or omitting
certain players. Last weeks result against Bournemouth I admitted was
largely his fault for his poor tactics. But look at the shit that's happened
this season: shoddy transfer dealings (a couple of which were his fault but
that blame predominantly lies with the board), losing the only true world
class player we've had in years and, most crucially, moving into an
athletics stadium which is completely unsuitable to play football. Someone
tweeted me saying that we were lucky to beat some teams (Bournemouth, Hull,
Burnley, Palace, Sunderland etc) but that wasn't luck. Slav needed to win
and he got 3 points, so he did his job.
Now let's talk about who I believe the blame (if there is any) is more
applicable to; the players. Last season very few players put a foot wrong. I
said this at the time and I will reiterate my point, but I believe that was
down to Payet. Not only was he individually superb, but his effect almost
magically spread across the pitch and he made everyone around him better.
This is why players like Noble did so well last season, because Payet seemed
to play to everyone's strengths. Remember the results we had when he was
injured in November-December 2015? Now he's gone (a scenario Slav handled
with professionally) some players are showing how truly mediocre they really
are. Is it Slaven's fault if Carroll and Ayew miss sitters? Is it Slaven's
fault if Kouyate can't pass properly? Is it Slaven's fault that Aaron
Cresswell has become unable to play football? Is it Slaven's fault that
Ogbonna got injured and his replacement, Jose Fonte, cannot defend? I could
do this about 15 times over but you get the picture.
Whether you want Bilic to go or not, realistically he won't. Gold and
Sullivan don't sack managers quickly. Avram was only sacked the day we went
down and Allardyce lasted a year longer than he should have. Hypothetically,
let's imagine he does get sacked. The name that's being thrown around a lot
is Roberto Mancini. Granted, he won the league with Man City, but he did
that with a bottomless wallet. We don't have that luxury. Since then, he's
led Inter Milan, a team with a huge wallet and a squad greater than most in
Italy, to uninspired 4th and 8th placed finishes. He's been out of a job for
a year and has been using his spare time questionably, appearing on the
Italian version of Strictly. Do you want us to be managed by the Italian Ed
Balls?
Mancini plays a very defensive style, a similar style to Allardyce (albeit
done with better squads). Remember when we hounded Big Sam out for not
playing "The West Ham Way?" Those same people are irritated at Bilic for
putting too much emphasis on attack and would inevitably want Mancini gone
for being too boring.
This is the fickle nature of many West Ham fans. Although we mock Arsenal
fans, a lot of you are slowly evolving into a sea of Claudes – having
meltdowns and contemplating gun rampages after every loss. If Manuel Lanzini
played poorly for the rest of the season, would you hound him out the club?
No. Then why want Bilic out because he's in a bad run. If we sacked managers
for having bad runs, we'd be the laughing stock of English football like
Leeds – chopping and changing before the seat gets warm. Where were you when
we beat Palace and a Boro consecutively and convincingly? And where will you
be when Slaven inevitably turns things around? Like I said we are a club
with ups and downs. Someone like Mancini would be a short term thing before
the fans get bored or he gets a better offer whereas Bilic is a man who
would be with us for the long term.
Other than Mancini, who else is there? If Slaven goes, we will be too
optimistic and waste our time going for managers who are way too good for
us. It will be like Groundhog Day from summer 2015. Some fans really need to
take their heads out the sand. We have only been in the Premier League for 5
seasons and have finished in the top half twice in that time.
At the end of the day, we are not a big club. We are West Ham, a proud,
family club. You may still be drunk off last season and the lies that have
been spun by the board and think we can push on for higher places. You may
be right. But to quote John Webster, "Ambition is a great mans madness."
This pursuit of greatness, like Webster's plays, will only lead to downfall
and destruction. We don't have the stature to compete for top 4. If you
support West Ham for the glory then honey, you support the wrong team.
Whether Bilic will get a new contract or not I don't know. Whether I want
him after his contract runs out, I can't say yet. Hold on until the end of
the season, see where we are. Possibly wait until the first few months of
next season and see how he's doing when we have a (hopefully) better squad
and are more accustomed to the soulless bowl we call the "London Stadium."
But until then, for the love of god, stop being so frivolous and just have a
little bit of faith in the manager. All hail Slaven.
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE: MY OPINIONS ON BILIC
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 19 MARCH 2017 AT 3:10PM
TheWestHaMWayc.o.uk
I have decided to write this article to express my opinions on the current
manager situation. I am keen to stress that these are my opinions, they are
what I feel I am entitled to as a season ticket holder of over 28 years and
someone who goes home and away and bleeds claret and blue. Following our
radio show I have had many comments made to me about my "anti-Bilic" stance,
where if you listen to the show, you would hear that I actually tried to
offer a defence to Bilic and said a number of times I do not think he should
leave.
My opinions are not fuelled by David Sullivan to encourage season ticket
sales. I am sure Mr Sullivan has much bigger fish to fry than to try and
influence my opinions and surely keeping Bilic (someone that the fans want)
would be the way to make those sales rather than going against the fans and
sacking him. In a nutshell I am friends with Jack Sullivan, who I rarely
speak to about West Ham. I have ran the account for four years and known the
Sullivan's for two, my info is not obtained through them. They also do not
control any opinion that I have or put out. I jointly run an event which is
"Anti Stratford" so why on earth would they support me on this. I would
not continue to deny this if it was true because actually saying all my info
comes directly from the owner of the club would help support the legitimacy
of my news. My opinions are my opinions and opinions are what we are all
entitled to. I said how our defending was awful, took a load of abuse for
saying that, only for the manager himself to say it. Anyway now that is
clear I will offer my own opinion, formed by my brain and no one else's.
Last season was a dream and one we will never forget. The atmosphere at the
Boleyn and the performances that went with it will live with me forever.
Slaven Bilic played a big part in this. He managed to engineer wins
against some of the big clubs and I don't recall a home game where we were
totally outplayed. I loved singing "Super Slav" throughout the season and
seeing his passion as he interacted with the fans. There were many times
when we were losing at half time I felt (often correctly) that we would go
on and win the game. Slav wanted the job and following on from Sam who
didn't show a passion for the club he was a good appointment.
This year, his ability to do the job properly has been undermined by a
number of difficult issues. I believe Bilic dealt with the Payet situation
well, in the end, and having to deal with your star player causing the
amount of internal issues that he was doing would be hard for any manager to
deal with. Whilst the situation perhaps should have been addressed earlier
than it eventually was, Bilic dealt with it well in the end and managed to
regroup the team and make us more united as a result.
He has also had to deal with the move to the Olympic stadium. The negativity
that surrounded this move, especially in the early days, did have an effect
on the team. There was many fans who didn't want to move, crowd violence and
obvious problems with the stadium which meant a negative atmosphere in the
stands which transpired onto the pitch.
We were also hit by a lot of injuries, especially at the start of the season
including Carroll, Sakho and Ayew who were arguably our most important
attacking players and this disrupted a lot of our plans. The transfer
window was also not a success, some people blame the board and some blame
Bilic. No doubt it is a bit of a combination of the two.
I think the board, something I have said many times on the show, should keep
quiet about our transfer targets and ambitions. I always think you are
better to be cautious on your news and surprise the fans rather than bold
and ambitious and then disappoint. Regular interference on team issues and
transfers can be unsettling for a manger and team and I would wish that ours
were less publically vocal. This said though I know that Slaven has the
final say on transfers and he approves all the players that join. It was his
decision to sign Zaza on loan, over players like Gabbiadini of Southampton.
He was reluctant to sign the likes of Bacca and Bathsuayi which ultimately
meant we missed out on them and (rightly) didn't want to sign Hogan in
January. It was also his big decision to not sign a right back, meaning we
missed out on many decent signings in the summer and again in January
because he believed first Antonio and then Kouyate (Via Nordtveit) could
play there. One mistake is bad enough, two is not good enough especially
when you consider quite how many goals we have conceded down the right side.
He also wanted to sign Tore permanently on a £14m deal until he was
persuaded to take him initially on loan to see if he settled. Tore was
arguably one of the worst players I've seen put on a West Ham shirt in a
long while.
It was also Bilic's choice to sign Snodgrass and Fonte. So far neither have
impressed me and I would say that from what I have seen the £8m 33 year old
is no better than James Collins. The two players who are my contenders for
player of the year: Antonio and Obiang, were signed largely by the board and
not played by Bilic originally. Only injuries meant both got their chance
and went on to prove how good they were.
Tactically we have also been poor. We seem to have no plan B and our
defending this year has been diabolical. We have conceded the fourth highest
amount of goals this season, many of which have come from set pieces or
breaks down our flanks with players playing in incorrect positions at fault.
We have also conceded 106 goals in 67 games. Many pro Bilic fans decided to
tell me (in very blunt ways) that my opinion was wrong when I said that
Bilic should take responsibility for the defensive errors and that the
players should be blamed. Bilic is the defensive coach and part of his
responsibilities is to make sure that we defend set plays, something we do
not do very well. Yes players made mistakes and let us down but under Big
Sam the blame was always laid at his feet, under Bilic it is the players. I
would say it is both and if you keep conceding from set plays then there
needs to be questions asked.
Questions have been asked about Bilic's training from players who have left
the club including Valencia and Oxford. Oxford has said that he was
surprised with how intense Championship side Reading's training is in
comparison to ours. This has also been said by Valencia and to me by a
couple of members of staff who are at the training ground. Our training
apparently has a feel of being quite laid back and perhaps this encourages
an attitude of laid back behaviour from the players when it comes to their
responsibility on the pitch.
I find it very hard to name good performances this season. The obvious one
is Chelsea in the cup, Swansea away, Palace at home (in the second half) and
possibly Liverpool and Manchester United away in the league. We beat Hull,
Burnley, Sunderland and Bournemouth at home but all four of those games were
by small margins and could quite easily have been defeats, had they been our
position now would be very precarious now.
I find it amazing how some supporters believe you are not a true fan if you
question anything Bilic does. I am regularly told but he is passionate and
one of us so he should be given an easier ride. I would be the most
passionate manager the club has ever had if I got the position but this does
not mean I should. Passion is not the most important ingredient for success
as a manager as unfortunately Paolo Di Canio found out at Sunderland.
Our next game against Hull is now far more important than it should be. If
we lose that game I believe we are in danger of being in trouble but I hope
this will not be the case. I do not believe there are that many better
options out there to replace Bilic at the moment even the bigger names do
not fill me with complete confidence.
I therefore think that Bilic certainly needs to be given to the end of the
season and hopefully into the start of the next year (if this season doesn't
become a disaster-changes are needed urgently though) with some substantial
finances to buy a top quality right back and at least two forwards and then
judge the situation in approximately October time.
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Diafra Sakho to return to West Ham training on Monday
By Kaveh Solhekol, Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 19/03/17 10:33am
SSN
West Ham forward Diafra Sakho will return to training on Monday. The
27-year-old has been out for four months after having surgery on a back
injury. He also suffered a hamstring problem in the draw with Manchester
United last November, which was his most recent appearance. Sakho will
train with the U23 squad for two weeks before re-joining the first-team
squad in April, should he maintain his fitness. The Hammers expect the
Senegal international to be ready to play by the middle of next month,
possibly for the trip to Sunderland on April 15. Sakho has only made two
appearances for the club this season, having wanted to leave the London
Stadium last summer.
Sakho refused to travel on the club's pre-season tour and also handed in a
transfer request after interest from West Brom, Sunderland, Hamburg and
Sevilla.
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David Sullivan apologises to West Ham fans for Leicester defeat
By Lyall Thomas
Last Updated: 19/03/17 12:14pm
SSN
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan has apologised to the club's supporters
for Saturday's home defeat to Leicester. The Hammers director gave manager
Slaven Bilic a stark warning last week, insisting they had to stop conceding
early goals after a loss at Bournemouth. But Bilic, who played down
Sullivan's remarks in midweek, saw his side concede two goals in the first
eight minutes in a 3-2 home defeat to the champions. And Sullivan said: "I
think all we can do after Saturday's defeat is say sorry to the supporters.
"To be 2-0 down after seven minutes of any football match, be it in the
Premier League or in your local Sunday League, makes it very difficult to
get a positive result. "In parts of the second half we were very good. But,
we need to be good before we are losing. "We have to find out why we are
conceding so many goals and fix it because it is obviously harder to win
games when you concede two or three goals in a game than if you keep a clean
sheet. "The next few games now become vital for our season. We go to Hull
City, then to Arsenal, before we welcome Swansea City to London Stadium."
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Slaven Bilic says there are no excuses for West Ham's poor start against
Leicester
By Charlotte Marsh
Last Updated: 18/03/17 7:10pm
SSN
Slaven Bilic says there are "no excuses" for the way West Ham started
against Leicester as they lost 3-2 in the Premier League on Saturday
afternoon. Riyad Mahrez and Robert Huth scored within two minutes of each
other in the opening exchanges to put the visitors in the driving seat,
before Manuel Lanzini pulled a goal back for the Hammers. But Jamie Vardy
restored the two-goal cushion before the break and despite another strike
from Andre Ayew with plenty of pressure from West Ham in the final half an
hour, they were unable to take a point from the encounter. While Bilic was
disappointed with the manner in which the goals were conceded, he did see
good things during the improved second-half performance. "We are very
disappointed, we fought back and we can talk about a lot of positives,
especially from the second half," he told Sky Sports. "You can talk about
great character, great combinations and we had more than enough chances to
turn the game around, not only to equalise, but at the end, there are no
excuses for the start of the game. "We conceded really sloppy goals from our
part and when we came back, to concede another from a set-piece, it is very
hard psychologically to come back into the game. "We shouldn't be two or
three down in the first ten minutes. We knew before the game and it is no
secret that they are really good on set-pieces but we are also good at them
and we have enough tall players to cope with that. In this league, you
cannot afford to concede two goals in the first six or eight minutes. "In
the second half, we played really well. Maybe the last half an hour was one
of our best performances this season and we did everything but the ball just
didn't want to go in. During a couple of moments, they have Kasper
Schmeichel who is in great form anyway. That save at the end from Andy
Carroll was a fantastic save."
It was a third successive defeat in the Premier League for the Hammers who
remain in 11th place on 33 points, but Bilic is hoping the upcoming
international break can help them reflect on their season. "We can now [take
stock of the season]. Our last three results were not bad because of the
previous results before these three, we are still in an OK position," he
added. "It is good to have a break now to come together and rest a bit, to
train hard and be ready for the remainder of the season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic under pressure at West Ham as co-owner David Sullivan
apologises to fans
West Ham have won only 1 in their last 7 after losing 3-2 at home to
Leicester on Saturday
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
18:49, 19 MAR 2017UPDATED18:55, 19 MAR 2017
Slaven Bilic is back under pressure at West Ham after co-owner David
Sullivan apologised to fans for their home defeat to Leicester. The Irons
have now won just one of their last seven to fall into the bottom half of
the table. Sullivan warned Bilic and his men to stop conceding early goals
last week after they were beaten at Bournemouth - only to see his club ship
two in opening seven minutes against the Foxes. Sullivan has now demanded an
improvement in West Ham's next three games to try to arrest their slide. He
said: "I think all we can do after Saturday's defeat is say is 'sorry' to
the supporters. "To be 2-0 down after seven minutes of any football match,
be it in the Premier League or in your local Sunday League, makes it very
difficult to get a positive result. "In parts of the second half we were
very good. But, we need to be good before we are losing. "We have to find
out why we are conceding so many goals and fix it because it is obviously
harder to win games when you concede two or three goals in a game than if
you keep a clean sheet. "The next few games now become vital for our season.
We go to Hull, then to Arsenal, before we welcome Swansea to London
Stadium."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Michail Antonio out of England squad with injury but Jose Mourinho says
Jesse Lingard is likely to report for duty
Gareth Southgate won't replace the midfielder for Wednesday's friendly in
Germany and the World Cup qualifier with Lithuania next Sunday
The Mirror
BYJOHN CROSS
21:07, 19 MAR 2017
Michail Antonio has pulled out of the England squad after a hamstring
injury. England boss Gareth Southgate was set to give Antonio his
international debut after he was called up for Wednesday's friendly in
Germany and the World Cup qualifier with Lithuania next Sunday. But West Ham
midfielder Antonio had to pull out for treatment on the injury and Southgate
will not draft in a replacement because he has already named a bigger squad.
Manchester United's Jesse Lingard has also been given the green light to
report up at St George's Park on Monday with the rest of the players
involved in yesterday's Premier League fixtures. Lingard limped off with an
ankle injury but United boss Jose Mourinho insisted he would not stand in
his way to report up. Mourinho said: "Maybe (it is) something in his ankle
but I do not think anything bad. I would say he can report. I hope so. "I
like my players to go to the national team. I am not the kind of guy who
pushes players for simulation. So I hope he is fine. It looks to me that it
is minor stuff."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, March 20
Sunday, March 19
Daily WHUFC News - 19th March 2017
Early goals cost Hammers again
WHUFC.com
Early goals and defensive lapses cost West Ham United dear again as Slaven
Bilic's side were edged out 3-2 by Leicester City.
The Hammers dominated for long stretches at London Stadium and, on the
balance of play, should have won comfortably. Instead, conceding twice
within the opening seven minutes ultimately gave them too much to do to
rescue a point.
As West Ham's winless run stretched to five, resurgent champions Leicester
celebrated their maiden away win of the season in east London, having opened
the scoring on their travels for the first time in 14 attempts.
Riyad Mahrez was the scorer, in slightly fortuitous circumstances, as his
right-wing cross eluded the heads of Jamie Vardy and Shinji Okazaki before
bouncing into the far corner.
Within two minutes it was 2-0 Leicester as West Ham's marking completely
evaporated from a short free-kick, enabling Mahrez to pick out the unmarked
Robert Huth, who headed past Darren Randolph.
West Ham were shellshocked and their afternoon took another turn for the
worse when captain Winston Reid was forced off with a right leg injury, with
Robert Snodgrass coming on in his place.
Minutes later, the Hammers had a lifeline when Michail Antonio was brought
down 25 yards from goal and Manuel Lanzini stepped up to curl an
inch-perfect free-kick over the wall and under Kasper Schmeichel's
crossbar.
Just when you thought Leicester were rocking, another defensive error handed
them a third goal. Andy Carroll missed his header from a corner, the ball
hit Wilfred Ndidi and then Vardy, who then lashed high into the net from
close range.
After missing a succession of half-chances, the Hammers went in 3-1 down at
half-time, with a mountain to climb after the break.
The comeback looked to be on when Snodgrass's corner was headed into the
six-yard box for Ayew, whose own header was too strong for Schmeichel. Game
on.
West Ham laid siege to the Foxes goal in the closing 20 minutes, but somehow
failed to score an equaliser, while Pedro Obiang became the second home
player to be forced off with a leg injury.
First, Carroll's goalbound header was clawed away by Schmeichel from Ayew'
s cross, before the Ghana star somehow shot too high after being played in
by Antonio.
The chances kept on coming as Cheikhou Kouyate saw his low shot kept out by
a goalline clearance from Danny Drinkwater. Then, in added time, Schmeichel
made a stupendous stop from Carroll after the ball dropped to him from
Snodgrass's deflected free-kick.
There was time for Randolph to make his own fine stop to deny substitute
Islam Slimani, but it was the earlier errors which leave everyone in Claret
and Blue wondering how they managed to go home with nothing.
West Ham United: Randolph, Byram, Fonte, Reid (c) (Snodgrass 18), Cresswell
(Masuaku 73), Obiang (Fernandes 67), Kouyate, Ayew, Lanzini, Antonio,
Carroll
Subs not used: Adrian, Nordtveit, Collins, Feghouli
Goals: Lanzini 20, Ayew 63
Leicester City: Schmeichel (c), Simpson, Huth, Benalouane, Fuchs, Mahrez
(Chilwell 86), Ndidi, Drinkwater, Albrighton, Okazaki (Musa 76), Vardy
(Slimani 76)
Subs not used: Zieler, King, Amartey, Gray
Goals: Mahrez 5, Huth 7, Vardy 38
Booked: Drinkwater
Attendance; 56,979
Referee: Roger East
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s earn crucial win at Reading
WHUFC.com
Anthony Scully scored a late winner as West Ham United's U18s earned a vital
three points away at Reading in Merit Group A.
The Hammers were beaten 4-0 at home to Chelsea last week and were looking to
bounce back from that disappointment - Scully's second goal of the season
proved the difference at the Reading Training Ground on Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slav rues Jekyll and Hyde display
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic laments more early defensive lapses in 3-2 defeat by Leicester
City
Hammers conceded from two set pieces and a soft cross from Riyad Mahrez
Second-half fightback comes close to securing a share of the points at
London Stadium
Slaven Bilic was left to reflect on another Jekyll and Hyde performance from
West Ham United in Saturday's 3-2 Premier League defeat by Leicester City.
The Hammers conceded two soft goals within the opening seven minutes, got
back into the game through Manuel Lanzini's inch-perfect free-kick, only
for another defensive lapse to send them into half-time 3-1 down.
Andre Ayew halved the deficit with half-an-hour remaining, but a combination
of profligate finishing and inspired goalkeeping from Kasper Schmeichel made
for another frustrating afternoon at London Stadium.
"It is very frustrating for us to lose the game," said Bilic, whose side
fell behind to Riyad Mahrez's cross and a set piece header from Robert
Huth, before Jamie Vardy added a third from a corner. "We didn't start
well and what was really disappointing was the way we conceded three goals,
including two very quickly.
"Then we came back and got the goal and had a good spell, but again they
scored and got their third goal. They basically scored their first goal
from a cross and two goals from set pieces. We knew they were good in them,
but we had to defend them better.
"Then, in the second half, to be fair it was all us. We really deserved
something from this game. We created enough chances and we were pressing
them really well, so I told the guys that in this game you can't afford to
be 3-1 down and turn the game around.
"They showed quality and they showed character and they created more than
enough chances to get a point, but in the second half, it didn't want to go
in, to be fair."
The final 20 minutes were almost completely one-sided, with West Ham
throwing everything at the Leicester goal in search of a leveller.
Carroll's goalbound header was clawed away by Schmeichel from Ayew's
cross, before the Ghana star shot over the crossbar after being played in by
Antonio.
The chances kept on flowing as Cheikhou Kouyate saw his low shot kept out by
a goalline clearance from Danny Drinkwater. Then, in added time, Schmeichel
made a stupendous stop from Carroll after the ball dropped to him from
Snodgrass's deflected free-kick.
"It was both poor finishing and good goalkeeping, because we expected to
score from those positions, and we have to give huge credit to Schmeichel,
especially for his last save, because it was a fantastic save," observed
the West Ham manager.
"We showed both sides to our game. The first half, we showed our defending
from set pieces, but the second half gives us hope with the performance
because we were really good with and without the ball. The only thing that
was lacking were goals."
To add injuries to insult, Bilic also saw Winston Reid and Pedro Obiang
forced off with leg injuries, while the manager revealed that a hamstring
problem may force Antonio to withdraw from England duty.
"With Winston Reid, it doesn't look good, but we have to assess him," he
said. "Also Michail unfortunately he probably won't be able to go to the
England squad. It looks like that now. He felt a hamstring and it got worse.
"Pedro twisted his ankle in a challenge but it's too early to say
anything. We have to assess him over the next couple of days. We have the
international break now and hopefully they're going to be fit soon."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ayew - The crowd helped us push
WHUFC.com
Andre Ayew scored his fourth goal of the season - and first at London
Stadium - in Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Leicester City
Ghana international's 63rd minute header reduced deficit to a single goal,
but the leveller wouldn't come
Ayew had praise for backing given by London Stadium crowd
Andre Ayew felt the support of the London Stadium crowd on Saturday, but was
disappointed not to reward them with a positive result against Leicester
City.
First half goals from Riyad Mahrez, Robert Huth and Jamie Vardy left the
Hammers up against it, but Ayew's 63rd minute header - his third strike in
the last four games - reduced the deficit to 3-2 and gave this side real
hope.
The Hammers continued to knock at the door, but missed opportunities by Ayew
and strike partner Andy Carroll kept the Foxes in front to the end.
Aye thought his side had done enough to get something from the game and was
impressed by the atmosphere created as his team fought their way back unto
the contest.
He explained: "We are very, very disappointed. I think we didn't get into
the game when we had to and Leicester scored three goals out of nothing
really.
"Two set pieces and once cross have led to the three goals, but we had
chances to get back into the game and we didn't. We need to go back, learn
from our mistakes and be better for our next game away at Hull.
"There have been games where we have conceded goals in the first ten or 15
minutes and we need to work on that and change it, because conceding early
changes the whole game.
"We had positive things, but when you don't win you see them. The fans were
behind us the whole game and helped us to push and try to get back into it.
"We had chances and we need to work on our play in the two boxes,
offensively and defensively, and hopefully we can start winning games."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Westley - We gave so much
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U23s were beaten 3-2 in an entertaining Premier League Cup
tie against Newcastle United
It was the Hammers' second game at St. James' Park in the space of six
days
Westley was left proud of his side's battling performance and said his
squad gave so much in the north east
Terry Westley praised the desire of his U23 squad after they came so close
to reaching the last-eight of the Premier League Cup at St. James' Park on
Saturday.
The Premier League 2 squad twice went in front against Newcastle United in
the second match against the Magpies in the space of six days, but the hosts
eventually took a 3-2 lead and held on to go through to the next round.
Ashley Fletcher had put the Hammers in front from the penalty spot and
Declan Rice thought he had won the tie with a header seven minutes from
time, but Newcastle goals scored by Luke Charman and two by Sammy Ameobi
crushed the visitors' hopes.
The U23s lifted the trophy last season, and though boss Westley desperately
wanted to defend the title this campaign, he was proud of his team's
performance.
"The players are gutted in the dressing room, because they've given so
much," he said. "It's disappointing. We're the cup holders and we wanted
to have a real go at it again, and I think you can see that from the manner
in which the players played and the effort we put in.
"It was a terrific game. The way we played first half, we were very good
and deservedly went in front. Maybe we should have stretched the lead
further.
"They kept digging in, and you knew it would be hard to stay in front.
Coming up here on Monday, getting back at 4am and then coming back up on
Friday made it more difficult for us.
"It was never going to be easy and I think in the end we ran out of steam
and it started to affect our decision making.
"It was a great winner, and maybe that was the difference; the way they
finished. That tiredness in the end was probably the difference. In normal
time, [Marcus ]Browne hit the post and that would have seen us through. We
were always in it."
Even behind in extra time, the Hammers thought they had dragged the game to
a penalty shootout when Tunji Akinola found the back of the net from a
Browne corner.
However the referee ruled to award the hosts a free-kick, a decision that
frustrated Westley.
"I thought it was a goal. I think the ref did well but on the real bid
decision, he hasn't got it right. If anything it was a foul on our player.
Over a season, you get some of those though, so you have to take that.
"You have to play with that energy and desire and we did that. Marcus
Browne was outstanding, Declan Rice was as the captain, [Dan] Kempy first
half, they couldn't get near him.
"We caused them so many problems but really ran out of gas and steam to see
the game through.
"I just said to the lads, we've lost but we have two really important
league games coming up. We want to try and finish in the top five and we
have two huge games left."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Michail Antonio: West Ham winger set to miss England duty with injury
BBC.co.uk
West Ham winger Michail Antonio is likely to be withdrawn from the England
squad because of a hamstring injury, says Hammers manager Slaven Bilic.
The 26-year-old reported the injury after Saturday's 3-2 Premier League
defeat by Leicester City, having played the full 90 minutes at London
Stadium.
England face Germany in a friendly on 22 March before hosting Lithuania in a
World Cup qualifier on 26 March.
"It looks like Michail won't be able to go with the England squad," said
Bilic.
"He felt something. He played the whole game but the medical team have told
me now. He didn't limp off, though, so we will see."
Antonio was set to make his international debut this month, and his absence
would further weaken the attacking options of England boss Gareth Southgate.
Forwards Harry Kane, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney are
all out through injury, while Theo Walcott was left out of the squad.
In addition to Antonio, West Ham lost centre-back Winston Reid to a leg
injury, while midfielder Pedro Obiang was taken off on a stretcher after
rolling his ankle.
On the injuries to Antonio and Reid, Bilic said: "Hopefully, they will be
fit after the international break."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM 2-3 LEICESTER CITY - MATCH REPORT
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 18 MARCH 2017 AT 6:18PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Match Report by @WestHamAmerican
Leicester City continued it's mastery over the Slaven Bilic helmed West Ham
United first team with a 2-3 victory over the Hammers in the London Stadium.
For the defending league champions, it was their first away victory in the
Premier League this season. For West Ham, it was another unexplained
defeat, as they continue to look for answers in the back four. With the
victory the Foxes conclude a remarkable week as they clinched their second
leg victory in the round of 16 over Sevilla.
For any West Ham supporters hoping that Leicester would have a slow start
due to their European heroics early in the week, they were disappointed.
Barely five minutes in and Jamie Vardy took the ball from Pedro Obiang and
served up Riyad Mahrez, who found the far corner away from Darren Randolph.
Not two minutes later and Mahrez was at it again. He received a free kick
and crossed to an open Robert Huth, who made it 0-2 before many patrons were
in their seats.
The attitude around the ground sunk even further when today's captain,
Winston Reid, went down with injury forcing Bilic to use a substitution only
18 minutes in. He brought on Robert Snodgrass, hoping to spur more
opportunities.
West Ham's first great opportunity took place only two minutes later when
Manuel Lanzini's free kick from 25 yards out found the top-left corner of
the goal. With the hosts finally getting on the score sheet, the atmosphere
at the London Stadium improved. Both sides had their first half
opportunities but it was Leicester who had the better first half finish as
Jamie Vardy scored from three yards out on a corner that West Ham was unable
to clear. Vardy's strike from short range was in heavy traffic but
Randolph had little chance to block.
Both goalkeepers had to employ some heroics to finish the half, but both
teams retired from the pitch with a 1-3 score sheet. Neither side made
changes during the break and the second half featured a desperate West Ham
trying to draw even.
Early in the half, a West Ham corner was headed by Andy Carroll to Andre
Ayew, whose own header found its way in. With a 2-3 score, the London
Stadium came to life, as did the home side. The remaining 30 minutes
predominately featured West Ham taking their shots, but Leicester's Casper
Schmeichel showed why his is one of the best goal keepers in the world with
his saves and leadership during the close of the match.
A 77th minute cross from Ayew to Andy Carroll was saved by the Danish goal
keeper. Goal Line technology confirmed it was close, but not a goal. Two
minutes later Ayew had an opportunity from ten yards out but his shot was
entirely too high. Moments later a Snodgrass corner found its way to Andy
Carroll, whose immediate shot was saved by Schmeichel. Even during the six
minutes of added time, Carroll had an open shot which Schmeichel batted
away.
For all the efforts and almost twice the attempts as Leicester, West Ham as
unable to equalise and walked off the pitch winless since early February.
Hopefully a visit to Hull can give the Hammers a sorely needed three points,
but without some smart moves during the transfer window, it seems it will be
a forgettable finish to the season for the Claret fans.
West Ham: Randolph, Byram, Fonte, Reid, Cresswell, Kouyate, Obiang, Ayew,
Lanzini, Antonio, Carroll.
Subs: Adrian, Collins, Fernandes (66′), Masuaku (73′), Snodgrass (18′),
Feghouli, Nordtveit,
Leicester: Schmeichel, Simpson, Huth, Benalouane, Fuchs, Mahrez, Ndidi,
Drinkwater, Albrighton, Okazaki, Vardy.
Subs: Zieler, Chilwell (84′), Musa (75′), King, Amartey, Slimani (75′),
Gray
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
REF ANALYSIS - ROGER EAST
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 18 MARCH 2017 AT 6:49PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @SamRoyden
After a very disappointing result at Bournemouth, we welcomed Premier League
Champions and Champions League quarter finalists Leicester City to the
London Stadium. Slaven Bilic made some encouraging changes to the starting
line up for this game. ExWhuEmployee confirmed on Thursday that Mark Noble
was out for this game meaning Sam Byram was recalled in the back 4, with
Kouyate moving into midfield alongside Obiang and Andre Ayew into midfield
after scoring two goals in two substitute appearances.
Roger East was the referee appointed for this game and this was East's
first Premier League fixture since 31st January. East has been absent from
Premier League duties this season, only officiating 6 Premier League
fixtures all season. East has been officiating in the Championship and
League One as well as taking up 4th official duties. I was interested to see
how he performed during the fixture as East is the least frequent Premier
League appointed referee this season.
I seem to be saying this a lot recently, but another disaster of a half for
West Ham however Roger East seemed to be in control throughout. Within 7
minutes, West Ham were two-nil down and the second goal came from a foul
from Winston Reid. Reid unfairly barged into Okazaki and that set up the set
piece which resulted in the corner that Robert Huth scored from. The
frustration grew for West Ham as Michail Antonio was bundled to the floor 25
yards outside the goal but the assistant referee flagged for an offside
offence.
Leciester's Danny Drinkwater was causing issues for West Ham and he always
has a poor challenge in his locker. Roger East was keen to speak to the
England international after an altercation with a West Ham player before a
West Ham throw. 30 second later, the Foxes midfielder fouled Michail Antonio
25 yards from goal, which looked like a poor challenge in my opinion. East
awarded the free-kick to West Ham but no further punishment was issued. In
my opinion, Drinkwater could have easily been issued a caution for his
challenge on Antonio. Manuel Lanzini subsequently scored from the free-kick
reducing the gap to 1-2.
Andy Carroll had a goal disallowed after Michail Antonio came back from an
offside position to become active in a good build up of play by West Ham.
Carroll was aware that play had stopped but continued to shoot on goal and
score. East and his assistant got this decision correct.
Nearing the end of the half, Roger East got caught in two minds whether to
caution Marc Albrighton after the Leicester player blocked West Ham from
taking a quick free-kick. It appeared that East got his yellow card out of
his pocket but then changed his mind. 9/10 times this is a yellow card and
in my opinion was a mistake by Roger East.
In a second half, where West Ham threw the kitchen sink at the flagging
Leicester, Roger East was consistent with his decisions.
East played very good advantage within minutes of each other which is
important to ensure the game is free flowing. Vardy was unfairly challenged
by makeshift centre half Kouyate and East played advantage but the ball went
off for a throw in. There was no advantage to be played so East correctly
brought play back for a free-kick. The other good piece of advantage was
when Lanzini was caught off the ball during a promising West Ham attack.
Danny Drinkwater eventually got his name in Roger East's notebook after
Kouyate pipped the midfielder to the ball, who was challenging for the ball
on the slide. Drinkwater looked like he was trying to pull out of the
challenge but when you slide into a challenge, you need to win the ball or
more than likely you're going to be cautioned.
It was encouraging to see that East was relatively consistent with his
decision making especially when Okazaki was penalised for barging Manuel
Lanzini to the floor. This was the exact type of challenge that Okazaki was
on the receiving end off in the first half by Winston Reid.
Overall, I thought that Roger East performed well for his first Premier
League appointment since January. He kept up with the game well and allowed
the game to flow were necessary. There were a couple of decisions that I
felt he got wrong, however in his view and opinion he thought differently.
Another hugely irritating game of football from West Ham. To concede two
goals in seven minutes at home to a team that are fighting relegation and
played Champions League football midweek is embarrassing. There has to be
questions raised regarding our defence as too many goals have been conceded
early on against lesser teams. (Watford - 3 minutes, Leicester - 5 minutes,
West Brom - 6 minutes). With both Slaven Bilic and Julian Dick former
defenders, it's concerning the amount of goals that we've conceded this
season. It clearly wasn't our day when two of our strikers missed
opportunities 10 yards outside of goal. Andre Ayew and Andy Carroll should
have done better.
With the international break coming at a good time, especially with injuries
for Reid and Obiang, we go to Hull City on the 1st April which is a must win
against a relegation candidate.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Early goals and defensive lapses cost West Ham United dear again as Slaven
Bilic's side were edged out 3-2 by Leicester City.
The Hammers dominated for long stretches at London Stadium and, on the
balance of play, should have won comfortably. Instead, conceding twice
within the opening seven minutes ultimately gave them too much to do to
rescue a point.
As West Ham's winless run stretched to five, resurgent champions Leicester
celebrated their maiden away win of the season in east London, having opened
the scoring on their travels for the first time in 14 attempts.
Riyad Mahrez was the scorer, in slightly fortuitous circumstances, as his
right-wing cross eluded the heads of Jamie Vardy and Shinji Okazaki before
bouncing into the far corner.
Within two minutes it was 2-0 Leicester as West Ham's marking completely
evaporated from a short free-kick, enabling Mahrez to pick out the unmarked
Robert Huth, who headed past Darren Randolph.
West Ham were shellshocked and their afternoon took another turn for the
worse when captain Winston Reid was forced off with a right leg injury, with
Robert Snodgrass coming on in his place.
Minutes later, the Hammers had a lifeline when Michail Antonio was brought
down 25 yards from goal and Manuel Lanzini stepped up to curl an
inch-perfect free-kick over the wall and under Kasper Schmeichel's
crossbar.
Just when you thought Leicester were rocking, another defensive error handed
them a third goal. Andy Carroll missed his header from a corner, the ball
hit Wilfred Ndidi and then Vardy, who then lashed high into the net from
close range.
After missing a succession of half-chances, the Hammers went in 3-1 down at
half-time, with a mountain to climb after the break.
The comeback looked to be on when Snodgrass's corner was headed into the
six-yard box for Ayew, whose own header was too strong for Schmeichel. Game
on.
West Ham laid siege to the Foxes goal in the closing 20 minutes, but somehow
failed to score an equaliser, while Pedro Obiang became the second home
player to be forced off with a leg injury.
First, Carroll's goalbound header was clawed away by Schmeichel from Ayew'
s cross, before the Ghana star somehow shot too high after being played in
by Antonio.
The chances kept on coming as Cheikhou Kouyate saw his low shot kept out by
a goalline clearance from Danny Drinkwater. Then, in added time, Schmeichel
made a stupendous stop from Carroll after the ball dropped to him from
Snodgrass's deflected free-kick.
There was time for Randolph to make his own fine stop to deny substitute
Islam Slimani, but it was the earlier errors which leave everyone in Claret
and Blue wondering how they managed to go home with nothing.
West Ham United: Randolph, Byram, Fonte, Reid (c) (Snodgrass 18), Cresswell
(Masuaku 73), Obiang (Fernandes 67), Kouyate, Ayew, Lanzini, Antonio,
Carroll
Subs not used: Adrian, Nordtveit, Collins, Feghouli
Goals: Lanzini 20, Ayew 63
Leicester City: Schmeichel (c), Simpson, Huth, Benalouane, Fuchs, Mahrez
(Chilwell 86), Ndidi, Drinkwater, Albrighton, Okazaki (Musa 76), Vardy
(Slimani 76)
Subs not used: Zieler, King, Amartey, Gray
Goals: Mahrez 5, Huth 7, Vardy 38
Booked: Drinkwater
Attendance; 56,979
Referee: Roger East
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U18s earn crucial win at Reading
WHUFC.com
Anthony Scully scored a late winner as West Ham United's U18s earned a vital
three points away at Reading in Merit Group A.
The Hammers were beaten 4-0 at home to Chelsea last week and were looking to
bounce back from that disappointment - Scully's second goal of the season
proved the difference at the Reading Training Ground on Saturday.
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Slav rues Jekyll and Hyde display
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic laments more early defensive lapses in 3-2 defeat by Leicester
City
Hammers conceded from two set pieces and a soft cross from Riyad Mahrez
Second-half fightback comes close to securing a share of the points at
London Stadium
Slaven Bilic was left to reflect on another Jekyll and Hyde performance from
West Ham United in Saturday's 3-2 Premier League defeat by Leicester City.
The Hammers conceded two soft goals within the opening seven minutes, got
back into the game through Manuel Lanzini's inch-perfect free-kick, only
for another defensive lapse to send them into half-time 3-1 down.
Andre Ayew halved the deficit with half-an-hour remaining, but a combination
of profligate finishing and inspired goalkeeping from Kasper Schmeichel made
for another frustrating afternoon at London Stadium.
"It is very frustrating for us to lose the game," said Bilic, whose side
fell behind to Riyad Mahrez's cross and a set piece header from Robert
Huth, before Jamie Vardy added a third from a corner. "We didn't start
well and what was really disappointing was the way we conceded three goals,
including two very quickly.
"Then we came back and got the goal and had a good spell, but again they
scored and got their third goal. They basically scored their first goal
from a cross and two goals from set pieces. We knew they were good in them,
but we had to defend them better.
"Then, in the second half, to be fair it was all us. We really deserved
something from this game. We created enough chances and we were pressing
them really well, so I told the guys that in this game you can't afford to
be 3-1 down and turn the game around.
"They showed quality and they showed character and they created more than
enough chances to get a point, but in the second half, it didn't want to go
in, to be fair."
The final 20 minutes were almost completely one-sided, with West Ham
throwing everything at the Leicester goal in search of a leveller.
Carroll's goalbound header was clawed away by Schmeichel from Ayew's
cross, before the Ghana star shot over the crossbar after being played in by
Antonio.
The chances kept on flowing as Cheikhou Kouyate saw his low shot kept out by
a goalline clearance from Danny Drinkwater. Then, in added time, Schmeichel
made a stupendous stop from Carroll after the ball dropped to him from
Snodgrass's deflected free-kick.
"It was both poor finishing and good goalkeeping, because we expected to
score from those positions, and we have to give huge credit to Schmeichel,
especially for his last save, because it was a fantastic save," observed
the West Ham manager.
"We showed both sides to our game. The first half, we showed our defending
from set pieces, but the second half gives us hope with the performance
because we were really good with and without the ball. The only thing that
was lacking were goals."
To add injuries to insult, Bilic also saw Winston Reid and Pedro Obiang
forced off with leg injuries, while the manager revealed that a hamstring
problem may force Antonio to withdraw from England duty.
"With Winston Reid, it doesn't look good, but we have to assess him," he
said. "Also Michail unfortunately he probably won't be able to go to the
England squad. It looks like that now. He felt a hamstring and it got worse.
"Pedro twisted his ankle in a challenge but it's too early to say
anything. We have to assess him over the next couple of days. We have the
international break now and hopefully they're going to be fit soon."
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Ayew - The crowd helped us push
WHUFC.com
Andre Ayew scored his fourth goal of the season - and first at London
Stadium - in Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Leicester City
Ghana international's 63rd minute header reduced deficit to a single goal,
but the leveller wouldn't come
Ayew had praise for backing given by London Stadium crowd
Andre Ayew felt the support of the London Stadium crowd on Saturday, but was
disappointed not to reward them with a positive result against Leicester
City.
First half goals from Riyad Mahrez, Robert Huth and Jamie Vardy left the
Hammers up against it, but Ayew's 63rd minute header - his third strike in
the last four games - reduced the deficit to 3-2 and gave this side real
hope.
The Hammers continued to knock at the door, but missed opportunities by Ayew
and strike partner Andy Carroll kept the Foxes in front to the end.
Aye thought his side had done enough to get something from the game and was
impressed by the atmosphere created as his team fought their way back unto
the contest.
He explained: "We are very, very disappointed. I think we didn't get into
the game when we had to and Leicester scored three goals out of nothing
really.
"Two set pieces and once cross have led to the three goals, but we had
chances to get back into the game and we didn't. We need to go back, learn
from our mistakes and be better for our next game away at Hull.
"There have been games where we have conceded goals in the first ten or 15
minutes and we need to work on that and change it, because conceding early
changes the whole game.
"We had positive things, but when you don't win you see them. The fans were
behind us the whole game and helped us to push and try to get back into it.
"We had chances and we need to work on our play in the two boxes,
offensively and defensively, and hopefully we can start winning games."
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Westley - We gave so much
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U23s were beaten 3-2 in an entertaining Premier League Cup
tie against Newcastle United
It was the Hammers' second game at St. James' Park in the space of six
days
Westley was left proud of his side's battling performance and said his
squad gave so much in the north east
Terry Westley praised the desire of his U23 squad after they came so close
to reaching the last-eight of the Premier League Cup at St. James' Park on
Saturday.
The Premier League 2 squad twice went in front against Newcastle United in
the second match against the Magpies in the space of six days, but the hosts
eventually took a 3-2 lead and held on to go through to the next round.
Ashley Fletcher had put the Hammers in front from the penalty spot and
Declan Rice thought he had won the tie with a header seven minutes from
time, but Newcastle goals scored by Luke Charman and two by Sammy Ameobi
crushed the visitors' hopes.
The U23s lifted the trophy last season, and though boss Westley desperately
wanted to defend the title this campaign, he was proud of his team's
performance.
"The players are gutted in the dressing room, because they've given so
much," he said. "It's disappointing. We're the cup holders and we wanted
to have a real go at it again, and I think you can see that from the manner
in which the players played and the effort we put in.
"It was a terrific game. The way we played first half, we were very good
and deservedly went in front. Maybe we should have stretched the lead
further.
"They kept digging in, and you knew it would be hard to stay in front.
Coming up here on Monday, getting back at 4am and then coming back up on
Friday made it more difficult for us.
"It was never going to be easy and I think in the end we ran out of steam
and it started to affect our decision making.
"It was a great winner, and maybe that was the difference; the way they
finished. That tiredness in the end was probably the difference. In normal
time, [Marcus ]Browne hit the post and that would have seen us through. We
were always in it."
Even behind in extra time, the Hammers thought they had dragged the game to
a penalty shootout when Tunji Akinola found the back of the net from a
Browne corner.
However the referee ruled to award the hosts a free-kick, a decision that
frustrated Westley.
"I thought it was a goal. I think the ref did well but on the real bid
decision, he hasn't got it right. If anything it was a foul on our player.
Over a season, you get some of those though, so you have to take that.
"You have to play with that energy and desire and we did that. Marcus
Browne was outstanding, Declan Rice was as the captain, [Dan] Kempy first
half, they couldn't get near him.
"We caused them so many problems but really ran out of gas and steam to see
the game through.
"I just said to the lads, we've lost but we have two really important
league games coming up. We want to try and finish in the top five and we
have two huge games left."
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Michail Antonio: West Ham winger set to miss England duty with injury
BBC.co.uk
West Ham winger Michail Antonio is likely to be withdrawn from the England
squad because of a hamstring injury, says Hammers manager Slaven Bilic.
The 26-year-old reported the injury after Saturday's 3-2 Premier League
defeat by Leicester City, having played the full 90 minutes at London
Stadium.
England face Germany in a friendly on 22 March before hosting Lithuania in a
World Cup qualifier on 26 March.
"It looks like Michail won't be able to go with the England squad," said
Bilic.
"He felt something. He played the whole game but the medical team have told
me now. He didn't limp off, though, so we will see."
Antonio was set to make his international debut this month, and his absence
would further weaken the attacking options of England boss Gareth Southgate.
Forwards Harry Kane, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney are
all out through injury, while Theo Walcott was left out of the squad.
In addition to Antonio, West Ham lost centre-back Winston Reid to a leg
injury, while midfielder Pedro Obiang was taken off on a stretcher after
rolling his ankle.
On the injuries to Antonio and Reid, Bilic said: "Hopefully, they will be
fit after the international break."
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WEST HAM 2-3 LEICESTER CITY - MATCH REPORT
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 18 MARCH 2017 AT 6:18PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Match Report by @WestHamAmerican
Leicester City continued it's mastery over the Slaven Bilic helmed West Ham
United first team with a 2-3 victory over the Hammers in the London Stadium.
For the defending league champions, it was their first away victory in the
Premier League this season. For West Ham, it was another unexplained
defeat, as they continue to look for answers in the back four. With the
victory the Foxes conclude a remarkable week as they clinched their second
leg victory in the round of 16 over Sevilla.
For any West Ham supporters hoping that Leicester would have a slow start
due to their European heroics early in the week, they were disappointed.
Barely five minutes in and Jamie Vardy took the ball from Pedro Obiang and
served up Riyad Mahrez, who found the far corner away from Darren Randolph.
Not two minutes later and Mahrez was at it again. He received a free kick
and crossed to an open Robert Huth, who made it 0-2 before many patrons were
in their seats.
The attitude around the ground sunk even further when today's captain,
Winston Reid, went down with injury forcing Bilic to use a substitution only
18 minutes in. He brought on Robert Snodgrass, hoping to spur more
opportunities.
West Ham's first great opportunity took place only two minutes later when
Manuel Lanzini's free kick from 25 yards out found the top-left corner of
the goal. With the hosts finally getting on the score sheet, the atmosphere
at the London Stadium improved. Both sides had their first half
opportunities but it was Leicester who had the better first half finish as
Jamie Vardy scored from three yards out on a corner that West Ham was unable
to clear. Vardy's strike from short range was in heavy traffic but
Randolph had little chance to block.
Both goalkeepers had to employ some heroics to finish the half, but both
teams retired from the pitch with a 1-3 score sheet. Neither side made
changes during the break and the second half featured a desperate West Ham
trying to draw even.
Early in the half, a West Ham corner was headed by Andy Carroll to Andre
Ayew, whose own header found its way in. With a 2-3 score, the London
Stadium came to life, as did the home side. The remaining 30 minutes
predominately featured West Ham taking their shots, but Leicester's Casper
Schmeichel showed why his is one of the best goal keepers in the world with
his saves and leadership during the close of the match.
A 77th minute cross from Ayew to Andy Carroll was saved by the Danish goal
keeper. Goal Line technology confirmed it was close, but not a goal. Two
minutes later Ayew had an opportunity from ten yards out but his shot was
entirely too high. Moments later a Snodgrass corner found its way to Andy
Carroll, whose immediate shot was saved by Schmeichel. Even during the six
minutes of added time, Carroll had an open shot which Schmeichel batted
away.
For all the efforts and almost twice the attempts as Leicester, West Ham as
unable to equalise and walked off the pitch winless since early February.
Hopefully a visit to Hull can give the Hammers a sorely needed three points,
but without some smart moves during the transfer window, it seems it will be
a forgettable finish to the season for the Claret fans.
West Ham: Randolph, Byram, Fonte, Reid, Cresswell, Kouyate, Obiang, Ayew,
Lanzini, Antonio, Carroll.
Subs: Adrian, Collins, Fernandes (66′), Masuaku (73′), Snodgrass (18′),
Feghouli, Nordtveit,
Leicester: Schmeichel, Simpson, Huth, Benalouane, Fuchs, Mahrez, Ndidi,
Drinkwater, Albrighton, Okazaki, Vardy.
Subs: Zieler, Chilwell (84′), Musa (75′), King, Amartey, Slimani (75′),
Gray
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REF ANALYSIS - ROGER EAST
BY BRIAN KNOX ON 18 MARCH 2017 AT 6:49PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @SamRoyden
After a very disappointing result at Bournemouth, we welcomed Premier League
Champions and Champions League quarter finalists Leicester City to the
London Stadium. Slaven Bilic made some encouraging changes to the starting
line up for this game. ExWhuEmployee confirmed on Thursday that Mark Noble
was out for this game meaning Sam Byram was recalled in the back 4, with
Kouyate moving into midfield alongside Obiang and Andre Ayew into midfield
after scoring two goals in two substitute appearances.
Roger East was the referee appointed for this game and this was East's
first Premier League fixture since 31st January. East has been absent from
Premier League duties this season, only officiating 6 Premier League
fixtures all season. East has been officiating in the Championship and
League One as well as taking up 4th official duties. I was interested to see
how he performed during the fixture as East is the least frequent Premier
League appointed referee this season.
I seem to be saying this a lot recently, but another disaster of a half for
West Ham however Roger East seemed to be in control throughout. Within 7
minutes, West Ham were two-nil down and the second goal came from a foul
from Winston Reid. Reid unfairly barged into Okazaki and that set up the set
piece which resulted in the corner that Robert Huth scored from. The
frustration grew for West Ham as Michail Antonio was bundled to the floor 25
yards outside the goal but the assistant referee flagged for an offside
offence.
Leciester's Danny Drinkwater was causing issues for West Ham and he always
has a poor challenge in his locker. Roger East was keen to speak to the
England international after an altercation with a West Ham player before a
West Ham throw. 30 second later, the Foxes midfielder fouled Michail Antonio
25 yards from goal, which looked like a poor challenge in my opinion. East
awarded the free-kick to West Ham but no further punishment was issued. In
my opinion, Drinkwater could have easily been issued a caution for his
challenge on Antonio. Manuel Lanzini subsequently scored from the free-kick
reducing the gap to 1-2.
Andy Carroll had a goal disallowed after Michail Antonio came back from an
offside position to become active in a good build up of play by West Ham.
Carroll was aware that play had stopped but continued to shoot on goal and
score. East and his assistant got this decision correct.
Nearing the end of the half, Roger East got caught in two minds whether to
caution Marc Albrighton after the Leicester player blocked West Ham from
taking a quick free-kick. It appeared that East got his yellow card out of
his pocket but then changed his mind. 9/10 times this is a yellow card and
in my opinion was a mistake by Roger East.
In a second half, where West Ham threw the kitchen sink at the flagging
Leicester, Roger East was consistent with his decisions.
East played very good advantage within minutes of each other which is
important to ensure the game is free flowing. Vardy was unfairly challenged
by makeshift centre half Kouyate and East played advantage but the ball went
off for a throw in. There was no advantage to be played so East correctly
brought play back for a free-kick. The other good piece of advantage was
when Lanzini was caught off the ball during a promising West Ham attack.
Danny Drinkwater eventually got his name in Roger East's notebook after
Kouyate pipped the midfielder to the ball, who was challenging for the ball
on the slide. Drinkwater looked like he was trying to pull out of the
challenge but when you slide into a challenge, you need to win the ball or
more than likely you're going to be cautioned.
It was encouraging to see that East was relatively consistent with his
decision making especially when Okazaki was penalised for barging Manuel
Lanzini to the floor. This was the exact type of challenge that Okazaki was
on the receiving end off in the first half by Winston Reid.
Overall, I thought that Roger East performed well for his first Premier
League appointment since January. He kept up with the game well and allowed
the game to flow were necessary. There were a couple of decisions that I
felt he got wrong, however in his view and opinion he thought differently.
Another hugely irritating game of football from West Ham. To concede two
goals in seven minutes at home to a team that are fighting relegation and
played Champions League football midweek is embarrassing. There has to be
questions raised regarding our defence as too many goals have been conceded
early on against lesser teams. (Watford - 3 minutes, Leicester - 5 minutes,
West Brom - 6 minutes). With both Slaven Bilic and Julian Dick former
defenders, it's concerning the amount of goals that we've conceded this
season. It clearly wasn't our day when two of our strikers missed
opportunities 10 yards outside of goal. Andre Ayew and Andy Carroll should
have done better.
With the international break coming at a good time, especially with injuries
for Reid and Obiang, we go to Hull City on the 1st April which is a must win
against a relegation candidate.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, March 18
Daily WHUFC News - 18th March 2017
Preview - Leicester City
WHUFC.com
When and Where?
West Ham United v Leicester City
Premier League
Saturday 18 March 2017, 3pm GMT
London Stadium
What's the story?
West Ham United face a resurgent Leicester City at London Stadium on Saturday, as Slaven Bilic's men look to arrest a run of four games without a victory.
The Foxes' outlook has improved considerably from a month ago, when a 2-0 defeat to Swansea City saw the Premier League champions drop into the relegation zone.
Since then, Claudio Ranieri controversially lost his job, Craig Shakespeare replaced him in the hotseat, they won back-to-back Premier League games for the first time this season and then, most remarkably, they progressed to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Wes Morgan and Marc Albrighton were the goalscoring heroes as the Foxes wiped out a 2-1 first leg deficit to knock out Sevilla and set up a last eight tie with Atletico Madrid.
Despite their league travails, it continues the fairytale which saw them take the league title last term, ten points clear of their closest challengers Arsenal.
After beating Liverpool and Leicester, their fears of following that by getting relegated have eased and they currently sit three points above the drop zone – and six behind the Hammers.
West Ham have an upturn in form in mind as they look to get back inside the top ten – and will certainly hope to show a stronger defensive resilience than at Bournemouth last weekend, when they conceded three goals and saw the hosts squander two chances from the spot.
At the other end, Michail Antonio and Andre Ayew were on target, but a 3-2 defeat was their second reverse in succession.
Team news
The Hammers will be without skipper Mark Noble, who sits out with a muscle strain, and will return after the international break.
He joins Angelo Ogbonna and Diafra Sakho on the sidelines, although the pair are progressing well from their knee and back issues respectively.
With Noble out, Cheikhou Kouyate could return to the midfield, and Sam Byram is a candidate to start at right back.
Leicester's January signing Molla Wague is out for the season after suffering a dislocated shoulder, while Nampalys Mendy is rated at 50-50 to return from a knee problem.
How do I get to the game?
Tickets for this match have sold out, but become available on the Ticket Exchange as Season Ticket Holders who cannot attend relist their seats.
Supporters should note that the Docklands Light Railway is closed on Saturday between Bow Church and Stratford, meaning Pudding Mill Lane station will be out of action.
TfL Rail services are suspended between London Liverpool Street and Shenfield, with replacement buses running between Stratford and Chadwell Heath, and Shenfield and Newbury Park for connections with the Central Line.
Greater Anglia services are also disrupted, with no service between London Liverpool Street and Ingatestone/Southend Victoria. Replacement buses will be serving Newbury Park for connections with the Central Line.
Click here for the latest news on Tube services and here for National Rail.
Saturday is set to be a cloudy day in London, with a maximum temperature of 15C (59F).
How do I watch the game?
This match is not being broadcast live in the UK. International supporters can see if the match will be broadcast in their territory with our widget below. You can follow all the action at it happens on whufc.com, with live audio commentary, social media updates, in-running stats, photos and more.
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Five Talking Points - Leicester City
WHUFC.com
The Official Website discusses the major subjects ahead of Saturday's visit of Premier League champions Leicester City to London Stadium...
1. An 'important game'
While West Ham United versus Leicester City might appear to be a mid-table battle between two clubs with little to play for, that could not be farther from the truth. The Hammers are seeking to arrest a recent slide that has seen them winless in their last four Premier League matches, while the Foxes are seeking to continue a renaissance that has seen them climb away from the relegation zone. On 33 points, nine clear of the bottom three, West Ham probably need two wins from their final ten games to be assured of safety, but mere survival is not enough to satisfy the Board, manager Slaven Bilic, his squad or the Claret and Blue Army. For Leicester, staying up would be acceptable after their early-season implosion, but new manager Craig Shakespeare and his squad are likely playing for their futures at the King Power Stadium. The stage is set for what Bilic and Joint-Chairman David Sullivan have rightly called an 'important game' for both clubs.
2. Are the old Leicester back?
It certainly looks like it. Leicester have won their last three matches, all at the King Power Stadium, playing the brand of aggressive, counter-attacking football that saw them lift the Premier League trophy last May. The Foxes have beaten Liverpool and Hull City in the Premier League – both 3-1 – before upsetting the odds to defeat Sevilla 2-0 in their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg tie to complete an unlikely 3-2 aggregate victory. Those results were achieved despite Leicester enjoying an average possession percentage of just 36.33 per cent. While they had the ball a little more than a third of the time, Craig Shakespeare's side have not only outscored their opponents 8-2, but they have also outshot them 44-38.
3. Desire
West Ham United's players were angry with their own performance in last Saturday's 3-2 Premier League defeat at AFC Bournemouth – and rightly so. Despite seeing the Cherries miss two penalties, the Hammers produced comfortably their worst display in two months to go down to a defeat. The players spoke of Bournemouth wanting to win so badly that their will saw them do just that. Against a Leicester City team brim full of confidence, pace and desire, the hosts will need to match the Foxes' commitment if they are not to become the visitors' first victims on their travels this Premier League season. At the same time, Slaven Bilic said his players need to learn how to manage a game in the closing stages, having conceded late goals to both West Bromwich Albion and Bournemouth in recent weeks. Whatever the scoreline going into the final few minutes on Saturday, the Hammers will need to retain their concentration and discipline until the final whistle.
4. Dylan's legacy lives on…
Saturday's game will see awareness raised for the DT38 Foundation, the charity founded in memory of late West Ham United striker Dylan Tombides. Dylan passed away at the age of 20 in April 2014, and many of the players he lined up alongside on his debut in 2012 have since departed, but the formation of DT38 by his mother Tracy means the Australian's legacy will continue to live on. Raising awareness of men's health issues, including the cancer which ultimately took Dylan's life, DT38 is a cause which every Hammers fan, male or female, should be aware of.
5. Who replaces Mark Noble?
Captain Mark Noble will miss just his third Premier League match of the season on Saturday, having been absent from the defeats at Tottenham Hotspur (through suspension) and home to Manchester United (he was an unused substitute). With the skipper unavailable, the likelihood is that Cheikhou Kouyate will move into his preferred midfield role, with either Sam Byram or Havard Nordtveit coming into the starting XI at right-back. However, Slaven Bilic may revert to 3-5-2, which would mean James Collins, Kouyate or Nordtveit playing as a third centre-half, and either Michail Antonio, Byram or Sofiane Feghouli playing as a right wing-back. The other selection issue for Bilic is whether he hands Andre Ayew or Robert Snodgrass starting places, which could mean Feghouli drops to the bench.
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Supporter feedback update
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are pleased to introduce a new feature on whufc.com created thanks to the feedback and ideas put forward by our loyal and passionate supporters. We realise that it has taken time for London Stadium to truly feel like home for some, but everyone at the Club remains absolutely committed to doing everything we can to enhance the experience for all Hammers fans. Here are just some of the new services, initiatives and improvements introduced recently for the benefit of our supporters…
@WestHamHelp
Our new dedicated Supporter Services twitter account @WestHamHelp is open from Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm and on first team home matchdays from two hours before kick-off until full-time. We aim to respond to as many enquiries as possible within 24 hours and currently have more than 2,700 followers. Follow us today for all the latest service information or if you need any help or advice relating to the Club.
SLOs growing in number
SLOsOur new team of matchday Supporter Liaison Officers (SLOs) have grown from a group of ten to 40 within the space of five matches, who will be on duty at the home match with Leicester City. All SLOs are personable, friendly and, above all, available on matchdays at London Stadium to assist with any enquiries, feedback and concerns.
Matchday Guide
The Matchday Guide is available on whufc.com and is updated from match-to-match wherever required. The Guide should feature all that you need to know before and during your visit to London Stadium. However, it is constantly evolving, and if there is anything you feel we could add to the platform we would love to hear from you at supporterservices@westhamunited.co.uk
On route to coach park
Our new team of Supporter Liaison Officers (SLOs) are situated along the route from the Stadium to the official coach park near Pudding Mill Lane to assist with any directional enquiries and offer support wherever required.
Free Shuttle Bus service for home and visiting supporters
We have increased the number of Shuttle Buses for home supporters with accessibility requirements leaving London Stadium post-match and the average queuing time is now at approximately 20-25 minutes. An additional Shuttle Bus is also available to visiting supporters with accessible requirements to assist them in travelling from the official coach park to the Stadium.
Queues at the turnstiles
Following feedback received at the Supporter Advisory Board meeting on 24 January, we have significantly increased the number of security wands at the turnstiles to support the smooth and efficient entry of supporters to the stadium. Prior to recent matches, a courtesy message has been sent to all ticket holders entering via turnstiles F, G and H to confirm seat details, turnstile entry points and reminding supporters to arrive early to beat the queues. This message is also advertised across all Club channels, including @WestHamHelp and on the front page of the Matchday Guide.
London Stadium are also actively recruiting female stewards and the number of females assisting with searches at the turnstiles is increasing match-by-match. Flow rates at the turnstiles are constantly monitored at each match and we are pleased to confirm that, with these additions, entry for all fans across the stadium is proving to be much quicker.
Shelving in concourse areas
The Club and London Stadium recently undertook a review across the entire concourse area and new shelving will be in place for the match against Leicester City on Saturday 18 March.
West Ham flags
We recently announced a new initiative encouraging supporters to bring large flags into the stadium. The initiative forms part of the Board's ongoing commitment to improving the matchday experience and ensuring supporters feel at home at London Stadium. To arrange to have your larger flag displayed, contact supporterservices@westhamunited.co.uk at least 72 hours before the home match you are attending with the following information and a member of the team will assist you:
A picture of the flag you wish to display
Dimensions of the flag
Confirmation it is manufactured to British Standard and is flame retardant
Your Season Ticket seat number
Toilets improved
Enquiries were raised at the Supporter Advisory Board meeting on January 24 as to the ratio of male to female hygiene facilities available on matchday. This has been reviewed carefully and the decision was made to change all toilets closest to the turnstiles to male, with signage and notices on each door communicating this.
New Ticket Office phone numbers
Following feedback from supporters given directly to Vice-Chairman Karren Brady at a London Stadium Forum, we introduced a new UK-rate telephone number for the Club's Ticket Office. Supporters buying Standard Tickets and Official Coach Travel have been saving since the new 03-code numbers were introduced by the Board in November 2016.
Ticket Exchange
In response to feedback from Season Ticket Holders seeking to sell their seats when they are unable to attend home matches, we introduced the Ticket Exchange. Season Ticket Holders are given the opportunity to earn money to redeem against their Season Ticket renewal by listing their seat on the Ticket Exchange ahead of every home first-team fixture at London Stadium. Since being introduced before Christmas, the Ticket Exchange has therefore also given thousands of West Ham supporters the chance to attend home fixtures which have previously sold out this season.
Season Ticket renewal price freeze/lower finance rate APR
Continuing our commitment to benefitting our most loyal supporters and providing affordable Premier League football for our Season Ticket Holders, the Board confirmed that founding Season Ticket Holders at London Stadium will enjoy a price freeze when renewing for the 2017/18 campaign. In addition, we also listened to supporter feedback by introducing a new low-interest finance plan with an APR of just 6% – down from 19.9% – delivered with our partner V12 Season Ticket Finance, for fans who wish to pay for their Season Ticket via monthly payments.
*If you have any additional feedback, the Board will consider every email sent to supporterservices@westhamunited.co.uk.
Look out for regular updates and further new supporter initiatives and services on whufc.com soon
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'We need to be positive'
WHUFC.com
West Ham United captain Mark Noble says positivity off the pitch can boost West Ham United's performances on it...
Hello everyone.
Unfortunately, I've been playing with an injury that means I won't be available to play in Saturday's Premier League fixture with Leicester City, but I'll be supporting the lads and I hope we're all going to be celebrating an important win come five o'clock.
I want to clarify some comments I made in an interview I gave at the start of the week, as I feel they didn't come across as I wanted them to. I was asked about the criticism that has been levelled at me and the team this season, and I just want to make it clear that I wasn't digging out West Ham United fans in general, because I can assure you if I wasn't playing I'd be sitting with them. I was born a West Ham supporter, I bought tickets when I was a kid, I started in the Academy when I was eleven, I went to all the home games, I was lucky enough to get into the first team and then live my dream by captaining my Club. As captain and a lifelong fan, I am the first to admit that we have not reached the same standards that we did so often last season. There have been reasons for that, but we need to start looking forward positively to the future, rather than dwell on the issues which have made things more difficult for us.
When it comes to the criticism, I want to say we have an incredible fan base, at matches home and away, week-in, week-out – proper people who love their Club – but there is a small minority who just want to criticise the players and the manager out at the first opportunity. We are going to lose games. Players will have bad games. That's for sure. But that doesn't mean we are not giving 100 per cent for the Club. As much as we try to ignore the comments made on social media, sometimes they are unavoidable and while I'm not fussed about whether I get stick or not, some players are affected by it. I think back to exactly ten years ago, when we were bottom of the Premier League. If social media existed then like it does today, people would have been calling for Alan Curbishley to be sacked or for all the players to be dropped, including Carlos Tevez! Then what happened? Everything clicked and we won seven out of our last nine games to stay up!
Times are different now. Instead of walking out of the ground and having a moan to your mate or your Dad, some people leap straight on social media and troll the player directly. You have a right to moan, of course, but negativity spreads and it can affect everyone, especially younger players who have not developed a thick skin like us more experienced ones. What I am saying is that we need to be positive, inside the dressing room, in the stands and on social media. I play under a manager who gives 100 per cent every day, and when the players are not doing likewise, I'll be the first person in the dressing room to go around and tell them to pull their socks up.
We've always been a Club which values commitment and hard work – players like Billy Bonds, Julian Dicks and Scott Parker, who gave 100 per cent every day. One player who certainly did that was Dylan Tombides, who we are paying tribute to on Saturday with a DT38 Foundation Awareness Day. We miss Dyl around the place every day, and his legacy lives on in the shape of this fantastic charity. Please give whatever you can to the cause.
Come on you Irons!
Mark Noble
Captain
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Slav wary of lightning-quick Leicester
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic wary of resurgent Leicester City, who visit London Stadium on Saturday
West Ham United manager says the Foxes have 'momentum'
Bilic says Leicester's England international striker Jamie Vardy is back to his best
Slaven Bilic knows West Ham United will need to slow Leicester City's lightning-quick counter-attacks if they are to floor the Foxes on Saturday. The Hammers welcome Leicester to London Stadium for the first time seeking a first victory in five Premier League matches, while Craig Shakespeare's side have won both top-flight games since the long-time assistant replaced Claudio Ranieri. Those victories, as well as Tuesday's UEFA Champions League Round of 16 success against Sevilla, were based on Leicester returning to the tactics which served them so well last season – namely, speedy counter-attacks and balls over the top and into space for Jamie Vardy to latch onto.
Bilic knows exactly what to expect from Leicester and their No9 this weekend, but stopping it will be an entirely different matter.
"They play very simple. They play like they did last year and also like they did also this season, but in another gear and tempo. Leicester plays very simple football but it's very, very productive and that got them the title at the end of the day, so it was brilliant. "Then they lost it in the second season and that happens because you are a little bit complacent and all that. You think you're going to continue like that by default and it's not uncommon that you can't hit the same form with the same players and with the same style of play. "Now, they simply continue now like they finished last season and it is electric and it is still going into spaces and getting second balls, quick attacks, good at set pieces offensively and defensively – which they weren't defensively this season up until the game against Liverpool – and they are in a good moment. "Now they have the momentum and of course they want to continue like that but, apart from the game against Bournemouth, we are also playing good and are expecting a lot from the game on Saturday."
One player West Ham will undoubtedly need to keep up with on Saturday is Jamie Vardy (pictured), who has rediscovered the form which saw him terrorise defences on the way to scoring 24 Premier League goals last season. The striker grabbed a vital away goal in Leicester's Champions League triumph over Sevilla, scored twice in the 3-1 win over Liverpool three weeks ago, and has generally looked like the player who went from non-leaguer to England international in the space of three years. "It was Vardy from last year [in the last three games]," Bilic observed. "You could see it was a copy and paste performance from him, but not only from him. Especially when you don't have the ball, it is your strikers who are setting the tempo and pressing and timing and everything. "It was not only against Sevilla but it was also straight away against Liverpool. He also looked really brilliant in that game and like the Vardy of last season, not only because he scored goals but his general performance. "It was not only him, but the whole team, like I said."
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Supporter tributes policy
WHUFC.com
Every season, West Ham United are sadly informed of the deaths of many supporters, young and old, from all over the world. Club staff never fail to be moved when a message is received that a member of the Claret and Blue faithful has passed away. Many of the messages received by the Club are accompanied by requests for tributes to be paid on a matchday, in the form of a minute's applause during a first-team match. However, due to the sheer volume of requests, it is regrettably not possible to formally hold these tributes at every match. The Club will now honour those Hammers no longer with us with a montage of tributes being shown on the big screens at home matches twice a season. The next montage of this type will be displayed at the Premier League fixture with Tottenham Hotspur at London Stadium on Saturday 6 May.
Supporters are invited to continue to send their written and photographic tributes for publication in the Official Matchday Programme by email to programme@westhamunited.co.uk. These will also be collated for the montage video.
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Mediawatch - 17 March
WHUFC.com
With the Premier League visit of Leicester City fast approaching, the media's attention has turned to Saturday's game – and who might feature for the Hammers.
One player we know won't be available is the skipper Mark Noble, who has a muscle strain – but in the Daily Mail, boss Slaven Bilic says he will return to the team refreshed and better for the break.
He said: "He is the captain and is doing everything for the club. He is exactly what a captain should be but sometimes it is too much. Sometimes he takes it home and thinks about that - not only about him but about the club. A man can take only what he can take basically. He is not available for Saturday and after that we have an international break. I left it to him, his decision to go somewhere for a week and come back strong as he was (before)."
Manuel Lanzini has been in fine form recently, and he has told Sky Sports that he is relishing stepping up to the plate and doing his bit for the team.
"Well, I would not say I am feeling the pressure at the moment," he said. "I am very comfortable with the way things are going at the moment and I feel that I am a very important part of the team, which is just what I wanted. I am feeling fit and confident. The coach has shown faith in me as have my team-mates and that's just what I need in order to show what I am capable of doing on the pitch."
Meanwhile, the Gaffer believes former Hammer Dimitri Payet was wrong to label the team's style as 'boring' in the opening half of the campaign.
Slaven told the Evening Standard: "I don't want to go into arguing into players but all you have to see if you're talking about tactics and the way we played is the statistics from last year and this year.
"Even our most recent game against Bournemouth [a 3-2 away defeat], it was not a lack of attacking that caused us to be in a situation where we lost the game. With the ball, last year and this year, we are creating chances. We are maybe playing too offensively, maybe that is the case."
Finally, Michail Antonio has earned a third call-up to the England squad, and his inclusion for matches against Germany and Lithuania is covered in the Evening Standard.
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U18s ready to bounce back
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s visit Reading on Saturday (11am)
The Hammers are looking for their first points of the Merit Group phase
Captain Tunji Akinola is calling for an improved performance
Tunji Akinola has urged his U18 teammates to be prepared for the same level of test as the one Chelsea posed in their 4-0 defeat to the Blues last week.
The Hammers take on Reading on Saturday (11am), aiming to pick up their first Merit Group points of the season.
After finishing in the regional division top four, Steve Potts' men were humbled at home by Chelsea in their first second phase match, but still could have got back into the game in the second half.
But defeat was how their second phase campaign started and captain Akinola called on the team to improve going forward.
"Being in the Elite Stage, we have to expect tough tests like this one," he said. "All the teams are of high calibre and we need to up our performance to match that.
"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."
"It was tough but we've got to learn to keep the ball better in the games coming up.
The Hammers visit Reading today (11am) and Akinola believes that a win is paramount, as they aim to right the wrongs of last weekend.
They twice played Reading in the South campaign, winning 2-0 away from home but the U18s did lose 3-0 at Little Heath to the Royals in November.
"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."
"We've got to get after teams more and keep the ball better when we have it. We spoke in the changing room after and everyone is hungry and wants to do better. We have to show what we can do in the last six games of the season."
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Kemp hungry to defend title
WHUFC.com
West Ham United PL2 travel to Newcastle United in the Premier League Cup last 16 on Saturday
The Hammers played out a 0-0 draw with the Toon Army in the north east on Monday
Winger Dan Kemp believes the team are hungry to progress in the competition
Dan Kemp believes having the status of reigning champions makes West Ham United PL2 hungrier to win the Premier League Cup again. The Hammers won the trophy last season after beat Hull City on penalties in the final, and visit St. James' Park for the second time in a week on Saturday to face Newcastle United in the last 16. The Hammers finished second in Group E, which meant an away in the first knockout round, and Kemp says the team are keen to defend their title. "Obviously winning it last year, it makes you want to win it even more this year," he said. "The lads did great to win it last year and hopefully we can defend the trophy. "We did well in the group and we know the areas we need to improve on. Hopefully the things we've been working on will show this weekend."
The Hammers were in the north east on Monday when they took on the Toon Army in Premier League 2 Division 2. Despite being down to ten men for 60 minutes of the match after Arthur Masuaku's red card, Terry Westley's did brilliantly to hold on for a point, and could even have snatched all three. "We had to dig deep on Monday and it's good that we can play them again so quickly after," Kemp continued. "We went down to ten men early and we couldn't show fully what we can do. But hopefully we can play really well this weekend and go through.
"We still created some good chances even though we had ten men and we could have easily won the game. We definitely expect to go there and win this weekend with the players we have in our team and if we have 11 men on the pitch. "After the team performance last week, we have a lot of confidence going into this weekend."
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Both sides of the fence - Paul Konchesky
WHUFC.com
Paul Konchesky is no stranger to both West Ham United and Leicester City, having enjoyed memorable spells with the two clubs.
The Barking-born left-back signed for the Hammers from Charlton in 2005 and played a key role in the Club's first season back in the Premier League, including a famous goal in the unforgettable FA Cup final against Liverpool that was seconds away from being the winner until Steven Gerrard stepped up.
After spells with Fulham and Liverpool, Konchesky spent five years with Leicester, where he helped the Foxes win promotion to the top flight in 2014 and then escape relegation by the skin of their teeth the following year.
The 35-year-old, who recently joined Isthmian League side Billericay Town after a 20-year professional career that saw him make more than 500 league appearances and earn two full England caps, talks exclusively to whufc.com about his links with both clubs...
I can see it being a tight game on Saturday.
Obviously both teams are coming into the match on the back of very different results – West Ham suffered a disappointing defeat at Bournemouth last weekend, while Leicester had a massive victory over Sevilla in midweek to reach the Champions League quarter-finals. I was at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday and it was an unbelievable night. Once Leicester got the first goal the whole place lifted and you could see the team grow in confidence and belief that they could go on and win it. They will turn up on Saturday in a positive mood, and West Ham will need to start the game well and try to get on top as quickly as possible.
It's been a strange situation at Leicester over the past few months.
Although the league form wasn't great, they were doing brilliantly in the Champions League under Claudio Ranieri. There was obviously a lot of debate over his sacking, but since then they seemed to have picked up their Premier League form and kept the European run going too. The way they play seems to suit them in Europe, and you wouldn't put it past them to go even further. No one said they could win the Premier League and they did it, so you never know. The other clubs left in the competition won't fancy playing them – even Gianluigi Buffon said that Leicester were the team that Juventus wouldn't want to face.
Full credit must go to Craig Shakespeare.
He is a great coach and a great guy, who I know well from my time there. To keep him on board until the end of the season is the right choice. He knows the club inside out, he knows all the boys well and he has their respect.
I was at London Stadium for the last home game against Chelsea.
West Ham started quickly, which is what they need to do against Leicester. One mistake cost them dear but, even after Chelsea went in front, West Ham were still in the game and played well. If they can create a few more chances and take one early on, then I think they will be okay. It's been a bit of an up and down season generally and they have had a lot to deal with. People have gone on about the stadium but, listen, it's four lines and two goals. The players know how to play football. And when you look at where they were before Christmas and where they are now, everyone would say they've done really well. They're not far off the top eight, so it hasn't been too bad.
It's crazy to think that I played in the FA Cup Final for West Ham nearly 11 years ago.
It still feels like yesterday. I remember every minute of it and – other than the result – what a fantastic day it was. I still get asked about my goal now and I still have the same answer: Yeah, it was a cross, but it went in so who cares! That year – my first season at the Club – was tremendous. We finished in the top half of the table after promotion, got to the cup final, and had a fantastic team spirit. The following season, I don't know what happened, call it second season syndrome or whatever, but it just didn't carry on. The last couple of months were incredible, though, and it was an amazing escape on the final day.
Since leaving West Ham, I've been on a bit of a nationwide tour!
I moved across London to join Fulham and had three good years there, reaching the Europa League final, before moving away from my home area for the first time to join Liverpool. It was one of those opportunities that you simply can't turn down when it comes along, the chance to play for one of the biggest names in European football. After that I've been slowly making my way back down! I had four or five great years with Leicester, including the promotion season and escaping relegation in the first year back. Obviously it was a bit of a choker to be out on loan when they won the title last year, but I wanted to play regular football at the time. Although hindsight is a wonderful thing, I would still rather have been playing week in, week out than potentially watching from the side, so I have no regrets.
After a couple of years at QPR and Gillingham, I'm now back home.
I recently signed for Billericay Town in the Isthmian League and it means I can spend more time with my family in Essex. My contract with Gillingham was up at the end of this season and, to be honest, I was planning to retire anyway. Professionally I've hung my boots up, but this opportunity came along and my wife said to me 'why would you not carry on playing if you've got this chance?' I don't think she liked the idea of me sitting at home every day doing nothing! Billericay have got a very exciting project going on, and it's good to be a part of it without the pressures of full-time football.
I'm not sure what the future holds yet.
At the moment, I'm just enjoying spending more time with my three kids and the family. I had 20 good years as a professional and I loved every minute of it. Down the line, I might look into doing my coaching badges, but for now I'm content. I've also got the family pie and mash shop in Brentwood – Konch's Café – which my mum looks after. I don't think you'll see me behind the counter any time soon, though! The other bonus is that I've now got the chance to be a West Ham fan again. I've been to the last couple of games and I also know Terry Westley well, so I've seen the Under-23s a few times. It's nice to be able to support the Club the way I did as a kid again!
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Darren demands faster starts
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph says West Ham United cannot afford to start slowly against Leicester City on Saturday
Hammers have conceded the opening goal in five of their last six Premier League matches
Irishman took no pleasure in saving penalty in the disappointing 3-2 defeat at AFC Bournemouth
Darren Randolph says West Ham United have to start games better if they are to arrest their recent slide in results.
The Hammers have fallen behind in five of their last six Premier League matches, and could have made that six out of six when they conceded an early penalty at AFC Bournemouth. Despite going ahead, West Ham then relinquished their lead and ultimately lost the game 3-2 to make it four without a win ahead of Saturday's visit of Leicester City to London Stadium.
Reflecting on last weekend's disappointment, having watched Josh King miss, the No1 then saved his first penalty doing so for Birmingham City against Derby County three years ago, but he took no pleasure in stopping Benik Afobe's spot-kick as the Hammers were beaten at the Vitality Stadium.
"They missed one penalty, we went up the other end and scored, they missed another penalty, we score two goals and ended up losing the game, which was very frustrating," he observed. "I saved the one right at the end from Jack Wilshere and even then the ball fell right to one of their places and he smashed it in. We lost the game, so it doesn't matter how many saves or penalty saves I make, it just means I kept the score down.
"Obviously we would have been more than happy with a point, because we could have been four or five goals down at half-time, if we're being honest. It was just a frustrating thing with the way it happened.
"It's not only that game but there were other games where we didn't play particularly well in the first half. At Watford, we played better in the second half and got back into the game. The West Brom game, we played better in the second half and drew that game, then obviously lost at Bournemouth at the weekend.
"It's frustrating for everyone because we know what we can produce, but it's just a matter of producing it all the time."
We have to make a conscious effort to start the games better than we have been doing
So, how do West Ham ensure they kick-off matches on the front foot?
"It's not easy to correct it straight away, but we have to make a conscious effort to start the games better than we have been doing," Randolph observed, before suggesting that opponents have been scouting the Hammers in more detail after they finished seventh on 65 points last season.
"It's been more difficult this year because of how well we did last year, so [opposing] teams have been spending a lot more time preparing for us this year. They know more about our players. It's taken us longer than we would have liked to realise that and to find other ways to combat that."
So, what of Leicester, who arrive at London Stadium on a two-match Premier League winning run and as UEFA Champions League quarter-finalists after a midweek win over Spanish side Sevilla.
"Hopefully they'll be feeling the affects of that tie on Saturday," Randolph continued. "They're coming off the back of two better performances and two good results and it's looking like they've turned the corner, so it'll be interesting on Saturday.
"I don't think Leicester were ever going to repeat what they did last season, this season. I don't think that will ever happen again. It was a one-off season, but they're still a good side and play the way they know they can, with everyone doing their job and what they're capable of doing.
"They're capable of beating any team and they did it every week last year. They beat Liverpool a couple of weeks ago by playing similar to how they were last year, so we have to basically just deal with the physicality and directness of how they play."
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West Ham United v Leicester City
SAT, 18 MAR 2017PREMIER LEAGUE
15:00
Venue: London Stadium
TEAM NEWS
West Ham captain Mark Noble has been ruled out of Saturday's game against Leicester because of a dead leg. His absence could prompt a recall for Sam Byram, while Andre Ayew is expected to start in attack after scoring as a substitute at Bournemouth last weekend.
Leicester midfielder Nampalys Mendy remains a doubt with a knee injury. Danny Drinkwater is available despite ruling himself out of England duty because of a minor ongoing injury, believed to be a groin problem.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Alistair Mann: "Thoughts of Atletico Madrid will somehow have to be discarded as Leicester have four demanding league fixtures before they can once again indulge in a little fantasy football. "If the Foxes aren't careful, they could find themselves remembered as the first Champions League quarter-finalists (and, who knows, maybe further than that!) to be relegated in the same campaign. "It's away from home where their season has particularly imploded, winless on their travels in more than a year and with just three points accumulated on the road. "Hosts West Ham are by no means completely clear of trouble yet either, with results in their inaugural season in the London Stadium of particular concern. It all points to a fixture that's simply brimming with possibilities."
Twitter: @alistairmann01
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "Leicester is a different team from four weeks ago. They really played extremely well, especially against Sevilla, when they got a great result for them and for English football in general.
"In all those three games, against Liverpool, against Hull and against Sevilla, they looked lively - and of course those kind of results, three wins on the spin including qualifying for the quarter-final of the Champions League, has given them a massive boost."
Leicester manager Craig Shakespeare on Jamie Vardy's return to form: "Tell me a forward who hasn't gone through that spell. It happens.
"Strikers live and die by their goals but the overall performance of forwards is vitally important.
"There are some good ones and he is proven in terms of being in the (England) squad before so he's up there with the best of them."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
West Ham are on a poor run of four games without a win and I think Leicester's revival will continue.
Prediction: 0-2
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Leicester are unbeaten in five league and cup matches against West Ham, winning four of them.
However, the Foxes have kept just one clean sheet in their last 21 away matches in this fixture. That was a 1-0 win in August 2000.
West Ham United
Slaven Bilic's side have gone four matches without a victory and could suffer three successive defeats for the first time since September.
Their only home win in the last five attempts came against Crystal Palace, with their three defeats in that period coming against the two Manchester clubs and Chelsea.
West Ham have the fifth worst home record in the division, losing six times. They were eight points better off and had only been beaten twice at Upton Park at the same stage last season.
The Hammers, like Leicester, have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven league matches - only Bournemouth (nine games) are on a longer run.
Andy Carroll needs one goal to bring up his half century in the Premier League.
Leicester City
The Foxes are attempting to win three successive Premier League matches for the first time since March-April last year.
Craig Shakespeare could become the first Leicester manager to win his first three Premier League games in charge.
They are the only side yet to drop a point from a winning position, maintaining their lead on all seven occasions.
However, Leicester are the only team in the Premier League this season which has failed to open the scoring in an away fixture.
Leicester could equal the club Premier League record of 16 consecutive away matches without a win, set from December 2001 to October 2003.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-1 Probability of draw: 24%
Probability of home win: 47% Probability of away win: 29%
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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Mark Noble lives and breathes West Ham and we'll miss him as player and captain, writes Slaven Bilic
SLAVEN BILIC
Evening Standard
We will miss Mark Noble tomorrow, not only as a player but as captain also. There may be some skippers in football whose responsibility ends when they go up for the toss of the coin but not many. Captains of football teams are important people. The supporters will see them out there on the pitch but it is back in the dressing room or on the training pitch — that is where they are really crucial for the team. I know a little about captaincy because I was one as a player, first for part of my career at my home town club, Hajduk Split, then in Germany, with Karlsruhe. A foreign player being captain now is not thought as unusual. Some teams hardly have a domestic player on the pitch so it is unavoidable. Back then though, it was rare because only three foreign players could play in the German league. I had been there for just one season when I was made captain and it was a big surprise. When I came to England, I did captain West Ham and then Everton but I was not the designated skipper. At West Ham it was Julian Dicks and then Steve Potts but if they weren't playing, I had the armband.
At Everton the club captain was the late Gary Speed. For me, the captain is not there just to swap pennants and be there for the coin toss. He should also be the coach's right hand man and the conduit between the players and the coach. In some clubs the job comes with seniority which can be good — but not always. There are some senior players who are well past 30, have 500 appearances behind them — but they are not leaders. They can't take the responsibility which comes with the job and it is not good for them.
When I was the coach of the Croatian Under-21 team, the goalkeeper was the captain because he was the most experienced but that was not for me. I gave the armband to Luka Modric who was one of the youngest at the time because I saw that he was popular and wanted to take the responsibility. When I graduated to the senior team and the captain, Niko Kovac retired, I gave it to Darijo Srna. He wasn't the oldest and he didn't have the most caps but he was also the right choice. At West Ham, Mark is an excellent captain but it is draining, more so for him maybe because he lives and breathes the club. I know he said something about some fans not understanding the game which has annoyed some people but I have spoken to him and I know one hundred per cent that he would not want to upset the supporters — because he is one also. He was trying to protect the team and individuals within the team. I have said to him that, because he has played most of the games but is now injured, he can go away if he needs to — and come back fresh.
I am delighted Michail Antonio is in the England squad but disappointed for Andy Carroll. He shouldn't be too downhearted though. If I was him, I would feel more down if I had been fit for some time and scoring goals. He has also to be honest with himself. He can't say he has been flying for the last two games and before that he missed a few games. If he finds the consistency in form and fitness though, he should still be very hopeful.
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West Ham captain Mark Noble: Social media trolls can devastate young players
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
West Ham captain Mark Noble believes that irresponsible criticism on social media can have a devastating effect on young players. Noble, who misses West Ham's home Premier League clash against Leicester tomorrow with a thigh injury, has also attempted to explain recent comments, which have angered some supporters. The 29-year-old midfielder, who has been at the club throughout his career, said in a TV interview: "If I'm really honest, a lot of people who go to football now don't really understand the game." Now Noble has sought to clarify the comments and has also called for restraint from critical fans on social media. "Times are very different now," he said. "Instead of walking out of the ground and having a moan to your mate or your dad, some people leap straight on social media and troll the player directly. "You have a right to moan, of course, but negativity spreads and it can affect everyone, especially younger players who have not developed a thick-skin like us more experienced ones. "What I am saying is that we need to be positive, inside the dressing room, in the stands and on social media. "I also want to clarify some comments I made in an interview I gave at the start of the week, as I feel they didn't come across as I wanted them to. "I was asked about the criticism that has been levelled at me and the team this season, and I just want to make it clear that I wasn't digging out West Ham United fans in general, because I can assure you if I wasn't playing I'd be sitting with them. "When it comes to the criticism, there is a small minority who just want to criticise the players and the manager at the first opportunity. As much as we try to ignore the comments made on social media, sometimes they are unavoidable and while I'm not fussed about whether I get stick or not, some players are affected by it. "I think back to exactly 10 years ago, when we were bottom of the Premier League. "If social media existed then like it does today, people would have been calling for Alan Curbishley to be sacked or for all the players to be dropped, including Carlos Tevez! "Then what happened? Everything clicked and we won seven out of our last nine games to stay up!"
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Twitter terrorists victorious
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 17th March 2017
By: Paul Walker
So the faceless, clueless twitter twerps have got their scapegoat. Mark Noble has been sent away for a break to take him out of the firing line.
There has been weeks, months, of vile abuse suffered by Noble on social media, and it has reached such a crescendo that Mark has now seemingly acquired an injury and will not lead the side against Leicester tomorrow..and Slav has sent him away for a break with his family.
Well done trolls, you have got what you wanted. And before you start, I do not believe Noble should be in the side if his form has gone or just because he's captain. But sometimes I feel I am watching a different game to others (yes, I can hear the abuse coming my way as I write this) because there are players out there who have been far, far worse than Noble this season.
It all starts with just a few folk on twitter or social media, looking for scapegoats who have turned on Noble. That few spreads and spreads until you have twitter mob rule. People can trash careers, wreck private lives, well, just because they can, what fun!
No he has not been at his best, but it is always Noble fronting up out there, trying to plug the gaps created by others all around him.
And he never shirks this responsibility on or off the pitch. The campaign against him has gone on daily, weekly, monthly and is fanned by some folk who should know better. Maybe who should know the game better.
Yes, I am a Noble fan, you might have guessed that already. But being in my 60s I do not have heroes anymore, just people I admire for that they have done, and are doing for my club.
Is this the same lad at the back end of last season that we saw with tears in his eyes at his testimonial talking about his ' family'? This is not any sort of family support that I recognise.
Noble has become the victim, the whipping boy, for what has gone wrong this season. It got to a point when Slav had to stand up and support him last week. What disappoints me is that from within a club who have used Noble as the poster boy for the move to Stratford, there has been very, very little public support.
I may have missed some things, but if anyone can produce quotes from within the club in support of their captain I would like to see them. And I will apologise.
Noble has carried this club of late. He takes his role seriously. His involvement was crucial to the move, a local boy, one club man from Canning Town, leading the move from the Boleyn. As far as legacy goes, he was vital.
He appeared at all the photo shoots, standing alongside any corrupt/immoral MP that could be found. They are one or the other, I find. He smiled at all the right times, attended all the functions as skipper, but also never forgot his responsibility to the fans.
He pointed out that leaving the Boleyn could cost us 15 points. He's about right there. He stood in the new stadium marvelling at it's size and beauty--yes, I know some don't agree, but from a distance it looks fine. But he also mused over the difference between old and new. As ever a realist because nothing was going see us going back to E13.
Slav mentioned today that Noble feels it all, takes it home with him. In effect it has compromised his concentration at times on the pitch. But again, there have been far worse cases out there this season.
He has taken his responsibilities as skipper and as leader to heart. Trying to patch up a fractured dressing room, trying to give the unhappy fans some perspective.
Without his leadership, in my view, we would be in the relegation zone now. He has had to handle the fall-out from the Dimi Payet disaster. Someone he took into his home, called him a friend and then wasn't spoken to by the Frenchman for weeks as he engineered his escape route back to Marseille.
That hurt. And even while the clamour for his removal from the side was at its height this week, Noble was still attending community based events for the club, chatting to John Surtees I noticed. And Sky were there looking for sound bites.
It was too obvious with what looked like a planted question from the back of the room about Payet. Noble looked for a second, laughed…and then said "I had the best season of my life playing alongside Payet last season." Job done, the perfect answer.
But I have re-run this clip a few times, and Noble's eyes say something else. Such disappointment that it all went wrong. But he still held his composure.
By then he had already fielded another question about the abuse he has received. He could have batted that away, but he answered back, and he has been pilloried for it. Yes, he said some fans do not understand the game.
And he was right. And he had the right to say so and defend himself after what has clearly been a tough time. Blimey, is free speech dead? And he only said what many, many players and coaches feel about the fans anyway. Do they know exactly the role the manager has asked him to do, can they seen the messy, dirty work that has to go on out there? Not everyone can, or has the licence to do four step-overs.
But he has been called arrogant by the same 140-character morons who have ceaselessly attacked him. Sometimes you wonder whether they have just 140 words in their vocabulary.
And I even see the great, great Phil Parkes having a pop, saving Mark cannot say such things and that his legs have gone. Sorry Phil, you are a true hero of mine, a wonderful goalkeeper. I don't agree. But you never had 24/7 abuse to cope with and 24 hour news.
You toddled into training from Berkshire, picking up Dev and Sarge on the way around the north circular. Then it was home and privacy. The game and the media has changed since you stopped playing Phil, and Mark has a right to defend himself. And his legs haven't gone; Alvaro Arbeloa's might have, but not Noble's.
He has been centre stage, up front, speaking for the club. And it has all got too much for him. Now I am sure that people will pick holes in all this, will slag me off. But I don't do twitter or social media, so it won't bother me.
Twitter, you guess, I hate. It is used well by a lot of folk who love it. It is also used by cowards with assumed names and a vicious, cruel streak in them. Part of our non-caring society these days. They love the chance of a victim, a scapegoat. Well you have got your way.
And a few folk who have mounted this campaign ceaselessly for months on end who should know better.
Noble deserves better. He deserves a dew days away with his family. He is not a man we see in the tabloids falling out of Shoreditch pubs in the morning air, he loves West Ham, the club, the fans, and because his form has dipped, he gets this. Well done to everybody involved.
My view? Noble has tried his hardest this season to be everything for everybody. He is our only leader on the pitch, when players go missing--yes I mean you Cheikhou Kouyate--and he will be missed.
He has stature, respect from officials and opponents and would do nothing to hurt the club. I assume Winston Reid will take over the arm band, I hope he's got the time while seemingly agitating for another contract.
It is up now to the fans and the players who have so under-performed this term to show they can do it without Noble's leadership. Step up people, I shall watch tomorrow with interest. Do not let us down. Do not let Mark Noble down.
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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Noble granted leave by Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 17th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
Mark Noble has been given a week off after it was confirmed that he would miss this weekend's clash with Leicester. The Hammers captain was reported to have picked up an injury ahead of Saturday's meeting and has been granted a few days' leave by manager Slaven Bilic in order to recharge his batteries, according to The Mail. "He is not available for Saturday and after that we have an international break," said Bilic on Thursday. "I left it up to him and his decision was to go somewhere for a week and come back stronger. "He is the captain and is doing everything for the club. He is exactly what a captain should be, but sometimes it is too much. Sometimes he takes it home and thinks about that - not only about him but about the club."
Noble, who has received criticism by some fans on social media this week is expected to take a brief holiday during his spell on the sidelines.
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Montage tributes to replace pre-planned applause
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 17th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed that, due to the sheer number of requests, preordained rounds of applause during matches are to be replaced with a bi-annual tribute to departed fans. An act that began as a way to mark the passing of dearly-departed former players has mushroomed in recent months - so much so that THREE bursts of applause had been requested for this weekend's clash with Leicester.
Naturally this was becoming problematic for the club, who declared this morning that rather than take requests for applause during matches they would instead honour those lost with a bi-annual montage, to be displayed on the giant screens inside the Olympic Stadium.
"Every season, West Ham United are sadly informed of the deaths of many supporters, young and old, from all over the world," read a statement on whufc.com. "Club staff never fail to be moved when a message is received that a member of the Claret and Blue faithful has passed away. "Many of the messages received by the Club are accompanied by requests for tributes to be paid on a matchday, in the form of a minute's applause during a first-team match. However, due to the sheer volume of requests, it is regrettably not possible to formally hold these tributes at every match. "The Club will now honour those Hammers no longer with us with a montage of tributes being shown on the big screens at home matches twice a season. The next montage of this type will be displayed at the Premier League fixture with Tottenham Hotspur at London Stadium on Saturday 6 May."
The subject was touched upon recently by KUMB columnist HeadHammerShark, who suggested using the screens as an alternative solution: "This has become customary all over the country and isn't unique to West Ham, although there seem to have been a number of instances at our home games recently," he wrote. "The Club are in an invidious position here. They seem cruel and unfeeling if they turn down the requests, but can't acquiesce every time without turning games into remembrance services. "However we have the largest digital wrap in Europe which is visible to at least 40,000 fans a game - the messages could be replayed throughout the build up to the game, allowing people to take a some time to remember those who have passed away without shoehorning it in to a game of football. "
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Deadline passes, no Sakho return
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 17th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
Diafra Sakho is still some distance from featuring for the first team - despite Slaven Bilic claiming at Christmas that the striker would be absent for "six to eight weeks". The Senegal international has missed the entire season bar two matches, when he played for an hour against Tottenham and Manchester United last November. Following his latest 'injury', said to have been sustained after the Manchester United match, Bilic claimed that Sakho would return to action this month. "It's a big blow for us. It will rule him out for six to eight - maybe 10 - weeks," said Bilic, speaking shortly before Christmas. "We are talking about even March for him to be back."
However with March already half-way through, club medic Stijn Vandebroucke says that Sakho is still some way off making a first team return - and will only begin training with the Under 23s next week, despite having travelled with the first team squad in Dubai last month. "Diafra is getting stronger and stronger and he will start training with the PL2 squad next week," Vandenbroucke told the club's website. "We work closely with Academy Director Terry Westley to ensure we can introduce returning players to controlled sessions, and Diaf will train with the PL2 squad for two weeks before he returns to training with the first team."
In other injury news, Angelo Ogbonna's rehabilitation programme is said to be going well. "Angelo has stepped up his rehab and began running on Thursday at Rush Green following the patellar tendon operation he underwent in January," added Vandenbroucke. "He is still quite some time from a return to full fitness, but the story is positive and the rehab is going as well as we could possibly have hoped."
Meanwhile he also confirmed the news that club captain Mark Noble will be absent for the visit of Champions League quarter finalists Leicester City this weekend. "Mark picked up a knock in training and passed a fitness test to play against Chelsea," he confirmed. "After a few days of recovery and improvement, he played again at Bournemouth. "Unfortunately, he picked up another knock in the same area of his body in that game and that took him out. He will also miss Saturday's game against Leicester City too and a week of rest and rehab will help to prepare him for the three-game week coming up against Hull, Arsenal and Swansea."
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West Ham's Mark Noble to be given time to recover from injury
Last Updated: 16/03/17 11:58pm
SSN
West Ham captain Mark Noble will be on the sidelines for the Premier League visit of Leicester on Saturday. The 28-year-old has been playing through the pain of a dead leg but he aggravated the problem during Saturday's defeat at Bournemouth. The Leicester match is followed by the international break and Hammers boss Slaven Bilic has told Noble to use the time to rest and fully recover. Cheikhou Kouyate has been filling in at right-back in recent matches but is now expected to replace Noble in midfield. A loyal Hammers servant with almost 400 appearances to his name, Noble told Sky Sports News HQ earlier this week that this season has been "the hardest" of his West Ham career. A certain section of the club's support have called for Noble to be dropped but the player says he can "handle that pressure". "He is the captain and is doing everything for the club," said Bilic. "He is exactly what a captain should be, but sometimes it is too much. "Sometimes he takes it home and thinks about that - not only about him but about the club. "A man can take only what he can take, basically. I spoke about that with him. He is not available for Saturday and after that we have an international break. "I left it to him, his decision whether to go somewhere for a week and come back as strong as he was. I have no worries about Mark."
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West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini not feeling pressure of filling Dimitri Payet void
Argentine midfielder also gives his backing to Mark Noble following criticism of the Hammers captain
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 16/03/17 7:17pm
SSN
Manuel Lanzini insists he is not feeling the pressure of attempting to fill the void left by Dimitri Payet at West Ham. Payet left the Hammers in acrimonious circumstances in January having stated he would never play for the club again before sealing a return to Marseille. Lanzini has scored three goals and provided two assists since the France international's departure from London Stadium and the Argentine midfielder says he is keen to repay manager Slaven Bilic for the continued faith that he has shown in him. "Well, I would not say I am feeling the pressure at the moment," the 24-year-old told Sky Sports News HQ. "Of course, Dimi was a very important player for us and we linked up very well on the pitch. He could help take the pressure off other players with the way he could create space and make things happen. "But I am very comfortable with the way things are going at the moment and I feel that I am a very important part of the team, which is just what I wanted. "I am feeling fit and confident. The coach has shown faith in me as have my team-mates and that's just what I need in order to show what I am capable of doing on the pitch."
Lanzini also gave his backing to West Ham captain Mark Noble following criticism of the 29-year-old from a certain section of the club's support. Noble is closing in on 400 appearances for his boyhood club, but will not feature against reigning champions Leicester in the Premier League on Saturday due to injury. Lanzini, who recorded his 50th Premier League appearance for West Ham in the recent 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, insisted Noble's presence on and off the pitch remains valued. "It's very good playing alongside him," he said.
"It's also very good to play alongside experienced players, particularly ones that are truly loved at their club as they can teach you so much on and off the pitch. "It's very important to have him around and I try to learn as much as I can by watching him."
West Ham, who currently occupy 11th place, will go in search of their first win in five matches when they welcome a revitalised Leicester to east London. The Foxes have won their last three matches in all competitions since Craig Shakespeare took over from Claudio Ranieri and advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals last Tuesday following a 2-0 victory over Sevilla at the King Power.
Lanzini insists there is no reason why Leicester cannot go on to win European football's elite club competition, but hopes West Ham can inflict a first defeat under Shakespeare for the Foxes. "Nobody thought they would win the Premier League last season and they managed that," he said. "We know that everything is possible in football and there are always surprises, which is what makes it such a wonderful sport. "At the moment they are full of confidence as a team, so why not? "But it's a very important match for us as we need to get back to winning ways and a win would really help us build our confidence. "In order to do that, we know that we need to play well. Leicester are achieving something historic in the Champions League, but we must focus on ourselves."
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West Ham United v Leicester City preview: Mark Noble to miss Foxes clash
Last Updated: 17/03/17 1:43pm
SSN
Mark Noble has been ruled out of West Ham's clash with Premier League champions Leicester City. The Hammers, who host the revitalised Foxes at the London Stadium for the first time, will have to do without their captain as they look to curtail the revival inspired by Craig Shakespeare. Since taking over from Claudio Ranieri, Shakespeare has masterminded a three-game winning streak which has seen Leicester ease their relegation fears and reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time. The upturn in fortunes has come at the perfect time for Leicester to maintain their impressive recent form against West Ham, with the Foxes unbeaten in their last five meetings, winning four and drawing one.
Team news
Winston Reid will deputise as captain while Sam Byram could be recalled at right-back, freeing up Cheikhou Kouyate to move into Noble's midfield berth. Andre Ayew is set to start in attack after scoring as a substitute at Bournemouth last weekend, but defender Angelo Ogbonna (knee) and striker Diafra Sakho (back) are still out.
Leicester's January signing Molla Wague is out for the season with a dislocated shoulder. The defender made just one appearance - in the FA Cup defeat at Millwall in January - and has had an operation but his long-term future is unknown, with the loan from Udinese expiring in the summer. Nampalys Mendy is rated as 50-50 to return from a knee injury which saw him miss the 2-0 win over Sevilla on Tuesday and advance to the Champions League quarter finals 3-2 on aggregate.
Opta stats
West Ham United have lost as many games against Leicester in their last five (4), as they did in the previous 25 combined (all comps).
Leicester are unbeaten in five matches in all competitions against West Ham, winning four and drawing one.
The Foxes have kept just one clean sheet in their last 21 away matches against West Ham (1-0 in August 2000), with Tim Flowers in goal for Leicester City that day.
Leicester City midfielder Andy King has scored in two of his last three matches against West Ham in all competitions.
Leicester City are two goals away from netting their 500th Premier League goal (498 currently).
Andy Carroll (49 goals) is one goal away from 50 Premier League goals, with 29 of his goals so far coming in a West Ham United shirt.
Since his debut in September 2012, Andy Carroll has appeared in just 94 of West Ham's 178 Premier League matches (53%) and played just 40% of possible minutes (6472).
Merson's prediction
I think West Ham are probably better away from home at the moment, and Tuesday's win over Sevilla in the Champions League will have taken a lot out of Leicester. They will have used up a lot of energy, so I am going to go 3-1 to West Ham. I do not think West Ham are great at home, but a lot will have been taken out of Leicester no doubt in midweek.
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-1 (16/1 with Sky Bet)
Betting
West Ham are Sky Bet's 5/4 favourites for the victory with Leicester up against odds of 21/10 to extend their winning run, while the draw is a 12/5 chance. Andy Carroll heads the first goalscorer betting at 5/1 followed by Michail Antonio (11/2) and Jamie Vardy (6/1).
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Michail Antonio: Sometimes people get annoyed when I ask questions, but they're not living my career for me
442.com
West Ham and England midfielder Michail Antonio has told FourFourTwo that his humble beginnings in football help him stay grounded today.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed an unorthodox route to the top, having begun his senior career with Tooting & Mitcham United aged 17 and eventually landing a move to Reading in 2008. Antonio only played his first Premier League game for West Ham in November 2015, but despite often being fielded as a right-back, he has netted more Premier League goals than any other Hammers player since then (17).
This week he was called up for England again as he looks to win his first cap – but despite his late rise, Antonio says he never once gave up hope of turning pro. "If someone said to me, 'What are you going to be?' I would say to them: 'I'm going to be a pro'," Antonio says in Non-League to Premier League, the latest offering from FourFourTwo Films.
"Through the junior leagues there were players I thought I was better than, and they were getting trials. I was like, 'How am I not getting these?' There were players I went to school with like Craig Eastmond, Matthew Briggs, and I felt like I was as good as these guys.
"I always believed in it, though, and I said it with authority: 'I am going to be a pro'... and if I don't, then I'm going to be a PE teacher! [laughs]
"But I kept saying it. I got to 17 and thought, 'It could be a bit late, but if it happens, it happens. I'm going to keep pushing, doing what I'm doing.' Six games in for Tooting & Mitcham I signed for Reading."
Rising at Reading
Antonio is one of many current top-flight stars who have played in English football's lower reaches, but it's fair to say he has achieved more than most since hitting the big time.
Being a lifeguard is so boring, I hated every single minute of it! Now I'm getting paid to do a job I love, and would do for free
The Wandsworth-born star has nine Premier League goals and counting in another fine campaign for the east London club, but insists he will always remain humble thanks to a career path that forced him to work extra hard.
"Once I got through the door at Reading, that's when I put my work in," the 26-year-old tells FFT. "I went out early to do my finishing, my crossing, because technically I wasn't the best coming from non-league.
"I worked doubly hard in shape and formation, because you don't learn that stuff in Non-League, and I'm not a person who's embarrassed to ask questions if they don't know stuff. I will go to someone and say, 'No, I don't understand that, can you explain it to me?'
"Sometimes people go 'aargh' at that, but I want to get it for myself. They're not living my career, and I want to make sure I understand before I start something.
"The difference is technique in every single league. Non-League to League Two; League Two to League One, to Championship, to Premier League. There can be players as strong as one another in the Premier League and League Two; players as quick as each other, or can jump as high. But it's the technique that's the difference.
"I feel like because I've done this stuff, I cherish every moment of being a footballer. Being a lifeguard is so boring, I hated every single minute of it! Now I'm getting paid to do a job I love, and would do for free."
Watch the latest instalment of FourFourTwo Films, Non-League to Premier League, on FourFourTwo's YouTube now! Just hit play on the video below to see the documentary, featuring interviews with Michail, Andre Gray, George Boyd and many more
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JONATHAN CALLERI EAGER TO LEAVE WEST HAM
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
readWestHam
Jonathan Calleri wasn't brought in to be the Hammers' leading man in attack but he was expected to be a reliable goal threat whenever he featured.
The 23-year-old has been an abject failure since making his season-long loan move from Deportivo Maldonado in August and will leave the club at the end of the season.
For Calleri though, his return to South America can't come soon enough. Speaking to Ole (h/t Sport Witness), Calleri has revealed he'd like to return to his former club Boca Juniors tomorrow.
I'd like to return to Boca tomorrow. Since I arrived there, everything was very intense, but always a beautiful pressure. Boca was the top of my career.
Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images SportJordan Mansfield/Getty Images Sport
Calleri started his career with Boca Juniors before making a €11m move to Maldonado who immediately loaned him out to Sao Paulo where he scored 15 goals in 31 games for the Brazilian outfit prior to arriving in east London.
The intention was Calleri would impress in the Premier League and earn himself a lucrative permanent move to Europe but it's clear that it's not going to materialise.
He's made 12 appearances for the Hammers this season and is yet to start a Premier League game. The rather flukey goal he scored at Middlesbrough was expected to revive his career with West Ham but he's played just 46 minutes of football in the six games since, not featuring in each of the last three.
Calleri joins Brian Montenegro as two of the worst loan signings in recent West Ham history, both coming in from Maldonado. Let's hope if there's a third one it's a marked improvement.
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Stats suggest West Ham are already disadvantaged v Leicester City
By James Jones - Mar 17, 2017 0
WestHamWorld
We face a a revived and in-form Leicester City this weekend after their players disgustingly forced out Claudio Ranieri a few weeks ago – the very man who made the players and the club relevant.
Whatever you think of the way Leicester forced out the club's only worthwhile hero, it doesn't change the fact that we're playing them at a time when their tails are up and arguably in the same form as they were when they won the league last year.
We're without a win in four games now, which is disappointing given that we appeared to have put our early season form behind us with just three defeats in the 11 games leading up to our 2-2 home draw with West Brom.
Having lost to Bournemouth last weekend – and subsequently missing out on the chance to strengthen our position in the top 10, slipping to 11th instead – beating Leicester on Saturday is even more crucial than perhaps it should've been.
This season a lot has been said about the standard of refereeing in the Premier League and we all know how much we've been on the wrong end of incompetent performances from the officials.
And if the stats are anything to go by this weekend, we could be in for yet another long afternoon where the referee clearly doesn't know what he's doing.
That's because the referee will be Roger East who, after failing to award a clear penalty for Stoke v Bournemouth in November, was demoted down the divisions.
He has only refereed six Premier League games this season as a result, with former referee's chief Keith Hackett writing in the The Telegraph in November that he had doubts over East's ability to officiate at the top level of English football.
Our friends at FootballFanCast.com took a look at East's stats this week and revealed that he tends to prefer the away side in the Premier League, with 50% of his six games ended in an away win, competed to just 33% of home teams coming out on top…
But it's his penalty stats that really have me worried. He averages 0.67 penalties a game and tends to point to the spot for the away side more than he does the hosts, which means it won't really matter if Mark Noble is out injured because he probably won't be required to take one anyway.
Of course, stats don't always offer a true reflection on reality, but they are a good indicator of form.
Let's hope East's time out of the Premier League has allowed him to recover his composure and he'll have a good game in the middle on Saturday. Otherwise, it doesn't make good reading for us.
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West Ham United have offered one-year contract to Manchester City's Bacary Sagna
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham United have reportedly offered a deal to Bacary Sagna. According to The Mirror, West Ham United have offered a one-year deal to Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna as he gears up to leave the club. The Hammers made moves in 2016 to solve their right back problems, but Sam Byram has failed to nail down the position since his switch from Leeds United, whilst veteran Spaniard Alvaro Arbeloa has become the forgotten man since joining on a free transfer in August. That has forced defensive midfielders Cheikhou Kouyate and Havard Nordtveit into playing at right back, and this situation simply can't continue for Slaven Bilic, meaning a new right back is a must this summer. Now, The Mirror report that Manchester City are ready to let Bacary Sagna leave the club when his contract expires this summer – and West Ham have offered him a one-year contract. Sagna, 34, has been a regular for City ever since joining on a free transfer from Arsenal in 2014, making more than 80 appearances for the club having battled with Pablo Zabaleta for the starting berth at right back. A French international with 65 caps to his name, Sagna has been a consistent Premier League performer for ten years now, but has won just two trophies – the FA Cup in 2014 with Arsenal and the League Cup with Manchester City in 2016. With City looking to get younger across their defence, Sagna will be allowed to walk when his deal ends this summer, and West Ham have swooped in to offer him a one-year contract with the club. A return to London could be appealing for Sagna having spent so long there with Arsenal, and with the prospect of first-team football as well, joining Slaven Bilic's Hammers could be a smart move for the veteran full back.
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West Ham stalwart Mark Noble heads on holiday as boss Slaven Bilic admits captaincy is weighing heavy
Mark Noble will head for a week's holiday during the international break
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic admitted the captaincy is weighing on the midfielder
Irons stalwart Noble has come under scrutiny for his form in recent weeks
By Adam Crafton for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 00:11, 17 March 2017 | UPDATED: 00:11, 17 March 2017
West Ham captain Mark Noble will head for a week's holiday during the international break after manager Slaven Bilic admitted that the burden of leadership is weighing heavily on the midfielder's shoulders. Noble has picked up an injury and will miss West Ham's home match against Leicester on Saturday. The 29-year-old club stalwart might benefit from a getaway after coming in for some criticism for his recent performances. 'He is the captain and is doing everything for the club,' Bilic said. 'He is exactly what a captain should be but sometimes it is too much. Sometimes he takes it home and thinks about that - not only about him but about the club. 'A man can take only what he can take basically. He is not available for Saturday and after that we have an international break. I left it to him, his decision to go somewhere for a week and come back strong as he was (before).'
Bilic has no fears that Noble will soon rediscover his best form. He added: 'People were talking about England (for Noble) two weeks ago, somebody asked me that before the Chelsea game. And then after the Chelsea game it was about dropping him. 'He never hides on the pitch, he always wants the ball. 'He is our captain and gives everything for the club. He will be back very soon.'
Bilic also moved to counter Reading manager Jaap Stam's suggestion that young defender Reece Oxford has struggled on loan at the Berkshire club due to the higher intensity of training than he had been accustomed to at West Ham. Bilic also admitted he was unhappy at the lack of action Oxford, 18, has experienced since moving on loan to Reading in January. Oxford has made one appearance as a substitute for Stam's side, although he has suffered from injuries both before Christmas and since joining Reading. Bilic said there was interest from other Championship clubs and it might have been better for Oxford to go elsewhere. 'We are training very intensely here,' Bilic said. 'If you ask me, if I heard anything about the intensity of our training, it was never a question: do we train with less intensity. It was more sometimes we train too much. 'I am surprised (he is not playing) and I am not happy with that. 'The only reason for him to leave us and go on loan was to get more games than he was getting here. And I am not counting U23s – I am counting competitive football. 'But it doesn't have to be a bad experience – it can also be a good experience to be part of a team that is fighting for something, to change the environment a bit. 'It also helps to build you up as a player and a person but the main reason he went there was to play competitive football and he is not doing that at the moment.'
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Slaven Bilic takes Mark Noble out of the West Ham firing line - and tells him to get away from football
The Hammers captain will miss Saturday's visit of Leicester with the dead leg he first suffered before the Chelsea defeat
The Mirror
BYNEIL MCLEMAN
00:15, 17 MAR 2017UPDATED00:17, 17 MAR 2017
Slaven Bilic has taken Mark Noble out of the West Ham firing line - and told him to get away from football. The Hammers captain will miss Saturday's visit of Leicester with the dead leg he first suffered before the Chelsea defeat. But Noble, who was subbed off at Bournemouth, has become the target for unhappy Hammers fans this season. And he hit back this week by claiming: "If I am really honest, a lot of people who now go to football don't really understand the game." Bilic said: "He got a kick on his dead leg against Bournemouth – it's quite painful and he needs a rest. Did he need a break anyway? "I spoke with him about that also. He is the captain and is doing everything for the club. He never hides on the pitch, he always wants the ball. His is exactly what a captain should be but sometimes it is too much. Sometimes he takes it home and thinks about that - not only about him but about the club. "A man can take only what he can take basically. I spoke about that with him. He is not available for Saturday and after that we have an international break. I left it to him, his decision to go somewhere for a week and come back strong as he was. "But I have no worries about Mark. He is our captain and gives everything for the club. He will be back very soon."
Bilic hit back at Jaap Stam's claim that Reece Oxford was surprised by the "intensity" of training at Reading – and claimed his young defender made the wrong loan move. The teenager only made his Royals debut on Saturday after joining in January. "I am surprised and not happy he hasn't played much," said the Irons boss. "The only reason for him to leave us and go on loan was to get more games than he was getting here."
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Southgate's Carroll omission doesn't make any sense for the West Ham man
Southgate's reason for not selecting Carroll was baffling
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
06:30, 17 MAR 2017
Yesterday (Thursday) was a day of mixed emotions if you were a West Ham fan. Michail Antonio deservedly got a recall to the England squad. He should have been given more of a chance when he was last called in by Sam Allardyce when he was in outstanding form but had to settle for a spot on the bench. He was overlooked then by Gareth Southgate and wasn't part of the last Three Lions get together.
But, Antonio - one of the most affable blokes you're ever likely to meet - has knuckled down, worked hard and despite only scoring one goal since Boxing Day, has been West Ham's key man and his determination is what has led to the recall. Now, we come on to Andy Carroll, who was left out of the squad for the friendly with Germany and World Cup qualifier with Lithuania next week. His run of four goals in four games over Christmas and new year saw him look like a nail-on for a place only for another annoying injury to befall him, especially as Southgate was due to run the rule over him in the 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion. While it's hard to argue with the England manager - you think they know more about football than us writers would - there was one nagging annoyance to the England managers comments on Carroll. He said that the Hammers number nine hasn't played enough to warrant an inclusion in the squad for the first time since 2012. Fair enough, Carroll is only two games back from injury and obviously missed a large chunk at the start of the campaign through a knee injury. But, look at the England squad and then look at Southgate's comments again.
Luke Shaw has played one Premier League game - one - in the past FIVE months and has 160 minutes of football under his belt in 2017. Another Manchester United man, Jesse Lingard, has 386 minutes of game time this year. Both of those made the squad. Carroll's minutes in 2017? 551. Southgate's argument has no reasoning whatsoever. Especially with England lacking strikers thanks to injuries and Harry Kane, has Marcus Rashford done enough to be selected ahead of the West Ham man? No, he hasn't. While it might be a blessing in disguise that Carroll hasn't been selected - we know David Sullivan won't mind one bit - you can't help but feel the Geordie frontman has been overlooked for the wrong reasons. Not that he should have been overlooked at all.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
When and Where?
West Ham United v Leicester City
Premier League
Saturday 18 March 2017, 3pm GMT
London Stadium
What's the story?
West Ham United face a resurgent Leicester City at London Stadium on Saturday, as Slaven Bilic's men look to arrest a run of four games without a victory.
The Foxes' outlook has improved considerably from a month ago, when a 2-0 defeat to Swansea City saw the Premier League champions drop into the relegation zone.
Since then, Claudio Ranieri controversially lost his job, Craig Shakespeare replaced him in the hotseat, they won back-to-back Premier League games for the first time this season and then, most remarkably, they progressed to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Wes Morgan and Marc Albrighton were the goalscoring heroes as the Foxes wiped out a 2-1 first leg deficit to knock out Sevilla and set up a last eight tie with Atletico Madrid.
Despite their league travails, it continues the fairytale which saw them take the league title last term, ten points clear of their closest challengers Arsenal.
After beating Liverpool and Leicester, their fears of following that by getting relegated have eased and they currently sit three points above the drop zone – and six behind the Hammers.
West Ham have an upturn in form in mind as they look to get back inside the top ten – and will certainly hope to show a stronger defensive resilience than at Bournemouth last weekend, when they conceded three goals and saw the hosts squander two chances from the spot.
At the other end, Michail Antonio and Andre Ayew were on target, but a 3-2 defeat was their second reverse in succession.
Team news
The Hammers will be without skipper Mark Noble, who sits out with a muscle strain, and will return after the international break.
He joins Angelo Ogbonna and Diafra Sakho on the sidelines, although the pair are progressing well from their knee and back issues respectively.
With Noble out, Cheikhou Kouyate could return to the midfield, and Sam Byram is a candidate to start at right back.
Leicester's January signing Molla Wague is out for the season after suffering a dislocated shoulder, while Nampalys Mendy is rated at 50-50 to return from a knee problem.
How do I get to the game?
Tickets for this match have sold out, but become available on the Ticket Exchange as Season Ticket Holders who cannot attend relist their seats.
Supporters should note that the Docklands Light Railway is closed on Saturday between Bow Church and Stratford, meaning Pudding Mill Lane station will be out of action.
TfL Rail services are suspended between London Liverpool Street and Shenfield, with replacement buses running between Stratford and Chadwell Heath, and Shenfield and Newbury Park for connections with the Central Line.
Greater Anglia services are also disrupted, with no service between London Liverpool Street and Ingatestone/Southend Victoria. Replacement buses will be serving Newbury Park for connections with the Central Line.
Click here for the latest news on Tube services and here for National Rail.
Saturday is set to be a cloudy day in London, with a maximum temperature of 15C (59F).
How do I watch the game?
This match is not being broadcast live in the UK. International supporters can see if the match will be broadcast in their territory with our widget below. You can follow all the action at it happens on whufc.com, with live audio commentary, social media updates, in-running stats, photos and more.
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Five Talking Points - Leicester City
WHUFC.com
The Official Website discusses the major subjects ahead of Saturday's visit of Premier League champions Leicester City to London Stadium...
1. An 'important game'
While West Ham United versus Leicester City might appear to be a mid-table battle between two clubs with little to play for, that could not be farther from the truth. The Hammers are seeking to arrest a recent slide that has seen them winless in their last four Premier League matches, while the Foxes are seeking to continue a renaissance that has seen them climb away from the relegation zone. On 33 points, nine clear of the bottom three, West Ham probably need two wins from their final ten games to be assured of safety, but mere survival is not enough to satisfy the Board, manager Slaven Bilic, his squad or the Claret and Blue Army. For Leicester, staying up would be acceptable after their early-season implosion, but new manager Craig Shakespeare and his squad are likely playing for their futures at the King Power Stadium. The stage is set for what Bilic and Joint-Chairman David Sullivan have rightly called an 'important game' for both clubs.
2. Are the old Leicester back?
It certainly looks like it. Leicester have won their last three matches, all at the King Power Stadium, playing the brand of aggressive, counter-attacking football that saw them lift the Premier League trophy last May. The Foxes have beaten Liverpool and Hull City in the Premier League – both 3-1 – before upsetting the odds to defeat Sevilla 2-0 in their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg tie to complete an unlikely 3-2 aggregate victory. Those results were achieved despite Leicester enjoying an average possession percentage of just 36.33 per cent. While they had the ball a little more than a third of the time, Craig Shakespeare's side have not only outscored their opponents 8-2, but they have also outshot them 44-38.
3. Desire
West Ham United's players were angry with their own performance in last Saturday's 3-2 Premier League defeat at AFC Bournemouth – and rightly so. Despite seeing the Cherries miss two penalties, the Hammers produced comfortably their worst display in two months to go down to a defeat. The players spoke of Bournemouth wanting to win so badly that their will saw them do just that. Against a Leicester City team brim full of confidence, pace and desire, the hosts will need to match the Foxes' commitment if they are not to become the visitors' first victims on their travels this Premier League season. At the same time, Slaven Bilic said his players need to learn how to manage a game in the closing stages, having conceded late goals to both West Bromwich Albion and Bournemouth in recent weeks. Whatever the scoreline going into the final few minutes on Saturday, the Hammers will need to retain their concentration and discipline until the final whistle.
4. Dylan's legacy lives on…
Saturday's game will see awareness raised for the DT38 Foundation, the charity founded in memory of late West Ham United striker Dylan Tombides. Dylan passed away at the age of 20 in April 2014, and many of the players he lined up alongside on his debut in 2012 have since departed, but the formation of DT38 by his mother Tracy means the Australian's legacy will continue to live on. Raising awareness of men's health issues, including the cancer which ultimately took Dylan's life, DT38 is a cause which every Hammers fan, male or female, should be aware of.
5. Who replaces Mark Noble?
Captain Mark Noble will miss just his third Premier League match of the season on Saturday, having been absent from the defeats at Tottenham Hotspur (through suspension) and home to Manchester United (he was an unused substitute). With the skipper unavailable, the likelihood is that Cheikhou Kouyate will move into his preferred midfield role, with either Sam Byram or Havard Nordtveit coming into the starting XI at right-back. However, Slaven Bilic may revert to 3-5-2, which would mean James Collins, Kouyate or Nordtveit playing as a third centre-half, and either Michail Antonio, Byram or Sofiane Feghouli playing as a right wing-back. The other selection issue for Bilic is whether he hands Andre Ayew or Robert Snodgrass starting places, which could mean Feghouli drops to the bench.
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Supporter feedback update
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are pleased to introduce a new feature on whufc.com created thanks to the feedback and ideas put forward by our loyal and passionate supporters. We realise that it has taken time for London Stadium to truly feel like home for some, but everyone at the Club remains absolutely committed to doing everything we can to enhance the experience for all Hammers fans. Here are just some of the new services, initiatives and improvements introduced recently for the benefit of our supporters…
@WestHamHelp
Our new dedicated Supporter Services twitter account @WestHamHelp is open from Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm and on first team home matchdays from two hours before kick-off until full-time. We aim to respond to as many enquiries as possible within 24 hours and currently have more than 2,700 followers. Follow us today for all the latest service information or if you need any help or advice relating to the Club.
SLOs growing in number
SLOsOur new team of matchday Supporter Liaison Officers (SLOs) have grown from a group of ten to 40 within the space of five matches, who will be on duty at the home match with Leicester City. All SLOs are personable, friendly and, above all, available on matchdays at London Stadium to assist with any enquiries, feedback and concerns.
Matchday Guide
The Matchday Guide is available on whufc.com and is updated from match-to-match wherever required. The Guide should feature all that you need to know before and during your visit to London Stadium. However, it is constantly evolving, and if there is anything you feel we could add to the platform we would love to hear from you at supporterservices@westhamunited.co.uk
On route to coach park
Our new team of Supporter Liaison Officers (SLOs) are situated along the route from the Stadium to the official coach park near Pudding Mill Lane to assist with any directional enquiries and offer support wherever required.
Free Shuttle Bus service for home and visiting supporters
We have increased the number of Shuttle Buses for home supporters with accessibility requirements leaving London Stadium post-match and the average queuing time is now at approximately 20-25 minutes. An additional Shuttle Bus is also available to visiting supporters with accessible requirements to assist them in travelling from the official coach park to the Stadium.
Queues at the turnstiles
Following feedback received at the Supporter Advisory Board meeting on 24 January, we have significantly increased the number of security wands at the turnstiles to support the smooth and efficient entry of supporters to the stadium. Prior to recent matches, a courtesy message has been sent to all ticket holders entering via turnstiles F, G and H to confirm seat details, turnstile entry points and reminding supporters to arrive early to beat the queues. This message is also advertised across all Club channels, including @WestHamHelp and on the front page of the Matchday Guide.
London Stadium are also actively recruiting female stewards and the number of females assisting with searches at the turnstiles is increasing match-by-match. Flow rates at the turnstiles are constantly monitored at each match and we are pleased to confirm that, with these additions, entry for all fans across the stadium is proving to be much quicker.
Shelving in concourse areas
The Club and London Stadium recently undertook a review across the entire concourse area and new shelving will be in place for the match against Leicester City on Saturday 18 March.
West Ham flags
We recently announced a new initiative encouraging supporters to bring large flags into the stadium. The initiative forms part of the Board's ongoing commitment to improving the matchday experience and ensuring supporters feel at home at London Stadium. To arrange to have your larger flag displayed, contact supporterservices@westhamunited.co.uk at least 72 hours before the home match you are attending with the following information and a member of the team will assist you:
A picture of the flag you wish to display
Dimensions of the flag
Confirmation it is manufactured to British Standard and is flame retardant
Your Season Ticket seat number
Toilets improved
Enquiries were raised at the Supporter Advisory Board meeting on January 24 as to the ratio of male to female hygiene facilities available on matchday. This has been reviewed carefully and the decision was made to change all toilets closest to the turnstiles to male, with signage and notices on each door communicating this.
New Ticket Office phone numbers
Following feedback from supporters given directly to Vice-Chairman Karren Brady at a London Stadium Forum, we introduced a new UK-rate telephone number for the Club's Ticket Office. Supporters buying Standard Tickets and Official Coach Travel have been saving since the new 03-code numbers were introduced by the Board in November 2016.
Ticket Exchange
In response to feedback from Season Ticket Holders seeking to sell their seats when they are unable to attend home matches, we introduced the Ticket Exchange. Season Ticket Holders are given the opportunity to earn money to redeem against their Season Ticket renewal by listing their seat on the Ticket Exchange ahead of every home first-team fixture at London Stadium. Since being introduced before Christmas, the Ticket Exchange has therefore also given thousands of West Ham supporters the chance to attend home fixtures which have previously sold out this season.
Season Ticket renewal price freeze/lower finance rate APR
Continuing our commitment to benefitting our most loyal supporters and providing affordable Premier League football for our Season Ticket Holders, the Board confirmed that founding Season Ticket Holders at London Stadium will enjoy a price freeze when renewing for the 2017/18 campaign. In addition, we also listened to supporter feedback by introducing a new low-interest finance plan with an APR of just 6% – down from 19.9% – delivered with our partner V12 Season Ticket Finance, for fans who wish to pay for their Season Ticket via monthly payments.
*If you have any additional feedback, the Board will consider every email sent to supporterservices@westhamunited.co.uk.
Look out for regular updates and further new supporter initiatives and services on whufc.com soon
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'We need to be positive'
WHUFC.com
West Ham United captain Mark Noble says positivity off the pitch can boost West Ham United's performances on it...
Hello everyone.
Unfortunately, I've been playing with an injury that means I won't be available to play in Saturday's Premier League fixture with Leicester City, but I'll be supporting the lads and I hope we're all going to be celebrating an important win come five o'clock.
I want to clarify some comments I made in an interview I gave at the start of the week, as I feel they didn't come across as I wanted them to. I was asked about the criticism that has been levelled at me and the team this season, and I just want to make it clear that I wasn't digging out West Ham United fans in general, because I can assure you if I wasn't playing I'd be sitting with them. I was born a West Ham supporter, I bought tickets when I was a kid, I started in the Academy when I was eleven, I went to all the home games, I was lucky enough to get into the first team and then live my dream by captaining my Club. As captain and a lifelong fan, I am the first to admit that we have not reached the same standards that we did so often last season. There have been reasons for that, but we need to start looking forward positively to the future, rather than dwell on the issues which have made things more difficult for us.
When it comes to the criticism, I want to say we have an incredible fan base, at matches home and away, week-in, week-out – proper people who love their Club – but there is a small minority who just want to criticise the players and the manager out at the first opportunity. We are going to lose games. Players will have bad games. That's for sure. But that doesn't mean we are not giving 100 per cent for the Club. As much as we try to ignore the comments made on social media, sometimes they are unavoidable and while I'm not fussed about whether I get stick or not, some players are affected by it. I think back to exactly ten years ago, when we were bottom of the Premier League. If social media existed then like it does today, people would have been calling for Alan Curbishley to be sacked or for all the players to be dropped, including Carlos Tevez! Then what happened? Everything clicked and we won seven out of our last nine games to stay up!
Times are different now. Instead of walking out of the ground and having a moan to your mate or your Dad, some people leap straight on social media and troll the player directly. You have a right to moan, of course, but negativity spreads and it can affect everyone, especially younger players who have not developed a thick skin like us more experienced ones. What I am saying is that we need to be positive, inside the dressing room, in the stands and on social media. I play under a manager who gives 100 per cent every day, and when the players are not doing likewise, I'll be the first person in the dressing room to go around and tell them to pull their socks up.
We've always been a Club which values commitment and hard work – players like Billy Bonds, Julian Dicks and Scott Parker, who gave 100 per cent every day. One player who certainly did that was Dylan Tombides, who we are paying tribute to on Saturday with a DT38 Foundation Awareness Day. We miss Dyl around the place every day, and his legacy lives on in the shape of this fantastic charity. Please give whatever you can to the cause.
Come on you Irons!
Mark Noble
Captain
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Slav wary of lightning-quick Leicester
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic wary of resurgent Leicester City, who visit London Stadium on Saturday
West Ham United manager says the Foxes have 'momentum'
Bilic says Leicester's England international striker Jamie Vardy is back to his best
Slaven Bilic knows West Ham United will need to slow Leicester City's lightning-quick counter-attacks if they are to floor the Foxes on Saturday. The Hammers welcome Leicester to London Stadium for the first time seeking a first victory in five Premier League matches, while Craig Shakespeare's side have won both top-flight games since the long-time assistant replaced Claudio Ranieri. Those victories, as well as Tuesday's UEFA Champions League Round of 16 success against Sevilla, were based on Leicester returning to the tactics which served them so well last season – namely, speedy counter-attacks and balls over the top and into space for Jamie Vardy to latch onto.
Bilic knows exactly what to expect from Leicester and their No9 this weekend, but stopping it will be an entirely different matter.
"They play very simple. They play like they did last year and also like they did also this season, but in another gear and tempo. Leicester plays very simple football but it's very, very productive and that got them the title at the end of the day, so it was brilliant. "Then they lost it in the second season and that happens because you are a little bit complacent and all that. You think you're going to continue like that by default and it's not uncommon that you can't hit the same form with the same players and with the same style of play. "Now, they simply continue now like they finished last season and it is electric and it is still going into spaces and getting second balls, quick attacks, good at set pieces offensively and defensively – which they weren't defensively this season up until the game against Liverpool – and they are in a good moment. "Now they have the momentum and of course they want to continue like that but, apart from the game against Bournemouth, we are also playing good and are expecting a lot from the game on Saturday."
One player West Ham will undoubtedly need to keep up with on Saturday is Jamie Vardy (pictured), who has rediscovered the form which saw him terrorise defences on the way to scoring 24 Premier League goals last season. The striker grabbed a vital away goal in Leicester's Champions League triumph over Sevilla, scored twice in the 3-1 win over Liverpool three weeks ago, and has generally looked like the player who went from non-leaguer to England international in the space of three years. "It was Vardy from last year [in the last three games]," Bilic observed. "You could see it was a copy and paste performance from him, but not only from him. Especially when you don't have the ball, it is your strikers who are setting the tempo and pressing and timing and everything. "It was not only against Sevilla but it was also straight away against Liverpool. He also looked really brilliant in that game and like the Vardy of last season, not only because he scored goals but his general performance. "It was not only him, but the whole team, like I said."
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Supporter tributes policy
WHUFC.com
Every season, West Ham United are sadly informed of the deaths of many supporters, young and old, from all over the world. Club staff never fail to be moved when a message is received that a member of the Claret and Blue faithful has passed away. Many of the messages received by the Club are accompanied by requests for tributes to be paid on a matchday, in the form of a minute's applause during a first-team match. However, due to the sheer volume of requests, it is regrettably not possible to formally hold these tributes at every match. The Club will now honour those Hammers no longer with us with a montage of tributes being shown on the big screens at home matches twice a season. The next montage of this type will be displayed at the Premier League fixture with Tottenham Hotspur at London Stadium on Saturday 6 May.
Supporters are invited to continue to send their written and photographic tributes for publication in the Official Matchday Programme by email to programme@westhamunited.co.uk. These will also be collated for the montage video.
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Mediawatch - 17 March
WHUFC.com
With the Premier League visit of Leicester City fast approaching, the media's attention has turned to Saturday's game – and who might feature for the Hammers.
One player we know won't be available is the skipper Mark Noble, who has a muscle strain – but in the Daily Mail, boss Slaven Bilic says he will return to the team refreshed and better for the break.
He said: "He is the captain and is doing everything for the club. He is exactly what a captain should be but sometimes it is too much. Sometimes he takes it home and thinks about that - not only about him but about the club. A man can take only what he can take basically. He is not available for Saturday and after that we have an international break. I left it to him, his decision to go somewhere for a week and come back strong as he was (before)."
Manuel Lanzini has been in fine form recently, and he has told Sky Sports that he is relishing stepping up to the plate and doing his bit for the team.
"Well, I would not say I am feeling the pressure at the moment," he said. "I am very comfortable with the way things are going at the moment and I feel that I am a very important part of the team, which is just what I wanted. I am feeling fit and confident. The coach has shown faith in me as have my team-mates and that's just what I need in order to show what I am capable of doing on the pitch."
Meanwhile, the Gaffer believes former Hammer Dimitri Payet was wrong to label the team's style as 'boring' in the opening half of the campaign.
Slaven told the Evening Standard: "I don't want to go into arguing into players but all you have to see if you're talking about tactics and the way we played is the statistics from last year and this year.
"Even our most recent game against Bournemouth [a 3-2 away defeat], it was not a lack of attacking that caused us to be in a situation where we lost the game. With the ball, last year and this year, we are creating chances. We are maybe playing too offensively, maybe that is the case."
Finally, Michail Antonio has earned a third call-up to the England squad, and his inclusion for matches against Germany and Lithuania is covered in the Evening Standard.
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U18s ready to bounce back
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s visit Reading on Saturday (11am)
The Hammers are looking for their first points of the Merit Group phase
Captain Tunji Akinola is calling for an improved performance
Tunji Akinola has urged his U18 teammates to be prepared for the same level of test as the one Chelsea posed in their 4-0 defeat to the Blues last week.
The Hammers take on Reading on Saturday (11am), aiming to pick up their first Merit Group points of the season.
After finishing in the regional division top four, Steve Potts' men were humbled at home by Chelsea in their first second phase match, but still could have got back into the game in the second half.
But defeat was how their second phase campaign started and captain Akinola called on the team to improve going forward.
"Being in the Elite Stage, we have to expect tough tests like this one," he said. "All the teams are of high calibre and we need to up our performance to match that.
"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."
"It was tough but we've got to learn to keep the ball better in the games coming up.
The Hammers visit Reading today (11am) and Akinola believes that a win is paramount, as they aim to right the wrongs of last weekend.
They twice played Reading in the South campaign, winning 2-0 away from home but the U18s did lose 3-0 at Little Heath to the Royals in November.
"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."
"We've got to get after teams more and keep the ball better when we have it. We spoke in the changing room after and everyone is hungry and wants to do better. We have to show what we can do in the last six games of the season."
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Kemp hungry to defend title
WHUFC.com
West Ham United PL2 travel to Newcastle United in the Premier League Cup last 16 on Saturday
The Hammers played out a 0-0 draw with the Toon Army in the north east on Monday
Winger Dan Kemp believes the team are hungry to progress in the competition
Dan Kemp believes having the status of reigning champions makes West Ham United PL2 hungrier to win the Premier League Cup again. The Hammers won the trophy last season after beat Hull City on penalties in the final, and visit St. James' Park for the second time in a week on Saturday to face Newcastle United in the last 16. The Hammers finished second in Group E, which meant an away in the first knockout round, and Kemp says the team are keen to defend their title. "Obviously winning it last year, it makes you want to win it even more this year," he said. "The lads did great to win it last year and hopefully we can defend the trophy. "We did well in the group and we know the areas we need to improve on. Hopefully the things we've been working on will show this weekend."
The Hammers were in the north east on Monday when they took on the Toon Army in Premier League 2 Division 2. Despite being down to ten men for 60 minutes of the match after Arthur Masuaku's red card, Terry Westley's did brilliantly to hold on for a point, and could even have snatched all three. "We had to dig deep on Monday and it's good that we can play them again so quickly after," Kemp continued. "We went down to ten men early and we couldn't show fully what we can do. But hopefully we can play really well this weekend and go through.
"We still created some good chances even though we had ten men and we could have easily won the game. We definitely expect to go there and win this weekend with the players we have in our team and if we have 11 men on the pitch. "After the team performance last week, we have a lot of confidence going into this weekend."
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Both sides of the fence - Paul Konchesky
WHUFC.com
Paul Konchesky is no stranger to both West Ham United and Leicester City, having enjoyed memorable spells with the two clubs.
The Barking-born left-back signed for the Hammers from Charlton in 2005 and played a key role in the Club's first season back in the Premier League, including a famous goal in the unforgettable FA Cup final against Liverpool that was seconds away from being the winner until Steven Gerrard stepped up.
After spells with Fulham and Liverpool, Konchesky spent five years with Leicester, where he helped the Foxes win promotion to the top flight in 2014 and then escape relegation by the skin of their teeth the following year.
The 35-year-old, who recently joined Isthmian League side Billericay Town after a 20-year professional career that saw him make more than 500 league appearances and earn two full England caps, talks exclusively to whufc.com about his links with both clubs...
I can see it being a tight game on Saturday.
Obviously both teams are coming into the match on the back of very different results – West Ham suffered a disappointing defeat at Bournemouth last weekend, while Leicester had a massive victory over Sevilla in midweek to reach the Champions League quarter-finals. I was at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday and it was an unbelievable night. Once Leicester got the first goal the whole place lifted and you could see the team grow in confidence and belief that they could go on and win it. They will turn up on Saturday in a positive mood, and West Ham will need to start the game well and try to get on top as quickly as possible.
It's been a strange situation at Leicester over the past few months.
Although the league form wasn't great, they were doing brilliantly in the Champions League under Claudio Ranieri. There was obviously a lot of debate over his sacking, but since then they seemed to have picked up their Premier League form and kept the European run going too. The way they play seems to suit them in Europe, and you wouldn't put it past them to go even further. No one said they could win the Premier League and they did it, so you never know. The other clubs left in the competition won't fancy playing them – even Gianluigi Buffon said that Leicester were the team that Juventus wouldn't want to face.
Full credit must go to Craig Shakespeare.
He is a great coach and a great guy, who I know well from my time there. To keep him on board until the end of the season is the right choice. He knows the club inside out, he knows all the boys well and he has their respect.
I was at London Stadium for the last home game against Chelsea.
West Ham started quickly, which is what they need to do against Leicester. One mistake cost them dear but, even after Chelsea went in front, West Ham were still in the game and played well. If they can create a few more chances and take one early on, then I think they will be okay. It's been a bit of an up and down season generally and they have had a lot to deal with. People have gone on about the stadium but, listen, it's four lines and two goals. The players know how to play football. And when you look at where they were before Christmas and where they are now, everyone would say they've done really well. They're not far off the top eight, so it hasn't been too bad.
It's crazy to think that I played in the FA Cup Final for West Ham nearly 11 years ago.
It still feels like yesterday. I remember every minute of it and – other than the result – what a fantastic day it was. I still get asked about my goal now and I still have the same answer: Yeah, it was a cross, but it went in so who cares! That year – my first season at the Club – was tremendous. We finished in the top half of the table after promotion, got to the cup final, and had a fantastic team spirit. The following season, I don't know what happened, call it second season syndrome or whatever, but it just didn't carry on. The last couple of months were incredible, though, and it was an amazing escape on the final day.
Since leaving West Ham, I've been on a bit of a nationwide tour!
I moved across London to join Fulham and had three good years there, reaching the Europa League final, before moving away from my home area for the first time to join Liverpool. It was one of those opportunities that you simply can't turn down when it comes along, the chance to play for one of the biggest names in European football. After that I've been slowly making my way back down! I had four or five great years with Leicester, including the promotion season and escaping relegation in the first year back. Obviously it was a bit of a choker to be out on loan when they won the title last year, but I wanted to play regular football at the time. Although hindsight is a wonderful thing, I would still rather have been playing week in, week out than potentially watching from the side, so I have no regrets.
After a couple of years at QPR and Gillingham, I'm now back home.
I recently signed for Billericay Town in the Isthmian League and it means I can spend more time with my family in Essex. My contract with Gillingham was up at the end of this season and, to be honest, I was planning to retire anyway. Professionally I've hung my boots up, but this opportunity came along and my wife said to me 'why would you not carry on playing if you've got this chance?' I don't think she liked the idea of me sitting at home every day doing nothing! Billericay have got a very exciting project going on, and it's good to be a part of it without the pressures of full-time football.
I'm not sure what the future holds yet.
At the moment, I'm just enjoying spending more time with my three kids and the family. I had 20 good years as a professional and I loved every minute of it. Down the line, I might look into doing my coaching badges, but for now I'm content. I've also got the family pie and mash shop in Brentwood – Konch's Café – which my mum looks after. I don't think you'll see me behind the counter any time soon, though! The other bonus is that I've now got the chance to be a West Ham fan again. I've been to the last couple of games and I also know Terry Westley well, so I've seen the Under-23s a few times. It's nice to be able to support the Club the way I did as a kid again!
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Darren demands faster starts
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph says West Ham United cannot afford to start slowly against Leicester City on Saturday
Hammers have conceded the opening goal in five of their last six Premier League matches
Irishman took no pleasure in saving penalty in the disappointing 3-2 defeat at AFC Bournemouth
Darren Randolph says West Ham United have to start games better if they are to arrest their recent slide in results.
The Hammers have fallen behind in five of their last six Premier League matches, and could have made that six out of six when they conceded an early penalty at AFC Bournemouth. Despite going ahead, West Ham then relinquished their lead and ultimately lost the game 3-2 to make it four without a win ahead of Saturday's visit of Leicester City to London Stadium.
Reflecting on last weekend's disappointment, having watched Josh King miss, the No1 then saved his first penalty doing so for Birmingham City against Derby County three years ago, but he took no pleasure in stopping Benik Afobe's spot-kick as the Hammers were beaten at the Vitality Stadium.
"They missed one penalty, we went up the other end and scored, they missed another penalty, we score two goals and ended up losing the game, which was very frustrating," he observed. "I saved the one right at the end from Jack Wilshere and even then the ball fell right to one of their places and he smashed it in. We lost the game, so it doesn't matter how many saves or penalty saves I make, it just means I kept the score down.
"Obviously we would have been more than happy with a point, because we could have been four or five goals down at half-time, if we're being honest. It was just a frustrating thing with the way it happened.
"It's not only that game but there were other games where we didn't play particularly well in the first half. At Watford, we played better in the second half and got back into the game. The West Brom game, we played better in the second half and drew that game, then obviously lost at Bournemouth at the weekend.
"It's frustrating for everyone because we know what we can produce, but it's just a matter of producing it all the time."
We have to make a conscious effort to start the games better than we have been doing
So, how do West Ham ensure they kick-off matches on the front foot?
"It's not easy to correct it straight away, but we have to make a conscious effort to start the games better than we have been doing," Randolph observed, before suggesting that opponents have been scouting the Hammers in more detail after they finished seventh on 65 points last season.
"It's been more difficult this year because of how well we did last year, so [opposing] teams have been spending a lot more time preparing for us this year. They know more about our players. It's taken us longer than we would have liked to realise that and to find other ways to combat that."
So, what of Leicester, who arrive at London Stadium on a two-match Premier League winning run and as UEFA Champions League quarter-finalists after a midweek win over Spanish side Sevilla.
"Hopefully they'll be feeling the affects of that tie on Saturday," Randolph continued. "They're coming off the back of two better performances and two good results and it's looking like they've turned the corner, so it'll be interesting on Saturday.
"I don't think Leicester were ever going to repeat what they did last season, this season. I don't think that will ever happen again. It was a one-off season, but they're still a good side and play the way they know they can, with everyone doing their job and what they're capable of doing.
"They're capable of beating any team and they did it every week last year. They beat Liverpool a couple of weeks ago by playing similar to how they were last year, so we have to basically just deal with the physicality and directness of how they play."
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West Ham United v Leicester City
SAT, 18 MAR 2017PREMIER LEAGUE
15:00
Venue: London Stadium
TEAM NEWS
West Ham captain Mark Noble has been ruled out of Saturday's game against Leicester because of a dead leg. His absence could prompt a recall for Sam Byram, while Andre Ayew is expected to start in attack after scoring as a substitute at Bournemouth last weekend.
Leicester midfielder Nampalys Mendy remains a doubt with a knee injury. Danny Drinkwater is available despite ruling himself out of England duty because of a minor ongoing injury, believed to be a groin problem.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Alistair Mann: "Thoughts of Atletico Madrid will somehow have to be discarded as Leicester have four demanding league fixtures before they can once again indulge in a little fantasy football. "If the Foxes aren't careful, they could find themselves remembered as the first Champions League quarter-finalists (and, who knows, maybe further than that!) to be relegated in the same campaign. "It's away from home where their season has particularly imploded, winless on their travels in more than a year and with just three points accumulated on the road. "Hosts West Ham are by no means completely clear of trouble yet either, with results in their inaugural season in the London Stadium of particular concern. It all points to a fixture that's simply brimming with possibilities."
Twitter: @alistairmann01
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "Leicester is a different team from four weeks ago. They really played extremely well, especially against Sevilla, when they got a great result for them and for English football in general.
"In all those three games, against Liverpool, against Hull and against Sevilla, they looked lively - and of course those kind of results, three wins on the spin including qualifying for the quarter-final of the Champions League, has given them a massive boost."
Leicester manager Craig Shakespeare on Jamie Vardy's return to form: "Tell me a forward who hasn't gone through that spell. It happens.
"Strikers live and die by their goals but the overall performance of forwards is vitally important.
"There are some good ones and he is proven in terms of being in the (England) squad before so he's up there with the best of them."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
West Ham are on a poor run of four games without a win and I think Leicester's revival will continue.
Prediction: 0-2
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Leicester are unbeaten in five league and cup matches against West Ham, winning four of them.
However, the Foxes have kept just one clean sheet in their last 21 away matches in this fixture. That was a 1-0 win in August 2000.
West Ham United
Slaven Bilic's side have gone four matches without a victory and could suffer three successive defeats for the first time since September.
Their only home win in the last five attempts came against Crystal Palace, with their three defeats in that period coming against the two Manchester clubs and Chelsea.
West Ham have the fifth worst home record in the division, losing six times. They were eight points better off and had only been beaten twice at Upton Park at the same stage last season.
The Hammers, like Leicester, have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven league matches - only Bournemouth (nine games) are on a longer run.
Andy Carroll needs one goal to bring up his half century in the Premier League.
Leicester City
The Foxes are attempting to win three successive Premier League matches for the first time since March-April last year.
Craig Shakespeare could become the first Leicester manager to win his first three Premier League games in charge.
They are the only side yet to drop a point from a winning position, maintaining their lead on all seven occasions.
However, Leicester are the only team in the Premier League this season which has failed to open the scoring in an away fixture.
Leicester could equal the club Premier League record of 16 consecutive away matches without a win, set from December 2001 to October 2003.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-1 Probability of draw: 24%
Probability of home win: 47% Probability of away win: 29%
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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Mark Noble lives and breathes West Ham and we'll miss him as player and captain, writes Slaven Bilic
SLAVEN BILIC
Evening Standard
We will miss Mark Noble tomorrow, not only as a player but as captain also. There may be some skippers in football whose responsibility ends when they go up for the toss of the coin but not many. Captains of football teams are important people. The supporters will see them out there on the pitch but it is back in the dressing room or on the training pitch — that is where they are really crucial for the team. I know a little about captaincy because I was one as a player, first for part of my career at my home town club, Hajduk Split, then in Germany, with Karlsruhe. A foreign player being captain now is not thought as unusual. Some teams hardly have a domestic player on the pitch so it is unavoidable. Back then though, it was rare because only three foreign players could play in the German league. I had been there for just one season when I was made captain and it was a big surprise. When I came to England, I did captain West Ham and then Everton but I was not the designated skipper. At West Ham it was Julian Dicks and then Steve Potts but if they weren't playing, I had the armband.
At Everton the club captain was the late Gary Speed. For me, the captain is not there just to swap pennants and be there for the coin toss. He should also be the coach's right hand man and the conduit between the players and the coach. In some clubs the job comes with seniority which can be good — but not always. There are some senior players who are well past 30, have 500 appearances behind them — but they are not leaders. They can't take the responsibility which comes with the job and it is not good for them.
When I was the coach of the Croatian Under-21 team, the goalkeeper was the captain because he was the most experienced but that was not for me. I gave the armband to Luka Modric who was one of the youngest at the time because I saw that he was popular and wanted to take the responsibility. When I graduated to the senior team and the captain, Niko Kovac retired, I gave it to Darijo Srna. He wasn't the oldest and he didn't have the most caps but he was also the right choice. At West Ham, Mark is an excellent captain but it is draining, more so for him maybe because he lives and breathes the club. I know he said something about some fans not understanding the game which has annoyed some people but I have spoken to him and I know one hundred per cent that he would not want to upset the supporters — because he is one also. He was trying to protect the team and individuals within the team. I have said to him that, because he has played most of the games but is now injured, he can go away if he needs to — and come back fresh.
I am delighted Michail Antonio is in the England squad but disappointed for Andy Carroll. He shouldn't be too downhearted though. If I was him, I would feel more down if I had been fit for some time and scoring goals. He has also to be honest with himself. He can't say he has been flying for the last two games and before that he missed a few games. If he finds the consistency in form and fitness though, he should still be very hopeful.
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West Ham captain Mark Noble: Social media trolls can devastate young players
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
West Ham captain Mark Noble believes that irresponsible criticism on social media can have a devastating effect on young players. Noble, who misses West Ham's home Premier League clash against Leicester tomorrow with a thigh injury, has also attempted to explain recent comments, which have angered some supporters. The 29-year-old midfielder, who has been at the club throughout his career, said in a TV interview: "If I'm really honest, a lot of people who go to football now don't really understand the game." Now Noble has sought to clarify the comments and has also called for restraint from critical fans on social media. "Times are very different now," he said. "Instead of walking out of the ground and having a moan to your mate or your dad, some people leap straight on social media and troll the player directly. "You have a right to moan, of course, but negativity spreads and it can affect everyone, especially younger players who have not developed a thick-skin like us more experienced ones. "What I am saying is that we need to be positive, inside the dressing room, in the stands and on social media. "I also want to clarify some comments I made in an interview I gave at the start of the week, as I feel they didn't come across as I wanted them to. "I was asked about the criticism that has been levelled at me and the team this season, and I just want to make it clear that I wasn't digging out West Ham United fans in general, because I can assure you if I wasn't playing I'd be sitting with them. "When it comes to the criticism, there is a small minority who just want to criticise the players and the manager at the first opportunity. As much as we try to ignore the comments made on social media, sometimes they are unavoidable and while I'm not fussed about whether I get stick or not, some players are affected by it. "I think back to exactly 10 years ago, when we were bottom of the Premier League. "If social media existed then like it does today, people would have been calling for Alan Curbishley to be sacked or for all the players to be dropped, including Carlos Tevez! "Then what happened? Everything clicked and we won seven out of our last nine games to stay up!"
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Twitter terrorists victorious
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 17th March 2017
By: Paul Walker
So the faceless, clueless twitter twerps have got their scapegoat. Mark Noble has been sent away for a break to take him out of the firing line.
There has been weeks, months, of vile abuse suffered by Noble on social media, and it has reached such a crescendo that Mark has now seemingly acquired an injury and will not lead the side against Leicester tomorrow..and Slav has sent him away for a break with his family.
Well done trolls, you have got what you wanted. And before you start, I do not believe Noble should be in the side if his form has gone or just because he's captain. But sometimes I feel I am watching a different game to others (yes, I can hear the abuse coming my way as I write this) because there are players out there who have been far, far worse than Noble this season.
It all starts with just a few folk on twitter or social media, looking for scapegoats who have turned on Noble. That few spreads and spreads until you have twitter mob rule. People can trash careers, wreck private lives, well, just because they can, what fun!
No he has not been at his best, but it is always Noble fronting up out there, trying to plug the gaps created by others all around him.
And he never shirks this responsibility on or off the pitch. The campaign against him has gone on daily, weekly, monthly and is fanned by some folk who should know better. Maybe who should know the game better.
Yes, I am a Noble fan, you might have guessed that already. But being in my 60s I do not have heroes anymore, just people I admire for that they have done, and are doing for my club.
Is this the same lad at the back end of last season that we saw with tears in his eyes at his testimonial talking about his ' family'? This is not any sort of family support that I recognise.
Noble has become the victim, the whipping boy, for what has gone wrong this season. It got to a point when Slav had to stand up and support him last week. What disappoints me is that from within a club who have used Noble as the poster boy for the move to Stratford, there has been very, very little public support.
I may have missed some things, but if anyone can produce quotes from within the club in support of their captain I would like to see them. And I will apologise.
Noble has carried this club of late. He takes his role seriously. His involvement was crucial to the move, a local boy, one club man from Canning Town, leading the move from the Boleyn. As far as legacy goes, he was vital.
He appeared at all the photo shoots, standing alongside any corrupt/immoral MP that could be found. They are one or the other, I find. He smiled at all the right times, attended all the functions as skipper, but also never forgot his responsibility to the fans.
He pointed out that leaving the Boleyn could cost us 15 points. He's about right there. He stood in the new stadium marvelling at it's size and beauty--yes, I know some don't agree, but from a distance it looks fine. But he also mused over the difference between old and new. As ever a realist because nothing was going see us going back to E13.
Slav mentioned today that Noble feels it all, takes it home with him. In effect it has compromised his concentration at times on the pitch. But again, there have been far worse cases out there this season.
He has taken his responsibilities as skipper and as leader to heart. Trying to patch up a fractured dressing room, trying to give the unhappy fans some perspective.
Without his leadership, in my view, we would be in the relegation zone now. He has had to handle the fall-out from the Dimi Payet disaster. Someone he took into his home, called him a friend and then wasn't spoken to by the Frenchman for weeks as he engineered his escape route back to Marseille.
That hurt. And even while the clamour for his removal from the side was at its height this week, Noble was still attending community based events for the club, chatting to John Surtees I noticed. And Sky were there looking for sound bites.
It was too obvious with what looked like a planted question from the back of the room about Payet. Noble looked for a second, laughed…and then said "I had the best season of my life playing alongside Payet last season." Job done, the perfect answer.
But I have re-run this clip a few times, and Noble's eyes say something else. Such disappointment that it all went wrong. But he still held his composure.
By then he had already fielded another question about the abuse he has received. He could have batted that away, but he answered back, and he has been pilloried for it. Yes, he said some fans do not understand the game.
And he was right. And he had the right to say so and defend himself after what has clearly been a tough time. Blimey, is free speech dead? And he only said what many, many players and coaches feel about the fans anyway. Do they know exactly the role the manager has asked him to do, can they seen the messy, dirty work that has to go on out there? Not everyone can, or has the licence to do four step-overs.
But he has been called arrogant by the same 140-character morons who have ceaselessly attacked him. Sometimes you wonder whether they have just 140 words in their vocabulary.
And I even see the great, great Phil Parkes having a pop, saving Mark cannot say such things and that his legs have gone. Sorry Phil, you are a true hero of mine, a wonderful goalkeeper. I don't agree. But you never had 24/7 abuse to cope with and 24 hour news.
You toddled into training from Berkshire, picking up Dev and Sarge on the way around the north circular. Then it was home and privacy. The game and the media has changed since you stopped playing Phil, and Mark has a right to defend himself. And his legs haven't gone; Alvaro Arbeloa's might have, but not Noble's.
He has been centre stage, up front, speaking for the club. And it has all got too much for him. Now I am sure that people will pick holes in all this, will slag me off. But I don't do twitter or social media, so it won't bother me.
Twitter, you guess, I hate. It is used well by a lot of folk who love it. It is also used by cowards with assumed names and a vicious, cruel streak in them. Part of our non-caring society these days. They love the chance of a victim, a scapegoat. Well you have got your way.
And a few folk who have mounted this campaign ceaselessly for months on end who should know better.
Noble deserves better. He deserves a dew days away with his family. He is not a man we see in the tabloids falling out of Shoreditch pubs in the morning air, he loves West Ham, the club, the fans, and because his form has dipped, he gets this. Well done to everybody involved.
My view? Noble has tried his hardest this season to be everything for everybody. He is our only leader on the pitch, when players go missing--yes I mean you Cheikhou Kouyate--and he will be missed.
He has stature, respect from officials and opponents and would do nothing to hurt the club. I assume Winston Reid will take over the arm band, I hope he's got the time while seemingly agitating for another contract.
It is up now to the fans and the players who have so under-performed this term to show they can do it without Noble's leadership. Step up people, I shall watch tomorrow with interest. Do not let us down. Do not let Mark Noble down.
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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Noble granted leave by Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 17th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
Mark Noble has been given a week off after it was confirmed that he would miss this weekend's clash with Leicester. The Hammers captain was reported to have picked up an injury ahead of Saturday's meeting and has been granted a few days' leave by manager Slaven Bilic in order to recharge his batteries, according to The Mail. "He is not available for Saturday and after that we have an international break," said Bilic on Thursday. "I left it up to him and his decision was to go somewhere for a week and come back stronger. "He is the captain and is doing everything for the club. He is exactly what a captain should be, but sometimes it is too much. Sometimes he takes it home and thinks about that - not only about him but about the club."
Noble, who has received criticism by some fans on social media this week is expected to take a brief holiday during his spell on the sidelines.
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Montage tributes to replace pre-planned applause
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 17th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed that, due to the sheer number of requests, preordained rounds of applause during matches are to be replaced with a bi-annual tribute to departed fans. An act that began as a way to mark the passing of dearly-departed former players has mushroomed in recent months - so much so that THREE bursts of applause had been requested for this weekend's clash with Leicester.
Naturally this was becoming problematic for the club, who declared this morning that rather than take requests for applause during matches they would instead honour those lost with a bi-annual montage, to be displayed on the giant screens inside the Olympic Stadium.
"Every season, West Ham United are sadly informed of the deaths of many supporters, young and old, from all over the world," read a statement on whufc.com. "Club staff never fail to be moved when a message is received that a member of the Claret and Blue faithful has passed away. "Many of the messages received by the Club are accompanied by requests for tributes to be paid on a matchday, in the form of a minute's applause during a first-team match. However, due to the sheer volume of requests, it is regrettably not possible to formally hold these tributes at every match. "The Club will now honour those Hammers no longer with us with a montage of tributes being shown on the big screens at home matches twice a season. The next montage of this type will be displayed at the Premier League fixture with Tottenham Hotspur at London Stadium on Saturday 6 May."
The subject was touched upon recently by KUMB columnist HeadHammerShark, who suggested using the screens as an alternative solution: "This has become customary all over the country and isn't unique to West Ham, although there seem to have been a number of instances at our home games recently," he wrote. "The Club are in an invidious position here. They seem cruel and unfeeling if they turn down the requests, but can't acquiesce every time without turning games into remembrance services. "However we have the largest digital wrap in Europe which is visible to at least 40,000 fans a game - the messages could be replayed throughout the build up to the game, allowing people to take a some time to remember those who have passed away without shoehorning it in to a game of football. "
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Deadline passes, no Sakho return
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 17th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
Diafra Sakho is still some distance from featuring for the first team - despite Slaven Bilic claiming at Christmas that the striker would be absent for "six to eight weeks". The Senegal international has missed the entire season bar two matches, when he played for an hour against Tottenham and Manchester United last November. Following his latest 'injury', said to have been sustained after the Manchester United match, Bilic claimed that Sakho would return to action this month. "It's a big blow for us. It will rule him out for six to eight - maybe 10 - weeks," said Bilic, speaking shortly before Christmas. "We are talking about even March for him to be back."
However with March already half-way through, club medic Stijn Vandebroucke says that Sakho is still some way off making a first team return - and will only begin training with the Under 23s next week, despite having travelled with the first team squad in Dubai last month. "Diafra is getting stronger and stronger and he will start training with the PL2 squad next week," Vandenbroucke told the club's website. "We work closely with Academy Director Terry Westley to ensure we can introduce returning players to controlled sessions, and Diaf will train with the PL2 squad for two weeks before he returns to training with the first team."
In other injury news, Angelo Ogbonna's rehabilitation programme is said to be going well. "Angelo has stepped up his rehab and began running on Thursday at Rush Green following the patellar tendon operation he underwent in January," added Vandenbroucke. "He is still quite some time from a return to full fitness, but the story is positive and the rehab is going as well as we could possibly have hoped."
Meanwhile he also confirmed the news that club captain Mark Noble will be absent for the visit of Champions League quarter finalists Leicester City this weekend. "Mark picked up a knock in training and passed a fitness test to play against Chelsea," he confirmed. "After a few days of recovery and improvement, he played again at Bournemouth. "Unfortunately, he picked up another knock in the same area of his body in that game and that took him out. He will also miss Saturday's game against Leicester City too and a week of rest and rehab will help to prepare him for the three-game week coming up against Hull, Arsenal and Swansea."
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West Ham's Mark Noble to be given time to recover from injury
Last Updated: 16/03/17 11:58pm
SSN
West Ham captain Mark Noble will be on the sidelines for the Premier League visit of Leicester on Saturday. The 28-year-old has been playing through the pain of a dead leg but he aggravated the problem during Saturday's defeat at Bournemouth. The Leicester match is followed by the international break and Hammers boss Slaven Bilic has told Noble to use the time to rest and fully recover. Cheikhou Kouyate has been filling in at right-back in recent matches but is now expected to replace Noble in midfield. A loyal Hammers servant with almost 400 appearances to his name, Noble told Sky Sports News HQ earlier this week that this season has been "the hardest" of his West Ham career. A certain section of the club's support have called for Noble to be dropped but the player says he can "handle that pressure". "He is the captain and is doing everything for the club," said Bilic. "He is exactly what a captain should be, but sometimes it is too much. "Sometimes he takes it home and thinks about that - not only about him but about the club. "A man can take only what he can take, basically. I spoke about that with him. He is not available for Saturday and after that we have an international break. "I left it to him, his decision whether to go somewhere for a week and come back as strong as he was. I have no worries about Mark."
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West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini not feeling pressure of filling Dimitri Payet void
Argentine midfielder also gives his backing to Mark Noble following criticism of the Hammers captain
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 16/03/17 7:17pm
SSN
Manuel Lanzini insists he is not feeling the pressure of attempting to fill the void left by Dimitri Payet at West Ham. Payet left the Hammers in acrimonious circumstances in January having stated he would never play for the club again before sealing a return to Marseille. Lanzini has scored three goals and provided two assists since the France international's departure from London Stadium and the Argentine midfielder says he is keen to repay manager Slaven Bilic for the continued faith that he has shown in him. "Well, I would not say I am feeling the pressure at the moment," the 24-year-old told Sky Sports News HQ. "Of course, Dimi was a very important player for us and we linked up very well on the pitch. He could help take the pressure off other players with the way he could create space and make things happen. "But I am very comfortable with the way things are going at the moment and I feel that I am a very important part of the team, which is just what I wanted. "I am feeling fit and confident. The coach has shown faith in me as have my team-mates and that's just what I need in order to show what I am capable of doing on the pitch."
Lanzini also gave his backing to West Ham captain Mark Noble following criticism of the 29-year-old from a certain section of the club's support. Noble is closing in on 400 appearances for his boyhood club, but will not feature against reigning champions Leicester in the Premier League on Saturday due to injury. Lanzini, who recorded his 50th Premier League appearance for West Ham in the recent 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, insisted Noble's presence on and off the pitch remains valued. "It's very good playing alongside him," he said.
"It's also very good to play alongside experienced players, particularly ones that are truly loved at their club as they can teach you so much on and off the pitch. "It's very important to have him around and I try to learn as much as I can by watching him."
West Ham, who currently occupy 11th place, will go in search of their first win in five matches when they welcome a revitalised Leicester to east London. The Foxes have won their last three matches in all competitions since Craig Shakespeare took over from Claudio Ranieri and advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals last Tuesday following a 2-0 victory over Sevilla at the King Power.
Lanzini insists there is no reason why Leicester cannot go on to win European football's elite club competition, but hopes West Ham can inflict a first defeat under Shakespeare for the Foxes. "Nobody thought they would win the Premier League last season and they managed that," he said. "We know that everything is possible in football and there are always surprises, which is what makes it such a wonderful sport. "At the moment they are full of confidence as a team, so why not? "But it's a very important match for us as we need to get back to winning ways and a win would really help us build our confidence. "In order to do that, we know that we need to play well. Leicester are achieving something historic in the Champions League, but we must focus on ourselves."
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West Ham United v Leicester City preview: Mark Noble to miss Foxes clash
Last Updated: 17/03/17 1:43pm
SSN
Mark Noble has been ruled out of West Ham's clash with Premier League champions Leicester City. The Hammers, who host the revitalised Foxes at the London Stadium for the first time, will have to do without their captain as they look to curtail the revival inspired by Craig Shakespeare. Since taking over from Claudio Ranieri, Shakespeare has masterminded a three-game winning streak which has seen Leicester ease their relegation fears and reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time. The upturn in fortunes has come at the perfect time for Leicester to maintain their impressive recent form against West Ham, with the Foxes unbeaten in their last five meetings, winning four and drawing one.
Team news
Winston Reid will deputise as captain while Sam Byram could be recalled at right-back, freeing up Cheikhou Kouyate to move into Noble's midfield berth. Andre Ayew is set to start in attack after scoring as a substitute at Bournemouth last weekend, but defender Angelo Ogbonna (knee) and striker Diafra Sakho (back) are still out.
Leicester's January signing Molla Wague is out for the season with a dislocated shoulder. The defender made just one appearance - in the FA Cup defeat at Millwall in January - and has had an operation but his long-term future is unknown, with the loan from Udinese expiring in the summer. Nampalys Mendy is rated as 50-50 to return from a knee injury which saw him miss the 2-0 win over Sevilla on Tuesday and advance to the Champions League quarter finals 3-2 on aggregate.
Opta stats
West Ham United have lost as many games against Leicester in their last five (4), as they did in the previous 25 combined (all comps).
Leicester are unbeaten in five matches in all competitions against West Ham, winning four and drawing one.
The Foxes have kept just one clean sheet in their last 21 away matches against West Ham (1-0 in August 2000), with Tim Flowers in goal for Leicester City that day.
Leicester City midfielder Andy King has scored in two of his last three matches against West Ham in all competitions.
Leicester City are two goals away from netting their 500th Premier League goal (498 currently).
Andy Carroll (49 goals) is one goal away from 50 Premier League goals, with 29 of his goals so far coming in a West Ham United shirt.
Since his debut in September 2012, Andy Carroll has appeared in just 94 of West Ham's 178 Premier League matches (53%) and played just 40% of possible minutes (6472).
Merson's prediction
I think West Ham are probably better away from home at the moment, and Tuesday's win over Sevilla in the Champions League will have taken a lot out of Leicester. They will have used up a lot of energy, so I am going to go 3-1 to West Ham. I do not think West Ham are great at home, but a lot will have been taken out of Leicester no doubt in midweek.
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-1 (16/1 with Sky Bet)
Betting
West Ham are Sky Bet's 5/4 favourites for the victory with Leicester up against odds of 21/10 to extend their winning run, while the draw is a 12/5 chance. Andy Carroll heads the first goalscorer betting at 5/1 followed by Michail Antonio (11/2) and Jamie Vardy (6/1).
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Michail Antonio: Sometimes people get annoyed when I ask questions, but they're not living my career for me
442.com
West Ham and England midfielder Michail Antonio has told FourFourTwo that his humble beginnings in football help him stay grounded today.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed an unorthodox route to the top, having begun his senior career with Tooting & Mitcham United aged 17 and eventually landing a move to Reading in 2008. Antonio only played his first Premier League game for West Ham in November 2015, but despite often being fielded as a right-back, he has netted more Premier League goals than any other Hammers player since then (17).
This week he was called up for England again as he looks to win his first cap – but despite his late rise, Antonio says he never once gave up hope of turning pro. "If someone said to me, 'What are you going to be?' I would say to them: 'I'm going to be a pro'," Antonio says in Non-League to Premier League, the latest offering from FourFourTwo Films.
"Through the junior leagues there were players I thought I was better than, and they were getting trials. I was like, 'How am I not getting these?' There were players I went to school with like Craig Eastmond, Matthew Briggs, and I felt like I was as good as these guys.
"I always believed in it, though, and I said it with authority: 'I am going to be a pro'... and if I don't, then I'm going to be a PE teacher! [laughs]
"But I kept saying it. I got to 17 and thought, 'It could be a bit late, but if it happens, it happens. I'm going to keep pushing, doing what I'm doing.' Six games in for Tooting & Mitcham I signed for Reading."
Rising at Reading
Antonio is one of many current top-flight stars who have played in English football's lower reaches, but it's fair to say he has achieved more than most since hitting the big time.
Being a lifeguard is so boring, I hated every single minute of it! Now I'm getting paid to do a job I love, and would do for free
The Wandsworth-born star has nine Premier League goals and counting in another fine campaign for the east London club, but insists he will always remain humble thanks to a career path that forced him to work extra hard.
"Once I got through the door at Reading, that's when I put my work in," the 26-year-old tells FFT. "I went out early to do my finishing, my crossing, because technically I wasn't the best coming from non-league.
"I worked doubly hard in shape and formation, because you don't learn that stuff in Non-League, and I'm not a person who's embarrassed to ask questions if they don't know stuff. I will go to someone and say, 'No, I don't understand that, can you explain it to me?'
"Sometimes people go 'aargh' at that, but I want to get it for myself. They're not living my career, and I want to make sure I understand before I start something.
"The difference is technique in every single league. Non-League to League Two; League Two to League One, to Championship, to Premier League. There can be players as strong as one another in the Premier League and League Two; players as quick as each other, or can jump as high. But it's the technique that's the difference.
"I feel like because I've done this stuff, I cherish every moment of being a footballer. Being a lifeguard is so boring, I hated every single minute of it! Now I'm getting paid to do a job I love, and would do for free."
Watch the latest instalment of FourFourTwo Films, Non-League to Premier League, on FourFourTwo's YouTube now! Just hit play on the video below to see the documentary, featuring interviews with Michail, Andre Gray, George Boyd and many more
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JONATHAN CALLERI EAGER TO LEAVE WEST HAM
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
readWestHam
Jonathan Calleri wasn't brought in to be the Hammers' leading man in attack but he was expected to be a reliable goal threat whenever he featured.
The 23-year-old has been an abject failure since making his season-long loan move from Deportivo Maldonado in August and will leave the club at the end of the season.
For Calleri though, his return to South America can't come soon enough. Speaking to Ole (h/t Sport Witness), Calleri has revealed he'd like to return to his former club Boca Juniors tomorrow.
I'd like to return to Boca tomorrow. Since I arrived there, everything was very intense, but always a beautiful pressure. Boca was the top of my career.
Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images SportJordan Mansfield/Getty Images Sport
Calleri started his career with Boca Juniors before making a €11m move to Maldonado who immediately loaned him out to Sao Paulo where he scored 15 goals in 31 games for the Brazilian outfit prior to arriving in east London.
The intention was Calleri would impress in the Premier League and earn himself a lucrative permanent move to Europe but it's clear that it's not going to materialise.
He's made 12 appearances for the Hammers this season and is yet to start a Premier League game. The rather flukey goal he scored at Middlesbrough was expected to revive his career with West Ham but he's played just 46 minutes of football in the six games since, not featuring in each of the last three.
Calleri joins Brian Montenegro as two of the worst loan signings in recent West Ham history, both coming in from Maldonado. Let's hope if there's a third one it's a marked improvement.
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Stats suggest West Ham are already disadvantaged v Leicester City
By James Jones - Mar 17, 2017 0
WestHamWorld
We face a a revived and in-form Leicester City this weekend after their players disgustingly forced out Claudio Ranieri a few weeks ago – the very man who made the players and the club relevant.
Whatever you think of the way Leicester forced out the club's only worthwhile hero, it doesn't change the fact that we're playing them at a time when their tails are up and arguably in the same form as they were when they won the league last year.
We're without a win in four games now, which is disappointing given that we appeared to have put our early season form behind us with just three defeats in the 11 games leading up to our 2-2 home draw with West Brom.
Having lost to Bournemouth last weekend – and subsequently missing out on the chance to strengthen our position in the top 10, slipping to 11th instead – beating Leicester on Saturday is even more crucial than perhaps it should've been.
This season a lot has been said about the standard of refereeing in the Premier League and we all know how much we've been on the wrong end of incompetent performances from the officials.
And if the stats are anything to go by this weekend, we could be in for yet another long afternoon where the referee clearly doesn't know what he's doing.
That's because the referee will be Roger East who, after failing to award a clear penalty for Stoke v Bournemouth in November, was demoted down the divisions.
He has only refereed six Premier League games this season as a result, with former referee's chief Keith Hackett writing in the The Telegraph in November that he had doubts over East's ability to officiate at the top level of English football.
Our friends at FootballFanCast.com took a look at East's stats this week and revealed that he tends to prefer the away side in the Premier League, with 50% of his six games ended in an away win, competed to just 33% of home teams coming out on top…
But it's his penalty stats that really have me worried. He averages 0.67 penalties a game and tends to point to the spot for the away side more than he does the hosts, which means it won't really matter if Mark Noble is out injured because he probably won't be required to take one anyway.
Of course, stats don't always offer a true reflection on reality, but they are a good indicator of form.
Let's hope East's time out of the Premier League has allowed him to recover his composure and he'll have a good game in the middle on Saturday. Otherwise, it doesn't make good reading for us.
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West Ham United have offered one-year contract to Manchester City's Bacary Sagna
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham United have reportedly offered a deal to Bacary Sagna. According to The Mirror, West Ham United have offered a one-year deal to Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna as he gears up to leave the club. The Hammers made moves in 2016 to solve their right back problems, but Sam Byram has failed to nail down the position since his switch from Leeds United, whilst veteran Spaniard Alvaro Arbeloa has become the forgotten man since joining on a free transfer in August. That has forced defensive midfielders Cheikhou Kouyate and Havard Nordtveit into playing at right back, and this situation simply can't continue for Slaven Bilic, meaning a new right back is a must this summer. Now, The Mirror report that Manchester City are ready to let Bacary Sagna leave the club when his contract expires this summer – and West Ham have offered him a one-year contract. Sagna, 34, has been a regular for City ever since joining on a free transfer from Arsenal in 2014, making more than 80 appearances for the club having battled with Pablo Zabaleta for the starting berth at right back. A French international with 65 caps to his name, Sagna has been a consistent Premier League performer for ten years now, but has won just two trophies – the FA Cup in 2014 with Arsenal and the League Cup with Manchester City in 2016. With City looking to get younger across their defence, Sagna will be allowed to walk when his deal ends this summer, and West Ham have swooped in to offer him a one-year contract with the club. A return to London could be appealing for Sagna having spent so long there with Arsenal, and with the prospect of first-team football as well, joining Slaven Bilic's Hammers could be a smart move for the veteran full back.
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West Ham stalwart Mark Noble heads on holiday as boss Slaven Bilic admits captaincy is weighing heavy
Mark Noble will head for a week's holiday during the international break
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic admitted the captaincy is weighing on the midfielder
Irons stalwart Noble has come under scrutiny for his form in recent weeks
By Adam Crafton for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 00:11, 17 March 2017 | UPDATED: 00:11, 17 March 2017
West Ham captain Mark Noble will head for a week's holiday during the international break after manager Slaven Bilic admitted that the burden of leadership is weighing heavily on the midfielder's shoulders. Noble has picked up an injury and will miss West Ham's home match against Leicester on Saturday. The 29-year-old club stalwart might benefit from a getaway after coming in for some criticism for his recent performances. 'He is the captain and is doing everything for the club,' Bilic said. 'He is exactly what a captain should be but sometimes it is too much. Sometimes he takes it home and thinks about that - not only about him but about the club. 'A man can take only what he can take basically. He is not available for Saturday and after that we have an international break. I left it to him, his decision to go somewhere for a week and come back strong as he was (before).'
Bilic has no fears that Noble will soon rediscover his best form. He added: 'People were talking about England (for Noble) two weeks ago, somebody asked me that before the Chelsea game. And then after the Chelsea game it was about dropping him. 'He never hides on the pitch, he always wants the ball. 'He is our captain and gives everything for the club. He will be back very soon.'
Bilic also moved to counter Reading manager Jaap Stam's suggestion that young defender Reece Oxford has struggled on loan at the Berkshire club due to the higher intensity of training than he had been accustomed to at West Ham. Bilic also admitted he was unhappy at the lack of action Oxford, 18, has experienced since moving on loan to Reading in January. Oxford has made one appearance as a substitute for Stam's side, although he has suffered from injuries both before Christmas and since joining Reading. Bilic said there was interest from other Championship clubs and it might have been better for Oxford to go elsewhere. 'We are training very intensely here,' Bilic said. 'If you ask me, if I heard anything about the intensity of our training, it was never a question: do we train with less intensity. It was more sometimes we train too much. 'I am surprised (he is not playing) and I am not happy with that. 'The only reason for him to leave us and go on loan was to get more games than he was getting here. And I am not counting U23s – I am counting competitive football. 'But it doesn't have to be a bad experience – it can also be a good experience to be part of a team that is fighting for something, to change the environment a bit. 'It also helps to build you up as a player and a person but the main reason he went there was to play competitive football and he is not doing that at the moment.'
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Slaven Bilic takes Mark Noble out of the West Ham firing line - and tells him to get away from football
The Hammers captain will miss Saturday's visit of Leicester with the dead leg he first suffered before the Chelsea defeat
The Mirror
BYNEIL MCLEMAN
00:15, 17 MAR 2017UPDATED00:17, 17 MAR 2017
Slaven Bilic has taken Mark Noble out of the West Ham firing line - and told him to get away from football. The Hammers captain will miss Saturday's visit of Leicester with the dead leg he first suffered before the Chelsea defeat. But Noble, who was subbed off at Bournemouth, has become the target for unhappy Hammers fans this season. And he hit back this week by claiming: "If I am really honest, a lot of people who now go to football don't really understand the game." Bilic said: "He got a kick on his dead leg against Bournemouth – it's quite painful and he needs a rest. Did he need a break anyway? "I spoke with him about that also. He is the captain and is doing everything for the club. He never hides on the pitch, he always wants the ball. His is exactly what a captain should be but sometimes it is too much. Sometimes he takes it home and thinks about that - not only about him but about the club. "A man can take only what he can take basically. I spoke about that with him. He is not available for Saturday and after that we have an international break. I left it to him, his decision to go somewhere for a week and come back strong as he was. "But I have no worries about Mark. He is our captain and gives everything for the club. He will be back very soon."
Bilic hit back at Jaap Stam's claim that Reece Oxford was surprised by the "intensity" of training at Reading – and claimed his young defender made the wrong loan move. The teenager only made his Royals debut on Saturday after joining in January. "I am surprised and not happy he hasn't played much," said the Irons boss. "The only reason for him to leave us and go on loan was to get more games than he was getting here."
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Southgate's Carroll omission doesn't make any sense for the West Ham man
Southgate's reason for not selecting Carroll was baffling
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
06:30, 17 MAR 2017
Yesterday (Thursday) was a day of mixed emotions if you were a West Ham fan. Michail Antonio deservedly got a recall to the England squad. He should have been given more of a chance when he was last called in by Sam Allardyce when he was in outstanding form but had to settle for a spot on the bench. He was overlooked then by Gareth Southgate and wasn't part of the last Three Lions get together.
But, Antonio - one of the most affable blokes you're ever likely to meet - has knuckled down, worked hard and despite only scoring one goal since Boxing Day, has been West Ham's key man and his determination is what has led to the recall. Now, we come on to Andy Carroll, who was left out of the squad for the friendly with Germany and World Cup qualifier with Lithuania next week. His run of four goals in four games over Christmas and new year saw him look like a nail-on for a place only for another annoying injury to befall him, especially as Southgate was due to run the rule over him in the 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion. While it's hard to argue with the England manager - you think they know more about football than us writers would - there was one nagging annoyance to the England managers comments on Carroll. He said that the Hammers number nine hasn't played enough to warrant an inclusion in the squad for the first time since 2012. Fair enough, Carroll is only two games back from injury and obviously missed a large chunk at the start of the campaign through a knee injury. But, look at the England squad and then look at Southgate's comments again.
Luke Shaw has played one Premier League game - one - in the past FIVE months and has 160 minutes of football under his belt in 2017. Another Manchester United man, Jesse Lingard, has 386 minutes of game time this year. Both of those made the squad. Carroll's minutes in 2017? 551. Southgate's argument has no reasoning whatsoever. Especially with England lacking strikers thanks to injuries and Harry Kane, has Marcus Rashford done enough to be selected ahead of the West Ham man? No, he hasn't. While it might be a blessing in disguise that Carroll hasn't been selected - we know David Sullivan won't mind one bit - you can't help but feel the Geordie frontman has been overlooked for the wrong reasons. Not that he should have been overlooked at all.
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