Mediawatch - 28 March
WHUFC.com
As the build-up to Saturday's trip to Hull City begins in earnest, we look
at the Hammers stories making this morning's papers...
Aaron Cresswell has called on the Hammers to relieve any pressure they may
be feeling by registering a result at Hull City on Saturday.
After three Premier League defeats in a row, West Ham will look to move back
towards the top half of the Premier League table with victory at the KCOM
Stadium and Cresswell knows they are capable of just that.
He told Sky Sports: "If you ask any of the players, they would say the same,
we are fully behind [the manager] and fully supportive of him. Hopefully we
can turn it around and take that pressure off everyone.
"Certainly all the lads here, the coaching staff and the manager, everyone
is giving 110 per cent.
"Of course it is not going right at the minute, we want to put that right on
Saturday. We know we haven't been good enough, especially of late, and
certainly we look forward to the Hull game."
Meanwhile, in the Evening Standard, Manuel Lanzini has hailed Mark Noble's
importance to the team.
He said: "It's very good to play alongside Nobes. It's always good to play
alongside experienced players and particularly those who are truly loved at
their clubs.
"They are the ones who can help you so much on and off the pitch."
Also in the Evening Standard, Olivier Giroud has claimed his 'scorpion kick'
goal against Crystal Palace was superior to Andy Carroll's stupendous
overhead kick against the same opposition.
We're sure Hammers fans will have something to say about that when they
visit Emirates Stadium next week!
Carroll has a fan in former Hammers man Dean Ashton, who Tweeted that
England should have called up the Big No9 for their games against Germany
and Lithuania last week.
Ashton's Tweets are picked up in the Mirror here.
Finally, with an eye on Saturday's game, Hull are expecting Michael Dawson
to return to fitness after a seven-week absence.
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Hammers photographer commended
WHUFC.com
Photographer Andy Hooper commended for photo essay based on the book
Farewell to Upton Park
Daily Mail snapper won acclaim at the UK Picture Editors' Guild Awards
Hooper also named Sports Photographer of the Year for the fourth time
earlier this month
Award-winning photographer Andy Hooper has been commended for a photo essay
based on the book Farewell to Upton Park at the UK Picture Editors' Guild
Awards. Officially endorsed by the Club, Farewell to Upton Park was the
brainchild of London Stadium Season Ticket Holder and Daily Mail and
MailOnline Head of Sport Lee Clayton. Daily Mail photographer Hooper was
given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Boleyn Ground last season,
capturing hundreds of unique images in celebration of the Hammers' historic
home of 112 years.
The four-times Sports Photographer of the Year selected ten of the 230
photographs printed in the book for his entry in the Photo Essay of the Year
category.
Farewell to Upton Park"It was amazing to be up against some brilliant
pictures, some of them quite haunting, and there in the middle of it all, a
photo essay of West Ham!" Hooper enthused. "Winning the Olympic Picture
of the Year was one thing, but I am incredibly proud of the achievement of
being commended in the category of Photo Essay too. "I chose ten pictures
that were used in the book and this achievement is a reflection of the
access and co-operation of everyone at the club, from Vice-Chairman Karren
Brady to the players and management and, of course, the fans. Farewell to
Upton Park has been well received and I am thrilled to have been part of
that."
Hooper also scooped the Best Olympics Picture award for his image of the
Team GB Women's Hockey team, including West Ham United fan Susannah
Townsend, celebrating winning the Gold medal at Rio 2016. The commendation
and award completed a memorable March for Hooper, who was named Sports
Photographer of the Year for the fourth time earlier this month. For that
award, Hooper submitted a spectacular portfolio that included the Team GB
Women's Hockey celebration, Andy Murray celebrating victory in the Men's
Singles final at Wimbledon and Jamie Vardy's reaction to being sent-off in
Leicester City's 2-2 Premier League draw with the Hammers in April 2016.
*Farewell to Upton Park – The Official Celebration of West Ham United's Home
– 1904–2016, published by Octopus Publishing Group Ltd, is available to buy
from the Official Online Store now, priced at £25.
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Feghouli dreams of World Cup return
WHUFC.com
Sofiane Feghouli wants to represent Algeria at his second FIFA World Cup
finals
Winger scored for the Desert Warriors as the North Africans reached the
Round of 16 in 2014
Algeria sit bottom of their qualifying group and need to hit top form to
reach Russia 2018
Sofiane Feghouli dreams of representing Algeria at his second FIFA World Cup
finals – but admits reaching Russia 2018 will be 'very difficult'. The West
Ham United winger was one of the stars of the show as the Desert Warriors
reached the Round of 16 in 2014 before being edged out after extra-time by
eventual champions Germany. Now, Feghouli, who scored against Belgium in the
group-stage as Algeria reached the knockout stage for the first time three
years ago, has his sights set on next summer's finals. However, the North
Africans will need to up their game if they are to qualify from a group that
also includes Nigeria, Cameroon and Zambia, as they sit bottom with one
point from two matches. Algeria do not return to qualifying action until
September, when they host Zambia in what will arguably be a must-win tie for
a nation currently without a permanent head coach. "I think the World Cup is
the very best competition in terms of the feelings and emotions that it
generates," Feghouli began. "If you haven't played in it, you can't know
exactly what it means. I was lucky enough to play in it in 2014 and Algeria
played very well. It was a dream come true for millions of Algerians and we
made history by reaching the last 16 for the first time. "We played a
historic tie against Germany in which we were on the verge of knocking them
out. I was very happy and proud to take part in that incredible adventure.
"I'd like to play in it again in 2018, although it will be very difficult to
qualify."
With 42 caps and eleven goals for his country, Feghouli is a hero in his
homeland, where he is lauded alongside the likes of Leicester City pair
Islam Slimani and Riyad Mahrez, Porto's Yacine Brahimi and Dinamo Zagreb's
El Arabi Hillel Soudani. Wherever he goes, and particularly when he returns
to the North African country for international duty, the Hammers No7 is
revered by Algerian supporters.
"When I was young, I'd watch all the Algerian players that plied their trade
all over Europe, not that there were that many," he recalled. "I always
tried to keep up with how they were getting on at their respective clubs.
"Now that I'm a professional footballer, it's the opposite. There are
Algerians who keep tabs on me and I still follow the other Algerians who
play in Europe. The country has a population of 40 million. "Football is the
number one sport there and we're really big football fans, especially when
it comes to the national team."
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We're all backing Bilic, says Cresswell
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
Aaron Cresswell insists that the entire first team squad are behind Slaven
Bilic, following reports that his position may be under threat.
In recent weeks both Roberto Mancini and Jaap Stam have been linked with
Bilic's job, following West Ham' poor recent run of form.
However left-back Cresswell - who has struggled to find his own form in
recent months - maintains that Bilic retains the support of every one of his
players.
If you ask any of the players, they would say the same - we are fully behind
him and fully supportive of him," the full back told Sky Sports. "Hopefully
we can turn it around and take that pressure off everyone.
"Of course it is not going right at the minute and we want to put that right
on Saturday. We know we haven't been good enough, especially of late, and
certainly we look forward to the Hull game.
"Certainly all the lads here, the coaching staff and the manager, everyone
is giving 110 per cent."
Cresswell also gave his backing to the potential signing of former England
captain Wayne Rooney, who has been linked with a summer move to the Olympic
Stadium.
"He has arguably been one of the best strikers over the last 15 years and
the things he has done, certainly for England, is fantastic," he added. "If
he was to come here, that would be fantastic for us, but who knows?"
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Are West Ham eager for Iker?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
Spanish legend Iker Casillas could be on his way to England this summer
after he expressed a desire to play in the Premier League.
The 35-year-old stopper made more than 500 appearances for Real Madrid and
played nearly 170 times for Spain before moving to Porto in July 2015.
Out of contract this summer (although Porto retain the option to extend his
two-year deal by a further 12 months), it was thought that Marseille were
front runners to land Casillas on a two-year contract at the end of the
season.
However journalist Don Balon has claimed that Casillas is keen on trying his
luck in England's top flight instead - preferably with a London club. And
whilst Balon adds that Chelsea or Arsenal would top his list of favoured
destinations, only West Ham and Arsenal are said to have been notified of
Casillas' availability at this point.
Manchester City's on-loan stopper Joe Hart has been linked with a potential
summer move to the Olympic Stadium for some considerable time, having been
sent out on loan to Torino for the season by incoming Citizens manager Pep
Guardiola last summer.
West Ham's current goalkeepers are Adrian, who is out of contract this
summer (although the club retain a two-year option) and Darren Randolph, who
has been first choice since the Spaniard was dropped by Slaven Bilic
following a series of high-profile blunders last year.
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VIDEO ASSISTANT REFEREE (VAR) – IS FOOTBALL FINALLY COMING OUT OF THE DARK
AGES?
BY SAMTWHWREF ON 28 MARCH 2017 AT 7:00AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Every weekend I say to myself, "video assistant referees (VAR) couldn't come
sooner". In March 2016, the IFAB approved a 2 year experiment for video
assistant referee or otherwise known as VAR and it was a historic decision
for the world of Football, FIFA and the IFAB.
There is no doubt in my mind that this decision was overdue. The pace of the
game has changed and it's getting increasingly difficult for a referee to
make the correct decisions. VAR is available to assist the referee and not
to take the control away from the referee. There are four areas that the VAR
will assist with: Goal scored (outside the goal-line technology), penalty
decisions, direct red cards and mistaken identity, all of which can change a
game dramatically.
During the year of VAR being approved, a referee in the FIFA Club World Cup
was the first referee to use VAR and award a penalty. Before the historic
trial, IFAB set up its first workshop in Amsterdam and in the USA which
focused on referee education, allowing referees to work first hand with VAR
and understand how VAR and referees communicate during a live game.
In August 2016, IFAB set up a VAR training centre at the home of FIFA in
Switzerland and in September 2016, hosted a seminar inviting the best
referees in the world which included Dutchman Bjorn Kuipers and the FA's
very own Mark Clattenburg.
The FIFA and IFAB organised 20+ matches which included live competitive
matches in USA and Holland as well as two international friendlies in Italy.
The most important trail was during the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan when
for the very first time VAR was used during the entire tournament. This
allowed not only the referees to understand and get used to officiating with
the option to use VAR, but it also allowed the technical companies to look
at how the technology is used in a live game.
In 2018/19, the IFAB will make a decision on whether to introduce VAR into
other football. The FA have been keen to express their desire to test the
new technology in the 3rd round of the FA Cup in January 2018. This would be
a historic day in football history and the FA as the Premier League was the
first league to introduce this in December 2013.
I think its important to understand that VAR is not being introduced to make
a referees job obsolete but it will be there to accompany and reassure the
referee to help to come to the right decision. I've said on many occasions
that the standard of refereeing has fallen since Howard Webb retired back in
2014 and hopefully VAR will help improve the standard.
Written by @SamRoyden
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What's up with the new guys?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th March 2017
By: Adam Smith
A promising set-piece master and a staunch centre back, two players West Ham
desperately needed to plug holes in their team.
Robert Snodgrass and Jose Fonte were both prominent and leading players in
their clubs, situated lower that West Ham in the table, and were plucked to
help the Hammers straighten their course for the remainder of the season.
But why has their transition been challenged when joining West Ham in the
January transfer window?
It should be noted, this article has nothing to do with the future of Slaven
Bilic as manager, or of the transfer window success but is just a directed
look at performance of Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass after joining West
Ham United.
Starting with Jose Fonte, the rumours of the Southampton defender and
skipper joining West Ham divided the fan base. Many believed our third
centre back was and should remain fan-favourite and Welsh international
James Collins. A tough, physical defender who excels at defending set
pieces, Collins, affectionately referred to as 'Ginger Pele' had endeared
fans to him after his dedication and general attitude towards the club in
his two lengthy spells with the team.
The critics who wished to look internally towards Collins also saw Fonte as
a 33-year-old defender, the same as Collins. With football following suit
with most every other sport, the pinnacle age for players is lowering
drastically. This came as perhaps an unfair knock against Fonte, however it
still is valid point in understanding why a club who had a functional
central defender on the bench would bring in another at an increased age.
With a seemingly triumphant 3-1 victory over Middlesbrough, it emerged that
Angelo Ogbonna had been playing through a knee injury and would now require
season-ending surgery. The Fonte signing seemed to make sense now as he has
taken up the centre back position with Winston Reid at his side. The
transition for Fonte was anything but smooth in the squad as his play in
West Ham's back line has not been up to his own quality.
While Fonte's resume is impressive, it has not translated to quick success
at West Ham. Coming off a Euro Cup win with Portugal, Fonte appeared to be
the veteran centre back that Reid could rely on and that the like of Reece
Oxford could learn from. However, Fonte has been lacklustre and appears a
step behind when defending for West Ham.
Flashes of brilliance are certainly there, however Fonte has not been able
to string together much success in recent weeks, outside of intermittent
classy tackles.
Fonte's debut for West Ham was a home match against Manchester City in which
the Hammers produced an uninspired performance and lost 4-0. Fonte was far
from to blame for the match, however he did bring down Raheem Sterling,
resulting in a Yaya Toure penalty. In a season now in shambles, Fonte was
expected to be a calming influence in defence, a mission maybe determined to
fail from the outset.
Robert Snodgrass is similar to Fonte, but perhaps more disappointing.
Scoring seven goals in the Premier League for an abysmal Hull City side,
Snodgrass was involved in most attacking play prior to the move to West Ham.
The scoring touch has been elusive for Snodgrass at West Ham as he is yet to
find the net and has been passed by the likes of Andre Ayew on the goals
scored chart.
The gap Snodgrass was brought in to fill was very apparent. With Dimitri
Payet gone, Snodgrass was to be the new set -piece taker and the playmaking
midfielder to find Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll who would supply the
goals. This has not been the case.
Manuel Lanzini has appeared to step into the Payet hole and done so
magnificently in recent weeks, freezing Kasper Schmeichel in his place on a
near perfect free kick in West Ham's 3-2 loss to Leicester City. So where
does that leave Snodgrass?
As mentioned, Ayew appears to have leapt above him in the battle to play on
the right wing. This position would have been tailor-made for Snodgrass to
whip
crosses in, and cut inside making space for his world class shot that he had
shown off at Hull earlier this year. Lack of immediate success has seen him
lose this spot.
Drawing in on injury in the Leicester game saw him return to his natural
position, leaning on Sam Byram to make plays down the wing. Snodgrass surely
should be the choice over Sofiane Feghouli in the upcoming weeks, however he
may need to rely on injury to find a spot in the starting eleven.
So what is to blame for the recent performances of Fonte and Snodgrass? One
reason could be the early defensive lapses that seem to ruin most games for
the Hammers. Fonte has been under immense pressure from attacking opposition
due to horrible team and individual defence. Snodgrass has played into this,
as Fonte has, but this could be a result of poor training intensity, or
unwillingness to address the glaring problems that have torn West Ham apart
in recent matches denying the team the ability to start with pace.
On a related note, the revolving door at right back that has featured
Cheikhou Kouyate more than it has natural right back Sam Byram could also be
to blame for West Ham's current style of play. Kouyate is accustomed to
playing higher up the pitch but he seems to miss assignments on the
defensive end, forcing Fonte to cover both right and centre back.
Early goals have been a result of indecision in the West Ham defence,
including a ridiculously high amount of penalties conceded by the mishmash
of defenders. Falling behind early has forced the players to abandon the
game plan in the infancy of matches, and ramp up the attacking intensity at
the detriment of team defending in order to drag themselves back into games.
Without touching on the most recent social media witch-hunt surrounding West
Ham, tactics seems to be something that need addressing for West Ham's
attack, in particular for Snodgrass. The middle of the attacking midfield
where Snodgrass has success at Hull now belongs to Lanzini. But there has
been no effort to accommodate Snodgrass' play style regardless of Lanzini's
slotting in.
The management team had targeted Snodgrass as an effective, offensive force
but are not fully utilising his presence on the pitch. West Ham have not had
success this season yet there seems to be an unreasonable attachment to the
formation and attack that Bilic & Co. have employed all year.
What could remedy the woes of both Fonte and Snodgrass could be the current
World Cup Qualification break. Fonte gets to return to reigning Euro Cup
champions Portugal and train with and against Ronaldo. Fonte recently kept a
clean sheet against Hungary in a 3-0 win which saw him play the full match
at centre back. By all accounts he defended well and even managed a shot in
the match.
Snodgrass also represented Scotland this week. On a different level than
Portugal, the Scots must embrace grit and determination to fuel their team
to attainable success. These are traits that define Snodgrass, as I have
examined in a previous article. Snodgrass gets to be 'The Man' at Scotland
much like he was at Hull, and have the attack flow through him, rather than
have him act as a role player at West Ham.
Scotland beat Slovenia 1-0, scoring in the 88th minute after Snodgrass had
left the match, however the Scots statistically dominated the match.
Snodgrass accumulated two shots, eight crosses, and seven corners in 75
minutes of play.
The next step for the new guys has to be stepping up and pushing excuses
away to perform for their new club. Both Fonte and Snodgrass can benefit
from the three injuries that West Ham suffered against Leicester and they
need to embrace the opportunity. For their sake, the hope must be that the
management team can adapt the stagnant tactics to maximise their skills and
fulfill their potential.
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West Ham players fully behind Slaven Bilic, says Aaron Cresswell
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 28/03/17 7:39am
SSN
Aaron Cresswell insists Slaven Bilic has the full support of the West Ham
dressing room, amid speculation the Hammers manager could be replaced in the
summer. The Hammers travel to relegation-threatened Hull City on Saturday
off the back of three successive Premier League defeats and are without a
win since February 4. Co-chairman David Sullivan publicly apologised to the
club's supporters following the 3-2 home defeat to Leicester on March 18 and
insisted the next few games would be "vital" for their season.
A report in the Sunday Mirror has since claimed Bilic could be replaced at
the end of the campaign by Reading manager Jaap Stam, but Cresswell is
backing the Croatian. "If you ask any of the players, they would say the
same, we are fully behind him and fully supportive of him. Hopefully we can
turn it around and take that pressure off everyone," the left-back told Sky
Sports News HQ. "He is positive and passionate about his job. He is bubbly
around the place and wants to stay in a positive mood and, as players,
that's what we want. "There's no point being negative about the defeats that
we've had."
Cresswell added: "Certainly all the lads here, the coaching staff and the
manager, everyone is giving 110 per cent. "Course it is not going right at
the minute, we want to put that right on Saturday. We know we haven't been
good enough, especially of late, and certainly we look forward to the Hull
game. "We're going to train hard for the next few days and prepare well for
the game."
Meanwhile, Cresswell has revealed he would welcome England and Manchester
United captain Wayne Rooney to the London Stadium. Sky sources understand
West Ham would be interested in signing Rooney if the forward is allowed to
leave Old Trafford in the summer.
"He has arguably been one of the best strikers over the last 15 years and
the things he has done, certainly for England, is fantastic," he said. "If
he was to come here, that would be fantastic for us, but who knows?"
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Aaron Creswell wants West Ham to reach 40-point mark as soon as possible
By Richard Morgan
Last Updated: 27/03/17 7:41pm
SSN
West Ham United need to dispel any thoughts of Premier League relegation by
reaching the 40-point mark as soon as possible, according to left-back Aaron
Cresswell. The Hammers are currently 12th in the table having picked up only
33 points, in stark contrast to this time last season when they were riding
high in fifth with 16 more points to their name. Slaven Bilic's side went on
to finish the 2015/16 campaign in seventh, but while Cresswell feels the
club overachieved last season, he still wants them to get as close to that
figure as possible in their remaining nine games. "We want to get to that
40-point mark sooner rather than later," Cresswell told Sky Sports. "But
looking at last year, we finished seventh with 62 points and you could
arguably say we overachieved last season. "But we want to get close to that,
or as close as we can to get close to that, and with nine games to go, let's
see what happens. "It is not going to be one of them where we give up, we
are going to fight to the end and try and get as many points on the board as
we can and push further up that table."
With West Ham currently in the bottom half of the table, questions about
Bilic's future at the London Stadium have surfaced, with some reports on the
weekend even claiming Reading boss Jaap Stam was being lined up to replace
the Croat. However, West Ham's players are all behind their manager - whose
contract runs until the summer of 2018 - says Cresswell. "I can't speak
highly enough of the gaffer, he has been fantastic with me and you ask any
of the players and they will say exactly the same," he said. "We are fully
behind him and supportive of him and hopefully we can turn it around and
take that pressure off him. "He is positive and passionate about his job, he
is bubbly around the place, he wants to stay in a positive mood, and as
players that is what we want. "There is no point being negative about the
defeats we have had, of course we know it is not good enough, but we want to
get those wins on the board and push further up the table."
The Hammers still need another seven points to reach the holy grail of 40,
starting with Saturday afternoon's tricky-looking trip to take on struggling
Hull City at the KCOM Stadium. Having lost 3-2 to Leicester at home in their
last league fixture before the international break, Cresswell says he and
his team-mates are desperate to now put that right this weekend. "As a
player, you want to play the next day now obviously after getting beat," he
said. "But an international break comes and you obviously have to wait two
weeks and you can't rectify it. So it is a little bit disappointing, but we
have to go again now on Saturday. "But you want the whole squad back as soon
as you can to get together and rectify the defeat against Leicester as soon
as you can and look forward and prepare for the Hull game now. "As players,
as long as we give all we've got and 110 per cent week in, week out, and be
as professional as we can, that is all we can do. And certainly all the lads
here, the coaching staff, manager, everyone is giving 100 per cent. "Of
course it is not going right at the minute and we want to put that right on
Saturday, we know we have not been good enough, especially of late. And we
are certainly looking forward to the Hull game, we will train hard the next
few days and prepare well for the game. "There is no easy game in the
Premier League, especially away from home and against a club like Hull who
are fighting, they are going to give everything for their manager, they are
on a decent little run since the manager took over and we certainly know it
is not going to be easy. "But it is a place that we are going to prepare all
week for and hopefully have a good start and get the three points."
If Cresswell can maintain his impressive form since returning from a knee
injury in October, then the full-back could even add to the solitary England
cap he won against Spain last November. "I am only 27 years old, I had a
major setback at the start of the season," he said. "But I have come back
from that and am alright, then got the England call-up, which was a proud
moment for me. And I will never give up on that dream. "All you can do is
give your all for West Ham, you want to perform well first and foremost and
Gareth [Southgate] will be watching the games. "And that is where he will
see you, he will not see you in training, so you have to perform in the
games to warrant a place in the England squad."
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West Ham FC transfer report: Hammers linked with £8.6m swoop for Hoffenheim
midfielder Steven Zuber
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
West Ham are in talks with Bundesliga side Hoffenheim regarding a potential
deal for midfielder Steven Zuber, according to reports. The Hammers are said
to be ready to pay £8.6m for the 25-year-old Switzerland international.
Hoffenheim are keen to keep hold of their star asset and are expected to
hold out for a bigger fee. Zuber has caught the eye in Germany this season,
scoring three times, as his side battle to finish in the Champions League
places. A potential campaign in Europe's top club competition could throw
the move into some doubt, though, meaning the Hammers would need to look
elsewhere for summer acquisitions.
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West Ham star Reece Oxford will still have to settle for bench spot at
Reading
The youngster has endured a very tough loan spell at the Royals
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
15:00, 28 MAR 2017
Don't expect Reece Oxford to be starting games for Reading any time soon.
That's coming from our source close to the Royals, who has told
football.london it's unlikely that Oxford will be breaking into the play-off
chasers starting eleven any time soon. The teenager has endured a
frustrating loan spell at the Madjeski Stadium, having joined the
Championship outfit in January on loan from the Hammers for six months.
Oxford belatedly made his debut in a 3-0 defeat at Preston North End from
the substitutes bench and was brought on in the 94th minute against
Sheffield Wednesday, with the Royals 2-0 up. The 18-year-old has seen more
action for the England U19s in recent days than he has in the Championship.
He got 20 minutes off the bench in England's 3-0 win over Spain last
Wednesday and then got 90 minutes under his belt on Friday in another 3-0
win over Belarus.
It's well known that Slaven Bilic is less than impressed with the lack of
game time for Oxford at Reading, with Jaap Stam - recently linked with
Bilic's job - prefers former Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett and
Joey van den Berg as his first choice centre back pairing. Our source told
us: "Reece got some game time but it's highly unlikely he will be starting
games now that he finally made his debut. "Oxford was essentially brought in
as injury cover for the centre backs and now they are all fit again, expect
the West Ham kid to stay as a bench player."
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West Ham United could come to the rescue of Ghanaian Timothy Fosu-Mensah
Published on: 28 March 2017
ghanasoccerweb
West Ham United have one of the most talented and versatile players of his
age in the form of Reece Oxford, and Hammers supporters will be hoping the
18-year-old gets regular chances to impress next season.
But West Ham manager Slaven Bilic would be wise to also consider a loan move
for a 19-year-old who could be every bit as effective as Oxford in the years
to come.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah has barely featured for Manchester United since Jose
Mourinho took charge, and while his time will come at Old Trafford, it would
be no surprise to see him head out for a temporary spell elsewhere this
summer.
Even with Oxford back in their ranks, West Ham would benefit from signing
the versatile Dutch teenager, who can play at right-back, left-back,
centre-back or in the middle of the park.
It is at right-back where he could be needed the most, and a loan move
rather than a permanent signing would also allow Sam Byram another year to
stake a claim to become the undisputed number one at the London Stadium.
Fosu-Mensah may be young but he regularly played above his age level while
coming through the ranks and he is a superb talent, now ready to start week
in, week out in the Premier League.
West Ham could offer him that chance, and his versatility means he could
also act as back-up to the under-performing Aaron Cresswell and step into a
midfield that has been bogged down by the below-par performances of Mark
Noble this season.
It would be a win-win for all concerned and West Ham should get there before
someone else does.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, March 29
Tuesday, March 28
Daily WHUFC News - 28th March 2017
Mediawatch - 27 March
WHUFC.com
It might have been a weekend free of Premier League action, but it was still
a busy time for a number of our players with the international action coming
thick and fast.
Following positive results for Darren Randolph and Jose Fonte, the mantle
was passed on to Robert Snodgrass and Havard Nordtveit as they played FIFA
World Cup qualifiers on Sunday.
Scotland needed a win against Slovenia, and this BBC Sport match report
carries all the details from their crucial 1-0 victory - in which Snodgrass
started to win his 23rd cap.
It keeps Scotland in the hunt, but unfortunately the same cannot be said for
Nordtveit's Norway, who were defeated 2-0 in Northern Ireland to leave them
with just three points from five games. The Belfast Telegraph has this match
report.
Moving on to transfer speculation, and there is more reporting around Gylfi
Sigurdsson's possible move from Swansea in the summer.
The papers carried rumours of West Ham interest last last week, and now the
Express say Newcastle United are set to provide competition for his
signature, with the Magpies prepared to pay £15m for the Iceland
international.
Finally, 17-year-old defender Josh Tymon has been making quite the
impression at Hull City, and the Hull Daily Mail say West Ham are monitoring
his progress closely.
The England U17 international has made four Premier League appearances
already, despite his tender years.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Snoddy's Scotland grab crucial late winner
WHUFC.com
Robert Snodgrass featured for Scotland as they picked up a crucial three
points in FIFA World Cup qualification
A late Chris Martin goal two minutes from time saw them down Slovenia
Also in action was Havard Nordtveit, whose Norway side faced Northern
Ireland
Robert Snodgrass' Scotland side salvaged any FIFA World Cup qualification
hopes on Sunday night as they beat Slovenia thanks to a winner two minutes
from time. Fulham forward Chris Martin was the Hampden hero as he squeezed
an attempt past the keeper after a previous 88 minutes of stalemate in the
Group F clash. Hammers man Snodgrass, who became the Club's first Scottish
international since Christian Dailly with an appearance in a friendly draw
with Canada on Wednesday, played 75 minutes in the vital qualifier before
being replaced by Derby County winger Ikechi Anya. It was the 29-year-old's
23rd cap for his country for whom he first appeared in 2011 while a Leeds
United player. Scotland moved up to fourth in Group F thanks to the three
points, while England, who beat Lithuania at Wembley earlier in the day, sit
top with 13 points, six ahead of Snodgrass' men. Slovakia and Slovenia both
still stand in the way of Gordon Strachan's side for a qualification place
in the group. Elsewhere, it was a miserable day for Havard Nordtveit, whose
Norway team were beaten in Belfast by Northern Ireland. The Norwegians went
down 2-0 to their hosts who scored through Nottingham Forest's Jamie Ward
and QPR frontman Conor Washington. Nordtveit's side's chances of qualifiying
for Russia 2018 now look extremely slim with Germany, Czech Republic and
Azerbaijan, as well as Michael O'Neill's outfit, all placed better than
Norway in Group C. Midfielder Nordveit, who has played 17 times for the
Hammers since his summer switch from Borussia Monchengladbach, has now
represented his country on 29 occasions.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loanee round up
WHUFC.com
This week's international break saw only three West Ham United loanees in
action over the weekend
Toni Martinez was the sole Hammer to feature in League One
Meanwhile, Sam Howes and Sam Ford played in the National League South
With both the Premier League and the Championship campaigns on hold due to
the international break, there were only four West Ham United loanees in
action over the weekend.
And a couple of those who may have played in the third tier were away with
their national sides for youth level fixtures.
It was, therefore, no surprise to see Bradford City, without the superb Josh
Cullen, suffer their first defeat in eight games when they travelled to
Scunthorpe United on Saturday. The 20-year-old, who was busy helping the
Republic of Ireland U21s to a 1-0 UEFA U21 European Championship qualifying
round win against Kosovo, has been one of League One's standout players this
term and the Bantams clearly missed his calming influence in midfield.
Meanwhile, Martin Samuelsen, away with Norway U21s, missed out on
Peterborough United's 1-0 victory at Gillingham.
The only loanee to appear this week in the third tier was Toni Martinez, who
played 56 minutes for Oxford United in their goalless draw with Northampton.
The Spaniard fired over during a first half which the visiting Us edged, but
Michael Appleton's men could not find a winner and now have seven points and
four places to make up if they are set for a play-off finish.
Down a division in League Two, Jaanai Gordon's Newport County were dealt a
blow in their hopes for survival as they were beaten 2-1 by promotion
hopefuls Portsmouth. The forward was an unused substitute for the Exiles,
who never recovered after going two goals down, though Alex Samuel did pull
one back with 13 minutes left.
Goalkeeper Sam Howes was minutes away from keeping another clean sheet in
the National League South for Hampton and Richmond Borough, but the Beavers
conceded a late equaliser to draw 1-1 with Ebbsfleet United. The stopper had
previously made a string of good saves to keep the visitors at bay, but
Bradley Bubb popped up in the final minute to bag against the hosts who had
earlier been reduced to ten men.
Finally, Sam Ford, in action in the same division for Bishop's Stortford,
could not help his side claw their way back up towards the survival spots as
they lost out 2-0 to Maidenhead United. Bishop's are now nine points from
safety with only six games remaining.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies hold Hornets
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies hold FA WSL 2 side Watford Ladies to a goalless draw
Hammers hosted Hornets at sun-soaked Chadwell Heath on Sunday
Ladies will travel to White Hart Lane to tackle table-topping Tottenham
Hotspur on 19 April
West Ham United Ladies held FA WSL 2 side Watford Ladies to a creditable
goalless draw on Sunday.
The Hammers continued their recent improvement by holding the Hornets in a
friendly at sun-soaked Chadwell Heath.
With a gap in the FA Women's Premier League South calendar to fill, Greg De
Carny's squad produced a resolute performance and could easily have snatched
victory if they had converted one of the decent chances they created.
Captain Amy Cooper put in a fine display in central midfield and says the
result will give the Ladies confidence as they prepare to tackle leaders
Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Wednesday 19 April.
"We're all very, very excited," said Cooper, who joined the Hammers from
Spurs earlier this season. "We knew this game was coming up against
Tottenham right at the end of the season where we need to get a result and
playing at White Hart Lane is just going to make us want to win even more."
Cooper was part of the Tottenham squad which lost 1-0 at the Boleyn Ground a
year ago and, now she is in Claret and Blue rather that lilywhite, the
midfielder is hoping for a similar scoreline at the historic home of the
north London club.
"It will be a good game," she predicted. "I didn't actually play in the game
last time, so this time I am hoping that I will be playing. Last time, West
Ham beat Tottenham, so this time it will be good if we can go out there and
beat them again."
The Hammers face a stern task if they are to repeat last season's success,
both at White Hart Lane and while they finish the season by hosting
Tottenham at Thurrock FC's Ship Lane on 14 May.
Spurs Ladies sit unbeaten at the top of the South Division with 12 wins and
a draw from 13 games played, while West Ham have won just once in 17
matches, although their last three have ended in draws.
West Ham sit precariously in tenth place in the eleven-team division, three
points ahead of bottom side Queens Park Rangers Ladies, with one club being
relegated.
"I think we had a bit of a bad start, we had a lot of new girls including
myself we were a very new team so it took a while for us to gel with each
other," Cooper reflected.
"I think we're playing very good football, but we are just struggling to get
the results we want. The results are starting to come. We haven't been
beaten in our last five games, including friendlies, which is a massive
improvement."
"We've improved so much, we can definitely go out there and get some points.
Then we've got Lewes where we can definitely get a result out of that."
To buy tickets for West Ham United Ladies trip to White Hart Lane now,
please call 0344 844 0102 and select option 2. Fans purchasing over the
phone will receive paper tickets by post. Alternatively, click here to
purchase online.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lanzini eager to end winless run
WHUFC.com
Manuel Lanzini determined to help the Hammers end a run of five games
without a win
No10 and Hammers head to Hull City in the Premier League on Saturday
afternoon
Lanzini has three goals in West Ham United's last five top-flight matches
Manuel Lanzini is determined to help West Ham United put an end to their
struggles at Hull City on Saturday. The No10 has scored three times in the
Hammers' last five Premier League matches, but West Ham have gone winless in
those games to slip to 12th in the table. Now, Saturday's trip to Hull
represents not only an important game against a side sitting in the bottom
three, but also an opportunity to halt that winless run and the resulting
slide down the table. For Lanzini, who has hit form after the early part of
his season was disrupted by a knee injury suffered while on international
duty with Argentina's Olympic squad ahead of Rio 2016, being relied upon by
Slaven Bilic is a situation he will not shirk. "The start of the season was
particularly tough for me, with the Olympics I went to Argentina and picked
up an injury and missed out on pre-season," he recalled. "Halfway through
the season things started picking up for me within the team. I'm now fit and
confident and the coach has shown faith in me, as have my teammates. "I feel
like I'm an important player here and that's just what I needed in order to
be able to show what I am capable of on the pitch. "I'm not feeling the
pressure. I'm very comfortable with how things are going at the moment and
feel like a very important part of the team, which is just what I wanted."
West Ham's recent results may have been indifferent, but their performances
have arguably warranted a greater return than two points out of a possible
15. Against West Bromwich Albion, only a last-minute goal denied them a win,
while their performances against Chelsea and Leicester City at London
Stadium warranted a point apiece. If you look at the games before that, we
played well against West Brom and Watford, particularly in the second half
of those games, so I think we have been improving overall "It's true that we
didn't play well at Bournemouth in our last away game, when things didn't
really come off for us, despite the fact we knew they would press us very
high," he recalled. "If you look at the games before that, we played well
against West Brom and Watford, particularly in the second half of those
games, so I think we have been improving overall. "Conceding in the last
minute is always a blow and, as a team, we can always work harder to stop
that happening and to improve."
Another player who will strive to improve West Ham's fortunes is captain
Mark Noble, who will likely return from injury at the KCOM Stadium to make
his 399th appearance in Claret and Blue. Lanzini, for one, knows how
important the skipper is to the Hammers. "It's very good to play alongside
Nobes," said the Argentine playmaker. "It's always good to play alongside
experienced players and particularly those who are truly loved at their
clubs, as they are the ones who can help 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."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers linked with Swiss international duo
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 27th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are one of several clubs being linked with a summer move for Swiss
international Steven Zuber.
25-year-old Zuber currently plays his football in the Bundesliga for 1899
Hoffenheim, who are enjoying a successful campaign which has left them
firmly in the fight for Champions League qualification.
However today's Estadio Deportivo is linking West Ham with a move for the
right winger, who only signed a three-year contract expention as recently as
January, along with La Liga side Valencia and Serie A's Juventus.
* Johan Djourou, who also features in the Bundesliga with fellow Swiss
international Zuber, is being linked with a summer move to West Ham. The
30-year-old has fallen out of favour at current club Hamburg following a row
with head coach Markus Gisdol and is set to leave SV this summer at the end
of his contract.
The former Arsenal defender, who was contracted to the Gunners for a decade
between 2004 and 2014 has spent the last four years in Germany with Hamburg
(since 2013) and Hannover 96 (a brief spell in 2013).
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
AWAY DAYS: HULL CITY
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 27 MARCH 2017 AT 9:10PM
TheWesTHamWay.co.uk
Written by Craig Podevin @CraigPodevin
We've scored 4 goals in our last 2 games which wouldn't be too bad if we
hadn't conceded 6 in the same time. A vital fixture against a struggling
Hull City at their ground is next up for the Hammers without 3 players that
play an important role in our spine in Reid, Obiang and Antonio. Also, in
case you hadn't noticed, Snodgrass returns against the Tigers for the first
time since his switch to London.
General information:
Stadium: KCOM Stadium
Capacity: 25,404
Address: KCOM Stadium, West Park, Hull HU3 6HU
Away seating: 2,510 in the North East corner
Still a somewhat new move, Hull moved into their current stadium in 2002 and
share it with Hull Rugby League club. The only stand with multiple tiers is
the West Stand, which is also the only stand with executive boxes. The PA
system within the stadium is said to be very good. The stadium has been
sponsored since 2016 by Kingston Communications, abbreviated to KCOM. Away
fans find themselves sitting in the North East corner of the stadium with
unobstructed views of the field.
Travel:
Train
The KCOM stadium is approximately a 20 minute way away from the nearest
railway station, Hull Paragon. Turn left at the end of the platform, then
left into the bus station (you don't have to go outside the station). From
there, walk past Tesco on the right and cross over the traffic lights on
Park Street. There are blue signs to the stadium from Londisborough Street
which direct you to cross Argyle Street and onto a walkway which also goes
over the railway lines towards the stadium. For the away end, turn right at
the bottom of the steps.
Driving
Put HU3 6HU in your sat nav to get to the stadium. From the London Stadium,
the KCOM stadium is a 3 hour and 35 minute (APPROX.) drive via the M11. Take
note that there may also be a toll charge on the M11 on the way to Hull.
If you are coming from Southend-On-Sea, Witham or around those areas, it is
easier to go via the A1 as this takes 3 hours and 50 minutes. However, this
route may also have tolls.
Parking
There is a massive floodlit car park right next to the stadium with access
from Walton Street that is used by both home and away supporters. It's a
cheap £5 to park at the stadium and is one of the easiest stadiums in the
Premier League to park at and get to, except at the end of the game (due to
there only being two exits). There is also a park and ride off the A63 which
is shared with home supporters, however many fans choose to instead work in
one of the town centre car parks and walk to the stadium due to it being
close and cheap.
As with most Premier League stadiums, ensure you don't park in a residential
area as there are resident only parking zones. Make sure you park your car
legally before leaving it to avoid the risk of a fine.
Food and drink:
The food and drink within the concourse has a good selection inside the
stadium. There is a pub specifically for away supporters called Pitch Side
which is located at the KCOM stadium, despite it not being very big it does
show live sports and offers cold food (eg sandwiches). The entrance is
outside the stadium next to the away fans turnstiles. Please note that this
bar stops serving alcohol 45 minutes prior to kick off.
There is also a nearby social club (Walton Street Social Club) which allows
away supporters which costs £1 to get in. It has cheap beer, is a good sized
bar and sells hot foot like burgers and chips.
Another pub that is highly recommended is the Wetherspoons pub called
Admiral the Humber, which features in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.
Most pubs close to the stadium are mostly home supporters only, so please be
aware and careful when trying to find a pub to enjoy a drink before the
game.
The official Hull City programme costs £3.
As always, enjoy the game and let's hope West Ham can make us happy this
weekend for the first time in a while. Be safe and cheer on the boys as you
always do.
Come On You Irons! -@CraigPodevin
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LUNCHTIME ROUND UP: STAM TO REPLACE BILIC? HAMMERS READY ROONEY OFFER,
ASHTON SPEAKS ON CARROLL
BY DAN CHAPMAN ON 27 MARCH 2017 AT 1:05PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Hello Hammers, here is today's lunchtime round up.
Jaap Stam is being lined up to replace Slaven Bilic as West Ham manager.
(The Sun)
This story has already been reported as false, but I never believed it in
the first place. I just think it would be such a backwards step for the club
and it would make no sense in my opinion.
Jermain Defoe wants to join West Ham this summer, despite Bournemouth
preparing a bid for him. (HITC)
Also, West Ham fans are now urging the club to sign Defoe after he scored
for England yesterday. (Football Fancast)
I have been saying for a long time that we should sign Defoe, and it is good
to see that people are finally starting to agree with me. He may be 34, but
he still scores goals. He will also be a free transfer, and you cannot go
wrong with getting someone like Defoe on a free.
West Ham are ready to offer Wayne Rooney £150,000 a week to join the club in
the summer. (HITC)
I would definitely take Rooney in the summer, but I just can not see it
happening. We may be ready to pay him them wages, but that is only half of
what he is on at Man United. I think this rumour is one to forget about.
Michail Antonio says his mum made an important career decision for him when
he was younger. (Tribal Football)
Here is an opinion of West Ham's five point summer plan including transfers
in and out of the club. (HITC)
This is an interesting article, because it has many good and bad points. I
absolutely agree that we have to spend big in the summer and back Slaven in
the transfer market. However, I do not agree that we should be selling the
likes of Fletcher and Masuaku. These two players have looked very good for
us in my opinion and I think they have big futures.
Dean Ashton says Andy Carroll can make all the difference for Gareth
Southgate and England. (Mirror)
I absolutely agree with this statement. Andy Carroll is a completely
different option to have in the squad. When you look at the current
strikers, they all have the same style of play. When you are chasing a game
you have to change it up, and Andy Carroll would do just that. If he comes
on, you put crosses into the box and nine times out of ten he will win a
header and change the game.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stam rumours slammed
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 27th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
Rumours that West Ham are interested in signing Jaap Stam have been
dismissed by a club insider. In the last 24 hours it has been claimed (via
various soures) that the Hammers are interested in luring former Dutch
international Stam to the Olympic Stadium as a replacement for Bilic, who
has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks following a string of
poor results. However KUMB understands that the rumours of interest in the
44-year-old rookie are wide of the mark, with Stam having only been in
charge of current club Reading - his first major managerial appointment -
since June 2016. The link to Stam may have arisen as a result of comments
made recently by the former Manchester United centre half, after he
questioned the club's prospects. Speaking after a planned takeover of
Reading by a group of Far East investors had collapsed, he quipped: "I don't
know what's going to happen in the future which I think is very important
for myself and for the club. "If you want to do something, you need to have
a plan for what you eventually want to achieve. You need to know what you're
going to do with the team, the staff and the structure of the club."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold offers to stand down
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 26th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham co-owner David Gold has offered to walk away from the club - if
enough supporters want to see the back of him. Gold, who purchased a
part-share in West Ham back in 2010 when taking control along with business
partner David Sullivan made his offer via twitter after receiving a string
of messages criticising the manner in which he is running the club. "If 86
per cent of fans voted for me to go, I would go," wrote Gold via twitter at
the weekend. "I don't want to be where I'm not wanted."
This naturally prompted a string of replies from fans either side of the
divide, with some seeking to support Gold whilst others urged him to follow
through with his offer. Possibly buoyed by the messages of support via
social media, later in the day Gold launched into a personal offensive
against Talksport presenter Jason Cundy. The former Chelsea and Spurs
defender had accused Gold and Sullivan of "doing everything on the cheap
with transfers and loans" and urged manager Slaven Bilic to "seriously
trhink about walking before he is pushed." "Cundy doesn't know what he's
talking about," said Gold. "Taking player on loan with a view to buy is a
good way to do business. Lanzini worked Zaza didn't."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
International round-up
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 27th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
Robert Snodgrass and Scotland are still in with a shout of qualifying for
the 2016 World Cup Finals after narrowly beating Slovenia on Sunday night. A
late winner by Fulham's Chris Martin saw the Scots record a 1-0 win over the
Eastern Europeans on a largely incident-free night at Hampden, a game in
which West Ham's recent signing featured for the first 75 minutes before
being substituted.
Also representing his country in the British Isles at the weekend was Havard
Nordtveit, whose side went down 2-0 in Belfast to Michael O'Neill's Northern
Ireland in a World Cup qualifying Group C clash.
Slightly further afield at the weekend was West Ham's Portuguese
international Jose Fonte, who featured for the entire 90 minutes as his side
eased past Hungary 3-0 thanks to a brace from Real Madrid's Christiano
Ronaldo in their Group B encounter. Elsewhere Josh Cullen captained
Ireland's Under 21s to a narrow 1-0 win over Kosovo, Declan Rice was
involved in the U19s 2-0 win against Italy whilst current Hammers #1 Darren
Randolph was involved in a feisty affair as Ireland and Wales played out a
goalless draw.
Meanwhile Reece Oxford helped England's Under 19s to a 3-0 win over Spain,
Martin Samuelsen's Norwegian Under 21s went down 3-1 to Portugal and
Edimilson Fernandes was an unused substitute as Switzerland beat Latvia 1-0
in Geneva.
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Thanks, Mum, says Michail
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 26th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
Michail Antonio has explained why he rejected the opportunity to join
Tottenham as a teenager. The £20million-rated winger, speaking to Football
Today revealed how his MUM was the main reason he failed to join the North
London club - despite being offered a trial along with a friend. "I was
going to go to Uni," said Antonio. "I was thinking of becoming a PE teacher,
so I had other plans, but there was only one thing in my heart and that was
football. "I was 14, the manager of my school also coached at Tottenham and
he got a scout to come down. Me and my friend Tyrone both got scouted and he
scored an unbelievable overhead kick from outside the box! "But my Mum said
'no' because I lived in south London and would have had to travel to north
London every day. I also had to do college, so I'd have got home at eleven
o'clock at night and then had to get up to go to school. "Mum said
'football isn't a guarantee, but education is and education comes first'. I
think it's one of the best things Mum ever did for me, to be honest, because
I've now got my education and I've also got my football."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hull vs West Ham: Prediction, team news, line-ups, start time, live, TV,
head to head, odds - Premier League preview
Evening Standard
TOM DOYLE 22 mins ago0 comments
Slaven Bilic needs a result this weekend as West Ham travel to Premier
League strugglers Hull on Saturday. West Ham are relatively safe as they sit
12th in the table and nine points above the relegation zone, but the club's
owners have called on Bilic to improve both performances and results. The
Hammers lost 3-2 at home to champions Leicester before the international
break to heap more pressure on their under-fire manager, and only a top-half
finish is likely to see Bilic avoid a potential summer exit. Hull lost to
Everton 4-0 last time out - a scoreline massaged by their late collapse
after Tom Huddlestone's red card - but Marco Silva's Tigers will be in an
unforgiving mood at the KCOM Stadium as they seek the points needed to keep
themselves in the top flight.
START TIME
Hull host West Ham with kick-off scheduled for 3pm on Saturday, April 1.
TV AND LIVE ONLINE COVERAGE
The match will not be televised in the UK. Standard Sport will bring you all
the goals as they happen via Twitter, with a full report and reaction
following the result.
TEAM NEWS
West Ham are confident Mark Noble will return to full fitness in order to
make his 399th appearance for the club. Winston Reid remains out with a
groin problem, while Michail Antonio is likely to be out after withdrawing
from the England squad with a hamstring injury.
Pedro Obiang is set to miss the rest of the season following a significant
ankle injury against Leicester, while Pedro Obiang is unlikely to return
this term after the back injury he suffered in November.
Hull have confirmed that Michael Dawson will return to full training later
this week as the centre-back recovers from a calf injury.
Goalkeeper David Marshall should also be fit despite withdrawing from the
Scotland squad due to a hip complaint, although Tom Huddlestone is suspended
due to his red card against Everton.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Hull starting XI: Jakupovic, Elabdellaoui, Ranocchia, Dawson, Davies,
Robertson, Markovic, Meyler, N'Diaye, Clucas, Hernandez
West Ham starting XI: Randolph, Byram, Fonte, Collins, Cresswell, Kouyate,
Noble, Ayew, Lanzini, Snodgrass, Carroll
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FENERBAHCE RIVAL WEST HAM FOR MARIO MANDZUKIC
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
readWestHam
West Ham's never-ending search for a striker has come full circle as they
appear to be ready to revisit a move for Mario Mandzukic in the summer.
After being told he wasn't for sale last summer and settling for his
incompetent team-mate Simone Zaza, the Hammers have renewed belief that they
can land the 30-year-old this time around. Mandzukic has been a regular for
Juventus this season, starting 21 Serie A games but has found the net just
five times and has been out-performed by his team-mates. The Croatian worked
with Slaven Bilic during their time together when Bilic was the Croatian
national team manager and he remains a big fan of the forward today.
According to the Turkish outlet Fotomac, Fenerbahce have met with
Mandzukic's agent Ivan Cvjetkovic in Zagreb, offering competition to West
Ham for his signature. The former Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid striker
has been tight-lipped over his plans for next season but it would take a
very lucrative offer to tempt him to east London.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Why panic led West Ham into rushed financial outlay that could prove costly
HITC
Antony Martin
West Ham United spent heavily in January, and have seen little return on
their money thus far. The Hammers spent close to £20 million during the
January transfer window on Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass, after allowing
Dimitri Payet to leave the club. Many saw the signings as a statement of
intent from West Ham, but neither player has hit the ground running, as
their club continue to struggle.
On the face of it, both Fonte and Snodgrass, being accomplished
internationals, were fantastic signings for the East London outfit.
But, with a combined age of 62, did the Hammers massively overpay for a pair
of players who are arguably past their prime? Despite the current inflated
state of the transfer market, there was surely better value to be had, and
signing the Portuguese and the Scot highlighted the panic that had obviously
set in at the club. Michael Keane, 24, and Robbie Brady, 25, were both
available, and would have been far more sensible investments. It is, of
course, early days still in the West Ham careers of both Snodgrass and
Fonte, but the early signs have not been good. Since the former Southampton
centre-back's arrival, Slaven Bilic's men have conceded 16 goals in seven
outings - a record that is quite simply not good enough. And the 29-year-old
Scotland winger, who was brought into the club to replace Payet, has so far
failed to register either a goal or an assist in seven games. It is almost
as if the Croatian signed the pair to appease disgruntled West Ham fans,
rather than identify targets with the specific attributes required to help
take the club forward.
The most frustrating thing for Hammers fans is that even without the January
additions, there is no way their team would be in a worse position than they
are currently in. And this summer will be a hugely important one for Bilic,
if he is still in charge, and the signings that he makes could have a huge
bearing on his future, not only at West Ham, but in football management in
general.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Not his best: BBC pundit reacts as West Ham's Robert Snodgrass carries
recent form into international football
HITC
Olly Dawes
Robert Snodgrass couldn't hit top form as Scotland beat Slovenia 1-0 on
Sunday. Pundit Billy Dodds has told BBC Sport that he felt winger Robert
Snodgrass 'didn't create enough' during Scotland's 1-0 home win over
Slovenia on Sunday. After a dismal 1-1 draw with Canada at Easter Road last
week, Scotland were back at Hampden Park on Sunday to take on Slovenia in a
2018 World Cup qualifier, with manager Gordon Strachan needing a win amid
talk of him being sacked. Whilst England are running away with Group F,
Scotland were still in with a shout of second place and a possible spot at
the World Cup – but needed a win over Slovenia to keep those hopes alive.
Scotland couldn't find the breakthrough and looked to be heading towards a
0-0 draw before a superb run and pass from Stuart Armstrong picked out Chris
Martin, and he drove a shot in off the post to give Scotland a 1-0 lead in
the 88th minute. Scotland's win gives them hope of finishing in second
place, but it's not all great news for Strachan, as some players failed to
impress, with West Ham winger Robert Snodgrass being one such player.
Snodgrass, 29, enjoyed a superb first half of the season with Hull City,
notching nine goals and three assists in all competitions, before completing
a January move to West Ham United.
Since making that switch, Snodgrass has failed to register a goal or an
assist for his new club, and is currently enduring the worst form of his
season so far, with that lack of quality carrying over into his
international display. After the game, pundit Billy Dodds told BBC Sport
that he felt Snodgrass didn't have his best performance for Scotland and
simply didn't create enough against Slovenia, handing West Ham more concern
over their January signing's form. "Not his best performance in a Scotland
jersey," said Dodds. "Great cross in for Griffiths in the first half but
didn't create enough," he added.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's five-point summer plan including potential transfers in and out
HITC
Antony Martin
West Ham United have been well below par this season. The Hammers have
endured a woeful 2016/17 Premier League campaign, and have failed to live up
to their fans' expectations. They currently sit in 12th potion in the table,
and are by no means safe from the threat of relegation just yet. A couple of
wins should do the job, however, and then Slaven Bilic can begin to build
for next season...if he is still in a job of course. There are many things
that need to be addressed within the club, but to start off, here is a
five-point summer plan for West Ham that, if they follow, could prove to be
highly beneficial:
1. Sign a proven striker:
Now, this may very well be easier said than done, but it is a complete
necessity for the Hammers. They quite clearly cannot rely upon Andy Carroll
to remain fit for an entire season, and Bilic needs a different option
amongst his ranks. There are many names the club could try for. They could
go back in for the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Carlos Bacca or go down
a different route with a move for someone in the mould of Charlie Austin,
Daniel Sturridge or Wilfried Bony.
2. Give youth a chance:
Despite the Premier League demanding success instantly, Bilic must be brave
and finally give his talented youngsters a chance next season. Reece Oxford,
Toni Martinez, Reece Burke, Martin Samuelson and Marcus Browne should all be
given an opportunity to shine.
Remember what happened at Manchester United in the early to mid 90's?
3. Get rid of the deadwood:
West Ham made so many appealing signings in the summer of 2016, and must
avoid making the same mistake this time around. And a good start would be by
getting rid of the following names;
Arthur Masuaku
Jonathan Calleri (loan)
Gokhan Tore (loan)
Havard Nordtveit
Alvaro Arbeloa
Ashley Fletcher
Sofiane Feghouli
4. Sign a Mark Noble replacement:
The 29-year-old midfielder has been well below his best this season. He
seems to have lost a yard of pace, and his passing hasn't been as crisp and
accurate as usual. Because Noble is a homegrown fan favourite, he seems to
have been immune from criticism over recent years, but this season has been
different. And Bilic must look at replacing his skipper, or at least
providing much needed competition for him.
5. Back Bilic to the hilt:
The Croatian has never given anything less than 100 per cent during his time
at West Ham, and now is the time for the owners to finally back him in the
correct manner. Whilst his tactics have been questioned on occasion, he
deserves great credit for the way in which he has dealt with various
difficult situations. And he must be backed financially and given the tools
with which to succeed this term.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
PASSION AND PRIDE - STILL PLENTY TO PLAY FOR
By HamburgHammer 27 Mar 2017 at 08:00
WTID
This will be a rather short column, for a variety of reasons. a) West Ham
didn't play, so there's no game to discuss. And b) There haven't been too
many rumours/news of substance to debate either. I also could add c) that I
can't be bothered to bash the owners again as that is by now even boring me.
Of course there have been some murmurs in certain papers about potential
replacements for Slaven Bilic being lined up, should our team fail to pick
up both in terms of form and results during the remainder of the season.
Some have mentioned Mancini who by all accounts is a very good manager, with
bags of experience and surely he is a household name in European football,
then again I am not sure he would be willing or capable to work for a club
under, let's say, certain financial constraints in terms of transfer funds.
Another name being bandied about has been Jaap Stam, but that's lazy
journalism in my view. Stam is just starting his managerial career at
Reading and you'd have to be very brave if you wanted to throw him into the
hot seat at our club in the summer with no previous experience at a club
playing top flight football in a reasonably respectable league in Europe.
I want to see our team show some guts, blood, sweat, tears and spit if need
be for the rest of our season. Not just for Bilic's sake, although of course
I hope that Bilic will remain at the helm for many more years. But then
again you already knew that. I hope that our team can light a spark and
instill some much needed pride and passion into the support from our fans,
not necessarily away from home, that has never been an issue, but for the
home games.
With the long-term injuries suffered by Obiang and Reid (and doubts over
Antonio) we may now have to rely on some of the bench players to step up and
be counted, old battlehorses like Collins, maybe even guys like Nordtveit.
There have been murmurs of a big clearout of players in the summer, so for
some of these players this is the time for them to show the club and the
manager that they deserve to still be West Ham players next season. For our
players there should indeed be no such thing as meaningless games,
especially as we aren't even mathematically safe yet.
As for Concordia, a lot of things have happened at my little local club in
the past week, the manager has been given the tin tack for announcing in the
press he wouldn't sign a new deal, rather than speaking to the club about it
first. With the trust between manager and club gone, there was only one
choice. Apparently this decision also led to the assistant manager, the
goalkeeping coach and the physio to pack it in. A new manager has been hired
already, but even the new manager trick didn't quite work, delivering only a
2:2 home draw against our Turkish friends from FC Turkiye (very much the
Millwall in our league, they even play south of the river). It's an eight
point gap now between Concordia and the table toppers and I fully expect
them to announce in the coming days they won't be applying for promotion to
the Regionalliga anyway, even if they could still qualify results-wise in
theory – the deadline is at the end of this week.
Promotion would have been nice, but what's the point really if you don't
have the money, the stadium and the backing of the fans to make the next
step?
You don't want to put your club at financial risk just so you can draw maybe
another 100 fans on average for home games.
So, it's off to Hull next (will the post make another MOTM worthy appearance
or is he suspended ?), a game that unfortunately I will not be able to
watch, not live anyway, as my best friend is getting married and I somehow
couldn't convince him to switch the date because of a West Ham game. Then
again, we are all way past 40, so it will not be a massive do anyway, the
banter will be more important than the booze, so maybe I will watch
highlights or a rerun online later that night or the next day.
Wishing you all a pleasant week and counting down the days until my next
trip over which will be the Spurs game, with flights and accommodation
already sorted. COYI!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
It might have been a weekend free of Premier League action, but it was still
a busy time for a number of our players with the international action coming
thick and fast.
Following positive results for Darren Randolph and Jose Fonte, the mantle
was passed on to Robert Snodgrass and Havard Nordtveit as they played FIFA
World Cup qualifiers on Sunday.
Scotland needed a win against Slovenia, and this BBC Sport match report
carries all the details from their crucial 1-0 victory - in which Snodgrass
started to win his 23rd cap.
It keeps Scotland in the hunt, but unfortunately the same cannot be said for
Nordtveit's Norway, who were defeated 2-0 in Northern Ireland to leave them
with just three points from five games. The Belfast Telegraph has this match
report.
Moving on to transfer speculation, and there is more reporting around Gylfi
Sigurdsson's possible move from Swansea in the summer.
The papers carried rumours of West Ham interest last last week, and now the
Express say Newcastle United are set to provide competition for his
signature, with the Magpies prepared to pay £15m for the Iceland
international.
Finally, 17-year-old defender Josh Tymon has been making quite the
impression at Hull City, and the Hull Daily Mail say West Ham are monitoring
his progress closely.
The England U17 international has made four Premier League appearances
already, despite his tender years.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Snoddy's Scotland grab crucial late winner
WHUFC.com
Robert Snodgrass featured for Scotland as they picked up a crucial three
points in FIFA World Cup qualification
A late Chris Martin goal two minutes from time saw them down Slovenia
Also in action was Havard Nordtveit, whose Norway side faced Northern
Ireland
Robert Snodgrass' Scotland side salvaged any FIFA World Cup qualification
hopes on Sunday night as they beat Slovenia thanks to a winner two minutes
from time. Fulham forward Chris Martin was the Hampden hero as he squeezed
an attempt past the keeper after a previous 88 minutes of stalemate in the
Group F clash. Hammers man Snodgrass, who became the Club's first Scottish
international since Christian Dailly with an appearance in a friendly draw
with Canada on Wednesday, played 75 minutes in the vital qualifier before
being replaced by Derby County winger Ikechi Anya. It was the 29-year-old's
23rd cap for his country for whom he first appeared in 2011 while a Leeds
United player. Scotland moved up to fourth in Group F thanks to the three
points, while England, who beat Lithuania at Wembley earlier in the day, sit
top with 13 points, six ahead of Snodgrass' men. Slovakia and Slovenia both
still stand in the way of Gordon Strachan's side for a qualification place
in the group. Elsewhere, it was a miserable day for Havard Nordtveit, whose
Norway team were beaten in Belfast by Northern Ireland. The Norwegians went
down 2-0 to their hosts who scored through Nottingham Forest's Jamie Ward
and QPR frontman Conor Washington. Nordtveit's side's chances of qualifiying
for Russia 2018 now look extremely slim with Germany, Czech Republic and
Azerbaijan, as well as Michael O'Neill's outfit, all placed better than
Norway in Group C. Midfielder Nordveit, who has played 17 times for the
Hammers since his summer switch from Borussia Monchengladbach, has now
represented his country on 29 occasions.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loanee round up
WHUFC.com
This week's international break saw only three West Ham United loanees in
action over the weekend
Toni Martinez was the sole Hammer to feature in League One
Meanwhile, Sam Howes and Sam Ford played in the National League South
With both the Premier League and the Championship campaigns on hold due to
the international break, there were only four West Ham United loanees in
action over the weekend.
And a couple of those who may have played in the third tier were away with
their national sides for youth level fixtures.
It was, therefore, no surprise to see Bradford City, without the superb Josh
Cullen, suffer their first defeat in eight games when they travelled to
Scunthorpe United on Saturday. The 20-year-old, who was busy helping the
Republic of Ireland U21s to a 1-0 UEFA U21 European Championship qualifying
round win against Kosovo, has been one of League One's standout players this
term and the Bantams clearly missed his calming influence in midfield.
Meanwhile, Martin Samuelsen, away with Norway U21s, missed out on
Peterborough United's 1-0 victory at Gillingham.
The only loanee to appear this week in the third tier was Toni Martinez, who
played 56 minutes for Oxford United in their goalless draw with Northampton.
The Spaniard fired over during a first half which the visiting Us edged, but
Michael Appleton's men could not find a winner and now have seven points and
four places to make up if they are set for a play-off finish.
Down a division in League Two, Jaanai Gordon's Newport County were dealt a
blow in their hopes for survival as they were beaten 2-1 by promotion
hopefuls Portsmouth. The forward was an unused substitute for the Exiles,
who never recovered after going two goals down, though Alex Samuel did pull
one back with 13 minutes left.
Goalkeeper Sam Howes was minutes away from keeping another clean sheet in
the National League South for Hampton and Richmond Borough, but the Beavers
conceded a late equaliser to draw 1-1 with Ebbsfleet United. The stopper had
previously made a string of good saves to keep the visitors at bay, but
Bradley Bubb popped up in the final minute to bag against the hosts who had
earlier been reduced to ten men.
Finally, Sam Ford, in action in the same division for Bishop's Stortford,
could not help his side claw their way back up towards the survival spots as
they lost out 2-0 to Maidenhead United. Bishop's are now nine points from
safety with only six games remaining.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies hold Hornets
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies hold FA WSL 2 side Watford Ladies to a goalless draw
Hammers hosted Hornets at sun-soaked Chadwell Heath on Sunday
Ladies will travel to White Hart Lane to tackle table-topping Tottenham
Hotspur on 19 April
West Ham United Ladies held FA WSL 2 side Watford Ladies to a creditable
goalless draw on Sunday.
The Hammers continued their recent improvement by holding the Hornets in a
friendly at sun-soaked Chadwell Heath.
With a gap in the FA Women's Premier League South calendar to fill, Greg De
Carny's squad produced a resolute performance and could easily have snatched
victory if they had converted one of the decent chances they created.
Captain Amy Cooper put in a fine display in central midfield and says the
result will give the Ladies confidence as they prepare to tackle leaders
Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Wednesday 19 April.
"We're all very, very excited," said Cooper, who joined the Hammers from
Spurs earlier this season. "We knew this game was coming up against
Tottenham right at the end of the season where we need to get a result and
playing at White Hart Lane is just going to make us want to win even more."
Cooper was part of the Tottenham squad which lost 1-0 at the Boleyn Ground a
year ago and, now she is in Claret and Blue rather that lilywhite, the
midfielder is hoping for a similar scoreline at the historic home of the
north London club.
"It will be a good game," she predicted. "I didn't actually play in the game
last time, so this time I am hoping that I will be playing. Last time, West
Ham beat Tottenham, so this time it will be good if we can go out there and
beat them again."
The Hammers face a stern task if they are to repeat last season's success,
both at White Hart Lane and while they finish the season by hosting
Tottenham at Thurrock FC's Ship Lane on 14 May.
Spurs Ladies sit unbeaten at the top of the South Division with 12 wins and
a draw from 13 games played, while West Ham have won just once in 17
matches, although their last three have ended in draws.
West Ham sit precariously in tenth place in the eleven-team division, three
points ahead of bottom side Queens Park Rangers Ladies, with one club being
relegated.
"I think we had a bit of a bad start, we had a lot of new girls including
myself we were a very new team so it took a while for us to gel with each
other," Cooper reflected.
"I think we're playing very good football, but we are just struggling to get
the results we want. The results are starting to come. We haven't been
beaten in our last five games, including friendlies, which is a massive
improvement."
"We've improved so much, we can definitely go out there and get some points.
Then we've got Lewes where we can definitely get a result out of that."
To buy tickets for West Ham United Ladies trip to White Hart Lane now,
please call 0344 844 0102 and select option 2. Fans purchasing over the
phone will receive paper tickets by post. Alternatively, click here to
purchase online.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lanzini eager to end winless run
WHUFC.com
Manuel Lanzini determined to help the Hammers end a run of five games
without a win
No10 and Hammers head to Hull City in the Premier League on Saturday
afternoon
Lanzini has three goals in West Ham United's last five top-flight matches
Manuel Lanzini is determined to help West Ham United put an end to their
struggles at Hull City on Saturday. The No10 has scored three times in the
Hammers' last five Premier League matches, but West Ham have gone winless in
those games to slip to 12th in the table. Now, Saturday's trip to Hull
represents not only an important game against a side sitting in the bottom
three, but also an opportunity to halt that winless run and the resulting
slide down the table. For Lanzini, who has hit form after the early part of
his season was disrupted by a knee injury suffered while on international
duty with Argentina's Olympic squad ahead of Rio 2016, being relied upon by
Slaven Bilic is a situation he will not shirk. "The start of the season was
particularly tough for me, with the Olympics I went to Argentina and picked
up an injury and missed out on pre-season," he recalled. "Halfway through
the season things started picking up for me within the team. I'm now fit and
confident and the coach has shown faith in me, as have my teammates. "I feel
like I'm an important player here and that's just what I needed in order to
be able to show what I am capable of on the pitch. "I'm not feeling the
pressure. I'm very comfortable with how things are going at the moment and
feel like a very important part of the team, which is just what I wanted."
West Ham's recent results may have been indifferent, but their performances
have arguably warranted a greater return than two points out of a possible
15. Against West Bromwich Albion, only a last-minute goal denied them a win,
while their performances against Chelsea and Leicester City at London
Stadium warranted a point apiece. If you look at the games before that, we
played well against West Brom and Watford, particularly in the second half
of those games, so I think we have been improving overall "It's true that we
didn't play well at Bournemouth in our last away game, when things didn't
really come off for us, despite the fact we knew they would press us very
high," he recalled. "If you look at the games before that, we played well
against West Brom and Watford, particularly in the second half of those
games, so I think we have been improving overall. "Conceding in the last
minute is always a blow and, as a team, we can always work harder to stop
that happening and to improve."
Another player who will strive to improve West Ham's fortunes is captain
Mark Noble, who will likely return from injury at the KCOM Stadium to make
his 399th appearance in Claret and Blue. Lanzini, for one, knows how
important the skipper is to the Hammers. "It's very good to play alongside
Nobes," said the Argentine playmaker. "It's always good to play alongside
experienced players and particularly those who are truly loved at their
clubs, as they are the ones who can help 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."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers linked with Swiss international duo
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 27th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are one of several clubs being linked with a summer move for Swiss
international Steven Zuber.
25-year-old Zuber currently plays his football in the Bundesliga for 1899
Hoffenheim, who are enjoying a successful campaign which has left them
firmly in the fight for Champions League qualification.
However today's Estadio Deportivo is linking West Ham with a move for the
right winger, who only signed a three-year contract expention as recently as
January, along with La Liga side Valencia and Serie A's Juventus.
* Johan Djourou, who also features in the Bundesliga with fellow Swiss
international Zuber, is being linked with a summer move to West Ham. The
30-year-old has fallen out of favour at current club Hamburg following a row
with head coach Markus Gisdol and is set to leave SV this summer at the end
of his contract.
The former Arsenal defender, who was contracted to the Gunners for a decade
between 2004 and 2014 has spent the last four years in Germany with Hamburg
(since 2013) and Hannover 96 (a brief spell in 2013).
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
AWAY DAYS: HULL CITY
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 27 MARCH 2017 AT 9:10PM
TheWesTHamWay.co.uk
Written by Craig Podevin @CraigPodevin
We've scored 4 goals in our last 2 games which wouldn't be too bad if we
hadn't conceded 6 in the same time. A vital fixture against a struggling
Hull City at their ground is next up for the Hammers without 3 players that
play an important role in our spine in Reid, Obiang and Antonio. Also, in
case you hadn't noticed, Snodgrass returns against the Tigers for the first
time since his switch to London.
General information:
Stadium: KCOM Stadium
Capacity: 25,404
Address: KCOM Stadium, West Park, Hull HU3 6HU
Away seating: 2,510 in the North East corner
Still a somewhat new move, Hull moved into their current stadium in 2002 and
share it with Hull Rugby League club. The only stand with multiple tiers is
the West Stand, which is also the only stand with executive boxes. The PA
system within the stadium is said to be very good. The stadium has been
sponsored since 2016 by Kingston Communications, abbreviated to KCOM. Away
fans find themselves sitting in the North East corner of the stadium with
unobstructed views of the field.
Travel:
Train
The KCOM stadium is approximately a 20 minute way away from the nearest
railway station, Hull Paragon. Turn left at the end of the platform, then
left into the bus station (you don't have to go outside the station). From
there, walk past Tesco on the right and cross over the traffic lights on
Park Street. There are blue signs to the stadium from Londisborough Street
which direct you to cross Argyle Street and onto a walkway which also goes
over the railway lines towards the stadium. For the away end, turn right at
the bottom of the steps.
Driving
Put HU3 6HU in your sat nav to get to the stadium. From the London Stadium,
the KCOM stadium is a 3 hour and 35 minute (APPROX.) drive via the M11. Take
note that there may also be a toll charge on the M11 on the way to Hull.
If you are coming from Southend-On-Sea, Witham or around those areas, it is
easier to go via the A1 as this takes 3 hours and 50 minutes. However, this
route may also have tolls.
Parking
There is a massive floodlit car park right next to the stadium with access
from Walton Street that is used by both home and away supporters. It's a
cheap £5 to park at the stadium and is one of the easiest stadiums in the
Premier League to park at and get to, except at the end of the game (due to
there only being two exits). There is also a park and ride off the A63 which
is shared with home supporters, however many fans choose to instead work in
one of the town centre car parks and walk to the stadium due to it being
close and cheap.
As with most Premier League stadiums, ensure you don't park in a residential
area as there are resident only parking zones. Make sure you park your car
legally before leaving it to avoid the risk of a fine.
Food and drink:
The food and drink within the concourse has a good selection inside the
stadium. There is a pub specifically for away supporters called Pitch Side
which is located at the KCOM stadium, despite it not being very big it does
show live sports and offers cold food (eg sandwiches). The entrance is
outside the stadium next to the away fans turnstiles. Please note that this
bar stops serving alcohol 45 minutes prior to kick off.
There is also a nearby social club (Walton Street Social Club) which allows
away supporters which costs £1 to get in. It has cheap beer, is a good sized
bar and sells hot foot like burgers and chips.
Another pub that is highly recommended is the Wetherspoons pub called
Admiral the Humber, which features in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.
Most pubs close to the stadium are mostly home supporters only, so please be
aware and careful when trying to find a pub to enjoy a drink before the
game.
The official Hull City programme costs £3.
As always, enjoy the game and let's hope West Ham can make us happy this
weekend for the first time in a while. Be safe and cheer on the boys as you
always do.
Come On You Irons! -@CraigPodevin
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LUNCHTIME ROUND UP: STAM TO REPLACE BILIC? HAMMERS READY ROONEY OFFER,
ASHTON SPEAKS ON CARROLL
BY DAN CHAPMAN ON 27 MARCH 2017 AT 1:05PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Hello Hammers, here is today's lunchtime round up.
Jaap Stam is being lined up to replace Slaven Bilic as West Ham manager.
(The Sun)
This story has already been reported as false, but I never believed it in
the first place. I just think it would be such a backwards step for the club
and it would make no sense in my opinion.
Jermain Defoe wants to join West Ham this summer, despite Bournemouth
preparing a bid for him. (HITC)
Also, West Ham fans are now urging the club to sign Defoe after he scored
for England yesterday. (Football Fancast)
I have been saying for a long time that we should sign Defoe, and it is good
to see that people are finally starting to agree with me. He may be 34, but
he still scores goals. He will also be a free transfer, and you cannot go
wrong with getting someone like Defoe on a free.
West Ham are ready to offer Wayne Rooney £150,000 a week to join the club in
the summer. (HITC)
I would definitely take Rooney in the summer, but I just can not see it
happening. We may be ready to pay him them wages, but that is only half of
what he is on at Man United. I think this rumour is one to forget about.
Michail Antonio says his mum made an important career decision for him when
he was younger. (Tribal Football)
Here is an opinion of West Ham's five point summer plan including transfers
in and out of the club. (HITC)
This is an interesting article, because it has many good and bad points. I
absolutely agree that we have to spend big in the summer and back Slaven in
the transfer market. However, I do not agree that we should be selling the
likes of Fletcher and Masuaku. These two players have looked very good for
us in my opinion and I think they have big futures.
Dean Ashton says Andy Carroll can make all the difference for Gareth
Southgate and England. (Mirror)
I absolutely agree with this statement. Andy Carroll is a completely
different option to have in the squad. When you look at the current
strikers, they all have the same style of play. When you are chasing a game
you have to change it up, and Andy Carroll would do just that. If he comes
on, you put crosses into the box and nine times out of ten he will win a
header and change the game.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stam rumours slammed
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 27th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
Rumours that West Ham are interested in signing Jaap Stam have been
dismissed by a club insider. In the last 24 hours it has been claimed (via
various soures) that the Hammers are interested in luring former Dutch
international Stam to the Olympic Stadium as a replacement for Bilic, who
has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks following a string of
poor results. However KUMB understands that the rumours of interest in the
44-year-old rookie are wide of the mark, with Stam having only been in
charge of current club Reading - his first major managerial appointment -
since June 2016. The link to Stam may have arisen as a result of comments
made recently by the former Manchester United centre half, after he
questioned the club's prospects. Speaking after a planned takeover of
Reading by a group of Far East investors had collapsed, he quipped: "I don't
know what's going to happen in the future which I think is very important
for myself and for the club. "If you want to do something, you need to have
a plan for what you eventually want to achieve. You need to know what you're
going to do with the team, the staff and the structure of the club."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold offers to stand down
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 26th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham co-owner David Gold has offered to walk away from the club - if
enough supporters want to see the back of him. Gold, who purchased a
part-share in West Ham back in 2010 when taking control along with business
partner David Sullivan made his offer via twitter after receiving a string
of messages criticising the manner in which he is running the club. "If 86
per cent of fans voted for me to go, I would go," wrote Gold via twitter at
the weekend. "I don't want to be where I'm not wanted."
This naturally prompted a string of replies from fans either side of the
divide, with some seeking to support Gold whilst others urged him to follow
through with his offer. Possibly buoyed by the messages of support via
social media, later in the day Gold launched into a personal offensive
against Talksport presenter Jason Cundy. The former Chelsea and Spurs
defender had accused Gold and Sullivan of "doing everything on the cheap
with transfers and loans" and urged manager Slaven Bilic to "seriously
trhink about walking before he is pushed." "Cundy doesn't know what he's
talking about," said Gold. "Taking player on loan with a view to buy is a
good way to do business. Lanzini worked Zaza didn't."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
International round-up
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 27th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
Robert Snodgrass and Scotland are still in with a shout of qualifying for
the 2016 World Cup Finals after narrowly beating Slovenia on Sunday night. A
late winner by Fulham's Chris Martin saw the Scots record a 1-0 win over the
Eastern Europeans on a largely incident-free night at Hampden, a game in
which West Ham's recent signing featured for the first 75 minutes before
being substituted.
Also representing his country in the British Isles at the weekend was Havard
Nordtveit, whose side went down 2-0 in Belfast to Michael O'Neill's Northern
Ireland in a World Cup qualifying Group C clash.
Slightly further afield at the weekend was West Ham's Portuguese
international Jose Fonte, who featured for the entire 90 minutes as his side
eased past Hungary 3-0 thanks to a brace from Real Madrid's Christiano
Ronaldo in their Group B encounter. Elsewhere Josh Cullen captained
Ireland's Under 21s to a narrow 1-0 win over Kosovo, Declan Rice was
involved in the U19s 2-0 win against Italy whilst current Hammers #1 Darren
Randolph was involved in a feisty affair as Ireland and Wales played out a
goalless draw.
Meanwhile Reece Oxford helped England's Under 19s to a 3-0 win over Spain,
Martin Samuelsen's Norwegian Under 21s went down 3-1 to Portugal and
Edimilson Fernandes was an unused substitute as Switzerland beat Latvia 1-0
in Geneva.
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Thanks, Mum, says Michail
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 26th March 2017
By: Staff Writer
Michail Antonio has explained why he rejected the opportunity to join
Tottenham as a teenager. The £20million-rated winger, speaking to Football
Today revealed how his MUM was the main reason he failed to join the North
London club - despite being offered a trial along with a friend. "I was
going to go to Uni," said Antonio. "I was thinking of becoming a PE teacher,
so I had other plans, but there was only one thing in my heart and that was
football. "I was 14, the manager of my school also coached at Tottenham and
he got a scout to come down. Me and my friend Tyrone both got scouted and he
scored an unbelievable overhead kick from outside the box! "But my Mum said
'no' because I lived in south London and would have had to travel to north
London every day. I also had to do college, so I'd have got home at eleven
o'clock at night and then had to get up to go to school. "Mum said
'football isn't a guarantee, but education is and education comes first'. I
think it's one of the best things Mum ever did for me, to be honest, because
I've now got my education and I've also got my football."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hull vs West Ham: Prediction, team news, line-ups, start time, live, TV,
head to head, odds - Premier League preview
Evening Standard
TOM DOYLE 22 mins ago0 comments
Slaven Bilic needs a result this weekend as West Ham travel to Premier
League strugglers Hull on Saturday. West Ham are relatively safe as they sit
12th in the table and nine points above the relegation zone, but the club's
owners have called on Bilic to improve both performances and results. The
Hammers lost 3-2 at home to champions Leicester before the international
break to heap more pressure on their under-fire manager, and only a top-half
finish is likely to see Bilic avoid a potential summer exit. Hull lost to
Everton 4-0 last time out - a scoreline massaged by their late collapse
after Tom Huddlestone's red card - but Marco Silva's Tigers will be in an
unforgiving mood at the KCOM Stadium as they seek the points needed to keep
themselves in the top flight.
START TIME
Hull host West Ham with kick-off scheduled for 3pm on Saturday, April 1.
TV AND LIVE ONLINE COVERAGE
The match will not be televised in the UK. Standard Sport will bring you all
the goals as they happen via Twitter, with a full report and reaction
following the result.
TEAM NEWS
West Ham are confident Mark Noble will return to full fitness in order to
make his 399th appearance for the club. Winston Reid remains out with a
groin problem, while Michail Antonio is likely to be out after withdrawing
from the England squad with a hamstring injury.
Pedro Obiang is set to miss the rest of the season following a significant
ankle injury against Leicester, while Pedro Obiang is unlikely to return
this term after the back injury he suffered in November.
Hull have confirmed that Michael Dawson will return to full training later
this week as the centre-back recovers from a calf injury.
Goalkeeper David Marshall should also be fit despite withdrawing from the
Scotland squad due to a hip complaint, although Tom Huddlestone is suspended
due to his red card against Everton.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Hull starting XI: Jakupovic, Elabdellaoui, Ranocchia, Dawson, Davies,
Robertson, Markovic, Meyler, N'Diaye, Clucas, Hernandez
West Ham starting XI: Randolph, Byram, Fonte, Collins, Cresswell, Kouyate,
Noble, Ayew, Lanzini, Snodgrass, Carroll
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FENERBAHCE RIVAL WEST HAM FOR MARIO MANDZUKIC
MICHAEL OLIVER @MichaelOIiver
readWestHam
West Ham's never-ending search for a striker has come full circle as they
appear to be ready to revisit a move for Mario Mandzukic in the summer.
After being told he wasn't for sale last summer and settling for his
incompetent team-mate Simone Zaza, the Hammers have renewed belief that they
can land the 30-year-old this time around. Mandzukic has been a regular for
Juventus this season, starting 21 Serie A games but has found the net just
five times and has been out-performed by his team-mates. The Croatian worked
with Slaven Bilic during their time together when Bilic was the Croatian
national team manager and he remains a big fan of the forward today.
According to the Turkish outlet Fotomac, Fenerbahce have met with
Mandzukic's agent Ivan Cvjetkovic in Zagreb, offering competition to West
Ham for his signature. The former Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid striker
has been tight-lipped over his plans for next season but it would take a
very lucrative offer to tempt him to east London.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Why panic led West Ham into rushed financial outlay that could prove costly
HITC
Antony Martin
West Ham United spent heavily in January, and have seen little return on
their money thus far. The Hammers spent close to £20 million during the
January transfer window on Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass, after allowing
Dimitri Payet to leave the club. Many saw the signings as a statement of
intent from West Ham, but neither player has hit the ground running, as
their club continue to struggle.
On the face of it, both Fonte and Snodgrass, being accomplished
internationals, were fantastic signings for the East London outfit.
But, with a combined age of 62, did the Hammers massively overpay for a pair
of players who are arguably past their prime? Despite the current inflated
state of the transfer market, there was surely better value to be had, and
signing the Portuguese and the Scot highlighted the panic that had obviously
set in at the club. Michael Keane, 24, and Robbie Brady, 25, were both
available, and would have been far more sensible investments. It is, of
course, early days still in the West Ham careers of both Snodgrass and
Fonte, but the early signs have not been good. Since the former Southampton
centre-back's arrival, Slaven Bilic's men have conceded 16 goals in seven
outings - a record that is quite simply not good enough. And the 29-year-old
Scotland winger, who was brought into the club to replace Payet, has so far
failed to register either a goal or an assist in seven games. It is almost
as if the Croatian signed the pair to appease disgruntled West Ham fans,
rather than identify targets with the specific attributes required to help
take the club forward.
The most frustrating thing for Hammers fans is that even without the January
additions, there is no way their team would be in a worse position than they
are currently in. And this summer will be a hugely important one for Bilic,
if he is still in charge, and the signings that he makes could have a huge
bearing on his future, not only at West Ham, but in football management in
general.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Not his best: BBC pundit reacts as West Ham's Robert Snodgrass carries
recent form into international football
HITC
Olly Dawes
Robert Snodgrass couldn't hit top form as Scotland beat Slovenia 1-0 on
Sunday. Pundit Billy Dodds has told BBC Sport that he felt winger Robert
Snodgrass 'didn't create enough' during Scotland's 1-0 home win over
Slovenia on Sunday. After a dismal 1-1 draw with Canada at Easter Road last
week, Scotland were back at Hampden Park on Sunday to take on Slovenia in a
2018 World Cup qualifier, with manager Gordon Strachan needing a win amid
talk of him being sacked. Whilst England are running away with Group F,
Scotland were still in with a shout of second place and a possible spot at
the World Cup – but needed a win over Slovenia to keep those hopes alive.
Scotland couldn't find the breakthrough and looked to be heading towards a
0-0 draw before a superb run and pass from Stuart Armstrong picked out Chris
Martin, and he drove a shot in off the post to give Scotland a 1-0 lead in
the 88th minute. Scotland's win gives them hope of finishing in second
place, but it's not all great news for Strachan, as some players failed to
impress, with West Ham winger Robert Snodgrass being one such player.
Snodgrass, 29, enjoyed a superb first half of the season with Hull City,
notching nine goals and three assists in all competitions, before completing
a January move to West Ham United.
Since making that switch, Snodgrass has failed to register a goal or an
assist for his new club, and is currently enduring the worst form of his
season so far, with that lack of quality carrying over into his
international display. After the game, pundit Billy Dodds told BBC Sport
that he felt Snodgrass didn't have his best performance for Scotland and
simply didn't create enough against Slovenia, handing West Ham more concern
over their January signing's form. "Not his best performance in a Scotland
jersey," said Dodds. "Great cross in for Griffiths in the first half but
didn't create enough," he added.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's five-point summer plan including potential transfers in and out
HITC
Antony Martin
West Ham United have been well below par this season. The Hammers have
endured a woeful 2016/17 Premier League campaign, and have failed to live up
to their fans' expectations. They currently sit in 12th potion in the table,
and are by no means safe from the threat of relegation just yet. A couple of
wins should do the job, however, and then Slaven Bilic can begin to build
for next season...if he is still in a job of course. There are many things
that need to be addressed within the club, but to start off, here is a
five-point summer plan for West Ham that, if they follow, could prove to be
highly beneficial:
1. Sign a proven striker:
Now, this may very well be easier said than done, but it is a complete
necessity for the Hammers. They quite clearly cannot rely upon Andy Carroll
to remain fit for an entire season, and Bilic needs a different option
amongst his ranks. There are many names the club could try for. They could
go back in for the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Carlos Bacca or go down
a different route with a move for someone in the mould of Charlie Austin,
Daniel Sturridge or Wilfried Bony.
2. Give youth a chance:
Despite the Premier League demanding success instantly, Bilic must be brave
and finally give his talented youngsters a chance next season. Reece Oxford,
Toni Martinez, Reece Burke, Martin Samuelson and Marcus Browne should all be
given an opportunity to shine.
Remember what happened at Manchester United in the early to mid 90's?
3. Get rid of the deadwood:
West Ham made so many appealing signings in the summer of 2016, and must
avoid making the same mistake this time around. And a good start would be by
getting rid of the following names;
Arthur Masuaku
Jonathan Calleri (loan)
Gokhan Tore (loan)
Havard Nordtveit
Alvaro Arbeloa
Ashley Fletcher
Sofiane Feghouli
4. Sign a Mark Noble replacement:
The 29-year-old midfielder has been well below his best this season. He
seems to have lost a yard of pace, and his passing hasn't been as crisp and
accurate as usual. Because Noble is a homegrown fan favourite, he seems to
have been immune from criticism over recent years, but this season has been
different. And Bilic must look at replacing his skipper, or at least
providing much needed competition for him.
5. Back Bilic to the hilt:
The Croatian has never given anything less than 100 per cent during his time
at West Ham, and now is the time for the owners to finally back him in the
correct manner. Whilst his tactics have been questioned on occasion, he
deserves great credit for the way in which he has dealt with various
difficult situations. And he must be backed financially and given the tools
with which to succeed this term.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
PASSION AND PRIDE - STILL PLENTY TO PLAY FOR
By HamburgHammer 27 Mar 2017 at 08:00
WTID
This will be a rather short column, for a variety of reasons. a) West Ham
didn't play, so there's no game to discuss. And b) There haven't been too
many rumours/news of substance to debate either. I also could add c) that I
can't be bothered to bash the owners again as that is by now even boring me.
Of course there have been some murmurs in certain papers about potential
replacements for Slaven Bilic being lined up, should our team fail to pick
up both in terms of form and results during the remainder of the season.
Some have mentioned Mancini who by all accounts is a very good manager, with
bags of experience and surely he is a household name in European football,
then again I am not sure he would be willing or capable to work for a club
under, let's say, certain financial constraints in terms of transfer funds.
Another name being bandied about has been Jaap Stam, but that's lazy
journalism in my view. Stam is just starting his managerial career at
Reading and you'd have to be very brave if you wanted to throw him into the
hot seat at our club in the summer with no previous experience at a club
playing top flight football in a reasonably respectable league in Europe.
I want to see our team show some guts, blood, sweat, tears and spit if need
be for the rest of our season. Not just for Bilic's sake, although of course
I hope that Bilic will remain at the helm for many more years. But then
again you already knew that. I hope that our team can light a spark and
instill some much needed pride and passion into the support from our fans,
not necessarily away from home, that has never been an issue, but for the
home games.
With the long-term injuries suffered by Obiang and Reid (and doubts over
Antonio) we may now have to rely on some of the bench players to step up and
be counted, old battlehorses like Collins, maybe even guys like Nordtveit.
There have been murmurs of a big clearout of players in the summer, so for
some of these players this is the time for them to show the club and the
manager that they deserve to still be West Ham players next season. For our
players there should indeed be no such thing as meaningless games,
especially as we aren't even mathematically safe yet.
As for Concordia, a lot of things have happened at my little local club in
the past week, the manager has been given the tin tack for announcing in the
press he wouldn't sign a new deal, rather than speaking to the club about it
first. With the trust between manager and club gone, there was only one
choice. Apparently this decision also led to the assistant manager, the
goalkeeping coach and the physio to pack it in. A new manager has been hired
already, but even the new manager trick didn't quite work, delivering only a
2:2 home draw against our Turkish friends from FC Turkiye (very much the
Millwall in our league, they even play south of the river). It's an eight
point gap now between Concordia and the table toppers and I fully expect
them to announce in the coming days they won't be applying for promotion to
the Regionalliga anyway, even if they could still qualify results-wise in
theory – the deadline is at the end of this week.
Promotion would have been nice, but what's the point really if you don't
have the money, the stadium and the backing of the fans to make the next
step?
You don't want to put your club at financial risk just so you can draw maybe
another 100 fans on average for home games.
So, it's off to Hull next (will the post make another MOTM worthy appearance
or is he suspended ?), a game that unfortunately I will not be able to
watch, not live anyway, as my best friend is getting married and I somehow
couldn't convince him to switch the date because of a West Ham game. Then
again, we are all way past 40, so it will not be a massive do anyway, the
banter will be more important than the booze, so maybe I will watch
highlights or a rerun online later that night or the next day.
Wishing you all a pleasant week and counting down the days until my next
trip over which will be the Spurs game, with flights and accommodation
already sorted. COYI!
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, March 26
Daily WHUFC News - 27th March 2017
Antonio grateful for Mum's advice
WHUFC.com
On Mother's Day, Michail Antonio has paid tribute to the sound advice given
to him by his Mum.
The No30 revealed how his mother was determined that he complete his
education before trying to embark on a career as a professional footballer
as a teenager.
The winger explained how he was told he could not join Tottenham Hotspur at
the age of 14 due to the travelling and late nights having a negative effect
on his schooling. And, looking back, Antonio said his Mum was right.
"I was going to go to uni," the Hammers leading goalscorer revealed. "At
that moment I was in college doing a BTEC and I actually got into
Southampton University to do Sports Science. So in the following September I
would have gone to uni, but I managed to get signed [by Reading in 2008].
"I was thinking of becoming a PE teacher, so I've had other plans, but there
was only one thing in my heart and that was football.
"At 14, the manager of my school also coached at Tottenham and he got a
scout to come down. Me and my friend both got scouted and he scored an
unbelievable overhead kick from outside the box! So, he went and my Mum said
'No' because, to be honest, I lived in south London and would have had to
travel to north London every day.
"I also had to do college, so I'd have got home at eleven o'clock at night
and then had to get up to go to school. My Mum said 'football isn't a
guarantee, but education is' and 'education comes first' and I think it's
one of the best things she could have ever done for me, to be honest,
because I've now got my education and I've also got my football."
Happy Mother's Day to Hammers-supporting Mums everywhere!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Clean sheets galore
WHUFC.com
FIFA World Cup qualifying victories for Jose Fonte and Edimilson Fernandes
Darren Randolph, Fonte, Josh Cullen and Reece Oxford all kept clean sheets
for their respective sides
Oxford celebrated helping England qualify for UEFA European U19 Championship
finals
West Ham United's internationals have enjoyed a productive few days, with
Darren Randolph, Jose Fonte, Josh Cullen and Reece Oxford all keeping clean
sheets for their respective sides.
On Friday, Oxford kicked things off by helping England U19s qualify for the
UEFA European U19 Championship finals by beating Spain 3-0 at St George's
Park. Having beaten Norway by the same scoreline in their opening Elite
Round qualifier, England know they will go to Georgia in the summer,
whatever the result against Belarus on Monday.
Later on Friday, Martin Samuelsen appeared as a substitute as Norway U21s
were beaten 3-1 by Portugal in a friendly.
Randolph then kept a clean sheet as Republic of Ireland drew 0-0 with
ten-man Wales in Dublin in FIFA World Cup qualifying. Both sides remain
unbeaten in Group D, but Ireland have eleven points to Wales' seven and the
nations side second and third respectively. James Collins was an unused
substitute for Chris Coleman's side.
On Saturday, Declan Rice and Cullen were both in action for Ireland's
age-group sides in the afternoon, with different results. Rice's U19s had
beaten Italy 2-0 in their opening Elite Round qualifier, but lost 3-0 to
Sweden. They will need to beat Belgium on Tuesday evening and hope Sweden do
not beat Italy to join England at the final tournament.
Cullen captained Ireland's U21s to a 1-0 victory over Kosovo in Dublin in
their own opening UEFA European U21 Championship qualifier - and the
first-ever in Kosovo's history.
Finally on Saturday, after Edimilson Fernandes watched Switzerland defeat
Latvia 1-0 in World Cup qualifying, Jose Fonte played the full 90 minutes
for Portugal as Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in a 3-0 victory over Hungary
in Lisbon.
Slaven Bilic will hope the Hammers' band of internationals will bring the
confidence drawn from a successful weekend back to Rush Green ahead of
Saturday's Premier League trip to Hull City.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TACTICAL ANALYSIS OF SLAVEN BILIC
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 26 MARCH 2017 AT 9:13PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Elliot Sheaf @topcornermag
There's been a lot of debate recently over the future of Slaven Bilic. I can
honestly say I currently don't fall either side off the argument, but recent
games have shaken my once blind trust is Super Slav. We can all agree that
his passion is indisputable and off the field issues have been less than
ideal, but to what extent does his commitment and these problems overshadow
any level headed analysis of his performance as a manger this season? I
wanted to try and see beyond this and have a look at what I think tactically
has gone wrong, and whether the responsibility all lies with Bilic for what
is happening on the field.
Our main problem tactically at the moment seems to be that we have no set
philosophy or system. Our starting lineup is often at odds with the style of
play, with none of our players strengths being utilised in a way that
improves team performance. Are we a direct team playing off Carroll? Are we
a free flowing passing side? Or do we soak up pressure and hit teams on the
break? Trick question. We are none of the above, and I'm not even sure what
we're trying to be.
Defence
Defensively we have been awful, not only this year but for large parts of
last season as well, leaking goals and making by far the most mistakes that
lead to goals in the Premier League. Fullback has become one of the most
important positions in the modern game, and we've been left woefully behind
in our attempts to keep up. It pains me to say, but Spurs and Chelsea have
clearly got it spot on in this regard, their wing backs often start
attacking moves and are always an outlet for the midfield, but they have the
freedom to play this way due to the security of the three centre backs or
energetic centre midfield covering in behind them if they're caught short.
This is where we seem to be in two minds.
The general feeling seems to be that its was Slav's choice not to sign a
right back in the summer, stating that Antonio could be converted to that
position, clearly a statement of intent for him and Cresswell to be bombing
forward whenever possible. However we combine this with only two centre
backs and having a ponderously slow centre midfield to try and cover when
the full backs get forward, whether this is Antonio, Kouyate or Byram at
right back. So when mistakes are made (which they always will be) our lack
of cover leads to the countless times where teams cut through us in just a
few passes and to us conceding yet again. This, I think, is how we can
concede so many but can still come out thinking Reid had a good game!
Problems with personnel along the backline can be overcome with
organisation, good positioning and knowing your individual responsibility,
so we either bite the bullet and limit the forward intent of the fullbacks,
or get back to scoring one more goal than the opposition. Easier said than
done.
Midfield
Our lack of intensity in the middle of the park has been shocking this year.
We consistently lose the second and third balls, always looking a yard to
short or not sharp enough to anticipate the bounce. I refuse to believe that
this is down to lack of effort, but rather I think due to a mix of physical
and psychological fatigue.
When fully fit and in form, it all comes naturally and looks easy to the
spectators, but when in a torrid run as we have been this season that
moments hesitation is the difference which makes you half a yard short. It
looks as if constant niggling injuries (that's an article for someone far
smarter than me) and all the off the field problems has seeped in to the
players mind set and meant we have never really looked 100% all season.
The most contentious issue with our midfield lies with Mark Noble. Now, full
disclosure on this issue, I'm biased when it comes to Nobes. I think I'm
right in thinking that there is no other club in the Premier League with a
local lad and boyhood fan of the club as captain. This is a truly special
thing in todays game, and I wouldn't be surprised to not see it happen again
at West Ham in my lifetime. However his season is a perfect representation
of West Ham's as a whole..No energy, too many mistakes, out of ideas.But
never doubt the effort.
However you feel about Nobes holding his starting spot, its Slav that keeps
picking him and not acknowledging the likes of Kouyate or Fernandes could
give us a boost in the centre of the park. Fernandes, incidentally, is
currently second in the entire league for pass completion rate, albeit with
limited play time. Think about that next time a wayward pass leads to a
goal.
Attack
Andy Carroll has arguably been one of our top performers this year, however
when he is on the pitch we cannot ignore that fact that we have to play a
certain wait to suit his skillset, not only because whipping crosses in when
he is on the pitch is our best chance of grabbing a goal but also because
his lack of agility slows down build up play through the middle.
However we continuously see Lanzini or Antonio breaking through the middle
with nobody to play off, especially since 'he who shall not be named' has
left. Combine this with the fact that we only ever seem to play one real
wide player in the team when Carroll is on the field, it often leaves the
fullbacks isolated when trying to overlap in an effort to get the ball in.
We can't have it both ways, and I would even go as far as saying I'm not
sure Lanzini and Carroll can play in the same team at all. Both represent
completely different attacking intent, and I think we have looked best when
embracing either one of these, but instead we get a confused mess of both.
To be fair to Bilic and to the board, they have always been searching for
that centre forward that combines our two systems of play, both direct and
with fluid, intricate build up, its just that Zaza wasn't that player. I
might be alone in thinking that even when fit, I prefer Carroll as a Plan B,
especially considering how many goals we scored all around the team last
year without Carroll in team.
Bilic
So how much of this lies with Slav? One way in which I have always been
impressed with Slav is with his willingness and speed to make a change
during the game. He often throws on a sub at half time rather than seeing
how it goes in the second half, and obviously can read the flow of the game
very well from the touchline. However these changes are often forced due to
us not setting out correctly in the first place and when we ae chasing a
game in which we have already fallen behind, such as with arguably our best
performance this season against Palace.
He all to often sticks with a team that got a result last game, even when
the next game requires an altogether different challenge to the last. But
the main factor that has me worried for the rest of the season and the
future of Slav is the mentality of players and how it effects the intensity
on the pitch.
I can only remember a handful of times when we have looked up for it this
season, with us regularly falling behind early whilst still looking half
asleep, which is a problem that I place right on Slavs doorstep. If he cant
get the team fired up and focused for games it hints at a bigger problem
within the dressing room and motivation of the players.
For what its worth, I'd like to see Masuaku back in the team, as well as
Fernandes, especially considering our recent injury news. I'd want to see a
centre midfield of Noble and Kouyate with Fernandes playing in a more
attacking role in the middle and Antonio and Lanzini out wide. This might
give us more bite to win the midfield battle and give us a bit more energy
and cover when defending.
But thankfully its not my responsibility to fix the current situation, its
down to Slav. No doubt about it, these last 9 games are crucial for his
future at the club, I just hope we show enough to prove that he's our
man.I'm not holding my breath.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
On Mother's Day, Michail Antonio has paid tribute to the sound advice given
to him by his Mum.
The No30 revealed how his mother was determined that he complete his
education before trying to embark on a career as a professional footballer
as a teenager.
The winger explained how he was told he could not join Tottenham Hotspur at
the age of 14 due to the travelling and late nights having a negative effect
on his schooling. And, looking back, Antonio said his Mum was right.
"I was going to go to uni," the Hammers leading goalscorer revealed. "At
that moment I was in college doing a BTEC and I actually got into
Southampton University to do Sports Science. So in the following September I
would have gone to uni, but I managed to get signed [by Reading in 2008].
"I was thinking of becoming a PE teacher, so I've had other plans, but there
was only one thing in my heart and that was football.
"At 14, the manager of my school also coached at Tottenham and he got a
scout to come down. Me and my friend both got scouted and he scored an
unbelievable overhead kick from outside the box! So, he went and my Mum said
'No' because, to be honest, I lived in south London and would have had to
travel to north London every day.
"I also had to do college, so I'd have got home at eleven o'clock at night
and then had to get up to go to school. My Mum said 'football isn't a
guarantee, but education is' and 'education comes first' and I think it's
one of the best things she could have ever done for me, to be honest,
because I've now got my education and I've also got my football."
Happy Mother's Day to Hammers-supporting Mums everywhere!
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Clean sheets galore
WHUFC.com
FIFA World Cup qualifying victories for Jose Fonte and Edimilson Fernandes
Darren Randolph, Fonte, Josh Cullen and Reece Oxford all kept clean sheets
for their respective sides
Oxford celebrated helping England qualify for UEFA European U19 Championship
finals
West Ham United's internationals have enjoyed a productive few days, with
Darren Randolph, Jose Fonte, Josh Cullen and Reece Oxford all keeping clean
sheets for their respective sides.
On Friday, Oxford kicked things off by helping England U19s qualify for the
UEFA European U19 Championship finals by beating Spain 3-0 at St George's
Park. Having beaten Norway by the same scoreline in their opening Elite
Round qualifier, England know they will go to Georgia in the summer,
whatever the result against Belarus on Monday.
Later on Friday, Martin Samuelsen appeared as a substitute as Norway U21s
were beaten 3-1 by Portugal in a friendly.
Randolph then kept a clean sheet as Republic of Ireland drew 0-0 with
ten-man Wales in Dublin in FIFA World Cup qualifying. Both sides remain
unbeaten in Group D, but Ireland have eleven points to Wales' seven and the
nations side second and third respectively. James Collins was an unused
substitute for Chris Coleman's side.
On Saturday, Declan Rice and Cullen were both in action for Ireland's
age-group sides in the afternoon, with different results. Rice's U19s had
beaten Italy 2-0 in their opening Elite Round qualifier, but lost 3-0 to
Sweden. They will need to beat Belgium on Tuesday evening and hope Sweden do
not beat Italy to join England at the final tournament.
Cullen captained Ireland's U21s to a 1-0 victory over Kosovo in Dublin in
their own opening UEFA European U21 Championship qualifier - and the
first-ever in Kosovo's history.
Finally on Saturday, after Edimilson Fernandes watched Switzerland defeat
Latvia 1-0 in World Cup qualifying, Jose Fonte played the full 90 minutes
for Portugal as Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in a 3-0 victory over Hungary
in Lisbon.
Slaven Bilic will hope the Hammers' band of internationals will bring the
confidence drawn from a successful weekend back to Rush Green ahead of
Saturday's Premier League trip to Hull City.
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TACTICAL ANALYSIS OF SLAVEN BILIC
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 26 MARCH 2017 AT 9:13PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Elliot Sheaf @topcornermag
There's been a lot of debate recently over the future of Slaven Bilic. I can
honestly say I currently don't fall either side off the argument, but recent
games have shaken my once blind trust is Super Slav. We can all agree that
his passion is indisputable and off the field issues have been less than
ideal, but to what extent does his commitment and these problems overshadow
any level headed analysis of his performance as a manger this season? I
wanted to try and see beyond this and have a look at what I think tactically
has gone wrong, and whether the responsibility all lies with Bilic for what
is happening on the field.
Our main problem tactically at the moment seems to be that we have no set
philosophy or system. Our starting lineup is often at odds with the style of
play, with none of our players strengths being utilised in a way that
improves team performance. Are we a direct team playing off Carroll? Are we
a free flowing passing side? Or do we soak up pressure and hit teams on the
break? Trick question. We are none of the above, and I'm not even sure what
we're trying to be.
Defence
Defensively we have been awful, not only this year but for large parts of
last season as well, leaking goals and making by far the most mistakes that
lead to goals in the Premier League. Fullback has become one of the most
important positions in the modern game, and we've been left woefully behind
in our attempts to keep up. It pains me to say, but Spurs and Chelsea have
clearly got it spot on in this regard, their wing backs often start
attacking moves and are always an outlet for the midfield, but they have the
freedom to play this way due to the security of the three centre backs or
energetic centre midfield covering in behind them if they're caught short.
This is where we seem to be in two minds.
The general feeling seems to be that its was Slav's choice not to sign a
right back in the summer, stating that Antonio could be converted to that
position, clearly a statement of intent for him and Cresswell to be bombing
forward whenever possible. However we combine this with only two centre
backs and having a ponderously slow centre midfield to try and cover when
the full backs get forward, whether this is Antonio, Kouyate or Byram at
right back. So when mistakes are made (which they always will be) our lack
of cover leads to the countless times where teams cut through us in just a
few passes and to us conceding yet again. This, I think, is how we can
concede so many but can still come out thinking Reid had a good game!
Problems with personnel along the backline can be overcome with
organisation, good positioning and knowing your individual responsibility,
so we either bite the bullet and limit the forward intent of the fullbacks,
or get back to scoring one more goal than the opposition. Easier said than
done.
Midfield
Our lack of intensity in the middle of the park has been shocking this year.
We consistently lose the second and third balls, always looking a yard to
short or not sharp enough to anticipate the bounce. I refuse to believe that
this is down to lack of effort, but rather I think due to a mix of physical
and psychological fatigue.
When fully fit and in form, it all comes naturally and looks easy to the
spectators, but when in a torrid run as we have been this season that
moments hesitation is the difference which makes you half a yard short. It
looks as if constant niggling injuries (that's an article for someone far
smarter than me) and all the off the field problems has seeped in to the
players mind set and meant we have never really looked 100% all season.
The most contentious issue with our midfield lies with Mark Noble. Now, full
disclosure on this issue, I'm biased when it comes to Nobes. I think I'm
right in thinking that there is no other club in the Premier League with a
local lad and boyhood fan of the club as captain. This is a truly special
thing in todays game, and I wouldn't be surprised to not see it happen again
at West Ham in my lifetime. However his season is a perfect representation
of West Ham's as a whole..No energy, too many mistakes, out of ideas.But
never doubt the effort.
However you feel about Nobes holding his starting spot, its Slav that keeps
picking him and not acknowledging the likes of Kouyate or Fernandes could
give us a boost in the centre of the park. Fernandes, incidentally, is
currently second in the entire league for pass completion rate, albeit with
limited play time. Think about that next time a wayward pass leads to a
goal.
Attack
Andy Carroll has arguably been one of our top performers this year, however
when he is on the pitch we cannot ignore that fact that we have to play a
certain wait to suit his skillset, not only because whipping crosses in when
he is on the pitch is our best chance of grabbing a goal but also because
his lack of agility slows down build up play through the middle.
However we continuously see Lanzini or Antonio breaking through the middle
with nobody to play off, especially since 'he who shall not be named' has
left. Combine this with the fact that we only ever seem to play one real
wide player in the team when Carroll is on the field, it often leaves the
fullbacks isolated when trying to overlap in an effort to get the ball in.
We can't have it both ways, and I would even go as far as saying I'm not
sure Lanzini and Carroll can play in the same team at all. Both represent
completely different attacking intent, and I think we have looked best when
embracing either one of these, but instead we get a confused mess of both.
To be fair to Bilic and to the board, they have always been searching for
that centre forward that combines our two systems of play, both direct and
with fluid, intricate build up, its just that Zaza wasn't that player. I
might be alone in thinking that even when fit, I prefer Carroll as a Plan B,
especially considering how many goals we scored all around the team last
year without Carroll in team.
Bilic
So how much of this lies with Slav? One way in which I have always been
impressed with Slav is with his willingness and speed to make a change
during the game. He often throws on a sub at half time rather than seeing
how it goes in the second half, and obviously can read the flow of the game
very well from the touchline. However these changes are often forced due to
us not setting out correctly in the first place and when we ae chasing a
game in which we have already fallen behind, such as with arguably our best
performance this season against Palace.
He all to often sticks with a team that got a result last game, even when
the next game requires an altogether different challenge to the last. But
the main factor that has me worried for the rest of the season and the
future of Slav is the mentality of players and how it effects the intensity
on the pitch.
I can only remember a handful of times when we have looked up for it this
season, with us regularly falling behind early whilst still looking half
asleep, which is a problem that I place right on Slavs doorstep. If he cant
get the team fired up and focused for games it hints at a bigger problem
within the dressing room and motivation of the players.
For what its worth, I'd like to see Masuaku back in the team, as well as
Fernandes, especially considering our recent injury news. I'd want to see a
centre midfield of Noble and Kouyate with Fernandes playing in a more
attacking role in the middle and Antonio and Lanzini out wide. This might
give us more bite to win the midfield battle and give us a bit more energy
and cover when defending.
But thankfully its not my responsibility to fix the current situation, its
down to Slav. No doubt about it, these last 9 games are crucial for his
future at the club, I just hope we show enough to prove that he's our
man.I'm not holding my breath.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Daily WHUFC News - 26th March 2017
Byram - I wish we had a game sooner
WHUFC.com
Sam Byram says Hammers would rather be playing this weekend than on an international break
West Ham United have not won in their last five Premier League matches
Byram and company return to action at Hull City on Saturday 1 April
Sam Byram says West Ham United would rather be in action this weekend than in the middle of an international break.
The Hammers went into two-week hiatus in Premier League fixtures on a five-match winless run and having lost their last three at the hands of Chelsea, AFC Bournemouth and Leicester City.
However, with no game this weekend, Byram and company have to wait another week before they can attempt to put things right at Hull City on Saturday 1 April.
"We need to get points on the board so, for me, it's frustrating to have to wait two weeks until the next game," the right-back told West Ham TV. "I wish we had one sooner so we could put it right and build on that second half performance [against Leicester].
"We will use the time to get some fitness and organisation work in and we will look towards the next game.
"It's getting towards the end of the season and teams like Hull need points as well, so no game is easy at this time of the year. We'll do what we can to make sure we come away with three points."
West Ham have struggled defensively in recent weeks, conceding 17 goals in the eight matches they have played since their last clean sheet – a 3-0 home win over Crystal Palace on 14 January.
Byram has started two of those games – a 4-0 loss to Manchester City in February and last week's defeat by Leicester, both at London Stadium – but hopes to contribute to a more solid defensive set-up going forward.
Next up is a trip to the KCOM Stadium and a chance to complete a 'double' over Hull, who will go into the game sitting inside the relegation zone. It is a game Yorkshire-raised Byram is determined to start on his return to the North East.
"It was over a month between my last two starts and I think I'm a bit rusty, but I think I grew into the Leicester game," he observed.
"I like to get forward and express myself, obviously there are things I can improve on and I'll keep working on everything and kick on from there.
"You see the way we play with the two midfielders sitting and the full-backs high and wide and it does suit me down to a tee. I just need to keep going and see where I can help out."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Phillips - We didn't make most of possession
WHUFC.com
Mark Phillips felt West Ham United U18s should have made more of their possession against Blackburn
The Hammers were beaten 2-1 at Little Heath
They are back in action on Friday away to Liverpool
Assistant manager Mark Phillips felt West Ham United U18s didn't make the most of their possession in their 2-1 defeat to Blackburn Rovers at Little Heath.
The Hammers knew a win would have taken them top of Merit Group A, but Callum Wright scored the winner in the second half after Jahmal Hector-Ingram had cancelled out Bradley Lynch's opener.
Ben Johnson was shown a red card late on after two bookings, and Phillips was left ruing a missed opportunity after the match.
"I think we probably deserved a draw out of the game but they'll probably think they deserved to win," he admitted. "I thought we had lots of possession but we didn't create that many chances.
"Our response to going behind was excellent and for the next 30/35 minutes we dominated the ball. We played some nice, intricate football but, if I'm honest, we didn't create that many chances.
"We didn't work their keeper that much in that spell and they had a little spell just after half-time when they could have gone two up. I thought we came out in the second half excellently and then we did create some chances.
"When we equalised, I thought we would go onto to win the game but Blackburn set themselves up well and scored a good goal on the counter. Even after we went behind again, we still had chances. But Blackburn were clinical."
The Hammers were aiming for back-to-back wins for the first time since January but found themselves a goal down inside 2 minutes. Lynch broke the offside trap and coolly slotted past Tyler Forde.
The hosts almost responded though ten minutes later – Hector-Ingram latched onto a long ball from Conor Coventry and was brought down in the penalty area.
The Hammers frontman stepped up but his penalty was brilliantly saved by Ben Ashcroft who, in doing so, maintained his side's advantage.
In the second half, the young Irons stepped up their search for an equaliser and were hugely unlucky when Anthony Scully's free-kick was tipped over by Ashcroft.
Moments later, the hosts got their reward. Coventry and Hector-Ingram combined again and the latter did well to stay on his feet and fire past the keeper.
Blackburn regained the lead though ten minutes later when Callum Wright ran and finished well from long range.
The Hammers probed in the final stages but their pressure was slightly halted when Johnson was showed a second yellow card for simulation.
But the game ended in defeat for the U18s and they are back in action on Friday (7pm) when they visit Liverpool. You can keep up to date with the action at whufc.com or on our social channels.
West Ham: Forde; Eggleton, Akinola, Wells; Johnson, Henry (Ngakia, 46), Coventry, Longelo (Hannam, 61); Lewis (Hamilton, 84), Scully, Hector-Ingram.
Subs not used: Constantinou.
Goal: Hector-Ingram.
Yellow cards: Johnson, Coventry.
Red card: Johnson.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO FINANCIAL FAIR PLAY?
By Sean Whetstone 25 Mar 2017 at 08:00
WTID
We hear very little about Financial Fair Play these days from the West Ham board for one very good reason.
Clubs have now been allowed to increased their wage bills by £7m per season – up £4m on the previous three-year scheme.
Last year Premier League clubs quietly voted to continue the self-governing Premier League FFP scheme which will run for a further three years including this season.
The Hammers published a total wage bill of £84.7m in their 2016 accounts for last season but this includes non-playing staff which aren't included in the FFP cap. That was an increase of £12m on the 2015 wage bill of £72.7m which saw a £9m increase from 2014 when the wage bill was £63.8m
A financial source close to the club told us:
"For 2016-2017, we elected (along with the most other clubs) to take our actual (player wage) spend from 2015-2016 and add our annual allowance of £7.0m plus our Club Own Revenue Uplift (CORU) to give us the maximum amount we can spend on players plus NI. We remain well within this cap and will comply with the STCC rules. We did not go back to the 2013 base year as it was not in our interest to do so as we have generated CORU each year and if we went back to the base year it would limit our spend."
"For next season, 2107-2018, we will again elect to take our actual (player wage) spend in 2016-2017, and add £7.0m, plus CORU, to give us our maximum spend. We will comply with the STCC limits as we have for the last four years.
"For 2018-2019, we will take our actual spend in 2017-2018, and add £7.0m plus CORU to give us our maximum spend."
"Rest assured, we know our obligations and we know that the Premier League looks at this closely, and we would never risk breaking the rules."
"We have complied every year and will continue to do so. Suffice to say we operate within the rules and have sufficient headroom when required."
A source close to club said on FFP:
"Suffice to say we operate within the rules and have sufficient headroom when required"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eyeing Reading boss Jaap Stam to replace Slaven Bilic as pressure grows on Hammers manager
The Irons' co-chairman David Sullivan expressed his frustration on the club's website after a 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth
The Mirror
BYSTEVE STAMMERS
22:30, 25 MAR 2017
Jaap Stam has jumped to the top of West Ham's wanted list to replace Slaven Bilic.
Pressure is again growing on Bilic after a disappointing run of results and talks over a new contract for the Croat have been shelved until the summer.
The Hammers' co-chairman David Sullivan expressed his frustration on the club's website after a 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth and publicly apologised to fans after last week's 3-2 home defeat to Leicester.
Former Manchester United star Stam has impressed at Reading, taking them into the play-off positions in the Championship in his first full-time job in management.
Stam – who held the manager's job at Dutch club Zwolle on a temporary basis – has signed a two-year deal at the Berkshire club.
If he takes the club to the play-offs and the brink of a place in the Premier League, it will mark an impressive turn around for a club that finished 17th in the Championship last season.
The attraction for West Ham would be the need to pay compensation to Reading of only one season's salary for the Dutchman.
Stam has expressed frustration at ownership issues at the Madejski with Reading's Thai's chiefs previously in talks with a Chinese group which fell through.
Stam said: "I don't know what's going to happen in the future which I think is very important for myself and for the club.
"If you want to do something, you need to have a plan for what you eventually want to achieve.
"You need to know what you're going to do with the team, the staff and the structure of the club."
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Stoke and West Ham lead chase for Andrew Robertson and Josh Tymon
Stoke are keeping close tabs on Scotland international Andrew Robertson
West Ham are monitoring Josh Tymon as they are also chasing new left back
Hull are currently 18th in the Premier League with nine games left to play
By Joe Bernstein for The Mail on Sunday
PUBLISHED: 22:31, 25 March 2017 | UPDATED: 00:00, 26 March 2017
Premier League clubs are already circling around Hull City's players in anticipation of their relegation with Stoke City looking at Scotland international defender Andrew Robertson and teenager Josh Tymon attracting interest from West Ham. Despite improvements under Marco Silva, the Tigers are still three points from safety and likely to prune their squad even further following the January departures of Robert Snodgrass and Jake Livermore. Robertson, 23, is a potential target for Stoke who are looking to sign a left back in the summer to provide competition for Erik Pieters and are also keeping an eye on Charlie Taylor of Leeds United.
Burnley made a £10million bid to sign Robertson in the last transfer window. Meanwhile, 17-year-old prospect Tymon is on West Ham's radar after impressing in 13 first-team appearances this season. Tymon, whose best position is also left back, is still on an academy contract of just £160-a-week after failing to reach a professional deal at the KCOM Stadium West Ham are adopting a policy of trying to sign good young British players. They have landed Sam Byram, England Under 19s international Nathan Holland and former Manchester United forward Ashley Fletcher. They also considered a move for Brentford forward Scott Hogan before being put off by the Championship club's valuation. Hogan eventually joined Aston Villa in a £12million deal at the end of the January window.
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West Ham owner David Gold hits back at Jason Cundy's scathing attack
The former Chelsea man had some strong words for the Hammers supremo
Football London
BYOLIVER HARBORD
15:32, 25 MAR 2017
WEST HAM
West Ham's joint owner David Gold often has something to say on Twitter and this time he has looked to hit back at former Chelsea player Jason Cundy. The ex-Blues player is a regular on talkSport and he claimed yesterday that Slaven Bilic should move leave the Hammers, blaming the owners. Cundy said: "He should seriously look at his options. Last year, they over-achieved, they were brilliant in a season with so much pressure. "Then moving to the new stadium, there was huge excitement, the two David's [Gold and Sullivan, co-chairmen] have said they want Champions League football. I thought there was something really going on at West Ham and being a contender for doing something. "But the two David's [Gold and Sullivan], the transfers they have given Bilic to deal with, the players they have said 'here's we want you to press on with' is just not good enough."
But now Gold has taken to social media to hit back at the pundit after his scathing attack.
David Gold ✔ @davidgold
Cundy doesn't no what he's talking about, taking player on loan with a view to buy is a good way to do business. Lanzini worked Zaza didn't
2:18 PM - 25 Mar 2017
25 25 Retweets 163 163 likes
It seems that Cundy and Gold aren't really on the best of terms at the moment!
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Sam Byram says Hammers would rather be playing this weekend than on an international break
West Ham United have not won in their last five Premier League matches
Byram and company return to action at Hull City on Saturday 1 April
Sam Byram says West Ham United would rather be in action this weekend than in the middle of an international break.
The Hammers went into two-week hiatus in Premier League fixtures on a five-match winless run and having lost their last three at the hands of Chelsea, AFC Bournemouth and Leicester City.
However, with no game this weekend, Byram and company have to wait another week before they can attempt to put things right at Hull City on Saturday 1 April.
"We need to get points on the board so, for me, it's frustrating to have to wait two weeks until the next game," the right-back told West Ham TV. "I wish we had one sooner so we could put it right and build on that second half performance [against Leicester].
"We will use the time to get some fitness and organisation work in and we will look towards the next game.
"It's getting towards the end of the season and teams like Hull need points as well, so no game is easy at this time of the year. We'll do what we can to make sure we come away with three points."
West Ham have struggled defensively in recent weeks, conceding 17 goals in the eight matches they have played since their last clean sheet – a 3-0 home win over Crystal Palace on 14 January.
Byram has started two of those games – a 4-0 loss to Manchester City in February and last week's defeat by Leicester, both at London Stadium – but hopes to contribute to a more solid defensive set-up going forward.
Next up is a trip to the KCOM Stadium and a chance to complete a 'double' over Hull, who will go into the game sitting inside the relegation zone. It is a game Yorkshire-raised Byram is determined to start on his return to the North East.
"It was over a month between my last two starts and I think I'm a bit rusty, but I think I grew into the Leicester game," he observed.
"I like to get forward and express myself, obviously there are things I can improve on and I'll keep working on everything and kick on from there.
"You see the way we play with the two midfielders sitting and the full-backs high and wide and it does suit me down to a tee. I just need to keep going and see where I can help out."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Phillips - We didn't make most of possession
WHUFC.com
Mark Phillips felt West Ham United U18s should have made more of their possession against Blackburn
The Hammers were beaten 2-1 at Little Heath
They are back in action on Friday away to Liverpool
Assistant manager Mark Phillips felt West Ham United U18s didn't make the most of their possession in their 2-1 defeat to Blackburn Rovers at Little Heath.
The Hammers knew a win would have taken them top of Merit Group A, but Callum Wright scored the winner in the second half after Jahmal Hector-Ingram had cancelled out Bradley Lynch's opener.
Ben Johnson was shown a red card late on after two bookings, and Phillips was left ruing a missed opportunity after the match.
"I think we probably deserved a draw out of the game but they'll probably think they deserved to win," he admitted. "I thought we had lots of possession but we didn't create that many chances.
"Our response to going behind was excellent and for the next 30/35 minutes we dominated the ball. We played some nice, intricate football but, if I'm honest, we didn't create that many chances.
"We didn't work their keeper that much in that spell and they had a little spell just after half-time when they could have gone two up. I thought we came out in the second half excellently and then we did create some chances.
"When we equalised, I thought we would go onto to win the game but Blackburn set themselves up well and scored a good goal on the counter. Even after we went behind again, we still had chances. But Blackburn were clinical."
The Hammers were aiming for back-to-back wins for the first time since January but found themselves a goal down inside 2 minutes. Lynch broke the offside trap and coolly slotted past Tyler Forde.
The hosts almost responded though ten minutes later – Hector-Ingram latched onto a long ball from Conor Coventry and was brought down in the penalty area.
The Hammers frontman stepped up but his penalty was brilliantly saved by Ben Ashcroft who, in doing so, maintained his side's advantage.
In the second half, the young Irons stepped up their search for an equaliser and were hugely unlucky when Anthony Scully's free-kick was tipped over by Ashcroft.
Moments later, the hosts got their reward. Coventry and Hector-Ingram combined again and the latter did well to stay on his feet and fire past the keeper.
Blackburn regained the lead though ten minutes later when Callum Wright ran and finished well from long range.
The Hammers probed in the final stages but their pressure was slightly halted when Johnson was showed a second yellow card for simulation.
But the game ended in defeat for the U18s and they are back in action on Friday (7pm) when they visit Liverpool. You can keep up to date with the action at whufc.com or on our social channels.
West Ham: Forde; Eggleton, Akinola, Wells; Johnson, Henry (Ngakia, 46), Coventry, Longelo (Hannam, 61); Lewis (Hamilton, 84), Scully, Hector-Ingram.
Subs not used: Constantinou.
Goal: Hector-Ingram.
Yellow cards: Johnson, Coventry.
Red card: Johnson.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO FINANCIAL FAIR PLAY?
By Sean Whetstone 25 Mar 2017 at 08:00
WTID
We hear very little about Financial Fair Play these days from the West Ham board for one very good reason.
Clubs have now been allowed to increased their wage bills by £7m per season – up £4m on the previous three-year scheme.
Last year Premier League clubs quietly voted to continue the self-governing Premier League FFP scheme which will run for a further three years including this season.
The Hammers published a total wage bill of £84.7m in their 2016 accounts for last season but this includes non-playing staff which aren't included in the FFP cap. That was an increase of £12m on the 2015 wage bill of £72.7m which saw a £9m increase from 2014 when the wage bill was £63.8m
A financial source close to the club told us:
"For 2016-2017, we elected (along with the most other clubs) to take our actual (player wage) spend from 2015-2016 and add our annual allowance of £7.0m plus our Club Own Revenue Uplift (CORU) to give us the maximum amount we can spend on players plus NI. We remain well within this cap and will comply with the STCC rules. We did not go back to the 2013 base year as it was not in our interest to do so as we have generated CORU each year and if we went back to the base year it would limit our spend."
"For next season, 2107-2018, we will again elect to take our actual (player wage) spend in 2016-2017, and add £7.0m, plus CORU, to give us our maximum spend. We will comply with the STCC limits as we have for the last four years.
"For 2018-2019, we will take our actual spend in 2017-2018, and add £7.0m plus CORU to give us our maximum spend."
"Rest assured, we know our obligations and we know that the Premier League looks at this closely, and we would never risk breaking the rules."
"We have complied every year and will continue to do so. Suffice to say we operate within the rules and have sufficient headroom when required."
A source close to club said on FFP:
"Suffice to say we operate within the rules and have sufficient headroom when required"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eyeing Reading boss Jaap Stam to replace Slaven Bilic as pressure grows on Hammers manager
The Irons' co-chairman David Sullivan expressed his frustration on the club's website after a 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth
The Mirror
BYSTEVE STAMMERS
22:30, 25 MAR 2017
Jaap Stam has jumped to the top of West Ham's wanted list to replace Slaven Bilic.
Pressure is again growing on Bilic after a disappointing run of results and talks over a new contract for the Croat have been shelved until the summer.
The Hammers' co-chairman David Sullivan expressed his frustration on the club's website after a 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth and publicly apologised to fans after last week's 3-2 home defeat to Leicester.
Former Manchester United star Stam has impressed at Reading, taking them into the play-off positions in the Championship in his first full-time job in management.
Stam – who held the manager's job at Dutch club Zwolle on a temporary basis – has signed a two-year deal at the Berkshire club.
If he takes the club to the play-offs and the brink of a place in the Premier League, it will mark an impressive turn around for a club that finished 17th in the Championship last season.
The attraction for West Ham would be the need to pay compensation to Reading of only one season's salary for the Dutchman.
Stam has expressed frustration at ownership issues at the Madejski with Reading's Thai's chiefs previously in talks with a Chinese group which fell through.
Stam said: "I don't know what's going to happen in the future which I think is very important for myself and for the club.
"If you want to do something, you need to have a plan for what you eventually want to achieve.
"You need to know what you're going to do with the team, the staff and the structure of the club."
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Stoke and West Ham lead chase for Andrew Robertson and Josh Tymon
Stoke are keeping close tabs on Scotland international Andrew Robertson
West Ham are monitoring Josh Tymon as they are also chasing new left back
Hull are currently 18th in the Premier League with nine games left to play
By Joe Bernstein for The Mail on Sunday
PUBLISHED: 22:31, 25 March 2017 | UPDATED: 00:00, 26 March 2017
Premier League clubs are already circling around Hull City's players in anticipation of their relegation with Stoke City looking at Scotland international defender Andrew Robertson and teenager Josh Tymon attracting interest from West Ham. Despite improvements under Marco Silva, the Tigers are still three points from safety and likely to prune their squad even further following the January departures of Robert Snodgrass and Jake Livermore. Robertson, 23, is a potential target for Stoke who are looking to sign a left back in the summer to provide competition for Erik Pieters and are also keeping an eye on Charlie Taylor of Leeds United.
Burnley made a £10million bid to sign Robertson in the last transfer window. Meanwhile, 17-year-old prospect Tymon is on West Ham's radar after impressing in 13 first-team appearances this season. Tymon, whose best position is also left back, is still on an academy contract of just £160-a-week after failing to reach a professional deal at the KCOM Stadium West Ham are adopting a policy of trying to sign good young British players. They have landed Sam Byram, England Under 19s international Nathan Holland and former Manchester United forward Ashley Fletcher. They also considered a move for Brentford forward Scott Hogan before being put off by the Championship club's valuation. Hogan eventually joined Aston Villa in a £12million deal at the end of the January window.
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West Ham owner David Gold hits back at Jason Cundy's scathing attack
The former Chelsea man had some strong words for the Hammers supremo
Football London
BYOLIVER HARBORD
15:32, 25 MAR 2017
WEST HAM
West Ham's joint owner David Gold often has something to say on Twitter and this time he has looked to hit back at former Chelsea player Jason Cundy. The ex-Blues player is a regular on talkSport and he claimed yesterday that Slaven Bilic should move leave the Hammers, blaming the owners. Cundy said: "He should seriously look at his options. Last year, they over-achieved, they were brilliant in a season with so much pressure. "Then moving to the new stadium, there was huge excitement, the two David's [Gold and Sullivan, co-chairmen] have said they want Champions League football. I thought there was something really going on at West Ham and being a contender for doing something. "But the two David's [Gold and Sullivan], the transfers they have given Bilic to deal with, the players they have said 'here's we want you to press on with' is just not good enough."
But now Gold has taken to social media to hit back at the pundit after his scathing attack.
David Gold ✔ @davidgold
Cundy doesn't no what he's talking about, taking player on loan with a view to buy is a good way to do business. Lanzini worked Zaza didn't
2:18 PM - 25 Mar 2017
25 25 Retweets 163 163 likes
It seems that Cundy and Gold aren't really on the best of terms at the moment!
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