International round-up: Arnautovic's Austria bested by Wales
WHUFC.com
Saturday once again saw a number of West Ham United internationals in action with two of our first team players on opposing sides in one contest. That match was between Wales and Austria where Marko Arnautovic started for the visiting side, while James Collins was on the bench for Chris Coleman's Dragons. The centre-back was an unused substitute for the home team, and Arnautovic played the full 90 minutes, in a 1-0 win for Wales courtesy of a debut goal by Ben Woodburn. The result puts Wales three points clear of Austria in third place in World Cup qualifying Group D.
Chicharito was in action with Mexico in the early hours of Saturday morning as El Tri secured their place at next summer's World Cup thanks to a 1-0 win over Panama. Javier Hernandez played the full 90 minutes of the victory with Mexico becoming the fifth side to guarantee their place at the 2018 finals in Russia, courtesy of a Hirving Lozano finish.
Cheikhou Kouyate was a very late substitute for Senegal in their 0-0 World Cup qualifying contest with Burkina Faso. The midfielder was introduced in the 89th minute for his side, replacing Moussa Sow. The hosts, who had Kalidou Koulibaly sent off in the 84th minute, remain third in their World Cup qualifying group due to the draw.
At U19 level West Ham United's Anthony Scully got on the scoresheet for the Republic of Ireland as they claimed a 2-1 win against the Czech Republic.
Hammers youngster Conor Conventry was also in the squad for the friendly contest at Waterford.
Finally, Rihards Matrevics's Latvia U19s side bested Greece 2-1 in a friendly fixture on Saturday afternoon in Agrinio thanks to two goals in the second period.
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE COLUMN: QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS AND MORE QUESTIONS…
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 2 SEPTEMBER 2017 AT 7:09PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
I decided to write this column on the back of transfer deadline and how I think the window has gone for us on the whole.
If you had asked me this question a week ago I would have told you that I was very pleased. I felt we needed a new goalkeeper to challenge Adrian-We got England's number one. I wanted a proper right back-we got one of the best Premier League Right backs in recent years on a free, although I felt he was a short term fix given his age. He also brought much needed leadership too. I wasn't too sure on the signing of Arnaultovic although I trusted Bilic as he was the target he really wanted, he had played some very good games against us in the past and we all know what a signing Hernandez is. Add to this we brought in the highly talented and skilful Montenegro international youngster, Sead Haksabanovic (yes I did look up that spelling) and it was all looking good.
I was under the impression that we would sign Carvalho and that this deal was very close and this was from various sources. I was pleased with this and felt it might sure up the goals that we were leaking as I had heard he was a top draw player. I also felt we could do with a new forward because you cannot rely on Sakho and Carroll for anything and if Hernandez got injured we would be in big trouble. I would also have brought in a new winger too after Snodgrass left. So when this didn't happen it turned being a good window for me into one that didn't deliver enough in terms of squad depth or net spend.
Now there are two arguments to each story of blame here with the window and I will attempt to look at both. It is the natural and understandable assumption that my information comes from the Sullivan's and only them but this really isn't the case, in fact I have found it very frustrating how little they will tell me when I see other sites being fed information all the time. My sources are luckily quite wide and in various different departments some of which are very close to the manager and players, so I try to be as balanced as I can in my opinions. Anyone who has listened to the radio show will know I have criticised the board and if you look at our events slogan "Fed up with soulless Stratford" you would see that I am not as brown nosing as is always implied.
I have been told many times throughout the window, from various people, that Slaven didn't want to sign any more players other than Carvalho. This is something that he also stated himself in interviews. I found this absolutely shocking, it was apparently his decision not to pursue Iheanacho and then not sign other targeted forwards. The more I heard about this the more wound up I got, surely experience of previous seasons shows Carroll and Sakho cannot be replied on.
Bilic also stated that he wanted domestically proven players and he wasn't interested in bringing in unproven players who have not played in the Premier League. This I don't understand because Carvalho was unproven in the Premier League but because of this he apparently turned down Renato Sanches and Grzegorz Krychowiak. Both players would have been massive additions to our squad and would have been what made this a good window for us if they had both joined us on loan. I am still left baffled by this; did he really turn them down?!
Following the Newcastle defeat, having defended Bilic against the two other presenters and good friends (Dave and Kev-SDCC) on The West Ham Way Radio for a long time now, I found it very hard to excuse the performance. Let's face it, if we had won the first three games the atmosphere around the club would feel very different and we possibly wouldn't have been as disappointed by the final outcome of the window. The truth is we have performed dreadfully, team selection has been all wrong, we don't look fit and the tactics have been dire. The buck lays with Bilic on this and not the board.
After the Newcastle game however there would have been the time to get rid of the manager if the board had lost confidence, which I believe they have, like many fans now. The decision to keep him on and then not sign the player he wanted makes me question why this has happened?! Was it financial reasons we didn't get rid of Bilic? Are they going to wait until someone else becomes available? Or do they really believe he is the man to take us forward?-if so they should have backed him and not released yesterday's statement. It is quite simple: Back or sack your manager but somehow we have met in the middle!
I have heard many reasons as to why we didn't sign Carvalho from the club. These have ranged from "Not representing value for money" "Clearly isn't that good because no top clubs have tried to sign him" "The player isn't fit" "Sporting are hard to deal with" to the strange revelation that we would have signed him but Sporting accepted the offer too late for a medical.
I find all of these very hard to believe. Firstly our net spend has been minimal this window so whether we thought he was slightly overpriced or not we should have signed him because the figure that was spoke off wasn't that high in this market given the calibre of the player. Secondly, if top six clubs were trying to sign him, he wouldn't have joined West Ham, so that would actually be a good thing. Thirdly, the player isn't fit and will not be able to play for us for three weeks-he played for the current Euro Champions Portugal yesterday and scored and got an assist so that clearly doesn't wash. Fourthly, a number of clubs from England have dealt with Sporting this window and none of them found it difficult to complete the deal. The fifth one and the one that has given me the most questions is Sporting accepted our bid but it was too late for a medical? There is a Premier League agreement which says you can sign a player, subject to a medical and complete the medical at another point. It just doesn't add up for me.
My question marks about the deal were written before the statement came out from Sporting officials claiming that David Sullivan did in fact not make an official bid for the Portugal midfielder and accused him of "lying". This is very concerning. Whilst at this point we cannot say whether it is true or not because Sporting maybe trying to avoid the £5m that they had to pay the player if he remained at the club, Sullivan is going to have to prove that he did otherwise there will severe question marks on his integrity. If it then transpires to be true and he didn't bid; lying to your close contacts, manager and more importantly fans is not acceptable.
The other question I have as well when it comes to Slav not wanting players is that in the past the board have still gone ahead with them despite the wishes of the manager sometimes. The fact that David Sullivan released a statement saying that Slav was offered both Renato Sanches and Grzegorz Krychowiak and didn't want them, why didn't we just sign them anyway, particularly if we are thinking of replacing the manager at some point soon too?
The problem I think many fans have is that we are often linked with and in the past promised big name signings: Bathsuayi, Lacazette, Bacca and now Carvalho and it seems our regular inability to land these players builds up expectations but also makes you question how genuine our intentions are to sign these players now? Yes it would always be difficult to land top class players but if it is a question of us not reaching the asking price then this is not what we were promised when we moved.
Moving to the new stadium was meant to project us onto the next level and make us compete with the best and be challenging for Champions League football. A number of things that we were told about the stadium have proven to not be entirely accurate and this is becoming a worrying trend because you can now throw in the non-spent "increased budget" too.
We were told that the club was operating a one out and one in transfer policy towards the end of the window yet players left and no one came in. I was told that the club did offer players to Slaven and he turned many of them down. The problem here is that Slaven Bilic hasn't given his take on the story. He has said in interviews that he is happy with his squad but how does he feel about Carvalho not coming in and did he turn down all these top players? It is his time to speak. Yes I understand it makes his position difficult and he may not wish to be unprofessional but his reputation will be in tatters if this proves to be true and he doesn't turn it around with results. He needs to come out and let us know. There are ways to do it for example "Yes, I did turn down these players as I didn't think they would benefit us" or "The players that have been mentioned were not names given to me or at the time were not transfers that we would have been able to conclude"
I offered David Sullivan the chance to come on our radio show but it wasn't accepted (not directly by him) but I think it would be a good move to answer some of the many questions our fans have and hopefully go some way to appeasing the fans. David Sullivan was also advised not to put out the statement on Bilic that he did but he wanted to do so. I think he should either meet the accounts that Brady has or open a forum to fans to apply to attend. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to do this with Brady and previous chairmen and it is a good way for them to answer their critics.
A very frustrating event occurred on the West Ham Way twitter account on deadline day. There are about 10 people who have access to the account and they were spread across the world at that time (Malta, Northern Ireland, Marbella, Essex, USA ) although only one person was tweeting; BKHammer from Northern Ireland who is very Anti Bilic and Anti Board. His tweets were showing from Malta, Northern Ireland and most significantly Marbella. Understandably this made suspicions that Jack or Dave Jnr had tweeted the Bilic comments. This is what I had thought when I first saw them having got back from the pub with a couple of West Ham friends. My first action was to question both Sullivan's and they said it wasn't them and then to check with our admins of which BKHammer laid claim to the tweets. Now I understand why some people are continuing to not believe me when I say this but I actually would rather they had tweeted it. The tweets got a lot of exposure for the account and had I confirmed it was them, the profile of the account would have grown. Unfortunately this was not the case and this can be proven to anyone who would like to come to our events at the East Ham Working Man's club. Here is the link for the tickets where Mark Ward is our guest before the Spurs game and will be speaking his mind: bit.ly/TWHWTICKET11 The abuse Jack and Dave Jnr get on social media is quite simply is not on, admittedly both would admit they haven't helped themselves at times however. Neither of them control what is going on at the club and actually Jack has made a very positive start leading the ladies team. Had they tweeted those comments about the manager they would have deserved a backlash but in all honesty they didn't.
I don't doubt for one second that the Sullivan's probably feel the same way as our admins though. Jack had access to the account when it first started because he did a number of Q and As for us and he must still have the login on his phone hence Marbella coming up. He hasn't done anything for the website and twitter in a long while now. I know how it looks and if I was lying I wouldn't go to all this trouble to say I am not. At the end of the day none of the tweets had anything to do with me but I feel it is important to put this message out.
The manager and the chairmen are now under a lot of scrutiny and really need something positive to turn us around. The only positives I can think of at the moment is that we did sign five good players, we kept Lanzini and we have a nearly fully fit squad to choose from. Another good thing would be some of the youth players such as Nathan Holland and Dan Kemp getting a chance to play if injuries do occur. Results have played a big part in the negativity that cannot be forgotten.
The bottom line is the fans need questions answered. Ms Brady said to us at the Bloggers meeting that this would be our best window and that a substantial budget was being prepared for players. Again, we haven't seen this and whilst this is not really anything to do with her it is yet another failed promise. I think the club need to think very carefully about statements and promises that are made because it seems more often than not they are not fulfilled. The board may have the initial intentions of meeting these pledges but too frequently they haven't and it just creates resentment. West Ham fans are a passionate bunch and one thing that won't be tolerated is false promises and lies. The club really needs to think about this going forward and start delivering the big statements to go some way to appeasing the negativity that has been created now. I am stating the obvious here but the Huddersfield game is huge for everyone involved. A good performance will shift things in the right way, a bad performance and things will continue to turn very toxic.
We will be talking about this in a lot more detail on the radio show on Wednesday at 7pm.
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THE SITUATION AT WEST HAM
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 2 SEPTEMBER 2017 AT 12:25PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
This is an article written by @whufcbulletin
Following this afternoon's 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United, the club finds itself in a minor crisis at the very start of this 2017/2018 Premier League Campaign. As a result of the defeats, many fans, including myself have called for a change, however, the problems at the club span far beyond the three defeats at the beginning of this season. As well as poor management, there are also problems with the club's training, facilities, ownership, and organisation. All of these problems seem to now be coming to a head and have led to poor results on the pitch for over a year now. As I previously said, the problems at West Ham have been apparent for far longer than this season, as a club, we have been underachieving massively for over a year.
I will first start by talking about the manager, Slaven Bilic. From what I understand, Bilic is seriously considering resigning. I think it would be better for him than prolonging the wait for the inevitable sack. He can go with some reputation still intact rather than suffer the indignation of being told to go. He had a great first season, in our last season at the Boleyn and fans still remember him for that, if he walked out the door, he would come out less tainted than he would if he waited and was sacked. Unfortunately, at least from my point of view, Slaven Bilic has proved that in many ways he is tactically lacking and is simply manipulated by the board room to save his position thus producing some very strange and contradictory decisions. Bilic struggles to set up defences and that has led us to concede ten goals in our first three matches. Furthermore, Bilic's selection has also become more than questionable. In the game today, he decided to play Declan Rice, Mark Noble and Edimilson Fernandes in midfield ahead of Cheikhou Kouyate, Pedro Obiang and Manuel Lanzini. It is this sort of decision making which makes many fans very wary of him and unsure of his tactics. I don't want to attack him or be anti-Bilic, he is a great guy and i'm sure he will be a successful manager in the future, however, he has lost his way and made his stay at the club untenable. Furthermore, whatever tactics Bilic is trying to use, they clearly aren't working. Either he is not delivering them properly or the players aren't suited to them as the team seems confused and without a gameplan whenever it comes out to play, today's defeat to Newcastle being the perfect example of this. As a side, we failed to cope with a team which was essentially from the championship. Our defence was all over the place and there was no gameplan whatsoever. It is for this reason especially that I believe Slaven Bilic must be replaced, however, do believe that he may well walk himself in the near future. As I have already said, it's not just three games, it's a continuation from last season & the manner of the 3 defeats. There is too much baggage from the season before & there are too many problems still apparent & growing. It's been clear for a long time that he's lost the players even the new ones. No one buys into what he's doing nor do they understand it. The board have to take the blame as they made a decision at the end of last season to stick with him when it was clear a fresh start was needed for both parties.
Furthermore, the Training regime is still poor. The training is permanently set at very low work levels and there is little attention paid to tactics during sessions. Coaches such as Julien Dicks are brought in to make the fans believe that training is successful and efficient, however, I can assure you, Julien Dicks does little more than put out the cones and hand our bibs, he has little to no say in the way the team play. This lack of tactical understanding between the players and the coaching staff leads to yet more confusion on matchday and this is simply more of a reason for why the team is coming out with such horrendous results. This somewhat leads into the next point about facilities. Although some document that Rush Green is an excellent training complex, it misses a number of key features. It is no coincidence that West Ham's injury list is one of the longest in the league, and it is not just because we play 'a physical style of football'. The complex misses out key features which help with the fitness of the players, the absence of an ice bath for muscular recovery being an example of this. Players such as Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho must train in an environment where injuries can be dealt with easily and avoided, however at the current complex, this is not so.
Moreover, there are still problems with the ownership too. The new manager that will inevitably come in must be allowed to manage the team with out interference or pressure from the chairman. An appointment of a knowledgeable director of football such as Txiki Begiristain is also important to oversee the development of the club from transfers, the academy to ensuring the training ground has up to date facilities to ensure the proper growth and development of the club, players and stadia.
The club has catapulted in size and stature and the Board must bring in professionals in the right areas, they cannot continue to attempt to micro manage everything if we are to be successful. David Sullivan has always tried to do everything by himself and this has often led to him being overwhelmed. This is the majority of the reason for why Lanzini has not been offered a new contract. Sullivan is so busy working '22 hours a day' that he is too involved in the transfers and then doesn't have time to negotiate new contracts with players. A director of football would deal with these issues and make sure every part of the club is working well.
The club has grown significantly in the past few years and so it is no surprise that it is enduring these problems, however, it is important to solve them and get them out of the way before they turn into long-term issues and we get relegated!
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Greedy agent cost Quina loan move
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 3rd September 2017
By: Staff Writer
The deal taking Domingos Quina to Sheffield United fell through eight hours before the transfer deadline after Sheffield United were asked to increase their offer.
The Portuguese attacking midfielder was all set to join the Blades on a season-long loan on transfer deadline day, but the deal collapsed after Quina's agent - who was also representing Watford forward Jerome Sinclair - asked for improved terms for both players.
A video, filmed by the Bleacher Report from Sheffield United's base on deadline day captured the exact moment Blades' boss Chris Wilder turned down the deal.
"We can't do that, we've agreed a deal with West Ham and we've agreed a deal with Watford," Wilder can be seen saying in response to a text message from the players' agent. "Everything is done, we're at our budget."
And two hours later, at 6pm, Wilder reluctantly accepted that both deals were off - after claiming that Quina and Sinclair's agent had demanded an additional "50 per cent" for his part in the transfers. Disappointing news for the two players involved - especially Watford youngster Sinclair, who had already made his own way to Sheffield by train only to be told by his agent at 7.30pm that the deal was off. "He wanted to play, he wanted to come here. So did Quina," said Wilder. "That's two lads who wanted to be here but who have been messed about by the system. "We'll be walking out in front of 40,000 at Sunderland next week; they'll be walking out in front of 400 at under-23 games. Crazy."
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Sporting chief denies Sullivan claims
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 3rd September 2017
By: Staff Writer
The director of Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon has called into doubt the veracity of a statement made by David Sullivan on West Ham's website regarding William Carvalho. Sullivan, speaking via whufc.com on Sunday evening claimed that Sporting had offered the Portuguese international to West Ham on deadline day at the same terms which had intially been rejected. However that prompted to a furious response from Sporting's Nuno Saraiva, who insisted that West Ham had made no such bid, that Sullivan's claims were damaging his club's reputation and that his comments equated to "intellectual pornography".
"David Sullivan lies," read a translated version of Saraiva's response, posted via social media. "There was no proposal presented for the player William Carvalho.
"The football industry is not the plateau of an adult film in which all obscenities are allowed. For this reason, the boss of a club requires much more than this intellectual pornography. 'Mr Sullivan has a duty to prove what he says. For this reason, Sporting CP challenges him to publicly show the proposals he says have been made, as well as the evidence that Sporting CP has received them."
And the chances of West Ham snapping up Carvalho in the January transfer window - or any subsequent window - appear to be slim to none, after Saraiva inisisted that he would no longer have anything to do with individuals that act in such a reprehensible manner. "We'll have nothing to do with businessmen or relatives who live at the expense of players and who are offering them from club to club at a price of balance, without a mandate, as if cheap merchandise supermarket," he added. "This devalues the athlete and the club, and creates lamentable situations that have already forced, in this case, Sporting Clube de Portugal to take drastic measures to defend against these characters that are parasitises in the lives of some players."
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West Ham chairman's William Carvalho claim disputed by Sporting Lisbon
Last Updated: 02/09/17 10:59pm
SSN
Sporting Lisbon's communications chief Nuno Saraiva has disputed a claim by West Ham's David Sullivan that the east London club made an offer for William Carvalho. Sullivan, joint-chairman of the Hammers, used the club's website on Friday to explain that his club had had an initial bid for the 25-year-old Portugal international midfielder rejected. And he went on to say that Sporting had contacted West Ham close to the deadline to accept the offer, only for Sullivan to turn the opportunity down. A statement from Sullivan on the West Ham website on Friday read: "It is no secret that we made a club-record bid for Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho but unfortunately our offer was rejected a couple of weeks ago. "Late last night, Sporting Lisbon made contact to accept the original offer but, unfortunately, it was just too late in the day, and we simply did not have enough time to put the player through a medical. "We were not prepared, as a club, to buy a player for that amount of money without him having gone through adequate medical checks."
However, Sporting have now disputed this claim, with Saraiva taking to Facebook to respond: "No proposal arrived for the player William Carvalho. "Mr Sullivan has a duty to prove what he says. For this reason, Sporting Clube de Portugal challenge him to publicly show the proposals he says have been made, as well as the evidence that Sporting CP has received them."
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AND WHAT ARE THE POSITIVES?
By S J Chandos 3 Sep 2017 at 17:00
WTID
No one is satisfied with the way in which the transfer window ended. I had thought that we would bring in a couple of last minute signings, probably a defensive midfielder and another wide player. However, it was not to be and David Sullivan's subsequent account of events on deadline day has opened up a real can of worms, particularly with Sporting Lisbon. It has also given rise to widespread recriminations amongst Hammers fans, largely aimed at the motives and ambitions of the West Ham board.
I do not want to add to those recriminations or further promote the negativity in this article. Instead, I want to focus on some of the positives and discuss the problems(s) constructively. First up, I do believe that we possess a potentially very good forward line. In Antonio and Arnautovic we have two powerful and pacy wide men, who have the ability to trouble the majority of PL defences. In the central striking role, we have a genuine goal scorer in Hernandez, who can also hold up the ball and link up play. Behind that front three, there is the power of Kouyate, the experience of Noble and the creativity of Lanzini; as well as Ayew's ability to weigh in with his fair share of goals. We also have Sakho and Carroll, who can offer different qualities up front, whether that is replacing Hernandez or playing alongside him in a front two.
Providing that we can keep key players fit, and the forward line gels, I do not feel that we have huge problems in attack. However, defensively, it is entirely a different matter. We are just leaking far too many goals, 10 in the first three matches. Now that the transfer window is closed, Bilic obviously has to work with the players available. in doing so, he needs to decide on whether he will continue with a back four or play a back three with two wing-backs. If he goes with the latter formation then that takes a man out of the forward line, but hopefully it will create a tighter defence and capitalise upon the attacking strengths of Zabaletta and Cresswell down the flanks. If Bilic opts for a back four then both Zabaletta and Cresswell are going to have to be more disciplined in playing as conventional full-backs. Our strongest defensive unit (as a back four) is probably: Zabaleta, Cresswell, Ogbonna and Reid. As a back three, it is probably Rice, Reid and Ogbonna, with Zabaleta and Cresswell as the wing backs.
Slaven Bilic is in a tough situation. In response, he needs to be decisive and adopt the best system to address our damaging defensive vulnerabilities. If we can stop leaking goals then we have the forwards to win matches. Moreover, Bilic needs to use his man management skills to motivate the players and get the best out of them both individually and as part a unit. In football, confidence is a very important factor. Sometimes all it needs is a good performance and win to transform a team's prospects.
Bilic's total focus must be the Huddersfield Town match on 11 September 2017 and motivating the players to the performance and victory that we so badly need.
SJ. Chandos.
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CROSSED HAMMERS & THREE LIONS: DAVID JAMES
By Dan Coker 3 Sep 2017 at 08:00
WTID
Welcome to the fourth in a series of articles designed for international weekends – a look back at former Hammers players who wore the Three Lions of England. Today, as England prepare to face Slovakia at Wembley, we look back at a former Hammers and England goalkeeper – David James.
David James was born in Welwyn Garden City on 1st August 1970 and grew up as a Luton supporter. He signed for Watford though and, after helping the Hornets win the FA Youth Cup, made his full debut in August 1990 at the age of 20. He earned 10 caps for England Under-21s before moving to Liverpool in the summer of 1992. He won the League Cup in 1995 and received an FA Cup runners-up medal the following year before making his England debut under Glenn Hoddle in a friendly against Mexico on 29th March 1997. He signed for Aston Villa in the summer of 1999 and was once again on the losing side in an FA Cup Final, this time in 2000, the last Final to be played at the old Wembley.
James signed for Glenn Roeder's West Ham United in July 2001 for £3.5m but a serious knee injury picked up in a collision with Martin Keown whilst playing for England against the Netherlands at White Hart Lane would keep him out until late autumn. The 31-year-old finally made his Hammers debut in a 1-0 home defeat to Tottenham on 24th November 2001 – he went on to keep ten clean sheets in 29 appearances in his first season, a campaign which saw no other Premier League team win more matches at home than the Hammers. The club finished seventh but were to nosedive the following season, culminating in relegation. James was an ever-present in 2002/03, keeping nine clean sheets in 42 appearances during a season in which he became England's first-choice goalkeeper, replacing David Seaman.
James remained with the club for the first half of the First Division campaign of 2003/04, seeing many of his team-mates depart in a fire sale and playing under three managers – Roeder, caretaker boss Trevor Brooking and Alan Pardew – as the Hammers adjusted to life in the second tier. 'Jamo' kept ten clean sheets in 31 games before returning to the Premier League with Manchester City in a £2m deal in January 2004. He had made 102 appearances for West Ham in all competitions, his final match being a 2-1 home defeat to Preston on 10th January 2004. James had retained his position as Sven-Goran Eriksson's England number one but his return to the top flight all but secured his place as England's goalkeeper at the upcoming Euro 2004 tournament in Portugal.
After two and a half years with City, James returned south to join Portsmouth in the summer of 2006. While with Pompey, he broke the Premier League record for clean sheets and consecutive appearances. He stands fourth in the all-time Premier League appearances list with 572 games played – only Ryan Giggs, Gareth Barry and ex-Hammer Frank Lampard have played more. James moved to Bristol City in the summer of 2010 having captained Portsmouth in the FA Cup Final, James again picking up a runners-up medal after defeat at Wembley to Chelsea. The goalkeeper also played three of England's four matches at the 2010 World Cup, having lost his place to Paul Robinson during qualification for the 2006 World Cup – former Hammer James replaced then-Hammers custodian Rob Green in the tournament held in South Africa after Green's unfortunate error against the USA.
The 42-year-old James was released by Bristol City in the summer of 2012 and signed for Bournemouth in September of that year. His final appearance for Bournemouth, and in English football, was against Walsall in a 3-1 defeat at the Bescot Stadium on 19th January 2013.
James went on to play in Iceland for IBV, teaming up with former team-mate Hermann Hreidarsson in order to gain coaching experience. James was also player-manager of Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters, owned by Sachin Tendulkar, in 2014, helping the side to runners-up position in the inaugural campaign of the ISL. James played 956 matches during his career and, now 47, he is a regular pundit on BT Sports. My video below is a compilation of some of his saves in a West Ham shirt.
England v Slovakia
England face Slovakia on Monday in a World Cup 2018 qualifier – it will be the sixth meeting between the two nations. James played in the only previous competitive match between the two on these shores – a 2-1 win for England in a Euro 2004 qualifier in front of 35,000 at the Riverside Stadium on 11th June 2003, a month to the day after the Hammers were relegated. Evanesence were number one with 'Bring Me To Life', The Matrix Reloaded topped the UK box office and, the day after, American actor Gregory Peck passed away.
Former Hammer Frank Lampard and future Iron Matthew Upson joined James in Sven-Goran Eriksson's starting line-up. Slovakia had Vladimir Labant at left-back – Labant had spent a short spell with the Hammers between January and August 2002, making 15 appearances in claret and blue before returning from whence he came to Sparta Prague.
James was forced into a fine block on 14 minutes after Slovan Bratislava's Robert Vittek had been allowed far too much space behind England's backline to fire in a volley. The visitors did score the opening goal just after the half-hour mark – Austria Vienna's Vladimir Janocko curled in an angled free-kick which eluded everyone and spun into the far corner of the net.
With just over an hour played, England skipper Michael Owen was brought down in the penalty area and converted the resulting spot-kick himself. The Liverpool double act of Owen and Steven Gerrard combined to provide England's winner, Gerrard crossing for Owen to head home on 72 minutes for his 22nd goal in his 50th international appearance.
England: David James (West Ham), Danny Mills (Leeds), Gareth Southgate (Middlesbrough), Matthew Upson (Birmingham), Ashley Cole (Arsenal), Phil Neville (Man Utd), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Paul Scholes (Man Utd), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Wayne Rooney (Everton), Michael Owen (captain, Liverpool).
Subs: Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich) for Mills, Darius Vassell (Aston Villa) for Rooney.
Slovakia: Miroslav Konig (FC Zurich), Michal Hanek (Dinamo Moscow), Marian Zeman (Vitesse Arnhem), Martin Petras (Sparta Prague), Vladimir Labant (Sparta Prague), Vladimir Janocko (Austria Vienna), Igor Demo (captain, Borussia Monchengladbach), Radoslav Zabavnik (MSK Zilina), Rastilav Michalik (Sparta Prague), Robert Vittek (Slovan Bratislava), Szilard Nemeth (Middlesbrough).
Subs: Ondrej Debnar (Artmedia Petrzalka) for Labant; Marek Mintal (MSK Zilina) for Demo, Lubomir Reiter (Sigma Olomouc) for Nemeth.
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West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan issues response to Sporting Lisbon director's 'parasite' claims
Sporting's Nuno Saraiva called Sullivan a 'liar' for his comments regarding West Ham's pursuit of William Carvalho.
Rhodri Cannon By Rhod Cannon
September 3, 2017 17:31 BST
IB Times
West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has rubbished Sporting Lisbon's communications chief Nuno Saraiva's claims that the Irons never submitted a bid for midfielder William Carvalho and insists Slaven Bilic's side made an offer for the Portugal international. Saraiva responded to Sullivan's recent comments about the Hammers' pursuit of Carvalho by calling him a "liar" and a "parasite" and stressed that Sporting received no offer for their esteemed midfielder, who has attracted plenty of interest from Premier League clubs in recent seasons.
A rather astonishing Facebook post from Saraiva read: "David Sullivan lies. At Sporting Clube de Portugal, as has already been said by our president, no proposal was made for our player William Carvalho. "The football industry is not the set of an adult film in which all obscenities are allowed. So the boss of a club demands a lot more than this intellectual pornography." "Mr David Sullivan has a duty to prove what he says. That is why Sporting Clube de Portugal challenges him to publicly show the proposals he claims to have been made as well as the evidence that Sporting CP received them. "One thing is certain: Sporting CP, as has already been said, does not cut the legs off its players. But we have nothing to do with the performance of entrepreneurs or relatives who live at the expense of players and who are offering them to clubs as if they were cheap supermarket merchandise. "It creates regrettable situations that have already forced the sporting club of Portugal to take drastic measures to defend itself from these characters who parasitize the lives of some players."
Sullivan was quick to defend himself, insisting that West Ham's bid for Carvalho was submitted to Sporting via the player's agent and their Portuguese representatives but the club's president Bruno de Carvalho did not want the public to know of Sporting's willingness to sell one of their prized assets. The 68-year-old also said that the troubled Irons submitted a written bid, while his David Sullivan Junior branded Saraiva's statement as "serious libel" in a brief Twitter post.
"They are NOT TRUE!" Sullivan told West Ham fanzine Claret and Hugh. "But he (Bruno de Carvalho) can't admit publicly that he was prepared to sell him. Our bid was submitted via the player's agent and our negotiators in Portugal. We also put in a written bid."
Reports suggested that West Ham were prepared to offer £31m for Carvalho, valued at €40m by Sporting, but a deal never materialised despite Sullivan claiming that Sporting eventually accepted their original proposal. The whole sorry episode comes at a rather bleak time for West Ham, who currently lie at the bottom of the Premier League table with no points from their first three games. Their woeful start to the season has led to concerns over the future of Bilic, who may be relieved of his duties if his side fail to get a decent result at home to Huddersfield Town after the international break.
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West Ham confirm they will take legal action against Sporting Lisbon over failed move for William Carvalho
David Sullivan jnr has claimed West Ham will take action against Sporting Lisbon
The two clubs have been embroiled in a bitter war of words this transfer window
Issues arose following West Ham's interest in midfielder William Carvalho
By Danny Gallagher For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 17:25, 3 September 2017 | UPDATED: 17:43, 3 September 2017
West Ham United have confirmed they will be taking legal action against Portugese side Sporting Lisbon. Both sides have been embroiled in a bitter war of words following the summer transfer window, in which speculation grew surrounding a move for midfielder William Carvalho. In the aftermath of the window closing, Sporting's director claimed an offer was never made by the East London club. The news wasn't taken kindly by the Hammers, who will now take legal action against the Primeira Liga side. Writing via his personal Twitter account, David Sullivan Jnr said: 'West Ham are commencing legal proceedings against the communications director of sporting Lisbon as a written offer for the player was made.
'To Bruno de Carvalho the president of sporting Lisbon. To say we never made an offer is nonsense and serious libel.' The Sporting chairman had recently come out and given a statement on the failed transfer, saying: 'I want to give an information that has come out on both sides that I would like to emphasize. 'I have always defended Sporting to the last, it is often not easy to reconcile the interests of the club and the athletes, but I always strive to do so, but I liked it here that they had a notion that for William there was not a single proposal. 'You could see millions and millions on newspaper covers and televisions, but the fact is that Sporting did not refuse too much or too little because there were no proposals.'
Tensions were further stoked when the Portuguese club's director Nuno Saraiva also came out with a strongly worded in statement, in which he referred to the West Ham co-owner as a lying parasite. In a long-worded post which was distributed via social media platform Facebook, Saraiva wrote: 'Mr David Sullivan lies. No proposal arrived for the player William Carvalho. 'The football industry is not the plateau of an adult film in which all obscenities are allowed. For this reason, the boss of a club requires much more than this intellectual pornography. 'Mr Sullivan has a duty to prove what he says. For this reason, Sporting Clube de Portugal challenges him to publicly show the proposals he says have been made, as well as the evidence that Sporting CP has received them. 'One thing is sure: Sporting CP, it has been said, does not cut its legs for its athletes. 'But we have nothing to do with the performance of businessmen or relatives who live at the expense of players and who are offering them from club to club at a price of balance, without a mandate, as if cheap merchandise supermarket, thus devaluing the athlete and the club, and creating lamentable situations that have already forced, in this case, Sporting Clube de Portugal to take drastic measures to defend against these characters that parasitise the lives of some players.'
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'Lie after lie after lie' - Angry West Ham fans plan banners and protests at Hudderfield match
A number of Hammers supporters have had enough
Football London
BYADAM JONES
16:00, 3 SEP 2017UPDATED16:01, 3 SEP 2017
Angry West Ham fans are planning protests and banners against the club's board in the first Premier League match at the London Stadium this season. Next week's Monday Night Football match sees the visit of Huddersfield Town to east London in what will be the first home match of the campaign for the Hammers thanks to their stadium being used for the recent IAAF World Athletics Championships. However, it seems it will be an unhappy return home regardless of the result for West Ham's board - with a number of banners and protests being suggested by seriously disgruntled supporters. Fans are unhappy with the way the club conducted their business late in the transfer window - with results on the pitch also declining and manager Slaven Bilic being placed under enormous pressure.
A Crowdfunding page has been set up for flags and banners to protest the running of the club at the Huddersfield match - with numerous suggestions already being floated. One suggested banner reads: "Formed by the working class, ruined by the rich, sold a dream built on lies. Brady, Sullivan, Gold and co., enough is enough, it's time to go". Another banner reads: "Lie after lie after lie, enough is enough. Brady, Sully and co., time to go."
A number of Hammers supporters on social media have also voiced their support of the movement - claiming that something needs to be done to show the owners that fans of the club are unsettled.
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London Stadium move still at the core of West Ham's problems as unhappy supporters turn on board
JOHN DILLON
ES Sport
West Ham London Stadium
Normal service is about to be resumed at the London Stadium. And if you think that means West Ham's supporters will be happy that they've finally got a home match next Monday against Huddersfield Town after three miserable away defeats, you don't really understand the most persistently troubled of London's biggest four clubs. Protests are planned against the owners, David Sullivan and David Gold, at the game. Subscriptions are being raised for the purchase of #BoardOut banners. The manager, Slaven Bilic is on the brink and many fans have lost faith in their cult hero. Social media is on fire with abuse and anger. This is a startling and rapid turn-around from merely a month ago when, rightly, the directors were being hailed for a productive transfer summer which landed Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, Marko Arnautovic, Pablo Zabaletta and Joe Hart. But it's an apt and familiar illustration of what is meant by normal service at West Ham. Here's the root cause of the endlessly poisonous mood surrounding the club; 13 months after they moved in, the big, awkward and sterile Olympic bowl in Stratford is still, to my mind, at the core of the anger and resentment seething once again among many supporters. The ground breeds unhappiness, dissatisfaction and cynicism – no matter how hard the fans have tried to adapt. So setbacks and dissappointments become magnified. A bitter world weariness sets in too quickly because big promises have been made at the new place. They were offered in exchange for the wrench of leaving Upton Park. But far from being the gift from the taxpayers some purported the stadium to be, it is becoming a burden which could cost Bilic his job and blight the club's future. This sense of rootlessness and abandonment of tradition explains – partly - why the wind has turned so fiercely and suddenly against the owners. It is exacerbated by the high-speed turnover of opinion and belief promoted by Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, where the encouraging events of four weeks ago might as well be ancient history as they've now been obliterated by the failure to land William Carvalho on deadline day. Frankly, it's unfair. The summer signings could yet turn out to be excellent business. Yet conversely, despite the fans unhappiness with Bilic, there is also a swell of ill-feeling toward Sullivan because many fans believe he has too much to say in public about the manager's position – and much of it, they feel, undermines him. This makes for an unhappy relationship. It makes supporters wary and suspicious of the board's motives. That suspicion has increased following the extended saga of whether or not the Hammers actually tried to sign Sporting Lisbon's midfielder, William Carvalho. The fall-out prompted that furious outburst from the Portuguese club's communications director, Nuno Saraiva. Whoever is right, it's the timing that counts. It's chimed perfectly with the increasingly acrimonious mood among many West Ham supporters. And all this against a broader background of discontent about the move from Upton Park best summed up by the wording of a flag some supporters are planning to parade at away matches. It says: "Formed by the working class. Ruined by the rich. Sold a dream built on lies. Brady, Sullivan, Gold and Co, Enough is Enough. Time To go."
They are sentiments which could be echoed at many clubs where the fans feel marooned by the changing nature of modern football. And they are haunting West Ham and Bilic to a debilitating and intensified level. The immediate concern, however, after a three-match "road trip," enforced by the reconfiguration of the arena following those athletics championships, is that the team have conceded 10 goals while scoring only two. The return doesn't inspire much hope of a revival. West Ham were last seen there surrendering meekly in a risible 4-0 defeat by Liverpool last May. That was after two drubbings by Manchester City and a 5-1 thrashing by Arsenal. There have been two nights when things clicked in the new ground – the defeat of Chelsea in the League Cup and the hard-won victory against Spurs.
Bilic will require a similar intensity against Huddersfield and it's likely this will emerge once any pre-match protests subside. It's an irony that the board say they back him while a serious contingent of fans think his time should be up. Yet it's certain that those same supporters who doubt him so profoundly now will still get behind him at the critical point on Monday. There's a kind of football exorcism required at the London Stadium. It's taken far too long for West Ham to feel at home.
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West Ham co-owner David Sullivan heaps pressure on boss Slaven Bilic by claiming he turned down the chance to sign top players for the Hammers
David Sullivan has suggested Slaven Bilic turned down certain signings
Renato Sanches and PSG's Grzegorz Krychowiak were both considered
Sullivan remarked on the club's ability to bring in top four player targets
By Kieran Gill for The Mail on Sunday
PUBLISHED: 22:32, 2 September 2017 | UPDATED: 23:34, 2 September 2017
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has added to the pressure on Slaven Bilic by claiming the manager was not interested in the chance to sign Bayern Munich's Renato Sanches or Paris Saint-Germain's Grzegorz Krychowiak on deadline day. Following a quiet final week of the transfer window in which Sullivan stayed in Marbella, the 68-year-old released a statement to supporters in which he put the club's inactivity down to the manager. 'Overall Slaven is happy with the business we have done during the summer transfer window,' said Sullivan on the club's website. 'We received the manager's wish-list before the window opened and we have managed to get the top four players on it.'
Sanches joined Swansea on loan from Bayern and Krychowiak went to West Brom. Though retaining support from many Hammers fans, Bilic will need to beat Huddersfield a week on Monday after losing his first three matches of the season. Meanwhile, Rafa Benitez, who Sullivan came close to appointing as Hammers boss in 2015, would have to pay £5million in compensation if he walked away from Newcastle United following friction with owner Mike Ashley over the club's lack of transfer business. The Spaniard, who has two years left on his contract, is therefore effectively tied to Newcastle until another club offers to pay the penalty.
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Dave Sullivan suggests West Ham owner dad plans to buy the London Stadium outright one day
HITC
Damien Lucas
A number of West Ham United fans are unhappy with how the club's heralded move to the former Olympic Stadium has panned out so far. General view inside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at London Stadium on May 14, 2017 in Stratford, England. The Hammers' move to Stratford from their beloved Upton Park was beset by problems from the start. From in-fighting among the club's fans over persistent standing to segregation issues, violent scenes between home and away supporters and a general dissatisfaction with the atmosphere and feel of a ground many refer to as 'soulless', it left a bitter taste in what was supposed to be a memorable and historic campaign. Ahead of the stadium move, Hammers fans were promised a genuine retractable seating solution in communications from the club. In reality they have been left with a temporary lower tier built on a complex scaffolding which will reportedly take weeks to deconstruct and reconstruct each season at a cost of £8 million - some £7.7m more than the original estimate. The distance from the stands to the pitch is a major bone of contention for many fans with the bowl shape of the venue the biggest problem as the stadium was not built with football in mind. An aerial view of the London Stadium and ArcelorMittal Orbit is pictured during a flight over the capital London in a Cessna 172 plane on August 1, 2017. Having signed a 99-year lease many supporters are disillusioned at the prospect of a long-term future at the ground in it's current state. The club's owners David Sullivan and David Gold also pledged that the move would enable West Ham to spend more on quality players in the transfer market in a bid to compete with the Premier League's top six. But the club's net spend since moving to the ground has paled into insignificance compared to their rivals despite the extra ticket cash, commercial and merchandising revenue streams pushing the club into the prestigious European Deloitte Football Money League Top 20 for the first time, as proudly paraded on its official website back in January. Some supporters have suggested a lack of serious net spend could point to the club accumulating money to launch a bid to buy the stadium outright in the near future.
And in an interview with Sport Bible, Sullivan's son Dave remained coy but admitted it could be on the cards. When asked 'Is your dad looking into the possibility of buying the London Stadium outright in the future?' Sullivan told Sport Bible: "I cannot comment on that, but it is certainly a possibility." And when pushed on the situation surrounding the controversial "retractable" seating solution he added: "We are always looking for ways to improve the stadium, so if we think it will increase the fans experience then of course it is an option. "However, in the immediate future I do not think so because it has already cost a lot of money to install the normal seating. I reckon it could happen, but not for a few years." Whether the opportunity to buy the stadium outright - and potentially convert it into a fully fledged football arena - is this the real reason behind West Ham's low net spend since the big move remains to be seen and only Sullivan and Gold have the answers.
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'We are such an embarrassment' - West Ham fans react as club 'announce' Carvalho legal action
Co-owner David Sullivan's son has been tweeting about possible Hammers action against Sporting Lisbon
Football London
BYADAM JONES
17:53, 3 SEP 2017
West Ham fans have been reacting with embarrassment after the club seemingly announced legal action against Sporting Lisbon through co-owner David Sullivan's son, via Twitter. The Hammers were chasing a deal for William Carvalho throughout the summer, but the deal fell through late in the window with the clubs failing to agree in tough negotiations. The club reportedly made a late bid on transfer deadline day to reignite the deal - but co-owner David Sullivan claimed in a statement that it was too late in the day to sort out a medical to bring the midfielder to the London Stadium. However, Sporting Lisbon president Bruno de Carvalho has claimed that no such bid was received - and there wasn't a single offer for their player. No, co-owner David Sullivan's son has taken to Twitter to seemingly announce that West Ham are planning legal action against the communications director of Sporting Lisbon - claiming a written offer was made for William Carvalho.
DAVE SULLIVAN JNR @DaveSulley
West Ham are commencing legal proceedings against the communications director of sporting Lisbon as a written offer for the player was made
4:50 PM - Sep 3, 2017
214 214 Replies 97 97 Retweets 136 136 likes
DAVE SULLIVAN JNR @DaveSulley
To Bruno de Carvalho the president of sporting Lisbon. To say we never made an offer is nonsense and serious libel
4:50 PM - Sep 3, 2017 · Marbella, Spain
155 155 Replies 47 47 Retweets 78 78 likes
However, West Ham fans have not taken this news well. Many supporters are embarrassed by the way legal proceedings have seemingly been announced - and have directed their anger towards David Sullivan Jr.
Sean R @seanr1969
Replying to @DaveSulley @ExWHUemployee
Will you lot just clear off - talk about make matters worse - no-one likes you , your time is done
5:05 PM - Sep 3, 2017
Replies Retweets 3 3 likes
Adam @apmartinez19
Replying to @DaveSulley
No chance of signing Carvalho in Jan now. The club is so stupid and embarrassing at times
5:13 PM - Sep 3, 2017
1 1 Reply 1 1 Retweet 6 6 likes
Terry Ball @TerryBallwhu
Replying to @DaveSulley
The owners son announcing this on twitter is certainly a professional way to go about things. Stay classy lads.
5:12 PM - Sep 3, 2017
Replies 1 1 Retweet 2 2 likes
Dan Lawless ⚒ @TheLawless
Replying to @DaveSulley
Be honest there was never any intention to get Carvalho if there was we would have signed him
4:56 PM - Sep 3, 2017
Replies 3 3 Retweets 40 40 likes
Louise @louisewhufc
Replying to @DaveSulley
The club is embarassing why announce on your twitter its a joke if commencing legal actions it should be a written statement on the official
5:13 PM - Sep 3, 2017
1 1 Reply 1 1 Retweet 16 16 likes
Jonny Fuller @Bobblebad
Replying to @DaveSulley
Is it possible to run the club privately and not on twitter? You're making us look like idiots and surely putting clubs off dealing with us
4:57 PM - Sep 3, 2017
Replies 5 5 Retweets 16 16 likes
TobyGreen @tobiasphex
Replying to @DaveSulley
Stop embarrassing us!
4:53 PM - Sep 3, 2017
Replies 1 1 Retweet 13 13 likes
Bernard Montgomery @whostheguvnor
Replying to @DaveSulley
How is a little kid announcing this in the name of a top English football club We are such an embarrassment get you and your mob out my club
5:07 PM - Sep 3, 2017
1 1 Reply 1 1 Retweet 12 12 likes
DAVE SULLIVAN JNR @DaveSulley
West Ham are commencing legal proceedings against the communications director of sporting Lisbon as a written offer for the player was made
Follow
Andy Lampard @Alamps81
And this information comes via social media from our chairmans son... god we are an embarrassment sometimes
5:06 PM - Sep 3, 2017
Replies 1 1 Retweet 9 9 likes
WHUFC @IRONSSSS
Replying to @DaveSulley
Can your dad explain why he said there wasn't time for a medical, when there clearly was?
5:08 PM - Sep 3, 2017
Replies 1 1 Retweet 11 11 likes
Darren 父 Cox @hammersmad
Replying to @DaveSulley
Bravo waste money on a needless legal action. Still you don't spend it on transfers so I suppose it has to go somewhere
5:04 PM - Sep 3, 2017
Replies 3 3 Retweets 6 6 likes
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, September 4
Sunday, September 3
Daily WHUFC News - 3rd September 2017
Chicharito and Mexico qualify for 2018 FIFA World Cup finals
WHUFC.com
Chicharito and Mexico have qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals
after beating Panama 1-0 in Mexico City on Friday evening. The West Ham
United forward played the full 90 minutes at the Azteca Stadium, where
Hirving Lozano's second-half goal secured El Tri's progress to Russia.
Mexico became the fifth team to secure a spot at next summer's competition,
joining host Russia, Brazil, Iran and Japan. Chicharito was at his lively
best on home turf playing in the 26th FIFA World Cup qualifier of his
illustrious career, unleashing three shots on Panama's goal, and he now has
the opportunity to play at his third finals. The Hammers forward was making
his 97th appearance for his country and will hope to reach his century
before next summer's tournament. Cap number 98 should arrive on Tuesday
evening, when Mexico travel to Costa Rica. Should they win, Chicharito and
company will secure a first-place finish in the CONCACAF qualification
table.
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Arnautovic gears up for Wales tie
WHUFC.com
Two Hammers could go head-to-head in FIFA World Cup Qualifying on Saturday,
as Marko Arnautovic's Wales head to Cardiff to take on James Collins' Wales.
Group D is finely poised, with both Austria and Wales just four points
behind joint-leaders Serbia and Republic of Ireland, so a victory would go a
long way for either side. The pair played out a 2-2 draw in Vienna at the
start of the campaign – with Arnautovic on target twice – and the
28-year-old is keen to get back to winning ways after having to sit out the
Hammers' trip to Newcastle last weekend suspended. He said: "We dominated
that match [against Wales] and deserved the victory, so on Saturday we
should give gas, and everyone should fight for each other until the end. "I
know how to deal with the pressure. I only focus on football and not on what
people say, write or mean."
Arnautovic was disappointed to start his Hammers career with a sending off
at Southampton but is looking forward to his return to action after the
international break and helping his side turn their early season form
around. He added: "I'm really looking forward to the new task, the team has
a lot of potential."
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International round-up: Hart keeps clean sheet in England win
WHUFC.com
A host of West Ham United internationals were in action on Friday with Joe
Hart playing the full 90 minutes for England. The goalkeeper kept a clean
sheet for the Three Lions in the 4-0 victory away at Malta to keep Gareth
Southgate's side unbeaten and at the top of their World Cup qualifying
group. Two goals from Harry Kane and a finish apiece from Ryan Bertrand and
Danny Welbeck secured the win for England. Left-back Aaron Cresswell was an
unused substitute for England in this match.
At U19 level Dan Kemp had an excellent game for England against Poland,
providing two assists in the 7-1 win. The 18-year-old – in great form for
the West Ham United U23s – started the match and created two of England's
seven finishes while hat-tricks from Sheffield Wednesday's George Hirst and
Arsenal's Edward Nketiah, as well as a goal from Sunderland man Elliot
Embleton, secured an emphatic victory.
Andre Ayew meanwhile played 68 minutes for Ghana as the Black Stars battled
back to earn a 1-1 draw with Congo. It took a late finish from Thomas Partey
to secure a point for Ghana but their chances of qualifying for the World
Cup are now in serious danger. They sit five points behind leading side
Uganda in their group.
Arthur Masuaku had been included in DR Congo's international squad for
Friday's match with Tunisia but the defender was not a part of the match-day
squad. His side lost 2-1.
Finally summer signing Sead Hakasabanovic was an used substitute for
Montenegro in the 3-0 win over Kazakhstan That win puts Montenegro second in
Group E of World Cup qualification, on 13 points.
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Ewens: Adaptability will be key for Ladies in Chichester City Cup tie
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies assistant manager Josh Ewens believes adaptability
will prove to be the crucial attribute in this Sunday's FAWPL Cup match with
Chichester City. The Ladies secured their first win of the new season last
weekend in a 4-3 thriller against Cardiff City and will now focus their
attention on their Determining Round fixture with Chichester. The West
Sussex side are yet to claim a win in the FAWPL Southern Premier this
campaign but Ewens is aware that Chichester will be a significant challenge
for the West Ham Ladies to overcome. And the coach reckons Chichester City
will prove a good test for his side's ability to react on the field as the
game develops. "I think Chichester will be a tough test," Ewens told
whufc.com. "I think it depends on how they set up, and then it will be about
how our players respond to the challenges Chichester pose us. "No matter how
they decide to play our training will hopefully have prepared our players to
react appropriately and resolve those problems on the pitch in real time. As
long as we continue with what we've been doing we should be okay."
The match with Chichester City Ladies is the first step on the path of a
season-long journey to the final Last campaign the West Ham United Ladies
were eliminated at this stage of the competition by eventual winners
Tottenham Hotspur, and Ewens is targeting a much better push this season.
The assistant manager also wants to see continued progression in the level
of performance and believes winning the right way is also vital for the
team. Ewens, when asked about the Ladies' aims for this cup competition,
responded: "We want to do as well as we can. Like everything we will go in
with the view of playing as well as we can and hopefully going all the way
and winning it, but we want to do that in our way and in the right way. "As
well as that it's another game to try and play the way we want to play.
Hopefully we get a result as well as a good performance. The performance
isn't necessarily more important than a win but what I will say is how much
we win in the future will be dependent on the level of performance."
Ewens was also keen to offer praise the other members of the Ladies coaching
team, who have dedicated their time and efforts to making the West Ham
United side a better outfit. "There's definitely a good feeling in the camp
but there's lots to work on, lots to improve on and we're all looking
forward to Sunday's game.
"We've got some really good and dedicated staff here. Whether it's a win or
a loss we all work incredibly hard. Greg de Carnys, Karen Ray, Myles Smith,
Dan Blewett, Cav Francis-King and Neo Charalambous all deserve credit for
what they're doing with the team. "We are all working incredibly hard to
ensure that performances continue to improve and I think we will start to
see that transferring into regular positive results."
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Key man Kemp pivotal in emphatic England win
WHUFC.com
Dan Kemp expressed his delight after creating two goals as England's U19s
recorded an emphatic 7-1 friendly victory over Poland on Friday. The West
Ham United winger, who has been on fire for the Club's U23s this season with
three goals in just four appearances, teamed up with the young Lions for
their matches against Poland and Germany. And the 18-year-old collected two
assists as the hosts scored seven times through Sheffield Wednesday's George
Hirst and Arsenal's Edward Nketiah – both of whom fired in hat-tricks – as
well as Sunderland man Elliot Embleton. After the thrashing, a thrilled Kemp
said: "I'm delighted to have first started the game as it's always an honour
to represent my country. I have started twice before but the feeling is
always fresh and new and always amazing. "To get the assists at the end of
the day is just part of my job as an attacking player – to create and score
goals – but obviously I'm delighted to have got two assists.
"I'm still looking for my first goal but I feel it will come soon enough and
the most important thing is that we won and the team played great. "I hope
to keep doing well when playing for England and work hard to keep improving
and getting better and better with each game and training sessions with the
boys. "The aim for us as a group is to keep getting working together to be
ready to perform well and hopefully retain the European Championship at the
end of the season. The feeling I get when I play for my country is special
and such a honour."
The U23s were beaten heavily by Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, but had a
number of key men missing, including the likes of Nathan Trott, Josh Pask
and Martin Samuelsen, as well as Kemp. Prior to the defeat, Terry Westley's
Hammers were unbeaten in all competitions and Kemp has taken great
confidence from the superb start to the season. "I feel I've had a great
start to the season with West Ham and I am really enjoying my football and
this has helped me to take this onto playing for England," he continued. "I
am so happy to get the opportunity to play for my country and start our U19
campaign so well. "I enjoy scoring and providing goals and nothing is better
than this for an attacking player like me. This season, I have I set myself
bigger goal and assists targets and I am now just really hoping to achieve
them."
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THE SQUAD? THE BOARD? THE MANAGER? THE WINDOW!
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 2 SEPTEMBER 2017 AT 11:38AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written By Malcolm Atkins @malatk
Well that was a strange one. A few weeks ago we were all delighted with the
window. Arnautovic, Zabaleta and Hart were joined by Chicarito; the quality
finisher we had been missing. We were all delighted, even my old sparring
partner Fareham was calling for a Knighthood for DS – maybe a little tongue
in cheek but certainly like other long term board sceptics he felt a lot
more optimistic. Then we offloaded most of the players that most of us had
wanted rid of and sat back awaiting the last couple of pieces of the jigsaw
and then world domination, or at least a decent challenge for 7th!
Then the season started! Three losses, all pretty abject with an
unconvincing cup win over lower league opposition the only straw to clutch.
The away factor re-ignited the anti-board folk while those of us who are far
from convinced by Bilic were yelling for him to be sacked.
Window was still open so we waited; Bilic to go, and new signings? Bilic to
stay, and new signings? Neither, so now everyone is unhappy.
Despite being a long time board supporter I think they have got this wrong.
If they were keeping him they should have stumped up for the player he
wanted. If not – move him on (though this should have been done in the
summer really, they are paying for keeping a manager they are not sure
about. I find it mysterious; it has gone very quiet from the Sullivans and
David Gold – I can not help but think there is something else happening to
which we are not privy. Something is clearly very wrong at the club, and
yet…..
The squad on Paper is really not that bad, I saw a point made that if the
signings had all been made this week it would feel very different and I
think that has merit. Looking at the manager's preferred 4-3-3 In goal,
England's Keeper, backed up by Adrian, called up by pain not so long ago.
Cresswell (England squad) and Masuaku for left back, League winner Zabaleta
backed up by Byram at Right Back. Reid, Ogbonna, Fonte and Ginge for two
places could also be covered by Rice and Kouyate.
Midfield three from Obiang, Kouyate, Noble, Fernandes and of course Lanzini
– Rice has also been playing there. Hernandez/Carroll/Sakho/Martinez up top
– flanked by Antonio and Anautovic covered by Ayew and Sakho or Lanziniagain
as well as unknown quantity of Haksabanovic.
Throw in Quina, Holland and maybe Samuelson this is not a squad that should
be looking at relegation etc. The squad has options, can easily go 4-4-2 or
three at the back. Why does it all look so bleak? Well they are seriously
underperforming. No oomph, look unfit, confidence is fragile, defeats turn
into hidings. For me these issues point to a need for a change of manager.
The board however deserves criticism. Either reluctant to spend, indecisive
or both they have once again created a situation where expectation has risen
only to end in disappointment. The atmosphere round the club is terrible. I
think they figure there is too much quality to be relegated and if Slav does
not turn it round they can let him go with if need be a January war chest to
tempt a new manager (maybe their old target of Rafa). Dangerous game!
Momentum is so important, we could get in a real mess and then fail to
attract the right man while adding to the already terrible atmosphere around
the club. With many unconvinced by the stadium move they needed to make a
statement and have totally messed it up, meanwhile the "on paper squad"
could suddenly not look so good with Sakho's temperament and injury record
and an injury free Carroll squad about as likely as a lift from Wayne Rooney
we could be a Chica injury from trouble up front. Lanzini is the only
established creative midfielder and Zabaleta looks vulnerable in the current
system.
A couple of wins can put a different spin on things and while I desperately
hope that happens I would really like a change. Improved fitness, a new
impetus and a system that either gives Zab the protection of a wide right
player or (my choice) on the right of a back three as well as finding a way
to get Chicarito in the box and I still think we could look pretty decent
with what we have.
One thing is for sure, defeat against Huddersfield will bring about a fan
meltdown which will see the owners and manager under fire like never before.
Fortunes always hiding – ain't that the truth.
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Bilic is content, states Chairman Sullivan
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 1st September 2017
By: Staff Writer
David Sullivan says that manager Slaven Bilic is "content" with West Ham's
summer transfer business. Although he fails to offer his own opinion on
Bilic's buys during the statement, published on whufc.com tonight (Friday),
Sullivan insisted that he is "behind" Slaven. The club's co-owner also
revealed that he spurned the opportunity to sign Bilic's long-term target
William Carlvalho on transfer deadline day - but claimed the manager had
told him he possessed "the tools to turn around our form and rectify our
disappointing start to the season". "Overall Slaven is happy with the
business we have done during the summer transfer window," he said. "We
received the manager's wish-list before the window opened and we have
managed to get the top four players on it. "It is no secret that we made a
club record bid for Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho but unfortunately
that offer was rejected a couple of weeks ago. "Late last night Sporting
Lisbon made contact to accept the original offer, but unfortunately it was
just too late in the day. "We simply did not have enough time to put the
player through a medical and we were not prepared, as a club, to buy a
player for that amount of money without him having gone through adequate
medical checks. "Grzegorz Krychowiak and Renato Sanches were both offered to
the manager before their switches elsewhere, but he told us that he is happy
with the squad he has. "As a Board we are behind Slaven."
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Joe Hart not to blame for West Ham's start, says Mark Noble
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 02/09/17 10:16am
SSN
Mark Noble insists goalkeeper Joe Hart is not to blame for West Ham's poor
start to the new season. Hart joined West Ham on a season-long loan from
Manchester City in the summer, but is so far yet to keep a clean sheet, with
the Hammers losing their first three Premier League matches. The 30-year-old
did manage to keep a clean sheet in England's 4-0 victory over Malta on
Friday and midfielder Noble believes West Ham's outfield players must
provide more protection for their No 1.
"Joe has had a tough start to his West Ham career, but that's down to the
whole team," the West Ham captain told The Daily Mail. "He's England's No 1,
he's a fantastic goalie and I think he'll stay No 1 for a while yet to come.
"He's a fantastic character. He's played in massive tournaments and won the
Premier League so it's always nice to have that experience. "We probably
haven't protected him as well as we should have done in the first three
games, but he's a leader, a great person and hopefully he can start his
enjoyment of West Ham from next Monday night."
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Slaven Bilic turned down Renato Sanches, says West Ham's David Sullivan
By Rory O'Callaghan
Last Updated: 01/09/17 11:55pm
SSN
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic rejected the chance to sign both Renato Sanches
and Grzegorz Krychowiak this summer, according to Hammers joint-chairman
David Sullivan. In one of the shock moves of the summer transfer window,
Euro 2016 winner Sanches joined Swansea on a one-year deal after being
allowed to leave Bayern Munich on loan - less than 18 months after joining
the Bavarians in a £27.5m transfer from Benfica. Sanches is set to be
reunited with Swans boss Paul Clement, who worked alongside the Portuguese
youngster during his time as assistant coach to Carlo Ancelotti at the
Allianz Arena.
However, Sullivan claims Sanches could well have signed for West Ham this
season if Bilic had given the transfer his approval. "Grzegorz Krychowiak
and Renato Sanches were both offered to the manager before their switches
elsewhere, but he told us that he is happy with the squad he has," Sullivan
said. "As a Board we are behind Slaven, and he believes he has the tools to
turn around our form and rectify our disappointing start to the season."
West Ham signed a number of fresh faces over the course of the summer
window, with Pablo Zabaleta, Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez among the
new arrivals. However, the London Stadium club missed out on William
Carvalho after Sporting Libson left it too later to accept a bid from the
Hammers. "Overall Slaven is happy with the business we have done during the
summer transfer window," said Sullivan. "We received the manager's wish-list
before the window opened and we have managed to get the top four players on
it. It is no secret that we made a club record bid for Sporting Lisbon's
William Carvalho but unfortunately that offer was rejected a couple of weeks
ago. "Late last night Sporting Lisbon made contact to accept the original
offer, but unfortunately it was just too late in the day, and we simply did
not have enough time to put the player through a medical. "We were not
prepared, as a club, to buy a player for that amount of money without him
having gone through adequate medical checks."
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IF THE BOARD HAS DECIDED SLAVEN IS TOAST, THEY NEED TO SHOW DECISIVE
LEADERSHIP
By Iain Dale 2 Sep 2017 at 10:02
WTID
This is the statement David Sullivan gave the club website yesterday. It
makes for some interesting reading…
"Overall Slaven is happy with the business we have done during the summer
transfer window. We received the manager's wish-list before the window
opened and we have managed to get the top four players on it. It is no
secret that we made a club record bid for Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho
but unfortunately that offer was rejected a couple of weeks ago. Late last
night Sporting Lisbon made contact to accept the original offer, but
unfortunately it was just too late in the day, and we simply did not have
enough time to put the player through a medical. We were not prepared, as a
club, to buy a player for that amount of money without him having gone
through adequate medical checks. Grzegorz Krychowiak and Renato Sanches were
both offered to the manager before their switches elsewhere, but he told us
that he is happy with the squad he has. As a Board we are behind Slaven, and
he believes he has the tools to turn around our form and rectify our
disappointing start to the season."
The point about Cavalho is an interesting one. He says there wasn't enough
time to put the player through a medical. I beg to differ. As I understand
the rules, as long as the paperwork has been submitted the medical could
have taken place after the deadline.
Given what I am told by sources close to the club, and indeed the words of
this statement, I can only draw one conclusion. Slaven Bilic is toast. The
timing of his departure is the only issue. It's a question of when, rather
than if. I have always been a Slaven supporter but my view is that if the
Board has decided he isn't the one to take us forward, then they do no one
any favours by not being decisive now. If I read this right, there are
regrets that they didn't do the dirty deed after the Newcastle game, and our
lack of activity in the last week of the transfer window is entirely down to
the fact that they don't want to spend money for a manager who isn't likely
to be here much longer. There is a certain logic to that. I have little
doubt that if we lose to Huddersfield on Monday the axe will fall.
If that happens, what then? I've always belonged to the school of management
that if you decide to fire someone, you need to have your ducks in a row.
And that's the rub here. It's not obvious who would, could or should succeed
Slaven. It may well be that the decision is being delayed until Rafa
Benitez's position at Newcastle becomes clearer. THIS article in yesterday's
Guardian seems to indicate that he would certainly be open to a open to a
move to West Ham and has decided that he can't stay at Newcastle. Even more
interesting was THIS article in which Newcastle supporting Sky Sports
reporter Pete Graves said this…
"There's something that's worried me since the day Rafa Benitez arrived at
Newcastle United. Something that has always been at the back of my mind. A
nagging fear that one day a certain club might come in for him, and believe
it or not – that club was West Ham. My heart sank a little last (Saturday)
night. The news reached us at Sky Sports News that West Ham were considering
the future of Slaven Bilic and that indeed Rafa Benitez would be top of
their potential list of suitors. Furthermore they were aware there was a
clause, a fairly significant one (more than £5m) but ultimately a way to
effectively buy Rafa Benitez out of Newcastle United.
But why are West Ham the club that I've feared so long?? Why did I not blink
when the links with China and even Arsenal were reported in the national
press? Well the reason is, because Rafa has always maintained privately that
he feels indebted to West Ham and would have to consider any approach from
the Hammers if it should ever materialise and here's why;
In 2015 Benitez was on the brink of becoming West Ham's manager. He'd spoken
to the owners and was planning for life at Upton Park. However at the
eleventh hour Real Madrid offered him the opportunity to move to the
Bernabeu and it was too good an offer to turn down.
What impressed Rafa so much was the way the West Ham board accepted his
decision. They understood that the opportunity to manage Real Madrid was too
much for a Spanish manager to disregard and they gave Rafa their blessing
and subsequently appointed Slaven Bilic. The rest as they say is history and
now we are where we are…Bilic on the brink and Rafa in their thoughts.
Now let's throw into the mix that Rafa has grown increasingly frustrated at
NUFC this summer. He wanted more investment and he's stood and watched while
even fellow 'promotees' Brighton and Huddersfield have spent significantly
more. Meanwhile West Ham have signed Joe Hart (a player Rafa wanted) and
submitted a bid of close to £40m for William Carvalho (another Rafa target).
Let that sink in…A 40 million pound bid for ONE player, that's more than
Newcastle have spent on six new arrivals so far. That's financial muscle.
Only this week Rafa said that he no longer viewed NUFC as a long term
project…Not my words, the words of the manager, whilst he's also said he's
"signing the players he can, not the ones he wants". Needless to say the
positivity of last seasons's promotion has disintegrated. And Rafa is
clearly frustrated AND not afraid to tell the world.
Now let's consider West Ham as a long term project. They have the Olympic
Stadium, they are based in London, in my opinion with the right manager at
the helm they could be challenging the 'big boys' in the next 3-5 years both
on and off the pitch. It's am attractive proposition on paper.
Now, from a personal point of view, I was gutted to be roundly criticised by
lots of fellow NUFC fans for reporting the story both on air and online last
(Saturday) night. Let me say there's absolutely no agenda from me, so to be
accused of stirring things up or creating stories to disrupt the club is
absolutely ridiculous.
Convincing, isn't it?
The only two high profile alternatives who are not in current employment are
David Moyes and Alan Pardew. Last time we were looking for a manager Moyes
was one of the favourites but he wanted £5 million a year. That was before
his Sunderland debacle, though. I cannot believe the Board would countenance
him as manager, but sometimes desperate people do desperate things.
Pardew is more of an interesting proposition. He has said previously that he
considers he has unfinished business at West Ham after his departure all
those years ago. I liked Pardew as a manager. I liked his enthusiasm, the
fact that he seemed to live every kick of the ball on the touchline and his
style of play. My problem with him is that he seems to move from being the
most brilliant manager with a 12 match unbeaten run, to someone who
seemingly can't get another result. At his best he's very very good. At his
worst he's terrible. Look at his record at every club he's been to. Hero to
zero in a matter of matches. Then hero again. Then back to zero. The word
'consistency' doesn't really appear in his lexicon. I'd certainly pick him
over Moyes, but is he really a long term prospect? If Slaven goes next week
I could see him being a stop-gap appointment until the end of the season,
but probably no more than that.
It would not surprise me at all if there had been some sort of contact
between David Sullivan and Benitez's representatives. And frankly, if they
see him as their man, they need to move heaven and earth to make sure it
happens. But is Rafa really the right man? He's one of those big name
managers who will expect a very large transfer budget. A very large transfer
budget indeed. Would his style of play suit West Ham? Would he get on with
the Board? Would he seek to gut the current squad and bring in a whole new
raft of players? So many questions…
One thing is clear. However long it takes for Slaven to leave. Even if we
win the next four games and climb up the table, he will not be offered a new
contract with West Ham. He's in his last season. Often the players can
resolve to get the manager out of a crisis. This time, I'm not sure they
want to. They may like him. They may even respect him, but if the players
have come to the conclusion the manager is a gonner, then psychologically
it's very difficult for them to rally to his aid. That's just my
supposition. We'll find out the reality on Monday night.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Chicharito and Mexico have qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals
after beating Panama 1-0 in Mexico City on Friday evening. The West Ham
United forward played the full 90 minutes at the Azteca Stadium, where
Hirving Lozano's second-half goal secured El Tri's progress to Russia.
Mexico became the fifth team to secure a spot at next summer's competition,
joining host Russia, Brazil, Iran and Japan. Chicharito was at his lively
best on home turf playing in the 26th FIFA World Cup qualifier of his
illustrious career, unleashing three shots on Panama's goal, and he now has
the opportunity to play at his third finals. The Hammers forward was making
his 97th appearance for his country and will hope to reach his century
before next summer's tournament. Cap number 98 should arrive on Tuesday
evening, when Mexico travel to Costa Rica. Should they win, Chicharito and
company will secure a first-place finish in the CONCACAF qualification
table.
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Arnautovic gears up for Wales tie
WHUFC.com
Two Hammers could go head-to-head in FIFA World Cup Qualifying on Saturday,
as Marko Arnautovic's Wales head to Cardiff to take on James Collins' Wales.
Group D is finely poised, with both Austria and Wales just four points
behind joint-leaders Serbia and Republic of Ireland, so a victory would go a
long way for either side. The pair played out a 2-2 draw in Vienna at the
start of the campaign – with Arnautovic on target twice – and the
28-year-old is keen to get back to winning ways after having to sit out the
Hammers' trip to Newcastle last weekend suspended. He said: "We dominated
that match [against Wales] and deserved the victory, so on Saturday we
should give gas, and everyone should fight for each other until the end. "I
know how to deal with the pressure. I only focus on football and not on what
people say, write or mean."
Arnautovic was disappointed to start his Hammers career with a sending off
at Southampton but is looking forward to his return to action after the
international break and helping his side turn their early season form
around. He added: "I'm really looking forward to the new task, the team has
a lot of potential."
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International round-up: Hart keeps clean sheet in England win
WHUFC.com
A host of West Ham United internationals were in action on Friday with Joe
Hart playing the full 90 minutes for England. The goalkeeper kept a clean
sheet for the Three Lions in the 4-0 victory away at Malta to keep Gareth
Southgate's side unbeaten and at the top of their World Cup qualifying
group. Two goals from Harry Kane and a finish apiece from Ryan Bertrand and
Danny Welbeck secured the win for England. Left-back Aaron Cresswell was an
unused substitute for England in this match.
At U19 level Dan Kemp had an excellent game for England against Poland,
providing two assists in the 7-1 win. The 18-year-old – in great form for
the West Ham United U23s – started the match and created two of England's
seven finishes while hat-tricks from Sheffield Wednesday's George Hirst and
Arsenal's Edward Nketiah, as well as a goal from Sunderland man Elliot
Embleton, secured an emphatic victory.
Andre Ayew meanwhile played 68 minutes for Ghana as the Black Stars battled
back to earn a 1-1 draw with Congo. It took a late finish from Thomas Partey
to secure a point for Ghana but their chances of qualifying for the World
Cup are now in serious danger. They sit five points behind leading side
Uganda in their group.
Arthur Masuaku had been included in DR Congo's international squad for
Friday's match with Tunisia but the defender was not a part of the match-day
squad. His side lost 2-1.
Finally summer signing Sead Hakasabanovic was an used substitute for
Montenegro in the 3-0 win over Kazakhstan That win puts Montenegro second in
Group E of World Cup qualification, on 13 points.
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Ewens: Adaptability will be key for Ladies in Chichester City Cup tie
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies assistant manager Josh Ewens believes adaptability
will prove to be the crucial attribute in this Sunday's FAWPL Cup match with
Chichester City. The Ladies secured their first win of the new season last
weekend in a 4-3 thriller against Cardiff City and will now focus their
attention on their Determining Round fixture with Chichester. The West
Sussex side are yet to claim a win in the FAWPL Southern Premier this
campaign but Ewens is aware that Chichester will be a significant challenge
for the West Ham Ladies to overcome. And the coach reckons Chichester City
will prove a good test for his side's ability to react on the field as the
game develops. "I think Chichester will be a tough test," Ewens told
whufc.com. "I think it depends on how they set up, and then it will be about
how our players respond to the challenges Chichester pose us. "No matter how
they decide to play our training will hopefully have prepared our players to
react appropriately and resolve those problems on the pitch in real time. As
long as we continue with what we've been doing we should be okay."
The match with Chichester City Ladies is the first step on the path of a
season-long journey to the final Last campaign the West Ham United Ladies
were eliminated at this stage of the competition by eventual winners
Tottenham Hotspur, and Ewens is targeting a much better push this season.
The assistant manager also wants to see continued progression in the level
of performance and believes winning the right way is also vital for the
team. Ewens, when asked about the Ladies' aims for this cup competition,
responded: "We want to do as well as we can. Like everything we will go in
with the view of playing as well as we can and hopefully going all the way
and winning it, but we want to do that in our way and in the right way. "As
well as that it's another game to try and play the way we want to play.
Hopefully we get a result as well as a good performance. The performance
isn't necessarily more important than a win but what I will say is how much
we win in the future will be dependent on the level of performance."
Ewens was also keen to offer praise the other members of the Ladies coaching
team, who have dedicated their time and efforts to making the West Ham
United side a better outfit. "There's definitely a good feeling in the camp
but there's lots to work on, lots to improve on and we're all looking
forward to Sunday's game.
"We've got some really good and dedicated staff here. Whether it's a win or
a loss we all work incredibly hard. Greg de Carnys, Karen Ray, Myles Smith,
Dan Blewett, Cav Francis-King and Neo Charalambous all deserve credit for
what they're doing with the team. "We are all working incredibly hard to
ensure that performances continue to improve and I think we will start to
see that transferring into regular positive results."
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Key man Kemp pivotal in emphatic England win
WHUFC.com
Dan Kemp expressed his delight after creating two goals as England's U19s
recorded an emphatic 7-1 friendly victory over Poland on Friday. The West
Ham United winger, who has been on fire for the Club's U23s this season with
three goals in just four appearances, teamed up with the young Lions for
their matches against Poland and Germany. And the 18-year-old collected two
assists as the hosts scored seven times through Sheffield Wednesday's George
Hirst and Arsenal's Edward Nketiah – both of whom fired in hat-tricks – as
well as Sunderland man Elliot Embleton. After the thrashing, a thrilled Kemp
said: "I'm delighted to have first started the game as it's always an honour
to represent my country. I have started twice before but the feeling is
always fresh and new and always amazing. "To get the assists at the end of
the day is just part of my job as an attacking player – to create and score
goals – but obviously I'm delighted to have got two assists.
"I'm still looking for my first goal but I feel it will come soon enough and
the most important thing is that we won and the team played great. "I hope
to keep doing well when playing for England and work hard to keep improving
and getting better and better with each game and training sessions with the
boys. "The aim for us as a group is to keep getting working together to be
ready to perform well and hopefully retain the European Championship at the
end of the season. The feeling I get when I play for my country is special
and such a honour."
The U23s were beaten heavily by Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, but had a
number of key men missing, including the likes of Nathan Trott, Josh Pask
and Martin Samuelsen, as well as Kemp. Prior to the defeat, Terry Westley's
Hammers were unbeaten in all competitions and Kemp has taken great
confidence from the superb start to the season. "I feel I've had a great
start to the season with West Ham and I am really enjoying my football and
this has helped me to take this onto playing for England," he continued. "I
am so happy to get the opportunity to play for my country and start our U19
campaign so well. "I enjoy scoring and providing goals and nothing is better
than this for an attacking player like me. This season, I have I set myself
bigger goal and assists targets and I am now just really hoping to achieve
them."
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THE SQUAD? THE BOARD? THE MANAGER? THE WINDOW!
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 2 SEPTEMBER 2017 AT 11:38AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written By Malcolm Atkins @malatk
Well that was a strange one. A few weeks ago we were all delighted with the
window. Arnautovic, Zabaleta and Hart were joined by Chicarito; the quality
finisher we had been missing. We were all delighted, even my old sparring
partner Fareham was calling for a Knighthood for DS – maybe a little tongue
in cheek but certainly like other long term board sceptics he felt a lot
more optimistic. Then we offloaded most of the players that most of us had
wanted rid of and sat back awaiting the last couple of pieces of the jigsaw
and then world domination, or at least a decent challenge for 7th!
Then the season started! Three losses, all pretty abject with an
unconvincing cup win over lower league opposition the only straw to clutch.
The away factor re-ignited the anti-board folk while those of us who are far
from convinced by Bilic were yelling for him to be sacked.
Window was still open so we waited; Bilic to go, and new signings? Bilic to
stay, and new signings? Neither, so now everyone is unhappy.
Despite being a long time board supporter I think they have got this wrong.
If they were keeping him they should have stumped up for the player he
wanted. If not – move him on (though this should have been done in the
summer really, they are paying for keeping a manager they are not sure
about. I find it mysterious; it has gone very quiet from the Sullivans and
David Gold – I can not help but think there is something else happening to
which we are not privy. Something is clearly very wrong at the club, and
yet…..
The squad on Paper is really not that bad, I saw a point made that if the
signings had all been made this week it would feel very different and I
think that has merit. Looking at the manager's preferred 4-3-3 In goal,
England's Keeper, backed up by Adrian, called up by pain not so long ago.
Cresswell (England squad) and Masuaku for left back, League winner Zabaleta
backed up by Byram at Right Back. Reid, Ogbonna, Fonte and Ginge for two
places could also be covered by Rice and Kouyate.
Midfield three from Obiang, Kouyate, Noble, Fernandes and of course Lanzini
– Rice has also been playing there. Hernandez/Carroll/Sakho/Martinez up top
– flanked by Antonio and Anautovic covered by Ayew and Sakho or Lanziniagain
as well as unknown quantity of Haksabanovic.
Throw in Quina, Holland and maybe Samuelson this is not a squad that should
be looking at relegation etc. The squad has options, can easily go 4-4-2 or
three at the back. Why does it all look so bleak? Well they are seriously
underperforming. No oomph, look unfit, confidence is fragile, defeats turn
into hidings. For me these issues point to a need for a change of manager.
The board however deserves criticism. Either reluctant to spend, indecisive
or both they have once again created a situation where expectation has risen
only to end in disappointment. The atmosphere round the club is terrible. I
think they figure there is too much quality to be relegated and if Slav does
not turn it round they can let him go with if need be a January war chest to
tempt a new manager (maybe their old target of Rafa). Dangerous game!
Momentum is so important, we could get in a real mess and then fail to
attract the right man while adding to the already terrible atmosphere around
the club. With many unconvinced by the stadium move they needed to make a
statement and have totally messed it up, meanwhile the "on paper squad"
could suddenly not look so good with Sakho's temperament and injury record
and an injury free Carroll squad about as likely as a lift from Wayne Rooney
we could be a Chica injury from trouble up front. Lanzini is the only
established creative midfielder and Zabaleta looks vulnerable in the current
system.
A couple of wins can put a different spin on things and while I desperately
hope that happens I would really like a change. Improved fitness, a new
impetus and a system that either gives Zab the protection of a wide right
player or (my choice) on the right of a back three as well as finding a way
to get Chicarito in the box and I still think we could look pretty decent
with what we have.
One thing is for sure, defeat against Huddersfield will bring about a fan
meltdown which will see the owners and manager under fire like never before.
Fortunes always hiding – ain't that the truth.
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Bilic is content, states Chairman Sullivan
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 1st September 2017
By: Staff Writer
David Sullivan says that manager Slaven Bilic is "content" with West Ham's
summer transfer business. Although he fails to offer his own opinion on
Bilic's buys during the statement, published on whufc.com tonight (Friday),
Sullivan insisted that he is "behind" Slaven. The club's co-owner also
revealed that he spurned the opportunity to sign Bilic's long-term target
William Carlvalho on transfer deadline day - but claimed the manager had
told him he possessed "the tools to turn around our form and rectify our
disappointing start to the season". "Overall Slaven is happy with the
business we have done during the summer transfer window," he said. "We
received the manager's wish-list before the window opened and we have
managed to get the top four players on it. "It is no secret that we made a
club record bid for Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho but unfortunately
that offer was rejected a couple of weeks ago. "Late last night Sporting
Lisbon made contact to accept the original offer, but unfortunately it was
just too late in the day. "We simply did not have enough time to put the
player through a medical and we were not prepared, as a club, to buy a
player for that amount of money without him having gone through adequate
medical checks. "Grzegorz Krychowiak and Renato Sanches were both offered to
the manager before their switches elsewhere, but he told us that he is happy
with the squad he has. "As a Board we are behind Slaven."
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Joe Hart not to blame for West Ham's start, says Mark Noble
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 02/09/17 10:16am
SSN
Mark Noble insists goalkeeper Joe Hart is not to blame for West Ham's poor
start to the new season. Hart joined West Ham on a season-long loan from
Manchester City in the summer, but is so far yet to keep a clean sheet, with
the Hammers losing their first three Premier League matches. The 30-year-old
did manage to keep a clean sheet in England's 4-0 victory over Malta on
Friday and midfielder Noble believes West Ham's outfield players must
provide more protection for their No 1.
"Joe has had a tough start to his West Ham career, but that's down to the
whole team," the West Ham captain told The Daily Mail. "He's England's No 1,
he's a fantastic goalie and I think he'll stay No 1 for a while yet to come.
"He's a fantastic character. He's played in massive tournaments and won the
Premier League so it's always nice to have that experience. "We probably
haven't protected him as well as we should have done in the first three
games, but he's a leader, a great person and hopefully he can start his
enjoyment of West Ham from next Monday night."
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Slaven Bilic turned down Renato Sanches, says West Ham's David Sullivan
By Rory O'Callaghan
Last Updated: 01/09/17 11:55pm
SSN
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic rejected the chance to sign both Renato Sanches
and Grzegorz Krychowiak this summer, according to Hammers joint-chairman
David Sullivan. In one of the shock moves of the summer transfer window,
Euro 2016 winner Sanches joined Swansea on a one-year deal after being
allowed to leave Bayern Munich on loan - less than 18 months after joining
the Bavarians in a £27.5m transfer from Benfica. Sanches is set to be
reunited with Swans boss Paul Clement, who worked alongside the Portuguese
youngster during his time as assistant coach to Carlo Ancelotti at the
Allianz Arena.
However, Sullivan claims Sanches could well have signed for West Ham this
season if Bilic had given the transfer his approval. "Grzegorz Krychowiak
and Renato Sanches were both offered to the manager before their switches
elsewhere, but he told us that he is happy with the squad he has," Sullivan
said. "As a Board we are behind Slaven, and he believes he has the tools to
turn around our form and rectify our disappointing start to the season."
West Ham signed a number of fresh faces over the course of the summer
window, with Pablo Zabaleta, Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez among the
new arrivals. However, the London Stadium club missed out on William
Carvalho after Sporting Libson left it too later to accept a bid from the
Hammers. "Overall Slaven is happy with the business we have done during the
summer transfer window," said Sullivan. "We received the manager's wish-list
before the window opened and we have managed to get the top four players on
it. It is no secret that we made a club record bid for Sporting Lisbon's
William Carvalho but unfortunately that offer was rejected a couple of weeks
ago. "Late last night Sporting Lisbon made contact to accept the original
offer, but unfortunately it was just too late in the day, and we simply did
not have enough time to put the player through a medical. "We were not
prepared, as a club, to buy a player for that amount of money without him
having gone through adequate medical checks."
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IF THE BOARD HAS DECIDED SLAVEN IS TOAST, THEY NEED TO SHOW DECISIVE
LEADERSHIP
By Iain Dale 2 Sep 2017 at 10:02
WTID
This is the statement David Sullivan gave the club website yesterday. It
makes for some interesting reading…
"Overall Slaven is happy with the business we have done during the summer
transfer window. We received the manager's wish-list before the window
opened and we have managed to get the top four players on it. It is no
secret that we made a club record bid for Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho
but unfortunately that offer was rejected a couple of weeks ago. Late last
night Sporting Lisbon made contact to accept the original offer, but
unfortunately it was just too late in the day, and we simply did not have
enough time to put the player through a medical. We were not prepared, as a
club, to buy a player for that amount of money without him having gone
through adequate medical checks. Grzegorz Krychowiak and Renato Sanches were
both offered to the manager before their switches elsewhere, but he told us
that he is happy with the squad he has. As a Board we are behind Slaven, and
he believes he has the tools to turn around our form and rectify our
disappointing start to the season."
The point about Cavalho is an interesting one. He says there wasn't enough
time to put the player through a medical. I beg to differ. As I understand
the rules, as long as the paperwork has been submitted the medical could
have taken place after the deadline.
Given what I am told by sources close to the club, and indeed the words of
this statement, I can only draw one conclusion. Slaven Bilic is toast. The
timing of his departure is the only issue. It's a question of when, rather
than if. I have always been a Slaven supporter but my view is that if the
Board has decided he isn't the one to take us forward, then they do no one
any favours by not being decisive now. If I read this right, there are
regrets that they didn't do the dirty deed after the Newcastle game, and our
lack of activity in the last week of the transfer window is entirely down to
the fact that they don't want to spend money for a manager who isn't likely
to be here much longer. There is a certain logic to that. I have little
doubt that if we lose to Huddersfield on Monday the axe will fall.
If that happens, what then? I've always belonged to the school of management
that if you decide to fire someone, you need to have your ducks in a row.
And that's the rub here. It's not obvious who would, could or should succeed
Slaven. It may well be that the decision is being delayed until Rafa
Benitez's position at Newcastle becomes clearer. THIS article in yesterday's
Guardian seems to indicate that he would certainly be open to a open to a
move to West Ham and has decided that he can't stay at Newcastle. Even more
interesting was THIS article in which Newcastle supporting Sky Sports
reporter Pete Graves said this…
"There's something that's worried me since the day Rafa Benitez arrived at
Newcastle United. Something that has always been at the back of my mind. A
nagging fear that one day a certain club might come in for him, and believe
it or not – that club was West Ham. My heart sank a little last (Saturday)
night. The news reached us at Sky Sports News that West Ham were considering
the future of Slaven Bilic and that indeed Rafa Benitez would be top of
their potential list of suitors. Furthermore they were aware there was a
clause, a fairly significant one (more than £5m) but ultimately a way to
effectively buy Rafa Benitez out of Newcastle United.
But why are West Ham the club that I've feared so long?? Why did I not blink
when the links with China and even Arsenal were reported in the national
press? Well the reason is, because Rafa has always maintained privately that
he feels indebted to West Ham and would have to consider any approach from
the Hammers if it should ever materialise and here's why;
In 2015 Benitez was on the brink of becoming West Ham's manager. He'd spoken
to the owners and was planning for life at Upton Park. However at the
eleventh hour Real Madrid offered him the opportunity to move to the
Bernabeu and it was too good an offer to turn down.
What impressed Rafa so much was the way the West Ham board accepted his
decision. They understood that the opportunity to manage Real Madrid was too
much for a Spanish manager to disregard and they gave Rafa their blessing
and subsequently appointed Slaven Bilic. The rest as they say is history and
now we are where we are…Bilic on the brink and Rafa in their thoughts.
Now let's throw into the mix that Rafa has grown increasingly frustrated at
NUFC this summer. He wanted more investment and he's stood and watched while
even fellow 'promotees' Brighton and Huddersfield have spent significantly
more. Meanwhile West Ham have signed Joe Hart (a player Rafa wanted) and
submitted a bid of close to £40m for William Carvalho (another Rafa target).
Let that sink in…A 40 million pound bid for ONE player, that's more than
Newcastle have spent on six new arrivals so far. That's financial muscle.
Only this week Rafa said that he no longer viewed NUFC as a long term
project…Not my words, the words of the manager, whilst he's also said he's
"signing the players he can, not the ones he wants". Needless to say the
positivity of last seasons's promotion has disintegrated. And Rafa is
clearly frustrated AND not afraid to tell the world.
Now let's consider West Ham as a long term project. They have the Olympic
Stadium, they are based in London, in my opinion with the right manager at
the helm they could be challenging the 'big boys' in the next 3-5 years both
on and off the pitch. It's am attractive proposition on paper.
Now, from a personal point of view, I was gutted to be roundly criticised by
lots of fellow NUFC fans for reporting the story both on air and online last
(Saturday) night. Let me say there's absolutely no agenda from me, so to be
accused of stirring things up or creating stories to disrupt the club is
absolutely ridiculous.
Convincing, isn't it?
The only two high profile alternatives who are not in current employment are
David Moyes and Alan Pardew. Last time we were looking for a manager Moyes
was one of the favourites but he wanted £5 million a year. That was before
his Sunderland debacle, though. I cannot believe the Board would countenance
him as manager, but sometimes desperate people do desperate things.
Pardew is more of an interesting proposition. He has said previously that he
considers he has unfinished business at West Ham after his departure all
those years ago. I liked Pardew as a manager. I liked his enthusiasm, the
fact that he seemed to live every kick of the ball on the touchline and his
style of play. My problem with him is that he seems to move from being the
most brilliant manager with a 12 match unbeaten run, to someone who
seemingly can't get another result. At his best he's very very good. At his
worst he's terrible. Look at his record at every club he's been to. Hero to
zero in a matter of matches. Then hero again. Then back to zero. The word
'consistency' doesn't really appear in his lexicon. I'd certainly pick him
over Moyes, but is he really a long term prospect? If Slaven goes next week
I could see him being a stop-gap appointment until the end of the season,
but probably no more than that.
It would not surprise me at all if there had been some sort of contact
between David Sullivan and Benitez's representatives. And frankly, if they
see him as their man, they need to move heaven and earth to make sure it
happens. But is Rafa really the right man? He's one of those big name
managers who will expect a very large transfer budget. A very large transfer
budget indeed. Would his style of play suit West Ham? Would he get on with
the Board? Would he seek to gut the current squad and bring in a whole new
raft of players? So many questions…
One thing is clear. However long it takes for Slaven to leave. Even if we
win the next four games and climb up the table, he will not be offered a new
contract with West Ham. He's in his last season. Often the players can
resolve to get the manager out of a crisis. This time, I'm not sure they
want to. They may like him. They may even respect him, but if the players
have come to the conclusion the manager is a gonner, then psychologically
it's very difficult for them to rally to his aid. That's just my
supposition. We'll find out the reality on Monday night.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, September 2
Daily WHUFC News - 2nd September 2017
We are West Ham United since 1900: New Third kit launched!
WHUFC.com
West Ham United and Umbro are delighted to reveal the Club's historic new Third kit for the 2017/18 season. The striking design recreates the first-ever strip worn by the Hammers in the 1900/01 Southern League season - the Club's first as West Ham United - and is adorned with the first known crest to appear on a West Ham jersey, from the famous 1923 'White Horse' FA Cup final.
Available to buy now in stores and online here, the stylish Third kit is comprised of a sky blue shirt, complete with cuffed sleeves and a buttoned collar stamped with the date that the Club became West Ham United - 5 July 1900 - white shorts with a claret trim and black socks.
West Ham United's first Southern League fixture following the Club's recreation in 1900 was against Gravesend at the Memorial Grounds in West Ham on 1 September 1900. The Hammers ran out 7-0 winners over their visitors from Kent in front of a 2,000-strong crowd, with Billy Grassam scoring four times, James Reid twice and Fergus Hunt once.
Captain Mark Noble says it is important for the Hammers to pay tribute to the Club's forefathers. "As a lifelong West Ham fan, I really like what the Club have done with this Third kit," said Noble. "It's important to remember where it all began for West Ham United, all those years ago. "It's also a really nice kit, too. I'm sure the fans will love wearing it as much as the players will love playing in it. It's a shirt you can wear both to play football and with a pair of jeans."
The Third kit is priced at £55 for Adult short-sleeve sizes and £45 for Junior short-sleeve sizes, with Season Ticket Holders receiving a 10% discount on all full-price Umbro kit and trainingwear. The Hammers' new Third kit is on sale now online from the Official West Ham Store or in person at the Club's London Stadium, Lakeside Thurrock and Liberty Romford stores in Men's, Women's, Junior and Infant sizes. The kit is set to be worn in Premier League action for the first time when the Hammers travel to Crystal Palace on 28 October. Supporters can meet first teamers including Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll at our Third Kit launch event at the Stadium Store today!
Head to the store between 11.30am and 1.30pm to meet the players and buy the kit! You can also film your TV-style walk-up in the new kit, and young Hammers can take on a couple of players at FIFA.
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A throwback to our origins: Explaining the detail on West Ham United's third kit
WHUFC.com
In 1900 a football team in east London named Thames Ironworks FC made the decision to disband. From the ashes of that team rose West Ham United.
In the 117 years that have followed that name has become more than just a title. It has become synonymous with passion, determination, hard-work and a way of playing football. And it all started with this shirt.
West Ham United's new third strip is directly inspired by the first-ever kit worn by the Irons, in the 1900/01 Southern League season. On September 1 1900, in the club's first home game wearing that strip, the Hammers ran out 7-0 winners over Gravesend. The sky-blue shirt is also embroidered with the first known crest ever to ever appear on a West Ham United jersey, from the famous first Wembley FA Cup final of 1923. The date '05.07.1900' has also subtly been stamped across the back of the neck as a reminder of the club's roots and the inspiration for this kit. The simple design of the shirt is completed with a buttoned collar and a cuffed sleeve, finishing off an elegant and refined new addition to the West Ham United locker. The top is accompanied by white shorts, again sporting the 1923 cross irons crest, and black socks in a complete tribute to the first West Ham United team.
West Ham's newest kit is now available to buy from the Club stores at the London Stadium in Stratford, the Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock and at the Liberty Shopping Centre in Romford.
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Apply to join the Supporter Advisory Board
WHUFC.com
West Ham United is delighted to announce that new applications have now officially opened for the 2017/18 Supporter Advisory Board (SAB).
The SAB is the primary link between supporters and the West Ham United Board, ensuring that the voice of the fans is heard at the highest level on the subjects that matter most.
A close relationship between the Club and supporters is of crucial importance to the Board, and the SAB format will continue to grow and develop in order to ensure that all sections of our diverse fanbase are represented.
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady says: "The West Ham United Supporter Advisory Board has evolved into a hugely positive and integral element of our football club since its inception.
"The direct and regular contact between the board and the fans has been proven to be a successful formula and we look forward to developing it even further this year.
"I would like to sincerely thank every member of the 2016/17 SAB for their dedication, support and commitment on behalf of their fellow West Ham United supporters last season.
"Their involvement played a crucial role in helping us to make great progress and improvements during our inaugural campaign at London Stadium, and had given us a fantastic platform to build upon and continue doing all we can to make the supporter experience as rewarding as possible for our fans."
Last season saw four meetings held at London Stadium, with the Fan Feedback Forum in September, two SAB meetings in January and May respectively, and the introduction of the Disabled Supporter Advisory Board in April.
The 2016/17 members represented a number of diverse fan groups but also focused heavily on spectator sections within London Stadium, as part of the objective to address early issues at the stadium on matchdays and aim for constant improvement.
The group helped advise and guide on a number of key initiatives, including how to bring stewards closer to the West Ham family, the development of Supporter Liaison Officers and the creation of the DSAB.
At these meetings, we also set our mission; working together to develop and maintain a positive relationship and create the best supporter experience for all West Ham United fans and we would like to thank all of our supporters for their valued contribution throughout the 2016/17 season.
To ensure we build on the success of these meetings we have decided to increase the number of meetings to three SABs and three DSABs for 2017/2018, making it a total of six meetings between the Board and supporters for the upcoming season.
The first DSAB and SAB meetings for the 2017/18 season are scheduled as follows:
Disabled Supporter Advisory Board – Tuesday 5 September 2017 at 6pm, London Stadium.
Supporter Advisory Board – Wednesday 11 October 2017 at 6pm, London Stadium.
Why should I apply for the SAB?
This is a unique opportunity to work directly alongside fellow supporters and the Board to enhance the remove supporter experience for all West Ham fans. The agenda for each meeting is crafted based on the submissions received by supporters, with clear action points agreed collectively on the night and minutes published on whufc.com.
We're a team both on and off the pitch, so if you're a West Ham United fan with a passion for working together and you feel you can represent the views of your fellow supporters, then apply today!
Who do you wish to represent?
It has always been our aspiration that the SAB would evolve to have more members who represent a larger group or section of the overall fanbase. Those members will then be tasked with bringing forward the two or three core issues for the agenda that are specific to the group that they represent with a view to reaching a consensus for the years agenda for the Club to focus on and invest in as necessary, along with the various day to day issues that may crop up. There are a maximum of 25 members on the SAB, so please ensure you express key examples of the role you play in representing the category you have chosen.
We are excited to be inviting new applicants to represent, share and discuss the views of our supporters in the following areas:
Youth (under 25)
Senior (over 65)
Women
Supporters Clubs UK
Supporters Clubs International
Non-geographical Supporters Clubs (e.g. minority or representative groups)
1966 Season Ticket Holders
Season Ticket Holders from each stand
Away match-goers
Families
Club London (Bars)
Club London (Lounges)
Please choose the category you feel you could represent on the SAB 2017/2018 and complete the online or postal application form below:
Online application form
Postal application form
Please note that, as part of the application process, the Equal Opportunities section must also be completed and submitted in full. Failure to return this section of the form will unfortunately result in the application being void.
All applications should be received no later than September 15 at 5pm and all applicants will be notified by email whether their application has been successful or unsuccessful.
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Sullivan delivers transfer window verdict
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan says manager Slaven Bilic is content with the transfer business the Hammers have done this summer. Five new faces were added to the squad during pre-season, with over 600 Premier League appearances between four of them. And whilst the Hammers' start to the season has been a frustrating one, Sullivan says the Board have worked closely with Bilic to secure his desired players, and both are confident that results will soon come.
"Overall Slaven is happy with the business we have done during the summer transfer window," he told whufc.com. "We received the manager's wish-list before the window opened and we have managed to get the top four players on it. "It is no secret that we made a club record bid for Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho but unfortunately that offer was rejected a couple of weeks ago. "Late last night Sporting Lisbon made contact to accept the original offer, but unfortunately it was just too late in the day, and we simply did not have enough time to put the player through a medical. "We were not prepared, as a club, to buy a player for that amount of money without him having gone through adequate medical checks. "Grzegorz Krychowiak and Renato Sanches were both offered to the manager before their switches elsewhere, but he told us that he is happy with the squad he has. "As a Board we are behind Slaven, and he believes he has the tools to turn around our form and rectify our disappointing start to the season."
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Slaven Bilic tells Diafra Sakho to behave or pay the penalty after West Ham striker pushes for move
KEN DYER
ES Sport
Diafra Sakho was back training with West Ham on Friday, following his bizarre transfer-day attempt to engineer a move to French club Rennes. The Senegal striker also had talks with manager Slaven Bilic about the future, with West Ham insisting on an immediate improvement in the player's behaviour if he wants to avoid club sanctions. Sakho apparently wanted to move back to France for reasons not connected to football. He travelled there earlier this week apparently to undergo a private medical, which was not sanctioned by the club, prior to a proposed £9million move to Rennes. He then failed to appear for training on Thursday and was later spotted at Chelmsford racecourse, where his agent Mark McKay's horse was running. Bilic is understood to have told the player that any future similar behaviour will not be tolerated and that he must stay fit and play a certain percentage of games before next January, when his position at the club will be further reviewed.
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West Ham have the key ingredients for a solid season despite tough start
Evening Standard
I know West Ham have had a very difficult start to the season, but I honestly think they will be OK. It is not easy when you have to play your first three league games on the road, as they had to do because the world athletics championships were being held at the London Stadium. If you look at the squad, they have made themselves much better. Javier Hernandez is a proven goalscorer. Marko Arnautovic has flair and can create chances and score goals from nothing.
Joe Hart remains one of the best English goalkeepers. Perhaps the midfield is not as strong as it might be. Mark Noble is a fine player but he is coming towards the end, but I am confident they have enough to ensure a solid season.
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Jaanai Gordon: Cheltenham Town sign former West Ham United striker
BBC.co.uk
Cheltenham Town have signed unattached former West Ham United striker Jaanai Gordon on a free transfer. The 21-year-old has joined the League Two club on an undisclosed-length deal. Gordon's career started at Peterborough and loan spells at Nuneaton and Newport followed his 2014 move to West Ham. "Jaanai has trained with us for a few weeks so we have seen his ability and when he became available we were delighted to secure his services," boss Gary Johnson told the club website.
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Meltdown
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 1st September 2017
By: Rio Barlow
16 months ago I walked away from the Boleyn Ground, full of sadness that I was leaving my second - nah, sod that - my true home. But I was also filled with joy. I'd witnessed one of the greatest seasons of football I've had the privilege to witness. My team was playing with style, flair and had a never say die attitude that I'd not witnessed in way too many year. We didn't know when we were beaten.
Being two down was no longer a death knell, but almost seemingly a challenge that was easily overcome. We we're the fittest I'd ever seen us. It was almost as if I was watching a completely different club to the one I was brought up with. Of course there were disappointments, it wouldn't truly be West Ham without them now would it?
I knew the move to the Olympic Stadium would be hard. I expected a dip. History shows when a club moves ground this happens. What I wasn't expecting however was the almost complete meltdown of the club in the 16 months that followed.
Our Chairman's love of his own voice and publically playing his cards whipped up a buzzing fanbase into a frenzy as we allegedly pursued big name strikers. We all know how that panned out.
A scattergun approach to buying that was more akin to a trolley dash than a quest for excellence. The promises made about the stadium itself weren't fulfilled to the specifications set out, as penny pinching and arguing between the club and the stadium owners left those in the middle, 'us', with a far from ideal experience.
We were promised world class on and off the pitch. The reality was more remedial class. Our board had years to prepare for the move, but still managed, despite extensive jolly ups, sorry research, delivered the worse migration seen in British football.
With more spin than messers Murali and Warne combined, they played their propaganda out, via their media connections, to such an overblown extent, that it seemed the only thing missing from the campaign was the former Iraqi Minister of Information Muhammad Saeed al-Sahhaf.
They undermined their manager, they alienated the fans, they wiped out the feel good factor in a time when it was needed most. Disquiet was met with dismissive and underhand methods of counteraction. When the image is threatened, the claws come out.
Maybe it was a first season at the new home blip? This Summer has proved it wasn't. Again the media undermining of the manager has come to the fore. Again the penny-pinching attitude towards the transfer market has made us look embarrassing. Again we look like we have been lied to over the terms of our tenancy.
The catalogue of errors, media spin, failed transfer policy, lack of investment in both team and stadium and failure to deliver on their own 10 point pledge of May 2010 has led us to not what we were promised, the 'next level', but to a state of despair and clinging to a forelorn hope our threadbare, disgruntled and injury prone/ridden squad can survive.
You've failed Sullivan, Gold & Brady. You've failed me, my friends, my kids and the support of finest club in the land. Is a laughing stock of a director of football, a mismash bowl of scaffolding and tarpaulin and a demotivated squad, rooted to the foot of the Premier League befitting of the 15th richest club in the world? No.
Sell up and spend the money you've milked from us elsewhere. You said you wouldn't stay where you weren't wanted. Well no one wants you here anymore. And just to remind you, you have previous in this - the following from Birmingham City fan and former KUMB member Mickey07, writing back in 2009:
"Welcome to the world of very average players being signed from the fizzy pop leagues! To find out what approach Sullivan, Gold and Brady will take towards West Ham just look back in the archives for their time at Birmingham.
"Firstly, they'll tell the fans that you are in debt (their figures, not necessarily substantiated) and the fear created justifies the inevitable increase in ticket prices in the summer (Birmingham were more expensive to watch than Man Utd).
"Secondly, they'll blame high wages for the club's problems, but then make out that you will spend a huge sum of money on a 'star' player's wages (conveniently unnamed) - there was never any realistic chance that the player would sign, but gives the supporters the false impression that these guys are prepared to back big transfers.
"Thirdly, they'll avoid spending any money on facilities by trying to move the club to a new ground that someone else has paid for - ie the 2012 Olympic Stadium. Witness the failed campaign aimed at getting the City Council to pay for a new stadium in Birmingham which the club would move to but not contribute towards.
"Birmingham's fans, like those of any club, can certainly be accused of periods of unrealistic expectation but then it was Sullivan himself that made comments about Champions League qualification, not the supporters.
"Being regularly reminded for 15 years of how our club was 'saved' eventually wears a little thin.
"Sully loves a gamble on mickey mouse, no mark players that he thinks he's going to sell for £20million in a few years. And before every transfer window, he will promise you the world and deliver little/nothing.
"If you think [former CEO Scott] Duxbury is bad with spin, just wait until Sullivan starts! He will definitely surpass Duxbury, and within two or three years time you will definitely be doing this."
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SPORTING ACCEPTED WEST HAM'S CARVALHO OFFER
DANIEL EMERY @DanielEmeryRS
ReadWestHam
West Ham chairman David Sullivan has confirmed that Sporting Lisbon accepted a club-record fee for William Carvalho on deadline day. Sullivan claims that Sporting contacted West Ham on deadline day to accept an offer that was initially rejected a couple of weeks ago. However, it was too late in the day for the club to finalise a deal, meaning that West Ham were unable to secure the signing.
Speaking to West Ham's website, Sullivan said this: It is no secret that we made a club record bid for Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho but unfortunately that offer was rejected a couple of weeks ago. Late last night Sporting Lisbon made contact to accept the original offer, but unfortunately it was just too late in the day, and we simply did not have enough time to put the player through a medical. We were not prepared, as a club, to buy a player for that amount of money without him having gone through adequate medical checks. West Ham were thought to have had an offer in the region of £38m rejected for Sporting, which is likely to be the offer that Sullivan is referring to.
Slaven Bilic is said to be happy with the business that the club has done this summer, although they currently sit bottom of the Premier League after losing all three of their games so far. Bilic also rejected the chance to sign Renato Sanches or Krychowiak.
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WEST HAM WERE OFFERED SANCHES AND KRYCHOWIAK
DANIEL EMERY @DanielEmeryRS
readWestHam
West Ham chairman David Sullivan has confirmed that Renato Sanches and Grzegorz Krychowiak were both offered to West Ham this summer. Sullivan has revealed that West Ham are given the chance to sign the pair but manager Slaven Bilic rejected the chance. Bilic was happy with his squad and felt that he did not need either midfielder to strengthen his side. Speaking to West Ham's website, Sullivan said this: Grzegorz Krychowiak and Renato Sanches were both offered to the manager before their switches elsewhere, but he told us that he is happy with the squad he has. This is despite the club's clear attempts to sign a midfielder on deadline day, with William Carvalho and Andre Gomes both heavily linked with a switch to the Olympic Stadium. Sanches and Krychowiak did both get their moves on deadline day, though. They signed for Swansea and West Brom on loan respectively. Sanches, from Bayern Munich, was seen as a massive coup for Swansea and has been touted as one of the best young midfielders in Europe. Bilic did not think he would add to the current West Ham squad.
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Carvalho looking to January window
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 1st September 2017
By: Staff Writer
William Carvalho is reportedly disappointed that he was unable to complete a move to West Ham during the summer transfer window. The Sporting midfielder was linked with a £35million switch to West Ham during the final few weeks of the window, but a deal failed to materialise. Portuguese daily A Bola claim that whilst disappointed, Carvalho - who was also closely linked with Ligue 1 outfit Monaco - will try to find a new club in January instead, when the next window opens.
Since the deadline passed last night, at least one source has suggested the transfer failed after the plug was pulled by co-chairman David Sullivan due to doubts over the vast fee involved. Sporting were holding out for circa £40million for the defensive midfielder - which would have been almost double the record transfer fee paid to Stoke for Marko Arnautovic in June.
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Quina move collapses as fans call for Blades boycott
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 1st September 2017
By: Staff Writer
Domingos Quina's proposed deadline day move on loan to Sheffield United collapsed at the eleventh hour. The Academy star was poised to join the Blades on a season-long loan, but the deal myteriously fell through late in the afternoon on transfer deadline day. Although it is unknow exactly why the move fell through, talks had advanced to the point where the Portuguese youngster had been booked in for a medical with the Championship side - one that was never to proceed.
One suggestion for the breakdown in talks, hinted at by the Sheffield Star, referred to a guarantee of first team football. "Manager Chris Wilder has previously stated that he will not process any agreement which guarantees a player first team football at Bramall Lane," they wrote. Meanwhile, a KUMB Poll staged on deadline day resulted in 82 per cent of voters imploring West Ham not to do business with Sheffield, as a result of the Carlos Tevez fiasco that saw the Blades extort in excess of £30million from West Ham a decade ago. Just 13 per cent of those polled argued that it was time to let bygones be bygones. Either way, Quina remains a West Ham player this morning.
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CROSSED HAMMERS & THREE LIONS: BOBBY MOORE
By Dan Coker 1 Sep 2017 at 17:00
WTID
Welcome to the third in a series of articles designed for international weekends – a look back at former Hammers players who wore the Three Lions of England. Today, as England prepare to face Malta at the Ta'Qali National Stadium (where West Ham played Birkirkara two years ago), we look back at arguably West Ham United's greatest ever player and the world's finest defender – Bobby Moore.
Robert Frederick Chelsea Moore was born at 43 Waverley Gardens in Barking on 12th April 1941, the only child of Robert and Doris – he attended Westbury Primary School and Tom Hood School in Leytonstone and joined the Hammers in 1956. With mentor Malcolm Allison recovering from tuberculosis and 17-year-old Moore waiting in the wings to replace him, manager Ted Fenton asked full-back Noel Cantwell for a recommendation on who to play against Manchester United on 8th September 1958. Cantwell, despite being a big friend of Allison's, famously replied, "play the kid". Moore made his debut for the newly-promoted Hammers in a 3-2 home win.
Moore would make five more appearances in 1958/59 and 15 the following season. He scored his first goal for the club in a 3-1 home win over Charlton in the Hammers' first ever League Cup game on 26th September 1960, the first of his 27 goals in claret and blue. A graceful, stylish defender, Bobby became a regular in that 1960/61 season after the departure of Johnny Smith to Tottenham, playing 42 games as West Ham finished 16th in the First Division. Moore, who was voted Hammer of the Year for the first time in 1960/61, was sent off for the only time in his career in a 5-3 defeat at Manchester City in November 1961, by which time Ron Greenwood had replaced Fenton.
Bobby made his England debut at the age of 21 on 20th May 1962 in a 4-0 win over Peru in Lima and played in the 1962 World Cup. He became the youngest player to captain England a year later after Johnny Haynes' retirement and injury to Jimmy Armfield – Moore was handed the role permanently by new manager Alf Ramsey in the summer of 1964. By then, he had become an FA Cup winner after the Hammers' defeat of Preston by three goals to two before lifting the European Cup Winners' Cup the following season – he played in every game en route to the 1964 success and only missed both second round matches against Spartak Prague in the European campaign. Bobby was also part of the side which reached the semi-finals of the Cup Winners' Cup in 1966 and the two-legged League Cup Final in the same year as the Hammers were beaten on aggregate by Borussia Dortmund and West Brom in the respective competitions. Moore had also been named Hammer of the Year for the second time in 1963 and was voted Footballer of the Year in 1964.
His finest hour was to come on 30th July 1966 – a day etched in English sporting history. Bobby captained the England team, including West Ham United team-mates Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst to World Cup triumph over West Germany. Moore created two of the goals – Hurst and England's first and last – as the Three Lions triumphed 4-2 at Wembley. In a typical display of gentlemanly conduct Moore, despite surely being beside himself with pride and joy, still had the wherewithal to note on his ascent to the Royal Box that the Queen was wearing white gloves. His only thought was to not dirty them and he wiped his muddy hands on his kit and on the velvet balustrade before shaking Her Majesty's hand. His receipt of the Jules Rimet trophy is iconic of Moore's own majesty and his holding aloft of the trophy still symbolises this country's finest sporting moment. Incredibly, Moore had only recovered from testicular cancer 18 months previously.
Greenwood refused to sanction a move to Tottenham and Moore would be named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1966. He would be voted Hammer of the Year in 1968 and again in 1970, winning the award four times in total, but the Hammers were entrenched in a period of under-achievement, although they did reach the semi-finals of the League Cup in 1972 with Moore incredibly saving a penalty against Stoke after going in goal when Bobby Ferguson was injured. Mike Bernard did score from the rebound though. An approach from Derby's Brian Clough for Moore and Trevor Brooking was again turned down by Greenwood. Bobby scored his last goal for the club in a 4-3 defeat at Manchester City on 21st October 1972.
Bobby continued to impress against the world's best – his performance against Pele's Brazil in the 1970 World Cup was a masterclass in timing of the tackle and use of the football. With England struggling during qualification for the 1974 World Cup, he was left out by Ramsey – Moore's last game for England was a 1-0 friendly defeat to Italy on 14th November 1973. He won 108 caps, scoring two goals. He held the appearance record for his country until it was surpassed by Peter Shilton but maintains the joint record for appearances as captain with Billy Wright.
Bobby's 647th and final appearance for the Hammers came against Hereford in a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup third round on 5th January 1974. He held the appearance record for the club at the time and is now third behind Billy Bonds and Frank Lampard. He left the club two months later in a £25,000 move to Fulham. Ironically, he would face his former club in the FA Cup Final of 1975.
After a spell in the North American Soccer League with San Antonio Thunder and Seattle Sounders, Moore would go on to manage Oxford City and Southend United. He also turned his hand to co-commentary with Jonathan Pearce for Capital Radio. Bobby died at the tragically young age of 51, from bowel cancer, on 24th February 1993. His passing was mourned across the world, a sign of his stature as a player and a man. The gates at Upton Park became a shrine, with scarves, flowers and mementoes being left by thousands of supporters of many different football clubs. West Ham retired the number six shirt for their next game against Wolves, with Ian Bishop instead wearing 12 – the shirt was retired permanently in 2008. West Ham would name the newly-all-seater South Stand after him and a statue of Moore stands outside Wembley. The North Stand at London Stadium is now named in his honour.
On a personal note, despite never meeting him or seeing him play (he left West Ham nine years before I was born), Bobby Moore is one of my all-time heroes. When he passed away I started wearing the number six shirt for my Sunday League boys' team and continued wearing the number six shirt right up to my university playing days. Bobby's legacy passes through generations – this legacy continues with the work carried out by the Bobby Moore Fund.
Malta v England
England face Malta this evening in a World Cup 2018 qualifier – it will be the fifth meeting between the two nations. Ex-Hammer Martin Peters was the star of the show in the only previous competitive match to be staged in Malta, on 3rd February 1971. George Harrison was number one with 'My Sweet Lord', Get Carter premiered in Los Angeles and, the day after, Rolls Royce went bankrupt and was nationalised.
Alan Mullery was skipper in place of Bobby Moore, who had been suspended by West Ham following the 'Blackpool Affair' (Bobby, along with West Ham team-mates Jimmy Greaves, Brian Dear and Clyde Best, had been caught drinking in a nightclub on the eve of an FA Cup tie they thought was going to be cancelled because of snow – the match went ahead and West Ham lost). Martin Chivers, Roy McFarland and Everton team-mates Joe Royle and Colin Harvey made their debuts in this European Championship qualifying match – Geoff Hurst had been due to start but withdrew because of illness, his place going to Harvey.
Playing on a very hard pitch covered with sand then steamrollered flat (see picture above of Norman Hunter during the game), with barely a blade of grass to be seen, Alf Ramsey's England took the lead in the 34th minute courtesy of Peters, a half-hit shot bobbling inside the far post after Maltese goalkeeper Alfred Mizzi mistimed his dive. The tiny island nation almost snatched an equaliser late on but Gordon Banks denied captain Joseph Cini with his feet.
Malta: Alfred Mizzi, Joseph Grima, Alfred Mallia, Anthony Camilleri, Emmanuel Micallef, Edward Darmanin, Ronnald Cocks, William Vassallo, Joseph Cini (captain), Edward Thobald, Louis Arpa.
England: Gordon Banks (Stoke), Paul Reaney (Leeds), Norman Hunter (Leeds), Roy McFarland (Derby), Emlyn Hughes (Liverpool), Alan Ball (Everton), Alan Mullery (captain, Tottenham), Colin Harvey (Everton), Martin Peters (Tottenham), Martin Chivers (Tottenham), Joe Royle (Everton).
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Gareth Southgate keeps faith with Joe Hart for England's clash in Malta
By Richard Cooke
Last Updated: 01/09/17 9:45am
SSN
Gareth Southgate says Joe Hart will start for England in their World Cup Qualifier against Malta and insists he is England's "best goalkeeper at the moment".
Hart has had an uneasy start to his season-long loan at West Ham, conceding 10 goals in his first three matches but Southgate is keeping faith with him. "Joe will start for us," the England boss said. "I think he's our best goalkeeper at the moment. "I wanted to see how he would respond because he has had a difficult start to the season with his club but I'm pleased he's in a good frame of mind. Joe has trained really well. "His performances since I've been manager have been very, very good, he's only conceded two goals in Scotland in this qualifying campaign."
The 30-year-old long-serving goalkeeper is facing increasingly strong competition from Jack Butland, Tom Heaton and Jordan Pickford, and Southgate gave encouragement to all of them ahead of next year's World Cup. "We're only three matches into the start of the season, so I don't feel as though the others have had time to stake a claim to push Joe out of that position," he said. "But we've got three excellent goalkeepers here, there's Jordan who was with us (before withdrawing through injury), and Fraser Forster, who is very unfortunate not to be in the squad."
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West Ham United would pay Rafael Benitez's compensation at Newcastle United
HITC
Shane Callaghan
According to The Northern Echo, Rafael Benitez would have to pay Newcastle United up to £6 million if he breaks his contract by quitting, but West Ham United would pay it for him. West Ham might well be on the hunt for a new manager in the coming weeks after the Irons lost all three of their Premier League games under Slaven Bilic so far. Likewise, things aren't much better at Newcastle but Benitez - who lost his first two games of the season - stopped the rot with a 3-0 win over Bilic's side last weekend. However, the fact that the Magpies failed to sign anyone on deadline day, despite Benitez trimming around £200,000-a-week from the club's wage bill by offloading the deadwood, has given further rise to talk that the Spanish manager could quit. The Telegraph reported earlier today that Benitez would "express some interest" in the East Londoners if they needed a manager, but The Northern Echo reports that the former Liverpool and Real Madrid man would have to pay around £6 million to sever his ties. But the report goes on to claim that West Ham - long-time admirers of Benitez - would consider paying that on his behalf if it meant he would replace Bilic at the London Stadium.
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West Ham spending is not enough, says Paul Merson
By Oliver Young-Myles
1st Sep 2017
www.squawka.com
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has criticised the West Ham board for their lack of spending this summer. West Ham have endured a disastrous start to the 2017-18 season losing all three of their Premier League matches including 4-0 to Manchester United and 3-0 to newly-promoted Newcastle United. The club's poor run of results coupled with an underwhelming campaign last time out has seen the pressure piled onto manager Slaven Bilic, but Merson suggested that the Croatian should've been backed more by the board in the transfer market. He said (via Sky Sports): "Pablo Zabaleta is a good pro, but is coming towards the end of his career, but I think they've made three strong signings in Joe Hart, Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez. "However, it's not enough, is it? I saw Tony Gale on TV, saying they have spent £4m net in four years which is ridiculous. They should be spending £100m, but I will give them a decent grade because what they have brought in is decent." Javier Hernandez has converted 28.6% of his chances for West Ham. Merson's comments regarding West Ham's lack of spending will likely resonate with the club's supporters as many were left disappointed by their lack of activity on transfer deadline day. William Carvalho was a high-profile target that West Ham failed to secure. However, Merson and Tony Gale's comments about the club's net spend over the past four years are actually incorrect – massively so, in fact. Rather than spending £4m net, West Ham have actually recorded a net spend of approximately £127m after shelling out just shy of £200m and recouping approximately £66m of that through player sales in that timeframe. Furthermore, the last time that the Hammers spent less money on players than they brought in was way back in 2009-10 when they received a big fee from Manchester City for Carlos Tevez without re-investing much back into the squad. West Ham's new signings this summer have endured contrasting fortunes so far with Javier Hernandez scoring twice but Marko Arnautovic being sent off in his second game against Southampton.
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Rafa Benitez's long-term future in serious doubt after Newcastle fail to make any deadline day signings
Telegraph.co.uk
Luke Edwards
1 SEPTEMBER 2017 • 8:43AM
Rafa Benitez was left with a familiar sinking feeling at the end of another hugely deflating transfer window for Newcastle United as they failed to sign anyone on deadline day. Despite keeping his side of the bargain by cutting the wage bill, with the sale of Grant Hanley to Norwich City and Achraf Lazaar to Benevento, as well as the loan departure of Tim Krul to Brighton, Benitez did not see a single player come in the opposite direction.
Newcastle went into the final day of the window still trying to strengthen, but proposed loan deals for Southampton's Matt Targett and Chelsea's Kenedy fell through. A bolder move for Arsenal striker Lucas Perez also failed to lead to anything after the striker elected to return to Deportivo La Coruna.
Although Benitez will not quit at this stage, he has been left disillusioned by the blatant lack of ambition this summer and his long-term future on Tyneside is in serious doubt. Indeed, should West Ham sack Slaven Bilic in the next few weeks, it is likely Benitez will express some interest in replacing him.
Significantly, although Newcastle supporters would be heartbroken if he leaves it is the anger towards the board that dominates the mood on Tyneside this morning. Most feel, as with previous managers, they have failed to back Benitez properly and seem happy to push him towards the exit door rather than strengthen the squad properly.
Benitez insisted seven days ago that he expected to be able to bring in at least two more players before the close of the window, hinting that there could be more if he was able to move players out.
It is the second successive transfer window that the Spaniard has felt disillusioned by the way the club is run by owner Mike Ashley after he was prevented from signings Andros Townsend from Crystal Palace back in January.
In the end, despite going into the final week of the window believing he would see more new arrivals, Benitez was left frustrated as deals collapsed and he privately fears he has been left with a squad that looks short on numbers and quality on their return to the Premier League.
More worryingly, having felt as though promises made by owner Mike Ashley have been broken this summer, he no longer trusts those above him and suspects he will never receive the financial backing needed to turn Newcastle into a major force in the Premier League again.
Despite being promised every extra penny from promotion, Newcastle have one of the lowest net spends in the top flight, with Ashley's lieutenant, Justin Barnes, refusing to sanction a number of potential deals because of the cost.
It is feared, with the club effectively up for sale again, that Ashley will decide to take money out this season in order to recoup some of the £33m he loaned the club last season to help cover the cost of relegation to the Championship.
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Revealed: The story behind why William Carvalho's move to West Ham did not happen
West Ham were chasing the defensive midfielder for the best part of a month and the move never came close to happening
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
13:49, 1 SEP 2017
West Ham's pursuit of William Carvalho ultimately ended in defeat - where have we heard that before this season - on Transfer Deadline Day and left a number of Hammers fans frustrated. All the way up until Carvalho was named in the Portugal starting eleven for the national side against the Faroe Islands in a World Cup qualifier on the continent, there was hope the club could pull off a record-breaking deal but ultimately, it wasn't to be. The defensive midfielder was desperate to join the Hammers having seen a number of moves to the Premier League fall through in previous seasons but yet again, saw a move to the biggest league in the world collapse.
But how did we we get to yesterday's situation?
Football.London first reported the Hammers interest in Carvalho on August 10 and even then were ready to shatter their transfer record and shell out £36m on the Sporting Lisbon star - not that ever offered that. From then on, it was nothing bit stalling and stalling from his current employers and eventually, the Hammers ran out of patience. West Ham first offered Lisbon £27.2m and that was, unsurprisingly, rejected as Lisbon felt he was worth much more. Four days later on August 14, the Hammers were supposedly closing in on sealing a move for the midfielder as Lisbon prepared for the first leg of their Champions League qualifier with Steaua Bucharest, with meetings held between the club and the player. The Hammers had offered to double Carvalho's wages from £30,000 a week to £60,000 a week which was accepted by the player and also, a five-year contract at the London Stadium to boot. Remember, the two clubs had yet to agree a fee for the transfer. Sporting then claimed they wanted to discover their Champions League fate before progressing on a move, which stalled it for a week. The Portuguese side would eventually see off Bucharest and negotiations would re-open. That's when it all started to go wrong.
West Ham's poor start to the Premier League season had heaped the pressure on Slaven Bilic and the Hammers board suddenly became uneasy at the prospect of shelling out that kind of cash for a manager who's track record with transfers has been highly questionable. Then, a week ago, the Hammers pulled out of negotiations with Lisbon, who had upped their asking price to £40m - a price the Hammers were never going to pay despite Bilic's insistence on "getting the deal done."
Football.London was told: "He just got too expensive and you have to say no sometimes. "Also, he's not trained for three weeks. He has done no pre-season training – so he might have needed four to six weeks to be ready to play for us." That's when the club were reportedly looking at Danilo Pereira as an alternative/ploy to force Lisbon's hand. So, that was that, then? No. At the start of this week, West Ham re-ignited their move for Carvalho and the player once again re-iterated his desire privately to join the east Londoners and reports in Portugal backed that up. There were unfounded claims of Lisbon representatives in London to thrash out a deal which was not true and that Hammers representatives were in Portugal to sort it out - again not true.
Hammers co-chairman David Sullivan was still not going to part with the cash Lisbon wanted and would only proceed if they dropped their price. Lisbon wouldn't - despite them now owing Carvalho £5m as a result of it not going through - and Sullivan went on holiday. The supposedly unfit Carvalho then played for Portugal on Thursday night, bagging a goal and an assist and then leaving Hammers fans wondering what might have been.
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BREAKING NEWS: Armed robber, 22, is found guilty of trying to mug West Ham's Andy Carroll of his £22,000 watch at the wheel of his Jeep
Jack O'Brien, 22, denied attempting to rob the England-capped 28-year-old
Motorbike rider 'repeatedly pointed at him with a gun and demanded his watch'
Carroll, 28, initially thought it was a prank but then did a U-turn and fled scene
Called partner's father before dialling 999 and saying 'S***, I've hit loads of cars'
Police say O'Brien is a career criminal who used same Suzuki in other burglaries
He was found cowering under his mattress and the moped was in the garden
By Martin Robinson, Uk Chief Reporter For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 11:23, 1 September 2017 | UPDATED: 11:24, 1 September 2017
A motorbike riding thug was today found guilty of trying to rob Premier League star Andy Carroll of his £22,000 watch in a dramatic 'gunpoint' hold-up. Jack O'Brien was accused of trying to steal footballer Andy Carroll's £22,000 watch in a traffic light heist in East London. The West Ham and England striker, 28, was targeted as he drove his green Jeep Wrangler and was forced to pull a U-turn and then smashed into at least 10 cars during his escape, Basildon Crown Court was told. Initially Mr Carroll believed the hold-up was a prank by a friend and when the armed robber told him: 'nice watch' he thought it was just a compliment so replied 'thanks'. But he said one of two motorbike riders then 'repeatedly pointed at him with a gun, or pretending to have a gun' and was demanding to have his watch so he fled. O'Brien, 22, denied attempting to rob the 6ft 4ins millionaire footballer on November 2 2016, and said someone else was using his Suzuki motorcycle that day. Police said he already used the moped in a string of burglaries and when they raided his house he was hiding under his mattress. They also found a crash helmet and Ducati jacket were seized from the property, and a Suzuki motorbike was seized from the back garden. Prosecutor Simon Gladwell told Basildon Crown Court: 'The motorcycle used in the alleged attempted robbery was the same motorcycle that was seized at the time of Jack O'Brien's arrest'. He said the rider of the bike used in the alleged attempted robbery wore the same crash helmet and jacket seized at the time of O'Brien's arrest.
Mr Gladwell then detailed a string of burglaries, to which O'Brien pleaded guilty in April 2017, in which items including jewellery, watches and cash were stolen. The offences happened in October and November 2016. 'At the time of each of the burglaries Jack O'Brien used the same motorcycle that was used in the attempted robbery of Andy Carroll,' said Mr Gladwell. He said that in each of the burglaries O'Brien also used the same crash helmet and jacket worn by the biker in the attempted robbery of Carroll. Carroll previously told the court he was 'scared' when a motorcyclist approached him at traffic lights in Hainault, north-east London, and demanded he hand over his watch as he returned home from West Ham's training ground. Initially Mr Carroll thought it was a 'prank' and initially thought he recognised the rider as his boxer friend Kevin Mitchell, the court heard this week. The footballer told O'Brien's trial: 'He just said 'Nice watch' I said 'Thanks' and went to drive away and he said 'Give me your watch'. The motorbike rider 'repeatedly pointed at him with a gun, or pretending to have a gun and demanding to have his watch', the court heard. He said in a frantic 999 call played to a jury: 'There's two motorbikes, one's behind me pulling out a gun, I don't know what to do' and also told the handler: 'I'm a Premier League footballer'.
As beeping is heard in the background, Carroll says to the operator: 'Oh s***, I've hit loads of cars, I don't know what to do, he's just hit my car.' He eventually arrives at the West Ham training ground and tells the operator there are security staff there. 'I've probably just hit about 10 cars on the way here,' he said in the call. Andy Carroll was whisked from training to give evidence against a man accused of holding him up in an armed robbery. The lanky West Ham striker appeared via videolink on Wednesday after being recalled to court on the eve of transfer deadline day. Police rushed to pick him up and took him to a video link centre after a late request from Jack O'Brien's defence Michael Edmonds . The England-capped forward told Basildon Crown Court he had not seen the 22-year-old's picture before the ID parade and said the conditions were good on the day of the robbery Mr Edmonds first thanked him for coming to court and said: "When you had the 10 seconds to view the rider who demanded your watch that the light conditions were good. "Do you remember or not that there was sunlight or not on the helmet do you remember? Wearing his hair tied back a black T-Shirt and Blue Jeans said: "I don't remember the sunlight I just remember his face." When asked if he remembered police calling him to say O'Brien had been arrested he said: "Not really." He also revealed he had deleted his Facebook and Twitter accounts since September and denied anyone sending him O'Brien's picture, simply answering "no". He said: "I have deleted my Facebook and Twitter as I haven't been on for about eight months. "I don't use it anymore since September."
Explaining what happened Carroll told the jury: 'I just pulled up at the traffic lights, my window was open, a bike pulled up next to me and said 'Nice watch'.'
He said he replied 'Thanks' and 'Thought I recognised him'. 'He had his crash helmet on with his visor up,' said Carroll. 'I stared at him for about 10 seconds as I thought I recognised him and thought he was going to have a conversation.' He continued: 'I went to drive away and he said 'Give me your watch'.' He said to start with he 'didn't know if it was a joke' but, when he did a U-turn, both bikes turned and followed him. Bearded Carroll, who had his hair in a bun, wore a dark blue shirt, blue jeans and trainers as he gave his evidence. He used his hands to show jurors how the motorbike rider allegedly gestured for him to surrender his watch, and he also showed a gun gesture. O'Brien, who wore a white shirt, pink tie and grey trousers, sat beside a female officer in the secure dock, and Carroll avoided his gaze as he gave evidence. Mr Gladwell said Carroll was 'beeping at other cars and driving on the wrong side of the road to get away' Carroll told the court: 'I was scared, I didn't know what to do. I called my partner's dad, I just panicked. He told me to ring the police.' In the 999 call Carroll struggles to recognise road names, as the operator reassures him that police are not far away. At one point he tells the call handler: 'I'm a Premier League footballer.' Mr Gladwell said Carroll did a U-turn and eventually managed to get back to the West Ham training ground, but he was pursued by the two motorbikes for some distance. 'Mr Carroll accelerated away as he was scared, did a U-turn and headed back towards the West Ham training ground,' he said. 'He realised the threat was real.' He continued: 'Mr Carroll was beeping at other cars and driving on the wrong side of the road to get away, but still the motorbikes were following him. 'The first bike got in front of him and approached his front passenger door but Mr Carroll managed to find a gap and get away. 'During part of this incident Mr Carroll called police as he was being pursued.' Michael Edmonds, defending, said O'Brien, of Romford, east London, was not the biker. He said O'Brien had used the motorcycle, jacket and helmet for crime before, but that it was not him using the bike on this occasion.
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Diafra Sakho is the Peter Odemwingie of 2017... West Ham striker's trip from Rennes to Chelmsford Racecourse joins list of bizarre deadline day stories
Diafra Sakho will remain at West Ham despite initially angling for a move away
Striker travelled to Rennes without permission of the club to conduct a medical
He was later forced to wait in a car park at Chelmsford Racecourse due to agent
But Sakho made peace with the Hammers after dicussing personal problems
By Ben Grounds For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 10:44, 1 September 2017 | UPDATED: 10:57, 1 September 2017
It is fair to say that the summer transfer deadline day of 2017 will be remembered more for the deals that failed to go through than any business that was completed, in England at least. While the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Virgil van Dijk and Ross Barkley stole the headlines with their high profile on-off moves away from their respective clubs, Diafra Sakho did his best to steal the limelight. The West Ham striker was due to report to the club's Chadwell Heath training ground at 11am on Wednesday, but instead boarded a flight to Rennes as he sought to push through a deadline day move. Sakho, who came on as a substitute for the Hammers in the 3-0 defeat by Newcastle at St James' Park last Saturday, appeared to take matters into his own hands by travelling to France where he had a medical and agreed personal terms with the Ligue 1 club. The striker then hoped to outline his 'off-field personal issues' with West Ham, but the saga took a bizarre twist when he turned up at Chelmsford Racecourse on his return to England. The Senegalese international arrived back in the early afternoon on Thursday, but took a detour before meeting West Ham bosses so his agent, Mark McKay, could watch a racehorse he owns in action. The diversion paid off as 9-2 favourite Siege of Boston won the 3.20 - and Sakho's £100 bet on his agent's horse earned him a £550 win. Having been on the phone to West Ham in a car park during the race, Sakho was then driven to the London Stadium where he and his representatives attempted to find a solution. The situation was complicated further by David Gold and David Sullivan being away on holiday, meaning the player could not speak directly about his problems on his return with West Ham's co-owners.
But after talks, Sakho may now be in line for a new contract with the Hammers after being handed reassurances over his personal issues, with the player stating his 'total respect' for fans while understanding the reasons for staying put. Sakho's is not the first bizarre transfer deadline day whirlwind adventure, as Sportsmail revisits a few classic tales from bygone years.
Peter Odemwingie (West Brom to QPR in January 2013)
Still the undisputed champion of deadline day's power play, Odemwingie took it upon himself to drive to London from West Brom and spoke of his excitement about joining QPR. He rolled down his window and told Sky Sports: 'It's a new chapter to start in my life. I love West Brom and always will. I think every football fan is excited to see if we're going to make it or not but we're optimistic about it. 'We have some good players here and I'm happy with the trust that Harry Redknapp is giving me.' Unfortunately, the Nigerian would discover his club hadn't given him permission to speak with Redknapp, and the striker returned to The Hawthorns with his tail between his legs.
Benjani (Portsmouth to Manchester City in January 2008)
Portsmouth striker Benjani deserves his place on any list of bizarre deadline day goings-on after inexplicably missing two flights from Southampton airport to Manchester - because he fell asleep. The nap nearly cost the Zimbabwean his move to City, but having rubbed the sleep out of his eye, the striker dashed up north to complete his medical and sign on the dotted line for an initial £3.87m. Portsmouth's then director of communications Gary Double said at the time of his departure: 'Benji's as strong as an ox and never misses a day's training.' Perhaps all that exertion explained the fatigue.
Robinho (Real Madrid to Manchester City, August 2008)
The Brazilian joined City in a ground-breaking £32.5m deal on transfer deadline day in August 2008, gazumping original moneybags Chelsea to seal his signature on the same night they had been pipped by Manchester United for Dimitar Berbatov. But after such a great coup, City fans may well have wondered if they'd grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory as Robinho then announced: 'Chelsea made a great proposal on the last day and I accepted'. When asked if he meant Manchester City, Robinho replied: 'Yeah. Manchester. Sorry!'
Rafael van der Vaart (Real Madrid to Tottenham in August 2010)
The signing of Rafael van der Vaart proved a masterstroke by Redknapp as the Tottenham boss managed to sign the Dutchman for just £8m from Real Madrid, but the deadline-day deal was not without its problems. With the chimes of Big Ben approaching, the Premier League approved Van der Vaart's move from Madrid despite paperwork being lodged late. The reason: a dodgy fax machine. Papers had reached the League two hours late but Spurs claimed technical difficulties relating to a computer used in the transaction between the two clubs, hampering efforts to complete the administration on time.
Ryan Babel (Liverpool to London, August 2010)
Who can forget the Babelcopter. The Liverpool winger was spotted getting in a helicopter bound for London on deadline day in 2010 but a move away from Merseyside failed to materialise. The Dutchman's tale captured the imagination of football fans across the land, but despite travelling in a Chinook (we're assuming) to an unknown round of contract negotiations, a transfer failed to take off. It turned out to be nothing but yet more noise and confusion, and the mystery remains unanswered to this day. Perhaps he was just filming a rap video all along.
David De Gea (Manchester United to Real Madrid in August 2015)
One of the more acrimonious transfer sagas involving players currently active in the Premier League involved Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, who looked set to join Real Madrid two years ago. The Spanish stopper was set to be involved in a swap deal with Keylor Navas, but the £29.3m deal fell through. The Spanish league said the relevant paperwork was not sent in time and Real blamed United for holding up the transfer. It is believed that De Gea was denied his dream move to the Santiago Bernabeu because United took eight hours to make minor modifications to the agreement. It later emerged that Madrid had been unable to open documents sent to them by United, scuppering any hopes of an 11th hour deal being struck.
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WINDOW SHOPPING – WEST HAM SUMMER TRANSFER RESUME
By Blind Hammer 1 Sep 2017 at 08:00 WTID
Blind Hammer assesses West Ham's Summer Transfer Window.
David Sullivan's Holiday break was a big sign that we should not have expected dramatic late movement in the transfer market. Fans are always disappointed when rabbits are not pulled out of the hat at the last minute but most will agree that it is far better to get business done early in pre-season rather than scrambling around for the crumbs left at the late night table. Sakho's bizarre and sad Manoeuvrings apart the last day of the window was quiet. I saw lots of complaints that this quietness was due to "penny pinching" by our Board. I am afraid I do not buy this. Harry Cane is on £80K a week, less than we pay Andy Carroll, and massively less than what we now pay Hernandez. I have heard complaints from Spurs fans and allegedly Spurs players about how we are dwarfing Spurs in terms of wages. We have not indulged in massive inflated transfers but then many other clubs, including Spurs, have made similar decisions. Clubs like Arsenal have also balanced the books with their transfer dealings. Newcastle also lead a raft of clubs with fans disappointed about the lack of business so we are definitely not unusual in having unhappy fans.
Yet we should remember that only a few weeks ago West Ham and Sullivan were lauded for having a "fantastic" window. Bilic publically celebrated his acquisition of his first choice in 4 positions. Pre-Season there was general positivity. Now we have come up against the grinding reality check of the first 3 PL games the assessment is perhaps not so straightforward.
So what can we tell about our "Fantastic Four" of summer recruits?
Pablo Zabaleta is a player few of us complained about when he was recruited. Here finally seemed the solution to our perennial right back problem. So far, though, he has failed to demonstrate how he can stem the leaks in our historically porous defence.
Zabaleta is a player with fantastic credentials but he may carry an unexpected price.
The suggestion is that he can only play effectively in a flat back four. The argument goes that he has no longer the energy or pace to play the wide wing back role alongside 3 at the back. The rigidity of his positional capacity is one reason proposed to explain the curious failure by Bilic not to return to the defensive structure which served him so well at the end of last season.
A few days ago I suggested that Bilic's stubbornness was a possible reason for this. Another reason may actually be the accommodation of the limitations of Zabaleta. If Bilic really does not believe Zabaleta is able to play the wing back role, or probably more importantly if Zabaleta himself does not believes this, then Bilic has actually created a cleft stick for himself. Zabaleta may actually be trapping Bilic by forcing him into a more inflexible defensive approach, tying his defence to a single option of a flat back four. A formation which has sadly repeating the failures which have plagued the club for the last 18 months. If, as seems likely, Bilic will be forced to resort to 3 at the back then Zabaleta will either be forced to play a role he does not feel confident in, that of wing back, or possibly moved into the middle to form a 3 way partnership on the right side of the defence alongside Reid and Collins. In either case it may be a case of round pegs in square holes again. My own hope is that Zabeleta can overcome this to have an unexpected career as a right sided central defensive option with Byram providing him with the necessary pace and energy alongside. At the moment for me Collins is a proven performer with 3 at the back and Zabeleta and Reid should be automatic picks given the current squad. Byram and Cresswell can provide the necessary energy on the flanks with hopefully Byram in particular benefitting from Zabeleta's experience. Such a change would require Obiang, Noble, or Fernandez to be withdrawn from a midfield role.
Joe hart is another signing who most, including me welcomed. I think it is very early days but I think it is fair to say that he has not so far demonstrated that he is a significant upgrade to our current number 2. Hart is certainly vocal in trying to organise our defence. In a season which may be tense and nervous, his experience and leadership may be crucial. Given Hart's own agenda to solidify his international place we can be sure he will do his level best to sort things out in defence.
There is still time for both Hart and Zabeleta to be significant upgrades for West Ham and for them to have successful season. What baffles me though, as I have commented on multiple occasions, is that we have not also refreshed our central defensive options. Rather we have decreased them, releasing Oxford and Burke to develop elsewhere relying on Collins, Reid, Obonna and Fonte. This quartet contains injury prone players with uncertain pace. Rumours emerged last week that West Ham was too belatedly to make a late bid for 29 year old defender Aymen Abdennour who is apparently surplus to requirements at Valencia. I know nothing about this player and this interest, if it ever existed, appears now dead in the water as the player has now completed a medical with Zenit St Petersburg. This means we have failed to find a young, energetic and pacey central defensive option. This is to my mind a higher priority, a higher priority than the late interest in the midfield talents of Carvalho.
It is possible that Rice may be switched from his current midfield duties to grow into this defensive role though his confidence may be damaged after being hauled off against Newcastle. If Rice is not ready then not recruiting in this area is to my mind the biggest mistake of the Window. We have never replace Tomkins and I personally would not mind if we tried to re-sign him. If we are forced to play 3 in central defence our resources will be stretched paper thin and probably Kouyaté will be pressed into covering in defence. Whilst I am sure he will do an admirable job this would not augur well for his longer term future with us. Kouyaté has publically expressed his dislike of playing out of his preferred position and this may well increase his motivation to seek pastures new.
So on to our forward recruitment. In Chicharito Hernandez, West Ham has finally signed a proven goal scorer. My only anxiety is again Bilic's propensity to play players out of position. In all his time Bilic has managed West Ham you could count on one hand the occasions in which he has played with more than one central forward. In the vast majority of games he plays with a single forward, normally only resorting to 2 forwards when we are chasing a game.
So although Chicharito is a high quality recruitment, I worry he will suffer the same difficulties that Zaza faced. I thought it was telling after his departure from West Ham that Zaza's advisors confessed that they were baffled as to why West Ham had signed him in the first place. Apparently Zaza had never, in his career, ever succeeded as a lone forward, more suited to the second striker role playing off a hold up player. Zaza has certainly flourished away from West Ham now that he has been relieved of lone forward duties.
Hernandez also strikes me as best suited to a second striker role. He seems ideally suited to play in a partnership with Sacko but it seems likely that this will only happen when we are behind in games.
The eventual success of Hernandez over the season is likely to be closely bound with the fortunes of our fourth and current record signing Marko Arnautovic. Arnautovic certainly has the stature and athleticism to provide physical support for Hernandez up front though this will apparently come from a wide area on the wings. West Ham will have a curiously inverted forward line when compared to traditional models. Traditionally teams would depend on a big physically strong centre forward in the Andy Carroll mode to compete for possession in advanced areas and link up play. Conventionally such a forward would be serviced by wingers, normally smaller, nimbler and pacier. In Antonio and Arnautovic West Ham will reverse this formation with their most athletic and strongest forwards operating on the wings.
I can see and admire Bilic's logic in pairing Hernandez with not just Arnautovic but Antonio. It is a gamble but has exciting possibilities. At its most potent such a system could provide Hernandez with the physical support he is likely to need but in a way he may be unused to. Rather than relying on a single forward partner Hernandez may join Antonio moving into the centre with him when Arnautovic has possession and vice versa. This would be a fluid system with Hernandez needing to develop a partnership not just with Arnautovic but Antonio. If understanding gels between this trios it may be very difficult for opposing defences to counter.
The crucial question is whether they can gel quickly enough to prevent the drop in confidence which would detract from their play. It is also critical that Lanzini in particular can develop the anticipation of their movement.
In an ideal world a backup and support for Lanzini as our main playmaker would have been recruited. However, West Ham is not a club with artificially oil provided resources. A lot will depend on Lanzini avoiding injury. In any absence it is likely that Kouyaté will be asked to advance into the Lanzini role. If Samuelssen continues his encouraging progress in the Development squad he may be a surprise option to deputise for Lanzini, perhaps in an early FA Cup round against lower league opposition. Sead Haksabanovic may also be a surprise package to encourage us all.
I think Sullivan and the Board, with the caveats I have mentioned, have attempted to support their Manager well. Whether Bilic is able to organise and utilise the resources they have provided him with to good effect only time will tell.
COYI
David Griffith
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Just like Harry Kane: West Ham coach raves about Antonio Martinez
HITC
Dan Coombs
West Ham coach Terry Westley compares Antonio Martinez to Tottenham's Harry Kane. West Ham youngster Antonio Martinez is a player with a bright future and his academy coach believes he shares traits with England international Harry Kane. The Spanish striker featured for the Hammers in pre-season and starred on loan at Oxford United last season. He scored twice at the weekend for West Ham's under-23 side, ending a three game stretch without a goal. Under-23 boss Terry Westley told the club website that he felt Martinez finding the scoresheet was never in doubt. He said: "Toni is the type of a player – a Harry Kane dare I say it who apparently doesn't score in August – they know they're going to get goals. "He is in that mould, he knows that sooner or later one is going to drop to him or he's going to rifle one in because he's always in and around the action. "He might miss some and you'll get frustrated with that, but as a coach you know, sooner or later, he's going to bag goals."
Martinez said in pre-season that he hopes to make it into West Ham's first team this season, and if he keeps on impressing for the under-23s then he could get a chance. The 20-year-old joined from Spanish side Valencia in 2016 and finished as top scorer for the under-23s last season. West Ham have had a poor start to the season and Martinez contributing could provide just the spark they need to give the side a little lift, if Slaven Bilic decides to give him a chance.
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Damning statistic shows Aston Villa signing Robert Snodgrass is wrong over Slaven Bilic claims
HITC
Damien Lucas
Robert Snodgrass has spent his first two weeks at Aston Villa criticising Slaven Bilic after his loan move from West Ham United. The Scotland midfielder signed for the Hammers from Hull City for £10million back in January. His signing came in the wake of the departure of talismanic playmaker Dimitri Payet and turned out to be one of the worst deals in West Ham's recent history. Snodgrass failed to impress in any of his 16 appearances and failed to net a single goal, despite scoring seven and laying on a number of assists during the first half of the season with Hull.
Since sealing a season-long loan move to Villa, Snodgrass has been outspoken on his time in East London and Bilic in particular. "I was coming on against (Manchester) City and he said 'Where do you want to play, on the left or right?'," Snodgrass told the Daily Record when he joined up with the Scotland squad this week. "I thought 'You have just signed me and I have played on the right or behind the striker at Hull City all season'. "That was my debut and alarm bells were ringing right away. I found it very strange and I realised from the off that it wasn't going to happen. Every time I played I was on the left. I don't know why he did it. I joined as Dimitri Payet left and maybe it was a case of 'you can play there'. "But when I eventually did speak to him I said I thought he would have known I wasn't a left-midfielder and that he must have watched me after signing me for that type of money. "His answer was basically that when people are confident they can play anywhere."
The midfielder's comments have come at a time when Bilic finds himself under intense pressure having lost his first three games of the new Premier League season to prop up the table. And many supporters have taken umbrage to Snodgrass' claims that his poor form was down to Bilic.
A West Ham supporters group has now taken to Twitter to disprove the claim, with some eagle-eyed statistics which are somewhat damning for the former Leeds United man's case. "Snodgrass played on the left half as many times as his "preferred" central attacking midfield and right-sided position, why is he moaning," WHUFC News posted along with a spreadsheet of all where he played in each of his matches.
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West Ham News @WHUFC_News
Snodgrass played on the left half as many times as his "preferred" CAM and right-sided position, why is he moaning 😂😂😂
7:18 PM - Aug 30, 2017
13 13 Replies 16 16 Retweets 42 42 likes
Perhaps the fact Snodgrass has had to drop down to the Championship, albeit to a big club in Villa, is an indication of how Premier League managers view his talents.
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Rafael Benitez will "express some interest" in West Ham United job
HITC
Shane Callaghan
The Newcastle United boss might be tempted into replacing Slaven Bilic at West Ham United. According to The Telegraph, Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez is likely to "express some interest" in the West Ham United job if Slaven Bilic is fired. West Ham have lost all three of their Premier League games so far, with a 3-0 defeat at Newcastle last weekend only adding to the mounting pressure on Bilic. The Magpies manager is said to be frustrated over the fact that he was unable to sign anybody on deadline day - despite clearing off some of the deadwood - as his relationship with owner Mike Ashley looks like deteriorating further. And The Telegraph reports that the Champions League-winning coach, although happy to stay for the moment, will be interested in the West Ham job if Bilic fails to turn things around in East London. The report goes on to claim that Benitez no longer trusts a number of people in the boardroom at St James's Park - including Ashley's lieutenant Justin Barnes for "refusing to sanction a number of potential deals because of the cost".
Newcastle fans will be furious with Ashley - well, more than they already are - if his failed promises leads to the departure of one of their best managers in a very long time.
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West Ham United striker Diafra Sakho returns to first team training following failed attempt to force a move away... and a bizarre stop at Chelmsford races
Diafra Sakho has returned to Rush Green for West Ham United training
Sakho went AWOL by flying to France in an attempt to force a transfer to Rennes
He then turned up at Chelmsford races before speaking to the Hammers owners
By Kieran Gill for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 09:51, 1 September 2017 | UPDATED: 09:51, 1 September 2017
Diafra Sakho has returned to Rush Green for West Ham United training after his whirlwind transfer deadline day. Sakho went AWOL by flying to France in an attempt to force a transfer to Ligue 1 club Rennes by passing a medical without his club's permission. The 27-year-old then turned up at Chelmsford racecourse on Thursday so his agent Mark McKay could watch the horse he owns win in the 3.20pm. Talks were held after that visit – over the phone with West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, who is currently in Marbella – and it is now business as usual. Sakho is now re-joining his team-mates for training. Not all of the first team will be present, of course, due to international duty. West Ham return to Premier League action on September 11 against Huddersfield Town at the London Stadium. They will be searching for their first league win of the season.
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Dave Sullivan Jnr: An Exclusive Interview With The Son Of West Ham's Chairman
As we head into the final few days of the transfer window and the first few weeks of the Premier League season, SPORTbible spoke to West Ham United Chairman David Sullivan's well-known son Dave, who is a high-profile social media figure for West Ham United Football Club.
Dave Sullivan Jr gives us an exclusive insight into West Ham's season, new signings, the London Stadium and Dave's personal life including the story of the attempted robbery on his father's beloved home.
Your dad has had a strong transfer window this summer and there are several talented faces in the squad. What do you think are realistic aims for the team this season?
"I think every team has got to set up like they want to win the league. Every team can dream - we have not had the best start, but we still have 35 games. We have to go out to every single game as if we want to win it."
We have signed four major names this summer - Javier Hernandez, Marko Arnautovic, Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart. Which signing do you think will improve the team the most?
"I think Hernandez. He has the type of goal threat which we have never had before."
The pressure is rising on Slaven Bilic after losing his first three games of the season, and reports are suggesting that the club are already looking for alternatives. Do you think Slaven could turn his situation around?
"Of course he can. We are three games into the season, meaning there are thirty-five games to go. For all we know, we could win at Huddersfield and West Brom and be in a completely different position. We have had three very hard away games in a row.
We lost to a Manchester United side which could win the league, and with ten men and two penalties given against you at Southampton - you cannot get much harder than that really. We have also been missing vital players such as Lanzini and Kouyate, whilst Antonio has only just got back."
Some fans think that we have the right individuals in defence, but the structure and tactics do not seem to be working effectively. Do you think West Ham need a specific defensive coach?
"I think that is more down to Slaven to comment on, however I personally think we can definitely tighten up on defensive errors and discipline. We tend to get a lot of red cards, and we have conceded the most goals from penalties in the last three seasons.
In that time, we must remember that Adrian saved four penalties back-to-back. We give a lot of penalties away - the Southampton game being a prime example. This is my main worry. Giving away five or ten penalties a season is going to cost us vital points."
Other fans think the midfield is the problem - West Ham have been linked with a move for a defensive midfielder. Do you think we need to bring in a new player in this position?
"No. I think we have potentially the best young midfielder in the league - Declan Rice. Name me a better 18 year old in these first three games? There isn't one. Kouyate is still yet to return fully, who I think is a top player, as well as Obiang. Noble goes without saying and Fernandes is also a top player. A lot of it is just getting the players to actually play as a team.
We have had a lot of formation changes; four at the back one week then five at the back the next; players getting injured - even Lanzini you can count as a midfielder who we have lost to injury."
Sofiane Feghouli recently completed his move to Galatasaray, whilst Robert Snodgrass has been loaned out to Aston Villa. Do you think West Ham should be searching for a new winger to take his place?
"We have Arnautovic, Antonio and Ayew. However now that Snodgrass has left it would make sense to buy a new winger."
Does that mean there are any more potential signings in the transfer window?
"I can only say what I personally think."
One more team-related question: With Josh Cullen and Reece Burke already impressing at Bolton, do you think they have a future in the first team next season?
"I think it is a lot to ask for them to be starting next season, but I see no reason why they cannot be in and around the first team soon."
Moving on from transfers, do you believe that you and/or Jack will be the next chairmen of West Ham?
"I personally think Jack is more likely to be the chairman of West Ham, however I would still like some input. Jack is currently working with the Ladies team in order to gain the experience he needs. Jack is also looking into working with clubs in other countries. Whereas I am focused on my own project and West Ham is not in my immediate future.
However I will still retain my shareholding and one of the Sullivans will be the chairman."
Does this mean that there is definitely no chance of West Ham being bought?
"No. If a Saudi Arabian investor could take West Ham further than we can, then no. We would want someone who can take West Ham a lot further than we ever could."
Is your dad looking into the possibility of buying the London Stadium outright in the future?
"I cannot comment on that, but it is certainly a possibility."
Radio 5 discussed on their show last week about the possibility of the retractable seating at the London Stadium being upgraded. Is this something the club are looking at?
"We are always looking for ways to improve the stadium, so if we think it will increase the fans experience then of course it is an option. However, in the immediate future I do not think so because it has already cost a lot of money to install the normal seating. I reckon it could happen, but not for a few years."
Moving on from football - Back in June, a scumbag criminal broke into your dads house. This must have been frightening for your dad and a horrible experience to go through. What exactly happened that night?
"The guy broke in, but he did not get very far. The alarms went off and the guy did a runner. They think this man has robbed 40 houses, including Lord Sugar's. Luckily for us, he did not nick anything from my dad's house."
Did your dad ever catch the criminal?
"I think he is either being questioned by the police or his safehouse got raided - I am not entirely sure, but the situation is something like that."
Interviewed by Matthew Jones (@MatthewJ_Joness)
You can follow Sullivan's popular Twitter account (@DaveSulley) in order to keep up to date with some of the latest West Ham news. Sullivan also has a public Instagram account (@dave.sulley).
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Is West Ham's transfer inactivity proof the owners have lost all faith in Slaven Bilic?
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic is a man under pressure and could the writing now be on the wall? The Hammers have endured a nightmare start to the new season. Defeats in each of their opening three games have left West Ham bottle of the table with a minus eight goal difference. As a result Bilic's position is under severe pressure with reports owners David Sullivan and David Gold are set to replace the Croatian. However, a meeting between the owners and manager after the 3-0 humbling at Newcastle United saw fresh reports emerge claiming the former Besiktas boss would be given more time. That was met with large scale disapproval from increasingly disillusioned West Ham fans who feel it is time to change after the worrying hangover from a poor season last term. After signing Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic things had been looking up for West Ham this summer. But only Hernandez has impressed on the pitch so far. The club was linked with a club record move for Portugal star William Carvalho over the last three weeks and more recently Barcelona's Andre Gomes.
At 11pm last night, though, the transfer window slammed shut and West Ham failed to do any business despite being rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table with a shambolic defensive unit.
Given what is at stake with survival in the increasingly competitive Premier League - particularly for the Hammers after their big move to the London Stadium - fans are in shock. So is it the clearest sign yet that the board have lost all faith in the manager and are refusing to commit any more money to players he has identified. And if that is the case is it inevitable that Bilic will be replaced if the Hammers do not beat Huddersfield when the Premier League resumes after the international break? It will cut no ice with supporters either way given the club's net spend is just £10m this summer.
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Deadline Day circus underlines issues at West Ham
by Scott Johnson
@greensthammers
West Ham, as a club, are not in a good place right now. With no points from three games, I'd like to say that's as bad as it gets. However a player trying to book his own medical to get away, an on loan player saying the manager has no idea how to manage his players and no activity on deadline day despite some obvious holes in the club show other issues as well. With a football club you want everything to be sorted on the pitch. However it seems that the Hammers have a lot of issues to sort behind the scenes if their deadline day is anything to go by.
It has to be said that when your main Deadline Day story is one of your strikers being so desperate to get away from the manager that he books himself a medical at a French club then returns to spend the day at the horse races it's not been a good one. And the fact that he isn't the only one to criticize the manager is also a problem.
When the manager loses players he is really struggling. The manager can set everything out perfectly but if the players won't play for him he's in for a tough time. So can the manager turn it around?
And in Portugal the reports were that Sporting were asking for 2m more than West Ham were bidding. In the grand scheme of things that's really not a lot. Especially when you look at our midfield and spot the Carvalho sized hole in its current setup. There are a lot of reasons the fans in East London can stare at this club and despair.
All this before our first home match. I'm still annoyed that we sold so many players, because the start of the transfer window was great. Now all we need is one or two injuries and suddenly we're in a whole world of pain.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United and Umbro are delighted to reveal the Club's historic new Third kit for the 2017/18 season. The striking design recreates the first-ever strip worn by the Hammers in the 1900/01 Southern League season - the Club's first as West Ham United - and is adorned with the first known crest to appear on a West Ham jersey, from the famous 1923 'White Horse' FA Cup final.
Available to buy now in stores and online here, the stylish Third kit is comprised of a sky blue shirt, complete with cuffed sleeves and a buttoned collar stamped with the date that the Club became West Ham United - 5 July 1900 - white shorts with a claret trim and black socks.
West Ham United's first Southern League fixture following the Club's recreation in 1900 was against Gravesend at the Memorial Grounds in West Ham on 1 September 1900. The Hammers ran out 7-0 winners over their visitors from Kent in front of a 2,000-strong crowd, with Billy Grassam scoring four times, James Reid twice and Fergus Hunt once.
Captain Mark Noble says it is important for the Hammers to pay tribute to the Club's forefathers. "As a lifelong West Ham fan, I really like what the Club have done with this Third kit," said Noble. "It's important to remember where it all began for West Ham United, all those years ago. "It's also a really nice kit, too. I'm sure the fans will love wearing it as much as the players will love playing in it. It's a shirt you can wear both to play football and with a pair of jeans."
The Third kit is priced at £55 for Adult short-sleeve sizes and £45 for Junior short-sleeve sizes, with Season Ticket Holders receiving a 10% discount on all full-price Umbro kit and trainingwear. The Hammers' new Third kit is on sale now online from the Official West Ham Store or in person at the Club's London Stadium, Lakeside Thurrock and Liberty Romford stores in Men's, Women's, Junior and Infant sizes. The kit is set to be worn in Premier League action for the first time when the Hammers travel to Crystal Palace on 28 October. Supporters can meet first teamers including Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll at our Third Kit launch event at the Stadium Store today!
Head to the store between 11.30am and 1.30pm to meet the players and buy the kit! You can also film your TV-style walk-up in the new kit, and young Hammers can take on a couple of players at FIFA.
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A throwback to our origins: Explaining the detail on West Ham United's third kit
WHUFC.com
In 1900 a football team in east London named Thames Ironworks FC made the decision to disband. From the ashes of that team rose West Ham United.
In the 117 years that have followed that name has become more than just a title. It has become synonymous with passion, determination, hard-work and a way of playing football. And it all started with this shirt.
West Ham United's new third strip is directly inspired by the first-ever kit worn by the Irons, in the 1900/01 Southern League season. On September 1 1900, in the club's first home game wearing that strip, the Hammers ran out 7-0 winners over Gravesend. The sky-blue shirt is also embroidered with the first known crest ever to ever appear on a West Ham United jersey, from the famous first Wembley FA Cup final of 1923. The date '05.07.1900' has also subtly been stamped across the back of the neck as a reminder of the club's roots and the inspiration for this kit. The simple design of the shirt is completed with a buttoned collar and a cuffed sleeve, finishing off an elegant and refined new addition to the West Ham United locker. The top is accompanied by white shorts, again sporting the 1923 cross irons crest, and black socks in a complete tribute to the first West Ham United team.
West Ham's newest kit is now available to buy from the Club stores at the London Stadium in Stratford, the Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock and at the Liberty Shopping Centre in Romford.
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Apply to join the Supporter Advisory Board
WHUFC.com
West Ham United is delighted to announce that new applications have now officially opened for the 2017/18 Supporter Advisory Board (SAB).
The SAB is the primary link between supporters and the West Ham United Board, ensuring that the voice of the fans is heard at the highest level on the subjects that matter most.
A close relationship between the Club and supporters is of crucial importance to the Board, and the SAB format will continue to grow and develop in order to ensure that all sections of our diverse fanbase are represented.
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady says: "The West Ham United Supporter Advisory Board has evolved into a hugely positive and integral element of our football club since its inception.
"The direct and regular contact between the board and the fans has been proven to be a successful formula and we look forward to developing it even further this year.
"I would like to sincerely thank every member of the 2016/17 SAB for their dedication, support and commitment on behalf of their fellow West Ham United supporters last season.
"Their involvement played a crucial role in helping us to make great progress and improvements during our inaugural campaign at London Stadium, and had given us a fantastic platform to build upon and continue doing all we can to make the supporter experience as rewarding as possible for our fans."
Last season saw four meetings held at London Stadium, with the Fan Feedback Forum in September, two SAB meetings in January and May respectively, and the introduction of the Disabled Supporter Advisory Board in April.
The 2016/17 members represented a number of diverse fan groups but also focused heavily on spectator sections within London Stadium, as part of the objective to address early issues at the stadium on matchdays and aim for constant improvement.
The group helped advise and guide on a number of key initiatives, including how to bring stewards closer to the West Ham family, the development of Supporter Liaison Officers and the creation of the DSAB.
At these meetings, we also set our mission; working together to develop and maintain a positive relationship and create the best supporter experience for all West Ham United fans and we would like to thank all of our supporters for their valued contribution throughout the 2016/17 season.
To ensure we build on the success of these meetings we have decided to increase the number of meetings to three SABs and three DSABs for 2017/2018, making it a total of six meetings between the Board and supporters for the upcoming season.
The first DSAB and SAB meetings for the 2017/18 season are scheduled as follows:
Disabled Supporter Advisory Board – Tuesday 5 September 2017 at 6pm, London Stadium.
Supporter Advisory Board – Wednesday 11 October 2017 at 6pm, London Stadium.
Why should I apply for the SAB?
This is a unique opportunity to work directly alongside fellow supporters and the Board to enhance the remove supporter experience for all West Ham fans. The agenda for each meeting is crafted based on the submissions received by supporters, with clear action points agreed collectively on the night and minutes published on whufc.com.
We're a team both on and off the pitch, so if you're a West Ham United fan with a passion for working together and you feel you can represent the views of your fellow supporters, then apply today!
Who do you wish to represent?
It has always been our aspiration that the SAB would evolve to have more members who represent a larger group or section of the overall fanbase. Those members will then be tasked with bringing forward the two or three core issues for the agenda that are specific to the group that they represent with a view to reaching a consensus for the years agenda for the Club to focus on and invest in as necessary, along with the various day to day issues that may crop up. There are a maximum of 25 members on the SAB, so please ensure you express key examples of the role you play in representing the category you have chosen.
We are excited to be inviting new applicants to represent, share and discuss the views of our supporters in the following areas:
Youth (under 25)
Senior (over 65)
Women
Supporters Clubs UK
Supporters Clubs International
Non-geographical Supporters Clubs (e.g. minority or representative groups)
1966 Season Ticket Holders
Season Ticket Holders from each stand
Away match-goers
Families
Club London (Bars)
Club London (Lounges)
Please choose the category you feel you could represent on the SAB 2017/2018 and complete the online or postal application form below:
Online application form
Postal application form
Please note that, as part of the application process, the Equal Opportunities section must also be completed and submitted in full. Failure to return this section of the form will unfortunately result in the application being void.
All applications should be received no later than September 15 at 5pm and all applicants will be notified by email whether their application has been successful or unsuccessful.
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Sullivan delivers transfer window verdict
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan says manager Slaven Bilic is content with the transfer business the Hammers have done this summer. Five new faces were added to the squad during pre-season, with over 600 Premier League appearances between four of them. And whilst the Hammers' start to the season has been a frustrating one, Sullivan says the Board have worked closely with Bilic to secure his desired players, and both are confident that results will soon come.
"Overall Slaven is happy with the business we have done during the summer transfer window," he told whufc.com. "We received the manager's wish-list before the window opened and we have managed to get the top four players on it. "It is no secret that we made a club record bid for Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho but unfortunately that offer was rejected a couple of weeks ago. "Late last night Sporting Lisbon made contact to accept the original offer, but unfortunately it was just too late in the day, and we simply did not have enough time to put the player through a medical. "We were not prepared, as a club, to buy a player for that amount of money without him having gone through adequate medical checks. "Grzegorz Krychowiak and Renato Sanches were both offered to the manager before their switches elsewhere, but he told us that he is happy with the squad he has. "As a Board we are behind Slaven, and he believes he has the tools to turn around our form and rectify our disappointing start to the season."
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Slaven Bilic tells Diafra Sakho to behave or pay the penalty after West Ham striker pushes for move
KEN DYER
ES Sport
Diafra Sakho was back training with West Ham on Friday, following his bizarre transfer-day attempt to engineer a move to French club Rennes. The Senegal striker also had talks with manager Slaven Bilic about the future, with West Ham insisting on an immediate improvement in the player's behaviour if he wants to avoid club sanctions. Sakho apparently wanted to move back to France for reasons not connected to football. He travelled there earlier this week apparently to undergo a private medical, which was not sanctioned by the club, prior to a proposed £9million move to Rennes. He then failed to appear for training on Thursday and was later spotted at Chelmsford racecourse, where his agent Mark McKay's horse was running. Bilic is understood to have told the player that any future similar behaviour will not be tolerated and that he must stay fit and play a certain percentage of games before next January, when his position at the club will be further reviewed.
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West Ham have the key ingredients for a solid season despite tough start
Evening Standard
I know West Ham have had a very difficult start to the season, but I honestly think they will be OK. It is not easy when you have to play your first three league games on the road, as they had to do because the world athletics championships were being held at the London Stadium. If you look at the squad, they have made themselves much better. Javier Hernandez is a proven goalscorer. Marko Arnautovic has flair and can create chances and score goals from nothing.
Joe Hart remains one of the best English goalkeepers. Perhaps the midfield is not as strong as it might be. Mark Noble is a fine player but he is coming towards the end, but I am confident they have enough to ensure a solid season.
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Jaanai Gordon: Cheltenham Town sign former West Ham United striker
BBC.co.uk
Cheltenham Town have signed unattached former West Ham United striker Jaanai Gordon on a free transfer. The 21-year-old has joined the League Two club on an undisclosed-length deal. Gordon's career started at Peterborough and loan spells at Nuneaton and Newport followed his 2014 move to West Ham. "Jaanai has trained with us for a few weeks so we have seen his ability and when he became available we were delighted to secure his services," boss Gary Johnson told the club website.
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Meltdown
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 1st September 2017
By: Rio Barlow
16 months ago I walked away from the Boleyn Ground, full of sadness that I was leaving my second - nah, sod that - my true home. But I was also filled with joy. I'd witnessed one of the greatest seasons of football I've had the privilege to witness. My team was playing with style, flair and had a never say die attitude that I'd not witnessed in way too many year. We didn't know when we were beaten.
Being two down was no longer a death knell, but almost seemingly a challenge that was easily overcome. We we're the fittest I'd ever seen us. It was almost as if I was watching a completely different club to the one I was brought up with. Of course there were disappointments, it wouldn't truly be West Ham without them now would it?
I knew the move to the Olympic Stadium would be hard. I expected a dip. History shows when a club moves ground this happens. What I wasn't expecting however was the almost complete meltdown of the club in the 16 months that followed.
Our Chairman's love of his own voice and publically playing his cards whipped up a buzzing fanbase into a frenzy as we allegedly pursued big name strikers. We all know how that panned out.
A scattergun approach to buying that was more akin to a trolley dash than a quest for excellence. The promises made about the stadium itself weren't fulfilled to the specifications set out, as penny pinching and arguing between the club and the stadium owners left those in the middle, 'us', with a far from ideal experience.
We were promised world class on and off the pitch. The reality was more remedial class. Our board had years to prepare for the move, but still managed, despite extensive jolly ups, sorry research, delivered the worse migration seen in British football.
With more spin than messers Murali and Warne combined, they played their propaganda out, via their media connections, to such an overblown extent, that it seemed the only thing missing from the campaign was the former Iraqi Minister of Information Muhammad Saeed al-Sahhaf.
They undermined their manager, they alienated the fans, they wiped out the feel good factor in a time when it was needed most. Disquiet was met with dismissive and underhand methods of counteraction. When the image is threatened, the claws come out.
Maybe it was a first season at the new home blip? This Summer has proved it wasn't. Again the media undermining of the manager has come to the fore. Again the penny-pinching attitude towards the transfer market has made us look embarrassing. Again we look like we have been lied to over the terms of our tenancy.
The catalogue of errors, media spin, failed transfer policy, lack of investment in both team and stadium and failure to deliver on their own 10 point pledge of May 2010 has led us to not what we were promised, the 'next level', but to a state of despair and clinging to a forelorn hope our threadbare, disgruntled and injury prone/ridden squad can survive.
You've failed Sullivan, Gold & Brady. You've failed me, my friends, my kids and the support of finest club in the land. Is a laughing stock of a director of football, a mismash bowl of scaffolding and tarpaulin and a demotivated squad, rooted to the foot of the Premier League befitting of the 15th richest club in the world? No.
Sell up and spend the money you've milked from us elsewhere. You said you wouldn't stay where you weren't wanted. Well no one wants you here anymore. And just to remind you, you have previous in this - the following from Birmingham City fan and former KUMB member Mickey07, writing back in 2009:
"Welcome to the world of very average players being signed from the fizzy pop leagues! To find out what approach Sullivan, Gold and Brady will take towards West Ham just look back in the archives for their time at Birmingham.
"Firstly, they'll tell the fans that you are in debt (their figures, not necessarily substantiated) and the fear created justifies the inevitable increase in ticket prices in the summer (Birmingham were more expensive to watch than Man Utd).
"Secondly, they'll blame high wages for the club's problems, but then make out that you will spend a huge sum of money on a 'star' player's wages (conveniently unnamed) - there was never any realistic chance that the player would sign, but gives the supporters the false impression that these guys are prepared to back big transfers.
"Thirdly, they'll avoid spending any money on facilities by trying to move the club to a new ground that someone else has paid for - ie the 2012 Olympic Stadium. Witness the failed campaign aimed at getting the City Council to pay for a new stadium in Birmingham which the club would move to but not contribute towards.
"Birmingham's fans, like those of any club, can certainly be accused of periods of unrealistic expectation but then it was Sullivan himself that made comments about Champions League qualification, not the supporters.
"Being regularly reminded for 15 years of how our club was 'saved' eventually wears a little thin.
"Sully loves a gamble on mickey mouse, no mark players that he thinks he's going to sell for £20million in a few years. And before every transfer window, he will promise you the world and deliver little/nothing.
"If you think [former CEO Scott] Duxbury is bad with spin, just wait until Sullivan starts! He will definitely surpass Duxbury, and within two or three years time you will definitely be doing this."
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SPORTING ACCEPTED WEST HAM'S CARVALHO OFFER
DANIEL EMERY @DanielEmeryRS
ReadWestHam
West Ham chairman David Sullivan has confirmed that Sporting Lisbon accepted a club-record fee for William Carvalho on deadline day. Sullivan claims that Sporting contacted West Ham on deadline day to accept an offer that was initially rejected a couple of weeks ago. However, it was too late in the day for the club to finalise a deal, meaning that West Ham were unable to secure the signing.
Speaking to West Ham's website, Sullivan said this: It is no secret that we made a club record bid for Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho but unfortunately that offer was rejected a couple of weeks ago. Late last night Sporting Lisbon made contact to accept the original offer, but unfortunately it was just too late in the day, and we simply did not have enough time to put the player through a medical. We were not prepared, as a club, to buy a player for that amount of money without him having gone through adequate medical checks. West Ham were thought to have had an offer in the region of £38m rejected for Sporting, which is likely to be the offer that Sullivan is referring to.
Slaven Bilic is said to be happy with the business that the club has done this summer, although they currently sit bottom of the Premier League after losing all three of their games so far. Bilic also rejected the chance to sign Renato Sanches or Krychowiak.
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WEST HAM WERE OFFERED SANCHES AND KRYCHOWIAK
DANIEL EMERY @DanielEmeryRS
readWestHam
West Ham chairman David Sullivan has confirmed that Renato Sanches and Grzegorz Krychowiak were both offered to West Ham this summer. Sullivan has revealed that West Ham are given the chance to sign the pair but manager Slaven Bilic rejected the chance. Bilic was happy with his squad and felt that he did not need either midfielder to strengthen his side. Speaking to West Ham's website, Sullivan said this: Grzegorz Krychowiak and Renato Sanches were both offered to the manager before their switches elsewhere, but he told us that he is happy with the squad he has. This is despite the club's clear attempts to sign a midfielder on deadline day, with William Carvalho and Andre Gomes both heavily linked with a switch to the Olympic Stadium. Sanches and Krychowiak did both get their moves on deadline day, though. They signed for Swansea and West Brom on loan respectively. Sanches, from Bayern Munich, was seen as a massive coup for Swansea and has been touted as one of the best young midfielders in Europe. Bilic did not think he would add to the current West Ham squad.
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Carvalho looking to January window
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 1st September 2017
By: Staff Writer
William Carvalho is reportedly disappointed that he was unable to complete a move to West Ham during the summer transfer window. The Sporting midfielder was linked with a £35million switch to West Ham during the final few weeks of the window, but a deal failed to materialise. Portuguese daily A Bola claim that whilst disappointed, Carvalho - who was also closely linked with Ligue 1 outfit Monaco - will try to find a new club in January instead, when the next window opens.
Since the deadline passed last night, at least one source has suggested the transfer failed after the plug was pulled by co-chairman David Sullivan due to doubts over the vast fee involved. Sporting were holding out for circa £40million for the defensive midfielder - which would have been almost double the record transfer fee paid to Stoke for Marko Arnautovic in June.
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Quina move collapses as fans call for Blades boycott
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 1st September 2017
By: Staff Writer
Domingos Quina's proposed deadline day move on loan to Sheffield United collapsed at the eleventh hour. The Academy star was poised to join the Blades on a season-long loan, but the deal myteriously fell through late in the afternoon on transfer deadline day. Although it is unknow exactly why the move fell through, talks had advanced to the point where the Portuguese youngster had been booked in for a medical with the Championship side - one that was never to proceed.
One suggestion for the breakdown in talks, hinted at by the Sheffield Star, referred to a guarantee of first team football. "Manager Chris Wilder has previously stated that he will not process any agreement which guarantees a player first team football at Bramall Lane," they wrote. Meanwhile, a KUMB Poll staged on deadline day resulted in 82 per cent of voters imploring West Ham not to do business with Sheffield, as a result of the Carlos Tevez fiasco that saw the Blades extort in excess of £30million from West Ham a decade ago. Just 13 per cent of those polled argued that it was time to let bygones be bygones. Either way, Quina remains a West Ham player this morning.
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CROSSED HAMMERS & THREE LIONS: BOBBY MOORE
By Dan Coker 1 Sep 2017 at 17:00
WTID
Welcome to the third in a series of articles designed for international weekends – a look back at former Hammers players who wore the Three Lions of England. Today, as England prepare to face Malta at the Ta'Qali National Stadium (where West Ham played Birkirkara two years ago), we look back at arguably West Ham United's greatest ever player and the world's finest defender – Bobby Moore.
Robert Frederick Chelsea Moore was born at 43 Waverley Gardens in Barking on 12th April 1941, the only child of Robert and Doris – he attended Westbury Primary School and Tom Hood School in Leytonstone and joined the Hammers in 1956. With mentor Malcolm Allison recovering from tuberculosis and 17-year-old Moore waiting in the wings to replace him, manager Ted Fenton asked full-back Noel Cantwell for a recommendation on who to play against Manchester United on 8th September 1958. Cantwell, despite being a big friend of Allison's, famously replied, "play the kid". Moore made his debut for the newly-promoted Hammers in a 3-2 home win.
Moore would make five more appearances in 1958/59 and 15 the following season. He scored his first goal for the club in a 3-1 home win over Charlton in the Hammers' first ever League Cup game on 26th September 1960, the first of his 27 goals in claret and blue. A graceful, stylish defender, Bobby became a regular in that 1960/61 season after the departure of Johnny Smith to Tottenham, playing 42 games as West Ham finished 16th in the First Division. Moore, who was voted Hammer of the Year for the first time in 1960/61, was sent off for the only time in his career in a 5-3 defeat at Manchester City in November 1961, by which time Ron Greenwood had replaced Fenton.
Bobby made his England debut at the age of 21 on 20th May 1962 in a 4-0 win over Peru in Lima and played in the 1962 World Cup. He became the youngest player to captain England a year later after Johnny Haynes' retirement and injury to Jimmy Armfield – Moore was handed the role permanently by new manager Alf Ramsey in the summer of 1964. By then, he had become an FA Cup winner after the Hammers' defeat of Preston by three goals to two before lifting the European Cup Winners' Cup the following season – he played in every game en route to the 1964 success and only missed both second round matches against Spartak Prague in the European campaign. Bobby was also part of the side which reached the semi-finals of the Cup Winners' Cup in 1966 and the two-legged League Cup Final in the same year as the Hammers were beaten on aggregate by Borussia Dortmund and West Brom in the respective competitions. Moore had also been named Hammer of the Year for the second time in 1963 and was voted Footballer of the Year in 1964.
His finest hour was to come on 30th July 1966 – a day etched in English sporting history. Bobby captained the England team, including West Ham United team-mates Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst to World Cup triumph over West Germany. Moore created two of the goals – Hurst and England's first and last – as the Three Lions triumphed 4-2 at Wembley. In a typical display of gentlemanly conduct Moore, despite surely being beside himself with pride and joy, still had the wherewithal to note on his ascent to the Royal Box that the Queen was wearing white gloves. His only thought was to not dirty them and he wiped his muddy hands on his kit and on the velvet balustrade before shaking Her Majesty's hand. His receipt of the Jules Rimet trophy is iconic of Moore's own majesty and his holding aloft of the trophy still symbolises this country's finest sporting moment. Incredibly, Moore had only recovered from testicular cancer 18 months previously.
Greenwood refused to sanction a move to Tottenham and Moore would be named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1966. He would be voted Hammer of the Year in 1968 and again in 1970, winning the award four times in total, but the Hammers were entrenched in a period of under-achievement, although they did reach the semi-finals of the League Cup in 1972 with Moore incredibly saving a penalty against Stoke after going in goal when Bobby Ferguson was injured. Mike Bernard did score from the rebound though. An approach from Derby's Brian Clough for Moore and Trevor Brooking was again turned down by Greenwood. Bobby scored his last goal for the club in a 4-3 defeat at Manchester City on 21st October 1972.
Bobby continued to impress against the world's best – his performance against Pele's Brazil in the 1970 World Cup was a masterclass in timing of the tackle and use of the football. With England struggling during qualification for the 1974 World Cup, he was left out by Ramsey – Moore's last game for England was a 1-0 friendly defeat to Italy on 14th November 1973. He won 108 caps, scoring two goals. He held the appearance record for his country until it was surpassed by Peter Shilton but maintains the joint record for appearances as captain with Billy Wright.
Bobby's 647th and final appearance for the Hammers came against Hereford in a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup third round on 5th January 1974. He held the appearance record for the club at the time and is now third behind Billy Bonds and Frank Lampard. He left the club two months later in a £25,000 move to Fulham. Ironically, he would face his former club in the FA Cup Final of 1975.
After a spell in the North American Soccer League with San Antonio Thunder and Seattle Sounders, Moore would go on to manage Oxford City and Southend United. He also turned his hand to co-commentary with Jonathan Pearce for Capital Radio. Bobby died at the tragically young age of 51, from bowel cancer, on 24th February 1993. His passing was mourned across the world, a sign of his stature as a player and a man. The gates at Upton Park became a shrine, with scarves, flowers and mementoes being left by thousands of supporters of many different football clubs. West Ham retired the number six shirt for their next game against Wolves, with Ian Bishop instead wearing 12 – the shirt was retired permanently in 2008. West Ham would name the newly-all-seater South Stand after him and a statue of Moore stands outside Wembley. The North Stand at London Stadium is now named in his honour.
On a personal note, despite never meeting him or seeing him play (he left West Ham nine years before I was born), Bobby Moore is one of my all-time heroes. When he passed away I started wearing the number six shirt for my Sunday League boys' team and continued wearing the number six shirt right up to my university playing days. Bobby's legacy passes through generations – this legacy continues with the work carried out by the Bobby Moore Fund.
Malta v England
England face Malta this evening in a World Cup 2018 qualifier – it will be the fifth meeting between the two nations. Ex-Hammer Martin Peters was the star of the show in the only previous competitive match to be staged in Malta, on 3rd February 1971. George Harrison was number one with 'My Sweet Lord', Get Carter premiered in Los Angeles and, the day after, Rolls Royce went bankrupt and was nationalised.
Alan Mullery was skipper in place of Bobby Moore, who had been suspended by West Ham following the 'Blackpool Affair' (Bobby, along with West Ham team-mates Jimmy Greaves, Brian Dear and Clyde Best, had been caught drinking in a nightclub on the eve of an FA Cup tie they thought was going to be cancelled because of snow – the match went ahead and West Ham lost). Martin Chivers, Roy McFarland and Everton team-mates Joe Royle and Colin Harvey made their debuts in this European Championship qualifying match – Geoff Hurst had been due to start but withdrew because of illness, his place going to Harvey.
Playing on a very hard pitch covered with sand then steamrollered flat (see picture above of Norman Hunter during the game), with barely a blade of grass to be seen, Alf Ramsey's England took the lead in the 34th minute courtesy of Peters, a half-hit shot bobbling inside the far post after Maltese goalkeeper Alfred Mizzi mistimed his dive. The tiny island nation almost snatched an equaliser late on but Gordon Banks denied captain Joseph Cini with his feet.
Malta: Alfred Mizzi, Joseph Grima, Alfred Mallia, Anthony Camilleri, Emmanuel Micallef, Edward Darmanin, Ronnald Cocks, William Vassallo, Joseph Cini (captain), Edward Thobald, Louis Arpa.
England: Gordon Banks (Stoke), Paul Reaney (Leeds), Norman Hunter (Leeds), Roy McFarland (Derby), Emlyn Hughes (Liverpool), Alan Ball (Everton), Alan Mullery (captain, Tottenham), Colin Harvey (Everton), Martin Peters (Tottenham), Martin Chivers (Tottenham), Joe Royle (Everton).
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Gareth Southgate keeps faith with Joe Hart for England's clash in Malta
By Richard Cooke
Last Updated: 01/09/17 9:45am
SSN
Gareth Southgate says Joe Hart will start for England in their World Cup Qualifier against Malta and insists he is England's "best goalkeeper at the moment".
Hart has had an uneasy start to his season-long loan at West Ham, conceding 10 goals in his first three matches but Southgate is keeping faith with him. "Joe will start for us," the England boss said. "I think he's our best goalkeeper at the moment. "I wanted to see how he would respond because he has had a difficult start to the season with his club but I'm pleased he's in a good frame of mind. Joe has trained really well. "His performances since I've been manager have been very, very good, he's only conceded two goals in Scotland in this qualifying campaign."
The 30-year-old long-serving goalkeeper is facing increasingly strong competition from Jack Butland, Tom Heaton and Jordan Pickford, and Southgate gave encouragement to all of them ahead of next year's World Cup. "We're only three matches into the start of the season, so I don't feel as though the others have had time to stake a claim to push Joe out of that position," he said. "But we've got three excellent goalkeepers here, there's Jordan who was with us (before withdrawing through injury), and Fraser Forster, who is very unfortunate not to be in the squad."
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West Ham United would pay Rafael Benitez's compensation at Newcastle United
HITC
Shane Callaghan
According to The Northern Echo, Rafael Benitez would have to pay Newcastle United up to £6 million if he breaks his contract by quitting, but West Ham United would pay it for him. West Ham might well be on the hunt for a new manager in the coming weeks after the Irons lost all three of their Premier League games under Slaven Bilic so far. Likewise, things aren't much better at Newcastle but Benitez - who lost his first two games of the season - stopped the rot with a 3-0 win over Bilic's side last weekend. However, the fact that the Magpies failed to sign anyone on deadline day, despite Benitez trimming around £200,000-a-week from the club's wage bill by offloading the deadwood, has given further rise to talk that the Spanish manager could quit. The Telegraph reported earlier today that Benitez would "express some interest" in the East Londoners if they needed a manager, but The Northern Echo reports that the former Liverpool and Real Madrid man would have to pay around £6 million to sever his ties. But the report goes on to claim that West Ham - long-time admirers of Benitez - would consider paying that on his behalf if it meant he would replace Bilic at the London Stadium.
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West Ham spending is not enough, says Paul Merson
By Oliver Young-Myles
1st Sep 2017
www.squawka.com
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has criticised the West Ham board for their lack of spending this summer. West Ham have endured a disastrous start to the 2017-18 season losing all three of their Premier League matches including 4-0 to Manchester United and 3-0 to newly-promoted Newcastle United. The club's poor run of results coupled with an underwhelming campaign last time out has seen the pressure piled onto manager Slaven Bilic, but Merson suggested that the Croatian should've been backed more by the board in the transfer market. He said (via Sky Sports): "Pablo Zabaleta is a good pro, but is coming towards the end of his career, but I think they've made three strong signings in Joe Hart, Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez. "However, it's not enough, is it? I saw Tony Gale on TV, saying they have spent £4m net in four years which is ridiculous. They should be spending £100m, but I will give them a decent grade because what they have brought in is decent." Javier Hernandez has converted 28.6% of his chances for West Ham. Merson's comments regarding West Ham's lack of spending will likely resonate with the club's supporters as many were left disappointed by their lack of activity on transfer deadline day. William Carvalho was a high-profile target that West Ham failed to secure. However, Merson and Tony Gale's comments about the club's net spend over the past four years are actually incorrect – massively so, in fact. Rather than spending £4m net, West Ham have actually recorded a net spend of approximately £127m after shelling out just shy of £200m and recouping approximately £66m of that through player sales in that timeframe. Furthermore, the last time that the Hammers spent less money on players than they brought in was way back in 2009-10 when they received a big fee from Manchester City for Carlos Tevez without re-investing much back into the squad. West Ham's new signings this summer have endured contrasting fortunes so far with Javier Hernandez scoring twice but Marko Arnautovic being sent off in his second game against Southampton.
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Rafa Benitez's long-term future in serious doubt after Newcastle fail to make any deadline day signings
Telegraph.co.uk
Luke Edwards
1 SEPTEMBER 2017 • 8:43AM
Rafa Benitez was left with a familiar sinking feeling at the end of another hugely deflating transfer window for Newcastle United as they failed to sign anyone on deadline day. Despite keeping his side of the bargain by cutting the wage bill, with the sale of Grant Hanley to Norwich City and Achraf Lazaar to Benevento, as well as the loan departure of Tim Krul to Brighton, Benitez did not see a single player come in the opposite direction.
Newcastle went into the final day of the window still trying to strengthen, but proposed loan deals for Southampton's Matt Targett and Chelsea's Kenedy fell through. A bolder move for Arsenal striker Lucas Perez also failed to lead to anything after the striker elected to return to Deportivo La Coruna.
Although Benitez will not quit at this stage, he has been left disillusioned by the blatant lack of ambition this summer and his long-term future on Tyneside is in serious doubt. Indeed, should West Ham sack Slaven Bilic in the next few weeks, it is likely Benitez will express some interest in replacing him.
Significantly, although Newcastle supporters would be heartbroken if he leaves it is the anger towards the board that dominates the mood on Tyneside this morning. Most feel, as with previous managers, they have failed to back Benitez properly and seem happy to push him towards the exit door rather than strengthen the squad properly.
Benitez insisted seven days ago that he expected to be able to bring in at least two more players before the close of the window, hinting that there could be more if he was able to move players out.
It is the second successive transfer window that the Spaniard has felt disillusioned by the way the club is run by owner Mike Ashley after he was prevented from signings Andros Townsend from Crystal Palace back in January.
In the end, despite going into the final week of the window believing he would see more new arrivals, Benitez was left frustrated as deals collapsed and he privately fears he has been left with a squad that looks short on numbers and quality on their return to the Premier League.
More worryingly, having felt as though promises made by owner Mike Ashley have been broken this summer, he no longer trusts those above him and suspects he will never receive the financial backing needed to turn Newcastle into a major force in the Premier League again.
Despite being promised every extra penny from promotion, Newcastle have one of the lowest net spends in the top flight, with Ashley's lieutenant, Justin Barnes, refusing to sanction a number of potential deals because of the cost.
It is feared, with the club effectively up for sale again, that Ashley will decide to take money out this season in order to recoup some of the £33m he loaned the club last season to help cover the cost of relegation to the Championship.
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Revealed: The story behind why William Carvalho's move to West Ham did not happen
West Ham were chasing the defensive midfielder for the best part of a month and the move never came close to happening
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
13:49, 1 SEP 2017
West Ham's pursuit of William Carvalho ultimately ended in defeat - where have we heard that before this season - on Transfer Deadline Day and left a number of Hammers fans frustrated. All the way up until Carvalho was named in the Portugal starting eleven for the national side against the Faroe Islands in a World Cup qualifier on the continent, there was hope the club could pull off a record-breaking deal but ultimately, it wasn't to be. The defensive midfielder was desperate to join the Hammers having seen a number of moves to the Premier League fall through in previous seasons but yet again, saw a move to the biggest league in the world collapse.
But how did we we get to yesterday's situation?
Football.London first reported the Hammers interest in Carvalho on August 10 and even then were ready to shatter their transfer record and shell out £36m on the Sporting Lisbon star - not that ever offered that. From then on, it was nothing bit stalling and stalling from his current employers and eventually, the Hammers ran out of patience. West Ham first offered Lisbon £27.2m and that was, unsurprisingly, rejected as Lisbon felt he was worth much more. Four days later on August 14, the Hammers were supposedly closing in on sealing a move for the midfielder as Lisbon prepared for the first leg of their Champions League qualifier with Steaua Bucharest, with meetings held between the club and the player. The Hammers had offered to double Carvalho's wages from £30,000 a week to £60,000 a week which was accepted by the player and also, a five-year contract at the London Stadium to boot. Remember, the two clubs had yet to agree a fee for the transfer. Sporting then claimed they wanted to discover their Champions League fate before progressing on a move, which stalled it for a week. The Portuguese side would eventually see off Bucharest and negotiations would re-open. That's when it all started to go wrong.
West Ham's poor start to the Premier League season had heaped the pressure on Slaven Bilic and the Hammers board suddenly became uneasy at the prospect of shelling out that kind of cash for a manager who's track record with transfers has been highly questionable. Then, a week ago, the Hammers pulled out of negotiations with Lisbon, who had upped their asking price to £40m - a price the Hammers were never going to pay despite Bilic's insistence on "getting the deal done."
Football.London was told: "He just got too expensive and you have to say no sometimes. "Also, he's not trained for three weeks. He has done no pre-season training – so he might have needed four to six weeks to be ready to play for us." That's when the club were reportedly looking at Danilo Pereira as an alternative/ploy to force Lisbon's hand. So, that was that, then? No. At the start of this week, West Ham re-ignited their move for Carvalho and the player once again re-iterated his desire privately to join the east Londoners and reports in Portugal backed that up. There were unfounded claims of Lisbon representatives in London to thrash out a deal which was not true and that Hammers representatives were in Portugal to sort it out - again not true.
Hammers co-chairman David Sullivan was still not going to part with the cash Lisbon wanted and would only proceed if they dropped their price. Lisbon wouldn't - despite them now owing Carvalho £5m as a result of it not going through - and Sullivan went on holiday. The supposedly unfit Carvalho then played for Portugal on Thursday night, bagging a goal and an assist and then leaving Hammers fans wondering what might have been.
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BREAKING NEWS: Armed robber, 22, is found guilty of trying to mug West Ham's Andy Carroll of his £22,000 watch at the wheel of his Jeep
Jack O'Brien, 22, denied attempting to rob the England-capped 28-year-old
Motorbike rider 'repeatedly pointed at him with a gun and demanded his watch'
Carroll, 28, initially thought it was a prank but then did a U-turn and fled scene
Called partner's father before dialling 999 and saying 'S***, I've hit loads of cars'
Police say O'Brien is a career criminal who used same Suzuki in other burglaries
He was found cowering under his mattress and the moped was in the garden
By Martin Robinson, Uk Chief Reporter For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 11:23, 1 September 2017 | UPDATED: 11:24, 1 September 2017
A motorbike riding thug was today found guilty of trying to rob Premier League star Andy Carroll of his £22,000 watch in a dramatic 'gunpoint' hold-up. Jack O'Brien was accused of trying to steal footballer Andy Carroll's £22,000 watch in a traffic light heist in East London. The West Ham and England striker, 28, was targeted as he drove his green Jeep Wrangler and was forced to pull a U-turn and then smashed into at least 10 cars during his escape, Basildon Crown Court was told. Initially Mr Carroll believed the hold-up was a prank by a friend and when the armed robber told him: 'nice watch' he thought it was just a compliment so replied 'thanks'. But he said one of two motorbike riders then 'repeatedly pointed at him with a gun, or pretending to have a gun' and was demanding to have his watch so he fled. O'Brien, 22, denied attempting to rob the 6ft 4ins millionaire footballer on November 2 2016, and said someone else was using his Suzuki motorcycle that day. Police said he already used the moped in a string of burglaries and when they raided his house he was hiding under his mattress. They also found a crash helmet and Ducati jacket were seized from the property, and a Suzuki motorbike was seized from the back garden. Prosecutor Simon Gladwell told Basildon Crown Court: 'The motorcycle used in the alleged attempted robbery was the same motorcycle that was seized at the time of Jack O'Brien's arrest'. He said the rider of the bike used in the alleged attempted robbery wore the same crash helmet and jacket seized at the time of O'Brien's arrest.
Mr Gladwell then detailed a string of burglaries, to which O'Brien pleaded guilty in April 2017, in which items including jewellery, watches and cash were stolen. The offences happened in October and November 2016. 'At the time of each of the burglaries Jack O'Brien used the same motorcycle that was used in the attempted robbery of Andy Carroll,' said Mr Gladwell. He said that in each of the burglaries O'Brien also used the same crash helmet and jacket worn by the biker in the attempted robbery of Carroll. Carroll previously told the court he was 'scared' when a motorcyclist approached him at traffic lights in Hainault, north-east London, and demanded he hand over his watch as he returned home from West Ham's training ground. Initially Mr Carroll thought it was a 'prank' and initially thought he recognised the rider as his boxer friend Kevin Mitchell, the court heard this week. The footballer told O'Brien's trial: 'He just said 'Nice watch' I said 'Thanks' and went to drive away and he said 'Give me your watch'. The motorbike rider 'repeatedly pointed at him with a gun, or pretending to have a gun and demanding to have his watch', the court heard. He said in a frantic 999 call played to a jury: 'There's two motorbikes, one's behind me pulling out a gun, I don't know what to do' and also told the handler: 'I'm a Premier League footballer'.
As beeping is heard in the background, Carroll says to the operator: 'Oh s***, I've hit loads of cars, I don't know what to do, he's just hit my car.' He eventually arrives at the West Ham training ground and tells the operator there are security staff there. 'I've probably just hit about 10 cars on the way here,' he said in the call. Andy Carroll was whisked from training to give evidence against a man accused of holding him up in an armed robbery. The lanky West Ham striker appeared via videolink on Wednesday after being recalled to court on the eve of transfer deadline day. Police rushed to pick him up and took him to a video link centre after a late request from Jack O'Brien's defence Michael Edmonds . The England-capped forward told Basildon Crown Court he had not seen the 22-year-old's picture before the ID parade and said the conditions were good on the day of the robbery Mr Edmonds first thanked him for coming to court and said: "When you had the 10 seconds to view the rider who demanded your watch that the light conditions were good. "Do you remember or not that there was sunlight or not on the helmet do you remember? Wearing his hair tied back a black T-Shirt and Blue Jeans said: "I don't remember the sunlight I just remember his face." When asked if he remembered police calling him to say O'Brien had been arrested he said: "Not really." He also revealed he had deleted his Facebook and Twitter accounts since September and denied anyone sending him O'Brien's picture, simply answering "no". He said: "I have deleted my Facebook and Twitter as I haven't been on for about eight months. "I don't use it anymore since September."
Explaining what happened Carroll told the jury: 'I just pulled up at the traffic lights, my window was open, a bike pulled up next to me and said 'Nice watch'.'
He said he replied 'Thanks' and 'Thought I recognised him'. 'He had his crash helmet on with his visor up,' said Carroll. 'I stared at him for about 10 seconds as I thought I recognised him and thought he was going to have a conversation.' He continued: 'I went to drive away and he said 'Give me your watch'.' He said to start with he 'didn't know if it was a joke' but, when he did a U-turn, both bikes turned and followed him. Bearded Carroll, who had his hair in a bun, wore a dark blue shirt, blue jeans and trainers as he gave his evidence. He used his hands to show jurors how the motorbike rider allegedly gestured for him to surrender his watch, and he also showed a gun gesture. O'Brien, who wore a white shirt, pink tie and grey trousers, sat beside a female officer in the secure dock, and Carroll avoided his gaze as he gave evidence. Mr Gladwell said Carroll was 'beeping at other cars and driving on the wrong side of the road to get away' Carroll told the court: 'I was scared, I didn't know what to do. I called my partner's dad, I just panicked. He told me to ring the police.' In the 999 call Carroll struggles to recognise road names, as the operator reassures him that police are not far away. At one point he tells the call handler: 'I'm a Premier League footballer.' Mr Gladwell said Carroll did a U-turn and eventually managed to get back to the West Ham training ground, but he was pursued by the two motorbikes for some distance. 'Mr Carroll accelerated away as he was scared, did a U-turn and headed back towards the West Ham training ground,' he said. 'He realised the threat was real.' He continued: 'Mr Carroll was beeping at other cars and driving on the wrong side of the road to get away, but still the motorbikes were following him. 'The first bike got in front of him and approached his front passenger door but Mr Carroll managed to find a gap and get away. 'During part of this incident Mr Carroll called police as he was being pursued.' Michael Edmonds, defending, said O'Brien, of Romford, east London, was not the biker. He said O'Brien had used the motorcycle, jacket and helmet for crime before, but that it was not him using the bike on this occasion.
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Diafra Sakho is the Peter Odemwingie of 2017... West Ham striker's trip from Rennes to Chelmsford Racecourse joins list of bizarre deadline day stories
Diafra Sakho will remain at West Ham despite initially angling for a move away
Striker travelled to Rennes without permission of the club to conduct a medical
He was later forced to wait in a car park at Chelmsford Racecourse due to agent
But Sakho made peace with the Hammers after dicussing personal problems
By Ben Grounds For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 10:44, 1 September 2017 | UPDATED: 10:57, 1 September 2017
It is fair to say that the summer transfer deadline day of 2017 will be remembered more for the deals that failed to go through than any business that was completed, in England at least. While the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Virgil van Dijk and Ross Barkley stole the headlines with their high profile on-off moves away from their respective clubs, Diafra Sakho did his best to steal the limelight. The West Ham striker was due to report to the club's Chadwell Heath training ground at 11am on Wednesday, but instead boarded a flight to Rennes as he sought to push through a deadline day move. Sakho, who came on as a substitute for the Hammers in the 3-0 defeat by Newcastle at St James' Park last Saturday, appeared to take matters into his own hands by travelling to France where he had a medical and agreed personal terms with the Ligue 1 club. The striker then hoped to outline his 'off-field personal issues' with West Ham, but the saga took a bizarre twist when he turned up at Chelmsford Racecourse on his return to England. The Senegalese international arrived back in the early afternoon on Thursday, but took a detour before meeting West Ham bosses so his agent, Mark McKay, could watch a racehorse he owns in action. The diversion paid off as 9-2 favourite Siege of Boston won the 3.20 - and Sakho's £100 bet on his agent's horse earned him a £550 win. Having been on the phone to West Ham in a car park during the race, Sakho was then driven to the London Stadium where he and his representatives attempted to find a solution. The situation was complicated further by David Gold and David Sullivan being away on holiday, meaning the player could not speak directly about his problems on his return with West Ham's co-owners.
But after talks, Sakho may now be in line for a new contract with the Hammers after being handed reassurances over his personal issues, with the player stating his 'total respect' for fans while understanding the reasons for staying put. Sakho's is not the first bizarre transfer deadline day whirlwind adventure, as Sportsmail revisits a few classic tales from bygone years.
Peter Odemwingie (West Brom to QPR in January 2013)
Still the undisputed champion of deadline day's power play, Odemwingie took it upon himself to drive to London from West Brom and spoke of his excitement about joining QPR. He rolled down his window and told Sky Sports: 'It's a new chapter to start in my life. I love West Brom and always will. I think every football fan is excited to see if we're going to make it or not but we're optimistic about it. 'We have some good players here and I'm happy with the trust that Harry Redknapp is giving me.' Unfortunately, the Nigerian would discover his club hadn't given him permission to speak with Redknapp, and the striker returned to The Hawthorns with his tail between his legs.
Benjani (Portsmouth to Manchester City in January 2008)
Portsmouth striker Benjani deserves his place on any list of bizarre deadline day goings-on after inexplicably missing two flights from Southampton airport to Manchester - because he fell asleep. The nap nearly cost the Zimbabwean his move to City, but having rubbed the sleep out of his eye, the striker dashed up north to complete his medical and sign on the dotted line for an initial £3.87m. Portsmouth's then director of communications Gary Double said at the time of his departure: 'Benji's as strong as an ox and never misses a day's training.' Perhaps all that exertion explained the fatigue.
Robinho (Real Madrid to Manchester City, August 2008)
The Brazilian joined City in a ground-breaking £32.5m deal on transfer deadline day in August 2008, gazumping original moneybags Chelsea to seal his signature on the same night they had been pipped by Manchester United for Dimitar Berbatov. But after such a great coup, City fans may well have wondered if they'd grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory as Robinho then announced: 'Chelsea made a great proposal on the last day and I accepted'. When asked if he meant Manchester City, Robinho replied: 'Yeah. Manchester. Sorry!'
Rafael van der Vaart (Real Madrid to Tottenham in August 2010)
The signing of Rafael van der Vaart proved a masterstroke by Redknapp as the Tottenham boss managed to sign the Dutchman for just £8m from Real Madrid, but the deadline-day deal was not without its problems. With the chimes of Big Ben approaching, the Premier League approved Van der Vaart's move from Madrid despite paperwork being lodged late. The reason: a dodgy fax machine. Papers had reached the League two hours late but Spurs claimed technical difficulties relating to a computer used in the transaction between the two clubs, hampering efforts to complete the administration on time.
Ryan Babel (Liverpool to London, August 2010)
Who can forget the Babelcopter. The Liverpool winger was spotted getting in a helicopter bound for London on deadline day in 2010 but a move away from Merseyside failed to materialise. The Dutchman's tale captured the imagination of football fans across the land, but despite travelling in a Chinook (we're assuming) to an unknown round of contract negotiations, a transfer failed to take off. It turned out to be nothing but yet more noise and confusion, and the mystery remains unanswered to this day. Perhaps he was just filming a rap video all along.
David De Gea (Manchester United to Real Madrid in August 2015)
One of the more acrimonious transfer sagas involving players currently active in the Premier League involved Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, who looked set to join Real Madrid two years ago. The Spanish stopper was set to be involved in a swap deal with Keylor Navas, but the £29.3m deal fell through. The Spanish league said the relevant paperwork was not sent in time and Real blamed United for holding up the transfer. It is believed that De Gea was denied his dream move to the Santiago Bernabeu because United took eight hours to make minor modifications to the agreement. It later emerged that Madrid had been unable to open documents sent to them by United, scuppering any hopes of an 11th hour deal being struck.
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WINDOW SHOPPING – WEST HAM SUMMER TRANSFER RESUME
By Blind Hammer 1 Sep 2017 at 08:00 WTID
Blind Hammer assesses West Ham's Summer Transfer Window.
David Sullivan's Holiday break was a big sign that we should not have expected dramatic late movement in the transfer market. Fans are always disappointed when rabbits are not pulled out of the hat at the last minute but most will agree that it is far better to get business done early in pre-season rather than scrambling around for the crumbs left at the late night table. Sakho's bizarre and sad Manoeuvrings apart the last day of the window was quiet. I saw lots of complaints that this quietness was due to "penny pinching" by our Board. I am afraid I do not buy this. Harry Cane is on £80K a week, less than we pay Andy Carroll, and massively less than what we now pay Hernandez. I have heard complaints from Spurs fans and allegedly Spurs players about how we are dwarfing Spurs in terms of wages. We have not indulged in massive inflated transfers but then many other clubs, including Spurs, have made similar decisions. Clubs like Arsenal have also balanced the books with their transfer dealings. Newcastle also lead a raft of clubs with fans disappointed about the lack of business so we are definitely not unusual in having unhappy fans.
Yet we should remember that only a few weeks ago West Ham and Sullivan were lauded for having a "fantastic" window. Bilic publically celebrated his acquisition of his first choice in 4 positions. Pre-Season there was general positivity. Now we have come up against the grinding reality check of the first 3 PL games the assessment is perhaps not so straightforward.
So what can we tell about our "Fantastic Four" of summer recruits?
Pablo Zabaleta is a player few of us complained about when he was recruited. Here finally seemed the solution to our perennial right back problem. So far, though, he has failed to demonstrate how he can stem the leaks in our historically porous defence.
Zabaleta is a player with fantastic credentials but he may carry an unexpected price.
The suggestion is that he can only play effectively in a flat back four. The argument goes that he has no longer the energy or pace to play the wide wing back role alongside 3 at the back. The rigidity of his positional capacity is one reason proposed to explain the curious failure by Bilic not to return to the defensive structure which served him so well at the end of last season.
A few days ago I suggested that Bilic's stubbornness was a possible reason for this. Another reason may actually be the accommodation of the limitations of Zabaleta. If Bilic really does not believe Zabaleta is able to play the wing back role, or probably more importantly if Zabaleta himself does not believes this, then Bilic has actually created a cleft stick for himself. Zabaleta may actually be trapping Bilic by forcing him into a more inflexible defensive approach, tying his defence to a single option of a flat back four. A formation which has sadly repeating the failures which have plagued the club for the last 18 months. If, as seems likely, Bilic will be forced to resort to 3 at the back then Zabaleta will either be forced to play a role he does not feel confident in, that of wing back, or possibly moved into the middle to form a 3 way partnership on the right side of the defence alongside Reid and Collins. In either case it may be a case of round pegs in square holes again. My own hope is that Zabeleta can overcome this to have an unexpected career as a right sided central defensive option with Byram providing him with the necessary pace and energy alongside. At the moment for me Collins is a proven performer with 3 at the back and Zabeleta and Reid should be automatic picks given the current squad. Byram and Cresswell can provide the necessary energy on the flanks with hopefully Byram in particular benefitting from Zabeleta's experience. Such a change would require Obiang, Noble, or Fernandez to be withdrawn from a midfield role.
Joe hart is another signing who most, including me welcomed. I think it is very early days but I think it is fair to say that he has not so far demonstrated that he is a significant upgrade to our current number 2. Hart is certainly vocal in trying to organise our defence. In a season which may be tense and nervous, his experience and leadership may be crucial. Given Hart's own agenda to solidify his international place we can be sure he will do his level best to sort things out in defence.
There is still time for both Hart and Zabeleta to be significant upgrades for West Ham and for them to have successful season. What baffles me though, as I have commented on multiple occasions, is that we have not also refreshed our central defensive options. Rather we have decreased them, releasing Oxford and Burke to develop elsewhere relying on Collins, Reid, Obonna and Fonte. This quartet contains injury prone players with uncertain pace. Rumours emerged last week that West Ham was too belatedly to make a late bid for 29 year old defender Aymen Abdennour who is apparently surplus to requirements at Valencia. I know nothing about this player and this interest, if it ever existed, appears now dead in the water as the player has now completed a medical with Zenit St Petersburg. This means we have failed to find a young, energetic and pacey central defensive option. This is to my mind a higher priority, a higher priority than the late interest in the midfield talents of Carvalho.
It is possible that Rice may be switched from his current midfield duties to grow into this defensive role though his confidence may be damaged after being hauled off against Newcastle. If Rice is not ready then not recruiting in this area is to my mind the biggest mistake of the Window. We have never replace Tomkins and I personally would not mind if we tried to re-sign him. If we are forced to play 3 in central defence our resources will be stretched paper thin and probably Kouyaté will be pressed into covering in defence. Whilst I am sure he will do an admirable job this would not augur well for his longer term future with us. Kouyaté has publically expressed his dislike of playing out of his preferred position and this may well increase his motivation to seek pastures new.
So on to our forward recruitment. In Chicharito Hernandez, West Ham has finally signed a proven goal scorer. My only anxiety is again Bilic's propensity to play players out of position. In all his time Bilic has managed West Ham you could count on one hand the occasions in which he has played with more than one central forward. In the vast majority of games he plays with a single forward, normally only resorting to 2 forwards when we are chasing a game.
So although Chicharito is a high quality recruitment, I worry he will suffer the same difficulties that Zaza faced. I thought it was telling after his departure from West Ham that Zaza's advisors confessed that they were baffled as to why West Ham had signed him in the first place. Apparently Zaza had never, in his career, ever succeeded as a lone forward, more suited to the second striker role playing off a hold up player. Zaza has certainly flourished away from West Ham now that he has been relieved of lone forward duties.
Hernandez also strikes me as best suited to a second striker role. He seems ideally suited to play in a partnership with Sacko but it seems likely that this will only happen when we are behind in games.
The eventual success of Hernandez over the season is likely to be closely bound with the fortunes of our fourth and current record signing Marko Arnautovic. Arnautovic certainly has the stature and athleticism to provide physical support for Hernandez up front though this will apparently come from a wide area on the wings. West Ham will have a curiously inverted forward line when compared to traditional models. Traditionally teams would depend on a big physically strong centre forward in the Andy Carroll mode to compete for possession in advanced areas and link up play. Conventionally such a forward would be serviced by wingers, normally smaller, nimbler and pacier. In Antonio and Arnautovic West Ham will reverse this formation with their most athletic and strongest forwards operating on the wings.
I can see and admire Bilic's logic in pairing Hernandez with not just Arnautovic but Antonio. It is a gamble but has exciting possibilities. At its most potent such a system could provide Hernandez with the physical support he is likely to need but in a way he may be unused to. Rather than relying on a single forward partner Hernandez may join Antonio moving into the centre with him when Arnautovic has possession and vice versa. This would be a fluid system with Hernandez needing to develop a partnership not just with Arnautovic but Antonio. If understanding gels between this trios it may be very difficult for opposing defences to counter.
The crucial question is whether they can gel quickly enough to prevent the drop in confidence which would detract from their play. It is also critical that Lanzini in particular can develop the anticipation of their movement.
In an ideal world a backup and support for Lanzini as our main playmaker would have been recruited. However, West Ham is not a club with artificially oil provided resources. A lot will depend on Lanzini avoiding injury. In any absence it is likely that Kouyaté will be asked to advance into the Lanzini role. If Samuelssen continues his encouraging progress in the Development squad he may be a surprise option to deputise for Lanzini, perhaps in an early FA Cup round against lower league opposition. Sead Haksabanovic may also be a surprise package to encourage us all.
I think Sullivan and the Board, with the caveats I have mentioned, have attempted to support their Manager well. Whether Bilic is able to organise and utilise the resources they have provided him with to good effect only time will tell.
COYI
David Griffith
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Just like Harry Kane: West Ham coach raves about Antonio Martinez
HITC
Dan Coombs
West Ham coach Terry Westley compares Antonio Martinez to Tottenham's Harry Kane. West Ham youngster Antonio Martinez is a player with a bright future and his academy coach believes he shares traits with England international Harry Kane. The Spanish striker featured for the Hammers in pre-season and starred on loan at Oxford United last season. He scored twice at the weekend for West Ham's under-23 side, ending a three game stretch without a goal. Under-23 boss Terry Westley told the club website that he felt Martinez finding the scoresheet was never in doubt. He said: "Toni is the type of a player – a Harry Kane dare I say it who apparently doesn't score in August – they know they're going to get goals. "He is in that mould, he knows that sooner or later one is going to drop to him or he's going to rifle one in because he's always in and around the action. "He might miss some and you'll get frustrated with that, but as a coach you know, sooner or later, he's going to bag goals."
Martinez said in pre-season that he hopes to make it into West Ham's first team this season, and if he keeps on impressing for the under-23s then he could get a chance. The 20-year-old joined from Spanish side Valencia in 2016 and finished as top scorer for the under-23s last season. West Ham have had a poor start to the season and Martinez contributing could provide just the spark they need to give the side a little lift, if Slaven Bilic decides to give him a chance.
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Damning statistic shows Aston Villa signing Robert Snodgrass is wrong over Slaven Bilic claims
HITC
Damien Lucas
Robert Snodgrass has spent his first two weeks at Aston Villa criticising Slaven Bilic after his loan move from West Ham United. The Scotland midfielder signed for the Hammers from Hull City for £10million back in January. His signing came in the wake of the departure of talismanic playmaker Dimitri Payet and turned out to be one of the worst deals in West Ham's recent history. Snodgrass failed to impress in any of his 16 appearances and failed to net a single goal, despite scoring seven and laying on a number of assists during the first half of the season with Hull.
Since sealing a season-long loan move to Villa, Snodgrass has been outspoken on his time in East London and Bilic in particular. "I was coming on against (Manchester) City and he said 'Where do you want to play, on the left or right?'," Snodgrass told the Daily Record when he joined up with the Scotland squad this week. "I thought 'You have just signed me and I have played on the right or behind the striker at Hull City all season'. "That was my debut and alarm bells were ringing right away. I found it very strange and I realised from the off that it wasn't going to happen. Every time I played I was on the left. I don't know why he did it. I joined as Dimitri Payet left and maybe it was a case of 'you can play there'. "But when I eventually did speak to him I said I thought he would have known I wasn't a left-midfielder and that he must have watched me after signing me for that type of money. "His answer was basically that when people are confident they can play anywhere."
The midfielder's comments have come at a time when Bilic finds himself under intense pressure having lost his first three games of the new Premier League season to prop up the table. And many supporters have taken umbrage to Snodgrass' claims that his poor form was down to Bilic.
A West Ham supporters group has now taken to Twitter to disprove the claim, with some eagle-eyed statistics which are somewhat damning for the former Leeds United man's case. "Snodgrass played on the left half as many times as his "preferred" central attacking midfield and right-sided position, why is he moaning," WHUFC News posted along with a spreadsheet of all where he played in each of his matches.
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Snodgrass played on the left half as many times as his "preferred" CAM and right-sided position, why is he moaning 😂😂😂
7:18 PM - Aug 30, 2017
13 13 Replies 16 16 Retweets 42 42 likes
Perhaps the fact Snodgrass has had to drop down to the Championship, albeit to a big club in Villa, is an indication of how Premier League managers view his talents.
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Rafael Benitez will "express some interest" in West Ham United job
HITC
Shane Callaghan
The Newcastle United boss might be tempted into replacing Slaven Bilic at West Ham United. According to The Telegraph, Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez is likely to "express some interest" in the West Ham United job if Slaven Bilic is fired. West Ham have lost all three of their Premier League games so far, with a 3-0 defeat at Newcastle last weekend only adding to the mounting pressure on Bilic. The Magpies manager is said to be frustrated over the fact that he was unable to sign anybody on deadline day - despite clearing off some of the deadwood - as his relationship with owner Mike Ashley looks like deteriorating further. And The Telegraph reports that the Champions League-winning coach, although happy to stay for the moment, will be interested in the West Ham job if Bilic fails to turn things around in East London. The report goes on to claim that Benitez no longer trusts a number of people in the boardroom at St James's Park - including Ashley's lieutenant Justin Barnes for "refusing to sanction a number of potential deals because of the cost".
Newcastle fans will be furious with Ashley - well, more than they already are - if his failed promises leads to the departure of one of their best managers in a very long time.
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West Ham United striker Diafra Sakho returns to first team training following failed attempt to force a move away... and a bizarre stop at Chelmsford races
Diafra Sakho has returned to Rush Green for West Ham United training
Sakho went AWOL by flying to France in an attempt to force a transfer to Rennes
He then turned up at Chelmsford races before speaking to the Hammers owners
By Kieran Gill for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 09:51, 1 September 2017 | UPDATED: 09:51, 1 September 2017
Diafra Sakho has returned to Rush Green for West Ham United training after his whirlwind transfer deadline day. Sakho went AWOL by flying to France in an attempt to force a transfer to Ligue 1 club Rennes by passing a medical without his club's permission. The 27-year-old then turned up at Chelmsford racecourse on Thursday so his agent Mark McKay could watch the horse he owns win in the 3.20pm. Talks were held after that visit – over the phone with West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, who is currently in Marbella – and it is now business as usual. Sakho is now re-joining his team-mates for training. Not all of the first team will be present, of course, due to international duty. West Ham return to Premier League action on September 11 against Huddersfield Town at the London Stadium. They will be searching for their first league win of the season.
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Dave Sullivan Jnr: An Exclusive Interview With The Son Of West Ham's Chairman
As we head into the final few days of the transfer window and the first few weeks of the Premier League season, SPORTbible spoke to West Ham United Chairman David Sullivan's well-known son Dave, who is a high-profile social media figure for West Ham United Football Club.
Dave Sullivan Jr gives us an exclusive insight into West Ham's season, new signings, the London Stadium and Dave's personal life including the story of the attempted robbery on his father's beloved home.
Your dad has had a strong transfer window this summer and there are several talented faces in the squad. What do you think are realistic aims for the team this season?
"I think every team has got to set up like they want to win the league. Every team can dream - we have not had the best start, but we still have 35 games. We have to go out to every single game as if we want to win it."
We have signed four major names this summer - Javier Hernandez, Marko Arnautovic, Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart. Which signing do you think will improve the team the most?
"I think Hernandez. He has the type of goal threat which we have never had before."
The pressure is rising on Slaven Bilic after losing his first three games of the season, and reports are suggesting that the club are already looking for alternatives. Do you think Slaven could turn his situation around?
"Of course he can. We are three games into the season, meaning there are thirty-five games to go. For all we know, we could win at Huddersfield and West Brom and be in a completely different position. We have had three very hard away games in a row.
We lost to a Manchester United side which could win the league, and with ten men and two penalties given against you at Southampton - you cannot get much harder than that really. We have also been missing vital players such as Lanzini and Kouyate, whilst Antonio has only just got back."
Some fans think that we have the right individuals in defence, but the structure and tactics do not seem to be working effectively. Do you think West Ham need a specific defensive coach?
"I think that is more down to Slaven to comment on, however I personally think we can definitely tighten up on defensive errors and discipline. We tend to get a lot of red cards, and we have conceded the most goals from penalties in the last three seasons.
In that time, we must remember that Adrian saved four penalties back-to-back. We give a lot of penalties away - the Southampton game being a prime example. This is my main worry. Giving away five or ten penalties a season is going to cost us vital points."
Other fans think the midfield is the problem - West Ham have been linked with a move for a defensive midfielder. Do you think we need to bring in a new player in this position?
"No. I think we have potentially the best young midfielder in the league - Declan Rice. Name me a better 18 year old in these first three games? There isn't one. Kouyate is still yet to return fully, who I think is a top player, as well as Obiang. Noble goes without saying and Fernandes is also a top player. A lot of it is just getting the players to actually play as a team.
We have had a lot of formation changes; four at the back one week then five at the back the next; players getting injured - even Lanzini you can count as a midfielder who we have lost to injury."
Sofiane Feghouli recently completed his move to Galatasaray, whilst Robert Snodgrass has been loaned out to Aston Villa. Do you think West Ham should be searching for a new winger to take his place?
"We have Arnautovic, Antonio and Ayew. However now that Snodgrass has left it would make sense to buy a new winger."
Does that mean there are any more potential signings in the transfer window?
"I can only say what I personally think."
One more team-related question: With Josh Cullen and Reece Burke already impressing at Bolton, do you think they have a future in the first team next season?
"I think it is a lot to ask for them to be starting next season, but I see no reason why they cannot be in and around the first team soon."
Moving on from transfers, do you believe that you and/or Jack will be the next chairmen of West Ham?
"I personally think Jack is more likely to be the chairman of West Ham, however I would still like some input. Jack is currently working with the Ladies team in order to gain the experience he needs. Jack is also looking into working with clubs in other countries. Whereas I am focused on my own project and West Ham is not in my immediate future.
However I will still retain my shareholding and one of the Sullivans will be the chairman."
Does this mean that there is definitely no chance of West Ham being bought?
"No. If a Saudi Arabian investor could take West Ham further than we can, then no. We would want someone who can take West Ham a lot further than we ever could."
Is your dad looking into the possibility of buying the London Stadium outright in the future?
"I cannot comment on that, but it is certainly a possibility."
Radio 5 discussed on their show last week about the possibility of the retractable seating at the London Stadium being upgraded. Is this something the club are looking at?
"We are always looking for ways to improve the stadium, so if we think it will increase the fans experience then of course it is an option. However, in the immediate future I do not think so because it has already cost a lot of money to install the normal seating. I reckon it could happen, but not for a few years."
Moving on from football - Back in June, a scumbag criminal broke into your dads house. This must have been frightening for your dad and a horrible experience to go through. What exactly happened that night?
"The guy broke in, but he did not get very far. The alarms went off and the guy did a runner. They think this man has robbed 40 houses, including Lord Sugar's. Luckily for us, he did not nick anything from my dad's house."
Did your dad ever catch the criminal?
"I think he is either being questioned by the police or his safehouse got raided - I am not entirely sure, but the situation is something like that."
Interviewed by Matthew Jones (@MatthewJ_Joness)
You can follow Sullivan's popular Twitter account (@DaveSulley) in order to keep up to date with some of the latest West Ham news. Sullivan also has a public Instagram account (@dave.sulley).
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Is West Ham's transfer inactivity proof the owners have lost all faith in Slaven Bilic?
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic is a man under pressure and could the writing now be on the wall? The Hammers have endured a nightmare start to the new season. Defeats in each of their opening three games have left West Ham bottle of the table with a minus eight goal difference. As a result Bilic's position is under severe pressure with reports owners David Sullivan and David Gold are set to replace the Croatian. However, a meeting between the owners and manager after the 3-0 humbling at Newcastle United saw fresh reports emerge claiming the former Besiktas boss would be given more time. That was met with large scale disapproval from increasingly disillusioned West Ham fans who feel it is time to change after the worrying hangover from a poor season last term. After signing Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic things had been looking up for West Ham this summer. But only Hernandez has impressed on the pitch so far. The club was linked with a club record move for Portugal star William Carvalho over the last three weeks and more recently Barcelona's Andre Gomes.
At 11pm last night, though, the transfer window slammed shut and West Ham failed to do any business despite being rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table with a shambolic defensive unit.
Given what is at stake with survival in the increasingly competitive Premier League - particularly for the Hammers after their big move to the London Stadium - fans are in shock. So is it the clearest sign yet that the board have lost all faith in the manager and are refusing to commit any more money to players he has identified. And if that is the case is it inevitable that Bilic will be replaced if the Hammers do not beat Huddersfield when the Premier League resumes after the international break? It will cut no ice with supporters either way given the club's net spend is just £10m this summer.
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Deadline Day circus underlines issues at West Ham
by Scott Johnson
@greensthammers
West Ham, as a club, are not in a good place right now. With no points from three games, I'd like to say that's as bad as it gets. However a player trying to book his own medical to get away, an on loan player saying the manager has no idea how to manage his players and no activity on deadline day despite some obvious holes in the club show other issues as well. With a football club you want everything to be sorted on the pitch. However it seems that the Hammers have a lot of issues to sort behind the scenes if their deadline day is anything to go by.
It has to be said that when your main Deadline Day story is one of your strikers being so desperate to get away from the manager that he books himself a medical at a French club then returns to spend the day at the horse races it's not been a good one. And the fact that he isn't the only one to criticize the manager is also a problem.
When the manager loses players he is really struggling. The manager can set everything out perfectly but if the players won't play for him he's in for a tough time. So can the manager turn it around?
And in Portugal the reports were that Sporting were asking for 2m more than West Ham were bidding. In the grand scheme of things that's really not a lot. Especially when you look at our midfield and spot the Carvalho sized hole in its current setup. There are a lot of reasons the fans in East London can stare at this club and despair.
All this before our first home match. I'm still annoyed that we sold so many players, because the start of the transfer window was great. Now all we need is one or two injuries and suddenly we're in a whole world of pain.
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