Daily WHUFC News - 16th September 2017

West Brom v West Ham United: All you need to know
WHUFC.com

After a returning to winning ways West Ham United will be eager to maintain
their good form away to West Brom on Saturday.

Check out the information below to find out everything you need to know
about this weekend's Premier League fixture with the Baggies - including
team news, recent form and how to follow the action!

Where and when?

West Brom v West Ham United will be played at The Hawthorns on Saturday 16th
September at 3pm BST.

The address for the stadium is: 9 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich B71 4LF

How to follow:

You can follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com, with
updates also available on Twitter throughout the afternoon. You can also
follow the match in different ways on our official Instagram, Facebook and
Snapchat channels!

Due to being a Saturday 3pm kick-off the match is not available for viewing
in the UK. For worldwide broadcast schedules, click here.

Team news:

West Ham are set to have Marko Arnautovic available again after the Austrian
completed a three match suspension.

Captain Mark Noble missed the Huddersfield win due to injury and is going to
sit out the West Brom contest too, although could be back in contention for
Tuesday's game with Bolton Wanderers.

Manuel Lanzini and Edimilson Fernandes are also both out but could be back
in just a couple of weeks.

Match officials:

Referee: Paul Tierney
Assistant Referees: Simon Long and Derek Eaton
Fourth Official: Andy Davies

Meet the opposition:

West Brom have firmly established themselves as a Premier League side under
Tony Pulis, and with the Welsh manager's guidance the Baggies have become of
the division's toughest sides.

West Brom were defeated in their last league match, against Brighton, but
have enjoyed a very good start to the campaign and sit in the top half of
the table.

Saturday's opponents finished tenth last season and, after a decent summer
of investment in the squad, will be looking to climb even further with the
club under new ownership.

Player to watch:

Power, physicality and defensive nous will be crucial for this battle at the
Hawthorns - step forward James Collins.

The Welsh international made nine clearances against Huddersfield Town on
Monday evening, the most of any West Ham player, and was an experienced
influence in the team's first league clean-sheet of the season.

West Brom's strength across the field is now common knowledge in the Premier
League and Collins will be vital at both ends of the field if the Hammers
are to achieve a positive result.

Head-to-head:

A very late goal from Gareth McAuley stopped the Hammers from claiming a
come-back win against the Baggies the last time the two sides met, after
Manuel Lanzini had put Slaven Bilic's side ahead in the 86th minute.

The two sides have swapped wins throughout their competitive history. West
Ham have beaten West Brom 39 times since their first ever match in 1913, and
have lost 40 times. It's close!

Last five meetings:

West Ham United 2-2 West Brom, Premier League, 11 February 2017
West Brom 4-2 West Ham United, Premier League, 17 September 2016
West Brom 0-3 West Ham United, Premier League, 30 April 2016
West Ham United 1-1 West Brom, Premier League, 29 November 2015
West Brom 4-0 West Ham United, FA Cup, 14 February 2015

Did you know:

Chicharito likes to play against West Brom. The Mexican striker has
contributed to five goals (three goals and two assists) in five previous
matches against the Baggies.

How to get there:

Follow the M1 to Junction 19, merging onto the M6 towards
Coventry/Birmingham. Stay on the M6 until Junction 8 and then continue onto
the M5, leaving the motorway at Junction 1 on the A41 exit.

At the roundabout take the first exit onto Birmingham Road and the Hawthorns
is on the right just up the road.

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West Ham United and Spire Roding Hospital extend partnership
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are delighted to announce that Spire Roding Hospital has
extended its agreement as the Club's Official Private Hospital. Spire Roding
Hospital has been West Ham United's Official Private Hospital since November
2014, providing additional expert medical support for the Club's playing
staff and a range of private hospital services to patients in east and
central London and Essex. Spire Healthcare's mission is to bring together
the best people who are dedicated to developing excellent clinical
environments and delivering the highest quality patient care, and Spire
Roding Hospital continue to work closely with West Ham's own medical team,
including our new Head of Medical Services, Gary Lewin.
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "I am thrilled that we are
to continue our strong and successful relationship with Spire Roding
Hospital.
"Spire Roding was the first partner to align with the Club following
confirmation of our momentous move to London Stadium, and they have been
with us every step of the way on this exciting journey. "We are extremely
fortunate to have access to such an exceptional medical facility close to
London Stadium and our Rush Green training ground, and look forward to
strengthening our relationship even further in the coming seasons."

Hospital Director of the Spire Roding Hospital, Adrian Brady, said: "Spire
Roding Hospital is delighted to renew the partnership with West Ham United
Football Club.
"We are very proud to support the club and players again this coming season,
and value the strong links the hospital and club have within our community."
Spire Roding Hospital is based on Roding Lane, Redbridge and offers
comprehensive private hospital services to patients from east and central
London and Essex.

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'Start both Chicharito & Carroll' - Etherington looks ahead to West Brom
WHUFC.com

West Ham United travel to West Brom on Saturday as Slaven Bilic's side looks
to maintaining their winning form after collecting their first three points
of the season on Monday. Former West Ham winger Matthew Etherington spent
four years playing under current West Brom boss Tony Pulis at Stoke City and
has revealed how the Irons can get a positive result at the Hawthorns this
weekend.

'Provide service to Chicharito'

History tells us that Chicharito enjoys playing against West Brom. The
Mexican has contributed to five goals in five Premier League matches against
the Baggies, in the form of three finishes and two assists. Already this
season Chicharito has scored two league goals for the Irons and, given his
prolific nature against West Brom, supporters will be optimistic of another
finish this Saturday. Etherington has hailed the impact Chicharito has had
on the West Ham team so far and believes goals are almost a certainty if he
keeps getting service. "He needs service," Etherington said on the forward:
"He hit the bar on Monday and when he gets chances, more often than not,
he's going to hit the target and he's going to score goals. With the
attacking players that Bilic has got now, that are fit and raring to go, I'm
sure he will get it. "He just needs regular service and he will score goals.
I'm sure he'll get scoring more sooner rather than later after his couple
against Southampton."

'Keep Carroll in the team'

Another positive of Monday's 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town was the return
of Andy Carroll to the starting XI. The No9 was in terrific form against the
Terriers, dominating their defensive line and showing just how important he
is to the team. Carroll won 13 aerial duels against Huddersfield Town which
is the most won by any player in a Premier League game so far this campaign,
and Etherington is backing the striker to make a similar impact against the
Baggies. "Carroll is massively important. I think the team is a completely
different side, both offensively and defensively, when he is in it,"
Etherington said. "Hopefully now, after his injury problems, he will have a
consistent run of games the team. If he does stay fit then it's only going
to benefit West Ham and the Hammers will win games with Carroll." Slaven
Bilic lined up his team with both Carroll and Chicharito on Monday and
Etherington is keen to see the two forwards in the same starting XI again.
He added: "I definitely do want to see Chicharito and Carroll play regularly
together. They're two top players. Javier Hernandez and Carroll can
certainly play together."

'Take defensive responsibility'

West Brom's threat from set-pieces is a cornerstone of their style of play,
and indeed the philosophy that Tony Pulis builds his football teams around.
It has proven more than effective in recent seasons too. Last year the
Baggies scored 16 goals from corners, the most of any side in the Premier
League. Furthermore 21 of their 43 league goals came from set-pieces. "I
played under Tony Pulis for a number of years at Stoke City and I know
first-hand how much he works on set-pieces," Etherington said. "Set-pieces
are one of West Brom's main threats. Pulis defines it as a really important
part of the game and that's why they get plenty of goals from it. It's about
West Ham dealing with the aerial threat and taking responsibility when it
comes to marking men, because if they don't West Brom will score."
The Hammers lined up with a back-three against Huddersfield and Etherington
reckons a similar set-up, including Winston Reid, James Collins and Jose
Fonte, could prove crucial. He added: "The back-three – Reid, Fonte and
Collins - looked really good against Huddersfield. If Bilic decides to stick
with it then these are the type of players that will be needed in the team
to deal with West Brom. These players are really good in the air and against
West Brom they will be needed."

'Understand the threat West Brom possess'

Tactically West Ham will need to be at their very best to deal with West
Brom's experience, according to Etherington. The Baggies have an average
starting XI age of 29 years and six days this season, the oldest of any side
in the Premier League, and with that level of experience comes wisdom and
maturity. Having played for Pulis Etherington knows what West Ham will be
coming up against. The former midfielder said: "First and foremost, Pulis
teams are organised. Every player on the pitch knows their job and what
they've got to do. "They will be hard to break down and they will be hard to
play to play against. West Ham showed on Monday night that they can play in
a number of ways but if they try to pass it out from the back then West Brom
will be on top of them and pressing very quickly." If the Hammers can cope
with what West Brom's strength then Etherington reckons West Ham United have
the threat up front to cause the Baggies issues in return.
"If West Ham can deal with that threat and that physicality then they've got
the players going forward – the likes of Chicharito, Michail Antonio, Andy
Carroll, Mark Arnautovic is back – that can cause them problems."

'Take heart from the Huddersfield win'

The win against Huddersfield Town was huge for West Ham. It was one that
restored smiles to the fans' faces and put the first points on the board of
the new campaign. In April 2016, just 18 months ago, the Hammers secured
their joint-largest win at the Hawthorns. Goals from Cheikhou Kouyate and
Mark Noble earned Bilic's side a much deserved 3-0 victory. So how do the
Irons go to West Brom on Saturday and achieve a similar result? According to
Etherington a win will come from defensive resolution. high energy football
and spirit. Etherington beamed: "I thought the effort the lads showed
against Huddersfield was brilliant, and that needs to carry on now
throughout the rest of the season. The energy levels need to be high, just
like they were on Monday. "West Ham have got to be strong defensively and
work as a team. With the talent in the side and the recruitment over the
summer they should score goals, and score plenty of them. It's all about
being strong as a team defensively at the weekend."

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Betway Insider's View of the Opposition: West Brom
WHUFC.com

Their 3-1 loss to Brighton last weekend suggests this is a good time to play
West Brom. The Baggies are now winless in two games, having been held to a
1-1 draw at home to Stoke before the international break. Perhaps even more
significantly, Tony Pulis' side have scored just eight goals in their last
13 league outings, meaning the West Ham defence – emboldened after keeping
their maiden clean sheet of the campaign in Monday's 2-0 win over
Huddersfield – should be confident of keeping things tight at the back. The
fact the game is being played at the Hawthorns might be no bad thing,
either. Against Brighton, West Brom recorded over 50 per cent possession for
just the 10th time in 98 top-flight matches under Pulis. Interestingly,
their record in those matches is an unspectacular four wins and six defeats.
The key for Slaven Bilic's side, then, could be to allow their opponents to
have the ball and attempt to hit them on the counter-attack.

The back three/five the Croatian deployed against Huddersfield are all
reliable defenders, while Andre Ayew – who scored against the Terriers after
being introduced as a substitute – and Michail Antonio both have the legs to
stretch the West Brom backline. Conceding three goals to a team outside the
top seven was unusual for the Baggies – it didn't happen at all last season
– although Pulis would probably point to a lack of preparation time due to
the international break and a rare poor performance from Ben Foster as the
reasons for their tardiness. That might be the case, but given he was beaten
by one tame long-range effort and fumbled another (only to be saved by the
offside flag), it would be remiss of the Hammers not to pepper Foster's goal
from range, especially early on. It is also worth remembering that the two
top-flight fixtures between these sides last season produced 10 goals in
total. If West Brom defend as poorly as they did against Brighton, and West
Ham kick on from claiming their first three points of the season, then
Saturday's game might be just as entertaining.

Recommended bets

Michail Antonio to score West Ham's first goal – 9/2

West Ham to score first – 13/10

Over 2.5 goals – 6/5

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Michail Antonio's 'mellow zone' playlist
WHUFC.com

Wild Thoughts - DJ Khaled (ft. Rihanna)

This is one of Rihanna's recent tunes and it sums up the sort of vibe I like
to tap in to before I start playing. This is a mellow R&B/Soul playlist and
tracks like this get me in the zone.

Unforgettable - French Montana (ft. Swae Lee)

This has a nice, catchy little beat to it. French Montana has got loads of
variety in the sort of music he produces, with this mellow tune and also his
rap stuff, too. I really like it.

Questions - Chris Brown

I've loved Chris Brown's music since way back and he is still going strong
with this banging tune here. He's still doing it well. This is one for the
calm before the storm.

Redbone - Childish Gambino

Childish Gambino is a new entrant into my playlist. He's been around for a
long time and I don't normally like his music, but I'm a big fan of this
one. I really enjoy it.

Hurtin' Me - Stefflon Don & French Montana

This is another mellow tune which helps me to get into the right mindset and
just chill out ahead of the game. I like rap when I'm on holiday, but I
prefer something more relaxing before the game.

Swalla - Jason Derulo (ft. Nicky Minaj)

This one has been around for quite a while and it's all right. This is one
of those tunes which has been on my playlist for ages and is due to be
removed. Of all ten, this tune is one I might fast forward through!

That's What I Like - Bruno Mars

This is lovely stuff. I love Bruno Mars' little ballads. If he brings a tune
out I'm probably going to like it and add it to my playlist. People will see
me chilling to this in the dressing room just before the game.

Finders Keepers - Mabel (ft. Kojo Funds)

This is a nice mellow tune and is one that I can nod my head to and is my
current No1 song. Mabel is a young up-and-coming British R&B artist who is
really starting to make her mark on my playlist!

I Feel It Coming - The Weeknd (ft. Daft Punk)

Everyone knows The Weeknd! He has that special, high-pitched voice and it's
one of those things where I don't want to be chaotic before I go out onto
the pitch, so I enjoy his peaceful style of music.

All of Me - John Legend

The great John Legend. He always makes music about love and positivity, so
this tune is one I'll listen to because I've got to love the ball and
nurture it before I put it in the back of the net!

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Chicharito calls for consistency ahead of West Brom
WHUFC.com

Chicharito believes he and his West Ham United teammates must show they can
be consistent in both achieving good performances and earning positive
results when the side takes on West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. The
Hammers head to the Hawthorns on the back of a first Premier League win of
the season last time out, a 2-0 victory against Huddersfield Town on Monday.
A tricky test awaits the Mexican striker and the West Ham squad in Tony
Pulis's West Brom side, who have collected seven points from their opening
four league matches. Chicharito believes he and the rest of the side must
continue showing their full potential against the Baggies, and display
consistency in their performances. The 29-year-old told whufc.com: "Now we
have a very important away match in which we want to show that we can be
consistent. That's what we want now - to be very consistent. Not just in the
results but also in our performances."

Chicharito - who has scored two league goals so far this season for the
Hammers - is not just looking to this weekend's match with West Brom, but
also beyond.
Following the contest on Saturday West Ham United will host Bolton Wanderers
in the third round of the Carabao Cup, before returning to league action
with consecutive home games against Tottenham Hotspur and Swansea City. And
the forward is targeting wins against both West Brom and the Championship
side in the Cup ahead of those two home league matches. Chicharito added:
"We managed to finally get a victory so we now want to go to West Brom, get
three more points and then focus on the Cup. We want to win that game too
and advance to the next round."

Tickets for the Cup clash with Bolton Wanderers are still available, on
general sale, and can be purchased here.

Adults can attend the third-round fixture from just £10 while kids can watch
their favourite Hammers play from just £5.

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Ladies have 'learned lessons' from previous Chichester encounter - De Carnys
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Ladies manager Greg De Carnys believes his team has learned
from the loss to Chichester City two weeks ago as they prepare to take on
the side again on Sunday. The Ladies suffered a 4-1 defeat to Chichester a
fortnight ago in the FAWPL Cup, eliminating the Irons from the competition
at the first hurdle. West Ham will return to Oaklands Park this weekend
seeking a return to winning form and revenge for that loss, and De Carnys
says his side is ready for how Chichester will approach this league
encounter. "We've already played Chichester in the cup so we're going to be
ready," De Carnys told whufc.com. "We've learned some lessons from when we
played them a couple of weeks back. "It was a physical game, and we have to
be ready for that again. We have to be able to match that and we're going to
show that in our game. They're going to make it tough for us and we have to
be prepared."

In between the two matches with Chichester the West Ham Ladies also suffered
a disappointing loss to C&K Basildon but De Carnys has been happy with how
his squad has responded in training. The first team manager believes these
defeats can be used as a force for positivity and serve as a way of bringing
more out of the players, both individually and as a unit. He added: "The
team has responded really well considering how the last two weeks have gone.
We've tried to approach training with a positive mind-set and use the losses
as a way to make us stronger as a group. I think the girls have brought into
that. They always train hard but right now there's an extra determination in
the group."

Despite the losses there has been a marked improvement in performances by
the Ladies and De Carnys reckons this will eventually lead to regular
positive results.
"Good performances will eventually breed good results," he explained. "The
Cardiff win was a lovely feeling for everyone involved. It has given us the
taste for it and it's something we want to experience more. But you only get
to that through focusing on performance. "To win our first home game with
eight players in the team that played for us last season, when we didn't win
a game at all, shows the massive improvement we made. We realise the
challenges we have to face but hopefully our good performances will turn
into good results more often than not."

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West Ham's Slaven Bilic: I am confident Andy Carroll will stay fit for a
long period
SLAVEN BILIC
ES Sport

Andy Carroll is back fit, in our first team and no one, apart from Andy
himself, is happier than me about that. Everyone who was at the London
Stadium on Monday night to see us notch our first Premier League win on our
home turf, plus many more watching on television, will have seen what a
difference he makes to us. Inevitably, though, the questions have come thick
and fast. "How can you keep him fit? What are you doing to keep him fit?
Have you a special training regime for him?" They are all questions I have
been asked many times about Andy. The answers are probably very similar and
this time, as before, we hope he can stay fit for a long period for us. Am I
feeling any more confident this time that Andy will be with us longer? Yes,
I am. When I ask myself what is the reason for this, I have to be honest and
say there is nothing definite. I was confident last time as well. Last
season, Andy was really unlucky that he was injured almost freakishly during
a match in Romania and was out for four months. I am more confident this
time because I don't think he will be that unlucky again. We have changed
things, though. Last season, we would have put him in the team earlier, but
this season we decided: "No, you are going to train for one month and then
we will see."
Also, in the early stages of his rehabilitation, we pushed him a little
harder. If he felt something, we told him he had to go through the
discomfort — and he did that. It was a good decision because Andy is happy
and he looks good. You never know what might happen in the future but right
now, it's good. He is also more mature. He knows he must manage himself and
there are times when he needs to go in the gym rather than be out on the
training pitch. I know there have been players in England who hardly trained
but still did the business at the weekend: Ledley King for Tottenham and
Aston Villa's Paul McGrath come to mind. When you are a centre-back, though,
as those two were, it is different, but I would have no problem with us
following their example with Andy if that will make him constantly
available. He needs a special programme to strengthen the muscles around the
areas which have caused him problems. If you think, though, that players can
sit out training all week and then go out and play full on without getting
injured, you are deluding yourself. Another big positive for me was Michail
Antonio. Sometimes defenders will know what he intends to do, but stopping
him is another matter. We were hoping he would return to fitness quickly
because he is a beast but, in reality, after his serious hamstring injury he
also needed a few games. Now he has them under his belt, he is looking
better and better.

Don't forget, he had been out since April, had an operation, rehab, no
pre-season games and then played 45 minutes in one Under-23 match before we
picked him for Southampton. Now, he's almost back to his best, but maybe one
more week and he will be there. It is a huge year for him because of the
World Cup. If he maintains his form and fitness, he definitely has a chance
of going. I know Gareth Southgate is prepared to change things if it
improves his team. Nothing is bigger or better than representing your
country in the World Cup. It is the ultimate and Michail, plus Aaron
Cresswell, have a big chance of doing just that. We had more than two weeks
to mull things over following our defeat at Newcastle and my staff and I
thought carefully about systems and teams over the days that followed.
In the end, we decided on three at the back against Huddersfield. We used
that system before and we decided to revert to it to make things a little
tighter. The system, like any, has its pluses and minuses and will depend on
the players available and whether it is home or away. We do have the players
for it and I thought Pablo Zabaleta, at right wing-back, was one of our best
players.

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Slaven Bilic: Keeping all my West Ham players happy is a problem
SLAVEN BILIC
ES Sport

With Marko Arnautovic available again following suspension and Manuel
Lanzini getting closer to fitness, I am going to have more options soon. For
a manager, that is a positive problem but every Premier League club are in a
similar position now. The question of keeping everyone happy then is a
difficult one but unless you are really overloaded, every player can feel
that he is an important cog in the wheel. Unless players are in your team,
though, the reality is that very few of them are happy. Maybe, if there is a
young player, he is content for a few weeks just to be in the squad — but
they are talented footballers and they are hungry to play. Managers have to
be big enough to make decisions, such as substituting 'Chicharito' in the
second half against Huddersfield. I heard a few boos when I did that and I
understood because he is a fans' favourite and also a favourite of mine. The
reason why I did it was this. We didn't want to change the system but we
were dropping energy so we needed a player to come on to give us a boost. We
had that quality on the bench with Andre Ayew and the pitch was beginning to
look a bit big for Chicharito, who had done some long-distance travelling
during the international break. Maybe he would have recovered as the game
wore on but we wanted to change something and it was time. What we have to
do now is keep this level of concentration and determination. We proved it
against Huddersfield — the art is to keep doing it, against West Brom
tomorrow and beyond

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The heat is off West Ham boss Bilic - but for how long?
By Chris Bevan
BBC Sport

Monday's home win over Huddersfield took some of the heat off West Ham boss
Slaven Bilic - but for how long? The Hammers are off the mark this season,
and off the bottom of the table too, but Bilic remains the bookmakers'
favourite to be the next Premier League manager to lose his job and there
are several reasons why. Bilic's future is supposedly in doubt because of
questionable tactics and team selections, not just the fact his side had
started the season by losing three successive away games while the London
Stadium was unavailable. An apparent disagreement between the Croat and West
Ham's owners David Sullivan and David Gold, about why some signings did not
happen in the transfer window, has hardly helped his situation. Put
together, it does not offer a scene of stability and security that might
allay speculation his days are numbered. Bilic's contract is up in the
summer in any case, but what problems must he solve to see out the season,
let alone get a new deal? One positive for Bilic is that Sullivan and Gold,
who took control of the Hammers in 2010, are not known for having itchy
trigger fingers. They waited until West Ham were relegated from the Premier
League before sacking Avram Grant in 2011, and his successor Sam Allardyce
lasted four full seasons in the job. It was not results that led to
Allardyce leaving by mutual consent - he got them promoted then finished
10th, 13th and 12th in the top-flight - more the way his teams got them in a
pragmatic fashion that was unpopular with supporters. Therein lies a warning
for Bilic, whose side went back to basics against Huddersfield by often
launching the ball up towards Andy Carroll, and have played more long passes
than any other Premier League team this season.

Jermaine Jenas, who was at the London Stadium co-commentating for BBC Radio
5 live, said: "It was a low-risk strategy - going long and keeping the ball
away from danger. It worked, eventually. "But I am pretty sure that if this
is how it is going to be moving forward then Bilic's job is still at risk
because it was not pretty and it is not something that West Ham fans are
going to want to watch for the rest of the season." Trevor Sinclair, who
played more than 200 games for West Ham between 1998 and 2003, is confident
the team's playing style will improve soon. "Monday was about the result
more than the performance," he told BBC Sport. "And sometimes style has to
go out of the window, even at West Ham. "When you look at who Bilic had
available for that match, you can see why he played to their strengths - and
his gameplan worked. "Bilic was missing creative players like Marko
Arnautovic and Manuel Lanzini against Huddersfield, and when he gets them
back he can return to playing the way the fans want to see. West Ham have
tried 304 long passes in four Premier League matches this season - the most
in the top-flight. Crystal Palace are the next highest with 303, followed by
Burnley with 296 "He kind of has to, really. I know from my time there that,
when people talk about the 'West Ham way', it is because some supporters did
not mind if we didn't win, as long as we entertained them. "Some of the fans
would always take playing a good style of football ahead of being successful
by playing the wrong way. "It is a tough one for Bilic because he needs to
play good football and get results, so he needs to find a balance between
the two."

Play Carroll and Hernandez up front together?

Hernandez only touched the ball 22 times against Huddersfield (l), the
fewest of any player to start the game. He managed two touches inside the
Terriers' area and two shots - one from inside the area that hit the bar in
the first half, the other with a free-kick that he curled wide just after
the break. He was replaced by Andre Ayew after 64 minutes
West Ham fans have already started to make their feelings clear - by booing
when Bilic took off £16m signing Javier Hernandez with the score at 0-0
against the Terriers. The former Manchester United striker hit the bar in
the first half but had been playing out on the left wing and had only one
other touch inside the Huddersfield area. His replacement, Andre Ayew,
seemed far better suited to the role. "The bottom line was Bilic knew he
could not leave Hernandez on the bench, even if it meant playing him out of
position," added Jenas. "He was their marquee signing this summer and he was
dragged off at 0-0 when he was not playing badly, so I can understand the
fans' annoyance."

Could playing two up front be the answer, and let Bilic get the best out of
Hernandez and Carroll?

"Unless you have other runners to take some of the focus away from him,
Carroll is easy to mark," Jenas explained. "All you do is pick up the second
ball, you don't even go and attack the first one. "West Ham can not play two
strikers like Manchester City do with Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero and
try to pass the ball and control the game like City do, without causing
themselves some problems defensively. "But there is definitely an argument
to say that, if they are going to go long like they did against
Huddersfield, then they need to get somebody next to him to make runs off
all the flick-ons he will win - and Hernandez would be ideal for that job."

Noble - finished, or not?

One issue that has split fans and pundits alike is the part that
long-serving Hammers captain Mark Noble has to play in midfield. "Bilic has
a big decision to make there," said BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson. "Noble is
looking a bit long in the tooth. "He is obviously such a top professional
and seems a brilliant bloke to have around the club too - the type who would
run things in the dressing room, all those kind of things - but it boils
down to whether he still warrants a place in the side. "Probably on
performances, you would have to say no. The midfield area is an issue for
them, which is why they were trying to sign Sporting Lisbon's William
Carvalho, even though Sporting denied it. "But even without Carvalho on
board, there might no longer be any room for Noble in the team." Noble, 30,
has spent his entire career at the club save for two loan spells at Ipswich
and Hull City. He started the first three games of the season but did not
make the squad that faced Huddersfield because of a minor knee injury.
Sinclair, who has known Noble since he was a teenager breaking into the
Hammers set-up, does not think we have seen the last of him, however. "I've
heard people say he is finished, but they have got short memories," Sinclair
explained. "I know Mark personally - I know him well - and there is still
plenty of football left in him. "I think a lot of what he does goes
unnoticed by the average fan because he is never going to be a midfielder
who breaks beyond the forward players or scores in the top corner from 30
yards. "Instead, he is a little bit of glue in front of the back four to
stop the ball reaching the opposition strikers. "He has got so much love and
loyalty for the club and he will be making sure he can get his fitness
levels right so he can give a good account of himself on the pitch. "As soon
as Slaven sees that, I am sure he will be back in the team."

Fans and players love Bilic - but how do the owners feel?

Bilic bettered Allardyce's league placings in his first season in charge,
finishing seventh in 2015-16, and followed that up with 11th place last time
out, despite the disruption of the club's move to a new home. He remains
popular with the fans despite the difficulties of the past 12 months, and
Sinclair thinks his team are definitely still trying for him too. "I always
look at the players' performances when a manager is under pressure," he
explained. "West Ham lacked desire against Newcastle at the end of August
but the way they applied themselves against Huddersfield did not suggest
they had thrown in the towel. I know that kind of spirited display did not
save Frank de Boer at Crystal Palace, but it is a good sign. "I think
Slaven came across really well in his post-match news conference too, not
just about what the club meant to him, but also that he was delighted with
the application the team had shown." With the fans on his side, and his
players behind him, could Bilic's biggest problem be the people who will
ultimately decide his fate - Sullivan and Gold? Their policy of saying so
much on social media about what is happening at the club has led to some
distinctly uncomfortable answers from Bilic when he has been asked about it
later. "Slaven probably just wishes they would shut up," says Lawrenson.
"Why not just leave him to get on with managing the team? That is difficult
enough anyway. "If West Ham keep picking up points and finish in mid-table
again, that should keep Bilic in the job and mean he is offered a new deal.
"I am sure he would want to stay if that happens - but you could not blame
him if has had enough of the owners anyway, and decided to go elsewhere."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Brom v West Ham preview: Marko Arnautovic returns
Last Updated: 15/09/17 11:50am
SSN

Slaven Bilic will be looking to build on West Ham's 2-0 victory over
Huddersfield when they visit West Bromwich Albion. Monday's clash at the
London Stadium was billed as an important game in terms of his future, but
his players answered his call with a positive performance and result.
However, Bilic has overseen three away defeats this season at Manchester
United, Newcastle and Southampton. Tony Pulis' men rarely give much away at
The Hawthorns, although they have only won one of their last six home games
in the Premier League.

Team news

Nacer Chadli and Oliver Burke are doubts for West Brom. Winger Burke has had
a scan on a hamstring injury and will be assessed while boss Pulis remained
tight-lipped on Chadli's problem. Hal Robson-Kanu is available again after a
ban and Gareth McAuley has recovered from a thigh injury while Gareth Barry
will equal Ryan Giggs' Premier League appearance record of 632 games if he
features.

West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic is back from suspension. Arnautovic is in
contention again after serving his three-match ban but Mark Noble is out
with a knock to his knee. The match will also come too soon for Edimilson
Fernandes and Manuel Lanzini who are recovering from ankle and knee injuries
respectively.

Opta stats

West Brom have won just two of their last 13 matches versus West Ham in the
Premier League (D8 L3), with both victories arriving at the Hawthorns (1-0
in April 2014 and 4-2 in September 2016).

West Ham have won just once in their last 10 Premier League away games (W1
D3 L6) and have kept only one clean sheet in their last 18 top-flight
matches on the road.

The Hammers won their first league game of the season with their 2-0 victory
over Huddersfield last Monday night - they will have the chance to win
successive Premier League games for the first time since January in this
fixture.

West Brom have attempted eight shots inside the six-yard box this season;
more than any other side in the Premier League.

Pulis has lost just one of his last six Premier League managerial clashes
versus West Ham, winning three and drawing two.

The average age of West Brom's starting XI this season has been 29 years and
six days old - the oldest in the Premier League so far in 2017-18.

Paul Merson's prediction

West Brom were poor against Brighton, it was like they thought they would
just turn up and not lose, but they were bad until they went 3-0 down, then
they had a go. West Ham got a good result on Monday, but a lot for them
depends on Andy Carroll. I think West Brom have the players who could cope
with him.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-0 (6/1 with Sky Bet)

Betting

West Brom are Sky Bet's 5/4 favourites for the victory with West Ham 11/5,
the same price as the draw. Salomon Rondon and Jay Rodriguez are tied at the
head of a wide-open first goalscorer market at 9/2, with Javier Hernandez
and Andy Carroll following closely behind at 5/1 apiece.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham and Slaven Bilic need tactical consistency this season
West Brom vs West Ham: Preview and prediction
DANNY MURPHY
ES Sport

Slaven Bilic must be left scratching his head at times because West Ham are
so inconsistent. They can play really well one week and then, the next
week, they do not compete. I think they will be fine this season but they
need a bit of consistency in who they play and what formation they use.
They had a good win against Huddersfield on Monday but they have had three
losses away from home. Marko Arnautovic is back from suspension and Javier
Hernandez can cause any team problems. But going to West Brom is tough and
I think West Ham would happily take a point if you offered it to them. We
had more than two weeks to mull things over following our defeat at
Newcastle and my staff and I thought carefully about systems and teams over
the days that followed. In the end, we decided on three at the back against
Huddersfield. We used that system before and we decided to revert to it to
make things a little tighter. The system, like any, has its pluses and
minuses and will depend on the players available and whether it is home or
away. We do have the players for it and I thought Pablo Zabaleta, at right
wing-back, was one of our best players.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham transfer news: Sporting Lisbon will not sell Hammers target William
Carvalho for anything less than £40m release clause
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Friday, September 15, 2017

Sporting Lisbon will not sell West Ham target William Carvalho for any less
than his £40million release clause, according to reports in Portugal. The
Hammers are said to have chased the gifted midfielder during the summer but
a proposal to sign him for £23m fell through. As a result of the transfer
dealings, the relationship between the two clubs has become extremely frosty
with Sporting president even labelling West Ham's owners, David Gold and
David Sullivan, the 'Dildo Brothers'.
Despite that, West Ham are still reportedly keen on a move for the Portugal
international when the January window opens. But now, according to A Bola,
any move is going to cost them nearly twice as much as the original
proposal. It has been reported that Sporting would not be willing to part
with the 25-year-old for any less than his £40m release clause.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SHOULD ANDY CARROLL'S FITNESS/GAME TIME BE MORE CLOSELY MANAGED?
By S J Chandos 15 Sep 2017 at 17:00
WTID

It was interesting to hear Alan Pardew's views on the need to manage Andy
Carroll's fitness more carefully. Pardew went as far as to suggest that
Carroll should be on a reduced schedule (not training Monday-Wednesday every
week) to get the maximum game time out of him. Slaven Bilic has subsequently
responded to this suggestion and confirmed that Carroll is already on a
structured training programme, although he still trains daily with the rest
of the squad. Bilic hoped that this new arrangement would continue to keep
Carroll fit and available for selection for the whole season.

It is clear that Carroll is injury prone and that the club needed to devise
some special arrangement to reduce the stresses and strains on his body.
Only in this way, can he hope to stay fit and available for the course of an
entire season, something he has not managed since he joined us from
Liverpool. While the training is taken care of, would it not also be good
policy to manage his playing time, alternating him between the starting line
up and the bench? We have Hernandez and Sakho available and they should make
this policy viable and practical. In this way, he will get regular physical
respite and avoid the physical stresses that come with continuous playing.
The end result should be that we get more valuable playing time out of
Carroll and he avoids the regular, drawn out injury absences. Then
everyone's a winner!

I sincerely hope that Bilic continues to select the three at the back, with
the wing backs pushing forward down the flanks. It suits our centre-backs,
we achieve greater defensive solidarity and it also optimizes the attacking
impact of Zabaletta and Cresswell. Fonte obvious likes the system and he put
in his best performance in a claret and blue shirt. Reid was his usual
solid, reliable self and Collins also did very well. However, I do wonder if
there is enough pace in that particular three to counter the speedier
attacks of some of the other PL team? In those situations it is likely that
we will need Ogbonna's pace at the expense of either Collins or Fonte. It
should not be a problem against WBA on Saturday, where physicality is likely
to be the order of the day, but it could be an issue in other forthcoming
fixtures. In those circumstances expect Ogbonna to be drafted in to the
centre of the three.

I was so please to see Andre Ayew make such a decisive impact from the bench
on Monday evening. I know that some fans have been disappointed with Ayew's
form since joining the club. But make no mistake, when Ayew is on form he is
a class act. He is that rare and valuable player, a goal scoring midfielder,
who is capable of weighing-in with ten plus goals per season. I still
remember his performance against us, at Upton Park in 2015-16. when his
passing, vision and finishing destroyed us. If he can recapture that type of
form and effectiveness, he will be a major asset for Bilic to deploy this
season.

Finally, it was good to see Sir Trevor Brooking receive an award from the
club on Monday evening to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his first team
debut in a 1967 away match at Burnley. From the Hammers line-up it seems
that it was a case of the glorious present (Moore, Hurst and Peters scored
our goals in a 3-3 draw) meeting the future (Brooking and Bonds debuted and
played alongside Frank Lampard Snr). I actually started attending matches in
the 1967-68 season and it certainly made me conscious of my age! But what
the hell, I am one of those fans who have had the privilege of watching the
club's greatest players in the post-war period (and very probably of
all-time). In that sense, advancing age does have its compensations!

SJ. Chandos.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mark Lawrenson comments on Mark Noble situation
HITC
Subhankar Mondal

West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble has not been playing well so far this
season. Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that West Ham
United midfielder Mark Noble is looking a bit long in the tooth. Noble has
been on the books of West Ham his entire professional club football so far
and has a contract with the London club until June 2020, according to
Transfermarkt.com. The 30-year-old central midfielder is a good player, but
the Englishman has not been at his best so far this season. West Ham have
struggled in the opening weeks of the 2017-18 Premier League campaign and so
has Noble. The former England Under-21 international is the club captain,
but is it time for manager Slaven Bilic to drop him? Liverpool legend
Lawrenson has given his take on Noble's situation, and has suggested that
based on performances he does not have a place in the West Ham midfield.
"Bilic has a big decision to make there," Lawrenson told BBC Sport. "Noble
is looking a bit long in the tooth. "He is obviously such a top professional
and seems a brilliant bloke to have around the club too - the type who would
run things in the dressing room, all those kind of things - but it boils
down to whether he still warrants a place in the side. "Probably on
performances, you would have to say no. The midfield area is an issue for
them, which is why they were trying to sign Sporting Lisbon's William
Carvalho, even though Sporting denied it. "But even without Carvalho on
board, there might no longer be any room for Noble in the team." West Ham
will return to action on Saturday afternoon when they take on West Bromwich
Albion away from home at The Hawthorns in the Premier League.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Can Marko Arnautovic prove Jose Mourinho and Mario Balotelli wrong and help
West Ham shine?
HITC
Damien Lucas

When Marko Arnautovic was sent off for a wild elbow in his second game for
West Ham United it was hardly surprising for many. The Austrian
international became West Ham's record signing when Slaven Bilic splashed
out £25 million to take him from Stoke City. The move instantly divided
opinion with excitement at the prospect of his obvious talent matched by
scepticism over his attitude and consistency. For an insight into quite how
Arnautovic earned his reputation you only need to revisit comments from his
former Inter Milan teammate and fellow 'bad boy' Mario Balotelli and Jose
Mourinho. "The English press liked to talk about Mario - but I promise you
Marko will make me looking like the most boring guy in the world," Balotelli
said back in 2013. "He is one of the funniest and craziest people I have
ever met - there will never be a boring moment when he is around. It is
important to remember he is a very good player though. He has real strength
and toughness about him - he will adapt very well to the English game."
Jose Mourinho claimed Arnautovic had the 'attitude of a child' during a year
together at Inter Milan while former England boss Steve McClaren insisted he
was the 'craziest player he had ever managed' while at FC Twente. The
maverick forward has a lengthy rap sheet and those who had their doubts
about him were vindicated when, just 110 minutes into his West Ham career he
was needlessly and recklessly sent off for elbowing Southampton defender
Dale Stephens.
The Hammers have been through the mill since, losing that game 3-2 before a
3-0 defeat to Newcastle which cast serious doubts over his manager's job.
Mark Hughes insists Arnautovic has matured since becoming an established
Premier League player and a father He has served his three match suspension
and will return to West Ham's squad for the trip to West Bromwich Albion on
Saturday. Now it is up to him to prove people wrong and make a name for
himself in East London. |And after all Hammers fans love a maverick, just
ask Paolo Di Canio.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Paul Merson delivers his verdict on why rejuvenated West Ham will lose at
West Brom
HITC
Damien Lucas

Paul Merson has delivered his verdict on why a rejuvenated West Ham United
will slip back to losing ways at West Bromwich Albion this weekend. The
Hammers climbed off the bottom of the Premier League with a 2-0 win over
Huddersfield on Monday night. It was Slaven Bilic's first win of a torrid
league season so far and came courtesy of goals from Pedro Obiang and Andre
Ayew. The return to fitness of Andy Carroll was a key factor for the
Hammers, though, as the big striker dominated the Terriers throughout in his
first action since April. Bilic has been under pressure and the likes of
Rafael Benitez and Roberto Mancini have been linked with his job. The win
eased that pressure but Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson feels it could pile
back on to the Croatian as he predicts West Ham to lose at the Hawthorns on
Saturday despite Tony Pulis' side going into the game off the back of a 3-1
defeat. While Merson acknowledged Carroll's importance to the Hammers cause,
he told Sky Sports it will be futile against the Baggies. "West Brom were
poor against Brighton, it was like they thought they would just turn up and
not lose, but they were bad until they went 3-0 down, then they had a go,"
Merson said on Sky Sports. "West Ham got a good result on Monday, but a lot
for them depends on Andy Carroll. "(But) I think West Brom have the players
who could cope with him."
Carroll actually has a good goal record against West Brom and the Hammers
will travel to the Midlands with renewed confidence despite losing all three
of their league away games so far. A huge plus for Bilic is the return of
Marko Arnautovic to the fold after he was banned for three games following
his sending off for a stray elbow against Southampton.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham striker Andy Carroll is a 'modern day Duncan Ferguson,' says ex
Arsenal defender Martin Keown
Andy Carroll featured in West Ham's 2-0 victory over Huddersfield on Monday
The forward is reminiscent of former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson
Ferguson would pin you or wrestle you out of an aerial battle for the ball
By Martin Keown for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 22:38, 14 September 2017 | UPDATED: 01:08, 15 September 2017

Andy Carroll, who is set to play his 100th league match for West Ham,
reminds me of Duncan Ferguson. There are plenty of big centre forwards but
few who have the spring of these two. With Ferguson's height, you had to get
it absolutely right to beat him to an aerial ball. The Everton striker would
also use his huge physique to try to pin you, or to wrestle you out of the
path of the ball. To get the better of him, you had to have the element of
surprise. Christopher Schindler, the Huddersfield defender who faced
Carroll as West Ham won 2-0 on Monday night, will have enjoyed many a battle
with physical strikers in the Championship, but none with the athleticism of
Carroll. The West Ham striker is like Tarzan flying through the air. He is
utterly fearless and throws himself at the ball. On Saturday it will be
West Brom's defenders trying to find a way to block his flight path at
set-pieces. Carroll came up against a robust opponent in Schindler but that
inspired him to go up a gear. He loves the rough-and-tumble of battling
defenders. It is difficult to replicate the intensity of Carroll's play in
training. It looks like he gives super-human effort to everything he does on
the field. The way he plays is so demanding on his body and he will only
improve his fitness by playing more games. When Carroll is out injured, he
is criticised as an expensive luxury. But when he is available, he
completely changes the way West Ham play. Carroll is exactly what they
needed to kick-start their season.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic responds to plea to let Andy Carroll train "part-time" in bid
to keep West Ham striker fit
Ex-West Ham boss Alan Pardew suggested he wouldn't let the striker train
from Monday to Wednesday
The Mirror
BYDARREN LEWIS
22:22, 14 SEP 2017UPDATED22:24, 14 SEP 2017

Slaven Bilic has decided against taking Alan Pardew's advice to allow Andy
Carroll to be a part-time trainer. Ex-West Ham boss Pardew suggested earlier
this week that he wouldn't let the Hammers striker train from Monday to
Wednesday in order to prevent him picking up injuries. Carroll, 28, was
outstanding in Monday night's 2-0 win over Huddersfield as the Hammers
picked up their first win of the season. But Bilic, whose men go to West
Brom on Saturday, said: "That is impossible [not to let him train]. "It's
about making a balance. There are some players and Andy's one that you have
to find special treatment for. "But that doesn't mean that he can't train
the whole week. Most likely then he will get injured. On the other hand you
can't treat him as you're treating a 20-year-old. "You need to find a
balance. That is exactly what we are doing now. It looks good and we're
hoping that is going to last. Pardew had told Sky's The Debate Show: "If I
was West Ham manager, I wouldn't let him train. "Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
I just wouldn't let him, and say he can do a little bit of work on Thursday,
Friday he can play in a seven-a-side, and then play on Saturday." "Once
he's fit and he's playing, he doesn't need a lot of work. "The way he plays,
he's kind of in the game and out of the game, so he can rest for periods,
and let him rest; because when he's on the pitch, what he actually does
physically is a lot of big, physical stuff. "Not running around, closing
people down, so he doesn't need to have ten miles in him. "That boy is a
fantastic footballer, but Slaven does have to be very, very clever with him
to try and work out his schedule so that he doesn't overcook him in
training, because a lot of his injuries, he picks up in training."

Meanwhile Bilic has warned his men not to get cocky after Monday night's
win, insisting there is still hard work to be done against a West Brom side
smarting from their defeat last week to Brighton. He added: "We were off
yesterday (Wednesday) and we had a meeting before training today to say that
if we think that because we beat Huddersfield we have done it, no. "We have
to build on this. We beat Huddersfield on Monday after training at our
stadium and we have to produce the fire in training more in games. "We have
to do it tomorrow and only then will we be in a position to get something
out of Saturday or any other game."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ian Wright takes swipe at West Ham board and delivers his verdict on Slaven
Bilic situation
HITC
Damien Lucas

Former West Ham United striker Ian Wright has been discussing the situation
surrounding Slaven Bilic at his old club. Bilic has been under intense
pressure this season after losing his opening three Premier League games and
having a public spat with the club's owners. He was also upset that he
offloaded a number of first team players in order to bring in Portugal
midfield duo William Carvalho and Andre Gomes - deals he believed were all
but done - only to see the club fail to deliver. The fallout from West Ham's
failure to land Carvalho has been embarrassing for co-owners David Sullivan
and David Gold and painful for fans to watch. The pressure has eased
somewhat after the Hammers won their first league game of the season 2-0
against Huddersfield last time out. But despite the result many supporters
still has reservations over both Bilic and the board. And Ian Wright told
Sky Sports' The Debate show he knows who he blames. "He seems to always be
under pressure for some reason Slav," Wright told The Debate. "It is
results, it does come down to results but the fact is every now and then
you'll hear the board (speak out) and (the press) will link them with
someone else. "I heard them linking with the Fulham manager (Slavisa
Jokanovic - as reported by the likes of Sky Sports) and you think to
yourself 'How can they do that to him, he's still in the job, he's still
trying to get it going'. "He'll lose a couple of games and then all of a
sudden 'He's got one more game or he's out' and they were saying the same
about (the Huddersfield) game. "I was quite pleased Slav turned that around
because they put in quite a good performance... I've got quite a lot of
affection for Slav to be honest and I know how much it means to him West Ham
and how much he wants to do well."

Wright and Bilic's relationship blossomed when they appeared as guests on
ITV's memorable coverage of Euro 2016 when the Croatian famously climbed on
the table to celebrate one of Dimitri Payet's goals for France. It speaks
volumes that former players like Wright, Tony Gale and Tony Cottee continue
to back the manager while players like Mark Noble, Andy Carroll and James
Collins have also publicly backed Bilic.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MATCH PREVIEW: WEST BROM V WEST HAM
By Dan Coker 15 Sep 2017 at 08:00 4 comments
WTID

Blast from the past

West Ham United arrived at the home of West Bromwich Albion for a Premier
League fixture on Tuesday the 2nd December 2014 having lost only two of
their previous ten matches. Take That were number one with 'These Days',
Paddington topped the UK box office and former Liberal leader Jeremy Thorpe
died on this day as victory in front of 23,975 at The Hawthorns pushed the
Hammers into the top five.

Craig Dawson ended Albion's 323-minute Premier League goal drought after
just ten minutes when he glanced in Graham Dorrans' free-kick but Kevin
Nolan nodded in to equalise in the 35th minute after Ben Foster had pushed
out Andy Carroll's spectacular overhead kick. Academy product James Tomkins
increased the pressure on Baggies boss Alan Irvine by heading in Stewart
Downing's corner in first-half stoppage time for his first goal in over two
years.

Sam Allardyce's West Ham would move up to third five days later but would
end the 2014/15 season in 12th position. West Brom would finish three points
behind the Hammers in 13th place. Diafra Sakho was the Irons' top goalscorer
with 12 goals from 26 appearances. Aaron Cresswell was voted Hammer of the
Year in his first season with the club, with Adrian runner-up for a second
consecutive campaign. Chelsea secured the title and Arsenal won the 2015 FA
Cup.

West Bromwich Albion: Ben Foster, Andre Wisdom, Craig Dawson, Joleon
Lescott, Chris Baird (Brown Ideye), Graham Dorrans, Craig Gardner (Silvestre
Varela), Chris Brunt (Youssouf Mulumbu), Saido Berahino, Stephane Sessegnon,
Victor Anichebe.

West Ham United: Adrian, Carl Jenkinson, James Tomkins, Winston Reid, Aaron
Cresswell, Kevin Nolan, Cheikhou Kouyate, Morgan Amalfitano (James Collins),
Mauro Zarate (Carlton Cole), Stewart Downing, Andy Carroll (Enner Valencia).



Club Connections

West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion have shared a decent number of
players over the years. These include:

Defenders: Danny Gabbidon, Peter McManus, David Burrows, Steve Walford, Gary
Strodder, Harry Kinsell.

Midfielders: Alan Dickens, Franz Carr, Freddie Fenton, Morgan Amalfitano,
Nigel Quashie.

Strikers: Geoff Hurst, Tudor Martin, David Speedie, Jeroen Boere, Frank
Nouble, John Hartson, Chippy Simmons, Vince Haynes, Tommy Green, David
Cross.

Archie Macauley played for West Ham and managed West Brom, while Sam
Allardyce played for the Baggies and managed the Hammers. Bobby Gould played
for both clubs and also spent a period as manager at The Hawthorns.

Today's focus though is on a player who played for both clubs in the 1990s.
Peter Butler was born in Halifax on the 27th August 1966. He started out at
Huddersfield in 1984 and spent two years with the Terriers, including a loan
spell with Cambridge. He moved to Bury but stayed for a matter of months
before making a permanent switch back to Cambridge. Butler signed for
Southend in 1988 and spent four years with the Shrimpers, which included a
loan spell back at Huddersfield.

The 25-year-old Butler, a 5'9 tenacious, tough-tackling midfielder, joined
Billy Bonds' West Ham United in the summer of 1992 in a £175,000 move and
made his debut on the 16th August 1992 in a 1-0 win at Barnsley. He became a
fixture in the side alongside Martin Allen in a central midfield brimming
with steel and grit, making 44 appearances in all competitions in his first
season, and scored his first goal for the club in a 2-1 home win over
Peterborough on 9th February 1993. His second goal of the campaign came in a
4-0 triumph over Brentford, again at Upton Park, on 17th April 1993. Butler
was part of the team which clinched promotion to the Premier League on the
final day of the 1992/93 season against his former club Cambridge – the
match was the last played in front of the old South Bank.

'Butts' played in over half of the Hammers' matches back in the big time as
he savoured his first taste of top-flight football. He scored his only
Premier League goal against Coventry in a 3-2 home victory on 11th December
1993 and was Man of the Match in a game watched by legendary Hungarian
player Ferenc Puskas. Butler picked up a knee injury and missed the final
month of 1993/94 but had more than played his part in establishing the
Hammers as a Premier League side.

Butler made five appearances for new manager Harry Redknapp at the start of
the following campaign, with his final match in claret and blue coming in a
1-0 home victory over Aston Villa on 17th September 1994. Butler has since
stated on this very website that he "loved every minute" of his time with
West Ham and "felt honoured to have put that claret and blue shirt on my
back every game". He departed for Notts County for a fee of £350,000 in
October 1994. His mother was terminally ill at the time and passed away
suddenly – Butler wanted to move nearer to home to be near his father who
was also not well. Butler's three goals for the Hammers can be viewed in my
video below.

After three goals in 78 appearances for West Ham United, Butler spent two
years at Meadow Lane, taking in loan spells at Grimsby and West Brom. He
made his move to The Hawthorns permanent in 1996, making 65 appearances for
the club in total. He enjoyed two-and-a-half good seasons with West Brom
before being offered a coaching position at hometown team Halifax.

He left Halifax in 2000 and was offered a three-year appointment on a
sporting visa in Australia, joining Sorrento in the northern suburbs of
Perth, West Australia as Director of Youth Development. Butler played for
the club too, hanging up his boots in 2002. From there, he took a Technical
Director position at the East Malaysian FA before moving to Bali. He moved
on again, this time to Singapore where he coached the Singapore Armed Forces
side for eight months in 2004/05. Three months of consultancy work back with
the East Malaysian FA was followed by a move to Indonesia in 2006 to coach
Persiba Balikpapan. Butler, who can speak Malaysian and Indonesian, moved on
to Kelantan in Malaysia in 2008 before becoming Technical Director of
Burmese club Yangon United a year later.

Since 2010, Butler has managed Thai club BEC Tero Sasana, returned to
Kelantan and Persiba Balikpapan for second spells and managed Malaysian
outfits Terengganu and T-Team. He was manager of the Botswana national team
from 2014 until earlier this year. Butler, now 51, left his job as manager
of South African club Platinum Stars last week.

Referee

Saturday's referee is Paul Tierney. The Lancashire-based official has been
the man in the middle for one Championship and two League Two matches so far
this season. The 36-year-old has refereed the Hammers once before, in the
1-1 draw with Everton in November 2015 which saw James McCarthy's tackle on
Dimitri Payet put the Frenchman out of action for two months.

Embed from Getty Images

Possible line-ups

West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis has a doubt over Nacer Chadli while
Gareth McAuley is lacking match fitness. Oliver Burke and James McClean
should be available.

Slaven Bilic is without Mark Noble, Edimilson Fernandes and Manuel Lanzini.
Andre Ayew claimed a goal and an assist from the bench against Huddersfield
on Monday and is pushing for a return to the starting line-up. Marko
Arnautovic is available after suspension.

Possible West Bromwich Albion XI: Foster; Dawson, Hegazy, Evans, Nyom;
Krychowiak; Phillips, Barry, Livermore, Rodriguez; Rondon.

Possible West Ham United XI: Hart; Fonte, Reid, Collins; Zabaleta, Kouyate,
Obiang, Cresswell; Antonio, Carroll, Ayew.

Enjoy the game – Up The Hammers!

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 15th September 2017

Carroll: The lads are strong together
WHUFC.com

Andy Carroll believes the Hammers' team spirit was key to ending their wait
for a first Premier League victory of the season. West Ham bounced back from
three straight defeats with a 2-0 victory over newly-promoted Huddersfield
Town on Monday, giving Carroll the perfect comeback after he had to sit out
the opening month of the campaign with injury. The 28-year-old was a handful
throughout for the Terriers defence, creating chances for others with his
target man play, as well as having efforts at goal himself. Second half
strikes from Pedro Obiang and Andre Ayew gave the hosts the points and
Carroll said that was the least his side deserved. "It's nice to be back and
put on the kit," he beamed. "I felt good being back around the lads all week
preparing for the game. "Even though we had the international break we've
been knocking our heads together all week, wanting to do well. The lads are
strong together, everyone's been talking, basically telling each other to
pull their finger out and that's exactly what we did on Monday. "Everyone in
the team gave their all and got the win. Everyone's together in that
dressing room and everyone will be together until the end."

Monday's meeting with the Terriers was the first home match of the season
for the Hammers, so Carroll was delighted to get off to the perfect start at
London Stadium. He added: "We had three away games, which was obviously no
excuse for the performances we gave, but we bounced back on Monday with a
great win and a great performance. "We could probably have had a few goals
in the first half, they got a block on my header and on Ginge's header,
Cheik had a good chance. "We kept at it, we knew it was going to come and we
got the two when Andre came on as well."

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Six ways to climb the FPL table this month
WHUFC.com

Jay Egersdorff – the West Ham king when it comes to Fantasy Premier League –
is back to share his tips as the season really starts to get interesting.
The IT Recruitment Director beat thousands in the Claret and Blue Army to
top spot for the West Ham FPL title last season. And now the 33-year-old
wants to help out his fellow Hammers with his tips right here, and remember
there's still time to join the Official West Ham FPL League in association
with Hantec Markets…

Slow start? Don't worry

Jay says: "Have you had a slow start? Don't let that get you down. Before
the international break, I was on 167 points – a solid start but it is
nothing specatacular.
"I aim to get 50 points per week as I know if I maintain this throughout a
season I'm on track to finish well. Overall, I'm pleased with my goalkeeper
and defence, and attack, but in midfield I've been badly let down by
Wilfried Zaha, Willian, Aaron Ramsey and Kevin De Bruyne."

Don't rush your chips

Jay says: "During the international break, I heard a lot of people used
their wildcards already to refresh their whole team. I think that unless you
had a spectacularly poor start, that's a mistake. "You want to sit on it for
a few weeks and let the land lie. European matches have already started and
it may lead to player rotations in the league. Analysing how the transfer
window signings settle is also important to do, now."

International breaks are important

Jay says: "Many will be hoping that if their selections do well
internationally, they could carry that form into their club football. I was
hoping that would be the case with Harry Kane and Aaron Ramsey, and Kane has
now started scoring. "A concern is injuries – Chancel Mbemba was a solid,
cheap option, but was injured with DR Congo, so you must always watch out.
International breaks are annoying – I'm always desperate for the Premier
League to return!"

This month's tips

Jay says: "For me, I think a wise choice could be a Swansea player or two –
they have a decent run of games, although they soon play West Ham! Tammy
Abraham could be a bargain. "The Liverpool trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane
and Roberto Firmino look promising and, as I said at the start of the
season, I think Chicharito will sparkle for the Hammers."

New kids on the block

Jay says: "At the end of the transfer window, some moves happened that you
should keep your eyes on. Renato Sanches didn't have an ideal debut but he
is certainly a very reasonable selection at £5m. "I think proven players who
remained at their clubs such as Alexis Sanchez, Diego Costa, Riyad Mahrez
and Philippe Coutinho could be interesting choices if they rediscover their
top form."

Claret and Blue picks

Jay says: "I've said before, Chicharito is an obvious pick. I'm confident
he'll score goals this season. Michail Antonio is a great FPL player who
gets goals and assists. "Declan Rice – if he continues to get minutes –
could be a bargain. Only Slaven will know if he's a good pick and will be in
the team, though! Finally, keep an eye on Marko Arnautovic – now he has
served his suspension, he'll be desperate to make amends and can be a
brilliant FPL option."

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Team news: Arnautovic's return, Noble, Lanzini and Fernandes updates
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic has confirmed Marko Arnautovic will return to the matchday
squad as West Ham United face West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on
Saturday.
The Hammers travel to the Midlands on the back of Monday's crucial 2-0 win
over Huddersfield Town at London Stadium, while the Baggies are without a
win in two following a draw with Stoke and a 3-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove
Albion at the weekend. Austrian Arnautovic has missed the last three matches
through suspension following his red card in a 3-2 defeat against
Southampton at St. Mary's. The winger did, however, complete two 90 minutes
for his country over the international break and is available for selection
this weekend having served his three-match ban.
West Ham boss Bilic also issued updates on Mark Noble, Edimilson Fernandes
and Manuel Lanzini, all of whom missed this week's clash against the
Terriers.
"Marko is back," Bilic, speaking to the press before Saturday's trip,
confirmed. "He will be in the squad for the game against West Brom. "It does
[give us a selection headache]. It's good to have him back. "Mark [Noble]
got a knock on his knee, and it's nothing serious but he obviously couldn't
play against Huddersfield. He trained today and it's much better, nothing
serious. Marko will be in the squad for the game against West Brom. It gives
us a selection headache. It's good to have him back "But he definitely
won't play this week – it would be difficult for West Brom. Maybe he will be
back for the Bolton game, but not the weekend. "We have a few bruises and
knocks because the game was on Monday and not Saturday or Sunday, but the
squad should be fit apart from Noble and then Lanzini and Fernandes who also
missed Huddersfield. "Fernandes will train in a couple of days but Lanzini
hopefully will only be out for one or two more weeks. He is running and
training with the ball – so far, so good."

Meanwhile, Andy Carroll returned to Slaven Bilic's side from the start
against Huddersfield and was influential as the east Londoners picked up
their first Premier League points of the season. The manager explained how
the Club are managing the Big Man's fitness. "There are some players – and
Andy's one – that you have to find special treatment for, for training. You
can't treat him like a 20-year-old, who can train for six hours a day, but
of course he has got to train. "You can't treat him like Declan Rice or
Domingos Quina. But you need to find a balance. That is exactly what we are
doing now. "It's good at the moment and we are hoping that is going to
last."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic says West Ham's win over Huddersfield just a stepping stone
By Pat McLoughlin
Last Updated: 14/09/17 5:28pm
SSN

Slaven Bilic is hoping West Ham's first Premier League win of the season
over Huddersfield can inspire the club's climb up the table. Bilic had been
feeling the heat after the Hammers lost their first three top-flight matches
but second-half goals from Pedro Obiang - via a huge deflection - and Andre
Ayew secured a 2-0 win over the Terriers at London Stadium on Monday Night
Football. "It [was] important for us to win the [Huddersfield] game," Bilic
said ahead of Saturday's trip to West Brom. "We have to continue like that.
"As I told the players this morning, because yesterday we were off, and we
had a small meeting, we have to build on this. "Ok, we beat Huddersfield.
"Not on Monday night - we beat Huddersfield on Saturday and Sunday when we
trained in our stadium and [in] our stadium there was properly fiery
training sessions and [now] we have to produce it, more or less, every day.
"We have to do it tomorrow and then, and only then, we will be in a
situation to get something out of Saturday, or any other game."
West Ham defender Winston Reid had pointed to a greater intensity to the
team's approach in the vital victory but Bilic added: "It's not like before
there hasn't been a hunger. "We're not the only club that are giving their
best when their backs are to the wall. "The art is, that is, the difference
between great players and good players because [the greats] do it every day
or every week. Every day they want to move the boundaries, individually, and
then they produce it for the team as well."
Ahead of the potentially tricky trip to The Hawthorns, the Croat has asked
his team to stay in that winning mentality and pull together professionally.
"Definitely, it's my job to keep them in that zone," Bilic admitted. "It is
a massive part of every manager's job but it's also down to them to be like
that because we can't control what they do outside the training camp. "I'm
talking now in general. They are mature people. They are well paid, they
love football and they are in a privileged position that most of the normal
people would swap [for]. They should respect themselves by respecting the
job."

Andy Carroll's return gave Bilic's side a timely boost, the former England
striker making his first appearance of the season on Monday after five
months out with a hip injury. The manager rejected the suggestion made by
former West Ham boss Alan Pardew that injury-prone Carroll could even be
excused from some training sessions. "That is impossible," Bilic said.
"It's about making a balance. There are some players, and Andy is one, that
you have to find special treatment for. "But that doesn't mean that he can't
train the whole week. Most likely then he will get injured. "On the other
hand you can't treat him as you're treating a 20-year-old. You need to find
a balance."
Bilic also moved again to clarify his relationship with David Sullivan after
saying last week the club's owner "likes to talk". Sullivan had claimed
Bilic turned down the chance to sign Renato Sanches from Bayern and Paris
St-Germain's Grzegorz Krychowiak in the summer. "I only explained the
situation that he put me into," Bilic said. "We had a good conversation
after Monday. We won the game and it was very important for us and he was
also happy with our performance. You should call him and ask him how did he
feel."

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Idle Thoughts: The No. 7 Shirt
West Ham Opinion
POSTED BY: JAMES ANDERSON 14/09/2017
Moore Than Just A Club

Watching the game last Monday evening, I found myself thinking back to one
of my favourite players of the 1960s, Alan Sealey.

Sealey came to West Ham from Leyton Orient in March, 1961, in an exchange
deal which involved Dave Dunmore going the other way. At the time, it seemed
a strange arrangement. Dunmore was an experienced centre-forward who scored
16 goals in 36 appearances for the Hammers. At one point in that 1960/61
season, he had scored in seven successive matches, the highlight of that run
being a hat-trick in a 6-0 thrashing of Arsenal on Guy Fawkes Day. Sealey,
on the other hand, was a promising but as yet untried centre-forward who had
only recently made his debut for the Orient, scoring just the once in four
games.

What made the transfer particularly unusual was that the Hammers were in a
sort of 'managerial limbo' at the time, Ted Fenton on his way out and Ron
Greenwood on his way in. Whoever it was in the Hammers' camp who made that
transfer happen was certainly to be congratulated. Although making many
appearances for West Ham wearing the No. 9 shirt, the high point of Alan
Sealey's career came with No. 7 on his back, on that never-to-be-forgotten
night when Bobby Moore lifted the European Cup Winners' Cup at Wembley in
1965 and Sealey was the scorer of the Hammers' two goals.

It was Michail Antonio's performance the other night that had me thinking
back to Alan Sealey, as he played the ball down the line, haring after it
and leaving his full-back trailing in his wake. A simple but extremely
effective move that Alan Sealey employed on the Hammers' right wing all
those years ago and which Michail Antonio will, hopefully, put to more good
use in the coming season.

All that's missing is the shirt number. Somehow the No. 30 doesn't have the
same aura as No.7 and it certainly doesn't have the same history. As a
youngster, I remember Bobby Moore being given the run-around by perhaps the
greatest of English football's No.7s, Stanley Matthews, whilst another proud
wearer of No.7 in that era was Tom Finney.

And, apart from Alan Sealey, the Hammers have had many other notable wearers
of No.7. Another two-goal man was the 1975 F. A. Cup Final hero, Alan
Taylor, scorer of the two goals which knocked out Arsenal in the 6th round,
two more in the Semi-Final against Ipswich and, by way of an encore, two
more in the Final against Bobby Moore's Fulham.

When West Ham met Anderlecht in the following year's European Cup Winners'
Cup Final, two of the Belgian goals were scored by their right-winger,
Francois Van der Elst, who subsequently exchanged the Anderlecht No.7 shirt
for that of the Hammers.

Tommy Yews, Stan Foxall, Peter Brabrook, Harry Redknapp, Pat Holland, Paul
Allen, Jimmy Neighbour, Ian Bishop and many others have worn that shirt over
the years. Today, it belongs to Marko Arnautovic who, let us hope, will soon
add his own little bit of magic to the history of the Hammers' No.7 shirt.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic transcript: every word from the West Ham boss on Carroll, West Brom
and renewed confidence
Here is every single word from Slaven Bilic's press conference earlier today
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
15:24, 14 SEP 2017UPDATED17:06, 14 SEP 2017

Team news ahead of the weekend, especially Mark Noble?

Mark got a knock on his knee, it is nothing serious but he couldn't play
against Huddersfield and he trained today individually. It is much better so
nothing serious, but it is very difficult for him to face West Brom. Most
definitely not, maybe for Bolton game. So it is nothing serious, he felt a
little ligaments in his knee.

So far so good on any one else. There were a few knocks and bruises but they
should all be fit apart from Edimilson Fernandes and Manuel Lanzini who
weren't there on Monday. Fernandes is looking like he will start training in
a couple of days and Lanzini, hopefully one week, maybe two weeks, but he is
running, training with the ball, so far so good.

There is a sense of change in training according to Winston Reid, have you
noticed that?

It was important for us to win the game, but we have to continue like this.
As I told the players this morning, we have a small meeting, do not think
for one second that now we beat Huddersfield, we can relax.

We have to build on this, we beat them OK, but we also beat them in training
on Saturday and Sunday as well as Monday at the stadium when there was fiery
training. We have to produce that more or less every day, then tomorrow and
only then will we be in a situation to get something out of Saturday's or
any other game.

Why did it take this long for the hunger to arrive?

It is not black and white, it's not that it hasn't been there. You are
right, we are not the only club like that, not giving their best until their
backs are to the wall. It is a question mark. That is the difference between
good and great players, they have that and do it every day, move the
boundaries as an individual.

It is down to me and to them. To keep them in that zone, not to fly too high
or not to be big headed. It is a massive part of every managers job, but it
is also down to them to be like that. I cant control what they do outside of
training, I am talking now in general. They are mature people, they are well
paid, in a privileged position that most normal people would swap and are
dreaming of so they should respect the job.

Relations were strained between you and the board - is that better?

What do you mean by strained? I speak to Mr Sullivan after every game and it
is like that since I joined two years ago. Of course, after good runs or a
win it is like more relaxed talk, lets say. Although so far, I have never
had kind of a hectic talk or like a heavy talk, you know what I mean? It was
always polite and in the zone.

Was it on Monday?

It was a good one, yes. We won the game, it was important and he was also
happy with our performance. Maybe you should call him and ask him how he
felt.

You were bullish last week in your interview...

I was not bullish at all, why don;t you ask me how I was bullish? I don't
know. I was not at all, I only explained the situation that he put me in to.
I praised him, the club, the deals we done and I meant it. I explained
Carvalho and why it didn't happen. OK it was the money was too big and I
wanted to explain the situation with the two players that I didn't want. I
was not bullish at all.
The transfer window is now closed. Whether we were close or not was totally
irrelevant.

How big a boost has Andy Carroll given you?

Andy Carroll on his return to action for West Ham (Image: Clive Rose/Getty
Images)

He is a player that can lift the whole team, we have been saying that for
two years now. I have said is a hundred times, now 101, he is the player
everyone knows, the crowd knows, the opponent knows, you cannot ignore.
Whether you are playing with him or against him. You always know what he is
going to give you and what are you doing to get from him. It is great to
have him back, now the question, the million dollar one, is how we are going
to manage to keep him fit for the rest if the season and his career.

Alan Pardew's no training for Carroll comments

That is impossible. We have to make a balance, Alan Pardew definitely didn't
mean for him not to train, he wanted to show there are some players that you
have to find a special balance, a treatment or management for them to be
available for games but that doesn't mean he isn't going to train the whole
week because then most likely, he will get injured at the game.

On the other hand you can treat him like a 20 year old who can train six
hours a day like Rice, Quina, whatever, you have to find the balance. He
ends some days off but on those days he should use them to work on staying
the gym and that, it is also training. That is what we are doing now with
him and we hope it will last.

Three games in a week, the momentum is with you now?

We have to use it, yes. We are in a position that we didn't like, now we
have won one game and we are talking before the game that what we needed to
get a boost was that, we done that so I am now expecting us, with the
greatest respect to the opponents, to push on. The pressure on us is a bit
less, the confidence is back, lets use it.

Marco Asensio and his shaving incident

I am sure you know more about that than me.

It's nothing new, the players doing that.

Do you do it?

Do I look like I did it? It's nothing new. It's like the last 10, 15 years
its an excuse. They do it for the massages and things like that. Modern
times.

How crucial is that confidence you now have?

It is crucial, even yesterday a few managers were talking about it in the
Champions league, how it affects them. Confidence comes and goes, class is
permanent.
Confidence can vary. It is important like in any job so now, as I just said,
we should have it back. If that was one of the reasons then there is no
bigger motivation than that for Saturday. Let's build on that and try to
produce the same on Saturday, so its not only the games but we have better
training too. It is like a chain you know, many good things are more
positive now.

You said at training, they had fire before the game on Monday, how do you
make sure they keep that?

By talking to them, showing them, having individual talks, those kind of
things, it's the only way. We have been waiting for this and now we don't
want to lose it.

Frank de Boer - you said it played on your mind?

I didn't say that. Someone asked me do I feel pressure then yes, of course,
he was the example but I didn't think about him. I don't need or didn't need
him to know the mechanism , or the Marco Asensio thing to know the players
shave their legs, I see it every day. What about Frank de Boer again? No, I
said after the game I don't look at my job from that perpestcive. I was
happy, I am still happy as I feel good when we win. I saw the response from
my team, the energy, the performance, it wasn't a nice game of football for
neutrals for example but it was a proper professional game an they executed
the plan we had. I saw dominance from the start and we were rewarded with a
little but of luck for the first goal.

You got a clean sheet to boot as well...

We deserved it, it was a good game for us to build on. Not only the win but
clean sheet and I am not talking just Joe Hart but about the defence and the
whole team. You cant say we were lucky, they had one chance towards the end
of the game and that was it, we were really good in that department. Those
three points we can use it to build on that.

Does Arnautovic's return give you a selection headache?

It does give me a selection headache. He was frustrated, I was angry and
frustrated but now he is back and has served the ban and he will be in the
squad for the game, it is good to have him back.

West Brom, surprised a few people?

Well, no. They had a good start, not only start but for a long time they
were good last season and were the first ones to secure their status from
not the big teams. They started well but the last couple of games of course
they lost and drew they won the first two with typical results. It is not a
big surprise, they got some good players, they invested again and they are
always a very hard team to beat.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic warns West Ham against complacency after first win of the
season over Huddersfield
Slaven Bilic called a team meeting after the 2-0 win over Huddersfield
The manager was under mounting pressure after three opening league defeats
West Ham remain in the relegation zone ahead of the clash with West Brom
By Tom Allnutt, Press Association Sport
PUBLISHED: 17:58, 14 September 2017 | UPDATED: 17:58, 14 September 2017

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has revealed he called a team meeting on
Thursday to deliver his players a reality check. Bilic had been facing
mounting pressure following three opening league defeats but Monday's win
over Huddersfield earned him some relief and his side their first points of
the season. West Ham remain 18th in the table, however, ahead of Saturday's
game at West Brom and, having granted his players the day off on Wednesday,
Bilic warned them against complacency. 'We were off yesterday and we had a
meeting before training today [to say] if we think that because we beat
Huddersfield we have done it - no,' Bilic said. 'The difference between
great players and good players is doing it every day or every week. 'It's
down to both them and us to keep them in that zone - not to fly too high or
be big-headed - it's a massive part of every manager's job. 'But it's also
down to them to be like that. We can't control what they do outside the
training camp. 'They are mature people though and are in a privileged
position which most normal people would swap to be in. They should respect
themselves by respecting the job.'
Andy Carroll's return has given West Ham a timely boost, the striker making
his first appearance of the season on Monday after five months out with a
hip injury.
The key now is keeping Carroll fit but Bilic rejected the suggestion made by
former West Ham boss Alan Pardew that Carroll should even be excused from
training. 'That is impossible,' Bilic said. 'It's about making a balance.
'There are some players, and Andy is one, that you have to find special
treatment for. 'But that doesn't mean that he can't train the whole week.
Most likely then he will get injured. 'On the other hand you can't treat him
as you're treating a 20-year-old. You need to find a balance.'
Bilic also moved again to clarify his relationship with David Sullivan after
saying last week the club's owner 'likes to talk'. Sullivan had claimed
Bilic turned down the chance to sign Renato Sanches and Grzegorz Krychowiak
in the summer. 'I only explained the situation that he put me into,' Bilic
said. 'We had a good conversation after Monday. We won the game and it was
very important for us and he was also happy with our performance. You should
call him and ask him how did he feel.' Mark Noble is out this weekend with
a knee injury while Edimilson Fernandes and Manuel Lanzini are also
unavailable as they recover from ankle and knee problems respectively.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham banking on bespoke training plan to keep Andy Carroll fit and
firing
Frank Dalleres
Sports Editor at City A.M.

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is placing his trust in a special training
programme to derive the best from Andy Carroll and steer the injury-plagued
centre-forward clear of further setbacks. Carroll was instrumental in
Monday's 2-0 win over Huddersfield, the Hammers' first Premier League points
of the season and his maiden appearance of the campaign. "There are some
players – and Andy's one – that you have to find special treatment for,"
Bilic said ahead of Saturday's trip to West Brom. "But that doesn't mean
that he can't train the whole week. Most likely then he will get injured. On
the other hand you can't treat him as you're treating a 20-year-old, who
could train six hours a day. "You need to find a balance. That is exactly
what we are doing now. It looks good and we're hoping that is going to
last."
Bilic urged his team to build on their success against Huddersfield, which
lifted them off the bottom of the table. "We have to use the momentum. We
were in a position we didn't like, and now we've won, we have got a boost,"
he added. "I'm expecting us, with the greatest respect to the opponent – and
it will be hard – to use our confidence on Saturday."

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Has Slaven Bilic's tactical tinkering breathed life into Pablo Zabaleta's
West Ham career
HITC
Danny Owen

Pablo Zabaleta was back to something resembling his best as West Ham secured
a vital win over Huddersfield Town on Monday night. On initial inspection,
West Ham's summer transfer business looked impressive indeed. Joint chairman
David Gold promised players with Premier League experience and he delivered,
Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez arriving at
the London Stadium. Football isn't played on paper, however, and West Ham's
performances on grass have left a lot to be desired – particularly their new
signings. Hart continues to look a shadow of the keeper who once went
toe-to-toe with Gianluigi Buffon and Manuel Neuer for the title of the
world's best, Hernandez has been largely anonymous barring a two-goal
display at Southampton while Arnautovic was sent off for a stupid elbow on
Saints defender Jack Stephens and copped a deserved ban. Zabaleta, however,
a pillar of consistency during a decade at Manchester City, had not started
much better. The affable Argentine looked every one of his 32 years as The
Hammers lost their first three Premier League games, conceding 10 goals in
the process. He also gave away the last minute penalty that gifted
Southampton the winner on matchday two.
Therefore, his impressive performance in Monday night's relief-inducing 2-0
win at home to Huddersfield Town could hardly have come at a better time –
and the supposed 'tactical dunce' Slaven Bilic deserves some credit for
coaxing an improved performance out of a player who looked finished at the
top level just a few weeks earlier. Under-fire coach Bilic set up West Ham
with a three-man defence against Huddersfield, unbeaten in their first three
league games, and Zabaleta lined up in a right-wing back role. And the
two-time Premier League champion impressed at both ends of the pitch,
producing two key passes, supplying two crosses and ensuring West Ham kept
their first clean sheet of the season. The wing-back role appears to suit
Zabaleta far better than playing in a flat back four, ensuring his lack of
pace is not exposed on the flanks due to the cover provided by an extra
centre-half. It also gave him the licence to get forward and, at the risk of
speaking to soon, has breathed life into a West Ham career that had looked
lifeless from day one.

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Impossible: Slaven Bilic responds to Alan Pardew's idea about West Ham star
Andy Carroll
HITC
Olly Dawes

West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic has praised striker Andy Carroll. West
Ham United boss Slaven Bilic has told Football.London that Alan Pardew's
suggestion for Andy Carroll's ideal training regime is 'impossible'. The
Hammers claimed their first win of the Premier League season on Monday
night, as the defeated Huddersfield 2-0 at the London Stadium thanks to
goals from Pedro Obiang and Andre Ayew. After defeats to Manchester United,
Southampton and Newcastle United, Monday's victory was a welcome boost for
under-fire manager Slaven Bilic – and he was able to call upon striker Andy
Carroll. Carroll, 28, hadn't featured at all before Monday's clash as he
battled injury problems, but he started against Huddersfield, making a huge
impact throughout. The gangly target man was a menace against the
Huddersfield defence, giving Bilic a focal point to aim for in attack,
causing problems with his aerial ability and threat around the box.
Carroll's challenge now is to stay fit after so many injuries in recent
years, and his issues prompted a bizarre suggestion from former West Ham
boss Alan Pardew earlier this week. Pardew told Sky Sports' The Debate that
he wouldn't even allow Carroll to train on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday
before a Saturday game, and just give him work on Thursday and Friday in
order to prevent him from suffering so many injuries.
However, West Ham boss Bilic has now told Football.London that he thinks
Pardew's idea is 'impossible' as he would in no way be ready for first-team
action if he didn't train at all – and he noted that Carroll boosts the
entire team when he is available to play. "He lifts the whole team," said
Bilic. "We have been saying that for two years now. I have said it 100
times, he's the player the everybody knows, the crowd know, the opponent
knows, you cannot ignore him." "That is impossible. You have to find a
special treatment to manage him to be available for the games. That does not
mean he won't not train the whole week, no way," he added.

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West Ham given major boost ahead of West Brom clash as Manuel Lanzini
spotted in training
Manuel Lanzini could return for the Hammers this weekend after recovering
from a knee injury
Football London
BYSAM INKERSOLE
13:15, 14 SEP 2017

West Ham have been handed a massive boost after Manuel Lanzini returned to
training. The Argentina star has played just 45 minutes of football this
season after picking up a knee injury during pre-season out in Germany. He
returned to feature for the second half of the 3-0 defeat at Newcastle
United but aggravated the problem and has been out since. However, the
Hammers posted on their Snapchat from training this morning of Lanzini with
his teammates ahead of this weekend's visit to West Bromwich Albion. Last
week, West Ham boss Slaven Bilic was unsure if Lanzini would be available
for the trip to the Hawthorns but did say it would be great if he was. The
Hammers will likely want to take care of Lanzini on his return so if he is
available for this weekend, a spot on the bench is the most likely option
for him.

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The evolution of Masuaku as West Ham defender returns to where it first went
wrong
It's been almost a year to the day where Masuaku had his first nightmare and
it still lives in the memory
Football london
BYSAM INKERSOLE
11:03, 14 SEP 2017

When Saturday arrives, it will be exactly a year since Arthur Masuaku had an
absolute horror show as West Ham were downed 4-2 at West Bromwich Albion. As
luck/fate/coincidence would have it, the Hammers are back at the Hawthorns
this weekend to face Tony Pulis' side and the similarities are eerie to say
the least.
West Ham were 17th in the table this time last year, they head to there this
weekend in 18th. West Brom were 8th in the table when the two met on
September 17 last year, they are 9th this season. The only difference this
time around is the Hammers are arriving on September 16 off the back of a
win, the 2-0 victory over Huddersfield on Monday night. Last season, it was
the game after Slaven Bilic's side threw away a 2-0 lead against Watford and
lost 4-2. It was an awful day at the Hawthorns 12 months ago, the Baggies
first game under new Chinese ownership as Nacer Chadli and Salomon Rondon
ran riot but it'll be remembered for Masuaku, who has a complete weston of a
game. Matt Phillips, the West Brom winger, had a field day up against the
DR Congo man, who was making just his fifth start for the Hammers, in for
the injured Aaron Cresswell, even showboating in front of Masuaku before
half time as the Baggies romped into a 3-0 lead.
The left back had a torrid afternoon and it started early as early a the 8th
minute, when Masuaku, under no pressure whatsoever in the box, tried to
control on his chest but inexplicably hit his arm and a stonewall penalty
was awarded by Mark Clattenburg, converted by Rondon. Masuaku was eventually
hauled off after 72 minutes by Bilic following his torrid afternoon.
But that was 12 months ago so what now of Masuaku?

Well, he finds himself out of favour at the Hammers following a torrid game
up at Old Trafford on the opening day of the season but towards the back end
of last season and throughout this pre-season, he had been touted as a
Cresswell replacement. He enjoyed an excellent end to the last campaign in a
wing-back role as part of a back five when Cresswell was out injured. He
showed brilliant attacking qualities - his defending was still suspect - but
there was improvement for sure.
As was the case after West Brom, one bad game has seen Masuaku written off
when he really shouldn't be. Man United were on a different stratosphere on
the opening day and anyone would have had a tough time up against Romelu
Lukaku, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Sky Sports
pundit Gary Neville tore Masuaku to shreds during the game and post-game as
well as it appeared Masuaku shared a joke with Lukaku before the Belgian
headed in United's second goal. "He [Bilic] will be furious when he sees
that goal," said Neville. "His laughing left-back. Get him off. Rubbish."

Cresswell has since returned from injury and Masuaku has not seen a single
minute of action in the following three games, even with the switch in
formation to wing-backs, Cresswell is still the number one option. Masuaku
has had two bad games for West Ham but when he has played bad, he has been
unbelievably bad and it is counting against him. All the good work is often
undone when all people remember is your horror shows. Has he come full
circle? Maybe not, but Masuaku arrives at the Hawthorns this weekend in the
same predicament he left the same ground 12 months ago.

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Senior players send clear message to West Ham owners over Slaven Bilic
HITC
Damien Lucas

West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic is a man under pressure despite a first
win of the season last time out. When West Ham lost their opening three
Premier League matches the writing looked to be on the wall for Slaven
Bilic. Sat rock bottom of the league on a minus eight goal difference Bilic
was then pushed to defend himself in a public spat with co-owner David
Sullivan over transfers. The likes of Rafael Benitez and Roberto Mancini
were linked as potential replacements as speculation mounted that he would
be sacked. A 2-0 victory over Huddersfield last time out has lifted the mood
and the club off the bottom. Despite that win, though, questions are still
being asked over the direction West Ham are heading under Bilic, who is into
the last season of his contract. But no fewer than six of West Ham's most
senior players have spoken out in support of Bilic in what is a clear
message to the owners that the squad are fully behind their manager. One
such player is experienced Portuguese defender Jose Fonte who spoke up for
Bilic in an interview with the club's official website. "He is a passionate
manager and a great manager and he deserved this because he's been under a
lot of pressure, of course, as we all know, this is the business we are in,"
Fonte told whufc.com.
"It was important for him and it was important for us to show our attitude
and that we are always with our manager and I'm pleased for him because it
was his birthday and we gave him what he wanted. "We are experienced enough
to know we are all under pressure. This is our job and we get criticised for
everything, so the best way to deal with it is to go to the training ground
and work harder than ever and that's what we've been doing, training as hard
as we can to put things right."
Fonte isn't the only player to publicly back the manager. Mark Noble, James
Collins, Andy Carroll, Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart have all spoken out in
support of the under pressure Croatian in the last week. And the fight the
team showed on the London Stadium pitch to grind out the crucial win over
Huddersfield saw the players put their words in action.

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Andy Carroll reflects on strong injury return and 'strong performance'
against Huddersfield
The striker got his first appearance of the season at the London Stadium
Football London
BYADAM JONES
10:12, 14 SEP 2017

Andy Carroll has admitted it was great to be back in a West Ham shirt after
making his first appearance of the season in the win over Huddersfield Town
on Monday night. The striker put in a strong performance on his return from
injury in the 2-0 victory for the Hammers - ending a run of three straight
defeats to start the 2017/18 campaign. And the 28-year-old has chalked the
win down to a brilliant team spirit within the club - and also commented on
how personally good it felt for him to be back on the pitch in claret and
blue. "It's nice to be back and put on the kit. I felt good being back
around the lads all week preparing for the game," Carroll told the club's
official website. "Even though we had the international break we've been
knocking our heads together all week, wanting to do well. The lads are
strong together, everyone's been talking, basically telling each other to
pull their finger out and that's exactly what we did on Monday. "Everyone
in the team gave their all and got the win. Everyone's together in that
dressing room and everyone will be together until the end. We had three away
games, which was obviously no excuse for the performances we gave, but we
bounced back on Monday with a great win and a great performance. "We could
probably have had a few goals in the first half, they got a block on my
header and on Ginge's header, Cheik had a good chance. "We kept at it, we
knew it was going to come and we got the two when Andre came on as well."

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West Ham hero Andre Ayew calls for concentration ahead of West Brom clash
Published on: 14 September 2017
Ghanasoccernet.com

West Ham United star Andre Ayew has warned his team mates against
complacency and has urged them not to get carried away after snatching their
first win of the league season over Huddersfield. After a disastrous start
to the new campaign, the Ghanaian inspired the Hammers to a 2-0 win over
unbeaten Huddersfield Town after coming from the dugout. Ayew's incredible
performance after he was brought on saw him providing an assist for Pedro
Obiang to score the opener before adding another to seal the win to ease
some pressure on manager Slaven Bilic. Despite a victory, Ayew wants his
team mates to eschew complacency and focus on the game against West Brom on
Saturday. "We don't have to get too excited," the attacker told the club
website. "We've played at home and we won and now we are going to West Brom
and it will be very difficult there, so we have to keep calm, work hard and
be patient. "Three points does not have to change everything. "We know one
week is different from another week so now we're going to smile for maybe 48
hours, but we have to get back to work and prepare really well for
Saturday's game, because we want to get some points at West Brom. "I think
we feel relieved to have got the points. "We're not over-excited because we
know we didn't start the season well and we know we need to stay on the
front foot and try to go and get something at West Brom."

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West Ham man delighted with new role and could thrive this season
By Adefunmiloye Alani - September 13, 2017

On paper, West Ham's Monday night 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town was
achievable because they played a weaker opponent. Indeed, both teams are
apart in quality, but that the Terriers arrived London Stadium on the back
of 2 victories and a draw in their first ever 3 EPL games means they are far
from being minnows.
Thanks to manager Slaven Bilic's tactics, the league new boys were put to
the sword, and the system deployed for the game might prove to be the
winning formula West Ham need to succeed this season. Summer arrival and
veteran defender Pablo Zabaleta featured in a right wing-back position, and
he put in his best performance in the Hammers shirt by a country mile. Apart
from helping Bilic's defence, that had conceded 10 goals in 3 league games
prior to that, to a clean sheet with 4 successful tackles and winning 4 of 5
aerial duels, Zabaleta was a nuisance to the visitors' defence from the
wing.

The 32-year-old Argentine supplied two crosses and two key passes to help
put pressure on the Terriers' goal, and it makes sense for Bilic to stick
with him in the role in the 3-4-3 formation. Zabaleta was happy with his
performance despite having not played as a wing-back in a while, and he told
whufc.com: "I played as a wing-back against Huddersfield. It's been a long
time since I played in that position, but I was happy with the performance.
"I always tried to support in attack and also always try to be in the right
position defensively. Overall I think we were solid at the back."

If it's not broken, there isn't a need to fix it, and there shouldnt be a
reason for Bilic not to deploy his men in the next game against West Brom
like he did on Monday. Zabaleta could just be the missing piece of the
puzzle the club have needed all along to excel in the wing-back system.

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THREE'S A CROWD
By Blind Hammer 14 Sep 2017 at 08:00
WTID

Blind Hammer Celebrates Bilic's return to 3 at the back. And argues that
Arnautovic has to wait.

There is a school of thought that our victory against Huddersfield was due
to luck. I couldn't disagree more. When I arrived at the LS on Monday night
and heard the team announcement, a weird calm serenity swept over me. All my
nervousness and anxiety about the match dissipated. Possibly this had to do
with the strong pain killers I had taken for my hip but I think it was much
more to do with relief. At last Bilic had returned to a tried and secure
defensive formation.

In the days before the match I was shouting in frustration at my keyboard as
I heard website after website, pundit after pundit, all recommending
variations of a flat back four. It made me want to tear my hair out. I could
not understand why people seem blind to an obvious reality. With 4 at the
back we are a defensive nightmare, shipping all sorts of goals from all
sorts of positions. With 3 at the back our record is not at all shabby.

Three at the back was tried and failed in away games against Chelsea and
Manchester City last Season but at least the margin of defeat was not
humiliating. In recent months we had much more success. We defeated an in
form Spurs 1-0. We shut out and similarly in form Everton, including and on
fire Lukaku in a creditable 0-0, a result crucial at the time to allay fears
of relegation. Now again with three at the back, we achieved a crucial 2-0
win against Huddersfield. In other words by using three at the back in
recent games at the LS, we have achieved 3 clean sheets in 4 games.

The exception was of course the heavy defeat to Liverpool but even here we
only experienced our eventual predictable thumping when, after falling
behind, we switched to a flat back 4 in a failed effort to chase the game.

The game against Huddersfield was interesting for a number of reasons. First
of all the idea that Zabaleta could not play alongside 3 at the back was
actively, for the time being at least, disproved. The second was the
realisation that just as in the games against Tottenham and Everton, Fonte
immediately transformed from an apparent slow and aged "has been" into a
quality Premiership performer.

Time after time I heard Fonte Collins and Reid all covering each other. If
Reid slipped or was beaten, Collins was there to cover and vice versa. Fonte
was able to operate smoothly with Zabaleta whilst Cresswell showed that he
could operate at the standard he previously showed at the Boleyn. Post match
both Zabaleta and Collins publically supported the three at the back system.
Collins in particular seemd extremely relieved that we had returned to what
had worked at the end of last season.

The result was that the familiar dramatic chaos around our goal virtually
disappeared. Huddersfield mounted no serious threat throughout the entire
first half. They were literally crowded out.

If anybody denigrates the challenge of |Huddersfield we should remember that
this team had, until their visit to the LS, conceded no goals and were
sitting in a very respectable table position.

With the attacking threat of Huddersfield nullified it was a question of
matching our offensive quality against their proven defensive solidity.
Huddersfield actually had a majority possession statistics for the match but
it did not feel like that, especially in the first half where West Ham was
from a secure defensive base, was able to completely dominate the game.

In the second half Huddersfield managed to enter the game more, a fact I
largely attributed to lack of peak match fitness for several of our crucial
players. I still felt confident though. Unlike all of our previous games our
defensive solidity meant that we were not chasing the game, not behind and
having to take increasingly desperate risks to get back on terms.

Even then, though, I would not have predicted Obiang and Ayew in particular
as our match winners. Ayew's performance has come under recent scrutiny with
suggestions he has "fatigue". However if he can continue to make a similar
impact from the bench I will be happy. Above all though his impact proved
what can happen when a team start from a sound defensive platform.

Moving forward Bilic will soon have some attacking options. Arnautovic will
be available for the West Brom game, and Lanzini will hopefully return to
fitness. Yet the biggest threat to the progress finally made on Monday night
is their availability. If Bilic is tempted to revert to his disastrous
defensive setup to accommodate Arnautovic then he would have proved he has
learnt nothing. Others are also reluctant to learn. Even after the game on
Monday I saw a post on Claret and Hugh calling for a return to a back 4
against West Brom.

We must resist the disruption to a stable defence. To my mind Arnautovic
would do well to ponder the consequences of his stupidity against
Southampton from the comfort of the bench.

It is clear that 3 at the back will not allow all of Carroll, Chico,
Lanzini, Antonio, Arnautovic and even Sakho to play if we want to retain at
least a modicum of midfield cover.

I want Bilic to succeed so that he can retain his job. For me this requires
that he understands that, for the time being, Collins organising a back 3 is
more important than the talents of Arnautovic or Lanzini. My hope is that
eventually Lanzini will become the complete centre midfield playmaker able
to dominate games, but in the meantime we may need Obiang more.

The attacking riches are there for Bilic to refresh and deploy from the
bench. I only hope that Collins avoids his habitual hamstring injury. Rice
may soon have to learn very rapidly on the job.

COYI

David Griffith

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West Ham keeper Joe Hart learns the real meaning of cat-like reflexes as he
gets up close and personal with a lion
Joe Hart kept his first clean sheet of the season in 2-0 win over
Huddersfield
The West Ham keeper joined from Manchester City during the summer
The 30-year-old visited a big cat sanctuary and posted a photo on his
Instagram
Hart's clean sheet on Monday was his first for the Hammer's since joining
By Jaime Wright For Mailonline
PUBLISHED: 00:53, 14 September 2017 | UPDATED: 00:53, 14 September 2017

Joe Hart has rewarded himself to a day-off at the zoo following his first
clean sheet of the season on Monday night. The West Ham goalkeeper managed
his first goalless stint between the sticks since signing for the Hammers in
their crucial 2-0 win over Huddersfield. Rather than celebrating with a
night on the town or taking in a nice meal, however, the England goalkeeper
took to the Big Cat sanctuary in Ashford, where he was pictured feeding a
lion. The lion though, immediately felt the need to teach Hart a thing or
two, as he struck a wide goalkeeping stance to greet the keeper, which he
recognised with a hashtag.
The 30-year-old, who joined the Hammers from Manchester City during the
summer, posted the image on his Instagram account, where he wrote: 'Thank
you @limelightaccess and @thebigcatsanctuaryuk for a special day.
#feedemtothelions #gkspread #kammoonnnn'
As an England goalkeeper, Hart would be used to praise for his cat-like
reflexes, having consistently held onto his place as England no 1 for many
years now.
Recently though, Hart hasn't been without his critics this season, with his
return to the England no 1 spot a hot topic for debate, with Jack Butland
and Jordan Pickford preferred by some. Despite this, the West Ham
first-choice keeper featured in both of England's World Cup qualifying
victories over the international break, beating Malta and Slovakia and will
be hoping to maintain this position with the World Cup in Russia just around
the corner.

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