Arnautovic: I want to thank my teammates and the fans for everything
WHUFC.com
A lot can happen over the duration of a football season, and that was
certainly the case for Marko Arnautovic. Back in August, the Austrian made
his West Ham United debut at Manchester United, cutting a frustrated figure
as he left the Old Trafford pitch after the Hammers' humbling 4-0 Premier
League defeat. On his next appearance, Arnautovic was sent-off as West Ham
fell 3-2 at Southampton, earning him a three-match ban and leading some
supporters to question why the Club had spent a record fee on bringing him
to east London. Two assists in an EFL Cup third-round win over Bolton
Wanderers aside, the No7 struggled to make an impact in his opening three
months in Claret and Blue. In December, however, everything has changed and
Arnautovic went gone from zero to hero in the minds of those same
supporters, who voted him Hammer of the Year at the recent Player Awards.
Put simply, without the 29-year-old's eleven goals and six assists, West Ham
would have celebrated their Premier League safety with two games to spare
and finished in the relative comfort of 13th place. "I remember my first
game for the club was at Old Trafford in August, we lost four-nil and it was
not a good experience for me or for the team," reflected Arnautovic, who
also scooped the Signing of the Season and Players' Player of the Year
trophies at last month's Player Awards. "A lot of things have changed since
then for me. The manager told me that if I didn't work, I wouldn't play, so
I have given everything every time I have been on the pitch and I am
thankful that I have scored so many goals and got some assists for the team.
"It was tough at the start for me, for sure, but I have worked hard and
found my form and I love being part of this Club and playing for these fans,
who have shown me so much love."
After signing-off the season with a goal and an assist in Sunday's 3-1 win
over Everton at London Stadium, Arnautovic told the supporters they too had
inspired his return to top form. "First of all, I want to apologise for the
first three months!" he said, with a smile. "I tried to work hard and give
everything and I want to thank my teammates and the fans for everything.
Thank you and enjoy your holidays!" Arnautovic has done just that, jetting
off with his wife Sarah to sunnier climes, but he will soon be pulling on
his boots again, as Austria will provide pre-World Cup opposition for
Russia, Germany and Brazil over the next three weeks.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wheeler backs Ladies to bounce back in season finale
WHUFC.com
Hannah Wheeler says the West Ham United Ladies are determined to end the
season strongly and bounce back with three points against QPR this Sunday.
The Hammers saw a 13-game unbeaten run, started with the first match of
2018, come to an end in their last fixture after falling to a 2-1 home loss
to Lewes. The disappointment of that defeat is still raw for defender
Wheeler, but the centre-back is determined for that loss to serve as
motivation to return to winning ways in the season finale on Sunday. "It
hurt to lose that unbeaten run," Wheeler told whufc.com. "The atmosphere
after the game was very unpleasant. Everyone felt so disappointed, and for
me disappointment is the worst feeling. Up until that Lewes game, we had
worked really hard. I really do believe we should have won but it was our
fault that we didn't. "I feel though that we will bounce back this weekend.
We're training hard, everyone is putting in everything they've got, so
there's no reason we can't go out on Sunday and get three points to end the
campaign. "That defeat is in the past now and we leave it there. It's wiped,
we get a clean slate, and we go again! That first training session after
Lewes, we all knew we had to put our best foot forward and show why we
deserved to be in the squad for the last game of the season."
The Irons have played QPR twice already this season, coming out triumphant
in both contests. The first was a 3-1 home victory in the WPL Plate, before
the Ladies earned a sensational 10-0 away win last month in the league. For
Wheeler, however, those results cannot be considered when heading into this
weekend's contest, with the defender aware of the threat Rangers possess.
She continued: "You cannot underestimate QPR at all. When we played them
away they did have players missing from their team. They've scored some big
goals and got some good results this season. We know they hold a threat and
we cannot afford to be complacent. "If we can beat QPR it still equates to
an amazing 2018, despite the last result. We want to go out with a bang. We
have to work hard for each other and prove what we're about. We have to show
our run in 2018 wasn't a fluke and we are able to perform at the best
level."
Sunday's contest will also feature a celebration of West Ham Ladies'
achievements this campaign, with fans invited to join in the activities
pre-game at Rush Green.
With gates opening at 12pm, supporters can enjoy the company of club legend
Carlton Cole, take photos with the two trophies won this season, and also
make use of inflatable games and other activities. Wheeler is eager for the
team to show their appreciation to the excellent supporters with a
performance against QPR. "We know a lot of people are coming down for the
season finale and the activities before the game. Families and friends are
all going to be with us for the game, which will be amazing! "We've got to
perform and give everyone a reason to cheer and be happy for the final match
of the season. We can't wait to welcome everyone down for the game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ray: Ladies have come so far in 12 months
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies General Manager Karen Ray reflects on a successful
season and looks ahead to a bright future...
Everyone at West Ham United has shown how invested they are in the Ladies,
they have been instrumental in our transition to becoming a self-sustaining
department.
In 12 months we have built an infrastructure that supersedes most; we want
to become part of the FA's strategy as they revolutionise Women's football
in England and lead the way as pioneers.
Being a fully-fledged part of the football club has afforded us the
opportunity to expand and align ourselves with the elite pathways from the
men's side as we strive to be 'The Academy of Football' for Ladies. We can
now offer a player pathway for girls aged eight through to 38, with
employability opportunities for those who have ambitions of working within
our realm.
Twelve months ago, West Ham United fans would have been forgiven for not
knowing that the Club had a Ladies team. We had only just been brought in
house, having been an independent set up, with no real future.
Now as the 2017/18 season comes to an end, optimism and excitement around
the progression of West Ham United Ladies is thriving. The implementation of
a solid infrastructure has afforded us the opportunity to apply for a
license in the reformed Women's Super League, setting our sights on an
ambitious journey to the top of the women's game.
In 2018 we have seen the capabilities of a club on the rise, not only have
we succeeded in building a solid infrastructure we have seen our results
flourish on the pitch. The biggest positive is the recognition the players
have rightly earned. Ultimately, they are the ones who show up to every
session with great intensity and work hard. Now, they get to see all of that
effort come to fruition.
Success is no easy feat in the FA Women's Premier League but we have shown
it is possible. A moment of quiet contentment over the past 12 months creeps
in as we stop and look at how far we have come during our small season
break.
Jack Sullivan's appointment as the Ladies Managing Director has been the
most prevalant change, his hard work and innovative ideas have allowed us to
build a professional environment, on which success is being achieved.
What a great year it has proven to be. I couldn't be prouder of the
achievements so far; the ladies have really turned their season around and
we don't have any plans to take our foot of the pedal any time soon. This
group of players and staff are all willing to fight for each other, we are
determined and resilient in all areas of the pitch, as the coach I can't ask
for anything more. We hope you will join us in our season finale as we take
on London rivals QPR at Rush Green on Sunday 20 May.
Winning is developed in the most difficult moments, there is certainly no
denying we had a difficult 2017 but everyone came together and decided we
had to be accountable and prove we were winners. We are almost there. Of
course, I want the player to cherish the memories of our current victories,
but we won't settle there. We are more games to win and most history to
make. This takes character, something we have in abundance with this group.
There is something very unique about our players, they challenge me every
day to keep raising my standards and expectations. The professionalism that
every member of the first team is adhering too is inspiring, they all hold
each other accountable which makes my job easier. Playing at such high
intensity is no easy feat, but no one is willing to let 90 minutes of the
gruelling physical demands beat them. Before we leave the changing room I
always say, "empty the tank", I am yet to discover someone who hasn't.
Lastly, a huge thank you to my staff; Myles, Neo and Dan. I wouldn't want to
be on this journey with anyone else and I look forward to another chapter in
the Ladies' book.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SWANSEA BUY OR AVOID
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 18 MAY 2018 AT 8:59PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @Bobstonian
Swansea were eliminated on Championship Sunday. Below is a list of players
that the club should or should not pursue in the transfer window. I have
included my thoughts under each player's name. I have excluded Britton,
Rangel, and Routledge based on their age. Britton, Rangel, Ki and Gorre are
out of contract in the summer. I have also excluded the Ayew brothers as I
do not believe they would join/rejoin the club after Andre's sale in
January.
BUY:
Fabianski
"There is only one Flappy Hand-ski" – Me. He saved the most penalties, and
recorded the 2nd most saves in the league. Lack of attack was the reason
behind Swansea's demise, as they finished tied for the 11th best defensive
record in the league. Fabianski was a big reason more shots didn't find
their way into the back of the net. His wages are reasonable, and this
calibre of keeper should be playing in the top division.
Either Mawson or van der Horn
No one can argue that our defence was any better than Swansea's, and these
center-halves performed admirably in a losing campaign. Mawson played every
minute this season, but just underwent knee surgery. He represents somewhat
of a riskier option here. The club should wait to see how he recovers from
his recent operation. Mawson is the better in the air. Van der Horn averaged
more successful tackles per game, and Mawson has the reputation of a
relatively poor tackler. If available, van der Horn could be a cheap
addition to the back line. He is versatile enough to play on the right side
of defense.
Narsingh
I consider him a cheap reclamation project. He is a Dutch champion, and a
threat on the right side. He produced numerous goals and assists in the
Eredivisie, and has scored goals in both European club competitions. I hope
the club at least consider enquiring about him.
AVOID:
Bony
Bony's best days are behind him. Unfortunately, he has not been the same
goal threat since leaving Swansea the first time around. He is one of the
most expensive players on the squad, and is approaching 30 years of age.
Fernandes
Fernandes completed a higher percentage of his passes than Mawson and van
der Horn. However, for his size (180cm) he loses too many aerial duals. He
is older, and receives a higher wage than the other two center-halves that I
want the club to consider.
Ki
I went back and forth on Ki while writing this article. He will be leaving
the club in the Summer on a free, and plays in a position of need for the
club. When he is healthy, his manager usually selects him. However, except
for a successful run of games in February/March he was kept off the
scoresheet completely. His stats at Celtic are far superior to his record in
the Premier League.
Clucas
The left-side of the field is already congested, and Swansea paid an
outrageous fee for this player last summer.
Naughton
Similar to Craig Dawson, he represents a cheap alternative and plays in a
position of need for the club. However, just like Dawson, I question his
ability to play farther outsides as a wingback.
Carroll
He is cheap, relatively young and English, but he is more of a box-to-box
midfielder. I do not rate him highly.
Fer
Suffered an Achilles injury in the middle of the season. He is 28, and has
already been relegated from the premier league three times.
Olsson
He is a versatile defender and Swedish International, but he would be a
surplus if Masuaku and Creswell were to stay at the club.
Dyer
No goals in 20 apps. Stay away.
I do not want the club to pursue any midfielders from the Swans. There are
some options in the back for the club to consider, and there is always a
chance that Narsingh pans out on the right wing if given a chance.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SILLY SEASON: A WORD TO THE WISE.
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 18 MAY 2018 AT 9:08PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by an anonymous writ
Another torrid campaign is finally over. There have been highs, there have
been lows, but there have been enough lows that it's clear how badly we need
change. I think Mark Noble spoke for everyone when he said 'I don't want
another season like that'. We need a restructure from top to bottom. How
much of this restructure will we see come August? Who knows. As much a
possible I hope. Which leads me nicely onto talking about managing this
silly season. This isn't an article bemoaning the board, Karren Brady or
player choices. There'll be plenty of time for that. It's about managing
ourselves during this time.
I have/had an addiction. In the intentionally misguided humour of Russell
Brand, it's not a 'cool addiction'. I had an addiction to visiting/talking
to psychics. Now, say what you like about that world, you're entitled to. I
spent horrendous amounts of money on this pastime and the bottom line is- I
wasn't in control. Of my life, my actions, my self-esteem etc etc. It boiled
down to feeling like I couldn't take decisive action for myself. This is
because life wasn't going so well. Now life is going well, I have no need to
do this. Hurrah!
So why am I telling you this? Nice story, but what's the point? Well, when I
spoke to these people on such a regular basis, about anything really,
something became very, very clear. Things change. Your mate Bob, last time
you spoke to him, he was going to Marbella. Now he and the family are going
caravanning in Shropshire because his missus' mum isn't doing so well and
she needs to be able to get back easily if she's needed. Does that make Bob
a f****** liar? No. Things changed. I spoke to these people so much that I
became deeply unhappy because life kept changing in very small ways and I
had to accept that I couldn't control everything. This is what will happen
this window
We of the West Ham Way following are in a very privileged position. We get
told things that nobody else would ever hear about the club. We get up to
the minute news about anything and everything we ask- for free too! It's a
lovely little position we've got ourselves in. So, without sounding preachy,
because I'm firmly in this boat too, we sometimes require a little bit of
blind faith and also the acceptance that things can change. If they do,
let's not get angry at those who give the information- we know the guys I'm
talking about and we know that they're 100% right at the time of giving the
information. I didn't get angry, in my case, because I knew it was very much
up to me to stop. Like those gambling ads, 'When the fun stops, stop'. If
it's getting frustrating, have a breather. Yes, we care, but let's not turn
into the wrong type of keyboard warriors and malcontents. Sorry, couldn't
resist.
If we are linked with a player/manager and it takes three weeks to get over
the line, then we know it's complicated. It might turn out okay. But we also
must know that it can change. Speaking of a situation that happened last
night, which got me very riled up (and no doubt 99% of the west ham twitter
world); I tweeted left, right and centre and (in good faith) asked those in
the know what on earth was going on! When the mist had cleared a little, I
realised that if anything had drastically changed, our West Ham Way pals
would've told us. No news is good news. So, let's wait for the show to hear
about that one.
Whilst I pack away the chairs in the church hall and tell people to take a
slice of cake and a few sausage rolls (I'm not taking them all home!), I
just want to thank you all for listening with an open mind. Addiction can
affect anyone. Even top footballers like our friend and hero Matty
Etherington has had his troubles but come through. I hope you all can kind
of see what I'm getting at when I share my experiences and apply them to
this situation. West Ham isn't an addiction, it's a bloody life sentence!
So, let's make this lifetime of support all the more manageable. COYI.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hebei confirm Pellegrini departure
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 19th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
Manuel Pellegrini has parted company with Chinese Super League club Hebei
Fortune - opening the door for a move to West Ham. KUMB revealed on Friday
how the Chilean manager was being lined up to succeed David Moyes, with an
announcement confirming the 64-year-old's appointment expected early next
week.
And this afternoon the Chinese Super League club confirmed that they had
parted company with Pellegrini, who has been working for Hebei since 2016.
"From May 20, 2018, Mr. Pellegrini will no longer serve as team manager of
Hebei Football Club," read a brief statement. "The club would like to
express its sincere gratitude to Mr. Pellegrini for his contribution to the
team's success."
The announcement was made shortly after Fortune beat Chongqing Lifan in
their final match ahead of a two-month break for the World Cup Finals. West
Ham will have to pay Pellegrini's current club circa £6million to free the
manager from his contract, which was due to expire in the summer of 2019. He
is expected to sign a three-year contract with the Hammers, tying him to the
club until 2021.
We'll bring you more on this story as it happens...
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Pellegrini close to agreeing deal to take over at West Ham
Hebei China Fortune have announced that Pellegrini will leave his position
as their manager on Sunday.
By Sky Sports News
SSN
West Ham are close to agreeing a deal with Manuel Pellegrini to become their
new manager, according to Sky sources. The former Manchester City boss is on
his way to London and will hold talks with co-owner David Sullivan on
Monday. Current club Hebei China Fortune announced the Chilean's departure
as their manager on Saturday, expressing their "sincere gratitude" for his
contributions to the team. However, West Ham are also still seeking to speak
with Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez this weekend. The Hammers are looking
for a replacement for David Moyes, who left the club earlier in the week
after completing a six-month contract, and the 64-year-old Premier League
title-winner Pellegrini has emerged as the leading candidate. He guided
Manchester City to the title in 2013-14, having began his managerial career
in South America and winning national leagues in four different countries.
Prior to joining City, he had spells with Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga
in Spain. Benitez has been a long-term candidate for the West Ham job but is
currently in charge at Newcastle and remains a very popular figure at St
James' Park, after guiding the Magpies to a 10th-place Premier League
finish.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham favourite Manuel Pellegrini leaves Hebei China Fortune paving way
for London Stadium move
STANDARD SPORT
3 hours ago
Manuel Pellegrini's path to West Ham appears clearer after he was released
by Hebei China Fortune on Saturday. The 64-year-old former Manchester City
boss is the frontrunner to succeed David Moyes at the London Stadium. West
Ham joint-chairman David Sullivan said the club needed to move in a
"different direction" with a "high-calibre figure". There has already been
contact between the parties and Pellegrini is expected to have a
face-to-face interview with West Ham co-owner David Sullivan in the coming
days. Despite being under contract at Hebei through to the end of 2018 and
with a reported £5.3m release clause, the CSL club confirmed on Saturday
Pellegrini was no longer in his role. And, in a statement on their Weibo
account on Saturday, Hebei China Fortune said: "We have reached an agreement
with Manuel Pellegrini that he will no longer serve as team manager. "Here,
the club would like to express its sincere gratitude to Mr Pellegrini for
his contributions and we wish him well in his future work life. Pellegrini
coached at Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga in Spain before taking charge
of Manchester City in 2013, going on to win the 2013/14 Premier League title
as well as the League Cup twice before his departure. The 64-year-old
Chilean left the Ethiad Stadium in June 2016, where he was succeeded by Pep
Guardiola, but was soon back in work at Hebei.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM TARGETING HUSILLOSFeatured Image
Date: 19th May 2018 at 4:16pm
Written by: Guy Giles
ForeveWestHam
West Ham are looking to appoint Malaga sporting director Mario Husillos
alongside touted new boss Manuel Pellegrini, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper claim that the Hammers are hopeful of announcing Pellegrini as
their new manager next week, with talks between the two parties at an
advanced stage. The Mail report that the club are also looking to reunite
the Chilean with Husillos, 59, whose position at Malaga is not clear after
their relegation from La Liga. This would be an interesting move from West
Ham, with Husillos not a well-known figure at all on these shores.
Pellegrini and the Argentine did have a highly successful spell together at
Malaga though, and the club are likely looking to replicate that at the
London Stadium next season. Pellegrini led Malaga to the knockout stages of
the Champions League before he left for Manchester City in 2013, and Hammers
fans can only dream of achieving such success. Pellegrini had actually
looked like a plan B for Hammers bosses, with Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez
seemingly their first choice, but in truth this should be a great
appointment for the club. The Chilean will bring the stability that is
needed for the club to push on from a disappointing season, and also the
know-how to climb the table next season. If the club also bring in
Husillos, then expect a very busy summer in the transfer market, with the
Irons sure to bring in some real talents.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
talkSPORT sources: James Collins told he has been released by West Ham after
11 years of service... VIA EMAIL
James Collins has left West Ham after being told of his release via email
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Saturday, May 19, 2018
West Ham defender James Collins was unceremoniously released by the club
after 11 years of service VIA EMAIL, talkSPORT understands. The 34-year-old
Welshman is a popular figure at the club and a fan-favourite after spending
11 years, split across two spells, with the Hammers. The centre-back
re-joined West Ham in 2012 after a spell with Aston Villa, but he has now
left the club without ceremony or tribute. According to talkSPORT sources,
Collins - who has made over 200 Hammers appearances - was told by email that
his contract will not be renewed this summer. The 51-cap Wales international
was in tears after West Ham's final game of the season against Everton - his
last outing in a claret and blue shirt. West Ham have a different opinion of
the chain of events. A West Ham spokesperson told talkSPORT the club did
speak to Collins to make him aware of the situation before sending
confirmation that his time at West Ham had come to an end. But talkSPORT
believe Collins, one of West Ham's longest-serving players, is disappointed
by the nature of how his Hammers career has concluded. It's another PR
disaster for West Ham and unpopular co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan,
with supporters reacting with anger and outrage to the news on social media.
And some are even fighting for the club to hold a testimonial match for the
centre-back after over a decade of loyal service.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, May 19
Daily WHUFC News - 19th May 2018
Alese and England U17s suffer shootout heartbreak
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Academy star Ajibola Alese and England suffered penalty shootout heartbreak at the hands of the Netherlands in the UEFA European U17 Championship semi-finals. After a hard-fought goalless draw, England were edged out 6-5 on spot-kicks to miss out on a place in the final in the cruellest circumstances. The Hammers defender was part of head coach Steve Cooper's starting XI as the Young Lions, who lost in a shootout to Spain in last year's final and won the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup, were edged out by their Dutch counterparts in Chesterfield on Thursday evening. Alese, 17, missed England's opening two group-stage fixtures before being drafted into the team for the 1-0 defeat by Switzerland. He kept his place for the 2-0 quarter-final victory over Norway and was again involved from the kick-off against the Oranje. The Netherlands will take on Italy in the final in Rotherham on Sunday evening.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zabaleta: We will learn from this season
WHUFC.com
Pablo Zabaleta says his West Ham United team will learn from the experiences gained over a course of a rollercoaster 2017/18 season as they aim for improvement next term. The Hammers were unable to find the level of consistency required to push them into the top half of the Premier League table, but still finished with a flourish by collecting seven points from their final three games. Zabaleta, who was a model of consistency in his first campaign in east London since leaving Manchester City, was delighted to finish the year on a positive note and is now aiming for more following the summer break. He said: "We played really well against Everton and it was fantastic to finish the way we did, especially playing in front of our fans. "Hopefully we can learn from this season, not repeat the same mistakes, be more consistent as a team, and have the right ambition and attitude to fight for a European place. "Let's try to be in the top eight, which in my point of view this Club should be every season. "It's just about having the right mentality and every single player has to come here thinking West Ham is one of the greatest clubs in England. "And believe me, it is. We have a great stadium, we play every time in front of 50, 60,000 fans and the support is one of the best in England. "Everybody needs to be proud, because this is a great football club with a great tradition in English football. They have to give everything to bring success to this Club."
After such a long and successful spell at the Etihad Stadium, Zabaleta knew leaving Manchester would be tough, but he is thrilled to be with the Hammers – especially after missing just one top flight game all season. He added: "Coming to West Ham was a great decision for me. I'm not getting any younger, I was thinking to play for a few more years and West Ham was the right place to come to. I'm enjoying my football. "I played 37 Premier League games this season and missed only one, which was due to suspension, [and to play so many games] was great. "Thank you to the fans too because they have always been there to support the team, and now it's time to have a break, enjoy the World Cup and come back stronger next year."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Pellegrini: West Ham want to speak to former Manchester City manager
By Simon Stone
BBC Sport
West Ham want to speak to former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini about their managerial vacancy. There are reports in his native Chile that Pellegrini has signed a contract - but a deal is not yet done. The 64-year-old, who manages Chinese Super League side China Fortune, has been identified as a possible replacement for David Moyes, whose contract as not been renewed. Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez also remains of interest to West Ham. The Spaniard has 12 months remaining on his Newcastle contract and there is an acknowledgement from West Ham that getting Benitez out of St James' Park is difficult. Pellegrini managed Manchester City between 2013 and 2016 and won the Premier League title in his first season in charge. The former Real Madrid manager also guided City to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2016, the only time the club has reached that stage in their history. West Ham chairman David Sullivan has pledged to appoint a manager with "a proven level of success at the highest level".
Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca had been heavily linked the job - including reports he met Sullivan on Monday - but he signed a new contract to stay at the Ukrainian club on Thursday. Fonseca had also been linked with the vacant Everton manager's position.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pellegrini to be next West Ham manager?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
A South American source is claiming that Manuel Pellegrini is set to be named as West Ham United's new manager. According to Chilean media outlet Pauta, the 64-year-old has agreed to leave his current club in China in order to take the reins vacated by David Moyes last week. And it is further claimed that Santiago-born Pellegrini - who last managed in the Premier League during a three year spell at Manchester CIty between 2013 and 2016 - will be confirmed as West Ham club's 16th full-time manager this coming Monday.
Although he fails to fit the 'young, vibrant, inventive coach' category that many supporters were hoping would follow David Moyes, Pellegrini would nevertheless bring a vast wealth of experience to the post. His appointment would also demand an unprecedented financial commitment from West Ham, with reports that he - like Rafa Benitez - has a significant release clause in his contract with Hebei China Fortune, whilst his salary alone would cost the club in the region of £8million per year. When he appointed as manager of Chinese Super League club Fortune in 2016, it was Pellegrini's 13th role in management since he took up his first position at Universidad de Chile 28 years earlier, in 1988. Since then he has managed some of Europe and South America's most successful clubs, including River Plate (with whom he won the 2002/03 Primera Division), Real Madrid and Manchester City (Premier League and Carling Cup, twice).
David Sullivan, addressing the fanbase via a statement posted on West Ham United's website on Thursday evening stated that the club were "preparing to appoint a manager who has a proven record of success at the highest level of the game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham new manager: Jorge Mendes at centre of controversy as Benitez makes big demands
JORGE MENDES is at the centre of controversial claims over who will be appointed the next West Ham manager.
By JACK WILSON
PUBLISHED: 14:56, Fri, May 18, 2018 | UPDATED: 15:11, Fri, May 18, 2018
Express.co.uk
Super agent Mendes represents Shakhtar Donetsk boss Paulo Fonseca, who flew in for talks with the Hammers on Monday. Mendes and Fonseca met West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan and discussed the possibility of him replacing David Moyes. But Fonseca has since committed his future to Shakhtar by a signing a new two-year deal with the Ukrainian champions. It's left West Ham fans incensed with claims that Mendes' client used West Ham to negotiate a better package with Shakhtar. One fan wrote: "Paulo Fonseca literally pulled our pants down. Used us to get a better deal at Shakthar, and I can't help but think Benitez is going to do the exact same... I'll take Pellegrini though, no doubt about it."
Another said: "We went for Fonseca after failing to get Silva the first time and failed but it seems we've kept an interest in Silva and have gone for him. Fonseca used West Ham to try and flush our interest out but we're not Cos we have Silva lined up." The theme continued with another writing: "Fonseca was never serious about coming to England, only used the links with us and West Ham as leverage. Think he'll regret that, his stock will never be higher than it is now."
While a fellow supporter added: "Seems to me Paulo fonseca has used clubs to get a new contract at shakhtar." Fonseca, 45, is now set to remain with Shakhtar until 2020. "I'm very happy. I had a desire to continue my career in Shakhtar," said Fonseca in a statement released on the club's website. "It was extremely important to feel that the president of the club, Rinat Akhmetov, employees and football players want me to stay to continue the work that we started two seasons ago. "Now you need to work hard to continue to win both on the domestic and international arena. "Shakhtar will still demonstrate a beautiful, attacking football. I believe that the fans will be proud of their club. "I want to thank our fans for their excellent support. The "miners" just fantastic fans who are very fond of the team. For me, this served as an additional motive for staying here."
It now leaves Rafa Benitez as the frontrunner for the job. The Spaniard wants to stay at Newcastle but only if he is satisfied the club can match his ambitions - and they have yet to convince him. Benitez has 12 months left on his contract and wanted his future resolved before the end of the season. His representatives have been in talks with managing director Lee Charnley, acting on behalf of owner Mike Ashley, for several weeks but little progress has been made. Benitez wants cast-iron assurances that he can spend whatever cash he is given any way he likes. Ashley wants Benitez to stay, but the pair have not held face-toface talks and there is a lack of trust on Benitez's side after three botched transfer windows. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid coach has never walked out on a contract and would be loath to do so now. But he feels the ball is firmly in Newcastle's court, and if they do not accept his terms it will prove to him they do not want him to be in charge in the long term.
While Benitez has a close relationship with Toon fans, being manager of a club content to finish mid-table year in, year out is not what he is looking for. West Ham, who did not renew David Moyes' contract, have also approached Hoffenheim's Julian Nagelsmann, at 30 the youngest coach in the Bundesliga, and who has guided them into the Champions League group stages for the first time, but have been told he is staying put. Former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini currently at Chinese club Hebei China Fortune, looks to have priced himself out of the running with demands for an £8.5m deal, plus £5m compensation.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Pellegrini leading candidate to be next West Ham manager despite Rafael Benitez contract situation
Pellegrini ticks virtually every box for what the West Ham board want in a manager
Ed Malyon Sports Editor
The Independent Sport
Manuel Pellegrini is preparing for talks with West Ham United, and his willingness to take over the east London club make him the most likely person to replace David Moyes as Hammers boss. A Premier League-winning coach, Pellegrini has a glittering CV which includes taking Villarreal and Manchester City to the final four of the Champions League for the first time in their respective histories as well as guiding Malaga to the quarter-finals of European football's premier club competition.
The only significant blot on Pellegrini's career was his sacking by Real Madrid, largely the product of a Copa del Rey elimination by third-tier Alcorcón, but the Chilean also managed to guide the Bernabeu club to their highest-ever points total in La Liga. His main rival for the top job at West Ham also endured a shortened spell in charge at Madrid, but despite Rafael Benitez's frustration with the ownership at Newcastle United, there remain a number of obstacles to his appointment and a feeling that the Hammers are being used to generate leverage in contract negotiations.
Benitez has 12 months remaining on his contract on Tyneside but it is understood that the Spaniard's entourage believe he would win a case for constructive dismissal should he walk out on the Magpies, allowing him to walk out for free. That said, fan favourite Benitez is not expected to go to such extremes and is understood to be willing to extend his Newcastle contract should new transfer budgets be agreed.
For his part, Pellegrini is currently manager of Hebei China Fortune in the Chinese Super League but would be allowed to leave the club for nominal compensation. He is analysing a number of offers, according to sources with knowledge of his affairs, and would welcome a return to European football. The 64-year-old coach would be expected to ask for a significant say in transfers, and should West Ham grant that then formal talks should go fairly smoothly.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Crystal Palace make move to sign West Ham's Michail Antonio
• Roy Hodgson admires Antonio's versatility
• Palace fear West Ham could price them out of move
David Hytner and Dominic Fifield
Fri 18 May 2018 13.17 BST Last modified on Fri 18 May 2018 13.22 BST
The Guardian
Crystal Palace have made a move for West Ham United's Michail Antonio, as they look to build on their end-of-season momentum by completing early transfer business. Antonio, 28, can play in wide midfield, up front or even at full-back – versatility that has impressed Roy Hodgson – and the Palace manager would most likely use him off the wing to cover the departure of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, whose season-long loan from Chelsea has expired.
Palace fear that West Ham could place too high a price for them on Antonio, although the east London club's intentions are not yet clear as they prioritise the appointment of a successor to David Moyes as manager. Antonio has been called up by England but he is yet to win a cap. Palace finished the season with five wins and two draws from eight matches to secure 11th place and Hodgson will be busy in the coming weeks. He will talk to Yohan Cabaye, Joel Ward and Bakary Sako about new contracts; the trio are set to become free agents in the summer.
Cabaye, who is wanted by Marseille, would prefer to remain in London but may have to accept a wage cut. Palace have explored midfield contingencies, such as Stoke City's Joe Allen, and they also like Leander Dendoncker of Anderlecht. Palace have an interest in the right-backs Almamy Touré and Ryan Fredericks of Monaco and Fulham respectively and will sign the Getafe goalkeeper Vicente Guaita on a Bosman free transfer. They have offered fresh terms to their long-serving goalkeeper Julián Speroni.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Pellegrini favourite to be West Ham manager and could be key to keeping Manuel Lanzini
KEN DYER
ES Sport
Manuel Pellegrini is emerging as the favourite to succeed David Moyes as manager of West Ham. The Chilean boss of Chinese Super League club side Hebei Fortune is keen on a return to Europe, where he has managed in England and Spain. There has already been contact between the parties and Pellegrini is expected to have a face-to-face interview with West Ham co-owner David Sullivan in the next few days. Rafa Benitez is still in the frame but his protracted negotiations with Newcastle could work against him since Sullivan announced last night he is confident of making an appointment before next Thursday.
Chilean sources are confident the deal will be done and it is understood West Ham believe his Latin American roots could help to keep Argentina midfielder Manuel Lanzini at the club. There are fears the fans' favourite could be on the move with Liverpool among the clubs showing interest but Pellegrini's arrival could play a part in persuading the 25-year-old to stay. West Ham's Argentine full-back Pablo Zabaleta was also part of Pellegrini's Manchester City team that won the Premier League in 2014. Pellegrini managed a number of clubs in South America, including Argentine outfit River Plate, before moving to Spain, where he led Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga before joining City in 2013.
Although Pellegrini is now the leading contender, Benitez is still under consideration. Benitez almost became West Ham's manager following the departure of Sam Allardyce in 2015 but pulled out of the proposed deal when Real Madrid approached him. The Spaniard said he respected the club for the professional way they reacted to his change of heart. The main hurdles to Benitez joining West Ham are the time it is taking for his future at Newcastle to be settled and the £6million compensation the Hammers would have to pay.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Inside the misery at West Ham and Everton - how can they put things right?
Chris Bascombe Sam Dean
18 MAY 2018 • 10:53AM
Telegraph.co.uk
After disappointing seasons, Everton and West Ham sacked their managers within hours of each other this week. Sam Allardyce and David Moyes may have gone but doubts remain over whether the rifts between club and fans can be healed. Chris Bascombe assesses Everton's plight and Sam Dean looks at West Ham's.
How big is the rift between the club and the fans?
Chris Bascombe on Everton: It would have resembled the Grand Canyon had Sam Allardyce been retained. His exit will bring the club and fans nearer together. In fact, the targeting of Allardyce rather than the board by a section of Goodison's support demonstrates the reluctance of most fans to allow wounds to fester. It was much easier focusing on the man who accepted the job than those who offered him it. Had Farhad Moshiri stuck with Allardyce for another season, the majority shareholder would have been subject to greater ire at the start of next season. There has been a timely boardroom reshuffle, so a fresh start beckons. There is unlikely to be much schism between fans and club by pre-season, albeit healthy cynicism remains and judgement will be reserved.
Sam Dean on West Ham: Enormous. The chasm has been growing ever since a difficult opening few weeks in the London Stadium last season, and only widened this season. The dissatisfaction towards the club's owners manifested itself most dramatically during West Ham's 3-0 defeat by Burnley in March, when hundreds of supporters hurled abuse (and coins) towards the directors. Many West Ham fans believe they were sold a lie when the club conjured images of a grand future in the new stadium. Only genuine progress on the pitch, and heavy investment off it, will soften their anger towards David Sullivan, David Gold and vice-chairman Karren Brady.
Are they in danger of losing their identity?
CB: No-one in the current regime has ever defined Everton's 'identity'. David Moyes was thought too negative. The fans chanted 'the School of Science is back' under Roberto Martinez, but lost patience when idealism stopped yielding positive results. Pragmatic Ronald Koeman was disliked because of suspicions he saw Everton as a stepping stone. Which manager of any club beyond the Champions League elite does not? Allardyce was more 'Dogs of War' than 'School of Science' but was mismatched due to his personality. The word 'identity' is overrated. What Everton need first and foremost is a good manager to impose his own vision, relate to the fans and make going to games enjoyable. If he signs talented players who score lots of goals, few will care if it's total football or a more direct style.
SD: Huge numbers of West Ham supporters would argue that they already have lost their identity. The London Stadium feels soulless compared to Upton Park, the club's home for 112 years, and the final few weeks of the season were pockmarked by stories of long-time supporters revealing they will not be returning for the new campaign. The fabled 'West Ham Way' has not been seen on the pitch since the relocation, with the side only producing a handful of impressive home performances in two seasons. David Moyes, the former manager who left the club this week, was seen by many to have an approach that was too negative.
What needs to happen to put it right?
CB: Better recruitment. Steve Walsh was a disaster as director of football. Allardyce was never going to be tolerated beyond the short-term. The arrival of Marcel Brands is already feeding optimism, as will Marco Silva if – as anticipated – he becomes the manager. Then it is all about the players signed. Everton need pace, creativity and goals. So does every side, but given the investment into the club there is no excuse for its absence. There has been a chronic lack of dynamic forward players, although Theo Walcott showed promise after his arrival in January. Beyond that, Everton finalising their stadium plans and starting construction will restore some of the hope that followed Moshiri when he first invested in the club.
SD: Firstly, Sullivan and Gold desperately need to make the right appointment when selecting their new manager as the dismissal of Moyes means that they no longer have a reliable, safe option to fall back on. The general air of chaos around the club is likely to prove a hurdle to hiring the "high-profile" figure the club wants. The nature of Sullivan's haphazard control over transfers may also deter potential managers, while there is an urgent need to refresh an ageing squad.
Despite the anger of the supporters, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that an upturn in results (and performances) would galvanise the entire club.
Is there any faith that those in charge will make the right decisions?
CB: The jury is out. Moshiri's judgement so far is questionable, as he has been prone to pander to public opinion when he hears the crowd turn. Many will argue he was right to dismiss Roberto Martinez and Ronald Koeman when he did, but in another era Everton would have been more patient. A club once hailed for its stability has been through too many coaches. The Allardyce recruitment proceeded as expected. He would never last. Despite the club's desperate need in November, caving in and offering an 18-month contract smacked of weak leadership. It has cost the club too much sacking managers. New chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale, alongside Brands, give Everton a more modern look in the boardroom. They will buy the club time to fix the mistakes of the last few years.
SD: To put it simply, no. Sullivan and Gold have failed to present a unified image this week, when Gold said that he hoped Moyes would be staying hours before the club revealed the manager had left. There is a perceived lack of professionalism. Fans have been unhappy with Sullivan's son revealing club news on social media, while there is general discontent — inside and outside the club — about Brady's column in the Sun newspaper. Brady angered supporters recently by writing that "malcontents and keyboard warriors" had caused problems at the new stadium, and also allegedly cost the club the chance to sign Islam Slimani because she had offended the Leicester City owners in one of her articles.
What is the best outcome from this summer, what is the most likely - and what would constitute success next season?
CB: For all their problems, the speed of change earlier this week bodes well. The announcements were blunt and welcome. The shifts in boardroom power must be reflected with equally forceful action to fix the team, getting rid of average players and recruiting those who will change perceptions of how Everton play. If, or when, Silva arrives he will need time to rebuild, but so long as the direction he is taking is clear he will get it from fans craving hope. Realistically, a league position similar to this season – seventh or eighth – should not be lazily dismissed as more of the same. It was never about where the club finished now, but how they got there and where they are going longer-term. Everton must perform better in the cup competitions and play with more promise and purpose. They will be thrust back into a development phase, but that is better than this year of stagnation.
SD: The best outcome would be for the club to find an ambitious manager who will bring some verve back into the side, with Manuel Pellegrini now looking the man most likely. It would help if the transfer window was free of any public fallouts with other clubs — Sullivan was labelled a "parasite" by the Sporting Lisbon director after last year's failed pursuit of William Carvalho — and if West Ham were able to recruit three or four exciting, young players. At this uncertain stage, with no manager in place, the reality is that next year would probably be considered a success if the situation simply does not get any worse. Still, an injection of enthusiasm could go a long way to changing attitudes.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian gave West Ham Moyes ultimatum, Betis still keen
HITC
Will Butcher
Adrian's West Ham future will be an interesting topic come the summer window. Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo have claimed that West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian gave the Hammers board an ultimatum over his future, claiming that he would leave the club if David Moyes remained in charge. The 31-year-old has been used in tandem along with loanee Joe Hart at the London Stadium, making 19 Premier League appearances for David Moyes' side as they finished in a decent 13th place. The former Real Betis goalkeeper started the Hammers last four Premier League matches, helping the Hammers notch seven points and clean sheets against Leicester City and Manchester United. But Adrian is said to have become frustrated as Hart was given chance after chance despite a number of mistakes between the sticks under Moyes, and it is believed that if Moyes had remained, Adrian would have left. Moyes was sacked by the Hammers on Wednesday afternoon despite taking them from the relegation zone to comfortable 13th place, but fans' discontent with the Scot in charge is likely to have played a part in his dismissal. Adrian has a year remaining on his contract which the Daily Star claim is worth £35,000 a week, but his former side Betis remain interested in luring the goalkeeper back to Spain.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BENITEZ MAKES ULTIMATUM TO NEWCASTLE BOARD AS WEST HAM MOVE BECKONS
GEORGE ROGAN
ReadWestHam
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez wants to remain with the club, but needs assurances over his transfer budget, reports the Telegraph. West Ham are expected to make an approach for him to become their new manager, as they themselves report a deal to appoint a new manager is close. There is a £6 million release clause in the Spaniard's contract, with the Hammers appearing willing to pay it for someone who has the knowledge and success off Benitez in this league.
However, no agreement has been reached yet and Benitez would be keen to remain on Tyneside. Rafa sees the club only improving with him in charge, but wants money guaranteed to back his plans for the Magpies. The Irons are looking for improvement after a 13th placed finish, and appointing the Spaniard would go a long way to ensuring the wildest dreams of West Ham fans are realised. West Ham showed they aren't afraid to spend when signing Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez last summer, so Benitez would perhaps be happier with the board in East London than in the North East.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LEND ME YOUR EAR – AND YOUR TWEEZERS
By Goatygav 18 May 2018 at 08:00
WTID
So I've sat on the fence until now regarding the question of who is going to be managing us next season. Now that David Moyes has moved on I want to throw my thoughts in to the mix regarding our next first team boss.
I'm all for progression. Looking forwards, not back, is the only way to go.
Please don't get me wrong. I really appreciate what David Moyes, Stuart Pearce, Alan Irvine and the rest of the management team have done for the last few months. If that team had have stayed in place I would have got behind them and supported them one hundred percent. I think that there's more to David Moyes than many have made out. I genuinely think he has learned and grown from his experiences with Manchester United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland and is a person who is open, and dedicated, to learning. This is the big difference between him and many of the other managers who were brought in to save clubs from relegation this season. In my view the likes of Mr Allardyce have a rigidly set way of doing things whereas David Moyes can, and will, adapt to, and incorporate, more modern approaches to the game. I'm of the genuine belief that, should he have stayed at West Ham, we'd have seen far more of this 'modern' thinking from Moyesey next season. He had a job to do, in the short space of time he had with us, which he got done under difficult circumstances. For that I'll remember him with gratitude. On a personal level I quite liked the guy's style too. He's a deeply respectful football man with a great passion and belief in what he does. He's also a terrific man manager who knows how to get the best out of the more temperamental and sensitive players.
On the subject of managers who are more modern in their approach to the game, and by this I mean playing styles, tactics and patterns on the pitch rather than scientific analysis of fitness, athleticism and areas to 'hit' with balls, it's high time we had a manager in place who's at the leading edge. No fence sitting now (although, to be fair, my refusal to vote or comment beforehand was a deliberate choice – not indecision) – that manager should be Marco Silva.
Should Everton's bid for Silva be blocked then Mr Gold and Mr Sullivan need to do everything in their power to bring this man to our club. For me he is the one to take West Ham to the next level (regular top half finishes & knocking on the Europa League door every season). Everywhere Marco has gone he's had a positive impact. Taking over a hopelessly woeful Hull team from Mike Phelan, who were bottom of the league, he got the Tigers playing a completely different style of football that gave them a shout of survival with a 36% win percentage. Speaking of winning he won the cup in Portugal with Sporting and the Greek title with Olympiacos. Away from the obvious appeal of a cup win, for all us success starved Hammers, it's the way he sets his teams up and his tactical nous that appeals most. Everton fans and West Ham fans share the same desire for good, technical football. The Toffees faithful are desperate to bring Silva in because they know he's 'their' kind of manager. He's our kind of manager too.
Silva's tumultuous final weeks at Watford were widely reported. Were Everton out of order for the manner of their approach to the Portuguese boss? Probably. They could certainly have handled the situation far better IMO. Either way we'll soon know whether Everton will just have to pay compensation to Watford or will be blocked in their attempt to appoint "Mini-Mourinho."
I genuinely don't think Rafa Benitez will come to East London. Even if the owners promise to spend the kind of money, on the transfers and wages, that "Rafa the Gaffer" would demand I believe that their track record of non-delivery will put him off. Sorry to be negative but it's an opinion. Similar with Manuel Pelligrini. No brainer in a multiple choice – he went to China to either..
A. Further his career?
or
B. The cash?
Serious selling job to do on the successful Chilean for my money.
Wouldn't mind Eddie Howe being given a chance but I doubt he'd come either. It would be a risk on the parts of both the club and Eddie himself. He's built a squad at Bournemouth that know and respect him. West Ham have more difficult characters to manage within the squad and it's that aspect of the Bournemouth manager's capabilities that I'm unsure of. I believe he has all the other attributes, including the modern approach to the game, that I'd want to see in a West Ham manager.
Whoever I'd like to see is, ultimately, irrelevant. I had a punt on Fonseca – shows how much I know.
Lastly I'd just like to go on record with my thanks to David Moyes for a job well done. The Scot's definitely gone up in my estimation – especially when you consider that I commented that he'd 'take us down' if appointed. Very much like the "cut of his jib," for those Blackadder fans out there, and wish him all the best for the future. Cheers Moyesey – mind how you go fella!
COYI!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Agent of Gianluigi Buffon hints Juventus goalkeeper would be open to joining West Ham United
HITC
Aiden Cusick
West Ham United are short between the sticks. The agent of Gianluigi Buffon has hinted the Juventus goalkeeper would be open to joining West Ham United.
Buffon confirmed this week that he will leave the Italian champions this summer, after 17 years in Turin. But despite having turned 40 in January, Buffon has not yet decided whether to quit football altogether, and is said to have Premier League interest should he choose to continue his career. One English club who could be in the market for a new shot-stopper ahead of the new campaign is West Ham United, having allowed Joe Hart to return to Manchester City after his season-long loan spell. And an ambitious move for Buffon may not be out of the question, his representative, Silvano Martina, has told the Sun newspaper. Discussing the veteran's future, Martina said: "I don't know if it will be a total farewell to football. He wants two weeks to talk to his family and come to a decision. "In England, he always really admired West Ham supporters, and even wrote about it in his book."
West Ham, who were linked with a move for the Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton this week, can still call upon Adrian San Miguel in the meantime
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Pellegrini to hold further talks with West Ham as they look to appoint new manager quickly following David Moyes' departure
Manuel Pellegrini is the closest to succeeding David Moyes as West Ham boss
But there is not yet an agreement or contract signed, despite reports in Chile
Rafa Benitez has always been West Ham's No 1 choice to take over as manager
Pellegrini was among other options identified by co-chairman David Sullivan
By Kieran Gill for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 22:49, 18 May 2018 | UPDATED: 00:31, 19 May 2018
West Ham are set to hold further talks with Manuel Pellegrini this weekend. The former Manchester City manager, 64, is the closest to succeeding David Moyes but there is not yet an agreement or contract signed, despite reports in Chile. Rafa Benitez has always been West Ham's No 1 choice but Pellegrini was among other options identified by co-chairman David Sullivan. Pellegrini spent three years with City and won the Premier League in 2014. He also won the EFL Cup twice during his time in England. The Chilean guided City to their first and only Champions League semi-final in 2016, where they were defeated to Real Madrid. The Hammers are searching for a new manager after parting company with Moyes on Wednesday. The Scot was appointed as West Ham boss in November, with the team in the relegation zone, before guiding them to a 13th place finish in the Premier League.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham turn their attention to Manuel Pellegrini as Newcastle block Rafa Benitez move
WEST HAM have turned their attentions to former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini as they bid to get a new manager in place by the end of next week.
By MATTHEW DUNN
PUBLISHED: 00:00, Sat, May 19, 2018 | UPDATED: 00:16, Sat, May 19, 2018
Express
Rafa Benitez remains very much on the radar but with Newcastle set to dig in their heels, club owner David Sullivan is looking at other options. The wage demands of the 64-year-old, who won the title at the Etihad in 2014, may prove a stumbling block after representatives met with the Chilean on Wednesday and another candidate, Paulo Fonseca, ruled himself out of the running by signing a new two-year extension at Shakhtar Donetsk. Nevertheless, Sullivan remains confident of fulfilling his vow of recruiting a new manager with "a proven level of success at the highest level". They chose to dispense with the services of David Moyes earlier this week after he lifted the club from the relegation zone in November to 13th at the end of the season. Relegated Swansea yesterday confirmed they would not be renewing the contract of Carlos Carvalhal after their seven-year spell in the Premier League came to an end. Graham Potter is now the leading contender to be their seventh manager in just over four years with the club preparing to approach the Ostersunds boss early next week. Potter has guided Ostersunds through the Swedish divisions and led his team to victory over Arsenal in the Europa League this season. The 42-year-old Englishman fits the bill for a Swansea team whose relegation was confirmed on the final day of the season last Sunday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United fans respond to Jack Wilshere's latest tweet
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham United are said to be preparing a contract offer for Arsenal's Jack Wilshere. West Ham United fans have told Jack Wilshere to join them to guarantee his place in the England squad from now on. Wilshere wrote on Twitter how he was gutted to have missed out on the England squad for the World Cup.
Jack Wilshere
✔
@JackWilshere
Think its about time I had my say...
It goes without saying that I'm naturally incredibly disappointed to have been left out of the England squad for the World Cup. I've felt fit, sharp and strong all season and believe I should be in the squad!
8:58 PM - May 17, 2018
72.8K
23.8K people are talking about this
Jack Wilshere
✔
@JackWilshere
And given the chance i could have made a real inpact.
However, I have to respect the manager's decision and would like to wish the whole squad all the very best for the tournament. I will always be an England fan and will be supporting the boys with the rest of the nation 🦁🦁🦁
And West Ham supporters took the opportunity to use Wilshere's disappointment in their favour. The Arsenal midfielder has still not sorted out his contract at the Emirates Stadium, and West Ham are thought to be one of the clubs who want to sign him. The Daily Star claim that West Ham are preparing a £120,000-a-week offer to bring Wilshere to the London Stadium. And the central midfielder was inundated with messages encouraging him to make the switch to West Ham to ensure he got back into Gareth Southgate's plans. West Ham are unlikely to finalise any transfer moves until their new manager is in place. The Hammers have parted ways with David Moyes and are currently on the look out for a replacement for the Scot.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Academy star Ajibola Alese and England suffered penalty shootout heartbreak at the hands of the Netherlands in the UEFA European U17 Championship semi-finals. After a hard-fought goalless draw, England were edged out 6-5 on spot-kicks to miss out on a place in the final in the cruellest circumstances. The Hammers defender was part of head coach Steve Cooper's starting XI as the Young Lions, who lost in a shootout to Spain in last year's final and won the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup, were edged out by their Dutch counterparts in Chesterfield on Thursday evening. Alese, 17, missed England's opening two group-stage fixtures before being drafted into the team for the 1-0 defeat by Switzerland. He kept his place for the 2-0 quarter-final victory over Norway and was again involved from the kick-off against the Oranje. The Netherlands will take on Italy in the final in Rotherham on Sunday evening.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zabaleta: We will learn from this season
WHUFC.com
Pablo Zabaleta says his West Ham United team will learn from the experiences gained over a course of a rollercoaster 2017/18 season as they aim for improvement next term. The Hammers were unable to find the level of consistency required to push them into the top half of the Premier League table, but still finished with a flourish by collecting seven points from their final three games. Zabaleta, who was a model of consistency in his first campaign in east London since leaving Manchester City, was delighted to finish the year on a positive note and is now aiming for more following the summer break. He said: "We played really well against Everton and it was fantastic to finish the way we did, especially playing in front of our fans. "Hopefully we can learn from this season, not repeat the same mistakes, be more consistent as a team, and have the right ambition and attitude to fight for a European place. "Let's try to be in the top eight, which in my point of view this Club should be every season. "It's just about having the right mentality and every single player has to come here thinking West Ham is one of the greatest clubs in England. "And believe me, it is. We have a great stadium, we play every time in front of 50, 60,000 fans and the support is one of the best in England. "Everybody needs to be proud, because this is a great football club with a great tradition in English football. They have to give everything to bring success to this Club."
After such a long and successful spell at the Etihad Stadium, Zabaleta knew leaving Manchester would be tough, but he is thrilled to be with the Hammers – especially after missing just one top flight game all season. He added: "Coming to West Ham was a great decision for me. I'm not getting any younger, I was thinking to play for a few more years and West Ham was the right place to come to. I'm enjoying my football. "I played 37 Premier League games this season and missed only one, which was due to suspension, [and to play so many games] was great. "Thank you to the fans too because they have always been there to support the team, and now it's time to have a break, enjoy the World Cup and come back stronger next year."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Pellegrini: West Ham want to speak to former Manchester City manager
By Simon Stone
BBC Sport
West Ham want to speak to former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini about their managerial vacancy. There are reports in his native Chile that Pellegrini has signed a contract - but a deal is not yet done. The 64-year-old, who manages Chinese Super League side China Fortune, has been identified as a possible replacement for David Moyes, whose contract as not been renewed. Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez also remains of interest to West Ham. The Spaniard has 12 months remaining on his Newcastle contract and there is an acknowledgement from West Ham that getting Benitez out of St James' Park is difficult. Pellegrini managed Manchester City between 2013 and 2016 and won the Premier League title in his first season in charge. The former Real Madrid manager also guided City to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2016, the only time the club has reached that stage in their history. West Ham chairman David Sullivan has pledged to appoint a manager with "a proven level of success at the highest level".
Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca had been heavily linked the job - including reports he met Sullivan on Monday - but he signed a new contract to stay at the Ukrainian club on Thursday. Fonseca had also been linked with the vacant Everton manager's position.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pellegrini to be next West Ham manager?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
A South American source is claiming that Manuel Pellegrini is set to be named as West Ham United's new manager. According to Chilean media outlet Pauta, the 64-year-old has agreed to leave his current club in China in order to take the reins vacated by David Moyes last week. And it is further claimed that Santiago-born Pellegrini - who last managed in the Premier League during a three year spell at Manchester CIty between 2013 and 2016 - will be confirmed as West Ham club's 16th full-time manager this coming Monday.
Although he fails to fit the 'young, vibrant, inventive coach' category that many supporters were hoping would follow David Moyes, Pellegrini would nevertheless bring a vast wealth of experience to the post. His appointment would also demand an unprecedented financial commitment from West Ham, with reports that he - like Rafa Benitez - has a significant release clause in his contract with Hebei China Fortune, whilst his salary alone would cost the club in the region of £8million per year. When he appointed as manager of Chinese Super League club Fortune in 2016, it was Pellegrini's 13th role in management since he took up his first position at Universidad de Chile 28 years earlier, in 1988. Since then he has managed some of Europe and South America's most successful clubs, including River Plate (with whom he won the 2002/03 Primera Division), Real Madrid and Manchester City (Premier League and Carling Cup, twice).
David Sullivan, addressing the fanbase via a statement posted on West Ham United's website on Thursday evening stated that the club were "preparing to appoint a manager who has a proven record of success at the highest level of the game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham new manager: Jorge Mendes at centre of controversy as Benitez makes big demands
JORGE MENDES is at the centre of controversial claims over who will be appointed the next West Ham manager.
By JACK WILSON
PUBLISHED: 14:56, Fri, May 18, 2018 | UPDATED: 15:11, Fri, May 18, 2018
Express.co.uk
Super agent Mendes represents Shakhtar Donetsk boss Paulo Fonseca, who flew in for talks with the Hammers on Monday. Mendes and Fonseca met West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan and discussed the possibility of him replacing David Moyes. But Fonseca has since committed his future to Shakhtar by a signing a new two-year deal with the Ukrainian champions. It's left West Ham fans incensed with claims that Mendes' client used West Ham to negotiate a better package with Shakhtar. One fan wrote: "Paulo Fonseca literally pulled our pants down. Used us to get a better deal at Shakthar, and I can't help but think Benitez is going to do the exact same... I'll take Pellegrini though, no doubt about it."
Another said: "We went for Fonseca after failing to get Silva the first time and failed but it seems we've kept an interest in Silva and have gone for him. Fonseca used West Ham to try and flush our interest out but we're not Cos we have Silva lined up." The theme continued with another writing: "Fonseca was never serious about coming to England, only used the links with us and West Ham as leverage. Think he'll regret that, his stock will never be higher than it is now."
While a fellow supporter added: "Seems to me Paulo fonseca has used clubs to get a new contract at shakhtar." Fonseca, 45, is now set to remain with Shakhtar until 2020. "I'm very happy. I had a desire to continue my career in Shakhtar," said Fonseca in a statement released on the club's website. "It was extremely important to feel that the president of the club, Rinat Akhmetov, employees and football players want me to stay to continue the work that we started two seasons ago. "Now you need to work hard to continue to win both on the domestic and international arena. "Shakhtar will still demonstrate a beautiful, attacking football. I believe that the fans will be proud of their club. "I want to thank our fans for their excellent support. The "miners" just fantastic fans who are very fond of the team. For me, this served as an additional motive for staying here."
It now leaves Rafa Benitez as the frontrunner for the job. The Spaniard wants to stay at Newcastle but only if he is satisfied the club can match his ambitions - and they have yet to convince him. Benitez has 12 months left on his contract and wanted his future resolved before the end of the season. His representatives have been in talks with managing director Lee Charnley, acting on behalf of owner Mike Ashley, for several weeks but little progress has been made. Benitez wants cast-iron assurances that he can spend whatever cash he is given any way he likes. Ashley wants Benitez to stay, but the pair have not held face-toface talks and there is a lack of trust on Benitez's side after three botched transfer windows. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid coach has never walked out on a contract and would be loath to do so now. But he feels the ball is firmly in Newcastle's court, and if they do not accept his terms it will prove to him they do not want him to be in charge in the long term.
While Benitez has a close relationship with Toon fans, being manager of a club content to finish mid-table year in, year out is not what he is looking for. West Ham, who did not renew David Moyes' contract, have also approached Hoffenheim's Julian Nagelsmann, at 30 the youngest coach in the Bundesliga, and who has guided them into the Champions League group stages for the first time, but have been told he is staying put. Former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini currently at Chinese club Hebei China Fortune, looks to have priced himself out of the running with demands for an £8.5m deal, plus £5m compensation.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Pellegrini leading candidate to be next West Ham manager despite Rafael Benitez contract situation
Pellegrini ticks virtually every box for what the West Ham board want in a manager
Ed Malyon Sports Editor
The Independent Sport
Manuel Pellegrini is preparing for talks with West Ham United, and his willingness to take over the east London club make him the most likely person to replace David Moyes as Hammers boss. A Premier League-winning coach, Pellegrini has a glittering CV which includes taking Villarreal and Manchester City to the final four of the Champions League for the first time in their respective histories as well as guiding Malaga to the quarter-finals of European football's premier club competition.
The only significant blot on Pellegrini's career was his sacking by Real Madrid, largely the product of a Copa del Rey elimination by third-tier Alcorcón, but the Chilean also managed to guide the Bernabeu club to their highest-ever points total in La Liga. His main rival for the top job at West Ham also endured a shortened spell in charge at Madrid, but despite Rafael Benitez's frustration with the ownership at Newcastle United, there remain a number of obstacles to his appointment and a feeling that the Hammers are being used to generate leverage in contract negotiations.
Benitez has 12 months remaining on his contract on Tyneside but it is understood that the Spaniard's entourage believe he would win a case for constructive dismissal should he walk out on the Magpies, allowing him to walk out for free. That said, fan favourite Benitez is not expected to go to such extremes and is understood to be willing to extend his Newcastle contract should new transfer budgets be agreed.
For his part, Pellegrini is currently manager of Hebei China Fortune in the Chinese Super League but would be allowed to leave the club for nominal compensation. He is analysing a number of offers, according to sources with knowledge of his affairs, and would welcome a return to European football. The 64-year-old coach would be expected to ask for a significant say in transfers, and should West Ham grant that then formal talks should go fairly smoothly.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Crystal Palace make move to sign West Ham's Michail Antonio
• Roy Hodgson admires Antonio's versatility
• Palace fear West Ham could price them out of move
David Hytner and Dominic Fifield
Fri 18 May 2018 13.17 BST Last modified on Fri 18 May 2018 13.22 BST
The Guardian
Crystal Palace have made a move for West Ham United's Michail Antonio, as they look to build on their end-of-season momentum by completing early transfer business. Antonio, 28, can play in wide midfield, up front or even at full-back – versatility that has impressed Roy Hodgson – and the Palace manager would most likely use him off the wing to cover the departure of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, whose season-long loan from Chelsea has expired.
Palace fear that West Ham could place too high a price for them on Antonio, although the east London club's intentions are not yet clear as they prioritise the appointment of a successor to David Moyes as manager. Antonio has been called up by England but he is yet to win a cap. Palace finished the season with five wins and two draws from eight matches to secure 11th place and Hodgson will be busy in the coming weeks. He will talk to Yohan Cabaye, Joel Ward and Bakary Sako about new contracts; the trio are set to become free agents in the summer.
Cabaye, who is wanted by Marseille, would prefer to remain in London but may have to accept a wage cut. Palace have explored midfield contingencies, such as Stoke City's Joe Allen, and they also like Leander Dendoncker of Anderlecht. Palace have an interest in the right-backs Almamy Touré and Ryan Fredericks of Monaco and Fulham respectively and will sign the Getafe goalkeeper Vicente Guaita on a Bosman free transfer. They have offered fresh terms to their long-serving goalkeeper Julián Speroni.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Pellegrini favourite to be West Ham manager and could be key to keeping Manuel Lanzini
KEN DYER
ES Sport
Manuel Pellegrini is emerging as the favourite to succeed David Moyes as manager of West Ham. The Chilean boss of Chinese Super League club side Hebei Fortune is keen on a return to Europe, where he has managed in England and Spain. There has already been contact between the parties and Pellegrini is expected to have a face-to-face interview with West Ham co-owner David Sullivan in the next few days. Rafa Benitez is still in the frame but his protracted negotiations with Newcastle could work against him since Sullivan announced last night he is confident of making an appointment before next Thursday.
Chilean sources are confident the deal will be done and it is understood West Ham believe his Latin American roots could help to keep Argentina midfielder Manuel Lanzini at the club. There are fears the fans' favourite could be on the move with Liverpool among the clubs showing interest but Pellegrini's arrival could play a part in persuading the 25-year-old to stay. West Ham's Argentine full-back Pablo Zabaleta was also part of Pellegrini's Manchester City team that won the Premier League in 2014. Pellegrini managed a number of clubs in South America, including Argentine outfit River Plate, before moving to Spain, where he led Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga before joining City in 2013.
Although Pellegrini is now the leading contender, Benitez is still under consideration. Benitez almost became West Ham's manager following the departure of Sam Allardyce in 2015 but pulled out of the proposed deal when Real Madrid approached him. The Spaniard said he respected the club for the professional way they reacted to his change of heart. The main hurdles to Benitez joining West Ham are the time it is taking for his future at Newcastle to be settled and the £6million compensation the Hammers would have to pay.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Inside the misery at West Ham and Everton - how can they put things right?
Chris Bascombe Sam Dean
18 MAY 2018 • 10:53AM
Telegraph.co.uk
After disappointing seasons, Everton and West Ham sacked their managers within hours of each other this week. Sam Allardyce and David Moyes may have gone but doubts remain over whether the rifts between club and fans can be healed. Chris Bascombe assesses Everton's plight and Sam Dean looks at West Ham's.
How big is the rift between the club and the fans?
Chris Bascombe on Everton: It would have resembled the Grand Canyon had Sam Allardyce been retained. His exit will bring the club and fans nearer together. In fact, the targeting of Allardyce rather than the board by a section of Goodison's support demonstrates the reluctance of most fans to allow wounds to fester. It was much easier focusing on the man who accepted the job than those who offered him it. Had Farhad Moshiri stuck with Allardyce for another season, the majority shareholder would have been subject to greater ire at the start of next season. There has been a timely boardroom reshuffle, so a fresh start beckons. There is unlikely to be much schism between fans and club by pre-season, albeit healthy cynicism remains and judgement will be reserved.
Sam Dean on West Ham: Enormous. The chasm has been growing ever since a difficult opening few weeks in the London Stadium last season, and only widened this season. The dissatisfaction towards the club's owners manifested itself most dramatically during West Ham's 3-0 defeat by Burnley in March, when hundreds of supporters hurled abuse (and coins) towards the directors. Many West Ham fans believe they were sold a lie when the club conjured images of a grand future in the new stadium. Only genuine progress on the pitch, and heavy investment off it, will soften their anger towards David Sullivan, David Gold and vice-chairman Karren Brady.
Are they in danger of losing their identity?
CB: No-one in the current regime has ever defined Everton's 'identity'. David Moyes was thought too negative. The fans chanted 'the School of Science is back' under Roberto Martinez, but lost patience when idealism stopped yielding positive results. Pragmatic Ronald Koeman was disliked because of suspicions he saw Everton as a stepping stone. Which manager of any club beyond the Champions League elite does not? Allardyce was more 'Dogs of War' than 'School of Science' but was mismatched due to his personality. The word 'identity' is overrated. What Everton need first and foremost is a good manager to impose his own vision, relate to the fans and make going to games enjoyable. If he signs talented players who score lots of goals, few will care if it's total football or a more direct style.
SD: Huge numbers of West Ham supporters would argue that they already have lost their identity. The London Stadium feels soulless compared to Upton Park, the club's home for 112 years, and the final few weeks of the season were pockmarked by stories of long-time supporters revealing they will not be returning for the new campaign. The fabled 'West Ham Way' has not been seen on the pitch since the relocation, with the side only producing a handful of impressive home performances in two seasons. David Moyes, the former manager who left the club this week, was seen by many to have an approach that was too negative.
What needs to happen to put it right?
CB: Better recruitment. Steve Walsh was a disaster as director of football. Allardyce was never going to be tolerated beyond the short-term. The arrival of Marcel Brands is already feeding optimism, as will Marco Silva if – as anticipated – he becomes the manager. Then it is all about the players signed. Everton need pace, creativity and goals. So does every side, but given the investment into the club there is no excuse for its absence. There has been a chronic lack of dynamic forward players, although Theo Walcott showed promise after his arrival in January. Beyond that, Everton finalising their stadium plans and starting construction will restore some of the hope that followed Moshiri when he first invested in the club.
SD: Firstly, Sullivan and Gold desperately need to make the right appointment when selecting their new manager as the dismissal of Moyes means that they no longer have a reliable, safe option to fall back on. The general air of chaos around the club is likely to prove a hurdle to hiring the "high-profile" figure the club wants. The nature of Sullivan's haphazard control over transfers may also deter potential managers, while there is an urgent need to refresh an ageing squad.
Despite the anger of the supporters, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that an upturn in results (and performances) would galvanise the entire club.
Is there any faith that those in charge will make the right decisions?
CB: The jury is out. Moshiri's judgement so far is questionable, as he has been prone to pander to public opinion when he hears the crowd turn. Many will argue he was right to dismiss Roberto Martinez and Ronald Koeman when he did, but in another era Everton would have been more patient. A club once hailed for its stability has been through too many coaches. The Allardyce recruitment proceeded as expected. He would never last. Despite the club's desperate need in November, caving in and offering an 18-month contract smacked of weak leadership. It has cost the club too much sacking managers. New chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale, alongside Brands, give Everton a more modern look in the boardroom. They will buy the club time to fix the mistakes of the last few years.
SD: To put it simply, no. Sullivan and Gold have failed to present a unified image this week, when Gold said that he hoped Moyes would be staying hours before the club revealed the manager had left. There is a perceived lack of professionalism. Fans have been unhappy with Sullivan's son revealing club news on social media, while there is general discontent — inside and outside the club — about Brady's column in the Sun newspaper. Brady angered supporters recently by writing that "malcontents and keyboard warriors" had caused problems at the new stadium, and also allegedly cost the club the chance to sign Islam Slimani because she had offended the Leicester City owners in one of her articles.
What is the best outcome from this summer, what is the most likely - and what would constitute success next season?
CB: For all their problems, the speed of change earlier this week bodes well. The announcements were blunt and welcome. The shifts in boardroom power must be reflected with equally forceful action to fix the team, getting rid of average players and recruiting those who will change perceptions of how Everton play. If, or when, Silva arrives he will need time to rebuild, but so long as the direction he is taking is clear he will get it from fans craving hope. Realistically, a league position similar to this season – seventh or eighth – should not be lazily dismissed as more of the same. It was never about where the club finished now, but how they got there and where they are going longer-term. Everton must perform better in the cup competitions and play with more promise and purpose. They will be thrust back into a development phase, but that is better than this year of stagnation.
SD: The best outcome would be for the club to find an ambitious manager who will bring some verve back into the side, with Manuel Pellegrini now looking the man most likely. It would help if the transfer window was free of any public fallouts with other clubs — Sullivan was labelled a "parasite" by the Sporting Lisbon director after last year's failed pursuit of William Carvalho — and if West Ham were able to recruit three or four exciting, young players. At this uncertain stage, with no manager in place, the reality is that next year would probably be considered a success if the situation simply does not get any worse. Still, an injection of enthusiasm could go a long way to changing attitudes.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian gave West Ham Moyes ultimatum, Betis still keen
HITC
Will Butcher
Adrian's West Ham future will be an interesting topic come the summer window. Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo have claimed that West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian gave the Hammers board an ultimatum over his future, claiming that he would leave the club if David Moyes remained in charge. The 31-year-old has been used in tandem along with loanee Joe Hart at the London Stadium, making 19 Premier League appearances for David Moyes' side as they finished in a decent 13th place. The former Real Betis goalkeeper started the Hammers last four Premier League matches, helping the Hammers notch seven points and clean sheets against Leicester City and Manchester United. But Adrian is said to have become frustrated as Hart was given chance after chance despite a number of mistakes between the sticks under Moyes, and it is believed that if Moyes had remained, Adrian would have left. Moyes was sacked by the Hammers on Wednesday afternoon despite taking them from the relegation zone to comfortable 13th place, but fans' discontent with the Scot in charge is likely to have played a part in his dismissal. Adrian has a year remaining on his contract which the Daily Star claim is worth £35,000 a week, but his former side Betis remain interested in luring the goalkeeper back to Spain.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BENITEZ MAKES ULTIMATUM TO NEWCASTLE BOARD AS WEST HAM MOVE BECKONS
GEORGE ROGAN
ReadWestHam
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez wants to remain with the club, but needs assurances over his transfer budget, reports the Telegraph. West Ham are expected to make an approach for him to become their new manager, as they themselves report a deal to appoint a new manager is close. There is a £6 million release clause in the Spaniard's contract, with the Hammers appearing willing to pay it for someone who has the knowledge and success off Benitez in this league.
However, no agreement has been reached yet and Benitez would be keen to remain on Tyneside. Rafa sees the club only improving with him in charge, but wants money guaranteed to back his plans for the Magpies. The Irons are looking for improvement after a 13th placed finish, and appointing the Spaniard would go a long way to ensuring the wildest dreams of West Ham fans are realised. West Ham showed they aren't afraid to spend when signing Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez last summer, so Benitez would perhaps be happier with the board in East London than in the North East.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LEND ME YOUR EAR – AND YOUR TWEEZERS
By Goatygav 18 May 2018 at 08:00
WTID
So I've sat on the fence until now regarding the question of who is going to be managing us next season. Now that David Moyes has moved on I want to throw my thoughts in to the mix regarding our next first team boss.
I'm all for progression. Looking forwards, not back, is the only way to go.
Please don't get me wrong. I really appreciate what David Moyes, Stuart Pearce, Alan Irvine and the rest of the management team have done for the last few months. If that team had have stayed in place I would have got behind them and supported them one hundred percent. I think that there's more to David Moyes than many have made out. I genuinely think he has learned and grown from his experiences with Manchester United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland and is a person who is open, and dedicated, to learning. This is the big difference between him and many of the other managers who were brought in to save clubs from relegation this season. In my view the likes of Mr Allardyce have a rigidly set way of doing things whereas David Moyes can, and will, adapt to, and incorporate, more modern approaches to the game. I'm of the genuine belief that, should he have stayed at West Ham, we'd have seen far more of this 'modern' thinking from Moyesey next season. He had a job to do, in the short space of time he had with us, which he got done under difficult circumstances. For that I'll remember him with gratitude. On a personal level I quite liked the guy's style too. He's a deeply respectful football man with a great passion and belief in what he does. He's also a terrific man manager who knows how to get the best out of the more temperamental and sensitive players.
On the subject of managers who are more modern in their approach to the game, and by this I mean playing styles, tactics and patterns on the pitch rather than scientific analysis of fitness, athleticism and areas to 'hit' with balls, it's high time we had a manager in place who's at the leading edge. No fence sitting now (although, to be fair, my refusal to vote or comment beforehand was a deliberate choice – not indecision) – that manager should be Marco Silva.
Should Everton's bid for Silva be blocked then Mr Gold and Mr Sullivan need to do everything in their power to bring this man to our club. For me he is the one to take West Ham to the next level (regular top half finishes & knocking on the Europa League door every season). Everywhere Marco has gone he's had a positive impact. Taking over a hopelessly woeful Hull team from Mike Phelan, who were bottom of the league, he got the Tigers playing a completely different style of football that gave them a shout of survival with a 36% win percentage. Speaking of winning he won the cup in Portugal with Sporting and the Greek title with Olympiacos. Away from the obvious appeal of a cup win, for all us success starved Hammers, it's the way he sets his teams up and his tactical nous that appeals most. Everton fans and West Ham fans share the same desire for good, technical football. The Toffees faithful are desperate to bring Silva in because they know he's 'their' kind of manager. He's our kind of manager too.
Silva's tumultuous final weeks at Watford were widely reported. Were Everton out of order for the manner of their approach to the Portuguese boss? Probably. They could certainly have handled the situation far better IMO. Either way we'll soon know whether Everton will just have to pay compensation to Watford or will be blocked in their attempt to appoint "Mini-Mourinho."
I genuinely don't think Rafa Benitez will come to East London. Even if the owners promise to spend the kind of money, on the transfers and wages, that "Rafa the Gaffer" would demand I believe that their track record of non-delivery will put him off. Sorry to be negative but it's an opinion. Similar with Manuel Pelligrini. No brainer in a multiple choice – he went to China to either..
A. Further his career?
or
B. The cash?
Serious selling job to do on the successful Chilean for my money.
Wouldn't mind Eddie Howe being given a chance but I doubt he'd come either. It would be a risk on the parts of both the club and Eddie himself. He's built a squad at Bournemouth that know and respect him. West Ham have more difficult characters to manage within the squad and it's that aspect of the Bournemouth manager's capabilities that I'm unsure of. I believe he has all the other attributes, including the modern approach to the game, that I'd want to see in a West Ham manager.
Whoever I'd like to see is, ultimately, irrelevant. I had a punt on Fonseca – shows how much I know.
Lastly I'd just like to go on record with my thanks to David Moyes for a job well done. The Scot's definitely gone up in my estimation – especially when you consider that I commented that he'd 'take us down' if appointed. Very much like the "cut of his jib," for those Blackadder fans out there, and wish him all the best for the future. Cheers Moyesey – mind how you go fella!
COYI!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Agent of Gianluigi Buffon hints Juventus goalkeeper would be open to joining West Ham United
HITC
Aiden Cusick
West Ham United are short between the sticks. The agent of Gianluigi Buffon has hinted the Juventus goalkeeper would be open to joining West Ham United.
Buffon confirmed this week that he will leave the Italian champions this summer, after 17 years in Turin. But despite having turned 40 in January, Buffon has not yet decided whether to quit football altogether, and is said to have Premier League interest should he choose to continue his career. One English club who could be in the market for a new shot-stopper ahead of the new campaign is West Ham United, having allowed Joe Hart to return to Manchester City after his season-long loan spell. And an ambitious move for Buffon may not be out of the question, his representative, Silvano Martina, has told the Sun newspaper. Discussing the veteran's future, Martina said: "I don't know if it will be a total farewell to football. He wants two weeks to talk to his family and come to a decision. "In England, he always really admired West Ham supporters, and even wrote about it in his book."
West Ham, who were linked with a move for the Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton this week, can still call upon Adrian San Miguel in the meantime
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Pellegrini to hold further talks with West Ham as they look to appoint new manager quickly following David Moyes' departure
Manuel Pellegrini is the closest to succeeding David Moyes as West Ham boss
But there is not yet an agreement or contract signed, despite reports in Chile
Rafa Benitez has always been West Ham's No 1 choice to take over as manager
Pellegrini was among other options identified by co-chairman David Sullivan
By Kieran Gill for the Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 22:49, 18 May 2018 | UPDATED: 00:31, 19 May 2018
West Ham are set to hold further talks with Manuel Pellegrini this weekend. The former Manchester City manager, 64, is the closest to succeeding David Moyes but there is not yet an agreement or contract signed, despite reports in Chile. Rafa Benitez has always been West Ham's No 1 choice but Pellegrini was among other options identified by co-chairman David Sullivan. Pellegrini spent three years with City and won the Premier League in 2014. He also won the EFL Cup twice during his time in England. The Chilean guided City to their first and only Champions League semi-final in 2016, where they were defeated to Real Madrid. The Hammers are searching for a new manager after parting company with Moyes on Wednesday. The Scot was appointed as West Ham boss in November, with the team in the relegation zone, before guiding them to a 13th place finish in the Premier League.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham turn their attention to Manuel Pellegrini as Newcastle block Rafa Benitez move
WEST HAM have turned their attentions to former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini as they bid to get a new manager in place by the end of next week.
By MATTHEW DUNN
PUBLISHED: 00:00, Sat, May 19, 2018 | UPDATED: 00:16, Sat, May 19, 2018
Express
Rafa Benitez remains very much on the radar but with Newcastle set to dig in their heels, club owner David Sullivan is looking at other options. The wage demands of the 64-year-old, who won the title at the Etihad in 2014, may prove a stumbling block after representatives met with the Chilean on Wednesday and another candidate, Paulo Fonseca, ruled himself out of the running by signing a new two-year extension at Shakhtar Donetsk. Nevertheless, Sullivan remains confident of fulfilling his vow of recruiting a new manager with "a proven level of success at the highest level". They chose to dispense with the services of David Moyes earlier this week after he lifted the club from the relegation zone in November to 13th at the end of the season. Relegated Swansea yesterday confirmed they would not be renewing the contract of Carlos Carvalhal after their seven-year spell in the Premier League came to an end. Graham Potter is now the leading contender to be their seventh manager in just over four years with the club preparing to approach the Ostersunds boss early next week. Potter has guided Ostersunds through the Swedish divisions and led his team to victory over Arsenal in the Europa League this season. The 42-year-old Englishman fits the bill for a Swansea team whose relegation was confirmed on the final day of the season last Sunday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United fans respond to Jack Wilshere's latest tweet
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham United are said to be preparing a contract offer for Arsenal's Jack Wilshere. West Ham United fans have told Jack Wilshere to join them to guarantee his place in the England squad from now on. Wilshere wrote on Twitter how he was gutted to have missed out on the England squad for the World Cup.
Jack Wilshere
✔
@JackWilshere
Think its about time I had my say...
It goes without saying that I'm naturally incredibly disappointed to have been left out of the England squad for the World Cup. I've felt fit, sharp and strong all season and believe I should be in the squad!
8:58 PM - May 17, 2018
72.8K
23.8K people are talking about this
Jack Wilshere
✔
@JackWilshere
And given the chance i could have made a real inpact.
However, I have to respect the manager's decision and would like to wish the whole squad all the very best for the tournament. I will always be an England fan and will be supporting the boys with the rest of the nation 🦁🦁🦁
And West Ham supporters took the opportunity to use Wilshere's disappointment in their favour. The Arsenal midfielder has still not sorted out his contract at the Emirates Stadium, and West Ham are thought to be one of the clubs who want to sign him. The Daily Star claim that West Ham are preparing a £120,000-a-week offer to bring Wilshere to the London Stadium. And the central midfielder was inundated with messages encouraging him to make the switch to West Ham to ensure he got back into Gareth Southgate's plans. West Ham are unlikely to finalise any transfer moves until their new manager is in place. The Hammers have parted ways with David Moyes and are currently on the look out for a replacement for the Scot.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, May 18
Daily WHUFC News - 18th May 2018
Joint-Chairman provides update on manager search
WHUFC.com
West Ham United would like to assure supporters that the Board are extremely confident of appointing a high-calibre first-team manager, who has a proven record both in the Premier League and European football. The Club expect to make an announcement within the next seven days, following a thorough and strategic process that has identified the best possible candidates. Joint Chairman David Sullivan said: "I would like to reassure our supporters that we have left no stone unturned in selecting the individual we believe is the right man to take West Ham United forward. "We have followed a process that is progressing entirely to plan and are now very close to reaching an agreement. "This is an exciting time for our football club. We are preparing to appoint a manager who has a proven record of success at the highest level of the game."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Phillips: It's about getting players through the ranks
WHUFC.com
U18s coach and co-manager Mark Phillips takes a look back at the 2017/18 season at the West Ham United Academy...
It is always important to remember, when considering the season as a whole, that it's not about results or where you are in the league at this level, although obviously it's always nice to be near the top.
For us, Steve Potts and myself, as coaches of the West Ham United U18s, it's about getting players through the ranks, and this season I'm delighted to say we've had four players consistently representing the U23s in Ben Johnson, Domingos Quina, Conor Coventry and Alfie Lewis. Each has consistently played for the U23s this campaign, and that's what the job Steve and I do is all about.
When I think about the ups and downs of the season, I think my most disappointing day of the campaign came in our very first game. We were away to Brighton & Hove Albion, and we'd looked at the fixture as one that we could take points from, but our side lost 3-1 and, to be honest, didn't play all that well.
However, that result was the beginning of a real learning curve for our lads and, slowly but surely, we began to get to grips with our competition, and really started to show what they were about towards the end of 2017.
From there, our team went on a very good run, winning five consecutive matches. That run came on the back of a change in style.
The quality we possessed at centre-back, along with the presence of two natural wing-backs in Jeremy Ngakia and Reece Hannam, meant that it was natural for us to move to a three-man defensive formation.
It was a move that proved highly successful for us. We didn't allow our playing philosophy to be compromised, but we just shifted slightly to a system that benefited our available personnel. All the credit goes to the players for quickly adapting, as they only had three days to learn the formation before the first time we used it. Winning that match against Leicester City in early February proved to all of us that it was the right move.
In the midst of this run and switch came my favourite game this season – the 2-0 home victory against Tottenham. Make no mistake, Tottenham are an exceptionally strong team and were one of only two sides to beat Chelsea, who have finished top of our division.
We entertained Spurs in a midweek contest in March and, to be fair, they were the better team in the first half. However, our boys showed their resolution and determination, containing Tottenham to only a handful of chances, before goals from Odysseas Spyridis and Korrey Henry gave us the win. That spirit and drive made this the most satisfying result, at least for me personally.
A few of our U18s have been in Zurich for the FIFA/Blue Stars Youth Cup, where they finished a creditable sixth, while a handful will also be involved in the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens competition in Hong Kong. It's a very prestigious tournament and an excellent way for our players to showcase their ability at the end of the campaign.
The off-season is very important now. Undoubtedly, our lads need time to unwind, but it's essential that they come back in good shape, ready to hit the ground running.
The coming pre-season is a great opportunity for our U18s to prove themselves ahead of the new campaign. There will be some players who have done well at U16s level that will be looking to make an impact now they are with us. No doubts about it, it will be harder and we will expect more from them, but I'm looking forward to seeing what the new season holds for us at the West Ham United Academy.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Obiang delighted to return to action
WHUFC.com
Seven points in three matches and a return to action after injury equalled a 'beautiful' end to the season for Pedro Obiang. The midfielder, who had been out of action since suffering a knee injury in the FA Cup clash with Wigan Athletic at the end of January, made his return to the field with a brief cameo in the closing minutes of West Ham's 3-1 win over Everton on Sunday. The appearance came after Obiang had been on the bench in the prior two matches, meaning the Spaniard watched on as the Hammers beat Leicester City 2-0 away before claiming a credible draw with Manchester United. With seven points claimed in the final run-in, Obiang was thrilled with how the Irons ended the 2017/18 campaign. "It was a perfect way to end the season," Obiang told West Ham TV. "It was the perfect time to take some more points. We probably have to say sorry because we made the people suffer until the end of the season. But, sometimes it's beautiful to wait. "It's always important because we have to keep positive. In the last three games, we've played really good football and taken a lot of points, so to finish with three points is one of the most important things. You have to finish with something at the end."
A tear to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee against Wigan seemed to have ended Obiang's campaign at the start of 2018, with it originally believed that the 26-year-old would be back in time for pre-season. However, the midfielder insists he always believed he would be back on the pitch again this season.
"For even me, today was exciting because I was expecting this moment for a couple of weeks," he continued. "Even if I didn't feel 90 or 100 per cent, I have to be with the squad. I waited for my time and they gave it to me, which was really nice."
The midfielder has now called on the side to take the form from the final week of this season into next year, as the side looks to improve on the 13th placed finish achieved. Obiang added: "We have to take the summer but I think in the last month we've improved a lot. We have to continue that way."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to appoint boss with 'proven record of success at highest level'
BBC.co.uk
West Ham say they will appoint "a manager who has a proven record of success at the highest level of the game" within the next seven days. The Hammers are looking for their fourth manager since 2015 after David Moyes left the club on Wednesday. Joint chairman David Sullivan said the Hammers had left "no stone unturned" in choosing the person they believe is the "right man to take West Ham forward".
Sullivan added they "are now very close to reaching an agreement". Former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, who is managing Chinese side Hebei China Fortune, and Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez are the bookmakers' favourites for the post. "This is an exciting time for our football club," Sullivan said. "We are preparing to appoint a manager who has a proven record of success at the highest level of the game."
A West Ham statement on Thursday said the club was "extremely confident of appointing a high-calibre first-team manager, who has a proven record both in the Premier League and European football".
Moyes replaced Slaven Bilic on a short-term contract in November with the club in the relegation zone. He presided over nine wins and 10 draws from 31 games as the Hammers finished 13th in the Premier League, nine points clear of the drop zone.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Sullivan says West Ham 'very close' to appointing new manager
By Rory O'Callaghan
Last Updated: 17/05/18 9:22pm
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan insists the club is "very close" to appointing a "high calibre" manager to succeed David Moyes at the London Stadium. Moyes parted ways with the Hammers on Wednesday after coming to the end of his six-month contract with the club, who have since held talks with representatives of Manuel Pellegrini. Sky sources understand West Ham are planning on making a move for Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez, while Shakhtar Donetsk boss Paulo Fonseca has also been linked with the vacant role.
A statement released on West Ham's website on Thursday, read: "West Ham United would like to assure supporters that the Board are extremely confident of appointing a high-calibre first-team manager, who has a proven record both in the Premier League and European football. "The Club expect to make an announcement within the next seven days, following a thorough and strategic process that has identified the best possible candidates."
Sullivan insists the club's efforts to recruit a new manager are "progressing entirely to plan" and that an agreement will be reached in the coming days. "I would like to reassure our supporters that we have left no stone unturned in selecting the individual we believe is the right man to take West Ham United forward," added Sullivan. "We have followed a process that is progressing entirely to plan and are now very close to reaching an agreement. "This is an exciting time for our football club. We are preparing to appoint a manager who has a proven record of success at the highest level of the game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle United confident of keeping manager Rafa Benitez
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 17/05/18 7:41pm
SSN
Newcastle are confident manager Rafa Benitez will stay at the club, despite reports linking him with a move away, Sky sources understand. United believe they have a water-tight contract with Benitez, which includes a large release clause. The Spaniard, who has one year remaining on his current deal, almost became West Ham boss in the summer of 2015 before joining Real Madrid. West Ham co-owner David Sullivan remains on good terms with Benitez and said on Thursday that the club were "very close" to appointing a "high calibre" manager to succeed David Moyes at the London Stadium. The club have since held talks with representatives of former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini in their search to replace the Scotsman.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Paulo Fonseca signs new two-year deal with Shakhtar Donetsk
Last Updated: 17/05/18 9:38pm
SSN
Paulo Fonseca has committed his future to Shakhtar Donetsk by a signing a new two-year deal with the Ukrainian champions. Fonseca first joined Donestk in 2016 after leaving Portuguese side Braga and has since guided the club to successive league and cup doubles in Ukraine. The 45-year-old had been linked with the vacant managerial role at West Ham but is now set to remain with Shakhtar until 2020. "I'm very happy. I had a desire to continue my career in Shakhtar," said Fonseca, in a statement released on the club's website. "It was extremely important to feel that the president of the club, Rinat Akhmetov, employees and football players want me to stay to continue the work that we started two seasons ago. "Now you need to work hard to continue to win both on the domestic and international arena. "Shakhtar will still demonstrate a beautiful, attacking football. I believe that the fans will be proud of their club. "I want to thank our fans for their excellent support. The "miners" just fantastic fans who are very fond of the team. For me, this served as an additional motive for staying here."
Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov has been impressed with Fonseca's impact since his arrival from Portugal in 2016. He said: "You remember how, two years ago, we invited Paulo to Shakhtar and everyone shouted: 'What will happen, what now with Shakhtar? Now everything will be bad with Shakhtar. Everything is bad, there will be problems. We do not know what to expect.' "And what do we see? Two championships, two Cups, one Super Bowl and a brilliant game in the Champions League. "This indicates that Shakhtar made the right decision two years ago, inviting Paulo and his assistants to the team. Now we have signed a new contract, and I am confident that new successes will await us. Paulo is a professional. "He is an ambitious man. An industrious man. And he has good ideas. He knows what to do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No decision from Fonseca
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 17th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
Shakhtar Donetsk boss Paulo Fonseca is yet to determine his future, despite reports suggesting that he has agreed to sign a new contract with the Ukrainian club.
The 45-year-old Portuguese manager met West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan on Monday to discuss a potential move to West Ham, since when it has been reported that he is set to turn his back on West Ham and sign an extended contract with his current club. However those reports are thought to be wide of the mark, with Fonseca instead set to announce his intentions within the next 48 hours.
Meanwhile representatives of Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini have also met West Ham's co-owner, with reports suggesting that the 64-year-old is demanding a salary worth in the region of £8million per year. And that's in addition to the compensation West Ham would have to pay Pellegrini's current club Hebei China Fortune, to whom he is contracted until summer 2019.
The third leading candidate for the role, Rafa Benitez, remains in contract negotiations with current club Newcastle United; the 64-year-old former Real and Liverpool boss has little more than a year to run on his current agreement with the North East club. However in order to land the Spaniard - or either Fonseca or Pellegrini - Sullivan would have to break his policy of refusing to pay compensation for a manager already employed elsewhere.
Avram Grant, Sam Allardyce, Slaven Bilic and David Moyes - his four signings since purchasing a controlling share in West Ham - were all free agents when joining the Hammers. With that in mind, Claudio Ranieri's decision to leave Ligue 1 outfit Nantes by mutual agreement this morning - after just a single season in charge at La Beaujoire-Louis Fonteneau - will no doubt raise a few eyebrows across the water. Ranieri, who led Leicester to the Premier League title two seasons ago may well be viewed as the perfect solution to West Ham's current needs, given his record of making the most of clubs with limited budgets.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham set to move for Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 17/05/18 11:02am
SSN
West Ham are planning on making a move for Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez, according to Sky sources. The Spaniard almost became Hammers boss in the summer of 2015 before they were gazumped by Real Madrid. West Ham co-owner David Sullivan remains on good terms with Benitez. Benitez is believed to have a £6m release clause in his Newcastle contract and wants assurances about his transfer budget before committing his long-term future to the club. The 58-year-old remains in discussions over a contract extension in the north-east, as his present deal has only 12 months left to run. Benitez has earned plaudits for guiding the Magpies to an impressive 10th-place finish in the Premier League, capped by a 3-0 romp against Chelsea on the final day.
Sky Sports News also reported on Wednesday that West Ham had met with representatives of former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, although it is understood wages are a major stumbling block. The Hammers confirmed earlier in the day that David Moyes would not return to his role as manager following the expiration of his six-month deal. Hammers co-owner David Sullivan said: "We aim to appoint a high-calibre figure who we feel will lead the club into an exciting future for our loyal supporters within the next 10 days."
West Ham are also interested in Paulo Fonseca, manager of Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rafa Benitez to West Ham: Newcastle boss demands £100m transfer kitty plus full control
RAFA BENITEZ has outlined his terms to become West Ham's new manager: he wants a £100million budget, total control over transfers, and a £6m a year contract.
By TONY BANKS
PUBLISHED: 22:30, Thu, May 17, 2018
Express.co.uk
The Hammers have made Benitez their No 1 choice to replace David Moyes, while Russian giants Zenit St Petersberg have identified the 58-year-old as Roberto Mancini's successor. Both would be willing to meet the £6m buy-out clause in his contract, with the Hammers ready to make a formal approach given any encouragement from Benitez' people. Benitez wants to stay at Newcastle - but only if he's satisfied the club can match his own ambitions. And Newcastle so far have yet to convince him the two parties share the same goals.
Benitez has just 12 months left on his current deal and wanted his future resolved before the end of the season. His representatives have been in talks with managing director Lee Charnley, acting on behalf of Ashley for several weeks, but little progress has been made. The former Liverpool manager wants cast-iron assurances that he can spend what cash he is given how he likes. Ashley has said that he wants Benitez to stay, but the pair have not held face-to-face talks and there is a lack of trust on Benitez's side after three botched transfer windows. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid coach has never previously walked out on a contract and would be loath to do so now. But he feels the ball is firmly in Newcastle's court and if they don't accept his terms, it will prove to him they don't want him to be in charge in the long-term. While Benitez has a close relationship with Toon fans, being manager of a club content to finish mid-table year is not what he is looking for. West Ham have also approached Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann but been told he is staying, while Manuel Pellegrini, currently at Chinese club Hebei China Fortune, has priced himself out of the running with demands for an £8.5m deal, on top of £5m compensation. Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca and ex-Paris Saint-Germain boss Unai Emery have also had talks.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Paulo Fonseca and Manuel Pellegrini favourites to be next West Ham manager
By Billy Cundall
Last Updated: 17/05/18 9:54am
SSN
Who could be West Ham's next manager? Sky Bet takes a look at the favourites following David Moyes' departure from the London Stadium. Moyes left the club on Wednesday despite steering them clear of relegation amid issues with the new stadium, fans, owners and players. Here's a look at the most likely candidates to be tasked with filling the vacancy...
Paulo Fonseca - 8/11 with Sky Bet
Early odds-on favourite for the vacancy is Shakhtar Donetsk's Paulo Fonseca, who has captured admirers with impressive displays both domestically and in Europe. The 45-year-old has also been linked with the vacant Everton job, although reports suggest that the Hammers have a head start by opening discussions prior to Moyes' departure. However, it remains to be seen how suited the Portuguese boss, who lacks any Premier League experience, would be to dealing with the pressures at the London Stadium.
Manuel Pellegrini - 7/4 with Sky Bet
A man that knows all about what it takes to compete in England's top tier is Manuel Pellegrini. The 64-year-old led Manchester City to their second Premier League title, as well as collecting two League Cup trophies along the way. The Chilean boss left the Etihad Stadium with his stock high and is currently managing in the Chinese Super League.
Rafael Benitez - 5/1 with Sky Bet
Rafael Benitez is a man in demand again thanks to his impressive work at Newcastle. The Spaniard steered the Magpies to the Sky Bet Championship title before retaining Premier League status in their first year back, ending with a respectable top half finish in 10th. However, while David Gold may be able to appeal to the 58-year-old with a bigger transfer budget, another volatile environment might cancel out the financial offering.
Unai Emery - 10/1 with Sky Bet
The recently departed PSG boss could look for a quick route back into football via the Hammers. Emery struggled to satisfy the high expectations of the Parisian club's owners and, after splashing cash on Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, the board terminated the 46-year-old's contract.
Claudio Ranieri - 20/1 with Sky Bet
After narrowly avoiding relegation, West Ham fans will be hoping for more next season. That is exactly what Claudio Ranieri did at Leicester, taking over following Nigel Pearson's great escape to achieve the unthinkable. While such aspirations of Premier League title glory might even be beyond the Hammers' ambitious owners, they could be forgiven for daring to dream that the 66-year-old, who has led Nantes to back-to-back top-half Ligue 1 finishes, could provide them with the sort of optimism desperately lacking at the London Stadium.
Eddie Howe - 20/1 with Sky Bet
Some might suggest that Eddie Howe's work at Bournemouth has been just as impressive. The 40-year-old has transformed a low-budget Bournemouth side into an established Premier League outfit. Howe achieved three promotions in five years, as well as winning Football League Manager of the Decade (2005-2015), to add to his already impressive list of achievements.
Alternative options
Next Everton manager favourite Marco Silva follows in the betting, with ex-Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal another outsider for the job at 22/1 alongside Slavisa Jokanovic, although his availability is likely to be subject to Fulham's Sky Bet Championship play-off fortunes. Alan Pardew, Brendan Rodgers, Claude Puel, David Wagner and Martin O'Neil are all priced at 25/1 to get the role.
Sky Bet odds correct as of 0900 on 17/05/18 and subject to change.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rafa Benitez interested in becoming the next West Ham manager and is Hammers No1 target
KEN DYER
TONY EVANS
ES Football Newsletter
West Ham are poised to bring Rafa Benitez to the London Stadium - providing they make the right offer. The Spaniard is top of the club's short-list to replace David Moyes as manager and the 58-year-old is growing increasingly frustrated at Newcastle. Benitez is in talks about his future with Lee Charnley, the managing director at St James' Park, but is not receiving the assurances he needs to remain in the north east. The former Liverpool manager is weighing up a number of offers but prefers to remain in the Premier League. If West Ham present the right package, Benitez would be willing to move south. It will cost West Ham more than £6million in compensation to get their man. Zenit St Petersburg are one of a number of clubs who are interested in Benitez but his preferred option would be to move to London. Benitez, a popular figure on Tyneside after guiding Newcastle to promotion last season and then to 10th in the Premier League, has a year left to run on his deal and West Ham would have to pay compensation of at least £6m - Benitez's annual salary. It is understood he is looking for an £80m transfer budget at St James' Park this summer. The east London club, who decided not to award Moyes a longer deal, despite the fact he guided them to 13th place in the Premier League final table - two points behind Newcastle - have other names on their short-list should Benitez decide to stay in the north east.
Co-owner David Sullivan (above) has already interviewed Shakhtar Donetsk coach Paulo Fonseca and intends also to talk to former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini, who is in charge of Chinese Super League team Hebei China Fortune. Salary could be a problem but it is understood that the 64-year-old Chilean is keen to return to Europe. Unai Emery, who is leaving Paris Saint-Germain, is also on the Premier League club's list, as is former Hull and Watford manager Marco Silva, who is also wanted by Everton.
West Ham are also among a number of clubs who have been impressed with the work of Slavisa Jokanovic at Fulham. The Serbian looks likely to stay at Craven Cottage should they beat Aston Villa in the Championship Play-off Final but could be considering other options should Fulham not win promotion. Benitez, though, remains West Ham's first choice and there remains a degree of mutual respect following the club's failed attempt to land him in 2015, following the departure of Sam Allardyce. West Ham were close to landing their man then but Real Madrid joined the chase and the deal fell through. Benitez has since said: "I have a lot of respect for West Ham because, when I was in contact with them, they were really good and professional."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham news: Rafa Benitez Newcastle exit claim made by BBC Sport pundit Pat Nevin
WEST HAM managerial target Rafa Benitez could leave Newcastle this summer - but not for the Hammers.
By JAMES BENSON
PUBLISHED: 14:50, Thu, May 17, 2018 | UPDATED: 14:50, Thu, May 17, 2018
Express.co.uk
That's the verdict of BBC Sport pundit Pat Nevin, who says he can see a top club making a move to recruit the Spaniard. West Ham are currently looking for a new manager after getting rid of David Moyes at the end of his short-term contract. And Newcastle boss Benitez has emerged as London Stadium chiefs' No 1 choice to replace the Scotsman in the dugout. Talks with Benitez are said to be on the cards next week as West Ham look to give themselves a jumpstart ahead of next season. Nevin sounds pretty convinced the former 58-year-old will not join Newcastle's Premier League rivals. But he says the former Valencia, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli and Real Madrid gaffer could leave St. James' Park for yet another elite side. "I'd be amazed if Rafa decided to go to West Ham," Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live. "In terms of Rafa's history, where he's been, what he's done, what he's done recently. "But I wouldn't be surprised if a very, very, very big-name club showed interest in Rafa Benitez. He's done a phenomenal job [at Newcastle]."
Nevin's comments came after Newcastle hero Chris Waddle suggested it would take a mammoth offer to tempt Benitez into jumping ship for West Ham. "Benitez might look at it and think, 'You know at Newcastle, I've got that budget which is not obviously great' and he wants more and rightly so," said Waddle. "But going to West Ham it might be a very similar budget and he says at Newcastle, he's absolutely loved, the fans love him, and rightly so, he's one a great job. "He could go to West Ham, lose the first five games and it's like, 'What [are] you doing here?' "So for him to move it would have to be an unbelievable sort of deal to say, 'I'm allowed to spend a lot of money to bring certain players in I've identified who I'd probably like to bring to Newcastle, who are even bigger players.' "Where do you wanna be? That is the question for any manager going into West Ham. Where do you want to be? "Will it be a relegation battle? Will it be a mid-table or… Where actually does the club wanna go?" Manuel Pellegrini and Unai Emery are thought to be targets if West Ham fail to land Benitez.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United fans want Gianluigi Buffon
HITC
John Verrall
Gianluigi Buffon has previously stated that he would like to play for West Ham United, and his contract is due to expire. Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus speaks to the media during the Juventus Press Conference at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 10, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Gianluigi Buffon has previously told the Independent that he wanted to play for West Ham United, and supporters at the London Stadium feel that they have a chance of landing the Italian legend now. Buffon has announced he is leaving Juventus, with other offers now flooding in for the goalkeeper. With West Ham needing a stopper, some of their more ambitious supporters are hoping that he is offered a contract with the Hammers.
Buffon would almost certainly have to take a wage cut to join West Ham, and he is likely to have interest from higher placed clubs. However, Buffon has previously suggested that he wants to play for West Ham because of the fans. He said to the Independent: 'I wanted to play for West Ham because of their supporters, they follow the Hammers with an extraordinary energy.'' If West Ham could get a deal over the line for Buffon it would be their most remarkable signing of the summer. The Hammers re known to be looking for a new goalkeeper, with both Adrian and Joe Hart struggling at the London Stadium over the past campaign.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MOYES DEPARTS – ZOLA AND GRANT REVISITED?
By Blind Hammer 17 May 2018 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer questions David Sullivan's expectations.
Expectations are the most dangerous element in football. Every club should have ambition but the tricky thing is adjusting these ambitions to achieve progress. Inappropriate expectations underlie the disasters which have seen many clubs tumble from the Premiership to protracted periods in the championship or even lower.
Three weeks ago a multi web site poll revealed only a small minority of West Ham supporters wanted to extend Moyes contract. Given he was, at appointment, a remarkably unpopular choice, this was not that surprising. He had much to do to win over some of us.
Nevertheless the picture by Sunday was less straightforward. A strong end to the season saw the Irons pick up a crucial 7 out of 9 points, and equally surprisingly turn on the style in the games against Leicester and Everton.
I give no credence to anybody who downplays these performances. The more I look at the Leicester game the more impressive it seems. This was a Leicester team that West Ham dominated and largely nullified. Our much vilified defence, criticised by me as much as anybody, barely gave them a sniff. Yet this was a Leicester team that, only a few days later, convincingly put 3 goals past Arsenal to win and spoil Wenger's final week. This same Leicester, so ineffectual against us, then romped into a 3-1 lead against Tottenham at Wembley. In the end their efforts against Arsenal only 72 hours earlier, caught up with them. They became leggy and suffered a late collapse. The fact is that, however, we had made a team look impotent which had then proceeded to score 7 goals against Arsenal and Tottenham in the space of 3 days.
Talking of late collapses and fitness, the lack of this discussion in relation to West Ham is an indication of the transformation that Moyes and his team have engineered. No pundit talked of tiredness against Everton despite performing only 72 hours after a high intensity battel against Manchester United. Mourinho had responded to Thursdays' exertions by making 9 changes. Moyes, in contrast, went with the same 11. Yet at no time did West Ham seem more leggy or unfit despite the advantage Everton enjoyed of a full week to prepare. More significantly nobody, to my surprise, even mentioned it as an issue. Whatever else Allardyce would have done he would not have allowed slackness in fitness. I am convinced that a West Ham team 12 months earlier would have struggled with the demands of playing 2 games within 72 hours.
What I have never had any doubts about is Moyes's abilities and experience as a man manager. I personally would prefer a Man like Bilic to manage me in any work situation. Yet the ever loyal Julian Dicks had revealed that when Bilic asked him where he had gone wrong, he simply said "you were too good to them". Dicks was obviously disgusted by the attitude of some in the squad who he felt had let Bilic down. In contrast Moyes and indeed his entire coaching team bristled with no nonsense man management skills. The result has been that when the inevitable tantrums of the spoilt and over paid emerge, these are dealt with in straightforward fashion and have not been allowed to developed into protracted soap operas and dramas. There have been plenty of opportunities for these to have advanced within Moyes's short tenure, from Arthur Masuaku irresponsible spitting to Carroll's juvenile throwing of his toys out of his pram. The calm management of these issues along with the transformation of Marko Arnautovic from wild boy to responsible club professional all testified to Moyes as a safe pair of Management hands. This is a much undervalued management virtue. The most striking aspect of Pardew's disastrous tenure at West Brom was his complete inability to instil any team discipline with terminal results. Even those who are considered allegedly the best managers in the world can struggle. José Mourinho was driven out of Chelsea by his inability to control his squad; Antonio Conte has had similar issues.
Of course there were question marks against a Moyes appointment. Apart from Mario's recruitment the January window was hare brained and risky. We gambled on selling a central defender and selling Ayew to a relegation rival. These gambles could easily have come back to haunt us. Hugehill shows no sign of confirming any inspired talent identification. Yet Moyes has identified talent in the past and judging on one Window seems unfair. The other main concern was that Moyes had not repaired the worst defence in the league. However this was a structural problem which has persisted for 2 years and patience had been earned with recent encouraging improvement. My final concern was whether Moyes had the tactical flexibility to adjust to the modern demands of the Premiership. Despite this the displays against Leicester, Manchester United and Everton persuaded me that Moyes was not as tactically limited as I feared. He was not a one trick strategic pony. The midfield interchange between Lanzini and Mario did not arrived spontaneously but would have been born out of hours of sessions at Rush Green.
So if I had been David Sullivan I would have knocked on Moyes's door at 6pm on Sunday and offered an immediate 1 year extension. Whether Moyes would have accepted this or held out for a 2 year deal we will never know. My instincts is that he would have accepted. I would have honestly explained the reservations and improvements I wanted and indicated my patience to see the progress we had made this season consolidated. If by January Moyes had continued realistic progress I would have then entered discussions for a further extension. The Moyes project had delivered safety but my gut feeling is that it would have offered stability and probable further progress. If expectations had not been met December would have been the time to seek a new Manager. For me the main agenda for West ham is to cease performing as a club in danger of relegations, a club which no longer yo yos regularly from Premiership to Championship and which can provide entertaining football without the constant stench of fear.
Instead in his wisdom David Sullivan has decided to take another path. Whether this path leads to the ever elusive glory which some believe is just around the corner is certainly a moot point. I am uncomfortably reminded of the similar minds set which saw the sacking of Zola and his replacement by Avram Grant. I was in the small minority at the time which regretted Zola's sacking. His removal was supposed to clear the way for West Ham to advance to the "next level". Whilst Zola never pulled up trees elsewhere I still feel he could have built a project with us. What is clear is that appointing Grant was a gamble which backfired massively. Instead we spiralled out of control with a demoralised and alienated squad into relegation and the championship. Grant's appointment was driven by ambitions and expectations of the club delivering a quick fix to an unrealistic timescale. I sometimes think nothing is learnt.
I desperately hope that I am proved wrong but replacing Moyes with a similar level Manager of proven calibre is not at all straightforward. I fear the new incarnation of Avram grant. Whoever is appointed will be in a hurry, with a contracted transfer window, with a need to engage positively with the existing squad to identify weaknesses strengths and opportunities. We are entering a period of high risk transformation. I hope that this time the wager the Board has made on our future is not as disastrous.
COYII
David Griffith
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United would like to assure supporters that the Board are extremely confident of appointing a high-calibre first-team manager, who has a proven record both in the Premier League and European football. The Club expect to make an announcement within the next seven days, following a thorough and strategic process that has identified the best possible candidates. Joint Chairman David Sullivan said: "I would like to reassure our supporters that we have left no stone unturned in selecting the individual we believe is the right man to take West Ham United forward. "We have followed a process that is progressing entirely to plan and are now very close to reaching an agreement. "This is an exciting time for our football club. We are preparing to appoint a manager who has a proven record of success at the highest level of the game."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Phillips: It's about getting players through the ranks
WHUFC.com
U18s coach and co-manager Mark Phillips takes a look back at the 2017/18 season at the West Ham United Academy...
It is always important to remember, when considering the season as a whole, that it's not about results or where you are in the league at this level, although obviously it's always nice to be near the top.
For us, Steve Potts and myself, as coaches of the West Ham United U18s, it's about getting players through the ranks, and this season I'm delighted to say we've had four players consistently representing the U23s in Ben Johnson, Domingos Quina, Conor Coventry and Alfie Lewis. Each has consistently played for the U23s this campaign, and that's what the job Steve and I do is all about.
When I think about the ups and downs of the season, I think my most disappointing day of the campaign came in our very first game. We were away to Brighton & Hove Albion, and we'd looked at the fixture as one that we could take points from, but our side lost 3-1 and, to be honest, didn't play all that well.
However, that result was the beginning of a real learning curve for our lads and, slowly but surely, we began to get to grips with our competition, and really started to show what they were about towards the end of 2017.
From there, our team went on a very good run, winning five consecutive matches. That run came on the back of a change in style.
The quality we possessed at centre-back, along with the presence of two natural wing-backs in Jeremy Ngakia and Reece Hannam, meant that it was natural for us to move to a three-man defensive formation.
It was a move that proved highly successful for us. We didn't allow our playing philosophy to be compromised, but we just shifted slightly to a system that benefited our available personnel. All the credit goes to the players for quickly adapting, as they only had three days to learn the formation before the first time we used it. Winning that match against Leicester City in early February proved to all of us that it was the right move.
In the midst of this run and switch came my favourite game this season – the 2-0 home victory against Tottenham. Make no mistake, Tottenham are an exceptionally strong team and were one of only two sides to beat Chelsea, who have finished top of our division.
We entertained Spurs in a midweek contest in March and, to be fair, they were the better team in the first half. However, our boys showed their resolution and determination, containing Tottenham to only a handful of chances, before goals from Odysseas Spyridis and Korrey Henry gave us the win. That spirit and drive made this the most satisfying result, at least for me personally.
A few of our U18s have been in Zurich for the FIFA/Blue Stars Youth Cup, where they finished a creditable sixth, while a handful will also be involved in the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens competition in Hong Kong. It's a very prestigious tournament and an excellent way for our players to showcase their ability at the end of the campaign.
The off-season is very important now. Undoubtedly, our lads need time to unwind, but it's essential that they come back in good shape, ready to hit the ground running.
The coming pre-season is a great opportunity for our U18s to prove themselves ahead of the new campaign. There will be some players who have done well at U16s level that will be looking to make an impact now they are with us. No doubts about it, it will be harder and we will expect more from them, but I'm looking forward to seeing what the new season holds for us at the West Ham United Academy.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Obiang delighted to return to action
WHUFC.com
Seven points in three matches and a return to action after injury equalled a 'beautiful' end to the season for Pedro Obiang. The midfielder, who had been out of action since suffering a knee injury in the FA Cup clash with Wigan Athletic at the end of January, made his return to the field with a brief cameo in the closing minutes of West Ham's 3-1 win over Everton on Sunday. The appearance came after Obiang had been on the bench in the prior two matches, meaning the Spaniard watched on as the Hammers beat Leicester City 2-0 away before claiming a credible draw with Manchester United. With seven points claimed in the final run-in, Obiang was thrilled with how the Irons ended the 2017/18 campaign. "It was a perfect way to end the season," Obiang told West Ham TV. "It was the perfect time to take some more points. We probably have to say sorry because we made the people suffer until the end of the season. But, sometimes it's beautiful to wait. "It's always important because we have to keep positive. In the last three games, we've played really good football and taken a lot of points, so to finish with three points is one of the most important things. You have to finish with something at the end."
A tear to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee against Wigan seemed to have ended Obiang's campaign at the start of 2018, with it originally believed that the 26-year-old would be back in time for pre-season. However, the midfielder insists he always believed he would be back on the pitch again this season.
"For even me, today was exciting because I was expecting this moment for a couple of weeks," he continued. "Even if I didn't feel 90 or 100 per cent, I have to be with the squad. I waited for my time and they gave it to me, which was really nice."
The midfielder has now called on the side to take the form from the final week of this season into next year, as the side looks to improve on the 13th placed finish achieved. Obiang added: "We have to take the summer but I think in the last month we've improved a lot. We have to continue that way."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to appoint boss with 'proven record of success at highest level'
BBC.co.uk
West Ham say they will appoint "a manager who has a proven record of success at the highest level of the game" within the next seven days. The Hammers are looking for their fourth manager since 2015 after David Moyes left the club on Wednesday. Joint chairman David Sullivan said the Hammers had left "no stone unturned" in choosing the person they believe is the "right man to take West Ham forward".
Sullivan added they "are now very close to reaching an agreement". Former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, who is managing Chinese side Hebei China Fortune, and Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez are the bookmakers' favourites for the post. "This is an exciting time for our football club," Sullivan said. "We are preparing to appoint a manager who has a proven record of success at the highest level of the game."
A West Ham statement on Thursday said the club was "extremely confident of appointing a high-calibre first-team manager, who has a proven record both in the Premier League and European football".
Moyes replaced Slaven Bilic on a short-term contract in November with the club in the relegation zone. He presided over nine wins and 10 draws from 31 games as the Hammers finished 13th in the Premier League, nine points clear of the drop zone.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Sullivan says West Ham 'very close' to appointing new manager
By Rory O'Callaghan
Last Updated: 17/05/18 9:22pm
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan insists the club is "very close" to appointing a "high calibre" manager to succeed David Moyes at the London Stadium. Moyes parted ways with the Hammers on Wednesday after coming to the end of his six-month contract with the club, who have since held talks with representatives of Manuel Pellegrini. Sky sources understand West Ham are planning on making a move for Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez, while Shakhtar Donetsk boss Paulo Fonseca has also been linked with the vacant role.
A statement released on West Ham's website on Thursday, read: "West Ham United would like to assure supporters that the Board are extremely confident of appointing a high-calibre first-team manager, who has a proven record both in the Premier League and European football. "The Club expect to make an announcement within the next seven days, following a thorough and strategic process that has identified the best possible candidates."
Sullivan insists the club's efforts to recruit a new manager are "progressing entirely to plan" and that an agreement will be reached in the coming days. "I would like to reassure our supporters that we have left no stone unturned in selecting the individual we believe is the right man to take West Ham United forward," added Sullivan. "We have followed a process that is progressing entirely to plan and are now very close to reaching an agreement. "This is an exciting time for our football club. We are preparing to appoint a manager who has a proven record of success at the highest level of the game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle United confident of keeping manager Rafa Benitez
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 17/05/18 7:41pm
SSN
Newcastle are confident manager Rafa Benitez will stay at the club, despite reports linking him with a move away, Sky sources understand. United believe they have a water-tight contract with Benitez, which includes a large release clause. The Spaniard, who has one year remaining on his current deal, almost became West Ham boss in the summer of 2015 before joining Real Madrid. West Ham co-owner David Sullivan remains on good terms with Benitez and said on Thursday that the club were "very close" to appointing a "high calibre" manager to succeed David Moyes at the London Stadium. The club have since held talks with representatives of former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini in their search to replace the Scotsman.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Paulo Fonseca signs new two-year deal with Shakhtar Donetsk
Last Updated: 17/05/18 9:38pm
SSN
Paulo Fonseca has committed his future to Shakhtar Donetsk by a signing a new two-year deal with the Ukrainian champions. Fonseca first joined Donestk in 2016 after leaving Portuguese side Braga and has since guided the club to successive league and cup doubles in Ukraine. The 45-year-old had been linked with the vacant managerial role at West Ham but is now set to remain with Shakhtar until 2020. "I'm very happy. I had a desire to continue my career in Shakhtar," said Fonseca, in a statement released on the club's website. "It was extremely important to feel that the president of the club, Rinat Akhmetov, employees and football players want me to stay to continue the work that we started two seasons ago. "Now you need to work hard to continue to win both on the domestic and international arena. "Shakhtar will still demonstrate a beautiful, attacking football. I believe that the fans will be proud of their club. "I want to thank our fans for their excellent support. The "miners" just fantastic fans who are very fond of the team. For me, this served as an additional motive for staying here."
Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov has been impressed with Fonseca's impact since his arrival from Portugal in 2016. He said: "You remember how, two years ago, we invited Paulo to Shakhtar and everyone shouted: 'What will happen, what now with Shakhtar? Now everything will be bad with Shakhtar. Everything is bad, there will be problems. We do not know what to expect.' "And what do we see? Two championships, two Cups, one Super Bowl and a brilliant game in the Champions League. "This indicates that Shakhtar made the right decision two years ago, inviting Paulo and his assistants to the team. Now we have signed a new contract, and I am confident that new successes will await us. Paulo is a professional. "He is an ambitious man. An industrious man. And he has good ideas. He knows what to do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No decision from Fonseca
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 17th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
Shakhtar Donetsk boss Paulo Fonseca is yet to determine his future, despite reports suggesting that he has agreed to sign a new contract with the Ukrainian club.
The 45-year-old Portuguese manager met West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan on Monday to discuss a potential move to West Ham, since when it has been reported that he is set to turn his back on West Ham and sign an extended contract with his current club. However those reports are thought to be wide of the mark, with Fonseca instead set to announce his intentions within the next 48 hours.
Meanwhile representatives of Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini have also met West Ham's co-owner, with reports suggesting that the 64-year-old is demanding a salary worth in the region of £8million per year. And that's in addition to the compensation West Ham would have to pay Pellegrini's current club Hebei China Fortune, to whom he is contracted until summer 2019.
The third leading candidate for the role, Rafa Benitez, remains in contract negotiations with current club Newcastle United; the 64-year-old former Real and Liverpool boss has little more than a year to run on his current agreement with the North East club. However in order to land the Spaniard - or either Fonseca or Pellegrini - Sullivan would have to break his policy of refusing to pay compensation for a manager already employed elsewhere.
Avram Grant, Sam Allardyce, Slaven Bilic and David Moyes - his four signings since purchasing a controlling share in West Ham - were all free agents when joining the Hammers. With that in mind, Claudio Ranieri's decision to leave Ligue 1 outfit Nantes by mutual agreement this morning - after just a single season in charge at La Beaujoire-Louis Fonteneau - will no doubt raise a few eyebrows across the water. Ranieri, who led Leicester to the Premier League title two seasons ago may well be viewed as the perfect solution to West Ham's current needs, given his record of making the most of clubs with limited budgets.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham set to move for Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 17/05/18 11:02am
SSN
West Ham are planning on making a move for Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez, according to Sky sources. The Spaniard almost became Hammers boss in the summer of 2015 before they were gazumped by Real Madrid. West Ham co-owner David Sullivan remains on good terms with Benitez. Benitez is believed to have a £6m release clause in his Newcastle contract and wants assurances about his transfer budget before committing his long-term future to the club. The 58-year-old remains in discussions over a contract extension in the north-east, as his present deal has only 12 months left to run. Benitez has earned plaudits for guiding the Magpies to an impressive 10th-place finish in the Premier League, capped by a 3-0 romp against Chelsea on the final day.
Sky Sports News also reported on Wednesday that West Ham had met with representatives of former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, although it is understood wages are a major stumbling block. The Hammers confirmed earlier in the day that David Moyes would not return to his role as manager following the expiration of his six-month deal. Hammers co-owner David Sullivan said: "We aim to appoint a high-calibre figure who we feel will lead the club into an exciting future for our loyal supporters within the next 10 days."
West Ham are also interested in Paulo Fonseca, manager of Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rafa Benitez to West Ham: Newcastle boss demands £100m transfer kitty plus full control
RAFA BENITEZ has outlined his terms to become West Ham's new manager: he wants a £100million budget, total control over transfers, and a £6m a year contract.
By TONY BANKS
PUBLISHED: 22:30, Thu, May 17, 2018
Express.co.uk
The Hammers have made Benitez their No 1 choice to replace David Moyes, while Russian giants Zenit St Petersberg have identified the 58-year-old as Roberto Mancini's successor. Both would be willing to meet the £6m buy-out clause in his contract, with the Hammers ready to make a formal approach given any encouragement from Benitez' people. Benitez wants to stay at Newcastle - but only if he's satisfied the club can match his own ambitions. And Newcastle so far have yet to convince him the two parties share the same goals.
Benitez has just 12 months left on his current deal and wanted his future resolved before the end of the season. His representatives have been in talks with managing director Lee Charnley, acting on behalf of Ashley for several weeks, but little progress has been made. The former Liverpool manager wants cast-iron assurances that he can spend what cash he is given how he likes. Ashley has said that he wants Benitez to stay, but the pair have not held face-to-face talks and there is a lack of trust on Benitez's side after three botched transfer windows. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid coach has never previously walked out on a contract and would be loath to do so now. But he feels the ball is firmly in Newcastle's court and if they don't accept his terms, it will prove to him they don't want him to be in charge in the long-term. While Benitez has a close relationship with Toon fans, being manager of a club content to finish mid-table year is not what he is looking for. West Ham have also approached Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann but been told he is staying, while Manuel Pellegrini, currently at Chinese club Hebei China Fortune, has priced himself out of the running with demands for an £8.5m deal, on top of £5m compensation. Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca and ex-Paris Saint-Germain boss Unai Emery have also had talks.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Paulo Fonseca and Manuel Pellegrini favourites to be next West Ham manager
By Billy Cundall
Last Updated: 17/05/18 9:54am
SSN
Who could be West Ham's next manager? Sky Bet takes a look at the favourites following David Moyes' departure from the London Stadium. Moyes left the club on Wednesday despite steering them clear of relegation amid issues with the new stadium, fans, owners and players. Here's a look at the most likely candidates to be tasked with filling the vacancy...
Paulo Fonseca - 8/11 with Sky Bet
Early odds-on favourite for the vacancy is Shakhtar Donetsk's Paulo Fonseca, who has captured admirers with impressive displays both domestically and in Europe. The 45-year-old has also been linked with the vacant Everton job, although reports suggest that the Hammers have a head start by opening discussions prior to Moyes' departure. However, it remains to be seen how suited the Portuguese boss, who lacks any Premier League experience, would be to dealing with the pressures at the London Stadium.
Manuel Pellegrini - 7/4 with Sky Bet
A man that knows all about what it takes to compete in England's top tier is Manuel Pellegrini. The 64-year-old led Manchester City to their second Premier League title, as well as collecting two League Cup trophies along the way. The Chilean boss left the Etihad Stadium with his stock high and is currently managing in the Chinese Super League.
Rafael Benitez - 5/1 with Sky Bet
Rafael Benitez is a man in demand again thanks to his impressive work at Newcastle. The Spaniard steered the Magpies to the Sky Bet Championship title before retaining Premier League status in their first year back, ending with a respectable top half finish in 10th. However, while David Gold may be able to appeal to the 58-year-old with a bigger transfer budget, another volatile environment might cancel out the financial offering.
Unai Emery - 10/1 with Sky Bet
The recently departed PSG boss could look for a quick route back into football via the Hammers. Emery struggled to satisfy the high expectations of the Parisian club's owners and, after splashing cash on Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, the board terminated the 46-year-old's contract.
Claudio Ranieri - 20/1 with Sky Bet
After narrowly avoiding relegation, West Ham fans will be hoping for more next season. That is exactly what Claudio Ranieri did at Leicester, taking over following Nigel Pearson's great escape to achieve the unthinkable. While such aspirations of Premier League title glory might even be beyond the Hammers' ambitious owners, they could be forgiven for daring to dream that the 66-year-old, who has led Nantes to back-to-back top-half Ligue 1 finishes, could provide them with the sort of optimism desperately lacking at the London Stadium.
Eddie Howe - 20/1 with Sky Bet
Some might suggest that Eddie Howe's work at Bournemouth has been just as impressive. The 40-year-old has transformed a low-budget Bournemouth side into an established Premier League outfit. Howe achieved three promotions in five years, as well as winning Football League Manager of the Decade (2005-2015), to add to his already impressive list of achievements.
Alternative options
Next Everton manager favourite Marco Silva follows in the betting, with ex-Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal another outsider for the job at 22/1 alongside Slavisa Jokanovic, although his availability is likely to be subject to Fulham's Sky Bet Championship play-off fortunes. Alan Pardew, Brendan Rodgers, Claude Puel, David Wagner and Martin O'Neil are all priced at 25/1 to get the role.
Sky Bet odds correct as of 0900 on 17/05/18 and subject to change.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rafa Benitez interested in becoming the next West Ham manager and is Hammers No1 target
KEN DYER
TONY EVANS
ES Football Newsletter
West Ham are poised to bring Rafa Benitez to the London Stadium - providing they make the right offer. The Spaniard is top of the club's short-list to replace David Moyes as manager and the 58-year-old is growing increasingly frustrated at Newcastle. Benitez is in talks about his future with Lee Charnley, the managing director at St James' Park, but is not receiving the assurances he needs to remain in the north east. The former Liverpool manager is weighing up a number of offers but prefers to remain in the Premier League. If West Ham present the right package, Benitez would be willing to move south. It will cost West Ham more than £6million in compensation to get their man. Zenit St Petersburg are one of a number of clubs who are interested in Benitez but his preferred option would be to move to London. Benitez, a popular figure on Tyneside after guiding Newcastle to promotion last season and then to 10th in the Premier League, has a year left to run on his deal and West Ham would have to pay compensation of at least £6m - Benitez's annual salary. It is understood he is looking for an £80m transfer budget at St James' Park this summer. The east London club, who decided not to award Moyes a longer deal, despite the fact he guided them to 13th place in the Premier League final table - two points behind Newcastle - have other names on their short-list should Benitez decide to stay in the north east.
Co-owner David Sullivan (above) has already interviewed Shakhtar Donetsk coach Paulo Fonseca and intends also to talk to former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini, who is in charge of Chinese Super League team Hebei China Fortune. Salary could be a problem but it is understood that the 64-year-old Chilean is keen to return to Europe. Unai Emery, who is leaving Paris Saint-Germain, is also on the Premier League club's list, as is former Hull and Watford manager Marco Silva, who is also wanted by Everton.
West Ham are also among a number of clubs who have been impressed with the work of Slavisa Jokanovic at Fulham. The Serbian looks likely to stay at Craven Cottage should they beat Aston Villa in the Championship Play-off Final but could be considering other options should Fulham not win promotion. Benitez, though, remains West Ham's first choice and there remains a degree of mutual respect following the club's failed attempt to land him in 2015, following the departure of Sam Allardyce. West Ham were close to landing their man then but Real Madrid joined the chase and the deal fell through. Benitez has since said: "I have a lot of respect for West Ham because, when I was in contact with them, they were really good and professional."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham news: Rafa Benitez Newcastle exit claim made by BBC Sport pundit Pat Nevin
WEST HAM managerial target Rafa Benitez could leave Newcastle this summer - but not for the Hammers.
By JAMES BENSON
PUBLISHED: 14:50, Thu, May 17, 2018 | UPDATED: 14:50, Thu, May 17, 2018
Express.co.uk
That's the verdict of BBC Sport pundit Pat Nevin, who says he can see a top club making a move to recruit the Spaniard. West Ham are currently looking for a new manager after getting rid of David Moyes at the end of his short-term contract. And Newcastle boss Benitez has emerged as London Stadium chiefs' No 1 choice to replace the Scotsman in the dugout. Talks with Benitez are said to be on the cards next week as West Ham look to give themselves a jumpstart ahead of next season. Nevin sounds pretty convinced the former 58-year-old will not join Newcastle's Premier League rivals. But he says the former Valencia, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli and Real Madrid gaffer could leave St. James' Park for yet another elite side. "I'd be amazed if Rafa decided to go to West Ham," Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live. "In terms of Rafa's history, where he's been, what he's done, what he's done recently. "But I wouldn't be surprised if a very, very, very big-name club showed interest in Rafa Benitez. He's done a phenomenal job [at Newcastle]."
Nevin's comments came after Newcastle hero Chris Waddle suggested it would take a mammoth offer to tempt Benitez into jumping ship for West Ham. "Benitez might look at it and think, 'You know at Newcastle, I've got that budget which is not obviously great' and he wants more and rightly so," said Waddle. "But going to West Ham it might be a very similar budget and he says at Newcastle, he's absolutely loved, the fans love him, and rightly so, he's one a great job. "He could go to West Ham, lose the first five games and it's like, 'What [are] you doing here?' "So for him to move it would have to be an unbelievable sort of deal to say, 'I'm allowed to spend a lot of money to bring certain players in I've identified who I'd probably like to bring to Newcastle, who are even bigger players.' "Where do you wanna be? That is the question for any manager going into West Ham. Where do you want to be? "Will it be a relegation battle? Will it be a mid-table or… Where actually does the club wanna go?" Manuel Pellegrini and Unai Emery are thought to be targets if West Ham fail to land Benitez.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United fans want Gianluigi Buffon
HITC
John Verrall
Gianluigi Buffon has previously stated that he would like to play for West Ham United, and his contract is due to expire. Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus speaks to the media during the Juventus Press Conference at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 10, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Gianluigi Buffon has previously told the Independent that he wanted to play for West Ham United, and supporters at the London Stadium feel that they have a chance of landing the Italian legend now. Buffon has announced he is leaving Juventus, with other offers now flooding in for the goalkeeper. With West Ham needing a stopper, some of their more ambitious supporters are hoping that he is offered a contract with the Hammers.
Buffon would almost certainly have to take a wage cut to join West Ham, and he is likely to have interest from higher placed clubs. However, Buffon has previously suggested that he wants to play for West Ham because of the fans. He said to the Independent: 'I wanted to play for West Ham because of their supporters, they follow the Hammers with an extraordinary energy.'' If West Ham could get a deal over the line for Buffon it would be their most remarkable signing of the summer. The Hammers re known to be looking for a new goalkeeper, with both Adrian and Joe Hart struggling at the London Stadium over the past campaign.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MOYES DEPARTS – ZOLA AND GRANT REVISITED?
By Blind Hammer 17 May 2018 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer questions David Sullivan's expectations.
Expectations are the most dangerous element in football. Every club should have ambition but the tricky thing is adjusting these ambitions to achieve progress. Inappropriate expectations underlie the disasters which have seen many clubs tumble from the Premiership to protracted periods in the championship or even lower.
Three weeks ago a multi web site poll revealed only a small minority of West Ham supporters wanted to extend Moyes contract. Given he was, at appointment, a remarkably unpopular choice, this was not that surprising. He had much to do to win over some of us.
Nevertheless the picture by Sunday was less straightforward. A strong end to the season saw the Irons pick up a crucial 7 out of 9 points, and equally surprisingly turn on the style in the games against Leicester and Everton.
I give no credence to anybody who downplays these performances. The more I look at the Leicester game the more impressive it seems. This was a Leicester team that West Ham dominated and largely nullified. Our much vilified defence, criticised by me as much as anybody, barely gave them a sniff. Yet this was a Leicester team that, only a few days later, convincingly put 3 goals past Arsenal to win and spoil Wenger's final week. This same Leicester, so ineffectual against us, then romped into a 3-1 lead against Tottenham at Wembley. In the end their efforts against Arsenal only 72 hours earlier, caught up with them. They became leggy and suffered a late collapse. The fact is that, however, we had made a team look impotent which had then proceeded to score 7 goals against Arsenal and Tottenham in the space of 3 days.
Talking of late collapses and fitness, the lack of this discussion in relation to West Ham is an indication of the transformation that Moyes and his team have engineered. No pundit talked of tiredness against Everton despite performing only 72 hours after a high intensity battel against Manchester United. Mourinho had responded to Thursdays' exertions by making 9 changes. Moyes, in contrast, went with the same 11. Yet at no time did West Ham seem more leggy or unfit despite the advantage Everton enjoyed of a full week to prepare. More significantly nobody, to my surprise, even mentioned it as an issue. Whatever else Allardyce would have done he would not have allowed slackness in fitness. I am convinced that a West Ham team 12 months earlier would have struggled with the demands of playing 2 games within 72 hours.
What I have never had any doubts about is Moyes's abilities and experience as a man manager. I personally would prefer a Man like Bilic to manage me in any work situation. Yet the ever loyal Julian Dicks had revealed that when Bilic asked him where he had gone wrong, he simply said "you were too good to them". Dicks was obviously disgusted by the attitude of some in the squad who he felt had let Bilic down. In contrast Moyes and indeed his entire coaching team bristled with no nonsense man management skills. The result has been that when the inevitable tantrums of the spoilt and over paid emerge, these are dealt with in straightforward fashion and have not been allowed to developed into protracted soap operas and dramas. There have been plenty of opportunities for these to have advanced within Moyes's short tenure, from Arthur Masuaku irresponsible spitting to Carroll's juvenile throwing of his toys out of his pram. The calm management of these issues along with the transformation of Marko Arnautovic from wild boy to responsible club professional all testified to Moyes as a safe pair of Management hands. This is a much undervalued management virtue. The most striking aspect of Pardew's disastrous tenure at West Brom was his complete inability to instil any team discipline with terminal results. Even those who are considered allegedly the best managers in the world can struggle. José Mourinho was driven out of Chelsea by his inability to control his squad; Antonio Conte has had similar issues.
Of course there were question marks against a Moyes appointment. Apart from Mario's recruitment the January window was hare brained and risky. We gambled on selling a central defender and selling Ayew to a relegation rival. These gambles could easily have come back to haunt us. Hugehill shows no sign of confirming any inspired talent identification. Yet Moyes has identified talent in the past and judging on one Window seems unfair. The other main concern was that Moyes had not repaired the worst defence in the league. However this was a structural problem which has persisted for 2 years and patience had been earned with recent encouraging improvement. My final concern was whether Moyes had the tactical flexibility to adjust to the modern demands of the Premiership. Despite this the displays against Leicester, Manchester United and Everton persuaded me that Moyes was not as tactically limited as I feared. He was not a one trick strategic pony. The midfield interchange between Lanzini and Mario did not arrived spontaneously but would have been born out of hours of sessions at Rush Green.
So if I had been David Sullivan I would have knocked on Moyes's door at 6pm on Sunday and offered an immediate 1 year extension. Whether Moyes would have accepted this or held out for a 2 year deal we will never know. My instincts is that he would have accepted. I would have honestly explained the reservations and improvements I wanted and indicated my patience to see the progress we had made this season consolidated. If by January Moyes had continued realistic progress I would have then entered discussions for a further extension. The Moyes project had delivered safety but my gut feeling is that it would have offered stability and probable further progress. If expectations had not been met December would have been the time to seek a new Manager. For me the main agenda for West ham is to cease performing as a club in danger of relegations, a club which no longer yo yos regularly from Premiership to Championship and which can provide entertaining football without the constant stench of fear.
Instead in his wisdom David Sullivan has decided to take another path. Whether this path leads to the ever elusive glory which some believe is just around the corner is certainly a moot point. I am uncomfortably reminded of the similar minds set which saw the sacking of Zola and his replacement by Avram Grant. I was in the small minority at the time which regretted Zola's sacking. His removal was supposed to clear the way for West Ham to advance to the "next level". Whilst Zola never pulled up trees elsewhere I still feel he could have built a project with us. What is clear is that appointing Grant was a gamble which backfired massively. Instead we spiralled out of control with a demoralised and alienated squad into relegation and the championship. Grant's appointment was driven by ambitions and expectations of the club delivering a quick fix to an unrealistic timescale. I sometimes think nothing is learnt.
I desperately hope that I am proved wrong but replacing Moyes with a similar level Manager of proven calibre is not at all straightforward. I fear the new incarnation of Avram grant. Whoever is appointed will be in a hurry, with a contracted transfer window, with a need to engage positively with the existing squad to identify weaknesses strengths and opportunities. We are entering a period of high risk transformation. I hope that this time the wager the Board has made on our future is not as disastrous.
COYII
David Griffith
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
