Chicharito and Mexico frustrated in Wales stalemate
WHUFC.com
Chicharito endured a frustrating evening on his 101st appearance for Mexico
as El Tri were held to a goalless draw by Wales on Monday night. The West
Ham United striker was named in the starting XI at the Rose Bowl in
Pasadena, California, but the huge 82,345-strong crowd, the vast majority of
whom were supporting Mexico, did not have a goal to cheer about thanks in
large part to Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. The Crystal Palace stopper
made a number of important saves and interventions to help Ryan Giggs' young
side secure a deserved share of the spoils. One of just two regular starters
to be named in Juan Carlos Osorio's XI, the Hammers forward was withdrawn
after 59 minutes, with Oribe Peralta replacing him for the final half-hour.
The 29-year-old and his teammates will hope for better luck in front of goal
when they return home to Mexico City to face Scotland at the Azteca Stadium
on Saturday evening. The two matches against British opposition, and a third
against Denmark in Copenhagen on Saturday 9 June, will help Mexico prepare
for the upcoming FIFA World Cup finals in Russia, where they face Germany,
South Korea and Sweden in the group stage.
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Hammers star Rice makes second Ireland start in France defeat
WHUFC.com
West Ham United teenager Declan Rice continued his football education by
making his second senior start for the Republic of Ireland in Monday's
defeat by France.
The 19-year-old, who enjoyed a breakout 2017/18 season in Claret and Blue,
was named in central midfield by Ireland manager Martin O'Neill, pitting him
against the likes of Juventus' Blaise Matuidi, Bayern Munich's Corentin
Tolisso and Sevilla's Steven N'Zonzi. While Ireland lost 2-0 in a rain-swept
Paris, Rice was again impressive, patrolling in front of the back four on a
night when the Irish struggled to keep possession against a strong French
team. The goals came in a four-minute spell just before half-time, with both
owing a little to luck. Olivier Giroud opened the scoring, powering a
trademark header towards goal from a corner, only to see Ireland captain
Seamus Coleman block his effort with inches to spare. The ball eluded
goalkeeper Colin Doyle and fell to the Chelsea forward, who prodded over the
line at the second attempt. Even then, Coleman made a heroic effort to keep
the ball out, but Giroud ultimately prevailed. Then, a minute before
half-time, Nabil Fekir collected the ball on the left corner of the Ireland
penalty area and cut onto his right foot. Rice attempted to close down the
Lyon forward, but when Fekir got his shot away, Doyle was unable to deal
with it, parrying the ball into the air before seeing it loop agonisingly
into the net. Ireland blooded a number of other young players during the
second half at the Stade de France, with Rice reverting to a central
defensive role for the final 20 minutes and helping keep the scoreline more
than respectable.
The West Ham youngster and his international teammates will complete the
season on Saturday, when the United States – who beat Bolivia 3-0 later on
Monday – visit the Aviva Stadium in Dublin for the second time.
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Andy Carroll 'honoured' to take part in Dirk Kuyt Testimonial
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll has spoken of his pride at making a goalscoring appearance in
former Liverpool teammate Dirk Kuyt's star-studded Testimonial. The West Ham
United centre forward was one of dozens of top names to take part in the
event, which saw Team Friends of Dirk take on Team Feyenoord – the Dutch
club where Kuyt enjoyed two successful spells – and a Netherlands all-star
line-up named Team Oranje in Rotterdam.
Carroll, who spent 18 months playing alongside the recently-retired
Netherlands forward at Anfield between January 2011 and May 2012, was joined
in the Team Friends of Dirk XI by, among others, ex-Hammers and Reds players
Yossi Benayoun and Craig Bellamy and Liverpool heroes Steven Gerrard, Jamie
Carragher, Jerzy Dudek and Luis Garcia.
Team Oranje featured Dutch greats Rafael van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder,
Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Memphis Depay, Robin van Persie, Phillip Cocu and
Edwin van der Sar, while Team Feyenoord numbered Pierre van Hooijdonk, Ryan
Babbel and Ron Vlaar.
The teams were coached by Dutch management royalty in Ruud Gullit, Ronald
Koeman and Louis van Gaal, while Kuyt himself turned out for all three!
The Hammers' No9 was only too happy to be part of Kuyt's celebrations in
front of a capacity crowd at Feyenoord's De Kuip stadium. "It was a great
turnout for Dirk, to be fair," said Carroll. "There were some absolute
legends there, so it was an honour to be invited to be there with Dirk, his
family and so many top players. It was nice to score a goal to top it off,
too! "I had a great time playing alongside Dirk at Liverpool as we linked up
well together and helped the team get some good results, including winning
the League Cup in 2012. He was one of my best pals in the dressing room, he
always backed me as a player and we also had lots of laughs together. He's a
good mate. "He's had an amazing career, getting over 100 caps for Holland,
scoring hundreds of goals and winning titles wherever he has been. The
players who turned out for his Testimonial show just how much respect
everyone has for him as a player and as a person."
Fittingly, Carroll marked his appearance with a goal as Team Friends of Dirk
beat Team Feyenoord 3-2. Van Persie then scored twice as Team Oranje beat
Team Feyenoord by the same scoreline, but not before Kuyt had scored a
last-minute penalty to end the event on a memorable high. The Testimonial
raised funds for the Dirk Kuyt Foundation, an organisation set up by the
former Liverpool player to promote sporting events across his home country.
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All you need to know about West Ham's summer internationals
WHUFC.com
While the summer holidays have begun for the majority of professional
footballers, a number of West Ham United players are instead looking forward
to a summer of international action. Seven senior players have jetted off to
represent their respective nations, with Declan Rice, Cheikhou Kouyate,
Manuel Lanzini, Edimilson Fernandes, Marko Arnautovic, Chicharito and Sead
Haksabanovic all in action. Three of the seven are definitely off to the
FIFA World Cup finals in Russia while a fourth, Fernandes, could join them
if he is named in Switzerland's final 23-man squad. With three Academy
prospects also receiving call-ups, we've got the full details of who will be
playing and where over the next few weeks...
Which Hammers have been called-up for international duty?
A total of ten West Ham players have been called-up by their respective
nations, including seven at senior level and a further three at age-group
level. They are…
Marko Arnautovic (Austria), Manuel Lanzini (Argentina), Chicharito (Mexico),
Edimilson Fernandes (Switzerland), Sead Haksabanovic (Montenegro), Cheikhou
Kouyate (Senegal), Declan Rice (Republic of Ireland), Nathan Trott (England
U21) Martin Samuelsen (Norway U21) and Domingos Quina (Portugal U19).
Who is off to the FIFA World Cup finals and who will they play against?
Senegal captain Kouyate, Argentina midfielder Lanzini and Mexico's all-time
leading goalscorer Chicharito have all been named in their country's final
23-man squads for Russia 2018.
Lanzini could be the first Hammer in action at the World Cup as Argentina
kick-off their Group D campaign by facing debutants Iceland at the Spartak
Stadium in Moscow on Saturday 16 June at 2pm UK time.
The following day, Sunday 17 June, Chicharito will face the daunting
challenge of breaching the back line of defending champions Germany, who
they face in their Group F opener at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium at 4pm UK
time.
Kouyate's Lions of Teranga will begin their World Cup quest on Tuesday 19
June, when they face Poland at Spartak Stadium in Group H, with kick-off at
4pm UK time.
The second round of fixtures will see Argentina tackle Croatia in Nizhny
Novgorod at 5pm on Thursday 21 June, Mexico face South Korea in
Rostov-On-Don at 4pm on Saturday 23 June and Senegal take on Japan in
Ekaterinburg on Sunday 24 June at 4pm.
The final round of group-stage games will see Argentina up against Nigeria
in St Petersburg at 7pm on Tuesday 26 June, Mexico take on Sweden in
Ekaterinburg at 3pm the following afternoon and Senegal tackle Colombia in
Samara at 3pm on Thursday 28 June.
What about Edmilson Fernandes?
Well, he has been named in Switzerland's provisional 26-man squad, three of
which will be cut after the warm-up fixture with Spain in Villarreal on
Sunday 3 June.
With four goalkeepers in Vladimir Petkovic's preliminary squad, Fernandes
will be hoping to join his cousin and namesake Gelson and former West Ham
United midfielder Valon Behrami on the plane to Russia, where they will face
Brazil, Serbia and Costa Rica in Group E.
Joao Mario, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham
from Inter Milan, is in Portugal's final 23-man squad alongside former
Hammer Jose Fonte.
What about the other senior internationals?
Hammer of the Year Marko Arnautovic and Austria have a trio of international
friendly matches against World Cup qualifiers in Russia, Germany and Brazil.
The 69-cap, 19-goal forward welcomes the World Cup hosts to the Tivoli
Stadion in Innsbruck on Wednesday 30 May before Germany visit the
Worthersee-Stadion in Klagenfurt on Saturday 2 June. The Germany game will
be shown live in the UK by BT Sport 2, with kick-off at 4.45pm.
Finally, five-times World Cup winners Brazil will be the visitors to the
Ernst Happel Stadion in Arnautovic's home city of Vienna on Sunday 10 June.
Elsewhere, Rice earned his second Republic of Ireland cap in a 2-0 friendly
defeat in France on Monday 28 May, and could win his third when the United
States visit Dublin on Saturday 2 June.
And finally, teenage attacker Haksabanovic was an unused substitute as
Montenegro drew 0-0 in Bosnia & Herzegovina on Monday 28 May, and will hope
for minutes when they host Slovenia in Podgorica on Saturday 2 June.
What about the younger lads?
Ajibola Alese's summer commitments are already over, as the defender played
his part in helping England reach the semi-finals of the UEFA European U17
Championships.
Elsewhere, Nathan Trott has joined England U21s at the Toulon Tournament in
France, but in a training-only capacity, while Martin Samuelsen is with
Norway U21s for a training camp and friendly with Eliteserien club Valerenga
in Oslo on Tuesday 5 June.
Domingos Quina is with Portugal U19s at the Toulon Tournament, where he
started his country's opening 0-0 draw with Canada on Monday 28 May. The
Portuguese will take on Japan on Thursday 31 May and Turkey on Sunday 3
June.
What's the full list of fixtures for the West Ham players involved in this
month's internationals?
(All times GMT)
Wednesday 30 May 2018
Manuel Lanzini, Argentina v Haiti, Friendly, Buenos Aires, 12.00am
Marko Arnautovic, Austria v Russia, Friendly, Innsbruck, 7.45pm
Thursday 31 May 2018
Cheikhou Kouyate, Luxembourg v Senegal, Friendly, Luxembourg, 7pm
Domingos Quina, Portugal v Japan, Toulon Tournament, Vitrolles, 5pm
Saturday 2 June 2018
Marko Arnautovic, Austria v Germany, Friendly, Klagenfurt, 5pm
Sead Haksabanovic, Montenegro v Slovenia, Podgorica, 7.15pm
Declan Rice, Republic of Ireland v United States, Friendly, Dublin, 8.08pm
Sunday 3 June 2018
Chicharito, Mexico v Scotland, Friendly, Mexico City, 1am
Domingos Quina, Portugal v Turkey, Toulon Tournament, Fos, 5.30pm
Edimilson Fernandes, Spain v Switzerland, Friendly, Villarreal, 8pm
Tuesday 5 June 2018
Martin Samuelsen, Norway U21 v Valerenga, Friendly, TBC
Saturday 9 June 2018
Manuel Lanzini, Israel v Argentina, Friendly, TBC
Chicharito, Denmark v Mexico, Friendly, Copenhagen, 8pm
Sunday 10 June
Marko Arnautovic, Austria v Brazil, Friendly, Vienna, 3pm
Saturday 16 June 2018
Manuel Lanzini, Argentina v Iceland, FIFA World Cup Group D, Moscow, 2pm
Sunday 17 June 2018
Chicharito, Germany v Mexico, FIFA World Cup Group F, Moscow, 4pm
Tuesday 19 June 2018
Cheikhou Kouyate, Senegal v Poland, FIFA World Cup Group H, Moscow, 4pm
Thursday 21 June 2018
Manuel Lanzini, Argentina v Croatia, FIFA World Cup Groupd D, Nizhny
Novgorod, 5pm
Saturday 23 June 2018
Chicharito, Mexico v South Korea, FIFA World Cup Group F, Rostov-On-Don, 4pm
Sunday 24 June 2018
Cheikhou Kouyate, Senegal v Japan, FIFA World Cup Group H, Ekaterinburg, 4pm
Tuesday 26 June 2018
Manuel Lanzini, Argentina v Nigeria, FIFA World Cup Group D, St Petersburg,
7pm
Wednesday 27 June 2018
Chicharito, Mexico v Sweden, FIFA World Cup Group F, Ekaterinburg, 3pm
Thursday 28 June 2018
Cheikhou Kouyate, Senegal v Colombia, FIFA World Cup Group H, Samara, 3pm
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Betis talk is premature, says Adrian
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's only senior goalkeeper has dismissed reports linking him with a
return to his former club. Speaking in an interview with Radio Marca
Sevilla, West Ham's Spanish goalkeeper Adrian admitted that he was honoured
to be linked with a return to Real Betis - the club from whom West Ham
signed him in 2013.
However he refused to discuss the possibility of returning to La Liga this
summer, stating that he intended to see out the final year of his contract
at West Ham before making a decision on his long term future. I have one
more year left on my contract [at West Ham] and first I have to listen to
the opinion of my club and see whether they trust me," he said. "The
rumours regarding Betis have always been there. There have been quite a few
movements [at West Ham] since last season ended, they are refreshing the
team which is perhaps good for us. "Now I need to learn Pellegrini's
opinion of me. We have to to sit down and arrive at the best decision for
everyone, to see if they trust me and give me the opportunity to continue
playing. "I've been at West Ham for five seasons and I do not have to anyone
the level I'm at. However at the moment, they have not told me anything."
The 31-year-old signed for West Ham on a free transfer in the summer of
2013, initially signing a two year deal with the option of a further two
years. In 2015 when he was awarded an identical 'two plus two' contract,
with the additional two-year clause -keeping him at West Ham until the
summer of 2019 - triggered by West Ham last summer.
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West Ham keen on Genoa's Armando Izzo and Barcelona's Marlon Santos
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 29/05/18 7:18pm
SSN
West Ham are in talks to sign Genoa defender Armando Izzo and are also
interested in Barcelona's Marlon Santos, Sky sources understand. Izzo joined
Genoa from Serie B side Avellino in 2014 after beginning his career with
hometown club Napoli. The 26-year-old's impressive performances this season
have seen him linked with a number of Serie A clubs despite his current deal
running until 2022. But West Ham, who appointed Manuel Pellegrini as their
new boss last week, are also keen to land the defender to help shore up
their backline.
Sky sources understand West Ham are also interested in signing Barcelona
centre-back Marlon Santos who spent last season on loan at Ligue 1 side
Nice. Former Manchester City head coach Pellegrini penned a three-year deal
to succeed David Moyes as Hammers boss. The Chilean said he wanted to play
attacking football and was hopeful of bringing in "four or five players" in
order to strengthen the team for next season. West Ham finished 13th last
season but had the joint-worst defence in the Premier League along with
Stoke, conceding 68 goals in 38 matches.
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West Ham United should look to sign Adama Traore this summer, with his
asking-price halved
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham United have been linked with the Middlesbrough man in recent times.
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Middlesbrough value Adama Traore at
£15 million, which makes him look a much more appealing prospect for West
Ham United. The Daily Mirror claimed that West Ham wanted Traore, but at £30
million he looked like a risky signing. The Boro man may have all the
attributes to become a star, but he still has a lot of developing to do,
before he fulfils his potential. At £30 million, the transfer looked
extremely expensive, and would have to have been considered a gamble.
However, for half that fee, Traore could be a superb addition for the
Hammers. Traore looks to have the ability to be worth much more than £15
million, if West Ham can unlock his potential. The winger is blessed with so
much power and pace, that he is nightmare to defend against. There has been
times where Traore's feet have worked quicker than his brain, but the former
Barcelona man has started to look a real threat at Championship level this
season. And at £15 million, he is starting to look a bargain, considering
his mammoth asking price when West Ham were first linked.
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What could West Ham's reported interest in Marlon mean for Oxford?
HITC
Vincent Ralph
West Ham United have been linked with the Brazilian but could it prevent the
Hammers youngster from belatedly breaking through? If Spanish publication
Mundo Deportivo is to be believed, West Ham United are planning a summer
swoop for Barcelona centre-back Marlon Santos, but what could that mean for
a current Hammers player desperate for a belated breakthrough? Reece Oxford
looked to have made his mark when he was only 16, starring in a Premier
League victory against Arsenal and reinforcing the old adage about youth and
talent. However, fast-forward a few years and the now-19-year-old is
seemingly no nearer the West Ham first-team, spending this season on loan at
Borussia Monchengladbach but managing only eight senior outings in the
process. The appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as new Hammers boss gives
Oxford a new man to impress but, despite confirming his return to London at
the end of his stint in the Bundesliga, the teenager is likely to be keeping
a close eye on the gossip columns in the months ahead. At just 22, Marlon is
an exciting and talented centre-back in his own right, as his successful
loan spell at Nice emphatically proved and, were he to arrive at the London
Stadium, he could be the latest roadblock in Oxford's path towards
first-team recognition. With Declan Rice excelling this season and Marlon so
young, a move for the latter could be the decision that ultimately ends
Oxford's stay at West Ham. Conversely he could see it as the challenge to
prove his worth to Pellegrini and ensure he remains at the Hammers for years
to come. Whatever happens, expect it to be a very interesting summer for
West Ham's players and fans alike.
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The Pellegrini & Husillos axis had success at Malaga and the signs are good
for West Ham
The Argentine is expected to be named as West Ham's next head of recruitment
and joining new manager Manuel Pellegrini once again
By Colin Millar
Football London
14:30, 29 MAY 2018
The outcome had no significance, yet on a typically sunny afternoon along
Spain's Costa del Sol, this felt like the nadir for Malaga. They were
hosting mid-table Real Sociedad but despite five matches remaining in the
campaign, the Andalusians were relegated. Levante's last-minute winner three
days earlier had put the club out of their misery, less than five years
after reaching the Champions League quarter-final. The Fonda Sur section –
reserved for the most vocally supportive element within Malaga's La Rosaleda
stadium – lay empty for the first five minutes as a form of protest against
the running of the club. Swathes of empty seats elsewhere captured the
apathy. As fans slowly re-entered in the fifth minute, the chants started:
"Al Thani vete ya", sang the fans, requesting the club's president – a
member of Qatari's ruling family – leaves the club. Then it turned to "Jose
vete ya", in reference to the club's coach Jose Gonzalez. The players were
not exempt from the criticism: "Jugadores mercinarios" (mercenary players),
sang the fans. Finally, there was a scattering of 'Husillos vete ya' – the
club's sporting director Mario Husillos also must go.
Malaga won the game 2-0 amidst a poisonous atmosphere. Their fifth win of
the season, but they were whistled off with white handkerchiefs. They failed
to pick up a point in their remaining four games. The undeniable feeling
around the club was that relegation must prompt a total clear out from the
top down, starting with president Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani. Husillos had
returned to the club six months earlier, following the dismissal of
predecessor Franscesc Arnau. Remarkably, it was the sixth time the Argentine
had joined the club – he signed for three separate spells in his playing
career, went on to coach their B side and this was his third stint as
transfer guru. His first spell in the role coincided with new West Ham boss
Manuel Pellegrini's final season at Malaga, when the club reached the
Champions League last eight. Only unfortunate officiating decisions
prevented Los Boquerones, who had never before competed in the competition,
from reaching the last eight.
Within Spain, Husillos forged a strong reputation in working together with
club academies and helping build bridges to help their progression into the
first-team squad. He was particularly valued at Malaga for his ability to
negotiate big profits on player sales, as he demonstrated when sanctioning
moves to Arsenal for Santi Cazorla and Nacho Monreal. Pellegrini's departure
to Manchester City also saw a change in sporting director – who are hired
and fired regularly across Spain – but he was return to La Rosaleda six
months later. Al Thani was overseeing major cutbacks at the club; despite an
initial wave of investment he was seemingly getting cold feet and wanted to
draw upon the skills of Husillos to stop the outward flow of cash.
The sporting director secured cut-price deals for Moroccan forward Nordin
Amrabat, Ivorian defender Arthur Boka, Venezuelan Roberto Rosales,
midfielder Ricardo Horta from Portugal and Mexican shot-stopper Guillermo
Ochoa. The money generated from the exits of Isco, Joaquin, Jeremy Toulalan
and Sergi Darder was not reinvested back into the first-team squad. Despite
a perceived regression in ability, Malaga defied the odds to secure
successive top-half finishes. The era of Al Thani austerity had appeared to
extinguish any hopes of further European exploits yet equally, a flourishing
youth system and astute transfer policy appeared to be establishing their
status within Spain's top flight.
Last season, they finished 15 points clear of relegation but this time it
all went wrong. Husillos had left his role in December 2015, making way for
Arnau. However, the former Barca goalkeeper was used as a human bodyguard by
Al Thani and took the heat for a weak 2017 transfer window which in turn led
to a disastrous start to the season. Top scorer Sandro Ramirez, midfield
powerhouse Ignacio Camacho and Spain international Pablo Fornals – whose
development, alongside his current Villarreal teammate Samu Castillejo, is
credited to Husillos – all departed. In October, Husillos was quoted by
Spanish media as returning to the club yet again: "I'm joining Malaga with
all the enthusiasm in the world and I'm very happy."
His work could not start until January, when the club had amassed just 11
points from 19 matches and sat rock bottom of La Liga. Eight players arrived
yet only one – Arsenal youth player Ignasi Miquel – commanded a transfer
fee. The Malaga ship had long since been sunk thanks to the administration
not only tightening their belts but also failing to provide any direction or
coherence off the pitch. This was at such stark contrast to the early days
of Al Thani's rein, when Pellegrini and Husillos combined to guide the club
to remarkable European nights.
The challenge at West Ham may prove just as tough.
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WEST HAM WANT TO SIGN BORINI – REPORTFeatured Image
Date: 29th May 2018 at 2:41pm
Written by: Wayne Howard
Forever WestHam
West Ham are reportedly in the hunt to sign AC Milan striker Fabio Borini
this summer – and fans have taken to Twitter to deliver an emphatic
thumbs-down.
The Italian transfer site Calcio Mercato claim the Hammers are keen to land
the former Liverpool, Sunderland and Chelsea forward even though he has just
converted a loan to Milan into a permanent move. It is said that West Ham
are closely monitoring Borini's situation but face competition from Napoli,
whose new manager Carlo Ancelotti knows the player from their Chelsea days.
The Italy international was a mainstay for Milan in the recently completed
domestic season, netting five goals and supplying seven assists from 44
matches in all competitions. West Ham fans have taken to social media to
criticise the striker link, claiming he struggled in the Premier League and
lacks the quality needed to spearhead their attack next season.
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Nice president claims £18m bid made for West Ham target Marlon Santos
HITC
Danny Owen
Premier League duo West Ham United and Leicester City are reportedly keen on
Marlon Santos - who has been on loan at Nice from Barca. West Ham fans were
rightly disgusted by the treatment of James Collins, the long-serving
defender who was released after a decade of loyal service without ceremony
or even a testimonial. But at least supporters can take comfort in knowing
that a club frequently accused of lacking ambition seem intent on replacing
a 34-year-old with a far younger model. According to The Mail, West Ham are
interested in Barcelona's 22-year-old Brazilian Marlon Santos, who impressed
during a loan spell at Nice last season. It is understood that Marlon, who
moved to the Camp Nou from Fluminense in 2016 but has made just two La Liga
appearances since, faces an uncertain future at Barca. And, according to The
Sun, Leicester City are also keen on the £18 million-rated former Brazil U20
ace. And, speaking to Nice Martin, Nice president Jean-Pierre Riviere has
confirmed that an £18 million offer has been made for Marlon. The talented
centre-back is halfway through a two-year loan spell in France but seems
unlikely to return to Nice next season now. "Barcelona have received a 20
million euros offer for Marlon, so he should leave OGC Nice," Riviere told
Nice-Matin of Marlon, who started 22 Ligue 1 games last season as Nice
finished eighth under the new Dortmund boss Lucian Favre. It remains to be
seen, however, whether the offer came from West Ham or Leicester. An
excellent passer of the ball who boasts impressive athleticism and speed
across the ground, Marlon would be an excellent investment for West Ham and
a big upgrade on Collins.
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LONDON STADIUM WANTED BY CONSORTIUM
Date: 29th May 2018 at 11:22am
Written by: Guy Giles
Forever West Ham
A consortium of cash-rich American investors are lining up a bid to buy the
London Stadium, according to Claret and Hugh. The Hammers insider website
report that the deal would take the ground out of state ownership, much like
the proposed deal from Shahid Khan to buy Wembley. Claret and Hugh claim
that the taxpayer could end up with a bill totalling £1billion in operating
losses over the Hammers' lease, with the investors potentially wiping that
debt out by buying the stadium at a fraction of it's building cost. It is
said however that the stadium could not be sold without the club's
permission, with an insider quoted as saying: "They can only sell to a
government department under our agreement."
West Ham may therefore have a big decision to make in the near future as the
ownership of the stadium comes under question in this new twist in the saga.
This is an interesting turn of events at the London Stadium, which has
caused far more problems than it has solved so far for the club. The move to
the 60,000-seater ground was seen as the next step in the club's evolution,
but so far it has turned out to be a poor move from the club after they
encountered endless teething problems following the move from Upton Park.
Most Hammers fans are still to be convinced about the London Stadium, with
the club giving up one of England's greatest football stadiums to move to a
lifeless shell of an arena. This latest development may end up causing
further problems for the club, who have a favourable deal in place at the
moment. While it is claimed that the stadium could not be sold without the
club's permission, it is not exactly known how far the club can go in
preventing this from happening.
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GALATASARAY JOIN WEST HAM IN THE RACE TO SIGN SAMUEL BASTIEN
STE HOARE @Stehoare
readWestHam
Galatasaray have joined West Ham in the race to sign Chievo Verona star
Samuel Bastien, according to L'Equipe. Everton, Nice and Napoli are also
interested in the 21-year-old, so the Hammers will have to beat off a lot of
competition in order to secure a deal for the Belgian midfielder. The
Belgian U21 international has less than a year remaining on his contract
with Verona, so the Serie A side could look to sell him this summer, rather
than losing him for free in 2019. Whilst West Ham are keen to bring Bastien
to the London Stadium, both Galatasaray and Napoli can offer him Champions
League football, which the Hammers obviously can not, and that could prove
to be a major stumbling block in any potential deal. However, West Ham look
like they'll still pursue a move for the Belgian, in the hope that he
decides that a transfer to the Hammers is the best move he can make at this
time.
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WEST HAM MUST GET CARVALHO ONE WAY OR ANOTHER
Date: 29th May 2018 at 10:52am
ReadWestHam
West Ham must find a way to leap over the hurdle that is stopping them from
welcoming Sporting's William Carvalho to the London Stadium this summer.
Football.London reported during a West Ham fan Q&A on Monday with the site,
that signing Carvalho would all come down to whether the two sides could
agree on deal for the midfielder after the transfer saga regarding the
player dragged on last summer. The Hammers unsuccessfully pursued the
26-year-old back in August, even making a £27million bid according to the
Daily Mail, only for Sporting to prove difficult to negotiate with. However
after another impressive season at the Portuguese giants it's clear that
Carvalho would be an impressive signing and a necessary one as he's exactly
what the Hammers currently lack. Manuel Pellegrini's side are short of
midfield options and need players capable of not just being a young pair of
legs in midfield, but must find someone capable of consistently winning the
battle for the ball in that area of the pitch. Carvalho ticks those boxes
and then several more on top. The enforcer featured 38 times across all
competitions in his recent campaign, making five appearances in the
prestigious Champions League, and his arrival would instantly take the
Hammers to the next level. Given the fact he's experienced in playing in
tournaments such as the Champions League and the fact he even helped his
nation, Portugal, lift the Euro 2016 trophy. Therefore even though Sporting
are no doubt still difficult to deal with in this transfer window, the
Hammers have to find away to strike a deal for the midfielder they so
desperately need.
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RICE'S VERSATILITY PAINTS BRIGHT FUTUREFeatured Image
Date: 29th May 2018 at 10:13am
Written by: Laura OLeary
ForeverWestHam
West Ham defender Declan Rice has already shone brighter than many expected
after his antics in the 2017/18 season and yet he continues to progress at
an impressive rate. The blindingly bright Hammers talent may have only been
participating in a friendly match against France for the Republic of Ireland
on Monday, but his performance deserves having a spotlight thrust upon it.
Rice was utilised as a defensive midfielder, a position he has only played
in seven times for the Hammers, and looked able to cope with world-class
opponents more often than not. The 19-year-old was able to effectively tick
off another box on his development as he was able to prove that he could
cope with the likes of Lyon's Nabil Fekir and Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian
Mbappe despite their immense quality.
While his nation may have slipped to a 2-0 defeat, it wasn't down to Rice's
participation in the game as he oozed maturity in an unfamiliar role that
few do in their natural position.
Of course there were moments the teen could have done better in the game but
if you were to guess his level of experience, you would have suggested that
he had featured in the Premier League more than the 27 times he actually
has. The teen's immediate future at the London Stadium may see him be a lock
at centre-back but after seeing his potential in midfield, Manuel Pellegrini
must be aware he has options when it comes to Rice. The teen proved with his
latest display that he is a fresh option for the new boss to regularly take
in midfield, as he has only dabbled there in the past, without the manager
splashing the cash on a new recruit, as he ticked off another box by
performing so well against such talented opposition. Rice proved on Monday
night that his talent paints a sparkling picture of the Hammers' future as
not only is he able to excel in one position, he looks capable of
flourishing just as much in another.
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West Ham United could benefit from Riyad Mahrez proposed transfer from
Leicester City
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham United may have been concerned that they were set to miss out on
Patrick Roberts. According to a report in the Daily Mail, Manchester City
are set to pay £75 million to land Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City, and
that could be good news for West Ham United. Leicester had been considered
West Ham's main rival for Roberts, who is a transfer target of Manuel
Pellegrini, according to The Sun. At first it seemed Leicester had the
upper hand, as they were reportedly set to demand Roberts in a swap deal for
Mahrez. However, City appear to be on the verge of paying £75 million in
outright cash of the Algerian winger, which means Roberts could remain in
the market. If West Ham now want the youngster, they have a strong chance of
landing him. Leicester may have other targets on their radar, if they have
not requested Roberts in a deal for Mahrez. And West Ham could be able to
sign the 21-year-old without as much competition as first thought, if they
do make a move for the England youth international this summer.
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An in-depth look at new West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini's tactical
excellence
The manager introduced a much-vaunted 4-2-2-2 formation at Villarreal and
has stuck with it
By Sam Inkersole
West Ham Correspondent
09:44, 29 MAY 2018UPDATED09:55, 29 MAY 2018
Manuel Pellegrini is known as having a sharp tactical mind throughout his
career as a manager having arrived in Europe in 2004 having managed in
Argentina and his homeland of Chile. In July 2004 he arrived at Villarreal
and during his stay there, achieved a third place finish in La Liga in his
first season, a Champions League semi final the next season and a second
place league finish in 2007/08. He also transformed Malaga, taking them to
the Champions League quarter finals and had a stint at Real Marid for a
season, amassing 99 points but finishing second in his sole season.
Pellegrini is an advocate of getting the best out of an building around his
more creative players, at Villarreal that was Juan Roman Riquelme and at
Malaga, Isco.
"The Engineer" favoured this 4-2-2-2 formation he has made his own, often
mistaken for 4-4-2, at the Yellow Submarines which allowed Riquelme to
really flourish but was built on fullbacks bombing forward and acting as
wingers, which allowed the wide men to move inside an act as, essentially,
attacking midfielders. At Villarreal, he had Joan Capdevilla and Javi Venta
who were his fullbacks, at the time two of the best at getting forward but
also being defensively sound. Defensive midfielders Marcos Senna and Josico
covered for them if they did bomb forward. Riquelme took one of the
"striker" roles despite really being a midfielder as Santi Cazorla and Juan
Pablo Sorin occupied the "flanks" but drifted inside as fullbacks got
forward.
When Pellegerini left Villarreal to join Malaga, he took Cazorla with him
and it was incoming West Ham director of football and head of recruitment
Mario Husillos that made the masterstroke of brining back Isco to his
hometown when he was languishing in the Valencia B team and turned the now
Real Madrid man into a superstar. Isco was the main focal point of the
midfield, deployed on the left hand side but more often than not, drifting
inside and allowing the fullbacks to get forward, just like Pellegrini did
at Villarreal. Either Santi Cazorla or Joaquin took up the other flank, with
supplying Julio Baptista or Javier Saviola as the strikers.
With Pellegrini's 4-2-2-2 formation, it allows flexibility when playing
against possession-based teams (Man City under Pep Guardiola the prime
example) and allows him to easily switch to a more orthodox 4-2-3-1 or even
4-5-1. Speaking of Manchester City, Pellegrini arrived at the Etihad in 2013
and went on to win the Premier League in Manchester City with a vibrant,
attacking and free-flowing style of football that followed him from Spain to
England. It was often Pablo Zabaleta and Aleksandar Kolarov deployed as his
wing-backs/wingers, with those those wingers moving into the interior of the
midfield in the shape of Samir Nasri and David Silva, supporting Sergio
Aguero and Alvaro Negredo or Edin Dzeko.
When it comes to the Hammers, Pellegrini has players at his disposal but he
may need to dip into the transfer market to make sure he can get those
disciplined enough. Pablo Zabaleta is unlikely to be able to do the job he
did for the Chilean at the Etihad these days, he certainly has the
capability over on the left though with Arthur Masuaku. Pedro Obiang should
be one of those covering midfielders but who lines up alongside him is up
for debate, it could be Mark Noble, Cheikhou Kouyate, Edimilson Fernandes,
or someone new. The wide men shifting inside is likely to be Manuel Lanzini
and potentially Marko Arnautovic if Pellegrini prefers him out there as
opposed to a straight up centre forward, with Javier Hernandez (if he stays
at the club) and another striker - potentially Andy Carroll, you never know
- or a new face. Michail Antonio could also play in one of the wide
positions that allows Arnautovic to play in a role he was accustomed to
under David Moyes and excelled in for the second half of last season.
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West Ham's Adrian doesn't have to prove 'anything to anyone' with future in
balance
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian says he has nothing left to prove at London
Stadium and will sit down with new manager Manuel Pellegrini to discuss his
future at the club. The Spaniard, who has been left out of his country's
World Cup squad following an inconsistent season, has a year remaining on
his deal and will be the only remaining senior 'keeper with the Hammers
unlikely to make Joe Hart's loan deal permanent. The two exchanged the No1
spot under David Moyes, with Adrian ending the season as first choice and in
good form. With Pellegrini expected to have an unprecedented budget this
summer, there remains a lot to be decided with regards to his squad, but
Adrian remains relaxed over his position. "I have one more year left on my
contract. First, I have to listen to the opinion of my team and if they
trust me," the 31-year-old told Marca. "There have been quite a few
movements since we have been on holiday and they are refreshing the squad
that perhaps is what they wanted. "Now I must see Pellegrini's opinion of
me," he continued. "We have to sit down and arrive at the best decision for
everyone. Let's see if they trust me and give me the opportunity to continue
playing. "I've been there for five seasons and I do not have to prove
anything to anyone. At the moment they have not told me anything."
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STICK OR TWIST: THE CENTRAL MIDFIELDERS
By Iain Dale 29 May 2018 at 08:00
WTID
The narrative seems to be that we need to strengthen in central midfield.
The two players we have most been linked with are William Cavalho and
Leonander Dendoncker – both are central midfielders who can also play in
central defence. The question is, are they better than what we have got?
Mark Noble
Mr Dependable certainly didn't let us down last season. In fact, he wasn't
far off getting the Hammer of the Year award. Just when people write him off
he bounces back. he played 29 games, scoring 4 goals, including that
incredible volley. His pace is never going to improve but he reads the game
so well. He's also a great captain. At some stage he's going to run out of
gas, but let's hope he's got at least a couple of seasons left in him at the
top level. It would be almost sacriligious if Pellegrini were to dispose of
his services.
Cheikhou Kouyate
OK, perhaps Kouyate didn't have his best season in a West Ham shirt but
anyone who wants rid of him needs their head read. He's a midfield
powerhouse, scores the occasional great goal and is an inspiration to the
rest of the team. He's at 28 and should be at his peak. I think we have more
to see from Kouyate and I'd be hugely disappointed if he left.
Pedro Obiang
Obiang had become a regular in the team before his major injury bit it was
good to see him back in the last game. In his three seasons with us he has
appeared 24, 22 and 21 times. Had he remained uninjured I have no doubt he'd
have played at least 30 games this season. His goalscoring record isn't
amazing. He has only scored three times, including the goal that bagged him
this year's goal of the season. There have been rumours of a move back to
Italy. I'd be sad if it happened, and if it does, surely he'd fetch £20
million. He's probably expendable if we can sign someone proven and better.
Josh Cullen
Josh has been almost ever present on the bench this season, appearing only
twice in the League and three times in cup games. But he's played well
whenever called upon and is still maybe one for the future. If we sold him
there would be a queue of Championship clubs who would want to buy him for
anything up to £4 million I'd have thought.
Edimilson Fernandes
I really think we need to hang on to Fernandes. It's a shame he spent aa
large part of the season injured, but whenever he's played he oozes
potential. He can tackle, he can dribble, he can shoot, he can pass. What
more does anyone want from a youngster? He may not be ready to start the
majority of games, but as a utility player he is without exception and can
play in any of the five midfield positions. If we did sell him we'd make a
decent return on the £5 million Slaven Bilic paid for him. There'd be no
shortage of takers.
Sead Haksobanovic
We haven't seen enough of the 19 year old to reallu judge his potential,
having only made two appearances in the cups. However, when he played
against Bolton I have to say I liked what I saw. One for the future,
hopefully.
Domingos Quina
Four cup appearances and a host of Premier League bench placements, but
there is still an air of unfulfilled potential about Quina. He needs to grab
his chances when they are presented to him. I still think he can make it.
Martin Samuelsen
It seems odd to say the least that Martin Samuelsen has played three times
for Norway but has yet to appear for West Ham. He's spent the last three
seasons out on loan to lower league clubs including Burton Albion for the
last half of season, where he played 9 times without troubling the scorers.
He is said to have really impressed. He's a tricky, skilful player, in the
Lanzini mold. He's 21 now. If he's to make the breakthrough it needs to be
soon.
Marcus Browne
I'm really excited about Marcus. He scored a hattrick for the Under 23s in
the last few weeks of the season, which will have given him a huge amount of
confidence. But he's 20 and next season will be crucial.
Conclusion
I suspect one or two of the youngsters will find their paths blocked and be
moved on before the end of August, and of the others Pedro Obiang looks the
most vulnerable. We definitely need one, maybe two big midfield signings.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, May 30
Tuesday, May 29
Daily WHUFC News - 29th May 2018
Fernandes named in provisional Switzerland World Cup squad
WHUFC.com
Edimilson Fernandes moved one step closer to featuring at the 2018 FIFA
World Cup finals after being named in Switzerland's preliminary 26-man
squad. The Swiss became the last of the 32 competing countries to name a
provisional group, with the 26 selected taking part in a training camp and a
warm-up friendly with Spain in Villarreal on Sunday 3 June. Coach Vladimir
Petkovic will name his final 23-man squad the following day, Monday 4 June,
with Fernandes hoping to join his cousin and namesake Gelson and former West
Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami on the plane to Russia, where they will
face Brazil, Serbia and Costa Rica in Group E Aside from uncapped
goalkeepers Gregor Kobel and Yvon Mbogo, Fernandes is the least experienced
player in Petkovic's 26-man squad with three caps, all of which have ended
in victory. The versatile 22-year-old made his senior debut in a World Cup
qualifier against the Faroe Islands in November 2016 and has since featured
in a friendly win at home to Belarus and World Cup qualifying win over
Andorra. Former FC Sion player and Swiss Cup winner Fernandes totalled 16
appearances for the Hammers last season, as his campaign was twice
interrupted by ankle problems. He could be one of four West Ham players at
this summer's tournament alongside Chicharito (Mexico), Cheikhou Kouyate
(Senegal) and Manuel Lanzini (Argentina), while loanee Joao Mario (Portugal)
is also Russia-bound.
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West Ham United Ladies granted WSL status
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies are delighted to announce that the team has been
granted a licence to play in the FA Women's Super League, the restructured
top tier of women's football, for the 2018/19 season. The Irons will be one
of 11 teams to compete in the 2018/19 campaign of the FA Women's Super
League; the first full-time, professional division for female players in
England. David Sullivan is delighted with the Ladies' successful application
to join the WSL and is eager for the new campaign to begin. "Earning Women's
Super League status is an incredible achievement for everyone involved in
our Ladies team, and I would like to say congratulations and well done to
the side for their hard work in reaching the WSL," the Club's Joint-Chairman
told whufc.com. "Now, the hard work really begins for everyone involved. I
have every confidence that Managing Director Jack Sullivan and General
Manager Karen Ray will lead our team to the forefront of women's football in
the top division. "Once again, I would like to express my thanks to everyone
involved in our Ladies side for their determination and I look forward to
seeing what the team can accomplish going forward."
The Hammers have enjoyed huge success in 2018, with the side winning two
trophies – the FA WPL Plate and the Goodmove.co.uk Women's Cup – while also
claiming wins in 12 of their 15 competitive fixtures this calendar year.
Managing Director Jack Sullivan is hopeful of seeing that success continue
to grow when the WSL campaign kicks off in August. He said: "This is a great
day for the Club and a proud one for all involved. The hard work from
everyone at the Club has paid off and we are really excited for what lies
ahead. We are very happy to be at the top of the women's footballing
pyramid, but we all know that the hard work has only just started. We want
to be competitive, which means a very busy summer on and off the pitch. "We
want to see as many fans as possible to watch our Ladies team and women's
football. This is an incredible opportunity for the Club to galvanise the
local community and West Ham United supporters."On a personal level, I feel
I have learned a lot this year and I am already looking forward to what the
new season will bring for West Ham Ladies."
The restructure of women's football will see the current FA WSL1 rebranded
as the Women's Super League – West Ham's division for next season – while a
new national league is to be established at tier 2, which will be known as
the FA Women's Championship. Promotion and relegation will be applicable
throughout all tiers of the women's football pyramid. General Manager Karen
Ray has also offered her thanks to everyone who has supported the Ladies
this season and is relishing the challenge of playing in the WSL. Ray added:
"I couldn't be prouder of this achievement for the Club and what an amazing
way to top off an incredible 2018 so far. This process has really
highlighted the unity and togetherness from everyone who proudly works for
West Ham United. "Despite the big step up, I am confident we will rise to
the challenge and relish the opportunity to join some of the best women's
clubs in the world at the top of the football pyramid in England. We know
the hard work that lies ahead and we are extremely excited to begin the next
chapter of the Ladies' journey. "This is the perfect time for us to thank
everyone who has shown a truly vested interest and dedication to the
progression of both West Ham United Ladies and women's football in England."
Season Tickets for West Ham United Ladies' first campaign in the FA Women's
Super League are on sale now from just £15! Follow the link here for more
information!
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Chicharito: We want to create history at the World Cup
WHUFC.com
Chicharito is dreaming of creating history with Mexico as El Tri step up
their FIFA World Cup finals preparations by facing a Wales team managed by
his former teammate Ryan Giggs. Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer with 49
goals will earn his 101st cap in the United States as Juan Carlos Osorio
looks to cut his final squad to 23 players for the upcoming trip to Russia.
Speaking to the media ahead of Monday night's friendly in Pasadena,
California, the West Ham United striker would dearly love to lead his
country all the way for the first time in their history. Mexico have been
eliminated at the Round of 16 in each of the last six World Cups – the last
two with Chicharito in the side – and never gone past the quarter-finals in
16 attempts, but the 29-year-old is dreaming of lifting the trophy on 15
July. However, the Little Pea knows circumstances will need to conspire in
Mexico's favour if they are to pull off a major shock in Moscow. "There
isn't one thing that will make us create history," he said. "What we want is
try everything so that the universe conspires in our favour and we can
deserve to win. Even though the beauty of football is that you can't
guarantee that."
Before his thoughts turn totally to Russia, and Group F fixtures with
Germany, South Korea and Sweden, Chicharito will first tackle a Wales side
managed by a man he knows very well – Ryan Giggs. While the Hammers forward
is looking forward to catching up with Giggs, he is eager to get one over
his old pal as Mexico play the first of three pre-World Cup friendlies, with
warm-up fixtures with Scotland and Denmark also on the agenda. "It's going
to be very good to see Ryan again. Ryan is in a new role now and to be
manager of his country is great. "But the most important thing is we are
preparing well, we know we are going to the World Cup and Wales aren't. But
that doesn't mean we are not taking them seriously, we will be very
respectful and we want to improve compared to our other previous matches.
"It's going to be a very nice moment in Los Angeles where we have a lot of
Mexicans to support us."
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Legend recovering after heart op
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
Hammers legend Ken Brown is recovering in hospital after having a pacemaker
fitted. The 84-year-old, who was born in Forest Gate and spent 14 years as a
Hammer between 1953 and 1967 is said to be in good shape after undergoing
the operation according to son Kenny, who tweeted the following message:
Ken, who was the latest recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award at last
month's Player Awards starred in West Ham's promotion-winning season of
1957/58, the 1964 FA Cup victory against Preston and the 1965 Cup Winners
Cup success against 1860 Munich. A regular visitor to the Boleyn Ground and
the Olympic Stadium in recent seasons, Ken went on to manage Norwich,
Shrewsbury and Plymouth before retiring but always remains most closely
associated with West Ham. And it was not just his family wishing him well -
former players such as Mick Dennis and Martin Betts also took to social
media in order to wish Ken a speedy recovery.
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End of the road for Snodgrass, say Villa fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
On-loan winger Robert Snodgrass is unlikely to return to Aston Villa next
season, according to fans of the Championship club - although most would be
open to a second season. The 30-year-old Scottish international spent the
entirety of the 2017/18 campaign on loan at Villa Park and received
generally positive reviews for his season's efforts, despite Villa's
campaign ending in hugely-disappointing circumstances following their
play-off final defeat against Fulham at Wembley on Saturday. However Villa
fans posting on popular Forum Villa Talk believe they are unlikely to see
Snodgrass for a second season in the Championship despite him being surplus
to requirements at West Ham, for whom he featured on just 15 occasions
before being sent out on season-long loan. And that's largely as a result of
Villa's parlous financial situation, which will almost certainly mean they
have to part company with high-earners such as Snodgrass and John Terry, who
was costing the Midlands-based club some £60,000-per-week. "Snoddy has been
great but West Ham are unlikely to let him leave for a low fee," wrote Villa
fans Eastie. "So he's probably not going to be here [next season]." "He has
been fantastic for us but the last four weeks have shown that (a) the
Championship or lower Premier League is very much his level and (b) he is
not worth whatever West Ham will want for him, added Ponky. "I doubt he'll
be available on loan again next season which is probably just as well, as we
desperately need some pace out wide."
Despite having been a success during his season on loan, a lack of speed and
acceleration is one area of Snodgrass' game that has been criticised by
Villa supporters - although at Championship level that isn't necessarily a
huge problem, say some. "He doesn't have pace but it's not a flaw," wrote
skarroki. "But he's a very talented player and should not be in the
Championship. "We were lucky to get him on loan for a season and if he's
not here next season it's because he's got much better options at a higher
level, not because we'd rather risk playing an inconsistent winger from the
Academy. His drive and personality can only have a positive effect on the
dressing room and I will be gutted to see him go."
Fellow Villain markavfc40 was in full agreement. "If he had pace he would be
starting week in, week out for a top half Premier League side," he wrote.
"Technically he is very good and his work rate is excellent. I'd like him to
stay but he won't and him leaving does allow us to improve on a lack of pace
in the team."
Yet not all Villa supporters felt that losing SNodgrass will be to the
detriment of the team as a whole. "He often fails to beat his man, his ball
delivery has been disappointing and his free kicks are an abomination,"
wrote sidcow.
"I know his attitude is great and he gives his all, but ultimately he's
meant to be a winger and therefore should frequently beat his man and get in
a deadly cross. I'm just not seeing what other people are and I won't be
devastated if we cannot get him back."
Villains on Snodders
"He is elite level Championship, low level Premier League standard. As you
say, he more than makes up for it with other qualities, but he lacks pace,
which can be identified, exposed and dealt with accordingly, a flaw."
- A'Villan
"Good player for us but one who won't be with us next year, of all the loan
players I think he has helped the most."
- Jimzk5
"Love his mentality and he has put some great performances in, but the final
showed how painfully predictable he is with that lack of pace and cutting
inside every single time, holding onto the ball for longer than he should.
He also made the wrong decision in what could have ended up as our most
clear cut chance of the game.
- Tom13
"I don't see Pellegrini playing him so he may be out on loan again. It's
well documented that his issue as West Ham was he Bilic wouldn't play him on
his favoured side , which we have but it's meant that when things are not
going right we don't switch the wingers over. I do like him though and he
has done well and comes across as a decent character but I think that's he
last of his time here."
- Nabby
"He monopolieses our set pieces and his delivery isnt that great (must be
better in training), his work rate is excellent and he's a below average
Premier League player but probably one of our better players. Let him go
unless he's cheap."
- tinker
"Snodgrass' set pieces have gone beyond shocking. I'm sick of seeing him hit
free kicks into a wall and over-hitting corners. He is slow as well. Would I
take him back on loan? Possibly, but for me his lack of pace is a massive
problem. We are shit offensively at counter attacking as our midfield are
like snails."
- Demitri_C
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Hammers promoted in controversial circumstances
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United Ladies will play in the highest division of the Women's
Super League next season - despite ending the 2017/18 mid-table in the third
tier. It was confirmed this morning that the Ladies, who finished 7th out of
12 in the Women's Premier Southern Division last season have been
controversially granted a place in the newly-named professional Women's
Super League. Controversial because Sunderland, who finished a respectable
7th in last season's Premier Division have been dumped into the Premier
Northern Division in order to accommodate the Hammers, who are one of 11
teams that will be forming the reformatted league.
In order to become a professional concern, any club must raise a minimum of
£350,000. West Ham, who have satisfied that criteria will begin their new
campaign on the weekend of 18/19 August. West Ham's co-chairman David
Sullivan, whose son Jack was placed in charge of the Ladies in 2016, said:
"Earning Women's Super League status is an incredible achievement for
everyone involved in our Ladies team. "I have every confidence that Managing
Director Jack Sullivan and General Manager Karen Ray will lead our team to
the forefront of women's football in the top division and I look forward to
seeing what the team can accomplish going forward."
Sullivan Jnr took control of the Ladies team in October 2016 after former
Chairman Stephen Hunt lodged a formal complaint with the FA. Hunt accused
the club of discriminating against the team who had to pay for their own
transport to games, wear out-of-date kit and train on the side of the road
having been locked out of the club's Beckton training ground.
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STICK OR TWIST: THE STRIKERS
By Iain Dale 28 May 2018 at 08:56
WTID
So far I haven't advocated selling many players. Our squad is thin enough as
it is. However, will this be different with our strikers?
Andy Carroll
Andy only made 16 appearances, mostly from the bench, last season, scoring
three goals. In his entire career at West Ham he has made 114 appearances,
scoring 33 goals. Season by season, he has appeared 24, 15, 14, 27, 18 and
16 times. On his day he is unbeatable, but each time he returns from injury
it takes him a few games to get into gear. We've never really played to his
strengths, either. He has one year left on his contract, and will probably
play it out. If we could get £10-£15 million for him I'm afraid I'd
recommend selling, but with a lot of regrets.
Javier Hernandez
Chicarito was bought last summer with much fanfare and started off well,
scoring three goals in his first few games. Since then he suffered several
injuries and then found it difficult to get back into the team once
Arnautovic hit form. He's clearly unhappy and is looking for a move after
the World Cup, where he will be in the shop window. If we keep him, our
forward line would need to be built around him. Is that really likely if
Arnautovic remains at the club?
Marko Arnautovic
Probably the easiest 'stick' of the lot. He had a fabulous season once David
Moyes was appointed. However, it's entirely possibly that once of the top
six could come in for him, and he might find it difficult to reject the
chance of European football at this stage in his career. Let's hope he
really is as committed to West Ham as he makes out.
Jordan Hugill
Since he was signed for £10 million in January he's played for all of 33
minutes, despite being on the bench for virtually every game. We might well
recoup much of the money if we sell in the summer, but if we leave it and he
doesn't get much playing time, that's a hell of a lot of money to lose.
Sell.
Toni Martinez
Back from a loan spell in Spain, where he scored only once in 8 games,
Martinez is hitting the point of no return. He scores for fun in the Under
23s but can't seem to translate that into first team form. Even his loan
periods in the lower leagues haven't been prolific. I think now is probably
the time to sell him to a lower league side for £1 million or thereabouts.
Conclusion
We need to sign at least one quality striker this transfer window, but given
Arnautovic will be an automatic first choice (you'd think), will it be that
easy to attrach anyone top class? We need to have a pool of five, rather
than four strikers to choose from, in my view. It's a position where we've
always lacked strength in depth.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham set to appoint Mario Husillos as head of recruitment... despite his
involvement in Malaga's relegation from La Liga
West Ham are close to appointing Mario Husillos as new head of recruitment
Husillos' role at Malaga has been under scrutiny after the side were
relegated
Manuel Pellegrini recommended Husillos having worked with him at Malaga
By Sami Mokbel for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 19:45, 28 May 2018 | UPDATED: 19:45, 28 May 2018
West Ham are closing in on appointing Mario Husillos as their new head of
recruitment. MailOnline exclusively revealed the Hammers' move for the
Argentine on May 19 and the club are now in advanced discussions about
bringing Husillos to the London Stadium from Malaga. New manager Manuel
Pellegrini and Husillos forged a close relationship during their time
working together at Malaga. And Pellegrini is understood to have recommended
his old colleague to co-owner David Sullivan. Husillos' role at Malaga has
been under scrutiny following the Spanish club's relegation from La Liga.
If, as expected, the South American transfer fixer is appointed, will play a
key role in the club's recruitment policy alongside Pellegrini. It remains
to be seen, however, the level of input the club's owners have in their
forthcoming transfer dealings. Tony Henry, who previously held the role of
head of recruitment, was sacked by West Ham earlier this year following
racist remarks about potential signings of African descent.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Edimilson Fernandes moved one step closer to featuring at the 2018 FIFA
World Cup finals after being named in Switzerland's preliminary 26-man
squad. The Swiss became the last of the 32 competing countries to name a
provisional group, with the 26 selected taking part in a training camp and a
warm-up friendly with Spain in Villarreal on Sunday 3 June. Coach Vladimir
Petkovic will name his final 23-man squad the following day, Monday 4 June,
with Fernandes hoping to join his cousin and namesake Gelson and former West
Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami on the plane to Russia, where they will
face Brazil, Serbia and Costa Rica in Group E Aside from uncapped
goalkeepers Gregor Kobel and Yvon Mbogo, Fernandes is the least experienced
player in Petkovic's 26-man squad with three caps, all of which have ended
in victory. The versatile 22-year-old made his senior debut in a World Cup
qualifier against the Faroe Islands in November 2016 and has since featured
in a friendly win at home to Belarus and World Cup qualifying win over
Andorra. Former FC Sion player and Swiss Cup winner Fernandes totalled 16
appearances for the Hammers last season, as his campaign was twice
interrupted by ankle problems. He could be one of four West Ham players at
this summer's tournament alongside Chicharito (Mexico), Cheikhou Kouyate
(Senegal) and Manuel Lanzini (Argentina), while loanee Joao Mario (Portugal)
is also Russia-bound.
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West Ham United Ladies granted WSL status
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies are delighted to announce that the team has been
granted a licence to play in the FA Women's Super League, the restructured
top tier of women's football, for the 2018/19 season. The Irons will be one
of 11 teams to compete in the 2018/19 campaign of the FA Women's Super
League; the first full-time, professional division for female players in
England. David Sullivan is delighted with the Ladies' successful application
to join the WSL and is eager for the new campaign to begin. "Earning Women's
Super League status is an incredible achievement for everyone involved in
our Ladies team, and I would like to say congratulations and well done to
the side for their hard work in reaching the WSL," the Club's Joint-Chairman
told whufc.com. "Now, the hard work really begins for everyone involved. I
have every confidence that Managing Director Jack Sullivan and General
Manager Karen Ray will lead our team to the forefront of women's football in
the top division. "Once again, I would like to express my thanks to everyone
involved in our Ladies side for their determination and I look forward to
seeing what the team can accomplish going forward."
The Hammers have enjoyed huge success in 2018, with the side winning two
trophies – the FA WPL Plate and the Goodmove.co.uk Women's Cup – while also
claiming wins in 12 of their 15 competitive fixtures this calendar year.
Managing Director Jack Sullivan is hopeful of seeing that success continue
to grow when the WSL campaign kicks off in August. He said: "This is a great
day for the Club and a proud one for all involved. The hard work from
everyone at the Club has paid off and we are really excited for what lies
ahead. We are very happy to be at the top of the women's footballing
pyramid, but we all know that the hard work has only just started. We want
to be competitive, which means a very busy summer on and off the pitch. "We
want to see as many fans as possible to watch our Ladies team and women's
football. This is an incredible opportunity for the Club to galvanise the
local community and West Ham United supporters."On a personal level, I feel
I have learned a lot this year and I am already looking forward to what the
new season will bring for West Ham Ladies."
The restructure of women's football will see the current FA WSL1 rebranded
as the Women's Super League – West Ham's division for next season – while a
new national league is to be established at tier 2, which will be known as
the FA Women's Championship. Promotion and relegation will be applicable
throughout all tiers of the women's football pyramid. General Manager Karen
Ray has also offered her thanks to everyone who has supported the Ladies
this season and is relishing the challenge of playing in the WSL. Ray added:
"I couldn't be prouder of this achievement for the Club and what an amazing
way to top off an incredible 2018 so far. This process has really
highlighted the unity and togetherness from everyone who proudly works for
West Ham United. "Despite the big step up, I am confident we will rise to
the challenge and relish the opportunity to join some of the best women's
clubs in the world at the top of the football pyramid in England. We know
the hard work that lies ahead and we are extremely excited to begin the next
chapter of the Ladies' journey. "This is the perfect time for us to thank
everyone who has shown a truly vested interest and dedication to the
progression of both West Ham United Ladies and women's football in England."
Season Tickets for West Ham United Ladies' first campaign in the FA Women's
Super League are on sale now from just £15! Follow the link here for more
information!
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Chicharito: We want to create history at the World Cup
WHUFC.com
Chicharito is dreaming of creating history with Mexico as El Tri step up
their FIFA World Cup finals preparations by facing a Wales team managed by
his former teammate Ryan Giggs. Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer with 49
goals will earn his 101st cap in the United States as Juan Carlos Osorio
looks to cut his final squad to 23 players for the upcoming trip to Russia.
Speaking to the media ahead of Monday night's friendly in Pasadena,
California, the West Ham United striker would dearly love to lead his
country all the way for the first time in their history. Mexico have been
eliminated at the Round of 16 in each of the last six World Cups – the last
two with Chicharito in the side – and never gone past the quarter-finals in
16 attempts, but the 29-year-old is dreaming of lifting the trophy on 15
July. However, the Little Pea knows circumstances will need to conspire in
Mexico's favour if they are to pull off a major shock in Moscow. "There
isn't one thing that will make us create history," he said. "What we want is
try everything so that the universe conspires in our favour and we can
deserve to win. Even though the beauty of football is that you can't
guarantee that."
Before his thoughts turn totally to Russia, and Group F fixtures with
Germany, South Korea and Sweden, Chicharito will first tackle a Wales side
managed by a man he knows very well – Ryan Giggs. While the Hammers forward
is looking forward to catching up with Giggs, he is eager to get one over
his old pal as Mexico play the first of three pre-World Cup friendlies, with
warm-up fixtures with Scotland and Denmark also on the agenda. "It's going
to be very good to see Ryan again. Ryan is in a new role now and to be
manager of his country is great. "But the most important thing is we are
preparing well, we know we are going to the World Cup and Wales aren't. But
that doesn't mean we are not taking them seriously, we will be very
respectful and we want to improve compared to our other previous matches.
"It's going to be a very nice moment in Los Angeles where we have a lot of
Mexicans to support us."
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Legend recovering after heart op
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
Hammers legend Ken Brown is recovering in hospital after having a pacemaker
fitted. The 84-year-old, who was born in Forest Gate and spent 14 years as a
Hammer between 1953 and 1967 is said to be in good shape after undergoing
the operation according to son Kenny, who tweeted the following message:
Ken, who was the latest recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award at last
month's Player Awards starred in West Ham's promotion-winning season of
1957/58, the 1964 FA Cup victory against Preston and the 1965 Cup Winners
Cup success against 1860 Munich. A regular visitor to the Boleyn Ground and
the Olympic Stadium in recent seasons, Ken went on to manage Norwich,
Shrewsbury and Plymouth before retiring but always remains most closely
associated with West Ham. And it was not just his family wishing him well -
former players such as Mick Dennis and Martin Betts also took to social
media in order to wish Ken a speedy recovery.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
End of the road for Snodgrass, say Villa fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
On-loan winger Robert Snodgrass is unlikely to return to Aston Villa next
season, according to fans of the Championship club - although most would be
open to a second season. The 30-year-old Scottish international spent the
entirety of the 2017/18 campaign on loan at Villa Park and received
generally positive reviews for his season's efforts, despite Villa's
campaign ending in hugely-disappointing circumstances following their
play-off final defeat against Fulham at Wembley on Saturday. However Villa
fans posting on popular Forum Villa Talk believe they are unlikely to see
Snodgrass for a second season in the Championship despite him being surplus
to requirements at West Ham, for whom he featured on just 15 occasions
before being sent out on season-long loan. And that's largely as a result of
Villa's parlous financial situation, which will almost certainly mean they
have to part company with high-earners such as Snodgrass and John Terry, who
was costing the Midlands-based club some £60,000-per-week. "Snoddy has been
great but West Ham are unlikely to let him leave for a low fee," wrote Villa
fans Eastie. "So he's probably not going to be here [next season]." "He has
been fantastic for us but the last four weeks have shown that (a) the
Championship or lower Premier League is very much his level and (b) he is
not worth whatever West Ham will want for him, added Ponky. "I doubt he'll
be available on loan again next season which is probably just as well, as we
desperately need some pace out wide."
Despite having been a success during his season on loan, a lack of speed and
acceleration is one area of Snodgrass' game that has been criticised by
Villa supporters - although at Championship level that isn't necessarily a
huge problem, say some. "He doesn't have pace but it's not a flaw," wrote
skarroki. "But he's a very talented player and should not be in the
Championship. "We were lucky to get him on loan for a season and if he's
not here next season it's because he's got much better options at a higher
level, not because we'd rather risk playing an inconsistent winger from the
Academy. His drive and personality can only have a positive effect on the
dressing room and I will be gutted to see him go."
Fellow Villain markavfc40 was in full agreement. "If he had pace he would be
starting week in, week out for a top half Premier League side," he wrote.
"Technically he is very good and his work rate is excellent. I'd like him to
stay but he won't and him leaving does allow us to improve on a lack of pace
in the team."
Yet not all Villa supporters felt that losing SNodgrass will be to the
detriment of the team as a whole. "He often fails to beat his man, his ball
delivery has been disappointing and his free kicks are an abomination,"
wrote sidcow.
"I know his attitude is great and he gives his all, but ultimately he's
meant to be a winger and therefore should frequently beat his man and get in
a deadly cross. I'm just not seeing what other people are and I won't be
devastated if we cannot get him back."
Villains on Snodders
"He is elite level Championship, low level Premier League standard. As you
say, he more than makes up for it with other qualities, but he lacks pace,
which can be identified, exposed and dealt with accordingly, a flaw."
- A'Villan
"Good player for us but one who won't be with us next year, of all the loan
players I think he has helped the most."
- Jimzk5
"Love his mentality and he has put some great performances in, but the final
showed how painfully predictable he is with that lack of pace and cutting
inside every single time, holding onto the ball for longer than he should.
He also made the wrong decision in what could have ended up as our most
clear cut chance of the game.
- Tom13
"I don't see Pellegrini playing him so he may be out on loan again. It's
well documented that his issue as West Ham was he Bilic wouldn't play him on
his favoured side , which we have but it's meant that when things are not
going right we don't switch the wingers over. I do like him though and he
has done well and comes across as a decent character but I think that's he
last of his time here."
- Nabby
"He monopolieses our set pieces and his delivery isnt that great (must be
better in training), his work rate is excellent and he's a below average
Premier League player but probably one of our better players. Let him go
unless he's cheap."
- tinker
"Snodgrass' set pieces have gone beyond shocking. I'm sick of seeing him hit
free kicks into a wall and over-hitting corners. He is slow as well. Would I
take him back on loan? Possibly, but for me his lack of pace is a massive
problem. We are shit offensively at counter attacking as our midfield are
like snails."
- Demitri_C
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Hammers promoted in controversial circumstances
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th May 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United Ladies will play in the highest division of the Women's
Super League next season - despite ending the 2017/18 mid-table in the third
tier. It was confirmed this morning that the Ladies, who finished 7th out of
12 in the Women's Premier Southern Division last season have been
controversially granted a place in the newly-named professional Women's
Super League. Controversial because Sunderland, who finished a respectable
7th in last season's Premier Division have been dumped into the Premier
Northern Division in order to accommodate the Hammers, who are one of 11
teams that will be forming the reformatted league.
In order to become a professional concern, any club must raise a minimum of
£350,000. West Ham, who have satisfied that criteria will begin their new
campaign on the weekend of 18/19 August. West Ham's co-chairman David
Sullivan, whose son Jack was placed in charge of the Ladies in 2016, said:
"Earning Women's Super League status is an incredible achievement for
everyone involved in our Ladies team. "I have every confidence that Managing
Director Jack Sullivan and General Manager Karen Ray will lead our team to
the forefront of women's football in the top division and I look forward to
seeing what the team can accomplish going forward."
Sullivan Jnr took control of the Ladies team in October 2016 after former
Chairman Stephen Hunt lodged a formal complaint with the FA. Hunt accused
the club of discriminating against the team who had to pay for their own
transport to games, wear out-of-date kit and train on the side of the road
having been locked out of the club's Beckton training ground.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
STICK OR TWIST: THE STRIKERS
By Iain Dale 28 May 2018 at 08:56
WTID
So far I haven't advocated selling many players. Our squad is thin enough as
it is. However, will this be different with our strikers?
Andy Carroll
Andy only made 16 appearances, mostly from the bench, last season, scoring
three goals. In his entire career at West Ham he has made 114 appearances,
scoring 33 goals. Season by season, he has appeared 24, 15, 14, 27, 18 and
16 times. On his day he is unbeatable, but each time he returns from injury
it takes him a few games to get into gear. We've never really played to his
strengths, either. He has one year left on his contract, and will probably
play it out. If we could get £10-£15 million for him I'm afraid I'd
recommend selling, but with a lot of regrets.
Javier Hernandez
Chicarito was bought last summer with much fanfare and started off well,
scoring three goals in his first few games. Since then he suffered several
injuries and then found it difficult to get back into the team once
Arnautovic hit form. He's clearly unhappy and is looking for a move after
the World Cup, where he will be in the shop window. If we keep him, our
forward line would need to be built around him. Is that really likely if
Arnautovic remains at the club?
Marko Arnautovic
Probably the easiest 'stick' of the lot. He had a fabulous season once David
Moyes was appointed. However, it's entirely possibly that once of the top
six could come in for him, and he might find it difficult to reject the
chance of European football at this stage in his career. Let's hope he
really is as committed to West Ham as he makes out.
Jordan Hugill
Since he was signed for £10 million in January he's played for all of 33
minutes, despite being on the bench for virtually every game. We might well
recoup much of the money if we sell in the summer, but if we leave it and he
doesn't get much playing time, that's a hell of a lot of money to lose.
Sell.
Toni Martinez
Back from a loan spell in Spain, where he scored only once in 8 games,
Martinez is hitting the point of no return. He scores for fun in the Under
23s but can't seem to translate that into first team form. Even his loan
periods in the lower leagues haven't been prolific. I think now is probably
the time to sell him to a lower league side for £1 million or thereabouts.
Conclusion
We need to sign at least one quality striker this transfer window, but given
Arnautovic will be an automatic first choice (you'd think), will it be that
easy to attrach anyone top class? We need to have a pool of five, rather
than four strikers to choose from, in my view. It's a position where we've
always lacked strength in depth.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham set to appoint Mario Husillos as head of recruitment... despite his
involvement in Malaga's relegation from La Liga
West Ham are close to appointing Mario Husillos as new head of recruitment
Husillos' role at Malaga has been under scrutiny after the side were
relegated
Manuel Pellegrini recommended Husillos having worked with him at Malaga
By Sami Mokbel for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 19:45, 28 May 2018 | UPDATED: 19:45, 28 May 2018
West Ham are closing in on appointing Mario Husillos as their new head of
recruitment. MailOnline exclusively revealed the Hammers' move for the
Argentine on May 19 and the club are now in advanced discussions about
bringing Husillos to the London Stadium from Malaga. New manager Manuel
Pellegrini and Husillos forged a close relationship during their time
working together at Malaga. And Pellegrini is understood to have recommended
his old colleague to co-owner David Sullivan. Husillos' role at Malaga has
been under scrutiny following the Spanish club's relegation from La Liga.
If, as expected, the South American transfer fixer is appointed, will play a
key role in the club's recruitment policy alongside Pellegrini. It remains
to be seen, however, the level of input the club's owners have in their
forthcoming transfer dealings. Tony Henry, who previously held the role of
head of recruitment, was sacked by West Ham earlier this year following
racist remarks about potential signings of African descent.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, May 28
Daily WHUFC News - 28th May 2018
Noble: I'm relishing Pellegrini's attacking approach
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble is relishing the prospect of playing in an attack-minded,
possession-based West Ham United team under Manuel Pellegrini. The Chilean
has forged a reputation for putting together sides who play on the front
foot, dominate the ball and score plenty of goals. And the captain, who
regularly leads West Ham's own possession stats, cannot wait to start
working with the man who led a record-breaking Manchester City to the
Premier League title in 2014. "As captain, I am looking forward to welcoming
the new manager to the Club when we return for pre-season training," said
the two-time Hammer of the Year, who launched the I'm Forever campaign for
the Club's new 2018/19 Umbro Home and Away kits on Friday. "I'm sure I'll
have a chat with him before then and I'll definitely give him the lowdown on
West Ham United and what the Club means to its supporters, although I am
sure he has already done his own homework and knows plenty about the Club
and its traditions. "He will be looking to the future, too, and I'm sure he
will bring in his own staff and we will be linked to lots of potential new
signings over the next few weeks!"
Pellegrini's City scored a record 151 goals in his first season at the club
and Noble believes his forward-thinking approach will go down well, both in
the dressing room and in the stands. "As players, it's always more enjoyable
when you have the ball than when you are chasing the other team around, so I
was pleased when I heard him say he wants to excite the fans and play
attacking football. "West Ham fans love it when we take it to the
opposition, particularly the big boys, and it sounds like we're going to
give it a right go. "I'm already looking forward to getting back to Rush
Green and starting work under him."
Pellegrini led all four European clubs he has managed – Villarreal, Real
Madrid, Malaga and Manchester City – to the UEFA Champions League knockout
stages, and becomes the first Premier League winner to take charge at West
Ham. The skipper, like so many of his fellow fans, is enthused by his
arrival. "It's an exciting appointment for everyone associated with the
Club, as Manuel Pellegrini has a great record, has managed some top clubs
and is known for playing entertaining football," the No16 observed. "Perhaps
just as importantly, seeing how we are in a results business in the Premier
League, he wins football matches. "To have a manager who has managed Real
Madrid and Manchester City, won the Premier League title and led four
different clubs in the Champions League shows that the Chairmen mean
business. They said they wanted to bring in a top-level manager and that's
what they've done."
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Rice ready for end-of-season Ireland friendlies
WHUFC.com
Declan Rice is hoping to end a memorable season on a high as he prepares for
two high-profile Republic of Ireland friendly internationals The teenager
played more than 30 first-team matches for West Ham United in 2017/18,
retained the Young Hammer of the Year award and was named Man of the Match
on his senior debut for the Boys in Green in Turkey in March. Before he
heads off on a well-earned holiday, Rice has joined up with Martin O'Neill's
squad for a mouth-watering trip to Paris to face France on Monday 28 May and
the visit of the United States to Dublin on Saturday 2 June. "It's a nice
way to finish off what has been an amazing season for me, personally," the
19-year-old centre-half confirmed. "If you'd told me a year ago that I'd
have achieved what I have achieved, I wouldn't have believed you! "I've
worked hard, listened to my coaches and teammates, tried to learn from my
experiences and mistakes, and I'm happy with what I've achieved so far, but
there is still lots more for me to learn and achieve in my career. I'm still
only young. "These two international games will be another step in my
development. I really enjoyed my Ireland debut and it's been good to meet up
with the boys again, as the atmosphere in the squad is really good. "These
games give us a chance to train together, get to know each other, try new
things and get ourselves ready for our next competitive matches."
Ireland missed out on this summer's FIFA World Cup final in Russia, losing
5-1 on aggregate to Denmark in a two-legged Play-Off, and will return to
competitive action in September, when they take on the same opposition, and
Wales, in the new UEFA Nations League.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
STICK OR TWIST: THE FULL BACKS
By Iain Dale 27 May 2018 at 15:01
WTID
Players who play at full back are often underrated. But they can make or
break a team. A good full back who can get forward and bang in the crosses,
but doesn't neglect their defensive duties can be worth a lot of money. At
the moment we're possibly a little unbalanced to the left. It was said that
David Moyes couldn't understand the players' determination to play
everything down the left hand side, to the exclusion of the right. That's
probably because on the left we have two full backs who can bomb down the
left, deploy a little bit of trickery, whereas on the right we have the ever
dependable Pablo Zabaletta, who at 33 is not going to rip up any daisies.
Aaron Cresswell
We bought Aaron Cresswell for a mere £3.5 million from Ipswich in 2014.
Since then he has played 137 games and scored 5 goals. His first season was
perhaps his best, but even when he has patchy form you know it's not going
to be long before he bounces back. Latterly under Moyes he played on the
left hand side of a defensive three, leaving Arthur Masuaku to bomb forward.
He hasn't got the trickery of Masuaku but has pace and a lethal free kick on
his day. Some of his crossing can be sublime. There have been rumours that
he will be one of the players to leave in the summer. This would be utter
madness, unless someone put in a ridiculous offer of £30 million or so. He's
29 in December, though. He's very versatile and every team needs a player
like that. He may not have developed a lot in the last two years – his
absence from the England World Cup squad is a sign of that – but
nevertheless I'd hate to see him go.
Arthur Masuaku
A £5 million signing from Olympiacos in Greece in 2016 Masuaku took his time
to bed in. Some would say he still hasn't. He vied with Cresswell for the
left ack place in a 4-4-2, and did displace him for a few games. However, he
only really came into his own this season when Moyes started playing a 3-5-2
formation. He started to play as a wing back and took to the position well.
He has great pace and can beat anyone. His crosses were devoured by
Arnautovic and the two developed a great understanding until the moment of
madness which led to him getting a six match ban. It then took time to
rediscover his form, but by the end of the season he was again showing us
what he can do. This season will be a crunch one for him. We must keep him.
Even though he's played forty times and yet to register on the scoresheet.
Pablo Zabaleta
Zabaleta is Mr Consistency. Mistakes are rare, flamboyance ever more rare,
but you couldn't find a more dependable right back. He was tested towards
the end of the season when he was expected to play as a wing back, but he
certainly didn't let anyone down. He'll turn 34 in January and assuming he
stays, this must surely be his last season playing at the top level. If our
transfer budget is somewhat limited, I wouldn't waste too much money on a
replacement unless someone amaing becomes free at a reasonable price. At
least Manuel Pellegrini knows what he's getting.
Sam Byram
Am I alone in thinking Sam Byram is being treated very unfairly? Whenever
he's played, he's never let us down. Indeed, I'd say he has often impressed.
The trouble is he has never been given a run of games. He's played a game
here, a game there, but then would get injured. In two and a half seasons
he's only played 27 games. We payed £5 ,illion for Byram. If we're to let
him to to free up funds, we'd need to look at getting £7-9 million I'd have
thought. But if we sell him we'd need a replacement, as I don't see any
obvious replacement in the Under 23s.
Conclusion
It seems that Byram may be the most likely player to be sold. I think a lot
depends on which formation Pellegrini plays. If it's a wing back system,
then Antonio and Zabaleta may have to compete for a place. I don't see
Cresswell's long term future being in a back three so it may be that he is
sacrificed in order to have the funds to buy a top class central defender.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A secret agreement & seven months of work - How Manuel Pellegrini became
West Ham's new manager
Things seemingly moved quickly from the outside when the 64-year-old was
appointed but really, it was a long-term project to get him to the capital
Football London
By Sam Inkersole West Ham Correspondent
11:23, 27 MAY 2018
It was an appointment nearly seven months in the making. Manuel Pellegrini
let it slip in his first on-camera interview with West Ham, probably
unintentionally, that he had watched a lot of Hammers matches last season
while manager of Hebei China Fortune in the Chinese Super League. There is a
reason for that.
Slaven Bilic was sacked as West Ham manager on November 6 after Karren Brady
arrived at the Rush Green training ground, two days after the 4-1 defeat to
Liverpool at the London Stadium to deliver the news we all knew was coming.
What we didn't know was that very soon after, the wheels were already in
motion to bring former Manchester City manager Pellegrini to east London.
Back in October 2017, Croatian Bilic was clinging to his job in the capital.
The 3-2 win against Spurs in the Carabao Cup bought Bilic some time but it
was not going to be enough. He was eventually dismissed with the Hammers in
the Premier League relegation zone after a dismal start to the season.
Pellegrini engaged in talks with West Ham in the immediate aftermath of
Bilic's sacking to return to the Premier League and to take the reigns in
east London. Numerous telephone and email conversations were exchanged but
Pellegrini didn't meet with West Ham at that time. Before 2017 was out
though, the two parties had met, talks progressed and Pellegrini and the
club had a handshake plus a gentleman's agreement that it would be him that
would eventually take over in east London.
The new manager had already discussed transfer targets, his backroom staff
joining him in the capital and the transfer budget with the club. That is
expected to be fulfilled this summer. Enter David Moyes. The Scotsman was
employed with the sole task of keeping West Ham in the Premier League,
essentially warming the seat until Pellegrini arrived. Moyes was never going
to spend more than half a year at the London Stadium. There was a reason he
was only given a six-month deal. Moyes was always a stop gap between Bilic
and Pellegrini.
The former Sunderland boss held up his end of the bargain and steered West
Ham to a 13th place finish in the Premier League and while he may not have
known it, he wasn't going to be sticking around after May 2018. He was
handed £2.5m for his six months employment in east London. Not bad work if
you can get it.
That also explains why Moyes was somewhat undermined at the end of his
tenure when pictures emerged of Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca
arriving at Hammers co-owner David Sullivan's Essex mansion to have "talks"
with the top brass. Those talks were never going to amount to anything, as
proved by Fonseca signing an extended contract in Donetsk - it was a
smokescreen.
The same applies to Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez. It was all a
ruse. Stories emerged that the Spaniard was proving hard to lure away from
Tyneside but he was never likely to take over thanks to the agreement with
Pellegrini. Pellegrini had said to West Ham back in 2017 that there was no
chance of him leaving the Far East and his incredibly lucrative contract
when he was first approached to take over at the London Stadium. Give it six
months however then a severance deal could be done. Six months later, that's
how it has turned out.
Pellegrini announced his departure from Hebei China Fortune on May 19 after
their 2-1 victory over Chonqing Lifang in the CSL and as quick as a flash,
the 64-year-old was on a flight to London. Before his flight had landed in
the UK, Pellegrini's £8m-per-year contract was officially agreed to take
over West Ham. The manager and co-chairman had a pleasant time in central
London that evening following touchdown for the Chilean, before returning to
Sullivan's home. That was nothing but a formality, the club photographer had
already arrived to capture the moment and contracts were signed that
evening. Pellegrini was announced as West Ham's new manager at 8am on
Tuesday morning. The new manager has spoken of his excitement and the
project in store for him in east London in his first words as West Ham's
17th manager. In reality, that project began way back in November 2017. West
Ham have got their man. It was a process that started some time ago and was
the long-term plan for the club after a torrid 18 months at the London
Stadium that led to Bilic's sacking. Now, we wait and see what the future
holds.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Declan Rice issues response to David Gold's comments about West Ham ace
representing England
Rice is set to feature for Ireland against France on Monday evening
Football London
By Rob Guest
09:25, 27 MAY 2018
West Ham youngster Declan Rice has stated that he is just concentrating on
playing well for Ireland after David Gold's comments about him playing for
England in the future. Having made his debut for the Hammers at Burnley on
the final day of the 2016/17 season, the 19-year-old cemented his place in
the West Ham team under David Moyes towards the end of the campaign. The
youngster's form saw Martin O'Neill call him up to the Ireland senior side,
thus making his international debut against Turkey in March in the process.
However, with the Hammers appointing Manuel Pellegrini as Moyes' replacement
during the week, Gold told talkSPORT that he hoped the Chilean could turn
Rice into an England international. With the player made well aware of the
co-owner's comments, he issued a response as he prepares for Monday's
friendly against France. Rice, speaking to the Irish Independent, said:
"Yeah, it was all over Twitter. He's just come out and said it on the radio.
That's what he believes. "I'm here today with the Ireland national squad
focusing on the two games to prove myself to Martin [O'Neill] and Roy that I
can play well for Ireland. "My phone got bombarded with messages saying
'have you seen this?' He's done an interview on transfers and it was way
off-topic to come out and say 'Declan Rice for England' when I'm here with
Ireland. "He knows that I play for Ireland so it's one of them where I just
forget about it. "I've come here to enjoy myself."
Rice will come up against some of the world's best players tomorrow evening
with Ireland taking on France as Didier Deschamps' side prepare for the
World Cup.
Amid talk of a loan move at the start of the season to gain some valuable
experience, the defender has thanked Slaven Bilic for giving him a chance in
the first team as a memorable year draws to a close. "There's some massive
names there," added Rice. "I played against [Olivier] Giroud and [Paul]
Pogba. But then you've [Antoine] Griezmann and [Kylian] Mbappe. "These are
the players you come up against if you want to be the best in the world.
"You've got to test yourself against the best to know you are the best. "At
the beginning of the season I was talking about going on loan to a League
One or Championship club and then I had a good pre-season and, all of a
sudden, Slaven Bilic gave me my chance and I was with the first team. "I was
grateful for the opportunity. "I was playing well which obviously granted me
my first-team place here. "Martin thought I was playing well and couldn't
leave me out because I was playing so well. I was with the 21s as well. "I
can't really believe how quick I've progressed."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble is relishing the prospect of playing in an attack-minded,
possession-based West Ham United team under Manuel Pellegrini. The Chilean
has forged a reputation for putting together sides who play on the front
foot, dominate the ball and score plenty of goals. And the captain, who
regularly leads West Ham's own possession stats, cannot wait to start
working with the man who led a record-breaking Manchester City to the
Premier League title in 2014. "As captain, I am looking forward to welcoming
the new manager to the Club when we return for pre-season training," said
the two-time Hammer of the Year, who launched the I'm Forever campaign for
the Club's new 2018/19 Umbro Home and Away kits on Friday. "I'm sure I'll
have a chat with him before then and I'll definitely give him the lowdown on
West Ham United and what the Club means to its supporters, although I am
sure he has already done his own homework and knows plenty about the Club
and its traditions. "He will be looking to the future, too, and I'm sure he
will bring in his own staff and we will be linked to lots of potential new
signings over the next few weeks!"
Pellegrini's City scored a record 151 goals in his first season at the club
and Noble believes his forward-thinking approach will go down well, both in
the dressing room and in the stands. "As players, it's always more enjoyable
when you have the ball than when you are chasing the other team around, so I
was pleased when I heard him say he wants to excite the fans and play
attacking football. "West Ham fans love it when we take it to the
opposition, particularly the big boys, and it sounds like we're going to
give it a right go. "I'm already looking forward to getting back to Rush
Green and starting work under him."
Pellegrini led all four European clubs he has managed – Villarreal, Real
Madrid, Malaga and Manchester City – to the UEFA Champions League knockout
stages, and becomes the first Premier League winner to take charge at West
Ham. The skipper, like so many of his fellow fans, is enthused by his
arrival. "It's an exciting appointment for everyone associated with the
Club, as Manuel Pellegrini has a great record, has managed some top clubs
and is known for playing entertaining football," the No16 observed. "Perhaps
just as importantly, seeing how we are in a results business in the Premier
League, he wins football matches. "To have a manager who has managed Real
Madrid and Manchester City, won the Premier League title and led four
different clubs in the Champions League shows that the Chairmen mean
business. They said they wanted to bring in a top-level manager and that's
what they've done."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rice ready for end-of-season Ireland friendlies
WHUFC.com
Declan Rice is hoping to end a memorable season on a high as he prepares for
two high-profile Republic of Ireland friendly internationals The teenager
played more than 30 first-team matches for West Ham United in 2017/18,
retained the Young Hammer of the Year award and was named Man of the Match
on his senior debut for the Boys in Green in Turkey in March. Before he
heads off on a well-earned holiday, Rice has joined up with Martin O'Neill's
squad for a mouth-watering trip to Paris to face France on Monday 28 May and
the visit of the United States to Dublin on Saturday 2 June. "It's a nice
way to finish off what has been an amazing season for me, personally," the
19-year-old centre-half confirmed. "If you'd told me a year ago that I'd
have achieved what I have achieved, I wouldn't have believed you! "I've
worked hard, listened to my coaches and teammates, tried to learn from my
experiences and mistakes, and I'm happy with what I've achieved so far, but
there is still lots more for me to learn and achieve in my career. I'm still
only young. "These two international games will be another step in my
development. I really enjoyed my Ireland debut and it's been good to meet up
with the boys again, as the atmosphere in the squad is really good. "These
games give us a chance to train together, get to know each other, try new
things and get ourselves ready for our next competitive matches."
Ireland missed out on this summer's FIFA World Cup final in Russia, losing
5-1 on aggregate to Denmark in a two-legged Play-Off, and will return to
competitive action in September, when they take on the same opposition, and
Wales, in the new UEFA Nations League.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
STICK OR TWIST: THE FULL BACKS
By Iain Dale 27 May 2018 at 15:01
WTID
Players who play at full back are often underrated. But they can make or
break a team. A good full back who can get forward and bang in the crosses,
but doesn't neglect their defensive duties can be worth a lot of money. At
the moment we're possibly a little unbalanced to the left. It was said that
David Moyes couldn't understand the players' determination to play
everything down the left hand side, to the exclusion of the right. That's
probably because on the left we have two full backs who can bomb down the
left, deploy a little bit of trickery, whereas on the right we have the ever
dependable Pablo Zabaletta, who at 33 is not going to rip up any daisies.
Aaron Cresswell
We bought Aaron Cresswell for a mere £3.5 million from Ipswich in 2014.
Since then he has played 137 games and scored 5 goals. His first season was
perhaps his best, but even when he has patchy form you know it's not going
to be long before he bounces back. Latterly under Moyes he played on the
left hand side of a defensive three, leaving Arthur Masuaku to bomb forward.
He hasn't got the trickery of Masuaku but has pace and a lethal free kick on
his day. Some of his crossing can be sublime. There have been rumours that
he will be one of the players to leave in the summer. This would be utter
madness, unless someone put in a ridiculous offer of £30 million or so. He's
29 in December, though. He's very versatile and every team needs a player
like that. He may not have developed a lot in the last two years – his
absence from the England World Cup squad is a sign of that – but
nevertheless I'd hate to see him go.
Arthur Masuaku
A £5 million signing from Olympiacos in Greece in 2016 Masuaku took his time
to bed in. Some would say he still hasn't. He vied with Cresswell for the
left ack place in a 4-4-2, and did displace him for a few games. However, he
only really came into his own this season when Moyes started playing a 3-5-2
formation. He started to play as a wing back and took to the position well.
He has great pace and can beat anyone. His crosses were devoured by
Arnautovic and the two developed a great understanding until the moment of
madness which led to him getting a six match ban. It then took time to
rediscover his form, but by the end of the season he was again showing us
what he can do. This season will be a crunch one for him. We must keep him.
Even though he's played forty times and yet to register on the scoresheet.
Pablo Zabaleta
Zabaleta is Mr Consistency. Mistakes are rare, flamboyance ever more rare,
but you couldn't find a more dependable right back. He was tested towards
the end of the season when he was expected to play as a wing back, but he
certainly didn't let anyone down. He'll turn 34 in January and assuming he
stays, this must surely be his last season playing at the top level. If our
transfer budget is somewhat limited, I wouldn't waste too much money on a
replacement unless someone amaing becomes free at a reasonable price. At
least Manuel Pellegrini knows what he's getting.
Sam Byram
Am I alone in thinking Sam Byram is being treated very unfairly? Whenever
he's played, he's never let us down. Indeed, I'd say he has often impressed.
The trouble is he has never been given a run of games. He's played a game
here, a game there, but then would get injured. In two and a half seasons
he's only played 27 games. We payed £5 ,illion for Byram. If we're to let
him to to free up funds, we'd need to look at getting £7-9 million I'd have
thought. But if we sell him we'd need a replacement, as I don't see any
obvious replacement in the Under 23s.
Conclusion
It seems that Byram may be the most likely player to be sold. I think a lot
depends on which formation Pellegrini plays. If it's a wing back system,
then Antonio and Zabaleta may have to compete for a place. I don't see
Cresswell's long term future being in a back three so it may be that he is
sacrificed in order to have the funds to buy a top class central defender.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A secret agreement & seven months of work - How Manuel Pellegrini became
West Ham's new manager
Things seemingly moved quickly from the outside when the 64-year-old was
appointed but really, it was a long-term project to get him to the capital
Football London
By Sam Inkersole West Ham Correspondent
11:23, 27 MAY 2018
It was an appointment nearly seven months in the making. Manuel Pellegrini
let it slip in his first on-camera interview with West Ham, probably
unintentionally, that he had watched a lot of Hammers matches last season
while manager of Hebei China Fortune in the Chinese Super League. There is a
reason for that.
Slaven Bilic was sacked as West Ham manager on November 6 after Karren Brady
arrived at the Rush Green training ground, two days after the 4-1 defeat to
Liverpool at the London Stadium to deliver the news we all knew was coming.
What we didn't know was that very soon after, the wheels were already in
motion to bring former Manchester City manager Pellegrini to east London.
Back in October 2017, Croatian Bilic was clinging to his job in the capital.
The 3-2 win against Spurs in the Carabao Cup bought Bilic some time but it
was not going to be enough. He was eventually dismissed with the Hammers in
the Premier League relegation zone after a dismal start to the season.
Pellegrini engaged in talks with West Ham in the immediate aftermath of
Bilic's sacking to return to the Premier League and to take the reigns in
east London. Numerous telephone and email conversations were exchanged but
Pellegrini didn't meet with West Ham at that time. Before 2017 was out
though, the two parties had met, talks progressed and Pellegrini and the
club had a handshake plus a gentleman's agreement that it would be him that
would eventually take over in east London.
The new manager had already discussed transfer targets, his backroom staff
joining him in the capital and the transfer budget with the club. That is
expected to be fulfilled this summer. Enter David Moyes. The Scotsman was
employed with the sole task of keeping West Ham in the Premier League,
essentially warming the seat until Pellegrini arrived. Moyes was never going
to spend more than half a year at the London Stadium. There was a reason he
was only given a six-month deal. Moyes was always a stop gap between Bilic
and Pellegrini.
The former Sunderland boss held up his end of the bargain and steered West
Ham to a 13th place finish in the Premier League and while he may not have
known it, he wasn't going to be sticking around after May 2018. He was
handed £2.5m for his six months employment in east London. Not bad work if
you can get it.
That also explains why Moyes was somewhat undermined at the end of his
tenure when pictures emerged of Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca
arriving at Hammers co-owner David Sullivan's Essex mansion to have "talks"
with the top brass. Those talks were never going to amount to anything, as
proved by Fonseca signing an extended contract in Donetsk - it was a
smokescreen.
The same applies to Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez. It was all a
ruse. Stories emerged that the Spaniard was proving hard to lure away from
Tyneside but he was never likely to take over thanks to the agreement with
Pellegrini. Pellegrini had said to West Ham back in 2017 that there was no
chance of him leaving the Far East and his incredibly lucrative contract
when he was first approached to take over at the London Stadium. Give it six
months however then a severance deal could be done. Six months later, that's
how it has turned out.
Pellegrini announced his departure from Hebei China Fortune on May 19 after
their 2-1 victory over Chonqing Lifang in the CSL and as quick as a flash,
the 64-year-old was on a flight to London. Before his flight had landed in
the UK, Pellegrini's £8m-per-year contract was officially agreed to take
over West Ham. The manager and co-chairman had a pleasant time in central
London that evening following touchdown for the Chilean, before returning to
Sullivan's home. That was nothing but a formality, the club photographer had
already arrived to capture the moment and contracts were signed that
evening. Pellegrini was announced as West Ham's new manager at 8am on
Tuesday morning. The new manager has spoken of his excitement and the
project in store for him in east London in his first words as West Ham's
17th manager. In reality, that project began way back in November 2017. West
Ham have got their man. It was a process that started some time ago and was
the long-term plan for the club after a torrid 18 months at the London
Stadium that led to Bilic's sacking. Now, we wait and see what the future
holds.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Declan Rice issues response to David Gold's comments about West Ham ace
representing England
Rice is set to feature for Ireland against France on Monday evening
Football London
By Rob Guest
09:25, 27 MAY 2018
West Ham youngster Declan Rice has stated that he is just concentrating on
playing well for Ireland after David Gold's comments about him playing for
England in the future. Having made his debut for the Hammers at Burnley on
the final day of the 2016/17 season, the 19-year-old cemented his place in
the West Ham team under David Moyes towards the end of the campaign. The
youngster's form saw Martin O'Neill call him up to the Ireland senior side,
thus making his international debut against Turkey in March in the process.
However, with the Hammers appointing Manuel Pellegrini as Moyes' replacement
during the week, Gold told talkSPORT that he hoped the Chilean could turn
Rice into an England international. With the player made well aware of the
co-owner's comments, he issued a response as he prepares for Monday's
friendly against France. Rice, speaking to the Irish Independent, said:
"Yeah, it was all over Twitter. He's just come out and said it on the radio.
That's what he believes. "I'm here today with the Ireland national squad
focusing on the two games to prove myself to Martin [O'Neill] and Roy that I
can play well for Ireland. "My phone got bombarded with messages saying
'have you seen this?' He's done an interview on transfers and it was way
off-topic to come out and say 'Declan Rice for England' when I'm here with
Ireland. "He knows that I play for Ireland so it's one of them where I just
forget about it. "I've come here to enjoy myself."
Rice will come up against some of the world's best players tomorrow evening
with Ireland taking on France as Didier Deschamps' side prepare for the
World Cup.
Amid talk of a loan move at the start of the season to gain some valuable
experience, the defender has thanked Slaven Bilic for giving him a chance in
the first team as a memorable year draws to a close. "There's some massive
names there," added Rice. "I played against [Olivier] Giroud and [Paul]
Pogba. But then you've [Antoine] Griezmann and [Kylian] Mbappe. "These are
the players you come up against if you want to be the best in the world.
"You've got to test yourself against the best to know you are the best. "At
the beginning of the season I was talking about going on loan to a League
One or Championship club and then I had a good pre-season and, all of a
sudden, Slaven Bilic gave me my chance and I was with the first team. "I was
grateful for the opportunity. "I was playing well which obviously granted me
my first-team place here. "Martin thought I was playing well and couldn't
leave me out because I was playing so well. I was with the 21s as well. "I
can't really believe how quick I've progressed."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, May 27
Daily WHUFC News - 27th May 2018
Carlton Cole: It's exciting times at West Ham United
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole was in typically enthusiastic mood at London Stadium on Friday
morning, as he unveiled the new West Ham United 2018/19 Home and Away kits.
Cole predicted exciting times ahead under new boss Manuel Pellegrini. The
former Hammers striker, still a huge favourite among the Claret and Blue
faithful, told Sky Sports News that the experienced Chilean possesses all
the right credentials to take the Club forward. "It's exciting times," he
said. "We've got a world-class manager, one of the best in the Premier
League now in my opinion. We know what his credentials are and what he can
bring to the table, he's obviously got the full support of the Board and the
backing to help him take the Club to the next level. "He brings experience
at different levels. He has coached teams like Malaga, who may be considered
lesser teams in their league but have over-achieved to enjoy great success.
He is also going to bring that style of play that West Ham fans want to see.
"He is going to be attracting a few top players that he wants to fit into
the team now. He may let a few go and let a few in. His money is going to be
spent wisely. "It's hard to [pick specific positions]. I think he needs to
galvanise the team he has already got and then add a few players who can
bring different angles to the team, and help approach the style of play he
wants. "You have to look at his history – he loves to play the ball on the
floor. He will get some ball players in, and players who will make the team
stronger. "We've always had optimism, but last year we didn't produce in the
way we wanted to. This year we now have a different angle, we're going to
get behind the new manager from the start, and I'm so glad that he has been
appointed so early, so that we can start restructuring in the right way for
next season."
Cole has been involved in the Club's #ImForever campaign to support the
launch of the new Home and Away kits, and was suitably impressed by the
garment he was asked to model. "I'm loving the new kit," he said. "It's
really light and stylish, a little more Claret with less Blue this time, but
I think it's giving a nice feel to a different era for the Club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Javier Hernandez delaying decision on West Ham future until after World Cup
Last Updated: 26/05/18 2:10pm
SSN
West Ham striker Javier Hernandez says he will not commit his future to West
Ham until after the World Cup this summer. Hernandez, 29, has two years left
to run on the contract he signed with the Hammers following his £16m move
from Bayer Leverkusen last summer. But the Mexico striker's future has been
the subject to speculation after he lost his place in West Ham's first team
under previous manager David Moyes towards the end of last season, even
admitting he had asked to leave the club in January. The Hammers appointed
Manuel Pellegrini as new manager this week, but Hernandez was unwilling to
discuss his future with the World Cup under three weeks away. "Of course I
am a West Ham player still, but we'll see," Hernandez said at a press
conference in Los Angeles ahead of Mexico's friendly against Wales on
Tuesday morning. "Right now what can I tell you? I'm glad there's a new
manager? I'm sad there's a new manager? "It's not the moment to speak about
this. My mind is 100 per cent on the World Cup." Asked if Pellegrini - who
led Manchester City to a Premier League and Capital One Cup double in 2014 -
was a good appointment by West Ham, Hernandez replied: "I don't know."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
STICK OR TWIST: THE CENTRAL DEFENDERS
By Iain Dale 26 May 2018 at 21:10 WTID
So, we've done the goalkeepers, now let's look at our crop of central
defenders and see who we should keep or who we should sell. The key thing
here is that we need to improve on what we have.
James Collins
Much as I'd have loved to retain James Collins's services on a 'pay as you
play' basis, we have to face the fact that he's 35 in August. His departure
has certainly not been handled very well. He's also the sort of player you
might want to retain in a coaching capacity but that was always going to be
difficult with a new manager coming in.
Declan Rice
This boy is the real deal and our defence should certainly be formed around
him next season. I don't understand the thinking that he might be played in
midfield. He has certainly played well there on the rare occasion I've seen
him play there but his future is surely as a central defender. His timing is
superb and yes, he's made the odd mistake, but so does anyone who is still
learning their trade. He seemed to combine well with Ogbonna towards the end
of the season. I hope Pellegrini is as impressed y him as the rest of us.
Angelo Ogbonna
On his day Ogbonna is as good a defender as we have. An big ox of a man,
he's surprisingly mobile. But it wouldn't surprise me if he felt it was time
to move back to Italy so he can impress the new Italy manager Roberto
Mancini. He'd certainly command a fee of in excess of £20 million. I hope we
keep him, though.
Winston Reid
His constant injuries restricted his appearances last season and given his
age I am not sure that will improve. He's on a long contract and although on
his day he is a superb defender, can he be relied on to play 30 games? In
his 8 seasons with us he's only managed 30 games three times. Last season it
was 17. Given his record last season if we sold him I doubt we'd get more
than £10 million, especially as he's 30 in July.
Reece Oxford
It's surely time to tell Reece Oxford that he's really wanted at West Ham.
It's three years since he made that stupendous debut against Arsenal, but
he's only made 7 more appearances in the Premier League. His two loan spells
at Borussia Moenchengladbach has supposedly impressed the Germans, but he's
only made 7 starts there. Rumour is he wishes to join them permanently and a
fee of £8 million. I think that would be a crying shame.
Reece Burke
Burke and Oxford have had similar experiences. Neither has been given a
proper chance, yet whenever Burke has played – either at right back or in
central defence – he has impressed. Wherever he has gone out on loan he's
done well, although injury has restricted his appearances. Personally, I'd
keep him for another year and not loan him out, and let him take his chance
if it arrives.
Conclusion
With James Collins gone and Winston Reid's injury record we are light in
central defence. I'd like us to buy one top class central defender who would
be first choice alongside Declan Rice, assuming we play a 4-4-2. If we play
4-3-3 there's an argument we need two. But we must not buy central defenders
from relegated sides. It was rumoured we were in for the West Brom duo Jonny
Evans and Craig Dawson. And then there's the chap from Swansea, Alfie
Mawson. No. We ought to be setting our sights at players with a proven
record.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
STICK OR TWIST: THE GOALKEEPERS
By Iain Dale 26 May 2018 at 08:58
WTID
Over the weekend I'll post a series of articles looking at the different
positions and examine whether we should keep or sell our players who play in
that position. Let's start of with the goalkeepers…
Joe Hart
Joe was with us on a season long loan. It didn't go well and it resulted in
him losing his place in the England squad. At times he looked capable and
made some great saves, but he was error prone and you could tell the defence
didn't have confidence in him. Hart was dropped under Pellegrini at
Manchester City so it is highly unlikely he would want to keep England's
former number one.
Adrian
A mixed season for Adrian, which ended well for the crowd favourite. He was
very unhappy to lose his place at the beginning of the season, but once he
played against Manchester City in December he retained the position.
Although Hart won it back, Adrian came back into the side after a
particularly hapless performance by Hart and stayed in the team for the last
few matches of the season. His shot stopping ability isn't in doubt, but he
usually has one rush of blood to the head in each game, and I do wonder
whether Pellegrini will take to him. If we could get £12-15 million for him,
I suspect he might be sold. He won't settle to be number two.
Nathan Trott
He's been on the bench a few times, but we haven't yet had the chance to see
Nathan in action. I'm told everyone really rates him, but is he ready to
take over as our permanent number two?
VERDICT
There are rumours in the papers that Pellegrini wants to re-sign the
goalkeeper who replaced Joe Hart at Manchester City, Willy Caballero from
Chelsea. He also played for him at Malaga. He could surely only be a number
two given the fact that since 2014 he's only played 20 Premier League
matches. I'd love us to sign Jack Butland from Stoke, but they are
apparently asking £40 million for him. Tom Heaton at Burnley would be
another option as I can't imagine him wanting to play second fiddle to the
magnificent Nick Pope next season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM CHASING DEAL FOR JOE ALLEN
ALEX MURRAY @Alex_Murray_
ReadWestHam
West Ham are interested in a deal for Joe Allen, with Stoke looking likely
to sell the midfielder after being relegated from the Premier League. The
Welshman, who was pivotal in Wales' Euro 2016 campaign. Was relegated from
the top flight after Paul Lambert was unable to keep the Potters in the top
flight. The Mirror report that Stoke are likely to begin a clearout after
losing their Premier League status, and West Ham could be one of the teams
picking up one of their stars. New Stoke boss Gary Rowett has been tasked
with a clearout by the clubs owners, after many high profile players failed
to perform for the Potters. Allen is one of those set to depart, along with
goalkeepers Jack Butland, who has been linked with a move back to the top
flight. West Ham could be a new home for Allen, who joined Stoke from
Liverpool in 2016.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM HAVE HAD LUCKY ESCAPE WITH MONEYSPINNERFeatured Image
Date: 26th May 2018 at 8:27pm
Written by: Laura OLeary
ForeverWesTHam
West Ham might not feel like they've had a lucky escape over their potential
pursuit of Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney but when they look back the club
will appreciate missing out on him. It was previously reported by the
Evening Standard, ahead of Fulham's play-off final against Aston Villa, that
the Hammers were very keen on signing the 27-year-old attacking midfielder.
The newspaper claimed that the outcome of Saturday's game could play a
factor, which seems extremely likely, and as Cairney's side won the play-off
final it seems a move for him is off the cards. While some may be
disappointed to hear that, considering the plaudits he receives and the fact
he scored the only goal on Saturday, the Hammers are lucky to miss out.
Cairney may have spectacularly shone in some of his 37 appearances for the
Cottagers this season, but a lot of his displays were disappointing due to
knee issues. These knee problems kept him out of several games but also
affected his performances in a lot of the games he was passed fit for. These
sort of injury issues always have a tendency to resurface and if his knees
are starting to cause him problems at the age of 27-years-old, there is a
genuine risk to investing in his services.
Especially when it's a big money move, £20million was thought to be his
price tag if Fulham failed to get up, as stated by the Daily Mirror, and
that's no doubt the lowest price they would take for him now after
Saturday's outcome. Therefore West Ham have been handed a lucky escape by
having an opportunity not to welcome Cairney to the London Stadium as they
were reportedly set to make a blunder by considering splashing the cash on
him.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SNODGRASS PUNCHED HIS TICKET V FULHAMFeatured Image
Date: 26th May 2018 at 6:57pm
Written by: Laura OLeary
ForeverWestHam
While West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini wants to be firm but fair by giving
everyone an opportunity to impress him in pre-season, he must not waste his
time on Robert Snodgrass. The winger, who apparently is on a £40,000-a-week
deal at the London Stadium as per Spotrac, spent his latest campaign on loan
at Aston Villa and featured for them in the play-off final against Fulham on
Saturday. However while not wearing a Hammers kit at the time, Snodgrass'
performance should have told Pellegrini everything he needed to know about
the winger. The 30-year-old is clearly not good enough to feature at the
London Stadium or in the Premier League next season as he woefully let down
his temporary side on Saturday.
Nothing went right for Snodgrass during the game and he lumbered his way
across the pitch unable to make a positive impact on the match in any way.
It was reported by Claret & Hugh , who specialise in Hammers news, that
Pellegrini would watch the play-off final to see Snodgrass in action as he
was due back at the London Stadium when his loan deal expires. Upon viewing
his display, if the manager's first action wasn't to place him on the
transfer list then it would be a bizarre mistake to make. While seeing a
player firsthand may give a manager a better impression, that won't be the
case with Snodgrass. The winger has had his moments in his latest campaign
with the Villans, during his 42 appearances, but hasn't looked head and
shoulders above the other players in the Championship. The Hammers need to
add top quality players capable of performing in the Premier League this
summer in order to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle next season,
and Snodgrass' return to the squad will see them in a battle for their
top-flight status if anything. It's not like the £40,000-a-week winger
didn't have a chance at the London Stadium, even if it was a small one, and
he never showed a reason for him to be at the Hammers previously in the 15
times he pulled on the jersey. Therefore after a woeful final outing for the
Villans, Snodgrass has punched his own ticket out of the Hammers and will
not kick another ball while wearing a Hammers shirt if Pellegrini has any
sense.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eyeing move for Barcelona centre back Marlon Santos after
impressing for Nice on loan last season
Barcelona's Marlon Santos had impressed on loan at Nice last campaign
The 22-year-old West Ham target has also drawn enquiries from Leicester
Santos impressed last season for Nice, featuring 27 times in all
competitions
By Simon Jones for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 16:58, 26 May 2018 | UPDATED: 17:07, 26 May 2018
West Ham have expressed interest in signing Marlon Santos from Barcelona.
The 22-year-old Brazilian had impressed on loan at Nice last season and has
drawn enquiries from Leicester City. The centre back featured 27 times in
all competitions for the French side last campaign, helping them to an
eighth-placed finish in Ligue 1. With a lack of opportunities at Barcelona
however, Santos may seek an exit from the Nou Camp to further his career.
And after impressing during his loan spell in France, the Hammers, along
with Leicester, are now looking to acquire the services of Santos. After
joining as West Ham boss on Tuesday, Manuel Pellegrini is eager to make an
immediate impact and is looking to bolster his defensive options following a
disappointing season for the club. West Ham, who finished 13th in the
Premier League, conceded a massive 68 goals last season, the joint-most with
Stoke in the top flight.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole was in typically enthusiastic mood at London Stadium on Friday
morning, as he unveiled the new West Ham United 2018/19 Home and Away kits.
Cole predicted exciting times ahead under new boss Manuel Pellegrini. The
former Hammers striker, still a huge favourite among the Claret and Blue
faithful, told Sky Sports News that the experienced Chilean possesses all
the right credentials to take the Club forward. "It's exciting times," he
said. "We've got a world-class manager, one of the best in the Premier
League now in my opinion. We know what his credentials are and what he can
bring to the table, he's obviously got the full support of the Board and the
backing to help him take the Club to the next level. "He brings experience
at different levels. He has coached teams like Malaga, who may be considered
lesser teams in their league but have over-achieved to enjoy great success.
He is also going to bring that style of play that West Ham fans want to see.
"He is going to be attracting a few top players that he wants to fit into
the team now. He may let a few go and let a few in. His money is going to be
spent wisely. "It's hard to [pick specific positions]. I think he needs to
galvanise the team he has already got and then add a few players who can
bring different angles to the team, and help approach the style of play he
wants. "You have to look at his history – he loves to play the ball on the
floor. He will get some ball players in, and players who will make the team
stronger. "We've always had optimism, but last year we didn't produce in the
way we wanted to. This year we now have a different angle, we're going to
get behind the new manager from the start, and I'm so glad that he has been
appointed so early, so that we can start restructuring in the right way for
next season."
Cole has been involved in the Club's #ImForever campaign to support the
launch of the new Home and Away kits, and was suitably impressed by the
garment he was asked to model. "I'm loving the new kit," he said. "It's
really light and stylish, a little more Claret with less Blue this time, but
I think it's giving a nice feel to a different era for the Club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Javier Hernandez delaying decision on West Ham future until after World Cup
Last Updated: 26/05/18 2:10pm
SSN
West Ham striker Javier Hernandez says he will not commit his future to West
Ham until after the World Cup this summer. Hernandez, 29, has two years left
to run on the contract he signed with the Hammers following his £16m move
from Bayer Leverkusen last summer. But the Mexico striker's future has been
the subject to speculation after he lost his place in West Ham's first team
under previous manager David Moyes towards the end of last season, even
admitting he had asked to leave the club in January. The Hammers appointed
Manuel Pellegrini as new manager this week, but Hernandez was unwilling to
discuss his future with the World Cup under three weeks away. "Of course I
am a West Ham player still, but we'll see," Hernandez said at a press
conference in Los Angeles ahead of Mexico's friendly against Wales on
Tuesday morning. "Right now what can I tell you? I'm glad there's a new
manager? I'm sad there's a new manager? "It's not the moment to speak about
this. My mind is 100 per cent on the World Cup." Asked if Pellegrini - who
led Manchester City to a Premier League and Capital One Cup double in 2014 -
was a good appointment by West Ham, Hernandez replied: "I don't know."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
STICK OR TWIST: THE CENTRAL DEFENDERS
By Iain Dale 26 May 2018 at 21:10 WTID
So, we've done the goalkeepers, now let's look at our crop of central
defenders and see who we should keep or who we should sell. The key thing
here is that we need to improve on what we have.
James Collins
Much as I'd have loved to retain James Collins's services on a 'pay as you
play' basis, we have to face the fact that he's 35 in August. His departure
has certainly not been handled very well. He's also the sort of player you
might want to retain in a coaching capacity but that was always going to be
difficult with a new manager coming in.
Declan Rice
This boy is the real deal and our defence should certainly be formed around
him next season. I don't understand the thinking that he might be played in
midfield. He has certainly played well there on the rare occasion I've seen
him play there but his future is surely as a central defender. His timing is
superb and yes, he's made the odd mistake, but so does anyone who is still
learning their trade. He seemed to combine well with Ogbonna towards the end
of the season. I hope Pellegrini is as impressed y him as the rest of us.
Angelo Ogbonna
On his day Ogbonna is as good a defender as we have. An big ox of a man,
he's surprisingly mobile. But it wouldn't surprise me if he felt it was time
to move back to Italy so he can impress the new Italy manager Roberto
Mancini. He'd certainly command a fee of in excess of £20 million. I hope we
keep him, though.
Winston Reid
His constant injuries restricted his appearances last season and given his
age I am not sure that will improve. He's on a long contract and although on
his day he is a superb defender, can he be relied on to play 30 games? In
his 8 seasons with us he's only managed 30 games three times. Last season it
was 17. Given his record last season if we sold him I doubt we'd get more
than £10 million, especially as he's 30 in July.
Reece Oxford
It's surely time to tell Reece Oxford that he's really wanted at West Ham.
It's three years since he made that stupendous debut against Arsenal, but
he's only made 7 more appearances in the Premier League. His two loan spells
at Borussia Moenchengladbach has supposedly impressed the Germans, but he's
only made 7 starts there. Rumour is he wishes to join them permanently and a
fee of £8 million. I think that would be a crying shame.
Reece Burke
Burke and Oxford have had similar experiences. Neither has been given a
proper chance, yet whenever Burke has played – either at right back or in
central defence – he has impressed. Wherever he has gone out on loan he's
done well, although injury has restricted his appearances. Personally, I'd
keep him for another year and not loan him out, and let him take his chance
if it arrives.
Conclusion
With James Collins gone and Winston Reid's injury record we are light in
central defence. I'd like us to buy one top class central defender who would
be first choice alongside Declan Rice, assuming we play a 4-4-2. If we play
4-3-3 there's an argument we need two. But we must not buy central defenders
from relegated sides. It was rumoured we were in for the West Brom duo Jonny
Evans and Craig Dawson. And then there's the chap from Swansea, Alfie
Mawson. No. We ought to be setting our sights at players with a proven
record.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
STICK OR TWIST: THE GOALKEEPERS
By Iain Dale 26 May 2018 at 08:58
WTID
Over the weekend I'll post a series of articles looking at the different
positions and examine whether we should keep or sell our players who play in
that position. Let's start of with the goalkeepers…
Joe Hart
Joe was with us on a season long loan. It didn't go well and it resulted in
him losing his place in the England squad. At times he looked capable and
made some great saves, but he was error prone and you could tell the defence
didn't have confidence in him. Hart was dropped under Pellegrini at
Manchester City so it is highly unlikely he would want to keep England's
former number one.
Adrian
A mixed season for Adrian, which ended well for the crowd favourite. He was
very unhappy to lose his place at the beginning of the season, but once he
played against Manchester City in December he retained the position.
Although Hart won it back, Adrian came back into the side after a
particularly hapless performance by Hart and stayed in the team for the last
few matches of the season. His shot stopping ability isn't in doubt, but he
usually has one rush of blood to the head in each game, and I do wonder
whether Pellegrini will take to him. If we could get £12-15 million for him,
I suspect he might be sold. He won't settle to be number two.
Nathan Trott
He's been on the bench a few times, but we haven't yet had the chance to see
Nathan in action. I'm told everyone really rates him, but is he ready to
take over as our permanent number two?
VERDICT
There are rumours in the papers that Pellegrini wants to re-sign the
goalkeeper who replaced Joe Hart at Manchester City, Willy Caballero from
Chelsea. He also played for him at Malaga. He could surely only be a number
two given the fact that since 2014 he's only played 20 Premier League
matches. I'd love us to sign Jack Butland from Stoke, but they are
apparently asking £40 million for him. Tom Heaton at Burnley would be
another option as I can't imagine him wanting to play second fiddle to the
magnificent Nick Pope next season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM CHASING DEAL FOR JOE ALLEN
ALEX MURRAY @Alex_Murray_
ReadWestHam
West Ham are interested in a deal for Joe Allen, with Stoke looking likely
to sell the midfielder after being relegated from the Premier League. The
Welshman, who was pivotal in Wales' Euro 2016 campaign. Was relegated from
the top flight after Paul Lambert was unable to keep the Potters in the top
flight. The Mirror report that Stoke are likely to begin a clearout after
losing their Premier League status, and West Ham could be one of the teams
picking up one of their stars. New Stoke boss Gary Rowett has been tasked
with a clearout by the clubs owners, after many high profile players failed
to perform for the Potters. Allen is one of those set to depart, along with
goalkeepers Jack Butland, who has been linked with a move back to the top
flight. West Ham could be a new home for Allen, who joined Stoke from
Liverpool in 2016.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM HAVE HAD LUCKY ESCAPE WITH MONEYSPINNERFeatured Image
Date: 26th May 2018 at 8:27pm
Written by: Laura OLeary
ForeverWesTHam
West Ham might not feel like they've had a lucky escape over their potential
pursuit of Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney but when they look back the club
will appreciate missing out on him. It was previously reported by the
Evening Standard, ahead of Fulham's play-off final against Aston Villa, that
the Hammers were very keen on signing the 27-year-old attacking midfielder.
The newspaper claimed that the outcome of Saturday's game could play a
factor, which seems extremely likely, and as Cairney's side won the play-off
final it seems a move for him is off the cards. While some may be
disappointed to hear that, considering the plaudits he receives and the fact
he scored the only goal on Saturday, the Hammers are lucky to miss out.
Cairney may have spectacularly shone in some of his 37 appearances for the
Cottagers this season, but a lot of his displays were disappointing due to
knee issues. These knee problems kept him out of several games but also
affected his performances in a lot of the games he was passed fit for. These
sort of injury issues always have a tendency to resurface and if his knees
are starting to cause him problems at the age of 27-years-old, there is a
genuine risk to investing in his services.
Especially when it's a big money move, £20million was thought to be his
price tag if Fulham failed to get up, as stated by the Daily Mirror, and
that's no doubt the lowest price they would take for him now after
Saturday's outcome. Therefore West Ham have been handed a lucky escape by
having an opportunity not to welcome Cairney to the London Stadium as they
were reportedly set to make a blunder by considering splashing the cash on
him.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SNODGRASS PUNCHED HIS TICKET V FULHAMFeatured Image
Date: 26th May 2018 at 6:57pm
Written by: Laura OLeary
ForeverWestHam
While West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini wants to be firm but fair by giving
everyone an opportunity to impress him in pre-season, he must not waste his
time on Robert Snodgrass. The winger, who apparently is on a £40,000-a-week
deal at the London Stadium as per Spotrac, spent his latest campaign on loan
at Aston Villa and featured for them in the play-off final against Fulham on
Saturday. However while not wearing a Hammers kit at the time, Snodgrass'
performance should have told Pellegrini everything he needed to know about
the winger. The 30-year-old is clearly not good enough to feature at the
London Stadium or in the Premier League next season as he woefully let down
his temporary side on Saturday.
Nothing went right for Snodgrass during the game and he lumbered his way
across the pitch unable to make a positive impact on the match in any way.
It was reported by Claret & Hugh , who specialise in Hammers news, that
Pellegrini would watch the play-off final to see Snodgrass in action as he
was due back at the London Stadium when his loan deal expires. Upon viewing
his display, if the manager's first action wasn't to place him on the
transfer list then it would be a bizarre mistake to make. While seeing a
player firsthand may give a manager a better impression, that won't be the
case with Snodgrass. The winger has had his moments in his latest campaign
with the Villans, during his 42 appearances, but hasn't looked head and
shoulders above the other players in the Championship. The Hammers need to
add top quality players capable of performing in the Premier League this
summer in order to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle next season,
and Snodgrass' return to the squad will see them in a battle for their
top-flight status if anything. It's not like the £40,000-a-week winger
didn't have a chance at the London Stadium, even if it was a small one, and
he never showed a reason for him to be at the Hammers previously in the 15
times he pulled on the jersey. Therefore after a woeful final outing for the
Villans, Snodgrass has punched his own ticket out of the Hammers and will
not kick another ball while wearing a Hammers shirt if Pellegrini has any
sense.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eyeing move for Barcelona centre back Marlon Santos after
impressing for Nice on loan last season
Barcelona's Marlon Santos had impressed on loan at Nice last campaign
The 22-year-old West Ham target has also drawn enquiries from Leicester
Santos impressed last season for Nice, featuring 27 times in all
competitions
By Simon Jones for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 16:58, 26 May 2018 | UPDATED: 17:07, 26 May 2018
West Ham have expressed interest in signing Marlon Santos from Barcelona.
The 22-year-old Brazilian had impressed on loan at Nice last season and has
drawn enquiries from Leicester City. The centre back featured 27 times in
all competitions for the French side last campaign, helping them to an
eighth-placed finish in Ligue 1. With a lack of opportunities at Barcelona
however, Santos may seek an exit from the Nou Camp to further his career.
And after impressing during his loan spell in France, the Hammers, along
with Leicester, are now looking to acquire the services of Santos. After
joining as West Ham boss on Tuesday, Manuel Pellegrini is eager to make an
immediate impact and is looking to bolster his defensive options following a
disappointing season for the club. West Ham, who finished 13th in the
Premier League, conceded a massive 68 goals last season, the joint-most with
Stoke in the top flight.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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