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PAI(n) About To Claim They Forced GSB To Spend Big!

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Fri, 03/09/2021 - 09:23

As PR campaigns go, PAI(n)'s media assault on West Ham got off on the wrong foot, they have been shooting at their own ever since as their 'charm' campaign has continued to lurch from one crisis to the next. Citing Rio Ferdinand as a Hammers legend was a faux pas of the highest order, but subsequent statements from what is essentially a hedge fund company have done little to add glister to their gold.

The last publicly issued statement from PAI(n), was that they would 'generously' maintain a tight lip regarding the transfer window activity so as not to harm the club's potential acquisition of players, a worthy sentiment indeed. However we have learned from a GENUINE source that their next planned press release will contain the equivalent of a 'with brass knobs on' statement, their intention is to 'piggy back on to what was a quite exceptional transfer window by insinuating that the club would never have backed David Moyes to the extent that they did in the closing days of the window had it NOT been for PAI(n)'s aggressive take over bid.

Having already 'gone public' with their buy out attempt, a stance that is not normal business practise, PAI(n) will surely show their true colours by this latest potential gaffe. So far virtually everything that has emanated from them has bordered on the farcical, their naive intention of turning the Queen Elizabeth 'park' into a profit making zone, a task failed by many others, is indicative of a poorly thought out business program that smacks of a complete lack of knowledge and understanding of the club's fan base.

PAI(n)'s hope of riding in on the coat tails of fan discontent have hit the buffers, because people are not so stupid as to accept the grass is always greener following a take over, especially an aggressive one, there are those who want rid of GSB, particularly Sullivan and Brady, irrespective of what it costs, to which we would suggest a little Rolling Stones advise that we have written before. "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, well you might find, you get what you need"

Hammers fans have an inherent dislike of the owners for many, many 'crimes', however they also are aware of just how BAD a poorly thought out take overs can be, with Blackburn and Bolton being classic examples. Things can always get better but things can always get worse, for the time being it seems that the majority of fans, whilst not being overjoyed with the way the club is run, are prepared to see how things pan out with the 'devil they know' at least in the short term and recognise that PAI(n)'s bid is an attempt to cash in on fan discontent at the very time when everyone needs to be singing from the same hymn sheet! - Ed

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Hammer Wants To Nail His Past!

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Wed, 01/09/2021 - 16:16

Players arriving with a point to prove generally fall into two categories, those who were too young first time round and those who are too old on their return, fortunately new Hammers signing NiKola Vlašić falls into the former. Signed for big money on transfer deadline day, Vlašić is making all the right noises as he looks forward to linking up with David Moyes, the Irons manager showed great faith in the Croatian International by green lighting his transfer from CSK.

Romelu Lukaku will steal the headlines as the player returning to the Barclays Premier League with a point to prove, but his journey and that of Vlašić's are not to dissimilar, they were both in their teens when they arrived from Europe and both were 'bullied' by players well versed in the 'dark arts', especially as their experiences were before VAR. Both players have returned 'bulked up' and having acquired the nous required to deal with tough tackling players, also the ability to utilise situations presented to them by their strength to their distinct advantage.

Here's what the new signing relayed to the club via the Croatian training camp: “I’m so delighted, I’m really, really happy, I was a little bit scared because it’s the last day of the transfer window, but everything is alright now and it’s official. You know, for me, I’m usually a calm guy and I don’t think too much, but for the last two days it was hard for me to sleep! I’m really excited to be part of this process and what’s happening now in the Club.

“The team is really exciting. Even last year, I watched Premier League games and I was always watching when West Ham played because they played like we play, very exciting football with very exciting players who are fast with the ball and at the same time a very hard working team. I knew the manager from before and all the clubs he managed, and I really liked his teams and that was interesting for me. I didn’t have one doubt I wanted to join.”

“In my opinion the Premier League is the best in the world and of course I wanted a new challenge and I think it’s the right time,” he confirmed. “I’m 23 but I don’t feel like a young (inexperienced) player, I really feel like I’ve been playing football for many, many years, like I have because I started playing when I was 16. I think it’s the right time for me to step up and play in the Premier League for a great club like West Ham, so I think it will be amazing.

“I’m a much better player and my mentality is not the same as when I was 19. It’s four years since when I was in the Premier League and I really feel like I need to prove something to myself. It’s not that I didn’t feel I was good enough then, I think I was, it was just a problem with the changing of coaches and everything. The situation now is different. I am coming to a big club and they expect big things from me, and I also expect big things from myself, so I think it will be a really exciting time.”
“You can expect commitment, 100 per cent every day, straight professionalism, and I’m good with the ball, quick and I think I can link up very well with players. I’m also hard working and a player who can play in more than one position. When I spoke with the manager, it was a no-brainer for me and when he told me what he expects from me, that’s all I needed.”

You can expect commitment, 100 per cent every day

When was the last time a player stated that ahead of their arrival? Everything about Vlašić's statement was what fans had hoped for, a David Moyes signing , NOT a David Sullivan signing! Perhaps the penny has finally dropped that Moyes can use the funds available far more effectively than had been done by the co-owner with his penchant for deals provided via his network of old muckers. That approach of having a network of agents might have worked in the Championship and in the early days of the Sullivan ownership, but the low ball route has become extremely outdated and only shows the club up in a bad light.

Buying for the club and it's future, instead of buying in the here and now just to placate angry fans is a new ethos, one that is born out of Moyes's desire to build the LASTING tradition that the club deserves. For too long West Ham have been everybody's favourite losers, a club who produce the occasional brilliant player but sign absolute past it rejects from other clubs and players who are looking for one last pay day.

That all had to change, and now it is, players like Vlašić' and Zouma are a real step up from previous additions and will greatly enhance Moyes's options as he plans for a 'ferocious' season ahead. UEFA are just about to announce whether fans will be able to travel to games in Europe, if they do Hammers fans will be able to enjoy a European road trip for the first time in a generation, 'Button up buttercups', it's going to be a bumpy ride! - Ed

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Striking A Fair Balance

Submitted by Louis Nixon on Wed, 01/09/2021 - 10:42

With the limited funds available West Ham managed to acquire almost all of their transfer targets before the window closed, strengthening in all areas bar one. The conundrum facing David Moyes was how to plug all the gaps, to this purpose the Irons manager was pragmatic and realised he would have to use almost all of his budget and risk having to pay 'destabilising wages' in order to bring a bona fide top striker to the club. He therefore decided to use the money elsewhere by fortifying the defence while adding to squad's firepower with an attacking midfielder.

The other main issue that Moyes had with bringing in a top class' striker was that whoever was going to come in would have to play 2nd fiddle to Michail Antonio, good strikers generally have massive egos, so finding one happy to sit on the bench was a tall order.

Ah but big Mich always gets injured so surely the player coming in would know that he would become the main man sooner rather than later, especially given Hammers extra commitments, particularly during MAD September during which month many Hammers players will have played an astonishing NINE games!

However that requires a certain amount of blind faith and patience, what if Antonio doesn't pick up his usual amount of injuries? Top drawer strikers don't like sitting on the bench, their disenfranchisement can be infectious, Moyes has put together a band of brothers with a team spirit second to none, why risk unsettling that harmony?

Of course it would have been good to get another striker in, but finding one willing to accept the kind of terms that would have been on offer, both financial and from an appearance point of view, proved to be impossible while operating within a constrained budget.

The team HAS goals in it, that is clear to see even early on in the season, the problem has been the defence which has been porous to say the least, neither Lukasz Fabianski nor Craig Dawson have covered themselves in glory thus far. It would be surprising to see Dawson start the next game, which is away to Southampton, Kurt Zouma is definitely an upgrade from Dawson, his agility, power and speed make him an ideal signing and his presence should bring a new found resilience to the defence.

Fabianski is a different situation, there are those who feel his frailties have been exposed due to the poor defending in front of him, they have a point, but 'Fab's' kicking has never been the same since his serious thigh injury which he doesn't look as if he has made a full recovery from.

It may not have been a 'perfect' transfer window, but it was as good as it could have been, it should also be remembered that the club retained it's best players, unlike some other clubs! LN

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Time For Some 'Umble Pie!

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Tue, 31/08/2021 - 17:30

When it comes to criticising the club's owners, we have been as vociferous as many other West Ham fans sites. But we are westhamfans.org and have focused rightly on the mistakes of the past decade made by the co-owners, which included pointing out some painful home truths. However we are not so blinkered or absorbed in our dislike of the board that we pursue a negative agenda irrespective of the truth, therefore it is with great delight that we shall be sitting down to eat some Umble Pie!

"The pie referred to in 'eating humble pie' was really umble pie, made from the umbles - heart, liver and gizzard - of a deer. It was made to be eaten by servants and huntsmen, while the lord of the manor and his guests dined on venison"

We shall be having a relatively small slice, but would suggest some others will need to have their indigestion pills at the ready! The West Ham board HAVE backed David Moyes by pursuing his transfer targets beyond most fans expectations, bringing in some top quality as opposed the usual dross that used to be signed to pacify fans on a regular basis, that all changed when Moyes signed a PROPER contract at the club whereby he was given full control of future transfers.

All in all it's turning out to be that rare thing, a Happy Hammers transfer window that keeps on giving, even on deadline day. Having already signed Alphonse Areola, Nikola Vlašić and Kurt Zouma, the club are just about to conclude a loan to buy deal for Alex Kral, who is of course a former colleague at domestic and International level of Hammers Czech mates, Vladimir 'the impaler' Coufal and Tomas Soucek.

There is even talk of one or two additional players arriving before the 11PM deadline, but that would be pushing it a bit, rather it is likely that the remaining stories coming from West Ham will be of peripheral players going out on loan. Still it will be nice to watch the closing stages of the window safe in the knowledge that the club has had a brilliant window, the only annoying element of the coverage being Sky's 'Ronaldo love fest', which is boring beyond belief for every football fan in the country other than those who support his new sugar daddies.

Well done David Sullivan and David Gold, there we are, but that's where we stop though, with the obvious exception of David Moyes and his 'remote' advisor who is on gardening leave until tomorrow! - Ed

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Continuous Countdown To Heaven-Additons To Be Confirmed

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Tue, 31/08/2021 - 17:25

Here we go, Jim 'Brown Nose' White will have his yellow tie and pink shirt on later as he takes his traditional role up as Sky and Talksport's Anchor man. Hammers have been busy, who else will join Alphonse Areola, Kurt Zouma and Nikola Vlasic?

We will try to bring you up to date as the window's closure draws near.....1st up, Hammers have just officially confirmed the signing of Nikola Vlasic on a FIVE year deal from CSK Moscow, the fee is vague, but is around £25 Million. Alex Krul is the next 'target' story that has some 'legs' to it and there is a possibility ofn a late striker swoop.

David Moyes has sanctiioned the loan deals for Conor Coventry and interestingly Mipo Odubeko. Midfielder Coventry has been allowed to leave because of Krull's impending arrival, so does David Moyes have another striker signing up his sleeve? Odubeko has been in the first team squad several times but has been sent out on loan to Huddersfield to further his career, he has just signed a new deal with West Ham sand is seen as one for the future, but what about the now?

It may seem churlish to want more players in addition to so many good acquisitions, but that is the nature of fans, although the vast majority of them will inwardly be overjoyed with the club's 'late late' transfer show. If Moyes can 'magic up' a striker, with Jonathan Bamba being mentioned, during the remaining hours of the window, then he really will be the Moyesiah! - Ed

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Diop To Palace? What A Giraffe!

Submitted by Louis Nixon on Tue, 31/08/2021 - 11:42

When we use the term giraffe in association with Hammers centre back Issa Diop, it is generally a jovial reference to his height and his gait, but we have used it in this article's headline because there are rumours, which first surfaced a couple of weeks ago, that Crystal Palace want to sign Diop, ON LOAN!

There are cheeky bids and there are cheeky bids, Palace's falls into the incredibly cheeky bracket, why on earth would David Moyes want to leave himself with just three centre backs to get through an entire campaign that sees the club competing in FOUR competitions?

Diop is young and with the right encouragement can rediscover the form he showed when he first arrived at the club from Toulouse, Hammers involvement in Europe will surely present the Frenchman with additional playing time, there is also the French connection' that he will have with Kurt Zouma.

Any feelings of warmth David Moyes might have felt towards his London neighbours with regards to transfers will have been doused by Palace taking two points off the Irons last weekend, however even before then it was highly unlikely that he would allow Diop to go out on loan to ANY club in the Barclays Premier League. Palace do have a habit of signing Hammers players, James Tomkins and Cheik Kayoute are both in their matchday squads, these popular fans favourites are still missed by many.

Now is the time for the club to complete it's strengthening in depth ahead of what will be a gruelling season, NOT a time to be releasing players, especially ones with the potential of Issa Diop. - LN

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'Vaseline' Deal Done-1st Aid Nearly Complete!

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Tue, 31/08/2021 - 10:24

West Ham have announced the signing of Nikola Vlašić, The Croatia international joins from Russian club CSKA Moscow on a five year contract. The deal is reportedly worth £25.72 Million with another £7.7 Million in potential add-ons.

The vastly experienced Vlašić, despite being just 23 years of age, has already played more than 250 senior matches and has also established himself at international level having made 26 appearences for Croatia and played his part for his country at Euro 2020.

WHUFC.COM Have confirmed that Vlasic was 'extensively scouted' throughout the summer transfer window and was their main midfield attacking target in addition to the club's interest in Jesse Lingard. Vlasic is described as a 'creative attacker', although it isn't confirmed where Vlasic will play for David Moyes.

In Russia Vlasic has shown his versatility by playing across the forward line, he's played on the right wing while also being deployed in midfield, a position he has successfully played for his country, although Vlasic often starts on the wing for Croatia.

The arrival of Vlasic takes Hammers spending for the summer to over £50 Million following the signing Kurt Zouma at the weekend. They join Craig Dawson signed on a permanent basis from Watford earlier in the window and Alphonse Areole who joined on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

IF Moyes can acquire a back up striker, an additional midfield enforcer and a left back, then only a fool would say this transfer window has been anything less than truly spectacular, and even if there are no more signings it has still been good, especially bearing in mind that failing a last minute 'wonder bid', that West Ham have been able to retain their best players, unlike several other Barclays Premier League teams! -

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Tagliafaco

Submitted by Enfieldhammer on Mon, 30/08/2021 - 18:59

Forums:

Seems we have now agreed a 4 year contract with Ajax and Argentina left back Tagliafaco. At present he os on International duty but all formalities agreed?
Just need that striker and i will be eating a large slice of humble pie.

Ch Ch Ch Ch Changes Afoot At L(D)S

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Submitted by nevillenixon on Mon, 30/08/2021 - 11:53

Armed with his reinforcements acquired during this long and protracted summer transfer window, Hammers boss David Moyes is likely to make one or two 'adjustments' to his team that is currently 2nd in the Barclays Premier League. Bearing in mind where the club sits in the League it might seem churlish to suggest the need for changes, but one or two cracks, or maybe fisions to be more accurate, have begun to appear in the team's defence. A failing that Moyes has already moved to address as he attempts to take his team to the 'next' level.

Although Moyes's team are the 2nd highest scorers in the Premier League, it is the defence that is leaking the goals that could prove costly towards the end of the campaign. The game against Palace brought issues sharply into focus, the 2 points dropped due to defensive errors, well at least for one of the goals conceded, could make the difference between success and failure, such are the fine margins for 'elite' clubs.

Fans used to season after season of broken promises and dashed hopes are finding it hard to adjust to the team's top six status, looking at the top of the table instead of the bottom takes a lot of getting used to! The trajectory of the team is truly outstanding and looks to continue, despite the odd hiccup. Maintaining that progress means there can be little room for sentiment, which equates to Craig Dawson and Lukasz Fabianski being taken out of the firing line for the Premier League, but featuring in the THREE other competitions the club are involved in.

Dawson's lack of pace has been cruelly exposed this season, other teams have worked out how to exploit Les's weaknesses since the last, and Lukasz has never been quite the same since his thigh injury, his kicking looks suspect as it seems he is fearful of aggravating his previous injury.

Areola and Zouma represent a step up, that is not to say that everything in the garden will be Rosy straight away, they may make errors, but what is the point in buying new players if you don't use them?

That said, Moyes is renowned for taking his time over things, so don't expect wholesale ch ch ch ch changes straight away, but they are coming! - Ed

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