WELCOME

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:
David Blackmore
MANAGING EDITOR:
Simon Osborn
SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR:
Lucy Woolford
CONTRIBUTORS:
Peter Apps, David
Bowden, Geoff Hillyer,
James Jones, Kiran
Moodley, Phil Parkes,
George Parris, Stuart
Plant, Emily Pulham,
Greg Richardson, Julian
Shea, Sean Whetstone,
Brian Williams.
CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER:
Nicky Hayes
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How often too have we
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(c) Blowing Bubbles opinion. half after a disaster start. David
3
 The big interview: Pedro Obiang

Obiang vows to return stronger

after his season-ending injury
Pedro Obiang on the injury that will keep him out the season, life in
London and why it took him so long to establish himself in the team
of impressive perfor-
Arrival: Pedro mances off the bench.
Obiang signed for After completing 20
West Ham in 2015 headers between us as
part of Heinekens Ham-
merHeads competition,
before his season-ending
JAMES JONES injury, I sat down with
Obiang at West Hams
@JJ2388
Rush Green training

P edro Obiangs
absence for the rest
of the season was one
facility, to discuss how
he dealt with settling
into life in London, his
of the most depressing newfound fame as a fan
issues facing the club in favourite, his continuous
the aftermath of the dra- belief in his own ability,
matic defeat to Leicester the English weather and,
City but the outstanding perhaps most important-
midfielder is refusing to ly, what he loves most
let it get him down. about playing in the
He has been pure class famous claret and blue.
on the pitch all season In his debut season in
staking a big claim as claret and blue, Obiang
Hammer of the Year made more appearances
and now he is showing as a substitute than he
quality off it as he did starts.
faces up to his extended But having forced his
absence. at West Ham. While the The Spaniard came to way into Bilics first team
After being stretchered last 18 months have been east London as a relative plans, Obiang had been
off in the 3-2 defeat by relatively turbulent for unknown but with a rep- one of West Hams un-
the Foxes, the 25-year- the club, the player can utation of being a tough sung heroes of 2016/17,
old thanked the medical perhaps claim to have tackler and solid passer perhaps highlighted by
staff before adding: I had a bumpier ride than of the ball from his time the reported interest
would like to say to all anyone. in Serie A. from Liverpool recently.
the fans, friends and Obiang was one of He was a signing that But it was those early
teammates to be calm, Slaven Bilics first sign- perhaps went a little substitute appearances
because I will be work- ings at West Ham two under the radar at first that convinced West
ing to return as before or summers ago, arriving but Obiang soon made Ham fans that he was
better. on a four-year deal from his mark on the side, and good enough to be play-
Its the latest twist in Sampdoria for an undis- indeed the West Ham ing more regularly than
Obiangs dramatic time closed fee. supporters, after a string he was last season.

4
On the ball: Pedro Obiang had
established himself in the West
Ham midfield this season

5
 The team was playing
well but it was still Heads up: Pedro Obiang with
widely acknowledged Blowing Bubbles James Jones
that Obiangs inclusion
in the starting XI would
further solidify the sides
midfield.
When Im on the
bench, its difficult but
Im happy for my team-
mates, Obiang admitted.
If you dont play you
come home with your
head down and its
difficult.
Having moved to
London after eight years
in Italy, it was always
going to be difficult to
adapt to a new lifestyle,
a different culture and,
of course, a new style of
football.
But Obiang anticipated
that and reveals that he
called upon the support
of his wife to help him
through.
I spoke many times The weather is bad was beginning to really know everything better,
with my Mrs when I but we are both happy. shine through as a top the people know me,
first arrived. I told her I enjoyed eight years of midfielder on the biggest my teammates give me
we need to be strong be- every day being sunny, stage before his injury. space, and its because of
cause maybe I dont play good weather, but here It makes me wonder that I think Ive become
for three or four months everything is different. how and why he has a better player.
but, if she could help me, However, I wanted to managed to enjoy such Obiang was one of the
maybe we can be happy, come to the Premier contrasting seasons at first names on Bilics
the midfielder said. League, and London is the club. team sheet following a
That happiness even- an amazing city. I think its because string of solid perfor-
tually arrived, but not So it took some time now I know the league, mances in West Hams
without the struggles of for Obiang to settle and I know my teammates midfield.
adapting to the English get used to life in the better, he replies. Last His consistency has
weather, too. Premier League, but he season I arrived after led to him becoming
playing for eight years something of a fans
with the same club, the favourite at London
same people and I was Stadium, which Obiang
with my family, so it was puts down to them
easy then. seeing a lot more of him
I came here for new over anything else.
dreams, a new team, I asked him why he
a new stadium and thinks the fans seem to
everything was different. love him so much, and
So the first impact wasnt his response pretty much
very big but now its sums up his down to
really different. earth, modest nature.
Advice: Pedro Obiang listens to Slaven Bilic But this season I I dont know, he said

6
sheepishly. Maybe what the fans like to see.
because I started coming The passion and
off the bench and then I reputation of the clubs
was a starting player. fans has not passed him
Maybe its for this by, either. The mid-
reason. Maybe for many fielder admits that he
other things. didnt quite believe the
I have always told reputation West Ham
myself I am a good supporters had before he
player and now many signed.
people can tell Im giving When I arrived here
everything on the pitch. my friends would say
Maybe its because of the supporters of West
this reason that to them, Ham are hard [as in pas-
maybe Im not the best, sionate] and I was like
but Im close. no. But now? I feel it!
Hes not far off. West But why does he al-
Ham fans will be in ways seem to be happy?
agreement when I say Again, Obiangs modesty
its not just Obiangs shines through with his
performances that have response as he goes on
endeared him to the to explain his struggles
fans hearts. before making it as a
It also has a lot to do professional.
with the fact hes rarely The fact he is able to
Sampdoria: The midfielder
seen without a smile on do a job millions of peo-
made his name in Serie A
his face, which is exactly ple can only dream of is

7
not lost on him at all.
I can tell you, not a lot Team: Obiang says
of people have my life, the players are now
he says passionately. Not a very close group
many can enjoy the same
lifestyle as me.
I started to play
football when I was 14
years old but I was a
really bad player then.
So I started to work hard
when I turned 16 with
Sampdoria.
Every year I would
work harder and I would
improve more and more.
That is when I started to
enjoy it because before I
never enjoyed my life.
But after I played my
first game in Serie A,
my life became totally
different. The people,
my friends, my family
and me too because
this is the first time I
felt I would make it as a
footballer. Now I am a
footballer!
So, Im always
happy for this and Im
happy that I have many
chances to train every
week, every week I play
football.
After taking some time
to settle and then force was different. and hard work, but smiling from ear to ear.
his way into Bilics plans, The movement, the Obiang was a contender Its at that moment Im
Obiang registered his space, everything is for Hammer of the Year reassured that there is
first goal in claret and more defensive than before his injury. nothing to worry about
blue on his 55th first attacking. So this season Before we go our sep- at the club. The fact the
team appearance during I know the Premier arate ways and Obiang players are close and the
a 3-1 victory away at League better and Im heads back inside to his results on the pitch are
Southampton. trying to score more teammates, I ask him the on the up, its clear the
Goals have not always goals. Its an admission most important question club is progressing in the
been part of his game, that will obviously please of them all. This is the right direction.
not even at Sampdoria, West Ham fans, who one question Ive always And Pedro Obiang is
but does that bother him all came together to wanted to ask a West going to be at the heart
at all? Its always on my congratulate Obiang on Ham player: What is the of that progression. BBM
mind [scoring goals], he scoring his first goal for best thing about playing
admitted. the club. for West Ham United? Pedro Obiang was
Every week in training The midfielders jour- The best thing about speaking to James Jones
at Sampdoria I would ney from bit-part player playing for West Ham is as part of Heinekens
score goals but when I to first team regular was my teammates. We have HammerHeads cam-
arrived here, the football not without struggles a close group, he says paign.

8
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 Your shout Email: editor@blowing-bubbles.co.uk

Lifes a pitch - but is our new Fans shouldnt

turn on Noble
ground really a major issue? Going into the Arsenal
game, West Ham had
We have heard a lot of picked up just five
excuses as to our poor points out of the last 24
form this season, espe- LETTER available and our form
cially during the early OF THE is now a major cause for
parts of the campaign. concern.
MONTH After the immediate
But a recent interview
with Michail Antonio improvement follow-
has stuck with me for a ing Dimitri Payets
few weeks now, where departure, results have
he said the team had to once again fallen below
completely adapt their expectations.
game plan due to the size During our dismal
of the pitch. run weve started games
Its something so sim- far too slowly and you
ple that could have been cant expect to win many
worked on in the sum- games in the Premier
mer but it seems like this League when you are
was disregarded, leaving Stat: The London Stadium giving the opposition a
the players to learn how pitch is only five metres head start.
to adjust on the pitch in longer than Upton Park The reasons for this are
competitive games. unclear but one thing I
Antonio also said that, since hearing this, its that much bigger would like to see is peo-
the team had struggled I have looked into it and because of the size of the ple cut our club captain,
knowing how to press according to various stadium? Mark Noble, some slack.
teams when they visited. reports the pitch at the I would hope by this Yes, hes had a tough
Those extra metres prov- London Stadium is stage of the season that year and is attracting a
ing difficult to negotiate actually only marginally this isnt an issue for the lot of negative attention
at first with some of our larger. players. But next time but he brings far more
players happy to push Can those couple of we play at home, see to our team than his
high up and others not metres have that much if you notice any gaps, performances on the
as confident, leaving of an impact? Or is it especially in the middle field suggest.
gaps. another poor excuse? of the park. As skipper, he is a
Its interesting to note Or do players feel Stuart Plant major dressing room
influence and you know
Signing Wayne Rooney would be stupid he will give everything
to turn this situation
West Ham have been his goalscoring touch around.
linked with a transfer and is a shadow of the He should not be the
move for Wayne Rooney player who dominated target of the boo boys
but it would represent a the Premier League for and I think a lot of fans
really bad bit of business so long. - often the ones who use
for the Irons. Its time West Ham social media and never
Rooney was a world stopped being a retire- actually attend matches -
class player but that ment home for former should take a long, hard
was a long time ago. greats. look at themselves.
The striker has lost Jon Enver Link: Wayne Rooney Dean Parker

10
 GEORGE
THE HAMMERS HERO PULLS NO PUNCHES IN HIS EXCLUSIVE COLUMN
PARRIS
Pressure: Slaven Bilic needs
to turn things round fast
Double
trouble
The injuries to Pedro
Obiang and Winston
Reid could not have
come at a worse time
with West Ham in
freefall.
Obiang is out for
the season while Reid
is also expected to
miss the majority of
our run-in.
I think they will
be both be hugely
missed in their own
way and its a massive

Hull has left Irons feeling

blow.
They both bring
something important

nervous about relegation

to the team but we
wont truly know how
much either will be
missed until we get
T he game against
Hull at the start of
the month was more im-
ed to look back over our
shoulder again.
I think we will be OK.
stage where we are hav-
ing to look at the fixtures
to see where we think we
through a few games
without them.
Thats what happens
portant than I thought it I dont think we will can get points from.
sometimes. You dont
would be. need to get 40 points to Weve got Spurs and
realise how much
We went up there stay up but I hope we Liverpool in May and
youll miss steady
needing three points get there sooner rather I really hope we can
players until they
to put any relegation than later. just enjoy these last two
are out of team for a
worries to bed - I never Were getting to the homes games of the
while.
thought at the start of stage of the season season and not need to
It will be good to
March that we would be where one or two teams worry about picking up
have them back as
in that position. near the bottom will any points.
soon as possible but
We had a good patch start playing like they are I want us to really take
its important they
where we were grinding pushing for Europe, but the game to them and
come back fully fit
out results and looking hopefully we can keep give the fans two great
and have put these
up the table, and then clear throughout the memories from this
injuries well and truly
we went three games month. season at our new home
behind them.
without a win and start- We cant get to the in Stratford.

11
 Pub talk
The Blowing Bubbles team settle down to put the world to rights...
Do you still think Slaven is lack of motivation and
Bilic is still the right tactics and in the end,
man to take West Ham hes the man that needs
forward? to get the boys fired up
James Jones: Ive al- and organised - which
ways felt as though Bilic hes not doing.
is absolutely the right Are you worried about
man to take us forward, getting relegated this
but the defeat to Hull has season? How many
me wondering whether points do you think will
hes got it in him to turn be needed to stay up?
things around. Too many JJ: Despite our recent
tactical errors have cost form I still dont think
us too many times this well be relegated. Two
season and its getting Pressure: Slaven Bilic or three more wins will
ridiculous. I hope he can still has the backing of do it but where are they
do it but Im beginning most West Ham fans coming from? My only
to lose faith. worry is the teams below
David Bowden: Last we cannot afford to be him on. us are hitting form, but I
summer, in Split, a local teetering around the bot- Greg Richardson: I still think well be ok.
told my father Bilic is a tom three in the London do, but Im finding that DB: Hull was a massive,
hero to us, a good coach Stadium. opinion harder to justify. massive game. After the
and very passionate, but Emily Pulham: I still He has had a tough Leicester game, I tweeted
whilst he is at your club back Bilic, but his team season what with the sta- that if we beat Hull wed
you will win nothing, selections and substi- dium move, losing Payet be safe, lose it and were
his teams lack spine and tutions are frustrating and a number of inju- bang in trouble. We are
heart. We laughed it me. The Hull game was ries. Hes also not been right in the mire now.
off at first, but it seems screaming out for Mark helped by massive loss of We need six points I
hes bang on. Tactically Noble and yet it was as form from key players - believe to survive, where
he looks suspect too, I though wed rather lose Noble and Cresswell in they are going to come
love him as a man, but the game than bring particular. The big issue from though is anyones

12
guess given our form.
EP: Im very worried. Not good enough: Gokhan
The entire season Ive Tore failed to make an impact
been calm as I thought
there were three teams
drastically worse than
us but now I can only
think of two. Weve got
a difficult run-in at the
end of the season and
other teams dont. At the
time of writing we are
fourteenth - it shouldnt
be time to panic, but Im
not sure well win again
this season, which gives
me strong reason to pull
the emergency cord.
GR: Were on a really
poor run of form and
others below us are
picking up points. On
top of that, the players
dont seem to be playing
with the urgency and
desire of a side that
know theyre in a scrap.
I think we need another
six to nine points and
have a few teams we can
beat but we could have
picked those points up
before now but havent
so itll be tight.
What do you think the
main problems at the
club are, and how can
they be changed?
JJ: Where do I start?
Poor investment in the
last two windows is the
main reason weve strug-
gled this season. Settling Rio Ferdinands offer of and delivered us Gokhan nio, Lanzini and Obiang)
in to a new home hasnt help. People overlook we Tore. Its not really and Slav seems unable
helped either but the were poor defensively acceptable, is it? They to motivate and organise
main thing needed is last season too. We need need to put their money them effectively. With
the board to do better to find that desire and where their mouths are, lost the fight we showed
with recruitment in the never-say-die attitude we or respectfully move on. last season - I think thats
summer. had last year otherwise GR: Honestly dont the key. Not sure how to
DB: Defensively we we will continue to sleep know. The board didnt solve that though!
are all over the shop. walk into the Champi- deliver enough quality in Which players would
The loss of Reid and onship. the summer. The players you like to see leave the
Ogbonna has hit us hard EP: The owners should havent really turned up club this summer?
and I am still staggered take the blame. Theyve this season (with the JJ: I dont see much
that we didnt accept promised us the moon exception of Reid, Anto- of a future for Feghou-

13
li, despite flashes of
brilliance. The same goes Bright spot: Edimilson
for Nordtveit, who has Fernandes has shown
been very disappointing. plenty of potential
Other than that I think
we have some good
players, they just need to
be managed and utilised
better.
DB: There is so much
deadwood in this squad
I dont even know where
to start. This all stems
from the board over
buying last summer due
to their Europa League
hopes, which went up
in flames. A lot of those
summer buys last year
should and probably
will go. In my opinion,
with the exception of
Fernandes, Masuaku
and Fletcher, the rest
wouldnt be missed.
EP: Im more concerned six points from Leicester
with who comes in rath- and Bournemouth Big game: West Ham
er than who leaves. The last month and we got face Jermain Defoes
players we have arent none. We never beat Sunderland this month
awful, but theres no Everton so thats a write
depth in the squad. We off already, Swansea
need to strengthen. wont be easy as theyre
GR: Like Emily, Im battling for their lives. So
more concerned about Ill say two points, two
us adding some genuine draws from Swansea and
quality to the squad. I Sunderland.
think Id get Tore and EP: Please let us beat
Calleri back to their Sunderland. Ill sacrifice
parent clubs, maybe shift a goat or something.
Sakho and Collins to Four points though -
make room for Oxford what can I say, Im an
and Burke and then optimist.
invest in a quality striker GR: We need four to six
and a right back. points from those games.
West Ham face Swansea and Sunderland
Swansea, Sunderland are two of the most
and Everton this month. winnable games we have
How many points do you got left so we need to
think we will pick up win one of those and not
from these games? lose the other at least!
JJ: At this rate, none. Everton are our bogey
But Im still an optimist, side and Lukaku always
so Ill say four. Five max. scores against us so Im
DB: I am always overly not holding out much
optimistic! I predicted hope for that one. BBM

14
Noble has been a fabulous
servant but his time is over
M ark Noble has
been one of the
biggest West Ham talk-
ing points of the season.
Should he still be a
part of the team, or has
the time come to say
thanks for everything
but we are moving on?
Its not an easy one
because too often we get
the man mixed up with
the player, which is a sit-
uation we have become
familiar with our captain
and it complicates our
thinking.
In many respects
the two subjects are
related because you do
wonder whether another
manager would have
rested Mark by now,
or persisted in playing
Cheikhou Kouyate out of
position at right back?
I believe Mark would
have been dropped with
Sam Byram given his
chance in the role he was
bought for and Kouyate
taking up his best posi-
tion in the middle of the
park, which is clearly his
most effective position.
16
Slow: Mark Noble
has struggled for
I believe Marks time has
come.
When he tried to
form this season explain his position on
TV and said that some
fans didnt understand
the game, that was a step
too far.
It shouldnt have been
said. You cant talk about
fans like that because
apart from anything else
many of them do.
I think Mark knows
his position may be vul-
nerable and sadly didnt
choose his words too
carefully. Im sure hell
be regretting it.
Its always best to look
forward rather than back
at this time of the season
but I cant help reviewing
some of the stuff thats
happened this season,
and I have to say whilst
My view since the and backwards passing I never played with him,
beginning of the season hes involved in slows Slav comes across as a
has been that Marks day everything down. magnificent man.
is done. He has had a fabulous We all have huge re-
Hes never been the career and is a wonderful spect for him and I love
quickest across the club man. We all have his passion. He lives and
ground but this season enormous respect for breathes West Ham and
hes got slower and the him but we all come to thats good.
amount of sideways an end of our career and But there have been
issues and in the end, it to me and I wish Slav
always comes back to the would stop it.
manager. Finally, I see questions
Hes the one who takes were raised about the
the flak and its how it training methods that
should be. may or may not be being
One thing I really used.
cant get is his desire to Its not an easy one to
regularly play of people discuss as the routines
out of their position. involved are kept very
We return to the right much between the
back issue where at one training ground staff and
time we were being told: players.
Michail Antonio is the But watching the team
answer the best right in various matches its
back in the club. clear we dont always
This is the same Anto- see games out. Whether
nio who is now playing thats to do with a lack of
in the Diafra Sakho fitness or mental attitude
position! is a vexed question
By and large, playing although I tend to sway
individuals out of towards the fitness issue.
position is done in emer-
gency injury situations, Phil Parkes was talking Loyal: Slaven Bilic
not as a regular plan and to ClaretandHughs has stuck by his
I really dont get it. founding editor Hugh captain this year
It makes little sense Southon

ch
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17
 West Ham accounts

Irons continue to make great

strides forward - off the field
West Hams turnover is now the seventh biggest in the Premier League
developers for 38m
with 15m going to pay
off bank debts that were
mortgaged against it and
a further 15m going to
stadium owners LLDC
to contribute to the
323m transition costs
SEAN WHETSTONE of the former Olympic
@westhamfootball
Stadium.

W est Hams recently

announced
financial accounts show
While it is great that
the Hammers have
jumped up to seventh
increases in all areas. spot they remain a long
The club is still very way behind the top six in
much on a big upward terms of financial might.
curve after over-tak- Manchester United
ing both Everton and leads the pack with
Newcastle in terms of 515.3m followed by
financial might with the Manchester City on
seventh highest turnover 392m, Arsenal are third
in the Premier League. on 350m and Chelsea
The Hammers turno- fourth on 329m.
ver increased 17.7 per Liverpool and Spurs
cent to 142.1m and have yet to announce
within that figure, ticket their figures but Liver-
sales for the last season pool recorded figures
at the Boleyn Ground Growth: David Sullivan has of 298m in 2015 while
rose to an impressive overseen big changes since Spurs had a 196m turn-
26.9m his arrival at West Ham over in 2015 so we are
TV rights income grew unlikely to catch them
to 86.7m and Com- a more modest profit of ther 45.7m was spent up anytime soon.
mercial and Sponsorship 1.2m before taxation. on players during the West Ham owners also
revenue was up by 31 The club recorded a 2016/2017 season. rewarded West Ham
per cent to 19m while 4.8m loss on the books The external bank Vice Chairman Karren
Retail and Merchandis- when other factors were loans were completely Brady with a 40 per cent
ing sales grew by 29 per included after spending paid off in July 2016 pay increase. The highest
cent to 9.3m. 53.3m on bringing in following the sale of the paid West Ham director,
The club managed new players, which saw Boleyn Ground with the employed by parent
to record an operat- us take on a total wage accounts claiming an group WH Holding,
ing profit of 31.5m, bill of 84.7m and invest 8m profit in the sale. Brady was paid 907,000
excluding player trading, 4m in Rush Green The Boleyn Ground up from 646,000 in
but this was reduced to training ground. A fur- and land was sold to 2015. Her 261,000

18
increase came in the last
season at the Boleyn
Ground as the Hammers Four key points you need to know
prepared to move the
London Stadium. In * The club have cleared all the * The clubs wage bill has
2011 after the Sullivan external bank loans following risen to 84.7m, or 59 per cent of
and Gold takeover, she the sale of Upton Park turnover
earned 256,000 but
that was increased to * Karren Brady was given a 40 * West Ham are now bigger than
427,000 in 2012. per cent pay rise, but still earns Everton and Newcastle - in terms
In 2013 Karren Brady much less than Daniel Levy of turnover anyway
earned 1.63m which
included a 1m bonus
for winning the London
Stadium tenancy deal
although the bonus
payments are thought to
have been staggered over
five years.
In 2014 her salary re-
turned to 636,000 with
a modest 10,000 rise in
2015 to 646,000.
Her 907,000 yearly
pay packet pales into in-
significance given those
earned by her London
Premier League rivals.
Spurs Chairman Dan-
iel Levy and Arsenals
CEO Ivan Gazidis for
example both paid them-
selves 2.6m in 2016.
And the average Premier
League footballer earns
44,000 per week, or
2.2m per year.
Despite being bank-
debt free, the club
continued to loan money Big change: West Hams
from private lenders move to Stratford has
tied to their TV money made a financial impact
income. The Hammers
repaid 30m of loans are moving in the right deal worth 128m for enlarged and expand-
from JG Funding in direction. finishing in seventh ed mega store. Not
May last year but took Next years figures, spot, and ticket sales at forgetting the 25m we
out a new credit facility which are unlikely to the London Stadium are received for the French
with lenders Media and released until next Feb- expected to rise by 13m man. Incredibly our
Rights Funding worth ruary, are likely to smash to around 40m. turnover for the year
another 30m, which is the 200m barrier. In You would expect ending May 31, 2017
payable by July this year those accounts will be Commercial and could come in at a stag-
through direct payments the 38m income for Sponsorship to rise by gering 275 million.
by the Premier League to the sale of the Boleyn another 30 per cent to In 2012 our turnover
the lenders. ground, the first year around 25m and retail was just 46m following
Overall, the figures of the new bumper TV to double to 19m in an relegation. BBM

19
FROZEN IN TIME
Saturday, April 1 2017: Andy Carroll looks dejected as
Hull City come from behind to beat West Ham. The result
leaves the Hammers nervously looking over their shoul-
ders and considering the prospect of relegation.
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22
 Michail Antonio

I always believed I was good

enough to make it at this club
Michail Antonio tells James Jones about adapting to the top flight
W est Ham fans love
a hard worker,
someone who gives
seen Antonio turn out
for the Hammers week
in, week out.
everything to the cause Currently topping
at all times. the squads scoring
So its no real surprise charts with eight in all
that Michail Antonio has competitions this season,
become one of the most Antonio has become a
loved players at West vital source of goals.
Ham since he arrived But how does a
from Nottingham Forest player who has played
18 months ago. in a number of different
And it is fair to say positions for West Ham
that the forward is still manage to find his
enjoying the best form way on the scoresheet.
of his career to date I just always want to
with 18 goals in 67 first get in the box, he tells
team appearances for me. Im the sort of
the Hammers and also player who always wants
received his first ever to be around the goal
call-up to the England Vital: Michail Antonio has and more often than not,
squad in August 2016. become one of West Hams if youre in the box, the
As I sit down to dis- most important players ball might drop for you.
cuss life at the club with Its one of those things
him as part of Heinekens not been easy for the week adapt and remain where Im always going
HammerHeads com- 27-year-old. focused on forcing his to be there, Im always
petition at Rush Green, Its difficult being a way into the managers going to make sure Im
there are only two words player that, for the last plans? around.
Antonio has to describe five or six years of my Im the kind of person His goalscoring antics
what its like playing for career, if I was fit I would who always believes have been amplified
West Ham United. have been playing, Anto- in my ability, I believe somewhat by his fun
Im home, he tells nio admits when I ask in myself and I always and quirky celebrations.
me, with a big grin on him about his first few told myself that if I ever Does he have another
his face. months at the club. get an opportunity, Im celebration lined up and
Its an admission that At clubs like Sheffield going to take it. I always can he tell us what it is?
every West Ham fan will Wednesday, Nottingham knew I was good enough Yeah, I have another
be delighted to hear. Put Forest and Colchester, I to play in the Premier one lined up but Im not
simply, Antonio is one of always played. So com- League, thats what kept even giving you hint!
the most effective players ing here and not playing me going and what kept Michail Antonio was
at the club right now. was quite difficult be- me motivated. speaking to James Jones
But his journey from cause it was new to me. That self-belief and as part of Heinekens
new arrival to first name So, how does a player motivation has been ev- HammerHeads cam-
on the team sheet has so used to playing every ident to those who have paign. BBM

23
 The great forward farce
Steve Callaghan
@easycartoons

Forward thinking is required

to take West Ham up a level
For too long we have put up with misfits like McCarthy and Mido
Chances are, your Tony Cottee; Frank his attempt against Man
most vivid memories McAvennie; John Utd in the League Cup
will include the infinite Hartson; Dean Ashton quarter-final actually re-
ecstasy that comes with a great goalscorers who sulted in the ball ending
West Ham striker wheel- scored great goals. up further from the goal
ing away in celebration But which striker will than where it was when
having put the ball in the the supporters whove he struck it.
oppositions net. come to the London Neither, I suspect, will
BRIAN WILLIAMS For those of us with Stadium to watch the it be Jonathan Calleri
@BrainWill26 grey hair and arthritic Irons for the first time or Ashley Fletcher, who
knees the recollection of this season look back on still have some way to go

C lose your eyes and

think back to the
days when you first start-
Geoff Hurst, arms aloft,
still burns bright.
Younger generations
with such affection in
years to come?
Certainly not Simone
before being admitted
to the West Ham hall of
fame.
ed watching football. have their own heroes: Zaza, who was so inept Theres Andy Carroll,

24
of course. Forgetting
for the moment that Hero: West Ham have gone a
his presence in the side long while without a striker
generally prevents us with the quality of Geoff Hurst
playing the high-speed but, inset, Andy Carroll is a
counter attacking game match for anyone on his day
that brought us so much
success (and pleasure)
during the final season
at the Boleyn Ground,
there is no denying that,
when fit, he is a quality
striker and many Pre-
mier League sides would
be pleased to have him.
His brilliant effort
against Palace in January
is testament to that. But
he cant stay fit.
Given the near-suicidal
commitment he shows
every time he throws
himself in the general
direction of the ball it
is hardly any wonder
that whenever he hits
the deck there isnt a
supporter in the ground
fearing he wont get up
again.
To misquote the David Sullivan, often via no striker (or indeed any Carlos Bacca couldnt be
famous line about the his sons Twitter account, other player) has scored persuaded that shopping
charge of the Light that we were in the 20 Premier League goals in Westfield was every
Brigade, its magnificent market for a 20-goal-a- in a season for West bit as enjoyable as a stroll
Andy, but youre not season striker, and were Ham. along Via Montenapole-
paid to spend week after prepared to spend big to Sakho managed 10 in one in Milan.
week in the treatment get one. the 2014-15 season, as In desperation, the
room. Besides, Diafra It was all part of the did the much maligned owners decided to break
Sakho is in there already. move to the next level. Kevin Nolan (who was, the clubs transfer record
So who else is there He boldly stated that the of course, a midfielder) anyway.
and why have we not club would sign in 2012-13. No one They did that by
been able to sign the top a top striker else has got into double splashing out a fraction
class striker that was whatever hap- figures in a season under over 20m on An-
promised as part of the pens. For the the Gold/Sullivan/Brady dre Ayew, whose job
compensation owners, it was a regime. description requires him
package for state- As we all know, last to lay on goals for others
leaving Upton ment of years summer transfer rather than score them
Park? intent. window turned out to be himself.
Before It cer- a huge disappointment. Hes a decent player,
the start tainly Alexandre Lacazette but hes clearly not a
of the would wasnt interested. natural goalscorer his
inaugural have Neither was Michy performance against
season in our made a Batshuayi. And, despite Leicester last month
new home we statement. a barrage of optimistic demonstrated that all
were told by The fact is, tweets from Sullivan Jnr, too clearly.

25
 If anything, the winter
transfer window was
even more embarrassing
lurching as it did be-
tween efforts to lure that
old West Ham favourite
Jermain Judas Defoe
from Sunderland and
inquiries about whether
Brentford would be pre-
pared to let Scott Hogan
go for 4m.
To be fair, Hogan did
end up playing in claret
and blue albeit for
Aston Villa and at a con-
siderably higher price
than we were offering.
Not that any of this
will come as any surprise
to those who have taken
a passing interest in the
present owners attempts
to sign a decent striker
since they took charge Remember me? Modibo
in 2010. Maiga failed in London
Under their stew-
Chamakh, Jelavic no at some of the statistics. on the oft-mentioned
ardship, the club has
wonder West Ham A total of 11 failed to waiting list are let loose
brought in 31 of these
supporters learn from score a league goal be- on the stragglers.
highly sought after
an early age that the tween them before they Call me a cynic, but I
individuals.
only way you can stay moved on. for one wont be holding
Its an incredible num-
sane while following the Only four Car- breath while we attempt
ber although, sadly, the
Hammers is to develop roll, Sakho, Freddy to secure a world-class
same cant be said of the
a sense of humour as Piquionne and Enner goal machine.
players themselves.
quickly as possible. Valencia have achieved Is there any hope of
McCarthy, Mido,
And if you really want better than a single-digit producing one of our
Keane, Carew, Maiga,
a good laugh, take a look return. own? It doesnt look
In total, this collection promising, according to
of misfits (and mis-hits) the highly knowledge-
have made the best part able Steve Marsh, who
of 650 appearances in watches a lot of the West
claret and blue with an Ham junior sides when
average of a goal every he isnt working on the
five games. Thats woeful. excellent theyflysohigh
No doubt the same website or writing for the
hype about splashing official club programme.
out on a top striker will Antonio Martinez
be trotted out again from Valencia would fit
this summer not least the bill hes now on
around the time when loan to Oxford United,
the club is reminding he says. But other than
supporters to renew that the cupboard looks
their season tickets bare. West Ham youth
Missing: Diafra Sakho has struggled with injuries before 55 billion people strikers coming through

26
are as rare as hens teeth,
according to Marsh.
We dont seem to have moving up to cover
recognised home-grown
strikers, different players
have contributed goals
this season. Under-18
Jemel Hector-lngram
has scored for both
under-18s and the odd
one for the under-23s
when he has moved up
as cover.
Marcus Browne is a
hard working player,
although his head drops
sometimes when things
dont work out for him
in games. If he can
combat that he is one to
watch out for.
In truth most players
are not up to scratch. I
know it has to be done,
but It doesnt help when
so many players are
loaned out, it depletes
the sides with under-16s
the under-18s, and the
under-18s in turn move
up to fill in gaps in the
under-23s.
Current players I
think who might get a
sniff at the first team
at some stage in their
footballing career either
with the Hammers or
another club are Josh
Pask, Declan Rice, Harry
Hudson and Dan Kemp.
Unfortunately, not a
single one of them are
strikers.
It looks like the
London Stadium crowd
will have to wait a little
longer for that promised
striker who is going to
take us to the next level. The future? Toni Martinez is
BBM currently on-loan at Oxford

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27
 The great forward farce: Andre Ayew

In-form Ayew finally starting

to justify his huge price tag
The forwards start to life in London was ruined by a freak injury
hand up or pointing
forwards, using his pace
to find space and gain
time.
Theres no doubt that
his leadership skills in
this way are a useful tool.
As shown with Ghana,
LUCY WOOLFORD hes able to lead the line
and keep a cool head at
@lucy_whufc
the highest level.

A re we starting to
see the most of our
record signing? Or does
Maybe this could
work well for him in
partnership with Mark
Andrew Ayews future Noble; he can take a bit
in claret and blue look of pressure off the cap-
uncertain? tain in the middle of the
Its fair to say that the field, whilst searching for
Ghanaian international those spaces and making
had a mixed start to his vital runs.
Hammers career. At Swansea, he was
He faced a lengthy effective as part of a
lay-off after his first forward three, some-
appearance in claret and thing that Bilic has also
blue before jetting off trialed for his big-money
for the Africa Cup of In the goals: Andre
summer signing.
Nations in January. Ayew has hit form
From the wing he can
But despite a lack of in recent weeks
create chances, assist
appearances, hes still goals and make useful
Slaven Bilics team striking option in hard
netted four times, three runs into the box. His
selections and positional times.
of which have come in footballing brain is
decisions. After watching his
four games. evident, so to have him
Hes a relatively versa- recent displays, his will-
Unfortunately, only in a position where that
tile player, but maybe his ingness to head forwards
one of those saw us can be utilised could be
most effective position is is a great asset to the
claim three points. Thats key in Bilics plans.
yet to be established in Hammers.
not to blame Ayew for Whilst Ayew could sit
the boss plans. At the age of 27, he has
the teams misfortune back behind Carroll and
Whilst he might not good experience and the
because, I believe, he has use his experience to
be the elusive 20-goal ability to influence his
the potential to become guide the team forwards,
per season striker were teammates if they seem
a match-winner in east he could be a little wast-
looking for, his ability in a little unsure as to what
London. ed in terms of crossing
the air and keen eye for attacking options to take.
Ayew fits nicely into options and surges from
goal make him a decent Hes the one with his
current debates about the wing. Thats not

28
to say that he cant do Bilic, a manager who is
that if circumstances Blow: Andre Ayew was satisfied that the clubs
necessitate. hurt in his very first record signing will live
Despite losing a friend game for West Ham up to his price tag.
in east London in Payet, Following his rude
Ayew has got his head interruption to the
firmly fixed on the job season through injury,
in hand. Slaven heaped praise on
Just a small run of the 27-year-old and his
goals has shown that determination to get fit
hes taking responsibility and to continue scoring
for keeping West Ham goals.
focused on securing as Is that the clue as to
high a league position as where the boss wants
possible. Ayew to fit into his
Lets not forget that it squad?
wasnt all plain sailing Will he be an impact
for Andre with the sub? Or will he fill in
Swans. for Andy Carroll if, and
The Welsh side was on when, hes facing time on
the crest of a wave when the sidelines?
he joined in the summer I, for one, hope that
of 2015, but things the fans get to see the
looked rocky from then most of Andre Ayew,
on. whether it be in a purely
Ayew himself had a forward role or to see
positive start, scoring sacked following a poor tively play on the wing him bossing the wing.
three in his first three run of form, but Ayew or as a central striker, The pessimist in me
appearances and making continued to make his but other fans were sorry sees an uncertain future,
a clear impact. mark with 12 goals in to see the hard-working though, in a time when
But he had to dig in his solo season in south player leave after such a the club is struggling to
and get his head down Wales. short stay following his settle into any kind of
to ensure that the side Some Swansea fans contributions. pattern in a new home,
didnt crash and burn. had criticised him for Signs point to his with new players and
Garry Monk was not being able to effec- efforts continuing under tactics. BBM

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29
 The great forward farce: Enner Valencia
Spectacular: Enner Valencia scored a
stunner at Hull but moments like these
have been all to rare since he signed

Can flop Enner Valencia still

have a future with the Irons?
The 27-year-old striker has spent this season on-loan with Everton
of our greatest players. Theres one forward less-than-flattering re-
Sir Geoff Hurst, Alan who may be added to views online. But do the
Devonshire, David the list in the next few stats bear that out?
Cross, Tony Cottee are months hes currently Valencia arrived in a
just some of the names on loan at Everton, who blaze of glory, signing a
that come to mind. we take on this month. five-year contract for an
Unfortunately, West Step forward Enner estimated 12m fee. For
Hams history is also Valencia. West Ham, thats a fair
GEOFF HILLYER filled with strikers who Its easy to arrive at bit of money to spend on
@geoffhillyer may have showed prom- the conclusion that the a striker.

T here are many

strikers from West
Hams history who have
ise but didnt make the
grade. Florin Raducioiu,
Marco Boogers, Mido
Ecuadorian internation-
al has been a flop.
Ive lost count of
But perhaps, in hind-
sight, the first seeds of
doubt were sown when
graced the hallowed turf, (shudder) are just three the times that Ive he apparently revealed
known where the goal is, of the players in the Hall heard fans bemoan his that he knew very little
and gone down as some of Shame. performance, or read about the club before

30
signing and mainly
found out information
having watched hooligan
films such as Green
Street.
Thats hardly the best
preparation before
signing a big-money deal
with a Premier League
football team.
In his defence, he
knows how to score a
spectacular goal. He
scored one of the goals
of the 2014-15 season
against Hull a vicious
25-yard strike that
peaked at 61mph.
In the following weeks,
he also added a couple
more against Burnley
and Stoke City. Our
striking superstar was
coming of age or was he?
It turns out, not. Any
momentum that he
was to carry into the
following season was im-
mediately halted in the
Europa League match
pre-season against Astra
Giurgiu.
Despite scoring, he had
to be substituted because
of significant injuries to
his right knee and ankle,
keeping him out of the
team for three months.
He didnt score any
goals until January 2016,
when we beat Bourne-
mouth memorably 3-1
in a comeback win.
The good news was
that even though he was
out for so long, he still
scored as many goals
as he had in the entire
previous season. The bad
news is that the grand
total for both seasons
was four league goals
each.
Eight goals in 54
league matches isnt
On-loan: Enner Valencias had
mixed reviews at Everton
good enough. Add in represent good business
one solitary cup goal for us.
in seven games and the The problem is Valen-
stats become, frankly, cia hasnt been ripping
laughable. up trees at Goodison
Just a reminder: we Park either with three
reportedly paid 12m goals in 15 appearances.
for him. That means its On first viewing,
cost us 1.5m per league signing him probably
goal! wouldnt be good busi-
Everton have the ness for the Toffees.
option of a permanent But even though hes
transfer at the end of only played the equiva-
the season. It would be lent of one 100-minute
worth 14.5m and would match for Everton this
year, hes become some-
thing of a player to make
things happen.
In the time that hes
been on the pitch, Ever-
ton have scored eight
goals and only conceded
one.
Indeed, his recent
performance against
Hull has drawn very
complimentary reviews.
After coming on with
13 minutes to go, he not
only scored within 69
seconds of getting on the
pitch but also laid on an
assist for Lukaku.
So, what next for
Valencia? Will he return
and does he have a
future at West Ham?
I just dont think he
does. Hes cut a frus-
trating figure for West
Ham fans, never really
delivering on his early
promise.
Injury hasnt done him
many favours but even
accounting for that, can
you really see 10 or 15
goals being scored next
season by a player who
hasnt scored that many
in three seasons in the
Premier League?
I wish Valencia well,
but I think that if we can
get 14m for him, we
are better off reinvesting
that money in a striker,
perhaps from the lower
leagues, who would be
younger, and hungrier,
and who would have
masses of potential.
Or perhaps we should
combine that money
with a fee from the sale
of Andy Carroll too
and sign a bigger-name
striker but thats prob-
ably another debate for
another day! BBM
31
 The great forward farce: Dean Ashton

The loss of
Ashton was
our biggest
disaster this
millennium

What could have been:

Dean Ashton had it all

West Ham had at last found a top-quality striker but injury struck
The overhead kick A call-up to the 2007-2008 season with
against Manchester England squad was not 11 goals in 31 games.
United, or even the one the start of an exciting And then the injury
more recently at Mark new journey but the hit once more, and five
Nobles testimonial. introduction to months games and two goals in
Personally, it was the and years of pain, false the 2008-2009 season,
way he used the inside of hopes and ultimately Ashton was gone.
his right foot to outfox resignation. A career cut short
KIRAN MOODLEY Sylvain Distin and then If Ashtons career post that never fulfilled its
@kirancmoodley fire in with his left at that FA Cup final is one potential in the nations

W hat do you think

of when someone
says Dean Ashton?
the near corner. Skill
and a rocket of a strike.
Ashton, through and
of ups and downs, so
too is West Hams. Was
Ashtons bad luck also
highest league. 56 games
and 19 goals, but it could
have been so much
Despite only playing through. West Hams ultimate more.
for the Hammers for Of course, if your moment of disaster this At 33, Ashton could
three years, there are treasured memory is millennium? easily still be a starting
countless memories that that goal in Cardiff, then From six goals in 16 striker in the team today.
spring to mind. youll also remember it games in his first few Over the course of
That lucky rebound in as one of the last great months, Ashton missed spells at Crewe Alexan-
Cardiff over 10 years ago Ashton moments before the next full season, dra, Norwich City and
before the heartbreak. the summer of 2006. before completing the the Hammers, Ashton

32
managed a goal every 2.6
games.
Thats a tremendous
Time to call
feat given that most of on Defoe?
his games at West Ham
were under the shadow BY MARCUS JOHNS
of a niggling ankle injury West Ham should
to which he would even- try and sign Jermain
tually succumb. Defoe this summer.
Andy Carroll has Before you start,
played a similar number I know what hap-
of games to Ashton in pened. I know how
his whole career, and he stupid he was, and I
scores a goal every 3.6 know first hand, just
games. how much it hurt.
If Carroll is in some- But look at his goal
ways similar to Ashton record: 197 goals in
- a formidable striker 522 appearances.
who we are often reliant Thats a goal every
upon, and yet who is two and a half
injury prone - then games.
both strikers bookend Those stats have
a period in West Hams been consistent
recent history when throughout his
good strikers have been career and this
hard to find. season he has won a
Or when they have recall back into the
been found - like with England squad at the
Diafra Sakho - they ripe old age of 34.
spend more time off the Not that I think
pitch than on it. his age would make
Ashton, one can argue, a difference. Hes not
started the curse of the Michael Owen, who
striker for the Hammers. relied on pace, but
He was meant to be the Still smiling: Ashton instead, the foot-
saviour after Di Canio. featured in Mark balling intelligence
When Ashton first Nobles testimonial of where to be at the
got injured, our form right time in and
dipped, Pardew was Ricardo Vaz Te never that season - despite the around the box. The
sacked and we survived cut it in the Premier heartbreak. instincts of a pure
on the last day of the League and Carlton A first season back finisher.
season. Cole was more cult than from relegation and a Defoe would also
Once he left after the killer. top 10 finish and FA Cup provide the Plan B
2008-2009 season, we It is perhaps too much final to boot. we all crave. Either
struggled under Zola of a stretch to say Asht- Ever since then, there to bring on as Car-
and then Grant, and its ons premature end was have been near misses rolls foil, latching on
been a yo-yo journey the root cause of our lack in cups, failed Europa to knock downs, or
ever since. of potency in front of League campaigns, and even as the penalty
While Sam Allardyce goals in recent years and relegation worries at box predator that
brought us back up from our fall and rise between times. can capitalise on
the depths of Grants the two leagues. Oh how we could have the chances that the
relegation, he always But Ashton is symbolic done with the attacking industrious running
struggled with strikers: a of that 2006 FA Cup prowess of Ashton over of Antonio, Ayew
master of the clean sheet Final team and the hope the last decade. BBM and Lanzini create.
rather than the goalfest. that greeted the end of

33
 The great forward farce: Andy Carroll
Should West Ham allow big
Andy a Chinese takeaway?
The striker was linked with a big-money move to the Super League
EMILY PULHAM
@makingthemarrow
H es big, hes tall, he
gets injured off the
ball but what should we
do with Andy Carroll?
In February, we report-
edly turned down a 32
million bid from clubs
in the Chinese Super
League for Andy.
Hes a dynamic player
but his repeated, and
often downright bizarre,
injuries have hampered
his time on the pitch.
Should we have accepted
that big money bid from
China, or should we be
keeping Carroll on our
books?
Theres no question
that Carroll is a tremen-
dous player. His aerial
strength is impressive,
and the man can certain-
ly hammer in a goal.
His overhead bicycle
kick against Crystal
Palace was the stuff of
legend, and hes abso-
lutely one of our most
effective players clearing
last minute balls off the
34
club to spend the money
on a player that would
be an improvement on
the man who is currently
our best striker.
I dont trust the way
the board spend money
and bring in players.
Id rather have Andy
Carroll available for 50
per cent of our games
this season than have
a front line of Simone
Zaza and Jonathan Cal-
leri available for 100 per
cent of our games.
Selling one of the only
strikers who is actually
scoring does nothing to
stop our goals shortage;
and I just dont believe
Riches: Andy Carroll the board would make
was linked with a big a good omelette by
money move to China cracking one of our few
golden eggs.
line on the other end of His presence is Last years club record
the pitch. excellent, but its not 20 million signing
This season, hes scored reliable and therein lies Andre Ayew is only now
six league goals in 15 the problem. Hes an starting to contribute
appearances, but there excellent player, but you regular goals but thus
is a downside to Andy just dont know how far, not quite lived up to
Carroll. much youll see him expectations. Would we
Firstly, hes strong but each season. The report- see the same thing with
he is a predictable type ed 32million would whomever the 32m is
of player, and if you have be a boost financially spent on?
a defender who can keep for West Ham but truth Yes, Andy Carroll is
him quiet (enter David be told, Id rather keep plagued by injuries - but
Luiz) hes out of a game. Andy on our books hes also an incredibly
Of course, the biggest and, occasionally, on hard worker who is
issue with Andy Carroll the pitch too. Not just scoring goals. In this
is that he is made out of because I think hes a case, its much better to
biscuits and gets injured good player but more stick with the devil you
at a shocking rate. because I dont trust the know. BBM
 Everything changes...

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Join today at www.blowing-bubbles.co.uk

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35
 HC Hammers Chat
www.hammerschat.com

36
 Supporters club of the month

#24: Hammers Bandung

T his month Blowing
Bubbles caught
up with Taofik Jun to
Global fans: Hammers Bandung get up at weird times to watch the Irons

discover more about

Hammers Bandung...
When, how and why
was group founded?
Hammers Bandung
started in November
2011 when I was with
four others, True, Lucky,
Reza, Lutfi, in the Clio
Cafe in Bandung.
After a long conver-
sation in the cafe, we
decided to create a
community where fellow
supporters of the Ham-
mers can gather, interact
and watch the games
together. The first game
we saw together was
when West Ham faced we are together watching when West Ham play in League at the first time
with Millwall, we won West Ham in the SG 7 the early morning here after being relegated to
2-1 and we were happy. Corner Cafe. in Indonesia, we always the Championship.
How many members in How many times do strive to have a group We also enjoyed
your group today? members travel to watching the game. watching West Ham
Our group grew rap- games? We always hope that beat elite teams such as
idly in tandem with pro- We havent missed any someday we can come to Arsenal, Manchester
motion to the Premier West Ham games - it the land of Great Britain City, Manchester United,
League, and currently we doesnt matter if they are to witness West Ham Liverpool and Totten-
have a membership of 60 playing at home or away. play first-hand. ham last season.
people. Every weekend Were not picky and even We also live in hope How can fans contact
that West Ham could you?
Underdogs: These chaps snubbed Man United do a pre-season game We possess some social
to Indonesia, to play media accounts such as
against a local team or Twitter (@hammers-
the national team. Bandung), Instagram
The most highly (hammersbandung), or
memorable moment by email (taofikjun@
for our supporters club yahoo.com). We are hap-
was when West Ham py to interact in social
got back to the Premier media. BBM

37
 The last word
How you can help the Bobby
Moore Funds fabulous work
Just wear your West Ham football shirt with pride on Friday, April 28
B obby Moore is a true
hero and there isnt a
person in the game who
doesnt look up to him
and what he achieved,
both for our country and
for football as a sport.
As a football supporter,
the allegiance with and
belief you have in your
own team is absolutely
unwavering.
We need to take that
spirit and apply it to
beating bowel cancer
sooner. We will make
progress and we will
win.
The Bobby Moore
Fund for Cancer Re-
search UK is encourag-
ing men, women and
children across the UK
to dig out their football
shirts and wear them
loudly and proudly on
Friday, April 28 to help
fund life-saving research
into bowel cancer.
Taking place during
bowel cancer aware-
ness month this April,
Football Shirt Friday is
returning for the fifth
year with support from
well-known faces from
the sporting, business
and acting worlds,
with Robbie Savage, Sir
AP McCoy, Sir Geoff
Hurst, Ray Winstone,
Luther Blissett, Hayley
McQueen, Bianca West-
38
UK to raise money for
research into the disease.
To date, over 23m has
been raised to fund
ground-breaking bowel
cancer research.
Im sure Stephanie
would join me in calling
for the whole nation get
behind Football Shirt
Friday, wearing their
teams colours with
pride and believing that
together we can and will
beat bowel cancer.
Enormous progress
has been made in the
last 50 years but sadly
bowel cancer still kills 44
people in the UK every
day.
By joining forces,
raising funds and chan-
nelling that unbreakable
spirit of a football fan
to support the Bobby
Moore Fund, we can all
Proud: Former Hammer David help bring forward the
James backs the campaign day when bowel cancer
is cured. BBM
wood and Tom Davis Cup, where he swapped
also getting in on the football shirts with Bra- *To find out more, visit
action. zilian legend Pel. footballshirtfriday.org.
For those who dont Shown as a sign of To donate 2 to the
know, the fundraising respect between the Bobby Moore Fund, text
initiative, which asks opposing players, its a GOAL002 to 70070.
people to wear their gesture that has been You can also join the
football shirt and donate recreated by footballers conversation on Twitter
2 to the Bobby Moore worldwide ever since. using @BobbyMoore-
Fund, draws inspiration Bobbys widow Steph- Fund #FootballShirtFri-
from one of the most anie Moore MBE, set up day or on the Facebook
famous images of Bobby the Fund in partnership page at OfficialBobby-
taken at the 1970 World with Cancer Research MooreFund.
 The Bobby Moore Fund have teamed up with the England
Footballers Foundation to launch Moore To Know. The campaign
aims to raise awareness of bowel cancer, highlight its symptoms,
and help educate on ways to prevent against the disease.
Shockingly, around 110 people are diagnosed and 44 people die
every day from the disease - so There is Moore to Know.

Find out more at

www.cruk.org/MooreToKnow or follow
#MooreToKnow
 5 the
to

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