Zabaleta joins on a free
It has been confirmed in the last few days that we have signed Argentine defender Pablo Zabaleta on a free transfer from Manchester City. The
The two-time Premier League winner’s deal will keep him at The London Stadium until 2019 and makes him our first signing of the summer window, and it comes less than a week after the conclusion of the 2016/2017 season. The highly decorated right-back has enjoyed a successful nine-year stint with The Citizens and was clearly sad to leave The Etihad as he surprised fans in an emotional farewell video, but the 32-year-old clearly felt that the time was right to move on as he found regular game time hard to come by under Pep Guardiola last season. The Olympic Gold Medallist was in buoyant mood after signing and had this to say in an exclusive interview with WHUFC.com: “West Ham fans are among the best in England and personally I hope as a player can give good moments to them”.
Zabaleta has also recently expressed the fact that West Ham was at the top of his list of preferred clubs and there are also rumours that fellow Argentine Manuel Lanzini influenced his decision. There has been some doubts about the former Espanyol man’s fading Football abilities, but there is no doubt that this signing looks poised to be the start of another promising love affair between player and fans.
Hammers’ reveal first Black away kit
On the day of the signing of Pablo Zabaleta, our away kit for the upcoming 2017/2018 season was also revealed. The controversial strip goes down in history as the first ever Black West Ham away kit and was launched as part of a new away supporter’s campaign titled ‘#WeAllFollowTheWestHam’. However, many fans have been critical of the new design as it does not conform to the natural Hammers’ colours of Claret and Blue. Despite this fact, the strip has pulled in some praise from none other than our captain Mark Noble who described it as “Powerful” and a “Really nice kit”. Like it or not? The new Umbro design certainly looks like it is going to be the first of a wealth of new innovative kit ideas.
However, many fans have been critical of the new design as it does not conform to the natural Hammers’ colours of Claret and Blue. Despite this fact, the strip has pulled in some praise from none other than our captain Mark Noble who described it as “Powerful” and a “Really nice kit”. Like it or not? The new Umbro design certainly looks like it is going to be the first of a wealth of new innovative kit ideas.
U23’s impress in Switzerland
In the wake of securing Play-Off promotion to The PL2 Division one, the majority of The U23’s travelled to Switzerland for the inaugural Blue Stars/FIFA Youth Cup tournament.
It was to be a mixed first day of action for Terry Westley’s men as we overcame host club Blue Stars FC 3-0, before succumbing to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of eventual champions Lyon. The second day of the tournament consisted of games against Swiss side Grasshopper Club and Colombian outfit Independiente Santa Fe, both of which ended in 0-0 draws which placed us in a 5th/6th place Play-Off final.
However, there was to be some leaving success for the youngsters, as Grady Diangana and a Toni Martinez brace secured an impressive 3-1 victory over Benfica. Terry Westley’s men will now travel back home and begin preparations for their first season in The PL2 Division one.
Hammers’ eye PL duo
It has been rumoured this week by The Sun that we are preparing our second Manchester City swoop of this summer transfer window in Nigerian striker Kilechi Iheanacho. Rumours of an ambitious £20 Million bid being already on the table have been dominating the back pages recently and the bright youngster is reportedly keen on a move to London. So could the 20-year-old be joining former City teammate Pablo Zabaleta at The London Stadium next season? It has been reported this week by Liverpool Echo that we are plotting an audacious £40 Million bid for out of
It has been reported this week by Liverpool Echo that we are plotting an audacious £40 Million bid for out of favour Everton midfielder Ross Barkley. The England international is a fan favourite at Goodison Park, but speculation over his future has sparked up after the 23-year-old failed to sign a new contract under Ronald Koeman. So could we fight off vast competition to complete one of the signings of the summer in the coming months?
OTD-2005
On this day in 2005, we overcame Preston North End 1-0 in The Championship Play-Off final to return to the top flight after a two-year absence. The game was a cagey affair until early in the second half when Bobby Zamora netted the winner for us at The Millennium Stadium. It was to be Alan Pardew’s penultimate season in charge, as The Englishman guided us to promotion at the second attempt after relegation in the 2002/2003 campaign.