WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola is excited about the prospect of working with new signing
Frank Nouble
22.07.2009
Gianfranco Zola has spoken about his happiness at securing the services of
Frank Nouble after the striker pledged his future to West Ham United. The
manager will not get a chance to meet up with his new forward - signed on a
five-year deal after leaving Chelsea - until he returns from Austria later
this week but he is excited at the prospect of seeing him in claret and
blue. "We are delighted to have Frank here," Zola said. "Everyone has spoken
about how he is a talented boy. He is young, enthusiastic and the type of
player we like. "So we will welcome him, try to improve him further and
hopefully he will help make us better too. He is young but that is part of
our plan. We want to work with senior players and improve the young players
we have - that is the plan. If we can keep on this path, then hopefully we
will have success."
Nouble, who turns 18 in September, is relishing the prospect of getting down
to work on the Chadwell Heath training pitches with his new team-mates. "I
was training with great players at Chelsea and that definitely helped me
become who I am now but sometimes you need to a move into a different
environment," said Nouble. "The environment I am coming into now is
definitely not lower. The players are in and around the same ability. I will
be able to learn so much. There are great players here and I am very
fortunate to get the chance to play with them."
The teenager will be helped by knowing Steve Clarke from his Chelsea days,
with the first-team coach having proved something of a mentor as he rose
through the ranks.
"Steve Clarke has always given me a little word in my ear, talking to me and
encouraging me," confirmed Nouble, "He has known me for a long time. He
would get the coaches at Chelsea to talk to me and tell me to work hard. "I
know coming here now will be about hard work and I am not shy about that. I
am looking forward to working hard with him and Gianfranco Zola. I am
looking forward to meeting them and everyone that works for the club and I
can't wait to get started."
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Boa on WHUTV
WHUFC.com
Luis Boa Morte has told WHUTV he is expecting a tough game against Turkish
side Bursaspor
22.07.2009
Luis Boa Morte has told WHUTV he is looking forward to finally getting his
firs taste of match action under his belt in Austria. The Portugal forward,
who returned to the international fold after two years at the tail-end of
last season, is expected to line up in an experienced team when West Ham
United face Turkish side Bursaspor on Wednesday evening. Boa Morte was one
of those expected to play against Werder Bremen on Saturday before the game
was called off following heavy rain. "That would have been a massive game
because they are a very good team so that was a bit of the downside of the
training camp," admitted Boa Morte. "I don't know much about Bursaspor but
we expect a tough game. "We know how the Turkish players are and how they
work so it will be a tough game and another good game."
After enduring twice-daily sessions in the searing heat in Austria, the
31-year-old said he has found the going tough, although he knows the benefit
of the hard work now will come to the fore later in the season. Boa Morte
also praised the methods employed by manager Gianfranco Zola and his
coaching staff. "So far it has been good as we have been working hard," he
added. "It is the most difficult part of the season but the most important.
We know how important it is for us, but so far it has been good.
"It has been a different pre-season to other pre-seasons as we have been
running a lot with the ball so I like it."
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Dyer scores in Turkish test
WHUFC.com
A hard-working hour's football from Kieron Dyer was capped by a goal in a
lively friendly in Austria
22.07.2009
West Ham United 1-1 Bursaspor
Kieron Dyer struck his first goal in West Ham United colours and Luis
Jimenez made his debut in a creditable 1-1 draw against Turkish side
Bursaspor in a stifling Bad Rakersburg on Wednesday night.
England midfielder Dyer, who got an hour's play under his belt to continue
his excellent pre-season, struck after just three minutes following a lovely
pass from James Collins, who himself was one of the most impressive
performers on view. Jimenez also looked good in his first run-out for the
Hammers since his move from Internazionale last month but it was not to be a
winning bow as a result of the 54th-minute equaliser from Turgay Bahadir.
Gianfranco Zola had named a strong starting eleven with Jimenez wearing his
preferred No17 shirt and England trio Robert Green, Matthew Upson, wearing
the captain's armband, and Carlton Cole along with Portugal's Luis Boa Morte
all getting their first action of pre-season. Zola also had to think about
another friendly to come on Thursday evening - across the border in Slovenia
against ND Mura 05.
Before then was the challenge of Bursaspor, and the club who finished sixth
in Turkey last season named a strong side. Midfielders Huseyin Cimsir and
Ali Tandogan are both Turkish internationals, striker Shin Young Rok has
been capped three times by the Korean Republic and goalkeeper Dimitar
Ivankov has represented Bulgaria 54 times. Austrian midfielder Bahadir
naturally proved popular amongst the local support
It was the Hammers fans who were out in force though for this second game of
the Austrian tour after last Saturday's match with Werder Bremen was
cancelled because of a waterlogged pitch. West Ham had drawn 1-1 with SVL
Flavia Solva exactly a week ago in their opening fixture in Austria.
Jimenez was lively from the off and showed neat skill on 20 minutes after a
burst from Junior Stanislas. At the other end, Collins and Upson had to be
alert on several occasions to deny the Turkish side decent opportunities.
Stanislas was then again involved ten minutes before the interval when
combining well with Cole.
The second half was a scrappier affair with substitutions and some hefty
challenges holding up the play. Savio and Zavon Hines entered the fray at
the interval for Stanislas and Cole, with Marek Stech replacing Robert Green
in goal. Dyer and Collins made way for Payne and Bondz N'Gala respectively.
The focus was brought back to the game on 75 minutes though when delightful
skill from Jimenez nearly set Hines away.
The changes continued on 80 minutes with Jordan Spence, Georg Grasser and
Oliver Lee replacing Upson, Jimenez and Jack Collison - who had scored
against Flavia Solva. A winning goal failed to materialise though but Zola
will have been pleased with the run-out especially for the likes of Julien
Faubert and Herita Ilunga, wearing his new No23 shirt, as they both played a
full 90 minutes in the Thermenarena.
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West Ham United 1-1 Bursaspor
WHUFC.com
All the action from Bad Radkersburg as West Ham United drew a goal apiece
against Bursaspor
22.07.2009
Pre-season friendly
West Ham United v Bursaspor
Thermenarena, Bad Radkersburg
Wednesday 22 July
Kick-off: 6pm (5pm UK time)
Final score - West Ham United 1-1 Bursaspor
Once again, the referee blows dead on the minute mark and the Hammers'
second game of their Austria tour ends in another 1-1 draw. Zola's side
looked in control before the break but lost their rhythm slightly in the
second, which may be attributed to all of the changes made. The four
international players will be feeling benefits of at least 45 minutes of
match-time, Dyer will by boosted by his goal and Jimenez gave plenty of
reason to be excited with some great touches during his near 80-minute run
out.
West Ham conclude their Austria adventure when they play ND Mura in Slovenia
on Thursday.
90 min - Full time in Bad Radkersburg.
88 min - Faubert makes sure that Bursaspor do not get that chance as he
slides in bravely to take the ball away from Zeybek. Bursaspor have made
another change, with Muhammet Demir coming on in place of Sen.
87 min - But back here in Austria we are still looking for that
match-winning chance. But in all honesty, neither side look like they are
going to create it at the moment.
84 min - Do not forget that if you have not had your fill of West Ham United
action this evening then the Under-18s are playing at Tiptree United this
evening. whufc.com will have live text updates from that game as well, with
kick-off at 7.30pm UK time.
83 min - Both teams are giving it their all, but goal-scoring chances are
few and far between at present.
79 min - It looks like more changes for West Ham as Collison, Upson, Boa
Morte and Jimenez all leave the field to be replaced by Georg Grasser, Ollie
Lee, Anthony Edgar and Jordan Spence. Grasser gets a big cheer from the home
support. Can he become the second Austrian to score in his own country
today?
77 min - Lovely play from Jimenez as he flicks the ball over his marker
before playing in Hines. Sadly, the offside flag denies the half-time
substitute a chance on goal.
75 min - Two more substitutes for Bursaspor as Sen and the goal-scorer
Bahadir make way for Daniel Menendes Rezende and Yanzil Tuncer
73 min - Good header from Upson to just steer the ball away from Rok as he
threatens to latch onto a through-ball.
70 min - After those couple of minutes of madness, order has been restored.
The player Bursaspor brought on to replace Ipek is Halil Zeyback. It did
originally appear that he had been sent off, but after a count of the
players it became clear Bursaspor were simply ordered to replace him.
66 min - Tempers flare as Ipek flies into Boa Morte from behind. The players
all crowd in together until the referee orders Ipek to be substituted. Zola
responds by bringing on N'Gala for Collins.
62 min - Zola makes his fourth change as Dyer comes off for Josh Payne. The
West Ham No7 will no doubt have felt the benefit of a 60 minute workout as
well as his first goal of the season.
61 min - Upson becomes the first West Ham player to get booked as he brings
down Rok on the edge of the area. After much debate, the resulting free-kick
is blasted well over the bar.
57 min - Free-kick to the Turkish side on the right touchline is cleared by
Julien Faubert, who has looked solid at right-back so far.
54 min - GOAL! Bursaspor get themselves back into the game as Rok back-heels
the ball to Bahadir and the Austrian finishes hard and low past Stech, much
to the delight of the home crowd.
52 min - A good break from the Hammers sees Dyer cross from the right
touchline towards Hines. The West Ham No9 tries to get the ball under
control but space is tight and the chance vanishes.
48 min - The first song of the day is heard and it is the West Ham fans who
have claimed it with a rendition of 'Bubbles'. I did not detect an Austrian
twang to it so I must assume the support from the UK is making itself heard.
46 min - Bursaspor get us underway in the second period. They look to have
made a change as well with Tandogan making way for Okan Ipek.
Zola spent much of the break speaking to Savio and Zavon Hines, and the duo
have come on in place of Stanislas and Cole. Marek Stech has also taken over
in goal from Green.
Half time
45 min - The referee blows his whistle dead on the 45-minute mark and both
teams trudge off. No doubt they will need to take on lots of fluids during
the interval after 45 minutes in the heat.
44 min - We are approaching half time and the Hammers seem relatively in
control at the moment as Sen and Collison tangle. The Hammers are awarded
the free-kick and Sen joins Tandogan in the referee's book for kicking the
ball away.
39 min- Boa Morte is hacked down from behind and clutches his ankle, but is
back on his feet a few seconds later. Bursaspor are then awarded a free-kick
on the right touchline and as it is whipped in Collins collides with Rok and
the 22-year-old forward stays down amid some half-hearted appeals for a
penalty.
37 min - Collins show his bravery once more as the throws himself in the way
of a shot from Voltan Sen to give Bursaspor a corner. But, once again, the
Wales international clears the danger with his head. Could we be seeing an
early contender for man of the match emerge?
34 min - A one-two between Cole and Stanislas almost sees the winger play in
forward in with a low cross. Seconds later Stanislas races clear but loses
control of the ball and the chance is wasted.
32 min - Has tangles with Ilunga and West Ham are given the free-kick. A
long ball forward is then handled by Tandogan and a free-kick is awarded.
The Bursaspor No2 then responds by kicking the ball away and he is booked.
30 min - More good defending from Collins as he halts a dangerous run from
Rok with perfectly-time sliding tackle. He then completes his defensive
duties by rising highest to head the ball clear.
27 min - Strong work from Cole on the right-hand touchline forces Ayhan
Uzumcu to haul him down. West Ham will need to make use of Cole's power as
he seems to have the better of his marker at present.
25 min - Good defending from Collins now as he slides in on Rok in the
penalty area. The Korean has looked a handful for the Hammers' defence so
far. Ilunga has picked up a slight knock, but seems fine to continue.
24 min - A good solid header from Upson clears the danger but the ball comes
in once more and Rok gets up above Collins to power a header at goal.
Thankfully, Green is there to gather the ball in his arms.
20 min - A good burst of speed from Stanislas followed by some nice footwork
from Jimenez as he side-steps his marker. West Ham have shown some good
attacking intent so far.
18 min - Corner to Bursaspor as Stanislas gets back to block an attempted
cross. The ball is played in and after several rebounds Herita Ilunga is
fouled and West Ham win the free-kick.
16 min - Green is called into action for the first time as Rok gathers a
lose ball in the area and tries to beat him at his near post. The England
international is equal to it and dives to his right to collect the ball.
14 min - If you have been following our coverage of the tour so far, you
will know that the weather has been fantastic and tonight is no different.
At training this morning the temperature was clocked at 42 degrees and
although that has dropped now, the players will still be feeling the heat
out on the pitch.
12 min - Zola has sent his side out in what looks like a 4-3-3 formation
with Collison holding in midfield and Jimenez and Dyer in front of him. Boa
Morte is providing the width, while Stanislas is in his usual position on
the left.
11 min - Jimenez gets his first shot at goal in in a West Ham shirt. The
ball takes a deflection and the Hammers win their second corner. Stanislas
takes it but Collins and Cole cannot quite direct it goalwards and the ball
is cleared.
7 min - Bursaspor have gathered themselves now and are starting to find
their rhythm. Although they have had most of the ball for the past couple of
minutes, they have not managed to get it in their opponents half yet.
4 min - The poor stadium announcer had not even finished reading the teams
out before Dyer struck. The West Ham No7's strike was greeted by a huge
cheer from those watching in Bad Radkersburg, so the Hammers certainly seem
to be well backed tonight.
3 min - Goal! West Ham get off to the best possible start. A superb ball
forward from Collins is headed down into the path of Kieron Dyer who beats
Ivankov with a first-time shot. Great stuff from the Hammers
2 min - Positive start from the Hammers and Jimenez is involved straight
away. He runs forward and forces Tandogan into conceding a corner. The new
signing, who is wearing number 17 tonight, took the corner but Cole cannot
quite tee up James Collins for a shot.
1 min - Jack Collison and Cole get the game going
5.59pm It looks as though we may be a couple of minutes late kicking-off as
the teams are still lining up in the tunnel. Upson is the West Ham captain
for the evening and he leads the Hammers out in their new navy blue away
kit.
5.55pm Bursaspor have also named a strong team. Midfielders Huseyin Cimsir
and Ali Tandogan are both Turkish internationals, striker Shin Young Rok has
been capped three times by South Korea and goalkeeper Dimitar Ivankov has
represented Bulgaria 54 times. Austrian midfielder Turgay Bahadir should
prove popular amongst the local support.
5.50pm The teams are in and, as expected, Gianfranco Zola has named a very
strong line-up. The big news is new signing Luis Jimenez makes his first
appearance in a West Ham shirt, while Green, Upson Boa Morte and Cole are
all on show for the first time this pre-season.
5.35pm Good evening from Bad Radkersburg. We are just 35 minutes from
kick-off now and both teams are out on the pitch warming up. Final team
line-ups are yet to be confirmed, but we will bring them to you as soon as
we have them. West Ham United are expected to name a strong side for their
second friendly of the Austria tour, with Robert Green, Matthew Upson, Luis
Jimenez, Luis Boa Morte and Carlton Cole all expected to feature at some
stage.
The Stadium PA is playing some English dance music to help make the West Ham
players and their supporters, who seem to be out numbering their Turkish
counterparts, at home. There is one gigantic St. George's flag tied to the
front of the main stand with WHUFC printed in the middle, so it looks like
the Hammers will be getting some good support tonight from both home and
abroad.
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Collison, Jimenez,
Boa Morte, Dyer, Stanislas, Cole
Subs: Stech, N'Gala, Spence, Grasser, Lee, Savio, Hines, Edgar
Bursaspor: Ivankov, Tandogan, Erdogan, Keceli, Tuna, Sen, Cimsir, Ozan Has,
Acar, Bahadir, Rok
Subs: Ozkan, Demircan, Sarak, Ipek, Tuncer, Zeybek, Sal, Demir, Pehlivan,
Menendes.
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Tiptree 2-2 Under-18s
WHUFc.com
West Ham United's Under-18s begin their pre-season campaign at Tiptree
United
22.07.2009
Tiptree United v West Ham United U18
Pre-season friendly
Chapel Road
Wednesday 22 July 2009
Kick-off: 7.30pm
Full-time - Tiptree United 2-2 West Ham United U18
90 min - The final whistle is blown and the game ends in a draw. That was
just about a fair result after an exciting second half here. Keep an eye on
whufc.com for a full match report and reaction.
87 min - It's really livened up again here. Owen is given far too much space
and shoots from 25 yards. Larkins pushes the ball over the top. Owen takes
the corner and Bristol flicks on at the near post, only for his header to
thud against the far upright and bounce to safety!
86 min - GOAL! How the game changes! West Ham break and Moncur lets fly from
20-plus yards, giving Belcher no chance. The ball flies into the net past
the goalkeeper's despairing dive. George's Dad would have been proud of that
goal, I can tell you.
85 min - Underwood rattles the crossbar with a searing effort after latching
on to a loose clearance. That would have been game over.
84 min - The evening's 13th and final substitute is on in the shape of West
Ham goalkeeper Jake Larkins, who naturally replaces Mehmet for the final six
minutes or so.
82 min - Ward comes within inches of scoring, smashing a first-time shot
narrowly wide after the ball broke to him 20 yards from goal. Mehmet could
only watch and hope as the ball flew wide of the post.
81 min - Mehmet does well to deny Tiptree a third goal again, beating
Brown's shot aside after Underwood had teed up the substitute.
80 min - West Ham need to find another gear from somewhere. Incidentally,
the U18s will return to action on Saturday morning, when they make the short
trip to face their Tottenham Hotspur counterparts.
78 min - Underwood comes close to a third Tiptree goal, forcing Mehmet into
a fingertip save with a fine 30 yard curler. The Tiptree striker is a bit of
a goalscoring hero in north Essex, having banged in a hatful for Ridgeons
League side Harwich and Parkeston in the past. How's that for knowledge?!
75 min - West Ham appear to be running out of steam a bit here. Tiptree are
looking the more likely scorers, but the Hammers have 15 minutes to turn
things around.
70 min - Mehmet makes a fine save to deny Bristol a third Tiptree goal. West
Ham break but Purdy shoots straight at Belcher after a strong run through
the midfield.
69 min - Tiptree make their final change, bringing on No15 Brown for No8
Clarke.
68 min - Ooooooooooh! That was close. Fanimo runs at the Tiptree defence
again before finding Turgot, whose first-time shot beats Belcher but cannons
back off the inside of the far post.
67 min - Powell makes an almost instant impact, but Belcher dives low to his
left to push the ball into the side netting. The ensuring corner is cleared.
65 min - Turgot takes the flag-kick, but McNaughton can only head wide of
the target. More changes for West Ham. Subuola is replaced by Jack Powell,
while Wearen is off and Dominic Vose is on.
64 min - Typical! Fanimo almost creates an equaliser out of nothing, picking
the ball up 40 yards from goal, skipping inside Beale and unleashing a
wicked effort with the outside of his left foot that Belcher does well to
parry aside for a corner.
63 min - If it was a test of character for the Hammers before, it is doubly
so now. Tiptree have got their tails up and are pushing for a third.
61 min - GOAL! Tiptree come from behind to take the lead. Owen plays in
Underwood and the striker clips the ball past the advancing Mehmet.
60 min - Two changes for both sides. Brown and Lampe are replaced by Callum
Driver and Paco Craig for West Ham. Tiptree replace goalkeeper Ruthers and
left-back Loonan with Belcher and Nobbs.
59 min - The equaliser was a shame for the visitors, who probably just about
deserved their lead. It will now be a test of character for Hilton's
youngsters, who need to respond in kind.
56 min - GOAL! Talk about an impact. Nelson scores with his first touch,
knocking the ball into the net from close-range following good work from
fellow replacement Bristol. Sanchez won't be too happy with his role in that
goal, however, as his clearance was charged down in the lead up.
55 min - GOAL! What did I tell you?! Fanimo slips Sanchez in behind the
back-four and he fires the ball high past Ruthers from an acute angle to
give West Ham the lead. Tiptree respond by replacing the No10 for real this
time. No12 Nelson is his replacement. No11 Illott also goes off, with
Bristol the substitute.
54 min - Before we get the opening goal, which is coming soon (I can feel
it!), I think it right that I mention that the social club here at Chapel
Road is called the 'Jambusters Bar''! Very apt...
52 min - A couple of Tiptree players complain too vociferously about a
throw-in decision that goes against them, earning them a talking to from the
referee. No cards are shown, though.
50 min - Position-wise, Fanimo is now the central striker, with Subuola wide
on the left and Purdy wide on the right. Sanchez is at right-back with
Turgot in midfield alongside Wearen and Moncur.
49 min - Two of the replacements come close in quick succession. First,
Purdy heads wide from close-range, then Fanimo drags his shot wide from 20
yards.
46 min - We're under way again and West Ham have made three changes. Jake
Purdy, Blair Turgot and Mathias Fanimo are all on, with Werndly, Smith and
Hunt the men, or should that be boys, replaced. Sanchez has gone to
right-back.
Ok, to clear up the confusion over the substitution... Tiptree did not make
a change after all. Another player was wearing the No10 shirt on the bench,
but he didn't come on for his counterpart!
49 min - The half-time whistle is blown with the game still goalless. I
expect West Ham will make some changes at the break, but we shall see.
48 min - The neverending first half is ending in exciting fashion. Moncur's
shot is blocked before Werndly sees his low cross flash across the face of
goal.
45 min - Tiptree make a change. The injured English is replaced by another
No10! Very confusing! I will investigate...
44 min - Ruthers covers himself in glory again, racing off his line to save
bravely at the feet of Subuola.
42 min - Lovely football again from West Ham. Werndly and Sanchez combine to
find Smith, whose deep cross looks destined for Subuola's head before being
flicked out for a corner. Moncur delivers the corner kick and a loose
Tiptree header puts Ruthers under pressure, forcing him to punch the ball
clear with both fists from under his own crossbar.
40 min - Hilton will be pleased with the application and attitude of his
youngsters against a much older Tiptree side. They have not been overawed
and have stuck to their principles of passing football. All they need is to
add a goal to what has been an encouraging display so far.
39 min - A loose McNaughton back-pass puts Mehmet under pressure. His
clearance is charged down, but the ball bounces out for a throw-in and the
Hammers recover.
37 min - Another chance for the home side. English finds Underwood in space,
the striker cuts inside Calum McNaughton but his shot is straight at Mehmet.
36 min - A sight of goal for Tiptree No8 Clarke, but his left-foot shot
flies over the crossbar, the club bar and into the car park.
35 min - A headed clearance falls to Sanchez 25 yards from goal, but his
half-volley bounces harmlessly wide.
32 min - It appears there is some speculation over whether George Moncur is
related to former Hammer John. I can confirm that he is the great man's son.
Not only is there a family resemblance, but George is also putting himself
about in the centre of midfleld, just like his Dad used to do a decade ago.
31 min - Underwood is up again and hobbling off. It was his hip it seems.
He's walking a bit gingerly but he won't want to go off. Sure enough, after
a short interlude, he is back in the fray.
30 min - Underwood is still down. It looks like his back is the injured part
of his body. He looks in a bit of pain and might have to be replaced.
28 min - A superb tackle from Lampe denies Tiptree forward Underwood. The
striker felt that challenge and requires treatment from the physio.
26 min - Smith rolls the ball to Sanchez, who is in an unaccustomed wide
right position. Unfortunately, the Spaniard fires a shot harmlessly over the
top when a cross to Werndly on the pback post looked a better option.
24 min - Big chance for Werndly after he latches on to Sanchez's superb
through pass, but the midfielder's touch lets him down and Ruthers is able
to smother.
23 min - Plenty of intricate passing from both teams, but Werndly's early
volley is the closest either side have come to opening the scoring.
20 min - This is a good, even contest so far. A word about the pitch. It is
in immaculate condition and both teams are using the facilities well.
Neither set of defenders are hoofing the ball long. Both are looking to
build from the back, which is making the game easy on the eye.
18 min - We're back under way again and Wearen immediately lets fly from 30
yards. His drive is well-struck but easily held by goalkeeper Ruthers in
front of his face.
17 min - There is a brief pause as Tiptree player Owen receives treatment
for a leg injury. Hammers manager Paul Hilton is using the break to issue
some instructions to his players.
16 min - Lampe does well again to get in the way of a goalbound shot from
Owen.
15 min - Tiptree forward English puts a dangerous cross into the West Ham
penalty area, but Jack Lampe gets back well to hook the ball clear.
14 min - West Ham are starting to take control of the game now. A fluent
passing move spans the width of the pitch, but Miles Smith's cross is too
close to the goalkeeper.
12 min - Jordan Brown goes on a buccaneering run down the left wing,
hurdling two challenges before rolling the ball to Declan Hunt, but his shot
flies over the crossbar from 25 yards.
11 min - Eoin Wearen sends Danny Subuola away down the inside-left channel.
He unleashes a shot, which is blocked. The ball rolls back to the striker,
but again his shot is blocked by a Tiptree defender.
10 min - The good news is that the rain has stopped. It's now a very
pleasant evening in the town made famous by the nearby Wilkins jam factory.
9 min - Both teams are taking advantage of the slick surface by keeping the
ball on the ground. We're nearly ten minutes in, but the game has yet to
settle down fully.
7 min - Deniz Mehmet does well to beat away a shot from Illott, but the
Tiptree attacker was in an offside position.
6 min - West Ham are seeing the majority of the ball early on. The Hammers
are playing a 4-1-4-1 formation with Sergio Sanchez in a holding midfield
role.
3 min - Jack Werndly works home goalkeeper Ruthers with a snap volley that
the stopper does well to beat away.
1 min - We're under way here and the rain has started again at Chapel Road.
Welcome to Chapel Road for tonight's pre-season friendly between West Ham
United's Under-18 side and Essex Senior League outfit Tiptree United.
The weather is a bit changeable here in Essex, but the pre-match rain shower
appears to have ended just in time for kick-off.
West Ham United U18: Mehmet (Larkins 84), Smith (Turgot 46), Sanchez,
McNaughton, Lampe (Craig 60), Brown (Driver 60), Moncur, Werndly (Purdy 46),
Wearen (Vose 65), Subuola (Powell 65), Hunt (Fanimo 46)
Tiptree United: Ruthers (Belcher 60), Harvey, Loonan (Nobbs 60), Beale,
White, Owen, Ward, Clarke (Brown 69), Underwood, English (Nelson 55), Illott
(Bristol 55)
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Moncur denies Jam-Makers
WHUFC.com
A late George Moncur strike secured a 2-2 draw for the U18s at Tiptree
United on Wednesday
22.07.2009
West Ham United's Under-18s got their pre-season campaign off to an exciting
start as Paul Hilton's side drew 2-2 at Tiptree United.
George Moncur's 86th-minute equaliser was enough to earn the Hammers a share
of the spoils following an end-to-end encounter at Chapel Road.
A goalless first half featured few goalscoring opportunities, with Jack
Werndly coming closest to hitting the net. However, the midfielder's volley
was turned aside by home goalkeeper Ruthers.
Proceedings livened up considerably after the break on a pleasant evening in
north Essex, and it was no surprise when the opening goal of the night
arrived on 55 minutes.
What was a surprise, however, was the identity of the scorer. Sergio Sanchez
burst forward from right-back before latching on to substitute Mathias
Fanimo's through ball and smashing a rising, angled shot past Ruthers.
Tiptree's response was immediate. Nelson, only sent on as a substitute
following Sanchez's goal, scored within a minute, capitalising on a loose
clearance to slot into the roof of the net from close-range.
The Jam-Makers looked like making toast of the Hammers five minutes later
when Lee Underwood put the home side ahead. The striker showed great
composure to race on to Lee Owen's pass and clip the ball over the advancing
Deniz Mehmet.
West Ham looked to have run out of ideas and could have fallen further
behind, but Underwood's 85th-minute strike cannoned back off the crossbar
with Mehmet well beaten.
However, Hilton's youngsters refused to cave in and were rewarded when
Moncur - the son of former Hammers midfielder John - picked up the ball and
smashed it past substitute goalkeeper Belcher from fully 25 yards.
There was still time for another pair of anxious moments in the West Ham
defence, with replacement stopper Jake Larkins tipping Owen's shot over and
Bristol heading the resulting corner against the far post, but the visitors
held on for a well-earned and thoroughly deserved draw.
Hilton will have been pleased with the application and attitude shown by his
young squad, who stuck to their principles of fluent, passing football on a
beautiful playing surface.
Tiptree, too, deserve credit for their approach and style of play.
The U18s return to action on Saturday morning, when they make the short trip
across London to face their Tottenham Hotspur counterparts. A number of the
players used on Wednesday evening could also be involved in Friday night's
West Ham United XI friendly at Thurrock.
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Hammers land striker
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 22nd July 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed the capture of Frank Nouble from Chelsea. The
17-year-old striker has signed a five-year deal with the Hammers having
turned down a professional contract with the West London outfit. Nouble,
talking to whufc.com this morning said: "I am really looking forward to
showing what I can do. West Ham are renowned for bringing through young
players and hopefully I can be in the next batch. "This came out of the
blue. The news came out that I rejected at Chelsea and obviously I thank
them for what they have done for me but I am just happy that a club like
West Ham came in for me. They showed their interest and for me it was a case
of saying 'Yes' straight away. I am just happy to be here. "I am reaching
the age where I want to be in and around the first team more than anything -
learning from the big players that have done really well here; Mark Noble,
Carlton Cole and players like that. I want to emulate what they have done."
Meanwhile Hammers CEO Scott Duxbury has moved quickly to quell fears that
West Ham's hunt for new attacking options has ended with the arrival of
Nouble. "I can assure fans we are concentrating on adding more quality to
our attack to complement those we already have," he said. "This is an
extremely busy time of the year and Gianluca Nani and I are working hard to
bring in the players that Gianfranco feels will improve his squad for the
new season."
Chelsea fans on Nouble
"His speed and ability means he can play very effectively as a winger, which
is where he plays the majority of the time. So he has that option as well if
he is looking at breaking into the first team. I want[ed] to see him stay
because the lad is a beast of a player. "Gutted to see him go and I have no
doubt we will see him doing very good things in the future..."
- EskWeston
"West Ham have done to us what we have been doing to them for years. This
kid is a player who has the ability to become a quality Premiership player."
- Badboy
"He is a good young talent but let's face it - there was no way he was going
to get into our first team anytime soon. If we look on the bright side we
now have Sturridge who is miles better, IMO."
- Matterz
"Hopefully he'll have a good season this year with them. Hopefully Zola can
use him ASAP and show Carlo and co that we do have talented youngsters and
to give them a chance in once a while. I hope he has a great season this
year, he's under a great man and a great manager."
- Zansnake
"What a shame, one day that kid is going to be a star."
- Jessman
"Power, pace, finishing. All this and he's only 17/18 years of age. I read
somewhere he covers 100m in 10.5 secs - and he is built like a bull. Can
only imagine how great he would be at 22-23 and further..."
- Warnie 666
Comments from talkchelsea.net
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West Ham confirm Nouble deal
Starlet delighted with Hammers switch
Last updated: 22nd July 2009
SSN
West Ham have confirmed the signing of Frank Nouble from Premier League
rivals Chelsea. As exclusively revealed by skysports.com earlier this month,
West Ham were lining up a move for the teenager after he rejected the offer
of a professional contract at Chelsea. Nouble has signed a five-year deal at
Upton Park and he is looking forward to joining West Ham. "It is a great day
for me and my family," Nouble told the club's official website. "I am just
excited now to get started at this club. "I am really looking forward to
showing what I can do. West Ham are renowned for bringing through young
players and hopefully I can be in the next batch. "This came out of the
blue. The news came out that I rejected at Chelsea and obviously I thank
them for what they have done for me but I am just happy that a club like
West Ham came in for me. "They showed their interest and for me it was a
case of saying 'Yes' straight away. I am just happy to be here."
West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury was delighted to land the
highly-rated attacker and revealed the club are looking to add more striking
reinforcements to Gianfranco Zola's side. "I am very pleased to be able to
welcome Frank to West Ham where he will have the opportunity to compete for
a place in Gianfranco's first-team squad," noted Duxbury. "He has a very
bright future and we will give him every chance to succeed. This is an
excellent signing for the club. "I can also assure fans we are concentrating
on adding more quality to our attack to complement those we already have.
"This is an extremely busy time of the year and Gianluca Nani and I are
working hard to bring in the players that Gianfranco feels will improve his
squad for the new season."
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Eidur Gudjohnsen tempted by move to West Ham from Barcelona
The Mirror
By Darren Lewis 23/07/2009
Eidur Gudjohnsen admits he is thinking over a move to West Ham and the
chance to work alongside Gianfranco Zola once again. Gudjohnsen has been
linked with a move to Upton Park after spending three years playing
alongside the Hammers boss at Chelsea. The Barcelona midfielder may have won
the Champions League, La Liga and the Spanish Cup, but he has failed to
secure a regular first-team place at the Nou Camp. Gudjohnsen, 30, said: "My
future is a little bit uncertain. I can't confirm if I am staying or
leaving. I think it is a matter of time and only time will tell what will
happen. "Whether I move depends on a lot of things, but my decision will be
only sporting, nothing else. I'm not at a stage where I've spoken to any
other club. "I had a great time in England and lived here for eight years so
it comes natural to be back. I had a very successful spell at Chelsea."
West Ham's French winger Julien Faubert is wanted by German giants Schalke
04 - after his surprise loan spell with Real Madrid. Faubert can leave the
Hammers and the Bundesliga outfit want him on loan and then sign him
permanently. He cost £6.1million from Bordeaux in July 2007.
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Socceroos captain Lucas Neill set to join Galatasaray, according to reports
By staff writers
July 23, 2009
Foxsports.com.au
Socceroos captain Lucas Neill is reportedly on the verge of turning his back
on the Barclays Premier League to join Turkish club Galatasaray. The
defender is now a free agent after he rejected a new contract with West Ham
United. Neill had reportedly refused to take a pay cut to re-sign with the
Hammers and looked headed away from Upton Park, only for talks to resume
with the hope of the 31-year-old staying at the London club. But reports now
have Neill going to Galatasaray on a free transfer for what would likely be
the last big contract of his career. This time last year, Neill was linked
to Galatasaray when West Ham were considering cutting their wage bill.
"The West Ham thing is off," the Daily Star quoted a source. "It looks like
he's going to Galatasaray."
Neill is reportedly eager to sign for Galatasaray, where he will be reunited
with Australia teammate Harry Kewell. Turksish newspaper Takvim reported a
club board member would travel from Istanbul to London this week to meet
Neill and finalise a deal. But, according to another report, Galatasaray
officials have tired of the month-long negotiations to bring Neill to the
club and have Chelsea defender Juliano Belletti as a back-up plan.
Brazilian Belletti played under Galatasaray coach Frank Rijkaard when the
Dutchman was coach of Barcelona, scoring in the UEFA Champions League win
over Arsenal in 2006. Although Neill would join the Turkish giants on a free
transfer, Galatasaray would have to pay Chelsea up to $8.6 million for
33-year-old Belletti but Rijkaard is keen to reunite with the Brazilian.
Neill spent two season with West Ham, playing 78 league games for the club,
scoring once.
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'I can't confirm whether I'm staying or leaving'
Sport.co.uk
Author: Ben Moss
Posted on: 22 July 2009 - 15:27
The former Chelsea and Bolton striker Eidur Gudjohnsen has revealed he is
unsure if he will remain a Barcelona player, amid interest from a host of
Premier League clubs including Everton, Sunderland, Aston Villa, and most
notably West Ham. The Icelandic international played his 100th game for the
European Champions last year, but has featured predominantly from the bench
under Josep Guradiola. Speaking from Bisham Abbey where Barcelona are
training ahead of this weekend's Wembley Cup preseason tournament, the
30-year-old was uncertain about where he would be playing next season.
Gudjohnsen said: "I can't confirm whether I'm staying or leaving. I think
it's a matter of time and only time will tell what will happen. My future is
a little bit uncertain," "For the moment I'm a Barcelona player but we all
know in football that everything can change very quickly." "I'm only
thinking about getting myself fit for the new season, whether that be with
Barcelona or another club. We will see." "I look back at my time (in
England) with great memories. It was a wonderful time but whether I will
return to England is not so sure. I think we can only see what the future
holds." "Whether I move depends on a lot of things, but my decision will be
only sporting, nothing else," He added: "I'm not at a stage where I've
spoken to any other club. Maybe in the future I will be able to comment."
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Coveted Argentine eager for Premier League chance
Sport.co.uk
Author: Ben Moss
Posted on: 22 July 2009 - 14:49
Anderlecht midfielder Lucas Biglia is eager to bolster his World Cup chances
with Argentina next year by playing in the Premier League, and the player's
agent has encouraged a host of clubs including Tottenham, West Ham, Everton,
Aston Villa, Sunderland and Blackburn to formally register their alleged
interest in the player.
The 23-year-old midfielder has been regularly watched over the last two
years, and last season he firmly established himself as one of the best
player's in Belgium.
At the beginning of May, the former Independiente starlet put in a
remarkable individual display against Roeselare, capping a brilliant
performance with a wonder goal in front of Premier League representatives
from Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool in addition to the
aforementioned clubs.
Having represented Argentina at Under 17 and Under 20 level with the likes
of Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi, the player has been widely tipped to be
included in Diego Maradona's plans for next year's World Cup. His British
agent Barry McIntosh told skysports.com "We know there is interest in Lucas,
and they know that he is keen on moving to England," "Lucas wants to play
for Argentina, and he knows playing in England is a fantastic showcase for
him to display his talents." "He has already shunned offers to move
elsewhere." "He is good friends with Javier Mascherano, having played with
him in all the youth teams and he has seen what a big success he has been in
England." "He would love to play with Javier again at senior level, and we
think that is very achievable."
Biglia has reportedly rejected a move to Deportivo La Coruna and Fenerbahce,
while Lazio and Roma have also shown an interest in the youngster. Having
recently gained an Italian passport he is now free to move anywhere in
Europe, and his agent has seemingly invited interested parties to begin the
bidding.
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Faubert in the dark over Hammers future
EastLondonAdvertiser.co.uk
22 July 2009
By JONATHAN CLEGG
West Ham misfit Julien Faubert admits that he has no idea whether he still
has a future at Upton Park despite returning to the club for pre-season
training. Former France international Faubert has struggled to make an
impact since joining the Hammers in a £6.1m move from Bordeaux in August
2007 and was expected to leave the club this summer. The 25-year-old was
shipped out to Real Madrid on loan in January but was unable to secure a
permanent switch to the Bernabeu and he is now back at Upton Park. Yet
despite starting both of West Ham's friendly matches, Faubert admits he is
unsure whether he will still be at the club for the new Premier League
season. He said: "Maybe I will stay, maybe I won't. "I will try to do my
best and we'll see what happens."
Faubert has previously revealed his desire to quit West Ham after
complaining that the club's top brass had no faith in him. Yet the versatile
defender now insists he is willing to remain with the Hammers and challenge
for a first-team berth. "I'm happy to be back at West Ham. Madrid was a good
experience, a big club and the training was very good like it is here,"
Faubert said. "But I am happy to come back to West Ham. Faubert's future at
West Ham could hinge on developments with Lucas Neill, who was this week
reported to be closing on a deal with Turkish giants Galatasaray following a
breakdown in talks with the Hammers. Neill's departure would leave West Ham
with a void at Faubert's preferred position of right-back. And the former
Bordeaux ace is eager to grasp his opportunity during pre-season in a bid to
earn back his place in the starting line-up ahead of the new campaign. "I
am a little bit tired but I am ready to play," Faubert said. "Pre-season is
like this - we have to work and to push the level very high to get ready for
the Premier League."
Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola has previously indicated that Faubert could
remain at Upton Park, despite speculation linking the player with a move to
German outfit Bayer Leverkusen. Yet Zola is adamant that both Faubert and
Calum Davenport, who was loaned to Sunderland in January following reports
of a dressing-room bust-up with the Italian, must prove that they deserve a
second opportunity at the club. "We will see, obviously," Zola said. "We are
building on what we had last year, so if they can fit in our team, they're
welcome."
Faubert has already made a positive impression on the Hammers boss after
shedding more than half a stone during the summer in a bid to improve his
physical condition.
He said: I worked during my holiday and lost some weight so I can run a lot.
"I went to an Italian fitness centre where I lost four and a half kilos.
After I came back I felt good.
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