WHUFC.com
The club has joined forces with Newham Council on a joint bid to occupy the Olympic Stadium after 2012
23.03.2010
West Ham United and Newham Council are working on a plan for a joint bid to occupy the Olympic Stadium and guarantee it provides a viable and lasting legacy after the 2012 Games. The proposal would be to make the venue a vibrant centre of sport, culture and education, featuring both football and athletics. Open day and night all year round, it would have an active community use, inspiring learning and achievement and helping to create a better quality of life for tens of thousands. The football club and the council believe the move could result in the first-ever successful post-Games use of an Olympic stadium, generating much-needed employment in the area and making for a healthier East London by increasing sports and physical activity. They say the initiative could bring a wider benefit too. One of the ideas being examined is to incorporate an Olympic visitor centre and football museum at the stadium. Together with the other attractions in the Olympic Park and the neighbouring Westfield Stratford City shopping centre it could make the venue one of the nation's favourite destinations. Discussions are focusing on how such a partnership might work and the full implications of a joint bid. Both parties are mindful of the pledge given to the International Olympic Committee that a London Games will leave a solid athletics legacy. But they are calling for a solution to be found that will allow football and other sports to share the venue and prevent it from becoming a "ghost of Olympics past".
If a joint bid is viable, it will be submitted to the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC). The OPLC is responsible for the long-term development, management and maintenance of the Park after the Games and is inviting proposals for the stadium. West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady said: "We are very excited to be working with Newham and are already bursting with some fantastic and innovative ideas. West Ham United is a people's club at the heart of its community and, like the Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales and the council, we want to grab this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a real, life-changing legacy - not just for this part of London, but for the wider area as well. "It's about realising the full potential of the Olympic Park. As well-established local organisations, Newham Council and West Ham United are best placed to make it happen. If achievable it is the ideal answer for those who, rightly, demand a sustainable legacy from the 2012 Games and not a white elephant. "We acknowledge the need for the stadium to host world-class athletics and so it should. But it can accommodate football, too - and a whole lot more. There has to be a way of achieving that."
Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, said: "The last thing anyone wants is for the Olympic Stadium to become a ghost of Olympics past. We were concerned about this when London successfully won the bid to host the 2012 Games and we continue to be concerned. "The only realistic solution is to make the stadium work for a Premier League football team and that should be West Ham United. We have never understood why that wasn't obvious. "Look at what Manchester did after the Commonwealth Games. Why can't we do that here? West Ham understands the community. It will mean there is a tenant that will look after the place, rather than let it go to ruin."
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Faubert up for fight
WHUFC.com
He has missed the last two games but Julien Faubert is hopeful of being back for the cause soon
23.03.2010
Julien Faubert has been working hard on his rehab in order to get back into contention for the final eight matches of West Ham United's season. The right-back has been an impressive performer this campaign, cementing a place in Gianfranco Zola's first team. Before he limped out with a hamstring injury against Bolton Wanderers on 6 March, he had scored one goal and made two more in the previous two fixtures at the Boleyn Ground. As such, he is eager to return on home soil It remains to be seen whether he will figure against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday night but if called upon, Faubert is up for the fight. "I feel better and better on the pitch but the toughest matches are still to come," he said. "I feel great and I am positive. The physical work that I did during the summer is paying off."
Reflecting on his recent contribution to the team in the attacking third before his two-game lay-off that ruled him out against Chelsea and Arsenal, Faubert admitted he took as much pleasure creating as scoring. "I hadn't scored for a while so it was a good feeling to find the net again, especially as a full-back. "Nowadays, full-backs are always part of the game. I was really pleased to score [against Hull] but I was even more thrilled to give the decisive pass in that match to Carlton Cole. I love playing the key ball through to a goalscorer as much as scoring myself. That pass that I made to Carlton, though, gave me more satisfaction."
Playing in his preferred role rather than on the right wing, Faubert has a greater appreciation for the team's defensive efforts and believes they have improved. He also takes great comfort from the man behind him. "Robert Green has saved us in a few matches with some great saves. He is definitely the No1 for England."
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Return of the Mac
WHUFC.com
Wolverhampton Wanderers could finally be the chance for Benni McCarthy to make his home debut
23.03.2010
Benni McCarthy is hoping with the visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers to finally make his Boleyn Ground bow on Tuesday nearly two months after arriving in east London. The South Africa striker made only his second appearance on Saturday away to Arsenal, having limped out of action on his Hammers debut at Burnley five days after he signed. McCarthy has eight games left to make his mark this season and is determined to do just that considering the need to pick up points quickly. "From now on every game is a final for us," McCarthy said. "We just got to go out there and win against Wolves. Our home games are crucial. We will face teams in and around us. We need to win. "It is not about making excuses, we have to win those matches. The more we win, obviously the easier we will make it for ourselves. That is the way to safety."
McCarthy's late cameo at the Emirates still saw him have enough time go close with a header, with only the attentions of a resurgent Sol Campbell preventing him a clear sight of goal. "Sol is a very experienced player and he just nudged me and the header went a little wide. "That I got myself in that goalscoring situation is the main thing, though. Even though I have been out injured, I haven't forgotten about the runs I need to make and where it is important for me to be to score goals. I am confident I can help us get the goals we need in the next few weeks. "It was really good to be back. I felt like I had been out for ages and it is great the manager gave me a little run and the feel of what it is like to play a tough game. Hopefully I will get another opportunity on Tuesday or maybe even a start. That would be something special."
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Meet the Joint-Chairman update
WHUFC.com
Supporters in the Greenwood and Lyall Lounge should note the start time for this evening
23.03.2010
Fans coming along this evening to see joint-chairman David Gold speak in the Greenwood and Lyall Lounge should note the sold-out Q & A session will start from around 6.15pm. Tickets have all been snapped up but a small number of spaces remain for hospitality elsewhere in the stadium. For those fortunate enough to be in the Greenwood and Lyall Lounge, they will be able to hear the joint-chairman answering a range of questions. In his exclusive column in today's matchday programme, Mr Gold said: "Before the match, I will also get a chance to meet some of the supporters in the Greenwood and Lyall Lounge. This is something I believe in. "I like to hear what supporters are thinking and answer their questions. I am looking forward to it as it great to discuss our shared passion for the future of this fantastic football club and consider the main issues, of which there are many. Those who missed out on tonight's package, which costs just £100 per person plus VAT, should look out for more great offers to come in the remaining home matches. Greenwood & Lyall Lounge guests take their place in special VIP seating that offers a fantastic view of the action from behind the Bobby Moore Stand goal. The deal also offers a three-course menu with complimentary matchday programmes and tea and coffee throughout the evening. For more information on matchday hospitality and sponsorship opportunities for this or any other game, please call our sales team on 0871 221 2700 or email corporatesales@westhamunited.co.uk
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Dyer all smiles again
WHUFC.com
Manager Alex Dyer was a happy man following Tuesday's impressive reserve-team victory at Arsenal
22.03.2010
Alex Dyer was brimming with pride after Monday's 2-0 Barclays Premier Reserve League South win at Arsenal. Dyer's players - some of whom have been told they will be leaving the club in the summer - followed their manager's instructions to the letter at Underhill, adapting superbly to a new 3-5-2 formation to score a disciplined victory, which followed hot on the heels of success against Chelsea's second string. While Davide Ferrari and Terry Dixon found the scoresheet and goalkeeper Peter Kurucz produced an outstanding display, every single player contributed to the Gunners' downfall. At the back, captain Jordan Spence marshalled a back-three containing scholars Sergio Sanchez and Jordan Brown, Ferrari and Olly Lee provided width, while Josh Payne caught the eye in the centre of midfield. Up front, Dixon and Ahmed Abdulla constantly harried the Arsenal back-four. "It was an excellent night's work," said Dyer, whose side had beaten Chelsea last time out. "The boys worked hard from back to front. We played a different formation because I thought - I've watched Arsenal every year and they play such good football - that it would be nice if we could go and close up shop a little bit without stopping our own attacking shape. "I played three centre-halves who were very compact, and I had two wing-backs who could get up and down the flanks. The three midfield men in front of them did well too. Josh Payne, who has been released, put in a great performance. "You take your hats off to the boys who have got to look for other clubs. They could have easily gone through the motions, but they need to show people that they can perform and they can play - and they all can play. It was a good result for the club."
Dyer's plan was to allow Arsenal to keep the ball, but shut down their space as they approached the penalty area. With three centre-backs playing tight to one another, the Gunners were unable to thread balls through the West Ham defence until the final few minutes. When they did, Dutch midfielder Nacer Barazite and defender Ignasi Miquel found Hungarian Kurucz in inspired form. "Even though we scored early, before we did, we didn't really get a kick of the ball and I was thinking 'Did I do the right thing?'. We worked on it, and knew we might have to give up possession and play on the counterattack, but when we broke we were sharp. We had a few opportunities in the whole game and we scored from two of them through two clinical finishes. "For us to win the game, it was also important that our goalkeeper played well and he was outstanding. He made four or five outstanding saves. He wants to play in the reserve-team games and he came and performed excellently. You take your hat off to the goalkeeper coaches - Jerome John works hard with him when he's with us."
Dyer was also delighted to see his own tactical plan come to fruition, but was quick to pass the credit from himself on to his young players. "I'm pleased that we got the points that we deserved. I'm chuffed because it was the first time I'd had a group of players to work with for a period of time. We worked out a few days ago what we were going to do and they gave it a good go. It was in their hearts though, and they all gave 100 per cent and wanted to do well. Collectively, it worked well for us."
*For highlights of Monday's victory and exclusive post-match reaction from captain Jordan Spence and goalkeeper Peter Kurucz, visit WHUTV on Tuesday.
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TC Testimonial: Di Canio to play
WHUFC.com
Paolo Di Canio has agreed to play for Tony Carr's Academy All-Star squad in his Testimonial match
23.03.2010
Hello everyone,
I have some great news regarding an extra-special guest player who has agreed to turn out for me in my Testimonial match. I have been in contact with Paolo Di Canio's agent and have had written confirmation that Paolo will play for me and will be wearing the claret and blue again on 5 May. I'm sure you are all as excited as I am about the prospect of seeing Paolo doing his thing again, almost seven years to the day since he made his last first-team appearance for us at Birmingham City. Paolo is a big favourite of West Ham United fans and this is a big treat not only for myself, but for all the fans who never thought they would see him gracing the Boleyn Ground pitch again. I have told Paolo that he will have to behave himself, though, and that there will be no pushing the referee or anything like that! We are also working on another couple of special guest players, and I shall reveal their identities as and when we have confirmation from them. I know there has been some discussion about whether or not the whole of Upton Park will be open on the night. It is simply the case that, should the demand be there, then the whole of the stadium will be open. Following discussions with the Testimonial committee, it was considered the best course of action to sell tickets for the lower tiers first, rather than have parcels of fans sitting all over the stadium if it is not full. If the demand is there, then the whole ground will be open, and I hope that will be the case. There are still six weeks to go until the match, and I understand that, with times hard, supporters will be saving their money and buying their tickets nearer to the date of the game. We are looking forward to making it a good occasion, not only celebrating my 37 years at the club, but also the careers of the players who have come through the Academy and gone on to achieve success in the game. Finally, my committee are thinking about holding a Testimonial dinner to round off the year's events later in the year - maybe in September or October - but that is still at the planning stage at this moment. Suffice to say, I shall keep supporters up to date with any announcements through whufc.com and the matchday programme.
Tony Carr
Academy Director
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Parker issues rallying cry
West Ham midfielder ready for relegation battle
Last updated: 23rd March 2010
SSN
Scott Parker has called on everyone at West Ham to pull together and avoid relegation. The Hammers have endured a difficult 12 months off the pitch and have been forced to make changes to their squad to reduce the wage bill. But new owners David Gold and David Sullivan have helped to stabilise the financial situation and West Ham's main concern now is staying in the Premier League. Gianfranco Zola's men are currently one place, and three points, above the bottom three with eight games of the season remaining. Parker is ready for the challenge and has urged his team-mates to make sure they finish off the campaign strongly. "There have obviously been problems here. It's been a tough time for the club on and off the field. A lot of uncertainty," he told the Daily Mail. "But I've read what the new owners have been saying and they are massive West Ham fans who want the club to go forward. "Right now we all need to pull together and make sure we're still in the Premier League next season. We have to fight on."
Parker believes the management team of Zola and Steve Clarke deserve great credit for the job they have done this season and feels the players have let them down at times.
He explained: "It hasn't been easy. We've had to sell players and when you look at the squad compared to a year ago, we've lost some key individuals. "Respect has to go to the manager for dealing with that and to Steve Clarke, who's probably the best coach I've worked with. At Chelsea and here. "But at the same time we also have to take responsibility. We haven't quite delivered what we should have as players and as a team we need to put that right."
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First Lady of Football Brady eyeing last laugh at embattled West Ham
Tuesday, 23rd March 2010
Hammers vice-chairman and Apprentice star on the effect of relegation, moving to the Olympic Stadium and Zola
FRANK DALLERES
CityAM.com
ANYONE willing to succeed the much-loved Margaret Mountford as Alan Sugar's sidekick on The Apprentice is clearly on first-name terms with daunting tasks, but Karren Brady may have surpassed herself with the role of vice-chairman at West Ham. Among the Premier League's most illustrious clubs but staring down the barrel of financial ruin, they are £110m in debt and facing further huge losses if they cannot scramble clear of relegation in the next seven weeks. Brady, one of Britain's most high-profile businesswomen with 17 years' experience in football, has been tempted back to the game by the Hammers' new owners and tasked with resuscitating their off-field performance. Or as she puts it, in characteristically bluff terms, "bridging the gap between financial disaster and running a business".
West Ham ran into trouble when their Icelandic former owners lost a fortune in the credit crunch, while costly legal battles have deepened their worries. However the club's new proprietors, David Sullivan and David Gold, who hired the 23-year-old Brady to run Birmingham in 1993 and made her appointment their first move when they bought West Ham in January, attribute much of the blame to mismanagement by the Nordic regime. Brady has previously referred to £62,000 being lavished on taxis in the space of nine months and, although she is reluctant to offer more specifics, her description of the organisation, or lack of, that she inherited at Upton Park is damning.
"The reason West Ham is in the situation it's in is the lack of controls," says Brady, dubbed the First Lady of Football. "Everybody can do anything they like at any given time. So you can spend what you want, how you want, when you want, and nobody checks, authorises or processes it. And that is why the club is in a big mess. Nobody knows the cost of any sale either. If they are selling a [hospitality] package that includes 10 meals and five bottles of champagne, they haven't worked out the difference between what it costs to put the event on and what the profit is. I'd never experienced a business lacking such controls. And without any strategy, really. I hate that, when you go to a football club and say 'What do you think you are going to do this year?' And they say 'Well, I hope we do better than last year'. Well, I think that's leaving a little bit too much to fate."
SAVVY OPERATOR
A dire situation could yet turn disastrous if the Hammers drop out of the top flight. With eight games remaining – the first tonight against Wolves – they dangle three points above the relegation zone. Ticket and shirt sponsorship revenue for the next few seasons has already been banked to keep the club afloat, while what income remains will be slashed to the tune of at least £30m if they drop into the Championship. "It would be a very difficult challenge," says Brady, who is being paid directly by Sullivan and Gold rather than the club.
Portsmouth became the biggest club yet to go into administration earlier this year – can West Ham avoid going the same way if they go down? "The club can survive, oh yes," she offers. "In what form it survives is another question." She adds: "I think people at West Ham think there has been some severe cost-cutting already but it will be far worse if we are relegated."
Brady, 40, is known as a savvy operator and is too canny to be drawn on Sullivan's remarks that his players and manager, the popular Gianfranco Zola, are overpaid – "what is relevant is I have to make sure the club is in a position to pay the wages" – but says Zola has been hampered by injuries and calls the Italian "a very good manager". She lauds the club's famous academy, which has spawned England stars Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Jermain Defoe, and says any cuts will not affect youth development. "That would have to be ring-fenced because that is one of the very big strengths of West Ham."
One of Brady's key objectives is to secure a deal for West Ham to play at the £537m Olympic Stadium in Stratford post-2012, which she calls "a once in a lifetime opportunity". "It seems obvious, if there is a stadium being built a few streets away in our district costing half a billion pounds then, rather than dismantle it or not use it when the Games finish, that we should have it." The arena will hold 80,000 and, although capacity is likely to be reduced after the Games, will still offer more earning potential than 35,000-seater Upton Park. Sceptics ask how an athletics legacy will be retained and whether West Ham will pay to lease the stadium; Brady says: "We have to look at the costings of it, and that's the process we're undergoing now."
Another potential snag could be Brady's eagerness to sell naming rights for West Ham's next home – be it the Olympic Stadium or not – as Arsenal have for the Emirates Stadium. "I'm very for it. I think anything you can do to generate revenue that isn't from the football supporter is a good thing. If we did move we would most certainly be looking for a stadium sponsor, whilst remaining honest to our heritage and the fact the stadium has been borne out of the Olympics, we'd have to be very sensitive to that." Brady also believes the club may be able to attract sponsorship for their academy, adding: "It's about looking at where sponsors want to be associated with your football club."
WORKING MOTHER
Portsmouth's plight has given momentum to plans to toughen up football's financial rules, with moves in the pipeline that would force clubs to break even. "If that was the rule among all clubs in the world, then maybe that's something we would look at. What we can't have is that England has to break even and Italy can do what it likes," she says. "It's how it's monitored, managed and implemented. You could have a situation where the owner could sponsor the shirts, putting in £50m; the club would break even but it hasn't really generated £50m of income."
If the West Ham job were not hard enough, she crams it into three days a week. The rest of her time she spends on myriad other roles: her new billing on The Apprentice, non-executive directorships at Channel 4, Mothercare and Sport England, various newspaper and magazine columns and England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup. Married to Burton Albion manager Paul Peschisolido, whom she met when he was a player at Birmingham, she is a proud parent and says the title 'working mother' fits well as "my children and my work are the two most important things in my life". Brady is an active campaigner for more women in the boardroom, is proud 75 per cent of her senior managers at Birmingham were female and says the sexism she encountered initially no longer exists.
Such a demanding workload means Brady works a seven-day week, and she revels in the motto: "nothing is work unless you'd rather be doing something else". A brain haemorrhage suffered four years ago only reminded her how much she enjoys her many roles, and, although the danger has now passed, she prefers not to dwell on it. "If you think about it too often you'd probably crawl up into a ball and not do much." That is hardly something of which Brady could be accused.
Karren Brady is an ambassador for the Nokia E72 In Action campaign – sharing tips on how Brits can run their business and social life from a mobile. For more information visit: nokia.co.uk/e72inaction
CV | KARREN BRADY
Age: 40
Work: Started out at Saatchi & Saatchi, moved to LBC and Sport Newspapers before being made MD of Birmingham City in 1993, where she stayed until the club's sale last year. Appointed vice-chairman of West Ham in January 2010. Non-executive roles include Channel 4 and Mothercare. Media work includes The Apprentice and a weekly column in The Sun newspaper
Education: Poles Convent boarding school, Ware; Aldenham School 6th Form, Elstree
Lives: Solihull, West Midlands
Family: Married to Paul with two children, Sophia and Paolo
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Plymouth want outright deal for West Ham defender N'Gala
24.03.10 | tribalfootball.com
Plymouth Argyle are keen to keep hold of West Ham United defender Bondz N'Gala. The People says Plymouth will offer on-loan N'Gala a permanent deal - if he proves himself at Home Park. N'Gala, 20, has joined on loan after failing to land a long-term deal at Upton Park - with Southampton waiting in the wings if the Pilgrims don't move in.
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