WHUFC.com
Avram Grant ran the rule over 24 different players as the Hammers won away
to Peterborough United
14.07.2010
Peterborough United 1-2 West Ham United
Carlton Cole and Anthony Edgar were on target as Avram Grant's West Ham
United got their pre-season campaign under way with a good work-out away to
Peterborough United. England striker Cole produced a neat finish to score
midway through the first half, although the goal owed much to debutant
Thomas Hitzlsperger. The Germany midfielder was at the heart of the play in
a starting eleven captained by Mark Noble and featuring Luis Boa Morte
before the manager shuffled his pack at the break. A younger side found it a
tougher task after the interval with Peterborough demonstrating their
superior fitness - they have already played three matches this summer.
Despite conceding an equaliser, Anthony Edgar was able to strike a superb
winning goal on 65 minutes after running at the Posh defence. There was the
welcome presence of Herita Ilunga, James Tomkins, Kieron Dyer and Benni
McCarthy all returning after finishing last season on the sidelines. Most
bizarre, though, was the sight of former world heavyweight champion Mike
Tyson taking to the London Road pitch at half-time.
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Manager delighted with display
WHUFC.com
Seeing his first summer signing settle in straight away was a major plus
point at Peterborough
15.07.2010
Avram Grant declared himself "very pleased" after his first taste of life as
West Ham United manager ended in a 2-1 victory at Peterborough United. The
friendly match was a welcome contest for the new manager and he was able to
assess 24 players - including scheduled half-hour run-outs for the fit-again
Herita Ilunga and Kieron Dyer. The duo could be like new signings for the
Hammers after missing out on the majority of last season but the one actual
new recruit to date this summer was to prove the main man. Grant was full of
praise for Thomas Hitzlsperger's contribution after the Germany midfielder
lit up London Road on Wednesday evening with some delightful passing and
strong box-to-box work - all capped off by a great assist for Carlton Cole's
opener.
"He is a good player," said the manager, who was also pleased with the likes
of match-winning Academy graduate Anthony Edgar. "I said when I started here
that we want good professional players that know how to play good football
that can help our young talented players. You saw this tonight. Thomas did
very well. "We want to see young players in the team. Alongside them though
we want good positive experienced players and Thomas is one of them. He is
our first signing and he is so professional and a good example for the
others."
Grant also acknowledged Cole's contribution in a lively first half that saw
him spearhead a three-man forward line with Luis Boa Morte and Junior
Stanislas. "Carlton was good. He scored a fantastic goal. He is important
for us and we are very pleased to see all the injured players come back and
play without any problems. "I am very pleased. We have trained for ten days
and this is just the first game. The players did their job. We had a lot of
young players from our Academy and, as it was the first game, we didn't want
anyone to play more than 45 minutes. It is always good to have a winning
start."
With the squad plus Scott Parker - who returned to Chadwell Heath this week
- heading off to Germany on Friday, the pre-season preparations will take
another step forward. FIFA World Cup quartet Robert Green, Matthew Upson,
Jonathan Spector and Valon Behrami will all join up next week along with
Alessandro Diamanti, who has been given a few days' paternity leave.
Grant said there could also be a couple of others in the mix as well for the
coming weeks. "We are trying to bring in a few more players that can improve
the team, improve the squad. Our target is to make signings this week but we
cannot talk about them until they are done. In football anything can happen
until the last moment."
He revealed that his only thought is to continually improve, and therefore
would not be drawn on defining an exact number of players that would be
arriving. "It is not a number. It is about players that can improve the
team. If it will be two it is two, if it is five then five. We want players
that can improve us and this is our target, not numbers. "
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New signings within 72 hours
WHUFC.com
Avram Grant is set to see his West Ham United squad boosted in the next few
days
14.07.2010
West Ham United are pleased to announce the club should be in a position to
announce a number of exciting new signings by the end of the week. The
latest transfer update comes as Thomas Hitzlsperger, the club's first major
summer acquisition, made his debut for the Hammers in Wednesday night's away
friendly at Peterborough United. The Germany star played the first 45
minutes and set up Carlton Cole for a well-taken goal in a polished
performance. The new recruits will add extra international strength to Avram
Grant's squad with just a month to go until the start of the new Barclays
Premier League season. The Hammers will head to Germany on Friday for an
eight-day training camp that includes matches against Bundesliga side VfL
Borussia Monchengladbach and Greek champions Panathinaikos. The travelling
party will be joined by England trio Robert Green, Matthew Upson and Scott
Parker. The new signings will all make their Boleyn bow in the SBOBET Cup in
aid of the Academy against RC Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday 7 August
before the action all gets under way seven days later.
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Pompey want Ben-Haim exit
West Ham and an unnamed Greek club are interested in defender
Last updated: 14th July 2010
SSN
Portsmouth administrator Andrew Andronikou is desperate to get Tal
Ben-Haim's crippling salary off the club's wage bill and has revealed the
defender could follow Avram Grant to West Ham. The Israel international has
declined the chance to activate a release clause in his contract which was
valid at the end of last season following Pompey's relegation from the
Premier League. West Ham had in any case still started initial discussions
with Ben-Haim, but the talks reportedly broke down over the 28-year-old's
rumoured wage demands of £38,000-a-week. The arrival of former Portsmouth
boss Grantat Upton Park has resurrected the negotiations and, having sold
Papa Bouba Diop to AEK Athens, Andronikou is eager to see Ben-Haim join the
Hammers or an unnamed Greek club. "Now we are speaking about Ben-Haim, and
hopefully we can tie that one up in the next day or two," Andronikou told
The News. "There are a couple of clubs we are talking to and we are looking
to do a deal similar to Diop. "I have to say, Ben-Haim is one of the
highest-earning players. Potentially higher even than David James. "He did
not want to exercise his relegation release clause. As a club, we cannot
exercise it for him. "In the meantime, it's been a Jimmy Bullard scenario.
We are struggling to find clubs who want to pay the same sort of wages.
"West Ham are interested and there is a Greek team. We are hoping to meet
both to try to get things going. "The problem has been West Ham are not
willing to pay the player what he has been earning here and there is a gap
between the two. "Hopefully, something can be sorted very, very soon."
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Mokoena admits PL interest
South Africa defender could leave Pompey
Last updated: 14th July 2010
SSN
Portsmouth defender Aaron Mokoena has claimed that he has received offers
from three Premier League clubs. The 29-year-old enjoyed success at a
personal level at the World Cup with South Africa,despite the hosts not
making it past the group stage of the tournament. Portsmouth's relegation
from the Premier League had led to speculation he could leave despite his
affection for the club. If the tough tackling defender was to leave, he
stated that there were plenty of suitors with Bolton and West Ham reportedly
interested, as well as attention from Qatar and Turkey. A move to West Ham
would see Mokoena link up with former Pompey boss Avram Grant after the pair
were instrumental in the club's run to the FA Cup final last season. "I have
to confess my heart is still there at Portsmouth and they are offering me a
new contract if I remain with the club," he told Sowetan . "I can confirm
that there are a number of offers from several big clubs - three in the
English Premiership, two in Qatar and one in Turkey. "There are a number of
things I am still assessing, though, and I will decide sometime next week."
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Hammers just a stepping stone
By VIC HOLLY
Published: Today
PABLO BARRERA risked angering West Ham fans by telling his new club: You're
just my stepping stone. The Mexican winger is still awaiting a work permit
so he can complete his £4million move from Pumas UNAM. But Barrera, 23, who
has agreed a two-year deal with the Hammers, is already eyeing a move to one
of Europe's top teams if he produces the goods for West Ham. He said: "To
perform for West Ham and then move to a bigger team in Europe are my goals.
"I want to show what I'm made of and then succeed in Europe."
Barrera, who impressed Hammers boss Avram Grant while on World Cup duty with
Mexico, is aware his new club beat the drop by the skin of their teeth last
term. But he said: "My agent told me they are signing players to get better.
"For me, it's just cool to play football in Europe because it's a dream I
have had since before the World Cup." Grant added: "The deal is almost done
and we'll be happy to see him." Meanwhile, Grant is keen on Portsmouth
defender Tal Ben Haim but cannot afford his £38,000-a-week wages. Ben Haim,
who is also interesting Panathinaikos, was left out of Pompey's US tour so
that he could talk to the Hammers about a free transfer. But ex-Fratton Park
boss Grant has been told there can be no reunion unless fellow Israeli Ben
Haim lowers his wage demands. Pompey adminstrator Andrew Andronikou said:
"The problem is West Ham are not willing to pay what the player has been
earning here. There is a gap between the two."
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West Ham and Sunderland eye former Birmingham striker
Published 16:29 14/07/10 By James Nursey
The Mirror
A clutch of Premier League clubs are chasing Christian Benitez according to
Barry McIntosh who reckons Birmingham City will miss the striker. Ecuador
hitman Benitez, 24, spent last season on loan at top-flight Brum after
McIntosh helped broker his move from Mexican club Santos Laguna. Benitez's
skilful style was a big hit with fans but the forward only scored four
goals. He has since returned to South America after City declined to pay a
pre-arranged £6.5million to make the move permanent. But both West Ham and
Sunderland are interested in acquiring Benitez on another loan this season.
And McIntosh, who also helped take Argentine Mauro Zarate to City in 2008,
insists the striker would be a decent signing for any Premier League club.
McIntosh said: "I take great pleasure and satisfaction in being able once
again to introduce a player of the calibre of Christian Benitez to the
English Premier League. "I feel any Premier League club including Arsenal,
should have no qualms in going for Benitez. "Christian has brought to the
table other attributes other than goal-scoring. "I have watched Birmingham a
lot and I was significant in bringing Zarate to St Andrews. "What both
players had was the ability to buy time on the field for Birmingham City.
"When they came on the pitch you could see the fright in the opposition.
"What both players bring to the table is not necessarily goals but their
unpredictability which worries opposition teams and defenders play deeper
and bring more people back to counteract the threat. "Birmingham's dip in
form in March coincided with Benitez's omission from the team and if he had
stayed in the team I am pretty sure Birmingham would have qualified for the
Europa League at least."
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Hammers post narrow win
Published 23:01 14/07/10 By Pa Sports
The Mirror
West Ham began their pre-season with a 2-1 victory over npower League One
side Peterborough at London Road. Teenage midfielder Anthony Edgar scored
the winner after Carlton Cole's opener, set up by new signing Thomas
Hitzlsperger, had been cancelled out by Dave Hibbert. The 19-year-old Edgar,
who is the cousin of England striker Jermain Defoe, took his 65th-minute
goal well after picking up the ball 30 yards out and bursting through the
Posh defence before picking his spot.
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Portsmouth administrator Andrew Andronikou reveals West Ham United move for
defender Tal Ben Haim has floundered over wage demands
Cash-strapped Pompey desperate to cut back on the Israeli defender's
salary...
By Eliot Rothwell
14 Jul 2010 14:42:00
Goal.com
Portsmouth administrator Andrew Andronikou is seeking a way to remove Tal
Ben-Haim's salary from the club's wage bill. It is reported that the
defender declined the chance to activate a release clause in his contract,
with reported talks between Ben-Haim and West Ham United breaking down due
to the Israeli defender's £38,000-a-week wage demands. Speaking to The News,
Andronikou said: "Now we are speaking about Ben-Haim, and hopefully we can
tie that one up in the next day or two, "I have to say, Ben-Haim is one of
the highest-earning players. Potentially higher even than David James. "He
did not want to exercise his relegation release clause. As a club, we cannot
exercise it for him. The Portsmouth administrator confirmed the interest
from West Ham and an unnamed Greek team, but cited the fact that the wage
demands of the defender were pricing clubs out of any protracted deal. "West
Ham are interested and there is a Greek team. We are hoping to meet both to
try to get things going," he added. "The problem has been West Ham are not
willing to pay the player what he has been earning here and there is a gap
between the two. "Hopefully, something can be sorted very, very soon."
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You're just a stepping stone! West Ham new boy Pablo Barrera already eyeing
move to 'bigger' club
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 1:38 AM on 15th July 2010
Daily Mail
Pablo Barrera has risked angering West Ham fans by telling his new club:
you're just a stepping stone. The Mexican winger has not even completed his
£4m switch to Upton Park from Pumas UNAM as he is waiting to see if his work
permit application is successful. But the 23-year-old, who has agreed a
two-year deal with the Hammers, is already eyeing a move to one of Europe's
top clubs if he produces the goods for West Ham. Barrera said: 'To perform
for West Ham and then move to a bigger team in European football are my
goals. 'I want to show what I'm made of and succeed in Europe for many
years.' The Mexico international, who earned his move during the World Cup,
is aware of West Ham's poor form last season when they narrowly escaped
relegation, but says his agent has been told new manager Avram Grant will be
signing quality players. 'My agent told me they are signing players to get
better," Barrera added.
'For me, it's just really cool to play football in Europe because it is a
dream I have had since before the World Cup.'
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West Ham owners dash to France to clinch £12m deal for hot prospect Loic
Rémy
West Ham owners David Gold and David Sullivan have travelled to the south of
France in an attempt to push through a £12 million deal for the Nice striker
Loic Rémy.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Rory Smith
Published: 7:00AM BST 15 Jul 2010
The London club have already had one offer, of around £11.5 million,
rejected, but remain confident of clinching a deal with the Ligue One side
for the France international. The 23 year-old joined Nice from Lyon for £5
million two years ago and has since blossomed into one of the most exciting
attacking players in France, scoring 15 goals last season. He has been
linked with Arsenal, AC Milan and Fiorentina but admitted this week that
"when a club like West Ham is involved, it is always interesting".
Rémy would be West Ham's third signing of the summer, after German
midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger and Mexican international winger Pablo
Barrera, who will complete a £4 million move providing he is granted a work
permit at a hearing today. Gold and Sullivan, though, are likely to instruct
West Ham's new manager, Avram Grant, to trim his squad considerably to cut
the club's debt, estimated at £110 million when the duo took over in
January.Sullivan has said he is prepared to listen to offers for any players
bar midfielder Scott Parker.
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West Ham ready to offload Diamanti and Kovac but are determined to keep
Parker - Exclusive
Published 23:00 14/07/10 By James Nursey
The Mirror
West Ham are in talks with Olympiakos about selling Alessandro Diamanti and
Radoslav Kovac but are determined to keep Scott Parker. The Hammers, who are
£90million in debt, are looking to revamp their squad under new boss Avram
Grant. They are close to landing several transfer targets including Mexican
winger Pablo Barrera. But West Ham also want to move on several stars to
generate funds for new signings. And both Italian midfielder Diamanti, 27,
and Czech ace Kovac, 30, can go which has prompted an official approach from
the Greek club for the pair. Upton Park insiders continue to insist midfield
talisman and captain Parker is not for sale though. Parker, 29, has been
heavily linked with a move to Aston Villa to replace Man City-bound James
Milner. But Hammers officials are adamant there has been no approach from
Villa for Parker and would not welcome one either.
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Cole To Lead Hammers Attack
Posted on: Wed 14 Jul 2010
Theposh.com
Striker Carlton Cole will lead the West Ham United attack this evening in
the first pre-season friendly at London Road of the summer (7.45pm).
The Hammers will be sending a strong squad for the fixture with summer
signing Thomas Hitzlsperger making his debut for Avram Grant's men. Kieran
Dyer will also feature after a strong showing in pre-season training, while
Frenchman Julien Faubert is also included. James Tomkins, Benni McCarthy,
Mark Noble and Junior Stanislas will be involved as the Hammers provide
difficult opposition for Gary Johnson's men. Johnson will be without the
services of midfielder Lee Frecklington (knee), winger Nathan Koranteng
(arm) and defender Gabriel Zakuani (groin). The game is not all-ticket, so
fans will be able to pay on the turnstiles.
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Mokoena linked with Prem duo
Wednesday 14th July 2010 9:38
TeamTalk
Portsmouth midfielder Aaron Mokoena claims he has received offers three
Premier League clubs, which reportedly include West Ham and Bolton. The man
known as 'Mbazo' captained the South African national team at the 2010 World
Cup and his performances in the yellow and green seem to have attracted
suitors from the Premier League, Turkey and Qatar. Mokoena told The Sowetan
that although he feels a strong affinity towards Pompey, he could be tempted
to leave Fratton Park - with the South African newspaper claiming the
Hammers and Trotters are eager to land his services "I have to confess my
heart is still there at Portsmouth and they are offering me a new contract
if I remain with the club," he said. "I can confirm that there are a number
of offers from several big clubs - three in the English Premiership, two in
Qatar and one in Turkey."
The 29-year-old utility man, who can play in defence and in midfield, claims
he is still evaluating his options and said he will make a decision in the
near future.
"There are a number of things I am still assessing, though and I will decide
sometime next week," he said. Should Mokoena complete a switch to Upton
Park, he would reunite with his countryman Benni McCarthy, with whom he
played with at Ajax and Blackburn while West Ham's new manager, Avram Grant,
was in charge of Pompey last season.
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West Ham offer biggest on table for ex-Chelsea winger Cole
14.07.10 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United have made the biggest contract offer to released Chelsea
winger Joe Cole. The Daily Mail says clubs have been staggered by the price
Cole appears to have put on his own head. According to sources, the best
offer Cole has so far - close to six figures a week - comes from the club
where he started, West Ham.
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