WHUFC.com
Avram Grant will take his West Ham United squad abroad to play at least two games later this month
01.07.2010
West Ham United can confirm the club's 2010/11 pre-season preparations are set to include a training camp in Germany between 16 and 24 July.
The Hammers are due to travel to a base near the German-Austrian border, although the summer match schedule will begin with a friendly closer to home at Peterborough United on Wednesday 14 July. Avram Grant's squad will head to the continent two days later. The trip will mean a swift return home for Munich-born Thomas Hitzlsperger, with the Germany midfielder set to report to Chadwell Heath for pre-season training next week after his transfer from S.S. Lazio.
The first fixture lined up will be against Bundesliga outfit VfL Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday 17 July before the trip concludes with a date against Greek giants Panathinaikos FC on Friday 23 July. A third game is also to be confirmed with all venues yet to be finalised. The Hammers will return home a day later with just a fortnight remaining until the glamour pre-season friendly against Spanish side RC Deportivo La Coruna for the SBOBET Cup on Saturday 7 August. In between, a Hammers side will take on Burton Albion on Saturday 24 July, while first-team friendlies will take place at MK Dons and Ipswich Town on Wednesday 28 and Saturday 31 July respectively.
Pre-season training camp opponents
Saturday 17 July v VfL Borussia Monchengladbach, 6pm local time
Monchengladbach finished 12th in the German Bundesliga last season and have a strong history at home and abroad. In the 1970s, they won the title four times and also lost the 1977 European Champion Clubs' Cup final to Liverpool. Managed by former Manchester City defender Michael Frontzeck, their squad boasts United States midfielder Michael Bradley. The club will hope the match - which would be the first-ever meeting - takes place after last July's friendly against German side Werder Bremen in Austria was rained off.
Friday 23 July v Panathinaikos FC, 6.30pm local time
The reigning Greek double winners, big-spending Panathinaikos boast France forward Djibril Cisse and Greece midfielder Kostas Katsouranis in their squad. The Athens club, led by Nikos Nioplias, have won the title 20 times and will get another crack at the UEFA Champions League next season, having lost the 1971 final to AFC Ajax. The Hammers drew 1-1 with Panathinaikos in August 1991 in the third-place play-off at the Makita International Tournament at Highbury, before losing 3-2 on penalties.
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Benni means business
WHUFC.com
After a stop-start first six months at the club, Benni McCarthy is looking forward to the new season
01.07.2010
Benni McCarthy has spoken about his determination to make 2010/11 a season to remember for West Ham United fans. The striker has been hard at work for the past fortnight at Chadwell Heath to ensure he is ready for the start of pre-season from Monday. The return to training will sharpen minds for the big kick-off on Saturday 14 August, with fans only having until 5pm on Saturday to make sure of their season tickets at a reduced rate. "I still have loads to prove to the West Ham fans," said the 32-year-old former Blackburn striker. "For me, I am like a new player coming in, because last season I am writing off. I have been training hard for two weeks now and it is all off my own back."
The forward missed out on the South Africa squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup because of fitness issues after injury problems caused him to play just five times for the club following his February move from Blackburn Rovers. "I am very determined and that is why I decided to come back earlier. I wanted to make a fresh start - what I couldn't do then, I want to be able to do now. "The injury is completely fine and the weight is back to normal. I have been following my programme since the end of the season. It is the first time that something like this has happened to me and I need to make sure it doesn't happen again."
McCarthy is looking forward to working with new manager Avram Grant. "I have met him a few times and I don't think they would have brought him in if they didn't think he was the right man for the job. His record at Chelsea spoke for itself."
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Matthias ready for action
WHUFC.com
Matthias Fanimo is looking forward to a productive season with both club and country
01.07.2010
Matthias Fanimo has plenty of reasons to be cheerful ahead of the 2010/11 FA Premier Academy League season. Not only has the exciting winger been awarded a scholarship by West Ham United, but he has also been included in the England Under-17 squad for the forthcoming Nordic Tournament. Hammers team-mate Robert Hall helped England to win the UEFA European U17 Championship in Luxembourg earlier this summer, and Fanimo is determined to emulate his team-mate when Kenny Swain's squad head for Finland in early August. England will take on the host nation, Denmark and Iceland in the group stage, with a final awaiting against Scotland, Sweden, Faroe Islands or Norway should they top their section. "It's good to play for England - it's pretty much a dream come true for me because you don't think about doing such things when you're a kid," said Fanimo, who earned eight U16 caps and helped his country to Victory Shield glory last winter. At club level, the 16-year-old has also impressed with his consistency and eye for goal. After starting the 2009/10 season in West Ham's U16 side, Fanimo graduated to the U18s in December, scoring on his debut and tallying five goals in ten appearances in total. "Personally it was a good season for me. I moved on to the Under-18s because I adapted to their style of play. I thought it would be harder for me physically and mentally, but I improved as the season went on. "I came on trial at the age of five and signed on when I was six, so I've been here since then. As a player, I'm quick and powerful and skilful as well. "Before, getting into the box for me was a bit of a problem due to my fitness. I wasn't scoring as many goals because I wasn't getting into the box, but now my fitness is better so it's not a problem. "I'm pleased to get my scholarship because it means another two years at the club which I'm enjoying. It was good to get that."
Fanimo is one of no fewer than 13 schoolboys who will begin their scholarships on Monday 5 July, and the youngster believes their team spirit and familiarity on and off the pitch will stand the U18s in good stead in 2009/10. "We've got a good squad. We're strong in all areas and play as a team. We've been together since Under-12s, so as we've got older we've kept that winning mentality by playing as a team. That's what has helped us."
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West Ham fail with new Graham Dorrans bid
BBC.o.uk
West Bromwich Albion have rejected an improved bid from West Ham for highly-rated midfielder Graham Dorrans. Albion turned down West Ham's offer of around £4m from them for the 22-year-old Scotland international in April. And they remain determined to hold onto Dorrans, who scored 17 goals for the Baggies as they were promoted back to the Premier League last season. "Graham Dorrans is not for sale," insisted West Brom's sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth. Dorrans signed a new three-and-a-half year contract in January, with the option of a 12-month extension. His performances last season were recognised by the Professional Footballers' Association when he was named in their Championship team of the year. Ashworth added: "I have stressed several times since we achieved promotion, our aim is to retain our core players and try to strengthen our squad around them. "Graham signed a new contract until June 2014 in January and he remains a key member of our squad."
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Footballer Calum Davenport cleared of sister attack
Page last updated at 14:37 GMT, Thursday, 1 July 2010 15:37 UK
BBC.co.uk
Calum Davenport left court with his wife Zoey and father Curtis Former West Ham defender Calum Davenport has been cleared of assaulting his pregnant sister. The trial at Luton Crown Court was told the 27-year-old had headbutted Cara Davenport and bit her cheek after being told she was pregnant again. The jury was told the footballer called her a "form of cancer" during a row over how she was going to support the child at her home in Bedford. Mr Davenport, of Greenfields, Bedford, had denied causing actual bodily harm. The attack is alleged to have happened at his sister's home on 22 August. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland footballer was accused of verbally abusing his seven-week pregnant sister before bundling her to the ground. Following the incident, Miss Davenport's 25-year-old boyfriend Worrell Whitehurst went to the Davenport's mother's home in Kempston.
'Distressing time'
He stabbed Mr Davenport in both legs which severed 90% of one of the main arteries in one leg and he lost half of his blood. Mr Davenport spent four weeks in hospital and in March his contract with West Ham United was ended by mutual consent. He has not played a competitive football match since. Whitehurst has previously admitted grievous bodily harm and will be sentenced now the trial has concluded. Mr Davenport said in a statement read by his solicitor Shamsun Nahar that he was "pleased" with the jury's verdict. The statement added: "This has been a particularly distressing time for my family and I hope now that we can put this behind us and I can focus on my career. "I have nothing further to add and I will not be making any further comments."
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Duo set to sign
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 1st July 2010
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are set to land two members of Avram Grant's Portsmouth backroom team within the next 48 hours.
Goalkeeping coach Dave Coles (pictured, right) and first team coach Paul Groves are set to follow Grant to the Boleyn according to reports on the South Coast. The pair, who had been expected to return to Fratton Park today for the start of pre-season training failed to appear lending weight to rumours that both are on the verge of moving to West Ham.
Steve Clarke, United's former assistant manager followed ex-manager Gianfranco Zola out of the club last month, hot on the heels of temporary goalkeeping coach Kevin Hitchcock, whose short-term deal finished at the end of last season.
Paul Groves
44-year-old Groves is a former professional footballer who spent the majority of his playing days at Grimsby Town, having begun his career at non-league Belper Town in the mid 1980s. In 2001 the central midfielder was made player/manager of the Mariners, a job he held for nearly three years before he was fired - despite being kept on as a player. In November 2009 he was appointed as caretaker manager of Portsmouth following the departure of Paul Hart and worked as first team coach under Avram Grant.
Dave Coles
46-year-old Coles spent the majority of his playing career in the lower leagues with Aldershot having been let go by Birmingham City at the age of 19. The Wandsworth-born coach - who was hailed as the reason for David James regaining his England place - had been linked with a move to Tottenham last year in order to join up with former boss Harry Redknapp, and was recently referred to by Pompey executive chairman Peter Storrie as 'one of the best goalkeeping coaches in the country'.
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Hammers off to Germany
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 1st July 2010
By: Staff Writer
Avram Grant's squad will travel to Germany later this month for a pre-season tour. The Israeli, who was confirmed at the new United manager last month will take his team to a training camp situated on the German/Austrian border for three games (two confirmed, one to be announced) against local opposition from July 16th following his first game as manager against Peterborough on Wednesday, 14th July.
The first game of the tour is scheduled for 6:00pm (local time) on Saturday, 17th July against former European heavyweights Borussia Monchengladbach before the Irons face Greek side Panathinaikos six days later on Friday, 23rd July (6:30pm kick off, again local time). A third match, with the venue and opposition to be confirmed, is likely to be scheduled inbetween those games.
As usual KUMB.com tour agents Chastours - who have successfully organised supporters' trips to places as diverse as Palermo, the USA and China in the past - will be arranging travel for supporters wishing to attend the games. For more details on how to apply, view the following thread on the KUMB.com forum.
Current confirmed pre-season programme
•Wednesday, 14th July: Peterborough (a)
•Saturday, 17th July: Borussia Monchengladbach (n)
•Friday, 23rd July: Panathinaikos (n)
•Saturday, 24th July: Burton Albion (a)
•Wednesday, 28th July: MK Dons (a)
•Saturday, 31st August: Ipswich Town (a)
•Saturday, 7th August: Deportivo La Caruna (h)
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Neymar bid rejected
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 1st July 2010
By: Staff Writer
Brazilian club Santos have rejected West Ham's opening bid for teenage striking sensation Neymar da Silva, according to reports. KUMB.com revealed exclusively on Tuesday how the club were looking to seal a deal to bring the 18-year-old to east London. But according to reports, the South Americans have said 'no' to an offer thought to be in the region of £12million, having turned down a similar bid from French club Lyon recently.
However it is claimed that the offer - news of which emerged a matter of days before the season ticket renewal deadline passes - is likely to be resubmitted, with West Ham said to be willing to go up to around £20million to land a player who has been courted by most of the world's top clubs in recent months.
Referring to Neymar and team mate Ganso, Santos' sporting director Luiz Nunes Pedrio Conceicao said: "We had offers of €15million for each. We have not had time to formally contact either clubs, but our position is clear. We have not, and do not, want to open negotiations to sell either player. On several occasions now we have said that we will not negotiate, and this needs to be clear."
It was initially thought that the Hammers would take the player for a year as part of a convoluted loan-deal that would see Neymar move to Chelsea after one season with the Hammers.
However it is now being suggested that chairman Sullivan & Gold, still without a marquee signing since taking control of the club, would be willing to sign the player on a permanent basis with the intention of selling after a similar period of time.
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Black Cats target Upson
Sunderland lodge £7m bid for Hammers defender
Last updated: 1st July 2010
SSN
Sky Sports sources understand that Sunderland have made a £7million offer for West Ham defender Matthew Upson. The Black Cats flirted with relegation last season before mounting a late rally that ensured a comfortable mid-table finish. One problem for Steve Bruce was the way his side struggled to keep clean sheets, making it difficult for the manager to settle on a regular back four. Bruce is looking to strengthen this summer and is thought to have targeted Upson as a player that could improve his squad. Sunderland are believed to have tested West Ham's resolve with a bid and will hope their offer is accepted. Upson has been a key figure at Upton Park since he was snapped up from Birmingham in 2007 but the club endured a difficult campaign last term. A new regime is now in place with Avram Grant as manager and it remains to be seen how he will reshape the Hammers squad. Co-owner David Sullivan admitted in May that West Ham may struggle to retain the services of Upson, who was part of England's miserable World Cup campaign.
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Baggies stand firm on Dorrans
Hammers fail with second bid for midfielder
Last updated: 1st July 2010
SSN
West Bromwich Albion have stressed Graham Dorrans is not for sale after rejecting a second bid from West Ham United. Skysports.com revealed earlier on Thursday that the Hammers had launched a fresh attempt to persuade West Brom to sell the Scotland international. An offer of £4million was previously rejected at the end of April and West Ham returned with an increased bid of £4.5million for the midfielder. However, that offer has again been given short shrift by the newly-promoted Baggies, who are determined to keep Dorrans at The Hawthorns. Sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth told the club's official website: "As I have stressed several times since we achieved promotion, our aim is to retain our core players and try to strengthen our squad around them.
"I want to make it clear again that Graham Dorrans is not for sale. "Graham signed a new contract until June 2014 in January and he remains a key member of our squad." Dorrans, who joined from Livingston in 2008, scored 18 goals for West Brom last term and was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.
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Hammers eye l'OM loan
West Ham to move for striker
Last updated: 1st July 2010
SSN
Sky Sports sources understand that West Ham are set to enquire about Marseille's Mamadou Samassa. The 24-year-old striker is set to be made available on loan by l'OM after he spent much of last season away from the Stade Velodrome. Samassa, who was linked with a move to England last summer with Middlesbrough, joined Valenciennes and he impressed with six goals in just 11 starts. Now it is understood that the Hammers are ready to try and take Samassa on loan for next season. Samassa current has three years left on his current Marseille contract, having joined in 2008 from Le Mans. He was signed as a replacement for Djibril Cisse, but he has scored just two goals for Marseille and his future looks set to lie away from the French champions.
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Santos shun Hammers bid
West Ham chase Brazilian starlet
Last updated: 1st July 2010
SSN
Santos have confirmed they have rejected a bid from West Ham for striking starlet Neymar. The Hammers have good contacts in South America and they have turned their attentions to the most highly-rated young forward in the region. Real Madrid have been chasing him for over 12 months and tried but failed to finalise a deal last year, whilst Inter Milan, Manchester City and Manchester United are all well aware of the 18-year-old after tracking his progress closely.
But just like when they beat some of Europe's elite to land Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano in 2006, West Ham are looking to do the same again by signing Neymar. They have offered an initial £12million (€15million) for the player - which has been rejected. Santos confirmed they had turned down the bid as they also shunned a similar offer from French giants Lyon for another of their top young players - midfielder Ganso. "We had offers of €15million for each," Santos sporting director Luiz Nunes Pedro Conceicao confirmed to the Brazilian media. "We have not had time to formally contact either clubs, but our position is clear.
"We have not, and do not, want to open negotiations to sell either player. "On several occasions now we have said that we will not negotiate, and this needs to be clear."
Despite the rejection, local sources claim that West Ham are already preparing to return with an offer of £20million (€25million) - which could be enough to persuade Santos. Reports are also suggesting that West Ham are only seeing the deal as a short-term measure as they will look to move Neymar on after 12 months, with a move to Chelsea in 2011 already being mooted.
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Santos 'no' to West Ham bid
Published: Today
The Sun
WEST HAM have had a £12.4million bid for Brazilian wonderkid Neymar rejected. The Hammers are believed to have made the offer for the 18-year-old striker despite their financial troubles. Santos director of football Pedro Luiz Nune said: "We received an offer from West Ham for Neymar worth £12.4m. "Our position is clear, we are not interested in opening negotiations." The Brazilian giants have also snubbed a bid from Lyon for Paulo Henrinque — nicknamed Ganso. Nunes added: "The proposal for Ganso was £12.4m. It was £6.6m up front and then a further £5.8m depending on the player's performance."
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Baggies shut Dorr on offer
Published: Today
The Sun
WEST BROM have turned down an increased offer from West Ham for Graham Dorrans. The newly-promoted Baggies rejected one bid from the Hammers for Scottish midfielder Dorrans in April. West Brom sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth said: "As I have stressed several times since we achieved promotion, our aim is to retain our core players and try to strengthen our squad around them. "I want to make it clear again that Graham Dorrans is not for sale. "Graham signed a new contract until June 2014 in January and he remains a key member of our squad."
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Grant's a real grabber
Published: Today
The Sun
AVRAM GRANT has raided former club Portsmouth to add Paul Groves and David Coles to his staff at West Ham. Groves, 44, will be Grant's No 2, while Coles, 46, is the new goalkeeping coach. The Hammers expect to unveil the pair today. They both missed Pompey's first day of pre-season training yesterday as West Ham worked on a compensation deal.
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West Ham prepare new moves for TWO French strikers
Published 23:00 01/07/10 By Alan Nixon
The Mirror
West Ham boss Avram Grant is making a new and improved £12 million offer for French striker Loic Remy - despite the fact that he is an Arsenal fan. Grant's money men David Sullivan and David Gold have tabled a fresh bid to Nice for the young striker who is keen to come to England for next season. Prolific Remy admits to being a 'closet' Gunner and hoped they would come for him this summer but Hammers want to speak to him in the next few days and push through the deal. Remy has been watched by several clubs in England but he fits the West Ham bill and they are willing to increase their opening £10 million offer to get him. West Ham's renewed interest comes as they give up hope of landing Nigerian Yakubu from Everton. They had hoped to do a £7 million deal but the Goodison club want more. Grant is also joining the hunt for Lyon striker Frederic Piquionne whose £40,000-a-week wages have proved a problem in talks with West Brom yesterday. Albion are willing to fund the move and their £1 million-plus bid is acceptable to the French side, but the former Portsmouth loanee's salary is a snag. However Hammers would pick up the tab and have signalled their interest.
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West Ham make improved £16m bid for Brazilian wonderkid
Published 22:45 01/07/10 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
Avram Grant is ready to make a £16m bid to land Brazilian sensation Neymar. The West Ham boss has already sanctioned a £12million approach for the 18-year-old wonderkid from Santos, the previous club of Brazil's Manchester City winger Robinho. Now Grant is ready to step up the Hammers interest in a player who has a £29.1million release clause in his contract. Santos Sporting Director Luiz Nunes Pedro Conceicao confirmed that the club had rejected West Ham's £12m offer, insisting they would only do business for an offer too good to refuse. Referring to interest from French club Lyon in midfielder Ganso, Conceicao said: "We had offers of 15m euros [£12m] for each. "We have not had time to formally contact either clubs, but our position is clear. "We have not, and do not, want to open negotiations to sell either player. "On several occasions now we have said that we will not negotiate, and this needs to be clear."
Neymar da Silva Scouting Report
By Mirror Football in Football Spy
Published 11:53 21/03/10
Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester City are set for a summer battle for the signature of Brazilian wonderkid Neymar. Roberto Mancini has already run the rule over the Samba star, but now the Stamford Bridge money men have set their sights on him as they plot the rebuilding of their aging squad.
Neymar is still only 17 but has already had all the usual comparisons and has been dubbed "the new Robinho" (presumably that is meant to be a compliment, despite what Man City fans might think), and "the new Pele", although that may have something to do with the fact he plays for Pele's old club, Santos.
Nevertheless, he has been displaying enough talent to have the usual suspects sitting up and taking notice. As well as City and Chelsea, Manchester United, Milan, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona have all expressed an interest in the youngster.
But what is all the fuss about? Here's your essential need to know:
MirrorFootball Scouting Report - Neymar
Born: February 5, 1992 (age 17) in Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil
Height: 5'8 1/2"
Position: Striker / winger
League Club Stats
2009– : Santos 37 games, 14 goals
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West Ham prepare fresh bid to land Brazilian wonderkid Neymar after Santos reject £12m offer
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 11:40 PM on 1st July 2010
Daily Mail
West Ham are expected to make an improved offer for Brazilian teenage star Neymar after Santos rejected a £12m bid. As revealed by Sportsmail, the Hammers want to sign the 18-year-old forward with a view to selling him on to Chelsea in 12 months time. Santos sporting director Luiz Nunes Pedro Conceicao confirmed West Ham's bid, saying: 'We had an offer of £12m but our position is clear. We have not, and do not, want to open negotiations to sell the player.' West Ham have also failed with an improved £4.5m bid for West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans. Meanwhile, West Brom have abandoned their bid to sign Lyon striker Frederic Piquionne in an £800,000 deal after the striker held talks with the Midlands club.
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David James will stay at Portsmouth! New boss Steve Cotterill confident of keeping England No 1 at Fratton Park
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 11:40 PM on 1st July 2010
Daily Mail
New Portsmouth boss Steve Cotterill is confident of persuading David James to stay at Fratton Park following talks with the England goalkeeper. James, 40 next month, has been asked to take a pay cut to sign a new one-year deal with the relegated club but has been linked with moves to Fulham and West Ham. Cotterill said: 'From the tone of the conversation all is not dead as regards him staying at Portsmouth. He needs to go away and weigh up his options.'
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West Ham fancy loan deal for Marseille's Samassa
02.07.10 | Ian Ferris
Tribalfootball.com
Sky Sports claims that West Ham are set to enquire about Marseille's Mamadou Samassa. The 24-year-old striker is set to be made available on loan by l'OM after he spent much of last season away from the Stade Velodrome. Now it is understood that the Hammers are ready to try and take Samassa on loan for next season. Samassa current has three years left on his current Marseille contract, having joined in 2008 from Le Mans.
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