WHUFC.com
The first real test for Alessandro Diamanti and his team-mates will be the SBOBET Cup
05.07.2010
West Ham United are back in training and all are focused on the return to action at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday 7 August and the SBOBET Cup visit of RC Deportivo La Coruna. Supporters can make sure of their seat now for the glamour pre-season friendly against the Spanish giants, which will be the first chance to see new signings such as Thomas Hitzlsperger in action at home alongside the likes of Hammer of the Year runner-up Alessandro Diamanti. Both were hard at work in the gym on Monday with the rest of the squad. The match will be the ideal way to judge how ready Avram Grant's men are for the new Barclays Premier League season with it all getting under way just seven days later away to Aston Villa. With advanced ticket prices starting at just £10 for season ticket holders, fans are advised to move fast to make sure of their seat.
Deportivo, who finshed tenth in La Liga last term, have enjoyed an illustrious recent history, winning the Spanish title for the first time in their history in 2000 and finishing as runners-up in each of the following two seasons. The Galician club, who reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2003/04, boast a number of experienced players who will be familiar to West Ham fans as well as young starlets like Brazil full-back Filipe Luis. Right-back and captain Manuel Pablo and midfield playmaker Juan Carlos Valeron are both veterans of Deportivo's title success of a decade ago, left winger Andres Guardado is in Mexico's 2010 FIFA World Cup squad, while goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia, midfielder Sergio and striker Mista have all played for Spain.
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Daprela glad to be back
WHUFC.com
The 20-year-old left-back Fabio Daprela is hoping to start the new season where he finished the last
05.07.2010
Fabio Daprela was one of the real positives from last season and is back at the club looking to establish himself as a proven Barclays Premier League performer in 2010/11. The 19-year-old ended the last campaign on a high, turning in a solid display at left-back in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City. Overall, Daprela played seven times in what was his first season in English football and more than held his own. However, he knows he faces real competition from the fit-again Herita Ilunga for the starting left-back berth. "It would be nice to start in the team in the way I finished last season," he told WHUTV. "I hope to play more games this season but we will see. Everything is decided by the manager of course. Now I know how to be around the team."
A Swiss youth international, Daprela was happy to be at Chadwell Heath on the first day of training - despite the demands placed on the players. "I am happy to be here. It was nice to have a holiday but good to be back now to work hard for the pre-season. I was back in Switzerland with my family, girlfriend and friends this summer. It was nice to relax but now we are ready to work again. "Everybody goes away with their families, they want to be on their own and relax. Now we are here and it is exciting times with the new manager. It is normal when you start pre-season for the training to be hard. You are working every day, sometimes twice a day. It is very tough but it is important to be fit."
After a couple of weeks at the training ground, the Hammers will head to Germany for an eight-day camp designed to take their fitness to the next level. "The training camp is very intensive. It will be nice to be in Germany it is a nice country but it will be hard work and everyone knows what we have to do. "We hope to finish much higher than last season and win as many matches as possible. Before we start, we will play against Deportivo La Coruna. It is good to test yourselves against different teams in the pre-season."
It all then gets under way for real on 14 August, when the Hammers travel to Aston Villa for the first match of the new season. Daprela is not fazed by what appears a tough start on paper. "We have good players. This match is OK. It will be hard but we are a good team and we can go for a good result. I see it as a positive."
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England turn to Nouble
WHUFC.com
The chance to represent England at the UEFA U19 EURO has been handed to Frank Nouble
05.07.2010
Frank Nouble has been named in the England squad for the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Championship to be played in France from next week. The Hammers striker, still only 18, is part of an 18-man selection heading to Normandy for the finals, with the Young Lions looking to go one better than the team that finished runners-up last year in Ukraine. England are also hoping to add the U19 title to the U17 crown won back in May by a squad featuring Robert Hall.
Nouble, who was put through his paces by the club's medical staff at Chadwell Heath on Monday, is expected to meet up with the rest of the squad at the start of next week for a pre-tournament get-together at Warwick University. England will be based in Caen and will take on Austria, Netherlands and France in their group-stage fixtures on 18, 21 and 24 July respectively.
The semi-finals will be held on Tuesday 27 July, with the final due to be held on Friday 30 July. The other four nations involved in Group B are Spain Spain, Portugal, Italy and Croatia. The top six teams in the finals will also go forward to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Colombia next year as UEFA's representatives.
Nouble played a full part in qualifying, helping the Young Lions see off Ukraine, Republic of Ireland and Bosnia-Herzegovina. He finished the last club season on loan at Swindon Town, having had a spell at West Bromwich Albion prior to that following a successful start to his career at the Boleyn Ground that saw him make his senior debut and play eight Premier League games.
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Hammers back at work
WHUFC.com
Avram Grant has met his players for the first time as pre-season training gets under way
05.07.2010
West Ham United are back in pre-season training at Chadwell Heath with Avram Grant meeting his players for the first time. The new manager gathered the squad together for an 11am meeting out on the first-team pitch before addressing them all as a group. With all wearing the club's new Macron training range, it was a chance to speak about the aims for the weeks ahead as the club prepares for a busy schedule of summer warm-up matches.
With the sun shining, Grant was joined by coaching staff Paul Groves, Kevin Keen, David Coles and Alex Dyer, with all the first team involved except for internationals Robert Green, Matthew Upson, Jonathan Spector, Scott Parker and Valon Behrami. Among those present was Luis Boa Morte, who has returned after agreeing a new two-year contract extension, and new recruit Thomas Hitzlsperger.
The Germany midfielder had already undergone the first stage of his testing in the indoor sports hall. Others to arrive early included Benni McCarthy and Kieron Dyer - both a regular sight at the training ground for the past fortnight - Mark Noble, Alessandro Diamanti and Carlton Cole. Young shot-stoppers Marek Stech and Peter Kurucz also met goalkeeping coach Coles for the first time.
The players' testing regime under the supervision of Andy Rolls was staggered over the course of the day, with the players being videotaped by two different cameras during the sessions. Cole was one of the first to greet Hitzlsperger, with the pair knowing each other from a season together at Aston Villa, and the banter was soon flowing as the fitness staff put the players through their paces.
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Groves up and running
WHUFC.com
Pre-season is finally upon us and Paul Groves will be straight down to work on Monday
05.07.2010
Paul Groves is relishing the prospect of getting down to work with the West Ham United first-team squad this week after being appointed the club's new senior coach. The 44-year-old was confirmed in his new role on Friday, meaning he has been reunited with manager Avram Grant after the pair worked together to distinction at Portsmouth. Groves developed his coaching skills at Grimsby Town after a long playing career and then had four years at Fratton Park, including the 2008 FA Cup final triumph. Groves will start work officially on Monday with the first day of pre-season training at Chadwell Heath, alongside first-team coach Kevin Keen and goalkeeping coach David Coles. He is raring to go after getting his first taste of the club's training base last week. "There is a very good feel to the place," he said. "There are good people here and a good welcome. I am very pleased to have this opportunity. I am very aware of the history and everything that goes with West Ham. "I am looking forward to the challenge and you feel as though you have joined a football club with great traditions."
Groves was used to working with big names at Portsmouth, and is ready to put that into practice with the players he will be responsible for in the Hammers squad. "You have to use your experience but you also have to keep developing and building relationships with players. The key is to help them improve individually with the main aim to make the football club become successful. "I thoroughly enjoyed working with all the people that I worked with at Portsmouth. Avram has been excellent to me and it is a pleasure to be working with him again. He has a lot of knowledge about the game and so much experience, as well as a good sense of humour. "He is a strong person and that went a long way to me making my decision, although this is such a fantastic club to work for with a great stadium. I am looking forward to the first games. "Hopefully the fans will see the team playing some good entertaining football and getting results. They have been brought up that way and we need to do that but also give them the wins that send them home happy. "That is everybody's aim. We know it will be hard work and some hard work to be done on the training pitches before we get started. "The supporters have a fantastic reputation in terms of enthusiasm and passion but also knowledge. They know what they want and they expect it every time they come to watch a game. We are aware of that."
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West Ham in failed bid for Nice striker Loic Remy
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have had an £11.2m bid for Nice striker Loic Remy turned down, according to Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud. Bordeaux are a rival suitor for Remy's signing, but Triaud says Nice's demands have priced them out of the market. "They [Nice] refused to accept 13.5m euros from West Ham," said Triaud. "I do not see how we could make a proposal that pleases them."
Hammers co-owner David Sullivan refused to comment when contacted by BBC Sport. West Ham recently had an improved offer for West Brom's highly rated midfielder Graham Dorrans turned down, having previously seen a £4m-bid rejected in April. Remy, 23, scored 14 goals last season for Nice. Likened to former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, Remy has played once for France, coming on as a substitute in a friendly against Nigeria in June. Bordeaux see the forward as the ideal replacement for Marouane Chamakh, who joined Arsenal on a free transfer this summer. Ironically, Remy has also been linked with the Gunners as well as with a potential move to Marseille and his former club Lyon in France. Spanish side Sevilla are also rumoured to be interested.
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Happy birthday to us
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 5th July 2010
By: Staff Writer
Everybody raise a glass... West Ham United FC is officially 110 years old today.
On 5th July 1900 the freshly-disbanded Thames Iron Works FC was relaunched as West Ham United FC. Managed by Syd King - who would go on to manage the club for a record 32 years - the new club were based at the Memorial Ground, the venue built for the local community by TIW owner Arnold Hills.
Wearing a kit comprised of (Castle) blue shirts, white shorts with (Iron Works) claret bands and black socks, the Hammers played in both the Western League and Southern Division One in thier first season. Four years later - and two further kit amendments on, which brought the club up to date with the claret and blue colour scheme for which it has been known ever since - United moved to the Boleyn Ground, its current home.
Today, the club's 13th full-time manager, Avram Grant, took his first full training session at Chadwell Heath with his new squad. With the new season rapidly approaching and the promise of further signings to enhance the current squad, hopes are high for the new season - West Ham United FC's 111th.
Rather less important events that also happened on July 5th*
•1610: John Guy sets sail from Bristol with 39 other colonists bound for Newfoundland
•1643: First recorded tornado (Essex County, Massachusetts)
•1687: Isaac Newton publishes Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica
•1770: Battle of Chesma and Battle of Larga between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire
•1811: Venezuela declares independence from Spain
•1865: The Salvation Army is founded by William Booth (in the East End of London)
•1900: Sgt. Arthur H.L. Richardson wins the Victoria Cross at Wolve Spruit
•1930: Daredevil George Stathakis dies in a plunge over Niagara Falls in a barrel, but his turtle survives
•1937: Spam, the luncheon meat, is introduced
•1940: Diplomatic relations between Britain and the Vichy government in France are broken
•1946: The bikini is introduced in Paris, France
•1948: The National Health Service Act is enacted
•1950: The Law of Return passes, guarantees all Jews right to live in Israel
•1954: The BBC broadcasts its first news bulletin
•1969: Rolling Stones play a free concert in Hyde Park
•1975: Arthur Ashe becomes the first black player to win Wimbledon
•1983: An American woman gives birth 84 days after being declared brain dead
•1998: Japan launches a probe to Mars
•2006: North Korea launches two short-range Nodong-2 missiles
* With thanks to KUMB member BSB1 for the extensive research
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Neymar happy to stay put
West Ham told to forget about Brazilian
By Graeme Bailey Last updated: 5th July 2010
SSN
Brazilian starlet Neymar has stated his desire to remain at Santos, following West Ham's pursuit of him. West Ham have launched a bid to land the 18-year-old forward, rated as one of the best young players in world football. The Hammers have lodged a bid of around £12million for Neymar - but this was shunned by Santos. However, the player's agent Wagner Ribeiro revealed last week that they had already offered terms to Neymar. "I don't know anything and I want to stay with Santos," said Neymar. Ribeiro continued by saying the offer from West Ham was good, but nothing would be done if they could not agree terms with Santos. "It is a very good proposal," Ribeiro told Globosporte, also seemingly confirming reports that Chelsea were part of the talks as they would sign the player after a season at Upton Park. "He would fit in there for a while, and then reach for a big team in a short space of time. "Indeed it is the dream of any player that has been offered - the chance to play for one of Europe's biggest club's and the chance to compete for major titles. "They [West Ham] will make a new offer for sure, but we will respect Santos - Neymar has a contract with the club and it needs to be respected."
Santos president Luis Alvaro de Oliveira insists that Neymar is not for sale and he will only leave if a club pays his release clause - which stands at more than £25million. "The proposal may interfere with the player, but we have the power, because we are the owners," he said. Santos own 60 per cent of the player, with the rest owned by investment group DIS.
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Bordeaux baulk at Remy fee
Triaud won't pay big money
By Giscard Gourizro Last updated: 5th July 2010
SSN
Bordeaux insist they cannot afford to buy reported West Ham target Loic Remy. The Hammers are leading the pursuit of the Nice striker, but have seen two bids turned down. Their latest offer was for £13.5million (£11.1million), but that was also rejected. Now Bordeaux chief Jean-Louis Triaud has admitted that they cannot match any such offer. "I don't have the finance to bid €13million for the striker, despite him being a very good player - we will see," Triaud said.
It is believed that Bordeaux have offered €9million for Remy, but that falls way short of Nice's asking price. Arsenal and Sevilla are also believed to be interested in landing the 23-year-old, labelled the 'new Thierry Heny'.
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It's Av's round at the BarrBy ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today
The Sun
WEST HAM have launched a £5million bid for Mexico winger Pablo Barrera. And the deal looks set to go ahead as Hammers boss Avram Grant steps up his summer spending. Barrera, 23, needs a work permit but the offer looks set to be accepted by his club Pumas. A Hammers insider said: "Avram fancied him at the World Cup. He played an hour against France and it's convinced him he can handle the Prem." Grant has also tracked Portsmouth defender Aaron Mokoena but is put off by the South Africa captain's £50,000-a-week wages. West Ham are set to offer a new deal to England blunder keeper Robert Green. Green, 30, has two years left on his current deal - but has attracted interest from Arsenal and German club Schalke.
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Avram has Piq in the mix
Published: 05 Jul 2010
The Sun
AVRAM GRANT is set to beat Fulham and West Brom to his old star Frederic Piquionne. The West Ham boss wants to offer the Lyon striker an instant return to the Premier League after last term's loan spell at Portsmouth. Piquionne, 31, hit 11 goals for Pompey under Grant last season and is keen to be reunited with his old gaffer at Upton Park. Grant wants to pair Piquionne with Nice front man Loic Remy. But Remy's French club want £30million for a player who bagged 14 goals last season. The other stumbling block is the striker has his heart set on a move to Arsenal following his fine season.
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Nice reject £11.2m offer from West Ham United for striker Loic Remy, who has heart set on Bordeaux – report
5 Jul 2010 18:55:00
Goal.com
Nice have turned down a bid from West Ham United for Loic Remy who has his heart set on a move to Girondins de Bordeaux, according to the French club's president. The Hammers had a £11.2 million offer for the goal-getting forward turned down, a price Bordeaux chief Jean-Louis Triaud admits his club are unlikely to be able to match. "They [Nice] refused to accept €13.5m from West Ham," said Triaud according to Le Parisien. "I do not see how we could make a proposal that pleases them."
Triaud added that Remy was keen to move to Bordeaux, despite several other major clubs interested in the 23-year-old, who has already won one international cap with France. Olympique de Marseille and Sevilla are supposedly on his case, while Olympique Lyonnais have long been linked with a move for the forward they brought through their youth ranks. Indeed, Lyon have a first option on the player. Bordeaux see the forward as the ideal replacement for Marouane Chamakh, who joined Arsenal on a free transfer this summer, while Remy has admitted he would like to follow Chamakh to the Emirates.
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Piquionne close to West Ham switch
Harry Harris
July 5, 2010
ESPN
Avram Grant is on the verge of bringing one of his Portsmouth old boys to West Ham with Lyon striker Frederic Piquionne set to conclude a deal to move to Upton Park. Piquionne's transfer could be sealed by Tuesday, with negotiations now in advanced stages. The 31-year-old striker helped Pompey reach the FA Cup final last season while on loan from Lyon. West Ham have fought off Fulham and West Brom to capture Piquionne, who now becomes Grant's second big summer signing for his new club following the capture of German midfielder Thomas Hitzslperger. The Hammers have also made a £4 million bid for winger Pablo Barrera, a member of Mexico's World Cup squad. Expensive Brazilian wonderkid Neymar remains a West Ham target, but the Hammers have abandoned their fanciful pursuits of Joe Cole and Thierry Henry and have been unsuccessful in a bid for West Brom's Graham Dorrans.
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Triaud admits defeat on Remy
By Soccernet staff
July 5, 2010
ESPN
West Ham have already seen a €13.5 million offer for Remy rejected, and while Bordeaux are eager to sign a top striker to replace Marouane Chamakh, Triaud says they are restricted by their budget. "They refused to accept €13.5 million from West Ham," he said. "I do not see how we could make a proposal that pleased them. I am not saying it's too expensive - I don't know. In any case, it's not within our means." Remy, 23, had been keen on joining Lyon and Arsenal during the January transfer window.
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West Ham confident Scott Parker will stay at Upton Park
Aston Villa reportedly planning to bid £10m for midfielder
Co-owner 'optimistic' club captain will decide to stay
Jamie Jackson guardian.co.uk, Monday 5 July 2010 17.26 BST
West Ham's co-owner, David Sullivan, is optimistic he can persuade Scott Parker to stay at the club. West Ham remain confident that Scott Parker, the midfielder, will still be playing for the club next season. Aston Villa are reportedly planning to make a £10m bid for the Hammers' captain but David Sullivan, the club's co-owner, said: "I am extremely optimistic that we can persuade him to stay at Upton Park. He is the backbone of our rebuilding plans, the team's talisman. "No way do we want a rerun of last season when we finished on 35 points as normally that amount means you're relegated. "The last time I spoke to Scott [before the summer break] he was enthusiastic [about] staying. I guess he wants to hear about our plans for rebuilding. And at the moment we have not had any offers for him. We've just heard rumours, that's all."
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West Ham celebrate father's say as bid for Santos starlet Neymar gets the thumbs up from forward's dad
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 2:43 PM on 5th July 2010
Daily Mail
West Ham's bid for Brazilian wonderkid Neymar has been given the thumbs up by the 18-year-old's father. The Santos forward's parents have previously insisted it was too soon to talk about a move to Europe, but the offer from Upton Park has been welcomed as a dream move that is seen as a stepping stone to Chelsea. The Hammers saw an opening £12million bid rejected and Santos insist they will not do a deal for less than Neymar's £28.4m release clause. However, Neymar Silva - the player's father - hopes Santos will reconsider their position after hearing details of the offer from agent Wagner Ribeiro. 'It's a very good proposal,' he told Brazilian website Globoesporte. 'He would adapt there for a while and would later reach a big team in a short space of time. 'Indeed, what is on offer is the dream of any player: to play for a big club in Europe and compete for major titles. 'They (West Ham) will make a new proposal for sure, but we will respect Santos. Neymar has a contract with the club and this must be respected.'
The player is 40 per cent owned by investors, but Santos, who own the other 60 per cent of his rights, have the say in negotiations. Club president Luis Alvaro de Oliveira said: 'The proposal can mess with a player, but we have the power of the pen because we are the owners of his rights. Let's not ruin the most-loved team in Brazil this year.'
Santos stormed to the Sao Paulo State Championship earlier this year and have started the nationwide Serie A well. They have already sold 19-year-old striker Andre to Dynamo Kiev this summer but hope to hold on to Neymar, Lyon target Paulo Henrique Ganso and also want to extend the loan of Manchester City forward Robinho for at least another six months. Neymar showed his unease answering questions about his future after scoring a cheeky penalty during a 3-0 friendly win Ferroviaria on Sunday. Despite his club and father acknowledging negotiations with West Ham, the teenager said: 'I know nothing. I haven't received (an offer). I want to carry on at Santos.'
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Former Liverpool star Jermaine Pennant offered to West Ham after Wolves reject winger
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 1:05 AM on 6th July 2010
Daily Mail
Jermaine Pennant is being offered to West Ham and Wigan after Wolves closed the door on the possibility of signing the much-travelled winger. Pennant's partner Lara is pregnant and they are keen to move back to England just a year after he joined Real Zaragoza. The 27-year-old former Arsenal and Liverpool player has had a chequered spell in Spain and Zaragoza may well have to drop their £2m asking price to find a buyer.
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Big Benni is back! Portly striker McCarthy makes early return to pre-season training
PICTURE EXCLUSIVE By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 1:03 AM on 6th July 2010
Daily Mail
Avram Grant took charge of his first training session as West Ham manager yesterday only to find one larger- than-life squad member had returned early from his holidays. Portly poacher Benni McCarthy, 32, could not wait for the arrival of his new manager to start work on reducing his expansive waistline and was back at West Ham's Essex training base last week. And while Grant was no doubt impressed by McCarthy' s attempt to shed his excess timber, Sportsmail's exclusive pictures show that the former Blackburn striker has plenty of hard work ahead if he is to be ready for the new Barclays Premier League season which is less than six weeks away. McCarthy suffered the ignominy of being dropped by World Cup hosts South Africa for being too fat. His attempts to slim down may already have come too late, however, as striker Frederic Piquionne is set to be reunited with Grant after a successful loan spell with Portsmouth last season, scoring 11 goals. Piquionne will undergo a medical today ahead of a £1million move to West Ham from parent club Lyon.
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You're Hired / You're Fired...West Ham United's transfer blueprint
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Willis
Posted on:05 July 2010 - 12:22
West Ham United had a disastrous season last time out, and with new owners and a new manager, The Hammers are hoping for a fresh start to the 2010 campaign, with the clubs slogan proclaiming 'new season, new era, new heroes'. With this in mind Sport.co.uk examine the chances of new faces arriving at the Boleyn Ground and who they should be replacing.
Confirmed Signings:
Thomas Hitzelsberger - Conveniently known as 'The Hammer', Hitzelsberger is the first signing of Avram Grant's tenure at West Ham. The powerful German midfielder should be the natural replacement for the dreadful Kovac who is one of the worst midfield 'players' to ever wear the claret and blue. Hitzelsberger has Premiership experience after impressing at Aston Villa and proved he could nick a goal from distance with a threatening left foot, which is exactly the support Carlton Cole needs after experiencing an isolated season upfront in the 2009/10 season. At 28 'The Hammer' is in his prime and should work well alongside Scott Parker in the middle of the park. A positive start to the summer transfers.
Likely Signings:
Neymar - Being hailed as the new Pele, Neymar is a Brazilian teenager who scored 27 goals in 30 appearences last season for Santos, and many believed he should have made Dunga's World Cup squad. West ham have had their initial bid of 12m rejected but are said to be determined to land Neymar to bring some much needed samba football to the East End.
Loic Remy - West Ham are heavily linked with another exciting young striker in Loic Remy from Nice. West Ham tabled a 10m offer for the striker which Nice firmly rejected. Remy has drawn comparisons to Thiery Henry and has attracted attention from other premiership clubs including Arsenal. West Ham are believed to be still negotiating with the French side for his signature, proving Gold and Sullivan's intent to fortify the attacking capabilities of the Hammers.
Dream Signing:
Joe Cole - The free agent is bound to end up at a club which can boast Champions League football, with his old mentor and close family friend Harry Redknapp most likely to land one of the country's most popular, and underrated midfielders. However, make no mistake; there is not one team in the league that would want Joe Cole on their team sheet more than West Ham. The schoolboy who excelled through the academy of football was a fan favourite at Upton Park during Redknapp's reign and he would be the perfect partner to add some attacking flare to Parker's methodical build up play. Come home Joe, you know it makes sense.
Carlos Tevez - Still a legend at Upton Park, held aloft next to the greats including Di Canio, Brooking, Dicks and Moore amongst others. How many other opposition players enjoy a standing ovation from the west ham faithful after they bury the ball in the back of the net? The answer is of course none. West Ham haven't felt a buzz around Upton Park since the restless argentine left and the faithful are crying out for his passionate attacking play. Tevez has hinted at a return to the East End, lets hope it is before he is a balding, over-weight crippled mess.
Last Chance Saloon:
Luis Boa Morte - Against all the odds, and to the surprise of every west ham fan on the planet, Luis Boa Morte has signed ANOTHER contract at Upton Park. He is regarded by backroom staff and managers as a key player for West Ham. Goodness knows why as he hardly ever plays, and when he does he is always 3 or 4 yards behind the ball. Perhaps they are looking for Luis to move into a coaching roll with the youngsters, which would be a attractive move for all involved; but this must be his last season as a premiership player.
Benni McCarthy - Brought in during the January window by Zola, the South African hoped to lift West Ham's relegation woes with goals galore. It didn't happen. Benni missed a hat full of sitters and looked in worse shape than David Sullivan, causing him to miss out on a home showing at the World Cup. He needs to shape up and start showing some real goal scoring form to save his career.
Time to Loan:
Oliver Lee, Anthony Edgar and Jordan Spence are the three latest academy graduates to sign a professional deal at West Ham. With their predecessors such as Junior Stanislas, James Tomkins and Zavon Hines looking to cement their places in the team next season, the fresh blood should be loaned out as soon as possible to enable them to develop and increase their competitive game time. West Ham have no shortage of exciting youngsters, that's been proven time and time again, but the club need to ensure they do the best for their young talent, giving them every opportunity to finally break into the first team. Some lively kickabouts in the lower divisions should sort them out in no time.
Likely Exits:
Jonathon Spector - Widely hated at Upton Park, the American tried to fill in at left back for Herita Ilunga and failed. Many goals conceded last season could be directly traced to Spector's lazy displays and suicidal passing antics in dangerous defensive plays. If Ilunga is fit he should be nowhere near the squad.
Kieran Dyer - £65,000 a week. Started only 7 times in 3 years. Get rid of him.
Confirmed Exits:
Mido, Ilan and Franco have all been released from West Ham, opening the door for more strikers in the squad. West Ham fans won't be at all aggrieved to lose Mido who was dismal yet again in the premiership but may feel slightly sentimental about losing their fiery Mexican Guillermo Franco who proved himself as a hard worker with undeniable talent on the ball in and around the box. Although he is ending his career it would have been nice to give him one more season. Ilan scored some vital goals in West Ham's survival but all in all looked weak in possession and was often pulled out of position. Hopefully the release of these three attacking players signals real intent on behalf of the owners to bring in some true talent to play alongside Carlton Cole and fill the massive void left by Dean Ashton.
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Real Zaragoza's Pennant offered to West Ham and Wigan
06.07.10 | Andrew Slevison
Real Zaragoza winger Jermaine Pennant has been offered to West Ham United and Wigan Athletic according to reports. The 27-year old former Arsenal and Liverpool man's partner Lara is pregnant and the couple are keen to move back to England despite arriving in Spain just a year ago. Zaragoza are hoping to get about £2million for Pennant's services but with Wolves recently dropping out of the running, may have to drop that asking price if the Hammers or the Latics are to seriously come in for him.
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Santos tell West Ham only £25M will get them Neymar
06.07.10 | tribalfootball.com
Santos will not consider selling Neymar for less than his £25 million buyout clause. West Ham United have failed two bids for the Brazilian youngster. Santos president Luis Alvaro de Oliveira insists that Neymar is not for sale and he will only leave if a club pays his release clause - which stands at more than £25million. "The proposal may interfere with the player, but we have the power, because we are the owners," he said. Santos own 60 per cent of the player, with the rest owned by investment group DIS.
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West Ham to beat Celtic for Mexico star Barrera
06.07.10 | tribalfootball.com
Celtic face missing out on Pablo Barrera. Mexican winger Barrera could head for England rather than pen a deal with Celts, says the Scottish Sun. The World Cup star is close to agreeing a £3million switch to West Ham United from Mexican outfit Pumas.
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Triaud admits Bordeaux cannot compete with West Ham in Remy battle
06.07.10 | tribalfootball.com
Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud admits they cannot compete with West Ham United for Nice striker Loic Remy. The Hammers have so far failed two bids for Remy in the last fortnight. Triaud said: "They refused to accept 13.5 million euros from West Ham, so I do not see how we could make a proposal that pleased them. "I do not say it's too expensive, I do not know. In any case, it is not within our means."
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Aberdeen trials for West Ham prospect Conor Okus
06.07.10 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United youngster Conor Okus has been handed trials at Aberdeen. Okus is a product of the West Ham Academy and was part of their youth team last season. The 18 year-old midfielder is available after being released by the Hammers.
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