WHUFC.com
New manager Avram Grant wants to bring the good times back to West Ham
United
08.07.2010
Avram Grant is relishing the challenge of improving the fortunes of West Ham
United. Speaking at a packed Boleyn Ground press conference to announce his
official unveiling, the new Hammers manager spoke excitedly about his
long-term plans for the coming seasons. Grant, who has signed a four-year
contract, is looking forward to working closely with the club's passionate
owners, supporters, staff and players. "I'm very happy to be here. It's a
good club," the 55-year-old confirmed. "It's my first few days here and so
far it's good - they have good people here, it's a good squad and I like it.
"It's a big challenge but it's a good challenge because it is a club that
wants to progress. It is very different to my last two clubs but I like it
that we have a target not just for one season but for more than one season.
I think it is good. "I think we can progress in one season. We can build a
platform so we can progress every season. I think at the end of the year, if
the players can look at themselves and you can look at them and most of them
are better than now in July, we will know it is a giant step forward."
The new manager has arrived in east London following successful spells in
charge of the Israeli national team, Chelsea and Portsmouth. With nearly 25
years of coaching experience behind him, Grant is the perfect man to
evaluate what needs to be done to help West Ham enjoy a successful future.
That future, the new manager hopes, will see talented players arrive at the
club from two sources - the unrivalled Academy and by shrewd dealing in the
transfer market.
"The economic situation is not too easy not just for West Ham but for other
clubs. We have a vision in our club and targets at other clubs and I can
tell you that our target is not only for next season, but for the following
seasons, is progression. "We want to progress. We want our own Academy to
progress, attracting good players. We are moving to a new facility, which
will be good for the club. We also want the team to make good progress and
we want to do it with good players. "We want to build a platform so that,
each season, we will progress. I think we will do it because we have good
players in this club, but of course we want to make the squad stronger."
While Grant is planning to bring in further recruits to join new signing
Thomas Hitzlsperger, the Germany midfielder, the manager knows there are
already plenty of talented players at the club. "Our target is to progress
with good players, so we continue to use the players from the Academy,
because we think they are doing a good job. We will try to find good talent
and to give them a chance to play the football we want to play, but we also
need some good experienced players with talent and Thomas is one of them.
"He is a good player and a very good professional. He is positive about
everything he is doing. He knows how to defend and he knows how to attack
and we are very happy that he is here. "I think it's a good squad but any
squad needs to be fresh and have players that can make it better. I am
looking forward. I looked at the DVDs but for me and the players, it is a
new beginning. They have something to prove and the club has something to
do. For me, they are starting from the beginning and we will see how they
will be. If most of the squad makes progress, we will not need many
players."
Grant refused to be drawn when asked about individual transfer targets, but
was positive about maintaining the services of England internationals Robert
Green, Matthew Upson and Scott Parker. "With the targets of the club, it is
very important that we have good experienced players and there is no doubt
that Scott Parker is one of them. I watched him last year and DVDs of all
the games last year and even though I don't want to look back, I only want
to look forward, I can tell you that Scott Parker is very important for us.
He is a good football player and has quality. "Robert Green is on vacation.
I spoke with him. He's a great goalkeeper and he proved himself in the past.
He's a positive person, so we are happy that he is here. For me, as it is
with all the other players, it is a new beginning. I am waiting for his
first training session to see him and I'm sure he'll be OK. "We will see
[Matthew] when he comes back. Of course, we want Matty Upson to stay with
the club."
While Hitzlsperger, Green, Upson and Parker are all important players, Grant
closed by insisting that every member of his squad has a role to play in the
club's future if it is to be successful. "I think team spirit is very
important because we can improve the quality of the players here but we
cannot improve it by 100 per cent. We can improve it by 30 or 40 per cent,
but with team spirit you can always reach a high level. With my national
team, Chelsea and Portsmouth, nobody can complain that for one minute that a
player didn't give everything. I expect this will be the same here in West
Ham."
Should Grant foster the same spirit that took Chelsea to the UEFA Champions
League final and Portsmouth to last season's FA Cup final, then every West
Ham supporter will have great cause for optimism. "It was good for me to be
in Chelsea and it was also good for me to be in Portsmouth because the
players and supporters were great and it was a great club in a difficult
time. These belong to the past but what I learned I will take with me
because all my life I like to learn. It's a new challenge and a good
challenge because this club can be a very, very good club."
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New away kit revealed
WHUFC.com
Junior Stanislas, Thomas Hitzlsperger, Carlton Cole and Mark Noble have
launched the new shirt
08.07.2010
West Ham United have unveiled the club's new Macron away kit for the 2010/11
season - fittingly described as being made from the fabric of legends. The
kit - combining cutting edge continental ideas with the club's homegrown
history - is the first produced since Macron became the club's new technical
partners. It features a white shirt with claret and sky blue hoops around
the middle. The shorts and socks are both in matching sky blue, with the
round neck enhancing the retro feel.
Macron are leading the way for kit innovation, providing bespoke shirts that
allowed the club to respond to fan feedback as well as provide stylish
training gear to complement. There has been strong attention to detail,
particularly on the shirt with the design of the cut, the inserts and the
combination of fabrics allowing better movement for optimum performance.
The shirt is a throwback to a kit first worn by the successful side of the
late 1950s, when a young Bobby Moore made his breakthrough into the strong
Hammers side that had emerged around the greats like Malcolm Allison and
Noel Cantwell. Mark Noble, Junior Stanislas, Thomas Hitzlsperger and Carlton
Cole were all chosen to launch the new kit with a special Boleyn Ground
photo-shoot this week. The players posed for a number of shots, including a
cafe scene that evoked thoughts of the West Ham way first being forged
midway through the last century. Then, 50 odd years ago, the players would
follow daily training sessions by getting together again in the afternoons
at Cassettari's Cafe, just a short walk from the ground in Barking Road.
There, the players would exchange views and hone tactics, laying the
foundations for the golden generation of the 1960s. The Hammers memorably
wore a white shirt when they last reached the FA Cup final in 2006. Going
further back, the team had a white away shirt in 1985/86 when they finished
third and, of course, won the 1980 FA Cup while wearing an all-white strip.
Leading Italian kitwear manufacturers Macron will be the club's official
technical partner for three years from the new season. Having recently
joined forces with SSC Napoli, AS Monaco FC and SC Braga, Macron were keen
to make West Ham United a major part of their growing portfolio of
top-flight elite European clubs. Founded in 1971, Macron is based in
Crespellano, near the Italian city of Bologna. In recent years, the company
has rapidly expanded its portfolio of clients, and as well as Napoli also
kits out Serie A clubs Bologna FC 1909 and Cagliari Calcio 1920. Macron also
manufactures high-quality playing and training wear for basketball,
handball, volleyball and rugby. It has links throughout Europe and operates
under the message - work hard, play harder.
* Please note all 2010/11 West Ham United squad numbers will not be
finalised until confirmed with the Premier League in August.
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Facebook page launched
WHUFC.com
A special behind the scenes video is playing today exclusively on the club's
new Facebook page
08.07.2010
Like the new Macron kit? Want to see more? Then check out the new Official
Facebook West Ham United page. Launched today, the club's official facebook
site gives fans another way to keep in touch with the club they love. And,
playing now, is an exclusive kit launch video showing behind the scenes
footage of Thomas Hitzlsperger, Mark Noble, Junior Stanislas and Carlton
Cole. Be sure to make sure you show your support if you 'Like' the page.
Also tell your mates and spread the word to make the club's official
Facebook page the place to be. Keep an eye on the Official West Ham United
facebook page over the summer months to hear all the latest Hammers news and
plenty of exclusive content.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Ham-United-FC-Official/129911763708715?v=
wall
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West Ham fail with third bid for Graham Dorrans
BBC.co.uk
West Bromwich Albion have rejected a third offer from West Ham for highly
rated midfielder Graham Dorrans. Albion, who have already turned down two
West Ham offers of about £4m for the 23-year-old, have now rejected a £5m
bid "out of hand". "I have personally told West Ham they are wasting their
time," said West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace. Dorrans scored 17 goals for the
Baggies last term as they were promoted back to the Premier League. The
Scotland international signed a new four-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. Peace added: "Details of
a third bid from West Ham for Graham Dorrans have been leaked to the media.
"This offer is completely unwelcome and, like West Ham's previous two bids,
it has been rejected out of hand. "Graham is not for sale - to West Ham or
any other club. I cannot make myself any clearer on this subject. "As far as
we are concerned, that is the end of the matter."
The chairman added that Dorrans was getting on with pre-season training and
the club were expecting him to be an integral part of their upcoming Premier
League season.
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Grant: here to stay
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 8th July 2010
By: Staff Writer
Avram Grant staged his first press conference as manager of West Ham United
today - and insisted that he'll be here for years to come. 55-year-old
Grant, who was confirmed as the successor to Gianfranco Zola in June spoke
to the assembled media pack this afternoon for the first time in the week
his players returned to Chadwell Heath following the summer break. Featuring
just one new signing so far - despite being linked to a succession of
players - Grant's squad remains acutely short on quality - an issue he,
along with the co-owners, intends to resolve within the next few weeks. "The
players at the club are good players but of course we are looking to make
the club stronger," he said. "But we need good experienced players with
talent; Thomas [Hitzlsperger] is one of them. We have some targets but if
you want to follow up all the rumours we will need about two days! "Of
course we are following a few players - but only players that can improve
the team. But I can only talk about the players we have already signed
already. "Through negotiations some of the players cannot come, some
players - if they're in the papers - other clubs can attract them; that's
happened to us with three players that nobody knew about before. So we only
want to speak about players that we have signed already."
With regard to the long-term, Grant - who insists that he hopes to settle at
the club following several turbulent years - confirmed that the club's
Academy remains as vital as ever to the club's success. "We have a vision
for the club," he said. "I can tell you that our vision is not only for next
season but for the next seasons [too]. We want to progess, we want to have a
good Academy and attract good players. "We want to build a platform that
with each year we progress. I'm sure that we can do it."
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Barrera in the bag?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 8th July 2010
By: Staff Writer
A number of Mexican media outlets are claiming that West Ham have won the
race to sign winger Pablo Barrera. The 23-year-old, who greatly impressed
during the World Cup Finals had also been courted by Espanyol and Everton,
amongst others, but it is believed that West Ham have won the race to sign
the Pumas player. 'Pablo Barrera's future is in England' states one website,
vefutbol.com.mx - whilst TV sports show Lo Mejor Fox Sports claimed tonight
that Barrera is set to complete a four year deal with the Hammers. The fee
for the exciting youngster is likely to be in the region of £5million, with
sources suggesting that the deal will be confirmed within the next 48 hours.
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'Fans happy with new kit' shocker
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 8th July 2010
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have revealed the club's first kit produced by new manafacturers
Macron - and it's a stunner. The club's new first-choice change strip is a
direct replica of the away kit last worn in the late 1950s - a white shirt
with two hoops, one claret and one blue. The forthcoming season will be the
first time United have worn a white away shirt since the 2006 FA Cup final.
The Hammers have previously worn white as a second strip in the ealy
noughties (Fila) and in the mid-90s, when the 'Argentina' kit - white with
light blue stripes - was a popular choice. Prior to that, the 'Boys Of '86'
wore a (claret) pin-striped version whilst the 1980 FA Cup Final was also
memorable for United wearing white. That followed an announcement at the
beginning of the 1974/75 that the club would be wearing all all-white kit as
their regular change strip. The replica kits - adults featuring the SBOBet
logo, children the Bobby Moore Fund logo - are available to pre-order now
from the club's online store. An adult size replica shirt will set you back
£40, the children's version just a fiver less. The new home shirt - which
will also feature a welcome return to a more traditional design - is to be
revealed later this month.
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Hammers up Dorrans bid
Baggies receive new offer for star midfielder
Last updated: 8th July 2010
SSN
Skysports.com understands West Ham have tabled an improved bid for West Brom
midfielder Graham Dorrans. The Hammers have been chasing the Scotland
international all summer and have already seen two offers rejected for the
23-year-old. The Upton Park club saw their first £4million bid rejected back
in April and then saw an improved £4.5million offer turned down last week.
However, the Hammers are refusing to give up on the gifted midfielder and
are thought to have increased their offer again to a fee in the region of
£5.5million. West Brom are loath to lose the skilful playmaker with Dorrans
playing a key role in helping them win promotion to the Premier League last
season. West Ham are hoping their latest offer will be good enough for West
Brom to cash-in on Dorrans as Avram Grant looks to bring the Scot to Upton
Park.
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Grant in charge of Hammers
Sullivan and Gold know that manager selects the team
Last updated: 8th July 2010
SSN
New West Ham manager Avram Grant is adamant that he is the man who will make
the decisions regarding football at Upton Park. The former Chelsea and
Portsmouth boss has signed a four-year deal with the Hammers and he is
making plans for the start of the new Premier League season. Grant is the
successor to Gianfranco Zola, who left after the conclusion of the last
campaign amid reports of a fractious relationship with the club's
co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold. Rumours suggested that Sullivan
and Gold were forcing decisions upon the Italian, but his replacement
insists that, while he enjoys a good relationship with his bosses, there is
no doubt about who is in charge of West Ham's playing staff. "I'm very
happy to be here," said Grant. "It's a good club.
"It's only been my first days and what I've seen so far is good. Good
people, good squad. I like it. "They (Sullivan and Gold) are so passionate
about the club. Our relationship is good. I'm the manager, I pick the
players and they know that."
Grant was keen to emphasise that he will be looking to build a squad for the
future, with a mix of youth-team players and experience. "What happened in
the past happened in the past. I'm looking for a new beginning," he
continued. "The economic situation is not so easy, but not just here. "Our
target is not only for next season but for the next seasons. We want to
progress. We want our Academy to progress. "We want the team to progress. We
want to build a platform that will progress each year and I'm sure we will
do it. "We want to progress with good players. The players from the Academy
are doing a good job, but we need good experienced players with talent too."
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Grant - Green can bounce back
Hammers boss backs Green to put mistake behind him
Last updated: 8th July 2010
SSN
New West Ham manager Avram Grant is confident Robert Green can recover from
his World Cup howler. After looking set to be Fabio Capello's first choice
in South Africa, Green lost his place in the England team after costing the
side an opening win against the United States when he let in a meek effort
by Clint Dempsey. But Grant is adamant 30-year-old Green can bounce back,
insisting even the best keepers in the world make mistakes. "I spoke with
Robert Green on the phone and I was very happy with what I heard," said
Grant. "I spoke only about the future and what will happen. He looks very
strong and very intelligent. "I don't think it will have an effect on him. I
can give examples, I was at the World Cup in 2002 and I saw the goalkeeper
(Oliver Kahn) who didn't stop a ball that my daughter could stop. "They lost
the World Cup and after this he was still the best goalkeeper in Germany. "I
saw on the television this year Iker Casillas, the best goalkeeper in the
world in my opinion, concede a goal and everyone said it was his fault or
the fault of his girlfriend or mother or whatever. He was the best player in
his last three games. "This is the life of a goalkeeper. "For me Robert
Green is a great goalkeeper, I watched him in the last year and I'm looking
forward to seeing him in the first training."
Grant also confirmed that he is set on keeping Matthew Upson at the club,
despite the defender failing to pledge his future to the Hammers with his
contract expiring in a year's time. "I think any club, especially a club
like West Ham, needs to do everything to keep a player like Upson," said the
former Chelsea boss.
"He is a good player and person and we will do everything to keep him."
Grant also shrugged off rumours that captain Scott Parker, who is a reported
target of Aston Villa, could depart the club. "With the targets of the
club, it is very important that we have good experienced players and there
is no doubt that Scott Parker is one of them," he remarked. "I watched him
last year and DVDs of all the games last year and even though I don't want
to look back, I only want to look forward, I can tell you that Scott Parker
is very important for us. He is a good football player and has quality."
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Baggies reject Dorrans bid
Hammers fail in third offer for midfielder
Last updated: 8th July 2010
SSN
West Brom have rejected a third bid from West Ham for star midfielder Graham
Dorrans. As revealed by skysports.com earlier on Thursday, West Ham launched
an improved bid for Dorrans after seeing two previous offers rejected by
West Brom. Premier League new boys West Brom have rejected the latest offer,
thought to be in the region of £5million, and Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace
insists Dorrans is not for sale. Peace has told West Ham they are wasting
their time in their pursuit of the Scot as they have no plans to sell
Dorrans. "Details of a third bid from West Ham for Graham Dorrans have been
leaked to the media," Peace told the club's official website. "This offer is
completely unwelcome and, like West Ham's previous two bids, it has been
rejected out of hand.
"I have personally told West Ham they are wasting their time. "Graham is not
for sale - to West Ham or any other club. "I cannot make myself any clearer
on this subject. "As far as we are concerned, that is the end of the
matter." Peace added: "As ever, Graham is being a consummate professional
and getting on with his pre-season training. "We are now looking forward to
seeing him play an integral part for the club in the Barclays Premier League
next season."
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Prem duo target Bikey
Hammers & Latics chasing Cameroon ace
Last updated: 8th July 2010
SSN
Skysports.com understands Wigan and West Ham are interested in signing
Burnley star Andre Bikey. Burnley are facing a fight to keep hold of
versatile performer Bikey following their relegation from the Premier League
last season. Bikey, who joined the Clarets last summer from Reading, was one
of Burnley's shining lights last term despite their relegation to the
Championship. Wigan and West Ham have been keeping tabs on Bikey and they
are now weighing up a move for the Cameroon international. Both clubs are
keen to bolster their squads and the fact Bikey is equally adept in defence
as well as midfield makes him an attractive proposition to Avram Grant and
Roberto Martinez. Burnley are loath to lose Bikey, but they could be tempted
to sell him if they receive a sizeable offer.
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English dream for Gyan
Ghana striker happy to be linked with Sunderland and West Ham
By Giscard Gourizro Last updated: 8th July 2010
SSN
World Cup star Asamoah Gyan has admitted he finds the prospect of a move to
the Premier League very appealing, amid speculation that West Ham and
Sunderland are battling it out for his signature. The striker has risen to
prominence over the past few weeks thanks to a string of fine performances
for Ghana.
Reports have suggested that he could now leave Rennes before the end of the
summer, with a switch to England his preferred option. Gyan concedes that he
is flattered to be linked with West Ham, while he has also heard good
reviews about Sunderland from Ghana team-mate John Mensah. However, he
insists he does not have a problem with Rennes and is prepared to let them
have the final decision. "I always dream about playing in the Premier
League. The sooner the better," the 24-year-old said. "I want to test myself
against all the biggest and best defenders in the English league.
"Sunderland? Mensah said they are a good team. "West Ham is attractive
because they are in London and that is a great city that I love. "But Rennes
will have their say, I still have a contract with them and they are great
people there. So let's wait and see."
Gyan's World Cup ended in heartbreak as Ghana bowed out to Uruguay on
penalties at the quarter-final stage. Gyan scored in the shoot-out but
missed a spot-kick in the closing seconds of extra-time that would have sent
Ghana through to the last four. He has now come to terms with the
disappointment, saying: "I am very well. I sometimes think about the penalty
miss but that is normal, there was a chance to make history. "But it is
God's plan and I am a great believer so it is fine for me."
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Hammers lead Barrera chase
West Ham look to grab Mexico international winger
By Patricio Figueroa Last updated: 8th July 2010
SSN
West Ham have emerged as favourites to land Mexico winger Pablo Barrera,
with Everton also in for the Pumas ace. Spanish side Espanyol had been
leading the chase for Barrera, who impressed at this summer's World Cup
finals, and opened talks with his club UNAM Pumas last month. But there is
now strong interest emanating from Britain with West Ham, Everton and Celtic
all reported to be keen, along with Italian side Lazio. Pumas have now
confirmed that they are considering three offers - from West Ham, Everton
and Espanyol - with one bid standing out. Reports in Mexico claim that the
best offer is from the Upton Park club and they are now in pole position to
claim his signature. "We don't want to be making announcements when it's not
the correct moment. When everything is OK we will make an announcement,"
said Pumas director of sport Mario Trejo. "It's very possible that between
Thursday and Friday we will have something more serious to say. "If there
is an important announcement to be made, the president will be in charge of
letting everyone know. "I must admit that after analysing the offers of
Espanyol, West Ham and Everton, there is one that has convinced us more than
the rest. "We can't talk too much about it because then everything gets
complicated and as we are very near to reaching an agreement we don't want
to spoil the negotiations." West Ham have also been linked with Barrera's
team-mate Efrain Juarez, but Trejo says they are yet to receive a bid for
him. "Juarez? Nothing, nothing official or written, not yet," he added.
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Gyan courts Prem switch
Published: 08 Jul 2010
The Sun
ASAMOAH GYAN has targeted a move to the Premier League following his World
Cup exploits with Ghana. The striker emerged as one of the players of the
tournament as the Black Stars marched towards the quarter-finals. But his
South African adventure ended in agony when he missed a last-minute spotkick
against Uruguay in extra time which would have sealed Ghana's place in the
last four. The Ghanaians later went on to lose the resulting penalty
shootout but that has not stopped Sunderland and West Ham enquiring about
his services. And the 24-year-old hitman admits he would consider a move
away from his current club Rennes. Gyan said:"I always dream about playing
in the Premier League. The sooner the better. "I want to test myself against
all the biggest and best defenders in the English league. "Sunderland? John
Mensah said they are a good team. "West Ham is attractive because they are
in London and that is a great city that I love. "But Rennes will have their
say, I still have a contract with them and they are great people there. So
let's wait and see."
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Grant: I'm in charge hereBy PAT SHEEHAN
The Sun
Published: 08 Jul 2010
AVRAM GRANT laid down the law after becoming West Ham boss by telling owners
David Sullivan and David Gold: I'm in charge. Grant is adamant he has the
final say on all transfers and insists England defender Matthew Upson will
be sold unless he signs a new contract. Grant, 55, pulled no punches after
being officially unveiled as successor to Gianfranco Zola. He said: "When I
spoke to the chairman he told me decisions about players would be mine. I
wasn't surprised. I could never agree any other way. "Of course I'm not
involved in the money side. This has to be the decision of the owners, how
to spend and how much."
Upson has a year to run on his current deal and has refused to commit
himself in any negotiations. Grant added: "I think any club needs to do
everything to keep a player like Upson. But also, the fans deserve players
who want to play for the club." Grant has spoken to England's blunder keeper
Robert Green. He said: "I don't think it will have an effect on him. In the
2002 World Cup Oliver Khan failed to stop a shot my daughter could have
saved. "Germany lost the World Cup after this but Kahn was still regarded as
the best keeper in Germany."
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Grant tells Upson: Sign a new deal or go
Published 23:00 08/07/10 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
Avram Grant stepped into the West Ham hotseat and warned contract rebel
Matthew Upson: 'Sign a new deal or go'. England defender Upson, 31, has just
a year left on the Upton Park deal he signed in January 2007. But the
centre-back, who scored against Germany in the World Cup, has persistently
indicated he wants to play for a club either in the Champions League or the
Europa League. Grant, who has signed a four-year deal to succeed Gianfranco
Zola, said: "I think any club, especially a club like West Ham, needs to do
everything to keep a player like Upson. "He is a good player and person, and
we will do everything to keep him. "But also, the West Ham fans deserve
players who want to play for the club. "I only want players who want to play
because I think we will have a great future. "It will be good for us and
good for the players. Of course, Matthew is one of them."
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Grant warns Gold and Sullivan: Let me do it my way
Published 23:00 08/07/10 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
Avram Grant has warned his outspoken bosses to leave him alone to work his
magic at West Ham. The 55-year-old Israeli maintains he will bring the good
times back to Upton Park as long he is able to do things his way. Co-owner
David Gold's Rolls Royce was a near-permanent fixture in the players' car
park at the Hammers' Chadwell Heath training ground last season. Gold is
also alleged to have been a regular visitor to the Hammers' dressing room
before matches.
And co-owner David Sullivan saw his relationship with Grant's predecessor
Gianfranco Zola go into meltdown after publicly undermining the Italian in
TV interviews and repeatedly criticising the players. Zola was finally,
brutally, sacked at the end of the season and remains locked in a bitter
battle with the club over compensation. Grant, meanwhile, has earned his
spurs after taking Chelsea to within a penalty kick of the Champions League
Final and a struggling Portsmouth to the FA Cup Final. He is aiming to lift
West Ham from their finishing position of 17th last season to a place where
they can mix it with the big boys.
But he insists he will not tolerate any interference from Gold and Sullivan.
He said yesterday: "Our relationship is good and, of course, I am the
manager and I pick the players and the squad and they know that - like it
was all my life. "I cannot agree for something else, I cannot work in a team
that someone else will decide about the players and where it would not be my
responsibility. "I like the pressure and I like the responsibility. All the
football issues are my responsibility and I have the final word. "I'm not
involved in money. This is the decision of the owners, how to spend, how
much to spend, so I don't want to be involved in the money situation - and
they don't want to be involved in the football issues. "I worked with
Abramovich and it was good, but nobody is perfect. I worked with no owners
in Portsmouth and it was not exciting. Now I'm working with David Gold and
David Sullivan. "There are so many things that happened in the past, even
when I went to Portsmouth and Chelsea. "I'm trying to ignore the past and
look for a new beginning. Everything I've seen until now is OK and it will
not be a problem."
West Ham have so far linked with ambitious moves for the 18-year-old
Brazilian striker Neymar, Everton's out-of-contract 20-year-old midfielder
Dan Gosling and the 32-year-old World Cup striker Miroslav Klose. Grant,
however, was remaining tight lipped on all three. Indeed he would only
insist that co-owner David Sullivan's claim that every player except skipper
Scott Parker is for sale at the right price was no longer the case. He went
on: "Everyone has a chance, of course. You know sometimes, even chairmen are
disappointed, and they say something. "But you see, at the end of the day,
that all the players are here and they have a chance. I think they could do
a good job for West Ham, and we'll improve the team."
There were even positive words for tubby South Africa striker Benni
McCarthy, axed from his country's World Cup squad for being too fat. Grant
said: "You see that I lost a lot of kilos. It's a good example for Benni. "I
did it for him. For me, it's a beginning and what happened in the past
happened is in the past. "I'm looking to see Benni. Of course he needs to
lose one or two kilos but we will help him with this and what I see in
training is good and I'm sure he will be okay."
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Robert Green is a great keeper who will recover from England gaffe, says
Grant
Published 23:00 08/07/10 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
New West Ham boss Avram Grant has also revealed that he has already spoken
to keeper Robert Green, whose gaffe cost England all three points in their
opening World Cup group game against the USA. Grant said: "I liked it when I
spoke to him. I spoke only about the future and what will happen. He looks
very strong and very intelligent. "Of course I spoke with him on the phone,
it was between me and him, but I was very happy with what I heard. "I don't
think it will have an effect on him. I can give examples. I was at the World
Cup in 2002 and I saw [Germany keeper Oliver Khan] who didn't stop a ball
that my daughter could stop. They lost the World Cup and after this he was
still the best goalkeeper in Germany. "I saw on the television this year
Casillas, the best goalkeeper in the world in my opinion, concede a goal
[against Switzerland] and everyone said it was his fault or the fault of his
girlfriend or mother or whatever. "He was the best player in his last three
games. This is the life of a goalkeeper. Even with a striker, you need to
have a short memory. For me RG is a great goalkeeper. I watched him in the
last year and I'm looking forward to seeing him in the first training."
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West Ham face work permit battle for £3.5m Mexico World Cup star - Exclusive
Published 23:00 08/07/10 By Alan Nixon
The Mirror
West Ham boss Avram Grant faces an anxious wait to sign Mexico World Cup
wing king Pablo Barrera - with a battle to land a work permit for him.
Barrera has agreed to join Hammers from Pumas in a £3.5 million deal and
will pick up a £50,000-a-week contract, the best package on offer to him
despite interest from Celtic, Espanyol and Everton. However the Hammers now
face a worrying delay as Barrera applies for a permit. He will not gain one
automatically as his appearance record over the past two years is below the
necessary level. Barrera missed months with a major cruciate ligament
injury, a problem which he proved is behind him with his dazzling displays
in South Africa where he was often used as a sub. The flying winger will
argue that he missed many internationals because of his injury trouble but
that will still leave him on the borderline. Hammers also hope that the size
of the contract they have offered him shows that he meets some of the other
criteria before he is allowed into the country. Meanwhile West Ham's bid for
French striker Frederic Piquionne is on the rocks - after Lyon hiked up the
price at the last minute. Hammers chief Grant hoped to land his former
Portsmouth attacker in a deal worth around £1.2 million, with the hit man
due to fly in for talks but unable to come. Lyon have now decided they want
more cash, pushing his value up to over £2million, and have delayed the move
to the anger of the player and West Ham. Piquionne had been cleared to speak
to West Brom after a low fee was agreed, but failed to sort out personal
terms. However a change of direction at Lyon stunned the Upton Park outfit's
plans.
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New West Ham boss Grant insists: I'm in charge
Published 15:42 08/07/10 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
New West Ham manager Avram Grant claims his relationship with the club's
owners is good but remains firm that he will be the one in charge of
first-team matters. Gianfranco Zola reportedly had a fractious relationship
with the club's co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold and was sacked
following a troubled campaign. Grant, who has signed a four-year deal, is
delighted to be at Upton Park. "I'm very happy to be here," said the former
Chelsea and Portsmouth boss. "It's a good club. "It's only been my first
days and what I've seen so far is good. Good people, good squad. I like it.
"They (Sullivan and Gold) are so passionate about the club. Our relationship
is good. I'm the manager, I pick the players and they know that." Grant was
keen to emphasis that he will be looking to build a squad for the future,
with a mix of youth-team players and experience. "What happened in the past
happened in the past. I'm looking for a new beginning, " he continued. "The
economic situation not so easy, but not just here. "Our target is not only
for next season but for the next seasons. We want to progress. We want our
academy to progress. "We want the team to progress. We want to build a
platform that will progress each year and I'm sure we will do it. "We want
to progress with good players. The players from the academy are doing a good
job, but we need good experienced players with talent too."
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Avram Grant insists keeping Matthew Upson at West Ham is a priority
By Laura Williamson
Last updated at 12:31 AM on 9th July 2010
Daily Mail
Avram Grant has vowed to do everything in his power to keep England defender
Matthew Upson at West Ham. Upson, 31, has 12 months left on his
£50,000-a-week deal and West Ham could lose him on a free transfer next
summer. Grant, who called on Upson to prove his commitment to the club,
said: 'The fans deserve players who want to play for the club. I only want
players who want to play because I think we will have a great future. 'But I
think any club, especially a club like West Ham, needs to do everything to
keep a player like Upson. He's a good player and person and we will do
everything to keep him.'
Speaking at his first press conference since signing a four-year deal, Grant
said he would not tolerate interference on transfer policy from joint owners
David Sullivan and David Gold, who were outspoken in their criticism of
Gianfranco Zola last season.
Grant said: 'As long as I'm the manager, I'm taking the decision and I'm
responsible for this. I cannot work in a team where someone else decides
about the players and where it would not be my responsibility.' The
55-year-old also issued a challenge to his squad to prove themselves in
training. With the manager looking to strengthen his squad, some players
will need to be sold if West Ham are to comply with the Premier League's
limit of 25 senior players per club. He said: 'I am looking in all areas to
improve the team.' Grant admitted Benni McCarthy had 'one or two kilos' to
lose but said he would support the forward. 'We'll help him with this and
what I see in training is good — I'm sure he'll be OK.' Grant added that he
had spoken to Robert Green, who will report for pre-season training on July
19 after his World Cup gaffe against the USA. He said: 'I don't think it'll
have an effect on him. Goalkeepers need to have a short memory. For me,
Robert Green is a great goalkeeper.'
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Avram Grant's First Day
West Ham Till I Die
Today was Avram Grant's first day at work and he held a press conference
this afternoon. According to reports I have seen he…
* expressed confidence in Robert Green
* said he would be his own man and run the club in his own way
* did not rule out moves for Klose or Danny Gosling
* made clear he wants to buy Piquonne
It seems to me his main task has to be to sign a proven goalscorer. Piquonne
may be many things, but he's about as prolific as Carlton Cole. We need a
striker who will score 15-20 goals a season.
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Avram Grant insists Robert Green is staying at West Ham despite World Cup
howler
Avram Grant insisted on Thursday that Robert Green will remain at Upton
Park.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Published: 4:30PM BST 08 Jul 2010
Avram Grant was officially unveiled as West Ham's new manager today . The
new West Ham manager, who began life at the club on Monday, has spoken to
the England goalkeeper and insisted his error at the World Cup finals will
not affect his future. Grant also hinted that the club will pursue their
interest in Miroslav Klose, the German striker, and Portsmouth forward
Frederic Piquionne. Steve Clarke leaves West Ham "I want to look forward,"
said the Israeli. "I have spoken with Robert and I think he is a great
goalkeeper. "He has proved himself in the past and he is a positive person.
"We are happy he is here. What happened to him has happened to other
goalkeepers before. It's part of the game." On new players, Grant added: "We
have some targets and I am sure we will get our targets." On the subject of
Klose, who co-chairman David Sullivan had previously claimed the club were
after, he said: "I can't speak about anyone not here but we will see what
happens." West Ham only just avoided relegation last season and that
disappointment saw Gianfranco Zola leave. "It's a new beginning and the club
has something to prove. "We need to progress and we want to build a
platform. We have good players here but we want to make it stronger."
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Baggies blast West Ham over Dorrans
Sport.co.uk
Author: Ben Moss
Posted on:08 July 2010 - 04:30 PM
West Bromwich Albion have hit out at West Ham after rejecting a third bid
for midfielder Graham Dorrans. The Hammers returned with a fresh £5million
bid for the Scotland international which frustrated Baggies chairman Jeremy
Peace has rejected out of hand. "Details of a third bid from West Ham for
Graham Dorrans have been leaked to the media," he told the club's official
website. "This offer is completely unwelcome and, like West Ham's previous
two bids, it has been rejected out of hand. "I have personally told West Ham
they are wasting their time. Graham is not for sale - to West Ham or any
other club. I cannot make myself any clearer on this subject. "As far as we
are concerned, that is the end of the matter. "We are now looking forward to
seeing him play an integral part for the club in the Barclays Premier League
next season."
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