Tuesday, August 31

Daily WHUFC News - III 31st August 2010

Internationals in action
WHUFC.com
Nine West Ham United players could turn out for their respective countries
this week
31.08.2010

A host of West Ham United players could be in international action for their
respective countries between now and the club's next home fixture against
Chelsea on Saturday 11 September. With the 2012 UEFA European Championship
qualifying campaign getting under way, there will be plenty of vital points
to be played for all over the continent, while Pablo Barrera faces an
11,000-mile round-trip to Mexico to face Ecuador and Colombia in two
international friendly fixtures. Barrera is in Mexico's squad for a friendly
meeting with Ecuador in Guadalajara on Saturday 4 September and Colombia in
Monterrey on Tuesday 7 September. The winger has earned 25 caps and appeared
for his country at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Closer to home, Carlton Cole and Matthew Upson have been included in
England's squad for their opening UEFA EURO 2012 Group G qualifier against
Bulgaria at Wembley on Friday, as well as the meeting with the Swiss four
days later. The pair were in training at The Grove in Hertfordshire on
Tuesday morning.

Tal Ben Haim is in Israel's squad for their opening EURO 2012 Group F
fixture against Georgia in Tbilisi on 7 September. The Israelis will also
face Croatia, Greece, Latvia and Malta during their qualification campaign.

Fitness permitting, Valon Behrami is likely to be included in Switzerland's
squad for an international friendly meeting with Australia in St. Gallen on
Friday and their meeting with England in Basel four days later.

Herita Ilunga's DR Congo will play host to Senegal in the country's opening
2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Group E qualifier in Lumbumbashi on 5
September. DR Congo will also face Cameroon and Mauritius in qualifying.

Thomas Hitzlsperger has failed to recover from his thigh injury in time to
be included in Germany's squad for their EURO 2012 Group A qualifiers
against Belgium in Brussels on Friday and Azerbaijan in Cologne next
Tuesday. Had he been fit, the midfielder would have been included.

At Under-21 level, Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson is in Iceland's squad for their
UEFA European U21 Championship Group 5 qualifier with Czech Republic in
Jablonec nad Nisou on Tuesday week. Coached by Eyjolfsson's father Eyjolfur
Sverrisson, Iceland are in with a chance of qualifying for the finals for
the first time in their history and could clinch at least a play-off place
by beating the Czechs.

To do so, they may have to find their way past Hammers goalkeeper Marek
Stech, who has been called up to the Czech Republic U21 squad for their
European Championship Group 5 qualifiers against Germany in Mlada Boleslav
on Friday, as well as the meeting with Iceland four days later.

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Hammers set sights on Yobo
East London club target out-of-favour stopper
Last updated: 31st August 2010
SSN

Skysports.com understands West Ham are preparing to swoop for Everton
centre-back Joseph Yobo. The Nigerian international has been heavily linked
with a Goodison Park exit this summer after falling out of favour with
Toffees manager David Moyes. And the long-serving stopper could be on his
way to Upton Park, with the Hammers set to table an offer for his services
as Tuesday's transfer deadline draws nearer. Reports suggest Hammers boss
Avram Grantwants the 29-year-old on a season-long loan deal, while Everton
are keen to offload him on a permanent basis. Yobo, who has also recently
been rumoured for a Celtic move, arrived on Merseyside for £3.5million in
2003 from French club Marseille.

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Chim chim cheroo?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st August 2010
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are rumoured to be in for former Tottenham and Wigan defender
Pascal Chimbonda. The 31-year-old right back - currently employed by
Blackburn - moved to Ewood Park a year ago but is said to be on his way to
the Boleyn Ground, possibly on loan. West Ham have been without a recognised
right back since former club captain Lucas Neill departed. Meanwhile moves
to bring 29-year-old Guy Demel in from Hamburg are thought to have hit a
snag.

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Swap deal mooted
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st August 2010
By: Staff Writer

Liverpool are rumoured to have made a last-ditch bid to sign Carlton Cole -
with Ryan Babel included as part of the deal. Cole is rumoured to have been
the target of a deadline day swap bid from the Reds, who are said to have
included Dutch international Ryan Babel in the package. Details remain
sketchy at present but we will of course bring you all the latest as it
happens.

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Hammers consider Cole offer
Reds step up pursuit of West Ham star striker
Last updated: 31st August 2010
SSN

Sky Sports News understands that West Ham are considering an official offer
from Liverpool for striker Carlton Cole. It was revealed on Monday that the
Anfield club had made an enquiry regarding the £10million-rated frontman,
with manager Roy Hodgson repeatedly admitting that he wants to sign a
forward. Liverpool are now reported to have progressed in their attempts to
capture former Chelsea player Cole and West Ham are giving thought to a fee
tabled by their Premier League rivals. Cole has been linked with the Reds
since before Hodgson replaced Rafa Benitez earlier in the summer and the
26-year-old is said to be interested in a move to Merseyside. Reports also
suggest that Liverpool are prepared to offer Ryan Babel, who has been linked
with Tottenham, in a part-exchange deal and they will now hope to push
through an agreement before Tuesday's transfer deadline at 6pm. Hodgson has
renewed his attempts to sign Cole after he decided to end interest in PSV's
Ola Toivonen prior to reaching a dead-end in a pursuit of Bayern Munich's
Mario Gomez.
The shortcomings of Liverpool's squad were exposed in an extremely
disappointing 2009/10 campaign when injuries to Fernando Torres left the
club with only youngster David Ngog as a recognised striker.

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Deadline day latest: T minus 90 minutes
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st August 2010
By: Staff Writer

Carlton Cole's proposed move to Liverpool is very much on the cards -
although Scott Parker is definitely staying at West Ham. Cole was the
subject of a bid thought be worth in the region of £7million plus striker
Ryan Babel from Liverpool earlier today - although it is unclear at this
stage whether Babel would arrive on a permanent transfer or season-long
loan. With the three parties currently locked in talks time is running our
for a deal to be rushed through, although Liverpool's medical team are
poised to give the 26-year-old the once-over should talks progress smoothly.


Meanwhile vice-captain Parker has reiterated that he will not be leaving the
club - despite Tottenham retaining a strong interest in securing his
services.
Parker has been informed that he will not be allowed to depart, in line with
David Sullivan's statement at the end of last season that he will not be
moving elsewhere during the summer. The 29-year-old told fans upon leaving
training this lunchtime that he will be staying put.

Elsewhere right back Pascal Chimbonda looks poised to complete a switch from
Blackburn, whilst Joseph Yobo's proposed move from Everton is still on the
cards despite having apparently fallen through earlier in the day. One or
two other transfers are thought to be being kept under wraps although any
annoucements by the club prior to the 6:00pm transfer deadline are extremely
unlikely, in line with recent seasons.

Stick with KUMB.com for all the very latest news from a dramatic transfer
deadline day.

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Parker to stay at West Ham
TalkSport
By Marc Isaacs
Tuesday, August 31

Scott Parker has confirmed to West Ham that he is definitely staying at
Upton Park. Parker has been strongly linked with a £7m move to Tottenham and
there were strong fears he would leave the east London club after he delayed
signing a new five-year contract. Harry Redknapp is a big admirer of the
former Chelsea midfielder and had already seen one offer turned down for the
West Ham midfielder. But Parker has given West Ham fans the news they wanted
to hear after revealing he will definitely stay at Upton Park. He is now
expected to put pen to paper on his new long-term contract which will come
as major relief to his manager Avram Grant.

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Liverpool set to offer Ryan Babel to West Ham in bid to sign Carlton Cole
Liverpool are understood to have made an official bid to sign Carlton Cole
from West Ham with a deal dependant on the London club acquiring Ryan Babel
in return
Telegraph.co.uk
By Telegraph staff and agencies
Published: 4:05PM BST 31 Aug 2010

Since replacing Rafael Benitez at Anfield, Roy Hodgson has made no secret of
the fact he wanted to sign a new forward and it seems the £10 million-rated
striker is top of his wish-list. According to the Mail, Liverpool were
prepared to pay £7 million for Cole while West Ham wanted the full £10
million but now it seems a straight swap involving Babel could be on the
cards. Completing the deal would being an end to a relatively unsuccessul
transfer window for Hodgson who missed out on signing PSV's Ola Toivonen and
Bayern Munich's Mario Gomez. Meanwhile, Paul Konchesky has been reunited
with former manager Hodgson after finally completing his move to Liverpool
from Fulham. The 29-year-old has signed a four-year contract, with Liverpool
reserve team players Lauri Dalla Valle and Alex Kacaniklic moving in the
opposite direction as part of the deal. Konchesky was at Anfield to watch
his new team's victory over West Brom on Sunday but the completion of his
deal was held up by negotiations and medicals for Dalla Valle and
Kacaniklic. The two-cap former England international, who played under
Hodgson at Fulham, will provide much-needed competition for Fabio Aurelio at
left-back. Emiliano Insua is destined to leave the club, with a proposed
loan to Galatasaray, after an earlier move to Fiorentina collapsed over
personal terms despite the clubs agreeing a fee.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - II 31st August 2010

Obinna has Chelsea in sight
WHUFC.com
With Chelsea up next, Victor Obinna is aiming to give Avram Grant food for
thought in selection
31.08.2010

Victor Obinna is already targeting a "massive game" on Saturday week when
West Ham United welcome old rivals Chelsea to the Boleyn Ground.
Having sealed his high-profile switch from UEFA Champions League holders and
Serie A champions Internazionale, the Nigeria forward will begin work with
his new team-mates this week. He is eager to put himself in the frame for a
debut at the earliest opportunity. "I can't wait to play," he said. "I am
very happy and excited about moving to West Ham, I also want to thank the
coach for choosing me. He has had the confidence to bring me to London and I
think my game will suit the Premier League. I am looking forward to helping
the club move to the next level. "If I can play against Chelsea, it will be
a massive game for me. I know what derby matches mean for the fans and how
it is important to give everything you can. I am sure the atmosphere will be
fantastic."

Obinna, who had a successful spell at Spanish top-flight side Malaga on loan
last season, may be used to the glamorous surroundings of the Giuseppe
Meazza stadium in the San Siro district of Milan but he was no less in awe
of the Boleyn when he made his first visit to east London. "Inter have an
amazing stadium but West Ham have a big culture and a very long history. It
is an impressive stadium with so much history and I am looking forward to
making it my home. I am going to have a nice life here."

Like his fellow Hammers forward Pablo Barrera, Obinna has only just turned
23. Both are part of Avram Grant's vision for a pacy attack that moves
forward with freedom, but in an organised way. At such a young age, it is no
surprise that Obinna turned to a wise old head for some advice about his
move from Inter. "I spoke to the Legend, as we call him in Nigeria for
advice. [Portsmouth striker] Kanu is the king. He said many good things. He
was so excited for me to come here. He gave me some advice before signing
for West Ham and told me to go for it. He encouraged me. He has played under
the manager and said they had a very positive relationship."

He also sounded out his colleagues in the Nigeria set-up, with several like
Joseph Yobo, Yakubu Ayegbeni and John Obi Mikel playing in the Barclays
Premier League. "I have spoken to all of my team-mates in the national team.
They are so excited. "I know about the club, and the expectation here. I
believe West Ham have a good team. Last season they played well at times but
unfortunately didn't always get the results. I believe it will take a little
time but we will be back and show what we can do. It is going to be exciting
and I can't wait to play for the fans."

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Daprela departs
WHUFC.com
Fabio Daprela has joined Italian club Brescia Calcio on a five-year contract
31.08.2010

West Ham United can confirm that Fabio Daprela has joined Italian Serie A
new boys Brescia Calcio on a five-year contract. The paperwork on the
19-year-old left-back's move was finalised on Tuesday morning. He made eight
first-team appearances for the Hammers, making his debut in the 2-1 home FA
Cup third-round defeat by Arsenal on 3 January 2010. Daprela went on to make
four Barclays Premier League starts at the tail-end of last season, but the
return to fitness of DR Congo international Herita Ilunga and the emergence
of first-year professional Jordan Brown have limited his opportunities in
2010/11. The Switzerland Under-21 defender joined West Ham from Grasshoppers
in his home city of Zurich in July 2009. All at West Ham United would like
to wish Fabio well in the future and thank him for his efforts during his 13
months at the club.

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Keep on improving
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr has encouraged young goalkeepers Marek Stech and Sam Cowler to
maintain their progression
31.08.2010

Academy Director Tony Carr has expressed his pride at seeing two young
goalkeeping graduates make the step up to first-team level this month. Czech
Republic Under-21 stopper Marek Stech, who has been with the club for four
seasons, marked his senior competitive debut with a man of the match
performance in the 1-0 Carling Cup second-round victory over Oxford United
last week. Meanwhile, second-year scholar Sam Cowler was included in the
first-team squad for the visits of Bolton Wanderers and Oxford after Hungary
U21 international Peter Kurucz was laid low with a cruciate knee ligament
injury. Stech has been with the club since the age of 16, when he moved to
England from Sparta Prague, and Carr was naturally delighted to see yet
another Academy youngster make the grade. "Marek wasn't technically
homegrown, but he came through the youth team for two years and has now had
an opportunity to show what he's all about. "He produced a creditable
performance against Oxford, did very well and got man of the match. He made
one great save from a long-distance shot. It was all good experience for him
and he can only improve."

Cowler has been with the Hammers since he was a child, working his way up
through the age-group ranks before becoming a scholar in summer 2009.
After battling Peter Loveday and Deniz Mehmet for the U18s No1 jersey last
season, the young goalkeeper faces competition from Mehmet - a Turkey U17
international - as well as first-year scholars David Wootton and Jake
Larkins. Having been part of the first-team picture, albeit for two matches
as injury cover, Carr hopes Cowler will continue to improve this season by
forcing his way into the reserve-team set-up. "Sam was the next in line and
it was a great experience for him. It will have given him a bit of a taste
for the big time and spur him on to want more of it."

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Transfer deadline day: latest
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st August 2010
By: Staff Writer

West Ham continue to be linked with a number of players with the transfer
deadline just hours away. All summer dealings must be concluded by 6pm today
- and as a result, a number of clubs are still desperately trying to
finalise deals. United still have their finger in a number of tasty pies -
although much may depend on who leaves the club first. Everton striker
Yakubu remains very much on the radar although any deal is almost certainly
dependent on someone leaving the club first. The most likely departure
would appear to be Carlton Cole - however weekend rumours suggesting that
Liverpool were interested in the 26-year-old were exaggerated, although the
Reds are keeping tabs on the England striker's situation and could move
should other deals not progress as planned.
With Rob Green sidelined for around a fortnight as a result of a minor hip
operation United remain keen to bring in a recognised back up, with Roma's
Brazilian 'keeper Doni the club's main target. There would be no work permit
issue should the deal be concluded as the 30-year-old holds an Italian
passport. Other possibilities for deadline day moves include Everton's
Joseph Yobo whilst the Hammers remain keen on SV Hamburg's Ivorian
international Guy Demel, although nothing has changed on that potential deal
since the weekend.

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Danny Gabbidon urged against Wales retirement
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 2012 QUALIFYING GROUP G - MONTENEGRO V WALES
Venue: City Stadium, Podgorica Date: Friday, 3 September Kick-off: 1830 BST
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio Wales & Radio Cymru, live text
commentary online and score updates on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sport
website. Live on Sky Sports 3

BBC.co.uk

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----

Wales defender Danny Gabbidon has been urged not to consider international
retirement after pulling out of another national team squad with injury. The
West Ham centre-back withdrew from Wales' Euro 2012 qualifying opener in
Montenegro due to a calf problem. And former team-mate Iwan Roberts fears
Gabbidon, who has played just three times for Wales in three years, maybe
considering international retirement. But former Wales defender Jason Perry
said: "I hope that it doesn't happen."
Roberts fears Gabbidon may follow the example of fellow Premier League
Welshmen Ryan Giggs and Simon Davies and quit Wales to prolong their club
careers. And prior to the 31-year-old withdrawing from the Wales squad to
play Montenegro on Friday, Wales boss John Toshack warned Gabbidon he is no
longer an automatic choice at centre-back due to the emergence of Swansea
City's Ashley Williams and Craig Morgan of Preston. Gabbidon endured a tough
few years due to long-standing problems his thighs, hamstrings, calves and
lower back. But he has battled back from summer surgery to match-fitness to
start in West Ham United's last two Premier League matches - including
Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Manchester United.

Gabbidon, though, he withdrew from Wales' 2012 European Championship
qualification Group G opener in Podgorica due to calf trouble. And his
former Wales colleague Roberts, a BBC Wales pundit, admits: "He has had
plenty of problems over the past few years with injuries and has battled
back to fitness.
"But once again he has had to pull out of a squad. "He has been a great
servant to Welsh football and maybe the time has come where he looks at the
squad and that he may be third or fourth choice centre-half. "And Danny may
think it is time to start thinking of his club career with West Ham and get
himself fully fit."

Gabbidon, who made his Wales debut in a goalless draw against the Czech
Republic in 2002, made a half-an-hour cameo appearance in Wales' 3-0
friendly win against Scotland last November and BBC Wales pundit Perry hopes
his 43rd cap was not Gabbidon's last. "He may not be starting at present
because he has had such a bad time though injuries," said the fellow former
Cardiff City defender. "But he is trying to get back and is certainly an
important member of the Wales squad - and given half the chance with
injuries, he would hold down the centre-back position. "Wales haven't got
masses of quality players and we're a small nation so we need everyone
especially if they play in the Premier league - we can't afford to have
people retiring."

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Duo battle for Babel
Spurs & West Ham target Reds man
Last updated: 31st August 2010
SSN

Skysports.com understands Tottenham and West Ham have made last-ditch moves
for Liverpool's Ryan Babel. It is believed the London duo have contacted
Liverpool to ask about Babel's availability. Liverpool are thought to be
willing to let Babel move on for the right fee as Roy Hodgson looks to
reshape his squad. West Ham have held a long-term interest in Babel and he
has been mentioned in a possible swap deal with Carlton Cole. Tottenham are
thought to have turned their attentions to Babel after missing out on a
number of other top targets. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is keen to bolster
his attacking options before the transfer window slams shut on Tuesday and
he is thought to be an admirer of Babel. Babel's long-term future at
Liverpool has been the subject of speculation for some time with the
Dutchman struggling to hold down a regular place in the starting XI. Any
move could depend on whether Liverpool can bring in a replacement for Babel
before the close of the window.

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Stoke win battle for Marc Wilson as Portsmouth captain arrives at Britannia
Stadium to complete move
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 10:21 AM on 31st August 2010
Daily Mail

Stoke City have won the race for Portsmouth captain Marc Wilson after the
Republic of Ireland international arrived at the club to complete
formalities on deadline day. The Potters have been battling for much of the
summer with West Ham and West Brom for the signature of the 23-year-old,
with all three parties having bids in the region of £3million rejected at
some stage. Stoke upped the ante with a cash-plus-players bid involving
Dave Kitson and Liam Lawrence which appears to have won out. Portsmouth had
desperately tried to hold onto Wilson but with the club still blighted by
financial uncertainty they have finally relented in the battle for their
most prized asset. Wilson has been at Pompey since 2004, following four
years in Manchester United's youth ranks. After several caps at Under 21
level for the Republic of Ireland, he earned his first senior call up in
March.

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United sign Payne
Posted on: Tue 31 Aug 2010
Oufc.co.uk

United have further strengthened their squad with the addition of midfielder
Josh Payne on a month's loan from Doncaster Rovers. Josh, 19, is a six foot
tall central midfielder who captained West Ham's under 18 side. He made two
senior appearances for the Hammers as well as having loan spells at
Cheltenham Town, Colchester United, and Wycombe Wanderers Having been
released by West Ham this summer he joined Doncaster Rovers, scoring on his
debut in the Carling Cup against Accrington Stanley: he also scored on his
first appearances for Cheltenham and Wycombe. Boss Chris Wilder is pleased
to have added Josh to his squad: "He's a player we have known about for a
while and was one we looked at in the summer. He likes to get on the ball
and we think he will add something in midfield for us. I spoke about him at
West Ham last week and he was highly thought of there, so he has a good
pedigree and I'm sure he will do well for us."

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Agent: There's a million things West Ham are looking at
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on:31 August 2010 - 11:18
Sport.co.uk

Renowned football agent Barry Silkman has confirmed that West Ham United are
frantically trying to seal several deals today, but with uncertainty
surrounding so many potential moves it looks as though the Upton Park
faithful will have to keep their fingers crossed ahead of the 6pm transfer
deadline.
The Hammers have been linked with possible moves for Hamburg's Guy Demel and
Portsmouth's Mark Wilson while Tottenham Hotspur's Robbie Keane has been
tipped as a make-weight in a deal taking Scott Parker in the opposite
direction. West Ham currently sit bottom of the table after three
consecutive defeats and with unrest mounting, Avram Grant knows that a
change in fortune must be forthcoming. Speaking exclusively to Sport.co.uk,
agent Silkman stressed that the East End club were doing their utmost to add
to their squad having already signed Pablo Berrera, Thomas Hitzelsperger,
Victor Obinna and Winston Reid. "For me, I'm doing a lot of work for West
Ham at the minute. It's mental," stressed Silkman. "If anything happens I
don't know. They're trying to get a right-back, they're trying to get a
midfield player, possibly a second goalkeeper. There's a million things West
Ham are looking at, I'm not sure what is going to happen. "Everything is up
in the air, to be honest, everything is up in the air."

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West Ham midfielder Behrami must take pay-cut for Palermo move
31.08.10 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami will have to take a pay-cut to seal
a move to Italy. Palermo are chasing the Switzerland international ahead of
today's transfer deadline. However, to make the move happen, Behrami must
accept a major haircut on his Hammers wages.

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Stoke, West Ham linked as Huszti enters Premiership talks
31.08.10 | tribalfootball.com

Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Szabolcs Huszti is in talks with Premiership
clubs. Russian sources say the Hungary international is negotiating a move
to England with a mystery Premiership club. Stoke City and West Ham United
are being linked with Huszti, whose representatives have ties with both
clubs.

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Tottenham Hotspur eye West Ham's Scott Parker in last-ditch transfer window
bid
Tottenham Hotspur are in line to make a last-ditch bid for West Ham's Scott
Parker before the transfer window closes at 6pm today.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Telegraph staff
Published: 8:37AM BST 31 Aug 2010

Despite purchasing Brazil's 21 year-old Sandro from Internacional for £6
million, Tottenham coach Harry Redknapp is understood to want one more
central midfield player to bolster his squad. Redknapp's former club have
already rejected a £7m offer but an improved bid could finally tempt the 29
year-old to north London. Tottenham are also understood to be eyeing Real
Madrid wantaway Lassana Diarra and Inter Milan's Sulley Muntari. Redknapp
could even lure Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor on loan for the
rest of the season. Meanwhile, Tottenham's bid to sign Luis Fabiano failed
on Monday after the Brazil striker signed a new deal with Sevilla, tying him
to the Spanish club until 2013. Redknapp was discouraged by the £25m asking
price.

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West Ham to let Cole go, goalkeeper Doni linked
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
August 31, 2010
ESPN

West Ham expect a last minute bid from Liverpool for Carlton Cole after Roy
Hodgson's approach for Fulham's Bobby Zamora was dismissed out of hand by
Mark Hughes. Hodgson wanted to raid his old club again having pushed
through a deal for one of his old boys Paul Konchesky, but talks are
continuing over Cole, with Ryan Babel a potential makeweight in a £12
million deal. A source close to the deal told Soccernet: "The possibility of
Zamora going to Liverpool was a non starter, not even worth going there. But
Liverpool remain interested in Carlton Cole. With Sunderland and Stoke
willing to pay £9 million plus £3 million for add-ons, the Hammers might
have to accept a lesser fee as the England centre-forward will only quit
east London for a big club such as Liverpool. The club are also interested
in signing a goalkeeper and Roma's Brazilian No. 2 Doni is top of their
wishlist. The 30-year-old has been told he can leave Italy with Bogdan
Lobonc and Julio Sergio favoured between the posts for the Serie A side and
could arrive at Upton Park on loan. Doni has also been linked with
Portuguese side Benfica and Manchester City as well.

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Ryan Babel 'to be used in Liverpool's Carlton Cole transfer bid'
Dutch forward Ryan Babel could be used as a makeweight in negotiations
between West Ham and Liverpool over the deadline day transfer of Carlton
Cole.
Metro.co.uk

Could Liverpool use Ryan Babel as a makeweight in their attempts to sign
Carlton Cole from West Ham? Reds boss Roy Hodgson is thought to be
interested in taking Cole to Anfield, especially after the former Fulham
boss failed in his approaches for PSV's Ola Toivonen and Bayern Munich's
Mario Gomez. Hodgson has spoken of his desire to add at least one more
striker to his squad to take the pressure off star man Fernando Torres this
season. And despite the Hammers' desire not to sell their leading hitman,
Cole would welcome a move away from east London to one of the Premier
League's top clubs.
Avram Grant is keen to keep Cole, 26, at Upton Park, but it is thought the
club's owners would be tempted to cash in at the right price. In other news
from the club's training ground at Chadwell Heath, much-discussed midfielder
Scott Parker arrived for this morning's fitness session. However,
speculation continues to surround his future - especially after the player
spent several minutes on his mobile phone while waiting in the car park.
Rumours are currentl circulating he has been in contact with his agent
numerous times over the past few days as offers of big-money moves have come
from several English clubs.

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Defender deal falls through?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st August 2010
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's eleventh hour bid to sign Everton's Joseph Yobo is understood to
have hit a snag. The Nigerian international was linked with a deadline day
switch to the Boleyn Ground - but, according to reports, will not now be
moving south after the deal collapsed. It is thought that United wanted to
take the 30-year-old on loan for the remainder of the season - an offer
rejected by Everton who are said to have only been interested in a permanent
deal.
Yobo is just one of two Everton players the Hammers are keen on landing as
the transfer deadline rapidly approaches; Yobo's fellow Nigerian
international Yakubu, who worked alongside Avram Grant in Israel has been on
West Ham's radar all summer.

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West Ham boosted by Anthony Vanden Borre's U-turn on Hapoel Tel Aviv move
By JOHN EDWARDS
Last updated at 12:36 PM on 31st August 2010
Daily Mail

Avram Grant has been handed an unexpected opportunity of a last-minute
signing after defensive target Anthony Vanden Borre surprisingly changed his
mind over a one-year loan to Hapoel Tel Aviv. The versatile 22-year old, who
can play at right-back or centre-half, flew to Tel Aviv for talks and seemed
certain to sign after indicating a strong interest in being part of their
Champions' League campaign. But Grant, who had Genoa's Belgium international
on loan at Portsmouth last season, was alerted to the possibility of
strengthening West Ham's defence after the deal fell through at the 11th
hour. Borre evidently felt Hapoel's Champions' League run would prove
shortlived, and his Italian agent Dario Ristori appeared to encourage an
approach from West Ham boss Grant by saying: 'Anthony is heading back to
Genoa, but we are certainly not ruling out the prospect of another club
coming in for him before the window closes.'

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West Ham try again for Everton striker Yakubu
31.08.10 | tribalfootball.com

Everton striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni remains a target for West Ham United. The
People says West Ham may go back in for Everton's Yakubu if they sell
Carlton Cole. West Ham have failed in multiple bids for Yakubu so far this
summer.

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Hamburg defender Demel in West Ham talks
31.08.10 | tribalfootball.com

Hamburg defender Guy Demel remains in talks with West Ham United. The People
says Hamburg have made it clear the Ivory Coast international has no future
with them. And Irons boss Avram Grant is offering a three-year contract to
the full-back, who spent a year with Arsenal in 2000.

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West Ham attempt loan deal for Villa fullback Young
31.08.10 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United are seeking a loan deal for Aston Villa defender Luke Young.
Young has already turned down an offer from Liverpool this summer and scored
the winner in Villa's victory against Everton on Saturday. The Daily Star
Sunday says West Ham are keen to use their final loan slot on Young. The
England international's younger brother, Jake Young, is already on the books
at West Ham.

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Sullivan, Gold buying up more West Ham shares
31.08.10 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan is making a killing in his buy up of
club shares. The Guardian says Sullivan and his co-chairman at West Ham
United, David Gold, have increased their stakes in the club by more than 5%
each over the past month. In building his stake to 30.6% from the 25%
Sullivan had held since the former Birmingham City owners' part takeover of
the Upton Park club, he has spent only a little over £2m. In the latest
stake-building exercise the 61-year-old has not spent even half of the
£4.165m he received for the 4.9% of the club's shares he sold to Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson in November 2006.

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Defender moves to Serie A club
9:24am Tuesday 31st August 2010
Guardian Series

AN up-and-coming young player has walked out of West Ham, the club has
announced. Nineteen year-old Fabio Daprela has signed a five-year deal with
Brescia Calcio, newly promoted into Serie A. The left-back made eight
appearances for the Upton Park from last January.

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Keown: West Ham defender Upson will thrive in England situation
31.08.10 | tribalfootball.com

Arsenal hero Martin Keown believes West Ham United defender Matthew Upson
will thrive in the situation of England's depleted squad. Keown says England
go into their Euro2012 qualifiers with the most inexperienced defence in the
last 20 years. He told the Daily Mail: "I think Matthew Upson will be
pleased to have a break from what is going on at West Ham at the moment. "He
has the most experience among them and so I would start with him and Michael
Dawson, unless Phil Jagielka is fit."

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West Ham close in on Valenciennes fullback Tiene
31.08.10 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United are attempting to close a deal for Valenciennes fullback
Siaka Tiene. Tiene is a £1.5 million target for the Hammers, though Fulham
are also keen. The Ivory Coast international would arrive at Upton Park as a
replacement for new Brescia signing Fabio Daprela.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 31st August 2010

Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Avram Grant said his team should be judged over ten to 15 games and not just three tough opening fixtures
30.08.2010

Avram Grant is hoping to have new faces in his squad come Tuesday night's closure of the transfer window as the manager reiterated how he is prepared to be patient this season. Although the campaign has started in stuttering fashion, he said the time to judge his squad would be after ten to 15 matches. The fixture list has been unkind to the Hammers - Chelsea are up next on Saturday week - but the manager has positives in the form of those returning after long absences and the addition of half-a-dozen quality players to his options. The first to arrive in the summer was Thomas Hitzlsperger, and the manager is hopeful his influential Germany midfielder will be back sooner rather than later while Nigeria forward Victor Obinna, signed from the UEFA Champions League holders Internazionale, could make his debut against Chelsea. Add Tal Ben Haim and Winston Reid to the defensive mix and help is certainly on the way. "It's only the beginning of the season so we cannot make any conclusions after three weeks," said Grant as he reflected on a 3-0 defeat at a rampaging Manchester United side virtually at full strength on Saturday. "We must wait for 10-15 games to see our direction. "They are a good team, a better team than us for sure but we were in the game in the first half until the [Wayne Rooney] penalty. This is football. Of course we are disappointed but in time it will be better. "There are positives I can take from that. Kieron Dyer did well and with time we will be more organised to help him. We have two weeks to think about Chelsea. "We are trying to bring in new faces. Still we have Obinna, Ben Haim, Reid and Hitzlsperger. Half of the team will be back [including Saturday substitutes Pablo Barrera and Frederic Piquionne] and I hope to have them in the next few weeks. I am sure we will do good things and we are patient. "

Grant has identified his greatest areas of need for strengthening - "we didn't have players in the positions we needed them" - but also reiterated that his players need to focus on the future rather than the past. "Chelsea is a tough fixture and I can't ever remember a team at our level having such tough fixtures at the beginning of the season. But these are fixtures we have been given and, in football, anything can happen. We have two weeks to think about things. We can become stronger. "It's not easy to keep the morale up - especially after last season - but I don't like talking about last year because we do not need to be reminded about it. "It's not easy but I've told the players from the beginning that I want to see their character both when they win and when they lose. It's only the beginning of the season and if we win two games we will be as good as any other team. "Last season things were decided for me off the pitch [Portsmouth] but this year they will be decided on the pitch. It's a big, big difference."

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Daprela on the move
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th August 2010
By: Staff Writer No.2

Promising left back Fabio Daprela has left the club for Brescia, according to the Italian club's website. The Swiss U19 international has joined the Serie A side on a five-year deal for an "undisclosed fee". Daprela joined United in July 2009 from Swiss side Grasshoppers, for whom he made his first XI debut at the age of 16. He made only 7 appearances in the claret and blue during the 2009/10 season, despite a long term injury to first-choice left-back Herita Ilunga. Many observers believed that the Swiss youngster showed a great deal of promise on his rare first team outings. However, it appears that this was not a view shared by Avram Grant and the defender follows Alessandro Diamanti on the road to Lombardy.

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Fabio Daprela leaves West Ham for Brescia
BBC.co.uk

Italian side Brescia have signed Swiss defender Fabio Daprela on a permanent deal from West Ham. The 19-year-old has agreed to a five-year contract with Brescia, who have been promoted to Serie A. A statement from the club read: "Brescia announce the acquisition of Fabio Daprela. Daprela has signed a five-year contract." The left-back made seven appearances for West Ham last season, having joined them from Grasshoppers in 2009.

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Harry's Scott to get Parker
The Sun
Published: Today

SPURS will make one final bid for West Ham star Scott Parker. The Hammers are desperate to hold on to their prized midfielder and have already resisted a £7million bid. And even though West Ham boss Avram Grant is a fan of unsettled Spurs striker Robbie Keane, it is unlikely he would be tempted into a swap deal. Midfielder Parker, 30, has been offered a new deal at Upton Park but has yet to put pen to paper. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp missed out on Luis Fabiano after the striker opted to stay at Seville.

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Siaka hoping for Prem switch
Ivorian defender holding out for 'dream' move
By Giscard Gourizro Last updated: 30th August 2010
SSN

Tiene Siaka is hoping to secure a 'dream' move to England, with West Ham and Fulham reported to be keen. The Ivorian full-back is currently on the books of Ligue 1 outfit Valenciennes, but could soon be on his way to the Premier League. Fulham are in the market for a new left-back, with Paul Konchesky set to join Liverpool,while West Ham are still looking to strengthen. German giants Werder Bremen are also understood to be keen on Siaka, but the African ace admits the Premier League would be his preferred destination. "My advisors in England are on top of all the contacts," he told skysports.com. "I am waiting to see what will happen. There is one day to go and anything is possible. "I am a bit nervous but if everything can be put in place, I could fulfil my dream of joining my Ivorian colleagues in England."

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Brescia bag Daprela
Defender signs five-year deal with Italian outfit
Last updated: 30th August 2010
SSN

West Ham United have sold Swiss full-back Fabio Daprela to Serie A new boys Brescia. The 19-year-old has penned a five-year contract with the promoted Italian side after being deemed surplus to requirements by Hammers boss Avram Grant. A statement from the Serie A side read: "Brescia announce the acquisition of Fabio Daprela. Daprela has signed a five-year contract." The left-back, who is currently on international duty with the Switzerland Under-19 squad, made seven appearances for West Ham last season, having joined the Hammers in the summer of 2009 from Grasshoppers.

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Hammers ponder Keane move
Grant would welcome addition of Irish striker to Upton Park ranks
By Chris Burton Last updated: 30th August 2010
SSN

West Ham boss Avram Grant has admitted to holding an interest in Tottenham striker Robbie Keane. The Hammers, who remain pointless three games into the new season, are looking to bring in fresh faces before Tuesday's transfer deadline. Having mustered just one goal in the Premier League so far, it is clear that their shot-shy attack could do with some fine tuning. Grant is well aware of the need to strengthen if possible, providing the club's board make the necessary funds available. Should he receive the kind of backing he requires, he admits that Spurs ace Keanewould be towards the top of his wish list. "The club has big, big debts but he's a player I would like to get," said the Israeli coach.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has been quick to play down any suggestion that Keane could be moved on over recent weeks, maintaining that the Irishman remains an integral part of his plans. "I wouldn't accept an offer for Robbie Keane before the window shuts, not at the moment," he said. "We haven't got anybody else. I couldn't afford to let him go."

However, having been restricted to just two substitute outings in all competitions so far this season, the experienced frontman may welcome the opportunity to leave White Hart Lane, either on a short-term deal or in a permanent switch. Keane took in a productive loan spell at Celtic last season and could be tempted by a similar agreement in 2010/11.

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Spurs in last-ditch bid for Parker
Published 22:30 30/08/10 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror

Tottenham have made a new bid to sign Scott Parker from West Ham. The north Londoners remain sufficiently encouraged - by Parker's reluctance to sign the new five-year-deal on the table for him at Upton Park - to try again for his services. But the Hammers have again rejected the offer from their London rivals, understood to be £8million plus right-back Alan Hutton. Spurs have included the Scot in the deal because they are well aware that West Ham are desperate to fill their right-back slot. But the Hammers are more keen to do a sizeable cash deal. Parker, 30, is seen as central to Avram Grant's plans at the Boleyn. But Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has publicly admitted his is a big fan and has already had an £8m bid turned down. The offer sparked fury within the Hammers boardroom with the club accusing Spurs of unsettling their captain. It is believed, however, that Parker IS keen to play Champions League football with own club without a win, or even a point for all their expenditure during the summer.

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Tottenham miss out on £7million Scott Parker and unsettled Everton star Steven Pienaar
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 2:42 AM on 31st August 2010
Daily Mail

Harry Redknapp has failed with bids for unsettled Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar and West Ham's Scott Parker. Pienaar is in the final year of his contract, but Tottenham's offer was described as derisory by Everton. The Goodison Park club have expressed an interest in a loan for Wolfsburg's Brazilian forward Grafite but are unlikely to get a work permit before the transfer deadline. West Ham underlined their desire to keep Parker after rejecting a fresh £7million bid from Tottenham. Hammers manager Avram Grant is trying to sign Ivory Coast left back Siaka Tiene, 28, for £1.5m but Swiss defender Fabio Daprela has joined Brescia. Fulham are back in for Monaco striker Eidur Gudjohnsen.

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Spurs to make new bid for Scott Parker, offering Robbie Keane as bait
Tottenham keen to sign midfielder and will make improved offer
Parker 'not for sale at any price' said West Ham after first bid
David Hytner
guardian.co.uk, Monday 30 August 2010 23.01 BST

West Ham have offered Scott Parker an improved deal which he has yet to sign. Harry Redknapp will test West Ham United's resolve over Scott Parker by making a renewed attempt to sign him from Upton Park before the closure of the transfer window. The Tottenham Hotspur manager is expected to offer the striker Robbie Keane to sweeten the deal. Redknapp wants another body in central midfield, even though he has signed the 21-year-old Brazil midfielder Sandro from Internacional for £6m, and he has looked at Parker, Lassana Diarra of Real Madrid and Internazionale's Sulley Muntari. Redknapp has already seen a £7m bid for Parker turned down but, in keeping with the Tottenham strategy of going down to the wire on deadline day, he is ready to go back to West Ham, his former club, with an improved offer. He knows that Parker, West Ham's captain and key player, would welcome the chance to consider the move, despite its potential for acrimony, yet there is resistance to the sale at boardroom level at Upton Park. When the club's co-chairman David Sullivan rejected Tottenham's £7m offer at the end of July, he was categorical on the situation. "I made a promise that I would not sell Scott and I will not, for any amount of money, break that promise to the West Ham supporters," he said. "Scott is not for sale at any price, to anyone."

Parker has three years to run on his West Ham contract and the club have offered him a lucrative new five-year deal, which he has not yet signed. Keane has grown frustrated at his fringe role at Tottenham and Avram Grant, the West Ham manager, is on record as saying that he likes the Ireland striker.
Redknapp watched one of his attacking targets, the Sevilla striker Luís Fabiano, commit his future to his current employers by signing a two-year contract extension today. Redknapp had admitted that the Brazil international was "a player I like" but Tottenham were put off by Sevilla's valuation. "One year left on his contract, in excess of £24m-£25m for a 29-year-old – the figures don't stack up," Redknapp said.

The Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon will see a specialist tomorrow about an ankle problem that has bothered him of late. He has been left out of the England squad for the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland. West Ham hope to conclude a loan deal for the Everton centre-half Joseph Yobo. Fabio Daprelà, the 19-year-old Swiss defender, has left West Ham to sign a five‑year deal with the Italian club Brescia.

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Palermo Set Sights On West Ham Midfielder Valon Behrami - Report
Palermo have turned their focus back on West Ham's Valon Behrami.
By Rick D'Andrea
Aug 30, 2010 11:46:00 PM
Goal.com

Palermo have turned their focus back onto West Ham midfielder Valon Behrami, hoping to sign the player prior to the end of the transfer window.
The Rosanero were interested in the Swiss international during the winter transfer window, but were unable to land the player,according to Palermo24.net.
Roma wished to acquire the services of the former Lazio player on a season-long deal, but the Hammers rejected the notion, preferring to only sell him.
The side are seeking €4 million for the 25-year-old. The player are his agent currently find themseves in Milan, hoping to finalise a deal prior to the transfer deadline.

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Everton FC defender Yobo could be set for West Ham loan move
Aug 31 2010 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

EVERTON are considering allowing Joseph Yobo to join West Ham United on loan. The Hammers have contacted their Goodison counterparts about the possibility of taking centre-back Yobo on a temporary deal before the transfer window closes at 6pm today. Follow our transfer deadline day live blog by clicking here. And the London club have not given up their interest in Yobo's Nigerian counterpart Yakubu, although they would have to improve their previous best bid of £6million for the striker. Yobo, though, has become West Ham's priority as manager Avram Grant looks to plug a defence that has leaked nine goals in three Premier League games to leave the Hammers bottom of the table. The defender, who is 30 next week, has not been involved for Everton since returning from the World Cup and has made just three starts this calendar year. And with Phil Jagielka, Sylvain Distin and John Heitinga all ahead of Yobo in the centre-back pecking order, David Moyes may allow the player to leave on loan.
.
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Grant : I'm not worried yet
The Sun
Published: Today

AVRAM GRANT insists there is no need for rock-bottom West Ham to hit the panic button. The Hammers have lost all three of their opening Premier League games and face champions Chelsea next. But Grant is adamant a defeat against the Blues at Upton Park on September 11 will not be a disaster. He said: "It's only the beginning of the season, so we cannot make any conclusions after three weeks. "We must wait for 10 to 15 games to see our direction. "Chelsea is a tough fixture and I can't ever remember a team at our level having such tough fixtures at the beginning of the season. "But these are fixtures we have been given and, in football, anything can happen. "We have two weeks to think about things. We can become stronger."

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Tottenham launch renewed bid for Scott Parker
ESPN Soccernet staff
August 30, 2010
ESPN

Tottenham have made another attempt to sign West Ham midfielder Scott Parker, though the offer - believed to be around £7 million - is not substantial enough to convince the Hammers to sell. Soccernet understands that Spurs have made a new enquiry for Parker just ahead of transfer deadline day, putting a cash plus player deal on the table - with Jermaine Jenas or Robbie Keane likely to be those players offered as makeweights. However, there are a multitude of problems for Spurs trying to clinch a deal for Parker, mainly because his current employers believe the north Londoners are way off the mark with their valuation of the player. Parker has agreed a new five-year contract at Upton Park, but as yet hasn't actually signed it, and Harry Redknapp is still keen on a ball-winning midfield player having become concerned about the form of Wilson Palacios. A West Ham insider informed Soccernet of the new approach on Monday, but the Hammers are incensed that Spurs are continuing to try to lure him away and will not even begin to think about letting Parker leave until a significantly increased offer is put forward.

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Daprela Off On a Free: Staggering
West Ham Till I Die

I can hardly believe I am writing this, but West Ham have let Fabio Daprela join Brescia (Nani's new home) on a free. Daprela was a brilliant young prospect who cost us £1 million when we signed him 18 months ago. His debut against Arsenal was sensational and I could never understand how Zola seemed to prefer Spector to him when Ilunga was injured. I have to say I am dreading the next 24 hours. I'm now convinced we will let Parker join Spurs.

UPDATE: Some people are suggesting we got a fee for Daprela. If that were the case, I suspect it would have been trumpeted on the official site by now.

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Spurs set to offer Keane in bid to sign Parker
Soccernet staff
August 31, 2010
ESPN

Tottenham are set to make a deadline day bid for West Ham's Scott Parker as Harry Redknapp looks to strengthen his Champions League squad before the transfer window closes on Tuesday. Spurs had a £7million bid rejected previously but Redknapp is reportedly willing to offer striker Robbie Keane as part of a cash plus player package. West Ham manager Avram Grant is reluctant to let Parker go. The 30-year-old midfielder was in inspired form in the late stages of last season as the Hammers narrowly avoided relegation. And West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan has promised supporters he will not Parker at any price when knocking back Spurs' initial offer. With mega-spenders Manchester City having completed their transfer activity for the summer, few major purchases are expected on deadline day, with loan moves and swap deals more likely.

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West Ham join race for Tottenham's Robbie Keane but Harry Redknapp needs a replacement first
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 12:45 PM on 30th August 2010
Daily Mail

West Ham have joined the race to sign out-of-favour Tottenham striker Robbie Keane. Fitness concerns over leading man Carlton Cole as well as Benni McCarthy and new boy Frederic Piquionne, have forced Hammers boss Avram Grant into a desperate search around the transfer market for a striker. West Ham are pointless in the Premier League and have found the net only twice all season, with one of those coming from the penalty spot. The club secured a loan deal for Inter Milan forward Victor Obinna last week but Grant would rather deploy the Nigerian out wide. And after missing out on the likes of Thierry Henry, Yakubu, Loic Remy and Roque Santa Cruz, Grant's search has bought him back to London, and to the unsettled Keane. But he admits financial constraints may prevent him beating the likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle to the Irishman's signature. The club has big, big debts but he's a player I would like to get,' said the Israeli coach. Any deal for Keane depends on Tottenham's own recruitment plans. The London club want to bring another body in up front before they let Keane go. Luis Fabiano has been mooted as a potential target after Sevilla missed out on a spot in the Champions League. Manager Harry Redknapp, though, claims no deal either way is close. 'I wouldn't accept an offer for Robbie Keane before the window shuts, not at the moment,' he said. 'We haven't got anybody else. I couldn't afford to let him go.' Keane has made just two substitute appearances for Spurs this season, continuing his indifferent form. The Irishmen appeared rejuvenated by a loan spell at Celtic in the second half of the campaign and Neil Lennon is another keen to rekindle the relationship.

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West Ham keeper Stech ponders loan exit
30.08.10 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United goalkeeper Marek Stech admits he could move away on-loan. The Czech Republic Under-21 international was handed a debut in the Carling Cup win against Oxford and was awarded the man-of-the-match award. And, with Peter Kurucz picking up an injury, it looks unlikely Stech will be allowed to leave unless a new keeper is brought in by Hammers boss Avram Grant ahead of Tuesday's deadline. "When I spoke with Mr Grant, he said I had a great talent and he would like to give me somewhere to play," Stech, 20, told the press in his homeland. "Maybe in the second or third league, where I could play two games each week. "So certainly there were rumours that a keeper would be bought as a deputy [to Green] and I was sent out on loan.
"But I still don't know how things stand."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Monday, August 30

Daily WHUFC News - 30th August 2010

Fanimo fires England
WHUFC.com
Matthias Fanimo scored as England U17s defeated Dylan Tombides' Australia
29.08.2010

Academy midfielder Matthias Fanimo set England on their way to a 4-0 victory
over Australia at the FA International U17 Tournament. The speedy winger
opened the scoring at Grimsby Town's Blundell Park as John Peacock's side
built on their opening 2-2 draw with Portugal. Fanimo opened the scoring six
minutes before half-time in front of a 2,040-strong crowd, paving the way
for a win that saw England climb to the top of the four-team tournament
table.
Courtney Meppen Walters, Raheem Sterling and Nick Powell added further goals
to wrap up a convincing success. Fanimo was not the only West Ham United
player on show, with forward Dylan Tombides starting the game for the
Australians. Indeed, Tombides had the Joeys' best chance, firing a
long-range shot narrowly over the crossbar before his club-mate's opener.
When it arrived, Fanimo's goal was a memorable one, with the teenager
cutting in from the right wing before smashing an unstoppable left-foot shot
in off the far post. England face Turkey in their final match at Scunthorpe
United's Glanford Park on Sunday, while Tombides and the Australians
complete their challenge by taking on Portugal. Further afield, Hammers
Academy forward Danny Purdy was introduced as an early substitute as
Republic of Ireland U18 were beaten 3-0 by Ukraine at their second match of
the Jezek International Tournament in Czech Republic. The Irish, who began
the tournament with a 2-0 defeat by the host nation, will face Hungary in a
5th/6th-place play-off on Sunday.

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Cole looking forward
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole is aiming to score a morale-boosting victory over former club
Chelsea
29.08.2010

Carlton Cole believes West Ham United are one positive result away from
kick-starting their season. Now in his fifth campaign in claret and blue,
the England striker - called up for the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers this week
with club-mate Matthew Upson - is now a senior figure in the dressing room
at the age of 26. After finishing the past two seasons as the club's leading
scorer, Cole has endured a stuttering start to 2010/11, missing a penalty in
the 3-1 home Barclays Premier League defeat by Bolton Wanderers and failing
to score in four appearances in all competitions. However, the No9 was in
powerful form at Manchester United on Saturday, giving Red Devils captain
Nemanja Vidic a testing afternoon before running himself into the ground in
a lone-forward role.
While Cole worked his socks off, the Hammers ended their tea-time visit to
Old Trafford with a third consecutive league defeat, and the forward knows
he and his team-mates need to start picking up points sooner rather than
later. "We were a bit disappointed. Obviously we came up here to try and put
a shift in but once they got their penalty [converted by Wayne Rooney to
open the scoring] they started to play in the Man United way, dominating a
bit more. That's the way life goes up here - it's very difficult to come up
here and get a result. "Of course [the three defeats] does affect
confidence. I think once we get going we're a good team, but it's the trying
to get going and getting the confidence up. The manager is here for that. We
believe in the manager and we want to do our best for him - that's the main
point."

With champions Chelsea next on the fixture list, Cole believes victory over
his former club is just the fillip the Hammers need to rediscover their
mojo.
"Getting any type of result from a top-four side will be like a
double-whammy bonus for us - it would get confidence up, get us three points
in the table, give us the belief back and obviously it's a win - so it's
massive if we can get anything from these top clubs."

Saturday's reverse at Old Trafford stretched West Ham's winless run on their
travels to 21 matches in league and cup. Cole, though, denied that
unenviable record was playing on his mind. "I don't even look at that. I
don't even think about it. I go out there in every game to do my best for
the team and I think once we get our first win - anywhere - we'll start to
get our confidence and do well. I think that's the main priority for us
right now."

Between now and the visit of Chelsea, the summer transfer window will slam
shut on Tuesday evening. While the club have already brought in six new
players - Thomas Hitzlsperger, Pablo Barrera, Frederic Piquionne, Tal Ben
Haim, Winston Reid and Victor Obinna - Cole said more new faces would be
welcomed into the Hammers dressing room. "I hope [we'll sign more players].
Obviously you want quality players. Hopefully the chairmen and the manager
will find the players they want to bring in and it will leave us in good
stead for the upcoming season. We want to be in a great position by
Christmas. Obviously we're getting our harder games out of the way already
and we want to start building. Any kind of acquisitions would be most
welcome."

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Upson and Cole called
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have two players in contention to face Bulgaria at Wembley
on Friday night
29.08.2010

Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole have been named in Fabio Capello's squad for
England's two UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland.
Capello, who was at Old Trafford for Saturday's match at Manchester United,
has named a 24-man party in total, with Upson returning to the fold after
missing the friendly against Hungary earlier this month. Cole was an unused
substitute for that match but both will hope to figure at Wembley on Friday
night against Bulgaria - the Group G opener on the road to Poland and
Ukraine in two summers' time. The Three Lions then travel to Basel to take
on the Swiss on Tuesday week.

Robert Green was unavailable for selection because of a minor procedure this
week, although he should return to face Chelsea on Saturday 11 September.
Upson's chances could be boosted by John Terry and Rio Ferdinand's injury
absence, meaning he is the most senior central defender in the squad with 21
caps and two goals. Cole has seven appearances to date. Wales and Montenegro
are the other sides in Group G, with only the winners certain of qualifying
automatically for the finals.

England squad

Scott Carson, Ben Foster, Joe Hart, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Michael
Dawson, Kieran Gibbs, Phil Jagielka, Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott, Matthew
Upson, Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Steven Gerrard, Adam Johnson, James
Milner, Theo Walcott, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Ashley Young, Darren Bent,
Carlton Cole, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney

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In - and out?
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 29th August 2010
By: Staff Writer

Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole have both been called up to the England squad
to face Bulgaria and Switzerland. The Three Lions face the two nations
within three days as the Premier League enjoys its first hiatus of the
season, beginning with the Bulgarians' trip to Wembley this coming Friday
night.

However with both Upson and Cole strongly linked with transfer deadline
moves away from West Ham it could be the case that neither are on United's
books by the time the two fixtures - the second being set for Tuesday week -
come around.

Upson has been linked with a string of clubs in recent weeks although would
prefer a move to Arsenal, whilst Cole is said to be the subject of strong
interest from Liverpool, who are rumoured to have offered a paltry
£6milliion for the striker; West Ham value the 26-year-old at around double
that.

Once again Scott Parker has been completely overlooked whilst Rob Green -
who has been dropped entirely from every squad since the World Cup Finals -
is set to undergo a minor op during the international break and is therefore
(conveniently) unavailable for selection.

Full England squad

Scott Carson, Ben Foster, Joe Hart; Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Michael
Dawson, Kieran Gibbs, Phil Jagielka, Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott, Matthew
Upson; Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Steven Gerrard, Adam Johnson, James
Milner, Theo Walcott, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Ashley Young; Darren Bent,
Carlton Cole, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hines suffers injury setback
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 29th August 2010
By: Staff Writer

Zavon Hines is likely to be out of action for the rest of the year after
suffering a setback in his rehabilitation. The young striker, who impressed
so much at the beginning of last season has been sidelined since December
2009 when he underwent surgery to cure a longstanding knee problem. He was
initially expected back at the beginning of the current season - however
KUMB.com has learnt that the England under 21 striker is unlikely to play
again until 2011.
21-year-old Hines made his first team debut in West Ham's 4-1 Carling Cup
second round win over Macclesfield in August 2008 during Alan Curbishley's
tenure, scoring the third of United's goals on the day. However it was to be
another year before he made his Premier League debut, when he replaced Scott
Parker five minutes from the end of West Ham's 2-1 home defeat to Tottenham
in August 2009. From that moment he became a permanent fixture in Gianfranco
Zola's first team squad, making 15 appearances - including a notable
performance against Liverpool in which he constantly teased veteran Jamie
Carragher - before succumbing to the injury which will almost certainly keep
him out of action until next year.

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Reds make Cole enquiry
Liverpool interested in West Ham striker
Last updated: 29th August 2010
SSN

Sky Sports News understands that Liverpool have made an enquiry about West
Ham striker Carlton Cole. Reds manager Roy Hodgson is looking to bolster his
attacking options before the transfer deadline on Tuesday and has identified
Cole as a potential target. Contact has been made with the Hammers but
Liverpool's pursuit of the player is still at an early stage and it is
unclear whether they will be able to strike a deal. Avram Grant has
previously stated that he does not want to sell the striker, while Cole
himself has declared that he expects to stay at Upton Park. But it is not
surprising that the 26-year-old has attracted interest after establishing
himself as an effective Premier League performer. Cole and his West Ham
team-mates have had little success this season, though, losing their first
three games to lie bottom of the table.

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Gold admits Beckham defeat
International U-turn signals end of Hammers hopes
Last updated: 29th August 2010
SSN

West Ham co-owner David Gold has conceded defeat in bringing David Beckham
to the club in the future. The Hammers had hoped to bring the midfielder
back to his London roots for the twilight of his playing career, where he
would also serve as a club ambassador in a bid to secure a move to the new
Olympic Stadium. However, the 35-year-old Los Angeles Galaxy star has not
replied to Gold and fellow co-owner David Sullivan's offer, and West Ham are
set to give up their pursuit. "It was a possibility and we really did try to
get him, but we have not heard back," Gold said in the Sunday Express. "It
would appear he has gone on to other things and now we have to move on too."

The news comes after England manager Fabio Capello refused to rule out an
international return for Beckham, despite seeming to end his Three Lions
career earlier in the month. Since then, the Italian coach has admitted he
will give the former Manchester United and Real Madrid man a chance to
recover from his current Achilles problem before considering him for
selection. Beckham was warned by then Real boss Capello back in January 2007
that he would never play for the Spanish club again, but he fought back into
his first-team plans. He has made it clear that he is still hungry for an
England future, with the European Championships two years away.

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Grant expects Parker stay
Hammers boss looking to add names to squad
Last updated: 29th August 2010
SSN

West Ham manager Avram Grant expects Scott Parker to remain at the club
beyond the end of the transfer window. The 29-year-old combative midfielder
has been strongly linked with a move to Tottenham in recent weeks, after an
impressive campaign last time out. West Ham have made a poor start to the
Premier League season and Grant's side have yet to pick up a point in three
games. However, the Israeli coach expects to keep Parker at Upton Park as he
looks to get the Hammers up and running. He said: "I do not want to sell
Scott Parker and I expect him to stay."
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp thinks he can get the former Chelsea and Charlton
enforcer, while the East Londoners also face a battle to keep Carlton Cole
before the transfer window closes on Tuesday evening. Grant insists he is
not looking to sell any of the key players currently at the club, and is
still hoping to get one or two names in. "I hope we will do some business,"
he added. "We are trying but we cannot spend a lot of money, so it is not
easy."
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Robert Green is set to face two weeks on the sidelines
while he undergoes a minor procedure. The much-maligned shot-stopper
produced a number of excellent saves against Manchester United on Saturday
and will sit out the international break, although should return for the
next league game with Chelsea.

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Diamanti - I had little option
Italian forward reveals uncertainty at Upton Park
Last updated: 29th August 2010
SSN

Former West Ham attacker Alessandro Diamanti has revealed he left Upton Park
because he was disillusioned at the club. The 27-year-old Italian completed
his move to Brescia earlier in the week after just one season with the
Premier League outfit, where he put in a number of eye-catching
performances.
However, Diamanti admits that the uncertainty in the dressing room convinced
him that it was time to return to his homeland, plus the fact that Avram
Grant told him that he would not be a first-team regular. "Since I signed,
West Ham have had financial problems. During the season, no one from the
club explained to us what was going on," he said in the News of the World.
"There was a general uncertainty and in the dressing room, we didn't know
what to expect. "No one pushed me out but when I met the new coach Avram
Grant, he didn't tell me anything but I understood wouldn't have been a
regular in the team. "When I realised that, I asked my agent to move me as
quickly as possible. "Brescia was my best option. It took a lot to sign for
them because West Ham had spent a lot of money on me but I don't have any
regrets."

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Be afraid , be very afraid
The Sun
Published: Today

WEST HAM have made their worst start to a season since they went down in
1977. And next up it is Chelsea for goodness sake. After three straight
defeats, former England star Alan Shearer admits Hammers fans have every
right to be fearing for their Premier League survival. Shearer said: "If I
was a West Ham fan, from what I have seen so far, I would be really, really
worried. Their performance at Old Trafford was poor."
Hammers had already lost away to Aston Villa and at home to Bolton. But boss
Avram Grant insisted: "We've had tough fixtures so far. "I don't think any
team at our level in recent years has had such tough fixtures with most of
the big teams at the beginning of the season, but these are the fixtures we
have been given. "We have two weeks now to become stronger."
Grant admits it is proving difficult keeping everyone's chin up after
Hammers only just stayed up last season. He said: "The players always speak
about last season - which I don't like because there's no need to."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Manchester United Report
Vinny - Sun Aug 29 2010
West Ham Online
Manchester United 3 West Ham United 0

There was always inevitability about this result and most of us could have
predicted which way it would go but that still does not mean I am in someway
content with this defeat as another soulless performance has ended with
another loss.

Manchester United eased to victory as West Ham gave them little to be
concerned about all the way through. The hosts controlled the game as we
lacked quality all over the pitch.

Even though I like many others expected to be beaten the fact that we are
bottom of the league with our worst start to a season since 1977 means any
defeat will be hard to take.

We had one decent chance in the entire game and that came from Kieron Dyer
who hit the post. Dyer was to be one of the few players to come out of the
game with any positives as many of the players showed their concerning lack
of quality both on and off the ball.

Many talked about the players we needed to bring in during the summer but
for me the massive clear out of many poor players which we were led to
believe was going to happen never did and we are still left with three or
four players in particular who should have been bombed out of the club.

Manchester United were of course very good and they have quality players all
through their team so to think we should have been getting a result at a
place where few actually do does seem a little optimistic and almost silly
to contemplate but the situation we find ourselves in already (and we are in
a bad one despite only having played three games) forces a desperation
complex on the fans.

Avram Grant made a number of changes to the side who just scraped past
Oxford United last Tuesday.

Robert Green was back in goal with Marek Stech dropping back to the bench.
In front of Green saw Ilunga at left back, Gabbidon and Upson in the middle
with a surprise inclusion of Jonathan Spector at right back.

It was a five man midfield with Dyer on the left, Faubert on the right with
Noble, Parker and oddly Luis Boa Morte in the middle.

Carlton Cole was up front on his own and this team saw absolutely none of
our summer signings included in the starting line up. This is the same set
of players who nearly took the club down last season – why this would now
change because we are into a new season is beyond me.

New loan signing from Inter Milan Victor Obinna was not available for this
game and Tel Ben Haim was also not even in the squad.

You could say that the way we set ourselves up was asking for defeat. It
wasn't a starting line up that gave me any confidence and whilst I can
perhaps understand why he started Spector with regards to there being few
other options (Reid has been awful, Tomkins isn't a right back, Faubert was
needed in midfield) that sort of quality up against what Manchester United
have to offer will always be found out and as we saw it certainly was.

The game started evenly and we looked confident in possession but even from
an early stage you could see that playing with the isolated Carlton Cole up
front it was going to be very difficult for us to offer much going forward.

Wayne Rooney had one of the first attempts on goal as he found room to shoot
from outside the area but Robert Green easily saved.

Just after the quarter mark Manchester United won a soft free kick about 25
yards out which Nani took but his shot went over the bar and a goal at that
stage would have been harsh as we had competed quite well up until that
point.

Mark Noble picked up a booking for a late challenge on Wayne Rooney as the
ball got away from him.
There was no malice in the challenge but referee Mark Clattenburg thought
this was worthy of a yellow card.

Our only form of attack came through Kieron Dyer who looked very bright as
he used his pace and trickery to try and beat his man. We just couldn't get
enough players forward.

Apart from Dyer the only other option was to try and give it to Carlton Cole
but the passes into him were either poor or Cole would just not judge where
they were going and he quite clearly needed to work harder.

The home side came close to taking the lead when a floated pass forward saw
Berbatov flick the ball back superbly to Nani and he took a shot which
Robert Green pushed onto the cross bar and the ball was cleared.

Just after the half hour mark anything decent we had been doing was undone
in an instant as a ball forward from Scholes saw Giggs collect the ball and
drift into the area past Spector who put his foot out and Giggs went down. A
penalty was awarded and whether Spector made much contact or not it was
stupid and clumsy mistake to make.

Taking the penalty was Wayne Rooney who sent Green the wrong way to end his
goal drought and make a difficult task impossible.

Not long after the goal the hosts nearly doubled their lead when a cross
from Giggs was only cleared as far as Fletcher who took a shot from just
outside the area which Green tipped brilliantly over the bar.

With the half time whilst about to be blown Scott Parker burst forward only
to be tackled by both Giggs and Scholes and the latter played a wonderful
pass over the top for Nani to have a clear run on goal but his attempt to
loft the ball over Green went over the bar in what was a real let off.

Much like the game against Bolton last week at Upton Park, when we conceded
the confidence drains from the players and we fall apart. Up until
Manchester United had scored were looking decent enough without doing much
going forward but we were falling apart quickly and could not retain
possession from then on.

The second half carried on just as the first had ended and it only took four
minutes for the game to be effectively over as a fantastic passing move had
our players (Gabbidon mainly) falling on their arses as Nani waltzed through
our defence and hit an unstoppable left foot shot past Green.

I was worried at this point that it could get really embarrassing and given
the amount of 6-0 score lines we have had so far in the Premiership this
season I did fear that it could be our turn.

We had gone completely out of the game it seemed with our players lacking in
the basic skills of passing and moving.

There was one exception and that of course was Kieron Dyer who had our only
chance of the entire game. A nice move saw Boa Morte play the ball into the
feet of Faubert who flicked it into the path of Dyer who for the second game
running hit the post with his finish.

A third goal should have been scored when a cross into the area saw Berbatov
knock the ball back for Scholes but his low powerful shot was straight at
Robert Green.

On 68 minutes they did score their third goal as another nice move saw Nani
cross the ball to the back post for Berbatov to have easily peeled away from
Spector and acrobatically volley into the back of the net from a few yards
out.

Scott Parker might have done better with a half chance as Noble found him in
the area. The midfielder took a touch past the defender but his left foot
shot went well wide of the goal.

Barrera and Piquionne had come on by this point but had very little impact
and the game fizzled out and Manchester United cruised to a very easy
victory and West Ham to another dismal defeat.

Predictable it may have been but still horrible viewing.

Player Reviews

Robert Green
Not at fault for any of the goals and made a few good stops especially the
one from Fletcher in the first half. His shot stopping was good throughout
the game and he didn't spill many of the powerful efforts straight at him.

Jonathan Spector
Pardew, Curbishley, Zola and now Grant all see something in Spector as all
have used him time and time again. The other night Grant had him at left
back against Oxford and he looked poor. At right back against Manchester
United he looked just as bad. His defending is all wrong and he is a player
that if we continue to have to use we will struggle.

Matthew Upson
A difficult task keeping up with Rooney but Upson generally kept him quiet.
It was just a shame Manchester United have so many other quality players who
can score goals. Upson in fairness did alright in this one following his
nightmare against Bolton.

Danny Gabbidon
There were moments where the old Danny Gabbidon resurfaced. There was a
wonderful sliding tackle in the second half and he did make a few good
challenges. But then the backing off started to creep into his game and he
looked nervous. Nani's goal saw Gabbidon back off and fall over onto his
backside.

Herita Ilunga
No much a memorable performance from Ilunga because if I am honest I'm
struggling to remember much (if any) impact he had on the game at all.

Julien Faubert
I thought he was awful when in possession. He gave the ball away so many
times in the first half and seems to just have an inability to focus. As an
attacking right winger he offers nothing to the club.

Mark Noble
Some decent passing at times but as usual he has the tendency to disappear.
Still a first team starter for me as we have no one else to replace him. He
wasn't the worst player out there.

Scott Parker
Worked hard without putting in an crunching tackles (wouldn't want to get
injured for the champions league games now would he?) and whilst we are
trying to use him as a midfielder who bursts forwards I believe his
defensive abilities are what are best about his game and we are not seeing
these at the moment as we seem to be putting all our hope in him driving
forward with the ball.

Luis Boa Morte
Playing in a more central role he wasn't afraid to get stuck in but his
quality on the ball was once again a weakness and he offered very little in
this central midfielder role.

Kieron Dyer
A very bright performance from Dyer who has now played back to back
Premiership games for the first time since he signed for the club in 2007.
He looked sharp and I think if he can keep fit (don't laugh) he will be a
very important player.

Carlton Cole
He didn't get the service granted but I can't help but expect a little more
from Cole who just did not do the right things. His failure to hold the ball
up became quite frustrating and we know he is strong and can do this time
and time again he came off second best. We need more from Cole because this
was a pretty bad display.

Subs Used

Pablo Barrera (on for Faubert 61 mins)
As he has done in all the games he runs about a lot and loves to get the
ball. Still yet to have any impact when actually in possession though.

Frederique Piquionne (On for Dyer 75 mins)
On far too late and could have even just have been brought on for the
ineffective Cole.

Junior Stanislas (on for Boa Morte 91 mins)
I have no idea why he was brought on at this point and judging from his
performance against Oxford why he is even the squad.

Subs Not Used: Stech, Kovac, McCarthy, Da Costa

Bookings: Upson, Noble

Man Of The Match: Kieron Dyer

Manchester United: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Vidic, Evans (Smalling 74), Evra,
Nani, Scholes (Carrick 74), Fletcher, Giggs, Berbatov (Owen 74), Rooney
Subs: Kuszczak, Rafael, Valencia, Hernandez

Attendance: 75, 061

Overall

It's not very enjoyable being a West Ham fan at this moment in time. Three
games, three losses, minus eight goal difference, one goal (a penalty), none
of our new signings deemed first team starters, and of course bottom of the
league with Chelsea to come.

In fairness we were not expected to beat Manchester United but I am just
looking for anything that can give me a bit of optimisim about our season
and show me that something will change soon and that I can be happy about
going to West Ham again.

Next Game - Chelsea (h)

We haven't beaten Chelsea in so long and I cannot see it changing at this
point. They have won all their games so far and are looking the best team in
the country. How will we stop them and how will we hurt them?

If there was ever a game to change our season it would be this one and it
could really give us hope. But I just cannot see it.

Football they say is a 'funny old game' but I have yet to laugh at anything
I have seen this season. It's not been funny, its been depressing and I feel
like I am losing the memory of what it was like watching West Ham when
things were actually positive and I felt we were going to win a game.

The cloud of depression remains. Will it ever leave?

View From Grant

"Until the penalty we were in the game, Manchester United were not dangerous
and we played how we wanted to play. Then they got the penalty but I'm not
sure it was a penalty.

"In the second half they scored very early [through Nani] and that made it
very difficult. We played against a better team, who were at home. We were
fine in the first half but it was different after the second goal and then
it became too difficult for us.

"Our first half was good but they dominated the game in the second half.
Although we were behind at half-time we were still in the game and we wanted
to continue like that."

"We knew we had tough fixtures from the beginning of the season and we knew
that it would be difficult for us.

"It's important that we now have a two-week break and then we can start to
pick up points."

"We are trying to do some business but we cannot spend a lot of money. We
are trying to bring in players like [new forward] Victor Obinna, who want to
develop both themselves and with the team.

"What we are trying to do is not easy but we are trying to bring in two or
three players. We are looking at more than one position in the team.

"We want to change things this season and we want players who can play for
us next season, too. We know that we have a tough season and we need people
to make the squad stronger."

"A few of the new players are injured - Thomas Hitzlsperger, Winston Reid
and Tal Ben Haim - and it's a pity that they were not in a very good shape
to train until it was too late.

"Even though we knew that this game was important, we must look to the rest
of the season and we did not want to risk them. They will play and we will
have the full team that we want and things will look better.

"It will be a tough season and our target is not only for the beginning of
the season. We have a lot of games ahead of us and if we win two games we
will almost be in the middle of the table. I believe that we can do that.

"We know that want to progress but a few of the players we prepared in
pre-season like Hitzlsperger - a key player - who we wanted to show from the
beginning of the season got injured. It's not only about the first three
games, we need longer to show the direction we want to go in."

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Grants admits West Ham are in for a bleak season after failing to sign
enough new players
Published 22:59 29/08/10 By David McDonnell
The Mirror

Avram Grant admitted West Ham face a bleak season after a third straight
defeat condemned them to their worst start to a season for 33 years. Heavily
in debt off the field and bereft of confidence on it, Grant admitted he was
finding it hard to motivate his players. Although Grant has managed to sign
six players, none of whom started against United, West Ham already look
condemned to an ugly fight for survival. "We didn't find the players in the
positions we needed, so it's been more difficult than I expected," said
Grant. Asked about the prospect of signing Tottenham striker Robbie Keane on
loan, Grant said: "The club has big, big debts but he's a player I would
like to get. "It's the beginning of the season and we don't want to make
conclusions after two or three weeks. After 10 or 15 games we'll have a
better idea what the situation is."
It doesn't get any easier for Grant or his beleaguered West Ham players,
with his old club Chelsea their next opponents after the international
break.
"We've had tough fixtures so far," said Grant. "We have zero points now but
it's only the beginning of the season. "You win two games and suddenly
you're better off than the other teams around you."

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Hard-up Hammers drop price for Liverpool, Fulham and Birmingham target Cole
Published 23:00 29/08/10 By John Cross
The Mirror

Hard-up West Ham have dropped their price on England striker Carlton Cole as
they look to offload him in a last minute deal. Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson
is keen on Cole while Fulham and Birmingham have also tracked him this
summer but West Ham have yet to receive any acceptable offers. That has
prompted West Ham owners David Gold and David Sullivan to lower the price to
below £10m in an attempt to push a sale through. Hammers boss Avram Grant is
desperate to strengthen his squad after three straight defeats in the
Premier League has left the club in a desperate situation. West Ham do not
want to sell Scott Parker despite strong interest from Tottenham and Cole
would be a better option to help raise funds and give Grant some limited
spending power. Grant already has Frederic Piquionne, 30, and they are now
ready to sacrifice Cole to balance the books. West Ham also fancy
Tottenham's Jamie O'Hara to boost their squad but he has been struggling
with injury and any move may have to be on loan with a view to a permanent
switch.

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HODGSON TO KOP A SECOND COLE
By Andy Dunn
News Of The World

ROY HODGSON will make a last-ditch attempt to take Carlton Cole to Anfield
as he embarks on a late transfer window spending spree. The Liverpool
manager has already committed over half of the money generated by the sale
of Javier Mascherano to the signings of Raul Meireles and Paul Konchesky.
And his sights have now turned to bringing in top-class striking
reinforcements. Peter Crouch had become his No 1 target but it is now clear
that Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp will not part with the England striker.
Kenny Dalglish was despatched to watch PSV forward Ola Toivonen last weeked
but there is a feeling that - at the Dutch club's asking price of £13million
- the Swede is over-priced. Toivonen is still on the club's radar but
Hodgson will now focus on Cole, who has endured a tough start to his West
Ham season. Hodgson will offer cash plus a couple of players and might even
be prepared to do a deal that would take Ryan Babel to Upton Park.
Midfielder Lucas is certainly one that would be available to become a
makeweight in any deal. West Ham have said Cole is not for sale but the News
of the World understands they would take a fee of around £10million. Hodgson
could get that sort of money together as he has been given licence to spend
the Mascherano fee - in excess of £20m - and a bit more. But the Liverpool
chief would prefer to offer West Ham a player-plus-cash deal for the
26-year-old striker. If that was accepted, Hodgson would have funds to add
another player or two to his squad. As well as a striker to provide
much-needed assistance for Fernando Torres, Hodgson believes that he needs
another midfielder - especially as they have now reached the demanding group
stages of the Europa League. That is why he did not countenance a possible
sale of Dirk Kuyt, even though the Dutch player's agent had clearly been
busy with his European contacts. Liverpool were upset with former Kop boss
Rafa Benitez for unsettling Kuyt. The Spaniard's original Anfield contract -
seen by the News of the World - included a specific clause, outlawing him
from 'directly or indirectly' soliciting Liverppol players for a six-month
period after his departure from the club.
Anfield sources suggest the clause remained even after he signed a new deal.
Kuyt could still yet leave Anfield. It will not be in this transfer window
but Liverpool might be tempted to sell at the right price in January. A bid
in excess of £10m would certainly test their resolve to hold on to the
Dutchman. As Argentine midfielder Mascherano was completing the formalities
of his move to Barcelona, Hodgson wasted no time in beginning his late
outlay. After enquiries about Real Madrd midfielder Mahamadou Diarra came to
nothing, Hodgson turned to 27-year-old defensive midfielder Meireles, whose
arrival from Porto should be rubber-stamped today - along with the £4m
signing of Konchesky from Hodgson's former club Fulham. Indeed, Liverpool
have confirmed a fee has been agreed for Meireles with a routine medical set
to be completed soon.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IT'S DIA AT UPTON PARK
News Of The World
By Greg Gobere, 28/08/2010

WEST HAM misfit Alessandro Diamanti has admitted his joy at leaving the
club's financial chaos behind. The Hammers racked up debts of £110million
before David Sullivan and David Gold rescued their boyhood club in January.
But Brescia's new £1.8m striker, 27, revealed his entire 12 months at the
Boleyn were fraught with financial uncertainty and miscommunication. He
said: "Since I signed, West Ham have had financial problems. During the
season, no one from the club explained to us what was going on. There was a
general uncertainty and in the dressing room, we didn't know what to
expect." Italian Diamanti added: "No-one pushed me out but when I met the
new coach Avram Grant, he didn't tell me anything but I understood I
wouldn't have been a regular in the team. "When I realised that, I asked my
agent to move me as quickly as possible. "Brescia was my best option. It
took a lot to sign for them because West Ham had spent a lot of money on me
but I don't have any regrets."

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A Comedy of Defensive Errors, as Our Next Home Match Takes on Crucial
Importance!
West Ham Till I Die

On leaving Old Trafford, after Saturday evening's match, I seriously
questioned my sanity for travelling up for this fixture every season. But
once my bitterness at the distasteful surrender had abated somewhat, I
actually began to recall that I had seen the Hammers win at Old Trafford on
quite a number of occasions over the years (In sharp contrast to our dire
record at Anfield since 1963-64). Perhaps that is the motivation, the
knowledge that we have done the business up there before (often against the
odds) and the warm memories of those sweet victories?

However, there was nothing warm or sweet about Saturday's result. I feared
the worst when I saw the starting line up. Grant dropped Piquionne and
Barrera (our two best players against Bolton) to accommodate Boa Morte and
Faubert on the left and right flank. He obviously felt that these players
would better track back and battle for possession, which is fairly sound
logic I guess. However, Personally, I would have preferred to have seen us
start with Barrera and moved Faubert back to right-back.

Again, Grant's post-match logic in concluding that Man Utd are a better team
than us cannot be faulted. Although I note that the reported pre-match
qualification about the 'best team not always winning' had been conveniently
forgotten. We were certainly under the cosh for much of the match (as
usual), although we managed to threaten on two or three occasions. Indeed,
some of our forward play was good, although it appeared that Cole was too
isolated up front and, as a consequences, we consistently lacked a real
cutting edge. Hopefully, Victor Obinna will help solve that particular
problem?

The most depressing thing for me was the continuing tendency for the Hammers
defence to shoot itself in the foot. For the penalty, Jonathan Spector let
Giggs cut in and get on the wrong side of him. Hence, he was at a distinct
disadvantage when the subsequent challenge was made. Having seen the
challenge once again, on TV replays, it is clear that Spector got the ball
before making contact with Giggs, but his poor positioning allowed the Man
Utd veteran to take advantage to win the spot kick.

Danny Gabbidon was arguably at fault for the second, in failing to make a
decisive challenge on Nani, backing off and then compounding it all by
falling over. For the third goal, more should have been done to stop Nani
getting the cross in to the far post. But having done so, Spector's failure
to mount a serious challenge to Berbatov was painful to observe. As I
said, a right defensive comedy of errors, but no one in the long suffering
Claret and Blue Army was laughing!

Will alleged transfer target, Mark Wilson, improve the defensive situation?
Apparently, Wilson can play at centre-half or defensive midfield. But the
question is, will his acquisition add extra quality to the squad? Is he
really any better than the players that we currently have? I hope so, if
the deal happens.

I also hope that we ideally retain Parker and Cole, but the failure the sell
Behrami probably makes a deal for one of the two more likely. I do not like
the prospect of losing one of our best players, but a deal will be more
palatable if it led to the acquisitions that shake up and strengthen the
squad. However, my big fear is that we will lose one or both of them and
then bring in players that fail to add extra quality and ultimately prove
ineffectual.

I suspect that we are missing Hitzlsperger, we certainly looked more solid
and tougher to beat in pre-season. I know that they were only pre-season
matches, but regardless his positive on-pitch influence was there for
everyone one to see. I sincerely hope that the German international is
back soon. We shall have to see what happens on transfer deadline day, but
I would prefer to see us sign a right-back with existing PL experience. If
a player is moved out, then perhaps they will make an improve bid for
Lorient striker, Kevin Gameiro? Alternatively, could Robbie Keane and/or
O'Hara arrive from Spurs as part of a deal for Parker? Could Lucas and Ryan
Babel arrive in exchange for Carlton Cole? Alternatively, could transfer
funds be raised via a late deal for Matt Upson or Valon Behrami? We shall
see come midnight on Tuesday?

It should be noted that the three opening defeats equal our worst ever top
level start in 1977-78, a relegation season! If we lose the forthcoming
home match against Chelski we will gain a new, unwanted club record. So our
next home match takes on a crucial importance on a number of levels. The
club need to be looking for at least a draw to stop the rot and put a point
on the board. In truth we need a repeat of last season's gutsy, battling
home performance that saw us go ever so close to beating them. We could
even be boosted by the continued absence of Chelski's England duo of Terry
and Lampard, although admittedly they still have plenty of quality available
without them.

I know that at this juncture it may appear fanciful to say it, but a draw
and win against Chelski and Stoke City could really turn things around for
us. As we all know stranger things have happened. Much may depend on the
success or otherwise of our dealings in the final 48 hours or so of the
current transfer window.

SJ. Chandos.

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