Nouble off to Wembley
WHUFC.com
On-loan forward Frank Nouble could feature for Swindon Town in the League
One play-off final
17.05.2010
West Ham United youngster Frank Nouble could play at Wembley later this
month after Swindon Town won through to the League One play-off final.
Nouble was an unused substitute as Danny Wilson's side secured a thrilling
penalty shoot-out victory over Charlton Athletic after their two-legged
semi-final ended 3-3 on aggregate after extra time at The Valley. Swindon
will take on either Millwall or Huddersfield Town, who meet at The New Den
on Tuesday evening, at the Home of Football on Saturday 29 May. Monday
evening's match had a strong West Ham taste, with Charlton boasting no fewer
than four men with connections to the club in assistant manager Tim
Breacker, newly-crowned player of the year Christian Dailly, winger Kyel
Reid and on-loan defender Matt Fry, who was named among the Addicks'
substitutes for the first time. Swindon, meanwhile, named another Hammers
loanee on the bench in England Under-19 striker Nouble. Neither Fry nor
Nouble were given a chance to show their talents, however. Instead, it was
Academy graduate Reid, who admitted regretting leaving the Boleyn Ground
last summer in an interview in the matchday programme, who stole the show
West Ham-wise. Reid, who is on loan at Charlton from Championship outfit
Sheffield United, had a hand in both of the hosts' two goals. The livewire
wideman had already tested Phil Smith with a curling right-foot effort
before forcing the substitute goalkeeper - on for injured No1 David Lucas -
to push his deflected left-foot shot around the post. From the resulting
27th-minute corner, forward David Mooney scored. Then, deep into the five
minutes of first-half time added on for the arm injury suffered by Lucas
early on, Reid swapped passes with left-back Gary Borrowdale before crossing
for Mooney to sweep home from 18 yards. Swindon were reduced to ten men when
centre-back Gordon Greer was sent-off for catching Deon Burton with a high
boot, only to level the tie 3-3 on aggregate through an opportunist strike
from Danny Ward 16 minutes from time. Charlton also went a man down when
Miguel Llera was given his marching orders for a professional foul on
Charlie Austin in added time, leaving both sets of fans in the 21,521-strong
crowd to endure an extra 30 minutes of action. Reid was replaced in the 95th
minute, leading to a chant of 'Sign him up' from the home faithful, many of
whom would love to see his loan move made permanent over the summer. Neither
side could force a winner, leading to a nail-biting penalty shoot-out from
which Swindon prevailed to book a trip to Wembley.
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Nigeria friendly at the Boleyn
WHUFC.com
The Super Eagles will warm up for the 2010 FIFA World Cup with a 30 May
match in east London
17.05.2010
A taste of the 2010 FIFA World Cup will come to the Boleyn Ground on Sunday
30 May when Nigeria take on Colombia in a warm-up match for the finals. The
African nation will meet their South American counterparts for a 7pm fixture
and then depart for South Africa. Nigeria, managed by Lars Lagerback, will
head to London after a friendly with Saudi Arabia in Austria on 25 May.
After their date in east London, the Super Eagles will travel to South
Africa for a last friendly against North Korea on 4 June. Their Group B
campaign will see them take on Argentina on Saturday 12 June, Greece on
Wednesday 17 June and the Korean Republic on Tuesday 22 June. Nigeria - who
boast the likes of John Mikel Obi, Obafemi Martins and Yakubu Ayegbeni in
their ranks - will head for Europe later this week after a farewell
presidential dinner in the capital Abuja on Thursday.
Colombia missed out on qualification for the FIFA World Cup after finishing
seventh in the ten-team CONMEBOL qualification programme. Their squad could
include Atletico Madrid centre-back Luis Perea, Wigan Athletic striker Hugo
Rodallega and the prolific Porto forward Falcao.
Keep an eye on whufc.com for all the latest ticket news.
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Hall ready for Euros
WHUFC.com
Robert Hall is preparing to lead England into battle at the UEFA European
Under-17 Championship
17.05.2010
Robert Hall is looking to complete a fine season by firing England to glory
at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship. The West Ham United striker, who
has agreed a two-year scholarship with the club, travelled with the rest of
his team-mates to Liechtenstein on Sunday. He is competing for a place in
the attack with the lines of Arsenal's highly-rated Benik Afobe and
Manchester United starlet William Keane. The Young Lions open their
challenge by taking on Czech Republic at the Rheinpark in Vaduz on Tuesday,
with further Group B matches against Greece and Turkey to follow at the same
venue on 21 and 24 May respectively. Hall, an U16 who is playing a year-up,
has played eleven times for England at U17 level, scoring eight goals.
"It'll be good to play in Liechtenstein, but it'll be hard because the other
teams taking part are all very good. It'll be another good experience for
me. "I know Turkey are very good. Danny Purdy, who plays for Ireland, said
Greece are not the best side but they can turn it on, as they did when they
knocked Ireland out. I think the Czech Republic, through their reputation,
will be very good, too. "We just need to work hard. We can play very well
and we have some very good players in our squad, so if everything clicks, we
can go all the way."
Aside from his fine form at international level, the 16-year-old has also
established himself in Tony Carr's U18s at club level, scoring eight goals
in 19 FA Premier Academy League appearances this season. Alongside fellow
schoolboys Matthias Fanimo, Blair Turgott and Dylan Tombides, the youngsters
have impressed greatly, and are sure to be involved again heavily next term.
"It's been a very good season. I started off well in pre-season and got my
fitness levels high and obviously got into the U18s and I think we've done
well. We didn't start the season in great form, but we've got it together
and, with the other younger boys coming up, we've finished well. "U18s is a
lot harder physically, but Tony has obviously urged me just to try to do my
best whenever he has called me in. I've had to adapt, but I prefer the ball
to feet rather than jumping for headers, so I just try to as well as I can
whenever I get into possession. "It's been good to play alongside the U16s
who have been with the club since they were very young - the likes of Blair,
Matthias and Blair, who has just come up recently and done really well
whenever he has played. He has only been here for about two years and he is
adapting really well. "We're all at that age when we want to help each other
and I think we're all doing very well together. It's a collective team thing
and we're all trying our best to make it easier for each other."
Hall was also delighted to be involved in Carr's recent Testimonial match,
when he played for the final 13 minutes for the Academy All-Stars in front
of a bumper 13,836 crowd at the Boleyn Ground. "I couldn't stop smiling
really, and when I got on there I just wanted the ball all the time. The
respect for Tony was there and it was great for him to give me the
opportunity to play. I felt the excitement among the fans when I came on.
"When I was in the changing room with the likes of the Ferdinands and the
Chelsea players, I couldn't stop smiling. They made me really welcome, too,
which was nice."
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Hong Kong Sevens
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 17th May 2010
By: Staff Writer
Alex Dyer's Hammers achieved the club's best ever finish in the annual Hong
Kong Sevens tournament at the weekend. Dyer's side - of whom only Jordan
Spence had (fleetingly) tasted first team experience - battled through to
the semi-finals before bowing out to eventual winners Aston Villa, following
an epic quarter-final victory over Birmingham. West Ham, placed in Group C
along with (eventual finalists) Rangers, an HKFC Captain's Select and local
side Tuen Mun were looking to beat the quarter-final finish achieved here
two years ago. Dyer's ten-man squad for the tournament was as follows: Sam
Cowler; Jordan Spence, Jordan Brown, Callum McNaughton; Eoin Wearen, Nicky
Barrett, Oliver Lee, Antony Edgar; Ahmed Abdulla, Cristian Montano.
The Hammers kicked off the Group at 3:31pm local time with a convincing 4-0
thumping of Tuen Mun thanks to goals from Montano (2), Lee and Luca Maoni (a
local player, effectively a 'ringer' who replaced the injured Antony Edgar).
After Rangers had beaten the Captain's Select 2-0 it was United's turn to
beat the other local side in the group with an equally convincing 3-0 win;
goals coming from Irish midfielder Wearan and Spence (2), who featured
briefly against Man City at the Boleyn last weekend.
With Rangers also beating Tuen Mun the group decider was set up for the
final game of the day (7:12pm kick-off); sadly the Hammers were beaten 2-0
and ended the day in second place - but still with a pass through to
Sunday's knock out stage. The Captain's Select won the wooden spoon having
lost the other game in the group 2-1 to Tuen Mun.
Having finished second in the group, United were guaranteed a quarter-final
tie against the winners of Group D. That was Birmingham City, who had gone
through the group stage unbeaten with wins over Happy Valley and the Hong
Kong Football Club, plus a draw with (runners-up) Celtic.
With Sunderland, Aston Villa and Rangers already through to the semis
courtesy of wins over Tai Po, Ajax and Celtic respectively, Dyer's side got
off to a flying start with an early goal before Montano added a second
shortly before the turnaround. Olly Lee soon had the chance to effectively
put the game to bed but failed to convert from the spot; Birmingham seized
the initiative and grabbed two late goals to send the game into extra time.
With both teams reduced to four-a-side for extra time, it was Montano who
sent the Hammers through to the last four for the first time with a Golden
Goal. However four-times winners Villa proved too strong for the young
Hammers in the semi final, triumphing 3-0. Villa won the competition with a
3-2 Final win over Rangers (who beat Sunderland 3-0 in the other semi
final).
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Avram on the move?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 17th May 2010
By: Staff Writer
Portsmouth administrator Andrew Andronikou has admitted that manager Avram
Grant could well leave Fratton Park this week - adding that he would support
the Israeli manager regardless of his final decision. "We'll sit down this
week and have a discussion about his future. I want to make it clear we will
support which decision he comes to. He's given unconditional support for us
over the last four months when maybe other managers would have walked," said
Andronikou. "If he wants to leave we won't stand in his way. We'll give him
our full support. We're not going to hold anyone to ransom. If he wants to
move on we'll be behind that. I think all the fans would be behind that
decision, too."
Meanwhile a shortlist of four managers, purported to be the main choices of
co-Chairman David Sullivan to replace Gianfranco Zola has been revealed to
be an example of 'journalistic license '. Earlier today SkySports ran an
item suggesting that Sullivan, along with partner David Gold had
short-listed four managers - Avram Grant, Dave Jones, Ian Holloway and Sam
Allardyce - for the post vacated last week . However a source has revealed
that the aforementioned names were given in answer to a question not
directly related to the vacant managerial post - although one of the four,
Grant, is currently considered by bookies to be the clear front-runner to
succeed the Italian, who was fired last week.
Sullivan and Gold, who caused something of a stir with the manner in which
they disposed of Zola's services following the culmination of a turbulent
season are intially thought to have favoured the currently-unemployed Mark
Hughes and new Wolfsburg boss Steve McLaren. The former Blackburn and Man
City boss is thought to have rejected the duo's overtures, whilst McLaren,
who led minnows FC Twente to the Eredivisie title last season opted to move
to Germany instead of returning to the Premier League.
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Reports: Grant lands Hammers role
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th May 2010
By: Staff Writer
According to unconfirmed reports in some of this morning's papers, Avram
Grant is set to be named new manager of West Ham after agreeing terms last
night. It is said that Grant - who saw his Portsmouth side beaten by Chelsea
in Saturday's FA Cup final - has signed a three-year deal to become the 13th
full-time manager of West Ham United, after Portsmouth gave him permission
to speak to other clubs. The former Israeli national coach made his name in
England by leading Chelsea to the final of the Champions League, which they
lost on penalties following John Terry's well-documented gaff. He remains
the only manager of the west London club to reach the final of the
competition.
Having been moved on by impatient Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich the
55-year-old returned to England - and the club from whom Chelsea poached him
in 2006 - halfway through last season to try and achieve mission impossible
with Portsmouth. Although Pompey were relegated, by some margin, they still
managed to reach the final of the nation's premier Cup competition.
* Grant fell out with former Hammer Eyal Berkovic back in 2005 when the
veteran midfielder was left out of the national side by the then manager.
John Hartson's former sparring partner later described the appointment of
Grant at Chelsea as 'disgusting'.
Stick with KUMB.com for any developments on this story.
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Grant eyes on Premier stay
Portsmouth boss wants top-flight position
Last updated: 17th May 2010
SSN
Avram Grant has admitted that his desire is to remain in the Premier League
next season. The Portsmouth boss saw the curtain brought down on the club's
difficult season as they lost to Chelsea in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Grant is firm favourite to take charge of West Ham United, and he has done
little to dampen speculation that he could be unveiled at Upton Park later
this week. "I love the Premier League. I want to stay in the Premier League.
But I love Portsmouth," said Grant. "I spoke with the administrator (Andrew
Andronikou) a long time ago and asked him what the situation was. "He said
two weeks. Then it was three weeks. He says everything is okay but I don't
know what the situation is. "Clubs like Newcastle were relegated but they
kept the squad. "Maybe Portsmouth want to build something new, which is
good. But to do that, you need stability.
"I am not just talking about money. You need to know where you are going.
We need to see." Grant admits times have been tough at Portsmouth and he
would find it hard to continue with the situation. "When you see the
training ground at Portsmouth, you understand you need more than this," he
said. "Now I know how to do things if the situation is really bad. But I
prefer it to be for just one year. Not more."
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Hammers hopeful on stadium
East Londoners still optimistic on Olympic move
Last updated: 17th May 2010
SSN
West Ham have declared they are still hopeful of moving to the Olympic
Stadium after the London 2012 games. The Hammers currently play their
football at Upton Park but are launching a joint bid to take the £537million
venue in Stratford with Newham Council. However, after the spectacle the
venue is set to be reduced from 80,000 seats to 25,000 and a promise was
made to the International Olympic Committee when London was awarded the
Games stating that it would continue to be used for athletics. The deadline
for hopeful would-be tenants to lodge their interest to the Olympic Park
Legacy Company ends on Monday. A West Ham spokesman said: "We hope that we
are called in very soon to get into much more detailed discussions about
what is, or is not, possible. "We are extremely excited and cannot wait to
take our ideas forward. "We have had positive discussions with UKA (UK
Athletics) for how it would be used for athletics. "We have also had
positive discussions with Essex Cricket about putting on cricket, possibly
Twenty20 games. "There is also the possibility for showcasing rugby, plus
concerts and wider general events. "We realise there is an opportunity for a
vibrant multi-sport community. We feel that the stadium itself should be
left as untouched as possible. "It should stay the same height but we should
look at the roof to see if it could be extended so that it could cover all
seats in football mode."
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Govou weighs up options
Hammers keen on Frenchman
By Giscard Gourizro Last updated: 17th May 2010
SSN
Sidney Govou has revealed he is considering a number of options as he
prepares to leave Lyon. The French international played his last game for
Lyon against Le Mans after 11 successful years at Stade Gerland. Govou is
available on a free transfer and a number of clubs are thought to be chasing
his signature. Skysports.com understands West Ham are leading the chase for
the winger after Sevilla dropped their interest in the 30-year-old. Govou is
relaxed about being a free agent and insists he will not rush into making a
decision on his future. "For sure, I will not play for Lyon next season,"
Govou told skysports.com. "I have some contacts and I am relaxed as coaches
know what I can bring to their team. "I never said my ambition is to play
in this or that league. I am open [to offers] and relaxed."
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Fulham lead Piquionne chase
Premier League trio eye Pompey loanee
Last updated: 17th May 2010
SSN
Skysports.com understands Fulham are leading the chase for Portsmouth loan
star Frederic Piquionne. Piquionne is keen to stay in England now his loan
spell at Fratton Park has come to an end. Lyon are thought to be willing to
sell the Frenchman for a fee of £3million and a number of Premier League
sides are weighing up a move for the forward.
West Ham and Blackburn are thought to be keen on Piquionne, who scored 11
goals for Pompey, but Fulham are understood to be at the head of the queue
for his signature.
Fulham are believed to have contacted Lyon to discuss a possible move and
are keen to tie up a deal to take him to Craven Cottage. Cottagers boss Roy
Hodgson is keen to bolster his attacking options this summer and Piquionne
is thought to be at the top of his wanted list.
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Hammers draw up short-list
Allardyce, Grant, Jones and Holloway in contention for role
Last updated: 17th May 2010
SSN
Sky Sports News understands that West Ham United want permission to
interview Sam Allardyce, Avram Grant, Dave Jones and Ian Holloway over the
managerial vacancy at Upton Park. The Hammers sacked Gianfranco Zola last
week after the club survived a brush with relegation from the Premier League
and the search for the Italian's replacement has now started in earnest.
Portsmouth boss Grant has been the hot favourite to take charge at Upton
Park after gaining plenty of admirers during a troubled season at Fratton
Park. Though a nine-point deduction for going into administration hindered
Pompey's prospects of avoiding the drop, Grant still guided the club to a
second FA Cup final in the space of three seasons. Saturday's 1-0 Wembley
defeat by Chelsea was widely expected to be Grant's last game in charge as
he weighs up his future options.
However, it appears the Israeli has competition for the West Ham position,
with Blackburn Rovers manager Allardyce also on the short-list drawn up by
co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan. Allardyce has spent 18 months at
the Ewood Park helm and, after keeping Rovers up in his first season, guided
the club to a top-10 finish in the Premier League this term. Championship
play-off rivals Dave Jones and Ian Holloway are also in the frame for the
job after their excellent work at Cardiff City and Blackpool respectively.
The two clubs meet in the Championship play-off final at Wembley this
weekend and the game could be something of an audition for the West Ham
post. Sky Sports News' chief news reporter Bryan Swanson understands there
may be a delay in any interviews with Jones and Holloway because of the
play-off final.
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HAMMERS IN TALKS WITH SPERONI
News Of The World
By Neil Ashton, 15/05/2010
WEST HAM are trying to pinch Crystal Palace keeper Julian Speroni on the
cheap. The Hammers are trying to take advantage of the Eagles' desperate
financial situation to sign the Argentinian shot-stopper in a £1m deal.
Speroni has been offered £15,000 a week by the Hammers - double his salary
at Palace - to move to Upton Park. Even though the east Londoners are
managerless after sacking Gianfranco Zola, they are still working on
transfer targets with a bid already tabled for West Brom's Graeme Dorrans.
Speroni, the Palace No1, is regarded as the best keeper in the Championship
and is also on QPR's radar. Former Eagles chief Neil Warnock wants him at
Loftus Road as he gears up for a promotion push next season. Palace
midfielder Darren Ambrose is also on the way out of Selhurst Park, with
Middlesbrough the latest club to put down a marker.
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Shilton: 'Green should be England's No.1'
Published 23:00 17/05/10 By John Cross
The Mirror
Peter Shilton last night claimed Rob Green will be England's World Cup No.1.
The Three Lions legend says Green has "got his nose in front" of his
goalkeeping rivals David James and Joe Hart. Portsmouth keeper James, 40 in
August, has been in superb form and his FA Cup final heroics have raised his
hopes of getting ahead of Green this summer. But Shilton, England's most
capped player, says Green is in pole position to be Fabio Capello's first
choice despite his disappointing season with West Ham. Shilton said: "If
David was back to the form he was two years ago with Portsmouth when we all
thought that he had got over the 'Calamity James' stuff then he would be the
automatic choice.
"But because he hasn't, I think Green has his nose in front. He has played
more games recently, Capello picked him in the last match in front of James,
and he has not done anything really wrong. "He has made some terrific saves
and has been reasonably consistent. You look for that in a goalkeeper. "West
Ham haven't had a great season and that puts more pressure on the
goalkeeper. But Green has not folded. "He has made a few more errors than he
would have normally but he has probably been over-worked and the team has
let him down a bit. "But he hasn't crumbled and played in the last England
game, and it is not as if he had a nightmare season. It will be interesting
to see the Mexico game and see who Capello picks. That will be a pointer to
his No.1."
Shilton believes Green has gone from strength to strength this season and
has started to believe in himself more, but admitted the next fortnight will
be make or break for the keepers. Shilton added: "When he first got into the
England team, it was like he came from Norwich to London, lacked a bit of
confidence, and wasn't sure whether he really believed he should be there.
"I read also that he saw a sports psychologist. I think he's trying to be
more positive mentally. He's a great kicker of the ball and that gives you
confidence, he shouts a lot more. "He needed that: more shouting, organising
and he's looked more confident when he's played for England in the past year
or so. "The problem with David is that - and it could happen to Rob Green -
he's been there, done it, and hasn't quite got the T-shirt. "You're always
thinking that at any minute there could be a mistake and that's David James.
To win the World Cup, you're going to have to win seven games and you think
in one or two, David might make a mistake, although that could happen to Rob
Green. "David's had a chance, lost his position and there are doubts there.
The problem we have is that, unlike a country like Italy with Buffon, or
when I went in or when David Seaman went in, David was No.1, I was No.11.
"We haven't got that now and that's why we're debating it . But it doesn't
mean it won't resolve itself in a very favourable manner."
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West Ham's move for Benitez hits language barrier - Exclusive
Published 23:00 17/05/10 By James Nursey
The Mirror
Christian Benitez's proposed move to West Ham could be wrecked by the
striker's poor English skills. The Hammers have contacted Benitez's club
Santos Laguna about taking the forward on a season-long loan with a view to
a permanent deal. But Benitez failed a government required English test
during his spell this term on loan at Birmingham. Rules for migrants mean
they must have a recognised qualification for speaking English if they are
to remain in the country on a work permit. And the 23-year-old will now have
to re-sit the test again this summer if he is to return to the UK. The
Ecuador hitman, who notched four goals for City, is valued at around
£7.5million by his Mexican club. Hammers' owner David Sullivan, who took
Benitez to St Andrews, is not willing to shell out for the striker. But
Sullivan rates the forward and thinks he may fulfil his potential during a
second season on loan in the Premier League.
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Grant gets Hammered
Published 23:00 17/05/10 By Mirror Football
The Mirror
Avram Grant last night agreed to take over as West Ham boss. The former
Chelsea manager will be installed at Upton Park on a three-year deal.
Israeli Grant led Portsmouth to the FA Cup on a shoestring budget and that
is the reason he has appealed to West Ham co-owners David Gold and David
Sullivan as the Hammers are heavily in debt. Grant will have to rebuild West
Ham on a budget and two wide players are top of his hit-list. Grant is also
interested in raiding Portsmouth for David James and midfielder Kevin Prince
Boateng while he also wants Jamie O'Hara from Tottenham. Gold and Sullivan
have already publicly said the entire West Ham squad is up for sale - apart
from England midfielder Scott Parker. That means Grant could lose players
like Matt Upson who has one year left on his current deal and has been told
if he does not sign a deal then he can go this summer. England keeper Rob
Green is likely to go with a foreign club his most likely destination as
there has been little interest from the Premier League clubs. Carlton Cole
is also a target for Liverpool and Birmingham. It leaves Grant having to
pick up the pieces after Gianfranco Zola's unhappy reign at Upton Park. But
West Ham believe Grant is the right man for the job as he did a similar fire
fighting job at Portsmouth while leading them to the FA Cup final. And less
than 48 hours after Wembley was given the green light by Portsmouth to take
charge at West Ham. Grant wants to use a 4-3-3 system with one main striker
and two wide players in an attempt to be more attacking next season.
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Hammers 'hopeful' of Olympic Stadium move
Published 10:41 17/05/10 By Pa Sports
The Mirror
West Ham said on Monday they were "hopeful" of moving to the Olympic Stadium
after the London 2012 Games. The eight-week deadline for would-be tenants of
the £537million venue in Stratford, east London, to lodge expressions of
interest to the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) ends on Monday. The club,
which is making a joint bid with Newham Council, have spent that time in
"meaningful discussions" with a range of organisations include UK Athletics
(UKA), Essex Cricket and AEG, the owners of the nearby O2 arena, to try and
broaden and fine-tune its proposal. A West Ham spokesman told the Press
Association: "We hope that we are called in very soon to get into much more
detailed discussions about what is, or is not possible. "We are extremely
excited and cannot wait to take our ideas forward. "We have had positive
discussions with UKA for how it would be used for athletics. "We have also
had positive discussions with Essex Cricket about putting on cricket,
possibly Twenty20 games. "There is also the possibility for showcasing
rugby, plus concerts and wider general events."
The OPLC will examine and filter out the different bids until June 18. A
decision on the future use of the Olympic Stadium should be made by the end
of March 2011.
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Carlton Cole battle hots up as Liverpool and Villa join race for striker -
Exclusive
Published 23:00 16/05/10 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
Liverpool and Aston Villa have joined the race for Carlton Cole after it
emerged last night that West Ham rejected a £10million bid for the striker.
The offer has come from Birmingham who are desperate to prise the England
frontman away from Upton Park. Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has spoken
directly to Hammers chief executive Karren Brady about a deal made up of
£8million cash with £2million in bonuses. The offer was rejected out of hand
by Brady, whom City believe is trying to spark an auction for the player.
The dismissal of Birmingham's bid is all the more surprising given the fact
that Cole remains one of the players West Ham insist they are willing to
sell. Indeed, co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan are understood to have
been in touch with a string of agents in an attempt to get the best possible
deal for the player. Villa boss Martin O'Neill has been a big fan of Cole
for some time and, in the last week, the club have contacted West Ham about
putting together a deal. Liverpool too have expressed an interest and remain
keen despite the fact that Cole has been left out of Fabio Capello's England
squad for the World Cup. Cole, 26, began his career with Chelsea in 2001. A
highly-rated youngster, he was sent out on loan to Wolves, Villa and
Charlton before joining West Ham permanently in 2006.
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Confessions of a West Ham supporter
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 17th May 2010
By: Alexander Ewing
It's difficult following your football team from abroad. In America you have
two options: spend a small fortune on a satellite sport subscription or find
a bar that shows "international sport", packed with Americans, draped in
internet-ordered Chelsea and Manchester United scarves.
I recently visited Lucky Bar, Washington's infamous (if a bit dingy)
football emporium, just a few streets from the White House. It's run by an
affable Welshman who serves a proper British fry-up breakfast from 8am on
weekends. I arrived for an afternoon weekday match (evening in England) to
see a smattering of supporters covered in Liverpool Football Club
paraphernalia, confident of victory. But I was there in support of the
opposing side, West Ham United, a storied but angst-ridden East London club
accustomed to losing its star players to richer clubs. More recently it has
become known for crippling financial troubles owing to its previous
Icelandic owners, casualties of the banking crisis.
We lost 3-0. Another defeat in a season of insipid play and a bevy of
off-the-pitch problems that almost saw us relegated. How does one endure a
club like this? Supporting West Ham requires a healthy dose of fatalism—the
club anthem is about dreams fading and dying. One must take great pleasure
in unwavering devotion, despite the odds. Apart from a few bright moments
most seasons are about remaining in the league—avoiding relegation is West
Ham's annual Dunkirk, except we are trying to stay.
Our redeeming claim to fame is the great English players we produce (and
sell), a list too long to recount here. And derision is always met with an
undeniable fact: without three West Ham greats—Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, and
Martin Peters—England would never have won the 1966 World Cup. Naturally, it
is West Ham's greatest trophy.
But it seems time for me to admit that my near-religious association with
West Ham United Football Club is more coincidental than rational, and more
charlatan than cockney. I'm not even English. I never stood in the old North
Bank Stand with my father; nor did I sneak into the Chicken Run during
half-time. My claim comes from being transfixed by the the rare
transatlantic broadcast of recent greats, such as Frank Lampard, Joe Cole,
Rio Ferdinand and the mercurial Paolo Di Canio (who scored the greatest goal
I've ever seen). The club also wears colours similar to those of my hometown
ice-hockey team (which I did see with my father). When I moved to England
for a time, I bought a season ticket straight away.
Nevertheless, my transatlantic affiliation does afford me an interesting
sociological perspective, especially in observing American fans of the game.
In the not-too-distant future England will play the United States in the
group stages of the World Cup, a match England can ill-afford to
lose—points-wise and for the sake of national pride.
Whether America should care about football (or 'soccer') is a matter that
crops up every World Cup. Soccer in America is nothing like its British
counterpart. Americans celebrate the sport as an innocuous and
family-friendly activity for suburban children. For the British the sport is
grittier, a pastime for dock-workers and coal miners.
To many in America, soccer is a threat to their sporting heritage. In "How
Soccer Explains the World", a highly entertaining and perceptive book about
the sport and globalisation, Franklin Foer, editor of the New Republic,
argues that soccer divides yuppie Europhiles from those who believe in
American exceptionalism. For the latter, embracing the World Cup would
surely lead to an invasion by the United Nations and the enforcement of all
sorts of global heresy.
Do I care about the World Cup and all of its sociological implications? Not
really. In fact, I don't care who wins the England-America match or the
final trophy. I support West Ham United, and that is all that matters. And
with no less than ten current and former West Ham players in the 2010
England squad (the Americans have one too), maybe we will win it again this
year.
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Know Your Owners – Sullivan and Gold
Date: 17th May 2010 at 6:51 pm
Author: Kyle
FootballTransferTavern.com
There are few more people in football burdening a similar portion of
loathing, mistrust and infamy as the current West Ham double-act David Gold
and David Sullivan. Their takeover in January was supposed to manifest an
impetus for resurgence for the struggling club, but results continued to
deteriorate, culminating in a six game losing streak starting at the end of
February.
As results worsened, so did morale.
The frustrated Sullivan launched himself into a tumultuous tirade against
his own players at a training session, proclaiming them all 'fat, lazy and
useless,' and followed that by dubbing the team as 'pathetic' following the
clubs 3-1 defeat to Wolves.
Meanwhile, as relegation began to appear increasingly likely, Gold produced
a desperate jibe at Fulham's team selection against Hull as Roy Hodgson
fielded a blunted side with the Wolfsburg Europa League tie in mind.
It's certainly been far from smooth sailing for the outspoken oafs. And it's
not surprising the two sacked their amiable Italian manager, Gianfranco
Zola, last week. Or rather, they gave permission to Karren Brady – who,
incidentally, was also with the pair at Birmingham City, and was questioned
and later cleared on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and false accounting
– to finally break the news to the former Chelsea front-man. The noose,
however, was prepared long in advance of May 11th; Zola often cut a sullen
figure on the touch-line and took a small break in Italy in April as
speculation around his future mounted.
Prior to their successes at Birmingham, Sullivan and Gold also had
businesses in the pornographic industry.
Coming from fairly humble backgrounds, Sullivan, who pumped petrol for a
living until he was 21, and Gold, who helped is mother sell buttons from a
small market stall, soon found that a lot of money could be made from
producing risqué photography and literature.
Gold eventually went on to become the head-honcho of Anne Summers, before
gifting the brand to his daughters. Sullivan, meanwhile, made his millions
through his hold on the adult magazine market and went on to produce several
adult films all of which starred his late then-girlfriend Mary Millington.
The pair later bought Birmingham together in 1993.
Sixteen years later, Gold and Sullivan relinquished their ownership of
Birmingham to Hong Kong billionaire Carson Yeung, allowing them to buy a 50%
controlling stake in West Ham, their boyhood club.
It's perhaps safe to say that the growing unease at the club will multiply
with Sullivan donning the executioners gown and placing uncertainty over
everyone's head, except the talent of Scott Parker – though what exactly
will keep the on-form midfielder at the club following a mass exodus or a
big club bid is anyone's guess.
Hammers fans can only hope that the experience the duo earned at Birmingham
begins to ring true and that the upheaval – if indeed that is what Sullivan,
be it his jurisdiction or not, is after – is dealt with quickly and
delicately to allow new, stable management to get on with the job in hand
without being heckled by the very people who employed him and who are
expected to support him.
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Latest LFC Transfer Rumours: Carlton Cole Article added: May 17th, 2010
This Is Anfield.com
It's set to a summer of speculation both on and off the pitch and the Rumour
Mill is now in full flow. A year ago Liverpool were linked continually with
star names such as David's Villa and Silva, but the financial situation,
combined with the dire season we have just endured, sees much more modest
names being linked with a move to Anfield. One area most supporters and
pundits agree needs tending to is another forward to support Fernando
Torres. The latest to be linked is West Ham and England striker Carlton Cole
(pictured with Steven Gerrard on international duty last year). With West
Ham suffering similar financial difficulties, their owner David Sullivan has
claimed all their squad are up for sale! Cole, the former Chelsea forward,
scored ten goals for the struggling Hammers last season. The Mirror today
reported that Birmingham had an offer worth £10m turned down over weekend,
and that they, along with Liverpool, Aston Villa and Fulham also interested.
West Ham are reported to value Cole at closer to £15m.
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Manager Shortlist Revealed?
West Ham Till I Die
According to Sky Sports there are four managers on the shortlist to succeed
Gianfranco Zola. They are Avram Grant, Dave Jones, Ian Holloway and Sam
Allardyce. If Sam Allardyce is appointed I would have to seriously consider
whether I wanted to renew my season ticket. I pay £900 a year to watch
football, not rugby.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Five clubs chasing signature of Carlton Cole
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
ESPN
May 17, 2010
An auction has begun for the services of West Ham United striker Carlton
Cole with five clubs making an approach. The bidding for the £15
million-rated centre-forward has already started, and Cole seems certain to
leave Upton Park this summer. Fulham, Birmingham and Aston Villa are among
the five clubs on his trail. And Cole will not be the only face to leave a
club which is desperate to cut costs in order to tackle debts of £95
million. Fellow England international Matthew Upson might also leave, as he
has shelved the offer of a new three year contract - as first revealed by
Soccernet. But goalkeeper Robert Green is not for sale, for the time being
at least. Such is the intensity of interest in Cole that the Hammers are
already preparing the groundwork for their new manager with a list of
potential replacements. Everton striker Yakubu is one of a number of
potential signings as they consider approaches, providing they get the right
price. The Nigeria international has battled back after a bad Achilles
injury but Everton manager David Moyes is likely to be tempted by a
reasonable offer to sell a player they bought for £11.25 million in 2007.
West Ham are also interested in former Birmingham striker Christian Benitez
Meanwhile, the Hammers have made a £500,000 offer for Crystal Palace's
highly-rated Argentine goalkeeper Julian Speroni.
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West Ham set to beat Sunderland and Birmingham in race to sign Sidney Govou
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 1:47 AM on 18th May 2010
Daily Mail
West Ham hope to close a deal for France international Sidney Govou this
week. Govou, 30, is out of contract at Lyon and is available on a free
transfer after playing his last game for the club against Le Mans.
Birmingham and Sunderland have also been chasing the winger, but West Ham
are strong favourites to clinch his signature. Govou said: 'For sure, I will
not play for Lyon next season. I have some contacts and I am relaxed as
coaches know what I can bring to their team. I never said my ambition is to
play in this or that league. I am open [to offers] and relaxed.' West Ham
owners David Sullivan and David Gold are determined to strengthen the squad
and bring in some big name signings during the summer. West Ham, meanwhile,
have dropped interest in Ipswich wonder kid Connor Wickham. Along with
Sunderland, they were keen on 17-year-old Wickham, whose agent is ex-Upton
Park favourite Paul Goddard, but they could not match Tottenham's offer of
£5m that will also allow Ipswich to keep him on a season-long loan. Wickham
is with the England squad at the European Under-17 Championship finals being
staged in Liechtenstein, where they open tonight against the Czech Republic.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham set to unveil Avram Grant as their new manager
EXCLUSIVE By Simon Cass
Last updated at 1:43 AM on 18th May 2010
Daily Mail
Avram Grant is set to be unveiled as West Ham's new manager after agreeing a
three-year deal at Upton Park. West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has moved
swiftly to get his man after Grant was given permission to discuss terms by
Portsmouth administrator Andrew Andronikou on Monday. Grant performed a
minor miracle by guiding the club to Saturday's FA Cup final against his
former side Chelsea and has been handed the chance to revive West Ham's
fortunes after their flirtation with relegation under Gianfranco Zola. There
could yet be an issue to be resolved regarding compensation for Grant, but
the Israeli manager believes he is free to leave Fratton Park for nothing
after going unpaid for several months due to Portsmouth's much publicised
financial problems. Grant's first move in the transfer market is likely to
be for Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara, who spent last season on loan at
Fratton Park, and he could also be tempted to try and bring David James back
to Upton Park.
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