WHUFC.com
Promising midfielder Blair Turgott cannot wait to start life as a full-time West Ham United scholar
29.06.2010
For many of Blair Turgott's friends, the summer holidays are just beginning. In the case of the West Ham United and England Under-16 midfielder, the hard work is about to start. Just a few days after completing his GCSE examinations, Turgott will join 12 of his old schoolboy team-mates at Little Heath to begin lives as full-time scholars. Turgott enjoyed a superb 2009/10 season, excelling for both club and country. Not only did the 16-year-old make 12 FA Premier Academy League and FA Youth Cup appearances for the Hammers, but he also found time to help England win the Victory Shield and reach the final of the prestigious Montaigu Tournament in France in April. "Last season was a good season, to be fair. I think we did well. Personally I put in some good performances, so I was happy. "We had a good team both individually and all together. Hopefully we can push on both individually and as a team for the Under-18s. "It was hard at first to get used to it and to adapt to the physical side of it. Facing stronger players was difficult, but I think I got better as I went along and got used to the whole thing."
Turgott is naturally delighted to have been offered a scholarship for the club he has represented since the age of eight, but he knows there are still many hurdles to jump before he can celebrate becoming a Barclays Premier League footballer. "It's good to have the security of two years, but this is where the work starts really. I want to really push on and get into the first-team squad as quickly as possible. "I've been here since the Under-9s. I've improved every season and have been playing all this time to get my scholarship and now I've got it."
While Turgott's immediate aim is to cement his place in Academy Director Tony Carr's U18s, the talented teenager is also hoping to represent England at U17 level. "I'll be an Under-17 this season and hopefully both myself and Matthias [Fanimo] can push on and continue to be involved with England. We're looking forward to the tournament, as there is nothing better than representing your country. "We have got a good team. We won the Victory Shield and got to the final of the Montaigu Tournament before losing on penalties, so hopefully we'll continue doing well. I was unbeaten at Under-16 level, because I don't consider penalties losing - that was a draw in my book!"
Alongside Turgott and Fanimo, England U17 forward Robert Hall, goalkeepers Jake Larkins and David Wootton, defenders Danny Potts, Kenzer Lee and Jake Young, midfielders Dominic Vose, Jack Powell, Declan Hunt, Lamar Hurley and forward Dylan Tombides will all begin life as scholars on Monday 5 July.
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Saturday deadline for price freeze
WHUFC.com
Supporters will have to move fast if they want to make sure they hang on to their season ticket
29.06.2010
Fans have limited time left to take advantage of the price freeze on season tickets. The renewal deadline is 5pm this Saturday, 3 July, meaning those who get their application in before will be able to take advantage of the price freeze on last season - save for the Government's VAT increase. New applicants can also benefit from this great offer, provided of course they contact the club in time.
After the deadline, there will be an increase of 2.5 per cent on season ticket prices. Also, fans should note that any prime season tickets unsold will be made available to those who have already approached the club looking to snap up the best possible views.
With two major London rivals among the first to visit the Boleyn Ground, the enthusiasm and expectation is building for the new campaign. Chairman David Sullivan said: "This is a very challenging opening with both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in our first three games at home. I know the fans will be up for it and we need their support to help us in two big derby matches.
"It is a very tricky start to the season with three of the top four teams from last season in the first six games and the 'easier' games are Aston Villa and Stoke away! That is why we acted quickly this summer to bring in a new manager and start rebuilding the squad so that we can hit the ground running once it all gets going in August."
With a new manager in place in Avram Grant and Thomas Hitzlsperger leading the way for a raft of new signings, optimism is high for the 2010/11 campaign among the first team as well. The new recruits will complement the club's talented youngsters and seasoned professionals like Robert Green and Scott Parker.
If you cannot wait for the Barclays Premier League to get under way, remember the club has arranged a glamour pre-season friendly against RC Deportivo La Coruna at the Boleyn Ground at 3pm on Saturday 7 August. Click here for the latest ticket news. To see a full run-down of the club's pre-season games click here.
Hammers mobile text alert subscribers will receive all the summer news first. Click here to sign up so you can make sure you stay in touch wherever you are this summer.
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Jordan joins
WHUFC.com
Youth-team captain Jordan Brown has agreed his first professional contract with West Ham United
28.06.2010
West Ham United are pleased to confirm that Under-18 prospect Jordan Brown has agreed his first professional contract with the club. The powerful, attack-minded left-back has been a central figure in Tony Carr's side over the past two seasons, making 45 FA Premier Academy League and FA Youth Cup appearances since his debut in a home win over Millwall in January 2008. Academy Director Carr identified Brown's leadership qualities, handing him the captain's armband for much of the 2009/10 season. Brown has also featured seven times at Barclays Premier Reserve League South level since making his debut as a substitute at Portsmouth in April 2009. A hard tackler who is strong in the air and composed in possession, the 18-year-old caught the eye during Carr's testimonial match in May 2010, getting forward regularly and providing an assist for youth-team colleague Cristian Montano.
The cousin of Sunderland and England midfielder Kieran Richardson, who he shared a pitch with for the first time during Carr's testimonial, Brown was initially spotted playing for Kingdown Rovers in his hometown of Benfleet, Essex as an Under-8. Having begun his career as a forward, Brown also turned out as a left winger and a centre-back before settling into his preferred role at left-back at the age of 15. "It's been a long time coming, but now I've signed my first contract it has made all the hard work worthwhile and is a good start," Brown told whufc.com "It hasn't really sunk in yet, but it's the best news I've heard. This is what I've always wanted to do. I've been confident the whole way through and have always worked hard to pursue my dream. I've seen loads of boys come and go, some of whom were really good players, so to come through is something special. "People who I haven't seen me for a while ask me if I'm still at West Ham and they can't believe I'm still here! It's only a start, though. I've got to impress. Hopefully I can do my bit, just like every other player wants to do their bit."
Brown broke into the reserve team midway through last season and is concentrating on establishing himself in Alex Dyer's side, while also catching the eye of new manager Avram Grant. "It's a new start for me and a new start for everyone. This season, I want to be in the reserves on a regular basis and I also hope to go out on loan because I've never played for any club other than West Ham - apart from Kingdown Rangers, of course!"
Brown was accompanied at his contract signing by his parents, who have been regular visitors to Little Heath over the past decade, delivering and collecting their son from training and watching him in action on Saturday mornings. "My parents have supported me the whole way through and I'm happy to have a family like them behind me all the time. They've been a great help."
As well as his famous cousin Richardson, the youngster also looks to West Ham's own Herita Ilunga, England defender Ashley Cole and France full-back Patrice Evra for pointers on how to improve his own game. Brown is the fourth Academy graduate to agree his first professional contract with the club this summer, following Montano and centre-back Callum McNaughton. A fourth second-year scholar, forward Ahmed Abdulla, will also become a professional after joining from Arsenal in summer 2008. First-year professionals Anthony Edgar, Matt Fry and Olly Lee have also agreed new contracts for 2010/11.
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New season excites Potts
WHUFC.com
Steve Potts is like all Hammers fans when he says he cannot wait for the new campaign to start
28.06.2010
FIFA World Cup dreams may be over but that has simply served to focus the attention on the new club season and, according to Steve Potts, there is every reason to be excited. The Hammers great is looking forward to 2010/11 and believed the new manager Avram Grant can go from strength to strength. "There is a lot of optimism," Potts said, during an extended interview with WHUTV. " Avram Grant has had some big jobs. There is a lot of experience there and hopefully he can turn the club round. There are people in place to put it right. It is Avram's job to sort out the playing side and hopefully they can move on and do better than last year."
The two-time Hammer of the Year came through the ranks himself at the Boleyn and he is also encouraged by the plans to further promote the Academy. His son Daniel, unsurprisingly a promising full-back, has just signed scholarship forms with the club and Potts believed he was in the best possible place for his football education. "I am pleased for Daniel. He has been here since he was six or seven years old. To get a scholarship is a reward for how hard he is worked but the hard work starts now. With West Ham if you are good enough, you will get a chance. That is not the case at some clubs. You have always seen the young players coming through and the rowd appreciates that. It is down to the player then to make the most of it."
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New deal for youngster
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th June 2010
By: Staff Writer
Young full back Jordan Brown has signed pro terms with West Ham United. The youth team captain, who plays mainly on the left side of defence becomes the fourth Academy youngster to sign a professional contract this summer as the club looks to bring through the next batch of youngsters. Talking to whufc.com following the signing of his new contract, Benfleet-born Brown - the cousin of Sunderland winger Kieron Richardson - said: "It hasn't really sunk in yet, but it's the best news I've heard. This is what I've always wanted to do. I've been confident the whole way through and have always worked hard to pursue my dream. I've seen loads of boys come and go, some of whom were really good players, so to come through is something special."
Brown - who first joined the Hammers aged eight - joins trio Cristian Montano, Callum McNaughton and Ahmed Abdulla, all of whom have (or will in Abdulla's case) signed their first pro contract this close season.
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Remy calm over transfer talk
West Ham reported to have made move for French starlet
By Giscard Gourizro & Graeme Bailey Last updated: 28th June 2010
SSN
Loic Remy has told skysports.com he is 'relaxed' about his future, amid reports that West Ham United have made a bid for him. The 23-year-old striker is rated as one of the best prospects in Ligue 1 and has already been capped by France. Labelled as the 'New Thierry Henry' for a number of years, Remy opted to leave Lyon for Nice in 2008 and he has impressed ever since. French champions Marseille and his former club Lyon, are very keen on Remy, whilst Italian clubs AC Milan and Fiorentina were strongly linked last year. Arsene Wenger is thought to be a long-term admirer of Remy but West Ham are now reported to have firmed up their interest. French sources claim The Hammers have lodged a bid of €12million (£9.8million) However, it is also claimed that West Ham offered to pay the fee in three instalments of €4million - which Nice have rebuffed as they want most of the money up-front. The player himself insists he is letting Nice decide on his future. "I am returning back to training this week," Remy told skysports.com. "I am still a Nice player. If they decide to sell me, I will listen to offers and see what we can do, but I am relaxed and if nothing happens, I will be happy to stay here."
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Clubs eye Simpson move
Battle on for Arsenal starlet
Last updated: 28th June 2010
SSN
Jay Simpson could be set to leave Arsenal this summer and a host of clubs are set to battle it out for his signature. The young forward is a product of the Gunners' highly-famed academy but is yet to make his Premier League debut. The 21-year-old has played for Arsenal in the Carling Cup and scored two goals in a 3-0 victory in his only ever start over Wigan, but he has never made a league appearance for the club and now looks set to leave. Simpson has spent much of the last three seasons on loan, with Millwall, West Brom and last term with Queens Park Rangers - where he hit double figures in the Championship. However, despite being highly thought of at Arsenal they are prepared to let him leave as he seeks regular first-team football. News of Simpson's availability is set to alert a host of clubs in the Premier League and Championship. West Ham, Fulham and Blackpool are all thought to be considering whether to offer him a Premier League chance, whilst Millwall, Nottingham Forest, Cardiff, Leicester City and QPR are all keen. Nigel Pearson looks set to become the Hull City manager and will also probably have Simpson on his hit list. His advisor Uben Gray confirmed Simpson could leave the Emirates Stadium. "Jay has had discussions with Arsene Wenger and Arsenal," he told skysports.com. "Everyone at the club only has good things to say about Jay, including Arsene, but they appreciate he needs to be playing first-team football. "And so they are ready to let him leave, but only if the deal is right for all parties." Simpson currently has a year left on his contract at Arsenal.
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Avram Mex a move for Jaurez
Published: Today
The Sun
WEST HAM are lining up a £6million bid for Mexico's highly-rated midfielder Efrain Juarez. The 22-year-old, who can play in central midfield and at right-back, is keen on a switch to the Premier League. West Ham officials are trying to keep the move under wraps, but boss Avram Grant is keen to wrap up a deal quickly.
Now the Hammers are hoping to finalise the switch in the next few weeks following Mexico's exit from the World Cup. Meanwhile, the club has launched an ambitious £10m bid to sign prolific Nice striker Loic Remy, 23, a target for Arsenal.
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Hammers Loic the look of £10m-rated Remy
Published 23:00 28/06/10 By Alan Nixon
The Mirror
West Ham boss Avram Grant wants £10million French striker Loic Remy. Hammers have tabled the offer for the Nice hitman and want to fly him in for a medical this week. Remy, 23, fired 14 goals for the struggling French outfit last season, pushing for a place in the national team. He is also wanted by old club Lyon, but they are unwilling to match the fee.
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Dozy Hammers target fails English test
Published 23:00 28/06/10 By James Nursey
The Mirror
Christian Benitez has flunked his work permit English test for a second time. Ecuador striker Benitez, 24, is looking for another Premier League club after leaving Birmingham following a season-loan. West Ham have contacted Benitez's club Santos Laguna about taking the forward for a season with a view to a permanent deal. But Mirrorsport exclusively revealed in May that dozy Benitez failed a government required English test. 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 he must now re-sit the test AGAIN this summer if he is to return to the UK after botching the paperwork for a second time. The 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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Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama expects to decide his future imminently as West Ham United hover
Shot-stopper could be Premier League-bound...
By Niall McGlone
28 Jun 2010 08:45:00
Goal.com
West Ham United target Vincent Enyeama is hoping to have his future decided by the end of the week. The Nigerian international goalkeeper has been linked with a £4 million move to Upton Park with new Hammers boss Avram Grant said to be an admirer. The 28-year-old Hapoel Tev Aviv 'keeper could be used as a replacement for current West Ham number one Robert Green who could be set for a move to Fulham should Mark Schwarzer join Arsenal. "I expect to hear something new within the next week," Enyeama told The News of the World. "It's natural. Everybody wants to get ahead in life so, obviously, I want to move to a different place." Enyeama has been linked with a move to the Premier League before with Arsenal, Hull City and Wigan Athletic all having expressed interest in the past.
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