BBC.co.uk
Portsmouth's Israeli centre-back Tal Ben Haim has joined West Ham on a
five-month loan deal. The 28-year-old defender is former Fratton Park
manager Avram Grant's fourth new signing at Upton Park. West Ham say they
are also close to signing an unnamed young international who played in the
2010 World Cup. Ben Haim, who has also played for Chelsea, Sunderland and
Bolton, made 24 appearances for Pompey last season after arriving from
Manchester City.
The Israeli international missed two months of last season with a groin
injury but returned in May to play in Portsmouth's final match of the
season, a 1-0 defeat at Everton..
606: DEBATE
Is Ben Haim a good addition for West Ham?
He started his professional career at Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2000 and arrived
in the Premier League in 2004, signing for Sam Allardyce at Bolton
Ben Haim joined Jose Mourinho's Chelsea on a free in June 2007 but a lack of
first-team chances led to him moving to Manchester City in 2008 on a
four-year deal.
After playing a part in Manchester City's Uefa Cup campaign in 2008, Ben
Haim ended the season on loan at Sunderland before joining Portsmouth in
September 2009.
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Pay on the door at Southend
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd August 2010
By: Staff Writer
Southend United have confirmed that supporters wishing to attend tonight's
friendly with West Ham will be able to pay at the turnstiles. Southend host
the Irons this evening at Roots Hall in a friendly that, according to Blues
boss Paul Sturrock, was only arranged late last week at the behest of the
Hammers. "The match came out of the blue a bit really," Sturrock told
southendunited.co.uk. "West Ham's coaching staff phoned me late on Thursday
asking if we would be able to play them. Obviously when a Premier League
side makes an offer like that it is too good to refuse. "I know some of the
boys and girls behind the scenes were pulling their hair out though because
of the short timescales involved with putting the game on! But it should be
a decent crowd, a good test for us and it's a good way to gear up for the
real thing this Saturday."
Kick-off this evening is at 7.45pm. Tickets are also available from the
Blues Box Office, priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions - however
you need to be a member to apply.
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Ben Haim arrives
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd August 2010
By: Staff Writer
Tal Ben Haim has become the club's fourth pre-season signing. The Israeli
international has joined the Hammers on a six-month loan deal having failed
to pass a medical last week that would have seen him arrive at the club on a
permanent deal. Ben Haim, 28, has previously spent time with Bolton,
Chelsea, Manchester City, Sunderland and Portsmouth since arriving in
England in 2004. He famously fell out with current Hammers boss Avram Grant
- who had replaced former incumbent Jose Mourinho - whilst the two were at
Chelsea after being dropped, stating: "If I knew Avram Grant was going to be
the coach I would have signed for another club. I knew nothing good would
come for me with Grant as Chelsea coach."
KUMB revealed two weeks ago how West Ham were set to land Ben Haim. Irons
fans will be hoping that he and Avram Grant will get on a little better
second time around.
* The club have also announced that they expect to confirm a fifth summer
signing within the next 72 hours. Stay tuned to KUMB.com for details on
that.
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Hammers land Ben Haim
Pompey defender makes loan switch, with another to follow
Last updated: 3rd August 2010
SSN
West Ham have completed the signing of Israel international defender Tal Ben
Haim on loan from Portsmouth until January. Skysports.comrevealed last month
that an agreement had been reached for the former Bolton, Chelsea and
Manchester City player to move to East London. And the details of the deal
have now been finalised with Ben Haim reunited with Avram Grant following
their time together on the South Coast last term. Ben Haim becomes Grant's
fourth new signing of the summer, following in the footsteps of midfielder
Thomas Hitzlsperger, winger Pablo Barrera and striker Frederic Piquionne.
And the Hammers have revealed that negotiations on a further transfer target
are at an advanced stage with an additional new face, who featured at the
World Cup, on course to be unveiled later this week. A statement on the
club's official website read: "With the ink barely dry on Ben Haim's
contract, club officials stepped up their bid to secure a fifth signing this
close-season and hope to have the deal finalised within the next 72 hours.
"The potential recruit is a young international who represented his country
with distinction at the 2010 World Cup."
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Pernis reveals Premier dream
Slovakian ace open to English switch
Last updated: 3rd August 2010
SSN
Dundee United's Slovakia international keeper Dusan Pernis has admitted it
is his dream to play in the Premier League. The 25-year-old has reportedly
been interesting both Fulham and West Ham, who both dispatched scouts to
watch him against Hull City. Pernis is distancing himself from the
speculation, although he is flattered that teams in England's top flight are
keeping tabs on his progress. The shot-stopper, who has two caps for his
country, is more than happy plying his trade in the SPL but hopes to one day
move to England. "I have heard the rumours but I don't know anything about
any offers from those clubs," he told the Daily Record. "Of course it's
great to have those kinds of teams interested in me. And I always said I
came to Scotland to move closer to my dream which was to play in the English
Premier League. "But I am young, I'm 25 and I have plenty of time to do that
in the future. I am a Dundee Unitedplayer and happy with that. "It has also
helped me go to the World Cupwith my country, which was a fantastic
achievement. "I feel I can continue to become a better goalkeeper here - I
do not have to leave."
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Hammers to cash in on Parker in dramatic U-turn
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on:03 August 2010 - 14:28
Sport.co.uk
According to talkSPORT West Ham United co-chairman David Sullivan is
considering a u-turn on his public promise of keeping captain Scott Parker
with the club considering cashing in on the England star.
The West Ham co-chairman Sullivan was adamant following Tottenham Hotspur's
bid for Scott Parker last week that their inspirational skipper would not be
leaving the Boleyn ground, however talkSPORT understands "he has now changed
his stance and is prepared to listen to big offers for the former Charlton,
Chelsea and Newcastle star."
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is interested in the midfielder, as is Roy
Hodgson who sees the 29-year-old as an ideal replacement at Liverpool for
Inter bound Argentine international Javier Mascherano.
It is thought the Upton Park club will be looking for a fee in excess of £15
million with Redknapp and Hodgson circling. Former West Ham assistant
manager Steve Clarke told talkSPORT that he thought Parker would stay,
however he did admit a big offer could tempt the irons hierarchy: "I think
he'll stay, and I know he appreciates the club and the fans. "But you never
know, if someone comes in with a crazy bid it may be a better option for
West Ham to sell him."
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Pre-season Update
Posted by Billy Blagg 1 hour, 5 minutes ago
ESPN
Those of you who have been following the Blagger for some years will know
that I am a notoriously slow starter on the football front. I've long
thought the season starts too early and goes on too long and my involvement
in the World Cup has made what is laughingly called the 'closed season' even
shorter.
Nevertheless, Soccernet have demanded I come into the office (Ha!) and write
something about West Ham United, so here we are and this will have to do,
Firstly, new signings include Mexico International Pablo Barrera and
ex-Portsmouth Frederic Piqquione both appear to be useful additions to the
squad although its likely to be who doesn't move that is likely to produce
the most interest. New boss Avram Grant has stated quite publicly that he
wants to keep Carlton Cole and Scott Parker while Robert Green looks to have
settled back in and there's even talk of a contract extension for Matthew
Upson. Critics may stifle a giggle and point to the defensive frailities of
Green and Upson in the World Cup, but at club level there's no doubt they
are both top players and - if nothing else - both have much to prove and may
enjoy doing it, which wasn't always the case last season.
There are good reports that the Hammers look much more comfortable playing
Grant's favoured 4-3-3 system and both James Tomkins and Cole have looked
good in pre-season. In fact, the Hammer's warm-up performances have been
better than any in recent memory and there's hope that, if the club can swat
away efforts to prise away their best players, then things could improve
dramatically over last season. Then again, there is only one other option if
they got worse...
With regard to the obvious transfer rumours, I can't believe Carlton Cole
would be better off at somewhere like Stoke unless the club wanted rid of
him for some reason. Frankly, it would be at the minimum a sideways move and
probably long-term a downward step so I can't see the point. Scott Parker
however, is a different matter all together, and I think the club may have
made a rod for their own back by stating he is the one player who won't be
sold as they could find themselves in a difficult position if the rumoured
interest from Liverpool were to have some foundation. I think we'll have to
wait this one out and hope the love shown for the Hammer of the Year means
he gives us at least a season after which - fingers crossed - he may see
more of a future with us.
Returning injuries may give us the equivalent of another two or three
players but rumours that Kieron Dyer is now totally injury-free and will
play a full season should be treated, along with sightings of the Yeti and
the discovery of the lost chord, with trepidation. It would be great if a
fully-fit Dyer were able to play to his full potential in the Premier League
but.... well, just BUT really! I'd still feel happier with the signing of a
couple of full-backs and the shedding of some of the players who, like last
season, are telling us that they are 'raring to prove themselves' again but
we'll have to wait and see how the first month pans out. All in all though,
the signs are encouraging and the noises made by Sullivan and Gold seem to
be echoed around the club. Oh yea, the new shirts are nice too!
My prediction? I'm expecting a top half season with a good cup run. But then
I do say that every season...
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West Ham seal Ben Haim deal
ESPN staff
August 3, 2010
West Ham United have sealed the loan capture of Tal Ben Haim from Portsmouth
and expect to add another recruit before the end of the week. Israel
international defender Ben Haim has put his name to a loan deal until
January to become the Hammers' fourth signing of the summer and a fifth is
on the cusp of being brought in. "West Ham United are delighted to announce
the loan signing of Israel defender Tal Ben Haim and can confirm the club
are close to securing another international player," read a statement on
West Ham's official website. "With the ink barely dry on Ben Haim's
contract, club officials stepped up their bid to secure a fifth signing this
close-season and hope to have the deal finalised within the next 72 hours.
"The potential recruit is a young international, who represented his country
to distinction at the 2010 FIFA World Cup."
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Avram Grant has already made his mark at Upton Park
West Ham boss has no intention of selling Carlton Cole
By Dave Smith August 03, 2010
GiveMeFootball.com
When West Ham's co-owners declared that all their players – apart from Scott
Parker – were available for transfer, it seemed like a mass exodus was on
the cards at Upton Park. But the arrival of new manager Avram Grant has
calmed things down and one player he definitely doesn't want to sell is
Carlton Cole.
There has been talk of a £9m bid from Stoke for the former Chelsea striker,
but Hammers boss Grant is not interested in selling. England man Cole has
been in red-hot form in West Ham's new 4-3-3 formation this summer and Grant
would prefer to keep him at Upton Park. "I don't want to sell Carlton," said
Grant, who is also determined to keep Scott Parker at the club. "He is
working very hard. His attitude is good. He is a good player. Against
Ipswich, he was in the right place at the right time again. "I think the new
system has helped him. We also have a team that know how to play football so
they can give him the pass at the right time. "If you look at all the goals
we have scored this summer, all the goals came from combinations between
many players in the team. Of course it is good for him."
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West Ham sign Tal Ben Haim on loan from Portsmouth until January
Ben Haim reunited with his former manager Avram Grant
Defender is West Ham's fourth signing of summer so far
Press Association
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 3 August 2010 12.44 BST
West Ham have signed the Portsmouth defender Tal Ben Haim on loan until
January. The 28-year-old, who has been reunited with his former manager at
Portsmouth and Chelsea, Avram Grant, is the Hammers' fourth summer signing.
Ben Haim joins the German midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, Mexican winger
Pablo Barrera and French forward Frédéric Piquionne in moving to Upton Park.
West Ham have promised their summer spending is not over. The club hope to
complete the signing of a "young international who represented their country
to distinction at the World Cup" this week. "West Ham United are delighted
to announce the loan signing of Israel defender Tal Ben Haim and can confirm
the club are close to securing another international player," read a
statement released by West Ham. "With the ink barely dry on Ben Haim's
contract, club officials stepped up their bid to secure a fifth signing this
close-season and hope to have the deal finalised within the next 72 hours.
The potential recruit is a young international, who represented his country
to distinction at the 2010 Fifa World Cup."
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Ben Haim Happy with Hammers
The Sun
Published: Today
WEST HAM have signed Portsmouth defender Tal Ben Haim on loan until January.
The 28-year-old, who has been reunited with former Pompey boss Avram Grant,
is the Hammers' fourth summer signing. Ben Haim joins German midfielder
Thomas Hitzlsperger, Mexican winger Pablo Barrera and French forward
Frederic Piquionne in moving to Upton Park. A club statement said: "We are
delighted to announce the loan signing of Israel defender Tal Ben Haim and
can confirm the club are close to securing another international player.
"Ben Haim is the fourth new face in Avram Grant's squad in what has been a
busy summer of arrivals. He is an experienced centre-back with a strong
character. ''He can play across the back four and will provide top-level
competition for the club's existing defenders. "With the ink barely dry on
Ben Haim's contract, club officials stepped up their bid to secure a fifth
signing and hope to have the deal finalised within the next 72 hours. "The
potential recruit is a young international, who represented his country to
distinction at the 2010 World Cup."
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Tal Ben Haim completes West Ham loan move from Portsmouth
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 12:33 PM on 3rd August 2010
Daily Mail
West Ham have completed the loan signing of Israel defender Tal Ben-Haim.
Portsmouth manager Steve Cotterill revealed the 28-year-old's move to Upton
Park had been resurrected after the deal stalled last week. The player
revives ties with former boss Avram Grant after agreeing a temporary switch
until January with the Barclays Premier League club. The move had been
delayed amid fears of a groin injury but Cotterill announced the ex-Bolton
and Manchester City star was heading for the Fratton Park exit. 'He's on his
way to West Ham and he will go there,' Cotterill told The News. Ben-Haim
could make his debut on the opening day of the new season at Villa Park
against Aston Villa with Saturday's pre-season showdown against Spanish side
Deportivo La Coruna thought to come too soon. The centre-half becomes West
Ham's fourth summer signing, the second recruit from Grant's former club
Pompey, alongside Frederic Piquionne, Mexico winger Pablo Barrera and
Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger.
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West Ham in Getafe talks for Boateng
03.08.10 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United are chasing Getafe midfielder Derek Boateng. The Sunday
Express says West Ham will bid £3million for Getafe's player of the year
Boateng, though the Spanish club want £5million. Hammers boss Avram Grant
rates Boateng highly, having followed the Ghana international during his two
years with Beitar Jerusalem.
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