WHUFC.com
Have your say today on who has been the top-performing Hammer over the last four weeks
30.12.2010
There is still time to have your say on the SBOBET Player of the Month for December 2010. Five nominees have been shortlisted for the chance to succeed Kieron Dyer (August), Manuel da Costa (September). Mark Noble (October) and Victor Obinna (November) as December's main man. Robert Green, James Tomkins, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Carlton Cole have all been singled out for their recent displays. Open to fans to vote, the winner will be confirmed on whufc.com before Saturday's match with Wolverhampton Wanderers and be presented with his award before a forthcoming home game.
To register your vote in the monthly poll, http://www.whufc.com/page/NewsIndex/0,,12562,00.html and go to the vote in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Final incentive for Birmingham tickets
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are bidding to reach Wembley with the Carling Cup semi-final against Birmingham City
29.12.2010
Fans wanting to give themselves the best chance of following the Hammers all the way in the Carling Cup should buy a ticket for the semi-final first leg with Birmingham City. Were the club to win through to Wembley, those who bought a semi-final ticket will get access to an exclusive priority period after only season ticket holders and members. Should the Hammers overcome the Blues after the home leg on 11 January and the trip to St. Andrew's on 26 January in what looks a tricky tie, tens of thousands will want to be at the 27 February showpiece. Demand will far exceed supply. Season ticket holders and members can still buy for the semi-final but will have to move quick if they want to sit in their usual place. As usual, whatever the weather outside, fans can buy online, over the phone or in person from the ticket office. Season tickets holders have been given £15 off their seats, and they can still take advantage of this promotion even though their own exclusive selling period has ended.
As always, fans should keep an eye on whufc.com for all the latest ticket information.
West Ham have reached the League Cup final twice in their history, losing out on both occasions. West Brom ran out 5-3 aggregate winners in 1965/66, while Liverpool earned a 2-1 replay victory at Villa Park in 1980/81 after the initial game at finished 1-1 at Wembley. Birmingham won the 1963 final with a 3-1 aggregate success against Aston Villa. and were beaten 5-4 on penalties by Liverpool in the 2001 final after a 1-1 draw.
* Fans should notice the Hammers' allocation for the away leg at St. Andrew's on 26 January is sold out, with all applications received by season ticket holders having been successful.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cut-price Barnsley seats in demand
WHUFC.com
The FA Cup tie promise to be an exciting afternoon at the Boleyn on the road to Wembley
29.12.2010
Fans can today get their cut-price FA Cup tickets for the third-round visit of Barnsley on Saturday week. Supporters will pay just £10 for kids and £15 for adults - regardless of where they want to sit - for the first step on the road to Wembley on 8 January 2011. Season ticket holders will need to move fast if they have not bought their tickets as there is now no guarantee that their usual seat will remain available. They get an extra fiver off, with prices at just £5 for Under-16s and £10 for adults.
The club have continued to offer great ticket savings for the cup competitions this season, with some of the lowest prices seen at the Boleyn Ground in more than a decade. Including Manchester United's visit in the Carling Cup, the last two home games have been sold out to home fans as fans flock to support the team.
As such, demand is expected to be high for the start of this season's FA Cup adventure so move fast to avoid disappointment. There is also limited time for supporters yet to buy for the Birmingham City first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold tracking 15 players
Hammers co-owner reveals January plans
Last updated: 29th December 2010
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Gold has revealed the club have plenty of 'irons in the fire' and are hoping to bring in at least three new faces in January.
In order to make sure they succeed in strengthening Avram Grant's squad, Gold and David Sullivan have cast the net wide and are monitoring the progress of 15 players. The Hammers remain in the relegation zone following Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Evertonand Gold is aware of the need to do business when the transfer window reopens. "We've got 15 irons in the fire, and I mean that literally," he said. "We're just concentrating on incomings, and if you get three, you've done good."
One of the new additions will be Steve Sidwell,with the Hammers set to finalise a deal for the Aston Villa midfielder, but Gold has refused to be drawn on other targets. He explained: "There's a lot of secret stuff going on; we're trying to outwit our competitors. "We're after a player who is the same type of player one of our competitors is looking for, and we want to keep that as quiet as we can and complete the deal."
Piquionne not for sale
Gold is also determined to keep all West Ham's key players next month and has dismissed speculation linking Frederic Piquionne with a move away from Upton Park. The striker was this week quoted as saying that he would be open to joining Villa but Gold maintains he will not be going anywhere. "He's not for sale," said Gold. "This club is fighting for its life. "It's got to change what it's been doing. For 30 years, it's been selling its best players. That's got to stop."
Vital clash
West Ham entertain bottom club Wolves on New Year's Day in a vital clash for both sides, but Gold is not viewing it as a must-win match following a decent run over the festive period so far. "If we don't beat Wolves then we start all over again," said the former Birmingham supremo. "I mean you brush yourself down and you come again. But we're not even thinking that way." He added: "I am pleased with what we've done over Christmas. "I would say the bookies will have to redo their sums if we beat Wolves. "If we win against Wolves you've got to say that's not the performance of a relegation side."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reds renew Cole interest
Hammers understood to be prepared to listen to £7m-£9m offers
Last updated: 29th December 2010
SSN
Sky Sports News understands that Liverpool have renewed their interest in West Ham striker Carlton Cole. A representative of the Anfield club is said to have been at the Hammers' Boxing Day victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage, where the 27-year-old scored twice in a 3-1 win. Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson made an attempt to sign England international Cole, who has netted just five times in all competitions this season, in the summer transfer window. But a deadline day deal was not agreed and West Ham boss Avram Grant remains unwilling to sell his star players, such as Cole, Matthew Upson and Scott Parker, as he battles against Premier League relegation.
No secret
However, it is understood that Hammers co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan would be prepared to listen to offers between £7m and £9m. Hodgson has made no secret of the fact that he wants to increase his attacking options and find a partner for Fernando Torres to decrease the burden on the Spain international. The Liverpool boss is desperate to be backed in the transfer window by his club's owners, John Henry's New England Sports Ventures, following their takeover in mid-October and he has also been linked with PSV Eindhoven forward Ola Toivonen. But, whether or not it is a poker face to misguide rivals, Hodgson has also said that he does not expect to sign any 'first-team material' until the end of January.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
City put block on Bridge move
The Sun
Published: Today
MANCHESTER CITY have snubbed a bid from West Ham to take Wayne Bridge on loan until the summer. Left-back Bridge, 30, was keen on the Irons switch - but City blocked it. Aston Villa and Valencia remain possible destinations.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold is digging for bargains
The Sun
By MARK IRWIN
Published: Today
WEST HAM chairman David Gold is negotiating 15 signings in an amazing game of transfer bluff. The Hammers co-owner is keeping his rivals guessing ahead of the transfer window opening. Despite the Hammers being saddled with more than £100million of debt, Gold is ready to open the chequebook this weekend to help manager Avram Grant make them only the second club to avoid the drop after being bottom of the Premier League at Christmas. Gold admitted: "We've got 15 irons in the fire, and I mean that literally. "We're just concentrating on incomings, and if you get three, you've done good."
The first of those will be Steve Sidwell from Aston Villa but Gold would not name other targets. He added: "There's a lot of secret stuff going on — we're trying to outwit our competitors. "We're after a player who is the same type of player one of our competitors is looking for, and we want to keep that as quiet as we can and complete the deal."
The January window is also likely to lead to renewed speculation over the futures of the Hammers' best players, most notably star midfielder Scott Parker, who the club have repeatedly insisted is going nowhere. Striker Frederic Piquionne was quoted this week saying he would be interested in a move to Villa but Gold said: "He's not for sale. "This club is fighting for its life. "It's got to change what it's been doing. For 30 years, it's been selling its best players. That's got to stop."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham draw up 15-man January transfer hitlist
Published 18:55 29/12/10 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
David Gold has revealed West Ham have targeted 15 different players for Avram Grant in the January transfer window. And the bullish Upton Park co-owner insisted the bookies will have to redraw their relegation odds if his side beat relegation rivals Wolves on Saturday. The home draw with Everton means the Hammers have taken five points from three matches over Christmas. West Ham can climb out of the bottom three for the first time this season with a win at the weekend. And co-chairman Gold said he hoped at least three players will be brought into the squad next month. "We've got 15 irons in the fire, and I mean that literally," said the former Birmingham owner. "We're just concentrating on incomings, and if you get three you've done good.
"The Steve Sidwell deal is not done yet. We're waiting for a number of issues to be resolved. There's a lot of secret stuff going on. We're trying to outwit our competitors. "We know we're after a player who is the same type of player one of our competitors is looking for, and we want to keep that as quiet as we can and complete the deal."
Villa midfielder Sidwell has passed a medical and should join on loan while the club want to borrow Wayne Bridge from Manchester City to fill the left-back slot. And West Ham are scouring Europe for a centre-forward. But Gold insisted Frederic Piquionne, who expressed his interest in joining Aston Villa, would not be leaving. "He's not for sale," he stated. "This club is fighting for it's life. It's got to change what it's been doing. For 30 years it's been selling it's best players. That's got to stop."
And Gold insisted the turnover of managers at Upton Park had also stopped no matter the result against Wolves. "I am pleased with what we've done over Christmas," he continued. "A great three points at Fulham. That was the first time as principles of the football club we've won away. Against Everton, our players were falling like flies because they had given their all, they had given everything. "It really is tough to play two games on the trot like that. It is a great point. We'd have loved to win, we were ahead. But nevertheless we played 48 hours ago, they didn't. Everton are not our competitors. We know who are our competitors. Wolves. Fulham. Birmingham. I would say the bookies will have to redo their sums if we beat Wolves. If we win against Wolves you've got to say that's not the performance of a relegation side. "To get two wins and two draws. It's got to be done. We have to beat Wolves, and it will be a big six-pointer. "If we don't beat Wolves, then we start all over again. I don't mean with a new manager. I mean you brush yourself down and you come again."
Grant said: "The confidence is growing in the players, although the were like this before. I said many times they saw the difference between losing and taking points was only small because we dominated so many games. We had a good win two days ago and with a bit more freshness we could have taken the points again. We will do our best against Wolves."
Scott Parker said: "We have confidence definitely and it has been there all year although there are times when it gets a bit edgy and it is bound to when you are bottom of the league. You aren't going to be flowing all the time but every one of us is confident that we can get ourselves out of this."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Exclusive: Spurs lead the six-side race to land Beckham on loan
Published 23:59 29/12/10 By John Cross
The Mirror
Spurs are top of an amazing list of six Premier League clubs trying to sign David Beckham. The former England captain could be back in England's top flight in the next few weeks after Tottenham made contact with Beckham's advisers to register an interest about a two-month loan spell. Beckham is having discussions with LA Galaxy about a temporary switch to Europe to boost his fitness levels before the MLS season resumes. Boss Harry Redknapp will have to beat interest from Blackburn, West Ham, Sunderland, Everton and Newcastle, as well as enquiries from Italy and Spain. But Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, who has tried to sign Beckham before, is keen to make a sensational coup by bringing him to White Hart Lane. Redknapp recently claimed he is not working on any deal for Beckham but Levy sees it as having huge potential for the club.
Beckham, meanwhile, wants to train at a top club, prove he can still play for England and has vast experience to offer Spurs on and off the pitch. Ex-Real Madrid star Beckham claimed recently he would only come back to England with Manchester United but it is understood that he is interested in other clubs.
Beckham played under Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti at AC Milan and, while there has not been contact from Stamford Bridge, that might be another club watching developments. LA Galaxy have yet to rubber stamp Beckham coming to Europe on a two-month loan spell and he did suffer a serious Achilles injury while at AC Milan last season. But Beckham is hoping to have his future sorted out shortly and it is clear that Tottenham are watching very closely with a view to a sensational deal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers to meet Keane demands
December 29, 2010
Email Print
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
ESPN
West Ham are determined to make Tottenham striker Robbie Keane their marquee January signing, as they look to boost their chances of Premier League survival. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is keen to step up his pursuit of a new frontman and has already revealed that Keane will be allowed to leave to make room in the squad. Redknapp needs to generate funds for a January plunge into the transfer market and Keane will be the most notable sale, though West Ham face stiff competition for the Ireland captain from Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Wolves. Spurs are holding out for a £6 million transfer fee, plus a £1 million bonus should Keane help the Hammers or one of their fellow relegation candidates avoid the drop. West Ham co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan are prepared to pay Keane's £65,000-a-week Tottenham wages for an initial six-month loan deal, then commit to a £6 million fee to take up the option of signing the striker on a three-year contract. It would be a massive investment for the Hammers, close to £20 million in total for loan fees, transfer fees, survival bonuses, and wages for a striker who is 30, but the financial burden would be spread over nearly four years. A West Ham insider told ESPNsoccernet: "All our options are option, but we think we have a good chance of landing Robbie Keane."
The club have also enquired about Manchester City pair Shaun Wright-Phillips and Wayne Bridge, but because the Irons are restricted to a total of two loan deals, and only one from a fellow Premier League club, they are likely to focus their attention on trying to sign left-back Bridge on loan until the end of the season. The Hammers are close to completing the signing of Aston Villa's Steve Sidwell, while Monaco have given them the go ahead to move for Dieumerci Mbokani, though acquiring a work permit for the Congolese striker may prove a stumbling block.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Exclusive - Cottee: 'Wolves defeat could spell the end for Grant'
TalkSport
By Ian Cruise
Wednesday, December 29
Tony Cottee believes West Ham will have to seriously consider sacking Avram Grant if they lose to Wolves this weekend. The Hammers currently sit second from bottom in the Premier League table, with only Wolves below them (subject to their result against Liverpool on Wednesday night) and victory at Upton Park is crucial for the East Londoners. And Cottee admits a further setback against their fellow strugglers could - and perhaps should - spell the end for Grant. He told Goldsetin & Cundy: "If West Ham lose to Wolves they'll have to look at the situation. "With the transfer window set to open they would have to ask themselves if Grant is the man to whom they want to give whatever money they've got. "Before the advent of the January window, you could perhaps leave it until about ten games to go before making a change, but you can't do that anymore. " It's so tight that the only two clubs in the bottom half who definitely won't go down are Everton and Liverpool " Tony Cottee
"It's so tight that the only two clubs in the bottom half who definitely won't go down are Everton and Liverpool. Everyone else, even up to Blackpool in eighth, could struggle if they go on a bad run." West Ham have enjoyed a mini recovery over Christmas, with four points form two games so far against Fulham and Everton. And Cottee feels they've got the talent to escape from the drop zone. "They've got the players, but for whatever reason they're not producing," he added. "They've got a spine of England internationals with Green, Upson, Parker and Cole, some good kids like Noble, Collison and Hines and some decent foreigners like Obinna and Piquionne. "They are in a false position and they should be doing better. Whether that's down to the players or the manager I don't know. It's probably a combination of the two."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers striker is target for Liverpool, say reports
3:51pm Wednesday 29th December 2010
Guardian Series
LIVERPOOL are set to make a renewed effort to sign West Ham striker Carton Cole in January, according to Sky Sports News. It is understood a representative from the Anfield club was present during the Hammers' 3-1 win over Fulham on Boxing Day, when Cole was on the scoresheet twice.
Reds boss Roy Hodgson tried to sign the 27-year-old in the summer transfer window but a deal was not agreed between the two clubs. However, it now appears he will return to the West Ham hitman as a partner for Fernando Torres is sought. Irons owners David Gold and David Sullivan are thought to be willing to listen to offers between £7-9million.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool Boss Roy Hodgson Renews Interest In West Ham United's €10.5m Striker Carlton Cole - Report
Dec 29, 2010 5:01:00 PM
Goal.com
Liverpool have revealed that have renewed their interest in West Ham United striker Carlton Cole, according to Sky Sports News. It is understood that an Anfield representative was at Craven Cottage on Boxing Day when Cole netted twice to give West Ham a much needed 3-1 victory over Fulham. Reds' boss Roy Hodgson originally attempted to sign Cole - who has five goals to his name this season - in the summer, but a deadline-day deal could not be completed in time. Hammers' manager Avram Grant has made it clear that he has no intention of letting transfer target Cole - or any other of his top players like Matthew Upson and Scott Parker - leave Upton Park as he bids to avoid relegation. However, this decision could be taken out of his hands by the board. David Sullivan and David Gold, the owners of the Hammers, have revealed that it would be difficult not to listen to offers in the region of £7 million to £9m (€8.2m-€10.5m) for Cole, as the club look to ease their financial troubles. Hodgson has already stated that he wants to bolster his attacking options to take the pressure off the Reds' Spanish talisman, Fernando Torres, and sees the 27-year-old Hammers striker as an ideal candidate, along with PSV Eindhoven forward Ola Toivonen. On the other hand, Hodgson has also said he does not plan to sign any 'first-team material' until the end of January.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Yakubu keen to join West Ham - but move may be hindered by Everton's asking price
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 7:38 AM on 30th December 2010
Daily Mail
Everton striker Yakubu is back on West Ham's list of targets after expressing a desire to leave Merseyside to gain more first team action. The Nigerian is unhappy with life on Merseyside and wants to link up with Avram Grant after missing the chance to join West Ham during the summer. However, Everton's valuation may hinder any deal once again.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham refuse to sell in January as co-owner David Gold targets recruits for survival bid
By LAURA WILLIAMSON
Last updated at 10:20 PM on 29th December 2010
Daily Mail
David Gold has insisted no players will leave West Ham in January as the club battles to stay in the Barclays Premier League. The West Ham joint chairman said: 'This club is fighting for its life. It's got to change what it's been doing. For 30 years it's been selling its best players. That's got to stop.
'We've got 15 irons in the fire, and I mean that literally. Every time I go into the dressing room the first guy I go to is the physio and then I go to the players. All the time you're terrified. If Scottie Parker goes down, you think: "God!" 'We've got two things that are vital to us: players who are coming back from serious injury and ensuring no-one else goes on to that treatment table. That's what I worry about. 'We're just concentrating on incomings, and if you get three you've done good.' West Ham are hopeful of securing striker Dieumerci Mbokani on loan from Monaco. Manager Avram Grant has also suggested the club were close to signing midfielder Steve Sidwell, 28, from Aston Villa but Gold said the deal is not yet done. He said: 'We're waiting for a number of issues to be resolved. There's a lot of secret stuff going on. We're trying to outwit our competitors.'
West Ham host fellow strugglers on New Year's Day and Gold admitted it is a must-win game if his side are to survive this season. He said: 'I would say the bookies will have to redo their sums if we beat Wolves. 'If we win against Wolves you've got to say that's not the performance of a relegation side. We have to beat Wolves, and it will be a big six-pointer.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Posts
