Co-owner confused by managers ruling themselves out of Hammers job
By Mike Barton. Last Updated: May 18, 2011 3:25pm
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan is "amused" that certain managers have
ruled themselves out of the running for the managerial position at Upton
Park, stating that they were not even being considered. Sullivan and fellow
co-owner David Gold pulled the trigger on Avram Grant following their 3-2
defeat at Wigan on Sunday, a result that meant they will be relegated to the
Championship next season. "We are amused by certain individuals saying they
don't want the job when they haven't been considered for it"
Following the decision several names have been linked with the vacancy, but
former England manager Steve McClaren and Brighton boss Gus Poyet have both
ruled themselves out of the running. Former West Ham defender Chris Hughton,
who guided Newcastleback into the Premier League last season, and Martin
O'Neill have been hotly tipped as leading candidates for an approach, but no
announcement has been made. Sullivan refused to name the pair, but admits
that he is confused by those in question who have moved to distance
themselves from the role publically. "We are amused by certain individuals
saying they don't want the job when they haven't been considered for it,"
Sullivan told the London Evening Standard. "We've had approaches by some
good candidates but we treat all applications as confidential."
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Ba chase heating up
West Ham striker set to stay in England
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated: May
18, 2011 4:58pm
SSN
Skysports.com understands a host of Premier League clubs are already
jostling to sign Demba Ba. The 25-year-old was the subject of a protracted
transfer battle in January, which eventually saw him join West Ham from
Bundesliga side Hoffenheim. Doubts about Ba's overall fitness were soon
quashed and he has shone for the Hammers with seven goals in just 12 games.
Despite his efforts West Ham lost their battle to stay in the league and now
he is set to move, with skysports.com of the understanding he will be
staying in the Premier League. Ba has already told Sky Sports that he is not
thinking about his future, but he could very well have a new employer before
the end of the month. The likes of Sunderland, Newcastle and Aston Villa
have been linked in recent weeks, but skysports.com can reveal that more
than half-a-dozen Premier League clubs are keen on landing his signature.
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Cellino holds Hammers hope
Cagliari supremo still keen on potential Upton Park takeover
By Simone Bargellini. Last Updated: May 18, 2011 3:14pm
SSN
Cagliari owner Massimo Cellino has revealed that he would still be keen to
acquire relegated West Ham. The Italian was in the running to take over at
Upton Park prior to David Sullivan and David Gold completing a buy-out of
the cash-strapped club in January 2010. He admits 'things didn't go well in
those days' but has hinted that he would be willing to take the reins should
the club become available again. "I was attacked by the journalists in order
to justify a choice that has revealed itself to be unhappy for West Ham,"
Cellino told Italian newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport. "If they want to I
could take over the club even though they will be in the first division. "
"The current owners have speculated with the affection of the Hammers' fans.
"They even tried to do housing business with the sale of the actual stadium.
"The West Ham fans are exceptional. I started this project because I was
attracted by the atmosphere of the Hammers.
Predictable
"This is why I'm so disappointed for this relegation. But it was
predictable." He added: "I am saddened for the West Ham fans. They did not
deserve to be demoted.
"But if they want to I could take over the club even though they will be in
the first division." Cagliari remain Cellino's main interest for now, but he
admits to growing disillusioned with life at a Serie A outfit that has lost
its last four games. He said: "I'd rather not talk about this now. I don't
like the way we are ending the season. "I will make further decisions on
Cagliari, but I don't know exactly what they will be at the moment. "I have
to think about what would be best for everyone. The last few months have
made me think again about some facts."
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Get Lambert, as West Ham Look to Secure Ba!
May 19th, 2011 - 5:05 am by S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
The speculation on the potential appointments to the vacant managerial
position at West Ham continues to gather pace. Generally, the media are
enjoying running stories about the alleged chaotic mess at Upton Park and
the emerging 'crisis' relating to potential candidates ruling themselves out
of the running for the post. McLaren and Poyet are being widely cited as
managers that have rejected us, but David Sullivan has now come out and
confirmed that neither were ever under serious consideration for
appointment.
Martin O'Neill appears to be the fans favourite and he has not yet ruled
himself out of the running. Apparently, O'Neill is prioritising winning the
arbitration process with Villa over his exit from Villa last August. Recent
stories suggest that the West Ham owners are trying to entice him with a £4m
bonus to achieve promotion next season. He will also probably want
assurances from the owners about non-interference in running the playing
side of the club and keeping a lid on the constant board room public
statements.
The are some reports this morning that the board have made initial
approaches about signing Cardiff City striker, Jay Boothroyd, on a free
transfer. Some see this as evidence of the board over-stepping the mark in
advance of a managerial appointment. But what if there is a agreement in
place with a potential new manager and this move is based upon their agreed
list of transfer targets?
Outside of O'Neill, West Ham appear to have a real interest in Norwich City
Manager, Paul Lambert. There is a suggestion that West Ham might seek to
entice him away from Norfolk with an attractive contract and a financial
incentive to secure promotion next season. Apparently, Lambert is currently
only on a rolling, one year contract at Norwich City and there is no sign,
as yet, that they intend to tie him down with a long term deal. There are
also suggestions that Lambert is seeking assurances about the transfer pot
available at Norwich for next season's PL campaign.
There appears to be an increasing uneasiness over at Norwich City about
their ability to retain Lambert's services. And well they might be
apprehensive. Norwich will be one of favourites for relegation next season,
the board there are unlikely to invest in the squad sufficiently to avoid
relegation and, if he stays, Lambert could well find himself back in the
Championship in 12 months time.
For me, the mark of the managerial ability of Lambert is the way that he
imposed order and has forged a relatively modest group of players at Norwich
City in to an effective and cohesive unit that has achieved a double
promotion. That ability to take firm control, and forge a team quickly, is
exactly what the Hammers need in their new manager. No disrespect to
Norwich City (a very decent club), but the truth is that West Ham are a far
bigger club than Norwich, with much more potential and scope for
development. Even potentially without Green, Upson, Parker and Cole, there
is far more ability for him to work with at West Ham. Lambert will be able
to work with our youngsters, those experienced players that stay and any new
additions and transform them into an effective team. Also, West Ham will
probably need to give assurances about attracting some good players,
currently with Championship sides, and integrating them into the mix.
Lambert is a very promising young manager, with a good track record and bags
of potential for a successful future in the PL. He will leave Norwich City
sooner or later. It is too small a stage for his undoubted talents, it is
just a question if the Hammers land him this summer or he moves on to
another club at some point in future. The only problem is whether the West
Ham board's poor reputation for controversial public statements,
interference in the playing side and mishandling of internal situations
(i.e. the sacking of Zola and Grant) will put Lambert off? The board would
do well to learn the lessons of their tenure to date at West Ham, keep the
public statements in check and agree and maintain a strict line of
demarcation on the playing side of things.
Outside of O'Neill and Lambert, Chris Hughton remains in the frame, along
with Sam Allardyce and, possibly, Alan Curbishley. With the latter two
candidates, their appointment is not likely to go down too well with some
supporters, but it may well be a matter of 'horses for courses' in the
Championship. It may not to too pretty, but both men could do the job and
get us promoted. And surely that is the overriding consideration for the
future of the club.
In the meantime, the Board have allegedly offered two key players new
contracts. There are reports that one of these is Demba Ba, with a new
£60,000 a week contract on offer to stay next season. If this story is true
then it is undoubtedly the right move. Ba will score 20 goals plus in the
PL, without any shadow of a doubt, but in the Championship he will run riot.
Retaining Ba would be a massive boost to our promotion chances. It may not
be accepted, but we must at least try. Ba considers West Ham 'a good
project,' and is unlikely to be attracted to a move to to the likes of
Sunderland or Blackburn Rovers. Lets hope that he decides to stay and be a
crucial part of the new manager's plans. Lets also hope that similar
efforts are being made to convince either Parker or Hitzlsperger to stay as
well. If the overtures fail, then so be it, but at least the club tried.
Following on from Jack Collison, Jordan Spence has now confirmed that he
wants a new deal at West Ham. That is good news and hopefully Hines will
get a new contract as well and Tomkins and Noble will commit to the West Ham
cause. We may lose Green, Parker and Cole (plus the likes of Upson, Faubert
and Illunga) but we must retain our younger players as the foundation for
our successful return to the PL. It is amazing how many nasty little
articles there are in the papers, and on the web, joyfully anticipating the
the decimation of our playing squad. I guess it is because most relegated
teams do not have the quality of player that we currently boast. Some
players will undoubtedly leave with deep regret, whilst we will be glad to
see others 'out the door.'
However, we cannot afford to engage in a so-called 'fire sale' if we are to
bounce back at the first time of asking. The truth is that the club must be
very clear about those players that are leaving or who they will sell, at
the right price. However, bids for Tomkins, Noble, Collison, et al, must be
firmly rejected, with the statement that there is an embargo on the sale of
these and other key players. The club also need to gettheir act together on
the contractual side of things, whilst some players have deliberately been
allowed to run down their contracts, there are others (such as Spence and
Hines) that we could potentially lose as a result.
Anyway, there will be no major exits (outside of those out of contract or on
loan) until the new manager is in post, that much is certain. Meanwhile, it
was amusing yesterday to read a Spurs site where they were arrogantly
discussing which of the West Ham players they should liberate. Apparently,
Scott Parker and Demba Ba are the prized targets for their dubious
attentions. Personally, I would not sell to Spurs on principle. There is no
need to because there will be plenty of interest in Scott Parker, above and
beyond Arsenal's north London noisy neighbours!
Finally, it will be interesting to see how the negotiations progress between
Gold and Sullivan and Tony Fernandez. If Fernandez buys the remaining 35%
stake, that deal could be instrumental in generating funds and protecting
the club from the worst consequences of relegation. It could even enable us
to retain some players and maximise the transfer pot available in the
summer. There is also speculation that, the seriously wealthy, Massimo
Cellino may renew his former interest in West Ham and seek to buy the club
outright from the current owners. We need to keep an eye on that, but
Fernandez buying a significant stake in the club is probably the more likely
scenario of the two.
SJ. Chandos.
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Robins back in for Hammer Spence
Published: Today
The Sun
BRISTOL CITY are to swoop for West Ham defender Jordan Spence. The England
Under-21 star played 11 games on loan for City before being recalled to
Upton Park.
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We gave Avram all he wanted and just said: 'Keep us up'
By CHARLIE WYETT
Published: Today
The Sun
KARREN BRADY insists Avram Grant was given everything possible to keep West
Ham in the Premier League. And the Hammers vice-chairman has hit back at
claims Grant was undermined throughout the season. West Ham are counting the
cost of relegation to the Championship with Grant sacked following Sunday's
3-2 loss to Wigan. Brady said: "Avram was given the best possible conditions
to do the job. There were no silly targets set, no talk of Europe. We just
said: 'Keep us up'. "He was given extra training-ground staff and his
personal needs met - including a driver, a new office and an upgraded
expensive football analysis system. "When things got tough, we backed him
again. "January signings like Wayne Bridge, Robbie Keane and Demba Ba saw us
put our money where our mouth is. Again, no big names left the Boleyn. "A
good man, Avram was given every chance but he was sadly unable to deliver."
Grant, who also took Portsmouth down last year, has told friends he did not
feel supported and claims six managers were offered his job in January,
including Martin O'Neill and Sam Allardyce.
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You can kick us when we're down – but we'll always get up again
KARREN BRADY - First lady of football
Email the author
Published: Today
The Sun
LET'S get things straight - the only kicking anyone has had this week is
West Ham but we can take it. We've made mistakes this season and held our
hands up.
We are hurting over relegation but now it is all about promotion - not just
because of our league position but also in terms of pushing forward the
reality of a proud club with solid finances, proper fans and a strong
tradition. Like our sold-out end-of-season dinner this week, we stand up and
face difficult times head on. Sure other clubs might have cancelled but we
had a duty to 800 fans that had paid good money to attend a long-planned
event. The night raised more than £150,000 for the academy. What you haven't
read is that, to a man, the players were exemplary. Led by Scott Parker,
they stayed for more than five hours. There was no roped-off VIP area, no
rushing the players in and then out the back door. No hiding. The squad
listened to what fans had to say and shared their own frustrations. Even
when one guest went too far for a mindless minute or two, the players
remained and kept cool. They played their part in a successful evening.
Compare our column inches to another end-of-season dinner on the same night
where some players - still with a big game to play - were out until 4am
drinking. We'd have had Royal Wedding-sized coverage had that been us. Ours
was not a celebration and certainly not a party, as some wrongly claimed,
but it was right to have a night where fans could respect the academy and
their Hammer of the Year. Everyone has had their say and there is nothing
wrong with fair comment.
But hyped accounts of trouble are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes
to describing a season where fact has been replaced by fiction. One paper
used two different writers, who barely go the Boleyn, to claim we're the
worst-run club. Maybe they think saying it twice makes it more believable.
You can kick us when we're down - but we'll always get up again.
The past
LOSING our Premier League status was not for the want of trying. Last summer
we signed eight players, including a top German international and three of
the star young players from the World Cup. Not one key player left despite
other clubs wanting Rob Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Carlton Cole.
Avram Grant was set no silly targets, no talk of Europe. We said: "Keep us
up." He was given extra training-ground staff and his personal needs met -
including a driver, new office and an upgraded expensive analysis system.
When things got tough, we backed him again - January signings like Wayne
Bridge, Robbie Keane and Demba Ba. Avram was given every chance but he could
not deliver. When the time to part came after the last game, it was done
privately and amicably. He asked the club to delay the announcement or tell
staff for 30 minutes until all the post-match duties had been carried out
and the squad had left. That wish was respected. We gave him the option of a
car to take him home but he chose to travel with the team.
The present
KEVIN KEEN is in temporary charge. A man schooled as a player under the
great John Lyall, who began his coaching work at the club under Tony Carr.
He knows the club inside out and the talented youngsters we have coming
through. Listen to him on whether this club can come back stronger. He
speaks his mind with passion and commitment. As owners, we are also not shy
in having our say - but we have a commitment to be open and honest with
fans. We don't hide our success as businessmen or that we came from humble
beginnings. We won't apologise for who we are or that we have spoken out at
times during two seasons of struggles on the pitch but far more has been
said and written by those with no clue about the club. Unlike them, we have
the best interests at heart. Ask us a question and we will answer. But that
also means we are listening. We act on constructive criticism. Fans are
entitled to say what they like. They support the club. Everyone else can
have their view but we'll only listen to the 35,000 who watch us every home
game.
The future
WEST HAM were in a critical condition when we came in 18 months ago. You all
know the story but that fact remains. We put our own money in, steadied the
ship. We took difficult decisions and made the Olympic Stadium a priority.
Where would we be now if we had stood idly by after arriving? That focus on
Stratford was vital. We recognised how crucial it was to the club's future
and for the Borough of Newham. It is a partnership plan that has had its
legacy vision endorsed, with understanding that short-term league position
has no bearing. What counts is ambition, energy and determination along with
a very good business plan. When we were made preferred bidder in March, it
was a momentous decision that galvanised the club. We were also careful to
largely keep it separate from the first team. Avram was free to focus on his
work - he never visited the stadium - and not asked to promote it in the
Press. The Olympic Stadium will be superb for everyone and is a true
positive. We know that won't mean much now to fans upset about our
relegation but they know what it'll do long-term at every level of the club.
To lead us there, we need a strong manager and we will make the right
appointment. We'll continue to put our world-class academy first and do our
job off the field, but the priority is getting straight back to the Premier
League. It is interesting to see people ruling themselves out in the media
without so much as an approach or a phone call from the club.
We'll get the right man and when all is said and done next season, we will
hold another gala dinner to celebrate all that is great about West Ham.
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West Ham eye Norwich boss Lambert
Published 23:02 18/05/11 By John Cross - EXCLUSIVE
The Mirror
Paul Lambert is the shock name on West Ham's hit list to be their new
manager. The Hammers are aware of Lambert is in a contract dispute with
Prremier League-bound Norwich and believe they can lure him away from Carrow
Road. It would be a massive blow to the Canaries to lose their manager after
leading them back into the top flight, but talks over a new deal have hit a
stalemate. Several top-flight clubs are also watching developments, but West
Ham would still be keen to talk to fiercely-ambitious Lambert. Lambert has
been offered a new contract worth £1.6million-a-year, with an emphasis on
bonuses and incentives, while the ex-Celtic and Scotland midfielder wants a
more lucrative basic package. Norwich are hopeful of keeping their manager,
but it would not be the first time that Lambert has been courted by another
club. The Canaries' Championship rivals Burnley tried to get him in January,
before eventually hiring Eddie Howe. Lambert, 41, knows he is in on the
radar of Premier League clubs as well as the Hammers as football heads into
a summer that could see a managerial merry-go-round. Aston Villa could spark
things off if Gerard Houllier, recovering from illness, leaves his post.
That may lead to them moving for Everton's David Moyes, the unattached Steve
McClaren or Mark Hughes of Fulham.
Blackburn's Steve Kean and Alex McLeish of Birmingham are also under
pressure as they try to beat relegation. Relegated West Ham have so far
struggled to attract their top managerial targets. Former England boss
McClaren has ruled himself out and Gus Poyet has pledged his future to
Brighton. Ex-Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill, who nearly got the West Ham
job in January, is believed to be wary of taking the post, which has
prompted Hammers co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan to widen their
search. Former Newcastle boss Chris Hughton remains the bookies' favourite,
while the also between-gigs Sam Allardyce is also in the frame. West Ham
would also pounce if QPR boss Neil Warnock, set for talks with the Premier
League-bound club's owners today, becomes available. But Hughton has a
proven track record of getting a team - Newcastle - straight back up to the
top flight after relegation and also spent two years as a player at West Ham
as well as growing up near Upton Park.
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Sullivan mocks managers saying 'no thanks' to West Ham
Published 20:03 18/05/11 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
Former Newcastle manager Chris Hughton remains the bookies' favourite to
take the West Ham hot-seat on a day that club co-owner David Sullivan hit
out at those that have moved to rule themselves out of the running. The
Hammers sacked boss Avram Grant immediately after the 3-2 defeat at Wigan on
Sunday, which confirmed their relegation from the Barclays Premier League.
Hughton is current favourite to get the post at his former club, with whom
the Stratford-born 52-year-old enjoyed a two-year spell in the early 1990s.
While the former Newcastle boss has remained quiet on the speculation,
Grant's departure has seen the likes of former England manager Steve
McClaren and Brighton boss Gus Poyet rule themselves out of the running.
While Sullivan did not name the pair, the co-owner today admitted he thought
it was odd that managers have made the public move to distance themselves
from the role. "We are amused by certain individuals saying they don't want
the job when they haven't been considered for it," he told the London
Evening Standard. "We've had approaches by some good candidates but we treat
all applications as confidential."
The Hammers have vowed to appoint a new manager by the end of May as they
look to bounce back from the npower Championship at the first attempt.
Martin O'Neill is understood to be high on the wanted list again having been
offered and turned down the job during January, while Cardiff manager Dave
Jones' odds have been slashed after Cardiff's Championship play-off
semi-final defeat to Reading last night. Watford manager Malky Mackay and
former Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce are others expected to be in the frame,
while QPR's Neil Warnock and Paul Lambert of Norwich have also been mooted
as potential successors.
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All White Winston Reid likely to exit West Ham
Last updated 05:00 19/05/2011
Stuff.co.nz
Football All White Winston Reid likely to exit West Ham Porto down Braga 1-0
in Europa League final Fifa bosses to step up fight on match-fixing Man
City's Tevez scores twice, wants to stay Celtic to play three friendlies in
Australia Suspensions after Mexico football fight NZ under-17 group
opponents named Sepp Blatter gets key African support Football player
knocked out by opponent Uncapped duo in new All Whites squad All White
Winston Reid could be on his way out of relegated English premier league
club West Ham, according to an English newspaper report. The 22-year-old
defender, who joined West Ham from a Danish first division club after
scoring for the All Whites in the 2010 World Cup finals, was on a list of
six players the east London club "want to lose", The Guardian reported.
"Good for New Zealand at the World Cup but has looked out of his depth at
Upton Park, timid and positionally lax," the newspaper said in its rundown
on Hammers players.
Reid, who is contracted to West Ham until June 2013, had seven starts and
made five appearances off the bench in all competitions for West Ham. The
Hammers are reportedly 40 million (NZ$82.3m) in debt with what is believed
to be the eighth-highest wage bill among the 20 premier league clubs. They
will get parachute payments of 48m (NZ$97m) over the next four years – but
premier league clubs receive up to NZ$100m a season through a lucrative
television rights deal. Reid was last week linked to Italian Serie A club
Chievo Verona. But he said he had heard nothing from the Italians and had
not "thought about moving, or anything". He was "just concentrating on our
last few games and finishing the season off".
"I'm happy here and it's a good club, we just need to get us out of this
situation. I've only been here for one year – I obviously haven't played as
much as possible but I believe in my qualities and eventually my time will
come."
Reid will get his opportunity in the international shop window when he plays
for the All Whites against Mexico in Denver on June 1 and against Australia
in Adelaide four days later. All Whites coach Ricki Herbert indicated this
week he may pair Reid in defence with Vancouver Whitecaps stopper Michael
Boxall, who made his international debut against China in March. Meanwhile,
some West Ham players were involved in a confrontation with supporters at
the club's end-of- season dinner in London's plush Grosvenor Hotel this
week. The West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has claimed that a drunken
supporter racially abused a player, sparking a brawl. Sullivan told Sky
Sports News: "The whole incident has been blown out of all proportion. It
was one individual that had too much to drink. A player was racially abused
by the same drunken supporter which is totally unacceptable. Sadly one
drunken supporter has let the club down."
The Guardian reported that other players, including Manuel da Costa, were
"confronted in the ensuing melee". "Plates and glasses were apparently
broken in the brief fracas with a group of supporters running out of the
hotel, pursued by security staff."
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West Ham begin search for new manager but co-owner David Sullivan refuses to
be drawn on likely contenders
By Jason Burt 8:52PM BST 18 May 2011
Follow Jason Burt on Twitter
West Ham United hope to appoint a new manager within the next 14 days - and
possibly sooner - with contact having already been made with the club's top
targets.
Among these are thought to be Martin O'Neill and Sam Allardyce although
there were strong suggestions from within the club on Wednesday that the
most likely choice remains Dave Jones whose future at Cardiff City is in
doubt. Telegraph Sport revealed on Monday that Jones was the leading
candidate to succeed Avram Grant. However other managers are being
considered and the suggestion is that if either O'Neill or Allardyce - who
both spoke to the club in January - are willing to take the job then they
will be appointed. O'Neill turned down the post previously while talks with
Allardyce stalled after the club made the fateful decision to stick with
Grant. There is also great admiration at West Ham for the work Paul Lambert
has done although whether he can be prised away from newly-promoted Norwich
City - who have offered him a significant pay rise to ward off potential
suitors - is unlikely. West Ham have a shortlist and a longer list of
possible targets should their first efforts fail. O'Neill's situation is
complicated by the fact that he is yet to settle his compensation claim with
his former club, Aston Villa, which is expected to go to a Premier League
arbitration panel possibly as early as Thursday. Cardiff's failure to
progress through the play-offs, exiting to Reading on Tuesday, has increased
the possibility of West Ham turning to Jones. The board has been impressed
in the past with the way he has managed Cardiff's resources and dealt with
adversity.
After the play-off loss Jones suggested that it was possible he would not
stay at the Welsh club and there is a sense that it may be time for him to
move on and that West Ham might offer the perfect opportunity. He was
considered by the club last summer before Slaven Bilic and Steve McClaren
turned down the job and it went to Grant. Similarly Neil Warnock, who has
taken Queen's Park Rangers back into the Premier League but whose future has
been questioned, will be monitored. However it is expected that he will
remain after talks with the QPR board but the situation remains fragile.
Chris Hughton would be another contender should West Ham work their way
through their list but although he is regarded as an outstanding coach,
there may be some doubts over his ability to overhaul and re-mould the
squad.
Given part of West Ham's criteria for a new manager is someone with
experience of succeeding in the Championship then the likes of Swansea
City's Brendan Rodgers and Watford's Malky Mackay - both highly-rated young
managers - could also be expected to come under consideration. At the same
time West Ham are also offering new improved deals to a number of their
players - they are desperate to hold onto the likes of Jack Collison and
Zavon Hines - and the club has also reiterated its stance that it will only
sell its established stars who are under contract if the right offer is
made. That includes Scott Parker.
The search for a new manager is key and on Wednesday chairman David Sullivan
- who has flatly refused to confirm any of the names linked to the job -
said that he was "amused" some people have moved to rule themselves out of
the running because they have not even been considered.
"We've had approaches by some good candidates but we treat all applications
as confidential," he said.
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Relegated West Ham bid to keep striker Ba with wage increase
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 1:11 AM on 19th May 2011
Daily Mail
Relegated West Ham have offered Demba Ba a 50 per cent wage increase to
£60,000 a week to help fire them straight back to the Barclays Premier
League.
But the 25-year-old Senegal striker, who signed a three-year contract in
January, says he will consider his future over the summer.
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WEST HAM OWNERS START TO REBUILD
West Ham have made an enquiry about signing Cardiff striker Jay Bothroyd who
is a free agent
Thursday May 19,2011
By Matt Law
Daily Express
WEST HAM owners David Sullivan and David Gold have already started the
process of trying to reshape the club's squad – even though they are yet to
find a new manager. After Sullivan admitted offering new contracts to two of
the existing squad, the Hammers have also made an enquiry about signing
Cardiff striker Jay Bothroyd, who is a free agent. Although Sullivan and
Gold will argue they are simply preparing for relegation from the Premier
League, their interest in Bothroyd could scare off more managerial targets.
West Ham have not given up hope of trying to persuade Martin O'Neill to
succeed Avram Grant, while Norwich City's Paul Lambert and former Bolton
boss Sam Allardyce are among their favoured options. But all three would
demand full control of squad and transfer decisions, and insist on no
interference from the board which undermined Grant and Gianfranco Zola. Only
ex-Newcastle boss and former West Ham player Chris Hughton has made it clear
he is definitely interested in the job, which makes him a strong candidate.
Although O'Neill remains their top choice, West Ham have been alerted to the
fact Norwich are yet to agree a new one-year rolling contract with Lambert,
who has guided the club back to the Premier League.
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DAVID SULLIVAN IN A TEMPTER TO MARTIN O'NEILL
West Ham will offer Martin O'Neill a £4 million bonus
Wednesday May 18,2011
By Tony Banks
Daily Express
WEST HAM will offer Martin O'Neill a £4 million bonus to tempt him to lead
them back into the Premier League. If he agrees to join, it will be to a
club in chaos, with Senegal striker Demba Ba claiming he was racially abused
by a supporter at the Hammers' end-of-season dinner on Monday night, which
ended with police being called. West Ham owners David Sullivan and David
Gold failed to lure former Celtic and Aston Villa manager O'Neill to Upton
Park in January, but he is still top of their shortlist to succeed Avram
Grant, who was sacked on Sunday. Sullivan and Gold are poised to go back to
O'Neill with another offer which, on top of a basic salary, will offer him a
£4m bonus if he can take the Hammers back to the top flight. O'Neill is not
easy to pin down. When he rejected the chance to take over in January, he
was dismayed at the way his name became public during the negotiations,
despite a £3m bonus offered by Sullivan and Gold if he was successful in the
survival battle.
The new bid comes from a club £80m in debt, but West Ham hope it will sway
O'Neill, whose arbitration case over his departure from Villa Park will be
settled this week.
Paul Lambert, who has steered Norwich to promotion, is also on West Ham's
list but is likely to stay at Carrow Road. Another possible candidate is
Chris Hughton, a former West Ham player who took Newcastle up from the
Championship last season. Sullivan wants a new manager in place within a
fortnight but has ruled out a foreigner, thus precluding former club idol
Paolo Di Canio and Brighton's Gus Poyet. Ba, meanwhile, denied claims of
having sparked an angry exchange with supporters over a refusal to sign an
autograph at the dinner in London.
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