WHUFC.com
Blair Turgott helped England defeat Ivory Coast in their final FIFA U17 World Cup warm-up fixture
14.06.2011
Blair Turgott has helped England prepare for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in perfect fashion by defeating Ivory Coast 5-4 in their final warm-up fixture. The West Ham United midfielder provided two assists during a thrilling match played in Mexico City ahead of the tournament, which begins on Saturday 18 June. England will tackle Rwanda in their opening Group C match in Pachuca on Sunday before taking on Canada and Uruguay in their other two group-stage games. Over the past week, John Peacock's squad have spent plenty of time preparing for the competition, holding a training camp and warm-up fixture to grow accustomed to the warm weather in Mexico. Turgott said Monday's victory over Ivory Coast - secured through two goals from Crewe Alexandra's Nick Powell and one each from Manchester City's Alex Henshall and Liverpool pair Adam Morgan and Jack Dunn - had been the perfect preparation for the tournament. "We won 5-4 against Ivory Coast. I didn't score any goals, but I did set-up two," he told whufc.com. "It was good game. We got into an early 2-0 lead and were in the driving seat 20 minutes into first half, but then they came back and made it 4-2 before half-time. "As it was a friendly, we made eight changes at half-time, but I stayed on though and played most of the second half. We came back to 4-4, then I came off for the last five minutes, during we scored the winner. "I played most out of the team and thought I put in a good shift and a good performance. As a squad, the lads showed great character to come back, so now it's bring on Rwanda!"
The FIFA U17 World Cup will be screened live by British Eurosport, starting on Saturday 18 June at 9pm.
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Slater backs youngsters to shine
WHUFC.com
Stuart Slater believes his fellow Academy graduates can play starring roles in 2011/12
14.06.2011
Stuart Slater believes West Ham United's Academy graduates could play a starring role in next season's npower Championship promotion push. Slater has earmarked the likes of Jack Collison and Freddie Sears as having the potential to seize the moment and help the Hammers to regain their place in the Premier League. Now 42, Slater was a home-grown star himself who went on to make his mark for West Ham at the highest level. Before he had even graduated from the Academy, the talented midfielder made his senior debut at the age of 18 in October 1987, went on to make more than 150 first-team appearances and help the club to gain promotion to the old Division One in 1990/91. The Suffolk-born player, who is set to take up a coaching role within a new full-time Academy and Conference South club Chelmsford City, has challenged his modern-day successors to do likewise by rising to the occasion next season. "Obviously, they have proved themselves in the Premier League, but it's just a shame a lot of the other lads didn't have the mentality of the boys who had come through the ranks and know how much it means to the club," he told West Ham TV. "There were a lot of players who under-performed and a lot of injuries, but these guys know what it's like to play for West Ham and the fans' expectations so it will be good to build a team around a lot of these guys. "I like Jack Collison, Freddie Sears has done well since he came back [from his loan spell at Scunthorpe United in December 2010] and there are a few boys just knocking on the door. "Five or six years ago, those boys were coming through the ranks in the Academy, but this season could be their time."
At the other end of the experience-scale, Slater believes Sam Allardyce is exactly the right man to lead West Ham back to the promised land of the top-flight. The experienced former Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers manager has earned a reputation as a hard-working and determined character who will demand nothing less than 100 per cent effort from his players. Those traits, said Slater, will be vital if West Ham are to regain a winning mentality and bounce back at the first attempt. "Sam has been at some big clubs and has been successful throughout his managerial career. It's a great opportunity with the support and the Olympic Stadium and it's a great club. "All these years that we've been coming, Premier League football is a must now. We would like to play with style, but if we don't do that and get promoted then I think the fans will be happy. "As long as we can play with a certain flair [then that's good], but we've got to work hard and a lot of the time last season people weren't playing for the shirt. We had people with some ability, but they went missing sometimes. "As long as they play for the shirt and we're promoted this year, I don't think the fans will care too much how we play. "These next few weeks are going to be massive. Sam and his staff will come in and I'm sure with his experience and expertise, we're going to be knocking on the door. I hope so, anyway."
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Hammers snap up Faye
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have secured Senegal centre-back Abdoulaye Faye on a free transfer
14.06.2011
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Stoke City centre-back Abdoulaye Faye on a free transfer. The experienced Senegal international will join the Hammers after his contract expires at the Britannia Stadium on 30 June. The club expect to be busy in the transfer market as manager Sam Allardyce assembles a squad geared to win promotion from the npower Championship at the first attempt. Faye is expected to be the first of at least seven players the club hopes to sign this summer. Supporters will hear about every new arrival first on the club's official website - whufc.com - and Twitter feed here. The defender himself is delighted to have joined the Hammers. He said: "I am very happy to be here at West Ham - this is a great club, a big club and I cannot wait to get started here. For me to come here was no problem, I had other clubs offers, but I was happy to come here. "People may ask why as the team are in the Championship, but I am excited at the challenge to help get the team back to the Premier League, where I think the club belongs. The club also has a great fan base and I am looking forward to playing for them and giving my all on the pitch."
The first of those signings, Faye has enjoyed a successful career in English football with Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle United - where he worked under Allardyce - before moving to Stoke in August 2008. He is looking forward to working with his old boss again, adding: "Sam is a very good manager and I am very pleased to be playing for him again - he gave me a chance here in England and he is someone who gives you confidence. "He is also someone who I know the players will respect and I think he will bring a lot to the club - the fans will see this also. I can't wait now to get playing for the club, for Sam and for the fans and do my best for everyone."
The defender made his name in French football with RC Lens and FC Istres before being brought to Bolton - initially on loan - by Allardyce in July 2005. The 33-year-old spent two seasons at the Reebok Stadium, appearing in the UEFA Cup and making more than 70 appearances for the Trotters. Twice, Faye scored in Bolton victories over Arsenal as Allardyce's side finished eighth and seventh in the Premier League table. When the manager moved to Newcastle in the summer of 2007, he immediately moved for Faye, with the powerful defender featuring 24 times during his single year at St James' Park. Stoke splashed out £2.25m to snap up the 34-times capped international in August 2008, and Faye repaid the Potters by being voted the club's Player of the Season in his first year at the club. After an impressive 2009/10 campaign, Faye helped Stoke to reach the first FA Cup final in the club's 148-year history before leaving the Britannia Stadium at the expiration of his contract this summer. At international level, Faye has been a regular fixture for Senegal since making his senior debut against Zimbabwe in January 2006. After helping his country to fourth place at the 2006 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, he scored against Angola at the 2008 tournament.
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce signs Stoke's Abdoulaye Faye
Page last updated at 21:50 GMT, Tuesday, 14 June 2011 22:50 UK
BBC.co.uk
Sam Allardyce has made his first signing as West Ham manager by securing Stoke defender Abdoulaye Faye on a free transfer. Senegal international Faye, 33, was informed by the Potters he would not be offered a new contract this summer. He will arrive at Upton Park when his current deal expires at the end of this month. Allardyce has signed Faye on two previous occasions, having taken him to Bolton and Newcastle. The centre-back is relishing the prospect of linking up with the former Blackburn boss once again as the Hammers bid to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking. "I am very happy to be here at West Ham - this is a great club, a big club and I cannot wait to get started here," Faye told the club website. "For me to come here was no problem, I had other clubs' offers, but I was happy to come here. "People may ask why, as the team are in the Championship, but I am excited at the challenge to help get the team back to the Premier League, where I think the club belongs."
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Faye signs in
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 14th June 2011
By: Staff Writer
We're off - West Ham have confirmed their first signing of the summer. Stoke City centre-half Abdoulaye Faye has joined United on a free transfer after being released by the Potters. The 33-year-old veteran is well known to new Hammers boss Sam Allardyce, who first signed the 6'2" defender for Bolton in 2005.
Speaking to the club's website tonight, he said: "I am very happy to be here at West Ham - this is a great club, a big club and I cannot wait to get started. "For me to come here was no problem. I had other club's offers, but I was happy to come here. "People may ask why as the team are in the Championship, but I am excited at the challenge to help get the team back to the Premier League, where I think the club belongs. "The club also has a great fan base and I am looking forward to playing for them and giving my all on the pitch."
The Senegalese defender made his name in France playing for clubs such as Jeanne d'Arc and Lens before being brought to England by Allardyce. After three years at Bolton, Faye spent time at Newcastle before joining Stoke, with whom his three-year contract ends next month.
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Hammers bring in Faye
Senegalese centre-half agrees Upton Park switch
By Chris Burton. Last Updated: June 14, 2011 7:58pm
SSN
West Ham have completed the signing of Abdoulaye Faye on a free transfer from Stoke City. The experienced centre-half will officially complete his switch to Upton Park once his contract with the Potters expires on 30th June. The move will see Faye link up with former boss Sam Allardycefor a third time, having previously worked with him at Bolton and Newcastle. Allardyce is in the process of piecing together a side he hopes will be good enough to take West Ham back into the Premier League at the first time of asking. Senegal international Faye is confident that he is joining a forward-thinking club and admits he is eagerly anticipating starting life as a Hammer.
Challenge
He told the club's official website: "I am very happy to be here at West Ham - this is a great club, a big club and I cannot wait to get started here. "For me to come here was no problem. I had other offers, but I was happy to come here. "People may ask why as the team are in the Championship, but I am excited at the challenge to help get the team back to the Premier League, where I think the club belongs. "The club also has a great fan base and I am looking forward to playing for them and giving my all on the pitch."
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Pardew in for strike duo
Newcastle boss confirms interest in Erding and Ba
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated: June 14, 2011 9:43am
SSN
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has confirmed his interest in Paris St Germain's Mevlut Erding and West Ham's Demba Ba. The Magpies missed out on top striking target Kevin Gameiro last week when he signed for PSG, but now he could look to one of their players instead. Turkish international Erding, who has also been linked to Sunderland, could be one of those to suffer from Gameiro's arrival and Pardew is now pondering a swoop for the 24-year-old, who cost PSG €9million when they signed him from Sochaux in 2009. "Erding has always been on our radar," Pardew admitted. "He's a very good player and that is all I will say at the moment." The Newcastle boss also revealed his disappointment at missing out on Gameiro, and he will be aware the likes of Lille and Rennes are also looking at Erding. "We had a bit of a disappointment with Kevin Gameiro as he has decided to go elsewhere. We made a fantastic offer to the club and to him but these things happen," he said.
"We tried very hard on that one, but we always knew there would be setbacks along the way and we have always had other people in mind, deals we have been trying to keep to ourselves for obvious reasons. "We are working extremely hard to make those deals happen and I'm pretty happy with how things have gone so far. We should have another signing finished in the next few days, and we will able to confirm that one as well."
Demba Ba wanted
He also confirmed his interest in Ba, who is understood to have agreed terms with both Newcastle and Everton. The 26-year-old is now deciding where his future lies, with Newcastle confident they can finalise a deal for him which would see him move on a free transfer following West Ham's relegation from the Premier League.
"Demba Ba has done very well since he came to England and he's a good player," he said. "I'm very much aware of him and I probably know what he is capable of more than most because I've known about him for a while, before he went to West Ham. "We're not the only club who are interested, but we are trying. There is always competition and we will keep plugging away. "If we can get him and another two in before the end of next week I'll still be looking for another two new faces to join us before the start of the season. "To get a player like Yohan Cabaye in so early has been a big bonus. Not many clubs have managed that sort of business yet so I'm very happy with that."
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It's West Sam re-United
Published: Today
The Sun
ABDOULAYE FAYE says he turned down a number of big offers to sign for his old boss Sam Allardyce for a THIRD time. Defender Faye, 33, becomes Allardyce's first signing as West Ham chief after leaving Stoke on a free. Big Sam first brought the Senegal star to England with Bolton in 2005 and signed him again at Newcastle. Faye said: "Sam is a very good manager and I am very pleased to be playing for him again. "This is a great club, a big club. I had other offers but I am excited at the challenge here to help the team get back to the Premier League where I think the club belongs." Allardyce is also interested in signing another of his Bolton old boys Ricardo Gardner. The Jamaican left-back, 32, is a free agent after seeing out his contract at the Reebok.
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Magpies plotting Ba swoop
Published: 14 Jun 2011
The Sun
ALAN PARDEW is considering a bid for West Ham striker Demba Ba. The 26-year-old hitman was one of the Hammers' few shining lights last season, as the club were relegated from the Premier League. Ba scored seven goals in 12 league games after moving to Upton Park from Hoffenheim in January. Those performances caught the eye of Magpies boss Pardew, who admits he has been a fan of the Senegal international for some time. But the Toon boss admits he faces stiff competition from Everton and Italian side Fiorentina for Ba's services. Pardew said: "Demba Ba has done very well since he came to England and he's a good player. "I'm very much aware of him and I probably know what he is capable of more than most because I've known about him for a while, before he went to West Ham. "We're not the only club who are interested, but we are trying. There is always competition and we will keep plugging away. "If we can get him and another two in before the end of next week I'll still be looking for another two new faces to join us before the start of the season."
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Abdoulay Faye rejects better offers to help Big Sam get Hammers promoted
Published 21:45 14/06/11 By Football Spy
The Mirror
Abdoulaye Faye admits he turned down a number of big offers to join West Ham and is desperate to repay the faith which Sam Allardyce has shown in him during his career. Faye, 33, was prepared to drop down into the Championship to join up with his former manager and became Allardyce's first signing of the summer since he took charge at West Ham. Allardyce brought the Senegal defender into the Premier League back in 2005 when he was manager of Bolton and saw Faye became a major star for him at the Reebok Stadium. Faye joined up with Allardyce once again at Newcastle and is now hoping to make it third time lucky after joining the east London club on a free transfer from Stoke last night. Tony Pulis was reluctant to let the experienced defender leave the Britannia Stadium, but could not stand in his way once Faye knew of West Ham's interest. Faye said: "Sam is a very good manager and I am very pleased to be playing for him again. He gave me a chance here in England and he is someone who gives you confidence. "He is also someone who I know the players will respect and I think he will bring a lot to the club. The fans will also see this. I can't wait now to get playing for the club, for Sam and do my best for everyone.' "This is a great club, a big club. I had other offers, but I was happy to come here. People may ask why, as the team are in the Championship, but I am excited at the challenge to help the team get back to the Premier League, where I think the club belongs. "The club also has a great fan base and I am looking forward to playing for them, giving my all on the pitch.' Allardyce is hoping to bring in at least SIX more players as he looks to turn the club's fortunes around and help them get straight back into the top flight.
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EXCLUSIVE: Ba's agents demanding £2m 'sweetener'
Published 23:00 14/06/11 By Alan Nixon
The Mirror
Newcastle are ready to pay Demba Ba's agents a staggering £2million if it will allow them to beat Everton in the race for his signature. The Toon have been quoted the massive sweetener by advisors to the former West Ham striker and are willing to fork out the extraordinary commission to get him on a free transfer. Rivals Everton are reluctant to go that far though - despite the fact that Ba is keen to join them. The tug-of-war has now turned into a battle over fees and personal terms. Both clubs will pay Ba close to the £4m-a-year wage package he wants.
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Relegation might prove to be blessing in disguise
West Ham - Season in Championship could be just what Jack Collison needs
By Will Haine June 14, 2011
GiveMeFootball.com
The West Ham No.10 shirt is one held in incredibly high esteem by those at the Boleyn Ground, with the likes of Geoff Hurst, Trevor Brooking and Paolo Di Canio having made it so treasured. So, when Jack Collison was awarded the famous jersey last summer, it was quite an accolade for the young midfielder, who is regarded very highly indeed around Upton Park. However, after a serious knee injury, the 22-year-old missed almost the entirety of last season - making just three appearances at the end of the campaign - as the east London club were condemned to relegation. Unsurprisingly, a number of top flight clubs are reported to be monitoring the Wales international, while Collison will meet new Hammers boss Sam Allardyce to discuss his future with the club. West Ham will be desperate to retain the services of Collison as they look to secure promotion back to the Barclays Premier League at the first time of asking and, should he remain with the Irons, he is likely to be an important part of Allardyce's plans.
One person who believes Collison will benefit from a season in the Npower Championship is former Hammers favourite Don Hutchison, who is a big fan of the midfield maestro. "I think Jack is a fantastic young player," Hutchison told West Ham TV. "He had a bad injury last season and I know he went through a bit of a bad time with his injury. "It's good to see him back and it might be good for him. A season in the Championship might help progress and help him to learn about the game. "Everyone thinks they know the game as a young boy, but it's not until you're 25 or 26 that you learn the game. Maybe a season in the Championship will be good for him."
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The Insider
The Daily Mail
KAMIL TEVFIK
Bucaspor to West Ham
THE INSIDER says: 2/5
The former Fulham and Millwall youngster went off to Bucaspor last summer and, after a difficult start, has transformed himself into one of the form players in the Turkish Super Lig. He is a Turkish Cypriot born in London, and is also known as Kamil Ahmet Çörekçi and has alerted Hammers boss Sam Allardyce (above). Tevfik's story is one of determination. After being released by Millwall he went to Bucaspor where the manager decided he was best suited to the reserves without even seeing him play. But after designing his own strict training regime Tevfik got himself noticed and a new manager gave him his chance from which he hasn't looked back. Championship sides were alerted to his form and have sent a few scouts to monitor his progress and one or two Premier League sides have since done the same. He is highly rated in Turkey and seen as one for the future in the national team having figured at youth level and Under 18s. However, he is interested in a return to England to prove himself again. West Ham, Reading and Blackpool are possibilities.
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Fire sale! Scott Parker tells West Ham he wants out, while Demba Ba and Thomas Hitzlsperger are free to go
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 11:39 AM on 14th June 2011
Daily Mail
West Ham are resigned to losing first-team players Demba Ba and Thomas Hitzlsperger with the pair set to follow Scott Parker out of Upton Park on free transfers this summer. The relegated Hammers also face a further setback after star player Scott Parker has formally told the club of his desire to leave. Turkish side Fenerbahce are the only club to have bid for the midfielder but the England international wants to stay in the Premier League according to the Telegraph . Tottenham and Arsenal have shown in interest while Liverpool also made an enquiry for the 30 year-old, who has three years left on his contract. However all three sides have baulked at the £8million-10million being demanded by West Ham. Newcastle and Everton are leading the race for Ba, with the Toon more willing to pay the Senegalese striker's demanded £46,000 wages.
The Hammers have already reported Sunderland to the Premier League claiming Sunderland have made an illegal approach for the 26-year-old – which the Black Cats denied – but cannot stop him leaving for free once the clause is activated. Any deal involving Ba will be complicated by a history of failed medicals which originally proved a problem ahead of his transfer to Upton Park in January. Hitzslperger joined West Ham from Lazio on a free last summer on a three-year-deal but was out for the majority of last season with injury. The German international is understood to earn £45,000-a-week and although he can leave on a free, new boss Sam Allardyce is less concerned about the German's departure.
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Newcastle look set to beat competition for Demba Ba after agreeing personal terms - report
14 Jun 2011 11:04:00
Goal.com
West Ham striker looks set to grace the Premier League again this season after agreeing a contract with the North East club, although agents fees threaten to postpone the move. Newcastle United look set to seal a move for West Ham striker Demba Ba after the Senegal striker reportedly agreed personal terms on Monday night. However, the report in The Times states a disagreement between agents over fees threatens to stall the deal from being completed for the time being. The North East club fought off interest from Everton, Fiorentina and local rivals Sunderland for the player's signature and West Ham look set to recieve a minimal fee for the player as he had a relegation release clause in his contract. Ba scored seven times for the Hammers last season but could not prevent them from suffering relegation, which resulted in the immediate sacking of manager Avram Grant. The Magpies are also thought to be willing to cash in on £4 million-rated midfielder Kevin Nolan, who has two years left on his current deal as they look to lower the average age of the squad.
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Free agent Faye signs for West Ham after being released by Stoke City
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 5:52 PM on 14th June 2011
Daily Mail
Sam Allardyce has made Abdoulaye Faye his first signing as West Ham manager. It marks the third time, the Hammers boss has bought Faye after stints at Bolton and Newcastle. Faye was released by Stoke at the end of last season, following an injury-hit campaign in which he was restricted to just 16 appearances. The 33-year-old defender had been with the Potters for every step of their three-year Premier League journey and manager Tony Pulis said of him: 'His contribution to getting this club to where it is today should never be forgotten. 'He loved this club and the supporters loved him, so in many respects it is sad to see him move on. 'But we are moving on and there are times when you have to make tough decisions.'
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