WHUFC.com
Republic of Ireland U17 star Kieran Sadlier is planing to star for club and
country in 2011/12
06.06.2011
Kieran Sadlier has big plans for the future. The West Ham United Academy
midfielder has recently agreed a full-time scholarship with the club and is
planning to make a big splash at Under-18 level in the new season. At the
same time, the 16-year-old is also eyeing further honours with Republic of
Ireland, the nation he qualifies for through his parents and has already
represented at U15, U16 and U17 levels. Sadlier, who lives in
Cambridgeshire, will move into the club's Youth House later this summer.
However, the environment is one he knows well as the midfielder has been a
regular visitor through the club's day release scheme. In agreement with his
school, Sadlier has been allowed to stay and train with the Hammers every
Thursday and Friday, giving him more time to hone his skills at Little
Heath. "It makes my life more relaxed because I don't have to travel down in
the mornings to train or to prepare for games," he told West Ham TV. "I
train on Tuesday evenings then I come to the house on a Wednesday after
school and I train on a Thursday and a Friday. "I live about an
hour-and-a-half away, so it cuts the time down so I don't have to do as much
travelling, really. I can't wait to move in. I already know most of the boys
so I'm looking forward to it." "My school are pretty happy with the day
release and support everything I do in my football. You have to stay
motivated and do your school work because you never know what might happen.
With football, you can have a bad spell, so you have to stay motivated to
make sure you get the grades, really."
While his studies remain important to him, Sadlier, who is currently sitting
his GCSE examinations, is targeting top marks on the football pitch for both
club and country.
Having appeared twice for Ireland in his country's UEFA European U17
Championship qualifiers in September 2010, he is now looking to impress at
U18 level ahead of the 2013 UEFA European U19 Championship campaign "I'll be
at Under-18 level with Ireland next year, so not much happens then, but I'll
be working hard and trying to push on for the European Under-19 Championship
qualifiers the following year."
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Barrera in five-star show
WHUFC.com
Hammers winger Pablo Barrera got off to a winning start at the 2011 CONCACAF
Gold Cup
06.06.2011
Pablo Barrera shone as Mexico began their 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign
with a 5-0 defeat of El Salvador. The Hammers winger was in lively mood
throughout as El Tri ran riot in front of more than 80,000 fans at Cowboys
Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Barrera went closest to a goal with a
16th-minute effort that grazed the woodwork before Manchester United striker
Javier Hernandez scored a hat-trick to underline why Mexico are tipped to
retain their title. Such were Barrera's exertions, he was forced off with
cramp on 83 minutes leaving his country down to ten men as they had made all
their substitutions although he did reappear. The El Salvador defence had
struggled to cope with his wing play throughout, as he routinely swapped
flanks with fellow wide-man Andres Guardado. Jonathan Spector's United
States will start their campaign on Tuesday night in Detroit against Canada.
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Parker unsure over future
Midfielder to go on holiday before deciding on any move
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me on Twitter @skysportspeteo. Last
Updated: June 6, 2011 3:23pm
SSN
West Ham midfielder Scott Parker insists he does not know where he will be
playing his football next season. Parker is widely expected to leave West
Ham following their relegation from the Premier League. The likes of
Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Aston Villa are all thought to be
interested in signing the England international. Parker admits he will not
sort out his club future until returning from a family holiday later this
month. "I've not really any idea where I might be playing next season," said
Parker. "My main focus now is going away with my family on holiday and just
relaxing. "It's been a tough season and my main focus is getting away.
No deadline
"I haven't set myself a deadline. Whether you believe it or not, my main
focus is just going away and relaxing and what's to be is going to be. "It's
out of my hands, out of my control, really, isn't it? We will see what
happens."
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Collison set for Hammers talks
West Ham plan to hold discussions with midfielder
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me on Twitter - @skysportspeteo. Last
Updated: June 6, 2011 3:09pm
SSN
Skysports.com understands Jack Collison is set to hold talks with West Ham
about his future at Upton Park. The highly-rated midfielder has two years to
run on his current deal and he is keen to find out where his future lies
following the club's relegation from the Premier League. Contract talks over
a new deal were halted last year as the player recovered from injury.
Collison returned from 14 months out with a serious knee injury to feature
in the last three games of the season and he also appeared for Wales in the
recent Carling Nations Cup campaign. West Ham are expected to lose a number
of their top performers following their relegation and a host of Premier
League sides are thought to be monitoring Collison's situation. The player's
representatives are set to hold talks with the Hammers and new boss Sam
Allardyce to discuss his future options.
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An Unnerving Fact About Big Sam's Rebuilding Project!
June 6th, 2011 - 10:55 am by S J Chandos
WEST Ham Till I Die
There is a virtual consensus that the current squad would have faced a
restructure even if we had retained our PL status last season. It is just
that the scale of the restructure would probably have been less radical. We
would have kept the quality core of the squad, namely Green, Upson, Parker
and Cole, plus other key players like Collison, Noble, Hitzlsperger and Ba,
and rebuilt around it.
However, it presently looks as if we will lose Green, Parker and Cole;
whilst Upson has already left. The unnerving fact is that this means that we
have to replace the entire spine of the team for next season, a major
undertaking by any standards. But especially daunting with the necessity of
a 'one season bounce back' to the PL. Most discourse on West Ham's summer
transfer dealings refer to those players as 'our best' or 'quality' players,
but what makes it worse is that they formed the spine of the 2010-11 team
and that has to have major implications for the rebuilding project.
Although, no doubt, some might suggest that that team was pretty 'spineless'
last season (Scott Parker excepted) and as such it needed replacing!
No doubt Sam Allardyce will look to players such as Tomkins and Noble to
step up to the plate and help form a new spine; or alternatively players
will be signed to reinforce it. However, it could possibly have a negative
knock-on effect upon the speed with which Allardyce can get his team to gel
and get in to its stride. You will recall that Allardyce said in a
post-appointment interview that the initial phase of the coming season could
be tricky, as the new team initially plays as individuals, rather than
straightaway forming a coherent unit.
Of course, when Newcastle Utd stormed back to the PL, in one season, they
did not face that problem. They retained most of their best players,
including the crucial spine. So, it could be a real challenge going in to
the summer period. If Green goes then we probably need to get a new keeper,
although it would be brave to take a gamble on Stech or Boffin if Allardyce
feels it is merited? At centre-half, James Tomkins will probably be the
junior central defensive partner, at this stage of his career, rather than
the 'main man.' Again, it may be that we need to recruit a strong,
commanding centre half to take on that mantle. In midfield, both Noble and
Collison could possibly step up, but again are they more likely to be 2nd
and 3rd fiddle, rather than the leader of the string section? What we
really need is a leader and midfield enforcer who can supply some steel,
break up the opposition attacks and drive the team forward. Up front, we
must hope that either Cole or Ba remain with us, whilst Piquionne (if he
shows the right attitude) could also take on the responsibility of leading
the attack. Although one wonders if Piquionne will be Sam Allardyce's cup of
tea? Otherwise, at least two new strikers will need to be added to the
squad.
Elsewhere in the squad, the probable departure of Jacobson, Bridge and
Illunga means that we have a potential problem at full-back. We do have
Spence and Fry, but they are principally centre-halves that can play at
full-back. Having said that, I am sure that either youngster could do a job
there (particularly Spence wo did well playing there on loan for Bristol
City last season), but would you want two rookie full-backs in the same
team? While the very promising Jordan Brown will hopefully get a first team
opportunity at some point next season. It means that Sam Allardyce will
probably need to bring in at least two full-backs. Although, I do wonder if
Allardyce's influence might lead to an unlikely resurgence in Herita
Illunga's career at the club?
There is going to be a lot of business conducted at Upton Park over the
summer. It is likely to be a frantic period of activity and there might be
a few surprises concerning who will stay to play a positive role next
season. Could that see a new lease of life for Illunga, Kovac or Boa Morte;
or might some unlikely players such as Hitzlsperger, Ba or Cole be persuaded
to stay for the new campaign. Additionally, how many of Allardyce's former
charges at Bolton or Blackburn will join him at the club? It will be
fascinating to watch Allardyce both in terms of working with the current
squad and his strategy in the transfer market. It is likely that his
activity and priorities will give us a clear indication of the type of team
he is building and the campaign that we can anticipate next season.
It is not going to be dull and, hopefully, it will be a positive experience
for the long suffering supporters and result in automatic promotion next
season! But more than that, I sincerely hope that Allardyce is successful
in re-invigorating the playing side of the club, introducing greater
professionalism, organisation and resillience; as well as building a good
team spirit and winning mentality at all levels. Those are absolutely
crucial changes that will stand the club in good stead for the return to the
top tier and in the seasons beyond!
SJ. Chandos.
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Up and away
Published: Today
The Sun
WOLVES and QPR lead the chase to sign Matthew Upson. The West Ham defender,
32, is out of contract at West Ham and has become a free agent. His Upton
Park pal Radoslav Kovac, the Czech midfielder, is a target for Italian club
Brescia.
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Parker: I've no idea where I'll be playing next season
Published 09:51 06/06/11 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
England midfielder Scott Parker will not sort out his club future until
returning from a family holiday later this month. Parker is poised to leave
West Ham following their relegation from the Barclays Premier League. He is
expected to hold talks with new Hammers manager Sam Allardyce, but is likely
to leave Upton Park and remain in the top flight. Parker said: "I've not
really any idea where I might be playing next season. "My main focus now is
going away with my family on holiday and just relaxing. "It's been a tough
season and my main focus is getting away and just relaxing. "I haven't set
myself a deadline. Whether you believe it or not, my main focus is just
going away and relaxing and what's to be is going to be. "It's out of my
hands, out of my control, really, isn't it? We will see what happens."
When asked about talks with Allardyce, Parker added: I would have thought
maybe after my break that might be the case. We will see what happens."
Parker was part of the England side held to a disappointing 2-2 home draw by
Switzerland in Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifier at Wembley. But he is
confident Fabio Capello's men can still top their qualifying group. He said:
"We are a nation who expect to top the group and we have the players and the
quality to top the group. "The last thing you want is a play-off. "It was a
disappointing result against Switzerland but, as quick as this result
passes, we look forward to the next. "Everyone could see the last 15 minutes
was a bit tiring. It was a bit flat and a bit leggy for all of us. "But that
is no excuse. We have had a hard season but our job is to go out there and
produce a performance."
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West Ham to sell stadium naming rights for £20m
Published 23:00 06/06/11 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
West Ham are set to rake in up to £20million by selling the naming rights to
the Olympic Stadium. And it could mean good news in the transfer market for
boss Sam Allardyce. The east Londoners are currently talking to shopping
giant Westfield, who were employed by the Irons as the advisors in the
planning, design and construction stages of the stadium bid. The Hammers are
set to move into the new 80,000-capacity stadium at the start of the 2014-15
season.
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Italian minnows keen on Hammers midfielder
By talkSPORT
Monday, June 6
Brescia are leading the chase to sign West Ham midfielder Radoslav Kovac.
Kovac is keen to leave the east London club following their relegation into
the Championship last season. The Czech Republic international fell out of
favour with former manager Avram Grant and slammed the Israeli coach for his
failure to keep the club in the Premier League. Kovac was strongly linked
with a move to Brescia last summer but the move did not materialise and he
was forced to stay at Upton Park. But with West Ham looking to reduce their
debt, they are set to offload a number of players during the summer and will
not stand in the way if the Italian club make a sizeable offer for the
experienced midfielder.
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Behrami blames everyone except the players for West Ham's relegation
Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent
Monday, June 6, 2011
5:12 PM
Newham Recorder
Former Hammer Valon Behrami has exonerated the players from West Ham's
relegation last season and put the blame towards the current club owners and
manager Avram Grant. The Swiss international, who played his part in his
countries 2-2 draw with England at Wembley on Saturday, moved to Fiorentina
in January, but he feels that the damage to West Ham's chances occurred
before the campaign had even begun. "They sacked Zola for no reason I
think," said the 26-year-old midfielder, who played 63 appearances in claret
and blue, scoring five goals along the way. "Everybody was with him. We'd
had a difficult season, but we secured safety two or three games before the
end of the season and we felt that with him as manager, we could improve."
To an extent he was right, but the situation was a lot more complicated than
that. During that campaign, David Sullivan and David Gold took control of
the club and it was apparently clear that despite them supposedly backing
Zola in the transfer market in January, it was their signings rather than
the Italians that were brought in with little or no consultation with the
manager. The manner in which Zola was removed from his job left a bitter
taste in the mouth, but many fans felt that the Italian needed to be
replaced. However, it was the replacement that the two Davids found, that
proved to be their undoing. "The players were very, very sad when they
sacked him and the first day with the new manager was difficult to accept.
Everybody was still with Zola."
Of course, it is important to consider the position of Behrami himself at
this point. He may say that he was behind Zola, but he had looked for a move
away from Upton Park throughout the summer, with his wife and child already
back in Italy having failed to settle in England. There were stories about
Behrami not being fit, but when he did play last season, even scoring goals
in the 2-2 draw at Birmingham City and the 3-1 win over Wigan Athletic, he
looked fit enough, suggesting it was a mental, rather than a physical
problem that had beset Behrami, who had cost West Ham £5million from Lazio.
Given that the majority of the players were behind Zola, it is also fair to
say that footballers are used to changes of managers, it is part and parcel
of their career and they learn to adapt.
What they needed was a strong manager to make West Ham a more resolute, more
determined team who would become more difficult to beat, especially away
from home. What they got was Avram Grant and Behrami was quick to suggest
that it simply did not work.
"Maybe sometimes a manager has to take charge of a situation in a stronger
way," said Behrami. "Avram was a good person, but he left the situation
drift along too easily. "It was a time when he had to change something, he
had to bring something new, but he didn't give a thing. "We tried to do a
good job, but what the players needed was a reaction. We needed something
new and we didn't feel that we got it. We felt the situation was the same –
going down."
That statement flies in the face of his backing for Zola. You can't claim
that Zola was doing a good job and then say it was a time when the new
manager had to change something – it was one thing or the other. Behrami
played 17 games for Fiorentina after his departure from Upton Park in
January, helping them to ninth in Serie A. So was his absence from the West
Ham team for the last five months of the campaign a significant one?
Probably not. His final game in claret and blue was as a second-half
substitute in the 5-0 battering by Newcastle United at St James' Park, but
his record for the Hammers was never particularly good anyway. His five
goals in over 60 appearances was simply not enough for a midfielder, and
while, when fit, he could run and run as if propelled by a Duracell battery,
while others flagged, you could not say that he ever really changed a match
in West Ham's favour. You noticed him more when he wasn't playing than when
he did, as he did offer the Hammers something a little different, but from
the moment he decided he wanted to return to Italy, there was little point
in having him in the team.
What he is right about Grant though. When West Ham needed a kick up the
backside, the manager continued to insist that all was well and the players
and staff simply drifted until relegation became inevitable. The players
must take some responsibility for that, alongside Grant and to a lesser
extent the West Ham board and Behrami, a highly-paid international player
who jumped ship, must hold his hand up too.
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West Ham's Olympic home could be called the Westfield Stadium
Henry Swarbrick
6 Jun 2011
Evening Standard
West Ham's new home in Stratford could be called the Westfield Stadium when
the club take up residence at the start of the 2014-15 season. The shopping
giant is believed to be involved in informal talks with the Hammers over the
naming rights to the Olympic Stadium. A final agreement is some way off as
the Hammers have just started the 'procurement and planning' process of the
arena, which will play host to the London Games next year. Decisions still
have to be made by West Ham and Newham Council's joint legacy partnership
over how the conversion of the stadium from an athletics venue to one
suitable for football will be paid for. Selling the naming rights to the new
ground is one possibility. Any deal could be worth in excess of £20million
should the Hammers regain their place in the Premier League at the first
attempt next season under new manager Sam Allardyce. Westfield was employed
by West Ham as the professional advisor for the planning, design and
construction elements of their bid for the stadium. The company came to the
public's attention in 2008, when it opened a £1.6billion shopping centre in
Shepherd's Bush which covers the size of 30 football pitches. The Westfield
Group is also building a £1.5bn shopping complex in Stratford which will
open later this year and the stadium sponsorship would be a natural
extension of its presence in the East End.
It is estimated that West Ham will have to spend £100m converting the venue
into a football ground. The majority of the money will be raised via a £40m
loan from Newham Council and the sale of the club's current Upton Park home,
which could bring in up to £40m. Any new naming rights for the stadium will
also help boost funds. Arsenal negotiated a 15-year £100m deal with Emirates
when they moved into their new stadium in 2006.
Any potential deal between West Ham and Westfield is already being seen as
hugely beneficial to both parties, especially if the Hammers can win
promotion back to the Premier League. There was no comment from either party
today but constructionenquirer.com is reporting that talks have already
taken place between the club and Westfield.
No final decision can be made on naming rights until the club in conjunction
with Newham Council sign a lease for the stadium with the Olympic Park
Legacy Company. All parties will also have to wait to see if Tottenham and
Orient are successful in their applications for a judicial review into the
bidding process.
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Scott Parker says future at West Ham is 'out of his hands'
By Telegraph staff and agencies4:30AM BST 06 Jun 2011
Telegraph.co.uk
Scott Parker, poised to leave West Ham following their relegation to the
Championship, has said he will not sort out his future until returning from
a family holiday later this month. Parker is expected to hold talks with new
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce, but is likely to leave Upton Park and remain
in the top flight. He said: ''I've not really any idea where I might be
playing next season. My main focus now is going away with my family on
holiday and just relaxing. ''It's been a tough season and my main focus is
getting away and just relaxing. ''I haven't set myself a deadline. Whether
you believe it or not, my main focus is just going away and relaxing and
what's to be is going to be. ''It's out of my hands, out of my control,
really, isn't it? We will see what happens.''
When asked about talks with Allardyce, Parker added: "I would have thought
maybe after my break that might be the case. We will see what happens.''
Parker was part of the England side held to a disappointing 2-2 home draw by
Switzerland in Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifier at Wembley. But he is
confident Fabio Capello's men can still top their qualifying group. He said:
''We are a nation who expect to top the group and we have the players and
the quality to top the group. ''The last thing you want is a play-off. It
was a disappointing result against Switzerland but, as quick as this result
passes, we look forward to the next. ''Everyone could see the last 15
minutes was a bit tiring. It was a bit flat and a bit leggy for all of us.
But that is no excuse. We have had a hard season but our job is to go out
there and produce a performance.''
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Westfield to sponsor West Ham Olympic stadium
Grant Prior | Mon 6th June | 7:16
http://www.constructionenquirer.com
Shopping centre giant Westfield could contribute around £20m to help West
Ham transform the Olympic Stadium into a football ground. The Enquirer
understands that Westfield has held discussions with the club about
sponsoring the stadium when West Ham move in after the 2012 Games. Naming
rights could be worth around £20m and would contribute to the £100m cost of
converting the Olympic stadium into a football ground. The rest of the cash
will be raised via a £40m loan from Newham council and the sale of the
club's current Upton Park home which could bring in up to £40m. Westfield
has already joined forces with the club as professional advisor for the
planning, design and construction elements of its successful Olympic bid.
The ground would be known as the Westfield Stadium.
Westfield has built a £1.5bn shopping complex in Stratford and the stadium
sponsorship would be a natural extension of its presence in the East End.
But the deal is dependent on West Ham getting promotion back to the Premier
League following their relegation this season. One source said: "There have
been fairly detailed talks between both sides but it all hinges on West Ham
getting promoted. "The sponsorship value drops through the floor if they are
still in the Championship so Westfield will wait to see what happens next
season before confirming anything." The extra sponsorship cash could
increase the chances of retractable seating being installed at the stadium.
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