WHUFC.com
The Boleyn Ground pitch has been put through its paces ahead of the move to
the Olympic Stadium
16.06.2011
The sight of the Hammers playing football at the Boleyn Ground is a frequent
one, but the sight of them being thrown around the historic stadium is not.
However, this week a group of Olympic hopefuls were given the opportunity to
hurl hammers, discuses and javelins all over West Ham United's famous pitch.
With the playing surface about to be re-laid ahead of the 2011/12 season,
head groundsman Dougie Robertson invited the athletes and UK Athletics
officials to the ground to conduct a number of tests ahead of the planned
move to the Olympic Stadium in the summer of 2014. The aim was to see how
the Boleyn Ground pitch - a Desso Grassmaster field comprising natural grass
reinforced with synthetic grass fibres - would react to a 7.25kg hammer, 2kg
discus and a point-ended javelin landing on it. The athletes, from the
Newham and Essex Beagles club, included Great Britain Under-23 hammer throw
champion Amir Williamson, former English Schools' shot putt champion Matthew
Baptiste, javelin hopeful Demi Bromfield as well as coach and former
Olympian Paul Head and his son and fellow hammer thrower Tom. Following a
number of tests, Robertson and visiting UK Athletics project manager Rob
Borthwick declared them a success, concluding that no lasting damage would
be done to the playing surface by any athletics events held at the Hammers'
new home. Robertson said: "The testing was a complete success. The need for
the tests was to prove that a Desso stabilized surface would work with
athletics as it is does for football. "A variety of tests were carried out
to check if any damage would be caused to the heating pipes and surface
marking."
Borthwick told West Ham TV he was equally happy with the test results. "We
were here because we hope to have the same surface the club has got at the
Boleyn Ground at the Olympic Stadium," he said. "Some people have questioned
whether the two sports can live together and we've been working very closely
over the last few months and this is just part of the process. "The
technical assessment was to test whether we could use the pitch in the
summer and if it would do any damage, and I think we've conclusively proved
that it won't do any damage. "It's a good pitch for us and a good pitch for
the football club. "The one that we came here with the least confidence
about was the hammer because it goes some distance and reaches some height
and is a pretty solid object hitting the ground. "We have had a look with
the groundsman and he's very happy about the impact that it causes. He's
been able to quickly sort that and it's as right as rain so we're very
happy. "It's a relief. We work around the world in stadia that have normal
grass but West Ham have the high-quality Desso grass which is a stable
surface for football. "West Ham are famed for keeping the ball on the ground
and we want the club to have a good surface that we can work with too.
Everybody was hoping this would be the outcome, so we're delighted."
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West Ham United sign Kevin Nolan from Newcastle United
BBC.co.uk
Page last updated at 13:21 GMT, Thursday, 16 June 2011 14:21 UK
By Paul Fletcher
BBC Sport
Newcastle United captain Kevin Nolan has completed his move to West Ham
after signing a five-year contract. The 28-year-old, who played under
Hammers manager Sam Allardyce at Bolton, has joined the Championship side
for an undisclosed fee. "Having the chance to link up with Sam again is a
massive thing," said Nolan on the West Ham website. "West Ham have shown a
certain hunger and desire to make sure that I became their player." Talks
had broken down between Nolan and Newcastle over the length of a new
contract. "I am aware that the club made Kevin a good offer to stay, but
could not agree over the contract," Magpies manager Alan Pardew told the
Shields Gazette. "I would like to thank Kevin for his sterling efforts as a
player and captain of this club, especially since I took over last season.
"He displayed admirable leadership qualities, and I wish him every success
at West Ham. It's a great club and I'm sure he will thrive there."
Nolan, who is expected to take the captain's armband at Upton Park, pledged
to pay back the faith West Ham had shown in him by giving him a long deal.
"The be all and end all was that this club wanted me and the owners put
faith in me and have given me a security of contract," added Nolan. "Now
it's my time to repay them and hopefully I will do that. "I'm very sad to
leave Newcastle but I'm coming to another massive club in my eyes, and
hopefully I can be as successful as I was there [at Newcastle]. "I've come
to West Ham because of the tradition of the club and everything about it.
I've always enjoyed playing at Upton Park."
Nolan is currently recovering from surgery on an ankle injury but is
expected to be fit for the start of pre-season training. He scored 12 goals
in the Premier League last season and 18 during the 2009-10 campaign as
Newcastle won promotion back to the top flight. Nolan joined Newcastle for a
fee of £4m in January 2009 from Bolton, for whom he made almost 300
appearances after joining as a schoolboy. It is thought that the Hammers,
who were relegated from the Premier League, made an initial offer of £1.5m
for Nolan but that the eventual fee could rise to as high as £4m. The former
England Under-21 international, who was the Football League player of the
year in 2010, had a close relationship with Allardyce at Bolton. Allardyce
was appointed at the start of the month and made his first signing on
Tuesday with the capture of defender Abdoulaye Faye on a free transfer from
Stoke.
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Nolan confirmed
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 16th June 2011
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have confirmed the capture of former Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan.
The 28-year-old has, as expected, completed his move to West Ham less than
72 hours since Abdoulaye Faye, another ex-Bolton star became Sam Allardyce's
first signing for the club. Nolan - who will earn around £50,000 per week -
has signed a five-year deal with the Hammers although the fee involved,
thought to be circa £4million, remains undisclosed. The deal has been
almost overwhelmingly approved by Irons fans posting on the KUMB.com forums
- a virtually unprecedented situation. News of Nolan's signing was confirmed
by West Ham on their website at whufc.com this afternoon. "It's been a bit
of a whirlwind, but obviously once I knew that they wanted me, they have
shown a certain hunger and desire to make sure I become a West Ham player,"
he said. "Having the chance to link up with Sam again is a massive thing and
obviously coming to such a massive club is great for me. I'm very sad to
leave Newcastle but I'm coming to another massive club in my eyes and
hopefully I can start off and be as successful as I was there. "I came to
West Ham because of the tradition of the club and everything about it. I've
always enjoyed playing here and there was also the chance of linking up with
Sam and working with him again.
"The be all and end all was that the club actually wanted me and the owners
put faith in me and have given me a security of contract. Now it's my time
to repay them and hopefully I will do that."
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Championship Betting: Nolan helps West Ham woo punters
Championship / Michael Lintorn / 16 June 2011 / Leave a Comment
West Ham have made the biggest signing of the summer so far in the
Championship in the shape of Kevin Nolan, causing their title odds to crash.
Nothing screams sign of intent more than somehow persuading a player that
scored a dozen Premier League goals last season to join you in the
Championship, which is why West Ham have been backed in to be crowned
champions of the second tier after completing the shock signing of Kevin
Nolan.
Having at one stage traded at 8.6 to make an immediate return to the Premier
League in the most impressive manner achievable, the Irons jumped in from
7.6 to 6.2 after making a move that will take some beating when it comes to
judging the biggest Football League capture of the summer.
It was common knowledge that the former Bolton midfielder's future at St
James' Park was unclear after negotiations over an extension to his contract
which expires next year broke down, however it is still something of a
surprise that the 28-year-old didn't hold out for some top-flight interest.
Nolan, who was named in the PFA team of the year and netted 17 times as the
Magpies topped this division in 2008-09, has credited West Ham's offer of a
five-year deal and the presence of his ex-Bolton boss Sam Allardyce for his
decision to drop down, labelling his new side a "massive club".
Indeed, the luring of Allardyce and Nolan to east London, in addition to the
arrival of Abdoulaye Faye and planned purchase of five more players leaves
it possible that they will end the window in better nick than they started
it, despite the expected exits of Robert Green, Scott Parker and Demba Ba.
But while their business to date gives them a great chance of promotion, it
is worth noting that a relegated team have taken the title in just two of
the last 11 seasons, and West Ham have only ever won the league twice, so
though a top-six finish looks likely at 1.43, don't bank on them for top
spot.
Leicester are the most fancied of the clubs already there to claim first
place at 7.8, with support also shown for Reading [13.5], Middlesbrough
[14.0] and Steve McClaren's new side Nottingham Forest [15.0].
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Hammers seal Nolan deal
Midfielder leaves Newcastle to sign five-year contract at Upton Park
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated: June
16, 2011 2:58pm
SSN
West Ham United have confirmed the signing of midfielder Kevin Nolan from
Newcastle United. The 28-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a five-year deal
after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee, believed to be £3million.
Nolan finds himself reunited with his former Bolton boss Sam Allardyce at
Upton Park. "It's been a bit of a whirlwind, but obviously once I knew that
they wanted me, they have shown a certain hunger and desire to make sure I
become a West Ham player," said Nolan.
"Having the chance to link up with Sam again is a massive thing and
obviously coming to such a massive club is great for me. I'm very sad to
leave Newcastle but I'm coming to another massive club in my eyes and
hopefully I can start off and be as successful as I was there. "I came to
West Ham because of the tradition of the club and everything about it. I've
always enjoyed playing here and there was also the chance of linking up with
Sam and working with him again. "The be all and end all was that the club
actually wanted me and the owners put faith in me and have given me a
security of contract. Now it's my time to repay them and hopefully I will do
that."
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Nolan Signs for 5 Years
June 16th, 2011 - 2:17 pm by Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
It has just been confirmed on the club website that Kevin Nolan has become a
West Ham player. He's on a 5 year deal, said to be worth £55k a week.
Personally, I think this is a fabulous signing, and a real statement of
intent. It's highly likely he will be given the captain's armband, assuming
Scott Parker does indeed leave. Spurs today bid £4 million for Parker, which
is laughable. I hope they were given a real flea in their ear. Personally,
if he has to go, I hope it is to Arsenal.
There are persistent rumours that Ricardo Gardner will be the club's next
signing, and that Craig Bellamy and Jimmy Bullard are also being looked at.
I'm rather encouraged that this is the quality of player we're looking at,
even if they all seem to be getting on a bit. They've all been there, done
that, and experience may be vital in getting us back into the Premier League
at the first attempt.
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Nolan seals West Ham switch
Published: Today
The Sun
WEST HAM have completed the £3.5million signing of Kevin Nolan from
Newcastle. The Toon skipper, 28, has penned a five-year contract at Upton
Park. He links up with former boss Sam Allardyce who he worked with at
Bolton. Nolan said: "It's been a bit of a whirlwind. "They have shown a
certain hunger and desire to make sure I become a West Ham player. "Having
the chance to link up with Sam again is a massive thing and obviously coming
to such a massive club is great for me. "I'm very sad to leave Newcastle but
I'm coming to another massive club in my eyes and hopefully I can start off
and be as successful as I was there. "I came to West Ham because of the
tradition of the club and everything about it. "I've always enjoyed playing
here and there was also the chance of linking up with Sam and working with
him again. "The be all and end all was that the club actually wanted me and
the owners put faith in me and have given me a security of contract. "Now
it's my time to repay them and hopefully I will do that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kevin Nolan praises Big Sam and 'massive' new club plus aims dig at
Newcastle
Published 15:03 16/06/11 By Football Spy
The Mirror
Kevin Nolan today completed his surprise move to relegated West Ham. The
28-year-old midfielder has left Newcastle for an undisclosed fee, believed
to be up to £4million, and agreed a five-year deal at Upton Park. New
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce will make Nolan the club's captain in the hope he
can repeat his heroics of two seasons ago, when his 17 goals helped the
Magpies bounce straight back into the Barclays Premier League after their
relegation. The deal is a real coup for Allardyce, who has landed a player
he knows well from their successful spell together at Bolton and who hit 12
top-flight goals last term. As well as taking over as skipper from the
out-of-contract Matt Upson, Nolan's arrival will also soften the blow of
Scott Parker's inevitable move back to the Premier League with Tottenham his
likely destination.
However, Nolan's departure from St James' Park, after he failed to agree an
extension to his contract, has not gone down well on Tyneside with fellow
midfielder Joey Barton admitting the news made him feel "sick". And Nolan
himself admitted the move came out of the blue. "It's been a bit of a
whirlwind, but obviously once I knew they wanted me, they have shown a
certain hunger and desire to make sure I become a West Ham player," he told
www.whufc.com. "Having the chance to link up with Sam again is a massive
thing and obviously coming to such a massive club is great for me. "I'm very
sad to leave Newcastle but I'm coming to another massive club in my eyes,
and hopefully I can be as successful as I was there. "I've come to West Ham
because of the tradition of the club and everything about it. I've always
enjoyed playing here and there was also the chance of linking up with Sam
and working with him again."
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew today admitted the Magpies could not reach an
agreement with their skipper over the length of his new contract. And Nolan
added: "The be all and end all was that this club wanted me and the owners
put faith in me and have given me a security of contract. Now it's my time
to repay them and hopefully I will do that." Pardew, a former boss at Upton
Park, said: "I would like to thank Kevin for his sterling efforts as a
player and captain of this club, especially since I took over last season.
"He displayed admirable leadership qualities and I wish him every success at
West Ham. It's a great club and I'm sure he will thrive there. "We are
looking to complete on a number of deals over the next month or so and I am
sure with the quality of signings I anticipate coming into the club, we
should look forward to exciting times in the upcoming season as we look to
establish the club as a genuine force in the top half of the Premier
League."
The Hammers had already added defender Abdoulaye Faye to their squad and a
third ex-Bolton player, full-back Ricardo Gardner, is expected to join
imminently.
Allardyce wants to bring in at least another four players with a striker
next on his wishlist
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Kevin Nolan completes move from Newcastle to West Ham
28-year-old will be new West Ham captain
Fee for midfielder believed to be up to £4m
Press Association
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 16 June 2011 14.35 BST
Kevin Nolan has completed his move from Newcastle to relegated West Ham for
an undisclosed fee, believed to be up to £4m. The 28-year-old midfielder,
who has agreed a five-year deal at Upton Park, will also become the club's
new captain, replacing the out-of-contract Matthew Upson. The deal is a coup
for the new West Ham manager, Sam Allardyce, who knows Nolan well from their
successful spell together at Bolton. Nolan admitted the move came out of the
blue. "It's been a bit of a whirlwind, but obviously once I knew they wanted
me, they have shown a certain hunger and desire to make sure I become a West
Ham player," he told the club's website. "Having the chance to link up with
Sam again is a massive thing and obviously coming to such a massive club is
great for me. I'm very sad to leave Newcastle but I'm coming to another
massive club in my eyes, and hopefully I can be as successful as I was
there. "I've come to West Ham because of the tradition of the club and
everything about it. I've always enjoyed playing here and there was also the
chance of linking up with Sam and working with him again."
The Newcastle manager, Alan Pardew, said: "I would like to thank Kevin for
his sterling efforts as a player and captain of this club, especially since
I took over last season. "He displayed admirable leadership qualities and I
wish him every success at West Ham. It's a great club and I'm sure he will
thrive there. "We are looking to complete on a number of deals over the next
month or so and I am sure with the quality of signings I anticipate coming
into the club, we should look forward to exciting times in the upcoming
season as we look to establish the club as a genuine force in the top half
of the Premier League."
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West Ham sign Kevin Nolan from Newcastle United
Kevin Nolan has completed his surprise move to relegated West Ham.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Telegraph staff and agencies2:13PM BST 16 Jun 20112
The 28-year-old midfielder has left Newcastle for an undisclosed fee,
believed to be up to £4 million, and agreed a five-year deal at Upton Park.
New West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will make Nolan the club's captain in the
hope he can repeat his heroics of two seasons ago, when his 17 goals helped
Newcastle bounce straight back into the Premier League after their
relegation. The deal is a real coup for Allardyce, who has landed a player
he knows well from their successful spell together at Bolton and who hit 12
top-flight goals last term. As well as taking over as skipper from the
out-of-contract Matt Upson, Nolan's arrival will also soften the blow of
Scott Parker's inevitable move back to the Premier League with Tottenham his
likely destination. However, Nolan's departure from St James' Park, after he
failed to agree an extension to his contract, has not gone down well on
Tyneside with fellow midfielder Joey Barton admitting the news made him feel
"sick".
"It's been a bit of a whirlwind, but obviously once I knew they wanted me,
they have shown a certain hunger and desire to make sure I become a West Ham
player," he said. "Having the chance to link up with Sam again is a massive
thing and obviously coming to such a massive club is great for me. "I'm very
sad to leave Newcastle but I'm coming to another massive club in my eyes,
and hopefully I can be as successful as I was there. "I've come to West Ham
because of the tradition of the club and everything about it. I've always
enjoyed playing here and there was also the chance of linking up with Sam
and working with him again."
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has admitted the club could not reach an
agreement with their skipper over the length of his new contract. And Nolan
added: "The be all and end all was that this club wanted me and the owners
put faith in me and have given me a security of contract. Now it's my time
to repay them and hopefully I will do that." Pardew, a former manager at
Upton Park, said: "I would like to thank Kevin for his sterling efforts as a
player and captain of this club, especially since I took over last season.
"He displayed admirable leadership qualities and I wish him every success at
West Ham. It's a great club and I'm sure he will thrive there.
"We are looking to complete on a number of deals over the next month or so
and I am sure with the quality of signings I anticipate coming into the
club, we should look forward to exciting times in the upcoming season as we
look to establish the club as a genuine force in the top half of the Premier
League."
West Ham had already added defender Abdoulaye Faye to their squad and a
third ex-Bolton player, full-back Ricardo Gardner, is expected to join
imminently.
Allardyce wants to bring in at least another four players with a striker
next on his wishlist.
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