Page last updated at 17:10 GMT, Monday, 22 August 2011 18:10 UK
BBC.co.uk
MK Dons striker Sam Baldock has said reports linking him with a move to
Championship side West Ham are nothing more than speculation. Hammers boss
Sam Allardyce watched the 22-year-old net a hat-trick in Saturday's 6-2 win
over Chesterfield. But the Dons youth product has insisted he is focused on
life at Stadium MK.
"It's all rumours as far as I'm concerned. Like I showed on Saturday, I'm
not going to let anything affect me," he told BBC Three Counties Radio.
"People are always going to talk about any player but my focus was on
scoring goals for this club and getting the victory.
BALDOCK FACTFILE
Born 15 March, 1989
Became first player to graduate from MK Dons youth team into the senior side
Made his league debut in February, 2007 in 1-1 draw with Mansfield
Has scored 33 goals in 102 league games, 34 of his appearances coming as a
sub
"I always give 100% wherever I play my football and I've got a fond place in
my heart for this club and I'm looking forward to scoring more. "I think
West Ham are a fantastic club and [Allardyce] is a phenomenal manager but
it's not anything I've thought about. "It's not something that's been
mentioned to me." Baldock came close to joining Championship new boys
Peterborough for £1.2m in the summer, until the deal fell through in
acrimonious circumstances. He has since gone on to score five goals in as
many games this season, lending weight to Robinson's claim earlier in August
that he would be "batting off big football clubs because of his ability".
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West Ham close to my heart, says Shots boss Holdsworth
BBC.co.uk
Aldershot Town manager Dean Holdsworth admits that taking his side to play
his boyhood heroes West Ham on Wednesday night will be an emotional
experience.
"It's a club that is close to my heart," said Holdsworth. "I grew up in the
area and spent a lot of time singing on the terraces. It's the Academy of
Football. "I had a lot of good times there watching the likes of Trevor
Brooking and Billy Bonds. They were idols of mine," he told BBC Surrey.
Holdsworth also has a close relationship with Hammers boss Sam Allardyce,
having spent four years playing for him at Bolton Wanderers. "I've taken a
lot from him, his management style and his philosophy," said the Shots boss,
ahead of Wednesday night's Carling Cup trip to Upton Park. "I've asked him
about a few management decisions but I need to make my own identity.
"Sam will create a winning mentality there, and I believe they will go up
this year. "It'll only mean everything if I go there and show him I've
learnt something from him. We don't want to just be participants. We want to
give them a test. I want to win - Sam knows that."
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Nolan names Parker replacement
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 22nd August 2011
By: Staff Writer
Kevin Nolan has named his ideal replacement for Scott Parker - should the
midfielder move on as expected before next week's Premier League transfer
deadline.
With Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham still casting an eye
over the England midfielder, the West Ham board are hoping that at least one
will meet their £8million asking price ahead of next Wednesday's cut-off
point. And should Parker finally secure the move he has been seeking since
West Ham were relegated back in May, current Hammers captain Nolan believes
that the club should look no further than to a former team mate of his as
replacement - Newcastle United's Joey Barton (see our mock-up above), who is
available on a free transfer. "Would Joey come here? Well, I came here, so I
can't see why Joey Barton wouldn't," Nolan told Mirror Football. "It is a
massive club. "The way he has been treated over the last couple of years, he
is probably looking for an escape. He knows I'm here, he knows Sam
[Allardyce] is here and what we are about. I can look after him and he can
look after me! "It would definitely be good for me. Joey is a great player
to play alongside and he is a winner. He tells it straight, as people know,
but deep down he is a lovely lad and I get on really well with him. He would
be a great acquisition to the squad if we got him here.
"I'm sure the West Ham fans would love him and the players would come to
love him. They read a lot of things about him - some of them are true, but
others are blown out of proportion. With Joey, you have got someone when he
puts on the shirt, he genuinely wants to win, and he wants to do the best
for the club and the players."
Barton was made available for transfer by the Magpies after upsetting the
club's board with a series of messages, posted via his Twitter account,
criticising the club's transfer policy and other internal decisions. But
despite being placed on the transfer list at the beginning of the month, the
28-year-old has started both of Newcastle's Premier League games this
season. Parker meanwhile has started all four of West Ham's Championship
matches, scoring the one goal (against Watford).
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No bids for Maynard, say City
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 22nd August 2011
By: Staff Writer
The chairman of Bristol City has revealed that his club are yet to receive a
bid for West Ham for striker Nicky Maynard - nor would any be welcome.
United have been linked with a move for the City star - who is out of
contract next summer - throughout the close season, although rumours of an
earlier bid are untrue if City chief Colin Sexstone is to be believed. ""We
have told West Ham we do not want to sell and it is as simple as that," he
told thisisbristol.co.uk. "There has been contact between the two clubs, but
only at agent level so far. "We have not received an offer from them and,
until we do so, there is nothing to discuss. But our answer will still be
the same; we do not want to sell Nicky Maynard - especially to another
Championship club. "We are aware of the rumours and the newspaper talk but
we have still not received a formal offer, apart from those submitted by
Leicester last month."
The Foxes are understood to have bid £4.75million for the 24-year-old a
fortnight ago - an offer rejected instantly by City who are holding out for
a larger fee that, as the transfer deadline looms, they appear even less
likely to receive.
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That's Hamdi
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 22nd August 2011
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have taken young Algerian midfielder Hamdi Bilal on trial. The
19-year-old currently plays for the reserve team of French club RC Lens and
is set to spend the next three days on trial at Chadwell Heath. The news was
confirmed by the French club on their website this morning. "The young
midfielder is currently at West Ham, the London club relegated this season
to the second division," read a statement. "The trial will conclude on
Thursday until when he will train with the first team and reserves."
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Hammers cleared of wrongdoing
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 22nd August 2011
By: Staff Writer
Tottenham's attempts to derail West Ham's move to Stratford are in tatters
this morning after it was announced that the decision to award use of the
Olympic Stadium to United has been upheld. Independent investigators were
called in after a newspaper accused West Ham of corruption due to personal
links between an employee of the club and a member of the Olympic Park
Legacy Company (OPLC). However forensic accountants acting on behalf of
investigators Moore Stephens have concluded that there is no evidence to
suggest that the relationship had any bearing on the decision to award use
of the £500million stadium to West Ham post the 2012 games.
Tottenham, who are set to continue to flog a dead horse with their request
for a judicial review - despite both this and a previous investigation
commissioned by West Ham into the affair having returned 'no evidence'
verdicts - take their case to the High Court this Wednesday.
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Stadium process 'not compromised'
Investigation upholds West Ham as preferred bidders
Last Updated: August 22, 2011 7:00pm
SSN
The procedure which made West Ham the first choice to move into the Olympic
Stadium after the 2012 Games was not compromised, an independent
investigation has ruled. The Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) called for
the inquiry after its corporate services director Dionne Knight was exposed
as also having allegedly worked as consultant for West Ham during the bid.
The east London club beat north London rivals Tottenham for the keys to the
£486million stadium. A six-week investigation by auditors Moore Stephens
found that Knight did not have access to confidential information, and did
not pass on any such information on to West Ham or anyone else. The OPLC's
board, which met on Monday, upheld its decision to name West Ham's joint bid
with Newham Council as the preferred bid. It ruled there are "no grounds for
reconsidering" its recommendation. Knight was suspended on full pay while
any possible conflict of interest was investigated. She had declared a
personal relationship with Ian Tompkins, a West Ham director, when she
started at the OPLC. She told the legacy company of her work at the club
only after a Sunday newspaper claimed she was on West Ham's payroll.
Tottenham have been looking at a legal challenge over the stadium decision.
Report considered
Moore Stephens did not consider the bidding process, which is a matter for a
judicial review if one is granted this week. An oral hearing to renew
applications for a judicial review is set for 24th August.
A statement said: "After considering the report, the Olympic Park Legacy
Company Board has concluded there are no grounds for reconsidering their
recommendation to select the consortium of West Ham United FC and the London
Borough of Newham as the preferred bidder for the legacy use of the Olympic
Stadium.
"The legacy company's founder members, the Mayor of London and Government,
have also concluded that there are no grounds for reconsidering their
decision to select West Ham United FC and the London Borough of Newham as
preferred bidder."
West Ham plan to retain the running track after moving into the stadium.
They intend to convert the 80,000-seater venue into a 60,000-capacity arena
for football, athletics, concerts and community use. The club plan to move
from their Upton Park home in 2014-15.
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Hammers hand Billal a trial
Hammers still looking at ways to improve their side squad
By Giscard Gourizro. Last Updated: August 22, 2011 12:01pm
SSN
West Ham have taken Lens youngster Hamdi Billal on trial for 10 days as he
bids to earn a contract. The 19-year-old will link up with Sam Allardyce's
squad where he will be monitored and evaluated by the Hammers' coaching
staff over the coming days. And Billal is ready to seize his chance in the
hope of clinching a move to the Championship club. "Nothing has been decided
yet, hopefully I can convince the management and earn a contract here," he
told skysports.com. "I think I can play at level and hopefully I will
impress them."
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Kevin Nolan wants Joey Barton to join him at Hammers
By VIC HOLLY
Published: Today
The Sun
KEVIN NOLAN wants his close pal Joey Barton to join West Ham. The Upton Park
skipper opted to quit Newcastle so he could drop into the Championship and
believes Barton should also swap Tyneside for East London. With speculation
rife about the long-term future of Scott Parker, West Ham boss Sam Allardyce
is hoping to line up a big-name replacement. And Nolan feels Barton could be
just the man. He said: "I came here so can't see why Joey wouldn't. It's a
massive club. He's probably looking for an escape. "He knows Sam and I are
here and what we're about. I'll look after him, he'll look after me." Max
Gradel is set to snub West Ham, who want to sign the Leeds striker.
Allardyce has had a £2million bid rejected - but Gradel said: "If I keep
playing well, I'll end up somewhere better."
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Lucas Neill signs for United Arab Emirates champions Al Jazira
Published: 22 Aug 2011
The Sun
FORMER Blackburn and West Ham defender Lucas Neill has joined reigning UAE
champions Al Jazira. The full-back, 33, played for Turkish side Galatasaray
last season, having previously also represented Everton and Millwall in
England. The Australia captain said: "As you've probably read, I've joined
Al Jazira in the UAE for the next season. "I'm really excited for the
challenge and looking forward to setting up my new home in Abu Dhabi! "It's
exciting to be moving to one of the strongest teams in Asia. "Al Jazira won
the league comfortably last season, and now I get to help them defend the
title and hopefully make an impression in the Asian Champions League. "This
decision is the first part of my three-year plan which will hopefully take
me to at least the next World Cup."
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EXCLUSIVE: Nolan wants Barton reunion at West Ham
Published 23:01 22/08/11 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
Kevin Nolan has urged his friend Joey Barton to join him at West Ham.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is poised to move for the Newcastle midfielder,
should the Upton Park side get an offer that meets their £8million valuation
of midfield talisman Scott Parker. Nolan - who Newcastle sold to West Ham in
June - insists Barton would be more appreciated in east London than he
currently is at St James' Park. Barton has a year left on his contract, and
has been told he can leave the club on a free transfer. Would Joey Barton
come here? Well, I came here, so I can't see why Joey Barton would not
come," said Nolan. "It is a massive club. "The way he has been treated over
the last couple of years, he is probably looking for an escape. "He knows
I'm here, he knows Sam [who signed Barton for Newcastle in June 2007] is
here and what we are about - I can look after him and he can look after me!"
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew admitted last month that skipper Nolan was
sold because the club did not believe the 29-year-old had another five years
in him at the top level. Barton and Nolan formed the engine room of the
Newcastle side that gained promotion from the Championship two seasons ago.
Nolan added: "It would definitely be good for me. Joey is a great player to
play alongside and he is a winner. "He tells it straight, as people know,
but deep down he is a lovely lad and I get on really well with him. "He
would be a great acquisition to the squad if we got him here. "I'm sure the
West Ham fans would love him and the players would come to love him. They
[will have] read a lot of things about him - some of them are true, but
others are blown out of proportion. "With Joey, you have got someone [who]
when he puts on the shirt, he genuinely wants to win, and he wants to do the
best for the club and the players."
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Injury-hit Burnley plot raid on West Ham
Published 22:29 22/08/11 By Football Spy
The Mirror
Burnley are set to swoop for West Ham's Junior Stanislas as boss Eddie Howe
looks to boost his injury-hit attacking options. Howe, who has seen Danny
Ings and Martin Paterson crocked, is keen to wrap a deal for the 21-year-old
forward this week.
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JOHN CAREW: WE NEED SCOTT PARKER AND CARLTON COLE
John Carew has told West Ham they need to keep Scott Parker and Carlton Cole
Tuesday August 23,2011
By Daily Express Reporter
Daily Express
JOHN CAREW has told West Ham they need to keep Scott Parker and Carlton Cole
if they want to return to the Premier League. Both players have been the
subject of moves back to the top flight, with QPR and Fulham both
interested.
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Great Scott! West Ham reject City's player-swap offer for Parker
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 11:41 PM on 22nd August 2011
Daily Mail
Manchester City have made an enquiry for West Ham midfielder Scott Parker
but the proposal has been rejected because it is said to have involved
players including Wayne Bridge and Shaun Wright-Phillips rather than cash.
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Max-ed out! Gradel hints at exit as clubs line up to sign Leeds striker
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 11:09 PM on 22nd August 2011
Daily Mail
Leeds' wantaway forward Max Gradel has confirmed Fulham are rivalling West
Ham and Leicester for his signature. Gradel, 23, said: 'Are Fulham
interested in buying me? Yes. I know West Ham are interested in buying me,
too.' West Ham are close to signing Nice winger Eric Mouloungui, 27, for
£2.5m and have taken Lens striker Hamdi Billal on trial for 10 days. The
19-year-old said: 'Hopefully I can earn a contract.'
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London 2012 Olympics: West Ham United in clear as investigation finds no
grounds to reconsider process
By Paul Kelso, Chief Sports Reporter9:12PM BST 22 Aug 2011Comment
Telegraph.co.uk
An investigation into allegations that an Olympic Park Legacy Company
employee may have corrupted the bidding process for the London 2012 stadium
has ruled there are no grounds to reconsider West Ham's selection as
preferred bidder. The OPLC commissioned the investigation following the
revelation that OPLC director Dionne Knight was paid £20,000 for consultancy
work by West Ham while the club was bidding against Tottenham for the
stadium. Knight is the partner of Ian Tompkins, the West Ham director in
charge of the stadium bid, and while she informed the OPLC of their
relationship when she was appointed she did not tell her bosses about the
consultancy work. As a result of Knight's declaration about her relationship
with Tompkins result the stadium negotiation team was moved away from OPLC
headquarters to the offices of its lawyers. The revelation that she had been
moonlighting for West Ham embarrassed the OPLC and raised questions over the
integrity of its processes, and the decision to select West Ham over
Tottenham. On Monday the OPLC said that the internal inquiry, conducted by
independent auditors Moore Stephens, had found no evidence that Knight
influenced the stadium bidding process.
Following a board meeting on Monday the OPLC said: "The Olympic Park Legacy
Company Board has concluded there are no grounds for re-considering their
recommendation to select the consortium of West Ham United FC and the London
Borough of Newham as the Preferred Bidder for the legacy use of the Olympic
Stadium."
The findings of the inquiry come as the OPLC prepares to face a fresh legal
challenge to the stadium decision from Tottenham and Leyton Orient in the
High Court on Wednesday. Tottenham are seeking judicial review of the OPLC's
decision, while both clubs are challenging Newham Council's involvement as a
partner in the West Ham bid. An internal inquiry by West Ham has already
concluded that the club did nothing wrong in hiring Knight. In a statement
the OPLC said that Moore Stephens had found no evidence that she had access
to confidential information or had passed any such information to West Ham.
On 5 July the Olympic Park Legacy Company launched an independent
investigation into its internal stadium procedures, following allegations
made concerning its employee, Dionne Knight. "The report reaches the
following conclusions: There is no evidence to suggest that this employee
had access to confidential information relating to the stadium process.
"There is no evidence to suggest that she passed confidential information in
relation to the stadium process to West Ham United FC or any other third
party "There is no evidence to suggest that she influenced the stadium
Preferred Bidder selection process."
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Spurs lose again in Olympic appeal
August 22, 2011
Email Print
By ESPN staff
Tottenham have failed in their appeal against the decision to award the
Olympic Stadium to West Ham after an independent investigation upheld the
original verdict.
A review by forensic accountants Moore Stephens concluded there was no
reason to re-open the bidding process, despite allegations that a director
of the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) was paid by West Ham during the
bidding process. According to a BBC report, Moore Stephens has concluded
that there is no evidence to suggest Dionne Knight had any influence over
the decision. Spurs, who want a judicial review, will continue to challenge
the decision, and are due to appear at the High Court on Wednesday for a
hearing.
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