WHUFC.com
Towering forward John Carew is eager to make his mark after debuting for
West Ham United
23.08.2011
John Carew has told West Ham TV of his mixed emotions following Sunday's 2-2
npower Championship draw with Leeds United. The 6'7 Norway striker made a
big impression on his Hammers debut, holding the ball up well and coming
close to scoring on a number of occasions. Unfortunately for Carew, his big
day was ruined when Leeds netted an added-time equaliser through midfielder
Adam Clayton. However, the experienced 31-year-old believes the highlights
will far outweigh the disappointments over the coming season. "It was good
to finally get my debut and the fans were amazing," said Carew, who could
make his first West Ham start in Wednesday's Carling Cup first-round tie
with Aldershot Town. "It was a great atmosphere so I was just happy for that
but I was disappointed we couldn't get all three points in the end, but
that's football. "I was happy to finally get started."
The new No11 has settled in quickly at the Boleyn Ground and figures to be
an influential figure throughout the current campaign. While he has been in
east London for little more than a week, Carew has already assessed that
West Ham have more than enough quality and experience in the squad to mount
a successful promotion challenge this term. "Of course everybody was
disappointed because Leeds scored in the last minute, but we will correct
those things and small details and continue getting better I'm sure. I'm
also sure that we'll win a lot of games this season. "We had a lot of
chances and could easily have scored two or three goals more and that made
it even more disappointing in the end - that we couldn't get all three
points. "We just have to continue attacking well like that and we will win a
lot of games."
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Ruud ready for Shots
WHUFC.com
Goalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson backs Ruud Boffin to shine if called upon
in the Carling Cup
23.08.2011
West Ham United goalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson believes Ruud Boffin can
rise to the occasion if called upon in Wednesday's Carling Cup first-round
meeting with Aldershot Town. The 6'5 Belgian could be given the nod for the
re-arranged tie should manager Sam Allardyce choose to give a number of his
fringe players an opportunity to impress against the League Two side. If
Boffin is one of those presented with a chance to shine Margetson is
confident the 23-year-old - whose sole first-team appearance came in a 1-1
Premier League draw at Blackburn Rovers in December 2010 - will not let the
Hammers down. The Shots are likely to fire a volley of high balls into the
West Ham penalty area and, should he play, the towering No31 will have to
use his giant frame to good effect to repel the visitors' threat.
"Ruud's main asset is his physical presence," said Margetson, who joined the
Hammers in July. "He's 6'5 and it's getting him to use that and we're
working on him best utilising his presence, really. "If you're 6'5 but are
defending your goal 4' high, you're taking away what you've been given. He's
had habits that, I would say, he defends his goal too small in that he
crouches right down and that's not a good reaction position. "With Ruud,
we've been working on that and the little things that we've been trying to
do I think he's implemented really well. "He's done very well. He kicks it
as well as anybody I've ever seen, to be fair. He's a young goalkeeper and a
lot of them use a sidewinder technique, which is different, and he does it
really well. It's a good asset to have. "I'm looking forward to seeing him
play."
A 39-year-old former Wales international, Margetson spent ten years with
Manchester City acting as back-up to No1 Tony Coton before enjoying a career
in the lower divisions with Southend United, Huddersfield Town and Cardiff
City. Capped once by Wales in 2004, the West Neath-born coach also works
with the Welsh national team and linked up with the Hammers after being
recommended to Allardyce by Wales manager and former Bolton Wanderers
midfielder Gary Speed. As a long-term back-up himself, Margetson knows how
hard it can be for goalkeepers like Boffin to train every day without the
reward of first-team football. "Obviously I've been a No2 and I totally
understand the frustrations and because I've been there myself I can
empathise with Ruud," he said. "Sometimes it's a really difficult situation
and you have to work extra hard because you have to be ready when called
upon. "You have to do the work and be ready and it's frustrating when you're
not playing because there is nothing better than training hard all week and
getting better and then going on to express yourself in a game. "As a No2
you don't get to do that, but Ruud understands and he's still plenty young
enough. He's only 23 and I think the average age for a starting goalkeeper
in the Championship is 26 or 27. He's got a bit of time on his side."
While he may not have the same profile as Allardyce, assistant manager Neil
McDonald or first-team coach Wally Downes, Margetson is an important member
of the backroom staff. With that in mind, he is confident the Hammers have
the right management team and players to achieve their goal of gaining
promotion to the Premier League at the first attempt. "It has been
frustrating. We've conceded late goals at home which have cost us, as the
manager has said, but if we get a win on Sunday we're right back bang on
course. "If you achieve an average of two points-a-game then you get
promoted, so if we get three points on Sunday we'll be on course for where
we want to be. "It will be topsy-turvy. I remember one year at Cardiff we
drew 17 games and made the Play-Offs and the following year we lost a lot
more but didn't draw as many and won more and still made the Play-Offs. "We
don't want to make the Play-Offs - we want to get automatic promotion. If we
get two points-a-game we'll get automatic promotion."
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See Aldershot from five pounds
WHUFC.com
Wednesday night's cup tie promises to be a perfect family night under the
lights at the Boleyn Ground
23.08.2011
West Ham United are ready and raring to go for the Carling Cup first-round
tie against Aldershot Town on Wednesday - with fans able to buy their
cut-price tickets on the night. The manager is expected to field a strong
squad for a family friendly fixture which has been rearranged from the
original 9 August date, although he will doubtless give a chance to some new
faces to shine - not least George McCartney and John Carew. Some of the
Hammers' brightest young talents will also be involved. "We will have to
field some new players with the closeness of the games and also that we are
allowed seven substitutes," said Sam Allardyce. "It is therefore a great
opportunity for our young players to step up and prove to me they can be
first-team regulars. "The match is important as well for us to show that we
have what it takes to go out and win a game at home. Any anxiety that is
felt by not having picked up a win here will not go away until we turn that
around." It promises to be an exciting evening under the lights, with the
match due to be played to a finish. There are no replays in the competition,
so extra time and penalties are possible.
The ticket office is open now for fans wanting to snap up their seats, with
season ticket holders paying just £5 for kids and £10 for adults, with
non-season ticket holder adults paying just a fiver more. All parts of the
ground will have cash turnstiles in operation in the lead up to kick-off at
7.45pm except for the Bobby Moore Stand Lower tier. A large walk-up is
expected on the night so supporters are advised to get to the ground in good
time. The winners of the tie will progress to a second-round home meeting
with Carlisle United. If the Hammers are successful, that match would take
place on Wednesday 31 August, although the third-round draw is already set
for this Thursday evening. Should the Hammers progress, tickets would be on
sale to supporters straight after the final whistle, with members able to
snap up their seats from Friday 26 August and the general sale beginning on
Saturday 27 August.
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Faubert focused
WHUFC.com
Julien Faubert is ready to make his first start of the season against
Aldershot Town on Wednesday
23.08.2011
Julien Faubert is targeting a first start of the season in Wednesday's
Carling Cup first-round meeting with Aldershot Town. The France
international has made quite an impact off the substitutes bench this term,
setting up goals in each of West Ham United's previous two npower
Championship matches against Watford and Leeds United. Now fully recovered
from a hamstring injury suffered in the pre-season victory over Real
Zaragoza on 30 July, Faubert wants to make his mark from the kick-off
against The Shots. "I hope to start," he told whufc.com. "I hope so because
for me I am not a bench player. I want to play the whole game and I will do
my best if I play on Wednesday and also if I get the chance in the
Championship, so we shall see. "I try my best all the time when the manager
wants me to play. I have the legs, I am fit, so when I come on I can give my
best. I can use my passing and my speed."
After spending last season at right-back, Faubert has been moved further
forward by manager Sam Allardyce, playing wide on the right of a three-man
attack. The change of position has been welcomed by the 28-year-old, who is
also excited about the possibility of linking up with new signing John Carew
on Wednesday evening.
"I am really happy because I think we have some good players in the
midfield, so I can receive the ball in good positions, like when I crossed
for when we scored. I am quite happy with this for we have enough quality in
the middle and enough quality up front for me to cross and play. "So, I am
happy to play football because it is the best job you can have. "John is a
different option for us. He is more of a whole player for us. He can hold
the ball and allow us to push forward. So I think he has a great
opportunity, he is different and he can certainly help us."
While Faubert has enjoyed his football so far this season he admitted that,
like a number of his club-mates, his future will remain uncertain until the
transfer window closes on 31 August. Whatever happens over the next week or
so, the Le Havre-born player has promised to do his best for manager
Allardyce - a manager he has already developed a deep respect for. "We sat
down and we talked man to man and I said to him, if you need me at any time,
I will give my best anytime. "I think that is why I like this kind of man,
because even if I'm not in the eleven, he respects me, and he respects what
I've done before in football and he knows I can help the team."
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Striker unmoved by West Ham interest
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 23rd August 2011
By: Staff Writer
Hammers target Eric Mouloungui has revealed that he would prefer to stay in
France. The Nice midfielder/striker, who hit eight goals for the club last
term was thought to be on his way to east London this week in a permanent
deal worth around £2million. However the player told his current club's
website this morning that he was disappointed to have been linked with a
move away from the Stade Municipal du Ray, where he has spent the last three
seasons. "I do not want to leave," he told Nice's website. "But it is true
that staying in my situation is complicated. "I talked with the President,
we want to find the best solution for the team and me. In football,
everything is fast but today I am 100 per cent Nice. "I am here, I get
along with the staff. I have earned the confidence in recent months. Now I
have to be effective. If I had been [effective] enough in the first three
games, we would have more points today."
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West Ham v Aldershot
BBC.co.uk
Page last updated at 13:00 GMT, Tuesday, 23 August 2011 14:00 UK
Carling Cup second round
Venue: Upton Park Date: Wednesday, 24 August Kick-off: 1945 BST
Coverage: Watch highlights on The League Cup Show at 2330 BST on Wednesday
(BBC One);
listen on BBC Radio 5 live and BBC local radio; text commentary on the BBC
Sport website
TEAM NEWS
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce will give a number of fringe players a chance -
and could hand a full debut to summer signing John Carew. Abdoulaye Faye,
Pablo Barrera, Julien Faubert, Junior Stanislas, Freddie Sears and keeper
Ruud Boffin may play.
Aldershot manager Dean Holdsworth has no injury concerns. He may choose to
select Ross Worner ahead of Jamie Young in goal, while midfielder Jermaine
McGlashan is also hoping to be involved.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Aldershot have only played West Ham once in a competitive contest. They
fought out a goalless draw in the third round of the FA Cup in January 1991,
before West Ham thrashed the Hampshire club 6-1 in the replay.
West Ham United
• The 1966 and 1981 runners-up lost to eventual winners Birmingham in
the semi-finals last season - their best performance for 21 years.
• They are making only their fifth appearance in the first round - and
have won all the previous four.
Aldershot
• Yet to win a League Cup tie since re-entering the league under their
current guise.
• They have lost their last three League Two games without scoring a
single goal.
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Ilunga linked with capital switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 23rd August 2011
By: Staff Writer
Herita Ilunga is being linked with a move to Queens Park Rangers. As if the
Premier League new boys haven't done West Ham enough favours already this
season by taking perma-crocks Kieron Dyer and Danny Gabbidon, a report in
today's Times suggests Rangers are set to launch a bid for Ilunga, a player
heavily criticised by United supporters already this season. The Congolese
defender, who was voted as runner-up Best Signing in 2009 by KUMB.com
readers missed the second half of the 2010/11 campaign having failed to make
Avram Grant's 25-man first team squad.
And despite having impressed Sam Allardyce enough to win his place back this
term, the 29-year-old is set to be dumped once again after a poor start to
the new season in which he has looked decidedly unfit in the latter stages
of games. Sam Allardyce was so impressed by Ilunga that less than 72 hours
after his mistake cost West Ham a point against to Cardiff on the opening
day of the campaign, he signed Sunderland's George McCartney on loan for the
rest of the season. With young full-back Jordan Brown also close to
regaining full fitness after a month's absence, Ilunga's position is
adequately covered should Allardyce decide to cash in
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Mouloungui: it's nice in Nice
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 23rd August 2011
By: Staff Writer
Hammers target Eric Mouloungui has revealed that he would prefer to stay in
France. The Nice midfielder/striker, who hit eight goals for the club last
term was thought to be on his way to east London this week in a permanent
deal worth around £2million. However the player - who is out of contract
next summer - told his current club's website this morning that he was
disappointed to have been linked with a move away from the Stade Municipal
du Ray, where he has spent the last three seasons. "I do not want to leave,"
he told Nice's website. "But it is true that staying in my situation is
complicated. "I talked with the President, we want to find the best
solution for the team and me. In football, everything is fast but today I am
100 per cent Nice. "I am here, I get along with the staff. I have earned
the confidence in recent months. Now I have to be effective. If I had been
[effective] enough in the first three games, we would have more points
today."
Meanwhile another potential transfer target, MK Dons striker Sam Baldock,
insists that he has heard nothing from West Ham with regards to a potential
move.
"It's all rumours as far as I'm concerned. I'm not going to let anything
affect me," he told BBC Three Counties Radio. "I think West Ham are a
fantastic club and [Sam Allardyce] is a phenomenal manager but it's not
anything I've thought about and it's not something that's been mentioned to
me."
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West Ham v Aldershot preview
Last updated: 23rd August 2011
SSN
Team news ahead of Wednesday evening's rearranged Carling Cup first-round
clash between West Ham and Aldershot at Upton Park. Sam Allardyce will ring
the changes for the Hammers. The West Ham boss will give a number of fringe
players a chance, meaning goalkeeper Ruud Boffin, defender Abdoulaye Faye,
midfielders Pablo Barrera, Julien Faubert and Junior Stanislas as well as
striker Freddie Sears should be involved. Allardyce could also hand a full
debut to new forward John Carew, who got 20 minutes as a substitute in the
2-2 draw with Leeds on Sunday. Left-back George McCartney may also be added
to the squad for the first time since he rejoined the club from Sunderland
if he is fit enough. Defender Jordan Brown and winger Gary O'Neil are still
on the sidelines with ankle injuries.
Goalkeeper Ross Worner and midfielder Jermaine McGlashan are pushing for
first-team selection for Aldershot. Manager Dean Holdsworth has no injury
concerns ahead of the game but may choose to make a couple of tactical
changes following a 2-0 defeat against Morecambe at the weekend. Holdsworth
will name his strongest team possible in the hope of causing an upset
against the Hammers, but may choose to select Worner ahead of Jamie Young in
goal. McGlashan is less likely to make an immediate return to the starting
11 and may have to be satisfied with a place on the bench.
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Faubert plans Hammers exit
Former France Under-21 international wants a new challenge
Last Updated: August 23, 2011 1:29pm
SSN
Julien Faubert has made it clear his future lies away from West Ham, despite
his obvious respect for new boss Sam Allardyce. The 28-year-old has shown
glimpses of his old ability over the last two games, which will have given a
timely reminder to any possible suitors. Under the stewardship of Allardyce,
the exasperation and sense of hopelessness that accompanied relegation has
been evaporated by the approach of the new manager. Yet, for Faubert, the
change in manager has come too late to prolong his stay at West Ham.
Move
"For me, I still want a move," he told London 24. "It wasn't a tough time
last season; I had the worst season in my career to be honest. "I think
everything has now changed. The new manager has come with patience and with
respect as well. "He respects all the players and that is not what happened
last season." The no-nonsense approach of Allardyce has endeared him to the
Frenchman and, despite his desire to reinvigorate his career away from Upton
Park, Faubert has insisted he will play to his best ability when called
upon. "We sat down and we talked man to man and I said to him, 'if you need
me at any time, I will give my best any time while I'm here'," he added. "I
think that is why I like this kind of man, because even if I'm not in the
starting XI, he respects me and he respects what I've done before in
football and he knows I can help the team."
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Mouloungui To Have Medical On Wednesday
23 August, 2011 - 10:31 — Neville Nixon
West Ham Fans.org
French club Nice have accepted West Ham United's £1.7 Million bid for winger
Eric Mouloungui, the 27 year old Gabonese International is due in London
tomorrow to have a medical and discuss personal terms ahead of his transfer.
Mouloungui is the player that Sam Allardyce left the prestigious friendly
against Real Zaragoza at half time to fly over and see, but his arrival
could hasten the departure of Mexican winger Pablo Barrera as they both play
in the same position.
Many fans will hope that the acquisition of Eric Mouloungui is to add
strength in depth on the wing, and that he can bring competition for that
role with Barrera and Julien Faubert, although those sceptical of the two
David's transfer policy fear that it will just be a case of 'one in, one
out'! The continued disparity between the prices quoted for home grown
talent and players from abroad means that Hammers will have to 'go foreign'.
Having seen recent targets Shane Long, Nicky Maynard and MaxGradel priced
out of their range, the Hammers hierarchy have little option other than to
seek cheaper imports from abroad, it is far from a perfect situation but
needs must and beggars cannot be choosers.
Attracting any player of quality to ply his trade in the second tier of
English football is not an easy task no matter where they come from, such is
the power and lure of the Premiership world wide that playing in the
Championship will only appeal to youngsters looking for a stepping stone and
players who have been round the block and are looking for a final payday.
This is where Big Sam comes in to his own, if anyone can find the talent out
there, Sam can, but his hands are tied when it comes to funding his deals
and until the Scott Parker deal is done he can only look on and watch his
transfer targets get snapped up.
No one said it was going to be easy in the Championship, both on and off the
field, Big Sam has got to work with a severely restricted budget, but it is
still an awful lot more than the vast majority of the other managers have in
their coffers! - Ed
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Is Sam Baldock Worth a Gamble?
August 23rd, 2011 - 8:15 am by S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
There are rumours of an impending move by West Ham for MK Dons striker, Sam
Baldock. The 22 year old scored an excellent hattrick in MK Dons' emphatic
victory over Chesterfield on Saturday. And apparently Sam Allardyce was
present at the game, running the rule over our alleged target. Baldock
nearly signed for Peterborough last season in a £1.5m deal, but it broke
down at the last moment. Could Peterborough Utd's loss prove to be our
gain?
I saw Baldock's scoring feats on the BBC's Football League Show. And it has
be admitted, on that evidence, that he looks a good prospect. He appears to
be a natural goal scorer, mobile, full of running off the ball and
technically good in possession. We must remember that this is League 2
football, but Baldock does have potential. He is definitely worth a punt at
around the £1.5-2m mark. The question is whether he could make a impact at
first team level this season? You know, sometimes you see a player and get
a positive vibe, and that was certainly the case watching Baldock play. We
should sign him and give him an opportunity to shine at an higher level. If
Baldock thrives then we could end up with a valuable goal scoring asset. If
not, we recoup some of the fee when he returns to Division 1 or 2. It is
worth the gamble in my opinion.
The rumours about us signing Nicky Maynard are still current, However, it
is looking less likely,as Bristol City have allegedly stuck a £6m valuation
on the player. The latest noises coming out of Bristol City are that they
do not want to sell Maynard, and certainly not to another club in the 2nd
tier. It is debatable whether the adoption of this public stance is a
tactic to maximise the fee. I would love to see us sign Maynard, but there
is a view that if it was going to happen, it would have done so by now.
Unless of course, the board are waiting for the sale of Scott Parker before
they invest further in the transfer market? If so, then we need to be
careful that a lower PL club or a Championship rival, like Leicester City,
do not beat us to Maynard's signature.
Another forward that we have been linked with is Nice's Eric Mouloungui.
The 27 year old Gabon international is in the final year of his current
contract and it seems that Nice are prepared to do business for a fee of
approximately £2m. Mouloungui can either play wide or in a withdrawn role,
playing off the centre forward. By all accounts, he could be a useful and
pacy addition to the squad. It has also been announced on the FC Lens
website that their 19 year old Algerian midfielder, Hamdi Billal, is
currently on a 10 day trial with West Ham. Both this move and the link to
Mouloungui are proof that Sam Allardyce is continuing to monitoring players
in the French league, where he has had some notable past transfer success.
Lets hope that his contacts there come up with one or two hidden gems.
While there is an isolated report on a Burnley FC fans website that the
Clarets are planning to follow up their capture of Zavon Hines, on a free
transfer, with a bid for Junior Stanislas. I do not know what this report
is based upon, but I would be very surprised if West Ham were prepared to
sell.
It would appear that Man city have made a player-exchange bid for Scott
Parker, involving Wright-Phillips and Wayne Bridge moving to Upton Park.
The West Ham board have allegedly rejected the bid because they prefer the
cash and/or cannot meet the players wage demands; alternatively, perhaps it
might be that Sam Allardyce does not want those particular players included
in any possible exchange deal? Now if only they were to offer Carlito Tevez
and he was to lower his wage demands out of love for the club? Oh well, we
can drean can't we! meanwhile, Kevin Nolan has revealed his ideal
replacement, if Scott Parker exits the club, it is non-other than Joey
Barton! Well I know that he is not to everyone's taste, but he both a very
good player and someone who possesses a tough and uncompromising, winning
mentality. And I am fast coming to the conclusion that West Ham need more
players with that type of mindset. So, yeah why not, Allardyce and Nolan
should be able to get the best out of him and he can only improve the team.
Especially as he is available on a free transfer! However, the obstacles to
a deal are likely to be Barton's unwillingness to drop down to the 2nd tier
and his wage demands.
As far as the Leeds Utd match is concerned, what a contrast with the
professional and clinical display against Watford. Of course, Leeds Utd are
a better team than Watford, and they certainly got stuck in and unsettled
us. Gradel and Snodgrass are by far Leeds Utd's best players and they
played the major roles in securing the 2-2 draw. Gradel is fast and tricky
on the ball, and he gave O'Brien, and latterly Ilunga, a busy afternoon.
Although Gradel does appear to go to ground a bit too easy for my liking.
The latest news reports indicate that Gradel still wants a move and that
both West Ham and Fulham are interested in signing him. However, it was
Snodgrass who caught my eye on the day, as he was integral to all of Leeds
best atacking moves. If a move for Gradel goes nowhere, could Snodgrass be
a solution for us, on the right flank. The issue would be whether we can
persuade Leeds Utd to sell?
I was impressed by Tuesday's evening's performance, but I was looking for us
to follow that up with another professonal display and three home points.
Unfortunately, some of last season's problems re-emerged on the day and I
cannot say that I am that surprised. Last season was traumatic for all
concerned with the club, the defensive and other problems that relegated us
were unlikely to disappear over night. Sam Allardyce has done a great job
so far, and made real progress at the club, but there are still issues that
he needs to rectify. I have no doubt that Allardyce will get it right, but
we can only hope that this 'transitional period' does not fatally wound our
automatic promotion chances? Personally, I think not, Southampton and
Derby County are flying high at the moment, but they will undoubtedly
falter. And I believe that we can move to the top of the divison, in the
autumn, and assert ourselves as the team really start to hit their stride.
The media may well have made us favourites for promotion and that could
prove to be the case. But we also know that the squad had to be
restructured and the new team needed to gel and adapt to Sam Allardyce's
idea and methods. Yes, our play was sloppy at times against Leeds and they
caused us problems, but the positives were also there for all to see. These
positives include that Tomkins is rapidly developing in to a top class
centre half, our midfield (even without Parker) is of PL quality, Carlton
Cole's form is improving and we carved out enough good chances to win the
match twice over. Yes, our undoing was misfortune and a failure to take our
chances, but I would be far more worried if we were not creating goal
scoring oportunities. However, we are creating then in abundance. On
another day, at 2-1, we would have killed off Leeds Utd with that crucial
third goal and took all three points.
In addition to improving team cohesion, I also believe that a number of the
our players have not achieved full fitness/form. Just look at their recent
career histories. O'Brien has recently come back from a career threatening
jury, while Nolan and Noble both missed the end of the last campaign through
injury and Illunga is short on both confidence and match fitness. Elsewhere
in the squad, Stanislas was also out injured for much of last season,
Collison has only recently come back from a long term knee injury, while
Faye was out for a long period at Stoke City and Matt Taylor had less first
team opportunities at Bolton last term; and neither Reid nor Barrera had
nearly enough match time. Collectively, all of these individual factors
need to be taken into account. However, it is starting to gel, there is no
doubt of that, and the process will now begin to acelerate.
There has been talk concerning whether there is currently a psychological
problem regarding the team playing and winning at Upton Park. That may be
the case, but it needs to be quickly overcome. The squad need to keep
working hard in training and making progress. If we keep carving out the
number of good chances, that we had against Leeds Utd, then someone is due a
trouncing soon and that one event could be the catalyst that transfoms our
home results this season. I wonder if poor old Portsmouth will be the
unfortunate club that reaps the Upton Park whirl wind?
Perhaps, but before that we need to bounce back with three points away to
Notts Forest! COYI.
SJ. Chandos.
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Nolan urges Newcastle bad boy Barton to help him propel West Ham to Premier
League
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 10:42 AM on 23rd August 2011
Daily Mail
Kevin Nolan wants his former Newcastle team-mate Joey Barton to join him at
West Ham. The Upton Park skipper dropped down to the Championship in the
summer to be re-united with Hammers boss Sam Allardyce. And with fellow
midfielder Scott Parker linked with a move back to the Premier League, Nolan
believes Barton could be the man to replace him. 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.'
Barton was told by Newcastle that he could leave on a free transfer after he
took to Twitter to criticise the club's board. He was linked with a host of
clubs including Arsenal, Tottenham and Stoke but no move has materialised.
The controversial midfielder was handed a reprieve and has started both of
Newcastle's Premier League matches this season. Meanwhile, Leeds striker Max
Gradel is one player who won't be joining West Ham. Allardyce has had a
£2million bid rejected and Gradel said: 'If I keep playing well, I'll end up
somewhere better.'
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Fulham join West Ham and Leicester in the race for Leeds winger
London 24
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
10:36 AM
Leeds United winger Max Gradel claims Fulham, West Ham and Leicester are all
chasing his signature. The 23-year-old has been linked with a move away from
Elland Road and with his contract set to expire at the end of the season,
the interest is unlikely to go away. Gradel told the Daily Mail: "Are Fulham
interested in buying me? Yes. I know West Ham are interested in buying me,
too." Simon Grayson is determined to hang onto Gradel, and the Leeds boss
said recently: "We've shown our intentions already. We've had bids for a
couple of players and turned them down. "Max Gradel and others can certainly
fulfil their ambitions of getting into the Premier League with our football
club."
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BURNLEY WANT STANISLAS
Daily Express
Burnley have their hopes set on West Ham's Junior Stanislas
Tuesday August 23,2011
By Daily Express reporter
BURNLEY want West Ham's Junior Stanislas. Danny Ings has been ruled out for
up to five months with a knee injury while Martin Paterson is already
sidelined. Manager Eddie Howe, who also signed Zavon Hines from the
Hammers, is keen to wrap up a permanent deal for Stanislas.
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Faubert still wants to leave West Ham
London24
Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
8:30 AM
France international Julien Faubert insists he wants to leave Upton Park
despite his repsect for new manager Sam Allardyce, after the 'worst season'
of his career.
France international Julien Faubert is still looking towards the Upton Park
exit door despite a huge improvement in his form so far this season. The
28-year-old came on as a substitute against Leeds United on Sunday and it
was his cross that led to Patrick Kisnorbo's hilarious own goal, while last
Tuesday he made his first appearance of the campaign, setting-up Scott
Parker for the fourth and final goal in the rout of Watford. But as far as
Faubert is concerned, his days at West Ham may be numbered. "For me, I still
want a move," confessed the winger, who had a terrible time under Avram
Grant last season. "It wasn't a tough time last season, I had the worst
season in my career to be honest," he said.
Patience and respect
"I think everything has now changed. The new manager has come with patience
and with respect as well. "He respects all the players and that is not what
happened last season," said the Frenchman with a sideways swipe at his
former boss. Faubert made just 14 starts in all competitions last season and
was not seen in a claret and blue shirt after the disastrous Carling Cup
semi-final debacle at Birmingham City way back in January. He may still
crave a move, but Faubert certainly has plenty of time for Sam Allardyce.
"We sat down and we talked man to man and I said to him, 'if you need me at
any time, I will give my best any time while I'm here. "I think that is why
I like this kind of man, because even if I'm not in the starting eleven, he
respects me and he respects what I've done before in football and he knows I
can help the team."
West Ham are ready to hear offers for the Frenchman, just as they are for
their three England internationals, but it seems that there is little
interest in him at the moment. "Of course, if I have to stay here I will
because this is the best job you can have in your life," he said. "I don't
think you can complain and I think that this manager knows what he is doing
and that is why I try my best for him."
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Dean successful in West Ham trial
NewsPostLeader.co.uk
Published on Tuesday 23 August 2011 08:35
BLYTH Town Under 15's goalkeeper Dean Parsons has been signed up after a
successful trial with West Ham United. The youngster has only been a keeper
for two years and has got into the East Northumberland side. The
Championship side's goalkeeping coach Paul Tighe said it was hard to believe
Dean had only been a keeper for two seasons as he spent most of his trial
with the older squad at their academy, where he more than held his own. Paul
said he is looking forward to working with Dean this year.
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Independent inquiry into Olympic Stadium decision clears West Ham
Inquiry focused on whether OPLC director was compromised
Stadium bidding process will not be reopened
Owen Gibson
The Guardian, Tuesday 23 August 2011
The Olympic Park Legacy Company has dismissed calls to reopen the
contentious Olympic Stadium bidding process after an independent audit found
no evidence that an employee who also worked for West Ham United influenced
the decision.
The news will disappoint Tottenham Hotspur, who will challenge the decision
to award the Olympic Stadium to West Ham and Newham Council in the high
court on Wednesday. It marks the latest legal step in their attempt to block
the move.
The mayor of London's office and the government endorsed the decision not to
reopen the bidding process.
In June the OPLC's director of corporate services, Dionne Knight, was
suspended after it emerged that she had also worked for West Ham during the
bidding process. The OPLC said it was not aware that Knight, who was in a
relationship with West Ham's Olympic project director Ian Tompkins, had
agreed to do consultancy work for the east London club. It commissioned an
independent audit from the accountants Moore Stephens, which found no
evidence that Knight had access to confidential information nor that she
passed any information relating to the stadium process to West Ham nor that
she influenced the selection process.
"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," it said.
"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."
Spurs, who argued that the only viable solution was to pull down the
majority of the stadium and rebuild it as a dedicated football ground,
continue to believe the selection process was flawed and unfair.
The revelation that Knight carried out project work for West Ham, which the
club said related to its procurement processes, during the bidding process
emerged as a result of newspaper reports based on the work of a private
investigator. West Ham reported the actions of the private investigator to
the police, claiming that the privacy of its executives may have been
breached.
West Ham conducted their own review of their internal processes and said
this month that they had found that Knight's work had not affected the
"integrity" of their stadium bid and the findings "completely exonerate the
club over the matter and showed it acted lawfully at all times".
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England hierarchy encouraging Scott Parker transfer claims Sam Allardyce
PA
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
The Independent
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes the England hierarchy have encouraged
Scott Parker to leave the club in search of Barclays Premier League
football. Parker has been linked with a transfer ever since the Hammers were
sent down last season but despite being open to such a move, he has started
the season under Allardyce in the npower Championship. Top-flight newcomers
QPR have seen a £4million bid turned down for the 30-year-old midfielder and
Allardyce believes both Parker and England could be better served by the
player remaing at Upton Park. He told The Sun: "Scott has expressed an
opinion that he wants to get back into the Premier League and play Premier
League football. That's come from someone in the England camp telling him
that's where he needs to be. I don't see the logic behind that. "Just
because a player drops down a division, it doesn't mean he's turned into a
bad player overnight and isn't good enough for England. "It could actually
benefit England if Scott is playing at a club which is winning more games
than when he was playing for West Ham at the bottom of the Premier League.
"The England team shouldn't be picked on whichever players are in the
Premier League when you've got a Premier League player playing in the
Championship."
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Home win will come - Nolan
Tuesday 23rd August 2011 11:54
TeamTalk
West Ham captain Kevin Nolan is confident that elusive first home win is
just around the corner. The Hammers have conceded last-minute goals in
losing to Cardiff on the opening day and being pegged back 2-2 by Leeds on
Sunday. Boss Sam Allardyce blamed a "fear factor" around Upton Park but
midfielder Nolan insists the players have to learn to handle the
pressure."We have to deal with the expectation," he said. "But what I will
say is if we continue to play like that, we will start getting the results
at home."
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Nice striker turns down West Ham move
London 24
Nathaniel John, West Ham correspondent
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
12:33 PM
West Ham target Eric Mouloungui has revealed that he is not especially keen
on leaving his current club, Nice. The Gabon international, who was first
linked with the Hammers a few weeks ago, has been the subject of an alleged
£2milllion bid, which was rejected by the Ligue 1 outfit. However, it is
expected that West Ham will return with an improved bid of around
£2.5million, which would test Nice's resolve to keep hold of the 27 year
old, who can play either up front or on the wing.
"I do not want to leave (Nice)," Mouloungui told Nice's official website.
"It is true that staying in my situation (his contract ends in June 2012) is
complicated. "I talked with the president, and we want to find the best
solution for the team and me. "In football, everything is fast, but today I
am 100 per cent Nice. "I am here, I get along with the staff. I have earned
the confidence in recent months. "Now I have to be effective." Despite
Mouloungui's recent revelations, a West Ham spokesman revealed that the
player, who has scored 14 goals in 80 appearances for Nice, is expected to
arrive in England this week, to discuss a move to Upton Park.
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