Tuesday, July 26

Daily WHUFC News - II 26th July 2011

Taylor set for Hammers bow
WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor could make his West Ham United debut at Dagenham and Redbridge
on Tuesday evening
26.07.2011

Matt Taylor could make his West Ham United debut in the pre-season match at
Dagenham & Redbridge tonight. The Hammers' latest summer recruit trained
with his new team-mates for the first time at Chadwell Heath on Monday and
has been included in Sam Allardyce's squad for the short trip to face the
League Two new boys.
Taylor is in good shape, having been on tour with Bolton Wanderers in the
United States prior to completing his move to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday.
The 29-year-old could be joined in the West Ham selection by a host of
senior first-team players, including England pair Robert Green and Carlton
Cole and fellow full internationals Jack Collison and Winston Reid.
Allardyce (pictured) will be eager for his players to continue their
encouraging pre-season campaign, which has seen his side keep clean sheets
in each of their previous two matches - a 1-0 victory over Danish champions
FC Copenhagen followed by Saturday's goalless draw at League One side
Wycombe Wanderers. The Daggers themselves have contested four first-team
friendly matches, defeating Boreham Wood and Mangotsfield United before
drawing with Ebbsfleet United and Leyton Orient. Among John Still's squad
are West Ham Academy graduates Darren Currie and Conor Okus. Tickets will be
available at Victoria Road on the night, with kick-off at 7.45pm. A large
crowd is expected, so supporters are urged to get to the stadium early to
avoid disappointment.

Seats are priced at £15 Adults, £10 Concessions, £8 Juniors and £2 Under-7s,
while terrace places are priced at £12 Adults, £8 Concessions, £5 Juniors
and £1 Under-7s. Seven pairs of Ambulant/Carer tickets are available to
purchase priced £10 Adults/Over-65s and £8 for Under-18s with the carer
complimentary. Wheelchair/Carer tickets can only be purchased in advance
through the Dagenham & Redbridge FC Ticket Office, either in person or by
calling 020 8592 1549 - extension 21.

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Freddie knows the goal
WHUFC.com
Wherever he is asked to play in the attack, Frederic Piquionne is determined
to hit the target
26.07.2011

Frederic Piquionne is determined to be the man to shoot West Ham United back
to the Premier League. The French striker has been a regular presence in Sam
Allardyce's summer plans, even if the goals have not yet matched his
enterprising play. Whether in a front three with two wide men or in a more
conventional strike pairing, Piquionne is determined to prove his worth in
the promotion push. The striker will next be in action with Saturday's home
match with Real Zaragoza and said such encounters were first and foremost
about sharpness. Everything else, he is sure, will follow on from there
especially as "the manager wants us to play good football and we have good
players in the team". He added: "We are in pre-season and it is most
important to have a good physical condition for the games. All the players
have a common goal. We need to get straight back to the Premier League."

To achieve that ambition, Piquionne is banking on finding the net on a
regular basis. He is focused fully on achieving his aim in the first league
match of the season on Sunday week at home to Cardiff City. "My head is
ready for Cardiff," he added. "I am at the club to score. The team need to
go up next season and I want to score a lot of goals for West Ham to make it
happen."

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New deal imminent for JC
Filed: Tuesday, 26th July 2011
By: Staff Writer
KUMB.com

West Ham midfielder Jack Collison looks set to sign a new contract
extention. The Welsh international is set to be handed a bumper new deal -
despite having two years of his existing deal to run and having missed
virtually all of last season through injury. John Mac, Collison's agent,
told SkySports this morning: "Talks are ongoing and we are hoping we will
have a successful resolution soon. Jack is enjoying pre-season and he has
been impressed with what Sam Allardyce has planned at West Ham. "He has also
been impressed by the signings of Kevin Nolan and Matt Taylor and he is
looking forward to the start of the season." Collison signed his first pro
contract with West Ham in 2007. A year later he signed a five-year deal with
the club tying him to east London until 2013. Talking about that new deal
back in 2008, Collison - who made just four appearances last season - said:
"I am delighted that the club wants me here for a long time. I now want to
claim a regular place in the starting eleven if I can, and really push on."

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Long bid rejected
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 26th July 2011
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's bid for Reading striker Shane Long has been rejected. It was
reported this morning that the Hammers had placed an £5million (plus
add-ons) bid for the Irish interntional. Whilst KUMB understands that the
figure quoted is slightly higher than the actual offer, it has been been
confirmed that the Royals have rejected West Ham's opening gambit. The
24-year-old has been linked with a string of Premier League clubs during the
summer, with West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle quoted as potential suitors
most often. However neither club has made their move yet, granting West Ham
the opportunity to get their bid in first. United are considered likely to
improve their bid, having seen moves for Jay Bothroyd and DJ Campbell fail
already this summer.

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Hammers plan double swoop
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 26th July 2011
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have launched a £9million double raid for Reading's Shane Long and
Southampton's Jason Puncheon. This morning's Guardian reports that the
Hammers have made an £8million bid - which equates to £5million up front
plus add-ons - for Reading's Irish international striker Shane Long, who has
just 12 months of his current contract remaining.

Meanwhile the Hammers are also reported to have placed a bid in the region
of £750,000 for Southampton winger Puncheon, who spent part of last season
on loan at Millwall.

Long, 24, began his career with Cork City but was snapped up by Reading in
2005 since when he has scored 44 goals in 173 appearances (79 of which came
from the bench). But it was for his goalscoring exploits last season
(2010/11) that a number of clubs became interested in acquiring his
services, with the 21-times capped international scoring a most impressive
28 goals in 60 appearances.

Croydon-born wide-man Puncheon, 25, began his career with Wimbledon before
dropping out of league football to feature for Fisher Athletic and Lewes.
After relatively quiet spells at both Barnet and Plymouth he was snapped up
by Southampton where he became a first team regular under Alan Pardew.
However erratic form saw him lose his place to 17-year-old starlet Alex
Oxlade-Chamberlain and in January of this year Puncheon spent a month on
loan at Millwall, before joining Premier League Blackpool for the second
half of the season.

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Tomkins wants quick return
Centre-back admits that relegation pain still hurts
Last Updated: July 26, 2011 10:12am
SSN

Defender James Tomkins hopes West Ham make an immediate return to the
Premier League following their relegation. Ahead of a first game of the new
season against Cardiff on 7th August, the centre-back has admitted he is
still reeling from the drop into the Championship. But Tomkins is eager for
the experience to be short-lived and thinks relegation should be used as a
motivation for West Ham, who are now managed by Sam Allardyce. The
22-year-old told London24: "It is still hard to get over it now really.
"Realising that we are in the Championship this year really hurts, it hurts
me as much as it hurts anyone else. "But we are looking to bounce straight
back up now and relegation is something in the past." Tomkins added: "We are
under a new manager now and hopefully we can start on a new era and we can
go on from here and get straight back up."

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Collison talks progressing
Midfielder impressed by Big Sam & signings
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated: July
26, 2011 10:54am
SSN

Skysports.com understands Jack Collison is hoping to agree a new deal at
West Ham to stay at Upton Park. As revealed by skysports.com last month,
West Ham have entered into talks with the Wales international about securing
his long-term future. Collison still has two years to run on his current
deal, but West Ham are keen to ward off potential suitors by agreeing new
terms with the midfielder. A number of Premier League clubs are thought to
be monitoring Collison's situation at Upton Park with the player returning
to fitness at the back end of last season. Collinson's agent, John Mac, has
confirmed talks are ongoing and that the player has been impressed by new
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce. "Talks over Jack's contract are ongoing and we
are hoping we will have a successful resolution soon," Mac told
skysports.com. "Jack is enjoying pre-season and he has been impressed with
what Sam Allardyce has planned at West Ham. "He has also been impressed by
the signings of Kevin Nolan and Matt Taylor and he is looking forward to the
start of the season."

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Royals reject Hammers bid
Long bid comes up short
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated: July
26, 2011 1:15pm
SSN

Skysports.com understands Reading have rejected a bid from West Ham for
Shane Long. The Hammers are believed to have tabled a firm offer for Long as
they look to win the race for the in-demand striker. A host of Premier
League clubs are thought to be chasing the Republic of Ireland international
following his goalscoring exploits at the Madejski Stadium last season. The
likes of West Brom, Newcastle, Everton and Newcastle have all been credited
with an interest in Long this summer.
The Royals are willing to let Long, who is entering the final year of his
contract, move on for the right price after they failed to secure promotion
to the Premier League last term.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is in the market for a new striker and he had
targeted a move for Long in a bid to steal a march on his rivals for the
Irishman. The Hammers are thought to have offered £5million rising to
£8million with add-ons for the 24-year-old. However, Reading are understood
to have turned down the offer with the club preferring to sell him to a
Premier League side rather than a Championship rival. It remains to be seen
if West Ham will come back in with an improved bid and the news is sure to
spark Long's suitors into action for the former Cork man.

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West Ham Bid £8m for Prolific Forward
Posted on 26 July 2011
Sportsvibe.co.uk

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is working hard to put together a squad
capable of securing an immediate return to the Premier League and believes
Reading striker Shane Long could be the player that fires the Hammers to
promotion. According to reports in todays press, the east London club have
tabled a bid of £8million for the talented young striker who last season
scored 23 league goals as Reading lost in the play-ofdf finals to Swansea.
Reading boss Brian McDermott was determined to hold on to the striker after
losing Matt Mills to Leicester City for £4.5m, but the clubs resolve will be
tested with the significant offer for a player that has just one year left
on his contract. The 24-year-old first moved to the Royals in 2005 when the
club signed Long and fellow Irishman Kevin Doyle from Cork City. Since
joining Reading the forward has firmly established himself as an important
member of the first team and last season was outstanding as the club just
missed out o promotion to the Premier League.

It is believed that West Ham have made an initial cash offer of £5m with an
extra £3m in add-ons that they hope will convince Reading to sell the
striker rather than lose him on a free at the end of the season. McDermott
has stated that he does not want to lose the forward to another Championship
club but would not block a move to a Premier League side. "I'm sure Shane
will be linked with lots of clubs. That's how it is," McDermott told the
Reading Post. "He won't go to another Championship club, but if a Premier
League club comes in, I won't stand in his way. "With Shane, there's no
difference to him. He loves Reading, he loves the fans, loves the staff and
in an ideal scenario he would be playing for us in the Premier League.
"Another ideal scenario would be to keep him at Reading in this league, but
life is not always ideal. I never say never."

Newcastle and West Brom have shown an interest in Long over the summer but
neither has come in with a concrete offer while West Ham are currently
viewed as the bookies favourites to gain promotions. West Ham have already
signed Premier League pair Kevin Nolan and Matthew Taylor and are confident
that they can convince Long to join the duo at Upton Park.

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West Ham United table £8million bid for Reading FC's Long
By Jonny Fordham
July 26, 2011
Getbracknell.co.uk

West Ham United have tabled a bid worth £8million for Reading striker Shane
Long, according to reports. Royals boss Brian McDermott told the Reading
Post two weeks ago that the 24-year-old would not be sold to a Championship
rival after seeing Matt Mills move to Leicester City for £4.5million. And
now it look's like Reading's resolve will be tested with Long out of
contract and free to move on for nothing in 12-months time. It is believed
Hammers have put together a bid worth £5million up front with an extra
£3million in add-ons. Speaking to the Post during the pre-season tour of
Slovenia earlier this month, McDermott said: "I'm sure Shane will be linked
with lots of clubs. That's how it is. "He won't go to another Championship
club, but if a Premier League club comes in, I won't stand in his way. "With
Shane, there's no difference to him. He loves Reading, he loves the fans,
loves the staff and in an ideal scenario he would be playing for us in the
Premier League.
"Another ideal scenario would be to keep him at Reading in this league, but
life is not always ideal. I never say never."

West Bromwich Albion would be Long's preferred destination right now, but
they have yet to put their money where their mouth is. Alan Pardew's
Newcastle United are also in the hunt, by they are still confident of
landing Melvut Erdinc from PSG.

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Bad news for Long as Hammers launch bid
today at 9:56 am
joe.ie

Shane Long's hopes of making a move to the Premier League have taken a knock
after relegated West Ham offered to stump up £8m for his services. Reading
star Long is expected to quit the Madejski Stadium this summer, with West
Bromwich Albion the Premier League side said to have been leading the race
for his signature.
Newcastle have also been linked with the Tipperary lad but his hopes of
securing a move to top flight have been dealt a blow following West Ham's
big-money bid late on Monday night. Long has 12 months remaining on his
current contract, and an initial bid of £5m from West Ham, with the
remaining £3m to follow pending certain performance-related clauses, will be
very tempting to Reading. Should the Royals' decision-makers accept the bid
– and it would be a surprise if they don't – then Long faces an agonizing
choice of whether to move to another second tier club, or hold out for an
improved bid from one of the Premier League sides keen on his particular
never-give-a-defender-a-rest brand of forward play.

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Collison keen on Hammers stay
Football365
Last Updated: 26/07/11 at 11:12 Post Comment


Jack Collison's agent is confident an agreement is near to tie the
midfielder to a new long-term contract at West Ham. Collison still has two
years to run on his current deal, but West Ham are keen to extend it to ward
off ward off potential suitors. A number of Premier League clubs, including
Stoke and West Brom, are thought to be monitoring Collison's situation at
Upton Park with the player returning to fitness at the back end of last
season. Collinson's agent, John Mac, has confirmed talks are ongoing and
that the player has been impressed by new Hammers boss Sam Allardyce. "Talks
over Jack's contract are ongoing and we are hoping we will have a successful
resolution soon," Mac told skysports.com. "Jack is enjoying pre-season and
he has been impressed with what Sam Allardyce has planned at West Ham.
"He has also been impressed by the signings of Kevin Nolan and Matt Taylor
and he is looking forward to the start of the season.

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Relegation still painful for West Ham defender
London24
Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
8:06 AM

Hammers centre half James Tomkins is hoping to learn from the bitter
experience of relegation and become a mainstay in the West Ham team this
term. West Ham defender James Tomkins has still not recovered from the
nightmare of last season's relegation – but he is determined to learn enough
from the experience to get the club back in the top flight at the first time
of asking. The 22-year-old centre half featured in 19 of West Ham's Premier
League games last season, but could not prevent the team from finishing
rock-bottom. It is something that still hurts. "It is still hard to get over
it now really," confessed the former West Ham Academy boy after Saturday's
0-0 pre-season friendly draw with Wycombe Wanderers. "Realising that we are
in the Championship this year really hurts, it hurts me as much as it hurts
anyone else. "But we are looking to bounce straight back up now and
relegation is something in the past."

The Hammers stumbled to relegation under manager Avram Grant and Tomkins is
still in the dark as to what exactly went wrong. "We had good players so it
hard to put a finger on why we didn't stay up," he said. "There were a lot
of games we drew that we should have won. It all goes down to those sort of
games really, but it is hard to pinpoint."

With the loss of defenders Matty Upson, Manuel Da Costa and Danny Gabbidon,
Tomkins will become an important player in the West Ham squad this season,
something he has happy to take on. "I think I've matured a lot recently," he
said. "I learned a lot from players like Matty Upson and Danny Gabbidon, who
have great experience, so hopefully I can step up this year and be a more
experienced head this time round."

Tomkins had to be the experienced man at Wycombe as he was partnered by
another youngster in Jordan Spence in the central of defence. "I've played
with a lot of different people already in this pre-season," he said. "Jordan
moved into centre back with no trouble. He coped really well with it and he
looks a good right back and now a centre back too. "I'm still only 22, but
I'm hoping I can use the experience I have had over the last couple of
years. "We have been through some hard times, but I feel that I have grown
both as a player and a person, so hopefully I can do that. "We are under a
new manager now and hopefully we can start on a new era now and we can go on
from here and get straight back up."

Tomkins, who now has 75 games in claret and blue under his belt, has
certainly noticed the difference in the camp since Sam Allardyce arrived as
manager and he is looking forward to the new season kicking-off. "He comes
with a good record, he is a bubbly character, energetic and enthusiastic
which are all good attributes," said Tomkins. "I'm looking forward to
working under him, learning and improving as a player myself. "I think we
need to look at getting straight back up. With the players we still have at
the club and the young lads that are coming in, hopefully with that
combination we can go straight back up, but obviously that starts with
Cardiff."

With only four recognised central defenders at the club, Tomkins is likely
to be first choice against the Bluebirds, but he is taking nothing for
granted. "We need to start well because this is a hard league to get out of,
but hopefully we can get straight back where the club belong and I can play
a big part in that."

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Baggies to miss out on Collison
by Setanta Staff , 26 July 2011
setanta.com

West Brom's bid to sign Jack Collison from West Ham looks as though it has
failed after the player's agent revealed he is set to stay. The Baggies had
been strongly linked with a move for the Wales international following the
Hammers relegation to the Championship, with reports indicating the
midfielder was extremely keen to stay in the Premier League. With West Ham
keen to reduce their wage bill it had been reported that a decent offer from
West Brom would persuade them to sell the 22-year-old Wales man. However,
Collison is now thought to be close to signing a new contract with the
Hammers to end any interest, his agent claiming the midfielder had been
impressed with new boss Sam Allardyce since he took over. "Talks over Jack's
contract are ongoing and we are hoping we will have a successful resolution
soon," John Mac told skysports.com. "Jack is enjoying pre-season and he has
been impressed with what Sam Allardyce has planned at West Ham. "He has also
been impressed by the signings of Kevin Nolan and Matt Taylor and he is
looking forward to the start of the season."

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Hammers offer £5m for Shane Long
Ken Dyer
26 Jul 2011
Evening Standard

West Ham have made a £5million bid for Reading's Shane Long. Manager Sam
Allardyce has prioritised signing a striker with Long, 24, high on his
wanted list. The Republic of Ireland international, who is in the final year
of his contract at Reading, has expressed a wish to play in the Premier
League and attracted interest from West Brom. That has not dissuaded West
Ham from testing the water with a £5m bid, with a further £3m in add-ons.
The Upton Park club have already spent more than £6m this summer, with Kevin
Nolan signing from Newcastle for £4m and Matt Taylor arriving from Bolton
last week in a £2.2m deal. West Ham are still waiting, however, for firm
offers for their three England internationals -goalkeeper Robert Green,
midfield star Scott Parker and striker Carlton Cole

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West Ham play Long game as Big Sam considers second bid for Reading striker
Shane
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 3:09 PM on 26th July 2011
Daily Mail

West Ham are weighing up a second bid for Reading striker Shane Long. The
Royals are believed to have turned down an initial offer of around £7million
with add-ons, for the 24-year-old. Long is in demand this summer after
hitting 25 goals last term. West Ham will face competition with Reading
having told him he can join a Barclays Premier League club, if the price is
right, after they failed to gain promotion. Top-flight sides West Bromwich,
Newcastle and Everton have been linked with moves for Long but Hammers boss
Sam Allardyce is hoping to persuade the Irishman to stay in the Championship
for one more season to spearhead their promotion bid. West Ham's
willingness to spend could also indicate some of their big earners may be on
their way out, with Stoke reportedly keen to resurrect their move for
Carlton Cole and Scott Parker still a target for Premier League clubs.

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Potters target wants Hammers stay
By Team Talk
Updated Tuesday, 26th July 2011
Stoke City RSS Feed

Jack Collison's agent is confident an agreement is near to tie the
midfielder to a new long-term contract at West Ham. Collison still has two
years to run on his current deal, but West Ham are keen to extend it to ward
off ward off potential suitors. A number of Premier League clubs, including
Stoke and West Brom, are thought to be monitoring Collison's situation at
Upton Park with the player returning to fitness at the back end of last
season. Collinson's agent, John Mac, has confirmed talks are ongoing and
that the player has been impressed by new Hammers boss Sam Allardyce. "Talks
over Jack's contract are ongoing and we are hoping we will have a successful
resolution soon," Mac told skysports.com. "Jack is enjoying pre-season and
he has been impressed with what Sam Allardyce has planned at West Ham.
"He has also been impressed by the signings of Kevin Nolan and Matt Taylor
and he is looking forward to the start of the season.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 26th July 2011

Three out of four aint bad
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 25th July 2011
By: Staff Writer

Three in four season ticket holders have renewed their seats for the
forthcoming Championship season. With West Ham facing a season in the
nation's second flight, season ticket numbers were expected to fall
dramatically. However a recent KUMB poll suggests that a whisker over 75 per
cent of existing season ticket holders booked their spaces ahead of the
club's extended deadline. With more than 15,000 supporters already signed
up, according to a club source, the club are well on course to beat the
number of season tickets sold last time United were relegated eight years
ago (some 17,000). However the figure of 24,000 tickets sold for last year's
Premier League season is extremely unlikely to be matched barring a late,
unexpected clamour for tickets. It had been feared that a good many of
supporters would refrain from renewing this year as a result of a string of
discounted tickets offered by the club and agency Viagogo last season.
However that particular concern appears to have failed to materialise.

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Hang the DJ
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 25th July 2011
By: Staff Writer

Long-term Hammers target DJ Campbell is set to sign for Queens Park Rangers.
Reports this afternoon suggest that the Blackpool striker, who scored 13
goals for the relegated club in the Premier League last season is set to
move to Loftus Road withink the next 48 hours. That news will come as a
major blow to West Ham, who have been tracking the striker for some
considerable time. United met Campbell's minimum fee release clause of
£1.25million several weeks ago and had been hoping that the former
Birmingham and Brentford striker would join the Hammers in the Championship.
However Campbell had made it clear earlier in pre-season that his preferred
choice would be to remain in the Premier League - and it appears that he has
managed to secure his move of choice. Meanwhile Danny Gabbidon, who left
West Ham at the end of his contract last month has also secured a move to
the Premier League's new boys. Gabbidon has signed a one-year deal with
Rangers.
The Welsh centre half becomes the second ex-Hammer to make the switch from
east to west London this summer, hot on the heels of fellow perennial
sicknote Kieron Dyer.

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Pair launch Puncheon bids
QPR and West Ham come in for out-of-favour Saints wideman
Last Updated: July 25, 2011 7:11pm
SSN

Skysports.com understands QPR and West Ham have both made bids for Jason
Puncheon. The 25-year-old Southampton winger is widely expected to be on the
move this summer having fallen out of favour at St Mary's. He spent the
second half of last season on loan to Blackpool and went on to score three
goals in 11 appearances for the Seasiders, but was unable to prevent Ian
Holloway's team being relegated from the Premier League. The former MK Dons,
Barnet and Plymouth player was linked with Portsmouth earlier this month,
but Pompey manager Steve Cotterill denied reports that he had made an
enquiry. But it now appears Puncheon could possibly make a quick-fire return
to the top flight with newly promoted QPR, who are keen to bolster their
ranks for the season ahead. And new West Ham boss Sam Allardyce seems to
have also targeted the wideman as he seeks to guide the Hammers back to the
Premier League at the first attempt.

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Rangers deal in Gabbidon
Warnock hands deal to defender
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated: July
25, 2011 4:21pm
SSN

Skysports.com understands Queens Park Rangers have signed Danny Gabbidon
after he impressed on trial. Gabbidon arrives at Loftus Road on a free
transfer after seeing out his contract at West Ham earlier this summer. As
revealed by skysports.com last week, Gabbidon linked up with QPR for
pre-season training and the Wales international has impressed Rangers boss
Neil Warnock. Warnock has handed Gabbidon a one-year deal with the option of
another 12 months, as he sees the experienced defender as a key addition to
his squad. Gabbidon is QPR's third free transfer signing of the summer
following the arrivals of Jay Bothroyd and Kieron Dyer.

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Big Sam warns Spurs over star
No bids on the table for Parker
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated: July
25, 2011 8:32am
SSN

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has warned Tottenham not to wait too long if
they want to sign Scott Parker. Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has never
hidden his interest in Parker, but conceded a deal could be difficult due to
the finances involved. Parker is expected to leave Upton Park this summer as
he seeks to stay in the Premier League following West Ham's relegation to
the Championship. However, Allardyce insists if Spurs leave it until the
last minute to swoop for Parker they will be left disappointed.

Worry

"It is a worry that Spurs might wait until the last minute because it would
be the wrong time to do it," said Allardyce. "There are no bids for Scott at
the moment so we continue to improve him as if he is going to start the
season in our team, until such time as somebody bids the right money that
would be acceptable to the club."
"So if Harry is listening, or anyone at Tottenham, watch out, don't be
waiting that long because you won't be able to do it." West Ham expect
Parker to move on before the close of the transfer window, but Allardyce
claims there are no bids on the table for the England international.

No bids

"There are no bids for Scott at the moment so we continue to improve him as
if he is going to start the season in our team, until such time as somebody
bids the right money that would be acceptable to the club," added Allardyce.
"It's like that for every player at ever club. There is speculation and that
will continue right through to the 31st of August unfortunately, but that is
the way it is. "We need to deal with it, it is very, very difficult indeed,
but there is not a lot we can do about it."

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QPR snap up Danny Gabbidon
Published: 25 Jul 2011
The Sun

DANNY GABBIDON has joined Premier League newcomers QPR on a free transfer.
Gabbidon, 31, was without a club after his West Ham contract expired earlier
this summer. The Welsh international had been training with Neil Warnock's
men in Cornwall and featured in three friendlies before being handed a
one-year deal. Gabbidon said: "I'm delighted to be here. It's a good club
and hopefully I can learn more about it in the coming weeks. "I had a good
week with the lads in Cornwall and I'm pleased to have signed. "My agent
spoke to the manager and he said to come down and train for a week, so it
went from there. "Warnock was a big part in me joining the club — I've been
quite impressed by him. "He's straight talking, which I like. If you're
doing something right I think he'll be the first to tell you and, if you're
not, he'll be the first to tell you again. "As a player, that's what you
want. I was impressed with what he had to say about the club and what he
wants to do this season." Warnock added: "I think he's just the type of
player we need — a quality defender with plenty of experience. "I hope I can
reinvigorate his career because a couple of years ago I thought he was one
of the best defenders in the country."

Gabbidon knows all about the harsh reality of relegation after seeing the
Hammers slip out of the top flight last season. But he believes QPR have
every chance of avoiding an instant return to the Championship. The
centre-back said: "I think we can do well. The lads showed last season that
they're already confident and hungry to do well in the Premier League.
"Hopefully I can bring experience to the table having played in the top
flight for a number of years. "I know the ins and outs of the league and
what's required. "There are a lot of good players here already but
hopefully, with my ability, I can add something to the team."

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Nolan desperate for West Ham to get back where they belong
London 24
Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent
Monday, July 25, 2011
11:00 AM

New Hammers midfielder Kevin Nolan is slowly returning to fitness in time
for the new season at Upton Park. West Ham captain-in-waiting Kevin Nolan
says he can't wait for the new season to start so he begin the task of
getting the Hammers and their fans back where they belong – in the Premier
League. The 29-year-old Liverpudlian played his first 90 minutes in claret
and blue at Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday and he admits that he is slowly
getting back to something like fitness after a long break from football. "I
was just happy to get 90 minutes, it was my first of pre-season," admitted
Nolan, who was plucked from Premier League side Newcastle United in the
summer in a £3million deal. "I had an hour in Copenhagen the other day, so
just to get the 90 today helps with the old muscles and the sharpness coming
in."

Nolan missed the last two weeks of Newcastle's Premier league campaign with
injury and he admitted he was feeling the rust when he first returned to
training with West Ham. "My first 45 minutes against Basel I thought I was
going to die," laughed Nolan. "I hadn't done anything for eight and a half
weeks, I had about three football sessions so I really felt it. "To be where
I am now, 10 or 11 days later, it is a big thumbs up to the medical team, to
the staff and the fitness coaches and how they are working me, so hopefully
come two weeks time I will be hoping to be near enough there to be ready.
"You are never 100 per cent when you get back there, but hopefully I will be
at the top end, so we will be ready for Cardiff and get off to a bright
start."

Nolan played alongside footballer of the year Scott Parker at Wycombe on
Saturday, a mouthwatering prospect for all West Ham fans and the pair
eventually stamped their mark on the game, though it did take a while as
Nolan freely admits. "Against Wycombe I think the start was a bit lacklustre
for us, but I think throughout we made sure we were solid, we didn't concede
again which is a pleasing thing and as the game wore on I think we were the
stronger of the two sides which is very pleasing."

Nolan went close on a couple of occasions on Saturday, and West Ham fans are
only too aware from past experience, that the combative midfielder has a
habit of notching the goals. He scored 30 in 91 appearances for Newcastle
United and boasts a superb record against the Hammers of four goals both for
the Magpies and for Bolton. "I've played at Upton Park for a number of years
and scored a few goals against them and hopefully I will score a lot more
goals for them," said Nolan. "It has always been a nice ground for me, so
hopefully it will be in the future. "Against Wycombe on another day I could
have had a couple of goals and I'm putting that down to the fact that it was
my first 90 minutes. I said to the gaffer, 'wait till we get to competitive
games, that's when you can have a go at me over that'."

The competitive games are just around the corner and Nolan is already
champing at the bit. "I'm just really looking forward to the season now and
getting my teeth into it," he said. "I've moved down here, got my flat, so I
am right in the thick of things and looking forward to it." Nolan may have
moved from the north east to east London, but for him one thing is the same
and that is the passion of the fans. "This is a fantastic club," he said.
"There was never a doubt for me once I knew that West Ham were in for me and
all the personal terms were sorted. It was just a fantastic move for me.
"The passion and everything at the club is amazing. I think everyone I've
seen, every taxi driver, everyone is a West Ham supporter. "At Newcastle I
had a fantastic two and a half years. I was delighted to be captain there
and now to come here and you have got a set of fans who are exactly the
same. "I'm just hoping now that I can be as successful here as I was there
and make sure that I can help get this team and these supporters back where
they belong."

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Stoke ready to move back in for West Ham star Cole
TalkSPort
By Ian Abrahams
Monday, July 25

Stoke are poised to resurrect their interest in West Ham star Carlton Cole.
It looked as though the £6million move for the England striker had fallen
through last week, with the Potters unwilling to meet the former Chelsea
forward's wage demands. Cole is thought to be on around £40,000 at Upton
Park, and is also rumoured to be on a hefty goal bonus, and is unwilling to
take a signifcant pay cut. But Britannia Stadium boss Tony Pulis, who has
said he wants to sign five new players before the start of the season, is
considering a second approach to the 27-year-old as he looks to bolster his
striking options.

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Former Newcastle midfielder Nolan eager to impress for West Ham
1:40pm Monday 25th July 2011
Guardian Series
By Simon Mail »

New signing Kevin Nolan insists he had no doubts about dropping down to the
Championship with West Ham. The midfielder moved from Newcastle United this
summer and completed his first 90 minutes as captain for the Hammers in
their 0-0 draw at Wycombe on Saturday. Nolan said: "West Ham are a fantastic
club. Once I knew they were in for me there was never any doubt from me. It
was just a fantastic move for me. I've played here for a number of years and
scored a few goals against them. I hope to score a lot more goals for them
now. It was always a nice ground for me so hopefully it will be for me now.
"Everyone I've seen, even taxi drivers, has been a West Ham supporter. I
don't think I've met anyone else so I'm just really looking forward to
getting on with the season now and getting my teeth into it. I've moved down
here and got my flat so I'm looking forward to it. "I had a fantastic two
and a half years at Newcastle. The fans were terrific and I was delighted to
be captain there. "To come here, I'm just hoping I can be as successful here
as what I was there and make sure we get this team and supporters back to
where they belong, because they turned out again in great voice and deserved
to be in the Premier League."

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West Ham bid £8m for Reading striker Shane Long
West Brom also interested in player but yet to make firm offer
Midlands club close to taking Birmingham's Ben Foster on loan
Stuart James
guardian.co.uk, Monday 25 July 2011 23.46 BST

West Bromwich Albion are edging closer to signing Ben Foster on loan from
Birmingham City but are running the risk of missing out on another of their
targets after West Ham United entered the race to sign Shane Long by making
a £8m bid for the highly rated Reading striker. Roy Hodgson, the Albion
manager, is an admirer of Long and would like to add him to his squad but
the Midlands club have failed to turn their interest in the Republic of
Ireland international into a concrete bid. Several other Premier League
clubs, including Newcastle United, are also tracking Long, who scored 21
goals in the Championship last season. It is understood that West Ham's
offer values Long at about £5m, with the remaining £3m to follow in add-ons.
Reading are almost resigned to losing the 24-year-old, who has 12 months
remaining on his contract.

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QPR snap up Danny Gabbidon on free transfer from West Ham
Danny Gabbidon joins QPR after leaving West Ham
Wales defender had already been training with Rangers
guardian.co.uk, Monday 25 July 2011 15.53 BST

Queens Park Rangers have signed the Wales defender Danny Gabbidon from West
Ham United on a free transfer. The 31-year-old centre-half has signed a
one-year deal with the Premier League newcomers after his contract at Upton
Park expired this summer. Gabbidon had been training with QPR already and
played in three friendlies on the club's recent tour of Cornwall before on
Monday joining Jay Bothroyd and Kieron Dyer in signing for Neil Warnock's
side. Gabbidon told the QPR website: "I'm delighted to be here. It's a good
club. Hopefully I can learn more about it in the coming weeks. I had a good
week with the lads in Cornwall and I'm pleased to have signed. "My agent
spoke to the manager and he said to come down and train for a week. It went
from there. He [Warnock] was a big part in me joining the club. I've been
quite impressed by him. He's straight talking, which I like. If you're doing
something right I think he'll be the first to tell you and, if you're not,
he'll be the first to tell you again. "As a player, that's what you want. I
was impressed with what he had to say about the club and what he wants to do
this season. I think we can do well. The lads showed last season that
they're already confident and hungry to do well in the Premier League."

The Welshman added: "Hopefully, I can bring experience to the table having
played in the Premier League for a number of years. I know the ins and outs
of the league, and what's required. There are a lot of good players here
already but hopefully, with my ability, I can add something to the team."
Warnock said: "He's impressed me in the last 10 days or so that he's been
training with us. I think he's just the type of player we need – a quality
defender with plenty of experience.
"I hope I can reinvigorate his career, because a couple of years ago I
thought he was one of the best defenders in the country."

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