Thursday, August 4

Daily WHUFC News - II 4th August 2011

Skipper knows the score
WHUFC.com
He may be used to banging in the goals himself but the captain is focused on
the team doing the business
04.08.2011

Kevin Nolan has revealed he is setting no personal targets for the season
other than the collective ambition of achieving promotion with the team.
Much has been made of Sam Allardyce's new skipper's goalscoring prowess in
the last two campaigns at Newcastle United. He scored 12 Premier League
goals last season and before that hit 17 in the Magpies' successful npower
Championship promotion campaign. He said: "[I am setting] no targets, well
none I am going to make public anyway, I will keep that to myself! - but
hopefully I can get into good goal figures and help the likes of Piq
[Freddie Piquionne], Coley [Carlton Cole] and the other lads. "If I can chip
in great, but first and foremost, we have got to make sure we are winning
games, that is the key, that the winning mentality comes back and hope that
this starts on Sunday against Cardiff."

Nolan has yet to register in the claret and blue, but said the main thing
has been to see the squad on a high after the disappointment of last season.
Confidence was boosted by last Saturday's 2-0 win against Real Zaragoza. "We
were delighted with the win and the clean sheet - two very good goals, job
done really so hopefully we can take this into this week's training and it
enables us to be ready for Cardiff. "I think that obviously when you go
down, it is tough on everyone at the club and players - people don't realise
but they do find that tough, it does live with you. So I think when we came
in on the first day it was all about doing things the right way, everybody
enjoying being here and everyone having a smile on their face coming to work
every day, ready to work hard and enjoy what we are all doing. "I think that
is something that Sam does bring in abundance, making sure you are happy
with everyday life as well as on the training pitch and games. "The lads
seem to have responded very well to that - it is a good group. You know I
was a bit surprised, I was half expecting maybe to find it hard, you know
teams go down, everyone is low, there may be a few cliques here and there,
but there is none of that there. "The lads are really up for it all and
there's a lot for us to prove and I think although this is positive, we must
remain grounded, we work hard and get to where we want to be and that is the
Premier League again at the end of the season."

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Championship title betting preview
Bwinbetting.com looks at the main contenders in the Championship title
betting market.

While West Ham and Leicester are strong favourites to finish first in bwin's
Championship title betting market, the competitive nature of the league
means they are unlikely to be the only sides in the mix. With Nottingham
Forest, Brighton and Middlesbrough expected to mount the most credible
challenges, bwinbetting.com takes a look at the cases for each of the main
contenders.

Team: West Ham
Title odds: 4/1

West Ham's title chances were expected to be hit by the loss of several key
players in the wake of their relegation from the Premier League last season.
However, not only are the likes of Scott Parker, Carlton Cole and Robert
Green still at the club, but they have added some impressive names to their
squad. With the arrivals of Kevin Nolan, Joey O'Brien, Matthew Taylor,
Abdoulaye Faye and new manager Sam Allardyce, West Ham are arguably as
strong now as they were this time last season. Although Parker could still
move on before the end of the transfer window, the decision of West Ham's
owners to invest in order to ensure the club returns to the Premier League
as soon as possible looks set to pay dividends. Expect former Newcastle star
Nolan to have a second Championship winners' medal in three years around his
neck come May.

Team: Leicester
Title odds: 4/1

Like West Ham, Leicester's owners have provided their manager with
significant funds to give him the best opportunity of winning promotion.
Foxes boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is no stranger to splashing the cash and has
invested big money in Sean St Ledger, Paul Konchesky, Matthew Mills, Kasper
Schmeichel and Lee Peltier while bringing in Michael Johnson on loan and
John Pantsil, David Nugent and Neil Danns on frees. Ordinarily, a note of
caution should be sounded about how you can't buy success, but the Swede
showed his aptitude for quickly gelling a new group of players during his
time at Manchester City. Should he do the same at the King Power Stadium
then Leicester certainly have the quality to derail West Ham's title push,
although an automatic promotion spot might be the more likely outcome.

Team: Nottm Forest
Title odds: 11/1

Forest's second successive failure in the play-offs brought an end to Billy
Davies' tenure at the club, with former England boss Steve McClaren brought
in with the brief of getting the two-time European Cup winners back into the
top flight. Although they lost Robert Earnshaw to Cardiff and Nathan Tyson
to Derby, McClaren has brought quality in the shape of Andy Reid, George
Boateng and Jonathan Greening to the Forest ranks. However, he says he is
"frustrated" in his ability to add more bodies to his squad, suggesting
another play-off spot could be the best Forest fans can hope for.

Team: Brighton
Title odds: 14/1

Norwich, Leeds and Millwall all showed it is possible to push for promotion
to the Premier League in the year after escaping from League One, with the
Canaries sealing second spot in the table last season and both Leeds and
Millwall challenging for a play-off place until late on. With this in mind,
Gus Poyet's Brighton could be the surprise Championship packages this year
after storming to the 2011 League One title playing an attractive brand of
football. They might have lost Elliott Bennett to Norwich, but the capture
of Craig Mackail-Smith shows the Seagulls' ambition, and with a new stadium
to play in Brighton could upset the established order in their first season
Championship season since 2006.

Team: Middlesbrough
Title odds: 14/1

Middlesbrough have not even come close to winning promotion back to the
Premier League following relegation in 2009, finishing 11th and 12th in
their two seasons in the Championship since then. However, four straight
wins at the end of the last campaign suggested manager Tony Mowbray was
starting to have a positive impact, and despite continued budgetary
constraints Boro are expected to continue this form into the new season.
That said, a title challenge might be beyond them and Boro fans might have
to content themselves with a place in the top six.

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Sven fears Long is Prem bound
Leicester chief thinks Reading striker will go top-flight
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated:
August 4, 2011 9:12am
SSN

Sven Goran Eriksson fears striking target Shane Long is destined for the
Premier League. Skysports.com revealed that the Foxes had launched a bid for
the Irish international, who has also been targeted by Championship rivals
West Ham. But with the likes of West Brom, Sunderland, Everton and Newcastle
also linked, Eriksson fears the lure of the top-flight will see the Reading
man reject their advances. "Long is one on the list but he may end up in the
Premier League," said Eriksson. "We are working on one or two more and if we
do then it's going to be a big name."

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West Ham's Big Gamble
Alex V 11:09 Wed Aug 3
West Ham Online

I can't be the only fan who wanted relegation to signal a clear-out and a
return to basics. I wanted a clear re-engagement with the process of
promoting a home-grown team with long-term progress based on our well-known
high standard of technical coaching of young players. I wanted less churn of
players, and I wanted less reliance on short-term impact signings on high
wages. The only major investment I wanted was in training facilities, to
give us a better chance of training up a better class of player for the
future.

Clearly Gold, Sullivan and the other owners have different ideas, and who
could really blame them. With a huge investment in a football club, and with
the prospect of a big stadium to fill on the horizon, the priority is simply
promotion. At all costs. Sod the future, this is now.

It's hard to fully assess the scale of our gamble on immediate promotion,
but I think at this level it is pretty much unprecedented. Rather than just
shifting high earners off the wage bill, we are replacing them with
Premier-league players who are probably on Premiership wages. Of course a
lot of high-earners have left, but some high-earners have come in. I can't
remember any relegated team in recent memory taking such an aggressive
transfer policy. The likes of Nolan, Faye and Taylor look like fantastic
players for this level, but they need to be - if their ability fails to
materialise or injury hampers their progress, they could end up just as
fatal a drain on the club's resources as Dyer or McCarthy. Even the familiar
relegation fire-sale has simply not occured as yet - only Da Costa and Kovac
have left the club for fairly meagre fees. Compare that to our last
relegation when nearly twenty million had been recouped on player sales
before a ball had been kicked in the Championship.

This gamble scares me. It should worry any West Ham fan. If you think 'money
matters' don't concern us fans, ask the supporters of Portsmouth, Preston,
Sheffield Wednesday, Southampton or Leeds, or any of the huge number of
clubs who have slipped into administration in recent years. Remember our own
very recent financial problems. I have to ask whether any club in the
championship could ever really hope to survive paying out £40-50k per week
to one player - we probably have 4 or 5 on that figure or more. Our wage
bill must be totally unsustainable at this level - Indeed I doubt our
current spending on wages would even be allowed under UEFA wage restraint
rules coming in next season.

On one hand I feel like we're a horrible example of what's gone wrong in the
modern game - unsustainable spending chasing unsustainable goals, totally at
odds with what made the sport great in the first place. It's categorically
not what I personally wanted the club to do, and I think it's a cul-de-sac
in terms of genuinely setting up the club for success.

On the other hand I want us to win the league. We have the squad to do it
right now. It could be an incredibly exciting season.

But the championship is undoubtedly a lot tougher as a league than five
years ago when we struggled to a fortuitous promotion under Pardew. Most of
us surely remember the uncertainties of facing tough organised sides week
after week, playing their biggest match of the season against West Ham, and
often raising their game for it. It's all very well being up for the season
right now, but when the fixtures pile up in Winter there will be no
feel-good factor whatsoever.

The biggest problem in terms of our prospects is the problem of having to
assemble a fair old chunk of our squad almost from scratch in the space of a
few weeks. No championship club has seen as many changes as we have. We will
be the least familiar set of players in the league next Sunday, the least
integrated team, a group with a new manager and a new pattern of play and
with no record of succeeding at it. That's a hell of a lot of question
marks. Add to that the uncertainties of who will leave and who will come in
before the transfer window ends. It's been indicated that any player who
leaves the club will have to be replaced, with at least a couple more
signings promised even before that happens. If we don't get promoted, this
incredible churn of players will be a prime reason for the failure.

Yet we still find ourselves favourites for promotion. We have clearly the
best squad in the division, almost whatever happens in the next few weeks.
No other championship team would even consider the prospect of buying a
player like Kevin Nolan. We still have three recent England Internationals
at the club. I think we already have a first team that would be considered
good enough to survive in the Premiership. If we close the window with
anything like what we've got at the moment, we cannot fail to be a force at
this level. If we hit the ground running we have the quality to run away
with the division, definitely.

But if Christmas comes and we're only hovering in and around the play-off
places, I fear for our future - I think the house of cards might collapse.
There's only so long you can hang on to Premiership-quality players without
a genuine guarantee of success. And six months of treading water in the
championship is hardly likely to inflate any player's value in the transfer
market. It will be a whole new rebuilding process all over again, and how
many at the club have the stomach for that sort of process? Financially
overstretched, we will be stuck in a position that many clubs have totally
failed to recover from in the past.

One day I want to see the club in the position where it isn't one wrong turn
away from relative oblivion, administration or worse. At the moment we are
one broken promise away from disaster, clinging on desperately to the hope
that our 'benefactors' can bail us out of the relegation black hole, which
will only get deeper and wider the more we cling on to this big-spending
policy. It's absolutely nothing to be proud of, but fingers-and-toes-crossed
I hope it works this season.

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Andy Johnson, John Carew or David Ngog?
August 4th, 2011 - 8:20 am by S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die

Reports yesterday suggested that West Ham have abandoned the attempt to sign
Reading's Shane Long. Instead, Sam Allardyce's attention seems to have
shifted to Fulham's Andy Johnson. Johnson is in the final year of his
contract at Fulham and West Ham have allegedly submitted an initial £2m bid.
However, it has been reported that WBA are also interested in acquiring
Johnson, if they cannot manage to strike a deal for Long. Will Johnson
return to the West Midlands (he is a former Birmingham City player?) or can
Sam Allardyce persuade him to drop down to the Championship to give West
Ham's promotion push the extra cutting edge that it needs?

Other reports have suggested that West Ham retain an interest in landing
former Villa centre forward John Carew on a free transfer. If so, it is
currently unclear whether this will mean an exit for Cole or Piquionne?
Within this context, Stoke City are supposedly still interested in striking
a deal for Cole, while Sunderland have apparently made an enquiry about
Piquionne's availability. It seems that any real prospect of a deal with
Stoke City, for Cole's services, are gone; and I would not be at all
surprised if he remains at the club next season. However, perhaps the club
might be tempted to cash in on Piquionne if the transfer fee, offered by
Sunderland, was substantial enough?

An intriguing third possibility mooted yesterday in the media, was a £3.5m
move for Liverpool striker David Ngog. Ngog is way down the Liverpool
striking pecking order and could be a realistic Hammers target, perhaps in
tandem with Andy Johnson?

Sam Allardyce has stated that reinforcing his attack is his number one
priority. He appears to be reasonably happy with the rest of his squad, but
needs to boost the strike force. Are Johnson, Carew and Ngog the right
calibre of potential target? Can they be instrumental in firing West Ham
back to the PL? Or are there better alternatives out there?

SJ. Chandos.

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Faye set to make West Ham comeback against Grays tonight
London 24
Nathaniel John
Thursday, August 4, 2011
11:18 AM

Abdoulaye Faye is set to return from his hamstring injury tonight to make
only his second appearance in a Hammers shirt, as Ian Hendon takes a West
Ham XI to play Grays Athletic. Defender Faye, who joined the Hammers from
Stoke City this summer, has been out of action since the first game of West
Ham's Switzerland pre-season tour against BSC Young Boys, when the
32-year-old was withdrawn at half time. However, having made a full recovery
from the hamstring complaint, Faye returned to full training on Monday and
is hoping to prove his fitness tonight, in time for Sunday's Championship
opener against Cardiff City at Upton Park. Hendon could have a number of
other players with first-team experience at his disposal for the game in
south Essex, including Junior Stanislas, Zavon Hines and Frank Nouble.
Cristian Montano – one of only two players to have played every first-team
pre-season game so far – is also included in the squad alongside youngsters
Olly Lee, George Moncur and Sebastien Lletget. However, Mikael Forssell, who
is currently on trial with the Hammers, is unlikely to make his debut
tonight at the game being played at East Thurrock FC, kicking off at 7.45pm.

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Scott Parker not in West Ham's plans as Spurs and Arsenal bids 'expected'
Metro.co.uk

Scott Parker looks set to leave West Ham as Sam Allardyce is expecting an
offer to come that will match the club's valuation of the midfielder. There
is a great deal of interest in the England midfielder, but so far the offers
made have not matched the value the club's owners have put on Parker. North
London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal are rumoured to be leading the race to
secure the 30-year-old's services next season. The West Ham boss said if the
club's valuation is met, and the player wants to leave, he will go, so he is
currently planning for life without the talismanic midfielder. An indication
of the likelihood of Parker's departure is the fact that Allardyce has
overlooked him for the position of captain, preferring to offer Kevin Nolan,
who he bought from Newcastle for £4.5 million this summer, the honour of
leading the Hammers.
It is thought that Parker may need to move to a Premier League club in order
to secure his spot in Fabio Capello's England squad for upcoming qualifiers.
However, West Ham fans were given some hope in recent days, as the
midfielder said he was committed to helping the club regain its Premier
League status by securing promotion from the Championship

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Football Hero Sir Geoff To Play Agent In Film
3Comments
12:18pm UK, Thursday August 04, 2011
Sky News

Sir Geoff Hurst is set to become a star on the screen as well as on the
pitch after landing a role in a movie. The 69-year-old sporting hero has
been cast in Payback Season as a football agent called Adam Avely. The film
follows Jerome Davies, played by Kidulthood star Adam Deacon, who struggles
when he swaps his council estate upbringing for a career as a professional
footballer. Writer and Director Danny Donnelly said: "As an avid football
fan and lifelong West Ham Supporter, working with Geoff Hurst is an amazing
development. "I can't wait to see him on our set and have the opportunity to
work with him." Producer Justin King added: "Sir Geoff Hurst is one of this
country's true footballing heroes and to include him in the Payback Season
is an honour for all involved on the feature."

The film also stars Donkey Punch actress Nichola Burley and The Chronicles
of Narnia's Anna Popplewell. Sir Geoff made history in 1966 as the only
player to have scored a hat-trick in a World Cup final, helping England win
against Germany 4-2. He is not the first footballer to make the move onto
the big screen - Vinnie Jones has carved out a career as an actor in films
including Snatch and Mean Machine. Eric Cantona starred in the 2009 film
Looking for Eric, playing a version of himself offering philosophical advice
to a postman.

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Stoke City move for Scott Parker could help West Ham sign Joey Barton
Stoke make inquiry about 30-year-old midfielder Parker
Fee could be used to fund free-transfer signing of Barton
Jamie Jackson
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 4 August 2011 12.31 BST

Stoke City have inquired about Scott Parker, who is valued no lower than £8m
by West Ham United, with any move for the 30-year-old likely to free up the
Hammers to explore signing Joey Barton on a free transfer from Newcastle
United. Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal all retain an interest in
Parker. But the interest from Aston Villa – who offered £7m this summer –
and from Chelsea – who considered a bid, or a loan deal for Parker – appears
to have cooled. Stoke nearly signed the West Ham striker Carlton Cole this
summer only for the player to decide against the move, and Parker may be
reluctant to move to the Potteries.

West Ham will not accept any less than £8m for Parker, who has three years
remaining on his contract at Upton Park, due to the £40m hole in their
finances that relegation has caused. By the end of August West Ham will have
injected around £18m for cash flow and wages purposes. If Parker were to
depart, Barton would cost West Ham nothing after the controversial
midfielder was told he can leave for free due to his dispute with the
hierarchy on Tyneside. This follows a bust-up with management and series of
tweets in which he has criticised the board.

Were he to join West Ham, he would be reunited with his former Newcastle
team-mate Kevin Nolan and the manager, Sam Allardyce, who signed Barton from
Manchester City. Nolan, the new West Ham captain, wants to continue his
goalscoring form of the previous two seasons. Last season the attacking
midfielder managed 12 in the Premier League for Newcastle, having collected
17 when the club was promoted two years ago. He told the West Ham website:
"[I am setting] no targets, well none I am going to make public anyway, but
hopefully I can get into good goal figures and help the likes of Piq
[Freddie Piquionne], Coley [Carlton Cole] and the other lads. "If I can chip
in great but first and foremost we have got to make sure we are winning
games. That is the key, that the winning mentality comes back and hope that
this starts on Sunday against Cardiff [in their first Championship
fixture]."

Nolan praised the spirit at the club since joining this summer. "Obviously
when you go down, it is tough on everyone at the club and players – people
don't realise but they do find that tough, it does live with you. So I think
when we came in on the first day it was all about doing things the right
way, everybody enjoying being here and everyone having a smile on their face
coming to work every day, ready to work hard and enjoy what we are all
doing.

"That is something that Sam [Allardyce, the manager] does bring in
abundance, making sure you are happy with everyday life as well as on the
training pitch and games. The lads seem to have responded very well to that
– it is a good group. You know I was a bit surprised, I was half expecting
maybe to find it hard. You know teams go down, everyone is low, there may be
a few cliques here and there, but there is none of that there. "There's a
lot for us to prove and although this is positive, we must remain grounded,
we work hard and get to where we want to be and that is the Premier League
again at the end of the season."

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West Ham's Cole to Fulham?
London24
Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent
Thursday, August 4, 2011
12:34 PM

Hammers striker Carlton Cole has been linked with a move to Craven Cottage,
with Andy Johnson coming in the other direction. Rumours that Carlton Cole
may be heading back to the Premier League with Fulham have been dismissed by
both Cottagers boss Martin Jol and insiders at West Ham. The 27-year-old
England striker turned down a move to Stoke City last month after a fee had
been agreed between the two clubs, but now Fulham are said to be interested
in bolstrering their forward line with Cole, who scored 11 goals for the
relegated Hammers last season. Fulham striker Andy Johnson is said to be a
makeweight in any deal between the two clubs, but Jol insisted that despite
the stories, he was not looking at the striker. "We haven't made a bid for
him," insisted the Fulham boss. "I hope this won't sound harsh, but we are
not interested in him at the moment." A West Ham source also suggested that
the move was a non-starter. Part of the reason that Cole turned down a
possible move to the Britannia Stadium was his desire to remain in London,
but though a move to Fulham would do that, allowing him to team up once
again with former Hammers striker Bobby Zamora, his pledge to stay with West
Ham is likely to keep him at Upton Park, at least until January.

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West Ham United rival Bolton Wanderers for Liverpool striker Ngog
by Jack Failsworth. Published Thu 04 Aug 2011 13:53, Last updated:
2011-08-04
ClickLancashire.com

According to reports Bolton Wanderers target David Ngog is interesting West
Ham United. Wanderers boss is understood to be eyeing the out-of-favour
Liverpool striker. The Sun claims Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is also
interested and is ready to make a move. However, it seems the Championship
outfit have told Liverpool they will need to lower their £5.5million
valuation of the French star. And they are also trying to persuade the
player to drop his £45k-per-week wage demands.

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West Ham talk to police over 'unlawful' Spurs conduct
ESPN staff
August 4, 2011

Tottenham could find themselves in a fierce legal battle with West Ham after
the Hammers confirmed they are in talks with police regarding the
possibility of Spurs employing a private investigator during the two clubs'
battle for the Olympic Stadium. West Ham won the right to move into the
Olympic Stadium, but there is belief by the east London club that Spurs may
have "acted unlawfully". A statement released by the Hammers served warning
to Tottenham that legal action could follow. "West Ham remain in contact
with police with regard to the serious matter of a private investigator
acting unlawfully, reportedly under instruction by Tottenham Hotspur," read
a statement. "This matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness by
the club, especially given the methods claimed to have been used to obtain
this personal information in relation to reported breaches of the Data
Protection Act - as a result of the unlawful acquisition of bank and
telephone records belonging to senior executives at the club and the Olympic
Park Legacy Company. "This activity, if proven, can attract custodial
sentences for the perpetrators."

West Ham also announced that "independent" legal experts have advised the
club that nothing should stop them taking over the Olympic Stadium, despite
challenges from Spurs and Leyton Orient and allegations of insider dealings.
The Hammers hired "external counsel" from prestigious barristers Blackstone
Chambers to conduct the in-depth legal evaluation, with the club releasing a
statement on Wednesday outlining its findings. "An independent barrister's
investigation has found nothing that compromises the integrity of the
decision to make West Ham United the preferred bidder for the Olympic
Stadium," the statement read. "The findings - which completely exonerate the
club over the matter and showed it acted lawfully at all times - came after
the consideration of all relevant correspondence and documentation, along
with statements from all relevant officials. The barrister had total and
unfettered access to all emails and other documents sent and received, along
with any information required. "The report found no confidential information
was passed by the OPLC [Olympic Park Legacy Committee] to West Ham United
through Ms [Dionne] Knight (an OPLC employee who was paid for consultancy
work by West Ham). Similarly, it found that no person at the club has at any
point considered themselves to have an improper source of information or
influence within the OPLC. "With regard to Ms Knight, by far the bulk of the
invoiced work took place after the decision of the OPLC to confer preferred
bidder status and consisted of the transparent preparation of extensive
procurement-related documentation."

The West Ham statement added: "It concluded firmly that Ms Knight's work had
in no way affected the integrity of the joint West Ham United-London Borough
of Newham bid which was approved by the Olympic Park Legacy Company."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 4th August 2011

West Ham United statement
WHUFC.com
An independent barrister's investigation has revealed its findings regarding
preferred bidder status
03.08.2011

An independent barrister's investigation has found nothing that compromises
the integrity of the decision to make West Ham United the preferred bidder
for the Olympic Stadium. The club tasked external counsel from the highly
prestigious Blackstone Chambers to conduct the in-depth process. The inquiry
was launched last month and considered the work undertaken by Dionne Knight
on behalf of the club in relation to the procurement of a construction
partner after the 2012 Olympic Games. It concluded firmly that Ms Knight's
work had in no way affected the integrity of the joint West Ham
United-London Borough of Newham bid which was approved by the Olympic Park
Legacy Company.

The findings - which completely exonerate the club over the matter and
showed it acted lawfully at all times - came after the consideration of all
relevant correspondence and documentation, along with statements from all
relevant officials. The barrister had total and unfettered access to all
emails and other documents sent and received, along with any information
required.

The report found no confidential information was passed by the OPLC to West
Ham United through Ms Knight. Similarly, it found that no person at the club
has at any point considered themselves to have an improper source of
information or influence within the OPLC. With regard to Ms Knight, by far
the bulk of the invoiced work took place after the decision of the OPLC to
confer preferred bidder status and consisted of the transparent preparation
of extensive procurement-related documentation.

West Ham United have handed over the contents of the entire independent
investigation to the OPLC as they are conducting their own separate inquiry
into the matter.
Separately, West Ham remain in contact with Police with regard to the
serious matter of a private investigator acting unlawfully, reportedly under
instruction by Tottenham Hotspur.

This matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness by the club,
especially given the methods claimed to have been used to obtain this
personal information in relation to reported breaches of the Data Protection
Act as a result of the unlawful acquisition of bank and telephone records
belonging to senior executives at the club and the OPLC.

This activity, if proven, constitutes serious criminal conduct and can
attract custodial sentences for perpetrators of the crime. In addition to
the Police, the matter is also now in the hands of the Information
Commissioner's Office, which investigates allegations of data protection
offences.

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Hammers to play Grays
WHUFC.com
Junior Stanislas could be among the first-teamers on view when the Hammers
play Grays on Thursday
03.08.2011

Ian Hendon will take a West Ham United XI to south Essex on Thursday night
to take on Grays Athletic. The coach could have a number of players with
first-team experience at his disposal including the likes of Junior
Stanislas, Zavon Hines and Frank Nouble. Promising youngsters such as Oliver
Lee, George Moncur, Sebastian Lletget and Cristian Montano could also
feature at Rookery Hill for the 7.45pm kick-off. The last time the teams met
was a pre-season friendly in July 2009 when more than 3,000 watched the
Hammers run out 2-1 winners. Tickets are priced at £1 for Under-14s,
concessions are £5 and adults are £8. The full address for the match is East
Thurrock United FC, Rookery Hill, Corringham, SS17 9LB.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jordan joins Robins
WHUFC.com
Jordan Spence has joined npower Championship side Bristol City on a
season-long loan
03.08.2011

Jordan Spence has joined npower Championship side Bristol City on a
season-long loan with a right of recall on 1 January. The England Under-21
defender enjoyed an impressive spell with The Robins last season, making
eleven league appearances for Keith Millen's side. Spence returned to the
Boleyn Ground in early May, starting West Ham United's final two Premier
League fixtures against Wigan Athletic and Sunderland. He has been a regular
under Sam Allardyce as well this summer, both at right-back and as a central
defender. Speaking to whufc.com, Spence said: "It is a good opportunity for
me, especially at this time. I have spoken to the manager and we both agree
that it is better that I am playing games all the time. "This loan move
gives me the chance to do that and if I am called back, then I know I have
been playing regularly. I know it helped me when I came back last season
after being on loan. The manager at Bristol City knows me and wanted me to
come back down, so I am going to work hard and hopefully do well."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Luis Boa Morte leaves West Ham United
Page last updated at 11:58 GMT, Wednesday, 3 August 2011 12:58 UK
BBC.co.uk

Luis Boa Morte has left West Ham United by mutual consent, the Championship
club have confirmed. The Portuguese midfielder, 33, still had a year left on
his contract at Upton Park but has been released to pursue a new opportunity
abroad. Boa Morte, who joined the Hammers in 2007, told the club website: "I
am sad to leave West Ham as I have made a lot of friends here. "It's also a
sad day to leave playing football in England after 14 years."

BOA MORTE CAREER FACTS
Started his career in England with Arsenal in 1997
Spent two years with the Gunners, making six Premiers League starts
Joined Southampton in August 1999 and again made six league starts in two
years
Signed for Fulham in June 2001 after a season-long loan at Craven Cottage

Boa Morte, who signed a new two-year deal with West Ham last summer, made
109 appearances for the club, scoring twice. He first moved to England with
Arsenal in 1997. His final season with the Hammers ended in relegation from
the Premier League. "Last season we fought to the end, but it was not to
be," he said. "I wish all the best to my team-mates and for the club to get
promoted. "I am looking forward to a new challenge. It is never too late to
try somewhere and something different."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bristol City sign Jordan Spence on loan from West Ham
Page last updated at 13:39 GMT, Wednesday, 3 August 2011 14:39 UK
BBC.co.uk

Bristol City have re-signed West Ham defender Jordan Spence on a season-long
loan deal. Spence, who signed a three-year deal with the Hammers in the
summer, spent two months on loan at Ashton Gate last season and made 11
appearances. His parent club have the option of recalling him from January.
"It wasn't a reluctant thing to come back, it was a great opportunity and
I'm ecstatic to be back," the 21-year-old told BBC Radio Bristol. "It's an
environment I've enjoyed, that I can learn and get better in. "I have the
ambition to be a West Ham player and be in the starting XI but I also have
the ambition to play from the start of the season. "When I realised that
might not be the case at West Ham, I jumped at the opportunity to come back
here." Spence goes straight into the squad for Saturday's Championship
opener at home to Ipswich Town.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spence: why I left West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 3rd August 2011
By: Staff Writer

Jordan Spence has revealed that he joined Bristol City having failed to
receive assurances regarding his first team opportunities at West Ham.
Spence, who first arrived at the club as a 14-year-old looked set to leave
United at the end of last season having become frustrated with a lack of
first team football and with his contract set to expire. Following
protracted negotiations, the defender eventually signed a new three-year
deal before appearing in all six of the first team's pre-season fixtures -
one of only two players in Sam Allardyce's squad to do so (Cristian Montano
being the other). But earlier this week Spence revealed that instead of
looking forward to a breakthrough season at the Boleyn Ground, he was
returning to Bristol City - where he spent the latter third of the 2010/11
campaign - on loan for the season. Although done with a heavy heart, Spence
confirmed that it was the promise of regular first team that swayed his mind
to an Ashton Gate return. "I always realised that once this season came,
should I not be in the starting eleven - or in the immediate plans [of Sam
Allardyce] - then I would like to play first team football," he told
bcfc.co.uk. "My aim at the end of last season was to be playing in the
opening day fixtures. It'll be the first time I've ever done that. It was a
goal of mine, hence the reason why I'm back here so soon. I wanted to be a
part of that and part of a team for the whole season. "I think it was an
easy decision to make. Signing now - for what could potentially be the whole
season - just means that's where my focus is, at Bristol City, doing the
best I can."

Although West Ham retain the option to recall Spence midway through the loan
spell in January, the 21-year-old insists that he would have no qualms at
being asked to complete the whole season at City - despite maintaining that
his long term goal is to finally break through to the Hammers first team.
"When I went back [last season] on the one hand I was disappointed not to
complete the season [at Ashton Gate] given the work I'd done the previous
11, 12 games," he said. "But obviously I was delighted to go back to West
Ham and play. "As everyone knows, I've been there since I was a little boy
and my ambition always was to play in the West Ham first team. So that
ambition is still there, but the ambition right now is to play for Bristol."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boa bids farewell
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 3rd August 2011
By: Staff Writer

Luis Boa Morte has wished West Ham the best of luck for their forthcoming
Championship campaign. KUMB.com revealed earlier in the week that the
32-year-old had parted company with West Ham with a year of his current
contract remaining after he was informed that he was surplus to
requirements. But the Portuguese harbours no ill feelings towards his former
club, with whom he spent four-and-a-half years having been signed by Alan
Curbishley from Fulham for £5million in January 2007.
"I am sad to leave West Ham as I have made a lot of friends here," Boa Morte
told whufc.com. "I wish all the best to my team-mates and for the club to
get promoted.
"It is a sad day for me to leave playing football in England after 14 years
[but] I am looking forward to a new challenge. It is never too late to try
somewhere and something different. "There are high and low memories - the
low ones only make you stronger - now it is a fresh start for me. I would
like to think people would have seen me always give everything for the team.
I always tried to put my heart and head in for the team."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers in the clear
West Ham claim they are all clear to take over Olympic Stadium
Last Updated: August 3, 2011 8:13pm
SSN

West Ham say an independent investigation into the decision to make them the
preferred bidder for the Olympic Stadium has found no evidence of
wrongdoing.
The Hammers launched the inquiry last month after reports emerged revealing
Olympic Park Legacy Company employee Dionne Knight had worked for the club
on a consultancy basis during the bidding process. The OPLC are holding
their own inquiry into the matter, which could put West Ham's plans to take
over the stadium after the 2012 Games in jeopardy. West Ham were named the
preferred choice to move into the stadium in February, beating off
competition from Tottenham, who want a judicial review of the decision. A
statement from Upton Park claims the findings from the inquiry, conducted by
barristers Blackstone Chambers, "completely exonerate" the club.

The statement read: "(The inquiry) concluded firmly that Ms Knight's work
had in no way affected the integrity of the joint West Ham United-London
Borough of Newham bid which was approved by the Olympic Park Legacy Company.
"The findings - which completely exonerate the club over the matter and
showed it acted lawfully at all times - came after the consideration of all
relevant correspondence and documentation, along with statements from all
relevant officials. "The report found no confidential information was passed
by the OPLC to West Ham United through Ms Knight. Similarly, it found that
no person at the club has at any point considered themselves to have an
improper source of information or influence within the OPLC."

Ms Knight was suspended by the OPLC after admitting she had worked as a paid
consultant for West Ham. The report claimed the payments were secret but
West Ham insisted her work was "transparent" and immediately said they would
launch legal action against The Sunday Times and Tottenham. Today's
statement continued: "West Ham remain in contact with police with regard to
the serious matter of a private investigator acting unlawfully, reportedly
under instruction by Tottenham Hotspur."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spence out to shine at City
West Ham defender keen to make impact after finalising loan deal
Last Updated: August 3, 2011 5:31pm
SSN

West Ham defender Jordan Spence is looking forward to playing regularly
after completing his season-long loan deal to Bristol City. Skysports.com
revealed earlier in the week that the 21-year-old was set to join the Robins
and the news has now been confirmed. The 21-year-old heads back to Ashton
Gate having spent the final two months of last season with Bristol City.
Spence told the Hammers' official website: "It's a good opportunity for me,
especially at this time. I have spoken to the manager and we both agree it
is better I am playing games at this time. "This loan move gives me a chance
to do that and if I am called back, then I know I have been playing
regularly. "The manager at Bristol City knows me well and wanted me to come
back down, so I am going to work hard and hopefully do well." Spence signed
a three-year contract with the Hammers earlier in the summer but new arrival
Joey O'Brien is set to become Sam Allrdyce's first-choice right-back.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boa Morte leaves Hammers
Midfielder linked to Larissa after leaving Upton Park
Last Updated: August 3, 2011 1:15pm
SSN

Skysports.com understands Luis Boa Morte is set to move to Greek side
Larissa after leaving West Ham by mutual consent. The Portuguese midfielder
had been at the Hammers since his £5m move from London rivals Fulham in
January 2007 and made 109 appearances in claret and blue, scoring two goals.
The 33-year-old fought back from a serious knee injury in July 2009 but the
two-year contract he signed 12 months ago has been terminated so he can
pursue a new opportunity abroad.
Larissa is thought to be his destination with the Greek side managed by
ex-Fulham and Coventry boss Chris Coleman.

Sad

Commenting on his departure from the Upton Park, Boa Morte said: "I am sad
to leave West Ham as I have made a lot of friends here. It is also a sad day
for me to leave playing football in England after 14 years. "I am looking
forward to a new challenge. It is never too late to try somewhere and
something different. "There are high and low memories - the low ones only
make you stronger - now it is a fresh start for me."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce: It's wrong to keep Scott Parker in West Ham's plans
By CARL LONG
Published: Today
The Sun

SAM ALLARDYCE fears he could yet lose Scott Parker with West Ham's big
kick-off just three days away. Parker, last season's footballer of the year,
is seen as expendable at Upton Park following the Hammers' relegation. Owner
David Sullivan - who once claimed it would be 'Armageddon' if West Ham went
down - and co-owner David Gold are keen to cut costs now they are in the
Championship. And despite interest from Tottenham, the owners have yet to
receive an acceptable offer - although new boss Big Sam admits he has to
consider life without Parker, 30, sooner rather than later. He said: "At the
end of the day, Scott's position is delicate because at any one time,
someone will hit the numbers that we would value him at. "If that's the case
and it's the Premier League - a place where he wants to be - he will be
gone. It would be wrong of me to plan with Scott."

Allardyce has opted against naming Parker as his captain for the new season
and has instead given the armband to Kevin Nolan, who he bought from
Newcastle for £4.5million. Big Sam worked with Nolan, 29, at Bolton and
Newcastle and he reckons his new skipper is in it for the long haul in east
London. Allardyce added: "Kevin is definitely the captain. As a captain,
you're talking about a player's ability and you attach ability to being a
captain, which is wrong. "This is obviously born out of Scott's rousing West
Brom speech he gave in the dressing room last season - I'd like to hear a
transcript of that. I might use it myself. "Kevin is here because he thinks
his future lies here for the next four or five years and his belief is that
he wants us to get back in the Premier League. "That's the key thing about
appointing Kevin. He has been a Premier League player all his life bar two
seasons. "Not only can I preach the way forward, Kevin can do it better than
I can as he has been in the second tier and I haven't for 10 years." West
Ham must wait until Sunday to begin their new campaign when they host
Cardiff - a clash that is live on BBC 1.

And Allardyce faces a striker crisis ahead of the new season as he only has
two recognised strikers - Freddie Piquionne and Carlton Cole, who has
snubbed Stoke to stay and fight for the Hammers' cause. The Hammers boss is
keen on Reading hotshot Shane Long but the £7m price tag has put him off for
the time being and he has called on the club's youngsters to prove they can
shoulder the goalscoring burden. He said: "Cole made his own decision. After
we agreed a fee with Stoke, he decided he wanted to stay with us. That's a
big boost because we only have two recognised strikers - he and Piquionne.
"We have younger ones like Zavon Hines, Freddie Sears and Junior Stanislas
and these guys have to make a name for themselves this season. "If they want
to be West Ham players, they have to establish themselves in the
Championship and that's a big challenge for them."

With debts of around £80m and Sullivan suggesting relegation would blow a
£40m hole in the Hammers' business plan, Allardyce admits he is under
pressure to win promotion at the first time of asking. He added: "There's
added pressure to balance the finance and football quality. I have to
maintain the quality as this is West Ham and we're expected to have a
quality team. "I am not sure how this talented team has been where it has
been in the past few years - there's talent here but it hasn't achieved what
is should have."

Midfielder Luis Boa Morte, meanwhile, left the club after four years. The
Portuguese ace, 33, who made 109 appearances, had one year left on his
contract, but left by mutual consent. He said: "I'm sad to leave West Ham as
I have made a lot of friends here. It is also a sad day for me to leave
playing football in England after 14 years."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Toon line up £3m West Ham keeper Robert Green
Published: Today
The Sun

NEWCASTLE are weighing up a shock swoop for West Ham's England keeper Rob
Green. Boss Alan Pardew knows Green well after working with him at Upton
Park.
Hammers rate the 31-year-old stopper at £3million but Toon have instead
floated the idea of paying £1.5m plus reserve keeper Fraser Forster.
Forster, who spent last season on loan at Celtic, will not be happy at St
James' Park unless he is No 1 this season. Dutchman Tim Krul though is
Pards' current first choice.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Did Spurs nick bank records?
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today
The Sun

WEST HAM are ready to serve summonses against Tottenham amid fears their
bitter rivals used a private investigator who stole bank and phone records
from them.
Last night the Hammers confirmed they have spoken to police over their
suspicions and warned anyone found guilty could 'attract custodial
sentences'. We understand West Ham have contacted Spurs to warn they intend
to take legal action. The bust-up centres around the ugly war between the
clubs to move into the 80,000-seater Olympic stadium after the 2012 Games.

Although West Ham won the decision to move in, they were infuriated by
Spurs' tactics - and their continued efforts to get the ruling over-turned.
They believe the White Hart Lane outfit used an investigator to find out
what West Ham were up to during the bid process. Spurs declined to comment
last night.

But a statement issued by West Ham read: "West Ham remain in contact with
police with regard to the serious matter of a private investigator acting
unlawfully, reportedly under instruction by Tottenham Hotspur. "This matter
is being treated with the utmost seriousness by the club, especially given
the methods claimed to have been used to obtain this personal information in
relation to reported breaches of the Data Protection Act - as a result of
the unlawful acquisition of bank and telephone records belonging to senior
executives at the club and the Olympic Park Legacy Company. "This activity,
if proven, constitutes serious criminal conduct and can attract custodial
sentences for perpetrators."

Some Hammers top brass believe their private records were obtained on
several occasions in the month before the bids for the Olympic Stadium were
submitted to the OPLC in September last year. West Ham have just concluded
their own investigation into claims they made inappropriate payments to
senior OPLC executive Dionne Knight for consultancy work during the bidding
process. She was paid £20,400 by the Hammers and it emerged she is in a
relationship with West Ham director Ian Tompkins.

West Ham insist they have been cleared of any wrongdoing after an in- house
inquiry, adding in their statement: "An independent barrister's
investigation has found nothing that compromises the integrity of the
decision to make West Ham United the preferred bidder for the Olympic
Stadium. "The findings completely exonerate the club over the matter and
showed it acted lawfully at all times. "The report found no confidential
information was passed by the OPLC to West Ham through Ms Knight. With
regard to Ms Knight, by far the bulk of the invoiced work took place after
the decision of the OPLC to confer preferred bidder status. "OPLC are
conducting their own separate inquiry into the matter."

Tompkins remains suspended from duty while the OPLC investigates.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Martin Jol plans Andy Johnson and Carlton Cole swap
Published: Today
The Sun

CARLTON COLE could be on his way back to the Premier League in a swap deal
with Fulham's Andy Johnson. West Ham last night bid around £2million for
Johnson, 30, as boss Sam Allardyce steps up his search for a new striker.
And Fulham chief Martin Jol has revealed he is interested in England striker
Cole, 27, who is valued at £4m. Jol said: "Cole's someone who has interested
me in the past. We haven't made a bid for him but it may be harsh to say we
are not interested in him." Striker Bobby Zamora will play tonight's third
qualifying round second leg against Croatians RNK - the tie is balanced at
0-0 - in plaster after breaking his wrist.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
QPR trying to sign Joe Cole on the cheap
Published 22:59 03/08/11 By John Cross
The Mirror

QPR boss Neil Warnock wants Liverpool misfit Joe Cole - but his wages are a
massive stumbling block. Premier League new boys are running a tight ship
and will have to get Liverpool to pay at least half of Cole's £90,000-a-week
earnings for any deal to happen. Warnock is a big admirer of the England
international, and is one of several managers who would be keen to take him
on loan. But Cole, who has been playing for Liverpool during pre-season, is
not ready to give up on his Anfield career without a fight. The Reds would
also be reluctant to partly subsidise any deal. QPR have already signed Jay
Bothroyd and Kieron Dyer on free transfers, and a loan for Cole would
represent good business. A year ago Cole, was the hottest transfer in
football but he endured a nightmare first season on Merseyside. Tottenham
and his former club West Ham have also been monitoring developments
concerning the 29-year-old.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham set to bid for Fulham's Johnson
Published 22:29 03/08/11 By Football Spy
The Mirror

Sam Allardyce is about to offer Fulham £2million for Andy Johnson. West Ham
boss Allardyce will step up his striker search with a firm offer for the
30-year-old, who has one year left on his Craven Cottage contract. Allardyce
is desperate to bring in more firepower as he bids to build a squad capable
of winning immediate promotion back to the Premier League. And former
Everton star Johnson has emerged as the latest name on the radar after the
Hammers' £5m bid for Reading forward Shane Long was rejected. Johnson was
signed for £10.5m from the Toffees in 2008 and has already scored twice in
the Europa League for new boss Martin Jol. But Allardyce believes he can
tempt him across London on the cheap with only 12 months left on his current
deal. Hammers chairman David Gold confirmed: "I can say for certain we will
at least bring in another striker. "We will not leave a stone unturned to
get the players Sam wants, as was the case with those we have already
brought in."
West Ham are set to table the bid on Thursday morning and are expecting
Fulham to play hardball.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United drop pursuit of 'too expensive' Shane Long
yesterday at 3:51 pm
joe.ie

Sam Allardyce's West Ham United have pulled out of the running for Shane
Long, citing the £8-10m quoted as too expensive. The Hammers had previously
made two rejected bids for the Reading striker, including a recent £7m
offer. On the day that the Championship newcomers have dropped their pursuit
of the Irish international, reports emerged this morning that Sven Goran
Eriksson's Leicester City have entered the race for the 24-year-old. Long's
potential suitors now include West Bromwich Albion, Celtic, Sven's side and
perhaps most surprisingly, Liverpool, who apparently scouted the striker as
he struck a brace in a recent club friendly against Northampton. "He is one
on the list but he may end up in the Premier League this season, so it will
be difficult, but he is one we have worked with," Sven had told Sky Sports
on his challenge to bring the striker to Leicester. With West Ham United out
of the race and considering his potential price tag, Long's future may now
lie in the Premier League. The player scored on 44 occasions for Reading in
94 appearences, including 25 goals in all competitions last season, so he is
unsurprisingly in high demand.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Exclusive – Collison confident of automatic promotion for West Ham
TalkSport
By Anton Stanley
Wednesday, August 3

West Ham star Jack Collison has told talkSPORT that the club's players are
relishing being favourites to win the Championship as they try to return to
the Premier League at the first attempt. With Sam Allardyce at the helm and
stars like Kevin Nolan and Matty Taylor boosting the club's squad and key
players like Scott Parker still with the Hammers, things are beginning to
look a bit rosier at Upton Park. And Collison is confident West Ham can
challenge for promotion straight back to the top tier of English football.
He told Drive Time: "It's going to be a big challenge but we've got the
squad to do it. There's a lot of expectation and it's going to be a
different type of pressure for us this year but everyone is looking forward
to it, it's important we get off to a good start. We just want to get
automatic promotion. "There's a really good spirit in the camp at the
moment, the manager has come in with his own ideas and new staff so it's
freshened up the place up a bit and the boys are relishing the chance to be
favourites and have a go and get automatic promotion again. "It's a bit
interesting with the transfer window open until the end of the month.
[Since] the manager has come in everyone has been fully committed in
training and trying to impress to get in the starting team. Everyone's
pushing each other and we're all pushing in the same direction trying to get
automatic promotion.

"There's a lot of competition for places and the more of the top players we
can keep hold of with the new additions we'll have a really good chance next
year."
The youngster's team-mate, Scott Parker has been the subject of much
interest over the transfer window from Premier League sides but Collison
admits no-one really knows what is going on with the England star's future
at the club. Collison added: "At the moment you don't know what's going on
up above but [Parker] has been fully committed in training and working very
hard and I'm sure he's looking forward to Sunday as is everyone else." But
the Welsh midfielder believes his own future will be sorted fairly shortly,
adding: "It's all getting sorted at the moment, I feel like I owe a lot of
people at Upton Park, especially the fans. They've been very patient with me
so I'm looking forward to trying to have a good season here and then
hopefully things will be sorted in the next week or two."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carew in Championship talks
Norwegian linked with Championship switch
By Christian Dovle. Last Updated: August 3, 2011 7:38pm
SSN

John Carew is being strongly linked with a move to the Championship.
Birmingham have been linked in the local press, whilst skysports.com
understands that West Ham are keen. Carew is a free agent after leaving
Aston Villa, having spent the latter part of last season on loan at Stoke.
The 31-year-old was quizzed about his future in his homeland and he admits
that he is looking to sign for someone shortly. "It will be concluded in a
short, short time. It will be decided in a matter of days. But I cannot say
which club it is," he told TV2. Asked if the club in question was Birmingham
he said: "You will have to wait and see. We are in the final phase of
negotiations."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fulham boss rules out move for West Ham frontman
By Jacob Murtagh
Aug 3 2011
Fulham Chronicle

MARTIN Jol has ruled out a move for West Ham striker Carlton Cole. The
Fulham boss is in the market for another frontman as back-up to Bobby
Zamora, and has seen a £3million bid turned down for Birmingham City's
Cameron Jerome. But he insists Cole is not on his radar. He said: "We
haven't made a bid for him. "I hope this won't sound harsh, but we are not
interested in him at the moment." Craven Cottage chief Jol insists they are
unlkely to up their offer for Jerome, adding: "We made a bid we thought was
realistic. "We do not think we will be back with another bid."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham claim to be 'exonerated' over Olympic Stadium claims
West Ham release statement on 'independent' report
Tottenham Hotspur due in high court to seek review
Jamie Jackson and Matt Scott
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 3 August 2011 22.54 BST

West Ham United have fired a shot across Tottenham Hotspur's bows before the
latter's renewed high court request for a judicial review over the Olympic
Stadium decision.

The Hammers have claimed that an "independent" barrister has found "nothing
that compromises the integrity of the decision" to make the club the
preferred bidder for the London 2012 Olympic Stadium. The unnamed barrister,
from Blackstone Chambers, had been engaged by West Ham.

The club confirmed that they are in contact with the police, due to the
reported involvement of a private investigator, allegedly employed by
Tottenham Hotspur, during the process.

Tottenham Hotspur's legal challenge is now expected to point to the
investigator's report, which alleges that an Olympic Park Legacy Company
employee, Dionne Knight, had been on the Hammers' payroll before the
decision over the stadium was reached.

Leyton Orient, who believe their livelihood will be threatened by West Ham's
occupation of the Olympic Stadium, have been party to Spurs' claim. Both
Knight and her partner, Ian Tomkins – who ran West Ham's Olympic Stadium
operations – were suspended, pending an inquiry. However, West Ham have now
claimed that they have been exonerated.

"An independent barrister's investigation has found nothing that compromises
the integrity of the decision to make West Ham United the preferred bidder
for the Olympic Stadium," said a statement on the club's website.

"The inquiry was launched last month and considered the work undertaken by
Dionne Knight on behalf of the club in relation to the procurement of a
construction partner after the 2012 Olympic Games. It concluded firmly that
Ms Knight's work had in no way affected the integrity of the joint West Ham
United-London Borough of Newham bid, which was approved by the Olympic Park
Legacy Company [OPLC].

"The findings – which completely exonerate the club over the matter and
showed it acted lawfully at all times – came after the consideration of all
relevant correspondence and documentation, along with statements from all
relevant officials.

"The barrister had total and unfettered access to all emails and other
documents sent and received, along with any information required. The report
found no confidential information was passed by the OPLC to West Ham United
through Ms Knight. Similarly, it found that no person at the club has at any
point considered themselves to have an improper source of information or
influence within the OPLC.

"West Ham United have handed over the contents of the entire independent
investigation to the OPLC, as they are conducting their own separate inquiry
into the matter."

Regarding the alleged involvement of the private investigator, the Hammers
statement said: "Separately, West Ham remain in contact with police with
regard to the serious matter of a private investigator acting unlawfully,
reportedly under instruction by Tottenham Hotspur. This matter is being
treated with the utmost seriousness by the club, especially given the
methods claimed to have been used to obtain this personal information in
relation to reported breaches of the Data Protection Act as a result of the
unlawful acquisition of bank and telephone records belonging to senior
executives at the club and the OPLC.

"This activity, if proven, constitutes serious criminal conduct and can
attract custodial sentences for perpetrators of the crime. In addition to
the police, the matter is also now in the hands of the Information
Commissioner's Office, which investigates allegations of data protection
offences."

Tottenham Hotspur declined to comment.

In the transfer market, West Ham are prepared to end their interest in Shane
Long, the striker they believe is overpriced by Reading, who want at least
£8m. There is an acknowledgment that with two other Premier League clubs
interested – one is thought to be Sunderland – it may be difficult to sign
the 24-year-old Irishman, who scored 28 times last season.

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Spurs face probe over Olympic Stadium bid 'snooper'
By LAURA WILLIAMSON
Last updated at 11:43 PM on 3rd August 2011
Daily Mail

West Ham are working with police to investigate allegations that Tottenham
Hotspur hired a private detective to snoop on their bid for the Olympic
Stadium. The Hammers were named instead of Tottenham as the preferred
bidders by the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) in February. But a report
in The Sunday Times then alleged an OPLC employee, Dionne Knight, worked for
West Ham during the bidding process and was also in a relationship with a
club executive, Ian Tompkins.
The newspaper's investigation was underpinned by information - in the form
of bank and telephone records - provided by a private investigator, who was
allegedly employed by Tottenham. West Ham are working with the pol ice and
the Information Commissioner's Office to ascertain whether this access to
personal information breached the Data Protection Act. The club claimed
yesterday this 'constitutes serious criminal conduct'. An OPLC spokesperson
was unavailable for comment.

The organisation instructed an independent barrister in July to look at the
consultancy work carried out by Ms Knight. A separate independent
investigation, carried out by auditing firm Moore Stephens, is currently
looking into the OPLC's 'internal stadium procedures'. A Metropolitan Police
spokesman said: 'As we have said previously, we have confirmed that West Ham
and the OPLC have made allegations to us in respect of illegally obtained
information. Those allegations are under assessment, pending the OPLC's
internal inquiry.' Tottenham spokesman said last night the club were
unable to make any comment as it is an ongoing legal matter.
West Ham have also claimed an independent investigation 'completely
exonerates' the club of any wrongdoing regarding its successful bid for the
Olympic Stadium and 'that Ms Knight's work had in no way affected the
integrity of the joint West Ham United- London Borough of Newham bid, which
was approved by the OPLC'.

West Ham confirmed on Wednesday that midfielder Luis Boa Morte, 33, has left
the club by mutual consent to 'allow him to pursue opportunities abroad'.
The club are also understood to have given up their chase for Reading's
Shane Long, with Leicester City understood to be favourites to sign the
striker for around £7million.

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West Ham poised to move for £2m Fulham striker Johnson
By NEIL MOXLEY
Last updated at 12:01 AM on 4th August 2011
Daily Mail

West Ham are to offer Fulham £2million for Andy Johnson. West Ham manager
Sam Allardyce wants two strikers with John Carew also on his list. He will
make a firm offer for the 30-year-old on Thursday. Johnson has one year left
on his Craven Cottage contract. Johnson is also still on the radar of West
Brom boss Roy Hodgson who will enter the bidding if he cannot persuade
Baggies' chairman Jeremy Peace to spend £8m on Shane Long.

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HAMMERS WILL BE PLAYING SAM SEXY FOOTBALL!
Daily Star
4th August 2011 By Paul Brown

JAY JAY OKOCHA claims West Ham fans are in for shock if they expect the
Hammers to go route one under Sam Allardyce. The former twinkle-toed Nigeria
star played under Allardyce at Bolton when the Trotters were routinely
labelled an ugly, long-ball side. However, he reckons his old boss is about
to ditch his reputation as a kick-and-run merchant by ­leading West Ham to
­instant promotion with some sexy football. Okocha, who was probably the
most talented player Big Sam has worked with, said: "I think his reputation
is undeserved. "He found a way for me to fit into the style we played at
Bolton, and it wasn't ugly all the time. "Sam knows how to win matches,
whether it's pretty or ugly. But we didn't play ugly football all the time.
"It's all about the kind of players he has in his squad. If he has players
who can play, he will get them playing good football. "If not, he will play
how he has to, to get a result. But I think West Ham have the players to
play a more attractive game. "I think he will play some great football at
West Ham. I think he'll be a big success. "His experience will make a big
difference to them. He's been out of a job for a while so I think he values
his ­opportunity and he's determined to do well. "It's up to him to change
his reputation. He has a huge challenge on his hands to prove people wrong,
but he has the players to do it. "The most important thing for him is to get
West Ham back up. But I think he is the right man to do it."

West Ham kick off their new era under Allardyce at home to Cardiff on
Sunday. He is in danger of ­turning the Hammers into Bolton mark two after
signing Kevin Nolan, Abdoulaye Faye, Matt Taylor and Joey O'Brien. But
Okocha, who enjoyed four fruitful years at the Reebok, insists his old club
were unjustly criticised for their style of play. And Okocha, who is now an
agent in his native Nigeria, says it's only a matter of time before West Ham
are putting on a show at Upton Park. "The problem for Sam is that there is
huge pressure to get them straight back up," he said. That might limit him
from playing quality football all the time. "But I am confident that when
things settle down, he will start playing some great stuff."

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