Tuesday, August 16

Daily WHUFC News - II 16th August 2011

Macca wants another win
WHUFC.com
Watford could pose a stern test this evening but Neil McDonald is backing the players
16.08.2011

Neil McDonald has said West Ham United will be going all out to record back to back wins on the road for the first time since December 2007 tonight. Nearly 4,000 Hammers fans will be packed into Vicarage Road this evening as Sam Allardyce's men aim to build on the 1-0 weekend win at Doncaster Rovers. McDonald - or Macca as he is known to everyone at Chadwell Heath - believed the squad were capable of overcoming another tricky test. "The spirit is good," he told West Ham TV. "I think wining away from home does that. We have hopefully laid the ghost to rest with the away form but we have another tough one coming up. The boys are really looking forward to it after the good win at Doncaster. "We will be looking on to carry the good form. We probably played better [in the defeat by] Cardiff but that is how football works out sometimes. We just have to find the balance between playing some good football, scoring goals and keeping clean sheets and that is what we aim to do in the majority of games."

McDonald said the squad had been boosted by the potential availability of Julien Faubert and Pablo Barrera, while George McCartney and John Carew are probably a week or so away from pushing for selection. A real plus from the weekend was that the entire squad reported a clean bill of health. "Everyone is fine. We have a full squad to pick from and it is good for the manager to have a selection problem. That is great," he added. "It is nice to see new faces and it is competition for places which is what the manager wants. It will take George or John another week or so to get fit and hopefully they will be banging on the manager's door saying they are ready for selection."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Um Bongo bombed?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 16th August 2011
By: Staff Writer

Herita Ilunga is set to face the axe for tonight's Championship clash against Watford at Vicarage Road. The 29-year-old full-back has endured a disappointing start to the 2011/12 campaign, having been held responsible for gifting Cardiff their winning goal on the opening day of the season and following that up with a disappointing performance at Doncaster on Saturday.

As a result, manager Sam Allardyce is set to wield the axe and drop the Congolese international for tonight's short trip to Watford. With new signing George McCartney lacking match fitness, Matt Taylor is on standby to replace Ilunga at left back - with either Jack Collison or Junior Stanislas likely to replace Taylor on the left side of midfield.

Meanwhile Julien Faubert, who missed the weekend's game is also back in contention for a starting spot - as is Pablo Barrera, who was rested at the weekend. Radio commentary for the game, which kicks off at 7:45pm GMT is expected to be available; we'll bring you full details of that once available

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Clarets to capture Hines
Howe closes on second new signing of the week
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated: August 16, 2011 10:44am
SSN

Skysports.com understands Burnley are poised to sign Zavon Hines from Championship rivals West Ham. Hines is believed to be at Turf Moor to finalise his move to the Clarets after turning down a new deal at West Ham. The former England Under 21 international arrives on a free transfer, but West Ham will be due compensation for Hines with the player having come through the ranks at Upton Park. The 22-year-old has struggled with a series of injury problems over the last 12 months with Hines making only 15 appearances last term. Clarets boss Eddie Howe is a long-term admirer of Hines and sees his versatility as a key addition to his squad.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole reiterates commitment
Striker happy to fight for place at Upton Park
Last Updated: August 16, 2011 10:08am
SSN

Carlton Cole has reiterated he remains committed to West Ham after seeing the club claim their first win of the season. Sam Allardyce's side beat Doncaster on Saturday, with Colecoming off the bench in the 1-0 success at the Keepmoat Stadium. The England international's future at Upton Park has been subject to speculation this summer, with a proposed move to Stoke falling through in July, while Allardyce has reshaped his squad with a flurry of signings. But Cole insists he remains as committed to West Ham as ever and believes the competition for places can only be a good thing as the Hammers attempt to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. The striker told the Daily Mirror: "I am committed to West Ham - I always want to do well for the club because they gave me an opportunity when things were not going so well for me in my career, and I'll never forget that. "I am comfortable where I am, but obviously the manager has brought in some very good players. There is real competition for places now, and hopefully he will get the best out of me. "We have good quality up front, good players to support us from midfield and a good defence - now it is up to our strikers to shine. I am happy [with] who the manager has brought in to give us a kick up the backside. "A few of the lads came in a bit disappointed about the way we won at Doncaster, but it was important to put three points on the board and any away win is valuable in this division. We hadn't had one for ages so we were really pleased with the result."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Watford v West Ham preview
Last updated: 15th August 2011
SSN
Team news for Tuesday night's Championship clash between Watford and West Ham at Vicarage Road. Sean Dyche continues to have an almost fully-fit squad as his Watford side welcome the Hammers. Midfielder Stephen McGinn remains the only absentee as he continues his recovery from a long-standing knee injury. Despite defeat, Dyche was able to take plenty of positives from Saturday's 1-0 home reverse to Derby and will not be tempted into many, if any, changes. He kept faith with the same XI who started the opening weekend's 2-2 draw at Burnley, although Troy Deeney once again replaced Chris Iwelumo for the final 20 minutes and the former Walsall striker will be pushing for a start. Summer signing David Mirfin came on for the final couple of minutes against the Rams to make his debut, while midfielder Prince Buaben is still waiting for his Hornets bow.

West Ham striker Carlton Cole could be in line to start his first match of the season. The striker has come on as a substitute in the opening two games with boss Sam Allardyce saying he was short of match fitness. But Cole put in a lively cameo in Saturday's 1-0 win at Doncaster and is pushing Frederic Piquionne for the lone striker's role. Another forward, John Carew, has a week's training behind him after joining from Aston Villa and his fitness will be assessed along with George McCartney, who rejoined from Sunderland last week. Winger Julien Faubert could be added to the squad after a hamstring injury but, Cole aside, Allardyce is set to stick with the side which secured their first win of the season at the weekend.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Barrera closes on West Ham exit
By talkSPORT
Tuesday, August 16

West Ham winger Pablo Barrera is set to decide in the next 24 hours if he will complete a move to Real Zaragoza. Barrera, 24, has failed to command a regular first-team place following his £4m move to Upton Park last summer. The Mexico international was hoping for a new lease of life under new manager Sam Allardyce but he has failed to start in the opening two games. Real Zaragoza have been chasing the talented winger throughout the summer and are keen to finalise a deal before the end of August. Reports in Spain suggest that Barrera's agent has been in Spain this week trying to negotiate the move and a decision should be made in the near future.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hines to quit West Ham and make Burnley move
By talkSPORT
Tuesday, August 16

West Ham striker Zavon Hines is on his way to Burnley - after using his Blackberry Messenger service to spread the word. The forward updated his status to tell his nearest and dearest that he was on the verge of an Upton Park exit and Burnley have emerged as the team leading the race for his signature. Hines is currently on a week-to-week deal at West Ham after turning down their final offer of a new contract at the end of last season. The 22-year-old forward is available for a nominal fee and is believed to have already said his goodbyes to Sam Allardyce's squad at their Chadwell Heath training ground. Hines suffered an injury-punctuated campaign last season, making just 15 appearances for the Hammers.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's promotion push to stutter at Vicarage Road?
Bwinbetting.com

The Hornets haven't beaten West Ham at home in the league for 26 years but could still represent value at 9/4.
Latest odds Watford to beat West Ham 1-0 19/2

Following West Ham's opening-day defeat to Cardiff, questions were raised about their potency up front, with Frédéric Piquionne not looking particularly menacing in front of goal and Carlton Cole still being kept in reserve. However, a solid away win at Doncaster and a goal from new signing Kevin Nolan reassured West Ham fans of their intentions for the season.

Their 4-5-1 formation means the Hammers' midfield is very much involved in the thick of things, with Jack Collison returning to add creativity and last year's FWA Player of the Year Scott Parker still providing menacing determination. so expect them to be trying to edge out another away victory.

Sam Allardyce's troops are priced at 23/20 to get all three points, but with both of their games in the Championship so far this term containing just one goal, perhaps a 1-0 success at 8/1 could represent the most attractive proposition.

New customers who use their free £25 bet for joining bwin.com to back this outcome could land a tidy £225 if their prediction proves correct. With the prolific Danny Graham moving on to Swansea, the goalscoring burden for Watford is with the experienced Chris Iwelumo and the exciting Marvin Sordell. However, neither team have scored more than two goals in any one of their last 11 league fixtures, which suggests this game is likely to be decided by the odd goal.

With this in mind, it could be a wise bet to back the number of goals scored to be odd in a tight encounter at Vicarage Road at odds of 19/20, or even have a flutter on the draw at 9/4.

Punters could also look to recent history and see that Watford have won the last three encounters against West Ham 1-0 – a repeat scoreline here is priced at an attractive 19/2, while a straight win bet on the Hornets is available at 9/4.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BEYOND THE BOLEYN – WATFORD FC: DON'T LOOK TO YOUR LEFT INSIDE THE GROUND
Posted on August 16, 2011 by earlscourthammer
Idontknowjack.co.uk

I didn't think the extra matches-per-season in the Championship would be quite so noticeable, but tonight we play our third league game and the season is only nine days old. It would have been a blessing that last week's League Cup tie was postponed, if it weren't rescheduled for next week! The win at Doncaster was hopefully the first of many this season and was a resilient performance. It wasn't as pretty or productive as it could have been but compared to the last few seasons it was a great result and performance. I'm expecting a similar match at Watford tonight, but what are Watford fans expecting? I threw some questions at Watford fan Andy Roughton.

What's the perception of West Ham among Watford fans?

The team, the fans or the club? Taking one at a time I guess the team must be favourites to go straight back up, you've bought astutely but there's something that jars about it being Fat Sam in charge. The supporters aren't quite in the Spurs league of delusions of importance, but there's always the feeling that there's an expectation never really likely to be met. Personally I've always quite liked West Ham but your new manager and owners will certainly test that.

What are your expectations for Watford's season?

Staying up would be an achievement once again. We surprised a few people last year but whilst the kids are more experienced they're still kids and we're a weaker side without Graham and Cowie.

Which of your players should West Ham watch out for?

Sordell can be dangerous on his day, there's a few new boys bedding in so tricky to say yet, though Yeates looks like he could be tricksy.

Which West Ham player do you think poses you the most danger?

Kevin Nolan is a great signing in this division, Scott Parker could run rings around our midfield.

Who do you think is West Ham's worst player, and why?

Tricky question for someone who doesn't pay too much attention to the Premiership (are we still allowed to call it that?) don't really know enough about your side to pick someone out. If you mean of all time though, I'd go for Rigobert Song, he was woeful

What's your prediction for the match?

You'll probably find all teams raise their game against you and we'll be no different, but I doubt that'll be enough to give you too many problems. Routine away win. Sadly.

What advice would you give West Ham fans that are travelling to the Vicarage Road for this match?

Don't look to your left inside the ground.

Ever been an away fan at Upton Park? If yes, how was your experience?

Quite a few times, the first time being the most memorable, for the wrong reasons sadly as it would have been mid/late 80′s before football got all gentrified. We were kept in the ground for an hour after the end of the game on the premise that the home supporters would disperse, actually it gave them time to get tooled up and organised. I remember sprinting to the tube to the sound of police horses hooves.

What's your opinion of West Ham moving to the Olympic Stadium – with a running track, will it work as a football venue?

I think it's a shame, I'm a traditionalist and I think you'll lose some sense of identity when you move. But it did annoy Spurs so it can't be all bad.

Andy Roughton is Group Account Director at John Brown Media, London. He reckons the best Watford FC site is BHaPPY.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Collison happy to be a Jack of all trades
London 24
Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
8:40 AM

After an injury-plagued last campaign, Jack Collison is back with a new contract and a wish to pay some people back. Midfielder Jack Collison celebrated signing a new contract at Upton Park by providing the assist for the winning goal at Doncaster on Saturday. It was the 22-year-old's first start of the campaign and his cross for Kevin Nolan to volley home in the fifth minute signified that Collison is finally back after a nightmare last season. "I've said it time and again that after such a long lay-off, I just want to play as many minutes as I can this season," said the international, who also played the second half of his Wales' 2-1 friendly defeat by Australia in midweek. Collison played just three games in May last season as he recovered from a serious knee injury and so when he was offered a new contract by the club, he was keen to put pen to paper. "I feel that I owe a lot of people here," he said. "It's up to me now it's all done and dusted. I've got to do the business on the pitch. "It's great that the club have supported me and shown faith and obviously I want to pay them back now."

He paid some of that back at the Keepmoat on Saturday. In the fifth minute he received the ball from James Tomkins and his tempting, teasing ball into the middle sailed over the head of Freddie Piquionne only for the late-arriving Nolan to score with the outside of his boot. So who was he aiming for? "Of course I was aiming for Kevin's Pumas!" he laughed. "No, it's nice to be involved in the winning goal. That is why we signed Kevin Nolan. He's known for getting goals and he's shown that today and he almost had a couple more as well."

Collison started the game on the right side of midfield as he replaced Freddie Sears from last week's team. However, the fluid nature of this West Ham midfield meant that he popped up all over the field, including a at times at centre forward. "I've played all over the midfield under the last couple of managers so it's all experience for me," said Collison, who has made 54 appearances in claret and blue, scoring five goals. "I haven't played on the right really, but to be honest I will play anywhere for the team just to get out on the pitch. "I was blowing a little bit by the end. Playing on the right means there's a little bit more running to do than in the middle, but it is something that I will have to get used to. "The more minutes I play, the more comfortable I will feel."

He certainly slotted well into this powerful midfield and for Collison, it was the team that was the most important thing. "I think we played really well, we worked hard," he said. "The football side of things isn't quite there yet, but it is three points away from home and it's a massive boost for us. "The boys at the back were superb today and it is important to see the way we played as a team. I think we've seen a big improvement on the football side. "We are getting used to playing with each other and to how the manager wants us to play and I am over the moon to get the three points."

West Ham fans are over the moon to see the midfielder back and if he can stay fit at long last, then he could have a significant part to play in the campaign.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham increase their scrap value after Rovers win
London24
Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
9:15 AM

When Sam Allardyce arrived at Upton Park one of the biggest problems he had to overcome was West Ham's appalling away record. The league victories at Fulham and Blackpool last season made it three victories in two seasons for the Upton Park club and their woeful tally of just 13 points on their travels last season was one of the main reasons they went down. Winning ugly and scrapping for every point was something that seemed alien to Avram Grant and his beleaguered team last season and it is Allardyce's job to restore that steely determination into the team. They passed their first test on Saturday at Doncaster Rovers. The 1-0 win was by no means pretty and at times they had they had to soak up the pressure, but resilience saw them through and it delighted the West Ham boss. "We should have been a bit more comfortable in terms of goals scored and although it got a little bit uncomfortable, I liked the resilience of the players during that period," said Allardyce after the match. "The good thing for me was that they showed a lot of mental strength in terms of defensive organisation which was very important when you're only 1-0 ahead."

West Ham may have been thankful that Doncaster were missing both their front line strikers – Billy Sharp and James Hayter both suffering injuries at Brighton last week – but the Hammers can only beat what is in front of them and the defence certainly restricted Rovers to a handful of half chances. "Even though Doncaster had a huge possession phase in our half towards the end, Robert Green still only had to make one save and we defended extremely well during that period," said the boss.
"It showed me that we know how to hold on, dig in and win a game of football and that didn't happen as often as it should've done last season."

That's an understatement. West Ham were awful away last season with perhaps only the games at Tottenham and West Brom where they actually showed the fight that was needed to give themselves a chance of staying up. The epitome of this new fighting spirit is new captain Kevin Nolan. His goal gave West Ham a fifth minute lead and while he could also have had a couple more, it was his fighting spirit in midfield that was the catalyst for this battling victory. "I'm sure as we go through the season we will be able to stamp our authority on the ball a bit more, but it is a new thing for West Ham being down here and we've got to get used to scrapping it out," said the Hammers captain after his match-winning display at the Keepmoat Stadium. "Once we scrap a few out, hopefully we will be able to start getting the ball down and playing it."

Nolan had his chances, but he also had to play his part when Rovers attacked them, particularly in the final 20 minutes. "They came back at us and went close with a header that went just past the post, but sometimes you've got to ride your luck a bit," said Nolan. "If you look at the Premier League, Man United do it, Chelsea do it, Arsenal do it. Early on in the season they make sure they are winning games, but they probably don't play the best football."

Man fans were worried that the Premier League players in the West Ham squad would think themselves above a trip to Doncaster, but with players like Nolan in their ranks, that was never likely to happen. "We've got to earn the right to play football," said Nolan. "We can't just come to grounds and expect sides to lay down and let us play and that is something we are getting used to as a club and as a team."

Nolan carries out the scrapping on the pitch, but it seems that Allardyce is the brains behind it. They will face tougher tests on the road this year, but he has started perfectly. "I hope that a first away win in our first away match will give us confidence," said the manager. "We had three and a half thousand dedicated away fans here, who were singing and creating an atmosphere that the players love to feel. "That's what drives and gets the best out of players and makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up."

Let's hope those hairs will be standing up many more times this season.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 16th August 2011

Watford match preview
WHUFC.com
All the early team news and background for Tuesday evening's trip to
Vicarage Road
16.08.2011

WATFORD v WEST HAM UNITED
npower CHAMPIONSHIP
TUESDAY 16 AUGUST 2011
KICK-OFF: 7.45pm
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV

Introduction
• West Ham United head to Vicarage Road looking for back to back wins on the
road for the first time since December 2007 - when the Hammers won at
Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough before Christmas.
• Sam Allardyce's men got their campaign up and running with a 1-0 win at
Doncaster Rovers on Saturday, courtesy of Kevin Nolan's first goal for the
club, having lost 1-0 at home to Cardiff City on the opening weekend.
• Watford went down by the same scoreline at home to Derby County, having
drawn 2-2 on the opening day at Burnley.
• Both teams saw their Carling Cup first-round ties postponed last week.
Watford will now travel to Bristol City on Tuesday 23 August, the day before
the Hammers welcome Aldershot Town.
• The Hammers were relegated last season after finishing last in the
Barclays Premier League. Watford finished 14th in the Championship.
• This is West Ham's fifth spell outside the top flight since the promotion
season of 1957/58. Those previous occasions lasted for three seasons, two
seasons, one season and two seasons, and in those eight campaigns the lowest
second-tier finish was seventh.
• West Ham spent six seasons in the Premier League, having last been
promoted in 2004/05. Watford have been a Championship club since the 2007/08
campaign, following their relegation from the Premier League.
• West Ham's best away win at Watford was a 2-0 success on Saturday 19 April
1986.
• Watford's best home showing against the Hammers was a 5-0 top-flight win
on Tuesday 2 April 1985.
• James Tomkins and Watford keeper Scott Loach were both part of the England
squad at the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
• Frank Nouble's first professional goal came while on loan at Swansea when
he scored the decisive strike in a 3-2 defeat of Watford at Vicarage Road on
28 September 2010.
• Sean Dyche, like Sam Allardyce, was only appointed this summer after
former Hammers defender Malky Mackay departed for Cardiff City.
• Neil McDonald and Dyche both sat the Warwick Business School certificate
in Applied Football Management for football professionals together in summer
2007. The qualification was commissioned by the Professional Footballers'
Association, the League Managers' Association, and the Football Association
to to sit alongside the Football Association's mandatory UEFA Pro Licence.

Team news
West Ham United
• Peter Kurucz (knee) and Gary O'Neil (ankle) are both definitely out.
Julien Faubert trained last week after a hamstring injury but has still yet
to figure in the Championship this season.
• Zavon Hines and Frank Nouble are hoping to force their way into the
manager's matchday squad, after Junior Stanislas came off the bench at
Doncaster last Saturday. Pablo Barrera was rested at the weekend after
returning late from international duty with Mexico.
• New recruits George McCartney and John Carew are not yet ready to be
involved. Jordan Brown has been back in light training after his ankle
injury in pre-season.
• Jordan Spence is on a season-long loan at Bristol City while Olly Lee and
Cristian Montano are on month-long stays at Dagenham & Redbridge and Notts
County respectively.

Watford
• The hosts are without Scottish midfielder Stephen McGinn, who has been
missing since February with a knee injury.
• Dyche had worries over former Birmingham City defender Martin Taylor and
Craig Forsythe before the Derby game at the weekend but both started.

Last time out
Saturday 13 August 2011
npower Championship
Doncaster Rovers 0-1 West Ham United
West Ham United: Green, O'Brien, Tomkins, Reid, Ilunga, Collison, Noble,
Parker, Nolan, Taylor, Piquionne
Subs not used: Boffin, Faye
Goal: Nolan 5

Saturday 13 August 2011
Watford 0-1 Derby County
Watford: Loach, Doyley, Taylor, Dickinson, Mariappa, Yeates, Eustace,
Jenkins, Forsythe (Massey 87), Iwelumo (Deeney 71), Sordell
Subs not used: Mirfin, Buaben, Gilmartin

Last six meetings
(Championship unless stated)
23 September 2008 - Watford 1-0 West Ham United (Carling Cup)
1 February 2007 - West Ham United 0-1 Watford (Premier League
27 January 2007 - West Ham United 0-1 Watford (FA Cup)
22 August 2006 - Watford 1-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
8 May 2005 - Watford 1-2 West Ham United
27 November 2004 - West Ham United 3-2 Watford

Overall record v Watford (all competitions) W 23 D 5 L 8

Ten-year records

West Ham United
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted to Premier League via
play-offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
2002/03 Premier League 18th (42 points - relegated to Championship)
2001/02 Premier League 7th (53 points)

Watford
2010/11 Championship 14th (61 points)
2009/10 Championship 16th (54 points)
2008/09 Championship 13th (58 points)
2007/08 Championship 6th (70 points)
2006/07 Premier League 20th (28 points)
2005/06 Championship 3rd (81 points, promoted to Premier League via
Play-Off)
2004/05 Championship 18th (52 points)
2003/04 First Division (now Championship) 16th (57 points)
2002/03 First Division (now Championship) 13th (60 points)
2001/02 First Division (now Championship) 14th (59 points)

Referee
• Tuesday's referee will be Dean Whitestone
• He became a Football League in 2005/06 and has never officiated a West Ham
United match previously.
• His last Watford game was their 3-0 home win against Sheffield United in
the npower Championship on 12 March 2011.
Old boys
• Players to have represented both clubs include Joe Blythe, James Carr,
David Connolly, Alan Devonshire, Colin Foster, Ted Hufton, Roger Hugo, Billy
Jennings, Jimmy Lindsay, Jobi McAnuff, Malky Mackay, David Noble, Jack
Rutherford and Joe Webster.
Next up
• West Ham United welcome Leeds United to the Boleyn Ground next Sunday
afternoon while Watford are on the road at Coventry City this Saturday
afternoon.
General information
• For ticket information, click here.
• Tuesday's forecast in Watford is for a cloudy evening with temperatures
peaking at 15C.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
George settling in
WHUFC.com
There was a familiar face at Chadwell Heath on Monday with the return of
George McCartney
15.08.2011

George McCartney has sat down to speak exclusively to West Ham TV on a busy
first day back at Chadwell Heath. The Hammers left-back signed on a
season-long loan last Wednesday but only reported for duty on Monday morning
with the squad and management focused before then on the weekend trip to
Doncaster Rovers.
McCartney was greeted by plenty of familiar faces from his first spell at
the club, a hugely successful stay that culminated in him being Hammer of
the Year runner-up in 2007/08. He was soon down to work on the training
pitches, taking part in a full session before he and fellow new recruit John
Carew did extra conditioning work with fitness coach Eamon Swift. On what
was a whirlwind few hours, he was then measured up for his new club suit by
official tailors Apsley and then sat down to give an exclusive interview
with West Ham TV. That is playing right now on the club's official online
video service, along with Sam Allardyce and Kevin Nolan's reaction to the
weekend win at Doncaster and all the key highlights from the Keepmoat
Stadium.

Speaking to West Ham TV, McCartney admitted he was glad to be back. "It can
be tough moving to a new club but I've been here before. I know most of the
staff who are still here and the team is quite similar to when I left it -
there are still quite a lot of the lads here. "It's all about me getting my
bearings again and going out to prove to the manager, players, fans and
myself that I'm still the player I was three or four years ago."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'This is my chance'
WHUFC.com
Young Cristian Montano was delighted to mark his Football League debut with
a goal for Notts County
15.08.2011

As starts to careers in senior football go, few have been as eventful as
that enjoyed by Cristian Montano. The youngster joined League One side Notts
County on a month-long loan on Friday 5 August - the morning after helping a
West Ham United XI defeat Grays Athletic 5-1. After watching his new side
defeat Carlisle nine days ago, Montano was thrown into the lion's den of
County's pulsating Carling Cup first-round derby at Nottingham Forest.
County led twice before conceding a last-minute equaliser and losing on
penalties in front of a 21,605-strong crowd. On Saturday, Montano was
introduced as a half-time substitute with his side trailing 2-0 to Charlton
Athletic and responded by scoring his maiden Football League goal on the
hour-mark, although the Magpies were unable to fashion a late equaliser. The
19-year-old, who excelled in pre-season with the Hammers, has relished the
opportunity to play first-team football. "The loan spell has been going
well," Montano told whufc.com "I'm liking the challenge and the experience
of being able to play first-team football, which is what I've always wanted
to do. "My debut at Forest was probably one of the things I won't forget,
being able to play in a derby in a big stadium in the Carling Cup in front
of 21-odd thousand fans. The atmosphere was great. "At first I was a bit
nervous, but what a game to make your debut! I was really looking forward to
it and was full of excitement - feeling all sort of things I'd never felt
before - but then I came on, forgot about the crowd and got on with my game.
"I was full of confidence due to the way I've been given chances in
pre-season and just want to push on from here."

Having helped the Magpies go so close to defeating Championship side Forest,
Montano caught the eye again at the weekend, scoring from close-range
against Charlton - a side managed by former Hammer Chris Powell and his
assistant, former West Ham reserve-team manager Alex Dyer. "When I found it
was Charlton on Saturday I was so looking forward to it and said to myself
that it would be nice to get a goal against Alex Dyer!," he said. "I came on
half way through the game. We had our first corner and that was when I said
'This is my chance'. I started from outside of the box, lost my man and then
one of their defenders missed the header and the ball landed to me and I
side-footed it in to the bottom right-hand corner. "Scoring my first league
goal in my first league game means a lot and is something I will never
forget."

Montano is looking to continue a memorable few days by making his full
league debut when County host Tranmere Rovers at Meadow Lane on Tuesday
evening.
Looking further into the future, the Colombia-born forward is eyeing a first
senior appearance in a claret and blue shirt. "I'm looking forward to next
game," he confirmed. "I will keep working hard and keep pushing for my West
Ham debut down the line. For now, though I'm focused on Notts County and on
doing well here!"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan ready for Hornets test
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan has scored his first West Ham United goal and is targeting more
at Vicarage Road
15.08.2011

Kevin Nolan is targeting more goals after netting his maiden West Ham United
strike in Saturday's 1-0 npower Championship victory at Doncaster Rovers.
The new skipper broke his duck on just his second appearance with a
trademark finish after stealing into the penalty area and slamming Jack
Collison's cross high into the net.
Nolan's goal not only got him up and running goal-wise, but also got the
Hammers off the mark by registering the club's first npower Championship
points of 2011/12.
The No4 came within inches of scoring twice more at the Keepmoat Stadium,
only to see home goalkeeper Martin Woods deny him with two outstanding saves
- the first of which saw the stopper divert his 30-yard chip onto the
crossbar. "I'm delighted," he told West Ham TV. "I'm just gutted I couldn't
add to it. There was a great save from their keeper when he tipped the ball
on to the bar. "It was a good feeling scoring a goal - it was just a shame
it wasn't in front of our fans to be quite honest, that was the only
negative about it. "I am delighted with the clean sheet and the win away
from home - I think it's only the fourth one in two years, so I'm absolutely
delighted."

Nolan netted 18 times in leading Newcastle United to promotion to the
Premier League two seasons ago and the midfielder believes he can hit the
target regularly this season for the Hammers. "I've been brought here to do
that and luckily enough I was able to get on the end of that one, and
hopefully that'll be a common thing throughout the season. "Sam Allardyce
made no secret that when he bought me, he bought me to score goals. He also
spoke to me about leading the team and so I'm just delighted to have scored
and got us our first three points of the season. Hopefully they'll be the
first three points of many."

Nolan was also praiseworthy of his team-mates' professionalism in bouncing
back from the disappointment of losing to a last-minute goal to Cardiff City
by recording a welcome clean sheet. "We looked at the video of the Cardiff
game throughout the week," he confirmed. "We had a good couple of hours in
the video room and I don't think the lads wanted that again! "They made sure
we got the clean sheet we deserved. I thought we kept Doncaster at bay well.
They play some lovely stuff, but they didn't really affect us in behind or
get through us which was pleasing. "I'm sure, as we go on throughout season,
we'll be able to stamp our authority a bit more and get on the ball a bit
more, but it's a new thing for West Ham being down here and we've got to get
used to scrapping it out. "Once we scrap a few out, hopefully we'll be able
to start getting the ball down and playing and doing it the right way."

With the 100mph nature of the npower Championship, West Ham get the chance
to build on Saturday's success and pick up another three points when they
travel to Watford on Tuesday. The Hornets have picked up just a single point
so far and lost 1-0 at home to Derby County at the weekend, but Nolan knows
the Hammers will have to be at their best to defeat Sean Dyche's men. "It's
great isn't it?" he laughed. "We love playing football so at the end of the
day everybody should be ready and raring to go on Tuesday. "That's what I
love about the Championship - you're never too far away from the next game
and that's good."I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully it'll be another win
and a fantastic few days for us."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Watford v West Ham
Page last updated at 15:26 GMT, Monday, 15 August 2011 16:26 UK
BBC.co.uk

Npower Championship
Venue: Vicarage Road Date: Tuesday, 16 August Kick-off: 1945 BST Coverage:
Listen on BBC Radio 5 live and BBC local radio; text commentary on the BBC
Sport website

TEAM NEWS
Watford boss Sean Dyche has no new injury worries to contend with. Stephen
McGinn remains the Hornets' only absentee as he continues his recovery from
a long-term knee injury.

West Ham winger Julien Faubert could be added to the squad after overcoming
a hamstring injury, while Carlton Cole is also hoping to feature. John Carew
has a week's training behind him and his fitness will be assessed along with
that of George McCartney, who rejoined from Sunderland last week.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• West Ham have dominated the exchanges between these clubs. They have
won 23 of 37 league and cup matches, drawn six and lost eight.
• Watford have only completed three home league victories over West
Ham. The most recent was 5-0, 26 years ago, since when they have gained
three points out of 30 on their own ground against them.
• The Hornets have scored no more than two goals in any of their last
24 league and cup games against the Hammers.

Watford
• Hunting a first maximum of the season (1D, 1L).
• Failed to win 10 of their last 11 Championship outings.
• Always managed at least one victory in the first three games of a
second tier campaign since 2003, when they lost the first three.

West Ham

• Won one league game 1-0, and lost one 1-0 so far.
• Saturday's victory over Doncaster, was only their third in 38
Premier League and Championship matches on the road.
• Defeat to Watford would be the Hammers' 300th loss in second level
league games away from home.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hines departs?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 15th August 2011
By: Staff Writer

Zavon Hines is set to sign for Championship club Burnley after failing to
land the contract he wanted at West Ham, according to reports. The
22-year-old striker has been out of contract at the club since the end of
last season and looked certain to leave east London some months ago. However
at the beginning of last month it looked as if the two parties were edging
towards a deal when Hines told his followers on Twitter that he hoped to
remain at West Ham and was hopeful of signing a new deal. But despite being
involved in the latter stages of the club's pre-season - most recently when
he was part of the Hammers XI that won 5-1 at Grays on 4th August - talks
fell through, and the former England under-21 is now said to be set to join
West Ham's Championship rivals Burnley for a nominal fee. Hines, who was
named Young Player of the Year by KUMB.com readers at the end of the 2009/10
season made his first team debut under Alan Curbishley in West Ham's 4-1
Carling Cup defeat of Macclesfield - a game in which he also scored.

Having failed to make any further appearances for the first team that season
he played 15 times in 2009/10, making his first start for the club in the
1-0 defeat at Wigan in September. However his season ended abruptly in
December 2009 when he was forced to endure surgery to fix a lonstanding knee
problem - an injury that kept him out until November the following year.
Sporadic appearances under Avram Grant despite being fully fit led him to
Hines criticising the manager via his Twitter feed back in May, whilst the
arrival of Sam Allardyce gave hope that his career at the Boleyn could be
salvaged. However that hope was short lived and his departure is expected
to be confirmed by both clubs shortly.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green in contract talks
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 15th August 2011
By: Staff Writer

Goalkeeper Robert Green is currently considering signing a new contract with
West Ham. According to reports, the club have offered the England goalkeeper
- whose current contract expires at the end of the 2011/12 season - a new
four-year deal that would effectively tie him to West Ham for the rest of
his career. The 31-year-old was signed by Alan Pardew in August 2006 from
Norwich City for £1.5million, since when he has notched up almost 180
appearances for the club, barely missing a game in the process. In 2008 he
slammed the club after his request for a new contract was denied. Speaking
at the time, Green said: "No matter what the figures are in the workplace in
terms of wages, you either feel a valued member of your staff or you don't.
"At the moment, I don't and clearly West Ham don't care about me. Other guys
are getting rewarded but I'm not. I would just like some parity."

Robert Green: KUMB.com Awards

KUMB.com Player of the Year: 2007/08.
KUMB.com Player of the Year, Runner-up: 2006/07, 2010/11.
KUMB.com Player of the Year, Third Place: 2008/09, 2009/10.
KUMB.com Best Signing, Third Place: 2006/07.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 'desperate' to shift Parker
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 15th August 2011
By: Staff Writer

There are still no takers for Scott Parker, despite West Ham's desperation
to offload the England midfielder. The combative midfelder, who is 31 in a
few weeks time, appears equally desperate to quit the club. However as of
today nobody has come close to meeting West Ham's asking price of around
£7million for the former Chelsea and Newcastle player. The failure to
offload Parker is thought to be a major cause for concern in the Boleyn
boardroom, given the moves the club are now making to shift a player
rumoured to be earning in the region of £60,000 per week. On Saturday, vice
chair Karren Brady finally confirmed that the club needed to part with some
of its key players in order to balance the books. "No one has embarked on
negotiations for one of our three England squad players," she said via her
weekly tabloid columm, adding: "We need to sell for our accounts - but not
desperately."

And this morning Harry Harris, a close confidante of chairman David Sullivan
claimed - sans quotes - that Fabio Capello has insisted Parker must be
playing for a Premier League side - despite Capello having already picked
Parker in his squad to face Holland in last week's abandoned fixture.
Harris, writing for Soccernet headlines the piece Parker 'moaning like mad'
for move - although there are no quotes from Parker, just an unnamed 'club
source'.

Supporters have claimed that Parker's body language is indicative of his
desire to leave the club with whom he happily signed a five-year contract
last autumn.
Having produced two mediocre performances in the games versus Cardiff and
Doncaster many have questioned his commitment to the club, with others
suggesting that he should be dropped if he is not part of the club's
long-term plans.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Watford v West Ham United - Match Preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 15th August 2011
By: Preview Percy

When we visited Preview Percy this week he had a smile on his face for once.
We thought it was because we'd won away from home but it turned out that his
dentures were playing up again. Here the miserable old buffer takes a look
at this week's visit to Vicarage Road....

They're coming up thick and fast now as we shoehorn our extra league matches
into the calendar. Next we crawl around the M25 for a 7.45pm kick-off
against Watford.

The Hertfordshire club have had upheaval a-plenty over the summer. Manager
Malky Mackay accepted the invitation to cross the Severn Bridge leading to
the appointment of his assistant Sean Dyche to the no.1 spot. It's fair to
say that Dyche isn't the most experienced of bosses. The Watford post
represents his first full managerial position and his coaching CV contains
little more than the work he's done at Vicarage Road. Dyche's assistant is
former Forest midfielder Ian Woan. Woan has a bit more coaching experience
having been at a number of clubs since closing his playing career in the US
with (and I am not making this up) Syracuse Salty Dogs. Woan arrived in the
summer having latterly worked as first XI coach at Portsmouth.

Their season got off to a decent start with a 2-2 draw up at Burnley, where
they led twice before giving up a late equaliser. Like ourselves their
League Cup match fell foul of the recent civil unrest, the tie against
Bristol Rovers being rearranged for next week. On Saturday they went down
1-0 at home to Derby County who, according to Dyche, "picked our pockets".
The reference to pockets was unintentionally apt, the Rams' winner coming as
it did from Steve Davies. It was apparently a 20 yard effort and the lack of
a deflection prevents me from claiming that it went in off the yellow.

Their first choice 'keeper is Scott Loach. The England U21 international (14
caps) was on the receiving end of some rotten luck a few years back. The
first league goal he is credited with having conceded was the infamous "goal
that never was" against Reading, a goal awarded by serially incompetent
referee Stuart Attwell after confirming the hallucinations of one of his
assistants. Loach has featured in a number of full England squads, usually
when others have been unavailable for selection, but he has yet to win a
full cap.

The captain's armband is currently in the possession of midfielder John
Eustace. Eustace was the luckless player deemed to have scored the
aforementioned "goal that never was", his being the offending clearance that
went a mere 12 feet wide of the upright. Eustace arrived from Stoke back in
2008 and has spent time at Derby on loan. Watford's financial problems
initially threatened to limit the player's appearances for a while during
the 2009/10 season, appearance fee clauses in his contract apparently
meaning that the club couldn't afford to pick him. In the end Eustace signed
a contract amendment, allowing him to return to playing action and, despite
coming close to a move on occasion (at one page he actually passed a medical
at Leeds), he has remained at Vicarage Road ever since, signing a contract
extension this summer that will keep him at Watford for another two years.

Amongst the summer arrivals was Chris Iwelumo who came in from Burnley for
an "undisclosed fee". Watford is Iwelumo's thirteenth club (including loan
spells) since his professional debut for St Mirren in 1995. The
Coatbridge-born striker made his Scotland debut in 2008 in a World Cup
qualifier at Hampden Park against Norway. The match finished 0-0 thanks
largely in part to an astonishingly bad miss from the player. The miss was
so terrible that the tv commentators were even more confused than normal,
carrying on for several seconds as if the goal had actually been scored.
Iwelumo is therefore probably unique amongst the Watford squad (if not the
whole of football) in wishing that a match in which he had taken part had
been refereed by Stuart Atwell.

Another sweaty in the new arrivals lounge is midfielder Craig Forsyth, who
became Dyche's first signing back in June. No proper transfer fee was paid
for the 22 year old but an agreed compensation figure was paid to Dundee,
with whom the player has been since the age of 17.

Dyche went to the other half of Dundee to sign Ghanaian midfielder Prince
Buaben from United. Buaben grew up in the Netherlands and came through the
famous Ajax youth system. He impressed them sufficiently enough for them to
offer him professional contract but Dutch immigration rules meant that he
was a year short of the time required for him to qualify for a resident's
permit, No permit meant no work visa, no work visa meant no professional
contract. He returned home to Ghana, whose Commonwealth status made a UK
visa slightly easier to get hold of than a Dutch one. He signed for Dundee
United in 2007, scoring 9 goals in 123 league & cup appearances and picking
up a Scottish Cup winners medal on the way before making the trip South to
Watford this summer.

Another new arrival this summer is winger Mark Yeates who came in for yet
another "undisclosed fee" from Sheffield United. Yeates spent five years on
Spurs' books, most of which were spent on loan at a succession of other
clubs on loan. He eventually ended up at one of those clubs, Colchester, on
a full time basis after failing a medical at Crystal Palace. Yeates scored
the first competitive goal at Colchester's new ground when they moved from
Layer Road. He did well enough in Essex to earn a move to Middlesbrough,
though things didn't go particularly well for him at the Riverside. Things
went little better for him in a year and a half with the Sheffield
Hypocrites who were, no doubt, as glad to get him off the wage bill as he
was to leave the club. Yeates, alongside the aforementioned Fosyth was on
target up at Turf Moor on the opening day.

And so to us. Well at the weekend we enjoyed that rarest of experiences of
late, an away win. It wasn't the greatest of matches in all honesty but it
made a pleasant change to see us actually hold on to a lead for a change. It
was far from perfect mind – I'd like to have seen us take the game to the
opposition a bit more but hey three points are three points. The win now
means that we are averaging more than one away win a season over the past
three seasons including the current one. Ok so that average stands at
1.3333333 away wins per season but from small acorns grow mighty oaks and if
there's ever an award for most meaningless statistic of the season I'd like
to be in with a shout.

If somebody were stupid enough to pay me to select the side there are a
couple of changes I'd make. I'm not sure what the status of George
McCartney's fitness is but Herita Ilunga hasn't inspired an awful lot of
confidence over the last couple of weeks. At Doncaster, though he did weigh
in with a couple of important challenges, he did continue his worrying trend
of getting caught in possession. Chuck in some wayward passing and the
attraction of starting Linda as soon as possible grows by the minute,
however, given Mr Allardyce's insistence on the highest of fitness levels,
the fact that Linda only arrived at Chadwell Heath on Monday may count
against him.

Up front I'd prefer Cole to Piquionne – the former has put himself about
more than the latter and of the two Cole looks the more likely to make
things happen. Other than these two positions I wouldn't expect the side to
look too different to that which started against Doncaster.

So predictions then. They've started ok – and reports suggest that the Derby
defeat was a bit harsh on them. We'll need to up our game a bit for this one
– if we sit back and wait for them to give the ball away as Doncaster did in
the first half we may well be disappointed. Three points shouldn't be beyond
us but Mr Allardyce is nothing if not a pragmatist and he probably wouldn't
shed too many tears if we came away with just the one point. So I'm going
for a draw this time round. 1-1 sounds about right to me as we extend our
unbeaten run to, er, two matches.

Enjoy the game!

Last season: N/a – again

Player to watch: Mark Yeates – a scan of match reports suggests that he is
the one that creates many of their chances.

Referee: Dean Whitestone – Another new one to us. Few in the Championship
seem to have a good word to say of him, though whoever decided to create the
Facebook page "Dean Whitestone is the Crappest Ref" clearly never
encountered Mike Dean. The last two matches listed for Mr Whitestone ended
up with a 1-0 win for Dagenham & Redbridge at Macclesfield and a 4-1 win for
Leyton Orient at Plymouth last season so a nice East London away hat-trick
would be nice. A closer look at his record shows that he has sent off five
players over his last four matches so don't expect him to be too reticent in
brandishing the cards. By some strange coincidence his last two sendings off
have been goalkeepers, both for deliberate handball outside the box. Better
watch those lines Greeno.

Daft fact of the week: In the whole of 2005 a mere ten people purchased
train tickets for journeys to Watford West railway station. This may seem a
ridiculously small number of journeys in a year until you consider the fact
that the station had effectively closed permanently 9 years earlier. Despite
this, the ticket sales were still more than those made for journeys to
Gainsborough Central, a station that is actually open. Meanwhile, the ten
people who bought the tickets are probably still on a platform somewhere.
Somebody ought to tell them we've won an away match.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Cole thankful for kick up the bum
Published 22:29 15/08/11 By Mike Walters
The Mirror

Carlton Cole has admitted the arrival of John Carew was a timely "kick up
the backside" for travel-sick West Ham. England striker Cole is expected to
earn his first start this season for the Hammers at Watford on Tuesday,
after an impressive cameo from the bench at Doncaster . After just three
away league wins in two seasons, the Eastenders go for back-to-back wins on
the road for the first time since 2007 at Vicarage Road. Norwegian Carew, a
free transfer coup from Aston Villa, is unlikely to make his debut, but
Cole's rejection of a move to Stoke has impressed manager Sam Allardyce.
Cole said: "I am committed to West Ham – I always want to do well for the
club because they gave me an opportunity when things were not going so well
for me in my career, and I'll never forget that. "I am comfortable where I
am, but obviously the manager has brought in some very good players. There
is real competition for places now, and hopefully he will get the best out
of me. "We have good quality up front, good players to support us from
midfield and a good defence - now it is up to our strikers to shine. I am
happy [with] who the manager has brought in to give us a kick up the
backside. "A few of the lads came in a bit disappointed about the way we won
at Doncaster (where the Hammers clung on for a 1-0 success), but it was
important to put three points on the board and any away win is valuable in
this division. We hadn't had one for ages so we were really pleased with the
result."

Big Sam has been thrilled with 27-year-old Cole's attitude, saying: "Carlton
turned down Stoke, so he has to be commended for that. "He turned down the
chance of earning far more money than he earns at West Ham, so when every
player is ridiculed that all they do is play for money, he is the opposite
of that." Watford, who went 22 years without a win against the Hammers but
have won their last three meetings 1-0, were mugged by Derby on Saturday -
but rookie manager Sean Dyche is in no mood to feel sorry for himself. Dyche
said: "Performances will bring results, there's no question in the minds of
the players and my staff about that. Our supporters are a knowledgeable
bunch and they understand we had our pockets picked at the weekend.
"Football can be cruel at times, but you have to respond with the belief and
experience that says things will turn for you if you keep working hard. "We
are well aware of the quality we are facing with West Ham, but my challenge
to our squad is to make sure we bring our own talent to the table. "West Ham
have made a statement with some of their signings and Sam Allardyce is no
doubt tweaking things to his liking, but we have to concentrate on making
our own quality shine."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Watford boss says respect for West Ham United "will go out the window'
4:20pm Monday 15th August 2011
By Frank Smith »
Watford Observer

Watford are at full complement for the visit of West Ham United and whilst
manager Sean Dyche admits welcoming one of the title favourites to Vicarage
Road will make it a big occasion, he stressed respect for Sam Allardyce's
men will go out of the window come kick-off. The Hornets have been fortunate
with injuries during pre-season and have had a fully fit squad to choose
from in their opening two fixtures, apart from long-term absentee Stephen
McGinn. And Dyche has confirmed he has no fresh injuries following
Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Derby County The Hammers are bookies' favourites to
return to the Premier League but Dyche rebuffed suggestions that victory
over West Ham was a tough ask. Dyche said: "I wouldn't say it is a big ask,
more that it is a big game. A club like West Ham coming is exciting for the
fans and a challenge for the players. "We respect the fact they have played
at a higher level and have achieved things but when we go into the match,
that respect goes out of the window and we focus on what we can deliver and
what we are about. "That is not to say they are not a good team and I am
sure they will be part of that top group and I am sure they will bring more
players in before the window closes - with a few going out as well - but we
feel we have real quality here."

When asked if there has been an extra buzz around the training ground, Dyche
replied: "The reality is we prepare properly for every game. It is only one
game of football. "Yes it will be a big occasion and a bigger crowd, which
brings a different feel to it, but it is still only three points up for
grabs and we go into every game looking to win."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Parker moaning like mad to get Premier League move
Harry Harris
ESPN
August 15, 2011

ESPNsoccernet understands West Ham midfielder Scott Parker has been advised
by Fabio Capello's England camp to move to a Premier League club to
safeguard his place in the national team. Parker, who was left out of the
final England squad for last year's World Cup, forced his way back into the
England side after some inspired performances for his club despite their
eventual relegation to the Championship. Clubs including Arsenal, Tottenham,
Aston Villa and Chelsea have been linked with a move for Parker this summer
and Hammers boss Sam Allardyce said earlier this month: "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." A club source has now told ESPNsoccernet
that Parker, 30, is determined to move away to boost his chances of
inclusion in the Euro 2012 squad. "Scott Parker is moaning like mad for a
move away from West Ham, and it's hardly surprising when you understand that
he's been told by the England assistant manager that he needs to move to
keep his England place," the source said.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers in talks over Green deal
August 15, 2011
ESPN
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent

West Ham have offered goalkeeper Robert Green a new four-year contract to
persuade him to stay at Upon Park. Green, 31, is in the final year of his
£25,000-a-week contract and up until now it was not expected that he would
sign another deal at Upton Park. After relegation, co-owner David Gold
believed the club would struggle to keep any of their England stars in the
Championship and Green was thought to be one of the most likely to quit the
Hammers. However, a source told ESPNsoccernet: "We are currently in
negotiations to give Robert Green a new four-year contract."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com