WHUFC.com
The skipper updates on a great week for the Hammers but says Sunday will be
another battle to be won
20.08.2011
We wanted to make an immediate impact after the disappointment of losing to
Cardiff in the first game and I think this week saw what our intentions are
going to be in this league. We took a lot of positives from the first match
and we have been able to put those to good use in the two fantastic
back-to-back away wins at Doncaster and then at Watford. At Doncaster, I was
delighted to get my first goal for the club. We had other chances and could
have added more, I felt it was a great team performance, though. We stood
strong and got the result to register our first three points of the season.
It was a match that saw us show how we can fight and handle tough games when
you just have to grind them out and win. It was a pleasing feeling to leave
Doncaster last weekend knowing we had performed well and got the points in
the bag. It saw us go into the next game, at Watford, confident and wanting
to carry the good work on and I have to say, I thought all the lads were
fantastic.
It was what you would call a team win - four of the lads chipping in with
the goal. I was delighted to see Tonks head in the first and then Joey
getting what was his first for a few years. I am so pleased for him as he
has had tough luck with injuries. Then Coley scoring his first of the season
in his first start which will give him bags of confidence for the season
ahead and Scotty added his strike to round off a great result for us.
And it was also fantastic to get another clean sheet on the road. Greeny
made a fantastic save and more. It will be just as important keeping the
clean sheets as it is scoring the other end, as it will give us a good
reputation to other teams coming to play us. Not only can we score goals
from all over the team but that we don't give much away. It just builds that
mentality and will bode well for the season. It was a great team performance
on and off the ball. The two results saw us go into the top half of the
table and that is where we want to be and there is no reason why we can't
stay there. This was the kick-start we wanted and now we have to just keep
working hard, keep focused and build on this week. We go into Sunday's game
confident but also knowing what to expect from a Leeds side who have had a
sticky start but had a good win in midweek. We are under no illusions that
every game will be tough but we are ready for that. Leeds have a reputation
from the past, which won titles and everything, so there is a lot of
expectation. We know they will be confident, but we want to bring those two
great results from this week into our home games and that is the aim for
Sunday.
Can I just say again, how amazing the support has been from all of you. I
said last week about the fantastic reception you gave us against Cardiff and
how we wanted to make up for the disappointment of losing that game. I know
we practically sold out the capacity of tickets we were given in the last
two away games and we were all delighted to give all those who followed us
to Doncaster and Watford something to cheer about on their journey home and
for those looking for the results wherever they were.
The spirit has been great around the training ground this week and obviously
two wins boost that even further. Myself and Matty [Taylor] got a bit of
extra stick and banter after someone put a photo up from one of the Monday
papers where we were celebrating my goal and it looked like we were kissing!
Luckily for me, I didn't have too many people I know see it, but I think
Matty got more stick as a lot of his friends saw it and were calling him! I
found out who put the press-cutting up, so will get them back! It was all a
bit of fun and the thing is, if it means scoring and winning games, it might
be that I will be kissing everyone from now until the end of the season! I
said last time that we were asking for you all to be patient and stick with
us and I ask that again. We are not going to shy away from the
responsibility that we have to you all, to match your support with getting
the club back up to the Premier League.
We will be pushing ourselves hard to achieve that and to give us all
something to celebrate at the end of the season. We know we owe you that and
want to repay your support with that achievement.
Come on you Irons!
Kevin Nolan
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Leeds match preview
WHUFC.com
All the early team news and background for Sunday afternoon's game at the
Boleyn Ground
19.08.2011
WEST HAM UNITED v LEEDS UNITED
npower CHAMPIONSHIP
SUNDAY 21 AUGUST 2011
KICK-OFF: 1.15PM
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST
Introduction
• West Ham United welcome Leeds United looking for a third straight league
win for the first time since April-May 2007, having recorded back to back
wins on the road for the first time since December 2007.
• 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. That
was followed by a 4-0 victory at Watford on Tuesday night.
• Leeds took their first points of the season on Tuesday night with a 4-1
home win against Hull City.
• The Hammers were relegated last season after finishing last in the
Barclays Premier League. Leeds finished seventh in the Championship, just
three points outside of the Play-Offs.
• 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. Leeds have been outside of the top flight since 2004,
dropping to League One in 2007 before returning in 2010 to the Championship.
• West Ham's best home win against Leeds was a memorable 7-0 success in the
League Cup on 1 January 1967. Leeds have twice won 3-1 at the Boleyn, on New
Year's Day in 1992 and on 6 October 1976.
• Leeds have won 14 of the last 19 meetings between the clubs, with the
Hammers only tasting victory in two of 26 matches played over the last 29
years.
• A third straight win would be the Hammers best start to a league campaign
in 12 seasons.
• Robert Green is in line to make his 200th appearance in goal for the club.
Message from Newham Police (Metropolitan Police Service)
During the West Ham United vs Leeds United game at the weekend (Sunday, 21
August 2011), supporters will notice a strong police presence in and around
the ground to ensure the safety of the fans and general public.
Police will be taking a robust approach with anyone who causes anti-social
behaviour or disorder during, before or after the game. Our main priority is
the safety of the local community and supporters coming to enjoy a game of
football.
We ask for the co-operation of all fans to positively represent their
football clubs and ensure it is an enjoyable day for all.
Team news
West Ham United
• James Tomkins has been rated as 50-50 with a hamstring issue he picked up
in the 4-0 win at Watford.
• Peter Kurucz (knee) and Gary O'Neil (ankle) are both definitely out.
• Frank Nouble is hoping to force his 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 and was an unused substitute against Watford.
• New recruits George McCartney and John Carew are pushing hard for
inclusion but may have to wait for the visit of Aldershot Town on Wednesday.
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.
Leeds United
• The visitors welcome back Max Gradel and Jonny Howson after suspension.
• Luciano Becchio (hamstring) and Billy Paynter (thigh) are expected to miss
out again.
Last time out
Tuesday 16 August 2011
npower Championship
Watford 0-4 West Ham United
West Ham United: Green, O'Brien, Tomkins (Faye 67), Reid, Ilunga, Collison
(Faubert 75), Noble, Parker, Nolan, Taylor, Cole (Piquionne 74)
Subs not used: Boffin, Barrera
Goals: Tomkins 3, O'Brien 45, Cole 71, Parker 90
Tuesday 16 August 2011
Leeds United 4-1 Hull City
Leeds United: Lonergan , Kisnorbo, Lees, White, O'Dea, Brown, Clayton, Nunez
(Sam 78), Snodgrass, Keogh, McCormack (Thompson 88)
Subs not used Rachubka, Connolly, Bruce
Goals: McCormack 17, Lees 40, Snodgrass 47, Nunez 68
Last six meetings
(Championship unless stated)
26 February 2005 - Leeds United 2-1 West Ham United
10 December 2004 - West Ham United 1-1 Leeds United
8 February 2003 - Leeds United 1-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
10 November 2002 - West Ham United 3-4 Leeds United (Premier League)
1 January 2002 - Leeds United 3-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
25 August 2001 - West Ham United 0-0 Leeds United (Premier League)
Overall record v Leeds (all competitions) W 27 D 27 L 48
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)
Leeds
2010/11 Championship 14th (61 points)
2009/10 League One 2nd (86 points, promoted to Championship)
2008/09 League One 4th (84 points)
2007/08 League One 5th (76 points)
2006/07 Championship 24th (36 points, relegated to League One)
2005/06 Championship 5th (78 pointsf)
2004/05 Championship 14th (52 points)
2003/04 Premier League 19th (33 points)
2002/03 Premier League 15th (47 points)
2001/02 Premier League 5th (66 points)
Referee
• Sunday's referee will be Michael Oliver.
• The 26-year-old takes charge of his first West Ham United fixture since
the 3-2 FA Cup fourth-round victory over Nottingham Forest at the Boleyn
Ground on 30 January 2011.
• Previously, Oliver refereed the Hammers' 2-2 draw at Birmingham City on 6
November 2010 in the Barclays Premier League.
• Prior to those two fixtures, Oliver's only other West Ham appointment was
a 3-0 FA Cup third-round win over Barnsley in east London on 3 January 2009.
• Oliver was appointed to referee just one Leeds United fixture last season
- a 4-0 home npower Championship defeat by Cardiff City on 25 October 2010.
• Oliver took charge of the 2007 Conference National Play-Off final at
Wembley, becoming the youngest referee to take charge of a fixture at the
Home of Football.
• The official made history when he became the youngest referee in Premier
League history in August 2010, when he took charge of the fixture between
Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers at St Andrew's.
• In addition, he had already been the youngest-ever Football League
assistant referee, youngest-ever Football League referee, and the
youngest-ever fourth official in the Premier League.
• Oliver's father Clive is also a full-time professional match official.
Old boys
• Players to have represented both clubs include Lee Bowyer, Sebastien
Carole, Lee Chapman, Mervyn Day, Brian Deane, Rio Ferdinand, Alf Harwood,
William Jackson, Matt Kilgallon, Dave Mangnall and George Speak.
Next up
• West Ham United welcome Aldershot Town in the Carling Cup first round on
Wednesday, while Leeds United travel to Doncaster for a second-round tie on
the previous evening.
General information
• For ticket information, click here. No cash turnstiles will be in
operation on the day, with only ticket office sales to those with a previous
purchase history.
• Sunday's forecast in east London is for a sunny day with temperatures
peaking around 23C.
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Joyful Joey
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien is loving life at West Ham United ahead of Sunday's big clash
with Leeds United
20.08.2011
Joey O'Brien has only been a West Ham United player for a month, but it has
not taken him long to feel at home in east London. The Republic of Ireland
international has settled in quickly at right-back, helping the Hammers to
win back-to-back away matches for the first time in four years. Victories at
Doncaster Rovers and Watford have helped to erase the disappointment of
suffering a last-gasp defeat by Cardiff City on the opening weekend of the
2011/12 npower Championship season. Aside from that Kenny Miller goal,
O'Brien and his new team-mates have looked assured at the back and potent in
attack, netting five times without reply in their two successes on the road
- including the Dubliner's first goal in nearly seven years at Vicarage
Road. "We were unlucky, I suppose, because we could have had three clean
sheets and seven points, but it's one of those things," said the
25-year-old. "We have picked up back-to-back away wins, so we're now going
back to Upton Park on Sunday against Leeds and it's a massive game.
"Hopefully we've got the momentum to pick up another three points."
Aside from his own fine form, O'Brien has plenty of other reasons to be
cheerful - not only has he made a successful return from a long-term knee
problem, but he is also quickly becoming a favourite among the Hammers
faithful. More than 3,000 travelled to both Doncaster and Watford, being
rewarded for their loyalty with two superb performances. "The fans were
unbelievable on Tuesday and made the place like a home game really. The
Leeds fans will probably try to do the same for their team on Sunday, so it
should be a really cracking atmosphere. "Hopefully we can put in a
performance for them because they are fantastic fans. I remember, going back
a few years ago, playing in an FA Cup tie for Bolton against West Ham at the
Reebok and there were about 8,000 of them there and another 4,000 in with
the Bolton fans. That says it all, really."
Looking back on Tuesday's goal-scoring performance, O'Brien was stunned to
learn that his goal was the first he had netted since doing so for Sheffield
Wednesday against Swindon Town in League One on 8 January 2005. The goal was
one of many highlights in a complete performance at the home of the Hornets,
but the No17 is targeting even greater heights in the future. "Was it seven
years?! It was brilliant. I picked it up and it just opened up for me and
when I got there I had a toe-poke and it came back to me. All I had to do
was get it on target and luckily for me it went into the bottom corner. "To
be honest, Coley was right there beside me so that kind of helped me because
I didn't have time to think about a celebration. "We had the best of it for
the first 15 or 20 minutes and got the goal. I think we had a few more
chances in the first half and then dominated the second half and probably
could have got more goals."
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John Lyall honoured
WHUFC.com
Sir Trevor Brooking to open new football facility in memory of fellow
Hammers legend John Lyall
19.08.2011
Sir Trevor Brooking is set to open a new state-of-the-art football facility
in memory of John Lyall on behalf of the Football Foundation. The grand
unveiling of the John Lyall Pavilion will take place at 1pm on Sunday 11
September at School Lane, Lawford, Essex, CO11 2JA. Lyall took over from Ron
Greenwood at the Boleyn Ground before two FA Cup triumphs in 1975 and 1980,
when Sir Trevor headed the winner. He then led the team to the best-ever
league showing in 1985/86. Sir Trevor, the FA Director of Football
Development, said: "As a young player myself, I was exceptionally lucky to
be coached by two of the very best coaches of their generation - John Lyall
and Ron Greenwood. They were classic examples of how crucial the role of
quality coaches can be in the development of technically skilled players.
"I'm sure John would have relished the opportunity to influence the
thousands of youngsters who will get the opportunity to enjoy their football
in the years to come. The John Lyall Pavilion will provide a wonderful
legacy for all members of the local community to enhance their footballing
experience in a safe and happy environment."
The £513,202 project will enable the local community to engage in a range of
social and sporting activities that meet the needs of local residents,
disabled visitors, and encourage people of all ages to take up new sports
and enjoy safe, accessible facilities. The main beneficiaries of the new
pavilion will be partner club Lawford Junior FC who run teams from Under-7
to Under-18 level and have over 290 members. Established in 1979, the club
gained FA Charter Standard status in 2006. The new facility has four
changing rooms including disabled access, and will allow Lawford FC to
develop sporting opportunities for all ages, including veteran teams. The
building will also be used by local schools, community groups and Lawford
Lads FC. The project was funded with the help of a £265,283 grant from the
Football Foundation. Funded by the Premier League, The FA, and the
Government via Sport England, the Football Foundation is the nation's
largest sports charity. Since it was launched in 2000, the Foundation has
awarded around 8,000 grants worth more than £420m towards improving
grassroots sport, which it has used to attract additional partnership
funding of over £520m. John Duchars, Chairman at Lawford Junior FC, said:
"After years of running the club out of a wooden shed we can't quite believe
this amazing facility is ours. It will make such a difference to our
football development programme for hundreds of young people in the local
community. "We are honoured that Sir Trevor Brooking, who has always
supported grassroots football, will be officially opening the building for
us. "We decided to name the building in honour of John Lyall in recognition
of his family's support for the project and John's dedication to the game in
the area. John sadly passed away in 2006 and a tribute dinner in his memory
contributed £27,000 to help get this project started. We are delighted that
several of John's old colleagues from West Ham and Ipswich Town FC will be
coming along to the opening."
Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: "We are
delighted that Lawford Football Club and the local community will have
access to these fantastic new facilities and I commend the club and the
Essex County FA for their hard work in making this happen. "I would like to
place on record my most sincere thanks to Sir Trevor Brooking for taking the
time out of his busy schedule to support this project. His presence at the
event will serve as an inspiration to everyone connected with it. "It is
fitting that the pavilion has been named after John Lyall who contributed so
much to the grassroots game in Essex and still remains the last manager to
guide a second tier side to victory in the FA Cup. "This new pavilion is
just one example of thousands across the country that the Football
Foundation has supported with money provided by our funding partners - the
Premier League, The FA and Government."
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Big Sam on Friday
WHUFC.com
The manager has spoken about his plans for Sunday's match with Leeds and the
latest team news
19.08.2011
Sam Allardyce was in good form on Friday morning as he faced the press to
discuss the big Sunday showdown with npower Championship rivals Leeds
United.
The visitors arrive in east London knowing the Hammers are on a roll after
two away wins but had an impressive midweek showing themselves, beating Hull
City 4-1 at Elland Road. The manager said new recruits George McCartney and
John Carew were unlikely to be involved while he called on the fans to once
again play their part.
What is the situation with John Carew and the general team news?
SA: John is OK. He played behind closed doors on Wednesday. Both he and
George McCartney have got their first game in. We need more match practice
for them and for both we will probably target the Aldershot match on
Wednesday. Obviously with the team doing so well in the last two games,
there is little or no need to change too much at the moment. The only
concern is James Tomkins coming off with a tight hamstring and we will see
in the next day or two if we have had enough time to recover. He is 50-50 at
the moment. We will go right to the very end and see what the situation is.
Are things finally going to plan for you?
SA: Things haven't gone off plan apart from the last-minute goal against
Cardiff which ruined our opening day of the season here at Upton Park and
obviously that was a big disappointment. We have overcome that by grabbing
two very crucial away victories on the trot and boosting everyone's
confidence at the club. The first-team squad are feeling good about
themselves and hopefully they are pretty excited about Sunday's game against
Leeds.
What are your thoughts on the Scott Parker bid from QPR?
SA: It was not accepted by the Chairman, so it is not enough. Simple as
that. I see them possibly coming back, it depends how much money has been
made available to [QPR manager] Neil Warnock and where he wants to spend it.
It is entirely up to them. They set their own valuations, we set our
valuation - if it is not what we want, like any other transfer you negotiate
to a point where you can do a deal or you move on and look for another one.
Scott is committed to West Ham. His performance the other night showed that.
This transfer window just makes everyone's life extremely difficult. It is a
horrendous period you have to work you way through. Unfortunately you have
to get on with it until the 31st comes and goes.
Were you disappointed to see Zavon Hines go?
SA: Yes and no. When you have a player that doesn't want to sign a contract
for you there is no other option but to let him go. For whatever reason he
didn't want to sign the contract and the offer we made him so he has got to
move on now.
Will you bring in another striker?
SA: It depends if another striker becomes available that is different to
what we have already and we can afford him. The front line is the rarest of
places for availability, and if they are goalscorers they are valuable. You
have to weigh up 'Can we afford him and is he what we are looking for?'
Do you find it strange that West Ham v Leeds is not a Premier League match?
It shows it is a competitive league.
SA: Competition is fierce when you consider the size of the football clubs
involved and the stature of the managers. It is high quality and the players
seem to be improving year by year. Everyone is striving for the big golden
pot - the Premier League. For us It is not about the money it is about
playing in the top league in the world. That is what it is about. The money
follows after. Everyone wants to get there.
How will you cause Leeds problems like you did Watford?
SA: Well we are playing at home and if we can play that type of game then we
will cause Leeds lots of problems. The key element on the Watford game was
what I hadn't seen since I have been here - the quality of our finishing.
That excited me. The quality of our finishing was very good on Tuesday. It
will be a different tactic we will have to use on Sunday because we are
playing at home and we will have to be patient about breaking the opposition
down and not getting caught on the counterattack.
How important will the fans be this season?
SA: At Doncaster we had a third of the entire attendance and it was big
support at Watford as well. That always helps the players. When you are
playing at home particularly you want it to be a fortress and the fans help
it to be that way. Unfortunately we didn't get off to the start we wanted so
I hope there are no fears or trepidation about Sunday when the lads come out
to play the game. We want them to play like they have done away from home
and really send home the fans home happy and not disappointed. It is a big
responsibility but when you get it right it is a great thrill and exciting.
That's why the players play football. The fans create the atmosphere and the
atmosphere gets the best out of the players. That's why you do the job. That
is where you get the satisfaction from, that is the drug and why you never
want to give it up.
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U18s start against Blades
WHUFC.com
Sheffield United will visit Little Heath on the opening day of the FA
Premier Academy League season
19.08.2011
West Ham United Under-18s kick-off their new 2011/12 FA Premier Academy
League season when they take on Sheffield United at Little Heath on
Saturday. The Hammers have enjoyed a productive pre-season, defeating youth
teams from PSV Eindhoven, Dinamo Moscow, Leyton Orient and Kingstonian, as
well as the non-league Great Wakering Rovers first team. With a talented
batch of first-year scholars complementing a squad that already included
England age-group internationals Robert Hall, Blair Turgott and Matthias
Fanimo, Academy Director Tony Carr has plenty of reasons for optimism this
term. Striker Elliot Lee has managed seven goals in pre-season, while
defender Leo Chambers and attacker Dymon Labonne have also shown plenty of
promise.
Kick-off at Little Heath on Saturday is at 12.30pm, with parking and
admission both free of charge. Since the close of last season, the Hammers
have allowed a number of youngsters to leave the club. Paco Craig, Deniz
Mehmet, Filip Modelski, Daniel Purdy and Daniel Subuola have all departed
for pastures new. Goalkeeper Mehmet has linked up with Welling, while
Modelski has joined PKS Belchatow in his native Poland and Purdy has
returned to Republic of Ireland to join Longford Town. Subuola was on trial
this summer at Ebbsfleet.
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Work for West Ham United
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have new retail positions open to work at the club's
successful stores
19.08.2011
Are you at present a Retail Floor Manager/Supervisor/Sales Assistant looking
for your next role in retail?
We are currently looking for a new experienced store team for a West Ham
United retail store.
1 Manager
2 Supervisors
2 full-time Sales Assistants
10 part-time Sales Assistants
Candidates must have:-
• Confidence in selling and providing a high standard of customer service.
• Good presentation and communication skills are required.
• Must be computer literate with typing and email experience essential.
• Must be able to work flexible hours at peak times and be able to work
shifts.
• The ideal candidates must have previous experience in a retail
environment.
Salary: attractive package.
Hours: All staff will work shifts Full-time - 40hr week, working 5 days out
of 7 between 7am -10pm Monday - Saturday and 9am - 6pm Sunday.
Part-time 16 - 32 hrs per week as above.
Apply now if you meet our requirements by emailing your CV with a covering
letter and return e-mail address to hr@westhamunited.co.uk
Closing Date: 31 August 2011
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West Ham v Leed
BBC.co.uk
Page last updated at 14:13 GMT, Friday, 19 August 2011 15:13 UK
Npower Championship
Venue: Upton Park Date: Sunday, 22 August Kick-off: 1315 BST Coverage:
Listen on BBC Radio 5 live and BBC local radio; text commentary on the BBC
Sport website
TEAM NEWS
West Ham will check on James Tomkins (hamstring) after he limped off in the
second half of their win at Watford with a hamstring niggle. Striker John
Carew could be added to the squad for the first time since his recent move
to Upton Park.
Leeds United skipper Jonny Howson and winger Max Gradel are both available
again after suspension. Luciano Becchio (hamstring) and Billy Paynter
(thigh) are not expected to return this weekend.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Leeds have won 48 of 102 competitive meetings with West Ham. The
London club have won 27, with 27 drawn.
• Leeds are vying for a 14th win in 19 league meetings.
• West Ham have only won two of 26 league games with the Whites over
29 years (March 1998 and November 2000).
West Ham United
• Looking for a third successive victory, after back-to-back away wins
over Doncaster (1-0) and Watford (4-0).
• Another victory will give them their best start to a league season
in 12 years.
• Robert Green is standing by to make his 200th appearance in goal for
the Hammers.
Leeds United
• Gained their first league win of the season with Tuesday's 4-1
triumph over Hull at Elland Road.
• Kept one clean sheet in 14 league matches on the road.
• Their five league goals have been scored by five different players.
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West Ham United v Leeds United - Match Preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 19th August 2011
By: Preview Percy
We're not saying that Preview Percy went looting during the recent
disturbances, but when we went to visit him this week there were a lot of
suspiciously new tartan blankets scattered around the rest home for the
bewildered where he spends his time when the pubs aren't open. Here the
grumpy one takes time out from moaning about how easy 'A' levels have become
to take a look at this weekend's visit of Leeds United....
As Thin Lizzy once put it "The Boys Are Back In Town" as we return to The
Boleyn for the visit of Leeds United for a 1.15pm kick-off on Sunday, a time
when most right thinking people are usually wandering down to their local
for a civilised Sunday lunchtime pint. Upton Park tube station will be open
though there won't be any Hammersmith & City service. District line only for
me then.
The visitors arrive having not had the brightest of starts to the season.
Their opening fixture saw them blown away 3-1 by an impressive performance
from Southampton, Leeds' consolation goal coming from a late penalty. They
then beat local rivals Bradford City 3-2 in the League Cup, coming from
behind twice in the process. However the cup performance was far from
convincing and they returned to losing ways in the league with a 1-0 defeat
at home to Boro' finishing up with nine players in the process as Gradel and
Howson picked up four yellow cards between them. However they finally got on
the Championship ladder on Tuesday night with a comprehensive 4-1 defeat of
Hull at Elland Road.
At the helm is Simon Grayson whose better claim to fame is that he is the
elder brother of Essex coach Paul. Grayson (Major) has been manager for
nearly three years now having been poached from Blackpool with whom Leeds
had to come to a negotiated settlement for his services. He guided Leeds to
promotion from whatever they are currently calling division three in
2009/10. Their first season back in this division saw them miss out on the
playoffs, finishing in 7th place three points behind Nottingham Forest who
claimed the final playoff berth.
It's been a turbulent few years for Leeds one way or another. Their
relegation to the third tier was accompanied by some dubious dealings on the
financial side of things, which is precisely the sort of thing one has come
to expect from Ken Bates over the years. In fact had HM Revenue & Customs
had their way the club would have been placed into liquidation, only some
fancy footwork by Bates and the company solicitors keeping the club in
existence.
Bates indulged in a spot of pot vs. kettle earlier this week when describing
supporters demonstrating against his stewardship of the club as "morons"
earlier this week, which is a bit strong from the man who wanted to
electrocute supporters all those years ago.
Bates has also fallen out with the good gentlemen of the British
Broadcasting Corporation who have been making a programme that tries to take
a look at the ownership of Leeds United FC. In the past it has been not
uncommon for clubs with which Bates has been involved to have had their true
ownership disguised by a labyrinthine trail of companies and trusts, usually
ending up somewhere in the vicinity of Liechtenstein which, as you all know,
is a semi-detached two-up, two down house plonked on the border between
Switzerland and Austria. Any visitors who turn up with queries regarding
such trusts are met by a little old cleaning lady who responds "I dunno guv,
I just work here", only in German.
Back in May, just as the football authorities were making noises about
greater transparency of club ownership, the club announced that Bates had
bought Leeds United from its undisclosed owners for an undisclosed sum by
way of an offshore-registered company. The football authorities were happy
to accept Bates' word over the deal without raising any of the many queries
that most would have raised given the same information. When the programme
makers started digging, Bates promptly banned the BBC from press
conferences, player & manager interviews and from just about anything else
that they could ban them from without breaching contractual arrangements.
One of the programme makers is a Guardian journalist who has taken a long
interest in Bates' affairs and, unsurprisingly, the Guardian has also been
banned from Elland Road for some time already. At this rate the only media
outlet that will be allowed into Elland Road will be Yorkshire Radio, and if
they get banned you'll know that Bates has finally lost the plot once and
for all – he owns the station.
Of course controversy and Leeds United have always gone hand in hand. In
fact the club's whole existence as Leeds United resulted from the winding up
and expelling of a predecessor club, Leeds City, following the discovery of
illegal payments. Fast forward to the Revie era of the late 60's and early
70's and we saw a nasty element of cynicism and gamesmanship that won them
trophies but few friends amidst rumblings of bribery and corruption. Given
this as a background the "Dirty Leeds" tag stuck and their fall in recent
times from So-called Champions League to third tier football upset few
people outside of Yorkshire.
The So Called Champions League adventures occurred when the club was under
the stewardship of Peter Ridsdale who seems to have something of the reverse
Midas touch about him when it comes to the running of football clubs. That
it took someone like Ken Bates to keep the club going will give you an
indication of just how bad things were financially.
The current squad ought to be one of the better ones in the division on
paper. Following the sale of Kaspar Schmeichel to moneybags Leicester they
brought in two 'keepers. Paul Rachubka came in on a free from Blackpool and
on the way back from signing him they popped in to Preston to pick up Andy
Lonergan. Lonergan seems to be first choice at the moment, having started
all four matches thus far.
At the back they've picked up Celtic central defender Darren O'Dea on a
season long loan. The Republic of Ireland-capped defender has decided that
his future lies away from Glasgow having failed to make the starting line-up
at Parkhead this season. Of course his surname is a gift to headline writers
just waiting for him to mess up – it's just a shame that he's not a
goalkeeper really.
If the club had been trying to get rid of the old "Dirty Leeds" tag they
didn't do themselves any favours by signing Michael Brown in midfield. Brown
first came to prominence in the so-called battle of Brammall Lane when
Sheffield United kicked lumps out of West Bromwich Albion in a match that
ended up being abandoned when the hypocrites ended up with too few players
on the pitch thanks to a combination of sendings off and suspicious
injuries. Brown limped off the pitch in that match, a rarity amongst his
early departures in that it didn't actually involve his getting a red card.
It could be quite an interesting clash between Brown, Parker, Nolan and
Noble in the middle – not one perhaps for the faint hearted.
It was rumoured that we were linked with winger Max Gradel at one stage
during the summer. The Ivorian picked up both fans' and players' player of
the year awards last season and he weighed in with 18 goals which isn't a
bad return from midfield. He'll be available having served his one match ban
for the red card picked up against Boro', as will skipper Jonny Howson.
Also in the middle they will have Scottish international Robert Snodgrass.
Snodgrass made his first start for the sweaties in the recent 2-1 win over
Denmark with his goal proving to be decisive in the 2-1 win .As with Gradel,
there have been suggestions that he is destined for higher things with
Norwich said to have made a £3.5m bid earlier in the window. However, at
time of writing he remains on Leeds' books.
They've had a bit of a striker crisis. The Argentine Luciano Becchio, who
managed 20 goals last season managed to do a hamstring in the summer, an
injury that required surgery which will keep him out until
September/October. David Somma will be out for even longer with a cruciate
knee ligament injury. He managed to upset his boss by telling everyone about
it on twitter, something that led to Grayson banning his players from using
the medium.
The injuries have led to a more prominent role for Honduran Ramon Nunez. The
striker arrived at Leeds about a year ago but found first team opportunities
limited, something that saw the player farmed him out to Scunthorpe on loan.
On his return this season, he picked up a brace in the League Cup against
Bradford and got himself a start against Hull where he was also on the
scoresheet. Brought up in the USA, Nunez picked up the Southern Methodist
University Freshman of the Year award in 2003. No-one can take that away
from him.
With another striker in Billy Paynter also picking up a knock recently,
Grayson moved to plug the striker gap last week, bringing in Andy Keogh in
from Wolves. The loan period expires in January, though it has been
undertaken with a view to a permanent deal.
Us? Well what an unusual week that was. I'll admit that I thought that we
made hard work of the win at the Keepmoat and that, given that Watford were
likely to provide more of a challenge I thought a point was on the cards at
Vicarage Road. I like it when I'm wrong like that. Ilunga showed some
improved form, though whether it was good enough for Cheri to keep his place
once Linda becomes available for selection is another matter.
There was one fly in last week's six point ointment however. Tomkins injury
is a bit of a concern. He's been in fine form so far this season and the
clutching of the back of the thigh always worries me what with hamstrings
beings such tricky coves and all. At time of writing he was being assessed
and, although there have been optimistic noises emanating from Chadwell
Heath, with this being a long, long season caution may prevail. Should that
be the case Abdoulaye Faye will continue alongside Reid in the heart of the
defence.
Four fifths of the middle five seem to be settled for the time being with
Nolan, Noble, Taylor and Parker being the preferred four – for the time
being. Parker's future is, of course the subject of intense speculation and
QPR are said to be hovering on the horizon. There were many comments
regarding Parker's (lack of) goal celebrations on Tuesday night though I
always think that it's too easy to make too much out of such things. QPR's
immediate post-Fernandes takeover bid of £4m has been dismissed out of hand
by Dave S ("a bit like us bidding £12m for Rooney") and it remains to be
seen whether Parker is so desperate to get back into the top flight that he
would exchange a title fight for a relegation scrap. I suppose we could
always pick him back up as we pass at the end of the season!
On the right hand side things have been a bit more variable with Sears,
Collison, Barrera and, latterly, Faubert all having had match time in the
three matches so far. The fact that Collison started against both Doncaster
and Watford would suggest that Mr Allardyce has him pencilled in as first
choice for that berth at the moment. In similar vein Carlton Cole got the
nod over Piquionne on Tuesday, though the haste with which Cole was replaced
by Piquionne shortly after scoring suggests that the starting spot might not
be as clear cut up front. Carew was apparently close to a spot on the bench
in midweek and a few days more training should see him a bit closer to the
racing car seats.
Looking at this one Leeds have a bit more quality about their squad than
Watford did and their return to some sort of form in midweek will have
perked them up after the poor results from the first couple of matches.
However, our own couple of wins will have had a similar effect on our squad
– and will not have gone unnoticed in the rest of the league. Back to back
away wins for the first time in four years will have lain a few ghosts to
rest and I reckon that there'll be a few out there wanting to prove that
Cardiff was a rust induced blip. So I'm going to go for a 3-1 win as we
start to settle into something of a groove.
Enjoy the game!
Last season: N/A (of course). The last time we found ourselves in the same
league was in the 2004/05 promotion season. At the Boleyn just before
Christmas 2004 a late penalty earned by one of the worst dives you'll ever
see from David Healey was converted by the cheat to give the visitors a
point, Luke Chadwick having given us the lead earlier. A few months later we
went down to a late Shaun Derry winner at Elland Road after Gavin Williams
(currently residing in the "where are they now" file) had equalised Rob
Hulse's opener.
Player to watch: Ramon Nunez – Looks to be a tricky sort though when I
watched the League Cup match against Bradford the other night it did strike
me that the last time I'd seen anyone that one-footed she was arguing with
Paul McCartney.
Referee: Michael Oliver – one of the younger referees on the list, in fact
he replaced the disaster area that is Stuart Atwell as the youngest ref to
take charge of a Premier League match. He was last seen at the Boleyn for
last season's 3-2 win in the FA Cup against Nottingham Forest. He was also
due to take charge of our home match against Villa last season but was
mysteriously replaced late on by Mark Halsey amidst rumours that his Mum
wouldn't let him out until he'd tidied his room. As far as I can tell he has
yet to take charge of a match this season.
Daft fact of the week: As we saw recently with Cardiff, Peter Ridsdale's
business acumen was, er, remarkable. Legend has it (and we do so hope that
the story is true) that when Leeds signed Seth Johnson from Derby all those
years ago, the player and his agent agreed before their contract talks that
they would settle for £16,000 a week and no less. Ridsdale apparently opened
his negotiations with an opening bid of £26,000. When player and agent
expressed surprise at this figure, Ridsdale relented saying "ok £32,000 and
no more". Ridsdale claims that he has been banned for life from Elland Road
by Ken Bates. We can't for the life of us think why!
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West Ham v Leeds United preview
Last updated: 19th August 2011
SSN
Team news ahead of Sunday afternoon's Championship clash between West Ham
and Leeds United at Upton Park (kick-off 1.30pm). West Ham will check on
James Tomkinsahead of the visit of the Whites. The centre-half scored the
opening goal in Tuesday night's 4-0 win at Watford but limped off in the
second half with a hamstring niggle. Abdoulaye Faye came on to make his
debut in place of Tomkins after overcoming the hamstring problem which
interrupted his pre-season and he will start if the youngster misses out.
Striker John Carew could be added to the squad, a fortnight after joining on
a free transfer, having played an hour for the reserves in midweek.
Left-back George McCartney, who rejoined from Sunderland last week, was also
involved as he builds up his match fitness. Defender Jordan Brown and winger
Gary O'Neil (both ankle) are still out.
Leeds skipper Jonny Howson and winger Max Gradel will both return to
contention following suspension. Both players sat out Tuesday night's home
win over Hull after being sent off in last weekend's defeat to Middlesbrough
and now give manager Simon Grayson a selection dilemma for the trip to
London. Grayson handed a debut to latest signing Andy Keogh in midweek,
while winger Ramon Nunez made his first league start for the club as Leeds
registered their first points of the season with a 4-1 win. Luciano Becchio
(hamstring) and Billy Paynter (thigh) are not expected to return from injury
at Upton Park and fellow striker Davide Somma (knee) remains a long-term
absentee. But midfielder Lloyd Sam is pushing for a place in the starting
line-up and Grayson has plenty of options at the back, with Alex Bruce, Andy
O'Brien, Paul Connolly and Federico Bessone all featuring in a
behind-closed-doors friendly against Middlesbrough this week.
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Karren Brady's football diary
The Sun
KARREN BRADY - First lady of football
Published: Today
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13
CAPTAINCY in football is an accolade rather than a serious job... unless
your name is Kevin Nolan. He's as relentless as a bulldog in pursuit of a
bone when it comes to winning three points. These days footballers are so
well rewarded there's an impression that they're all overpaid,
under-employed, out-of-touch clubbers. It isn't true, anyway, but in Nolan's
case it's slander in the first degree. We all remember how he became wayward
Andy Carroll's landlord and mentor and I also respect him for insisting that
he writes his own comments on our fans' website. Now that is unusual.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 14
IT isn't Kevin Phillips' goalscoring I admire, although more than 250 are
plenty to be going on with. I'm impressed that he added two more for
Blackpool against Peterborough today and still being sharp enough at 38 deep
inside the penalty area is quite something. But, no, it isn't that either.
Nor even the tan he never seems to be without. What really gets me is that
his body fat content remains at 8.6 per cent. It was the same when Kevin was
with us at St Andrew's - I haven't been that low since I was eight. I had a
player once whose body fat was three times that. Altogether he cost West Ham
about £5million and he didn't score once. Answers please on a postcard!
MONDAY, AUGUST 15
THE anti-Wenger crowd madden me. They haven't the first clue about the
realities of football today. I know just how hard it is to hang on to a
player who wants to leave. Take it from me, only being bitten all day by
mosquitoes is worse than the constant nagging from a player and his agent.
The true test of Arsene Wenger is the beautiful game he has created. I know
of all the jobs over the years Arsene has turned down. I'm tempted to say,
but I won't. All I will say is that if Arsenal supporters knew, they'd never
question his loyalty again.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16
DEVELOPMENTS are suspended at Vicarage Road because of the credit crunch. In
one stand, due to health and safety issues the Press are the only
inhabitants. But they see West Ham win stylishly and that's another in the
eye for the critics of Sam Allardyce. You have to go through a hospital A&E
department to reach the directors' area. It's a nifty idea that maybe
Millwall should consider.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17
JOHN OBI MIKEL showed great maturity in playing for Chelsea hours after his
father's kidnapping in Nigeria. Something similar happened to Wilson
Palacios whose brother Edwin was ambushed in Honduras. Palacios was on loan
to Birmingham at the time and it soon became clear the longer the lad was
held, the more it burdened the player. We hadn't realised quite how much and
Alex McLeish let him go to Wigan when we could have bought him for £300,000.
Shortly after Spurs signed Wilson for £12million, Edwin's body was sadly
found - even though a £125,000 ransom had been paid. I pray that Mikel and
his family will not suffer the same as Palacios did.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18
SOME time ago, a married Premier League director told me he was having an
affair with a TV documentary producer. I told him he was taking more than
the usual risk and mooted what could happen if it all went wrong. Sure
enough, it has. He now tells me that she is asking whether he would like to
feature in a new series called Secret Adulterers. She has offered to include
only his silhouette on screen and to disguise his voice. I ask how he is
going to disguise his most identifiable feature. It would be letting the cat
out the bag to say just what that feature is. One clue... it's above his
shoulders!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19
FOOTBALL agents don't like being told 'no deal'. One of them, a man once
jailed for armed robbery, today emails my chairman a message. It says: "You
full of s***! f*** you and your p*** money. Stick your big head in between
stinky p*******s and go to hell." Bad enough, you might think, but QPR
manager Neil Warnock has one threatening to break his legs. Who said the fun
has gone out of the game?
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Allardyce: I still expect us to sell Scott Parker
Published 22:58 19/08/11 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce still expects to sell Scott Parker before the
transfer window closes, despite the club turning down a £4million offer from
QPR.
Allardyce believes the club's £8m valuation of the England midfielder will
be met. "I have to be pessimistic and say somebody will probably hit the
numbers and there is a big possibility he won't be here by September 1," he
said. West Ham have also opened negotiations with England goalkeeper
Robert Green over a new contract.
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West Ham stalking Stoke midfielder
Published 22:29 19/08/11 By Football Spy
The Mirror
Glenn Whelan is poised to pen a new deal at Stoke – finally killing off
interest from West Ham. The Republic of Ireland international is in talks
with Potters boss Tony Pulis regarding a contract extension and is expected
to sign next week. Stoke, who have handed forward Jon Walters improved
terms, have now moved to offer midfielder Whelan a pay-hike. West Ham have
been interested in taking the former Sheffield Wednesday star this summer to
help them make an instant return to the Premier League, but Pulis is keen
for the 27-year-old to remain at the Britannia Stadium.
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Allardyce: Winning is a drug, so let's get Hammered
Published 22:29 19/08/11 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has urged his West Ham players to lose their fear and enjoy
the "drug" of playing at Upton Park. The Irons are bidding for a third
consecutive Championship victory, against Leeds, on Sunday after two wins on
the road. But the relegated side, who lost to Cardiff on the opening
weekend, have not won a home league game since March 5. And Allardyce
insisted home form is crucial in their promotion bid this season – and
called on his men to relish the vocal atmosphere at the Boleyn Ground. "When
you are playing at home, you want it to be a fortress and the fans help it
be that way," he said. "Unfortunately we didn't get off to the start we
wanted so I hope there are no fears or trepidation against Leeds and the
lads come out and perform like they did away from home. "It is a big
responsibility but when you get it right, it is great excitement and a great
thrill. "That is why the players play football. It becomes a drug and why
you never want to give it up. It is just a tremendous feeling going out in a
full stadium like Upton Park with such a great atmosphere. After our away
victories, it would be a big disappointment if we let ourselves down now and
throw all that hard work away. "Away victories are very precious but your
home form is always the critical element in your season. "You have always
got to be looking to entertain the fans and win more games at home than away
and send your fans home happy so they come back and support you the next
time out."
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Leeds tell West Ham: Gradel's yours... for £10million
Published 22:29 19/08/11 By Football Spy
The Mirror
Simon Grayson has told West Ham: "Come back with a bid of £10million for Max
Gradel and we might just listen." The Hammers offered £2.5m for Leeds' Ivory
Coast international winger last month. But the Elland Road side dismissed
the offer as derisory – even though they paid just £200,000 to sign Gradel
from Leicester 19 months ago. Leeds boss Grayson put the huge pricetag on
his star player after Gradel scored 18 goals for them last season. The
23-year-old returns to the Leeds starting line-up at Upton Park on Sunday
after serving a one-match ban for being sent off in the 1-0 home defeat by
Middlesbrough last week. Grayson said: "If he goes there and scores a
hat-trick and they come back with three or four times the money they offered
previously, it'll be something to think about."
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West Ham hope keeper Robert Green will stay on new four-year deal
Ken Dyer
19 Aug 2011
Evening Standard
West Ham have opened negotiations with goalkeeper Robert Green over a new
long-term deal. The England keeper, 31, was expected to leave West Ham
following their relegation from the Premier League last season. Several
clubs, including Aston Villa and West Brom, showed interest but no deal came
to fruition and West Ham now hope that Green, who has won 11 international
caps, will stay at Upton Park. Green, who is in the final year of his deal,
will be offered a new four-year contract.
West Ham meanwhile, remain interested in striker Nicky Maynard despite
Bristol City's insistence he is not for sale and his agent maintaining that
any transfer would be to a Premier League club. West Ham's new striker, John
Carew, is unlikely to be involved in Sunday's Championship clash at home to
Leeds. Carew and defender George McCartney, signed on loan from Sunderland,
are both nearing full fitness and could make their debuts in next
Wednesday's rearranged Carling Cup tie against Aldershot.
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Grayson: We can beat anyone
Leeds manager Simon Grayson says his side believe they are as good as anyone
in the Championship despite an indifferent start to the campaign.
Football365
Last Updated: 19/08/11 at 17:40 Post Comment
The Whites got things up and running with their first league win of the
season against Hull in midweek, but now take on a West Ham side recently
relegated from the top flight and amongst the Championship promotion
favourites. Grayson said: "We'll go there as underdogs which will make a
nice change, but there's no such thing as a home banker in this league.
"Look at Leicester. They've lost their first two home games. West Ham lost
their first to Cardiff. This league is so unpredictable. "It's a Premier
League fixture in name. Both clubs have been up there. They've made their
intentions clear by keeping their squad and signing players like Kevin Nolan
and Matty Taylor, but you can do that with parachute payments. John Carew
might even make his debut."
Grayson added: "But we will go there with a belief and a confidence in what
we do. We'll give them respect, but we believe we're as good as anyone in
this league and can beat anyone in this league."
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Allardyce pans 'England bias' as Parker is told he must play in the Premier
League
By SAM CUNNINGHAM and SAMI MOKBEL
Last updated at 11:09 PM on 19th August 2011
Daily Mail
Sam Allardyce has expressed his frustration after revealing Scott Parker has
been told by England he needs to play in the Barclays Premier League to get
in the national side. Now top-flight new boys Queens Park Rangers, who have
had a £4million offer for the midfielder turned down, are ready to test the
Hammers' resolve.
QPR boss Neil Warnock has been handed a £10m transfer kitty by new owner
Tony Fernandes and is prepared to blow half of it on the 30-year-old. West
Ham's exasperated manager Allardyce said: 'It doesn't matter if we're in the
mix at the top of the Championship because Scott's expressed his opinion
that he wants to be in the Premier League — because someone in the England
camp has told him that's where he needs to be. There's very little I can do
about it. 'But it's one of those things where I don't see why it should be
necessary. If he's playing every week in the Championship in, hopefully, a
successful side — a player we know can play for England — you're going to
have a player with great confidence joining the England squad.
'I don't see the logic behind that (advice). If a player is good enough to
play for England then just because he drops down a division doesn't mean
overnight he's not good enough to play for England again.' Allardyce, who is
still expecting someone to meet the club's £8m valuation for Parker, added:
'I have to be pessimistic and say it's a big possibility he won't be here by
September 1.' Warnock hopes Parker will be one of 'four or five' new
arrivals at Loftus Road before the transfer window closes. QPR will increase
their efforts to land Manchester City misfit Nedum Onuoha — a move revealed
by Sportsmail last month — and will increase their offer for Southampton
winger Jason Puncheon to £900,000. Warnock admitted: 'Some of the names
mentioned as targets wouldn't have been dreamed about a week ago. But that's
how it is. 'What Fernandes said is, over the long term, they want to make a
profit — they don't want to throw money away. 'But if I can convince them
signing some of these players is an investment, then staying in the Premier
League is worth a few quid, isn't it?' Warnock is in no mood to compromise
on the £13m valuation of Adel Taarabt — despite Paris Saint-Germain's
interest in the Moroccan. 'I can't see Adel leaving,' said Warnock.
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ALLARDYCE MAKES PARKER CLAIM
Express.co.uk
Sam Allardyce
Saturday August 20,2011
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes the England hierarchy have encouraged
Scott Parker to leave the club in search of Barclays Premier League
football. Parker has been linked with a transfer ever since the Hammers were
sent down last season but despite being open to such a move, he has started
the season under Allardyce in the npower Championship. Allardyce told The
Sun: "Scott has expressed an opinion that he wants to get back into the
Premier League and play Premier League football. That's come from someone in
the England camp telling him that's where he needs to be. I don't see the
logic behind that." He added: "Just because a player drops down a division,
it doesn't mean he's turned into a bad player overnight and isn't good
enough for England. "It could actually benefit England if Scott is playing
at a club which is winning more games than when he was playing for West Ham
at the bottom of the Premier League. "The England team shouldn't be picked
on whichever players are in the Premier League when you've got a Premier
League player playing in the Championship."
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