Hammers net Carroll
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have signed England international Andy Carroll on loan from
Liverpool
30.08.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of England striker
Andy Carroll on a season-long loan deal. The 23-year-old has moved to the
Boleyn Ground from Liverpool for the remainder of the 2012/13 Barclays
Premier League campaign, with the Hammers having the option to complete a
permanent deal for an undisclosed fee next summer. Carroll, a powerful
forward who is an outstanding header of the ball and blessed with superb
technical ability, led the line for his country at EURO 2012 and has been
named in the England squad for the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
with Moldova and Ukraine. The signing of Carroll, who became the
most-expensive English footballer in history when he joined Liverpool from
Newcastle United for a reported fee of £35m in January 2011, represents a
huge statement of the Board's intentions to make West Ham a force to be
reckoned with in the Barclays Premier League. The Gateshead-born frontman,
who could make his Hammers debut in Saturday's home fixture with Fulham, has
expressed his happiness at completing a move that sees him reunited with his
former Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce and captain Kevin Nolan. "It's great
to be here at West Ham and all signed up - I just can't wait to get started
now," Carroll said. "I want to be playing games and obviously hoping to
score some goals. I know the manager well and some of the lads, so it is
nice for me to come to a place where I know people. "I'm hoping to add a lot
of goals and create a few chances. I know Sam from Newcastle and he was a
massive reason for me coming. When I worked with him at Newcastle it was
great so it was a no-brainer really."
His new manager was understandably pleased to welcome Carroll to east
London. He said: "I think for all parties this is a great signing. Andy is
an all-round footballer, but because he is 6'3" and one of his strengths is
his aerial power, everybody dismisses the ability he possesses on the floor.
"Hopefully he can score goals for us and we will be in a very good position
at the end of the year in the Barclays Premier League."
Carroll burst into the Newcastle first-team at the age of 17, making his
first-team debut as a replacement for future Hammer Nolberto Solano in a
UEFA Cup victory over Palermo on 2 November 2006 - an appearance that made
him the youngest-ever player to represent Newcastle in Europe. After scoring
his maiden first-team goal past FIFA World Cup winner Gianluigi Buffon in a
friendly win over Juventus in July 2007, Carroll embarked on a six-month
loan spell with Championship side Preston North End. On his return to St
James' Park, the centre forward forced his way into the Magpies starting XI,
scoring on his full home debut with a towering header against West Ham in a
2-2 Premier League draw on 10 January 2009. The 2009/10 season saw Carroll
come into his own as he combined with Nolan to shoot Newcastle to the
Championship title and promotion back to the Premier League at the first
attempt. The striker finished the campaign as the club's top scorer with 19
goals in all competitions and be voted into the Championship Team of the
Year. At the start of 2010/11, he then took the top-flight by storm, netting
a hat-trick in a 6-0 win over Aston Villa and eleven goals in just 19 league
appearances before completing his record-breaking move to Anfield. Last
season, Carroll collected a League Cup winner's medal as Liverpool beat
Cardiff City before returning to Wembley to score the winning goal against
Everton to take the Reds into the FA Cup final. Carroll's performances for
Newcastle earned him a senior England debut in a friendly international with
France on 17 November 2010. His first senior international goal arrived in a
friendly with Ghana at Wembley on 29 March 2011. The striker's all-round
ability saw him named in England's squad for the 2012 UEFA European
Championship finals, where he impressed by scoring a trademark header in a
group-stage victory over Sweden.
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Big Sam on Fulham
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce looks ahead to Saturday's Barclays Premier League encounter
with Fulham.
30.08.2012
Sam Allardyce was in a positive mood ahead of Saturday's lunch-time Barclays
Premier League clash with Fulham at the Boleyn Ground. After last weekend's
disappointing defeat at the Liberty Stadium, West Ham United are hoping to
bounce back against a team they have enjoyed playing against in recent
times. Big Sam talked all things football, discussing the threat posed by
Fulham, players vying for a starting berth and deadline day madness.
Sam what kind of threat do you think Fulham will pose?
SA - "I watched them last week and they recovered well after looking dead
and buried at Old Trafford. That is something we have to have in mind
because if they play the way they did last weekend from the start of the
game it is going to be very difficult. Every Premier League game is a
challenge and we need to make sure we are ready. We need to get in amongst
them and restrict them from having time on the ball. If we can impose our
home advantage and carry on from our opening-day win we can expose the
Fulham defence. Sheffield Wednesday did just that in the Capital One Cup and
Manchester United did last weekend. I believe there are a few weaknesses we
can take advantage of. However, Fulham have been an established Premier
League side for more than ten years now and they will be very difficult to
beat."
You made a lot of changes against Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday. Have any of
those squad players done enough to make their way into your plans to face
Fulham?
SA - "There will be some included in the team. We have had one or two
injuries from last week and I think we have to make sure that they are fully
recovered if we are going to select them. So yes, some of the players who
were involved on Tuesday may feature. We will see how well the players have
recovered on Friday and Saturday morning. There will be some changes, but
other than that we are looking forward to the game."
Have you got any news on the transfer front, or have you concluded your
business?
SA - "There will probably be another player brought in. A player we are
interested in has become available. Hopefully we can bring in that quality
player who will come in and make an immediate impact."
You mentioned last week that you would prefer to have the transfer window
end before the start of the season, so what is your take on deadline day?
SA - "I think an experiment for one season might be the answer. If we all
came together and said the window has to end before the start of the season
that could work. We shouldn't set it in stone, but experiment and see how it
goes. There has to be a better solution out there."
What do you do when you have concluded all your business?
SA - "I turn both of my phones off, I don't look at the TV and focus on the
game ahead. The one thing this window brings is far too many distractions
ahead of the games you play. If I have concluded all of my business by
Friday lunch-time, then hopefully I have no need to bother with what
everyone else is saying. So my phone and the TV will be turned off."
Last weekend at Swansea City was a blip after a terrific start in the
Barclays Premier League. What have you done during the week to ensure you do
not make any errors?
SA - "I think that the two lads responsible know that it was an unusual
situation for them to make those errors. They do not make them often and
they happen to everyone. If you look all over the Premier League last
weekend and before that, teams make mistakes. We did not want to be the team
that made them because they are very very costly and teams who make those
types of errors haven't won a game of football yet. You only have to look at
Liverpool who drew 2-2 with Manchester City. They made two very big errors
and if they hadn't made them they would have won. That is how much it costs
you in the Premier League. If you make mistakes teams will punish you."
Do you think you will be making any changes from last Saturday?
SA - "The only changes we will make will be forced through injury. Some
players may not have recovered from minor knocks in time. Some were rested
on Tuesday but most of them were injured. That game against Crewe has
encouraged me because, if we do need to make changes, we have players who
can come in and make an impact.
It looks like Fulham will be bringing in Dimitar Berbatov. They have lost
Moussa Dembele, but what sort of challenge will they bring?
SA - "I hope he doesn't play. He is a terrific player and I hope he isn't
fit enough to feature. I think the loss of Dembele to Fulham is a big one.
But the size of the replacement and the quality of the player is an
exceptional piece of business by Fulham. This is one of the best Premier
League goalscorers in recent years and even though he hasn't had the best of
times recently he will be a massive threat if he plays a part in the game on
Saturday. It will be a terrific signing by Fulham if they clinch it."
You got off to a winning start against Aston Villa, how important is it that
you make Upton Park a fortress?
SA - "I think that home form is critical to us all at any football club,
whatever the level. The whole week is based on making sure your fans go home
from the game happy. There will be 30,000 fans here and they pay their money
for us to excite them and win the game. They want to be entertained. That is
what we try to do, but the only way of making sure of that is by winning. If
you can win by a handsome margin then that is great, but our main aim is to
make sure we win the game and send the fans home happy."
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Latics next up for Hammers
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will host Wigan Athletic in the Capital One Cup third round
next month
30.08.2012
West Ham United will host Wigan Athletic in the Capital One Cup third round.
The Hammers were drawn at home to the Latics when the draw was held on
Thursday evening, with the tie set to be staged at the Boleyn Ground in the
week commencing Monday 24 September. The two sides have never met before in
the League Cup competition.
Sam Allardyce's side won through to the last-32 courtesy of a 2-0 home win
over Crewe Alexandra in the secound round, with Nicky Maynard and Modibo
Maiga getting the goals. The Hammers reached the final of the competition in
both 1966 and 1981, when they finished as runners-up. Managed by Roberto
Martinez, the Latics got through to the second round this term courtesy of a
fine 4-1 second-round win at Nottingham Forest.
Barclays Premier League side Wigan reached the League Cup final in 2006 -
the same year the Hammers reached the FA Cup final - before losing to
Manchester United in the final. West Ham have added incentive to win through
to the fourth round as it was Wigan whose 3-2 victory at the JJB Stadium
condemned the Hammers to relegation from the Barclays Premier League in
2011.
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Andy Carroll: Liverpool striker joins West Ham on loan
By Ben Smith
BBC Sport
Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has joined West Ham on a season-long loan.
The 23-year-old England international had wanted to stay at Anfield but the
realisation that he was out of manager Brendan Rodgers's plans persuaded him
to take a move. The move reunites Carroll with his former Newcastle United
manager Sam Allardyce and captain Kevin Nolan. "It's great to be here at
West Ham and all signed up - I just can't wait to get started now," Carroll
said. "I want to be playing games and obviously hoping to score some goals.
I know the manager well and some of the lads, so it is nice for me to come
to a place where I know people. "I'm hoping to add a lot of goals and create
a few chances. I know Sam from Newcastle and he was a massive reason for me
coming. When I worked with him at Newcastle it was great so it was a
no-brainer really."
Allardyce said: "I think for all parties this is a great signing. Andy is an
all-round footballer, but because he is 6ft 3in and one of his strengths is
his aerial power, everybody dismisses the ability he possesses on the floor.
"Hopefully he can score goals for us and we will be in a very good position
at the end of the year in the Premier League."
It is understood there is no commitment to buy the player, although the
Hammers do have the option to complete a permanent deal for an undisclosed
fee next summer. However the deal could allow Liverpool to free up funds to
move for Fulham striker Clint Dempsey.
Andy Carroll career stats
Newcastle (2006-11): 91 games, 33 goals
Preston (loan Aug 2007-08): 12 games, 1 goal
Liverpool (2011-present): 57 games, 11 goals
England (2010-present): 7 games, 2 goals
Liverpool manager Rodgers said: "It is very simple - the club have made a
monumental investment in big Andy. At the moment he is not playing. He made
it very clear he wanted to play games and this is his last chance to do
that." Having conceded defeat in their chase for Carroll earlier this month,
West Ham were given signs of encouragement on Thursday. Liverpool manager
Rodgers is desperate to raise funds for new signings and made it clear
Carroll was a "third choice" striker at Anfield. He said: "You don't need to
be a rocket scientist to see Andy has been a cover player for us and has
been excellent in terms of his attitude and acceptance of where he is at.
"But I don't think we are in a position to have £35m players as third-choice
strikers, or wingers who are on £5m-£6m a year." Liverpool must raise funds
to step up their interest in Dempsey, while Arsenal's Theo Walcott also
remains a target.
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West Ham v Fulham
KO 12:45
30 August 2012
Last updated at 18:18
By Jonathan Pearce
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 1 September
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble and striker Carlton Cole should play, despite
having been linked with moves. But the Hammers will still be without injured
Wales midfielder Jack Collison.
Fulham could have Kieron Richardson and Dimitar Berbatov if they complete
their respective signings from Sunderland and Manchester United. Wantaway
forward Clint Dempsey could again be left out, while Kerim Frei (pelvis) and
Philippe Senderos (foot) are still unavailable.
MATCH PREVIEW
Fulham's unsettling week could take a turn for the worse at Upton Park,
where the Cottagers haven't won since their first Premier League meeting
there 11 years ago. A shadow has been cast over their early optimism by the
Clint Dempsey Liverpool transfer saga, the loss of Mousa Dembele, and the
Capital One Cup defeat at Sheffield Wednesday.
This comes on top of the loss of Andrew Johnson, Danny Murphy, Pavel
Pogrebnyak and Bobby Zamora. Martin Jol has worked hard to bring in
replacements, but his squad now looks unbalanced. West Ham can take
advantage of their upheaval, and must do so.
If the Hammers are to stay up, they have to win home matches like this.
They've won five in a row at Upton Park and lost just two of their last 23
games in all competitions. New boys Mohamed Diame and Alou Diarra give them
a solid if rather functional look at the heart of midfield. The return of
James Collins was an inspired signing. Kevin Nolan will always get goals at
any level and Carlton Cole has a good record in this fixture, scoring six
times against Fulham. The visitors will know, though, that the longer they
can hold the Hammers, the more frustrated the home fans will become. Sam
Allardyce has done all that was asked of him by getting the club back into
the Premier League, but he still doesn't seem to have been taken to heart
fully by the Boleyn bubble-blowers. The spectre of Harry Redknapp, now back
in the job market, will be on his shoulder and on the lips of West Ham fans
who yearn for his return. That is so unfair on 'Big Sam'. He's done a great
job and can lead West Ham to a top-half finish if their home form holds up.
For Fulham, it'll be a while before Martin Jol's new team gels. Home win for
me.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Fulham have only won one of their eight Premier League visits to Upton Park.
That came in the first-ever Premier League meeting between the two clubs on
3 November 2001 (a 2-0 win, with Sylvain Legwinski and Steed Malbranque the
goal-scorers).
The highest-scoring match between the two clubs was at Upton Park in 1968,
when West Ham won 7-2 on 3 February.
West Ham took four points off Fulham when they were last in the Premier
League (in the 2010/11 season).
West Ham
They have only lost two of their past 23 competitive fixtures in all
competitions.
The Hammers won just five of their 19 home matches the last time they were
in the Premier League (2010/11).
Since the start of last season, Hammers captain Kevin Nolan has never gone
more than four games without scoring.
Fulham
Fulham have only won 30 of their 210 Premier League away matches (the fewest
wins of any club to have played at least 150 away matches in the division).
The Cottagers have drawn just one of their past 17 Premier League matches.
With two goals from two games, Irish winger Damien Duff has already matched
his Premier League goals total for last season (when he made 23 starts).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cardiff City set to capture West Ham's Nicky Maynard
BBC.co.uk
Cardiff City are poised to sign Nicky Maynard from West Ham United for a fee
understood to be close to £2.5m. If the 25-year-old striker can agree
personal terms with Cardiff, the deal should be concluded before the
transfer window shuts on Friday. Maynard joined the Hammers for £2m from
Bristol City in January 2012 but his first-team chances have been limited.
The Crewe product would be Cardiff's 10th summer signing after Brighton wing
Craig Noone joined on Thursday. Cardiff boss Malky Mackay has already signed
Craig Bellamy, Tommy Smith, Heidar Helguson, Matthew Connolly, Joe Lewis,
Jordon Mutch, Kim Bo-Kyung and Etien Velikonja this summer.
Maynard started his career as a trainee at Crewe Alexandra, scoring 32 goals
in 59 league appearances, before joining Bristol City in a £2.25m deal in
July 2008.
The striker was equally prolific during his time at Ashton Gate, hitting 45
goals from the 124 league games, but the Robins were forced to sell Maynard
before his contract ran down. He scored in West Ham's 2-0 League Cup win
over former club Crewe on Tuesday night, making his first appearance of the
season, but now seems to be headed for Cardiff to help boost the Bluebirds'
Championship campaign.
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Wigan await
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham will face Wigan Athletic in the third round of the Capital One Cup.
The Hammers - who beat Crewe Alexandra 2-0 last week in the second round -
will host the Latics at the Boleyn Ground in what will be only the third
ever meeting between the two sides in a Cup competition and the first in the
League Cup in all its various guises. The two sides met for the first time
ever in an FA Cup tie back in January 1984 which West Ham won 1-0 courtesy
of a Ray Stewart penalty; a game which also saw Alan Devonshire tear ankle
ligaments which left him sidelined for the rest of the season. The most
recent meeting came in May 2011 when the Hammers, under Avram Grant, threw
away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at the DW Stadium - a defeat that condemned
United to relegation.
All third round ties will be played in the week commencing 24th September.
Full draw as follows:
Manchester United v Newcastle
Manchester City v Aston Villa
MK Dons v Sunderland
West Brom v Liverpool
Crawley v Swansea
QPR v Reading
Norwich v Doncaster
Bradford v Burton
Preston v Middlesbrough
Arsenal v Coventry
Southampton v Sheffield Wednesday
Chelsea v Wolves
Carlisle v Tottenham
Swindon v Burnley
West Ham Utd v Wigan
Leeds v Everton
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Maynard may go
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
Nicky Maynard is set to hold talks with Cardiff City after the Welsh club
agreed a fee with West Ham. The former Bristol City striker - who netted the
first goal in West Ham's 2-0 Capital One Cup win against Crewe Alexandra
earlier in the week - is set to joing the Championship club on a permanent
basis after United accepted the Bluebirds' £2.5million offer. Speaking after
the Crewe game, Maynard expressed his disappointment at not featuring in the
starting XI for either of West Ham's two Premier League fixtures thus far
this season. "I've not had my chance in the Premier League which has been a
bit frustrating," he said. "But it is a team game and I have to keep working
and waiting for a chance."
However it would appear that that chance has now disappeared with the news
that he is set to make a return to the Championship just seven months after
moving to West Ham on the final day of the previous transfer window. Should
Maynard complete a move to Cardiff he will face stiff competition from the
likes of ex-Hammer Craig Bellamy, Kim Bo-Kyung, Heidar Helguson, Etien
Velikonja and former Brighton striker Craig Noone, who joined City
yesterday.
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Carroll signs
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have completed the signing of Liverpool striker Andy Carroll
on loan. The 23-year-old England international has joined West Ham on loan
for the season with view to a permanent transfer next summer. Carroll - who
joined Liverpool just 18 months ago for a British record fee of £35million -
put pen to paper on a season-long loan deal this evening after he flew into
Stapleford Abbotts airfield earlier in the day, as exclusively revealed on
the KUMB.com forum. Speaking to whufc.com tonight, Carroll said: "It's great
to be here at West Ham and all signed up - I just can't wait to get started
now. "I want to be playing games and obviously hoping to score some goals.
I know the manager well and some of the lads, so it is nice for me to come
to a place where I know people. "I'm hoping to add a lot of goals and create
a few chances. I know Sam from Newcastle and he was a massive reason for me
coming. When I worked with him at Newcastle it was great, so it was a
no-brainer really."
KUMB.com revealed this morning how Sam Allardyce remained keen on tieing up
a deal for the former Newcastle forward despite several other sources
claiming that the move was dead in the water. Earlier this evening news
broke that the two parties were close to agreeing a deal - and shortly
before 8pm tonight the club confirmed that Carroll had indeed completed a
move to West Ham. United boss Sam Allardyce was clearly delighted to have
landed a player he had long sought. "I think for all parties this is a great
signing," he told whufc.com. "Andy is an all-round footballer, but because
he is 6'3" and one of his strengths is his aerial power, everybody dismisses
the ability he possesses on the floor. "Hopefully he can score goals for us
and we will be in a very good position at the end of the year in the
Barclays Premier League."
The centre forward, who is Allardyce's tenth signing of the summer is
represented by agent Mark Curtis, who now exerts a major influence on the
dressing room at West Ham. Curtis also boasts Kevin Nolan, Matt Jarvis,
James Tomkins and Jack Collison amongst his clientele - plus manager Sam
Allardyce.
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The same old mistakes
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th August 2012
By: Dan Ordidge
After the Swansea game I was left feeling confused, as I had previously
written in my last article I genuinely thought we had a chance to at least
come back through the border with a point.
We started brightly, and for the first 20 or so minutes we controlled
Swansea, we pressed them, not letting them have time on the ball and when we
gained possession we managed to work the ball well. But alas, our old ways
came back to haunt us in the form of defensive mistakes!
I will never forget the mistakes that we made in that fateful season with
Avram when we were relegated into the abyss of the Championship. At times in
the Swansea game I felt like it was that season all over again. Don't get me
wrong, I do not blame individual players for mistakes that lead to goals, I
believe it's the team that makes mistakes.
During the Swansea game it looked like the back line weren't switched on,
the communication between the players was poor and once Jussi Jaaskelainen
spilled the ball into the net (even though it was not technically classed as
an own goal) the team tactics seemed to go out the window, and pardon the
phrase, it all went a bit Pete Tong.
Then Collins popped up, who had a fantastic debut and mis-guided a horrible
ball towards the keeper only to be latched onto by Michu. I talked about
Michu in my last article, a fantastic bit of talent and is a brilliant
signing for Swansea, when that goal went in I felt like I had just eaten my
own words, and it tasted bitter!
These were the types of mistakes that were made in seasons gone by, along
with giving away goals in the final few minutes and it needs addressing. In
the top flight clubs can make you pay dear for silly little mistakes, and
they will not go easy on us. Every point matters and it is going to be a
tough season, without those mistakes we could have come out with something.
The performance against Crewe was to be expected playing a League One team,
they were never going to test the defence's weaknesses, and a lot of the
regular players were rested. So in my opinion we can't take that result as a
confidence booster for the team. The real test will of course be Fulham on
Saturday.
A lot of fans have also commented on the lack of danger that we possessed
going forward against Swansea, it was a hard game for Cole, who received a
poor service throughout the game and was left an uphill task to form the
simplest of attacks. Furthermore Jarvis was phased out of the game
completely, and that was good tactics on Swansea's part, they knew his pace
and skill along with his lethal crosses would be our main goal threat along
with set pieces.
The reaction by a fan on that 'Twitter' thing to Cole was repulsive I must
say, to treat a player who has been loyal to us in such a racist way really
annoyed me. For those readers who use it, be supportive to the players,
because at the end of the day they play to get us the points, if they don't
play they still get paid so let's give them that reason to play for the
points, for us the fans!
So now is the time to look toward the Boleyn on Saturday and the appearance
of Fulham on our holy turf. Fulham started the season well with a 5-0
thrashing of Norwich; the absence of Dembele could make a big impact on the
team, but with players like Sidwell and the old favourite Duff who has
started the season well it will be a hard game.
Fulham look good going forward, especially when they played Manchester
United despite losing. This a game when we will have to put the mistakes me
made against Swansea behind us and move on, the quicker we can achieve this
harmony at the back the better we will do. If we play defensively like
Hurricane Isaac is approaching the ground like we did in Swansea we will be
in big trouble.
I believe we could achieve three points; we play better at home, the roar of
the terraces pumping adrenaline through the player's bodies. But this
achievement will not come easy, things need to be corrected but if we get
behind the squad, like any match of our beloved beautiful game, anything can
happen.
If you are attending the match, have your voice in good pitch and your heart
on your sleeve! The transfer window nears its end and this is our squad and
our chance for the three points.
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The midfield dilemma
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th August 2012
By: Callum Hurley
Admittedly, I'm not sure this is a problem that has plagued philosophers for
centuries, nor will the answer win the next Nobel prize, but it's certainly
an issue that needs addressing. In our current formation, we allow for three
central midfielders, two wide men, and a target man as striker. So how do
you pick three from a central midfield roster that is oozing with quality?
With last season's departure of the talismanic Scott Parker, it seemed this
area could prove a problem in the rebuilding work of Sam Allardyce. However,
the co-chairmen, David Gold and David Sullivan, saw fit to reinvest the
transfer fee, and sizeable wage (especially for a Championship club) in the
industrious Kevin Nolan, who was promptly made captain.
This was a clear statement from the owners that we had no intention of
staying in the division for more than a year and this faith was repaid,
thanks in no small part to Nolan's goals. As captain, and with the
experience and goalscoring threat that Nolan provides, he seems to be the
stalwart of Big Sam's first eleven.
However, whilst Nolan brings a vast skill set to the team, he, like any
other player, has his limitations. His preference is to advance into the
final third as often as possible is the reason he scores such important
goals, however this can at times leave his tracking back to be a little
suspect. Of course, playing as the head of a central midfield triangle means
that Nolan will have at least one more defensive minded player behind him.
Although therein, it seems, lies the problem: there are more candidates than
there are positions.
Nolan's principal partner last year, whether the centre midfield was a two
or a three, was the ever-present Mark Noble. Noble's combination of ability,
work-rate and 'local boy' status have made him probably the most popular
player amongst the fans, and his improvement last year was staggering. In a
season that saw him named in the Championship team of the year, he
deservedly won the coveted 'Hammer of the Year' award for what was
undoubtedly his finest season at the club, which proved very fitting for the
club's longest serving player.
Besides settling into a more defensive role by making great strides in his
tackling, Noble's ever-improving abilities from set-pieces, including a
fantastic penalty record, have made him an invaluable asset to the team.
Recent rumours of a move to Fulham are sure to be greeted with trepidation
from the fans, who will not want to see a fantastic player, and fan
favourite, leave the club.
As impressive as this duo was last season, a promotion to the Premier League
will invariably bring quality signings that create a high standard of
competition for many positions, and in our case it seems the midfield has
been strengthened the most. Whilst the exciting signing of Matt Jarvis
proved costly for the club, Sam Allardyce's legendary transfer acumen has
been lauded again with the acquisitions of Mohammed Diame and Alou Diarra.
Diame, signed on a free transfer from Wigan, is a hugely underrated player
and is the epitome of what Big Sam likes in his team. He is strong,
confident and enjoys having the ball at his feet, as well as having
incredible stamina, and an engine that allows him to seemingly run all day.
This was demonstrated fantastically on his debut against Aston Villa, in
which Diame looked a constant threat with the ball, as well as pressing so
quickly that it placed a perpetual pressure on the Villa midfield to
distribute the ball quicker than they would like.
This element of Diame's play is complimented perfectly by Noble and Nolan,
the former's style allowing him to get forward if the opportunity presents
itself, and the latter meaning that he doesn't have to force himself forward
if he doesn't perceive there to be an opportunity. In theory, this trio
could be perfect for the stability the club is trying to achieve at the
moment, as they could be instrumental in grinding out victories in tough
games, as well as protecting slender leads. However, in reality, one injury
or poor form could disrupt this, which is why Big Sam brought in another
option.
The other option is indeed a star in his own right; Alou Diarra is not only
a player with 41 international caps, but was also Laurent Blanc's preferred
choice as captain, and featured in all of France's Euro 2012 fixtures. At
31, Diarra may be around his peak for a midfielder who plays in his more
defensive role, and has the experience and ability to cover for centre-back
in a crisis.
A tremendous player signed for a bargain £2 million from cash-strapped
Marseille, Diarra's international and Champion's League experience could
prove pivotal when it comes to fixtures against bigger teams, and could
prove vital in aiding some of the younger players. But the question remains,
if Diarra is to play, which of the aforementioned trio is out? Does Diame
suffer as the new arrival? Noble, who occupies Diarra's preferred position?
Or would Big Sam push Diame further forward, for his increased work-rate
compared to Nolan? Many questions with no straightforward answer, especially
when you add a fifth variable.
The fifth piece of the three-pieced jigsaw is the seemingly forgotten man,
Jack Collison. After barely featuring in pre-season, mostly due to injury,
the Welsh international may be set for a year with limited opportunities
unless he can prove his fitness in training. Collison has had an unfortunate
career with injuries, which has hampered the progression that his enormous
potential promised (so much potential that he and other academy product Mark
Noble were, at one time, drawing comparisons to a young Joe Cole and Michael
Carrick). Despite this, he was truly instrumental in last year's playoff
charge, particularly in both legs of the semi-final against Cardiff.
After spending much of the season unable to really cement a position, and
being tried in many, his performances alongside Nolan and Noble at the back
end of the season is a large factor in why we continue to play with a
three-pronged central midfield. Certainly, everyone at West Ham would like
to see Collison succeed, after a career that has seen constant injury and
personal tragedy, as his ability and work-rate, like Noble, have seen him
become a fan-favourite. If he can rediscover his form then maybe he can turn
Big Sam's selection headache into a selection migraine.
I can imagine that Sam Allardyce is delighted with this particular dilemma,
as he has five top quality midfielders, each of whom could comfortably
cement a place in a similar Premier League team. Undoubtedly, all five
possess the quality and varied abilities to play together, so it seems Sam
can afford to base his selection purely on form and performance. So, it
seems we can afford to have a very optimistic outlook, at least in one area
of the pitch.
Plus, I can think of worse dilemmas to be in, like choosing between Andy
Melville and Darren Powell at centre back...
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham confirm Carroll loan
I want to be playing games, says England striker after Anfield exit
Last Updated: August 30, 2012 11:01pm
SSN
West Ham have confirmed the signing of Andy Carroll on loan from Liverpool
with a view to a permanent deal. The Hammers have worked hard to do a deal
for the England forward with Liverpool initially reluctant to do a loan deal
for the man they paid £35million for last year. But the newly-promoted side
have persuaded the 23-year-old to move to London and confirmed they have an
option to make the signing a permanent one for an undisclosed fee next
summer. The player himself insists he is just looking forward to playing
games - and scoring goals for Sam Allardyce's side. "It's great to be here
at West Ham and all signed up - I just can't wait to get started now,"
Carroll told the club's official website. "I want to be playing games and
obviously hoping to score some goals. I know the manager well and some of
the lads, so it is nice for me to come to a place where I know people. "I'm
hoping to add a lot of goals and create a few chances. I know Sam from
Newcastle and he was a massive reason for me coming. When I worked with him
at Newcastle it was great so it was a no-brainer really."
Great signing
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is delighted to have got his man and believes he
has acquired the services of an all-round talent. He said: "I think for all
parties this is a great signing. Andy is an all-round footballer, but
because he is 6'3" and one of his strengths is his aerial power, everybody
dismisses the ability he possesses on the floor. "Hopefully he can score
goals for us and we will be in a very good position at the end of the year
in the Barclays Premier League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Are Chris Solly and Miralem Sulejmani the Next to Sign?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Well, it has actually happened! Much as Sam Allardyce recently hinted, West
Ham have sealed a loan deal at the 11th hour of the transfer window. And our
Manager must be absolutely delighted to now have Andy Carroll on board.
Carroll is an aggressive, hard running centre forward, with the ability to
both disrupt opposition defences and score goals. As Allardyce has stated,
Carroll is very strong in the air, but is also useful on the ground. Talking
to a older Hammers supporter, earlier today, he argued that Carroll was like
the legendary Vic Keeble (another former Newcastle Utd N. 9!) in his playing
style and I know why he made that connection. Carroll's physicality, ability
to link up the play and score goal is very much like Keeble in his 'hay day'
and lets hope that his arrival has the same positive impact! Another famous
West Ham centre forward in this category is David Cross, a hard running,
unselfish front man, who also used to terrorise defenders with his awkward
physicality and was equally proficient in converting his chances.
So, the board have secured another vital peice in Allardyce's jigsaw. It is
a move that will surprise many supporters, particularly after the recent
public admisson that the club's summer transfer business was completed with
the signing of Matt Jarvis. The same applies to Nicky Maynard's move to
Cardiff City, only on Tuesday evening the management were asserting that he
had an important role to play in the squad this season. Yet 48 hours later,
Maynard is out of the door, presumably to help fund Carroll's loan deal! I
have some mixed feelings about the deal, because we really do not know just
how good a striker Maynard is? He certainly has a lot of potential, but at
least we can comfort ourselves with the probability that we are effectively
trading up to a better class of striker. Maynard's departure could also be
good news for Robert Hall and Elliott Lee and a recognition of their ability
to impact at first team level this season. The Carroll and Maynard deals
might also indicate that the club have been unusually 'canny' in publicly
down playing transfer movement, whilst simultaneously working frantically in
the background to make it happen. It is far more preferable to do transfer
business that way, than publicly trumpeting potential deals and then failing
to follow through.
The question now is whether the Carroll deal really is the end of West Ham's
summer transfer actvity? There is persisent speculation that we also have
deals lined up for Charlton's Chris Solly and Ajax's Miralem Sulejmani.
Chris Solly is a highly rated young right-back and would be a good addition,
especially if we could secure his signature for a mooted £2m fee. I would
like to see the deal go through, but we shall just have wait and see? While
a deal for Sulejmani makes perfect sense. He is a fast, skillful forward,
who scores goals. He can play on either flank or through the middle, but
generally tends to prefer the right wing. His signing would perferctly
complement Matt Jarvis on the left flank and would give us so many more
options up front, whether in a 4-5-1, 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 formation. As such, it
adds both balance and variety to our forward line and would be a positive
move, as long as Sulejmani is over the various injury niggles that he has
suffered in recent seasons.
And what about the additional centre-back that we are supposed to be looking
to land? It seems that the club's priority is the forward positions and if a
deal for a centre-back is completed, then it is more likely to be a Boseman
type deal. Unless of course, the club have been even more 'canny' than we
thought, having spun a yarn about us reaching the limits of summer our
transfer budget, while there is actually more money available than we were
led to believe? Or would further deals need to be funded through departures?
Will anything come of the mooted outward deals for Mark Noble to Fulham
and/or Carlton Cole to Reading or the Turkish league? I certainly hope not
because I believe that we need both Noble and Cole in the squad. After all,
what is the point of improving the essential quality of the squad only to
undermine competition for places and its improved strength in-depth?
It could very well be an interesting final 24 hours of the transfer window.
Lets see what transpires?
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll Joins the Happy Hammers - Officially Confirmed
West Ham Till I Die
Well, it seems to be true. Andy Carroll is in London having a medical and
will sign on a season long loan deal. Reports suggest we will be meeting his
wage bill in full.
More as I get it.
UPDATE 20:38: Signing is confirmed on the club's official website.
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of England striker
Andy Carroll on a season-long loan deal. The 23-year-old has moved to the
Boleyn Ground from Liverpool for the remainder of the 2012/13 Barclays
Premier League campaign, with the Hammers having the option to complete a
permanent deal for an undisclosed fee next summer.
Carroll, a powerful forward who is an outstanding header of the ball and
blessed with superb technical ability, led the line for his country at EURO
2012 and has been named in the England squad for the upcoming 2014 FIFA
World Cup qualifiers with Moldova and Ukraine.
The signing of Carroll, who became the most-expensive English footballer in
history when he joined Liverpool from Newcastle United for a reported fee of
£35m in January 2011, represents a huge statement of the Board's intentions
to make West Ham a force to be reckoned with in the Barclays Premier League.
The Gateshead-born frontman, who could make his Hammers debut in Saturday's
home fixture with Fulham, has expressed his happiness at completing a move
that sees him reunited with his former Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce and
captain Kevin Nolan.
"It's great to be here at West Ham and all signed up - I just can't wait to
get started now," Carroll said. "I want to be playing games and obviously
hoping to score some goals. I know the manager well and some of the lads, so
it is nice for me to come to a place where I know people.
"I'm hoping to add a lot of goals and create a few chances. I know Sam from
Newcastle and he was a massive reason for me coming. When I worked with him
at Newcastle it was great so it was a no-brainer really."
His new manager was understandably pleased to welcome Carroll to east
London. He said: "I think for all parties this is a great signing. Andy is
an all-round footballer, but because he is 6'3" and one of his strengths is
his aerial power, everybody dismisses the ability he possesses on the floor.
"Hopefully he can score goals for us and we will be in a very good position
at the end of the year in the Barclays Premier League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Maynard Exits to Cardiff
West Ham Till I Die
So farewell, Nicky Maynard, we never really saw you at your best. A bit like
Sam Baldock, Maynard wasn't really ever given enough of a chance to shine at
Upton Park, and I think it's a real shame that he's apparently gone to
Cardiff for £3 million. I don't blame Sam Allardyce here at all. He must do
what he thinks is best, and if he can bring in strikers who he thinks are
superior to what we have got, then that will necessarily involve some
departures. But with Baldock and Maynard both gone, it's clear that he
expects to bring in at least one further striker before 11pm tomorrow.
Presumably it is Sulejmani, or possibly Berbatov.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers roll out the Carroll
The Sun
By PHIL THOMAS
Last Updated: 31st August 2012
ANDY CARROLL'S Anfield agony came to an end last night. And Liverpool boss
Brendan Rodgers will try to fill the gap with a deadline-day swoop for
Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge. Carroll, 23, has joined West Ham on a
season-long loan with the option of a £17million transfer next summer. The
Hammers will pay a £1m fee, plus another £5m in wages — but Rodgers still
does not have the funds to bring in a permanent replacement. And that has
seen him switch his sights to Sturridge, who could now move to Merseyside
for the rest of the campaign. Rodgers had hoped to bring in Clint Dempsey
yet is still unable to pay the fee Fulham are demanding, with Sunderland his
likeliest destination. And although Liverpool still retain a faint hope of
landing the American before tonight's deadline, Jordan Henderson's refusal
to move the other way as part of the deal proved another obstacle. Despite
ending the Carroll saga, the struggle to bring in a top-line replacement
before the transfer window closes took the gloss off Liverpool reaching the
Europa League group stages last night. Now Rodgers will switch his focus to
today's deadline, with midfielder Charlie Adam set to pack his bags for
Stoke although Everton are lurking in the wings. If Rodgers fails to bring
in a striker, he will have just Luis Suarez, Fabio Borini and rookie Adam
Morgan as out-and-out attackers. Rodgers admitted: "I've been given as much
confidence as I can possibly get that we will have someone to come in.
"Hopefully tomorrow we can get something complete. I am hoping for one or
two." Carroll, meanwhile, said: "It's great to be at West Ham — I just can't
wait to get started now. "I want to be playing games and hopefully scoring
goals."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
YOSSI BENAYOUN SET FOR POSSIBLE WEST HAM LOAN MOVE
Friday August 31,2012
By Daily Express reporter
YOSSI Benayoun could be set for a deadline-day return to former club West
Ham, who are understood to be one of two clubs chasing his loan signing from
Chelsea.
The Israeli tweeted yesterday: "I can confirm that I'm in talks with two
Premier League clubs about a loan move." Aston Villa are believed to be the
other club interested in the 32-year-old.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bluebirds in talks with Hammers' Nicky Maynard
by Terry Phillips, Western Mail
Aug 31 2012
CARDIFF CITY are holding talks with West Ham striker Nicky Maynard about a
potential £2.5m move. The transfer would have to be completed today with the
transfer window closing at 11pm. The two clubs agreed a fee yesterday and
Premier League Hammers gave Cardiff manager Malky Mackay the go-ahead for
talks with the goal ace. A source close to the London club said: "A fee has
been agreed, but talks on personal terms could not start until that point.
There is still a lot of work before anything is finalised." Maynard would be
Cardiff's 10th signing for the season and has been trailed by Mackay
throughout the summer. If Cardiff can secure Maynard's services, he will
join an offensive line-up that already contains the likes Craig Bellamy, Kim
Bo-Kyung, Heidar Helguson, Etien Velikonja and new signing Craig Noone.
Maynard wants more first-team football than he is getting at West Ham where
he has yet to see league action. He scored four goals in 17 Hammers
appearances last season as they were promoted, but says: "I haven't had my
chance in the Premier League which has been a bit frustrating." Mackay
reckons wideman Noone, who he captured from Brighton for £1m, will be a huge
plus for the Bluebirds. "He is a player who is exciting," said Mackay. "He
has personality, pace and skill, and he can get at opposing teams and commit
defenders. "He has two good feet and, at the age of 24, is young enough to
develop as a player. "I believe there is a lot more to come from Craig and
he has the hunger to take his game to another level." Noone – who will wear
the No. 16 shirt – hopes to make an instant impact against Wolves on Sunday
after training with his new team-mates yesterday. "My aim is promotion to
the Premier League as quickly as possible," he said. "I knew there was some
interest from Cardiff for me in January and that went right down to the last
day of the transfer window. I'm glad it's done and can't wait to play."
Noone played 82 minutes for Brighton during the goalless draw against
Cardiff City at the Amex Stadium, producing a number of dangerous runs.
"It's a bit strange signing for Cardiff having played against them for
Brighton a week or so ago," he said. Mackay has plenty of options within his
squad and some big decisions to make when he decides on a starting XI to
face Wolves. Noone will almost certainly fill one of the wide berths in the
absence of the injured Bellamy.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce offers support to QPR goalkeeper Robert Green
Green's QPR place threatened by Júlio César arrival
Allardyce believes Brazilian may struggle in England
Jacob Steinberg
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 30 August 2012 23.17 BST
Sam Allardyce has offered his support to Robert Green, who left West Ham
United for Queens Park Rangers in the summer but whose place is now
threatened by the arrival of the Internazionale goalkeeper Júlio César at
Loftus Road. César, who won the Champions League with Inter two years ago,
has undoubted pedigree but Allardyce believes the Brazilian will take time
to settle in English football and backed Green to rise to the challenge.
"He's a very experienced goalkeeper, an England international, so I don't
think he'll worry too much about the competition from César," said
Allardyce. "He [César] won't be ready for the Premier League. They'll
probably play him because of the size of the name but he won't have seen
anything like the Premier League when it comes in and at him. "I know he's
been at a top club for many, many years but this league is different to what
he's used to playing in and that takes some adjusting to. Rob's proven he's
one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League over the last nine or 10
years."
Allardyce admitted his disappointment at not being able to convince Green to
sign a new contract and stay at West Ham but still wishes him well. Green
has endured a difficult start to life at QPR, a poor performance on his
debut against Swansea City convincing Mark Hughes to move for César. "There
are decisions made by players and managers when we think it is a better time
for us to move on," said Allardyce. "And then when we finally get there it's
not quite as good as we thought it was. In the end from Robert's point of
view he's at a very good club that must have given him a very good contract.
"He's at the prime time of his career. For a goalkeeper just into his 30s
that is the most golden moment, I suppose, or should be because you know all
about the goalkeeping, you know all about the pressure, you know all about
the demands and the level of football and consistency you've got to hit.
It's all there, locked into the brain ready to use. "He's at his peak. His
fitness levels are brilliant, he works hard on the training ground. He tries
to get better all the time and not rest on his laurels."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, August 31
Thursday, August 30
Daily WHUFC News - Andy Carroll - WHUFC.com
Hammers net Carroll
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have signed England international Andy Carroll on loan from
Liverpool
30.08.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of England striker
Andy Carroll on a season-long loan deal. The 23-year-old has moved to the
Boleyn Ground from Liverpool for the remainder of the 2012/13 Barclays
Premier League campaign, with the Hammers having the option to complete a
permanent deal for an undisclosed fee next summer. Carroll, a powerful
forward who is an outstanding header of the ball and blessed with superb
technical ability, led the line for his country at EURO 2012 and has been
named in the England squad for the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
with Moldova and Ukraine. The signing of Carroll, who became the
most-expensive English footballer in history when he joined Liverpool from
Newcastle United for a reported fee of £35m in January 2011, represents a
huge statement of the Board's intentions to make West Ham a force to be
reckoned with in the Barclays Premier League. The Gateshead-born frontman,
who could make his Hammers debut in Saturday's home fixture with Fulham, has
expressed his happiness at completing a move that sees him reunited with his
former Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce and captain Kevin Nolan. "It's great
to be here at West Ham and all signed up - I just can't wait to get started
now," Carroll said. "I want to be playing games and obviously hoping to
score some goals. I know the manager well and some of the lads, so it is
nice for me to come to a place where I know people. "I'm hoping to add a lot
of goals and create a few chances. I know Sam from Newcastle and he was a
massive reason for me coming. When I worked with him at Newcastle it was
great so it was a no-brainer really."
His new manager was understandably pleased to welcome Carroll to east
London. He said: "I think for all parties this is a great signing. Andy is
an all-round footballer, but because he is 6'3" and one of his strengths is
his aerial power, everybody dismisses the ability he possesses on the floor.
"Hopefully he can score goals for us and we will be in a very good position
at the end of the year in the Barclays Premier League."
Carroll burst into the Newcastle first-team at the age of 17, making his
first-team debut as a replacement for future Hammer Nolberto Solano in a
UEFA Cup victory over Palermo on 2 November 2006 - an appearance that made
him the youngest-ever player to represent Newcastle in Europe. After scoring
his maiden first-team goal past FIFA World Cup winner Gianluigi Buffon in a
friendly win over Juventus in July 2007, Carroll embarked on a six-month
loan spell with Championship side Preston North End. On his return to St
James' Park, the centre forward forced his way into the Magpies starting XI,
scoring on his full home debut with a towering header against West Ham in a
2-2 Premier League draw on 10 January 2009. The 2009/10 season saw Carroll
come into his own as he combined with Nolan to shoot Newcastle to the
Championship title and promotion back to the Premier League at the first
attempt. The striker finished the campaign as the club's top scorer with 19
goals in all competitions and be voted into the Championship Team of the
Year. At the start of 2010/11, he then took the top-flight by storm, netting
a hat-trick in a 6-0 win over Aston Villa and eleven goals in just 19 league
appearances before completing his record-breaking move to Anfield.
Last season, Carroll collected a League Cup winner's medal as Liverpool beat
Cardiff City before returning to Wembley to score the winning goal against
Everton to take the Reds into the FA Cup final. Carroll's performances for
Newcastle earned him a senior England debut in a friendly international with
France on 17 November 2010. His first senior international goal arrived in a
friendly with Ghana at Wembley on 29 March 2011. The striker's all-round
ability saw him named in England's squad for the 2012 UEFA European
Championship finals, where he impressed by scoring a trademark header in a
group-stage victory over Sweden.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have signed England international Andy Carroll on loan from
Liverpool
30.08.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of England striker
Andy Carroll on a season-long loan deal. The 23-year-old has moved to the
Boleyn Ground from Liverpool for the remainder of the 2012/13 Barclays
Premier League campaign, with the Hammers having the option to complete a
permanent deal for an undisclosed fee next summer. Carroll, a powerful
forward who is an outstanding header of the ball and blessed with superb
technical ability, led the line for his country at EURO 2012 and has been
named in the England squad for the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
with Moldova and Ukraine. The signing of Carroll, who became the
most-expensive English footballer in history when he joined Liverpool from
Newcastle United for a reported fee of £35m in January 2011, represents a
huge statement of the Board's intentions to make West Ham a force to be
reckoned with in the Barclays Premier League. The Gateshead-born frontman,
who could make his Hammers debut in Saturday's home fixture with Fulham, has
expressed his happiness at completing a move that sees him reunited with his
former Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce and captain Kevin Nolan. "It's great
to be here at West Ham and all signed up - I just can't wait to get started
now," Carroll said. "I want to be playing games and obviously hoping to
score some goals. I know the manager well and some of the lads, so it is
nice for me to come to a place where I know people. "I'm hoping to add a lot
of goals and create a few chances. I know Sam from Newcastle and he was a
massive reason for me coming. When I worked with him at Newcastle it was
great so it was a no-brainer really."
His new manager was understandably pleased to welcome Carroll to east
London. He said: "I think for all parties this is a great signing. Andy is
an all-round footballer, but because he is 6'3" and one of his strengths is
his aerial power, everybody dismisses the ability he possesses on the floor.
"Hopefully he can score goals for us and we will be in a very good position
at the end of the year in the Barclays Premier League."
Carroll burst into the Newcastle first-team at the age of 17, making his
first-team debut as a replacement for future Hammer Nolberto Solano in a
UEFA Cup victory over Palermo on 2 November 2006 - an appearance that made
him the youngest-ever player to represent Newcastle in Europe. After scoring
his maiden first-team goal past FIFA World Cup winner Gianluigi Buffon in a
friendly win over Juventus in July 2007, Carroll embarked on a six-month
loan spell with Championship side Preston North End. On his return to St
James' Park, the centre forward forced his way into the Magpies starting XI,
scoring on his full home debut with a towering header against West Ham in a
2-2 Premier League draw on 10 January 2009. The 2009/10 season saw Carroll
come into his own as he combined with Nolan to shoot Newcastle to the
Championship title and promotion back to the Premier League at the first
attempt. The striker finished the campaign as the club's top scorer with 19
goals in all competitions and be voted into the Championship Team of the
Year. At the start of 2010/11, he then took the top-flight by storm, netting
a hat-trick in a 6-0 win over Aston Villa and eleven goals in just 19 league
appearances before completing his record-breaking move to Anfield.
Last season, Carroll collected a League Cup winner's medal as Liverpool beat
Cardiff City before returning to Wembley to score the winning goal against
Everton to take the Reds into the FA Cup final. Carroll's performances for
Newcastle earned him a senior England debut in a friendly international with
France on 17 November 2010. His first senior international goal arrived in a
friendly with Ghana at Wembley on 29 March 2011. The striker's all-round
ability saw him named in England's squad for the 2012 UEFA European
Championship finals, where he impressed by scoring a trademark header in a
group-stage victory over Sweden.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Daily WHUFC News - Carroll
Hammers set to rescue Carroll from Anfield nightmare as striker nears Upton
Park switch
By Sportsmail Reporter
PUBLISHED:16:27, 30 August 2012| UPDATED:17:32, 30 August 2012
Daily Mail
Andy Carroll's Liverpool nightmare is set to end as West Ham close in on a
season-long loan deal for the England striker. Sportsmail understands that
the Barclays Premier League outfit are increasingly confident of landing the
23-year-old ahead of Friday's transfer deadline day in a move that could
materialise into a club record £17million deal should Sam Allardyce's side
secure survival.
Allardyce first asked about a possible loan move for Liverpool striker
Carroll a month ago. The former Newcastle star, who cost Liverpool
£35million in January 2011, initially rejected the opportunity to head to
Upton Park. But after Reds boss Brendan Rodger's labelled him a 'cover'
striker earlier this week, Carroll has since reconsidered his future and is
now believed to be destined for an escape to east London.
Allardyce has since spent the bulk of his transfer budget on winger Matt
Jarvis, who cost almost £11million from Wolves. He was worried whether the
Hammers could afford to sign Carroll. But with Nicky Maynard set to join
Cardiff and Carlton Cole on the radar of Turkish club Besiktas, Allardyce
may now finally land his top transfer target. 'When I first went for Andy
Carroll I could afford him, whether I could now is a different matter,' he
said. 'At the very best I think one player will be joining us before the
deadline tomorrow. 'Hopefully we can achieve that and get a quality player
who could add to the team and the squad and make an impact almost
immediately.'
Carroll could be further influenced to put pen to paper at West Ham by
close-friend of West Ham captain Kevin Nolan, who he lived with for a short
time when the pair played together at St James' Park. Midfielder Mark Noble
has also been linked with a move away to Fulham, but Allardyce insisted:
'We've had no bids. 'Would we welcome any bids? No.'
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Park switch
By Sportsmail Reporter
PUBLISHED:16:27, 30 August 2012| UPDATED:17:32, 30 August 2012
Daily Mail
Andy Carroll's Liverpool nightmare is set to end as West Ham close in on a
season-long loan deal for the England striker. Sportsmail understands that
the Barclays Premier League outfit are increasingly confident of landing the
23-year-old ahead of Friday's transfer deadline day in a move that could
materialise into a club record £17million deal should Sam Allardyce's side
secure survival.
Allardyce first asked about a possible loan move for Liverpool striker
Carroll a month ago. The former Newcastle star, who cost Liverpool
£35million in January 2011, initially rejected the opportunity to head to
Upton Park. But after Reds boss Brendan Rodger's labelled him a 'cover'
striker earlier this week, Carroll has since reconsidered his future and is
now believed to be destined for an escape to east London.
Allardyce has since spent the bulk of his transfer budget on winger Matt
Jarvis, who cost almost £11million from Wolves. He was worried whether the
Hammers could afford to sign Carroll. But with Nicky Maynard set to join
Cardiff and Carlton Cole on the radar of Turkish club Besiktas, Allardyce
may now finally land his top transfer target. 'When I first went for Andy
Carroll I could afford him, whether I could now is a different matter,' he
said. 'At the very best I think one player will be joining us before the
deadline tomorrow. 'Hopefully we can achieve that and get a quality player
who could add to the team and the squad and make an impact almost
immediately.'
Carroll could be further influenced to put pen to paper at West Ham by
close-friend of West Ham captain Kevin Nolan, who he lived with for a short
time when the pair played together at St James' Park. Midfielder Mark Noble
has also been linked with a move away to Fulham, but Allardyce insisted:
'We've had no bids. 'Would we welcome any bids? No.'
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Daily WHUFC News - 30th August 2012
Macca hails 'perfect night'
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald was happy to see a new-look West Ham United side knock out
Crewe Alexandra
29.08.2012
Goals from Nicky Maynard and Modibo Maiga gave West Ham United a comfortable
passage into the third round of the Capital One Cup courtesy of a 2-0 win
over Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday night. Maynard, playing against the club
where he began his career, opened the scoring after 33 minutes, latching
onto Ricardo Vaz Te's deft flick to volley into the corner from just inside
the box. The Hammers continued to assert their dominance in the second half
and doubled their lead in the 54th minute when Crewe goalkeeper Alan Martin
gifted Maiga his first Hammers goal. A well worked free-kick allowed captain
Kevin Nolan a shot on goal which was parried into the path of Maiga, who
finished well on his first start for the club. Assistant manager Neil
McDonald was happy with the performance and the result that takes the
Hammers into Thursday's third-round draw. "I thought it was a great workout
and they've come through it very strongly," said McDonald. "We've had Modibo
and Alou Diarra come through their first full game and I think they got
stronger as the game went on. We've created chances and scored two fantastic
goals and we've kept a clean sheet. "Modibo has had a couple of great
chances late on but he's off the mark and he's certainly deserved his goal
as he was in the right place at the right time. I think our first goal that
Nicky finished off was great as well."
Debutant goalkeeper Stephen Henderson was rarely troubled but was reliable
when called upon as Crewe fought for a route back into the game. The former
Portsmouth man first denied Luke Murphy, then somehow recovered to stop Ajay
Leitch-Smith's effort after the striker had seemingly rounded him. "Stephen
made two really good saves to help us keep the clean sheet. It helped avoid
the panic that we might have felt had Crewe got one back. We're very happy
with the defensive display as well and we kept their chances down to a
minimum. When Stephen was needed he made the saves very comfortably in the
end. "There were some really good performances all the way through the team
from the back to the front. It's great to see that we've made it through to
the next round after being knocked out by Aldershot last season. "We had a
lot of people play their first 90 minutes, which was even better. We've also
not picked up any injuries, which meant it was the perfect night."
Sam Allardyce handed debuts to Development Squad duo George Moncur and
Matthias Fanimo,who impressed alongside fellow Academy graduate Rob Hall.
Fanimo so nearly set up a goal a minute after coming on when he played a
neat one-two with Nolan before delivering a pinpoint cross that Maiga
volleyed just over. "We put the kids on later on in the game, which was
great experience for them. I think they settled in well. Matthias saw plenty
of the ball and had a good first touch, which was great. George and Rob both
came on and fitted in really well. It's good for their experience and
confidence. "Looking ahead to Fulham, the result will give us competition
for places after the Swansea defeat and it might just give the manager a few
selection problems."
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Van the man!
WHUFC.com
Modibo 'Van' Maiga is ready to make his mark after scoring his first West
Ham United goal
29.08.2012
Modibo Maiga believes he is ready to make a big impact in the Barclays
Premier League after opening his account for West Ham United. The summer
arrival from FC Sochaux-Montbeliard notched his first goal in English
football in Tuesday's 2-0 Capital One Cup second-round victory over Crewe
Alexandra. Maiga's second-half strike highlighted an eye-catching display
that saw him test goalkeeper Alan Martin on numerous occasions, hold the
ball up superbly and work extremely hard in his lone centre-forward role.
Having got off the mark for his new club, the 24-year-old is looking forward
to finding the net on a regular basis in a claret and blue shirt. "I've very
happy to score my first goal for the club," confirmed the Mali
international. "It's very important both for myself and for the confidence
of the club. "I hope to score a lot more goals for West Ham in the future."
The majority of West Ham supporters would have seen little of Maiga prior to
his move to east London, save for a few clips on the YouTube website.
However, after making substitute appearances in the Hammers' opening two
Barclays Premier League matches, the new No11 was able to show off his full
repertoire of skills in Tuesday's victory. A strongly-built figure blessed
with both the ability to hold up play and a neat turn of pace, Maiga
produced an all-action display against the Railwaymen. Maiga was involved in
Nicky Maynard's opening goal before scoring himself after Kevin Nolan's shot
was pushed out by Martin. After his goal, Maiga volleyed one chance over,
saw two headers deflected narrowly wide and tested the goalkeeper with a
pair of rasping late shots from the edge of the penalty area.
When asked if his midweek performance had been a typical one, Maiga nodded
positively in the affirmative. "Of course, scoring my first goal was great
and I was happy to contribute to the victory. I really, really want to do
well here and have real determination to be successful with West Ham. "I
came here to play a big role in the Premier League. I feel like I am ready
to contribute now."
At present, Maiga speaks limited English, but he is receiving regular
lessons and is able to communicate with his new team-mates more and more
every day.
For now, though, his acclimatisation to life in London is being aided by the
club's three other native French speakers - Mohamed Diame, Alou Diarra and
Guy Demel.
"It helps greatly to have people like Mo, Alou and Guy around. We spend a
lot of time together off the pitch and communicate a lot together. It
certainly does help when it comes to settling into life in England."
Finally, Maiga was asked about his mysterious nickname 'Van', which has
confused the coaching staff and players ever since his arrival at the Boleyn
Ground in July.
"Everyone in Mali who has the name Modibo has the nickname 'Van' - it's as
simple as that!" Now that confusion has been cleared up, Maiga can
concentrate on what he clearly does best - leading the line and scoring
goals!
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Stars for instore visit confirmed
WHUFC.com
Matt Jarvis, Ricardo Vaz Te, Momo Diame, Alou Diarra and Modibo Maiga will
all be instore Thursday
26.08.2012
West Ham United will be hosting an exclusive signing session at the Stadium
Superstore on Thursday from 3pm with FIVE stars of the first team dropping
in to meet fans and sign autographs. Matt Jarvis, Ricardo Vaz Te, Alou
Diarra, Momo Diame and Modibo Maiga will all be at the Boleyn Ground for the
signing session, meaning fans will be able to get up close to four of the
Hammers' biggest summer recruits and, of course, the Play-Off final hero.
The players are expected to arrive from 3pm, but keep an eye on whufc.com
for any updates to the schedule.
Please note that only items purchased in the Stadium Superstore on the day
can be signed. To allow as many fans as possible to get an autograph, signed
items and photos will be restricted to one per person. In addition, only
replica shirts purchased on the day or shirts that have printing added on
the day can be signed. Printing is available at £14 for name and numbers and
£18 for name, number and Premier League patches on adult and junior shirts.
Due to training commitments players and timings are subject to change.
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Is Mark Noble surplus to requirements?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 29th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble is the subject of interest from fellow
Premier League club Fulham, according to reports. The club's longest-serving
player, who made his first team debut eight years ago has featured for five
full-time managers plus three temporary managers but could be the shock
departure ahead of this Friday's transfer window. 25-year-old Noble, whose
current three-and-a-half-year deal expires next summer has today been linked
with a move across the capital to Fulham, who are understood to have
enquired into the player's availability. And with Noble yet to renew his
current contract - with the club understood to have failed to offer him an
extension to his current deal - a move away from West Ham for the
highly-popular Canning Town-born midfielder is not an impossibility.
The number 16's position at the club has been severely weakened in the last
12 months following the arrival of fellow central midfielders Kevin Nolan,
Mo Diame and, most recently, Alou Diarra. One potential deal involving the
two clubs could see United States international Clint Dempsey - someone
keenly admired by Sam Allardyce - move from Craven Cottage to the Boleyn
Ground in a player-plus-cash deal.
West Ham have been keeping tabs on the Texas-born forward, who has been at
Fulham since 2007, for some considerable time and fans'-favourite Noble
could provide the necessary leverage to make a deal work.
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Did Gold and Sullivan veto contract offer?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 29th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham defender Abdoulaye Faye has claimed in an interview that
United's co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold vetoed a new contract
offer. Faye, who spent last season at the Boleyn Ground, helping West Ham to
make an instant return to the Premier League, was released at the end of the
2011/12 campaign upon the expiration of his one-year contract. However the
34-year-old, who has since signed for Championship club Hull City claimed
that he was set to sign a contract extention offered to him by manager
Allardyce - before the manager was overruled by the joint owners.
Taking to afric.com, Faye - who previously worked with Allardyce at Bolton
and Newcastle - said: "I'm disappointed with everything because he
[Allardyce] has taken me everywhere. West Ham were promoted but I don't know
what happened in the end. "He apologised and said: "I'm sorry but he owner's
won't let me offer you a new contract". I told him it was okay."
Faye was Allardyce's first signing after Big Sam was named as the successor
to Avram Grant; the Senegalese defender signing for West Ham on a free
transfer last June. He went on to make 29 appearances for the Hammers last
season but lost his first team spot for the final few games of the campaign
after Allardyce chose instead to pair Winston Reid with James Tomkins at the
heart of the defence.
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Maiga ready to make his mark
Hammers striker looking to kick on after opening goal account
Last Updated: August 29, 2012 10:25am
SSN
Modibo Maiga opened his West Ham goal account on Tuesday and is now looking
to announce himself to a Premier League audience. The Mali international was
snapped up by the Hammers this summer from Sochaux, allowing the 24-year-old
to complete a dream move to England 12 months after being denied the
opportunity to link up with Newcastle. Maiga made his debut in a 1-0 victory
over Aston Villa on the opening day of the season, and was handed his first
start in a Capital One Cup clash with Crewe. He wrapped up a 2-0 midweek
victory at Upton Park with a close-range finish which showcased his quick
reactions and predatory instincts.
Maiga is understandably delighted to be off the mark for his new employers
and believes he is now ready to make his mark on the Premier League, having
been eased into English life by Sam Allardyce.
Confidence
"I'm very happy to score my first goal for the club," he told the Hammers'
official website. "It's very important both for myself and for the
confidence of the club. "I hope to score a lot more goals for West Ham in
the future." He added: "I really, really want to do well here and have real
determination to be successful with West Ham. "I came here to play a big
role in the Premier League. I feel like I am ready to contribute now."
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Cottagers keen on Noble
Fulham ask about Hammers midfielder
Last Updated: August 29, 2012 10:52am
SSN
Sky Sports understands that Fulham have enquired as to the availability of
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble. The 25-year-old midfielder has entered the
final year of his contract at Upton Park and is yet to sign an extension.
The Hammers will be keen to put fresh terms to a product of their famed
academy system, but as yet no agreement has been put in place. Fulham have
decided to test the water and have made contact with their Premier League
rivals regarding a possible deal. Noble is a proven top-flight performer and
was instrumental in guiding West Ham to promotion last season. As an East
End native he has strong ties to the Hammers and has made over 200 senior
appearances for the club.He has started both of West Ham's Premier League
fixtures so far this season, but it remains to be seen how hard Fulham push
to bring in a man who would help to fill the void created by Moussa
Dembele's proposed switch to Tottenham.
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Ajax to offload Sulejmani
One offer for forward has already been received
By Gerrit van Leeuwen. Last Updated: August 29, 2012 11:12am
SSN
Dutch champions Ajax have confirmed that they are open to offers for Miralem
Sulejmani, with the striker having made it clear that he wants out. The
Serbia international has spent the last four years in Amsterdam, with a
switch from Heerenveen in 2008 seeing him break Ajax'stransfer record. He
has been a regular source of goals throughout his time with the Eredivisie
giants, but has also struggled with injury. Ajax had been hoping that he
would agree to extend his association with the club this summer, but
Sulejmani has rejected the offer of fresh terms.
Interest
The 23-year-old will now be allowed to move on, with Ajax keen to bring in a
fee for a player reported to be interesting clubs in the Premier League.
West Ham are among those to have been linked with the versatile forward, and
Ajax's new director of football Marc Overmars admits one approach has
already been received.
"It's a serious offer, but I can't mention the name of the club," he said.
"Miralem knows about the interest."
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Swap Deal On Cards for Dempsey & Mark Noble?
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
I reckon we're going to get a surprise before the close of the transfer
window on Friday, and it's one we might not like. Look at this as a
scenario...
Fulham have been battered in this transfer window and have just lost another
star player, Dembele, to Spurs. The rumour mill suggests today that they
have made an enquiry about Mark Noble. Now I can't see Mark Noble wanting to
move to a smaller club, but I can quite see Sam Allardyce thinking, OK, you
can have Mark Noble if we can have Clint Dempsey, and we'll bung you a
couple of million too.
It's not as if we are badly off for central midfielders, but what we lack
(apart from Nolan) is an attacking midfielder who scores plenty of goals. In
reality, I suppose Clint Dempsey is a striker who can also play in midfield.
Logically, it makes sense, but I would absolutely hate to lose Mark Noble.
He's the heartbeat of the team and a Hammer to his core, while Dempsey is
not exactly a spring chicken who is holding his club to ransom. Dempsey
wants to go to Liverpool. He was supposed to be off to Sunderland but his
wage demands frightened off the Mackems. Do we want a player who doesn't
want to come to us, and let go a player who would die for us?
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Liverpool offer Andy Carroll to West Ham and Newcastle United
By Lee Ryder, Evening Chronicle
Aug 29 2012
NEWCASTLE UNITED and West Ham United have again been offered the chance to
sign Andy Carroll. Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has made his feelings
clear on Carroll and wants to sign Clint Dempsey from Fulham and Theo
Walcott from Arsenal in the last two days of the transfer window. But he has
been told he must sell to buy. And this means that Carroll must be offloaded
for him to get his wish. Rodgers said: "I don't think we are in a position
to have 35million players as third choice strikers. "It doesn't take a
rocket scientist to see that Andy has been a cover player for us in the
opening two games."
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Liverpool push Carroll towards West Ham in hope of landing Arsenal ace
Walcott
By DOMINIC KING
PUBLISHED: 21:58, 29 August 2012 | UPDATED: 22:29, 29 August 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham will launch a final attempt to land Andy Carroll before the window
closes with a deal that will shape Liverpool's transfer fortunes. Though
the England striker has consistently made it clear he does not want to leave
Anfield, his omission from the squad for Thursday night's Europa League
qualifier against Hearts effectively means his Liverpool career is over.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers would like to add Theo Walcott to his squad,
even though it emerged the Arsenal forward will see out the final year of
his contract at the Emirates after holding amicable talks with Arsene
Wenger. But should Liverpool offload Carroll, they would be in a position
to test Arsenal's resolve on Walcott, who earlier this summer turned down a
new five-year deal worth £75,000 per week. Liverpool's tight financial
constraints mean they cannot bid for Walcott outright but offloading Carroll
to West Ham would change things dramatically. West Ham would initially take
Carroll, 23, on a season-long loan, paying his £80,000 per week wages in
full, and then - provided they remain in the Barclays Premier League - would
be obliged to sign him permanently for £17milllion.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has been desperate to land Carroll ever since it
became clear his prospects under Rodgers would be limited and he is looking
to move on Carlton Cole to free up space in his squad. Newcastle continue to
remain on the periphery and manager Alan Pardew refused to rule his club out
of the reckoning, saying: 'Would I want him in my squad? Of course I would.
Probably every Premier League manager in the country would want him in their
squad. 'But can the deal be done? That's nothing to do with me.'
It will be a hectic final two days for Liverpool, as they are expected to
offload Charlie Adam to Stoke – though it would be no surprise if Everton
emerged as late rivals – while Jay Spearing has the option of a number
Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa and Southampton, on loan.
Rodgers would also want to sign long-term target Clint Dempsey from Fulham
but it is clear that the days when Liverpool could simply go out and sign a
player with barely a quibble have gone. When asked whether Liverpool could
afford to buy without selling, Rodgers replied: 'No. Not at this stage,
obviously I have seen a lot of the links and it is great that those players
would want to come here but the reality is that we are not in a position to
do those sorts of deals. 'I don't think we are in a position to have
£35million players as third choice strikers or wingers who are on
£5-6million a year. This is the challenge I have. 'The club needs to
repair financially. Unfortunately it is going to take more than one window.
This is an incredible club but even if you want to move some players on,
because of the wages and other factors, they are not just going to walk out
the door. 'It is going to take us time to get to the squad we want. In the
meantime we have to keep our head down and work hard and get results.'
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Noble rejects move from West Ham to Fulham
The midfielder was targeted by Martin Jol to replace Mousa Dembele but
25-year-old does not want to join west Londoners despite rejecting new
Hammers contract
Goal.com
29 Aug 2012 21:08:00
EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent
Fulham have failed in a bid to sign Mark Noble from West Ham, Goal.com can
reveal. The west London club have tried to take advantage of the
midfielder's contract stalemate by making a move to capture him in the final
days of the window. Sources have told Goal.com that Noble has rejected a new
deal from West Ham, who are now willing to listen to offers for a player who
joined the club as a schoolboy. Fulham enquired about the 25-year-old's
availability and prepared an offer but it is understood that Noble has made
it clear he does not want to move to Craven Cottage. This is a blow for
Fulham, who are trying to strengthen their central midfield after selling
Mousa Dembele to Tottenham on Wednesday for around £15 million and allowing
Danny Murphy to join Blackburn Rovers earlier this summer. Despite spurning
the advances of Fulham, West Ham do not expect Noble to sign a new deal and
are ready to sell him if their valuation is met. Noble, who was voted 2012
Hammer of the Year by supporters for his performances in the club's
promotion campaign last season, is a popular figure at Upton Park and has
been a mainstay of the team since fully establishing himself in the 2007-08
season. He has started West Ham's opening two Premier League fixtures of the
season although he did not feature in Tuesday's Capital One Cup win over
Crewe Alexandra.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald was happy to see a new-look West Ham United side knock out
Crewe Alexandra
29.08.2012
Goals from Nicky Maynard and Modibo Maiga gave West Ham United a comfortable
passage into the third round of the Capital One Cup courtesy of a 2-0 win
over Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday night. Maynard, playing against the club
where he began his career, opened the scoring after 33 minutes, latching
onto Ricardo Vaz Te's deft flick to volley into the corner from just inside
the box. The Hammers continued to assert their dominance in the second half
and doubled their lead in the 54th minute when Crewe goalkeeper Alan Martin
gifted Maiga his first Hammers goal. A well worked free-kick allowed captain
Kevin Nolan a shot on goal which was parried into the path of Maiga, who
finished well on his first start for the club. Assistant manager Neil
McDonald was happy with the performance and the result that takes the
Hammers into Thursday's third-round draw. "I thought it was a great workout
and they've come through it very strongly," said McDonald. "We've had Modibo
and Alou Diarra come through their first full game and I think they got
stronger as the game went on. We've created chances and scored two fantastic
goals and we've kept a clean sheet. "Modibo has had a couple of great
chances late on but he's off the mark and he's certainly deserved his goal
as he was in the right place at the right time. I think our first goal that
Nicky finished off was great as well."
Debutant goalkeeper Stephen Henderson was rarely troubled but was reliable
when called upon as Crewe fought for a route back into the game. The former
Portsmouth man first denied Luke Murphy, then somehow recovered to stop Ajay
Leitch-Smith's effort after the striker had seemingly rounded him. "Stephen
made two really good saves to help us keep the clean sheet. It helped avoid
the panic that we might have felt had Crewe got one back. We're very happy
with the defensive display as well and we kept their chances down to a
minimum. When Stephen was needed he made the saves very comfortably in the
end. "There were some really good performances all the way through the team
from the back to the front. It's great to see that we've made it through to
the next round after being knocked out by Aldershot last season. "We had a
lot of people play their first 90 minutes, which was even better. We've also
not picked up any injuries, which meant it was the perfect night."
Sam Allardyce handed debuts to Development Squad duo George Moncur and
Matthias Fanimo,who impressed alongside fellow Academy graduate Rob Hall.
Fanimo so nearly set up a goal a minute after coming on when he played a
neat one-two with Nolan before delivering a pinpoint cross that Maiga
volleyed just over. "We put the kids on later on in the game, which was
great experience for them. I think they settled in well. Matthias saw plenty
of the ball and had a good first touch, which was great. George and Rob both
came on and fitted in really well. It's good for their experience and
confidence. "Looking ahead to Fulham, the result will give us competition
for places after the Swansea defeat and it might just give the manager a few
selection problems."
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Van the man!
WHUFC.com
Modibo 'Van' Maiga is ready to make his mark after scoring his first West
Ham United goal
29.08.2012
Modibo Maiga believes he is ready to make a big impact in the Barclays
Premier League after opening his account for West Ham United. The summer
arrival from FC Sochaux-Montbeliard notched his first goal in English
football in Tuesday's 2-0 Capital One Cup second-round victory over Crewe
Alexandra. Maiga's second-half strike highlighted an eye-catching display
that saw him test goalkeeper Alan Martin on numerous occasions, hold the
ball up superbly and work extremely hard in his lone centre-forward role.
Having got off the mark for his new club, the 24-year-old is looking forward
to finding the net on a regular basis in a claret and blue shirt. "I've very
happy to score my first goal for the club," confirmed the Mali
international. "It's very important both for myself and for the confidence
of the club. "I hope to score a lot more goals for West Ham in the future."
The majority of West Ham supporters would have seen little of Maiga prior to
his move to east London, save for a few clips on the YouTube website.
However, after making substitute appearances in the Hammers' opening two
Barclays Premier League matches, the new No11 was able to show off his full
repertoire of skills in Tuesday's victory. A strongly-built figure blessed
with both the ability to hold up play and a neat turn of pace, Maiga
produced an all-action display against the Railwaymen. Maiga was involved in
Nicky Maynard's opening goal before scoring himself after Kevin Nolan's shot
was pushed out by Martin. After his goal, Maiga volleyed one chance over,
saw two headers deflected narrowly wide and tested the goalkeeper with a
pair of rasping late shots from the edge of the penalty area.
When asked if his midweek performance had been a typical one, Maiga nodded
positively in the affirmative. "Of course, scoring my first goal was great
and I was happy to contribute to the victory. I really, really want to do
well here and have real determination to be successful with West Ham. "I
came here to play a big role in the Premier League. I feel like I am ready
to contribute now."
At present, Maiga speaks limited English, but he is receiving regular
lessons and is able to communicate with his new team-mates more and more
every day.
For now, though, his acclimatisation to life in London is being aided by the
club's three other native French speakers - Mohamed Diame, Alou Diarra and
Guy Demel.
"It helps greatly to have people like Mo, Alou and Guy around. We spend a
lot of time together off the pitch and communicate a lot together. It
certainly does help when it comes to settling into life in England."
Finally, Maiga was asked about his mysterious nickname 'Van', which has
confused the coaching staff and players ever since his arrival at the Boleyn
Ground in July.
"Everyone in Mali who has the name Modibo has the nickname 'Van' - it's as
simple as that!" Now that confusion has been cleared up, Maiga can
concentrate on what he clearly does best - leading the line and scoring
goals!
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Stars for instore visit confirmed
WHUFC.com
Matt Jarvis, Ricardo Vaz Te, Momo Diame, Alou Diarra and Modibo Maiga will
all be instore Thursday
26.08.2012
West Ham United will be hosting an exclusive signing session at the Stadium
Superstore on Thursday from 3pm with FIVE stars of the first team dropping
in to meet fans and sign autographs. Matt Jarvis, Ricardo Vaz Te, Alou
Diarra, Momo Diame and Modibo Maiga will all be at the Boleyn Ground for the
signing session, meaning fans will be able to get up close to four of the
Hammers' biggest summer recruits and, of course, the Play-Off final hero.
The players are expected to arrive from 3pm, but keep an eye on whufc.com
for any updates to the schedule.
Please note that only items purchased in the Stadium Superstore on the day
can be signed. To allow as many fans as possible to get an autograph, signed
items and photos will be restricted to one per person. In addition, only
replica shirts purchased on the day or shirts that have printing added on
the day can be signed. Printing is available at £14 for name and numbers and
£18 for name, number and Premier League patches on adult and junior shirts.
Due to training commitments players and timings are subject to change.
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Is Mark Noble surplus to requirements?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 29th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble is the subject of interest from fellow
Premier League club Fulham, according to reports. The club's longest-serving
player, who made his first team debut eight years ago has featured for five
full-time managers plus three temporary managers but could be the shock
departure ahead of this Friday's transfer window. 25-year-old Noble, whose
current three-and-a-half-year deal expires next summer has today been linked
with a move across the capital to Fulham, who are understood to have
enquired into the player's availability. And with Noble yet to renew his
current contract - with the club understood to have failed to offer him an
extension to his current deal - a move away from West Ham for the
highly-popular Canning Town-born midfielder is not an impossibility.
The number 16's position at the club has been severely weakened in the last
12 months following the arrival of fellow central midfielders Kevin Nolan,
Mo Diame and, most recently, Alou Diarra. One potential deal involving the
two clubs could see United States international Clint Dempsey - someone
keenly admired by Sam Allardyce - move from Craven Cottage to the Boleyn
Ground in a player-plus-cash deal.
West Ham have been keeping tabs on the Texas-born forward, who has been at
Fulham since 2007, for some considerable time and fans'-favourite Noble
could provide the necessary leverage to make a deal work.
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Did Gold and Sullivan veto contract offer?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 29th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham defender Abdoulaye Faye has claimed in an interview that
United's co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold vetoed a new contract
offer. Faye, who spent last season at the Boleyn Ground, helping West Ham to
make an instant return to the Premier League, was released at the end of the
2011/12 campaign upon the expiration of his one-year contract. However the
34-year-old, who has since signed for Championship club Hull City claimed
that he was set to sign a contract extention offered to him by manager
Allardyce - before the manager was overruled by the joint owners.
Taking to afric.com, Faye - who previously worked with Allardyce at Bolton
and Newcastle - said: "I'm disappointed with everything because he
[Allardyce] has taken me everywhere. West Ham were promoted but I don't know
what happened in the end. "He apologised and said: "I'm sorry but he owner's
won't let me offer you a new contract". I told him it was okay."
Faye was Allardyce's first signing after Big Sam was named as the successor
to Avram Grant; the Senegalese defender signing for West Ham on a free
transfer last June. He went on to make 29 appearances for the Hammers last
season but lost his first team spot for the final few games of the campaign
after Allardyce chose instead to pair Winston Reid with James Tomkins at the
heart of the defence.
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Maiga ready to make his mark
Hammers striker looking to kick on after opening goal account
Last Updated: August 29, 2012 10:25am
SSN
Modibo Maiga opened his West Ham goal account on Tuesday and is now looking
to announce himself to a Premier League audience. The Mali international was
snapped up by the Hammers this summer from Sochaux, allowing the 24-year-old
to complete a dream move to England 12 months after being denied the
opportunity to link up with Newcastle. Maiga made his debut in a 1-0 victory
over Aston Villa on the opening day of the season, and was handed his first
start in a Capital One Cup clash with Crewe. He wrapped up a 2-0 midweek
victory at Upton Park with a close-range finish which showcased his quick
reactions and predatory instincts.
Maiga is understandably delighted to be off the mark for his new employers
and believes he is now ready to make his mark on the Premier League, having
been eased into English life by Sam Allardyce.
Confidence
"I'm very happy to score my first goal for the club," he told the Hammers'
official website. "It's very important both for myself and for the
confidence of the club. "I hope to score a lot more goals for West Ham in
the future." He added: "I really, really want to do well here and have real
determination to be successful with West Ham. "I came here to play a big
role in the Premier League. I feel like I am ready to contribute now."
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Cottagers keen on Noble
Fulham ask about Hammers midfielder
Last Updated: August 29, 2012 10:52am
SSN
Sky Sports understands that Fulham have enquired as to the availability of
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble. The 25-year-old midfielder has entered the
final year of his contract at Upton Park and is yet to sign an extension.
The Hammers will be keen to put fresh terms to a product of their famed
academy system, but as yet no agreement has been put in place. Fulham have
decided to test the water and have made contact with their Premier League
rivals regarding a possible deal. Noble is a proven top-flight performer and
was instrumental in guiding West Ham to promotion last season. As an East
End native he has strong ties to the Hammers and has made over 200 senior
appearances for the club.He has started both of West Ham's Premier League
fixtures so far this season, but it remains to be seen how hard Fulham push
to bring in a man who would help to fill the void created by Moussa
Dembele's proposed switch to Tottenham.
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Ajax to offload Sulejmani
One offer for forward has already been received
By Gerrit van Leeuwen. Last Updated: August 29, 2012 11:12am
SSN
Dutch champions Ajax have confirmed that they are open to offers for Miralem
Sulejmani, with the striker having made it clear that he wants out. The
Serbia international has spent the last four years in Amsterdam, with a
switch from Heerenveen in 2008 seeing him break Ajax'stransfer record. He
has been a regular source of goals throughout his time with the Eredivisie
giants, but has also struggled with injury. Ajax had been hoping that he
would agree to extend his association with the club this summer, but
Sulejmani has rejected the offer of fresh terms.
Interest
The 23-year-old will now be allowed to move on, with Ajax keen to bring in a
fee for a player reported to be interesting clubs in the Premier League.
West Ham are among those to have been linked with the versatile forward, and
Ajax's new director of football Marc Overmars admits one approach has
already been received.
"It's a serious offer, but I can't mention the name of the club," he said.
"Miralem knows about the interest."
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Swap Deal On Cards for Dempsey & Mark Noble?
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
I reckon we're going to get a surprise before the close of the transfer
window on Friday, and it's one we might not like. Look at this as a
scenario...
Fulham have been battered in this transfer window and have just lost another
star player, Dembele, to Spurs. The rumour mill suggests today that they
have made an enquiry about Mark Noble. Now I can't see Mark Noble wanting to
move to a smaller club, but I can quite see Sam Allardyce thinking, OK, you
can have Mark Noble if we can have Clint Dempsey, and we'll bung you a
couple of million too.
It's not as if we are badly off for central midfielders, but what we lack
(apart from Nolan) is an attacking midfielder who scores plenty of goals. In
reality, I suppose Clint Dempsey is a striker who can also play in midfield.
Logically, it makes sense, but I would absolutely hate to lose Mark Noble.
He's the heartbeat of the team and a Hammer to his core, while Dempsey is
not exactly a spring chicken who is holding his club to ransom. Dempsey
wants to go to Liverpool. He was supposed to be off to Sunderland but his
wage demands frightened off the Mackems. Do we want a player who doesn't
want to come to us, and let go a player who would die for us?
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Liverpool offer Andy Carroll to West Ham and Newcastle United
By Lee Ryder, Evening Chronicle
Aug 29 2012
NEWCASTLE UNITED and West Ham United have again been offered the chance to
sign Andy Carroll. Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has made his feelings
clear on Carroll and wants to sign Clint Dempsey from Fulham and Theo
Walcott from Arsenal in the last two days of the transfer window. But he has
been told he must sell to buy. And this means that Carroll must be offloaded
for him to get his wish. Rodgers said: "I don't think we are in a position
to have 35million players as third choice strikers. "It doesn't take a
rocket scientist to see that Andy has been a cover player for us in the
opening two games."
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Liverpool push Carroll towards West Ham in hope of landing Arsenal ace
Walcott
By DOMINIC KING
PUBLISHED: 21:58, 29 August 2012 | UPDATED: 22:29, 29 August 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham will launch a final attempt to land Andy Carroll before the window
closes with a deal that will shape Liverpool's transfer fortunes. Though
the England striker has consistently made it clear he does not want to leave
Anfield, his omission from the squad for Thursday night's Europa League
qualifier against Hearts effectively means his Liverpool career is over.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers would like to add Theo Walcott to his squad,
even though it emerged the Arsenal forward will see out the final year of
his contract at the Emirates after holding amicable talks with Arsene
Wenger. But should Liverpool offload Carroll, they would be in a position
to test Arsenal's resolve on Walcott, who earlier this summer turned down a
new five-year deal worth £75,000 per week. Liverpool's tight financial
constraints mean they cannot bid for Walcott outright but offloading Carroll
to West Ham would change things dramatically. West Ham would initially take
Carroll, 23, on a season-long loan, paying his £80,000 per week wages in
full, and then - provided they remain in the Barclays Premier League - would
be obliged to sign him permanently for £17milllion.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has been desperate to land Carroll ever since it
became clear his prospects under Rodgers would be limited and he is looking
to move on Carlton Cole to free up space in his squad. Newcastle continue to
remain on the periphery and manager Alan Pardew refused to rule his club out
of the reckoning, saying: 'Would I want him in my squad? Of course I would.
Probably every Premier League manager in the country would want him in their
squad. 'But can the deal be done? That's nothing to do with me.'
It will be a hectic final two days for Liverpool, as they are expected to
offload Charlie Adam to Stoke – though it would be no surprise if Everton
emerged as late rivals – while Jay Spearing has the option of a number
Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa and Southampton, on loan.
Rodgers would also want to sign long-term target Clint Dempsey from Fulham
but it is clear that the days when Liverpool could simply go out and sign a
player with barely a quibble have gone. When asked whether Liverpool could
afford to buy without selling, Rodgers replied: 'No. Not at this stage,
obviously I have seen a lot of the links and it is great that those players
would want to come here but the reality is that we are not in a position to
do those sorts of deals. 'I don't think we are in a position to have
£35million players as third choice strikers or wingers who are on
£5-6million a year. This is the challenge I have. 'The club needs to
repair financially. Unfortunately it is going to take more than one window.
This is an incredible club but even if you want to move some players on,
because of the wages and other factors, they are not just going to walk out
the door. 'It is going to take us time to get to the squad we want. In the
meantime we have to keep our head down and work hard and get results.'
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Noble rejects move from West Ham to Fulham
The midfielder was targeted by Martin Jol to replace Mousa Dembele but
25-year-old does not want to join west Londoners despite rejecting new
Hammers contract
Goal.com
29 Aug 2012 21:08:00
EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent
Fulham have failed in a bid to sign Mark Noble from West Ham, Goal.com can
reveal. The west London club have tried to take advantage of the
midfielder's contract stalemate by making a move to capture him in the final
days of the window. Sources have told Goal.com that Noble has rejected a new
deal from West Ham, who are now willing to listen to offers for a player who
joined the club as a schoolboy. Fulham enquired about the 25-year-old's
availability and prepared an offer but it is understood that Noble has made
it clear he does not want to move to Craven Cottage. This is a blow for
Fulham, who are trying to strengthen their central midfield after selling
Mousa Dembele to Tottenham on Wednesday for around £15 million and allowing
Danny Murphy to join Blackburn Rovers earlier this summer. Despite spurning
the advances of Fulham, West Ham do not expect Noble to sign a new deal and
are ready to sell him if their valuation is met. Noble, who was voted 2012
Hammer of the Year by supporters for his performances in the club's
promotion campaign last season, is a popular figure at Upton Park and has
been a mainstay of the team since fully establishing himself in the 2007-08
season. He has started West Ham's opening two Premier League fixtures of the
season although he did not feature in Tuesday's Capital One Cup win over
Crewe Alexandra.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, August 29
Daily WHUFC News - 29th August 2012
West Ham United 2-0 Crewe Alexandra
WHUFC.com
Modibo Maiga nets his first goal as the Hammers secure a Capital One Cup victory
28.08.2012
WEST HAM UNITED v CREWE ALEXANDRA
CAPITAL ONE CUP SECOND ROUND
TUESDAY 28 AUGUST 2012
KICK-OFF: 7.45PM
REFEREE: FRED GRAHAM
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
Final score - West Ham United 2-0 Crewe Alexandra
94 mins - Into the final minute and Crewe come again. Murphy opens his body up but cannot get the necessary curl on the shot and it floats wide. A few seconds later and the final whistle is blown. West Ham are through to the third round. We'll have exclusive post-match reaction and highlights on West Ham TV and whufc.com soon.
93 mins - Clayton hasn't given up, but nor has O'Brien as the skipper makes a fine tackle on the edge of the penalty area. West Ham break through Maynard down the right and he cuts the ball back for Maiga. The Mali man takes a touch and stings Martin's palms again with a well-struck shot.
91 mins - We're going to have at least four more minutes. West Ham try to start them with a goal, but Hall's first-time shot flashes wide of the right-hand post.
89 mins - Tonight's attendance is 18,053.
88 mins - The Man of the Match is Nicky Maynard. He has worked his socks off and calmed the nerves with a fine finish. The decision is applauded by both sets of fans. Fair play!
87 mins - I hope I'm not tempting fate, but the third-round draw is on Thursday evening...
85 mins - This has been good tonight. West Ham have pressed high, worked hard and created numerous chances. Maiga and Diarra have caught the eye, while O'Brien and Potts have defended well in the main.
83 mins - A third and final substitution for West Ham, who replace Nolan with George Moncur. O'Brien takes over as captain. Moncur gets a real ovation as he runs on for his debut. That's three debuts tonight, then - Henderson, Fanimo and now Moncur, who wears No42.
82 mins - Hall and Fanimo are enjoying themselves. This time Fanimo crosses and Dugdale heads clear. West Ham keep up the pressure and Maiga works Martin with a rasping shot that the goalkeeper does well to turn behind. The corner is cleared.
80 mins - So close to a debut goal for Fanimo as he collects a pass from Nolan and sees his low shot flicked just wide by Martin for a corner. It's taken short by Hall to O'Neil. The No46 picks out Diarra, whose towering header goes a yard over the top. Before the corner was taken, Turton replaced Leitch-Smith.
78 mins - Crewe win a corner and keep the ball alive from a headed clearance. The second cross is fired in to the penalty area but is too strong for Mellor, whose header goes high and wide.
76 mins - That will do Henderson the power of good. Leitch-Smith gets in behind O'Brien and Potts. He controls and tries to round the Irishman, but Henderson is quick and spreads himself before blocking with both hands and plunging on the ball. Great keeping.
75 mins - Nice play there again. Maynard swaps passes with Hall before curling a cross to the far post that is inches too far ahead of Nolan. His first-time shot is into the side-netting.
74 mins - Good pressing again from O'Neil wins the ball back and then Maynard wins a free-kick. Hall will take it wide on the right. He curls it over but the ball lands in the hands of Martin.
73 mins - Before the game restarts, Vaz Te is replaced by the in-form Rob Hall. I am told he was unplayable in Sunday's 5-1 Development Squad win at Everton. Crewe replace Ellis with Adam Dugdale.
71 mins - Crewe win a corner and Henderson just gets a hand to it. The follow-up shot is blocked before play is stopped for Ellis to receive treatment. Time for the players to get some water on board while the No5 receives treatment for a facial injury.
69 mins - Maiga is looking the part tonight. This time another good move involving Diarra and O'Neil ends with the No11 flashing a header that bounces just wide.
65 mins - Another sweeping attack sees Nolan find Spence. He clips the cross in and Maiga's header is deflected wide for a corner. O'Neil takes but it's cleared at the near post.
62 mins - Crewe make a change as Osman is on for Bunn. The Hammers are turning it on now as Maiga sets up Vaz Te, who tests Martin with a searing drive from 20 yards that the goalkeeper does well to parry.
61 mins - Fanimo involved for the first time and he so nearly gets an assist with his first touch. He nips past Mellor and crosses for Maiga, who somehow volleys over from six yards.
60 mins - Fanimo is on at left-back for Matt Taylor. This is his debut. Good luck young man. West Ham attack down their right and Spence sends over the cross. Maiga's header is blocked.
59 mins - We're going to see England Under-18 Matthias Fanimo in a moment. Before then, Crewe want a penalty again as Leitch-Smith goes down under O'Brien's challenge. Again, nothing is given.
57 mins - West Ham need another goal and perhaps they can give a couple of the youngsters a run. Before then, Henderson does well to hold on to a fierce shot from Bunn from the left corner of the penalty area. West Ham break and O'Neil picks out Maiga with a nice ball. The Malian gets the cross in but it's cleared. West Ham keep up the pressure, but Nolan's curler is wayward.
54 mins - GOAL! That free-kick works so often! The ball is rolled into the feet of Nolan by Taylor and he turns his marker and works Martin with a powerful shot. The goalkeeper cannot hold on and Maiga reacts quickest to finish smartly with his left foot.
54 mins - Mellor becomes the second right-back to be booked for bringing down Vaz Te as the No12 was romping into the Crewe half on the break.
51 mins - Spence gives the ball away and Crewe attack again from halfway. Leitch-Smith gets to the edge of the box, where O'Brien makes a good challenge. Crewe are not done and the away fans want a penalty as Diarra challenges Bunn just inside the box. Both players go to ground. The referee waves away the claims.
49 mins - The corner is cleared to Leitch-Smith, whose fierce shot is blocked. Bunn goes down injured as Vaz Te brings the ball clear and the game is stopped for the No25 to receive attention.
47 mins - West Ham have started positively. Maiga forces Ellis to put the ball behind for a corner with a loose touch. Taylor's near-post delivery is headed clear and Crewe break dangerously through Bunn. West Ham resist the initial attack but the visitors keep it alive and Henderson has to claw Murphy's long-range shot away for a corner.
46 mins - No changes at the break from either manager. Crewe kick-off and the ball is fired straight out for a throw on the near side.
Half-time score - West Ham United 1-0 Crewe Alexandra
47 mins - West Ham win another corner in added-time. Last chance to add to the lead before the break. Taylor trots across in front of the Crewe fans to take it... Diarra wins it again at the far post but his downward header bounces a yard wide. That's half-time.
45 mins - Good build-up involving Maiga - who has come into the game more and more - and O'Neil. Vaz Te collects and shoots wildly from 30 yards. Goal kick, and nearly another shot that results in a throw-in!
44 mins - Spence bursts forward again and gets to the byline. His pullback is cut out, but Vaz Te wins it back inside the penalty area before running to the byline himself. He slams the cross into the six-yard box, where Martin makes the catch. Good handling.
42 mins - You have got to admire Crewe's ethos. West Ham are pressing them high inside their own penalty area, but still they play the ball to feet patiently before clearing upfield.
40 mins - West Ham win another corner. Taylor will take again left-footed. Spence attacks the ball at the far post but the defender in front of him knocks the ball behind. O'Neil takes this time and Martin saves well from Diarra's goalbound header.
38 mins - Maynard is everywhere. This time he tracks left-back Davis and blocks the cross almost on his own goalline. The corner is taken short and passed back to Murphy, whose deep cross flies out for a goal kick.
36 mins - Maynard threatens again as his cross-shot hits a defender and bounces behind for a corner. Taylor's delivery is headed goalwards but hits a defender and loops to Maynard on the edge of the box. His powerful first-time volley is batted away by Martin. Crewe scramble the ball away. They are creaking a bit at the back.
34 mins - GOAL! He'll have enjoyed that, will Nicky Maynard! It's a good goal too. West Ham pick up the pace and sweep through the Crewe defence as Maiga and Vaz Te are involved in a one-touch move that ends with Maynard sweeping the ball into the bottom left-hand corner with a sweetly-struck half-volley.
33 mins - Potts launches the ball in and Maiga heads down for Nolan, but he cannot get the purchase on his shot.
32 mins - Vaz Te is looking to impress tonight. He has picked up the ball deep a few times already and does so again. He swaps passes with Maiga before the ball drops to Taylor from a clearing header. The No14 looks up but his cross is too close to goalkeeper Martin.
31 mins - My mention of no goals being scored has led to a glut of strikes all over the country.
30 mins - Vaz Te drops his shoulder to get around Westwood and shoots from 30-odd yards. It's not Brighton all over again, unfortunately, as the ball flies high into the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand. Goal kick.
29 mins - Crewe come again. Leitch-Smith drives the shot in from just outside the box and Henderson makes a save low to his right. He holds on to the ball. The visitors are looking more likely at present...
28 mins - Oooh! Moore nutmegs Taylor and then cuts into the penalty area. He cuts the ball back for Clayton, but O'Brien JUST gets something on the ball to stop the pass getting through.
26 mins - Maiga gives the ball away and Crewe break down their left. Bunn cuts inside but mis-hits his shot so poorly that it slides out for a throw in front of the Alpari Stand!
25 mins - There are 23 ties going on tonight, and goals have only been scored in three of them so far. West Ham have a chance again as they win a corner over in front of the Crewe fans. Taylor whips the cross in and Vaz Te diverts it goalwards, but it's straight at Martin.
23 mins - Spence loops the ball forward down the right channel and Maynard wins the header for himself. He cuts the ball back but Mellor is there to intercept and bring the ball clear with a neat drop of the shoulder. Confident defending from the Crewe No14.
21 mins - Taylor is getting forward regularly and he does so again. This time, however, his first-time cross is too strong and Maynard cannot keep it in on the far touchline.
19 mins - Crewe might have lost 5-1 at the weekend but they were on a long unbeaten run until recently. Their confidence is there for all to see as they knock the ball around. Leitch-Smith tries to tee-up Clayton, but Taylor gets an important foot in. West Ham break and Martin flaps at a cross from the right, but there is no West Ham player there to benefit as both Maiga and Vaz Te had challenged for the cross.
17 mins - A positive run by Spence takes him across the face of the box before he finds Taylor in space on the left. His cross hits Mellor and goes behind for a corner. O'Neil takes but it's over-hit and goes out for a throw on the far side.
16 mins - West Ham are back on the offensive but they've yet to force an opening.
13 mins - Spence is booked for a second foul in two minutes. Crewe had just gone close as Leitch-Smith's low cross just eluded Clayton. The free-kick is headed clear by Vaz Te and West Ham break. Maiga races away down the right wing and then tries to pick out Vaz Te in the middle. Crewe have one defender back and he volleys clear from the edge of the penalty area. It's been an open and attractive game so far.
12 mins - West Ham concede a free-kick about 25 yards out to the right of Henderson's goal. Westwood takes and curls it over the wall. Henderson gets there first and elects to punch. The ball hits Mellor and rebounds over the crossbar. Close!
10 mins - It's all West Ham. Vaz Te picks out Maynard on the right and he is one-on-one with Mellor. The No8 takes on his marker on the inside before curling a left-foot shot narrowly wide. Goalkeeper Martin dives but the ball beats the post.
8 mins - Potts launches the ball down the inside-left channel for Vaz Te. He keeps the ball in superbly before beating Robertson. The Scot keeps to his task and makes an perfect challenge on the byline to concede a corner. That could easily have been a penalty. The corner comes over and Spence wins the header at the far post, but it loops onto the roof of the net.
7 mins - A little moment there as Potts allows the ball to run inside the penalty area. For a moment it looks like he'll let in Clayton, but he recovers quickly and clears upfield. After Saturday, we don't want any indecisive defending!
4 mins - It's been all West Ham so far, bar one cross into the box cleared by Potts. Good build-up involving Potts and Vaz Te sees the ball passed square for Nolan. He lets it run across his body, but the ball just gets away from him a little and he screws his shot off-target from 25 yards. That was a decent opening for the skipper, who is normally accurate from all ranges.
2 mins - The Hammers attack again. Good build-up down the right flank. Spence drives the cross over at head height and Martin makes the catch above Maiga's head.
1 min - West Ham show first, but Maynard cannot beat his marker and the ball rolls out for a goal kick.
7.44pm - We're off a minute early! West Ham get things started shooting towards the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand end of the Boleyn Ground. Maiga is through the middle, with Vaz Te to the left and Maynard wide right.
7.42pm - For those wondering how we'll lineup tonight, it's Spence at right-back, O'Brien and Potts in the middle and Taylor at left-back. Diarra will play behind O'Neil and Nolan in midfield. Maiga, Vaz Te and Maynard will form the front three. Oh, and Henderson will start in goal.
7.41pm - Here come the two teams, led by captains Kevin Nolan and Ashley Westwood. The Boleyn Ground isn't full, but there is still a decent about of noise being generated. Crewe's players are doing some last-minute shuttle runs before kick-off.
7.37pm - It's time for a bit of Coldplay's 'Paradise'. As anyone who was at Wembley will recall, the song has become a bit of a terrace anthem here in east London. It'll never replace 'Bubbles' of course, but the fans do like a good sing-along!
7.32pm - We've got some special guests here tonight. Members of the Ukrainian and Finnish Paralympic teams are at the Boleyn Ground. The London 2012 Paralympic Games start tomorrow, of course. If they are half as good as the Olympic Games, it will be a fantastic event.
7.30pm - It's a nice late summer's evening here in east London. There is a bit of cloud, but I'm going to put my neck on the line and say we won't see any rain tonight. On the touchline, fitness coach Eamon Swift is putting the starting XI through their final paces before they head off to change into their match shirts. Over on the far side of the pitch, Development Squad coach Ian Hendon is playing keep-ball with the substitutes.
6.50pm - Team news is in! Ten changes from Big Sam! Stephen Henderson makes his full debut, while Alou Diarra and Modibo Maiga both make their first starts in claret and blue. No fewer than five uncapped players are on the bench.
West Ham United: Henderson, O'Brien, Spence, Diarra, Potts, Taylor, O'Neil, Nolan, Vaz Te, Maiga, Maynard
Subs: Spiegel, Driver, Demel, Moncur, Fanimo, Hall, McCallum
Crewe Alexandra: Martin, Davis, Ellis, Bunn, Robertson, Mellor, Westwood, Murphy, Moore, Leitch-Smith, M.Clayton
Subs: Garratt, Dugdale, Turton, Guthrie, Ray, Osman, Daniels
Good evening and welcome to the Boleyn Ground for tonight's Capital One Cup second-round tie with Crewe Alexandra - the 200th League Cup tie in West Ham United's history!
Both the Hammers and the Railwaymen will be seeking a victory that will see them keep alive hopes of a second-consecutive Wembley appearance. West Ham, of course, beat Blackpool 2-1 at the Home of Football in the npower Championship Play-Off final, while Crewe defeated Cheltenham Town by the same scoreline in the League Two Play-Off final.
West Ham have reached the League Cup final twice, finishing as runners-up in 1966 and 1981, and got to the semi-finals as recently as 2011, when they were beaten by Birmingham City in a thrilling clash that went to extra-time.
Supporters who have taken advantage of the discounted ticket prices for tonight's game can also expect to see goals, as Sam Allardyce's men have failed to score in just one of their last 16 League Cup fixtures and Crewe's record win in the competition came in this year's first round as they beat Hartlepool United 5-0.
Both clubs will be seeking to bounce back after recording disappointing league results at the weekend. West Ham were beaten 3-0 at Swansea City in the Barclays Premier League, while Crewe went down 5-1 at Brentford in npower League One.
Big Sam is set to name a strong starting XI, with captain Kevin Nolan, Wembley hero Ricardo Vaz Te, Matt Taylor, Guy Demel and Gary O'Neil all in the squad. Nicky Maynard could start against his first club. Alou Diarra and Modibo Maiga could make their first starts in a Hammers shirt, while Stephen Henderson is set to make his debut in goal. A host of Academy graduates could be named on the bench, including Rob Hall, Callum Driver and George Moncur.
West Ham United: Henderson, O'Brien, Spence, Diarra, Potts, Taylor (Fanimo 60), O'Neil, Nolan, Vaz Te (Hall 73), Maiga, Maynard
Subs: Spiegel, Driver, Demel, Moncur, McCallum
Crewe Alexandra: Martin, Davis, Ellis (Dugdale 73), Bunn (Osman 61), Robertson, Mellor, Westwood, Murphy, Moore, Leitch-Smith (Turton 80), M.Clayton
Subs not used: Garratt, Guthrie, Ray, Daniels
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The Big Interview: Dean Ashton
WHUFC.com
Dean Ashton has spoken to West Ham TV as his two former sides went head to head on Tuesday night.
28.08.2012
Dean Ashton was on media duty at Swansea City on Saturday and after the game he spoke to West Ham TV about all things claret and blue. The former West Ham United striker shared his thoughts on his old club, the season ahead and the special place Hammers fans will always hold in his heart. The former England international was forced to retire from the game just over three years ago, after injuring his ankle during his first training session with the Three Lions.
Dean, great to see you looking so well. What did you make of the Swansea game?
DA: "It just wasn't West Ham's day. I thought they did try and turn it around at the start of the second half but once Swansea scored their third, then it was game over. Maybe it was just one to forget. These days happen to everyone - they got a good home win against Aston Villa last week and there is the whole season ahead."
Do you still keep an eye for your old clubs like Crewe and West Ham?
DA: "I do keep an eye on all the clubs I have played for - West Ham, Norwich and Crewe. Crewe did really well to go up and it is good to see them climbing up the leagues again. It is great to see West Ham back in the Premier League and Norwich went back up and did well to stay up last year."
And what are you up to these days, Dean?
DA: "I am doing some media work at the moment. I am enjoying being back in the studio for some matches and it is nice to come to the games. It is good to be back at the stadiums and everything instead of sat at home watching them! It was difficult with what happened but you have to move on and try to enjoy football again."
You were popular with the West Ham supporters who still ask after you. Do you still meet them when you are out and about?
DA: "Yes, they do come up to me still. The support I have had was fantastic and the things people have said and the wishes I was sent after having to retire were just great. I loved my time at West Ham, I really did, and it was sad that I couldn't continue what I started there as I would have loved to."
What are your thoughts for the team this season and what are your thoughts on some of your old team-mates that are still here?
DA: "West Ham managed to keep a lot of the players that have played in the Premier League before when they went down last year and have also managed to add to that with players who also have that experience. This season, bringing back someone back like James Collins is a good move, he again has a wealth of experience at this level now. Mark Noble is still there, someone I played with while at West Ham and he is an established part of the side. "It is also good to see players like James Tomkins, who had a great season last year, carrying on his form this season back in the Premier League. I think it is exciting for them and perhaps the manger is looking to bring in another player or two before the window shuts. I want the team to do well back in the Premier League. There are a few lads there that I played with and it is great to see the club back in the top flight of football again, where they belong."
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West Ham 2 Crewe 0
Maynard 34′Maiga 55′
29 August 2012
Modibo Maiga scored his first West Ham goal as the Premier League side beat battling visitors Crewe in the League Cup second round. The Mali striker, a recent signing from Sochaux, pounced from close range when Alex goalkeeper Alan Martin failed to hold Kevin Nolan's shot on 55 minutes. Former Crewe striker Nicky Maynard refused to celebrate after sweeping home Ricardo Vaz Te's 34th-minute cross for the Hammers' opening goal. Luke Murphy went closest for Crewe. Maynard first joined Crewe as a seven-year-old and scored 35 goals in 67 appearances for the Cheshire club before moving to Bristol City in 2008 and then to West Ham in January. And the 25-year-old, who has been linked with a move away from Upton Park, took his chance to impress against his former club. Manager Sam Allardyce made 10 changes from Saturday's 3-0 Premier League defeat by Swansea, with captain Kevin Nolan the only survivor as new arrivals Maiga, Alou Diarra and Stephen Henderson made their first starts for the club. League One Crewe conceded five against Brentford at the weekend but they were resilient at Upton Park until Maynard's opener, a low volley into the bottom corner. Crewe's Murphy saw a stinging 30-yard shot tipped around the post before the Hammers wrapped up victory when Maiga scored from close range after Nolan's free kick was parried into his path.
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce praises psychologist boost
BBC.co.uk
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says the use of sports psychology at Upton Park has become a crucial part of the club's pre-match preparations. Allardyce has used a psychologist since he was appointed manager last summer. He told BBC London 94.9: "It does a huge amount of good work in looking at that area. "I've always said a player who plays in the Premier League plays there because of his intelligence and his brain, not because of his skill ability." He continued: "It is very important we all go down the route of setting our targets, our goals and how we can achieve them. "We set out for the players what they've got to go through in the season. The better they handle it mentally, the better they perform."
And Allardyce believes other football teams could be missing out on possible benefits because they are afraid to embrace the use of a sports psychologist. "Most of this country generally ignores that type of training because they feel it's for weak people, perhaps," he added. "It's not. It's about getting everybody correctly mentally focused. "If you look at other sports in the world; a golfer, a tennis player, a swimmer or certainly a lot of the Olympic teams, they would not dream of not having a psychologist on their team. "It's about integration and talking to players and staff on a casual basis and talking about how things are going. "Over the last 10 years at least, using one has given a small advantage to us whatever club I've been at. "I've been a great believer in it so I will continue to go down that route."
And Allardyce believes that a psychologist can noticeably boost a player's performances on the pitch. "It's how his brain tells him to use that skill ability. "That is a very difficulty area. It's easy to make somebody stronger, fitter or improve someone's motor skills. "It's not as easy to talk about the psychology that is needed in football to keep people focused and mentally strong."
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West Ham Utd 2 Crewe Alexandra 0
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham strolled through to the third round of the Capital One Cup after a comfortable win over League One side Crewe at the Boleyn Ground tonight. A goal either side of the half time whistle was enough for Sam Allardyce's side to secure passage through to the next round of the competition, the draw for which takes places on Thursday evening. Former Crewe striker Nicky Maynard put the Hammers ahead shortly before the break, finishing a well-worked move between tonight's front three of Modibo Maiga, Ricardo Vaz Te and former Alex player Nicky Maynard. New boy Maiga and play-off Final hero Vaz Te combined well before setting up former Crewe striker Maynard who finished with some aplomb into the bottom corner - before celebrating his effort in muted style out of respect to his former employers.
The deciding goal arrived just nine minutes after the restart and came from the boot of recent arrival Modibo Maiga, scoring his first goal for West Ham. Crewe 'keeper Martin failed to properly deal with captain Kevin Nolan's fierce effort and Maiga was on hand to stroke the ball home from close range. Sam Allardyce rang the changes from Saturday's hugely disappointing 3-0 reversal at Swansea by giving first appearances of the season to Danny Potts, Stephen Henderson, Jordan Spence, Rob Hall and Gary O'Neill - plus full debuts to Alou Diarra and Academy products George Moncur and Matthias Fanimo.
The draw for the third round of the competition is due to take place on Thursday.
West Ham Utd: Henderson, O'Brien, Spence, Diarra, Potts, Taylor, O'Neil, Nolan, Vaz Te, Maiga, Maynard.
Subs: Spiegel, Driver, Demel, Moncur, Fanimo, Hall, McCallum.
Crewe Alexandra: Martin, Davis, Ellis, Bunn, Robertson, Mellor, Westwood, Murphy, Moore, Leitch-Smith, M.Clayton.
Subs: Garratt, Dugdale, Turton, Guthrie, Ray, Osman, Daniels.
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Duo bid for Addicks ace
West Ham & Bolton chase Solly deal
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated: August 28, 2012 1:32pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands West Ham and Bolton have bid for Charlton Athletic defender Chris Solly. A number of clubs have been linked with Solly, who has caught the eye at Charlton over the last 12 months. Solly enjoyed a fine campaign with Charlton last term, playing a key role in their promotion back to the Championship and he was named as the club's Player of the Year by supporters as well as Young Player of the Year by the club's management team. West Ham have been tracking Solly for some time with Sam Allardyce in the market for a new right-back and they have now firmed up their interest with an offer. However, they could face competition from Bolton for the 21-year-old with Owen Coyle also believed to have tabled a bid. Charlton are reluctant to lose Solly as Chris Powell looks to keep hold of his best players and it remains to be seen if they can fend off the growing interest in the player.
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Maynard 'important to Hammers'
Hammers No.2 not expecting forward to leave
Last Updated: August 28, 2012 11:35pm
SSN
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald says Nicky Maynard remains an 'important member of the squad' despite being linked with a move away from Upton Park. Maynard contributed a goal to crown a man-of-the-match performance as the Hammers beat his former club Crewe 2-0 in the Capital One Cup second round on Tuesday night. He had been linked with a departure after the Londoners recruited attacking reinforcements over the summer in the shape of Modibo Maiga and Matt Jarvis.
Lively
McDonald also confirmed after Tuesday's win that West Ham are in the market for another forward before the transfer window closes. But Sam Allardyce's assistant added that Maynard remains in their plans. The 25-year-old's volley put West Ham ahead as part of a lively individual performance, although he refused to celebrate in front of the Crewe supporters. Maiga then doubled West Ham's lead from close range and the Mali striker would have had more had more but for a string of saves from Crewe keeper Alan Main. "Nicky Maynard needed a game and he scored against his old team. He has put in a decent performance and that is all you can do - a decent performance and a goal," said McDonald. "He is certainly a goal-scorer and he took his goal very, very well. "He is involved all the time, he is on the bench. Nothing that I have heard (suggests he won't be here this time next week). "He is an important member of the squad and he has put in a good performance today and given the manager something to think about, that's for sure." Crewe had strong penalty appeals rejected when Harry Bunn went down under a challenge from Alou Diarra but the only mystery of the evening was how Maiga did not score more.
Pleased
The answer came in the form of Crewe goalkeeper Main, who twice denied Maiga from distance, while the Mali striker volleyed over from close range and sent a header wide. But given it was his first start in English football, McDonald was pleased with his contribution. "I thought he was fantastic. He is still getting used to the pace of English football and that takes time to settle in to," he said. "Foreign players have to adjust to the English style of football and the pace of football. I thought he got stronger as the game went along."
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Maynard helps Iron past Alex
Last Updated: August 28, 2012 11:10pm
SSN
Nicky Maynard scored against his former club but did not celebrate as West Ham beat Crewe 2-0 in the Capital One Cup at Upton Park. Maynard, a product of the famous Crewe academy, opened the scoring for the Hammers with a sweet volley from inside the box and in front of the travelling support. Modibo Maiga marked his full debut by doubling the lead from close range after the interval as West Ham eased into the third round. Maynard first joined Crewe as a seven-year-old and scored 35 goals in 67 appearances for the club before moving to Bristol City in 2008, for £2.25million, and then to West Ham in January. The 25-year-old, who has been linked with a move away from Upton Park, took his chance to impress tonight as a youthful West Ham side flooded forward. Manager Sam Allardyce made 10 changes from Saturday's 3-0 Premier League defeat to Swansea, with captain Kevin Nolan the only player retained in the side. New arrivals Maiga, Alou Diarra and Stephen Henderson made their first starts for the club while the likes of Maynard were given their first chance of the season to impress. After Jordan Spence had looped a header over the bar, Maynard cut in from the right flank and attempted a curling left-footed strike which flew wide. Henderson made a nervy start, punching a ball he should have caught. It deflected off Kelvin Mellor's knee and, thankfully for the West Ham goalkeeper, over the bar.
Crewe conceded five against Brentford at the weekend but they were resilient at Upton Park, keeping West Ham at bay until Maynard's 32nd-minute opener. The visitors had their moments. Ajay Leitch-Smith tried to tee up Max Clayton on the edge of the West Ham box but they were denied by a timely interception from Matt Taylor. Byron Moore then nutmegged Taylor and cut into the penalty area before pulling the ball back to Clayton but Joey O'Brien reacted smartly to shut down the danger. West Ham were dominating but they were not ruthless enough. They began to get sloppy in midfield and Ricardo Vaz Te almost blasted one shot into the upper tier of the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand. But then came the goal. Maiga and Vaz Te created the opening with a sharp one-touch move and Maynard, with a perfect technique he learned at Crewe, swept the low volley into the bottom corner.
West Ham's gander was up and they won a corner, which fell to Maynard but this time his fierce volley from inside the box was well saved by Alan Main. The Crewe goalkeeper was a busy man and he needed to produce another stop to keep out Diarra's header and preserve West Ham's 1-0 lead at the interval. Crewe's Luke Murphy saw a stinging 30-yard shot tipped around the post for a corner and the visitors then had strong claims for a penalty when Harry Bunn went down under a challenge from Diarra. The Frenchman was desperately trying to rescue the situation after West Ham had lost possession on the edge of their own box and referee Fred Graham waved away Crewe's appeals.
West Ham effectively wrapped up the win when Nolan received a free-kick from Taylor, forced Main to parry his shot and Maiga pounced to score from close range.
The only issue that will furrow Allardyce's brow after the victory was how Maiga only scored one. Shortly after the goal he met Taylor's deep cross with a stretched volley that went over the bar from just six yards out. West Ham were in their stride now and Main was bombarded with shots as he denied Vaz Te's fierce drive and then two more long-distance efforts from Maiga. In between time, Henderson did well to keep his feet and deny Leitch-Smith as the Crewe striker tried to round the Hammers keeper. West Ham finished on the front foot with Maiga directing a header just wide and substitute Robert Hall just missing with an angled shot. As West Ham accepted the victory applause, Maynard made a point of acknowledging the Crewe supporters he had helped to send home disappointed.
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West Ham 2 Crewe 0
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Last Updated: 29th August 2012
SAM ALLARDYCE had his M&Ms to thank for the sweet taste of victory. Nicky Maynard and Modibo Maiga netted to fire West Ham safely into round three. The two Hammers also responded on a night when Big Sam made nine changes to his team that were beaten 3-0 at Swansea on Saturday in a bid to solve his goalscoring problems. Maynard struck first on 33 minutes with a goal that could go a long way to keeping him at Upton Park. Last season's £2.5million signing from Bristol City has been heavily linked with a return to the Championship and a move to Leeds. But his goal last night looked Premier class and, with just three days left of the transfer window, it may help him secure a future in East London. Maynard struck at the end of a clever interchange of passes between Maiga and Ricardo Vaz Te.
Vaz Te eventually swept the ball into the box and Maynard hooked it past Crewe keeper Alan Martin from 12 yards. New £4.7m striker Maiga also marked his full debut with West Ham's second nine minutes after the break. Skipper Kevin Nolan let rip with a powerful shot from the edge of the box which Martin could not hold and Maiga followed up to bury the rebound. Hammers assistant boss Neil McDonald said: "Nicky put in a decent performance and he needed a game. "This was a perfect night. Two goals, a clean sheet and no injuries. And now some players have every right to go knocking on the manager's door."
DREAM TEAM RATINGS
STAR MAN: Nicky Maynard (West Ham) 9
WEST HAM: Henderson 7, Spence 7, Potts 7, O'Brien 7, Taylor 6 (Fanimo 6), O'Neill 6, Diarra 7, Nolan 7 (Moncur 5), Vaz Te 7 (Hall 6), Maiga 8, Maynard 9. Subs not used: Spiegel, Demel, Driver, McCallum.
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West Ham 2 Crewe 0: New boy Maiga's off the mark as he wins it for Hammers
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 21:57, 28 August 2012 | UPDATED: 00:04, 29 August 2012
Daily Mail
Modibo Maiga scored his first goal for West Ham as the Barclays Premier League side eased into the third round of the Capital One Cup. But League One Crewe's visit to east London had neither the glamour or excitement of the Olympic Stadium under the lights, and that was illustrated by the abundance of spare seats at the ground.
Maiga, a £4.7million summer signing from Sochaux, scored after 55 minutes to wrap up the tie after Nicky Maynard's 34th-minute opener. Hammers assistant manager Neil McDonald said: 'I thought Maiga was fantastic. He's had a couple of cameos but this was his first start. 'He needs time to settle into English football, but I thought he got stronger as the game wore on. So did (Alou) Diarra, who made his first start. 'It was a good night for us. Two goals, a clean sheet. We showed a good attitude and did things at the right time. And the players that we felt needed a game played and got through 90 minutes. Those players can knock on the manager's door now and say, "I should keep my place".' West Ham manager Sam Allardyce showed where the Capital One Cup lies in his list of priorities this season by making wholesale changes from the side that slumped to defeat by Swansea on Saturday, while Crewe boss Steve Davis made just three changes to the side beaten 5-1 by Brentford.
Maynard carved out the first real opportunity in the 10th minute, cleverly working himself a yard of space on the edge of the box before curling a left-foot shot just wide. But Crewe were not intimidated by their Premier League opponents and Stephen Henderson was nearly embarrassed in the 12th minute after what should have been a routine punch ricocheted off Crewe right back Kelvin Mellor and, luckily for the Hammers keeper, over the cross bar. Highly rated West Ham defender Dan Potts then made an excellent interception on the edge of his six-yard box with Max Clayton waiting to pounce on Ajay Leitch-Smith's dangerous low cross. Maiga looked threatening, but the Mali forward was a rare bright spot for Allardyce's side early on as they struggled for intensity. It did not take long for the Upton Park faithful to make their feelings known as the moans and groans that have become synonymous with Allardyce's reign soon started bellowing from the stands. But Maynard eased home supporters' concerns in the 34th minute with a spectacular strike against the club he left in 2008. Ricardo Vaz Te's pacy run down the right culminated with a cross that Crewe made a hash of clearing, leaving Maynard to fire an acrobatic volley past keeper Alan Martin. Maynard threatened to rub salt in the visitors' wounds moments later with an identical effort that was blocked, unknowingly, by Crewe skipper Ashley Westwood. Maynard's opener helped the Hammers emerge from their slow start and Diarra twice went close with towering headers before the interval.
But West Ham were nearly left to rue Diarra's misses when Henderson saved superbly low down from Luke Murphy's rasping 25-yarder. Maiga added the goal his first-half display threatened 10 minutes after the restart, prodding home from close range after Kevin Nolan's low, angled effort was parried by Martin. That was the cue for Allardyce to throw on promising youngsters Matthias Fanimo, George Moncur and Robert Hall. Clearing the decks: West Ham's Jordan Spence vies with Crewe's Mark Ellis and Ashley WestwoodMaiga, the impressive Fanimo and Diarra all went close to extending the Hammers' lead as the Premier League side strolled to victory. West Ham may yet strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes on Friday. McDonald added: 'We are scouring all over the place to find players so, if the right one comes along and the chairman can stump up the money again, then maybe we can.'
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Robert Green's future in doubt after QPR's £2.5m signing of Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar from Inter Milan
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Percy11:31PM BST 28 Aug 2012
Green, the England international, will be relegated to No 2 goalkeeper less than two months after his arrival, with Cesar expected to officially seal his surprise move on Wednesday. Green only joined Rangers in July but is already set for the axe after a string of high-profile mistakes this season. The 32 year-old endured a nightmare debut against Swansea City on the opening day of the season and was the subject of taunts from Paddy Kenny, who left Loftus Road for Leeds this summer, while he also looked unconvincing against former club Norwich. Hughes, the Rangers manager, has moved swiftly to replace Green after sealing a deal for Inter's Brazil international Cesar. The 32 year-old could even make his debut in Rangers' next game at Manchester City, with Green starting on the bench. Cesar, who helped Inter win the Champions League in 2010 and has been capped by Brazil 64 times, is poised to sign a three-year deal. Cesar's arrival is the latest humilation for Green, who has struggled to rebuild his reputation after a costly blunder for England in the World Cup game against the US two years ago. Hughes could even allow him to leave on loan for a Championship club when the loan window opens.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Modibo Maiga nets his first goal as the Hammers secure a Capital One Cup victory
28.08.2012
WEST HAM UNITED v CREWE ALEXANDRA
CAPITAL ONE CUP SECOND ROUND
TUESDAY 28 AUGUST 2012
KICK-OFF: 7.45PM
REFEREE: FRED GRAHAM
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
Final score - West Ham United 2-0 Crewe Alexandra
94 mins - Into the final minute and Crewe come again. Murphy opens his body up but cannot get the necessary curl on the shot and it floats wide. A few seconds later and the final whistle is blown. West Ham are through to the third round. We'll have exclusive post-match reaction and highlights on West Ham TV and whufc.com soon.
93 mins - Clayton hasn't given up, but nor has O'Brien as the skipper makes a fine tackle on the edge of the penalty area. West Ham break through Maynard down the right and he cuts the ball back for Maiga. The Mali man takes a touch and stings Martin's palms again with a well-struck shot.
91 mins - We're going to have at least four more minutes. West Ham try to start them with a goal, but Hall's first-time shot flashes wide of the right-hand post.
89 mins - Tonight's attendance is 18,053.
88 mins - The Man of the Match is Nicky Maynard. He has worked his socks off and calmed the nerves with a fine finish. The decision is applauded by both sets of fans. Fair play!
87 mins - I hope I'm not tempting fate, but the third-round draw is on Thursday evening...
85 mins - This has been good tonight. West Ham have pressed high, worked hard and created numerous chances. Maiga and Diarra have caught the eye, while O'Brien and Potts have defended well in the main.
83 mins - A third and final substitution for West Ham, who replace Nolan with George Moncur. O'Brien takes over as captain. Moncur gets a real ovation as he runs on for his debut. That's three debuts tonight, then - Henderson, Fanimo and now Moncur, who wears No42.
82 mins - Hall and Fanimo are enjoying themselves. This time Fanimo crosses and Dugdale heads clear. West Ham keep up the pressure and Maiga works Martin with a rasping shot that the goalkeeper does well to turn behind. The corner is cleared.
80 mins - So close to a debut goal for Fanimo as he collects a pass from Nolan and sees his low shot flicked just wide by Martin for a corner. It's taken short by Hall to O'Neil. The No46 picks out Diarra, whose towering header goes a yard over the top. Before the corner was taken, Turton replaced Leitch-Smith.
78 mins - Crewe win a corner and keep the ball alive from a headed clearance. The second cross is fired in to the penalty area but is too strong for Mellor, whose header goes high and wide.
76 mins - That will do Henderson the power of good. Leitch-Smith gets in behind O'Brien and Potts. He controls and tries to round the Irishman, but Henderson is quick and spreads himself before blocking with both hands and plunging on the ball. Great keeping.
75 mins - Nice play there again. Maynard swaps passes with Hall before curling a cross to the far post that is inches too far ahead of Nolan. His first-time shot is into the side-netting.
74 mins - Good pressing again from O'Neil wins the ball back and then Maynard wins a free-kick. Hall will take it wide on the right. He curls it over but the ball lands in the hands of Martin.
73 mins - Before the game restarts, Vaz Te is replaced by the in-form Rob Hall. I am told he was unplayable in Sunday's 5-1 Development Squad win at Everton. Crewe replace Ellis with Adam Dugdale.
71 mins - Crewe win a corner and Henderson just gets a hand to it. The follow-up shot is blocked before play is stopped for Ellis to receive treatment. Time for the players to get some water on board while the No5 receives treatment for a facial injury.
69 mins - Maiga is looking the part tonight. This time another good move involving Diarra and O'Neil ends with the No11 flashing a header that bounces just wide.
65 mins - Another sweeping attack sees Nolan find Spence. He clips the cross in and Maiga's header is deflected wide for a corner. O'Neil takes but it's cleared at the near post.
62 mins - Crewe make a change as Osman is on for Bunn. The Hammers are turning it on now as Maiga sets up Vaz Te, who tests Martin with a searing drive from 20 yards that the goalkeeper does well to parry.
61 mins - Fanimo involved for the first time and he so nearly gets an assist with his first touch. He nips past Mellor and crosses for Maiga, who somehow volleys over from six yards.
60 mins - Fanimo is on at left-back for Matt Taylor. This is his debut. Good luck young man. West Ham attack down their right and Spence sends over the cross. Maiga's header is blocked.
59 mins - We're going to see England Under-18 Matthias Fanimo in a moment. Before then, Crewe want a penalty again as Leitch-Smith goes down under O'Brien's challenge. Again, nothing is given.
57 mins - West Ham need another goal and perhaps they can give a couple of the youngsters a run. Before then, Henderson does well to hold on to a fierce shot from Bunn from the left corner of the penalty area. West Ham break and O'Neil picks out Maiga with a nice ball. The Malian gets the cross in but it's cleared. West Ham keep up the pressure, but Nolan's curler is wayward.
54 mins - GOAL! That free-kick works so often! The ball is rolled into the feet of Nolan by Taylor and he turns his marker and works Martin with a powerful shot. The goalkeeper cannot hold on and Maiga reacts quickest to finish smartly with his left foot.
54 mins - Mellor becomes the second right-back to be booked for bringing down Vaz Te as the No12 was romping into the Crewe half on the break.
51 mins - Spence gives the ball away and Crewe attack again from halfway. Leitch-Smith gets to the edge of the box, where O'Brien makes a good challenge. Crewe are not done and the away fans want a penalty as Diarra challenges Bunn just inside the box. Both players go to ground. The referee waves away the claims.
49 mins - The corner is cleared to Leitch-Smith, whose fierce shot is blocked. Bunn goes down injured as Vaz Te brings the ball clear and the game is stopped for the No25 to receive attention.
47 mins - West Ham have started positively. Maiga forces Ellis to put the ball behind for a corner with a loose touch. Taylor's near-post delivery is headed clear and Crewe break dangerously through Bunn. West Ham resist the initial attack but the visitors keep it alive and Henderson has to claw Murphy's long-range shot away for a corner.
46 mins - No changes at the break from either manager. Crewe kick-off and the ball is fired straight out for a throw on the near side.
Half-time score - West Ham United 1-0 Crewe Alexandra
47 mins - West Ham win another corner in added-time. Last chance to add to the lead before the break. Taylor trots across in front of the Crewe fans to take it... Diarra wins it again at the far post but his downward header bounces a yard wide. That's half-time.
45 mins - Good build-up involving Maiga - who has come into the game more and more - and O'Neil. Vaz Te collects and shoots wildly from 30 yards. Goal kick, and nearly another shot that results in a throw-in!
44 mins - Spence bursts forward again and gets to the byline. His pullback is cut out, but Vaz Te wins it back inside the penalty area before running to the byline himself. He slams the cross into the six-yard box, where Martin makes the catch. Good handling.
42 mins - You have got to admire Crewe's ethos. West Ham are pressing them high inside their own penalty area, but still they play the ball to feet patiently before clearing upfield.
40 mins - West Ham win another corner. Taylor will take again left-footed. Spence attacks the ball at the far post but the defender in front of him knocks the ball behind. O'Neil takes this time and Martin saves well from Diarra's goalbound header.
38 mins - Maynard is everywhere. This time he tracks left-back Davis and blocks the cross almost on his own goalline. The corner is taken short and passed back to Murphy, whose deep cross flies out for a goal kick.
36 mins - Maynard threatens again as his cross-shot hits a defender and bounces behind for a corner. Taylor's delivery is headed goalwards but hits a defender and loops to Maynard on the edge of the box. His powerful first-time volley is batted away by Martin. Crewe scramble the ball away. They are creaking a bit at the back.
34 mins - GOAL! He'll have enjoyed that, will Nicky Maynard! It's a good goal too. West Ham pick up the pace and sweep through the Crewe defence as Maiga and Vaz Te are involved in a one-touch move that ends with Maynard sweeping the ball into the bottom left-hand corner with a sweetly-struck half-volley.
33 mins - Potts launches the ball in and Maiga heads down for Nolan, but he cannot get the purchase on his shot.
32 mins - Vaz Te is looking to impress tonight. He has picked up the ball deep a few times already and does so again. He swaps passes with Maiga before the ball drops to Taylor from a clearing header. The No14 looks up but his cross is too close to goalkeeper Martin.
31 mins - My mention of no goals being scored has led to a glut of strikes all over the country.
30 mins - Vaz Te drops his shoulder to get around Westwood and shoots from 30-odd yards. It's not Brighton all over again, unfortunately, as the ball flies high into the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand. Goal kick.
29 mins - Crewe come again. Leitch-Smith drives the shot in from just outside the box and Henderson makes a save low to his right. He holds on to the ball. The visitors are looking more likely at present...
28 mins - Oooh! Moore nutmegs Taylor and then cuts into the penalty area. He cuts the ball back for Clayton, but O'Brien JUST gets something on the ball to stop the pass getting through.
26 mins - Maiga gives the ball away and Crewe break down their left. Bunn cuts inside but mis-hits his shot so poorly that it slides out for a throw in front of the Alpari Stand!
25 mins - There are 23 ties going on tonight, and goals have only been scored in three of them so far. West Ham have a chance again as they win a corner over in front of the Crewe fans. Taylor whips the cross in and Vaz Te diverts it goalwards, but it's straight at Martin.
23 mins - Spence loops the ball forward down the right channel and Maynard wins the header for himself. He cuts the ball back but Mellor is there to intercept and bring the ball clear with a neat drop of the shoulder. Confident defending from the Crewe No14.
21 mins - Taylor is getting forward regularly and he does so again. This time, however, his first-time cross is too strong and Maynard cannot keep it in on the far touchline.
19 mins - Crewe might have lost 5-1 at the weekend but they were on a long unbeaten run until recently. Their confidence is there for all to see as they knock the ball around. Leitch-Smith tries to tee-up Clayton, but Taylor gets an important foot in. West Ham break and Martin flaps at a cross from the right, but there is no West Ham player there to benefit as both Maiga and Vaz Te had challenged for the cross.
17 mins - A positive run by Spence takes him across the face of the box before he finds Taylor in space on the left. His cross hits Mellor and goes behind for a corner. O'Neil takes but it's over-hit and goes out for a throw on the far side.
16 mins - West Ham are back on the offensive but they've yet to force an opening.
13 mins - Spence is booked for a second foul in two minutes. Crewe had just gone close as Leitch-Smith's low cross just eluded Clayton. The free-kick is headed clear by Vaz Te and West Ham break. Maiga races away down the right wing and then tries to pick out Vaz Te in the middle. Crewe have one defender back and he volleys clear from the edge of the penalty area. It's been an open and attractive game so far.
12 mins - West Ham concede a free-kick about 25 yards out to the right of Henderson's goal. Westwood takes and curls it over the wall. Henderson gets there first and elects to punch. The ball hits Mellor and rebounds over the crossbar. Close!
10 mins - It's all West Ham. Vaz Te picks out Maynard on the right and he is one-on-one with Mellor. The No8 takes on his marker on the inside before curling a left-foot shot narrowly wide. Goalkeeper Martin dives but the ball beats the post.
8 mins - Potts launches the ball down the inside-left channel for Vaz Te. He keeps the ball in superbly before beating Robertson. The Scot keeps to his task and makes an perfect challenge on the byline to concede a corner. That could easily have been a penalty. The corner comes over and Spence wins the header at the far post, but it loops onto the roof of the net.
7 mins - A little moment there as Potts allows the ball to run inside the penalty area. For a moment it looks like he'll let in Clayton, but he recovers quickly and clears upfield. After Saturday, we don't want any indecisive defending!
4 mins - It's been all West Ham so far, bar one cross into the box cleared by Potts. Good build-up involving Potts and Vaz Te sees the ball passed square for Nolan. He lets it run across his body, but the ball just gets away from him a little and he screws his shot off-target from 25 yards. That was a decent opening for the skipper, who is normally accurate from all ranges.
2 mins - The Hammers attack again. Good build-up down the right flank. Spence drives the cross over at head height and Martin makes the catch above Maiga's head.
1 min - West Ham show first, but Maynard cannot beat his marker and the ball rolls out for a goal kick.
7.44pm - We're off a minute early! West Ham get things started shooting towards the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand end of the Boleyn Ground. Maiga is through the middle, with Vaz Te to the left and Maynard wide right.
7.42pm - For those wondering how we'll lineup tonight, it's Spence at right-back, O'Brien and Potts in the middle and Taylor at left-back. Diarra will play behind O'Neil and Nolan in midfield. Maiga, Vaz Te and Maynard will form the front three. Oh, and Henderson will start in goal.
7.41pm - Here come the two teams, led by captains Kevin Nolan and Ashley Westwood. The Boleyn Ground isn't full, but there is still a decent about of noise being generated. Crewe's players are doing some last-minute shuttle runs before kick-off.
7.37pm - It's time for a bit of Coldplay's 'Paradise'. As anyone who was at Wembley will recall, the song has become a bit of a terrace anthem here in east London. It'll never replace 'Bubbles' of course, but the fans do like a good sing-along!
7.32pm - We've got some special guests here tonight. Members of the Ukrainian and Finnish Paralympic teams are at the Boleyn Ground. The London 2012 Paralympic Games start tomorrow, of course. If they are half as good as the Olympic Games, it will be a fantastic event.
7.30pm - It's a nice late summer's evening here in east London. There is a bit of cloud, but I'm going to put my neck on the line and say we won't see any rain tonight. On the touchline, fitness coach Eamon Swift is putting the starting XI through their final paces before they head off to change into their match shirts. Over on the far side of the pitch, Development Squad coach Ian Hendon is playing keep-ball with the substitutes.
6.50pm - Team news is in! Ten changes from Big Sam! Stephen Henderson makes his full debut, while Alou Diarra and Modibo Maiga both make their first starts in claret and blue. No fewer than five uncapped players are on the bench.
West Ham United: Henderson, O'Brien, Spence, Diarra, Potts, Taylor, O'Neil, Nolan, Vaz Te, Maiga, Maynard
Subs: Spiegel, Driver, Demel, Moncur, Fanimo, Hall, McCallum
Crewe Alexandra: Martin, Davis, Ellis, Bunn, Robertson, Mellor, Westwood, Murphy, Moore, Leitch-Smith, M.Clayton
Subs: Garratt, Dugdale, Turton, Guthrie, Ray, Osman, Daniels
Good evening and welcome to the Boleyn Ground for tonight's Capital One Cup second-round tie with Crewe Alexandra - the 200th League Cup tie in West Ham United's history!
Both the Hammers and the Railwaymen will be seeking a victory that will see them keep alive hopes of a second-consecutive Wembley appearance. West Ham, of course, beat Blackpool 2-1 at the Home of Football in the npower Championship Play-Off final, while Crewe defeated Cheltenham Town by the same scoreline in the League Two Play-Off final.
West Ham have reached the League Cup final twice, finishing as runners-up in 1966 and 1981, and got to the semi-finals as recently as 2011, when they were beaten by Birmingham City in a thrilling clash that went to extra-time.
Supporters who have taken advantage of the discounted ticket prices for tonight's game can also expect to see goals, as Sam Allardyce's men have failed to score in just one of their last 16 League Cup fixtures and Crewe's record win in the competition came in this year's first round as they beat Hartlepool United 5-0.
Both clubs will be seeking to bounce back after recording disappointing league results at the weekend. West Ham were beaten 3-0 at Swansea City in the Barclays Premier League, while Crewe went down 5-1 at Brentford in npower League One.
Big Sam is set to name a strong starting XI, with captain Kevin Nolan, Wembley hero Ricardo Vaz Te, Matt Taylor, Guy Demel and Gary O'Neil all in the squad. Nicky Maynard could start against his first club. Alou Diarra and Modibo Maiga could make their first starts in a Hammers shirt, while Stephen Henderson is set to make his debut in goal. A host of Academy graduates could be named on the bench, including Rob Hall, Callum Driver and George Moncur.
West Ham United: Henderson, O'Brien, Spence, Diarra, Potts, Taylor (Fanimo 60), O'Neil, Nolan, Vaz Te (Hall 73), Maiga, Maynard
Subs: Spiegel, Driver, Demel, Moncur, McCallum
Crewe Alexandra: Martin, Davis, Ellis (Dugdale 73), Bunn (Osman 61), Robertson, Mellor, Westwood, Murphy, Moore, Leitch-Smith (Turton 80), M.Clayton
Subs not used: Garratt, Guthrie, Ray, Daniels
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The Big Interview: Dean Ashton
WHUFC.com
Dean Ashton has spoken to West Ham TV as his two former sides went head to head on Tuesday night.
28.08.2012
Dean Ashton was on media duty at Swansea City on Saturday and after the game he spoke to West Ham TV about all things claret and blue. The former West Ham United striker shared his thoughts on his old club, the season ahead and the special place Hammers fans will always hold in his heart. The former England international was forced to retire from the game just over three years ago, after injuring his ankle during his first training session with the Three Lions.
Dean, great to see you looking so well. What did you make of the Swansea game?
DA: "It just wasn't West Ham's day. I thought they did try and turn it around at the start of the second half but once Swansea scored their third, then it was game over. Maybe it was just one to forget. These days happen to everyone - they got a good home win against Aston Villa last week and there is the whole season ahead."
Do you still keep an eye for your old clubs like Crewe and West Ham?
DA: "I do keep an eye on all the clubs I have played for - West Ham, Norwich and Crewe. Crewe did really well to go up and it is good to see them climbing up the leagues again. It is great to see West Ham back in the Premier League and Norwich went back up and did well to stay up last year."
And what are you up to these days, Dean?
DA: "I am doing some media work at the moment. I am enjoying being back in the studio for some matches and it is nice to come to the games. It is good to be back at the stadiums and everything instead of sat at home watching them! It was difficult with what happened but you have to move on and try to enjoy football again."
You were popular with the West Ham supporters who still ask after you. Do you still meet them when you are out and about?
DA: "Yes, they do come up to me still. The support I have had was fantastic and the things people have said and the wishes I was sent after having to retire were just great. I loved my time at West Ham, I really did, and it was sad that I couldn't continue what I started there as I would have loved to."
What are your thoughts for the team this season and what are your thoughts on some of your old team-mates that are still here?
DA: "West Ham managed to keep a lot of the players that have played in the Premier League before when they went down last year and have also managed to add to that with players who also have that experience. This season, bringing back someone back like James Collins is a good move, he again has a wealth of experience at this level now. Mark Noble is still there, someone I played with while at West Ham and he is an established part of the side. "It is also good to see players like James Tomkins, who had a great season last year, carrying on his form this season back in the Premier League. I think it is exciting for them and perhaps the manger is looking to bring in another player or two before the window shuts. I want the team to do well back in the Premier League. There are a few lads there that I played with and it is great to see the club back in the top flight of football again, where they belong."
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West Ham 2 Crewe 0
Maynard 34′Maiga 55′
29 August 2012
Modibo Maiga scored his first West Ham goal as the Premier League side beat battling visitors Crewe in the League Cup second round. The Mali striker, a recent signing from Sochaux, pounced from close range when Alex goalkeeper Alan Martin failed to hold Kevin Nolan's shot on 55 minutes. Former Crewe striker Nicky Maynard refused to celebrate after sweeping home Ricardo Vaz Te's 34th-minute cross for the Hammers' opening goal. Luke Murphy went closest for Crewe. Maynard first joined Crewe as a seven-year-old and scored 35 goals in 67 appearances for the Cheshire club before moving to Bristol City in 2008 and then to West Ham in January. And the 25-year-old, who has been linked with a move away from Upton Park, took his chance to impress against his former club. Manager Sam Allardyce made 10 changes from Saturday's 3-0 Premier League defeat by Swansea, with captain Kevin Nolan the only survivor as new arrivals Maiga, Alou Diarra and Stephen Henderson made their first starts for the club. League One Crewe conceded five against Brentford at the weekend but they were resilient at Upton Park until Maynard's opener, a low volley into the bottom corner. Crewe's Murphy saw a stinging 30-yard shot tipped around the post before the Hammers wrapped up victory when Maiga scored from close range after Nolan's free kick was parried into his path.
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce praises psychologist boost
BBC.co.uk
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says the use of sports psychology at Upton Park has become a crucial part of the club's pre-match preparations. Allardyce has used a psychologist since he was appointed manager last summer. He told BBC London 94.9: "It does a huge amount of good work in looking at that area. "I've always said a player who plays in the Premier League plays there because of his intelligence and his brain, not because of his skill ability." He continued: "It is very important we all go down the route of setting our targets, our goals and how we can achieve them. "We set out for the players what they've got to go through in the season. The better they handle it mentally, the better they perform."
And Allardyce believes other football teams could be missing out on possible benefits because they are afraid to embrace the use of a sports psychologist. "Most of this country generally ignores that type of training because they feel it's for weak people, perhaps," he added. "It's not. It's about getting everybody correctly mentally focused. "If you look at other sports in the world; a golfer, a tennis player, a swimmer or certainly a lot of the Olympic teams, they would not dream of not having a psychologist on their team. "It's about integration and talking to players and staff on a casual basis and talking about how things are going. "Over the last 10 years at least, using one has given a small advantage to us whatever club I've been at. "I've been a great believer in it so I will continue to go down that route."
And Allardyce believes that a psychologist can noticeably boost a player's performances on the pitch. "It's how his brain tells him to use that skill ability. "That is a very difficulty area. It's easy to make somebody stronger, fitter or improve someone's motor skills. "It's not as easy to talk about the psychology that is needed in football to keep people focused and mentally strong."
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West Ham Utd 2 Crewe Alexandra 0
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th August 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham strolled through to the third round of the Capital One Cup after a comfortable win over League One side Crewe at the Boleyn Ground tonight. A goal either side of the half time whistle was enough for Sam Allardyce's side to secure passage through to the next round of the competition, the draw for which takes places on Thursday evening. Former Crewe striker Nicky Maynard put the Hammers ahead shortly before the break, finishing a well-worked move between tonight's front three of Modibo Maiga, Ricardo Vaz Te and former Alex player Nicky Maynard. New boy Maiga and play-off Final hero Vaz Te combined well before setting up former Crewe striker Maynard who finished with some aplomb into the bottom corner - before celebrating his effort in muted style out of respect to his former employers.
The deciding goal arrived just nine minutes after the restart and came from the boot of recent arrival Modibo Maiga, scoring his first goal for West Ham. Crewe 'keeper Martin failed to properly deal with captain Kevin Nolan's fierce effort and Maiga was on hand to stroke the ball home from close range. Sam Allardyce rang the changes from Saturday's hugely disappointing 3-0 reversal at Swansea by giving first appearances of the season to Danny Potts, Stephen Henderson, Jordan Spence, Rob Hall and Gary O'Neill - plus full debuts to Alou Diarra and Academy products George Moncur and Matthias Fanimo.
The draw for the third round of the competition is due to take place on Thursday.
West Ham Utd: Henderson, O'Brien, Spence, Diarra, Potts, Taylor, O'Neil, Nolan, Vaz Te, Maiga, Maynard.
Subs: Spiegel, Driver, Demel, Moncur, Fanimo, Hall, McCallum.
Crewe Alexandra: Martin, Davis, Ellis, Bunn, Robertson, Mellor, Westwood, Murphy, Moore, Leitch-Smith, M.Clayton.
Subs: Garratt, Dugdale, Turton, Guthrie, Ray, Osman, Daniels.
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Duo bid for Addicks ace
West Ham & Bolton chase Solly deal
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated: August 28, 2012 1:32pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands West Ham and Bolton have bid for Charlton Athletic defender Chris Solly. A number of clubs have been linked with Solly, who has caught the eye at Charlton over the last 12 months. Solly enjoyed a fine campaign with Charlton last term, playing a key role in their promotion back to the Championship and he was named as the club's Player of the Year by supporters as well as Young Player of the Year by the club's management team. West Ham have been tracking Solly for some time with Sam Allardyce in the market for a new right-back and they have now firmed up their interest with an offer. However, they could face competition from Bolton for the 21-year-old with Owen Coyle also believed to have tabled a bid. Charlton are reluctant to lose Solly as Chris Powell looks to keep hold of his best players and it remains to be seen if they can fend off the growing interest in the player.
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Maynard 'important to Hammers'
Hammers No.2 not expecting forward to leave
Last Updated: August 28, 2012 11:35pm
SSN
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald says Nicky Maynard remains an 'important member of the squad' despite being linked with a move away from Upton Park. Maynard contributed a goal to crown a man-of-the-match performance as the Hammers beat his former club Crewe 2-0 in the Capital One Cup second round on Tuesday night. He had been linked with a departure after the Londoners recruited attacking reinforcements over the summer in the shape of Modibo Maiga and Matt Jarvis.
Lively
McDonald also confirmed after Tuesday's win that West Ham are in the market for another forward before the transfer window closes. But Sam Allardyce's assistant added that Maynard remains in their plans. The 25-year-old's volley put West Ham ahead as part of a lively individual performance, although he refused to celebrate in front of the Crewe supporters. Maiga then doubled West Ham's lead from close range and the Mali striker would have had more had more but for a string of saves from Crewe keeper Alan Main. "Nicky Maynard needed a game and he scored against his old team. He has put in a decent performance and that is all you can do - a decent performance and a goal," said McDonald. "He is certainly a goal-scorer and he took his goal very, very well. "He is involved all the time, he is on the bench. Nothing that I have heard (suggests he won't be here this time next week). "He is an important member of the squad and he has put in a good performance today and given the manager something to think about, that's for sure." Crewe had strong penalty appeals rejected when Harry Bunn went down under a challenge from Alou Diarra but the only mystery of the evening was how Maiga did not score more.
Pleased
The answer came in the form of Crewe goalkeeper Main, who twice denied Maiga from distance, while the Mali striker volleyed over from close range and sent a header wide. But given it was his first start in English football, McDonald was pleased with his contribution. "I thought he was fantastic. He is still getting used to the pace of English football and that takes time to settle in to," he said. "Foreign players have to adjust to the English style of football and the pace of football. I thought he got stronger as the game went along."
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Maynard helps Iron past Alex
Last Updated: August 28, 2012 11:10pm
SSN
Nicky Maynard scored against his former club but did not celebrate as West Ham beat Crewe 2-0 in the Capital One Cup at Upton Park. Maynard, a product of the famous Crewe academy, opened the scoring for the Hammers with a sweet volley from inside the box and in front of the travelling support. Modibo Maiga marked his full debut by doubling the lead from close range after the interval as West Ham eased into the third round. Maynard first joined Crewe as a seven-year-old and scored 35 goals in 67 appearances for the club before moving to Bristol City in 2008, for £2.25million, and then to West Ham in January. The 25-year-old, who has been linked with a move away from Upton Park, took his chance to impress tonight as a youthful West Ham side flooded forward. Manager Sam Allardyce made 10 changes from Saturday's 3-0 Premier League defeat to Swansea, with captain Kevin Nolan the only player retained in the side. New arrivals Maiga, Alou Diarra and Stephen Henderson made their first starts for the club while the likes of Maynard were given their first chance of the season to impress. After Jordan Spence had looped a header over the bar, Maynard cut in from the right flank and attempted a curling left-footed strike which flew wide. Henderson made a nervy start, punching a ball he should have caught. It deflected off Kelvin Mellor's knee and, thankfully for the West Ham goalkeeper, over the bar.
Crewe conceded five against Brentford at the weekend but they were resilient at Upton Park, keeping West Ham at bay until Maynard's 32nd-minute opener. The visitors had their moments. Ajay Leitch-Smith tried to tee up Max Clayton on the edge of the West Ham box but they were denied by a timely interception from Matt Taylor. Byron Moore then nutmegged Taylor and cut into the penalty area before pulling the ball back to Clayton but Joey O'Brien reacted smartly to shut down the danger. West Ham were dominating but they were not ruthless enough. They began to get sloppy in midfield and Ricardo Vaz Te almost blasted one shot into the upper tier of the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand. But then came the goal. Maiga and Vaz Te created the opening with a sharp one-touch move and Maynard, with a perfect technique he learned at Crewe, swept the low volley into the bottom corner.
West Ham's gander was up and they won a corner, which fell to Maynard but this time his fierce volley from inside the box was well saved by Alan Main. The Crewe goalkeeper was a busy man and he needed to produce another stop to keep out Diarra's header and preserve West Ham's 1-0 lead at the interval. Crewe's Luke Murphy saw a stinging 30-yard shot tipped around the post for a corner and the visitors then had strong claims for a penalty when Harry Bunn went down under a challenge from Diarra. The Frenchman was desperately trying to rescue the situation after West Ham had lost possession on the edge of their own box and referee Fred Graham waved away Crewe's appeals.
West Ham effectively wrapped up the win when Nolan received a free-kick from Taylor, forced Main to parry his shot and Maiga pounced to score from close range.
The only issue that will furrow Allardyce's brow after the victory was how Maiga only scored one. Shortly after the goal he met Taylor's deep cross with a stretched volley that went over the bar from just six yards out. West Ham were in their stride now and Main was bombarded with shots as he denied Vaz Te's fierce drive and then two more long-distance efforts from Maiga. In between time, Henderson did well to keep his feet and deny Leitch-Smith as the Crewe striker tried to round the Hammers keeper. West Ham finished on the front foot with Maiga directing a header just wide and substitute Robert Hall just missing with an angled shot. As West Ham accepted the victory applause, Maynard made a point of acknowledging the Crewe supporters he had helped to send home disappointed.
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West Ham 2 Crewe 0
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Last Updated: 29th August 2012
SAM ALLARDYCE had his M&Ms to thank for the sweet taste of victory. Nicky Maynard and Modibo Maiga netted to fire West Ham safely into round three. The two Hammers also responded on a night when Big Sam made nine changes to his team that were beaten 3-0 at Swansea on Saturday in a bid to solve his goalscoring problems. Maynard struck first on 33 minutes with a goal that could go a long way to keeping him at Upton Park. Last season's £2.5million signing from Bristol City has been heavily linked with a return to the Championship and a move to Leeds. But his goal last night looked Premier class and, with just three days left of the transfer window, it may help him secure a future in East London. Maynard struck at the end of a clever interchange of passes between Maiga and Ricardo Vaz Te.
Vaz Te eventually swept the ball into the box and Maynard hooked it past Crewe keeper Alan Martin from 12 yards. New £4.7m striker Maiga also marked his full debut with West Ham's second nine minutes after the break. Skipper Kevin Nolan let rip with a powerful shot from the edge of the box which Martin could not hold and Maiga followed up to bury the rebound. Hammers assistant boss Neil McDonald said: "Nicky put in a decent performance and he needed a game. "This was a perfect night. Two goals, a clean sheet and no injuries. And now some players have every right to go knocking on the manager's door."
DREAM TEAM RATINGS
STAR MAN: Nicky Maynard (West Ham) 9
WEST HAM: Henderson 7, Spence 7, Potts 7, O'Brien 7, Taylor 6 (Fanimo 6), O'Neill 6, Diarra 7, Nolan 7 (Moncur 5), Vaz Te 7 (Hall 6), Maiga 8, Maynard 9. Subs not used: Spiegel, Demel, Driver, McCallum.
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West Ham 2 Crewe 0: New boy Maiga's off the mark as he wins it for Hammers
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 21:57, 28 August 2012 | UPDATED: 00:04, 29 August 2012
Daily Mail
Modibo Maiga scored his first goal for West Ham as the Barclays Premier League side eased into the third round of the Capital One Cup. But League One Crewe's visit to east London had neither the glamour or excitement of the Olympic Stadium under the lights, and that was illustrated by the abundance of spare seats at the ground.
Maiga, a £4.7million summer signing from Sochaux, scored after 55 minutes to wrap up the tie after Nicky Maynard's 34th-minute opener. Hammers assistant manager Neil McDonald said: 'I thought Maiga was fantastic. He's had a couple of cameos but this was his first start. 'He needs time to settle into English football, but I thought he got stronger as the game wore on. So did (Alou) Diarra, who made his first start. 'It was a good night for us. Two goals, a clean sheet. We showed a good attitude and did things at the right time. And the players that we felt needed a game played and got through 90 minutes. Those players can knock on the manager's door now and say, "I should keep my place".' West Ham manager Sam Allardyce showed where the Capital One Cup lies in his list of priorities this season by making wholesale changes from the side that slumped to defeat by Swansea on Saturday, while Crewe boss Steve Davis made just three changes to the side beaten 5-1 by Brentford.
Maynard carved out the first real opportunity in the 10th minute, cleverly working himself a yard of space on the edge of the box before curling a left-foot shot just wide. But Crewe were not intimidated by their Premier League opponents and Stephen Henderson was nearly embarrassed in the 12th minute after what should have been a routine punch ricocheted off Crewe right back Kelvin Mellor and, luckily for the Hammers keeper, over the cross bar. Highly rated West Ham defender Dan Potts then made an excellent interception on the edge of his six-yard box with Max Clayton waiting to pounce on Ajay Leitch-Smith's dangerous low cross. Maiga looked threatening, but the Mali forward was a rare bright spot for Allardyce's side early on as they struggled for intensity. It did not take long for the Upton Park faithful to make their feelings known as the moans and groans that have become synonymous with Allardyce's reign soon started bellowing from the stands. But Maynard eased home supporters' concerns in the 34th minute with a spectacular strike against the club he left in 2008. Ricardo Vaz Te's pacy run down the right culminated with a cross that Crewe made a hash of clearing, leaving Maynard to fire an acrobatic volley past keeper Alan Martin. Maynard threatened to rub salt in the visitors' wounds moments later with an identical effort that was blocked, unknowingly, by Crewe skipper Ashley Westwood. Maynard's opener helped the Hammers emerge from their slow start and Diarra twice went close with towering headers before the interval.
But West Ham were nearly left to rue Diarra's misses when Henderson saved superbly low down from Luke Murphy's rasping 25-yarder. Maiga added the goal his first-half display threatened 10 minutes after the restart, prodding home from close range after Kevin Nolan's low, angled effort was parried by Martin. That was the cue for Allardyce to throw on promising youngsters Matthias Fanimo, George Moncur and Robert Hall. Clearing the decks: West Ham's Jordan Spence vies with Crewe's Mark Ellis and Ashley WestwoodMaiga, the impressive Fanimo and Diarra all went close to extending the Hammers' lead as the Premier League side strolled to victory. West Ham may yet strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes on Friday. McDonald added: 'We are scouring all over the place to find players so, if the right one comes along and the chairman can stump up the money again, then maybe we can.'
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Robert Green's future in doubt after QPR's £2.5m signing of Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar from Inter Milan
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Percy11:31PM BST 28 Aug 2012
Green, the England international, will be relegated to No 2 goalkeeper less than two months after his arrival, with Cesar expected to officially seal his surprise move on Wednesday. Green only joined Rangers in July but is already set for the axe after a string of high-profile mistakes this season. The 32 year-old endured a nightmare debut against Swansea City on the opening day of the season and was the subject of taunts from Paddy Kenny, who left Loftus Road for Leeds this summer, while he also looked unconvincing against former club Norwich. Hughes, the Rangers manager, has moved swiftly to replace Green after sealing a deal for Inter's Brazil international Cesar. The 32 year-old could even make his debut in Rangers' next game at Manchester City, with Green starting on the bench. Cesar, who helped Inter win the Champions League in 2010 and has been capped by Brazil 64 times, is poised to sign a three-year deal. Cesar's arrival is the latest humilation for Green, who has struggled to rebuild his reputation after a costly blunder for England in the World Cup game against the US two years ago. Hughes could even allow him to leave on loan for a Championship club when the loan window opens.
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