Daily WHUFC News - 23rd August 2012

Motty voices cause for optimism
WHUFC.com
John Motson is expecting West Ham United to make an impression on the
Premier League this season
22.08.2012

Legendary commentator John Motson believes West Ham United are well equipped
for Barclays Premier League survival and has predicted a bright future for
the club. Motty, who attended Saturday's opening-day win over Aston Villa,
is confident that with the signings made and the experience of Big Sam, the
Hammers will impress this season. Consolidation is always the primary aim
for every newly promoted club, but Motty feels that a club of West Ham
United's stature should aim higher on their return to the top tier. "I think
when you come up now consolidation is the main aim." Motson told West Ham
TV. "That said the three clubs proved it last season that it is possible to
come up and do better. Swansea and Norwich did very well, although QPR were
run fairly close. "I think if you asked most West Ham United supporters they
would say they belong in the Premier League, but they would also agree that
they have to prove that this season but hopefully finishing in a comfortable
position."

Motty also spoke of his excitement ahead of every new season and revealed he
simply cannot wait to see what the Hammers' new players have to offer over
the course of the campaign. "I always look forward to seeing the new
players. The club have re-signed James Collins and George McCartney, the two
old favourites, who are just two of the new faces Sam has brought in. "I
think it will help, it is always good to see fresh faces and I particularly
think Mohamed Diame is an excellent signing. "And the two lads from France
might not be instant starters but they will have a big role to play during
the season, fans expect a certain brand of football and with these players
on offer they will get to see a lot of skill this year."

In a bumper year for sport one could hardly complain if Motty rewarded
himself with a few days off, but the voice of football revealed he was
delighted to be back.
"I am very excited to be back, and we have of course kicked off the season
in the shadow of the magnificent Olympic Stadium. "I think it is very
fitting that I started here."

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Potts and Turgott called up
WHUFC.com
Danny Potts and Blair Turgott have been called up to the England Under-19
squad
22.08.2012

Danny Potts and Blair Turgott have both been named in the England Under-19
squad for the first time as Head Coach Noel Blake assembles his side for a
friendly with Germany next month. Both Academy graduates have enjoyed a
productive pre-season and featured regularly for the Hammers first-team on
the pre-season tours of Austria and Germany. The duo are likely to be key
players for Ian Hendon's Under-21 side this season, although Potts was named
on the bench for Saturday's first-team game with Aston Villa. Potts has
played once for England already, when he featured in a victory against
Poland at Under-18 level back in March. Turgott has been something more of a
regular on the international scene for the Three Lions, playing a total of
23 times at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 level and scoring seven goals.
The game in Hamburg on Thursday 6 September is likely to provide a tough
test for the Young lions ahead of their first qualifying round for the UEFA
2013 European Championships in October.

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Hendon focused on challenge ahead
WHUFC.com
Development Squad manager Ian Hendon is hoping his side can continue their
winning form on Sunday
22.08.2012

A brilliant start to the season from the Development Squad saw them beat
Reading 3-1, but manager Ian Hendon is already focussed on the challenges
ahead.
This weekend will see Hendon's young side travel to Liverpool where they
will face Everton at their Finch Farm training complex. And Hendon believes
his side simply need to produce more of the same if they are to extend their
winning run. "Now it will be a case of continuing on from what we did
against Reading on Friday, nobody is going to get carried away and we will
keep working hard. "We were back on the training ground on Monday where and
we focused our attentions on what will be another tough game."

Blair Turgott and Paul McCallum were both replaced on Friday night after
playing a pivotal role in the 3-1, with Hendon keen to make sure all of
young stars stay fresh for the long season ahead. "Blair and Paul are both
okay, Blair knew I wanted to get a look at the new boy Abiola Baditou and it
was him who replaced him with, he understands that. "Paul, like a few of the
lads, is still coming back from an injury and after scoring twice and
assisting with another I think he just about earned a rest," joked Hendon.
"All the lads have played well, they are all still fit and they will be
ready for next weekend.

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West Ham offer Wolves £10m for winger Matt Jarvis
By Ben Smith
BBC Sport

West Ham have made a fourth bid, worth a potential £10m, for Wolves winger
Matt Jarvis. The Championship club have turned down three previous bids from
the Hammers, but are considering the latest offer, which would give them £7m
up front. Further add-ons would take the package beyond their £10m asking
price.
Matt Jarvis facts & figures

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has been tracking Jarvis, 26, all summer and
is now hopeful of completing a deal before Saturday's trip to Swansea City.
Jarvis, who has made one international appearance for England, played for
Wolves in Tuesday's 3-1 win over Barnsley, after which manager Stale
Solbakken gave his thoughts on the player's future. "It's on the top
political level now because every player has a valuation and if that
valuation is matched I'm in the discussion," said the Norwegian, who is
attempting to guide Wolves back to the Premier League following their
relegation last season. "It's not my money so someone will make a final
decision. I don't know if the two clubs are still talking. I've had my say
and the final call will be taken. We do it together and we'll do the best
for Wolverhampton."

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Wolves accept Jarvis offer
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 23rd August 2012
By: Staff Writer

Matt Jarvis is on his way to West Ham after Wolves accepted West Ham
United's latest offer for the winger. United, who had already seen two
previous bids turned down have finally got their man after the Championship
club accepted a deal that rates the once-capped England international at
around the £10million mark.
Even though around £3million of that figure is dependent on
appearance-related clauses the sum represents the highest transfer fee paid
by the club in five years.
Jarvis' move to West Ham will earn former club Gillingham - for whom the
26-year-old twice played against the Hammers back in 2004 - around £1million
due to a sell-on clause when they sold him to Wolves. Wanderers paid
Gillingham £600,000 for the left winger's services back in 2007; ironically
he made his Premier League debut against the Hammers two years later
following Wolves' promotion to the top flight. The impending arrival of
Jarvis - who is understood to have had a medical last night - could signal
the end of West Ham's plans to sign Togo winger Razak Boukari on loan from
Rennes for the rest of the season.

The Jarvis saga: how it unfolded

10th August: West Ham's opening bid of £9million is rejected by Wolves

12th August: Jarvis hands a in transfer request

14th August: West Ham make a second, slightly improved offer

20th August: Jarvis deal on ice as Razak Boukari agrees season-long loan
deal

21st August: West Ham make third and final £10million bid to land their
target

22nd August: Wolves accept West Ham's offer

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Gus: no Piquionne deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 22nd August 2012
By: Staff Writer

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Gus Poyet has refuted suggestions that he is
set to tie up a deal for West Ham outcast Freddie Piquionne. 33-year-old
Piquionne, who has spent pre-season featuring for the development squad at
luxurious venues such as Grays and Thurrock having been dropped from the
first team picture has been linked with a string of Championship clubs in
recent weeks. Brighton were one of those strongly linked with a move for the
former French international. But Poyet dismissed reports that a deal had
been struck with the Hammers when questioned following last night's goalless
draw against Cardiff City. "I need a striker; I've been asking for the
person that is going to put the ball in the net when you have got the
chance," he said. "But we are not close enough to getting one.
"I keep seeing clubs buying strikers and bringing players from the
Premiership and paying fortunes but we are at another level - that is clear.
We will try to do our best, but quality is expensive. "The loans we want to
bring in are Premiership loans but they are too expensive. I have been in
touch with many clubs but I accept the situation and the budget we've got."

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Wolves weighing up Jarvis bid
Hammers looking to land winger, as Fletcher saga drags on
Last Updated: August 22, 2012 12:01pm
SSN

Sky Sports understands that West Ham have lodged a take-it-or-leave-it
£10million bid for Matt Jarvis, but Wolves are refusing to discuss the
matter. The Hammers have already seen two approaches for the England
international knocked back, but are refusing to give up in their efforts to
lure the winger to Upton Park. They have, however, made it clear that they
will turn their attention elsewhere if their latest offer is rebuffed. It is
believed that the package put to Wolves includes £7m up front and £3m in
add-ons, for a man who has handed in a transfer request. Wolves are
understandably reluctant to let Jarvis leave, with it their intention to
keep their top talents on board for a Championship promotion push.

Busy

They have spent much of the summer fending off interest from Sunderland in
Steven Fletcher, with several bids rejected. It remains to be seen whether
they can hang on to Fletcher and Jarvis, with manager Stale Solbakken aware
that he will need to rebuild if two key men are allowed to move on. "It's
going to be a busy time before September 1," he said in the Express & Star.
"If we lose Fletcher and Jarvis, we have a job to do. "You can't replace
them at this level - if the ideal line-up included Kightly, Fletcher and
Jarvis and it ends up without those three, we need to rebuild it, which can
take time. "I'm sure players will go and come in - maybe even before the
Derby game."

Valuation

Asked if Sunderland had been back in touch regarding Fletcher, Solbakken
said: "If valuations are matched, something can happen. "I don't know if the
clubs are still talking." Solbakken has also sought to play down reports
suggesting Connor Wickham could be included in part of a deal to take
Fletcher to Sunderland. He said: "I've been in no contact whatsoever with
this player. "I want the transfer window closed now - can we do it at 12
o'clock?"

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Wednesday Transfer Rumour Mill
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die

Just a quick one, as Julian Assange might (or might not) say...

* West Ham have tabled a final bid of £10 million including add ons to tempt
Wolves to sell Matt Jarvis. It's a take it or leave it offer, as Sam
Allardyce wants Jarvis to be in the squad for Swansea on Saturday.
* Sources (and I don't mean on Twitter) suggest that we are also about to
sign Rennes winger Razak Boukari on loan for the season and negotiations are
being held with Royston Drenthe. So that's three wingers. I can't really
believe we'll try to sign all three, but that is what my sources are telling
me.
* Congratulations to Blair Turgott and Daniel Potts who have received
England call ups for the first time. They are in the England Under 19 squad
to play Germany on 6 September. Both are very good prospects and it would be
good to see them get a few first team games under their respective belts
this season.
* Rumours persist that West Ham are trying to sign Marseilles central
defender Sebastian M'Bia. He's in town today, supposedly for talks with QPR.
We'll see.
* According to BBC Sport: "Robert Green's career as QPR's number one
goalkeeper could be under threat after just one game, as Hoops manager Mark
Hughes seems keen on bringing in 32-year-old former Celtic keeper and
current free agent Artur Boruc." Oh dear.
* Sunderland left winger and West Ham fan Kieron Richardson has issued a
'come and get me' plea to West Ham. But he's likely to be too expensive
compared to others. But if the Jarvis deal fails? Who knows.

You would hope by this time tomorrow that at least one, if not two, signings
have been confirmed.

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Wolves net £24m as Steven Fletcher and Matt Jarvis bid farewell
By GRAEME BRYCE Published: 22nd August 2012
The Sun

WOLVES have landed a £24million windfall after Steven Fletcher and Matt
Jarvis finally bid farewell to Molineux. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce's
perseverance paid off last night when the Hammers sealed a £10million deal
to take former England winger Matt Jarvis to Upton Park. Wolves played
hardball and it took the Hammers four bids before meeting their valuation.
Allardyce believes Jarvis, 26, can rediscover the form which saw him win an
England cap against Ghana last year and become a huge favourite at Upton
Park. The deal will also hand his former club Gillingham an unexpected £1.4m
from his move in 2007. Striker Fletcher, 25, was on Wearside yesterday,
tying up personal terms with Sunderland after a £14m fee was agreed.
Fletcher's talent has never been in question but his temperament has been
suspect and he is currently frozen out at international level after falling
out with Scotland boss Craig Levein.

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Wing nuts: West Ham target Odemwingie now the Carroll deal is dead
The Mirror

West Ham and Sunderland are set to go head-to-head in the race to sign West
Brom's Peter Odemwingie. Hammers are also believed to have finally agreed a
£10million fee for Wolves and England winger Matt Jarvis, although personal
terms are still to be settled. Nigeria international Odemwingie has
impressed during his two years at The Hawthorns, cementing his position as
the club's main striker with 26 Premier League goals. Odemwingie was the
subject of a bid from Qatari club Al-Gharrafa earlier this summer, which was
rejected by the Premier League club. The Baggies are adamant that their
valuation of the player will be met before he is allowed to depart.

West Ham have been tracking Odemwingie for most of the summer and he has now
emerged as a leading candidate after their deal for Liverpool's Andy Carroll
hit the buffers. Manager Sam Allardyce is keen to recruit a proven Premier
League striker who can supply the goals that will maintain their top-flight
status after last season's promotion back to the top flight. However, he
will face competition from the Black Cats, who are in the process of
assembling a new-look strike-force after agreeing a fee for Wolves' Steven
Fletcher. The sale of Asamoah Gyan and the return of Nicklas Bendtner to
parent club Arsenal after his loan spell has left Martin O'Neill eager to
replenish his striking options at the Stadium of Light.

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SUNDERLAND AND WEST HAM BATTLE TO SIGN WEST BROM STAR PETER ODEMWINGIE
The Star
23rd August 2012 By Tim Gray

SUNDERLAND and West Ham are ready to lock horns over Peter Odemwingie after
both clubs expressed an interest in the striker. The 31-year-old has
plundered 25 goals in the last two seasons for the Baggies and was again on
target in their opening day win over Liverpool. Odemwingie was the subject
of a bid from Qatari club Al-Gharafa earlier this summer, which was rejected
by the Premier League club. The Baggies are adamant their valuation will
have to be met before the striker is allowed to leave.

West Ham have been tracking Odemwingie and he has emerged as a leading
target after their deal for Andy Carroll hit the buffers. Sam Allardyce
wants a proven Premier League striker who can supply the goals that will
ensure their top-flight status. However, he will face competition from the
Black Cats, who are assembling a new-look strike force. Steven Fletcher has
arrived but Asamoah Gyan has been sold and Nicklas Bendtner is back at
Arsenal – although he could move to Inter Milan.

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Baldock has unfinished business
Wednesday 22nd August 2012 17:07
TeamTalk

Former West Ham striker Sam Baldock is hoping to play more regularly after
completing a move to Bristol City. Baldock revealed he could not force his
way back into Sam Allardyce's team last season following a small knock and
now wants to establish himself at Ashton Gate. He told Bristol City Player:
"It was very frustrating for me last season. I had a good spell at the start
but then got injured. I was only out a couple of games but I wasn't given
the chance to get back into the team. "The lads at the time were on a good
run so it was hard for the manager. But I'm a footballer and I like to play
football. Hopefully coming here has increased my chances of playing
regularly."

The 23-year-old also refuted claims he has taken a step back in his career
by leaving Premier League new-boys West Ham. "I've not stepped down to the
Championship because I didn't actually play in the Premier League," he said.
"Last season was the right time for me to take the step up from League One.
But I didn't play as many games as I would have liked and it is only right I
continue my progression here."

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