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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