Daily WHUFC News - 5th September 2012

The Big Interview - Kevin Nolan
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan on Saturday's win against Fulham, the transfer market and the
challenges ahead
03.09.2012

West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan led from the front in Saturday's
Barclays Premier League victory over Fulham - on and off the pitch. Nolan
fired the Hammers in front after just 53 seconds, setting them on their way
to a valuable 3-0 home win. Afterwards, the skipper spoke at length to the
national and international media.
The skipper talked about the fantastic win, bouncing back after the defeat
at Swansea City, the arrival of friend Andy Carroll and an encouraging start
to the 2012/13 campaign.

Kevin, a second Barclays Premier League home match, a second home win and
another goal - not a bad day for you?

KN - "Yes, it was a great win for us. I am absolutely delighted with how we
won it as well. For me to score again was great, the header on from Andy
(Carroll) and then Vaz geared me up and it was great to see it hit the back
of the net. We were very pleased to start off in such a way early on. It
settles the nerves and you have your game plan. So when it comes together
like that so early on, you can put it all into action. We were buzzing from
the off. I thought we were great from the first minute to the last - except
we may have got a bit sloppy near the end and have Jussi (Jaaskelainen) to
thank for the good saves he made at that time to ensure we kept a clean
sheet - although we did that to keep Jussi on his toes! After the
disappointment of losing away at Swansea we were determined to bounce back
straight away, which we have done with the Capital One Cup game midweek
against Crewe and now in the league, so we're delighted at that."

There seemed a sense of extra excitement around the Boleyn Ground for
Saturday's match and much of that was to do with the arrival of Andy
(Carroll) and other new faces. Was that felt in the dressing room as well?

KN - "You know, a lot went on before the Fulham game, with the transfer
deadline - not only Andy coming in on the Thursday but getting Yossi
Benayoun really late
on Friday. Those signings gave all the lads a boost and I think you could
see that in our play. The way we started and went on to win was fantastic.
When we got the early goal, then the second and third, it was all about
making sure Fulham didn't get a sniff to get back into the game and we did
that. Our work off the ball was good, as was our ball retention - overall it
was a fantastic afternoon for us. There is a sense of excitement. Everyone
at the club is delighted that we have added top-quality players to what is
already a very strong squad. It is fantastic and hats off to the Gaffer and
the Joint-Chairmen who have worked hard in the transfer window. Praise must
also go to lads like Matt (Jarvis) and the boys brought in earlier in
pre-season, including Mo Diame, Alou Diarra, Modibo Maiga and then Ginge
(James Collins). We are all delighted and hopefully we can repay what the
Gaffer and the owners have done by winning games and putting in top
performances."

It seemed a long time coming, but West Ham finally have their man in Andy
Carroll. As you know him well off the pitch, how pleased are you to see him
in a Hammers shirt?

KN - "Obviously I know Andy well. We get on really well on and off the pitch
so when I knew he was coming down on Thursday night I was excited and really
chuffed about it. We have been lucky to get him, I think everyone knows that
and from the performance he put in on Saturday you can see he will be great
for us. I am delighted for him because he deserves to be playing every week.

How much was Andy looking forward to making his West Ham debut in front of
the home fans?

KN: "He was very excited. I told him before the game that he had nothing to
prove to anyone. We all know his capabilities and I am glad he showed what a
top striker he is in this league. Hopefully he can carry on performing and
put the ball in the back of the net for us this season."

A lot has been said about which style of play is suited to Andy but, with
the qualities he has, can he can fit into any team?

KN: "Absolutely. I don't know why people go on about our style of play or
that he supposedly suits us. The fact of the matter is simple, he is a top
striker and can score goals. Andy works his socks off and makes things
happen. If you put the ball in the box for him he will most probably get on
the end of it and put it in the back of the net. As a team I think the
performance against Fulham speaks for itself. We would be more than happy if
we can play like that every week and win 3-0!"

Three league games in, how are things looking in your opinion and are you
pleased with the squad's strength in depth?

KN: "You know I was confident when we came back for pre-season for the
campaign ahead. I thought we would strengthen and, like everyone else at the
club, I am delighted with who we have brought in. We hope that Andy's injury
is not too serious, but when he came off Carlton (Cole) came on and did his
bit which delighted me. It bodes well for us going into a long season that
we have quality in numbers, if we can all keep fit then we will do well. The
other highlight was that we also had youngsters like Rob Hall coming on and
we have another young lad in Dan Potts in the squad so we are confident
going into the next few games. We have the international break now and we
hope that all the lads do well for their respective countries and then
return to us fit and well. If that happens we will be standing in good stead
to face Norwich in our next game. I think I mentioned the other week that
when we win we won't get too carried away. We will take the confidence it
brings into the next game and, equally, when we lose we will look to bounce
back as we showed today. We can only look to work hard and do the best we
can and we will certainly be doing that."

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Hall targeting first-team role
WHUFC.com
Rob Hall is aiming to feature regularly after two impressive cameo
appearances last week
04.09.2012

Rob Hall has the appetite for first-team football after making his Barclays
Premier League debut in Saturday's 3-0 win over Fulham. Hall, who also
impressed as a substitute in last week's Capital One Cup second-round win
over Crewe Alexandra and made four first-team appearances last season, wants
to feature for Sam Allardyce's side on a regular basis. The 18-year-old, who
has been in sensational form for the Development Squad, is enjoying the
rewards after more than a decade working his way through the ranks at the
club. "I am very happy after making my Premier League debut," he told West
Ham TV. "The lads helped me through it and I also played last Tuesday in the
Capital One Cup. "We put in very professional performances in both games and
I am just grateful for the opportunites. It is also great for the other lads
in the youth set-up too see someone make the step up."

After an impressive cameo against Crewe, the Boleyn Ground crowd gave Hall a
stunning reception against Fulham and the young England Under-19 forward
thanked Hammers fans for their support. "It is very nice to receive such a
welcoming atmosphere. The crowd play their part well whether we play home or
away. On Saturday, I just wanted to get on and show them what I can do. "We
had to be very professional and see the game through and I thought we did
that well. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it is obviously nice to hear positive
things said about you after you come off the pitch."

Hall instantly caught the eye in both games with two rasping shots against
Crewe and another against Fulham, but a combination of good goalkeeping and
last-ditch defending mean he is still awaiting his first senior Hammers
goal. However, the No46 vowed to remain patient and insisted the goals will
come. "I think on Tuesday I had two chances, I should have hit the target
with at least one of them and on Saturday the shot I had was blocked. "I
just need to keep doing what I do and, if the ball comes to me, remain
composed. I will continue to work hard on the training ground and I am sure
it will happen."

Hall has been a part of West Ham for more than decade and he paid tribute to
all those he has worked with over the years for helping him develop into the
player he is today. "I was in a very good team when I was younger. Even in
the Development Squad, a lot of the lads have been here since we were as
young as seven, so we have helped each other along the way. "When we got to
youth-team age points started to matter and you get to see a side of the
game you don't when you are younger. We had a lot of positive results when
we were younger and it is definitely hard to adjust, but you have to adapt,
work harder and take everything as it comes."

After late deals secured the services of Andy Carroll and Yossi Benayoun,
Hall admitted he was unsure whether he would be handed another Barclays
Premier League opportunity in the near future but, after a small taster, he
is ready to do all he can to feature once more. "Last Friday was very hectic
due to it being Deadline Day, so I was not sure whether I would make the
bench. I knew I was in the squad but with players coming in I didn't know
what would happen. "Luckily the manager was brave enough to keep me on the
bench and gave me my Premier League debut which I am very happy about. Thank
God I have got here and now I have to keep pushing on and working hard."

Hall also believes that playing alongside the likes of Carroll, Benayoun and
Matt Jarvis will only have a positive effect on his game. "When I was
younger and I used to sit in the stand and watch so to be on the pitch makes
it all come into reality. You just need to take it all in and make sure you
do not get nervous. "We have definitely brought top players in. Yossi has
come back and I was really young the last time he was here so it is nice to
see him about. "It is also great to have Andy coming in. He is a very big
striker and I hope he and Carlton do well. I am obviously small so I think I
can work well playing off them. Playing and training with them will only
help me to develop my game."

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Carroll out for six weeks
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 4th September 2012
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's new signing Andy Carroll is going to be out of action until
mid-October after sustaining a hamstring injury on his debut. The
23-year-old forward, who joined West Ham on loan last week has been ruled
out for around six weeks after the extent of the damage to his hamstring was
revealed in tests. Carroll, who was due to join up with England yesterday
was injured after jumping for a header with Fulham's Brede Hangeland during
the second half of Saturday's 3-0 win over Fulham. It was initially hoped
that the damage to his thigh was minor - but KUMB understands this morning
that the club's worst fears have since been realised.
Meanwhile, the club's co-owner David Gold has responded to the confusion
regarding Carroll's contract situation - by muddying the waters even more.
Both West Ham and Liverpool reported on their respective websites last week
that the deal was a season-long loan. However Reds manager Brendan Rodgers,
speaking after his team's 2-0 home defeat against Arsenal on Sunday told the
BBC that he had the option to recall Carroll in January, should he so
desire. Having been bombarded by Tweets from supporters in the past 48 hours
David Gold finally responded to calls for clarification this morning - but
failed to give a definitive answer. "The exact terms of Andy Carroll's
year-long loan deal is subject to a confidentially agreement," he said, "but
we are hopeful he will be with us the whole season."

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Hammers want Carroll stay
Gold optimistic striker will not be recalled to Anfield
Last Updated: September 4, 2012 1:17pm
SSN

Liverpool are believed to have the option to recall Andy Carroll in January
but West Ham United are hopeful of keeping the England international until
the end of the campaign. The 23-year-old striker last week moved to Upton
Park on a season-long loan deal after Brendan Rodgers seemingly decided he
did not fit into his plans at Anfield. But Liverpool's striker crisis, which
has come as a result of a failure to sign anyone on transfer deadline, has
led to reports they will want Carroll back in the New Year. It is understood
the loan of the £35million January 2011 signing from Newcastle can be
cancelled, however, West Ham are optimistic that will not be the case.

Owen is an option

West Ham co-chairman David Gold said on Twitter: "The exact terms of
Carroll's year-long loan deal are subject to a confidentiality agreement but
we are hopeful he will be with us the whole season." With Carroll, who
injured his hamstring on his West Ham debut, gone until at least January and
no replacement signed before the transfer deadline passed, Rodgers has been
linked with a host of free agents. Although a move for former Anfield hero
Michael Owen now appears to be a non-starter, rumours still persist the
likes of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka could return to the Premier
League.

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Are the Hammers Closing in on the Bosman Signing of John Mensah?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die

Reports today suggest that West Ham are leading the chase to sign the
ex-Sunderland free agent, John Mensah. The Ghanan international centre-back
was released a year early from his 5 year contract with Lyons. As a free
agent, Mensah can move after the closure of the transfer window and it is
alleged that a number of other English clubs are interested. However, the
rumours on the football grape vine suggest that John Mensah, himself, is
keen to join West Ham. Obviously, 'money talks' and he could get a better
offer, but that should give us an advantage over our rivals for his
signarure.

Mensah is a hugely experienced centre-back and was did well in his previous
loan stints at Sunderland. Unfortunately, his more recent time in French
football has seen him suffer a succession of niggling injuries. The word is
that John Mensah is fit and keen to return to the PL. If so, he would be a
very good Bosman signing and, at only 29 years of age, he should be at his
peak as an experienced centre-back. Mensah, along with James Collins, will
bring substantial experience to the Hammers central defence and supplement
the more youthful ability of Tomkins and Reid. Taken together, the four
centre-backs will bring solid defensive experience and ability to the squad.

Some fans, however, will question whether we have the same type of cover in
the full-back positions? Sam Allardyce obviously feels that Demel, O'Brien
and Spence, at right-back, and McCartney, Taylor and Potts, at left-back,
provides us with sufficient quality and strength-in-depth. And with Driver
and Faminio emerging from the development squad, there is an argument that
we have enough there. Others will point to the relative lack of pace in our
first choice full-backs, McCartney, Demel and O'Brien, together with their
recent injury problems. Prior to the season commencing there were dark fan
predictions that Demel and McCartney would get run ragged by the classy and
pacy wide men in the PL. While acknowledging that is still a distinct
possibility, I also feel that that under-estimates their ability, positional
sense and experience. Personally, I think I would have gone with McCartney,
Potts and Taylor at left-back, but would have recruited another good,
promising right-back like Nathan Clyne from Palace or Chris Solly from
Charlton. That would naturally would have depended upon the state of
readiness of Jordan Spence to step up at right-back, when needed. Although
it is not yet clear whether Spence's best position is right-back or
centre-back, the probability is that his best chance of first team football
this season is currently at right full-back.

Is John Mensah a good potential Bosman signing? With his addition, would we
be far stronger at centre-back than full-back and coud this make us
vulnerable against the best quality PL wide men? Or do we have sufficient
quality and cover at full-back and might the general set up of the team by
Allardyce provide them with cover against the best wingers?

SJ. Chandos.

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No returns: Hammers want to keep Carroll for season despite Anfield striker
crisis
The Mirror

West Ham have made it clear they want to keep on-loan striker Andy Carroll
for the whole season although his parent club Liverpool are believed to have
an option to recall him in January. The 23-year-old England international
moved to Upton Park on a season-long loan deal last week. Liverpool paid
£35million for Carroll in January 2011 but the former Newcastle forward
struggled for form at Anfield. He has now moved to West Ham and impressed on
his debut against Fulham on Saturday before suffering a hamstring injury.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers had hoped to sign a new forward before the
transfer window closed but no deals materialised, sparking suggestions he
could be forced to recall Carroll. It is understood Liverpool can cancel the
loan agreement in January but West Ham co-owner David Gold took to Twitter
to say he wants Carroll to stay for the entire campaign. His Tweet read:
"The exact terms of Carroll's year-long loan deal are subject to a
confidentiality agreement but we are hopeful he will be with us the whole
season."

With Carroll gone until at least the new year and no replacement signed
before the transfer deadline passed, Rodgers has been linked with a host of
free agents to fill the void left by Carroll's departure. Although a move
for former Anfield hero Michael Owen now appears to be a non-starter - with
a deal at Stoke imminent - rumours still persist that the likes of Didier
Drogba and Nicolas Anelka could return to the Premier League.

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West Ham's 25-man Premier League squad: Find out who's in... and who's out
The Mirror

These are the players you'll be cheering on over the coming months...
Premier League clubs are naming their 25-man squads for league games up to
January 1. Only players over the age of 21 count (clubs can use as many
players under that age as the like). Clubs also have to name at least eight
homegrown players (ie one who has been registered with an English or Welsh
club for at least three years prior to them turning 21).

The names on the squad list (excluding U-21s) are as follows:

Yossi Benayoun
Andy Carroll
Carlton Cole
James Collins
Jack Collison
Guy Demel
Mohamed Diame
Alou Diarra
Stephen Henderson
Juusi Jaaskelainen
Matt Jarvis
Modibo Maiga
George McCartney
Mark Noble
Kevin Nolan
Joey O'Brien
Gary O'Neil
Winston Reid
Matt Taylor
James Tomkins
Ricardo Vaz Te

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CRAIG GORDON TARGET FOR ASTON VILLA, CELTIC, WEST HAM AND UDINESE
Wednesday September 5,2012
By Daily Express Reporter

GOALKEEPER Craig Gordon is a target for Aston Villa, Celtic, West Ham and
Italian club Udinese. Sunderland broke the British record for the highest
fee for a keeper in 2007 when former boss Roy Keane paid Hearts £9million
for the Scotland international. But Gordon made just 95 appearances in five
years at the Stadium of Light due to a succession of injuries and is now a
free agent.

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