Daily WHUFC News - 8th MAy 2013

Hammers pay tribute to Mitchell Cole
WHUFC.com
Six West Ham United players honoured the memory of the late Mitchell Cole at
a special Benefit Match
07.05.2013

Six West Ham United players joined thousands in honouring the memory of the
late Mitchell Cole at a special Benefit Match at Stevenage on Tuesday.
Hammers Academy graduate Cole passed away in December 2012 of the heart
condition hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. He was just 27. The late winger's
brother-in-law Joe Cole played a central role in organising the Benefit
Match at Mitchell's old club Stevenage FC between a Boro XI and a Cole XI.
Mark Noble, Matt Jarvis, Kevin Nolan, James Collins and Andy Carroll were
all on target during an entertaining first half that saw the Cole XI -
captained by the Hammers midfielder - recover from a goal down to take a 6-2
half-time lead. The game finished 7-4. Cole said Mitchell would have been
proud of the send-off he received and also thanked the players and
supporters who turned out in his memory. "I would like to thank all the fans
who turned up, my team-mates and everyone at Stevenage Football Club," said
the No26. "The guys who came tonight are all big names. It is a long season
and I cannot thank the lads enough.
"It was a good send-off for Mitchell and we raised a lot of money for
charity, which is the main thing. We all had a good night. I didn't manage
to score but I will save that for the weekend!"

Cole said his brother-in-law was a fine player and that it was only his
health issues that prevented him from being a Premier League star. "I think
Mitchell's ability was unquestioned. He was diagnosed with a heart condition
at the age of 15 so it affected him from a young age. If he hadn't of had
it, he would have been a top Premier League player. "Anyone who worked with
him will tell you he had a great left foot. He had a decent career in the
lower leagues but he was doing it in second gear because he couldn't push
his body as much as he wanted to. "Technically, he had a great left foot, he
was quick and he really was talented. The condition, affected him but he had
a good career, he was a good family man and a great fella. "We all loved him
and it was great to see such a send-off for him."

In a fitting tribute to Cole, 2,306 fans watched a thrilling, light-hearted
match that featured many of his former team-mates from Stevenage, Grays
Athletic, Southend United, Northampton Town and Oxford United - as well as
Hammers stars Kevin Nolan, James Collins, Mark Noble, Matt Jarvis and Andy
Carroll.
All proceeds from an enjoyable yet poignant evening will be split between
the Cole family and its chosen charity, The Cardiomyopathy Association.
After a minute's applause accompanied by a chorus of 'Mitchell Cole' to the
tune of Spandau Ballet's 'Gold', the game began in exciting fashion. Carroll
- playing up front alongside new partner Collins - had already shot narrowly
wide before former Stevenage striker Chris Beardsley tapped the Boro XI in
front on five minutes. The Hammers contingent then took centre-stage. Cole
hit the inside of the post, Carroll saw his header blocked and Collins
blasted out of the stadium before the makeshift striker's header down was
tapped in by Noble on 15 minutes. The goals continued to flow as Jarvis and
Nolan both produced outstanding first-time finishes before Charlton Athletic
midfielder Lawrie Wilson pulled a goal back for the Boro XI amid applause to
mark the No21 shirt worn by Cole.
On 24 minutes, it was 4-2 when Carroll whipped in a left-wing cross for
Collins to volley home superbly before Jarvis got his second six minutes
before half-time, rounding goalkeeper Ashley Bayes and slotting into the
unguarded net. Carroll became the fifth Hammer to hit the target two minutes
before the break, slotting home after Bayes had parried Collins' first-time
shot - a goal that led to chants of 'Sign him up!' from the Stevenage fans.
As agreed, the six West Ham players took their leave at half-time, but the
goals kept coming after the break, with former Fulham striker Barry Hayles
among the scorers as the Cole XI ran out 7-4 winners on an emotional and
memorable evening for everyone concerned.

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West Ham United and adidas
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have agreed a lucrative commercial partnership with global
sportswear giant adidas
07.05.2013

West Ham United and adidas are delighted to announce a lucrative commercial
partnership which sees the global sportswear giant become the Club's
Official Technical Supplier from 1 June 2013. The agreement will see adidas
produce the Hammers' team kit, replica kit, trainingwear and equipment for
the 2013/14 and 2014/15 seasons and will feature adidas performance fabrics
ClimaCool and ClimaLite technology, a mixture of heat and moisture
controlling materials, ventilation channels and 3D fabrics which improve air
flow to the skin and in key heat zones. The Hammers have enjoyed a rich
history with the world-famous sports brand and wore the company's strips for
their best-ever league finish of third in 1986 and in the 1981 League Cup
final. Indeed, some of the most legendary players ever to pull on the claret
and blue did so in an adidas kit, including Billy Bonds MBE, Sir Trevor
Brooking and Tony Cottee, and now many more stories are set to be told with
the Club now clad in the famous three stripes again.

The choice of adidas also reflects the suggestions made by the Club's
Supporter Advisory Board in discussions held about the Hammers' choice of
technical partner. West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "We are
delighted to team up with adidas at such an exciting time in the Club's
history. They are an ideal partner due to their proven technical experience,
innovation in product design and renowned quality of sportswear. "The
agreement with a world-famous sports brand provider is another signifier of
our Club's growing global standing. adidas is a brand that West Ham United
have a proud association with and we are looking forward to creating many
more glorious memories playing in the famous three stripes. "As our detailed
independent Olympic Stadium supporter consultation showed, we always listen
to our supporters' opinions and I am pleased we have been able to act on
their wants by reuniting us with adidas."

Steve Holland, Senior Manager - Commercial Clubs at adidas, said: "To
partner with West Ham United again, considering there has been such an
iconic past relationship, meant that there was genuine excitement from both
parties as we agreed the deal. adidas is confident the Hammers fans will
truly appreciate the quality and design of the new kits and extended ranges
and we wish the club every continued success on pitch for the coming
seasons."

West Ham's Technical Partner for the past three years has been Macron. The
Italian sportswear company's CEO Gianluca Pavanello said the two would part
on amicable terms. "adidas will take over from Macron as the club's official
technical partner," said Pavanello "We would very much like to thank West
Ham United FC, as we have very much enjoyed a great relationship with the
West Ham family over these past three years, where we feel both brands have
received international exposure. "We very much enjoyed producing each
season's bespoke kit and to everyone at the club with whom we have had the
privilege of working. We wish them every success for the future."

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Diame wins Goal of the Month
WHUFC.com
Senegal midfielder wins award for cracker against Manchester United
07.05.2013

Mohamed Diame's cracker against Manchester United has won the West Ham
United Goal of the Month prize for April. Diame struck to put the Hammers
2-1 up in a pulsating game that would eventually end all-square at 2-2 and
his goal took the honours in a vote on the Club's Official Facebook Page.
The Senegal international's goal polled an overwhelming 72% of the vote,
comfortably beating Kevin Nolan's strike against Wigan Athletic (18%) into
second. Diame's third of the season was a truly memorable one, collecting
possession from Guy Demel before losing Wayne Rooney with a deft drop of the
shoulder and cracking a curling left-footed shot beyond David de Gea's dive
and into the bottom left corner.

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Hammers edged out by Baggies
WHUFC.com
A first-half free-kick proved the difference as the Hammers lost out at West
Bromwich Albion
07.05.2013

West Ham United's Development Squad succumbed to a slender 1-0 defeat at
West Bromwich Albion's training ground, rounding off their Barclays Under-21
Premier League campaign. The game's only goal arrived deep into first-half
stoppage time, as Adil Nabi's free-kick took a wicked deflection on its way
past the stranded Jake Larkins. Thereafter Shane Lewis pulled of a stunning
stop to foil Elliot Lee, while the crossbar then denied him once more to
preserve the hosts' narrow advantage. It was rough justice on Nick Haycock's
men who were, in the end, good value for a point at the very least and will
count themselves mightily unlucky to end the Elite Group stage down in
sixth. The Hammers might not have begun the afternoon in particularly fluent
fashion, but it was they who created an early chance, as Lee's angled drive
forced Lewis to parry into the six-yard box, though Paul McCallum was unable
to bundle home. Centre-forward McCallum then went close again after 17
minutes, spinning on the edge of box, before watching his drive whistle past
the far post. With both sides trading blows, the game ground to an
unfortunate halt just before the half-hour mark, as the returning Matthias
Fanimo fell to earth after a collision with Tom Smart. The West Ham winger
would subsequently depart the scene on a stretcher, to be replaced by Sean
Maguire. Meanwhile, Adil Nabi began to influence proceedings, thudding a
long-range drive against the bar. And it was he who would break the
deadlock, albeit in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time.
Nathan Mavila saw his attempted cross charged down, prompting a swift break
down the Hammers' left. The Baggies tore forward and were rewarded with a
free-kick on the edge of the box. Nabi took charge and was soon celebrating
as his set piece ricocheted off Spence before nestling in the back of the
visitors' net.

In reply, West Ham were inches away from levelling matters five minutes
after the resumption, when McCallum was desperately close to applying a
telling touch to Kieran Bywater's centre. Elsewhere, George Moncur teed up
Robert Hall with a quick free-kick, but his shot flashed across the face of
the goal, after Pelly Ruddock's curled effort had also drifted beyond the
far stick. Step forward Elliot Lee, who on another day might well have won
the game for his side, let alone drawn it. He firstly drew a brilliant
finger-tip stop from Lewis with a thumping drive from distance, before his
expertly struck free-kick cannoned back of the crossbar. After a late
penalty shout for handball had come and gone, the Baggies were able to cling
onto the three points, a win to avenge a 2-0 reverse at Rush Green earlier
in the Elite Group. Recent disappointments aside, West Ham's second string
can now reflect on a job well done, having topped Group One prior to
Christmas, as well as playing a full part in a wholly competitive Elite
Group with the youngest team on show.

West Ham United: Larkins, Driver, Mavila, Bywater, Ruddock, Spence, Hall,
Moncur, McCallum (Miles 71), Lee, Fanimo (Maguire 30).
Subs: Nemrava, Miles, Sadlier, Burke.

West Bromwich Albion: Lewis, Atkinson, Smart, O'Neil, Daniels, Gayle, Birch,
Brown (N'Kumu 71), Sawyers, A Nabi, S Nabi.
Subs: Pace, Rose, Jones, Molyneux

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Ladies come unstuck at Lewes
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Ladies suffered a 3-0 defeat at Lewes on Sunday
07.05.2013

West Ham United Ladies' wait for a win goes on after they were defeated 3-0
by Lewes in the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division on Sunday.
The Hammers have not tasted victory since their win over Lewes in the
reverse fixture in early March, and there was to be no repeat as the Sussex
side ran out comfortable winners. For Lewes, the three-point haul was their
fourth in succession and moved them up above the Hammers and into fifth
place in the table.. Andriea Veiga's powerful drive put the Rookettes 1-0
up, before Tash Wells headed home to double their lead by half time. Kelly
Newton's header in the closing stages completed the scoring and left the
visitors well beaten. West Ham's season concludes this coming Sunday with a
trip to title-chasing Reading.

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U18s: Albion 1-0 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th May 2013
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's under 18s ended their season in disappointing fashion by
going down 1-0 against bottom club West Bromwich Albion this afternoon.
The hosts scored the only goal of the game - a deflected free kick by Adil
Nabi - in the FIFTH minute of added-on time at the end of the first half to
record only their second win of the (14-match) league campaign. As well as
falling to defeat at Albion's training ground, West Ham also lost
19-year-old Matthias Fanimo to a nasty injury, with the midfielder being
stretchered off towards the end of the first half. The reversal means West
Ham's youngsters end the Elite Group phase in a disappointing sixth place,
ahead of only Wolves and today's opponents. You may see the current league
table here.

West Ham Utd: Larkins, Driver, Mavila, Bywater, Ruddock, Spence, Hall,
Moncur, McCallum (Sadlier 71), Lee, Fanimo (Maguire 32).

Subs Not Used: Nemrava, Miles, Burke.

West Bromwich Albion: Lewis, Atkinson, Smart, O'Neil, Daniels, Gayle, Birch,
Brown (N'Kumu 71), Sawyers, A Nabi, S Nabi.

Subs Not Used: Rose, Pace, Jones, N'Kumu, Molyneux.

Goals: Nabi (45+5).

Referee: Martin Dexter.

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West Ham announce Adidas partnership
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th May 2013
By: Staff Writer

One of West Ham's worst-kept secrets was finally revealed today when the
club announced they would be teaming up with shirt sponsor Adidas from this
summer. The iconic German brand will replace existing Italian kit
manufacturer Macron, with West Ham set to wear Adidas shirts for the next
three seasons. In addition to supplying kit, the sportswear company will
provide a range of training wear and equipment. West Ham vice-chair Karren
Brady, speaking via whufc.com, said this morning: "We are delighted to team
up with Adidas at such an exciting time in the Club's history. They are an
ideal partner due to their proven technical experience, innovation in
product design and renowned quality of sportswear. "The agreement with a
world-famous sports brand provider is another signifier of our Club's
growing global standing. Adidas is a brand that West Ham United have a proud
association with and we are looking forward to creating many more glorious
memories playing in the famous three stripes."

News of West Ham's (re)association with the company that was set up by
Bavarian Adolf 'Adi' Dassler in 1948 has received a positive welcome from
supporters, many of whom associate the brand with the promotion-winning West
Ham side of the early 1980s. Considered by many to be the finest West Ham
kit ever made, Adidas' 1980 classic - which the Hammers wore for the next
three seasons - is still highly sought after with originals changing hands
for good prices on auction websites.

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Sullivan's big move
Published: 07th May 2013
The Sun

WEST HAM co-owner David Sullivan has revealed they are targeting at least
four summer signings — including a big-time striker. The East London club
have enjoyed a successful first season back in the Premier League and are
challenging for a top-10 finish. And with the Hammers gearing up for a move
to the Olympic Stadium in 2016, they are planning for their top-flight
future. Sullivan said: "Our planning has already started to make sure next
season is even better.
"A crucial factor will be recruiting the right players in the right
positions. "Our aim is to bring in four or five players that will strengthen
the squad and provide manager Sam Allardyce with greater options and
variety. "We want to bring in at least one proven goalscorer to bolster our
attack."

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Wages chop is a Reo-Choker
By MIKE McGRATH
Published: 07th May 2013
The Sun

NIGEL REO-COKER'S amazing drop in wages has been revealed by the MLS — just
six years after he was branded part of the "Baby Bentley" gang. The
midfielder, 28, joined Vancouver Whitecaps in January and their accounts
show his base salary at £130,000 per YEAR. He was on that a MONTH at Aston
Villa after joining from West Ham in 2007. It was at Upton Park where boss
Alan Curbishley lashed out at a "Baby Bentley" culture in which players were
more interested in cars than winning. But money is not the big factor for
some players moving to America now. Tottenham youngster John Bostock, on
loan at Toronto FC, is on just £65,000 a year, while former Wales star Rob
Earnshaw is on £90,000 annually at the same club. Robbie Keane is now the
top MLS earner with £2.6million base a year at LA Galaxy. But his overall
earnings including bonuses are about the same as Thierry Henry at New York
Red Bulls, at £2.8m

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Finnish him? West Ham want Blackburn keeper Jake Kean to compete with ageing
Jussi Jaaskelainen
7 May 2013 22:30
The Mirror

West Ham want to sign Blackburn keeper Jake Kean to boost their
shot-stopping options. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is eying a new keeper to
compete with Jussi Jaaskelainen, who is now 38 years old. The Finnish
veteran has had a decent season and has earned a new one-year deal. But
ex-Ewood Park chief Allardyce knows Kean, 22, is a decent prospect after
being in charge when they snapped him up from Derby in 2009, aged 18. Kean
has since been capped up by England U-20s and made 25 first team starts for
Blackburn. He had a brilliant game in February as Blackburn knocked Arsenal
out of the FA Cup at the Emirates 1-0. He became Rovers' No.1 this term when
Paul Robinson got injured until picking up a knee injury himself last month.
Meanwhile, West Ham are reported to be lining up a move for Stoke beanpole
Peter Crouch.

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