Daily WHUFC News - 22nd July 2014

Mediawatch - 21 July
WHUFC.com
Catch up with the latest West Ham United reports in the news here
21.07.2014

Today's transfer speculation in the media concerns a player who has just
left the Hammers, with Sky Sports reporting that Charlton Athletic are
leading the chase for Stephen Henderson, after the goalkeeper called time on
his West Ham career by mutual agreement on Friday.

The Express again links West Ham with Croatian defender Ivan Strinic, with
the report claiming that a deal will be done within 48 hours after terms
were agreed with his current club Dnipro in Ukraine.

In the same paper, this report iooks at how the Hammers could buck the trend
and make football more affordable for families when they move to the Olympic
Stadium.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail reports that West Ham are fighting hard to keep
youngster Reece Oxford at the Club, in the face of interest from Manchester
United.

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Reid's breakfast TV date
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid dropped in for a breakfast TV appointment on Monday morning
21.07.2014

Winston Reid carried on the feelgood theme to West Ham United's Football
United tour of New Zealand by dropping in for a for a chat on the country's
most popular breakfast programme on Monday. The All Whites captain had an
early start to get to the studios ahead of his 8.15am appearance (9.15pm
Sunday in the UK) on the One News Breakfast sofa. Reid was in a bright and
cheery mood, however, as he explained how excited the squad were to be
visiting his homeland. "If you told me four years ago that this tour would
be happening I probably wouldn't have believed you but things have panned
out pretty well with my team and we're enjoying ourselves here," said the
No2. "For me personally, coning home and seeing my family is good, but we're
in the middle of pre-season so we need to put some hard work into it. It's
also good for New Zealand as a country to be able to come out and see two
quality games. "My team-mates are enjoying it. It's a different culture and
everyone in New Zealand has been friendly and welcoming. We have to put the
hard yards in and we have to do our work down here but we've got time
outside the pitch to enjoy ourselves."

Reid's ankle injury last season not only meant he missed vital games for his
Club but also the opportunity to help his country make it to the 2014 FIFA
World Cup finals in Brazil. The All Whites lost a two-legged Play-Off with
Mexico 9-3 on aggregate last November and the Hammers' No2 is determined to
get over that disappointment by helping his country qualify for Russia 2018.
"The most frustrating part about watching the World Cup over the summer was
thinking back to when I was injured in November and I couldn't be a part of
that. But I watched the World Cup as a fan and I loved every moment. "We
will be looking to qualify for that World Cup in 2018 but we've got a lot of
hard work ahead of us."

The central defender capped off a busy morning by inviting children from his
old school to join in a special coaching session after training. A group of
youngsters from Milford School had a great kickabout on the pitch at the
North Harbour Stadium, and Reid said it was important to offer something in
return for the hospitality the squad have been afforded thus far. "It's
about reaching out to the public and trying to give something back to the
kids and trying to encourage them."

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Hammers launch goalkeeper bid
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 21st July 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United are keen on signing Southend United's highly-rated young
goalkeeper Daniel Bentley. Basildon-born Bentley is considered to be one of
the hottest prospects in the lower leagues and KUMB has learned that West
Ham have approached the Shrimpers with view to signing the 21-year-old
goalkeeper on a permanent basis. The 6ft 4in stopper has been strongly
linked with Leeds United in recent months but West Ham are understood to
have made contact over the weekend, having parted company with previous
third-choice 'keeper Stephen Henderson who signed a three-year contract with
Charlton Athletic earlier today. Bentley made his first team debut for
Southend in 2011 but had to wait until the following season before becoming
a first team regular. Last season he made 53 appearances for the Blues,
keeping an impressive 19 clean sheets.

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Gold: the spending's (nearly) over
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 21st July 2014
By: Staff Writer

Co-owner David Gold has told supporters that West Ham are unlikely to spend
any more money on transfer fees this summer. Gold, quizzed by supporters on
Twitter this morning over the potential for further arrivals at the club
admitted that he and co-owner David Sullivan were unlikely to sanction any
more moves for players commanding a transfer fee before the end of the
summer transfer window. However that doesn't mean that fans should expect no
more new faces, with Gold informing one fan this morning that any new
signings are likely to be "loans or loans with a view to buy."

The 77-year-old Chairman also revealed that the club are expecting a final
decision regarding the work permit application for £12million forward Enner
Valencia "within the next 10 days".

West Ham have committed to circa £23million in transfer fees this summer,
with Aaron Cresswell (£4m), Cheikhou Kouyate (£7m) and Enner Valencia (£12m)
all requiring sizeable investment. Gold is currently in New Zealand with the
first team squad, who are preparing for their first fixture of the Football
United tour, which takes place against Wellington Phoenix this Wednesday.

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Reid wants a good start
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 21st July 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham arrived in New Zealand over the weekend in preparation for the
Football United tour, in which Sam Allardyce's side will face Wellington
Phoenix and Sydney FC later this week. And naturally perhaps, New Zealander
Reid is the man everyone wants to speak to (despite he and his family having
left the country when he was just 10 years old). This morning the central
defender appeared on the country's One News breakfast show to speak about
the tour, which also involves fellow Premier League side Newcastle United.
"First and foremost we are in pre-season and we have to put the high yards
in and we have to do our work down here," he said. "But we've got time
outside the pitch to enjoy ourselves as well. "They [the players] are
enjoying themselves. It's a different culture and everyone in New Zealanad
has been friendly and welcoming."

With view to the forthcoming 2014/15 Premier League campaign, he added: "We
finished 13th last season and tenth the year before than, so we want to
improve on that. But, the league is tough there. We'll try and get off to a
good start and see how it goes. However One News anchor Rawdon Christie
failed to ask Reid the one question most Hammers wanted answered - that
being, "will you sign a new contract at West Ham?" West Ham face Wellington
Phoenix on Wednesday in their first fixture of the Football United tour.
Full details of how you may watch the match live will follow on KUMB soon.

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New deal for Hendo
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 21st July 2014
By: Staff Writer

Stephen Henderson has signed for Charlton Athletic after being released by
West Ham. The 26-year-old goalkeeper has signed a three year contract with
the Addicks - just 72 hours after West Ham confirmed that he was being
released, after the two parties reached a mutual agreement over the
termination of his contract. "I'm very excited and can't wait to get
started," Henderson told Charlton's website. "I'm delighted to get it done.
It was a pretty sharp move and I'm very happy to be here." The Hammers
confirmed Henderson's departure on Friday with a brief statement, which read
simply: "West Ham United can confirm that the Club and Stephen Henderson
have reached a mutual agreement to terminate the goalkeeper's contract and
registration with immediate effect." Henderson becomes the Championship
club's eighth signing of pre-season - one of which was another former
Hammer, 32-year-old Israeli defender Tal Ben Haim. He made just two starts
for West Ham in his two years at the club. Fellow Championship clubs
Blackburn Rovers and Ipswich Town were also reported to be interested in
signing the Dublin-born stopper.

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West Ham's Andy Carroll tipped to come good by David Sullivan
Last Updated: 21/07/14 10:12am
SSN

West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan says he is glad that Andy Carroll
has not been playing for England this summer as it means he will be in
better shape to show his true form this season. Carroll was sidelined with
an injury for the first half of last term and did not return to action until
January. He played well at times for West Ham after his comeback but managed
just two goals in 16 appearances and Sullivan thinks he can have few
complaints about being left out of Roy Hodgson's World Cup squad. Sullivan
reckons it will be a different story this season, though, and has backed
Carroll to make a big impact in the Premier League if he can stay fit. "Andy
will come good. He didn't have a pre-season last year," Sullivan told the
Daily Mirror. "He never really got his act together because of that and I
think you'll see a much better player next season. "It was a fair decision
to leave Carroll out of the England squad based on what he did last season.
"He didn't do enough when he came back. There were a few games he was
devastating in. Against Swansea he set up both of Kevin Nolan's goals. But
he knows he didn't do enough to play for England. "And I'm glad he is not
playing for England. I don't want him arriving three weeks late because he
has been in Rio all summer. But his time will come."

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NEW ZEALAND REPORT: A GOOD DAY SPOILT BY RAIN
By Iain Dale 21 Jul 2014 at 12:45
West Ham Till I Die

Guest Post by Kiwi Hammer

Today was my first experience of a West Ham training session and apart from
Auckland's fickle weather that completely ruined it for my girls, it was a
"good watch". Overcast and cold, the players emerged from the tunnel adormed
with beanies and as much clothing as movement would allow. Winston was one
of the few to show any skin at all ….. a couple of inches between the bottom
of his shorts and top of his socks ….. think being a Kiwi he felt obliged!

A light jog, some stretches and then a decent warmup and, well, that was
Andy Carroll's day done! No sign of injury but clearly no intention of
training either!

The players then split into groups at either end of the pitch, the first
running a drill with 5 attacking players working against the centre backs
(Ginge & Winston) and a keeper the other 6 attacking players against a
keeper, back 4 and a holding midfielder. The players rotated between the 2
different drills. Looked to be a pretty decent tempo and both very much
looking to utilise wide players delivering from wide positions. The new boys
were tidy on the ball and appeared eager to impress.

Training finished with a full field 11 v 11 ….. Adrian, Reid, Ginge
Cresswell, an academy player at right back, Nobes, Diame, Kouyate, Jarvis,
Zarate in the middle Cole up front making up one team. No goals were scored,
nor many shots on target but controversially (I kid you not) Big Sam awared
a penalty against Ginge which Adrian saved brilliantly to his left off Vaz
Te. Fair to say Ginge was furious and Nobes and Reid very vocal in their
disagreement with Sam's call!

All was being overseen by Mr Gold who sat with the fans in the stands and
was very approachable. Sadly the "occasion" was ruined by heavy rain. A
deluge 15 minutes from the end of training meant the players understandably
didnt hang around after, rushing to the changing rooms to get dry and warm
and then after a few had returned another heavy shower sent them packing and
onto the bus back to the Hotel. Very disappointing for the many kids that
were there but equally understandable so no complaints.

So somewhat bizarrely the two photos I got of the girls were with Sam and
David Gold ….. at least they knew who both were. I dare say they would have
been the only children there that did. A number of the players did return
and have a kick around in some children's games …. But due to the rain there
was no chance for photos or autographs.

Training again tomorrow …. can't sneak the girls off school again but will
head along myself and see if the drills and combinations change.

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ANDY CARROLL IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE
By Sean Whetstone 21 Jul 2014 at 08:37
West Ham Till I Die

The ridiculous story in the Sunday People that Newcastle are preparing a bid
for Andy Carroll doesn't make sense on so many levels. It started as a
rumour on social media with an alleged text from a Newcastle lawyer
displayed on twitter talking about £10.5m bid. This seems to have been
exaggerated by the time it made the tabloid press.

These are my reasons why Andy Carroll is going nowhere!

1) Mike Ashley has set a wage cap of £60,000 per week so I would surprised
if they are prepared to break this salary cap or Andy to take a drop in
wages.

2) Newcastle have spent the majority of their transfer budget this summer so
I can't see Mike Ashley funding another £15m plus.

3) Andy Carroll has just bought a new house in Chigwell with his Essex
girlfriend Billi Mucklow.

4) He wouldn't want to leave his best mate Kevin Nolan behind unless he came
back to Newcastle too.

5) The deal won't happen until Mark Curtis wants it to happen.

6) The board have no intention of selling him, especially on the cheap as
Newcastle would want.

David Gold was asked by a Newcastle fan in New Zealand over the weekend
about the rumour and whether we would sell Carroll. Gold laughed and
answered: "£100m wouldn't be enough!"

Love him or loathe him Andy Carroll is here to stay for now.

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DG: "We're not done yet"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

David Gold insists that the Hammers aren't yet finished in the transfer
market as the club continues with one of its busiest summers of recent
years. DG and co owner David Sullivan have said since the start of the
summer that the plan this year is to put the pressure on all positions. And
he told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "Nothing has changed – everybody is
working very hard to bring in more players. "The main objective was always
another striker and we have pushed the boat out for Enner Valencia so there
can be no complaints on that score. "The other three signings have also been
very good but we would hope that more are on the way. "The plan this summer
was always to carry as many positions as possible but we have also managed a
marquee signing along the way so no complaints so far." Indeed not, for a
ClaretandHugh exclsuive poll last week showed that over 90 per cent of those
who voted are more than content with what they have seen." Gold said that
with the main signings on board the remainder would be loans and cheaper
options – as revealed by ClaretandHugh.
Currently on tour with the Hammers squad in New Zealand Gold has been
tweeting regularly but added in an exclusive interview with us said: "I
believe we have had a very good summer window. "We are starting to see a
squad develop with real depth but there's still a way to go. We aren't done
yet!" The work permit hearing for Valencia will be held when the squad
return from New Zealand with Sam Allardyce pleadting the club's case.

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Carroll trains …for just five minutes!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

The absence of our record signing and top earner Andy Carroll from the first
two pre-season friendlies has not gone unnoticed by Hammers fans. Although
the the 25 year striker took part in the training camp at Evian, rumours
persist about his general fitness levels and a possible return of an
injury. West Ham's official twitter has made a point to publish photos of
Andy Carroll together with his mate Kevin Nolan boarding the flight at
Heathrow airport last Thursday suggesting he will take part in the pre
season friendlies in New Zealand. However, Hammers fans out in New Zealand
have raised alarm bells by saying Andy Carroll could manage just five
minutes of training at the open training session today at North Harbour
Stadium, Auckland before returning down the tunnel.
If his lack of fitness and/or injury is true lets hope he gets fit very soon
in the run up to the start of our season to repay some of the £15m record
transfer fee and £4m in wages he has earned since becoming a permanent West
Ham player. At 2 goals from 15 appearances last season that is £9.5m per
goal so far or £1.2m per appearance.

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Will West Ham's new £12m signing make or break Andy Carroll?
Vincent Ralph
HITC

Following West Ham United's £12million move for Ecuador striker Enner
Valencia, the name of Andy Carroll was consistently mentioned when
discussing the new arrival. Some said the Hammers' latest transfer would be
the wake-up call Carroll needed to show what he can do consistently at the
club. While others said Valencia's presence meant the former Newcastle
United man was surplus to requirements. Indeed, the Magpies were even linked
with a move to bring Carroll back to St James' Park; something that has
since been dismissed by the Chronicle, which claimed the player is settled
in London. If that is indeed the case, will Valencia's arrival prompt the
England international into action, or see him used more as an impact
substitute come the new campaign? Carroll himself has said that he wants to
use this summer to ensure his woes of last season are not repeated. "It's a
very important pre-season for me after I had a very bad season last year
with injuries," he said. "It's important I stay fit and do everything right
with the medical staff." But even when fit, he has still fallen short of the
performances he showed to great effect at Newcastle. SEE ALSO: 41 goals, 23
assists, one title: What West Ham bought for £12m With just nine goals in 40
appearances for West Ham, it is no surprise some fans are questioning just
how much he will be used now Valencia has arrived; especially when you
consider the Ecuador international scored 18 times in just 23 appearances
for Pachuca last season. So what is it to be? Will Carroll and Valencia
ultimately form an effective partnership for the Hammers, or will the former
be relegated to a bit-part role at best come August?

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Croatia defender Ivan Strinic 'set for West Ham United medical' after
agreeing personal terms
Monday 21 Jul 2014 3:59 pm
Metro.co.uk

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is looking to continue his summer spending with
the signing of Croatian international defender Ivan Strinic from Dnipro
Dnipropetrovsk, according to reports from Croatia. Strinic will be the
Hammers' sixth summer signing, alongside Mauro Zarate, Cheikhou Kouyate,
Aaron Cresswell, Diego Poyet and Enner Valencia (pending a successful work
permit hearing), and will compete with Aaron Cresswell for the left-back
spot in the starting line up. The online edition of Croatian newspaper
Vecernji List are claiming that the 27-year-old defender expected in London
to undergo a medical with West Ham, having already agreed personal terms,
with the £4m signing to be announced in the next 48 hours. Capped 32 times
by his national side, Strinic brings experience on both the European and
International stage with Dnipro and Croatia respectively, which will not
only give the recently signed Cresswell some stiff competition, but also
give him some tutelage at the position. Sky Sports had claimed several days
ago that West Ham's pursuit of Strinic was getting ever closer, and it now
seems the Croat will be the latest addition at Upton Park. Should this deal
fall through, and you never know with West Ham, other targets have been
reportedly lined up for a similar fee. The Daily Star are reporting that
Malaga left-back Vitorino Antunes is also on the Hammers' radar, with a loan
move for the Portuguese defender being considered with a view to a £4m
permanent transfer next summer.

Depth has been the buzzword for West Ham's summer thus far. With a host of
squad players such as Jack Collison, Joe Cole, George McCartney and Alou
Diarra as well as the trio of Serie A loanees – Pablo Armero, Antonio
Nocerino and Marco Borriello all departing the club this summer, West Ham
are in need of depth across the board. Having made a big splash this summer
on marquee signings Valencia and Kouyate, the ideal way to fill out the rest
of the squad is through low-cost deals or loan signings, stop gaps until the
next window when funding is there. With Allardyce still looking for a
winger, central midfielder, left-back and left-sided centre back this
summer, it's logical to believe that a number of these positions will be
filled by loan signings. One of them loan signings could well be Inter Milan
midfielder Saphir Taider. The 22-year old Algerian is looking to leave Italy
to play in the Premier League, and it's believed that talks over a
season-long loan move are at an advanced stage. The Hammers have also been
linked with loan swoops for Manchester United duo Wilfried Zaha and Ashley
Young, although, Premier League loan restrictions mean they can only sign
one of these wingers on loan.

With the bulk of our spending done for the window, expect a flurry of loan
signings to end the summer on a high.

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Manchester United Target West Ham Teenage Wonderkid Reece Oxford
Lewis Dean By Lewis Dean
July 21, 2014 14:09 BST
IBTimes.co.uk

Manchester United have entered the race to sign West Ham wonderkid Reece
Oxford as the Hammers look to tie down the prospect to a long-term deal.
West Ham want 15-year-old Oxford to commit his long-term future to the east
London club and could promote him from the youth ranks to keep the defender
happy while staving off interest from United, Chelsea and Arsenal. United
are thought to be leading the chase to capture Oxford should he decide to
leave Upton Park but the England Under-16 international is expected to be
offered the privilege of training with the club's first-team more regularly,
Co-owner David Sullivan has spoken of the club's desire to keep Oxford on
its books and condemned England's top teams for continually poaching the
lesser clubs' best talent, reported the Daily Mail. "It almost makes you
give up on having an academy if they can come in and nick your best
15-year-old. What's the point?," Sullivan said.
Oxford recently featured in a West Ham development squad's 0-0 draw with
Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk and is expected to feature again when
the side plays semi-pro outfit Sutton United.

'Next Bale'

The news of United's pursuit of Oxford comes as the Old Trafford club gives
a trial to 16-year-old wideman Oscar Borg, touted as the 'next Gareth Bale'.
United would have to part with £220,000 for the teenager, who the Express
reports is nicknamed "Gareth" by West Ham coaches for his similar style of
play to the Real Madrid star. United's interest could push West Ham into
signing the teenager on a contract to avoid him leaving the club for free.

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