Daily WHUFC News - 30th May 2015

From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com

Normally the end of the season offers a few days to relax and recharge the batteries before thoughts turn to the following campaign.

This year, however, things couldn't be more different. Our decision to part ways with Sam has meant that we now have the huge, but incredibly exciting, challenge of appointing a new man to take us into the final season at the Boleyn Ground and into the new Stadium.

I should add here that our parting with Sam was one of the most amicable I've had in football. I had a good chat with him on the phone last Saturday and we thanked each other for the work we've done together and the progress we've seen at the Club over the past four years. I am sure it won't be too long before we see Sam back in the Premier League and we wish him all the best, except when he's facing West Ham of course!

So back to looking at the future, I am dedicating every waking minute to recruiting the best available manager to drive our Club forwards. It is a constantly changing landscape but we are being absolutely thorough in our search, by speaking to representatives of a number of managers and doing our own due diligence on each one.

Given that, I am not expecting us to make an appointment for at least a week as we must do everything we can to get this appointment right.

What is clear from our discussions so far is that this job is attracting names it wouldn't have done five years ago. When you combine our move to one of the best stadiums in Europe in 16 months' time with the Board's ambitious vision and significant transfer budget you have an extremely exciting prospect for the right man.

In addition, I continue to work with our player recruitment team to identify players to improve the squad. We hope to announce our first signing in the next 24 hours and follow that up with a big name in the next two-three weeks. We will bring you any news of new signings on whufc.com first so please do keep checking back here to find out first.

So in summary, I want to appoint a manager you all feel excited by and one that will honour the Club's traditions and history. With your support, an ambitious managerand the Board's drive and commitment I can see the next few years being ‎game-changing for our Club.

Thank you for your continued support.

Come on you Irons!

David Sullivan

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Europa League preparations underway!
WHUFC.com

Preparations for West Ham United's participation in the 2015/16 UEFA Europa League are already well underway at the Boleyn Ground.

With the prospect of a first qualifying round tie at home to kick-off the final season at the Hammers' historic home, head groundsman Dougie Robertson and his team have begun the six-week process of relaying the pitch.

Robertson explained how the hallowed turf will be replaced and ready for use should West Ham be drawn at home in the first leg, which is scheduled for Thursday 2 July.

"We have had to renovate the pitch early because of the Club's potential participation in the UEFA Europa League, which has now been confirmed," said Robertson, who has been part of the Club's groundstaff for nearly two decades. "This is the earliest that we have started this process since the summer of 2002, when the pitch was rebuilt.

"The first process was to strip the vegetation away from the surface, to help expose the Desso fibres and we then finished that process by the more traditional method of raking it out.

"We then spread sand across the pitch and verti-drained to alleviate compaction and assist water removal – a process which we completed at the end of last week."

Robertson and his team usually begin this activity following the end of the annual pitch events in June, but the Club's qualification for European competition via the Fair Play League regrettably meant these events had to be cancelled and the pitch renovation brought forward to before the end of the 2014/15 season.

"We always run with a tight schedule because of the pitch events and ideally we would have longer than six weeks, but this time of year provides us with perfect growing conditions and we will be ready for 2 July," Robertson confirmed.

"The pitch has now been seeded and the next stages of the process will see us cut the new grass for first time at the end of this week, forcing the growth through so that the playing surface is ready for the start of the Europa League."

Should West Ham progress in the Europa League, the Hammers will play no fewer than three competitive home matches before the start of the 2015/16 Barclays Premier League season on Saturday 8 August.

With a potential ten months of football to be played during the historic final season at the Boleyn Ground, Robertson and his team will be working morning, noon and night to ensure the pitch is fit and ready whenever it is needed.

"It is potentially the longest season I have known since I have been at the Club," he confirmed. "We were in the UEFA Cup under Alan Pardew in 2006 and that was an exciting time for the fans, but it does make for a very long season!

"I've spoken to counterparts at other clubs who are well-versed with the Europa League and Thursday/Sunday fixtures and that obviously means my hard-working staff will be in every weekend for the foreseeable future."

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Potts pays tribute to Hammers
WHUFc.com

Dan Potts has bid an emotional farewell to West Ham United on leaving the Club after 12 years in a Claret and Blue shirt.

The 21-year-old joined the Hammers at the age of nine and, after bravely winning a life-threatening battle with leukaemia as a schoolboy, graduated from the Academy of Football and went on to make 13 first-team appearances.

Potts will join League Two club Luton Town this summer, where he will play under West Ham fan John Still and alongside former Hammers teammate Pelly Ruddock, and is looking forward to the prospect of playing regular senior football.

In the meantime, however, the son of West Ham legend Steve Potts, has paid tribute to the staff, players and supporters who made his time at the Boleyn Ground so enjoyable.

"West Ham has been a massive part of my life, not just on the pitch but off the pitch as well," said Potts, who captained the youth team and Development Squad regularly before making his first-team debut at 17 in December 2011. "I've been brought up around the Club and have a lot of fond memories and I will never forget my time here. West Ham has made me the person I am today.

"It goes without saying that my debut against Barnsley at Upton Park was pretty special, and to play away against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League was also amazing. There are some other moments that I can't really remember, like when I suffered a concussion playing at Arsenal a couple of years ago!

Potts was part of a close-knit year-group that came through the ranks at the Academy of Football, with the likes of Elliot Lee, George Moncur, Blair Turgott, Matthias Fanimo and the late Dylan Tombides forming a special bond that will never be broken.

"I have made friends for life at this Club, 100 per cent. There are a lot of good people at the Club, not just the players, but the staff are also top-drawer and top people. You wouldn't expect anything else from West Ham, because it is based around good people. I've made a lot of friends for life, that's for sure.

"It's been a memorable time and the Club will always be in my heart for various reasons. The Club has always been there when I've been in times of need, on and off the pitch.

"Being around the Club as a whole, it's going in the right direction with the stadium move and all that, so it will be great to see them do well and be in the top half of the Premier League, where they belong.

"No-one deserves that more than the fans, because they are a massive part of the Club and I am one of them. You won't find a better set of fans.

"The Club will always be in my heart and it's a sad day, but it's come to a time when I have to think of myself and I want to be playing. I'll always appreciate what they have done for me I'll never forget it."
After an injury-affected 2014/15 season, Potts is now embarking on a new adventure with Luton, where he hopes to make his mark by becoming a first-team regular and help the Hatters to climb the Football League ladder.

"It's been a tough time, but I know I am ready and it has got to the stage where I need to be playing week-in, week-out and from a personal point of view, that's the decision I've made," he explained.

"When Luton approached me and asked me to look at the club, it felt right and felt that the club was going in the right direction, so I hope I can kick on with them and move up the leagues."

West Ham United would like to thank Dan for his hard work, commitment and passion over the past 12 years and wish him every success in his future career.

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Jack's back at The Posh
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th May 2015
By: Staff Writer

Former Hammers midfielder Jack Collison has signed a one-year contract with League One club Peterborough United.

The 26-year-old Welsh international has been without a club since being released by Championship side Ipswich Town last season but is back in the game having landed a contract with The Posh.

Jack collison ✔@Jcollison31
Very excited to have signed for @theposhdotcom .. Looking forward to working with @DaveRobertson11 & @grantmccann11 . Roll on next season ⚽️
8:31 PM - 29 May 2015

Collison, speaking via Peterborough's website said: "It feels a bit like a fairytale because I started my career at Peterborough in the Academy so it is great to be back here.

"I knew the manager [Dave Robertson] back then. I have been speaking with him and I believe in his plans for this football club. The manager has played a massive part in my decision to sign here.

"I had a great time with West Ham and have been working extremely hard day and night to get myself ready for a new challenge this summer. I am looking forward to meeting the boys in the dressing room in pre-season and getting out there on the pitch."

And Collison's new boss Robertson added: "I have been speaking with Jack for a number of weeks now and I am delighted that he has agreed to join the club and bought into what we are trying to achieve here.

"He brings a lot of experience and has obviously played at the highest level both with West Ham United and with Wales.

"He has scored some big goals and he fits into what we are looking for as coaches. I believe in Jack, I know what he can bring to this football club and myself and Grant [McCann] are looking forward to working with him."

Jack collison ✔@Jcollison31
Thanks for all the messages... Can't wait to get started now.. I have missed it so much ❤️⚽️
8:32 PM - 29 May 2015

Collison - who spent nine years at West Ham before leaving last summer - was also a double-winner at last night's KUMB Awards, where he won the Most Missed and Podcast Guest of the Year categories.

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Gone - the XI who are no more
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th May 2015
By: Staff Writer

11 players have been released by West Ham United, after their contracts came to an end.

The club have announced that first team pros Jussi Jaaskelainen, Carlton Cole, Guy Demel and Nene will not be offered new deals.

They are joined by Under 21s Kieran Bywater, Sean Maguire, Paul McCallum and, most notably, Dan Potts, whose father Steve currently manages the Development squad.

From the Academy, scholars Jerry Amoo, Kieran Bailey and Taylor Tombides - younger brother of Dylan, who sadly died last year - have also been released.

Nene, who moved to London in January but barely featured under Sam Allardyce admitted he was disappointed by the lack of opportunities at West Ham - but felt that he could still play at the highest level for another three years, at least.

"I came to West Ham very motivated and before long was completely adapted, training and playing at a high level, but ended up having few opportunities", he said via his personal website.

"When the season ended I talked to the owners of West Ham and decided it would be best to continue my career at another club.

"I never had physical problems and injuries were rare throughout my career. So I know I can keep playing at a high level for at most three or four seasons. I'll examine any proposals that arise, both in Europe and with Brazilian clubs."

Meanwhile Cole, who enjoyed two spells at West Ham totalling nine years penned a heartfelt farewell letter to the club's supporters.

"I've been at West Ham United for quite a long time and I've enjoyed myself here, with all the ups and downs, the heartaches and everything that came along with it," he wrote.

"At the same time, I've grown from being a boy to a man here and everybody has treated me like a part of the family.

"It is heart-warming to know that I have got such support and that I have done my fair share for the club and been part of the history as well, which is very important for me. I'm very happy to have been a part of it and, wherever my future may lie, West Ham will always have a special place in my heart.

"It means a lot to me to have been at West Ham for so long. I wouldn't like to use the word hero, but I have played my part. A load of players have come and gone, but I've stayed around and enjoyed every minute of it."

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New deal for Hammers target on the cards
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th May 2015
By: Staff Writer

Southend United's play-off hero Daniel Bentley could be set to extend his stay at Roots Hall, despite interest from West Ham.

The 21-year-old goalkeeper was the star of the show as his save in the penalty shootout at Wembley last weekend propelled the Shrimpers to League One, at the expense of Wycombe Wanderers.

And that success has led to Southend preparing a new deal for one of the most highly-rated goalkeepers outside the Premier League.

"It is my understanding that I will be offered a new contract," Bentley told the Echo. "My agent and I will be sitting down with the club to talk about it all and I'm happy to do that.

"I know there has been a little bit of speculation about my future but I'm very happy with what we've achieved this year and I enjoy being a Southend player."

Bentley has been linked with a move to the Boleyn Ground since last summer, when West Ham first considered making a move for the Wickford-born youngster.

With Jussi Jaaskelainen having left the club with his contract having expired, a vacancy for the number two spot at the club now exists.

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First signing of the summer imminent, says Sullivan
KUNB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th May 2015
By: Staff Writer

David Sullivan has revealed that West Ham expect to make their first signing of the summer within the next 24 hours.

Sullivan, speaking to supporters via the club's website this afternoon (Friday_ revealed that despite having no manager in place, the club hope to announce their first arrival of the close season imminently.

"I continue to work with our player recruitment team to identify players to improve the squad," he said.

"We hope to announce our first signing in the next 24 hours and follow that up with a big name in the next two-three weeks. "

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David Sullivan speaks on manager search
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th May 2015
By: Staff Writer

Co-owner David Sullivan has given an update on the search for a replacement for Sam Allardyce.

60-year-old Allardyce parted company with West Ham last week after four years at the helm, since when a number of the club's top targets - including Rafa Benitez and Carlo Ancelotti - have rejected overtures from the Hammers.

However Sullivan, speaking via the club's website this afternoon (Friday) insisted that he was spending "every waking minute" to find a suitable replacement.

"I am dedicating every waking minute to recruiting the best available manager to drive our club forwards," he said.

"It is a constantly changing landscape but we are being absolutely thorough in our search, by speaking to representatives of a number of managers and doing our own due diligence on each one.

"Given that, I am not expecting us to make an appointment for at least a week as we must do everything we can to get this appointment right.

"What is clear from our discussions so far is that this job is attracting names it wouldn't have done five years ago.

"When you combine our move to one of the best stadiums in Europe in 16 months' time with the Board's ambitious vision and significant transfer budget you have an extremely exciting prospect for the right man.

"I want to appoint a manager you all feel excited by and one that will honour the Club's traditions and history. With your support, an ambitious manager and the Board's drive and commitment I can see the next few years being ‎game-changing for our Club."

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Dan Potts joins League Two Luton Town
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th May 2015
By: Staff Writer

Dan Potts has secured a two-year contract with League Two club Luton Town.

The 21-year-old was on the fringes of the first team at West Ham for some considerable time but failed to make the breakthrough, which led to his release by the club this week.

However Potts has wasted no time in getting his career back on track, securing a two-year deal at Kenilworth Road with John Still's Hatters, who missed out on last season's play-offs by just three points.

"I'm over the moon to have signed for Luton Town," he told the club's website. "I can't wait to crack on. Promotion is the key for me, I want success.

"West Ham is a big club, but so is Luton and they want to succeed. So in that respect the two clubs are no different. They have great fan bases and coming into the set-up at Luton will be good for me. Hopefully we'll push on and get up the leagues.

Manager John Still added: "He's young man, a young player who's reasonably experienced. He's played in the Premier League, he's played lower league – a left sided defender who can play left back and centre half. He'll be a good addition to our squad.

"He's always been a player that we were interested in if it became possible and when you look at the other players we've taken from West Ham it gives us a good opportunity to look - and we've been looking at Dan for some time."


Potts made his first team debut for the Hammers at the age of just 17 in a 1-0 Championship win over Barnsley in November 2011. He made his Premier League debut just over a year later, in a 3-0 defeat at Sunderland.

One of several youngsters to have featured in the 5-0 FA Cup drubbing at Nottingham Forest, Potts made his final appearance for West Ham in the Capital One Cup defeat against Sheffield United in August 2014.

He was also named as the KUMB Readers' Young Player of the Year in both 2011/12 and 2012/13.

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SHOULD THEY STAY OR SHOULD THEY GO: THE DEFENDERS
By Iain Dale 29 May 2015 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die

Adrian

Officially the Premier League's best goalkeeper it seems. There's no doubt about it, he made some fantastic saves. I can't explain why but he still leaves me squirming in my seat sometimes, but you can't argue with his shotstopping abilities. And three consecutive penalty saves ia almost Rob Green-esque. VERDICT: KEEP. Obvs

Jussi

Jussi has served us well but he's 40. Even he can't keep going forever. He's been a brilliant goalkeeper for Bolton and us, but all good things come to an end. Southend's David Bentley could well be his replacement. VERDICT: RELEASE

James Tomkins

An in and out season for James Tomkins, mainly because of injuries. When he's played he's been his normal reliable self and having now signed a long term contract I can't think anyone would think selling him ought to be on our agenda. A class act. VERDICT: KEEP

Winston Reid

Winston Reid hasn't had his best season mainly due to several injuries but it's hard to think of a game in which he has had a stinker. The contract shenanigins didn't help either, but that's seemingly over now. Until his head is turned the next time. The truth is that no one came in with an offer. VERDICT: KEEP

James Collins

Of our three central defenders Collins had by far the best season. At the beginning of the season you'd have put him as third choice, but I suspect most of us feel that he deserves better than that. Apart from a couple of glaring howlers he was an absolute rock. He also scored a brilliant own goal! He's getting on and won't get any quicker, but he's Mr Reliability. VERDICT: KEEP

Reece Burke

What a pleasure it has been to see Reece Burke break into the first team and get a few games. He has the grace of Rio Ferdinand combined with the tenacity of James Collins. He certainly hasn't let anyone down. He also isn't afraid to shoot when he gets near the opposition penalty area. His distribution could improve, but all in all a very promising few games. VERDICT: KEEP

Carl Jenkinson

Carl has developed into one of my favourite players. I just hope we can persuade Arsenal to either loan him to us again or even better sell him to us. Frankly he's worth whatever they want. He hasn't had a bad game and like Aaron Cresswell has almost operated as a wing back. VERDICT: SIGN!

Aaron Cresswell

A brilliant initial season for the former Ipswich left back. Nothing has phased him at all. He's brilliant on the left wing whether bounding forward or overlapping. His only weaknes is sometimes getting out of position and leaving gaps for opposition players to fill. He's played every game and only had one stinker – at Stoke. He's also got a rocket of a shot on him and I reckon he'll be in the goals next season. VERDICT: KEEP

Joey O'Brien

Joey never lets anyone down and every team needs a Joey. He can play anywhere across the back or in midfield. He's never going to be an exciting player and I'd be sorry to see him leave. However, he may decide that at his age he needs to be playing more. he's the sort of player that ought to be interesting the three promoted clubs, but I for one hppe he stays. VERDICT: KEEP

Guy Demel

Guy Demel didn't really get much of a lookin last season with Jenkinson ruling supreme down the right. I can't see that changing if Carl stays. Demel is very athletic but he's possibly getting long in the tooth to play the role of an attacking right back. Again, I'd be sorry to see him go, but I think he's one who could be let go. VERDICT: SELL

Doneil Henry

We haven't really seen him yet, but by all accounts he was outstanding when he went on loan to Blackburn. If he hadn't been injured I suspect he'd have made the first team in front of Reece Burke. Definitely one for the future. VERDICT: KEEP

Dan Potts

I really regret that Dan Potts hasn't been given the opportunity to build on the excellent start he made a couple of years ago. He made one of the mos timpressive debuts I have ever seen but inexplicably he's been virtually ignored since then. With the purchase of Stephen Hendrie that is unlikely to change. There are rumours that Luton want him. I suspect he would well advised to go if he wants to kickstart his career. VERDICT: SELL UPDATE: I'm now told Potts has formally been released.

VERDICT

Bearing in mind we have Stephen Hendrie joining us from St Mirren, it seems to me we don't need to spend an awful lot of money on defensive reinforcements. Assuming we can retain Carl Jenkinson and Joey O'Brien stays, we're covered at right back. And with five central defenders, do we really need another one? Well, the demands of the Europa League might well suggest we do.

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Irons £25m kitty can attract top boss
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 29, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

Time and again I read that a transfer budget of £25 million – which is about what the Hammers will offer their new boss – is never going to be enough to attract a top managerial name to the club.

I beg to differ!

Obviously double that amount would be great but the idea that we aren't offering enough to attract a decent managerial target is false.

Looking back on last summer it was only the top handful of clubs who spent more than £50 million with the Hammers coming out ninth in the spending League forking out around £26 million.

Possibly the most inspired managerial signing last season was Ronald Koeman at Southampton who spent just £7 million more than us but the likes of Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw had been sold to fund their £33 million outlay.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley – who escaped relegation on the last day of the season against us – got rid of £44 million.

So the idea that managers will be turned off by what many appear to think is a meagre budget is clearly wrong and already it has become clear that Rafa Benitez would have been happy with it had Real Madrid not come in.

On top of the transfer kitty available our new boss will be able to raid the loan market. Let's not be too downbeat as the squad is pretty respectable and £25m will fund some decent additions.

We have taken our club 'spend' figures from http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/201415-premier-league-transfers-all-permanent-signings-4035681#.VWhxVM9Viko

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Three Hammers out, one in at QPR
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 29, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

Former Hammers Bobby Zamora and Rio Ferdinand have been released by QPR this week following their relegation to the championship. Both have contracts which expire on 30th June. Mauro Zarate will also be rejoining West Ham after his season long loan with QPR which has come to an end after playing just 71 minutes.

If rumours are to be believed to be true then one former Hammer released by West Ham this week could soon be joining QPR in the other direction.

Carlton Cole has been linked with a move to West London to help them win promotion back to the Premier League. Chairman Tony Fernandes who claims to be a life long West Ham fan is a big admirer of the big man.

Once linked with a £20 million move to Liverpool and rejecting opportunities to sign for clubs including Galatasaray and Stoke the former Hammer is likely to receive a number of offers from Championship and MLS clubs following his release.

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DG waves farewell to striker
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 29, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

David Gold has waved a fond farewell to Carlton Cole.

The big striker wrote an emotional open letter to the fans yesterday declaring he would always carry the club in his heart.

The big striker leaves Upton Park after nine years during which he has scored 57 goals in 259 games.

And Gold speaking on Twitter said: " Good luck Carlton in your future endeavours, it's been a pleasure knowing you. dg"

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Posh sign Collison
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 29, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

Peterborough have completed the signing of former West Ham United midfielder Jack Collison on a one-year contract.

The 26-year-old spent time in the Peterborough Academy and the Cambridge United youth set-up before joining West Ham's Academy. Collison then went on to play over 100 games for the Hammers scoring 14 goals and has made 17 appearances at international level for Wales.

Posh boss Dave Robertson was delighted with his first summer acquisition and said: 'I have been speaking with Jack for a number of weeks now and I am delighted that he has agreed to join the club and bought into what we are trying to achieve here. He brings a lot of experience and has obviously played at the highest level both with West Ham United and with his country Wales.

'He has scored some big goals including in a play-off semi-final and he fits into what we are looking for as coaches. I believe in Jack, I know what he can bring to this football club and myself and Grant (McCann) are looking forward to working with him.'

Collison said: 'It feels a bit like a fairytale because I started my career at Peterborough in the Academy so it is great to be back here. I knew the manager back then and I have been speaking with him and I believe in his plans for this football club. The manager has played a massive part in my decision to sign here.

'I had a great time with West Ham and have been working extremely hard day and night to get myself ready for a new challenge this summer and I am looking forward to meeting the boys in the dressing room in pre-season and getting out there on the pitch.'

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Hammers might miss out on Southend keeper
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 29, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

West Ham's Goalkeeper target Daniel Bentley has revealed he is to be offered a new contract by Southend. The shot stopper made two stunning saves during a dramatic penalty shoot-out to help Phil Brown's side secure a memorable victory in Saturday's play off final against Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley.

The 21-year-old, whose current deal expires at the end of next season, is now set to be rewarded with a new contract in a bid to see off other admirers including West Ham.

"It is my understanding that I will be offered a new contract," revealed Bentley to the Southend Echo.

"My agent and I will be sitting down with the club to talk about it all and I'm happy to do that.

"I know there has been a little bit of speculation about my future but I'm very happy with what we've achieved this year and I enjoy being a Southend player.

"I only ever focus on what happens on the pitch but right now I'm also making sure I enjoy this promotion we've just won as well"

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Hammers linked with former Italy boss
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 29, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

According to Italian daily Gazzetta dello Sport, West Ham have made contact with Cesare Prandelli to enquire about his availability.

Prandelli started his managing career as youth team coach for Atalanta. He later spent two years with Parma before joining Roma which he left the team because of personal problems involving his wife, with her being seriously ill. Prandelli joined Fiorentina as manager in the summer of 2005 which he manged for five years achieving success.

He became head coach of the Italian national team after the 2010 World Cup resigning in June 2014 after a 1-0 defeat against Uruguay, which eliminated Italy from the World Cup in the group stage.

In July 2014, Prandelli became the manager of Galatasaray taking over from the previous fellow Italian coach Roberto Mancini, signing a two-year contract. He only spent 147 days as the manager of Galatasaray, as he was sacked on 28th November 2014.

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No appointment for at least a week
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 29, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

West Ham joint Chairman David Sullivan has confirmed there is imminent announcement for a new manager saying there will be no appointment for at least a week.
Speaking to the club's official website WHUFC.com Sullivan said:
" I am dedicating every waking minute to recruiting the best available manager to drive our Club forwards. It is a constantly changing landscape but we are being absolutely thorough in our search, by speaking to representatives of a number of managers and doing our own due diligence on each one."
"Given that, I am not expecting us to make an appointment for at least a week as we must do everything we can to get this appointment right."

"What is clear from our discussions so far is that this job is attracting names it wouldn't have done five years ago. When you combine our move to one of the best stadiums in Europe in 16 months' time with the Board's ambitious vision and significant transfer budget you have an extremely exciting prospect for the right man."

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West Ham first signing in the next 24 hours
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 29, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

West Ham joint Chairman David Sullivan has revealed West Ham will announce their first signing of the summer in the next 24 hours followed by a big name signing in the next two to three weeks.
Speaking to the clubs official website Sullivan said:
"I continue to work with our player recruitment team to identify players to improve the squad. We hope to announce our first signing in the next 24 hours and follow that up with a big name in the next two-three weeks."
Speculation is the announcement will be Lassana Diarra who has been training with West Ham for several months while he sorts out a contractual dispute with his former club or 27 year old Birmingham City goalkeeper Darren Randolph on a free transfer.

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West Ham win cup for third time
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 29, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

A team of West Ham youngsters lifted the Premier League Kicks Cup for a third year in a row after beating Newcastle 1-0 in the mixed/boys final.

600 Under-16 youngsters playing in 70 teams and representing 47 Premier League and Football League clubs gathered at Jeffrey Humble Playing Fields in Liverpool on Thursday to display their skills in a competitive and high-quality tournament, which celebrated the work Kicks does throughout the year.

"This was an amazing event," said Malachi Napa, who scored the winning goal for West Ham in the final. "I have played football since I was five and this was the best feeling in the world.
"I have never in my life had a time when I was so happy, to have scored the winning goal to win the cup. Everybody is happy, everyone is enjoying themselves. We came here to have fun, which is the main thing, but we came here to win because West Ham are the best Kicks!"

"It's an amazing feeling to wear the West Ham shirt, we are not an academy but Kicks gives us the opportunity to participate in certain events which other people don't get."

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