Daily WHUFC News - 31st June 2015

Hammers catch 'keeper Randolph
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Republic of Ireland
international goalkeeper Darren Randolph.

The 28-year-old will arrive on a free transfer on 1 July after his contract
with Championship club Birmingham City expired, and will provide long-term
competition for first-team stopper Adrián.

Randolph started 45 league games for the Blues in 2014/15, keeping 12 clean
sheets and producing a string of outstanding performances as Birmingham
recovered from a horrendous start to climb to a final position of tenth.

The Bray-born stopper began with Irish junior club Ardmore Rovers before
moving to English football with Charlton Athletic at the age of 16 in 2005.
Since then, he has chalked up nearly 300 career appearances.

After loan spells with Accrington Stanley and Gillingham, Randolph made his
Premier League debut for the Addicks in a 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield
in May 2007.

Following further loan spells with Bury and Hereford United, Randolph moved
north of the border to join Scottish Premier League club Motherwell, where
he made his debut in a UEFA Europa League tie with Norwegian side Aalesund
in July 2010 and immediately established himself as the No1.

A fantastic debut season in Scotland saw Motherwell reach the 2011 Scottish
Cup final, while he also broke John Ruddy's club record for clean sheets in
a single season.

Randolph's outstanding form and consistency saw him voted into the PFA
Scotland Team of the Year in both 2011/12 and 2012/13, helping the Steelmen
to finish second in the Scottish Premier League in the latter.

The goalkeeper's form at Fir Park caught the eye of then-Ireland manager
Giovanni Trappatoni, who called him up for the first time in autumn 2011. A
senior international debut arrived in a friendly against Oman at Fulham's
Craven Cottage in September 2012, when he lined up alongside West Ham's Joey
O'Brien.

Randolph could add to that tally soon, as he is in the provisional Ireland
squad for upcoming international matches with England and Scotland later
this month.

Summer 2013 saw the Irish son of former American basketball player Ed
Randolph, who played for Irish Premier League club UCD Marian in the late
1980s, move back to England with Birmingham.

At St Andrews, he missed just one league match in the past two seasons,
attracting attention from Barclays Premier League clubs.

Randolph joins the long list of Irish players to have represented the
Hammers, including Liam Brady (1986-90), Gary Breen (2002-03), Noel Cantwell
(1952-60), Johnny Carroll (1948-49), Clive Clarke (2005-06), David Connolly
(2003-04), Noel Dwyer (1958-60), Ray Houghton (1982), Chris Hughton
(1990-92), Robbie Keane (2011), Fred Kearns (1949-54), David Kelly
(1988-90), Danny McGowan (1948-54), Tommy Moroney (1947-53), Billy Neville
(1957-58), Frank O'Farrell (1950-57), Joey O'Brien (2011-present) and
Charlie Turner (1937-39).

*You can follow West Ham's newest signing Darren Randolph on Twitter at
@Randz587.

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Darren Randolph - The First Interview
WHUFc.com

Darren Randolph has spoken of his 'excitement' after agreeing to join West
Ham United this summer. The Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper
will link up with the Hammers on 1 July, after his contract with
Championship club Birmingham City has expired. The 28-year-old has been a
first-team regular with both Birmingham and former side Motherwell for the
past five seasons, and is determined to push Adrian all the way for a
starting place at the Boleyn Ground.

In his first interview with whufc.com, Randolph is looking forward to
returning to the Boleyn Ground, ten years after making his top-flight debut
as a teenager with Charlton Athletic.

"My initial reaction to joining West Ham is excitement," said the Bray-born
stopper. "It was a tough decision turning down Birmingham's offer of a new
contract because of the second part of the season we had and the team we had
built.

"They are a great group of lads and staff but I felt like I couldn't turn
down the chance of joining a club like West Ham. Everybody wants to try and
get to the top of their profession and I'm no different."

For Randolph, who has totalled 289 senior club appearances during his
career, signing for West Ham completes a journey back to the Barclays
Premier League that included stops in Scotland and England's second city.

Now, he wants to establish himself at the highest level, but knows
dislodging the Hammers' popular Spanish goalkeeper from the starting XI is
going to be no easy task.

"I started at Charlton when I was 16 and left when I was 23," he explained.
"It has been a long journey to try get back to the Premier League and a
great achievement to be able to do so. It is where players all around the
world would like to be.

"I've played for the last five seasons so I would like to think I can come
in and challenge for a place in the team. Adrian's had a fantastic season so
it is going be tough, but it is a challenge I look forward to."

Having signed for West Ham, Randolph is determined to enjoy being part of
two historic seasons, bidding farewell to the Boleyn Ground before saying
hello to the new Stadium in Stratford.

"It is definitely an exciting time to be part of West Ham with the changes
coming up," he confirmed. "So, hopefully we will have a memorable last
season at Upton Park and then onto the Olympic Stadium to kick on again!"

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Darren Randolph – Ten Fast Facts
WHUFc.com

Ten Fast Facts you might not know about West Ham United's new goalkeeper
Darren Randolph!

Darren Randolph's father Ed Randolph played basketball for UCD Marian and
was one of the first American imports to the Irish Basketball League. Darren
himself is a former Irish basketball international, so he is clearly good
with his hands!

Darren Randolph was born in the seaside town of Bray, County Wicklow,
situated 12 miles south of the Republic of Ireland's capital Dublin

Darren Randolph attended St. Cronan's Boys National School in Bray, which
also names WWE wrestler Prince Devitt among its former pupils.

Darren Randolph later attended Presentation College in Bray, which was also
attended by Middlesex and Ireland cricketer Ed Joyce and former Ireland
Rugby international Reggie Corrigan.

Darren Randolph has represented Republic of Ireland at U15, U16, U17, U18,
U19, U21, B and senior levels!

Darren Randolph made his senior professional debut during a loan spell with
Conference South club Welling United in 2004.

If he was not a footballer, Darren Randolph would like to be a basketball
player or a Formula 1 driver.

Darren Randolph names the American city of Miami as his favourite holiday
destination.

Darren Randolph names Italy and former Manchester United striker Guiseppe
Rossi as his toughest-ever opponent.

Darren Randolph names former Charlton Athletic teammate Paolo Di Canio as
the best player he has ever lined up alongside.

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Hammers make strong start in Hong Kong Sevens
WHUFC.com

West Ham United made a strong start to their HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens
campaign on Saturday, taking five points from their three games to top their
group.

A young Hammers side are competing in the Hong Kong tournament and will now
take part in the top-tier Cup competition on Sunday.

Mark Phillips' team made the perfect start, defeating HKFC Captain's Select
1-0 in their opening match, with Djair Parfitt-Williams setting up Jaanai
Gordon for the only goal of the game.

A 0-0 draw with Chinese outfit Shanghai SIPG followed, leaving the Hammers
with a final-game decider against local team Kitchee.

The winners were guaranteed to top the group, although at is it turned out
West Ham only needed the point they gained thanks to Parfitt-Williams'
strike. The youngster also missed a penalty, but has impressed on the
tournament's opening day.

West Ham will return to action on Sunday when they take on Yau Lee League
Select in the Cup Quarter-Final.

Check whufc.com on Sunday for a full report from the second day of
competition.

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Diego ready for World Cup kick-off
WHUFC.com

Diego Poyet is planning to do his country proud as Uruguay prepare to
kick-off their challenge at the FIFA U-20 World Cup finals in New Zealand.

The West Ham United midfielder is part of the La Celeste squad which begin
the tournament with a Group D clash with Serbia at Otago Stadium in Dunedin
on Sunday afternoon.

The South Americans have spent the past ten days in New Zealand
acclimatising and playing warm-up matches with Panama and Ukraine in
preparation for the tournament, which will also see them tackle Mexico and
Mali at the group stage.

Spanish-born Poyet, whose father Gus won the Copa America with Uruguay in
1995, is hoping to make his mark after committing to the country of his
ancestors earlier this year.

The young player moved to Montevideo with his family as a young child before
returning to England at the age of ten. Poyet came through the youth ranks
at Charlton Athletic and was capped by England at U16 and U17 levels before
opting to play for the nation his family still call home in February 2015,
making his debut in France the following month.

"We've been training hard every day, it's been a good couple of weeks and
the team is ready to start the tournament on Sunday," Poyet told whufc.com.

"The group is really strong and we hope to start off with a good result, be
it a win or a draw, and see where we go from there.

"It's been tough getting into the starting eleven due to the team already
being formed during the season when I wasn't able to leave West Ham and play
in the U-20 Copa America in January, but I am working hard and have played a
part in every game preparing for the World Cup, either having started or
coming on off the bench.

"The team is very positive and we hope to go a long way in the tournament."

Uruguay will be hoping to go one better than they did in 2013, when they
were defeated on penalties by France following a goalless draw in the final.

Selected matches from this year's tournament will be screened live on
British Eurosport and Eurosport 2.

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First signing of the summer confirmed
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 30th May 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United have completed the capture of former Birmingham number one
Darren Randolph on a free transfer.

The 28-year-old twice-capped Irish international effectively replaces Jussi
Jaaskelainen as back-up to current first choice Adrian, who also joined the
Hammers on a free transfer two season ago.

The news was confirmed this morning by Jack Sullivan whose father, co-owner
David, is now effectively acting as interim manager by driving the club's
player recruitment policy in conjunction with Tony Henry.

Jack Sullivan @jsullivanwhu
Randolph has signed for #whu. Look at the West Ham website later today for
more info.
12:38 PM - 30 May 2015

Randolph began his pro career in 2004 at Charlton, but made his league debut
whilst on loan at Accrington in a 2-1 defeat against Exeter in August 2005.

The following season - 2006/07 - he spent a short spell on loan at
Gillingham before returning to Charlton, where he made his first team debut
in a 2-2 draw at Liverpool on the final day of the season (with the Addicks
having already been relegated).

Once again he found first team opportunities at The Valley limited so the
second half of 2008/09 was spent on loan, this time at Bury for whom he made
14 appearances. It was a similar story the following season, when League One
Hereford came calling to offer him some first team experience.

With Charlton relegated to the third tier of English football, Randolph - 22
at the time - finally got him chance to stake a place in the first team in
the latter half of the 2009/10 campaign. But that summer he rejected a new
contract offer from Athletic in favour of Scottish Premier side Motherwell,
for whom he signed on a free transfer.

Iain Brown @iainbroon90
All the best @Randz587 at West Ham. Hopefully be no.1 before you know it.
Best Keeper i've seen at Fir Park.
3:00 PM - 30 May 2015

The 2010/11 season saw him play 48 times, gain his first experience of
European football in the qualifying stages of the Europa League and feature
in Scotland's FA Cup Final where he was on the beaten side, with Celtic
running out 3-0 winners on the day.

Now firmly established as 'Well's number one goalkeeper, Randolph played a
further 42 times in the following season as he helped his club to a
third-place finish behind the (former) big two of Celtic and Rangers.

They went one better in 2012/13, finishing runners-up behind the Bhoys, a
season in which the 6'1" stopper had his first taste of Champions League
football (although Motherwell were knocked out in the qualifying round by
Panathinaikos).

With his stock higher than ever, Randolph refused offers of a new contract
from Motherwell in order to sign a lucrative deal with Birmingham City.
Going straight into the first team, he was a virtual ever-present for the
two seasons he spent at St Andrews.

Sent off only once in his career (against Bolton in October last year),
Randolph has already made nearly 300 first team appearances in total for his
various clubs.

Tristan Harris @Tristanharris76
Gutted to be losing Darren Randolph. He's been a great keeper for us. It's
going to be tough to find a decent replacement. #bcfc #KRO
1:10 AM - 23 May 2015

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Football salutes Ferdinand after he retires from the game
Last Updated: 30/05/15 8:59pm
SSN

Tributes have been pouring in for former England captain Rio Ferdinand who
brought an end to his playing career on Saturday.

The 36-year-old former QPR, Manchester United, West Ham and Leeds defender
called time on a career that spanned almost 20 years and current and former
players have been paying their respects to an incredible career:

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville lead the way with praise for his former
United team-mate on Twitter, saying: "Congratulations to @rioferdy5 on his
great career. Best I played with and best pairings I've seen with Vida/JT.
Covered me very well too!"

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans, who played alongside Ferdinand on
many occasions at Old Trafford,
said: "He was the modern day centre-back that everyone looked to. Training
every day and playing with him, he was someone I tried to replicate in my
own game.

"I had the opportunity to play alongside Rio for a lot of years and he was
someone who had the ability to make the game seem so easy.

"Anyone who's played with him would tell you that.

"He transmitted that to the rest of the team and he was a great character in
the dressing room.

"More than anything he was a winner and a leader. His trophy record reflects
that"

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar said: "Great guy,
awesome centre half and honour to have been playing with @rioferdy5 for 6
trophy full years! #manutd

Current United keeper David de Gea added his tribute saying: "@rioferdy5
you've always helped me. I'll never forget. Keep mentoring outside the
pitch. Good luck my friend!"

Former United team-mate, Michael Carrick chipped in with: "An incredible
career. What a player! Quite simply the best CB I've come across. Another
gear. Had the lot @rioferdy5"

And former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher added:
"A great career comes to an end today with the retirement of @rioferdy5
played in U18/21's as well as the full squad together. #Top player."

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Irons will pay whatever it takes for top boss
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 30, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

West Ham will pay whatever it takes to get the highest quality boss
possible.

The club has diverted a couple of millions from the player to the managerial
salary budget to ensure they get the highest quality candidate available.

But there's still a feeling of frustration and disappointment that Rafa
Benitez was stolen away by Real Madid of all clubs when he was all but
signed, sealed and delivered as the next Irons boss.

A well placed insider told ClaretandHugh: "There's real frustration among
some fans who believe we should have had things tied up by now but Rafa was
within a couple of hours of signing.

"Now we are having to reassess all the options but one thing the club won't
worry about is wages. They can satisfy any boss on that level which is why
they are being very choosy and careful.

"They have no doubt they will bring in a top quality candidate – salary
won't be an issue for the right man."

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Irons hard on Jenkinson's trail
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 30, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

Carl Jenkinson remains very much a 'live' target for the Hammers despite
little encouragement from Arsenal the player is for sale.

FA Cup-winning manager Arsene Wenger will decide soon whether the player
will be allowed out on loan again this summer having claimed he's not for
sale.

But that hasn't deterred the Irons from continuing talks with the north
London club and agents.

And ClaretandHugh was told exclusively this evening (Sat): "The club has
about ten targets and Jenkinson is very much one of them.

"Every day week attempts are made to progress the deals. But with clubs,
players and agents involved it inevitably takes time."

Obviously the arrival of a new manager could mean a change of direction on
some targets but the Arsenal under-21 international is seen as a player any
manger would be pleased to inherit.

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Excited Randolph moves in
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 30, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

New Hammer Darren Randolph has spoken of his excitement at joining the club.

The former Birmingham keeper made 45 appearances for City last season but
was ready to play understdudy to Adrian when the Irons moved in.

Speaking to the official West Ham website he said: 'My initial reaction to
joining West Ham is excitement.

'It was a tough decision turning down Birmingham's offer of a new contract
because of the second part of the season we had and the team we had built.

'But I felt like I couldn't turn down the chance of joining a club like
West Ham. Everybody wants to try and get to the top of their profession and
I'm no different.'
'I started at Charlton when I was 16 and left when I was 23,' he explained.

'It has been a long journey to try get back to the Premier League and a
great achievement to be able to do so. It is where players all around the
world would like to be.

'I've played for the last five seasons so I would like to think I can come
in and challenge for a place in the team. Adrian's had a fantastic season so
it is going be tough, but it is a challenge I look forward to.'

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Irons bosses refuse to give up on Klopp
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 30, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

West Ham United still have Jurgen Klopp and early favourite David Moyes in
their immediate frame and won't make further moves on other managers until
they know both are total non starters.

Our picture show the banner unfurled by grateful fans to the German on his
last appearance before them recently.

The Hammers co owners have regularly declared they are determined to get the
best and highest quality manager possible and refuse to move on a back-up
list until they know the best around are "otherwise engaged."

Klopp has been approached through middle men and as we have regularly
reported remains a target.

And today the Telegraph reports that although Moyes has repeatedly stated
that he wants to stay at Real Sociedad West Ham have not completely given up
hope of hiring him.

Klopp took charge of Borussia Dortmund for the final time last weekend but
made it clear he had no job lined up.

And the newspaper confirms our reports that the Irons were "hugely
unfortunate" when the Rafa Benitez deal fell through when received an offer
to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
It means the Irons will now wait on Klopp, Moyes and even Carlo Ancelotti
who could postpone surgery before turning to the likes of Marcelo Bielsa,
Unai Emery, who has just retained the Europa League with Seville, former
Besiktas coach Slaven Bilic and Swansea City manager Garry Monk.

The Telegraph confirm: "Several of those candidates have already been
sounded out through intermediaries but none have been offered the job as
yet."

And significantly they declare: "West Ham have not set themselves a deadline
to make an appointment but want to do so within the next two weeks as the
club begins to re-shape its squad for next season."

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DG happy for Jack and 'Bazza'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 30, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

David Gold could hardly be more pleased to see former Hammer Jack Collison
team up with one of his best pals in the game – Barry Fry.

Gold and Fry have remained great down down the years despite the
Peterborough Director of Football being sacked by him soon after the Davids
took over at Birmingham City.

Collison has signed a one-year contract with the League One club as reported
by BBC Sport and Fry tweeting his best wishes to the midfielder said: "He's
one of the nicest men in football.

"Barry and myself have remained very close friends down the years and I
really hope the move woks out for both parties."

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Proud Bilic eyes next job
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 30, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

West Ham managerial candidate Slaven Bilic has spoken of his Besiktas pride
after taking charge of his final game at the club.

And he has made it clear he will continue his coaching career outside of
Turkey with the Irons still very much a live opportunity for the Croat.

Besiktas' Super Lig season came to an end on Friday with a 2-1 win over
Genclerbirligi – and Bilic announced after the game that he would leave
after his side finished third.

"It is nice to finish the season with a win," he told the club's official
website. "I have said so many times that I have enjoyed every second of
these two seasons at Besiktas.

"This club will always stay in my heart. I'm so proud of everything we've
done here.

"In the near future, I will not be in this country."

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Former West Ham star retires from football
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 30, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

Former Hammer Rio Ferdinand has announced his retirement from professional
football after reading out a statement live on BT Sport.

Earlier this month, the defender's wife Rebecca Ellison died from cancer and
earlier this week he was released by QPR.

1978: Born November 8, Peckham.
1992: Joins West Ham youth Academy, scouted by Frank Lampard Senior.
1995: Turns professional with West Ham.
1996: May – Makes West Ham debut as substitute for Cottee in draw with
Sheffield Wednesday.
1997: February – Scores first West Ham goal in defeat at Blackburn. November
– Becomes youngest defender to play for England when he makes debut against
Cameroon at Wembley.
1998: Named in Glenn Hoddle's England World Cup squad but does not play at
tournament in France but named Hammer of the year at West Ham.
2000: Left out of the England squad for Euro 2000 by Kevin Keegan. Makes
British record £18million in move to Leeds in November.

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Head of recruitment to join Leeds
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 30, 2015 in Whispers
C AND H

Martyn Glover, West Ham United's head of player recruitment, is set to take
up the same role at Leeds United according to the Yorkshire evening post.
Leeds are said to have approached Glover after pulling out of a deal to
appoint Norwich City scout Steve Head as their new head of recruitment
earlier this week. Before moving to West Ham, Glover worked as head of
recruitment at Blackburn Rovers under Allardyce.

Seen very much as Sam's man, he appears to be set to follow Teddy Sheringham
and Ian Hendon out of the door as Allardyce's back room staff are disbanded.
Last Summer West Ham appointed former Everton and Sunderland chief scout
Tony Henry to a new role as 'recruitment director' reporting directly to the
board. Glover now appears surplus to requirements at West Ham.

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