Daily WHUFC News - 3rd September 2015

Noble red card rescinded
WHUFC.com

West Ham United can confirm that the Club's claim for wrongful dismissal against Mark Noble for the red card he was shown at Liverpool on Saturday has been successful. The rescinding of Noble's red card by the Football Association means he will be eligible to play in the Hammers' next Barclays Premier League fixture at home to Newcastle United on Monday 14 August and no suspension will be served.

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Bilic thrilled with deadline day business
WHUFC.com

Slaven Bilic was able to reflect on a job well done after West Ham United successfully completed four incoming transfers on Tuesday's deadline. Alex Song, Victor Moses, Nikica Jelavic and Michail Antonio all made their way to the Boleyn Ground on a busy day, with Matt Jarvis the sole departure the other way - on loan to Norwich City. Bilic is now delighted with the make-up of his squad, saying Tuesday's additions were exactly the names he was after. "I think we did well with our business around the deadline," he said. "I would like to thank everyone who was involved, especially the board, because they have to finish it and they had to find the finance. "I think we've done a good job - that's what we wanted and it looks like the last day was a hectic day, but really the deals were done a few days ago and we just needed the papers [finalised]. "We knew from the start what we wanted and for a few players we waited until the end because it was impossible to get them done earlier because of their clubs. "But we were patient and we said we'd wait until the last day and have a back-up if necessary. "That's why maybe it looks like it was all done on the last day, but it wasn't. "We had some positions in which we needed some quality additions and more numbers. We didn't want to just get the numbers, but the quality ones and I'm really glad that we've done that. "I wish all the new signings a welcome and hopefully both sides enjoy it - the players and the Club. We have a big expectation of them, they know that and that's why they've come. "We are really pleased that they are at West Ham United, and on Tuesday Matt Jarvis went on loan to Norwich too and I wish him all the best of luck."

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From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com

This has been a fantastic transfer window for West Ham United and we are glad that it all came together in the end. We stated at the weekend that we hoped to bring in between two and four players before the deadline closed on Tuesday, so to get all four is a major achievement for everyone at the football Club. I understand the supporters frustration that nothing had been happening for several weeks, but it wasn't for the lack of effort by myself and my head of recruitment Tony Henry. We tried to do the best deals possible with the funds available and not overpay for players. Having brought in eight players already during the summer, we knew that our major focus heading into the final few days of the window was to bring in a couple of forward players as we have been depleted by injuries in that area of the squad.

Even though Andy Carroll is close to making a first-team return, Slaven and myself decided that we needed more cover in the striking area and we are delighted to have secured the signature of Nikica Jelavic from Hull. Slaven knows him well from his time in charge of Croatia and he has a wealth of experience in the top flight. We have given Nikica a two-year contract with an option for a further two-years which shows we believe in his ability and hope he can score a number of goals for the Club. He has scored goals for Hull and Everton in the Premier League over the last three-years and we feel he will add the strength we need in the forward line and provide healthy competition for a starting place.

We then announced the signing of Victor Moses from Chelsea and are really excited by his arrival at the Boleyn Ground. Victor has a wealth of talent and wants the chance to play regular first-team football. He has just signed a new contract with Chelsea which shows what they feel about him as a player, but we are thrilled that we were able to take him on a season-long loan and hope he can enjoy a memorable year with us.

A lot of fans thought we might have been finished then, but we were determined to make the squad even stronger and were delighted that we were able to bring in Michail Antonio from Nottingham Forest. We have paid a sizeable fee for Michail and believe he could become a star player for the Club over the next few years. He has got pace and power and his stats show he has an eye for goal with an impressive record wherever he has played. He scored 15 goals last season in the Championship and was voted player of the year at Forest which shows what the fans thought of him. He has already scored four goals this season as well. As well as scoring, Michail has been instrumental in setting up goals for his team-mates creating 15 assists last season and it would be fantastic if he could repeat that at West Ham.

We hope like Aaron Cresswell, he can make an immediate impression in the top flight and repeat the form which saw him attract interest from a number of Clubs in this window. I'm sure the fans have known for a while that we were interested in taking Alex Song back to the Club and despite rumours of other teams wanting to sign him, we are delighted to have secured his services again on a season-long loan. He is a player we all admire. Alex is currently sidelined with an ankle injury as he had an operation on his ankle in the close season. But he is making good progress and we expect to see him back in action soon. On his pre-Chistmas form he was possibly the best player we've ever signed. But after Christmas his form took a dip in the second half of the campaign. Maybe there's reasons for that and hopefully we'll see the true Alex Song and he will make a huge contribution this year. We are quite short in that department and if we get an injury or two we could have a problem in the central midfield role. So we wanted another senior pro in that position.

I would like to thank everyone at the Club who all worked tirelessly during the window to make sure we got these deals in place and we can now look forward to a memorable final season at the Boleyn Ground. I would stress that if the fans are not already on the priority list for season tickets at the new stadium, that they should register as soon as possible. I look forward to seeing everyone at the Newcastle game and hope we can build on our memorable victory over Liverpool at Anfield last Saturday.

Come on you Irons!

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The Big Interview - Mark Noble
WHUFC.com

Following a frantic Transfer Deadline Day which saw the Hammers sign four players, captain Mark Noble welcomed the new recuits. Nobes has been in superb form so far this term, scoring his second goal of the season at Liverpool on Saturday, to add to the penalty he netted at home to AFC Bournemouth the previous weekend. The midfielder was invited on to talkSPORT's Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast on Wednesday, where he answered a range of questions on the Hammers' summer transfer business, their outstanding away form, his new license to roam forward and his hopes to mark his time at the Club...

So far, it's been a great season in terms of away form. Those wins at Arsenal and Liverpool were unbelievable!

MN: "After the Arsenal win everyone got double excited and the fans were saying West Ham are going to win the league. But that's not the case, football isn't like that and we put ourselves under a lot of pressure. "At Arsenal I think we played as well as we could've and then again at Liverpool, after two home defeats, it was very pleasing. The results we've had is why everyone loves this league."

There are a few new faces coming in. Slaven Bilic is clearly not afraid to change it up a little bit and keep everyone on their toes?

MN: "Yes, and I think we needed the signings. If you look at our bench we had four kids at Anfield who don't have much Premier League experience. As you know, if you get a few injuries then the squad starts to look a little bit thin. "In all fairness to the Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold and Vice-Chairman Karren Brady, they've brought in some quality players. You can see from everyone's reaction how happy everyone is."

You scored a great goal at Liverpool, so has Slaven pushed you forward a little bit?

MN: "To be honest, I've been given a little bit more freedom. I've played a lot in front of the back four [in previous seasons] but the new manager has changed it a little bit and told me to get forward more. I've been encouraged to try and create more opportunities as well as score, which I'm really enjoying."

One of the new signings, Alex Song, is a familiar face, so are you happy to see him back?

MN: "Of course, Alex is a great player and we're delighted he's back. I'm sure he'll fit in just as well as he did last year, he's knows most of the boys and the set up here. His addition will definitely bolster the squad we've already got."

West Ham are moving to their New Stadium next summer. Should the first game there be your testimonial? That's what Arsenal did for Dennis Bergkamp!

MN: "You'd have to speak to the Chairmen about that one! It would certainly be a special thing and I would love to do something like that. West Ham is a very special club for me, everyone knows that. It's a club that is moving forward with the new Stadium and with the calibre of players that we're signing. We're really pushing onto the next level."

We are only four games into the league season and Manchester City have started strongly, as have Crystal Palace. Who has impressed you the most so far?

MN: "We played Bournemouth the other day and I thought they were very good. They were very energetic and tough to play against. That's the great thing about this league, anything can happen really. "There's been some mad scorelines already and I think they're becoming more common than even a few years ago. Manchester City have won every game so far, they're looking very strong and they're also our next away game, so that's a game to look forward too."

What do you think is behind so few home wins across the Barclays Premier League so far this season?

MN: "I think there are a few reasons. There's a lot more pressure and expectation on the home side and especially if you go a goal down it can become very different. Away from home, there's less pressure so you have more freedom to play."

*Mark Noble was speaking to talkSPORT

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Dylan Tombides sculpture unveiled
WHUFC.com

A bronze sculpture crafted in honour of the late Dylan Tombides has been unveiled in the West Ham United youngster's home city of Perth, Western Australia. The striker, who passed away at the age of 20 following a brave three-year battle with cancer in April 2014, has been immortalised by Perth artist Robert Hitchcock. The sculpture depicts Dylan holding up his shinguard at the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup finals, where he was diagnosed with testicular cancer after undergoing a random drug test, to wish 'Happy birthday Mum X' to his mother Tracy, who joined Dylan's father Jim, brother Taylor and Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett at the unveiling at the nib Stadium.

Dylan, who fought courageously against the disease which ultimately took his life and bravely made his first-team debut for West Ham while undergoing chemotherapy in August 2012, made a huge impact during his time as a Hammer. The outstanding forward, who started his career in Perth with Wembley Downs Soccer Club and Stirling Lions, was blessed with a character to match. The No38 will never be forgotten in east London, with his squad number being retired by the Club. "To have a place for his friends and family who are still here in Perth and have a memorial of him is huge," said Tracy. "The story that it gives is an awareness story, and we hope that people can take on board and learn about him and also be inspired by him. "Every day he inspired us, with his attitude and his approach to everything in life. So I'm hoping his story is heard for all the right reasons."

Since his untimely passing, Dylan's family have worked tirelessly in his memory, creating the DT38 Foundation, which aims to fund research into testicular cancer, educate young men and change society's approach to diagnosing the disease. The DT38 Foundation has attracted huge support in England, Australia and beyond, and Tracy hopes the unveiling of her son's sculpture will only serve to raise further awareness of the charity. "I want it to be mandatory that if a man presents with an issue with his testes, the doctor tests for the worst-case scenario instead of just putting them on antibiotics," she said. During the family's return visit to Perth, Tracy will join Socceroos and Perth Glory players in visiting schools to speak about her son's story. "He had a lot of self-belief and a lot of respect for others and I want people to see that's what you need to achieve your goals," she added. Australian football fans will be able to see the sculpture for themselves when the Socceroos host Thailand in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

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Song - We have to finish higher than last year
WHUFC.com

Alex Song may only have been away from West Ham United for a little over three months before sealing a second loan move from Barcelona this week – but already so much has changed at the Club. Song is one of eleven players added to the Hammers' squad this summer by a new boss in the shape of Slaven Bilic. For Song, he views a second season as a Hammer as a fantastic opportunity to build on the good work of the first half of last year. "Last season we started very well, then the second part of the season we didn't do as well as we wanted," he explained. "It's a new season now and a new start. We've got some new players, a new manager and everything is changing. The ambition the Club has is to finish better than we did last year. "It's not easy because when you have new players coming in they have to settle, but the people who are here help do that. That's what happened for me last season and when I've watched them this year, they're doing very well. "We have to do well this season to keep growing and it's very important for the Club to make the fans happy by finishing better than last season."

There might be a different face in the manager's seat this year, but Song said he needed little persuading by Bilic to return to E13.
He continued: "When I spoke to the manager we had a very good chat. What he wants is someone who loves playing football. He's played for West Ham, he's managed in Croatia, Russia and Turkey and he's a very good manager. "For me it was very easy when I spoke to him because it's important for me to go somewhere that the manager really wants you. "When you have someone like that you always want to give your best. It was the same last year with Sam – he really wanted me – and so did the new manager. I said to him straight away that I would play for him and do everything to come here."

Song has already witnessed the Hammers defeat Arsenal and Liverpool this year and cannot wait to contribute to more memorable matches in this Farewell Boleyn campaign. He concluded: "The first game against Arsenal was unbelievable – a really good result – and I saw that last week against Liverpool again. It makes the fans feel very happy. We've got to keep that going now. "The squad has taken another step forward this year. We just have to improve game-by-game and then we'll see what happens at the end of the season."

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Moses goes on counter-attack
WHUFC.com

Victor Moses says his pace and trickery could be the perfect fit for West Ham United's new-found counter-attacking style away from home.
The Nigeria winger has arrived at the Boleyn Ground on a season-long loan from Chelsea as the Hammers celebrate historic back-to-back Barclays Premier League victories at Arsenal and his former club Liverpool. Moses was impressed with the way Slaven Bilic's side worked hard to shut down the opposition before repeatedly springing forward at pace and putting their hosts under threat. With a trip to Manchester City up next on the road, the new No20 is hoping West Ham can make it an unforgettable hat-trick of away wins to start the 2015/16 campaign. "It's not just been the way they have played that has impressed me, but it's been the hard work as well," he told West Ham TV. "You can tell everyone is fighting for each other and it was a great result at Arsenal and then at Liverpool at the weekend.
"I love playing counter-attacking football and this Club has definitely got it here and it will definitely suit my game. We've got a good quality of players up front and the wingers are quick, so if we can get it going on the counter-attack we can really be a threat as a team. "I'm delighted to be here and I want to help the Club finish as high up in the table as possible this season."

Moses was one of four Deadline Day signings made by the Club, joining midfielder Alex Song, Croatia striker Nikica Jelavic and fellow winger Michail Antonio in moving to the Boleyn Ground, and one of 12 summer arrivals in total. The 24-year-old spent his first day training alongside his new colleagues at Chadwell Heath on Wednesday and is already feeling part of things. "I am very pleased and delighted to have come to West Ham on loan," he continued. "It's a great club and you can tell that by the history and by the fact I've played here a few times and the atmosphere is amazing. "I want to add my quality to what West Ham already have and hopefuly we can do much better this season than last season. I am very pleased to work under the new manager. "The lads are working very well and I've seen them all and they're great lads. I spoke to the manager he's a great manager and I'm very pleased to be here working under him."

Moses' introduction has been made easier by the fact he has played with or against many of West Ham's players in the Barclays Premier League and international fixtures in recent years. "Alex Song was here on loan last season and he's a quality player with a huge amount of talent, and we all saw that last season. Nikica Jelavic is a great striker too, and score goals and it's good to have that kind of quality of players coming into West Ham. "We already know Andy Carroll is a great striker and he has lots of experience in the Premier League, as do Jelavic and the other strikers we've got here as well. If I can help them to score goals this season, that will really help. "For me personally, I just want to play as much as I can and enjoy my football – that's the most important thing."

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Ginge set for Cypriot challenge
WHUFC.com

James Collins' Wales are hoping to extend their unbeaten run to seven games as they close in on qualification to the European Championships in France 2016. Currently top of Group B, three points ahead of heavyweights Belgium, Chris Coleman's side travel to Cyprus looking to complete the double having beaten them 2-1 in Cardiff last year. The central-defender, who recently celebrated the birth of his son Jesse, played in the 3-0 trouncing of Israel in Haifa, six months ago. Following the game against the Cypriots, Wales host Israel on Sunday 6 September at the Millennium Stadium. Irish U17 international Declan Rice played the full match in a 2-0 defeat to Hungary. The current Academy of Football scholar made his Hammers' U21 debut against Arsenal last week. In sweltering 37 degree heat, the hosts ran out winners through goals from Levente Sazbo and Mark Bencze's penalty. The Greens will have the opportunity to avenge the defeat on Thursday 3 September as the two sides face each other in the second game of a double header.

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West Ham charged for protesting Mark Noble red card
BBC.co.uk

West Ham midfielder Mark Noble's red card for a tackle on Liverpool's Danny Ings has been overturned. But the Premier League club has been charged by the Football Association with failing to control its players as they reacted to Noble's dismissal. The club have until 18:00 BST on 7 September to respond to the charge. The incident happened during West Ham's 3-0 Premier League win at Anfield on Saturday - and Noble faced a three-match suspension for the red card. "I got a red card from the referee but it wasn't even a yellow," Noble said after the match. He is now free to face Newcastle on 14 September.

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Wonders never cease! Noble's red card rescinded
Kumb.COM
Filed: Wednesday, 2nd September 2015
By: Staff Writer

The FA have rescinded the red card Mark Noble was issued by referee Kevin Friend during Saturday's 3-0 win at Anfield. Noble was erroneously dismissed by the erring official during the second half of West Ham's historic 3-0 trouncing of Brendan Rodgers' side last weekend. However the decision was overturned during a hearing on Wednesday afternoon, according to West Ham's co-Chairman David Gold.
That means Noble - who was due to sit out the forthcoming fixtures with Newcastle Utd, Man City and Leicester City - will be available for selection when the Magpies visit the Boleyn Ground in 12 days' time.

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Noble praises Board for transfer window business
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 2nd September 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's new captain Mark Noble believes that the club are well positioned for a strong Premier League season. Noble, who was named as successor to the departed Kevin Nolan last week told Talksport that the owners and Vice Chairman should be congratulated for bringing 13 players to the club during the summer transfer window. "We needed the signings," he said. "If you have a look at our bench on Saturday [at Liverpool] we had four or five kids with no experience of the Premier League whatsoever. If you get a couple more injuries your squad becomes a little bit light. "In all fairness to the Chairmen and Karren [Brady], they've brought in some top players in the last couple of days and as you can see from everyone's reaction, everyone's over the moon about it."

And despite the added pressure for places the new signings bring, Noble is enjoying playing under Slaven Bilic - and the new, more attacking role he had been given by the new manager. "This year I've got a little bit more freedom," he added. "I played a lot in front of the back four and tried to start things off. Now I've had to change my game a little bit and try and get forward a little bit more, create some stuff and score some goals. "Right now I've got two in two, so I'm prolific at the minute! Goals for me have been quite rare over the years so to score at the Kop end at Liverpool was a little bit special."

As things stand, Noble is set to miss West Ham's next three matches against Newcastle and Manchester City in the Premier League plus United's trip to Leicester in the Capital One Cup as a result of the ridiculous red card he was issued by the bumbling Kevin Friend at Anfield last weekend. However the midfielder believes West Ham will have no problem having the decision reversed upon appeal. "I spoke to the people who organise that kind of stuff after the game and they said straight away that we were going to appeal against it," he confirmed. "To be honest, I was still in a little bit of shock that I got a straight red for it - but there you go. As I said afterwards in an interview, Kevin [Friend] is a really top referee and obviously he saw it in a different light to what I did. "You could see - and I think everyone agrees - that there was no malice in the tackle as I won the ball cleanly. It was a little bit harsh."

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An interesting window
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 2nd September 2015
By: Het-Field

It was an interesting transfer window, which has ultimately proved quite fruitful - although I don't think anybody could criticise anybody else for believing at one point that our dealings were done after Manuel Lanzini signed and that a free transfer for Joey Barton was the only likely outcome.

It is rare that a club goes for so long without making any transfers and it seemed like a lost cause at one point, all building up to a crescendo of disappointment, where we would purchase one or two players on free transfers.

I have individual views on each player who has arrived, and varying views on each player who has departed. I have views on the manner in which the club has conducted itself at boardroom level. I also have views on the manner certain players have appeared to be treated.

I have views on the nature of some deals. I have questions as to the extent of the net which has been trawled for some of the signings. However, I also have great commendations for some of the deals which have been established.


1. The New Manager

A complete mixed bag so far. Wins against Liverpool and Arsenal have been spectacular, the losses to Leicester and Bournemouth disappointing, and the departure from Europe a complete farce.

The six red cards we have received this season as of September 1st is also a major worry (even if one or two have been dubious).

The manner in which Bilic dealt with the away tie in Astra was truly worrying. He has yet to truly find his feet with his best team, but he is definitely getting there. He doesn't have unwavering support from me yet, but he is getting there.


2. The New Players

Darren Randolph

I don't think the net was trawled nearly far enough for our new reserve goalkeeper. I don't pour nearly the same level of criticism over him that some do, but I have posted that keepers like Shay Given, Brad Friedel, Paul Robinson, Victor Valdes, Adam Bogdan, David Ospina/Schnezy, seemed to be available, yet we went for a lower Championship free agent.

In spite of this, he is an international, with plenty of league experience. I don't worry too much about his concession of 8 goals against Bournemouth, as often times the whole team is responsible for such a loss. I will reserve judgement until the end of the season, and he has endeared himself a little with a clean sheet at Anfield.

Angelo Ogbonna

This is a man who on paper we are lucky to have although so far on the pitch it's been Jekyll and Hyde. The man, once settled will be a rock in the heart of our defence, and will bring much needed European Cup experience to the club. He will find his feet, and I believe he will ultimately be the name on the team sheet who will be joined by one of the other centre backs at the club.

Also, it looks like the deal didn't involve an upfront payment of the full fee. An international centre back, with Champions League experience and two Serie A medals in his back pocket who needs a bit of time to adjust. Yep, I think I like this deal.

Carl Jenkinson

I'm not a fan of this deal at all. This loan has multiple strings attached including a loan fee of £2million and the existence of Jenkinson's five year deal, which he signed with Arsenal last month.

He has started the season poorly, and has been the subject of a red card. His crossing hasn't really improved at all, and it seems that he needs either some time off.

Unlike last season, it seems like he is less in the shop window, and the new contract will raise his asking price, regardless of at what level it will be set. Even if he goes on to have a good season, its hard not to feel that he will have played 70 games or so, over two seasons to Arsenal's benefit.

Alex Song

A deal which I would like to have seen concluded earlier, even though I can understand the monetary and commercial reasons for holding off. Yes, he blew hot and cold last season, but this is a world class player we have on our hands, and on his best days he will boss other teams off the park.

The loan deal will also allow us rectify his injury issues, and perhaps if the right performances are forthcoming, and the injury clears up, there may be scope for an outright purchase in January? I feel that unlike Jenkinson, this deal has no strings attached, and the sale of a performing Song to West Ham, would ultimately benefit everybody.

Pedro Obiang

Another experienced Serie A player who has got rave reviews from aficionados of Italian football. I know little about him, apart from what I've seen, but so far, so good.

Victor Moses

The reason id be more willing to swallow this deal, as opposed to the Jenkinson deal, is that I feel we could woo Moses before the move to the Olympic Stadium (also, if I recall correctly, Moses has expressed an unwillingness to return to Chelsea during the course of loan spells in the past).

Also, I feel Chelsea will use the contract as leverage to cash in on the player at some point, and this gives them the protection they need, while also allowing Moses to continue to provide reason for them to keep him. He is tricky, fast, and capable of beating players easily. Not a goalscorer, but a goal provider. I think this deal could prove to be one of the best.

Dimitri Payet

This guy is sheer class, and our version of Shaquiri, Rondon, or Juanmi. A playmaker with a serious eye for goal and like Moses, ability to create things in tiny spaces.

His season has started reasonably well, and it was a joke that Dechamps dropped him from the French team, ostensibly for the reason that he didn't join Chelsea or Arsenal during the window. He had a good preseason, really stole the headlines during the Arsenal game, and is already on the scoresheet for us. This is money very well spent.

Manuel Lanzini

So far, so good from a player who is something of a mystery. It was hard not to be slightly perturbed by the signing of another non-capped Argentine, with a good reputation in the Argentine league. However, Lanzini has scored goals, and seems not too shy in his new surroundings.

Nikica Jelevic

A good out-and-out striker, but like Randolph I feel the net could have been trawled slightly wider. Jelevic is the harvest of a relegated team, which is always something I'm a little reticent to endorse given the relegation that such a player suffered - and it's not as though Jelevic has been setting the world alight at Hull, also he is no longer a Croatian international.

Be that as it may, he is a recognised striker who knows where the back of the net is - and one who has scored almost 30 Premier League goals in three years, which isn't too bad. Also, he has played under Bilic before, which was probably a key factor in the transfer. Essentially, I have mixed views on this transfer, but I wish him well.

Michael Antonio

I cannot possibly comment on Antonio due to a complete lack of knowledge, but he seems to be a capable provider and scorer of goals in the Championship. Much like Cresswell, it would be wonderful if he could make the appropriate step up - and with highly positive results. Along with Moses, we have covered off the deficiency we have for wingers, with his signature.


3. Players Out

Kevin Nolan

His time had come. An excellent captain, a good goalscorer, and a positive influence in difficult circumstances. Sadly, he had been on the wane in terms of his on-pitch influence for two years, and on some occasions let his frustrations get the better of him.

He seemed like a package deal with Sam and really shouldn't have been re-introduced to the team after returning from injury last season. In fact, he seemed to be shoe-horned into the team when he didn't need to be. I feel his departure was advantageous for both parties, and hopefully he finds a new club quickly.

Guy Demel

Guy gave West Ham excellent service over his four years at the club, but last season suggested that he was a fringe squad player, let alone a squad player. At his best he showed some great form, was able to beat his man, and even grabbed a goal against Liverpool to boot. Injuries hampered him, but he was a very good player for his time here.

Carlton Cole

I've said it before, this was a particularly strange relationship. Signed in 2006, he alienated fans by mentioning that we would be a platform for greater things. Cole then proceeded to struggle for his first season, and then lose his place to Freddy Sears during his second.

Although finances (and Ashton's injuries and retirement) dictated, Cole was well worth his place in the team during 2008-2010 as he scored plenty of goals and even picked up a few England caps along the way. But then his presence in the team became erratic.

Yes, he retained his place during the Championship season, but after that he lost it before being let go, re-signed, and then reduced to a fringe role, only required during Carroll's long spells on the treatment table. We then scuppered a move to WBA in January, and now he is in the footballing wilderness again.

It reminds me of the type of guy or girl who has a friend who they have no interest in, but they are willing to take out to events like weddings/discos etc as the +1 to "be seen", but at any point where something more attractive comes along, the other party is reduced again, only to be called upon every time the new relationship turns rocky.

It is mutually advantageous to both parties, but it actually holds back both parties as they have become reliant on each other's constant presence as a 'back up plan', but with no intention of ever solidfiying. Essentially West Ham and Carlton Cole have been the 'friends', with Andy Carroll, Dean Ashton, and Diafra Sakho as the 'shinier options'. Hence, I believe the time to cut the cord has arrived.

Jussi Jaaskelainen

This is a keeper who needs to be playing regularly and playing well regularly. It was canvassed on this site that when Jussi arrived in 2012 his confidence was shot to bits and that it took time to bring him round to understanding his quality.

He played exceptionally well during 2012/2013, was genuinely unlucky to lose his place to Adrian in 2013/2014 and was a virtual ever-present reserve 'keeper last season. However, given the confidence nature of his abilities, his absence from the first team could be an issue and as a result it was better to release him to play somewhere else.

Mobido Maiga

M'eh. He has played a handful of games for us in the past 18 months and was given a great opportunity in 2013/2014 when he was the only fit striker on our books, which he really didn't take.

He scored some important goals and one or two absolute screamers, but he never set the world alight or looked like he could change games. I always feel his opening day failure to score against Aston Villa in 2012, when one-on-one with Shay Given set the tone for his career here. He cut the mustard in France, but didn't really do so here or at QPR. Again, I wish him well.

Matt Jarvis

The true extent of Jarvis' depreciation is quite unknown. Like Maiga he seemed to be back in the team based on a lack of options, as opposed to anything to do with his abilities.

He has struggled to justify his high price tag and has been in and out of the team over the past year. A loan deal could work wonders, and it's always good to have the option to bring him home. Also, I feel we have more than enough wingers for the time being.

Stewart Downing

Being honest, I'm pretty displeased with this one. Downing, when played properly is a top player who can terrorise defences and can score a goal. I also am displeased to hear him say that the club didn't do enough to keep him.

I feel given the current squad, combined with Valencia's injury, Downing could really have made the step up in terms of his influence, however, we won't know. The only upside is we managed to recoup the fee for a player who is now north of 30.

Dan Potts

Potts joins the list of youth players who just didn't have enough. I really thought we had an excellent player on our hands, but his progress was not as rapid as it needed to be. I hope his time at Luton Town goes well, and he can return up the leagues in due course.

Reece Burke & Diego Poyet

Two loan deals that will help (in my opinion) our best potential youth players (along with Oxford).


My Overall View

I think the window, while not as positive as last year's ended on a high note. As fans, we were right to be concerned. Between the Europa League debacle, the rampant indiscipline, the defeats to mid-ranking teams at home, the drip-feeding of information and the attempt at convincing us that Joey Barton would be a "great deal", we were given major cause for concern.

The victory over Arsenal could have been a flash in the pan (Cech's errors were particularly poor), and the weak first half performances against Leicester City and Bournemouth could have become the norm. However, the really good actions of the team and the board over the past three days have really shown that there is much to be excited for this season.

The transfer window has provided us with an opportunity to remove accumulating dead-wood, and upgrade where necessary. I don't agree with every transfer, and I don't agree with the terms of every transfer, but if we can avoid long term injury, and players like Carroll and Valencia can return quickly, our squad will be well able to challenge for the best.

I also hope that Bilic will reconcile with Morgan Amalfitano as I feel he also has something to offer the team. Ditto James Collins. Injuries will happen, and with Collins on board we can avoid having to look into signing a Roger Johnson, or Emmanuel Pogatetz to plug the gap.

The summer has also been useful in promoting some of our young players, and it seems that the likes of Oxford, Burke, Cullen, and Poyet are very much in contention for big things in due course, and are all emerging with early European and Premier League experience which will stand to them. Hopefully, the likes of Lee will also get a chance to play in the early rounds of the League Cup, and perhaps develop further.

I think we are well set for a good season; hopefully the new players will gel quickly and we can start looking forward to great things!

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Moving on up
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 2nd September 2015
By: Paul Walker

Before our very eyes in the amazing last hours of the transfer window, we watched ourselves moving to a different level. Whatever you say about our leaders and Lady B, they are business people, and they knew a very long time ago that going to the Olympic stadium in the wrong division was not an option.

Failing to back a new manager with good money was also something that could not be countenanced, and lets face it, Slav would not have set foot in the place without assurances that money would be spent.

To change our image as mid-table, occasional relegation fodder, things had to be changed. And the club needed upgrading from top to bottom.

You can bet that this new approach has been on the cards for months, revamping the squad, getting rid of the expensive, old timers as well as the kids who had seen patience but were not going to make it, was clearly the master plan.

It's pretty clear that moves were afoot way back. Ian Hendon's parting shot when leaving was that Sam and his staff knew they were not being retained back in January. And Slav has made it clear that he was aware of our interest in him some while before the axe fell on the previous regime. So these changes have not happened overnight.

It has been months in the making, but Tuesday's remarkable flurry of new signings was the end produce of that plan. And that deserves praise and respect for our leaders.

David Gold pointed out just how many kids were on the bench at Anfield, and that had to be addressed. A half-dozen injuries…our usual quota it seems…puts us under great pressure.

So things have had to change. The new men that arrived on Tuesday underlined that. And the fact that we were able to beat off other clubs in the process. That is something new, no longer it seems are we at the whim of David Levy's nasty anti-West Ham streak.

And just for a change it was Spurs who came off worst. Yes, earlier in the window that did good business, but in the final days they failed to get their main targets, Victor Wanyama and Saido Berahino…., as well as also failing to unsettle our own Cheikhou Kouyate. And they were unable to get rid of Emmanuel Adebayor.

Every window seems to see us trying to signing him, and Levy playing hardball to the last seconds, and winning. But the very act of us signing Victor Moses on loan on the morning of deadline day, shifted the power battle. Moses was our second domestic loan of the window, so Levy was denied the drawn-out loan route and was left with the battle over what percentage of his contract Spurs paid up to persuade him to leave.

We could sit and wait while he had to negotiate with the player. We had our insurance of Jelavic as well as Moses's frontline adaptability. And Levy lost the face-off, with Aderbayor's wages still on Spurs' wage bill.

The only way out now is to cancel his contract, but he still cannot sign for anyone until January, so that's five month's wages for the guy that Levy must stump out. How very sad for the man who has held the whip hand for so long, and who virtually stole Michael Carrick from us.

But that's enough about the Spurs sideshow. We produced a window of buys that has surpassed anything in the past. We are usually left with a bevy of dodgy Italians or half-fit, free agent Frenchmen. Or we have to re-sign Carlton Cole. Remember the painful last hours of January's window?

This time has been different. The arrival of Moses, Alex Song, the experienced back-up of Jelavic and the obvious promise of Micheil Antonio capped off an excellent window. A dozen new faces overall, an injection of genuine talent in Dimitri Payet and the exciting Manuel Lanzini, plus experience from Angelo Ogbanna and Pedro Obiang are a cut above anything we have seen in previous windows.

It has cost money, but it had to be done. The budget was supposed to be around £25m, added to that any cash from the Stewart Downing and Maiga sales. That probable took the pot to £30m, and we are just about in that margin, although that can always be manipulated because nobody pays all of a fee upfront, unless you are Manchester City.

Wages are high, the loans expensive, but our board have gone for it, and given Bilic what he wanted.

Around 20 players have left since the end of last season and around £400,000 has been cut from the weekly wage bill. A lot of high earners have gone, with Matt Jarvis now away on loan at Norwich. Every penny helps.

But there has been deeper planning. Eight promising youngsters have new contracts, including a lot of money spent to keep Reece Oxford, when we might well have lost in days gone by. We even found time in Tuesday's mayhem to sort out Josh Cullen's new contract. Good thinking.

Senior men like Mark Noble, Winston Reid and James Tomkins have also got new deals. The structure of the club has improved and there has been impressive good house keeping. All, I believe, part of a structured plan for the future.

Sometimes you feel our club is being run from a stall in Queens road market, other times you feel there is proper joined-up planning. This is one of those times.

You can only hope that it pays off and Slav can continue to produce such results like the win at Liverpool. And even that makes an impact of new targets. Antonio, I noticed, made a point of underlining that the Anfield triumph had influenced his decision to move to East London.

There were a few things I did not like about this window, and the odious Barry Silkman is top of the list, but more about him later.

We have spent all summer chasing a top notch striker, and it hasn't happened. Now we have Andy Carroll almost fit, but with Cole and Modibo Maiga gone and Nikica Jelavic as decent back-up, there at least is an insurance policy. And Moses can play wide or central, so the options are there for Bilic when Enner Valencia is back (and as long as Mauro Zarate and Diafra Sakho can stay fit).

I am still not convinced by Zarate. He is a show-boater who can do the occasional clever thing but never seems to have the staying power to last a match. Premier League class? I am not convinced, but the Sullivans love him, so that's all right then.

And as for Sullivan's pal, Silkman? For the second deadline day on the trot he has gone on Sky in the morning to try to sell one of our players. In January it was Noble, and it took Ms Brady to go into print to rubbish the idea.

This time the slimy Silkman, Sullivan's go-to agent, was trying to put James Collins in the shop-window. Collins was furious, away on international duty and with a new baby back home, it was not what was wanted and not how one of our very best 'soldiers' and loyal servants should be treated.

Silkman would not consider talking about one of his own clients in this way, so why does he think he can do it to Collins. Shut him up, Sullivan, it was almost as bad as you trash talking Charlie Austin. Ginge deserves more respect than that.

But all that is secondary to the big picture. And we have certainly made a point, put down a marker and given Bilic the tools to do the job, and to cope with injuries..and the continual suspensions! Just for once I was glued to the TV wondering who would be next, not who we would sell.

Quite a day; well done, everybody.

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West Ham win appeal over Mark Noble's red card but FA charges club
Last Updated: 02/09/15 5:43pm
SSN

West Ham have won their appeal to have Mark Noble's red card from Saturday's 3-0 victory over Liverpool rescinded, although the club have been charged by the FA following the dismissal. Midfielder Noble was sent off by referee Kevin Friend in the 78th minute at Anfield for a challenge on Danny Ings, despite Friend blowing his whistle for a previous foul on Noble, who then appeared to win the ball cleanly in a challenge with the Liverpool forward. The West Ham players surrounded the official after he brandished the red card and this has led to the club being charged for failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.

The club has until 6pm on September 7 to respond to the charge. West Ham manager Slaven Bilic said following his side's win that he was confident the decision to send off Noble would be reversed on appeal. And the FA has now rescinded the red card shown to Noble following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing and he will now not serve the proposed three-match suspension. The 28-year-old will therefore be available to face Newcastle United at Upton Park, live on Ford Monday Night Football on September 14.

Hammers co-owner David Gold revealed the FA's decision by tweeting: "Great news. Mark Noble's red card has been rescinded and he will be available to play against Newcastle."

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On-loan Matt Jarvis eager to make his mark at Norwich
Last Updated: 02/09/15 4:54pm
SSN

Matt Jarvis is relishing the chance to play his part in the Norwich City revival after completing a deadline-day loan switch from West Ham United. The winger will be in Norfolk for the rest of the season and has been impressed by what he has seen so far. Jarvis told the Canaries' official website: "I'm delighted to be here for the season and I'm really excited about getting started and helping the team.
"Everyone's made me feel welcome. It seems like a very nice club, and I'm looking forward to seeing what it's like when all the lads get back off international duty – there aren't loads of them here, so it will be good to get going."

Jarvis, who signed for West Ham from Wolves £10.75m in 2012, believes his early start for West Ham this season will help him settle in quickly at Carrow Road. He said: "I was back in on June 22 with West Ham and I played all of the Europa League qualifying matches for them. I'm fully fit and I've been involved in pretty much all the games so far this season. "I played 60 minutes at Carrow Road in pre-season too - I'm in good condition and ready to go. It's a fresh start for me, it's a chance for me to get back to playing games and back to my best."

Jarvis says he has been impressed by the progress of the club in 2015 under Alex Neil, who took over from Chris Hughton in January and went on to guide them back into the top flight through the play-offs. "You only have to look at what he's done and the team has done in recent times. It's a fantastic journey the club has been on and hopefully we can kick on now," Jarvis said. "Hopefully I'll be training with the lads on Thursday and then I'll get a full week with them next week. I'm really looking forward to being part of the team. You've got to work hard. The manager has said that he's very honest and that he will tell you what you think, and that's all you can ask for as a player."

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Tottenham's Emmanuel Adebayor too expensive for West Ham, says David Gold
Last Updated: 02/09/15 11:40am
SSN

West Ham co-chairman David Gold says manager Slaven Bilic pulled out of a deal to sign Emmanuel Adebayor because the Tottenham forward was "very expensive". The 31-year-old was expected to leave White Hart Lane this summer having been left out of manager Mauricio Pochettino's first-teams plans for the new season. Adebayor, who saw a move to Aston Villa fail to materialise earlier in the transfer window, met with Bilic at Upton Park on Monday to discuss joining the club. It is understood Tottenham were happy for the Togo international to leave and offered to pay off a portion of the final year of his contract - which is worth £5m - but Adebayor rejected their proposal. Bilic, however, decided against pursuing a deal for Adebayor and focused his attention on clinching the signing of Hull forward and Croatian compatriot Nikica Jelavic. Gold has revealed that, as well as stepping up efforts to sign Jelavic instead, the cost of signing Adebayor proved to be a stumbling block. "I think it was more an enquiry and again, Slaven showed interest - we showed a bit of interest - and then it sort of all went quiet and Slaven obviously decided against it," he told talkSPORT. "Very expensive player and I think he just weighed it up and felt with Andy [Carroll] coming back, with [Enner] Valencia coming back, with [Mauro] Zarate coming back and, of course, he was confident we would bring in the player from Hull [Jelavic]." The Hammers were initially keen on a loan deal for Adebayor but their deadline day pursuit was complicated by the arrival of Victor Moses at Upton Park. Moses, who signed on a season-long loan from Chelsea, ensured West Ham had already filled their loan quota of two, with Carl Jenkinson having joined on the same type of deal from Arsenal.

Premier League rules state no club can have more than two domestic loan players in their squad at any one time. Gold also admitted Bilic's desire to sign his former Croatia forward Jelavic played a role in their decision to pull the plug on a deal for Adebayor. "He [Bilic] came to us and said 'look, I like this player - I think that I can get more out of him than previous clubs'," Gold added. West Ham also secured the signings of Alex Song from Barcelona on a season-long loan and Michail Antonio from Nottingham Forest on a four-year deal on deadline day.

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Emmanuel Adebayor priced himself out of a move to West Ham, says Irons chairman David Gold
0 COMMENTS 18:17, 2 SEPTEMBER 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
The striker wanted a £5million pay-off from Tottenham, so the Hammers swooped for Nikica Jelavic instead
The Mirror

West Ham chairman David Gold has confirmed Emmanuel Adebayor priced himself out of a move to the club from Spurs. The striker refused to back down on his demand for a £5million pay-off from his club after Spurs had offered him a settlement to go. As a result, while he and the north Londoners haggled, the injury-hit Hammers focused on sealing the capture of Hull frontman Nikita Jelavic. Describing the on-off transfer, Gold said: "Slaven showed interest - we showed a bit of interest - and then it sort of all went quiet and Slaven obviously decided against it. "It was very expensive player and I think he just weighed it up and felt with Andy [Carroll] coming back, with [Enner] Valencia coming back, with [Mauro] Zarate coming back and, of course, he was confident we would bring in the player from Hull [Jelavic]."

Even then there was still a chance that £100,000-a-week Adebayor, frozen out at Tottenham, could sign for the Hammers. For that to have happened, however, the former Arsenal and Manchester City striker would have had to become a free agent before the transfer deadline.
West Ham had already added the loan signing of Victor Moses from Chelsea to that of Carl Jenkinson from Arsenal. Premier League rules state no club can have more than two domestic loan players in their squad at any one time. Even if Adebayor, who has not been given a squad number at Spurs, manages to seal his exit he will not be allowed to play for another team until January as he would have had to have become a free agent before Tuesday's deadline in order to do so

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Transfer news: Hammers spend £36m on players
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham made a whopping investment of £36 million in new players during the summer transfer window! With so many comings and goings in recent days, ClaretandHugh has decided to take a look at the figures and players involved in the latest merrygoround.

Inbound players and their transfer/loan fees:

Pedro Obiang £4.5m
Darren Randolph (free transfer)
Martin Samuelsen (nominal fee)
Dimitri Payet £10.7m
Angelo Ogbonna £8.5m
Manuel Lanzini £2m loan fee
Carl Jenkinson £1.5m loan fee
Alex Song £1.5m loan fee
Victor Moses £2.5m loan fee
Nikica Jelavic £2.5m
Michail Antonio £6m.

Our total outgoing spend is thought to have reached £39.7m – and this figure DOESN'T INCLUDE any future add-ons!

Outbound players and their transfer fees:

Stewart Downing £5m (not including add ons)
Maiga (Free)
Kevin Nolan (released with £1.3m pay-off)
Matty Jarvis (loaned to Norwich with no fee involved).
We calculate the Hammers' net transfer spend of £36m puts the club in fifth place as the the Premier League's big spenders – just behind Chelsea (£37m), Newcastle (£42m), Manchester United (£43m) and Manchester City (£102m).

Who said we had no ambition!

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Irons may launch new Noble FA appeal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham will look at the video evidence of the players' reaction to Mark Noble's sending off at Liverpool before deciding whether to appeal an FA charge they failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion. The club has until 6pm on 7 September 2015 to respond to the charge. David Gold – speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh – said: "There's every chance we will appeal but we will have to look at the video evidence as we did when deciding whether to appeal the red card. "Obviously players cannot encircle and intimidate referees but we will need to see what the reaction was before deciding what to do. "Personally, I believe that as at law, we should ensure that the punishment always fits the crime and that there should be a sliding scale of fines. "I do not know how the lads reacted until we see that video. We will look at it and then make up our minds."

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FA MUST always have the last word
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 2, 2015 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C AND H

West Ham have been charged yet again by The FA for failing to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion after the Mark Noble red card fiasco at Anfield last Saturday. The standard fine for this offence is £20,000 if the club admit breaching FA Rules in relation to player conduct. West Ham have been fined £20,000 twice before in the last 12 months after the club admitted breaching FA Rules in relation to player conduct back in February 2015 against Southampton when Adrian got sent off (later overturned) and again in November 2014 against Everton last year after James McCarthy mis-timed tackle on Morgan Amalfitano. It appears that it is standard practice for the FA to charge a club after having having a red card overturned as if to have the last word in some childish contest. Never mind that the Irons players were justifiably complaning against a decision with which the FA now agree, there has to be an edge somewhere for the game's ruling body in this country eh? Just plain WRONG! West Ham are unlikely to contest or appeal the charge and will probably just roll over and pay the £20,000 with gritted teeth but if the referee got these important decisions right there would be no over reaction by players. Maybe the FA should use all these £20,000 fines it has gathered and invest in video technology to put an end to sending off errors by professional referees in the first place.

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Transfer news: Jarvis loan deal saves Irons £1.75m
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

Matty Jarvis's eleventh hour transfer deadline day loan deal to Norwich City will save West Ham £1.75 million over the season, it has been revealed. Although the Hammers have paid a total of £7.5m in loan fees on top of wages for in demand players like Alex Song, Victor Moses, Manuel Lanzini and Carl Jenkinson, no such loan fee could be agreed with Norwich for the services of livewire Jarvis. But Norwich will be paying 100 per cent of the player's £45,000-per-week wages. A senior source told ClaretandHugh: "Just wages on Jarvis saves us £1.75 million." On the departures of Maiga and Nolan, our insider added: "For Maiga we got NOTHING – reports of £6m are madness. But this again saved us over £2m in wages. On Kevin Nolan, he got two thirds of his money to go."

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Leroy: Antonio is a 'powerhouse' who scores goals!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

I've watched Michail Antonio for several years now. He's a very strong physical player who can play down the left wing or on the left side of a front three. Without any shadow of a doubt, Antonio is a very strong player. I've regularly watched him for Nottingham Forest, where he has been very much the main main – a guy who can score goals and provide real strength. AntonioHe needs to add some consistency to his game, but like Victor Moses – who sometimes has the same problem – he can be a quality player as he settles down to life with Slaven Bilic. I certainly see him as a lad who is going to get us 10-12 goals a season providing he gets a decent amount of games under his belt. Finding the net is very much part of his game.

At £7 million, I think he was worth going for and know that many clubs have been tracking him over recent months. He's a highly interesting player. I'm glad we have him. He's a powerhouse. Everybody knows all about Victor Moses. He will get the fans out of their seats on some days but he can disappear from matches although I reckon he's a brilliant signing on balance. The club have been very careful in signing Alex Song to a short term loan deal given his injuries, and if he recovers we all know how good a player he is. This is sensible and decent business. I spoke about Jelavic last week and have my reservations. But at £2.5 million, and working under a manager who knows him, it could work. Much of that will be down to the boss but so long as we remember the guy is a cover striker we aren't going to be disappointed. His control is not the best and therefore not a player who can bring others into play. But he does know where the goal is and Slav will be working with him. Overall it's been a very good window for the Irons. They have signaled their ambitions and look to have a squad that can now cope with whatever comes at them.

Leroy Rosenior is ClaretandHugh's Chief Analyst.

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Gold apologises over Barton and Austin transfers
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 2, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H

David Gold has apologised for the controversies that marked the Irons summer transfer window. Comments concerning Charlie Austin's alleged "injuries" and Joey Barton's disappointment over his move to the club that broke down at the eleventh hour are clearly still talking points within the game – and among fans. And Gold was keen to pacify anybody who had been upset by any remarks made during a radio broadcast on talkSPORT. He said: "I wish it hadn't happened. I apologise to anybody who is upset – that was not our intention. We are involved in a very emotional game. "I am really sorry if anybody upset – that is all I can say."

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Juventus Striker Rejected West Ham United Switch
Forza Italian Football

Juventus forward Simone Zaza opted to stay in Turin as he rejected the advances of West Ham United. The Premier League club were known to have been interested in the 24-year-old but a move failed to materialise with the Italian keen on staying with the reigning Serie A champions. This is despite the fact that the former Sassuolo forward would not be be guaranteed first team football with the Bianconeri.
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Hammers boss Slaven Bilic is said to have promised the forward that he would receive regular playing time as he is a huge admirer of the striker. "Come to us, you will lead our attack and are my first choice," the Croatian coach told Zaza.
Zaza made 64 appearances during his time with the Neroverdi, scoring a total of 20 goals.

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Moussa Sow Turned Down West Ham and Sunderland For Gulf Move
Insidefutbol.com

Moussa Sow claims to have turned down offers from West Ham and Sunderland to complete a big-money move to the United Arab Emirates. The 29-year-old has joined Al Ahli from Fenerbahce for a fee of €16m, making him one of the most expensive signings in the history of the United Arab Emirates game. Al Ahli also agreed to pay Sow a €1m loyalty bonus he was owed from Fenerbahce to smooth through the move.
According to United Arab Emirates daily the National, Sow claims to have turned down both West Ham and Sunderland, preferring to move to Al Ahli. Sow was quoted as saying: "I heard this is one of the biggest transfers here in the Emirates and I'm happy to have that much value in me. "I'm trying to give back what the club paid for me and attempting to do my best. I received a few offers from England and other teams in the UAE, but I have been here many times and, after I spoke with my family and friends, I decided to come to Al Ahli club.
"It's a project I like, I feel safe with the people here and they helped me come here. I heard the club has had lots of big players pass through, such as Grafite and Fabio Cannavaro, which gave me more information about the club and helped me make my decision."

Sow is not available for Al Ahli to call upon for their Asian Champions League campaign, with the United Arab Emirates outfit already through to the quarter-final, where they have a second leg against Naft Tehran on the horizon later this month. The Senegalese striker was prolific in Turkish football and scored 52 times in 107 appearances in the Turkish top flight for the Yellow Canaries.

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