Pablo ready for Villa thriller
WHUFC.com
After a flying visit to Mexico, Pablo Barrera will be focusing firmly on club commitments
12.08.2010
Pablo Barrera is looking forward to making an impact in the Barclays Premier League after a run-out in midweek for Mexico against world champions Spain.
The flying winger was a half-time substitute in Mexico City on Wednesday night, as El Tri were only denied a famous win by a last-gasp David Silva equaliser. Having got his international commitments out of the way, Barrera can focus on the day job - starting with a possible competitive debut for the Hammers away to Aston Villa. "I want to win a starting place in the team and do a good job," said Barrera, the man they call 'Dynamite', who arrived at the Boleyn Ground in a £4m transfer from Club Universidad Nacional, or Pumas to use their popular name last month. "I want the team to do well and be high up in the table and give the fans something to sing about. I am coming here with the goal of being a success and standing out for my team. I want to achieve things here."
After the Villa date will come the home match with Bolton Wanderers on Saturday week, when a strong crowd is expected for a game that has been designated Kids for a Quid. Barrera made his Boleyn bow against RC Deportivo La Coruna last weekend but had been swotting up on his new home even before he arrived in England. "The truth is, I was told it was a good club," he said. "I looked on the internet and saw it was a club with a lot of tradition and where the people get right behind you all the time. "The first time I came over for the medical checks, they told me all about the players who've been at the club down the years, the stadium. So I know a bit about the history of the club."
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Injury blow for Kurucz
WHUFC.com
Young goalkeeper Peter Kurucz faces a lengthy period out after suffering a serious knee injury
12.08.2010
West Ham United goalkeeper Peter Kurucz faces an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury. The Hungary Under-21 player was hurt in an innocuous incident while playing for the Hammers reserves against Ipswich Town at Chadwell Heath last Saturday. Head of Sports Medicine and Sports Science Andy Rolls said the 22-year-old would undergo surgery before embarking on an extended period of rehabilitation. "Peter was playing for the reserves at the training ground on Saturday. He was running and shepherding a ball out of play when he has put his foot down and suffered an absolutely freak injury.
"Some weight has gone through his knee in a different pattern to normal and his anterior cruciate ligament - one of the ligaments that gives stability to his knee - has ruptured. This will need an operation to repair it."
Kurucz joined West Ham, initially on loan, from Hungarian side Ujpest FC in February 2009. A regular in the reserves last season, the Budapest-born goalkeeper made his first-team debut as a substitute in the Barclays Premier League meeting with Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground on 5 December 2009. He has also featured prominently in West Ham's pre-season schedule, appearing in the first-team friendly victories over Peterborough United, VfL Borussia Monchengladbach and Panathinaikos.
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Time to make a Mark
WHUFC.com
Aston Villa are first up for the Hammers but Mark Noble is more than up for the match
12.08.2010
Mark Noble is hoping a positive summer's work translates into three points as West Ham United get the Barclays Premier League started away to Aston Villa on Saturday The homegrown midfielder is entering his seventh season in the first team and is optimistic that the positive pre-season campaign just gone will stand the club in good stead. "I feel really good," he said. "Hopefully we will go into Villa with the same attitude. We haven't conceded many goals which is good during pre-season. We know what a good side they are and we are looking forward to the challenge. "As much as it doesn't mean anything in pre-season, it is nice to go into the season with confidence. We are looking forward to that and getting the season kicked off."
Noble has enjoyed his first summer off in three years having been on England duty in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2008 and 2009. Before then, he was flying at the end of 2009/10 and was keen to continue in that way. "At the end of last season, I didn't want it to end. I came into my own and was playing in the position I wanted to play in. I started to play my best football. I want to carry that on into this season."
Noble began last season with a terrific strike in the 2-0 victory away to Wolverhampton Wanderers, amazingly the last time the Hammers won a competitive fixture on the road. This time around, he said he was going to focus more on what he can bring to the side from an assists point of view. "I am not going to set a goals target. I have been working hard in pre-season on it and if I play the deeper role it is more difficult. I want to concentrate on setting goals up and hopefully I can chip in myself with a few."
A father of two now and the club's longest serving player, Noble has a maturity beyond his years. He knows it is important to be positive but also to not get too carried away, whether about the team's hopes or personal ambitions with club and country. "If the team does well, it makes life easier for me and vice versa. Crossed fingers and hope everything goes well. There is optimism and once you get into the season, then you can really tell. "We are looking forward to it. You can't really tell until you get into the games and a little bit of pressure is involved. You see the true colours. Hopefully the new manager does well for the club."
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Hammers draw Oxford
WHUFC.com
The Carling Cup second-round draw has been made with all sides hoping to make it to Wembley
11.08.2010
West Ham United have been drawn at home against Oxford United after Wednesday night's Carling Cup second-round draw. The match against the League Two side will take place in the week commencing Monday 23 August. The teams last met in the Championship on 23 March 1993 when Oxford won 1-0 at home. Overall, West Ham have won eight and drawn two of the 14 meetings between the clubs. West Ham were one of 13th sides from the Barclays Premier League who were seeded, with all top-flight teams playing in Europe exempt from this round. The Hammers reached the third round last season. They were 3-1 winners against Millwall after extra time at this stage of the competition before being knocked out by the same scoreline over 120 minutes away to Bolton Wanderers. The 2010/11 final will be held at Wembley Stadium on 27 February 2011. West Ham have reached the League Cup final twice in their history, losing out on both occasions. West Bromwich Albion ran out 5-3 aggregate winners in 1965/66, while Liverpool earned a 2-1 replay victory at Villa Park in 1980/81 after the initial game at finished 1-1 at Wembley.
Carling Cup second draw
Accrington Stanley v Newcastle United
Portsmouth v Crystal Palace
Leeds United v Leicester City
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Southend United
Blackburn Rovers v Norwich City
MK Dons v Blackpool
Tranmere Rovers v Swansea City
Everton v Huddersfield Town
Peterborough United v Cardiff City
Reading v Northampton Town
Scunthorpe United v Sheffield Wednesday
Brentford v Hull City
Sunderland v Colchester United
Leyton Orient v West Bromwich Albion
Morecambe v Burnley
Birmingham City v Rochdale
Crewe Alexandra v Ipswich Town
Watford v Notts County
West Ham United v Oxford United
Southampton v Bolton Wanderers
Bradford City v Preston North End
Fulham v Port Vale
Millwall v Middlesbrough
Stoke City v Shrewsbury Town
Hartlepool United v Wigan Athletic
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Hitz off in Germany draw
WHUFC.com
Thomas Hitzlsperger was substituted with a possible muscle injury in the 2-2 draw with Denmark
11.08.2010
Thomas Hitzlsperger captained Germany as they drew 2-2 away to Denmark in Copenhagen on Wednesday night. The West Ham United midfielder was made skipper on his 52nd appearance for his country in Copenhagen as Germany let a two-goal lead slip at the hands of Denmark. Hitzlsperger set up Mario Gomez with a slide-rule pass through a crowded area for the opening goal. Patrick Helmes, on in the 66th minute for the West Ham man who had appeared to pick up a knock, doubled the advantage but, in the last 16 minutes, Dennis Rommedahl and Mads Junker secured a draw for the hosts.
Pablo Barrera came on at half-time of Mexico's 1-1 draw against Spain in Mexico City. Barrera replaced Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez, who had opened the scoring, and it looked like the North American side would seal a famous win against the world champions before a last-gasp equaliser from David Silva. Elsewhere, Valon Behrami and Carlton Cole were unused substitutes as Switzerland and England were 1-0 and 2-1 winners against Austria and Hungary respectively. On Tuesday night, Jonathan Spector played the full 90 minutes as the United States lost 2-0 to Brazil in New Jersey while Tal Ben Haim has been with Israel on a three-day training camp.
At Under-21 level, Fabio Daprela, still only 19, played 45 minutes at left-back as Switzerland lost an Under-21 friendly at home against Greece. Perhaps the most telling performance of the day from a Hammer was 20-year-old Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson playing the full 90 minutes as Iceland kept alive their 2011 UEFA European U21 Championship dreams with a 4-1 demolition of Germany that eliminated the holders.
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Club update on Sulejmani
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm the club have reached agreement with AFC Ajax over Miralem Sulejmani
11.08.2010
West Ham United can confirm the club have reached agreement with AFC Ajax over the loan transfer of Miralem Sulejmani. The club have agreed terms with Ajax and also with the Serbian international forward but the 21-year-old's move from Amsterdam to London is subject to a work permit hearing. West Ham United will make no further comment on this matter until the result of that hearing is known.
West Ham United have been very active this summer, having already signed Thomas Hitzlsperger, Pablo Barrera, Frederic Piquionne, Tal Ben Haim and Winston Reid, as well as crucially retaining the services of key players like Robert Green and Scott Parker. With three weeks left until the transfer window shuts and more new signings possible, whufc.com will be the only place to hear all the official news first and fastest.
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U18s defeat Urchins
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s scored a fine 2-1 victory over Ryman League AFC Hornchurch
11.08.2010
West Ham United's Under-18s continued their preparations for the 2010/11 FA Premier Academy League season with an impressive 2-1 victory at AFC Hornchurch. Academy Director Tony Carr sent his youngsters out against the Ryman League Premier Division club's first team with the aim of getting them used to the physical nature of senior football. The U18s rose to the occasion in front of a 1,100-strong crowd at The Bridge, battling back from a goal down to secure a well-deserved win. Jack Werndly (pictured) and Kieran Sadlier were on target for the Hammers, cancelling out a 39th-minute strike from Urchins striker Jamie Richards. Prior to the opening goal, Sadlier had forced a fine save from Darren Behcet before Daniel Subuola fired an effort narrowly off-target.
At the other end, Richards shot against a post, while West Ham goalkeeper Sam Cowler had to be at his best to keep out Martin Tuohy's well-struck drive.
Into the second period and Sadlier was again denied before Werndly saw his shot take a big deflection and spin past the helpless Behcet on 53 minutes. With substitute Daniel Purdy pulling the strings in midfield, the Hammers went on the hunt for a winning goal and it duly arrived when Sadlier struck a low shot into the bottom corner. Having seen their advantage evaporate, Hornchurch launched a spirited fightback of their own, but Ross Hall and Paul Shave failed to trouble Cowler when well-placed. The U18s complete their pre-season schedule with a trip to Norwich City U18s on Saturday before kicking-off their FA Premier Academy League season on Saturday 21 August with a visit to West Bromwich Albion.
West Ham United U18: Cowler, Hurley, Craig, Sanchez, Powell, Hunt, Sadlier, Vose, Werndly, Subuola
Sub: Purdy
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West Ham agree loan terms for striker Miralem Sulejmani
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have reached agreement with Dutch giants Ajax over the loan signing of striker Miralem Sulejmani. The 21-year-old Serbian has agreed terms with the Hammers, but his move is now subject to a work permit hearing. "West Ham will make no further comment until the result of that hearing is known," read a club statement. Sulejmani joined Ajax from Heerenveen in the summer of 2008 for a fee of about £13.5m but failed to make an impact, scoring 12 goals in 68 games. Sulejmani, who missed out on a place in Serbia's World Cup squad, will work alongside countryman Zeljko Petrovic, who is manager Avram Grant's assistant at Upton Park. New West Ham boss Grant has already swooped for Thomas Hitzlesperger, Pablo Barrera, Frederic Piquionne, Tal Ben Haim and Winston Reid this summer. West Ham finished 17th last season, only one spot above the relegation places, and sacked former manager Gianfranco Zola in May
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West Ham keen to recruit David Beckham
BBC.co.uk
By Frank Keogh
West Ham co-chairman David Gold says there is an open invitation for David Beckham to join the club. England coach Fabio Capello has said he will not pick the 35-year-old for another competitive international. But Gold would like to take the former England captain, who is currently with Los Angeles Galaxy, on loan as a player or for him to be a club ambassador. "He's still a great player and it would be a fantastic statement if he came to West Ham," Gold told BBC Sport. Capello revealed in a TV interview before England's 2-1 friendly win over Hungary that he was ready to cast Beckham aside.
Asked if Beckham was in his plans, Capello said: "No, I need to change it. David is a fantastic player but I think we need new players for the future." Beckham, who is recovering from an Achilles tendon injury which ruled him out of the World Cup, has 115 England caps - more than any other outfield player. In July, a spokesman for the player, who was born in Leytonstone, east London, said there had been no talks with West Ham. "While it's flattering, there has been no contact or offer from West Ham. David has no interest in leaving," he said. Gold concedes there have been no direct talks with Beckham, but said an approach to his representatives had been made. "We showed interest at the end of the season and asked would he come and join us, maybe just for half a season on loan," said Gold, who took over West Ham with business partner David Sullivan in January. "Sadly, his commitments are such that this is probably not going to happen now. The January transfer window doesn't look possible, but we still have an open invitation to David to join us. "Our belief is that he is still a great player and it would be a fantastic statement if he came to West Ham. He's an East End boy and it would be a fitting end to his career. "I'm a little disappointed with what happened to David last night. It's not like he had a bad game, or he's declined as a player all of a sudden. He's just been dropped for his age. "If it is truly the end of his international career, I think it's a bit of a damp squib."
The Hammers believe Beckham could help as they seek to move from Upton Park to the new Olympic Stadium at Stratford after the 2012 Games. "We also had in mind his value as an ambassador to to help us with securing the Olympic Stadium," said Gold, who grew up close to West Ham's current ground. "He was an ambassador for the 2012 bid and is doing the same for the 2018 World Cup. "I see the value in David Beckham after his playing career is over. If he wasn't an east London boy, I wouldn't have the same enthusiasm. "I played over at Leyton a number of times as a lad in the Isthmian League and it's right in our territory. You can probably see David's old house from the new stadium."
Capello said Beckham could play once more for England at Wembley so fans could pay tribute to the ex-skipper. But Beckham's agent released a statement confirming the player's desire to carry on playing for England. It read: "For your information, there has been no discussion of retirement. He will always be available for his country, when fit and if needed he will be there."
Beckham was back in full training with United States side LA Galaxy on Wednesday and is hoping to return to Major League Soccer (MLS) action in September.
However, Italian club AC Milan have said he he is unlikely to have a third loan spell there after the MLS season ends in November. "There's a natural fit for us, were it to suit David Beckham," said Gold. "But the man's a superstar. Who knows what he's going to do? He could go into films and you'd never see him again in football. "Every day that passes makes it a less likely option that he would consider coming to us as a player." Beckham has previously said he is proud of his East End roots, although he was temporarily a hate figure among some West Ham fans after he was sent off for England against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup.
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New striker on the way?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th August 2010
By: Staff Writer
Felipe Caicedo could be set to join West Ham after it was revealed that they player has been in talks with the club. The Ecuadorian striker, 25, is surplus to requirement at big-spending Manchester City and spent the beginning of the week locked in talks with Hammers representatives with regards to a season-long loan move to the Boleyn Ground. Caicedo made his name as a teenager with FC Basel in Switzerland before being snapped up by Mark Hughes on transfer deadline day 2008 for €7million. However he failed to hold down a regular starting berth at Eastlands and was allowed to join Sporting CP on a season-long loan prior to the start of the 2009/10 season. Unfortunately the move soon turned sour and in January 2010, after just seven starts, Caicedo - who was first linked with an £8million move to West Ham last summer - returned to Manchester City only halfway through his loan spell. Within a week he was off again; having rejected the chance to join (then) Premier League outfit Hull he joined Malaga on loan for the remainder of the campaign where he went on to score four times in 18 appearances.
In other news, it has been revealed that Jeremie Aliadiere - who spent several months at West Ham back in 2005 before having his (season-long) loan spell rfom Arsenal cut short after proving to be a huge disappointment - is training at Chadwell Heath having been released by Championship outfit Middlesbrough.
The former Arsenal trainee, now 27, made just one start for Alan Pardew's newly-promoted side before being sent packing by a far-from-impressed manager. 'He came, he got injured and he moaned about not being picked' is how KUMB.com described Aliadiere's spell at West Ham at the time.
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Hammers agree Sulejmani deal
Serbian forward set for one-year loan
Last updated: 11th August 2010
SSN
West Ham have confirmed that they have agreed a deal to sign Ajax forward Miralem Sulejmani on a season-long loan. The Serbian international, who can play in the centre or as a winger, is set to move to Upton Park should a work permit be arranged for the player. Sulejmani rose to stardom at Eredivisie side Heerenveen, scoring 15 goals in 34 games in the 2007-8 season and earned interest from some of Europes biggest clubs. The 21-year-old joined Ajax in a record £13million deal in the summer of 2008, but failed to live up to his price tag, scoring just three goals in 25 appearances for Martin Jol's side last season.
"The club have agreed terms with Ajax and also with the Serbian international forward but the 21-year-old's move from Amsterdam to London is subject to a work permit hearing. West Ham United will make no further comment on this matter until the result of that hearing is known," a statement read on the club's official website.
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Caicedo in Hammers talks
Grant lines up loan deal for City forward
Last updated: 12th August 2010
SSN
Skysports.com understands West Ham are in talks to sign Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo. Hammers boss Avram Grant is keen to bolster his attacking options before the start of the season and he has lined up a season-long loan deal for Caicedo. Caicedo has dropped down the pecking order at City and spent spells out on loan at Sporting Lisbon and Malaga last season. The Ecuador international is thought to be keen on a move to West Ham as he looks to secure regular first-team football. Manchester City are understood to have given Caicedo permission to travel down to London to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms over a season-long deal at Upton Park. West Ham are also thought to have the option to sign Caicedo on a permanent basis if he impresses during his loan spell in East London. If Caicedo agrees a move to West Ham he will become Grant's sixth new signing of the summer as they prepare to face Aston Villa this weekend in their Premier League opener.
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Harry makes Remy check
Spurs step up striker chase
Last updated: 12th August 2010
SSN
Skysports.com understands Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp watched Loic Remy in action for France against Norway. Remy is one of the most sought-after players in this summer's transfer window with up to eight Premier League clubs chasing his signature. West Ham and Liverpool have both expressed an interest in Remy, while the young Frenchman also held talks with Stoke. However, Spurs are thought to be at the head of the queue for the 23-year-old as Redknapplooks to bring in some quality additions for the challenge of the UEFA Champions League. Redknapp made a personal check on Remy in Oslo as the striker played 45 minutes of France's 2-1 defeat to Norway. Along with Redknapp representatives from Everton, Aston Villa, Sunderland, West Ham, Liverpool and Chelsea were also thought to be in attendance to cast an eye over Remy. Nice are prepared to sell the forward for the right price and, despite interest from elsewhere, Remy is believed to be keen on a move to England.
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Hammers cool Yakubu interest
Sullivan valued striker at less than a quarter of £8m asking price
Last updated: 12th August 2010
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has told Everton that they need to be 'more realistic' in their valuation of Yakubu Aiyegbeni and has confirmed that his club are now looking at different transfer targets. Sky Sports News revealed on Tuesday that the Hammers had bid for the Nigeria international as new manager Avram Grant seeks to increase his attacking options ahead of the new Premier League season. Everton would appear to be willing to listen to offers, but Sullivan was less than impressed with an £8m valuation and has implied that West Ham are looking elsewhere after stating that Yakubu should be worth between £1m and £2m. Sullivan said in the Daily Telegraph: "We have cooled on Yakubu. When you have a good, hard look at him, we want younger and quicker and better. "Everything has a price. You want to get Yakubu for £1-2m and they are quoting £8m and that is far too much. "They have to be more realistic. If they said £1-2m we might go back. We bid more at the start of the summer because we had more flexibility but, at this moment in time, having spent some of our money on other players we want him for £1-2m."
Meanwhile, West Ham have handed a trial to former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere. Aliadiere is available on a free transfer after leaving Middlesbrough at the end of last season. Hammers boss Avram Grant will cast an eye over the Frenchman before deciding whether or not to offer him a deal at Upton Park.
Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Paul Smith is also on trial at West Ham after being placed on the transfer list at the City Ground.
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Jem lands Upton trial
The Sun
Published: Today
JEREMIE ALIADIERE may land a shock deal back at West Ham after being handed a trial. The ex-Arsenal striker, 27, a free agent after leaving Middlesbrough, had a loan spell in 2005. Serbian hitman Miralem Sulejmani, 21, will join on loan from Ajax.
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Cole's yours for £20 million Kop
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today
LIVERPOOL will have to cough up £20million for Carlton Cole. West Ham are willing to sell but they want a top price as they would have little time before the new season kicks off to sign a replacement striker. Kop boss Roy Hodgson was instructed earlier this week to pay £15m up front with a further £5m fixed to appearances. A Hammers insider said: "It has to be a big price for Carlton. With just days to go before the season starts, the club don't want to be left in the lurch. "If things happened earlier, maybe the price could have been lower." Hammers have already turned down a Stoke bid of £9m plus £3m on appearances for Cole, 26. The frontman has been in fine pre-season form, scoring four goals in six games as he bids to add to his seven England caps.
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Hammering out Sulejmani deal
The Sun
Published: 11 Aug 2010
WEST HAM have agreed a loan deal with Ajax for Serbian forward Miralem Sulejmani. The mercurial 21-year-old has agreed terms with the Hammers and will join subject to a work permit being received. West Ham have not confirmed the length of the deal. A club statement said: "The club have agreed terms but his move from Amsterdam to London is subject to a work permit hearing. West Ham United will make no further comment on this matter until the result of that hearing is known." Ajax spent a record £13million on Sulejmani to take him to Amsterdam from Heerenveen in 2008. But the youngster, who can play off a striker or on the wing, failed to deliver on his potential and was criticised for his performances. Despite once being among Serbia's great hopes for the national team, Sulejmani missed out on a World Cup place while finding himself out in the cold in Amsterdam.
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Season's Prospects...
Alex V - Mon Aug 9 2010
West Ham Online
A new season, a new manager, a new regime in charge of the club, and some new signings to look at. If nothing else, the new season has plenty of novelty value. Let's round up the new signings and review the prospects for the coming season.
I'm no fan of Sullivan and Gold's 'unproject', but they'd have to be even duller than I imagine to drop the ball with the team just now. A group of players who underperformed last season but still have the potential to be mid-table, still lots of young talent about within the squad, a safe pair of hands appointed to guarantee a bit of safety - it's very hard to see West Ham failing to improve on last season's showing.
Avram Grant has experience - the way he went down with the ship at Portsmouth was impressive, though hardly the sort of skills that we'd be desperate to utilise at West Ham. For that reason the timing of his appointment seems slightly bizarre, but as a knee-jerk antidote to the naivety of Zola he seems to fit the bill. My only real concern is that over time we may suffer from Curbs syndrome once again - he may simply turn out too boring for many of us.
I'm amazed to see the manager publicly announcing our 4-3-3 formation for the new season - I'm not sure what purpose that serves. Should we start with a falter, the sight of Grant backtracking on his pronouncement will be demoralising. And lest we forget, Zola's great vision was a 4-3-3, but unfortunately Gianfranco couldn't get the ideas from his head out onto a Premiership pitch. Grant seems unaware of this. At the same time, any monkey can see that the days of two strikers up front are all but over, and everybody needs to get used to these adaptable formations with packed midfields. What West Ham need is the guidance to continue this transition, and the players to play it!
On the one hand like everybody else I'm excited to see players coming in - on the other I'm dismayed at the spending. Weren't we £100m in debt? Where's the cash for the new signings come from? Yet another bank loan? What worries me is that this new set of players may similarly command the 40k+ wages over several years that so crippled us in recent times. Obviously we haven't seen which players will leave the club yet - it's hard to judge anything too conclusively until the transfer window has closed. But I just want to introduce a hint of concern while everyone else does cartwheels over the thought of new players to watch - having committed a guesstimated £15m to players and their wages this Summer, who is going to be sold to cover this investment?
Hitzlsperger is the best of the 'ins' on paper - he fits the template of the sort of player who has done well at West Ham over the years. A pedigree player a little in the doldrums looking for a new challenge. You could argue Parker was in the same boat when he joined us. On a free it's a no-brainer, but I do dread to think what sort of wages we are paying to a player who would presumably have their choice of scores of clubs across Europe. But it's the one moment of the last six months when I have been wowed by the new regime at the club.
Piquionne is a good signing for the short-term. Playing for Portsmouth he reminded me a little of Kanoute - the sort of player who on his best day is unplayable, but on his worst is at least unpredicable and capable of the special moment you need to unlock opposition defences. The three-year contract however is another McCarthy-sized clanger from the club in my opinion, turning a welcome short-term measure into a £10m sinkhole for our oh-so-precious cash.
Barrera is a £4m gamble in my opinion - could be spectacular or could be a disaster. Like Jimenez or Diamanti last season, the player obviously has technical ability, but it's a massive gap between tricks on the training ground and being an effective part of a Premiership team. Especially as a creative attacking player. What Barrera does have on his side is age - at just 23 he will hopefully be given time to develop at the club. But I hope and pray that we don't expect heroics from him at the start - he was behind Dos Santos and Vela in the Mexico selection, and neither of those have quite hit premiership level yet. A bit of patience required perhaps.
Winston Reid absolutely fits the bill in terms of signings - he is only 22, probably extremely green but physically and technically able, and hopefully ready to improve. He won't be asking the world in wages, and he would be easily sellable if things don't come off for him at the club. You simply cannot lose with a signing like this. Another player who might not set the world alight in the short-term, but should hopefully start to put on pressure for a first-team place as time progresses.
And Ben Haim fills a gap in the squad very nicely, and as a short-term measure with no financial strings as well. Experienced, capable and versatile. You'd hope we wouldn't have to rely on him too much this season, but if we do I don't think he'll let anyone down. Maybe he will do better than just being a stop-gap - the manager must rate him to have gone to his old club to bring him on board, and the player is still only 28. Something about him seems uninspiring, yet he has played for five Premiership teams already including Chelsea and Man City - you're no mug if you manage that.
Who will leave? It's not easy to find obvious candidates for the chop. Kovac is the only one I would pick out. Obviously we would quietly shunt McCarthy out of the club if we could. I think Sullivan is hoping that as the close of the window approaches clubs become more desperate, and that perhaps we could sell players for more than they are worth. Not the worst business strategy imo. The club just has to be ready to plug the gaps quickly. I think that even if Parker left in a worst case scenario, we do have players to cover for that. I was worried in previous seasons that we were too reliant on Carlton Cole, but we have Piquionne and McCarthy now, and the impressive Nouble coming through. There's nobody we couldn't sell and recover from - a good position to be in imo.
But what does all this do to our chances this season? I come at this from the premise that West Ham seriously underperformed last season. We've still got the majority of the squads that got us 10th and 9th in the Premiership during that productive period, and I see no reason why we couldn't have a similar performances in the league coming up. And you've got that fantastic incentive where the players are acutely aware that they must perform or else suffer another embarrassing, undignified season near the bottom of the table.
I'm not sure exactly what the new signings bring to the table, but each gives us a chance to improve. It might be that only Hitzlsperger becomes an actual fixture in the side in the short-term, but that would be very welcome because I thought our midfield organisation got in a right old mess last season and needs re-energising. Some would be dismayed that we start a new season with the same back five from the last campaign, but this is a group a year wiser who presumably know each others' strengths and weaknesses well, and a fit Ilunga may be all the difference we need to rediscover some steel at the back.
The thing that excites me is seeing our talented players, and seeing how far they can go with us. Tomkins had a stinker last season at times, but for me he still has top-drawer potential. Behrami, a headless chicken at times last season, still has the commitment and bite in midfield that very few players find - I hope he stays and finds his best form again, because at his best I think he is fantastic. Cole looks set to once again lead the line for us, and there are few better at that lone role in the Premiership - I think we are incredibly lucky to have him. And if I had to pick an outlier to really push through it would be Stanislas - a clever young player whose natural role should perfectly fit Grant's proposed 4-5-1 system, and who could kick on from fringe player to essential component over the next few months if given the right encouragement.
I see the prospects very much in the same terms as the last campaign. Probably just too much in the squad to ever actually get relegated, but you never say never. Probably just not enough to push too far into the top half, but you never say never. As I think is beginning to become clear as the Premiership matures, the difference between success and failure can be a rub of the green, an injury or two, a refereeing decision, a moment of madness. Anything under 50 points and you are breathing a sigh of relief when you survive, but at our best we've only managed 57 points in a Premiership season, and we were fifth when we did so.
We're basically talking about the very slightest of margins, the rub of the green in a match or three, that make the difference between success and failure for West Ham. We'd do well to remember that over the ups and downs of every season.
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West Ham: Becks can help us move house
Published 13:43 12/08/10 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
Fabio Capello may no longer have any use for David Beckham but West Ham have sent the former England captain an open invitation to join the club. Capello announced last night that Beckham, who has won 115 caps, does not form part of his plans as England head into their Euro 2012 qualification campaign. West Ham co-chairman David Gold first approached Beckham's representatives at the end of last season about taking the 35-year-old on loan. While Gold admitted a playing move is unlikely, West Ham want to use Beckham as ambassador to help them secure a move into the new London Olympic Stadium. "We showed interest at the end of the season and asked would he come and join us, maybe just for half a season on loan," Gold told BBC Sport. "Sadly, his commitments are such that this is probably not going to happen now. The January transfer window doesn't look possible, but we still have an open invitation to David to join us. "Our belief is that he is still a great player and it would be a fantastic statement if he came to West Ham. He's an east end boy and it would be a fitting end to his career. "We also had in mind his value as an ambassador to help us with securing the Olympic Stadium. "He was an ambassador for the 2012 bid and is doing the same for the 2018 World Cup. "I see the value in David Beckham after his playing career is over. If he wasn't an east London boy, I wouldn't have the same enthusiasm." Beckham said recently he had no interest in leaving the Los Angeles Galaxy and he insisted after Capello's announcement last night that he had not retired from international football.
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Blackpool make Marlon Harewood fifth signing of the day
Published 22:59 11/08/10 By Football Spy
The Mirror
Blackpool have announced striker Marlon Harewood as their fifth new signing of the day. Former West Ham and Aston Villa frontman Harewood, 30, has put pen to paper on a two-year-deal with the Seasiders following a successful trial. The club earlier confirmed the quadruple capture of Craig Cathcart from Manchester United, Ludovic Sylvestre from Czech side Mlada Boleslav, Elliot Grandin from Bulgarian outfit CSKA Sofia and Malaury Martin from Monaco.
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Spurs offered Crouch to West Ham as part of Parker deal
Published 22:45 11/08/10 By Alan Nixon
The Mirror
Tottenham are looking to offload striker Peter Crouch - and it has now emerged that the England hit man was offered to West Ham as part of a proposed swap deal for Scott Parker. Liverpool and Everton are also interested in Crouch but only if the value is right. Both Roy Hodgson and David Moyes admire the front-runner but the fee would have to be realistic because his wages are so high.
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Hammers confirm deal for Ajax starlet
Published 17:50 11/08/10 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
West Ham are set to capture Serbian forward Miralem Sulejmani on loan after agreeing a deal with Ajax. The mercurial 21-year-old has agreed terms with the Hammers and will join subject to a work permit being received. West Ham have not confirmed the length of the deal, which is thought to be for the upcoming season, but a club statement read: "West Ham can confirm the club have reached agreement with AFC Ajax over the loan transfer of Miralem Sulejmani.
"The club have agreed terms with Ajax and also with the Serbian international forward but the 21-year-old's move from Amsterdam to London is subject to a work permit hearing. West Ham United will make no further comment on this matter until the result of that hearing is known." Ajax spent a record £13million on Sulejmani to take him to Amsterdam from Heerenveen in 2008. However, the hugely talented youngster, who can play off a striker or on the wing, failed to deliver on his potential and was criticised for his performances throughout his spell with the club. Despite once being among Serbia's great hopes for the national team, Sulejmani missed out on a World Cup place while finding himself out in the cold in Amsterdam.
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Sulli's Yak attack
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th August 2010
By: Staff Writer
David Sullivan has blasted Everton for their valuation of striker Yakubu. Sullivan, speaking in the wake of yet another rejected bid for the 27-year-old Nigerian international insisted that the player was worth no more than '£1-2million' after Everton set their price at £8million. "Everything has a price. They are quoting £8 million and that is far too much. They have to be more realistic," he told the Telegraph. " If they said £1-2million we might go back. We bid more at the start of the summer because we had more flexibility but, at this moment in time, having spent some of our money on other players we want him for £1-2m."
Unted - who are thought to have lodged a bid of around £6million earlier in the summer - remain keen on the striker, with new boss Avram Grant admitting privately this week that Yakubu remains very much on his radar.
* Having finally confirmed that a deal is in place with Ajax, West Ham are hopeful that Miralem Sulejmani's appeal for a work permit will be ratified within the next 24 hours.
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Kurucz crocked, der Hammer hamstrung
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th August 2010
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's search for a goalkeeper will intensify following the news that reserve 'keeper Peter Kurucz could miss most of next season. Kurucz is reported to have suffered a 'freak injury' whilst playing for Alex Dyer's reserve squad at Ipswich last weekend and will be out of action until the new year, at least, after it was revealed that he had sustained cruciate ligament damage. The 22-year-old stopper arrived at West Ham in February last year and moved ahead of Marek Stech as the club's recognised number two. He made his first team debut as a late substitute in the 4-0 home defeat against Manchester United at the back end of last year and has featured extensively in the club's pre-season programme.
West Ham have been linked with a number of goalkeepers during pre-season including Piet Velthuizen (Vitesse), Alexander Doni (Roma), Chris Weale (Leicester) and Rais M'Bolhi (Slavia Sofia). Stefan Wessels (Basel) played in the reserve team's recent 4-2 defeat at Burton whilst Paul Smith (Nottingham Forest) is currently on trial at Chadwell Heath.
In other injury news, new signing Thomas Hitzsperger is reported to be a doubt for Saturday's trip to Villa Park after pulling a hamstring in Germany's 2-2 draw with Denmark earlier this week. "I hope it's not that bad," Hitzlsperger told the German media, "as I want to be included this weekend for the start of the season."
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Gold admits defeat
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th August 2010
By: Staff Writer
David Gold has admitted that David Beckham is unlikely to join West Ham. The United Chairman, talking on Talksport this afternoon, revealed that the chances of 35-year-old Beckham - who currently plays for LA Galaxy - joining the club were almost nil. "We suggested that he came and joined the football club in the January window because the American season is offset to ours," said Gold. "We thought it could be good for us and also we see the added value in that as an ambassador he could have helped with getting West Ham into the Olympic Stadium - a not dissimilar job to that he's doing with the 2018 World Cup bid. "For a moment we actually thought that there was a possibiility but sadly, with other commitments - and whether he really wanted to do that or not - sadly I think it's slipped away and now it's a 10/1 shot at best. "I don't think he is coming to the end of his career and I think he's still got great value as an ambassador; that's one area where we see he can work with us. If he chooses to spend more time here with the England 2018 bid he could link it with joining us in a similar capacity."
A representative of Beckham's recently denied that the former England captain has been in discussions with the Hammers over a possible move although Beckham is yet to comment personally.
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premier League preview No18: West Ham United
Since Avram Grant took over from Gianfranco Zola as manager of the Hammers, everyone is hoping for a calmer season
Guardian writers' prediction: 14th (NB: this is not necessarily Jamie's prediction, but the average of our writers' tips)
Last season's position: 17th
Odds to win the league: 1,250-1
Compared to last season's incessant lurch between farce and fire-fight at Fratton Park, Avram Grant is right to expect a calmer year in charge of West Ham as he takes charge of his first competitive game on Saturday at Aston Villa.
But any serenity drawn from having escaped the madness of Portsmouth will not extend to the expectations of David Gold and David Sullivan, the co-owners, and fans after West Ham finished a place above the relegation zone in May.
This is how Grant wants it. All he desires is to be able to concentrate on football matters and be judged on them. The Israeli was frustrated and ended his tenure on the south coast exhausted by the constant demands of non-playing issues.
So far Grant has only been a success at Upton Park. Appointed by the two Davids in June, the 55-year-old has yet to be beaten as West Ham manager, closing a seven-match pre-season streak on Saturday by winning something named the SBOBET Cup at Upton Park 5-3 on penalties against Deportivo La Coruña.
He then discussed his side's form. He told the club's website: "This was my first trophy as West Ham manager and of course I hope to win more. It was a good game but we must remember it was a friendly and the last game of preparation for the season. We saw good things and some things we could improve. We defend well and as a team but the attacking side can be better.
"We needed to play more quickly. The first half we weren't very quick but it was not a typical English opponent. They passed the ball a lot but not in our area. We couldn't press them. We are improving all the time. The players are in better condition. It is OK for this period for the team but the most important thing is we need to improve for the first [league] game."
Grant has recruited the New Zealand defender Winston Reid, Tal Ben Haim (on loan) and Frédéric Piquionne, both of whom he managed at Portsmouth, Pablo Barrera, a £4m Mexico forward, and Thomas Hitzlsperger, the German midfielder with 51 caps who is still only 28 and spent five years playing at Aston Villa.
Yet, like all managers, Grant is keen to strengthen his squad further. "I don't know if there will be new signings before the first game but there is time in the transfer window," he said. "We have signed good players and we want to change the mentality of the team. We want to do different things. We want to bring more players in, we want the squad to be stronger."
Neither Piquionne, who is 31, nor the 23-year-old Barerra are prolific scorers and despite being a regular in the England squad Carlton Cole managed only 10 goals last season, so Grant's reported interest in Everton's Yakubu Aiyegbeni illustrates he is searching for a reliable finisher.
Expectations in east London will be high this year. But that 17th-place finish means there is ample scope for improvement. And Grant's experience at Portsmouth and with Chelsea, plus his devotion to detail, suggests West Ham can hope to finish at least five or six places higher by the end of the season.
"The problem is that to deal with football you need to deal with many things," he told the Observer earlier this year. "In football I like to plan – long term, short term. At end of day, you know there are many problems, injuries, red, yellow cards, players not in good shape, players better than you expect. For a manager this is a good thing because you always need to think – you can never be happy. If you win you need to win the next game. And if you lose you need to recover."
Grant has his first chance to impress on Saturday.
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West Ham still interested in offering role to David Beckham
David Gold admits a loan signing for Beckham is unlikely
West Ham hope to use Beckham in ambassadorial role
Press Association
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 12 August 2010 13.08 BST
West Ham United have reiterated their desire to sign David Beckham in the wake of Fabio Capello's admission that he feels the 35-year-old is too old to play for England duty in the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign. The West Ham co-chairman David Gold first approached Beckham's representatives at the end of last season about taking the him on loan. While Gold admitted a playing move is now highly unlikely, West Ham want to use Beckham as ambassador to help them secure a move into the new London Olympic Stadium. "We showed interest at the end of the season and asked would he come and join us, maybe just for half a season on loan," Gold told BBC Sport. "Sadly, his commitments are such that this is probably not going to happen now. The January transfer window doesn't look possible, but we still have an open invitation to David to join us. "Our belief is that he is still a great player and it would be a fantastic statement if he came to West Ham. He's an East End boy and it would be a fitting end to his career. We also had in mind his value as an ambassador to help us with securing the Olympic Stadium. He was an ambassador for the 2012 bid and is doing the same for the 2018 World Cup. "I see the value in David Beckham after his playing career is over. If he wasn't an east London boy, I wouldn't have the same enthusiasm."
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West Ham and Everton £6m apart in Yak valuation
By Soccernet staff
August 12, 2010
Espn
West Ham have "cooled" their interest in Yakubu with co-owner David Sullivan saying the club are only prepared to pay a quarter of Everton's valuation of the striker. The Hammers have identified Yakubu as a possible signing and Everton are prepared to let the Nigeria international depart after he made only nine Premier League starts last season. But at present the clubs have very different opinions regarding a fair price for the former Middlesbrough and Portsmouth striker. "We have cooled on Yakubu," Sullivan told the Daily Telegraph. "When you have a good, hard look at him, we want younger and quicker and better.
"Everything has a price. You want to get Yakubu for £1-2 million and they are quoting £8 million and that is far too much. "They have to be more realistic. If they said £1-2 milion we might go back. We bid more at the start of the summer because we had more flexibility but, at this moment in time, having spent some of our money on other players we want him for £1-2 million."
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Manchester City outcast Felipe Caicedo prepares for loan move to West Ham
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 1:12 PM on 12th August 2010
Daily Mail
West Ham's hunt for a new striker has continued with an approach for out-of-favour Manchester City man Felipe Caicedo. The Ecuador international is way down the pecking order at Eastlands and has already spent time on loan in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon and Spain with Malaga. New Hammers boss Avram Grant is keen to bolster his attacking options before the start of the season but has already been rebuffed in his attempts to bring in Loic Remy, Yakubu and Neymar. City have welcomed the move for a player who failed to live up to the hype since he was signed by Sven Goran Erikkson in 2008. According to report Caicedo will travel down to London to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms over a season-long deal at Upton Park. West Ham want to negotiate a clause which allows them first refusal to sign the 21-year-old on a permanent basis if he impresses during his loan spell in East London. If the move goes through, Caicedo will become Grant's sixth new signing of the summer. Manchester City still want to tie up the deal for Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli before they let too many forwards leave. Craig Bellamy is already on his way out.
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West Ham set to sign Serbian forward Miralem Sulejmani on loan from Ajax
West Ham are set to capture Serbian forward Miralem Sulejmani after confirming a loan deal has been agreed with Ajax.
Telegraph
By Telegraph staff and agencies
Published: 5:29PM BST 11 Aug 2010
The mercurial 21 year-old has agreed terms with West Ham and will join subject to a work permit being received. West Ham have not confirmed the length of the deal, which is thought to be for the upcoming season. A club statement said: "West Ham can confirm the club have reached agreement with AFC Ajax over the loan transfer of Miralem Sulejmani. "The club have agreed terms with Ajax and also with the Serbian international forward but the 21 year-old's move from Amsterdam to London is subject to a work permit hearing. West Ham United will make no further comment on this matter until the result of that hearing is known."
Ajax spent a record £13 million on Sulejmani to take him to Amsterdam from Heerenveen in 2008. However, the hugely talented youngster, who can play off a striker or on the wing, failed to deliver on his potential and was criticised for his performances throughout his spell with the club. Despite once being among Serbia's great hopes for the national team, Sulejmani missed out on a World Cup place while finding himself out in the cold in Amsterdam.
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Everton striker Yakubu not worth £8m says West Ham chairman David Sullivan
West Ham United have cooled their interest in striker Yakubu after valuing him at less than a quarter of the £8 million fee being quoted by Everton.
Telegraph
By Jason Burt
Published: 7:04PM BST 11 Aug 2010
Chairman David Sullivan said on Wednesday night: "We have cooled on Yakubu. When you have a good hard look at him, we want younger and quicker and better. "Everything has a price. You want to get Yakubu for £1-2 million and they are quoting £8 million and that is far too much. "They have to be more realistic. If they said £1-2m we might go back. We bid more at the start of the summer because we had more flexibility but, at this moment in time, having spent some of our money on other players we want him for £1-2m." Everton manager David Moyes is highly unlikely to agree to such a dramatic drop in the player's valuation even though he is prepared to sell the Nigerian who moved to Goodison Park in August 2007 for £11.25 million from Middlesbrough. West Ham are understood to have bid closer to Everton's valuation earlier this summer - around £6 million - but have now lowered what they are prepared to spend for the 27-year-old who has suffered a series of injuries. West Ham will today hope to acquire a work permit for the Serbian striker Miralem Sulejmani. A season-long loan deal has been agreed with Ajax for the 21-year-old but West Ham, who hope to sell Radoslav Kovac to Stoke City for around £1.5 million, with the midfielder travelling north last night for talks, have to appeal for a permit.
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