Cole happy with Colchester win
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole was glad to see West Ham United get back to winning ways at
Colchester United
21.07.2012
Carlton Cole is pleased to see everyone putting in the hard work during
pre-season as West Ham United get ready for the new Barclays Premier League
campaign ahead. The Hammers ran out 2-1 winners against Colchester United on
Saturday thanks to Nicky Maynard's opener and Mark Noble scoring from the
penalty spot. Cole was involved in the build-up to Maynard's goal and he
explained afterwards that he is happy with how the Hammers' attacking play
is coming together at this early stage of the season. "It was nice to see us
do that link-up early in the pre-season," Cole said. "This is what we need -
to be a tight unit as early as possible and I think that will see us
confident for the start of the season. "We have players who are not yet fit,
those who are away on Olympic duty and hopefully new players to come in, so
by the time they are here, they can all gel in nicely. "It was a tough game
but that is what you want. It was a good game and a nice new stadium to play
in. There was a good atmosphere and they had lots of fans but once again we
also had terrific support from our fans. It was good to see and meet them."
The only negative of the game was captain Kevin Nolan going off in the first
half with a toe injury, but that enabled young defender Dan Potts to make
his return to the side after missing Tuesday's friendly at Oxford United
with a head injury picked up at Southend United last weekend. The results of
Nolan's scan on Saturday night are still being prepared but Cole is wishing
his skipper well. "Hopefully Kev will be ok, if not for the very next game
but after that. He is a strong lad, so hopefully he will be ok."
With the new 2012/13 season now just under four weeks away, thoughts are
already turning to the first game at home to Aston Villa with the manager
and Joint-Chairmen working hard to bring in new additions to the squad
before then. For Cole, who scored West Ham's opener in the Hammers' Play-Off
final victory against Blackpool, goals and targets for the season ahead are
being discussed. But for now, it is all about getting fit and getting
through the rest of pre-season. "People are talking about the new season -
we have Premier League players and you have to be ambitious. But to get to
mid-table in our first season back and then look to progress from there is
what you would be looking at. "You want to replicate the likes of Norwich
and Swansea, who did well, and when you look, at Queens Park Rangers
surviving, all the newly promoted teams stayed up. We are looking to try and
do the same. "The gaffer [Sam Allardyce] and the club are working hard to
bring new players in. The manager knows how he wants to improve us before
the start of the season and I am sure he will do that."
Cole and his fellow senior pros have been joined on the pitch in pre-season
by a few of the Hammers up-and-coming Academy stars. With their promotion to
first-team duties, Cole is now viewed as one of the senior members of the
squad - a role he is relishing.. "Yeah, I am one of the older - slightly
older - players now. We have a few young boys in and around the squad and
all I can do is to help and guide them with my experience like I was given.
I missed a couple of games early on and had to do a bit of catch-up, but now
feeling good and I'm looking forward to the next few games."
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Dev Squad return to winning ways
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon hailed his young side after they recorded a 2-1 pre-season
victory at Thurrock on Saturday
21.07.2012
Ian Hendon has hailed the application of his West Ham United Development
Squad as they bounced back to winning ways with a 2-1 pre-season victory at
Thurrock.
Less than 24 hours after being defeated 4-1 at Grays Athletic, leaving their
coach feeling disappointed, the players showed greater resolve,
determination and talent to overcome their Ryman League Premier Division
opponents. Republic of Ireland youth international Kieran Sadlier (pictured)
was the star of the show, scoring twice, while Declan Hunt and Frazer Shaw
were among those who also garnered praise from Hendon. "We were a lot better
than we were on Friday night," said the coach. "Thurrock only managed to
score with a wonder-strike from outside the box that wrong-footed our
goalkeeper, but other than that I was pleased. "Kieran has scored two goals
and we were a lot more competitive than we were on Friday at Grays. I think
the lads who played or watched that game realised what is expected of them.
"They are good footballers but they have got to work hard and graft and earn
the right to play. If they do that, then they can show their talent because
we have got good players. "I was pleased to get a reaction from them because
I don't want to have to blow my top at them every time we play because then
it won't have any effect. "Playing at Grays as they opened their new stadium
- the stadium where the fans had come out to see us and where we will play
our home games this season - I think the occasion got to some of them.
"Hopefully now they have got that out of their systems and we will see more
of what we saw on Saturday at Thurrock during the season to come. "It wasn't
the prettiest of games at Thurrock but it was a tough test and we came
through it."
Aside from Sadlier, Hendon had warm words for Hunt, who has recently
returned to action after missing the whole of last season through injury,
and full-back Shaw.
"Declan was making his second start back after year out and he did well in
the middle of midfield. He came through an hour as planned looking nice and
strong. Frazer did well at left-back, too." The Development Squad continue
their busy pre-season schedule with a trip to Blue Square Bet Premier side
Dartford, and Hendon is challenging his players to rise to the challenge
again. "They are a Conference side so we will have to step it up a bit. If
we match their work-rate and battle then we will be fine."
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Cole - Hammers can survive
Striker says top flight new boys can emulate other newly promoted clubs
Last Updated: July 22, 2012 8:40pm
SSN
West Ham striker Carlton Cole is confident his newly promoted Hammers side
can survive in the Premier League. Cole scored the opener in the
Championship play-off final against Blackpool at Wembley to help clinch
promotion for the East London outfit at the first time of asking. The
England international says West Ham's primary goal for the forthcoming
season will be survival and believes his side can draw inspiration from
other promoted teams who have gone on to cement their top flight status in
recent campaigns.
Survival aim
"You want to replicate the likes of Norwich and Swansea, who did well, and
when you look at Queens Park Rangers surviving, all the newly promoted sides
stayed up," Cole said. "We are trying to do the same. "But to get mid-table
in our first season back and then look to progress from there is what you
are looking at." West Ham kick-off their Premier League term against Aston
Villa on Saturday 18 August.
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Hammers still looking at duo
Kazim-Richards and Mohsni set to go on trip to Germany
Last Updated: July 22, 2012 12:53pm
SSN
West Ham United are hoping to take former Sheffield United forward Colin
Kazim-Richards and Southend United defender Bilel Mohsni on the club's
pre-season trip to Germany. Kazim-Richards, who is currently on the books of
Galatasaray after a loan spell at Olympiakos last season, and Mohsni have
been training with the Hammers for the last few days. Turkey international
Kazim-Richards played the first half of the 2-1 friendly win over Colchester
United on Saturday, while the versatile Mohsni appeared in the second
period. The pair will be given another opportunity to impress after
assistant manager Neil McDonald confirmed the players are set to travel to
Germany.
Boost
"Colin did all right," McDonald told the club's official website. "He's been
training with us for a few days and he's going to come with us to Germany,
so we'll have a good look at him there. "Our first impressions are that he's
not too bad. "Bilel has been in for a couple of days as well and I think
he's going to come to Germany as well. "We're having a good look at players
to try to complement the squad and boost it up, so we will see how that
goes." The Hammers are scheduled to play Rot-Weiss Erfurt, Dynamo Dresden
and Energie Cottbus during next week's trip to Germany.
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Does Mo Diame Afford Us Different Options in Midfield?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
In signing Mo Diame, we have acquired a good quality defensive midfielder. A
player that can shield the defence and give our forwards the added assurance
of solid covering play. Does that mean that we can push the likes of Noble
and Nolan in to more advanced positions or contemplate the introduction of
Jack Collison and Ravel Morrison? What do you think could be some of the
diferent midfield options that Sam Allardyce might be able to expore this
season? Do the likes of Gary O'Neill and Joey O'Brien have a 'work horse
role' to play this season, especially away from home? Could a player like
George Moncur force his way in to first team contention before the end of
the campaign?
Up front, there is speculation that Allardyce might bid for Jermaine Defoe.
Putting aside old anatagonisms, is not Defoe the type of proven PL goal
scorer that we need? It would also open up the prospect of a very
interesting front three, revolving principally around the selection of Vaz
Te, Defoe, Cole and Maiga. Indeed, might Allardyce finally have the
pre-requisite players to implement a successful 4-3-3 formation. Or are
there still concerns that we do not have enough width? Vaz Te and Maiga can
both play in wide positions, but do we need to recruit at least one
conventional wide player? If it is a matter of resources, we already have
players that can play wide-left, so should we prioritise a wide right player
or, preferably, a player like Man City's Adam Johnston that can operate on
either flank?
In defence, where do we need to strengthen? Could we not afford to go with
McCartney, Potts or Taylor at left-back? Is the priority a good right-back
and at least one centre-back to add cover and crucial competition for
places? Might Jordan Spence not contribute to our improved defensive
solidarity by finally 'stepping up to the plate,' in first team terms, and
providing increased options at both right-back and centre half?
Finally, are we happy with the replacements for Robert Green? Can we go into
the new season with Stephen Henderson and Jussi or should we consider
recruiting a third keeper as extra assurance? If so, which keeper should we
target?
SJ. Chandos.
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Southend United's Bilel Mohsni to stay with West Ham United for tour of
Germany
Echo
11:56pm Sunday 22nd July 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips
BILEL Mohsni will stay with West Ham United for their tour of Germany, which
starts on Monday. The Frenchman, who is with the Hammers on trial from
Southend United, has already played for Sam Allardyce's side against both
Grays Athletic and Colchester United. And he is now relishing the prospect
of spending another week with the Premier League newcomers. "I've been
enjoying the trial and I've learnt a lot here already so I'm very pleased to
be staying here for longer now," said Mohsni. "It's been good to play and
train with their first team players and I think it's definitely helping me
to become a better player. "Hopefully I can keep on improving and can do
enough to get a move to West Ham because being in the biggest league would
be fantastic for me."
Mohsni played the full game for a young Hammers side at Grays Athletic on
Friday night and endured a mixed evening at the heart of the back four. The
Frenchman put the home-side ahead with an inadvertent own goal but, despite
also scoring for West Ham late on, he could not stop his team suffering a
4-1 defeat. However, a far stronger Hammers side were more successful at
Colchester the following day as they recorded a 2-1 triumph at the Community
Stadium. Mohsni played the final 30 minutes in attack and lashed a couple of
long range shots over the target in the closing stages. But he now hopes to
make even more of an impression in Germany as West Ham play three times in
quick succession. The Hammers face FC Rot-Weib Erfurt on Wednesday, Dynamo
Dresden on Friday and FC Energie Cottbus on Sunday.
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West Ham 'eye Spurs' Jermain Defoe after Andy Carroll miss'
Metro.co.uk
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has reportedly turned his attention to Spurs'
Jermain Defoe, after accepting he will not be able to sign Liverpool's Andy
Carroll.
Allardyce is determined to bring in an experienced Premier League striker
before the transfer window closes and had hoped to take advantage of the
uncertainty surrounding Carroll's future at Anfield to sign him on loan.
Liverpool have made it clear they are only prepared to consider a permanent
move for the ex-Newcastle forward, and he is well out of the Hammers' price
range.
Allardyce now plans to speak to Tottenham about Defoe's availability,
reports the Daily Star Sunday. The 29-year-old started just 11 Premier
League games under Harry Redknapp last season and is not certain to be in
Andre Villas-Boas' plans this term. He is understood to be considering his
options and a return to Upton Park, where he spent five years early in his
career, may be an attractive prospect. Should Defoe end up back at West Ham,
he will link up with Mali international Modibo Maiga, who joined the Hammers
from Sochaux last week.
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West Ham well fancied to stay up despite defensive question marks
Ladbrokes.co.uk
Despite accumulating fewer points than Reading and Southampton in the
Championship last season and showing less ambition in the transfer market,
West Ham are rated less likely to be relegated on their Premier League
return than both. In fact, there are five teams considered to be in greater
danger of the drop than the 9/4-rated Irons, including a Swansea side (9/5)
who finished 11th in 2011/12 and have already made three fairly high-profile
signings this summer.
West Ham have added five players in this window but two were already at the
club on loan and the others are replacing those released, so they currently
have a thinner squad than the one that wasn't entirely convincing in gaining
promotion. And it isn't like everyone arriving has been an obvious
improvement on those that previously played in their positions. Mohamed
Diame seems an upgrade on Papa Bouba Diop and new forward Modibo Maiga will
need to flop spectacularly to fail to outshine John Carew, but losing star
man Robert Green for 37-year-old Bolton reserve Jussi Jaaskelainen is a
worry.
Also concerning is the lack of numbers at the back, which was an issue last
term yet feels even more troubling following the departure of Abdoulaye Faye
and James Tomkin's call-up to the Great Britain Olympic football team. The
result is that Winston Reid is the only first-team centre back at their
disposal at present, and ideally two alternatives need to be recruited
before the start of the campaign. There is still plenty of time to get more
bodies on board, however the problem is that West Ham's most appetising run
of games comes in the first few weeks, so they need to be at full strength
to fully capitalise on those opportunities. Fail to make the most of it and
they could find themselves in a similar situation to Aston Villa, who drew a
lot of winnable early matches a year ago and were ultimately sentenced to a
season-long struggle.
It is mildly ironic therefore that Villa are West Ham's visitors on the
opening day, in an encounter that Sam Allardyce's side are rated 6/5
favourites to win.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, July 23
Sunday, July 22
Daily WHUFC News - 22nd July 2012
Macca on Colchester victory
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald told West Ham TV he was pleased with the way the Hammers
played in Saturday's success
21.07.2012
Neil McDonald has told West Ham TV he was pleased with the way the Hammers
played in Saturday's 2-1 pre-season victory at Colchester United. The
Hammers defeated their npower League One opponents thanks to first-half
goals from Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble, who converted from the penalty spot
after the lively Maynard had been brought down. Assistant manager McDonald
hailed the nature of the victory while also discussing captain Kevin Nolan's
toe injury and revealing that trialists Colin Kazim-Richards and Bilel
Mohsni will join the squad on their pre-season tour to Germany this week.
Macca, what was your assessment of the performance at Colchester United?
NMc - "I thought the first half was excellent. We really moved the ball well
and created chances. Our first goal was really good - good build-up play, a
good cross, good knock-down and Nicky was in the right place at the right
time to score. We split their defence open a few times and it was
disappointing that Nicky got brought down because I would like to have seen
him in a one-on-one situation as I'm sure he would have slotted it away. It
was a lot better and a lot brighter and sharper.
We still have lots to do but the psychological barrier has been broken
because a lot of them played a full 90 minutes."
What did you make of the performances of the two trialists Colin
Kazim-Richards and Bilel Mohsni?
NMc - "Colin did all right. He's been training with us for a few days and
he's going to come with us to Germany so we'll have a good look at him
there. Our first impressions are that he's not too bad. Bilel has been in
for a couple of days as well and I think he's going to come to Germany as
well. We're having a good look at players to try to complement the squad and
boost it up so we will see how that goes."
Captain Kevin Nolan was forced off after injuring his toe in the first
minute. What is the prognosis?
NMc - "We will assess that over the next 24 hours. It is sore, but we're
hoping that it's just bruising and fingers crossed it's nothing worse than
that. He doesn't come off the pitch lightly so we've got to get it checked
out and we will have more information later on."
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Colchester 1-2 West Ham United FT
WHUFc.com
Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble are on target as the Hammers record a deserved
win in north Essex
21.07.2012
Colchester United v West Ham United
Pre-season match
Weston Homes Community Stadium
Saturday 21 July 2012
Kick-off: 3pm
Final score - Colchester United 1-2 West Ham United
91 mins - Colchester win a late corner and the ball drops to Gilbey. He is
leaning back and is slightly off-balance as he shoots and the ball loops
well wide. The referee blows for full-time and that's it. West Ham record a
victory. The Hammers are off to Germany on Monday for three further
pre-season games. We'll have highlights and reaction from those three
matches, and today's game, on whufc.com and West Ham TV shortly.
88 mins - Oh! So close to an equaliser as Wright's low shot hits the outside
of the post after the substitute had run inside Reid and shot with his right
foot.
87 mins - Heath lets fly from 25 yards but his shot goes well wide.
84 mins - OK, as we enter the final stages it has been an improved West Ham
display. They have attacked with purpose and, one moment aside, defended
strongly and in an assured manner. Just as importantly, a number of senior
players have got a full 90 minutes under their belts.
82 mins - West Ham love an overlap at the moment. Taylor gets down the right
and holds up before dragging the ball behind him for Spence, who wins a
corner. Taylor himself takes and Cousins makes another assured catch. He's
had a good game, has the Colchester goalkeeper.
81 mins - Okounghae is replaced by Aldred.
80 mins - Close again. Taylor overlaps Maynard and tries to chip the cross
to the far post, but Cousins makes the catch.
78 mins - Nice from Potts, who races around Vaz Te before nutmegging Wright
as he makes his way into the box. Unfortunately, his low cross hits a pair
of legs and Colchester survive. Moments later, Mohsni helps on the ball
first-time for O'Neil, but the No32's touch lets him down as he tries to
beat the last defender.
76 mins - Demel is replaced by Jordan Spence.
75 mins - Mohsni raises some cheers with a pass to Potts with the old one
foot behind the other pass. I can't really explain it any better than that.
West Ham win a corner, but it's cleared.
74 mins - The crowd here today is 7,985, with 2,960 of them in the West Ham
end.
71 mins - The changes have not actually altered the game too much.
Colchester are pushing for an equaliser, but West Ham's back four is
standing firm. The Hammers are still carrying a decent threat too. Taylor
pokes the pass through for Maynard but it's just too strong. Maynard gets a
toe to the ball, but Cousins blocks before grabbing it at the second
attempt.
67 mins - Three more changes from the hosts with Wilson, Wordsworth and
Sears replaced by White, Rose and Gilbey.
67 mins - Kieran Sadlier has put the Development Squad back in front with
his second goal of the game. Back here, Demel just overruns the ball after a
marauding run down the right. His cross comes over and Mohsni slams the shot
over the bar.
65 mins - Half-chance for Mohsni as the cross comes over to the far post
from O'Neil following a good run from Taylor. The substitute rises but his
header is too strong and flies back across the face of goal and out for a
goal kick.
64 mins - Slight controversy as Sears goes down as he tries to go past Demel
inside the penalty area. Nothing given by the referee and the follow-up shot
flies over.
62 mins - We're going to see Mohsni in a few moments. He scored at both ends
for the Development Squad last night and will wear the No10 shirt this
afternoon. He is on now for Carlton Cole.
60 mins - Colchester force three corners in quick succession. The third is
caught well by Jaaskelainen.
59 mins - Four changes from Colchester. Bean, O'Toole, Morrison and Eastman
are off, with Bond, Izzet, Heath and Wright coming on.
58 mins - I understand there is a lot of speculation about Kevin Nolan. We
will get an update from the medical staff after the game and post it on
whufc.com as soon as anything is confirmed. I can tell you that he is
sitting on the bench watching the game with his team-mates.
54 mins - Strong play from Cole to win a corner. Taylor will whip it in
left-footed. He does, but Cousins is there to make the catch. Colchester
break but Potts defends well against Henderson. The left-back is looking
good in pre-season.
52 mins - Potts fouls Morrison. The free-kick is taken by Wordsworth, but
it's too close to Jaaskelainen and the Finn catches high above his head.
50 mins - Henderson and Wilson create some space down the Colchester right
before the full-back crosses deep. Morrison rises and heads the ball into
the back of Demel, but he'd already been whistled for a push on the Ivorian.
48 mins - There was a PA announcement just before the half-time break ended
telling people to move their cards from the services on the other side of
the A12. Presumably, Kazim-Richards and Duguid had both parked there...
46 mins - Noble lofts the free-kick over and Reid's header loops and just
clears Cousins and the crossbar. The No12 for Colchester is Henderson, who
is listed as No16 on the teamsheet.
Both teams have brought on a substitute apiece. For West Ham, Vaz Te is on
for Kazim-Richards. For Colchester, Duguid has gone off with the No12 coming
on.
Half-time score - Colchester United 1-2 West Ham United
46 mins - That's half-time. Well, Colchester started the brighter before
Maynard scored slightly against the run of play. West Ham took control and
doubled their lead through Noble's penalty. The home side did not give up
the battle, however, and were rewarded with Wordsworth's goal, which will
make things interesting after the break. However, we can expect to see
plenty of changes from both managers. We will also try to get an upate on
Nolan's injury, but it may well be too early to get a full diagnosis.
44 mins - Nice, patient build up from the men in claret and blue involving
no fewer than six players. Maynard tries to prod the ball through to Cole,
but his run is bent the other way and the chance is lost.
43 mins - Half-time is approaching and Big Sam will want this side to
reassert their dominance. Colchester are pushing at present looking for an
equaliser.
39 mins - GOAL! Colchester have a goal back through Wordsworth. The initial
break looked to have been snuffed out by Reid's tackle, but the ball was
worked back to O'Toole, whose low cross was controlled and finished low past
Jaaskelainen by the No22.
36 mins - Time for a drink as Demel has the physio on, but his trot along
the touchline is more successful than Nolan's and he'll be back on in a few
seconds.
34 mins - Instant response from Colchester, who force two quick corners. The
second is headed goalwards by Morrison, but Jaaskelainen makes a routine
catch.
32 mins - GOAL! No mistake from Noble, who slams the spot-kick high into the
right of the net as Cousins dives low to his right.
32 mins - Penalty to West Ham! Maynard collects a superb pass over the top
from Noble. He is brought down by a clumsy challenge from O'Toole and when
Cole's follow-up is saved by Cousins, the spot-kick is awarded.
30 mins - I reckon the Colchester manager John Ward might have been
somewhere warm and sunny this summer. He has a lovely sun tan. It's 1-1 down
at Thurrock, where Hassan Ibrahim has equalised for the hosts.
27 mins - A yes Guy Demel! The right-back uses some quick feet to nutmeg
Coker by the touchline. A burst of 'Oooohs' from the fans. You don't
normally see that sort of skill from the Ivorian!
25 mins - Cole flicks on and Kazim-Richards - who has swapped flanks with
Maynard - races on to the ball. He looks up and shoots low towards the far
corner. Cousins goes down and grabs the ball to his chest.
24 mins - Coker is forced to defend this time, but he stands strong and
tackles Kazim-Richards after initially losing out to Maynard. Meanwhile, an
ice cream seller is doing the rounds in front of me. I am tempted by a
raspberry ripple, but need to remember I am at work!
23 mins - Coker again, but this time the diagonal pass forces him off
balance and his cross is sliced behind for a goal kick. Demel is being
pulled inside by Sears' movement and it's giving the left-back space to run
into.
22 mins - The U's come forward for the first time since falling behind and
it's left-back Coker again providing the width. He crosses dangerously at
head height and McCartney makes a brave clearing ahead in front of Morrison.
Good defending.
20 mins - Cole forces Wilson to pass back to Cousins. His clearance goes
straight to O'Neil, but his long-range effort flies well wide of the
right-hand post. Colchester are all of a sudden unable to maintain any sort
of possession. They do say that goals change games...
19 mins - Kazim-Richards has the ball in the net with a cheeky backheel but
unfortunately he is offside from Cole's low shot. The Turkey international
had created the chance for Cole himself by controlling inside the penalty
area and laying off to the No9. West Ham looking far more comfortable now.
16 mins - GOAL! Maynard! Reid steps in with a strong challenge in midfield
and brings the ball forward before finding O'Neil in acres of space wide on
the right. O'Neil gallops forward before clipping a cross to the far post.
Cole rises above two defenders and heads down. Maynard shapes his body
superbly to fire a right-foot side volley past Cousins. That's Maynard's
second goal of the pre-season.
15 mins - The Development Squad are 1-0 up at Thurrock. Kieran Sadlier has
scored down at Ship Lane.
13 mins - You can see Sears is keen to impress this afternoon as he is
putting himself about all over the park. However, his team-mates are also
looking positive. Colchester have made a good opening. They play some nice
football on what looks to be a very good playing surface here in north
Essex.
10 mins - Taylor tries to play in Maynard, but his through ball is cut out.
Sears leads the counter-attack before the cross comes over for Wordsworth,
but his header loops harmlessly high and wide.
7 mins - There is a bit of a hush that has fallen over the stadium since
Nolan's departure. I'm sure a lot of the fans here today would love to have
see him in action, but it was the sensible move if he was feeling any
discomfort. The suggestion is that he had his foot trodden on. A couple of
diagonal balls are aimed at Kazim-Richards. The third is knocked down and
passed by Cole to Potts, but his shot is charged down.
5 mins - Colchester win a corner as the ball is headed behind from Coker's
cross. West Ham clear before right-back Wilson crosses behind for a goal
kick. Potts is on to replace Nolan.
4 mins No, he's going to have to come off. Meanwhile, Jaaskelainen makes a
save to push away a shot from distance. It'll be Dan Potts who comes on for
the captain. Taylor will go into midfield.
3 mins - Nolan has his right boot back on and is now having a quick drink. I
think he's going to come back on shortly.
2 mins - Kevin Nolan is over here speaking to the physio. It appears that
he's knocked his right foot somehow, maybe trying to challenge Sears during
that first-minute attack.
1 min - Colchester make a bright start, knocking the ball around patiently
before Bean finds Sears. He crosses from the right channel and Reid heads
clear.
3.07pm - Freddie Sears gets a good cheer from both sets of fans when his
name is read out. The Colchester No11 will have his own personal point to
prove this afternoon. Sears himself will kick-off with Clinton Morrison...
3.05pm - 'Right here, right now' has now finished and, just in time, the two
team emerge from the tunnel. I have no idea what the wait was all about, but
both sets of players receive a big round of applause as they stroll on to
the playing surface.
3.03pm - Still no players... This Fatboy Slim song will have finished before
they arrive on the pitch at this rate!
3.02pm - Erm, well the teams haven't emerged after all. The PA announcer
built it all up about three minutes ago, but so far nobody has come out of
the tunnel apart from the substitutes...
2.59pm - Here come the teams to some very grand-sounding music! There is a
decent crowd inside the stadium and I can report that at least half of them
are wearing claret and blue.
2.57pm - OK, the photographers are gathered at the mouth of the tunnel and
it will not be long before the two teams emerge. I'm told this is a near
first-choice Colchester team, so it'll be a good test for the Hammers. Big
Sam will have demanded an improvement after Tuesday's defeat at Oxford
United. It might be pre-season, but the manager will want a better
performance and result.
2.50pm - The Development Squad are also in action this afternoon at
Thurrock, where Ian Hendon is fielding a young side containing a number of
trialists. We will keep you updated of events at Ship Lane as best we can!
2.40pm - Most of you will know who Colin Kazim Richards is, but to refresh
your memories... The attacking midfielder and winger was born in Leytonstone
and turns
26 next month. After spells with Bury, Brighton and Hove Albion and
Sheffield United, he moved to Turkish football with Fenerbahce. From there,
he was loaned to French side Toulouse before joining Galatasaray in 2011. He
enjoyed a spell on loan at Greek champions Olympiacos last season. The son
of a Turkish-Cypriot mother, he has 35 caps for Turkey, scoring twice.
2.30pm - As a certain singer once sang, here come the Hammers! The West Ham
squad trot out on to the pitch for their warm-up. Colchester's players have
been out there for a while already and are currently doing some running up
and down the far touchline.
2.15pm - News from up the A12 in Ipswich where West Ham's Under-18s played
their first pre-season match. Nana Boakye-Yiadom was on target for the
Hammers, netting the equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Playford Road. We'll have a
full report and reaction on whufc.com soon.
2pm - We have the team news! For West Ham, trialist Colin Kazim Richards is
starting as one of the front three, while Bilel Mohsni is among the
substitutes. Freddie Sears starts for Colchester.
Colchester United: Cousins, Okounghae, Bean, Eastman, Coker, Wilson,
Wordsworth, Duguid, O'Toole, Morrison, Sears
Subs: Pentney, Aldred, Rose, Heath, Izzet, Bond, Henderson, White, Gilbey,
Wright
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, McCartney, Taylor, Noble,
O'Neil, Nolan, Kazim Richards, Maynard, Cole
Subs: Larkins, Driver, Mohsni, Hall, Vaz Te, Moncur, Nasha, Morrison,
Spence, Potts
Good afternoon and welcome to the smart and modern Weston Homes Community
Stadium for today's pre-season match between West Ham United and npower
League One side Colchester United.
Today, Sam Allardyce's side are playing their fifth pre-season fixture and
the manager will be hoping for a better performance than the one he saw at
Oxford United on Tuesday, when West Ham were beaten 1-0. To aid his cause,
Big Sam has named a strong squad for the trip to north Essex, with trialist
and Turkey international Colin Kazim Richards set to appear for the first
time in a claret and blue shirt.
However, the U's have invested heavily in their squad over the summer
months, bringing in Freddie Sears from West Ham,. Republic of Ireland
international forward Clinton Morrison from Sheffield Wednesday and Jamaican
Marcus Bean from Brentford. At the same time, John Ward's side have also let
a number of players leave, including highly rated goalkeeper Ben Williams
who has moved to Scottish Premier League club Hibernian.
A crowd of around 7,000 is expected for this afternoon's game between two
teams who have never met in a competitive fixture. However, they did meet on
no fewer than three times at Development Squad level last season.
The team news will be confirmed at around 2pm.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s open with Ipswich draw
WHUFC.com
Nana Boakye-Yiadom scores as the U18s open their pre-season with a deserved
draw at Ipswich Town
21.07.2012
Ipswich Town U18s 1 - 1 West Ham United U18s
West Ham United Under-18s got their pre-season schedule off to a good start
as they travelled up the A12 and gained a deserved draw with Ipswich Town.
Due to players having commitments at a number of other first-team and
Development Squad games this weekend, Tony Carr and Nick Haycock had a
younger than usual squad to choose from.
Before the game, Academy Director Carr had said that he believed this would
be good experience and a good test for the young Hammers side and that is
what it proved to be. A strong defensive performance in the first half was
turned into a more attacking display after West Ham had made ten changes at
half-time.
The first half saw very few chances made, with the best falling to the home
side. Schoolboy Jamie Harney and Australian trialist David Stokoe helped the
Hammers to see out the first 45 minutes without conceding, with the help of
a couple of excellent near-post saves from goalkeeper Sam Baxter. The best
of the West Ham chances were created down on the left wing between new
signing Nathan Mavila and Moses Makasi, who linked well together throughout
the first half.
West Ham's ten changes at half-time led to more in terms of attacking threat
with schoolboy Kyle Niley and first-year scholar Taylor Tombides - brother
of striker Dylan - linking up well on the right and creating chances on a
number of occasions.
However, the home side would strike first. After a Baxter clearance was
blocked by Jack Marriott, all he needed to do was slot the ball into the
bottom corner, which he did with ease.
Not long afterwards, Tombides made a great run down the right wing and then
managed to get a low cross into the box, only for Nana Boakye-Yiadom to see
his shot was blocked. More good work from Tombides then saw a ball cut back
to Kieran Bywater (pictured) on the edge of the box, but the resulting shot
went a few inches wide.
As the game was drawing to a close the continued West Ham pressure finally
paid off after an underweight backpass allowed Boakye-Yiadom to cut in and
round the goalkeeper before side-footing into an empty net. With just
seconds on the clock the best move of the game once again saw Tombides and
Niley combining brilliantly, Niley's overlap saw him collect a clever
through ball from Tombides and fire his shot against the post as the game
ended all-square.
Afterwards, Carr was happy with his team's display in their opening
pre-season game. "We would have been pleased with the performance even
without the equaliser, but it is always nice to come away with a result," he
said. "This was our first game of pre-season after three weeks of training
and it was good to give everyone playing time. Now we need to look ahead to
more games to get match fit for the start of the new season. "There were a
number of younger players in the squad and they were the ones that really
stood out for me. In the second half Grady in the centre of midfield and
Kyle Niley at right-back both impressed."
West Ham United first-half XI: Baxter, Makasi, Stokoe, Harney, Alexander,
Kofi, Carter, Cullen, Mavila, Gogo, E.Lee
West Ham United second-half XI: Baxter, Burke, Girdlestone, Manny, Niley,
Marlow, Bywater, Grady, Luretta, T.Tombides, Yiadom)
*This report was written by eleven-year-old schoolboy Willis Jamieson, who
has ambitions of becoming a sports journalist when he is a bit older. You
can follow Willis on twitter @WillisJamieson
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Torchbearer Kenzer
WHUFC.com
First-year professional Kenzer Lee will carry the Olympic Torch through
London on Sunday
21.07.2012
Kenzer Lee will be at the centre of the nation's attention when he carries
the Olympic Torch through London on Sunday. The West Ham United first-year
professional will run with the flame through his home Borough of Barking and
Dagenham after being selected as one of the 8,000 official Torchbearers,
joining the likes of Olympic greats Sir Steve Redgrave and Denise Lewis. The
18-year-old was selected to take part in the 8,000-mile, 70-day long relay
for his impressive achievements on and off the football pitch. After
captaining Kingsford Community School to Newham Cup success and skippering
the Newham and Essex schools representative sides, the Beckton-born
youngster was snapped up by the Hammers as a schoolboy. The centre-back was
a regular for the Under-18s last season, scoring a dramatic winner in an FA
Youth Cup third-round victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and made more than
ten Development Squad appearances. Lee, who signed his first professional
contract in the summer and appeared in the first-team pre-season match at
Boreham Wood earlier this month, is also a regular visitor to his old
school, where he mentors young pupils. "In my application to be a
Torchbearer, I just explained what I have achieved so far and that I want to
show to others, especially those from under-privileged backgrounds, that if
you work for something and have determination and enthusiasm that you can
get to be what you want. "I applied but I didn't really expect to be picked,
but then I found out the good news that I had been chosen. "I am really
excited about it. My family and friends will be watching and I think you get
to keep a replica of the torch after carrying it. It will be a great
experience and something to remember for the rest of my life!"
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Colchester Utd 1 West Ham Utd 2
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 21st July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Goals from Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble helped the Hammers to a narrow
victory over League One side Colchester United at the Weston Homes Community
Stadium this afternoon. However Sam Allardyce's side were left clinging on
at the end as the home side were the width of a post away from snatching a
dramatic equaliser. Having taken the lead after 16 minutes when Nicky
Maynard fired home from close range following good work from Gary O'Neil and
Carlton Cole, the Hammers looked a good bet for a second win in eight days
following the 3-0 victory at Southend last weekend. And when Mark Noble
doubled their lead from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark after
goalscorer Maynard was felled by a clumsy challenge from the U's O'Toole it
looked as if a repeat of that emphatic win at Roots Hall could be on the
cards. But having pulled a goal back before the break through Wordsworth the
home side, playing in front of a healthy crowd of just under 8,000, came
close on several occasions to equalising in the second half - and none more
so than when Wright's effort rebounded off the woodwork with just 90 seconds
of normal time remaining.
Colchester, featuring former Hammer Freddie Sears who recently signed a
three-year deal with the Essex club were up against several new faces in
claret and blue.
Bilal Mohsni, who played a full 90 minutes at Grays Athletic last night came
on as a second half substitute whilst Colin Kazim-Richards, who has been on
trial at Chadwell Heath recently also featured. There was also some worrying
news for manager Allardyce when club captain Kevin Nolan limped off after
just four minutes having taken a knock inside the opening minute of the
game.
Today's Results
Colchester Utd 1-2 West Ham Utd
West Ham Utd: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, McCartney, Taylor, Noble, O'Neil,
Nolan, Kazim Richards, Maynard, Cole.
Subs: Larkins, Driver, Mohsni, Hall, Vaz Te, Moncur, Nasha, Morrison,
Spence, Potts.
Colchester Utd: Cousins, Okounghae, Bean, Eastman, Coker, Wilson,
Wordsworth, Duguid, O'Toole, Morrison, Sears.
Subs: Pentney, Aldred, Rose, Heath, Izzet, Bond, Henderson, White, Gilbey,
Wright.
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Olsson keen on London move
KUMb.com
Filed: Saturday, 21st July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Bromwich Albion's Player of the year Jonas Olsson has admitted that he
would like the opportunity to play in London. The 29-year-old Swedish
defender, who is entering the final year of his contract at the Hawthorns
has been linked with a move to West Ham for some weeks. And speaking in an
interview with aftonbladet.se today, Olsson hinted that he could be on the
verge of making the switch to the Boleyn Ground. Although he refused to
comment when asked whether West Ham was his most likely destination - "I don
not comment on specific clubs", he said - Olsson revealed that a move to the
capital could be on the cards. "There are three factors that come into play
when I choose a club," he said. "They are sporting, social and economic.
London is a city I like a lot, and one day I hope to play for a London club.
"Plus, I'm very happy with living in England and playing in the Premier
League."
Olsson, who featured for his country in the recent European Championship has
been at West Brom since 2008 when he moved to England from Eredivisie side
NEC Nijmegan for an intial £800,000. Three years ago he faced disciplinary
charges after a reckless challenge on former Hammers goalkeeper Rob Green
left the number one comatose. Olsson reportedly elbowed the England stopper
during a set-piece.
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Hammers too strong for U's
Last updated: 21st July 2012
SSN
First-half goals from Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble saw West Ham to a 2-1
pre-season victory at Colchester on Saturday. Maynard broke up play in
midfield in the 16th minute before latching on to Carlton Cole's knockdown
to finish the move. The former Bristol City forward caused problems once
more when John-Joe O'Toole brought him down in the area for Mark Noble to
convert after the half hour. Anthony Wordsworth converted O'Toole's low
cross to give the U's hope before half-time, but they could not extend the
Premier League new boys any further.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Win 1-2, but Nolan injured!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham secured a narrow win over Colchester Utd in today's pre-season
friendly. The Hammers won via a Nicky Maynard strike and a Mark Noble penaly
in the first half. Colchester pulled one back just before half-time through
Anthony Wordsworth and then came within the width of the goal post of
grabbing an equaliser in the final minutes.
Kazim-Richards featured for the Hammers and actually got the ball in the
back of the net at one point, only for the effot to be ruled off-side. Neil
McDonald, is quoted on the club's offical website, stating that Colin
Kazim-Richards 'did alright' and 'our first impression is that he is not too
bad.' Well, one would have thought a newly promoted PL club would be looking
for more than that from a new potential recruit? Fellow trialist Bilel
Mohsni, after his 'eventful' 90 minutes against Grays on Friday evening, got
in some more match time as a 2nd half substitute.
McDonald has confirmed that both trialists will be included in the squad for
the forthcoming pre-season trip to Germany.
It was another solid 90 minutes. West Ham played their best football in the
first 45 minutes, with some neat approach play.They were less impressive in
the 2nd half and ended up just about holding on for the win. However, the
worrying thing was that skipper Kevin Nolan picked up a toe injury. Nolan
was forced to leave the field after 3 minutes, after picking up the knock in
an early challenge on former Hammers team mate, Freddie Sears. Lets hope
that it is just bruising and nothing more serious than that.
The West Ham line up was:
Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, McCartney, Taylor, Noble, O'Neil, Nolan, Kazim
Richards, Maynard, Cole.
Subs: Larkins, Driver, Mohsni, Hall, Vaz Te, Moncur, Nasha, Morrison,
Spence, Potts.
Elsewhere, confusion seems to reign cncerning the potential move for
Douglas. The player has now been quoted as stating that he wishes to stay
with Twente FC, whilst his current club do not appear to be very certain
about the player's intentions. The result is that potential suitors, such as
Newcastle Utd, Fulham and ourselves are awaiting some clarity about the
player's situation and availability. One potential target that does appear
increasingly certain about his intentions, is Jonas Olsson. Olsson seems to
be militating towards a move from WBA and has spoken positively about a move
to a London club, although he would be drawn on which one!
The Daily Star have run a story that West Ham are being cagey about entering
in to negotiations with Mark Noble on a contract extension. Apparently the
player is keen to commit long-term to the club, but the club are delaying
until after the start of the new season. The article states that Mark Noble
is in the final year of his current contract. I find it hard to believe that
they would allow one of their major assets to get in to a potential Bosman
situation. After all, any one of a number of PL clubs would snap up Noble on
a Bosman deal. It is a dangerous tactic and one that could blow up in the
club's face if Noble ends up walking away for nothing. Alternatively, the
story could be totally inaccurate. We shall see?
The same source has also suggested that Sam Allardyce could make a bid to
sign Jermaine Defoe from Spurs, despite the recent signing of Mali
international striker, Maiga. Defoe is definitely a proven PL goal scorer,
although there is still some residual bitterness from Hammers fan at the way
in which the player conducted himself after the club's relegation in
2002-03. How likely is a move for Defoe? Can the fans forgive and forget and
welcome the former Academy product back in to the West Ham fold? The article
suggests that Defoe is keen to leave Spurs but stay in London.
Realistically, that means West Ham or QPR. I think it would be a very
positive signing, it would really increase competition and put pressure on
the likes of Vaz Te and Maiga to perform.
Finally, messrs Gold and Sullivan are currently engaged on their trip to
Spain to pursue interest in a target or three out there. It makes perfect
sense, as there are some decent players to be had in Spain, at reasonable
fees. So good luck to them. Who are the club's Spanish targets? That is a
matter of conjecture! Hopefully, all will be revealed before too long.
SJ Chandos.
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Toe much pain: Kevin Nolan forced off in West Ham friendly win at Colchester
The Mirror
Tom Dulat
West Ham captain Kevin Nolan is a pre-season injury scare for West Ham. The
midfielder was forced off just five minutes into the 2-1 win over
Colchester with a damaged toe. He sustained the injury in a clash with
former Hammers' striker Freddie Sears. Nolan received intensive treatment on
the touchline but was unable to go on. "It is very sore and we can only hope
it is just bruising and nothing is broken," said West Ham assistant manager
Neil McDonald. Nolan will have a scan today and Sam Allardyce is hoping his
influential skipper will be fit for the tour of Germany and start of their
Premier League campaign next month. West Ham took the lead in the 15th
minute when Nicky Maynard drove home after Carlton Cole had knocked the ball
down from a Gary O'Neil cross. On the half-hour, Maynard accelerated through
the Colchester defence and was brought down by Magnus Okuonghae. Mark Noble
converted the penalty and West Ham were in total command. But just before
half-time, Colchester were handed a life-line when O'Neil gave the ball away
and Anthony Wordsworth shot past Jussi Jaaskelainen. Allardyce is hoping
triallists Kazim Richards and Bilel Mohsni will be able to join the squad in
Germany.
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Fulham and West Ham United join the race to sign highly rated defender
Footylatest.com
Fulham and West Ham United have reportedly joined the race to sign Newcastle
United target Douglas, but the player himself has claimed that he knows
nothing about a possible move away from FC Twente this summer. The
Brazilian-born player joined Twente in 2007, and has since built his
reputation as one of the best defenders in the Eredivisie. His consistent
displays at the heart of the Tukkers' defence has earned him a host of
admirers, with Newcastle widely tipped to be the favourites to capture his
signature this signature this summer. Douglas however told journalists
during an interview that he knew nothing about a bid for him from Newcastle,
and insisted that he wanted to stay on at the Dutch club. "I and my agent
know nothing of a bid from Newcastle," said Douglas. "I want to stay at
Twente this season." Those statements have confused Twente chairman Joop
Munsterman, who said: "It's unclear precisely what Newcastle and Douglas
want. One week he calls me and tells me he wants to leave and the next week
he calls me and tells me he wants to stay." Fulham manager Martin Jol, a
former Twente player, is also keen on the £3 million-rated defender, while
newly-promoted West Ham United are also monitoring the player's situation.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM CAGEY ON MARK NOBLE CONTRACT
Daily Star
22nd July 2012 By Daily Star Reporter
WEST Ham are playing hardball with inspirational midfield star Mark Noble,
25, over his new contract. Noble has just one season left on his current
deal and is eager to sign a long-term extension to the club he has served
for his entire career. He has been a key player in their return to the top
flight, taking over the leader's role after Scott Parker moved to Spurs.
Hammers are delaying any more talks until the season is well under way as
they put the pressure on one of their stars. A club insider said: "The
signing of Mohamed Diame from Wigan is going to increase the competition in
midfield. Let's see how Noble reacts to that. That will be pivotal in
whether he gets a new deal or not."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
JERMAINE DEFOE'S OUT TO EARN WEST HAM TRANSFER
Daily Star
22nd July 2012 By Tony Stenson
JERMAIN DEFOE is in line for a return to West Ham. The Tottenham striker is
fast becoming the hottest property of the summer – with a host of Premier
League clubs keen to sign him. Defoe rarely featured in the closing months
of Harry Redknapp's reign. And new Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas hasn't
given the forward any assurances over his future.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is on the lookout for extra firepower, despite
the £7million signing of Modibo Maiga, 24, from French club Sochaux last
week. Allardyce has taken a gamble on the 6ft 1in Mali international, who
saw a January move to Newcastle fall through when a medical showed up a knee
problem. Maiga also has a reputation for being a maverick, and fell out
with Sochaux fans after going AWOL last season. Defoe, 29, is high on
Allardyce's shopping list – and has a proven record as a Premier League
goalscorer. The striker spent five years with the Hammers before moving to
Spurs in 2004. He is understood to be keen to stay in London, which would
give the Hammers an edge in any talks. And Allardyce is looking at the
England forward as his hopes of bringing in Andy Carroll from Liverpool
fade.
Allardyce has been frustrated in his attempts to make new signings. Having
recruited keepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson, he has only
added George McCartney and Mohamed Diame so far this summer. Meanwhile, the
Hammers are ready to sue Brescia to get money they believe they are owed for
Alessandro Diamanti. The Irons claim they have not been paid money they were
due after selling the midfielder for £2m two years ago. Diamanti – signed
from Livorno for £6m in 2009 – was allowed to go home to Italy after just
one season, having failed to settle in London. He then moved on to Bologna
earlier this summer following Brescia's relegation to Serie B. West Ham are
unhappy because they asked for Diamanti's registration by the Italian
Football Federation to be suspended in July last year. The club acted
because they had not been paid a due instalment of their transfer fee by
Brescia. West Ham co-owner David Gold said: "We sold Diamanti to Brescia
because he was desperate to return to Italy. He was then sold to Bologna. We
are suing Brescia for the money."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham suffer Nolan injury blow after skipper limps off in friendly
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 19:19, 21 July 2012 | UPDATED: 19:21, 21 July 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham have dismissed fears Kevin Nolan suffered a broken ankle in
Saturday's pre-season friendly at Colchester United. The Hammers skipper was
left in agony off following a challenge on Us striker Freddie Sears after
just three minutes. Nolan had to helped off for treatment to a foot injury
before returning to watch the rest of the game from the sidelines. A West
Ham official later confirmed that Nolan had suffered a toe injury. The
visitors opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Gary O'Neil crossed from
the byline and Nicky Maynard headed home at the far post. Trialist and
former Sheffield United and Galatasaray striker Colin Kazim-Richards had an
effort disallowed for offside before West Ham doubled their lead from the
penalty spot just after the half-hour mark. Mark Noble sent Mark Cousins the
wrong way after Maynard had been clumsily brought down by Magnus Okuonghae.
Colchester pulled a goal back five minutes later when they pounced on
O'Neil's careless pass and John-Joe O'Toole crossed for an unmarked Anthony
Wordsworth to convert from close range. The second-half was a far more
subdued affair as the home side made 10 changes and West Ham held on for a
2-1 victory.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald told West Ham TV he was pleased with the way the Hammers
played in Saturday's success
21.07.2012
Neil McDonald has told West Ham TV he was pleased with the way the Hammers
played in Saturday's 2-1 pre-season victory at Colchester United. The
Hammers defeated their npower League One opponents thanks to first-half
goals from Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble, who converted from the penalty spot
after the lively Maynard had been brought down. Assistant manager McDonald
hailed the nature of the victory while also discussing captain Kevin Nolan's
toe injury and revealing that trialists Colin Kazim-Richards and Bilel
Mohsni will join the squad on their pre-season tour to Germany this week.
Macca, what was your assessment of the performance at Colchester United?
NMc - "I thought the first half was excellent. We really moved the ball well
and created chances. Our first goal was really good - good build-up play, a
good cross, good knock-down and Nicky was in the right place at the right
time to score. We split their defence open a few times and it was
disappointing that Nicky got brought down because I would like to have seen
him in a one-on-one situation as I'm sure he would have slotted it away. It
was a lot better and a lot brighter and sharper.
We still have lots to do but the psychological barrier has been broken
because a lot of them played a full 90 minutes."
What did you make of the performances of the two trialists Colin
Kazim-Richards and Bilel Mohsni?
NMc - "Colin did all right. He's been training with us for a few days and
he's going to come with us to Germany so we'll have a good look at him
there. Our first impressions are that he's not too bad. Bilel has been in
for a couple of days as well and I think he's going to come to Germany as
well. We're having a good look at players to try to complement the squad and
boost it up so we will see how that goes."
Captain Kevin Nolan was forced off after injuring his toe in the first
minute. What is the prognosis?
NMc - "We will assess that over the next 24 hours. It is sore, but we're
hoping that it's just bruising and fingers crossed it's nothing worse than
that. He doesn't come off the pitch lightly so we've got to get it checked
out and we will have more information later on."
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Colchester 1-2 West Ham United FT
WHUFc.com
Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble are on target as the Hammers record a deserved
win in north Essex
21.07.2012
Colchester United v West Ham United
Pre-season match
Weston Homes Community Stadium
Saturday 21 July 2012
Kick-off: 3pm
Final score - Colchester United 1-2 West Ham United
91 mins - Colchester win a late corner and the ball drops to Gilbey. He is
leaning back and is slightly off-balance as he shoots and the ball loops
well wide. The referee blows for full-time and that's it. West Ham record a
victory. The Hammers are off to Germany on Monday for three further
pre-season games. We'll have highlights and reaction from those three
matches, and today's game, on whufc.com and West Ham TV shortly.
88 mins - Oh! So close to an equaliser as Wright's low shot hits the outside
of the post after the substitute had run inside Reid and shot with his right
foot.
87 mins - Heath lets fly from 25 yards but his shot goes well wide.
84 mins - OK, as we enter the final stages it has been an improved West Ham
display. They have attacked with purpose and, one moment aside, defended
strongly and in an assured manner. Just as importantly, a number of senior
players have got a full 90 minutes under their belts.
82 mins - West Ham love an overlap at the moment. Taylor gets down the right
and holds up before dragging the ball behind him for Spence, who wins a
corner. Taylor himself takes and Cousins makes another assured catch. He's
had a good game, has the Colchester goalkeeper.
81 mins - Okounghae is replaced by Aldred.
80 mins - Close again. Taylor overlaps Maynard and tries to chip the cross
to the far post, but Cousins makes the catch.
78 mins - Nice from Potts, who races around Vaz Te before nutmegging Wright
as he makes his way into the box. Unfortunately, his low cross hits a pair
of legs and Colchester survive. Moments later, Mohsni helps on the ball
first-time for O'Neil, but the No32's touch lets him down as he tries to
beat the last defender.
76 mins - Demel is replaced by Jordan Spence.
75 mins - Mohsni raises some cheers with a pass to Potts with the old one
foot behind the other pass. I can't really explain it any better than that.
West Ham win a corner, but it's cleared.
74 mins - The crowd here today is 7,985, with 2,960 of them in the West Ham
end.
71 mins - The changes have not actually altered the game too much.
Colchester are pushing for an equaliser, but West Ham's back four is
standing firm. The Hammers are still carrying a decent threat too. Taylor
pokes the pass through for Maynard but it's just too strong. Maynard gets a
toe to the ball, but Cousins blocks before grabbing it at the second
attempt.
67 mins - Three more changes from the hosts with Wilson, Wordsworth and
Sears replaced by White, Rose and Gilbey.
67 mins - Kieran Sadlier has put the Development Squad back in front with
his second goal of the game. Back here, Demel just overruns the ball after a
marauding run down the right. His cross comes over and Mohsni slams the shot
over the bar.
65 mins - Half-chance for Mohsni as the cross comes over to the far post
from O'Neil following a good run from Taylor. The substitute rises but his
header is too strong and flies back across the face of goal and out for a
goal kick.
64 mins - Slight controversy as Sears goes down as he tries to go past Demel
inside the penalty area. Nothing given by the referee and the follow-up shot
flies over.
62 mins - We're going to see Mohsni in a few moments. He scored at both ends
for the Development Squad last night and will wear the No10 shirt this
afternoon. He is on now for Carlton Cole.
60 mins - Colchester force three corners in quick succession. The third is
caught well by Jaaskelainen.
59 mins - Four changes from Colchester. Bean, O'Toole, Morrison and Eastman
are off, with Bond, Izzet, Heath and Wright coming on.
58 mins - I understand there is a lot of speculation about Kevin Nolan. We
will get an update from the medical staff after the game and post it on
whufc.com as soon as anything is confirmed. I can tell you that he is
sitting on the bench watching the game with his team-mates.
54 mins - Strong play from Cole to win a corner. Taylor will whip it in
left-footed. He does, but Cousins is there to make the catch. Colchester
break but Potts defends well against Henderson. The left-back is looking
good in pre-season.
52 mins - Potts fouls Morrison. The free-kick is taken by Wordsworth, but
it's too close to Jaaskelainen and the Finn catches high above his head.
50 mins - Henderson and Wilson create some space down the Colchester right
before the full-back crosses deep. Morrison rises and heads the ball into
the back of Demel, but he'd already been whistled for a push on the Ivorian.
48 mins - There was a PA announcement just before the half-time break ended
telling people to move their cards from the services on the other side of
the A12. Presumably, Kazim-Richards and Duguid had both parked there...
46 mins - Noble lofts the free-kick over and Reid's header loops and just
clears Cousins and the crossbar. The No12 for Colchester is Henderson, who
is listed as No16 on the teamsheet.
Both teams have brought on a substitute apiece. For West Ham, Vaz Te is on
for Kazim-Richards. For Colchester, Duguid has gone off with the No12 coming
on.
Half-time score - Colchester United 1-2 West Ham United
46 mins - That's half-time. Well, Colchester started the brighter before
Maynard scored slightly against the run of play. West Ham took control and
doubled their lead through Noble's penalty. The home side did not give up
the battle, however, and were rewarded with Wordsworth's goal, which will
make things interesting after the break. However, we can expect to see
plenty of changes from both managers. We will also try to get an upate on
Nolan's injury, but it may well be too early to get a full diagnosis.
44 mins - Nice, patient build up from the men in claret and blue involving
no fewer than six players. Maynard tries to prod the ball through to Cole,
but his run is bent the other way and the chance is lost.
43 mins - Half-time is approaching and Big Sam will want this side to
reassert their dominance. Colchester are pushing at present looking for an
equaliser.
39 mins - GOAL! Colchester have a goal back through Wordsworth. The initial
break looked to have been snuffed out by Reid's tackle, but the ball was
worked back to O'Toole, whose low cross was controlled and finished low past
Jaaskelainen by the No22.
36 mins - Time for a drink as Demel has the physio on, but his trot along
the touchline is more successful than Nolan's and he'll be back on in a few
seconds.
34 mins - Instant response from Colchester, who force two quick corners. The
second is headed goalwards by Morrison, but Jaaskelainen makes a routine
catch.
32 mins - GOAL! No mistake from Noble, who slams the spot-kick high into the
right of the net as Cousins dives low to his right.
32 mins - Penalty to West Ham! Maynard collects a superb pass over the top
from Noble. He is brought down by a clumsy challenge from O'Toole and when
Cole's follow-up is saved by Cousins, the spot-kick is awarded.
30 mins - I reckon the Colchester manager John Ward might have been
somewhere warm and sunny this summer. He has a lovely sun tan. It's 1-1 down
at Thurrock, where Hassan Ibrahim has equalised for the hosts.
27 mins - A yes Guy Demel! The right-back uses some quick feet to nutmeg
Coker by the touchline. A burst of 'Oooohs' from the fans. You don't
normally see that sort of skill from the Ivorian!
25 mins - Cole flicks on and Kazim-Richards - who has swapped flanks with
Maynard - races on to the ball. He looks up and shoots low towards the far
corner. Cousins goes down and grabs the ball to his chest.
24 mins - Coker is forced to defend this time, but he stands strong and
tackles Kazim-Richards after initially losing out to Maynard. Meanwhile, an
ice cream seller is doing the rounds in front of me. I am tempted by a
raspberry ripple, but need to remember I am at work!
23 mins - Coker again, but this time the diagonal pass forces him off
balance and his cross is sliced behind for a goal kick. Demel is being
pulled inside by Sears' movement and it's giving the left-back space to run
into.
22 mins - The U's come forward for the first time since falling behind and
it's left-back Coker again providing the width. He crosses dangerously at
head height and McCartney makes a brave clearing ahead in front of Morrison.
Good defending.
20 mins - Cole forces Wilson to pass back to Cousins. His clearance goes
straight to O'Neil, but his long-range effort flies well wide of the
right-hand post. Colchester are all of a sudden unable to maintain any sort
of possession. They do say that goals change games...
19 mins - Kazim-Richards has the ball in the net with a cheeky backheel but
unfortunately he is offside from Cole's low shot. The Turkey international
had created the chance for Cole himself by controlling inside the penalty
area and laying off to the No9. West Ham looking far more comfortable now.
16 mins - GOAL! Maynard! Reid steps in with a strong challenge in midfield
and brings the ball forward before finding O'Neil in acres of space wide on
the right. O'Neil gallops forward before clipping a cross to the far post.
Cole rises above two defenders and heads down. Maynard shapes his body
superbly to fire a right-foot side volley past Cousins. That's Maynard's
second goal of the pre-season.
15 mins - The Development Squad are 1-0 up at Thurrock. Kieran Sadlier has
scored down at Ship Lane.
13 mins - You can see Sears is keen to impress this afternoon as he is
putting himself about all over the park. However, his team-mates are also
looking positive. Colchester have made a good opening. They play some nice
football on what looks to be a very good playing surface here in north
Essex.
10 mins - Taylor tries to play in Maynard, but his through ball is cut out.
Sears leads the counter-attack before the cross comes over for Wordsworth,
but his header loops harmlessly high and wide.
7 mins - There is a bit of a hush that has fallen over the stadium since
Nolan's departure. I'm sure a lot of the fans here today would love to have
see him in action, but it was the sensible move if he was feeling any
discomfort. The suggestion is that he had his foot trodden on. A couple of
diagonal balls are aimed at Kazim-Richards. The third is knocked down and
passed by Cole to Potts, but his shot is charged down.
5 mins - Colchester win a corner as the ball is headed behind from Coker's
cross. West Ham clear before right-back Wilson crosses behind for a goal
kick. Potts is on to replace Nolan.
4 mins No, he's going to have to come off. Meanwhile, Jaaskelainen makes a
save to push away a shot from distance. It'll be Dan Potts who comes on for
the captain. Taylor will go into midfield.
3 mins - Nolan has his right boot back on and is now having a quick drink. I
think he's going to come back on shortly.
2 mins - Kevin Nolan is over here speaking to the physio. It appears that
he's knocked his right foot somehow, maybe trying to challenge Sears during
that first-minute attack.
1 min - Colchester make a bright start, knocking the ball around patiently
before Bean finds Sears. He crosses from the right channel and Reid heads
clear.
3.07pm - Freddie Sears gets a good cheer from both sets of fans when his
name is read out. The Colchester No11 will have his own personal point to
prove this afternoon. Sears himself will kick-off with Clinton Morrison...
3.05pm - 'Right here, right now' has now finished and, just in time, the two
team emerge from the tunnel. I have no idea what the wait was all about, but
both sets of players receive a big round of applause as they stroll on to
the playing surface.
3.03pm - Still no players... This Fatboy Slim song will have finished before
they arrive on the pitch at this rate!
3.02pm - Erm, well the teams haven't emerged after all. The PA announcer
built it all up about three minutes ago, but so far nobody has come out of
the tunnel apart from the substitutes...
2.59pm - Here come the teams to some very grand-sounding music! There is a
decent crowd inside the stadium and I can report that at least half of them
are wearing claret and blue.
2.57pm - OK, the photographers are gathered at the mouth of the tunnel and
it will not be long before the two teams emerge. I'm told this is a near
first-choice Colchester team, so it'll be a good test for the Hammers. Big
Sam will have demanded an improvement after Tuesday's defeat at Oxford
United. It might be pre-season, but the manager will want a better
performance and result.
2.50pm - The Development Squad are also in action this afternoon at
Thurrock, where Ian Hendon is fielding a young side containing a number of
trialists. We will keep you updated of events at Ship Lane as best we can!
2.40pm - Most of you will know who Colin Kazim Richards is, but to refresh
your memories... The attacking midfielder and winger was born in Leytonstone
and turns
26 next month. After spells with Bury, Brighton and Hove Albion and
Sheffield United, he moved to Turkish football with Fenerbahce. From there,
he was loaned to French side Toulouse before joining Galatasaray in 2011. He
enjoyed a spell on loan at Greek champions Olympiacos last season. The son
of a Turkish-Cypriot mother, he has 35 caps for Turkey, scoring twice.
2.30pm - As a certain singer once sang, here come the Hammers! The West Ham
squad trot out on to the pitch for their warm-up. Colchester's players have
been out there for a while already and are currently doing some running up
and down the far touchline.
2.15pm - News from up the A12 in Ipswich where West Ham's Under-18s played
their first pre-season match. Nana Boakye-Yiadom was on target for the
Hammers, netting the equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Playford Road. We'll have a
full report and reaction on whufc.com soon.
2pm - We have the team news! For West Ham, trialist Colin Kazim Richards is
starting as one of the front three, while Bilel Mohsni is among the
substitutes. Freddie Sears starts for Colchester.
Colchester United: Cousins, Okounghae, Bean, Eastman, Coker, Wilson,
Wordsworth, Duguid, O'Toole, Morrison, Sears
Subs: Pentney, Aldred, Rose, Heath, Izzet, Bond, Henderson, White, Gilbey,
Wright
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, McCartney, Taylor, Noble,
O'Neil, Nolan, Kazim Richards, Maynard, Cole
Subs: Larkins, Driver, Mohsni, Hall, Vaz Te, Moncur, Nasha, Morrison,
Spence, Potts
Good afternoon and welcome to the smart and modern Weston Homes Community
Stadium for today's pre-season match between West Ham United and npower
League One side Colchester United.
Today, Sam Allardyce's side are playing their fifth pre-season fixture and
the manager will be hoping for a better performance than the one he saw at
Oxford United on Tuesday, when West Ham were beaten 1-0. To aid his cause,
Big Sam has named a strong squad for the trip to north Essex, with trialist
and Turkey international Colin Kazim Richards set to appear for the first
time in a claret and blue shirt.
However, the U's have invested heavily in their squad over the summer
months, bringing in Freddie Sears from West Ham,. Republic of Ireland
international forward Clinton Morrison from Sheffield Wednesday and Jamaican
Marcus Bean from Brentford. At the same time, John Ward's side have also let
a number of players leave, including highly rated goalkeeper Ben Williams
who has moved to Scottish Premier League club Hibernian.
A crowd of around 7,000 is expected for this afternoon's game between two
teams who have never met in a competitive fixture. However, they did meet on
no fewer than three times at Development Squad level last season.
The team news will be confirmed at around 2pm.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s open with Ipswich draw
WHUFC.com
Nana Boakye-Yiadom scores as the U18s open their pre-season with a deserved
draw at Ipswich Town
21.07.2012
Ipswich Town U18s 1 - 1 West Ham United U18s
West Ham United Under-18s got their pre-season schedule off to a good start
as they travelled up the A12 and gained a deserved draw with Ipswich Town.
Due to players having commitments at a number of other first-team and
Development Squad games this weekend, Tony Carr and Nick Haycock had a
younger than usual squad to choose from.
Before the game, Academy Director Carr had said that he believed this would
be good experience and a good test for the young Hammers side and that is
what it proved to be. A strong defensive performance in the first half was
turned into a more attacking display after West Ham had made ten changes at
half-time.
The first half saw very few chances made, with the best falling to the home
side. Schoolboy Jamie Harney and Australian trialist David Stokoe helped the
Hammers to see out the first 45 minutes without conceding, with the help of
a couple of excellent near-post saves from goalkeeper Sam Baxter. The best
of the West Ham chances were created down on the left wing between new
signing Nathan Mavila and Moses Makasi, who linked well together throughout
the first half.
West Ham's ten changes at half-time led to more in terms of attacking threat
with schoolboy Kyle Niley and first-year scholar Taylor Tombides - brother
of striker Dylan - linking up well on the right and creating chances on a
number of occasions.
However, the home side would strike first. After a Baxter clearance was
blocked by Jack Marriott, all he needed to do was slot the ball into the
bottom corner, which he did with ease.
Not long afterwards, Tombides made a great run down the right wing and then
managed to get a low cross into the box, only for Nana Boakye-Yiadom to see
his shot was blocked. More good work from Tombides then saw a ball cut back
to Kieran Bywater (pictured) on the edge of the box, but the resulting shot
went a few inches wide.
As the game was drawing to a close the continued West Ham pressure finally
paid off after an underweight backpass allowed Boakye-Yiadom to cut in and
round the goalkeeper before side-footing into an empty net. With just
seconds on the clock the best move of the game once again saw Tombides and
Niley combining brilliantly, Niley's overlap saw him collect a clever
through ball from Tombides and fire his shot against the post as the game
ended all-square.
Afterwards, Carr was happy with his team's display in their opening
pre-season game. "We would have been pleased with the performance even
without the equaliser, but it is always nice to come away with a result," he
said. "This was our first game of pre-season after three weeks of training
and it was good to give everyone playing time. Now we need to look ahead to
more games to get match fit for the start of the new season. "There were a
number of younger players in the squad and they were the ones that really
stood out for me. In the second half Grady in the centre of midfield and
Kyle Niley at right-back both impressed."
West Ham United first-half XI: Baxter, Makasi, Stokoe, Harney, Alexander,
Kofi, Carter, Cullen, Mavila, Gogo, E.Lee
West Ham United second-half XI: Baxter, Burke, Girdlestone, Manny, Niley,
Marlow, Bywater, Grady, Luretta, T.Tombides, Yiadom)
*This report was written by eleven-year-old schoolboy Willis Jamieson, who
has ambitions of becoming a sports journalist when he is a bit older. You
can follow Willis on twitter @WillisJamieson
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Torchbearer Kenzer
WHUFC.com
First-year professional Kenzer Lee will carry the Olympic Torch through
London on Sunday
21.07.2012
Kenzer Lee will be at the centre of the nation's attention when he carries
the Olympic Torch through London on Sunday. The West Ham United first-year
professional will run with the flame through his home Borough of Barking and
Dagenham after being selected as one of the 8,000 official Torchbearers,
joining the likes of Olympic greats Sir Steve Redgrave and Denise Lewis. The
18-year-old was selected to take part in the 8,000-mile, 70-day long relay
for his impressive achievements on and off the football pitch. After
captaining Kingsford Community School to Newham Cup success and skippering
the Newham and Essex schools representative sides, the Beckton-born
youngster was snapped up by the Hammers as a schoolboy. The centre-back was
a regular for the Under-18s last season, scoring a dramatic winner in an FA
Youth Cup third-round victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and made more than
ten Development Squad appearances. Lee, who signed his first professional
contract in the summer and appeared in the first-team pre-season match at
Boreham Wood earlier this month, is also a regular visitor to his old
school, where he mentors young pupils. "In my application to be a
Torchbearer, I just explained what I have achieved so far and that I want to
show to others, especially those from under-privileged backgrounds, that if
you work for something and have determination and enthusiasm that you can
get to be what you want. "I applied but I didn't really expect to be picked,
but then I found out the good news that I had been chosen. "I am really
excited about it. My family and friends will be watching and I think you get
to keep a replica of the torch after carrying it. It will be a great
experience and something to remember for the rest of my life!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Colchester Utd 1 West Ham Utd 2
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 21st July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Goals from Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble helped the Hammers to a narrow
victory over League One side Colchester United at the Weston Homes Community
Stadium this afternoon. However Sam Allardyce's side were left clinging on
at the end as the home side were the width of a post away from snatching a
dramatic equaliser. Having taken the lead after 16 minutes when Nicky
Maynard fired home from close range following good work from Gary O'Neil and
Carlton Cole, the Hammers looked a good bet for a second win in eight days
following the 3-0 victory at Southend last weekend. And when Mark Noble
doubled their lead from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark after
goalscorer Maynard was felled by a clumsy challenge from the U's O'Toole it
looked as if a repeat of that emphatic win at Roots Hall could be on the
cards. But having pulled a goal back before the break through Wordsworth the
home side, playing in front of a healthy crowd of just under 8,000, came
close on several occasions to equalising in the second half - and none more
so than when Wright's effort rebounded off the woodwork with just 90 seconds
of normal time remaining.
Colchester, featuring former Hammer Freddie Sears who recently signed a
three-year deal with the Essex club were up against several new faces in
claret and blue.
Bilal Mohsni, who played a full 90 minutes at Grays Athletic last night came
on as a second half substitute whilst Colin Kazim-Richards, who has been on
trial at Chadwell Heath recently also featured. There was also some worrying
news for manager Allardyce when club captain Kevin Nolan limped off after
just four minutes having taken a knock inside the opening minute of the
game.
Today's Results
Colchester Utd 1-2 West Ham Utd
West Ham Utd: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, McCartney, Taylor, Noble, O'Neil,
Nolan, Kazim Richards, Maynard, Cole.
Subs: Larkins, Driver, Mohsni, Hall, Vaz Te, Moncur, Nasha, Morrison,
Spence, Potts.
Colchester Utd: Cousins, Okounghae, Bean, Eastman, Coker, Wilson,
Wordsworth, Duguid, O'Toole, Morrison, Sears.
Subs: Pentney, Aldred, Rose, Heath, Izzet, Bond, Henderson, White, Gilbey,
Wright.
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Olsson keen on London move
KUMb.com
Filed: Saturday, 21st July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Bromwich Albion's Player of the year Jonas Olsson has admitted that he
would like the opportunity to play in London. The 29-year-old Swedish
defender, who is entering the final year of his contract at the Hawthorns
has been linked with a move to West Ham for some weeks. And speaking in an
interview with aftonbladet.se today, Olsson hinted that he could be on the
verge of making the switch to the Boleyn Ground. Although he refused to
comment when asked whether West Ham was his most likely destination - "I don
not comment on specific clubs", he said - Olsson revealed that a move to the
capital could be on the cards. "There are three factors that come into play
when I choose a club," he said. "They are sporting, social and economic.
London is a city I like a lot, and one day I hope to play for a London club.
"Plus, I'm very happy with living in England and playing in the Premier
League."
Olsson, who featured for his country in the recent European Championship has
been at West Brom since 2008 when he moved to England from Eredivisie side
NEC Nijmegan for an intial £800,000. Three years ago he faced disciplinary
charges after a reckless challenge on former Hammers goalkeeper Rob Green
left the number one comatose. Olsson reportedly elbowed the England stopper
during a set-piece.
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Hammers too strong for U's
Last updated: 21st July 2012
SSN
First-half goals from Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble saw West Ham to a 2-1
pre-season victory at Colchester on Saturday. Maynard broke up play in
midfield in the 16th minute before latching on to Carlton Cole's knockdown
to finish the move. The former Bristol City forward caused problems once
more when John-Joe O'Toole brought him down in the area for Mark Noble to
convert after the half hour. Anthony Wordsworth converted O'Toole's low
cross to give the U's hope before half-time, but they could not extend the
Premier League new boys any further.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Win 1-2, but Nolan injured!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham secured a narrow win over Colchester Utd in today's pre-season
friendly. The Hammers won via a Nicky Maynard strike and a Mark Noble penaly
in the first half. Colchester pulled one back just before half-time through
Anthony Wordsworth and then came within the width of the goal post of
grabbing an equaliser in the final minutes.
Kazim-Richards featured for the Hammers and actually got the ball in the
back of the net at one point, only for the effot to be ruled off-side. Neil
McDonald, is quoted on the club's offical website, stating that Colin
Kazim-Richards 'did alright' and 'our first impression is that he is not too
bad.' Well, one would have thought a newly promoted PL club would be looking
for more than that from a new potential recruit? Fellow trialist Bilel
Mohsni, after his 'eventful' 90 minutes against Grays on Friday evening, got
in some more match time as a 2nd half substitute.
McDonald has confirmed that both trialists will be included in the squad for
the forthcoming pre-season trip to Germany.
It was another solid 90 minutes. West Ham played their best football in the
first 45 minutes, with some neat approach play.They were less impressive in
the 2nd half and ended up just about holding on for the win. However, the
worrying thing was that skipper Kevin Nolan picked up a toe injury. Nolan
was forced to leave the field after 3 minutes, after picking up the knock in
an early challenge on former Hammers team mate, Freddie Sears. Lets hope
that it is just bruising and nothing more serious than that.
The West Ham line up was:
Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, McCartney, Taylor, Noble, O'Neil, Nolan, Kazim
Richards, Maynard, Cole.
Subs: Larkins, Driver, Mohsni, Hall, Vaz Te, Moncur, Nasha, Morrison,
Spence, Potts.
Elsewhere, confusion seems to reign cncerning the potential move for
Douglas. The player has now been quoted as stating that he wishes to stay
with Twente FC, whilst his current club do not appear to be very certain
about the player's intentions. The result is that potential suitors, such as
Newcastle Utd, Fulham and ourselves are awaiting some clarity about the
player's situation and availability. One potential target that does appear
increasingly certain about his intentions, is Jonas Olsson. Olsson seems to
be militating towards a move from WBA and has spoken positively about a move
to a London club, although he would be drawn on which one!
The Daily Star have run a story that West Ham are being cagey about entering
in to negotiations with Mark Noble on a contract extension. Apparently the
player is keen to commit long-term to the club, but the club are delaying
until after the start of the new season. The article states that Mark Noble
is in the final year of his current contract. I find it hard to believe that
they would allow one of their major assets to get in to a potential Bosman
situation. After all, any one of a number of PL clubs would snap up Noble on
a Bosman deal. It is a dangerous tactic and one that could blow up in the
club's face if Noble ends up walking away for nothing. Alternatively, the
story could be totally inaccurate. We shall see?
The same source has also suggested that Sam Allardyce could make a bid to
sign Jermaine Defoe from Spurs, despite the recent signing of Mali
international striker, Maiga. Defoe is definitely a proven PL goal scorer,
although there is still some residual bitterness from Hammers fan at the way
in which the player conducted himself after the club's relegation in
2002-03. How likely is a move for Defoe? Can the fans forgive and forget and
welcome the former Academy product back in to the West Ham fold? The article
suggests that Defoe is keen to leave Spurs but stay in London.
Realistically, that means West Ham or QPR. I think it would be a very
positive signing, it would really increase competition and put pressure on
the likes of Vaz Te and Maiga to perform.
Finally, messrs Gold and Sullivan are currently engaged on their trip to
Spain to pursue interest in a target or three out there. It makes perfect
sense, as there are some decent players to be had in Spain, at reasonable
fees. So good luck to them. Who are the club's Spanish targets? That is a
matter of conjecture! Hopefully, all will be revealed before too long.
SJ Chandos.
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Toe much pain: Kevin Nolan forced off in West Ham friendly win at Colchester
The Mirror
Tom Dulat
West Ham captain Kevin Nolan is a pre-season injury scare for West Ham. The
midfielder was forced off just five minutes into the 2-1 win over
Colchester with a damaged toe. He sustained the injury in a clash with
former Hammers' striker Freddie Sears. Nolan received intensive treatment on
the touchline but was unable to go on. "It is very sore and we can only hope
it is just bruising and nothing is broken," said West Ham assistant manager
Neil McDonald. Nolan will have a scan today and Sam Allardyce is hoping his
influential skipper will be fit for the tour of Germany and start of their
Premier League campaign next month. West Ham took the lead in the 15th
minute when Nicky Maynard drove home after Carlton Cole had knocked the ball
down from a Gary O'Neil cross. On the half-hour, Maynard accelerated through
the Colchester defence and was brought down by Magnus Okuonghae. Mark Noble
converted the penalty and West Ham were in total command. But just before
half-time, Colchester were handed a life-line when O'Neil gave the ball away
and Anthony Wordsworth shot past Jussi Jaaskelainen. Allardyce is hoping
triallists Kazim Richards and Bilel Mohsni will be able to join the squad in
Germany.
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Fulham and West Ham United join the race to sign highly rated defender
Footylatest.com
Fulham and West Ham United have reportedly joined the race to sign Newcastle
United target Douglas, but the player himself has claimed that he knows
nothing about a possible move away from FC Twente this summer. The
Brazilian-born player joined Twente in 2007, and has since built his
reputation as one of the best defenders in the Eredivisie. His consistent
displays at the heart of the Tukkers' defence has earned him a host of
admirers, with Newcastle widely tipped to be the favourites to capture his
signature this signature this summer. Douglas however told journalists
during an interview that he knew nothing about a bid for him from Newcastle,
and insisted that he wanted to stay on at the Dutch club. "I and my agent
know nothing of a bid from Newcastle," said Douglas. "I want to stay at
Twente this season." Those statements have confused Twente chairman Joop
Munsterman, who said: "It's unclear precisely what Newcastle and Douglas
want. One week he calls me and tells me he wants to leave and the next week
he calls me and tells me he wants to stay." Fulham manager Martin Jol, a
former Twente player, is also keen on the £3 million-rated defender, while
newly-promoted West Ham United are also monitoring the player's situation.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM CAGEY ON MARK NOBLE CONTRACT
Daily Star
22nd July 2012 By Daily Star Reporter
WEST Ham are playing hardball with inspirational midfield star Mark Noble,
25, over his new contract. Noble has just one season left on his current
deal and is eager to sign a long-term extension to the club he has served
for his entire career. He has been a key player in their return to the top
flight, taking over the leader's role after Scott Parker moved to Spurs.
Hammers are delaying any more talks until the season is well under way as
they put the pressure on one of their stars. A club insider said: "The
signing of Mohamed Diame from Wigan is going to increase the competition in
midfield. Let's see how Noble reacts to that. That will be pivotal in
whether he gets a new deal or not."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
JERMAINE DEFOE'S OUT TO EARN WEST HAM TRANSFER
Daily Star
22nd July 2012 By Tony Stenson
JERMAIN DEFOE is in line for a return to West Ham. The Tottenham striker is
fast becoming the hottest property of the summer – with a host of Premier
League clubs keen to sign him. Defoe rarely featured in the closing months
of Harry Redknapp's reign. And new Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas hasn't
given the forward any assurances over his future.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is on the lookout for extra firepower, despite
the £7million signing of Modibo Maiga, 24, from French club Sochaux last
week. Allardyce has taken a gamble on the 6ft 1in Mali international, who
saw a January move to Newcastle fall through when a medical showed up a knee
problem. Maiga also has a reputation for being a maverick, and fell out
with Sochaux fans after going AWOL last season. Defoe, 29, is high on
Allardyce's shopping list – and has a proven record as a Premier League
goalscorer. The striker spent five years with the Hammers before moving to
Spurs in 2004. He is understood to be keen to stay in London, which would
give the Hammers an edge in any talks. And Allardyce is looking at the
England forward as his hopes of bringing in Andy Carroll from Liverpool
fade.
Allardyce has been frustrated in his attempts to make new signings. Having
recruited keepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson, he has only
added George McCartney and Mohamed Diame so far this summer. Meanwhile, the
Hammers are ready to sue Brescia to get money they believe they are owed for
Alessandro Diamanti. The Irons claim they have not been paid money they were
due after selling the midfielder for £2m two years ago. Diamanti – signed
from Livorno for £6m in 2009 – was allowed to go home to Italy after just
one season, having failed to settle in London. He then moved on to Bologna
earlier this summer following Brescia's relegation to Serie B. West Ham are
unhappy because they asked for Diamanti's registration by the Italian
Football Federation to be suspended in July last year. The club acted
because they had not been paid a due instalment of their transfer fee by
Brescia. West Ham co-owner David Gold said: "We sold Diamanti to Brescia
because he was desperate to return to Italy. He was then sold to Bologna. We
are suing Brescia for the money."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham suffer Nolan injury blow after skipper limps off in friendly
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 19:19, 21 July 2012 | UPDATED: 19:21, 21 July 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham have dismissed fears Kevin Nolan suffered a broken ankle in
Saturday's pre-season friendly at Colchester United. The Hammers skipper was
left in agony off following a challenge on Us striker Freddie Sears after
just three minutes. Nolan had to helped off for treatment to a foot injury
before returning to watch the rest of the game from the sidelines. A West
Ham official later confirmed that Nolan had suffered a toe injury. The
visitors opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Gary O'Neil crossed from
the byline and Nicky Maynard headed home at the far post. Trialist and
former Sheffield United and Galatasaray striker Colin Kazim-Richards had an
effort disallowed for offside before West Ham doubled their lead from the
penalty spot just after the half-hour mark. Mark Noble sent Mark Cousins the
wrong way after Maynard had been clumsily brought down by Magnus Okuonghae.
Colchester pulled a goal back five minutes later when they pounced on
O'Neil's careless pass and John-Joe O'Toole crossed for an unmarked Anthony
Wordsworth to convert from close range. The second-half was a far more
subdued affair as the home side made 10 changes and West Ham held on for a
2-1 victory.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, July 21
Daily WHUFC News - 21st July 2012
Health checks for Hammers
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's players have undergone a series of tests to make sure they
are in tip-top condition
19.07.2012
West Ham United's players and staff have undergone a series of tests to make
sure they are in the best possible condition ahead of the 2012/13 Barclays
Premier League season. The Hammers' Chadwell Heath training ground was
visited by a range of healthcare professionals on Thursday, including staff
from the Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) heart screening charity, an
optician and a podiatrist. Manager Sam Allardyce, who underwent heart
surgery after being diagnosed with a blocked artery in 2009, was among those
to undergo a electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess the electrical activity of
his heart. "To be honest, I am an expert on this and have had more tests
than most of the lads due to the blockage I had in my artery a few years
ago," said Big Sam. "I think that, as always in life, prevention is much
better than cure and having the lads go through this screening is a good
thing. "While it can't cover everything and never will, it helps us to see
if everybody is as fit as they think they are. It is a fantastic operation
run by experts carrying out ECGs and echocardiograms (ECHO), while we have
the optician and podiatrist working next door. "It gives us a good look at
the lads' condition and if we find anything we can quickly deal with it, but
I'm sure everybody will be clear."
Big Sam, who is well-known for his meticulous approach to every fact of
football management, said heart screening was a vital part of ensuring
players are fit and healthy before they take to the pitch. "The amount of
punishment the players go through in terms of physical activity means they
max their heart-rate on quite a few occasions so it's very important to
check there are no defects there if you are taking it to that extreme on a
regular basis. "This screening is obviously very, very important in finding
any deficiencies in any of the players."
The CRY team was headed by Professor Sanjay Sharma, a Professor of Inherited
Cardiovascular Conditions and Sports Cardiology at St George's Hospital in
London.
Professor Sharma explained the process and reason for screening players and
revealed that his team had visited many of the country's other leading
clubs, including Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. "We test several
football clubs and it's a pleasure to be involved at West Ham," he said. "We
are screening the players for conditions that may predispose to sudden death
during sport. "I'm pleased to report that these events happen very rarely,
but having seen the very public cardiac arrest of Fabrice Muamba, there is a
heightened awareness of this problem. "Most of the conditions that cause
problems in young athletes usually affect the electricity and muscle of the
heart. Unfortunately, about about 80 per cent have no warning symptoms of
the condition. "The process has seen the players fill out health
questionnaires asking specifically about cardiac symptoms and about any
family history of cardiac disease, because most of the conditions that cause
death are hereditary. "We then did an ECG to look for electrical faults and
a cardiac ultrasound to look for any structural abnormalities. Together,
these tests will excluse an abnormality in 80 per cent of cases."
Club doctor Richard Weiler said the tests carried out this week were all of
great importance. "There are lots of different forms of screening that we do
to make sure that the players are fit and healthy for the season and that
everything is working properly," said Dr Weiler. "Primarily its around
reducing risk and treating anything that needs treating so that they are in
peak physical condition when the season starts. "There have been a lot of
tests this week. We were visited by an anti-doping expert who warned the
players on what they can and cannot take because the rules are very strict.
"We also did blood screening as well as functional, fitness and
musculo-skeletal screening and got them all to see the dentist, optician and
podiatrist to make sure their tools of the trade are in perfect working
condition. "There are not too many parts of them that escape a thorough
check!"
Striker Carlton Cole was among those to have his heart screened at Chadwell
Heath on Friday. "It is really important that this screening is carried
out," said the No9. "As footballers, the fitness of our bodies is something
we know has to be right to be able to do what we do, but I think everyone,
not just athletes, should have this sort of screening and for it to be
available to all. "When the screening is being done, you are a bit nervous!
You look at the reaction of the person doing the test, so if they nod and
smile then you know you are OK for now! But in all seriousness, it is very
important and I think the case of Fabrice Muamba highlighted how important
it is to have checks as often as you can as you just never know." "The
people who came here today were very good with us and they are a charitable
organisation and they are doing important work, so hopefully we can help
them by raising awareness."
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Tomkins starts for Team GB
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins started for Team GB as they went down 2-0 to Brazil on Friday
night
20.07.2012
James Tomkins started for Team GB as they lost 2-0 to Brazil in their first
warm-up game before the 2012 Olympic Games. Tomkins was selected in central
defence in a team that also featured Ryan Giggs and former Hammer Craig
Bellamy as they came up against some of the best players on the planet. The
class of the visitors told in the opening half as goals from Sandro and
Neymar saw them go in two goals to the good at Middlesbrough's Riverside
Stadium. Tomkins was one of four players to make way at the break as Stuart
Pearce sought to give his squad players a run out. The home side continued
to push but the tournament favourites stood firm. Team GB have twice won the
Gold medal, at the first-ever Olympic football tournament in London in 1908
and again in Stockholm in 1912. However, Team GB have not competed in the
competition since 1960. This summer, Stuart Pearce's side will kick-off
their bid for Gold when they face Mohamed Diame's Senegal in Group A at Old
Trafford on 26 July. Team GB will travel to Wembley to take on United Arab
Emirates on 29 July before completing the group stage with a fixture with
Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium on 1 August. Sixteen teams will compete in
the Olympic football tournament, with the Gold medal match taking place at
Wembley on 11 August.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Grays 4-1 Development Squad FT
WHUFC.com
All the action as it happened as Ian Hendon's Development Squad lost out to
Grays Athletic at Rush Green
20.07.2012
Grays Athletic v West Ham United
Pre-season match
Rush Green Stadium
Friday 20 July 2012
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Full time
89 mins - Surely this will be the final change for the Hammers as Pope makes
way Ryan Palmer.
88 mins - Larkins, who has hardly touched the ball this half, just manages
to get his hand to the feet of Sweeney to claw the ball away. Good work from
the Hammers No1.
87 mins - Another change as Ryan Kirby leaves the field for Dave East.
85 mins - Alex Cruickshank comes on for Carlos as we enter the final five
minutes. Will the Hammers grab the second they have threatened
82 mins - The Hammers are still trying here but it is not their night.
Wearen is pulled up for his second strong tackle in as many minutes and the
referee asks him to calm it down a bit.
78 mins - Although they are well down on the score front, West Ham have kept
on working hard. Wearen has just missed a great chance to grab the Hammers'
second as he puts a good chance wide from six yards.
75 mins - The Hammers have the ball in the net but are denied a second goal
by the assistant's flag on the far side. Hedon makes another change as
Piquionne is replaced by Kieran Sadlier.
72 mins - Another change for the hosts as Jake Hall makes way for Brian
Moses.
68 mins - You get the feeling this is not going to be Rob Hall's night as he
once again fires in a decent effort that Johnson gets down well to palm
away. Johnson used to be on the Hammers' books before arriving at the Blues
this season.
65 mins - GOAL! The Hammers hit back as Bilal Moshni scrambles in a corner
after Johnson cannot collect the ball cleanly. Can the Hammers come back?
64 mins - Double change for Grays as Marshall and Lalit make way for Ryan
Maxwell and Tyrone Scarlett.
63 mins - Hall comes close with a curling effort from 25 yards that just
flies past the far post. That is pr
61 mins - GOAL! Grays make it 4-0 as Craig Pope pops up to glance in Carlos'
corner. I think that could be it for the Hammers now.
57 mins - Johnson has been superb for Grays tonight and he comes out quickly
to smother the ball at the fee of Moncur, who looked certain to score.
Moments later, Hall comes within a lick of paint of grabbing one back as his
powerful drive from the angle bounces back off Johnson's near post.
56 mins - In better new, James Tomkins has started for Team GB against
Brazil, although the latest score is 2-0 to the visitors.
52 mins - Ruddock makes way for Amos Nasha as Hendon makes his second
change.
51 mins - If West Ham do go down here tonight as it looks like they might
they will not have to wait long with three games tomorrow. The first team
will be playing away at Colchester, the Development Squad will be facing
Thurrock and the U18s will start their pre-season with a trip to Ipswich
Town.
52 mins - Grays make the first change of the second half as lee Flynn makes
way for Joe Sweeney.
48 mins - Piquionne heads the flag-kick over as the Hammers look to get back
into the game.
47 mins - Well the floodlights at the new stadium are working well as the
pitch seems to be a lot darker than the first half. Morrison tries to light
it up with a strong burst forward but is stopped only by a last-ditch
tackle.
46 mins - West Ham get us underway in the second half.
Half-time
43 mins - It's a long way back for the Development Squad now and I imagine
Hendon is looking forward to getting his players back in the dressing room
to prepare them for a second-half fightback.
40 mins - GOAL! But maybe I spoke too soon as Grays make it 3-0. Larkins
comes for a cross from the left but does not make a clean connection and
Carlos is left with the simple task of heading into an empty net, despite
Wearen's best efforts to get to the ball on the line.
40 mins - Good spell this for the Hammers as Moncur's shot forces Johnson
into another save.
39 mins - Anyway, back to the football and West Ham have won another corner
as they look to get back into the game. Ruddock's shot deflects over the bar
but Rob Hall's corner is gathered by Johnson.
38 mins - And apologies to you for the slight break in updates there as we
were suffering slight technical problems.
33 mins - I owe an apology to Fanimo as I'm hearing that Grays' first goal
actually came off Moshni before it went in the net. The Hammers make an
early change as Driver makes way for Leo Chambers
32 mins - Moshni wins another header by the halfway line. The central
defender, currently on trial from Southend, has shown he has a lot of power
in the air.
28 mins - GOAL! Lee Flynn takes it and smashes the ball into the bottom
corner. It was a great free-kick and the Hammers have a big job on their
hands now.
27 mins - Free-kick to Grays just outside the Hammers' area after George
Moncur was pulled up for a handball.
26 mins - Ravel Morrison and Piquionne combine well down the right and the
latter forces a corner off a Grays defender. Hall takes it from the right
and Moshni's header is palmed away by Johnson.
24 mins - Well played Ruddock. Grays were on the attack again but the former
Boreham Wood midfielder took control of the situation and carried the ball
calmly out of the area.
22 mins - Grays come forward once more and Luke Marshall is able to control
the ball in the area. Wearern and Moshni both manage to get enough of a
challenge in to put the midfielder off and his shot goes harmlessly wide.
19 mins - Free-kick to Grays just inside the West Ham half. From it, they
build up an attack down the right but a well-timed sliding challenge from
Hammers captain Wearen stops the attack dead.
17 mins - Seb Lletget fires in a shot from 20 yards but it is an easy one
for Johnson to gather down low.
15 mins - It's a bit stop start here at Rush Green with a few niggly little
fouls creeping in. Joao Carlos has looked like a threat down the left for
Grays but Ruddock does well to ensure the winger does not get his cross in
by seeing the ball out. Good defending.
9 mins - The Hammers nearly hit back straight away as a long ball from the
back finds Piquionne, he beats the 'keeper to the ball but his touch isn't
strong enough and Grays are able to clear off the line
7 mins - GOAL! Grays take the lead as Jake West runs down the right before
crossing at the near post. It's a bit of a scramble and the ball ends up in
the back of the net. It looks like the final touch may have been from a West
Ham player, possibly Matthias Fanimo
4 mins - So close! Hall's free-kick is right in the corner but Lamar Johnson
in the Grays' goal is equal to it and pushes it round the post. From the
resulting corner Eoin Wearen heads just wide.
3 mins - Free-kick to West Ham right on the edge of the Grays' area after
Piquionne is felled. It looks like it will be Hall to take it.
2 mins - It's a smashing night here in Essex and the sun has finally
appeared. Grays have enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges but the
ball is behind for a goal-kick to West Ham.
1 min - Grays get us underway and will be attacking Jake Larkins' goal away
to my left in the first half.
7.45pm - Joint-Chairman David Sullivan have just cut the ribbon to open the
new ground and we're about to get going.
7.40pm - Good evening and welcome to Rush Green for the opening of the new
stadium that will be home to tonight's two teams this season. West Ham
United Development Squad manager Ian Hendon has picked a young side with
just three players included boasting competitive first-team experience -
Ravel Morrison, Rob Hall and Freddie Piquionne.
The two teams line up as follows:
West Ham United: Larkins, Driver, Fanimo, Moncur, Moshni, Wearen, Ruddock,
Lletget, Piquionne, Morrison, Hall
Subs: Guzman, Nasha, Turgott, Vose, Sadlier, Shaw, Hunt, Powell, Chambers
Grays Athletic: Johnson, Pope, Baker, Kirby, Flynn, Marshall, Lalite,
Marshall, Lalite, Bunce, Hall, Carlos, West
Subs: Kamarusi, Stanley, Palmer, Maxwell, Bunn, Sweeney, East, Moses,
Scarlett, Cruickshank
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s to start pre-season schedule
WHUFc.com
West Ham United's youth team head to Ipswich Town for their first match of
2012/13 on Saturday
20.07.2012
West Ham United Under-18s begin their 2012/13 pre-season schedule with a
trip to Ipswich Town on Saturday. The Hammers, who have taken on no fewer
than 13 new first-year scholars, enjoyed a decent 2011/12 campaign that saw
them reach the FA Youth Cup fifth round and finish fifth in FA Premier
Academy League Group A. Among the intake are summer arrivals Nathan Mavila
and Gines Guzman Rosique, who have joined the club from Wycombe Wanderers
and Murcia respectively. The pair will join the likes of Amos Nasha and
Kieran Bywater, who have both featured for the first team in recent weeks,
in the squad. Academy Director Tony Carr said he was looking forward to the
start of a new campaign, beginning with this weekend's journey up the A12.
"The first two weeks of pre-season have been about conditioning and building
up fitness and we go to into our first game away to Ipswich on Saturday. "We
have a squad of about 18 players and hopefully all of them will get on to
the pitch and get some minutes under their belts. "It's about preparing and
getting some match practice at this stage and we have matches at Norwich
next Wednesday and Everton the following Saturday. We also go to Manchester
City in a few weeks' time to break things up a bit, because we always play
the south east-based clubs on a regular basis every season so we thought
we'd go further north to give them a different experience. "We are also
taking a squad to a tournament in Belgium in early August, which will be
another good experience for them."
Carr revealed that the club had taken on a larger than normal number of
first-year scholars for a variety of reasons, most notably the high level of
talent within the year-group and the fact that the Development Squad will
compete in the new Professional Development League in 2012/13. "It is quite
a large number but we felt it was a good year group and we need a squad.
With the Development Squad playing in their own league, we didn't want to be
too stretched for numbers and didn't want to play too young a team too early
in what is quite a physically demanding Under-18 league. "We do feel that
there is some good talent there as two or three of them showed in the
first-team game at Southend last weekend. Although it was only a little
taster, they showed they weren't overawed by that and showed good
potential."
The Academy Director is also excited about the two new arrivals. "Nathan has
come in from Wycombe. We've been looking at him for quite a while and I was
pleased we could come to an agreement with Wycombe to bring him to West Ham.
"We've also brought a boy in from Spain who is a young goalkeeper who our
goalkeeper coach Jerome John has been following for a number of months and
felt was definitely worth taking. "Hopefully both of them can continue to
improve and mature for the future."
Ultimately, while league and cup success would be welcome, Carr insists that
producing players for the first team is the Academy's overriding aim and
role.
Having seen four graduates make their debuts last season, he is hoping to
see more make the step up to Sam Allardyce's squad this term.
"It's our goal to produce players who can thrive at that level and it is a
massive challenge for them to step up to the plate and show that they are
capable of playing in the first team in the Premier League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hull City sign former West Ham defender Abdoulaye Faye
BBC.co.uk
Hull City have signed veteran Senegalese defender Abdoulaye Faye on a
one-year deal. The 34-year-old played 29 times in the Championship for West
Ham last term but was released by the Hammers at the end of the season. He
has Premier League experience with Bolton, Newcastle and Stoke. Tigers boss
Steve Bruce said: "He brings experience and if you look at our squad we
don't have a lot of that at the moment."
Faye added: "I am very happy to be here and to have signed for Hull City. It
is a fresh challenge for me and one that I am greatly looking forward to. "I
spent time watching Hull last season and they played very well. We have
plenty of talented young players in the squad and I think I can complement
them with my experience.
"Experience can count for a lot in football. I have played for several years
in the Premiership, with last year being my first in the Championship. "I
think that in some ways the Championship is even tougher as it is played at
such a frantic pace, and is very physical. "Steve Bruce is a great manager
with a fantastic record and, when he spoke to me about his ambitions for the
club, it was easy for me to make up my mind."
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Grays Ath 4 West Ham Utd XI 1
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 20th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Triallist Bilal Mohsni scored a goal at each of the pitch tonight as Ian
Hendon's young West Ham side suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Ryman
League side Grays Athletic. The French defender, who is currently contracted
to Southend United played a full 90 minutes as the Hammers were well beaten
- despite controlling the majority of the game. The home side took the lead
after just seven minutes when the unfortunate Mohsni got the final touch in
a goalmouth scramble. It was a lead that they doubled on 28 minutes when Lee
Flynn's 20-yard free kick somehow found its way through a five-man wall.
Despite having enjoyed the lions' share of possession in the first half,
West Ham - for whom an extremely disappointing Freddie Piquionne started -
found themselves 3-0 behind shortly before the break when Jake Larkins made
a hash of a cross allowing Athletic's Carlos to bundle the ball into an
empty net. And it was 4-0 to the home side, playing their first game at
their new temporary home which they will share with West Ham's reserve team
next season, on the hour mark when Craig Pope scored with a close-range
header.
Mohsni made amends for his earlier error when he grabbed a consolation goal
for Ian Hendon's team with 25 minutes to go when he was first to react to a
loose ball in the six-uard box following a corner, stabbing the ball over
the line. And although West Ham had another effort ruled out for offside
adding to an earlier reffort from Rob Hall that shook the woodwork, they
were unable to reduce the deficit further. Also in action for a full 90
minutes was Ravel Morrison, who showed glimpses of his undoubted talent -
but also his temperamental side when he was warned by the referee having
raised his hands to an opponent.
* You may see a selection of pictures from tonight's game on the KUMB forum.
West Ham United: Larkins, Driver, Fanimo, Moncur, Moshni, Wearen, Ruddock,
Lletget, Piquionne, Morrison, Hall.
Subs: Guzman, Nasha, Turgott, Vose, Sadlier, Shaw, Hunt, Powell, Chambers.
Grays Athletic: Johnson, Pope, Baker, Kirby, Flynn, Marshall, Lalite,
Marshall, Lalite, Bunce, Hall, Carlos, West.
Subs: Kamarusi, Stanley, Palmer, Maxwell, Bunn, Sweeney, East, Moses,
Scarlett, Cruickshank.
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We dig Doug
The Sun
Published: 20th July 2012
FULHAM and West Ham have joined Newcastle in the £3.5m fight for FC Twente's
Douglas. All three clubs have tabled bids for the 24-year-old Brazilian
defender.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Southend United's Bilel Mohsni scores at both ends for West Ham United in
trial game against Grays Athletic
Echo News
11:18pm Friday 20th July 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips
BILEL Mohsni scored at both ends during an eventful trial game for West Ham
United at Grays Athletic tonight. Mohsni, who was granted permission from
Southend United to play for the Hammers, inadvertently put the home-side
ahead with an own goal inside the opening five minutes. And, despite netting
for his own team in the closing stages, the Frenchman was a frustrated
figure at the final whistle following a 4-1 defeat. "I'm disappointed
because I scored the own goal and that set Grays on their way to win the
game," said Mohsni, 24. "I was caught between their two strikers and had to
make a tackle but, in doing so, the ball hit my shin and went in to the
goal. "That frustrated me and by the time I scored at the other end it was
too late."
Following Mohsni's own goal, Lee Flynn, Joao Carlos and Craig Pope were all
on target for Grays. And the defender is now not sure if he will figure
again for West Ham at Colchester United tomorrow afternoon. "I don't know if
I will play there or not," said Mohsni, who played the whole match against
Grays at centre-back.
"I will definitely travel to the game and the manager has said I might be
involved. "However, he wants to give his first team players a good run out
and, if I do play, it might only be for 15 minutes." Mohsni's trial with
West Ham will end after the clash at the Community Stadium but he has yet to
discover if he will be kept on.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's players have undergone a series of tests to make sure they
are in tip-top condition
19.07.2012
West Ham United's players and staff have undergone a series of tests to make
sure they are in the best possible condition ahead of the 2012/13 Barclays
Premier League season. The Hammers' Chadwell Heath training ground was
visited by a range of healthcare professionals on Thursday, including staff
from the Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) heart screening charity, an
optician and a podiatrist. Manager Sam Allardyce, who underwent heart
surgery after being diagnosed with a blocked artery in 2009, was among those
to undergo a electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess the electrical activity of
his heart. "To be honest, I am an expert on this and have had more tests
than most of the lads due to the blockage I had in my artery a few years
ago," said Big Sam. "I think that, as always in life, prevention is much
better than cure and having the lads go through this screening is a good
thing. "While it can't cover everything and never will, it helps us to see
if everybody is as fit as they think they are. It is a fantastic operation
run by experts carrying out ECGs and echocardiograms (ECHO), while we have
the optician and podiatrist working next door. "It gives us a good look at
the lads' condition and if we find anything we can quickly deal with it, but
I'm sure everybody will be clear."
Big Sam, who is well-known for his meticulous approach to every fact of
football management, said heart screening was a vital part of ensuring
players are fit and healthy before they take to the pitch. "The amount of
punishment the players go through in terms of physical activity means they
max their heart-rate on quite a few occasions so it's very important to
check there are no defects there if you are taking it to that extreme on a
regular basis. "This screening is obviously very, very important in finding
any deficiencies in any of the players."
The CRY team was headed by Professor Sanjay Sharma, a Professor of Inherited
Cardiovascular Conditions and Sports Cardiology at St George's Hospital in
London.
Professor Sharma explained the process and reason for screening players and
revealed that his team had visited many of the country's other leading
clubs, including Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. "We test several
football clubs and it's a pleasure to be involved at West Ham," he said. "We
are screening the players for conditions that may predispose to sudden death
during sport. "I'm pleased to report that these events happen very rarely,
but having seen the very public cardiac arrest of Fabrice Muamba, there is a
heightened awareness of this problem. "Most of the conditions that cause
problems in young athletes usually affect the electricity and muscle of the
heart. Unfortunately, about about 80 per cent have no warning symptoms of
the condition. "The process has seen the players fill out health
questionnaires asking specifically about cardiac symptoms and about any
family history of cardiac disease, because most of the conditions that cause
death are hereditary. "We then did an ECG to look for electrical faults and
a cardiac ultrasound to look for any structural abnormalities. Together,
these tests will excluse an abnormality in 80 per cent of cases."
Club doctor Richard Weiler said the tests carried out this week were all of
great importance. "There are lots of different forms of screening that we do
to make sure that the players are fit and healthy for the season and that
everything is working properly," said Dr Weiler. "Primarily its around
reducing risk and treating anything that needs treating so that they are in
peak physical condition when the season starts. "There have been a lot of
tests this week. We were visited by an anti-doping expert who warned the
players on what they can and cannot take because the rules are very strict.
"We also did blood screening as well as functional, fitness and
musculo-skeletal screening and got them all to see the dentist, optician and
podiatrist to make sure their tools of the trade are in perfect working
condition. "There are not too many parts of them that escape a thorough
check!"
Striker Carlton Cole was among those to have his heart screened at Chadwell
Heath on Friday. "It is really important that this screening is carried
out," said the No9. "As footballers, the fitness of our bodies is something
we know has to be right to be able to do what we do, but I think everyone,
not just athletes, should have this sort of screening and for it to be
available to all. "When the screening is being done, you are a bit nervous!
You look at the reaction of the person doing the test, so if they nod and
smile then you know you are OK for now! But in all seriousness, it is very
important and I think the case of Fabrice Muamba highlighted how important
it is to have checks as often as you can as you just never know." "The
people who came here today were very good with us and they are a charitable
organisation and they are doing important work, so hopefully we can help
them by raising awareness."
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Tomkins starts for Team GB
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins started for Team GB as they went down 2-0 to Brazil on Friday
night
20.07.2012
James Tomkins started for Team GB as they lost 2-0 to Brazil in their first
warm-up game before the 2012 Olympic Games. Tomkins was selected in central
defence in a team that also featured Ryan Giggs and former Hammer Craig
Bellamy as they came up against some of the best players on the planet. The
class of the visitors told in the opening half as goals from Sandro and
Neymar saw them go in two goals to the good at Middlesbrough's Riverside
Stadium. Tomkins was one of four players to make way at the break as Stuart
Pearce sought to give his squad players a run out. The home side continued
to push but the tournament favourites stood firm. Team GB have twice won the
Gold medal, at the first-ever Olympic football tournament in London in 1908
and again in Stockholm in 1912. However, Team GB have not competed in the
competition since 1960. This summer, Stuart Pearce's side will kick-off
their bid for Gold when they face Mohamed Diame's Senegal in Group A at Old
Trafford on 26 July. Team GB will travel to Wembley to take on United Arab
Emirates on 29 July before completing the group stage with a fixture with
Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium on 1 August. Sixteen teams will compete in
the Olympic football tournament, with the Gold medal match taking place at
Wembley on 11 August.
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Grays 4-1 Development Squad FT
WHUFC.com
All the action as it happened as Ian Hendon's Development Squad lost out to
Grays Athletic at Rush Green
20.07.2012
Grays Athletic v West Ham United
Pre-season match
Rush Green Stadium
Friday 20 July 2012
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Full time
89 mins - Surely this will be the final change for the Hammers as Pope makes
way Ryan Palmer.
88 mins - Larkins, who has hardly touched the ball this half, just manages
to get his hand to the feet of Sweeney to claw the ball away. Good work from
the Hammers No1.
87 mins - Another change as Ryan Kirby leaves the field for Dave East.
85 mins - Alex Cruickshank comes on for Carlos as we enter the final five
minutes. Will the Hammers grab the second they have threatened
82 mins - The Hammers are still trying here but it is not their night.
Wearen is pulled up for his second strong tackle in as many minutes and the
referee asks him to calm it down a bit.
78 mins - Although they are well down on the score front, West Ham have kept
on working hard. Wearen has just missed a great chance to grab the Hammers'
second as he puts a good chance wide from six yards.
75 mins - The Hammers have the ball in the net but are denied a second goal
by the assistant's flag on the far side. Hedon makes another change as
Piquionne is replaced by Kieran Sadlier.
72 mins - Another change for the hosts as Jake Hall makes way for Brian
Moses.
68 mins - You get the feeling this is not going to be Rob Hall's night as he
once again fires in a decent effort that Johnson gets down well to palm
away. Johnson used to be on the Hammers' books before arriving at the Blues
this season.
65 mins - GOAL! The Hammers hit back as Bilal Moshni scrambles in a corner
after Johnson cannot collect the ball cleanly. Can the Hammers come back?
64 mins - Double change for Grays as Marshall and Lalit make way for Ryan
Maxwell and Tyrone Scarlett.
63 mins - Hall comes close with a curling effort from 25 yards that just
flies past the far post. That is pr
61 mins - GOAL! Grays make it 4-0 as Craig Pope pops up to glance in Carlos'
corner. I think that could be it for the Hammers now.
57 mins - Johnson has been superb for Grays tonight and he comes out quickly
to smother the ball at the fee of Moncur, who looked certain to score.
Moments later, Hall comes within a lick of paint of grabbing one back as his
powerful drive from the angle bounces back off Johnson's near post.
56 mins - In better new, James Tomkins has started for Team GB against
Brazil, although the latest score is 2-0 to the visitors.
52 mins - Ruddock makes way for Amos Nasha as Hendon makes his second
change.
51 mins - If West Ham do go down here tonight as it looks like they might
they will not have to wait long with three games tomorrow. The first team
will be playing away at Colchester, the Development Squad will be facing
Thurrock and the U18s will start their pre-season with a trip to Ipswich
Town.
52 mins - Grays make the first change of the second half as lee Flynn makes
way for Joe Sweeney.
48 mins - Piquionne heads the flag-kick over as the Hammers look to get back
into the game.
47 mins - Well the floodlights at the new stadium are working well as the
pitch seems to be a lot darker than the first half. Morrison tries to light
it up with a strong burst forward but is stopped only by a last-ditch
tackle.
46 mins - West Ham get us underway in the second half.
Half-time
43 mins - It's a long way back for the Development Squad now and I imagine
Hendon is looking forward to getting his players back in the dressing room
to prepare them for a second-half fightback.
40 mins - GOAL! But maybe I spoke too soon as Grays make it 3-0. Larkins
comes for a cross from the left but does not make a clean connection and
Carlos is left with the simple task of heading into an empty net, despite
Wearen's best efforts to get to the ball on the line.
40 mins - Good spell this for the Hammers as Moncur's shot forces Johnson
into another save.
39 mins - Anyway, back to the football and West Ham have won another corner
as they look to get back into the game. Ruddock's shot deflects over the bar
but Rob Hall's corner is gathered by Johnson.
38 mins - And apologies to you for the slight break in updates there as we
were suffering slight technical problems.
33 mins - I owe an apology to Fanimo as I'm hearing that Grays' first goal
actually came off Moshni before it went in the net. The Hammers make an
early change as Driver makes way for Leo Chambers
32 mins - Moshni wins another header by the halfway line. The central
defender, currently on trial from Southend, has shown he has a lot of power
in the air.
28 mins - GOAL! Lee Flynn takes it and smashes the ball into the bottom
corner. It was a great free-kick and the Hammers have a big job on their
hands now.
27 mins - Free-kick to Grays just outside the Hammers' area after George
Moncur was pulled up for a handball.
26 mins - Ravel Morrison and Piquionne combine well down the right and the
latter forces a corner off a Grays defender. Hall takes it from the right
and Moshni's header is palmed away by Johnson.
24 mins - Well played Ruddock. Grays were on the attack again but the former
Boreham Wood midfielder took control of the situation and carried the ball
calmly out of the area.
22 mins - Grays come forward once more and Luke Marshall is able to control
the ball in the area. Wearern and Moshni both manage to get enough of a
challenge in to put the midfielder off and his shot goes harmlessly wide.
19 mins - Free-kick to Grays just inside the West Ham half. From it, they
build up an attack down the right but a well-timed sliding challenge from
Hammers captain Wearen stops the attack dead.
17 mins - Seb Lletget fires in a shot from 20 yards but it is an easy one
for Johnson to gather down low.
15 mins - It's a bit stop start here at Rush Green with a few niggly little
fouls creeping in. Joao Carlos has looked like a threat down the left for
Grays but Ruddock does well to ensure the winger does not get his cross in
by seeing the ball out. Good defending.
9 mins - The Hammers nearly hit back straight away as a long ball from the
back finds Piquionne, he beats the 'keeper to the ball but his touch isn't
strong enough and Grays are able to clear off the line
7 mins - GOAL! Grays take the lead as Jake West runs down the right before
crossing at the near post. It's a bit of a scramble and the ball ends up in
the back of the net. It looks like the final touch may have been from a West
Ham player, possibly Matthias Fanimo
4 mins - So close! Hall's free-kick is right in the corner but Lamar Johnson
in the Grays' goal is equal to it and pushes it round the post. From the
resulting corner Eoin Wearen heads just wide.
3 mins - Free-kick to West Ham right on the edge of the Grays' area after
Piquionne is felled. It looks like it will be Hall to take it.
2 mins - It's a smashing night here in Essex and the sun has finally
appeared. Grays have enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges but the
ball is behind for a goal-kick to West Ham.
1 min - Grays get us underway and will be attacking Jake Larkins' goal away
to my left in the first half.
7.45pm - Joint-Chairman David Sullivan have just cut the ribbon to open the
new ground and we're about to get going.
7.40pm - Good evening and welcome to Rush Green for the opening of the new
stadium that will be home to tonight's two teams this season. West Ham
United Development Squad manager Ian Hendon has picked a young side with
just three players included boasting competitive first-team experience -
Ravel Morrison, Rob Hall and Freddie Piquionne.
The two teams line up as follows:
West Ham United: Larkins, Driver, Fanimo, Moncur, Moshni, Wearen, Ruddock,
Lletget, Piquionne, Morrison, Hall
Subs: Guzman, Nasha, Turgott, Vose, Sadlier, Shaw, Hunt, Powell, Chambers
Grays Athletic: Johnson, Pope, Baker, Kirby, Flynn, Marshall, Lalite,
Marshall, Lalite, Bunce, Hall, Carlos, West
Subs: Kamarusi, Stanley, Palmer, Maxwell, Bunn, Sweeney, East, Moses,
Scarlett, Cruickshank
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U18s to start pre-season schedule
WHUFc.com
West Ham United's youth team head to Ipswich Town for their first match of
2012/13 on Saturday
20.07.2012
West Ham United Under-18s begin their 2012/13 pre-season schedule with a
trip to Ipswich Town on Saturday. The Hammers, who have taken on no fewer
than 13 new first-year scholars, enjoyed a decent 2011/12 campaign that saw
them reach the FA Youth Cup fifth round and finish fifth in FA Premier
Academy League Group A. Among the intake are summer arrivals Nathan Mavila
and Gines Guzman Rosique, who have joined the club from Wycombe Wanderers
and Murcia respectively. The pair will join the likes of Amos Nasha and
Kieran Bywater, who have both featured for the first team in recent weeks,
in the squad. Academy Director Tony Carr said he was looking forward to the
start of a new campaign, beginning with this weekend's journey up the A12.
"The first two weeks of pre-season have been about conditioning and building
up fitness and we go to into our first game away to Ipswich on Saturday. "We
have a squad of about 18 players and hopefully all of them will get on to
the pitch and get some minutes under their belts. "It's about preparing and
getting some match practice at this stage and we have matches at Norwich
next Wednesday and Everton the following Saturday. We also go to Manchester
City in a few weeks' time to break things up a bit, because we always play
the south east-based clubs on a regular basis every season so we thought
we'd go further north to give them a different experience. "We are also
taking a squad to a tournament in Belgium in early August, which will be
another good experience for them."
Carr revealed that the club had taken on a larger than normal number of
first-year scholars for a variety of reasons, most notably the high level of
talent within the year-group and the fact that the Development Squad will
compete in the new Professional Development League in 2012/13. "It is quite
a large number but we felt it was a good year group and we need a squad.
With the Development Squad playing in their own league, we didn't want to be
too stretched for numbers and didn't want to play too young a team too early
in what is quite a physically demanding Under-18 league. "We do feel that
there is some good talent there as two or three of them showed in the
first-team game at Southend last weekend. Although it was only a little
taster, they showed they weren't overawed by that and showed good
potential."
The Academy Director is also excited about the two new arrivals. "Nathan has
come in from Wycombe. We've been looking at him for quite a while and I was
pleased we could come to an agreement with Wycombe to bring him to West Ham.
"We've also brought a boy in from Spain who is a young goalkeeper who our
goalkeeper coach Jerome John has been following for a number of months and
felt was definitely worth taking. "Hopefully both of them can continue to
improve and mature for the future."
Ultimately, while league and cup success would be welcome, Carr insists that
producing players for the first team is the Academy's overriding aim and
role.
Having seen four graduates make their debuts last season, he is hoping to
see more make the step up to Sam Allardyce's squad this term.
"It's our goal to produce players who can thrive at that level and it is a
massive challenge for them to step up to the plate and show that they are
capable of playing in the first team in the Premier League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hull City sign former West Ham defender Abdoulaye Faye
BBC.co.uk
Hull City have signed veteran Senegalese defender Abdoulaye Faye on a
one-year deal. The 34-year-old played 29 times in the Championship for West
Ham last term but was released by the Hammers at the end of the season. He
has Premier League experience with Bolton, Newcastle and Stoke. Tigers boss
Steve Bruce said: "He brings experience and if you look at our squad we
don't have a lot of that at the moment."
Faye added: "I am very happy to be here and to have signed for Hull City. It
is a fresh challenge for me and one that I am greatly looking forward to. "I
spent time watching Hull last season and they played very well. We have
plenty of talented young players in the squad and I think I can complement
them with my experience.
"Experience can count for a lot in football. I have played for several years
in the Premiership, with last year being my first in the Championship. "I
think that in some ways the Championship is even tougher as it is played at
such a frantic pace, and is very physical. "Steve Bruce is a great manager
with a fantastic record and, when he spoke to me about his ambitions for the
club, it was easy for me to make up my mind."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Grays Ath 4 West Ham Utd XI 1
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 20th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Triallist Bilal Mohsni scored a goal at each of the pitch tonight as Ian
Hendon's young West Ham side suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Ryman
League side Grays Athletic. The French defender, who is currently contracted
to Southend United played a full 90 minutes as the Hammers were well beaten
- despite controlling the majority of the game. The home side took the lead
after just seven minutes when the unfortunate Mohsni got the final touch in
a goalmouth scramble. It was a lead that they doubled on 28 minutes when Lee
Flynn's 20-yard free kick somehow found its way through a five-man wall.
Despite having enjoyed the lions' share of possession in the first half,
West Ham - for whom an extremely disappointing Freddie Piquionne started -
found themselves 3-0 behind shortly before the break when Jake Larkins made
a hash of a cross allowing Athletic's Carlos to bundle the ball into an
empty net. And it was 4-0 to the home side, playing their first game at
their new temporary home which they will share with West Ham's reserve team
next season, on the hour mark when Craig Pope scored with a close-range
header.
Mohsni made amends for his earlier error when he grabbed a consolation goal
for Ian Hendon's team with 25 minutes to go when he was first to react to a
loose ball in the six-uard box following a corner, stabbing the ball over
the line. And although West Ham had another effort ruled out for offside
adding to an earlier reffort from Rob Hall that shook the woodwork, they
were unable to reduce the deficit further. Also in action for a full 90
minutes was Ravel Morrison, who showed glimpses of his undoubted talent -
but also his temperamental side when he was warned by the referee having
raised his hands to an opponent.
* You may see a selection of pictures from tonight's game on the KUMB forum.
West Ham United: Larkins, Driver, Fanimo, Moncur, Moshni, Wearen, Ruddock,
Lletget, Piquionne, Morrison, Hall.
Subs: Guzman, Nasha, Turgott, Vose, Sadlier, Shaw, Hunt, Powell, Chambers.
Grays Athletic: Johnson, Pope, Baker, Kirby, Flynn, Marshall, Lalite,
Marshall, Lalite, Bunce, Hall, Carlos, West.
Subs: Kamarusi, Stanley, Palmer, Maxwell, Bunn, Sweeney, East, Moses,
Scarlett, Cruickshank.
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We dig Doug
The Sun
Published: 20th July 2012
FULHAM and West Ham have joined Newcastle in the £3.5m fight for FC Twente's
Douglas. All three clubs have tabled bids for the 24-year-old Brazilian
defender.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Southend United's Bilel Mohsni scores at both ends for West Ham United in
trial game against Grays Athletic
Echo News
11:18pm Friday 20th July 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips
BILEL Mohsni scored at both ends during an eventful trial game for West Ham
United at Grays Athletic tonight. Mohsni, who was granted permission from
Southend United to play for the Hammers, inadvertently put the home-side
ahead with an own goal inside the opening five minutes. And, despite netting
for his own team in the closing stages, the Frenchman was a frustrated
figure at the final whistle following a 4-1 defeat. "I'm disappointed
because I scored the own goal and that set Grays on their way to win the
game," said Mohsni, 24. "I was caught between their two strikers and had to
make a tackle but, in doing so, the ball hit my shin and went in to the
goal. "That frustrated me and by the time I scored at the other end it was
too late."
Following Mohsni's own goal, Lee Flynn, Joao Carlos and Craig Pope were all
on target for Grays. And the defender is now not sure if he will figure
again for West Ham at Colchester United tomorrow afternoon. "I don't know if
I will play there or not," said Mohsni, who played the whole match against
Grays at centre-back.
"I will definitely travel to the game and the manager has said I might be
involved. "However, he wants to give his first team players a good run out
and, if I do play, it might only be for 15 minutes." Mohsni's trial with
West Ham will end after the clash at the Community Stadium but he has yet to
discover if he will be kept on.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, July 20
Daily WHUFC News - 20th July 2012
Tonks ready for Samba test
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins and his Team GB team-mates will face the mighty Brazil on
Friday
19.07.2012
James Tomkins and his Team GB team-mates will step up their preparations for
the London 2012 Olympic Games when they face Brazil at Middlesbrough on
Friday evening. The West Ham United defender and his colleagues will take on
the South Americans in their one and only warm-up fixture at the Riverside
Stadium in a game that will be screened live on BBC1 (7.45pm kick-off).
Tomkins will have a tough assignment against the Bazilians, who have
included AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato, FC Porto frontman Hulk and Santos
pair Neymar and Ganso in their squad. Naturally, the Hammers No5 cannot wait
to test himself against some of the finest attackers in world football. "You
know what to expect when it comes to Brazil," Tomkins told TheFA.com as Team
GB prepared for the Olympics at their training camp in southern Spain
earlier this week. "The will be technically very good and we'll have periods
of the game where we might not have too much of the ball, so we'll have to
be very disciplined as a team. "I've watched Brazil so many times over the
years and you know they bring up the young lads the exact same way. I'm
looking forward to it as an experience of another country I've not played
before and hopefully I can be part of the match."
The match at Middlebrough's Riverside Stadium on Friday is part of an
historic double-header match as Team GB Women's face Sweden earlier that
afternoon.
Tomkins, who was part of the West Ham team that won 2-0 at Middlesbrough in
the npower Championship in November 2011, is looking forward to returning to
Teesside. "It's a big pitch and physically demanding, but it's about what we
can get out of the game to help us in the tournament. Results come later on,
I'm sure this is going to be a great occasion, and it would be great to get
the confidence going early on."
Team GB have twice won the Gold medal, at the first-ever Olympic football
tournament in London in 1908 and again in Stockholm in 1912. However, Team
GB have not competed in the competition since 1960. This summer, Stuart
Pearce's side will kick-off their bid for Gold when they face Mohamed
Diame's Senegal in Group A at Old Trafford on 26 July. Team GB will travel
to Wembley to take on United Arab Emirates on 29 July before completing the
group stage with a fixture with Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium on 1
August. Sixteen teams will compete in the Olympic football tournament, with
the Gold medal match taking place at Wembley on 11 August.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Duo join Douglas bidding
Fulham and West Ham lodge bids for Newcastle target
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated: July
19, 2012 12:42pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands that Fulham and West Ham United have both made offers
for FC Twente defender Douglas. Sky Sports revealed earlier this week that
Newcastle United had firmed up their interest in the Brazilian-born Douglas
by lodging a bid. But the Magpies have rival interest from the Premier
League and we can confirm both Fulham and West Ham have tabled offers.
Douglas, 24, will gain Dutch nationality next month which means he will be
able to play in the Premier League without any need for a work permit. He
has been linked with clubs in Italy and Germany, but it is believed he would
relish the prospect of playing in England.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers Bid to Sign Douglas!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham have made an offer for FC Twente centre-back, Douglas, following
the Dutch club's rejection of Newcastle Utd's £3m bid last week. The Geordie
interest in the player has been known for some time, although they appear to
have taken an inordinate amount of time to follow up on it. It seems that
the rejection of their offer has now sparked West Ham in to submitting an
alternative bid. However, West Ham are not alone in their interest,
apparently Fulham are also keen to acquire the defender..
Although Brasilian by birth, Douglas will gain Dutch nationality next month,
allowing him to play in the Premier League without a work permit. So, that
would be one very large obstacle to a deal out of the way.
It seems that the story about West Ham's interest in Southend Utd utility
man, Bilel Mohsni is perfectly true. The Frenchman, who has been training
with the Hammers since Wednesday, is to be included in West Ham Development
Squad for the pre-season friendly against Grays Athletic on Friday night.
For those that wish to attend, the match will be played at the Rush Green
Stadium, with a 7.45pm kick off. While the first team squad head off to
Colchester on Saturday for their next schedued pre-season fixture..
Regardless of his sharpness in pre-season, the strong rumours persist that
Sam Baldock is due to exit he club this summer, whether on a season long
loan or a permanent deal. Possible suitors include Crystal Palace, Bristol
City and Ipswich Town. Personally, I would like to see Baldock given his
chance at PL level, but failing that, loan him out to a decent Championship
side like Paul Jewell's and monitor developments. if, as alleged in some
quarters, it is a case of Sam Allardyce wanting to move the player on, then
a permanent exit is probable. It would be a very disappointing and premature
end to Baldock's time with the club, but at the end of the day, Allardyce is
paid to make these decisions! And he will be criticised if he gets it wrong.
Although previously lamented exits by the likes of Stanislas and Hines have
not exactly come back to haunt him, so perhaps we should just trust his
judgement?
Finally, it seems that some supporters are playing a guessing game of 'who
are the two defenders.' Twitter sources have stated that deals for two
defenders are at an advanced stage. If true, who are they, Simpson, Ba,
Olsson, Dann? As always, we must wait to see?
SJ. Chandos.
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Torr war
The Sun
Published: Today at 00:39
WEST HAM, QPR and Blackburn are in a fight to sign £2million-rated Getafe
star Miguel Torres. The former Spain Under-21 right-back, 26, said: "English
football is a paradise for any player. I believe my sporting future will be
there."
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TRANSFER RUMOUR: Paul Jewell reignites interest in West Ham's Sam Baldock
EADT.co.uk
By Dave Gooderham
Thursday, July 19, 2012
10:42 PM
IPSWICH Town have enquired about the possibility of taking West Ham striker
Sam Baldock on a season-long loan, with a view to a permanent deal next
year.
And we understand the forward is keen to join Paul Jewell's side rather than
sit on the sidelines as Hammers boss Sam Allardyce looking elsewhere for
firepower.
Baldock was first mentioned in connection with the Blues in May – even
before West Ham gained promotion via the play-offs. Since then, the striker
has actually impressed in pre-season, scoring in three consecutive
friendlies. But his chances of being a Premier League success at Upton Park
were hit this week when the Hammers signed Mali international frontman
Modibo Maiga for £5 million. Baldock might sit tight for a while – with
fellow striker Ricardo Vaz Te demanding a hike in wages after shooting the
Hammers into the Premier League. But Jewell is monitoring the situation
surrounding the 23-year-old very closely and is ready to pounce with
divisional rivals Charlton also showing interest. Speaking after tonight's
1-1 draw with Den Bosch, Jewell admitted he was looking for a big targetman
– but this might not stop him adding former MK Dons striker Baldock as well.
The Blues boss admitted he was hopeful of making a fourth summer signing
sooner rather than later saying he had "a few things going on". He revealed:
"We need a big centre forward, a bit of physicality." Regarding another
striking target, Steve Davies from Derby, Jewell added: "We have not made a
bid, but I spoke to Nigel Clough on Wednesday to say we do have other
targets. "We are hopeful of getting one in particular very quickly."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Southend United's Bilel Mohsni set to play for West Ham's development squad
against Grays Athletic
Echo News
5:21pm Thursday 19th July 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips
BILEL Mohsni is set to play West Ham United's development squad in a
pre-season friendly against Grays Athletic on Friday night. The Frenchman,
who still has a year left on his contract at Southend United, has been
training with the Hammers since Wednesday. The match will be played at the
Rush Green Stadium and kicks off at 7.45pm. It remains to be seen if the
24-year-old will also line up for West Ham United when they head to
Colchester on Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Revealed: The Truth about West Ham United new boy Modibo Maiga!
Posted on July 19, 2012 Claus
Footballrascal.com
It is not often West Ham sign a player that leave fans scratching their
heads thinking 'who?' or 'never eard of him'…my mistake, it is pretty common
practice at Upton Park (Marco Boogers anyone?). The arrival of Sam Allardyce
will do little to help this, there are generally only three types of players
that 'Big Sam' signs: Veteran's, former players or complete unknowns and for
many Hammers fans the clubs new gun, Modibo Maiga, fits in to the latter
category. But the big man from Bamako may have more in common with West Ham
than you would think.
Modibo Maiga arrives at Upton Park to become the second Mali international
to grace the hallowed turf, that's if you count Freddie Kanoute as he hadn't
defected from France whilst he was still at West Ham. It is no surprise that
the Hammers new boy is being compared to his Malian predecessor for obvious
reasons, but these two have more than their nationality in common. Maiga is
a forward that has some similar characteristics to Kanoute; they are both
skillful and strong with the ball at their feet, they hold the ball up well,
win headers and are both composed in front of goal, but the majority of
Maiga's attributes are more reminiscent of another former West Ham striker…
Demba Ba was supposed to be joined at Newcastle by Modibo Maiga during last
summer's transfer window and Maiga even went on strike to force a move. The
striker was then supposed to be joining Newcastle again last January before
Papiss Cisse arrived. The reason Maiga didn't sign wasn't down to his bad
attitude, no no no, it was down to the fact his knee failed a medical in a
very Demba Ba/Stoke-esq kind of way. The other theory I have is that they
made up an excuse because Maiga was too similar to Ba.
Both Ba and Maiga often find themselves in wide area's which would leave no
one through the middle, so technically it would have been difficult for them
to play them together. It is not just positionally where they are similar,
they score the same kind of goals; powerful headers, good finishes, whilst
neither one particularly likes defending. So far we have established that
Modibo Maiga is a cross between Freddie Kanoute and Demba Ba – doesn't sound
too bad? Well not all stories have a happy ending because there is another
current West Ham player that Maiga has something in common with…
The bad news is it is Carlton Cole. Firstly the good news, they are
different types of player and the bottom line is that Maiga doesn't look too
bad and is a far cry from Carlton Cole in terms of style and talent. But if
we compare the two's headline career stats, things are a little too similar:
Carlton Cole – total games: 298 – total goals 73 – goal to game ratio: 0.24
Modibo Maiga – total games: 149 – total goals 39 – goal to game ratio: 0.26
We also need to bare in mind that Maiga was playing in a league which is of
a lower standard, but over his career he has only produced a record similar
to that of Carlton Cole when it comes to goal return. His best season was in
2010/11 with Sochaux where he managed 15 goals in a very creative side where
he was supported by some classy midfielders and a good partner in attack, if
he is to get a similar return he will need similar service at West Ham.
It is not just all about goals, it is about what he contributes to the team,
so lets look at assists and we will use Carlton Cole again as the benchmark.
Carlton Cole has played 298 games and has 28 career assists – that a ratio
of 0.09 or one assist every 10 games. Maiga has played 149 games and has 14
assists, which also gives him an assist ratio 0f 0.09. The good news is
Maiga does have other actual playing stats that do go in his favour such as
his shooting accuracy which was the second best in France's Ligue 1 last
season and he was the third best striker in Ligue 1 at converting his
chances.
Like any foreign import that comes in to the Premier League, you don't know
what you are going to get. Maiga is only 24 and there is no doubt the man
has potential and his pace and power should suit the Premier League. If West
Ham surround him with the right type of creative players, and if he fits in
to a system that allows him the freedom to roam across the front line, he
should do well at Upton Park – besides he is hardly a gamble in today's
market considering he reportedly cost under £5m. The jury is out on Maiga,
but a couple of pre-season goals and a few will be putting him in their
Dream Team…he has everything going for him and the potential, it is up to
him if he realises it.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hearn dreams of Olympic ground-share with West Ham
Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
July 19, 2012«
ESPN
Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn has told ESPN that he wants the League
One club to share the Olympic Stadium with West Ham after this summer's
Games in London. Hearn has previously spoken out against the Hammers'
attempts to move into the ground in Stratford as he believes it would lead
to the demise of Orient, whose main fanbase and Matchroom Stadium are
located close by. However, the sports promoter is now ready to accept a
compromise - suggesting that Orient could be joint-tenants with West Ham.
Ground sharing is rare in English football with Fulham the last top-flight
club to do so when they moved into QPR's Loftus Road while Craven Cottage
was redeveloped between 2002 and 2004. Hearn believes, though, that AC Milan
and Inter Milan at the San Siro, and Roma and Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico,
provide examples of it working successfully. "We have submitted plans for us
to take occupancy of the Olympic Stadium and work our fixtures around any
other tenants, and I would share the stadium with West Ham in a heartbeat,"
Hearn told ESPN. "My Martin Luther King moment is that I, too, have a dream,
and rather than West Ham put us out of business it is to let us have the
Olympic Stadium. The real legacy, the real intention of a legacy is to allow
the east end clubs to prosper. "If AC Milan and Inter Milan can share the
San Siro, I cannot see the problem of ground sharing in this country. Our
plan is to have a football-friendly, vibrant stadium. The legacy for this
stadium is better suited to that idea, surely? "If they give it to West Ham
alone, it would put us out of business. If we can have the stadium, it can
help us invest in the team and aim to become a Championship side "We are the
Cinderella club of the east end, but it is time for us to go to the ball."
It has also been claimed that Leyton Orient were preparing to be a part of a
bid from Formula One, who are reportedly considering holding a Grand Prix
around the Olympic Park. However, Hearn dismissed the idea, adding: "I am
sure [F1 chief executive] Bernie [Ecclestone] has a clever scheme but F1
cars whizzing around and inside the stadium, I don't think so. Cars going
through the Olympic Park, again I doubt it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Abdoulaye Faye gives Hull City deal the thumbs up as Steve Bruce targets up
to four more signings
Thursday, July 19, 2012Hull Daily Mail
HULL City are close to tying up a deal to land Abdoulaye Faye after the
defender yesterday gave the thumbs up to join Steve Bruce's side. The
34-year-old free agent had been mulling over a contract offer from the
Tigers following talks with Bruce on Tuesday. Abdoulaye Faye blocks Matty
Fryatt during West Ham's 2-0 win at the KC Stadium last year. A one-year
deal was thought to have been tabled and after positive further dialogue in
the last 24 hours, it appears Faye is keen on becoming the latest addition
to City's quickening recruitment drive. The former Bolton, Newcastle, Stoke
and West Ham defender, who has racked up over 200 appearances since his
arrival in English football seven years ago, has received offers from
overseas and from a rival club in the Championship. However, with Bruce
persuading Faye he can be part of another push for the Premier League, the
former Senegal international has leaned towards the KC Stadium. Providing
any late hitches can be avoided, the capture of Faye should come as another
step forward for Bruce.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins and his Team GB team-mates will face the mighty Brazil on
Friday
19.07.2012
James Tomkins and his Team GB team-mates will step up their preparations for
the London 2012 Olympic Games when they face Brazil at Middlesbrough on
Friday evening. The West Ham United defender and his colleagues will take on
the South Americans in their one and only warm-up fixture at the Riverside
Stadium in a game that will be screened live on BBC1 (7.45pm kick-off).
Tomkins will have a tough assignment against the Bazilians, who have
included AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato, FC Porto frontman Hulk and Santos
pair Neymar and Ganso in their squad. Naturally, the Hammers No5 cannot wait
to test himself against some of the finest attackers in world football. "You
know what to expect when it comes to Brazil," Tomkins told TheFA.com as Team
GB prepared for the Olympics at their training camp in southern Spain
earlier this week. "The will be technically very good and we'll have periods
of the game where we might not have too much of the ball, so we'll have to
be very disciplined as a team. "I've watched Brazil so many times over the
years and you know they bring up the young lads the exact same way. I'm
looking forward to it as an experience of another country I've not played
before and hopefully I can be part of the match."
The match at Middlebrough's Riverside Stadium on Friday is part of an
historic double-header match as Team GB Women's face Sweden earlier that
afternoon.
Tomkins, who was part of the West Ham team that won 2-0 at Middlesbrough in
the npower Championship in November 2011, is looking forward to returning to
Teesside. "It's a big pitch and physically demanding, but it's about what we
can get out of the game to help us in the tournament. Results come later on,
I'm sure this is going to be a great occasion, and it would be great to get
the confidence going early on."
Team GB have twice won the Gold medal, at the first-ever Olympic football
tournament in London in 1908 and again in Stockholm in 1912. However, Team
GB have not competed in the competition since 1960. This summer, Stuart
Pearce's side will kick-off their bid for Gold when they face Mohamed
Diame's Senegal in Group A at Old Trafford on 26 July. Team GB will travel
to Wembley to take on United Arab Emirates on 29 July before completing the
group stage with a fixture with Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium on 1
August. Sixteen teams will compete in the Olympic football tournament, with
the Gold medal match taking place at Wembley on 11 August.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Duo join Douglas bidding
Fulham and West Ham lodge bids for Newcastle target
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated: July
19, 2012 12:42pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands that Fulham and West Ham United have both made offers
for FC Twente defender Douglas. Sky Sports revealed earlier this week that
Newcastle United had firmed up their interest in the Brazilian-born Douglas
by lodging a bid. But the Magpies have rival interest from the Premier
League and we can confirm both Fulham and West Ham have tabled offers.
Douglas, 24, will gain Dutch nationality next month which means he will be
able to play in the Premier League without any need for a work permit. He
has been linked with clubs in Italy and Germany, but it is believed he would
relish the prospect of playing in England.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers Bid to Sign Douglas!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham have made an offer for FC Twente centre-back, Douglas, following
the Dutch club's rejection of Newcastle Utd's £3m bid last week. The Geordie
interest in the player has been known for some time, although they appear to
have taken an inordinate amount of time to follow up on it. It seems that
the rejection of their offer has now sparked West Ham in to submitting an
alternative bid. However, West Ham are not alone in their interest,
apparently Fulham are also keen to acquire the defender..
Although Brasilian by birth, Douglas will gain Dutch nationality next month,
allowing him to play in the Premier League without a work permit. So, that
would be one very large obstacle to a deal out of the way.
It seems that the story about West Ham's interest in Southend Utd utility
man, Bilel Mohsni is perfectly true. The Frenchman, who has been training
with the Hammers since Wednesday, is to be included in West Ham Development
Squad for the pre-season friendly against Grays Athletic on Friday night.
For those that wish to attend, the match will be played at the Rush Green
Stadium, with a 7.45pm kick off. While the first team squad head off to
Colchester on Saturday for their next schedued pre-season fixture..
Regardless of his sharpness in pre-season, the strong rumours persist that
Sam Baldock is due to exit he club this summer, whether on a season long
loan or a permanent deal. Possible suitors include Crystal Palace, Bristol
City and Ipswich Town. Personally, I would like to see Baldock given his
chance at PL level, but failing that, loan him out to a decent Championship
side like Paul Jewell's and monitor developments. if, as alleged in some
quarters, it is a case of Sam Allardyce wanting to move the player on, then
a permanent exit is probable. It would be a very disappointing and premature
end to Baldock's time with the club, but at the end of the day, Allardyce is
paid to make these decisions! And he will be criticised if he gets it wrong.
Although previously lamented exits by the likes of Stanislas and Hines have
not exactly come back to haunt him, so perhaps we should just trust his
judgement?
Finally, it seems that some supporters are playing a guessing game of 'who
are the two defenders.' Twitter sources have stated that deals for two
defenders are at an advanced stage. If true, who are they, Simpson, Ba,
Olsson, Dann? As always, we must wait to see?
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Torr war
The Sun
Published: Today at 00:39
WEST HAM, QPR and Blackburn are in a fight to sign £2million-rated Getafe
star Miguel Torres. The former Spain Under-21 right-back, 26, said: "English
football is a paradise for any player. I believe my sporting future will be
there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TRANSFER RUMOUR: Paul Jewell reignites interest in West Ham's Sam Baldock
EADT.co.uk
By Dave Gooderham
Thursday, July 19, 2012
10:42 PM
IPSWICH Town have enquired about the possibility of taking West Ham striker
Sam Baldock on a season-long loan, with a view to a permanent deal next
year.
And we understand the forward is keen to join Paul Jewell's side rather than
sit on the sidelines as Hammers boss Sam Allardyce looking elsewhere for
firepower.
Baldock was first mentioned in connection with the Blues in May – even
before West Ham gained promotion via the play-offs. Since then, the striker
has actually impressed in pre-season, scoring in three consecutive
friendlies. But his chances of being a Premier League success at Upton Park
were hit this week when the Hammers signed Mali international frontman
Modibo Maiga for £5 million. Baldock might sit tight for a while – with
fellow striker Ricardo Vaz Te demanding a hike in wages after shooting the
Hammers into the Premier League. But Jewell is monitoring the situation
surrounding the 23-year-old very closely and is ready to pounce with
divisional rivals Charlton also showing interest. Speaking after tonight's
1-1 draw with Den Bosch, Jewell admitted he was looking for a big targetman
– but this might not stop him adding former MK Dons striker Baldock as well.
The Blues boss admitted he was hopeful of making a fourth summer signing
sooner rather than later saying he had "a few things going on". He revealed:
"We need a big centre forward, a bit of physicality." Regarding another
striking target, Steve Davies from Derby, Jewell added: "We have not made a
bid, but I spoke to Nigel Clough on Wednesday to say we do have other
targets. "We are hopeful of getting one in particular very quickly."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Southend United's Bilel Mohsni set to play for West Ham's development squad
against Grays Athletic
Echo News
5:21pm Thursday 19th July 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips
BILEL Mohsni is set to play West Ham United's development squad in a
pre-season friendly against Grays Athletic on Friday night. The Frenchman,
who still has a year left on his contract at Southend United, has been
training with the Hammers since Wednesday. The match will be played at the
Rush Green Stadium and kicks off at 7.45pm. It remains to be seen if the
24-year-old will also line up for West Ham United when they head to
Colchester on Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Revealed: The Truth about West Ham United new boy Modibo Maiga!
Posted on July 19, 2012 Claus
Footballrascal.com
It is not often West Ham sign a player that leave fans scratching their
heads thinking 'who?' or 'never eard of him'…my mistake, it is pretty common
practice at Upton Park (Marco Boogers anyone?). The arrival of Sam Allardyce
will do little to help this, there are generally only three types of players
that 'Big Sam' signs: Veteran's, former players or complete unknowns and for
many Hammers fans the clubs new gun, Modibo Maiga, fits in to the latter
category. But the big man from Bamako may have more in common with West Ham
than you would think.
Modibo Maiga arrives at Upton Park to become the second Mali international
to grace the hallowed turf, that's if you count Freddie Kanoute as he hadn't
defected from France whilst he was still at West Ham. It is no surprise that
the Hammers new boy is being compared to his Malian predecessor for obvious
reasons, but these two have more than their nationality in common. Maiga is
a forward that has some similar characteristics to Kanoute; they are both
skillful and strong with the ball at their feet, they hold the ball up well,
win headers and are both composed in front of goal, but the majority of
Maiga's attributes are more reminiscent of another former West Ham striker…
Demba Ba was supposed to be joined at Newcastle by Modibo Maiga during last
summer's transfer window and Maiga even went on strike to force a move. The
striker was then supposed to be joining Newcastle again last January before
Papiss Cisse arrived. The reason Maiga didn't sign wasn't down to his bad
attitude, no no no, it was down to the fact his knee failed a medical in a
very Demba Ba/Stoke-esq kind of way. The other theory I have is that they
made up an excuse because Maiga was too similar to Ba.
Both Ba and Maiga often find themselves in wide area's which would leave no
one through the middle, so technically it would have been difficult for them
to play them together. It is not just positionally where they are similar,
they score the same kind of goals; powerful headers, good finishes, whilst
neither one particularly likes defending. So far we have established that
Modibo Maiga is a cross between Freddie Kanoute and Demba Ba – doesn't sound
too bad? Well not all stories have a happy ending because there is another
current West Ham player that Maiga has something in common with…
The bad news is it is Carlton Cole. Firstly the good news, they are
different types of player and the bottom line is that Maiga doesn't look too
bad and is a far cry from Carlton Cole in terms of style and talent. But if
we compare the two's headline career stats, things are a little too similar:
Carlton Cole – total games: 298 – total goals 73 – goal to game ratio: 0.24
Modibo Maiga – total games: 149 – total goals 39 – goal to game ratio: 0.26
We also need to bare in mind that Maiga was playing in a league which is of
a lower standard, but over his career he has only produced a record similar
to that of Carlton Cole when it comes to goal return. His best season was in
2010/11 with Sochaux where he managed 15 goals in a very creative side where
he was supported by some classy midfielders and a good partner in attack, if
he is to get a similar return he will need similar service at West Ham.
It is not just all about goals, it is about what he contributes to the team,
so lets look at assists and we will use Carlton Cole again as the benchmark.
Carlton Cole has played 298 games and has 28 career assists – that a ratio
of 0.09 or one assist every 10 games. Maiga has played 149 games and has 14
assists, which also gives him an assist ratio 0f 0.09. The good news is
Maiga does have other actual playing stats that do go in his favour such as
his shooting accuracy which was the second best in France's Ligue 1 last
season and he was the third best striker in Ligue 1 at converting his
chances.
Like any foreign import that comes in to the Premier League, you don't know
what you are going to get. Maiga is only 24 and there is no doubt the man
has potential and his pace and power should suit the Premier League. If West
Ham surround him with the right type of creative players, and if he fits in
to a system that allows him the freedom to roam across the front line, he
should do well at Upton Park – besides he is hardly a gamble in today's
market considering he reportedly cost under £5m. The jury is out on Maiga,
but a couple of pre-season goals and a few will be putting him in their
Dream Team…he has everything going for him and the potential, it is up to
him if he realises it.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hearn dreams of Olympic ground-share with West Ham
Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
July 19, 2012«
ESPN
Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn has told ESPN that he wants the League
One club to share the Olympic Stadium with West Ham after this summer's
Games in London. Hearn has previously spoken out against the Hammers'
attempts to move into the ground in Stratford as he believes it would lead
to the demise of Orient, whose main fanbase and Matchroom Stadium are
located close by. However, the sports promoter is now ready to accept a
compromise - suggesting that Orient could be joint-tenants with West Ham.
Ground sharing is rare in English football with Fulham the last top-flight
club to do so when they moved into QPR's Loftus Road while Craven Cottage
was redeveloped between 2002 and 2004. Hearn believes, though, that AC Milan
and Inter Milan at the San Siro, and Roma and Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico,
provide examples of it working successfully. "We have submitted plans for us
to take occupancy of the Olympic Stadium and work our fixtures around any
other tenants, and I would share the stadium with West Ham in a heartbeat,"
Hearn told ESPN. "My Martin Luther King moment is that I, too, have a dream,
and rather than West Ham put us out of business it is to let us have the
Olympic Stadium. The real legacy, the real intention of a legacy is to allow
the east end clubs to prosper. "If AC Milan and Inter Milan can share the
San Siro, I cannot see the problem of ground sharing in this country. Our
plan is to have a football-friendly, vibrant stadium. The legacy for this
stadium is better suited to that idea, surely? "If they give it to West Ham
alone, it would put us out of business. If we can have the stadium, it can
help us invest in the team and aim to become a Championship side "We are the
Cinderella club of the east end, but it is time for us to go to the ball."
It has also been claimed that Leyton Orient were preparing to be a part of a
bid from Formula One, who are reportedly considering holding a Grand Prix
around the Olympic Park. However, Hearn dismissed the idea, adding: "I am
sure [F1 chief executive] Bernie [Ecclestone] has a clever scheme but F1
cars whizzing around and inside the stadium, I don't think so. Cars going
through the Olympic Park, again I doubt it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Abdoulaye Faye gives Hull City deal the thumbs up as Steve Bruce targets up
to four more signings
Thursday, July 19, 2012Hull Daily Mail
HULL City are close to tying up a deal to land Abdoulaye Faye after the
defender yesterday gave the thumbs up to join Steve Bruce's side. The
34-year-old free agent had been mulling over a contract offer from the
Tigers following talks with Bruce on Tuesday. Abdoulaye Faye blocks Matty
Fryatt during West Ham's 2-0 win at the KC Stadium last year. A one-year
deal was thought to have been tabled and after positive further dialogue in
the last 24 hours, it appears Faye is keen on becoming the latest addition
to City's quickening recruitment drive. The former Bolton, Newcastle, Stoke
and West Ham defender, who has racked up over 200 appearances since his
arrival in English football seven years ago, has received offers from
overseas and from a rival club in the Championship. However, with Bruce
persuading Faye he can be part of another push for the Premier League, the
former Senegal international has leaned towards the KC Stadium. Providing
any late hitches can be avoided, the capture of Faye should come as another
step forward for Bruce.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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