Macca delighted with improvement
WHUFC.com
Hammers assistant manager Neil McDonald was pleased to see an improved display against Hamburg
24.07.2013
West Ham United assistant manager Neil McDonald was thrilled with the way his side bounced back from defeat to Mainz by beating Hamburger SV 3-1 in the second game of their German tour on Tuesday. The Hammers produced a super display of counter-attacking football to get the better of Hamburg, who finished seventh in the Bundesliga last term. It was a far improved display from the Londoners and McDonald was pleased with the outcome. "It was an excellent response," he explained. "I said after the game on Saturday that it was all about performance, and everybody's performance was a lot better, and that's very pleasing. "We took our chances very well and played some decent football at times. A lot of players have had some really good field time, which is great and we move on to the next game now."
All three of West Ham's goals - scored by Alou Diarra, James Tomkins and Ravel Morrison - were supplied by Matt Jarvis and McDonald had special praise for the winger. "Matt Jarvis was in excellent form," he continued. "He got at his man, he crossed the ball, he took his man on and he drove into the box. That's what we've been trying to get him to do since he came to the football club. "Hopefully the penny's dropped and we'll have a few more performances like that where he's creating goals and setting chances up for everybody."
McDonald explained that the improvement in performance came in all areas, exactly what he wants to see in pre-season. He added: "In possession we moved the ball on more quickly and a lot brighter. People were available more and then when we didn't have the ball we worked on our shape to pinch it back. We did that much better. "We're working on field time for the lads, getting their time up where we can and a lot of them are almost ready for 90 minutes now. Along with the training and the last game we have in Germany, that will do them the world of good. "They'll be at a level where we want them to be knowing that there are still two or three weeks until the start of the season. "We'll want exactly the same when we play Eintracht Braunschweig [on Saturday], another good performance with good tempo when we have the ball. "We'll want a good shape when we're out of possession, making us hard to break down and that gives you a chance to play some good football and a chance not to concede. That's what we've been working on in training as well as in matches."
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Braintree 3-2 West Ham United XI FT
WHUFC.com
Nick Haycock's Development Squad are edged out by the odd goal in five by Alan Devonshire's Braintree Town
24.07.2013
BRAINTREE TOWN v WEST HAM UNUTED XI
PRE-SEASON MATCH
THE AMLIN STADIUM
WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 2013
KICK-OFF: 7.45PM
Final score - Braintree Town 3-2 West Ham United XI
91 mins - A couple of seconds past the 90 minutes and the final whistle is blown. Goals from McCallum and Sadlier are not quite enough and Braintree's win is met with a loud cheer from the home fans. It's been entertaining. The Development Squad return to action on Saturday, when they travel to Manchester City. Thanks for joining us. We'll have post-match reaction and highlights on West Ham TV and whufc.com soon.
90 mins - Braintree are finishing on top as they win a corner that Burke does welll to head clear from under his own crossbar. West Ham eventually scramble the ball away, but a late equaliser is looking unlikely.
88 mins - West Ham win a corner, but the ball is headed over the top. Is that the visitors' final chance gone? They will be disappointed to lose this as they have generally given a good account of themselves. A couple of pieces of loose defensive play have cost the Hammers dear so far.
84 mins - Another change. Akapale replaces Habergham. I am told he has 'pace to burn'. He has six minutes to burn it.
82 mins - Tombides has a go from a free-kick about 30 yards out and it's a great hit from the Australian. He gets it up and over the wall before the ball dips viciously and McDonald has to go down to his right to make the save at the base of the post. Good stuff from the striker.
80 mins - As things approach a conclusion now here in Braintree, I should say that the Hammers will be sending a team to another non-league side in the shape of AFC Hornchurch on Saturday 3 August. Tickets for the 3pm kick-off are priced at £10 for Adults and £5 for Concessions and U16s. You will be able to buy tickets on the day at The Stadium in Bridge Avenue. The first team do not have a fixture that weekend, so Big Sam may choose to send some senior players down to Hornchurch for a run out.
76 mins - Two more changes for each side. West Ham replace Driver and Spence with Burke and Harney, while Braintree bring on Cox and Carney for Wells and Holman.
75 mins - Some anxious moments at the back for the Hammers as Habergham's cross from the left is hacked clear by a flying Wearen. Marks was threatening in behind to make it 4-2.
72 mins - Goal! Braintree are back in front. After the Hammers fail to clear a corner, Sparkes' initial shot is blocked but the ball falls to Holman, who smashes it past Spiegel from about 12 yards. West Ham have it all to do again.
71 mins - It's a cliche, but the game has lost its pattern a bit with all the changes. West Ham have a very young team on now, with only goalkeeper Spiegel, centre-back Spence and right-back Driver remaining from the starting XI.
68 mins - Peters comes on for Griffiths for the home side.
65 mins - Seven changes from the Hammers. On come Page, Cullen, Amoo, Maguire and Dylan Tombides. Off go Shaw, Moncur, Sadlier, Turgott and McCallum.
62 mins - Braintree replace Symons with Charlie Wassmer, who I am informed is a trialist. I can also inform you that he is tall, blond and wearing lime green boots.
61 mins - Spiegel elects to stay on his line rather than come for Sparkes' cross. Marks reacts quickly and catches his volley flush, but its straight at Spiegel from about a yard out! It's a great save, but a little fortunate.
60 mins - Turgott wins a corner, which he takes himself and finds the head of McCallum. The striker makes a good contact, but the ball flies over the top. Before West Ham make a raft of substitutions, I should mention the superb selection of conifer trees on the far side of the ground. They are basically giant Christmas trees. Very good.
58 mins - Two chances in quick succession for Braintree. First, Holman fires a shot just past the top corner, then Spiegel has to be brave to dive on the ball after it had squirmed through Wearen's legs and nearly fallen to Marks.
54 mins - Driver and Turgott combine before the latter crosses low for McCallum. The goalkeeper dives out, catches and then collides with his defender, losing the ball in the process. Thankfully for the hosts, it rolls to safety and is cleared away.
50 mins - Goal! The lead didn't last for long. A high dropping cross from deep on the right lands in exactly the right place for the unmarked Sparkes to send a controlled left-foot volley past Spiegel. Very impressive finish, but the Braintree player had a lot of time and space.
47 mins - GOAL! Fantastic goal from Sadlier. He picks up the ball wide on the left, races inside his full-back and curls an unstoppable shot past McDonald and inside the far post from about 20 yards. Great individual skill from the Republic of Ireland U19 forward.
46 mins - We're off again. A few changes from Nick Haycock at the break, with Wearen replacing Chambers at centre-back and Miles and Marlow on for Bywater and Makasi in midfield. Braintree have brought on McDonald for Hamman in goal, while Matt Paine has replaced goalscorer Davis in midfield.
Half-time score - Braintree Town 1-1 West Ham United XI
46 mins - Spence is penalised for fouling Holman just outside the penalty area. The No10 himself takes the free-kick and curls the ball around the wall and just past the far post. After the ball thuds into the advertising board, the half-time whistle is blown. Honours even at the break.
43 mins - GOAL! McCallum has his goal now. Blair Turgott races down the right and cuts the ball back to Moncur on the edge of the penalty area. It's a bit awkward and bobbles up, so Moncur can't hit it first-time. Instead, he takes a touch, makes a yard and drives a low cross-shot that eludes the defender and allows McCallum to tap in from a couple of yards.
41 mins - West Ham think they have an equaliser as McCallum taps in at the second attempt after Griffiths had blocked his initial effort. However, the assistant has his flag raised, presumably for offside against McCallum from Bywater's initial through ball.
37 mins - The floodlights are on here now at the Amlin Stadium as the sun sets on another gorgeous day. West Ham are playing the better football, but they are not finding it at all easy to break down the home defence. They do have another corner, though, as Sadlier's cross is blocked behind. Moncur delivers another great ball, but it eludes its target.
32 mins - Better. Moncur and Sadlier exchange passes before Moncur plays a second one-two with McCallum and spreads play wide right to Driver. He takes a nice touch into his stride and smacks a low shot that takes at least one deflection off a defender before goalkeeper Hamman saves low to his left. Good football recognised by applause from the stands.
30 mins - Nicky Symons catches a sweet strike on the half-volley from about 30 yards, but thankfully it is close enough for Spiegel to catch after moving a yard to two to his right. West Ham break and win a corner, but Moncur's left-wing delivery is easily cleared. It's quite an even contest now, to be fair.
26 mins - Alan Devonshire has really done a fantastic job here at Braintree. The 1980 FA Cup winner and former England winger is running a Conference National side on a budget the fraction of the size of many of his rivals. Braintree are part-timers, but the vast majority of sides in the same division are full-time, with many of them recent Football League clubs like Luton Town, Hereford United, Macclesfield Town and Grimsby Town. The Iron finished ninth last season - some achievement.
24 mins - Another corner for West Ham as Shaw forces Wells to put the ball behind. It comes to nothing, though.
23 mins - The ball drops to No10 Holman about 30 yards out. He has a chance to shoot, but makes a hash of it and drags the ball well wide of the left-hand post.
21 mins - Massey puts a Turgott cross behind for a corner. Chance for Turgott himself to create something. And he nearly does for Chambers as the defender sees first a header and then a well-taken volley cleared off the line. The ball flies away for another corner, which comes to nothing as Chambers is whistled for a push at the far post.
20 mins - Shaw is harshly penalised by the assistant referee for a foul on Chez Isaac. Davis crosses and Simmons rises and heads the ball high and wide. Dangerous delivery from the goalscorer.
17 mins - The goal wasn't exactly against the run of play, but the Hammers had shaded the opening period before Davis' strike. Bywater gets in behind again and tries to lob the ball over the goalkeeper from an acute angle. He gets a little too much on it, however, and the ball lands past the far post and the lurking Paul McCallum.
13 mins - Goal! Braintree have carried more of a threat and big striker Sean Marks forces Chambers to concede a throw. It is hurled over and Bywater's clearance falls to Kenny Davis on the edge of the box. He smashes the first-time show low through the legs and into the bottom right-hand corner. Braintree lead.
11 mins - Don't forget, you can get your tickets to watch the Hammers take on UEFA Champions League qualifiers Pacos de Ferreira now. We host the Portuguese side at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday 10 August at 3pm. For full ticket details, click here.
7 mins - Great football there as Bywater slips in Shaw down the left wing. He clips over the cross first-time and Massey has to be alert to head over his own crossbar. The Hammers work the corner and then play some delightful stuff in and around the box. Braintree stand firm and don't let their opponents get a shot away. Finally, the ball is lifted over the defence for Sadlier, but he is caught just offside. Really easy on the eye, this football.
5 mins - West Ham have started well. They are knocking the ball around confidently on a nice playing surface here at Braintree. The challenge will be to overcome the fact the visitors are playing bigger, stronger, older players.
2 mins - The corner comes over and is cleared as far as Sadlier on the edge of the box, but his shot is charged down and the Iron clear their lines eventually.
50 secs - West Ham fashion an early opportunity as Bywater digs a cross out from the left wing. It skims off the head of a defender and drops to Turgott. He takes a touch and sees his shot deflected behind by Habergham for a corner.
7.44pm - A few seconds early, West Ham get things underway here on a lovely sunny evening in north Essex.
7.40pm - Here come the two tyeams. West Ham are in their home kit of claret and blue, while Braintree look like a team of Blackpool impersonators. The home side are in all-orange. The Hammers are being captained by Callum Driver tonight.
Good evening and welcome to a sunny Amlin Stadium for tonight's pre-season match between Alan Devonshire's Braintree Town and West Ham United's Development Squad.
With Sam Allardyce's first team away in Germany, Nick Haycock has brought a young and relatively inexperienced squad to Essex. However, with the likes of Raphael Spiegel, Jordan Spence, Callum Driver, George Moncur, Blair Turgott and Paul McCallum in the line-up, there are still plenty of recognisable faces on show.
Haycock will also give Leo Chambers and Eoin Wearen another chance to work on their fitness as the pair step-up their respective returns from long-term knee injuries. There is also the welcome sight of Dylan Tombides' name among the substitutes.
After thrashing Swansea City 4-0 at Little Heath on 16 July, the Under-21s pushed an experienced Wolverhampton Wanderers side all the way before going down to a narrow 3-2 defeat on Saturday. McCallum (pictured) has scored in both matches and will look to hit the net again after impressing in the first team's pre-season match against Cork City earlier this month.
Hammers legend Devonshire's Braintree have also been busy in pre-season, beating League Two side Southend United 2-1 before holding another team from the same division, Portsmouth, to a goalless draw. On Saturday, the Iron were beaten 4-1 by League One club Colchester United.
Braintree Town: Hamman, Griffiths, Habergham, Wells, Massey, Isaac, Sparkes, Davis, Simmons, Marks, Holman
Subs: McDonald, Cox, Carney, Paine, Peters, Wassmer, Akapele
West Ham United XI: Spiegel, Driver, Shaw, Chambers, Spence, Makasi, Moncur, Bywater, Turgott, McCallum, Sadlier
Subs: Guzman, Burke, Marlow, Wearen, Page, Harney, Cullen, Miles, Amoo, D.Tombides, Maguire
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Guy's hard graft paying off
WHUFC.com
Guy Demel was glad to see West Ham United's tough schedule pay off against former side Hamburger SV
23.07.2013
Guy Demel believes Tuesday's impressive 3-1 win against Hamburger SV is a result of the hard work the West Ham United squad have put in during their time in Germany. A headed goal apiece from Alou Diarra and James Tomkins and a penalty from Ravel Morrison wrapped up an encouraging result against the team that finished seventh in last season's Bundesliga. The result more than made up for the disappointing start to the three-game German tour, when the Hammers lost 4-1 to FSV Mainz 05 on Saturday, with Demel citing the intense training schedule as the key reason for the turnaround in fortune. "It was a great response to the defeat against Mainz on Saturday," Demel told West Ham TV. "I think the lads on Saturday didn't have a great game but the most important thing is the physical work during the friendly games. "As a team we learned from that mistake and as a team we responded. We worked hard during the week and it is good to win when you're in pre-season as it gives you the confidence to keep working hard."
Although Demel added his usual attacking threat to a much-improved collective defensive showing, it was the Hammers' forward play that really impressed. Central to that was Matt Jarvis, who provided assists for all three goals - two corners for Diarra and Tomkins and a tricky run that ended in a foul to win Morrison's penalty. "Hamburg are a team that like to keep the ball and try to go forward but as a team we were compact and when we won the ball we looked to use outlets like Matt to go forward. "When you have a player like Matt or Modibo [Maiga], who can hold the ball and win headers, along with Ravel, who is a good talent, then you can play the counter-attacking football. We know Matt's quality as we know if you can find space in behind he will cause the opposition problems."
Tuesday's result at the Flensburger Stadion was all the more special for Demel as he spent seven years at Hamburg before joining West Ham. He spent much of his time in the tunnel area before and after the game catching up with old friends. Although he admits it was nice to reminisce with his former colleagues, his focus now is very much on his life in London and exceeding last season's tenth-place Barclays Premier League finish. "It was nice to see some old team-mates and the fans of the Club. But my life is in London now with West Ham so I focus on that. I enjoyed my time in Hamburg but I don't think about the past and I only look forward. "I played seven seasons and I always gave my best and the fans liked that which was why they gave me a good reception. "With West Ham, we're going to try to finish at least as high again. I think other people would be happy to stay in the league but we are West Ham and we must have more expectation than that."
Overall, the former Ivory Coast international feels the seven days spent in Germany so far has been worthwhile, adding that the fitness levels are even better than at this stage last summer. "It has been a great week in Germany. The first game gave us an idea of how far along we were. Although it was hard, it was important to have that physical test. I think we will get better and better and we are fitter than we were at this stage last season so we should be fitter at the start of the season. "The Gaffer told us to we have to push for more than that as this season is going to be harder than last season, so we must all focus on being fit for the new season and deliver a new season that will make our fans happy."
West Ham will complete their stay in Germany by taking on Bundesliga new boys Eintracht Braunschweig on Saturday afternoon, with kick-off at the Eintracht-Stadion at 3.30pm local time.
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Karren Brady: West Ham's Olympic Stadium move is not on the cheap
Last Updated: July 24, 2013 3:41pm
SSN
West Ham's Karren Brady has insisted that the club have not been allowed to use London's Olympic Stadium 'on the cheap.' The Hammers' vice-chairman went to Parliament on Wednesday to explain that West Ham must pay off all of their bank debt before they move to the iconic stadium. The Premier League team have debts of £70m, with half of that bank debt secured on Upton Park, and which has to be cleared when the ground is sold ahead of the move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016. Brady, giving evidence to the House of Lords committee on Olympic and Paralympic legacy said the club was not getting the stadium on the cheap and that the deal was good value to the tax-payer. She pointed out: "West Ham is not getting a free stadium. The stadium was built for the Olympics and what are we going to do with it? "Across the world stadiums that are not used die. Without anchor tenants the cost would be huge to the tax payer."
As for selling Upton Park, she added: "We did have a tentative deal but that fell away. "We hope the money generated from the sale of Upton Park will be enough to fulfil our commitment and to help pay off some of our bank debt. "When we bought the club and took on more than £100m of debt that was guaranteed on the ground. "We have to pay off all our bank debt to move, we can't take the debt with us. "If there is any excess from the sale it will meet some of that debt but I don't expect there will be."
At the same meeting, Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn said that West Ham's planned move 'was not certain' because of his on-going judicial review and legal action against the Premier League. Hearn wants his club to ground-share with West Ham and use just the lower tier for Orient's matches. Hearn said: "This is not a done deal. West Ham have an agreement but I have a judicial review outstanding and litigation with the Premier League that West Ham even moving would be a breach of Premier League rules. "We have ended up in situation where we have gifted £500m of tax-payers' money to a Premier League club that has a turnover of more than £100m. "It's a wonderful gift but if I was an Arsenal fan I would wonder why we bothered paying to build a new stadium.
"This is state sponsorship beyond my wildest dreams. In effect it's rent free as they have ability to develop Upton Park."
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The bookies get it wrong, as the Hammers outclass Hamburg!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Some things never change. And one of those is West Ham United FC's continuing propensity to confound the odds. Following on from from the 4-1 defeat to FSV Mainz, some of the more prominent on-line bookie websites were confidently predicting that Hamburg (Van der Vaart on all) would just have too much for the Hammers to cope with in Tuesday evening's fixture. Well, as it turns out, nothing was further from the truth! West Ham outclassed Hamburg with relative ease, racing in to a 0-2 lead by the 28th minute. Both goals originated from pin point Matt Jarvis centres that found Diarra and Tomkins (respectively) to score from well taken headers.
With Van der Vaart briefly coming more in to the game, the Netherlands international found the head of Westermann from a well executed corner, in the 42nd minute, to cut the deficit and raise German expectations of an equaliser. However, this West Ham side is made of sterner stuff than many of its precursors and they duly dashed those expectations on the stroke of half time. A pacy run down the left, from that man Jarvis, solicited an ill advised foul by Diekmeier in the penalty area. The resultant penalty was expertly converted by the ever improving Ravel Morrison and West Ham then very professionally controlled the pace of the game, and shut up shop at the back, in the final 45 minutes.
The West Ham starting line up was as follows:
Henderson, Demel, Rat, Collins, Tomkins, Diarra, Nolan (Capt), Diame, Morrison, Maiga, Jarvis
So, who says the bookies always get it right!! But seriously, the performance was very encouraging and shows the team learnt from the FSV Mainz defeat and accordingly upped their game against better opposition. Overall, the squad have hitherto shaped up very well in pre-season and the signs are good for the new campaign, but we do need to secure that extra strength in depth and cutting edge up front. If we can secure Kalou from Lille, he can provide the pace and finishing ability down the right flank and then it is a matter of adding at least another striker to deputise for Carroll. That new striker must be able to both lead the forward line and play off Carroll as a second striker, otherwise we may be looking at two deals, probably a permanent deal and a loan.
On the striker acquisition front, there were reports today that Undinese's Czech international striker, Matej Vydra, is keen to join West Ham. At least that is according to his agent, who has gone public in stating his client's keenness to move to Upton Park. The pacy striker scored over 20 goals, last season, on loan to Zola's Watford and was voted the Championship player of the season. At 21 years of age, Vydra is a good prospect and could combine very well with Carroll in a classic front two striking combination. Could he fulfil the right sided forward role, if the Kalou deal does not materialise? Almost certainly. However, it is very doubtful that he could deputise like-for-like for Carroll, unless Sam Allardyce pairs him with Maiga or Vaz Te to form a very different type of strike force. Well, Allardyce could confound us all, on this one, but the odds are probably against that happening by choice. So, if the mooted £5m deal is done for Vydra, then the another deal is likely for a tall and powerful centre forward, possibly on loan.
Crouch would be one possibility, but I would prefer to see a deal done with Blackburn Rovers for Jordan Rhodes. The Scottish international striker has been a prolific finisher at every level at which he has played. As such, I do not feel that it is a large gamble for a PL club to sign him. More like a 'racing certainty,' as far as such a thing exists in football. Arguably, we should consider offering Blackburn any two of Vaz Te, Taylor or Henderson to oil the wheels of a deal. Any Championship side would welcome a proven Championship goal scorer like Vaz Te, Taylor offers valuable experience and Henderson has the potential to be a good keeper. If he stays, Vaz Te could prove the doubters wrong next season and rediscover his goal scoring touch. However, although that is a possibility, would anyone seriously not gamble on that to secure an exciting talent like Rhodes? Of course, Blackburn Rovers may well decide that they wish to base their promotion challenge next season firmly on Rhodes' goal scoring ability. However, c£8/9m and a player exchange (for say Vaz Te and Taylor) could be tempting because they get two good players and £8/9m to reinvest in their squad. No chance of that happening? Maybe, but Rovers have not exactly been distinguished by the soundness of their decision-making in the last two or three seasons. So, perhaps that run could continue and include an unlikely deal for Rhodes?
One of the major positives in pre-season has been the way in which the midfield players have been regularly finding the back of the net. If that trend continues in to the new season, and we secure the desired cutting edge up front, then that would bode very well for the future. But arguably the key is still pace. We need to sign players like Kalou or Vydra with the pace to catch out opposition defences, particularly away from home, where we were often too static and predictable last season. I would love to see us play a fast counter-attacking game, which we have not witnessed since the days of Craig Bellemy. That tactic is perfect for away fixtures, where the home teams push forward and leave gaps at the back which can be ruthlessly exploited by pace. Ideally, I would also have liked to see more of that quality in the full-back positions, but the defence is more or less settled. As such, the best chance is that Spence and/or Potts get a chance to impress in the new season. With a reinvigorated Alou Diarra available to shield and cover the defence, we could have the extra assurance at the back to encourage, in some fixtures,the attacking flair of Spence and Potts to push forward down the flanks. Well, at least we can postulate about the possibility! Whether it happens is another matter!
Finally, David Sullivan recently undertook a Q&A session on twitter and the key message was that the transfer emphasis is upon attack. No surprises there. But there was also an interesting reference to a willingness to secure Scott Parker's return from Spurs. Although not a priority, David Sullivan admitted that a deal for Parker would be welcomed if it could be done within the club's transfer and salary budget. On the transfer budget, he clearly stated that money for further transfers was available, but the real obstacle was the new Fair Play rules capping the total player salary budget at the club. And for the doubters, David Sullivan also made it perfectly clear that Sam Allardyce picks the transfer targets and has the final say on which players actually join the club. He was pretty emphatic on that point and probably wanted to squash once-and-for-all any internet speculation that in the past players have been imposed upon on the manager (i.e. BNM and Paulista). This player imposition theory is novel, but does anyone really believe that a strong manager like Allardyce would accept such a practice, even if the club were remotely inclined to do it? Which, it seems apparently, they are not!
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham face £35million debt repayments before Olympic Stadium move
24 Jul 2013 15:26
The Mirror
Karren Brady has today admitted that West Ham United will have to clear around £35million worth of debt before they move into the Olympic Stadium in 2016.
The Hammers are £70million in the red and half of that is tied into their Upton Park home. Brady, speaking at the House of Lords' committee on Olympic and Paralympic legacy today, is also wary that the club's current home will need to be sold soon in order to ease the financial burden on owners David Sullivan and David Gold. "We did have a tentative deal to sell Upton Park but that fell away," she said this morning. "We hope the money generated from the sale of Upton Park will be enough to fulfil our commitment and to help pay off some of our bank debt. "When we bought the club we took on more than £100million of debt that was guaranteed on the ground. We have to pay off all our bank debt to move, we can't take the debt with us. "If there is any excess it will meet some of that debt but I don't expect there will be."
Manager Sam Allardyce has been backed reasonably well in the transfer market this summer, notably parting with £15million to sign Andy Carroll from Liverpool. However one of the areas which may suffer in the club's plans to repay the sum may be player recruitment. The club, though, will be optimistic in their ability to do so without too much disruption to first-team affairs.
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West Ham United are believed to be interested in Porto winger Silvestre Varela
Guardian Series
3:00pm Wednesday 24th July 2013 in News
West Ham United have been linked with a move for FC Porto winger Silvestre Varela. The Hammers are believed to be interested in a move for the 28-year-old who has won three Portuguese titles during his four years with the Dragons. According to the Daily Mail, Turkish club Besiktas had a £5 million bid rejected by Porto which could give the Irons a better chance of completing a deal.
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West Ham United must pay £70m bank debt before Olympic Stadium move
• Karren Brady: club not getting ground on the cheap
• West Ham plan not a done deal, insists Orient's Barry Hearn
Press Association
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 24 July 2013 16.55 BST
West Ham United will have to pay off all of their bank debt before their move to the Olympic Stadium, according to the club's vice-chairman, Karren Brady.
West Ham have debts of £70m, with half of that bank debt secured on Upton Park and which has to be cleared when the ground is sold ahead of the move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016. Brady, giving evidence to the House of Lords committee on Olympic and Paralympic legacy on Wednesday, also insisted the club were not getting the stadium on the cheap and the deal was good value to the taxpayer. The Premier League club did have a buyer in place for Upton Park but that fell through because of delays to the deal to become Olympic Stadium tenants. Brady also stated that the sluggish property market means she expects income projections from the sale to be down 50% on 2010. Brady added that she did not expect the sale would cover much more than the lump sum the club will have to pay to the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) to move to the Olympic venue. She said: "We did have a tentative deal [for Upton Park] but that fell away. We hope the money generated from the sale of Upton Park will be enough to fulfil our commitment and to help pay off some of our bank debt. "When we bought the club and took on more than £100m of debt, that was guaranteed on the ground. We have to pay off all our bank debt to move, we can't take the debt with us. If there is any excess [from the sale of Upton Park] it will meet some of that debt but I don't expect there will be."
Brady was asked to respond to a claim by the former sports minister Richard Caborn that West Ham were getting the £600m stadium for only £15m, plus £2m-a-year rent, with the taxpayer picking up the tab. Brady defended the deal, however, and said: "The alternative scenario does not bear thinking about. West Ham is not getting a free stadium. The stadium was built for the Olympics and what are we going to do with it? Across the world, stadiums that are not used die. Without anchor tenants the cost would be huge to the taxpayer."
She added that West Ham would generate "many hundreds of millions of pounds" over the 100-year lease. The committee also heard from Leyton Orient's chairman, Barry Hearn, who insisted West Ham's move was "not a done deal" because of his continuing judicial review and legal action against the Premier League. Hearn wants his club to be able to groundshare with West Ham and use only the lower tier for Orient's matches. He also described the LLDC's deal with West Ham as "state sponsorship beyond my wildest dreams".
Hearn said: "This is not a done deal. West Ham have an agreement but I have a judicial review outstanding and litigation with the Premier League that [means] West Ham even moving would be a breach of Premier League rules. "We have ended up in situation where we have gifted £500m of taxpayers' money to a Premier League club that has a turnover of more than £100m. It's a wonderful gift but if I was an Arsenal fan I would wonder why we bothered paying to build a new stadium. "This is state sponsorship beyond my wildest dreams. In effect, it's rent free as they have the ability to develop Upton Park."
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West Ham to clear debt before move to Olympic Stadium
Standard.co.uk
Published: 24 July 2013 Updated: 14:45, 24 July 2013
West Ham must pay off all their bank debt before they move to the Olympic Stadium, vice‑chairman Karren Brady revealed today. The Hammers have debts of £70million, half of that bank debt secured on Upton Park, and that has to be cleared when the ground is sold ahead of the move in 2016. If they failed to raise the necessary £35m then co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan would make up the shortfall to ensure the club could take up the 99-year lease. The club had a buyer for Upton Park but that fell through due to the delays in the deal to be tenants.Brady added she did not expect the sale would cover much more than the lump sum the club must pay to the London Legacy Development Corporation to move to the Olympic venue. She said: "We had a tentative deal [for Upton Park] but that fell away. We hope the money generated from the sale will be enough to fulfil our commitment and help pay off some of our bank debt. "When we bought the club and took on more than £100m of debt that was guaranteed on the ground. We have to pay off all our bank debt to move, we can't take the debt with us. If there is any excess [from Upton Park sale] it will meet some of that debt but I don't expect there will be."
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Barry Hearn: I'll Fight West Ham Bullies to the Death for Olympic Stadium
By DOMINIC GOVER: Subscribe to Dominic's RSS feed | July 24, 2013 1:45 PM GMT
IBTimes.co.uk
Barry Hearn has taken his war for the legacy of the Olympic Games to Parliament by again warning that Premier League West Ham United will kill his small east London club. Sports promoter Hearn delivered a lively case to the Lords' Olympic and Paralympics Legacy Committee for why League One minnows Leyton Orient must get a place in the Queeen Elizabeth stadium. Orient are fighting against the decision by Olympic legacy bosses to hand sole occupancy to the Hammers from 2016. A judicial review and a legal claim against the Premier League is underway, amid fears Orient ticket sales will be hit hard if the Hammers move in next door to Brisbane Road - where the O's play.
Hearn told IBTimes UK that Olympic officials and the Premier League club have a big fight on their hands to keep out Orient. Shortly after giving evidence, he said: "What is going on here? We need to know what is going on behind closed doors. Someone does not want us in the room and I want to be told to my face why that is. "We need to know just what the hell is going on here. It's good that people like the panel are asking questions and that can only be valuable."
Hearn told IBTimes UK Orient are being muscled out of the Games' legacy by bigger, richer players. "I do not like bullies and nobody doe," he said. "I have an awful lot on my plate with my other businesses, but I'm very passionate about Leyton Orient and it's unfortunate that this passion is being ignored and people are ignoring a common sense solution."
Under the terms of the deal, West Ham will pay £15m up front for the stadium, plus £2.5m a year from 2016. The taxpayer has ploughed almost £70m towards conversion costs totalling around £150m. Officials claim making West Ham the tenant of the 80,000 stadium is the best way to ensure it is used regularly. But Hearn told Lords today (Wednesday) that poses an existential threat to the smaller club. "The Premier League is everywhere," he said. "It's such a strong brand. Kids will turn on to a Premier League club every day of the week. They don't think: "I'll fight my corner at my local club." We lose 400 die-hards every year and they get replaced for 400 kids who come to their local team. If you have a Premier League club on your doorstep offering free tickets, do you honestly think they're going to Orient?
"Orient are the forgotten tribe of the East End and I don't think we'll die quietly. I don't know anything other than fighting for something which I think is the genuine legacy of the Olympics. This is not a done deal."
West Ham say owners David Gold and David Sullivan are devoted to the club, will share costs with the public and boast a proud east London heritage.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, July 25
Wednesday, July 24
Daily WHUFC News - 24th July 2013
Hamburger SV 1-3 West Ham United FT
WHUFC.com
The Hammers bounced back in style to defeat Hamburg 3-1 on Tuesday
23.07.2013
HAMBURGER SV v WEST HAM UNUTED
PRE-SEASON MATCH
FLENSBURGER STADION
TUESDAY 23 JULY 2013
KICK-OFF: 6.45PM (CEST)
Full time: Hamburger SV 1-3 West Ham United
90 mins Full time and the Hammers have won 3-1. A much quieter second half
but Sam Allardyce will be more than happy with that workout. A good response
to Saturday's defeat at Mainz and Matt Jarvis was on fine form to supply the
goals for Alou Diarra, James Tomkins and Ravel Morrison. Now on to
Braunschweig for Saturday's concluding game of the tour. Check whufc.com for
more reaction and match highlights.
89 mins The stadium PA informs us that Matt Jarvis has been named as man of
the match. A well-deserved award after a fine performance.
85 mins Not much to report in the way of goalmout action in the last few
minutes as the game drifts towards its conclusion. West Ham's 3-1 lead is
looking fairly safe.
83 mins Danny Whitehead is going to get a shot run out now, with the summer
signing from Stockport County replacing Mo Diame.
79 mins The Hammers make another change. Pelly Ruddock replaces Guy Demel,
who comes off to a warm round of applause from the fans of his old club.
75 mins Kerem Demirbay lines up a shot from range which flies harmlessly
over. That effort had more than a whiff of desperation about it.
71 mins Kevin Nolan takes a bit of a clatter in midfield and stays down for
a bit. He looks fit to continue though after getting to his feet gingerly,
so that moment of alarm has passed.
66 mins Two more changes from West Ham. Mark Noble and Matt Taylor are
coming on for Alou Diarrs and Ravel Morrison.
64 mins That's not a million miles away from Modibo Maiga, who eyes up a
shooting chance from 20 yards and sends the ball whistling past the post and
clattering into the stanchion supporting the net.
63 mins Here's a pic of the goal Ravel Morrison scored to put the Hammers
3-1 up on the stroke of half time. That remains the scoreline with a third
of the game to play.
Ravel Morrison scores v Hamburger SV
61 mins Time for the Hammers to make their first substitution. James Collins
is the man to make way, with Winston Reid coming on his place.
59 mins Better from Hamburg so far this half, and Stephen Henderson has been
a busy man to keep the score at 3-1. But he has done and that's good for the
Hammers as they near the hour mark.
52 mins Now it is West Ham's turn to threaten and it is no surprise that
Matt Jarvis is the man involved again. He finds himself in a one-on-one
situation with his defender and wrongfoots the goalkeeper with his shot,
only for the ball to roll against the post.
48 mins Henderson is in the action again, moving to his left to claw away
Dennis Aogo's effort after the sub took advantage of a slip from James
Collins to run in on goal.
47 mins What a save that is from Stephen Henderson! Ivo Ilicevic hits a free
kick which the Hammers stopper touches on to the post. He has to get up
quickly to block from Jiracek on the rebound and it's still 3-1.
7.52pm The referee gets the second half underway. No changes for the
Hammers. Plenty for the hosts though, Mancienne, Aogo, Rincon, Calhanoglu,
Rudnevs, Jiracek, Rajkovic, Skjelbred, Dermibay and Nafiu are on.
7.36pm The referee sounds his whistle for half-time and it has certainly
been a productive 45 minutes for the Hammers. Matt Jarvis has provided the
threat down the left and thas claimed assists on all three goals. West Ham
twice profited from corners through Alou Diarra and James Tomkins, then
Ravel Morrison notched a third after Jarvis was hauled down inside the box.
Hamburg's only reply has been through Heiko Westermann's header. 3-1 is the
interval score.
45 mins GOAL! The Hammers quicky restore their two-goal advantage though.
Matt Jarvis again makes a piercing run down the left flank and as he shifts
the ball beyond Diekmeier, he is brought down by the defender and the
referee points straight to the spot. Ravel Morrison picks up the ball and
sends the spot kick low into the left hand corner with Drobny diving the
other way. 3-1.
42 mins GOAL! And Hamburg do have their goal from the flag kick. Van der
Vaart deliveres and defender Heiko Westermann jumps highest to plant a firm
header beyond Stephen Henderson.
42 mins Hamburg would like one back before half time and Beister has a
chance to cross low when he advances into the box, but his low cross is cut
out by Tomkins and a corner is the result.
37 mins They do create a chance through Rafael van der Vaart though, who
controls inside the box, swivels and fires his shot a yard over the top.
36 mins The Hammers are looking quite comfortable in their lead and some of
the locals behind us are getting a little restless with their side's play.
29 mins Just a whisker away from three! It's that man Matt Jarvis who is
providing the threat once again and he gets to the by-line to stand up a
cross from the left which Modibo Maiga meets, only for keeper Drobny to fly
across and make the save.
28 mins GOAL! It's 2-0 and it's from another left wing Matt Jarvis corner.
We've looked threatening from every set play and this time James Tomkins has
timed his arrival perfectly to leap and nod forcefully home.
25 mins A good spell of possession there for Hamburg, but nothing of any
threat to go along with it. That's been the pattern so far, Hamburg happy to
keep the ball and West Ham happy to let them have it in front of them.
21 mins Hamburg are struggling to find any rhythm to their game and they've
just handed the Hammers a gift of a corner when Westermann heads behind when
looking for goalkeeper Drobny. Jarvis' corner is headed away though. Still
1-0.
17 mins That is some hit from Hamburg defender Milan Badelj, who smacks the
ball goalwards after a short corner routine breaks down and comes out to him
30 yards out. He strikes first time and Stephen Henderson has to fly across
to his left to make the save.
15 mins GOAL! The Hammers' pressure was building and it pays off with a
goal. Matt Jarvis delivers the corner and Alou Diarra makes the run to the
near post to flick his header home at the far. A much better start than on
Saturday!
12 mins Matt Jarvis gets his first chance to stretch his legs down the left
and his cross is a dangerous one, but Ravel Morrison can't quite reach it
and the ball squirts away off his head for a throw in.
11 mins West Ham try to make their presence in attack felt now as Mo Diame
makes a powerful run from midfield. He looks inside for the pass and picks
out Ravel Morrison, although his route to the box is blocked by a Hamburg
defender 20 yards out.
8 mins Good pressing from the Hammers as they try to win the ball back deep
in Hamburg territory. There doesn't look to be a way out for Heiko
Westermann but Alou Diarra is a little too eager in trying to tackle and a
free kick is the result.
6 mins The first shots of the game come in from Hamburg, first van der
Vaart's effort is blocked by Collins and then the rebound is thumped miles
over the bar and Stephen Henderson was never worried in goal.
4 mins Half an opening for the hosts as Beister looks to burst away down the
centre. He looks for Zoua in the right channel, but overhits the pass and it
runs out for a goal kick,
2 mins Early corner for Hamburg as Rafael van der Vaart's deep free kick is
flicked behind by James Collins. Van der Vaart is over the corner too, but
EWest Ham survive that early threat.
6.49pm And we're underway. West Ham shooting towards our left, with Hamburg
clad all in red.
6.47pm And as I type here come the teams, West Ham in white and led by
skipper Kevin Nolan, who is having a good chat with his opposite number
Rafael van der Vaart as they stride out.
6.46pm We're still awaiting the arrival of the players to the pitch, but we
shouldn't have too long to wait with kick-off close.
6.25pm The Flensburger Stadion is a modest venue, but it is filling up
nicely ahead of kick-off. Again, there is a decent contingent of Hammers
flags here, while Hamburg possess a strong supporter base in the region, so
the locals are taking the opportunity to watch their team on their doorstep.
6.15pm Both teams are going through their warm-ups with kick-off 30 minutes
away. The sprinklers are giving the pitch a good dousing of water too. Much
needed on another hot day here in Germany.
6.10pm The Hamburg team news is in and a name familiar to the Barclays
Premier League is prominent amongst them.
Rafael van der Vaart played for Tottenham Hotspur and starts this evening's
game, while ex-Chelsea man Michael Mancienne is on the bench.
Hamburger SV: Drobny, Diekmeier, Westermann, Jansen, Ilicevic, Badelj,
Sobiech, Arslan, Beister, van der Vaart, Zous
Subs: Neuhaus, Mancienne, Aogo, Rincon, Calhanoglu, Rudneva, Jiracek,
Rajkovic, Skjelbred, Demirbay, Nafiu
5.50pm We've just been handed the Hammers teamsheet. James Collins is back
after missing Saturday's game at Mainz to attend the wedding of his brother,
while there are starts too for former Hamburg man Guy Demel and goalkeeper
Stephen Henderson.
West Ham United: Henderson; Demel, Collins, Tomkins, Rat; Diarra, Diame,
Nolan; Morrison, Maiga, Jarvis
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Reid, Potts, Vaz Te, Noble, Lletget, Ruddock, Adrian,
Taylor, Lee, Whitehead, Collison
5.45pm Good evening from Flensburg for West Ham United's second game of
their pre-season tour of Germany.
Hamburger SV provide tonight's opposition as the Hammers aim to bounce back
from their 4-1 defeat to FSV Mainz 05 on Saturday. Saturday's defeat was the
first suffered by the Hammers in pre-season, following victories over Cork
City, Boreham Wood, AFC Bournemouth and Colchester United. Hamburg were
involved in a tour-team tournament last weekend, losing to Bayern Munich 4-0
on Saturday, before coming up short against Borussia Dortmund in the
third-fourth play-off. Bayern won the Telekom Cup, defeating Borussia
Monchengladbach 5-1 in the final. They finished seventh in the Bundesliga
last term so are sure to provide the Hammers with a tough test.
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Carr celebrates 40 years on the job
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Academy director Tony Carr MBE is today celebrating 40
unbroken years with the Club
23.07.2013
When the telephone rang for Tony Carr MBE in July 1973, little did he know
that a conversation with the late West Ham United manager John Lyall would
launch a career in coaching still going strong some 40 years later. Carr was
only 22 at the time and considering his future after a broken leg, amongst
other injuries, had virtually put paid to his prospects as a player. Already
aware that he enjoyed coaching, Carr had obtained the requisite coaching
badges and was a qualified PE teacher. So when Lyall offered him the chance
to come back to West Ham to work part-time in the Academy, he was only too
glad to take the plunge. 40 years on, and with a whole string of famed
Academy graduates to his name, Carr, along with a dedicated team of staff
around him, is still taking care of the next generation of Hammers. "Who
would have thought, 40 years down the line, I would still be here and doing
what I am doing," he told whufc.com. "Someone said to me, you seem to like
coaching, you enjoy it and are good, so go for it. And I did! It's great and
I still love it, that's why I am still doing it and at the Club where I
started out, you can't get much better. "My job and that of my staff is to
find the next generation of footballers and bringing those players through
to the first-team here. Many of these players have gone on to represent
their country and played at the highest level, which is something I, and we
as a Club, can be very proud of. "We first see a player at the age of eight
or nine and then try to nurture them through both as a player and as young
men. Even if they don't make it at the top level, if they still make a
career playing football, then that is success. "It is well known that the
likes of Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick have come through
and made it at the very top level. Then our very own Joe Cole, Mark Noble,
James Tomkins, Jack Collison who are all in our first team now. It's why you
do what you do and get the satisfaction of the job."
Tomkins, like many of his contemporaries, owes a great deal to Carr and the
Hammers centre-half paid tribute to his unstinting work for the Club. He
said: "I've known Tony for years, since he first brought me through the
ranks when I left school. He's had a massive influence on my career as he
helped with the big step from being a young lad in the Under-18s to playing
for the reserves and then, eventually, the first team. "I think he's been
successful because of his coaching methods and the way he goes about
training. He makes you feel loved and part of a family. West Ham has always
been a family Club and you can always go and talk to him. I'm sure he's got
a few years left in him yet but what he has achieved has been fantastic when
you look at the number of players he has delivered for West Ham. "It would
be a hard feat for anyone to replicate. It doesn't come by luck, it comes
through the hard work he has put in. We all have so much respect for him.
I'd like to wish him a happy 40th anniversary. 40 years is incredible. Tony
is a top man and I hope he stays in the game for many more years yet as he
his record speaks for itself."
Tomkins can rest assured that Carr has no plans to hang up his boots just
yet, not least with the likes of Dan Potts and Seb Lletget starting to make
an impression in senior football. "I am now in the position to watch young
Dan Potts getting his foot in the door with the first team and I had his
dad, Steve, come through as a youth player in our Academy, who's now back at
the Club managing the Under-18s. Though it does make you feel a bit old!
"Seb Lletget is another young player who has caught manager Sam Allardyce's
eye and is grabbing his chance. To be part of it all still after this time,
is still something I enjoy and relish coming into every day."
Like anything else in football, coaching has changed a great deal over the
years, and Carr, together with his colleagues, have overseen the Academy's
growth with the introduction of the Elite Player Performance Plan. The
future is also set to bring transition off the pitch and Carr feels as
privileged as ever to be a part of West Ham United. "It is an exciting time.
If we are to move forward as a Club, you have to look at everything and that
includes the Stadium you play in. I think it's good news and will hopefully
allow us to reach the next level at the Olympic Stadium. "For me, I still
have the hunger for the challenge of seeing where the next young player is
coming from and ensuring we have a successful academy. I am now in the
middle of another pre-season and still enjoying it. I feel I have a few
years in me yet!"
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Rat lends a hand in the Ticket Office
WHUFC.com
Razvan Rat showed his versatility with an eventful stint in West Ham
United's ticket office
23.07.2013
West Ham United summer signing Razvan Rat has plenty of pedigree on the
pitch and is already proving his worth off it. Prior to the Hammers' trip to
Germany, the Romanian left-back popped into the Club's ticket office to lend
a hand. Not content with being a bystander, Rat gladly took to the phones,
helping prospective Season Ticket Holders guarantee their seats for the
forthcoming Barclays Premier League campaign. While Rat might be more at
home on the football field, it is an experience he is more than happy to
repeat, if it means yet more full houses at the Boleyn Ground. "It was
interesting for me and if this helps to sell more Season Tickets, then why
not? I'll be here all the time," he told West Ham TV. "The fans are always
important. At the end of the day, we're playing for them. So I hope to see a
full Stadium every game to support us. They make the difference when they're
supporting you. Your motivation is different and your desire to win is much
higher."
While attention inevitably turns to the big kick-off against Cardiff City on
17 August, Rat also harbours hopes of playing in the Olympic Stadium, intent
on seeing out his playing days in east London. "I hope it [the Cardiff game]
will be a sell out and for West Ham to get off on the right foot, to win at
home and start the season well. I think West Ham are going to have a good
season. "I'd like to be here to play in the Olympic Stadium to see all
those people in the Stadium. It's important to be here for a long time and
to end my career here."
Speaking of Tuesday's game against Hamburger SV, Rat is expecting another
stern test. He added: "I know that they are a good team, and we must be
careful because we had a bad result on Saturday. We need to improve on what
we did then and it will be a tough game."
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Pre-season friendly: West Ham defeat Hamburg 3-1 as Matt Jarvis shines
Last Updated: July 23, 2013 9:33pm
SSN
West Ham bounced back from their heavy defeat to Mainz at the weekend with a
3-1 pre-season friendly victory over Hamburg on Tuesday night in Flensburg.
The Hammers were beaten 4-1 by Mainz in the opening match of their tour to
Germany as they suffered their first loss of the summer. But the Premier
League side enjoyed success against another Bundesliga outfit in the shape
of Hamburg, with Matt Jarvis playing a big part in the win. All four goals
were scored in the first half with Alou Diarra and James Tomkins both
heading in Jarvis corners to put West Ham 2-0 up inside 30 minutes. Hamburg
halved the deficit through Heiko Westermann in the 43rd minute but Sam
Allardyce's men added a third soon after through a Ravel Morrison penalty
after Jarvis had been brought down.
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West Ham are not getting Olympic Stadium for free stresses Brady
London24
Dave Evans
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
6:32 PM
Sir Alan Sugar's right hand woman, Karren Brady pictured in central London
as she has been announced as The Almond Board of California's new ambassador
for its latest campaign encouraging women to snack smartly. Sir Alan Sugar's
right hand woman, Karren Brady pictured in central London as she has been
announced as The Almond Board of California's new ambassador for its latest
campaign encouraging women to snack smartly.
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has confirmed that the club will not
receive any money from the naming rights at the Olympic Stadium in
Stratford.
Speaking in front of a House of Lords Select Committee into the legacy of
London 2012, Brady answered questions about the process and the prospect of
sharing the £538 million stadium with neighbours Leyton Orient. The Hammers
were confirmed earlier in the year as anchor tenants at the arena from 2016
after lengthy negotiations with the London Legacy Development Corporation
(LLDC), but Brady denied suggestions that West Ham had the LLDC 'over a
barrel' during the negotiations. "It was not the case," she said. "We are
not the buyer or seller of the stadium, it was put out to tender and anyone
worldwide could have bid for it. "We said we wanted to pay our own way and
there were risks. "We own our own stadium, we decide what, when and how we
do things. "We are investing a lot of money into the reconfiguration at the
stadium and the retractable seating. The whole thing could not be done
without the money we are putting in."
Brady appeared slightly ruffled when questioned about Leyton Orient and the
prospect of a groundshare after listening to the comments of their chairman
Barry Hearn, who had appeared just before her at the select committee. When
asked if the club were prepared to share the arena if the LLDC changed their
minds, she said: "It is part of a judicial review so I have to be mindful of
the answers I give, but as part of the process everybody had to agree to the
principle of groundsharing and we agreed to that. "It was up to the LLDC as
to who would share with who."
She repeated that answer three times, but when pressed, she did have some
barbed comments about Leyton Orient. "There is no precedent of groundsharing
in the UK," she said. "Leyton Orient had an average crowd of 4,200 last
season. How they would occupy a 54,000 stadium is difficult to imagine, but
that is a concern for them not me. "We are in different boroughs, we are
currently 2.9 miles away from them and that will become 1.5 miles. A Leyton
Orient fan is not going to wake up tomorrow and become a West Ham fan or
vice versa."
She continued: "The alternative doesn't bear thinking about. We are not
getting a free stadium. The stadium was built for the Olympics, but that has
now gone.
"The cost of keeping the stadium without anchor tenants would be huge to the
tax payer. "With us the legacy of the stadium and its future have been
ring-fenced and we have offered 100 years of commitment. The alternatives
were a Formula One bid, a small college which is based in Burnley and a
self-proclaimed community club."
Brady stressed that not only will they receive nothing from the naming
rights of the stadium, they will also give the LLDC a lump sum to help with
conversion cost which they intend to take from the sale of Upton Park. Any
outstanding money would then go towards the debt the club is still in, but
Brady was unable to estimate just how much cash is likely to be gleaned from
the sale. "Upton Park has not been sold so we can't determine the value.
Whatever it is, it will be a considerable loss on the investment that West
Ham have put into it. "The LLDC have asked for a lump sum and how we
generate the money for that I don't think they are overly concerned. "The
market is very difficult," she reflected. "We did have a tentative deal in
place, but that fell away because of the numerous delays and that is no
longer on the table. "We have made a financial commitment and that could
mean that all the money from Upton Park would go to it. But selling Upton
Park would create new jobs and new homes with the regeneration project in
Newham as well as 700 new jobs at the Olympic Stadium.
"There is a huge shortage of housing in Newham and we hope to help with that
problem."
West Ham are scheduled to move into the stadium for the start of the 2016/17
season and Brady confirmed that there are safeguards should the worst come
to the worst and the Hammers are relegated from the Premier League. "In the
event that we could pay any rent or guarantee their commitment, the owners
have guaranteed to meet the shortfall," she said. "If the owners sell, they
are also committed to give part of their profit to the LLDC. But David Gold
was born in Green Street, David Sullivan went to University in east London
and they have pulled their money together to buy the club they have always
supported. "They are intending to leave the club to the many generations of
their family to come."
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West Ham United must pay £70m bank debt before Olympic Stadium move
• Karren Brady: club not getting ground on the cheap
• West Ham plan not a done deal, insists Orient's Barry Hearn
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 24 July 2013 16.55 BST
West Ham United will have to pay off all of their bank debt before their
move to the Olympic Stadium, according to the club's vice-chairman, Karren
Brady.
West Ham have debts of £70m, with half of that bank debt secured on Upton
Park and which has to be cleared when the ground is sold ahead of the move
to the Olympic Stadium in 2016. Brady, giving evidence to the House of Lords
committee on Olympic and Paralympic legacy on Wednesday, also insisted the
club were not getting the stadium on the cheap and the deal was good value
to the taxpayer. The Premier League club did have a buyer in place for Upton
Park but that fell through because of delays to the deal to become Olympic
Stadium tenants. Brady also stated that the sluggish property market means
she expects income projections from the sale to be down 50% on 2010.
Brady added that she did not expect the sale would cover much more than the
lump sum the club will have to pay to the London Legacy Development
Corporation (LLDC) to move to the Olympic venue. She said: "We did have a
tentative deal [for Upton Park] but that fell away. We hope the money
generated from the sale of Upton Park will be enough to fulfil our
commitment and to help pay off some of our bank debt. "When we bought the
club and took on more than £100m of debt, that was guaranteed on the ground.
We have to pay off all our bank debt to move, we can't take the debt with
us. If there is any excess [from the sale of Upton Park] it will meet some
of that debt but I don't expect there will be."
Brady was asked to respond to a claim by the former sports minister Richard
Caborn that West Ham were getting the £600m stadium for only £15m, plus
£2m-a-year rent, with the taxpayer picking up the tab. Brady defended the
deal, however, and said: "The alternative scenario does not bear thinking
about. West Ham is not getting a free stadium. The stadium was built for the
Olympics and what are we going to do with it? Across the world, stadiums
that are not used die. Without anchor tenants the cost would be huge to the
taxpayer."
She added that West Ham would generate "many hundreds of millions of pounds"
over the 100-year lease. The committee also heard from Leyton Orient's
chairman, Barry Hearn, who insisted West Ham's move was "not a done deal"
because of his continuing judicial review and legal action against the
Premier League. Hearn wants his club to be able to groundshare with West Ham
and use only the lower tier for Orient's matches. He also described the
LLDC's deal with West Ham as "state sponsorship beyond my wildest dreams".
Hearn said: "This is not a done deal. West Ham have an agreement but I have
a judicial review outstanding and litigation with the Premier League that
[means] West Ham even moving would be a breach of Premier League rules. "We
have ended up in situation where we have gifted £500m of taxpayers' money to
a Premier League club that has a turnover of more than £100m. It's a
wonderful gift but if I was an Arsenal fan I would wonder why we bothered
paying to build a new stadium. "This is state sponsorship beyond my wildest
dreams. In effect, it's rent free as they have the ability to develop Upton
Park."
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Hearn: We were offered Olympic Stadium first
London 24
Dave Evans, Recorder Reporter
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
6:23 PM
Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn has insisted that they have not given up
on moving into the Olympic Stadium with West Ham – an arena, he claims was
offered to them first, way back in 2006. Appearing in front of a House of
Lords select committee set up to look into the legacy of the Olympic Games,
Hearn was full of bravado, claiming that the deal to have West Ham as anchor
tenants is not yet ratified because of a judicial review and a case against
the Premier League. He also stated that they were the first club to be
offered the stadium for use as a football stadium. "The initial plan with
Tessa Jowell and Ken Livingstone was to leave a 25,000 stadium and we were
to use the arena," said Hearn. "We turned it down because of the athletics
track. We said that the only thing you can do was put in retractable
seating, but they said they could not afford it. "We were always intended to
be the football tenant post games in a small 25,000 stadium."
Plans have changed radically since then and the stadium will now be
converted to a 54,000 capacity with retractable seating and Hearn states
that is why he changed his mind about a move. "We came back in the moment
they said that retractable seating was going in. We were interested in a
groundshare once we knew that the view for the fans was going to be
compelling, rather than something that is happening way over there."
West Ham were confirmed as anchor tenants by the London Legacy Development
Corporation (LLDC) earlier this year, but Hearn still does not accept that
everything is now decided. "This is not a done deal," he insisted. "There is
a judicial review in the high court and there is a claim against the Premier
League.
"Commercially this move will increase West Ham's value by £100 million and
yet they are paying £2m rent a year. They are paying £20m towards the
refurbishment and they are being allowed to redevelop Upton Park."
Hearn was also critical of the LLDC and the way they went about the bidding
process which ended in West Ham's success. "I thought they were nice people
and had a certain amount of skill, but I wouldn't trust them to run a
newsagents," said Hearn. "We were slipped out, bashed up, terrorised,
bullied and made to think we are of no significance. "Is legacy just a word
or is money all that matters? In my dealings with the LLDC and with Boris
Johnson, legacy has not been mentioned, it is money that has been
mentioned."
The Orient owner confirmed he is still open to a change of mind from the
LLDC, when he was asked the question by Lord Falconer. "I would welcome it
and I would kiss you and I don't usually kiss men," he exclaimed. "We are
desperate to survive and the only way we can do that is with a groundshare."
Keen to play the innocent victim, Hearn stressed that he can't understand
what the problem is with sharing the stadium with the Hammers, despite the
various run-ins he has had with the Upton Park club over the stadium. "All I
hear is that West Ham don't want to share with Leyton Orient. I cannot come
up with one reason as to what harm we would do. The stadium could make a
profit out of us being there even at our current level. "I am completely
bemused, because it is a no brainer."
Hearn confirmed that they had offered the LLDC a rental of £500,000 a year
whilst they remain in League One, increasing to £1m in the Championship and
going up to £5m if they were ever to reach the Premier League. Without a
move, Hearn thinks that the future for the club is a bleak one. "No
youngster in our catchment area would consider going to Leyton Orient if
West Ham are at the Olympic Stadium," he said. "This would condemn Orient,
not necessarily to death, but down the divisions over a five-year period.
"Our average crowd is 5,000, moving to the Olympic Stadium is a challenge,
but it is a great challenge. We are not in this to make money, we are a
community club and as a club we live in the real world," said Hearn who has
not given up hope. "My front door is 750 yards from the Olympic Stadium. The
Olympics was about dreams, but why does that dream die after three or four
weeks? "Football club owners have dreams too."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
The Hammers bounced back in style to defeat Hamburg 3-1 on Tuesday
23.07.2013
HAMBURGER SV v WEST HAM UNUTED
PRE-SEASON MATCH
FLENSBURGER STADION
TUESDAY 23 JULY 2013
KICK-OFF: 6.45PM (CEST)
Full time: Hamburger SV 1-3 West Ham United
90 mins Full time and the Hammers have won 3-1. A much quieter second half
but Sam Allardyce will be more than happy with that workout. A good response
to Saturday's defeat at Mainz and Matt Jarvis was on fine form to supply the
goals for Alou Diarra, James Tomkins and Ravel Morrison. Now on to
Braunschweig for Saturday's concluding game of the tour. Check whufc.com for
more reaction and match highlights.
89 mins The stadium PA informs us that Matt Jarvis has been named as man of
the match. A well-deserved award after a fine performance.
85 mins Not much to report in the way of goalmout action in the last few
minutes as the game drifts towards its conclusion. West Ham's 3-1 lead is
looking fairly safe.
83 mins Danny Whitehead is going to get a shot run out now, with the summer
signing from Stockport County replacing Mo Diame.
79 mins The Hammers make another change. Pelly Ruddock replaces Guy Demel,
who comes off to a warm round of applause from the fans of his old club.
75 mins Kerem Demirbay lines up a shot from range which flies harmlessly
over. That effort had more than a whiff of desperation about it.
71 mins Kevin Nolan takes a bit of a clatter in midfield and stays down for
a bit. He looks fit to continue though after getting to his feet gingerly,
so that moment of alarm has passed.
66 mins Two more changes from West Ham. Mark Noble and Matt Taylor are
coming on for Alou Diarrs and Ravel Morrison.
64 mins That's not a million miles away from Modibo Maiga, who eyes up a
shooting chance from 20 yards and sends the ball whistling past the post and
clattering into the stanchion supporting the net.
63 mins Here's a pic of the goal Ravel Morrison scored to put the Hammers
3-1 up on the stroke of half time. That remains the scoreline with a third
of the game to play.
Ravel Morrison scores v Hamburger SV
61 mins Time for the Hammers to make their first substitution. James Collins
is the man to make way, with Winston Reid coming on his place.
59 mins Better from Hamburg so far this half, and Stephen Henderson has been
a busy man to keep the score at 3-1. But he has done and that's good for the
Hammers as they near the hour mark.
52 mins Now it is West Ham's turn to threaten and it is no surprise that
Matt Jarvis is the man involved again. He finds himself in a one-on-one
situation with his defender and wrongfoots the goalkeeper with his shot,
only for the ball to roll against the post.
48 mins Henderson is in the action again, moving to his left to claw away
Dennis Aogo's effort after the sub took advantage of a slip from James
Collins to run in on goal.
47 mins What a save that is from Stephen Henderson! Ivo Ilicevic hits a free
kick which the Hammers stopper touches on to the post. He has to get up
quickly to block from Jiracek on the rebound and it's still 3-1.
7.52pm The referee gets the second half underway. No changes for the
Hammers. Plenty for the hosts though, Mancienne, Aogo, Rincon, Calhanoglu,
Rudnevs, Jiracek, Rajkovic, Skjelbred, Dermibay and Nafiu are on.
7.36pm The referee sounds his whistle for half-time and it has certainly
been a productive 45 minutes for the Hammers. Matt Jarvis has provided the
threat down the left and thas claimed assists on all three goals. West Ham
twice profited from corners through Alou Diarra and James Tomkins, then
Ravel Morrison notched a third after Jarvis was hauled down inside the box.
Hamburg's only reply has been through Heiko Westermann's header. 3-1 is the
interval score.
45 mins GOAL! The Hammers quicky restore their two-goal advantage though.
Matt Jarvis again makes a piercing run down the left flank and as he shifts
the ball beyond Diekmeier, he is brought down by the defender and the
referee points straight to the spot. Ravel Morrison picks up the ball and
sends the spot kick low into the left hand corner with Drobny diving the
other way. 3-1.
42 mins GOAL! And Hamburg do have their goal from the flag kick. Van der
Vaart deliveres and defender Heiko Westermann jumps highest to plant a firm
header beyond Stephen Henderson.
42 mins Hamburg would like one back before half time and Beister has a
chance to cross low when he advances into the box, but his low cross is cut
out by Tomkins and a corner is the result.
37 mins They do create a chance through Rafael van der Vaart though, who
controls inside the box, swivels and fires his shot a yard over the top.
36 mins The Hammers are looking quite comfortable in their lead and some of
the locals behind us are getting a little restless with their side's play.
29 mins Just a whisker away from three! It's that man Matt Jarvis who is
providing the threat once again and he gets to the by-line to stand up a
cross from the left which Modibo Maiga meets, only for keeper Drobny to fly
across and make the save.
28 mins GOAL! It's 2-0 and it's from another left wing Matt Jarvis corner.
We've looked threatening from every set play and this time James Tomkins has
timed his arrival perfectly to leap and nod forcefully home.
25 mins A good spell of possession there for Hamburg, but nothing of any
threat to go along with it. That's been the pattern so far, Hamburg happy to
keep the ball and West Ham happy to let them have it in front of them.
21 mins Hamburg are struggling to find any rhythm to their game and they've
just handed the Hammers a gift of a corner when Westermann heads behind when
looking for goalkeeper Drobny. Jarvis' corner is headed away though. Still
1-0.
17 mins That is some hit from Hamburg defender Milan Badelj, who smacks the
ball goalwards after a short corner routine breaks down and comes out to him
30 yards out. He strikes first time and Stephen Henderson has to fly across
to his left to make the save.
15 mins GOAL! The Hammers' pressure was building and it pays off with a
goal. Matt Jarvis delivers the corner and Alou Diarra makes the run to the
near post to flick his header home at the far. A much better start than on
Saturday!
12 mins Matt Jarvis gets his first chance to stretch his legs down the left
and his cross is a dangerous one, but Ravel Morrison can't quite reach it
and the ball squirts away off his head for a throw in.
11 mins West Ham try to make their presence in attack felt now as Mo Diame
makes a powerful run from midfield. He looks inside for the pass and picks
out Ravel Morrison, although his route to the box is blocked by a Hamburg
defender 20 yards out.
8 mins Good pressing from the Hammers as they try to win the ball back deep
in Hamburg territory. There doesn't look to be a way out for Heiko
Westermann but Alou Diarra is a little too eager in trying to tackle and a
free kick is the result.
6 mins The first shots of the game come in from Hamburg, first van der
Vaart's effort is blocked by Collins and then the rebound is thumped miles
over the bar and Stephen Henderson was never worried in goal.
4 mins Half an opening for the hosts as Beister looks to burst away down the
centre. He looks for Zoua in the right channel, but overhits the pass and it
runs out for a goal kick,
2 mins Early corner for Hamburg as Rafael van der Vaart's deep free kick is
flicked behind by James Collins. Van der Vaart is over the corner too, but
EWest Ham survive that early threat.
6.49pm And we're underway. West Ham shooting towards our left, with Hamburg
clad all in red.
6.47pm And as I type here come the teams, West Ham in white and led by
skipper Kevin Nolan, who is having a good chat with his opposite number
Rafael van der Vaart as they stride out.
6.46pm We're still awaiting the arrival of the players to the pitch, but we
shouldn't have too long to wait with kick-off close.
6.25pm The Flensburger Stadion is a modest venue, but it is filling up
nicely ahead of kick-off. Again, there is a decent contingent of Hammers
flags here, while Hamburg possess a strong supporter base in the region, so
the locals are taking the opportunity to watch their team on their doorstep.
6.15pm Both teams are going through their warm-ups with kick-off 30 minutes
away. The sprinklers are giving the pitch a good dousing of water too. Much
needed on another hot day here in Germany.
6.10pm The Hamburg team news is in and a name familiar to the Barclays
Premier League is prominent amongst them.
Rafael van der Vaart played for Tottenham Hotspur and starts this evening's
game, while ex-Chelsea man Michael Mancienne is on the bench.
Hamburger SV: Drobny, Diekmeier, Westermann, Jansen, Ilicevic, Badelj,
Sobiech, Arslan, Beister, van der Vaart, Zous
Subs: Neuhaus, Mancienne, Aogo, Rincon, Calhanoglu, Rudneva, Jiracek,
Rajkovic, Skjelbred, Demirbay, Nafiu
5.50pm We've just been handed the Hammers teamsheet. James Collins is back
after missing Saturday's game at Mainz to attend the wedding of his brother,
while there are starts too for former Hamburg man Guy Demel and goalkeeper
Stephen Henderson.
West Ham United: Henderson; Demel, Collins, Tomkins, Rat; Diarra, Diame,
Nolan; Morrison, Maiga, Jarvis
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Reid, Potts, Vaz Te, Noble, Lletget, Ruddock, Adrian,
Taylor, Lee, Whitehead, Collison
5.45pm Good evening from Flensburg for West Ham United's second game of
their pre-season tour of Germany.
Hamburger SV provide tonight's opposition as the Hammers aim to bounce back
from their 4-1 defeat to FSV Mainz 05 on Saturday. Saturday's defeat was the
first suffered by the Hammers in pre-season, following victories over Cork
City, Boreham Wood, AFC Bournemouth and Colchester United. Hamburg were
involved in a tour-team tournament last weekend, losing to Bayern Munich 4-0
on Saturday, before coming up short against Borussia Dortmund in the
third-fourth play-off. Bayern won the Telekom Cup, defeating Borussia
Monchengladbach 5-1 in the final. They finished seventh in the Bundesliga
last term so are sure to provide the Hammers with a tough test.
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Carr celebrates 40 years on the job
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Academy director Tony Carr MBE is today celebrating 40
unbroken years with the Club
23.07.2013
When the telephone rang for Tony Carr MBE in July 1973, little did he know
that a conversation with the late West Ham United manager John Lyall would
launch a career in coaching still going strong some 40 years later. Carr was
only 22 at the time and considering his future after a broken leg, amongst
other injuries, had virtually put paid to his prospects as a player. Already
aware that he enjoyed coaching, Carr had obtained the requisite coaching
badges and was a qualified PE teacher. So when Lyall offered him the chance
to come back to West Ham to work part-time in the Academy, he was only too
glad to take the plunge. 40 years on, and with a whole string of famed
Academy graduates to his name, Carr, along with a dedicated team of staff
around him, is still taking care of the next generation of Hammers. "Who
would have thought, 40 years down the line, I would still be here and doing
what I am doing," he told whufc.com. "Someone said to me, you seem to like
coaching, you enjoy it and are good, so go for it. And I did! It's great and
I still love it, that's why I am still doing it and at the Club where I
started out, you can't get much better. "My job and that of my staff is to
find the next generation of footballers and bringing those players through
to the first-team here. Many of these players have gone on to represent
their country and played at the highest level, which is something I, and we
as a Club, can be very proud of. "We first see a player at the age of eight
or nine and then try to nurture them through both as a player and as young
men. Even if they don't make it at the top level, if they still make a
career playing football, then that is success. "It is well known that the
likes of Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick have come through
and made it at the very top level. Then our very own Joe Cole, Mark Noble,
James Tomkins, Jack Collison who are all in our first team now. It's why you
do what you do and get the satisfaction of the job."
Tomkins, like many of his contemporaries, owes a great deal to Carr and the
Hammers centre-half paid tribute to his unstinting work for the Club. He
said: "I've known Tony for years, since he first brought me through the
ranks when I left school. He's had a massive influence on my career as he
helped with the big step from being a young lad in the Under-18s to playing
for the reserves and then, eventually, the first team. "I think he's been
successful because of his coaching methods and the way he goes about
training. He makes you feel loved and part of a family. West Ham has always
been a family Club and you can always go and talk to him. I'm sure he's got
a few years left in him yet but what he has achieved has been fantastic when
you look at the number of players he has delivered for West Ham. "It would
be a hard feat for anyone to replicate. It doesn't come by luck, it comes
through the hard work he has put in. We all have so much respect for him.
I'd like to wish him a happy 40th anniversary. 40 years is incredible. Tony
is a top man and I hope he stays in the game for many more years yet as he
his record speaks for itself."
Tomkins can rest assured that Carr has no plans to hang up his boots just
yet, not least with the likes of Dan Potts and Seb Lletget starting to make
an impression in senior football. "I am now in the position to watch young
Dan Potts getting his foot in the door with the first team and I had his
dad, Steve, come through as a youth player in our Academy, who's now back at
the Club managing the Under-18s. Though it does make you feel a bit old!
"Seb Lletget is another young player who has caught manager Sam Allardyce's
eye and is grabbing his chance. To be part of it all still after this time,
is still something I enjoy and relish coming into every day."
Like anything else in football, coaching has changed a great deal over the
years, and Carr, together with his colleagues, have overseen the Academy's
growth with the introduction of the Elite Player Performance Plan. The
future is also set to bring transition off the pitch and Carr feels as
privileged as ever to be a part of West Ham United. "It is an exciting time.
If we are to move forward as a Club, you have to look at everything and that
includes the Stadium you play in. I think it's good news and will hopefully
allow us to reach the next level at the Olympic Stadium. "For me, I still
have the hunger for the challenge of seeing where the next young player is
coming from and ensuring we have a successful academy. I am now in the
middle of another pre-season and still enjoying it. I feel I have a few
years in me yet!"
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Rat lends a hand in the Ticket Office
WHUFC.com
Razvan Rat showed his versatility with an eventful stint in West Ham
United's ticket office
23.07.2013
West Ham United summer signing Razvan Rat has plenty of pedigree on the
pitch and is already proving his worth off it. Prior to the Hammers' trip to
Germany, the Romanian left-back popped into the Club's ticket office to lend
a hand. Not content with being a bystander, Rat gladly took to the phones,
helping prospective Season Ticket Holders guarantee their seats for the
forthcoming Barclays Premier League campaign. While Rat might be more at
home on the football field, it is an experience he is more than happy to
repeat, if it means yet more full houses at the Boleyn Ground. "It was
interesting for me and if this helps to sell more Season Tickets, then why
not? I'll be here all the time," he told West Ham TV. "The fans are always
important. At the end of the day, we're playing for them. So I hope to see a
full Stadium every game to support us. They make the difference when they're
supporting you. Your motivation is different and your desire to win is much
higher."
While attention inevitably turns to the big kick-off against Cardiff City on
17 August, Rat also harbours hopes of playing in the Olympic Stadium, intent
on seeing out his playing days in east London. "I hope it [the Cardiff game]
will be a sell out and for West Ham to get off on the right foot, to win at
home and start the season well. I think West Ham are going to have a good
season. "I'd like to be here to play in the Olympic Stadium to see all
those people in the Stadium. It's important to be here for a long time and
to end my career here."
Speaking of Tuesday's game against Hamburger SV, Rat is expecting another
stern test. He added: "I know that they are a good team, and we must be
careful because we had a bad result on Saturday. We need to improve on what
we did then and it will be a tough game."
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Pre-season friendly: West Ham defeat Hamburg 3-1 as Matt Jarvis shines
Last Updated: July 23, 2013 9:33pm
SSN
West Ham bounced back from their heavy defeat to Mainz at the weekend with a
3-1 pre-season friendly victory over Hamburg on Tuesday night in Flensburg.
The Hammers were beaten 4-1 by Mainz in the opening match of their tour to
Germany as they suffered their first loss of the summer. But the Premier
League side enjoyed success against another Bundesliga outfit in the shape
of Hamburg, with Matt Jarvis playing a big part in the win. All four goals
were scored in the first half with Alou Diarra and James Tomkins both
heading in Jarvis corners to put West Ham 2-0 up inside 30 minutes. Hamburg
halved the deficit through Heiko Westermann in the 43rd minute but Sam
Allardyce's men added a third soon after through a Ravel Morrison penalty
after Jarvis had been brought down.
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West Ham are not getting Olympic Stadium for free stresses Brady
London24
Dave Evans
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
6:32 PM
Sir Alan Sugar's right hand woman, Karren Brady pictured in central London
as she has been announced as The Almond Board of California's new ambassador
for its latest campaign encouraging women to snack smartly. Sir Alan Sugar's
right hand woman, Karren Brady pictured in central London as she has been
announced as The Almond Board of California's new ambassador for its latest
campaign encouraging women to snack smartly.
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has confirmed that the club will not
receive any money from the naming rights at the Olympic Stadium in
Stratford.
Speaking in front of a House of Lords Select Committee into the legacy of
London 2012, Brady answered questions about the process and the prospect of
sharing the £538 million stadium with neighbours Leyton Orient. The Hammers
were confirmed earlier in the year as anchor tenants at the arena from 2016
after lengthy negotiations with the London Legacy Development Corporation
(LLDC), but Brady denied suggestions that West Ham had the LLDC 'over a
barrel' during the negotiations. "It was not the case," she said. "We are
not the buyer or seller of the stadium, it was put out to tender and anyone
worldwide could have bid for it. "We said we wanted to pay our own way and
there were risks. "We own our own stadium, we decide what, when and how we
do things. "We are investing a lot of money into the reconfiguration at the
stadium and the retractable seating. The whole thing could not be done
without the money we are putting in."
Brady appeared slightly ruffled when questioned about Leyton Orient and the
prospect of a groundshare after listening to the comments of their chairman
Barry Hearn, who had appeared just before her at the select committee. When
asked if the club were prepared to share the arena if the LLDC changed their
minds, she said: "It is part of a judicial review so I have to be mindful of
the answers I give, but as part of the process everybody had to agree to the
principle of groundsharing and we agreed to that. "It was up to the LLDC as
to who would share with who."
She repeated that answer three times, but when pressed, she did have some
barbed comments about Leyton Orient. "There is no precedent of groundsharing
in the UK," she said. "Leyton Orient had an average crowd of 4,200 last
season. How they would occupy a 54,000 stadium is difficult to imagine, but
that is a concern for them not me. "We are in different boroughs, we are
currently 2.9 miles away from them and that will become 1.5 miles. A Leyton
Orient fan is not going to wake up tomorrow and become a West Ham fan or
vice versa."
She continued: "The alternative doesn't bear thinking about. We are not
getting a free stadium. The stadium was built for the Olympics, but that has
now gone.
"The cost of keeping the stadium without anchor tenants would be huge to the
tax payer. "With us the legacy of the stadium and its future have been
ring-fenced and we have offered 100 years of commitment. The alternatives
were a Formula One bid, a small college which is based in Burnley and a
self-proclaimed community club."
Brady stressed that not only will they receive nothing from the naming
rights of the stadium, they will also give the LLDC a lump sum to help with
conversion cost which they intend to take from the sale of Upton Park. Any
outstanding money would then go towards the debt the club is still in, but
Brady was unable to estimate just how much cash is likely to be gleaned from
the sale. "Upton Park has not been sold so we can't determine the value.
Whatever it is, it will be a considerable loss on the investment that West
Ham have put into it. "The LLDC have asked for a lump sum and how we
generate the money for that I don't think they are overly concerned. "The
market is very difficult," she reflected. "We did have a tentative deal in
place, but that fell away because of the numerous delays and that is no
longer on the table. "We have made a financial commitment and that could
mean that all the money from Upton Park would go to it. But selling Upton
Park would create new jobs and new homes with the regeneration project in
Newham as well as 700 new jobs at the Olympic Stadium.
"There is a huge shortage of housing in Newham and we hope to help with that
problem."
West Ham are scheduled to move into the stadium for the start of the 2016/17
season and Brady confirmed that there are safeguards should the worst come
to the worst and the Hammers are relegated from the Premier League. "In the
event that we could pay any rent or guarantee their commitment, the owners
have guaranteed to meet the shortfall," she said. "If the owners sell, they
are also committed to give part of their profit to the LLDC. But David Gold
was born in Green Street, David Sullivan went to University in east London
and they have pulled their money together to buy the club they have always
supported. "They are intending to leave the club to the many generations of
their family to come."
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West Ham United must pay £70m bank debt before Olympic Stadium move
• Karren Brady: club not getting ground on the cheap
• West Ham plan not a done deal, insists Orient's Barry Hearn
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 24 July 2013 16.55 BST
West Ham United will have to pay off all of their bank debt before their
move to the Olympic Stadium, according to the club's vice-chairman, Karren
Brady.
West Ham have debts of £70m, with half of that bank debt secured on Upton
Park and which has to be cleared when the ground is sold ahead of the move
to the Olympic Stadium in 2016. Brady, giving evidence to the House of Lords
committee on Olympic and Paralympic legacy on Wednesday, also insisted the
club were not getting the stadium on the cheap and the deal was good value
to the taxpayer. The Premier League club did have a buyer in place for Upton
Park but that fell through because of delays to the deal to become Olympic
Stadium tenants. Brady also stated that the sluggish property market means
she expects income projections from the sale to be down 50% on 2010.
Brady added that she did not expect the sale would cover much more than the
lump sum the club will have to pay to the London Legacy Development
Corporation (LLDC) to move to the Olympic venue. She said: "We did have a
tentative deal [for Upton Park] but that fell away. We hope the money
generated from the sale of Upton Park will be enough to fulfil our
commitment and to help pay off some of our bank debt. "When we bought the
club and took on more than £100m of debt, that was guaranteed on the ground.
We have to pay off all our bank debt to move, we can't take the debt with
us. If there is any excess [from the sale of Upton Park] it will meet some
of that debt but I don't expect there will be."
Brady was asked to respond to a claim by the former sports minister Richard
Caborn that West Ham were getting the £600m stadium for only £15m, plus
£2m-a-year rent, with the taxpayer picking up the tab. Brady defended the
deal, however, and said: "The alternative scenario does not bear thinking
about. West Ham is not getting a free stadium. The stadium was built for the
Olympics and what are we going to do with it? Across the world, stadiums
that are not used die. Without anchor tenants the cost would be huge to the
taxpayer."
She added that West Ham would generate "many hundreds of millions of pounds"
over the 100-year lease. The committee also heard from Leyton Orient's
chairman, Barry Hearn, who insisted West Ham's move was "not a done deal"
because of his continuing judicial review and legal action against the
Premier League. Hearn wants his club to be able to groundshare with West Ham
and use only the lower tier for Orient's matches. He also described the
LLDC's deal with West Ham as "state sponsorship beyond my wildest dreams".
Hearn said: "This is not a done deal. West Ham have an agreement but I have
a judicial review outstanding and litigation with the Premier League that
[means] West Ham even moving would be a breach of Premier League rules. "We
have ended up in situation where we have gifted £500m of taxpayers' money to
a Premier League club that has a turnover of more than £100m. It's a
wonderful gift but if I was an Arsenal fan I would wonder why we bothered
paying to build a new stadium. "This is state sponsorship beyond my wildest
dreams. In effect, it's rent free as they have the ability to develop Upton
Park."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hearn: We were offered Olympic Stadium first
London 24
Dave Evans, Recorder Reporter
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
6:23 PM
Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn has insisted that they have not given up
on moving into the Olympic Stadium with West Ham – an arena, he claims was
offered to them first, way back in 2006. Appearing in front of a House of
Lords select committee set up to look into the legacy of the Olympic Games,
Hearn was full of bravado, claiming that the deal to have West Ham as anchor
tenants is not yet ratified because of a judicial review and a case against
the Premier League. He also stated that they were the first club to be
offered the stadium for use as a football stadium. "The initial plan with
Tessa Jowell and Ken Livingstone was to leave a 25,000 stadium and we were
to use the arena," said Hearn. "We turned it down because of the athletics
track. We said that the only thing you can do was put in retractable
seating, but they said they could not afford it. "We were always intended to
be the football tenant post games in a small 25,000 stadium."
Plans have changed radically since then and the stadium will now be
converted to a 54,000 capacity with retractable seating and Hearn states
that is why he changed his mind about a move. "We came back in the moment
they said that retractable seating was going in. We were interested in a
groundshare once we knew that the view for the fans was going to be
compelling, rather than something that is happening way over there."
West Ham were confirmed as anchor tenants by the London Legacy Development
Corporation (LLDC) earlier this year, but Hearn still does not accept that
everything is now decided. "This is not a done deal," he insisted. "There is
a judicial review in the high court and there is a claim against the Premier
League.
"Commercially this move will increase West Ham's value by £100 million and
yet they are paying £2m rent a year. They are paying £20m towards the
refurbishment and they are being allowed to redevelop Upton Park."
Hearn was also critical of the LLDC and the way they went about the bidding
process which ended in West Ham's success. "I thought they were nice people
and had a certain amount of skill, but I wouldn't trust them to run a
newsagents," said Hearn. "We were slipped out, bashed up, terrorised,
bullied and made to think we are of no significance. "Is legacy just a word
or is money all that matters? In my dealings with the LLDC and with Boris
Johnson, legacy has not been mentioned, it is money that has been
mentioned."
The Orient owner confirmed he is still open to a change of mind from the
LLDC, when he was asked the question by Lord Falconer. "I would welcome it
and I would kiss you and I don't usually kiss men," he exclaimed. "We are
desperate to survive and the only way we can do that is with a groundshare."
Keen to play the innocent victim, Hearn stressed that he can't understand
what the problem is with sharing the stadium with the Hammers, despite the
various run-ins he has had with the Upton Park club over the stadium. "All I
hear is that West Ham don't want to share with Leyton Orient. I cannot come
up with one reason as to what harm we would do. The stadium could make a
profit out of us being there even at our current level. "I am completely
bemused, because it is a no brainer."
Hearn confirmed that they had offered the LLDC a rental of £500,000 a year
whilst they remain in League One, increasing to £1m in the Championship and
going up to £5m if they were ever to reach the Premier League. Without a
move, Hearn thinks that the future for the club is a bleak one. "No
youngster in our catchment area would consider going to Leyton Orient if
West Ham are at the Olympic Stadium," he said. "This would condemn Orient,
not necessarily to death, but down the divisions over a five-year period.
"Our average crowd is 5,000, moving to the Olympic Stadium is a challenge,
but it is a great challenge. We are not in this to make money, we are a
community club and as a club we live in the real world," said Hearn who has
not given up hope. "My front door is 750 yards from the Olympic Stadium. The
Olympics was about dreams, but why does that dream die after three or four
weeks? "Football club owners have dreams too."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, July 23
Daily WHUFC News - 23rd July 2013
Noble looking for quick response
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble wants West Ham United to bounce back quickly when they face
Hamburg on Tuesday
22.07.2013
Mark Noble says the mentality of West Ham United's pre-season will not be
affected by Saturday's defeat to Mainz. The Hammers lost 4-1 to the German
side, but won their previous four fixtures and Noble wants to bounce back
when they face Hamburg on Tuesday. West Ham play three games in their tour
of Germany and Noble expects them to get stronger with every match they
play. He said: "It was not the best result in the world on Saturday but it
is about getting fit in these games "We came to Germany last year and had a
similar turnout when we'd come on the back of four wins. We're finding our
feet and some of the lads played 75 minutes, so it was a brilliant workout,
exactly what we needed and now we're looking forward to the next one against
Hamburg.
"I was hoping to play the full 90 to get the fitness under my belt, but they
decided to give me 75 minutes and hopefully I'll play my part in the next
couple of games. "These German sides are good. They're technically very good
and drilled really well. It was a good workout for the lads. No-one likes
losing, even in pre-season, but the result won't come into it. "Pre-season
isn't just about getting fit, it's about getting together as a squad,
getting the new signings involved and trying to enjoy it. "We have done and
now it's Hamburg. We want to get some more training under our belts, get
ready for the next game and continue to get ready for the season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jarvis has sights set on more success
WHUFC.com
Matt Jarvis is looking forward to striking up a useful partnership with Andy
Carroll this season
22.07.2013
Matt Jarvis is looking forward to supplying the ammunition for Andy Carroll
this season. Jarvis, who delivered more crosses than any other player in the
Barclays Premier League last term, is well set to play the role of provider
again in his second year as a West Ham United player. The 27-year-old winger
is currently on tour with the Hammers in Germany and he is already looking
forward to another productive campaign. He told West Ham TV exclusively: "I
think I got better and better as the season went on. I enjoyed all of it and
hopefully I can carry on from where I left off. "Hopefully I can supply Andy
with a lot this year. If I can keep putting the crosses in, he'll try to win
everything in the box, so hopefully that will become a good partnership. "I
need to add more goals to my game from last season, and to keep up the
assists."
Sam Allardyce's men are set to take on Hamburger SV on Tuesday in the
northern German town of Flensburg, and Jarvis could well come up against a
former teammate in the shape of Michael Mancienne. The former England U21
international played alongside Jarvis at Wolverhampton Wanderers and joined
Hamburg from Chelsea in 2011. He continued: "Michael was on loan with us at
Wolves and he was a fantastic player for us at the time. I'm sure he'll be
very good for Hamburg. "I actually saw him on holiday but we didn't know we
were playing each other in pre-season at the time, so I might give him a
little call now. "It's been a good pre-season so far. It's been very warm,
which makes it tough running around in this heat, but it has been going well
and I'm looking forward to getting some more games. "Hopefully I'll get
quite a few minutes in against Hamburg, and really push on. "You always want
to play as many games as you can before the start of the season and get your
fitness as high as it possibly can, so that you can hit the ground running.
"I was a late arrival here last year, so it's beneficial to be here from the
start. You go away on tour and you spend a lot of time together - getting
together as a team is always important."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
RIP Phil Woosnam: a unique player and teacher
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 22nd July 2013
By: Paul Walker
Phil Woosnam passed away in the States this weekend at 80, a man who became
a huge name in football after he left West Ham…but to those of a certain
claret and blue vintage, he was a legend who had a massive impact on the
transformation of our club in the 1960s.
Woosie was different. A skilled and cultured passing inside forward, he
didn't arrive at the Boleyn until he was 26, having been a physics teacher
at Leyton County High School and a renowned amateur player.
The Irons bought him from Leyton Orient in 1958, where he had only just
signed professional forms after playing for the Os as an amateur, something
unheard of in modern day football.
Woosnam, born in Caersws, Montgomeryshire in 1932, he had played for Wales
schools, youth and their amateur international side and studied at Bangor
University, where he also had a spell with Wrexham and played one game in
1952 for Manchester City.
He joined the Royal Artillery and played alongside Manchester United greats
Duncan Edwards and Eddie Coleman during his army soccer career.
But teaching was his career path, and he continued as an amateur with Sutton
United and the famous Middlesex Wanderers before joining Orient. He won his
first full Wales cap while still an amateur at Orient, before making 14
appearances for his country while at Upton Park.
In fact, Woosnam - a cousin of golfer Ian - only gave up his teaching
profession when he joined Ted Fenton's squad for a then club record of
£30,000. He went straight from the classroom into our First Division team.
At the time, West Ham were still evolving into a top flight side after 26
years in the then Second Division. Champions the season before, Woosnam
arrived and instantly gave West Ham a new dimension. Clever, inventive and
with a football brain to go with his academic one.
It is hard to underestimate the influence Woosnam had on the young men
around him who progressed soon into Ron Greenwood's great side of '64, '65,
and '66. Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters, Ronnie Boyce, Joe Kirkup
and even John Lyall played alongside the Welshman.
When he arrived in '58, the players of the promotion side were, obviously,
still around. John Dick, Vic Keeble, John Bond, Ken Brown, Noel Cantwell,
Andy Malcolm, Malcolm Musgrove, John Smith and the like were the stars.
Woosnam was a vital link between West Ham's old and new generations. His
intelligence and talent helped lay the foundations for what was to come.
Although he strangely missed the key moment that established West Ham as a
new force, leaving before the 1964 Cup Final triumph.
He was sold to Aston Villa for £27,000 in 1963, a move that surprised many.
He had played 153 games for us and scored 29 goals.
The emergence of Boyce, and the signing of Johnny Byrne no doubt allowed
Greenwood to sell Woosnam. The talk at the time was that the highly
intelligent Woosnam was just a little too much of a barrack room lawyer for
Greenwood's taste. The young Welshman must have stuck out like a sore thumb
in West Ham's very East End working class dressing room, a graduate and a
very clever man.
He would have no doubt, questioned things he did not agree with, and was a
ready spokesman for the players.
But another reason was that he was a very ambitious man. The move to Villa
saw him play another 111 first team games, picking up another two caps
before making what was then a brave decision to take up a player-coach role
in the States with Atlanta Chiefs, by which time he was 34, and ended his
playing career there.
From then on, Woosnam became one of world soccer's great administrators. He
ran US soccer as their soccer league commissioner until 1982, helped in the
formation of New York Cosmos, which brought the likes of Pele to the Big
Apple. After leaving his role with the US league, he became an astute
businessman.
He was the marketing controller of US Soccer and had a major part to play in
getting the 1994 World Cup to the States. In 2003 the FA of Wales invited
Woosnam to spend time with them when they played the USA in California.
In more recent years he suffered from prostate cancer and Alzheimer's, and
died on Friday night in Atlanta. He will long be remembered for his work
promoting soccer in the States, but to West Ham fans from the 1960s, he was
the beginning of a new generation at the Boleyn.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble wants West Ham United to bounce back quickly when they face
Hamburg on Tuesday
22.07.2013
Mark Noble says the mentality of West Ham United's pre-season will not be
affected by Saturday's defeat to Mainz. The Hammers lost 4-1 to the German
side, but won their previous four fixtures and Noble wants to bounce back
when they face Hamburg on Tuesday. West Ham play three games in their tour
of Germany and Noble expects them to get stronger with every match they
play. He said: "It was not the best result in the world on Saturday but it
is about getting fit in these games "We came to Germany last year and had a
similar turnout when we'd come on the back of four wins. We're finding our
feet and some of the lads played 75 minutes, so it was a brilliant workout,
exactly what we needed and now we're looking forward to the next one against
Hamburg.
"I was hoping to play the full 90 to get the fitness under my belt, but they
decided to give me 75 minutes and hopefully I'll play my part in the next
couple of games. "These German sides are good. They're technically very good
and drilled really well. It was a good workout for the lads. No-one likes
losing, even in pre-season, but the result won't come into it. "Pre-season
isn't just about getting fit, it's about getting together as a squad,
getting the new signings involved and trying to enjoy it. "We have done and
now it's Hamburg. We want to get some more training under our belts, get
ready for the next game and continue to get ready for the season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jarvis has sights set on more success
WHUFC.com
Matt Jarvis is looking forward to striking up a useful partnership with Andy
Carroll this season
22.07.2013
Matt Jarvis is looking forward to supplying the ammunition for Andy Carroll
this season. Jarvis, who delivered more crosses than any other player in the
Barclays Premier League last term, is well set to play the role of provider
again in his second year as a West Ham United player. The 27-year-old winger
is currently on tour with the Hammers in Germany and he is already looking
forward to another productive campaign. He told West Ham TV exclusively: "I
think I got better and better as the season went on. I enjoyed all of it and
hopefully I can carry on from where I left off. "Hopefully I can supply Andy
with a lot this year. If I can keep putting the crosses in, he'll try to win
everything in the box, so hopefully that will become a good partnership. "I
need to add more goals to my game from last season, and to keep up the
assists."
Sam Allardyce's men are set to take on Hamburger SV on Tuesday in the
northern German town of Flensburg, and Jarvis could well come up against a
former teammate in the shape of Michael Mancienne. The former England U21
international played alongside Jarvis at Wolverhampton Wanderers and joined
Hamburg from Chelsea in 2011. He continued: "Michael was on loan with us at
Wolves and he was a fantastic player for us at the time. I'm sure he'll be
very good for Hamburg. "I actually saw him on holiday but we didn't know we
were playing each other in pre-season at the time, so I might give him a
little call now. "It's been a good pre-season so far. It's been very warm,
which makes it tough running around in this heat, but it has been going well
and I'm looking forward to getting some more games. "Hopefully I'll get
quite a few minutes in against Hamburg, and really push on. "You always want
to play as many games as you can before the start of the season and get your
fitness as high as it possibly can, so that you can hit the ground running.
"I was a late arrival here last year, so it's beneficial to be here from the
start. You go away on tour and you spend a lot of time together - getting
together as a team is always important."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
RIP Phil Woosnam: a unique player and teacher
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 22nd July 2013
By: Paul Walker
Phil Woosnam passed away in the States this weekend at 80, a man who became
a huge name in football after he left West Ham…but to those of a certain
claret and blue vintage, he was a legend who had a massive impact on the
transformation of our club in the 1960s.
Woosie was different. A skilled and cultured passing inside forward, he
didn't arrive at the Boleyn until he was 26, having been a physics teacher
at Leyton County High School and a renowned amateur player.
The Irons bought him from Leyton Orient in 1958, where he had only just
signed professional forms after playing for the Os as an amateur, something
unheard of in modern day football.
Woosnam, born in Caersws, Montgomeryshire in 1932, he had played for Wales
schools, youth and their amateur international side and studied at Bangor
University, where he also had a spell with Wrexham and played one game in
1952 for Manchester City.
He joined the Royal Artillery and played alongside Manchester United greats
Duncan Edwards and Eddie Coleman during his army soccer career.
But teaching was his career path, and he continued as an amateur with Sutton
United and the famous Middlesex Wanderers before joining Orient. He won his
first full Wales cap while still an amateur at Orient, before making 14
appearances for his country while at Upton Park.
In fact, Woosnam - a cousin of golfer Ian - only gave up his teaching
profession when he joined Ted Fenton's squad for a then club record of
£30,000. He went straight from the classroom into our First Division team.
At the time, West Ham were still evolving into a top flight side after 26
years in the then Second Division. Champions the season before, Woosnam
arrived and instantly gave West Ham a new dimension. Clever, inventive and
with a football brain to go with his academic one.
It is hard to underestimate the influence Woosnam had on the young men
around him who progressed soon into Ron Greenwood's great side of '64, '65,
and '66. Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters, Ronnie Boyce, Joe Kirkup
and even John Lyall played alongside the Welshman.
When he arrived in '58, the players of the promotion side were, obviously,
still around. John Dick, Vic Keeble, John Bond, Ken Brown, Noel Cantwell,
Andy Malcolm, Malcolm Musgrove, John Smith and the like were the stars.
Woosnam was a vital link between West Ham's old and new generations. His
intelligence and talent helped lay the foundations for what was to come.
Although he strangely missed the key moment that established West Ham as a
new force, leaving before the 1964 Cup Final triumph.
He was sold to Aston Villa for £27,000 in 1963, a move that surprised many.
He had played 153 games for us and scored 29 goals.
The emergence of Boyce, and the signing of Johnny Byrne no doubt allowed
Greenwood to sell Woosnam. The talk at the time was that the highly
intelligent Woosnam was just a little too much of a barrack room lawyer for
Greenwood's taste. The young Welshman must have stuck out like a sore thumb
in West Ham's very East End working class dressing room, a graduate and a
very clever man.
He would have no doubt, questioned things he did not agree with, and was a
ready spokesman for the players.
But another reason was that he was a very ambitious man. The move to Villa
saw him play another 111 first team games, picking up another two caps
before making what was then a brave decision to take up a player-coach role
in the States with Atlanta Chiefs, by which time he was 34, and ended his
playing career there.
From then on, Woosnam became one of world soccer's great administrators. He
ran US soccer as their soccer league commissioner until 1982, helped in the
formation of New York Cosmos, which brought the likes of Pele to the Big
Apple. After leaving his role with the US league, he became an astute
businessman.
He was the marketing controller of US Soccer and had a major part to play in
getting the 1994 World Cup to the States. In 2003 the FA of Wales invited
Woosnam to spend time with them when they played the USA in California.
In more recent years he suffered from prostate cancer and Alzheimer's, and
died on Friday night in Atlanta. He will long be remembered for his work
promoting soccer in the States, but to West Ham fans from the 1960s, he was
the beginning of a new generation at the Boleyn.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, July 22
Daily WHUFC News - 22nd July 2013
'We'll get stronger'
WHUFC.com
Joe Cole is sure Saturday's defeat at Mainz will turn out to be a positive
experience for the Hammers
21.07.2013
Joe Cole believes West Ham United will emerge from Saturday's 4-1 loss to
FSV Mainz 05 as a stronger unit. The German side inflicted a first
pre-season defeat on the Hammers with two goals either side of half-time,
with the visitors unable to respond, apart from Cole's volleyed-strike just
after the interval.
Cole was glad for the step up in the test received and insists they will
continue to improve by the time Tuesday's match with Hamburger SV comes
around.
"It's a little wake-up call," he told West Ham TV. "We had played four good
games beforehand, but this was a real test against a good Bundesliga side
and we came up short. "The result is not too important, but we're obviously
disappointed because you play to win. It's a wake-up call and I expect us to
be stronger when we play Hamburg on Tuesday. "These are the games you need,
and they are a bit ahead of us fitness-wise. It's another big test on
Tuesday and then of course we have another [in Braunschweig] on Saturday.
"You build up gradually and we won't panic [because of this result]. The
main thing is that we all came through unscathed, we got more minutes under
our belts and now we move on."
Cole was pleased to get on the scoresheet from a personal point of view, and
even happier to get more match minutes under his belt. He continued: "It's
always nice to score a goal and I was glad to get through the 65 minutes. I
was feeling a little tight in the thigh the last few days, so I was happy to
get through. "Maybe I won't play as much on Tuesday now, as the other lads
will play, but I'll look forward to the third game and this is what it's
about. "We're on tour, we're getting fit, we're training hard. It's not
normal preparation - you're overloading before games, and it's just about
getting through pre-season.
"We'll look to get stronger as the week goes on and get good results against
Hamburg and Braunschweig."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham: David Sullivan prioritises signing another striker
BBC.co.uk
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan says signing another striker is his top
transfer priority this summer. The Hammers spent a club record £15m on Andy
Carroll last month but still want to boost their attacking options. Carlton
Cole was released at the end of last season, while loanees Marouane Chamakh
and Wellington Paulista returned to their parent clubs. Sullivan said on
Twitter: "We are happy with the rest of the team - all we need now is pace
and goals."
West Ham goalscorers 2012-13
Kevin Nolan - 10 in 38 games
Andy Carroll - 7 in 24
Modibo Maiga - 4 in 23
Mark Noble - 4 in 30
Ricardo Vaz Te - 3 in 28
Mohamed Diame - 3 in 34
Carlton Cole - 2 in 29
Marouane Chamakh - 0 in 3
Carroll, 24, completed a permanent move to Upton Park after spending last
season on loan from Liverpool, but is recovering from a foot injury and
could miss the start of the campaign. Mali international Modibo Maiga, who
has scored four goals in 23 appearances for the club, is the Hammers' only
other recognised senior forward. Sullivan recognises that further attacking
resources are required if manager Sam Allardyce's squad are to improve on
last season's 10th-place Premier League finish. A move for Duvan Zapata from
Argentine club Estudiantes failed due to work permit issues. In a Q&A
session organised through his teenage son Jack's Twitter account, Sullivan
was asked whether Allardyce was looking to sign a new full-back "We need
goalscorers not defenders," the 64-year-old said, before responding to the
possibility of midfielder Scott Parker making a return to Upton Park on loan
from Tottenham by saying: "We have to focus wages on strikers due to [a]
wage cap but would love Scott back if there was room."
Sullivan also said loan moves for Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku and Raheem
Sterling of Liverpool were unlikely. Jack Sullivan's Twitter account has
become a key source of information about the Hammers of late, with the
13-year-old also exclusively revealing the signing of Carroll on a six-year
deal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ask David Sullivan
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 21st July 2013
By: Staff Writer
This afternoon, West Ham United's co-owner David Sullivan dropped in on
Twitter to answer questions put to him by supporters.
Sullivan, posting via his son Jack's account, spent more than an hour
talking to the fans in his first ever social media-based Q&A session. You
may read all the questions and answers via Jack Sullivan's Twitter feed, or
read on below in order to save you having to constantly scroll...
@HammerRaven: Do you think we need more pace? Moses or Sinclair on loan
would be perfect. Tom Ince ideal, but obviously pricey...
DS: We need more pace with one or two extra players.
@jordanwray16: How much money is left to spend?
DS: The problem is the wages, not the money. Under PPL we are capped.
@ahmet_tempz: David do you think the atmosphere in the Olympic Stadium will
be the same as Upton Park? And are we close to any signings ?
DS: Yes. It will be different but just as good.
@HammerRaven: What do you think of our style of play? Admittedly we no
Swansea but it's pragmatic, gets results. Are you happy with it?
DS: I thought in some games we played some good and exciting football. We
don't play like Wigan - but they got relegated.
@EllisWarrenUK: Where do you expect us to finish next season?
DS: Higher than last season with a Cup run.
@TaylorWild12: Why didn't we sign Wilfried Bony?
DS: Bony wouldn't have come as backup to Andy Carroll.
@30SECONDSTOGLEN: Would Loic Remy be an option? Very good forward with pace.
DS: He is facing a serious criminal charge and therefore is a high risk
signing.
@bbyrne7: Why go for Zapata (unproven)? Demba Ba and Darren Bent are both
available...
DS: We look to sign a younger player who could be a superstar.
@H18Dalton: If money were no object, which Premier League player would you
most like to sign?
DS: Robin Van Persie from the Premier League but I would also sign Ronaldo
from Spain. Pace, what we need!
@JohnBundock: Who is our most exciting young player and will youth get a
chance still?
DS: Elliot Lee or Ravel Morrison in my opinion, but others may disagree.
@Jamie_Seagrave: Why did you buy more shares?
DS: Because I wanted to get rid of the bank and show my commitment to the
club.
@RichMaher93: Have there been any further investigation into the Savio
signing?
DS: There is no hard evidence at this time.
@themooks: Have you made a decision not to bid on Birmingham's young players
and exploit their demise?
DS: We only bid on players Sam Allardyce asks us to bid on.
@MarcOfAsgard: Are we going to eye up any full backs during this transfer
window? Demel is past his prime.
DS: We need goalscorers, not defenders.
@RichMaher9: Any chance of a Scott Parker loan return?
DS: We have to focus wages on strikers due to the wage cap, but would love
Scott back if there was room.
@TheRobTaylor: You've done a great job with David Gold and Karren Brady with
the club, are we ready to win a Cup?
DS: Hopefully, but you need a lot of luck with the draw. But the League
comes first!
@ConnorwilsonLFC: What's your favourite away stadium?
DS: Cardiff, because that is where I am from originally.
@Vansbm: By upping your stake in the club do you believe we can clear the
debt ahead of schedule?
DS: I hope we are debt free by the time we go in to the Olympic Stadium.
@SeanioF87: Have you enquired about Lukaku?
DS: We would love him but I don't think Chelsea would loan or sell him.
@Sponge_lloyd: You referred to the wage cap. Man City must have an enormous
wage bill, surely there's no point to the FFP rules?
DS: Even they can't go up by £4million next season unless they generate
extra non-TV income.
@MattPois: What strikers are we looking at? And can you stop wearing that
ridiculous Russian hat and coat next season?
DS: It's a lucky hat and coat, very warm!
@Bishy613: How pleased are you with the new Adidas kits? I think they look
fantastic.
DS: Fantastic. I particularly like the away and training kit.
@dannnnt: I played at Upton Park in a tournament this year, will I be able
to do the same when we get the Olympic Stadium?
DS: We are only tenants so I don't think so, but I am sure there will be a
deal to strike.
@LewD7: Was there anyone big you tried and failed to sign?
DS: Neymar and Lukaku three years ago, at the same time.
@WHUFCGeezer: What's been your favourite on-pitch moment since taking over
at West Ham?
DS: Beating Manchester United 4-0 in the Carling Cup and Chelsea in the
league.
@whusmudge: Do you think we are running out of time to conduct our transfer
business? We can't afford to start slowly in the Premier League.
First published on www.KUMB.com.
DS: No. We still have four weeks until the start of season and hope to sign
a striker within 10 days.
@JoshTucker__: Is there still any chance of Zapata becoming a West Ham
player?
DS: No; unfortunately he cannot get a work permit.
@harris_whu: Adrian or Jussi Jaaskelainen as first choice goalkeeper?
DS: They're both very good 'keepers but I don't pick the team.
@CameronBroome97: How long until West Ham get European football?
DS: I would love to be in Europe this time next year!
@Johnsie31: Do we still owe Sheffield Utd any money for the Carlos Tevez
saga?
DS: Yes; the last payment is next month.
@Teguhrama: Would West Ham United tour to an Asian country?
DS: If we got the right offer, of course.
@KillianYnw: Are you interested in getting Sterling on loan?
DS: We don't think he is available but I like him. Very tricky and fast!
@SanderNyland: Will there be an athletics running track around the Olympic
Stadium?
DS: No; it will be covered with seats.
@liambarwick27: What's the best goal you've seen whilst being part of West
Ham?
DS: Every goal we score is a good one for me!
@ludowhufc: Would you consider Kenwyne Jones as our number two striker, or
are we aiming higher?
DS: He doesn't score enough for me, therefore we are aiming higher.
@Hammer_Balkan: Is Tomkins going to be first choice instead of Ginge?
DS: Ask Sam, not me. I rate them both highly.
@Jamie_Seagrave: How can you call £77 affordable football ?
DS: We have many kids for a quid games and half price games, such as Cardiff
and Stoke.
@Jamie_Seagrave: Why are we playing a crap, boring team for our home
pre-season fixture?
DS: pre-season is about getting players fit, results are irrelevant.
@af_ben: Will the club name the Olympic Stadium after one of the club's
great players, ie Bobby Moore or Sir Geoff Hurst? Or Paul Ince, maybe!?
DS: Yes we are!
@nickcollier1: Do you think West Ham can achieve a top 10 finish again this
year?
DS: Yes; hopefully higher.
@johnnyfkay: Can we copy Stoke and offer free travel to away games? We have
five games in London so it wouldn't be as expensive.
DS: We are £70million in debt, maybe in the future.
@desouza1994: Would you consider signing players from the Turkish football
league? I think there is a lot of hidden talent there.
DS: Most of them cannot get work permits.
@desouza1994: How about Yilmaz?
DS: We tried to get him this time last year but he wanted to stay in Turkey.
@iGeekApple: Do you think we need some younger players in the team?
DS: Yes and no. I love experience as do I love young talent.
@MattWebby4: Did anyone activate Mo Diame's release clause last summer?
DS: No.
@Brownpants99: Why don't you get a Twitter account, then you can stop all
the stupid rumours?
DS: I would say things I should not! Also I think Jack does a good job.
@gower82: How come the smallest kit you can buy is aged two years? What
about baby Hammers?
DS: We do have lots of outfits for babies. Have a look in the West Ham
store.
@SanderNyland22: Why is it so hard to get work permits for Zapata or Turkish
players?
DS: There are strict rules for non-EU players and they have to play 75 per
cent of internationals in the last two years to qualify.
@thegibbins: Can we please give Carlton Cole some form of a role at West
Ham? Lifetme President? We miss him.
DS: Carlton is a lovely man, we offered him a fantastic long-term deal this
time last year and he turned it down. I miss him too.
@themooks: Is there any chance of getting the live updates on the official
site improved, especially for mobiles?
DS: There are updates on Twitter.
@PambouE: Have you considered Samaras as back up to Andy Carroll? Celtic
captain and can play on the wing?
DS: It is a big jump from Scotland to the EPL. Many have failed, eg Boyd.
@MitchellClark__: Don't you think Darren Bent would be a good signing?
DS: He's very injury prone, but a good player on his day.
@JayJWillo: Except for strikers, who else are we looking to buy?
DS: We are happy with the rest of the team. All we need now is pace and
goals.
@ZachRV: Can we get some sleeveless training tops so I can look buff when I
train?
DS: The training gear is fantastic. Get some scissors and a needle and
thread!
@pepeDaina: Why have we heard no news about new investors, is the £70m debt
putting them off?
DS: Probably. It would have put me and DG off if we weren't local and didn't
love the club.
@jack_fleming8: Is there any chance you can make West Ham TV free?
DS: We will look into it. The problem is we have a deal with the people who
run the website.
@RossH1983: What do you want to be when you grow up?
DS: I want to be taller, but I am 64 so I doubt that is going to happen!
@ConnorG23: I have watched many games of Norwegian football and it should
really be looked into!
DS: Not many players have come from Norway, it is a big jump.
@WHUFCTALK1: Can we improve our scouting like Porto? They bring in the best
talent in the world.
DS: They don't need work permits in Portugal for players from South America
so it is so much easier for them.
@Ben_WHU: Any chance of getting West Ham TV on Sky and showing pre-season
games, like Liverpool TV?
DS: It's not viable at the moment but is in the pipeline.
@krisbell77: Is there going to be just the one more new signing or are we
strengthening throughout the squad?
DS: Maybe more.
@harrywhu: Do you ever see West Ham winning the Premier League?
DS: One day.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Sullivan: A new striker the priority for West Ham but we'd love Scott
Parker
Last Updated: July 21, 2013 5:43pm
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has revealed the Hammers are determined to
bring in another new striker before the transfer window closes.
Andy Carroll has arrived at Upton Park from Liverpool on a permanent deal
this summer for a club-record transfer fee, but boss Sam Allardyce remains
short of options up front. Carlton Cole, Marouane Chamakh and Wellington are
no longer at West Ham, while Carroll is nursing a foot injury that is likely
to see him miss the start of the season. Sullivan was asked by fans on
Twitter whether Allardyce was looking to sign a new full-back or attempt to
bring midfielder Scott Parker back to the club on loan from Tottenham.
However, the 64-year-old replied to both questions by stating that a new
forward was essential. "We need goal scorers not defenders," Sullivan said
when questioned about defensive targets, before responding to the
possibility of Parker making a return by saying: "We have to focus wages on
strikers due to wage cap but would love Scott back if there was room." When
asked if there were other targets, Sullivan reiterated his stance by
replying: "We are happy with the rest of the team. All we need now is pace
and goals." Sullivan also said loan moves for Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku and
Raheem Sterling of Liverpool were unlikely and revealed the former was a
target for West Ham some years ago.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's priority is finding a goalscorer to partner Andy Carroll, admits
Sullivan
21 Jul 2013 17:25
The Mirror
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has admitted the club are targeting a
proven goalscorer in the remainder of the transfer window. The Hammers have
already broken their club transfer window this summer by completing the
permanent signing of England forward Andy Carroll. But with the former
Liverpool and Newcastle sidelines by a heel injury and only misfiring Malian
Modibo Maiga in reserve, the East Londoners look perilously light up top
heading into the new season. A move for Duvan Zapata failed due to work
permit issues but a report in the Sunday People suggested that a move for
former Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou could be in the offing. Sullivan, who
was conducting a Q&A session through his son Jack's Twitter account, didn't
reveal who the Hammers were looking at, but did confirm a new goalscorer
remains the target ahead of the new season. He was asked by fans whether Sam
Allardyce was looking to sign a new full-back or attempt to bring Scott
Parker back to the club on loan, but the 64-year-old, who now owns over 55
per cent of West Ham, replied to both Tweets stating a frontman was
essential. "We need goal scorers not defenders," he said when questioned
about defensive targets, before responding to the possibility of Parker
making a return by saying: "We have to focus wages on strikers due to wage
cap but would love Scott back if there was room." When asked if there were
other targets, Sullivan reiterated his stance by replying: "We are happy
with the rest of the team all we need now is pace and goals."
When asked whether West Ham would consider turning to Kenwyne Jones to solve
their striker shortage, Sullivan replied: "[He] doesn't score enough for me,
therefore we are aiming higher."
Sullivan also said loan moves for Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku and Raheem
Sterling of Liverpool were unlikely and revealed the former was a target for
West Ham some years ago.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Joe Cole is sure Saturday's defeat at Mainz will turn out to be a positive
experience for the Hammers
21.07.2013
Joe Cole believes West Ham United will emerge from Saturday's 4-1 loss to
FSV Mainz 05 as a stronger unit. The German side inflicted a first
pre-season defeat on the Hammers with two goals either side of half-time,
with the visitors unable to respond, apart from Cole's volleyed-strike just
after the interval.
Cole was glad for the step up in the test received and insists they will
continue to improve by the time Tuesday's match with Hamburger SV comes
around.
"It's a little wake-up call," he told West Ham TV. "We had played four good
games beforehand, but this was a real test against a good Bundesliga side
and we came up short. "The result is not too important, but we're obviously
disappointed because you play to win. It's a wake-up call and I expect us to
be stronger when we play Hamburg on Tuesday. "These are the games you need,
and they are a bit ahead of us fitness-wise. It's another big test on
Tuesday and then of course we have another [in Braunschweig] on Saturday.
"You build up gradually and we won't panic [because of this result]. The
main thing is that we all came through unscathed, we got more minutes under
our belts and now we move on."
Cole was pleased to get on the scoresheet from a personal point of view, and
even happier to get more match minutes under his belt. He continued: "It's
always nice to score a goal and I was glad to get through the 65 minutes. I
was feeling a little tight in the thigh the last few days, so I was happy to
get through. "Maybe I won't play as much on Tuesday now, as the other lads
will play, but I'll look forward to the third game and this is what it's
about. "We're on tour, we're getting fit, we're training hard. It's not
normal preparation - you're overloading before games, and it's just about
getting through pre-season.
"We'll look to get stronger as the week goes on and get good results against
Hamburg and Braunschweig."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham: David Sullivan prioritises signing another striker
BBC.co.uk
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan says signing another striker is his top
transfer priority this summer. The Hammers spent a club record £15m on Andy
Carroll last month but still want to boost their attacking options. Carlton
Cole was released at the end of last season, while loanees Marouane Chamakh
and Wellington Paulista returned to their parent clubs. Sullivan said on
Twitter: "We are happy with the rest of the team - all we need now is pace
and goals."
West Ham goalscorers 2012-13
Kevin Nolan - 10 in 38 games
Andy Carroll - 7 in 24
Modibo Maiga - 4 in 23
Mark Noble - 4 in 30
Ricardo Vaz Te - 3 in 28
Mohamed Diame - 3 in 34
Carlton Cole - 2 in 29
Marouane Chamakh - 0 in 3
Carroll, 24, completed a permanent move to Upton Park after spending last
season on loan from Liverpool, but is recovering from a foot injury and
could miss the start of the campaign. Mali international Modibo Maiga, who
has scored four goals in 23 appearances for the club, is the Hammers' only
other recognised senior forward. Sullivan recognises that further attacking
resources are required if manager Sam Allardyce's squad are to improve on
last season's 10th-place Premier League finish. A move for Duvan Zapata from
Argentine club Estudiantes failed due to work permit issues. In a Q&A
session organised through his teenage son Jack's Twitter account, Sullivan
was asked whether Allardyce was looking to sign a new full-back "We need
goalscorers not defenders," the 64-year-old said, before responding to the
possibility of midfielder Scott Parker making a return to Upton Park on loan
from Tottenham by saying: "We have to focus wages on strikers due to [a]
wage cap but would love Scott back if there was room."
Sullivan also said loan moves for Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku and Raheem
Sterling of Liverpool were unlikely. Jack Sullivan's Twitter account has
become a key source of information about the Hammers of late, with the
13-year-old also exclusively revealing the signing of Carroll on a six-year
deal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ask David Sullivan
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 21st July 2013
By: Staff Writer
This afternoon, West Ham United's co-owner David Sullivan dropped in on
Twitter to answer questions put to him by supporters.
Sullivan, posting via his son Jack's account, spent more than an hour
talking to the fans in his first ever social media-based Q&A session. You
may read all the questions and answers via Jack Sullivan's Twitter feed, or
read on below in order to save you having to constantly scroll...
@HammerRaven: Do you think we need more pace? Moses or Sinclair on loan
would be perfect. Tom Ince ideal, but obviously pricey...
DS: We need more pace with one or two extra players.
@jordanwray16: How much money is left to spend?
DS: The problem is the wages, not the money. Under PPL we are capped.
@ahmet_tempz: David do you think the atmosphere in the Olympic Stadium will
be the same as Upton Park? And are we close to any signings ?
DS: Yes. It will be different but just as good.
@HammerRaven: What do you think of our style of play? Admittedly we no
Swansea but it's pragmatic, gets results. Are you happy with it?
DS: I thought in some games we played some good and exciting football. We
don't play like Wigan - but they got relegated.
@EllisWarrenUK: Where do you expect us to finish next season?
DS: Higher than last season with a Cup run.
@TaylorWild12: Why didn't we sign Wilfried Bony?
DS: Bony wouldn't have come as backup to Andy Carroll.
@30SECONDSTOGLEN: Would Loic Remy be an option? Very good forward with pace.
DS: He is facing a serious criminal charge and therefore is a high risk
signing.
@bbyrne7: Why go for Zapata (unproven)? Demba Ba and Darren Bent are both
available...
DS: We look to sign a younger player who could be a superstar.
@H18Dalton: If money were no object, which Premier League player would you
most like to sign?
DS: Robin Van Persie from the Premier League but I would also sign Ronaldo
from Spain. Pace, what we need!
@JohnBundock: Who is our most exciting young player and will youth get a
chance still?
DS: Elliot Lee or Ravel Morrison in my opinion, but others may disagree.
@Jamie_Seagrave: Why did you buy more shares?
DS: Because I wanted to get rid of the bank and show my commitment to the
club.
@RichMaher93: Have there been any further investigation into the Savio
signing?
DS: There is no hard evidence at this time.
@themooks: Have you made a decision not to bid on Birmingham's young players
and exploit their demise?
DS: We only bid on players Sam Allardyce asks us to bid on.
@MarcOfAsgard: Are we going to eye up any full backs during this transfer
window? Demel is past his prime.
DS: We need goalscorers, not defenders.
@RichMaher9: Any chance of a Scott Parker loan return?
DS: We have to focus wages on strikers due to the wage cap, but would love
Scott back if there was room.
@TheRobTaylor: You've done a great job with David Gold and Karren Brady with
the club, are we ready to win a Cup?
DS: Hopefully, but you need a lot of luck with the draw. But the League
comes first!
@ConnorwilsonLFC: What's your favourite away stadium?
DS: Cardiff, because that is where I am from originally.
@Vansbm: By upping your stake in the club do you believe we can clear the
debt ahead of schedule?
DS: I hope we are debt free by the time we go in to the Olympic Stadium.
@SeanioF87: Have you enquired about Lukaku?
DS: We would love him but I don't think Chelsea would loan or sell him.
@Sponge_lloyd: You referred to the wage cap. Man City must have an enormous
wage bill, surely there's no point to the FFP rules?
DS: Even they can't go up by £4million next season unless they generate
extra non-TV income.
@MattPois: What strikers are we looking at? And can you stop wearing that
ridiculous Russian hat and coat next season?
DS: It's a lucky hat and coat, very warm!
@Bishy613: How pleased are you with the new Adidas kits? I think they look
fantastic.
DS: Fantastic. I particularly like the away and training kit.
@dannnnt: I played at Upton Park in a tournament this year, will I be able
to do the same when we get the Olympic Stadium?
DS: We are only tenants so I don't think so, but I am sure there will be a
deal to strike.
@LewD7: Was there anyone big you tried and failed to sign?
DS: Neymar and Lukaku three years ago, at the same time.
@WHUFCGeezer: What's been your favourite on-pitch moment since taking over
at West Ham?
DS: Beating Manchester United 4-0 in the Carling Cup and Chelsea in the
league.
@whusmudge: Do you think we are running out of time to conduct our transfer
business? We can't afford to start slowly in the Premier League.
First published on www.KUMB.com.
DS: No. We still have four weeks until the start of season and hope to sign
a striker within 10 days.
@JoshTucker__: Is there still any chance of Zapata becoming a West Ham
player?
DS: No; unfortunately he cannot get a work permit.
@harris_whu: Adrian or Jussi Jaaskelainen as first choice goalkeeper?
DS: They're both very good 'keepers but I don't pick the team.
@CameronBroome97: How long until West Ham get European football?
DS: I would love to be in Europe this time next year!
@Johnsie31: Do we still owe Sheffield Utd any money for the Carlos Tevez
saga?
DS: Yes; the last payment is next month.
@Teguhrama: Would West Ham United tour to an Asian country?
DS: If we got the right offer, of course.
@KillianYnw: Are you interested in getting Sterling on loan?
DS: We don't think he is available but I like him. Very tricky and fast!
@SanderNyland: Will there be an athletics running track around the Olympic
Stadium?
DS: No; it will be covered with seats.
@liambarwick27: What's the best goal you've seen whilst being part of West
Ham?
DS: Every goal we score is a good one for me!
@ludowhufc: Would you consider Kenwyne Jones as our number two striker, or
are we aiming higher?
DS: He doesn't score enough for me, therefore we are aiming higher.
@Hammer_Balkan: Is Tomkins going to be first choice instead of Ginge?
DS: Ask Sam, not me. I rate them both highly.
@Jamie_Seagrave: How can you call £77 affordable football ?
DS: We have many kids for a quid games and half price games, such as Cardiff
and Stoke.
@Jamie_Seagrave: Why are we playing a crap, boring team for our home
pre-season fixture?
DS: pre-season is about getting players fit, results are irrelevant.
@af_ben: Will the club name the Olympic Stadium after one of the club's
great players, ie Bobby Moore or Sir Geoff Hurst? Or Paul Ince, maybe!?
DS: Yes we are!
@nickcollier1: Do you think West Ham can achieve a top 10 finish again this
year?
DS: Yes; hopefully higher.
@johnnyfkay: Can we copy Stoke and offer free travel to away games? We have
five games in London so it wouldn't be as expensive.
DS: We are £70million in debt, maybe in the future.
@desouza1994: Would you consider signing players from the Turkish football
league? I think there is a lot of hidden talent there.
DS: Most of them cannot get work permits.
@desouza1994: How about Yilmaz?
DS: We tried to get him this time last year but he wanted to stay in Turkey.
@iGeekApple: Do you think we need some younger players in the team?
DS: Yes and no. I love experience as do I love young talent.
@MattWebby4: Did anyone activate Mo Diame's release clause last summer?
DS: No.
@Brownpants99: Why don't you get a Twitter account, then you can stop all
the stupid rumours?
DS: I would say things I should not! Also I think Jack does a good job.
@gower82: How come the smallest kit you can buy is aged two years? What
about baby Hammers?
DS: We do have lots of outfits for babies. Have a look in the West Ham
store.
@SanderNyland22: Why is it so hard to get work permits for Zapata or Turkish
players?
DS: There are strict rules for non-EU players and they have to play 75 per
cent of internationals in the last two years to qualify.
@thegibbins: Can we please give Carlton Cole some form of a role at West
Ham? Lifetme President? We miss him.
DS: Carlton is a lovely man, we offered him a fantastic long-term deal this
time last year and he turned it down. I miss him too.
@themooks: Is there any chance of getting the live updates on the official
site improved, especially for mobiles?
DS: There are updates on Twitter.
@PambouE: Have you considered Samaras as back up to Andy Carroll? Celtic
captain and can play on the wing?
DS: It is a big jump from Scotland to the EPL. Many have failed, eg Boyd.
@MitchellClark__: Don't you think Darren Bent would be a good signing?
DS: He's very injury prone, but a good player on his day.
@JayJWillo: Except for strikers, who else are we looking to buy?
DS: We are happy with the rest of the team. All we need now is pace and
goals.
@ZachRV: Can we get some sleeveless training tops so I can look buff when I
train?
DS: The training gear is fantastic. Get some scissors and a needle and
thread!
@pepeDaina: Why have we heard no news about new investors, is the £70m debt
putting them off?
DS: Probably. It would have put me and DG off if we weren't local and didn't
love the club.
@jack_fleming8: Is there any chance you can make West Ham TV free?
DS: We will look into it. The problem is we have a deal with the people who
run the website.
@RossH1983: What do you want to be when you grow up?
DS: I want to be taller, but I am 64 so I doubt that is going to happen!
@ConnorG23: I have watched many games of Norwegian football and it should
really be looked into!
DS: Not many players have come from Norway, it is a big jump.
@WHUFCTALK1: Can we improve our scouting like Porto? They bring in the best
talent in the world.
DS: They don't need work permits in Portugal for players from South America
so it is so much easier for them.
@Ben_WHU: Any chance of getting West Ham TV on Sky and showing pre-season
games, like Liverpool TV?
DS: It's not viable at the moment but is in the pipeline.
@krisbell77: Is there going to be just the one more new signing or are we
strengthening throughout the squad?
DS: Maybe more.
@harrywhu: Do you ever see West Ham winning the Premier League?
DS: One day.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Sullivan: A new striker the priority for West Ham but we'd love Scott
Parker
Last Updated: July 21, 2013 5:43pm
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has revealed the Hammers are determined to
bring in another new striker before the transfer window closes.
Andy Carroll has arrived at Upton Park from Liverpool on a permanent deal
this summer for a club-record transfer fee, but boss Sam Allardyce remains
short of options up front. Carlton Cole, Marouane Chamakh and Wellington are
no longer at West Ham, while Carroll is nursing a foot injury that is likely
to see him miss the start of the season. Sullivan was asked by fans on
Twitter whether Allardyce was looking to sign a new full-back or attempt to
bring midfielder Scott Parker back to the club on loan from Tottenham.
However, the 64-year-old replied to both questions by stating that a new
forward was essential. "We need goal scorers not defenders," Sullivan said
when questioned about defensive targets, before responding to the
possibility of Parker making a return by saying: "We have to focus wages on
strikers due to wage cap but would love Scott back if there was room." When
asked if there were other targets, Sullivan reiterated his stance by
replying: "We are happy with the rest of the team. All we need now is pace
and goals." Sullivan also said loan moves for Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku and
Raheem Sterling of Liverpool were unlikely and revealed the former was a
target for West Ham some years ago.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's priority is finding a goalscorer to partner Andy Carroll, admits
Sullivan
21 Jul 2013 17:25
The Mirror
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has admitted the club are targeting a
proven goalscorer in the remainder of the transfer window. The Hammers have
already broken their club transfer window this summer by completing the
permanent signing of England forward Andy Carroll. But with the former
Liverpool and Newcastle sidelines by a heel injury and only misfiring Malian
Modibo Maiga in reserve, the East Londoners look perilously light up top
heading into the new season. A move for Duvan Zapata failed due to work
permit issues but a report in the Sunday People suggested that a move for
former Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou could be in the offing. Sullivan, who
was conducting a Q&A session through his son Jack's Twitter account, didn't
reveal who the Hammers were looking at, but did confirm a new goalscorer
remains the target ahead of the new season. He was asked by fans whether Sam
Allardyce was looking to sign a new full-back or attempt to bring Scott
Parker back to the club on loan, but the 64-year-old, who now owns over 55
per cent of West Ham, replied to both Tweets stating a frontman was
essential. "We need goal scorers not defenders," he said when questioned
about defensive targets, before responding to the possibility of Parker
making a return by saying: "We have to focus wages on strikers due to wage
cap but would love Scott back if there was room." When asked if there were
other targets, Sullivan reiterated his stance by replying: "We are happy
with the rest of the team all we need now is pace and goals."
When asked whether West Ham would consider turning to Kenwyne Jones to solve
their striker shortage, Sullivan replied: "[He] doesn't score enough for me,
therefore we are aiming higher."
Sullivan also said loan moves for Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku and Raheem
Sterling of Liverpool were unlikely and revealed the former was a target for
West Ham some years ago.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, July 21
Daily WHUFC News - 21st July 2013
Macca predicting hard work ahead
WHUFC.com
West Ham United assistant manager Neil McDonald has said Saturday's defeat
to FSV Mainz 05 shows there is room for improvement
20.07.2013
Neil McDonald believes that West Ham United's 4-1 defeat at FSV Mainz 05 on
Saturday proves there is still much work to be done before the start of the
new Barclays Premier League season on 17 August. The Hammers went into the
opening fixture of their pre-season tour of Germany having won all four of
their previous warm-up matches since returning to training on 1 July. The
step up in class was notable though as the hosts raced into a two goal lead
early on. Joe Cole's clever finish offered West Ham hope just after the
break, however they would go on to suffer their first taste of defeat as a
third - from the penalty spot - and a late fourth completed the Bundesliga
outfit's win. "I think it shows us we've still got a long way to go to and a
lot of fitness to catch up on," West Ham United assistant manager McDonald
said. "Mainz played really well and showed if you move quickly to receive
the ball you've got a better chance of scoring goals. "We showed a little
bit of character in the first 20 minutes of the second half to get back in
the game through Joe Cole but then we just faded away a bit at the end.
There's still plenty to work on and still plenty to do."
While no footballer in the world likes losing matches, McDonald believes
that defeats - as well as victories - mean very little at this stage of the
season. The former Newcastle United and Everton defender also cited the fact
that Mainz's season starts two weeks earlier than their east London
visitors' as a reason why they were sharper on the day. "Defeats in
pre-season, along with victories as well I suppose, are pretty meaningless.
What we're looking for is performances all the way through. We were slightly
down on the performance on Saturday. I don't know if that was the heat or
the team we were playing against. We know we can do better. "I think you
could see Mainz were ahead and that their season starts before ours. It was
a great test and they were obviously the strongest team we've faced so far.
It shows us we've still got a lot to do on the physical side as well as the
tactical side "But that's the reason why we play these kind of teams. They
are always very technical and you have to try to work out your shape and
they do play some really good football. It's the second season we've come to
Germany and the reason we do that is because we can face quality opposition
like this and it sharpens everyone up."
That hard work will begin with a double training session on Sunday in new
surroundings after the Hammers jetted straight off to Flensburg in northern
Germany after the game. They will train for a few days near the coast before
facing Hamburg in Flensburg on Tuesday evening. "We're going to be working
hard on the fitness and doing preparation for the next game as well so
there's plenty to do. I know our game on Tuesday will be a tough test.
They'll be two weeks ahead and they will play exactly the same way Mainz
did. It will be another tough test but that's exactly why we came to Germany
- for tough tests."
McDonald saved special praise for the hundreds of Hammers fans that turned
out in the sunshine to support their team. The Claret and Blue Army was a
mix of travelling fans from the United Kingdom and fans from Germany and
together they provided plenty of noise and support for the team in white.
"The travelling Hammers fans were brilliant," he concluded. "They come and
support their team wherever they are. Most are here for a few days but I'm
sure some will stay for all three games. I'm sure they'll see stronger and
better performances as the two games go along."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
On this day - 21 July
WHUFC.com
A key moment from the West Ham United archives on this day in history
21.07.2013
Anniversary
Name: Mike Marsh
Born: 21 July 1969, Kirkby, Liverpool
Clubs: Liverpool, West Ham United, Coventry City, Galatasaray, Southend
United, Kidderminster Harriers, Southport, Boston United, Accrington Stanley
Former West Ham United midfielder Mike Marsh is today celebrating his 44th
birthday. The Liverpudlian joined the Hammers - together with David Burrows
- from Liverpool in September 1993, as part of the deal that saw Julian
Dicks move in the opposite direction. Though he was a regular in his debut
season at the Boleyn Ground, Marsh's stay in east London lasted just 15
months. Having made some 42 starts in the 1993/94 campaign, his claret and
blue career ended the following December, courtesy of a £450,000 switch to
Coventry City.
Six months thereafter and Marsh was again on the move, this time joining up
with Graeme Souness' Galatasaray in Turkey. It was another misadventure,
however, as within three months he was plying his trade back on British soil
with Southend United. Now Liverpool's first-team coach, Marsh racked up 61
outings for the Hammers, scoring twice, including in a 4-1 win at White Hart
Lane.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham lose 4-1 to Mainz in pre-season friendly
Last Updated: July 20, 2013 9:37pm
SSN
West Ham suffered their first defeat ahead of the new season as they lost
4-1 to Mainz at the Stadion am Bruchweg. The Hammers had travelled to
Germany on the back of four successive friendly victories but they were no
match for the hosts in the first half. Dani Schahin gave Mainz a
ninth-minute lead when he collected Nicolai Muller's precise pass and fired
past Jussi Jaaskelainen. The home side doubled their advantage in the 21st
minute through Muller when he raced clear down the middle after combining
well with Benedikt Saller. Mainz, who are further ahead in their pre-season
preparations, continued to dominate before the interval and Muller almost
made it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time but Jaaskelainen diverted his shot
behind. West Ham improved after the interval and they were back in the game
in the 47th minute when Joe Cole volleyed home after Ricardo Vaz Te had
nodded back Mark Noble's free-kick. Modibo Maiga then went close to
equalising for the visitors before Mainz restored their two-goal cushion in
the 74th minute with Shawn Parker netting from the spot after James Tomkins
was penalised for a foul on Yunus Malli. Sebastian Polter then volleyed home
a fourth goal for the Bundesliga side from Parker's centre four minutes
later.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United assistant manager Neil McDonald has said Saturday's defeat
to FSV Mainz 05 shows there is room for improvement
20.07.2013
Neil McDonald believes that West Ham United's 4-1 defeat at FSV Mainz 05 on
Saturday proves there is still much work to be done before the start of the
new Barclays Premier League season on 17 August. The Hammers went into the
opening fixture of their pre-season tour of Germany having won all four of
their previous warm-up matches since returning to training on 1 July. The
step up in class was notable though as the hosts raced into a two goal lead
early on. Joe Cole's clever finish offered West Ham hope just after the
break, however they would go on to suffer their first taste of defeat as a
third - from the penalty spot - and a late fourth completed the Bundesliga
outfit's win. "I think it shows us we've still got a long way to go to and a
lot of fitness to catch up on," West Ham United assistant manager McDonald
said. "Mainz played really well and showed if you move quickly to receive
the ball you've got a better chance of scoring goals. "We showed a little
bit of character in the first 20 minutes of the second half to get back in
the game through Joe Cole but then we just faded away a bit at the end.
There's still plenty to work on and still plenty to do."
While no footballer in the world likes losing matches, McDonald believes
that defeats - as well as victories - mean very little at this stage of the
season. The former Newcastle United and Everton defender also cited the fact
that Mainz's season starts two weeks earlier than their east London
visitors' as a reason why they were sharper on the day. "Defeats in
pre-season, along with victories as well I suppose, are pretty meaningless.
What we're looking for is performances all the way through. We were slightly
down on the performance on Saturday. I don't know if that was the heat or
the team we were playing against. We know we can do better. "I think you
could see Mainz were ahead and that their season starts before ours. It was
a great test and they were obviously the strongest team we've faced so far.
It shows us we've still got a lot to do on the physical side as well as the
tactical side "But that's the reason why we play these kind of teams. They
are always very technical and you have to try to work out your shape and
they do play some really good football. It's the second season we've come to
Germany and the reason we do that is because we can face quality opposition
like this and it sharpens everyone up."
That hard work will begin with a double training session on Sunday in new
surroundings after the Hammers jetted straight off to Flensburg in northern
Germany after the game. They will train for a few days near the coast before
facing Hamburg in Flensburg on Tuesday evening. "We're going to be working
hard on the fitness and doing preparation for the next game as well so
there's plenty to do. I know our game on Tuesday will be a tough test.
They'll be two weeks ahead and they will play exactly the same way Mainz
did. It will be another tough test but that's exactly why we came to Germany
- for tough tests."
McDonald saved special praise for the hundreds of Hammers fans that turned
out in the sunshine to support their team. The Claret and Blue Army was a
mix of travelling fans from the United Kingdom and fans from Germany and
together they provided plenty of noise and support for the team in white.
"The travelling Hammers fans were brilliant," he concluded. "They come and
support their team wherever they are. Most are here for a few days but I'm
sure some will stay for all three games. I'm sure they'll see stronger and
better performances as the two games go along."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
On this day - 21 July
WHUFC.com
A key moment from the West Ham United archives on this day in history
21.07.2013
Anniversary
Name: Mike Marsh
Born: 21 July 1969, Kirkby, Liverpool
Clubs: Liverpool, West Ham United, Coventry City, Galatasaray, Southend
United, Kidderminster Harriers, Southport, Boston United, Accrington Stanley
Former West Ham United midfielder Mike Marsh is today celebrating his 44th
birthday. The Liverpudlian joined the Hammers - together with David Burrows
- from Liverpool in September 1993, as part of the deal that saw Julian
Dicks move in the opposite direction. Though he was a regular in his debut
season at the Boleyn Ground, Marsh's stay in east London lasted just 15
months. Having made some 42 starts in the 1993/94 campaign, his claret and
blue career ended the following December, courtesy of a £450,000 switch to
Coventry City.
Six months thereafter and Marsh was again on the move, this time joining up
with Graeme Souness' Galatasaray in Turkey. It was another misadventure,
however, as within three months he was plying his trade back on British soil
with Southend United. Now Liverpool's first-team coach, Marsh racked up 61
outings for the Hammers, scoring twice, including in a 4-1 win at White Hart
Lane.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham lose 4-1 to Mainz in pre-season friendly
Last Updated: July 20, 2013 9:37pm
SSN
West Ham suffered their first defeat ahead of the new season as they lost
4-1 to Mainz at the Stadion am Bruchweg. The Hammers had travelled to
Germany on the back of four successive friendly victories but they were no
match for the hosts in the first half. Dani Schahin gave Mainz a
ninth-minute lead when he collected Nicolai Muller's precise pass and fired
past Jussi Jaaskelainen. The home side doubled their advantage in the 21st
minute through Muller when he raced clear down the middle after combining
well with Benedikt Saller. Mainz, who are further ahead in their pre-season
preparations, continued to dominate before the interval and Muller almost
made it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time but Jaaskelainen diverted his shot
behind. West Ham improved after the interval and they were back in the game
in the 47th minute when Joe Cole volleyed home after Ricardo Vaz Te had
nodded back Mark Noble's free-kick. Modibo Maiga then went close to
equalising for the visitors before Mainz restored their two-goal cushion in
the 74th minute with Shawn Parker netting from the spot after James Tomkins
was penalised for a foul on Yunus Malli. Sebastian Polter then volleyed home
a fourth goal for the Bundesliga side from Parker's centre four minutes
later.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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