WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole has been re-called to the England squad for Wednesday's
international friendly with Hungary
07.08.2010
In-form West Ham United striker Carlton Cole has been called into Fabio
Capello's new-look England squad to face Hungary at Wembley on Wednesday.
Cole has been in superb shape in pre-season, scoring against Peterborough
United, VfL Borussia Monchengladbach, MK Dons and Ipswich Town and leading
the line in Saturday's SBOBET Cup victory over RC Deportivo La Coruna on
Saturday afternoon. The 26-year-old will be hoping to notch his first goal
for his country at senior level on what would be his eighth appearance for
England. Cole joins Herita Ilunga (DR Congo), Jonathan Spector (United
States), Thomas Hitzlsperger (Germany), Valon Behrami (Switzerland), Tal Ben
Haim (Israel) and Pablo Barrera (Mexico) in senior squad call-ups for
friendlies next week. Among those on Under-21 duty are Marek Stech, Holmar
Eyjolfsson and Fabio Daprela.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spot-on Barrera secures SBOBET Cup
WHUFC.com
Pablo Barrera was the hero as West Ham United edged out RC Deportivo La
Coruna on penalties
07.08.2010
West Ham United v RC Deportivo La Coruna
SBOBET Cup
Boleyn Ground
Saturday 7 August 2010
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Kevin Friend
West Ham United 0-0 RC Deportivo La Coruna
(West Ham United win 5-3 on penalties)
West Ham United won the inaugural SBOBET Cup following a thrilling penalty
shootout at the Boleyn Ground. New signing Pablo Barrera netted the winning
spot-kick after a goalless 90 minutes in east London, while Robert Green was
the other hero, saving from former Spain international midfielder Juan
Carlos Valeron. So, new manager Avram Grant wins a bit of silverware in his
first game in charge! Deportivo will feel a bit aggrieved, having created
the better chances during normal time, the most notable when forward Lassad
drilled a long-range shot against Green's upright. That matters not,
however, as West Ham have finished the pre-season unbeaten in seven matches.
The new signings have bedded in well, with Barrera catching the eye
following his introduction this afternoon. The Hammers return to action in
the Barclays Premier League a week today at Aston Villa before hosting
Bolton Wanderers here on 21 August. The Bolton match has been designated as
Kids for a Quid, so there is no excuse for not bringing the children down
for what promises to be an exciting afternoon at the Boleyn Ground. Be sure
to keep a close eye on whufc.com later for exclusive post-match reaction.
Penalty shootout
West Ham United 5-3 RC Deportivo La Coruna - Barrera scores! The Mexican
sends his shot past Manu and is congratulated by his jubilant teammates.
Barrera to win it...
West Ham United 4-3 RC Deportivo La Coruna - Diego Colotto curls the ball
into the top left-hand corner as Green goes the other way.
Colotto must score...
West Ham United 4-2 RC Deportivo La Coruna - Julien Faubert sends Manu the
wrong way, screwing the ball into the bottom left-hand corner.
West Ham United 3-2 RC Deportivo La Coruna - The veteran tries to outwit
Green by taking a stuttering run-up, but the England stopper dives to his
right to parry the ball aside.
West Ham United 3-2 RC Deportivo La Coruna - Piquionne finds the net for the
first time in a West Ham shirt, side-footing the ball inside the post and
just out of the reach of Manu.
West Ham United 2-2 RC Deportivo La Coruna - Rochela is very composed as he
tucks the ball inside the right-hand post.
West Ham United 2-1 RC Deportivo La Coruna - Cole sends Manu the wrong way,
tucking his penalty high inside the left-hand post.
West Ham United 1-1 RC Deportivo La Coruna - Ze Castro smashes a superb
penalty high to Green's left.
West Ham United 1-0 RC Deportivo La Coruna - Noble scores, driving low to
Manu's right.
The two sets of players are just grabbing a quick drink before captains Ze
Castro and Upson get some instructions from the referee. The kicks will be
taken in front of the Bobby Moore Stand. Mark Noble is going to take the
first spot-kick...
Final score - West Ham United 0-0 RC Deportivo La Coruna
91 mins - Noble takes the second corner and Tomkins gets his head to the
ball and nods it towards Cole. Manu does well again though and punches
clear. We're going to have a penalty shootout for the SBOBET Cup. I'm not
sure Piquionne and Colotto understand what's going on as they're swapping
shirts.
90 mins - We've got 60 seconds left on the clock or we're going to
penalties. You'll need no reminding that West Ham's last penalty shootout
took place following the 2006 FA Cup final. We might not need penalties
though as West Ham have a very late corner. Barrera to take it... The ball
is headed clear to Tomkins, who feeds Noble. The midfielder shoots low and
Manu dives full-length to push his effort around the post.
88 mins - Big chance for Deportivo. Laure gets forward well again and
crosses over the head of Tomkins for Riki, who heads over from eight yards.
Manuel Pablo gets a late run out in place of Laure. Maybe the veteran is a
penalty specialist!
87 mins - Noble lobs the ball to the edge of the box where Cole holds off
his marker and flicks it towards Piquionne. The new boy tries to divert it
into the far corner, but the ball rolls wide. It wouldn't have counted
anyway, as Piquionne was offside.
86 mins - Grant is out to the edge of his technical area, as is Deportivo
boss Lotina. Neither of the managers will really want penalties.
84 mins - The Mexican clearly doesn't like being shown up on his own patch,
picking up the ball and letting fly from the corner of the penalty area. The
ball flies just past the angle of post and crossbar.
83 mins - Barrera loses possesion midway inside the Deportivo half and the
Spaniards break through Alvarez, who fizzes a dipping shot a yard over the
top from 25 yards.
81 mins - Noble and Parker combine before the latter tries to find Piquionne
through the middle. The striker tries to flick the ball into his own path,
as the pass is slightly behind him, but it ricochets through to Manu.
79 mins - The attendance has been officially announced as 14,295. Perhaps a
few people have gone home since we were told earlier...!?
75 mins - Hitzlsperger is replaced by Luis Boa Morte. The German has had a
neat and tidy game on his home debut. Boa Morte gets a loud cheer as he
enters the fray. Barrera comes to the right flank and Boa Morte goes wide
left. Piquionne goes up front with Cole in what looks like a 4-4-2
formation. The Sir Trevor Brooking Stand lower sing "Avram, give us a wave"
and the manager responds, much to their approval.
73 mins - Two more changes from Deportivo. Riki and Juan Carlos Valeron are
on for Dioni and Rodriguez.
70 mins - We're getting towards the closing stages of the game and not a
huge amount is happening out there. Barrera has his first run at the
Deportivo defence before crossing left-footed towards Piquionne and Cole,
but Ze Castro is in the right place to head clear. Faubert picks up the
loose ball and beats one defender before crossing low, only for Cole to
slide in and foul his marker.
67 mins - I might have been a bit unfair on the Deportivo fans earlier.
Their numbers have swelled since I looked over before kick-off. There must
be about 100 of them in the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand.
64 mins - Piquionne is on the right of the front three, with Barrera on the
left. The Frenchman's first touch is a superb one and his run is only
stopped by a rather cynical ankle-tap by Juan Rodriguez.
63 mins - Gabbidon is replaced by Barrera, while Piquionne is on for
Diamanti.
62 mins - Deportivo have a free-kick wide on the right. The ball is curled
into the six-yard box and Green punches powerfully clear. We're going to see
Barrera and Piquionne in a few moments. The new boys get a nice ovation as
they make their way to the touchline.
60 mins - The crowd is announced as 14,507. Guardado is replaced by Saul,
which will be of a relief to Tomkins. Dominguez comes on for Lassad.
57 mins - Laure gets to the byline before looking up and clipping a cross
towards the penalty spot. Dioni twists and sends a looping header goalwards,
but that is an easy catch for Green. Deportivo are going to make some
changes in a short while.
56 mins - Diamanti drills a superb pass over the head of Rochela into the
path of Faubert. The Frenchman takes the ball in his stride superbly before
crossing towards Cole. Manu anticipates well and clutches the ball in front
of his face. Good play, though.
51 mins - Noble tries to thread a neat ball between Laure and Colotto
towards Ilunga. Laure gets a foot in and the ball bounces off the DR Congo
defender and it goes behind.
50 mins - Rochela concedes a corner. Diamanti's initial effort is cleared by
a defender. The Italian regains possession and crosses to the back post,
where Cole heads back across the face of goal towards Upson. Ze Castro heads
clear.
48 mins - Deportivo come close again. Alvarez gets in behind Upson and stabs
the ball across the six-yard box. Thankfully Dioni does not anticipate the
cross and Tomkins clears at the far post.
46 mins - Deportivo get us back underway through Dioni and Lassad. Guardado
threatens, but Tomkins gets in a toe and Ilunga heads clear.
Here come the two teams again. West Ham are out first. Diamanti and Diego
Seoane exchange a warm embrace. Let me try to find out why...
Half-time score - West Ham United 0-0 RC Deportivo La Coruna
46 mins - Referee Friend brings the first half to a close just a second over
the 45 minutes. Deportivo were the better of the two teams there and will
consider themselves unfortunate not to be ahead. Lassad came closest,
sending his rasping drive against the face of the upright. At the other end,
West Ham have not worked Manu often enough. Manager Grant will want to see
more cohesion from his side after the break.
44 mins - Tomkins does well, tracking Guardado before blocking the winger's
cross behind for a corner. The Mexican takes the flag-kick himself and
Rodriguez wins the header. It is on target, but too close to Green, who
catches diving to his left.
42 mins - Faubert does well before lofting a delicious ball over Ze Castro
into the path of Cole. The striker miscontrols and the ball squirts far
enough away for Manu to scramble out of his box and clear.
41 mins - Alvarez puts over another good cross from the right and Guardado
attacks the ball and wins it above Tomkins. The ball flies over the top.
Another warning for the Hammers.
39 mins - A period of nice one-touch stuff involving Hitzlsperger and Ilunga
ends with Noble trying to play in Parker, but Colotto is there again to
block the attempted through-ball.
37 mins - Deportivo threaten. Guardado is at the hub of the move again - he
really is a good player. The ball is worked wide right to Pablo Alvarez,
whose cross is headed clear by Upson at the near post.
34 mins - It's now chucking it down. I should be a weatherman! On a serious
note, the surface will be even slicker. Cole is fouled by Colotto deep
inside the Deportivo half. West Ham keep up the pressure and Parker drives
forward with typical gusto before unleashing a swerving effort that dips
just past the far post. Manu was diving full-length for that one.
33 mins - The floodlights are being turned on as Faubert wins a corner down
the right. Noble floats the ball across, but Cole can't direct his header
goalwards.
31 mins - While the football has brightened up, the weather has done the
opposite. It looks like we could be in for a bit of rain here.
29 mins - It's certainly livened up a bit here! West Ham win a free-kick
wide on the left. Diamanti curls the ball over and Manu shows good handling
to grab the ball inches off the ground.
28 mins - Lassad turns provider this time, curling over a cross that a
diving Dioni gets his head to. Thankfully Tomkins had tracked the forward's
run and is able to divert the ball out for another corner. Guardado crosses
and Green punches clear before Parker smashes the ball upfield.
27 mins - Oooooooooooh! That was close. Lassad runs forward from the halfway
line before thumping a rising drive off the post. The ball hits Green on the
back and flies wide for a corner. Upson wins the header and West Ham clear
through Faubert.
26 mins - Hitzlsperger has settled into life at the Boleyn Ground very
nicely. He looks very composed in possession and never panics, even in the
tightest of spots.
22 mins - Laure gets forward down the right and wins a corner off Ilunga.
Guardado to take... The Mexican curls the ball in left-footed and Upson
heads clear. Deportivo pick up possession again and feed Guardado. This time
he crosses right-footed and Lassad should do better with his header.
Instead, the ball flies harmlessly over the top.
20 mins - Hitzlsperger turns nicely before finding Parker. The midfielder
romps forward before spreading play left to Diamanti, who instantly plays
the ball to Ilunga. The DR Congo man wins a corner, but it comes to nothing.
18 mins - Diamanti and Faubert have switched wings. Da Costa and Boa Morte
head out for a jog and are quickly joined by Frederic Piquionne.
17 mins - Hitzlsperger gets a cheer from the crowd as he nutmegs Guardado
and tries to find Cole. Unfortunately, the striker is outmuscled by
centre-back Ze Castro and the chance is lost. Good play by the German,
though.
16 mins - Dioni outjumps Upson and heads the ball down to captain Juan
Rodriguez. The midfielder takes a touch and shoots from 30 yards, but his
effort slices high and wide of the left-hand post.
15 mins - A short break in play allows Grant to get some instructions to
Diamanti. Meanwhile, Daprela, Kovac and Stanislas are sent out for a jog
along the touchline.
13 mins - West Ham are knocking the ball around nicely enough, but they're
not hurting Deportivo just yet. A route-one pass from Noble tries to pick
out Cole's run, but goalkeeper Manu is out smartly to grab the ball on the
edge of his penalty area.
10 mins - Faubert does well to cut inside and stab the ball out left to
Diamanti. The Italian cuts inside his marker with a drop of the shoulder
before shooting powerfully. The shot is going nowhere near the goal, but it
thuds into the chest of defender Colotto, who needs treatment.
9 mins - Cole turns well and runs at the Deportivo defence before trying to
play in Faubert. The ball takes a nick off a defender and goes behind for a
corner. Diamanti takes the kick, but it is short to the near post and headed
clear.
7 mins - Good stuff. Guardado's low shot takes a slight deflection and Green
plunges to his right to palm the ball aside and Tomkins completes the
clearance.
6 mins - West Ham concede a free-kick in a dangerous position 25 yards out.
Guardado looks like he's going to take this one with his left foot. Robert
Green sets up his wall...
3 mins - Deportivo come forward down the right and win a throw, but the
danger is quickly snuffed out by Diamanti. Deportivo look very comfortable
in possession, as you would expect from a Spanish side. Laure overlaps down
the right, but his cross is low and poor, allowing Noble to clear with ease.
1 min - West Ham kick-off and go on the attack from the start. Diamanti is
playing down the left of the front three, with Faubert on the right in his
new attacking position.
3.04pm - We're nearly ready to go. Avram Grant is introduced to the crowd
and the new manager rises from his seat in the dugout to applaud the
supporters.
3.01pm - Bill Mummery and Boy Wong present a massive cheque for £10,000 to
the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK. The two captains are called
forward to go through the pre-match coin toss with referee Kevin Friend.
2.58pm - The strains of 'Bubbles' reverberate around the east London sky and
that can mean only one thing... Here come the two teams, led by captains
Matthew Upson and Juan Rodriguez. The two sets of players line up to be
introduced to West Ham United Chairman David Gold and Bill Mummery and Boy
Wong from SBOBET.
2.55pm - The pitch is now empty, bar a couple of groundstaff walking round
with forks to iron out the divots. The playing surface looks in immaculate
condition and should be conducive to an entertaining game of passing,
attacking football. I wouldn't like to estimate the crowd inside the Boleyn
Ground this afternoon, but there are a fair few thousand here. Looking to my
left, the away end is not exactly what you'd call busy. I reckon the
Galicians have brought about 30 fans with them...
2.50pm - The players are making their way down the tunnel. Scott Parker
stops to sign a few autographs. The crowd of young fans is huge. If the
Hammer of the Year signs them all, he won't make kick-off!
2.47pm - PA announcer Jeremy Nicholas is running through the two teams. He
also tells the crowd that this is his 13th season as the club's matchday PA
man. Let's hope that doesn't mean we're in for an unlucky season. Both sets
of players are still going through their pre-match warm-ups on the pitch.
It's a muggy afternoon, so it's going to be a tiring 90 minutes for the two
teams. Deportivo are contesting their third straight match against British
opposition, having taken on Cardiff City and Newcastle United in the last
seven days.
2.40pm - Officials from the club's Principal Partners SBOBET are being
introduced to the crowd. SBOBET have made a donation of £10,000 to the Bobby
Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK and have been a consistent supporter of
the club's Academy. On the pitch, the players are enjoying a small-sided
game, with Pablo Barrera donning the white bib that means he can play for
both teams.
2.30pm - It's a bright day here in east London as West Ham United prepare to
make their first home appearance of the 2010/11 season. It's already been a
productive day for the club, with both the reserve and youth teams scoring
victories. Alex Dyer's reserves drew 1-1 with Ipswich Town, with Tal Ben
Haim making his first appearance for the club, while Tony Carr's youngsters
defeated Leyton Orient.
Good afternoon and welcome to the Boleyn Ground for the first SBOBET Cup in
aid of the West Ham United Academy. Today's visit of Spanish giants RC
Deportivo La Coruna marks manager Avram Grant's first game in charge at the
home of the Hammers. New signing Thomas Hitzlsperger makes his full home
debut, while Pablo Barrera and Frederic Piquionne are all in line for their
Boleyn Ground bows from the substitutes bench. Fellow new boys Tal Ben Haim
and Winston Reid only linked up with the club this week and neither will be
involved this afternoon. Ben Haim, along with Valon Behrami, Jordan Spence
and Frank Nouble, played in a reserve-team fixture earlier today against
Ipswich Town. The only other players definitely missing this afternoon are
long-term injury absentees Jack Collison and Zavon Hines, both of whom are
recovering well following knee surgery. Deportivo also have a host of new
signings on show, many of whom featured in the club's pre-season friendly
meeting with Barclays Premier League Newcastle United in Spain.
West Ham United: Green, Tomkins, Gabbidon (Barrera 63), Upson, Ilunga,
Parker, Noble, Hitzlsperger (Boa Morte 75), Faubert, Diamanti (Piquionne
63), Cole
Subs: Stech, Daprela, Spector, Da Costa, Kovac, Stanislas
RC Deportivo La Coruna: Manu, Ze Castro, Colotto, Rochela, Laure (Manuel
Pablo 88), Pablo Alvarez, Dioni (Riki 73), Seoane, Juan Rodriguez (Valeron
73), Guardado (Saul 60), Lassad (Juan Dominguez 60)
Subs: Diego Rivas, Aythami
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ben Haim and Behrami play
WHUFC.com
Two of Avram Grant's first-team squad got some valuable playing time under
their belts on Saturday morning
07.08.2010
Tal Ben Haim and Valon Behrami both had 45-minute run-outs for a West Ham
United XI against Ipswich Town on Saturday. Israel defender Ben Haim was
playing his first football for the club since joining from Portsmouth
earlier in the week. Behrami had not figured at all this summer since
returning from the FIFA World Cup after lingering fitness issues, although
he had been training. The match saw Ipswich take the lead before substitute
Robert Hall struck a late equaliser - his first at reserve-team level - to
earn a 1-1 draw. Frank Nouble also got a welcome hour under his belt. That
was his first club action since heading back from England Under-17 duty,
while Alex Dyer also had the likes of Jordan Spence, Anthony Edgar and
Cristian Montano in his lineup. Loanee Matthew Fry, meanwhile, was an unused
substitute for Charlton Athletic in their 1-0 home win against AFC
Bournemouth as they kick-started their League One campaign in fine style.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Winston starts work
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid enjoyed his first West Ham United training session at the
Boleyn Ground on Saturday
07.08.2010
Winston Reid began life as a West Ham United player by enjoying a special
individual training session on Saturday morning. The New Zealand FIFA World
Cup star, who joined the Hammers from Danish club FC Midtjylland on
Thursday, was put through his paces at the Boleyn Ground by fitness coach
Eamon Swift.
Having watched the first-team squad train at the stadium on Friday, Reid
went through a series of exercises on the edge of the pitch under Swift's
careful direction. The 22-year-old will not be involved in Saturday's SBOBET
Cup in aid of the Academy meeting with Spanish club RC Deportivo La Coruna,
but will hope to prove his fitness in time to be considered for the Barclays
Premier League opener at Aston Villa on 14 August. Meanwhile, Reid's
decision to join West Ham has been welcomed in his homeland. New Zealand
assistant coach Brian Turner said Reid could emulate the achievements of All
Whites centre-back and captain Ryan Nelsen, who has excelled since joining
Blackburn Rovers in January 2005. "Winston is worth every penny they have
paid," Turner told the New Zealand Herald newspaper. "He is going to be a
very good footballer. He is fully capable of playing at that level. He can
become the next Ryan Nelsen of New Zealand football."
New Zealand Football chairman Frank van Hattum also backed Reid to make a
name for himself in a claret and blue shirt. "It is great news," said van
Hattum. "But now we have to hope he gets to play and gets decent game time.
Winston is such a great athlete he deserves a chance like this." Reid will
be the sixth New Zealander to play in the Premier League, following in the
footsteps of Nelsen, West Bromwich Albion midfielder Chris Wood, former
Ipswich Town midfielder Lee Norfolk, ex-Leeds United defender Danny Hay and
former Fulham midfielder Simon Elliott.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole in England squad
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 7th August 2010
By: Staff Writer
Carlton Cole has been recalled to the England squad. The United striker -
who was overlooked for the summer's World Cup finals - is back in Fabio
Capello's selection for the forthcoming friendly against Hungary. However
West Ham's two World Cup squad members - Rob Green and Matthew Upson - have
been omitted from the squad; Scott Parker, who many felt should have been in
South Africa is again ignored by the under-fire Italian boss. An
experimental squad sees Green and fellow 'keeper David James replaced by Ben
Foster and Paul Robinson - both previously dropped for making huge clangers
- whilst Gary Cahill of Bolton replaces Upson. Former Hammer Bobby Zamora -
rapidly approaching 30 - is however the biggest surprise inclusion of all.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Utd 0 Deportivo 0 (West Ham win 5-3 on pens)
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 7th August 2010
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's final game of pre-season went to penalties in front of a
disappointing crowd at the Boleyn this afternoon. Just 14,295 turned up for
the SBOBET Cup game with the La Liga side, on the day Stephanie Moore
revealed her disappointment at the club's decision to rename the game
recently reserved for the Bobby Moore Cup in memory of her late husband. The
Hammers - who began the game with just one of the summer signings, Thomas
Hitzlsperger, in the starting XI - took the trophy thanks to Rob Green's
penalty shootout following a disappointing affair. Chances were at a
premium throughout the game but the Spanish went closest to opening the
scoring on the half-hour mark when Lassad was allowed to waltz through
United's rearguard and pick his spot - a fierce effort that cannoned off the
post. Avram Grant's side had to wait until the final minute of normal time
before testing La Coruna 'keeper Manu who diverted a Mark Noble effort to
safety. Despite the lack of threat in front of goal, positives will be taken
from another clean sheet against European opposition plus the match-winning
penalty save from Rob Green, already making a mockery of those who
questioned his ability during the summer.
West Ham Utd 0 Deportivo 0 (West Ham Utd win 5-3 on pens)
West Ham Utd: Green, Tomkins, Gabbidon (Barrera 63), Upson, Ilunga, Parker,
Noble, Hitzlsperger (Boa Morte 75), Faubert, Diamanti (Piquionne 63), Cole.
Subs not used: Stech, Daprela, Spector, Da Costa, Kovac, Stanislas.
La Coruna: Manu, Ze Castro, Colotto, Rochela, Laure (Pablo 88), Alvarez,
Dioni (Riki 73), Seoane, Rodriguez (Valeron 73), Guardado (Saul 60), Lassad
(Dominguez 60).
Subs not used: Rivas, Aythami.
The shoot-out
West Ham Utd: Mark Noble (1-0); Carlton Cole (2-1); Frederic Piquionne
(3-2); Julian Faubert (4-2); Pablo Barrera (5-3).
La Coruna: Ze Castro (1-1); Rochela (2-2); (2-3 - Rob Green saves); Diego
Colotto (3-4).
Referee: Kevin Friend.
Attendance: 14,295.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diamanti a happy Hammer
Italian striker rules out a move back to Serie A
By Simone Bargellini Last updated: 7th August 2010
SSN
West Ham striker Alessandro Diamanti had rubbished reports that he is set
for a return to Italy admitting that he will 'almost certainly' be staying
at Upton Park this coming season. Diamanti's agent Lorenzo Marronaro has
talked up a potential move back to Serie A for the 27-year-old with
Fiorentina reportedly targeting the forward who scored seven times for the
Hammers last term. The former Livorno man insists that he is happy with life
in London despite missing Italian football. "Almost certainly I will stay at
West Ham, even if my agents are evaluating the various offers," Diamanti
told Sky Italia. "During the market there are many names and rumours, but I
feel good here in London. "In England you can breathe a different climate,
especially in the stadiums. Its very different to Italy. "I miss the Italian
league, but I would like to stay here because I feel good."
The striker's agent Marronaro was less certain over his client's future, but
has denied any interest from Fiorentina for Diamanti telling Lady Radio: "I
won't rule out a return to Italy for Alessandro. "Any interest from
Fiorentina are only rumours because I don't know anything about that. "All
is still for now but I can't exclude anything until the end of the transfer
window."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 0 Deportivo 0
The Sun
Published: 07 Aug 2010
PABLO BARRERA was the penalty star as his effort handed Avram Grant his
first silverware as West Ham boss. Mexican new-boy Barrera netted the
winning spot-kick as the Hammers beat Deportivo La Coruna 5-3 in a shoot-out
to land the inaugural SBOBET Cup. The Spaniards had the better of the
chances at Upton Park but failed to beat Robert Green. The under-fire
England keeper saved Juan Carlos Valeron's penalty in the shoot-out before
Barrera took centre stage. This was West Ham's seventh game unbeaten in
pre-season and they head into next Saturday's Premier League opener at Aston
Villa in strong form.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
PARMA PRIMED FOR DIAMANTI APPROACH
News Of The World
DIAMANTI: Parma keen to sign him
07/08/2010
PARMA are poised to make a move for West Ham forward Alessandro Diamanti.
West Ham are determined to ease their wage bill and Diamanti, 27, is
believed to be one of the players they are willing to sell before the new
season gets underway. The Italian striker started 18 league games for the
club last season, but with the arrival of Frederic Piquionne from Lyon and
Avram Grant hoping to finalise a £13m deal for Nice striker Loic Remy,
Diamanti's days at Upton Park look numbered Olympiakos have also been
monitoring his progress, but reports in Italy suggest that Diamanti is keen
on making a return to Serie A. Parma have been looking to sign Juventus
striker Sebastian Giovinco, but will turn their attentions to Diamanti if
the deal fails to materialise. Parma Sporting Director Pietro Leonardi said:
"If Giovinco doesn't arrive, then the alternatives are Hatem Ben Arfa and
Diamanti. "We need to make transfers that will ensure players can grow with
us for a certain period of time."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 0-0 Deportivo: Sunday Mirror match report
Published 23:00 07/08/10 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
Avram Grant celebrated his first penalty shoot-out victory since Chelsea's
Champions League Final defeat against Manchester United and vowed to win
more silverware for West Ham this season. The Hammers' boss has been plagued
by Chelsea's agonising defeat in Moscow back in 2008 when John Terry missed
the vital spot-kick and United went on to win the coveted trophy. But Grant
was thrilled to see his new side maintain their unbeaten pre-season run with
a penalty shoot-out win and go into the new season brimming with confidence.
Grant is still hoping to bring in more new signings before the end of August
and still feels he can make the team even stronger. Grant said: "I hope
there is more silverware to come. At least I managed to win something on
penalties! That is my first penalty shoot-out win for a long time. "There
were a lot of positives to take from the game but also things we need to
improve on. We need to play faster, but today we were not facing typical
English opposition. "I am really pleased with our pre-season and feel we are
improving all the time. The players are in a better condition so it is good.
"I always want things to get better and there is time before the transfer
window closes. We don't have enough players in the squad to make our team
more competitive. "We will try to bring in players who will make our team
stronger. I hope that will happen but I cannot guarantee this."
Grant is determined to keep his star players, such as Scott Parker and
Carlton Cole, at Upton Park. Stoke have been strongly linked with a move for
Cole and are reported to be making a £12m move for his signature. But Grant
believes other clubs should follow the example of West Ham and not always
make their transfer dealings in public. Grant added: "We don't want to sell
him. I understand that other teams bid for our players but we are doing
things differently when we want players from other teams. "We have a few
good players who can play in any other team. We are doing things the right
way. Otherwise it would be a jungle."
West Ham made it six wins out of seven pre-season games and keeper Robert
Green proved the hero as his crucial penalty save helped the Hammers come
away with a win. Despite his major blunder in the World Cup, Green showed he
is trying to get his career back on track and made a fantastic save to deny
Depo legend Juan Carlos Valeron. The Hammers scored all five penalties with
new signing Pablo Barrera netting the winner. Grant has nothing but praise
for the way Green has bounced back from his ordeal and has no doubts he can
become the best keeper for England again. "It is good that he kept another
clean sheet. He has played many games and is doing his job. He is a very
good keeper and professional."
New signings Tal Ben-Haim and Winston Reid did not feature for the Hammers
but are expected to be available for the opening game against Aston Villa at
Villa Park on Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mark Hughes and Avram Grant embrace welcome change in fortune
The expected arrival of a glut of new names to the Premier League has yet to
materialise, while there are only three new managers - and all are familiar
faces.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Published: 11:42PM BST 07 Aug 2010
Yet, for Mark Hughes - stepping into Roy Hodgson's shoes - and Avram Grant,
installed at Fulham and West Ham respectively, the challenges are as
demanding as any they have faced. On Saturday both men put the finishing
touches to preparations, Fulham beating Werder Bremen 5-1, thanks to an
11-minute second-half hat-trick from substitute Zoltan Gera, and West Ham
beating Deportivo La Coruna in a penalty shoot-out after a 0-0 draw. The
score flattered Fulham - Werder were in control before they made three
interval changes. But what an impressive start it was for Hughes, who is
still smarting from the manner of his dismissal by Manchester City.
Originally pessimistic about a return to the capital, Hughes was impressed
enough, after meetings with chairman and owner Mohamed Fayed and chief
executive Alistair Mackintosh, that the club's objectives matched his own.
It was easier to lure Grant to Upton Park. A man with an international
background, and one who delivered Chelsea to within a penalty kick of the
Champions League, he had worked with both hands tied behind his back at
Portsmouth. Relegation last season could not be avoided, but at least he
left the fans with the memories of an FA Cup final.
Twenty minutes before kick-off, Fayed set off on his customary half-lap from
the Cottage to the directors' box, taking with him his new manager. The
response, albeit from just a sprinkling of fans, was enthusiastic and
welcoming, with Hughes waving in a dignified manner before returning to the
dressing room. In his programme notes, Hughes reiterated his game-plan for
the coming season: "Today is my first opportunity to shape the team the way
I want," he said, before adding "and for them also to show me what they can
do."
Werder, fielding 10 full internationals - England tormentor Mezut Ozil
started on the bench - were ahead by the 11th minute through one-time
Chelsea flop Hugo Almeida, who later struck a post. Ozil came on before
half-time, for the injured Tim Borowski. Werder looked better prepared and
fitter but Bobby Zamora stole a 53rd minute equaliser - prompting chants of
"Bobby for England". Hughes had warned Zamora not to be a "one-season
wonder" and the striker did not disappoint.
Werder made seven changes and Gera, after just five minutes on the pitch,
lobbed Tim Wiese in spectacular fashion, before adding two more. Eddie
Johnson completed the scoring to enable Hughes to boast a victory on his
managerial debut that Fulham hardly deserved. Still, a win is a win, and
Hughes will happily take an opening success into Saturday's trip to Bolton.
At Zamora's former club, Grant was also putting the finishing touches to the
side that will face Aston Villa. However popular Gianfranco Zola was, Grant
has arrived with a pedigree and a purpose. After the soap opera that
followed the arrival of the two Davids, Gold and Sullivan, Grant was
appointed early enough to oversee the pre-season arrangements and led West
Ham to impressive wins over Greek champions Panathinaikos and Borussia
Mönchgladbach. West Ham were second best to Deportivo in the first half,
where they gave a debut to German midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger. They held
on, though, to secure a seventh game without loss and then won the shoot-out
5-3 with England failure Robert Green saving from Juan Carlos Valeron to win
the SBOBET Cup. For Hughes and Grant, the future is looking surprisingly
rosy.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bobby Moore's widow 'sad' at West Ham's decision to rename charity match
Bobby Moore's widow says she is saddened by West Ham's decision to rename a
charity match in honour of her late husband in favour of an online betting
agency.
Telegraph
By Telegraph staff
Published: 12:22PM BST 07 Aug 2010
Today's match at Upton Park, where West Ham will face Deportivo La Coruna,
will now be played for the SBOBet Cup rather than the Bobby Moore Cup.
Stephanie Moore, MBE, said she was "sad and disappointed" at the decision.
Previously, £1 of each ticket sold went to Cancer Research UK. However, West
Ham have said they will continue to support the Bobby Moore Fund, while
SBOBet have pledged to donate £10,000 to the cancer research charity.
Moore died of Bowel cancer in 1993.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ben Haim not the last addition
ITV
Published: Saturday, 7 August 2010, 2:13PM
West Ham are confident that Portsmouth defender Tal Ben Haim will not be the
last of the summer arrivals at Upton Park. Ben Haim, 28, finally completed
his protracted move to West Ham on a five-month loan deal amid reported
concerns that he has a groin problem. The Israel international is manager
Avram Grant's fourth signing since he took over at West Ham, following the
arrival of German midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, Mexican winger Pablo
Barrera and French forward Frederic Piquionne. Grant, who has introduced a
new 4-3-3 system at West Ham for the new season, is still looking to
strengthen his squad further ahead of the new season - possibly by the end
of the week. A club statement read: "Club officials have stepped up their
bid to secure a fifth signing and hope to have the deal finalised within the
next 72 hours. "The potential recruit is a young international, who
represented his country to distinction at the 2010 FIFA World Cup."
West Ham have fielded Germany Under-21 international Anis Ben-Hatira and
Argentina's Milton Caraglio during pre-season, though neither featured
against Ipswich at the weekend. The club have also been linked with Serbian
winger Miralem Sulejmani, who played under West Ham's new assistant manager
Zeljko Petrovic at Ajax. Ben Haim's move to Upton Park reunites him with
Grant, who he has played under for Chelsea, Portsmouth and the Israel
national team.
He has also played for Bolton, Sunderland and Manchester City in a nomadic
Barclays Premier League career.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diamanti the target of 'several offers'
ESPN Soccernet staff
August 7, 2010
ESPN
West Ham forward Alessandro Diamanti has said he expects to stay at Upton
Park this season. Diamanti, 27, was linked with Olympiakos earlier this
summer amid reports he is surplus to requirements under new boss Avram
Grant, while Brescia, Parma and Fiorentina are also said to be considering a
move. However, while Diamanti admits there has been interest, he says he is
happy in the Premier League and does not expect to move on. "I feel good in
England," he told Sky Italia. "This year, I'll almost certainly stay put,
although my agents are considering several offers and I am happy to have
received interest from other teams." Asked if he missed the Italian league,
he said: "Yes, but I like being here because I feel good." Diamanti admits
he was sad to see Gianfranco Zola dismissed as West Ham boss at the end of
last season, however. "The coach was a champion and a great person," he
said. "I took his advice with pleasure."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Predictions
West Ham Till I Die
So, we stand on the eve of another PL season. Avram Grant is now at the
helm and the pre-season indications are good. There appears to be a sense
of greater organisation and purpose at the club and the players seem to have
adjusted well to the new regime. Grant has been single minded in installing
his preferred playing formation and it looks to be working. In addition,
five new players, to date, have been signed to give the squad greater depth
and, hopefully, quality.
Pre-season provides indicators that can be either accurate or misleading.
For instance in the 1985-86 pre-season the squad lost every one of their
warm up games. Most felt that it would be another season of struggle, like
the one that preceded it, and then it all just clicked in to place when the
season commenced. Lets just hope that this pre-season is an accurate
indicator of our fortunes and, if anything, it underplays just how well we
are going to do .
What will constitute a good season? I view it in terms of three levels of
achievement. Level one is staying out of the relegation dogfight and
achieving a fairly comfortable finish around 14th. Level two is a middle
table finish, around 11th. Level three is a top ten finish, with the
outside possibility of a Europa League place.
Of course it is possible that, like in 1985-86, things may click and we
could exceed these expectations, but we will have to wait and see how the
land lies. Exceeding performance expectations may very well rely upon the
twin variables of fitness and form; we well as the added factor of whether
Grant can add further quality to the squad in the remainder of this transfer
window and in January?
I view the two domestic cups as an added bonus. There is nothing that West
Ham fans enjoy like a good cup run. Grant has a good record in the domestic
cups and, hopefully, he can bring that to Upton Park. The League Cup (under
its various sponsorship names) has been a competition that we have been
incredibly unlucky in over the decades. We have been finalist and
semi-finalists so many times and always failed to win it. Even the West Ham
of Moore, Hurst and Peters fell at the last (WBA in 1965 Final) and second
from last (Leicester City in 1966 semis) hurdles. Whilst the most painful
semi-final defeats were unquestionably to Stoke City (in the classic 1972
semis) and probably also to Luton Town (in the farcical 1988 semis). Can
Grant overcome this league cup historical hoodoo?
Having won the FA three times and been finalists twice, we have historically
done well in this most famous of cup competitions. However, we are some way
behind the Spurs and Man Utd in the FA Cup winning stakes! Regardless, the
FA Cup remains a very realistic target for us as a club. And I think that
most fans will forgive an average (but comfortable) league performance if it
it is allied to an appearance at the new Wembley. Personally, I would
prefer to see a stronger league performance, as that is is a more robust
indicator of a positive future 'direction of travel' for the club But if
that is not possible then no one is going to turn their noses up at a trip
to Wembley! It would be good to erase the lingering frustration and regret
of the penalty defeat to Liverpool in 2006, where we put in one of the
greatest losing FA Cup performances in the long history of the competition.
Like the TV ad advises, the tenure of this piece has embraced the optimism
of the new season. It is perfectly possible that we will struggle in the
league and exit both cups early. However, I do not feel that will be the
case. We have added depth and extra quality to the squad, plus Grant
appears to possess tactical nous and has brought much needed organisation
and discipline to the set up. The very least we should expect is a
mid-table finish and a cup run. Anything else will be a added and very
welcome bonus.
So, predictions, how will Avram Grant's West Ham fare this coming season?
Register your pre-season prediction and we will hold a review in mid-season
and at the season's end.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stoke boss Tony Pulis set to blow transfer budget on £10m West Ham striker
Carlton Cole
By JOE BERNSTEIN Last updated at 12:22 AM on 8th August 2010
Daily Mail
Stoke are ready to smash their transfer record to sign West Ham striker
Carlton Cole. Manager Tony Pulis is prepared to spend his entire £10million
budget on the 26-year-old. Pulis has achieved miracles on a limited budget
in two years in the Premier League and the club's record purchase was the
£6m paid for Turkish star Tuncay last season. But Stoke will not be held to
ransom by West Ham, who value Cole at £12m. Stoke have been linked with a
number of strikers this summer, including Nice's Loic Remy and Ipswich's
Jonathan Walters, but Cole is the player they want. West Ham manager Avram
Grant would like to keep Cole but co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold
are not in a position to turn down a major bid. Winger Matt Etherington was
Stoke's leading Premier League scorer last season with only five goals but
the club managed to finish comfortably mid-table in 11th place. Cole's
arrival could see James Beattie's exit to Blackburn.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Posts
