Carr eyes bright future
WHUFC.com
Academy Director Tony Carr believes there are a number of promising
youngsters coming through
07.06.2011
Tony Carr knows a thing or two about identifying and developing talented
young footballers. The Academy Director has spent nearly four decades
working for the future of West Ham United, coaching and guiding aspiring
youngsters in the hope of uncovering the next big thing. Over the years,
Carr and his staff have done a fantastic job, bringing through dozens of
players who have gone on to perform at the very highest level. With that in
mind, when he speaks about having high hopes about a number of players
currently making their way through the Academy of Football, it would make
sense to listen. Speaking to fans at the recent inaugural Supporter Advisory
Forum at the Boleyn Ground, Carr revealed his excitement at the progress of
scholars Dylan Tombides, Robert Hall, Blair Turgott and Paul McCallum.
Tombides was named in the first-team squad for the final Barclays Premier
League match of the season against Sunderland, while Hall, Turgott and
McCallum have all appeared at reserve-team level in recent months. "Of the
group of players we have at the moment aged from 16 to 18, which is the
full-time group, I think there are four or five who have got a real chance.
"We have two young strikers who have done really well this year. Dylan got
the Academy Player of the Year award and has done very well. His rise has
been really meteoric and I didn't expect him to make this leap so quickly.
Whether he continues to make that leap or he reaches a plateau and doesn't
go any further, that is the hazard of youth development. "Young Robert is an
England youth international who has got all the talent in the world. He
needs to get physically stronger and we'll have to be patient with him but
he's still only 17."
"Blair has had a successful season with us and with England has been called
into the squad going to Mexico for the Under-17 World Cup. "We've signed a
boy from Dulwich Hamlet, Paul McCallum, who we felt was a bit of a gamble.
He's a boy who's scored a lot of goals but he's not really been coached or
been in the professional environment. Unfortunately, he turned his ankle a
couple of times and was ruled out for the season. We'll see where another
season of training takes him, especially with a full pre-season under his
belt."
Further up the production line, Carr also spoke glowingly of this summer's
new intake of scholars, who will begin full-time training at Little Heath in
July. Among them are England U16 captain Leo Chambers, goal-hungry centre
forward Elliot Lee and Republic of Ireland attacking midfielder Kieran
Sadlier. "For me, there are lots of young players and even some schoolboys
coming through. We've got Leo Chambers who is in the Glen Johnson mode and I
think could be a very, very good and very exciting player. That is not a
hype - that is my genuine feeling. "We've got Eliott Lee, who is Robert
Lee's son and an out-and-out and excellent goal scorer and a good all-round
player. We've also got Kieran Sadlier, who is an Irish youth international -
an English boy with Irish parents who comes from Hertfordshire. "Those three
are coming on to the staff on 1 July, so I do feel that, through the club,
there is some young talent there."
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Greats turn out for charity
WHUFC.com
A team of Hammers legends helped raise funds for the Great Ormond Street
Hospital Children's Charity
06.06.2011
Tony Cottee swapped his boots for a benchcoat to manage a team of West Ham
United greats in a special charity match. Hundreds of supporters descended
on the Boleyn Ground to watch Cottee's Hammers Legends defeat a team
representing the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity 6-3. Fans
enjoyed meeting and watching a squad crammed full of familiar faces, with
the likes of Julian Dicks, Mark Ward, Steve Potts, Geoff Pike, Paul Allen,
Stuart Slater, Don Hutchison, Ian Pearce, George Parris, Nigel Winterburn,
Kenny Brown, Allen McKnight and Kevin Keen happily posing for photographs
and signing autographs.
Visitors were also able to take part in a special fundraising raffle, with
shirts signed by the Legends and former West Ham star Frank Lampard among
the prizes to be won, with proceeds going towards Great Ormond Street
Children's Hospital. The hospital, in central London, treats more than
175,000 youngsters every year.
Manager-for-the-night Cottee was delighted to lend his support to the event,
which was organised by event organisers Football For Fans. "It's for Great
Ormond Street Children's Hospital, which is a great charity," the striker
told West Ham TV. "Some good friends of mine asked me to put a team together
to play at Upton Park and I'm pleased to say I managed to get 15 of the lads
together, which I must say wasn't too hard because all the boys try to do
their best for charity and good causes. "The boys also love playing in this
wonderful stadium I had absolutely no problem getting a team together, and
I've got some good players as well. "Don Hutchison looks exactly as he did
as a player and Dicksy looks exactly the same as well and Stevie Potts is
another one who doesn't seem to age or look different. Kevin Keen, as the
fans will know from this season, has been working with the first team and
reserves and I was hoping he'd be our trump card and as fit as anybody."
Football For Fans are regular visitors to the Boleyn Ground, having already
organised the popular Frank McAvennie Tournament last week, while they are
also hosting the George Parris Children's Mini-Soccer Tournament at the
stadium on Sunday 12 June. Later this year, on 5 October, Football For Fans
will also host the 'Viva Bobby Moore' evening at the Cliffs Pavilion in
Westcliff. There, Hammers greats Billy Bonds, Tony Gale and Brian Dear will
be joined by Alan Mullery and Mike Summerbee and host Jonathan Pearce for a
night of stories and memories of the legendary former West Ham and England
captain.
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Parker: legend - or Judas?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th June 2011
By: Matthew O'Greel
West Ham's 3-2 defeat at Wigan last month condemned United to relegation for
the second time in ten years. Less than a day later vice-captain Scott
Parker - speaking at the club's Gala Night, having just collected his third
consecutive Player of the Year award - effectively delivered a resignation
speech when he indicated that his own future lies away from east London.
Whilst the method of delivery was more respectful and less direct, Parker's
speech echoed the words of former Hammer Jermain Defoe who, less than 24
hours following relegation in 2003 indicated via his agent that he too was
seeking a move elsewhere. Yet what is strikingly different is the way that
Parker's message has been received by the majority of Hammers fans. Rather
than being heavily criticised as Defoe was following his ill-timed
announcement, the 30-year-old midfielder has received far more messages of
good luck than criticism.
Parker has, on the whole, been a vital cog in the West Ham machine during
the past three seasons. With 108 appearances under his belt during that
period he has been central to the club's fortunes. However during his first
injury-hit season he made just 20 appearances, meaning that during his four
year stay in east London his tally of 128 appearances represents just over
70 per cent of the club's 177 competitive fixtures. Still, nobody can
reasonably argue that Scott Parker hasn't been the club's most effective
outfield player during that period.
However one may reasonably argue that the quality of opponents for the
Player of the Year award has been limited, at best, with West Ham having
been forced to sell practically anyone capable of challenging Parker since
the worldwide banking crisis of 2008 and subsequent collapse of Bjorgolffur
Gudmundsson's business empire.
Receiving 97 per cent of the KUMB.com readers' votes for the 2009/10 Player
of the Year - and with a similar figure expected when KUMB announce the
results of their 2010/11 poll this weekend - supports this particular
theory.
Yet it remains the case that Parker, who was signed from Newcastle for
£7million in July 2007 has been good value for money and his imminent
departure this summer will almost certainly see West Ham recoup their
initial outlay. But something that is often overlooked by supporters
assessing his time at the club is that less than nine months ago, Parker
signed a lucrative four year contract - worth in excess of £10million -
tieing him to West Ham until well into his mid-thirties.
In a story entitled "Thrilled Parker pens new contract" the midfielder,
speaking via the club's website last September said: "Everyone knows I enjoy
playing my football here. I really want to stay here, give it a shot and see
what can happen. The fans mean a lot to me."
But obviously not that much - for here we are, at the opposite end of the
season with Parker telling anyone who will listen that he is looking for a
new club despite being contracted to West Ham for another three years - as
was Jermain Defoe eight years earlier when he similarly informed us that he
was on his toes. It seems fairly pointless bemoaning the fact that modern
day footballers appear to have few scruples. The game is flooded with
greedy, selfish individuals who care little for the football clubs who
employ them or those hardy fools who follow their fortunes and slavishly
chant their names each and every weekend.
What particularly disappoints in this case is that whilst on the one hand
Parker maintains an image of being the perfect club servant, on the other he
is desperate to get out - citing his purportedly limited international
options, with Euro 2012 on the horizon, as the main reason for his request.
We know international football is important to Parker; if it wasn't, it's
extremely unlikely that he would have participated in the pointless
mid-season friendly against Ghana - an appearance that earned him his fifth
of six caps, but one that also saw him sustain an injury that kept him
sidelined for West Ham's vital final few games of the season - none of which
we won.
However his 'limited international options' claim is a little difficult to
swallow; is it really feasible that England boss Fabio Capello - with
players 'retiring from international football' left, right and centre - will
forget about the current Football Writers' Player of the Year simply because
he's playing in a different division? It would appear unlikely, given his
limited options. The bottom line is this; if Parker has no intention of
remaining at West Ham then Scott, please do us a favour and find yourself a
new club - fast.
The £8-10million your sale will generate can be put to good use by Sam
Allardyce - but as always, time is of the essence. Don't mess us about,
forcing us to listen to Harry Redknapp repeatedly telling us 'what a good
job he could do' for someone. As long as they're called Tottenham, right
Redknapp?
The term 'legend' is one that is bandied about too often these days. Should
Parker indeed leave this summer, as expected, then to employ the term in
association with his time at West Ham would be quite ludicrous. A good
player? Check. A fine servant during his time at the club? Check. A player
who went beyond the call of duty at times? Check. But a legend? Not by
following in the footsteps of Jermain Defoe and walking out on us as soon as
the going gets tough, you're not.
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Lyall memorial to launch
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th June 2011
By: Staff Writer
It is now more than five years since the passing of the legendary John
Lyall, arguably the most successful manager in West Ham United's history.
Since his death in April 2006, the following permanent memorials and
tributes have taken place:
1. A Blue Plaque unveiling at the Boleyn Ground by the Sports Heritage
Foundation.
2. A Tribute Dinner at Upton Park presented by Len Herbert and Murray Lyall.
3. The renaming of The John Lyall Gates and the opening of the
Greenwood/Lyall Lounge.
A unique opportunity has arisen for West Ham United supporters of all ages
to contribute towards one final, fitting memorial recognising the
significant achievements of Lyall as a player, coach and manager with 34
years' continuous service until his departure from the club in 1989.
Many of our readers will know Tony Hoskins, a life-long West Ham supporter
and close friend of the Lyall family. Tony made us aware that John's son
Murray is currently involved with delivering a new clubhouse facility at
School Lane, Lawford, Essex.
"Behind the scenes there has been a dedicated development team putting
together business, technical and football development plans and securing the
essential funding," he told KUMB.com. "This was all put together at a
remarkable rate of knots, drawing on people's 'real life' experience in
terms of their day time jobs, often encroaching.
"The application was incredibly professional and the supporting material
prepared meticulously. A 180-page document was prepared to cover every
aspect of the proposal. Whilst it was very much a team effort, the club
recognised Murray's hard work and dedication to put it all together, hour
upon hour upon hour which finally got both clubs to the point of submission,
when he was presented with the Clubman of the Year award in 2009-2010.
"Construction of the new £515,000 Football Foundation Facility is now
underway. However this was only made possible by the Lyall family kindly
donating a sum in excess of £27,000 from the proceeds raised from the
aforementioned tribute dinners."
The ground is owned by Lawford Parish Council, but both junior and senior
clubs submitted a proposal that the new facility be named in the memory of
John Lyall. This has now been officially confirmed.
The new facility will be named The John Lyall Pavilion and will be
officially opened by Sir Trevor Brooking CBE on 11th September 2011 with
many other Ex-Hammers players attending. However both clubs still require a
final sum of money for fixtures and fittings to complete the build prior to
opening of the newly formed Lawford Football Club.
"What a great gesture and mark of respect it would be it would be if fellow
supporters could contribute a financial sum towards the funding for this
project," continued Hoskins. "We have spoken to the club and dependant on
the volume of support they will either erect a plaque with names of all
persons making donations or compile a commemorative book listing the
contributors with a message.
"Either way, one of the options will be permanently on display in the new
facility when it is built."
In order to pledge a donation to the scheme, contact Murray Lyall by email
stating the sum of money you intend to pledge. You will be notified by
return with regard to the procedure for making a payment for the amount you
intend to donate.
* Please note that all individual donations - however large or small - will
be dealt with personally by Murray Lyall.
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The Allardyce way
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th June 2011
By: Paul Turner
I have to admit to sending an email to West Ham United before we made Avram
Grant our 13th full time manager. That email was about Sam Allardyce. It was
along the lines of the 'general' style of play BFS is associated with and
how I felt it was not in true with the way West Ham historically play their
football. However the situation West Ham now finds itself in requires a
reality check and a change in goals and perceptions is needed for the
upcoming season.
Besides, it's not as if we have been playing champagne football for a while
now. We as a club have become so detached from what we used to be (well we
always underachieved no matter the style of play) that when I read a review
of West Ham on football365.com saying that our club had become directionless
and faceless I had to agree.
Anyway, to me it's clear cut. We needed a manager. West Ham have hired a
manager. Not a punt or a cheap option like Zola (apologies to any fans out
there but that's what he was). Long gone is the continental set-up
instigated by a previous regime.
The current owners have an overt, insatiable thirst for publicity and this
has been formulated by the way they made their fortune - and that's not
going to change in the long or short term. In the Championship there will be
comments on the current state of the first team at the moment in time. That,
fortunately or unfortunately, in peoples eyes is their prerogative as they
own the club and they can release comments as they want.
However I feel even under a two year contract, Sam Allardyce must not be
undermined. He is strong-willed and has a big enough personality to stamp
his authority on and off the field to basically say in simple terms, back
off Sullivan and Gold (btw I am in the school of thought that Gold and
Sullivan do not intentionally undermine or act against the clubs best
interests. It unfortunately works out that way in some instances). If G&S
are wrong, Sam must speak up internally and out of the press and only then,
if needs must, in the media.
Some might think that the Championship season will lead to a reduction in
headlines and less press but with the London Evening Standard, Late Kick Off
on BBC1 and a 'high profile' club in the second tier that will be wide of
the mark.
As long as we are any division and under the current ownership, G&S will
still be good for a sound byte and Sam Allardyce must be allowed to a) do
his job of managing the player's to the best of their abilities and be given
breathing space to get his ideas across and b) go about his job without
interference in relation to team selection, press releases though a diary
about directors or investor's personal thoughts about team performances/the
team in general or in any other medium or fashion
I say ideas because the tag of 'long ball merchant' has long been associated
with Sam Allardyce. From what I have seen online there have been a number of
Bolton fans who refute the claim that as West Ham United fans we will be
facing large NHS (or private health insurance claims) bills for treatment
relating to neck pain.
I believe that. Not because Sam is the new West Ham manager but because in
recent times they are the most relevant set of fans to give an opinion on
the style of football and the results that he has garnered (apart from
Blackburn Rovers, six months isn't enough for a manager to get across his
ideals i.e. Newcastle).
We have not seen even a single pre-season game up until this point. We don't
know the way West Ham United will line up or even the style of play. The
players Sam will be working with when they gather after the summer break
could very easily change, right up until after the transfer window closes.
To counter argue, some might point out that taking Bolton fans'
considerations into account could lead to a bias for all Sam did for them
permeating my perceptions of what's to come. The man delivered top flight
security and European football, what's to hate?
Sam Allardyce's reputation was built at lower league clubs like Nott's
County but his real reputation was solidified at Bolton Wanderers. Along
with Phil Gartside's money Sam was able to build, revolutionise and create a
side which features the key components of a Sam Allardyce side while being
given the freedom to do so by his chairman.
Sam likes hard working pros who put in a shift. The collective togetherness
of the team is one of the key factors in an Allardyce side. The tactic of
loading the box for a set piece and waiting for the ball to fall to the edge
of the area so the ball can be delivered back into the area is something we
have struggled at times with to defend. We could very well be seeing it at
the Boleyn but I don't have a problem with that. Needs must and West Ham,
for their future both financially and with the Olympic Stadium on the
horizon, need promotion.
In short, United have to adapt to life in the second division (in old money)
and from what I see on KUMB.com, people generally have. We have to embark on
this Championship tour and I for one will renew my season ticket with a bit
of hope for the upcoming season but also realism about what we are going to
face.
It won't be a whitewash but we have to back our new manager. You don't have
to sing his name from the terraces but learn to live with it for a while and
see what you think. Who's with me?
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That was the season that was: part I
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th June 2011
By: Gordon Thrower
It wasn't much fun was it. So spare a thought for Gordon Thrower. We've made
him look back at the 2010/11 season for his now traditional end of season
review. Part One takes us from the sun and rain in Austria to November
blizzards in E13. Readers of a nervous disposition might care to go for a
lie down or something...
Pre-season
With the owners having dispensed with the services of Gianfranco Zola and
Steve Clarke at the close of 2009/10 all eyes are on who the new boss will
be. Hot favourite is Portsmouth's Avram Grant. Pompey issue a statement to
the effect that they'd quite like him to remain and, by the way, could
anyone spare the price of a cup of tea?
To nobody's surprise Grant is appointed manager despite rumours of talks
having taken place with Mark Hughes and Steve McLaren. The talks with
McLaren fall through when the Daves realise that they can't understand his
accent. Dave S is particularly happy with Grant's arrival: "He tells jokes
and stories" says the co-Chairman, leaving us wondering whether we've signed
a football manager rather than a panellist from "Mock The Week".
SuGo announce ten "pledges" regarding the future of the club. One of these
relates to the signing of players "hungry to do well". Unfortunately, Benni
McCarthy only hears the "hungry" bit and his lack of fitness costs him his
place in the South African World Cup squad. That and an alleged habit of
inviting female guests back to his hotel room. To join him for dinner
presumably.
The first big signing of the summer is announced. Thomas Hitzlsperger,
conveniently nicknamed "Der Hammer", comes in after an unsuccessful spell at
Lazio. His lack of first team football means that the Germans omit him from
their World Cup squad which means that he won't pick up the traditional
pre-season injury that new signings are expected to endure.
Gianfranco Zola threatens legal action over his sacking. The club had
claimed "gross misconduct" as the reason for the Italian's dismissal, citing
criticism of the Chairmen. The club's argument is about as convincing as
Benni McCarthy's "I only had the salad" line at bill-splitting time and an
out-of-court settlement is agreed.
Tony Carr is rewarded for "Services to Association Football" with a
richly-deserved MBE having discovered and brought on a ridiculous number of
top class professional footballers over the years. And John Terry.
The World Cup comes and goes. Rob Green has a bit of a 'mare against the
Septics and fails to appear after the first match. John Terry decides to
disappear for the rest of the tournament, notably during the Germany match
where Matty Upson gets the blame for failing to mark Terry's man as well as
his own. Elsewhere, Valon Behrami's tournament lasts less than one match,
with him missing Switzerland's first match through injury and their third
through having been sent off in their second.
The World Cup ends up in Spain who prevail against a Dutch side seemingly
intent on seeing how far they can go before ref Howard Webb will take any
action. Quite a long way as it turns out.
Meanwhile the traditional "genuine transfer rumours and in no way a cynical
ploy to flog season tickets" season starts up with Hammers being linked with
former Argentine international Riquelme who, to nobody's surprise, ends up
elsewhere. "Teenage striking sensation" (it says here) Neymar also fails to
appear. Also on the season ticket renewal horizon are Nice striker Loic Remy
and Mexican winger Pablo Barrera. Pablo makes it whilst Remy doesn't. A
French international does arrive though in the form of Freddie Piquionne who
follows Grant from Pompey.
A pre-season tour of Southern Germany/Northern Austria sees wins over
Borussia Monchengladbach and Panathanaikos, the latter victory taking place
in rainfall of biblical proportions in Kizbuhel. The Kizbuhel match was
attended by some amusingly loud Greeks and a goat. Nobody gets injured and
your site's editors enjoy a pleasant few days in Salzburg in the few days
leading up to the Panathanaikos match. The World Cup contingent are rested
for the matches and sit about looking bored in the rain. Tellingly, Valon
Behrami shows all the signs of somebody who would rather be anywhere else.
We get home to discover that Spurs have decided to give the world of
football a laugh by unveiling a new strip that is part football kit part
sailor's uniform.
Our kit, on the other hand, meets with general murmurs of approval, the good
people at Macron having hit on the revolutionary idea of having a claret
body with blue sleeves as the home design. What will they think of next?
More transfer news and the place is buoyed by the announcement of the
imminent arrival of Ajax winger Sulemanjani on loan. This one is definitely
happening, unlike the arrival of underwear salesman David Beckham, whose
people deny all knowledge of any talks between the parties before making a
desperate plea for people to buy his missus' latest single. The definitely
on, no question, it really is happening, loan of Sulemanjani collapses when
a work permit fails to materialise, the club rather stupidly having
described his occupation as "professional footballer" rather than "plumber"
on the application form.
Rumours abound over Spurs interest in Scott Parker. Harry denies ever having
spoken with the player adding "anyway he didn't want to be seen dead in our
sailor uniform kit". Grant makes himself at home by bringing in Tal Ben Haim
on loan from Pompey whilst "New Zealand World Cup Star" Winston Reid arrives
from his homeland of, er, Denmark.
Der Hammer is recalled to the German national squad where he features in the
2-2 draw with Denmark before doing a hamstring, thereby negating all the
good work he'd done in avoiding the World Cup. "Out for at least a month"
was the official word. That turned out to be true. Sort of.
August 2010
Der Hammer misses a debut against former club Villa which turns into a
complete shambles. Despite being completely overrun we manage to hold out
for an hour until our old friend Mike Dean, fed up with all the missed
chances allows a clearly offside goal to stand. Villa add two more for luck.
Next Bolton visit the Boleyn and Kevin Davies maintains tradition by pushing
Upson to the floor and delivering a kick to the defender's head which not
only caused an own goal but also left the player with a face so misshapen
that some thought we'd signed Peter Beardsley. Cole's earlier missed penalty
in a half we'd bossed proves costly as we go down 3-1.
A virtual second XI leaves it ridiculously late to beat Oxford United 1-0 in
the League Cup the goal coming through Scott Parker (who is probably capable
of playing for the first and second XI's simultaneously).
As the window closes Alessandro Diamanti departs for Brescia. Despite his
reputation as being the "Happy Shopper" version of Paolo DiCanio, Diamanti
goes on to win full international recognition in his homeland. Funny old
game innit.
Coming in the other direction is Inter winger Victor Obinna, a Nigerian
international who had been linked with Everton until work permit problems
put paid to the move. It seems that the officials thought that the
application was a joke, refusing to believe that anyone on Merseyside would
actively seek permission to work. Having learned our lesson, we write
"plumber" in on the application form this time round and permission is
granted for the player to join us.
Up at Old Trafford its business as usual as, aided by the obligatory dubious
penalty we go down to the mob from Salford. Traffic backs up for 30 miles on
the M6 as everyone heads home to London post match.
Deadline day arrives and is more notable for what didn't happen. Carlton
Cole failed to go to Liverpool with Ryan Babel failing to come in the other
direction despite being simultaneously seen at home, in his car and in a
helicopter. Fabio Daprela joins up with Diamanti at Brescia on a free as the
exodus of signings made under the previous regime continues.
Pascal Chimbonda doesn't come from Blackburn but Lars Jacobsen does. Every
Everton player with a surname starting with the letter "Y" has talks with
the club but no deals are done. The mysteriously "injured" Valon Behrami
fails to hobble off to Serie A. Most importantly, despite having had no
talks whatsoever with Harry Redknapp, (usually a sign of an imminent
transfer) Scott Parker stays.
September 2010
We are treated to one of David Sullivan's "motivational" speeches in the
Sunday tabloids as he bemoans a lack of effort from "a few of the foreign
players who wanted to leave during the deadline". Behrami wonders who on
earth Sullivan could be referring to. Or should that be "who else". In case
anyone was labouring under the misapprehension that the season had started
back in August, Sullivan informs us that "the season starts on October 2nd
with the Fulham game.
The results keep coming – mostly bad. Some comedy defending sees us go down
3-1 to a very average-looking Chelsea side despite our having the better of
the second half. Behrami makes his first appearance of the season having not
gone to Roma (or recovered from a "mystery groin strain" as the official
line put it).
We finally get our first point of the season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at
Stoke with Scott Parker netting for the Irons. Avram Grant and Tal Ben Haim
miss the match having decided to observe the Jewish religious holiday of Yom
Kippur.
There's a bit of good news as Scott Parker signs a new contract that will
keep him at the club until 2015. Unless of course we do something stupid
like undergoing a relegation that means we have to sell.
The team are back in action up at the Stadium of Light where Fred and Vic
goals give us a 2-1 League Cup win against Sunderland. It's the first away
win of any sort since the big bang started and the resulting dust coalesced
into stars and planets. Or Wolves away on the opening day of 2009/10 if you
prefer.
Tottenham's sailor boys turn up in port and Fred's header is enough to give
us a 1-0 win over Spurs. Well that and some decent saves from Rob Green who
marked his return to form with a few celebrations in front of the
slack-jawed acne-ridden dandruff-wearing away support. Kieron Dyer hobbles
off at half time having picked up an injury. At least I think it was this
game - there have been so many.
October 2010
David Sullivan's season starts with a scrappy 1-1 home draw with Fulham,
Piquionne netting the equaliser after Dempsey's opener.
Mid October sees the sad passing of Malcolm Allison. Allison, of whom Bobby
Moore was known to have said "he taught me all I know" was credited with
many of the tactical innovations adopted by the Hammers in the 50's,
experience he put to good use in a successful managerial career,
particularly at Man City where, in particular, his spell in tandem with the
avuncular Joe Mercer saw them win both domestic and European honours.
Allison's somewhat colourful life away from football often overshadowed his
undoubted talents as a coach and his latter years were spent in a sad battle
against the twin problems of alcoholism and dementia before he passed away
in a nursing home at the age of 83. RIP.
Someone finally notices that it's been nearly two months since Der Hammer
was ruled out of the team for a month. Avram Grant confirms that
Hitzlsperger's injury will take a bit longer – four months longer to be
exact. That pre-season curse had the last laugh after all.
Back on the pitch Hammers pick up another point at Molineux, the two extra
points for the win being taken away by ref Clattenburg who hallucinated a
Freddie Piquionne handball that didn't happen. The defeat leaves the side at
the bottom of the league.
A lifetime's ambition is realised as Tony Carr MBE arrives at the Palace to
pick up his gong. "I've always wanted to meet you" Her Majesty is heard to
say before going on to ask about the merits of 4-3-3 and the whereabouts of
Kieron Dyer. As the photographs of the ceremony are beamed all over the
world, millions ask "Who's the old dear with Tony Carr MBE?"
Meanwhile the propensity for professional footballers to put themselves into
troublesome positions outside the game rears its depressingly ugly head once
more as Manuel DaCosta finds himself under arrest for common and sexual
assault following an incident at Faces nightclub which surely ought to be
no.1 on the "stay away from" list for any player with aspirations of a
career at the top.
Things don't improve on the pitch as we play Newcastle off the park for 20
minutes, take the lead then pack up and go home in the mistaken belief that
the job is done. Whilst we're all at home with our feet up in front of the
lottery show, Newcastle score twice to leave us bottom and three points from
safety.
At least the League Cup is proving a welcome distraction as the side
recovers from going a goal down early on to dispatch of Stoke 3-1 AET.
However normal service is resumed a few days later as we go down 1-0 to a
very late Arsenal goal at the library.
November 2010
The month starts with the news that Mark Noble has an "abdominal problem".
This sounds very much like a euphemism to us and so it transpires – though
quite why anyone should be shocked by the word "appendicitis" in this day
and age we never quite discovered. Meanwhile Kieron Dyer is seen slapping
his own forehead for not having thought of that particular one before.
We trek up the M40 for an away match at Birmingham. I say "we" David Gold
doesn't make the trip as he's been declared "persona non grata" by his
former club as a result of comments made about Birmingham vice-chairman
Peter Pannu. Some sort of spat about Gold being offered the chairman's role
then having the offer withdrawn. Or not, depending on which version you
believe.
In the match itself we take a 2-0 lead through Piquionne and Behrami and
Obinna hits the bar before we concede second half goals from Jerome &
Ridgewell to take home one point instead of the three we might have had.
This is not the last time in the season that we are to throw a lead away.
We draw 2-2 again a few days later, this time at home to West Brom who take
full advantage of the fact that Mike Dean is yet again in the mood to make
things up as he goes along, this time awarding a penalty for a mystery foul
by Boa-Morte. A 25 yard effort from Parker and a Piquionne penalty awarded
for a foul on someone called Dyer put us 2-1 up before Albion equalise with
20 minutes left to play.
About a million chances at both ends go begging as we somehow draw 0-0 with
Blackpool. Ok I exaggerate. It was only some 937,000 chances. Ex-Hammer
Marlon Harewood misses a sitter from inches away. It seems strange watching
him do that in somebody else's shirt. Equally unsurprising was another
injury for Kieron Dyer. Having looked half decent against West Brom, a match
in which he somehow managed to last 90 minutes, the chances of him getting
through a second match without some sort of trauma were similar to your six
numbers coming up on the lottery. Twice. In Succession. Predictably Dyer
lasts about a quarter of an hour before hobbling off with some injury or
other.
We go up to Anfield. They dive a lot. We lose 3-0. The Kop do a marvellous
impression of Arsenal supporters – red, white and silent. Note to editor –
please feel free to cut and paste the last few lines into the end of season
review for the next time we're up there. After all I've just done the same
for every review since 1963.
Avram Grant, already reeling from Karren Brady's vote of confidence, is
placed under more pressure by conflicting messages from the management.
Brady insists that "only weak-minded people press the panic button".
Meanwhile SuGo decide that the next match at home to Wigan is worthy of the
marketing slogan "Save Our Season".
Before the Wigan match Brady also points out that "blaming other people is
not always the right answer" before sacking Grant's assistant Zeljko
Petrovic amidst rumours of the coach's unpopularity amongst the squad.
Petrovic sniffily departs voicing his opinion that German football is much
better anyway before heading off in the general direction of Japan.
Petrovic is replaced by Wally Downes, the former Wimbledon player who scores
immediate brownie points for once having threatened to remove Neil "Colin"
Warnock's head from the rest of his body. We win the Wigan match 3-1 with
goals from Behrami, Obinna and Parker. Green saves yet another penalty thus
ensuring that our season is officially saved.
The month ends with a League Cup tie against Man Utd. Prior to the match
it's fair to say that few are overjoyed at the news that a start will be
given to Jonathan Spector. However, 90 minutes later two goals from the
American and a further brace from Carlton Cole see us run out 4-0 winners in
blizzard conditions. Amazingly Scotty Parker does not feature in the match
having been rested. Something to point out to the annoying bloke with the
shiny brand-new Moan Utd shirt that almost certainly inhabits your local
hostelry (unless you happen to live in Manchester of course).
So a lousy start to the season. However it's been officially saved by a 3-1
win at home to Wigan and the possible future champions have been slaughtered
4-0 by our reserves. And, although Kieron Dyer is still injured it can
surely only be a matter of days before we see Der Hammer back in the side.
Part two of this review will be just brilliant. Won't it?
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Big Sam rejects links
Hammers chief cools transfer rumours
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me on Twitter - @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
June 7, 2011 1:18pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has moved to reject reports linking the club
with the likes of Joe Cole and El Hadji Diouf. A host of players have been
linked with moves in and out of Upton Park following their relegation from
the Premier League. Scott Parker, Demba Ba and Robert Green are all believed
to be attracting interest, but Allardyce insists there have been no bids for
any Hammers stars. "There has been a lot of speculation about players coming
in or leaving the club, but I'm not aware of any bids," said Allardyce.
"It's quiet this time of the year because everybody, like myself, is on
holiday and things start up again in July. At the moment transfer activity
is at a minimum."
Blackburn forward Diouf has been strongly linked with a move to East London
after the Senegal star admitted he would love to be reunited with Allardyce.
Former West Ham star Cole has also been mentioned with a possible move back
to Upton Park after a disappointing debut season at Liverpool. West Ham have
also been credited with an interest in Newcastle midfielder Alan Smith and
Peterborough goalkeeper Joe Lewis, but Allardyce has denied any enquiries
have been made for the quartet. "No, no and no and I don't think we could
afford Joe Cole," Allardyce added. "Of course one would love Joe Cole
because he is an outstanding player, but he would be too expensive."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Player Reviews 2010/11 - Part 3
Vinny - Wed Jun 8 2011
West Ham Online
We finish with the forward line.
Forwards
Frederique Piquionne
Piquionne was signed in the summer for £1m from relegated Portsmouth. When
he was brought in I think we were under the impression that he would be one
of four strikers which would have included Carlton Cole, Benni McCarthy and
another signing which would have been someone such as Loic Remy who we were
after for a large fee. But with Remy not working out, and every other proven
striker rejecting a move we were left with slim pickings and a last minute
loan signing of Victor Obinna was the best we could. The reason I mention
this is because Piquionne then went from a solid addition to the squad to
our most important striker, especially with the temperamental form of
Carlton Cole. Piquionne did start the season quite well and made his debut
as a second half substitute at Aston Villa and was one of the few positives
from that game. His first goal for the club would be a memorable one as it
was the winning goal against Tottenham at Upton Park as his first half
header gave us our first three points against our North London neighbours
since 2006. And the following home game he would be on the score sheet again
in another London Derby as his head against Fulham salvaged a point.
Piquinnone would continue to look good in the central role and his finish
away at Birmingham showed he was just as good a finisher with his feet as he
was with his head.
He ended 2010 having scored 6 goals league and cup. Of those goals 6 would
come in the league and the reason this is in an important stat is that
Piquionne would score just one more league goal from 26th December through
to the end of the season which was away at Everton and that goal will be
remembered for his celebration as it got him a second yellow card and he was
sent off leaving us with 10 men with a few minutes to go and we succumbed to
the pressure conceding late on. Now people will dig out Carlton Cole (and
most of the time rightly so) but for Piquionne to have scored one goal from
the end of December till the end of the season in the league is quite
frankly shocking. In his defence, Avram Grant was not playing him in a
central role and he was in and out of the team as part of a front three in
which he would play on the right hand side. But should we be that shocked by
his goal return? Perhaps not as the previous season for Portsmouth he
started the exact amount of league games (26) and made a further 8
appearances from the bench (the same as this season) and scored just 5 goals
(one less than for us).
The point is, relying on a goals to be score by Frederique Piquionne is
foolish at best. He hasn't managed to score double figures for any club
since 2004/05 season when he was at French club St Etienne. There were
moments through the season where I was firmly in the Piquionne fan club
thinking he brought a lot to the side. I remember the game against Wigan at
Upton Park where he was immense in the air and dominated their defenders.
But there were far too many displays where he would disappear and make
little impact. I can't imagine he will be at the club next season as he
comes across as a bit of mercenary.
Apps: League 26 (8) Cup 5 (2)
Goals: 9
Bookings: 2
Red Cards: 1 (vs. Everton a)
Verdict: Not enough goals, but what did we actually expect from a striker
who hasn't scored goals for most of his career.
Benni McCarthy
Whilst it was clear he was having problems with fitness at the back end of
last season and had been a bit of disaster signing I still had hopes for
Benni McCarthy and was anticipating a comeback to prove everyone wrong that
he was finished at the top level. But at no point did it look as though he
was going to make any sort of impact on the first team and when rumours of
him being fined for his weight problems surfaced it was clear his future at
West Ham was never going to be positive.
For one of the greatest South African players of all time not to have made a
World Cup squad actually in South Africa said it all for me because you
would have thought that even for sentimental reasons he would have made the
squad. His first appearance of the season was in the first home game
against Bolton as he came on as a sub with 13 minutes remaining. He didn't
look completely awful and had a part to play in the penalty Scott Parker
would win. I had expected him to start in the following game in the League
Cup against Oxford United but again he was on the bench and came on as a sub
making little impact.
McCarthy wouldn't be used again until October when he got longer on the
pitch (23 minutes) in the 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle but again he made
little impact and it was easy to forget he had even come on. All in all the
few sub appearances he made showed no indication that he was ready for a
starting position and considering the lack of goals this was either a poor
decision from the manager or McCarthy was way off the pace to play
Premiership football. I suspect it was a mixture of both but the blame with
this one has to lie with Benni McCarthy. As a Footballer you have to go
someway to keep yourself fit and in shape and since signing for the club in
January 2010 he has not done that. Benni McCarthy has simply sucked money
from our club and given us nothing back.
He was released by the club in April.
Apps: League (6) Cup 1 (2)
Victor Obinna
Having attempted to bring in a host of strikers during the summer we were
left with signing Victor Obinna on loan from Italian club Inter Milan. The
young Nigerian instantly looked an exciting player on his debut against
Chelsea but as we would find out during the season he would become one of
our most frustrating players to watch.
Like all our strikers (apart from Demba Ba) League goals would be very
difficult to come by for Obinna who would score just 3 league goals all
season. In the cup it was different a story as he would start 6 games and
score an impressive 5 goals including a Hat Trick at home to Nottingham
Forest in the FA Cup. His best performance of the season came in the League
Cup at home to Manchester United. We on the game 4-0 and Obinna made all
four goals as he tore them apart. It was arguably one of the best individual
performances of the season and whilst Spector will always get the plaudits
for that game Obinna was the key. But this form did not transfer into the
league and Obinna found himself in and out of the team. His first League
Goal of the season came at home to Wigan in the 3-1 victory as he his a low
shot which went in to the corner of the net. It was a very good finish.
Of his 3 league goals, 2 of them came in one game which was away at
Blackpool where he scored a lucky first goal as his shot was allowed to
squirm past the goal keeper. But there was nothing lucky about his second
goal which made it 3-1. It was a strike of the highest quality and one of
our goals of the season. Obinna took 77 shots during the Premiership season
and hit the target just 21 times. This would become a bit of a trademark of
Obinna as he always wanted to take a shot but very rarely did anything with
them. His selfishness would be very frustrating especially when you are
fighting for your life down at the bottom of the league.
His worst moment of the season came in the League Cup Semi Final First Leg
at Upton Park. We were leading 1-0 and he inexplicably lashed out at a
Birmingham player and was correctly sent off. We would win the game 2-1 but
it is hard not to think of what could have been if he had stayed on the
pitch. If we had stayed up I would have been happy to have signed Obinna on
a free transfer as at 24 years old I believe he has bags of ability but he
needs a manager to try and turn him into a consistent performer and someone
like Avram Grant was never going to be able to do that.
Apps: League 17 (8) Cup 6 (1)
Goals: 8
Bookings: 4
Red Cards - 1 (vs. Birmingham City h LC)
Verdict: Lots of ability but not effective enough during the course of the
season.
Alessandro Diamanti
Last season he was voted the fans Hammer Of The Year runner up in the
official award but made only one brief substitute appearance in season's
opener at Aston Villa. Diamanti was a player who just did not fit the
English style of football and although he was the sort of player the fans
like to see I never really had him down as a creative player as he didn't
create much at all. He was just a bit of show off and whilst I appreciate
the technical ability, just where the hell were you supposed to play him? He
wasn't a striker, and he surely was not a winger which Zola seem to want to
play him at. He signed for Brescia and has started 29 games and scored six
goals.
Since leaving the club he has also managed to make his debut for his country
in November 2010 but was taken off at half time and has not played again.
Whilst not a massive fan of Diamanti, replacing him with Victor Obinna was
not an improvement and whilst hindsight is of course a wonderful thing, you
can't help but wonder if he could have got us a few more points with a
wonder free kick or some crazy shot.
Apps: League (1)
Zavon Hines
Hines made an impact last season and caught the eye of many supporters who
were pleased at what they were seeing. It was very unfortunate that he
suffered an injury which would keep him out for a year and when he did come
back into the side Avram Grant was messing about with his 4-3-3 formation
which saw Hines always starting as a winger which really did not suit him at
all. Hines is a central striker and has pace to hurt team. He is a nuisance
to defenders and often wins free kicks and penalties .
Whilst I do not think the position he was being played in helped his
performances I do think he was disappointing in most the game he did take
part in and found it very difficult to get into the game. He got a chance to
show us what he could do at home to Barnsley in the FA Cup but missed three
sitters. He did start the game on the left hand side with Frank Nouble in
the middle but he should have converted at least one of the chances. Hines
is a player who with a bit more lucky with injuries could have made more of
an impact on the club. It is rumoured that he has rejected a new contract
and will be seeking a move elsewhere as his contract will be expiring in the
summer.
Apps: League 4 (5) Cup 2 (4)
Bookings: 1
Carlton Cole
Finished the clubs top goal scorer in all competitions with 11 goals. This
was the third season in a row he has finished the highest scorer and also
the third season in a row he has hit double figures. But of course I
appreciate that this does not tell the full story of Carlton Cole and that
he is the latest in the long line of players to be a hate figure. Cole's
performances have been largely poor during the season and he has only
managed to score 5 league goals all season with two of those coming in the
same game away at Fulham on Boxing Day.
His season never seemed to recover after his penalty miss in the first home
game of the season against Bolton. The fans had never really warmed to Cole
and this gave reason to get on his back which the fans did. Cole isn't the
type of player to react well and let his football do the talking and some of
his performances were verging on the farcical. His first goal of the season
came at home to Newcastle as he opened the scoring with a tap in but we
would go on to lose the game.
It seemed as though things were about to look up for him in the cup game at
home to Manchester United when he would score two goals in the 4-0 romp.
Goals would not flow for Cole and despite a well taken couple of goals
against Fulham the game on New Years day against Wolves summed him up . He
missed a sitter in the first half and in the second a cross from Piquionne
saw Cole in the area with a simple finish from a few yards but he somehow
completely missed the shot, and the ball hit the Wolves defender behind him
and went in. Cole would smile as the ball went in but it was an indication
of a player whose form was never in.
The League Cup would again prove to be fruitful for Cole as he scored the
winner in the Semi Final First Leg as his almost pass back attempt saw
Birmingham Keeper Ben Foster let the ball slip under him and Cole celebrated
as if he had scored a shot from 25 yards out. But in the second leg Cole
would score from that distance with a quite remarkable shot which just only
serves to frustrate further as a player who has showed on more than one
occasion to have no technical ability could pull off a really sublime shot
such as that. With the way the result went that goal will of course be
forgotten but it was some strike.
Whilst Cole may have finished with 11 goals I will be delighted to see the
back of him. I'm sure he would get into half the Premiership teams and score
10 goals but quite simply I'm fed up of the negativity Carlton Cole brings
within West Ham fans. He isn't liked, he will never be liked. He could have
scored 20 goals and people would still dislike him because his style of play
is there to frustrate.
Cole is not the 'worst striker we have ever had' nor is it 'f*cking shit'.
He just isn't a player who in his career has done more than he has done at
West Ham. I'm not sure what people expect Carlton Cole to be - he is an
average striker with a less than average goal record and will score a few
goals here and there but will always miss more. To rely on Carlton Cole to
score enough goals to keep you up is one of the many reason why we were
relegated.
Apps: League 21 (14) Cup 5 (3)
Goals: 11
Bookings: 5
Verdict: No consistency, frustrating to watch and time to leave the club.
Frank Nouble
Now 19 years old, Nouble has had three loan spells during this season and
had only started one game for the club which was in the FA Cup game at home
to Barnsley.
He went on loan to Swansea City in September on a three month loan move. He
made six appearances and scored one goal (his first in professional
football). The loan spell was cut short and he returned to West Ham in
October. He made an appearance in the Boxing Day game against Fulham coming
on as a late sub but made his first start at home to Barnsley in January
when he played quite well showing good movement but should have scored in
the second half.
A few weeks later he would be shipped out on loan to Barnsley which was
supposed to be till the end of the season but Barnsley cut short his loan in
March and he was back at West Ham but not for long as another loan spell
beckoned this time in one division lower than he had previously been playing
as he joined Charlton starting four games and scoring one goal.
Having begun to make an impact last season there has been no development for
Nouble at the club this campaign and I am unsure if he will be making in
impact next season either. He looks a handful but had done little in his
loan spells and little to suggest he is ready for top flight football. Like
many of our players, relegation gives them a chance to perhaps make their
mark on the team when they may not have had a chance in the Premiership. To
whether Nouble can do this remains to be seen and will depend largely on who
we sign in the summer and who we let go.
Apps: League (2) Cup 1 (1)
Robbie Keane
He was the big January Transfer Window signing and one I have to say I was
pleased with and though he was going to be a massive player for us. Signed
on loan from Spurs he made his debut away at Blackpool and scored the second
goal with a close range finish. This all looked great at this point but
injury forced him off in the following match against Birmingham and Keane
was out for a month. This for me was a key moment because when he came back
he didn't look fit and some of the chances he missed ended up costing us
dear. He came back from injury in the 4-2 home defeat to Manchester United
coming on in the 83rd minute.
He started the next game up at Bolton in a deeper role but never got into
the game and we were smashed 3-0 which was the start of another horrible run
which would see us relegated. After the Bolton game we played Aston Villa
and Keane opening the scoring in the opening stages of the game but that
would be his last goal for the club.
Away at Chelsea he came on as a sub and missed a golden chance and away at
Manchester City he would start his final game for the club and miss another
sitter in the first half. But many fans will find it hard to forgive the
miss against Blackburn Rovers in the second half. He again came off the
bench and the ball was played across to him an he looked poised to score but
missed the ball completely and we drew 1-1. We spent a lot of money getting
him to come to the club but for me that injury which kept him out for a
month was something he didn't truly recover from. I do not blame the owners
for bringing him to the club as it was a good move at the time, but Keane
never looked 100% and failed to score the goals we had hoped he would.
Apps: League 5 (4) Cup (1)
Goals: 2
Demba Ba
He was all set to join Stoke City before failing a medical with them, yet a
few weeks later we had signed him on a permanent contract. Of all the
Janaury signings it would be Ba who would make the most impact and he
finshed as our top league goal scorer. He made his debut against Birmingham
at Upton Park, coming on as sub and hitting the post but it would be next
game away at West Brom where we would sit up and take notice of Demba Ba as
he scored two goals in a superb fight back from three goals down in a 3-3
draw.
At home to Liverpool in the next game he would score again with a well
placed header in a 3-1 victory and the following week at home to the club
who rejected him he would score the first goal to give us a 3-0 win over
Stoke. Goals did dry up a little for Ba but even away at White Hart Lane he
looked dangerous and had a couple of long range efforts saved and even in
the 3-0 loss at Bolton he had a shot which crashed off the post.
In our final four games Ba would score three times with goals at Manchester
City and two headers away at Wigan. Demba Ba was brought in to score goals
and unlike most of our players he did the job he was supposed to do and it
is such a shame that relegation will deprive us from seeing more of a player
who could have been a hero at the club.
Apps: League 10 (2) Cup 1
Goals: 7
Bookings: 1
Verdict: 10 starts, 7 goals, top league scorer despite only signing in
January - says it all.
So there we have it. Every player, most of them sh*t and most of them
leaving the summer. Who knows who we will be review this time next year but
hopefully we will be talking about how well the players did to win
promotion.
For what it's worth here are my best and worst of the season:
Player Of The Season - Scott Parker
Young Player Of The Season - James Tomkins
Game Of The Season - Manchester United (h) 4-0 League Cup
Goal Of The Season - Scott Parker vs. Liverpool (h)
Worst Player Of The Season - Julien Faubert
Worst Game Of The Season - Birmingham (a) 1-3 League Cup Semi Final
Enjoy your summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kevin Nolan Yes: Alan Smith Please God No!
June 8th, 2011 - 3:36 am by Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
The Sun reckons that West Ham have made 'a formal £1.25m move for
Blackpool's (DJ) Campbell and offered Newcastle £3m for (Kevin) Nolan'. In
addition, The Mail say West Ham are interested in Rio Ferdinand's
18-year-old cousin, and Southend defender Kane Ferdinand. A £750,000 bid is
said to be on the table. Alan Smith is also said to be interesting the
Hammers, with Joe Cole also being linked.
The thing is, we are going to be linked with every two bit player in the
game over the next few weeks. And you know, one day a journalist will hit on
a winner. By the law of averages they have to. The only one in that little
list which gets me at all excited is Kevin Nolan, who would be a good
replacement for Scott Parker. He scores goals too, which we have always had
a problem with from midfield. But is he getting on a bit, or should we be
looking at players who have been there done that, and can help us get back
up again, even if they are only good for a couple of years?
Alan Smith, though. Please God no. He's injured more often than, well,
almost any other player I can think of.
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Sam's £4.25m bid for DJ and Nolan
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE kicked off his rebuilding at West Ham with a £4.25million
double bid for DJ Campbell and Kevin Nolan. Hammers last night made a formal
£1.25m move for Blackpool's Campbell and offered Newcastle £3m for Nolan.
Campbell, 29, has a get-out clause in his contract which alerted new Upton
Park chief Allardyce.
The striker hit 13 goals last season as Blackpool joined West Ham in the
relegation zone and is seen as an ideal replacement for Demba Ba. Allardyce
has offered Ba, 26, a £15,000-a-week pay rise but Everton are leading the
race to offer him Premier League football. Midfielder Nolan, 28, played for
Allardyce at Bolton and has two years left on his Newcastle contract. But he
fears his days at Toon are numbered under Alan Pardew. Hammers are waiting
for a response to their bid as they prepare to fill the gap which will be
left by midfield ace Scott Parker's departure.
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West Ham ponder £750k swoop for Southend teenager - and Rio's cousin - Kane
Ferdinand
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 12:17 AM on 8th June 2011
The Daily Mail
West Ham are ready to bid £750,000 for the cousin of Rio Ferdinand —
18-year-old Southend defender Kane. He was watched last season by West Ham
chief scout Roger Cross, who believes he is good enough to follow in the
footsteps of his illustrious cousin. Southend will find it hard to resist
such an offer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kevin Nolan and DJ Campbell set to become first signings by Sam Allardyce at
West Ham United
By Jason Burt6:40AM BST 08 Jun 2011Comment
New manager West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has identified a number of
signings including Nolan and Campbell as he prepares for life in
Championship. With a clearout of players due at Upton Park the new manager
has identified a number of signings, including several available on 'Bosman'
free transfers, although fees would be paid for his top targets. Nolan, who
has rejected a new contract at Newcastle United having been offered only a
two-year deal having asked for a five-year deal, is chief among Allardyce's
targets.
Allardyce managed the goal-scoring midfielder at Bolton Wanderers and made
him his first signing at Newcastle during his time there, in 2007. The
strong relationship between the pair might persuade Nolan, who has two years
left on his present deal, to drop down to the Championship, especially as it
appears West Ham United might be willing to match the 28 year-old's demands.
Campbell, like Nolan, also has experience of being promoted into the Premier
League and Allardyce has already stated his intention to regain top-flight
status in his first season at West Ham.
Campbell scored 13 goals last season for Blackpool and would like to remain
in the Premier League after suffering relegation last month. It is
understood that the 29-year-old striker has a £1.25 million buy-out clause
in his contract at Blackpool which can be triggered in the event of
relegation. However West Ham will face competition from Premier League clubs
to sign him. Yesterday, chairman David Sullivan said: "We are in
negotiations for five players and could confirm at least one signing in the
next week." West Ham are waiting to hear from Demba Ba and Thomas
Hitzslperger over whether they are prepared to stay at the club. Matthew
Upson is among those out of contract while bids will be listened to for
Carlton Cole and Robert Green. Scott Parker is also expected to leave Upton
Park this summer.
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West Ham United Hotel and Conference Centre scoops two prestigious
hospitality awards
http://www.incentivetravel.co.uk/
Tuesday, 07 June 2011 11:17
Venues & Events
West Ham United's Boleyn Ground, part of Lime Venue Portfolio, picked up an
accolade at the recent Football Hospitality Awards winning gold in the
'Conference & Events Sales & Marketing' category and received TripAdvisor's
Certificate of Excellence which honours top-rated hotels, restaurants and
attractions, reviewed by travellers on the world's largest travel site.
West Ham United Hotel and Conference Centre scooped gold at The Official
Football Hospitality Awards, beating stiff competition from finalists Aston
Villa and Leicester City. This category is judged by BDRC by marking quality
literature contents and carrying out mystery shopper style telephone calls.
To qualify for a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, businesses must
maintain an average rating of four or higher out of a possible five, as
reviewed by travellers on their website. Additional criteria include volume
of reviews and how recently they have been submitted by TripAdvisor
travellers. The accolade is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide.
Julia Kilby, sales manager at West Ham United Hotel and Conference Centre
said: "We are delighted to receive these notable awards, along with some of
the most prestigious hotels and attractions around the world. These
recognitions keep West Ham United Hotel and Conference Centre firmly on the
accommodation, meetings and events map and clearly acknowledge our
commitment to providing consistently first class service to our customers."
Located in East London, West Ham United Hotel and Conference Centre is an
iconic sporting venue with 60 pitch-view ensuite bedrooms, suitable for
residential conferences and banqueting and a range of 10 meeting and event
spaces for 5 to 850 delegates. A further 70 pitch-view syndicate rooms are
available for breakout rooms, smaller events, training courses and private
dinners.
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Allardyce Exclusive: New West Ham boss discusses transfer rumours
East London Advertiser
Matt Diner
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
11:15 AM
No offers have been made and none have been received for any players,
according to new West Ham boss Sam Allardyce. The Hammers were relegated
after defeat at Wigan in their penultimate fixture of the season and
subsequently the likes of Scott Parker, Demba Ba and Thomas Hitzlsperger
have been linked with moves away from Upton Park. The former Blackburn boss
was announced as the replacement for Avram Grant last Tuesday and although
he is currently away in Spain he claims there is little chance offers will
be made before pre-season starts on July 1st. "There has been a lot of
speculation about players coming in or leaving the club, but I'm not aware
of any bids," he exclusively told the East London Advertiser. "It's quiet
this time of the year because everybody, like myself is on holiday and
things start up again in July. At the moment transfer activity is at a
minimum."
Joe Lewis, Alan Smith, El Hadj Diouf and even Joe Cole have been linked with
a move to Upton Park, but the boss denied any enquiries had been made. "No,
no and no and I don't think we could afford Joe Cole," the boss said. "Of
course one would love Joe Cole because he is an outstanding player but he
would be too expensive."
Jonathan Spector and Danny Gabbidon are still mulling over contract offers
at the club, but Allardyce confirmed that striker Zavon Hines had turned
down an offer from the club. "I am aware and yes Zavon has turned down a
contract," he said. "But that doesn't mean that is the end of the matter and
he will leave the club. As far as I am aware talks are still ongoing and he
could stay."
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Westfield and West Ham: made for each other
Guardian.co.uk
A story surfaced yesterday that Stratford mega-mall builders Westfield could
pay West Ham £20 million for the naming rights to the Olympic stadium when
the club moves in after the Games. There was a bit of a Twitter flurry.
"Strangely I find this kind of OK," declared @Suffolk_Iron, philosophically.
"Westfield Olympic Stadium? Det kunne vel vært verre. Og dette øker sjansen
for retractable seating," remarked @kristianmyrseth obscurely, except to his
fellow speakers of Norwegian of course. Mixed feelings and rude words
emerged on Footymad. The Guardian's Owen Gibson investigated. Result?
Westfield say West Ham stadium naming rights story is nonsense. They are
tendering for the conversion work, however. This conversion work would
include installing hospitality boxes, so perhaps the two parties will
eventually warm to a stadium bond over corporate canapes. The world's
largest retail property group and the Hammers would make a snug fit.
Westfield. West Ham. Westfield Food Hall Ham Sandwich. West Ham Field of
Dreams.
Indeed, the two institutions are already wedded in significant ways. I read
that Westfield gave West Ham advice on planning and design in relation to
their successful bid for the stadium, and the pair have an obvious common
interest in making the heart of the Olympic Park work "in legacy" (as they
say). This includes building a bit of community good work into their
respective operations, in keeping with the long-term objective of revving up
the economy of East London where unemployment is high and ingrained.
The Hammers' stadium deal is, of course, a partnership with Newham Council,
and though not without its hitches and critics says it guarantees benefits
for residents, with sports participation fostered through a "legacy trust",
local schools able to use the stadium for sports days and a community
athletics track being provided for local athletics clubs.
As for Westfield, they've been doing their bit by pledging that "at least
2,000" of the possible 8,500 retail jobs in their £1.4 billion shoppers'
paradise will be "for the local unemployed" from day one. They've set up a
permanent "retail academy" on their Stratford site (they've another in
Nottingham) run by the training experts Seetec with the aim of building a
"skills base", especially among younger people.
Those who pine for a lost East End manufacturing past - I'm probably among
them - might groan romantically at the notion of Big Shopping - the biggest
in Europe - as an engine of "convergence" between the mostly hard-up Olympic
boroughs and the wealthier bits of the capital. But Westfield's arrival on
my side of the metropolis - it's due to open soon after the start of the
next football season - does vindicate the view of legacy planners that
London's development tide is turning in that direction. Sir Robin Wales,
Newham's Labour mayor, angers some with his desire to move the borough more
upmarket, but if he hadn't been lobbying for a portion of those retail jobs,
he wouldn't have been doing his own.
As for a closer Westfield-West Ham hitch-up, time will tell. If nothing
else, the football club can hardly lose from being so close to a facility so
large it should be able to sell you anything - including perhaps, a few
decent new players.
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Tottenham odds-on to secure summer Parker signature
Ladbrokes.com
Although it is increasing likely that Scott Parker will leave West Ham this
summer, it is not so clear cut where he will ply his trade next, but
Tottenham are the odds-on favourites to secure his signature. Parker may
have been named the Premier League player of the season by the Football
Writers' Association and regained his England place, but this was not enough
to save West Ham from relegation. There will be no shortage of options for
Parker to remain in the Premier League, but one thing that does seem likely
and that is that he will remain in London to avoid having to relocate. Harry
Redknapp is known to be a keen admirer of Parker and reportedly had an offer
for the midfielder turned down in January. It would be no surprise if
Tottenham came back with another bid this summer in order to strengthen
their squad and it is 8/11 that Parker is a Spurs player come September 1st.
However, it is Arsenal that could have the most to gain by buying a
midfielder of the mould of Parker.
Arsenal may need to dip into the transfer market this summer with question
marks over the future of some of their players. Cesc Fabregas could be on
his way back to Spain, Samir Nasri has just 12 months left on his contract,
while Tomas Rosicky and Andrei Arshavin are likely to leave. Arsenal will
still have Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey in the middle of their midfield,
but a player with the engine and tenaciousness of Parker could still prove a
useful acquisition. It is 5/2 in the Premier League odds that Arsenal sign
Parker before September 1st. The other options potentially open to Parker
are Liverpool (7/2), Chelsea (7/1) and Manchester City (16/1), while it is
33/1 that he remains at West Ham as they attempt to secure promotion back to
the Premier League.
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Why Big Sam's the right man for West Ham - and why Sparky WAS right for
Villa
By Robbie Savage
Published 22:59 02/06/11
The Mirror
I know exactly why Sam Allardyce has joined West Ham. He was fed up of my
terrible suits and me nudging him in the ribs every time I made a bad joke
on ESPN.
Big Sam isn't everyone's cup of tea. Some Hammers fans are already moaning
that his style isn't the West Ham way. Others see his press conferences and
find him a bit blunt. Neither is true. Having spent the last few months
working alongside him on TV, I know he's a very funny guy who loves telling
football stories and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the game. If there's
one thing he is blunt about, it's the long-ball tag that's followed him
round for years. But the Allardyce-managed Bolton teams I played against
weren't all about Route One. Yes, they could look to Kevin Davies for
knockdowns when they needed to. But there was much more to their game, with
the likes of Jay-Jay Okocha and Youri Djorkaeff stroking the ball around. A
good manager - and Sam is definitely one of those – uses all the tools at
his disposal to get results. He'll do that at West Ham.
Irrespective of who goes out and comes in now, they will start next season
as my favourites for promotion back to the Premier League because of the
Allardyce factor.
He'll toughen up a team that was a soft touch under Avram Grant. He'll mix
up playing styles to keep the fans happy. And he wouldn't have taken the job
without telling Karren Brady and the owners not to get involved in his
business. It might not be the best time for West Ham, but he is the right
man for the job
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