Alpari (UK) and West Ham United
WHUFC.com
Alpari (UK) Limited have joined forces with West Ham United including sponsorship of the West Stand
19.07.2011
West Ham United have announced a major partnership agreement with Alpari (UK) Alpari (UK) Limited, a leading global foreign exchange broker, signed a three-year contract with the club on Friday. Alpari (UK) operates in the global currency trading industry, providing Forex traders with highly advanced online trading platforms and research tools. David Stuart, COO of Alpari (UK), said: "Alpari (UK) and West Ham United share core values such as drive, commitment and passion for what we do. We are excited about this partnership."
As part of the partnership agreement, the West Stand at the Boleyn Ground will be known as the Alpari Stand. Supporters will find out more about Forex trading, Alpari (UK)'s new products and special promotions via West Ham TV online and the stadium screens, in the club's publications and on whufc.com. Alpari (UK) will also launch special prize draws and events for fans. Stuart added: "This is Alpari (UK)'s first major sponsorship in the world of sports and yet another milestone for the company as it goes from strength to strength. Alpari is already an established name around the globe and sponsorships like this help reinforce our brand. The Alpari companies' mission is to help people who are new to Forex as well as experienced traders gain access to this $4 trillion industry via cutting-edge, user-friendly technology."
Barry Webber, West Ham United Commercial Director, said: "We are delighted to sign this partnership agreement with Alpari (UK). It will have a significant and positive impact on the club, and the deal demonstrates that West Ham United remains an attractive proposition to prospective partners, especially in the key world of business and finance."
Alpari (UK) Limited is an award-winning foreign exchange contracts for difference and precious metals broker headquartered in the heart of the City of London and with subsidiaries in Germany, Japan and India as well as a representative office in China. With a history dating back to 1998, the Alpari companies are among the world's fastest growing providers of online Forex trading services, with more than 50 offices in cities in over 20 countries, including London, New York, Tokyo, Shanghai, Dubai, Moscow, Mumbai and Frankfurt. Combined, the companies look after over 170,000 active trading accounts, generating monthly trading volumes in excess of $210bn and employ over 630 people worldwide.
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Hammers XI off to Weymouth
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon will take his development squad to the south coast for a friendly on Saturday
19.07.2011
Ian Hendon will take a West Ham United XI to face Southern League Premier Division side Weymouth on Saturday 23 July. The Hammers' new development coach and his squad will visit the Bob Lucas Stadium for a pre-season match with a 3pm kick-off, giving south coast-based supporters the opportunity to see the club's promising young professionals in the flesh. With the first team travelling to League One newcomers Wycombe Wanderers on the same afternoon and the Under-18s on tour in Estonia this weekend, Hendon is likely to have a youthful squad at his disposal.
George Moncur and Cristian Montano will hope to impress after travelling with the first-team squad for their pre-season training camp in Switzerland, while first-year professionals Callum Driver, Sergio Sanchez, Sebastian Lletget, Paul McCallum and Sam Cowler could all get a chance to shine. Young professionals Ahmed Abdulla (pictured), Callum McNaughton and Matt Fry could also feature in Dorset after helping the Hammers to a 3-0 pre-season victory at Bishop's Stortford on Saturday afternoon.
The Terras - who also play in claret and blue - finished the 2011/12 season 18th in the Southern League Premier Division standings, escaping relegation on the final day of the campaign.
Tickets for Saturday's fixture will be available priced at £10 Adults, £7 Concessions and £2.50 Children. For directions to the Bob Lucas Stadium, click here.
Before travelling to the seaside, the development squad will take on Gillingham in a behind-closed-doors fixture on Tuesday.
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Development squad scores Gills win
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon's youngsters defeated Gillingham 2-0 in a friendly match at Little Heath on Tuesday
19.07.2011
Robert Hall and Olly Lee continued their encouraging pre-season campaigns by scoring a goal apiece in a 2-0 development squad win over Gillingham. Hall and Lee (pictured), who both travelled with the first-team squad to their pre-season training camp in Switzerland last week, netted in the opening half as Ian Hendon's side secured a comfortable victory at Little Heath. In truth, West Ham United could have won by a wider margin were it not for some brave blocks from Gillingham defenders. That said, Hendon was more than happy with his players' performance in what was his first game in charge. "Collectively, it was the first real game for my squad," he said. "We got a little bit leggy towards the end but that's to be expected as it was the first game in pre-season for some of the lads. Overall I was very pleased."
The Hammers were in total control of the game against a Gillingham side containing a number of foreign trialists and had already gone close through Callum McNaughton, Lee and Paul McCallum before Hall broke the deadlock on 18 minutes. The England Under-18 forward completed a flowing move that had begun when McCallum headed down goalkeeper Sam Cowler's long clearance into the path of Lee. The midfielder played an instant first-time pass into Hall, who broke through a challenge before slamming a low shot in off the base of the far post. Gillingham nearly struck back within a minute, only for Reggie Lamb to blast his effort high over the crossbar from close-range. Having survived that let-off, West Ham regained the upper hand. Lee shot straight at goalkeeper Darren Hawkes before McCallum had an overhead kick ruled out for offside and Sebastian Lletget sent a looping header just past the angle of post and crossbar. The second goal arrived four minutes before half-time when Lee fed Lletget wide on the left near the halfway line. The American slipped past one challenge before tricking his way past another defender inside the penalty area and laying the ball into the path of Lee, who slotted home confidently from 12 yards. To their credit, Gillingham battled gamely after the interval and could have got their names on the scoresheet had it not been for a brave Matt Fry block and a wayward header from substitute Ollie Mann. Hendon made a host of changes as the game entered its final stages, giving scholars Matthias Fanimo - back from the injury that ruled him out of the FIFA U17 World Cup finals in June - Jack Powell, Jake Young and Jake Larkins a chance to impress. The development coach takes his squad to Southern League Premier Division outfit Weymouth on Saturday, where he expects his players to be given a stern examination by the semi-professional side. "It will be nice to get the boys together on a coach and go down and play and do it properly," he said. "I'm sure it will be a stiff test down there against a team who are looking to get out of the division that they're in.
"It'll probably be a bit more physical than today, but it'll be a good test."
Tickets for Saturday's game at Weymouth, which kicks-off at the Bob Lucas Stadium at 3pm, are priced at £10 Adults, £7 Concessions and £2.50 Children.
West Ham United development squad: Cowler (Larkins 71), Sanchez, Driver, McNaughton, Fry (Young 74), Abdulla, Moncur (Powell 74), Lee, Lletget (Fanimo 74), Hall, McCallum
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Hammers arrive in Denmark
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce's men are in Copenhagen ahead of a high-profile friendly match on Wednesday night
19.07.2011
West Ham United have touched down in Denmark ahead of a high-profile friendly match against FC Copenhagen on Wednesday night. The Hammers had flown out of Heathrow Airport on Tuesday afternoon after an early-morning start for training at Chadwell Heath. Led by manager Sam Allardyce, the travelling party included a mixture of established first-teamers like Scott Parker and Kevin Nolan and some of the club's brightest young prospects including Jordan Brown and Cristian Montano.
After a short delay due to poor weather conditions, the flight took off with everyone in good spirits on the back of a successful training camp last week in Switzerland and a competitive match at Bishop's Stortford at the weekend. Bright sunshine greeted the squad when they touched down at Copenhagen Airport on the island of Amager, just outside the main city centre.
The squad gathered for dinner soon after arriving at the hotel. A light session was then planned for the morning ahead of the 8pm CET fixture at the Parken Stadium, when a large contingent of travelling fans are expected to cheer the Hammers on.
Allardyce is certainly expecting a good test for his men. They will come up against a Copenhagen side who will play in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round against either Shamrock Rovers of Ireland or FC Flora of Estonia next week. The Danish champions are expected to come through that tie and then compete for a place in the group stage proper.
The Hammers will travel back to England on Thursday ahead of this Saturday's game at Wycombe Wanderers. After that they have a game at Dagenham & Redbridge on the following Tuesday, before the first match at the Boleyn Ground this summer with the Saturday week visit of Real Zaragoza. The npower Championship gets under way on Sunday 7 August at home to Cardiff City.
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Hammers in Taylor talks
Allardyce eyes raid on old club
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated: July 19, 2011 4:36pm
SSN
Skysports.com understands West Ham are in talks to sign Bolton midfielder Matt Taylor. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is keen to land Taylor and is believed to have tabled a bid for the versatile performer. Taylor is entering the final year of his contract at the Reebok Stadium and Bolton are ready to let him move on. The 29-year-old struggled to hold down a regular place in Bolton's starting XI last season and he could be tempted away for a new challenge. A number of clubs are thought to have expressed an interest in Taylor, but West Ham are hoping to lure the former Portsmouth man to Upton Park. Allardyce is looking to build a squad capable of winning promotion back to the Premier League and he sees Taylor as a key addition to his plans.
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Big Sam - Fitness first
Hammers' new boss wants to increase fitness levels
By James Pearson - Follow me: @SkySportsJamesP. Last Updated: July 19, 2011 9:15am
SSN
West Ham's new manager Sam Allardyce has expressed his surprise at the poor levels of fitness among his inherited squad. Allardyce is looking to guide the Hammers back into the top flight this season following relegation from the Premier League last term. The 56-year-old brings a wealth of experience to Upton Park and the ex-Blackburn and Bolton man has been perplexed by sub-standard fitness levels. West Ham have a number of internationals among their ranks and Allardyce knows their stars need to start bringing more to the table.
Shocking
"Fitness has always been a massive part of football but never more so than now," explained Allardyce. If you haven't got the capabilities of an athlete, you can't be a top footballer. "I've looked at their stats and it doesn't reflect well physically. It wasn't great. "I was shocked considering the size of the squad and the quality of the players, many of whom were internationals. They really should have been pulling out much more. "You look at their ability to perform at a high intensity and their sprint distances which is the level of speed needed to create the opportunities to win football matches. "Compared to the levels at Blackburn and Bolton, they weren't good."
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Gabbidon links up with Rangers
Former Hammers star impressed by Warnock's plans
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated: July 19, 2011 12:08pm
SSN
Skysports.com can confirm Danny Gabbidon has linked up with QPR for training ahead of a possible move to Loftus Road. Gabbidon is available on a free transfer after seeing out his contract at West Ham earlier this summer. The Wales international has joined up with the QPR squad for their pre-season tour of the West Country so that Neil Warnock can cast an eye over him in training. Warnock is keen to bolster his defensive options and he will give Gabbidon the chance to win a deal with the Premier League new boys. Gabbidon is hoping to win a move to QPR and he admits he has been impressed by Warnock's plans for the club upon their return to the top flight.
Impressed
"I am training with QPR at the minute and let's see what happens," Gabbidon told skysports.com. "I have been impressed by the manager's ideas for the club and what he intends to do in the Premier League next season." "I have been impressed by the manager's ideas for the club and what he intends to do in the Premier League next season." "Danny has several offers from home and abroad, but when he heard about the interest from QPR he wanted to meet the manager and join up and train with the squad as it's exciting times there," he said. "Neil is interested in Danny as he is a quality defender and his wealth of Premier League experience could prove helpful for them this season."
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Big Sam Emphasises Fitness Levels!
July 19th, 2011 - 11:52 pm by S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Well, Sam Allardyce has finally confirmed what many of us suspected last season, that the fitness levels of the first team squad were not good enough. He has been reported on SSN website as stating that last season's stats highlight poor fitness and an in ability to compete with intensity. He also, tellingly, unfavorably compares the West Ham stats with those at Blackburn and Bolton!
Perhaps that contributes to explaining the number of 45 minute games we played last season, the way that we visibly tired in matches and the number of 2-0 leads that we blew! It is certainly condemns the Avram Grant coaching and fitness set up, although it is unclear whether this poor fitness was also apparent under Zola? Say what you like about Alan Curbishley's period of tenure, but at least the team looked like it could compete for 90 minutes. The next logical question is whether this will have a toxic legacy for the squad's start to the forthcoming Championship season? How long will it take Allardyce and his team to get the squad up to the pre-requisite fitness levels? At least the process of improving fitness has commenced and, hopefully, it will not undermine our start to the season.
Unfortunately, it look as if Max Gradel will be signing for Lille, rather than the Hammers. It is a great shame because Gradel could have been a sensation on our left flank. Still, Matt Taylor will also be a good left sided acquisition. The added attraction is his ability to play right along the left flank. Some reports yesterday stated that the signing of DJ Campbell was still a possibility. If so, that means that he will choose us over QPR and other current PL suitors. Such a move will be another great statement of intent by the club. What I like about Campbell is that he has aggression and an hunger to score and perform well. He demonstrated that admirably last season with Blackpool and it is just the sort of positive attitude and hunger to succeed that is needed in the West Ham squad.
Allardyce has stated that he wants to sign six new players in this summer transfer window. They will probably be needed, but do not under-estimate the ability of one or two of the youngsters to show strongly this season. The prime candidates are probably Christian Montano, Jordan Spence, Jordan Brown and Olly Lee; although Robert Hall has also done exceptionally well so far. In fairness to Sam Allardyce, he has obviously given the youngsters the optimum chance to show what they can do, ahead of finalising his transfer priorities for the remainder of the summer. Robert Hall is one of those prospects that has exceptional ability and seems almost fated to succeed in the game; he is also a player, a la Joe Cole, that you can see making a first team impact very early. However, it is also possible that players that did not impress last season, such as Reid and Barrera, might 'step up to the plate' this time around. I feel particularly justified in my support for Barrera last season. His recent outstanding international performances indicate that he is a very good player and could be a real asset, he just needs to deployed in the right way (i.e. playing through central areas and not stuck out on the flank). Lets hope that Barrera stays and Allardyce can get him replicating his international form next season. If he does, he can terrorise Championship defences.
An appointment to Allardyce's management team that has largely gone unheralded is Ian Hendon from Gillingham. Significantly, he has been installed as Development Coach. His role is to improve the support to youngsters in making the transition from the Academy to Reserve and First Team level. That appointment and function makes perfect sense to me, as this transition is probably the most difficult in the modern game. How many seemingly promising prospects, in recent years, have shone at U-17 and U-18 levels, struggled to make an impression in the reserves and failed to make the first team grade. It may be that some were just not good or dedicated enough for the first team, but a few may have suffered because they needed more support and advice to make the transition. Whatever, it is a very good sign that a post like this has been appointed to and indicates that the club is determined to continue to giving youth a chance.
Will they go or will they stay? At the moment Parker looks most likely to leave, with Chelski his probable destination. Yet, Scotty should be very careful with that one. He will not have forgotten that his previous period at Chelski was the most frustrating of his career. Yes, Parker will be very confident in his ability to excel, after his excellent performances over the last two seasons, but it should be remembered that he is being considered as a short-term stop-gap for the injured Essien. Also, never under-estimate Chelski's ability to go out and sign a couple of multi-million pound midfield players that will push him down the Stamford Bridge pecking order. Personally, I feel that if he goes to Chelski it should be, at least initially, on a one season loan basis. West Ham suits Scotty, that is why he has played the best football of his career with us. I believe that he should hold out for the loan option and give West Ham the chance to regain their PL status.
As for Green and Cole, I believe that there is more chance that they may remain at the club next season. Clubs seem to be hesitating in bidding for Green; whilst Carlton Cole seems committed to staying next season. The large unknown, of course, is whether the West Ham board really want the Green-Parker-Cole triumvirate off the wage bill. They have stated that Sam Allardyce as been given the green light to persuade them to stay, but who knows? The likely outcome could be that Green and Parker are sold and Cole is retained. If so, Carlton Cole will really have a lot to prove next season, both in terms of his fitness (after the recent comments coming out of Stoke City) and the fact that he is a cut above the Championship. We shall see?
Finally, what about the extension of the season ticket renewal deadline from 5 to 19 July 2011! That clearly seems to indicate that renewal rates have been poor, what other explanation can there be? It is not surprising in a season following a relegation to English football's second tier, it is even less surprising considering the pathetic way that the club surrendered its PL status. Another factor could be a reaction to Sam Allardyce's appointment and the perception (mistaken or otherwise) that it is contra the traditional West Ham playing philosophy?
It would be a great shame if the strong ties of loyalty and commitment that bound generations of supporters to West Ham had finally been significantly weakened. I doubt that is that case, but if it is, who can blame the average Hammers fan finally losing patience with a club that has put them through absolute hell since 2005-06! The 'die hards' will always be there, home and away, but it may be that a significant section of the mainstream support are keeping their season ticket money in their bank accounts this season. The current capitalist economic crisis is obviously a major factor, with spending on football being cut back along with other non-essentials. But it is also possible that they are saving their money this season and waiting to see how things pan out. Will they be back in 2012-13 if they like Allardyce's regime and the club is promoted back to the PL? If, as seems likely, there is significant alienation amongst the fan base, the emphasis is firmly upon the club to throw off the yoke of on-going under-achievement and produce a barn storming promotion season to get them back through the turnstiles. The ball is in their court!
SJ. Chandos.
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Scott shows he can Cope
Published: Today
The Sun
SCOTT PARKER is set to play for West Ham against Copenhagen tonight - despite doubts over his future. Parker has been linked with a return to Chelsea but travelled with Sam Allardyce's squad to Denmark. West Ham have agreed a three-year sponsorship deal with foreign exchange brokers Alpari (UK).
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Noble plea for six new players
Published: Today
The Sun
MARK NOBLE has told West Ham manager Sam Allardyce he needs SIX new players to win promotion. Big Sam is trying to strengthen his squad following the club's relegation from the Premier League last season. Midfielder Noble, 24, the Hammers' longest-serving player, said: "I am confident about the new season but, obviously, we need to sign a lot more players. "We've got to make five or six signings - good quality signings."
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West Ham United announce major sponsorship deal
19 July 2011 | Posted in Sponsorship, Soccer, Europe | By Michael Long
SportsProMedia.com
Premier League soccer club West Ham United has announced a major partnership agreement with global foreign exchange broker Alpari (UK). As part of the three-year contract, financial details of which were not disclosed, the West Stand at Upton Park will be renamed the Alpari Stand, while the company's products will be promoted via West Ham TV online, on stadium screens, in the club's publications and on whufc.com. Alpari (UK) operates in the global currency trading industry, providing Forex traders with advanced online trading platforms and research tools. David Stuart, chief operating officer of Alpari (UK), said: "Alpari (UK) and West Ham United share core values such as drive, commitment and passion for what we do. We are excited about this partnership."
"This is Alpari (UK)'s first major sponsorship in the world of sports and yet another milestone for the company as it goes from strength to strength. Alpari is already an established name around the globe and sponsorships like this help reinforce our brand. The Alpari companies' mission is to help people who are new to Forex as well as experienced traders gain access to this US$4 trillion industry via cutting-edge, user-friendly technology."
Barry Webber, West Ham United's commercial director, said: "We are delighted to sign this partnership agreement with Alpari (UK). It will have a significant and positive impact on the club, and the deal demonstrates that West Ham United remains an attractive proposition to prospective partners, especially in the key world of business and finance."
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Scott Parker eyed by Spurs as Wilson Palacios linked with PSG move
Metro.co.uk
Paris Saint-Germain are believed to be ready to make a £10million bid for Spurs midfielder Wilson Palacios. The move will allow Spurs boss Harry Redknapp to make a move for West Ham's Scott Parker as a replacement in midfield. PSG see Palacios as the perfect player to replace former Chelsea star Claude Makelele who recently hung up his boots after an illustrious career. Palacios, 26, has continually been linked with a move away from White Hart lane and is seen as one of the four or five players Redknapp claims he needs to sell to free up funds to bring new players to Spurs. Napoli are also said to be interested in Palacios but PSG's £10million offer could see the French club win the battle for his signature. Parker is reported to be holding out for a move to Spurs following the Hammers' relegation to the Championship last season. The 30-year-old has been valued at around £8million, leaving Redknapp with further funds to play with if Palacios does indeed leave.
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Chelsea set to rival Villa with fresh £7.5m bid for West Ham midfielder Parker
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 10:24 AM on 19th July 2011
Daily Mail
Chelsea are ready to test West Ham's resolve over Scott Parker with a fresh bid for the wantaway midfielder. New Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas initially wanted to sign the 30-year-old on a season-long loan as a short-term replacement for Michael Essien, who will miss up to six months with a serious knee injury. But Parker and West Ham are keen on a permanent deal and Villas-Boas is weighing up a £7.5m offer to beat off interest from Aston Villa. The Midlands club tabled a £7million bid for the England midfielder and were ready to offer Parker £65,000-per-week plus an extra £5,000 appearance bonus to join. Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp also wanted Parker but he dropped his interest because it did not make financial sense to the club. 'If you take into account the fee of around £8 million, signing-on fees and wages you're talking about a £30 million deal,' he told the Sunday Mirror. 'There is no way the club would sanction a deal for a 30-year-old who would have no resale value at the end of his contract. Parker, who signed for Chelsea from Charlton for £10m in 2004, played 45 minutes in a pre-season game at Bishop's Stortford on Saturday.
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Stoke and West Ham set to battle for Bolton midfielder
By Ian Abrahams
Tuesday, July 19
TalkSPort
Stoke and West Ham look set for a transfer tug of war over Bolton's Matthew Taylor. With only one year left on his contract, a fee of around £1.5million could be enough to prise the former Portsmouth player away from the Reebok. Although early days in any deal, it appears Sam Allardyce is desperate to take the 29-year-old to east London to replace Thomas Hitzlsperger, who covered the left midfield position at Upton Park last year. The former England Under-21 star played under Big Sam for the Trotters and could be set to link up again with with his former boss. But Stoke boss Tony Pulis is also keen on the talented midfielder and he could offer him the chance to stay in the Premier League.
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Hammers need six, says Noble
Football365
Last Updated: 19/07/11 at 11:59 Post Comment
Mark Noble says West Ham need to add up to six new players to their squad if they are to challenge for promotion back to the Premier League. New boss Sam Allardyce has already brought in Kevin Nolan and Abdoulaye Faye but missed out on the signings of Ricardo Gardner and Eidur Gudjohnsen.
Noble played the second half of Saturday's 3-0 friendly win against Bishop's Stortford alongside Jack Collison and Scott Parker, which with the addition of Nolan would make a pretty handy midfield in the Championship. But Parker's future remains up in the air and Noble admitted: "It would be lovely to have a midfield like that one. But what happens in the window up until the end of August, who knows? "I am confident about the new season, but obviously we have got to sign a lot more players. The squad is nowhere near good enough or big enough at the minute. "We've got to make five or six signings, good quality signings for this club who are going to help us achieve what we want to achieve."
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Eidur Gudjohnsen joins AEK Athens after West Ham deal falls through
32-year-old signs two-year contract with Greek side
Striker had undergone medical at West Ham
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 19 July 2011 17.00 BST
Eidur Gudjohnsen, who has played for Tottenham, Stoke and Fulham over the past 18 months, has signed for AEK Athens. Photograph: Matthew Childs/Action Images
The former Chelsea and Barcelona forward Eidur Gudjohnsen has signed for the Greek side AEK Athens on a two-year deal. The 32-year-old had been close to a move to West Ham United, but after the deal stalled he quickly decided on AEK. The Icelandic international has played for Tottenham Hotspur, Stoke City and Fulham in the past 18 months but said he is now looking forward to the challenge of playing in a new country. "I'm happy and excited to be here," Gudjohnsen told AEK's website. "It is a new step in my career and a challenge for me. I will give it my all."
Gudjohnsen won the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven as well as back-to-back Premier League titles during his time at Chelsea, while his spell at Barcelona culminated in winning the treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Champions League.
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Youngster Hall is shining bright for the Hammers
BourneLocal.co.uk
Published on Tuesday 19 July 2011 18:06
ROB Hall returned home from a successful pre-season tour of Switzerland last week and got another first team run out for West Ham in their 3-0 win over Bishops Stortford. Hall, who is from Aylesbury, may be only 17 but he is already impressing new Hammers boss Sam Allardyce, having been his side's main dangerman in friendlies against Young Boys and Champions League regulars Basel during a pre-season tour. Hall caught the eye again in the Hammers' win over Bishops Stortford on Saturday. The England striker then played his fourth game in 10 days, scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 win over Gillingham for a young Hammers XI on Tuesday afternoon.
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West Ham blow as new boy picks up injury
By talkSPORT
Tuesday, July 19
West Ham's new signing Abdoulaye Faye will miss the game against FC Copenhagen on Wednesday night after picking up a minor hamstring injury during the club's pre-season tour to Switzerland. The Senegal defender, who moved to Upton Park on a free transfer earlier in the summer after leaving Stoke, was forced to leave the field after appearing as a half-time substitute during the 2-1 defeat against Young Boys. Faye was appearing in just his second game for the club but had to leave the action late in the second half. West Ham are hoping that the injury is not serious and the 33-year-old will be able to continue his preparations for the start of the new season.
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West Ham's Sam Allardyce rules out loan move for Chelsea-linked Scott Parker
By Shane Farrington
Jul 19, 2011 7:03:00 PM
Goal.com
Manager contradicts club co-owner David Sullivan, who had said he would be open to sending the England international away temporarily, and says such a deal is "out of the question". West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has dismissed the possibility of Scott Parker going on loan to a Premier League club. Parker impressed last season despite West Ham dropping out of the Premier League, and has been reportedly attracting the interest of Tottenham, Chelsea and Aston Villa. Co-owner David Sullivan suggested the club could be open to loaning out the England international for a season before rejoining the Hammers if they gain promotion back to the top flight.
However, manager Allardyce believes the only way Parker will leave is if the club receives an acceptable offer for a permanent switch. "At the moment we are in a position where there are no bids to consider for Scott Parker," Allardyce told reporters. "As far as I am aware the loan deal is out of the question. "There is still a long way to go before the end of the transfer window and a lot of clubs could find they are missing something and could pounce on one of the quality players we have got here. "Unfortunately if the money is right we would have to consider it because of our financial plight of getting relegated from the Premier League and that is just a fact of life."
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Celebrities Ready To Race For Bobby Moore Fund
Chequeredflag.co.uk
Written By James Broomhead – July 19, 2011
A total of 14 celebrities are currently primed to take on the Silverstone Grand Prix track, raising money for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK in the Celebrity Challenge at this weekend's Silverstone Classic. Latest to gain their race licenses and join the grid for the weekend are Sky Sports presenter Vicky Gomersall and BBC Radio's Sally 'Traffic' Boazman. "It's going to be a real challenge to drive around Silverstone for 20 minutes and not make a complete pig's ear of it, which I probably will do!" said Boazman. "But as I keep saying to everyone, if you come along and watch at least you'll have a good laugh. I hope that us girlies will outdo the boys – we'll certainly give it a good go."
The pair join organics entrepreneur Jo Wood and model Zoe Cole as females on the grid of race-prepared Morgan Roadsters. The quartet will face tough competition from the male contingent that includes Heston Blumenthal, past winner of The Apprentice Lee McQueen, The Feeling drummer Paul Stewart and dancer Brendan Cole – who also happens to be Zoe's husband. Last year's winner Rick Parfitt Jr also returns to defend his crown.
"I hear that Rick Parfitt Jr won the race last year – well he needs to step aside because there's a new champion in town!" laughed Gomersall. "Basically, I just want the women to win. It won't be easy, though, and it could be a bit scary. In fact, I think this is probably the scariest thing I have ever done. I've jumped out of a plane before, but this is going to be right up there."
Last year's race raised £25,000 and the celebrity racers are aiming to beat that mark this year. Stephanie Moore MBE, Bobby's widow and fund founder, says: "I'm really looking forward to the Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge which I'm sure will be a fantastic occasion. The celebrity drivers have been doing a marvellous job with their fundraising so far. I'm extremely grateful for all their efforts and wish everybody the best of luck for the race."
You can sponsor all the drivers via the Bobby Moore Fund website at www.bobbymorefund.org.
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Taylor ponders West Ham move
July 19, 2011
FootieOnline.co.uk
West Ham are reported to have tabled a bid of £1.2million for Bolton Wanderers midfielder Matty Taylor according to the Daily Mail. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has already signed up two of his former Bolton stalwarts in Kevin Nolan and Abdoulaye Faye. Having allegedly lost out in his pursuit of Leeds starlet Max Gradel with the player angling for a move to French club Lille, Big Sam has returned to the Reebock in an effort to lure the 29 year old to East London. With reports abound that the Trotters are in pursuit of Barcelona's Jeffrén Suárez, it's no surprise that the left sided midfielder believes his days are numbered at the Lancashire club. Taylor was used sparingly last term and with the player keen for a move south, Allardyce has acted quickly to offer the player an exit route. Stoke City have already shown interest this summer but West Ham appear to have upped the ante by offering better wages and the chance of regular first team football. Taylor has just one year left on his contract and Trotters boss Coyle is believed to be courting offers to help fund the Suarez deal rather than risk losing Taylor for nothing in the summer. If the rumours are true, Hammers fans will clearly be optimistic as Allardyce looks to build a squad capable of winning promotion back to the Premier League. Taylor will be seen as a key member of that squad and his versatility and shooting prowess could be a major factor if West Ham are to bounce straight back.
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Leeds winger Gradel demands to leave club amid interest from Premier League
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 11:33 PM on 19th July 2011
Daily Mail
Max Gradel has told Leeds he wants to leave. Gradel, 23, is a target for West Ham, Fulham and Lille and is valued at £3m. Leeds are talking to former Bolton left back Jlloyd Samuel, 30, and looking at former Aston Villa midfielder Isaiah Osbourne, 23.
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce shocked by fitness levels of players
5:00pm Tuesday 19th July 2011
By Simon Mail »
Guardian Series
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has admitted he was shocked by the fitness levels of his squad. Allardyce has always placed a major emphasis on high fitness levels at his previous clubs, particularly during his successful time at Bolton, but he has not been impressed since taking over at Upton Park. Allardyce told Sky Sports: "Fitness has always been a massive part of football but never more so than now. "If you haven't got the capabilities of an athlete, you can't be a top footballer. "I've looked at their stats and it doesn't reflect well physically. It wasn't great. "I was shocked considering the size of the squad and the quality of the players, many of whom were internationals. They really should have been pulling out much more. "You look at their ability to perform at a high intensity and their sprint distances which is the level of speed needed to create the opportunities to win football matches. "Compared to the levels at Blackburn and Bolton, they weren't good."
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