Rot-Weiß Erfurt tickets on sale now
WHUFC.com
Tickets for the pre-season meeting with German side FC Rot-Weiß Erfurt are now available to Hammers supporters
13.06.2012
West Ham United fans can purchase tickets for the pre-season match at German club FC Rot-Weiß Erfurt now. The Hammers will travel to the Steigerwaldstadion for what promises to be a mouth-watering fixture against the 3.Liga side on Wednesday 25 July, with kick-off at 7pm local time. West Ham supporters have been allocated the Stehplatz-Block 2 terrace, with standing tickets priced at €15 Adults and €13.50 for Concessions. Hammers fans have also been allocated seats in section F priced at €18 for Adults and €16 for Concessions.
The match is one of three taking place during West Ham's pre-season trip to Germany. Sam Allardyce and his squad head to mainland Europe on 23 July before taking on Rot-Weiß Erfurt (25 July), Dynamo Dresden (27 July) and FC Energie Cottbus (29 July).
Rot-Weiß Erfurt finished fifth in the 3.Liga table, just two points off the automatic promotion places, and lost just nine of their 38 league matches. The club twice won the East German Premier League title in 1954 and 1955 and were twice East German Cup runners-up in 1950 and 1980. Among the club's first-team squad is Englishman and former Reading full-back Rhys Tyler.
The Hammers have a number of links with Germany, having beaten TSV 1860 Munich 2-0 in the 1965 European Cup Winners' Cup final at Wembley and been represented by German international Thomas Hitzlsperger.
While they have never met Rot-Weiß Erfurt or Energie Cottbus previously, the Hammers met Dresden in August 1986, when John Lyall's side defeated the then-East
German giants 2-1 at the FC Groningen Tournament in the Netherlands through goals from Tony Cottee and Frank McAvennie. Twenty-six years later and the two sides will meet again.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Barnet sign goalkeeper Sam Cowler from West Ham United
BBc.co.uk
Barnet have signed young goalkeeper Sam Cowler from West Ham United. The 19-year-old spent time playing in the League Two side's youth team while on loan last season. Bees head coach Mark Robson said: "He may be young, but he's a tall kid and what I like about him, along with his ability, is his attitude. "I can see that he will be pushing whoever is in front of him for a first team place. That's the kind of competition I want to see in my team." He added: "It's important we begin adding to the squad, and I'm pleased to see that's started with Sam."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Transfer latest: 14 June
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 14th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are said to have had a £4million bid for Wolves winger Matt Jarvis rejected, according to reports. Sky Sports 'understand' that United saw an offer for the 26-year-old Middlesbrough born player rejected by the relegated club yesterday. Elsewhere this morning, several sources continue to suggest potential Italian-based targets after Sam Allardyce was apparently spotted meeting with representatives of Juventus and Milan on Tuesday. Both Dutch and Italian sources have linked West Ham with a possible move for Luc Castaignos in the past 24 hours, a name we first mentioned here on KUMB in our transfer round-up on Tuesday. 19-year-old Castaignos hit 15 goals in 37 starts for Feyenoord before landing a €6.5million switch to the Italian giants last summer, but made just six first team appearances in his first season at the San Siro. West Ham are said to want to take the Dutch teenager on a permanent basis although Inter are rumoured to prefer a loan move.
Meanwhile the Daily Mail, who told us on Tuesday that West Ham were willing to offer £4million for Norwich's Grant Holt - two weeks after they claimed a £4.5million bid had been rejected - have ressurected the Yakubu link. However another source, a Twitter-based football agent claimed last night that the Blackburn striker is instead on his way to Qatar. Momo Diame, who has been at the centre of much gossip in the last 48 hours is said to be jetting into England tomorrow in order to hold talks with West Ham - and possibly one or two other clubs. The Wigan midfielder, who becomes a free agent at the end of this month has also been linked with Liverpool and the now-managerless Tottenham in the past few days.
The Daily Star, not exactly renowned for their transfer exclusives suggest that West Ham are 'ready to make a £3million bid' for ex-Hammer James Collins, currently earning vast sums at Aston Villa. The Welsh international, despite being labelled by many as 'the one that got away' managed an average of just 16 appearances per season during his four years in east London from 2006 to 2010 before joining Villa in a £4million switch. We're really scraping the barrel this morning for outgoings, but gossip that appears to have begun somewhere on Twitter's vast network hints at interest in Freds Sears and Piquionne from Hull City. Now managed by Steve Bruce, who succeeded the departing Nick Barmby last week the Tigers are looking to boost their squad in preparation for an assault on next season's Championship. So why they're looking at Piquionne, God only knows... As for KUMB.com, we've heard absolutely nothing new on the transfer front in the past 24 hours so have nothing more than the above speculation to offer you today. Sorry.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Return of James Collins?
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
The Daily Star reports this morning that we have lodged a bid of £3 million for former Hammers defender James Collins, who is entering the last year of his contract. Collins impressed during his time at West Ham and has been an important player for Villa, but I wonder whether this would really be good business for us. On the face of it he is the right age - 28 - but he is very injury prone. In his career so far, he has only made 211 appearances. He does, however, chip in with the odd goal. Could he make a good partner for James Tomkins? I'm undecided, so I'll let you debate the merits!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam's Gut feeling
The Sun
Published: Today at 00:21
SAM ALLARDYCE has made a bold move to make former Real Madrid star Guti his first signing of the summer. The West Ham manager will take the Spaniard on his club's pre-season tour of Austria. And if the 35-year-old can prove his fitness he will get a two-year deal at Upton Park. Guti is available on a free and has been without a club since Turkish side Besiktas released him in November last year. Barry O'Connor, who looks after Guti's affairs in England, said:: "West Ham will make a final decision before the next season starts. I cannot discuss what terms could be offered." Guti has made more than 500 appearances and is one of Spain's most decorated players. He won 15 trophies for Real, including three Champions League titles and five league wins. Allardyce wants to add another cool head to his squad as he builds his squad for the Premier League. The Hammers made an immediate return to the top flight last season doing it the hard way via the play-offs.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM PLAN RAID FOR YAKUBU
Thursday June 14,2012
By Daily Express reporter
WEST Ham manager Sam Allardyce is hoping to secure Blackburn striker Yakubu, according to reports. The 29-year-old striker will be able to leave Blackburn for as little as £1million due to a clause in his contract. Yakubu has been a key player for Blackburn putting 17 goals in the back of the net for the club this season. Meanwhile Blackburn boss Steven Kean wants to add club legend Colin Hendry to his coaching staff.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United target Blackburn Rovers striker Yakubu
by Jack Failsworth. Published Thu 14 Jun 2012 16:30, Last updated: 2012-06-1
Click Lancashire
According to reports West Ham United are interested in Blackburn Rovers striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni. The Daily Mail claims Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is ready to raid his former club for the marksman. The Nigerian has a £1 million buy-out clause in his contract and wants to stay in the Premier League despite interest from China and the Middle East.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nine players linked with signing for West Ham United this week
by Dan Coombs
@hitcdancoombs
Hereinthecity.com
Are West Ham about to go on a spending spree? The answer is yes if the papers are to be believed this week. Jussi Jaaskelainen has agreed terms and will replace the outgoing Rob Green when his Bolton contract expires on July 1. Here are NINE players who the papers claim could be joining him at Upton Park next season.
Matt Jarvis
West Ham have reportedly had an a £4 million bid for Matt Jarvis turned down by Wolves. It is hardly surprising as Wolves will want to get double that if they can for one of their prized assets. Jarvis will be a key man in Wolves promotion push so they do not need to sell. On the other hand Jarvis was in the England squad 15 months ago, and his ambition will see him keen to move on and become part of the international set up for the upcoming World qualifiers. He is 26 and would be a good signing for West Ham. He scored eight goals last season and other clubs may too be interested, including Villa and West Brom, so the Hammers are right to try and get in there early, but will have to up their offer while avoid overpaying.
Eljero Elia
Sam Allardyce has been spotted in Italy and is reported to be talking business with Italian champions Juventus. One of the players he is keen on is Dutch winger Eljero Elia. Elia is a Holland international who was part of their World Cup squad, creating a goal in their win over Denmark two years ago. A £7 million move from Hamburg to Juventus last summer was meant to be the next big step in his career but success has failed to materialise. The 25-year-old played just four games for the club, and has had a transfer request accepted. He is a left-winger and is clearly talented. He'd be a bargain if Big Sam can do the deal.
Milos Krasic
Another Juventus outcast West Ham are linked with is Milos Krasic. The Serb is 27 and after a decent debut season at the Italian club which saw him score a hat-trick his second season saw him fall out of favour, making seven appearances scoring one goal. He is a right sided player so there is the possibility the Hammers could get wingers for either flank in a double deal with Elia. Krasic has previously been linked with Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool but moves have failed to materialise- but Rodgers is said to be keen to bring him to Liverpool. He will want to avoid another season sitting on the bench and he would be a quality addition to the Hammers.
Mohamed Diame
Free agent Momo Diame is said to be in negotiations with West Ham after leaving Wigan Athletic. Diame has been courted by a number of clubs and was even reported to be on the verge of a move to Liverpool before Kenny Dalglish left the club. Sunderland are another club said to be keen, while Spaniards Malaga have also expressed an interest. The 24-year-old scored three goals last season and played an important role in Wigan's late push to avoid relegation. He clearly wants a big move and his agent will be working overtime, it is up to Allardyce to make him an offer and convince him West Ham are the club to spend his future with.
Victor Wanyama
Victor Wanyama will hope to become the first Kenyan to ever play in the Premier League if he sealed a deal with the Hammers. The 20-year-old central midfielder is at Celtic and scored four goals last season. He can also play in central defence and has already earned 18 international caps. He cost Celtic £1 million last summer but the Glasgow giants value him at six times that now. He is also interesting QPR, Newcastle, Liverpool and Stoke. He is known for his physical approach which saw him sent off against Rangers and pick up two bans at his previous club in Belgium. He could be a shrewd investment but the Hammers won't want to pay over the odds.
Danny Simpson
West Ham have been added to a line of clubs chasing Newcastle right-back Danny Simpson by regional newspaper the Northern Echo. Simpson is also being targeted by QPR, Fulham, and Norwich City and is expected to leave St James Park this summer. He feels the club's £25,000 a week offer is not enough and has dug his heels into such an extent both parties are looking elsewhere, with Newcastle busy scouting new right-backs. If West Ham could tempt him he would be an excellent addition, but right now there are no concrete developments.
Modibo Maiga
Do West Ham want to sign Modibo Maiga? The Mail is one of the papers which claims yes, adding that they lead the chase for the £4 million rated striker. Maiga plays for French side Sochaux and is a Mali international. He is 25 and scored nine goals in 17 starts last season - including five in his last seven matches. West Ham have Cole, Maynard and Vaz Te forming their strikeforce but will need to sign a fourth man. Whether Maiga is that man, and the one they need to keep them in the Premier League is another matter, but £4 million is a relatively low gamble.
Yakubu
Yakubu was Blackburn's ace last year who almost helped them avoid relegation. He scored 17 goals last season and is Rovers biggest asset. The Lancashire Telegraph last night claimed that West Ham could sign him for a cut-price £1 million thanks to a relegation clause in his contract. After losing Demba Ba on a free in similar circumstances a year ago, it would be sweet for West Ham to turn the tables and back a bargain themselves.
Luc Castaignos
The Mirror is reporting that Inter Milan striker Luc Castaignos is the third Italian based transfer target for the Hammers. Castaignos is only 19 and was hailed a year ago as Europe's next big striker but has failed to settle so far in Italy. He has been linked with a move back to Holland with Feyenoord, but Allardyce would do well to enquire as reports suggest.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, June 15
Thursday, June 14
Daily WHUFC News - 4th June 2012
Jussi agrees terms
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have agreed personal terms with experienced goalkeeper Jussi
Jaaskelainen
13.06.2012
West Ham United are pleased to confirm that vastly-experienced goalkeeper
Jussi Jaaskelainen has agreed personal terms with the Club. The former
Finland international has played more than 500 games in English football
since joining Bolton Wanderers in the summer of 1997. The 37-year-old, who
has been capped 56 times by his country, has agreed personal terms with the
Hammers on a one-year contract with an option for a second year and will
move to the Boleyn Ground at the expiry of his Trotters deal on 30 June.
Jaaskelainen will be the second goalkeeper to move to the Club this summer
following the arrival of Stephen Henderson. With the Hammers preparing for
life in the Barclays Premier League, the pair are expected to be the first
of a host of exciting new signings. The goalkeeper played more than 100
games for Mikkelin Palloilijat and Vaasan Palloseura in his native Finland
before joining Bolton in 1997 for a fee of just £100,000. After helping Sam
Allardyce's side gain promotion to the Premier League via the Play-Offs in
2001, the 6'3 tall stopper helped to establish Bolton as a top-flight force
during the past decade, achieving four consecutive top-eight finishes
between 2003/04 and 2006/07.
Jaaskelainen was also instrumental in helping the Lancashire club to finish
as 2004 League Cup runners-up and twice reach the knockout stages of the
UEFA Cup. While at the Reebok Stadium, the Finn played regularly alongside
the likes of Kevin Nolan, Joey O'Brien and Matt Taylor. In all, Jaaskelainen
made 371 Premier League appearances for Bolton and was voted the club's
Player of the Year in 2007. The same year, he was also voted Finnish
Footballer of the Year. Jaaskelainen said: "I'm delighted to be joining West
Ham United. After spending 15 years in Bolton it's a great new challenge and
I'm really looking forward to it. Everything has happened really quickly.
When the opportunity was offered to come to West Ham I didn't think twice
and I just told my agent to sort it out as quickly as possible.
"I appreciate Bolton giving me permission to speak to West Ham before my
contract was up and for the efforts the Chairman made in trying to get me to
stay. I would like to thank the fans for all their support over the years
and I wish the players and, in particular, Owen Coyle all the best in
gaining promotion at the first attempt."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dutch master so nearly a Hammer
WHUFC.com
Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk played a trial match for West Ham United
back in August 1978
13.06.2012
Netherlands coach and former international winger Bert van Marwijk could
have joined West Ham United in 1978. Tonight, Van Marwijk leads the Oranje
into a must-win 2012 UEFA European Championship Group B fixture against old
rivals Germany, but most spectators will not be aware that he once ran out
in the claret and blue. Now 60, he played in a trial match for the Hammers
at Colchester United back on 7 August of that year, but a rumoured £100,000
transfer from AZ Alkmaar 67 failed to materialise and the Dutch master
joined Dutch champions MVV Maastricht instead. Then 26, the goalscoring
wideman had just lifted the Dutch Cup with AZ, but was keen to move on in
the summer of 1978 and took the opportunity to trial for John Lyall's side
at Layer Road The Newham Recorder reported that Van Marwijk - who wore the
No6 shirt - had a decent game in a match that ended in a 2-2 draw: "He
displayed some neat touches, good positional sense and shrewd distribution
but having not played since the Dutch season ended three months ago, was
clearly well short of match fitness."
A 2,720-strong crowd were on hand to watch the game, which saw Trevor
Brooking score both goals for a West Ham team that also included Mervyn Day,
Frank Lampard, Paul Brush, Billy Bonds, Alan Devonshire, Pat Holland, Geoff
Pike and Bryan 'Pop' Robson. Instead of moving to east London, he would
spend eight seasons with Maastricht and made a total of 393 Eredivisie
appearances before hanging up his boots in 1988. After working with the
youth teams at Maastricht and FC Herderen, Van Marwijk became manager at
RKVCL Limmel in 1991. From there, he has coached SV Meerssen, Fortuna
Sittard, Feyenoord and German giants BVB Borussia Dortmund.
The highlights of Van Marwijk's club career saw him win the Dutch Cup and
UEFA Cup with Feyenoord - successes that saw him appointed as Netherlands
national team coach in 2008. The one-time Hammer led the Dutch to the 2010
FIFA World Cup final, where they were narrowly beaten by Spain, before
guiding them to the current UEFA European Championship finals in Poland and
Ukraine. *This story first appeared on the independent West Ham United
online museum website They Fly So High. The website's curators Steve Marsh
and Stuart Allen contribute the popular Hammerabilia feature in the official
matchday programme.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tomkins in Team GB frame
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins is in Team GB's provisional 35-man squad for London 2012
12.06.2012
James Tomkins has moved a step closer to becoming an Olympian after being
named in Team GB's provisional 35-man squad for London 2012. The West Ham
United defender, 23, has enjoyed a fantastic year so far, helping the
Hammers to gain promotion to the Barclays Premier League and being voted
into the PFA Championship Team of the Year by his fellow professionals.
Tomkins was also voted Hammer of the Year runner-up after a 2011/12 season
that saw him make 45 appearances and score four goals for the club he joined
at the age of seven. The Basildon-born centre-back will now wait to learn if
he has been included in Stuart Pearce's final 18-man squad for the Olympic
football tournament, which will be announced during the first week of July.
The No5 is excited about the prospect of representing Team GB, saying: "I
would be very proud to represent Great Britain in the Olympics, as I am sure
the other lads would be as well. It would be a great honour. I have always
been really proud to represent my country (England) before and this would be
another proud moment for me. "At the moment, all we know is that we could be
selected but there is process to go through first so we don't know if we
would be chosen, but to be in the hat is a great thing. "With the Olympics
also being in London, it gives it an extra attraction - as everyone knows,
it is right on our doorstep and I am sure our fans are excited about the
Olympics being here as well, it should be an exciting time for London. Being
a London club, it is right in our community and that can only be a good
thing."
Tomkins has already been selected for two major competitions by Pearce,
having appeared for England at the 2009 and 2011 UEFA European Under-21
hampionship finals. Prior to that, he also represented England at the 2005
UEFA European Under-17 Championship and 2008 UEFA European Under-19
Championship. In the group stage at London 2012, Team GB will take on
Senegal at Old Trafford on 26 July, United Arab Emirates at Wembley on 29
July and Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium on 1 August. Sixteen nations are
taking part in the Olympic tournament, with the final to be played at
Wembley on Saturday 11 August - a week before the start of the 2012/13
Barclays Premier League season. Should he be selected, Tomkins could be one
of two West Ham players taking part at London 2012. Winston Reid could be
included by New Zealand should he recover from the groin injury that has
ruled him out of the OFC Nations Cup tournament currently taking place in
the Solomon Islands.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Barrera enjoys second World Cup win
WHUFC.com
Pablo Barrera's Mexico won 2-1 in El Salvador in their second 2014 FIFA
World Cup qualifier
13.06.2012
Pablo Barrera's Mexico continued their perfect start to their 2014 FIFA
World Cup CONCACAF third round Group B qualifying campaign by winning 2-1 in
El Salvador on Tuesday. The West Ham United winger, who played for 65
minutes as Guyana were beaten 3-1 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City last
Friday, was a starter again at the Estadio Cuscatlan in San Salvador. The
25-year-old played for 87 minutes as goals from Jesus Eduardo Zavala and
Hector Moreno saw Mexico go two points clear at the top of the Group B
table. Barrera has now earned 49 senior caps for Mexico since making his
debut at the age of 20 in a friendly meeting with Guatemala in October 2007,
scoring six goals. He appeared three times at the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals
in South Africa and was part of the squads which won the 2009 and 2011
CONCACAF Gold Cups. Mexico are seeking to qualify for their 15th FIFA World
Cup finals, having reached the tournament every time it has been held since
1994. Next up, Jose Manuel de la Torre's side travel to Costa Rica on 7
September before welcoming the same opposition on 11 September. The third
round concludes with a trip to Guyana on 12 October and the visit of El
Salvador on 16 October. The CONCACAF region also contains previous FIFA
World Cup finals participants United States, Jamaica and Canada, as well as
2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers Honduras. The top two nations in each of
three third-round groups will qualify for the fourth round group-stage,
where six teams will battle for three automatic qualifying places and one
intercontinental play-off berth against the first-place Oceania side -
likely to be Winston Reid's New Zealand.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United to sign Jussi Jaaskelainen from Bolton
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United will sign goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen at the end of his
Bolton Wanderers contract on 1 July. The former Finland international, 37,
played 529 games for Wanderers after arriving in 1997. He will link up with
former Bolton boss Sam Allardyce on a one-year deal, with the option for a
further 12 months.
"After spending 15 years in Bolton, it's a great new challenge and I'm
looking forward to it," Jaaskelainen told West Ham's official website.
Jussi Jaaskelainen factfile
Born: Mikkeli, Finland on 19 April 1975
Clubs: 1992-95 Mikkelin Palloilijat, 1996-97 Vassan Palloseura, 1997-2012
Bolton Wanderers
Finland caps: 56
"Everything has happened really quickly. When the opportunity was offered to
come to West Ham, I didn't think twice and I just told my agent to sort it
out as quickly as possible." Jaaskelainen was brought to Bolton by
then-manager Colin Todd from Finnish club Vassan Palloseura for £100,000. He
was a key figure at the Reebok Stadium as Allardyce guided Bolton to the
Premier League via the play-offs in 2001, and was first choice for more than
a decade. However, he lost his place to Adam Bogdan last season as Owen
Coyle's side were relegated to the Championship. Jaaskelainen added: "I
appreciate Bolton giving me permission to speak to West Ham before my
contract was up and for the efforts the chairman made in trying to get me to
stay. "I would like to thank the fans for all their support over the years
and I wish the players and, in particular, Owen Coyle all the best in
gaining promotion at the first attempt."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Demel: my wages were halved
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 13th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham right-back Guy Demel has told a German newspaper that he took a 50
per cent wage cut to move to England. The French-born Ivorian defender, who
celebrates his 31st birthday today revealed that he agreed to take the
massive pay cut in order to move to east London last August having become
frustrated with life at his previous club, Hamburg SV. In response to a
question regarding his move to England and rumours that the deal was
financially motivated, Demel said: "People were saying I had lost interest;
people were saying I was only in it for the money. You know what? I took a
50 per cent paycut when I went to West Ham.
"I still had a contract at Hamburg. If it was all about the money for me I
could have sat it out in Hamburg collecting all that money for doing
nothing. But I gave my all for the shirt, the team and the supporters for
six years."
Looking back on a season that was wrecked by injury, Demel insisted that his
problems were largely due to a lack of fitness that began with him featuring
so infrequently for Hamburg in his final season in Germany. "Since I was no
longer allowed to keep myself fit with the first team, my body could no
longer take the vigours of high level football," he argued. "My stamina was
low so I couldn't play for a whole 90 minutes. So when I started out in
England, I got my comeuppance."
However now he appears to have fully recovered from his injury woes, Demel
insists that he can't wait to get his full full season in English football
under his belt.
""It's fantastic [here]," he added. "I've been very lucky as I had the
chance to play for six years in the most beautiful city in Germany - and I
feel privileged that my job allows me to live in a place like London. "It
was my goal to play in the Premier League again; now I'm finally there, it's
a great feeling. I want to help establish West Ham as a Premier League club
and I want to play in this league for another two or three years. "When you
have played for a good team in the Bundesliga as I did you are capable of
playing in any league in the world. The level of football in England is very
high as it is in Hamburg. But it's true that the style of football is
different, especially here at West Ham where we play a lot of long ball and
high crosses up front."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
In short...
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 13th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
Local filmmaker Mitch Panayis has released a film short commemorating West
Ham's trip to Wembley on 19th May. The 15-minute film - entitled "They Fly
So High - an East End Outing" - concentrates on supporters both before and
during the day itself, which saw United book an instant return to the
Premier League courtesy of a 2-1 win over Blackpool in the Championship
play-off Final. Speaking to KUMB.com, Mitch revealed the motivation behind
his decision to document West Ham's big day out. "I am a local filmmaker
from Forest Gate who has been documenting the impact of the Olympic Games on
East London for the last three years, with a Documentary due to be released
at the end of this year," he said. "This has centered around Queens Market
in Upton Park. "West Ham as a team and a club has been the topic of many
discussions held at the market between myself and the traders, in particular
the recent relegation and the potential move from Upton Park to the Olympic
Stadium. "Greg, a life long friend of mine and West Ham season ticket
holder, also had strong opinions of the move. When the team reached the
play-off Final, it seemed a natural progression for us to record and
document the fans' perspective of the match in the context of moving away
from Upton Park. "After looking at the footage we believed it was strong
enough to stand alone as a short film in itself, for two reasons. Firstly,
it had its own clear narrative and, we felt, captured the true essence of
going to a game, in particular as an East End day out to a stadium of such
history. "And secondly, because films of this nature are surprisingly few
and far between - when in fact there is a huge audience with an interest in
this type of film, both journalistic and entertainment-wise. "Parts of this
film will be included in the final feature length documentary due out later
this year."
http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=126294
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wanyama open to move
Celtic starlet linked with big money transfer
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated: June
13, 2012 11:08am
SSN
Celtic starlet Victor Wanyama is a target for a host of Premier League clubs
and is hopeful of sealing a move to England this summer, Sky Sports
understands.
Liverpool, Stoke City, Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle and West Ham United
are all interested in landing the Kenyan midfielder. Wanyama joined Celtic
last summer from Belgian side Beerschot AC but his impact has been huge at
Parkhead. Celtic paid less than £1million for the 20-year-old but now a fee
in excess of £6million is being talked about for Wanyama. Clubs in Italy,
Spain and France have all been impressed by Wanyama, but he is understood to
be keen on a move to the Premier League.
Opportunities
Now Wanyama is ready to move from Celtic and his business manager Rob Moore
has explained that he hopes the club would listen to offers if they came.
"That has been a lot of talk which is not necessarily true," Moore explained
to Sky Sports. "But he is like any other young talented footballer in that
he wants to play at the highest level. "He has made the club aware that if
they receive an offer from one of the big leagues he would like them to
consider it. "He is not unhappy at Celtic, far from it - he loves the club
and everything has been great for him since he moved but should something
come in he feels they should listen."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers confirm Jussi
Veteran keeper teams up with old boss Sam Allardyce again
Last Updated: June 13, 2012 3:13pm
SSN
West Ham have confirmed experienced keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen has agreed
personal terms with the club. As revealed by skysports.com earlier on
Wednesday, the 37-year-old has returned to the Premier League after turning
down the chance to remain at Bolton following the Trotters' relegation last
season. He will move to the Hammers when his Bolton deal expires on 30 June
on a one-year contract, with an option for a second year. The experienced
keeper told the club's official website: "I'm delighted to be joining West
Ham United.
New challenge
"After spending 15 years in Bolton it's a great new challenge and I'm really
looking forward to it. " "Everything has happened really quickly. When the
opportunity was offered to come to West Ham I didn't think twice and I just
told my agent to sort it out as quickly as possible. "I appreciate Bolton
giving me permission to speak to West Ham before my contract was up and for
the efforts the chairman made in trying to get me to stay. "I would like to
thank the fans for all their support over the years and I wish the players
and, in particular, Owen Coyle all the best in gaining promotion at the
first attempt."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wolves reject Jarvis bid
West Ham keen to keep England international in Premier League
Last Updated: June 13, 2012 7:10pm
SSN
Sky Sports sources understand Wolves have rejected a bid for winger Matt
Jarvis from West Ham. Wolves were relegated from the Premier League last
season and face a battle to hold onto their best players. Jarvis certainly
falls into that category having become the first Wolves player in over 20
years to play for England when Fabio Capello capped him in March 2011.
Newly-promoted West Ham are understood to have targeted the 26-year-old and
made an offer for the former Gillingham man believed to be in the region of
£4million. But Jarvis is under contract until 2015 and that leaves Wolves in
a strong negotiating position. Chief executive Jez Moxey has already
outlined his intention to fight for the best deal he can get, while
admitting the club is resigned to losing some of their star names. He told
the Express and Star: "We are not naive. We know clubs will want our best
players but we are ready to do battle with anyone. In some ways, there's
nothing I enjoy more."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jussi Signs, Diame in Talks, But Don't Get Your Hopes Up On Demba Ba
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
So, as expected Jussi Jaaskelainen becomes the second goalkeeper signing of
the summer. I think most of us agree that we need a third, which will
hopefully be Paul Robinson or David Stockdale. Diame is the next one the
list, and it appears that discussions are going well. A source inside the
club confirmed to me yesterday that talks were ongoing. The same source
poured scorn on some of the speculation on Twitter about summer signings, so
I think we all need to be very sceptical about some of the players being
touted by one or two members of the Twitterarti. It seems clear that we are
looking abroad for most of our signings because English players are too
expensive both in terms of fees and wages. Take Matt Jarvis. We're looking
to bid £4 million for him, yet Wolves value him at £10 million. I suspect we
may miss out on Jordan Rhodes for similar reasons.
The club also want to sell Piquionne and Freddie Sears, but there is no one
out there who really wants them and prepared to take on their current wages.
Piquionne is on £36-£38k a week. No one in their right mind would take that
on, so it is clear that if West Ham want both players to leave, there will
have to be a financial incentive for them to do so. It's the economics of
the madhouse, but it's all too typical in the current world of football, as
former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan demonstrates in his excellent new
autobiography BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR.
I'm afraid that all those who think there's any chance of Demba Ba returning
can think again. Apparently on top of an £8 million fee, he would want £70k
a week plus a very large fee for his agent. And then there's his knee. Way
too risky. Part of me hopes I have to eat these words, but it just isn't
going to happen.
There's a lot of talk about Krasic from Juventus and Neymar from Santos. I'd
like to believe either might be true, but I really don't know.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jaaskelainen says Juss to Hammers
The Sun
Published: 13th June 2012
JUSSI JAASKELAINEN has joined West Ham after agreeing personal terms with
the club. The veteran keeper will move to the Boleyn Ground on a free
transfer after his contract with Bolton expires on June 30. Jaaskelainen,
37, has signed a one-year contract with an option of a second year. He will
team up with his former boss Sam Allardyce at the Hammers. The former
Finland international said: "I'm delighted to be joining West Ham United.
"After spending 15 years in Bolton it's a great new challenge and I'm really
looking forward to it. "Everything has happened really quickly. When the
opportunity was offered to come to West Ham I didn't think twice and I just
told my agent to sort it out as quickly as possible. "I appreciate Bolton
giving me permission to speak to West Ham before my contract was up and for
the efforts the chairman made in trying to get me to stay. "I would like to
thank the fans for all their support over the years and I wish the players
and, in particular, Owen Coyle all the best in gaining promotion at the
first attempt." West Ham have swooped for Jaaskelainen after current No1
Robert Green expressed his desire to leave the newly-promoted side.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Yak raid
The Sun
By MARTIN BLACKBURN
Published: 13th June 2012
SAM ALLARDYCE is plotting a raid for Blackburn top-scorer Yakubu. The
Nigerian striker, 29, has a clause in his contract which allows him to leave
for just £1million.
West Ham boss Allardyce would relish getting one over on his Ewood Park
successor Steve Kean by nicking his 17-goal hitman on the cheap. Big Sam has
also agreed a deal for Bolton's Finnish goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen, 37,
to join his Premier League new boys on a free.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers want Krasic and Elia
FootballBuster.com
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce met with Juventus directors on Tuesday aiming
to sign Eljero Elia and Milos Krasic. Allardyce met with Juve director Fabio
Paratici and the Hammers have confirmed to ESPN that the manager was there
to discuss the futures of want-away wingers Krasic and Elia. Elia is seeking
to move on after a hugely disappointing debut season at Juve, while Serbia
international Krasic has also found himself down the pecking order. West Ham
had earlier attempted to sign Wolves wingers Matt Jarvis and Michael Kightly
following their relegation, but a Hammers insider told ESPN: "West Ham have
tried but Wolves don't want to sell Jarvis or Kightly." West Ham have also
given up on Yossi Benayoun, who is expected to announce his departure from
Chelsea. Ajax and Maccabi Haifa remain interested in the Israeli.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce plans Yakubu raid as West Ham boss continues to build for Premier
League return
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:40, 13 June 2012 | UPDATED: 22:40, 13 June 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is ready to raid former club Blackburn for
striker Yakubu and will hold talks with Mohamed Diame on Friday. Yakubu has
a £1million buy-out clause in his contract and wants to stay in the Premier
League despite interest from China and the Middle East. Former Wigan
midfielder Diame, 24, is due to fly in for talks on Friday ahead of a
weekend medical but is also expecting to talk to three other Premier League
clubs. Allardyce met Juventus officials in Italy on Tuesday to discuss
potential loans for Milos Krasic and Eljero Elia after being priced out of
moves for Wolves duo Matt Jarvis and Michael Kightly.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM SET TO SIGN WIGAN FREE-AGENT MOHAMED DIAME
Express.co.uk
Wednesday June 13,2012
By Daily Express reporter
WEST HAM are now favourites to sign Wigan midfielder Mohamed Diame after it
was revealed the club were holding a second round of talks. The defensive
midfidler is available on a free transfer after deciding to leave Wigan. It
had been believed that he was set for a move to Livepool but the newly
promoted Hammers beat them to it.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have agreed personal terms with experienced goalkeeper Jussi
Jaaskelainen
13.06.2012
West Ham United are pleased to confirm that vastly-experienced goalkeeper
Jussi Jaaskelainen has agreed personal terms with the Club. The former
Finland international has played more than 500 games in English football
since joining Bolton Wanderers in the summer of 1997. The 37-year-old, who
has been capped 56 times by his country, has agreed personal terms with the
Hammers on a one-year contract with an option for a second year and will
move to the Boleyn Ground at the expiry of his Trotters deal on 30 June.
Jaaskelainen will be the second goalkeeper to move to the Club this summer
following the arrival of Stephen Henderson. With the Hammers preparing for
life in the Barclays Premier League, the pair are expected to be the first
of a host of exciting new signings. The goalkeeper played more than 100
games for Mikkelin Palloilijat and Vaasan Palloseura in his native Finland
before joining Bolton in 1997 for a fee of just £100,000. After helping Sam
Allardyce's side gain promotion to the Premier League via the Play-Offs in
2001, the 6'3 tall stopper helped to establish Bolton as a top-flight force
during the past decade, achieving four consecutive top-eight finishes
between 2003/04 and 2006/07.
Jaaskelainen was also instrumental in helping the Lancashire club to finish
as 2004 League Cup runners-up and twice reach the knockout stages of the
UEFA Cup. While at the Reebok Stadium, the Finn played regularly alongside
the likes of Kevin Nolan, Joey O'Brien and Matt Taylor. In all, Jaaskelainen
made 371 Premier League appearances for Bolton and was voted the club's
Player of the Year in 2007. The same year, he was also voted Finnish
Footballer of the Year. Jaaskelainen said: "I'm delighted to be joining West
Ham United. After spending 15 years in Bolton it's a great new challenge and
I'm really looking forward to it. Everything has happened really quickly.
When the opportunity was offered to come to West Ham I didn't think twice
and I just told my agent to sort it out as quickly as possible.
"I appreciate Bolton giving me permission to speak to West Ham before my
contract was up and for the efforts the Chairman made in trying to get me to
stay. I would like to thank the fans for all their support over the years
and I wish the players and, in particular, Owen Coyle all the best in
gaining promotion at the first attempt."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dutch master so nearly a Hammer
WHUFC.com
Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk played a trial match for West Ham United
back in August 1978
13.06.2012
Netherlands coach and former international winger Bert van Marwijk could
have joined West Ham United in 1978. Tonight, Van Marwijk leads the Oranje
into a must-win 2012 UEFA European Championship Group B fixture against old
rivals Germany, but most spectators will not be aware that he once ran out
in the claret and blue. Now 60, he played in a trial match for the Hammers
at Colchester United back on 7 August of that year, but a rumoured £100,000
transfer from AZ Alkmaar 67 failed to materialise and the Dutch master
joined Dutch champions MVV Maastricht instead. Then 26, the goalscoring
wideman had just lifted the Dutch Cup with AZ, but was keen to move on in
the summer of 1978 and took the opportunity to trial for John Lyall's side
at Layer Road The Newham Recorder reported that Van Marwijk - who wore the
No6 shirt - had a decent game in a match that ended in a 2-2 draw: "He
displayed some neat touches, good positional sense and shrewd distribution
but having not played since the Dutch season ended three months ago, was
clearly well short of match fitness."
A 2,720-strong crowd were on hand to watch the game, which saw Trevor
Brooking score both goals for a West Ham team that also included Mervyn Day,
Frank Lampard, Paul Brush, Billy Bonds, Alan Devonshire, Pat Holland, Geoff
Pike and Bryan 'Pop' Robson. Instead of moving to east London, he would
spend eight seasons with Maastricht and made a total of 393 Eredivisie
appearances before hanging up his boots in 1988. After working with the
youth teams at Maastricht and FC Herderen, Van Marwijk became manager at
RKVCL Limmel in 1991. From there, he has coached SV Meerssen, Fortuna
Sittard, Feyenoord and German giants BVB Borussia Dortmund.
The highlights of Van Marwijk's club career saw him win the Dutch Cup and
UEFA Cup with Feyenoord - successes that saw him appointed as Netherlands
national team coach in 2008. The one-time Hammer led the Dutch to the 2010
FIFA World Cup final, where they were narrowly beaten by Spain, before
guiding them to the current UEFA European Championship finals in Poland and
Ukraine. *This story first appeared on the independent West Ham United
online museum website They Fly So High. The website's curators Steve Marsh
and Stuart Allen contribute the popular Hammerabilia feature in the official
matchday programme.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tomkins in Team GB frame
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins is in Team GB's provisional 35-man squad for London 2012
12.06.2012
James Tomkins has moved a step closer to becoming an Olympian after being
named in Team GB's provisional 35-man squad for London 2012. The West Ham
United defender, 23, has enjoyed a fantastic year so far, helping the
Hammers to gain promotion to the Barclays Premier League and being voted
into the PFA Championship Team of the Year by his fellow professionals.
Tomkins was also voted Hammer of the Year runner-up after a 2011/12 season
that saw him make 45 appearances and score four goals for the club he joined
at the age of seven. The Basildon-born centre-back will now wait to learn if
he has been included in Stuart Pearce's final 18-man squad for the Olympic
football tournament, which will be announced during the first week of July.
The No5 is excited about the prospect of representing Team GB, saying: "I
would be very proud to represent Great Britain in the Olympics, as I am sure
the other lads would be as well. It would be a great honour. I have always
been really proud to represent my country (England) before and this would be
another proud moment for me. "At the moment, all we know is that we could be
selected but there is process to go through first so we don't know if we
would be chosen, but to be in the hat is a great thing. "With the Olympics
also being in London, it gives it an extra attraction - as everyone knows,
it is right on our doorstep and I am sure our fans are excited about the
Olympics being here as well, it should be an exciting time for London. Being
a London club, it is right in our community and that can only be a good
thing."
Tomkins has already been selected for two major competitions by Pearce,
having appeared for England at the 2009 and 2011 UEFA European Under-21
hampionship finals. Prior to that, he also represented England at the 2005
UEFA European Under-17 Championship and 2008 UEFA European Under-19
Championship. In the group stage at London 2012, Team GB will take on
Senegal at Old Trafford on 26 July, United Arab Emirates at Wembley on 29
July and Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium on 1 August. Sixteen nations are
taking part in the Olympic tournament, with the final to be played at
Wembley on Saturday 11 August - a week before the start of the 2012/13
Barclays Premier League season. Should he be selected, Tomkins could be one
of two West Ham players taking part at London 2012. Winston Reid could be
included by New Zealand should he recover from the groin injury that has
ruled him out of the OFC Nations Cup tournament currently taking place in
the Solomon Islands.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Barrera enjoys second World Cup win
WHUFC.com
Pablo Barrera's Mexico won 2-1 in El Salvador in their second 2014 FIFA
World Cup qualifier
13.06.2012
Pablo Barrera's Mexico continued their perfect start to their 2014 FIFA
World Cup CONCACAF third round Group B qualifying campaign by winning 2-1 in
El Salvador on Tuesday. The West Ham United winger, who played for 65
minutes as Guyana were beaten 3-1 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City last
Friday, was a starter again at the Estadio Cuscatlan in San Salvador. The
25-year-old played for 87 minutes as goals from Jesus Eduardo Zavala and
Hector Moreno saw Mexico go two points clear at the top of the Group B
table. Barrera has now earned 49 senior caps for Mexico since making his
debut at the age of 20 in a friendly meeting with Guatemala in October 2007,
scoring six goals. He appeared three times at the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals
in South Africa and was part of the squads which won the 2009 and 2011
CONCACAF Gold Cups. Mexico are seeking to qualify for their 15th FIFA World
Cup finals, having reached the tournament every time it has been held since
1994. Next up, Jose Manuel de la Torre's side travel to Costa Rica on 7
September before welcoming the same opposition on 11 September. The third
round concludes with a trip to Guyana on 12 October and the visit of El
Salvador on 16 October. The CONCACAF region also contains previous FIFA
World Cup finals participants United States, Jamaica and Canada, as well as
2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers Honduras. The top two nations in each of
three third-round groups will qualify for the fourth round group-stage,
where six teams will battle for three automatic qualifying places and one
intercontinental play-off berth against the first-place Oceania side -
likely to be Winston Reid's New Zealand.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United to sign Jussi Jaaskelainen from Bolton
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United will sign goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen at the end of his
Bolton Wanderers contract on 1 July. The former Finland international, 37,
played 529 games for Wanderers after arriving in 1997. He will link up with
former Bolton boss Sam Allardyce on a one-year deal, with the option for a
further 12 months.
"After spending 15 years in Bolton, it's a great new challenge and I'm
looking forward to it," Jaaskelainen told West Ham's official website.
Jussi Jaaskelainen factfile
Born: Mikkeli, Finland on 19 April 1975
Clubs: 1992-95 Mikkelin Palloilijat, 1996-97 Vassan Palloseura, 1997-2012
Bolton Wanderers
Finland caps: 56
"Everything has happened really quickly. When the opportunity was offered to
come to West Ham, I didn't think twice and I just told my agent to sort it
out as quickly as possible." Jaaskelainen was brought to Bolton by
then-manager Colin Todd from Finnish club Vassan Palloseura for £100,000. He
was a key figure at the Reebok Stadium as Allardyce guided Bolton to the
Premier League via the play-offs in 2001, and was first choice for more than
a decade. However, he lost his place to Adam Bogdan last season as Owen
Coyle's side were relegated to the Championship. Jaaskelainen added: "I
appreciate Bolton giving me permission to speak to West Ham before my
contract was up and for the efforts the chairman made in trying to get me to
stay. "I would like to thank the fans for all their support over the years
and I wish the players and, in particular, Owen Coyle all the best in
gaining promotion at the first attempt."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Demel: my wages were halved
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 13th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham right-back Guy Demel has told a German newspaper that he took a 50
per cent wage cut to move to England. The French-born Ivorian defender, who
celebrates his 31st birthday today revealed that he agreed to take the
massive pay cut in order to move to east London last August having become
frustrated with life at his previous club, Hamburg SV. In response to a
question regarding his move to England and rumours that the deal was
financially motivated, Demel said: "People were saying I had lost interest;
people were saying I was only in it for the money. You know what? I took a
50 per cent paycut when I went to West Ham.
"I still had a contract at Hamburg. If it was all about the money for me I
could have sat it out in Hamburg collecting all that money for doing
nothing. But I gave my all for the shirt, the team and the supporters for
six years."
Looking back on a season that was wrecked by injury, Demel insisted that his
problems were largely due to a lack of fitness that began with him featuring
so infrequently for Hamburg in his final season in Germany. "Since I was no
longer allowed to keep myself fit with the first team, my body could no
longer take the vigours of high level football," he argued. "My stamina was
low so I couldn't play for a whole 90 minutes. So when I started out in
England, I got my comeuppance."
However now he appears to have fully recovered from his injury woes, Demel
insists that he can't wait to get his full full season in English football
under his belt.
""It's fantastic [here]," he added. "I've been very lucky as I had the
chance to play for six years in the most beautiful city in Germany - and I
feel privileged that my job allows me to live in a place like London. "It
was my goal to play in the Premier League again; now I'm finally there, it's
a great feeling. I want to help establish West Ham as a Premier League club
and I want to play in this league for another two or three years. "When you
have played for a good team in the Bundesliga as I did you are capable of
playing in any league in the world. The level of football in England is very
high as it is in Hamburg. But it's true that the style of football is
different, especially here at West Ham where we play a lot of long ball and
high crosses up front."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
In short...
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 13th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
Local filmmaker Mitch Panayis has released a film short commemorating West
Ham's trip to Wembley on 19th May. The 15-minute film - entitled "They Fly
So High - an East End Outing" - concentrates on supporters both before and
during the day itself, which saw United book an instant return to the
Premier League courtesy of a 2-1 win over Blackpool in the Championship
play-off Final. Speaking to KUMB.com, Mitch revealed the motivation behind
his decision to document West Ham's big day out. "I am a local filmmaker
from Forest Gate who has been documenting the impact of the Olympic Games on
East London for the last three years, with a Documentary due to be released
at the end of this year," he said. "This has centered around Queens Market
in Upton Park. "West Ham as a team and a club has been the topic of many
discussions held at the market between myself and the traders, in particular
the recent relegation and the potential move from Upton Park to the Olympic
Stadium. "Greg, a life long friend of mine and West Ham season ticket
holder, also had strong opinions of the move. When the team reached the
play-off Final, it seemed a natural progression for us to record and
document the fans' perspective of the match in the context of moving away
from Upton Park. "After looking at the footage we believed it was strong
enough to stand alone as a short film in itself, for two reasons. Firstly,
it had its own clear narrative and, we felt, captured the true essence of
going to a game, in particular as an East End day out to a stadium of such
history. "And secondly, because films of this nature are surprisingly few
and far between - when in fact there is a huge audience with an interest in
this type of film, both journalistic and entertainment-wise. "Parts of this
film will be included in the final feature length documentary due out later
this year."
http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=126294
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wanyama open to move
Celtic starlet linked with big money transfer
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated: June
13, 2012 11:08am
SSN
Celtic starlet Victor Wanyama is a target for a host of Premier League clubs
and is hopeful of sealing a move to England this summer, Sky Sports
understands.
Liverpool, Stoke City, Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle and West Ham United
are all interested in landing the Kenyan midfielder. Wanyama joined Celtic
last summer from Belgian side Beerschot AC but his impact has been huge at
Parkhead. Celtic paid less than £1million for the 20-year-old but now a fee
in excess of £6million is being talked about for Wanyama. Clubs in Italy,
Spain and France have all been impressed by Wanyama, but he is understood to
be keen on a move to the Premier League.
Opportunities
Now Wanyama is ready to move from Celtic and his business manager Rob Moore
has explained that he hopes the club would listen to offers if they came.
"That has been a lot of talk which is not necessarily true," Moore explained
to Sky Sports. "But he is like any other young talented footballer in that
he wants to play at the highest level. "He has made the club aware that if
they receive an offer from one of the big leagues he would like them to
consider it. "He is not unhappy at Celtic, far from it - he loves the club
and everything has been great for him since he moved but should something
come in he feels they should listen."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers confirm Jussi
Veteran keeper teams up with old boss Sam Allardyce again
Last Updated: June 13, 2012 3:13pm
SSN
West Ham have confirmed experienced keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen has agreed
personal terms with the club. As revealed by skysports.com earlier on
Wednesday, the 37-year-old has returned to the Premier League after turning
down the chance to remain at Bolton following the Trotters' relegation last
season. He will move to the Hammers when his Bolton deal expires on 30 June
on a one-year contract, with an option for a second year. The experienced
keeper told the club's official website: "I'm delighted to be joining West
Ham United.
New challenge
"After spending 15 years in Bolton it's a great new challenge and I'm really
looking forward to it. " "Everything has happened really quickly. When the
opportunity was offered to come to West Ham I didn't think twice and I just
told my agent to sort it out as quickly as possible. "I appreciate Bolton
giving me permission to speak to West Ham before my contract was up and for
the efforts the chairman made in trying to get me to stay. "I would like to
thank the fans for all their support over the years and I wish the players
and, in particular, Owen Coyle all the best in gaining promotion at the
first attempt."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wolves reject Jarvis bid
West Ham keen to keep England international in Premier League
Last Updated: June 13, 2012 7:10pm
SSN
Sky Sports sources understand Wolves have rejected a bid for winger Matt
Jarvis from West Ham. Wolves were relegated from the Premier League last
season and face a battle to hold onto their best players. Jarvis certainly
falls into that category having become the first Wolves player in over 20
years to play for England when Fabio Capello capped him in March 2011.
Newly-promoted West Ham are understood to have targeted the 26-year-old and
made an offer for the former Gillingham man believed to be in the region of
£4million. But Jarvis is under contract until 2015 and that leaves Wolves in
a strong negotiating position. Chief executive Jez Moxey has already
outlined his intention to fight for the best deal he can get, while
admitting the club is resigned to losing some of their star names. He told
the Express and Star: "We are not naive. We know clubs will want our best
players but we are ready to do battle with anyone. In some ways, there's
nothing I enjoy more."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jussi Signs, Diame in Talks, But Don't Get Your Hopes Up On Demba Ba
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
So, as expected Jussi Jaaskelainen becomes the second goalkeeper signing of
the summer. I think most of us agree that we need a third, which will
hopefully be Paul Robinson or David Stockdale. Diame is the next one the
list, and it appears that discussions are going well. A source inside the
club confirmed to me yesterday that talks were ongoing. The same source
poured scorn on some of the speculation on Twitter about summer signings, so
I think we all need to be very sceptical about some of the players being
touted by one or two members of the Twitterarti. It seems clear that we are
looking abroad for most of our signings because English players are too
expensive both in terms of fees and wages. Take Matt Jarvis. We're looking
to bid £4 million for him, yet Wolves value him at £10 million. I suspect we
may miss out on Jordan Rhodes for similar reasons.
The club also want to sell Piquionne and Freddie Sears, but there is no one
out there who really wants them and prepared to take on their current wages.
Piquionne is on £36-£38k a week. No one in their right mind would take that
on, so it is clear that if West Ham want both players to leave, there will
have to be a financial incentive for them to do so. It's the economics of
the madhouse, but it's all too typical in the current world of football, as
former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan demonstrates in his excellent new
autobiography BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR.
I'm afraid that all those who think there's any chance of Demba Ba returning
can think again. Apparently on top of an £8 million fee, he would want £70k
a week plus a very large fee for his agent. And then there's his knee. Way
too risky. Part of me hopes I have to eat these words, but it just isn't
going to happen.
There's a lot of talk about Krasic from Juventus and Neymar from Santos. I'd
like to believe either might be true, but I really don't know.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jaaskelainen says Juss to Hammers
The Sun
Published: 13th June 2012
JUSSI JAASKELAINEN has joined West Ham after agreeing personal terms with
the club. The veteran keeper will move to the Boleyn Ground on a free
transfer after his contract with Bolton expires on June 30. Jaaskelainen,
37, has signed a one-year contract with an option of a second year. He will
team up with his former boss Sam Allardyce at the Hammers. The former
Finland international said: "I'm delighted to be joining West Ham United.
"After spending 15 years in Bolton it's a great new challenge and I'm really
looking forward to it. "Everything has happened really quickly. When the
opportunity was offered to come to West Ham I didn't think twice and I just
told my agent to sort it out as quickly as possible. "I appreciate Bolton
giving me permission to speak to West Ham before my contract was up and for
the efforts the chairman made in trying to get me to stay. "I would like to
thank the fans for all their support over the years and I wish the players
and, in particular, Owen Coyle all the best in gaining promotion at the
first attempt." West Ham have swooped for Jaaskelainen after current No1
Robert Green expressed his desire to leave the newly-promoted side.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Yak raid
The Sun
By MARTIN BLACKBURN
Published: 13th June 2012
SAM ALLARDYCE is plotting a raid for Blackburn top-scorer Yakubu. The
Nigerian striker, 29, has a clause in his contract which allows him to leave
for just £1million.
West Ham boss Allardyce would relish getting one over on his Ewood Park
successor Steve Kean by nicking his 17-goal hitman on the cheap. Big Sam has
also agreed a deal for Bolton's Finnish goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen, 37,
to join his Premier League new boys on a free.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers want Krasic and Elia
FootballBuster.com
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce met with Juventus directors on Tuesday aiming
to sign Eljero Elia and Milos Krasic. Allardyce met with Juve director Fabio
Paratici and the Hammers have confirmed to ESPN that the manager was there
to discuss the futures of want-away wingers Krasic and Elia. Elia is seeking
to move on after a hugely disappointing debut season at Juve, while Serbia
international Krasic has also found himself down the pecking order. West Ham
had earlier attempted to sign Wolves wingers Matt Jarvis and Michael Kightly
following their relegation, but a Hammers insider told ESPN: "West Ham have
tried but Wolves don't want to sell Jarvis or Kightly." West Ham have also
given up on Yossi Benayoun, who is expected to announce his departure from
Chelsea. Ajax and Maccabi Haifa remain interested in the Israeli.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce plans Yakubu raid as West Ham boss continues to build for Premier
League return
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:40, 13 June 2012 | UPDATED: 22:40, 13 June 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is ready to raid former club Blackburn for
striker Yakubu and will hold talks with Mohamed Diame on Friday. Yakubu has
a £1million buy-out clause in his contract and wants to stay in the Premier
League despite interest from China and the Middle East. Former Wigan
midfielder Diame, 24, is due to fly in for talks on Friday ahead of a
weekend medical but is also expecting to talk to three other Premier League
clubs. Allardyce met Juventus officials in Italy on Tuesday to discuss
potential loans for Milos Krasic and Eljero Elia after being priced out of
moves for Wolves duo Matt Jarvis and Michael Kightly.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM SET TO SIGN WIGAN FREE-AGENT MOHAMED DIAME
Express.co.uk
Wednesday June 13,2012
By Daily Express reporter
WEST HAM are now favourites to sign Wigan midfielder Mohamed Diame after it
was revealed the club were holding a second round of talks. The defensive
midfidler is available on a free transfer after deciding to leave Wigan. It
had been believed that he was set for a move to Livepool but the newly
promoted Hammers beat them to it.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, June 13
Daily WHUFC News - 13th June 2012
Transfer update
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are working hard to bring in new faces for the club's return to the Premier League
12.06.2012
Although the action on the pitch at the Boleyn Ground has taken a break for the summer, the hard work to bring in new faces for the 2012/13 Premier League season is still very much ongoing. Manager Sam Allardyce and Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold are in daily contact as they look identify the right players to help bolster the Hammers side that secured Premier League football with a dramatic late win at Wembley in the npower Championship Play-Off final. West Ham United are hoping to bring in at least five new players this summer, with possible targets identified across the field and a particular focus given to bringing in at least two new attacking players. There are currently bids in for two players and talks are also at an advanced stage to sign two of the best 'Bosman' transfers available in the Premier League. With plenty of rumours flying around about possible transfer targets and approaches for different players, supporters are reminded that that the very first place any official transfer news will be confirmed is either at whufc.com, via the official SMS service or on the club's Facebook or twitter pages. It is hoped news of the Hammers' second summer signing after goalkeeper Stephen Henderson will be announced to supporters in the next seven days so remember to keep checking back to make sure you do not miss out.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam's Italian job
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 12th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are being linked with a move for a mystery Juventus player after Sam Allardyce was apparently spotted meeting staff of the Serie A club. Sky Sports Italia are reported to have caught the United boss speaking with Juventus director Fabio Paratici earlier today, leading to speculation that Big Sam is looking at one of La Vecchia Signora's wantaway wingers. Two names already mooted as potential targets are Dutch international Eljero Elia and the former CSKA Moscow winger Milos Krasic. 25-year-old Elia was recently linked with a move to Liverpool after becoming frustrated at a lack of opportunities with the currnet Serie A champions, who won the Scudetto for the first time in nine years last season. Despite featuring for the Netherlands at the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa his lack of playing time at Juve - Elia made just five appearances for the club all season having signed from Hamburg in a €9million switch - led to his exclusion from Bert van Marwijk's Euro 2012 squad.
Meanwhile 27-year-old Krasic, a right-sided winger with an explosive turn of pace fared little better in 2011/12, making only a handful of starts for the Serie A champions in his second season at the club. Having signed from CSKA in August 2010 for a fee circa €15million, the Serb was an almost ever-present in his first season at the Juventus Stadium but fell out of favour and was linked with both Chelsea and Tottenham in January of this year. He opted to remain in Turin but was soon left to rue his decision after he failed to win his place back in Antonio Conte's first team reckoning.
Allardyce, who is also reported to have met with representatives of other clubs whilst in Italy has also been linked with Inter's 19-year-old Dutch striker Luc Castaignos and Juve's 29-year-old forward Fabio Quagliarella.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers 'in talks' with Momo
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 12th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
That's Wigan's highly-rated Momo Diame, according to reports emanating late this afternoon...
Out of contract this summer, the 24-year-old has been interesting Liverpool, Manchester United and Everton amongst others, but according to Sky Sports the Hammers appear to have stolen a march over their rivals in the rase to sign the Senegalese international. According to the 24-hour TV channel, West Ham are close to tieing up a deal to take the French-born defensive midfielder to east London on a free transfer, with talks said to be 'at an advanced stage'. Diame joined Athletic from Spanish club Reyo in August 2009 in a cash-plus-player swap ( €3.8 million plus defender Antonio Amaya). At the time he was said to have been watched by the likes of Real Madrid and Arsenal having ressurrected his career in Spain. Meanwhile West Ham confirmed this afternoon that they are hoping to bring in several players ahead of the beginning of the 2012/13 campaign. "United are hoping to bring in at least five new players this summer, with possible targets identified across the field and a particular focus given to bringing in at least two new attacking players," a statement posted on whufc.com this afternoon read. "There are currently bids in for two players and talks are also at an advanced stage to sign two of the best 'Bosman' transfers available in the Premier League" - one of whom is thought to be Diame.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rangers go for Green
Hughes to offer keeper four-year deal at Loftus Road
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated: June 12, 2012 3:02pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands Queens Park Rangers are closing in on the signing of England goalkeeper Robert Green on a free transfer. Rangers boss Mark Hughes has made a new goalkeeper one of his top priorities and has been linked with a host of stars, including Ben Foster, Shay Given and Green. However, it is understood Hughes has opted to pursue a move for Green who is available on a free transfer after seeing out his contract at West Ham. Green, who is currently away on international duty with England at Euro 2012, is looking for a new club after turning down a new deal at West Ham. West Brom have also been credited with an interest in Green, but it appears QPR are set to win the race for the 32-year-old. Rangers are prepared to offer Green a four-year contract to lure him to Loftus Road and hope to tie up the deal as soon as possible. It is thought they are ready to send out officials to Poland and Ukraine next week to finalise the move as they look to make Green their first signing of the summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame in Hammers talks
Top-flight new-boys could win race for midfielder's signature
Last Updated: June 12, 2012 5:14pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands West Ham are holding a second round of talks with former Wigan midfielder Mohamed Diame. The sought-after Senegal midfielder is available on a free transfer after his contract at Wigan expired and has attracted reported interest from several Premier League clubs. Liverpool were thought to be front-runners for his signature, while Aston Villa, QPR and Sunderland have also been linked. But it appears the Hammers could beat them to the punch, with the top-flight new-boys thought to be in a second round of negotiations with the 24-year-old. Diame, who joined the Latics from Rayo Vallecano for €3.8million in 2009, notched up 89 appearances during his stint at the DW Stadium, scoring seven goals.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Prem sides eye Salpingidis
Greek striker's representative in talks with a number of teams
Last Updated: June 12, 2012 12:57pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands Greece star Dimitris Salpingidis is a target for several Premier League clubs. Stoke, Wigan, Norwich and newly-promoted sides West Ham and Reading are all thought to be eyeing the striker. Salpingidis, 30, became a hero for his country after stepping off the bench to bag the equaliser against co-hosts Poland in the opening game of Euro 2012 to salvage a 1-1 draw. Salpingidis, who plies is trade for PAOK, also scored for the Greek outfit in last season's Europa League group stage victory against Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Despite having a year to run on his contract he is thought to be able to leave on a free this summer after a dispute over wages. The player's UK representative, Chris Nathaniel admitted: "We are talking with a number of Premier League teams."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame and Jarvis Enter the Frame!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham transfer rumours are flying about left, right and centre at present. Amid all this speculation, the West Ham Utd FC official website has stated that the club are looking to bring in at least 5 new signings this summer, with two forwards targeted. Interestingly, they state that bids have been submitted for two players and negotiations are at advanced stages with two of the best Bosmen signings in the PL.
This evening a report emerged that one of those Bosmans was Wigan's defensive midfielder Mo Diame. And the club have submittted a £4m bid for pacy left winger, Matt Jarvis. I mention these two reports because they are realistic and suitably ambitious, in that both players are the right age and their addition would significantly improve us in two key positions. Wolves will probably hold out for more than £4m, although equally, they might decide it is time to cash in on Jarvis. West Ham could try to sweeten the deal by offering a player exchange deal or a season long loan for one of our younger players like Sam Baldock. That's if he is not loaned as part of the deal to bring Wilfred Zaha from Crystal Palace. What a propsect, having Zaha and Jarvis on the flanks and Diame in the midfield holding role next season. That would be a massive step forward for us.
Another rumour this evening, originating from Italy, is that Sam Allardyce has been seen in discussions with officials of Juventus and there may be a potential deal or two afoot. We will have to wait and see if anything comes of this, but would Allardyce be dealing directly with officials of Juventus? Surely under the current set up at the club it would be David Sullivan doing the negotiations on Allardyce's identified targets? Whether it is true or not, it is good to see West Ham being linked with quality players at one of the best clubs in Europe.
On the issue of Sam Baldock's future, I am personally against his sale. He has lightening pace and good striking ability and is ideally suited to PL football. It could be a serious mistake to dispose of his potential so early, before he has been given a chance to show what he can do. Nicky Maynard is also a young player of significant potential, but it could be Baldock who eventually emerges as the better striker. Certainly both players need to be given a decent chance to show what they can do in the PL.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers offer Jarvis a lifeline
The Sun
Published: 12th June 2012
WEST HAM have tabled a £4million bid for Wolves' England winger Matt Jarvis. The Hammers made an official move last night to offer Jarvis a quick return to the Premier League. Irons boss Sam Allardyce is keen to start building a team fit for the top flight after clinching promotion. Jarvis, 25, earned his first England cap in a friendly against Ghana last year, and scored eight goals for relegated Wolves last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce makes a £4 million bid for Wolves' and England winger Matt Jarvis.
Sam Allardyce is stepping up his preparations for the Premier League after making a £4 million bid for Wolves' and England winger Matt Jarvis.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Percy1:28AM BST 13 Jun 2012
Telegraph Sport can reveal that Allardyce, the West Ham manager, tabled an offer for Jarvis on Tuesday afternoon as he attempted to make his first major recruitment since guiding the club back to the top flight. Wolves are expected to reject the offer as they rate Jarvis at around £10 million but West Ham have made the first move for a player that was always likely to be targeted after relegation to the Championship. Steve Morgan, the Wolves chairman, is intent on demanding a significant fee for Jarvis, who only cost an initial £400,000 from Gillingham in 2007. Morgan will point to the fact that the 26 year-old made his debut for England last year, making an appearance as a second-half substitute against Ghana, and has also performed consistently in the Premier League for the past three campaigns.
West Ham are not prepared to meet the strict fee that will be required to prise Jarvis out of Molineux but will make a second, improved offer if their opening gambit is turned down. Allardyce could also face competition from Stoke City, with Tony Pulis a long-term admirer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers bid £4m for Jarvis while Big Sam continues chase for Diame
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:45, 12 June 2012 | UPDATED: 02:18, 13 June 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham have tabled a £4million offer for Wolves' winger Matt Jarvis and have re-opened talks with midfielder Mohamed Diame. Sam Allardyce's bid for Jarvis is likely to be met with resistance as the 26-year-old is one of a cluster of players that Stale Solbakken will be hoping to keep. Free agent Diame, 24, has also attracted interest from Sunderland and Liverpool, but would be interested in a move to London. Allardyce is also keen to sign a striker. He has been rebuffed in bids for Norwich's Grant Holt but is monitoring Evian's Yannick Sagbo again and is interested in Sochaux's Modibo Maiga. The 24-year-old Maiga almost joined Newcastle last year and has emerged as a target for Stoke and Reading this summer. Sochaux value him at £6m.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham lining up sensational double swoop on Italian giants
Footylatest.com
According to reports in Italy, West Ham United are looking to make a serious bid to re-establish themselves in the Premier League by tapping on the door of one of Europe's most illustrious clubs, Juventus. The Hammers are looking to acquire Eljero Elia and Milos Krasic as the two talented midfielders have steadily blown peripheral to the plans of the Old Lady owing to inconsistency on the pitch.
After a stunning first season in Turin, Krasic found it very hard to cement his spot in the first team as coach Antonio Conte rung in the changes and brought his own vision to the club. The Serb has found himself struggling to compete for a spot in the team and Juventus have made it amply clear that they don't mind letting Krasic go despite investing 15 million euros in the winger.
Eljero Elia has had a similar fate with Juve, barely making any first team appearances since his move from Hamburg last summer. The 9 million euro move has proved a sour one for both player and club and a move away for him is expected to materialize this summer.
Sam Allardyce has a very rugged and old fashioned style of football that could be offset by the arrival of these two flair players in midfield. It'll be interesting to see how Allardyce gets the two deals in the favour of the Hammers and convinces these two talented men to serve a newly promoted Premier League club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham wanted Quagliarella
By Football Italia staff
It's reported West Ham's offer for Fabio Quagliarella was rebuffed, but they are in talks for Juventus duo Milos Krasic and Eljero Elia. The rumours began to swirl around when Sky Sport Italia cameras caught Hammers manager Sam Allardyce in a meeting with Juve director Fabio Paratici in Italy this afternoon. According to the latest reports, Allardyce initially went to ask after striker Quagliarella, but was told in no uncertain terms this move would not go through. Instead, Juve are in talks to either loan or sell wingers Krasic and Elia.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Beat Liverpool to the Signing of Free-Agent Mohamed Diame
Sportsvibe.co.uk
West Ham United are now the favourites to sign free-agent Mohamed Diame after it was revealed that the club were holding a second round of discussions with the defensive midfielder. The Senegal international is available on a free transfer after deciding to leave Wigan after his contract ended and it had been believed that he would be moving to Liverpool. Sky Sports has reported that despite Liverpool being the favourites to sign Diame, it is now West Ham that look like securing the signature of Diame. The Hammers gained promotion back to the Premier League after beating Blackpool in the play-off final and manager Sam Allardyce will be looking to strengthen his squad. The 24-year-old is believed to be holding talks with West Ham and it seems they are on the verge of a major coup as they look to beat a number of other Premier League clubs to Diame. Wigan paid €3.8million for the midfielder in 2009 from Rayo Vallecano and he went on to make 89 appearances for the club in his three-year spell with the club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to swoop for £4m Sochaux striker
By talkSPORT | Tuesday, June 12, 2012
West Ham are leading the chase to sign Sochaux striker Modibo Maiga. Maiga, 24, almost made a move to Newcastle back in January, but saw the deal collapse after they had concerns over a knee problem. The Mali forward is confident there will be no problems this time around and is also attracting interest from Stoke. Despite his injury concerns, Maiga has a formidable goalscoring record for Sochaux and is ready to show he can compete at the highest level. Reports in French newspaper L'Equipe claim West Ham are in pole position to land his signature and are set to make a £4m bid. Sam Allardyce is looking to bolster his forward line following the club's promotion into the Premier League and would like to bring in his new signings before pre-season gets underway at the start of July.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers move for Souprayen and Solly as Big Sam looks to strengthen defence
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 10:16, 12 June 2012 | UPDATED: 10:16, 12 June 2012
Daily Mail
Premier League new boys West Ham have made a £1.2million bid for Dijon left-back Samuel Souprayen, and are preparing an offer for Charlton right-back Chris Solly. Hammers boss Sam Allardce is keen to strengthen his defence having overseen a clear-out following the club's Championship play-off final win over Blackpool last month. Souprayen, 23, was a rare shining light for Dijon last season as they were relegated from the French top flight. The former France Under-21 international can also play at centre-back. Solly, 21, was voted Charlton's player of the season as they won the League One title and the Addicks are likely to demand a seven-figure sum for the player. Defenders Julien Faubert and Abdoulaye Faye were both been released by Allardyce at the end of the season, while left-back George McCartney has returned to Sunderland following the end of his season-long loan. Although Allardyce hopes to bring McCartney back to the club, he currently only has four senior defenders on his playing staff - James Tomkins, Winston Reid, Guy Demel and Joey O'Brien.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are working hard to bring in new faces for the club's return to the Premier League
12.06.2012
Although the action on the pitch at the Boleyn Ground has taken a break for the summer, the hard work to bring in new faces for the 2012/13 Premier League season is still very much ongoing. Manager Sam Allardyce and Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold are in daily contact as they look identify the right players to help bolster the Hammers side that secured Premier League football with a dramatic late win at Wembley in the npower Championship Play-Off final. West Ham United are hoping to bring in at least five new players this summer, with possible targets identified across the field and a particular focus given to bringing in at least two new attacking players. There are currently bids in for two players and talks are also at an advanced stage to sign two of the best 'Bosman' transfers available in the Premier League. With plenty of rumours flying around about possible transfer targets and approaches for different players, supporters are reminded that that the very first place any official transfer news will be confirmed is either at whufc.com, via the official SMS service or on the club's Facebook or twitter pages. It is hoped news of the Hammers' second summer signing after goalkeeper Stephen Henderson will be announced to supporters in the next seven days so remember to keep checking back to make sure you do not miss out.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam's Italian job
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 12th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are being linked with a move for a mystery Juventus player after Sam Allardyce was apparently spotted meeting staff of the Serie A club. Sky Sports Italia are reported to have caught the United boss speaking with Juventus director Fabio Paratici earlier today, leading to speculation that Big Sam is looking at one of La Vecchia Signora's wantaway wingers. Two names already mooted as potential targets are Dutch international Eljero Elia and the former CSKA Moscow winger Milos Krasic. 25-year-old Elia was recently linked with a move to Liverpool after becoming frustrated at a lack of opportunities with the currnet Serie A champions, who won the Scudetto for the first time in nine years last season. Despite featuring for the Netherlands at the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa his lack of playing time at Juve - Elia made just five appearances for the club all season having signed from Hamburg in a €9million switch - led to his exclusion from Bert van Marwijk's Euro 2012 squad.
Meanwhile 27-year-old Krasic, a right-sided winger with an explosive turn of pace fared little better in 2011/12, making only a handful of starts for the Serie A champions in his second season at the club. Having signed from CSKA in August 2010 for a fee circa €15million, the Serb was an almost ever-present in his first season at the Juventus Stadium but fell out of favour and was linked with both Chelsea and Tottenham in January of this year. He opted to remain in Turin but was soon left to rue his decision after he failed to win his place back in Antonio Conte's first team reckoning.
Allardyce, who is also reported to have met with representatives of other clubs whilst in Italy has also been linked with Inter's 19-year-old Dutch striker Luc Castaignos and Juve's 29-year-old forward Fabio Quagliarella.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers 'in talks' with Momo
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 12th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
That's Wigan's highly-rated Momo Diame, according to reports emanating late this afternoon...
Out of contract this summer, the 24-year-old has been interesting Liverpool, Manchester United and Everton amongst others, but according to Sky Sports the Hammers appear to have stolen a march over their rivals in the rase to sign the Senegalese international. According to the 24-hour TV channel, West Ham are close to tieing up a deal to take the French-born defensive midfielder to east London on a free transfer, with talks said to be 'at an advanced stage'. Diame joined Athletic from Spanish club Reyo in August 2009 in a cash-plus-player swap ( €3.8 million plus defender Antonio Amaya). At the time he was said to have been watched by the likes of Real Madrid and Arsenal having ressurrected his career in Spain. Meanwhile West Ham confirmed this afternoon that they are hoping to bring in several players ahead of the beginning of the 2012/13 campaign. "United are hoping to bring in at least five new players this summer, with possible targets identified across the field and a particular focus given to bringing in at least two new attacking players," a statement posted on whufc.com this afternoon read. "There are currently bids in for two players and talks are also at an advanced stage to sign two of the best 'Bosman' transfers available in the Premier League" - one of whom is thought to be Diame.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rangers go for Green
Hughes to offer keeper four-year deal at Loftus Road
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated: June 12, 2012 3:02pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands Queens Park Rangers are closing in on the signing of England goalkeeper Robert Green on a free transfer. Rangers boss Mark Hughes has made a new goalkeeper one of his top priorities and has been linked with a host of stars, including Ben Foster, Shay Given and Green. However, it is understood Hughes has opted to pursue a move for Green who is available on a free transfer after seeing out his contract at West Ham. Green, who is currently away on international duty with England at Euro 2012, is looking for a new club after turning down a new deal at West Ham. West Brom have also been credited with an interest in Green, but it appears QPR are set to win the race for the 32-year-old. Rangers are prepared to offer Green a four-year contract to lure him to Loftus Road and hope to tie up the deal as soon as possible. It is thought they are ready to send out officials to Poland and Ukraine next week to finalise the move as they look to make Green their first signing of the summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame in Hammers talks
Top-flight new-boys could win race for midfielder's signature
Last Updated: June 12, 2012 5:14pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands West Ham are holding a second round of talks with former Wigan midfielder Mohamed Diame. The sought-after Senegal midfielder is available on a free transfer after his contract at Wigan expired and has attracted reported interest from several Premier League clubs. Liverpool were thought to be front-runners for his signature, while Aston Villa, QPR and Sunderland have also been linked. But it appears the Hammers could beat them to the punch, with the top-flight new-boys thought to be in a second round of negotiations with the 24-year-old. Diame, who joined the Latics from Rayo Vallecano for €3.8million in 2009, notched up 89 appearances during his stint at the DW Stadium, scoring seven goals.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Prem sides eye Salpingidis
Greek striker's representative in talks with a number of teams
Last Updated: June 12, 2012 12:57pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands Greece star Dimitris Salpingidis is a target for several Premier League clubs. Stoke, Wigan, Norwich and newly-promoted sides West Ham and Reading are all thought to be eyeing the striker. Salpingidis, 30, became a hero for his country after stepping off the bench to bag the equaliser against co-hosts Poland in the opening game of Euro 2012 to salvage a 1-1 draw. Salpingidis, who plies is trade for PAOK, also scored for the Greek outfit in last season's Europa League group stage victory against Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Despite having a year to run on his contract he is thought to be able to leave on a free this summer after a dispute over wages. The player's UK representative, Chris Nathaniel admitted: "We are talking with a number of Premier League teams."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame and Jarvis Enter the Frame!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham transfer rumours are flying about left, right and centre at present. Amid all this speculation, the West Ham Utd FC official website has stated that the club are looking to bring in at least 5 new signings this summer, with two forwards targeted. Interestingly, they state that bids have been submitted for two players and negotiations are at advanced stages with two of the best Bosmen signings in the PL.
This evening a report emerged that one of those Bosmans was Wigan's defensive midfielder Mo Diame. And the club have submittted a £4m bid for pacy left winger, Matt Jarvis. I mention these two reports because they are realistic and suitably ambitious, in that both players are the right age and their addition would significantly improve us in two key positions. Wolves will probably hold out for more than £4m, although equally, they might decide it is time to cash in on Jarvis. West Ham could try to sweeten the deal by offering a player exchange deal or a season long loan for one of our younger players like Sam Baldock. That's if he is not loaned as part of the deal to bring Wilfred Zaha from Crystal Palace. What a propsect, having Zaha and Jarvis on the flanks and Diame in the midfield holding role next season. That would be a massive step forward for us.
Another rumour this evening, originating from Italy, is that Sam Allardyce has been seen in discussions with officials of Juventus and there may be a potential deal or two afoot. We will have to wait and see if anything comes of this, but would Allardyce be dealing directly with officials of Juventus? Surely under the current set up at the club it would be David Sullivan doing the negotiations on Allardyce's identified targets? Whether it is true or not, it is good to see West Ham being linked with quality players at one of the best clubs in Europe.
On the issue of Sam Baldock's future, I am personally against his sale. He has lightening pace and good striking ability and is ideally suited to PL football. It could be a serious mistake to dispose of his potential so early, before he has been given a chance to show what he can do. Nicky Maynard is also a young player of significant potential, but it could be Baldock who eventually emerges as the better striker. Certainly both players need to be given a decent chance to show what they can do in the PL.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers offer Jarvis a lifeline
The Sun
Published: 12th June 2012
WEST HAM have tabled a £4million bid for Wolves' England winger Matt Jarvis. The Hammers made an official move last night to offer Jarvis a quick return to the Premier League. Irons boss Sam Allardyce is keen to start building a team fit for the top flight after clinching promotion. Jarvis, 25, earned his first England cap in a friendly against Ghana last year, and scored eight goals for relegated Wolves last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce makes a £4 million bid for Wolves' and England winger Matt Jarvis.
Sam Allardyce is stepping up his preparations for the Premier League after making a £4 million bid for Wolves' and England winger Matt Jarvis.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Percy1:28AM BST 13 Jun 2012
Telegraph Sport can reveal that Allardyce, the West Ham manager, tabled an offer for Jarvis on Tuesday afternoon as he attempted to make his first major recruitment since guiding the club back to the top flight. Wolves are expected to reject the offer as they rate Jarvis at around £10 million but West Ham have made the first move for a player that was always likely to be targeted after relegation to the Championship. Steve Morgan, the Wolves chairman, is intent on demanding a significant fee for Jarvis, who only cost an initial £400,000 from Gillingham in 2007. Morgan will point to the fact that the 26 year-old made his debut for England last year, making an appearance as a second-half substitute against Ghana, and has also performed consistently in the Premier League for the past three campaigns.
West Ham are not prepared to meet the strict fee that will be required to prise Jarvis out of Molineux but will make a second, improved offer if their opening gambit is turned down. Allardyce could also face competition from Stoke City, with Tony Pulis a long-term admirer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers bid £4m for Jarvis while Big Sam continues chase for Diame
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:45, 12 June 2012 | UPDATED: 02:18, 13 June 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham have tabled a £4million offer for Wolves' winger Matt Jarvis and have re-opened talks with midfielder Mohamed Diame. Sam Allardyce's bid for Jarvis is likely to be met with resistance as the 26-year-old is one of a cluster of players that Stale Solbakken will be hoping to keep. Free agent Diame, 24, has also attracted interest from Sunderland and Liverpool, but would be interested in a move to London. Allardyce is also keen to sign a striker. He has been rebuffed in bids for Norwich's Grant Holt but is monitoring Evian's Yannick Sagbo again and is interested in Sochaux's Modibo Maiga. The 24-year-old Maiga almost joined Newcastle last year and has emerged as a target for Stoke and Reading this summer. Sochaux value him at £6m.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham lining up sensational double swoop on Italian giants
Footylatest.com
According to reports in Italy, West Ham United are looking to make a serious bid to re-establish themselves in the Premier League by tapping on the door of one of Europe's most illustrious clubs, Juventus. The Hammers are looking to acquire Eljero Elia and Milos Krasic as the two talented midfielders have steadily blown peripheral to the plans of the Old Lady owing to inconsistency on the pitch.
After a stunning first season in Turin, Krasic found it very hard to cement his spot in the first team as coach Antonio Conte rung in the changes and brought his own vision to the club. The Serb has found himself struggling to compete for a spot in the team and Juventus have made it amply clear that they don't mind letting Krasic go despite investing 15 million euros in the winger.
Eljero Elia has had a similar fate with Juve, barely making any first team appearances since his move from Hamburg last summer. The 9 million euro move has proved a sour one for both player and club and a move away for him is expected to materialize this summer.
Sam Allardyce has a very rugged and old fashioned style of football that could be offset by the arrival of these two flair players in midfield. It'll be interesting to see how Allardyce gets the two deals in the favour of the Hammers and convinces these two talented men to serve a newly promoted Premier League club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham wanted Quagliarella
By Football Italia staff
It's reported West Ham's offer for Fabio Quagliarella was rebuffed, but they are in talks for Juventus duo Milos Krasic and Eljero Elia. The rumours began to swirl around when Sky Sport Italia cameras caught Hammers manager Sam Allardyce in a meeting with Juve director Fabio Paratici in Italy this afternoon. According to the latest reports, Allardyce initially went to ask after striker Quagliarella, but was told in no uncertain terms this move would not go through. Instead, Juve are in talks to either loan or sell wingers Krasic and Elia.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Beat Liverpool to the Signing of Free-Agent Mohamed Diame
Sportsvibe.co.uk
West Ham United are now the favourites to sign free-agent Mohamed Diame after it was revealed that the club were holding a second round of discussions with the defensive midfielder. The Senegal international is available on a free transfer after deciding to leave Wigan after his contract ended and it had been believed that he would be moving to Liverpool. Sky Sports has reported that despite Liverpool being the favourites to sign Diame, it is now West Ham that look like securing the signature of Diame. The Hammers gained promotion back to the Premier League after beating Blackpool in the play-off final and manager Sam Allardyce will be looking to strengthen his squad. The 24-year-old is believed to be holding talks with West Ham and it seems they are on the verge of a major coup as they look to beat a number of other Premier League clubs to Diame. Wigan paid €3.8million for the midfielder in 2009 from Rayo Vallecano and he went on to make 89 appearances for the club in his three-year spell with the club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to swoop for £4m Sochaux striker
By talkSPORT | Tuesday, June 12, 2012
West Ham are leading the chase to sign Sochaux striker Modibo Maiga. Maiga, 24, almost made a move to Newcastle back in January, but saw the deal collapse after they had concerns over a knee problem. The Mali forward is confident there will be no problems this time around and is also attracting interest from Stoke. Despite his injury concerns, Maiga has a formidable goalscoring record for Sochaux and is ready to show he can compete at the highest level. Reports in French newspaper L'Equipe claim West Ham are in pole position to land his signature and are set to make a £4m bid. Sam Allardyce is looking to bolster his forward line following the club's promotion into the Premier League and would like to bring in his new signings before pre-season gets underway at the start of July.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers move for Souprayen and Solly as Big Sam looks to strengthen defence
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 10:16, 12 June 2012 | UPDATED: 10:16, 12 June 2012
Daily Mail
Premier League new boys West Ham have made a £1.2million bid for Dijon left-back Samuel Souprayen, and are preparing an offer for Charlton right-back Chris Solly. Hammers boss Sam Allardce is keen to strengthen his defence having overseen a clear-out following the club's Championship play-off final win over Blackpool last month. Souprayen, 23, was a rare shining light for Dijon last season as they were relegated from the French top flight. The former France Under-21 international can also play at centre-back. Solly, 21, was voted Charlton's player of the season as they won the League One title and the Addicks are likely to demand a seven-figure sum for the player. Defenders Julien Faubert and Abdoulaye Faye were both been released by Allardyce at the end of the season, while left-back George McCartney has returned to Sunderland following the end of his season-long loan. Although Allardyce hopes to bring McCartney back to the club, he currently only has four senior defenders on his playing staff - James Tomkins, Winston Reid, Guy Demel and Joey O'Brien.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 12
Daily WHUFC News - 12th June 2012
Hendon gearing up for new season
WHUFC.com
Development Squad coach Ian Hendon is having a busy summer as he prepares
for the 2012/13 campaign
11.06.2012
While his players enjoy a well-earned summer break, West Ham United
Development Squad coach Ian Hendon is already busy preparing for the 2012/13
season.
Hendon and his players only completed their 2011/12 campaign on 20 May, when
they defeated host club Hong Kong FC to win the Plate competition at the
HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens. The Development Squad will return
to training on Monday 25 June before heading to Russia for the VTB Lev
Yashin Cup in Moscow in early July. After a host of pre-season fixtures, the
Hammers' second string will compete in the newly-formed Professional
Development League. whufc.com caught up with Hendon at Chadwell Heath this
week to discuss his and his team's preparations for the new season.
Hendo, you finished the season with a trip to the HKFC Citibank
International Soccer Sevens in Hong Kong, where you won the Plate
competition. How did the trip go?
IH - We had an end-of-season trip to Hong Kong. I know West Ham had played
there a few times before and I've played there myself in the Veterans
tournament. It's a good competition and is unbelievably well organised. It
was good for the players to go and face some foreign opposition and some
strong British sides, including Leicester City and Celtic. It was a good
trip all-round.
I understand that the boys had a bit of a late night celebrating the
Play-Off final victory, but were up early on the Sunday morning to take to
the pitch themselves?
IH - That's right. We were always going to celebrate getting to the Premier
League, that's for sure. We did enjoy the evening but credit to the boys
because they got up in the morning and won their quarter-final against Hong
Kong Dragons 3-0, won the semi-final against Kitchee FC 2-0 and the final
3-0, so they acted professionally on the day and played very well.
While the players are enjoying their summer break, you will be at work
earning your coaching badges?
IH - I will. I am off to Belfast in Northern Ireland to continue my own
development on a coaching front. I'll be on a week-long course and I'm quite
looking forward to that and to adding another string to my bow. It's always
good to continue your personal development and this will go towards me
getting my UEFA Pro Licence. The gaffer [Sam Allardyce], Macca [Neil
McDonald] and Wally [Downes] have all done it and I'm working towards it
myself now.
The Development Squad are back in a week before the first team as you are
off to Russia in early July?
IH - Yes, we have to come in early as we're off to a pre-season tournament
in Moscow. Having spoken to the physios and sports scientists they feel it
would be beneficial to come back a week early in preparation for that. We
can get a bit of fitness work into the lads and prepare properly for the
trip. We don't want to go over there and get injuries because the lads are
not ready for it.
The VTB Lev Yashin Cup should be a good challenge for the Development Squad,
with some good teams taking part?
IH - We'll be in a foreign country, which is something different in itself.
I've never been to Russia myself, so it'll be all new for me. We have had
someone go over and visit and take part in a press conference and it looks
like a big, well-organised tournament. We have spoken to the German club
Freiburg, who won it last year and are taking part again, and their
representatives told us how well it was run last time. We're in good hands
there and it will be a good test for us during the six
days that we're there. Hopefully we'll do well and enjoy it.
You have also organised a number of pre-season fixtures against non-league
and npower Football League opposition, which will get the boys ready for the
2012/13 season, haven't you?
IH - The Moscow trip, if we're honest, has probably come a week or two
early, but we can't be choosy and it is a good tournament for us to go to.
We're going to come back and settle into games against non-league opposition
and then build-up to playing against strong League Two sides. My group is
predominantly young players so the pre-season will be a good test for them.
In total, I think we have got about eleven games, so it'll be tough. But
that's what we want because we want to be fit coming out of the end of it
and ready to go when the new Professional Development League starts.
Finally, can you tell us about the Professional Development League, which
will replace the Premier Reserve League in the new season?
IH - The Premier Reserve League has been done away with and this will be
replaced by the Professional Development League, which will mainly be for
Under-21 players. It has not been decided how many over-age players will be
allowed in each team, but I'm sure it will be three or four. It's a reserve
league, as such, but under a different title. Initially, I think it will be
regionalised up until Christmas. Then, if you are in the top two you go into
another group for after Christmas. The higher you finish in the regional
league, the stronger the opposition you will be playing later in the season.
It's important we do well in that. It will add some structure and
competition to our season, rather than us going here, there and everywhere
playing friendlies.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Grays game confirmed
WHUFC.com
A West Ham United XI will help mark the opening of Grays' new Rush Green
Stadium
11.06.2012
A West Ham United XI will take on Grays Athletic on Friday 20 July on a
special night for the Essex side. Before the match, which kicks-off at
7.45pm, Joint-Chairman David Sullivan will open Grays' new Rush Green
Stadium. Hakan Hayrettin's side, who finished fifth in Isthmian League
Division One last season, will welcome West Ham for the fourth time in five
years, having beaten the Hammers 2-1 in 2008, lost by the same scoreline in
2009 and gone down to a 5-1 defeat a year ago.
Tickets will be priced at £10 for Adults and £5 for Concessions.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Five Players You Want West Ham to Sell
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
Five hundred of you have voted since 9am this morning, and these are the
five players you think West Ham should sell over the summer. No great
surprises as to who 98% of you think should be flogged off, but I am
slightly surprised by number 3, Joey O'Brien.
1. Freddie Piquionne 98%
2. Freddie Sears 88%
3. Joey O'Brien 38%
4. Gary O'Neil 30%
5. Marech Stech 29%
Other interesting stats were...
24% Guy Demel
22% Jordan Spence
17% Sam Baldock
8% Carlton Cole
0% Ricardo Vaz Te
And if the single person who voted for James Tomkins to be sold would like
to own up, I will happily certify them insane.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
QPR snap up England keeper Green on £50k-a-week following West Ham exit
By LAURA WILLIAMSON
PUBLISHED: 22:51, 11 June 2012 | UPDATED: 22:51, 11 June 2012
Daily Mail
Robert Green is set to join QPR after agreeing a £50,000-a-week deal to move
across London. The England goalkeeper, 32, is a free agent after West Ham
refused to meet his pay demands and failed to agree a new contract. QPR are
anxious to bolster their defence after narrowly avoiding relegation last
season and opted for Green after briefly considering Tottenham goalkeeper
Heurelho Gomes. The current No 1 at Loftus Road, Paddy Kenny, looks likely
to re-join former boss Neil Warnock at Leeds United.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham set to increase offer to £4m for Norwich striker Holt
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:50, 11 June 2012 | UPDATED: 22:50, 11 June 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham are set to raise their offer for Norwich City striker Grant Holt.
Sam Allardyce had a £3.5million bid rejected but will now offer £4m for the
31-year-old.
Allardyce is also keen on a defender, with Dijon's former France Under 21
centre back Samuel Souprayen, 23, Charlton's Chris Solly and Newcastle's
Danny Simpson among his targets.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hearn hits back at 'patronising' West Ham
Guardian Series
2:39pm Monday 11th June 2012 in Waltham Forest News By Daniel Binns
Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn described West Ham's comments as
patronising. LEYTON Orient Chairman Barry Hearn has hit back at rival club
West Ham after it mocked his suggestion that the two football teams could
share the Olympic stadium after the Games. The O's fear they will lose fans
and go out of business if a high-profile team moves into the arena, which is
less than a mile from their current ground in Brisbane Road, Leyton. In an
earlier interview with the Waltham Forest Guardian, Mr Hearn said sharing
the stadium in Stratford would be a "lesser of evils" and ensure the
survival of Leyton Orient. But West Ham responded in a statement by saying
it was "amused" by Mr Hearn's "ever-changing position". Mr Hearn previously
said the stadium was not suitable for watching football but has changed his
mind following suggestions that retractable seating could be built over the
athletics track. In a new statement released at the weekend, Mr Hearn
attacked West Ham and called on Olympic legacy bosses to take him seriously.
He said: "West Ham's statement last week which referred to my 'ever-changing
position' is patronising to say the least. "A major club moving on to our
doorstep would undoubtedly damage us." He added: "I am glad West Ham think
we are providing them with a constant source of amusement - we are a small
community club with 130 years of history fighting to stay in business and
they need to understand that we shall continue to challenge any decision
that places the future of our football club in doubt. "We deserve proper
consideration and respect."
Mr Hearn said he is due to meet and discuss his proposals with Olympic
legacy bosses, who will make the final decision on who runs the stadium
after the Games.
He added that fans will be fully consulted on any possible changes. A deal
on who will run the stadium post-Games is expected to be signed in October.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eyeing move for Charlton defender
By talkSPORT | Monday, June 11, 2012
West Ham are poised to make a move for Charlton defender Chris Solly. Sam
Allardyce is looking to bolster his defence and has been impressed with the
performances of Solly, who was voted Charlton's player of the year last
season. With Julien Faubert leaving the club during the summer, Allardyce
wants to sign another right sided player and give his side every chance of
staying in the top-light. Solly, 21, played a major role in helping Charlton
gain promotion into the Championship and the south London club will want a
sizeable sum to part with their star defender.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Conman who fleeced former Aston Villa star John Carew must pay £45k
by Nick McCarthy, Birmingham Mail
Jun 11 2012
A CROOK who fleeced former Aston Villa star John Carew in a deal for two
Porsche supercars has been ordered to hand over £45,000 of his ill-gotten
gains – or face more jail time. Richard Esprit will spend another 16 months
in prison unless he coughs up the cash. The demand came after he was jailed
for an original 40 months in January last year for duping Carew out of
almost £250,000 in deals for a Porsche Cayenne Gemballa and a 997. A judge
at Birmingham Crown Court said Esprit used "the verbal equivalent of smoke
and mirrors" to steal from the ex-Holte End favourite. His trial heard the
45-year-old befriended the striker and took payment for the cars. But he
failed to deliver the Gemballa, took back the 997 after problems with its
paperwork and pocketed £46,000 from the sale of a BMW belonging to the
Norway international. Judge Rupert Mayo, who also heard the Proceeds of
Crime hearing in Northampton, condemned him during sentencing last year for
taking advantage of someone who regarded him as a friend. He told the car
dealer: "In March to June of 2007 you obtained nearly a quarter of a million
pounds from John Carew by fraud. "You sought to hide the raw truth with the
verbal equivalent of smoke and mirrors. "This case truly crosses the custody
threshold." Esprit, of Wraysbury, near Staines, west London, was said to
have used some of the stolen money to make mortgage payments while ignoring
the parlous state of his car dealer business. He was jailed after being
convicted of two counts of theft and two of fraud following a trial in
December 2010 at which Carew gave evidence. Judge Mayo gave Esprit four
months to hand over a total of £45,234.72.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bolton Wanderers keeper Jaaskelainen joins West Ham United
by Kieran Evans. Published Mon 11 Jun 2012 09:13, Last updated: 2012-06-11
Click Lancashire
According to reports departing Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Jussi
Jaaskelainen has agreed a deal with West Ham United. The Sunday Mirror
claims the Finn has agreed a two-year deal with old boss Sam Allardyce to
join West Ham. The veteran keeper has accepted terms after rejecting an
offer to stay with Wanderers on a reduced salary following their relegation
to the Championship.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Development Squad coach Ian Hendon is having a busy summer as he prepares
for the 2012/13 campaign
11.06.2012
While his players enjoy a well-earned summer break, West Ham United
Development Squad coach Ian Hendon is already busy preparing for the 2012/13
season.
Hendon and his players only completed their 2011/12 campaign on 20 May, when
they defeated host club Hong Kong FC to win the Plate competition at the
HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens. The Development Squad will return
to training on Monday 25 June before heading to Russia for the VTB Lev
Yashin Cup in Moscow in early July. After a host of pre-season fixtures, the
Hammers' second string will compete in the newly-formed Professional
Development League. whufc.com caught up with Hendon at Chadwell Heath this
week to discuss his and his team's preparations for the new season.
Hendo, you finished the season with a trip to the HKFC Citibank
International Soccer Sevens in Hong Kong, where you won the Plate
competition. How did the trip go?
IH - We had an end-of-season trip to Hong Kong. I know West Ham had played
there a few times before and I've played there myself in the Veterans
tournament. It's a good competition and is unbelievably well organised. It
was good for the players to go and face some foreign opposition and some
strong British sides, including Leicester City and Celtic. It was a good
trip all-round.
I understand that the boys had a bit of a late night celebrating the
Play-Off final victory, but were up early on the Sunday morning to take to
the pitch themselves?
IH - That's right. We were always going to celebrate getting to the Premier
League, that's for sure. We did enjoy the evening but credit to the boys
because they got up in the morning and won their quarter-final against Hong
Kong Dragons 3-0, won the semi-final against Kitchee FC 2-0 and the final
3-0, so they acted professionally on the day and played very well.
While the players are enjoying their summer break, you will be at work
earning your coaching badges?
IH - I will. I am off to Belfast in Northern Ireland to continue my own
development on a coaching front. I'll be on a week-long course and I'm quite
looking forward to that and to adding another string to my bow. It's always
good to continue your personal development and this will go towards me
getting my UEFA Pro Licence. The gaffer [Sam Allardyce], Macca [Neil
McDonald] and Wally [Downes] have all done it and I'm working towards it
myself now.
The Development Squad are back in a week before the first team as you are
off to Russia in early July?
IH - Yes, we have to come in early as we're off to a pre-season tournament
in Moscow. Having spoken to the physios and sports scientists they feel it
would be beneficial to come back a week early in preparation for that. We
can get a bit of fitness work into the lads and prepare properly for the
trip. We don't want to go over there and get injuries because the lads are
not ready for it.
The VTB Lev Yashin Cup should be a good challenge for the Development Squad,
with some good teams taking part?
IH - We'll be in a foreign country, which is something different in itself.
I've never been to Russia myself, so it'll be all new for me. We have had
someone go over and visit and take part in a press conference and it looks
like a big, well-organised tournament. We have spoken to the German club
Freiburg, who won it last year and are taking part again, and their
representatives told us how well it was run last time. We're in good hands
there and it will be a good test for us during the six
days that we're there. Hopefully we'll do well and enjoy it.
You have also organised a number of pre-season fixtures against non-league
and npower Football League opposition, which will get the boys ready for the
2012/13 season, haven't you?
IH - The Moscow trip, if we're honest, has probably come a week or two
early, but we can't be choosy and it is a good tournament for us to go to.
We're going to come back and settle into games against non-league opposition
and then build-up to playing against strong League Two sides. My group is
predominantly young players so the pre-season will be a good test for them.
In total, I think we have got about eleven games, so it'll be tough. But
that's what we want because we want to be fit coming out of the end of it
and ready to go when the new Professional Development League starts.
Finally, can you tell us about the Professional Development League, which
will replace the Premier Reserve League in the new season?
IH - The Premier Reserve League has been done away with and this will be
replaced by the Professional Development League, which will mainly be for
Under-21 players. It has not been decided how many over-age players will be
allowed in each team, but I'm sure it will be three or four. It's a reserve
league, as such, but under a different title. Initially, I think it will be
regionalised up until Christmas. Then, if you are in the top two you go into
another group for after Christmas. The higher you finish in the regional
league, the stronger the opposition you will be playing later in the season.
It's important we do well in that. It will add some structure and
competition to our season, rather than us going here, there and everywhere
playing friendlies.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Grays game confirmed
WHUFC.com
A West Ham United XI will help mark the opening of Grays' new Rush Green
Stadium
11.06.2012
A West Ham United XI will take on Grays Athletic on Friday 20 July on a
special night for the Essex side. Before the match, which kicks-off at
7.45pm, Joint-Chairman David Sullivan will open Grays' new Rush Green
Stadium. Hakan Hayrettin's side, who finished fifth in Isthmian League
Division One last season, will welcome West Ham for the fourth time in five
years, having beaten the Hammers 2-1 in 2008, lost by the same scoreline in
2009 and gone down to a 5-1 defeat a year ago.
Tickets will be priced at £10 for Adults and £5 for Concessions.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Five Players You Want West Ham to Sell
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
Five hundred of you have voted since 9am this morning, and these are the
five players you think West Ham should sell over the summer. No great
surprises as to who 98% of you think should be flogged off, but I am
slightly surprised by number 3, Joey O'Brien.
1. Freddie Piquionne 98%
2. Freddie Sears 88%
3. Joey O'Brien 38%
4. Gary O'Neil 30%
5. Marech Stech 29%
Other interesting stats were...
24% Guy Demel
22% Jordan Spence
17% Sam Baldock
8% Carlton Cole
0% Ricardo Vaz Te
And if the single person who voted for James Tomkins to be sold would like
to own up, I will happily certify them insane.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
QPR snap up England keeper Green on £50k-a-week following West Ham exit
By LAURA WILLIAMSON
PUBLISHED: 22:51, 11 June 2012 | UPDATED: 22:51, 11 June 2012
Daily Mail
Robert Green is set to join QPR after agreeing a £50,000-a-week deal to move
across London. The England goalkeeper, 32, is a free agent after West Ham
refused to meet his pay demands and failed to agree a new contract. QPR are
anxious to bolster their defence after narrowly avoiding relegation last
season and opted for Green after briefly considering Tottenham goalkeeper
Heurelho Gomes. The current No 1 at Loftus Road, Paddy Kenny, looks likely
to re-join former boss Neil Warnock at Leeds United.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham set to increase offer to £4m for Norwich striker Holt
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:50, 11 June 2012 | UPDATED: 22:50, 11 June 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham are set to raise their offer for Norwich City striker Grant Holt.
Sam Allardyce had a £3.5million bid rejected but will now offer £4m for the
31-year-old.
Allardyce is also keen on a defender, with Dijon's former France Under 21
centre back Samuel Souprayen, 23, Charlton's Chris Solly and Newcastle's
Danny Simpson among his targets.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hearn hits back at 'patronising' West Ham
Guardian Series
2:39pm Monday 11th June 2012 in Waltham Forest News By Daniel Binns
Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn described West Ham's comments as
patronising. LEYTON Orient Chairman Barry Hearn has hit back at rival club
West Ham after it mocked his suggestion that the two football teams could
share the Olympic stadium after the Games. The O's fear they will lose fans
and go out of business if a high-profile team moves into the arena, which is
less than a mile from their current ground in Brisbane Road, Leyton. In an
earlier interview with the Waltham Forest Guardian, Mr Hearn said sharing
the stadium in Stratford would be a "lesser of evils" and ensure the
survival of Leyton Orient. But West Ham responded in a statement by saying
it was "amused" by Mr Hearn's "ever-changing position". Mr Hearn previously
said the stadium was not suitable for watching football but has changed his
mind following suggestions that retractable seating could be built over the
athletics track. In a new statement released at the weekend, Mr Hearn
attacked West Ham and called on Olympic legacy bosses to take him seriously.
He said: "West Ham's statement last week which referred to my 'ever-changing
position' is patronising to say the least. "A major club moving on to our
doorstep would undoubtedly damage us." He added: "I am glad West Ham think
we are providing them with a constant source of amusement - we are a small
community club with 130 years of history fighting to stay in business and
they need to understand that we shall continue to challenge any decision
that places the future of our football club in doubt. "We deserve proper
consideration and respect."
Mr Hearn said he is due to meet and discuss his proposals with Olympic
legacy bosses, who will make the final decision on who runs the stadium
after the Games.
He added that fans will be fully consulted on any possible changes. A deal
on who will run the stadium post-Games is expected to be signed in October.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eyeing move for Charlton defender
By talkSPORT | Monday, June 11, 2012
West Ham are poised to make a move for Charlton defender Chris Solly. Sam
Allardyce is looking to bolster his defence and has been impressed with the
performances of Solly, who was voted Charlton's player of the year last
season. With Julien Faubert leaving the club during the summer, Allardyce
wants to sign another right sided player and give his side every chance of
staying in the top-light. Solly, 21, played a major role in helping Charlton
gain promotion into the Championship and the south London club will want a
sizeable sum to part with their star defender.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Conman who fleeced former Aston Villa star John Carew must pay £45k
by Nick McCarthy, Birmingham Mail
Jun 11 2012
A CROOK who fleeced former Aston Villa star John Carew in a deal for two
Porsche supercars has been ordered to hand over £45,000 of his ill-gotten
gains – or face more jail time. Richard Esprit will spend another 16 months
in prison unless he coughs up the cash. The demand came after he was jailed
for an original 40 months in January last year for duping Carew out of
almost £250,000 in deals for a Porsche Cayenne Gemballa and a 997. A judge
at Birmingham Crown Court said Esprit used "the verbal equivalent of smoke
and mirrors" to steal from the ex-Holte End favourite. His trial heard the
45-year-old befriended the striker and took payment for the cars. But he
failed to deliver the Gemballa, took back the 997 after problems with its
paperwork and pocketed £46,000 from the sale of a BMW belonging to the
Norway international. Judge Rupert Mayo, who also heard the Proceeds of
Crime hearing in Northampton, condemned him during sentencing last year for
taking advantage of someone who regarded him as a friend. He told the car
dealer: "In March to June of 2007 you obtained nearly a quarter of a million
pounds from John Carew by fraud. "You sought to hide the raw truth with the
verbal equivalent of smoke and mirrors. "This case truly crosses the custody
threshold." Esprit, of Wraysbury, near Staines, west London, was said to
have used some of the stolen money to make mortgage payments while ignoring
the parlous state of his car dealer business. He was jailed after being
convicted of two counts of theft and two of fraud following a trial in
December 2010 at which Carew gave evidence. Judge Mayo gave Esprit four
months to hand over a total of £45,234.72.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bolton Wanderers keeper Jaaskelainen joins West Ham United
by Kieran Evans. Published Mon 11 Jun 2012 09:13, Last updated: 2012-06-11
Click Lancashire
According to reports departing Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Jussi
Jaaskelainen has agreed a deal with West Ham United. The Sunday Mirror
claims the Finn has agreed a two-year deal with old boss Sam Allardyce to
join West Ham. The veteran keeper has accepted terms after rejecting an
offer to stay with Wanderers on a reduced salary following their relegation
to the Championship.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, June 11
Daily WHUFC News - 11th June 2012
Championship? No thanks!
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 10th June 2012
By: Matthew Kemp
Following promotion to the Premier League, I thought it would be interesting
to see what happened to the players that left following our relegation to
the Championship the previous season.
One of the most high profile players to leave was Thomas Hitzlsperger who
had originally signed a lucrative three year contract with the Hammers, yet
only played half a season due to injury. It was suggested that he wanted to
repay the club's loyalty by staying, yet within weeks of Sam Allardyce being
appointed as club manager, he left, releasing a relegation clause in his
contract.
Such was his urgency to find another club, he was caught speeding, yet was
spared a driving ban as he was at the time unemployed, and claimed he needed
the car to drive around the country to look for another club.
Wolves were earmarked as a possible destination, yet the player instead
opted to return to his homeland, signing a three year deal with Wolfsburg.
Bizarrely, after the 2011-2012 season his contract was terminated. Thomas
had played a total of six games, five less than an injury plagued season
with West Ham!
At the age of 30, the player is now looking for a new club once again.
Danny Gabbidon repaid the loyalty of the club that supported him through
injury plagued seasons, by leaving for QPR on a one-year contract. He
suggested that the club had not offered him a new contract, and subsequently
made 17 appearances for the Hoops, scoring an own goal on his debut.
Following the end of the season, QPR have released the former Welsh
international.
Kieron Dyer played a total seven minutes for QPR following his release from
West Ham, and has been offered a new one year contract by the Rs. Matthew
Upson left West Ham in May 2011 after his contract expired. He was linked to
a number of clubs, yet signed for Stoke City on a two year contract. He made
14 league appearances for the club in 2011-2012 season.
Demba Ba triggered a relegation clause in his contract, turning down a
suggested contract of £50k a week. He joined Newcastle United, although he
did also have talks with Everton. He was booed by the Toon army faithful
following some uninspired performances during the early season, yet scored a
hat-trick against Blackburn Rovers on 24th September 2011 and by January was
the second top scorer in the league behind Robin Van Persie with 15 goals.
He was voted as the best signing for 2011-2012 by Premier League managers in
March 2012. In May 2012, the tabloids have suggested that he has a £7m
release clause in his contract, with Tottenham being linked to the Senegal
international.
Radoslav Kovac, with twelve months left on his contract joined Swiss Super
League Club, F.C. Basel for an undisclosed fee on a two year contract. At
the end of the 2011-2012 season he had won the League Championship and Swiss
Cup.
Lars Jacobsen was released by West Ham following his one year contract
expiring. He was linked to a number of clubs including AS Saint Etienne but
opted for his former club FC Copenhagen - and featured for Demnark in their
surprise 1-0 win over the Netherlands in Euro 2012 last night.
Jonathan Spector was released by West Ham and joined Birmingham City on a
two year contract, playing 30 games in the 2011-2012 season. Pablo Barrera
was loaned out to Real Zargoza following a season where he made six Premier
League appearances (making no assists). He made 20 appearances for the
Spanish club, scoring once. He has since returned to West Ham with two years
left on his contract.
Luis Boa Morte's contract was cancelled by mutual consent and he teamed up
with one of his ex managers, Chris Coleman at Greek outfit, Larissa in
August 2011. Although he signed a two-year contract, he left by January 2012
due to financial problems at the club. He joined Orlando Pirates on a
18-month deal, yet after only two starts departed on 14th May 2012.
Benni McCarthy agreed to terminate his contract after West Ham gave the
player an alleged £1.5m pay off. He made only two Premier League starts and
14 appearances in all competitions scoring no goals. On 2nd August he joined
Orlando Pirates on a two-year contract and scored on his debut.
Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson, who never made a first team appearance for West Ham
joined German side VfL Bochum. Jermain Defoe's cousin, Anthony Edgar - who
made his first team appearance versus Arsenal in the FA Cup, 3rd January
2010 - was released and joined Yeovil Town on a two-year contract. He made
ten appearance in 2011-2012, scoring one goal.
Loan players Wayne Bridge made eighteen appearances for West Ham, and
returned to Manchester City before joining Sunderland on loan in January
2012.
Robbie Keane made his debut for West Ham scoring against Blackpool in a 3-1
win. The club had an option to extend the deal by two years, if they avoided
relegation from the Premier League. The player returned to Tottenham
following West Ham's relegation. He joined LA Galaxy and had a brief loan
spell at Aston Villa in January 2012, making seven appearances, scoring
three times.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Setting Our Sights High
By Iain Dale
West ham Till I Die
KUMB have a fascinating analysis of the players who left the club when we
were relegated. With one or two notable exceptions they don't seem to have
done very well. And if you look down the list, is there a single one, apart
from Demba Ba, who you'd want back? Do read the full article HERE, but
here's the list of players...
Thomas Hitzlsperger
Danny Gabbidon
Demba Ba
Jonathan Spector
Wayne Bridge
Matthew Upson
Kieron Dyer
Radoslav Kovac
Lars Jacobsen
Luis Boa Morte
Benni McCarthy
Robbie Keane
I think we need to be setting our sights higher than these sort of players
now. Thats why when I see rumours of the likes of Kenwyne Jones, I shake my
head with a sense of disbelief. Grant Holt? Yes, he got 15 goals last season
but he's 31, with maybe two decent seasons ahead of him. I think not. We
need to be looking at young players with proven track records or loads of
potential. Step forward Jordan Rhodes. Six million for him of £4.5 million
for Grant Holt? I know what I'd do.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to step up Holt bid with improved £4.2m offer for wantaway Norwich
striker
The 31-year-old has handed in a transfer request and remains determined to
leave Carrow Road, despite the Canaries' reluctance to sell
10 Jun 2012 09:45:00
Goal.com
EXCLUSIVE
By Greg Stobart
West Ham will step up their pursuit of Norwich City striker Grant Holt with
an improved bid of £4.2 million on Monday, Goal.com can reveal. The Hammers
have already had a £3m offer for Holt rejected as they look to bolster their
strikeforce after securing promotion to the Premier League. Norwich are
believed to have set their asking price for Holt at £6m and remain deeply
reluctant to sell the 31-year-old, who scored 15 Premier League goals last
season. The Canaries rejected a transfer request from Holt last month but
the player remains desperate to leave the club after falling out with chief
executive David McNally. Holt, who is also attracting interest from Paul
Lambert at Aston Villa, claims he was told by McNally that he did not
deserve a new contract because he was too old. West Ham are ready to double
Holt's current salary to £30,000-a-week and have been trying to open
dialogue with Norwich over a move for the targetman. Holt's resolve to leave
Carrow Road has strengthened following the appointment of Colin Calderwood
as assistant to new manager Chris Hughton. While Hughton has made it his
priority to convince Holt to stay at the club, the striker has a poor
relationship with Calderwood, who he worked under when the Scot was manager
of Nottingham Forest. "Holt will never kick a ball for Norwich again," a
source told Goal.com. West Ham remains the most likely destination for Holt,
despite Lambert's appointment as Villa manager earlier this month after he
quit Norwich. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is eager to strengthen his
attacking options and has made Holt his top target, with former Chelsea
striker Nicolas Anelka also on the Londoners' radar. Holt joined Norwich
from Shrewsbury for £400,000 in July 2009 as has been voted as the club's
player of the year in all of his three seasons at Carrow Road. He played a
key role in the Canaries achieving back-to-back promotions before finishing
in mid-table in the Premier League last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 10th June 2012
By: Matthew Kemp
Following promotion to the Premier League, I thought it would be interesting
to see what happened to the players that left following our relegation to
the Championship the previous season.
One of the most high profile players to leave was Thomas Hitzlsperger who
had originally signed a lucrative three year contract with the Hammers, yet
only played half a season due to injury. It was suggested that he wanted to
repay the club's loyalty by staying, yet within weeks of Sam Allardyce being
appointed as club manager, he left, releasing a relegation clause in his
contract.
Such was his urgency to find another club, he was caught speeding, yet was
spared a driving ban as he was at the time unemployed, and claimed he needed
the car to drive around the country to look for another club.
Wolves were earmarked as a possible destination, yet the player instead
opted to return to his homeland, signing a three year deal with Wolfsburg.
Bizarrely, after the 2011-2012 season his contract was terminated. Thomas
had played a total of six games, five less than an injury plagued season
with West Ham!
At the age of 30, the player is now looking for a new club once again.
Danny Gabbidon repaid the loyalty of the club that supported him through
injury plagued seasons, by leaving for QPR on a one-year contract. He
suggested that the club had not offered him a new contract, and subsequently
made 17 appearances for the Hoops, scoring an own goal on his debut.
Following the end of the season, QPR have released the former Welsh
international.
Kieron Dyer played a total seven minutes for QPR following his release from
West Ham, and has been offered a new one year contract by the Rs. Matthew
Upson left West Ham in May 2011 after his contract expired. He was linked to
a number of clubs, yet signed for Stoke City on a two year contract. He made
14 league appearances for the club in 2011-2012 season.
Demba Ba triggered a relegation clause in his contract, turning down a
suggested contract of £50k a week. He joined Newcastle United, although he
did also have talks with Everton. He was booed by the Toon army faithful
following some uninspired performances during the early season, yet scored a
hat-trick against Blackburn Rovers on 24th September 2011 and by January was
the second top scorer in the league behind Robin Van Persie with 15 goals.
He was voted as the best signing for 2011-2012 by Premier League managers in
March 2012. In May 2012, the tabloids have suggested that he has a £7m
release clause in his contract, with Tottenham being linked to the Senegal
international.
Radoslav Kovac, with twelve months left on his contract joined Swiss Super
League Club, F.C. Basel for an undisclosed fee on a two year contract. At
the end of the 2011-2012 season he had won the League Championship and Swiss
Cup.
Lars Jacobsen was released by West Ham following his one year contract
expiring. He was linked to a number of clubs including AS Saint Etienne but
opted for his former club FC Copenhagen - and featured for Demnark in their
surprise 1-0 win over the Netherlands in Euro 2012 last night.
Jonathan Spector was released by West Ham and joined Birmingham City on a
two year contract, playing 30 games in the 2011-2012 season. Pablo Barrera
was loaned out to Real Zargoza following a season where he made six Premier
League appearances (making no assists). He made 20 appearances for the
Spanish club, scoring once. He has since returned to West Ham with two years
left on his contract.
Luis Boa Morte's contract was cancelled by mutual consent and he teamed up
with one of his ex managers, Chris Coleman at Greek outfit, Larissa in
August 2011. Although he signed a two-year contract, he left by January 2012
due to financial problems at the club. He joined Orlando Pirates on a
18-month deal, yet after only two starts departed on 14th May 2012.
Benni McCarthy agreed to terminate his contract after West Ham gave the
player an alleged £1.5m pay off. He made only two Premier League starts and
14 appearances in all competitions scoring no goals. On 2nd August he joined
Orlando Pirates on a two-year contract and scored on his debut.
Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson, who never made a first team appearance for West Ham
joined German side VfL Bochum. Jermain Defoe's cousin, Anthony Edgar - who
made his first team appearance versus Arsenal in the FA Cup, 3rd January
2010 - was released and joined Yeovil Town on a two-year contract. He made
ten appearance in 2011-2012, scoring one goal.
Loan players Wayne Bridge made eighteen appearances for West Ham, and
returned to Manchester City before joining Sunderland on loan in January
2012.
Robbie Keane made his debut for West Ham scoring against Blackpool in a 3-1
win. The club had an option to extend the deal by two years, if they avoided
relegation from the Premier League. The player returned to Tottenham
following West Ham's relegation. He joined LA Galaxy and had a brief loan
spell at Aston Villa in January 2012, making seven appearances, scoring
three times.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Setting Our Sights High
By Iain Dale
West ham Till I Die
KUMB have a fascinating analysis of the players who left the club when we
were relegated. With one or two notable exceptions they don't seem to have
done very well. And if you look down the list, is there a single one, apart
from Demba Ba, who you'd want back? Do read the full article HERE, but
here's the list of players...
Thomas Hitzlsperger
Danny Gabbidon
Demba Ba
Jonathan Spector
Wayne Bridge
Matthew Upson
Kieron Dyer
Radoslav Kovac
Lars Jacobsen
Luis Boa Morte
Benni McCarthy
Robbie Keane
I think we need to be setting our sights higher than these sort of players
now. Thats why when I see rumours of the likes of Kenwyne Jones, I shake my
head with a sense of disbelief. Grant Holt? Yes, he got 15 goals last season
but he's 31, with maybe two decent seasons ahead of him. I think not. We
need to be looking at young players with proven track records or loads of
potential. Step forward Jordan Rhodes. Six million for him of £4.5 million
for Grant Holt? I know what I'd do.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to step up Holt bid with improved £4.2m offer for wantaway Norwich
striker
The 31-year-old has handed in a transfer request and remains determined to
leave Carrow Road, despite the Canaries' reluctance to sell
10 Jun 2012 09:45:00
Goal.com
EXCLUSIVE
By Greg Stobart
West Ham will step up their pursuit of Norwich City striker Grant Holt with
an improved bid of £4.2 million on Monday, Goal.com can reveal. The Hammers
have already had a £3m offer for Holt rejected as they look to bolster their
strikeforce after securing promotion to the Premier League. Norwich are
believed to have set their asking price for Holt at £6m and remain deeply
reluctant to sell the 31-year-old, who scored 15 Premier League goals last
season. The Canaries rejected a transfer request from Holt last month but
the player remains desperate to leave the club after falling out with chief
executive David McNally. Holt, who is also attracting interest from Paul
Lambert at Aston Villa, claims he was told by McNally that he did not
deserve a new contract because he was too old. West Ham are ready to double
Holt's current salary to £30,000-a-week and have been trying to open
dialogue with Norwich over a move for the targetman. Holt's resolve to leave
Carrow Road has strengthened following the appointment of Colin Calderwood
as assistant to new manager Chris Hughton. While Hughton has made it his
priority to convince Holt to stay at the club, the striker has a poor
relationship with Calderwood, who he worked under when the Scot was manager
of Nottingham Forest. "Holt will never kick a ball for Norwich again," a
source told Goal.com. West Ham remains the most likely destination for Holt,
despite Lambert's appointment as Villa manager earlier this month after he
quit Norwich. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is eager to strengthen his
attacking options and has made Holt his top target, with former Chelsea
striker Nicolas Anelka also on the Londoners' radar. Holt joined Norwich
from Shrewsbury for £400,000 in July 2009 as has been voted as the club's
player of the year in all of his three seasons at Carrow Road. He played a
key role in the Canaries achieving back-to-back promotions before finishing
in mid-table in the Premier League last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, June 10
Daily WHUFC News - 10th June 2012
Vaz Te at the double
WHUFC.com
The spectacular Ricardo Vaz Te won both Goal and Signing of the Season at
the Player Awards
09.06.2012
Few players can have made an impact on joining West Ham United as big as
that made by Ricardo Vaz Te. After starring for Barnsley throughout the
opening half of the 2011/12 npower Championship season, the Portuguese
forward was snapped up by Sam Allardyce at the end of the January transfer
window. In just 18 appearances, Vaz Te has scored 12 goals, including the
Hammers' first league hat-trick in more than six years and an unforgettable
Wembley winner in the npower Championship Play-Off final victory over
Blackpool. Such has been the impression made by the No12 on the club's
supporters that he collected the Goal of the Season, sponsored by Mulalley,
and Signing of the Season, presented by S.14 Limited director Mark Pryke,
trophies at the recent Awards Dinner. "For myself I am pleased with the way
I have started my career at West Ham," the 25-year-old told West Ham TV.
"I'm happy overall and I think everyone should be because it's been a great
season overall. It's been very competitive and people shouldn't take credit
from Southampton or Reading because they have been brilliant. "It's been a
tough season but overall it has been very positive."
Winning two awards and scoring a Wembley winner were testament to the hard
work Vaz Te has put in to rebuild his career following his release by Bolton
Wanderers in 2010 - a club he had originally been brought to by Sam
Allardyce seven years previously. He played professionally in Greece and
Scotland in a bid to rediscover his best form and was rewarded first by
Barnsley last summer and then when he was reunited with Big Sam in January.
A haul of 24 goals in 42 appearances - just 30 of them starts - this term is
a statistic that speaks for itself. "Behind the scenes, people don't really
know what I've been through, but I don't feel sorry for myself. I did what I
had to do. Some people had a word with me and told me what I should do and I
did what I thought was right and now it's paying off, luckily! "I just want
to carry on, keep improving and stay humble and keep my feet on the ground."
One of those 24 goals was the sensational scissor-kick that completed his
hat-trick in the 6-0 home victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on 14 April -
a strike that won him the Goal of the Season award. "It was a fluke!" joked
Vaz Te, with a trademark wide smile on his face. "It was all right!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Barrera starts with a win
WHUFC.com
Pablo Barrera's Mexico started their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign
by beating Guyana 3-1
08.06.2012
Pablo Barrera started for Mexico in their opening 2014 FIFA World Cup
CONCACAF third round Group B qualifying win over Guyana on Friday. The West
Ham United winger had been a regular for El Tri in recent weeks, starting
victories over Wales, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Brazil in the United States at
the end of May and beginning of June. That run continued as Barrera played
for 65 minutes as Guyana were beaten 3-1 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico
City. Former Fulham full-back Carlos Salcido and Tottenham Hotspur winger
Giovani Dos Santos were among the scorers. Barrera has now earned 48 senior
caps for Mexico since making his debut at the age of 20 in a friendly
meeting with Guatemala in October 2007, scoring six goals. He appeared three
times at the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa and was part of the
squads which won the 2009 and 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cups. Mexico are seeking to
qualify for their 15th FIFA World Cup finals, having reached the tournament
every time it has been held since 1994. Guyana, who feature former Newcastle
United striker Carl Cort up front, have never reached the tournament.
Next up, Jose Manuel de la Torre's side travel to El Salvador on 12 June and
Costa Rica 7 September before welcoming the latter on 11 September. The
third round concludes with a trip to Guyana on 12 October and the visit of
El Salvador on 16 October. The CONCACAF region also contains previous FIFA
World Cup finals participants United States, Jamaica and Canada, as well as
2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers Honduras. The top two nations in each of
three third-round groups will qualify for the fourth round group-stage,
where six teams will battle for three automatic qualifying places and one
intercontinental play-off berth against the first-place Oceania side -
likely to be Winston Reid's New Zealand.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Busy pre-season for Development Squad
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon's side will play a host of warm-up fixtures at home and abroad
09.06.2012
West Ham United's Development Squad have a busy pre-season schedule to look
forward to ahead of the 2012/13 campaign. Ian Hendon's side will return to
Chadwell Heath on Monday 25 June before flying to Russia for the VTB Lev
Yashin Cup tournament in Moscow on 11 July. On their return to England, the
Development Squad will embark on a series of fixtures against non-league and
npower Football League opposition. The domestic fixtures will start with a
trip to Grays Athletic on Friday 20 July. Before the match, which kicks-off
at 7.45pm, Joint-Chairman David Sullivan will open Grays' new Rush Green
Stadium. Hakan Hayrettin's side, who finished fifth in Isthmian League
Division One last season, will welcome West Ham for the fourth time in five
years, having beaten the Hammers 2-1 in 2008, lost by the same scoreline in
2009 and gone down to a 5-1 defeat a year ago. Tickets will be priced at £10
for Adults and £5 for Concessions.
The following afternoon, the Development Squad will travel to Ship Lane to
take on Ryman League Premier Division side Thurrock on Saturday 21 July. The
Fleet have recently appointed Mark Stimson as manager as they seek to bounce
back from relegation from Blue Square Bet South last season. Tuesday 24 June
will see Hendon's team travel to Blue Square Bet Premier new boys Dartford
for a 7.45pm kick-off. The Darts finished second in the table and were
promoted following a 1-0 Play-Off final win over Welling in front of a crowd
of more than 4,000 at their Princes Park home. Welling will provide the
opposition for the Development Squad on Saturday 28 July at 3pm, when the
Development Squad will visit Park View Road.
August will see the Hammers travel to npower League Two AFC Wimbledon and
Northampton Town. The Dons will welcome Hendon's team on Saturday 4 August
for a 3pm kick-off at Kingsmeadow. Terry Brown's side finished 16th in
League Two last season and boast Academy graduate Callum McNaughton among
their ranks.
The Cobblers will play host to a West Ham XI at Sixfields on Tuesday 7
August at 7.45pm. Managed by Aidy Boothroyd, Northampton recovered from a
difficult start to the 2011/12 season to finish 20th in the League Two
table. Supporters should keep a close eye on whufc.com, @whufc_official on
twitter and the Club's official Facebook page for ticket details as and when
they are confirmed.
Development Squad pre-season fixtures
(All matches AWAY)
12-15 July - VTB Lev Yashin Cup (Moscow, Russia)
20 July - Grays Athletic (Rush Green Stadium, 7.45pm)
21 July - Thurrock (Ship Lane, 3pm)
24 July - Dartford (Princes Park, 7.45pm)
28 July - Welling (Park View Road, 3pm)
4 Aug - AFC Wimbledon (Kingsmeadow, 3pm)
7 Aug - Northampton Town (Sixfields, 7.45pm)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
What About Stech, Barrera & Montenegro-Martinez?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Amidst the ongoing speculation about incoming deals, there are three players
contracted to the club who have major question marks over their future. The
players in question are Marek Stech, Paulo Barrera and Brian
Montehegro-Martinez. Stech is a young Czech keeper of unquestioned
potential. He has first team experience, mostly in cup matches, and he has
always given a very good account of himself. For some reason Ruud Boffin
seemed to get ahead of Stech in terms of covering for Rob Green over the
last couple of seasons. Latterly, he has found himself out on serial loans
to lower divison clubs.The rumour circulating was that he had refused a
contract extension and the terms of his move to West Ham meant that one more
first team appearance triggered a clause necessitating a £700,00 bonus
payment to the selling club in the Czech Republic. Is that true? I have no
idea, but it does seem to explain why he was not brought back from loan last
season, even after Boffin fell out of favour.
So, what is his contract situation? Is he just seeing out his current
contract before moving on a Bosman? I for one hope that this is not the
case. I would like to see him stayat the club and compete with Henderson and
Jaaskelainen for the keepers jersey. That would be an interesting stable of
keepers, with two good, young keepers backing up one of vast experience.
Would it work? I do not see why not. Both Henderson and Stech would learn a
great deal from working with Jussi and the incentive will be there for both
of them to compete to succeed him in the first team. I know that there is a
strong case of going for a third, more experienced keeper like Robinson or
Gordon, but if Stech stays we could possibly end up with
Jaaskelainen-Henderson-Stech as our first team squad goal keepers.
Pablo Barrera's situation is also intriguing. After a poor first season
under Grant's management, the club loaned Barrera to Spanish club, Real
Zaragosa, for the whole of last season. If he was signed on a three year
contact, then that means he is coming in to the final year of his current
deal. It is interesting that his recent performances with the Mexican
national team have been closely followed by the club website. It could just
be a 'filler' to put new news on the web in the quiet early summer period or
it could be a conscious policy to raise his profile with fans ahead of a
return next season. The latter scenerio seems unlikely, but stranger things
have happened. Certainly, if Barrera is in his final year then the club will
either be looking to agree an extension or will move him out for a fee of
some sort. If interested club cannot agree a deal with West Ham and decide
to wait for his contract to expire, then the club will have the choice of
either utilising him next season or getting him off the wage bill with
another season long loan. Barrera's situation is interesting and we will
have to see which way that one goes?
A third player with a current question mark over his future is South
American loanee Brian Montenegro-martinez, whose one year loan deal is due
to expire soon. No doubt the loan deal came with an option to buy this
summer. Montenegro-Martinez is only 18 years of age and featured regularly
for the Development Squad last season. During those games he impressed with
his skill, pace and goal scoring ability. I would hope that the club will
have seen enough to agree a deal for the young goal scoring winger, but we
shall have to see? It would seem that Christian Montano has earnt a new
cotract with the club, so it remains to be seen if there is room for both of
them at the club?
Finally, a word on Sam Baldock's position. There are various rumours that
the club will either sell Baldock or put him out on loan next season. The
strongest speculation is that Baldock's future is tied up with West Ham's
negotiations for Palace's Wilfred Zaha. The story is that Palace want
Baldock on a permanent deal, in part-exchange for Zaha. While the Hammers
are offering a higher fee for Zaha and Baldock on a one year loan. I could
certainly see West Ham being tempted to sacrifice Baldock in order to land a
player of Zaha's ability, but it all depends how highly Allardyce and co
rate Baldock's potential. We shall see, but there is little doubt that
Baldock would benefit from a season of regular football at Championship
level. It would probably answer many of the questions about his potential,
but if a part-exchange deal was the only way that we could land Zaha, would
that force the club's hand?
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sport Football Transfer News QPR transfer news
By Brian McNally 1 Comment 9 Jun 2012 21:30
Tug of War: Hughes and Allardyce battle for Bhoys star
The Mirror
London rivals Queen's Park Rangers and West Ham United are set to bid for
Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama. The 20-year-old Kenyan international has
stunned the Scottish Premier League champions by telling them that he wants
to test himself in England's top-flight after a successful first season at
Parkhead. But Celtic will slap a £7million fee on Wanyama, a bargain
£900,000 buy from Belgian outfit Beerschot AC last summer, as he still has
three years to run on his contract. Now QPR's Mark Hughes and Hammers boss
Sam Allardyce will go to head-to-head to try and lure him to the Capital.
Wanyama's preferred position is central midfield anchor man but he also
starred in defence when Celtic boss Neil Lennon used him as a centre back.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Going Green: West Brom in the hunt for keeper
Now the Hawthorns outfit join a long list of clubs courting West Ham's out
of contract stopper
The Mirror
Steve Clarke wants West Brom to join the cluster of clubs chasing England
goalkeeper Robert Green. New boss Clarke starts work at The Hawthorns
tomorrow knowing he has to sort out a replacement for Ben Foster, after
his loan spell from Birmingham. Albion fear they can't afford the £5m fee
that their Championship neighbours will be seeking and won't be able to
match the wages Foster will be offered by Queen's Park Rangers. So Green,
available on a free transfer from West Ham, is the answer. Newly-promoted
Southampton are also keen on the 32-year-old, but Clarke worked closely with
him during his time as No2 to Gianfranco Zola at Upton Park. He believes he
can convince Green that Albion can build on last season's top 10 finish.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jussi the man for the Hammers
Football365
Jussi Jaaskelainen has rejected Bolton's new contract offer, and will link
up with old boss Sam Allardyce at West Ham, according to reports. The
Icelandic stopper has reportedly penned a two-year deal at Upton Park, after
rejecting the Wanderer's offer to stay in Lancashire on less money,
according to reports in the Daily Mirror.
The veteran keeper is set to leave the Reebok stadium after 15 years with
the Trotters, where he has made over 500 appearances in all competitions.
Allardyce has chosen Jaaskelainen to replace the outgoing England goalkeeper
Robert Green, who failed to agree a new deal with the Hammers. Bolton boss
Owen Coyle will now look at several options to give competition to current
number one Adam Bogdan, with Leed's Andy Lonergan a reported target.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
The spectacular Ricardo Vaz Te won both Goal and Signing of the Season at
the Player Awards
09.06.2012
Few players can have made an impact on joining West Ham United as big as
that made by Ricardo Vaz Te. After starring for Barnsley throughout the
opening half of the 2011/12 npower Championship season, the Portuguese
forward was snapped up by Sam Allardyce at the end of the January transfer
window. In just 18 appearances, Vaz Te has scored 12 goals, including the
Hammers' first league hat-trick in more than six years and an unforgettable
Wembley winner in the npower Championship Play-Off final victory over
Blackpool. Such has been the impression made by the No12 on the club's
supporters that he collected the Goal of the Season, sponsored by Mulalley,
and Signing of the Season, presented by S.14 Limited director Mark Pryke,
trophies at the recent Awards Dinner. "For myself I am pleased with the way
I have started my career at West Ham," the 25-year-old told West Ham TV.
"I'm happy overall and I think everyone should be because it's been a great
season overall. It's been very competitive and people shouldn't take credit
from Southampton or Reading because they have been brilliant. "It's been a
tough season but overall it has been very positive."
Winning two awards and scoring a Wembley winner were testament to the hard
work Vaz Te has put in to rebuild his career following his release by Bolton
Wanderers in 2010 - a club he had originally been brought to by Sam
Allardyce seven years previously. He played professionally in Greece and
Scotland in a bid to rediscover his best form and was rewarded first by
Barnsley last summer and then when he was reunited with Big Sam in January.
A haul of 24 goals in 42 appearances - just 30 of them starts - this term is
a statistic that speaks for itself. "Behind the scenes, people don't really
know what I've been through, but I don't feel sorry for myself. I did what I
had to do. Some people had a word with me and told me what I should do and I
did what I thought was right and now it's paying off, luckily! "I just want
to carry on, keep improving and stay humble and keep my feet on the ground."
One of those 24 goals was the sensational scissor-kick that completed his
hat-trick in the 6-0 home victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on 14 April -
a strike that won him the Goal of the Season award. "It was a fluke!" joked
Vaz Te, with a trademark wide smile on his face. "It was all right!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Barrera starts with a win
WHUFC.com
Pablo Barrera's Mexico started their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign
by beating Guyana 3-1
08.06.2012
Pablo Barrera started for Mexico in their opening 2014 FIFA World Cup
CONCACAF third round Group B qualifying win over Guyana on Friday. The West
Ham United winger had been a regular for El Tri in recent weeks, starting
victories over Wales, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Brazil in the United States at
the end of May and beginning of June. That run continued as Barrera played
for 65 minutes as Guyana were beaten 3-1 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico
City. Former Fulham full-back Carlos Salcido and Tottenham Hotspur winger
Giovani Dos Santos were among the scorers. Barrera has now earned 48 senior
caps for Mexico since making his debut at the age of 20 in a friendly
meeting with Guatemala in October 2007, scoring six goals. He appeared three
times at the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa and was part of the
squads which won the 2009 and 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cups. Mexico are seeking to
qualify for their 15th FIFA World Cup finals, having reached the tournament
every time it has been held since 1994. Guyana, who feature former Newcastle
United striker Carl Cort up front, have never reached the tournament.
Next up, Jose Manuel de la Torre's side travel to El Salvador on 12 June and
Costa Rica 7 September before welcoming the latter on 11 September. The
third round concludes with a trip to Guyana on 12 October and the visit of
El Salvador on 16 October. The CONCACAF region also contains previous FIFA
World Cup finals participants United States, Jamaica and Canada, as well as
2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers Honduras. The top two nations in each of
three third-round groups will qualify for the fourth round group-stage,
where six teams will battle for three automatic qualifying places and one
intercontinental play-off berth against the first-place Oceania side -
likely to be Winston Reid's New Zealand.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Busy pre-season for Development Squad
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon's side will play a host of warm-up fixtures at home and abroad
09.06.2012
West Ham United's Development Squad have a busy pre-season schedule to look
forward to ahead of the 2012/13 campaign. Ian Hendon's side will return to
Chadwell Heath on Monday 25 June before flying to Russia for the VTB Lev
Yashin Cup tournament in Moscow on 11 July. On their return to England, the
Development Squad will embark on a series of fixtures against non-league and
npower Football League opposition. The domestic fixtures will start with a
trip to Grays Athletic on Friday 20 July. Before the match, which kicks-off
at 7.45pm, Joint-Chairman David Sullivan will open Grays' new Rush Green
Stadium. Hakan Hayrettin's side, who finished fifth in Isthmian League
Division One last season, will welcome West Ham for the fourth time in five
years, having beaten the Hammers 2-1 in 2008, lost by the same scoreline in
2009 and gone down to a 5-1 defeat a year ago. Tickets will be priced at £10
for Adults and £5 for Concessions.
The following afternoon, the Development Squad will travel to Ship Lane to
take on Ryman League Premier Division side Thurrock on Saturday 21 July. The
Fleet have recently appointed Mark Stimson as manager as they seek to bounce
back from relegation from Blue Square Bet South last season. Tuesday 24 June
will see Hendon's team travel to Blue Square Bet Premier new boys Dartford
for a 7.45pm kick-off. The Darts finished second in the table and were
promoted following a 1-0 Play-Off final win over Welling in front of a crowd
of more than 4,000 at their Princes Park home. Welling will provide the
opposition for the Development Squad on Saturday 28 July at 3pm, when the
Development Squad will visit Park View Road.
August will see the Hammers travel to npower League Two AFC Wimbledon and
Northampton Town. The Dons will welcome Hendon's team on Saturday 4 August
for a 3pm kick-off at Kingsmeadow. Terry Brown's side finished 16th in
League Two last season and boast Academy graduate Callum McNaughton among
their ranks.
The Cobblers will play host to a West Ham XI at Sixfields on Tuesday 7
August at 7.45pm. Managed by Aidy Boothroyd, Northampton recovered from a
difficult start to the 2011/12 season to finish 20th in the League Two
table. Supporters should keep a close eye on whufc.com, @whufc_official on
twitter and the Club's official Facebook page for ticket details as and when
they are confirmed.
Development Squad pre-season fixtures
(All matches AWAY)
12-15 July - VTB Lev Yashin Cup (Moscow, Russia)
20 July - Grays Athletic (Rush Green Stadium, 7.45pm)
21 July - Thurrock (Ship Lane, 3pm)
24 July - Dartford (Princes Park, 7.45pm)
28 July - Welling (Park View Road, 3pm)
4 Aug - AFC Wimbledon (Kingsmeadow, 3pm)
7 Aug - Northampton Town (Sixfields, 7.45pm)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
What About Stech, Barrera & Montenegro-Martinez?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Amidst the ongoing speculation about incoming deals, there are three players
contracted to the club who have major question marks over their future. The
players in question are Marek Stech, Paulo Barrera and Brian
Montehegro-Martinez. Stech is a young Czech keeper of unquestioned
potential. He has first team experience, mostly in cup matches, and he has
always given a very good account of himself. For some reason Ruud Boffin
seemed to get ahead of Stech in terms of covering for Rob Green over the
last couple of seasons. Latterly, he has found himself out on serial loans
to lower divison clubs.The rumour circulating was that he had refused a
contract extension and the terms of his move to West Ham meant that one more
first team appearance triggered a clause necessitating a £700,00 bonus
payment to the selling club in the Czech Republic. Is that true? I have no
idea, but it does seem to explain why he was not brought back from loan last
season, even after Boffin fell out of favour.
So, what is his contract situation? Is he just seeing out his current
contract before moving on a Bosman? I for one hope that this is not the
case. I would like to see him stayat the club and compete with Henderson and
Jaaskelainen for the keepers jersey. That would be an interesting stable of
keepers, with two good, young keepers backing up one of vast experience.
Would it work? I do not see why not. Both Henderson and Stech would learn a
great deal from working with Jussi and the incentive will be there for both
of them to compete to succeed him in the first team. I know that there is a
strong case of going for a third, more experienced keeper like Robinson or
Gordon, but if Stech stays we could possibly end up with
Jaaskelainen-Henderson-Stech as our first team squad goal keepers.
Pablo Barrera's situation is also intriguing. After a poor first season
under Grant's management, the club loaned Barrera to Spanish club, Real
Zaragosa, for the whole of last season. If he was signed on a three year
contact, then that means he is coming in to the final year of his current
deal. It is interesting that his recent performances with the Mexican
national team have been closely followed by the club website. It could just
be a 'filler' to put new news on the web in the quiet early summer period or
it could be a conscious policy to raise his profile with fans ahead of a
return next season. The latter scenerio seems unlikely, but stranger things
have happened. Certainly, if Barrera is in his final year then the club will
either be looking to agree an extension or will move him out for a fee of
some sort. If interested club cannot agree a deal with West Ham and decide
to wait for his contract to expire, then the club will have the choice of
either utilising him next season or getting him off the wage bill with
another season long loan. Barrera's situation is interesting and we will
have to see which way that one goes?
A third player with a current question mark over his future is South
American loanee Brian Montenegro-martinez, whose one year loan deal is due
to expire soon. No doubt the loan deal came with an option to buy this
summer. Montenegro-Martinez is only 18 years of age and featured regularly
for the Development Squad last season. During those games he impressed with
his skill, pace and goal scoring ability. I would hope that the club will
have seen enough to agree a deal for the young goal scoring winger, but we
shall have to see? It would seem that Christian Montano has earnt a new
cotract with the club, so it remains to be seen if there is room for both of
them at the club?
Finally, a word on Sam Baldock's position. There are various rumours that
the club will either sell Baldock or put him out on loan next season. The
strongest speculation is that Baldock's future is tied up with West Ham's
negotiations for Palace's Wilfred Zaha. The story is that Palace want
Baldock on a permanent deal, in part-exchange for Zaha. While the Hammers
are offering a higher fee for Zaha and Baldock on a one year loan. I could
certainly see West Ham being tempted to sacrifice Baldock in order to land a
player of Zaha's ability, but it all depends how highly Allardyce and co
rate Baldock's potential. We shall see, but there is little doubt that
Baldock would benefit from a season of regular football at Championship
level. It would probably answer many of the questions about his potential,
but if a part-exchange deal was the only way that we could land Zaha, would
that force the club's hand?
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sport Football Transfer News QPR transfer news
By Brian McNally 1 Comment 9 Jun 2012 21:30
Tug of War: Hughes and Allardyce battle for Bhoys star
The Mirror
London rivals Queen's Park Rangers and West Ham United are set to bid for
Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama. The 20-year-old Kenyan international has
stunned the Scottish Premier League champions by telling them that he wants
to test himself in England's top-flight after a successful first season at
Parkhead. But Celtic will slap a £7million fee on Wanyama, a bargain
£900,000 buy from Belgian outfit Beerschot AC last summer, as he still has
three years to run on his contract. Now QPR's Mark Hughes and Hammers boss
Sam Allardyce will go to head-to-head to try and lure him to the Capital.
Wanyama's preferred position is central midfield anchor man but he also
starred in defence when Celtic boss Neil Lennon used him as a centre back.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Going Green: West Brom in the hunt for keeper
Now the Hawthorns outfit join a long list of clubs courting West Ham's out
of contract stopper
The Mirror
Steve Clarke wants West Brom to join the cluster of clubs chasing England
goalkeeper Robert Green. New boss Clarke starts work at The Hawthorns
tomorrow knowing he has to sort out a replacement for Ben Foster, after
his loan spell from Birmingham. Albion fear they can't afford the £5m fee
that their Championship neighbours will be seeking and won't be able to
match the wages Foster will be offered by Queen's Park Rangers. So Green,
available on a free transfer from West Ham, is the answer. Newly-promoted
Southampton are also keen on the 32-year-old, but Clarke worked closely with
him during his time as No2 to Gianfranco Zola at Upton Park. He believes he
can convince Green that Albion can build on last season's top 10 finish.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jussi the man for the Hammers
Football365
Jussi Jaaskelainen has rejected Bolton's new contract offer, and will link
up with old boss Sam Allardyce at West Ham, according to reports. The
Icelandic stopper has reportedly penned a two-year deal at Upton Park, after
rejecting the Wanderer's offer to stay in Lancashire on less money,
according to reports in the Daily Mirror.
The veteran keeper is set to leave the Reebok stadium after 15 years with
the Trotters, where he has made over 500 appearances in all competitions.
Allardyce has chosen Jaaskelainen to replace the outgoing England goalkeeper
Robert Green, who failed to agree a new deal with the Hammers. Bolton boss
Owen Coyle will now look at several options to give competition to current
number one Adam Bogdan, with Leed's Andy Lonergan a reported target.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
