Diame deal agreed
WHUFC.com
Mohamed Diame has agreed terms on a deal to join West Ham United
20.06.2012
West Ham United are delighted to confirm that the club have reached an agreement to sign Senegal international midfielder Mohamed Diame. Diame has agreed terms on a three-year contract and will become a West Ham United player on 1 July after his contract with Wigan Athletic expires. The 25-year-old dynamic midfielder is highly-rated and was being pursued by a number of clubs in the Premier League and abroad. He decided to move to the Boleyn Ground though after meeting manager Sam Allardyce in London this week.
Diame will meet up with his new team-mates at Chadwell Heath on 1 July for the Hammers' first day of pre-season training before flying out on the club's trip to Austria the following day. The 6'1" midfielder will compete with the likes of Kevin Nolan, Gary O'Neil, Jack Collison and reigning Hammer of the Year Mark Noble for a spot in Allardyce's midfield.
Diame began his career with Racing Club de Lens in France, before moving to CD Linares and then Rayo Vallenco in Spain. His big move to the Premier League followed in 2009 and he made an immediate impression with a strong performance on his debut against Manchester United just hours after signing. Diame, who becomes West Ham's third summer signing after Stephen Henderson and Jussi Jaaskelainen, is eagerly anticipating the new challenge awaiting him in east London. He said: "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season. "I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."
Allardyce was understandably pleased to have secured a deal to bring Diame to the Boleyn Ground. He said: "His potential is really good and he's ready to go and compete in the first team straight away as he's had three years in the Premier League already. He's 25 and can only get better and I hope he can go on to prove that to me and all of the West Ham United fans. He will be a very exciting addition to the squad."
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Hall called
BBC.co.uk
Robert Hall has been named in the England Under-19 squad for the European Championships
20.06.2012
Robert Hall has been named in the England squad for this summer's UEFA European U19 Championship Finals in Estonia Manager Noel Blake has called the forward into his 18-man squad for the tournament, which kicks off on 3 July in Talinn. Hall had another strong season with the Hammers last season - making his first-team debut and going on to collect the much-coveted Doris Bell Award for being the stand-out player in the Academy side. The Young Lions secured their place in the last eight of the competition following their success in the Elite Qualifying Round in May. England have been drawn out in Group B, alongside Croatia, Serbia and France. The top two teams from each group will go through to the semi-final, while teams that finish third will join the top two in qualifying for and the 2013 U20 World Cup.
The squad will meet up in England on Monday 25 June before flying to Estonia the following weekend ahead of the opening game with Croatia on Tuesday 3 July.
Squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Manchester United), Connor Ripley (Middlesbrough).
Defenders: Eric Dier (Sporting Lisbon), Luke Garbutt (Everton), Michael Keane (Manchester United), Jack Robinson (Liverpool), Tom Thorpe (Manchester United).
Midfielders: Conor Coady (Liverpool), Ross Barkley (Everton), Nathaniel Chalobah (Chelsea), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), John Lundstram (Everton), Nathan Redmond (Birmingham City), George Thorne (West Bromwich Albion).
Forwards: Benik Afobe (Arsenal), Saido Berahino (West Bromwich Albion), Robert Hall (West Ham United), Hallam Hope (Everton).
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Mohamed Diame to join West Ham from Wigan on a three-year deal
BBC.co.uk
Midfielder Mohamed Diame has turned down a new contract offer from Wigan to join West Ham on a three-year deal. The 25-year-old Senegal international will sign for the Hammers on 1 July when his deal at Wigan expires. Diame is West Ham's third signing since returning to the Premier League, following keepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson to Upton Park. He said: "I am very excited to have joined the club. I am looking forward to showing what I can do on the pitch." West Ham manager Sam Allardyce said: "His potential is really good and he is ready to go and compete in the first team straight away because he's had three years in the Premier League already."
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You're in Diame now
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 20th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed the arrival of former Wigan midfielder Momo Diame on a free transfer. The Senegalese international has put pen to paper on a three-year contract and will officially become a Hammer on 1st July. Diame told whufc.com: " "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season. I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."
Meanwhile West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce added: "He's 25 and can only get better and I hope he can go on to prove that to me and all of the West Ham United fans. He will be a very exciting addition to the squad."
Diame, who had been interesting Liverpool, Manchester United and Everton amongst others prior to agreeing to move to east London first moved to England 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. Diame becomes Sam Allardyce's third signing of the summer following the permanent signing of goalkeepers Stephen Henderson and Jussi Jaaskelainen.
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No Olympics for me
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 20th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid has rejected the chance to feature for New Zealand at this summer's Olympic Games in order to concentrate on preparing for the forthcoming Premier League campaign. Reid was set to be one of three overage players named in the Kiwis' Olympic Squad that heads for London next month. However the 23-year-old has rejected the opportunity in order to ensure he has the best possible chance of featuring for the Hammers when the season kicks off at home to Aston Villa in August. Replying to suggestions that Sam Allardyce had told he that he could not be involved, Reid told RadioSport: "It was my decision and I felt what I was doing was the right decision. "I'm not saying I didn't want to go to the Olympics or play for New Zealand, because I would have loved to, but I've got other commitments right now and in the long run that will hopefully benefit myself and New Zealand as well. "It would be different if I'd been at the club for six or seven years and I'd been playing regularly then maybe I could have done it, but I needed to work hard this pre-season and make sure the spot's mine at West Ham. "Of course I'd love to be at the Olympics, but I'll hopefully get the opportunity to take part in one later on in my career."
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Hammers strike Diame deal
Allardyce believes midfielder can 'only get better'
Last Updated: June 20, 2012 4:05pm
SSN
Mohamed Diame will become a West Ham United player on 1st July after agreeing a three-year contract at Upton Park. The Senegal midfielder will move as a free agent at the beginning of next month when his deal ends with Wigan Athletic, who will be the newly-promoted Hammers' Premier League rivals. Diame had been linked with a number of top-flight clubs and held talks with Liverpool before the sacking of Kenny Dalglish. But West Ham boss Sam Allardyce won the race and Diame will be the third new face to arrive this summer after Stephen Hendersonand Jussi Jaaskelainen."I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season" The 25-year-old told his new club's official website: "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season. "I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."
Potential
Diame will compete with the likes of Kevin Nolan, Gary O'Neil,Jack Collison and Mark Noble for a place in the heart of Championship play-off winners West Ham's midfield. Allardyce will have to decide who will be his first-choice selections but he has no doubt his latest acquisition will prove a great signing. The West Ham boss said: "His potential is really good and he's ready to go and compete in the first team straight away, as he's had three years in the Premier League already. "He's 25 and can only get better and I hope he can go on to prove that to me and all of the West Ham United fans. He will be a very exciting addition to the squad."
West Ham co-chairman David Gold also confirmed the deal on his personal Twitter account on Wednesday lunchtime. "I am pleased to announce that we have just signed the Wigan midfielder 25 year old Mohamed Diame on a 3 yr contract," said Gold.
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Castaignos to leave Inter
Dutch striker doubts return to Feyenoord on loan
Last Updated: June 20, 2012 1:00pm
SSN
Luc Castaignos has confirmed he will be leaving Inter Milan over the summer and has targeted a move to a 'big club'. The Netherlands Under 21 international only joined Inter from Feyenoord 12 months ago, but he struggled for playing time in Serie A last season. He has recently been linked with Liverpool and West Ham United, and the 19-year-old is expecting to join a club outside of Italy. "Inter want to loan me to an Italian club or sell me," Castaignos said to Sky Italia. "I told them that I don't want to play anywhere else in Italy but at Inter.
Disappointed
"I came to Italy to wear the Nerazzurri colours and not play for any other club. Now I must go and Inter will help me find a club. "I am saddened, I cannot deny it, I am disappointed not to have shown my worth, but this is football. "It's a decision taken by the club and by me. Now I want to join a big club." Feyenoord had expressed an interest in taking the striker on loan next season, but Castaignos admits a return to De Kuip is unlikely. He added: "If I could change anything, then I would decide to go out on loan abroad, but this will not happen. "Feyenoord? I'm disappointed that it is not possible for me to play there next season."
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Palace - No Zaha approach
Parish hopes to clear up rumours of interest from West Ham
Last Updated: June 20, 2012 11:12am
SSN
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has dismissed reports that West Ham United have made an approach for teenage winger Wilfried Zaha. The highly-rated Zaha only signed a new five-year contract at Palace last December, but has persistently been linked with a move to the Premier League. Following West Ham's promotion back to the top flight, speculation has claimed that Sam Allardyce wants to add the 19-year-old to his squad. However, Parish has moved to clear up any uncertainty over Zaha's future by confirming that there has been no contact with the Hammers. He wrote on Twitter: "We haven't had any contact from West Ham actually ever about anything. Hope that clears things up."Zaha is one of the hottest properties outside the top flight, scoring nine goals last term on his way to being named the Championship's young player of the year.
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Should We Bid £5.5m for Grant Holt?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
So, it has been confirmed today that Mo Diame has signed for the club. And the general opinion amongst supporters seems to be that he is a very good signing, who will strengthen our squad in a key position.
Hot on the heels of the Diame signing, the transfer focus has now shifted to an alleged increased bid for Norwich City Striker, Grant Holt. The figure being quoted in the press is an improved bid of £5.5m. If true, that is a substantial fee for a 31 year old striker, with little or no resale value. Although, maybe the club's rationale is that Holt is the striker to keep us in the PL nexr season, and that on its own is well worth the outlay?
With the Yakubu deal looking increasingly unlikely, is Holt the best striking option available to us? Or should we be looking elsewhere in our efforts to improve our fire power next season? At the end of the day, and all things considered, is it a good prospective investment to bid an alleged £5.5m for Holt's service?
SJ. Chandos.
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You're in Diame now! West Ham beat Liverpool to signing of midfielder Mohamed
The Mirror
West Ham have confirmed a deal to sign Senegal midfielder Mohamed Diame on a free transfer from Wigan. The 25-year-old has agreed a three-year deal at Upton Park and will make the move on July 1 after the expiry of his Wigan contract. "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season," Diame told the club's website. "I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."
Diame will meet his new team-mates on the first day of pre-season training on July 1 before flying out with the team to Austria. He is the third new signing of the summer for the newly-promoted Hammers, joining Stephen Henderson and Jussi Jaaskelainen in Sam Allardyce's squad. Allardyce said: "His potential is really good and he's ready to go and compete in the first team straight away as he's had three years in the Premier League already. "He's 25 and can only get better and I hope he can go on to prove that to me and all of the West Ham United fans. He will be a very exciting addition to the squad."
Diame joined Wigan in 2009 from Spanish club Rayo Vallecano, having previously played for Lens and Linares.
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I want to face and beat Parker, roars former Hammer Diamanti ahead of quarter-final clash
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 17:57, 20 June 2012 | UPDATED: 17:57, 20 June 2012
Daily Mail
Italy midfielder Alessandro Diamanti is relishing the chance to face former club-mate Scott Parker in Sunday's Euro 2012 quarter-final meeting against England in Kiev. Diamanti played alongside Parker at West Ham during the 2009/10 campaign and is hoping to put one over his old colleague. 'I would really like to face and beat Parker, who was a team-mate of mine at West Ham,' Diamanti said in Wednesday's press conference. 'Parker is a top player, a great rival, but since I left (West Ham), I haven't spoken to him.' Diamanti, who scored seven goals in 30 league appearances for Serie A side Bologna last season, is confident about his side's chances heading into this weekend's match but, although he feels Italy are superior to England, he is taking nothing for granted. The Azzurri finished second in their pool behind holders Spain, while England topped Group D. 'Perhaps in terms of the things that surround football like stadiums, fans' behaviour, they (English) are 30 years ahead of us, but when it comes to the pitch, we are much stronger and play a more beautiful football,' Diamanti said.
'However, even if history says that we are much stronger than them, it doesn't count for anything in these types of games. 'I have only watched England's game against Ukraine and they are strong side, with great champions. 'It's going to be a big battle, we respect them but we have no fear.' Diamanti is hoping he will get the chance to feature in the quarter-final having made his debut in a major international competition in Monday's 2-0 triumph over the Republic of Ireland. 'I was very excited to make my debut against Ireland,' the 29-year-old said. 'Now I have a chance to play in a game that only a couple of years ago I could only dream of playing on the PlayStation. 'I never gave up hope and I've worked hard for it. 'I will do everything that I can to help my team progress to the next round' Even without playing, Diamanti is enjoying the adventure in Poland and Ukraine and says training alongside veteran playmaker Andrea Pirlo is a privilege. 'I'm having a lot of fun and it's great to play alongside Pirlo,' he said. 'The past couple of days have reconfirmed to me that Pirlo is the strongest player in the world.'
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Hammers sign Diame with a new striker set to follow
London24
Kirk Blows
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
4:55 PM
Mohamed Diame says he is "happy and excited" after becoming West Ham's third permanent new signing of the summer. The defensive central midfielder, 25, has signed a three-year contract at Upton Park and will officially become a Hammer when his current deal with Wigan Athletic expires on July 1. The Senegal international is a free agent after spending three years with the Latics, for whom he made 103 league and cup appearances. And he is looking forward to playing his part as West Ham seek to consolidate their place back in the Premier League. Diame said: "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season. "I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce was pleased to have secured Diame's signature after being linked with the player for several weeks. "His potential is really good and he is ready to compete in the first team straight away as he has had three years in the Premier League already," he said. "He is 25 and can only get better – and I hope he can go on to prove that to me and all of the West Ham United fans. "He will be a very exciting addition to the squad."
Sunderland and Aston Villa had also been linked with the player, who joined Wigan from Spanish outfit Rayo Vallecano for a fee of £3.6million in 2009. Diame joins goalkeepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson as West Ham's new signings following the club's return to the top flight via the play-offs. West Ham are also hoping to bolster their attack with the signing of a new striker next week. The Hammers have been linked with several hitmen in recent weeks, including Grant Holt of Norwich City and Real Madrid's Spain under-21 international Joselu. Reports suggest that West Ham have made an increased £5.5m bid for Holt, who scored 17 goals as the Canaries enjoyed a comfortable first season back in the Premier League. The 31-year-old wants to quit the East Anglia club, but Norwich rejected the striker's initial transfer request in May. Joselu, 22 – full name Jose Luis Sanmartin Mato – was born in Germany, but after spending time with Celta Vigo has been playing for Madrid's B team Castilla. Allardyce has been in Italy, where it was claimed he was seen speaking to Juventus director Fabio Paratici. One of his targets was believed to be Dutch winger Eljero Elia, 25, who made a £7m move from Hamburg to Juve last summer, but made only four appearances and recently submitted a transfer request. Allardyce has also been linked with another Dutchman in the shape of Luc Castaignos, a 19-year-old striker who spent last season with Inter Milan after two years at Feyenoord. Sweden defender Jonas Olsson is another potential target, but new West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Clarke is reluctant to let him go.
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Wigan Athletic's Mohamed Diamé joins newly promoted West Ham
Midfielder signs three-year contract
Sam Allardyce has made three summer signings
Press Association
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 20 June 2012 13.28 BST
West Ham have confirmed a deal to sign the Senegal midfielder Mohamed Diamé on a free transfer from Wigan Athletic. Diamé has agreed a three-year deal at Upton Park and will make the move on 1 July after the expiry of his Wigan contract. "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season," Diamé told the club's website. "I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."
Diamé will meet his new team-mates on the first day of pre-season training before flying out with the team to Austria. He is the third new signing of the summer for the newly-promoted Hammers, joining Stephen Henderson and Jussi Jaaskelainen in Sam Allardyce's squad. Allardyce said: "His potential is really good and he's ready to go and compete in the first team straight away as he's had three years in the Premier League already. "He's 25 and can only get better and I hope he can go on to prove that to me and all of the West Ham United fans. He will be a very exciting addition to the squad."
Diamé joined Wigan in 2009 from Spanish club Rayo Vallecano, having previously played for Lens and Linares.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, June 21
Wednesday, June 20
Daily WHUFC News - 20th June 2012
'I can't wait to get started'
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan cannot wait for the new season to start after West Ham United's
fixtures were released
19.06.2012
West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan is looking forward to the start of the
new season and is relishing a home start. The Hammers face Aston Villa at
the Boleyn Ground on 18 August and the skipper is delighted to be in front
of the home fans as the club start life again as a Premier League outfit. He
said: "It is a home game to get us started, which is great for us. Aston
Villa are a very good side and have a new manager so their players will be
looking to impress, but we will be aiming to kick-off the new campaign in a
positive way on our own ground and look to try and win the game if we can
and get ourselves off the mark. "There can be some strange results early in
the season as all the teams look to settle into their routines, but if we
can make a solid start, then that will be good for us. Nothing is sorted
early in the season, but if we can start as well as we can do, then we give
ourselves something to build on."
After kicking-off at home, West Ham travel to Swansea City for the first
away fixture on 25 August, before coming back home again to face London
neighbours Fulham on 1 September. Sunderland are the next visitors to east
London before the end of that month (22 September), following a trip to
Norwich shortly before (15 September). Nolan scored his first goal in
Hammers colours in last season's first away fixture in the npower
Championship against Doncaster Rovers - the first of 13 goals notched up by
the attacking midfielder last season as he helped lead the team to
promotion. The 29-year-old is in no doubt that the West Ham fans will be
behind their team in their usual passionate fashion once more. "I am sure
all our fans can't wait for the season to begin and to know we are back in
the Premier League only makes it more exciting. It makes it real again to
see the games and when they are. I am sure our fans will do their best to
help us do what we can to get off to a good start. "I know I am looking
forward to the new season as I am sure the other lads are - after getting
promoted and everything calming down, people go away for a bit of a break.
But seeing the fixtures come out, it brings the new season to everyone's
attention again and I for one can't wait to get started."
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Nothing doing on Olsson or Zaha, say clubs
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 19th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
Both West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace have refuted claims that
players of theirs have been the subject of attention from West Ham United.
Within the last few hours, both Albion sporting and technical director Dan
Ashworth and Palace co-chairman Steve Parish have spoken our to deny that
the Hammers have contacted either club with regards to central defender
Jonas Olsson or winger Wilfried Zaha.
Baggies director Ashworth, whose Swedish defender Olsson has been linked
with both West Ham and Tottenham within the past few days told the BBC: "We
certainly haven't heard anything from anyone.
"Jonas is still under contract here, he's an important player and an
important part of our future."
Meanwhile Parish, who has been in charge at Selhurst Park since his CPFC2010
consortium wrestled control of the club from its previous owners two years
ago said via Twitter: "We haven't had any contact from West Ham actually
ever about anything.
"Hope that clears things up. Smokescreen?"
Elsewhere today there is very little transfer news with regards to West Ham,
so much so that the dailies continue to focus on the 'Rob Green to QPR'
story as they scramble to fill their column inches.
Green, who is currently deputising for Joe Hart at the European
Championships is now only 48 hours away from signing for the Rs according to
one particular tabloid - which unless someone can see into the future and
predict a defeat for England against Ukraine tonight, is rather unlikely to
happen given that he shall still be in Eastern Europe.
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Clarke wants to keep Olsson
West Brom under no pressure to sell West Ham target
Last Updated: June 19, 2012 12:53pm
SSN
New West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Clarke is hoping to keep hold of
Jonas Olsson after the defender was targeted by West Ham United. Olsson only
has one year remaining on his contract at The Hawthorns and the Sweden
international will not make a decision on his future until after Euro 2012.
The centre-half is wanted by promoted West Ham, and has also been linked
with a string of clubs, but Clarke is keen to hang on to the 28-year-old.
"Yes," said Clarke when asked at his unveiling if he wanted to keep Olsson.
"Ideally for me I want to keep all the contracted players and I'd like to
bring in another two or three players that can help me.
"Jonas is a key player for the team and the club, and I will do what I can
to keep him here."
Important
The Baggies' sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth also insisted that
there is no pressure to sell Olsson, who joined the club from NEC Nijmegen
four years ago. Ashworth said: "He is one of our most important players and
we would like to keep him like we did last year with Youssouf Mulumbu and
Peter Odemwingie last year. "We're trying to build a squad not sell our best
players. "There wasn't a huge outlay on the transfer so we don't need to
make a huge amount of money back if he decided to run the contract down. "We
would have to weigh it up and consider whether there is a transfer offer
that meets the value of either getting a replacement or losing Jonas for the
season."
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A Day of Pouring Cold Water on Hot Transfer Rumours!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Yesterday saw a lot of cold water poured on some of the hottest West Ham
transfer rumours. Firstly, it emerged that Yakubu might not be headed down
Upton Park way, but rather off to the far more lucrative Chinese League.
Then, WBA publicly denied that Jonas Olsson was leaving the club for West
Ham or anywhere else. And finally, the Crystal Palace Chairman maintained
that there had not been any contact with West Ham over a possible deal for
Wilfred Zaha! So, what do we make of these very public denials? Is it just
the selling clubs 'playing games' ahead of a deal, perhaps with a view to
drumming alternative interest and a possible auction to drive up the
transfer fee? Or do our transfer targets, in reality, lie elsewhere?
On the plus side, reports continue to insist that Mo Diame will sign for the
club in the next few days.
Elsewhere, congratulations to Hodgson and England on topping their Euro 2012
group and reaching the quarter-finals. Hodgson is a vastly experienced
manager, who knows how to organise a side and get the maximum out of his
players. He has got them in to a system that they clearly understand and
feel comfortable with and it is starting to show. It was not a great
performance against the Ukraine, but (a bit like West Ham in the play-off
Final) Hodgson's England Team dug in, fought and emerged as winners. Lets
hope that they gel further as a team in advance of the quarter-final match
with Italy.
Italy will be a challenge, but not as great a one as the Spanish. England
are now at the business end of Euro 2012 and Italy, Germany and Spain
probably stand between us and the title. It will be tough, but all you can
ask is that England play with the organisation and skill to restore some
pride after the World Cup debacle in South Africa. Even if we do not win,
hopefully this competition will see the Three Lions finally turn the corner
to better times.
SJ.Chandos.
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Big Sam ups Holt offer
The Sun
Published: Today at 01:04
WEST HAM last night increased their bid for Grant Holt to £5.5million in an
attempt to test Norwich's resolve. Big Sam's got a Gut feelingNorwich
Russell up a new dealNew boss Chris won't Grant exit The Hammers' initial
offer of £3m was turned down. Boss Sam Allardyce wants Holt, who scored 17
goals last season, to beef up his forward line following promotion to the
Premier League. The deal starts at £3.5m but goes up by £2m on appearances.
City have already turned down a transfer request made by Holt at the end of
the season.
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Royals Maig up to nab Mali hotshot
The Sun
Published: Today at 01:04
READING plan to battle West Ham for Sochaux striker The French club have
rejected a £4million Hammers bid and now Royals officials are set to move
for the 24-year-old Mali ace.
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Winston Reid turns down Olympic Games spot
Last updated 11:41 20/06/2012
Stuff.co.nz
All Whites' defender Winston Reid has chosen club over country, turning down
the chance to represent New Zealand at the London Olympics. Reid was set to
be named as one of three over-age players - along with Ryan Nelsen and Shane
Smeltz - in the New Zealand under-23 team to take part in the Games. Instead
he will turn his focus to cementing his spot in the first team of his
newly-promoted English Premier club West Ham United. West Ham are set to
embark on three-game preseason tour of Europe at the same time as the
Olympic tournament. Reid told Radiosport he, not West Ham manager Sam
Allardyce, had made the decision to withdraw from selection. "At the end of
the day it was my decision and I felt what I was doing was the right
decision." "I'm not saying I didn't want to go to the Olympics or play for
New Zealand, because I would have loved to, but I've got other commitments
right now and in the long run that will hopefully benefit myself and New
Zealand as well," he said. Reid joined West Ham from Danish club FC
Midtjylland at the end of 2010/11 season. He made four starts that season as
the club were relegated from the Premier League to The Championship. He
cemented a starting spot last season as West Ham climbed back into the top
flight and is determined to be regular feature in the Premier League this
season. "It would be different if I'd been at the club for six or seven
years and I'd been playing regularly then maybe I could have done it, but I
needed to work hard this pre-season and make sure the spot's mine at West
Ham," he said. Reid said he had discussed the dilemma with All Whites'
captain and fellow Premier League defender Nelsen. "I've text Nelly (Nelsen)
a couple of times in the past weeks, you could say that maybe I'm in the
same circumstances as he was a couple of years back. Of course I'd love to
be at the Olympics, but I'll hopefully get the opportunity to take part in
one later on in my career."
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West Ham United close in on former Wigan midfielder
Guardian Series
5:40pm Tuesday 19th June 2012 in News
West Ham United are believed to be on the verge of signing former Wigan
midfielder Mohamed Diame. The 25-year-old, whose contract expired at the end
of last season, is close to agreeing a deal to move to Upton Park. The
Senegalese midfielder is one of Sam Allardyce's top targets and would be a
powerful addition to the newly-promoted side's squad.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan cannot wait for the new season to start after West Ham United's
fixtures were released
19.06.2012
West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan is looking forward to the start of the
new season and is relishing a home start. The Hammers face Aston Villa at
the Boleyn Ground on 18 August and the skipper is delighted to be in front
of the home fans as the club start life again as a Premier League outfit. He
said: "It is a home game to get us started, which is great for us. Aston
Villa are a very good side and have a new manager so their players will be
looking to impress, but we will be aiming to kick-off the new campaign in a
positive way on our own ground and look to try and win the game if we can
and get ourselves off the mark. "There can be some strange results early in
the season as all the teams look to settle into their routines, but if we
can make a solid start, then that will be good for us. Nothing is sorted
early in the season, but if we can start as well as we can do, then we give
ourselves something to build on."
After kicking-off at home, West Ham travel to Swansea City for the first
away fixture on 25 August, before coming back home again to face London
neighbours Fulham on 1 September. Sunderland are the next visitors to east
London before the end of that month (22 September), following a trip to
Norwich shortly before (15 September). Nolan scored his first goal in
Hammers colours in last season's first away fixture in the npower
Championship against Doncaster Rovers - the first of 13 goals notched up by
the attacking midfielder last season as he helped lead the team to
promotion. The 29-year-old is in no doubt that the West Ham fans will be
behind their team in their usual passionate fashion once more. "I am sure
all our fans can't wait for the season to begin and to know we are back in
the Premier League only makes it more exciting. It makes it real again to
see the games and when they are. I am sure our fans will do their best to
help us do what we can to get off to a good start. "I know I am looking
forward to the new season as I am sure the other lads are - after getting
promoted and everything calming down, people go away for a bit of a break.
But seeing the fixtures come out, it brings the new season to everyone's
attention again and I for one can't wait to get started."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nothing doing on Olsson or Zaha, say clubs
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 19th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
Both West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace have refuted claims that
players of theirs have been the subject of attention from West Ham United.
Within the last few hours, both Albion sporting and technical director Dan
Ashworth and Palace co-chairman Steve Parish have spoken our to deny that
the Hammers have contacted either club with regards to central defender
Jonas Olsson or winger Wilfried Zaha.
Baggies director Ashworth, whose Swedish defender Olsson has been linked
with both West Ham and Tottenham within the past few days told the BBC: "We
certainly haven't heard anything from anyone.
"Jonas is still under contract here, he's an important player and an
important part of our future."
Meanwhile Parish, who has been in charge at Selhurst Park since his CPFC2010
consortium wrestled control of the club from its previous owners two years
ago said via Twitter: "We haven't had any contact from West Ham actually
ever about anything.
"Hope that clears things up. Smokescreen?"
Elsewhere today there is very little transfer news with regards to West Ham,
so much so that the dailies continue to focus on the 'Rob Green to QPR'
story as they scramble to fill their column inches.
Green, who is currently deputising for Joe Hart at the European
Championships is now only 48 hours away from signing for the Rs according to
one particular tabloid - which unless someone can see into the future and
predict a defeat for England against Ukraine tonight, is rather unlikely to
happen given that he shall still be in Eastern Europe.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Clarke wants to keep Olsson
West Brom under no pressure to sell West Ham target
Last Updated: June 19, 2012 12:53pm
SSN
New West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Clarke is hoping to keep hold of
Jonas Olsson after the defender was targeted by West Ham United. Olsson only
has one year remaining on his contract at The Hawthorns and the Sweden
international will not make a decision on his future until after Euro 2012.
The centre-half is wanted by promoted West Ham, and has also been linked
with a string of clubs, but Clarke is keen to hang on to the 28-year-old.
"Yes," said Clarke when asked at his unveiling if he wanted to keep Olsson.
"Ideally for me I want to keep all the contracted players and I'd like to
bring in another two or three players that can help me.
"Jonas is a key player for the team and the club, and I will do what I can
to keep him here."
Important
The Baggies' sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth also insisted that
there is no pressure to sell Olsson, who joined the club from NEC Nijmegen
four years ago. Ashworth said: "He is one of our most important players and
we would like to keep him like we did last year with Youssouf Mulumbu and
Peter Odemwingie last year. "We're trying to build a squad not sell our best
players. "There wasn't a huge outlay on the transfer so we don't need to
make a huge amount of money back if he decided to run the contract down. "We
would have to weigh it up and consider whether there is a transfer offer
that meets the value of either getting a replacement or losing Jonas for the
season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A Day of Pouring Cold Water on Hot Transfer Rumours!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Yesterday saw a lot of cold water poured on some of the hottest West Ham
transfer rumours. Firstly, it emerged that Yakubu might not be headed down
Upton Park way, but rather off to the far more lucrative Chinese League.
Then, WBA publicly denied that Jonas Olsson was leaving the club for West
Ham or anywhere else. And finally, the Crystal Palace Chairman maintained
that there had not been any contact with West Ham over a possible deal for
Wilfred Zaha! So, what do we make of these very public denials? Is it just
the selling clubs 'playing games' ahead of a deal, perhaps with a view to
drumming alternative interest and a possible auction to drive up the
transfer fee? Or do our transfer targets, in reality, lie elsewhere?
On the plus side, reports continue to insist that Mo Diame will sign for the
club in the next few days.
Elsewhere, congratulations to Hodgson and England on topping their Euro 2012
group and reaching the quarter-finals. Hodgson is a vastly experienced
manager, who knows how to organise a side and get the maximum out of his
players. He has got them in to a system that they clearly understand and
feel comfortable with and it is starting to show. It was not a great
performance against the Ukraine, but (a bit like West Ham in the play-off
Final) Hodgson's England Team dug in, fought and emerged as winners. Lets
hope that they gel further as a team in advance of the quarter-final match
with Italy.
Italy will be a challenge, but not as great a one as the Spanish. England
are now at the business end of Euro 2012 and Italy, Germany and Spain
probably stand between us and the title. It will be tough, but all you can
ask is that England play with the organisation and skill to restore some
pride after the World Cup debacle in South Africa. Even if we do not win,
hopefully this competition will see the Three Lions finally turn the corner
to better times.
SJ.Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam ups Holt offer
The Sun
Published: Today at 01:04
WEST HAM last night increased their bid for Grant Holt to £5.5million in an
attempt to test Norwich's resolve. Big Sam's got a Gut feelingNorwich
Russell up a new dealNew boss Chris won't Grant exit The Hammers' initial
offer of £3m was turned down. Boss Sam Allardyce wants Holt, who scored 17
goals last season, to beef up his forward line following promotion to the
Premier League. The deal starts at £3.5m but goes up by £2m on appearances.
City have already turned down a transfer request made by Holt at the end of
the season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Royals Maig up to nab Mali hotshot
The Sun
Published: Today at 01:04
READING plan to battle West Ham for Sochaux striker The French club have
rejected a £4million Hammers bid and now Royals officials are set to move
for the 24-year-old Mali ace.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Winston Reid turns down Olympic Games spot
Last updated 11:41 20/06/2012
Stuff.co.nz
All Whites' defender Winston Reid has chosen club over country, turning down
the chance to represent New Zealand at the London Olympics. Reid was set to
be named as one of three over-age players - along with Ryan Nelsen and Shane
Smeltz - in the New Zealand under-23 team to take part in the Games. Instead
he will turn his focus to cementing his spot in the first team of his
newly-promoted English Premier club West Ham United. West Ham are set to
embark on three-game preseason tour of Europe at the same time as the
Olympic tournament. Reid told Radiosport he, not West Ham manager Sam
Allardyce, had made the decision to withdraw from selection. "At the end of
the day it was my decision and I felt what I was doing was the right
decision." "I'm not saying I didn't want to go to the Olympics or play for
New Zealand, because I would have loved to, but I've got other commitments
right now and in the long run that will hopefully benefit myself and New
Zealand as well," he said. Reid joined West Ham from Danish club FC
Midtjylland at the end of 2010/11 season. He made four starts that season as
the club were relegated from the Premier League to The Championship. He
cemented a starting spot last season as West Ham climbed back into the top
flight and is determined to be regular feature in the Premier League this
season. "It would be different if I'd been at the club for six or seven
years and I'd been playing regularly then maybe I could have done it, but I
needed to work hard this pre-season and make sure the spot's mine at West
Ham," he said. Reid said he had discussed the dilemma with All Whites'
captain and fellow Premier League defender Nelsen. "I've text Nelly (Nelsen)
a couple of times in the past weeks, you could say that maybe I'm in the
same circumstances as he was a couple of years back. Of course I'd love to
be at the Olympics, but I'll hopefully get the opportunity to take part in
one later on in my career."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United close in on former Wigan midfielder
Guardian Series
5:40pm Tuesday 19th June 2012 in News
West Ham United are believed to be on the verge of signing former Wigan
midfielder Mohamed Diame. The 25-year-old, whose contract expired at the end
of last season, is close to agreeing a deal to move to Upton Park. The
Senegalese midfielder is one of Sam Allardyce's top targets and would be a
powerful addition to the newly-promoted side's squad.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 19
Daily WHUFC News - 19th June 2012
A Golden opportunity
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
David Gold declared himself delighted after the 2012/13 fixture list threw
up a comparitively favourable opening to the forthcoming campaign. West Ham
are not scheduled to face any club that finished in the top six of last
season's Premier League until match seven of the campaign when they host
Arsenal - whilst they face all three newly-promoted clubs from last season
in September. And that news was greeted with enthusiasm from co-chairman
Gold, who told Sky Sports: "I think it's important to get off to a good
start. I think the season before last we got off to a tough start in the
first four game because we were playing big clubs. "But home to Aston Villa
and away to Swansea? They're winnable games, or they're games that you can
expect to get something from. So we're very excited about it. "We're back in
the Premier League, every game is against a club with history. Whether we
are playing super clubs or teams that have come up with us like Reading or
Southampton, I could make a case that they are all exciting."
In addition to the the August fixtures mentioned by Gold, West Ham face
Fulham (h), Norwich (a), Sunderland (h) and QPR (a) before meeting Arsneal
at the Boleyn Ground on 6th October.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan: signings imminent
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
David Sullivan has revealed that West Ham are hoping to make at least one
new signing this week. United's co-chairman has been busy chasing a series
of targets during the past few weeks since the club's return to the Premier
League was confirmed by defeating Blackpool 2-1 in the play-off Final at
Wembley last month.
And having already confirmed the arrivals of Stephen Henderson and Jussi
Jaaskelainen on permanent contracts, Sullivan hopes to make his third
capture within the next few days - with another to follow shortly after. "We
expect to sign a player this week and next," Sullivan is reported to have
told the Evening Standard. "I can't say any more at the moment though."
Names in the hat include Wigan's Momo Diame, West Bromwich Albion's Jonas
Olssen and free agent and former Real Madrid star Guti. * Young Hammers fan
Jonjo Heuerman, who has been fundraising for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer
Research UK since 2010 has revealed that David Sullivan has sent him a
cheque for £5,000. Heuerman told KUMB.com that Sullivan's unexpected
gesture, received last week, had boosted his fund to an incredible £76,000.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold eyeing Villa revenge
Hammers to meet Villans on opening day
Last Updated: June 18, 2012 12:21pm
SSN
West Ham United co-chairman David Gold admits he is hoping for revenge
against Aston Villa after they were paired together on the opening day of
the Premier League season. The Hammers are back in the top flight after just
one year in the Championship and once again begin their campaign against
Villa, the team they played on the opening day of the season two years ago.
Back then Avram Grant's side were thrashed 3-0 at Villa Park, with the
season ultimately ending in the heartbreak of relegation. Gold admits he is
keen to see his side gain revenge on the Midlanders when they arrive at
Upton Park on August 18. "It's going to be extremely exciting; we're back in
the Premier League," Gold told Sky Sports News. "It's Aston Villa first, I'm
pleased about that for a number of reasons, one being the last time we
played them on the first game of the season two years ago they beat us 3-0
at Aston Villa, so I'm looking forward to them coming here and hopefully we
can reverse the score.
Good start
"I think it is important to get off to a good start; the season before last
in the Premier League I think we lost our first four games because we were
playing big clubs.
"But at home to Aston Villa and away at Swansea, they are winnable games or
games you can expect to get something from so we are very excited about it."
When quizzed on the rest of West Ham's fixtures, Gold admitted he sees every
game as a highlight, such is the prestige of playing in England's top
division. "I think the Spurs game at home will be exciting, Arsenal at home
too, Manchester United, Manchester City, I could go on and on," he added.
"We're back in the Premier League, every game is a club with history,
whether it is one we are seeking revenge as we are against Aston Villa or
that it is just a great club coming to Upton Park. "Whether we are playing
super clubs or teams that have come up with us like Reading or Southampton,
I could make a case that they are all exciting.
Premier League
"This is the Premier League, the most exciting league the world has ever
known, I really don't mind who we play." Gold also revealed that the club's
finances have recovered significantly since he and co-chairman David
Sullivan bought the club from Icelandic group CB Holding in 2010. The
previous ownership had laden the club with significant debts and a
spiralling wage bill which Gold admits had pushed the club perilously close
to administration. However, the 75-year-old is much more optimistic about
the club's future, saying: "The club gets stronger with every passing day,
when we first arrived it was scary times, the club was close to
administration. We are clawing our way from that from those issues, we are
getting stronger financially. "The morale is high and the future is bright."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
McDonald eyes strong start
No.2 hopes Hammers can take advantage against Villa and Swans
Last Updated: June 18, 2012 3:21pm
SSN
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald is hoping the club can take
advantage of Aston Villa and Swansea sides still adjusting to their new
managers when their Premier League campaign gets under way. The Hammers, who
won promotion back to the top-flight last season, will host Villa in their
curtain-raiser on August 18th in what will be Paul Lambert's first
competitive game in charge. The East Londoners then travel to the Liberty
Stadium to face the Swans the following weekend, with Michael Laudrup having
recently succeeded Brendan Rodgers at the helm. McDonald feels Lambert and
Laudrup will still be trying to put their mark on their new teams, which
could benefit Sam Allardyce's side, and is also glad the club will open
their campaign at Upton Park. He told West Ham's official website: "It's
brilliant to have a home game first as when you get promoted you're always
looking for a home fixture first. "Villa have got a new manager so hopefully
they may still be trying to work out what he wants and that will be the same
perhaps for Swansea in our second game. "The managers may still be trying to
bed in and get their ideas across to the players and which way they want to
play and what system they want to play. "We've got to try and take advantage
of that if we possibly can. It's still a difficult start but we're happy
we've avoided one of the top four."
Tough
McDonald is hoping the Hammers can make a strong start to prepare them for
testing fixtures against potential title contenders over November and
December.
"It will be a tough start without a shadow of a doubt but it's a good
start," he added. "Looking to November and December when we play the likes
of Manchester City, Manchester United,Spurs, Chelsea and Liverpool it will
be very tough so I think we need a good start and hopefully the first six
games will give us a chance to get some points on the board."
The assistant boss feels Monday's release of the fixtures will have whetted
the appetite of the Hammers players ahead of pre-season. "We've only had a
short-ish break but I imagine the lads will have seen the fixtures and
they'll be ready and raring to go on 1st July," he said. "We'll have plenty
of time for preparation and plenty of time to get the boys fit for the game.
We're really looking forward to getting started now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold reveals transfer ambition
Co-chairman admits Hammers are keen to strengthen
Last Updated: June 18, 2012 12:50pm
SSN
West Ham co-chairman David Gold has revealed the club hope to sign up to
four players during the summer transfer window. The Hammers are back in the
Premier League after just one season in the Championship thanks to their 2-1
play-off win over Blackpool at Wembley last month. The summer re-building
has already begun, with Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen agreeding a
move to east London in July. A number of other players have been linked with
a switch to Upon Park, including former Real Madrid midfielder Guti, who is
available on a free transfer after being released by Turkish club Besiktas.
Gold refused to be drawn on any individual targets but did admit the club
intend to be busy right up until the deadline at the end of August. "We're
connected with about 20 players," Gold told Sky Sports News.
New season
"What we hope to do is to maybe bring in two, three or maybe four players by
the close of the window as we start off in the new season." Gold also
revealed that the Hammers did everything they could to try and persuade
goalkeeper Robert Green to stay at the club. The England international
rejected the offer of a new deal and will leave when his contract expires at
the end of the month. "We did our very best and we're very sad that we have
lost Robert, "added Gold. "We wish him well, and wherever he goes I'm sure
he will be a great servant to that club."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Are Four Signings Going to Be Enough?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Club Co-Chairman, David Gold, has been interviewed on SSN regarding the
club's summer transfer plans. In the interview, Gold states that the club
are aiming to bring in two, three or maybe four new signings before the
close of the transfer window at the end of August. Presumably, that number
excludes our first two signings, Jussi and Henderson? I sincerely hope so
anyway.
So, if we take David Gold's comments at face value, are four new signings
going to be enough to redress the lack in our current squad and add the
necessary depth in strength for the coming PL campaign? Over to you!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
David Gold declared himself delighted after the 2012/13 fixture list threw
up a comparitively favourable opening to the forthcoming campaign. West Ham
are not scheduled to face any club that finished in the top six of last
season's Premier League until match seven of the campaign when they host
Arsenal - whilst they face all three newly-promoted clubs from last season
in September. And that news was greeted with enthusiasm from co-chairman
Gold, who told Sky Sports: "I think it's important to get off to a good
start. I think the season before last we got off to a tough start in the
first four game because we were playing big clubs. "But home to Aston Villa
and away to Swansea? They're winnable games, or they're games that you can
expect to get something from. So we're very excited about it. "We're back in
the Premier League, every game is against a club with history. Whether we
are playing super clubs or teams that have come up with us like Reading or
Southampton, I could make a case that they are all exciting."
In addition to the the August fixtures mentioned by Gold, West Ham face
Fulham (h), Norwich (a), Sunderland (h) and QPR (a) before meeting Arsneal
at the Boleyn Ground on 6th October.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan: signings imminent
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
David Sullivan has revealed that West Ham are hoping to make at least one
new signing this week. United's co-chairman has been busy chasing a series
of targets during the past few weeks since the club's return to the Premier
League was confirmed by defeating Blackpool 2-1 in the play-off Final at
Wembley last month.
And having already confirmed the arrivals of Stephen Henderson and Jussi
Jaaskelainen on permanent contracts, Sullivan hopes to make his third
capture within the next few days - with another to follow shortly after. "We
expect to sign a player this week and next," Sullivan is reported to have
told the Evening Standard. "I can't say any more at the moment though."
Names in the hat include Wigan's Momo Diame, West Bromwich Albion's Jonas
Olssen and free agent and former Real Madrid star Guti. * Young Hammers fan
Jonjo Heuerman, who has been fundraising for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer
Research UK since 2010 has revealed that David Sullivan has sent him a
cheque for £5,000. Heuerman told KUMB.com that Sullivan's unexpected
gesture, received last week, had boosted his fund to an incredible £76,000.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold eyeing Villa revenge
Hammers to meet Villans on opening day
Last Updated: June 18, 2012 12:21pm
SSN
West Ham United co-chairman David Gold admits he is hoping for revenge
against Aston Villa after they were paired together on the opening day of
the Premier League season. The Hammers are back in the top flight after just
one year in the Championship and once again begin their campaign against
Villa, the team they played on the opening day of the season two years ago.
Back then Avram Grant's side were thrashed 3-0 at Villa Park, with the
season ultimately ending in the heartbreak of relegation. Gold admits he is
keen to see his side gain revenge on the Midlanders when they arrive at
Upton Park on August 18. "It's going to be extremely exciting; we're back in
the Premier League," Gold told Sky Sports News. "It's Aston Villa first, I'm
pleased about that for a number of reasons, one being the last time we
played them on the first game of the season two years ago they beat us 3-0
at Aston Villa, so I'm looking forward to them coming here and hopefully we
can reverse the score.
Good start
"I think it is important to get off to a good start; the season before last
in the Premier League I think we lost our first four games because we were
playing big clubs.
"But at home to Aston Villa and away at Swansea, they are winnable games or
games you can expect to get something from so we are very excited about it."
When quizzed on the rest of West Ham's fixtures, Gold admitted he sees every
game as a highlight, such is the prestige of playing in England's top
division. "I think the Spurs game at home will be exciting, Arsenal at home
too, Manchester United, Manchester City, I could go on and on," he added.
"We're back in the Premier League, every game is a club with history,
whether it is one we are seeking revenge as we are against Aston Villa or
that it is just a great club coming to Upton Park. "Whether we are playing
super clubs or teams that have come up with us like Reading or Southampton,
I could make a case that they are all exciting.
Premier League
"This is the Premier League, the most exciting league the world has ever
known, I really don't mind who we play." Gold also revealed that the club's
finances have recovered significantly since he and co-chairman David
Sullivan bought the club from Icelandic group CB Holding in 2010. The
previous ownership had laden the club with significant debts and a
spiralling wage bill which Gold admits had pushed the club perilously close
to administration. However, the 75-year-old is much more optimistic about
the club's future, saying: "The club gets stronger with every passing day,
when we first arrived it was scary times, the club was close to
administration. We are clawing our way from that from those issues, we are
getting stronger financially. "The morale is high and the future is bright."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
McDonald eyes strong start
No.2 hopes Hammers can take advantage against Villa and Swans
Last Updated: June 18, 2012 3:21pm
SSN
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald is hoping the club can take
advantage of Aston Villa and Swansea sides still adjusting to their new
managers when their Premier League campaign gets under way. The Hammers, who
won promotion back to the top-flight last season, will host Villa in their
curtain-raiser on August 18th in what will be Paul Lambert's first
competitive game in charge. The East Londoners then travel to the Liberty
Stadium to face the Swans the following weekend, with Michael Laudrup having
recently succeeded Brendan Rodgers at the helm. McDonald feels Lambert and
Laudrup will still be trying to put their mark on their new teams, which
could benefit Sam Allardyce's side, and is also glad the club will open
their campaign at Upton Park. He told West Ham's official website: "It's
brilliant to have a home game first as when you get promoted you're always
looking for a home fixture first. "Villa have got a new manager so hopefully
they may still be trying to work out what he wants and that will be the same
perhaps for Swansea in our second game. "The managers may still be trying to
bed in and get their ideas across to the players and which way they want to
play and what system they want to play. "We've got to try and take advantage
of that if we possibly can. It's still a difficult start but we're happy
we've avoided one of the top four."
Tough
McDonald is hoping the Hammers can make a strong start to prepare them for
testing fixtures against potential title contenders over November and
December.
"It will be a tough start without a shadow of a doubt but it's a good
start," he added. "Looking to November and December when we play the likes
of Manchester City, Manchester United,Spurs, Chelsea and Liverpool it will
be very tough so I think we need a good start and hopefully the first six
games will give us a chance to get some points on the board."
The assistant boss feels Monday's release of the fixtures will have whetted
the appetite of the Hammers players ahead of pre-season. "We've only had a
short-ish break but I imagine the lads will have seen the fixtures and
they'll be ready and raring to go on 1st July," he said. "We'll have plenty
of time for preparation and plenty of time to get the boys fit for the game.
We're really looking forward to getting started now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold reveals transfer ambition
Co-chairman admits Hammers are keen to strengthen
Last Updated: June 18, 2012 12:50pm
SSN
West Ham co-chairman David Gold has revealed the club hope to sign up to
four players during the summer transfer window. The Hammers are back in the
Premier League after just one season in the Championship thanks to their 2-1
play-off win over Blackpool at Wembley last month. The summer re-building
has already begun, with Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen agreeding a
move to east London in July. A number of other players have been linked with
a switch to Upon Park, including former Real Madrid midfielder Guti, who is
available on a free transfer after being released by Turkish club Besiktas.
Gold refused to be drawn on any individual targets but did admit the club
intend to be busy right up until the deadline at the end of August. "We're
connected with about 20 players," Gold told Sky Sports News.
New season
"What we hope to do is to maybe bring in two, three or maybe four players by
the close of the window as we start off in the new season." Gold also
revealed that the Hammers did everything they could to try and persuade
goalkeeper Robert Green to stay at the club. The England international
rejected the offer of a new deal and will leave when his contract expires at
the end of the month. "We did our very best and we're very sad that we have
lost Robert, "added Gold. "We wish him well, and wherever he goes I'm sure
he will be a great servant to that club."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Are Four Signings Going to Be Enough?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Club Co-Chairman, David Gold, has been interviewed on SSN regarding the
club's summer transfer plans. In the interview, Gold states that the club
are aiming to bring in two, three or maybe four new signings before the
close of the transfer window at the end of August. Presumably, that number
excludes our first two signings, Jussi and Henderson? I sincerely hope so
anyway.
So, if we take David Gold's comments at face value, are four new signings
going to be enough to redress the lack in our current squad and add the
necessary depth in strength for the coming PL campaign? Over to you!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, June 18
Daily WHUFC News - II 18th June 2012
Macca targeting opening-day win
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald is pleased West Ham United have been handed a home game to
open the 2012/13 season
18.06.2012
Assistant manager Neil McDonald is hoping West Ham United can get off to a
winning start when they play host to Aston Villa on the opening day of the
season.
West Ham will kick-off their 2012/13 Premier League season with a game
against the Villains on 18 August, in what will be their new manager Paul
Lambert's first competitive game in charge. Macca believes that fact could
play into the hands of the Hammers during that game and their second fixture
away at Swansea City, who have just appointed Michael Laudrup as their new
manager.
"I think it's fantastic - ever since we beat Blackpool everyone has been
waiting for the fixtures to come through and when they come through it
becomes a reality," he said. "It's brilliant to have a home game first as
when you get promoted you're always looking for a home fixture first. "Villa
have got a new manager so hopefully they may still be trying to work out
what he wants and that will be the same perhaps for Swansea in our second
game. The managers may still be trying to bed in and get their ideas across
to the players and which way they want to play and what system they want to
play. "We've got to try and take advantage of that if we possibly can. It's
still a difficult start but we're happy we've avoided one of the top four."
The opening nine games look like they could provide West Ham with an
opportunity to get some points on the board following their Play-Off final
victory against Blackpool just under a month ago. The fixtures do appear to
look a little tougher going into November and December, however, so Macca is
all too aware that a strong start is needed. "It will be a tough start
without a shadow of a doubt but it's a good start. Looking to November and
December when we play the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United,
Spurs, Chelsea and Liverpool it will be very tough so I think we need a good
start and hopefully the first six games will give us a chance to get some
points on the board."
With Queens Park Rangers' arrival in the Premier League last season, the
Hammers will now have to contend with no less than ten London derbies at
home and away this season. The pick of those could be the Boxing Day visit
to Arsenal but Macca - whose family will be looking forward to one
north-east fixture on 10 November in particular - believes West Ham should
hold no fear following their successes on the road last season.
"Derbies can be difficult but we're experienced in dealing with them from
our time in the north-west, where there are a lot of local teams. It's
something that the
supporters will look forward to as they haven't got to travel too far. If we
play half as good away from home as we did last season then we'll be OK.
"For me personally, I started my career at Newcastle so it's always the
first one I look for if I'm back in the Premier League. Hopefully my Dad and
my brother will want to come to that and hopefully they'll be supporting
West Ham and not Newcastle!"
The confirmation of the Premier League fixtures just adds to McDonald's
desire to get back to the training pitches of Chadwell Heath and certainly
from his point of view, the afternoon of 18 August cannot come around
quickly enough. "You wake up on the 18 June first thing in the morning and
if you're a West Ham, Reading or Southampton supporter, that's all they'll
be talking about for the rest of the day. Who we have on Boxing Day, New
Year's Day or the last day and when our derbies are. I think it's brilliant
and great news for the fans. "It whets the appetite to get back and get
started. We've only had a shortish break but I imagine the lads will have
all seen the fixtures and they'll be ready and raring to go on 1 July. We'll
have plenty of time for preparation and plenty of time to get the boys fit
for the first game. We're really looking forward to getting started now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Go on Olsson
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
Swedish international Jonas Olsson in being linked with a move to West Ham -
although there are conflicting reports elsewhere. Sky Sports report this
morning that West Ham will tie up a £4million deal for the West Brom centre
half upon his return from the European Championships. The Swedes have
nothing left to play for but pride having been knocked out of the tournament
by England last week. However reports in Sweden suggest that the
29-year-old, who is in the final year of his contract at the Hawthorns, is
on his way to Tottenham - as did the Daily Mirror last week. Born in 1983,
the defener has played in England since moving to West Brom in 2008 having
made an £800,000 switch from Dutch outfit NEC Nijmegen. He made his debut
against West Ham on 13th September in what was Gianfranco Zola's first game
since being announced as the successor to Alan Curbishley; West Ham going
down 3-2 on the day.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
2012/13 fixture list released
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham kick off the 2012/13 Premier League campaign with a home match
against Aston Villa. One of only two games in the first month of the new
season, Sam Allardyce's side follow that up with a trip to Swansea a week
later. At the other end of the season, the Hammers will be relatively
pleased to finish in May 2013 with fixtures against Newcastle (h), Everton
(a) and fellow promoted side Reading (h). The Boxing Day fixture - which has
seen West Ham pitted against the likes of Charlton and Portsmouth in recent
Prmeier League seasons - takes United across the City to the Emirates
Stadium where they face Arsenal.
Some other key dates to look out for are as follows:
Tottenham (home) 23rd February; (away) 24th November
Chelsea (home) 1st December; (away) 16th March
Arsenal (home) 6th October
Man Utd (home) 9th March
Please note that all fixtures are subject to change at the whim of the TV
companies.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers back with Villa
Upton Park opener for West Ham
Last Updated: June 18, 2012 9:14am
SSN
West Ham mark their return to the Premier League with an opening day home
clash against Aston Villa. The Hammers gained promotion through the
play-offs and will visit Swansea in their following match before their first
capital clash against Fulham on 1 September. Sam Allardyce's side host
champions Manchester City on 3 November before away clashes against
Tottenham and Manchester United later in the month. Boxing Day will see the
East Londoners travel to Arsenal and they end 2012 with an away clash
against Reading, while they face Norwich at home on New Year's Day. March
could be a difficult month for the Hammers as they must take on Stoke away
before matches against Man United and Chelsea. The Hammers will end the
season with May games against Newcastle and Everton before a final day clash
with Reading at Upton Park.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers close on Olsson
Premier League new-boys hoping to snap up defender after Euros
Last Updated: June 18, 2012 9:26am
SSN
Sky Sports sources understand West Ham are hoping to conclude the signing of
West Brom defender Jonas Olsson after Euro 2012. The centre-back, who has
been representing Sweden in Group D of the tournament opposite England,
France and Ukraine, is out of contract at The Hawthorns next summer. Olsson
has previously hinted he would be open to a new challenge away from the
Baggies, who recently appointed Steve Clarke as their new boss. Tottenham
were reported to be chasing his signature but it is uncertain whether he is
still a target following the sacking of manager Harry Redknapp. Aston Villa,
Fulham, Everton, and Turkish side Galatasaray have also been linked with the
stopper but it appears the Hammers could beat them to the punch . The
29-year-old, who joined the Baggies from NEC Nijmegen in 2008, has
previously said he will make a decision on his future after the Euros. West
Ham boss Sam Allardyce is keen to strengthen his options after guiding the
club back into the Premier League last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Free agent Diame offered £7m to sign for Hammers
The Mirror
Allardyce wants the powerful ex-Wigan midfielder to add some beef to West
Ham's engine room as they return to the Premier League. West Ham boss Sam
Allardyce is ready to hand Senegalese midfielder Momo Diame a £7million,
three-year deal as he fights to win the race for his signature. Allardyce is
close to signing the former Wigan powerhouse, who is a free agent now his
Latics contract has expired - and open to offers after the collapse of a
move to Liverpool. Hammers are prepared to offer such a lucrative package
because they feel Diame will prove one of the best 'Bosmans' around if he
stays for the full length of the deal and helps the Premier League-bound
Londoners retain top flight status. If Diame accept and passes a medical, he
will add power to the newly-promoted club's engine room. The 25-year-old met
then-Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish to discuss a move to Anfield just days
before the Scot was sacked. With the Kop's new boss Brendan Rodgers
evidently not keen, Diame has been looking for a new home since, with
Sunderland and QPR also among his admirers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam's trying a cheeky offer for Real Madrid's £7m striker Joselu
The Mirror
West Ham trying to wangle a cut-price deal with 'buy-back clause' for Spain
Under-21 star who caught Arsene Wenger's eye. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce
has made a cut-price offer for Real Madrid striker Joselu. Spain Under-21
international Joselu, 22, scored 26 goals for Real Madrid's B team last
season and they are considering letting him go out on loan or permanently
with a buy-back clause. West Ham have offered Real Madrid a buy back price
of £1.5m for next summer and £2m for 2013 which the Spanish giants have
rejected. Real Madrid are holding out for a £7m deal this summer and West
Ham only want to pay a fraction of that price with a buyback guarantee
inserted. Allardyce remains keen but it may come down to whether Real Madrid
agree to loan him out. Arsenal scouted the ex-Celta Vigo youngster last
season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald is pleased West Ham United have been handed a home game to
open the 2012/13 season
18.06.2012
Assistant manager Neil McDonald is hoping West Ham United can get off to a
winning start when they play host to Aston Villa on the opening day of the
season.
West Ham will kick-off their 2012/13 Premier League season with a game
against the Villains on 18 August, in what will be their new manager Paul
Lambert's first competitive game in charge. Macca believes that fact could
play into the hands of the Hammers during that game and their second fixture
away at Swansea City, who have just appointed Michael Laudrup as their new
manager.
"I think it's fantastic - ever since we beat Blackpool everyone has been
waiting for the fixtures to come through and when they come through it
becomes a reality," he said. "It's brilliant to have a home game first as
when you get promoted you're always looking for a home fixture first. "Villa
have got a new manager so hopefully they may still be trying to work out
what he wants and that will be the same perhaps for Swansea in our second
game. The managers may still be trying to bed in and get their ideas across
to the players and which way they want to play and what system they want to
play. "We've got to try and take advantage of that if we possibly can. It's
still a difficult start but we're happy we've avoided one of the top four."
The opening nine games look like they could provide West Ham with an
opportunity to get some points on the board following their Play-Off final
victory against Blackpool just under a month ago. The fixtures do appear to
look a little tougher going into November and December, however, so Macca is
all too aware that a strong start is needed. "It will be a tough start
without a shadow of a doubt but it's a good start. Looking to November and
December when we play the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United,
Spurs, Chelsea and Liverpool it will be very tough so I think we need a good
start and hopefully the first six games will give us a chance to get some
points on the board."
With Queens Park Rangers' arrival in the Premier League last season, the
Hammers will now have to contend with no less than ten London derbies at
home and away this season. The pick of those could be the Boxing Day visit
to Arsenal but Macca - whose family will be looking forward to one
north-east fixture on 10 November in particular - believes West Ham should
hold no fear following their successes on the road last season.
"Derbies can be difficult but we're experienced in dealing with them from
our time in the north-west, where there are a lot of local teams. It's
something that the
supporters will look forward to as they haven't got to travel too far. If we
play half as good away from home as we did last season then we'll be OK.
"For me personally, I started my career at Newcastle so it's always the
first one I look for if I'm back in the Premier League. Hopefully my Dad and
my brother will want to come to that and hopefully they'll be supporting
West Ham and not Newcastle!"
The confirmation of the Premier League fixtures just adds to McDonald's
desire to get back to the training pitches of Chadwell Heath and certainly
from his point of view, the afternoon of 18 August cannot come around
quickly enough. "You wake up on the 18 June first thing in the morning and
if you're a West Ham, Reading or Southampton supporter, that's all they'll
be talking about for the rest of the day. Who we have on Boxing Day, New
Year's Day or the last day and when our derbies are. I think it's brilliant
and great news for the fans. "It whets the appetite to get back and get
started. We've only had a shortish break but I imagine the lads will have
all seen the fixtures and they'll be ready and raring to go on 1 July. We'll
have plenty of time for preparation and plenty of time to get the boys fit
for the first game. We're really looking forward to getting started now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Go on Olsson
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
Swedish international Jonas Olsson in being linked with a move to West Ham -
although there are conflicting reports elsewhere. Sky Sports report this
morning that West Ham will tie up a £4million deal for the West Brom centre
half upon his return from the European Championships. The Swedes have
nothing left to play for but pride having been knocked out of the tournament
by England last week. However reports in Sweden suggest that the
29-year-old, who is in the final year of his contract at the Hawthorns, is
on his way to Tottenham - as did the Daily Mirror last week. Born in 1983,
the defener has played in England since moving to West Brom in 2008 having
made an £800,000 switch from Dutch outfit NEC Nijmegen. He made his debut
against West Ham on 13th September in what was Gianfranco Zola's first game
since being announced as the successor to Alan Curbishley; West Ham going
down 3-2 on the day.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
2012/13 fixture list released
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th June 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham kick off the 2012/13 Premier League campaign with a home match
against Aston Villa. One of only two games in the first month of the new
season, Sam Allardyce's side follow that up with a trip to Swansea a week
later. At the other end of the season, the Hammers will be relatively
pleased to finish in May 2013 with fixtures against Newcastle (h), Everton
(a) and fellow promoted side Reading (h). The Boxing Day fixture - which has
seen West Ham pitted against the likes of Charlton and Portsmouth in recent
Prmeier League seasons - takes United across the City to the Emirates
Stadium where they face Arsenal.
Some other key dates to look out for are as follows:
Tottenham (home) 23rd February; (away) 24th November
Chelsea (home) 1st December; (away) 16th March
Arsenal (home) 6th October
Man Utd (home) 9th March
Please note that all fixtures are subject to change at the whim of the TV
companies.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers back with Villa
Upton Park opener for West Ham
Last Updated: June 18, 2012 9:14am
SSN
West Ham mark their return to the Premier League with an opening day home
clash against Aston Villa. The Hammers gained promotion through the
play-offs and will visit Swansea in their following match before their first
capital clash against Fulham on 1 September. Sam Allardyce's side host
champions Manchester City on 3 November before away clashes against
Tottenham and Manchester United later in the month. Boxing Day will see the
East Londoners travel to Arsenal and they end 2012 with an away clash
against Reading, while they face Norwich at home on New Year's Day. March
could be a difficult month for the Hammers as they must take on Stoke away
before matches against Man United and Chelsea. The Hammers will end the
season with May games against Newcastle and Everton before a final day clash
with Reading at Upton Park.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers close on Olsson
Premier League new-boys hoping to snap up defender after Euros
Last Updated: June 18, 2012 9:26am
SSN
Sky Sports sources understand West Ham are hoping to conclude the signing of
West Brom defender Jonas Olsson after Euro 2012. The centre-back, who has
been representing Sweden in Group D of the tournament opposite England,
France and Ukraine, is out of contract at The Hawthorns next summer. Olsson
has previously hinted he would be open to a new challenge away from the
Baggies, who recently appointed Steve Clarke as their new boss. Tottenham
were reported to be chasing his signature but it is uncertain whether he is
still a target following the sacking of manager Harry Redknapp. Aston Villa,
Fulham, Everton, and Turkish side Galatasaray have also been linked with the
stopper but it appears the Hammers could beat them to the punch . The
29-year-old, who joined the Baggies from NEC Nijmegen in 2008, has
previously said he will make a decision on his future after the Euros. West
Ham boss Sam Allardyce is keen to strengthen his options after guiding the
club back into the Premier League last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Free agent Diame offered £7m to sign for Hammers
The Mirror
Allardyce wants the powerful ex-Wigan midfielder to add some beef to West
Ham's engine room as they return to the Premier League. West Ham boss Sam
Allardyce is ready to hand Senegalese midfielder Momo Diame a £7million,
three-year deal as he fights to win the race for his signature. Allardyce is
close to signing the former Wigan powerhouse, who is a free agent now his
Latics contract has expired - and open to offers after the collapse of a
move to Liverpool. Hammers are prepared to offer such a lucrative package
because they feel Diame will prove one of the best 'Bosmans' around if he
stays for the full length of the deal and helps the Premier League-bound
Londoners retain top flight status. If Diame accept and passes a medical, he
will add power to the newly-promoted club's engine room. The 25-year-old met
then-Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish to discuss a move to Anfield just days
before the Scot was sacked. With the Kop's new boss Brendan Rodgers
evidently not keen, Diame has been looking for a new home since, with
Sunderland and QPR also among his admirers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam's trying a cheeky offer for Real Madrid's £7m striker Joselu
The Mirror
West Ham trying to wangle a cut-price deal with 'buy-back clause' for Spain
Under-21 star who caught Arsene Wenger's eye. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce
has made a cut-price offer for Real Madrid striker Joselu. Spain Under-21
international Joselu, 22, scored 26 goals for Real Madrid's B team last
season and they are considering letting him go out on loan or permanently
with a buy-back clause. West Ham have offered Real Madrid a buy back price
of £1.5m for next summer and £2m for 2013 which the Spanish giants have
rejected. Real Madrid are holding out for a £7m deal this summer and West
Ham only want to pay a fraction of that price with a buyback guarantee
inserted. Allardyce remains keen but it may come down to whether Real Madrid
agree to loan him out. Arsenal scouted the ex-Celta Vigo youngster last
season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Daily WHUFC News - Fixtures 2012-2013
Hammers to kick-off against Villa
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will begin the 2012/13 Barclays Premier League season with
the visit of Aston Villa
18.06.2012
West Ham United will kick-off the 2012/13 Barclays Premier League season
with a home fixture against Aston Villa.
Having gained promotion in thrilling style via the npower Championship
Play-Offs at Wembley in May, Sam Allardyce's side will start the new
campaign by facing new manager Paul Lambert's side at the Boleyn Ground on
Saturday 18 August. The Hammers' first away game will follow with a trip to
Swansea City on Saturday 25 August before Fulham visit east London on
Saturday 1 September.
Big Sam's men will wrap up league matters on Sunday 19 May 2013, when they
tackle Reading at the Boleyn Ground, the sixth consecutive season West Ham
will be playing at home on the final day.
Newly-promoted West Ham take on reigning Barclays Premier League champions
Manchester City on Saturday 3 November (home) and Saturday 27 April (away),
while they face runners-up Manchester United on Tuesday 27 November (away)
and Saturday 9 March (home).
The mouth-watering London derby matches against Tottenham Hotspur will take
place on Saturday 24 November (away) and Saturday 23 February (home), while
Roberto Di Matteo's UEFA Champions League holders Chelsea will form the
opposition on Saturday 1 December (home) and Saturday 16 March (away).
Big Sam and captain Kevin Nolan will also be looking forward to tackling
their former club Newcastle United on Saturday 10 November (away) and
Saturday 4 May (home).
The traditional Christmas and New Year fixtures will see the Hammers face
Arsenal away on Boxing Day and Norwich City at home on New Year's Day.
West Ham are one of 13 Barclays Premier League clubs who will enter the
Capital One Cup at the second round stage, with ties scheduled to be played
in the week commencing Monday 27 August.
Full list of fixtures (all subject to change)
Sat 18 Aug Aston Villa H
Sat 25 Aug Swansea City A
Wed 29 Aug Capital One Cup Round 2
Sat 1 Sep Fulham H
Sat 15 Sep Norwich City A
Sat 22 Sep Sunderland H
Wed 26 Sep Capital One Cup Round 3
Sat 29 Sep Queens Park Rangers A
Sat 6 Oct Arsenal H
Sat 20 Oct Southampton H
Sat 27 Oct Wigan Athletic A
Wed 31 Oct Capital One Cup Round 4
Sat 3 Nov Manchester City H
Sat 10 Nov Newcastle United A
Sat 17 Nov Stoke City H
Sat 24 Nov Tottenham Hotspur A
Tue 27 Nov Manchester United A
Sat 1 Dec Chelsea H
Sat 8 Dec Liverpool H
Wed 12 Dec Capital One Cup Round 5
Sat 15 Dec West Bromwich Albion A
Sat 22 Dec Everton H
Wed 26 Dec Arsenal A
Sat 29 Dec Reading A
Tue 1 Jan Norwich City H
Sat 5 Jan F.A. Cup Round 3
Wed 9 Jan Capital One Cup Semi-Final (1)
Sat 12 Jan Sunderland A
Sat 19 Jan Queens Park Rangers H
Wed 23 Jan Capital One Cup Semi-Final (2)
Sat 26 Jan F.A. Cup Round 4
Wed 30 Jan Fulham A
Sat 2 Feb Swansea City H
Sat 9 Feb Aston Villa A
Sat 16 Feb F.A. Cup Round 5
Sat 23 Feb Tottenham Hotspur H
Sun 24 Feb Capital One Cup Final
Sat 2 Mar Stoke City A
Sat 9 Mar Manchester United H F.A. Cup Round 6
Sat 16 Mar Chelsea A
Sat 30 Mar West Bromwich Albion H
Sat 6 Apr Liverpool A
Sat 13 Apr Southampton A F.A. Cup Semi-Final
Sat 20 Apr Wigan Athletic H
Sat 27 Apr Manchester City A
Sat 4 May Newcastle United H
Sat 11 May F.A. Cup Final
Sun 12 May Everton A
Sun 19 May Reading H
If you cannot wait for the Barclays Premier League season to get under way,
then the Hammers will be playing a host of pre-season matches at home and
abroad. For a full list of the Club's pre-season fixtures, click here.
Hammers mobile text alert subscribers received this news first. Click here
to sign up so you can make sure you stay in touch wherever you are this
summer.
Check back on whufc.com later for all the reaction to the announcement of
the 2012/13 Barclays Premier League fixture list. Please note all fixtures
are subject to change.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will begin the 2012/13 Barclays Premier League season with
the visit of Aston Villa
18.06.2012
West Ham United will kick-off the 2012/13 Barclays Premier League season
with a home fixture against Aston Villa.
Having gained promotion in thrilling style via the npower Championship
Play-Offs at Wembley in May, Sam Allardyce's side will start the new
campaign by facing new manager Paul Lambert's side at the Boleyn Ground on
Saturday 18 August. The Hammers' first away game will follow with a trip to
Swansea City on Saturday 25 August before Fulham visit east London on
Saturday 1 September.
Big Sam's men will wrap up league matters on Sunday 19 May 2013, when they
tackle Reading at the Boleyn Ground, the sixth consecutive season West Ham
will be playing at home on the final day.
Newly-promoted West Ham take on reigning Barclays Premier League champions
Manchester City on Saturday 3 November (home) and Saturday 27 April (away),
while they face runners-up Manchester United on Tuesday 27 November (away)
and Saturday 9 March (home).
The mouth-watering London derby matches against Tottenham Hotspur will take
place on Saturday 24 November (away) and Saturday 23 February (home), while
Roberto Di Matteo's UEFA Champions League holders Chelsea will form the
opposition on Saturday 1 December (home) and Saturday 16 March (away).
Big Sam and captain Kevin Nolan will also be looking forward to tackling
their former club Newcastle United on Saturday 10 November (away) and
Saturday 4 May (home).
The traditional Christmas and New Year fixtures will see the Hammers face
Arsenal away on Boxing Day and Norwich City at home on New Year's Day.
West Ham are one of 13 Barclays Premier League clubs who will enter the
Capital One Cup at the second round stage, with ties scheduled to be played
in the week commencing Monday 27 August.
Full list of fixtures (all subject to change)
Sat 18 Aug Aston Villa H
Sat 25 Aug Swansea City A
Wed 29 Aug Capital One Cup Round 2
Sat 1 Sep Fulham H
Sat 15 Sep Norwich City A
Sat 22 Sep Sunderland H
Wed 26 Sep Capital One Cup Round 3
Sat 29 Sep Queens Park Rangers A
Sat 6 Oct Arsenal H
Sat 20 Oct Southampton H
Sat 27 Oct Wigan Athletic A
Wed 31 Oct Capital One Cup Round 4
Sat 3 Nov Manchester City H
Sat 10 Nov Newcastle United A
Sat 17 Nov Stoke City H
Sat 24 Nov Tottenham Hotspur A
Tue 27 Nov Manchester United A
Sat 1 Dec Chelsea H
Sat 8 Dec Liverpool H
Wed 12 Dec Capital One Cup Round 5
Sat 15 Dec West Bromwich Albion A
Sat 22 Dec Everton H
Wed 26 Dec Arsenal A
Sat 29 Dec Reading A
Tue 1 Jan Norwich City H
Sat 5 Jan F.A. Cup Round 3
Wed 9 Jan Capital One Cup Semi-Final (1)
Sat 12 Jan Sunderland A
Sat 19 Jan Queens Park Rangers H
Wed 23 Jan Capital One Cup Semi-Final (2)
Sat 26 Jan F.A. Cup Round 4
Wed 30 Jan Fulham A
Sat 2 Feb Swansea City H
Sat 9 Feb Aston Villa A
Sat 16 Feb F.A. Cup Round 5
Sat 23 Feb Tottenham Hotspur H
Sun 24 Feb Capital One Cup Final
Sat 2 Mar Stoke City A
Sat 9 Mar Manchester United H F.A. Cup Round 6
Sat 16 Mar Chelsea A
Sat 30 Mar West Bromwich Albion H
Sat 6 Apr Liverpool A
Sat 13 Apr Southampton A F.A. Cup Semi-Final
Sat 20 Apr Wigan Athletic H
Sat 27 Apr Manchester City A
Sat 4 May Newcastle United H
Sat 11 May F.A. Cup Final
Sun 12 May Everton A
Sun 19 May Reading H
If you cannot wait for the Barclays Premier League season to get under way,
then the Hammers will be playing a host of pre-season matches at home and
abroad. For a full list of the Club's pre-season fixtures, click here.
Hammers mobile text alert subscribers received this news first. Click here
to sign up so you can make sure you stay in touch wherever you are this
summer.
Check back on whufc.com later for all the reaction to the announcement of
the 2012/13 Barclays Premier League fixture list. Please note all fixtures
are subject to change.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Daily WHUFC News - 18th June 2012
War drums
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 17th June 2012
By: Haim Baram
Less than a month ago I returned to my hotel in Marble Arch to watch the Champions League final between Chelsea and Bayern Munich. A mere 10 minutes remained until the ultimate ugliness would emerge on the TV screen.
I expected a bad game and was certain that Chelsea would steal it somehow. We had already endured the horrendous agony during the semi-finals against the superior Barcelona, but in spite of my lofty ideals about pure football I was not over-duly anxious. The really important game had ended exactly two hours before and my heart was not free for negligible matters such as the European championship.
The beautiful rendering of our hymn 'Bubbles' was still ringing in my ears. 40,000 West Ham supporters had sung it hundreds of times at Wembley during the crucial tie versus Blackpool. I could hardly remember such happiness at the end of a football match. Within 90 minutes everything had been determined: we were promoted; Blackpool were doomed for yet another season in the Championship.
Exactly 48 years after I had seen Bobby Moore lifting our first FA Cup on the very same pitch I was geared to go berserk once again, celebrating with much younger fans; most of then had not even been born in 1964. Ricardo Vaz Te scored our winning goal three minutes before the final whistle, and the arguably superior Blackpool ran out of time. The die was cast, and millions of pounds will enrich our coffers by August.
When (the excellent) referee Howard Webb blew the final whistle we were all flooded with waves of wild victory celebrations, devoid of even a shred of hatred towards Blackpool. Our rivals played well enough, their supporters cheered them to the end and they were very fair after the game.
They dispersed quickly, embarked on their sad trip to their coastal town in Lancashire, expecting a mediocre tourist season, overshadowed by the Olympic Games in London and heavily affected by the dour economic situation all over Europe. Maybe they will get some crumbs from the Olympic tourists and some English visitors will stay there to escape the hectic season in the South-East.
Actually, they had anticipated the defeat, after losing the two league matches against the Hammers and trailing behind us in the Championship table by 11 points. But at Wembley they were excellent, hence their noble heartbreak at the end. I could sympathize with them up to a certain point: in such fateful games even declared bleeding-hearts like me are primarily influenced by primordial instincts, devoid of any rational explanations.
It took a great deal of contemplation on the over-populated Bakerloo Line train back to my hotel to reach the sober and modest self-assessment of my behaviour during the celebrations at Wembley: despite all the seemingly sophisticated rhetoric I am actually a tribal, primitive person and therefore find it hard to reconcile reasoning and fine values with the boiling blood, the tears and the remnants of my basic ambivalence.
To be quite truthful, Big Sam's football is not my ideal, and this is an extreme understatement. Perhaps Allardyce is not an ideologically defence-oriented manager, but the style of his teams is reminiscent of the 1950s in England. The ball floats in the air most of the time and we had all been educated by Ron Greenwood to cherish highly skilful and beautiful football, personified by Bobby Moore, Trevor Brooking and Alan Devonshire.
The fans complained during the season about Big Sam's style: his WHU was very strong and physical but lacked finesse and we lost several vital points in our home games at Upton Park. The manager was frequently taunted, grumbled a lot about the scant credit he had received from the fans, despite their (justified) reputation as the most devoted and loyal in English football.
To be quite truthful I composed several anti-Allardyce comments myself, and they were published on KUMB. I even 'sent' the manager to work for the RAF as the ball is in the air most of the time. The professional verdict on Allardyce is not exactly flattering: we (just) missed automatic promotion with a bunch of players that are good enough to secure mid-table spot in the Premier League.
But the dramatic finale at Wembley has erased everything. In our collective memory, it will be forever etched as one of the greatest moments in the history of the club.
And how do I determine my own judgment? Personally I also love Barcelona with all my heart, not only politically and ideologically but also aesthetically. What have I got to do with Allardyce's football, except a tradition lasting more than four decades and profound feelings for West Ham?
If I had to wipe out real tears when our captain Kevin Nolan (not necessarily my favourite footballer) led his mates to a spontaneous and endearingly unruly victory run around the stadium, amid touching scenes of authentic merriment in the stands, the sentiment inside me is very deep. Football has caused me much happiness over the years, even if I mostly preferred the under-achievers (with the possible exception of Barcelona). If I examine our obvious shortcomings too closely, it will be tantamount to a man in love who scrutinizes his lover not with a naked eye, but through x-rays. It can be dangerous, even malignant and certainly is bound to destroy any real joy.
During the game itself and over the half-time break I sort of befriended a nice family from Essex, a bastion of ex-EastEnders and staunch West Ham supporters. The head of the family, a relatively elderly man was flanked by two of his daughters and his son-in-law. They seemed to be familiar with our history and I thought that this man, my immediate neighbour at Wembley, is perhaps one of the tiny minority among the fans in the stand who had been, like me, at the Preston FA Cup Final almost 50 years before.
I said nothing until the man said: "In the Final against Preston I was a bit angry with Ron Greenwood for replacing Martin Peters with that number four; sorry, I can't remember his name". His daughter was astonished to hear such heresy against Greenwood, obviously an icon in their household. So I interceded and said: "You must be thinking of Eddie Bovington". He was astounded and the entire family smiled at me as if I was their long lost brother.
We went to the station together after the commotion had subsided and his daughter told me that it wasn't my fault that the bosses had "inflicted Avram upon our heads". My retort to this ironic remark, embellished by utter friendliness, was short: "I hope Avram will end up in Millwall". The general laughter made it clear, that no further words about this thorny issue would be hurled in my direction.
I got off the train in Bond Street station and dined at a small Italian restaurant. Two English students were very curious about my match programme so we talked about West Ham. They thankfully took it for granted that a foreigner like me would travel from Jerusalem especially for the promotion match. For them, it was a natural manifestation of loyalty, nothing more.
I thought a lot about loyalty versus my principles and accepted that, in the crucial moments, the tribe comes first. When Blackpool drew level in the second half I sensed a real calamity, as if it was my last ever visit to Wembley with the Hammers. Our visits to Wembley are not all that frequent; prior to the Blackpool tie we had last been here 31 years ago, in the League Cup Final against Liverpool. I traveled to this game, too, and we were lucky to get a draw.
In this crucial promotion game we sensed that Blackpool had the upper hand, and even in my stand people were harbouring severe fears. But towards the end, our crowd began to gather momentum. West Ham seemed to be motivated by the surge of our supporters' enthusiasm, and the decisive goal was scored almost by the vocal crescendo created by the crowd. It was as if the 'Bubbles' song pushed the ball into the net, disregarding the events on the pitch.
Not only Big Sam and the players won the day; the entire community had risen to the occasion. I had discovered the enormity of the gap between my enthusiasm for Pep Guardiola's football and my emotional reconciliation with Allardyce. All this did not prevent me from cursing Chelsea and their dreadful football later that evening. People are very complex, and sometimes one must ignore the components of our complexity.
No glamorous game, not even the World Cup final could remove Wembley 2012 from my consciousness. Which is a better option (I was often asked this upon my return to Jerusalem): to sing Bubbles at Wembley with my fellow Hammers - or to sit in the press box in the Euro 2012 final? This is perhaps the easiest question I have had to answer in my life.
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Striker Latest: Could Yilmaz be the One?
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
The transfer rumours continue apace. And most of the are complete and utter rubbish, but I suppose it keeps us all entertained. Tonight I read that we have made four £8 million bids for strikers. A likely story. They are supposedly Ba, Yilmaz, Castaignos and - wait for it - Adebayor. As I have said before I don't see any way we could risk re-signing Demba Ba, no matter how much most of us would like to. Are really going to risk £8 million on a player whose knee could go any moment? The finances and risks just don't add up. I can also foresee Hoffenheim atempting to implement some of the terms of the original deal if he comes back. Adebayor would be a no go at this stage. His wages are said to be north of £180k a week, which is something we could never contemplate. The only way that would happen is if Man City can't sell him and would loan him out again for a season. Whether he'd come to us anyway is a very moot point.
Yilmaz is a player who has always impressed me and this is the only one of those four which has any semblance of logic about it. He has a fantastic goals to appearances ratio for his club, Trabzonspur - 55 in 75 games, and for Turkey he has scored 6 in 18. Last season he scored 33 goals in 30 games, which isn't bad, but if you look back at his record for his previous clubs he wasn't nearly as successful. I guess at the age of 26 he has now come into his prime. He's quite a big guy too, at 6'2. And he is used to playing in claret and blue, for those are Trabszonspur's colours too. It's an omen, I tell you, an omen! However, in January he was quoted as saying that if he came to England he wanted to come to Arsenal. Hmmm.
We are still being linked with Yakubu and Grant Holt. Diame will apparently sign on the dotted line in the next 24 hours and a deal with Zaha is said to be close, with Baldock going the other way on a season long loan and Freddie Sears as a permanent makeweight. We'll see.
It's also being reported that Rob Green has received a £2 million signing on fee from QPR, pls £50k a week. You can hardly blame him for moving, can you?
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How the Fixtures Fall Will Be a Factor Next Season!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
The PL fixtures for 2012-13 are to be made public tomorrow. Apart from the general interest in who West Ham will be playing and when, it will also be a factor in our success or otherwise next season. You will recall that when we were relegated in 2010-11, our fixure list was front loaded with tough games that put us on a back foot straightaway. It was not the ultimate factor, but it was one of a number of factors contributing to our eventual demise.
If we do well in our first 10 fixures then it dramatically increases out chances of not only surviving, but even perhaps doing a bit better than that. Do badly, over those games, and its more likely that we will face a season long struggle. So, lets hope that the fixtures fall more kindly this time around, to help us get us off to a decent start. Starting with a nice opening home fixture against the likes of Wigan or Norwich City!
SJ. Chandos.
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Time for Rave reviews
The Sun
Published: Today at 00:13
WEST HAM chief David Gold has warned Ravel Morrison to make his mark ON the pitch next season. The bad-boy midfielder, 19, was fined for tweeting a homophobic remark in February. Gold said: "He is a great talent, it's time for him to step up to the plate."
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WEST HAM SET TO GO DOUBLE DUTCH FOR ELIA & CASTAIGNOS
Jun 17, 2012 2
Sport360
As they prepare for life back in the Premier League, West Ham are reportedly readying an ambitious double raid on Serie A for Juventus winner Eljero Elia and Internazionale striker Luc Castaignos. Football Italia claim Hammers boss Sam Allardyce held a meeting with Juve director Fabio Paratici last week to discuss a move for Dutch flyer Elia, who has been told he is surplus to requirements at the Juventus Stadium. A €8million has been mooted for the 25-year-old who made only five appearances for the Bianconeri last season following his move from German club Hamburg last summer. Elia has also been heavily linked with Premier league giants Liverpool, but news that West Ham have opened negotiations for the winger suggests that a move to Upton Park may be in the offing. Meanwhile, reports in Italy also claim West Ham have began talks with Inter over the possible signing of Castaignos in a €7million deal. The teenage Dutch forward arrived at the Giuseppe Meazza last summer with a big reputation having netted 15 goals for Feyenoord in Eredivisie. The 19-year-old's exploits caught the eye of a host of Europe's elite with Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester United all credited with an interest, before he eventually chose Inter.
However, Castaignos has failed to hit the heights expected in Italy and having made just six appearances for the Nerazzurri he could now be set for a move to east London should West Ham succeed in convincing Inter to sell. West Ham are though to be in the market for a new frontman and have been linked with wantaway Norwich striker Grant Holt, while Wigan midfield Mohamed Diame is set to join on a free transfer.
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West Ham United close in on want-away Wigan Athletic ace Diame
by Rob MacDonald. Published Sun 17 Jun 2012 13:45, Last updated: 2012-06-17
Click Lancashire.com
According to reports Mohamed Diame's switch from Wigan Athletic to West Ham United has moved a step closer. The Daily Mail claims Diame has passed a cardiac medical with a London specialist. Talks are understood to be continuing over his move to Upton Park. Sunderland and Aston Villa remain interested in the 24-year-old, but it seems the Hammers are in pole position.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 17th June 2012
By: Haim Baram
Less than a month ago I returned to my hotel in Marble Arch to watch the Champions League final between Chelsea and Bayern Munich. A mere 10 minutes remained until the ultimate ugliness would emerge on the TV screen.
I expected a bad game and was certain that Chelsea would steal it somehow. We had already endured the horrendous agony during the semi-finals against the superior Barcelona, but in spite of my lofty ideals about pure football I was not over-duly anxious. The really important game had ended exactly two hours before and my heart was not free for negligible matters such as the European championship.
The beautiful rendering of our hymn 'Bubbles' was still ringing in my ears. 40,000 West Ham supporters had sung it hundreds of times at Wembley during the crucial tie versus Blackpool. I could hardly remember such happiness at the end of a football match. Within 90 minutes everything had been determined: we were promoted; Blackpool were doomed for yet another season in the Championship.
Exactly 48 years after I had seen Bobby Moore lifting our first FA Cup on the very same pitch I was geared to go berserk once again, celebrating with much younger fans; most of then had not even been born in 1964. Ricardo Vaz Te scored our winning goal three minutes before the final whistle, and the arguably superior Blackpool ran out of time. The die was cast, and millions of pounds will enrich our coffers by August.
When (the excellent) referee Howard Webb blew the final whistle we were all flooded with waves of wild victory celebrations, devoid of even a shred of hatred towards Blackpool. Our rivals played well enough, their supporters cheered them to the end and they were very fair after the game.
They dispersed quickly, embarked on their sad trip to their coastal town in Lancashire, expecting a mediocre tourist season, overshadowed by the Olympic Games in London and heavily affected by the dour economic situation all over Europe. Maybe they will get some crumbs from the Olympic tourists and some English visitors will stay there to escape the hectic season in the South-East.
Actually, they had anticipated the defeat, after losing the two league matches against the Hammers and trailing behind us in the Championship table by 11 points. But at Wembley they were excellent, hence their noble heartbreak at the end. I could sympathize with them up to a certain point: in such fateful games even declared bleeding-hearts like me are primarily influenced by primordial instincts, devoid of any rational explanations.
It took a great deal of contemplation on the over-populated Bakerloo Line train back to my hotel to reach the sober and modest self-assessment of my behaviour during the celebrations at Wembley: despite all the seemingly sophisticated rhetoric I am actually a tribal, primitive person and therefore find it hard to reconcile reasoning and fine values with the boiling blood, the tears and the remnants of my basic ambivalence.
To be quite truthful, Big Sam's football is not my ideal, and this is an extreme understatement. Perhaps Allardyce is not an ideologically defence-oriented manager, but the style of his teams is reminiscent of the 1950s in England. The ball floats in the air most of the time and we had all been educated by Ron Greenwood to cherish highly skilful and beautiful football, personified by Bobby Moore, Trevor Brooking and Alan Devonshire.
The fans complained during the season about Big Sam's style: his WHU was very strong and physical but lacked finesse and we lost several vital points in our home games at Upton Park. The manager was frequently taunted, grumbled a lot about the scant credit he had received from the fans, despite their (justified) reputation as the most devoted and loyal in English football.
To be quite truthful I composed several anti-Allardyce comments myself, and they were published on KUMB. I even 'sent' the manager to work for the RAF as the ball is in the air most of the time. The professional verdict on Allardyce is not exactly flattering: we (just) missed automatic promotion with a bunch of players that are good enough to secure mid-table spot in the Premier League.
But the dramatic finale at Wembley has erased everything. In our collective memory, it will be forever etched as one of the greatest moments in the history of the club.
And how do I determine my own judgment? Personally I also love Barcelona with all my heart, not only politically and ideologically but also aesthetically. What have I got to do with Allardyce's football, except a tradition lasting more than four decades and profound feelings for West Ham?
If I had to wipe out real tears when our captain Kevin Nolan (not necessarily my favourite footballer) led his mates to a spontaneous and endearingly unruly victory run around the stadium, amid touching scenes of authentic merriment in the stands, the sentiment inside me is very deep. Football has caused me much happiness over the years, even if I mostly preferred the under-achievers (with the possible exception of Barcelona). If I examine our obvious shortcomings too closely, it will be tantamount to a man in love who scrutinizes his lover not with a naked eye, but through x-rays. It can be dangerous, even malignant and certainly is bound to destroy any real joy.
During the game itself and over the half-time break I sort of befriended a nice family from Essex, a bastion of ex-EastEnders and staunch West Ham supporters. The head of the family, a relatively elderly man was flanked by two of his daughters and his son-in-law. They seemed to be familiar with our history and I thought that this man, my immediate neighbour at Wembley, is perhaps one of the tiny minority among the fans in the stand who had been, like me, at the Preston FA Cup Final almost 50 years before.
I said nothing until the man said: "In the Final against Preston I was a bit angry with Ron Greenwood for replacing Martin Peters with that number four; sorry, I can't remember his name". His daughter was astonished to hear such heresy against Greenwood, obviously an icon in their household. So I interceded and said: "You must be thinking of Eddie Bovington". He was astounded and the entire family smiled at me as if I was their long lost brother.
We went to the station together after the commotion had subsided and his daughter told me that it wasn't my fault that the bosses had "inflicted Avram upon our heads". My retort to this ironic remark, embellished by utter friendliness, was short: "I hope Avram will end up in Millwall". The general laughter made it clear, that no further words about this thorny issue would be hurled in my direction.
I got off the train in Bond Street station and dined at a small Italian restaurant. Two English students were very curious about my match programme so we talked about West Ham. They thankfully took it for granted that a foreigner like me would travel from Jerusalem especially for the promotion match. For them, it was a natural manifestation of loyalty, nothing more.
I thought a lot about loyalty versus my principles and accepted that, in the crucial moments, the tribe comes first. When Blackpool drew level in the second half I sensed a real calamity, as if it was my last ever visit to Wembley with the Hammers. Our visits to Wembley are not all that frequent; prior to the Blackpool tie we had last been here 31 years ago, in the League Cup Final against Liverpool. I traveled to this game, too, and we were lucky to get a draw.
In this crucial promotion game we sensed that Blackpool had the upper hand, and even in my stand people were harbouring severe fears. But towards the end, our crowd began to gather momentum. West Ham seemed to be motivated by the surge of our supporters' enthusiasm, and the decisive goal was scored almost by the vocal crescendo created by the crowd. It was as if the 'Bubbles' song pushed the ball into the net, disregarding the events on the pitch.
Not only Big Sam and the players won the day; the entire community had risen to the occasion. I had discovered the enormity of the gap between my enthusiasm for Pep Guardiola's football and my emotional reconciliation with Allardyce. All this did not prevent me from cursing Chelsea and their dreadful football later that evening. People are very complex, and sometimes one must ignore the components of our complexity.
No glamorous game, not even the World Cup final could remove Wembley 2012 from my consciousness. Which is a better option (I was often asked this upon my return to Jerusalem): to sing Bubbles at Wembley with my fellow Hammers - or to sit in the press box in the Euro 2012 final? This is perhaps the easiest question I have had to answer in my life.
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Striker Latest: Could Yilmaz be the One?
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
The transfer rumours continue apace. And most of the are complete and utter rubbish, but I suppose it keeps us all entertained. Tonight I read that we have made four £8 million bids for strikers. A likely story. They are supposedly Ba, Yilmaz, Castaignos and - wait for it - Adebayor. As I have said before I don't see any way we could risk re-signing Demba Ba, no matter how much most of us would like to. Are really going to risk £8 million on a player whose knee could go any moment? The finances and risks just don't add up. I can also foresee Hoffenheim atempting to implement some of the terms of the original deal if he comes back. Adebayor would be a no go at this stage. His wages are said to be north of £180k a week, which is something we could never contemplate. The only way that would happen is if Man City can't sell him and would loan him out again for a season. Whether he'd come to us anyway is a very moot point.
Yilmaz is a player who has always impressed me and this is the only one of those four which has any semblance of logic about it. He has a fantastic goals to appearances ratio for his club, Trabzonspur - 55 in 75 games, and for Turkey he has scored 6 in 18. Last season he scored 33 goals in 30 games, which isn't bad, but if you look back at his record for his previous clubs he wasn't nearly as successful. I guess at the age of 26 he has now come into his prime. He's quite a big guy too, at 6'2. And he is used to playing in claret and blue, for those are Trabszonspur's colours too. It's an omen, I tell you, an omen! However, in January he was quoted as saying that if he came to England he wanted to come to Arsenal. Hmmm.
We are still being linked with Yakubu and Grant Holt. Diame will apparently sign on the dotted line in the next 24 hours and a deal with Zaha is said to be close, with Baldock going the other way on a season long loan and Freddie Sears as a permanent makeweight. We'll see.
It's also being reported that Rob Green has received a £2 million signing on fee from QPR, pls £50k a week. You can hardly blame him for moving, can you?
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How the Fixtures Fall Will Be a Factor Next Season!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
The PL fixtures for 2012-13 are to be made public tomorrow. Apart from the general interest in who West Ham will be playing and when, it will also be a factor in our success or otherwise next season. You will recall that when we were relegated in 2010-11, our fixure list was front loaded with tough games that put us on a back foot straightaway. It was not the ultimate factor, but it was one of a number of factors contributing to our eventual demise.
If we do well in our first 10 fixures then it dramatically increases out chances of not only surviving, but even perhaps doing a bit better than that. Do badly, over those games, and its more likely that we will face a season long struggle. So, lets hope that the fixtures fall more kindly this time around, to help us get us off to a decent start. Starting with a nice opening home fixture against the likes of Wigan or Norwich City!
SJ. Chandos.
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Time for Rave reviews
The Sun
Published: Today at 00:13
WEST HAM chief David Gold has warned Ravel Morrison to make his mark ON the pitch next season. The bad-boy midfielder, 19, was fined for tweeting a homophobic remark in February. Gold said: "He is a great talent, it's time for him to step up to the plate."
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WEST HAM SET TO GO DOUBLE DUTCH FOR ELIA & CASTAIGNOS
Jun 17, 2012 2
Sport360
As they prepare for life back in the Premier League, West Ham are reportedly readying an ambitious double raid on Serie A for Juventus winner Eljero Elia and Internazionale striker Luc Castaignos. Football Italia claim Hammers boss Sam Allardyce held a meeting with Juve director Fabio Paratici last week to discuss a move for Dutch flyer Elia, who has been told he is surplus to requirements at the Juventus Stadium. A €8million has been mooted for the 25-year-old who made only five appearances for the Bianconeri last season following his move from German club Hamburg last summer. Elia has also been heavily linked with Premier league giants Liverpool, but news that West Ham have opened negotiations for the winger suggests that a move to Upton Park may be in the offing. Meanwhile, reports in Italy also claim West Ham have began talks with Inter over the possible signing of Castaignos in a €7million deal. The teenage Dutch forward arrived at the Giuseppe Meazza last summer with a big reputation having netted 15 goals for Feyenoord in Eredivisie. The 19-year-old's exploits caught the eye of a host of Europe's elite with Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester United all credited with an interest, before he eventually chose Inter.
However, Castaignos has failed to hit the heights expected in Italy and having made just six appearances for the Nerazzurri he could now be set for a move to east London should West Ham succeed in convincing Inter to sell. West Ham are though to be in the market for a new frontman and have been linked with wantaway Norwich striker Grant Holt, while Wigan midfield Mohamed Diame is set to join on a free transfer.
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West Ham United close in on want-away Wigan Athletic ace Diame
by Rob MacDonald. Published Sun 17 Jun 2012 13:45, Last updated: 2012-06-17
Click Lancashire.com
According to reports Mohamed Diame's switch from Wigan Athletic to West Ham United has moved a step closer. The Daily Mail claims Diame has passed a cardiac medical with a London specialist. Talks are understood to be continuing over his move to Upton Park. Sunderland and Aston Villa remain interested in the 24-year-old, but it seems the Hammers are in pole position.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, June 17
Daily WHUFC News - 17th June 2012
Jussi eager to get started
WHUFC.com
Jussi Jaaskelainen is looking forward to joining up with his new team-mates at the start of pre-season
16.06.2012
Jussi Jaaskelainen has confessed that he cannot wait for his first training session with his new West Ham United team-mates. The Finland international goalkeeper has agreed personal terms with the Hammers and will join on 1 July - the day Sam Allardyce and his squad return for the first day of pre-season training. Jaaskelainen, West Ham United's second goalkeeping signing of the summer, will then be offered the perfect opportunity to get to know his new team-mates as the squad fly out for a week's intensive training break in Austria the very next day. Here, the former Bolton Player of the Year looks ahead to the new season in an exclusive Q+A with whufc.com.
Welcome to West Ham, how are you feeling?
JJ: I am delighted to have joined. After spending 15 years in Bolton it's a great challenge and I'm looking forward to it.
How did the move come about?
JJ: It happened very quickly. I have worked under Big Sam before and when I heard West Ham were interested I didn't think twice. I asked my agent to arrange it as quickly as possible. Sometimes you're very lucky when things happen and I'm delighted.
You obviously know the manager from your time at Bolton. Was he a big reason you wanted to join?
JJ: It's great working with Big Sam and I like the way he manages the players on the field and off the field and how he manages the staff. When you play in the Premier League at the top level, every little detail needs to be looked after and he's one of the best men at doing that. The manager was a big factor in me coming here and challenging myself.
What was it that appealed to you about joining West Ham?
JJ: The fans get behind the team really well and they always have a good following at away games. Hopefully I can go on to do a very good for them. It was a big thing to be able to stay in the Premier League as well.
With some other talented goalkeepers at the club, we assume you'll be coming here to fight for the No1 jersey won't you?
JJ: At the start of pre-season we all start at the same place and hopefully I can play at the level I've been playing at over the years. When pre-season starts we will all be working hard and I'm ready for it and looking forward to it.
What are you hoping to achieve with the club?
JJ: It will be a new challenge. The deal is for one year with a possible second year and our very first goal has to be to make sure that we keep West Ham United in the Premier League. We can then start to build for the future and hopefully I can be a big part of the start of that.
You're an experienced goalkeeper, what will that add to the squad?
JJ: That's the thing. I'm 37 and I think I've got at least three or four more years left yet. One important reason why I wanted to come to West Ham is that I know Big Sam looks after the players in the right way and the right manner. Hopefully I can extend my stay longer than the first year or two.
Finally, have you got any message for the fans and staff at Bolton where you spent 15 years?
JJ: Well, firstly 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 will continue to be a fan. I wish the players and, in particular, Owen Coyle, all the best in gaining promotion at the first attempt . Most importantly I would like to thank Eddie Davies, the owner, Chairman Phil Gartside, Fred Barber, my long-term goalkeeping coach, and all the staff at the club for all of the support and guidance they have shown my family and I.
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Fixtures out on Monday
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Premier League fixtures will be confirmed on Monday morning
15.06.2012
The waiting is nearly over as West Ham United's fixtures for the 2012/13 Barclays Premier League season will be released on Monday morning at 9am. Just under a month after the Hammers secured the most dramatic of promotions from the npower Championship by beating Blackpool 2-1 at Wembley in the Play-Off final, Sam Allardyce and his squad will find out how their return to England's top tier will shape up.
The visits of champions Manchester City and their local rivals Manchester United to the Boleyn Ground are sure to be one of the first fixtures fans will look out for, as will the derby-day dates with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. Queens Park Rangers' second season in the Premier League means West Ham fans can now look forward to no less than ten London derbies at home and away in 2012/13.
Subscribers to the official West Ham United SMS service will be the first to get the key fixtures sent to them, but then whufc.com and the club's official twitter and Facebook pages will have all of the news and reaction from the people that matter at 9am. Remember a West Ham United Season Ticket is the best way to secure your seat for every single home game and with new applications well up on previous years, fans are advised to move fast to avoid missing out. To buy yours today, click the image below.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Happy Hutch
WHUFC.com
Don Hutchison believes West Ham United can flourish in the Barclays Premier League next season
15.06.2012
Don Hutchison is optimistic that West Ham United have the right tools to flourish in the Barclays Premier League. Hutchison, who was back at the Boleyn Ground this week to manage a team of Royal Marines against a side coached by Tony Gale, believes Sam Allardyce's squad possesses the right blend of youth and experience to thrive in 2012/13. "The Championship was a hard division to get out of, but I think Sam has done a fantastic job," Hutchison told West Ham TV. "They did it the hard way by coming through the Play-Offs, which was a bit nerve-wracking, but it's great to be back in the Premier League. "I think the Premier League will benefit from having a club like West Ham back in there with their fans and the revenue they will bring. It's great to see everyone with smiles on their faces again. "Sam has brought in Jussi Jaaskelainen who has plenty of experience and what we are looking for is to see what type of players Sam wants to bring in. "This will be a different test for the boys and a different test for Sam. He's obviously been there with Bolton and Blackburn before. "We've got some good experienced players and a bit of youth as well. Mark Noble is a good one to have around the place and if we can get service to Carlton Cole he'll score goals. I think Sam just needs to tweak it slightly. I think the starting XI is a very, very good side but we need to strengthen the squad."
The former Hammers and Scotland attacking midfielder also called for supporters to be patient and not to expect too much, too soon on the Club's return to the top flight. "There are lots of top sides in the Premier League. There are sides in that league who are going to cause problems, so the fans have to be patient. What we don't want is West Ham going without a win for two or three games and there being a bit of disgruntlement around the place - the fans have to stick with them and trust the manager. "If it gets to the end of the season and it hasn't worked, then they have a right to have a little go, but they have got to be pro-active at the start of the season and get behind them."
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Freedman a fan of Baldock
Palace boss also says there has been no movement on Martin
Last Updated: June 15, 2012 7:24pm
SSN
Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman says Sam Baldock is a 'very good player', but insists there has been no contact over a move for the West Ham United striker. Baldock joined the Hammers on a four-year contract from MK Dons in August last year and scored five goals in 23 Championship appearances last season.
However, he did not start a game after mid-January and is tipped to be allowed out on a season-long loan following West Ham's return to the Premier League.
Charlton Athletic and Ipswich Town have also been linked with a bid, and Freedman suggested the 23-year-old is the type of forward he would be interested in.
Freedman told the Croydon Advertiser: "Sam is a very good young player, but we have not made any contact with West Ham." The Palace boss also confirmed there had been no developments on a deal to bring Chris Martin back to Selhurst Park after he impressed on loan from Norwich City last term. He added: "He did very well for us, but nothing has happened there at all."
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Rob Green's Exit - A Personal Point of View
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
If the latest reports are to be believed, Robert Green is on the verge of agreeing a Bosman move to QPR. It has been reported that Green has agreed a three year deal worth £40,000 a week. And QPR representatives have flown out to the Euro-Championships, where Green is currently on England duty, to clinch the deal. This is despite alternative interest from Spurs and WBA, who have either not pursued their initial interest or have been beaten to the punch by QPR.
No doubt financially it is a very good deal for Green. Not only does he get a reported £40,000 a week basic wage, but as a Bosman he also gets to negotiate his signing on fee, which will be substantial. In footballing terms, who knows? He is likely to play on a regular basis at QPR, something that is not guaranteed at a club like Spurs. A lot will depend on whether QPR are able to substantially strengthen their squad this summer and avoid a repeat of last season's PL struggles. Will West Ham out perform QPR in next season's PL? Obviously, It depends on our success in the transfer market and the ability of key current players to perform in the PL? Many neutrals will interprete this as a sideways move for Rob Green, in terms of the respective prospects of both club's next season.
I personally think that we Hammers supporters should wish Green well and bid him a fond farewell, without bitterness or grudge. West Ham obviously had the option to sign him on a new deal and decided that they could not meet his wage demands. So he has walked and is apparently in the process of joining a club that has met his valuation of his worth; as well as securing a Bosman signing on fee. And who can blame him in all honesty? Rumour has it that Green was the lowest paid senior professional at the club, which is surprising when you consider the consistency of his performances and his ongoing importance to us. There have been rumours over the last two seasons concerning a new deal for Green, only for talks between player and club to apparently break down, or be suspended, depending on what version you have heard! Regardless, the new deal did not materialise and the 11th hour bid to reach agreement ultimately proved abortive.
For the initial £2m fee, we got six seasons of sterling service. Green did very well for us, with his characteristic reaction saves. Every season, he pulled off wonder saves from opposition efforts that had 'goal written all over them.' In that sense, he definitely saved us points most seasons. Even in the dire relegation season of 2010-11 he was one of thevery few West Ham players to emerge with any credit. And thereafter, even though Green's future remained uncertain, he put in another committed series of performances last season. Green's final contribution to the club being his performance against Blackpool in the Play-off Final at Wembley. A key moment being that close range, near post, save from Scott Dobie in the early stages of the match. However, Rob Green's finest hour was doubtedly his vital contribution to the great escape of 2006-07. In particular, who can ever forget his performance against Arsenal, at the Emirates, that guaranteed our 0-1 win and a very unlikely 3 points. It was undoubtedly one of the finest displays of goal keeping that I have ever witnessed and will forever be enshrined in Hammers folklore.
Some wll argue that Green has his weaknesses as a keeper. Most commonly cited is his alleged failure to consistently command his area and collect high ball in to the box. That may be true, but it must also be admitted that he has some countervailing attributes that have to be recognised and given due weight. The bottom line is that Green was a good servant to the club and we should honour his past contribution. Time will tell if it is a good move, in football terms, for him; as well as determine whether West Ham have made a major mistake in not meeting his contract demands? But the truth is the club is bigger than any one player and there will always come a time when there has to be a parting of the ways, even for the greatest and most loyal of Hammers players.
Lets bid Rob Green a fond farewell and look to the future. I must admit that I would have preferred to keep him at the club, but it was not to be. So, a new goal keeping era opens with hope and optimism. The Goal keeper is the foundation building block of all good sides, upon which the defence is constructed. Jussi, Henderson and any other keeper that we recruit must rise to the challenge, next season, of filling the gap created by the departure of a good Hammers custodian! Upwards and onwards! COYI !
SJ. Chandos.
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Is the Potential Signing of Guti a Good Move?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham are supposedly offering ex-Real Madrid veteran, Guti, a trial this summer. Guti is 35 years of age and was released by his club in the Turkish league, last season, before the end of his contract. In recent months he has not been attached to another club and consequently has been inactive playing wise. Guti was previously a very successful footballer with Real Madrid, over a number of years, winning multiple Spanish titles and the Champions League, but is he still good enough for the EPL? It may be that Guti will be Sam Allardyce's elder statesman in the dressing room, a vastly experienced player who can give advice and impact from the bench. Certainly Allardyce used quality, older professionals well during his time at Bolton Wanderers, perhaps this is him adopting the same approach.
My own view is that I am not prepared to condemn the move until we know what the player has left in the tank and what he has to offer the club. Presumably Sam Allardyce has taken the same view, hence his trail over the pre-season period. Sam Allardyce knows how to use these older professionals, in the latter stages of their careers, to good effect. He proved that at Bolton. So I would advise that we wait and see on this one.
How do other Hammers fans initially view the move, a smart, very experienced addition to the Squad or a deal best avoided, as the player is likelyto be well past his best? Or perhaps you have also adopted a wait and see position?
SJ. Chandos.
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WEST HAM EXPECTED TO MAKE IMPROVED BIP FOR GRANT HOLT
Daily Express
Sunday June 17,2012
By Daily Express Reporter
WEST HAM are expected to make an increased offer of £4million tomorrow for Norwich City's unsettled striker Grant Holt. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce, looking to bring in at least five new players, has already agreed a deal to sign Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and is close to landing Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha.
And former Real Madrid midfielder, Guti says he also expects to join the Upton Park club on their return to the Premier League.
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Former West Ham stopper Green set to complete QPR switch
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:42, 16 June 2012 | UPDATED: 22:42, 16 June 2012
Daily Mail
QPR will wrap up a deal for West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green while the 32-year-old is on England duty at Euro 2012. And manager Mark Hughes has also persuaded Spurs defender Ryan Nelsen to join him at Loftus Road. Green left West Ham on a Bosman and his representatives have agreed a £40,000-aweek contract that will allow QPR keeper Paddy Kenny to go to Leeds United.
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Hammers seek Elia and Castaignos
By Football Italia staff
FootballItalia.net
West Ham are not only in talks with Juventus for Eljero Elia, but also reportedly discussing Luc Castaignos with Inter. Manager Sam Allardyce was spotted earlier this week in a meeting with Juve director Fabio Paratici. It was believed he was in negotiations to sign both Elia and Milos Krasic, although it appears the Dutch winger is now the primary target for around €8m. According to Italian sources, the Hammers are also talking to Inter with the possibility of taking forward Castaignos for €7m.
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Diame passes cardiac medical as West Ham close in on midfielder
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 20:00, 15 June 2012 | UPDATED: 20:00, 15 June 2012
Daily Mail
Mohamed Diame has passed a cardiac medical with a London specialist as talks continue over a move to West Ham. Sunderland and Aston Villa remain interested in the former Wigan midfielder, 24, but Sam Allardyce is in pole position.
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Former Real Madrid midfielder Guti set for West Ham move
CHARLES HIGSON SMITH FRIDAY 15 JUNE 2012
The Independent
Ex-Real Madrid midfeilder Guti could be set for a move to Upton park, with the 35-year-old currently in talks with West Ham manager Sam Allardyce. Guti reportedly told Goal.com: "Yes West Ham are interested but nothing is decided yet. We are negotiating." In an attempt to avoid an immediate return to the Championship, Allardyce is trying to bring as much experience as possible to the club. Having already signed Jussi Jasskelainen earlier this week, Guti would be a valuable addition.
The Spaniard won La Liga five times and the Champions league three times with Real Madrid. One of Guti's representatives, Barry O'Connor, told The Sun: "West Ham will make a final decision before the next season starts. I cannot discuss what terms could be offered." Guti would move on a free transfer since his contract at Besiktas has expired.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Jussi Jaaskelainen is looking forward to joining up with his new team-mates at the start of pre-season
16.06.2012
Jussi Jaaskelainen has confessed that he cannot wait for his first training session with his new West Ham United team-mates. The Finland international goalkeeper has agreed personal terms with the Hammers and will join on 1 July - the day Sam Allardyce and his squad return for the first day of pre-season training. Jaaskelainen, West Ham United's second goalkeeping signing of the summer, will then be offered the perfect opportunity to get to know his new team-mates as the squad fly out for a week's intensive training break in Austria the very next day. Here, the former Bolton Player of the Year looks ahead to the new season in an exclusive Q+A with whufc.com.
Welcome to West Ham, how are you feeling?
JJ: I am delighted to have joined. After spending 15 years in Bolton it's a great challenge and I'm looking forward to it.
How did the move come about?
JJ: It happened very quickly. I have worked under Big Sam before and when I heard West Ham were interested I didn't think twice. I asked my agent to arrange it as quickly as possible. Sometimes you're very lucky when things happen and I'm delighted.
You obviously know the manager from your time at Bolton. Was he a big reason you wanted to join?
JJ: It's great working with Big Sam and I like the way he manages the players on the field and off the field and how he manages the staff. When you play in the Premier League at the top level, every little detail needs to be looked after and he's one of the best men at doing that. The manager was a big factor in me coming here and challenging myself.
What was it that appealed to you about joining West Ham?
JJ: The fans get behind the team really well and they always have a good following at away games. Hopefully I can go on to do a very good for them. It was a big thing to be able to stay in the Premier League as well.
With some other talented goalkeepers at the club, we assume you'll be coming here to fight for the No1 jersey won't you?
JJ: At the start of pre-season we all start at the same place and hopefully I can play at the level I've been playing at over the years. When pre-season starts we will all be working hard and I'm ready for it and looking forward to it.
What are you hoping to achieve with the club?
JJ: It will be a new challenge. The deal is for one year with a possible second year and our very first goal has to be to make sure that we keep West Ham United in the Premier League. We can then start to build for the future and hopefully I can be a big part of the start of that.
You're an experienced goalkeeper, what will that add to the squad?
JJ: That's the thing. I'm 37 and I think I've got at least three or four more years left yet. One important reason why I wanted to come to West Ham is that I know Big Sam looks after the players in the right way and the right manner. Hopefully I can extend my stay longer than the first year or two.
Finally, have you got any message for the fans and staff at Bolton where you spent 15 years?
JJ: Well, firstly 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 will continue to be a fan. I wish the players and, in particular, Owen Coyle, all the best in gaining promotion at the first attempt . Most importantly I would like to thank Eddie Davies, the owner, Chairman Phil Gartside, Fred Barber, my long-term goalkeeping coach, and all the staff at the club for all of the support and guidance they have shown my family and I.
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Fixtures out on Monday
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Premier League fixtures will be confirmed on Monday morning
15.06.2012
The waiting is nearly over as West Ham United's fixtures for the 2012/13 Barclays Premier League season will be released on Monday morning at 9am. Just under a month after the Hammers secured the most dramatic of promotions from the npower Championship by beating Blackpool 2-1 at Wembley in the Play-Off final, Sam Allardyce and his squad will find out how their return to England's top tier will shape up.
The visits of champions Manchester City and their local rivals Manchester United to the Boleyn Ground are sure to be one of the first fixtures fans will look out for, as will the derby-day dates with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. Queens Park Rangers' second season in the Premier League means West Ham fans can now look forward to no less than ten London derbies at home and away in 2012/13.
Subscribers to the official West Ham United SMS service will be the first to get the key fixtures sent to them, but then whufc.com and the club's official twitter and Facebook pages will have all of the news and reaction from the people that matter at 9am. Remember a West Ham United Season Ticket is the best way to secure your seat for every single home game and with new applications well up on previous years, fans are advised to move fast to avoid missing out. To buy yours today, click the image below.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Happy Hutch
WHUFC.com
Don Hutchison believes West Ham United can flourish in the Barclays Premier League next season
15.06.2012
Don Hutchison is optimistic that West Ham United have the right tools to flourish in the Barclays Premier League. Hutchison, who was back at the Boleyn Ground this week to manage a team of Royal Marines against a side coached by Tony Gale, believes Sam Allardyce's squad possesses the right blend of youth and experience to thrive in 2012/13. "The Championship was a hard division to get out of, but I think Sam has done a fantastic job," Hutchison told West Ham TV. "They did it the hard way by coming through the Play-Offs, which was a bit nerve-wracking, but it's great to be back in the Premier League. "I think the Premier League will benefit from having a club like West Ham back in there with their fans and the revenue they will bring. It's great to see everyone with smiles on their faces again. "Sam has brought in Jussi Jaaskelainen who has plenty of experience and what we are looking for is to see what type of players Sam wants to bring in. "This will be a different test for the boys and a different test for Sam. He's obviously been there with Bolton and Blackburn before. "We've got some good experienced players and a bit of youth as well. Mark Noble is a good one to have around the place and if we can get service to Carlton Cole he'll score goals. I think Sam just needs to tweak it slightly. I think the starting XI is a very, very good side but we need to strengthen the squad."
The former Hammers and Scotland attacking midfielder also called for supporters to be patient and not to expect too much, too soon on the Club's return to the top flight. "There are lots of top sides in the Premier League. There are sides in that league who are going to cause problems, so the fans have to be patient. What we don't want is West Ham going without a win for two or three games and there being a bit of disgruntlement around the place - the fans have to stick with them and trust the manager. "If it gets to the end of the season and it hasn't worked, then they have a right to have a little go, but they have got to be pro-active at the start of the season and get behind them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Freedman a fan of Baldock
Palace boss also says there has been no movement on Martin
Last Updated: June 15, 2012 7:24pm
SSN
Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman says Sam Baldock is a 'very good player', but insists there has been no contact over a move for the West Ham United striker. Baldock joined the Hammers on a four-year contract from MK Dons in August last year and scored five goals in 23 Championship appearances last season.
However, he did not start a game after mid-January and is tipped to be allowed out on a season-long loan following West Ham's return to the Premier League.
Charlton Athletic and Ipswich Town have also been linked with a bid, and Freedman suggested the 23-year-old is the type of forward he would be interested in.
Freedman told the Croydon Advertiser: "Sam is a very good young player, but we have not made any contact with West Ham." The Palace boss also confirmed there had been no developments on a deal to bring Chris Martin back to Selhurst Park after he impressed on loan from Norwich City last term. He added: "He did very well for us, but nothing has happened there at all."
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Rob Green's Exit - A Personal Point of View
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
If the latest reports are to be believed, Robert Green is on the verge of agreeing a Bosman move to QPR. It has been reported that Green has agreed a three year deal worth £40,000 a week. And QPR representatives have flown out to the Euro-Championships, where Green is currently on England duty, to clinch the deal. This is despite alternative interest from Spurs and WBA, who have either not pursued their initial interest or have been beaten to the punch by QPR.
No doubt financially it is a very good deal for Green. Not only does he get a reported £40,000 a week basic wage, but as a Bosman he also gets to negotiate his signing on fee, which will be substantial. In footballing terms, who knows? He is likely to play on a regular basis at QPR, something that is not guaranteed at a club like Spurs. A lot will depend on whether QPR are able to substantially strengthen their squad this summer and avoid a repeat of last season's PL struggles. Will West Ham out perform QPR in next season's PL? Obviously, It depends on our success in the transfer market and the ability of key current players to perform in the PL? Many neutrals will interprete this as a sideways move for Rob Green, in terms of the respective prospects of both club's next season.
I personally think that we Hammers supporters should wish Green well and bid him a fond farewell, without bitterness or grudge. West Ham obviously had the option to sign him on a new deal and decided that they could not meet his wage demands. So he has walked and is apparently in the process of joining a club that has met his valuation of his worth; as well as securing a Bosman signing on fee. And who can blame him in all honesty? Rumour has it that Green was the lowest paid senior professional at the club, which is surprising when you consider the consistency of his performances and his ongoing importance to us. There have been rumours over the last two seasons concerning a new deal for Green, only for talks between player and club to apparently break down, or be suspended, depending on what version you have heard! Regardless, the new deal did not materialise and the 11th hour bid to reach agreement ultimately proved abortive.
For the initial £2m fee, we got six seasons of sterling service. Green did very well for us, with his characteristic reaction saves. Every season, he pulled off wonder saves from opposition efforts that had 'goal written all over them.' In that sense, he definitely saved us points most seasons. Even in the dire relegation season of 2010-11 he was one of thevery few West Ham players to emerge with any credit. And thereafter, even though Green's future remained uncertain, he put in another committed series of performances last season. Green's final contribution to the club being his performance against Blackpool in the Play-off Final at Wembley. A key moment being that close range, near post, save from Scott Dobie in the early stages of the match. However, Rob Green's finest hour was doubtedly his vital contribution to the great escape of 2006-07. In particular, who can ever forget his performance against Arsenal, at the Emirates, that guaranteed our 0-1 win and a very unlikely 3 points. It was undoubtedly one of the finest displays of goal keeping that I have ever witnessed and will forever be enshrined in Hammers folklore.
Some wll argue that Green has his weaknesses as a keeper. Most commonly cited is his alleged failure to consistently command his area and collect high ball in to the box. That may be true, but it must also be admitted that he has some countervailing attributes that have to be recognised and given due weight. The bottom line is that Green was a good servant to the club and we should honour his past contribution. Time will tell if it is a good move, in football terms, for him; as well as determine whether West Ham have made a major mistake in not meeting his contract demands? But the truth is the club is bigger than any one player and there will always come a time when there has to be a parting of the ways, even for the greatest and most loyal of Hammers players.
Lets bid Rob Green a fond farewell and look to the future. I must admit that I would have preferred to keep him at the club, but it was not to be. So, a new goal keeping era opens with hope and optimism. The Goal keeper is the foundation building block of all good sides, upon which the defence is constructed. Jussi, Henderson and any other keeper that we recruit must rise to the challenge, next season, of filling the gap created by the departure of a good Hammers custodian! Upwards and onwards! COYI !
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Is the Potential Signing of Guti a Good Move?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham are supposedly offering ex-Real Madrid veteran, Guti, a trial this summer. Guti is 35 years of age and was released by his club in the Turkish league, last season, before the end of his contract. In recent months he has not been attached to another club and consequently has been inactive playing wise. Guti was previously a very successful footballer with Real Madrid, over a number of years, winning multiple Spanish titles and the Champions League, but is he still good enough for the EPL? It may be that Guti will be Sam Allardyce's elder statesman in the dressing room, a vastly experienced player who can give advice and impact from the bench. Certainly Allardyce used quality, older professionals well during his time at Bolton Wanderers, perhaps this is him adopting the same approach.
My own view is that I am not prepared to condemn the move until we know what the player has left in the tank and what he has to offer the club. Presumably Sam Allardyce has taken the same view, hence his trail over the pre-season period. Sam Allardyce knows how to use these older professionals, in the latter stages of their careers, to good effect. He proved that at Bolton. So I would advise that we wait and see on this one.
How do other Hammers fans initially view the move, a smart, very experienced addition to the Squad or a deal best avoided, as the player is likelyto be well past his best? Or perhaps you have also adopted a wait and see position?
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM EXPECTED TO MAKE IMPROVED BIP FOR GRANT HOLT
Daily Express
Sunday June 17,2012
By Daily Express Reporter
WEST HAM are expected to make an increased offer of £4million tomorrow for Norwich City's unsettled striker Grant Holt. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce, looking to bring in at least five new players, has already agreed a deal to sign Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and is close to landing Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha.
And former Real Madrid midfielder, Guti says he also expects to join the Upton Park club on their return to the Premier League.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former West Ham stopper Green set to complete QPR switch
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:42, 16 June 2012 | UPDATED: 22:42, 16 June 2012
Daily Mail
QPR will wrap up a deal for West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green while the 32-year-old is on England duty at Euro 2012. And manager Mark Hughes has also persuaded Spurs defender Ryan Nelsen to join him at Loftus Road. Green left West Ham on a Bosman and his representatives have agreed a £40,000-aweek contract that will allow QPR keeper Paddy Kenny to go to Leeds United.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers seek Elia and Castaignos
By Football Italia staff
FootballItalia.net
West Ham are not only in talks with Juventus for Eljero Elia, but also reportedly discussing Luc Castaignos with Inter. Manager Sam Allardyce was spotted earlier this week in a meeting with Juve director Fabio Paratici. It was believed he was in negotiations to sign both Elia and Milos Krasic, although it appears the Dutch winger is now the primary target for around €8m. According to Italian sources, the Hammers are also talking to Inter with the possibility of taking forward Castaignos for €7m.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame passes cardiac medical as West Ham close in on midfielder
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 20:00, 15 June 2012 | UPDATED: 20:00, 15 June 2012
Daily Mail
Mohamed Diame has passed a cardiac medical with a London specialist as talks continue over a move to West Ham. Sunderland and Aston Villa remain interested in the former Wigan midfielder, 24, but Sam Allardyce is in pole position.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Real Madrid midfielder Guti set for West Ham move
CHARLES HIGSON SMITH FRIDAY 15 JUNE 2012
The Independent
Ex-Real Madrid midfeilder Guti could be set for a move to Upton park, with the 35-year-old currently in talks with West Ham manager Sam Allardyce. Guti reportedly told Goal.com: "Yes West Ham are interested but nothing is decided yet. We are negotiating." In an attempt to avoid an immediate return to the Championship, Allardyce is trying to bring as much experience as possible to the club. Having already signed Jussi Jasskelainen earlier this week, Guti would be a valuable addition.
The Spaniard won La Liga five times and the Champions league three times with Real Madrid. One of Guti's representatives, Barry O'Connor, told The Sun: "West Ham will make a final decision before the next season starts. I cannot discuss what terms could be offered." Guti would move on a free transfer since his contract at Besiktas has expired.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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