JC says fond farewell
WHUFC.com
Midfielder Jack Collison has penned an open letter to supporters on his
departure from West Ham United
30.05.2014
Hello everyone,
The time has come for an end to my West Ham United career. What a
rollercoaster it has been - I have experienced plenty of ups and downs
during my nine-year spell at West Ham! Signing at 16, I wasn't sure if I was
ready for the challenge but with the love and care of Bob and Val, who run
the Academy digs, I soon settled and found the new challenge exciting. I had
to pinch myself at times, moving from a quiet village into a big house in
Essex under the guidance of the one and only Tony Carr - the man who brought
through the likes of Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Rio Ferdinand.
I went from being star-struck by the first-team players at Cambridge United
to rubbing shoulders with the likes of Teddy Sheringham. I often doubted my
ability in my early days, but Teddy was one of the senior players who gave
me confidence to go out on the training pitch and express myself. I always
felt he believed in me and, with a man like that behind me, I felt there was
nothing I couldn't accomplish.
I made steady progress over the next couple of seasons and went on to
captain both the youth team and reserves, as well as be in and around the
first team. Alan Pardew allowed me to travel with the first team on a couple
of occasions while he was in charge and both trips will stay with me for
very different reasons.
On my first away trip to West Brom, I found out I had to sing In front of
the first team at dinner. Needless to say, I was an absolute wreck the whole
journey up. I spent my time watching the older pros, trying to learn the
words to Wonderwall and sweating at the thought of what the night may bring.
Dinner soon came around and the tapping on the glasses began, so I knew it
was time. I stood up shaking, sweating and nearly tumbled off my chair. I
closed my eyes and produced the worst ever rendition of Wonderwall!
To be fair to Christian Dailly, he tried his hardest to help me along in
between taking the mickey with the rest of lads. Once it was over, I felt
like my shoulders were lighter immediately - now I could concentrate on
playing football!
Unfortunately I didn't make it onto the pitch the next day, but being in and
around it made me hungrier for more. Kyel Reid made his debut that night and
I remember how excited I was to see one of the young boys out on the pitch
playing and putting in a fantastic performance. After that experience, I had
a new belief that maybe I could make an impact on the first team.
The second time I travelled that season was with the squad for the FA Cup
final. I knew I wouldn't be involved, but it was great to be part of it and
to witness first-hand one of the greatest finals in history. The boys went
so close that day, I was devastated they didn't take the trophy home. I
remember Kevin Keen taking James Tomkins and myself onto the pitch before
the lads went out to warm-up and I couldn't believe the atmosphere.
It was also on this trip that Nobes and Chrissy Cohen trashed our room! It
was little things like this that made me feel part of it. I went home over
the summer and came back more motivated than ever before.
The next couple of seasons, I worked very closely with Kevin Keen and still,
to this day, I believe he is one of the best coaches in the game. I felt he
really developed my game and every session was a joy to be involved in. Alan
Curbishley was in charge now and I was close to the first team, but not
quite there.
My debut finally came and it was Arsenal away at the Emirates. What a start!
I remember the whole day as if it was yesterday. Tonks and myself had been
travelling with the first team a lot that season but never made the bench -
we'd had lots of close calls that always ended in disappointment.
That morning, Curbs caught us both in the lift on the way to breakfast. It
was that awkward lift ride with the manager and two young lads who didn't
know what to say. It was at that point he turned to us and said 'Make sure
you're ready lads. You're both on the bench today'. Of course, we acted cool
until the Gaffer stepped out, then we couldn't contain the excitement any
longer. Left alone, we celebrated like we had won the World Cup, then off we
went to prepare. Curbs must have heard the celebrations and had a laugh to
himself but I'm not sure he will ever know how happy he made me at that
precise moment .
I'm not sure the Gaffer had any intention of playing me but Freddie
Ljungberg picked up a knock early on and before I knew it I was prepping
myself and getting ready to come on. I couldn't believe it - that feeling
from the lift was back, but even stronger this time. It was a mixture of
sheer joy and disbelief but I didn't have any time to worry about what could
go wrong, I was floating at that point.
The manager soon brought me back down to Earth when his last words were:
'Try and get close to Fabregas'. I tried my hardest, and covering 7.5 km in
the second half alone was some sort of record that season. I never did
manage to get close to Fabregas in that game, though. He didn't give me a
sniff and, in fact, I probably only had about ten touches in 60 minutes of
football. I didn't care, though, as I had made my debut, and where better
than Arsenal away. What an experience and a day I will never forget. I
remember leaving the game disappointed as I thought I had a bad game, but
Anton Ferdinand had some words of encouragement that picked me up again.
I only featured once more that season, in a loss to Bolton, but the
following year was my breakthrough season. Gianfranco Zola was now in
charge. I couldn't believe it. One of my heroes was teaching me how to play
the beautiful game!
His first session I will never forget - we were playing a game of two-touch
and, of course, he wanted to play. The ball was fired into him and with his
first two touches, without thinking, he managed to swivel on a sixpence,
nutmeg one of the lads and then dink Robert Green from 20 yards. Silence
spread across the training pitch as the boys stood there in amazement,
mouths on the floor. I think at this point the manager realised what he had
done as the whole team gave our new Gaffer of 24 hours a round of applause.
Instead of lapping up the attention, the Gaffer seemed slightly embarrassed
and gave a genuine apology to the boys. This showed the character of the man
- an absolute wizard on the pitch and possibly the nicest man I have met to
this day in football. He was different to any manager I had worked with as
he seemed to care about everyone - even the young boys who were nowhere near
it like myself.
We spent hours on the training pitch after training, working on ball skills
and areas where I could improve. I finally made my breakthrough around
October time and came in at Manchester United, and this time I left feeling
pleased. I felt like I could make an impact and here I was playing for a
manager I would run through a brick wall for, as would the rest of the team.
I think this was the reason why we did so well that year.
We finished ninth but really should have got into Europe, along the way
playing some great football, and scoring some great goals. I also scored my
first goal for West Ham that season against Everton at home. Although we
ended up losing the match, it was a moment I will never forget. Scott Parker
made a great run and flicked the ball back for me and I managed to open my
body up and stick it in the top corner.
At that point as the ball struck the net, I felt a feeling I will maybe
never feel again - so much excitement, so much emotion and so much relief. I
had made history. I had scored in the Premier League. Not just for anyone,
but wearing the famous Claret and Blue.
It was at this point I felt the start of my special relationship with the
fans - one that has helped me through tough times and also many shared great
times. It was at this point I felt part of the West Ham family, a family I
was desperate to be part of I finally felt like I belonged.It was the
following season when tragedy struck and that I really realised what it was
to be part of that special family.
That night against Millwall in the Carling Cup will be remembered for many
reasons, but for me it showed me what the West Ham family is truly about -
real people, with real feelings who pulled me through the toughest time in
my life.
After playing Tottenham at home the previous weekend, my Dad unfortunately
died on the way to watch the game. At 20-years-old I was distraught to say
the least. I had lost not only my Dad but the man I had looked up to my
entire life. I made the decision to play in the Millwall game - something my
Dad would have wanted me to do. I was a mess, I remember walking onto the
team bus before the game and nearly bursting into tears. It was at that
point it began - team-mates picking me up, staff giving me words of
encouragement and then I walked out onto the pitch.
Wow! I was carried that night by every single person inside that stadium. My
legs were jelly, my head was all over the place and the lights were brighter
than ever before. I ran my socks off that night, so desperate to win and
when we went 1-0 down it was disaster. It was not looking like a memorable
way to give my Dad a proper send off, then Junior Stanislas scored and took
it to extra-time.
Then we won a penalty and I'm not a man of many regrets, but one of my
regrets is not stepping up and taking it. I knew Junior would score so I let
him take it and of course he did. I was so desperate to score and I even hit
the post.
As extra-time continued I slowly found myself looking round the stadium,
everywhere I looked I could feel people willing me to do well and showing me
support like you wouldn't believe. Zavon Hines nicked the next goal to make
it 3-1, and so much relief went through my body as I ran over to celebrate.
I remember thinking 'That's it, we've won' and it was at that point Zav
whispered to me, 'That's for your Dad'. At that moment I could feel the
tears starting to come.
What a gesture. Who better to score than someone I had shared digs with,
come through the youth team with and spent hours talking rubbish with. Zav
will never know how much that meant to me that evening and I'm not sure the
West Ham fans will either, but hopefully this will go some way towards that.
Jack Collison
That game should be remembered for one thing - the West Ham family uniting
and all coming together for one of their own. The staff, the players and the
fans carried me that night and that will live with me for the rest of my
life. I tried my hardest to thank everyone after the game when I walked
around the pitch, and it was at that precise moment I was overcome with
emotion and tears started to flow as reality once again set in.
Football was my escape, and I wasn't playing for anyone, I was playing for
West Ham, I was playing for every fan who carried my night, every fan who
took the time to write to me. I was playing for the memory of my father and,
after that night in particular, I always felt a special bond with the fans.
After this I experienced a nasty injury and witnessed the boys going through
relegation, helpless until the very last games, pulling my hair out, feeling
how every fan felt, kicking every ball from the stand.
I was chucked in for the Wigan game, and as hard as I tried I was helpless
to stop the end result and it was that day we were relegated. It was a
serious low in my career but it's after that game I promised myself I would
do everything in my power to help get West Ham back where they belong - the
Premier League.
The following season was possibly one of my most enjoyable in a West Ham
shirt. I made my biggest contribution towards the team in terms of goals and
games and was thoroughly enjoying my football under Sam Allardyce. Kevin
Nolan was a fantastic captain and we built an amazing team spirit that year.
Although we didn't get automatic promotion, the Play-Offs were one of the
best experiences of my life. I hope those two goals in the Play-Off
semi-final will go some way to paying the people back who stuck by me and
supported me.
Of course we won the final and celebrating on the pitch afterwards was an
amazing experience. Not just winning promotion, but winning promotion with
some of my best friends, was really fantastic.
I got another injury at the beginning of our first season back in the
Premier League and struggled after that to make enough of an impact. I hope
I'm remembered as someone who gave his all in every game. Even when things
weren't going well, I always tried my best to have a positive impact, not
just on pitch, but also off the pitch and around the training ground.
It's at this point I must thank the medical staff at West Ham. They have
stuck with me through everything and have been fantastic throughout. The
moody days, the down days, the rainy days, I have experienced every moment
alongside some of the best medical guys I have ever had the privilege of
working with. Through my darkest days, they keeping me going, but we also
experienced some great moments and my goal at Arsenal in January 2013 was
dedicated to the medical team for getting me back fit time and time again.
That moment has a special place and although we lost the game I had been
through an awful lot the previous seasons and felt we deserved to enjoy that
moment together, where it all began.
I must also thank all the other staff members who work day after day behind
the scenes making West Ham what it truly is. There are lots of unsung
heroes, too many to mention. They know who they are and I hope they know I
have fond memories with every single one of them.
And lastly, as I move forward with my own career, I would like to take this
opportunity to thank the fans once more. You have a fantastic set up, great
staff and some wonderful players. As you move closer to the Olympic Stadium
I wish you lots of luck.
I'm looking forward to coming back to the Boleyn before then, of course. You
deserve good times and I'm sure they are on the horizon. I'm sorry I didn't
get chance to say goodbye but I hope I will in the near future.
Not many can say they have had the honour of wearing the famous Claret and
Blue but I hope they know I truly feel blessed for the opportunity. I have
been lucky enough to work with some great people and during my time and have
played alongside some truly inspirational and talented players. As we part
ways I have many fond memories of West Ham as a Club and would like to once
more thank you for letting me be part of a very special family, one that you
will never truly understand until your part of it, one that I have
experienced every emotion known to man with - the West Ham family.
JC x
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'West Ham are my team'
WHUFC.com
West Ham United fan Lee Bowyer says Sam Allardyce knows the Barclays Premier
League inside out
31.05.2014
Lee Bowyer has played for England, in UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup
semi-finals and made nearly 400 Premier League appearances during a
successful career. The midfielder is also a lifelong West Ham United
supporter, played 71 games for the Club during two spells and keeps close
tabs on how his old side are progressing by chatting to former Hammers
team-mates Mark Noble and James Collins. Now 37, Bowyer believes West Ham
have a bright future to look forward to, both on and off the pitch, with a
third season back in the Barclays Premier League starting in August and a
move to the 54,000-capacity Olympic Stadium to follow in summer 2016. "I
always keep an eye out on how West Ham are doing," said Bowyer, who recently
pulled on a claret and blue shirt again to take part in a charity match at
the Boleyn Ground for Great Ormond Children's Hospital. "They're my team,
always will be. I still speak to some of the lads there like Nobes and
Ginge.
"I think they have done really well. They are still in the Premier League
again for another season. Some of it was tough during the last season but
when you look at what has gone on over the year, with the injuries to big
players, it's been a decent year considering all of that. "The team got
those players back and were able to push on a bit and get safe, which is
what they said they would do. I believe as long as Sam is there, West Ham
will remain in the Premier League."
Bowyer might have never played under Sam Allardyce himself, but he locked
horns with Big Sam's sides regularly during spells with Leeds United, West
Ham, Newcastle United and Birmingham City. During those duels, the Canning
Town-born player developed a great respect for the manager who he now
believes will steer West Ham safely towards the Club's move to Stratford.
"He is a manager that knows the league inside out and he gets results. He
can grind a result out and sometimes that is what you have to do, grind
results out. West Ham beat Spurs three times in one season. I don't think it
has been a bad season, ometimes you can't win pretty, you have to grind it
out and we did what we had to do at times when it was needed. "The Club,
although it is sad to leave the Boleyn Ground, are moving in the right
direction with the move to the Olympic Stadium."
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Strong squad to visit New Zealand
WHUFC.com
Manager Sam Allardyce is looking forward to taking his West Ham United squad
to New Zealand this summer
31.05.2014
Sam Allardyce has confirmed that he will be taking a strong West Ham United
squad to New Zealand this summer. The manager also revealed that he is
personally relishing the Hammers' Football United Tour, which will see his
players take on A-League sides Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC during a
week-long visit to the country. With tickets selling fast for the matches in
Auckland and Wellington on 23 and 26 July respectively, Big Sam is looking
forward to leading West Ham to a country that the Club has never visited
previously. "Myself, my staff and my players are all hugely looking forward
to visiting New Zealand in July," said the manager, whose squad includes New
Zealand national team captain Winston Reid. "Aside from taking West Ham
United to a part of the world where football and interest in the Club and
the Barclays Premier League continue to grow rapidly, the Football United
Tour will also form a central and important part of our pre-season schedule.
"We will be bringing a strong first-team squad to New Zealand, will be
training every day and playing two fixtures against quality opposition in
Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC."
More than 20,000 tickets have already been sold for the 26 July
double-header at Wellington's Westpac Stadium which also includes Newcastle
United's meeting with the Phoenix. With interest in the Football United Tour
high across New Zealand and Australia and only set to intensify as the
Hammers' visit approaches, Big Sam said everyone associated with the Club is
excited by the prospect of playing in front of large crowds. At the same
time, the matches will provide the manager with two opportunities to run the
rule over his squad ahead of the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season. "I
understand that tickets are selling very well and for West Ham to play in
front of a sell-out crowd would be something special," he enthused. "There
will be less than a month to go until the start of the 2014/15 Barclays
Premier League season when we visit and I am sure fans are excited about the
prospect of seeing the likes of Winston Reid, Andy Carroll and Mark Noble in
action alongside the exciting new signings we hope to have made by then. "I
have heard so many fantastic things about New Zealand from Winston, the
former All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen, who I worked with at Blackburn
Rovers, and my assistant Neil McDonald, who visited the country as a player.
I am sure we will enjoy a productive trip, on and off the pitch. "The
Football United Tour is an event everybody associated with West Ham is
relishing and I, for one, cannot wait!"
Football United Tour
Wellington Phoenix v West Ham United
Wednesday 23 July 2014, 7.30pm (local time)
Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand
Sydney FC v West Ham United
Saturday 26 July 2014, 2pm (local time)
Westpac Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand
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WEST HAM LINKED WITH THE OTHER VIDAL
By Sean Whetstone 1 Jun 2014 at 08:58
West Ham Till I Die
Not to be confused with Arturo Vidal who Manchester United are thought to
tempting Serie A champions Juventus with 50 million euro bid.
West Ham are rumoured to be tracking Spanish striker/winger Aleix Vidal. The
24-year-old scored six goals and assisted five other in 38 games as he
helped Almeria remain in the top-flight by the skin of their teeth and his
performances have alerted several Premier League clubs including Aston
Villa, Everton and Newcastle.
Vidal is valued around £4-million and widely recognised as talented but
unproven outside of La Liga, He has scored 17 goals from 120 first team
appearances fro Almeria.
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THE UNLIKELY TRANSFER
By Sean Whetstone 31 May 2014 at 16:21
West Ham Till I Die
My favourite transfer rumour this summer has got to be free agent Ashley
Cole being linked to a move to West Ham.
The 33 year old Left back who was born in East London was released by
Chelsea last week after his £200,000 per week contract came to an end. The
far fetched rumour suggests an un-named West Ham player spoke to Ashley in
attempt to lure him to East London at £100,000 per week. Carlton Cole is
known to be good friends with Ashley and he is reported to have met him
several times after training at Chadwell Heath.
Last January rumours also surfaced after Ashley Cole was pictured at West
Ham training ground on transfer deadline day with some Academy graduates. He
that occasion he transpired that Ashley had innocently gone to watch his
mates son play for the West Ham Under 16's.
With Ashley reportedly wanted Liverpool, Man City, Real Madrid, Arsenal.
Monaco and AC Milan I am not going to get my hopes up too high on this daft
rumour but it did make me smile. However the rumour was enough for Sky Bet
and Bet Victor to slash their odds on him joining West Ham to 14/1 from 25/1
before the rumour surfaced.
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Zarate wage shows things are changing
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 1, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Skipper Kevin Nolan is expected to come under serious pressure for his place
from new signing Mauro Zarate from the first kick of the new season. The 27
year old Argentine has arrived at Upton Park as a front line striker who has
everything in his locker. He is well known to the owners who took him to
Birmingham City on loan back in 2008 and although the team was relegated, he
showed enough for the pair to bring him back to West Ham six years later.
ClaretandHugh has learned that Zarate is a very serious arrival on wages
understood to be in the region of £40,000 a week over three years – an
outlay of just under £6 million plus bonuses. And although manager Sam
Allardyce has rarely been associated with a 'Little and Large' combination
upfront – more often than not relying on just a big target man – Zarate will
be expected to play from the start. A senior source explained exclusively to
ClaretandHugh: "Given their knowledge of the player this looks like a
signing driven by the co owners. "Zarate has lots of pace, movement and
trickery and on the wages that are being paid out he will be expected to
play. "And with a full pre-season ahead of him there can be no claims about
fitness issues so it seems that the style of play is definitely going to
change. "Obviously, someone is going to have to make way and there's a big
feeling around the place the main sufferer may be the captain but it's early
days. "However, Nolan has been Andy Carroll's main foil previously but it's
now Zarate who will be seen as the one to feed off those tasty knockdowns."
The cynical view that this may have been a buy to sweeten season ticket
sales is simply not true with Zarate's understood wages to be the giveaway.
This is a serious footballer who is here to help take West Ham back to their
entertaining roots. Without a doubt things are changing at the Boleyn!
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Ross McCormack set to leave Leeds over treatment of Brian McDermott... with
West Ham, Celtic and Leicester interested
By DAVID KENT
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 31 May 2014 | UPDATED: 22:30, 31 May 2014
Ross McCormack is set to leave cash-strapped Leeds United after manager
Brian McDermott lost his job. McCormack, 27, was the Championship's top
scorer last season with 29 goals and the Scotland striker handed much of the
credit to McDermott, who spent less than 14 months in the job. McCormack,
rated by Leeds at about £8million, is wanted by a host of clubs headed by
Celtic, West Ham, Leicester and Malaga.
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Irons plan heart to heart with Ravel as QPR wait
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 31, 2014 in Whispers
ClaretandHugh Exclusive
West Ham plan heart to heart talks with Ravel Morrison when he returns to
Chadwell Heath for pre-season training! The club will do everything in its
power to ensure that the England under 21 is as settled, happy and as "back
at home" as possible ahead of the new season. After a difficult 2013-14
which finally saw the player sent out on loan to Queens Park Rangers,
ClaretandHugh has learned there's "no way the club is giving up on Ravel and
a Boleyn future."
A trusted ClaretandHugh source was keen to point out that the controversies
surrounding Ravel and his contractual position have been "vastly blown out
of all proportion." That was a reference to allegations that efforts had
been made to woo him into agent Mark Curtis' stable. Our source said:
"Forget all that – it was never a serious issue. Rav is a man who knows his
own mind and has his own advisers – end of story. "The real problem was that
Sam Allardyce – as is his right – decided in the middle of a relegation
battle that Matt Taylor was a better for the circumstances and Ravel was
perhaps disappointed by that having been playing regularly." He added: "We
intend being there for Rav – we understand his personality and that he
needs to feel wanted, included and valued. "We shall be assuring him he has
the same chances as every other player and we will listen to everything he
has to say. "He has a year left on his contract at West Ham and we would
love to believe he can settle down to a long term future with us. "It's all
in his hands and we'll do all we can for him. We don't want unhappy players
in the squad."
Our source confirmed that there had been no contact from QPR whom it is
believed may be hoping to make Morrison's loan deal permanent. However,
having been ignored by manager Harry Redknapp for the Championship play-off
final amid fresh stories of a groin injury, interest may have waned.
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David Gold criticises Glen Johnson performance
on March 5, 2014© Getty Images
By Sian Cowper, Reporter
Filed: Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 12:55 UK
Last Updated: Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 13:17 UK
David Gold has described Glen Johnson's performance as "poor" following
England's 3-0 win over Peru in their final home match before the World Cup.
The Liverpool defender was in Roy Hodgson's starting lineup for the
international friendly at Wembley Stadium. The West Ham United co-chairman
wrote on Twitter: "I thought Glen Johnson was poor tonight but I was really
impressed with Adam [Lallana]." The 29-year-old started his career at West
Ham before moving to Chelsea in 2003.
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Saturday, May 31
Daily WHUFC News - 31st May 2014
Sheringham returns
WHUFC.com
Former West Ham United and England forward Teddy Sheringham has joined the
Club as an attacking coach
29.05.2014
West Ham United are delighted to announce the news that former West Ham
United and England striker Teddy Sheringham has returned to the Club as an
attacking coach. Sheringham will join Sam Allardyce's existing backroom
staff for the start of pre-season, with the specific remit of developing the
Club's attacking play. The 48-year-old, who joins the Club on a part-time
basis, admitted he jumped at the chance to join forces with Big Sam at the
Boleyn Ground.
"I'm very excited. Sam phoned me a week or so ago and asked me if I fancied
it. It was far too good to resist really," said childhood West Ham fan
Sheringham, who played alongside Big Sam at Millwall as a youngster and has
known the manager for more than 30 years. "Being a West Ham boy and coming
from the area, it fits nicely in all that I'm about, what with working
alongside Sam and knowing a few of the players as well. They've got a lot of
respect for Sam, they speak very highly of him and to know that's the case
made me want to get involved. "I know the environment, I know everything
about West Ham, so it was just too good an opportunity to turn down. "I've
had a couple of offers since I've been out of the game, which didn't feel
quite right but, when this came along, it felt just right for me. I'm
delighted to be coming back to the Club."
With the likes of Andy Carroll, Carlton Cole and the newly-recruited Mauro
Zarate set to be under his tutelage, Sheringham is keen to share all his
experience and expertise. He continued: "Having played as a striker for
years, Sam wants me to add something along those lines. Anything I can do to
be of help, I'm very willing. "I obviously know Carroll, Cole and Kevin
Nolan and I understand there'll be a few more forward players that I could
be working with and alongside to help improve."
A former Premier League Golden Boot winner and scorer of 147 top-flight
goals, Sheringham will be asked to pass on his extensive knowledge to the
Hammers' forwards as the Club targets more entertainment on the pitch next
season. The 48-year-old already possesses a deep understanding of the
culture at West Ham, having spent three seasons at the Boleyn Ground as a
player from 2004. In his first year, he helped the Club earn promotion to
the Premier League via the Play-Offs, before featuring in the FA Cup final
with Liverpool the following year. He was voted Hammer of the Year and the
league's Player of the Year for his efforts during the 2004/05 campaign.
Sheringham enjoyed a glittering playing career prior to joining the Hammers,
winning the UEFA Champions League, three Premier League titles and an FA Cup
with Manchester United. After starting his career with Millwall, the forward
also starred in the colours of Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur and
Portsmouth before ending his career with Colchester United in 2008 at the
age of 42. He also excelled for England, earning 51 caps and scoring eleven
goals and playing at two FIFA World Cups and the UEFA European Championship
finals in 1996.
In addition to the individual honours he won with West Ham, Sheringham was
voted into the Premier League Team of the Year and named both PFA Players'
Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year in for 2000/01.
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Big Sam hails Sheringham signing
WHUFc.com
Manager Sam Allardyce was delighted to secure Teddy Sheringham as West Ham
United's new attacking coach
30.05.2014
Sam Allardyce is looking forward to seeing what old friend Teddy Sheringham
can do as West Ham United's new attacking coach. Big Sam has added the
former Hammers, Manchester United and England forward to his backroom staff,
with Sheringham initially returning to the Club on a part-time basis.
Having known the 48-year-old since his days as an apprentice at Millwall in
the early 1980s, the West Ham manager knows that his new charge has the
quality to make a real difference to his team's offensive play. "Teddy was
interested in coming into coaching at this stage so we're obviously glad to
have him on board to give us a new outlook on how we are working with our
attacking players," confirmed Big Sam. "We hope he can give some individual
expertise and one-on-one coaching with our attacking lads to hopefully help
us to score a few more goals. "Everybody knows how long he played, into his
forties, and he spent the latter part of his career at West Ham so he knows
all about the Club and we're all looking forward to him joining us and being
part of our very highly qualified staff. "Teddy is somebody who I knew as a
very young apprentice at Millwall when I was playing there, so obviously
from those days it was interesting to see how he developed into an
outstanding individual in terms of what he achieved as a footballer."
The manager revealed that Sheringham, who scored nearly 361 goals in 959
games for club and country during a glittering 24-year playing career, had
no hesitation in agreeing to his request to join the Hammers. "I rang Teddy
up to see if he was interested and he jumped at the chance," Big Sam
confirmed. "Obviously, he will come in and work specifically with the
attacking players, so it's a part-time role to start with and we'll how it
goes and develops after that.
"He brings many things - his experience and knowledge as a player, his
technical ability and then the sort of things he might have done in the box
to make that little bit more space. "It's breaking it down into a very
specific basis so the players can take it on board, learn from it and
hopefully adapt it on the field to use those techniques to make space and
put the ball in the back of the net."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Teddy Sheringham returns to West Ham as attacking coach
BBC.co.uk
Former West Ham forward Teddy Sheringham has rejoined the Premier League
club as an attacking coach. Sheringham, who spent three seasons at Upton
Park between 2004-07, joins Sam Allardyce's back-room staff with the aim of
improving the club's goal tally. The Hammers scored just 40 league goals in
38 games last season and signed Argentine striker Mario Zarate on Wednesday
to help address the problem. Sheringham, 48, said of the job offer: "It was
far too good to resist really."
Teddy Sheringham fact file
1988 - Wins promotion to the First Division with Millwall
1993 - Wins Premier League Golden Boot with Tottenham
1999 - Wins Champions League, Premier League & FA Cup with Manchester United
2000 - Wins Premier League with Manchester United
2001 - Wins Premier League with Manchester United and voted PFA Players'
Player of the Year award
2005 - Wins promotion to Premier League with West Ham
He added: "Being a West Ham boy and coming from the area, it fits nicely in
all that I'm about, what with working alongside Sam and knowing a few of the
players as well." West Ham finished 13th last season and Allardyce has been
asked by the board to deliver a more attacking style of play. Sheringham is
a former Premier League Golden Boot winner and scorer of 147 top-flight
goals. As a player, he won the Champions League, three Premier League titles
and an FA Cup with Manchester United following a transfer from Tottenham in
1997. Upon joining the Hammers in 2004 - via a second spell at Spurs and a
season at Portsmouth - he helped the club earn promotion to the Premier
League and played in the FA Cup final defeat against Liverpool the following
year. He was voted Hammer of the Year and the league's Player of the Year
for his efforts during the 2004-05 campaign. He also excelled for England,
earning 51 caps and scoring 11 goals and playing at two World Cups and the
European Championship finals in 1996. Sheringham played alongside Allardyce
at Millwall as a youngster and has known the Hammers manager for more than
30 years. He is currently completing his coaching qualifications.
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Teddy as she goes
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 30th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed the appointment of Teddy Sheringham as the
club's new attacking coach. Following an end-of-season board meeting it was
decided that Sam Allardyce incorporate a new, forward-thinking coach ahead
of the new 2014/15 campaign which begins in August. And as revealed here on
KUMB earlier in the week, Sheringham has been appointed to the part time
role. "Sam phoned me a week or so ago and asked me if I fancied it. It was
far too good to resist really," Sheringham told whufc.com. "I know the
environment, I know everything about West Ham, so it was just too good an
opportunity to turn down. "Having played as a striker for years, Sam wants
me to add something along those lines. Anything I can do to be of help, I'm
very willing. "I obviously know Carroll, Cole and Kevin Nolan and I
understand there'll be a few more forward players that I could be working
with and alongside to help improve. "I've had a couple of offers since I've
been out of the game, which didn't feel quite right but, when this came
along, it felt just right for me. I'm delighted to be coming back to the
Club." Sheringham, now 48, spent three years at West Ham as a player between
2004 and 2007. His 87 appearances for the club produced 30 goals.
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West Ham confirm Teddy Sheringham as attacking coach
Last Updated: 30/05/14 4:44pm
SSN
Former West Ham striker Teddy Sheringham has returned to Upton Park as an
attacking coach. Sheringham spent three years at West Ham between 2004 and
2007, scoring 30 goals in just 49 appearances. The 48-year-old will join the
club on a part-time basis, and Sheringham admitted he had no hesitation in
taking the role after talks with West Ham boss Sam Allardyce. Sheringham
said: "I'm very excited. Sam phoned me a week or so ago and asked me if I
fancied it. It was far too good to resist really. "Being a West Ham boy and
coming from the area, it fits nicely in all that I'm about, what with
working alongside Sam and knowing a few of the players as well. "I know the
environment, I know everything about West Ham, so it was just too good an
opportunity to turn down."
Teddy Sheringham "They've got a lot of respect for Sam, they speak very
highly of him and to know that's the case made me want to get involved. "I
know the environment, I know everything about West Ham, so it was just too
good an opportunity to turn down. "I've had a couple of offers since I've
been out of the game, which didn't feel quite right but, when this came
along, it felt just right for me. I'm delighted to be coming back to the
club." The Hammers struggled to score goals last season, managing just 40 in
38 Premier League matches. And the team's top scorer in the league was
midfielder Kevin Nolan, with seven
goals.
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ive Premier League clubs chasing French striker Bafetimbi Gomis
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo | Last Updated: 30/05/14
3:37pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands five Premier League clubs are battling it out to land
former Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis. Gomis is one of the most sought-after
free agents in the transfer market after seeing out his contract at Lyon.
The 28-year-old is being chased by a number of clubs across Europe, having
scored over 100 goals in Ligue 1 during his career. The likes of West Ham,
Sunderland and Swansea are all thought to be admirers of Gomis and the
player has been in England to talk to interested clubs this week. Gomis'
representative, Willie McKay, has confirmed he has spoken to five clubs
about the striker and that one club in particular are making a concerted
effort to land the France international. "I am speaking to five Premier
League clubs about Bafetimbi and it is no surprise there is a lot of
interest in him as he is one of the best free agents out there," McKay told
Sky Sports. "I am speaking to one very ambitious chairman of an ambitious
club and they are very keen to sign him and Bafetimbi will go to a club who
proves they really want him. "The club who are really pushing for him have
held a long-term interest in him and made a big bid for him before when he
was under contract at Lyon."
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WILL WEST HAM CASH IN ON ONE OF THEIR FIRST TEAM REGULARS?
By S J Chandos 30 May 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
So, its one incoming deal dompleted and, if reports are to be believed, a
number of other targets lined up. Zarate is a good addition because, as Sam
Allardyce has stated, he brings something different that has hitherto been
absent from the squad. The Argentinian has skill, pace and the ability to do
the unexpected. The interesting thing is where he will be regularly
deployed, whether playing behind the main striker, alongside him in a 4-4-2,
as the main focal point of the attack or on the left of a front three in a
4-3-3. But, of course, the key thing is that he can play in all four roles
and that brings flexibility and alternative options that can be utilised in
different matches/phases of matches. However, this will be the ultimate
litmus test of a 'born again,' attack minded, Sam Allardyce; will he
actually actively use those options to best effect or will he revert to type
and stick to the same old favoured approach that we saw far too often last
season. Personally, I feel that 'reverting 'to type' is not an option and
the Manager will seek to exploit the new found diversity of tactical
alternatives in the squad. If the board fund the acquisition of new players,
to facilitate a more attacking style, then it would make no sense for the
manager not to utilise the improved tools/assets at his disposal. And
especially so in the current climate of heightened board expectation and
scrutiny!
Signing Zarate is a good start, especially on a Bosman deal. He has prior
Premier League experience and hopefully has matured, as a player, since his
Lazio days. We must encourage him to apply his undoubted creativity and do
the 'unexpected,' the only caveat being that he should also demonstrate good
decision-making on the ball to determine when to release the ball or make an
individual attempt on goal. With a player like Zarate, a balance needs to be
struck between giving free reign to his creative instincts and ensuring he
plays effectively within a team framework. I am sure that crucial balance
will be successfully struck next season. Although, it was formerly a factor
at Milan and Lazio, where the latter club allegedly had a 'assist' incentive
payment scheme to encourage him to resist going it alone, when better goal
scoring options were available.
Arguably, the ideal follow up deal would be to sign a striker of Bafetimbi
Gomis' quality. As his agent, Willie McKay correctly states, 'he is quick,
strong and, most importantly, scores goals.' Gomis can both play alongside
Carroll and provide direct competition in leading the attack. Indeed, unlike
a recent import from the French League, such as Maiga, he appears very well
equipped to adapt to the peculiar demands/challenges of PL football and
proceed to make a positive impact. We face competition from Swansea and
Sunderland, but hopefully, we can offer winning Bosman terms and exploit the
geographical advantage deriving from being London based. A lot will depend
upon the Manager's input and convincing Gomis that there will be genuine
competition with Carroll and, indeed, that a Carroll-Gomis combination is a
viable selection. But, again, this is the name of the game, having options,
different formations/tactics and healthy, keen and ongoing competition
within the squad. That is what I have consistently called for over the last
two seasons and, hopefully now, it is finally materialising! That is the
path forward, the way that we will drive up performance standards and
progress as a club.
In terms of other transfer targets, M'Baye Niang undoubtedly has talent and
potential. The question is whether he will knuckle down and productively
apply his talent or if other issues/factors might predominate? At 19 years
of age, time is on his side and with careful handling, he could become an
asset. At the end of the day, Niang might not fancy a loan move to east
London, he certainly does not appear to be rushing with undecent haste to
open negotiations with the club! One player I sincerely hope that we do land
is Anderlecht's Cheikhou Kouyate. He is posed to become a major talent and
brings the flexibility to play both at centre-back and as a defensive
midfielder. If selected in the latter role, he could form a great dual
midfield anchor with Mark Noble, providing strength and power along side
Noble's workrate, vision and passing ability. They would certainly shield
the defence, provide the extra assurance for the likes of Zarate, Gomis and
Downing to be adventurous going forward and, crucially, allow the full-backs
to provide vital attacking support down the flanks. I guess a Noble-Barry
could also do likewise; you certainly know what you are getting with Gareth
Barry, with the experience and track record that he brings to the table. Its
just whether, if we can close a deal for Kouyate, its better to go for the
long-term over the more immediate, short-term option. Personally, I think
Kouyate is the way to go, if there is a choice.
We are also being linked with a number of other players, such as Martin
Olsson, Seb Larson, Jack Colbeck and Robert Snodgrass. Time will tell if
these stories have any substance. However, it is an interesting question
whether Sam Allardyce might need to supplement the alleged c.£20m transfer
budget to complete the rebuilding of the squad this summer? If so, could
that mean an exit for at least one first team regular (preferably not
Winston Reid) to facilitate new incoming deals? Could we, for instance, sell
Diame, or even Jarvis, to generate new funds and shuffle the pack within the
squad? Maybe, if circumstances dictate and the position(s) are covered by
new arrivals. But in the first instance, the club should try to generate
some income from the sale of fringe players, like Maiga and Vaz Te. The club
has freed up the wage bill by granting free transfers to the likes of
McCartney, Cole and Collison, but it is important that outgoing sales are
also well managed. We must avoid the retention of surplus players, on large
salaries, who are sitting on and winding down their contracts. The objective
must be to avoid future Bosmans and secure some sort of sell on value that
can then be re-invested in the first team squad rebuild.
Finally, a word on the pending appointment of Teddy Sheringham to the
coaching staff. It is potentially a very smart move. Sheringham was a
striker of intelligence, technique, vision and touch and he has the
experience/knowledge to positively improve our forward play. I have no doubt
that he can be a success as our new Attacking Coach, but more than that, he
could eventually even develop in to a future West Ham manager. What would be
ideal is if the likes of Teddy Sheringham, Steve Potts and one or two other
ex-Hammers came to form the spine of the coaching staff, we started to
develop future management prospects internally and there was a system of
succession planning adopted. The type of succession system that Liverpool
formerly operated via their so-called 'boot room' and Ron Greenwood sought
to introduce to England in the 1980s.
Now that would be another positive step forward in re-affirming the 'West
Ham Way.' Whether it could happen under the present management set up is a
point of conjecture!
SJ. Chandos.
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QPR in for Joleon Lescott transfer swoop after West Ham talks fell through
May 30, 2014 22:30 By Football Spy
The Mirror
Newly promoted QPR are close to signing central defender Joleon Lescott. The
out-of-contract Manchester City defender has also held talks with West Ham,
but they were put off by his wage demands. QPR boss Harry Redknapp will also
sign Wolves' on-loan striker Kevin Doyle in a £1m deal. Wolves are ready to
sell, as they want Doyle off their wage bill. Doyle joined Rangers on loan
in January and scored two goals in 11 appearances. He has a year left on his
contract at Wolves. Doyle, 30, has spent the last five years at Wolves,
following his £6.5m move from Reading, and he has scored 33 goals in 173
games.
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Jack Colback may leave Sunderland for £50,000-a-week deal at West Ham
The Guardian
Louise Taylor
Friday 30 May 2014 17.26 BST
West Ham United seem set to prise Jack Colback away from Sunderland. The
midfielder is a free agent and finds himself in demand from not only his
current manager, Gus Poyet, but also Newcastle United and Swansea City.
Sam Allardyce, though, is prepared to offer Colback a four-year contract
worth around £50,000 a week – a sum his rivals will not compete with and
which would quadruple the 24-year-old's current deal.
In the wake of their escape from relegation, Sunderland are fighting hard to
keep the boyhood Newcastle fan – who was receptive to a switch to St James'
Park – but fear they may have lost a player they attempted to tie to a new
contract throughout much of the season just ended. Indeed the only hope
Poyet and Pardew can cling to is Colback's reluctance to relocate his wife
and two small children from the north-east.
Allardyce believes the Tynesider, regularly watched by Everton last season,
as precisely the sort of technically adroit midfielder who can assist him in
his attempts to appease both fans and the Upton Park board by making West
Ham rather more easy on the eye.
Although, at first glance, the package on offer seems extraordinarily
generous West Ham believe the lack of a transfer fee justifies such
investment on wages.
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£5 million wage savings at Upton Park
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 30, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The Hammers have made £5 million available to themselves on the wage bill to
help with new signings this summer. And it looks as though most of that will
be used in the bid to tempt Sunderland's Jack Colback to join the Boleyn
boys. News broke earlier today that the Sunderland midfielder is to be
offered around £50k a week to join the Irons. However, a source has revealed
to Claretandhugh exclusively that in fact "it's nearer £45k or about £5.5
million over a three year contract. A ClaretandHugh exclusive probe shows
that already that £5 million of that has been released off the Hammers
annual wage bill with the departures of Joe Cole, Jack Collison and George
McCartney. Cole's combined weekly wage with add-ons was thought to add up to
£40,000 per week while Collison and McCartney were closer to £30,000 per
week. This has left sufficient funds to bring in Colback who may well be
heralded as the club's marquee signing having been hailed by Sam Allardyce
as the best free signing on the market. The ending of loan deals with Roger
Johnson, Pablo Armero, Antonio Nocerino and Marco Borriello will also push
up the amount available on wages as West Ham look to balance the budget
while keeping within the Premier League financial fair play rules.
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COLBACK 'TREBLE YOUR MONEY' OFFER
By Sean Whetstone 31 May 2014 at 08:08
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham look in a good place to beat Newcastle to signing of out of
contract Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback
West Ham have upped the ante in the race for Jack Colback's signature with a
'treble your money' offer to the 24 year old. It is claimed that deal is all
but certain to scupper both Sunderland and Newcastle United's hopes of
keeping the player in the North East.Sam Allardyce has identified
Sunderland's young Academy product as the best value of the Bosman
midfielders around.A wage offer in the region of £50,000 a week is seen as
economically justifiable for a player who would have been rated in the £4m
bracket had he been under contract, and who was on Everton's radar last
season. It is believed Sunderland and Newcastle are not prepared to go
anywhere near that figure for the player.
Sunderland had substantially improved the derisory offer made to Colback
last summer by former director of football Roberto De Fanti.Newcastle have
been monitoring Colback's situation closely, but have yet to make an offer
and are not expected to do so now in light of the West Ham development. The
only hope of newly-married Colback staying in the North East is if the
player himself and his family decide to stay in the region. But it is hard
to see how he can turn down such a lucrative offer. Colback is still
believed to be on his honeymoon and will make a decision on his return.
Former Hammer and Sunderland chief scout Bryan 'Pop' Robson said: "He is a
tidy player – a very good player for Sunderland and I think he has really
come on in the last couple of seasons" Jack is often compared to Paul
Scholes, a comparison he is more than happy with.
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WHUFC.com
Former West Ham United and England forward Teddy Sheringham has joined the
Club as an attacking coach
29.05.2014
West Ham United are delighted to announce the news that former West Ham
United and England striker Teddy Sheringham has returned to the Club as an
attacking coach. Sheringham will join Sam Allardyce's existing backroom
staff for the start of pre-season, with the specific remit of developing the
Club's attacking play. The 48-year-old, who joins the Club on a part-time
basis, admitted he jumped at the chance to join forces with Big Sam at the
Boleyn Ground.
"I'm very excited. Sam phoned me a week or so ago and asked me if I fancied
it. It was far too good to resist really," said childhood West Ham fan
Sheringham, who played alongside Big Sam at Millwall as a youngster and has
known the manager for more than 30 years. "Being a West Ham boy and coming
from the area, it fits nicely in all that I'm about, what with working
alongside Sam and knowing a few of the players as well. They've got a lot of
respect for Sam, they speak very highly of him and to know that's the case
made me want to get involved. "I know the environment, I know everything
about West Ham, so it was just too good an opportunity to turn down. "I've
had a couple of offers since I've been out of the game, which didn't feel
quite right but, when this came along, it felt just right for me. I'm
delighted to be coming back to the Club."
With the likes of Andy Carroll, Carlton Cole and the newly-recruited Mauro
Zarate set to be under his tutelage, Sheringham is keen to share all his
experience and expertise. He continued: "Having played as a striker for
years, Sam wants me to add something along those lines. Anything I can do to
be of help, I'm very willing. "I obviously know Carroll, Cole and Kevin
Nolan and I understand there'll be a few more forward players that I could
be working with and alongside to help improve."
A former Premier League Golden Boot winner and scorer of 147 top-flight
goals, Sheringham will be asked to pass on his extensive knowledge to the
Hammers' forwards as the Club targets more entertainment on the pitch next
season. The 48-year-old already possesses a deep understanding of the
culture at West Ham, having spent three seasons at the Boleyn Ground as a
player from 2004. In his first year, he helped the Club earn promotion to
the Premier League via the Play-Offs, before featuring in the FA Cup final
with Liverpool the following year. He was voted Hammer of the Year and the
league's Player of the Year for his efforts during the 2004/05 campaign.
Sheringham enjoyed a glittering playing career prior to joining the Hammers,
winning the UEFA Champions League, three Premier League titles and an FA Cup
with Manchester United. After starting his career with Millwall, the forward
also starred in the colours of Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur and
Portsmouth before ending his career with Colchester United in 2008 at the
age of 42. He also excelled for England, earning 51 caps and scoring eleven
goals and playing at two FIFA World Cups and the UEFA European Championship
finals in 1996.
In addition to the individual honours he won with West Ham, Sheringham was
voted into the Premier League Team of the Year and named both PFA Players'
Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year in for 2000/01.
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Big Sam hails Sheringham signing
WHUFc.com
Manager Sam Allardyce was delighted to secure Teddy Sheringham as West Ham
United's new attacking coach
30.05.2014
Sam Allardyce is looking forward to seeing what old friend Teddy Sheringham
can do as West Ham United's new attacking coach. Big Sam has added the
former Hammers, Manchester United and England forward to his backroom staff,
with Sheringham initially returning to the Club on a part-time basis.
Having known the 48-year-old since his days as an apprentice at Millwall in
the early 1980s, the West Ham manager knows that his new charge has the
quality to make a real difference to his team's offensive play. "Teddy was
interested in coming into coaching at this stage so we're obviously glad to
have him on board to give us a new outlook on how we are working with our
attacking players," confirmed Big Sam. "We hope he can give some individual
expertise and one-on-one coaching with our attacking lads to hopefully help
us to score a few more goals. "Everybody knows how long he played, into his
forties, and he spent the latter part of his career at West Ham so he knows
all about the Club and we're all looking forward to him joining us and being
part of our very highly qualified staff. "Teddy is somebody who I knew as a
very young apprentice at Millwall when I was playing there, so obviously
from those days it was interesting to see how he developed into an
outstanding individual in terms of what he achieved as a footballer."
The manager revealed that Sheringham, who scored nearly 361 goals in 959
games for club and country during a glittering 24-year playing career, had
no hesitation in agreeing to his request to join the Hammers. "I rang Teddy
up to see if he was interested and he jumped at the chance," Big Sam
confirmed. "Obviously, he will come in and work specifically with the
attacking players, so it's a part-time role to start with and we'll how it
goes and develops after that.
"He brings many things - his experience and knowledge as a player, his
technical ability and then the sort of things he might have done in the box
to make that little bit more space. "It's breaking it down into a very
specific basis so the players can take it on board, learn from it and
hopefully adapt it on the field to use those techniques to make space and
put the ball in the back of the net."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Teddy Sheringham returns to West Ham as attacking coach
BBC.co.uk
Former West Ham forward Teddy Sheringham has rejoined the Premier League
club as an attacking coach. Sheringham, who spent three seasons at Upton
Park between 2004-07, joins Sam Allardyce's back-room staff with the aim of
improving the club's goal tally. The Hammers scored just 40 league goals in
38 games last season and signed Argentine striker Mario Zarate on Wednesday
to help address the problem. Sheringham, 48, said of the job offer: "It was
far too good to resist really."
Teddy Sheringham fact file
1988 - Wins promotion to the First Division with Millwall
1993 - Wins Premier League Golden Boot with Tottenham
1999 - Wins Champions League, Premier League & FA Cup with Manchester United
2000 - Wins Premier League with Manchester United
2001 - Wins Premier League with Manchester United and voted PFA Players'
Player of the Year award
2005 - Wins promotion to Premier League with West Ham
He added: "Being a West Ham boy and coming from the area, it fits nicely in
all that I'm about, what with working alongside Sam and knowing a few of the
players as well." West Ham finished 13th last season and Allardyce has been
asked by the board to deliver a more attacking style of play. Sheringham is
a former Premier League Golden Boot winner and scorer of 147 top-flight
goals. As a player, he won the Champions League, three Premier League titles
and an FA Cup with Manchester United following a transfer from Tottenham in
1997. Upon joining the Hammers in 2004 - via a second spell at Spurs and a
season at Portsmouth - he helped the club earn promotion to the Premier
League and played in the FA Cup final defeat against Liverpool the following
year. He was voted Hammer of the Year and the league's Player of the Year
for his efforts during the 2004-05 campaign. He also excelled for England,
earning 51 caps and scoring 11 goals and playing at two World Cups and the
European Championship finals in 1996. Sheringham played alongside Allardyce
at Millwall as a youngster and has known the Hammers manager for more than
30 years. He is currently completing his coaching qualifications.
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Teddy as she goes
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 30th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed the appointment of Teddy Sheringham as the
club's new attacking coach. Following an end-of-season board meeting it was
decided that Sam Allardyce incorporate a new, forward-thinking coach ahead
of the new 2014/15 campaign which begins in August. And as revealed here on
KUMB earlier in the week, Sheringham has been appointed to the part time
role. "Sam phoned me a week or so ago and asked me if I fancied it. It was
far too good to resist really," Sheringham told whufc.com. "I know the
environment, I know everything about West Ham, so it was just too good an
opportunity to turn down. "Having played as a striker for years, Sam wants
me to add something along those lines. Anything I can do to be of help, I'm
very willing. "I obviously know Carroll, Cole and Kevin Nolan and I
understand there'll be a few more forward players that I could be working
with and alongside to help improve. "I've had a couple of offers since I've
been out of the game, which didn't feel quite right but, when this came
along, it felt just right for me. I'm delighted to be coming back to the
Club." Sheringham, now 48, spent three years at West Ham as a player between
2004 and 2007. His 87 appearances for the club produced 30 goals.
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West Ham confirm Teddy Sheringham as attacking coach
Last Updated: 30/05/14 4:44pm
SSN
Former West Ham striker Teddy Sheringham has returned to Upton Park as an
attacking coach. Sheringham spent three years at West Ham between 2004 and
2007, scoring 30 goals in just 49 appearances. The 48-year-old will join the
club on a part-time basis, and Sheringham admitted he had no hesitation in
taking the role after talks with West Ham boss Sam Allardyce. Sheringham
said: "I'm very excited. Sam phoned me a week or so ago and asked me if I
fancied it. It was far too good to resist really. "Being a West Ham boy and
coming from the area, it fits nicely in all that I'm about, what with
working alongside Sam and knowing a few of the players as well. "I know the
environment, I know everything about West Ham, so it was just too good an
opportunity to turn down."
Teddy Sheringham "They've got a lot of respect for Sam, they speak very
highly of him and to know that's the case made me want to get involved. "I
know the environment, I know everything about West Ham, so it was just too
good an opportunity to turn down. "I've had a couple of offers since I've
been out of the game, which didn't feel quite right but, when this came
along, it felt just right for me. I'm delighted to be coming back to the
club." The Hammers struggled to score goals last season, managing just 40 in
38 Premier League matches. And the team's top scorer in the league was
midfielder Kevin Nolan, with seven
goals.
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ive Premier League clubs chasing French striker Bafetimbi Gomis
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo | Last Updated: 30/05/14
3:37pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands five Premier League clubs are battling it out to land
former Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis. Gomis is one of the most sought-after
free agents in the transfer market after seeing out his contract at Lyon.
The 28-year-old is being chased by a number of clubs across Europe, having
scored over 100 goals in Ligue 1 during his career. The likes of West Ham,
Sunderland and Swansea are all thought to be admirers of Gomis and the
player has been in England to talk to interested clubs this week. Gomis'
representative, Willie McKay, has confirmed he has spoken to five clubs
about the striker and that one club in particular are making a concerted
effort to land the France international. "I am speaking to five Premier
League clubs about Bafetimbi and it is no surprise there is a lot of
interest in him as he is one of the best free agents out there," McKay told
Sky Sports. "I am speaking to one very ambitious chairman of an ambitious
club and they are very keen to sign him and Bafetimbi will go to a club who
proves they really want him. "The club who are really pushing for him have
held a long-term interest in him and made a big bid for him before when he
was under contract at Lyon."
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WILL WEST HAM CASH IN ON ONE OF THEIR FIRST TEAM REGULARS?
By S J Chandos 30 May 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
So, its one incoming deal dompleted and, if reports are to be believed, a
number of other targets lined up. Zarate is a good addition because, as Sam
Allardyce has stated, he brings something different that has hitherto been
absent from the squad. The Argentinian has skill, pace and the ability to do
the unexpected. The interesting thing is where he will be regularly
deployed, whether playing behind the main striker, alongside him in a 4-4-2,
as the main focal point of the attack or on the left of a front three in a
4-3-3. But, of course, the key thing is that he can play in all four roles
and that brings flexibility and alternative options that can be utilised in
different matches/phases of matches. However, this will be the ultimate
litmus test of a 'born again,' attack minded, Sam Allardyce; will he
actually actively use those options to best effect or will he revert to type
and stick to the same old favoured approach that we saw far too often last
season. Personally, I feel that 'reverting 'to type' is not an option and
the Manager will seek to exploit the new found diversity of tactical
alternatives in the squad. If the board fund the acquisition of new players,
to facilitate a more attacking style, then it would make no sense for the
manager not to utilise the improved tools/assets at his disposal. And
especially so in the current climate of heightened board expectation and
scrutiny!
Signing Zarate is a good start, especially on a Bosman deal. He has prior
Premier League experience and hopefully has matured, as a player, since his
Lazio days. We must encourage him to apply his undoubted creativity and do
the 'unexpected,' the only caveat being that he should also demonstrate good
decision-making on the ball to determine when to release the ball or make an
individual attempt on goal. With a player like Zarate, a balance needs to be
struck between giving free reign to his creative instincts and ensuring he
plays effectively within a team framework. I am sure that crucial balance
will be successfully struck next season. Although, it was formerly a factor
at Milan and Lazio, where the latter club allegedly had a 'assist' incentive
payment scheme to encourage him to resist going it alone, when better goal
scoring options were available.
Arguably, the ideal follow up deal would be to sign a striker of Bafetimbi
Gomis' quality. As his agent, Willie McKay correctly states, 'he is quick,
strong and, most importantly, scores goals.' Gomis can both play alongside
Carroll and provide direct competition in leading the attack. Indeed, unlike
a recent import from the French League, such as Maiga, he appears very well
equipped to adapt to the peculiar demands/challenges of PL football and
proceed to make a positive impact. We face competition from Swansea and
Sunderland, but hopefully, we can offer winning Bosman terms and exploit the
geographical advantage deriving from being London based. A lot will depend
upon the Manager's input and convincing Gomis that there will be genuine
competition with Carroll and, indeed, that a Carroll-Gomis combination is a
viable selection. But, again, this is the name of the game, having options,
different formations/tactics and healthy, keen and ongoing competition
within the squad. That is what I have consistently called for over the last
two seasons and, hopefully now, it is finally materialising! That is the
path forward, the way that we will drive up performance standards and
progress as a club.
In terms of other transfer targets, M'Baye Niang undoubtedly has talent and
potential. The question is whether he will knuckle down and productively
apply his talent or if other issues/factors might predominate? At 19 years
of age, time is on his side and with careful handling, he could become an
asset. At the end of the day, Niang might not fancy a loan move to east
London, he certainly does not appear to be rushing with undecent haste to
open negotiations with the club! One player I sincerely hope that we do land
is Anderlecht's Cheikhou Kouyate. He is posed to become a major talent and
brings the flexibility to play both at centre-back and as a defensive
midfielder. If selected in the latter role, he could form a great dual
midfield anchor with Mark Noble, providing strength and power along side
Noble's workrate, vision and passing ability. They would certainly shield
the defence, provide the extra assurance for the likes of Zarate, Gomis and
Downing to be adventurous going forward and, crucially, allow the full-backs
to provide vital attacking support down the flanks. I guess a Noble-Barry
could also do likewise; you certainly know what you are getting with Gareth
Barry, with the experience and track record that he brings to the table. Its
just whether, if we can close a deal for Kouyate, its better to go for the
long-term over the more immediate, short-term option. Personally, I think
Kouyate is the way to go, if there is a choice.
We are also being linked with a number of other players, such as Martin
Olsson, Seb Larson, Jack Colbeck and Robert Snodgrass. Time will tell if
these stories have any substance. However, it is an interesting question
whether Sam Allardyce might need to supplement the alleged c.£20m transfer
budget to complete the rebuilding of the squad this summer? If so, could
that mean an exit for at least one first team regular (preferably not
Winston Reid) to facilitate new incoming deals? Could we, for instance, sell
Diame, or even Jarvis, to generate new funds and shuffle the pack within the
squad? Maybe, if circumstances dictate and the position(s) are covered by
new arrivals. But in the first instance, the club should try to generate
some income from the sale of fringe players, like Maiga and Vaz Te. The club
has freed up the wage bill by granting free transfers to the likes of
McCartney, Cole and Collison, but it is important that outgoing sales are
also well managed. We must avoid the retention of surplus players, on large
salaries, who are sitting on and winding down their contracts. The objective
must be to avoid future Bosmans and secure some sort of sell on value that
can then be re-invested in the first team squad rebuild.
Finally, a word on the pending appointment of Teddy Sheringham to the
coaching staff. It is potentially a very smart move. Sheringham was a
striker of intelligence, technique, vision and touch and he has the
experience/knowledge to positively improve our forward play. I have no doubt
that he can be a success as our new Attacking Coach, but more than that, he
could eventually even develop in to a future West Ham manager. What would be
ideal is if the likes of Teddy Sheringham, Steve Potts and one or two other
ex-Hammers came to form the spine of the coaching staff, we started to
develop future management prospects internally and there was a system of
succession planning adopted. The type of succession system that Liverpool
formerly operated via their so-called 'boot room' and Ron Greenwood sought
to introduce to England in the 1980s.
Now that would be another positive step forward in re-affirming the 'West
Ham Way.' Whether it could happen under the present management set up is a
point of conjecture!
SJ. Chandos.
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QPR in for Joleon Lescott transfer swoop after West Ham talks fell through
May 30, 2014 22:30 By Football Spy
The Mirror
Newly promoted QPR are close to signing central defender Joleon Lescott. The
out-of-contract Manchester City defender has also held talks with West Ham,
but they were put off by his wage demands. QPR boss Harry Redknapp will also
sign Wolves' on-loan striker Kevin Doyle in a £1m deal. Wolves are ready to
sell, as they want Doyle off their wage bill. Doyle joined Rangers on loan
in January and scored two goals in 11 appearances. He has a year left on his
contract at Wolves. Doyle, 30, has spent the last five years at Wolves,
following his £6.5m move from Reading, and he has scored 33 goals in 173
games.
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Jack Colback may leave Sunderland for £50,000-a-week deal at West Ham
The Guardian
Louise Taylor
Friday 30 May 2014 17.26 BST
West Ham United seem set to prise Jack Colback away from Sunderland. The
midfielder is a free agent and finds himself in demand from not only his
current manager, Gus Poyet, but also Newcastle United and Swansea City.
Sam Allardyce, though, is prepared to offer Colback a four-year contract
worth around £50,000 a week – a sum his rivals will not compete with and
which would quadruple the 24-year-old's current deal.
In the wake of their escape from relegation, Sunderland are fighting hard to
keep the boyhood Newcastle fan – who was receptive to a switch to St James'
Park – but fear they may have lost a player they attempted to tie to a new
contract throughout much of the season just ended. Indeed the only hope
Poyet and Pardew can cling to is Colback's reluctance to relocate his wife
and two small children from the north-east.
Allardyce believes the Tynesider, regularly watched by Everton last season,
as precisely the sort of technically adroit midfielder who can assist him in
his attempts to appease both fans and the Upton Park board by making West
Ham rather more easy on the eye.
Although, at first glance, the package on offer seems extraordinarily
generous West Ham believe the lack of a transfer fee justifies such
investment on wages.
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£5 million wage savings at Upton Park
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 30, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The Hammers have made £5 million available to themselves on the wage bill to
help with new signings this summer. And it looks as though most of that will
be used in the bid to tempt Sunderland's Jack Colback to join the Boleyn
boys. News broke earlier today that the Sunderland midfielder is to be
offered around £50k a week to join the Irons. However, a source has revealed
to Claretandhugh exclusively that in fact "it's nearer £45k or about £5.5
million over a three year contract. A ClaretandHugh exclusive probe shows
that already that £5 million of that has been released off the Hammers
annual wage bill with the departures of Joe Cole, Jack Collison and George
McCartney. Cole's combined weekly wage with add-ons was thought to add up to
£40,000 per week while Collison and McCartney were closer to £30,000 per
week. This has left sufficient funds to bring in Colback who may well be
heralded as the club's marquee signing having been hailed by Sam Allardyce
as the best free signing on the market. The ending of loan deals with Roger
Johnson, Pablo Armero, Antonio Nocerino and Marco Borriello will also push
up the amount available on wages as West Ham look to balance the budget
while keeping within the Premier League financial fair play rules.
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COLBACK 'TREBLE YOUR MONEY' OFFER
By Sean Whetstone 31 May 2014 at 08:08
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham look in a good place to beat Newcastle to signing of out of
contract Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback
West Ham have upped the ante in the race for Jack Colback's signature with a
'treble your money' offer to the 24 year old. It is claimed that deal is all
but certain to scupper both Sunderland and Newcastle United's hopes of
keeping the player in the North East.Sam Allardyce has identified
Sunderland's young Academy product as the best value of the Bosman
midfielders around.A wage offer in the region of £50,000 a week is seen as
economically justifiable for a player who would have been rated in the £4m
bracket had he been under contract, and who was on Everton's radar last
season. It is believed Sunderland and Newcastle are not prepared to go
anywhere near that figure for the player.
Sunderland had substantially improved the derisory offer made to Colback
last summer by former director of football Roberto De Fanti.Newcastle have
been monitoring Colback's situation closely, but have yet to make an offer
and are not expected to do so now in light of the West Ham development. The
only hope of newly-married Colback staying in the North East is if the
player himself and his family decide to stay in the region. But it is hard
to see how he can turn down such a lucrative offer. Colback is still
believed to be on his honeymoon and will make a decision on his return.
Former Hammer and Sunderland chief scout Bryan 'Pop' Robson said: "He is a
tidy player – a very good player for Sunderland and I think he has really
come on in the last couple of seasons" Jack is often compared to Paul
Scholes, a comparison he is more than happy with.
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Friday, May 30
Daily WHUFC News - 30th May 2014
Ashton hails striker signing
WHUFC.com
Dean Ashton believes Mauro Zarate will add a new dimension to the West Ham United attack
29.05.2014
Former West Ham United striker Dean Ashton has hailed the Club's capture of Argentine forward Mauro Zarate. The one-time England international says the arrival of Zarate is a welcome boost to the Hammers' attack, with the 27-year-old having scored 20 goals for Velez Sarsfield last term. With nearly three months to go until the start of the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League campaign, Ashton fully expects the Club to add further firepower to Sam Allardyce's arsenal between now and then. "It's great that West Ham have acted quickly," Ashton, who scored 19 goals in 56 games in Claret and Blue between 2006 and 2009. "It's obvious that they need some striking options, not only in this signing but I'm sure they'll be looking to bring some more in alongside Andy Carroll."
Ashton believes Zarate's loan spell with Premier League side Birmingham City in 2008 will stand him in good stead when the new campaign gets underway on 16 August. "He's had experience in England with Birmingham in the past and it'll be great to see how he gets on.It will help that he's had experience of England before. It's a different culture and many players who come to this country say it's a lot different to anywhere else. "Only time will tell how successful he his and hopefully he's given a real chance in the team to see how he progresses."
Ashton also claims the signing of Zarate is an illustration of the Hammers' determination to play a more expansive and entertaining game in the future. The 5'9" South American is a skilful and elusive player blessed with a low centre of gravity - making him markedly different in style and stature from the Club's other main strikers Andy Carroll and Carlton Cole. "Andy Carroll has taken a lot of the burden and Carlton Cole has come back in and done a decent job, but we have to be looking for striking options in a different way of playing," said Ashton. "When you have Andy up there there's one way of playing, but Sam Allardyce wants options, when perhaps that's not working, to bring other players on and change the formation."
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Boys of '86 star Alan Dickens looks back on his Hammers career and ahead to a bright future
29.05.2014
Hello everyone,
I was delighted to return to the Boleyn Ground recently to play in two matches - the first was Alan Devonshire's football day and the second was a charity game for Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital. Both were hugely enjoyable, I must say. We've done these kinds of things for a few years now. Dev's had a little football day going back ten years and he just rung me up and invited me to come along and play, so that's why I came down. The best thing about it was to come back and see all the old faces. I don't see some of these lads from year to year, so it's nice to see a few of the players and it's always nice to come back and try to run around! I first came to West Ham when I was eleven. I came through the youth team and I was lucky enough to play in our FA Youth Cup final out there and you always remember your first game out there on the Boleyn Ground pitch. It's changed a bit since I played, but it's still a lovely stadium.
That year, 1981, was a great year for us and there were a few lads who played in that year back for the games recently. West Ham is my Club and I love West Ham. It was always a dream for me to play here, having lived round the corner. It was great for me. Having done it myself, I do get frustrated and even in the Premier League this year the stats of young players coming through weren't great. At least at West Ham, we still give our young players a chance. I've only been to three games during the season and I think I've been quite lucky as I came to the Spurs game and the Cardiff game and we played quite well in both. I think that everybody is so frightened to lose because staying in the Premier League is the be all and end all. A point at home is seen as maybe better than going for it and winning 2-1.
It's a balancing act. I think all the fans would like us to be a little bit more adventurous, although saying that West Ham have finished 13th, they're in the Premier League again next year and are looking forward to next season. One of the reasons staying in the Premier League is so important is our move to the Olympic Stadium in two years' time. I was initially totally against us leaving the Boleyn Ground, but when I went to the Olympics to see the stadium I thought, 'Wow, the team have got to go over there and play'. I think it will be very exciting, although it will be very sad to leave here and what it means behind - Bobby Moore, Trevor Brooking and all. It will be quite sad, but things move on.
Before then, we have this summer's World Cup in Brazil to look forward to, where the expectations for England's chances are a bit lower than normal.
At least this year we're not saying that we're going to win it. The expectations are quite low and I think we've got some good young players like Ross Barkley and Adam Lallana and hopefully they'll get a chance. I think we might surprise a few teams this time, so hopefully we'll do alright.
Enjoy the World Cup, enjoy the summer and I hope to see you at the Boleyn Ground next season!
Come on you Irons!
Alan Dickens
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Big Sam welcomes Zarate capture
WHUFC.com
Manager Sam Allardyce believes new signing Mauro Zarate will entertain West Ham United supporters
29.05.2014
Manager Sam Allardyce believes new signing Mauro Zarate will get West Ham United supporters on the edge of their seats. The talented Argentine forward arrives in east London in the form of his life, having scored 13 times in 19 league appearances for Velez Sarsfield in 2014. The former Birmingham City, Lazio and Internazionale man is a skilful striker who can both score and supply goals for his team-mates and Big Sam cannot wait to start work with the South American when pre-season training starts on 3 July. "This signing is based on his record from being in Argentina, where he has scored the goals that he has scored because we are looking for some goals," Big Sam explained, "plus the fact that, at a much younger age, he had the experience of the Premier League with Birmingham for a while. "We hope that a combination of the two - the fact that he knows the Premier League and now he has become more experienced and more mature, he is going to have evolved in terms of giving us a few more goals in the Premier League when he gets the opportunity. "Hopefully he is going to settle in quickly and bring us those sort of options that we need to be more successful in terms of goalscoring next season."
West Ham struggled to convert many of the large number of chances they created last season, meaning the team often failed to kill off their opponents when they had the opportunity to do so. Big Sam believes Zarate's attacking talents will help to eradicate that issue in 2014/15. "He is a different type of player to what we have already got, which is what we have been looking for for a while," the managed confirmed. "He is small and sharp and quick and has got good feet, so hopefully he can give us another dimension for what we don't have in the squad at the moment."
Big Sam has great experience in getting the best out of overseas players in the Barclays Premier League, helping the likes of Jay Jay Okocha, Youri Djorkaeff and Michel Salgado settle in England during successful spells with Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers. At West Ham, the likes of Adrian and Winston Reid have flourished under Big Sam's guidance and the manager is confident that Zarate and the other players who arrive in east London this summer will do likewise. "Like everything else, we have the tools and we give everything to the players that they need to improve," said Big Sam. "It is then down to their acceptance and their dedication to the improvement needed to do well in the Premier League. "If they are willing to improve, we will definitely give them the tools to do that."
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Schalke 04 Cup schedule finalised
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will have a busy weekend at the pre-season Schalke 04 Cup in Germany
29.05.2014
Kick-off times for the pre-season Schalke 04 Cup competition in Germany have been confirmed. West Ham United will head to the four-team tournament in Gelsenkirchen over the weekend of 2-3 August, where they will take on Bundesliga giants and UEFA Champions League qualifiers Schalke 04 and Spanish Primera Division side Malaga. Malaga will get the two-day football festival kicked-off when they take on Barclays Premier League side Newcastle United at 3.30pm local time on Saturday 2 August. Sam Allardyce's team will then take to the pitch at the 61,973-capacity stadium for a 5.30pm kick-off against Jens Keller's star-studded squad, which includes no fewer than seven players who could appear at this summer's FIFA World Cup finals - Germany pair Julian Draxler and Benedikt Howedes, Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Sead Kolasinac, Cameroon midfielder Joel Matip, Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Ghana playmaker Kevin-Prince Boateng and Japan defender Atsuto Uchida. West Ham's clash with Malaga, who finished eleventh in the Primera Division last season, will get the second day of action underway at 3.30pm on Sunday 3 August. The most familiar name in Los Boquerones' squad is veteran Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz, who played under Big Sam at Blackburn Rovers and also appeared for Manchester City. The tournament will be completed by Schalke's clash with Newcastle, which kicks-off at 5.30pm.
The Schalke 04 Cup is being played on a points basis. Winners after 90 minutes will receive three points. If a game ends in a draw after 90 minutes, it will immediately go to penalties, with the winner getting two points. The winners of the tournament will be the team that picks up the most points from the two games. Hundreds of West Ham supporters are expected to make the relatively short trip to the city in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, while the tournament is also being broadcast live in up to 160 countries.
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Transfer latest: Thursday
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 29th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
With the first signing of pre-season in the bag, West Ham continue to scout the world in search of new players to supplement the arrival of Mauro Zarate...
Former Chelsea defender Ashley Cole is the latest big name to be linked with a move to West Ham. The 33-year-old full back, who has been released by the Blues is said to be interesting the likes of Liverpool, Monaco and Real Madrid but would consider staying in London if West Ham were able to meet his wage demands, which are well in excess of £100,000 per week.
* Ex-Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo, who narrowly missed out on a move to West Ham four years ago is being monitored by the club once again.
The 25-year-old Ecuadorian is currently with Al Jazira, following a January switch from Lokomotiv Moscow, but likely to be released following the departure of manager Walter Zenga who was fired by the Abu Dhabi club after only seven months in charge.
* As reported in one of our earlier daily round-ups, West Ham remain in communication with agents of Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis. The 28-year-old, who currently plies his trade in Ligue 1 with Lyon and is out of contract next month and is in talks with a number of clubs regarding his immediate future. The French forward, who has made one appearance for his country has spent the last five years with Les Gones.
* Teddy Sheringham has all but been confirmed at West Ham United's new attacking coach. Now 48, Sheringham - who had a reputation for teaching team mates lessons in card schools rather than hitting the back of the net during his playing days - is set to join the club on a part-time basis, working out of Chadwell Heath two days per week.
* West Ham appear to have missed out on signing Anderlecth's highly-rated Senegalese centre half Cheikhou Kouyate. The 24-year-old is currently in talks with Primera Liga club Valencia and is expected to complete a move to Spain within the next 48 hours. The fee is rumoured to be ITRO €9million.
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English and Spanish sides battle for Aleix Vidal
Last Updated: 29/05/14 4:18pm
SSN
A number of English and Spanish clubs are lining up moves for Almeria playmaker Aleix Vidal, Sky Sports understands. Vidal, who can play anywhere across the midfield or up front, caught the eye at Almeria last season. The 24-year-old scored six goals and had five assists in 38 La Liga games last season and his club are bracing themselves for summer interest. Premier League quartet West Ham, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Everton are all thought to be keeping tabs on Vidal's situation. However, they could face competition for the player's signature with Sevilla, Valencia and Villarreal all keen to keep the attacker in Spain.
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West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame has top six ambitions
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @graemebailey | Last Updated: 29/05/14 3:12pm
SSN
Mohamed Diame insists he has no ambitions to leave the Premier League, but wants to play for a side in the top six. The West Ham United midfielder is being strongly linked with a move this summer amid reports that the Senegal midfielder has a release clause in his contract. And Diame admits that he is hoping to join a side challenging at the top of England's elite division at some point in the future. "I don't want to stop here," Diame told French website Hat-trick. "I still want more: Joining a club from the top six would be a dream come true."
Diame insists that he does not want to leave the Premier League and return to Spain, where he featured with Rayo Vallecano. "The Premier League is something unique, you cannot compare it with another league," he said. "La Liga is also a very good league, but honestly the Premier League has this little special thing which makes all the difference." Diame joined West Ham from Wigan on a free transfer in 2012, but before moving to Upton Park he almost signed for Liverpool. "In my head I was already in Liverpool," he revealed. "It was next, I told everyone that I was there. It was as if one of my greatest wishes - to wear the Liverpool shirt - had been accomplished. "One day my agent and I went to the training centre to see Kenny Dalglish, who was the coach.
"Unfortunately, Dalglish was fired and all negotiations stopped. I told myself that God wanted it that way and that is not a reason for me to stop work. It will happen one day." "I found myself amongst photos of (Steven) Gerrard and co, all these great players. I was proud of myself. "I arrived in the office and Dalglish said 'I can't guarantee you'll play every match but we have a lot of games to play'. "He talked to me about the European Cup, my benefits and the pre-season trip to America. He sold me the dream! "Unfortunately, Dalglish was fired and all negotiations stopped. I told myself that God wanted it that way and that is not a reason for me to stop work. It will happen one day."
Diame revealed that there were chances for him to move last summer amid interest from Arsenal, but he was happy to stay at West Ham, although he thinks the club did not do what they should have in terms of improving the squad. "There were proposals last summer, I was thinking of going to Arsenal but it didn't happen so I stayed at West Ham, because I felt good here," he said. "Plus, after this season we had had I thought the club would buy some better players.
"But it was a very bad start and we made the mistake of not recruiting. "We went through the season with almost the same players, which is never good because the players think they already know who will be wearing the shirt. "Also, people didn't necessarily give 100 per cent on the field, that's what got us in trouble. "In January we didn't buy much but their presence was enough. "Now if you didn't give 100 per cent in training, someone else will play. It was felt on the ground and we had the results."
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NIANG MAKES WEST HAM WAIT FOR AN ANSWER
By Sean Whetstone 29 May 2014 at 21:41
West Ham Till I Die
Last week it was widely reported that AC MIlan and West Ham had agreed a £250,000 loan fee for the 19 year striker currently on loan with Montpellier.
M'Baye Niang has taken to twitter this week to calm down Hammers fans eager to hear news of his loan to East London. Writing in English Niang wrote "I'm on vacation so the man to contact is my agent Stephane Courbis thanks!!'
The teenager was once wanted Manchester City, Everton, Spurs and Arsenal but is now seen as a bit of bad boy.
Niang was sentenced to a suspended 18-month jail sentence after a hit and run car accident involving his Ferrari.The Frenchman, who was on loan with Montpellier admitted hitting several cars before crashing his Ferrari into a tree in February this year. He was charged with causing unintentional injuries, endangering people's lives, a hit and run and driving without a licence.The prosecutor had asked for 170 hours of community work but the court handed him the suspended sentence instead.
Eleven people, some of whom were slightly injured, had filed a civil complaint. 'I panicked,' the player told a Montpellier court in February asked why he never stopped after hitting the vehicles. Francois Lafont, lawyer for the plaintiffs, said: 'It was pure craziness. It's not just an accident, this is assault. Ten people could have been killed.'
Soon after joining Milan, he was stopped by police while driving without a licence.
Under the legal age of 18 at the time, Niang was alleged to have said he was team-mate Bakaye Traore when questioned. He later denied that when apologising for the misdemeanour.He said: 'I would like to say sorry to all of the fans. Also to Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani, boss Massimiliano Allegri and this magnificent club. I made a grave error, but I never said that I was Traore
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BABY DROGBA IN LONDON FOR TALKS
By Sean Whetstone 29 May 2014 at 19:28
West Ham Till I Die
French striker Bafetimbi Gomis known as Baby Drogba will arrive in London this week to potentially hold talks with a trio of Premier League clubs including West Ham, according to the Daily Mail.
The 28-year-old is free to speak to clubs over a move after his contract expired with Ligue 1 giants Lyon this summer, with Sunderland, Swansea City and West Ham all understood to be interested in his services. Gomis, who was close to joining Newcastle last summer but claimed a deal fell through as they asked him to drop his wage demands, is rumoured to be holding out for a pay packet in excess of £100,000-a-week. His London trip is thought to be been arranged by his agent Willie McKay, who has previously said on "Bafetimbi is one of the best free agents in Europe at the moment. He's quick, strong and most importantly scores goals.". Agent Wille McWay is well known to West Ham and despite Mark Curtis having a strong hold on a number of West Ham players , Sullivan once revealed 'Willie McKay received more in agency fees than Mark Curtis in the summer of 2012'
Gomis has scored 62 goals in 170 games for Lyon , he previously played for Saint-Étienne scoring 40 from 142 appearances.
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ANDERLECHT DEFENDER BEING CONSIDERED
By Sean Whetstone 29 May 2014 at 17:36
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham are reported to be preparing a late bid giant defender Cheikhou Kouyaté according to Belgium press
The 24 year old 6' 4" centre back who can also play in a defensive midfield role is being monitored by a number of clubs across Europe including Valencia, Arsenal and Manchester City.He started his professional career in Brussels coming through the youth ranks before joining Anderlecht in 2008.
Kouyaté has made 145 appearances for Anderlecht who value him at around 8 million euros. West Ham have been known to scout him a number of times in the last six months but face strong competition to capture him this summer. Valencia are thought to be favorites to land Kouyaté but West Ham haven't given up hope of a late deal to persuade him to join the Premier League.
Initially the 6'4" transfer target quoted by David Sullivan was thought to be Raoul Loé who we tried to sign in the last transfer window but news coming out of Belgium suggests Kouyaté could be the real target
Speaking to a supporter called @ForumAnderlecht over twitter he told me that 'He will not stay [at Anderlecht] Galatasary did an offer and he refused. Valencia did big offer,he doesnt know. He wants premier league. If West Ham pays the same as Valencia,he will choose West Ham I think. If they do offer of 8 m euro's, he will go"
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DIAME 'PEOPLE DIDN'T NECESSARILY GIVE 100 PER CENT ON THE FIELD'
By Sean Whetstone 29 May 2014 at 13:32
West Ham Till I Die
Momo Diame has been quoted in the National press this morning after another interview from France emerged…
"In my head I was already in Liverpool, It was next, I told everyone that I was there. It was as if one of my greatest wishes – to wear the Liverpool shirt – had been accomplished. One day my agent and I went to the training centre to see Kenny Dalglish, who was the coach.I found myself amongst photos of Gerrard and company, all these great players. I was proud of myself.I arrived in the office and Dalglish said 'I can't guarantee you'll play every match but we have a lot of games to play. He talked to me about the European Cup, my benefits and the pre-season trip to America. He sold me the dream! So I went on holiday expecting my agent to make contact with Liverpool's management to discuss the financial arrangements. Unfortunately, Dalglish was fired and all negotiations stopped. I told myself that God wanted it that way and that is not a reason for me to stop work. It will happen one day.There were proposals last summer. I was thinking of going to Arsenal but it didn't happen so I stayed at West Ham, because I felt good here plus, after this season we had had I thought the club would buy some better players. But it was a very bad start and we made. The mistake of not recruiting [sufficiently]. We went through the season with almost the same players [as last year], which is never good because the players think they already know who will be wearing the shirt.Also, people didn't necessarily give 100 per cent on the field, that's what got us in trouble.In January we didn't buy much but their presence was enough.Now if you didn't give 100 percent in training, someone else will play. It was felt on the ground and we had the results."
Reports emerged earlier this month that Everton could put in a bid for him over the summer. In late April Diame privately sought to clarify that he is fully behind manager Sam Allardyce and is ready and willing to fight for the team in whatever position he is asked to play. He wanted to dispel rumours he was unhappy at West Ham.
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Ravel hit by new disappointment
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret&HUGH
Ravel Morrison was left disappointed yesterday when the number 10 shirt was handed to new signing Mauro Zarate. Rav had tweeted following Jack Collison's departure: 'I want number 10 at West Ham next season' . However, his tweet was later deleted by the on loan midfielder whose future remains in doubt.
Meanwhile, the club have cleared the mystery behind the over sized West Ham shirt pictured with Mauro Zarate yesterday. A club media officer revealed "To end the speculation, the shirt is an XXXL! Unfortunately there is no smaller stock left in the Club Store! Mauro didn't seem to mind"
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WHUFC.com
Dean Ashton believes Mauro Zarate will add a new dimension to the West Ham United attack
29.05.2014
Former West Ham United striker Dean Ashton has hailed the Club's capture of Argentine forward Mauro Zarate. The one-time England international says the arrival of Zarate is a welcome boost to the Hammers' attack, with the 27-year-old having scored 20 goals for Velez Sarsfield last term. With nearly three months to go until the start of the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League campaign, Ashton fully expects the Club to add further firepower to Sam Allardyce's arsenal between now and then. "It's great that West Ham have acted quickly," Ashton, who scored 19 goals in 56 games in Claret and Blue between 2006 and 2009. "It's obvious that they need some striking options, not only in this signing but I'm sure they'll be looking to bring some more in alongside Andy Carroll."
Ashton believes Zarate's loan spell with Premier League side Birmingham City in 2008 will stand him in good stead when the new campaign gets underway on 16 August. "He's had experience in England with Birmingham in the past and it'll be great to see how he gets on.It will help that he's had experience of England before. It's a different culture and many players who come to this country say it's a lot different to anywhere else. "Only time will tell how successful he his and hopefully he's given a real chance in the team to see how he progresses."
Ashton also claims the signing of Zarate is an illustration of the Hammers' determination to play a more expansive and entertaining game in the future. The 5'9" South American is a skilful and elusive player blessed with a low centre of gravity - making him markedly different in style and stature from the Club's other main strikers Andy Carroll and Carlton Cole. "Andy Carroll has taken a lot of the burden and Carlton Cole has come back in and done a decent job, but we have to be looking for striking options in a different way of playing," said Ashton. "When you have Andy up there there's one way of playing, but Sam Allardyce wants options, when perhaps that's not working, to bring other players on and change the formation."
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Boys of '86 star Alan Dickens looks back on his Hammers career and ahead to a bright future
29.05.2014
Hello everyone,
I was delighted to return to the Boleyn Ground recently to play in two matches - the first was Alan Devonshire's football day and the second was a charity game for Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital. Both were hugely enjoyable, I must say. We've done these kinds of things for a few years now. Dev's had a little football day going back ten years and he just rung me up and invited me to come along and play, so that's why I came down. The best thing about it was to come back and see all the old faces. I don't see some of these lads from year to year, so it's nice to see a few of the players and it's always nice to come back and try to run around! I first came to West Ham when I was eleven. I came through the youth team and I was lucky enough to play in our FA Youth Cup final out there and you always remember your first game out there on the Boleyn Ground pitch. It's changed a bit since I played, but it's still a lovely stadium.
That year, 1981, was a great year for us and there were a few lads who played in that year back for the games recently. West Ham is my Club and I love West Ham. It was always a dream for me to play here, having lived round the corner. It was great for me. Having done it myself, I do get frustrated and even in the Premier League this year the stats of young players coming through weren't great. At least at West Ham, we still give our young players a chance. I've only been to three games during the season and I think I've been quite lucky as I came to the Spurs game and the Cardiff game and we played quite well in both. I think that everybody is so frightened to lose because staying in the Premier League is the be all and end all. A point at home is seen as maybe better than going for it and winning 2-1.
It's a balancing act. I think all the fans would like us to be a little bit more adventurous, although saying that West Ham have finished 13th, they're in the Premier League again next year and are looking forward to next season. One of the reasons staying in the Premier League is so important is our move to the Olympic Stadium in two years' time. I was initially totally against us leaving the Boleyn Ground, but when I went to the Olympics to see the stadium I thought, 'Wow, the team have got to go over there and play'. I think it will be very exciting, although it will be very sad to leave here and what it means behind - Bobby Moore, Trevor Brooking and all. It will be quite sad, but things move on.
Before then, we have this summer's World Cup in Brazil to look forward to, where the expectations for England's chances are a bit lower than normal.
At least this year we're not saying that we're going to win it. The expectations are quite low and I think we've got some good young players like Ross Barkley and Adam Lallana and hopefully they'll get a chance. I think we might surprise a few teams this time, so hopefully we'll do alright.
Enjoy the World Cup, enjoy the summer and I hope to see you at the Boleyn Ground next season!
Come on you Irons!
Alan Dickens
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Big Sam welcomes Zarate capture
WHUFC.com
Manager Sam Allardyce believes new signing Mauro Zarate will entertain West Ham United supporters
29.05.2014
Manager Sam Allardyce believes new signing Mauro Zarate will get West Ham United supporters on the edge of their seats. The talented Argentine forward arrives in east London in the form of his life, having scored 13 times in 19 league appearances for Velez Sarsfield in 2014. The former Birmingham City, Lazio and Internazionale man is a skilful striker who can both score and supply goals for his team-mates and Big Sam cannot wait to start work with the South American when pre-season training starts on 3 July. "This signing is based on his record from being in Argentina, where he has scored the goals that he has scored because we are looking for some goals," Big Sam explained, "plus the fact that, at a much younger age, he had the experience of the Premier League with Birmingham for a while. "We hope that a combination of the two - the fact that he knows the Premier League and now he has become more experienced and more mature, he is going to have evolved in terms of giving us a few more goals in the Premier League when he gets the opportunity. "Hopefully he is going to settle in quickly and bring us those sort of options that we need to be more successful in terms of goalscoring next season."
West Ham struggled to convert many of the large number of chances they created last season, meaning the team often failed to kill off their opponents when they had the opportunity to do so. Big Sam believes Zarate's attacking talents will help to eradicate that issue in 2014/15. "He is a different type of player to what we have already got, which is what we have been looking for for a while," the managed confirmed. "He is small and sharp and quick and has got good feet, so hopefully he can give us another dimension for what we don't have in the squad at the moment."
Big Sam has great experience in getting the best out of overseas players in the Barclays Premier League, helping the likes of Jay Jay Okocha, Youri Djorkaeff and Michel Salgado settle in England during successful spells with Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers. At West Ham, the likes of Adrian and Winston Reid have flourished under Big Sam's guidance and the manager is confident that Zarate and the other players who arrive in east London this summer will do likewise. "Like everything else, we have the tools and we give everything to the players that they need to improve," said Big Sam. "It is then down to their acceptance and their dedication to the improvement needed to do well in the Premier League. "If they are willing to improve, we will definitely give them the tools to do that."
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Schalke 04 Cup schedule finalised
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will have a busy weekend at the pre-season Schalke 04 Cup in Germany
29.05.2014
Kick-off times for the pre-season Schalke 04 Cup competition in Germany have been confirmed. West Ham United will head to the four-team tournament in Gelsenkirchen over the weekend of 2-3 August, where they will take on Bundesliga giants and UEFA Champions League qualifiers Schalke 04 and Spanish Primera Division side Malaga. Malaga will get the two-day football festival kicked-off when they take on Barclays Premier League side Newcastle United at 3.30pm local time on Saturday 2 August. Sam Allardyce's team will then take to the pitch at the 61,973-capacity stadium for a 5.30pm kick-off against Jens Keller's star-studded squad, which includes no fewer than seven players who could appear at this summer's FIFA World Cup finals - Germany pair Julian Draxler and Benedikt Howedes, Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Sead Kolasinac, Cameroon midfielder Joel Matip, Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Ghana playmaker Kevin-Prince Boateng and Japan defender Atsuto Uchida. West Ham's clash with Malaga, who finished eleventh in the Primera Division last season, will get the second day of action underway at 3.30pm on Sunday 3 August. The most familiar name in Los Boquerones' squad is veteran Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz, who played under Big Sam at Blackburn Rovers and also appeared for Manchester City. The tournament will be completed by Schalke's clash with Newcastle, which kicks-off at 5.30pm.
The Schalke 04 Cup is being played on a points basis. Winners after 90 minutes will receive three points. If a game ends in a draw after 90 minutes, it will immediately go to penalties, with the winner getting two points. The winners of the tournament will be the team that picks up the most points from the two games. Hundreds of West Ham supporters are expected to make the relatively short trip to the city in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, while the tournament is also being broadcast live in up to 160 countries.
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Transfer latest: Thursday
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 29th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
With the first signing of pre-season in the bag, West Ham continue to scout the world in search of new players to supplement the arrival of Mauro Zarate...
Former Chelsea defender Ashley Cole is the latest big name to be linked with a move to West Ham. The 33-year-old full back, who has been released by the Blues is said to be interesting the likes of Liverpool, Monaco and Real Madrid but would consider staying in London if West Ham were able to meet his wage demands, which are well in excess of £100,000 per week.
* Ex-Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo, who narrowly missed out on a move to West Ham four years ago is being monitored by the club once again.
The 25-year-old Ecuadorian is currently with Al Jazira, following a January switch from Lokomotiv Moscow, but likely to be released following the departure of manager Walter Zenga who was fired by the Abu Dhabi club after only seven months in charge.
* As reported in one of our earlier daily round-ups, West Ham remain in communication with agents of Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis. The 28-year-old, who currently plies his trade in Ligue 1 with Lyon and is out of contract next month and is in talks with a number of clubs regarding his immediate future. The French forward, who has made one appearance for his country has spent the last five years with Les Gones.
* Teddy Sheringham has all but been confirmed at West Ham United's new attacking coach. Now 48, Sheringham - who had a reputation for teaching team mates lessons in card schools rather than hitting the back of the net during his playing days - is set to join the club on a part-time basis, working out of Chadwell Heath two days per week.
* West Ham appear to have missed out on signing Anderlecth's highly-rated Senegalese centre half Cheikhou Kouyate. The 24-year-old is currently in talks with Primera Liga club Valencia and is expected to complete a move to Spain within the next 48 hours. The fee is rumoured to be ITRO €9million.
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English and Spanish sides battle for Aleix Vidal
Last Updated: 29/05/14 4:18pm
SSN
A number of English and Spanish clubs are lining up moves for Almeria playmaker Aleix Vidal, Sky Sports understands. Vidal, who can play anywhere across the midfield or up front, caught the eye at Almeria last season. The 24-year-old scored six goals and had five assists in 38 La Liga games last season and his club are bracing themselves for summer interest. Premier League quartet West Ham, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Everton are all thought to be keeping tabs on Vidal's situation. However, they could face competition for the player's signature with Sevilla, Valencia and Villarreal all keen to keep the attacker in Spain.
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West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame has top six ambitions
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @graemebailey | Last Updated: 29/05/14 3:12pm
SSN
Mohamed Diame insists he has no ambitions to leave the Premier League, but wants to play for a side in the top six. The West Ham United midfielder is being strongly linked with a move this summer amid reports that the Senegal midfielder has a release clause in his contract. And Diame admits that he is hoping to join a side challenging at the top of England's elite division at some point in the future. "I don't want to stop here," Diame told French website Hat-trick. "I still want more: Joining a club from the top six would be a dream come true."
Diame insists that he does not want to leave the Premier League and return to Spain, where he featured with Rayo Vallecano. "The Premier League is something unique, you cannot compare it with another league," he said. "La Liga is also a very good league, but honestly the Premier League has this little special thing which makes all the difference." Diame joined West Ham from Wigan on a free transfer in 2012, but before moving to Upton Park he almost signed for Liverpool. "In my head I was already in Liverpool," he revealed. "It was next, I told everyone that I was there. It was as if one of my greatest wishes - to wear the Liverpool shirt - had been accomplished. "One day my agent and I went to the training centre to see Kenny Dalglish, who was the coach.
"Unfortunately, Dalglish was fired and all negotiations stopped. I told myself that God wanted it that way and that is not a reason for me to stop work. It will happen one day." "I found myself amongst photos of (Steven) Gerrard and co, all these great players. I was proud of myself. "I arrived in the office and Dalglish said 'I can't guarantee you'll play every match but we have a lot of games to play'. "He talked to me about the European Cup, my benefits and the pre-season trip to America. He sold me the dream! "Unfortunately, Dalglish was fired and all negotiations stopped. I told myself that God wanted it that way and that is not a reason for me to stop work. It will happen one day."
Diame revealed that there were chances for him to move last summer amid interest from Arsenal, but he was happy to stay at West Ham, although he thinks the club did not do what they should have in terms of improving the squad. "There were proposals last summer, I was thinking of going to Arsenal but it didn't happen so I stayed at West Ham, because I felt good here," he said. "Plus, after this season we had had I thought the club would buy some better players.
"But it was a very bad start and we made the mistake of not recruiting. "We went through the season with almost the same players, which is never good because the players think they already know who will be wearing the shirt. "Also, people didn't necessarily give 100 per cent on the field, that's what got us in trouble. "In January we didn't buy much but their presence was enough. "Now if you didn't give 100 per cent in training, someone else will play. It was felt on the ground and we had the results."
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NIANG MAKES WEST HAM WAIT FOR AN ANSWER
By Sean Whetstone 29 May 2014 at 21:41
West Ham Till I Die
Last week it was widely reported that AC MIlan and West Ham had agreed a £250,000 loan fee for the 19 year striker currently on loan with Montpellier.
M'Baye Niang has taken to twitter this week to calm down Hammers fans eager to hear news of his loan to East London. Writing in English Niang wrote "I'm on vacation so the man to contact is my agent Stephane Courbis thanks!!'
The teenager was once wanted Manchester City, Everton, Spurs and Arsenal but is now seen as a bit of bad boy.
Niang was sentenced to a suspended 18-month jail sentence after a hit and run car accident involving his Ferrari.The Frenchman, who was on loan with Montpellier admitted hitting several cars before crashing his Ferrari into a tree in February this year. He was charged with causing unintentional injuries, endangering people's lives, a hit and run and driving without a licence.The prosecutor had asked for 170 hours of community work but the court handed him the suspended sentence instead.
Eleven people, some of whom were slightly injured, had filed a civil complaint. 'I panicked,' the player told a Montpellier court in February asked why he never stopped after hitting the vehicles. Francois Lafont, lawyer for the plaintiffs, said: 'It was pure craziness. It's not just an accident, this is assault. Ten people could have been killed.'
Soon after joining Milan, he was stopped by police while driving without a licence.
Under the legal age of 18 at the time, Niang was alleged to have said he was team-mate Bakaye Traore when questioned. He later denied that when apologising for the misdemeanour.He said: 'I would like to say sorry to all of the fans. Also to Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani, boss Massimiliano Allegri and this magnificent club. I made a grave error, but I never said that I was Traore
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BABY DROGBA IN LONDON FOR TALKS
By Sean Whetstone 29 May 2014 at 19:28
West Ham Till I Die
French striker Bafetimbi Gomis known as Baby Drogba will arrive in London this week to potentially hold talks with a trio of Premier League clubs including West Ham, according to the Daily Mail.
The 28-year-old is free to speak to clubs over a move after his contract expired with Ligue 1 giants Lyon this summer, with Sunderland, Swansea City and West Ham all understood to be interested in his services. Gomis, who was close to joining Newcastle last summer but claimed a deal fell through as they asked him to drop his wage demands, is rumoured to be holding out for a pay packet in excess of £100,000-a-week. His London trip is thought to be been arranged by his agent Willie McKay, who has previously said on "Bafetimbi is one of the best free agents in Europe at the moment. He's quick, strong and most importantly scores goals.". Agent Wille McWay is well known to West Ham and despite Mark Curtis having a strong hold on a number of West Ham players , Sullivan once revealed 'Willie McKay received more in agency fees than Mark Curtis in the summer of 2012'
Gomis has scored 62 goals in 170 games for Lyon , he previously played for Saint-Étienne scoring 40 from 142 appearances.
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ANDERLECHT DEFENDER BEING CONSIDERED
By Sean Whetstone 29 May 2014 at 17:36
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham are reported to be preparing a late bid giant defender Cheikhou Kouyaté according to Belgium press
The 24 year old 6' 4" centre back who can also play in a defensive midfield role is being monitored by a number of clubs across Europe including Valencia, Arsenal and Manchester City.He started his professional career in Brussels coming through the youth ranks before joining Anderlecht in 2008.
Kouyaté has made 145 appearances for Anderlecht who value him at around 8 million euros. West Ham have been known to scout him a number of times in the last six months but face strong competition to capture him this summer. Valencia are thought to be favorites to land Kouyaté but West Ham haven't given up hope of a late deal to persuade him to join the Premier League.
Initially the 6'4" transfer target quoted by David Sullivan was thought to be Raoul Loé who we tried to sign in the last transfer window but news coming out of Belgium suggests Kouyaté could be the real target
Speaking to a supporter called @ForumAnderlecht over twitter he told me that 'He will not stay [at Anderlecht] Galatasary did an offer and he refused. Valencia did big offer,he doesnt know. He wants premier league. If West Ham pays the same as Valencia,he will choose West Ham I think. If they do offer of 8 m euro's, he will go"
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DIAME 'PEOPLE DIDN'T NECESSARILY GIVE 100 PER CENT ON THE FIELD'
By Sean Whetstone 29 May 2014 at 13:32
West Ham Till I Die
Momo Diame has been quoted in the National press this morning after another interview from France emerged…
"In my head I was already in Liverpool, It was next, I told everyone that I was there. It was as if one of my greatest wishes – to wear the Liverpool shirt – had been accomplished. One day my agent and I went to the training centre to see Kenny Dalglish, who was the coach.I found myself amongst photos of Gerrard and company, all these great players. I was proud of myself.I arrived in the office and Dalglish said 'I can't guarantee you'll play every match but we have a lot of games to play. He talked to me about the European Cup, my benefits and the pre-season trip to America. He sold me the dream! So I went on holiday expecting my agent to make contact with Liverpool's management to discuss the financial arrangements. Unfortunately, Dalglish was fired and all negotiations stopped. I told myself that God wanted it that way and that is not a reason for me to stop work. It will happen one day.There were proposals last summer. I was thinking of going to Arsenal but it didn't happen so I stayed at West Ham, because I felt good here plus, after this season we had had I thought the club would buy some better players. But it was a very bad start and we made. The mistake of not recruiting [sufficiently]. We went through the season with almost the same players [as last year], which is never good because the players think they already know who will be wearing the shirt.Also, people didn't necessarily give 100 per cent on the field, that's what got us in trouble.In January we didn't buy much but their presence was enough.Now if you didn't give 100 percent in training, someone else will play. It was felt on the ground and we had the results."
Reports emerged earlier this month that Everton could put in a bid for him over the summer. In late April Diame privately sought to clarify that he is fully behind manager Sam Allardyce and is ready and willing to fight for the team in whatever position he is asked to play. He wanted to dispel rumours he was unhappy at West Ham.
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Ravel hit by new disappointment
Posted by Sean Whetstone on May 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret&HUGH
Ravel Morrison was left disappointed yesterday when the number 10 shirt was handed to new signing Mauro Zarate. Rav had tweeted following Jack Collison's departure: 'I want number 10 at West Ham next season' . However, his tweet was later deleted by the on loan midfielder whose future remains in doubt.
Meanwhile, the club have cleared the mystery behind the over sized West Ham shirt pictured with Mauro Zarate yesterday. A club media officer revealed "To end the speculation, the shirt is an XXXL! Unfortunately there is no smaller stock left in the Club Store! Mauro didn't seem to mind"
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Thursday, May 29
Daily WHUFC News - 29th May 2014
Zarate signs
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of prolific Argentine
forward Mauro Zarate
28.05.2014
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of prolific Argentine
forward Mauro Zarate. The gifted Zarate, who becomes the Hammers' first
summer capture, will join the Club on a three-year contract with a further
one-year option from Velez Sarsfield when the international transfer window
opens next month. The 27-year-old arrives at the Boleyn Ground having
enjoyed a prolific season in his homeland, where he finished as leading
scorer in the Primera Division Torneo Final with 13 goals in 19 appearances,
and 20 in 35 in all competitions A skilful attacker capable of playing in a
centre forward or withdrawn role and scoring spectacular goals, the
Haedo-born player also numbers Birmingham City and Italian giants Lazio and
Internazionale among his former clubs.
Having returned for a second spell in the Premier League, Zarate wants to
show West Ham fans exactly what he can do.
"My reaction is that I am very happy to be at West Ham," said the forward,
who becomes the fourth Argentine to represent the Club following Lionel
Scaloni, Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tévez. "This is a new chance for me
and I want to play. "I think I played well for Velez this season and that
was important for me. I had some good team-mates and they helped to make it
a fantastic season for me. "If you ask me what I can bring to the squad then
I say I hope I will bring goals! I will also bring dribbling skills and
other attacking qualities. "West Ham is a very important Club and we know
all about them and the Premier League in Argentina. This Club is a beautiful
Club. I know English football from my time at Birmingham and I hope I will
play well and reach the highest possible level."
After a fantastic season in his homeland, Zarate has big ambitions for his
new Club. "My aim is come here and do my best in order to help the Club to
climb as high as possible in the table and to reach European competition
again." Looking back at the new boy's career, Zarate joined Velez Sarsfield
as a schoolboy, making his debut against Arsenal de Sarandi in April 2004,
just a month past his 17th birthday. Strong, skilful and blessed with a low
centre of gravity, he quickly established himself in the El Fortín forward
line, scoring 47 goals in 135 appearances in all competitions. He won the
Argentine Primera Division Clausura title in 2005 and was top goalscorer in
the Apertura championship in 2006. Zarate joined Qatari side Al-Sadd in
summer 2007 before moving to Birmingham City in January of the following
year. At St Andrews, he netted four goals in 14 Premier League games.
The forward moved to Lazio, where he quickly enamoured himself by scoring
twice on his full debut at Cagliari and again on his home debut against
Sampdoria. In three seasons at the Stadio Olimpico, he netted 33 times in
119 appearances in all competitions. Summer 2011 saw Zarate move to
Internazionale, where he spent 18 months before moving back to first club
Velez Sarsfield in July 2013. At international level, he helped Argentina
win the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2007, partnering Manchester City's Sergio
Aguero and scoring the winning goal in the final victory over Czech
Republic. "I speak with Sergio always and he told me to come to England
because it is the football for me," added Zarate, who will report for
pre-season training with his new team-mates on 3 July.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'It's a big summer ahead'
WHUFC.com
Martin Allen is looking forward to seeing how West Ham United strengthen
ahead of the 2014/15 season
28.05.2014
As a man who has managed in four different divisions and never suffered the
pain of relegation, Martin Allen knows a thing or two about the challenges
of leading a football team. The former West Ham United midfielder has taken
charge of Brentford, MK Dons, Leicester City, Cheltenham Town, Notts County,
Gillingham and - on four occasions - Barnet, where he is currently the head
coach. Now 48, Allen knows both West Ham and his old Club's own manager, Sam
Allardyce, well, and has respect for what both have achieved over the past
three seasons. Following promotion at the first attempt in 2012, Big Sam has
stabilised the Hammers in the Barclays Premier League - despite having to
contend a horrendous succession of injuries last season - and is planning to
build on that base next term.
"It was always going to be a tough season. People seem to forget that that
West Ham only came out of the Championship just two years ago and everything
doesn't happen overnight," said Allen, who gained two promotions and endured
one relegation during his seven years at the Boleyn Ground between 1989 and
1995. "They need time to establish themselves. The big boys are getting
stronger and being able to spend more money. West Ham finished 13th in the
Premier League the season just gone, in the middle section. It was a tough
season with a difficult patch in the middle but, overall, I would say it was
successful in terms of what was needed to be done. "Sam has done exactly
what was needed to be done - Getting promotion at the first time of asking,
which is difficult enough, and now two full seasons in the Premier League,
with the second season always proving to be difficult for promoted teams."
Both Big Sam and the Board have stated their intention to make West Ham are
more entertaining, exciting and attacking proposition for their opponents to
deal with in 2014/15 - an approach welcomed by the man christened 'Mad Dog'
by the Claret and Blue Army for his own aggressive style. "There was a time
at Christmas and just after when it was particularly difficult, where the
first-choice back four was missing," reflected Allen. "They still went out
there and were competitive, while there are always going to be ups and downs
throughout the season in the Premier League and overall. "I would think the
owners would be happy - perhaps they would be chatting to the manager about
they can play more passing football but, as we all know, it costs money.
Maybe we need some strengthening in midfield but, that sort of player costs
a lot of money. These are things you have to look at. It's a big summer
ahead."
In summary, Allen believes West Ham need to adopt a balanced approach to
their third season back in the Barclays Premier League, with excitement and
attacking flair coupled with pragmatism and defensive resilience. Should the
Hammers strike that balance, the man who has managed more than 400 matches
in senior football says the fans who still sing his name will be cheering
for their current heroes more often than not. "Fans on the whole back the
team, of course they do, while you will always get those who follow what a
group of them are saying after a game where the team has not played
particularly well - it happens at all levels, from the top to the bottom.
Likewise, there are games when you are the manager standing in that
technical area and you can't believe what you are watching. "As a manager,
you have to be patient, but it's not the society we live in these days,
while you also have the pressure from the media.
"The team has to be in the Premier League for the move to the Olympic
Stadium - it's a great and big step for everybody connected to the Club. The
die-hard football fans you have at West Ham know there is this big journey
ahead, moving from a stadium that is rich in history to a new stadium. For
me, there is no one better to deal with making that transition and all of
that and to lead the team through it than Sam."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mauro Zarate signs for Hammers from Argentina
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have signed Argentine forward Mauro Zarate on a three-year contract
from Velez Sarsfield. The 27-year-old will join with a further one-year
option when the international transfer window opens next month. The former
Lazio forward scored four goals while on loan for Birmingham in the Premier
League in 2008. He said: "I hope I will bring goals to the squad. I will
also bring dribbling skills and other attacking qualities." He was top
scorer in Argentina last season with 20 goals in 35 matches in all
competitions. "West Ham is a very important club and we know all about them
and the Premier League in Argentina," Zarate added. "This club is a
beautiful club. I know English football from my time at Birmingham and I
hope I will play well and reach the highest possible level. "My aim is come
here and do my best in order to help the club to climb as high as possible
in the table and to reach European competition again." Zarate returns to the
Premier League on top form, although his successful second stint at his
first club Velez Sarsfield followed a controversial four-year spell at
Lazio. In 2010, while serving a two-match suspension at the Biancocelesti
for insulting a referee, he was photographed giving a fascist salute amid
the 'Ultras' section of fans. Zarate's spokesperson later claimed the player
was unaware of the significance of his actions. And in April last year,
Zarate was spotted on holiday in the Maldives when he was supposed to be in
Argentina receiving medical treatment. At the time he was not training with
Lazio's first team because of persistent disciplinary issues.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mauro Zarate signs three-year deal with West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 28th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have completed the signing of Argentinian forward Mauro
Zarate. The 27-year-old has joined West Ham on a three-year contract with an
option for an extra year, according to club sources this afternoon. KUMB
reported on Monday that Zarate had arrived in London ahead of a move to West
Ham, after his club, Velez Sarsfield, released him from his contract due to
a clause that enabled him to be freed should a foreign club wish to sign
him. The former Lazio and Inter striker returns to English shores after six
years having first played in this country for Birmingham City in 2008, when
the club was owned by West Ham's current owners David Gold and David
Sullivan. Sullivan, who recently expressed a desire for a greater
involvement in the club's transfers is believed to have taken a lead role in
the deal. Zarate's stock had fallen in recent years after a loan spell at
Milan failed to bear fruit. That followed an initially successful spell with
Lazio, for whom he made more than 100 appearances. In July 2013 he returned
to Sarsfield, the Argentinian club with whom he started his professional
career back in 2004. Zarate's goals helped Velez to a third place finish in
this season's Tourneo Inicial and sixth spot in the Torneo Final. He ended
the season as the Primera A's top goalscorer with 18 goals to his name from
just 28 appearances.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mauro Zarate passes medical ahead of West Ham move
By Emma Webb | Last Updated: 28/05/14 5:10pm
SSN
Sky sources understand that Mauro Zarate has passed a medical ahead of his
move to West Ham. The 27-year-old forward, currently playing for Velez
Sarsfield in Argentina, confirmed this week that terms for a three-year
contract at the East London club had been agreed. Zarate finished the
2013/14 season as the Primera Divison's top scorer with 13 goals. No
stranger to the Premier League, Zarate scored four goals in 14 appearances
on loan at Birmingham City in 2008 when current West Ham owners David Gold
and David Sullivan were in charge there. Zarate told Sky Sports News earlier
this week: "It's a new chance for me. "West Ham called me. They are a fierce
team and now I think I want to play (there)."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Teddy Sheringham returns to West Ham in coaching role
Last Updated: 28/05/14 8:57pm
SSN
Former England striker Teddy Sheringham has agreed to join West Ham in a
coaching role. Sky Sports News understands that Sheringham - who spent three
years as a player at Upton Park between 2004 and 2007 - will return to the
club on a non-contract basis. West Ham are yet to confirm his arrival, but
on Wednesday evening Hammers striker Carlton Cole tweeted: "Great news that
Teddy Sheringham has joined us." Sheringham, who scored 30 goals for West
Ham in just 49 appearances, will work with the club's attacking players. The
Hammers struggled to score goals last season, managing just 40 in 38 Premier
League matches. Their top scorer in the league was midfielder Kevin Nolan,
with seven, with their top-scoring striker Carlton Cole with just six. Boss
Sam Allardyce incurred the wrath of the supporters, who accused him of
employing a negative, long-ball style.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mauro Zarate completes move to West Ham
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @graemebailey | Last Updated: 28/05/14 10:07pm
SSN
Mauro Zarate has completed his move to West Ham United, after signing a
three-year deal. Sky Sports revealed West Ham's move for Zarate earlier this
month, and he arrived over the weekend to finalise the deal. The 27-year-old
has now passed his medical and put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal which
also has an option to extend it. The move is Zarate's second to England
having spent time on loan at Birmingham City in 2008 and he is delighted to
be at Upton Park. "My reaction is that I am very happy to be at West Ham,"
said Zarate, who becomes the fourth Argentine to represent West Ham
following Lionel Scaloni, Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez. "This is a new
chance for me and I want to play. I think I played well for Velez this
season and that was important for me. I had some good team-mates and they
helped to make it a fantastic season for me. "If you ask me what I can bring
to the squad then I say I hope I will bring goals! I will also bring
dribbling skills and other attacking qualities. "West Ham is a very
important club and we know all about them and the Premier League in
Argentina. This club is a beautiful club. I know English football from my
time at Birmingham and I hope I will play well and reach the highest
possible level."
Zarate arrives from Velez Sarsfield, the club he began his career with
before a brief stint in the Middle East with Al Sadd. After his spell with
Birmingham he was snapped up by Lazio and also had a season with Italian
giants Inter Milan before he re-joined Velez last summer. He finished last
season as top-scorer in Argentina, which prompted West Ham to make their
move.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DEMEL MOECHTE NOCHMAL FUER HAMBURGER SV SPIELEN
By Iain Dale 28 May 2014 at 20:29
West Ham Till I Die
Guy Demel has certainly put the cat among the pigeons telling the Bild
Zeitung in Germany that he is open to a return to Hamburger SV, the club we
signed him from in 2011. I knew my degree in German would come in useful at
some point. Here's the translation of the Bild article.
One of Hamburg's new signings could be the former supporters' favourite Guy
Demel, currently at West Ham United. The Ivorian is flirting with a return
to Hamburg. Indeed, he flew in to attend Hamburg's crucial relegation game
with Furth. Demel told Bild: "I would love to help Hamburg." Despite his
contract he would be available on a free and would be prepared to take a cut
in wages.
I'm a fan of Demel, and I think overall he had a great season, but I think
it's pretty shabby to tout himself like this. Demel appeared 199 times for
Hamburg between 2005 and 2011. He is contracted to West Ham until next
summer but has so far only made around 70 appearances.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM NEED A BELIEF SYSTEM
By Sean Whetstone 28 May 2014 at 08:20
West Ham till I Die
A spurs blog called HotspurHQ? caught my eye with a headline History
Repeating Itself – Are Southampton The New West Ham? The article looks at
the Saints successful youth setup and contribution to English national squad
when compared to the West Ham's contribution of the sixties when Moore,
Peters and Hurst lifted the 1966 World Cup.
The article talks extensively about 'the belief system.
The "belief system" involves the manager being prepared to pick the
youngsters who the scouts and coaches have identified as having the
potential to succeed in the first team. It needs the courage to stick by
them if they make naïve mistakes and give them the chance to learn without
banishing them to the stiffs. Mauricio Pochettino has done so at Southampton
and so has Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool and Roberto Martinez at Everton.
Some might say that all three have been forced into that by thin squads and
a lack of resources but there is plenty of evidence of other clubs taking
the easy option of going for cheap proven foreign imports instead. Hence the
FA Commission's desire to restrict the number of foreign players.The other
part of Southampton's "belief system" has been to reward the dedication and
persistence of older players that have risen with them through the leagues,
Ricky Lambert being the obvious example. His selection for the World Cup is
widely regarded as a fairy story.
The article suggests that the man responsible for Southampton's recent youth
success is the former England technical director Lou Reed. He helped to
re-create the England production line after the club nearly went bust in
2009. He joined the club in 2010 after new owner Markus Liebherr "refined
and improved the belief system" including a hi-tec training base in
Hampshire'
It makes you wonder what we need to do to restore a 'belief system' back at
West ham to warrant a tag line of 'The Academy of football'.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Teddy Sheringham returns to West Ham as club's new attack coach
May 28, 2014 05:26 By Mirror.co.uk
Teddy Sheringham has returned to West Ham to become the club's new attack
coach. The ex-Manchester United striker played three seasons at West Ham
toward the end of his career.He scored 30 goals for the Hammers and is
looking forward to helping Sam Allardyce's team better their total of 40 in
38 Premier League games last season. Sheringham said: "I'm buzzing. I've had
offers to get back into football but this one seemed right." Allardyce has
been told that he must play a more 'attacking' brand of football.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Why Teddy Sheringham is the best signing West Ham boss Sam Allardyce will
make this summer
May 28, 2014 11:41
OPINION BY STEVESTAMMERS
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce may just have made what could be the most significant signing
he will make in the close season. It was his choice to make Teddy Sheringham
the coach to work with his front players at West Ham – and when Sheringham
accepted the offer, a valuable asset was added to the coaching team. "I have
had other offers," Sheringham told me last night. "But this one appealed. I
am buzzing and I am really looking forward to it." By the time West Ham
report back, Sheringham will have his coaching badges but he is one of that
rare breed that really do not need instruction on how to play and how to
finish. His CV includes 51 caps for England which included a key role in
Euro 96 and two World Cup campaigns. He won the FA Cup and a Premier League
title. And he has played with some of the top strikers in the game – Ole
Gunnar Solksjaer, Dwight Yorke, Jurgen Klinsmann, Alan Shearer… an
impressive list.
And Ian Wright – a fierce enemy at club level when Sheringham was at
Tottenham and Wright was at Arsenal – recently said that he wished he could
have played more often alongside Sheringham for England. Teddy Sheringham of
England passes the ball before being closed down by Alessandro Nesta of
Italy during the World Cup Qualifier match at the Olympic Stadium in Rome,
Italy. The match was drawn 0-0 and England qualified for the World Cup
Finals. Oct 1997 And as well as a career as a striker of great ability,
Sheringham was a thinking footballer. Terry Venables will verify that as
well as Sir Alex Ferguson. Not bad judges. Sheringham also has a presence as
well as a pedigree. He was never a saint as a player but come match day, he
was always prepared. His professionalism was never in doubt. And there can
be no "what have you done in the game" from the West Ham players who are
allocated to his watch.
Sheringham has a presence. At 48, he now feels ready to go into his first
coaching job and he will bring an immense fount of knowledge with him to the
training ground at Chadwell Heath. He can communicate well and Allardyce has
not recruited a "yes man" to his staff. If Sheringham has something to say,
he will say it. He enjoyed his three seasons at West Ham and after the call
from Allardyce, decided to return to Upton Park. He was reared on attacking
football at Tottenham, Manchester United and West Ham. He knows what the
West Ham ethos is all about. Allardyce would have struggled to find a better
man.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of prolific Argentine
forward Mauro Zarate
28.05.2014
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of prolific Argentine
forward Mauro Zarate. The gifted Zarate, who becomes the Hammers' first
summer capture, will join the Club on a three-year contract with a further
one-year option from Velez Sarsfield when the international transfer window
opens next month. The 27-year-old arrives at the Boleyn Ground having
enjoyed a prolific season in his homeland, where he finished as leading
scorer in the Primera Division Torneo Final with 13 goals in 19 appearances,
and 20 in 35 in all competitions A skilful attacker capable of playing in a
centre forward or withdrawn role and scoring spectacular goals, the
Haedo-born player also numbers Birmingham City and Italian giants Lazio and
Internazionale among his former clubs.
Having returned for a second spell in the Premier League, Zarate wants to
show West Ham fans exactly what he can do.
"My reaction is that I am very happy to be at West Ham," said the forward,
who becomes the fourth Argentine to represent the Club following Lionel
Scaloni, Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tévez. "This is a new chance for me
and I want to play. "I think I played well for Velez this season and that
was important for me. I had some good team-mates and they helped to make it
a fantastic season for me. "If you ask me what I can bring to the squad then
I say I hope I will bring goals! I will also bring dribbling skills and
other attacking qualities. "West Ham is a very important Club and we know
all about them and the Premier League in Argentina. This Club is a beautiful
Club. I know English football from my time at Birmingham and I hope I will
play well and reach the highest possible level."
After a fantastic season in his homeland, Zarate has big ambitions for his
new Club. "My aim is come here and do my best in order to help the Club to
climb as high as possible in the table and to reach European competition
again." Looking back at the new boy's career, Zarate joined Velez Sarsfield
as a schoolboy, making his debut against Arsenal de Sarandi in April 2004,
just a month past his 17th birthday. Strong, skilful and blessed with a low
centre of gravity, he quickly established himself in the El Fortín forward
line, scoring 47 goals in 135 appearances in all competitions. He won the
Argentine Primera Division Clausura title in 2005 and was top goalscorer in
the Apertura championship in 2006. Zarate joined Qatari side Al-Sadd in
summer 2007 before moving to Birmingham City in January of the following
year. At St Andrews, he netted four goals in 14 Premier League games.
The forward moved to Lazio, where he quickly enamoured himself by scoring
twice on his full debut at Cagliari and again on his home debut against
Sampdoria. In three seasons at the Stadio Olimpico, he netted 33 times in
119 appearances in all competitions. Summer 2011 saw Zarate move to
Internazionale, where he spent 18 months before moving back to first club
Velez Sarsfield in July 2013. At international level, he helped Argentina
win the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2007, partnering Manchester City's Sergio
Aguero and scoring the winning goal in the final victory over Czech
Republic. "I speak with Sergio always and he told me to come to England
because it is the football for me," added Zarate, who will report for
pre-season training with his new team-mates on 3 July.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'It's a big summer ahead'
WHUFC.com
Martin Allen is looking forward to seeing how West Ham United strengthen
ahead of the 2014/15 season
28.05.2014
As a man who has managed in four different divisions and never suffered the
pain of relegation, Martin Allen knows a thing or two about the challenges
of leading a football team. The former West Ham United midfielder has taken
charge of Brentford, MK Dons, Leicester City, Cheltenham Town, Notts County,
Gillingham and - on four occasions - Barnet, where he is currently the head
coach. Now 48, Allen knows both West Ham and his old Club's own manager, Sam
Allardyce, well, and has respect for what both have achieved over the past
three seasons. Following promotion at the first attempt in 2012, Big Sam has
stabilised the Hammers in the Barclays Premier League - despite having to
contend a horrendous succession of injuries last season - and is planning to
build on that base next term.
"It was always going to be a tough season. People seem to forget that that
West Ham only came out of the Championship just two years ago and everything
doesn't happen overnight," said Allen, who gained two promotions and endured
one relegation during his seven years at the Boleyn Ground between 1989 and
1995. "They need time to establish themselves. The big boys are getting
stronger and being able to spend more money. West Ham finished 13th in the
Premier League the season just gone, in the middle section. It was a tough
season with a difficult patch in the middle but, overall, I would say it was
successful in terms of what was needed to be done. "Sam has done exactly
what was needed to be done - Getting promotion at the first time of asking,
which is difficult enough, and now two full seasons in the Premier League,
with the second season always proving to be difficult for promoted teams."
Both Big Sam and the Board have stated their intention to make West Ham are
more entertaining, exciting and attacking proposition for their opponents to
deal with in 2014/15 - an approach welcomed by the man christened 'Mad Dog'
by the Claret and Blue Army for his own aggressive style. "There was a time
at Christmas and just after when it was particularly difficult, where the
first-choice back four was missing," reflected Allen. "They still went out
there and were competitive, while there are always going to be ups and downs
throughout the season in the Premier League and overall. "I would think the
owners would be happy - perhaps they would be chatting to the manager about
they can play more passing football but, as we all know, it costs money.
Maybe we need some strengthening in midfield but, that sort of player costs
a lot of money. These are things you have to look at. It's a big summer
ahead."
In summary, Allen believes West Ham need to adopt a balanced approach to
their third season back in the Barclays Premier League, with excitement and
attacking flair coupled with pragmatism and defensive resilience. Should the
Hammers strike that balance, the man who has managed more than 400 matches
in senior football says the fans who still sing his name will be cheering
for their current heroes more often than not. "Fans on the whole back the
team, of course they do, while you will always get those who follow what a
group of them are saying after a game where the team has not played
particularly well - it happens at all levels, from the top to the bottom.
Likewise, there are games when you are the manager standing in that
technical area and you can't believe what you are watching. "As a manager,
you have to be patient, but it's not the society we live in these days,
while you also have the pressure from the media.
"The team has to be in the Premier League for the move to the Olympic
Stadium - it's a great and big step for everybody connected to the Club. The
die-hard football fans you have at West Ham know there is this big journey
ahead, moving from a stadium that is rich in history to a new stadium. For
me, there is no one better to deal with making that transition and all of
that and to lead the team through it than Sam."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mauro Zarate signs for Hammers from Argentina
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have signed Argentine forward Mauro Zarate on a three-year contract
from Velez Sarsfield. The 27-year-old will join with a further one-year
option when the international transfer window opens next month. The former
Lazio forward scored four goals while on loan for Birmingham in the Premier
League in 2008. He said: "I hope I will bring goals to the squad. I will
also bring dribbling skills and other attacking qualities." He was top
scorer in Argentina last season with 20 goals in 35 matches in all
competitions. "West Ham is a very important club and we know all about them
and the Premier League in Argentina," Zarate added. "This club is a
beautiful club. I know English football from my time at Birmingham and I
hope I will play well and reach the highest possible level. "My aim is come
here and do my best in order to help the club to climb as high as possible
in the table and to reach European competition again." Zarate returns to the
Premier League on top form, although his successful second stint at his
first club Velez Sarsfield followed a controversial four-year spell at
Lazio. In 2010, while serving a two-match suspension at the Biancocelesti
for insulting a referee, he was photographed giving a fascist salute amid
the 'Ultras' section of fans. Zarate's spokesperson later claimed the player
was unaware of the significance of his actions. And in April last year,
Zarate was spotted on holiday in the Maldives when he was supposed to be in
Argentina receiving medical treatment. At the time he was not training with
Lazio's first team because of persistent disciplinary issues.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mauro Zarate signs three-year deal with West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 28th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have completed the signing of Argentinian forward Mauro
Zarate. The 27-year-old has joined West Ham on a three-year contract with an
option for an extra year, according to club sources this afternoon. KUMB
reported on Monday that Zarate had arrived in London ahead of a move to West
Ham, after his club, Velez Sarsfield, released him from his contract due to
a clause that enabled him to be freed should a foreign club wish to sign
him. The former Lazio and Inter striker returns to English shores after six
years having first played in this country for Birmingham City in 2008, when
the club was owned by West Ham's current owners David Gold and David
Sullivan. Sullivan, who recently expressed a desire for a greater
involvement in the club's transfers is believed to have taken a lead role in
the deal. Zarate's stock had fallen in recent years after a loan spell at
Milan failed to bear fruit. That followed an initially successful spell with
Lazio, for whom he made more than 100 appearances. In July 2013 he returned
to Sarsfield, the Argentinian club with whom he started his professional
career back in 2004. Zarate's goals helped Velez to a third place finish in
this season's Tourneo Inicial and sixth spot in the Torneo Final. He ended
the season as the Primera A's top goalscorer with 18 goals to his name from
just 28 appearances.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mauro Zarate passes medical ahead of West Ham move
By Emma Webb | Last Updated: 28/05/14 5:10pm
SSN
Sky sources understand that Mauro Zarate has passed a medical ahead of his
move to West Ham. The 27-year-old forward, currently playing for Velez
Sarsfield in Argentina, confirmed this week that terms for a three-year
contract at the East London club had been agreed. Zarate finished the
2013/14 season as the Primera Divison's top scorer with 13 goals. No
stranger to the Premier League, Zarate scored four goals in 14 appearances
on loan at Birmingham City in 2008 when current West Ham owners David Gold
and David Sullivan were in charge there. Zarate told Sky Sports News earlier
this week: "It's a new chance for me. "West Ham called me. They are a fierce
team and now I think I want to play (there)."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Teddy Sheringham returns to West Ham in coaching role
Last Updated: 28/05/14 8:57pm
SSN
Former England striker Teddy Sheringham has agreed to join West Ham in a
coaching role. Sky Sports News understands that Sheringham - who spent three
years as a player at Upton Park between 2004 and 2007 - will return to the
club on a non-contract basis. West Ham are yet to confirm his arrival, but
on Wednesday evening Hammers striker Carlton Cole tweeted: "Great news that
Teddy Sheringham has joined us." Sheringham, who scored 30 goals for West
Ham in just 49 appearances, will work with the club's attacking players. The
Hammers struggled to score goals last season, managing just 40 in 38 Premier
League matches. Their top scorer in the league was midfielder Kevin Nolan,
with seven, with their top-scoring striker Carlton Cole with just six. Boss
Sam Allardyce incurred the wrath of the supporters, who accused him of
employing a negative, long-ball style.
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Mauro Zarate completes move to West Ham
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @graemebailey | Last Updated: 28/05/14 10:07pm
SSN
Mauro Zarate has completed his move to West Ham United, after signing a
three-year deal. Sky Sports revealed West Ham's move for Zarate earlier this
month, and he arrived over the weekend to finalise the deal. The 27-year-old
has now passed his medical and put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal which
also has an option to extend it. The move is Zarate's second to England
having spent time on loan at Birmingham City in 2008 and he is delighted to
be at Upton Park. "My reaction is that I am very happy to be at West Ham,"
said Zarate, who becomes the fourth Argentine to represent West Ham
following Lionel Scaloni, Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez. "This is a new
chance for me and I want to play. I think I played well for Velez this
season and that was important for me. I had some good team-mates and they
helped to make it a fantastic season for me. "If you ask me what I can bring
to the squad then I say I hope I will bring goals! I will also bring
dribbling skills and other attacking qualities. "West Ham is a very
important club and we know all about them and the Premier League in
Argentina. This club is a beautiful club. I know English football from my
time at Birmingham and I hope I will play well and reach the highest
possible level."
Zarate arrives from Velez Sarsfield, the club he began his career with
before a brief stint in the Middle East with Al Sadd. After his spell with
Birmingham he was snapped up by Lazio and also had a season with Italian
giants Inter Milan before he re-joined Velez last summer. He finished last
season as top-scorer in Argentina, which prompted West Ham to make their
move.
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DEMEL MOECHTE NOCHMAL FUER HAMBURGER SV SPIELEN
By Iain Dale 28 May 2014 at 20:29
West Ham Till I Die
Guy Demel has certainly put the cat among the pigeons telling the Bild
Zeitung in Germany that he is open to a return to Hamburger SV, the club we
signed him from in 2011. I knew my degree in German would come in useful at
some point. Here's the translation of the Bild article.
One of Hamburg's new signings could be the former supporters' favourite Guy
Demel, currently at West Ham United. The Ivorian is flirting with a return
to Hamburg. Indeed, he flew in to attend Hamburg's crucial relegation game
with Furth. Demel told Bild: "I would love to help Hamburg." Despite his
contract he would be available on a free and would be prepared to take a cut
in wages.
I'm a fan of Demel, and I think overall he had a great season, but I think
it's pretty shabby to tout himself like this. Demel appeared 199 times for
Hamburg between 2005 and 2011. He is contracted to West Ham until next
summer but has so far only made around 70 appearances.
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WEST HAM NEED A BELIEF SYSTEM
By Sean Whetstone 28 May 2014 at 08:20
West Ham till I Die
A spurs blog called HotspurHQ? caught my eye with a headline History
Repeating Itself – Are Southampton The New West Ham? The article looks at
the Saints successful youth setup and contribution to English national squad
when compared to the West Ham's contribution of the sixties when Moore,
Peters and Hurst lifted the 1966 World Cup.
The article talks extensively about 'the belief system.
The "belief system" involves the manager being prepared to pick the
youngsters who the scouts and coaches have identified as having the
potential to succeed in the first team. It needs the courage to stick by
them if they make naïve mistakes and give them the chance to learn without
banishing them to the stiffs. Mauricio Pochettino has done so at Southampton
and so has Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool and Roberto Martinez at Everton.
Some might say that all three have been forced into that by thin squads and
a lack of resources but there is plenty of evidence of other clubs taking
the easy option of going for cheap proven foreign imports instead. Hence the
FA Commission's desire to restrict the number of foreign players.The other
part of Southampton's "belief system" has been to reward the dedication and
persistence of older players that have risen with them through the leagues,
Ricky Lambert being the obvious example. His selection for the World Cup is
widely regarded as a fairy story.
The article suggests that the man responsible for Southampton's recent youth
success is the former England technical director Lou Reed. He helped to
re-create the England production line after the club nearly went bust in
2009. He joined the club in 2010 after new owner Markus Liebherr "refined
and improved the belief system" including a hi-tec training base in
Hampshire'
It makes you wonder what we need to do to restore a 'belief system' back at
West ham to warrant a tag line of 'The Academy of football'.
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Teddy Sheringham returns to West Ham as club's new attack coach
May 28, 2014 05:26 By Mirror.co.uk
Teddy Sheringham has returned to West Ham to become the club's new attack
coach. The ex-Manchester United striker played three seasons at West Ham
toward the end of his career.He scored 30 goals for the Hammers and is
looking forward to helping Sam Allardyce's team better their total of 40 in
38 Premier League games last season. Sheringham said: "I'm buzzing. I've had
offers to get back into football but this one seemed right." Allardyce has
been told that he must play a more 'attacking' brand of football.
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Why Teddy Sheringham is the best signing West Ham boss Sam Allardyce will
make this summer
May 28, 2014 11:41
OPINION BY STEVESTAMMERS
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce may just have made what could be the most significant signing
he will make in the close season. It was his choice to make Teddy Sheringham
the coach to work with his front players at West Ham – and when Sheringham
accepted the offer, a valuable asset was added to the coaching team. "I have
had other offers," Sheringham told me last night. "But this one appealed. I
am buzzing and I am really looking forward to it." By the time West Ham
report back, Sheringham will have his coaching badges but he is one of that
rare breed that really do not need instruction on how to play and how to
finish. His CV includes 51 caps for England which included a key role in
Euro 96 and two World Cup campaigns. He won the FA Cup and a Premier League
title. And he has played with some of the top strikers in the game – Ole
Gunnar Solksjaer, Dwight Yorke, Jurgen Klinsmann, Alan Shearer… an
impressive list.
And Ian Wright – a fierce enemy at club level when Sheringham was at
Tottenham and Wright was at Arsenal – recently said that he wished he could
have played more often alongside Sheringham for England. Teddy Sheringham of
England passes the ball before being closed down by Alessandro Nesta of
Italy during the World Cup Qualifier match at the Olympic Stadium in Rome,
Italy. The match was drawn 0-0 and England qualified for the World Cup
Finals. Oct 1997 And as well as a career as a striker of great ability,
Sheringham was a thinking footballer. Terry Venables will verify that as
well as Sir Alex Ferguson. Not bad judges. Sheringham also has a presence as
well as a pedigree. He was never a saint as a player but come match day, he
was always prepared. His professionalism was never in doubt. And there can
be no "what have you done in the game" from the West Ham players who are
allocated to his watch.
Sheringham has a presence. At 48, he now feels ready to go into his first
coaching job and he will bring an immense fount of knowledge with him to the
training ground at Chadwell Heath. He can communicate well and Allardyce has
not recruited a "yes man" to his staff. If Sheringham has something to say,
he will say it. He enjoyed his three seasons at West Ham and after the call
from Allardyce, decided to return to Upton Park. He was reared on attacking
football at Tottenham, Manchester United and West Ham. He knows what the
West Ham ethos is all about. Allardyce would have struggled to find a better
man.
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