New signing 'in next 72 hours'
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan has promised the 'recruitment drive will carry on'
12.07.2014
West Ham United may have been one of the busiest Clubs in the transfer market so far, but Joint-Chairman David Sullivan has assured supporters that the influx of new arrivals is far from over - with another big signing planned for the next 72 hours. The Joint-Chairman has been putting in long hours of research and negotiation as he looks to help Sam Allardyce build a squad capable of an assault on the Barclays Premier League's top ten this season. Four high-profile signings - Argentine forward Mauro Zarate, Senegal midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate, highly-rated left-back Aaron Cresswell and promising midfielder Diego Poyet - have already arrived, but Mr Sullivan insists that far from resting on his laurels, the hard work will only intensify. "At the end of each season we always engage in discussion about which areas of the team need strengthening the most, before drawing up a list of targets to look at," the Joint-Chairmen explained. "We have always preferred to get our key signings done early as you saw last summer with Andy Carroll and we have followed suit this year. "The players we have signed so far were all high up on our list of priorities and I know they will all add something different to our squad - exciting attacking play, goalscoring and experience as well as potential. "The recruitment drive will carry on, though, as there are at least three more positions we would like to strengthen. We are in advanced talks to secure another one of our top targets and all being well we should get that deal over the line in the next 72 hours."
The Hammers' impressive work thus far appears to have gone down well with supporters, with Mr Sullivan revealing he has personally received a number of appreciative messages from fans. With more than a month to go until the team kick off with a home match against Tottenham Hotspur, he is hoping the anticipation will only grow as more new signings arrive. "I have been really pleased with the correspondence I've received from fans over our transfer dealings so far. We were very clear at the end of last season that we wanted to provide more entertainment this season and the arrival of Teddy Sheringham as attacking coach and the four new players seems to have gone down really well. "I think come kick-off in our first game against Spurs, we should have at least three more players so I'd like to think we'll go into the new season with a real sense of optimism about we can achieve."
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Macca on Stevenage stalemate
WHUFC.com
Assistant manager Neil McDonald reflects on West Ham United's 2-2 pre-season draw at Stevenage
12.07.2014
Assistant manager Neil McDonald said West Ham United could take both positives and negatives from Saturday's 2-2 pre-season draw at Stevenage. The Hammers fell two goals due to some sloppy defensive moments, only to show spirit and quality to snatch two goals of their own inside the final six minutes to snatch a draw from what was a competitive 90 minutes. Matt Jarvis set up one goal and provided the second for Stewart Downing at the Lamex Stadium, where earlier a mistake from Adrian and loose marking had allowed Tom Pett and a Trialist to put the home side in control. McDonald was able to reflect on the performances of summer signings Aaron Cresswell, Diego Poyet and Cheikhou Kouyate, while also reassuring supporters that absent trio Andy Carroll, Carlton Cole and Mauro Zarate were left out for precautionary reasons only. "We've still got a lot to work at," McDonald told West Ham TV on a humid afternoon in Hertfordshire. "We've only just been tickling with a football and haven't done much tactical stuff, so when you go into a game against a team who is a week ahead of you in pre-season, you've just got to stand up and be counted. "We moved the ball quite well, but not as quick as what we should do, but that will come in time. We only created a couple of chances, but as you play more games, your play becomes a little more refined and sharper, so we're happy with everybody getting through 45 minutes. We scored a couple of goals at the end, which were an added bonus, really. "The atmosphere was brilliant, there was a really good crowd and the players were at it. A couple of times we held on to the ball a little too long and invited the opposition to come on to us, so we have do better as time goes on and I'm sure we will do."
Cresswell and Poyet both started the game, while Kouyate appeared at half-time, and McDonald believes there is plenty more to come from all three.
"The new boys fitted in well. In the first half, Cresswell did well and put a couple of good passes forward and defended his far post really well, so that's excellent. Cheikhou had plenty of the ball in midfield in the second half and moved it on really well, so that was good and young Diego had plenty of the ball as well and stuck his foot in. "The three of them have settled in well and integrated into the squad while we've been away in Evian in France, and we've still got plenty of training sessions to sharpen them and everybody up."
The goals came through two fine runs and crosses from Guy Demel and Jarvis, with the latter and Downing both converting with one touch with accurate headers - factors which again pleased Big Sam's No2. At the other end, Adrian's handling error had earlier allowed Pett to slot into an unguarded net before the Trialist was given too much time and space and lashed a low shot past substitute stopper Jussi Jaaskelainen. "The goals were great. First of all the cross and then being in the right position. We want them to come in off their line and be inside the far post and both of them were inside their far post. When you are on the move and a quality ball comes into the box, you give yourself a chance and it was great for those two to score early on in pre-season. "Of course we can iron out the defensive errors. The first goal we conceded was sloppy and the second one we could have defended a little better as well. Both in attack and in defence, we've got plenty of work still to do, but that's why we're having a good pre-season and we'll move onto the next one."
Finally, McDonald put any long-term fears over the fitness of Carroll, Cole and Zarate to bed. "We've had them in pre-season and they've been training but they just had little knocks or tightness, so we didn't want to take a chance and hopefully they'll be involved at Ipswich on Wednesday. "We went to Ipswich two pre-seasons ago and we got a bit of a thumping and that put everything into perspective. Hopefully, we will put in a good performance this time around ahead of our trip to New Zealand, where we'll also have two really good games."
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Stevenage 2-2 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 13th July 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham narrowly avoided an embarrassing pre-season defeat thanks to two late goals from Matt Jarvis and Stewart Downing. Wearing the new light blue away kit for the first time, Sam Allardyce's two teams - a different XI for each half - found themselves 2-0 behind with less than 10 minutes to play after Tom Pett (31 mins) and triallist Connor Calcutt (76) had scored for the League Two side. Even though Matt Jarvis stooped low to head home Guy Demel's 76th minute cross to reduce the deficit, it still looked as if the Hammers were heading to defeat in their opening fixture of pre-season. However Stewart Downing had other ideas and he was on hand to head home a deep Jarvis cross, as goalscorer turned provider deep into added-on time.
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Cresswell, Poyet and Kouyate in - but no Zarate
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 12th July 2014
By: Staff Writer
Three of West Ham United's four summer signings are poised to make their debut this afternoon at Stevenage. Aaron Cresswell, Diego Poyet and Cheikhou Kouyate are all included in the two teams that will feature in this afternoon's pre-season friendly against the League Two side, where the starting XI will be completely replaced at half time. However Argentinian striker Mauro Zarate has not been included in the 27-man squad - as is the case with strike partners Andy Carroll and Carlton Cole.
West Ham will start the game with the following XI: Adrian, O'Brien, Cresswell, Reid, Chambers, Noble, Poyet, Vaz Te, Nolan, Morrison, McCallum.
And the team scheduled to feature after the break is: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Collins, Tomkins, Potts, Kouyate, Whitehead, Downing, Diame, Jarvis, E Lee.
Five young substitutes have also been included; they are Howes, Burke, Cullen, Fanimo and Gordon. We'll bring you updates throughout the afternoon on the KUMB Forum match thread.
Stevenage FC: Beasant, Henry, Worley, Wells, Dembele, Pett, Bond, Walton, Deacon, Marriott, Charles.
Subs: Ashton, Whelpdale, Day, Gordon, Johnson, N'Guessan, Okenabirhie, Triallist.
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Sam Allardyce says scoring more goals is West Ham's main focus
Last Updated: 12/07/14 6:16pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says that the main focus for the coming season is to convert their chances into more goals. The Upton Park club, who finished 13th in the Premier League last year, have made four summer signings so far to strengthen the squad - Argentine forward Mauro Zarate, Senegal midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate, left-back Aaron Cresswell and promising midfielder Diego Poyet. Sky sources understand Ecuador striker Enner Valencia is lined up as the next arrival and could arrive in the next 72 hours. "It wasn't about the fact that we didn't create chances last year, it was the fact that we didn't convert enough," Allardyce told Sky Sports News. "That's what it came down to last year, really - had the goal tally been six or eight more, we would actually have finished in the top 10. "The emphasis is going to be on opening the opportunity again and making sure we convert more of those chances."
Former West Ham striker Teddy Sheringham has also re-joined his old club as part of the coaching staff. Allardyce has every confidence in the appointment, and sees the 48-year-old as an integral part of his new goal-scoring strategy. "Teddy is someone I have known for many, many years," Allardyce said. "He's had a long spell out of football since he retired, after a fantastic career that lasted well into his forties. Now he's hungry and ready to give something back.
"We hope that he can bring in a new phase, a couple of different ideas, and specifically work with the front men to score a few more goals."
After a busy summer transfer period, Allardyce and joint-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold are not yet finished in their recruitment drive. Sullivan announced on Saturday that a fifth signing for West Ham was in the offing, but the boss is keeping mum until the deal is done. Allardyce said: "We're very close, but nothing is ever certain in this game with new signings until they have actually signed on the dotted line. "We are very hopeful, there has been a lot of negotiation done by the chairman and hopefully that will pay off in the next 72 hours."
West Ham kick off their 2014/15 campaign at home to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on August 16.
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West Ham come from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Stevenage
Last Updated: 12/07/14 6:56pm
SSN
Stewart Downing scored a last-gasp equaliser as West Ham came from two goals down to draw their opening pre-season friendly 2-2 at Stevenage. The League Two side took the lead just after the half-hour mark when Tom Pett took advantage of a mix-up in the Hammers' defence. Keeper Adrian came sliding out of goal but failed to gather a header back from Aaron Cresswell, leaving Pett to slot home. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce made 11 changes at the break but the hosts went two up when a trialist turned neatly before shooting past Jussi Jaaskelainen into the bottom corner. However, experienced winger Matt Jarvis pulled a goal back with six minutes remaining when heading home unmarked from close range following a Guy Demel cross. And Jarvis turned provider in injury time, crossing from the left byline for Downing to nod in at the far post.
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West Ham close to making Enner Valencia fifth signing of the summer window
Last Updated: 12/07/14 6:46pm
SSN
West Ham joint-chairman David Sullivan has told supporters a fifth signing can be expected in the next 72 hours. Four high-profile signings - Argentine forward Mauro Zarate, Senegal midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate, highly-rated left-back Aaron Cresswell and promising midfielder Diego Poyet – have already been made, and Sky sources understand Ecuador striker Enner Valencia is lined up as the next arrival. West Ham this week made a £12m bid for Valencia, who scored 18 times in 23 games for Mexican side Pachuca last season. Sullivan has been working hard with manager Sam Allardyce to strengthen a squad that finished 13th in the Premier League last season. "At the end of each season we always engage in discussion about which areas of the team need strengthening the most, before drawing up a list of targets to look at," the joint-chairman said. "We have always preferred to get our key signings done early as you saw last summer with Andy Carroll and we have followed suit this year. "The recruitment drive will carry on as there are at least three more positions we would like to strengthen. We are in advanced talks to secure another one of our top targets and all being well we should get that deal over the line in the next 72 hours."
"The players we have signed so far were all high up on our list of priorities and I know they will all add something different to our squad - exciting attacking play, goal-scoring and experience as well as potential. "The recruitment drive will carry on, though, as there are at least three more positions we would like to strengthen. We are in advanced talks to secure another one of our top targets and all being well we should get that deal over the line in the next 72 hours."
Sullivan also revealed he had received plenty of positive messages from supporters over their summer recruitment drive, which also included the return of Teddy Sheringham as part of their coaching staff. "I have been really pleased with the correspondence I've received from fans over our transfer dealings so far," he added. "We were very clear at the end of last season that we wanted to provide more entertainment this season and the arrival of Teddy Sheringham as attacking coach and the four new players seems to have gone down really well. "I think come kick-off in our first game against Spurs, we should have at least three more players so I'd like to think we'll go into the new season with a real sense of optimism about we can achieve."
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THE BEAUTY OF INCREASED COMPETITION FOR PLACES, AS THE OVERHAUL OF THE SQUAD TAKES SHAPE!
By S J Chandos 13 Jul 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham commenced their 2014-15 pre-season programme yesterday, with a last gasp 2-2 draw with League Two Stevenage. While it is undoubtedly true that getting the result was a positive outcome, it was far from the principle objective of this match. This first pre-season friendly was chiefly to build upon early pre-season training and give some valuable match time to the maximum number of players. In short, it was a run out, to start building up match fitness levels and begin integrating the summer arrivals on the pitch. That is why West Ham played two completely different line-ups in each half. You do not deploy that type of selection strategy if victory is the main objective.
Although the match was fairly inconclusive, in terms of assessing our prospects for the new season, hopefully, one thing was underlined, the beauty of increased squad competition! It was notable that the West Ham goals came from Matt Jarvis and Stewart Downing, class wingers who arguably under-performed last season. Both players are surely aware of the signings that have/are being made and the probable increased competition for starting places next season. We already have Zarate, who can play either side of the centre forward in a front three, (potential new signing) Enner Valencia can play wide and there are also rumours of transfer moves for wingers Yevhen Konoplyanka of Dnipro and Christian Atsu of Chelsea. Could it be that this is an early indicator that both Jarvis and Downing are acutely aware that their starting places are going to be under increased pressure and (to their credit) they are responding in the right way. Its early days, but that would be a most welcome development not just in the wide positions, but right across the first team squad.
I was one of those that refrained from being too critical of Jarvis and Downing last season. They did under-perform, when you consider their ability, but there was also the question of the extent to which they were operating in a tactical straightjacket, following instructions to get the maximum number of high balls in to the box for Carroll. Perhaps that was the case last season, maybe not? However, I do hope that the wide men are given greater encouragement to be creative and, crucially, score goals in the coming season. Certainly, both Jarvis and Downing have all the tools necessary to play effectively in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 and weigh-in with their fair share of goals. Playing to their full ability, they are major assets and integral to the club's mission to significantly increase the goal tally this season. And if they cannot do it consistently, then the increased competition will mean that there are other options that can.
It is good news (based on current reports) that Enner Valencia is likely to sign within the next 72 hours. Readers will recall that in the early stage of the World Cup competition I recommended Enner Valencia as a better acquisition than Jefferson Montero. It is good that the club can recognise quality advice when they read it!! But seriously, Valencia is a very good potential signing. One who can play both wide and as a central striker; he could even play as an attacking midfielder, breaking in to the box from slightly deeper positions. It's an exciting signing and further illustrates both the club's ambition and revised playing policy for this coming season.
There is no doubt that this has been a good transfer window so far. We have four excellent new acquisitions in Zarate, Kouyate, Creswell and Poyet. Zarate will give us so many more options up front and allow us to adopt different attacking formations. In particular, he combines pace, mobility, good technique and finishing ability. Kouyate can transform our midfield, forming a very effective defensive midfield pairing with either Mark Noble or Diego Poyet. His physical presence and power (plus good technique for such a tall player) will give both the defence and the forwards the extra assurance to push forward and attack the opposition. The added bonus is that he can also play at centre half, which he may very well be called upon to do in the course of next season. Creswell was one of best talents in the Championship, an exciting left-back who is both solid defensively and dangerous pushing forward. Those familiar with his game, inform us that he is also very useful crossing the ball and at set peices. It is very positive to see an English player of his ability emerge from the lower leagues and earn an opportunity in the Premier League. And it is a similiar story with Poyet, a young player of enormous potential as a defensive midfielder, with excellent vision and range of passing. Although only 19 years of age, he should be considered as a full member of the first team squad. Poyet may not start the campaign in the first team, but he should definitely be challenging for a starting place during the course of the season.
So, assuming Enner Valencia will become our 5th summer signing, what other positions need augmenting? Probably another left-back, a winger, a striker and maybe (the transfer budget/FFP rules allowing) an additional midfielder. We have recently been linked with Robertson of Dundee Utd, Atsu of Chelsea, Slimani of Sporting Lisbon and Rodwell of Man City, amongst others, in those positions. All present indications are that the club will go with Demel, O'Brien and Chambers at right-back and Adrian, Jussi and Speigel as our keepers. And they are probably the right decisions at present, which can be subject to review in the January window. A player that we may have done well to consider is Graziano Pelle, the uber-prolific Feyenoord striker, who has scored an amazing 55 goals in 66 Eredivisie matches since joining the Dutch club in August 2012. However, according to reports, he is now reunited with his former Feyenood boss, Ronald Koeman, at Southampton in a £8m deal. Will Pelle replicate Wilfred Bony's goal scoring success in the Premier League? There is a strong possibility that may be the case, but with Koeman at Southampton, that was always likely to be his next transfer destination.
The West Ham board are to be commended for pursuing an aggressive transfer strategy and bringing exciting players to the club. They are doing what I recommended last season and implementing a major revamp of the squad. They are also, vitally, giving Sam Allardyce the tools to pursue a more attacking and entertaining style of play. By the time the summer transfer window shuts we should have improved the quality of the squad and its capacity to play different formations. In short, there will be no further excuses for staid and one-dimensional tactics. Now it is over to the management team, will they deliver or will old inclinations and pre-dispositions re-assert themselves? Now is certainly the time for the long/hoof ball critics to be confounded, can leopards change their spots? Lets hope so.
This should be a very interesting season and, hopefully, one that sees the club take a significant step forward both in the PL and the domestic cup competitions. And it can be done with a new dual playing policy of emphasising (1) expansive, attractive, attacking play at the Boleyn and (2) solid organisation, allied to a swift/pacy and effective counter-attacking game on our travels.
SJ. Chandos
ps. There are some interesting West Ham related transfer stories in the Sunday football pages. These include that: the Enner Valencia deal has broken down (hopefully not) over the valuation of the player and the club have now turned their attentions to the c.£2m rated Swiss striker, Micheal Frey; we are competing with Aston Villa for the Bosman signing of veteran Inter-Milan playmaker, Esteban Cambiasso; and the Hammers are looking to sign the Villa midfielder, Fabian Delph, in a c.£5m deal!
pps. There is also another story linking us with a move for Stuttgart centre-back, Antonio Rudiger, although it is doubtful that the club would commit a reported c.£8m for a player in a position that they have more than sufficient cover; unless there are plans to sell Winston Reid, who is entering the final year of his current contract.
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ENNAR VALENCIA TO ARRIVE FOR TALKS WITH WEST HAM
By Sean Whetstone 12 Jul 2014 at 08:44
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham are expecting Ecuadorian striker Ennar Valencia to arrive in London today for talks despite missing an early plane to come to London.
Valencia joined Emelec in 2008 from Caribe Junior's youth system, From 2008 to early 2010 he received no opportunities in the first team, but with the arrival of the Argentinian coach Jorge Sampaoli, Valencia started to receive playtime opportunities. Valencia's first professional career goal was on 10th March 2010, scoring the only goal to gain an important away win against Ecuadorian giants LDU Quito.
Valencia initially began his career as a winger, but was converted to play as a striker by Emelec coach Gustavo Quinteros. Reinaldo Rueda started experimenting with Valencia as a striker after the untimely death of Christian Benítez. After numerous rumors involving the interest of Pachuca for Valencia, both Parties came to terms and agreed on a transfer in 2014.
On 18th January 2014, Valencia scored his first goal for Pachuca in a 2–1 victory against Tijuana. The following week he scored two goals to in Pachuca's first away win league match against league champions Club León. He finished the season as the top goal-scorer with 12 goals, scoring various braces for Pachuca. Valencia scored his first hatitrick against UNAM in a 2–4 away win to advance in the Liga MX Apertura 2014 Playoffs. On 15 May, Valencia scored a brace on the first leg of the Liga MX Finals, winning the away match 3–2. In total Valencia netted 18 times in 23 games for Pachuca last season and also scored all three of Ecuador's goals at the World Cup finals in Brazil.
After making three appearances in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, he scored his first international goal in a 2–2 draw against Honduras on 19 November 2013. He continued his good form in 2014, scoring in three of Ecuador's four pre-tournament friendlies. On 5 March, he scored, assisted a goal and won a penalty kick as La Tri came from 3–0 down to defeat Australia 4–3.5 He then scored the team's only goal in a 3–1 loss against Mexico, and gave them an early lead in a 2–2 draw with England in Miami. In June 2014, Valencia was named in Ecuador's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. On 15 June, he made his FIFA World Cup debut in the team's opening match against Switzerland at the Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha in Brasília, opening the scoring with a header in a 2–1 defeat. In Ecuador's second match, Valencia scored both goals to defeat Honduras 2–1 in Curitiba.
Pachuca also looking for a sell-on clause as part of any deal..Pachuca club president Jesus Martinez said: 'There are various offers for Enner Valencia, the strongest and closest to what the player and us are demanding is from a club from England. We are making huge steps to finalise the negotiation.'We want to keep a percentage of the player in case he is sold in the future to another big team in Europe. 'I won't talk about prices, but if he is sold, it will be the highest transfer fee ever in Mexican football, otherwise he won't be sold. It hurts me, I don't want to sell him and neither does the manager or the fans but we can't go against the career the kid aspires to.'
West Ham are thought to have bid £12m for the player
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West Ham United and Aston Villa in fight to land veteran midfielder Esteban Cambiasso
Jul 12, 2014 23:00 By Alan Nixon, Neil Moxley
The 34-year-old's contract with Serie A giants Inter Milan has run out, and both clubs are keen on bringing him to the Premier League
The Mirror
Paul Lambert and Sam Allardyce are locked in a tug-of-war over Argentina star Esteban Cambiasso write Neil Moxley and Alan Nixon in the Sunday People.
The bosses of Aston Villa and West Ham are looking to convince the veteran schemer to join them in the Premier League. Cambiasso, who will be 34 next month, is available on a free transfer after his contract with Inter Milan came to an end. Lambert, who has only minimal funds with which to wheel and deal this summer, is attempting to persuade the Argentina international to come to England. But he has a fight on his hands as Allardyce is prepared to offer big wages to land the defensive midfielder. The Hammers hope to tempt Cambiasso to London on a two-year deal worth £50,000 a week – and the veteran star is considering the offer. West Ham missed out on Gareth Barry despite offering the ex-England international a significantly-improved contract on the one he eventually received from Everton, where he spent last season on loan. But Cambiasso would make a decent addition for either Lambert or Allardyce. He has a marvellous CV, playing for Real Madrid and then Inter where he appeared over 300 times in a glittering career. The experienced midfielder also has offers to return to Spain, but West Ham think they are in the lead for his signature.
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West Ham United target young Swiss striker Michael Frey to bolster their attacking options
Jul 12, 2014 23:00 By Alan Nixon
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is thought to be keen on the Young Boys striker to provide competition for Andy Carroll
The Mirror
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is trying to sign young Swiss sensation Michael Frey in a £2million deal, writes Alan Nixon in the Sunday People. Frey, just 20 next week, broke into the Young Boys of Berne side this season and is rated the country's most exciting prospect for years. West Ham want to sign the giant striker to give Andy Carroll some competition. Frey has also been watched by Liverpool and Juventus but his advisors think he would be lost in the shadows at both clubs. Moving to West Ham and working his way into the side is seen as a better career path for the Swiss starlet. Hammers turned their attentions to Frey after having an ambitious £7m bid for Ecuador's highly-rated World Cup striker Enner Valencia turned down. His Mexican club Pachuca are demanding a sky-high £12m fee and the West Ham hierarchy are unwilling to spend that much.
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West Ham's Big Sam plots Fab £5million move for Villa youngster Delph
Jul 12, 2014 22:45 By Dave Kidd
Delph would be one of several signings as Allardyce looks to get Hammers fans back onside with more attacking football
The Mirror
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is plotting a bid for Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph. The former England Under-21 player , who is a candidate to force his way into Roy Hodgson's senior squad next season, has a year left on his Villa Park deal and the Hammers believe they can prise him away. The club are carrying out a major overhaul of their squad this summer and Allardyce is keen to sign a first-choice central midfield player with Premier League experience.
Delph, 24, fits the bill and the Hammers are ready to make an offer of around £5m for a player who attracted the attention of England boss Hodgson with some fine performances in a struggling Villa team last season. Villa are keen to tie former Leeds kid Delph to a new deal but no agreement is imminent. West Ham have signed two midfield players in Senegalese star Cheikyou Kayate and former Charlton youngster Diego Poyet but were also keen to sign Gareth Barry, before he agreed a permanent deal with Everton this week. Striker Mauro Zarate and defender Aaron Cresswell have also moved to Upton Park in the close season but West Ham expect to make at least three more signings before the transfer window shuts at the end of next month. Meanwhile, Scott Hogan's dream move from Rochdale to Leeds has been wrecked by a cash dispute. United offered £750,000 but Rochdale are demanding £2m.
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Hammers interested in Antonio Rudiger, claims VfB Stuttgart sporting director
Evening Standard
RICHARD PARRY
Published: 12 July 2014 Updated: 22:38, 12 July 2014
West Ham are rivalling Porto for the signature of VfB Stuttgart defender Antonio Rudiger, according to the Bundesliga club. Sam Allardyce has already signed Diego Poyet from Charlton, Argentine striker Mauro Zarate from Velez Sarsfield, Senegal midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate from RSC Anderlecht and left-back Aaron Cresswell from Ipswich Town, but the Hammers boss admitted that he hopes to further strengthen his squad ahead of the new season. Stuttgart, however, are holding their ground regarding Rudiger, with the 21-year-old's agent confirming that West Ham have been in contact. "We know about the interest of these two clubs [Porto and West Ham]", Rudiger's agent, Uli Ferber, admitted to the Stuttgarter Zeitung. "But we leave things to VfB, to who Toni is under contract."
Stuttgart sporting director, Jochen Schneider, confirmed that West Ham's approach was "immediately rejected" by the club. Rudiger's contract runs until 2017, and Stuttgart are believed to be holding out for a fee in the region of €10million (£7.9million) for the Germany international.
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Enner Valencia set to join West Ham in £12m move after impressive World Cup with Ecuador
Sam Allardyce close to completing £12million move for Pachuca's Valencia
The Ecuadorian looks set for a move to Europe after impressing in Brazil
Valencia could become West Ham's fifth summer signing
By JOE BERNSTEIN
PUBLISHED: 22:01, 12 July 2014 | UPDATED: 22:01, 12 July 2014
Daily Mail
West Ham hope to sign Ecuador World Cup forward Enner Valencia in the next 48 hours and if Saturday's 2-2 draw at Stevenage was any guide, he cannot arrive too soon. The Hammers needed goals from wingers Matt Jarvis and Stewart Downing to salvage a draw after League Two Stevenage went 2-0 up through Tom Pett and triallist Connor Calcutt. West Ham have agreed a £12million fee with Valencia's club, Pachuca. And Hammers boss Sam Allardyce said: 'We're very close, but nothing is ever certain until they have actually signed.' West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan says he wants to make at least three more signings, with Valencia likely to be the first of those. Valencia scored three foals for Ecuador during the World Cup.
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What really happened to Timothee Kolodziejczak's transfer to West Ham?
Get French Football News
Get French Football News reported this month that there was a total agreement in place for West Ham United to sign left-back Timothee Kolodziejczak from OGC Nice. The fee was agreed and the contractual details were also agreed. The player even turned up in London to finalise the deal and for a medical which his representatives had been led to believe was what was going to occur. To both the player and OGC Nice's anger and disappointment, West Ham United had decided prior to his arrival on that day that they were going to pull the plug as another target had become available, and he was of a British origin, something that the club seemingly appreciated to a great extent. Kolodziejczak has yet to rejoin OGC Nice's pre-season training camp and was in talks with Southampton prior to Koeman's arrival. He is understood to remain on the Saints' shortlist, perhaps a comforting thought in all the madness.
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Sunday, July 13
Saturday, July 12
Daily WHUFC News - 12th July 2014
Match Preview - Stevenage
WHUFC.com
Team news, ticket and travel details and much more ahead of West Ham
United's opening pre-season match
10.07.2014
STEVENAGE v WEST HAM UNITED
PRE-SEASON MATCH
LAMEX STADIUM
SATURDAY 12 JULY 2014
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: DARREN DEADMAN
In brief
West Ham United kick-off their 2014/15 pre-season schedule with a trip to
the Lamex Stadium to take on League Two side Stevenage.
The Hammers have spent the past week at a training camp at Evian in eastern
France before returning to England on Friday.
Manager Sam Allardyce has promised to take a full first-team squad to
Hertfordshire, with the players expected to be given 45 minutes each as they
make their first appearances since May.
Stevenage have contested one pre-season match already, winning 3-0 at
non-leaguers Arlesey Town on Wednesday evening.
Who are they?
Stevenage FC was formed as Stevenage Borough in 1976 before adopting their
current guise in 2010.
On the pitch, Stevenage rose through the non-league pyramid before reaching
the Conference National in 1994, winning the FA Trophy at Wembley before
being promoted to the Football League for the first time in 2010. The
following year, Stevenage were promoted to League One and upset Premier
League Newcastle United in the FA Cup third round.
After reaching the League One Play-Offs in 2011/12, Stevenage finished
bottom of the table last season and were relegated to League Two.
Manager Graham Westley is in his third spell in charge at the Lamex Stadium,
having previously taken charge of the Boro between 2003-06 and 2008-12,
winning the FA Trophy in 2009 and back-to-back promotions in 2010 and 2011.
Team news
The Club's four summer signings - Mauro Zarate, Cheikhou Kouyate, Aaron
Cresswell and Diego Poyet - could all be given their first appearance in a
West Ham shirt.
Stevenage have made huge changes to their squad following relegation from
League One in May. No fewer than ten players have left the Lamex Stadium,
with the same number being signed by manager Graham Westley. Among the new
arrivals who could feature for the hosts are experienced former Burton
Albion and Aberdeen striker Calvin Zola and Harold Wood-born former
Peterborough United winger Chris Whelpdale.
Referee
Saturday's referee will be Darren Deadman, who was appointed as a Football
League referee in 2005 after starting his career in the Isthmian League.
Cambridgeshire-based Deadman has taken charge of West Ham United twice
previously in competitive fixtures - a 1-0 Championship defeat at
Southampton on 18 October 2011 and the 1-1 draw at Birmingham City on Boxing
Day of the same year.
Incidentally, the biggest match of Deadman's officiating career to date was
the League Two Play-Off final at Old Trafford in May 2011 when he took
charge of Stevenage's 1-0 win over Torquay United.
Deadman will be assisted by Alan Young and Neil Hair, while the fourth
official will be Gerry Daish.
One to watch
Stevenage
Midfielder Simon Walton, 26, joined Stevenage from League Two side
Hartlepool United. Walton began his career with Leeds United, making 38
first-team appearances for the club before embarking on a nomadic career
that has seen him play for no fewer than ten other Premier League and
Football League clubs.
Permanent stints with Charlton Athletic, Queens Park Rangers and Plymouth
Argyle have been interspersed with loan spells with Ipswich Town, Cardiff
City, Hull City, Blackpool, Crewe Alexandra and Sheffield United. A
tenacious player, Walton will add bite to the Stevenage midfield as they
attempt to gain promotion back to League One at the first attempt.
West Ham United
West Ham United are expected to give a debut to summer signing Cheikhou
Kouyate following the Senegal international's switch from Belgian champions
Anderlecht. A tall and athletic player, Kouyate can play at either
centre-back or in a holding midfield role, with the latter being the
preference for a player who can break up opposition attacks with outstanding
regularity.
A London 2012 Olympian, it will be interesting to see how the 24-year-old
settles into a West Ham midfield that could also include Mark Noble, fellow
countryman Mo Diame, fellow new boy Diego Poyet and captain Kevin Nolan.
Tickets
West Ham United's allocation of 1,392 Standard Tickets have completely SOLD
OUT. However, Hammers supporters will be allowed access to home sections,
provided they behave respectfully and appropriately.
Tickets can be bought online here until 4pm on Friday 11 July and can be
collected from the Lamex Stadium ticket office from 12noon on matchday.
Tickets are expected to be available on the day through the turnstiles for
the East and North Terraces. Turnstiles will open at 1.45pm.
Standard Ticket prices: £15 Adults, £12 Concessions (60+/U22s/Disabled/Armed
Forces), £10 U18s, £5 U12s
Travel
Coach travel
There will be no coach travel to this fixture.
By car
Address: Lamex Stadium, Broadhall Way, Stevenage, Herts, SG2 8RH
Distance from the Boleyn Ground: 45 miles
Directions: Take the northbound A1(M) out of London and leave at Junction 7
and take the A602 towards Stevenage. Go straight across the first roundabout
and, as you approach the next roundabout, you can see the floodlights of the
Lamex Stadium on the right. Free parking (500 spaces) is available on your
left at Fairlands Valley car park. However, with a large crowd expected,
this car park is expected to fill up very quickly. Supporters are warned not
to park in the Roaring Meg retail park, as parking is restricted to 90
minutes on matchdays. Fans are also warned not to park on grass verges along
the A602 as vehicles left here are at risk of being ticketed.
By train
Tickets: An Adult return between London Kings Cross and Stevenage costs
£10.50
Before the match: Stevenage railway station is on the East Coast main line
and has regular First Capital Connect services running from London Kings
Cross. Eleven trains leave Kings Cross between 11am and 1pm, with the
quickest services taking between 20-25 minutes to reach Stevenage. From
Stevenage station, you can either take the No4 bus, a taxi or walk the mile
to the Lamex Stadium. To walk, turn left after the ticket barriers and take
the next stairs on the right, prior to the bridge. Head along the A602
Lytton Way, with the railway and car parks on your right hand side. At the
roundabout with Stevenage police station, take the second exit into Six
Hills Way. At the next roundabout, take the third exit (right), continuing
along the A602 Monkswood Road, passing Asda on your right and North Herts
College. After about half a mile you will arrive at a roundabout and the
Lamex Stadium will be directly in front of you.
After the match: Fast services leave Stevenage for Kings Cross at 17.06,
17.36 and 18.06, with slower alternatives leaving at 17.04, 17.10, 17.30,
17.41 and 18.10.
Where to go for a pre-match drink/meal
The Broadhall Suite at the Lamex Stadium is a supporters' bar open to fans
of both teams on a matchday, serving drinks, bar snacks and hot food. The
Broadhall Suite opens at 12noon and children are welcome. Nearby, the
Roaring Meg retail park offers a number of eating options, as does the
Stevenage Leisure Park next to the railway station.
Weather
The forecast is for a warm afternoon with sunny intervals and a maximum
temperature of 23C (74F).
Last meeting
West Ham United have never played Stevenage in a competitive fixture.
However, the Hammers did send a West Ham United XI to Broadhall Way on 29
January 2002, when a team containing Steve Potts, Svetoslav Todorov and Titi
Camara was beaten 1-0 by their then-Conference National hosts.
Stevenage 1-0 West Ham United XI
Friendly match, Tuesday 29 January 2002, Broadhall Way
West Ham United XI: Andersson, Newton (Allen 65), Riddle, Potts, Iriekpen,
Uddin, D.McMahon, Morris (Johnson 10), Todorov, Camara, McCann
Subs not used: Jackson, Eastwood, Khan
Old boys
Striker Lee Boylan reached the FA Youth Cup final with West Ham in 1996
before going on to make a single first-team appearance for the Hammers. He
later had two spells with Stevenage, scoring 22 goals in 69 games in total.
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Ray Houghton bookended his career with
West Ham and Stevenage, while fellow Academy graduates Tony Stokes and Bondz
N'Gala turned out in Stevenage colours in 2007/08 and 2012/13 respectively.
A number of players have been on the books of both clubs, but not made
first-team appearances for one or the other, or both.
Mitchell Cole spent time on West Ham's books as a youngster before enjoying
a successful playing career that saw him win two FA Trophies and the
Conference National title during a four-season stay with Stevenage between
2006-10. The midfielder suffered from a heart condition and sadly passed
away in December 2012. Six months later, a number of West Ham players,
including his brother-in-law Joe Cole, turned out in a tribute match played
in his honour at the Lamex Stadium.
Goalkeeper Rob Burch was loaned to Stevenage twice by Tottenham Hotspur,
either side of a temporary spell with West Ham in December 2004, while
one-time Republic of Ireland U21 international and West Ham trialist Terry
Dixon made three appearances for Stevenage in 2010/11.
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Macca hails successful week
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald believes the Hammers' training camp in France sets them up
perfectly for Stevenage
12.07.2014
Neil McDonald says West Ham United's training camp in France has served as
the perfect warm-up for Saturday's pre-season match at Stevenage. The
Hammers begin their summer schedule with the 3pm kick-off at the Lamex
Stadium, with each player set for a 45-minute run-out. Following a
successful week in Evian-les-Bains, assistant boss McDonald is happy with
the work put in so far. "It was a successful week," he said. "We've had good
sessions on and off the pitch and everyone's got to know each other, which
is great. "Everyone's looking forward to playing the first game at Stevenage
now, and we've left behind a fantastic venue to go to for pre-season. "The
pitches, facilities and everything about the place have been fantastic."
McDonald reckons Sky Bet League Two side Stevenage will give the Hammers a
strong test in their first run-out of pre-season. He added: "The players are
all ready for 45 minutes at Stevenage, which is great. The work we've got in
has been a gradual build up to make sure they get through that. "These games
are always difficult - they are going to be a week ahead of us, so they may
be physically better at this stage, but hopefully we can keep the ball and
move it to the tempo we try to set and get through the 45 minutes with no
injuries. "After Saturday, we'll have another few days training before going
to Ipswich, and the games get you switched on mentally and physically."
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Tonys give crest the thumbs-up
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr MBE and Tony Cottee believe the Club's proposed new crest does
West Ham United proud
10.07.2014
West Ham United ambassador Tony Carr MBE believes the Club's proposed new
crest strikes the perfect balance between the past and the future. Carr,
whose association with the Hammers dates back nearly 50 years and spans
player, coach, Academy Director and now ambassador, says the crest possesses
all the essential ingredients. The crossed hammers allude to the origins of
the Club at the Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Company, the claret and
blue have been the Hammers' colours since 1900, while West Ham's forthcoming
move to the Olympic Stadium will place it at the heart of the most vibrant
and iconic part of London. "I think it's good that the crossed hammers are
the most important part of the crest because they are our trademark and are
where it all started as shipbuilders," said Carr, who initially joined West
Ham as a trainee striker in 1966. "The crest reflects and acknowledges the
history of the Club and also look forward to the transition into the new
Olympic Stadium. "It's simple and clear. West Ham United and London say it
all. It's excellent."
Carr's sentiments were reflected by one of his most famous and successful
Academy graduates, Tony Cottee, who lent his voice to a video presentation
explaining the evolution of the Club's crest over the past 119 years.
Supporters were shown how the Hammers have used no fewer than 15 crests
during this history, with the current design coming into effect in 1999.
Since then, every other Barclays Premier League club has produced a new
crest of their own.
With West Ham on the cusp of a historic move in 2016, the Club will be
investing millions of pounds in this evolution process to ensure the Olympic
Stadium truly is the Hammers' new home. Having viewed the video himself, the
former striker was enthused by the enhanced impact of the famous crossed
hammers.
"I am pleased with it," said Cottee. "I spoke to the Club about six weeks
ago about what the new crest could potentially contain and personally I
didn't see any need to retain the Boleyn Castle as it's part of our history
we didn't need to include. "It was really important to keep the crossed
hammers, so in general I am really pleased with it. Before, I think the
hammers were in front of the castle, but I actually preferred the old badge
with just the crossed hammers worn by John Bond, Bobby Moore and Malcolm
Allison back in the 1950s. "I think there is something special about the
crossed hammers and any West Ham fan will tell you they identify with the
hammers and the Thames Ironworks and 'Come on you Irons!'. To be a hammer is
something to be proud of."
While harking back to the very origins of the Club, the proposed crest also
looks forward to the move to the stadium which did London proud in 2012, and
the benefits of leaving fans the world over in no doubt which city West Ham
calls home. "There is a modern twist as well, as the inclusion of London at
the bottom is something the Club have thought long and hard about," Cottee
continued. "It's a new era for the Club. We're going to the Olympic Stadium
in a couple of years' time and I think it's right that the Club prepares
properly for that historic move and it's right to bring a new badge in and
we are a London club. "Personally, I cannot wait to see the players run out
at the Olympic Stadium in two years' time. I think we need to go into a new
era in terms of not only moving to a new ground, but in terms of our playing
performances and, just as importantly, our commercial awareness around the
world. "The Premier League is a worldwide brand now. If you look at other
Premier League clubs, they are marketing around the world and we've got to
do that to compete. To do that, you need something unique and I think the
simplistic design of the two crossed hammers is a great way to promote our
name around the world."
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Updated crest Q+A
WHUFC.com
Your questions answered on West Ham United's crest consultation
07.07.2014
Following the launch of West Ham United's online crest poll, whufc.com is
keen to respond to the many questions being posed by supporters. The Club
is pleased to see fans taking such a keen interest in the matter and
thankful for your continued input on what is a hugely important decision. We
hope that the following proves helpful and allays any concerns that
supporters may have.
Why are there two shades of claret in the crest?
The two shades are a graphical representation of the HMS Warrior's bow, the
inspiration behind the new crest shape. However, they will only ever be
visible in a 3D form and this is not how the crest will appear in the
majority of its applications. The 3D presentation of the crest will
primarily be used across digital platforms.
As the following variations show, the two shades do not apply to single
colour versions of the crest, nor to the more traditional flat crest, as
would appear on the playing shirt.
The proposed crest has been carefully designed to be adaptable with a
variety of colour applications and will follow a colour palette that has
represented the Club's historic colours since 1900.
That said, the Club is still fully absorbing feedback and, should there be
overall support for the direction of the crest, these factors can be
considered and potentially incorporated ahead of producing final brand
guidelines.
West Ham United crest
West Ham United crest
Why is West Ham United on two lines, rather than one?
It was initially the Club's preference to have West Ham United on one line.
However, as we have stated throughout, this has been a very exhaustive
process and all options have been subject to a comprehensive range of tests
applying the potential crests across a wide range of platforms. While it
looks aesthetically pleasing, it was felt it does not work when applied
practically as the typeface appears too small and loses clarity when applied
to large format crests, similar to those which could be displayed at the
Olympic Stadium.
In addition, the consultation showed supporters felt West Ham United should
be bigger and bolder with many favouring a greater focus on the West Ham
typography, but this cannot be achieved across one line.
Why were supporters not presented with a series of options?
With no obvious second option arising from supporter consultation, the Club
felt the most transparent way to proceed was with the one, clear direction.
The Club was always determined to present a final design that had widespread
support, rather than a series of alternatives, some of which would clearly
neither have been the preferred option of supporters or the Club.
The only viable alternative would have seen 'London' replaced by the Olympic
Stadium. Again, this was neither the preferred option of the Club, nor the
fans and so was ultimately overlooked.
Other proposed changes were relatively minor ones. Suggestions of 1895, the
acronym WHUFC or a change to a circular shield, were, in the grand scheme of
things, supported by a very small proportion of respondents.
We appreciate that design is highly subjective and while the final proposal
may not be to everyone's taste, it is an honest reflection of the key
elements that the majority of supporters chose to highlight.
Why was I unable to leave a comment?
Supporters' comments were submitted in the first stage of consultation and
have since been carefully studied and integrated. The nature of the poll's
two questions means that supporters are still able to offer a variety of
views, albeit within in a framework in which we can clearly and
scientifically quantify responses.
The process has been long and exhaustive one, with no decision taken without
the most careful considerations. Ultimately though, once consultation on the
key design elements had ended, it was for the Club to find the most
appropriate means of reflecting the majority view in a final proposal.
Are you changing the Club's name or is this the first step towards changing
the Club's name in the future?
No, absolutely not. We are not changing the Club's name. We are, and will
always be, West Ham United.
Is this the right time to be considering changing the crest? With the move
to the Olympic Stadium, is it too much too soon?
The one consistent message that has been fed back by supporter groups is
that the success of the move and the Stadium will rest on its acceptance
among fans as the home of West Ham United. The Board are 100 per cent
committed to this and this principle is guiding everything we do at the
Club.
As a result there will be a huge, multi million pound investment into the
application of branding at the Olympic Stadium. The move offers an
opportunity to work meticulously to get every detail right and that is what
the team at the Club are working around the clock striving to do. So is it a
case could be a case of never?
The Club first suggested the idea to the Supporter Advisory Board and have
since conducted extensive consultation with the fans on the possibility of
evolving the Club's crest as we look to the future in our new state of the
art Stadium in the iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
This is part of broader work the Club is carrying out, working with
supporters to establish how to better communicate West Ham's values and how
to best recognise, pay respect to and celebrate almost 120 years of history.
The Club feels this is the right time to have this discussion as we look
forward to a defining moment. We want to do something that really reflects
our history, heritage and values while also setting out our ambitions for a
bright future.
How long has the current crest been in use?
The Club's existing crest is now 15 years old. It is worth noting that,
historically, the Club's crest has been updated roughly every ten years. By
comparison, every Premier League club has updated their crest at least once
since 1997, some on multiple occasions.
It was the Club's view, one that has now been endorsed by supporters, that
the time may be right to mark a defining new era for the Club.
Are you looking to remove the Castle?
This is something we've considered from the outset and has the backing of
the vast majority of supporters. Our view is that retiring the castle from
our Club crest would be a fitting way to respectfully signal a departure
from the Boleyn Ground. Fans are overwhelmingly in agreement that it does
not make sense to have the Boleyn Castle in our Club crest when we no longer
play at the Boleyn Ground.
Will the crossed hammers be in the new crest?
We believe that the hammers are the fundamental symbol/icon of our Club and
should be the most prominent feature of any evolution of the Club's crest.
This is the Club's proposal and, based on feedback, is wholeheartedly
supported by the fanbase.
Can you assure fans the new crest will be claret and blue?
West Ham United has been synonymous with Claret and Blue since 1900. We have
no intention of changing this in any evolution of the Club's crest and are
confident the fans agree with us on this.
Can the new crest be displayed in different colours?
Absolutely. As with the existing crest, any evolution of the crest can be
presented in different colour waves in line with the brand guidelines. For
example, mono colours, such as white, coming off claret. However, to
reiterate, as above, any new crest will be claret and blue.
Why are you considering adding London to the crest?
This appears to be the issue that has created most debate. Consultation
shows that many supporters understand and back the Club's direction in this
regard, while others question London's relevance, claiming that the Club has
a stronger claim to Essex.
There is, however, no denying that the Club is located in London at present
and the Club feels this should be celebrated as we move to a London icon.
West Ham United is our name and should be placed in prime position - it is
the Club's view that any inclusion of London would be secondary in position
and prominence to a bolder typographic representation of our name - West Ham
United - on the crest. It will never be instead of, or on a par with, the
Club name.
London, of course, is fundamentally rooted in our history. From our origins
at the Thames Ironworks, who proudly displayed their London location on all
their vessels, through to the golden era of West Ham teams sporting "West
Ham United London" on pennants and rosettes when competing in European
competition.
Our absolute goal is to return to those days of competing at the highest
level on a European and global stage and therefore believe it is appropriate
to sport our city on the crest.
The Club believe recognition of our London location would be a signal of our
vision to compete at the highest level and enhance the Club's global
standing. What's more, with increased international recognition, the Club
will become a more attractive prospect to high-profile players.
This is all part of the virtuous cycle we are aiming to nurture with our
move to the Olympic Stadium. The more fans we can attract, the more
investment will go into the playing staff, the better our team will perform
and this, in turn, feeds further revenues for investment… and so on.
Have you considered including 1895?
Yes, this is something that continues to be discussed, but interestingly the
research has shown that supporters, on the whole, are not keen on its
addition.
Feedback thus far has argued that many clubs were established in this era
and West Ham was not the first hence the year itself need not have
particular prominence on the crest? Additionally, many fans have made
reference to the change of name to West Ham United in 1900.
Do the Club want to put the Olympic Stadium on the crest?
The Club has been clear throughout the process that this is not our
preferred option. It is however an option we have discussed with supporter
groups and has been a feature of consultation.
Though there is seemingly widespread support for a return to the confident
simplicity of the crossed hammers, fans also recognise the need to include
something forward-thinking, pointing to a new dawn in the West Ham story.
Interestingly, some fans who objected to the inclusion of London were
instead keen to see a representation of the Olympic Stadium.
The Club are seeking a crest that boldly displays all the best bits of the
last 119 years, but one that also celebrates a move to such an iconic venue
and what that can mean for our future prosperity.
The Olympic Stadium has witnessed huge success, which has been seen and
admired the world over. No other Club is moving to London's iconic venue and
to ignore that entirely, would, at the very least, be a missed opportunity.
The Club, however, think that incorporating London into the crest may be a
favourable option to signify our future at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It
remains the Club belief that West Ham United has too strong an identity to
be wholly defined by any one Stadium past or present
If agreed, when and where will the new crest be used?
If agreed, a new crest won't become the official Club crest, nor appear on
the playing shirt, until the 2016/17 season, our first in the Olympic
Stadium. There is no suggestion, nor has there ever been, that the castle
would be removed while still playing at the Boleyn Ground.
In the event that a new crest was agreeable to fans, the castle would be
respectfully retired when the Club leave the Boleyn Ground.
Is this decision just about increasing sales and revenue overseas?
Absolutely not. At its core, this process has evolved through exploratory
work with supporters to ensure that the Club do not miss this unique
opportunity to best reflect our history in the new era and in a way that is
acceptable to supporters.
The project had advanced with a core team, all of whom understand and feel
great passion for West Ham, with the assistance and guidance of West Ham
supporters willing to give their time to contribute and help to ensure the
Club gets it right on behalf of the West Ham faithful.
The team have been meticulous in terms of staying true to the guiding
principle that any evolution must suitably honour West Ham's rich heritage
and be acceptable to supporters.
The process had been extensive in this regard while also seeking to embrace
a new and thoroughly exciting era at the Olympic Stadium.
We do believe also that there is a strong case for evolving the Club's crest
in a way that will also support our strategy to attract international star
targets and help to engage new supporters all over the world, who we hope
will develop the same love of West Ham that we possess.
So while this has never been the guiding principle, there is an opportunity
that we believe merits serious consideration.
Will fans be given a say/vote in the design of the new crest?
Yes, supporters will absolutely be given a say. Online consultation in
respect of the elements that matter most to supporters concluded on Friday
26 June 2014 and the outcomes of said consultation will naturally inform the
Club's design choices.
That said, design is a subjective matter and the Club has entrusted a team
of world-class designers and experts to work on this crucial piece of work
and it will be they who produce the final crest, albeit taking into account
all of the feedback received thus far for the fans' consideration.
The final design will reflect the feelings of all of the stakeholders and
the fans alike.
If fans don't want the new crest, will you stick with the old one?
Yes. The Board have made it clear that any decision on the evolution of the
crest will only be made with the fans' support so the fans will absolutely
make the ultimate decision.
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O'Brien delighted with first week
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien says West Ham United have enjoyed a productive week on their
training camp in France
11.07.2014
Joey O'Brien hailed the impact of a hard week's training in France as the
Hammers prepare for Saturday's first pre-season test at Stevenage. The
Irishman has been part of a squad going through two to three training
sessions daily during their stay in Evian-les-Bains, which comes to an end
on Friday. He says the training camp has helped get everyone back into the
flow of pre-season and he cannot wait to run out at the Lamex Stadium "It's
been a great week," O'Brien confirmed. "All the lads know we need to do the
training to build up the fitness, but you want to play games as soon as
possible to get back in the swing of things so we're all looking forward to
Saturday. "We've got Stevenage and Ipswich before we got to New Zealand and
those games are always tough because we haven't played for six, seven, eight
weeks. You need to find your feet again, and no matter what you do, playing
matches is completely different from the running sessions. "You need to get
back in the swing of things and that's why you play pre-season games
back-to-back. "These games are important for getting to know the new
players, their positions and all that. "It's where the team shape is formed
and where you can put into practice the little ideas from the training
pitch."
As for O'Brien himself, he is delighted with where he is at come the end of
the first week's training and is now looking forward to kicking on. He
added: "I'm feeling really good. I was doing a bit in the off-season and the
first few days are about easing yourself into it. "The work progresses as
the weeks go on."
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West Ham: Fans polled over new Hammers club crest
By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport
West Ham fans are awaiting the results of a poll on plans for a new club
crest before the move to the Olympic Stadium. A redesign proposes a castle,
linked to its current Boleyn Ground home, is removed, and the word 'London'
added underneath. West Ham say the new design is "bolder, cleaner and more
vibrant" and will help its profile around the world. But some Hammers fans
are unhappy at the removal of the castle, and say using the word London is
unnecessary.
Supporters were given 48 hours until Friday evening to vote on the new
designs. Results of the poll, conducted by Yougov, are likely to be
announced next week. The club say its badge has been altered on average once
every 10 years, although the current design has existed since 1999. Any
change would be introduced for the 2016-17 season, when West Ham move to the
Olympic Stadium - about four miles from their current ground.
The east London outfit is the latest club to look at a makeover, and say the
change will only go through with the backing of fans. Everton altered its
new design in October 2013 after feedback from fans, while last month Hull
City unveiled a crest which did not contain the club's name. "Every Premier
League club has updated their crest at least once since 1997, some on
multiple occasions," said a West Ham statement. Graeme Howlett, editor of
West Ham fanzine Knees Up Mother Brown, says he likes the proposed Hammers
crest. New design is a throwback to earlier crests - West Ham legend Bobby
Moore at the Boleyn Ground in 1967 However, he noted a poll on the fanzine's
website demonstrated opposition, with 67% of replies from more than 500
votes saying they did not like the design. "A certain element, not just
football supporters, are against any change per se," he said. "The main
issues as I see it are removal of the castle, as well as including the word
London - a lot of people are not entirely sure why that's there - and United
is not in the same style as West Ham. "I think it's fresh, sleek and modern.
We are the Hammers, but I'd like to see the word United given more
prominence."
The Boleyn Ground is said to have received its name from a house that stood
next to the ground, called Boleyn Castle, and which supposedly had been home
to Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII.
History: Founded as Thames Ironworks in 1895 - nicknamed Hammers
Stadium: Moved to Boleyn Ground in Upton Park nine years later
Move: Will play home games at Olympic Stadium in Stratford from 2016-17
West Ham's proposed badge redesign was announced following an initial
consultation with supporters, where 77% of respondents were in favour of
some change. The Premier League club believes using the word London in its
branding will make it a more attractive proposition internationally. "Our
absolute goal is to return to those days of competing at the highest level
on a European and global stage and therefore believe it is appropriate to
sport our city on the crest," added the statement. "What's more, with
increased international recognition, the Club will become a more attractive
prospect to high-profile players."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham keen on Chelsea winger Christian Atsu, say Sky sources
Last Updated: 11/07/14 7:37pm
SSN
West Ham are interested in taking Chelsea winger Christian Atsu on loan,
according to Sky sources. Atsu, who featured for Ghana at the World Cup,
joined the Blues last September from Porto but was immediately loaned to
Dutch side Vitesse. Aston Villa, Hamburg and Espanyol are also understood to
be keen on the 22-year-old, whose pace and trickery troubled Jurgen
Klinsmann's USA before they ran out 2-1 winners in that Group G contest. But
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is expected to afford Atsu the chance to impress
during pre-season before sanctioning any second spell away from Stamford
Bridge. West Ham have already added striker Mauro Zarate to their ranks and
have sought to further boost their attacking options - having scored just 40
goals in 38 Premier League games last term - by lodging a £12m bid for
Ecuador forward Enner Valencia. His Mexican side, Pachuca, have admitted a
deal is close but are continuing to press for a sell-on clause.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jack Rodwell in demand as half the Premier League ready to make move
By Graeme Bailey | Twitter @graemebailey | Last Updated: 11/07/14 10:12am
SSN
Sky Sports understands clubs from both England and Europe are interested in
signing Jack Rodwell from Manchester City. City are yet to officially open
talks with any interested parties, but a host of teams are jostling to land
the England international, either on loan or on a permanent basis. The
23-year-old joined City in 2012 when they paid Everton more than £12million
for his signature, but lack of first team opportunities have hampered his
progress and he has played just 26 times to date. But Rodwell, who can play
in midfield or defence, is still considered to be one of the finest young
talents in English football. Sky Sports can reveal that Newcastle,
Sunderland, Stoke, Hull, Southampton, West Ham, Tottenham, Swansea, West
Brom and former club Everton, as well as teams in Spain and Italy, all have
an interest in landing him. City sources have confirmed to Sky Sports that
no discussions have taken place about Rodwell and he is set to link up with
Manuel Pellegrini's squad for pre-season, although bids are expected in the
next week.
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NEW INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED INTO THE BENEFITS OF A FOOTBALL LED OS
By Sean Whetstone 11 Jul 2014 at 15:32
West Ham Till I Die
An investigation has been launched into the benefits football stadium-led
regeneration projects can bring to local communities ahead of West Ham
United's move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016. The London Assembly has
launched the inquiry to ensure the Hammers' use of the 54,000-seat stadium
delivers "a genuine regeneration legacy for local communities".
As part of its investigation, the committee proposes to carry out site
visits to football clubs involved in stadium development schemes including:
Arsenal FC, Wembley Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur FC, Manchester City FC, and
Brentford FC.
Gareth Bacon, chairman of London Assembly's regeneration committee said: "We
want to ensure that all Londoners – and especially communities living
nearby, benefit from the stadium for years to come."
The investigation will seek to:
Review evidence from past and current stadium-led regeneration schemes to
assess the benefits of stadium development programmes to both football clubs
and local communities; Review the role of the Mayor in stadium regeneration
schemes and assess the extent to which his objectives for stadium-led
regeneration in the London Plan are being met; and Develop recommendations
for the Mayor to ensure current stadium development schemes – in particular
the Olympic Stadium – deliver a genuine regeneration legacy for local
communities.In broader terms it will also look to address the
following:Football stadium schemes as catalysts for regeneration; Economic
regeneration impacts of new stadia; Social regeneration impacts, including
relationships between football clubs and communities and non-football uses
of stadia; and Realising football stadium schemes: planning; development
contributions; funding.
There is an allegation that this investigation will look into the thorny
issue of state funding for football stadium which has been prompted after
alleged lobbying from certain rival London clubs to London Assembly members.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TONY AND TONY BACK NEW CREST
By Sean Whetstone 11 Jul 2014 at 13:00
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham United ambassador Tony Carr MBE believes the Club's proposed new
crest strikes the perfect balance between the past and the future.
Carr, whose association with the Hammers dates back nearly 50 years and
spans player, coach, Academy Director and now ambassador, says the crest
possesses all the essential ingredients.
The crossed hammers allude to the origins of the Club at the Thames
Ironworks and Shipbuilding Company, the claret and blue have been the
Hammers' colours since 1900, while West Ham's forthcoming move to the
Olympic Stadium will place it at the heart of the most vibrant and iconic
part of London.
"I think it's good that the crossed hammers are the most important part of
the crest because they are our trademark and are where it all started as
shipbuilders," said Carr, who initially joined West Ham as a trainee striker
in 1966."The crest reflects and acknowledges the history of the Club and
also look forward to the transition into the new Olympic Stadium."It's
simple and clear. West Ham United and London say it all. It's excellent."
Carr's sentiments were reflected by one of his most famous and successful
Academy graduates, Tony Cottee, who lent his voice to a video presentation
explaining the evolution of the Club's crest over the past 119 years.
Supporters were shown how the Hammers have used no fewer than 15 crests
during this history, with the current design coming into effect in 1999.
Since then, every other Barclays Premier League club has produced a new
crest of their own.With West Ham on the cusp of a historic move in 2016, the
Club will be investing millions of pounds in this evolution process to
ensure the Olympic Stadium truly is the Hammers' new home.
Having viewed the video himself, the former striker was enthused by the
enhanced impact of the famous crossed hammers.
"I am pleased with it," said Cottee. "I spoke to the Club about six weeks
ago about what the new crest could potentially contain and personally I
didn't see any need to retain the Boleyn Castle as it's part of our history
we didn't need to include.
"It was really important to keep the crossed hammers, so in general I am
really pleased with it. Before, I think the hammers were in front of the
castle, but I actually preferred the old badge with just the crossed hammers
worn by John Bond, Bobby Moore and Malcolm Allison back in the 1950s.
"I think there is something special about the crossed hammers and any West
Ham fan will tell you they identify with the hammers and the Thames
Ironworks and 'Come on you Irons!'. To be a hammer is something to be proud
of."While harking back to the very origins of the Club, the proposed crest
also looks forward to the move to the stadium which did London proud in
2012, and the benefits of leaving fans the world over in no doubt which city
West Ham calls home.
"There is a modern twist as well, as the inclusion of London at the bottom
is something the Club have thought long and hard about," Cottee continued.
"It's a new era for the Club. We're going to the Olympic Stadium in a couple
of years' time and I think it's right that the Club prepares properly for
that historic move and it's right to bring a new badge in and we are a
London club."Personally, I cannot wait to see the players run out at the
Olympic Stadium in two years' time. I think we need to go into a new era in
terms of not only moving to a new ground, but in terms of our playing
performances and, just as importantly, our commercial awareness around the
world.
"The Premier League is a worldwide brand now. If you look at other Premier
League clubs, they are marketing around the world and we've got to do that
to compete. To do that, you need something unique and I think the simplistic
design of the two crossed hammers is a great way to promote our name around
the world."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester City transfers: Midfielder Jack Rodwell on radar of NINE Premier
League clubs
Jul 11, 2014 22:30 By Bill Cooper
Everton, Newcastle, Sunderland, Stoke, Southampton, West Ham, Spurs,
Swansea, West Brom are tracking him - as are Inter Milan, Valencia and
Villarreal
The Mirror
Jack Rodwell is a £10.5million target for nine Premier League teams.
Newcastle, Sunderland, Stoke, Southampton, West Ham, Tottenham, Swansea,
West Brom and his former side Everton are all chasing the Manchester City
misfit. Italian giants Inter Milan, along with Spanish sides Valencia and
Villarreal, also want the England midfielder, who wants to leave the
champions after two miserable years with the top flight champions. Rodwell,
23, has been unable to nail down a regular spot in City's starting line-up,
and has made just 26 appearances since joining in a £13.2million switch from
Goodison in August 2012. A source said: "Jack is very disappointed at the
way his career has stalled since joining City. He had high hopes that it
would be a great move for him, but it just hasn't worked out. "He needs to
get back on track, and it looks as though the best way for him to do that is
to move on. He simply hasn't had the chance to make an impact at City."
Despite not getting the opportunity to stake his claim on a first-team place
City will want to claw back most of their outlay on Rodwell, who still has
three years remaining on contract. The source added:"Jack is a Southport
lad, so a return to Everton would appeal to him - not least because he would
be suited to manager Roberto Martinez's style of play. "But he also has a
lot of time for new West Brom boss Alan Irvine, who was one of his coaches
at Goodison. "The most important thing, though, for Jack is getting the
chance to play first-team football week-in, week-out. That's what he needs
at this stage of his career."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Argentina World Cup hero Javier Mascherano goes from Mullins' back-up to the
Maracana
Jul 10, 2014 22:30 By John Cross
The Mirror
Javier Mascherano has reached a World Cup Final – eight years after being
unable to establish himself in the West Ham first team. The Hammers have a
proud World Cup heritage, but this bit of their colourful past is one former
managers Alan Pardew and Alan Curbishley would prefer to forget - a
world-class midfielder kept out of the side by Hayden Mullins. Mascherano
arrived at Upton Park, along with countryman Carlos Tevez, in what proved to
be a highly controversial transfer from Brazilian club Corinthians in
August 2006. But he started just seven games under Pardew. All of them ended
in defeat – and the struggling Hammers failed to score a single goal in
those fixtures. Pardew was sacked in the December, and Mascherano made even
less of an impression on successor Curbishley, who didn't play him at all
before the player moved to Anfield at the end of the January transfer
window. He went on to play at Barcelona where he won every trophy possible,
and now he is the driving force behind Argentina's World Cup campaign -
which saw them beat Holland on penalties on Wednesday to set up Sunday's
final against Germany. While there are suspicions that financial clauses in
the West Ham deal prevented Mascherano from playing as much as Tevez, at the
time Pardew insisted it was more of a selection and fitness issue.
Mascherano shrugged when asked about that bizarre time at Upton Park and
said: "In football, you have to work. You have to keep the mentality. When I
couldn't play at West Ham, I kept my mentality. I went to train every day to
be a better player. "I didn't have the chance to play in the games in which
I wanted to play at West Ham. But when I went to Liverpool I had my chance
to show my quality."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan kills Poyet loan deals speculation
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 11, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Sullivan has rejected speculation that Ricardo Vaz Te or any other
player will be heading out of Upton Park for Charlton as part of the Diego
Poyet deal.
The Hammers co-owner has totally dismissed the claims circulating around
south London that the Addicks could get up to two Irons on season-long loan
deals.
The speculation originated from sources at The Valley but the Hammers
co-owner speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh immediately denied them. Vaz
Te's name was being mentioned regularly as a possible arrival but Sullivan
has made it clear that neither he or any other player is on his way. The co
owner negotiated the deal which has seen Poyet arrive at the Boleyn leaving
the Addicks expressing public unhappiness on their website. And he told us:
"The Poyet deal has been concluded and there are no players going the other
way. "The transfer fee was resolved through negotiations without the need
for a tribunal."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hearn: "I don't dislike those West Ham mongrels"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 11, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
What you see is not always what you get and that's more true of Barry Hearn
than most. And as the Hammers old adversary hands over the reins of Leyton
Orient to Italian businessman Francesco Becchetti, ClaretandHugh's associate
editor Sean Whetstone spoke with Hearn He talks of the missed opportunities
between himself and the Hammers and declared: "Tell those West Ham mongrels
I don't dislike them." Barry Hearn believes this is the perfect moment to
hand the O's over to Italian business Francisco Becchetti and is convinced
the new 90% shareholder will take the club forward . And he said: "It will
like going from Primark to Harrods!"
Hearn retains the ownership of Brisbane Road stadium on which he has a 999
year peppercorn lease from Waltham Forest Council. He has leased the stadium
to Leyton Orient for 20 years with an option for another 20. And the new
owner has made it clear his immediate priority is promotion to the
Championship and remaining at Brisbane Road in the short term. However,
Hearn – who takes the honorary title of life president – hasn't fully
discounted a future ground share at the Olympic Stadium. But he made it
clear there's no rush revealing though that the only hurdle would be
agreeing the financial terms with the new stadium operator. He said: "I'm
confident Francesco would make the decision if or when the time was right.
"The stadium operator will be announced in the next few months by the LLDC
with AEG the favourite to be awarded the contract."
Turning to the stormy relationship he has experienced with the Irons over
recent years he declared: "I really hope Becchetti can meet with Sullivan
and Gold to see how the two close neighbours could work together for mutual
benefit. I think there was been a lot of missed opportunities during my
reign" When I asked Hearn whether there was even the remotest chance of
investing in the Irons he said: "No disrespect to West Ham but I am Leyton
Orient fan and I will never buy into another football club for the rest of
my life" His last words were "Tell those West Ham mongrels I don't dislike
them!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Valencia "due in London on tomorrow"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 11, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are expecting Ecuadorian striker target Ennar Valencia to arrive in
London tomorrow for talks. As ClaretandHugh reported earlier in the day, the
£12 million midfielder/striker target was believed to be on his way to
London yesterday. But a source explained to us that the player had failed to
appear and although they didn't suspect anything sinister there was never
any certainties in these circumstances. However we have learned over the
last few minutes that Valencia is hoping to organise a flight to London. We
were told exclusively: "He's in a part of the world where flights are few
and far between but we expect him to be in London tomorrow. Jesus Martinez,
President of his club Pachuca, confirmed that should Valencia leave it will
be for the highest fee ever received for a player in the Mexican League.
Valencia netted 18 times in 23 games for Pachuca last season and grabbed
three in the World cup -two against Honduras and one against Switzerland.
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WHUFC.com
Team news, ticket and travel details and much more ahead of West Ham
United's opening pre-season match
10.07.2014
STEVENAGE v WEST HAM UNITED
PRE-SEASON MATCH
LAMEX STADIUM
SATURDAY 12 JULY 2014
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: DARREN DEADMAN
In brief
West Ham United kick-off their 2014/15 pre-season schedule with a trip to
the Lamex Stadium to take on League Two side Stevenage.
The Hammers have spent the past week at a training camp at Evian in eastern
France before returning to England on Friday.
Manager Sam Allardyce has promised to take a full first-team squad to
Hertfordshire, with the players expected to be given 45 minutes each as they
make their first appearances since May.
Stevenage have contested one pre-season match already, winning 3-0 at
non-leaguers Arlesey Town on Wednesday evening.
Who are they?
Stevenage FC was formed as Stevenage Borough in 1976 before adopting their
current guise in 2010.
On the pitch, Stevenage rose through the non-league pyramid before reaching
the Conference National in 1994, winning the FA Trophy at Wembley before
being promoted to the Football League for the first time in 2010. The
following year, Stevenage were promoted to League One and upset Premier
League Newcastle United in the FA Cup third round.
After reaching the League One Play-Offs in 2011/12, Stevenage finished
bottom of the table last season and were relegated to League Two.
Manager Graham Westley is in his third spell in charge at the Lamex Stadium,
having previously taken charge of the Boro between 2003-06 and 2008-12,
winning the FA Trophy in 2009 and back-to-back promotions in 2010 and 2011.
Team news
The Club's four summer signings - Mauro Zarate, Cheikhou Kouyate, Aaron
Cresswell and Diego Poyet - could all be given their first appearance in a
West Ham shirt.
Stevenage have made huge changes to their squad following relegation from
League One in May. No fewer than ten players have left the Lamex Stadium,
with the same number being signed by manager Graham Westley. Among the new
arrivals who could feature for the hosts are experienced former Burton
Albion and Aberdeen striker Calvin Zola and Harold Wood-born former
Peterborough United winger Chris Whelpdale.
Referee
Saturday's referee will be Darren Deadman, who was appointed as a Football
League referee in 2005 after starting his career in the Isthmian League.
Cambridgeshire-based Deadman has taken charge of West Ham United twice
previously in competitive fixtures - a 1-0 Championship defeat at
Southampton on 18 October 2011 and the 1-1 draw at Birmingham City on Boxing
Day of the same year.
Incidentally, the biggest match of Deadman's officiating career to date was
the League Two Play-Off final at Old Trafford in May 2011 when he took
charge of Stevenage's 1-0 win over Torquay United.
Deadman will be assisted by Alan Young and Neil Hair, while the fourth
official will be Gerry Daish.
One to watch
Stevenage
Midfielder Simon Walton, 26, joined Stevenage from League Two side
Hartlepool United. Walton began his career with Leeds United, making 38
first-team appearances for the club before embarking on a nomadic career
that has seen him play for no fewer than ten other Premier League and
Football League clubs.
Permanent stints with Charlton Athletic, Queens Park Rangers and Plymouth
Argyle have been interspersed with loan spells with Ipswich Town, Cardiff
City, Hull City, Blackpool, Crewe Alexandra and Sheffield United. A
tenacious player, Walton will add bite to the Stevenage midfield as they
attempt to gain promotion back to League One at the first attempt.
West Ham United
West Ham United are expected to give a debut to summer signing Cheikhou
Kouyate following the Senegal international's switch from Belgian champions
Anderlecht. A tall and athletic player, Kouyate can play at either
centre-back or in a holding midfield role, with the latter being the
preference for a player who can break up opposition attacks with outstanding
regularity.
A London 2012 Olympian, it will be interesting to see how the 24-year-old
settles into a West Ham midfield that could also include Mark Noble, fellow
countryman Mo Diame, fellow new boy Diego Poyet and captain Kevin Nolan.
Tickets
West Ham United's allocation of 1,392 Standard Tickets have completely SOLD
OUT. However, Hammers supporters will be allowed access to home sections,
provided they behave respectfully and appropriately.
Tickets can be bought online here until 4pm on Friday 11 July and can be
collected from the Lamex Stadium ticket office from 12noon on matchday.
Tickets are expected to be available on the day through the turnstiles for
the East and North Terraces. Turnstiles will open at 1.45pm.
Standard Ticket prices: £15 Adults, £12 Concessions (60+/U22s/Disabled/Armed
Forces), £10 U18s, £5 U12s
Travel
Coach travel
There will be no coach travel to this fixture.
By car
Address: Lamex Stadium, Broadhall Way, Stevenage, Herts, SG2 8RH
Distance from the Boleyn Ground: 45 miles
Directions: Take the northbound A1(M) out of London and leave at Junction 7
and take the A602 towards Stevenage. Go straight across the first roundabout
and, as you approach the next roundabout, you can see the floodlights of the
Lamex Stadium on the right. Free parking (500 spaces) is available on your
left at Fairlands Valley car park. However, with a large crowd expected,
this car park is expected to fill up very quickly. Supporters are warned not
to park in the Roaring Meg retail park, as parking is restricted to 90
minutes on matchdays. Fans are also warned not to park on grass verges along
the A602 as vehicles left here are at risk of being ticketed.
By train
Tickets: An Adult return between London Kings Cross and Stevenage costs
£10.50
Before the match: Stevenage railway station is on the East Coast main line
and has regular First Capital Connect services running from London Kings
Cross. Eleven trains leave Kings Cross between 11am and 1pm, with the
quickest services taking between 20-25 minutes to reach Stevenage. From
Stevenage station, you can either take the No4 bus, a taxi or walk the mile
to the Lamex Stadium. To walk, turn left after the ticket barriers and take
the next stairs on the right, prior to the bridge. Head along the A602
Lytton Way, with the railway and car parks on your right hand side. At the
roundabout with Stevenage police station, take the second exit into Six
Hills Way. At the next roundabout, take the third exit (right), continuing
along the A602 Monkswood Road, passing Asda on your right and North Herts
College. After about half a mile you will arrive at a roundabout and the
Lamex Stadium will be directly in front of you.
After the match: Fast services leave Stevenage for Kings Cross at 17.06,
17.36 and 18.06, with slower alternatives leaving at 17.04, 17.10, 17.30,
17.41 and 18.10.
Where to go for a pre-match drink/meal
The Broadhall Suite at the Lamex Stadium is a supporters' bar open to fans
of both teams on a matchday, serving drinks, bar snacks and hot food. The
Broadhall Suite opens at 12noon and children are welcome. Nearby, the
Roaring Meg retail park offers a number of eating options, as does the
Stevenage Leisure Park next to the railway station.
Weather
The forecast is for a warm afternoon with sunny intervals and a maximum
temperature of 23C (74F).
Last meeting
West Ham United have never played Stevenage in a competitive fixture.
However, the Hammers did send a West Ham United XI to Broadhall Way on 29
January 2002, when a team containing Steve Potts, Svetoslav Todorov and Titi
Camara was beaten 1-0 by their then-Conference National hosts.
Stevenage 1-0 West Ham United XI
Friendly match, Tuesday 29 January 2002, Broadhall Way
West Ham United XI: Andersson, Newton (Allen 65), Riddle, Potts, Iriekpen,
Uddin, D.McMahon, Morris (Johnson 10), Todorov, Camara, McCann
Subs not used: Jackson, Eastwood, Khan
Old boys
Striker Lee Boylan reached the FA Youth Cup final with West Ham in 1996
before going on to make a single first-team appearance for the Hammers. He
later had two spells with Stevenage, scoring 22 goals in 69 games in total.
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Ray Houghton bookended his career with
West Ham and Stevenage, while fellow Academy graduates Tony Stokes and Bondz
N'Gala turned out in Stevenage colours in 2007/08 and 2012/13 respectively.
A number of players have been on the books of both clubs, but not made
first-team appearances for one or the other, or both.
Mitchell Cole spent time on West Ham's books as a youngster before enjoying
a successful playing career that saw him win two FA Trophies and the
Conference National title during a four-season stay with Stevenage between
2006-10. The midfielder suffered from a heart condition and sadly passed
away in December 2012. Six months later, a number of West Ham players,
including his brother-in-law Joe Cole, turned out in a tribute match played
in his honour at the Lamex Stadium.
Goalkeeper Rob Burch was loaned to Stevenage twice by Tottenham Hotspur,
either side of a temporary spell with West Ham in December 2004, while
one-time Republic of Ireland U21 international and West Ham trialist Terry
Dixon made three appearances for Stevenage in 2010/11.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Macca hails successful week
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald believes the Hammers' training camp in France sets them up
perfectly for Stevenage
12.07.2014
Neil McDonald says West Ham United's training camp in France has served as
the perfect warm-up for Saturday's pre-season match at Stevenage. The
Hammers begin their summer schedule with the 3pm kick-off at the Lamex
Stadium, with each player set for a 45-minute run-out. Following a
successful week in Evian-les-Bains, assistant boss McDonald is happy with
the work put in so far. "It was a successful week," he said. "We've had good
sessions on and off the pitch and everyone's got to know each other, which
is great. "Everyone's looking forward to playing the first game at Stevenage
now, and we've left behind a fantastic venue to go to for pre-season. "The
pitches, facilities and everything about the place have been fantastic."
McDonald reckons Sky Bet League Two side Stevenage will give the Hammers a
strong test in their first run-out of pre-season. He added: "The players are
all ready for 45 minutes at Stevenage, which is great. The work we've got in
has been a gradual build up to make sure they get through that. "These games
are always difficult - they are going to be a week ahead of us, so they may
be physically better at this stage, but hopefully we can keep the ball and
move it to the tempo we try to set and get through the 45 minutes with no
injuries. "After Saturday, we'll have another few days training before going
to Ipswich, and the games get you switched on mentally and physically."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tonys give crest the thumbs-up
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr MBE and Tony Cottee believe the Club's proposed new crest does
West Ham United proud
10.07.2014
West Ham United ambassador Tony Carr MBE believes the Club's proposed new
crest strikes the perfect balance between the past and the future. Carr,
whose association with the Hammers dates back nearly 50 years and spans
player, coach, Academy Director and now ambassador, says the crest possesses
all the essential ingredients. The crossed hammers allude to the origins of
the Club at the Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Company, the claret and
blue have been the Hammers' colours since 1900, while West Ham's forthcoming
move to the Olympic Stadium will place it at the heart of the most vibrant
and iconic part of London. "I think it's good that the crossed hammers are
the most important part of the crest because they are our trademark and are
where it all started as shipbuilders," said Carr, who initially joined West
Ham as a trainee striker in 1966. "The crest reflects and acknowledges the
history of the Club and also look forward to the transition into the new
Olympic Stadium. "It's simple and clear. West Ham United and London say it
all. It's excellent."
Carr's sentiments were reflected by one of his most famous and successful
Academy graduates, Tony Cottee, who lent his voice to a video presentation
explaining the evolution of the Club's crest over the past 119 years.
Supporters were shown how the Hammers have used no fewer than 15 crests
during this history, with the current design coming into effect in 1999.
Since then, every other Barclays Premier League club has produced a new
crest of their own.
With West Ham on the cusp of a historic move in 2016, the Club will be
investing millions of pounds in this evolution process to ensure the Olympic
Stadium truly is the Hammers' new home. Having viewed the video himself, the
former striker was enthused by the enhanced impact of the famous crossed
hammers.
"I am pleased with it," said Cottee. "I spoke to the Club about six weeks
ago about what the new crest could potentially contain and personally I
didn't see any need to retain the Boleyn Castle as it's part of our history
we didn't need to include. "It was really important to keep the crossed
hammers, so in general I am really pleased with it. Before, I think the
hammers were in front of the castle, but I actually preferred the old badge
with just the crossed hammers worn by John Bond, Bobby Moore and Malcolm
Allison back in the 1950s. "I think there is something special about the
crossed hammers and any West Ham fan will tell you they identify with the
hammers and the Thames Ironworks and 'Come on you Irons!'. To be a hammer is
something to be proud of."
While harking back to the very origins of the Club, the proposed crest also
looks forward to the move to the stadium which did London proud in 2012, and
the benefits of leaving fans the world over in no doubt which city West Ham
calls home. "There is a modern twist as well, as the inclusion of London at
the bottom is something the Club have thought long and hard about," Cottee
continued. "It's a new era for the Club. We're going to the Olympic Stadium
in a couple of years' time and I think it's right that the Club prepares
properly for that historic move and it's right to bring a new badge in and
we are a London club. "Personally, I cannot wait to see the players run out
at the Olympic Stadium in two years' time. I think we need to go into a new
era in terms of not only moving to a new ground, but in terms of our playing
performances and, just as importantly, our commercial awareness around the
world. "The Premier League is a worldwide brand now. If you look at other
Premier League clubs, they are marketing around the world and we've got to
do that to compete. To do that, you need something unique and I think the
simplistic design of the two crossed hammers is a great way to promote our
name around the world."
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Updated crest Q+A
WHUFC.com
Your questions answered on West Ham United's crest consultation
07.07.2014
Following the launch of West Ham United's online crest poll, whufc.com is
keen to respond to the many questions being posed by supporters. The Club
is pleased to see fans taking such a keen interest in the matter and
thankful for your continued input on what is a hugely important decision. We
hope that the following proves helpful and allays any concerns that
supporters may have.
Why are there two shades of claret in the crest?
The two shades are a graphical representation of the HMS Warrior's bow, the
inspiration behind the new crest shape. However, they will only ever be
visible in a 3D form and this is not how the crest will appear in the
majority of its applications. The 3D presentation of the crest will
primarily be used across digital platforms.
As the following variations show, the two shades do not apply to single
colour versions of the crest, nor to the more traditional flat crest, as
would appear on the playing shirt.
The proposed crest has been carefully designed to be adaptable with a
variety of colour applications and will follow a colour palette that has
represented the Club's historic colours since 1900.
That said, the Club is still fully absorbing feedback and, should there be
overall support for the direction of the crest, these factors can be
considered and potentially incorporated ahead of producing final brand
guidelines.
West Ham United crest
West Ham United crest
Why is West Ham United on two lines, rather than one?
It was initially the Club's preference to have West Ham United on one line.
However, as we have stated throughout, this has been a very exhaustive
process and all options have been subject to a comprehensive range of tests
applying the potential crests across a wide range of platforms. While it
looks aesthetically pleasing, it was felt it does not work when applied
practically as the typeface appears too small and loses clarity when applied
to large format crests, similar to those which could be displayed at the
Olympic Stadium.
In addition, the consultation showed supporters felt West Ham United should
be bigger and bolder with many favouring a greater focus on the West Ham
typography, but this cannot be achieved across one line.
Why were supporters not presented with a series of options?
With no obvious second option arising from supporter consultation, the Club
felt the most transparent way to proceed was with the one, clear direction.
The Club was always determined to present a final design that had widespread
support, rather than a series of alternatives, some of which would clearly
neither have been the preferred option of supporters or the Club.
The only viable alternative would have seen 'London' replaced by the Olympic
Stadium. Again, this was neither the preferred option of the Club, nor the
fans and so was ultimately overlooked.
Other proposed changes were relatively minor ones. Suggestions of 1895, the
acronym WHUFC or a change to a circular shield, were, in the grand scheme of
things, supported by a very small proportion of respondents.
We appreciate that design is highly subjective and while the final proposal
may not be to everyone's taste, it is an honest reflection of the key
elements that the majority of supporters chose to highlight.
Why was I unable to leave a comment?
Supporters' comments were submitted in the first stage of consultation and
have since been carefully studied and integrated. The nature of the poll's
two questions means that supporters are still able to offer a variety of
views, albeit within in a framework in which we can clearly and
scientifically quantify responses.
The process has been long and exhaustive one, with no decision taken without
the most careful considerations. Ultimately though, once consultation on the
key design elements had ended, it was for the Club to find the most
appropriate means of reflecting the majority view in a final proposal.
Are you changing the Club's name or is this the first step towards changing
the Club's name in the future?
No, absolutely not. We are not changing the Club's name. We are, and will
always be, West Ham United.
Is this the right time to be considering changing the crest? With the move
to the Olympic Stadium, is it too much too soon?
The one consistent message that has been fed back by supporter groups is
that the success of the move and the Stadium will rest on its acceptance
among fans as the home of West Ham United. The Board are 100 per cent
committed to this and this principle is guiding everything we do at the
Club.
As a result there will be a huge, multi million pound investment into the
application of branding at the Olympic Stadium. The move offers an
opportunity to work meticulously to get every detail right and that is what
the team at the Club are working around the clock striving to do. So is it a
case could be a case of never?
The Club first suggested the idea to the Supporter Advisory Board and have
since conducted extensive consultation with the fans on the possibility of
evolving the Club's crest as we look to the future in our new state of the
art Stadium in the iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
This is part of broader work the Club is carrying out, working with
supporters to establish how to better communicate West Ham's values and how
to best recognise, pay respect to and celebrate almost 120 years of history.
The Club feels this is the right time to have this discussion as we look
forward to a defining moment. We want to do something that really reflects
our history, heritage and values while also setting out our ambitions for a
bright future.
How long has the current crest been in use?
The Club's existing crest is now 15 years old. It is worth noting that,
historically, the Club's crest has been updated roughly every ten years. By
comparison, every Premier League club has updated their crest at least once
since 1997, some on multiple occasions.
It was the Club's view, one that has now been endorsed by supporters, that
the time may be right to mark a defining new era for the Club.
Are you looking to remove the Castle?
This is something we've considered from the outset and has the backing of
the vast majority of supporters. Our view is that retiring the castle from
our Club crest would be a fitting way to respectfully signal a departure
from the Boleyn Ground. Fans are overwhelmingly in agreement that it does
not make sense to have the Boleyn Castle in our Club crest when we no longer
play at the Boleyn Ground.
Will the crossed hammers be in the new crest?
We believe that the hammers are the fundamental symbol/icon of our Club and
should be the most prominent feature of any evolution of the Club's crest.
This is the Club's proposal and, based on feedback, is wholeheartedly
supported by the fanbase.
Can you assure fans the new crest will be claret and blue?
West Ham United has been synonymous with Claret and Blue since 1900. We have
no intention of changing this in any evolution of the Club's crest and are
confident the fans agree with us on this.
Can the new crest be displayed in different colours?
Absolutely. As with the existing crest, any evolution of the crest can be
presented in different colour waves in line with the brand guidelines. For
example, mono colours, such as white, coming off claret. However, to
reiterate, as above, any new crest will be claret and blue.
Why are you considering adding London to the crest?
This appears to be the issue that has created most debate. Consultation
shows that many supporters understand and back the Club's direction in this
regard, while others question London's relevance, claiming that the Club has
a stronger claim to Essex.
There is, however, no denying that the Club is located in London at present
and the Club feels this should be celebrated as we move to a London icon.
West Ham United is our name and should be placed in prime position - it is
the Club's view that any inclusion of London would be secondary in position
and prominence to a bolder typographic representation of our name - West Ham
United - on the crest. It will never be instead of, or on a par with, the
Club name.
London, of course, is fundamentally rooted in our history. From our origins
at the Thames Ironworks, who proudly displayed their London location on all
their vessels, through to the golden era of West Ham teams sporting "West
Ham United London" on pennants and rosettes when competing in European
competition.
Our absolute goal is to return to those days of competing at the highest
level on a European and global stage and therefore believe it is appropriate
to sport our city on the crest.
The Club believe recognition of our London location would be a signal of our
vision to compete at the highest level and enhance the Club's global
standing. What's more, with increased international recognition, the Club
will become a more attractive prospect to high-profile players.
This is all part of the virtuous cycle we are aiming to nurture with our
move to the Olympic Stadium. The more fans we can attract, the more
investment will go into the playing staff, the better our team will perform
and this, in turn, feeds further revenues for investment… and so on.
Have you considered including 1895?
Yes, this is something that continues to be discussed, but interestingly the
research has shown that supporters, on the whole, are not keen on its
addition.
Feedback thus far has argued that many clubs were established in this era
and West Ham was not the first hence the year itself need not have
particular prominence on the crest? Additionally, many fans have made
reference to the change of name to West Ham United in 1900.
Do the Club want to put the Olympic Stadium on the crest?
The Club has been clear throughout the process that this is not our
preferred option. It is however an option we have discussed with supporter
groups and has been a feature of consultation.
Though there is seemingly widespread support for a return to the confident
simplicity of the crossed hammers, fans also recognise the need to include
something forward-thinking, pointing to a new dawn in the West Ham story.
Interestingly, some fans who objected to the inclusion of London were
instead keen to see a representation of the Olympic Stadium.
The Club are seeking a crest that boldly displays all the best bits of the
last 119 years, but one that also celebrates a move to such an iconic venue
and what that can mean for our future prosperity.
The Olympic Stadium has witnessed huge success, which has been seen and
admired the world over. No other Club is moving to London's iconic venue and
to ignore that entirely, would, at the very least, be a missed opportunity.
The Club, however, think that incorporating London into the crest may be a
favourable option to signify our future at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It
remains the Club belief that West Ham United has too strong an identity to
be wholly defined by any one Stadium past or present
If agreed, when and where will the new crest be used?
If agreed, a new crest won't become the official Club crest, nor appear on
the playing shirt, until the 2016/17 season, our first in the Olympic
Stadium. There is no suggestion, nor has there ever been, that the castle
would be removed while still playing at the Boleyn Ground.
In the event that a new crest was agreeable to fans, the castle would be
respectfully retired when the Club leave the Boleyn Ground.
Is this decision just about increasing sales and revenue overseas?
Absolutely not. At its core, this process has evolved through exploratory
work with supporters to ensure that the Club do not miss this unique
opportunity to best reflect our history in the new era and in a way that is
acceptable to supporters.
The project had advanced with a core team, all of whom understand and feel
great passion for West Ham, with the assistance and guidance of West Ham
supporters willing to give their time to contribute and help to ensure the
Club gets it right on behalf of the West Ham faithful.
The team have been meticulous in terms of staying true to the guiding
principle that any evolution must suitably honour West Ham's rich heritage
and be acceptable to supporters.
The process had been extensive in this regard while also seeking to embrace
a new and thoroughly exciting era at the Olympic Stadium.
We do believe also that there is a strong case for evolving the Club's crest
in a way that will also support our strategy to attract international star
targets and help to engage new supporters all over the world, who we hope
will develop the same love of West Ham that we possess.
So while this has never been the guiding principle, there is an opportunity
that we believe merits serious consideration.
Will fans be given a say/vote in the design of the new crest?
Yes, supporters will absolutely be given a say. Online consultation in
respect of the elements that matter most to supporters concluded on Friday
26 June 2014 and the outcomes of said consultation will naturally inform the
Club's design choices.
That said, design is a subjective matter and the Club has entrusted a team
of world-class designers and experts to work on this crucial piece of work
and it will be they who produce the final crest, albeit taking into account
all of the feedback received thus far for the fans' consideration.
The final design will reflect the feelings of all of the stakeholders and
the fans alike.
If fans don't want the new crest, will you stick with the old one?
Yes. The Board have made it clear that any decision on the evolution of the
crest will only be made with the fans' support so the fans will absolutely
make the ultimate decision.
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O'Brien delighted with first week
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien says West Ham United have enjoyed a productive week on their
training camp in France
11.07.2014
Joey O'Brien hailed the impact of a hard week's training in France as the
Hammers prepare for Saturday's first pre-season test at Stevenage. The
Irishman has been part of a squad going through two to three training
sessions daily during their stay in Evian-les-Bains, which comes to an end
on Friday. He says the training camp has helped get everyone back into the
flow of pre-season and he cannot wait to run out at the Lamex Stadium "It's
been a great week," O'Brien confirmed. "All the lads know we need to do the
training to build up the fitness, but you want to play games as soon as
possible to get back in the swing of things so we're all looking forward to
Saturday. "We've got Stevenage and Ipswich before we got to New Zealand and
those games are always tough because we haven't played for six, seven, eight
weeks. You need to find your feet again, and no matter what you do, playing
matches is completely different from the running sessions. "You need to get
back in the swing of things and that's why you play pre-season games
back-to-back. "These games are important for getting to know the new
players, their positions and all that. "It's where the team shape is formed
and where you can put into practice the little ideas from the training
pitch."
As for O'Brien himself, he is delighted with where he is at come the end of
the first week's training and is now looking forward to kicking on. He
added: "I'm feeling really good. I was doing a bit in the off-season and the
first few days are about easing yourself into it. "The work progresses as
the weeks go on."
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West Ham: Fans polled over new Hammers club crest
By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport
West Ham fans are awaiting the results of a poll on plans for a new club
crest before the move to the Olympic Stadium. A redesign proposes a castle,
linked to its current Boleyn Ground home, is removed, and the word 'London'
added underneath. West Ham say the new design is "bolder, cleaner and more
vibrant" and will help its profile around the world. But some Hammers fans
are unhappy at the removal of the castle, and say using the word London is
unnecessary.
Supporters were given 48 hours until Friday evening to vote on the new
designs. Results of the poll, conducted by Yougov, are likely to be
announced next week. The club say its badge has been altered on average once
every 10 years, although the current design has existed since 1999. Any
change would be introduced for the 2016-17 season, when West Ham move to the
Olympic Stadium - about four miles from their current ground.
The east London outfit is the latest club to look at a makeover, and say the
change will only go through with the backing of fans. Everton altered its
new design in October 2013 after feedback from fans, while last month Hull
City unveiled a crest which did not contain the club's name. "Every Premier
League club has updated their crest at least once since 1997, some on
multiple occasions," said a West Ham statement. Graeme Howlett, editor of
West Ham fanzine Knees Up Mother Brown, says he likes the proposed Hammers
crest. New design is a throwback to earlier crests - West Ham legend Bobby
Moore at the Boleyn Ground in 1967 However, he noted a poll on the fanzine's
website demonstrated opposition, with 67% of replies from more than 500
votes saying they did not like the design. "A certain element, not just
football supporters, are against any change per se," he said. "The main
issues as I see it are removal of the castle, as well as including the word
London - a lot of people are not entirely sure why that's there - and United
is not in the same style as West Ham. "I think it's fresh, sleek and modern.
We are the Hammers, but I'd like to see the word United given more
prominence."
The Boleyn Ground is said to have received its name from a house that stood
next to the ground, called Boleyn Castle, and which supposedly had been home
to Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII.
History: Founded as Thames Ironworks in 1895 - nicknamed Hammers
Stadium: Moved to Boleyn Ground in Upton Park nine years later
Move: Will play home games at Olympic Stadium in Stratford from 2016-17
West Ham's proposed badge redesign was announced following an initial
consultation with supporters, where 77% of respondents were in favour of
some change. The Premier League club believes using the word London in its
branding will make it a more attractive proposition internationally. "Our
absolute goal is to return to those days of competing at the highest level
on a European and global stage and therefore believe it is appropriate to
sport our city on the crest," added the statement. "What's more, with
increased international recognition, the Club will become a more attractive
prospect to high-profile players."
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West Ham keen on Chelsea winger Christian Atsu, say Sky sources
Last Updated: 11/07/14 7:37pm
SSN
West Ham are interested in taking Chelsea winger Christian Atsu on loan,
according to Sky sources. Atsu, who featured for Ghana at the World Cup,
joined the Blues last September from Porto but was immediately loaned to
Dutch side Vitesse. Aston Villa, Hamburg and Espanyol are also understood to
be keen on the 22-year-old, whose pace and trickery troubled Jurgen
Klinsmann's USA before they ran out 2-1 winners in that Group G contest. But
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is expected to afford Atsu the chance to impress
during pre-season before sanctioning any second spell away from Stamford
Bridge. West Ham have already added striker Mauro Zarate to their ranks and
have sought to further boost their attacking options - having scored just 40
goals in 38 Premier League games last term - by lodging a £12m bid for
Ecuador forward Enner Valencia. His Mexican side, Pachuca, have admitted a
deal is close but are continuing to press for a sell-on clause.
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Jack Rodwell in demand as half the Premier League ready to make move
By Graeme Bailey | Twitter @graemebailey | Last Updated: 11/07/14 10:12am
SSN
Sky Sports understands clubs from both England and Europe are interested in
signing Jack Rodwell from Manchester City. City are yet to officially open
talks with any interested parties, but a host of teams are jostling to land
the England international, either on loan or on a permanent basis. The
23-year-old joined City in 2012 when they paid Everton more than £12million
for his signature, but lack of first team opportunities have hampered his
progress and he has played just 26 times to date. But Rodwell, who can play
in midfield or defence, is still considered to be one of the finest young
talents in English football. Sky Sports can reveal that Newcastle,
Sunderland, Stoke, Hull, Southampton, West Ham, Tottenham, Swansea, West
Brom and former club Everton, as well as teams in Spain and Italy, all have
an interest in landing him. City sources have confirmed to Sky Sports that
no discussions have taken place about Rodwell and he is set to link up with
Manuel Pellegrini's squad for pre-season, although bids are expected in the
next week.
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NEW INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED INTO THE BENEFITS OF A FOOTBALL LED OS
By Sean Whetstone 11 Jul 2014 at 15:32
West Ham Till I Die
An investigation has been launched into the benefits football stadium-led
regeneration projects can bring to local communities ahead of West Ham
United's move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016. The London Assembly has
launched the inquiry to ensure the Hammers' use of the 54,000-seat stadium
delivers "a genuine regeneration legacy for local communities".
As part of its investigation, the committee proposes to carry out site
visits to football clubs involved in stadium development schemes including:
Arsenal FC, Wembley Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur FC, Manchester City FC, and
Brentford FC.
Gareth Bacon, chairman of London Assembly's regeneration committee said: "We
want to ensure that all Londoners – and especially communities living
nearby, benefit from the stadium for years to come."
The investigation will seek to:
Review evidence from past and current stadium-led regeneration schemes to
assess the benefits of stadium development programmes to both football clubs
and local communities; Review the role of the Mayor in stadium regeneration
schemes and assess the extent to which his objectives for stadium-led
regeneration in the London Plan are being met; and Develop recommendations
for the Mayor to ensure current stadium development schemes – in particular
the Olympic Stadium – deliver a genuine regeneration legacy for local
communities.In broader terms it will also look to address the
following:Football stadium schemes as catalysts for regeneration; Economic
regeneration impacts of new stadia; Social regeneration impacts, including
relationships between football clubs and communities and non-football uses
of stadia; and Realising football stadium schemes: planning; development
contributions; funding.
There is an allegation that this investigation will look into the thorny
issue of state funding for football stadium which has been prompted after
alleged lobbying from certain rival London clubs to London Assembly members.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TONY AND TONY BACK NEW CREST
By Sean Whetstone 11 Jul 2014 at 13:00
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham United ambassador Tony Carr MBE believes the Club's proposed new
crest strikes the perfect balance between the past and the future.
Carr, whose association with the Hammers dates back nearly 50 years and
spans player, coach, Academy Director and now ambassador, says the crest
possesses all the essential ingredients.
The crossed hammers allude to the origins of the Club at the Thames
Ironworks and Shipbuilding Company, the claret and blue have been the
Hammers' colours since 1900, while West Ham's forthcoming move to the
Olympic Stadium will place it at the heart of the most vibrant and iconic
part of London.
"I think it's good that the crossed hammers are the most important part of
the crest because they are our trademark and are where it all started as
shipbuilders," said Carr, who initially joined West Ham as a trainee striker
in 1966."The crest reflects and acknowledges the history of the Club and
also look forward to the transition into the new Olympic Stadium."It's
simple and clear. West Ham United and London say it all. It's excellent."
Carr's sentiments were reflected by one of his most famous and successful
Academy graduates, Tony Cottee, who lent his voice to a video presentation
explaining the evolution of the Club's crest over the past 119 years.
Supporters were shown how the Hammers have used no fewer than 15 crests
during this history, with the current design coming into effect in 1999.
Since then, every other Barclays Premier League club has produced a new
crest of their own.With West Ham on the cusp of a historic move in 2016, the
Club will be investing millions of pounds in this evolution process to
ensure the Olympic Stadium truly is the Hammers' new home.
Having viewed the video himself, the former striker was enthused by the
enhanced impact of the famous crossed hammers.
"I am pleased with it," said Cottee. "I spoke to the Club about six weeks
ago about what the new crest could potentially contain and personally I
didn't see any need to retain the Boleyn Castle as it's part of our history
we didn't need to include.
"It was really important to keep the crossed hammers, so in general I am
really pleased with it. Before, I think the hammers were in front of the
castle, but I actually preferred the old badge with just the crossed hammers
worn by John Bond, Bobby Moore and Malcolm Allison back in the 1950s.
"I think there is something special about the crossed hammers and any West
Ham fan will tell you they identify with the hammers and the Thames
Ironworks and 'Come on you Irons!'. To be a hammer is something to be proud
of."While harking back to the very origins of the Club, the proposed crest
also looks forward to the move to the stadium which did London proud in
2012, and the benefits of leaving fans the world over in no doubt which city
West Ham calls home.
"There is a modern twist as well, as the inclusion of London at the bottom
is something the Club have thought long and hard about," Cottee continued.
"It's a new era for the Club. We're going to the Olympic Stadium in a couple
of years' time and I think it's right that the Club prepares properly for
that historic move and it's right to bring a new badge in and we are a
London club."Personally, I cannot wait to see the players run out at the
Olympic Stadium in two years' time. I think we need to go into a new era in
terms of not only moving to a new ground, but in terms of our playing
performances and, just as importantly, our commercial awareness around the
world.
"The Premier League is a worldwide brand now. If you look at other Premier
League clubs, they are marketing around the world and we've got to do that
to compete. To do that, you need something unique and I think the simplistic
design of the two crossed hammers is a great way to promote our name around
the world."
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Manchester City transfers: Midfielder Jack Rodwell on radar of NINE Premier
League clubs
Jul 11, 2014 22:30 By Bill Cooper
Everton, Newcastle, Sunderland, Stoke, Southampton, West Ham, Spurs,
Swansea, West Brom are tracking him - as are Inter Milan, Valencia and
Villarreal
The Mirror
Jack Rodwell is a £10.5million target for nine Premier League teams.
Newcastle, Sunderland, Stoke, Southampton, West Ham, Tottenham, Swansea,
West Brom and his former side Everton are all chasing the Manchester City
misfit. Italian giants Inter Milan, along with Spanish sides Valencia and
Villarreal, also want the England midfielder, who wants to leave the
champions after two miserable years with the top flight champions. Rodwell,
23, has been unable to nail down a regular spot in City's starting line-up,
and has made just 26 appearances since joining in a £13.2million switch from
Goodison in August 2012. A source said: "Jack is very disappointed at the
way his career has stalled since joining City. He had high hopes that it
would be a great move for him, but it just hasn't worked out. "He needs to
get back on track, and it looks as though the best way for him to do that is
to move on. He simply hasn't had the chance to make an impact at City."
Despite not getting the opportunity to stake his claim on a first-team place
City will want to claw back most of their outlay on Rodwell, who still has
three years remaining on contract. The source added:"Jack is a Southport
lad, so a return to Everton would appeal to him - not least because he would
be suited to manager Roberto Martinez's style of play. "But he also has a
lot of time for new West Brom boss Alan Irvine, who was one of his coaches
at Goodison. "The most important thing, though, for Jack is getting the
chance to play first-team football week-in, week-out. That's what he needs
at this stage of his career."
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Argentina World Cup hero Javier Mascherano goes from Mullins' back-up to the
Maracana
Jul 10, 2014 22:30 By John Cross
The Mirror
Javier Mascherano has reached a World Cup Final – eight years after being
unable to establish himself in the West Ham first team. The Hammers have a
proud World Cup heritage, but this bit of their colourful past is one former
managers Alan Pardew and Alan Curbishley would prefer to forget - a
world-class midfielder kept out of the side by Hayden Mullins. Mascherano
arrived at Upton Park, along with countryman Carlos Tevez, in what proved to
be a highly controversial transfer from Brazilian club Corinthians in
August 2006. But he started just seven games under Pardew. All of them ended
in defeat – and the struggling Hammers failed to score a single goal in
those fixtures. Pardew was sacked in the December, and Mascherano made even
less of an impression on successor Curbishley, who didn't play him at all
before the player moved to Anfield at the end of the January transfer
window. He went on to play at Barcelona where he won every trophy possible,
and now he is the driving force behind Argentina's World Cup campaign -
which saw them beat Holland on penalties on Wednesday to set up Sunday's
final against Germany. While there are suspicions that financial clauses in
the West Ham deal prevented Mascherano from playing as much as Tevez, at the
time Pardew insisted it was more of a selection and fitness issue.
Mascherano shrugged when asked about that bizarre time at Upton Park and
said: "In football, you have to work. You have to keep the mentality. When I
couldn't play at West Ham, I kept my mentality. I went to train every day to
be a better player. "I didn't have the chance to play in the games in which
I wanted to play at West Ham. But when I went to Liverpool I had my chance
to show my quality."
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Sullivan kills Poyet loan deals speculation
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 11, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Sullivan has rejected speculation that Ricardo Vaz Te or any other
player will be heading out of Upton Park for Charlton as part of the Diego
Poyet deal.
The Hammers co-owner has totally dismissed the claims circulating around
south London that the Addicks could get up to two Irons on season-long loan
deals.
The speculation originated from sources at The Valley but the Hammers
co-owner speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh immediately denied them. Vaz
Te's name was being mentioned regularly as a possible arrival but Sullivan
has made it clear that neither he or any other player is on his way. The co
owner negotiated the deal which has seen Poyet arrive at the Boleyn leaving
the Addicks expressing public unhappiness on their website. And he told us:
"The Poyet deal has been concluded and there are no players going the other
way. "The transfer fee was resolved through negotiations without the need
for a tribunal."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hearn: "I don't dislike those West Ham mongrels"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on July 11, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
What you see is not always what you get and that's more true of Barry Hearn
than most. And as the Hammers old adversary hands over the reins of Leyton
Orient to Italian businessman Francesco Becchetti, ClaretandHugh's associate
editor Sean Whetstone spoke with Hearn He talks of the missed opportunities
between himself and the Hammers and declared: "Tell those West Ham mongrels
I don't dislike them." Barry Hearn believes this is the perfect moment to
hand the O's over to Italian business Francisco Becchetti and is convinced
the new 90% shareholder will take the club forward . And he said: "It will
like going from Primark to Harrods!"
Hearn retains the ownership of Brisbane Road stadium on which he has a 999
year peppercorn lease from Waltham Forest Council. He has leased the stadium
to Leyton Orient for 20 years with an option for another 20. And the new
owner has made it clear his immediate priority is promotion to the
Championship and remaining at Brisbane Road in the short term. However,
Hearn – who takes the honorary title of life president – hasn't fully
discounted a future ground share at the Olympic Stadium. But he made it
clear there's no rush revealing though that the only hurdle would be
agreeing the financial terms with the new stadium operator. He said: "I'm
confident Francesco would make the decision if or when the time was right.
"The stadium operator will be announced in the next few months by the LLDC
with AEG the favourite to be awarded the contract."
Turning to the stormy relationship he has experienced with the Irons over
recent years he declared: "I really hope Becchetti can meet with Sullivan
and Gold to see how the two close neighbours could work together for mutual
benefit. I think there was been a lot of missed opportunities during my
reign" When I asked Hearn whether there was even the remotest chance of
investing in the Irons he said: "No disrespect to West Ham but I am Leyton
Orient fan and I will never buy into another football club for the rest of
my life" His last words were "Tell those West Ham mongrels I don't dislike
them!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Valencia "due in London on tomorrow"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on July 11, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are expecting Ecuadorian striker target Ennar Valencia to arrive in
London tomorrow for talks. As ClaretandHugh reported earlier in the day, the
£12 million midfielder/striker target was believed to be on his way to
London yesterday. But a source explained to us that the player had failed to
appear and although they didn't suspect anything sinister there was never
any certainties in these circumstances. However we have learned over the
last few minutes that Valencia is hoping to organise a flight to London. We
were told exclusively: "He's in a part of the world where flights are few
and far between but we expect him to be in London tomorrow. Jesus Martinez,
President of his club Pachuca, confirmed that should Valencia leave it will
be for the highest fee ever received for a player in the Mexican League.
Valencia netted 18 times in 23 games for Pachuca last season and grabbed
three in the World cup -two against Honduras and one against Switzerland.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Friday, July 11
Daily WHUFC News - 11th July 2014
Dicks: 'I like the badge!'
WHUFC.com
Julian Dicks is a fan of West Ham United's proposed update of the Club crest
10.07.2014
Uncompromising though he was on the pitch, straight-talking Julian Dicks
needed no convincing where West Ham United's proposed new crest was
concerned.
An advocate of simplicity, Dicks was instantly taken by the new design and
pleased to see the famous crossed hammers given the prominence they deserve.
A legend in his own right, the newly-appointed West Ham United Ladies
manager was also proud of the recognition of the Club's Thames Ironworks
beginnings. "I like it," he told whufc.com. "It's quite plain but you've
still got the crossed hammers and you've got the inscription of the Thames
Ironworks. I think it's a nice badge. It's clean and simple, just like me!
"Of course the crossed hammers are important to me. That's what West Ham are
all about, it's the crossed hammers and they've still got them on the badge,
which is good. "When you hear West Ham are changing the badge, you think
'hang on a minute' - but for me, I do like the badge, it's plain and it's
still got the crossed hammers in there. As long as it's got West Ham on
there, that's all that matters really!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Full first-team squad for Stevenage
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will take a full first-team squad to their opening
pre-season fixture at Stevenage on Saturday
10.07.2014
West Ham United will take a full-strength first-team squad to Stevenage for
the Club's opening pre-season match on Saturday. Following a week of hard
work in eastern France, the Hammers kick-off their preparations for the
2014/15 Barclays Premier League season by making the short trip to
Hertfordshire to take on Graham Westley's side. Manager Sam Allardyce
expects a competitive 90 minutes at the Lamex Stadium, but has warned his
players not to take any unnecessary risks against their League Two
opponents. "The full first-team squad will be out in force, there is no
doubt about that," he confirmed. "Going to Stevenage for the first game is
about rotating the squad completely because of the amount of physical
activity they have had in France over the last few days means they will be
slightly fatigued going into the game. "The conditioning work is actually
more important than the game, but the game starts the ball rolling on
getting a feel for playing in an eleven-a-side, competitive match. "We'll
make sure we give the players a maximum 45 minutes each with the warning
that 'If you feel anything go tight or any knocks or anything of that
nature, there is no need to be brave and carry on. Come off and we'll
replace you with another player'. "If we can achieve what we achieved last
season, which was getting through pre-season without any significant
injuries, then the lads should be really fit and raring to go come 16
August."
West Ham's four summer signings - Mauro Zarate, Cheikhou Kouyate, Aaron
Cresswell and Diego Poyet - are all expected to make their first appearances
in a Hammers shirt this weekend. The game will also see the Club's new
adidas away kit make its debut. With Stevenage playing at home for the
first time in pre-season and also expected to field at least half-a-dozen
new signings, a large crowd is expected at the 6,722-capacity Lamex Stadium.
All 1,392 Standard tickets for the West Ham section have SOLD OUT. However,
Hammers supporters will be admitted to Home sections, provided they behave
in a respectful and appropriate manner.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham make £12m bid for Ecuador striker Enner Valencia
Last Updated: 10/07/14 4:43pm
SSN
West Ham have made a £12m bid for Ecuador striker Enner Valencia, according
to Sky sources. The 25-year-old scored 18 times in 23 games for Mexican side
Pachuca last season before impressing for his country at the World Cup in
Brazil with three goals, scoring twice against Honduras and once against
Switzerland.
He also scored against England in the 2-2 friendly draw in Miami before the
tournament. Pachuca president Jesus Martinez revealed earlier that an
English club were closing in on the signing of Valencia. "There are various
offers for Enner Valencia, the strongest and closest to what the player and
us are demanding is from a club from England. We are making huge steps to
finalise the negotiation," Martinez told Ecuagol. "We are seeking the
possibility that is convenient for him and the club and that he is sold for
the price that we like for everything the Mexican league is worth. "We want
to keep a percentage of the player in case he is sold in the future to
another big team in Europe."
West Ham are keen to avoid the problems of last season when they were often
light on options up front, with Andy Carroll already joined at Upton Park by
Argentine forward Mauro Zarate.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham target Enner Valencia with £12million bid for Ecuadorian World Cup
star
Jul 10, 2014 12:34 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
West Ham have made a £12million bid for Ecuador World Cup forward Enner
Valencia. The east Londoners are optimistic that the 25-year-old will be
travelling to London to complete a deal within the next 48 hours. Jesus
Martinez, President of his club Pachuca, confirmed: "Valencia will leave
Pachuca for the highest fee ever received for a player in the Mexican
League. Valencia netted 18 times in 23 games for Pachuca last season. More
significantly, he scored twice against Honduras and once against Switzerland
at the World Cup. And he made the scoresheet in the 2-2 draw with England in
Miami last month before both teams travelled to Brazil. The move is a
measure of West Ham's ambition as they bid to ensure there is no repeat next
season of the relegation scares they have suffered over the last two
campaigns. They are also determined not to be left short in attack after
injury to Andy Carroll left them lightweight up front for the first half of
last season. Carroll has already been joined by 27-year-old Argentine
forward Mauro Zarate from Velez Sarsfield.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham expect Diego Poyet to become a star
by Daryl Hardy
Football News 24/7
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is confident new signing Diego Poyet will be
a big hit at Upton Park and is hopeful he will break into the first team in
the new season. While Big Sam continues on his mission to bring in more
talent to his squad he has hailed the capture of 19-year-old defensive
midfielder Poyet from Championship side Charlton Athletic.
Progress
The teenager burst onto the scene for Charlton when he made his first
appearance in January 2014 before going on to make 23 more and scooping the
Addicks' Player of the Season award. "Diego is one of the younger end that
we have invested in, based on the information that we've got, and based on
the progression he has made in a short period of time," the West Ham manager
told the official club website. "He has taken that leap into the first team
and, all of a sudden, became a big contributor to Charlton last year."
Potential
Allardyce believes that Poyet, the son of former Chelsea and Uruguay
midfielder and current Sunderland manager Gus, will benefit greatly from the
experience of being part of a footballing family as he continues with his
development. "He's appeared on the scene after working very hard as a
youngster and trying to make the grade with a very famous father and always
having that to deal with. "Of course, having a father like Gus, he knows all
about the professional side of being a player. He has watched his Dad over
the years and sees him as a manager and I think that will have had a massive
effect on Diego, know what dedication and commitment is needed to be a
footballer. "I think he has got all that and hopefully that development will
continue with us. If he can break into the first team this year that would
be a massive bonus."
Poyet is expected to feature heavily during the Hammers' pre-season schedule
and, looking even further into the future, Big Sam said his first
competitive chance is likely to come in the Capital One Cup. "Like all the
young players, we'll try him out in the pre-season. We may try him out, if
he progresses well, in the early stages of the Capital One Cup if the
opposition are from a lower division than ourselves. "That system progressed
us to a fantastic run last season to the semi-finals and we nearly made
Wembley. It was about playing the young players and trying to play them at
very competitive first-team level in the Capital One Cup. He'll get a chance
in there and hopefully he can take the chance and move on from there."
Big loss
Not so surprisingly, Charlton fans were not happy to see their new star
depart so soon after having burst onto the scene and winning their hearts
with his enthusiasm and committed, inspiring performances. Poyet is the sort
of player that can grab a game by the scruff of the neck and dictate the
play even at his tender age, perhaps something that West Ham have lacked in
recent times, and it is expected that if he is given the chance he will
shine in the Premier League.
The youngster, who signed a four-year deal having left Charlton on June 30,
is excited for the challenge and keen to impress his new manager and
teammates.
Hard work
"It's massive to come to a Premier League club. It's what I wanted," Poyet
told West Ham's official website. "I wanted a new challenge and soon as I
heard there was a chance of stepping up I had to take it. "Like any young
player, the first thing you want to do is get into the first team. I need to
show the staff, players and the gaffer what I'm capable of." Poyet has a lot
in his locker as a defensive midfielder, not only does he use the ball well
but he is not afraid to get himself about and put in important challenges.
He also reads the game well and always looks forward which in an invaluable
trait at the top level.
Major coup
At West Ham he would not only prove to be a good defensive shield but he
could also provide an attacking thrust in the heart of the team that the
current crop is missing. Poyet became West Ham's fourth summer signing
following the captures of striker Mauro Zarate from Velez Sarsfield,
Anderlecht midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate and Ipswich full-back Aaron
Cresswell. The Hammers are not done in the transfer market yet, though, and
are keen to bolster their squad further in order to stop a repeat of last
season's chaotic period when they became short on defenders and Allardyce
was forced to experiment with his formations and team selections.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham and QPR miss out as Championship goal-machine signs new contract
18:07 10 July 2014
London 24
The London pair, along with Newcastle and Southampton were keen on the
£10million-rated star but will now be looking elsewhere. The 24-year-old,
who scored 25 goals last season for the Ewood Park outfit, has committed his
future to Rovers for the next five years by extending his current deal until
the summer of 2019. "I'm delighted, I'm very happy," the striker told Rovers
Player. "It is a fantastic football club and I'm very lucky to be here. "I
enjoy coming in every day and to have an extension of two more years on top
of my current contract is a real bonus. "I was delighted to sign it, it is a
club I enjoy playing for. The fans have been great ever since I've come in
the place and I've just thoroughly enjoyed it so I'm delighted to be here."
Rhodes has scored more than 50 goals and broken into the Scotland squad in
the two campaigns since arriving from Huddersfield for a club-record fee of
£8million.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham £10m deal for Algeria World Cup hotshot may not be dead yet
HITC
Jack Beresford
West Ham's interest in Islam Slimani looked to have cooled after Sporting
Lisbon slapped a £10m price tag on his head, but that could change. Sam
Allardyce could reignite his interest in Algeria striker Islam Slimani after
admitting that West Ham United were still in the hunt for new players.
Speaking in an interview with West Ham TV, the Hammers boss said that he was
looking at completing as many as four signings in the coming weeks, with a
striker among the top priorities for the London club. The Irons have already
tabled a £12 million bid for Ecuador star Enner Valencia but with the
Pachuca striker attracting plenty of interest from clubs both abroad and in
the Premier League, the completion of a deal still looks some way off.
West Ham were also linked with a move for Slimani earlier this month, after
seeing the 26-year-old star for Algeria at the World Cup with a goal and an
assist in the Fennec Foxes 4-2 victory over Korea Republic – the first World
Cup match in which an African nation has scored four or more goals. Since
then the Sporting Lisbon forward has been attracting plenty of attention,
with Newcastle United and Everton among those linked with a move for the
striker. But their interest, along with West Ham's, appeared to have cooled
after Sporting slapped a £10 million price tag on the Algerian's head.
However that situation may now have changed with Allardyce moving to admit
that the club was on the hunt for new players. "I think there are three or
four positions - it depends on the budget," he told the club's channel "You
would say there is still room for a young central defender, particularly a
left-footed one because we do run with three and not four," he added.
"Ideally, you would have four... You would also say we need another
left-back to go along with Aaron and I think a front-line player and the
possibility of a midfield player as well."
Though not commenting on any move for Slimani, the quotes nevertheless
suggest those behind the scenes at West Ham may be willing to spend big this
summer. And if the end result is the arrival of the 26-year-old at Upton
Park, it could be money well spent.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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WHUFC.com
Julian Dicks is a fan of West Ham United's proposed update of the Club crest
10.07.2014
Uncompromising though he was on the pitch, straight-talking Julian Dicks
needed no convincing where West Ham United's proposed new crest was
concerned.
An advocate of simplicity, Dicks was instantly taken by the new design and
pleased to see the famous crossed hammers given the prominence they deserve.
A legend in his own right, the newly-appointed West Ham United Ladies
manager was also proud of the recognition of the Club's Thames Ironworks
beginnings. "I like it," he told whufc.com. "It's quite plain but you've
still got the crossed hammers and you've got the inscription of the Thames
Ironworks. I think it's a nice badge. It's clean and simple, just like me!
"Of course the crossed hammers are important to me. That's what West Ham are
all about, it's the crossed hammers and they've still got them on the badge,
which is good. "When you hear West Ham are changing the badge, you think
'hang on a minute' - but for me, I do like the badge, it's plain and it's
still got the crossed hammers in there. As long as it's got West Ham on
there, that's all that matters really!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Full first-team squad for Stevenage
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will take a full first-team squad to their opening
pre-season fixture at Stevenage on Saturday
10.07.2014
West Ham United will take a full-strength first-team squad to Stevenage for
the Club's opening pre-season match on Saturday. Following a week of hard
work in eastern France, the Hammers kick-off their preparations for the
2014/15 Barclays Premier League season by making the short trip to
Hertfordshire to take on Graham Westley's side. Manager Sam Allardyce
expects a competitive 90 minutes at the Lamex Stadium, but has warned his
players not to take any unnecessary risks against their League Two
opponents. "The full first-team squad will be out in force, there is no
doubt about that," he confirmed. "Going to Stevenage for the first game is
about rotating the squad completely because of the amount of physical
activity they have had in France over the last few days means they will be
slightly fatigued going into the game. "The conditioning work is actually
more important than the game, but the game starts the ball rolling on
getting a feel for playing in an eleven-a-side, competitive match. "We'll
make sure we give the players a maximum 45 minutes each with the warning
that 'If you feel anything go tight or any knocks or anything of that
nature, there is no need to be brave and carry on. Come off and we'll
replace you with another player'. "If we can achieve what we achieved last
season, which was getting through pre-season without any significant
injuries, then the lads should be really fit and raring to go come 16
August."
West Ham's four summer signings - Mauro Zarate, Cheikhou Kouyate, Aaron
Cresswell and Diego Poyet - are all expected to make their first appearances
in a Hammers shirt this weekend. The game will also see the Club's new
adidas away kit make its debut. With Stevenage playing at home for the
first time in pre-season and also expected to field at least half-a-dozen
new signings, a large crowd is expected at the 6,722-capacity Lamex Stadium.
All 1,392 Standard tickets for the West Ham section have SOLD OUT. However,
Hammers supporters will be admitted to Home sections, provided they behave
in a respectful and appropriate manner.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham make £12m bid for Ecuador striker Enner Valencia
Last Updated: 10/07/14 4:43pm
SSN
West Ham have made a £12m bid for Ecuador striker Enner Valencia, according
to Sky sources. The 25-year-old scored 18 times in 23 games for Mexican side
Pachuca last season before impressing for his country at the World Cup in
Brazil with three goals, scoring twice against Honduras and once against
Switzerland.
He also scored against England in the 2-2 friendly draw in Miami before the
tournament. Pachuca president Jesus Martinez revealed earlier that an
English club were closing in on the signing of Valencia. "There are various
offers for Enner Valencia, the strongest and closest to what the player and
us are demanding is from a club from England. We are making huge steps to
finalise the negotiation," Martinez told Ecuagol. "We are seeking the
possibility that is convenient for him and the club and that he is sold for
the price that we like for everything the Mexican league is worth. "We want
to keep a percentage of the player in case he is sold in the future to
another big team in Europe."
West Ham are keen to avoid the problems of last season when they were often
light on options up front, with Andy Carroll already joined at Upton Park by
Argentine forward Mauro Zarate.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham target Enner Valencia with £12million bid for Ecuadorian World Cup
star
Jul 10, 2014 12:34 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
West Ham have made a £12million bid for Ecuador World Cup forward Enner
Valencia. The east Londoners are optimistic that the 25-year-old will be
travelling to London to complete a deal within the next 48 hours. Jesus
Martinez, President of his club Pachuca, confirmed: "Valencia will leave
Pachuca for the highest fee ever received for a player in the Mexican
League. Valencia netted 18 times in 23 games for Pachuca last season. More
significantly, he scored twice against Honduras and once against Switzerland
at the World Cup. And he made the scoresheet in the 2-2 draw with England in
Miami last month before both teams travelled to Brazil. The move is a
measure of West Ham's ambition as they bid to ensure there is no repeat next
season of the relegation scares they have suffered over the last two
campaigns. They are also determined not to be left short in attack after
injury to Andy Carroll left them lightweight up front for the first half of
last season. Carroll has already been joined by 27-year-old Argentine
forward Mauro Zarate from Velez Sarsfield.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham expect Diego Poyet to become a star
by Daryl Hardy
Football News 24/7
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is confident new signing Diego Poyet will be
a big hit at Upton Park and is hopeful he will break into the first team in
the new season. While Big Sam continues on his mission to bring in more
talent to his squad he has hailed the capture of 19-year-old defensive
midfielder Poyet from Championship side Charlton Athletic.
Progress
The teenager burst onto the scene for Charlton when he made his first
appearance in January 2014 before going on to make 23 more and scooping the
Addicks' Player of the Season award. "Diego is one of the younger end that
we have invested in, based on the information that we've got, and based on
the progression he has made in a short period of time," the West Ham manager
told the official club website. "He has taken that leap into the first team
and, all of a sudden, became a big contributor to Charlton last year."
Potential
Allardyce believes that Poyet, the son of former Chelsea and Uruguay
midfielder and current Sunderland manager Gus, will benefit greatly from the
experience of being part of a footballing family as he continues with his
development. "He's appeared on the scene after working very hard as a
youngster and trying to make the grade with a very famous father and always
having that to deal with. "Of course, having a father like Gus, he knows all
about the professional side of being a player. He has watched his Dad over
the years and sees him as a manager and I think that will have had a massive
effect on Diego, know what dedication and commitment is needed to be a
footballer. "I think he has got all that and hopefully that development will
continue with us. If he can break into the first team this year that would
be a massive bonus."
Poyet is expected to feature heavily during the Hammers' pre-season schedule
and, looking even further into the future, Big Sam said his first
competitive chance is likely to come in the Capital One Cup. "Like all the
young players, we'll try him out in the pre-season. We may try him out, if
he progresses well, in the early stages of the Capital One Cup if the
opposition are from a lower division than ourselves. "That system progressed
us to a fantastic run last season to the semi-finals and we nearly made
Wembley. It was about playing the young players and trying to play them at
very competitive first-team level in the Capital One Cup. He'll get a chance
in there and hopefully he can take the chance and move on from there."
Big loss
Not so surprisingly, Charlton fans were not happy to see their new star
depart so soon after having burst onto the scene and winning their hearts
with his enthusiasm and committed, inspiring performances. Poyet is the sort
of player that can grab a game by the scruff of the neck and dictate the
play even at his tender age, perhaps something that West Ham have lacked in
recent times, and it is expected that if he is given the chance he will
shine in the Premier League.
The youngster, who signed a four-year deal having left Charlton on June 30,
is excited for the challenge and keen to impress his new manager and
teammates.
Hard work
"It's massive to come to a Premier League club. It's what I wanted," Poyet
told West Ham's official website. "I wanted a new challenge and soon as I
heard there was a chance of stepping up I had to take it. "Like any young
player, the first thing you want to do is get into the first team. I need to
show the staff, players and the gaffer what I'm capable of." Poyet has a lot
in his locker as a defensive midfielder, not only does he use the ball well
but he is not afraid to get himself about and put in important challenges.
He also reads the game well and always looks forward which in an invaluable
trait at the top level.
Major coup
At West Ham he would not only prove to be a good defensive shield but he
could also provide an attacking thrust in the heart of the team that the
current crop is missing. Poyet became West Ham's fourth summer signing
following the captures of striker Mauro Zarate from Velez Sarsfield,
Anderlecht midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate and Ipswich full-back Aaron
Cresswell. The Hammers are not done in the transfer market yet, though, and
are keen to bolster their squad further in order to stop a repeat of last
season's chaotic period when they became short on defenders and Allardyce
was forced to experiment with his formations and team selections.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham and QPR miss out as Championship goal-machine signs new contract
18:07 10 July 2014
London 24
The London pair, along with Newcastle and Southampton were keen on the
£10million-rated star but will now be looking elsewhere. The 24-year-old,
who scored 25 goals last season for the Ewood Park outfit, has committed his
future to Rovers for the next five years by extending his current deal until
the summer of 2019. "I'm delighted, I'm very happy," the striker told Rovers
Player. "It is a fantastic football club and I'm very lucky to be here. "I
enjoy coming in every day and to have an extension of two more years on top
of my current contract is a real bonus. "I was delighted to sign it, it is a
club I enjoy playing for. The fans have been great ever since I've come in
the place and I've just thoroughly enjoyed it so I'm delighted to be here."
Rhodes has scored more than 50 goals and broken into the Scotland squad in
the two campaigns since arriving from Huddersfield for a club-record fee of
£8million.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham £10m deal for Algeria World Cup hotshot may not be dead yet
HITC
Jack Beresford
West Ham's interest in Islam Slimani looked to have cooled after Sporting
Lisbon slapped a £10m price tag on his head, but that could change. Sam
Allardyce could reignite his interest in Algeria striker Islam Slimani after
admitting that West Ham United were still in the hunt for new players.
Speaking in an interview with West Ham TV, the Hammers boss said that he was
looking at completing as many as four signings in the coming weeks, with a
striker among the top priorities for the London club. The Irons have already
tabled a £12 million bid for Ecuador star Enner Valencia but with the
Pachuca striker attracting plenty of interest from clubs both abroad and in
the Premier League, the completion of a deal still looks some way off.
West Ham were also linked with a move for Slimani earlier this month, after
seeing the 26-year-old star for Algeria at the World Cup with a goal and an
assist in the Fennec Foxes 4-2 victory over Korea Republic – the first World
Cup match in which an African nation has scored four or more goals. Since
then the Sporting Lisbon forward has been attracting plenty of attention,
with Newcastle United and Everton among those linked with a move for the
striker. But their interest, along with West Ham's, appeared to have cooled
after Sporting slapped a £10 million price tag on the Algerian's head.
However that situation may now have changed with Allardyce moving to admit
that the club was on the hunt for new players. "I think there are three or
four positions - it depends on the budget," he told the club's channel "You
would say there is still room for a young central defender, particularly a
left-footed one because we do run with three and not four," he added.
"Ideally, you would have four... You would also say we need another
left-back to go along with Aaron and I think a front-line player and the
possibility of a midfield player as well."
Though not commenting on any move for Slimani, the quotes nevertheless
suggest those behind the scenes at West Ham may be willing to spend big this
summer. And if the end result is the arrival of the 26-year-old at Upton
Park, it could be money well spent.
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