Macca on Monday
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald is backing the latest Academy graduates to make an impact this
season
10.08.2014
Neil McDonald believes West Ham United's latest batch of talented young
players could make an impact this season following their starring role in
Saturday's 3-2 Marathonbet Cup win against Sampdoria. 17-year-old Reece
Burke scored a late winner from an Elliot Lee cross, while Dan Potts'
forward exploits helped secure the penalty that Mark Noble converted to
bring the game back to one apiece. With the new Barclays Premier League
season starting with Tottenham Hotspur's visit to the Boleyn Ground in just
five days' time, McDonald believes the performances of the three Academy
youngsters will not only have given them a lift, but the rest of the squad
as well. "We've always produced good young players at this Club," McDonald
said. "We have a few good young players coming through and we'll blood them
whenever we can and we've seen the three that made a big impact on the game
on Saturday. "The first half was terrific even though we only had 14 players
to pick from. The young kids have been with us pre-season and it was nice
for them to get involved in the second half.
"In the first half we tried a different system and it worked really well
with lots of passing and lots of receiving it well and we did really well
with the tempo. Our final ball wasn't the best but aside from the goal we
conceded I thought the first half was excellent. "Second half, we changed
the system and grew into the game. We gave the ball away for the second
goal, which we'll need to improve on. We pushed on and drove on and Mo
Diame's goal was a fantastic individual goal. For the third Elliot Lee got
in behind and he picked out Reece Burke, who had carried on his run. "Elliot
showed a lot of composure to pick him out and let him finish the game off
and in the end I thought we thoroughly deserved to win the game."
Despite there being several first-team players missing through injury, Macca
was delighted with how the team passed and pressed the ball. He also brought
the welcome news that Aaron Cresswell's first-half withdrawal was only
precautionary, meaning he could join the young trio in the matchday squad
Spurs should they be selected. "I think the manner in which we tried to play
by passing and moving it, even in tight areas, was really good. The players
have been working hard in training and that is coming through really well.
"We've got to believe in ourselves that we're decent on the ball and it's
not just about free-kicks and corners. Our open play was excellent but we
know we can always improve and the chances we had we took very, very well.
"Our first pre-season victory will give us loads of confidence and put
everyone in a good mood for the first game against Spurs."
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Potts pleased with pre-season action
WHUFC.com
Dan Potts completed an impressive pre-season by helping West Ham United win
the Marathonbet Cup
10.08.2014
Dan Potts completed an impressive personal pre-season by helping West Ham
United win the Marathonbet Cup on Saturday. The 20-year-old left-back was
again to the fore as the Hammers twice came from behind to beat Italian
Serie A side UC Sampdoria 3-2 at the Boleyn Ground. Technically-gifted,
committed and adding physical strength as he gets older, Potts added to his
eye-catching displays in New Zealand and Germany after replacing the injured
Aaron Cresswell on the half-hour mark. Having helped the Hammers record
their first win of the pre-season inside 90 minutes courtesy of fellow
Academy graduate Reece Burke's last-gasp winner, Potts now has his eyes set
on featuring in the Barclays Premier League opener at home to Tottenham
Hotspur next weekend.
"I loved it," said the No27. "Obviously it's the only home game we've got in
pre-season and I started on the bench, but Cressy picked up a knock and I
got my chance and I really enjoyed it. "I was on and then seeing Elliot Lee
and Reece come on late on and not do themselves any harm either by combining
for the winner, it was good for the Academy. More importantly, it was good
to round-off the pre-season with a win. "There have been little things about
us having a 'winless pre-season up til now' and things like that, but
pre-season isn't really about results. It's more about getting the fitness
work in. We all love to win, though, and it was good to come off on the
winning team."
Nearly three years after making his first-team debut in a Championship
fixture with Barnsley, Potts signed a new contract in the summer and is now
hoping to make his mark regularly at first-team level. "It's coming up to
three years now since my debut and I'm lucky to have got a few sniffs in the
first team in this pre-season and hopefully I've done myself no harm," he
observed. "Now, pre-season is over and I want to push on even further. "The
Premier League is where I want to play and, leading up to Tottenham,
hopefully I can be in and around it next week and push on from there. "I
obviously wish Cressy well and hope it's not a bad injury, but I'd love to
be in the squad next Saturday and even better on the pitch. I'll take each
day as it comes."
While there has never been any doubt about Potts' technical ability, he has
added a noticeable physical edge to his game. The defender, who suffered two
concussions in accidental collisions at Southend United and Arsenal in
recent seasons, has consciously decided to toughen up his game. "You've got
to give as much as you can and the fans here love to see it," he confirmed.
"These are friendly matches, but when we went out to New Zealand they were
kicking us up in the air and I think you've got to give it some yourself.
You need to show your opponents they are in a game. "It prepares you for the
season ahead, because the Premier League is a physical league as much as it
is a tactical and technical league. It's all part of the game."
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West Ham's Dan Potts hopes to play a part against Tottenham
Last Updated: 10/08/14 4:25pm
SSN
Young West Ham left-back Dan Potts hopes an impressive pre-season campaign
will earn him a regular place in Sam Allardyce's first-team squad. The
20-year-old performed well for the Hammers in New Zealand and Germany, and
then came on to replace the injured Aaron Cresswell after half an hour of
Saturday's entertaining 3-2 win over Sampdoria. "I loved it," Potts told the
West Ham website. "Obviously, it's the only home game we've got in
pre-season, and I started on the bench, but Cressy picked up a knock and I
got my chance, and I really enjoyed it. "I was on and then Elliot Lee and
Reece (Burke, who scored the winner) came on late and did not do themselves
any harm either by combining for the winner, so it was good for the Academy.
"More importantly, it was good to round off the pre-season with a win.
"There have been little things about us having a 'winless pre-season up
until now' and things like that, but pre-season isn't really about results.
"It's more about getting the fitness work in. We all love to win though, and
it was good to come off on the winning team."
Having signed a new contract in the summer, Potts is targeting a regular
place in the first-team squad. "It's coming up to three years now since my
debut," he said. "I'm lucky to have got a few sniffs in the first team in
this pre-season and hopefully I've done myself no harm. "Now, pre-season is
over, and I want to push on even further. "The Premier League is where I
want to play and, leading up to Tottenham (who West Ham host in their
opener), hopefully I can be in and around it next week, and push on from
there. "I obviously wish Cressy well and hope it's not a bad injury, but I'd
love to be in the squad next Saturday and, even better, on the pitch. I'll
take each day as it comes."
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FOOTBALL CHANGES LIVES - A MESSAGE TO RAVEL MORRISON
By Iain Dale 10 Aug 2014 at 20:39
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Iron Liddy
If I asked you who England's most capped player is no doubt most of you
would say Peter Shilton. In fact it is this 30 year old footballer, Fara
Williams, who earlier this month broke Rachel Yankey's record of 129 caps by
gaining her 130th cap for England. Peter Shilton holds the male record at
125 appearances.
This is a remarkable achievement but what's even more remarkable is that
Fara Williams was homeless for 6 years during the early part of her football
career, living rough and in hostels. Here the central midfielder for Women's
Super League club Liverpool Ladies, who is also employed by The FA as a
Skills Coach, explains how it was football that gave her the motivation to
turn her life around Football Changes Lives.
Her experiences have led her to work with the Homeless FA where she now
coaches homeless girls and women every week; trying to inspire them to use
football as their motivation to try to change their circumstances.
The reason I wrote this article is not to 'big up' women's football,
although there's no denying that it gives me a certain sense of respect and
pride that it is a woman who holds the record number of England caps. I
wrote it in the hope that a certain Ravel Morrison might drop by and read
the success story of a young footballer from a disadvantaged background
using the beautiful game as their motivation to change their life for the
better. Fara's achievements are something to aspire to Ravel and you can do
it if you want it badly enough.
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SHOULD WE SELL MATT JARVIS?
By Iain Dale 10 Aug 2014 at 16:25
West Ham Till I Die
Matt Jarvis arrived two years ago to much fanfare, but since then he has
struggled to justify his £10 million fee. There's no doubt that he gets the
crosses in. For two years now I think he has achieved the highest number of
crosses of any Premier League player. But to what effect? How many assists
does he actually get, let alone goals. He's one of those players who seems
to have it all, yet doesn't quite deliver. He has the beating of his man,
but too often he cuts in to cross the ball on his other foot. Stewart
Downing is the same.
Today we hear that West Bromwich Albion are looking to take Matt Jarvis off
our hands. I have mixed feelings. Part of me likes Jarvis and would like to
give him another chance, but if we sign Amalfitano we'll have a surfeit of
wide players and maybe selling Jarvis would enable us to buy a better
striker.
The trouble is I can't see us getting anywhere near the £10 million we paid
for Jarvis. Indeed, I wonder whether we'd get much more than half that.
Should we keep Jarvis or sell him?
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WHY I FEAR FOR THE FUTURE
By Iain Dale 10 Aug 2014 at 12:24
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by A P Clarke
OK before I start on the negatives and the reasons why, let me start with
the positives. We started September 2011 in the championship having been
relegated. We looked for some idea of how to get back and although most of
us were surprised, Sam Alladyce was called on to be our manager. He was
given a simple task : get us back into the Premier League. To do this he
turned to those players who would play as he asked, and we, just, got back
into the Premier League. He was then asked to keep us there, he did and this
is where we start the 2014-2015 campaign.
The problems
Sam has been a footballing manager for about 20 years, and has created a
style that works when he has players who are do as they are told. Those
players are work-horses without much talent, but will run all day for him.
We have seen these players arrive at our club.
He clearly does not know what to do with players who have talent and flair,
they do not play his style! If you look back to last season and see the
players in our first team, you will notice many players played out of
position, others in systems where they were clearly not comfortable. They
plodded up and down the pitch and the other teams just played around them.
The future and the fear
I am excited by the new batch of players we have for this season, they seem
to play exciting football, but does Sam know what to do with them? I think
not. I fear that he will start the season by playing in the same old style
and we will get beaten. He will then bow to pressure and try maybe two up
front, include players coming up through the ranks, etc. As this is not his
way, he will expect defeat, get it, and blame the players, fans, but not
himself for not having the ability to adapt. The youngsters who play will
have their confidence destroyed again, as they did against Nottingham Forest
last season. Players with talent will no longer want to play for us and we
will end up with a team of talentless work-horses. When Sam then leaves, any
new manager gets these players to try and play football and as they lack the
skill, relegation occurs. Look at Blackburn Rovers and Bolton, (Newcastle
got rid of him before he did too much damage).
Our academy players will look at the future, see Sam and think, where shall
I go, City or United?
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West Brom chasing Matt Jarvis as boss Alan Irvine eyes cut-price deal
Aug 10, 2014 11:11 By Tom Hopkinson
Despite making a big money switch to the Hammers two years ago the former
Wolves man is surplus to requirements and is up for sale
The Mirror
West Brom boss Alan Irvine is chasing West Ham winger Matt Jarvis, writes
Tom Hopkinson in the Sunday People. Jarvis joined the Hammers two years ago
for £7.5million after turning in a string of impressive displays in a
five-year spell at Wolves. But he has not achieved the heights the club
hoped he would.
Over two seasons Jarvis made 57 appearances, managing just four goals. Last
season a big number of his appearances came off the bench and the Hammers
are ready to take a hit on the transfer fee to shift him off the wage bill.
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Daniel Agger on Arsenal, Spurs and West Ham radars as he seeks move
Aug 09, 2014 22:30 By Mirror Football
Danish defender feels he needs regular first-team football than the Kop club
can offer after buying Dejan Lovren and that could lead to a switch to
London
The Mirror
Daniel Agger's future is being monitored by THREE London clubs after making
it clear to Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers that he wants to leave. The
Denmark international feels he needs regular first-team football and that
those chances will be further limited at the Reds following the arrival of
Dejan Lovren from Southampton. West Ham are believed to be interested as he
would be in their price range at about £10 million, while Arsenal manager
Arsene Wenger needs a replacement for Thomas Vermaelen, who is joining
Barcelona. Tottenham will also be keen if they fail in their attempt to sign
Mateo Musacchio from Villarreal.
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West Brom turn to West Ham winger Matt Jarvis after being told to double £4m
bid for Parma's Jonathan Biabiany
Hammers have agreed a fee for Morgan Amalfitano who spent last season on
loan at the Hawthorns
By SIMON JONES
PUBLISHED: 22:42, 10 August 2014 | UPDATED: 22:42, 10 August 2014
Daily Mail
West Bromich Albion are interested in West Ham winger Matt Jarvis. The
Baggies have been told to increase their £4million bid for Parma winger
Jonathan Biabiany to £8m but are looking for alternatives more suited to
their price range. Jarvis has struggled to recapture the form he showed at
Wolves and West Ham will listen to offers. Meanwhile, the Hammers have
agreed a fee with Marseille for midfielder Morgan Amalfitano. The France
midfielder, on loan at West Brom last season, is available for £2million.
The 29-year-old has attracted interest from Hull, Crystal Palace and QPR.
West Ham are prioritising their search for a striker and are speaking to
Stoke about Peter Crouch while Connor Wickham of Sunderland, free agent Hugo
Almeida, Metz striker Diafra Sakho and Joel Campbell of Arsenal remain on
their list.
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Ravel Morrison wanted by Cardiff City even though he is facing assault
charges
Cardiff are willing to double Ravel Morrison's West Ham wages to take him to
Wales – despite the midfielder still having a court case hanging over him
Ravel Morrison at Manchester Magistrates Court where he faces two counts of
common assault
By Matt Law, Football News Correspondent4:01PM BST 10 Aug 2014
Telegraph.co.uk
Cardiff are willing to double Ravel Morrison's West Ham wages to take him to
Wales – despite the midfielder still having a court case hanging over his
head.
Morrison will appear at Manchester Crown Court on August 28 after being
charged with two counts of common assault, against his ex-girlfriend and her
mother, and harassment. While waiting for his court appearance, Morrison is
training with West Ham and can still play for the club if selected. Co-owner
David Sullivan has been a big supporter of Morrison and had been due to open
new contract talks with the 21-year-old before the allegations were made
against him.
There could still be a new West Ham deal offered to Morrison, but Cardiff
have moved to try to capitalise on the uncertainty by once again showing an
interest in signing him. Cardiff made an enquiry about Morrison in January
and are ready to try to tempt West Ham into selling the England Under-21
international with a £3million bid. Morrison currently earns around
£15,000-a-week at Upton Park, but Cardiff are willing to double his wages to
£30,000-a-week to try to convince him to drop down to the Championship. It
is unclear whether or not West Ham will consider cashing in on Morrison,
particularly before his court case has been concluded. The board have been
at odds with manager Sam Allardyce over the youngster's role in the squad
and his future. Cardiff manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knows Morrison and his
massive potential well, having worked with the player during his time in
charge of Manchester United reserves.
Morrison last season spent three months on loan at Queens Park Rangers in
the Championship and scored six goals in 15 League appearances. As part of
Morrison's bail conditions, he cannot contact the complainants, enter the
street where they live or enter Manchester unless to attend a court or a
legal appointment.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons hopeful on midfielder
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are still hopeful they can clinch a deal for Marseilles midfielder
Morgan Amalfitano. The Irons have been in talks with the player for several
days and remain hopeful they can seal a deal early this week. The France
midfielder, on loan at West Brom last season, is available for £2million.
The 29-year-old has attracted interest from Hull, Crystal Palace and QPR but
the Hammers are currently in the driving seat and trying to agree personal
terms with the player.
A source told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "It's not done but we are still
talking so we remain hopeful. "There's no point in quoting odds for or
against – things can take you by surprise but it's certainly still alive."
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WBA and Iron Jarvis: The laughable truth
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have laughed off reported West Bromwich Albion interest in Matt
Jarvis. National newspaper reports suggest today that the Baggies are ready
to make a £4 million move for the Irons winger. But ClaretandHugh can reveal
the West midlands outfit only want the player on a season-long loan. The £9
million signing from Albion's deadly Black Country rivals Wolves had an
indifferent season at Upton Park last season and manager Alan Irvine was
reported as being interested in trying to sign the player. But tonight a top
Hammers insider made it clear to ClaretandHugh that the Baggies are only
interested in doing a loan deal He told us exclusively: "There is no
interest from West Brom in taking Matt Jarvis in a permanent deal. They
have been trying to loan him all summer. "Why on earth they think we'll
loan a player that cost us £9.5m and is our first choice left winger I do
not know. He's looked good in pre-season"
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Daily WHUFC News - 10th August 2014
Hammers secure Marathonbet Cup
WHUFC.com
Seventeen-year-old Reece Burke's later winner secured the inaugural Marathonbet Cup for West Ham United
09.08.2014
West Ham United 3-2 UC Sampdoria
Marathonbet Cup
Boleyn Ground, Saturday 9 August 2014
Seventeen-year-old Reece Burke netted a last-gasp winner as West Ham United edged a thrilling game to lift the inaugural Marathonbet Cup at the Boleyn Ground. The centre-back was an unlikely hero as he popped up in the UC Sampdoria penalty area in the final minute of normal time to tap home fellow Academy starlet Elliot Lee's accurate low cross. Burke's winner completed a rollercoaster game which had twice seen the Italian Serie A side take the lead through Stefan Okaka and Eder, before Mark Noble's penalty and Mohamed Diame's individual special levelled matters.
Earlier, manager Sam Allardyce handed Boleyn Ground debuts to three of his summer signings, with Aaron Cresswell, Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate each included in a new 3-5-2 formation. And the Hammers began fluently in their new set-up, anchored by a back three of James Tomkins, James Collins and Winston Reid, while Carlton Cole and Zarate looked to fashion openings at the other end. Visiting stopper Junior Da Costa was called into action inside just three minutes, as he shovelled Kevin Nolan's overhead around the post.
The hosts continued to boss proceedings, with right wing-back Stewart Downing looking particularly dangerous, and yet it was the Italians who hit the front after 16 minutes. Eder's measured through ball picked out the run of Okaka, who shrugged off Collins' challenge to slot tidily into the far corner.
A heavy collision between Kouyate and Bartosz Salamon prompted a lengthy stoppage shortly afterwards and seemingly put paid to both sides' early rhythm. It became rather stop-start thereafter, with Sampdoria almost making the most of the lull. Lorenzo De Silvestri found Eder in space in the box, who might have done better as he scuffed an effort wide of Adrian's right-hand upright.
At the other end, Zarate's free-kick dropped kindly to Kouyate on the edge of the box, but his drive was comfortably fielded by Da Costa. The Hammers, however, restored parity from the spot in first-half stoppage time, after substitute Dan Potts had been felled by De Silvestri. Noble stepped up and promptly sent Da Costa the wrong way, placing his spot-kick to the 'keepers' left.
Ricardo Vaz Te replaced new boy Zarate at the interval, with West Ham reverting back to a more familiar 4-3-3 system. And the Hammers were soon back on the front foot, as Nolan's cute lay-off handed Kouyate a sight of goal, whose shot flashed wickedly across the face of goal and just beyond a stretching Cole.
But, against the run of play, the Serie A side were back in front just after the hour mark. Soriano's pass beat West Ham's backline, allowing Eder to race free and slide past Adrian. The Hammers' response was almost immediate, but Collins' near-post header from a Noble dead ball drifted the wrong side of the post.
Diame then took matters into his own hands, notching a fine individual goal with 13 minutes left to play. The Senegal skipper cut in off the right flank, drove into the box and finally dispatched a left-footed effort inside the near post.
The goal sparked a Hammers onslaught and Allardyce's men twice went close to snatching it, with Vaz Te involved on both occasions. It was his cross that Downing headed against the bar, before Potts volleyed over on the rebound. Before Vaz Te himself then tried his luck from the edge of box, watching his firm drive flash wide of the upright.
And snatch it they did, when 19-year-old Lee raced clear down the right and, having weighed up his options, squared for none other than Burke to slot into an empty net from six yards.
West Ham United: Adrian, Tomkins, Collins (Burke 76), Reid, Downing, Cresswell (Potts 33), Nolan (c), Kouyate (Diame 57), Noble (Poyet 85), Zarate (Vaz Te 46), Cole (Lee 76)
Subs not used: Jaaskelainen, Cullen
Goals: Noble 45+1, Diame 77, Burke 90
UC Sampdoria: Da Costa, Okaka (Bergessio 68), Krsticic (Obiang 46), Gabbiadini (Rizzo 83), Palombo (Campana 83), Soriano (Fedato 83), Eder (Sansone 68), Salamon, Gastaldello (c) (Costa 73), De Silvestri, Cacciatore
Subs not used: Massolo, Duncan, Fornasier, Wszolek
Goals: Okaka 16, Eder 61
Referee: Robert Madley
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Macca pleased with Samp victory
WHUFC.com
Assistant boss Neil McDonald was happy with the performance in victory over Sampdoria on Saturday
09.08.2014
Neil McDonald was delighted to end pre-season on a high as his West Ham United team twice came from behind to defeat UC Sampdoria in the Marathonbet Cup on Saturday. Mark Noble, Mohamed Diame and Reece Burke were all on target for the Hammers to cancel out goals from Stefan Okaka and Eder and claim their first victory over 90 minutes this summer. Assistant boss McDonald was pleased with the performance, particularly in the opening period, and says the Hammers will be ready for their season opener against Tottenham Hotspur next Saturday. "It was a fantastic game," the assistant manager said. "The first half was probably the best we've passed and moved the ball in pre-season. "Unfortunately we gave the goal away, not defending as well as we could have, and that was the only disappointment of the first half. "In the second half they had a little more possession, but we kept our shape. We've then given a sloppy pass away and they've clinically put the ball in the back of the net. "Our heads didn't go down, which is great, we tried to play the football and move it - we got the individual goal from Mo [Diame] and finished with the two young lads, Elliot Lee making the pass for Reece Burke to score. "We're really pleased with a lot of the aspects of the game, but there's still work to do for Spurs next week."
West Ham operated with two formations against Sampdoria, 3-5-2 before the break and 4-3-3 after, and McDonald was pleased with the effectiveness of both.
He continued: "Sometimes personnel available dictates what formation you take. We only had 14 senior professionals fit for Saturday and it's a fantastic experience for the young kids to come on in the second half. "They experienced a home crowd getting behind the team, which was really good, and we thoroughly deserved the victory. "We played with a three at the back and five in midfield, then we went to 4-3-3 with the personnel in the second half. "Two formations which we've worked on in training and two formations which I think has worked. "We were very fluid in the first half, found the spare man in the hole between the lines and got at them. We got the ball wide and in the box - I think the ball into the box could be a little better. "We passed it, everybody wanted the ball, which was great and we created a tempo which was the best we've had in pre-season."
New boys Aaron Cresswell, Cheikhou Kouyate, Mauro Zarate and Diego Poyet all got their first taste of the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, which McDonald says will set them up well for the season ahead. McDonald said: "All the new lads have settled in well. We took Aaron off as a precaution, as he had a little knock to the knee so we wanted to make sure he was ok. "Diego came on to get his foot in and pass the ball, and Cheik was all-action, driving forward with the ball and trying to win it back. "We've been working on the tactical and technical side as well as the fitness, and it's a good time to get a victory leading into the Spurs game. "That'll give everybody confidence and get them on the front foot raring to go for next week."
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'That's what you dream of'
WHUFC.com
Teenager Reece Burke opened his senior account in dramatic fashion at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday
09.08.2014
As a first senior outing at the Boleyn Ground goes, 17-year-old Reece Burke could hardly have dreamt of better, as he bagged a dramatic late winner in Saturday's 3-2 Marathonbet Cup triumph. Having started and finished West Ham United's 2-0 reverse against Malaga in Germany, the teenage centre-half joined the fray with quarter-of-an-hour to go in this one and visiting UC Sampdoria 2-1 to the good. Ample time to make a spectacular impression, as it proved. Once Mohamed Diame's leveller had set up a grandstand finish, Burke started and finished a flowing move in the final minute to cap an outstanding pre-season for the young man. Reflecting on his extraordinary afternoon, the teenager confirmed: "It doesn't get much better than that. As a young kid that's what you dream of, to score my first goal for the first team is really good and that's something that's going to help me, I feel, with my confidence to carry on."
Reece Burke v UC Sampdoria Though the goal was ultimately a simple tap-in from six yards, what preceded it was anything but. "I intercepted the pass and Pottsy [Dan Potts] said they might have been in. But I followed it out, played in Mo Diame and thought I'd just carry on running," he explained. "I got myself in the box. El [Elliot Lee] had the ball, crossed it and I was there for the finish. I just didn't want to miss. I was literally right there and I just wanted to make sure that I scored really. I didn't want to miss. "It was an unbelievable feeling, I didn't know what to do, to celebrate or to run. I don't score many to be fair, but that's one of my targets, to score more goals as a centre-back."
All in all, Burke can look back on a fantastic pre-season and one that he expects will serve him very well in the coming weeks and months. "That was my first time playing for the first team at the Boleyn Ground, it was a great experience for me to come on and obviously to score is great. "I'm enjoying pre-season very much. Germany was a great experience for me, playing a full 90 out there as well. Unfortunately we lost 2-0 [against Malaga] but that's part of my development. It's an honour to play with top players who have played against some of the best players in the world."
Ironically, Burke's first taste of senior football ended in a demoralising 5-0 FA Cup reverse at Nottingham Forest back in January. But far from dwelling on any negatives, Burke has gone from strength to strength ever since and reckons it marked a turning point in his young career. He added: "Forest was an eye opener for me, I didn't know what it was really like. But from there it's just really helped me. "I came on and conceded quite a few goals. As a centre-half people are going to look at the defence, so I was sort of picked out. It was hard after the game, but you still get confidence from it and you can either go a good way or a bad way and for me it's been good. "Sometimes you need to fail to succeed and I think that's one of the highlights of my career so far."
Delighted with his recent progress, the 17-year-old is now hoping to focus on establishing himself in Nick Haycock's U21 side and, perhaps, beyond. "I believe I'm doing quite well, I've sat down with the coaches and spoken about what I need to improve on and I'm just going to keep improving from there. "My target for this season was to be a regular for the 21s, that was original target. Hopefully I can do that and if I can we'll go from there and maybe get in the squad for the first team."
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U18s rally to Brentford victory
WHUFC.com
Jordan Brown scored twice as West Ham United U18s came from a goal down to defeat Brentford
09.08.2014
West Ham United U18s closed their pre-season schedule with a 3-1 win over Brentford at Little Heath on Saturday morning. The Hammers went behind early when Jeremiah Kamanzi fired in from the edge of the box, before a double from Jordan Brown turned the game on its head. Substitute Fatia Adebayo then scored with his first touch to seal the victory. There was one negative from the game, however, as midfielder Matt Carter was stretchered off during the first half after suffering a suspected broken arm in a collision with a visiting player. With a number of the regulars featuring for the Hammers first team or Development Squad and manager Steve Potts away completing a coaching qualification, assistant manager Mark Phillips named an extremely young team, including a number of U16 players. Phillips named a back four of Joe Linley, Declan Rice, Tunji Akinola and Vashon Neufville, along with Carter, Grady Diangana and Decarrey Sheriff further forward. The home side were always likely to be in for a tough test playing against a near full-strength U18s side in Brentford, but their task was made harder early on when Kamanzi received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and fired past Tim Brown. Brentford took inspiration from their goal and immediately pushed forward again, but the home side held strong to deny the Bees a second goal. Before long, West Ham came back into the game and launched several attacking moves of their own, although the end result was never enough to beat the Brentford goalkeeper. The unfortunate Carter then suffered his injury. After chasing the ball out to the touchline and leaning back using his arms to support himself, one of the visiting players accidently clipped his arm when walking past.
While the home players were naturally rocked by Carter's injury, the Hammers grew with confidence as they began picking up more possession and taking more shots on goal. Brown, Djair Parfitt-Williams and a trialist all had chances to equalise early in the second half, but passed up their opportunities. It did not take much longer for the Hammers to finally break down their Professional Development League 2 South Division opposition, as Brown retrieved the ball from Alex Pike's thrown in, held off and turned his marker and firied a shot with power into the back of the net. With that goal bringing the teams level, West Ham pushed themselves in front shortly after when Brown struck again. This time, he ran onto a lobbed pass from Parfitt-Williams to smash an unstoppable half volley past the helpless goalkeeper. The result was sealed minutes later when substitute Adebayo got onto the end of a Parfitt-Williams cross into the box to flick home the Hammers' third. With their pre-season preparations now complete, the Hammers open their Barclays U18 Premier League campaign away at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday 16 August at midday.
U18s: T Brown, Linley (Pike), Neufville, Carter (Sylvestri), Akinola, Rice (Browne), Amoo (Adebayo), Diangana, J Brown, Parfitt-Williams, Sheriff (Trialist)
Subs not used: Boness, Martins
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West Ham beat Sampdoria 3-2 in an entertaining pre-season clash
Last Updated: 09/08/14 8:06pm
SSN
Youngster Reece Burke scored a last-minute winner as West Ham beat Sampdoria 3-2 at Upton Park to claim the inaugural Marathonbet Cup. Mo Diame and Mark Noble were also on target in an entertaining contest and the Hammers gave themselves a welcome lift ahead of next week's Premier League opener against Tottenham. The hosts began brightly but then found themselves behind after 15 minutes when Stefan Okaka held off James Collins and shot past Adrian. New boy Cheikhou Kouyate was impressive for the Hammers, who had a Carlton Cole goal disallowed for offside. And the hosts levelled in first-half injury-time, Noble sending the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot after Dan Potts was tripped in the box by Lorenzo De Silvestri. However, the Italian visitors reclaimed the lead just after the hour-mark as Citadin Eder received from Roberto Soriano and then beat Adrian with a low shot. But Diame (77) produced a moment of magic to bring West Ham level again, cutting inside from the right and beating a pair of defenders as he went, before finding the corner of the net. West Ham pressed for a winner but Stuart Downing hit the crossbar and Potts put the rebound over the top. And a penalty shoot-out appeared to be on the cards, only for the hosts to snatch it in the last minute, Elliot Lee doing really well to wait for his moment and then slip a perfect pass into the box, leaving Burke to side-foot the ball into the net from close range.
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West Ham agree to sign Morgan Amalfitano from Marseille
Last Updated: 09/08/14 2:07pm
SSN
West Ham have agreed a deal to sign Morgan Amalfitano from Marseille on a free transfer, according to Sky sources. The 29-year-old midfielder moved on loan from the Ligue 1 club to West Brom last September, and scored four goals in 30 outings. Amalfitano started his career in France with Sedan before moving to Lorient for three season in 2008. West Ham, have been linked with a number of players in the past week as manager Sam Allardyce looks to strengthen his squad further before the start of the season. The Hammers have already signed Enner Valencia, Cheikhou Kouyate, Mauro Zarate, Aaron Cresswell and Diego Poyet on permanent deals, while Carl Jenkinson has joined on loan from Arsenal.
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INTRODUCING ALEX PIKE
By ExWHUemployee 9 Aug 2014 at 21:30
West Ham Till I Die
In true West Ham tradition the academy sides did well last year with a number of players standing out during the campaign. The season looked like it was going to be a tough one for Alex Pike however as he picked up a nasty injury in pre-season that ruled him out until just after Christmas. Alex showed great character and determination to get back in to the side upon his return to fitness. He went into the campaign as a recognised midfielder but deputised at right back and impressed and made the position his own. The under 18s then proceeded to reach the play offs having finished second in the southern academy section behind Spurs. The side unfortunately replicated the first team and lost in the semi-finals to Manchester City but it still goes down as an excellent season. Alex was one of the stand out players for the side and the club have high hopes for the player. I was fortunate to have the chance to interview Alex, thanks to the Pike family for giving me the time to find out a bit about the latest academy prospect.
The first thing I wanted to know before I proceeded with the interview was whether he was related to the West Ham midfielder from the 70s and 80s with the same surname. It turns out that Alex is not related to Geoff so the similarities stop with the surname.
What position do you play and have you always played there?
I started off as an attacking player and then became more defensive and played in central midfield as I progressed through the age groups. Half way through last season I filled in at right back and showed potential and since then have continued to play there and develop in that position.
What type of player are you?
Personally I would describe myself as a hard-working defender. I perform my defensive duties well but I am still capable of going forward and helping the team out in attack with good pace and taking advantage of space on the right side.
How did you get spotted by West Ham?
I was spotted by Dave Hunt in the Echo Premier League playing for Buckhurst Hill FC.
Have any of your family been involved in professional football?
None of my family have ever been involved in professional football however I have quite an athletic and sporty family.
Which players do you look up to at West Ham?
I look up to all the players for the simple fact that they have made it into the West Ham first team which is what I am aspiring to do. It is hard to single out any individuals within that team however if I had to choose one I would probably say Mark Noble. This is because he has had a very successful career at the club and has remained loyal. I would want to follow in similar footsteps.
Who has influenced you the most during your career?
Throughout my career I have had various influences that have helped me to get to the stage that I am at. My biggest influence would have to be my parents as they have helped me with everything and continue to do so. I know that they are there throughout all the ups and downs that are inevitable in a football career.
What are your future ambitions for this coming season and beyond?
My aims for this season are to have another good season with the Under 18's. I am hopeful of success both in the league and the FA Youth Cup. I would also like to aspire to play in the Under 21's and get some experience in that team after having had a little taste of it in pre-season matches.
How do you feel about the more to the Olympic Stadium?
I think the move to the Olympic Stadium is important for West Ham's future prosperity and the board have done an excellent job in securing the site for the longer term. Hopefully I will be one of the players lucky enough to play there.
How do you think the first team will do this season?
I think the first team will have a good season this year. They have the potential to do well and have made some good signings this summer which will help strengthen what was already a very good squad. Hopefully they can reach the top half of the table this year after not being too far off last season.
Do you have any interests outside of football?
My main interest outside of football would be tennis. I enjoy playing it in my summer break as it is nice to take part in other sports.
I am sure we will see another big season from Alex and hopefully he will go on to have a very successful career with us.
This interview was organised by James Hampson of Skillequal Ltd and I would like to thank him for that. Skillequal Ltd "http://www.skillequal.co.uk/index-football.php" are a Sports Management company who currently work with a number of professional footballers including many ex and current academy players and are based in the West Ham territory of Harold Wood.
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HAS MAIGA REJECTED AN OFFER TO PAY-OFF HIS CONTRACT?
By S J Chandos 9 Aug 2014 at 09:30
West Ham Till I Die
It was interesting that Claret & Hugh yesterday reported that Modibo Maiga has allegedly rejected the offer of a seven figure pay-off to terminate his contract. If true, it confirms that the club have given up on recouping any of the original c.£5m investment in the former Sochaux striker. One would have thought that Maiga would have jumped at the offer of a lucrative pay-off and the opportunity to negotiate a Bosman move to another club. Financially, it would be a clear case of win-win! And in footballing terms, surely it is far better to draw a line under his Hammers Odyssey and get his career back on some sort of track.
My assessment of Modibo Maiga is that he posseses good technical ability (which he has only shown in flashes at West Ham), but this is negated by his inability to cope with the frenetic and physical nature of the English PL. And that is why it was a bad idea for him to go on loan to club in the even more physically demanding Championship, as confirmed by last season's abortive stint at QPR. Furthermore, Sam Allardyce has played Maiga almost exclusively as a lone striker. This is a role for which he is clearly physically and technically unsuited. He might very well have performed better playing as a second striker or wide of a centre forward, as part of a front three, in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-1-3 formation. Regardless, Maiga is now way down the striker pecking order, with the signing of Zarates and Valencia, and the current frantic hunt of another striker would seem to confirm that he is completely out of the frame next season.
If he stays, could he force his way back in to contention at West Ham? That is a big ask at this stage and the answer is almost certainly not. It is probably better for both parties to call it a day and just move on. Perhaps it is only professional pride keeping Maiga at the club? If so, he needs to 'let it go,' bank his pay-off (if it is actually on offer?) and find another club and/or league better suited to his playing style. And that probably means a move back to what he knows best, French football. Otherwise, Maiga could find himself even further in the cold at West Ham, consigned to U-21 football and with a rapidly stagnating career. That is not an appealing prospect for any professional footballer, is it?
SJ. Chandos.
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Brown scores two past Brentford
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham Academy Under 18 side finished their pre-season campaign with a deserved 3-1 win over Brentford at Little Heath on Saturday morning with Jordon Brown scoring two of them. Brown who left Arsenal to sign for the Hammers in 2013 is tipped as a West Ham star striker of the future.
The 17-year-old scored regularly in Arsenal's youth set-up and was promoted into Arsenal's Under-18 side in 2012. On signing for West Ham Brown last year said "I'd been at Arsenal at eight years and they wanted to keep me, but I sat down with my parents and my agents and we thought it was a better decision to come to West Ham. The opportunities are here and I thought, at Arsenal, maybe I could have faded away because I've seen it happen before.I thought, the opportunity was there for me at West Ham and it has the attributes for me to be what I want to be in football. I'm a No9 and my objective in a game is to score goals, I want to help the team out and to lead from the front. I'm quick and strong and I think I can run with the ball as well. I'm an attacker.My plan is to go in hard at the start of pre-season and really just try to impress people from there.I've obviously got to score goals whenever I can because I'm a striker, whichever age-group I am put into. Whether it's Under-18s or Under-21s, I've just got to do my best."
With performances like today Brown should be moving up to the U21′s and from there the first team in the not too distant future.
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George scores on debut
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Hammers Academy midfielder George Moncur completed his much anticipated loan move from West Ham on Thursday afternoon, signing for Colchester United on a six-month deal until January 11th next year.
In an interview after the news was announced Moncur said "I'm delighted to sign. I'm over the moon,I've signed for six months. I hope to do myself justice during this time, and help out the team. And if everything goes to plan, I might even end up signing for longer.It's a big step up for me, and I am ready to take my chance.I've been playing under-21 football with West Ham, but this is an opportunity to play at a higher level and to really challenge myself. I've been on loan before, at AFC Wimbledon, but that was in League Two, and again last season I had a spell in Scotland (with Partick Thistle).But now I have a chance to show what I can do in League One, playing for a team that likes to get the ball down and play.Colchester United's style of football should suit mine, down to the ground.I've really loved playing in pre-season with the lads, and it has helped me having got to know the players over the last few weeks, rather than just signing out of the blue.There are some really good players at the club, and of course I know all about Freddie Sears "It's a good set-up, and it will help my game to play in a passing team, and for a manager who likes to play that style of football.I want to improve my own game, over the next six months. It's great that I have this long to establish myself, rather than just signing for the odd month.I'm very excited about the season ahead, and I'd love to make my debut this weekend," said Moncur
Well George's wish came true as he came on as a 32nd minute substitute this afternoon in the Colchester United match against Oldham Athletic and he managed to score on his debut with help from former Hammer Freddie Sears. Sears fired a shot which hit the post. Moncur met the rebound and hit a high first time shot into the corner and out the goal keeper's reach in the 56th minute to earn Colchester a draw in their first game of the season.
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Hero Burke shoots down Sampdoria
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 9, 2014 in Whispers
By Staff Reporter
Claret & Hugh
Exciting youngsters Elliot Lee and Reece Burke combined at the death to give the Irons a last gasp win over the Italians. It took 38 minutes for the team's new attacking brand of football to register a shot on target and it came from the standout performer Cheikou Kayoute. We lined up – amazingly with a 3-5-2 formation for the first time this pre-season and started well with Stewart Downing and Aaron Cresswell on the flanks with James Collins, Winston Reid and James Tomkins at the back. Kouyate took the place normally filled by his Senegalese pal Mohamed Diame, slotting in alongside Mark Noble with Kevin Nolan and Mauro Zarate playing off Carlton Cole. But for all the majority possession, the Irons were exposed by a counter attack on 16 minutes when Stefan Okaka slotted past Adrian. Cole's "reply " was ruled out four minutes later. Koutaye was the driving force with his energetic bursts and quick feet. There were concerns after he was floored in a nasty collision but was soon back in the thick of the action a few minutes later. Cresswell though hobbled off but replacement Dan Potts made an instant impact. His inside run into the box was rewarded with a penalty when a Samp defender brought him down and Noble obliged from the spot.
It was all very encouraging but after the break Zarate was withdrawn and Vaz Te went on wide to leave Cole in the one up role. Kouyate received a great ovation when replaced by Diame on 57 minutes and three minutes later we were behind when Eder gets into space between Collins and Tomkins and shot past Adrian. However Diame scored a monster goal midway through the half when he stormed his way past a defender and fired home left footed. Lee and Burke appeared for Cole and Collins in the 75th minute and a quarter of an hour later combined to win it for the Irons. Bang on 90 minutes Lee was sent into space is sent into space before threading a pass into the path of 17 year old Reece Burke to sidefoot home.
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Cardiff "Ravel informal offer means nothing"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Reports today that Cardiff City are interested in buying Ravel Morrison have their roots in a passing comment from several weeks ago made by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær made to the player's agent. Solskjær knows the player from his days at Manchester United and is a big admirer like so many others. ClaretandHugh learned at the time that words had been exchanged but that it amounted to no more than a "we could be interested." Today, however, a national newspaper, has reported that the club has made an informal offer which we were told means "nothing." We were told: "There's been interest from Cardiff in him but he's just one of many and there is nothing on the table and until there is there's nothing to discuss anyway. What exactly is an informal offer?
"Those close to Ravel have known that Cardiff, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Manchester City have all expressed their admiration for the player but that in itself means absolutely nothing. No offers have been received. "Nobody should take this too seriously particularly given Ravel's current situation!"
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Irons hope for two more by Tuesday!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham's negotiations with Metz striker Diafra Sakho (right) are still "up in the air" and the same is true of a reported £2.5m euros move for Marselle's Morgan Amalfitano. Both players were being reported as being close to of having agreed a move to the Boleyn in the French and English media this morning.
But ClaretandHugh has learned that although nothing has been nailed down it's likely that final outcomes will be agreed by Tuesday on both deals. A source told us exclsuively: Sakho might be a loan with option to buy. Both should be resolved by Tuesday. The Mail also claims that Harry Redknapp is considering topping the Hammers bid for attacking midfielder Amalfitano. The player has yet to discuss personal terms with West Ham but has been left out of Marseille's squad for this weekend whilst the Metz president has claimed Sakho is on his way to a Hammers medical. Amalfitano has made 58 appearances scoring two goals for Marseille since joining in 2011 from Lorient on a free transfer. The 29 year old spent last season on loan to West Bromwich Albion.
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WHUFC.com
Seventeen-year-old Reece Burke's later winner secured the inaugural Marathonbet Cup for West Ham United
09.08.2014
West Ham United 3-2 UC Sampdoria
Marathonbet Cup
Boleyn Ground, Saturday 9 August 2014
Seventeen-year-old Reece Burke netted a last-gasp winner as West Ham United edged a thrilling game to lift the inaugural Marathonbet Cup at the Boleyn Ground. The centre-back was an unlikely hero as he popped up in the UC Sampdoria penalty area in the final minute of normal time to tap home fellow Academy starlet Elliot Lee's accurate low cross. Burke's winner completed a rollercoaster game which had twice seen the Italian Serie A side take the lead through Stefan Okaka and Eder, before Mark Noble's penalty and Mohamed Diame's individual special levelled matters.
Earlier, manager Sam Allardyce handed Boleyn Ground debuts to three of his summer signings, with Aaron Cresswell, Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate each included in a new 3-5-2 formation. And the Hammers began fluently in their new set-up, anchored by a back three of James Tomkins, James Collins and Winston Reid, while Carlton Cole and Zarate looked to fashion openings at the other end. Visiting stopper Junior Da Costa was called into action inside just three minutes, as he shovelled Kevin Nolan's overhead around the post.
The hosts continued to boss proceedings, with right wing-back Stewart Downing looking particularly dangerous, and yet it was the Italians who hit the front after 16 minutes. Eder's measured through ball picked out the run of Okaka, who shrugged off Collins' challenge to slot tidily into the far corner.
A heavy collision between Kouyate and Bartosz Salamon prompted a lengthy stoppage shortly afterwards and seemingly put paid to both sides' early rhythm. It became rather stop-start thereafter, with Sampdoria almost making the most of the lull. Lorenzo De Silvestri found Eder in space in the box, who might have done better as he scuffed an effort wide of Adrian's right-hand upright.
At the other end, Zarate's free-kick dropped kindly to Kouyate on the edge of the box, but his drive was comfortably fielded by Da Costa. The Hammers, however, restored parity from the spot in first-half stoppage time, after substitute Dan Potts had been felled by De Silvestri. Noble stepped up and promptly sent Da Costa the wrong way, placing his spot-kick to the 'keepers' left.
Ricardo Vaz Te replaced new boy Zarate at the interval, with West Ham reverting back to a more familiar 4-3-3 system. And the Hammers were soon back on the front foot, as Nolan's cute lay-off handed Kouyate a sight of goal, whose shot flashed wickedly across the face of goal and just beyond a stretching Cole.
But, against the run of play, the Serie A side were back in front just after the hour mark. Soriano's pass beat West Ham's backline, allowing Eder to race free and slide past Adrian. The Hammers' response was almost immediate, but Collins' near-post header from a Noble dead ball drifted the wrong side of the post.
Diame then took matters into his own hands, notching a fine individual goal with 13 minutes left to play. The Senegal skipper cut in off the right flank, drove into the box and finally dispatched a left-footed effort inside the near post.
The goal sparked a Hammers onslaught and Allardyce's men twice went close to snatching it, with Vaz Te involved on both occasions. It was his cross that Downing headed against the bar, before Potts volleyed over on the rebound. Before Vaz Te himself then tried his luck from the edge of box, watching his firm drive flash wide of the upright.
And snatch it they did, when 19-year-old Lee raced clear down the right and, having weighed up his options, squared for none other than Burke to slot into an empty net from six yards.
West Ham United: Adrian, Tomkins, Collins (Burke 76), Reid, Downing, Cresswell (Potts 33), Nolan (c), Kouyate (Diame 57), Noble (Poyet 85), Zarate (Vaz Te 46), Cole (Lee 76)
Subs not used: Jaaskelainen, Cullen
Goals: Noble 45+1, Diame 77, Burke 90
UC Sampdoria: Da Costa, Okaka (Bergessio 68), Krsticic (Obiang 46), Gabbiadini (Rizzo 83), Palombo (Campana 83), Soriano (Fedato 83), Eder (Sansone 68), Salamon, Gastaldello (c) (Costa 73), De Silvestri, Cacciatore
Subs not used: Massolo, Duncan, Fornasier, Wszolek
Goals: Okaka 16, Eder 61
Referee: Robert Madley
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Macca pleased with Samp victory
WHUFC.com
Assistant boss Neil McDonald was happy with the performance in victory over Sampdoria on Saturday
09.08.2014
Neil McDonald was delighted to end pre-season on a high as his West Ham United team twice came from behind to defeat UC Sampdoria in the Marathonbet Cup on Saturday. Mark Noble, Mohamed Diame and Reece Burke were all on target for the Hammers to cancel out goals from Stefan Okaka and Eder and claim their first victory over 90 minutes this summer. Assistant boss McDonald was pleased with the performance, particularly in the opening period, and says the Hammers will be ready for their season opener against Tottenham Hotspur next Saturday. "It was a fantastic game," the assistant manager said. "The first half was probably the best we've passed and moved the ball in pre-season. "Unfortunately we gave the goal away, not defending as well as we could have, and that was the only disappointment of the first half. "In the second half they had a little more possession, but we kept our shape. We've then given a sloppy pass away and they've clinically put the ball in the back of the net. "Our heads didn't go down, which is great, we tried to play the football and move it - we got the individual goal from Mo [Diame] and finished with the two young lads, Elliot Lee making the pass for Reece Burke to score. "We're really pleased with a lot of the aspects of the game, but there's still work to do for Spurs next week."
West Ham operated with two formations against Sampdoria, 3-5-2 before the break and 4-3-3 after, and McDonald was pleased with the effectiveness of both.
He continued: "Sometimes personnel available dictates what formation you take. We only had 14 senior professionals fit for Saturday and it's a fantastic experience for the young kids to come on in the second half. "They experienced a home crowd getting behind the team, which was really good, and we thoroughly deserved the victory. "We played with a three at the back and five in midfield, then we went to 4-3-3 with the personnel in the second half. "Two formations which we've worked on in training and two formations which I think has worked. "We were very fluid in the first half, found the spare man in the hole between the lines and got at them. We got the ball wide and in the box - I think the ball into the box could be a little better. "We passed it, everybody wanted the ball, which was great and we created a tempo which was the best we've had in pre-season."
New boys Aaron Cresswell, Cheikhou Kouyate, Mauro Zarate and Diego Poyet all got their first taste of the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, which McDonald says will set them up well for the season ahead. McDonald said: "All the new lads have settled in well. We took Aaron off as a precaution, as he had a little knock to the knee so we wanted to make sure he was ok. "Diego came on to get his foot in and pass the ball, and Cheik was all-action, driving forward with the ball and trying to win it back. "We've been working on the tactical and technical side as well as the fitness, and it's a good time to get a victory leading into the Spurs game. "That'll give everybody confidence and get them on the front foot raring to go for next week."
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'That's what you dream of'
WHUFC.com
Teenager Reece Burke opened his senior account in dramatic fashion at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday
09.08.2014
As a first senior outing at the Boleyn Ground goes, 17-year-old Reece Burke could hardly have dreamt of better, as he bagged a dramatic late winner in Saturday's 3-2 Marathonbet Cup triumph. Having started and finished West Ham United's 2-0 reverse against Malaga in Germany, the teenage centre-half joined the fray with quarter-of-an-hour to go in this one and visiting UC Sampdoria 2-1 to the good. Ample time to make a spectacular impression, as it proved. Once Mohamed Diame's leveller had set up a grandstand finish, Burke started and finished a flowing move in the final minute to cap an outstanding pre-season for the young man. Reflecting on his extraordinary afternoon, the teenager confirmed: "It doesn't get much better than that. As a young kid that's what you dream of, to score my first goal for the first team is really good and that's something that's going to help me, I feel, with my confidence to carry on."
Reece Burke v UC Sampdoria Though the goal was ultimately a simple tap-in from six yards, what preceded it was anything but. "I intercepted the pass and Pottsy [Dan Potts] said they might have been in. But I followed it out, played in Mo Diame and thought I'd just carry on running," he explained. "I got myself in the box. El [Elliot Lee] had the ball, crossed it and I was there for the finish. I just didn't want to miss. I was literally right there and I just wanted to make sure that I scored really. I didn't want to miss. "It was an unbelievable feeling, I didn't know what to do, to celebrate or to run. I don't score many to be fair, but that's one of my targets, to score more goals as a centre-back."
All in all, Burke can look back on a fantastic pre-season and one that he expects will serve him very well in the coming weeks and months. "That was my first time playing for the first team at the Boleyn Ground, it was a great experience for me to come on and obviously to score is great. "I'm enjoying pre-season very much. Germany was a great experience for me, playing a full 90 out there as well. Unfortunately we lost 2-0 [against Malaga] but that's part of my development. It's an honour to play with top players who have played against some of the best players in the world."
Ironically, Burke's first taste of senior football ended in a demoralising 5-0 FA Cup reverse at Nottingham Forest back in January. But far from dwelling on any negatives, Burke has gone from strength to strength ever since and reckons it marked a turning point in his young career. He added: "Forest was an eye opener for me, I didn't know what it was really like. But from there it's just really helped me. "I came on and conceded quite a few goals. As a centre-half people are going to look at the defence, so I was sort of picked out. It was hard after the game, but you still get confidence from it and you can either go a good way or a bad way and for me it's been good. "Sometimes you need to fail to succeed and I think that's one of the highlights of my career so far."
Delighted with his recent progress, the 17-year-old is now hoping to focus on establishing himself in Nick Haycock's U21 side and, perhaps, beyond. "I believe I'm doing quite well, I've sat down with the coaches and spoken about what I need to improve on and I'm just going to keep improving from there. "My target for this season was to be a regular for the 21s, that was original target. Hopefully I can do that and if I can we'll go from there and maybe get in the squad for the first team."
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U18s rally to Brentford victory
WHUFC.com
Jordan Brown scored twice as West Ham United U18s came from a goal down to defeat Brentford
09.08.2014
West Ham United U18s closed their pre-season schedule with a 3-1 win over Brentford at Little Heath on Saturday morning. The Hammers went behind early when Jeremiah Kamanzi fired in from the edge of the box, before a double from Jordan Brown turned the game on its head. Substitute Fatia Adebayo then scored with his first touch to seal the victory. There was one negative from the game, however, as midfielder Matt Carter was stretchered off during the first half after suffering a suspected broken arm in a collision with a visiting player. With a number of the regulars featuring for the Hammers first team or Development Squad and manager Steve Potts away completing a coaching qualification, assistant manager Mark Phillips named an extremely young team, including a number of U16 players. Phillips named a back four of Joe Linley, Declan Rice, Tunji Akinola and Vashon Neufville, along with Carter, Grady Diangana and Decarrey Sheriff further forward. The home side were always likely to be in for a tough test playing against a near full-strength U18s side in Brentford, but their task was made harder early on when Kamanzi received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and fired past Tim Brown. Brentford took inspiration from their goal and immediately pushed forward again, but the home side held strong to deny the Bees a second goal. Before long, West Ham came back into the game and launched several attacking moves of their own, although the end result was never enough to beat the Brentford goalkeeper. The unfortunate Carter then suffered his injury. After chasing the ball out to the touchline and leaning back using his arms to support himself, one of the visiting players accidently clipped his arm when walking past.
While the home players were naturally rocked by Carter's injury, the Hammers grew with confidence as they began picking up more possession and taking more shots on goal. Brown, Djair Parfitt-Williams and a trialist all had chances to equalise early in the second half, but passed up their opportunities. It did not take much longer for the Hammers to finally break down their Professional Development League 2 South Division opposition, as Brown retrieved the ball from Alex Pike's thrown in, held off and turned his marker and firied a shot with power into the back of the net. With that goal bringing the teams level, West Ham pushed themselves in front shortly after when Brown struck again. This time, he ran onto a lobbed pass from Parfitt-Williams to smash an unstoppable half volley past the helpless goalkeeper. The result was sealed minutes later when substitute Adebayo got onto the end of a Parfitt-Williams cross into the box to flick home the Hammers' third. With their pre-season preparations now complete, the Hammers open their Barclays U18 Premier League campaign away at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday 16 August at midday.
U18s: T Brown, Linley (Pike), Neufville, Carter (Sylvestri), Akinola, Rice (Browne), Amoo (Adebayo), Diangana, J Brown, Parfitt-Williams, Sheriff (Trialist)
Subs not used: Boness, Martins
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West Ham beat Sampdoria 3-2 in an entertaining pre-season clash
Last Updated: 09/08/14 8:06pm
SSN
Youngster Reece Burke scored a last-minute winner as West Ham beat Sampdoria 3-2 at Upton Park to claim the inaugural Marathonbet Cup. Mo Diame and Mark Noble were also on target in an entertaining contest and the Hammers gave themselves a welcome lift ahead of next week's Premier League opener against Tottenham. The hosts began brightly but then found themselves behind after 15 minutes when Stefan Okaka held off James Collins and shot past Adrian. New boy Cheikhou Kouyate was impressive for the Hammers, who had a Carlton Cole goal disallowed for offside. And the hosts levelled in first-half injury-time, Noble sending the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot after Dan Potts was tripped in the box by Lorenzo De Silvestri. However, the Italian visitors reclaimed the lead just after the hour-mark as Citadin Eder received from Roberto Soriano and then beat Adrian with a low shot. But Diame (77) produced a moment of magic to bring West Ham level again, cutting inside from the right and beating a pair of defenders as he went, before finding the corner of the net. West Ham pressed for a winner but Stuart Downing hit the crossbar and Potts put the rebound over the top. And a penalty shoot-out appeared to be on the cards, only for the hosts to snatch it in the last minute, Elliot Lee doing really well to wait for his moment and then slip a perfect pass into the box, leaving Burke to side-foot the ball into the net from close range.
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West Ham agree to sign Morgan Amalfitano from Marseille
Last Updated: 09/08/14 2:07pm
SSN
West Ham have agreed a deal to sign Morgan Amalfitano from Marseille on a free transfer, according to Sky sources. The 29-year-old midfielder moved on loan from the Ligue 1 club to West Brom last September, and scored four goals in 30 outings. Amalfitano started his career in France with Sedan before moving to Lorient for three season in 2008. West Ham, have been linked with a number of players in the past week as manager Sam Allardyce looks to strengthen his squad further before the start of the season. The Hammers have already signed Enner Valencia, Cheikhou Kouyate, Mauro Zarate, Aaron Cresswell and Diego Poyet on permanent deals, while Carl Jenkinson has joined on loan from Arsenal.
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INTRODUCING ALEX PIKE
By ExWHUemployee 9 Aug 2014 at 21:30
West Ham Till I Die
In true West Ham tradition the academy sides did well last year with a number of players standing out during the campaign. The season looked like it was going to be a tough one for Alex Pike however as he picked up a nasty injury in pre-season that ruled him out until just after Christmas. Alex showed great character and determination to get back in to the side upon his return to fitness. He went into the campaign as a recognised midfielder but deputised at right back and impressed and made the position his own. The under 18s then proceeded to reach the play offs having finished second in the southern academy section behind Spurs. The side unfortunately replicated the first team and lost in the semi-finals to Manchester City but it still goes down as an excellent season. Alex was one of the stand out players for the side and the club have high hopes for the player. I was fortunate to have the chance to interview Alex, thanks to the Pike family for giving me the time to find out a bit about the latest academy prospect.
The first thing I wanted to know before I proceeded with the interview was whether he was related to the West Ham midfielder from the 70s and 80s with the same surname. It turns out that Alex is not related to Geoff so the similarities stop with the surname.
What position do you play and have you always played there?
I started off as an attacking player and then became more defensive and played in central midfield as I progressed through the age groups. Half way through last season I filled in at right back and showed potential and since then have continued to play there and develop in that position.
What type of player are you?
Personally I would describe myself as a hard-working defender. I perform my defensive duties well but I am still capable of going forward and helping the team out in attack with good pace and taking advantage of space on the right side.
How did you get spotted by West Ham?
I was spotted by Dave Hunt in the Echo Premier League playing for Buckhurst Hill FC.
Have any of your family been involved in professional football?
None of my family have ever been involved in professional football however I have quite an athletic and sporty family.
Which players do you look up to at West Ham?
I look up to all the players for the simple fact that they have made it into the West Ham first team which is what I am aspiring to do. It is hard to single out any individuals within that team however if I had to choose one I would probably say Mark Noble. This is because he has had a very successful career at the club and has remained loyal. I would want to follow in similar footsteps.
Who has influenced you the most during your career?
Throughout my career I have had various influences that have helped me to get to the stage that I am at. My biggest influence would have to be my parents as they have helped me with everything and continue to do so. I know that they are there throughout all the ups and downs that are inevitable in a football career.
What are your future ambitions for this coming season and beyond?
My aims for this season are to have another good season with the Under 18's. I am hopeful of success both in the league and the FA Youth Cup. I would also like to aspire to play in the Under 21's and get some experience in that team after having had a little taste of it in pre-season matches.
How do you feel about the more to the Olympic Stadium?
I think the move to the Olympic Stadium is important for West Ham's future prosperity and the board have done an excellent job in securing the site for the longer term. Hopefully I will be one of the players lucky enough to play there.
How do you think the first team will do this season?
I think the first team will have a good season this year. They have the potential to do well and have made some good signings this summer which will help strengthen what was already a very good squad. Hopefully they can reach the top half of the table this year after not being too far off last season.
Do you have any interests outside of football?
My main interest outside of football would be tennis. I enjoy playing it in my summer break as it is nice to take part in other sports.
I am sure we will see another big season from Alex and hopefully he will go on to have a very successful career with us.
This interview was organised by James Hampson of Skillequal Ltd and I would like to thank him for that. Skillequal Ltd "http://www.skillequal.co.uk/index-football.php" are a Sports Management company who currently work with a number of professional footballers including many ex and current academy players and are based in the West Ham territory of Harold Wood.
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HAS MAIGA REJECTED AN OFFER TO PAY-OFF HIS CONTRACT?
By S J Chandos 9 Aug 2014 at 09:30
West Ham Till I Die
It was interesting that Claret & Hugh yesterday reported that Modibo Maiga has allegedly rejected the offer of a seven figure pay-off to terminate his contract. If true, it confirms that the club have given up on recouping any of the original c.£5m investment in the former Sochaux striker. One would have thought that Maiga would have jumped at the offer of a lucrative pay-off and the opportunity to negotiate a Bosman move to another club. Financially, it would be a clear case of win-win! And in footballing terms, surely it is far better to draw a line under his Hammers Odyssey and get his career back on some sort of track.
My assessment of Modibo Maiga is that he posseses good technical ability (which he has only shown in flashes at West Ham), but this is negated by his inability to cope with the frenetic and physical nature of the English PL. And that is why it was a bad idea for him to go on loan to club in the even more physically demanding Championship, as confirmed by last season's abortive stint at QPR. Furthermore, Sam Allardyce has played Maiga almost exclusively as a lone striker. This is a role for which he is clearly physically and technically unsuited. He might very well have performed better playing as a second striker or wide of a centre forward, as part of a front three, in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-1-3 formation. Regardless, Maiga is now way down the striker pecking order, with the signing of Zarates and Valencia, and the current frantic hunt of another striker would seem to confirm that he is completely out of the frame next season.
If he stays, could he force his way back in to contention at West Ham? That is a big ask at this stage and the answer is almost certainly not. It is probably better for both parties to call it a day and just move on. Perhaps it is only professional pride keeping Maiga at the club? If so, he needs to 'let it go,' bank his pay-off (if it is actually on offer?) and find another club and/or league better suited to his playing style. And that probably means a move back to what he knows best, French football. Otherwise, Maiga could find himself even further in the cold at West Ham, consigned to U-21 football and with a rapidly stagnating career. That is not an appealing prospect for any professional footballer, is it?
SJ. Chandos.
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Brown scores two past Brentford
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham Academy Under 18 side finished their pre-season campaign with a deserved 3-1 win over Brentford at Little Heath on Saturday morning with Jordon Brown scoring two of them. Brown who left Arsenal to sign for the Hammers in 2013 is tipped as a West Ham star striker of the future.
The 17-year-old scored regularly in Arsenal's youth set-up and was promoted into Arsenal's Under-18 side in 2012. On signing for West Ham Brown last year said "I'd been at Arsenal at eight years and they wanted to keep me, but I sat down with my parents and my agents and we thought it was a better decision to come to West Ham. The opportunities are here and I thought, at Arsenal, maybe I could have faded away because I've seen it happen before.I thought, the opportunity was there for me at West Ham and it has the attributes for me to be what I want to be in football. I'm a No9 and my objective in a game is to score goals, I want to help the team out and to lead from the front. I'm quick and strong and I think I can run with the ball as well. I'm an attacker.My plan is to go in hard at the start of pre-season and really just try to impress people from there.I've obviously got to score goals whenever I can because I'm a striker, whichever age-group I am put into. Whether it's Under-18s or Under-21s, I've just got to do my best."
With performances like today Brown should be moving up to the U21′s and from there the first team in the not too distant future.
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George scores on debut
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Hammers Academy midfielder George Moncur completed his much anticipated loan move from West Ham on Thursday afternoon, signing for Colchester United on a six-month deal until January 11th next year.
In an interview after the news was announced Moncur said "I'm delighted to sign. I'm over the moon,I've signed for six months. I hope to do myself justice during this time, and help out the team. And if everything goes to plan, I might even end up signing for longer.It's a big step up for me, and I am ready to take my chance.I've been playing under-21 football with West Ham, but this is an opportunity to play at a higher level and to really challenge myself. I've been on loan before, at AFC Wimbledon, but that was in League Two, and again last season I had a spell in Scotland (with Partick Thistle).But now I have a chance to show what I can do in League One, playing for a team that likes to get the ball down and play.Colchester United's style of football should suit mine, down to the ground.I've really loved playing in pre-season with the lads, and it has helped me having got to know the players over the last few weeks, rather than just signing out of the blue.There are some really good players at the club, and of course I know all about Freddie Sears "It's a good set-up, and it will help my game to play in a passing team, and for a manager who likes to play that style of football.I want to improve my own game, over the next six months. It's great that I have this long to establish myself, rather than just signing for the odd month.I'm very excited about the season ahead, and I'd love to make my debut this weekend," said Moncur
Well George's wish came true as he came on as a 32nd minute substitute this afternoon in the Colchester United match against Oldham Athletic and he managed to score on his debut with help from former Hammer Freddie Sears. Sears fired a shot which hit the post. Moncur met the rebound and hit a high first time shot into the corner and out the goal keeper's reach in the 56th minute to earn Colchester a draw in their first game of the season.
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Hero Burke shoots down Sampdoria
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 9, 2014 in Whispers
By Staff Reporter
Claret & Hugh
Exciting youngsters Elliot Lee and Reece Burke combined at the death to give the Irons a last gasp win over the Italians. It took 38 minutes for the team's new attacking brand of football to register a shot on target and it came from the standout performer Cheikou Kayoute. We lined up – amazingly with a 3-5-2 formation for the first time this pre-season and started well with Stewart Downing and Aaron Cresswell on the flanks with James Collins, Winston Reid and James Tomkins at the back. Kouyate took the place normally filled by his Senegalese pal Mohamed Diame, slotting in alongside Mark Noble with Kevin Nolan and Mauro Zarate playing off Carlton Cole. But for all the majority possession, the Irons were exposed by a counter attack on 16 minutes when Stefan Okaka slotted past Adrian. Cole's "reply " was ruled out four minutes later. Koutaye was the driving force with his energetic bursts and quick feet. There were concerns after he was floored in a nasty collision but was soon back in the thick of the action a few minutes later. Cresswell though hobbled off but replacement Dan Potts made an instant impact. His inside run into the box was rewarded with a penalty when a Samp defender brought him down and Noble obliged from the spot.
It was all very encouraging but after the break Zarate was withdrawn and Vaz Te went on wide to leave Cole in the one up role. Kouyate received a great ovation when replaced by Diame on 57 minutes and three minutes later we were behind when Eder gets into space between Collins and Tomkins and shot past Adrian. However Diame scored a monster goal midway through the half when he stormed his way past a defender and fired home left footed. Lee and Burke appeared for Cole and Collins in the 75th minute and a quarter of an hour later combined to win it for the Irons. Bang on 90 minutes Lee was sent into space is sent into space before threading a pass into the path of 17 year old Reece Burke to sidefoot home.
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Cardiff "Ravel informal offer means nothing"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Reports today that Cardiff City are interested in buying Ravel Morrison have their roots in a passing comment from several weeks ago made by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær made to the player's agent. Solskjær knows the player from his days at Manchester United and is a big admirer like so many others. ClaretandHugh learned at the time that words had been exchanged but that it amounted to no more than a "we could be interested." Today, however, a national newspaper, has reported that the club has made an informal offer which we were told means "nothing." We were told: "There's been interest from Cardiff in him but he's just one of many and there is nothing on the table and until there is there's nothing to discuss anyway. What exactly is an informal offer?
"Those close to Ravel have known that Cardiff, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Manchester City have all expressed their admiration for the player but that in itself means absolutely nothing. No offers have been received. "Nobody should take this too seriously particularly given Ravel's current situation!"
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Irons hope for two more by Tuesday!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham's negotiations with Metz striker Diafra Sakho (right) are still "up in the air" and the same is true of a reported £2.5m euros move for Marselle's Morgan Amalfitano. Both players were being reported as being close to of having agreed a move to the Boleyn in the French and English media this morning.
But ClaretandHugh has learned that although nothing has been nailed down it's likely that final outcomes will be agreed by Tuesday on both deals. A source told us exclsuively: Sakho might be a loan with option to buy. Both should be resolved by Tuesday. The Mail also claims that Harry Redknapp is considering topping the Hammers bid for attacking midfielder Amalfitano. The player has yet to discuss personal terms with West Ham but has been left out of Marseille's squad for this weekend whilst the Metz president has claimed Sakho is on his way to a Hammers medical. Amalfitano has made 58 appearances scoring two goals for Marseille since joining in 2011 from Lorient on a free transfer. The 29 year old spent last season on loan to West Bromwich Albion.
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Saturday, August 9
Daily WHUFC News - 9th August 2014
Match Preview - UC Sampdoria
WHUFC.com
All the essential pre-match info ahead of our Marathonbet Cup fixture against UC Sampdoria
08.08.2014
WEST HAM UNITED v UC SAMPDORIA
MARATHONBET CUP
BOLEYN GROUND
SATURDAY 9 AUGUST 2014
KICK-OFF: 3PM
West Ham United App West Ham TV
In brief
Football returns to the Boleyn Ground after a 99-day break when the Hammers face Italian side UC Sampdoria for the inaugural Marathonbet Cup. Following six pre-season matches away from home, Sam Allardyce's men are back on familiar turf, with several new signings set to make their Boleyn Ground debuts. West Ham will be looking to end their pre-season campaign on a high, having not yet won a summer fixture over 90 minutes. They did triumph 7-6 on penalties following a 0-0 draw at Schalke 04 last Saturday, but then suffered a 2-0 defeat to Malaga 24 hours later at the same venue. Saturday's opponents finished last season's Serie A campaign in eleventh place and will be playing their first game on UK soil since a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United in 2007. Sampdoria's season starts with a trip to Palermo on 31 August, and they could feature as many as five new signings on Saturday - full backs Lorenzo De Silvestri, Fabrizio Cacciatore, midfielders Alfred Duncan and Jose Campana and forward Gonzalo Bergessio. Should the match finish level after 90 minutes, a penalty shootout will take place to determine the winner.
Who are they?
Formed in 1946, il Doria are the imalgamation of two previous clubs who can trace their roots back to the 1890s, Sampierdarenese and Andrea Doria. Their past is reflected both in the team's jersey and name, Sampdoria combining both and their colours all being present in their strip - blue, white red and black.
Their home ground Stadio Luigi Ferraris has a capacity of 36,536 and is shared with city and Serie A rivals Genoa.
Sampdoria's glory days were between the mid-1980s and early-1990s. Under Vujadin Boskov and Sven-Goran Eriksson, they won the Serie A title, four Italian Cups, the Italian Supercup, the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and reached the 1992 European Cup final. Back then, the Genovese club enjoyed the services of some top players, including Irishman and future Hammer Liam Brady, England striker Trevor Francis, Ruud Gullit, Roberto Mancini, Gianluca Vialli and Pietro Vierchowod.
Managed by former Sampdoria, Lazio, Internazionale and Yugoslavia defender Sinisa Mihajlovic, Sampdoria finished the 2013/14 season in eleventh position in Serie A. The club has been active in the transfer market over the summer months and will be hopeful of breaking into the top half of the table this term.
Team news
West Ham United
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce could give four of his six summer signings their first appearances at the Boleyn Ground in Claret and Blue, with Aaron Cresswell, Cheikhou Kouyate, Diego Poyet and Mauro Zarate all in line to feature.
Two other recent arrivals, Carl Jenkinson (hamstring) and Enner Valencia (not match fit), are not available for selection. Andy Carroll (ankle) is also definitely out, but James Tomkins (groin) and Guy Demel (compassionate leave) could be involved.
UC Sampdoria
Sampdoria have also been busy in the transfer market, bringing in full-backs Lorenzo De Silvestri and Fabrizio Cacciatore, midfielders Alfred Duncan and Jose Campana and forward Gonzalo Bergessio.
While all five could appear this afternoon, Alessandro De Vitis will miss today's game after undergoing surgery to repair damaged anterior cruciate knee ligaments, while Vasco Regini (bruised sternum) could also be sidelined.
One to watch
West Ham United
Mauro Zarate will hope to recreate his finest moment in Italian football when he takes on Italian opposition in his first appearance at the Boleyn Ground.
West Ham United's Argentine forward scored in normal time and in a penalty shootout as a Lazio player in their Italian Cup final win over UC Sampdoria in 2009. The 27-year-old netted an outstanding goal just four minutes into the final in Rome, cutting in from the left past two defenders before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the far corner.
Zarate showed a similar glimpse of his ability when he scored a fantastic maiden goal for the Hammers during their Football United Tour to New Zealand, netting from outside the penalty area in the 2-1 defeat by Wellington Phoenix in Auckland in July.
UC Sampdoria
Zarate's fellow countryman Gonzalo Bergessio will be anxious to impress after completing a transfer from relegated Catania earlier this week. A lively striker, Bergessio was born in Cordoba and spent the first seven years of his professional career in his homeland with Platense, Instituto and Racing Avellaneda.
After an unsuccessful spell with Benfica in Portugal, he made his name with San Lorenzo back in Argentina, bagging 29 goals in 48 league games. After a season in France with St Etienne, the 30-year-old joined Catania in January 2011.
Bergessio was capped three times by his country in 2008, scoring twice in a friendly win over Panama in May 2009.
Tickets
Supporters can pay on the day for the Marathonbet Cup this Saturday against Serie A side Sampdoria.
Prices on the day are £15 for U16s and £25 for Adults. The Stadium Ticket Office opens at 9am, with cash turnstiles also available from 1.30pm until kick-off.
A Family Fun Zone will be open in the Alpari Stand Car Park from 1.30pm, where the kids can test their skills in a penalty shootout or have a kickabout on our mini inflatable pitch.
Advance tickets are available to order online or by phone up until 5pm on Friday 8 August, priced at £10 for U16s and £20 for Adults. Season Ticket Holders receive a £5 discount.
Every fan buying a ticket in advance will be placed into a prize draw to win a pair of boots signed by Hammer of the Year Mark Noble. Book online at whufcboxoffice.com or by phone on 0871 529 1966 (calls 10p/min plus network extras).
Travel
Supporters will be delighted to know that there is no engineering work planned on the London Underground network on Saturday, save for engineering works at the far west end of the Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines between Rayners Lane and Uxbridge.
Greater Anglia mainline services are also blissfully free of engineering works at the south end of the network, which serves London Liverpool Street, Stratford and stations in mid and north Essex.
c2c mainline services connecting south Essex with Barking, West Ham and London Fenchurch Street will also be free of engineering works.
Weather
Saturday's weather forecast for east London is for a warm day with sunny intervals and a maximum afternoon temperature of 23C (74F).
Last meeting
West Ham United meet UC Sampdoria for just the second time. Hammers fans will be hoping for better than the 6-1 Makita International Tournament defeat suffered at Highbury in August 1991. That day, Renato Buso scored four times and Toninho Cerezo and Attilio Lombardo once each for the Italians, with George Parris netting the Hammers' consolation goal when the score was 4-0.
Old boys
Three players have appeared for both West Ham and Sampdoria - Liam Brady, Manuel da Costa and Marco Borriello.
Republic of Ireland international midfielder Brady joined Sampdoria from Juventus in 1982, having won two Serie A titles with the Turin club. He spent two seasons with Sampdoria, scoring six goals in 57 Serie A appearances before moving on to Internazionale in 1984 and Ascoli in 1986. In 1987, he joined West Ham United for £100,000, scoring ten goals in 119 games in Claret and Blue. Brady spent 18 years as head of Arsenal's Academy between 1996 and 2014 and is remains a popular pundit on Ireland's national broadcaster RTE.
France-born Morocco international Manuel da Costa was loaned to Sampdoria from Fiorentina in January 2009, before going on to make two Serie A and two UEFA Europa League appearances. Da Costa joined West Ham on a permanent basis in June of the same year, spending two seasons in east London. He made 35 appearances and scored four goals for the Hammers before joining Lokomotiv Moscow in summer 2011.
Striker Borriello spent the first half of the 2005/06 season on loan at Sampdoria from AC Milan. The Italy international scored two goals in 14 appearances before moving on to another loan spell at Treviso in January 2006. Borriello joined West Ham on loan from Roma in January 2014, but made just two Barclays Premier League appearances before being ruled out for the remainder of the season through injury.
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Dev Squad end pre-season with draw
WHUFC.com
Jaanai Gordon scored as the Hammers U21s drew 1-1 with Aston Villa on Friday
08.08.2014
West Ham United U21 1-1 Aston Villa U21
Pre-Season Match
The Development Squad closed their pre-season campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Aston Villa at Little Heath on Friday afternoon. The young Hammers were pegged back after taking an early lead and had to work hard to preserve parity against their visitors. With a trip to PSV Eindhoven in the Premier League's new International Cup looming large on the horizon, Nick Haycock can reflect on a positive summer, which has brought victories over senior non-league sides, and silverware in the shape of the Absolute Sports Travel Cup, which involved Development teams from Shakhtar Donetsk and Espanyol.
Jaanai Gordon headed the Hammers into a 23rd minute lead on Friday, drifting into space in the box to meet Kyle Knoyle's right wing cross with an unstoppable header. Villa responded well though and went close on 32 minutes when Michael Drennan made space for a shot outside the area and brought a sprawling stop from Sam Howes. Six minutes later the visitors were level as Jerrell Sellars carried the ball inside from the right channel and beat Howes from 20 yards with the help of a deflection. Villa were in the ascendancy and almost moved in front with 51 minutes on the clock as Callum Robinson curled wide from the edge of the box. Kevin Toner headed wide after rising well to meet Henry Cowans' corner, but Villa could not break through for a second time as the Hammers stood firm. Having weathered the storm, West Ham then finished the game strongly, as their trialist twice went close in the latter stages, first being closed down well by keeper Craig Hill, then firing wide of the near post after Moses Makasi's pass.
West Ham United: Howes, Knoyle (Sheriff 46), Page (Adebayo 58), Nasha, Onariase, Harney (Trialist 46), Labonne (Brown 75), Maksai, Gordon (Martins 75), Powell (Sylvestre), Fanimo
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Matthias Fanimo blogs for whufc.com following a successful pre-season
08.08.2014
Hello everybody,
It's been a good pre-season for me. I've been away with the first team to New Zealand and Germany and it's been a great experience. The trips away with the first team have given me a chance to prove myself in front of the gaffer, and I got some good minutes on the pitch last Saturday against Schalke, which was fantastic to play in such a big stadium against such a big team. Coming up against players like Kevin-Prince Boateng is something I'll cherish - it's a shame that Draxler and Huntelaar were still away - but it was a very good experience and it was nice to get a good result too. You improve with every training session and experience like that. Being in and around the first team, the older players who are physically stronger than you, it's always good to train with them and adapt to those sort of situations.
In New Zealand, I went behind the camera to film some behind the scenes footage, which you can see here. I wouldn't have minded doing the SkyWalk myself, it's not something you can do every day, but I missed out on the rock, paper, scissors. As you can see, Danny Whitehead didn't really fancy it! He looked really scared when he was up there. For myself now, there's an Under-21s game against Aston Villa on Friday and the boys have had some good resutls in pre-season They're looking really strong going into the first game, which is in the European competition agaisnt PSV on Tuesday. My aim for the season is to get as many first team games as possible and push on. It's good to play for the 21s, but the ambition is to play in the first-team, so that's what I'm hoping to do.
Matthias
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Lycamobile Cup winners to return
WHUFC.com
This summer's Lycamobile Cup winners will be back at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday
08.08.2014
The winners of the inaugural Lycamobile Cup are to return to the Boleyn Ground for Saturday's Marathonbet Cup, the scene of their respective triumphs back in May. In an exciting partnership initiative, Lycamobile and West Ham United Community Sports Trust joined forces to establish an U12s and U14s tournament back in December, culminating in a thrilling Boleyn Ground finals day. With some 4,500 youngsters playing their part in a festival of football, Redbridge U12s and West Ham United Kicks U14s ultimately took the honours and will be parading their trophies prior to kick-off against UC Sampdoria on Saturday.
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Valencia vows to 'bring happiness'
WHUFC.com
Enner Valencia is hoping to bring cheer to east London with a prolific 2014/15 campaign
07.08.2014
Summer signing Enner Valencia has vowed to put smiles on West Ham United faces as he sets about a first season in the Barclays Premier League. A long-term admirer of England's top flight, the 24-year-old needed little convincing when the Hammers came calling. Aside from the lure of Premier League football, it was West Ham's ambitious plans that caught Valencia's eye and he, in turn, is desperate to make the right impression. "It's massive for me," he revealed. "It's a big step and I'm just trying to get used to it. After the World Cup, several things came along and lots of different Clubs. But when West Ham were interested in me, I said yes, definitely, because it's one of my dreams, one of my goals to play in the Premier League. "I feel very confident. I scored three goals on a major stage, so I'm confident that I can do well now. I'm here to work, work very hard, score goals and do the best I can for the Club. "Before signing we spoke a lot about the ambitions of the Club and trying to play European football. It's definitely a great challenge and we're going to work very hard to achieve that." To do so, Valencia will likely need to reproduce the form that saw him net 18 times for Mexican outfit Pachuca last term. But he is not precious about his position, happy and willing to play anywhere across the frontline. "I can play all over, centre-forward, on the wing and even behind the forward," he added. "I'm a very quick player, I work very hard, I'm always trying to work when I don't have the ball to be in a good position to receive and finish. I hope I can bring a lot of happiness to the West Ham fans."
As for his new team-mates, Valencia is naturally disappointed that he will be without the company of Andy Carroll for the time being, but not the least bit fazed by carrying the burden in his absence. "It's a shame that Andy's injured again. I've watched him play and he's a fantastic player. I'm hoping to learn from him, to play alongside him and hopefully we can achieve great things together here. "As a professional I'm used to pressure and playing in the Premier League that pressure is always going to be there. I'm going to work hard, try my best and the results will come."
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Vice-Chairman made life peer
WHUFC.com
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady has been made a life peer
08.08.2014
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady CBE has this morning accepted a peerage from Her Majesty's Government. Ms Brady, who became a CBE in HM The Queen's New Year's Honours list and is also the Conservatives' Small Business Ambassador, will now sit in the House of Lords while continuing her role as Vice-Chairman of the Club. Following Friday's announcement, Ms Brady spoke of her desire to continue to support British business and the cause of women at work. "I feel honoured and proud to have been invited to serve in the House of Lords as a working peer," Ms Brady confirmed. "I have a long-held passion for championing the causes of British business and women in the workplace and these will be two key areas of focus for me in this new role." Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate the Vice-Chairman on her latest honour.
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Haycock ready for season start
WHUFC.com
Development Squad coach Nick Haycock is happy with his team's pre-season progress
08.08.2014
Nick Haycock cannot wait for the season to start after his Development Squad side finished their pre-season programme with a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa on Friday. Jaanai Gordon's 23rd minute header was cancelled out by Villa's Jerrell Sellars and the Hammers had to withstand some heavy pressure from the away side to ensure the spoils would be shared. Withstand it they did and Haycock said he was happy with the resilience shown by his young side. "It was a tough game on Friday," he said. "Gordan [Cowans] always brings teams over here and they play the right way. "I was disappointed with the way we passed the ball, but the effort the players to get another reasonable pre-season result was good. "We've only lost one game in pre-season, but as I said in the dressing room, that'll count for nothing if the boys don't take what we've learned from pre-season into the league campaign and the PSV game on Tuesday and produce winning performances with a little bit better football than we saw on Friday. "Sometimes you have to stay in the game when you're up against it and we did that. All in it was a good workout and a lot of the players who played today needed the minutes. "There were eight or nine players training with the first team, preparing for the Sampdoria game, which is a great experience for them and obviously it means that we had young players in our team. "That's probably why they shaded the first half. We did some better things in the second half. It's a great learning process for the players, and for the older players to lead the younger ones."
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Fool me twice?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 8th August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Troubled Hammer Ravel Morrison came under fresh friendly fire last night after posting a picture of himself wearing an Arsenal shirt. The 21-year-old midfielder, posting just hours after he appeared in court to answer assault-related charges published a picture on Instagram featuring himself and a friend sitting in a red Ferrari. And just a matter of weeks after he posted a picture of himself wearing a Chelsea shirt, Morrison was just as happy to be seen wearing the shirt of another of West Ham's rivals.
Shortly after posting the picture the England under 21 international took to Twitter, where he posted the following message.
ra'vel ✔ @morrisonravel - west ham is I'm my ❤️ Love the Club and the way the have stood by me. ⚽️
However rather than take Morrison's response to the furore at face value, a number of supporters posting on the KUMB forum and other social media this morning believed that his response was sarcastic, rather than a genuine heartfelt message.
Morrison's latest gaff is eerily reminiscent of the scenario that led to Paul Ince leaving West Ham back in 1989. Ince's agent, Ambrose Mendy, persuaded the then 21-year-old to be pictured in a Manchester United shirt prior to leaving for a holiday, in case a planned move to Old Trafford was confirmed during his absence.
Unfortunately for Ince, the move fell through (initially) but the picture was published in the Daily Express much to the anger of many Hammers fans, some of whom still hold Ince responsible for the mistake some 25 years later.
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West Ham's Enner Valencia targets Europe
Last Updated: 08/08/14 9:41am
SSN
Enner Valencia has set his sights on playing in Europe with West Ham United after turning down several offers from other clubs to make the move to Upton Park. Valencia impressed for Ecuador with three goals at the World Cup to spark widespread interest, but the Hammers fended off the competition to sign him for a reported fee of £12million. The 24-year-old was attracted by the idea of playing in England and also excited by West Ham's ambition, insisting they can even push for a UEFA Champions League spot in time. "Before signing we spoke a lot about that, the ambitions of the club to try to play European football," Valencia said. "I'm going to work very hard for it and they're going to try to make top four. "After the World Cup several offers came around but when I found out that West Ham were interested I said definitely yes because it is one of my dreams to play in the Premier League. "I spoke to Antonio Valencia and he gave me some good advice to take this opportunity."
Valencia agreed a five-year contract with West Ham and is already looking forward to the club's move to the Olympic Stadium. He added: "When I heard the news that West Ham might come to the stadium, I was delighted. It's a great venue, one of the best in the world and I'm looking forward to playing here in 2016."
Valencia was given an extended break after the World Cup and is set to miss West Ham's Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur as he still needs to build match fitness, but he does not expect his debut to be delayed by long. "I'm training normally now and trying to adapt to what the manager wants and the philosophy of the club. I'm expecting to be ready in between one or two weeks."
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A £2M FEE AGREED FOR AMALFITANO!
By S J Chandos 9 Aug 2014 at 01:30
West Ham Till I Die
The Sports Mail have reported that West Ham have agreed a £2m fee with Marseille for the transfer of midfielder Morgan Amalfitano. The French midfielder was on loan at West Bromwich Albion last season and looked impressive. Indeed, this could prove a good acquisition and a real bargain to boot. All that remains is for the player to agree personal terms. Hopefully, that will go smoothly and he will sign in the next few days.
The 29-year-old has previously attracted interest from Hull, Crystal Palace and QPR. Hopefully, West Ham have beaten them to the punch!
The Sports Mail have also been confirmed that West Ham are continuing their efforts to land another striker, with Peter Crouch, Hugo Almeida, Connor Wickham and Diafra Sakho all currently still in the frame.
SJ.Chandos.
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THE FRUSTRATIONS OF BEING A HAMMERS FAN
By Iain Dale 8 Aug 2014 at 17:14
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Kelvin Goldsmith
I would like to start by simply saying just how frustrating it has been being a Hammers fan over recent years!! Hope and optimism dangled in front of us like donkeys chasing carrots, Relegations, Promotions, Big money signings, a bigger stadium move…there always seems to be cause for optimism at Upton Park, but it never seems to actually transpire.
If we were a small club, with a small following, I'd love West Ham just as much as I do right now and probably be less frustrated at our lack of progress, but the fact of the matter is that we are a big club with a massive following of mostly loyal fans who I guess share my frustrations in the fact that fortune does always seem to be hiding!!
We have the bad times ,Relegated under Roeder with a ridiculously talented squad ,Relegated under Grant ,The most gutless clueless and uninspiring manager known to man (Spector CM, Enough said). Having to endure championship campaigns ,Top youth academy players picked off of us for peanuts ,Crappy loan signings and no Match of the day!! (Seems like you disappear when relegated!).
And then comes the hope..Promotions we build again and get linked with quality players our promising youngsters get loaned out instead of us nurturing others,We rejoice we support we don't want the world we just want to know we're moving forward BOOM Ashton's careers over BOOM massive money spent on quality players who never play Ljungberg,Parker,Bellamy,Dyer BOOM Carroll's a complete crock for us!!
Just seems to be a pattern forming. We just never seem to have the rub of the green while trying to kick on and already feeling frustrated about the new season.
Week in week out you miss the football, counting down the days to the big kick off ,who we being linked with who are we buying? Gets you going and then BOOM again Carroll's out for ages Morrison's gone crazy and the Hammers fail to have a shot in a 180 minutes of football!! Those two games albeit against good opposition were really painful too watch ,Backs against the wall crappy 4-5-1 formation,Seems like everyone apart from the West Ham manager can see how predictable and toothless we are playing this caution first, everyone behind the ball defensive solid style of play.
The most frustrating thing is that I think we all believe that if we were to play a more attacking way with two upfront we have the quality in the squad to do so and it would also bring out the best in Carroll (when fit) and Nola. Teams wouldn't be able to think keep Carroll quiet and we're halfway there..They'd have to deal with players like Valencia Zarate, Jarvis, Downing, Morrison, Diame, VazTe and maybe Elliott Lee running at them and causing problems hence losing focus on the likes of Carroll and Nolan ,That's when they're at there best.
I really hope that we attack teams and try and pass this season. Don't the people in charge of the club realise that this would make the fans happier and more vocal at games creating a better atmosphere for our team to attack an away team..The 12th man still exists and has the potential to make all the difference but you've got to give us our voice back ,Give us something to cheer about ,let's have a real go this season!! COYI..
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IN DEFENCE OF KEVIN NOLAN
By Iain Dale 8 Aug 2014 at 12:34
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Risboro Monkey
I'm starting to become concerned with the amount of abuse directed at our Captain, Kevin Nolan, on this and other forums and most of all, on Twitter. Don't get me wrong, I would rather see someone else playing in his position because I think we have better options at the moment, but all this negativity is not at all good for our club. Let's think back to when we were first linked with signing him, all the West Ham fans I know were over the moon with the idea, we were a Championship side, desperately struggling to find anything positive about the playing staff that Avram Grant had left us with. The team seemed to lack any backbone for massive parts of the relegation season. Scott Parker clearly didn't want to be at the club any longer. The board kept on bleating on about the seriousness of the financial side of being relegated. Then out of nowhere there was talk of us signing Kevin Nolan, the lad that had not only been top scorer for Newcastle 2 years before, helping them get promoted back into the premier league at the first attempt, but was then top scorer their first season back.
Now, at this point I remember I wasn't a fan of bringing Sam in as manager, but I was prepared to give him a go, signings like this one really helped. My memories of Kevin Nolan up to this point were mostly of him playing for Bolton though. In truth, this was mostly from Match of the Day, the guy always seemed to play well on that program, scoring loads from midfield, in pub chats I always brought his name up as an outside bet for the England squad, what team didn't need a goalscoring midfielder? My other outstanding memory was of that Bolton side coming to us and being played off the park, but Jussi was man of the match and that lad Nolan popped up about 4 minutes into injury time at the end and snatched an unlikely draw for them. We rarely seemed to do that, we always seemed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory and not vice versa. Is it possible that in one of Sam's most divisive and quite frankly as far as I am concerned just plain stupid (he can think what he likes, I do NOT want to hear my own team's manager slate our history) statements that's what he meant by "What is West Ham's way?" and what he was trying to do was give us a bit of fight, more backbone, less likely to be bullied into a late loss?
Obviously Nolan is exceptional at these qualities, he seems to be the sort of lad that all the other lads want to play for, the kind of captain that will take you under his wing if needs be, but will also give you the rocket up the backside that some of the squad at that particular time clearly needed. Lest we forget, it worked as well, he was captain in our promotion season! Although… well it was during this season it all went a bit wonky for me. I remember being at the Wycombe friendly, how refreshing it was to see one of our players winding theirs up getting in the ref's ear, same at Watford away, the problem was, when is he actually going to play any football? When will the Kevin Nolan we all thought we had signed make an impact, other than winding people up or score goals, he just didn't seem to be contributing much. We still got promoted though, he was also our top goalscorer for our first two years back in the premier league, so why the negativity?
Well, for me, the list is fairly short, he is inadequate at passing the ball, is slow and immobile which leads to lots of problems, makes me realise why England never came calling. Top of my list though, it's Sam's reluctance to drop him when we have options that I think are better, especially when he is clearly out of form. Yes, he is top scorer, but that is in a system built by Allardyce to get the most out of Kevin, we really ought to have a plan B by now, but Sam is being so bloody stubborn as we can all see this pre-season, I'm just loving this new attacking system!?!?
The one thing I can't seem to shake off as being the real problem here though is Sam, it's not Nolan's fault he gets picked. Be honest with yourself as well, it's not like he doesn't try, he puts himself about as best he can, I remember a time when we loved a hopeless trier at West Ham, I give you Samassi Abou as an example. No, for me we need to get off Nolan's back (he is slow enough already after all) and get behind him, ergo the team. We need to get some positivity back around the place, I know its difficult to ignore the negative feeling most of us get from Big Sam and his arrogant ways coupled with his defensive system. But for the good of the club we need to. We do make a difference on match day, the players do respond to the atmosphere, I know that goes both ways but someone has to start it! In all honesty I like having Nolan at our club, I would love to see him as an impact sub coming on as a plan B if we need to chase a game, I also think he is a positive influence on the place, but it's got to be hard to put 100% in if you don't think you are getting the backing from the stands. It's interesting to note Cardiff fans being excited about the possibility of signing him. For me, I reckon we could all do a lot worse than aiming any animosity about what is happening on the pitch towards the dugout, it's there that our problems stem from, having said that I am not going to suggest a successor, football club chairmanship is not my business. I run a pub, what I can tell you about running a pub though is that if I employ a great member of bar staff, guess what, the pub gets busier, if I employ an arrogant, negative member of bar staff I would probably be bankrupt in a matter of weeks.
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WEST HAM'S STRIKER SEARCH EXTENDS TO METZ AND THE 2ND TIER OF FRENCH FOOTBALL
By S J Chandos 8 Aug 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
The Daily Mirror are claiming that West Ham have agreed a £3.5million deal for Metz's 24 year old Senegalese striker, Diafra Sakho. The Hammers have been seeking a centre forward to provide extra attacking cover, a need which has become especially acute in light of Andy Carroll's anticipated four month injury absence. And it seems that in the aftermath of bids for Peter Crouch, Hugo Almedia and Marco Streller coming to nothing, the club have turned their attentions to Sakho in the 2nd tier of French football. Sakho had a prolific season with Metz and his affordability and availability are additional factors that have attracted West Ham's interest. Sakho is apparently keen to join the club, and try his hand in the English PL, and he is expected to travel from France immediately to open talks on personal terms and undertake a medical examination.
The 6ft 1 inch striker's goal tally for Metz has been 19 and 20 in the last two seasons. Yes, they were plundered in the French equivalent of the Championship, but we should not dismiss the move, out of hand, just based on that. Sakho obviously has potential and is probably worth a £3.5m punt on that basis alone. However, we do need to question whether he will be able to come straight in to the team and make an instant impact? In all probability, Sakho will a need for a period of acclimatisation to adjust to the greater speed and physical demands of the PL.
If the Sakho deal does not come to fruition, the club appear to be lining up other options. There were reports yesterday that the club had made an approach to Atletico Madrid to take their 21 year old striker, Leo Baptistao, on an initial season's loan, with the option of a £5m permanent deal next summer. However, if anything, the young Brazilian striker has a bigger question mark over his current goal scoring record than Sakho. Baptistao scored 1 goal in 17 appearances on loan to Real Betis last season. Prior to that his best haul was 7 goals in 28 appearances for Rayo Vallecano in 2012-13. To date, he has failed to score in 5 senior appearances for Atletico Madrid.
The reservations expressed regarding Sakho, are arguably multipled in relation to Baptistao. There is always the chance that we may benefit from buying a rough diamond, which we can cut and polish in to an outstanding asset. However, that may take time and we have to ask whether either player will instantly impact in the PL? If the 'journey man' bids for Crouch, Streller and Almeida have failed, then it seems that the club are now looking to take a chance on younger players of potential. Will these potential deals ultimately prove a good move? Only time will tell? If that is the direction of travel On which the striker search is set, then we must take a gamble, throw the dice and see how they fall. Hopefully, it will be sixes rather than snakes eyes!
With the season opening against Spurs on 16 August 2014, its looking increasingly likely that we will start with Carlton Cole leading the attack and Zarate on the bench. Probably the best we can hope for Enner Valencia is is that he is match fit enough for a place on the bench for the opening fixture. Personally, I think that we should start with Zarate/Cole/Downing in attack and reward Elliott Lee's excellent pre-season goal scoring form with a place on the bench. If a youngster excels then it must be recognized and rewarded through progression, otherwise what is the point? Mr Allardyce, please take note.
Elliott Lee has understandably gained most of the plaudits for his goals in pre-season. And quite right too! However, also keep an eye on Blair Turgott this season. He possesses all the tools to succeed and has been in blistering form for the U-21s this pre-season. Turgott has been on the verge of the first team for a couple of seasons. Hopefully he can finally make the all-important break through in this coming campaign.
SJ. Chandos.
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Boy George! An interview with Colchester United new boy George Moncur
Eadt24.co.uk
by Carl Marston
Saturday, August 9, 2014
6:00 AM
George Moncur is ready to embrace the new challenge of becoming a regular in Colchester United's starting line-up. Midfielder Moncur completed a loan move from West Ham on Thursday afternoon, signing for the U's on a six-month deal until January 11. It was no big surprise, given that the 20-year-old has been a mainstay of the U's squad during the whole of pre-season. But both the player, and U's boss Joe Dunne, were delighted to get the deal rubber-stamped in time for this afternoon's League One opener against Oldham Athletic. Moncur is definitely in the 20-man squad to face the visiting Latics today, and he looks all set to make his U's competitive debut in this curtain-raiser. "I'm delighted to sign. I'm over the moon," enthused Moncur. "I've signed for six months. I hope to do myself justice during this time, and help out the team. And if everything goes to plan, I might even end up signing for longer. "It's a big step up for me, and I am ready to take my chance. "I've been playing under-21 football with West Ham, but this is an opportunity to play at a higher level and to really challenge myself. "I've been on loan before, at AFC Wimbledon, but that was in League Two, and again last season I had a spell in Scotland (with Partick Thistle). "But now I have a chance to show what I can do in League One, playing for a team that likes to get the ball down and play. "Colchester United's style of football should suit mine, down to the ground. "I've really loved playing in pre-season with the lads, and it has helped me having got to know the players over the last few weeks, rather than just signing out of the blue. "There are some really good young players at the club, and of course I know all about Freddie Sears (ex-West Ham). "It's a good set-up, and it will help my game to play in a passing team, and for a manager who likes to play that style of football. "I want to improve my own game, over the next six months. It's great that I have this long to establish myself, rather than just signing for the odd month. "I'm very excited about the season ahead, and I'd love to make my debut this weekend," added Moncur. Swindon-born Moncur, whose Dad John Moncur played for Tottenham, Swindon and West Ham (and had a brief loan spell with Ipswich in 1991), signed his first professional contract with West Ham in September 2010, after graduating from the Academy. He has not yet made a league appearance for the Hammers, although he did made his debut for the East Londoners in a League Cup tie against Crewe on August 28, 2012, coming on as an 84th minute substitute for Kevin Nolan. In addition, Moncur scored two goals in 20 league appearances for AFC Wimbledon during a three-month loan spell in early 2012, and played twice for Partick Thistle at the end of last term.
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West Ham agree £2million deal for Marseille midfielder Morgan Amalfitano
The former West Brom loanee will discuss terms over Upton Park move
He has been made available for the relatively small fee by Marseille
Hull, Crystal Palace and QPR are also interested in acquiring him
Hammers continue their search for a striker and are speaking to Stoke about Peter Crouch with other options still open
By SIMON JONES
PUBLISHED: 01:27, 9 August 2014 | UPDATED: 01:27, 9 August 2014
Daily Mail
West Ham have agreed a fee with Marseille for midfielder Morgan Amalfitano. The France midfielder, on loan at West Brom last season, is available for £2million. The 29-year-old has attracted interest from Hull, Crystal Palace and QPR. West Ham are prioritising their search for a striker and are speaking to Stoke about Peter Crouch while Connor Wickham of Sunderland, free agent Hugo Almeida, Metz striker Diafra Sakho and Joel Campbell of Arsenal remain on their list.
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Former Hammer scores double on debut
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 8, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Former Hammers striker Freddie Piquionne scored twice on his debut tonight for French Ligue 2 side US Creteil to help them to a 3-0 win, he was released by MLS side Portland Timbers in the summer where he managed one goal from 24 appearances in 18 months. The French striker has joined up with former Hammer Herita Ilunga when he signed for US Creteil four days ago.
Piquionne who cost West Ham around £1m from Portsmouth under Avram Grant made 62 appearances for the Hammers between 2010 and 2013 scoring nine goals. He scored his first Premier League goal for West Ham in a 1-0 win against Spurs on 25th September 2010. That goal was also the 10,000th goal scored in the Premier League with a Nike football. He was released at the end of his three contract from West Ham.
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Lee called up for Sampdoria clash
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 8, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Jaanai Gordon returned to the score sheet this afternoon filling in for nine goal machine Elliot Lee who was absent. Gordon, our £3.5m investment from Peterborough was injured towards the end of last season with a hamstring so he will be pleased to get back to his scoring ways in the development squad friendly against Aston Villa today at Little Heath. Venezuelan young striker Aitor López listed as a trialist came on as a 46th substitute in the same match but Maiga was strangely not listed as a sub for this game. The development pre season friendly match against Villa finished 1-1.
Elliot Lee was left out of the U21 match so he can be included in the first team squad for tomorrow's first team friendly against Sampdoria, why Maiga was left out of the squad is harder to fantom. Lee's inclusion must be a reward for his nine goal fest over the summer. The 19 year striker is brimming with confidence and itching to get his first team chance again to prove what he can do by stepping up a level. His first appearance in a first-team squad was on New Years day 2013 when he was an unused sub against Norwich. Lee then made his first team debut for 12 minutes for West Ham, as a 78th minute sub at Old Trafford against Manchester United in the January 2013 FA Cup replay which was lost 1-0.
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Maiga rejects big pay-off
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 8, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham 'outcast' Modibo Maiga has been offered a seven figure sum to leave the club. But the striker – who was even denied a run-out with the Development Squad in a pre-season friendly against Woking earlier this week – has not accepted a pay-off deal. Maiga is now so far out in the cold that the club believed he may be ready to take his pay-off and kick-start his career either here or in France. But at the moment Maiga is staying put, perhaps believing that an improved offer will be made by the Irons. ClaretandHugh was told exclusively the offer had been made over recent days and had been refused,
But a well placed source said: "At the moment Modibo is sitting tight. However, the moment may come when he realises his career is slipping away and decides to take what's on offer. "There's no question that both he and the club need to move on from what hasn't been a very happy association."
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WHUFC.com
All the essential pre-match info ahead of our Marathonbet Cup fixture against UC Sampdoria
08.08.2014
WEST HAM UNITED v UC SAMPDORIA
MARATHONBET CUP
BOLEYN GROUND
SATURDAY 9 AUGUST 2014
KICK-OFF: 3PM
West Ham United App West Ham TV
In brief
Football returns to the Boleyn Ground after a 99-day break when the Hammers face Italian side UC Sampdoria for the inaugural Marathonbet Cup. Following six pre-season matches away from home, Sam Allardyce's men are back on familiar turf, with several new signings set to make their Boleyn Ground debuts. West Ham will be looking to end their pre-season campaign on a high, having not yet won a summer fixture over 90 minutes. They did triumph 7-6 on penalties following a 0-0 draw at Schalke 04 last Saturday, but then suffered a 2-0 defeat to Malaga 24 hours later at the same venue. Saturday's opponents finished last season's Serie A campaign in eleventh place and will be playing their first game on UK soil since a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United in 2007. Sampdoria's season starts with a trip to Palermo on 31 August, and they could feature as many as five new signings on Saturday - full backs Lorenzo De Silvestri, Fabrizio Cacciatore, midfielders Alfred Duncan and Jose Campana and forward Gonzalo Bergessio. Should the match finish level after 90 minutes, a penalty shootout will take place to determine the winner.
Who are they?
Formed in 1946, il Doria are the imalgamation of two previous clubs who can trace their roots back to the 1890s, Sampierdarenese and Andrea Doria. Their past is reflected both in the team's jersey and name, Sampdoria combining both and their colours all being present in their strip - blue, white red and black.
Their home ground Stadio Luigi Ferraris has a capacity of 36,536 and is shared with city and Serie A rivals Genoa.
Sampdoria's glory days were between the mid-1980s and early-1990s. Under Vujadin Boskov and Sven-Goran Eriksson, they won the Serie A title, four Italian Cups, the Italian Supercup, the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and reached the 1992 European Cup final. Back then, the Genovese club enjoyed the services of some top players, including Irishman and future Hammer Liam Brady, England striker Trevor Francis, Ruud Gullit, Roberto Mancini, Gianluca Vialli and Pietro Vierchowod.
Managed by former Sampdoria, Lazio, Internazionale and Yugoslavia defender Sinisa Mihajlovic, Sampdoria finished the 2013/14 season in eleventh position in Serie A. The club has been active in the transfer market over the summer months and will be hopeful of breaking into the top half of the table this term.
Team news
West Ham United
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce could give four of his six summer signings their first appearances at the Boleyn Ground in Claret and Blue, with Aaron Cresswell, Cheikhou Kouyate, Diego Poyet and Mauro Zarate all in line to feature.
Two other recent arrivals, Carl Jenkinson (hamstring) and Enner Valencia (not match fit), are not available for selection. Andy Carroll (ankle) is also definitely out, but James Tomkins (groin) and Guy Demel (compassionate leave) could be involved.
UC Sampdoria
Sampdoria have also been busy in the transfer market, bringing in full-backs Lorenzo De Silvestri and Fabrizio Cacciatore, midfielders Alfred Duncan and Jose Campana and forward Gonzalo Bergessio.
While all five could appear this afternoon, Alessandro De Vitis will miss today's game after undergoing surgery to repair damaged anterior cruciate knee ligaments, while Vasco Regini (bruised sternum) could also be sidelined.
One to watch
West Ham United
Mauro Zarate will hope to recreate his finest moment in Italian football when he takes on Italian opposition in his first appearance at the Boleyn Ground.
West Ham United's Argentine forward scored in normal time and in a penalty shootout as a Lazio player in their Italian Cup final win over UC Sampdoria in 2009. The 27-year-old netted an outstanding goal just four minutes into the final in Rome, cutting in from the left past two defenders before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the far corner.
Zarate showed a similar glimpse of his ability when he scored a fantastic maiden goal for the Hammers during their Football United Tour to New Zealand, netting from outside the penalty area in the 2-1 defeat by Wellington Phoenix in Auckland in July.
UC Sampdoria
Zarate's fellow countryman Gonzalo Bergessio will be anxious to impress after completing a transfer from relegated Catania earlier this week. A lively striker, Bergessio was born in Cordoba and spent the first seven years of his professional career in his homeland with Platense, Instituto and Racing Avellaneda.
After an unsuccessful spell with Benfica in Portugal, he made his name with San Lorenzo back in Argentina, bagging 29 goals in 48 league games. After a season in France with St Etienne, the 30-year-old joined Catania in January 2011.
Bergessio was capped three times by his country in 2008, scoring twice in a friendly win over Panama in May 2009.
Tickets
Supporters can pay on the day for the Marathonbet Cup this Saturday against Serie A side Sampdoria.
Prices on the day are £15 for U16s and £25 for Adults. The Stadium Ticket Office opens at 9am, with cash turnstiles also available from 1.30pm until kick-off.
A Family Fun Zone will be open in the Alpari Stand Car Park from 1.30pm, where the kids can test their skills in a penalty shootout or have a kickabout on our mini inflatable pitch.
Advance tickets are available to order online or by phone up until 5pm on Friday 8 August, priced at £10 for U16s and £20 for Adults. Season Ticket Holders receive a £5 discount.
Every fan buying a ticket in advance will be placed into a prize draw to win a pair of boots signed by Hammer of the Year Mark Noble. Book online at whufcboxoffice.com or by phone on 0871 529 1966 (calls 10p/min plus network extras).
Travel
Supporters will be delighted to know that there is no engineering work planned on the London Underground network on Saturday, save for engineering works at the far west end of the Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines between Rayners Lane and Uxbridge.
Greater Anglia mainline services are also blissfully free of engineering works at the south end of the network, which serves London Liverpool Street, Stratford and stations in mid and north Essex.
c2c mainline services connecting south Essex with Barking, West Ham and London Fenchurch Street will also be free of engineering works.
Weather
Saturday's weather forecast for east London is for a warm day with sunny intervals and a maximum afternoon temperature of 23C (74F).
Last meeting
West Ham United meet UC Sampdoria for just the second time. Hammers fans will be hoping for better than the 6-1 Makita International Tournament defeat suffered at Highbury in August 1991. That day, Renato Buso scored four times and Toninho Cerezo and Attilio Lombardo once each for the Italians, with George Parris netting the Hammers' consolation goal when the score was 4-0.
Old boys
Three players have appeared for both West Ham and Sampdoria - Liam Brady, Manuel da Costa and Marco Borriello.
Republic of Ireland international midfielder Brady joined Sampdoria from Juventus in 1982, having won two Serie A titles with the Turin club. He spent two seasons with Sampdoria, scoring six goals in 57 Serie A appearances before moving on to Internazionale in 1984 and Ascoli in 1986. In 1987, he joined West Ham United for £100,000, scoring ten goals in 119 games in Claret and Blue. Brady spent 18 years as head of Arsenal's Academy between 1996 and 2014 and is remains a popular pundit on Ireland's national broadcaster RTE.
France-born Morocco international Manuel da Costa was loaned to Sampdoria from Fiorentina in January 2009, before going on to make two Serie A and two UEFA Europa League appearances. Da Costa joined West Ham on a permanent basis in June of the same year, spending two seasons in east London. He made 35 appearances and scored four goals for the Hammers before joining Lokomotiv Moscow in summer 2011.
Striker Borriello spent the first half of the 2005/06 season on loan at Sampdoria from AC Milan. The Italy international scored two goals in 14 appearances before moving on to another loan spell at Treviso in January 2006. Borriello joined West Ham on loan from Roma in January 2014, but made just two Barclays Premier League appearances before being ruled out for the remainder of the season through injury.
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Dev Squad end pre-season with draw
WHUFC.com
Jaanai Gordon scored as the Hammers U21s drew 1-1 with Aston Villa on Friday
08.08.2014
West Ham United U21 1-1 Aston Villa U21
Pre-Season Match
The Development Squad closed their pre-season campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Aston Villa at Little Heath on Friday afternoon. The young Hammers were pegged back after taking an early lead and had to work hard to preserve parity against their visitors. With a trip to PSV Eindhoven in the Premier League's new International Cup looming large on the horizon, Nick Haycock can reflect on a positive summer, which has brought victories over senior non-league sides, and silverware in the shape of the Absolute Sports Travel Cup, which involved Development teams from Shakhtar Donetsk and Espanyol.
Jaanai Gordon headed the Hammers into a 23rd minute lead on Friday, drifting into space in the box to meet Kyle Knoyle's right wing cross with an unstoppable header. Villa responded well though and went close on 32 minutes when Michael Drennan made space for a shot outside the area and brought a sprawling stop from Sam Howes. Six minutes later the visitors were level as Jerrell Sellars carried the ball inside from the right channel and beat Howes from 20 yards with the help of a deflection. Villa were in the ascendancy and almost moved in front with 51 minutes on the clock as Callum Robinson curled wide from the edge of the box. Kevin Toner headed wide after rising well to meet Henry Cowans' corner, but Villa could not break through for a second time as the Hammers stood firm. Having weathered the storm, West Ham then finished the game strongly, as their trialist twice went close in the latter stages, first being closed down well by keeper Craig Hill, then firing wide of the near post after Moses Makasi's pass.
West Ham United: Howes, Knoyle (Sheriff 46), Page (Adebayo 58), Nasha, Onariase, Harney (Trialist 46), Labonne (Brown 75), Maksai, Gordon (Martins 75), Powell (Sylvestre), Fanimo
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Matthias Fanimo blogs for whufc.com following a successful pre-season
08.08.2014
Hello everybody,
It's been a good pre-season for me. I've been away with the first team to New Zealand and Germany and it's been a great experience. The trips away with the first team have given me a chance to prove myself in front of the gaffer, and I got some good minutes on the pitch last Saturday against Schalke, which was fantastic to play in such a big stadium against such a big team. Coming up against players like Kevin-Prince Boateng is something I'll cherish - it's a shame that Draxler and Huntelaar were still away - but it was a very good experience and it was nice to get a good result too. You improve with every training session and experience like that. Being in and around the first team, the older players who are physically stronger than you, it's always good to train with them and adapt to those sort of situations.
In New Zealand, I went behind the camera to film some behind the scenes footage, which you can see here. I wouldn't have minded doing the SkyWalk myself, it's not something you can do every day, but I missed out on the rock, paper, scissors. As you can see, Danny Whitehead didn't really fancy it! He looked really scared when he was up there. For myself now, there's an Under-21s game against Aston Villa on Friday and the boys have had some good resutls in pre-season They're looking really strong going into the first game, which is in the European competition agaisnt PSV on Tuesday. My aim for the season is to get as many first team games as possible and push on. It's good to play for the 21s, but the ambition is to play in the first-team, so that's what I'm hoping to do.
Matthias
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Lycamobile Cup winners to return
WHUFC.com
This summer's Lycamobile Cup winners will be back at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday
08.08.2014
The winners of the inaugural Lycamobile Cup are to return to the Boleyn Ground for Saturday's Marathonbet Cup, the scene of their respective triumphs back in May. In an exciting partnership initiative, Lycamobile and West Ham United Community Sports Trust joined forces to establish an U12s and U14s tournament back in December, culminating in a thrilling Boleyn Ground finals day. With some 4,500 youngsters playing their part in a festival of football, Redbridge U12s and West Ham United Kicks U14s ultimately took the honours and will be parading their trophies prior to kick-off against UC Sampdoria on Saturday.
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Valencia vows to 'bring happiness'
WHUFC.com
Enner Valencia is hoping to bring cheer to east London with a prolific 2014/15 campaign
07.08.2014
Summer signing Enner Valencia has vowed to put smiles on West Ham United faces as he sets about a first season in the Barclays Premier League. A long-term admirer of England's top flight, the 24-year-old needed little convincing when the Hammers came calling. Aside from the lure of Premier League football, it was West Ham's ambitious plans that caught Valencia's eye and he, in turn, is desperate to make the right impression. "It's massive for me," he revealed. "It's a big step and I'm just trying to get used to it. After the World Cup, several things came along and lots of different Clubs. But when West Ham were interested in me, I said yes, definitely, because it's one of my dreams, one of my goals to play in the Premier League. "I feel very confident. I scored three goals on a major stage, so I'm confident that I can do well now. I'm here to work, work very hard, score goals and do the best I can for the Club. "Before signing we spoke a lot about the ambitions of the Club and trying to play European football. It's definitely a great challenge and we're going to work very hard to achieve that." To do so, Valencia will likely need to reproduce the form that saw him net 18 times for Mexican outfit Pachuca last term. But he is not precious about his position, happy and willing to play anywhere across the frontline. "I can play all over, centre-forward, on the wing and even behind the forward," he added. "I'm a very quick player, I work very hard, I'm always trying to work when I don't have the ball to be in a good position to receive and finish. I hope I can bring a lot of happiness to the West Ham fans."
As for his new team-mates, Valencia is naturally disappointed that he will be without the company of Andy Carroll for the time being, but not the least bit fazed by carrying the burden in his absence. "It's a shame that Andy's injured again. I've watched him play and he's a fantastic player. I'm hoping to learn from him, to play alongside him and hopefully we can achieve great things together here. "As a professional I'm used to pressure and playing in the Premier League that pressure is always going to be there. I'm going to work hard, try my best and the results will come."
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Vice-Chairman made life peer
WHUFC.com
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady has been made a life peer
08.08.2014
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady CBE has this morning accepted a peerage from Her Majesty's Government. Ms Brady, who became a CBE in HM The Queen's New Year's Honours list and is also the Conservatives' Small Business Ambassador, will now sit in the House of Lords while continuing her role as Vice-Chairman of the Club. Following Friday's announcement, Ms Brady spoke of her desire to continue to support British business and the cause of women at work. "I feel honoured and proud to have been invited to serve in the House of Lords as a working peer," Ms Brady confirmed. "I have a long-held passion for championing the causes of British business and women in the workplace and these will be two key areas of focus for me in this new role." Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate the Vice-Chairman on her latest honour.
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Haycock ready for season start
WHUFC.com
Development Squad coach Nick Haycock is happy with his team's pre-season progress
08.08.2014
Nick Haycock cannot wait for the season to start after his Development Squad side finished their pre-season programme with a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa on Friday. Jaanai Gordon's 23rd minute header was cancelled out by Villa's Jerrell Sellars and the Hammers had to withstand some heavy pressure from the away side to ensure the spoils would be shared. Withstand it they did and Haycock said he was happy with the resilience shown by his young side. "It was a tough game on Friday," he said. "Gordan [Cowans] always brings teams over here and they play the right way. "I was disappointed with the way we passed the ball, but the effort the players to get another reasonable pre-season result was good. "We've only lost one game in pre-season, but as I said in the dressing room, that'll count for nothing if the boys don't take what we've learned from pre-season into the league campaign and the PSV game on Tuesday and produce winning performances with a little bit better football than we saw on Friday. "Sometimes you have to stay in the game when you're up against it and we did that. All in it was a good workout and a lot of the players who played today needed the minutes. "There were eight or nine players training with the first team, preparing for the Sampdoria game, which is a great experience for them and obviously it means that we had young players in our team. "That's probably why they shaded the first half. We did some better things in the second half. It's a great learning process for the players, and for the older players to lead the younger ones."
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Fool me twice?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 8th August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Troubled Hammer Ravel Morrison came under fresh friendly fire last night after posting a picture of himself wearing an Arsenal shirt. The 21-year-old midfielder, posting just hours after he appeared in court to answer assault-related charges published a picture on Instagram featuring himself and a friend sitting in a red Ferrari. And just a matter of weeks after he posted a picture of himself wearing a Chelsea shirt, Morrison was just as happy to be seen wearing the shirt of another of West Ham's rivals.
Shortly after posting the picture the England under 21 international took to Twitter, where he posted the following message.
ra'vel ✔ @morrisonravel - west ham is I'm my ❤️ Love the Club and the way the have stood by me. ⚽️
However rather than take Morrison's response to the furore at face value, a number of supporters posting on the KUMB forum and other social media this morning believed that his response was sarcastic, rather than a genuine heartfelt message.
Morrison's latest gaff is eerily reminiscent of the scenario that led to Paul Ince leaving West Ham back in 1989. Ince's agent, Ambrose Mendy, persuaded the then 21-year-old to be pictured in a Manchester United shirt prior to leaving for a holiday, in case a planned move to Old Trafford was confirmed during his absence.
Unfortunately for Ince, the move fell through (initially) but the picture was published in the Daily Express much to the anger of many Hammers fans, some of whom still hold Ince responsible for the mistake some 25 years later.
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West Ham's Enner Valencia targets Europe
Last Updated: 08/08/14 9:41am
SSN
Enner Valencia has set his sights on playing in Europe with West Ham United after turning down several offers from other clubs to make the move to Upton Park. Valencia impressed for Ecuador with three goals at the World Cup to spark widespread interest, but the Hammers fended off the competition to sign him for a reported fee of £12million. The 24-year-old was attracted by the idea of playing in England and also excited by West Ham's ambition, insisting they can even push for a UEFA Champions League spot in time. "Before signing we spoke a lot about that, the ambitions of the club to try to play European football," Valencia said. "I'm going to work very hard for it and they're going to try to make top four. "After the World Cup several offers came around but when I found out that West Ham were interested I said definitely yes because it is one of my dreams to play in the Premier League. "I spoke to Antonio Valencia and he gave me some good advice to take this opportunity."
Valencia agreed a five-year contract with West Ham and is already looking forward to the club's move to the Olympic Stadium. He added: "When I heard the news that West Ham might come to the stadium, I was delighted. It's a great venue, one of the best in the world and I'm looking forward to playing here in 2016."
Valencia was given an extended break after the World Cup and is set to miss West Ham's Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur as he still needs to build match fitness, but he does not expect his debut to be delayed by long. "I'm training normally now and trying to adapt to what the manager wants and the philosophy of the club. I'm expecting to be ready in between one or two weeks."
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A £2M FEE AGREED FOR AMALFITANO!
By S J Chandos 9 Aug 2014 at 01:30
West Ham Till I Die
The Sports Mail have reported that West Ham have agreed a £2m fee with Marseille for the transfer of midfielder Morgan Amalfitano. The French midfielder was on loan at West Bromwich Albion last season and looked impressive. Indeed, this could prove a good acquisition and a real bargain to boot. All that remains is for the player to agree personal terms. Hopefully, that will go smoothly and he will sign in the next few days.
The 29-year-old has previously attracted interest from Hull, Crystal Palace and QPR. Hopefully, West Ham have beaten them to the punch!
The Sports Mail have also been confirmed that West Ham are continuing their efforts to land another striker, with Peter Crouch, Hugo Almeida, Connor Wickham and Diafra Sakho all currently still in the frame.
SJ.Chandos.
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THE FRUSTRATIONS OF BEING A HAMMERS FAN
By Iain Dale 8 Aug 2014 at 17:14
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Kelvin Goldsmith
I would like to start by simply saying just how frustrating it has been being a Hammers fan over recent years!! Hope and optimism dangled in front of us like donkeys chasing carrots, Relegations, Promotions, Big money signings, a bigger stadium move…there always seems to be cause for optimism at Upton Park, but it never seems to actually transpire.
If we were a small club, with a small following, I'd love West Ham just as much as I do right now and probably be less frustrated at our lack of progress, but the fact of the matter is that we are a big club with a massive following of mostly loyal fans who I guess share my frustrations in the fact that fortune does always seem to be hiding!!
We have the bad times ,Relegated under Roeder with a ridiculously talented squad ,Relegated under Grant ,The most gutless clueless and uninspiring manager known to man (Spector CM, Enough said). Having to endure championship campaigns ,Top youth academy players picked off of us for peanuts ,Crappy loan signings and no Match of the day!! (Seems like you disappear when relegated!).
And then comes the hope..Promotions we build again and get linked with quality players our promising youngsters get loaned out instead of us nurturing others,We rejoice we support we don't want the world we just want to know we're moving forward BOOM Ashton's careers over BOOM massive money spent on quality players who never play Ljungberg,Parker,Bellamy,Dyer BOOM Carroll's a complete crock for us!!
Just seems to be a pattern forming. We just never seem to have the rub of the green while trying to kick on and already feeling frustrated about the new season.
Week in week out you miss the football, counting down the days to the big kick off ,who we being linked with who are we buying? Gets you going and then BOOM again Carroll's out for ages Morrison's gone crazy and the Hammers fail to have a shot in a 180 minutes of football!! Those two games albeit against good opposition were really painful too watch ,Backs against the wall crappy 4-5-1 formation,Seems like everyone apart from the West Ham manager can see how predictable and toothless we are playing this caution first, everyone behind the ball defensive solid style of play.
The most frustrating thing is that I think we all believe that if we were to play a more attacking way with two upfront we have the quality in the squad to do so and it would also bring out the best in Carroll (when fit) and Nola. Teams wouldn't be able to think keep Carroll quiet and we're halfway there..They'd have to deal with players like Valencia Zarate, Jarvis, Downing, Morrison, Diame, VazTe and maybe Elliott Lee running at them and causing problems hence losing focus on the likes of Carroll and Nolan ,That's when they're at there best.
I really hope that we attack teams and try and pass this season. Don't the people in charge of the club realise that this would make the fans happier and more vocal at games creating a better atmosphere for our team to attack an away team..The 12th man still exists and has the potential to make all the difference but you've got to give us our voice back ,Give us something to cheer about ,let's have a real go this season!! COYI..
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IN DEFENCE OF KEVIN NOLAN
By Iain Dale 8 Aug 2014 at 12:34
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Risboro Monkey
I'm starting to become concerned with the amount of abuse directed at our Captain, Kevin Nolan, on this and other forums and most of all, on Twitter. Don't get me wrong, I would rather see someone else playing in his position because I think we have better options at the moment, but all this negativity is not at all good for our club. Let's think back to when we were first linked with signing him, all the West Ham fans I know were over the moon with the idea, we were a Championship side, desperately struggling to find anything positive about the playing staff that Avram Grant had left us with. The team seemed to lack any backbone for massive parts of the relegation season. Scott Parker clearly didn't want to be at the club any longer. The board kept on bleating on about the seriousness of the financial side of being relegated. Then out of nowhere there was talk of us signing Kevin Nolan, the lad that had not only been top scorer for Newcastle 2 years before, helping them get promoted back into the premier league at the first attempt, but was then top scorer their first season back.
Now, at this point I remember I wasn't a fan of bringing Sam in as manager, but I was prepared to give him a go, signings like this one really helped. My memories of Kevin Nolan up to this point were mostly of him playing for Bolton though. In truth, this was mostly from Match of the Day, the guy always seemed to play well on that program, scoring loads from midfield, in pub chats I always brought his name up as an outside bet for the England squad, what team didn't need a goalscoring midfielder? My other outstanding memory was of that Bolton side coming to us and being played off the park, but Jussi was man of the match and that lad Nolan popped up about 4 minutes into injury time at the end and snatched an unlikely draw for them. We rarely seemed to do that, we always seemed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory and not vice versa. Is it possible that in one of Sam's most divisive and quite frankly as far as I am concerned just plain stupid (he can think what he likes, I do NOT want to hear my own team's manager slate our history) statements that's what he meant by "What is West Ham's way?" and what he was trying to do was give us a bit of fight, more backbone, less likely to be bullied into a late loss?
Obviously Nolan is exceptional at these qualities, he seems to be the sort of lad that all the other lads want to play for, the kind of captain that will take you under his wing if needs be, but will also give you the rocket up the backside that some of the squad at that particular time clearly needed. Lest we forget, it worked as well, he was captain in our promotion season! Although… well it was during this season it all went a bit wonky for me. I remember being at the Wycombe friendly, how refreshing it was to see one of our players winding theirs up getting in the ref's ear, same at Watford away, the problem was, when is he actually going to play any football? When will the Kevin Nolan we all thought we had signed make an impact, other than winding people up or score goals, he just didn't seem to be contributing much. We still got promoted though, he was also our top goalscorer for our first two years back in the premier league, so why the negativity?
Well, for me, the list is fairly short, he is inadequate at passing the ball, is slow and immobile which leads to lots of problems, makes me realise why England never came calling. Top of my list though, it's Sam's reluctance to drop him when we have options that I think are better, especially when he is clearly out of form. Yes, he is top scorer, but that is in a system built by Allardyce to get the most out of Kevin, we really ought to have a plan B by now, but Sam is being so bloody stubborn as we can all see this pre-season, I'm just loving this new attacking system!?!?
The one thing I can't seem to shake off as being the real problem here though is Sam, it's not Nolan's fault he gets picked. Be honest with yourself as well, it's not like he doesn't try, he puts himself about as best he can, I remember a time when we loved a hopeless trier at West Ham, I give you Samassi Abou as an example. No, for me we need to get off Nolan's back (he is slow enough already after all) and get behind him, ergo the team. We need to get some positivity back around the place, I know its difficult to ignore the negative feeling most of us get from Big Sam and his arrogant ways coupled with his defensive system. But for the good of the club we need to. We do make a difference on match day, the players do respond to the atmosphere, I know that goes both ways but someone has to start it! In all honesty I like having Nolan at our club, I would love to see him as an impact sub coming on as a plan B if we need to chase a game, I also think he is a positive influence on the place, but it's got to be hard to put 100% in if you don't think you are getting the backing from the stands. It's interesting to note Cardiff fans being excited about the possibility of signing him. For me, I reckon we could all do a lot worse than aiming any animosity about what is happening on the pitch towards the dugout, it's there that our problems stem from, having said that I am not going to suggest a successor, football club chairmanship is not my business. I run a pub, what I can tell you about running a pub though is that if I employ a great member of bar staff, guess what, the pub gets busier, if I employ an arrogant, negative member of bar staff I would probably be bankrupt in a matter of weeks.
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WEST HAM'S STRIKER SEARCH EXTENDS TO METZ AND THE 2ND TIER OF FRENCH FOOTBALL
By S J Chandos 8 Aug 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
The Daily Mirror are claiming that West Ham have agreed a £3.5million deal for Metz's 24 year old Senegalese striker, Diafra Sakho. The Hammers have been seeking a centre forward to provide extra attacking cover, a need which has become especially acute in light of Andy Carroll's anticipated four month injury absence. And it seems that in the aftermath of bids for Peter Crouch, Hugo Almedia and Marco Streller coming to nothing, the club have turned their attentions to Sakho in the 2nd tier of French football. Sakho had a prolific season with Metz and his affordability and availability are additional factors that have attracted West Ham's interest. Sakho is apparently keen to join the club, and try his hand in the English PL, and he is expected to travel from France immediately to open talks on personal terms and undertake a medical examination.
The 6ft 1 inch striker's goal tally for Metz has been 19 and 20 in the last two seasons. Yes, they were plundered in the French equivalent of the Championship, but we should not dismiss the move, out of hand, just based on that. Sakho obviously has potential and is probably worth a £3.5m punt on that basis alone. However, we do need to question whether he will be able to come straight in to the team and make an instant impact? In all probability, Sakho will a need for a period of acclimatisation to adjust to the greater speed and physical demands of the PL.
If the Sakho deal does not come to fruition, the club appear to be lining up other options. There were reports yesterday that the club had made an approach to Atletico Madrid to take their 21 year old striker, Leo Baptistao, on an initial season's loan, with the option of a £5m permanent deal next summer. However, if anything, the young Brazilian striker has a bigger question mark over his current goal scoring record than Sakho. Baptistao scored 1 goal in 17 appearances on loan to Real Betis last season. Prior to that his best haul was 7 goals in 28 appearances for Rayo Vallecano in 2012-13. To date, he has failed to score in 5 senior appearances for Atletico Madrid.
The reservations expressed regarding Sakho, are arguably multipled in relation to Baptistao. There is always the chance that we may benefit from buying a rough diamond, which we can cut and polish in to an outstanding asset. However, that may take time and we have to ask whether either player will instantly impact in the PL? If the 'journey man' bids for Crouch, Streller and Almeida have failed, then it seems that the club are now looking to take a chance on younger players of potential. Will these potential deals ultimately prove a good move? Only time will tell? If that is the direction of travel On which the striker search is set, then we must take a gamble, throw the dice and see how they fall. Hopefully, it will be sixes rather than snakes eyes!
With the season opening against Spurs on 16 August 2014, its looking increasingly likely that we will start with Carlton Cole leading the attack and Zarate on the bench. Probably the best we can hope for Enner Valencia is is that he is match fit enough for a place on the bench for the opening fixture. Personally, I think that we should start with Zarate/Cole/Downing in attack and reward Elliott Lee's excellent pre-season goal scoring form with a place on the bench. If a youngster excels then it must be recognized and rewarded through progression, otherwise what is the point? Mr Allardyce, please take note.
Elliott Lee has understandably gained most of the plaudits for his goals in pre-season. And quite right too! However, also keep an eye on Blair Turgott this season. He possesses all the tools to succeed and has been in blistering form for the U-21s this pre-season. Turgott has been on the verge of the first team for a couple of seasons. Hopefully he can finally make the all-important break through in this coming campaign.
SJ. Chandos.
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Boy George! An interview with Colchester United new boy George Moncur
Eadt24.co.uk
by Carl Marston
Saturday, August 9, 2014
6:00 AM
George Moncur is ready to embrace the new challenge of becoming a regular in Colchester United's starting line-up. Midfielder Moncur completed a loan move from West Ham on Thursday afternoon, signing for the U's on a six-month deal until January 11. It was no big surprise, given that the 20-year-old has been a mainstay of the U's squad during the whole of pre-season. But both the player, and U's boss Joe Dunne, were delighted to get the deal rubber-stamped in time for this afternoon's League One opener against Oldham Athletic. Moncur is definitely in the 20-man squad to face the visiting Latics today, and he looks all set to make his U's competitive debut in this curtain-raiser. "I'm delighted to sign. I'm over the moon," enthused Moncur. "I've signed for six months. I hope to do myself justice during this time, and help out the team. And if everything goes to plan, I might even end up signing for longer. "It's a big step up for me, and I am ready to take my chance. "I've been playing under-21 football with West Ham, but this is an opportunity to play at a higher level and to really challenge myself. "I've been on loan before, at AFC Wimbledon, but that was in League Two, and again last season I had a spell in Scotland (with Partick Thistle). "But now I have a chance to show what I can do in League One, playing for a team that likes to get the ball down and play. "Colchester United's style of football should suit mine, down to the ground. "I've really loved playing in pre-season with the lads, and it has helped me having got to know the players over the last few weeks, rather than just signing out of the blue. "There are some really good young players at the club, and of course I know all about Freddie Sears (ex-West Ham). "It's a good set-up, and it will help my game to play in a passing team, and for a manager who likes to play that style of football. "I want to improve my own game, over the next six months. It's great that I have this long to establish myself, rather than just signing for the odd month. "I'm very excited about the season ahead, and I'd love to make my debut this weekend," added Moncur. Swindon-born Moncur, whose Dad John Moncur played for Tottenham, Swindon and West Ham (and had a brief loan spell with Ipswich in 1991), signed his first professional contract with West Ham in September 2010, after graduating from the Academy. He has not yet made a league appearance for the Hammers, although he did made his debut for the East Londoners in a League Cup tie against Crewe on August 28, 2012, coming on as an 84th minute substitute for Kevin Nolan. In addition, Moncur scored two goals in 20 league appearances for AFC Wimbledon during a three-month loan spell in early 2012, and played twice for Partick Thistle at the end of last term.
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West Ham agree £2million deal for Marseille midfielder Morgan Amalfitano
The former West Brom loanee will discuss terms over Upton Park move
He has been made available for the relatively small fee by Marseille
Hull, Crystal Palace and QPR are also interested in acquiring him
Hammers continue their search for a striker and are speaking to Stoke about Peter Crouch with other options still open
By SIMON JONES
PUBLISHED: 01:27, 9 August 2014 | UPDATED: 01:27, 9 August 2014
Daily Mail
West Ham have agreed a fee with Marseille for midfielder Morgan Amalfitano. The France midfielder, on loan at West Brom last season, is available for £2million. The 29-year-old has attracted interest from Hull, Crystal Palace and QPR. West Ham are prioritising their search for a striker and are speaking to Stoke about Peter Crouch while Connor Wickham of Sunderland, free agent Hugo Almeida, Metz striker Diafra Sakho and Joel Campbell of Arsenal remain on their list.
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Former Hammer scores double on debut
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 8, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Former Hammers striker Freddie Piquionne scored twice on his debut tonight for French Ligue 2 side US Creteil to help them to a 3-0 win, he was released by MLS side Portland Timbers in the summer where he managed one goal from 24 appearances in 18 months. The French striker has joined up with former Hammer Herita Ilunga when he signed for US Creteil four days ago.
Piquionne who cost West Ham around £1m from Portsmouth under Avram Grant made 62 appearances for the Hammers between 2010 and 2013 scoring nine goals. He scored his first Premier League goal for West Ham in a 1-0 win against Spurs on 25th September 2010. That goal was also the 10,000th goal scored in the Premier League with a Nike football. He was released at the end of his three contract from West Ham.
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Lee called up for Sampdoria clash
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 8, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Jaanai Gordon returned to the score sheet this afternoon filling in for nine goal machine Elliot Lee who was absent. Gordon, our £3.5m investment from Peterborough was injured towards the end of last season with a hamstring so he will be pleased to get back to his scoring ways in the development squad friendly against Aston Villa today at Little Heath. Venezuelan young striker Aitor López listed as a trialist came on as a 46th substitute in the same match but Maiga was strangely not listed as a sub for this game. The development pre season friendly match against Villa finished 1-1.
Elliot Lee was left out of the U21 match so he can be included in the first team squad for tomorrow's first team friendly against Sampdoria, why Maiga was left out of the squad is harder to fantom. Lee's inclusion must be a reward for his nine goal fest over the summer. The 19 year striker is brimming with confidence and itching to get his first team chance again to prove what he can do by stepping up a level. His first appearance in a first-team squad was on New Years day 2013 when he was an unused sub against Norwich. Lee then made his first team debut for 12 minutes for West Ham, as a 78th minute sub at Old Trafford against Manchester United in the January 2013 FA Cup replay which was lost 1-0.
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Maiga rejects big pay-off
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 8, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham 'outcast' Modibo Maiga has been offered a seven figure sum to leave the club. But the striker – who was even denied a run-out with the Development Squad in a pre-season friendly against Woking earlier this week – has not accepted a pay-off deal. Maiga is now so far out in the cold that the club believed he may be ready to take his pay-off and kick-start his career either here or in France. But at the moment Maiga is staying put, perhaps believing that an improved offer will be made by the Irons. ClaretandHugh was told exclusively the offer had been made over recent days and had been refused,
But a well placed source said: "At the moment Modibo is sitting tight. However, the moment may come when he realises his career is slipping away and decides to take what's on offer. "There's no question that both he and the club need to move on from what hasn't been a very happy association."
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