Nouble signs
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola will be able to call on Frank Nouble next season after he
signed a five-year contract
21.07.2009
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of striker Frank
Nouble from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee. With several clubs keen on
securing his services after he turned down a contract at Stamford Bridge
this summer, Nouble said he had no hesitation in deciding to join the
Hammers on a five-year deal. He passed a medical on Tuesday afternoon before
putting pen to paper at the Boleyn Ground. He could make his debut when a
West Ham XI take on Thurrock this Friday evening.
Speaking to whufc.com, he said: "It is a great day for me and my family. I
am just excited now to get started at this club. I am really looking forward
to showing what I can do. West Ham are renowned for bringing through young
players and hopefully I can be in the next batch.
"This came out of the blue. The news came out that I rejected at Chelsea and
obviously I thank them for what they have done for me but I am just happy
that a club like West Ham came in for me. They showed their interest and for
me it was a case of saying 'Yes' straight away. I am just happy to be here."
Nouble added that he had high hopes of impressing the manager and Steve
Clarke, who he had worked with at Chelsea. "I am reaching the age where I
want to be in and around the first team more than anything - learning from
the big players that have done really well here. Mark Noble, Carlton Cole
and players like that. I want to emulate what they have done.
"I am an attacking player. I am tall and rely on my pace and getting goals.
I just want to do well up front and excite the fans."
A former England Under-17 international, the powerful and speedy forward was
Chelsea's leading scorer in the FA Premier Academy League last season,
netting 12 times in 20 appearances, including a hat-trick against Fulham.
Nouble, who had been with Chelsea since the age of eleven, also scored twice
in ten Barclays Premier Reserve League games in 2008/09, while he added a
stunning further strike in the FA Youth Cup victory against Manchester
United at Old Trafford in November.
The striker, who turns 18 in September, ended last season training under
Guus Hiddink alongside the likes of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka with
Chelsea's first-team squad.
West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "I am very pleased to be able to
welcome Frank to West Ham where he will have the opportunity to compete for
a place in Gianfranco's first-team squad. He has a very bright future and we
will give him every chance to succeed. This is an excellent signing for the
club. "I can also assure fans we are concentrating on adding more quality to
our attack to complement those we already have. This is an extremely busy
time of the year and Gianluca Nani and I are working hard to bring in the
players that Gianfranco feels will improve his squad for the new season."
Nouble was already well known to Zola and Clarke and not just because of his
Chelsea connection. The forward scored twice against West Ham last season,
notching in Chelsea's 4-3 reserve defeat by the Hammers in December, as well
as the Blues' 4-2 Academy win at Little Heath last October. He scored six
U18 goals in 2007/08, making his debut for Chelsea's reserve team in
November 2007. He became a full-time scholar at Stamford Bridge in June
2008.
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Two more join squad
WHUFC.com
England Under-21 duo Mark Noble and James Tomkins got straight into the
swing of things in Austria
21.07.2009
Mark Noble and James Tomkins were training again with their West Ham United
team-mates on Tuesday after flying into Austria later than the rest of the
squad. The pair landed in Graz on Sunday afternoon and drove straight to
join the rest of the squad, who were making the most of their first free
evening by hitting the go-karting track. But after the time-out on Sunday,
it was straight back to work for the pair on Monday as they warmed-up with
the whole squad before joining Kieron Dyer and Georg Grasser for some
specialist fitness work with Alex Dyer. The remaining outfield players split
into two groups, with each one taking it in turn to have their mental and
physical endurance tested with parachute and sledge runs. The former
involves the players doing short sprints with a three-foot wide parachute
attached to their backs, while the second is a similar exercise that
involves pulling a metal sledge behind them instead of the parachute. After
the strenuous fitness work concluded, the groups moved on to some small-area
keep-ball exercises before Gianfranco Zola, Steve Clarke and Kevin Keen took
over for the two main drills of the two-hour session. The first drill
involved a simple one-on-one exercise where the players took it in turns to
try to score past one of the goalkeepers with only one of their team-mates
standing in their way. This threw up some intriguing duels such as Scott
Parker versus Josh Payne, Savio against Julien Faubert, Luis Jimenez against
James Collins and Junior Stanislas against Matthew Upson. Stanislas, Savio
and Anthony Edgar caught the eye while attacking and Payne, Parker and
Ilunga impressed while filling in their defensive roles. The second exercise
involved two goals, two goalkeepers and either a two-on-two or
three-on-three match that relied on speed, skill and teamwork. Goalkeeping
coach Ludo Miklosko enjoyed a rare run-out between the sticks during the
game and did not appear to have lost any of his speed of reaction. After two
hours of gruelling work in the returning summer sunshine, the players set
off on their bikes for the hotel, where they took part in a compulsory
warm-down in the swimming pool. The Hammers trained again on Monday evening
before a double session on Tuesday in preparation for Wednesday's game with
Bursaspor in Bad Radkersburg. whufc.com will have full coverage of the game
with live text updates, while WHUTV will have highlights and reaction after
the game has finished. Kick-off is at 5pm GMT.
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Tour guide Grasser
WHUFC.com
Georg Grasser took advantage of a rare break in training to give WHUTV his
own mini-guide to Austria
21.07.2009
West Ham United's Austrian midfielder Georg Grasser took some time out from
his busy pre-season schedule to show the WHUTV cameras around his home
country.
As well as speaking about the local customs, language and even soft drinks,
the 18-year-old midfielder explained how he thinks the rest of his
team-mates have settled in to life in Bad Radkersburg and how the locals
feel about having such a high-profile team in town.
"I would say the other players have adapted quite well really," Grasser, who
was born and raised in nearby Graz, told WHUTV. "They didn't know how to
cope with the heat as it was very hot, but beyond that I think it is very
good.
"I was talking to my friends and they were happy that a team like ours came
to Austria and had a training camp here. It is good for Austria."
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Hammers head for Tiptree
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Under-18s will travel to Essex Senior League side Tiptree
United on Wednesday
21.07.2009
West Ham United's Under-18s will step up their preparations for the upcoming
FA Premier Academy League season with a friendly at Tiptree United on
Wednesday.
Assistant Academy director Paul Hilton will take a squad comprised mainly of
first and second-year scholars to Chapel Road. A number of Academy
schoolboys will also make the trip to Essex. Turkey Under-17 goalkeeper
Deniz Mehmet, central defender Jack Lampe, a summer signing from Harlow
Town, and Republic of Ireland youth international midfielder Eoin Wearen
could also be involved. Hilton said his players were looking forward to
putting all the hard work they have put into their pre-season training to
good use. "The lads have all come back in pretty good shape," said former
West Ham defender Hilton. "Some of them have been involved in training with
the first team and also in the reserve -team friendlies, lads like Eoin,
Conor Okus, Robert Hall and Nick Barrett, which has been good for them. "For
the majority of the younger ones, however, this is their first chance to
play in a match since they returned for pre-season training. "The last two
or three weeks have been quite tough for them so they will enjoy being out
there on the pitch again."
With Academy Director Tony Carr concentrating on Friday's West Ham United XI
reserve team friendly at Blue Square South club Thurrock, Hilton is also
relishing the opportunity to take charge of the side at Tiptree. "I am
looking forward to taking the team myself," he confirmed. "I have known a
lot of the lads since they were Under-15s so it has gone full-circle. It is
good to see how so many of them have progressed and hopefully they will
continue that progress on Wednesday."
Tiptree could provide a stern examination for Hilton's youngsters. The team
finished eighth in the Ridgeons League Premier Division table, having won
the Division One title in 2007/08. Tiptree have moved into the Essex Senior
League for the 2009/10 season. Managed by Colin Wallington, the Jam-Makers
drew 1-1 at Essex and Suffolk Border League outfit Hatfield Peverel in their
most recent pre-season friendly on Saturday. Tickets for Wednesday's
friendly will be priced at £6 for adults and £3 for children. Kick-off is at
7.30pm.
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Hammers set to land youngster
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 21st July 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are set to confirm the capture of highly rated teenager Frank
Nouble, according to reports. The Hammers are said to be in prime position
to land the 6'3" powerhouse striker after Nouble turned down a pro contract
with Chelsea, his current club, due to limited opportunities. Both Arsenal
and Manchester United have also been linked with the 17-year-old, who is
unlikely to be considered a first-team option as yet and is instead likely
to team up with Tony Carr and Alex Dyer. Should Nouble complete a switch
from West to East London he would be the second member of Chelsea's staff to
have been lured across town in the last year, following closely behind Steve
Clarke who cost the Hammers around £1.5million in compensation when he left
Stamford Brisge last September.
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Handy Andy?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 21st July 2009
By: Staff Writer
Local press in the North East have claimed that West Ham are looking at
Newcastle youngster Andy Carroll. The Shields Gazette reports that United
are 'considering a move' for the Gateshead-born striker who made his first
team breakthrough at St James Park at the tender age of 16, becoming the
youngest player to represent Newcastle in European competition. Carroll made
his Premier League debut in February 2007 and registered his first senior
goal in a 2-0 friendly win against Juventus later that year. Following an
unhappy loan spell at Preston he returned to Newcastle in January 2008 but
was consigned to the reserves for the remainder of the season. Having seen a
permanent switch to Derby fall through that summer Carroll found himself in
the headlines for the wrong reasons after being arrested - and later
cautioned - for assaulting a woman. Despite scoring on his home league
debut in the 2-2 draw with West Ham at the beginning of 2009 his
hot-headedness was to cause him further problems when he was involved in a
training ground fight with team mate Charles N'Zogbia earlier this year.
Shortly after the incident - which was dismissed by manager Joe Kinnear as
'handbags' - Carroll signed a new three-and-a-half year deal with the
Magpies before being named in the England under 20 squad.
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Nouble in Hammers medical
Blues youngster set for Upton Park switch
By Peter O'Rourke Last updated: 21st July 2009
SSN
Chelsea youngster Frank Nouble is undergoing a medical at West Ham,
skysports.com understands. As exclusively revealed by skysports.com, West
Ham are poised to snare the highly-rated starlet from London rivals Chelsea
after Nouble rejected the offer of a professional contract at Chelsea.
Chelsea were keen to tie down Nouble to a long-term deal, but the young
striker has decided to move on in search of regular first-team action. West
Ham are believed to have offered Nouble a five-year deal to lure the
powerful attacker to Upton Park. Chelsea and Hammers are believed to be in
talks in a bid to thrash out a compensation packagewith the player expected
to seal his switch to East London in the next 48 hours.
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West Ham United To Beat Arsenal For Chelsea Wonder-Kid Frank Nouble's
Signature
The highly-rated attacker looks set to snub Arsenal in favour of a move to
the East End.
21 Jul 2009 10:06:40
West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola could be set to seal a transfer coup
by beating Arsenal and world-renowned talent nurturer Arsene Wenger to the
signature of up-and-coming teenage forward Frank Nouble. Nouble is currently
on the books of west London outfit Chelsea but has rejected the chance to
sign on professional terms with the Blues. The south Londoner has
represented the Stamford Bridge side since he was 12-years-old and is
beginning to enjoy a growing reputation in youth football.
Nouble is a versatile attacker, and is comfortable playing on the wings or
occupying a central position. Arsenal were believed to be leading the chase
in luring Nouble, 17, away from Chelsea, as the player is alleged to be good
friends with current young gun Jack Wilshere, however, he is believed to
favour the move to the Irons. Nouble has been called-up by England to squads
at Under-17 level.
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
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Starlet to snub big guns as West Ham muscle in
Sport.co.uk
Author: Ben Moss
Posted on: 21 July 2009 - 12:09
West Ham are reportedly closing in on a deal for Chelsea's highly rated
youngster Frank Nouble, who is also wanted by Arsenal. Reports this morning
suggest the Chelsea academy starlet, who has allegedly rejected professional
terms from the club and has attracted strong interest from Arsenal, favours
a move to Upton Park as he believes he may be offered a better opportunity
to play first team football. The 17-year-old has featured regularly for
Chelsea's youth team, in addition to some reserve team football outings, and
insiders suggest the midfielder is one the brightest young players to emerge
from the club.
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Hammers eye move for Toon striker
Shields Gazette
Published Date: 21 July 2009
WEST Ham are considering a move for Newcastle United's highly-rated striker
Andy Carroll. The Hammers believe they can seize on the current chaos on
Tyneside and prise him away from St James's Park. Carroll, however, is
under contract at United until 2013.
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Barcelona tell West Ham to wait for Gudjohnsen
22.07.09 | tribalfootball.com
Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola says Eidur Gudjohnsen remains on the books -
for now. West Ham United are chasing the former Chelsea striker and
Guardiola says: "He's here for now, but we're working on other signings.
"So, we'll see what happens with him."
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Nouble effort impresses West Ham
The Sun
Published: Today
WEST HAM are looking at Chelsea kid Frank Nouble as backup for striker
Carlton Cole. Nouble, at 6ft 3in, has a similar physical presence to the
England international. The 17-year-old recently stunned Stamford Bridge
officials by turning down their contract offer in the hope of finding first
team football elsewhere. Nouble netted 12 goals in 20 matches for Chelsea's
under-18s last season. He also enjoyed a few run outs for Blues' second
string, grabbing a goal in the 6-0 thumping of Portsmouth in February.
Nouble had been tracked by Arsenal youth team coach Liam Brady for the past
two years and had caught the eye of several Premier League clubs. West Ham
boss Gianfranco Zola is looking to add to his attacking options this summer
and Nouble's abilities are well known to Zola's No2 Steve Clarke. Clarke
left the Chelsea coaching set up last September to become part of Zola's
Upton Park revolution.
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Glad to see West Ham take the 'if you cant beat, then join them' approach
Posted by: GUEST BLOGGER , on Tue 21 Jul 2009
West Ham Football Fancast
Football FanCast guest columnist Wayne Peters is glad to see West Ham adopt
the 'if you can't beat them, then join them' approach in obtaining young
players.
Having experienced years of being the butt of the Spuds quips about being a
feeder club and having the media ramming down our throats that the best of
England's talent has slipped from our grasp and witnessing them become an
integral part of Chelsea and United's domestic success, it makes a pleasant
change seeing West Ham start to throw their weight around and look to obtain
the best academy players from our rival sides. Some may see it as poaching,
but the way I see it if you can't beat them, then join them.
Let's be honest other clubs have been doing it for years and why we haven't
needed to as such, given the quality we usually produce, there is nothing
wrong in skimming a bit of cream off the top of our rivals in order to
enhance it. Fortunately for us we as a football club have a great history
and tradition of fast-tracking our youngsters into the first team picture
and no doubt that must appeal greatly. In many ways there must be plenty of
Frank Nouble's out there at rival sides out there who would prefer to sign
pro forms at Upton Park as they would see us a greater chance to progress.
I have to admit I haven't a clue about Nouble's abilities, but the fact
Arsene Wenger was after him also must suggest that he has talent. No doubt
Stevie Clarke has been using his old mates at Chelsea in order to find out
his availability and it seems we are benefitting greatly from it and no
doubt Clarke's presence at West Ham will play a big part in the decision to
swap West London for East.
Good on West Ham and long may it continue I say and hopefully the arrival of
Nouble will be the first of many.
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Neill expected to sign with Galatasaray within days
22.07.09 | Andrew Slevison
Lucas Neill is expected to sign with Turkish club Galatasaray within days.
The former West Ham captain is due in Istanbul this week according to
Turkish newspaper Takvim. The report says that the Socceroos defender was
looking for a house close to Harry Kewell and that Galatasaray were keen to
shore up the signing before negotiations go on any further.
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Ex-Chelsea striker Nouble thrilled with West Ham move
22.07.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United have swooped for Chelsea striker Frank Nouble, signing him
to a five-year contract last night. Speaking to whufc.com, he said: "It is a
great day for me and my family. I am just excited now to get started at this
club. I am really looking forward to showing what I can do. West Ham are
renowned for bringing through young players and hopefully I can be in the
next batch. "This came out of the blue. The news came out that I rejected at
Chelsea and obviously I thank them for what they have done for me but I am
just happy that a club like West Ham came in for me. They showed their
interest and for me it was a case of saying 'Yes' straight away. I am just
happy to be here."
Nouble added that he had high hopes of impressing the manager and Steve
Clarke, who he had worked with at Chelsea. "I am reaching the age where I
want to be in and around the first team more than anything - learning from
the big players that have done really well here. Mark Noble, Carlton Cole
and players like that. I want to emulate what they have done. "I am an
attacking player. I am tall and rely on my pace and getting goals. I just
want to do well up front and excite the fans."
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