WHUFC.com
Club great Paolo Di Canio came 'home' to watch Italy play and said the new
season promised much
11.08.2010
Paolo Di Canio was back at the Boleyn Ground to watch Italy take on Ivory
Coast and found time to talk to WHUTV about his thoughts for the new season.
The Hammers hero spent four memorable years at the club between 1999 and
2003 but has never lost his affinity with the Boleyn Ground, despite living
back in his homeland. Di Canio was invited to Tuesday's match by the club
and was keen to take up the opportunity to see the Azzurri start their new
era under coach Cesare Prandelli with a game in London, albeit a 1-0 defeat.
"I am happy because I have come back home," he said. "I am also proud that
the first time Italy played under Prandelli that they decide to play at
Upton Park. It was a great honour for me to be here. "OK it was not a great
game but it was the first time for many players, the first cap for them.
Prandelli is a good manager but he needs to work hard. He knows that. We
have time to build a great national team in the future."
As ever, Di Canio was eager to talk about the Hammers and he was his usual
optimistic self when looking ahead to the new campaign. Having just spent
the summer completing his coaching qualifications, he was well placed to
consider the merits of the club's squad under Avram Grant.
"I am still a West Ham fan. I hope they can have a better season because of
course it was not a very good season last year but I think positive. We have
to believe in the job of the new manager and the new players because I am
confident we can have a much better season."
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Specs back against Brazil
WHUFC.com
Hammers right-back Jonathan Spector held his own against Brazil in a
friendly played in New Jersey
11.08.2010
Jonathan Spector played the full 90 minutes as the United States lost 2-0 to
Brazil in New Jersey on Tuesday night. The Hammers defender, winning his
26th cap, filled the right-back berth and was always lively going forward,
setting up the US's best chance for a consolation. His run and superb cross
five minutes from time found the head of Herculez Gomes, only for Brazil
keeper Victor to save well. As it was, first-half goals from Neymar and
Alexandre Pato did the damage in front of 77,000 fans at the New Meadowlands
Stadium. Spector, 24, was part of a fairly youthful lineup, and said the US
would learn from the experience against the South American side, who had
previously beaten them in last year's FIFA Confederations Cup final. "We
didn't keep the ball as well as we would have like to," he said. "Against
teams like that, it's so important to keep the ball. Giving it away and then
they're running at you again, it makes it difficult."
US coach Bob Bradley had nine of his 2010 FIFA World Cup squad starting
while Brazil had the likes of Dani Alves, Robinho and Ramires involved from
their own summer exploits in South Africa. Spector remained on the bench in
his country's four games in June but this time got the nod ahead of the
experienced Hannover 96 captain Steve Cherundolo.
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Hitz to lead Germany
WHUFC.com
Thomas Hitzlsperger is just one of several Hammers in midweek action for
their countries
10.08.2010
West Ham United midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger will captain Germany in
Wednesday night's international friendly away to Denmark. The 28-year-old
has been in fantastic form for the club this summer, having only missed out
on the 2010 FIFA World Cup because of a lack of match action with his
previous club S.S. Lazio. Hitzlsperger has 51 caps and six goals for his
country, having played at the 2006 World Cup finals on home soil. "Thomas is
an experienced player, he has been around for a long time and has the
leadership abilities," said Germany coach Joachim Low. Hitzlsperger's chance
has also come about because Michael Ballack and Philipp Lahm, who had the
armband during the summer in South Africa, are both absent. Elsewhere, as
well as Carlton Cole hoping to figure for England against Hungary at
Wembley, Pablo Barrera will line up for Mexico in their glamour home
friendly against world champions Spain in Mexico City. Herita Ilunga is in
Cairo with DR Congo to face Egypt, Valon Behrami could line up for
Switzerland across the border in Austria and Tal Ben Haim is with Israel for
a three-day training camp.
* On Tuesday night, Jonathan Spector will hope to figure for the United
States against the might of Brazil in New Jersey. Spector was an unused
substitute in all four of his country's games at the World Cup.
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Cole eyeing first start
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole could be in line to start for England against Hungary on
Wednesday
09.08.2010
West Ham United striker Carlton Cole has been put through his paces ahead of
England's international friendly meeting with Hungary at Wembley on
Wednesday. The Hammer could earn his eighth senior cap against the Magyars
and, with Sunderland striker Darren Bent missing training on Monday through
injury, could make his first start for his country alongside Manchester
United forward Wayne Rooney. Cole may be battling with Fulham's former West
Ham star Bobby Zamora for the start, with the latter hoping to make his
senior debut for the Three Lions. The 26-year-old forward has been in
superb form in pre-season, scoring four goals and leading the line with
strength and skill under new manager Avram Grant. Cole is one of a host of
Hammers in line to represent their respective countries in midweek, with
Jonathan Spector (United States), Pablo Barrera (Mexico), Valon Behrami
(Switzerland), Herita Ilunga (DR Congo) and Thomas Hitzlsperger (Germany)
all jetting off for friendly international assignments following Saturday's
SBOBET Cup victory over RC Deportivo La Coruna.
Closer to home, the Boleyn Ground will play host to an exciting friendly
meeting between four-times FIFA World Cup winners Italy and African
challengers Ivory Coast on Tuesday evening.
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Hammers await Sulejmani permit
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th August 2010
By: Staff Writer
Miralem Sulejmani's move to West Ham is being held up by the wait for a work
permit, it has been revealed. Having said his goodbyes to fellow team mates
last week, the Serbian international spent the weekend in London after
completing a medical and fiinalising the details of his planned season-long
loan move from Ajax. However his move cannot be confirmed by West Ham until
a permit is received. Sulejmani's omission from the recent Serbian World Cup
squad is thought to be behind the hold up. International players hoping to
feature in the Premier League must fulfil certain criteria in order to
obtain a work permit, one of which involves representing your national side
in a percentage of their matches. The 21-year-old winger remains hopeful
that the permit will be granted ahead of this weekend's season-opener
against managerless Aston Villa.
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Kovy set for Stoke?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th August 2010
By: Staff Writer
Radoslav Kovac could be on his way to Stoke after it was revealed that the
two parties were undergoing talks. The Czech midfielder has been linked with
a move away from London since the end of last season. Signed by Gianfranco
Zola, Kovac is one of many remnants from the previous regime that the club
are looking to move on. Now, having been linked to clubs as far flung as
Greece and Italy this summer, it appears that the 30-yeard-old could be
staying in England - with the news that the Potters, who have been linked
with a string of West Ham players this summer, are in talks with the former
international. Kovac, a £2million signing, arrived at West Ham on loan in
January 2009 and despite failing to impress on any great scale was handed a
permanent contract that summer. However he has been in and out of the team
ever since and is considered excess to requirements by new manager Avram
Grant. The Hammers are yet to sell a single player this summer despite
having spent around £8million in the transfer market.
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Hammers to face rudderless ship
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 9th August 2010
By: Staff Writer
West Ham will face a mangerless Aston Villa at Villa Park this weekend after
Martin O'Neill resigned from his post. O'Neill, apparently upset at the
imminent sale of James Milner to Manchester City, walked out of the job he
had held since 2006 this afternoon. The news was confirmed by Villa in a
brief statement on their website which read: "Aston Villa can confirm that
Martin O'Neill has resigned as manager of the football club with immediate
effect. "Kevin MacDonald, reserve team manager, has assumed the role of
caretaker manager and will prepare the team for the opening Barclays Premier
League game of the season against West Ham on Saturday."
Villa, already reeling from the news that star player Milner is set to leave
- and that Ashley Young is also considering a departure - are also
struggling with a defensive crisis ahead of Saturday's season-opener.
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Hammers in for Yakubu
Grant looks to bring in striker before season opener
By Razwan Mirza Last updated: 10th August 2010
SSN
West Ham have made an offer to sign Everton striker Yakubu, Sky Sports News
understands. The Hammers are looking to bolster their forward line in time
for the Premier League season opener against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Manager Avram Grant agreed a deal with Ajax for Serbia forward Miralem
Sulejmani earlier on Tuesday and now the Upton Park chief is eager for the
27-year-old Nigerian to follow suit. The club's co-owners David Gold and
David Sullivan have given Grant their full backing during the summer,
allowing him to bring in Thomas Hitzlsperger, Pablo Barrera and Tal Ben Haim
along with former Portsmouth forward Frederic Piquionne. Grant also
purchased New Zealand World Cup defender Winston Reid from Danish club FC
Midtjylland last week. Yakubu joined David Moyes' side back in 2007 and has
scored 24 goals in 68 appearances for the Toffees.
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Hammers agree Miralem deal
Sulejmani hopeful of West Ham move
By Vlatko Siljanovski & Graeme Bailey Last updated: 10th August 2010
SSN
West Ham United have agreed a deal with Ajax for Serbia forward Miralem
Sulejmani. The 21-year-old is Ajax's record signing after they paid
Heerenveen over £13million for his signature in 2008. However, he is now
looking to seal a move to England after West Ham agreed terms on a
season-long loan for the Serbian. And Sulejmani has admitted that he is
relishing the prospect of playing for the Hammers and manager Avram Grant. I
am happy that I will play in the strongest league in Europe," he told
Sportski Zurnal. "I think that I am up to the challenge and I am convinced
that I will get the chance and the opportunities, as Avram Grant was very
positive about my qualities."
Sulejmani admits he is pleased with the chance to move away from Ajax,
suggesting he was not happy under coach Martin Jol. As Jol took over, my
status changed and this is the biggest reason that I would like to change my
environment," said Sulejmani. Skysports.com understands that the deal is
subject to a work permit being granted, and as it stands they would need to
go to appeal as he does not meet the Premier League criteria. It is believed
West Ham will learn later this week whether Sulejmani will be granted his
permit.
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Nice won't relax Remy stance
Spurs talk with striker, but transfer saga looks set to drag on
By Patrick Haond Last updated: 10th August 2010
SSN
Nice general manager Patrick Governatori insists the club will not be
lowering their valuation of Loic Remy. The striker remains the subject of
intense transfer speculation, with a switch to the Premier League widely
touted. West Ham, Tottenham and Stoke are all believed to have expressed an
interest in the France international this summer. However, no deal has been
struck, with Nice'sasking price proving to be stumbling block. It is claimed
that the Ligue 1 outfit are looking to get somewhere in the region of
£14million for their prized asset, and are reluctant to relax that stance.
Remy has asked for the club to lower their demands so that he can fulfil a
dream of playing in England, but so far his pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
"I am not moved in any way by his words," Governatori told L'Equipe. "We
have set a fee and it is either that sum or he stays here and plays out the
two years on his contract." Remy is reluctant to stay put and is hoping a
deal can still be put in place. He recently met with Spurs officials to
discuss a potential move, but admits he is uncertain as to whether their
interest will come to anything. "I talked with them after the match," he
said following Saturday's 0-0 draw with Valenciennes. However, I don't know
if anything will happen."
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Stoke set sights on Kovac
Potters in negotiations over West Ham midfielder
Last updated: 10th August 2010
SSN
Sky Sports sources understand that Stoke are in talks with West Ham over the
signing of midfielder Radoslav Kovac. The Czech player, who joined the
Hammers last year, has been linked with a move away from the east London
club this summer. Serie A club Brescia had reportedly expressed interest in
Kovac's services, but it now appears the Potters are in line to secure his
signature. The 30-year-old arrived on loan at Upton Park from Russian giants
Spartak Moscow in January 2009 before agreeing a permanent deal with the
Hammers a few months later.
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Grant fears injury crisis
Hammers boss bemoans new squad rules
By Chris Burton Last updated: 9th August 2010
SSN
Avram Grant fears West Ham's efforts this season could be undermined by new
squad regulations. The Hammers have been plagued by injuries over recent
seasons, leading to an alarming slump in performances. They are hoping that
the 2010/11 campaign will be different, with stability finally established
on and off the field. Injuries and suspensions remain a major concern,
though, with the Hammers squad lacking the depth of some of their rivals.
New boss Grant admits he could be left short at crucial times should the
worst come to pass, with Premier League rules stipulating that sides can
only name 25-man squads from this season forward. "At West Ham we have a lot
of young players," said Grant. "I don't think it's good to have 25 men in
the squad - we have a lot of games. The physical side is highly pressurised
and it's not like any league in the world, so there are always a lot of
injuries. "When you have 25 players, and three of them are goalkeepers, you
need more. "At Chelsea, we had about 10 injuries but we had 30 in the squad,
so it was much easier."
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We've Scott him four years
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today
WEST HAM have won the war to keep their captain Scott Parker. The Hammers'
midfield star, 29, is set to sign a new four-year deal a week today to
finally see off interest from Tottenham and Liverpool. Boss Avram Grant has
already cemented deals for Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo and Ajax
winger Miralem Sulejmani. And the Hammers will further test French side
Nice's resolve with a firm £12million bid for striker Loic Remy. But
Parker's decision to stay put is an enormous boost for Hammers fans, who
have twice voted him their player of the year. He still had three years left
on his current deal but agreed a one-year extension with a rise to around
£70,000 a week. Ecuadorian Caicedo is arriving on a season-long loan with an
option to buy for £2.5m, while Serb attacker Sulejmani is also expected to
agree a loan deal for the season with an option to buy at £7m. Hammers have
added over £10m to their £60m a year wage bill - despite being £90m in the
red. But midfielder Radoslav Kovac could join Stoke to bring in £1m and save
£1.5m a year on wages - while Alessandro Diamanti and Jonathan Spector are
also expected to be let go.
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West Ham close in on Marseille midfielder
Published 22:30 10/08/10 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
West Ham are in talks to sign Marseille midfielder Benoit Cheyrou. The
29-year-old midfielder, the younger brother of former Liverpool player
Bruno, is available after helping Didier Deschamps side to the French title
last season.
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Hammers increase Yakubu bid to £7.5m
Published 20:06 10/08/10 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
West Ham have increased their bid for Everton's Yakubu to £7.5m. Avram
Grant's club had earlier completed the season-long loan signing of Ajax's
Serbia striker Miralem Sulejmani. Stoke have made an enquiry about West Ham
midfielder Radoslav Kovac. The Czech international moved on loan to Upton
Park from Spartak Moscow in January last year before making the permanent
move for £1.8m last summer.
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Argentine star snubs West Ham
Published 09:51 09/08/10 By James Nursey
The Mirror
Argentine play-maker Juan Roman Riquelme is set to snub West Ham to stay at
Boca Juniors. Riquelme, 32, admitted earlier this summer he was considering
a shock move to Upton Park. But the star, on a free transfer, has agreed to
sign a new four-year contract to remain at Boca.
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Creating a 'Changed Mentality'
West Ham Till I Die
There was an interesting comment by Avram Grant after Saturday's match. He
talked about the team improving further, adding to the squad and creating a
'changed mentality' in the team.' He was quoted as stating that:
'We have signed good players and we want to change the mentality of the
team. We want to do different things. We want to bring more players in, we
want the squad to be stronger.'
What 'changed mentality' was he talking about? I think he was referring to
the benefits of competition in all positions and the players responding to
it in the right way. It could also refer to installing a new, tougher and
more professional approach at the club?
We all dearly love West Ham, its history and traditions. However,
historically, West Ham have always displayed an inherent inconsistency; as
well as a vulnerability to being turned over by inferior opposition. We all
know that West Ham are perfectly capable of beating the PL leaders one week
and losing to the bottom team the next. It is a trait that has been
prevalent at the club throughout its history, regardless of the playing
staff and management in place. And of course, lets not forget the infamous
cup defeats to lower league opposition over the decades, from Mansfield to
Chesterfield!
It is an moot point why these characteristics have always been exhibited by
the club. Some notable exceptions were the 1957-58 promotion winners, the
1980-81 promotion winners and the 1985-86 team, who were all tough minded
and highly professional in their approach. But these were arguably the
exception, rather than the rule!
You might well conclude that this is part and parcel of the West Ham
tradition. The inconsistent 'ying' to the Academy of Football 'Yang' ?
Perhaps? But personally I feel that it is a characteristic of the club that
can and should be reformed.
Part of it is creating a strong team ethic and sense of togetherness. Paul
Reaney, the former Leeds Utd defender, made an interesting aside in an
episode of 'The Best Years of Our Lives.' Reaney was discussing the strong
team spirit of Revie's Leeds Utd and the fact that their players always
backed each other up on the pitch. In making a comparison, to support his
point, he made reference to West Ham. He stated West Ham had fantastic
players, and played great football, but that their players never backed each
other up in the same way.
Now, no one is ignoring the 'reality' of Revie's Leeds Utd, but I thought
reference very interesting and illustrative of a certain point about the
internal culture of the club. Moreover, it is also indicative of the fact
that opponents perceived us as being mentally and physically soft. Perhaps
it was for that very reason that not only the Leeds Utds, but also the
Mansfield Utds, knew that they could strong arm West Ham and get a result?
I was no fan of the short Macari reign at the the club, but the one of the
positives was the way in which he toughened the team up. I well remember
the 1-0 League Cup victory over Wimbledon in 1989, when our players stood up
to Fashanu, Wise and co and won a very hard fought victory. The old Leeds
Utd and Wimbledon teams are admittedly extreme examples, but the fact is
that physical and mental strength remain an important aspect of the game.
My hope is that Avram Grant's West Ham will achieve a successful synthesis
of good, attacking football and a thoroughly professional approach. That
means the team grinding out a 0-1 win at Blackburn, in a mid-week fixture,
as well as turning on the style and beating the better PL teams at home.
Organisation, discipline and a team ethic will ensure the former type of
results, just as our free flowing football will deliver the latter.
Hopefully, it will also see an end to the type of gutless surrenders that we
witnessed last season at places like Anfield and Old Trafford. We live in
hope!
SJ. Chandos.
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Carlton Cole 'will not make West Ham to Liverpool transfer', David Gold says
Metro.co.uk
West Ham co-owner David Gold insists the club will hold on to Carlton Cole
despite signing Ajax forward Miralem Sulejmani on loan.
Cole, 26, is in the England squad for the friendly against Hungary and is
believed to be a Liverpool target. But Gold says Serbian Sulejmani, 21, is
not a replacement for Cole and a reported bid for Everton striker Yakubu
does not mean he is set to leave. The Hammers are taking the same stance on
Cole as they did on skipper Scott Parker, who Tottenham chased in vain. Gold
said: "We will do everything we can to hang on to our best players. "Clubs
are come in for them because they are good players. "But we're trying to
break the mould of 50 years of selling. Will we achieve that 100 per cent?
It's going to be difficult.
"We have a £100million debt so we can't ignore the economic reality. Clubs
know we are in debt and want a bargain."
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