WHUFC.com
Winston Reid has become the fifth new face at the Boleyn Ground this summer
05.08.2010
West Ham United are delighted to announce the capture of New Zealand FIFA
World Cup defender Winston Reid. The 22-year-old has joined the Hammers on a
three-year contract from Danish Superliga club FC Midtjylland for an
undisclosed fee. He had a medical on Thursday afternoon and met with the
manager Avram Grant at Chadwell Heath. He then headed to the Boleyn Ground
to finalise his dream move later in the evening. Reid becomes the fifth new
recruit after Thomas Hitzlsperger, Pablo Barrera, Frederic Piquionne and Tal
Ben Haim. Reid had caught the eye at this summer's tournament in South
Africa, where he scored a dramatic late equaliser against Slovakia and
helped the unheralded All Whites to further impressive draws with Italy and
Paraguay. A towering presence, the North Shore-born player is excited about
the prospect of testing himself in the Barclays Premier League following
five seasons and more than 80 appearances for Midtylland. "I am looking
forward to getting started," he told whufc.com, while taking his first look
around the Boleyn Ground. "My dream has been to come and play in the Premier
League and I am happy that I am a West Ham player. "It has been a mad couple
of weeks and the last couple of days have been pretty hectic, so I am just
happy to be here now. I am pretty decent fitness-wise. I had a game last
Sunday so I am in pretty good nick. "The World Cup was a life-changing
experience and something I will remember forever. I want to bring the
positives from that here on the pitch at West Ham. "This club has great
history and the league is one of the best in the world. I am looking forward
to the challenge ahead."
Reid, who is of Maori heritage, moved from his native New Zealand to Denmark
at the age of ten, beginning his career with local club SUB Sonderborg.
The 6'3" centre-back signed professional terms with Midtjylland at the age
of 17 in 2005, having come through the same Academy structure as Palermo and
Denmark defender Simon Kjaer. In 2007/08, Reid played four times in Europe
as Midtylland reached the UEFA Cup first round before being defeated by
Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow. At domestic level, he totalled 85 Superliga
appearances for his club, turning out for the final time in a 1-0 defeat at
Brondby IF on 1 August. Having been a Danish citizen since 2006 and
represented the country at U19, U20 and U21 levels, Reid opted to play for
the nation of his birth at senior level earlier this year. After making his
debut in a friendly against Australia in May, the defender impressed in a
surprise 1-0 victory over Serbia, cementing his place in Ricki Herbert's
World Cup squad. In South Africa, the versatile Reid was in imperious form
in his other preferred position of right-back, showing his adaptability and
ability to perform at the very highest level.
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Grant glad to be home
WHUFC.com
The manager will finally get to lead the team out at home this Saturday
against Deportivo
06.08.2010
Avram Grant is relishing the prospect of walking out at the Boleyn Ground as
manager on Saturday against RC Deportivo La Coruna after a busy summer
schedule away from home. The manager has enjoyed a successful pre-season but
said coming to play in front of the Hammers fans would be a step forward. He
will have the chance to show off some of his new recruits Thomas
Hitzlsperger, Tal Ben Haim, Pablo Barrera, Frederic Piquionne and Winston
Reid and combine them with England quartet Robert Green, Matthew Upson,
Scott Parker and Carlton Cole. "We have played enough away," Grant said
after six games unbeaten away from east London, five of them wins. "I want
to play in our home and to feel our supporters and our atmosphere because
they will be very important for us. "We are on the right way. The players
know what we want from them. They know how to do it. Of course we have only
had four weeks of preparation but by the beginning of the season we want to
be better and we will be better. "I think the players' attitudes are very
good. They want to succeed and are giving everything in training to be
better. For a first step, it is good."
Grant has learnt much about his players since the majority reported back for
duty on 5 July and admitted he did not expect the schedule to include the
positives of conceding just two goals in six unbeaten games and going to
Germany and beating strong opposition like VfL Borussia Monchengladbach and
UEFA Champions League contenders Panathinaikos. "It's very difficult to get
five wins even in training so I am pleased because the name of the game is
to win games. I think the winning [mentality] is here and we need to follow
this path to bring us more wins. "We are going into a long season with good
days and bad days and it's important that the players learn how to behave on
good days and not so good days."
Everything has been planned and primed with next Saturday's trip to Aston
Villa in mind, when the likes of Herita Ilunga, Danny Gabbidon and Kieron
Dyer will hope to show they have timed their comeback from long lay-offs to
perfection. Grant said although there was the determination to beat Depor,
the main focus was to hone the work on the practice pitches. "These games
are not the target - the target is the league. We will do something that
will put us in good shape for the beginning of the season. We will follow
our programme and will be ready for this."
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Carr demanding more
WHUFC.com
Academy Director Tony Carr wants his young scholars to reach higher
standards
05.08.2010
Tony Carr is demanding more from his players as the Under-18s reach the
conclusion of their pre-season preparations. West Ham United's youngsters
secured a 2-0 friendly victory at Ipswich Town but, with a little more than
two weeks to go until their FA Premier Academy League opener against West
Bromwich Albion on 21 August, Carr thinks improvements can be made. That
said, the Academy Director was happy to score a morale-boosting win in
Suffolk through goals from Republic of Ireland youth international Daniel
Purdy and midfielder Dominic Vose. "It's always nice to go to Ipswich as
they have good facilities, good pitches and nice people there," said Carr.
"I was pleasantly surprised to bump into Mike Pejic there, who I faced when
we played Plymouth Argyle in the FA Youth Cup last season, as he has taken
over their youth Academy. "It was a decent game played in three 30-minute
sections, enabling us to bring players on and off and give them some
coaching in between. "I would say Ipswich had the first half an hour in
terms of possession of the ball - they kept it better than us. We were out
of the blocks a little bit slowly, which can happen when you play away from
home and some of the players don't travel together and don't quite get to
there at the right time and it can disrupt your early performance."
West Ham's goals on Wednesday came in the second and third of the 30-minute
periods as the visitors finished the game strongly after an uncertain start.
The first saw Paco Craig hauled down at the far post and Purdy step up and
put the spot-kick low into the corner after 55 minutes. The win was wrapped
up at the climax of West Ham's best move of the game with ten minutes
remaining, with the ball being worked from front to back before Dominic Vose
slotted Jack Werndly's lay-off into the corner from just outside the penalty
area. "We slowly got into the game and although I didn't think we played
that well overall, we did finish the game strongly," Carr added. "They had
one opportunity in the first period which went wide but, other than that, we
reduced them to long-range efforts. "Sam Cowler in goal had a very good game
and was solid and commanding, and I was pleased with his performance,
Without being disrespectful, the rest of the team were a little bit short of
where I would like them to be at this stage of pre-season. "Two-nil
flattered us a little bit as we didn't play too well, but we did finish
strongly and it's another 90 minutes under the belts of the players." "We've
got three friendlies left before we start on 21 August to iron all those
problems out. It also gives me things to emphasise in training, so these
games are all useful exercises."
West Ham fielded an inexperienced side at Ipswich, with the likes of Deniz
Mehmet, Sergio Sanchez, George Moncur, Eoin Wearen, Filip Modelski and
Robert Hall away with the reserves at Dagenham & Redbridge on the same day.
The Academy Director said it was important for the young scholars to get
playing time, whichever team they were turning out for. "The reserve team is
about half of the youth team, which means the younger element in the youth
team are getting games, which is good and is the whole idea of pre-season.
You want players to get matches under their belts, so it is good all-round.
"We go again at home to Leyton Orient on Saturday morning at Little Heath,
with kick-off at 11am. If any supporters would like to come down, then
admission and parking free and you will still have plenty of time to get to
Upton Park for the first-team game against Deportivo La Coruna at 3pm."
West Ham United U18: Cowler, Young, Craig, K.Lee, Driver, Vose, Turgott,
Hurley, Purdy, Subuola, Tombides
Subs used: Powell, Hunt, Werndly
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Tal targeting successful stay
WHUFC.com
New signing Tal Ben Haim is looking forward to turning out for West Ham
United
05.08.2010
Tal Ben Haim is aiming to enjoy a successful future at West Ham United. The
Israel defender has moved to the Boleyn Ground from Championship new boys
Portsmouth on an initial five-month loan with a view to making his transfer
permanent in January. Ben Haim's move sees him reunited with Avram Grant,
who capped him 25 times at international level before managing him at club
level at both Chelsea and Portsmouth. The 28-year-old has extensive Barclays
Premier League experience, having originally moved to English football with
Bolton Wanderers in summer 2004. Prior to that, Ben Haim had spent three
seasons with Maccabi Tel Aviv, winning the Israeli Premier League title in
2003. "I'm happy to be here at a good club with good people and good
players. I'm looking forward to a new season in the Premier League," said
Ben Haim, who trained with his new team-mates for the first time on Tuesday.
"Of course, I'm pleased to be back in Premier League. I have played here for
six years and it is one of the best leagues in the world. I'm happy to be
with West Ham now. My long-term plan is to stay longer, but my immediate aim
is to play."
A versatile defender, Ben Haim is best known as a centre-back, but is
comfortable in either full-back position. With competition for places
fierce, the Rishon LeZion-born player is happy to turn out wherever manager
Grant sees fit. "Obviously the manager knows me and where I prefer to play,
but I can play in a few positions, so I'd be happy to play any position that
is necessary to help the team. "Avram understands players and likes to play
good attacking football. I like to do that as well, so I think we will work
well together."
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Fry joins Addicks
WHUFC.com
Matt Fry has linked up with League One club Charlton Athletic on loan until
January
05.08.2010
Defender Matt Fry has joined Npower League One side Charlton Athletic on
loan until January. The second-year professional will link up with former
West Ham United club-mates Christian Dailly and Kyel Reid at the Valley,
returning to the club where he spent the final three months of last season.
The 19-year-old could partner the Scot at the heart of the Addicks' back
four when the 2010/11 campaign begins with a home meeting with AFC
Bournemouth on Saturday. Fry's second spell at the south London club is the
Hammers' first under the new youth loan system, which also allows players to
return to their parent club to play reserve-team matches. The teenager will
wear the No19 shirt at Charlton, and has also been given permission to turn
out for the Addicks in the Carling Cup and Johnstone's Paint Trophy. The
versatile player, who can also fill in at left-back, was watched by Charlton
manager Phil Parkinson during Wednesday's goalless reserve pre-season
friendly draw at Dagenham & Redbridge - a team he could face again in League
One action on 25 September.
Prior to joining Charlton, Fry enjoyed a successful loan spell at Gillingham
last season, making 13 league and cup appearances. This summer, the
youngster has appeared in the first-team pre-season friendly victories over
Peterborough United, VfL Borussia Monchengladbach and Greek champions
Panathinaikos, as well as Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Southend United.
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Squad up for Saturday
WHUFC.com
Kieron Dyer is just one of a number of Hammers who cannot wait to take on
Deportivo this weekend
05.08.2010
Traditionally it is the fans who are thought to be the most excited about
the start of a new season but it is no different with the West Ham United
first team.
The players have all been speaking this week about the prospect of being
back at the Boleyn and taking on a good Spanish side in RC Deportivo La
Coruna. Saturday's match - to be played for the SBOBET Cup - will be the
first chance for the new recruits to experience the atmosphere of the
Academy of Football while their team-mates will all be itching to truly put
last season behind them. Kieron Dyer is a keen student of the game and
enjoys watching the best that European football has to be offer. As such, he
is looking forward to pitting his wits against Deportivo as a final warm-up
for the big Barclays Premier League kick-off at Aston Villa a week later.
"I am expecting quick players who are comfortable on the ball. Spain have
demonstrated they are the best national team in the world at the moment.
People say about the Premiership being the best league in the world but they
are catching us very quickly. It is going to be a great test and something
we need before we go to Villa."
Dyer is relishing the prospect of being able to play at home once again and
show the supporters what has been worked on over the summer months. "It is
good to go back to Upton Park. We always play there the week before the
season and usually have a sell-out. It will be good and hopefully we can
give the fans something to cheer about."
Mark Noble, who cites Barcelona duo Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta as his
favourite two players, is equally eager for the chance to pit his wits
against midfield schemers like Spain legend Juan Carlos Valeron. "They are
going to be a good technical side. "All Spanish sides are and every time we
have played one they have been good. We are looking forward to getting into
the season now and making the journey to Aston Villa. "Saturday will be good
for the new lads who don't know the atmosphere at West Ham yet. They are
going to enjoy that and hopefully the groundsman has the pitch lovely and
fresh for us and we can put on a good show."
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New Zealand international Winston Reid joins West Ham
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have made their fifth signing of the summer after completing a deal
for New Zealand defender Winston Reid from Danish side FC Midtjylland. Reid,
22, who scored a memorable last-minute equaliser for New Zealand at the
World Cup against Slovakia, signed a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
He joins fellow new Upton Park arrivals Thomas Hitzlsperger, Pablo Barrera,
Frederic Piquionne and Tal Ben Haim. West Ham open the new Premier League
season on Saturday week at Aston Villa. "It has been a mad couple of weeks
and the last couple of days have been pretty hectic, so I am just happy to
be here now," Reid told the club website. "I am pretty decent fitness-wise.
I had a game last Sunday so I am in pretty good nick."
Reid, who only made his debut for New Zealand in May this year, had a
strange route to the World Cup. The Maori-descended player moved from New
Zealand to Denmark with his mother 11 years ago, playing football for
Denmark up to U21 level. He turned down a chance to play for New Zealand in
2007 before being contacted by a Kiwi journalist via Facebook before the
World Cup, and being told he was still eligible to play for the country of
his birth. Reid committed his future to New Zealand in March this year and
made his debut against Australia two months later. He has been a regular in
the Danish First Division for the last two years, being linked with a move
to Italy's Serie A and playing in both legs of Midtjylland's Uefa Cup
penalty shoot-out loss to Manchester City in August 2008.
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Charlton sign Hammer Matt Fry and Woking's Ross Worner
BBC.co.uk
Charlton have re-signed West Ham defender Matt Fry on a youth loan deal and
captured Woking goalkeeper Ross Worner for an undisclosed fee. Fry, 19, who
recently signed a new two-year deal with West Ham, has joined until January.
He will still be available to play for the Premier League outfit's reserve
side, and can be recalled by West Ham at any point after the first 28 days.
Worner, 20, made 52 appearances for the Cards in Blue Square South last
season. Fry spent a short spell on loan with the Addicks at the end of last
season but did not make an appearance. The youngster, who can play left-back
or centre-half, signed his first professional contract with the Hammers in
June 2009.
He joined Gillingham on loan in October and went on to play 13 times before
returning to Upton Park in January after a knee injury ruled him out for six
weeks.
Worner had been with Woking since the age of 14, and made his first-team
debut at 17. Woking chairman Shahid Azeem said: "Ross has worked hard at his
game and been a great ambassador for our club. "We know he will do really
well in the future, as he fully deserves."
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Reid deal confirmed
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 5th August 2010
By: Staff Writer
New Zealand international Winston Reid has been confirmed as Avram Grant's
fifth signing of the summer. As revealed here on KUMB.com yesterday, the
22-year-old, formerly of FC Midtylland, has signed a three-year contract for
an undisclosed fee thought to be in the region of £3.5million. Reid - whose
middle name is Wiremu, in recognition of his Maori heritage - represented
his country at this summer's World Cup Finals, in which the New Zealanders
were dumped out at the group stage despite going through their three-match
campaign unbeaten. The central defender notched his only goal of the
tournament against Slovakia. 6'2" Reid chose to represent New Zealand as
recently as March of this year despite having featured previously for the
Danish under 21s, a country where he had lived since the age of 10. He is a
product of the renowned Midtylland youth system, and has regularly featured
in their first team since he was 17.
Having played over 100 times for his club - including forays into European
competition - Reid has no lack of experience despite his tender age.
Despite being primarily a centre-half, he can also play at right back - an
area in which the Hammers have struggled since former captain Lucas Neill
departed.
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Ernie on the up
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 5th August 2010
By: Staff Writer
West Ham legend Ernie Gregory is said to be recovering well after suffering
a recent stroke. The 89-year-old former goalkeeper, whose playing career at
United - his one and only club - spanned more than twenty years was taken
ill earlier this year at his Goodmayes home, since when he has been
recovering at a rest home in Dagenham. Speaking in the latest edition of EX,
the magazine's Terry Connelly said: "Ernie has improved considerably since
he was first admitted to hospital in early March. He has been receiving
physiotherapy on his right arm and right leg, although he is still bedridden
when the nurses don't get him up and into a wheelchair. "It's sad to see a
big, strong man like Ernie in this way but he has amazed me how well he has
fought to try and get better. I've kept him up to date with all the West Ham
news; he fully understands what you say to him and responds in his own way
by raising his eyebrows and nodding. He is in fighting mood which is
obviously good to see."
A number of former colleagues are said to have visted Gregory since he was
taken ill, including fellow Hammers legend Billy Bonds, fomer player and
coach Ronnie Boyce, ex-midfielder Geoff Pike and 60s striker Brian Dear.
Ernie Gregory joined West Ham United's ground staff in 1936 two years before
signing as a player in 1938. However he was forced to wait another seven
years, following the onset of World War II, before becoming a regular
between the sticks - a position he held until 1960, when he called time on
his career following the Irons' long-awaited return to (the old) Division
One.
During that period, which spanned four decades, Gregory made 408 league and
cup appearances for the club - a goalkeeping record that was only superseded
in the late 1980s by Phil Parkes (who went on to make 436 appearances). His
sole international appearance was for an England 'B' side in a 1952 friendly
against France. Following his playing retirement at the age of 39, Gregory
took up coaching and became involved with both the reserves and first team
before taking up an admin role. He eventually retired at the age of 66,
following an incredible 51 years' service to West Ham, in 1987.
Despite having retired he remained a regular visitor at the Chadwell Heath
training ground for many years after, and up until recently still popped in
once a week to chat with Academy director Tony Carr and other club staff.
KUMB Editorial
"The first - and last - time KUMB spoke with Ernie was at the beginning of
this year, when we were trying to arrange an interview in which to discuss
his amazing career. Unfortunately Ernie wasn't too keen to go ahead with it
at the time - for some reason he thought that his stories would be of little
interest in modern times - but he was still happy to chat about his career
and former team mates during our brief conversation. It was therefore with
great sadness that we read of his recent illness - and with equal delight
that we learn he is recovering, albeit slowly. EX magazine have kindly
pledged to send all messages of support to Ernie at his current home, so if
anyone wishes to send a few words please do so by reply in the form below
and between us - KUMB and EX - we'll ensure those messages are received. In
the meantime our very best wishes go out to Ernie - a true West Ham United
legend."
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Kovac has Brescia option
Midfielder not looking to leave West Ham
By Vasek Kadlec Last updated: 5th August 2010
SSN
Radoslav Kovac is not expected to leave West Ham during the transfer window
despite the 'door being open' for a switch to Brescia. The midfielder moved
to Upton Park on loan from Spartak Moscow in January 2009 before a permanent
deal was agreed a few months later. His agent has now revealed that, if
Kovac were to leave the Hammers, Brescia would be a possible destination.
The newly promoted Serie A club have a link with West Ham as their current
sporting director Gianluca Nani filled the same position at Upton Park until
February. Kovac's representative Viktor Kolar says Nani would welcome his
client to Brescia, but does not think a transfer will go ahead this summer.
"I know that the door to Brescia is always open for Radek and Mr Nani is the
man behind it," Kolar told deniksport.cz. "Brescia would come into
consideration only next year."
Whether Kovac seeks another challenge will depend on how regularly he plays
for West Ham and the early signs are that he figures in the plans of new
manager Avram Grant. Kolar continued: "New manager Avram Grant has been
picking Radek in the pre-season friendlies so far. "The only game he did not
start was against Ipswich, and in that one he came on as a substitute for
the final quarter of an hour. "Moreover, if he should not secure his regular
position and becomes an unwanted player, we would prefer a loan into the
English league."
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Hammers confirm Reid deal
New Zealander looking forward to the Premier League challenge
Last updated: 5th August 2010
SSN
West Ham United have confirmed the signing of New Zealand defender Winston
Reid on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. Skysports.com revealed
on Wednesday that the Premier League club had agreed a deal for the
22-year-old and the move has now been made official. Reid arrives from
Danish Superliga outfit FC Midtjylland having impressed at this summer's
World Cup, where he scored a memorable late equaliser against Slovakia. He
told West Ham's official website: "I am looking forward to getting started.
My dream has been to come and play in the Premier League and I am happy that
I am a West Ham player. "It has been a mad couple of weeks and the last
couple of days have been pretty hectic, so I am just happy to be here now. I
am pretty decent fitness-wise. I had a game last Sunday so I am in pretty
good nick. "The World Cup was a life-changing experience and something I
will remember forever. I want to bring the positives from that here on the
pitch at West Ham. "This club has great history and the league is one of the
best in the world. I am looking forward to the challenge ahead."
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Fry rejoins Addicks on loan
Last updated: 5th August 2010
SSN
Charlton manager Phil Parkinson has re-signed young defender Matt Fry on
loan from West Ham until January. The 19-year-old, who recently signed a
two-year deal at Upton Park, spent the final two months of last season with
the Addicks but did not manage a first-team appearance. Under the terms of
the 'youth loan' deal Fry will also be eligible to play reserve matches for
the Hammers, who have retained the right to recall him at any stage after
the first 28 days have elapsed. Fry also has permission to play in the
Carling Cup and Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
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Reid all about it - Winston signs
Published: Today
The Sun
WINSTON REID joined West Ham yesterday and declared: It's a dream come true.
New Zealand centre-back Reid has penned a three-year deal after moving from
Danish club Midtjylland for a fee believed to be £3million. He becomes
Hammers boss Avram Grant's fifth close-season signing. Reid, 22, said: "My
dream has been to come and play in the Premier League and I am happy I am a
West Ham player. "I'm pretty decent fitness-wise. I had a game last Sunday
so I am in pretty good nick."
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West Ham send overweight trialist back to Argentina
Published 10:41 05/08/10 By James Nursey
The Mirror
West Ham boss Avram Grant has sent Milton Caraglio packing back to Argentina
after he turned up overweight. Rosario Central forward Caraglio, 22, arrived
at Upton Park on trial last Monday with a view to a £5million transfer. The
Argentine striker played 64 minutes against MK Dons last week in a friendly
as the Hammers won 2-0. But he then failed a medical after past problems
with his knees and Hammers' chief Grant was also unhappy with his overall
physical condition. West Ham already have one striker battling to reduce his
weight after Benni McCarthy, 32, piled on the pounds after arriving in
January.
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Reid All White for Hammers
Published 07:41 06/08/10 By Pa Sports
The Mirror
Winston Reid is aiming to bring a bit of World Cup magic to West Ham after
completing his move from FC Midtjylland. New Zealand defender Reid on
Thursday night signed a three-year contract at Upton Park after the Hammers
agreed an undisclosed fee for the 22-year-old. Reid helped make his country
one of the stories of this summer's World Cup, with the All Whites securing
surprise group stage draws with Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay. The defender,
who scored a last-gasp equaliser in the first of those games, said: "The
World Cup was a life-changing experience and something I will remember
forever. I want to bring the positives from that here on the pitch at West
Ham."He added: "This club has a great history and the league is one of the
best in the world. I am looking forward to the challenge ahead."
Reid is the Hammers' fifth summer signing, following in the footsteps of
Thomas Hitzlsperger, Pablo Barrera, Frederic Piquionne and Tal Ben Haim.
Reid, who can play centre-half or right-back, spent the last five seasons
with Midtjylland and cannot wait to test himself in the Barclays Premier
League. "I am looking forward to getting started," he told his club's
official website, www.whufc.com. "My dream has been to come and play in the
Premier League and I am happy that I am a West Ham player. "It has been a
mad couple of weeks and the last couple of days have been pretty hectic, so
I am just happy to be here now. I am pretty decent fitness-wise. I had a
game last Sunday so I am in pretty good nick."
Reid, who is of Maori heritage, moved to Denmark at the age of 10 and
represented them up to under-21 level before switching allegiance to his
native New Zealand shortly before the World Cup.
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Boro tell Mido: You're finished
Published 23:00 05/08/10 By Mirror Football
The Mirror
Gordon Strachan has told Mido he'll never play for Middlesbrough again. The
Boro boss will also leave Didier Digard and Marvin Emnes out of his official
25-man squad. Strachan said: "What is happening with Mido? I've no idea. We
have a squad of 25. Digard, Emnes and Mido won't be in it. A club somewhere
will need them."
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Stoke's Remy move collapses - Exclusive
Published 22:30 05/08/10 By Alan Nixon
The Mirror
Big-spending Stoke City's swoop for French striker Loic Remy is on the rocks
- after a flying visit to the Potteries ended in a break-down over the fee
and terms. Remy met boss Tony Pulis who flew out to Nice by private jet to
see him and brought the highly-rated hit man back for a look at his
potential new club.
Pulis - backed by super-rich supremo Peter Coates - hoped that Remy will
agree to come to Stoke despite rival interest from West Ham and Liverpool
with his direct approach putting him in front of the race. However despite
shaking hands with Pulis and signing autographs for the fans Remy was
shocked to find that the clubs could not agree a price for him or come up
with a suitable pay package. Remy has just been picked for the France squad
for a pre-season friendly after their World Cup flops were banned and he was
impressed by the Stoke hard sell until it came to money. Meanwhile Stoke are
still in the hunt for West Ham's England international Carlton Cole and will
make a renewed bid for him once the Remy move is resolved - with Pulis keen
to have both on board.
Cole will be sold by the Hammers who need to let him go to finance their own
moves for a top forward. Stoke have moved ahead of them for Remy, leaving
Everton's Yakubu as their next choice to come in.
Meanwhile Stoke have also made an inquiry for Sunderland's Kenwyne Jones,
but the Trinidad and Tobago striker is only seen as an alternative if Remy
and Cole do not arrive at the Britannia Stadium.
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Do We Still Need to buy a Pacy goal scorer?
West Ham Till I Die
Do we still need to bring in another attacker? Is there a case that we need
to acquire a pacy forward that can attack from deep, give intelligent
support to Cole (or whoever is at the apex of the attack) and weigh in with
c.15 goals a season?
On a previous WHTID thread there was a debate about whether Craig Bellamy
would be welcomed back to the club by fans, if a return was on the cards.
And one thing is certain, we have not had a player with that pace, mobility
and finishing ability since he left to join Man City. Whilst with the club,
Bellamy was crucial in allowing us to play a fast, counter-attacking game
that proved highly effective, especially away from home.
Remember the ritual slaughter of Reading at the Majeski and Portsmouth, at
Fratton Park? The speed and decisive counter-attacking from deep, in those
matches, was a thing of clinical beauty that we have since patently failed
to emulate. And Bellamy was integral to the success of that playing style.
It is clear that Avram Grant has consciously sought to inject pace into the
forward line with the purchase of Barrera and Piquionne. These additions
supplemented the existing pace potentially provided by the likes of
Stanislas, Faubert and Hines.
With Noble and Parker anchoring the midfield and providing defensive cover,
the three forwards supporting Cole will be crucial next season. There is a
place for the experience, skill and shooting ability of Hitzlsperger or
Diamanti. But we also need to ensure that pace and clinical finishing, in
the final third, is present within this crucial bloc of three. Barrera,
Stanislas, Dyer, Piquionne and Hines are all candidates to provide this.
But will they score enough goals?
I feel that a Bellamy or Remy could be the missing peice of the jigsaw that
would complete our forward line. Agreement or dissent?
SJ. Chandos.
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Laurent Bonnart ponders West Ham move
05.08.10 | tribalfootball.com
Laurent Bonnart remains on the radar of West Ham United. The French defender
is a free agent after being released by Olympique Marseille over the summer.
The experienced fullback has received interest from the Hammers and is
mulling over a move to Upton Park after 12 years at the top of French
football.
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Rosario Central blast West Ham over Caraglio treatment
05.08.10 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United have been blasted by Rosario Central over their treatment of
Milton Caraglio. The Daily Star says West Ham have pulled out of a £7m move
for Argentine forward Caraglio – sparking a war of words with his club.
Rosario Central are furious that the Hammers fielded Caraglio in last week's
friendly win against MK Dons without their permission. A Rosario spokesman
said: "It's a shame what happened. We knew nothing of this. It is an
outrage."
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