WHUFC.com
All the live text updates from Monday night's friendly at Dagenham and
Redbridge
11.10.2010
Lee Goodwin Testimonial
Dagenham and Redbridge v West Ham United
London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Stadium
Kick-off: 7pm
Final score - 2-3
90min - It's all over.
86min - GOAL! - Danny J Green pulls one back almost immediately. Cowler came
for a cross but couldn't get there and it left the Daggers replacement with
a relatively easy chance.
84min - GOAL! - Piquionne heads in from Abdulla's fine corner. The France
forward made a run to the near post and connected well to leave Lewington
with no chance. He can't stop scoring.
82min - Cowler watches a speculative effort soar over his bar.
80min - Tomkins heads clear. Dagenham are desperate to level again and
pushing forward when they can.
79min - Abdulla curls one towards the top corner but it goes wide. This has
been a good night's work. The Hammers are next in action on Saturday at
Wolves before the visit of Newcastle United on Saturday week. There is a
great ticket offer on for season ticket holders, click here to find out
more.
76min - A crunching tackle from Moncur, who is everywhere in this half,
draws gasps from the crowd but more importantly the ball. He reminds me of
someone...
74min - Tomkins again does well to see out the danger.
73min - Only Tomkins will play the full 90 minutes here. The defender has
the captain's armband and is the senior man on view at the back. He is
marshalling the youngsters well.
72min - Moncur fouls Arber. The midfielder lost the ball but refused to give
up and tackled back just a little too strongly.
70min - Three more changes. Danny Subuola and Filip Modelski are coming on
with Sears and Spence off, while Sam Cowler is replacing Boffin in goal.
68min - Sears has a go from distance. That goal was the reward for some
strong performances of late. He has had to be content with a wide position
often but he is a natural finisher when given the chances.
66min - GOAL! - Outstanding. Piquionne does superbly to drive down the left
wing. Sears saw the run and matched it through the middle. Freddie played in
Freddie and the young forward topped off a lively display with a cool
side-foot finish on the move.
66min - Conor Okus is a former Academy player, by the way. He left the club
in the summer and will want to impress against his old team-mates.
65min - Brilliant play from Moncur to drive past three or four Daggers
players. The midfielder showed good skill there. Paul Groves is barking
encouragement to him and Wearen.
64min - The goal was coming with the youthful Hammers having found their
opponents in determined mood.
61min - GOAL! - Josh Scott does brilliantly to loft the ball away from
Sanchez and Tomkins. The ball bounces kindly and he lets rip with a shot
that Boffin cannot stop. Bas Savage, Damian Scannell, Danny J Green, Conor
Okus, Damien McCrory and Luke Wilkinson are all on for the Daggers...I
think.
60min - Nurse lets fly. Dagenham are on the up but the Hammers still pose a
threat at the other end.
59min - Sanchez claims he is fouled on the edge of the area but Scott
continues and is through with Boffin to beat. The keeper spreads himself and
pushes the ball away. That was close.
57min - Wearen slides in with a challenge. Stuart Lewis does well to ride it
and the referee waves play on.
56min - Piquionne is winning headers for fun. The striker looks like someone
high on confidence. At the other end, the Daggers are probing but cannot
find a way through.
54min - The watching Avram Grant will have been pleased with the way his
side performed in the first half. McCarthy got a useful 45 minutes to go
with two successive 90 minutes on each of the previous two Tuesdays.
53min - Sears crosses and picks out Abdulla ten yards out. He cannot bring
the ball down though and the chance goes begging.
51min - Piquionne picks out the on-rushing Spence. He gets to the byline but
the cross is blocked behind for a corner. Tomkins rises highest but cannot
direct it goalwards. Eventually the ball is cleared to Moncur on the edge of
the area. He lets fly and Spence diverts it goalwards. Lewington saves well.
50min - Lee shows some good footwork before firing wide. Lively introduction
for the midfielder.
49min - It is still freezing here. The wind has definitely picked up.
47min - Sears has gone up front alongside Piquionne to make it two Freddies
in attack. Abdulla is in the hole behind with Wearen left, Lee right and
Moncur in the central position.
46min - We have a number of changes. George Moncur, Olly Lee and Eoin Wearen
are on in midfield for Parker, Boa Morte and Noble. At the back Sergio
Sanchez has replaced Gabbidon at the back. Ahmed Abdulla and Freddie
Piquionne have replaced Cole and McCarthy in attack. Five of the six
newcomers - in-form Piquionne aside - were fantastic in last week's
reserve-team win at Liverpool. The Daggers have taken off Peter Gain and
replaced him with Romain Vincelot.
Half-time - 0-1
45min - They so nearly do as well. Boffin's punch finds a Daggers player and
he pokes the ball back towards goal but Spence is able to clear off the
line. The referee blows for half-time.
45min - We are into added time. Spence concedes a corner giving the home
side a late chance to equalise.
44min - Brilliant from Sears. He tricks the defender and then fizzes in a
low shot that is pushed wide. Corner to West Ham. Cole jumps but the keeper
knocks it behind for another corner.
42min - It is getting colder by the minute. Brown does well on the left wing
and centres but no one has read the move. The ball runs away on the opposite
side for a throw-in. Cole has a half-chance but it flies wide.
40min - Cole has a go from range but the Daggers defenders close rank to
block. We have seen some good passing tonight although both teams are
perhaps shying away from tackles they would maybe make in league action.
39min - Cole makes the best of a loose pass in midfield and gets things
going again. The Hammers put together a dozen or so passes but the move
breaks down.
37min - Sears nearly picks out Cole in the middle. The No9 has been taking
up some good positions but has not had the final ball yet. Up the same wing
20 seconds later sees Spence pick out Noble but the midfielder's first-time
shot is way off target
36min - Gabbidon has done well. Another timely intervention averts any
danger, all done with the minimum of fuss.
33min - McCarthy tries to play in Cole but the pass is just too long. Those
two have shown good understanding though generally and it was a nice idea.
31min - Obviously the club's internationals will not be involved tonight.
Jon Spector is with the US and Pablo Barrera is away with Mexico. They are
the two furthest afield with Robert Green, Lars Jacobsen and Tal Ben Haim on
UEFA Euro 2012 duty.
29min - So nearly for Boa Morte. McCarthy, Cole and then Sears combine but
the keeper comes out to deny the Portuguese a chance. The play switches up
the other end and Gabbidon has to concede a corner. He was alert to the
danger. Boffin then has to punch clear and Spence hacks one away before
Montgomery sends in a piledriver that just misses.
27min - Midway through the half and the match has been living up to the
billing of an attractive entertaining contest. Both teams are competitive
but the match is being played in the right spirit.
25min - The Hammers are playing keep-ball here. Mostly in their own half but
they are zipping the ball around well. Suddenly the ball is sent forward
from Parker to Sears and he does well on the right wing before playing the
ball into the middle. McCarthy dummies and Noble shoots low only for
Lewington to get down and save. Lovely stuff.
23min - Tidy play from Brown at left-back. He has continued his fine form
for the reserves. Up the other end and Sears wins a corner with some quick
feet.
22min - Mark Arber the Dagggers captain surges forward and looks ready to
take aim, before slipping in midfield. The Hammers try to counter but the
move breaks down.
21min - It has just got a little scrappy now.
19min - Jordan Spence has to be alert to clear another deep cross, this time
from the other flank.
18min - The Daggers have done well out on the left wing but this time
Montgomery's cross is too deep and Boffin watches it go behind.
17min - This is looking a good work-out for the Hammers, although there are
set to be a number of changes in the game. Some of Alex Dyer's promising
reserves will be desperate to show the manager what they can do.
16min - Darren Currie has a go from distance but the former Hammers Academy
player cannot keep the shot down.
14min - Parker, McCarthy and Cole combine neatly to move forward 60 yards
but the move breaks down. Tomkins and then Gabbidon have to be alert at the
other end to deny the Daggers. Jon Nurse, in particular, really let rip with
a fierce shot but Tomkins stood firm.
13min - Boa Morte is fouled and the Hammers go again. Parker is in a
deep-lying position with Noble at the point of a midfield diamond.
11min - Stuart Lewis dispossesses Boa Morte but the Daggers can't make it
count. Up the other end and Noble again sets Cole away. He knocks it back
for Sears to strike first time. However, the shot fades away from the top
corner on what is a blustery night.
10min - It is a lovely playing surface here and the Hammers are up for the
chance of a game during this international break. Scott goes close with a
header but in truth Ruud Boffin was never worried.
9min - Scott Parker is sent flying by a challenge. The referee waves play on
and McCarthy shows good skill to beat his man and set the Hammers away.
Dagenham regroup though to snuff out the attack.
7min - Montgomery heads across goal after a crossfield ball. As Josh Scott
prepared to flick it goalwards, Tomkins connected to divert the ball away.
It bounced down and against the post before being cleared.
6min - Boa Morte lets fly from 25 yards and Lewington does well to claim. It
was a stinging effort from the Portuguese attacker playing wide left.
Freddie Sears is on the right flank with Parker and Noble in the centre.
5min - Graeme Montgomery does well out on the left wing but Hammers
right-back Jordan Spence blocks for a throw. When the ball comes into the
area, Danny Gabbidon hacks clear.
4min - That was McCarthy's third goal in three appearances. The South Africa
striker looks sharp.
3min - Dagenham fans are cheering if they touch the ball. It has been a good
start from the Hammers and Chris Lewington has to be alert to deny the
on-rushing Cole.
2min - GOAL! - One minute and eight seconds on the clock and the Hammers are
in front. A lovely ball from Mark Noble in the centre of midfield picks out
Cole. He bamboozles his marker with some strong play and then finds room on
the left to cross for McCarthy to smash the ball in.
1min - The referee John Singh calls the teams together. Benni McCarthy and
Carlton Cole get the ball rolling
KICK-OFF
7.46pm - Will be a late start here. The teams are coming out now to a good
reception. Scott Parker is the captain in the absence of Matthew Upson.
7.30pm - The Hammers are out warming up. It has turned pretty chilly this
evening but there is a terrific atmosphere as the ground begins to fill.
West Ham's young mascot Sam is having the time of his life out on the pitch.
7.25pm - Welcome to tonight's testimonial match in aid of former Academy
graduate Lee Goodwin after ten years' local service for Dagenham and
Redbridge. The teams are just being read out now and Avram Grant has done
the host club proud with a strong lineup.
Dagenham and Redbridge: Lewington, Ifil, Gwillim, Doe, Arber, Lewis, Currie,
Gain, Nurse, Scott, Montgomery
Subs: Sambridge, McCrory, Green, Vincelot, Okus, Green, Scannell, Savage,
Wilkinson, McDougald, Broom, Janney, Matthews, Mustapha
West Ham United: Boffin, Spence, Tomkins, Gabbidon, Brown, Boa Morte, Noble,
Parker, Sears, Cole, McCarthy
Subs: Cowler, Sanchez, Piquionne, Lee, Abdulla, Wearen, Modelski, Subuola,
Moncur
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Newcastle match just 15 pounds
WHUFC.com
The club has a special offer open to season ticket holders only for the next
home game
04.10.2010
Season tickets holders can take advantage of a superb ticket offer for the
Newcastle United home game on Saturday 23 October. As yet another 'Thank
you' for the terrific backing given this season, the club is offering season
ticket holders the chance to buy up to three additional tickets for friends
and family at the reduced rate of £15 each. This innovative offer is first
come, first served and is subject to availability - with a maximum of 3,000
tickets available on this basis. The team has received passionate backing of
late and with Newcastle set to bring strong away support, another exciting
afternoon is expected in east London. The Premier League newcomers having
started the season in solid fashion. The north-east club promise to be
tricky opposition, having achieved wins away at Everton and Chelsea this
campaign, and boast the likes of England hopeful Andy Carroll in attack. The
Hammers are unbeaten in the last two home matches, having won 1-0 against
UEFA Champions League side Tottenham Hotspur and then drawn 1-1 with
unbeaten Fulham. Youth Academy members can also exclusively take advantage
of the Kids for a Quid promotion on this fixture, with child tickets
available for just £1. That's not all, with the club slashing all ticket
prices for the Carling Cup last-16 tie against Stoke City four days later.
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UK Athletics back the Hammers
WHUFC.com
UK Athletics Chairman Ed Warner has spoken of his support for the Olympic
Stadium proposals
11.10.2010
UK Athletics has confirmed its formal support for West Ham United and Newham
Council in their joint bid to take over the Olympic Stadium in legacy mode.
UKA, the governing body for the number one Olympic and Paralympic sport, has
worked closely with a number of the bidding parties, but has taken the
decision to align with the West Ham proposal as the sport's preferred
bidders. UKA Chairman Ed Warner said: "What has impressed me so much about
the joint bid from West Ham and Newham is their clear commitment to the
spirit of the Olympic legacy and not just athletics at the elite end, but
with the retention of the community track, our future champions and club
runners too. "It was clear from the start that only a partnership approach
would bring to life the vision Seb Coe had when he committed to an athletics
legacy in 2005 and we believe the collaboration of West Ham, Newham and UKA
gives the strongest opportunity for a vibrant sporting legacy that will go
well beyond 2012. "The team at West Ham have also been keen to support our
bid to host the World Athletics Championships in 2015 at the stadium, fully
understanding that a significant international event will play a major part
in realising their ambition of a British sporting hub."
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "This is fantastic news. We
believe ours is the only bid that can deliver London's legacy commitment to
the International Olympic Committee. UKA's endorsement is a powerful and
highly-valued testament of that. "Our plan is not just to have a new stadium
for West Ham but a real sporting centre for London and the rest of the
country. We want to create a home of sport, featuring two of the greatest
sports, football and athletics, side by side where they can grow and
flourish together both in terms of spectatorship and participation at every
level. UKA have been great in helping us develop that vision over the past
eight months and, together with Newham Council, we are ideally placed to
make our dream a reality. "We now hope to move on and secure the stadium and
enable world-class athletics to continue in east London beyond the Olympic
Games - hopefully including the IAAF World Championships in 2015."
Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales said: "We are delighted UKA are backing our
bid. It is important we create a vibrant, diverse, well used stadium that
brings maximum public benefit, especially for local people. That means
offering an array of sports all year round and hopefully will include
prestigious events like the 2015 World Athletics Championships and the 2018
football World Cup. "A busy stadium will in turn open up a whole raft of
opportunities and benefits for the local community for decades to come and
that is the legacy we in Newham and the East End want from the Olympics."
The news comes after Friday's exciting pledge from global entertainment
giants Live Nation to support the West Ham-Newham bid. Click here for more
information. Others on board include Westfield, HS1 Ltd, University of East
London, Essex Cricket, ExCel London and London City Airport.
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UK Athletics supports West Ham Olympic stadium bid
BBC.co.uk
UK Athletics has given its "formal support" to West Ham's bid to take over
London's Olympic Stadium after 2012. Unlike rival bidders Tottenham, the
Hammers and Newham council have vowed to keep a running track at the venue.
UKA chairman Ed Warner praised West Ham's "clear commitment to the spirit of
the Olympic legacy". The Olympic Park Legacy Company is in the middle of the
process of deciding who will take over the 80,000-seater venue in east
London, after the Games. "We believe the collaboration of West Ham, Newham
and UKA gives the strongest opportunity for a vibrant sporting legacy that
will go well beyond 2012," said Warner. The news is a major boost to West
Ham after Spurs and entertainment giant AEG this month submitted their
formal interest in taking over the stadium as a back-up to the club's
proposed redevelopment of its White Hart Lane home.
London Olympics chairman Sebastian Coe backed the Hammers' bid to take over
the stadium in August after the club announced they pledged to keep a
permanent athletics track. And Warner is believed to have been angered by
AEG president Tim Leiweke's claim that it would not make economic sense to
keep the stadium geared up for athletics because of a small number of major
events that could be staged at the venue. Warner added: "What has impressed
me so much about the joint bid from West Ham and Newham is their clear
commitment to the spirit of the Olympic legacy and not just athletics at the
elite end, but with the retention of the community track, our future
champions and club runners too. "It was clear from the start that only a
partnership approach would bring to life the vision Seb Coe had when he
committed to an athletics legacy in 2005."
West Ham players, including Scott Parker, Carlton Cole and Mark Noble
delivered the club's bid to run the stadium at 10 Downing Street at the end
of September. Their plan is to convert the stadium to a 60,000-capacity
arena for football, athletics, concerts and community use. Warner also
praised West Ham's support for hosting the 2015 World Athletics
Championships at the stadium if London beats Beijing in the bidding to host
the event. The Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) is hoping to select a
tenant by March 2011.
Hammers vice-chairman Karren Brady said: "This is fantastic news. We believe
ours is the only bid that can deliver London's legacy commitment to the
International Olympic Committee. UKA's endorsement is a powerful and
highly-valued testament of that. "Our plan is not just to have a new stadium
for West Ham but a real sporting centre for London and the rest of the
country. "We want to create a home of sport, featuring two of the greatest
sports, football and athletics, side by side where they can grow and
flourish together both in terms of spectatorship and participation at every
level. "UKA have been great in helping us develop that vision over the past
eight months and, together with Newham Council, we are ideally placed to
make our dream a reality."
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Taylor reveals Hammers interest
Keeper thought he was going to leave City
Last updated: 11th October 2010
SSN
Manchester City goalkeeper Stuart Taylor has revealed West Ham tried to sign
him in the summer before he penned a new deal at Eastlands. Taylor looked to
be on his way out of City at the end of last season after being released
only to sign a new two-year deal nine days later. The former Arsenal
custodian admitted he was keen on a move to West Ham before Roberto Mancini
persuaded him to stay at Eastlands to provide cover and competition for Joe
Hart and Shay Given. "I was actually in the process of moving my stuff out
of my Manchester home when I was asked to come and see the manager at
Carrington," Taylor told the club's official website. "He asked if I'd like
to stay and I when I was offered a new deal, I didn't hesitate. "West Ham
had showed interest during the summer and I thought I might be heading back
to London at one stage, which from a family point-of-view wouldn't have been
a bad thing. But it's a short career and I enjoyed being with City last year
so it made sense to stay here."
Taylor has made just one start for City since joining the club in the summer
of 2009, but he hopes he will get a chance to play at some point this term.
"I get along really well with Shay and Joe and there's a good spirit within
the squad," added Taylor. "We've made a good start to the campaign and I
hope I'll be able to play a part at some part. In the meantime I'll be
training hard and if I'm needed, I'll be ready."
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West Ham bid enjoys huge boost
UKA support lifts Hammers hope of moving into Olympic stadium
Last updated: 11th October 2010
SSN
West Ham's bid to take over the London Olympic stadium has received a major
boost with UK Athletics announcing their support. The Premier League club,
who have made a joint bid with Newham Council, have committed to ensuring
there is an athletics track as well as a football stadium at the venue after
the 2012 Games. The news puts the Hammers in pole position to become tenants
as the rival bid from Tottenham/AEG indicated a running track was not part
of their future plans. But UK Athletics claims it was also West Ham's
community plans that earned endorsement.
Spirit
Chairman Ed Warner said: "What has impressed me so much about the joint bid
from West Ham and Newham is their clear commitment to the spirit of the
Olympic legacy and not just athletics at the elite end, but with the
retention of the community track, our future champions and club runners too.
"It was clear from the start that only a partnership approach would bring to
life the vision Seb Coe had when he committed to an athletics legacy in 2005
and we believe the collaboration of West Ham, Newham and UKA gives the
strongest opportunity for a vibrant sporting legacy that will go well beyond
2012."
West Ham have also backed UKA's bid to bring the 2015 World Athletics
Championships to London instead of Beijing, which hosted the 2008 Olympics.
"The team at West Ham have also been keen to support our bid to host the
World Athletics Championships in 2015 at the stadium, fully understanding
that a significant international event will play a major part in realising
their ambition of a British sporting hub," Warner added. Last week, AEG
president Tim Leiweke claimed it would not make economic sense to keep the
stadium equipped to host athletics because of the small number of major
events on the sport's calendar that could be staged at the venue.
Legacy commitment
However, West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has said: "This is fantastic
news. We believe ours is the only bid that can deliver London's legacy
commitment to the International Olympic Committee. UKA's endorsement is a
powerful and highly-valued testament of that. "Our plan is not just to have
a new stadium for West Ham but a real sporting centre for London and the
rest of the country. We want to create a home of sport, featuring two of the
greatest sports - football and athletics - side by side where they can grow
and flourish together. "UKA have been great in helping us develop that
vision over the past eight months and, together with Newham Council, we are
ideally placed to make our dream a reality. "We now hope to move on and
secure the stadium and enable world-class athletics to continue in east
London beyond the Olympic Games - hopefully including the IAAF World
Championships in 2015."
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Gabbidon impressed by Obinna
Loan signing catching the eye at Upton Park
Last updated: 11th October 2010
SSN
West Ham defender Danny Gabbidon has hailed the impact of Victor Obinna in
the club's recent improved run of form. Obinna has caught the eye in recent
weeks as West Ham have bounced back from a slow start to the season to go on
a four-game unbeaten run in all competitions. The Nigerian striker is
currently on a season-long loan deal from Inter Milan and Gabbidon admits
the forward's form has played a huge role in West Ham's upturn in fortunes.
"I am happy we managed to sign Obinna as he has done very well and added
something to the team," Gabbidon told skysports.com. "He is hungry to play
and he has got pace and skill and the fans have really taken to him. "Along
with Frederic Piquionne they look a good partnership and they have
definitely added to the team and hopefully there is a lot more to come from
them."
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Hammers steal a march on Spurs in Olympic bid
Published 23:00 11/10/10 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
West Ham's bid to take over the London Olympic stadium after the 2012 Games
has received a major boost, with formal support by UK Athletics. The
Hammers, who have made a joint bid with Newham council, have committed to
ensuring there is an athletics track as well as a football stadium. It is a
big blow to the rival bid from Tottenham/AEG who had indicated a running
track was not part of their future plans. UK Athletics chairman Ed Warner
said: "What has impressed me so much about the joint bid from West Ham and
Newham is their clear commitment to the spirit of the Olympic legacy and not
just athletics at the elite end, but with the retention of the community
track, our future champions and club runners too. "It was clear from the
start that only a partnership approach would bring to life the vision Seb
Coe had when he committed to an athletics legacy in 2005 and we believe the
collaboration of West Ham, Newham and UKA gives the strongest opportunity
for a vibrant sporting legacy that will go well beyond 2012."
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Hartson: I blew up to £20k a day on gambling
Published 10:47 11/10/10 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
Former footballer John Hartson yesterday admitted blowing £20,000 a day
gambling while a player. The ex-Arsenal and Celtic striker, 35, said his
habit began as a boy when he stole 50p from his mum to play fruit machines.
He said: "Each time I fed another 10p I experienced a buzz. It was the same
feeling when I scored." And when he hit the big time with Arsenal, he began
placing large bets over the phone to hide it. Hartson, who last year beat
cancer, said: "I had a code. When I said £100 he knew I meant £1,000, £2,000
meant £20,000." He felt as long as he didn't lose his house and cars it was
in check. He also claims in his autobiography he once left Ascot with
£67,000 in a carrier bag.
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West Ham United's plans to move to Olympic Stadium met with approval from UK
Athletics
West Ham United's hopes of moving into the Olympic Stadium after the 2012
Games received a boost on Monday when the UK governing body of athletics
gave its official backing to the east London club's plans.
Telegraqph.co.uk
By Simon Hart
Published: 7:16PM BST 11 Oct 2010
Ed Warner, the chairman of UK Athletics, offered his full support to the
joint bid by West Ham, Newham Council and entertainment company Live Nation
just days after describing a rival bid by Tottenham Hotspur and 02 owners
AEG as "an insult to the whole Olympic project". Under Tottenham's plans,
the running track would be scrapped, breaking London's promise to the
International Olympic Committee to provide an athletics legacy. West Ham's
bid is for a multi-use stadium that includes athletics. "What has impressed
me so much about the joint bid from West Ham and Newham is their clear
commitment to the spirit of the Olympic legacy and not just athletics at the
elite end, but with the retention of the community track, our future
champions and club runners too," said Warner. "It was clear from the start
that only a partnership approach would bring to life the vision Seb Coe had
when he committed to an athletics legacy in 2005 and we believe the
collaboration of West Ham, Newham and UKA gives the strongest opportunity
for a vibrant sporting legacy that will go well beyond 2012."
Karren Brady, the West Ham vice-chairman, described the governing body's
backing as "fantastic news". "We believe ours is the only bid that can
deliver London's legacy commitment to the International Olympic Committee,"
she said. "UKA's endorsement is a powerful and highly-valued testament of
that." Baroness Ford, chair of the Olympic Park Legacy Company, confirmed
last week that the stadium would have to retain an athletics track after
2012. The company hopes to make a decision on who will be the main tenant by
December.
Meanwhile Hugh Brasher, the son of London Marathon co-founder Chris, is to
succeed David Bedford as race director of the 29-year-old event when the
former 10,000 metres world record-holder stands down in three years' time.
Brasher, who has been a director of the annual race from Blackheath to The
Mall for the past two years, will take over in a structured changeover,
acting as deputy race director next year, joint race director with Bedford
in 2012 before assuming sole responsibility in 2013, when Bedford will
switch to a part-time role. Bedford, 61, said: "Hugh Brasher, through his
business experience in sporting events and understanding of the sport from
every angle, was head and shoulders above the other applicants."
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Parker wants to become boss when playing career ends
TalkSport
By Marc Isaacs
Monday, October 11
Scott Parker wants to become a manager when he announces his retirement from
the game. Parker, 30, has enjoyed a successful career in the top flight and
feels he has learned a great deal from the managers he has played under in
the Premier League. Jose Mourinho, Alan Curbishley, Graeme Souness and
Gianfranco Zola are some of the big name coaches who have helped Parker
emerge as one of the best midfielders in the top flight. I'll give it a go
and it would be more at a senior level that appeals to me
Parker is now ready to follow in their footsteps and hopes he will be given
the chance to manage a big club in England. Parker said: "After I stop
playing, I would like to stay in football and go into management of some
sort. It is something that I am thinking about. "I would like to try it out.
See how hard it is or how easy it is. I'll give it a go and it would be more
at a senior level that appeals to me." Parker has assured West Ham fans that
he has no intention of hanging up his boots just yet and hopes he can see
out his new long-term deal at Upton Park. Parker added: "I am 30 this year
and I feel I still have a good few years ahead of me. This is probably the
best I have felt for a long while personally and physically. I am not
thinking about the end of it yet. "Every day I go out there and do the right
things. I eat well and my general lifestyle is really good. I would expect
myself to play at a higher level for as long as I can. That is my main
ambition for now."
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UK Athletics pledges support to West Ham's Olympic Stadium bid
UK Athletics impressed by West Ham's bid
West Ham's intention to retain track could be key
Press Association
guardian.co.uk, Monday 11 October 2010 13.29 BST
West Ham United's bid to take over the London Olympic stadium after the 2012
Games has received a major boost in the form of formal support by UK
Athletics. The Hammers, who have made a joint bid with Newham council, have
committed to ensuring there is an athletics track as well as a football
stadium. It is a big blow to the joint rival bid from Tottenham Hotspur and
AEG who had indicated a running track was not part of their future plans.
The UK Athletics chairman Ed Warner said: "What has impressed me so much
about the joint bid from West Ham and Newham is their clear commitment to
the spirit of the Olympic legacy and not just athletics at the elite end,
but with the retention of the community track, our future champions and club
runners too. "It was clear from the start that only a partnership approach
would bring to life the vision Seb Coe had when he committed to an athletics
legacy in 2005 and we believe the collaboration of West Ham, Newham and UKA
gives the strongest opportunity for a vibrant sporting legacy that will go
well beyond 2012."
West Ham have also made clear their support for hosting the 2015 World
Athletics championships at the stadium – London is bidding against Beijing
for the event. Warner added: "The team at West Ham have also been keen to
support our bid to host the World Athletics Championships in 2015 at the
stadium, fully understanding that a significant international event will
play a major part in realising their ambition of a British sporting hub."
Last week, the AEG president Tim Leiweke said it would not make economic
sense to keep the stadium geared up for athletics because of a small number
of major events that could be staged at the venue. West Ham's vice-chairman,
Karren Brady, said: "This is fantastic news. We believe ours is the only bid
that can deliver London's legacy commitment to the International Olympic
Committee. UKA's endorsement is a powerful and highly-valued testament of
that."Our plan is not just to have a new stadium for West Ham but a real
sporting centre for London and the rest of the country. We want to create a
home of sport, featuring two of the greatest sports, football and athletics,
side by side where they can grow and flourish together. "UKA have been great
in helping us develop that vision over the past eight months and, together
with Newham Council, we are ideally placed to make our dream a reality. "We
now hope to move on and secure the stadium and enable world-class athletics
to continue in east London beyond the Olympic Games – hopefully including
the IAAF World Championships in 2015."
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