WHUFC.com
New manager Avram Grant has been issued with a work permit by the Home
Office
08.06.2010
West Ham United are delighted to confirm that Avram Grant has been issued a
work permit by the Home Office and is now free to take charge at the Boleyn
Ground. Grant will now be able to concentrate all his energies on preparing
the Hammers for the 2010/11 Barclays Premier League season. The new manager
has already made his first summer signing with the capture of Germany
international midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger on a free transfer - a move
announced by Chairman David Sullivan on Saturday. Chairman David Gold
expressed his pleasure that the new manager's arrival had been
rubber-stamped. "Avram is very charismatic, he has great humour and I
believe that he will be, hopefully, one of the great managers that West Ham
have had in years," said Mr Gold. "I am absolutely delighted with the
choice. I feel we've chosen a very special man."
The vastly-experienced 55-year-old agreed a four-year contract with the club
last week and joins shortly after leading Portsmouth to the FA Cup final.
The Israeli, who also took Chelsea to the 2007/08 UEFA Champions League
final, has already spoken of his enthusiasm at taking on the "exciting
challenge" of managing West Ham. He will spend the next few months working
alongside Mr Sullivan and Mr Gold to bring more high-profile signings to the
club. Grant will also finalise the makeup of his backroom staff and the
club's pre-season schedule, which already includes the mouth-watering visit
of Spanish club Deportivo La Coruna to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday 7
August and interesting trips to Peterborough United, MK Dons and Ipswich
Town.
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Demand for Depor tickets
WHUFC.com
Fans will get the chance to see the club's new signings in action for the
first time at home on 7 August
09.06.2010
Tickets are fully on sale for West Ham United's glamour pre-season friendly
against Spanish club RC Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday 7 August. Supporters
can make sure of their seat now for the match, which will be the first
chance to see new signings like Thomas Hitzlsperger in action at the Boleyn
Ground with manager Avram Grant set to make further exciting additions to
the squad over the summer. Deportivo, who finshed tenth in La Liga last
term, have enjoyed an illustrious recent history, winning the Spanish title
for the first time in their history in 2000 and finishing as runners-up in
each of the following two seasons. The Galician club, who reached the UEFA
Champions League semi-finals in 2003/04, boast a number of experienced
players who will be familiar to West Ham fans. Right-back and captain Manuel
Pablo and midfield playmaker Juan Carlos Valeron are both veterans of
Deportivo's title success of a decade ago, left winger Andres Guardado is in
Mexico's 2010 FIFA World Cup squad, while goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia,
midfielder Sergio and striker Mista have all played for Spain.
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Ridgewell relishes Hammers return
WHUFC.com
Another of Tony Carr's graduates was only too pleased to support his mentor
at the special testimonial night
09.06.2010
Hammers fans were expecting to see Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Co turn
out to support Tony Carr at his recent Testimonial but more than a few were
surprised to see established Premier League defender Liam Ridgewell. The
versatile Birmingham City defender has just enjoyed a great season with the
Blues, having excelled ever since a switch three years ago from local rivals
Aston Villa. Aged 25, he is one of the Barclays Premier League's most
reliable performers. Ridgewell is not a Midlands man, though. He is a
Londoner who forged his football career in Tony Carr's Academy and owes much
of his success to his early days at Little Heath. He ultimately left the
Hammers to join the Villa set-up back in 2001, but has never forgotten his
original claret and blue roots. As a result, he did not hesitate when asked
to play for the Academy All-Stars against a West Ham United side. "Tony sent
a letter to my club to ask if I could play. Fortunately they said 'yes' and
then I spoke to him on the phone. I jumped at the chance and am glad I did.
"It was fantastic to be a part of this," he added. "I spent a few years in
the Academy and it was brilliant to come back and pay my respects to Tony.
"I was part of a good set-up here and I was buzzing to take part. I have
seen the old faces, a lot of people I haven't seen for years. It was really
special. I have come down here for matches against West Ham of course before
but you are in a different frame of mind. It is good to come down and enjoy
being part of everything."
Ridgewell was also pleased to play for the Hammers faithful, who never got
to watch him progress to the first team at the Boleyn. "I left at a young
age so they never saw me in a West Ham shirt but I had many good times here
and it was good to get a positive reception. "It was nice to wear the claret
and blue again - even if it was just for 45 minutes. I wore it a long time
ago but will always remember where I came from."
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Behrami making progress
WHUFC.com
Valon Behrami is expected to return to training with Switzerland in the next
48 hours
08.06.2010
Valon Behrami could return to training with Switzerland on Wednesday ahead
of the Schweizer Nati's departure for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
The West Ham United midfielder was forced off during Saturday's 1-1 friendly
draw with world champions Italy in Geneva with a suspected thigh injury.
Further tests and X-rays have shown that the 25-year-old has suffered a
minor muscle injury that team doctor Cuno Wetzel insisted will not endanger
his participation at the World Cup. "The first images show no serious
problem. The healing process is indeed more difficult to predict, but we are
optimistic he can train again on Wednesday or Thursday."
Behrami, who was limited to just two minutes of action at the 2006 World Cup
in Germany by a knee injury, is expected to be a key figure in Ottmar
Hitzfeld's squad. Handed the No11 shirt for this year's tournament, Behrami
has earned 27 senior caps and, fitness permitting, is a certain starter in
Switzerland's opening Group H fixture with European champions Spain in
Durban on 16 June. Before then, the popular midfielder could be involved in
a special open training session at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich on
Wednesday, where Swiss fans will be given the chance to watch their heroes
in action one last time before they fly out to South Africa.
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Strike pair back Spain
WHUFC.com
Frank McAvennie and Tony Cottee believe Spain are the favourites for this
summer's FIFA World Cup
08.06.2010
West Ham United greats Frank McAvennie and Tony Cottee believe Spain are the
favourites to win this summer's FIFA World Cup. With just four days to go
unil the finals begin, the reigning European champions are many
commentators' and the bookmakers' 7/2 favourites to lift the trophy for the
first time in their history - making them just the third nation after
Germany and France to hold both the European and World titles at the same
time. As two supreme goalscorers it is no surprise that McAvennie and Cottee
singled out Liverpool striker Fernando Torres as the man to stop if England
are to win the tournament for the first time since 1966. McAvennie, who
played for Scotland at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, also believes Fabio
Capello's squad can make a big impact in South Africa, while also dismissing
suggestions that he would be cheering on England's opponents like many of
his countrymen. "For me, it depends on Fernando Torres," he told WHUTV. "If
Torres is playing, Spain have got a great chance but I think this is a great
chance for England. I fancy them to get to the semis and they'd have Brazil
if they get there. "Of course I'll be cheering England on. I've lived most
of my adult life down in England. There are a lot of people in Scotland who
don't like it, but I'll be cheering them on."
Cottee, who made seven appearances for England between 1986 and 1989, said a
productive World Cup would put a smile on the face of the whole country. It
would be great for the whole of Britain, wouldn't it. We've had a really bad
recession and I think if England were to win the World Cup, it would be
great for everyone in the UK. "I agree with Frank that I think Spain are the
favourites, but if England play to their peak and keep clear of injuries and
keep Wayne Rooney on the pitch, we've a great chance of doing really well.
I'm not saying we'll win it, but I think we'll have a good tournament."
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Upson training hard
WHUFC.com
With the FIFA World Cup's start drawing closer, Matthew Upson is stepping up
his bid to face the US
08.06.2010
Matthew Upson was back out on the training pitch on Tuesday bidding to
become the first Hammers defender to play for England at the World Cup since
1986. Having rested at the weekend with a virus, Upson returned to action
with a solid 45-minute display in the 3-1 warm-up win against South African
club side Platinum Stars. Upson took part in a light session the morning
after (pictured) before joining his squad-mates, including Robert Green, for
an afternoon on safari. With four days to go until the opener against the
United States, Upson is out to emulate Alvin Martin, who shone 24 years ago
in a 3-0 last-16 defeat of Paraguay in Mexico. It would appear he is
competing with Ledley King - who stayed in the gym on Tuesday to nurse his
troublesome knee - for the right to partner John Terry this weekend, and
achieve a lifelong dream. Recalling his own experience of the World Cup,
Martin said the Paraguay game - when Gary Lineker scored twice and Peter
Beardsley also netted - was something he would remember forever. However, he
was inexplicably dropped for the ill-fated meeting with Diego Maradona's
Argentina in the quarter-finals. Martin said: "The atmosphere was contagious
and against tricky opponents we took the game by the scruff of the neck.
Personally, I was pleased with my own performance. I knew what I wanted to
do and I did it." Rio Ferdinand went to the 1998 finals as a West Ham player
but did not feature in any of the Three Lions' four games.
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Jack on track
WHUFC.com
Although he still faces many months on the sidelines, Jack Collison remains
in upbeat mood
08.06.2010
Jack Collison has spoken of his determination to be back in action as soon
as possible as he focuses on the early stages of his rehabilitation. The
West Ham United midfielder was ruled out for the rest of 2010 last month
when he underwent a knee operation. Although he has a "long way to go", he
is delighted to be able to begin the slow process of getting back to
performing at the highest level for the club in the Barclays Premier League
Speaking to whufc.com, Collison said: "I had the op and then it was a case
of resting the knee. I have crutches now and have started the first part of
the rehab I have to do. This includes ten to 12 hours a day doing machine
work, to get the knee and the muscles stronger again. "It is long days at
the moment but now that I have started the rehab I feel I am doing
something. I know that I have a long way to go. "It was a bit frustrating at
first, as you can't move around much. I have had the operation now which I
needed to have and I am glad it is all done and is out of the way now. I am
now just aiming to work as hard as I can now on getting back to fitness.
"The machine work I am doing is helping me to bend the knee. I also use ice
machines and am concentrating on getting the muscles back up to full
strength. I am expected to be doing this for at least another three weeks
and will be able to push on a bit more with more mobile work. "I can't wait
to get rid of the crutches. When I can throw them off, I will be very happy.
Although the rehab is a long process and there is a lot of work ahead, this
first part is important and I am getting through OK."
Still only 21, Collison revealed he had struggled with the problem towards
the end of the frustrating 2009/10 campaign. "I was trying to get through
the season, but in the end, it was the best thing for me to have the
operation. "The medical staff were great in trying to get me through, but I
kept getting little niggles and that kept stopping me, so it was decided
that the best thing was to have the operation to clear the injury up.
"Obviously for me, I was frustrated not being able to be out there training
every day or be on the pitch towards the end of last season with the rest of
the lads - especially with the position we were in. I wanted to play my part
in helping us get results to stay up but wasn't able to. "As a group of
players together, we know we should have done better - we worked hard to get
out of the situation to stay up, which we did, but now the aim will be to
improve on that and get stronger for this season. "For me personally, is to
get through the rehab programme and get myself back to full fitness and be
ready to play my part again in helping West Ham to do well."
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West Ham United manager Avram Grant granted work permit
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have secured a work permit for their new manager Avram Grant.
Grant, 55, agreed a four-year contract last week to succeed Gianfranco Zola
who was sacked after West Ham finished 17th in last season's Premier League.
The Israeli led Chelsea to the 2008 Champions League final and Portsmouth to
this season's FA Cup final. "I'm proud and honoured to be the manager of
West Ham. It's an exciting challenge and I'm ready to do my best," said
Grant after his appointment. The Israeli has already begun the task of
strengthening the West Ham squad, signing German midfielder Thomas
Hitzlsperger at the weekend. Grant was sacked by Chelsea shortly after they
lost to Manchester United on penalties in the Champions League final in
2008. He returned to the Premier League with cash-strapped Portsmouth last
October, first as director of football, and then as manager after Paul Hart
was relieved of his duties at Fratton Park in November. Pompey went into
administration in February and were subsequently relegated to the
Championship, while Grant quit as boss on 21 May after the 1-0 FA Cup final
defeat by Chelsea - but his success in getting to Wembley won many plaudits.
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Gold not planning Green talks
Chairman admits World Cup could lead to big offer for keeper
Last updated: 9th June 2010
SSN
West Ham United chairman David Gold has confirmed that the club are not
currently planning to hold talks over a new contract for Robert Green.
England goalkeeper Green has just 12 months remaining on his existing deal
and has been linked with a summer move to Arsenal. Gold's fellow co-owner
David Sullivan recently suggested every player bar Scott Parker would be
sale for the right price and a departure for Green is not being ruled out.
Green is currently battling to be England's first-choice keeper at the World
Cup and Gold acknowledged an impressive showing in South Africa could lead
to the Hammers fielding offers for the 29-year-old. "At this stage we are
not going to have talks with him about a new deal," Gold told The Sun.
"World Cups change lives. It's the global shop window and who knows what may
happen. We could get amazing offers - offers you can't refuse. "What do you
do if Manchester United or Real Madrid, for example, come in offering
millions of pounds?"
The Hammers chairman also suggested that new manager Avram Grant is likely
to have a major say on whether Green will be in his squad next season. Gold
added: "We have to see how Robert feels and consider the new manager's view.
"He will take the squad on a pre-season tour and judge Robert with everybody
else."
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Avram granted work permit
Hammers manager can start work at Upton Park
Last updated: 8th June 2010
SSN
West Ham manager Avram Grant has had his work permit application approved to
allow him to start work at Upton Park. The former Portsmouth and Chelsea
manager agreed a four-year deal with the Hammers last week to succeed
Gianfranco Zola. And with the final hurdle of approval from the Home Office
now granted he can start work with the East London club on an official
basis. Grant has already made his first signing of the summer with the
capture of midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger on a free transfer at the weekend
and more players are expected to follow. Co-owner David Gold believes the
Israeli now has the opportunity to make his mark on the history of the club.
He told the club's official website: "Avram is very charismatic, he has
great humour and I believe that he will be, hopefully, one of the great
managers that West Ham have had in years. "I am absolutely delighted with
the choice. I feel we've chosen a very special man." Grant took Chelsea to
the final of the UEFA Champions League in 2008 and guided Pompey to Wembley
against all the odds this term.
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Battle on for Belhadj
English, German and Italian interest in Algerian
Last updated: 8th June 2010
SSN
Algerian ace Nadir Belhadj is being chased by a host of clubs from around
Europe, skysports.com understands. Portsmouth's left-sided star is currently
on World Cup duty with Algeria, but his club's future is anything but clear.
With Pompey's relegation to the Championship, Belhadj is one of the club's
most prized assets and the cash strapped South Coast outfit are ready to
cash in. And the interest is strong with Premier League clubs West Ham and
Bolton amongst those who are vying for his signature. But the former Lyon
and Lens man also has interest emanating from Italy and Germany. Roman
giants Lazio have lodged an interest, which Bundesliga sides Wolfsburg,
Werder Bremen and Stuttgart are also interested.
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English interest in Ilan
Brazilian striker courted by clubs across Europe
Last updated: 8th June 2010
SSN
Former West Ham striker Ilan is being chased by a host of clubs from around
England and Europe, skysports.com understands. The Brazilian striker is
currently taking a holiday in the UK after his surprise release from the
Hammers, despite the fact he netted four times in only 11 games after
joining from St Etienne on the last day of the January transfer window. The
interest is strong with Premier League clubs Bolton and Newcastle thought to
be among those monitoring the 29-year-old, while Turkish and Bundesliga
sides are also keeping tabs on the situation. Ilan, who scored winning goals
against Sunderland and Wigan as well as a last-minute goal to earn an
important point at Everton, told skysports.com: "I did well in the Premier
League and I was hoping to continue where I left off next season, but West
Ham had other ideas, that's football. "I have a good record here and in
France so I'm confident that a club in the UK or Europe will call my agent
(Rob Shield) and I can get something sorted before training starts again."
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Driver to go under Hammer
The Sun
By ROBERT MARTIN
Published: Today
WEST HAM have joined the chase to land Andrew Driver after Hearts threw out
Burnley's £1.5million offer for the winger. New Hammers boss Avram Grant
has been given money to spend by owners David Sullivan and David Gold.
Premier League rivals Wigan are also keen but reports yesterday that Chelsea
have enquired about the 22-year-old are believed to be wide of the mark.
Gordon Strachan's Middlesbrough also remain in the hunt but whether they are
willing to meet Vladimir Romanov's £4m price tag remains to be seen.
SunSport understands Hearts WOULD consider accepting a loan fee with a fixed
option for a permanent deal, which could prove attractive to interested
clubs. Roman Bednar left Tynecastle in similar circumstances to join up with
West Brom three seasons ago before sealing a £2.5m move the next year.
Driver, meanwhile, is still awaiting confirmation from FIFA regarding his
eligibility to play for Scotland.
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Keeper Green is up for grabs
The Sun
By HUGH SOUTHON
Published: Today
WEST HAM owner David Gold last night opened the door for a bidding war on
England keeper Robert Green. The 29-year-old Hammers No 1 has not been
offered a new deal with just one year left on his contract. But Gold, who
reckons Green will be Fabio Capello's first choice in South Africa, said:
"At this stage we are not going to have talks with him about a new deal.
"World Cups change lives. It's the global shop window and who knows what may
happen. We could get amazing offers - offers you can't refuse. "What do you
do if Manchester United or Real Madrid, for example, come in offering
millions of pounds?" Avram Grant has replaced Gianfranco Zola as boss and
also now has his work permit.
Gold added: "We have to see how Robert feels and consider the new manager's
view. "He will take the squad on a pre-season tour and judge Robert with
everybody else."
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Hammers told to cough up £4m for Nigerian defender
Published 22:30 08/06/10 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
West Ham have been told they must pay £4million to sign Nigeria defender
Apam Onyekachi from Nice. Rennes have already offered £3million for the
23-year-old who helped his country to a silver medal at the Beijing
Olympics.
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Villa leading chase for Bulgarian star Martin Petrov
Published 22:45 08/06/10 By Football Spy
The Mirror
Martin O'Neill wants Manchester City's Martin Petrov to join fellow
Bulgarian Stiliyan at Villa Park. O'Neill hopes to get the international
winger on a free transfer after he was released by Roberto Mancini
yesterday. But he faces competition from Everton, Spurs, Stoke, West Ham and
Bolton who are also interested. Petrov, 31, wants a two-year deal.
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West Ham United interested in signing Hull City midfielder Jimmy Bullard -
report
8 Jun 2010 11:28:00
Goal.com
West Ham United are believed to be interested in signing Hull City
midfielder Jimmy Bullard. The Tigers are crumbling under a mountain of debt,
and have in the past conceded that player sales will be necessary to reduce
a hefty wage bill in an effort to balance the books. Accordingly it has been
widely expected that Bullard - previously reported to be on a £45,000-a-week
salary - will be packed away to the highest bidder this summer. The
injury-prone midfielder was believed to be on his way to Celtic, but The
Lancashire Telegraph reports that the Hammers are now interested in
procuring his services. It is said that new boss Avram Grant will consider
whether the club should sign the player, or bring him on loan to Upton Park.
Newham-born Bullard actually began his professional career with West Ham in
1998, but moved to Peterborough United in 2001 without having made a senior
appearance for the Hammers.
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