WHUFC.com
West Ham United's youth team defeated Arsenal to lift the Southend United
U19 Youth Cup
25.07.2010
West Ham United picked up their first piece of silverware of the new season
as the Under-18s lifted the Southend United U19 Youth Cup. Having defeated
the hosts in a thrilling penalty shoot-out on Saturday, the Hammers returned
to Roots Hall on Sunday afternoon to face reigning FA Premier Academy League
champions Arsenal. The Gunners, who beat Dutch side FC Twente in the
semi-finals, went into the final as favourites, only for West Ham to upset
their north London rivals to the tune of a 2-1 victory. Both sides missed
chances in the early stages before Arsenal took the lead. Jack Werndly, who
had returned from reserve-team duty at Burton Albion on Saturday, then
passed up an opportunity to level the score.
Another of Saturday's reserve-team squad, Danny Subuola, was not so
profligate, firing a low shot into the corner to send the two teams in 1-1
at half-time.
Captained by centre-back Paco Craig, the Hammers continued to press after
the break, with first-year scholar Kenzer Lee firing narrowly wide. The
winner arrived in rather fortunate circumstances when Blair Turgott's shot
was turned past his own goalkeeper by an Arsenal defender. England U17
forward Robert Hall could even afford the luxury of missing a superb chance
to add a third goal late on as West Ham held on comfortably to secure the
trophy for Paul Hilton's side.
The U18s will go into the remainder of their pre-season schedule full of
confidence ahead of the start of the FA Premier Academy League season on
Saturday 21 August. Trips to non-league Great Wakering Rovers on Wednesday
28 July and Heybridge Swifts on Saturday 31 July are next up. Ipswich Town
will welcome the Hammers on Wednesday 4 August before Academy Director Tony
Carr's squad make the short trip to Leyton Orient on Saturday 7 August.
The U18s complete their schedule with away games at Hornchurch on Tuesday 10
August and Norwich City on Saturday 14 August. West Ham ended the 2009/10
campaign fifth in the ten-team Group A table, winning ten, drawing eight and
losing ten of their 28 league matches. The Hammers also reached the FA Youth
Cup fifth round, beating Plymouth Argyle and Queens Park Rangers before
being knocked out by Newcastle United.
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'I hope they learnt a lot'
WHUFC.com
Alex Dyer was encouraged by the performance of his young West Ham United XI
at Burton Albion
24.07.2010
Alex Dyer said his young West Ham United XI would have learned a lot from
Saturday's 4-2 pre-season friendly defeat at Burton Albion. The Hammers,
boasting no fewer than four Academy scholars and five young professionals,
more than held their own against the experienced League Two side. First-year
professional Ahmed Abdulla gave Dyer's team an early lead at the Pirelli
Stadium before American triallist Devann Yao netted to level the score at
2-2 shortly before half-time. Burton made seven second-half substitutions to
West Ham's one and their greater freshness and experience gradually shone
through as the game went on. Despite seeing his side beaten, the
reserve-team manager was proud of his players' efforts in front of a
1,920-strong crowd.
"I didn't learn anything about the lads that I didn't know already," said
Dyer. "They are a hard-working bunch who have worked hard all week in
training and they have put in a hard shift. I hope they have learnt a lot
because they knew they were coming to a League Two club with plenty of
experience and they coped very well. "We came with 15 lads and half of them
are second-year scholars, so it shows the Academy is doing well. The first
team took four or five of my lads to Germany, which is good. I was pleased
with the way they conducted themselves, as well, because I told them to go
out and express themselves.
"The most important thing is that they have to show that they can play at
Football League level. Next year, or even sooner in some cases, these boys
will want to go out on loan to places like Burton, so it was a good chance
for them to show they could match players in League Two."
New Yorker Yao caught the eye with his neat footwork and willingness to take
on defenders, capping an encouraging debut with a spectacular goal. The
20-year-old also linked well with strike partner Abdulla. The front pair,
alongside midfielders George Moncur and Olly Lee and wing-backs Filip
Modelski and Jordan Brown, all impressed, leaving Dyer feeling optimistic
about the future. "Devann came this week and scored a great goal. He put a
shift in and got a bit tired near the end, like most of them did. When you
get a bit tired, you get a bit sloppy but apart from that, they put a good
shift in and I'm happy. "I hope they are all future prospects. Ahmed has got
a good touch and scored a good goal and worked hard. I had a go at him a
couple of times, but I thought he gave 100 per cent for the team, like they
all did. That was just a lack of experience because they are young kids. "I
hope they are the future of the club. That's up to myself and them to want
to be in the first team. It's going to be hard these days for young lads to
get through, but if they're good enough then I'm sure they'll make it to the
next stage."
The reserves return to action at Blue Square South outfit Bishop's Stortford
on Thursday evening, with kick-off at 7.45pm.
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Remy remains on Hammers radar
West Ham face competition from Fenerbahce for French striker
By Patrick Haond Last updated: 25th July 2010
SSN
Nice chairman Gilbert Stellardo has admitted to holding talks with West Ham
regarding Loic Remy. The Hammers are known to have made a move for the
France international striker, but are yet to put a suitable bid on the
table. Talks remain in progress, though, and Avram Grant is determined to
get his man.
Reports have suggested that the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal are also keen
on the 23-year-old frontman, but they have yet to enter negotiations.
Stellardo has revealed that West Ham and Turkish giants Fenerbahce are the
only clubs in the running at the moment, and has hinted that Remy would
welcome a move to Upton Park. "West Ham? Remy is definitely interested," he
is quoted as saying on lequipe.fr. "Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal? I have
heard about their interest but I have had no contact. "The only clubs I have
talked to are West Ham and Fenerbahce. "Fenerbahce have also contacted
Rennes about Asamoah Gyan and Lyon about Bafetimbi Gomis. If either of those
players leave, it is not impossible that their clubs will turn to Loic as
well."
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David Beckham and Ronaldinho tipped for West Ham as owners eye new era at
Olympic Stadium
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 12:54 PM on 25th July 2010
Daily Mail
West Ham United co-owner David Gold believes David Beckham could play a key
role in the club's bid to move into London's Olympic Stadium after the 2012
Games. And the ambitious Hammers have also been linked with a sensational
bid for Brazil star Ronaldinho, whose future at AC Milan remains in doubt.
Sportsmail revealed in May that David Sullivan was hatching a plot to sign
Beckham and the Upton Park money man's partner Gold rates the
Leytonstone-born star as the ideal ambassador to help West Ham win the
right to move into the Olympic venue. 'David Beckham could play a massive
part, because of his roots, in helping West Ham win the Olympic Stadium,'
Gold told the Sunday Express. 'And maybe he can still play for us in the
autumn of his career. For him to join a club like us and help us bring
another dream to fruition would be perfect for everyone. We want him
aboard.'
Meanwhile, a Sunday newspaper claims West Ham are seriously tempted to enter
the race for Ronaldinho's signature. Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi insists
the 30-year-old is not for sale and new San Siro boss Massimiliano Allegri
says the Brazil playmaker is still part of his plans. But the former
Barcelona star has failed to consistently impressed in Italy and has just a
year left on his contract. Talks over a new deal have been pencilled in for
the end of the year, but Ronaldinho is subject to interest from his
favourite team Flamengo, as well as Beckham's LA Galaxy in America. The
two-time FIFA World Player of the Year would fill West Ham's desire to sign
a world icon and they have shown willingness to shell out big wages for the
right man after failing in moves already this summer for Thierry Henry,
Miroslav Klose and Joe Cole. Ronaldinho is thought to earn about £150,000 a
week and would still expect at least £90,000 a week if he is to move,
despite a waning profile.
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West Ham hoping to tempt David Beckham into role at club
David Gold hopes Beckham will help Olympic stadium bid
Hammers also believe midfielder could see out playing career there
guardian.co.uk, Sunday 25 July 2010 11.08 BST
West Ham's co-owner David Gold believes David Beckham could play a key role
in the club's bid to move into London's Olympic Stadium after the 2012
Games.
Gold hopes that the Leytonstone-born Beckham would be the ideal ambassador
to help the club win the right to move into the new facility – and he also
suggested the 35-year-old could end his playing days with West Ham. "David
Beckham could play a massive part, because of his roots, in helping West Ham
win the Olympic Stadium," Gold told the Sunday Express. "And maybe he can
still play for us in the autumn of his career. "For him to join a club like
us and help us bring another dream to fruition would be perfect for
everyone. "
Gold says that the club have spoken to Beckham's representatives in an
attempt to secure his help. "We've had conversations with his people and
made it clear we want him aboard," said Gold. West Ham would like to move
into the Olympic stadium for the 2013-14 season and would share the ground
with Essex county cricket club, who hope to stage Twenty20 games there.
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Weekends Transfer News!
West Ham Till I Die
This weekend has seen some big moves in the transfer market, and West Ham
have apparently stepped up their interest in England international David
Beckham. Playing wise, he could still do a job for West Ham, but not
consistently. At the age of 35, he is certainly in the winter of his playing
career, and he may not get back into the tempo and vigour of the Premier
League after so long away. He would definitely be more of an impact sub
rather than a regular starter, so i'm not sure how much sense it would make
to have him in the team on his wages.
Another player linked with West Ham over the weekend, and who could possibly
be called The David Beckham of the Brazil national team is Ronaldinho. He
could be available for a fee of around £6million but with wages around
£100,000 a week, it would be a very expensive experiment for West Ham.
Although both these players are no longer at their peak, both would no doubt
do a very decent job for The Hammers, and it shows West Ham are trying to
add some flair to the squad, whilst increase revenue as both star names
would guarantee increased merchandise sales.
Reports today also suggest West Ham are close to finalising the deal to sign
France international Francois Clerc. The 27-year old is available on a free
after his Lyon contract ran out and hopefully he will be added to the squad
before the start of the season to bolster the backline.
It is also being said that Lyon or Bordeaux will now win the race to sign
French striker Loic Remy. It's believed he would prefer to stay in France
despite everything he has said about finding the Premier League an
attractive proposition. For me now, i think it would be best for Sullivan to
withdraw his offer and look for other striking options available for a
similar price or cheaper as Remy and Nice have both from the word go being
consistent in stalling on West Ham, are we really prepared to have a player
in our ranks who clearer would rather be at numerous other clubs?
The race for a new no2 goalkeeper also altered again yesterday as Ex Everton
goalkeeper Stephen Wessels played in goal for West Ham yesterday in the
friendly game against Burton. The 31 year old could now be brought in to
play back up to Robert Green and increase competition for the number 1
jersey.
Once again, there are no new signings to report, but by the looks of things,
one could be imminent. However, the thing that is concerning a lot of
Hammers that i no is there may also be a depature soon, but who this is at
the moment remains to be seen with midfielder Valon Beharmi the latest name
being tipped for an exit at the moment.
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Karren Brady: Upton girl with £125m masterplan to save West Ham
'Bonkers' if move to Olympic Stadium falls through, says glamorous chief
executive, who reveals her vision for fans to share season tickets with NFL
and how Irons should aspire to be like Arsenal. Margareta Pagano speaks to
Karren Brady
Sunday, 25 July 2010
DAVID ASHDOWN
The Brady punch: 'I've plans to bus up to 5,000 youngsters, both local and
those who have moved out into more affluent Essex, back to watch matches,'
says Karren Brady
Boris Johnson watch out. Here's a woman after your own heart who knows
exactly what she wants; the Olympic Stadium as the new home for one of the
UK's oldest and finest clubs, West Ham United, which she is convinced will
put the fire back in the belly of East End football. But there's more.
Karren Brady, who's been in the hotseat as vice-chairman of the Hammers for
six months, wants the 80,000-seater stadium to bring "soul into London
sports" by combining football, athletics, cricket and entertainment in one
place, creating a lasting legacy for the UK from the 2012 Olympics.
"I can't see any better use for it than my plan," she says. "At the moment
there is no long-term strategy or future. But my plan is not just to have a
new stadium for West Ham but a real sporting centre for London: we've plans
for joint season tickets with athletics, Twenty20 cricket, rugby, and we are
talking to the NFL.
"West Ham need a bigger stadium as [Upton Park] can hold only 32,000
spectators but we could take 60,000 fans. We would also build a museum –
don't forget West Ham had more players in the 1966 World Cup final than
anybody else. We've had some of the best players in the world – Bobby Moore,
Trevor Brooking – it's endless. Then there's bringing new and old fans back
to the club – I've got plans to bus up to 5,000 youngsters, both local and
those who have moved out into more affluent Essex, back to watch matches,
helping boost our fanbase and grow the club."
There's more. "When teams like Manchester United come to play, we'd have a
proper pitch for them, somewhere good for the players to stay; they could go
to the new Velodrome, the Aquadrome and we'd be helping bring business to
the area, into the hotels and shops. It would help regenerate the whole
area, bring jobs, training, new skills. We've got plans for a school on the
site, working with the community and NHS for new services. Then there is
using it as an arena for bands and shows; the point is we can bring it
altogether. What better legacy could there be?"
Without pausing for breath, Brady answers herself: "Our plan would bring
soul to this part of London which it needs so badly. It would be two big
regenerations schemes in one – our Upton Park site could be developed,
helping the district, and then the area around the Olympic stadium. I think
Boris Johnson understands that if he's not careful, he could have the
largest white elephant ever sitting on his doorstep. He's the ultimate
owner. What a waste that would be."
You don't doubt Ms Brady. And she's got lots of support for her Olympic
pitch – including the local council, Newham, UK Athletics, Essex Cricket
Club, City Airport and, as of last week, Westfield, the Australian property
company who are building the £1.5bn Stratford City redevelopment which plans
to bring shops, hotels, offices and flats into the area.
Brady claims many of the other ideas for the Olympic stadium when the Games
finish are "bonkers". One idea is to rip off the top tier of the stadium to
bring it down to a more manageable 25,000-seater arena, more appropriate for
athletics. "Bonkers," says Brady, simply. "Complete lunacy. Why would you do
it? It's a sin too great to bear to have to rip off the top after all the
work that has gone into building it. Just taking off the roof is estimated
at £38m. All that stuff about the athletics track being in the sight-lines
is a red herring. Even the huge media centre could be turned into a sports
academy."
Brady says her ambitious project will cost about £125m. How on earth will
West Ham, who are still financially under the hammer, find the money? As you
would expect, Brady reels off the numbers; extra money from takings at the
gate, backing from the London Development Agency and other bodies, as well
as "prudential" government loans.
But putting together a proper bid – which will cost the club about £250,000
or more – is why she has asked for a six-month exclusivity period from the
government. "We'll hear by the end of the month whether we've got it – I'm
quietly confident. I would never say I'm 100 per cent sure but I expect to
get it; it's a no-brainer and absolutely right for the club and the
community. It's logical and makes sense."
We meet at Upton Park in her tiny, dark office off one of the many, endless
corridors that circle the ground, with only a small porthole of a window
looking across to a local housing estate: "You should hear some of the
domestics which go on, hilarious," she laughs, "but at least I have a
window, most of the offices don't." One of the first things she did on
joining was to order a refit and building work is nearly finished for an
open-plan office for the 50 or so staff.
"It was like West Ham Country Club – the place and the people were run down,
physically and mentally. My style is to be an honest manager, to tell people
what I expect of them, give them short-term goals and long-term strategy.
You also have to give people self-confidence, self-esteem, and this place
needed a lot of that.
"I've brought in three senior women. There was no diversity – all men – the
sort of men who followed each other everywhere, and eventually off a cliff –
a bit like the bankers during the crash really. There were no systems, no
authority, no communication. Hopefully I have been able to inspire them,
even some of the players, like Kieron Dyer, the midfielder who had been out
with an injury for nearly a year." The injury-plagued Dyer is back playing
again, she adds with real delight.
When I ask how she thought the England team – which had two West Ham
players, Matthew Upson and goalkeeper Robert Green – performed in the World
Cup, she sighs: "Well, it was an anti-climax. In my humble opinion, the team
had Sven – the partying, hard-playing, fun manager and then had Capello who
told them what to wear, what to eat, who to phone. Instead of choosing
someone in between which is what England should have done, it just didn't
seem to work. Some of the team didn't know what they were meant to be
doing."
Big changes at West Ham are also on the cards. "West Ham have had a
difficult time, came close to relegation. That's why we brought in Avram
Grant to replace Gianfranco Zola – who is a really nice guy but not right
for us. The manager is the most important person of all – more important
than David Gold or David Sullivan, far more important than me, I'm just the
chief executive. The manager sets the DNA of the club; if the manager is
upbeat, so is the team, if he's down, so is the team. But Avram seems to
have the right DNA. He comes across as dour on TV but actually he's very
witty, very funny. Arsenal is the club we should aspire to; fantastic
reputation and sound finances. Avram understands the value of money. "
Ah, money. While Brady is working on getting the revenue up and the £110m
debt down, Grant and Gold – who played for the Hammers as a schoolboy – and
Sullivan are looking for new talent and clearing out some dead wood. "We've
got to be realistic, the team needs changing and, yes, everyone is
theoretically up for sale apart from Scott Parker – he is the face and
culture of the club." But they are not in a hurry, although talks are
ongoing with Nice striker Loïc Rémy.
Brady is dressed to kill, a figure-hugging grey sleeveless dress and lots of
expensive bling including a Chopard watch, a present from her husband,
ex-footballer, Paul Peschisolido, now the manager of Burton Albion. Early on
in her career – she was only 23 when she went to Birmingham City – she says
being young and female was a double disability. I doubt even she thinks that
anymore; Brady is still only 41 but her youth and sexiness together with
razor-like business skills seem pretty lethal advantages to me.
"You know," she says, "the biggest criticism I hear about football is that
it's become remote from the fans; you can't see the players anymore, can't
touch them, the only place you do is on the front pages – or back pages – of
the newspaper. Even when they train, they are shrouded in mystery – no one
can get to them and the fans don't see them anymore. I have a vision that we
can create a place at the new stadium where fans and supporters can come and
be part of the club, see the players training, take part in the whole
experience."
It is no wonder Brady is working flat-out as she's invested her own money in
West Ham – a couple of million for a few per cent. Gold and Sullivan paid
£50m for 50 per cent and recently bought a bit more. She's just bought a
small flat in London to be closer because the commute from Birmingham was
getting too hard. But she's still in the office before 8am, doesn't leave
till early evening, when she fits in the other stuff – being on the board of
Sir Philip Green's Top Shop group, Mothercare and Channel Four (although
she's about to step down) – and a new assistant to Lord Sugar on The
Apprentice.
So who do her children support – West Ham or Burton? "Sophia, who is 14,
didn't even know I had left Birmingham until she saw the team sheet at
Chelsea, so she isn't interested – although she's working in the stadium
shop this week. Paolo, who is 11 and wants to be a footballer, supports
both." What about her? "West Ham is a great club and it's hard not to fall
in love with it."
Leaving the stadium, one of West Ham's longest-serving staff, Gill Moore,
now in charge of operations, whispers to me: "See what I mean, she's a
breath of fresh air isn't she?" I'd say more of a tornado.
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WEST HAM EXIT FOR CARLTON COLE AND SCOTT PARKER
Daily Express
Sunday July 25,2010
By Colin Mafham
CARLTON Cole and Scott Parker could both be heading out of West Ham in a
surprise double exit worth more than £20million. Stoke City are lining up a
record £12m swoop for Cole, who would effectively drop down the pecking
order at Upton Park if the Hammers land Nice hotshot Loic Remy, who is also
a target for Arsenal and Liverpool. And, despite claims to the contrary from
co-owner David Sullivan, West Ham will also let Aston Villa have Parker – if
the price is right.
West Ham are also hoping to boost their coffers by at least £10m with a
compensation payout for striker Dean Ashton, who was forced to quit the game
through injury last season. In the meantime the club is understood to have
opened preliminary talks with Stoke about Cole. Potters boss Tony Pulis is a
big fan of the former Chelsea and England striker who he sees as the perfect
target man to lead Stoke's Premier League charge this season. Villa boss
Martin O'Neill will also find the Hammers owners receptive if he bids enough
for Parker as a replacement for James Milner, who looks certain to become
the latest big money recruit at Manchester City. Sullivan and fellow
co-owner David Gold are not particularly desperate to part with Parker – or
Cole. But with Keiron Dyer looking as if he has finally beaten his injury
demons and Mark Noble, Thomas Hitzlesperger, Radoslav Kovic, Valon Behrami
and Junior Stanislav all raring to go in midfield, manager Avram Grant is
confident he is well covered in that department. The Hammers, still heavily
in debt, also need the money.
And they have now trying to speed up their payout for Ashton. He was
originally insured for £7.5million – the amount the Hammers paid Norwich
City for him – but they are seeking up to £20miilion for the loss of a
striker whose career was cut short after he was injured in England duty.
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Lyon threaten to block West Ham move for Remy
25.07.10 | tribalfootball.com
Nice striker Loic Remy's future remains clouded. The Mail on Sunday says
Remy may be denied a move to the Premier League by former club Lyon, who
will have 48 hours to match any offer by West Ham, Liverpool and Arsenal if
cash-strapped Nice agree to sell. Hammers owner David Sullivan was in France
on Thursday to try to seal a deal but Lyon, who have a 15 per cent sell-on
interest, and Bordeaux seem sure to lead the bidding.
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Remy discussions between West Ham and Nice ongoing
26.07.10 | Andrew Slevison
Talks regarding Nice striker Loic Remy remain ongoing as West Ham United are
determined to land the Frenchman. Hammers boss Avram Grant is desperate to
get the 23-year old in a claret and sky blue shirt and is trying to forge an
acceptable offer for the French club. Nice chairman Gilbert Stellardo admits
that discussions are still pushing forward but he played down any rumours
linking Remy with other English clubs. "West Ham? Remy is definitely
interested," he is quoted as saying on lequipe.fr. "Liverpool, Chelsea and
Arsenal? I have heard about their interest but I have had no contact. "The
only clubs I have talked to are West Ham and Fenerbahce."
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West Ham in shock move for Milan's Ronaldinho
25.07.10 | Ian Ferris
According to The People, West Ham are considering bringing the two-time
'World Footballer of the Year' to Upton Park. The 30 year old AC Milan
player is reportedly available for just £6 million, however his excessive
wage demands would still be in excess of £90,000-a-week. The Italians are
keen to offload the former Barcelona playmaker due to financial restraints
put in place by chairman Silvio Berlusconi, who wants to sell Ronaldinho in
a bid to write off his £150,000-a-week wage demands. Other Premier League
club's have made enquiries but only the Hammers are actively pursuing the
player.
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Hammers in shock Ronaldinho link
Jul 25 2010 by Dave Kidd, The People
The People
WEST HAM'S hunt for a superstar signing took a twist last night when they
were offered Ronaldinho. Irons owners David Gold and David Sullivan are
looking into the idea of bringing the two-time World Footballer of the Year
to Upton Park. Ronaldinho only turned 30 in March and is available for
around 6 million pounds though his wage demands would still be upwards of
90,000 pounds-a-week. Several Premier League clubs have been sounded out
about the Brazilian but it is believed that West Ham are the only one to
have shown a real interest. Milan are keen to offload Ronaldinho's 150,000
pounds-a-week deal from their wage bill, leading to his name being
circulated among Premier League clubs. Ronaldinho had looked set for a move
back to Flamengo in his homeland or to an American Major League Soccer side.
But Hammers owners David Sullivan and David Gold are keen to throw money at
a marquee signing, having already failed in major bids for Thierry Henry,
David Beckham and Joe Cole. Former Barcelona and PSG superstar Ronaldinho
would fit the bill as a major glamour signing and he is said to be open to
the idea of trying life in England under Avram Grant. Ronaldinho has been
inconsistent in his two years with Milan but his form had improved by the
end of last term and it was a shock in his homeland when he was axed from
Brazil's World Cup squad by coach Dunga. Ronaldinho was part of the Brazil
team that won the 2002 World Cup, famously scoring the winner in their 2-1
quarter-final victory over England with a 35-yard free-kick over David
Seamans head.
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West Ham set to fly Loic Remy in to seal deal
Jul 25 2010 By Alan Nixon, The People
The People
West Ham are ready to fly in striker Loic Remy tomorrow in a bid to edge out
Liverpool in a 14.3 million pound chase. Hammers supremo David Sullivan
wants Remy's club Nice to let him travel to London to finalise the deal
after making a renewed offer that tops the Kop's valuation. The French club
have agreed with Liverpool to hold on for a few more days until they raise
funds to make a suitable offer but West Ham want to sign him now. Remy, 23,
says he would prefer Liverpool but they have yet to come up with the cash as
they try to move out players and focus on landing defenders. The Hammers
think they can convince Remy to sign for them because they have pushed hard
for a deal while Liverpool have failed to back their interest with a serious
offer. Sullivan proposes that West Ham pay Nice about half of the fee in the
first year as they look to sell Carlton Cole to help boost their kitty. A
further complication is that Nice's agreement with Remy's former club Lyon
means they have five days to match any accepted offer for him. So if the
Hammers can agree a fee, they will still face an anxious wait to see if the
striker wants to stay in France.
Meanwhile, England keeper Robert Green has backed off signing a new contract
at Upton Park. There have been no summer moves for Green, whose howler
against the USA summed up England's dismal World Cup campaign, and the
Hammers thought he would grab the chance of long-term security. However,
Green, 30, has opted to run down his contract, which runs until 2012. He
hopes to impress in his remaining time at West Ham and then move out in a
bargain Bosman deal.
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