WHUFC.com
The man who scored the quickest-ever Boleyn Ground goal has passed away at
the age of 90
27.06.2011
Record-breaking former West Ham United winger Ken Bainbridge has passed away
at the age of 90. Barking-born Bainbridge has the distinction of scoring the
fastest goal at the Boleyn Ground, netting just eleven seconds into the
Hammers' 2-1 Division Two win over Barnsley on 29 August 1949. A winger
blessed with great pace and an eye for goal, Bainbridge was signed from
Leyton, only for his career to be delayed by the Second World War. Having
scored five times in 12 War League South matches, the wideman marked his
senior competitive debut with a goal in a 6-0 FA Cup third-round first leg
victory over Arsenal in January 1946. The No11 made his Football League bow
in a 3-1 home Division Two win over Millwall on 21 September 1946 - the
first of 80 league appearances Bainbridge recorded before leaving east
London for Reading in the summer of 1950. In all, Bainbridge netted 22 goals
in 96 War League, Football League and FA Cup appearances in claret and blue.
Former club-mate Harry Hooper remembered him fondly, saying: "Ken was a
smashing bloke and very conscientious. He gave 100 per cent every time he
played."
Following his departure from West Ham, he maintained his fine scoring record
with the Royals, who he joined in a player-exchange deal that saw Vic
Niblett move to the Boleyn Ground, scoring 35 times in just 97 appearances
between 1950 and 1953. Bainbridge later moved to Southend United, scoring 25
goals in 82 matches before joining Southern League club Chelmsford City in
June 1955. Everybody at West Ham United would like to pass on their sincere
condolences to his family.
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'He knows how to win matches'
WHUFC.com
Martin Allen will have a close eye on West Ham this season for more reasons
than one
27.06.2011
Sam Allardyce will bring "team spirit, unity, organisation and leadership",
according to former Hammers midfielder Martin Allen. The Notts County
manager was unstinting in his praise for his new counterpart at West Ham
United, claiming he was just the man to get his old club promoted. "What a
great manager, a good bloke, a good person," Allen told West Ham TV. "He
knows how to win matches. He has at times been labelled unfairly as direct.
He has brought quality players into Bolton over the years and done a
terrific job. He is just what West Ham need at the moment."
Allen said he was certain the club would be celebrating next May, although
knows the Championship will be a tough challenge - as will his own campaign
with County in League One. "I think West Ham will be champions. Sam will
deal with it and put his mark right across the whole club. "The advantage
this club has got is that it has got has some fantastic young players that
love this club. Sam will give them a vision and he will let every person
that is playing know how exactly he wants to play. "Team spirit, unity,
organisation and leadership from the manager, with a strong character - that
is now what it needs with a relegated club. "These young players, I am sure
with Sam's guidance will grab it by the scruff of the neck and he will bring
in some men to join these young players to take it forward, without a shadow
of doubt."
Allen said he hoped to play a part in the development of the club's next
generation, by taking one or two promising Academy aces on loan to Meadow
Lane. "Sam used to be the manager at Notts County and I have heard he has
still got a soft spot for the club. "No doubt over the next few weeks, I am
going to be ringing up and saying 'Sam can I have some of your players,
please?' and hopefully he will be generous and kind! "Hopefully he will
trust us and me personally to look after maybe some of the younger players
here at West Ham and send them up to us for part of their grounding and
development."
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Season ticket deadline nears
WHUFC.com
Fans should renew their season tickets before 5 July to make sure of their
place for next season
27.06.2011
Yet to renew your season ticket?
Fans can make sure of holding on to their seat for the 2011/12 campaign by
renewing today - with just a week to go until the 5pm deadline on 5 July
when new applicants can choose their place. Those renewing now can also get
a superb 'earlybird' saving and have peace of mind that they will definitely
be there for the big
kick-off in August.
With homegrown players at the core of Sam Allardyce's vision and some
exciting new signings on the way, you can make sure you don't miss a minute
at the Boleyn Ground. With 23 home league matches and priority booking for
cup and away matches, a season ticket is the perfect way to follow the
Hammers.
PURCHASE BEFORE 5PM ON TUESDAY 5 JULY FOR AN EARLY BIRD SAVING
A special online site has been created with all the information for anyone
wanting to renew or indeed apply. CLICK HERE
(http://www.whemail.co.uk/2011ST/index.html ) for all the latest
information, including application forms and finance offers OR CALL 0871 222
2700.
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Ins and outs: latest
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 26th June 2011
By: Staff Writer
It looks like being another busy week in the transfer market for Sam
Allardyce and West Ham. The new Hammers boss has been busy chasing a number
of targets over the past few days having already secured the services of
Kevin Nolan and Abdoulaye Faye. And with just 21 pros left on the books
following the latest batch of departures - including the likes of Manuel Da
Costa and Radoslav Kovac - Allardyce could be looking at several new
arrivals in the next few weeks. One player strongly linked over the weekend
was Stoke 'keeper Thomas Sorensen, who is up for grabs having lost his first
team spot. The 35-year-old Dane is entering the final year of his contract
with the Potters. Elsewhere the long-running saga with Peterborough striker
Craig Makail-Smith appears set to reach a conclusion this week with the
27-year-old likely to agree terms with his new club in the next few days.
West Ham remain favourites to clinch his signing despite interest from
Premier League new-boys Norwich City.
Other news over the weekend concerned a move for Leeds United Player of the
Year Max Gradel, who has been interesting a number of Premier League clubs.
The rumour mill has the Ivorian moving to West Ham for a fee worth in the
region of £2.5million. Meanwhile young winger James McLean - who was first
linked with a move to West Ham here on KUMB.com last week - is said to be
close to tying up a £400,000 switch from Derry City.
Finally former Portsmouth star Michael Brown has been linked with a move to
the Boleyn Ground. The 34-year-old combatative midfielder was released by
Pompey at the end of last season.
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Hitzlsperger set to decide
German weighing up options
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated: June
27, 2011 10:43am
SSN
Thomas Hitzlsperger is set to make a decision on his future this week,
skysports.com understands. The Germany international is available on a free
transfer from West Ham United after taking advantage of a clause in his
contract allowing him to leave if they were relegated from the Premier
League. Interest has been mounting in the 29-year-old who finished the
season in excellent fashion after missing the first half of the campaign
through injury. Now the former Aston Vila man is weighing up his options,
and skysports.com understands he has fielded offers from a number of Premier
League clubs. But interest on the continent is also strong with deals in
Italy, Spain, France and his homeland Germany also on the table.
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Foxes in Mackail-Smith bid
Posh striker has already turned down moves to QPR and Norwich
Last Updated: June 27, 2011 10:27am
SSN
Peterborough United's director of football Barry Fry has confirmed the club
have accepted an offer from Leicester City for Craig Mackail-Smith. The
Championship new boys are prepared to let the striker leave London Road over
the summer and there are a string of clubs chasing Mackail-Smith. Fry claims
the Scotland international has already turned down moves to Premier League
duo Norwich City and Queens Park Rangers, while West Ham United have seen an
offer rejected. Posh expect the Hammers to return with another bid, while
Fry is waiting to learn the outcome of Mackail-Smith's impending talks with
Leicester boss Sven Goran Eriksson. "We have accepted a bid from Leicester,"
said Fry in the Leicester Mercury. "Their manager Sven Goran Eriksson is out
of the country at the moment, but was due to speak to Craig over the
weekend. "I have had several conversations with West Ham, but we have turned
down their bid. I am certain they will be back. "Craig is facing a tough
decision. He turned down Norwich and he has now turned down QPR."
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Leeds United: West Ham United in Gradel link
By Phil Hay
Published on Monday 27 June 2011 08:40
Yorkshire Evening Post
West Ham United are being strongly linked with Max Gradel as an increasing
number of clubs monitor the winger's contractual situation at Leeds United.
Gradel is strongly rumoured to be on the radar of West Ham manager Sam
Allardyce, a week after newly-promoted Premier League side Swansea City
emerged as suitors for the Ivory Coast international. Speculation is once
again surrounding Gradel, as it did in January when Newcastle United were
credited with a close interest in him. A summer bid from the Tyneside club
is understood to be unlikely but Gradel's first full season at Elland Road
has generated a growing number of admirers.
Gradel scored 18 goals for United last term, earning him the club's player
of the year award, and Leeds manager Simon Grayson intends to keep him at
Elland Road beyond the end of the August transfer deadline. But the
23-year-old's contract runs out in June of 2012 and Leeds are not believed
to have made Gradel an offer to extend his deal. Gradel has previously
indicated his willingness to remain in West Yorkshire next season, saying:
"The opportunity this club gave me changed my career. I owe a lot of thanks
to Leeds and I want to stay. I mean that."
Grayson agreed to the sale of goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel last week,
accepting a seven-figure bid from Leicester City, but he would be more
reluctant to see Gradel depart before the Championship term begins.
Schmeichel's proposed move to Leicester remained up in the air this morning
despite a Twitter account belonging to the Dane claiming yesterday that he
was to remain at Elland Road. Leeds later announced that the account had
been hacked and the comments were not posted by Schmeichel.
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Exclusive - Parlour: Parker signing could soften blow of losing Fabregas and
Nasri
By talkSPORT
Monday, June 27
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour believes signing Scott Parker could soften the
blow of losing both Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. Both players have been
linked with moves away from the club to Barcelona and Manchester United
respectively. Now the former Gunners star has claimed the West Ham
midfielder can help Arsene Wenger's team recover from the loss and push them
on to domestic and European honours. Speaking to the Alan Brazil Sports
Breakfast show, Parlour said: "I reckon Arsenal need three players. "Scott
Parker is going at West Ham, bring him in, he'd be excellent just in front
of the back four and there's an opportunity to get him. "They also need
somebody at the back who can play centre-half, a real stopper like a Sol
Campbell, who puts his body there and makes sure Arsenal don't concede
goals. "If they can get someone like that it would be excellent. They also
need a striker as well but they've got a decent squad and they'll have a
chance. "Every Arsenal fan out there who is a little bit worried, don't
panic just yet as there's a long way to go before the start of the season.
"I'm just hoping they can find that right player or right players to really
push them to challenge Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and
Liverpool who will be strong next year."
Parlour went on to state that it would be a disaster for Arsenal to lose
both Fabregas and Nasri this summer. He went on to say: "We're talking about
£35million for Cesc Fabregas. "Maybe they should take that and put the money
elsewhere in the squad. "I do think it's important though to keep Samir
Nasri and it would be a disaster if they lose both of them. "If you lose
Fabregas, maybe Nasri can step in and play the role that Cesc does just
behind the front two."
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Leicester and West Ham chasing Mackail-Smith
http://www.bournelocal.co.uk
By Alan Swann
Published on Monday 27 June 2011 10:54
Championship rivals Leicester City and West Ham have emerged as favourites
to land Posh striker Craig Mackail-Smith. Club director of football Barry
Fry has confirmed that Posh have accepted a bid for their prize asset from
Leicester and that they are also in negotiations with West Ham.
Mackail-Smith has already rejected the chance to move into the Premier
League with Norwich City and QPR. Fry also confirmed that Posh are hoping to
sign Manchester United midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe on loan for the entire
season and that an offer has been made to out-of-contract Yeovil defender
Craig Alcock. Fry said: "We have accepted a bid from Leicester. Their
manager Sven Goran Eriksson is out of the country at the moment, but was due
to speak to Craig over the weekend. "I have had several conversations with
West Ham, but we have turned down their bid. I am certain they will be back.
"Craig is facing a tough decision. He turned down Norwich and he has now
turned down QPR.
"Craig met QPR manager Neil Warnock and was impressed with him, but he
wanted assurances that Neil would still be manager at the start of the
season and didn't get them. "Ryan Tunnicliffe is a player we are interested
in and the manager is trying to secure his services for the season. "We have
also spoken to Craig Alcock. He is a player we like as he can play at
right-back, centre-back or in midfield, but he has just had an operation and
is out for four weeks. "Ideally we want three or four new players here in
time for them to fly out with the first team squad to their training camp in
Portugal next weekend."
Posh are understood to want in the region of £3 million for Mackail-Smith.
Wigan and Everton have also been linked with the 27 year-old. Tunnicliffe is
a 19 year-old central midfielder who was awarded a professional contract at
Old Trafford on his 17th birthday after graduating from United's Academy
system. He has yet to make a Football League appearance. Alcock (23) has
made over 100 appearances for Yeovil, his sole professional club.
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West Ham striker Cole wants to stay at the club
London24
Matt Diner
Monday, June 27, 2011
10:57 AM
Carlton Cole doesn't use twitter any more and if you happened to come across
some of the abuse which was directed towards him on the social network site,
you would understand why. Accusations of laziness and not caring about the
club were two of the less graphic statements directed at the 27-year-old,
but while the likes of Manuel da Costa and Radoslav Kovac couldn't wait to
leave the club, Cole wants to stay. He understands he may have to be sold,
but has no qualms about playing Championship football and helping the east
Londoners get back into the top flight. West Ham were the club who gave him
a chance. He was never given a real opportunity to prove himself at Chelsea
and after unsuccessful loan spells at Aston Villa, Charlton and Wolves it
was at the Hammers who got the best out of him.
There is no doubt that Cole is a confidence player and when the boss at the
time Gianfranco Zola gave him that belief he repaid him.
Twelve goals in the 2008-09 season and 10 the season after showed a rapid
improvement from a player who had never been able to make double figures in
his professional career, but it was ability in and around the penalty area
which was so valuable. Super strong in the air he gave the side a focal
point, while he was almost unstoppable running at goal. "Carlton is a humble
boy and sometimes he's too quiet. He just needed to realise how good he
was," Zola said in September 2009.
"He didn't realise what he was capable of doing. We tried to stick with him
and show him what he was doing and what he was good at, looking after him
and every aspect of his game, including the mental approach. He's realised
he's a good player and that's made the difference."
Last season was a completely different story as Cole struggled to find any
kind of form and although his power in the air could not be questioned his
performances could. A lot of the blame for the Hammers' poor scoring record
was attributed to the striker, but playing him as a lone front man receiving
little support was down to Avram Grant. His outburst after the 3-0 defeat
to Liverpool in November showed how much he cares for the club, while his
claim that the team needed to 'change its attitude' showed his frustration
at the manager's tactics. It's clear the Israeli failed to install the
confidence in him that Zola could. Sam Allardyce has a chance to do just
that and if he manages to get near the production that Zola did, West Ham
will not only have a player who would succeed in the Championship, but the
Premier League as well.
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