WHUFC.com
West Ham United enjoyed another productive day as their pre-season training
camp drew to a close
13.07.2011
The hard work continued on the fifth day of West Ham United's pre-season
training camp in Switzerland. While the early-evening Uhren Cup meeting with
Swiss Super League champions FC Basel took centre-stage on Wednesday, the
Hammers squad were hard at work soon early in the morning. The players and
staff congregated at the swimming pool in the team hotel at 7am, enjoying a
gentle stretch before doing a few lengths to soothe aching muscles. After
breakfast, the squad hopped on their mountain bikes for the two-mile ride to
the training complex on the outskirts of Spiez - the picturesque town on the
banks of Lake Thun that has played host to the Hammers since last Friday.
There, manager Sam Allardyce and his coaching staff put the players through
a series of passing and finishing drills before enjoying a game of 11v11 and
walking through a number of tactical situations. After threatening to
unleash a downpour on Spiez all morning, the heavens finally opened at
midday, with the dark grey clouds obscuring the nearby mountains and rain
falling heavily. After lunch, a rest and a pre-match meal, the squad boarded
the team coach for the hour-long drive to Grenchen for the meeting with
Basel. The Swiss champions controlled much of the first half, with
Switzerland Under-21 star Xherkan Shakiri catching the eye with his elusive
skills and powerful shooting. West Ham held firm until half-time, but went
behind shortly afterwards when North Korea international Kwang-Ryong Pak
headed Granit Xhaka's lofted cross into the net from six yards. To the
Hammers' immense credit, they refused to buckle under the pressure exerted
by the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, who have been back in training for
a month and begin their domestic season on Saturday. The reward came with 15
minutes remaining when Olly Lee robbed Cabral before being brought down
inside the penalty area by the midfielder. Junior Stanislas showed
confidence and composure to roll the resulting spot-kick into the bottom
left-hand corner. Unfortunately for West Ham, they were unable to remain on
level terms, despite having much the better of the closing stages of the
game. With just seconds to go, Julien Faubert was harshly penalised for a
foul on Pak and the referee pointed to the spot, allowing substitute Gilles
Yapi to slam the ball into the top right-hand corner from 12 yards. While
the disappointment among the West Ham players was evident, it was that the
hard work that they have put in will pay off come the visit of Cardiff City
on 7 August.
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FC Basel 2-1 West Ham United FT
WHUFC.com
All the action as it happened on a night when Kevin Nolan was skipper on his
Hammers bow
13.07.2011
FC BASEL v WEST HAM UNITED
UHREN CUP
WEDNESDAY 13 JULY 2011
KICK-OFF: 7.30PM (6.30PM LONDON TIME)
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Final score - FC Basel 2-1 West Ham
That's it. The final whistle blows after a last-chance for the Hammers
finishes with Hall crossing into the keeper's hands. Basel win the Uhren Cup
for the 12th time, while West Ham can reflect on two competitive matches at
the start of their pre-season programme.
93 mins - GOAL! - Yapi takes it and scores with a shot in the top right-hand
corner. That's hard luck on the young Hammers, having looked like earning a
draw against strong opposition.
91 mins - Faubert concedes a penalty. A long through-ball was controlled on
the chest by Pak, who goes down under Faubert's challenge.
90 mins - What a chance. Cole does brilliantly to hold the ball up and
releases the overlapping Faubert. The Frenchman is ten yards from goal but
the cross is too strong and it goes behind. Basel then break away but the
outstanding Tomkins shows great positional sense to cut out an attempted
cross.
89 mins - Tomkins and Stanislas have played the whole game and looked among
the brightest Hammers on view. Stech has also done well overall with some
good saves. Hall, at only 17, has not done himself any harm with a lively 90
minutes.
88 mins - The corner comes to nothing and still the rain comes down. These
are terrible conditions.
87 mins - Boa Morte is dispossesed on the edge of the box by Cabrai, who
thunders a shot against the crossbar. The ball bounces back to the same
player and he tests Stech with a rasping shot. Well done the goalkeeper with
a good save. Seconds later, Cabrai tries his luck again and wins a corner
with a shot that deflects off Tomkins.
86 mins - The announcer has just asked the travelling Hammers fans to stay
behind for ten minutes after the game.
85 mins - A fantastic tackle there from Brown. The young defender looks over
his thigh injury problems from last season.
84 mins - Either side could win this. The manager will be happy with the
application of his men against a team about to start the defence of their
Swiss title.
83 mins - Montano performs a timely interception to stop Pak going through.
82 mins - Stech had to be alert there to deny another Basel attack this time
from Buess. Up the other end, Faubert finds Cole but the move breaks down.
80 mins - Voser cuts in from the left wing before flashing a shot wide of
the far post from 20 yards. That was close and it was his last contribution
before being replaced by Roman Buess.
79 mins - Quick formation update. Cole is partnering Piquionne. Brown is
centre-half alongside Tomkins, with Montano at left-back. Hall has moved to
left wing. Allardyce has seven Academy graduates on the pitch and the
homegrown Hammers are not letting him down.
77 mins - Carlton Cole is on for skipper Faye. He looks up for it.
77 mins - Granit Xhaka is off to be replaced by Gilles Yapi.
75 mins - GOAL! - Stanislas keeps his nerve, despite the fans going wild
behind the goal, and sends the keeper the wrong way. That was a good
penalty.
75 mins - Penalty to West Ham. Lee intercepts a pass from Cabrai and is
through on goal. The same player brings him down just inside the area as he
shapes to shoot.
74 mins - Boa Morte shakes hands with Xhaka, who is fit to continue.
73 mins - Boa Morte executes what looked a good tackle on Granit Xhaka. He
is penalised by the referee, though, much to his surprise. Xhaka needs
treatment. During the break in play, the Hammers are taking in a drink on
the sidelines.
71 mins - Faubert and Tomkins to clear from two crosses in quick succession.
Alert defending there.
70 mins - A curling cross from Stanislas on the right just eludes Montano.
That was close. The youngsters are taking the game to their opponents as we
enter the last 20 minutes.
69 mins - Despite the poor weather, it hasn't stopped the small cluster of
Hammers fans breaking out into Bubbles. It remains to be seen if they will
have an equaliser to cheer on what is proving a competitive work-out.
67 mins - A cross from the right, Stech mis-handles and Pak had an empty net
from six yards but managed to pull his shot wide.
65 mins - Shaqiri is coming off after a man of the match display. He is
being replaced by Pascal Schurpf.
64 mins - Cabrai brings down Piquionne 25 yards out. Stanislas and Boa Morte
are over the ball. The younger man takes it as it favours a right-footer and
hits a fantastic free-kick. It dips over the wall, hits the inside of the
left-hand post, spins behind the goalkeeper across the line and eventually
goes out for a goal-kick.
62 mins - Another change for the Hammers. Ilunga is going off to be replaced
by Jordan Brown.
61 mins - Apologies for the break in coverage. Poor weather here in Grenchen
has affected the internet connection. During the break in coverage, Stech
made two good saves from Shaqiri, who also found time to shoot wide on
another occasion.
53 mins - GOAL! - Granit Xhaka races through the middle before drawing Stech
and, after twisting away from Faye, chipping the ball to the far post where
Pak headed the ball into the empty net from six yards.
46 mins - We have made five changes. Off go Spence, Reid, O'Brien, Nolan and
Sears. On come Faubert, Faye, Lee, Boa Morte and Montano. Basel have brought
on Marcel Herzog in goal for Colomba.
Half-time score - FC Basel 0-0 West Ham United
Judging by the number of West Ham players warming up on the pitch, I think
we could see a few changes at the break.
46 mins - After just a few seconds of added-time, the half-time whistle is
blown. West Ham have had a few decent moments, while Stech has looked very
safe in goal. Basel held the upper hand, though, and could easily have gone
in ahead at the break.
45 mins - I wish my keyboard had a 'Shaqiri' key! The No17 shoots
right-footed this time from the edge of the box. The ball flashes no more
than a yard wide of the post. Not long until the break.
43 mins - You're probably getting sick of hearing his name, but Shaqiri is
there again. Robbing Nolan and shooting left-footed. Reid gets in the way.
Corner. After some penalty-area pinball, Tomkins clears his lines.
42 mins - Hall is caught in possession and Basel break. Thankfully, it's
right-back Taulant Xhaka who leads the charge and his shot flies over the
crossbar.
41 mins - It's absolutely chucking it down out there. Stech has to watch the
ball carefully and his handling is superb as he collects Granit Xhaka's low
shot.
40 mins - Shaqiri is all over the pitch. This time he pops up on the right
and although O'Brien slows him down, he wins a corner off Spence. The cross
comes in and Spence himself heads powerfully clear. The right-back has
caught the eye tonight. He's a confident and intelligent player and drew
praise from Allardyce following Monday's game against BSC Young Boys.
38 mins - Basel have undoubtedly been the better team in terms of possession
and territory, but then I doubt they were up swimming at 7am and had a
training session this morning! Sam Allardyce has said he wanted his players
to be 'slightly fatigued' going into these matches.
36 mins - O'Brien gives the ball to Shaqiri about 25 yards out. The little
man shoots, but the ball loops off Tomkins and behind for a corner. Shaqiri
takes it and the ball hits a couple of players before dropping into the arms
of a grateful Stech.
35 mins - Basel look a decent side, as you might expect. They come again
through the middle, but Ilunga is in the right place to make a strong
sliding challenge to deny Pak inside the box. Moments later, Shaqiri slides
a pass through for Frei, but Stech gets just enough of a boot on it to slow
the ball down. Reid runs in and thumps the ball away from about three yards
from the line. Good save.
33 mins - West Ham win a corner. Stanislas crosses and Tomkins heads
powerfully on goal. Colomba scrambles the ball away before a defender puts
it behind. The second corner is short and easily cleared at the near post.
31 mins - For those wondering about Carlton Cole, he trained fully with the
squad this morning, but is a little behind in fitness terms. He is here in
Grenchen this evening cheering on his team-mates. On the pitch, a cross from
the left is well claimed by Stech.
27 mins - Argh! That isso close to an opening goal for the Hammers. Sears is
fouled inside the Basel half and Tomkins lifts a free-kick to the edge of
the six-yard box. The ball hits a defender, but just won't drop to Piquionne
or Sears. Basel break again and it's that man Shaqiri testing Stech with
another low shot. Again, the Czech is equal to it.
26 mins - Shaqiri teases Ilunga before cutting inside and running along the
face of the penalty area. He shoots left-footed, but it's straight at Stech,
who collects.
23 mins - That's cracking football from West Ham. Hall holds up play before
Sears sends Spence away down the right touchline. He beats a man before
standing the ball up for Piquionne at the far post. He rises high, but his
header hits Abraham and flies out for a corner. Basel clear and work the
ball crossfield before it is laid inside for Granit Xhaka. He shoots
unchallenged from 30 yards, but the effort does not trouble Stech. The game
is warming up.
21 mins - Chances at both ends in the space of 30 seconds! First, right-back
Taulant Xhaka crosses, Stech palms the ball away and then kicks it out for a
corner under pressure from Cabrai. West Ham clear through Nolan and Sears is
found by Piquionne. He cuts inside one defender and shoots low. Colomba can
only parry before collecting at the second attempt.
20 mins - Shaqiri crosses and Pak challenges Tomkins. The ball loops miles
into the air and Stech has to be confident and careful to make the catch
above the threatening striker.
18 mins - Another cross from the left, but it's too high for Granit Xhaka as
he flings himself forward to try to head the ball. The Swiss champions have
taken the upper hand in the past few moments. As I type, Sears races down
the right and crosses, but the bouncing ball is too strong for Piquionne to
control.
17 mins - This game has a nice ebb and flow to it. Basel come again and
Spence slides in to concede a corner. The right-back himself volleys clear
at the near post.
16 mins - Piquionne works the left channel and wins a corner. Hall takes it
short and receives the ball back before crossing. Tomkins rises high but
cannot direct his header on goal. Basel break and O'Brien brings down
Shaqiri. The Irishman is booked.
15 mins - Real quality from Shaqiri, who delays his pass before slotting the
ball through for the overlapping Wieser. He cuts the ball back, but Granit
Xhaka completely misses his kick and Nolan can clear to halfway.
12 mins - Little Shaqiri is a real talent. He dances past Ilunga and is
brought down by Nolan. Free-kick. He has been likened to Messi, and you can
see why. He is short, stocky and has a low centre of gravity. The free-kick
is floated in and Ajeti glances his header well wide.
11 mins - The rain is coming down quite hard again. A host of umbrellas have
gone up on the far side. The Basel fans are made of tougher stuff, though.
No umbrellas in their end of the stadium! A few have even chosen to take
their shirts off.
10 mins - The Hammers threaten again as Spence crosses low, but Sears cannot
control inside the penalty area.
9 mins - Good strong play from Spence and Piquionne down the right. The
Frenchman chests a high ball and beats one man before winning a throw. West
Ham starting to gain the ascendancy as the Basel fans to my right burst into
song.
7 mins - That's a good chance for West Ham. Hall picks up a pass and West
Ham have a three-on-two break. Hall has Stanislas and Piquionne on either
side. He tries to pick out Stanislas, but the ball ricochets back into his
path. Hall shoots right-footed, but it's straight at Colomba in the Basel
goal.
6 mins - Left winger Voser comes forward before crossing high into the box.
The ball is cleared again and Cabrai picks up possession about 30 yards out.
He shifts the ball on to his right foot and blasts a shot out of the
stadium.
5 mins - Shaqiri makes some space by running through the middle before
playing the ball wide left for full-back Wieser. His cross is headed clear
by Nolan but the ball is worked to Granit Xhaka, who fires a warning shot a
couple of yards wide of the far post.
2 mins - Not much action of note early on. Winston Reid makes a clearance
and the ball drops to Piquionne. He turns and runs, but his attempted pass
for Stanislas runs out of play.
7.30pm - West Ham get things underway kicking towards the mountains to my
left.
7.28pm - Kevin Nolan leads out the Hammers for the first time. After the
handshakes and a team photograph, it's time to kick-off.
7.26pm - Kick-off is rapidly approaching and we should see both teams very
soon. The stadium is filling up late on, so we should have a decent-size
crowd in after all.
7.23pm - The Uhren Cup itself is on a stand at the mouth of the tunnel. It
is HUGE! Try to picture the European Cup and you've got a good idea of what
it looks like. Massive.
7.20pm - A fair few West Ham fans are dotted around the stadium, which is
sadly not very full. I wonder whether the wet weather has kept a lot of
supporters away? To my left is a huge flag adorned with the cross hammers
and Thamesmead. Great work. That's a fair old trek to make for a pre-season
match. Hopefully they will be rewarded with a victory.
7pm - The FC Basel team has been announced - Colomba, Ajeti, Voser, T.Xhaka,
Shaqiri, Abraham, F.Frei, Cabrai, Wieser, G.Zhaka and Pak. The Swiss club's
substitutes are: Herzog, Park, Dragovic, Schurpf, Huggel, Yapi, Steinhofer,
Zoua, Buess and Paiva. So, there is no Alexander Frei to worry about this
evening, which will be a boost to the Hammers. The striker has been in hot
form and netted a hat-trick against Hertha BSC on Monday night. Saying that,
Xherdan Shaqiri is a real talent and caught the eye at the recent UEFA
European U21 Championship finals.
7pm - The two teams are out on the pitch for their pre-match warm-ups. West
Ham are wearing their away kit of blue and claret shirts, blue shorts and
blue socks for the first time. FC Basel, as the home team, will wear their
regular red and dark blue colours.
6.55pm - Just to fill you in with the team news. Mark Noble is on his own
personal training programme at the moment due to his stomach injury at the
end of last season. Scott Parker, Jack Collison and Robert Green have only
been back in pre-season training since last Thursday. All four will hope to
be involved in a competitive pre-season match soon.
6.41pm - Sitting just along the stand from me is Eberhart Munke, a German
West Ham fan who lived in London in the 1970s and attended his first Hammers
game at Wembley in 1975 - the FA Cup final! Eberhart has taken a few days
off work to watch his beloved team in action and was a welcome visitor at
the training complex this morning.
6.33pm - The PA system is playing a song called 'Home and Dry'. Very droll.
It's soaking wet here and there is a team of stewards running around wiping
all the bright blue plastic seats with cloths.
6.32pm - West Ham United's starting XI will be Stech, Spence, Reid, Tomkins,
Ilunga, Sears, O'Brien, Nolan, Stanislas, Hall and Piquionne. The
substitutes are Boffin, Faubert, Boa Morte, Faye, Moncur, Montano, Nouble,
Lee, Brown and Hernani.
6.30pm - Well, the scene is very different in Grenchen than it was 48 hours
ago, when the stadium was bathed in warm sunshine. This evening, it is grey
and wet - but still warm - in central Switzerland. The team arrived 90
minutes ahead of kick-off following an hour-long drive from the team hotel
in Spiez. West Ham's starting XI and substitutes have been named, with Kevin
Nolan making his Hammers debut here against FC Basel.
Welcome to the picturesque Bruhl Stadium in the town of Grenchen in central
Switzerland. This evening, West Ham United will contest their second
pre-season match in the shape of a meeting with Swiss champions FC Basel as
part of the Uhren Cup tournament. The fixture could see summer signing Kevin
Nolan make his debut in a claret and blue shirt. The midfielder has worked
hard in training this week and his improved fitness may see manager Sam
Allardyce hand him a run out against the RotBlau. Nolan is one of a number
of experienced players who could feature against Basel, having missed
Monday's 2-1 Uhren Cup defeat by BSC Young Boys at the same venue. Winston
Reid, Herita Ilunga, Junior Stanislas and Frederic Piquionne are expected to
start, but internationals Robert Green, Scott Parker and Jack Collison are
likely to have to wait for their first taste of action. At the other end of
the age-scale, England Under-18 forward Robert Hall could be handed a
starting berth after impressing as a second-half substitute against Young
Boys. While results are unimportant at this time of the season, Basel can
lift the Uhren Cup with victory over the Hammers after beating Hertha BSC
3-0 on Monday, while a draw for West Ham will see them finish third ahead of
the German side. A big win for Allardyce's men could even see them leapfrog
tonight's opponents into second place behind Young Boys, who overcame Hertha
BSC 4-2 in their other fixture. Basel are a strong side that includes many
high-quality players, including Switzerland internationals Benjamin Huggel,
Marco Streller and Alexander Frei, as well as highly-rated youngsters
Xherdan Shaqiri and Taulant Xhaka and former West Ham and Czech Republic man
Radoslav Kovac. A large crowd is expected in Grenchen tonight, with around
8,000 fans expected to pack into the stadium. Basel's supporters are a
particularly colourful bunch if Monday's match is anything to go by, when
many stripped to the waist and lit flares in on the terraces. Following this
evening's game, West Ham return to action on Saturday at Blue Square South
side Bishop's Stortford. Kick-off at Woodside Park is at 3pm, with whufc.com
providing live text updates for those who cannot make it in person.
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Hammers and the Mayor's Show
WHUFC.com
The Newham Mayor's Show will bring a flavour of West Ham United to thousands
of visitors this weekend
13.07.2011
West Ham United will once again be well represented at the Newham Mayor's
Show this coming Saturday (16 July). The club's Community Sports Trust will
be out in force at the huge weekend-long event in Central Park, High Street
South, East Ham, delivering a range of Olympic multisport activities between
2pm and 6pm. The Trust's locally recruited coaches will be delivering
coaching and game related competitions to youngsters in handball, tennis and
volleyball, along with their obvious expertise in football. They will also
be on hand for healthy living demonstrations and advice for adults and
families including Boxercise sessions and circuit training.
Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales said: "Newham Council is a key provider of
sport and we have the largest community sports programme in London,
delivered with our partners including the West Ham United Community Sports
Trust who are a recognised leader in their field. "Last year more than
50,000 people came along during the two days of the show to enjoy the
various free and fun activities on offer. The West Ham coaches put on a
great show for people of all ages and abilities and I am looking forward to
more of the same on Saturday and being able to take part in some of their
sessions.
"The Mayor's Newham Show is a great way for people to do things together.
There will be something for everyone, including a chance to talk to people
from the club and the council about our joint plans for the Olympic Stadium
in Stratford and for the wider regeneration of the borough."
Community Chief Executive Mick King is looking forward to what will be a
flagship event in a busy summer of Trust activities. "We are delighted to be
providing such a wide range of Olympic activities to young people this
summer. It is important to enable local participants to take ownership of
the global games and to associate the experience with West Ham United.
"Offering Olympic activities at the Mayor's show is an excellent example of
how the vibrant communities of Newham respond to the Olympic aspirations of
the club and the council."
The success of these events is designed to flag up the importance that East
Londoners of all ages and backgrounds are able to pursue healthy, active
lifestyles and to engage with Olympic sports as enthusiastic participants.
The Trust's summer "baton" will be passed on to a vibrant range of
activities listed below aswe encourage East Londoners to pursue and achieve
their "personal best".
It is important to enable East Londoners of all ages and backgrounds to
pursue healthy, active lifestyles and to engage with Olympic sports as
enthusiastic participants
You can join the team at these times and venues across the summer completely
FREE of charge;
Week 1
MULTI-SPORTS & COMPETITION, PLASHET PARK, EAST HAM
Monday 25 to Friday 29 July 2011
Time: 10am - 12pm (8-11s) and 1pm - 3pm (12-18s)
Week 2
MULTI-SPORTS & COMPETITION, WHUCST TRAINING GROUND, BECKTON
Monday 1 to Friday 5 August
Time: 10am - 12pm (Age: 8-11) and 1pm - 3pm (Age: 12-18)
DISABILITY FOOTBALL, WHUCST TRAINING GROUND, BECKTON
Monday 1, Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 August 2011
Time: 10am - 2pm
Age: 10-25 years
TENNIS & FOOTBALL, LANGDON SCHOOL, EAST HAM
Monday 8 to Friday 12 August 2011
Time: 10am - 2pm
Age: 8-16 years
Week 3
FOOTBALL, LANGDON SCHOOL, EAST HAM
Monday 8 to Friday 12 August
Time: 10am-2pm
Age: 8-16 years
Week 4
MULTI-SPORTS & COMPETITION, STRATFORD PARK, STRATFORD
Monday 15 to Friday 19 August
Time: 1pm-3pm
Age: 8-18 years
Week 5
MULTI-SPORTS & COMPETITION, CENTRAL PARK, EAST HAM
Monday 15 to Friday 19 August
Time: 1pm-3pm
Age: 8-18 years
MULTI-SPORTS & COMPETITION, PRIORY PARK
Monday 15 to Friday 19 August
Time: 2pm- 4pm
Age: 8-11 years
Week 6
MULTI-SPORTS, WHUCST TRAINING GROUND, BECKTON
Monday 29 August to Friday 2 September
Time: 10am - 12pm
Age: 8-11 years
Time: 1pm-3pm
Age: 12-18 years
DISABILITY FOOTBALL, WHUCST TRAINING GROUND, BECKTON
Monday 29, Tuesday 30, Wednesday 31 August
Time: 10am-2pm
Age: 10-25 years
All abilities welcome. For more information please contact Jonny Wright on
jwright@westhamunited.co.uk: 0207 473 7729 / 07944 770891
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Parker bid rejected
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 13th July 2011
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have rejected a bid of £7million for Scott Parker from Aston Villa,
according to unconfirmed reports. The Daily Mail say that United have turned
down Villa's offer which is said to be close to - but crucially lower - than
the club's asking price for the England midfielder. With Tottenham
apparently out of contention following the recent tensions between the two
clubs Chelsea are said to be the only other side in contention for Parker's
signature. A temporary deal with the Blues certainly had David Sullivan
salivating at the prospect earlier in the day when he spoke effusively to
Sky Sports in favour of sending Parker out on loan for a season.
Understandably too, should the Mail's suggestion that West Ham are looking
for what would appear to be a rather unrealistic fee of £4.5million be
correct. However Sullivan's vision of Parker returning to the club after a
season away should West Ham manage to achieve promotion next season isn't
one shared by many fans who feel that should Parker leave the club, it
should be for good. The thought of the thrice-crowned Hammer of the Year
returning to the Boleyn Ground only once the club has regained its Premier
League status does not sit easily with many supporters, many of whom are fed
up with the constant speculation regarding his future and are keen for the
matter to be resolved.
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Parr for the course?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 13th July 2011
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are one of a number of clubs being linked with a move for Norweigan
international Jonathan Parr. The distinctly English-sounding Scandinavian is
currently being touted around a number of British clubs and West Ham - along
with Swansea, Leicester City and Queens Park Rangers - are amongst those
said to have expressed an interest in capturing the 22-year-old left back.
Talking to Norweigan TV channel TV2, Parr's agent Jim Solbakken confirmed
that he was keen to tie up a deal for his client this week. "I have no
comment, but I can confirm that I am in England right now to negotiate a
deal," he said. Parr - who spent a brief spell on trial at Nottingham Forest
in December of last year - is considered by many to be the second best
full-back in Norway behind John Arne Risse, who signed for Fulham earlier
today. A quick, left-footed player, Parr is also reknowned for his crossing
ability. His current contract - with Aalesund of the Norweigan Premier
League - is due to expire later this year.
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Sullivan warm to Parker loan
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 13th July 2011
By: Staff Writer
David Sullivan has admitted that he would be happy to allow Scott Parker to
leave on loan for a season. The Hammers co-chairman, speaking to Sky Sports
News this morning admitted that should Chelsea follow up reported interest
with an offer to take the England midfielder for the forthcoming season he
would be unlikely to stand in their way. "We've had no approaches from clubs
officially, and I've not spoken to Scott myself," said Sullivan. "He's
indicated that for his England career he'd like to play in the Premier
League but he accepts that if we can't get the right fee, he'll be playing
for West Ham in the Championship next season. 'We'd love to do a deal and
it's been mooted that we'd loan him out for a substantial fee. That sort of
deal would appeal to us because we're not desperate to sell him. He's at the
absolute peak of his game at the moment and he'll be an absolute superstar
wherever he goes."
Parker has made no secret of his desire to leave the club this summer and
has been linked with a string of clubs since the end of last season.
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Ex-Hammers on the move
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 13th July 2011
By: Staff Writer
Sicknote Kieron Dyer is set to sign a one-year deal with newly-promoted
Queens Park Rangers. The midfielder, who managed just 15 Premier League
starts in his four years at the club has apparently impressed Rs manager
Neil Warnock to earn the short-term deal. "As far as I'm concerned it's a
gamble worth taking," Warnock told the Standard. "He really impressed me in
training and it looks like he has been working hard on his fitness
throughout the summer. "He has a lot of experience and is desperate to play
in the Premier League again. I like the hunger he's got and he wants to
prove a point."
Meanwhile another former Hammer on the move - albeit in a rather different
sense - is Thomas Hitzlsperger, who yesterday escaped a driving ban as - in
his words - he needs a car in order to find work. The unemployed German
international - who was nicked at the beginning of April doing in excess of
100mph in a 70mph zone - was fined £750 and had six points added to his
driving license.
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FC Basel 2 West Ham Utd 1
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 13th July 2011
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce's side were moments away from earning a creditable draw
against the current Swiss champions in the final game of their Uhrencup
adventure. A late Junior Stanislas penalty appeared to have salvaged a draw
for the Hammers, who had fallen behind to a 52nd minute Pak Kwang Ryong
strike. But a blunder by Julien Faubert saw the Swiss side awarded a penalty
in injury time, which was subsequently converted to leave the Hammers
pointless from their two tournament outings following Monday's defeat to
Young Boys by the same scoreline. Allardyce's side - captained for the first
time by debutant Kevin Nolan - were second best for much of the game
although his starting XI for the opening game of the Championship season
against Cardiff next month is unlikely to resemble the team that started
here in Grenchen. With Scott Parker and Robert Green 'rested' once again, a
number of youngsters were given further opportunity to prove themselves
worthy of a position in the first team squad next term. Marek Stech, Junior
Stanislas, Robert Hall and Freddie Sears all started, with more experienced
squad members such as Luis Boa Morte, Mark Noble and Carlton Cole omitted -
although the latter, who is in protracted talks with Stoke, did make a late
cameo as replacement for Abdoulaye Faye.
We'll have more reaction from Switzerland later tonight.
FC Basel 2 West Ham United 1: Match Facts
West Ham United: Stech, Spence (Faubert 46), Reid (Faye 46, Cole 77),
Tomkins, Ilunga (Brown 62), Sears (Montano 46), O'Brien (Lee 46), Nolan (Boa
Morte 46), Stanislas, Hall, Piquionne.
Subs not used: Boffin, Hernani, Moncur, Nouble.
Goals: Stanislas (pen 75).
FC Basel: Colomba, Ajeti, Voser, Xhaka, Shaqiri, Abraham, Frei, Cabrai,
Wieser, Zhaka, Pak.
Subs: Herzog, Park, Dragovic, Schurpf, Huggel, Yapi, Steinhofer, Zoua,
Buess, Paiva.
Goals: Pak (53), Yapi (pen 90+3).
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Hammers open to Parker loan
England ace could leave for 12 months before re-joining Hammers
By James Pearson - Follow me: @SkySportsJamesP.
Last Updated: July 13, 2011 5:22pm
SSN
West Ham have confirmed they would be open to loaning out Scott Parker for a
season and then have him back if they win promotion. The England
international is being tipped to leave Upton Park this summer following the
club's relegation from the Premier League to the Championship. Former club
Chelsea have been linked with a bid following the news that star midfielder
Michael Essien could miss the first half of the season with a knee injury.
Hammers co-owner David Sullivan insists no 'official approaches' have been
made for the 30-year-old, who was inspirational for the club last season.
Sullivan accepts that Parker needs to be playing top-flight football in
order to maintain his England ambitions, although he adds that West Ham will
not force through a deal.
No approaches
"We've had no approaches from any club officially," he exclusively told Sky
Sports News. "We keep hearing rumours and I'd be wrong to comment further.
"I've not spoken to Scott myself. His agent has told me that for his England
career he'd like to play in the Premier League. "If we can't get the right
fee for him I think he accepts he will be playing for West Ham next year in
the Championship. "We'd love a deal. This has been mooted that we'd loan him
out for a year for a substantial fee and then when we get promotion he'd
come back to us. That sort of deal would appeal to us because we love Scott.
"We're not desperate to do anything. We'd want a loan fee as he has
substantial value. He's at the peak of his game at the moment. He'll be a
superstar wherever he goes."
One player who could be on his way out of the club is Carlton Cole after
Stoke City had an offer accepted for the striker. Sullivan says the decision
is now down to the player, although he is refusing to reveal which other
stars have told new manager Sam Allardyce they want to move onto pastures
new. However, the club's co-owner insists that unless 'suitable' offers are
made for their want-away players then they will be forced to play in the
Championship this coming season.
Indication
"The ball's in Carlton's court," he continued. "It's a question of whether
he wants to go or whether he wants to stay. "You're very much in the hands
of players. Two or three players have indicated they'd like to leave the
club. "If they get moves that are acceptable to the club we can't stand in
their way. We'll then bring in replacements. A lot depends on who comes and
who goes . "I think it would be very unfair to give an indication of what
players have said confidentially to the manager. "Two or three of the
players have said they want to leave. They don't want to play for the club
in the Championship. "On that basis if we get a suitable offer we'll let
them do. If we don't then they'll just have stay. "I think people expect to
get them on the cheap, but we'll be realistic. We won't put unrealistic
valuations on players. "One or two players we'll virtually give away who are
on quite high wages, don't want to be at the club and we don't think fit in
with our formation. "Other ones, if we don't get a substantial fee, they
will be starting the season with us."
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Swansea not chasing Green
West Ham keeper not a target for promoted Welsh side
Last Updated: July 13, 2011 6:52pm
SSN
Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers says West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green is not
on the club's wishlist this summer. After recently signing shot-stopper Jose
Moreira from Benfica, the promoted Swans have stated their intention to
further strengthen their options between the posts following Dorus de Vries'
exit to Wolves.
But Swans chairman Huw Jenkins has already confirmed that Fulham keeper
David Stockdale is unlikely to join the Welsh side, and Rodgers has now also
ruled out Green. "We haven't spoken to Robert," he told Sky Sports News.
"He's obviously a fantastic keeper but he wasn't one that we've spoken
about."
Keen
Rodgers added of Stockdale: "Obviously David Stockdale is very keen to come
but he's a signed player with Fulham and they're looking to get him loan
experience. Maybe that's out of our hands." The manager says Swansea have
also stopped chasing Eidur Gudjohnsen, with the former Chelseastriker likely
to go to West Ham.
He said: "Eidur won't be coming. I spoke to him again last night and I think
he'll probably end up going to London to be at West Ham." Swansea have made
three additions to their squad so far this summer, and Rodgers is keen to
sign a few more fresh faces ahead of their debut season in the top-flight.
"I feel I only need to add three or four to give us an opportunity to stay
in what is a fantastic league," he said. "The players we have, I believe,
will show up very well. "If I can support them by bringing in three or four
more I think we can surprise a few people this year." Swansea will be the
first Welsh club to play in the Premier League and Rodgers is looking
forward to the impending campaign.
Competitive
"We understand we're coming into the most competitive league in the world,"
he added. "We understand and respect it's going to be difficult. "But we're
excited, the whole city is buzzing. We're really looking forward to the
challenge of every game, both home and away. "There's a great feeling around
the city and particularly within the club. It's something that the club are
relishing. "I'm really delighted for the players and I'm obviously ecstatic
for the supporters. I think the Premier League will be a better place this
season having Swansea City in it."
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Parr on course for England
Norway ace looks set for move
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey.
Last Updated: July 13, 2011 5:39pm
SSN
Norwegian full-back Jonathan Parr is reported to be on course for a move to
the Premier League. The 22-year-old international previously spent time on
trial at Nottingham Forest earlier this year and has also been linked with
their Championship rivals Leicester and West Ham. But reports in Norway
claim his destination could very well be the top-flight with Queens Park
Rangers and Swansea City. I know there has been some interest and my agent
is working on some different clubs," the Aalesund left-back told VG. "I have
not talked to my agent yet, and I don't think anything is ready now but I
have told him I want to know as little as possible until it is concrete."
Aalesund Director Henrik Hoff insists they have yet to receive an offer from
England for their defender.
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West Ham make Gradel move
Hammers head the hunt for Leeds forward
Last Updated: July 13, 2011 1:59pm
SSN
Skysports.com understands that West Ham have made a bid for Leeds star Max
Gradel. The Ivory Coast international has just one year left on his Leeds
contract and has attracted interest from a host of clubs this summer. But
relegated West Ham appear to be the first to have made a move for the
23-year-old forward, putting an offer in to their new Championship rivals.
Gradel has just enjoyed the best season of his career and was named player
of the year at Leeds. After helping the Elland Road outfit to promotion from
League One in 2009/10 they narrowly missed out on the Championship play-offs
last term, with Gradel scoring 18 goals in 41 league games. Gradel first
came to England with Leicester in 2006 before joining Leeds in October 2009,
initially on loan.
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We could Park Scott for a season
By MARK IRWIN
Published: 13 Jul 2011
The Sun
WEST HAM have opened the door for Scott Parker to join Chelsea on a year's
loan. The Blues want Footballer of the Year Parker as a midfield replacement
for injured Michael Essien. And West Ham will let Parker return to Stamford
Bridge just to get his £65,000-a-week wages off the accounts sheet. Hammers
co-owner David Sullivan insists there have been no offers for the England
star since the club were relegated in May. He said: "It has been mooted
we'll loan Scott out for the season for a substantial fee and, when we get
promotion, he comes back to us. "That sort of deal would appeal to us,
because we love Scott." Parker, 30, still has three years left on his Upton
Park contract. Spurs and Aston Villa are keen on the player but have refused
to match the £8million asking price. Now Chelsea are ready to make their
move and are willing to offer a £1.5m loan fee and pay his wages for a year.
Chelsea paid £10m to sign Parker from Charlton in January 2004. He was sold
to Newcastle for a cut-price £6.5m 18 months later.
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Neil Warnock gambles on Kieron Dyer as Jay Bothroyd seals deal
13 Jul 2011
Evening Standard
QPR manager Neil Warnock has confirmed he expects to sign Kieron Dyer on a
one-year deal today and insisted it's a gamble worth taking. Dyer, who is a
free agent having been released by West Ham at the end of last season when
his contract expired, has agreed personal terms on a move to Loftus Road.
The 32-year-old has been plagued by injury problems throughout his career
and has made just 15 Premier League starts in the last four years at West
Ham. His career has been written off in many circles, but Warnock is adamant
that Dyer can make an impact for QPR in the Premier League this term.
Warnock told Standard Sport: "As far as I'm concerned it's a gamble worth
taking. He really impressed me in training and it looks like he has been
working hard on his fitness throughout the summer. "He has a lot of
experience and is desperate to play in the Premier League again. I like the
hunger he's got and he wants to prove a point. I really appreciate his
commitment. There were other clubs in for him and he could have earned more
money elsewhere, but he wants to play for QPR. He wanted to stay in London
and I think he can really help us."
The England international has been beset with hamstring problems and has
struggled for fitness ever since he broke his right leg in two places in
2007. Warnock has revealed the nature of the short-term deal has taken this
into account and added: "As far as I am concerned, we can't lose. We have
protected ourselves. If things don't go well then we can always go our
separate ways, it's a deal that suits both parties."
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Unemployed millionaire footballer escapes driving ban
Telegraph.co.uk
By Emily Gosden9:40AM BST 13 Jul 2011
Millionaire footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger, who was caught speeding at
107mph, has escaped a driving ban because he is unemployed. German
international Hitzlsperger, 29, was released by relegated West Ham at the
end of last season. The midfielder, who used to play for Aston Villa, was
caught speeding in his Range Rover on the A14 in Suffolk in April. He was
clocked driving at 107mph in a 70mph speed limit. The star, known as 'Der
Hammer', begged magistrates for leniency because he is unemployed and said
he needed his car to drive around the country to try to find a new club to
play for.
Bury St Edmunds Magistrates' Court accepted his argument and instead ordered
the footballer, who said he had savings of more than £1 million, to pay a
£750 fine, £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge. He also received six
penalty points on his licence.
Craig Harris, defending Hitzlsperger, said the star was living in England
and driving around looking for a new football club to join. He said: "It's
the first time in all of his career since he was 18 he has been out of work.
"He showed complete deference to the police and humility when he was stopped
and when he was asked what he was doing he said 80mph." He said the road had
been largely empty and the driving conditions had been good. "Overall, he
has been driving in the UK for about six years and he has never come to the
attention of the authorities for driving offences."
Lesla Small, prosecuting, told the court that police conducted roadside
checks on the A14 dual carriageway near Newmarket, Suffolk, on April 9 this
year. Officers using a laser clocked Hitzlsperger's Range Rover at 107mph
and then followed him in a police car, recording his lowest speed as 80mph.
Hitzlsperger, who lives in London, was a former Bayern Munich youth team
player and joined Aston Villa in 2001. While in Birmingham he earned the
name 'Der Hammer' due to his deadly long-range left-foot shots. He also
played for VfB Stuttgart, in Germany, and Italian side Lazio before joining
West Ham United in 2010. The star earned 52 caps for the German
international team scoring six goals and was part of the team which reached
the semi finals in the World Cup 2006.
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Big Eck pushing to buy Parker and Vargas
Published 23:00 13/07/11 By James Nursey - EXCLUSIVE Recommend
The Mirror
Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is urging the club's owner Randy Lerner to bid
£7million for Scott Parker - and also fancies Peru winger Juan Manuel
Vargas. Villa have enquired about West Ham midfielder Parker, who Upton Park
chief David Sullivan is anxious to get off the wage bill either permanently
or on loan . However, they are yet to table a bid for the England
international as boss McLeish also wants Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia and
Spurs right-back Alan Hutton. McLeish - who will make Manchester City keeper
Shay Given his first signing, on a three-year contract - is having to
juggle his modest resources as Ashley Young's £16m sale to Manchester United
merely offset January's purchase of Sunderland striker Darren Bent.
With Stewart Downing seemingly bound for Liverpool after Villa accepted a
bid of close to £20m last night, McLeish is considering moving for
Fiorentina ace Vargas to play on the opposite flank to N'Zogbia. The
left-footed 27-year-old would cost £12m-£13m and is known for his dribbling,
free-kicks and accurate crosses. McLeish has a history of signing South
American players, such as Mauro Zarate, Christian Benitez and Jean
Beausejour, while at Birmingham.
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Whites reject West Ham offer for Gradel
Published on July th, 2011
TheScratchingShed.com
Sky Sports sent Leeds United fans into panic mode earlier today when they
revealed West Ham United had made a bid for Leeds' star winger, Max Gradel.
Relief came in the last hour however when it was reported that Leeds United
had rejected the bid. The following tweet is from Sky Sports journalist,
James Pearson. Gradel, who scored 18 goals last season and won both the
Players, Player of the Year and Fans Player of the Year award has been the
subject of much speculation throughout the summer, fuelled not only by his
outstanding performances in 2010-11 but also by the fact he has just one
year remaining on his contract. Ken Bates told fans at the end of last
season that Max Gradel was a key member of the team and was not for sale.
Likewise, Simon Grayson has also offered reassurances to the fans that
Gradel would not be sold although did concede that every player has their
price.
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West Ham co-owner David Sullivan: 'Players will only leave if we get the
right offer'
By Andrew Kennedy
13 Jul 2011 19:31:00
Goal.com
Hammer's chief suggests Carlton Cole will decide on Stoke City switch,
whilst club will not be held to ransom over want-a-way players during summer
transfer window. West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has admitted that whilst
'two or three' players have declared their wish to leave Upton Park this
summer, they will only be allowed to do so if the club receive a suitable
transfer fee. The east London club have recently accepted a bid for striker
Carlton Cole from Stoke City, and whether the deal will progress and be
completed is now down to the striker. Sullivan also went on to suggest that
the 27-year-old may not be the final departure from the Boleyn Ground before
the start of the Championship season. Speaking to Sky Sports News, Sullivan
said: "The ball's in Carlton's court. It's a question of whether he wants to
go or whether he wants to stay. "You're very much in the hands of players.
Two or three players have indicated they'd like to leave the club. "If they
get moves that are acceptable to the club we can't stand in their way. We'll
then bring in replacements. A lot depends on who comes and who goes. "I
think it would be very unfair to give an indication of what players have
said confidentially to the manager. "Two or three of the players have said
they want to leave. They don't want to play for the club in the
Championship. "On that basis if we get a suitable offer we'll let them do.
If we don't then they'll just have stay."
Despite Sullivan's admission that players are likely to leave Upton Park in
the coming months, the 62-year-old has insisted they will not be allowed to
leave for cut-price fees due to the club's relegation. "I think people
expect to get them on the cheap, but we'll be realistic. We won't put
unrealistic valuations on players. "One or two players we'll virtually give
away who are on quite high wages, don't want to be at the club and we don't
think fit in with our formation. "Other ones, if we don't get a substantial
fee, they will be starting the season with us."
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Stoke look to Bolton's Matt Taylor as deal for Carlton Cole closes in
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 11:02 PM on 13th July 2011
Daily Mail
Stoke are lining up a move for Bolton's Matt Taylor. Manager Tony Pulis is
keen to improve his options down the left side and has targeted Taylor as a
possible addition. The 29-year-old has the versatility to play at left back
or left midfield and Pulis hopes he can strike a bargain with Bolton at
around £1.5million as Taylor has just one year left on his contract. Pulis
will have talks with West Ham striker Carlton Cole as he tries to wrap up a
potential £6m move from Upton Park.
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West Ham join Fulham and QPR in the battle to sign Leeds winger Max Gradel
with £1m bid
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 11:02 PM on 13th July 2011
Daily Mail
West Ham have made a £1million bid for Leeds's Max Gradel. The Ivory Coast
winger, 23, has a year left on his contract and has also attracted interest
from Fulham and QPR.
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Chelsea closing on £5m Parker loan deal
By Mark Fleming
Thursday, 14 July 2011
The Independent
Chelsea are optimistic about securing England midfielder Scott Parker on a
year-long loan from West Ham United in a deal worth £5m. The Chelsea
manager, Andre Villas-Boas, is looking to strengthen his squad following the
loss of Michael Essien for six months with a torn anterior cruciate
ligament, and is weighing up a move for Parker, 30, who spent 18 months at
Chelsea seven years ago.
West Ham want £1.5m in a fee, and Chelsea would take on Parker's salary of
around £3.5m a year. The Hammers are open to the move, as it would
significantly reduce the wage bill but at the same time allow Parker to
return to the club next year should they gain promotion from the
Championship. Premier League clubs have been put off moves for Parker by
West Ham's asking price of £8m but this compromise deal could work for all
parties.
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan said yesterday: "We have had no approaches
from any club officially. I have not spoken to Scott myself. I think he has
indicated and his agent has told me for his England career that he would
like to play in the Premier League, but if we can't get the right fee for
him I think he accepts he will be playing for West Ham next year in the
Championship.
"He is a supreme professional and I am sure he will do a wonderful job
whether he is with West Ham or somebody else. I mean, we would love a deal –
and this has been mooted – that maybe we loan him out for the season for a
substantial fee and then when we get promotion he comes back to us.
"That sort of deal would appeal to us because we love Scott," Sullivan
added. "We would obviously want a loan fee because he has substantial value
and has three or four years left of his career."
Meanwhile, Villas-Boas was yesterday the subject of stinging criticism from
Jorge Pinto da Costa, the president of his former club Porto, who accused
the new Chelsea manager of being afraid of "Jose Mourinho's ghost".
The Portuguese champions are still bitter at the decision of their former
manager to leave after overseeing their record-breaking season, in which
they won four trophies including the Europa League. Pinto da Costa told the
club's supporters that Villas-Boas left because he feared he would be unable
to replicate Mourinho's feat of winning the Champions League with Porto.
Pinto da Costa said: "Villas-Boas was living with Mourinho's ghost. He was
afraid he would not have the same success as in his first season. That was
the crucial aspect in his departure.
"If I was his father I would have told him what I told him as his president
and his friend: that he should have stayed at FC Porto. In football, when
you talk about European giants, the measure is not Chelsea. It's Real
Madrid, Barcelona or Manchester United. I told him that this would be [Pep]
Guardiola's last season at Barcelona and that was the ideal club for him,
but he was scared of the comparisons with Mourinho and left."
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SCOTT PARKER AVAILABLE TO RENT FOR £4M FROM WEST HAM
West Ham will hope to bring back Scott Parker at end of season
Thursday July 14,2011
By Frank Wiechula
Daily Express
WEST HAM are prepared to loan Scott Parker to Chelsea or another top-flight
club for next season but want a 'substantial' fee – believed to be between
£3.5million-£4m – for their captain. Chelsea need a replacement for the
injured Michael Essien, who is out for six months, and have twice been
rebuffed in offers for Tottenham's Luka Modric. Parker's reported £60,000-a-
week wages would also have to be covered by his former club Chelsea, meaning
a near £7m season-long outlay for the Footballer of the Year. But that would
be a cheaper option than forking out some £15m for Newcastle's Ivory Coast
midfielder Cheik Tiote. A season-long loan would suit Parker, 30, who wants
to continue playing in the Premier League to further his England career, as
well as West Ham, who would welcome back their biggest asset after hopefully
winning promotion. We would love a deal – and this has been mooted – that
maybe we loan him out for the season for a substantial fee
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan said: "We would love a deal – and this has
been mooted – that maybe we loan him out for the season for a substantial
fee.Then, when we get promotion, he comes back to us. "That sort of deal
would appeal to us because we love Scott. "We would obviously want a loan
fee because he has substantial value and three or four years left of his
career. "A club like Chelsea would probably be getting the best of those
three or four years. "Scott is at the absolute peak of his game at the
moment and is playing out of his skin. He would be a superstar wherever he
goes – in the Championship I'm sure he would be the best player."
Parker, who played for Chelsea in 2004-05, has also been linked with
Tottenham, Arsenal and Aston Villa, although Sullivan said West Ham had not
received any official approaches. Sullivan said: "If we can't get the right
fee for him I think he accepts he will be playing for West Ham next year in
the Championship. "But he is a supreme professional and I am sure he will do
a wonderful job whether at West Ham or somewhere else." Chelsea's new
manager, Andre Villas-Boas, has come under fire from Pinto da Costa,
president of his former club Porto. Da Costa claimed Villas-Boas left
because he was scared of the achievements of Jose Mourinho at the Portuguese
club and that he could have gone to a bigger club than Chelsea. Villas-Boas,
who has worked with Mourinho at three clubs, won the Treble of Europa
League, Portuguese league and cup in his one season at Porto. That repeated
the 2003 feat of Mourinho, who remained for one more season in which he
lifted the Champions League and another domestic crown before leaving for
Stamford Bridge. Da Costa said: "Villas-Boas was living with Mourinho's
ghost. He was afraid that he would not have the same success as in his first
season and I believe that was the crucial aspect that led to his departure.
"If I was his father I would have told him exactly the same thing that I
told him as club president and his friend – that he should have stayed at FC
Porto for one more year. "In football, when you talk about European giants,
the measure is not Chelsea, it is Real Madrid, Barcelona or Manchester
United. "I told him that this would be Pep Guardiola's last season at
Barcelona and they would be the ideal club for him, but he was scared of the
comparisons with Mourinho and left."
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