Wednesday, August 31

Daily WHUFC News - 31st August 2011

Scott Parker update
WHUFC.com
Scott Parker has handed in an official transfer request at West Ham United
30.08.2011

Scott Parker today confirmed that he has handed in an official transfer
request. "I have had a fantastic four years at West Ham United and will
never forget all the support I have had from the fans and everyone
associated with the club. "The manager and board have tried hard to convince
me to stay but at this stage in my career, I need to be playing in the
Premier League, especially now that I am involved with England. "I hope the
fans will understand and respect my decision and I wish the club every
success in their fight for promotion this season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers snap up Papa
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have completed the signing of Senegal midfielder Papa Bouba
Diop
30.08.2011

West Ham United are pleased to announce the signing of experienced
midfielder Papa Bouba Diop. The Senegal international has signed a one-year
contract with an option to extend for a further 12 months following his
departure from AEK Athens, where he won the Greek Cup and appeared seven
times in the UEFA Europa League last season.

Standing at 6'5, the imposing Diop becomes Sam Allardyce's ninth summer
signing after completing a successful trial period at Chadwell Heath.
Although keen to secure his services, the Hammers then had to wait until he
was granted a work permit at a London hearing attended by the manager on
Tuesday afternoon. Speaking exclusively to whufc.com after playing for a
planned hour in a 3-1 development squad victory against Brentford, Bouba
Diop said: "I am very happy today. I enjoyed playing again and it is good to
be here to sign. I want to help West Ham go up and I hope we can be
successful. "English football is the best in the world. I have come here to
work hard and give 100 per cent in every game I play for West Ham United. I
want to show the people I am back again."

The midfielder has vast experience and undoubted quality, having won
trophies in three different countries, made more than 60 senior
international appearances and appeared at the FIFA World Cup. After
impressing at Espoir Dakar, Diaraaf Dakar and Vevey Sports in his homeland,
Bouba Diop was snapped up by Swiss Super League club Neuchatel Xamax at the
age of 18 in 1996. In 2000, he moved on to Grasshoppers Club Zurich, where
he won the Swiss Super League title and appeared in the UEFA Champions
League. Bouba Diop's outstanding displays for giant-killers Senegal at the
2002 FIFA World Cup saw French side RC Lens splash out more than £1m to take
him to the Stade Felix Bollaert. Again, the towering midfielder impressed,
playing more than 70 league matches for Les Sang et Or and scoring twice in
ten UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup appearances. Fulham spent a reported
£6m to bring the African to English football in July 2004, with Diop making
an immediate impression on the Premier League with his athleticism, tough
tackling and long-range shooting. Nicknamed 'The Wardrobe', Bouba Diop
quickly became a popular figure among the Craven Cottage faithful, scoring
nine goals in 84 appearances over three seasons in west London. In summer
2007, he moved on to Portsmouth for £3.5m, helping the club to lift the FA
Cup in 2008 and appearing four times in the UEFA Europa League. Pompey's
relegation in 2009/10 and subsequent financial difficulties saw Bouba Diop
leave Fratton Park for AEK Athens in July 2010. At international level,
Diop, 33, has been an important member of the Senegal squad for a decade,
making 63 senior appearances and scoring eleven goals. At the 2002 FIFA
World Cup in Korea/Japan, he scored the winner in his country's shock 1-0
victory over holders France in Seoul and twice more in a 3-3 draw with
Uruguay in Suwon as Senegal reached the quarter-finals. He has also appeared
in three CAF Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, helping Les Lions de la
Teranga to fourth place in 2006. The midfielder becomes the ninth new
recruit at the Boleyn this summer, following Abdoulaye Faye, Kevin Nolan,
Joey O'Brien, Matt Taylor, John Carew, George McCartney, Sam Baldock and
Brian Montenegro. More signings are possible ahead of the 11pm deadline on
Wednesday.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Development Squad 3-1 Brentford
WHUFC.com
Live text updates as Ian Hendon's squad take on the Bees at Little Heath
30.08.2011

WEST HAM UNITED DEVELOPMENT SQUAD v BRENTFORD XI
WEST HAM UNITED ACADEMY, LITTLE HEATH
TUESDAY 30 AUGUST 2011
KICK-OFF: 1PM

Final score - West Ham United Development Squad 3-1 Brentford XI

91 mins - That's that. West Ham have recorded another win. Whatever level it
is at, victories breed confidence. Hall with two goals and Sears with one to
complete a decent afternoon's work for Ian Hendon and his players. Don't
forget, exclusive highlights and reaction will appear on West Ham TV soon.
90 mins - West Ham are playing some lovely stuff in the closing stages, with
everybody involved as they knock the ball around the tiring Brentford
players. The latest move ends with Lee rolling his marker Rodney and
shooting powerfully. Unfortunately, it's straight at Middleton, who collects
at the second attempt.
87 mins - Lyska has a go from outside the penalty area, but Cowler is there
to make a good sharp save diving low to his right. He holds on and the
danger is gone.
86 mins - A cross from the Bees right is headed half-clear by Wearen. It
falls to Adams 25 yards out, but his half-volley is well over the top.
85 mins - Brentford bring on Rodney and Ward for Yamfam and Pierre.
84 mins - Another player who has impressed today is Eoin Wearen. He was a
midfielder, but it now seems that the club see his future at centre-back. He
has the physique for the position - he is tall and good in the air.
83 mins - Lee looks so confident at the moment, as you might expect after
three consecutive U18 hat-tricks. He wants the ball all the time and is
quick to take on his man. This time, he collects a pass 25 yards out, turns
and fires over the top.
81 mins - Adams needs the physio on as he goes down under a sliding
challenge from McNaughton.
80 mins - Super play there from Driver and Turgott. The midfielder lays the
ball off before racing on to Driver's clever pass down the right channel. He
delivers a fantastic first-time cross that is just in front of Lee's dive.
79 mins - Adams comes back on for Kamau.
78 mins - That's quality. Driver starts a move before rampaging down the
right to collect Moncur's return pass. He beats a man and finds Lee, whose
instant shot is turned aside by Middleton. Good flowing move. Good save.
77 mins - Don't forget that exclusive highlights and reaction from today's
game will appear on West Ham TV.
75 mins - Jordan Brown comes back on in Hall's place. He'll play wide on the
left of midfield.
74 mins - Scott is smashed on the edge of the box, but he doesn't go down.
It's a free-kick, but Hall isn't there to take it. Moncur shoots low and
Middleton saves.
73 mins - Hall has come off for a closer examination of his head. He might
have taken a bang in the face there. Unless David Wootton is coming on as an
outfield player, West Ham will have to play out the remainder of the game
with ten men.
70 mins - Hall comes forward again but is challenged and needs the physio
on. Before the break in play, Lee picked up possession but his shot was easy
for Middleton to collect.
70 mins - West Ham can add some gloss to this by scoring a couple more
goals. The young players who have come on look hungry.
68 mins - GOAL! Hall takes it himself and some. He steps up and curls an
unstoppable shot into the top corner. Great finish.
67 mins - Hall is brought down outside the box and wants to take the
free-kick himself...
65 mins - Brown, Faye, Nouble, Sears and Diop are replaced by Potts,
McNaughton, Turgott, Lee and trialist Olumide Scott.
64 mins - Strong running from Diop who gets past Griffiths and runs at
Mawson. His cross towards Sears is blocked behind by the No6. Hall takes the
corner and Nouble heads wide.
62 mins - I wonder if we might see some changes soon from Hendon. The
goal-scoring chances have dried up at both ends in recent times.
59 mins - West Ham win another corner and Hall again delivers quality, but
Nouble can only head over the top under pressure from a defender.
54 mins - Lyska and Bellamy are also on for the Bees, with Rogic and Lindsey
the men replaced.
53 mins - Great stuff from Nouble. He shows pace, strength and skill to get
past Ekum before pulling back for Moncur. His shot is on target, but hits
Middleton on the leg and spins over. Hall's corner picks out the unmarked
Faye, but his stooping header flies wide.
51 mins - Brentford have made a change at half-time, but I didn't see it
being made. Sam Beal is on Adams.
50 mins - Yamfam chases a hopeful long ball, Cowler hesitates and Faye has
to be alert to stab the ball behind. The corner is way too deep and West Ham
clear.
49 mins - GOAL! A poor clearance from goalkeeper Middleton drops to Moncur.
He comes forward and draws a defender before passing to Sears. The No10 is
deadly from that range as he slams a low shot past the goalkeeper from 16
yards. Good finish.
47 mins - Driver wins the ball back and Moncur releases Nouble. He's changed
his boots, has the No9. However, his shot is deflected behind. Hall's corner
is superb, but Wearen's header glances wide of the far post.
46 mins - The Bees get the second half underway. No changes from Hendon or
his opposite number at the break.

Half-time score - West Ham United Development Squad 1-1 Brentford XI

46 mins - Just a few seconds into added time, the half-time whistle is
blown.
43 mins - Wearen is caught out just outside the West Ham box and Brentford
nearly benefit. Yamfam beats Faye with a superb bit of skill, but Driver is
alert and stabs the ball out for a corner. It's taken short and wasted by
the Bees.
41 mins - Hall and Sears combine down the left before Brown hits the byline.
His cross hits Griffiths on the back and goes out for another corner. Hall
sends over a dangerous ball and Diop rises, only to head over the top again.
He's frustrated to miss the target there.
40 mins - The corner is headed behind by a defender. Hall trots across to
take the second flag-kick. It is cleared.
39 mins - Wearen does well to win the ball back and release Nouble with a
long ball. Hendon encourages the striker to take on Pierre. He does, but the
defender gets a foot in. Corner.
38 mins - Hall misses a sitter. Sears wins the ball back and finds Moncur.
His cross is behind Diop and Nouble but falls into the path of Hall. He's
unmarked 12 yards out on his stronger left foot, but his shot is high and
over the top. He normally gobbles those up.
37 mins - Brown launches a diagonal for Hall, who controls well. He plays in
the over-lapping Abdulla, who wins a corner. Hall's corner is low and headed
clear to Moncur, whose first-time effort flies well over.
36 mins - Cowler launches a long clearance from his hands and Nouble wins
the flick-on. It's on target, but an easy collect for Middleton. That Bees
goal came out of nowhere, to be honest.
33 mins - GOAL! Hmmm... Brentford are on terms almost straight away. A neat
one-touch move involving Oyeleke and Adams is finished by Yamfam from 16
yards. Cowler got a hand to the ball but couldn't keep it out.
31 mins - GOAL! How often does Robert Hall score goals like that?! He cuts
in from the right side of the penalty area, opens up his body and curls an
inch-perfect shot past Middleton and in off the far post. Great strike.
30 mins - Diop finds Brown, whose first touch takes him past Adams. He gets
to about 30 yards from goal and crosses, but unfortunately it's a high one
and Middleton collects.
28 mins - Driver wins a corner. Hall crosses and Brentford clear the box,
only for Driver to win the ball back on halfway. He finds Hall, who gets the
ball into Nouble. He turns and shoots from ten yards, but his effort clears
the bar by some distance.
27 mins - So close to a goal for Diop. Hall shows great close control inside
the box before sliding the ball left for Diop. The midfielder stabs a shot
goalwards and Middleton dives to his right to parry. The Bees get to the
rebound first and clear.
26 mins - Faye gets a foot in to intercept a Brentford cross and finds
Moncur. He leads the counter by getting to halfway and feeding Nouble. The
big man runs forward and crosses dangerously across the six-yard box, but
Sears can't get to it.
25 mins - Hall's free-kick hits the wall. The ball comes back to him, but
his follow-up shot is charged down.
24 mins - Abdulla does well again. He's snapped around the Brentford players
all game long. Nouble picks up possession and is fouled 25 yards out. Hall
fancies this one...
22 mins - Brentford attack for the first time in a while. Griffiths plays
the ball to Yamfam, who cuts a cross into the path of Rogic. The big No8
controls on his chest before his shot is charged down by Faye.
20 mins - Argh! Moncur plays in Hall, and he's clear. However, Nouble shapes
to run on to the pass from an offside position and the flag goes up.
19 mins - Faye retrieves Hall's deep corner and finds Sears. He crosses and
Diop rises and heads powerfully, but the ball loops high and into the net
behind the goal. West Ham's football has been incisive in the last ten
minutes.
18 mins - Diop shows great strength again before feeding Sears. He beats one
man and gets into the box, but Pierre gets back to block his shot behind for
a corner. Good play again. Surely it's only a matter of time before the
Hammers go ahead here...
16 mins - Great football again as West Ham sweep from right to left and
Brown is away from Abdulla's first-time pass. He cuts inside his full-back
and finds Sears. The striker has support, but chooses to shoot. His effort
flies wide.
14 mins - The Hammers are on top now as Hall collects a fine pass from
Wearen wide on the right. He runs forward and inside before unleashing a
powerful shot with his left foot that flashes past the angle.
13 mins - Diop does well to win the ball in midfield before Moncur releases
Sears. He runs at Griffiths before finding Moncur, but he is closed down.
12 mins - West Ham break with numbers. Brown is up in support and sends in a
superb cross that dips over the head of Pierre, but Nouble cannot control.
10 mins - The Bees look more likely at the moment as a ball skips off Diop's
toe to Oyeleke. He turns, makes ten yards and shoots. Cowler dives to his
right to push the ball around the post. The corner is headed clear.
9 mins - Brentford are a bit unlucky there as Oyeleke is caught offside from
Mawson's diagonal pass. There cannot have been much in that. Moments later,
Adams cuts inside from the right wing and curls a superb left-foot shot that
misses the target by a yard. Close.
6 mins - Abdulla does well again, winning the ball back before Sears cuts
inside from the left and tests Middleton with a low shot. The goalkeeper
holds on well.
5 mins - Nice football from Abdulla and Brown before Sears gets in behind.
He crosses and the ball flicks off a defender and behind. Hall's corner
causes some panic in the Brentford penalty area as Wearen challenges, but
the visitors scramble the ball clear.
3 mins - A first shot from Yamfam, who turns smartly on the edge of the D,
but drags his effort low and wide of the post. Cowler watches it harmlessly
roll out for a goal kick.
2 mins - As expected, Faye and Wearen are in the centre of defence, with
Diop in central midfield.
1 min - Nouble and Abdulla get us underway. West Ham enjoy some early
possession before Nouble wins a throw inside the Brentford half.

1.11pm - Faye is here and we're about to kick-off...

1.09pm - We're just waiting for Faye to join us and we can get underway.
Brentford are wearing a fetching yellow and black kit. Fittingly, they look
like Bees.

1.07pm - Here come the Hammers, as MC Hammer might have sung once way back
when. Diop is wearing the No11 shirt. He looks lean and fit. It'll be
interesting to see what he can do. I expect him to play in a three-man
midfield alongside Abdulla and Moncur, with Sears and Hall playing either
side of central striker Nouble.

1.05pm - There are a few familiar faces here to watch the game, including
former Hammer Pat Holland and ex-Newcastle United defender and Grays
Athletic and Gillingham manager Mark Stimson.

12.45pm - I can cofirm that kick-off has been delayed for ten minutes, so
we'll get underway at 1.10pm. Meanwhile, the teams have been confirmed:

West Ham United: Cowler, Driver, Brown, Faye, Wearen, Moncur, Abdulla, Diop,
Hall, Nouble, Sears
Subs: Wootton, McNaughton, Scott, Potts, Turgott, E.Lee

Brentford: Middleton, Griffiths, Kamau, Ekim, Pierre, Mawson, Adams, Rogic,
Oyeleke, Yamfam, Lindsey
Subs: Lyska, Warren, Rodney, Beal, Ward, Bellamy

Good afternoon and welcome to Little Heath for this afternoon's fixture
between West Ham United's Development Squad and a Brentford XI.
Ian Hendon has a blend of youth and experience at his disposal, with Senegal
internationals Abdoulaye Faye (pictured) and Papa Bouba Diop - who is on
trial at the club - joining Freddie Sears and Frank Nouble in the squad.

Left-back Jordan Brown makes his return from a leg injury suffered at
Dagenham & Redbridge in pre-season, while Republic of Ireland U19 midfielder
Eoin Wearen and England U18 internationals George Moncur and Robert Hall are
also involved.

Callum McNaughton has a chance to bounce back following his Carling Cup red
card against Aldershot Town, while Ahmed Abdulla, Callum Driver and Danny
Potts could all be given opportunities to shine.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Young Lion Leo shines
WHUFC.com
Leo Chambers has helped England to win the four-team FA International
Tournament
30.08.2011

Leo Chambers has continued his development by helping England to win the FA
International Tournament. The West Ham United first-year scholar was an
ever-present as the Young Lions tasted victory in the four-team competition,
which they hosted over the Bank Holiday weekend. The 16-year-old defender
captained England to a 1-0 victory over Italy in their opening match at
Cambridge United's Abbey Stadium on Wednesday 24 August. Chambers retained
his place for the visit of Czech Republic to Bishop's Stortford FC's
Woodside Park two days later. However, the centre-back did not enjoy the
same level of success, conceding a penalty - which was subsequently missed
by Dominik Masek - as England slumped to a 1-0 defeat. Thankfully for the
young Hammer and his international team-mates, John Peacock's side bounced
back in their final fixture against Portugal on Sunday 28 August. Arsenal's
Jack Jebb was the match-winner, scoring the only goal of the game two
minutes after half-time at Northampton Town's Sixfields Stadium. Chambers
played his part too, making a succession of important clearances and blocks
as the Young Lions retained the trophy they also lifted in summer 2010.
Having played his part in the FA International Tournament success, the West
Ham scholar will be hopeful of keeping his place when England begin their
UEFA European Under17 Championship challenge later this year. Peacock's
squad will head to Bosnia & Herzegovina to take on the host nation, Latvia
and Holland in the First Qualifying Round between 26 and 31 October. West
Ham have played a big part in the tournament in recent seasons, with Robert
Hall helping England to win the tournament in 2010 and Blair Turgott helping
the Young Lions to reach the semi-finals in May this year.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam happy with captain Kev
WHUFC.com
The manager is delighted with the skipper's impact on the rest of the
Hammers squad
30.08.2011

Sam Allardyce was rightly full of praise for the terrific team display at
the weekend but the performance of Kevin Nolan also earned special mention.
The Hammers No4 scored his second goal in five league matches but was more a
menace to Nottingham Forest with his driving midfield runs plus the usual
energy and enthusiasm from the first whistle to the last. Nolan scored the
ultimately decisive second in the 4-1 victory but could have added to his
tally, demonstrating his willingness to get into the box at both ends
whenever the need arose. Summing up his skipper's role, Allardyce said:
"Kevin Nolan did very well. He is not only doing it on the field but off the
field as well. He is a very good leader. He has brought stability to the
dressing room which was affected by the relegation. He is pulling it all
together. "We have had to sort a lot out in the dressing room. It is
difficult to do it alone as a manager but if your captain is telling
everyone what we have got to do to get out of this position it helps. "They
can't argue with Kevin because he is the man that did it for Newcastle - 17
goals as skipper. He is forging his way forward in the dressing room to make
sure they know what is expected. At the moment, it is coming together."

It certainly is coming together with the Hammers just three points off top
spot and looking forward to a 'Kids for a Quid' home match against
Portsmouth on Saturday week. "The away form is outstanding and we have just
got to get that home form ticking over," Allardyce added. "We have an
international break now but we are all looking forward very much to playing
at Portsmouth. We want to give our home fans this type of result and this
type of performance."

Others to earn manager mentions were the "outstanding" George McCartney, who
slotted straight into the back-line already boasting the in-form trio of
Joey O'Brien, Winston Reid and James Tomkins, while Robert Green - out of
the England squad with a finger injury - was lauded for being on hand when
Forest managed to break through on a couple of occasions. The Boleyn Ground
faithful may also have a few new faces to cheer, and not just Sam Baldock
after his arrival last Friday. "We may need to add one or two more, maybe in
a defensive midfield position and also a wide position," explained the
manager. "We don't need to strengthen the goalkeeper or the front line."

Baldock, certainly, will be high in Allardyce's thoughts next time around.
"Sam would have loved to have played [against Forest]. He would have got in
down the side of Forest on many occasions, working off Carlton Cole or
Freddie Piquionne and sniffing himself a chance out. "He gives us an
alternative to play a different system. 4-3-3 has been magnificent for us up
to now ... but with a player like Sam we have the option to start with a
4-4-2 now. I always think that is important if we can change systems when we
feel that's right. "

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jack wins bragging rights
WHUFC.com
Jack Collison was happy to get one over Wales international team-mate Chris
Gunter on Sunday
30.08.2011

Jack Collison was all smiles after getting one over international team-mate
Chris Gunter. The West Ham United midfielder played a full part as the
Hammers defeated Nottingham Forest - including Collison's Wales colleague
Gunter - 4-1 at the City Ground to climb to fifth in the npower
Championship. The No10 was at his energetic best as Sam Allardyce's side
recorded three consecutive away league victories for the first time in more
than four years. "It was good to get one over Chris! It'll obviously give me
bragging rights while I'm away with Wales! I'll be able to give him a bit of
stick now. "It was great. It was a real team performance again. "The boys
are on fire on the road, which is good because we've struggled a bit at home
and we needed to make up the points somewhere else. We want to keep that
going and obviously improve things at home. "It's a great confidence-booster
that we can come to places like Forest, who we think are going to be up
there at the end of the season, and score four goals past them. "It was a
real team display once again, the same as it was at Watford and Doncaster.
You could see with all the boys chipping in with the goals and their
reaction when we do score that we have got a great spirit and we're all
enjoying it on the road."

Six different players have netted for the Hammers in their opening five
league games - Carlton Cole, Kevin Nolan, Joey O'Brien, Scott Parker, James
Tomkins and Winston Reid - and Collison is eager to add his name to that
list after missing a presentable second-half chance at The City Ground. "It
was shocking! I was trying to be a little bit clever and was a little bit
disappointed. As I said, it was a real team display and hopefully I'll score
an important one when it's needed."

West Ham's awayday success has coincided with Collison's return to form and
fitness after missing the vast majority of last season with a knee injury.
Now feeling close to 100 per cent, the 22-year-old is ready to take his game
to the next level, whether that be in the midfield berth he filled at Forest
or the more attacking role he took on at Doncaster Rovers and Watford. "I
see myself more of a central player but, to be honest, I'd play anywhere. I
just want to play football, especially after last season and being on the
sidelines for so long. I'm just enjoying every minute at the moment. "Being
out for so long, it does take some time to find your feet, but I do feel I'm
slowly getting there and I've had a couple more games now. "We've got the
international break now and hopefully I can get another game there for Wales
and keep getting stronger and stronger."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham sign midfielder Papa Bouba Diop
Page last updated at 18:55 GMT, Tuesday, 30 August 2011 19:55 UK
BBC.co.uk

Championship side West Ham have sealed the signing of former Fulham and
Portsmouth midfielder Papa Bouba Diop. The 33-year-old Senegal
international was a free agent after being released by AEK Athens, who he
joined in 2010. He has agreed a one-year contract with the Hammers, which
includes the option of an additional 12 months. Diop is Sam Allardyce's
ninth signing and a timely arrival after Scott Parker handed in a transfer
request ahead of an expected move to Tottenham. "I am very happy, It is good
to be here," said the imposing 6ft 5 midfielder. "I want to help West Ham go
up and hope we can be successful. "English football is the best in the
world. I have come here to work hard and give 100% in every game I play for
West Ham. I want to show people I am back again."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham target Scott Parker hands in West Ham transfer request
Page last updated at 17:23 GMT, Tuesday, 30 August 2011 18:23 UK
BBC.co.uk

Scott Parker has handed in a transfer request at West Ham United as he looks
to complete a move to Tottenham. The 30-year-old was not included in the
Hammers squad for their 4-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce said before the game that the former Newcastle
man was not "mentally right to play". "I hope the fans will understand and
respect my decision and I wish the club every success in their fight for
promotion this season," Parker said. "I have had a fantastic four years at
West Ham United and will never forget all the support I have had from the
fans and everyone associated with the club.
"The manager and board have tried hard to convince me to stay but at this
stage in my career I need to be playing in the Premier League, especially
now that I am involved with England."

Earlier on Monday Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said he did not "envisage
too many problems now" with a deal being done. After the Forest win
Allardyce said: "We will miss a player of Parker's quality, and we want him
with us if the negotiation doesn't go through. "Whether the deal is
achievable yet, I'm not sure, I've had lots of conversations with the
chairman." "If he does actually leave, I need to replace him immediately. I
don't expect any other player to leave before Wednesday," Allardyce added.
"I'm more interested in strengthening the squad, we need numbers. We need to
add a few more players. The 17 I've got are very good but we need a few
more."

Tottenham are expected to include a loan deal for one of their youngsters in
the package. Parker, who joined West Ham from Newcastle for £7m in 2007, was
named Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year last season
despite the club finishing bottom of the Premier League.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Eric next?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 31st August 2011
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United are back in the hunt to sign striker Eric Mouloungui ahead
of tonight's transfer deadline. The 27-year-old Gabon international has been
linked with a move to east London for much of the summer. But West Ham's bid
to bring him to England appeared to have failed last week when Sky Sports
ran a story in which it was claimed Mouloungui had rejected a move to the
Boleyn Ground. " I thought about a departure, but finally I told the
chairman I want to stay," he is quoted as saying by Nice Matin, a local
newspaper. However KUMB.com understands tonight that West Ham have
resurrected the deal and are attempting to sign the Nice forward - who has
previously been valued around the £1.5million mark and is out of contract
next summer - ahead of tonight's 11pm (GMT) transfer deadline. With West Ham
set to receive a fresh injection of cash from the sale of Scott Parker to
Tottenham, funds are available to Sam Allardyce to make modest last-minute
improvements to his squad - although much of the Parker money has already
been accounted for with the capture of players such as Kevin Nolan and
Matthew Taylor earlier in the summer. Longstanding and sceptical readers of
KUMB.com will no doubt recall previous transfer windows when eleventh-hour
bids for players such as Marouane Chamakh, Felipe Caicedo and Benni McCarthy
- when he still resembled a professional athlete - failed to materialise.
Whether Mouloungui proves to be another case of so-near-yet-so-far remains
to be seen.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Utd XI 3 Brentford XI 1
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 30th August 2011
By: Staff Writer

Ian Hendon's development squad recorded a comfortable victory against
Brentford in today's lunchtime friendly at Little Heath. United won the game
through goals from Robert Hall (2) and Freddie Sears although the result was
academic in a game that was more about fitness than winning. Hendon's side
included a number of first team fringe players plus Senegalese international
Papa Bouba Diop (pictured), who is awaiting the result of a work permit
application before completing a free transfer.
Diop played for 65 minutes before being substituted; other first team squad
members to get run outs were Jordan Brown, Abdoulaye Faye, Frank Nouble and
the aforementioned Sears.

Robert Hall opened the scoring for West Ham after 31 minutes when his
curling shot from the right-hand side of the penalty box found the far
corner of Brentford's 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Middleton. However the
visitors, playing in yellow and black stripes were back on level terms just
over a minute later when Jean-Phillippe Yam Fam beat Sam Cowler from just
inside the penalty box. West Ham's slender advantage was restored just four
minutes into the second period when Freddie Sears was played in by the
excellent George Moncur, being watched from the sidelines by father and
former Hammer John. Sears picked up on Moncur's excellent through ball
before guiding his shot into the corner of Brentford's net. It was the sort
of position that Sears has rarerly found himself in for the first team since
being forced to play out wide by both Avram Grant and, subsequently, Sam
Allardyce.

A flurry of substitutions - including Faye, Diop and Nouble - immediately
preceeded the game's final goal on 68 minutes, which again came from the
busy Robert Hall.
Having received treatment after being unfairly felled on the edge of the
box, the 18-year-old striker rose to dispatch a superb curling free-kick in
the top left hand corner of Middleton's net, completing West Ham's win.

* Visit our forum for exclusive pictures from today's game.

West Ham Utd XI 3 Brentford XI 1: match facts

West Ham Utd XI: Cowler, Driver, Brown (Potts 65), Faye (McNaughton 65),
Wearen, Moncur, Abdulla, Diop (Scott 65), Hall (Brown 75), Nouble (Turgott
65), Sears (E.Lee 65)

Sub not used: Wootton.

Goals: Hall (31, 68), Sears (49).

Brentford: Middleton, Griffiths, Kamau (Adams 79), Ekim, Pierre (Ward 85),
Mawson, Adams (Beal 46), Rogic (Lyska 46), Oyeleke, Yamfam (Rodney 85),
Lindsey (Bellamy 46)

Sub not used: Warren.

Sub not used: Wootton.

Goals: Yam Fam (33).

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
And Papa makes nine
KUMB,.com
Filed: Tuesday, 30th August 2011
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have confirmed the arrival of Papa Bouba Diop on a free transfer.
KUMB.com revealed yesterday afternoon that United were set to sign the
Senegalese international ahead of the transfer window after he successfully
trialled at the club earlier in the month. And whufc.com confirmed tonight
that the deal has been completed, after the 33-year-old's work permit
application was rubber-stamped earlier in the day. Diop, who featured for
Ian Hendon's development XI in a 3-1 victory over Brentford at Little Heath
this lunchtime revealed that he was delighted to be joining the club. "I am
very happy today. I enjoyed playing again and it is good to be here to
sign," he told whufc.com. "I want to help West Ham go up and I hope we can
be successful. "English football is the best in the world. I have come here
to work hard and give 100 per cent in every game I play for West Ham United.
I want to show the people I am back again."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Parker: let me go
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 30th August 2011
By: Staff Writer

Scott Parker has handed in a transfer request in order to push through his
move to Tottenham ahead of tomorrow's deadline. The midfielder, who claimed
he had to leave West Ham in order to continue being involved with the
England squad - before being picked for two consecutive squads as a
Championship player - handed in his notice this afternoon following another
frustrating day in which the two clubs failed to reach an agreement over the
terms of his transfer. "I have had a fantastic four years at West Ham United
and will never forget all the support I have had from the fans and everyone
associated with the club," he told whufc.com. "The manager and board have
tried hard to convince me to stay but at this stage in my career, I need to
be playing in the Premier League, especially now that I am involved with
England. "I hope the fans will understand and respect my decision and I wish
the club every success in their fight for promotion this season."

However the signs tonight are that many fans are thinking the exact opposite
and slamming the thrice-crowned Hammer of the Year for moving to one of West
Ham's bitterest rivals, at a time when the two clubs are embroiled in a
bitter legal wrangle.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers sign Parker replacement
Midfielder targets promotion after signing one-year deal
Last Updated: August 30, 2011 7:20pm
SSN

West Ham have wasted little time in signing a replacement for Scott Parker
after they confirmed Papa Bouba Diop has penned a one-year deal with an
option for an additional 12 months. England midfielder Parker handed in a
transfer request at Upton Park on Tuesday evening in an attempt to complete
a move to Tottenham, and shortly after the arrival of Diop was confirmed.
The FA Cup-winning Senegal international joined Fulham in July 2004 before
moving onto Portsmouth in 2007 and then AEK Athens in 2010. Diop left the
Greek club this summer and West Ham consequently brought him back to England
in a free deal, with the 33-year-old already playing in a development squad
match against Brentford. He told West Ham's official website: "I am very
happy today. I enjoyed playing again and it is good to be here to sign. I
want to help West Ham go up and I hope we can be successful. "English
football is the best in the world. I have come here to work hard and give
100 per cent in every game I play for West Ham United. I want to show the
people I am back again."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Livermore snubs Hammers
Tottenham midfielder earning his Spurs this season
By Soriebah Kajue. Last Updated: August 30, 2011 11:08am
SSN

Sky Sports sources understand Tottenham midfielder Jake Livermore has
rejected the opportunity to join West Ham on a season-long loan. The
21-year-old was mentioned as a possible makeweight in any potential deal to
bring Hammers captain Scott Parker to White Hart Lane. Sam Allardyce would
have welcomed his arrival and it would have tempered any potential loss of
Parker. But Livermore, who has been out on loan six times already in his
career, wants to stay at the club and fight for his place. And he has made a
good start to the new season having started and scored against Hearts in the
first leg of the Europa League play-off, and also played in the second leg.
The rangy midfielder also started the Premier League clash against
Manchester United and came on as a substitute against Manchester City on
Sunday.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lets Now Focus on Those That Actually Want to Play for the Club!
August 31st, 2011 - 12:49 am by S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die

The West Ham club website has confirmed that Scott Parker has handed in a
formal written transfer request. There is an update on the club site in
which Scott thanks the Hammers fans for their support and wishes the club
well in its promotion campaign. The reasons he gives for seeking a move is
the need for PL football, at this stage of his career, and his involvement
with the England squad.

Scott Parker must know that he has played the best football of his career at
West Ham. Prior to that, Parker failed to make an impact at Chelski and his
time at Newcastle Utd was not an overwhelming success. As he admitted
himself, he thrived at West Ham because he felt wanted and there was a 'good
fit' between player and club. And this was reflected in Scott's excellent
performances for the club, that directly led to a long over due England
recognition.

No one can ever deny Scotty's commitment to the Hammers cause nor the fact
that he gave 110% amid the shambles of the previous two PL campaigns. Most
fans do not begrudge him a move back to a PL club, but surely he could have
aimed higher than Spurs, a club showing distinct signs of internal strife
and footballing decline. I am equally sure most Hammers fans never
begrudged Scott his c.75,000 week wages. What they may not understand is why
he would choose to join Spurs on inferior personal terms to those at West
Ham? Yesterday's Evening Standard asserted that he will only achieve parity
with Spurs' highest earner, Van der Vaart, who is said to be on £65,000 a
week. That constitutes an alleged loss of £10,000 on his current weekly wage
of £75,000. In addition, it would appear that Spurs are only likely to
agree a three year contract, one year less than his current Hammers deal.

If all this is true, I guess one could argue that Scott Parker is putting
his football career ahead of his financial interests, whch is a refreshing
change to the usual money grabbing cynicism of the modern footballer. Some
commentators have pointed out that his late Father supported Spurs and that
Scott, himself, may harbour simliar affiliations, and that this could be the
key imperative behind a move to Spurs. Who knows if that is true? Yet, one
can ask whether that imperative is sufficient motivation for Parker to
decide to under-cut his earning potential in the final years of his top
class professional career?

Scott Parker must remember his fustrating and wasted time on the bench at
Chelski. He must have considered the previous England snubs and the poor
treatment that he received at the traniing camp prior to England naming the
final 23 for the 2010 World Cup Finals. Scott must also have remembered
that his fine performances in the training sessions were overlooked and
that, subsequently, he was not given a chance in any of the pre-World Cup
warm up games. Capello then proceeded to take an unfit Gareth Barry instead
of an in-form Parker, thereby adding insult to injury! Scott must have
contrasted all of that with the way that his form blossomed at West Ham and
the high esteem in which he was held by all at the club. Finally, he must
know that the Hammers fans may accept his need to move to the PL, but that
they will eventually disown him, specifically because he left to join Spurs.
No player since Martin Peters has ever been forgiven for moving to White
Hart Lane and that is a fact.

Perhaps the Evening Standard have got the personal terms issue wrong?
Regardless, lets hope that Scott Parker does not end up regreting this move,
for the sake of a respected former fans favourite. But alas, if he is gone,
he is gone. If that is the case then forget Scott Parker! I wish him well,
but the club is everything and no individual player will ever be bigger than
West Ham Utd FC. To me that is axiomatic. Lets now focus on getting behind
Kevin Nolan, our youngsters and those players that actually want to play for
West Ham Utd FC. Upward and onwards for automatic promotion to the PL, all
else is mere distraction!

p.s. Welcome to P.B. Diop who has now signed for West Ham on a one deal
and I am sure that at least 2 or 3 others will follow with the c.£6m that we
have allegedly secured for Scott Parker.

p.p.s Congratulation to former Hammers youth player, Danny Kerns, who has
signed for Peterborough Utd on a three year contract from Dundalk. I
questioned the decision to release Kerns at the time and predicted that we
may eventually regret letting him go. It will be interesting to see how he
shapes up a Peterborough?

SJ. Chandos.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

No comments: