WHUFC.com
Having played his first game in the claret and blue, Matt Taylor is raring
to go
27.07.2011
Matt Taylor is delighted to be up and running as a West Ham United player.
The midfielder played for an hour in the 1-0 win at Dagenham & Redbridge on
Tuesday night and looked lively throughout. Playing in wide role on the
left, Taylor also gave an early glimpse of his dead-ball prowess with some
telling corners and free-kicks.
"It was good to be out there," he said. "Dagenham are a good team, they made
us work, it was nice to win. "My fitness is fine. I think a majority of
players don't lose too much fitness in the summer so it is not too bad
coming back into it all. I would like to think I am in good condition and it
is about match fitness now."
Taylor is already at home at Chadwell Heath and is a popular presence around
the training ground. "I have had no problem settling in with everyone, it is
not been a problem for me- You do feel like the new boy at school on your
first day, but I feel good here," he added. "I am very happy, I am a
southern lad and it gets me closer to home to my family which is also a big
part of my life. "As I have said, West Ham are a huge club - it is massive
and I just want to be part of it all here. There is something special here
and hopefully we can give these wonderful fans of ours something to cheer
about."
Taylor is confident but not complacent and knows the Hammers will be tested
from the off, with the visit of Cardiff City on Sunday week followed by
tough match after tough match. "We are under no illusions that it will be a
difficult season. There are some big teams in the Championship all vying for
those spots to get into the Premier League. I think if we get a good start
and try to keep going from there, then we have a great chance."
What has impressed Taylor is the quality in the ranks and, with one or two
more new faces to come in at least, he is confident the club will have a
strong season.
"I am confident in the ability in the squad that we can give it a good shot.
The manager still wants to add to the team, so that can only be good and I
think we can have a good go at it all. I am confident for the season ahead."
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U18s end on a high
WHUFC.com
West Ham United finished second in the Tallinn Cup after beating Dinamo
Moscow 4-2 in Estonia
27.07.2011
West Ham United ended their pre-season trip to Estonia on a high with a 4-2
victory over Russian side Dinamo Moscow. The Hammers produced a fine
all-round display to finish their Tallinn Cup challenge on a high. The three
points gained from Tuesday's success saw West Ham finish second behind the
Estonia Under-19 national team on head-to-head record - the Estonians having
edged out their visitors 2-1 on Sunday. Against Dinamo, West Ham raced into
a two-goal lead through strikes from Danny Potts and Dominic Vose in the
27th and 29th minutes respectively, only for Ivan Solovjev to halve the
deficit three minutes later. The Hammers netted twice in the space of six
minutes early in the second half through Matthias Fanimo and a Jack Powell
penalty. Dinamo scored a consolation goal through Vladimir Sporev before
Potts and Nikita Dergatsov were sent-off with two minutes remaining, but
West Ham held on for a deserved victory. Estonia U19 were beaten 2-0 by PSV
Eindhoven in their final fixture, but the result was not enough to deny them
the title.
Tallin Cup 2011 - Final table
P W D L F A Pts
Estonia U19 3 2 0 1 5 3 6
West Ham United 3 2 0 1 6 4 6
PSV Eindhoven 3 1 1 1 3 2 4
Dinamo Moscow 3 0 1 2 3 8 1
West Ham United U18: Larkins, Alexander (Siafa 56), Shaw (K.Lee 73), Hurley,
Potts, Hunt (Young 70), Labonne, Powell, Fanimo (Miles 83), Turgott (E.Lee
60), Vose
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Royals ready for Long game
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 27th July 2011
By: Staff Writer
Reading have claimed that they are willing to sell star striker Shane Long -
but only on their terms. The Reading Post reports that the Royals have
received a number of bids for the 24-year-old Irish striker - but as of yet,
not one has come close to their valuation of the player. Speaking in today's
edition of tthe Post, Royals director of football Nicky Hammond said: "We
want Shane at the club, but we have had offers for him. None of those have
been at a level or point where we are prepared to trade. "With every player
there comes a point, but we are nowhere near that point yet. If it got to a
level that we find acceptable, then we would have to sit down and review
it."
West Ham are thought to have had an initial offer of £4million plus add-ons
rejected. A second bid for the highly-rated striker is imminent, although
other clubs - including Premier League side Liverpool - have also expressed
an interest in the player in the last 48 hours.
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Dylan diagnosed
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 27th July 2011
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have confirmed that Academy striker Dylan Tombides is
undergoing treatment for testicular cancer. The 17-year-old Australian was
diagnosed last month whilst on international duty at the FIFA Under 17 World
Cup Finals and immediately flew back to England to begin treatment. Club
doctor Sean Howlett told whufc.com: "Dylan is receiving the best possible
care. All the doctors involved have advised Dylan that he will make a full
recovery in terms of his illness and his ability to return to his football
career. "He is undergoing the standard series of treatments for his
condition which is a course of chemotherapy."
Born in 1994, Tombides joined West Ham at the age of 15 after his family
moved from Australia to England. He signed as a full-time scholar a year ago
and made the first team bench for the first time against Sunderland on the
final day of last season. The disease was also battled - and successfully
overcome - by Hammers legend Bobby Moore in 1964. KUMB.com would like to
wish Dylan a speedy recovery on behalf of all its readers.
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Big Sam has hopes for Barrera
Hammers manager tipping Mexico winger to shine
Last Updated: July 27, 2011 8:24pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is confident Mexican Pablo Barrera will enjoy
a more productive second season in English football. The 24-year-old arrived
last summer for a lofty fee, although he failed to make an impact and
eventually slipped out of the first-team picture. Allardyce is now at the
helm and he believes having English lessons will help the winger adapt to
life in England. Barrera impressed for Mexico in this summer's Gold Cup
tournament and Allardyce wants him to replicate that form at Upton Park.
Big things
"He had a very successful tournament for Mexico and I am hoping for big
things from him," he told the Recorder. "It was a sizeable investment to
bring him to the club last summer, but he struggled with the language
barrier and the cultural changes of coming to a new country, so he hasn't
had a very good experience here so far.
"In the end he was lost in the furore of last season because the manager
went for his more experienced players to get them out of trouble, though of
course that didn't work. "I sat down with him and his agent to have a chat
and I think the important thing is to make him as happy here as possible.
"That means English lessons for him and his wife and just helping him to
adapt to life in England a little better. He is a very good player and I
don't see why he can't play well in English football."
Treatment
Meanwhile, the club have revealed that teenage striker Dylan Tombides is
being treated for testicular cancer after he was diagnosed last month.
Tombides was diagnosed while away on international duty with Australia at
the Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Mexico. "Dylan is receiving the best possible
care," club doctor Sean Howlett told West Ham's official website. "All the
doctors involved have advised Dylan that he will make a full recovery in
terms of his illness and his ability to return to his football career. "He
is undergoing the standard series of treatments for his condition which is a
course of chemotherapy.
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Reading - No serious Long bid
Royals' resolve to keep star striker yet to be tested
Last Updated: July 27, 2011 11:48am
SSN
Reading insist they are yet to receive a bid anywhere near their valuation
for star striker Shane Long. The Royals are thought to have rejected an
offer from Championship rivals West Ham, believed to total around £7million
with add-ons. The Hammers are widely reported to be ready to come back with
another bid for the 24-year-old, and they could face stiff competition as
Liverpool are reportedly interested in the Republic of Irelandinternational.
But Reading's director of football Nick Hammond has stressed Long will be
staying put if there is not a significant increase to the offers coming in.
"We want Shane at the club, but we have had offers for him," he told the
Reading Post.
Selling point
"None of those have been at a level or point where we are prepared to trade.
"With every player there comes a point, but we are nowhere near that point
yet. "If it got to a level that we find acceptable, then we would have to
sit down and review it."
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Sam - No Parker bids
Allardyce does not expect Green to join Baggies
Last Updated: July 27, 2011 11:56am
SSN
Sam Allardyce has revealed that West Ham have still not received any offers
for Scott Parker, while he does not expect Robert Green to join West Brom.
Parker was widely expected to leave the Hammers this summer after starring
in an otherwise dismal 2010/11 campaign that culminated in relegation from
the Premier League.
A number of clubs were thought to be interested in keeping the England
midfielder in the top flight, but nobody has yet stepped up their pursuit.
Asked if there had been any bids for Parker, Allardyce told Sky Sports News:
"None at all." Goalkeeper Green is another player to have been linked with a
move away from Upton Park and West Brom identified him as a possible target
after losing Scott Carson to Bursaspor. Allardyce admits an offer was turned
down but he does not think a transfer will now materialise as he understands
the Baggies could be about to sign Ben Foster from Birmingham. Questioned on
whether there had been any bids for the keeper, Allardyce replied: "I think
we might have had one from West Brom but that was rejected." Asked if the
two clubs might renegotiate, he added: "No, because I think they have taken
Ben Foster haven't they?"
Long pursuit
While Parker and Green have been tipped to depart West Ham before the
transfer window closes, Allardyce is keen to continue strengthening his
squad. Reading striker Shane Long is thought to be on Allardyce's radar but
the manager refused to confirm that an approach had been made, insisting
that he wanted to conduct his business professionally. "I'm not quite sure
in that department. I will speak to the chairman tomorrow and see where we
are," said Allardyce about Long after Tuesday's friendly against Dagenham &
Redbridge. "We would always like a player that is going to score goals and
complement the team, and a player of Shane Long's type, without trying to
suggest I am trying to poach him off Reading, because even an interview can
get you into trouble today by saying if you want a particular player. "I
don't know if he is available. I will find out off the chairman tomorrow. "
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West Ham youngster diagnosed with cancer
Published 11:57 27/07/11 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
West Ham striker Dylan Tombides is being treated for testicular cancer, the
club have confirmed. The 17-year-old Australian was diagnosed last month
while on international duty at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico. He was
sent back to England immediately and has already begun his first course of
chemotherapy at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London West Ham club doctor
Sean Howlett said: "Dylan is receiving the best possible care. All the
doctors involved have advised Dylan that he will make a full recovery in
terms of his illness and his ability to return to his football career. "He
is undergoing the standard series of treatments for his condition which is a
course of chemotherapy." Academy director Tony Carr added: "Everyone at the
club is right behind Dylan and we all wish him a speedy and healthy
recovery. "The doctors are all very positive and he is in the best possible
hands. We look forward to seeing him back with us when he is ready."
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Allardyce: 'English lessons could help turn Barrera into West Ham star'
London24
Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
1:43 PM
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has sat down with Pablo Barrera and his agent to
discuss how best to move the winger's career at Upton Park forward. Manager
Sam Allardyce is looking to turn Mexico winger Pablo Barrera into a West Ham
star next year, with a little help from English lessons. The 24-year-old
found life tough in the Premier League last season, but starred for his
country in their Gold Cup success during the summer. And after watching him
for the first time at Wycombe on Saturday, Allardyce is looking for Barrera
to translate that international form into his club displays. "He had a very
successful tournament for Mexico and I am hoping for big things from him,"
Allardyce told the Recorder this week. "He hasn't had a lot of time off so
his fitness is fairly good, though he has a couple of blisters after
Saturday."
Barrera has been linked with Saturday's friendly opponents Real Zaragoza,
but Allardyce is hoping that he can turn things around for the player. "It
was a sizeable investment to bring him to the club last summer, but he
struggled with the language barrier and the cultural changes of coming to a
new country, so he hasn't had a very good experience here so far," said the
manager. "In the end he was lost in the furore of last season because the
manager went for his more experienced players to get them out of trouble,
though of course that didn't work. "I sat down with him and his agent to
have a chat and I think the important thing is to make him as happy here as
possible. "That means English lessons for him and his wife and just helping
him to adapt to life in England a little better. "He is a very good player
and I don't see why he can't play well in English football," concluded the
West Ham boss.
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O'Brien winning battle for West Ham contract
London24
Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
5:16 PM
Hammers trialist Joey o'Brien is proving his fitness and his talent during
his time at West Ham. Former Bolton Wanderers star Joey O'Brien will find
out next week if he has done enough to earn a deal at West Ham. The
25-year-old filled in at right-back and centre-half during Saturday's 0-0
draw at Wycombe and it is that versatility that may well earn him a deal.
Allardyce has certainly been impressed. "He has done exceptionally well,"
said the manager. "He hasn't really played for two and a half years because
of injury, so to come here and try and win a contract is excellent. From my
point of view on the way he is performing, I would certainly like him."
Midfielder O'Brien played the first half of Tuesday night's friendly clash
at Dagenham & Redbridge, while he will also feature against Real Zaragoza at
Upton Park on Saturday. O'Brien played under Allardyce in his Bolton days
and the manager knows just how much potential he has. "He was one of the
brightest prospects in the Premier League when he first came into the Bolton
team and hopefully he can get back to that sort of form."
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West Ham rival West Brom for ex-Manchester United ace Hargreaves
by Pat McGatt. Published Wed 27 Jul 2011 16:15, Last updated: 2011-07-27
click-manchester.com
According to reports West Ham United are interested in released Manchester
United midfielder Owen Hargreaves. The People claims Hammers boss Sam
Allardyce is eyeing the injury-plagued star. It is understood he is
monitoring developments as to the future of the midfielder who was released
by United at the end of last season.
West Bromwich Albion have been in talks with the 30-year-old and are
believed to be offering a pay-as-you-play deal. Allardyce is viewing a
Hammers future without Scott Parker, who is wanted by Aston Villa. It is
understood he sees Hargreaves as the ideal replacement for Parker provided
his long-term fitness is not an issue.
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Reading slap hefty price-tag on Long after rejecting Hammers bid
By talkSPORT
Wednesday, July 27
West Ham have been told to up their bid for Shane Long if they want to win
the race to sign the Reading striker. Sam Allardyce's side has lodged a
£4million bid for the 24-year-old striker but the Royals are understood to
want closer to £7m for their top scorer last season. Sam Allardyce has
admitted he wants to add more players to his squad before the season starts
with an August 6 game against Cardiff . But the former Blackburn boss will
have to increase his offer amid rumours of interest from Newcastle, Everton
and Liverpool in the Republic of Ireland star. Long scored 28 goals in 60
games for the Berkshire club last season but could not stop his side losing
4-2 to Swansea in the Championship play-off final. Reading manager Brian
McDermott has admitted he promised he would not stop the striker moving to a
top-flight club if their promotion bid failed and he is expected to remain
true to his word once the club's valuation is met.
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Southampton demand £1m for QPR target Puncheon
By talkSPORT
Wednesday, July 27
QPR will have to part with £1m cash to land Southampton midfielder Jason
Puncheon. Puncheon does not feature in Nigel Adkins' plans and was thought
be available for a fee of around £400,000 but the south coast club have now
decided to demand more for the 27-year-old. Neil Warnock offered centre-back
Kaspars Gorkss plus cash for the versatile player, who had spells at
Millwall and Blackpool last season, but was rebuffed as Saints hold out for
a large, cash-only sale. Millwall and West Ham have also been linked with
the former Plymouth man but neither will want to part with a seven-figure
sum for a player deemed surplus to requirements at his own club.
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FULHAM AND WEST HAM IN HUNT FOR STEPHEN MCMANUS
Daily Star
28th July 2011 By Daily Star Reporter
FULHAM and West Ham are eyeing £1.5m-rated Middlesbrough defender
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