WHUFC.com
Having struck his first goal and played his part in an impressive win,
Carlton Cole is happy
18.08.2011
Carlton Cole believes confidence is high for the npower Championship visit
of Leeds United after the "statement" made by the midweek rout of Watford.
The England striker is up and running for the season with a goal on his
first start in the 4-0 win at Vicarage Road. Hopeful of keeping his place
for the Leeds match on Sunday afternoon, he praised the collective efforts
of the side last time out despite being singled out for special mention by
his manager once again. "It was a fantastic performance by my team-mates,"
he said. "The manager is very chuffed by the way we play, the style of
football we played. We weathered the storm in the hard parts of the game and
came out on top. We are really happy."
Cole's contribution was a telling one at both ends of the pitch, but he gave
plenty of credit to Herita Ilunga for the surging run that led to his
strike. ""I am pleased to get off the mark. It was really nice to have a
nice tap-in a few more of those wouldn't go amiss for me. "I would love to
big up Herita. I thought he had a fantastic game and for him to be up and in
around the box at that stage of the game is amazing for a left-back. He did
really well. He didn't have to pull it back for me but he did it nicely."
Cole's defensive duties saw him head away the danger several times when
Watford had set-pieces in and around the Hammers area, and he revealed the
importance of rearguard strength. "It helps breed confidence. It is two
clean sheets in a row, I can't remember the last time we had that it. "It is
brilliant. It bodes well for the goalkeeper, the defence, the whole team
really. The manager wanted this. We had to make a statement and I think it
really bodes well for the team. The fans need to see that we are serious in
this league and a steady performance."
Above all else, he was pleased the team were able to start repaying the
supporters for their backing. "The fans are important in the place we are at
the moment. Especially after the dire performances we had last season. We
are in this position for a reason, we weren't good enough. So it is good to
know they are there supporting us through thick and thin and that is what we
need throughout the rest of the season. "We have just got to stay strong,
the fans have to stray strong and keep the faith and hopefully we will get
out of it at the first shot."
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Tonks targets Leeds
WHUFC.com
Although substituted in midweek, James Tomkins is aiming to be involved this
Sunday afternoon
18.08.2011
James Tomkins is working hard to be fit for Sunday's showdown with Leeds
United at the Boleyn Ground. The homegrown Hammer revealed he came off
against Watford in midweek as a precaution, having put the team on their way
to a 4-0 win with a headed goal on three minutes. "I should be all right for
the weekend," he told West Ham TV. "[The hamstring] was a bit tight. I
couldn't really run. There was a lot of jumping and a lot of running but I
should be fit."
Like the rest of his team-mates, he was in the morning after the night
before for a warm-down and light fitness work. The players will get an extra
rest on Thursday before they go again with full training on Friday and
Saturday. Should he lineup for the Leeds game, Tomkins will be looking to
get on the scoresheet again, believing he should see the reward this season
for an extra focus in training on the attacking side of his game. "That is
what I have to keep working on and practising. I am just glad it went in. I
feel confident I can win a lot of headers in the air. Hopefully the goal
will give me the confidence that I can go on and score from corners and any
set-piece we have, and pose a threat."
He paid tribute to the "great left foot" of Matt Taylor, who has shown
tremendous delivery from all areas since his arrival, while said the two
back-to-back wins had demonstrated that "we are up for the fight". Tomkins
added: "It was good to get the victory and we really feel we can push on."
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Ticket latest for Leeds
WHUFC.com
The ticket office is ready to deal with a rush of supporters wanting to see
the next home game
18.08.2011
Fans should take note there will be no cash turnstiles in operation for
Sunday's big npower Championship match with Leeds United. With ticket prices
starting at just £19 for kids and £32 for adults, those yet to snap up their
seats are advised to move quickly to avoid disappointment. The Hammers are
riding high and looking to make it three wins in a row to aid the push for
promotion.
Tickets can still be ordered in advance or bought from the stadium ticket
offices on Sunday, but cash turnstiles will not be open on the day on police
advice. Tickets will also only be sold on the day to those with a previous
purchase history. The ticket office has reported brisk trade this week and
will be open on Friday and Saturday as well for personal and telephone
callers.
Back to back away wins have captured the imagination of supporters, and a
bumper Boleyn crowd is expected. As a result, a large walk-up is expected on
the day ahead of the kick-off, so fans wanting to pay on the day are advised
to get to the Boleyn Ground in good time. Sam Allardyce could keep faith
with the side that won 4-0 at Watford on Tuesday night but knows the likes
of George McCartney, Pablo Barrera, Junior Stanislas and John Carew are also
pushing hard for places.
With many neutrals expecting both the Hammers and Leeds to challenge for
promotion, it all promises to be a mouth-watering afternoon. The action gets
under way at 1.15pm, so make sure you are there to see Kevin Nolan and Co.
Why not buy your ticket right now?
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Warnock confirms Parker interest
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 18th August 2011
By: Staff Writer
QPR manager Neil Warnock has admitted that Scott Parker is high on his list
of potential signings. Warnock, speaking in a press conference to confirm
the arrival of new Rangers owner, West Ham fan Tony Fernandes, admitted that
he was serious about trying to land the current Football Writers' Player of
the Year. "Scott is one [we are looking at]," he said. "I think with Tony's
connections there he was always bound to get a mention. But I don't think we
should talk about players at other clubs at the moment. I think we should do
it in the right way. "He [Parker] is one of a number of options and we have
different positions, different options and we'll try and get our number one
targets in all those positions."
However Fernandes refused to be drawn on the question of whether he had
alreyad placed a bid for Parker. "We are looking at spending money on
quality players," he said, "but until a few minutes ago I wasn't owner of
the club, so I'm not sure what the last regime did."
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QPR have offer for Scott Parker rejected by West Ham as club is poised to
unveil Tony Fernandes as majority shareholder
By Telegraph staff9:33AM BST 18 Aug 2011Comment
Telegraph.co.uk
QPR have had a £4 million bid for Scott Parker rejected by West Ham that
same day the club are due to unveil Tony Fernandes as their controlling
shareholder.
Fernandes, the owner of the low-cost airline AirAsia, targeted Parker in a
bid to start his involvement with the London-based club with a marquee
signing as he looks to bolster Neil Warnock's squad before the transfer
window closes. But West Ham are understood to have turned down the initial
offer and will hold out for their valuation of £7m. The Malaysian
entrepreneur, who is also team principal of Formula One outfit Team Lotus,
is also set to bid £3 million for Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha. QPR
have confirmed there will be a press conference at 2pm to officially confirm
that Fernandes is buying a 51 per cent stake from F1 chief Bernie
Ecclestone. Ecclestone has been the majority owner of QPR for the past five
years. Questions over the ownership of the west London club, and the future
of manager Neil Warnock, have overshadowed their build-up to the new season,
their first in the top flight since 1996.
Rangers lost their opening game of the season 4-0 to Bolton at Loftus Road
on Saturday with some of the 15,000 home support venting their frustrations
at shareholder Flavio Briatore, watching from the directors' box.
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West Ham reject QPR bid for Scott Parker
London 24
Nathaniel John, West Ham correspondent
Thursday, August 18, 2011
11:16 AM
West Ham have apparently rejected a bid of £4 million for Scott Parker from
QPR, according to reports. The west London club, who are set to announce
self-confessed Hammers fan Tony Fernandes as their controlling shareholder
this afternoon, have had their initial offer turned down with West Ham
holding out for their valuation of around £7 million. Malaysian entrepreneur
Fernandes, who has often been linked with investing in the Hammers, is
understood to have bought a 51 per cent stake from previous QPR owner Bernie
Ecclestone and has targeted Parker as his first buy. It is expected that QPR
will return with an improved bid, but it remains to be seen as to whether
the Hammer of the Year will fancy a move to west London, if he will be
involved in another relegation battle. Parker is thought to favour a move to
a more lucrative Premier League side such as Chelsea or Tottenham Hotspur,
with Spurs manager Harry Redknapp openly admitting his interest. "I like
Scott Parker, but it's not an easy deal," he said. "We'd have to pay £7
million or £8 million, then there is his wages and he's almost 31, so it's
not an easy deal for someone to do."
If a Premier League side were to meet West Ham's valuation for the Football
Writers' Player of the Year, then it is thought that a move would be
dependant on whether Parker actually wants to go to that particular club.
However, if the 30-year-old midfielder wants to play some part in Euro 2012
as well as play in the top-flight and maybe even Europe before he retires,
then it is expected that he will move before the end of the transfer window.
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QPR fail in Parker bid
by Setanta Staff , 18 August 2011
Setanta
QPR are eyeing a £3m move for Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha after
having had a £4m offer for West Ham's Scott Parker rejected. Boss Neil
Warnock is ready to splash the cash on the back of new owner Tony Fernandes'
takeover at Loftus Road and is anxious to improve his squad in all
departments. Onuoha has been told he is free to leave Manchester City this
summer after spending last season on loan at Sunderland where he made 31
appearances. It's rumoured that the 24-year-old would prefer to stay in the
north-west but Warnock is hoping to persuade him to move south, although the
R's face competition from Everton, Blackburn and Bolton for his signature.
Onuoha's representative Kia Joorabchian admitted to BBC Sport: "I'm not
surprised at this level of interest, because Nedum has proven that he's a
very good player. "
Warnock is also keen on Parker with the England star anxious for a move back
to the Premier League after West Ham's relegation but the Hammers value the
midfielder in the £7m bracket and are not prepared to shift over their
valuation.
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Cole: We've made a statement
Thursday 18th August 2011 12:18
TeamTalk
West Ham striker Carlton Cole admits confidence is high heading into
Sunday's Championship clash at home to Leeds. Cole marked his first start of
the season with his first goal since February as Sam Allardyce's side
demolished Watford 4-0 on Tuesday night. "The manager is chuffed by the way
we play and the style of football we played. We are really happy," he said.
"It helps breed confidence, two clean sheets in a row - I can't remember the
last time we had that. "It bodes well for the goalkeeper, the defence, the
whole team really. We had to make a statement and I think it really bodes
well for the team. "The fans need to see we are serious in this league."
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QPR bid for Parker
Fernandes wastes little time after taking over at Loftus Road
Last Updated: August 18, 2011 8:46am
SSN
Sky Sports News understands Tony Fernandes has completed his takeover of
Queens Park Rangers and has bid £4million for Scott Parker. The Premier
League club are set to make an announcement on Thursday morning to confirm
the news, but the Malaysian airline entrepreneur is wasting little time in
looking to improve the squad. Fernandes is understood to have acquired a 66
per cent stake in QPR from Bernie Ecclestone, while former vice-chairman
Amit Bhatia has returned to the same role with a holding of 33%. The pair
are said to be in full support of manager Neil Warnock and are prepared to
offer backing in the transfer market, with West Ham midfielder Parker
identified as a target. Whether the Hammers accept a fee of £4m for the
England international remains to be seen amid reports a valuation is set
closer to £8m. But Fernandes, who watched as QPR's Premier League campaign
started with a 4-0 defeat at home to Bolton, wants to bring quality to
Loftus Road in order to improve the playing squad. Skysports.com reported on
Tuesday QPR had made an enquiry regarding Liverpool outcast Philipp Degen.
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