WHUFC.com
The ticket office is dealing with a rush of supporters wanting to see the
next home game
20.08.2011
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 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. 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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Lee treble blunts Blades
WHUFC.com
The Academy side have hit the ground running on the first day of the new U18
season
20.08.2011
West Ham United U18s 4-1 Sheffield United U18s
Elliott Lee made a terrific start to the new FA Premier Academy League with
a hat-trick to see off a plucky Sheffield United on Saturday. The striker
scored three fine goals, with Kieran Sadlier adding the other, on a
rain-soaked Little Heath. The home side were always on top, with Academy
Director Tony Carr, ably supported by U18s coach Nick Haycock, believing the
team could have added to their tally against the Blades. Lee, who scored
seven goals in pre-season, showed his intent inside the first 30 seconds,
going close with a header that the visiting keeper only just saved with an
outstretched leg. Sadlier then went close as well after bursting through,
only to again be foiled by the Blades No1. The deadlock was finally broken
as the half-hour mark approached. A delightful ball in behind from Jack
Powell picked out Lee, who showed great skill to control the ball in mid-air
and then lift it over the keeper. The second quickly followed with Lee
side-footing in from Matthias Fanimo's low cross. The Yorkshire club, who
had set off from Sheffield at 7.30am for the 12.30pm kick-off, improved
after the interval as the rain came down on the Academy training ground.
Jake Larkins was forced into a couple of smart stops but the Hammers
rearguard, captained by Danny Potts alongside Leo Chambers at centre-back ,
stood firm.
Blair Turgott then took full advantage of a breakaway before crossing low
and hard across the penalty area for Sadlier to sweep in the third goal.
That killed off any hopes of a Blades comeback and Lee wrapped things up
when he cut in from the left and bent the ball into the top corner. There
was still time for a consolation goal for the visitors, when Jake Young
committed a foul but the goal could not dampen the mood after a superb
opening-day success. It will be the Hammers turn to travel next weekend when
they make the long trip up to face Sunderland in another inter-group
fixture.
West Ham United: Larkins, Young, Shaw, Chambers, Potts, Sadlier, Hurley
(Miles), Turgott, Powell (Hunt), E Lee (Labonne), Fanimo
Subs not used: Wootton, K Lee
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Loan watch: week three
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 20th August 2011
By: Staff Writer
Olly Lee was the only Hammers loanee to enjoy the sweet taste of victory on
a busy day in the Football League. The 20-year-old played the entire game as
his current side, Dagenham & Redbridge won 1-0 at Bradford City to record
their third league win of the campaign and go fifth in League Two. Lee - who
collected a yellow card for his troubles this afternoon - has been an
ever-present in the Daggers' (League) side this season. He is due to return
to West Ham at the beginning of September.
Another player out on loan for a month, Cristian Montano, was a second half
sub for Notts County at Sheffield Wednesday today. The 19-year-old striker
came on as a 55th-minute replacement for Alan Judge. However the Columbian -
who came on two minutes after the home side had levelled the scores - was
unable to prevent his side slipping to a 2-1 defeat. County ended the game
with 10 men after Neal Bishop was dismissed 12 minutes from time for a
second bookable offence.
West Ham's final loan player, Jordan Spence, played the entire game as his
Bristol City side played out a goalless draw with Portsmouth at Ashton Gate.
Former Hammers Tal Ben-Haim and Hayden Mullins featured for Portsmough
whilst David James was an unused sub for the home side. Spence, an ever
present since securing a season-long loan move to City was also part of the
team that secured an impressive 2-1 win at promotion favourites Leicester in
midweek - his club's only league win thus far this season.
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Brady's sideswipe at ex-captain
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 20th August 2011
By: Staff Writer
Vice-chair Karren Brady took subtle digs at two former Hammers in her column
for a tabloid newspaper today. Brady, who is back writing her weekly slot
after an extended summer break had a pop at both Benni McCartney and former
captain Matthew Upson, a player with whom she has shared a certain degree of
animosity since their days together at Birmingham City.
Remarking on the impressive way in which new captain Kevin Nolan has begun
his career at the Boleyn Ground, Brady said: "These days footballers are so
well rewarded there's an impression that they're all overpaid,
under-employed, out-of-touch clubbers. "It isn't true, anyway, but in
Nolan's case it's slander in the first degree. I also respect him for
insisting that he writes his own comments on our fans' website. Now that is
unusual."
Also on the receiving end was South African lardarse Benni McCarthy;
commenting on Blackpool striker Kevin Phillips' body fat content count of
8.6 per cent, Brady said: "I had a player once whose body fat was three
times that. Altogether he cost West Ham about £5million and he didn't score
once. Answers please on a postcard!"
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Big Sam - England want Parker move
Hammers boss accuses England camp of informing midfielder to seek move
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
August 20, 2011 11:01am
SSN
Sam Allardyce believes the England hierarchy have encouraged Scott Parker to
leave West Ham in search of Premier League football. Parker has been linked
with a transfer ever since the Hammers were sent down last season but
despite being open to such a move, he has started the season under Allardyce
in the Championship.
Top-flight newcomers QPR have seen a £4million bid turned down for the
30-year-old midfielder and Allardyce believes both Parker and England could
be better served by the player remaing at Upton Park.
Opinion
"Scott has expressed an opinion that he wants to get back into the Premier
League and play Premier League football," Allardyce told The Sun. "That's
come from someone in the England camp telling him that's where he needs to
be. I don't see the logic behind that. "Just because a player drops down a
division, it doesn't mean he's turned into a bad player overnight and isn't
good enough for England. "It could actually benefit England if Scott is
playing at a club which is winning more games than when he was playing for
West Ham at the bottom of the Premier League. "The England team shouldn't be
picked on whichever players are in the Premier League when you've got a
Premier League player playing in the Championship."
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Grayson urges Hammers bid
Leeds boss would think about selling Gradel, but he won't come cheap
By Jamie Casey. Last Updated: August 20, 2011 11:51am
SSN
Simon Grayson has warned Sunday's opponents West Ham they must at least
treble their offer for Max Gradel if they are to tempt Leeds into a sale.
The Leeds boss confirmed the Hammers made a move earlier in the summer but
their offer, believed to be in the region of £2.5million, fell well short of
Leeds' valuation. The two sides meet at Upton Park this weekend, with Gradel
back in first-team contention following a one-match ban after being sent off
against Middlesbrough. "West Ham made an offer for Max this summer, but it
was not acceptable," Grayson told The Sun. "Will he want to show West Ham
what they are missing? Every time a player pulls on the shirt, you want him
to play to the maximum of his ability - and that's the case with Max. "If he
goes out there and scores a hat-trick and they come back in with three or
four times the money they offered previously, then it'll be something to
think about."
Doubts
Gradel is in the final year of his contract at Elland Road, but claims new
terms have yet to be offered, though Grayson is unconcerned by the doubts
surrounding his future. He said: "Max loves playing for this club, and it
was never a concern that he'd leave because West Ham's valuation of him was
nowhere near ours." West Ham are the favourites at Upton Park on Sunday,
with many backing Sam Allardyce to lead the club back to the Premier League
in his first attempt. Grayson, though, has high hopes his side, who
registered their first win of the season against Hull on Tuesday, can upset
the odds. "Hopefully, we can go out there and become coupon busters," said
the former Blackpool manager. "It is their remit to win promotion at the
first time of asking, but I know we have a team who are capable of beating
anyone on our day."
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Match Preview: West Ham v Leeds
August 20th, 2011 - 8:14 pm by Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
Stick your hands in the air if you've had a bit of a swagger about you this
week. Yeah, me too. Especially around Gooners. I may not be Mystic Meg but
it wouldn't surprise me if Monsieur Wenger headed home for France at some
point over the next fortnight. Anyway, I digress.
The match against Leeds ought to be one of the bigger games of our season.
And they've got a tricky little winger we might decide to buy if Barrera
leaves for Zaragoza. I cannot imagine why tomorrow's team selection will be
any different to that against Watford unless James Tomkins fails a fitness
test. Normally I'd want to see two strikers up front when we play at home,
but seeing as the second striker would be Picquionne, I think I'd settle for
4-5-1 again, with Nolan playing an advanced role.
I am really looking forward to seeing Joey O'Brien and Matthew Taylor again.
I was so impressed with them against Cardiff and it seems they were on fire
at Watford.
It's good news that Rob Green is apparently in talks about a new contract. I
feel a bit sorry for him in a way as he should definitely be playing in the
top flight, but then no doubt that applies to them all. If we can hang onto
him in the next two weeks that can only be good news for our promotion push.
I hesitate to make a prediction because I don't want to jinx us. You know
what I'm like. But I think we'd all be very disappointed with anything less
than a win, wouldn't we?
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Julian Dicks: Big Sam will take us back to the top flight
Published 22:27 20/08/11 By Anthony Clavane
The Mirror
Julian Dicks insists Sam Allardyce will get West Ham back into the Premier
League – even if his "winning ugly" style upsets purists. The Hammers legend
thinks Big Sam is just the right man to restore top-flight status – and
would love to help him. West Ham, who entertain Leeds today after two wins
on the spin, have a tradition of playing an attractive, passing game.But
Dicks said: "We also have a tradition based on graft and steel – the Billy
Bonds or Julian Dicks style, if you like. Sam reminds me of Bonds,
definitely. "And I'd like to come in and help, if he thinks I can do a job.
"People have reservations about Sam because he's direct and likes to get it
to the front as quick as possible. But football's about winning games."
Dicks thinks today's televised clash is fit to grace the Premier League –
and it won't be long before the two fallen giants are back in the big time.
He added: "The atmosphere at Upton Park will be electric as it is a fixture
with such a great history."
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England told Parker to leave - Allardyce
August 20, 2011
ESPN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes the England hierarchy have encouraged
Scott Parker to leave the club in search of Premier League football. Parker,
30, has been linked with a transfer after the Hammers were relegated last
season, but, despite being open to such a move, he has started the season
under Allardyce in the Championship. Top-flight newcomers QPR have seen a £4
million bid turned down for the midfielder, and Allardyce believes both
Parker and England could be better served by the player remaining at Upton
Park. He told The Sun: "Scott has expressed an opinion that he wants to get
back into the Premier League and play Premier League football. That's come
from someone in the England camp telling him that's where he needs to be. I
don't see the logic behind that. "Just because a player drops down a
division, it doesn't mean he's turned into a bad player overnight and isn't
good enough for England. "It could actually benefit England if Scott is
playing at a club which is winning more games than when he was playing for
West Ham at the bottom of the Premier League. "The England team shouldn't be
picked on whichever players are in the Premier League when you've got a
Premier League player playing in the Championship."
© ESPN EMEA Ltd
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Scott Parker set for West Ham exit, says Sam Allardyce
Metro.co.uk
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has confirmed that he expects his talismanic
midfielder to leave Upton Park and make a swift return to the Premier
League. The Daily Mirror quoted the former Bolton and Blackburn chief as
predicting a top-flight club will meet the £8 million price tag on Parker's
head. I have to be pessimistic and say somebody will probably hit the
numbers and there is a big possibility he won't be here by September 1st,'
Allardyce stated. Earlier this week, Premier League new boys Queens Park
Rangers had a £4 million bid turned down for the ex-Chelsea and Charlton
man. However, with Tony Fernandes having completed his takeover at Loftus
Road, the Hoops are likely to have cash to spend and could up their offer.
Parker has been linked to a string of clubs over the course of the summer,
including north London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal. In more positive news
for Hammers fans, the newspaper confirmed that the club's hierarchy have
opened discussions with goalkeeper and former England number one Robert
Green about extending his stay in east London.
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West Ham vs Leeds: Hammers will have to wait for first home win
Irons will need to be careful of late goals against a side they struggle to
beat
News.ladbrokes.com
Two should be Premier League sides take centre stage on Sky Sports on Sunday
despite three Premier League games also taking place. Championship front
runners West Ham United host Leeds United in a game that would have been a
Premier League staple in the nineties, and we can expect some quality
football at Upton Park tomorrow.
Match Odds
West Ham may be the 8/11 favourites for tomorrow's game which kicks off at
1.15pm, but in Leeds they face a side that they haven't managed to beat in
the last seven attempts. The Hammers haven't won in front of their home fans
for five games following on from last season and considering the home side
have failed to score in each of West Ham's last four games, Leeds look a
huge price at 7/2. Two defeats, at home to Middlesbrough and away to
Southampton, means it hasn't been the greatest of starts for Leeds, but
considering they've scored eight times in their four games this season,
they're not shy in front of goal.
Total Goals
Leeds have scored in all but one of their last six matches and so West Ham
look like they will need to score twice if they are to secure victory – over
2.5 goals is 8/13.
Leeds' four games this season have averaged just under four goals a game and
after both sides scored four in their last games, we can expect goals on
Sunday. West Ham have had five different goalscorers this season and Kevin
Nolan looks a solid bet at 9/2 to score first, but Ross McCormack appeals
for Leeds at 8/1. The last two clashes between these two have seen Leeds
score late and the draw at half-time, away win at full-time is 10/1.
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QPR and Villa chase West Ham's £7m Parker as stadium row sinks Spurs
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 11:24 PM on 20th August 2011
Daily Mail
QPR and Aston Villa are leading the chase for Scott Parker after Tottenham's
chances of landing the England midfielder were spoiled by their dispute with
West Ham over the Olympic Stadium in east London. West Ham owners David
Sullivan and David Gold have given the green light to sell the
£7million-rated player. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is a huge fan of Parker
but West Ham have problems with Spurs at boardroom level.
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SAM ALLARDYCE GOES CAP IN HAND
Sam Allardyce is hoping Carlton Cole will stay st West Ham
Sunday August 21,2011
By Colin Mafham
Express.co.uk
THEY probably don't realise it yet, but Scott Parker and Carlton Cole could
play a significant part in determining who gets the England job after Fabio
Capello quits next year. Their West Ham boss, Sam Allardyce, is doing his
prospects of landing the job no harm by helping Fabio Capello as far as the
pair are concerned. Big Sam, once a frontrunner to succeed Capello, has
already lined up a list of potential replacements for Parker to enable last
season's Player Of The Year to follow the Italian's advice and return to the
Premier League, even though he doesn't necessarily agree with Fabio on that.
He is also going to work on making Cole the answer to Capello's prayers for
an impact England striker. And he's even considering a bid for Bristol
City's £6million rated hotshot Nicky Maynard to keep the Cole on his toes.
Parker is expected to get his wish for a move to any one of three London
clubs – Arsenal, Spurs or QPR – by the end of the month. But Allardyce is
hoping Cole will stay. Fabio says he wants players who are in form which
means Carlton has to play really well for us Sam Allardyce He said: "Fabio
says he wants players who are in form which means Carlton has to play really
well for us on a regular basis."
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