Mark of optimism
WHUFC.com
Stand-in skipper Mark Noble believes West Ham United are on the right track
as pre-season continues
30.07.2012
Mark Noble signed off West Ham United's week of pre-season work in Germany
with a smile. As the midfielder left for the airport on Sunday evening along
with his team-mates to come back home, he said it had been a productive week
and was great preparation for the forthcoming season. Noble captained the
side against FC Energie Cottbus in Hammers' final match of their German
pre-season tour in the absence of skipper Kevin Nolan, who was rested as he
continues to recover from a toe injury. The match saw West Ham come from 2-0
down to draw through second-half goals from Colin Kazim-Richards and Sam
Baldock. For current Hammer of the Year Noble, the week of training and
matches was of great benefit. "It has been a good week for us," he said. "I
think for working on our fitness and with the three games we have played in
six days. "We had a win, a loss and a draw, but results don't really matter
at this stage. It is all about getting fitter but the games are important as
when we approach the start of the season, the match fitness side comes to
the fore."
Noble said the matches gave everyone a chance to play either a full game or
the right amount of minutes depending on their individual circumstances.
"The teams we played are about a week away from starting their season. So in
the game against FC Energie Cottbus, we went 2-0 down but credit to the
younger boys who came on, because we got back to 2-2. Everyone worked really
hard and we showed even at this stage, we have reached a good level of
fitness. "By the time we are in the same position in just over two weeks, to
be preparing for Aston Villa, we will be at a better level again."
Noble said that on and off the pitch, the trip was good for a team morale.
"The trip has been worthwhile as everyone back together and we had a couple
of new faces with us while some of the younger boys who settled in really
well. We're back home now and ready to crack on as the season gets nearer.
"We have worked hard - double sessions and work in the pool and cycling as
well as normal training, but we had a laugh when the time was right.
Spending time together as a squad for a meal outside of the hotel one
evening and having a hour or so to cycle into the town in Dresden, to have a
coffee together, were both good for the team spirit.
"There is already lots of banter flying around which can only get better -
or worse in some cases of a few people - as the season goes on!"
Noble is now looking forward to the final stages of pre-season, which will
see the Hammers take on Ipswich Town and SC Braga in their closing two
preparation fixtures. "We have two tough games coming up before we finish
the pre-season schedule. At the end of those games, we will hope to be at
the stage we want to as we look forward to the first game of the new season.
"It is nice to get these matches in before we begin and hopefully as we
approach the first game, we will have a couple more new faces again to
strengthen us and we will be ready on all fronts to start on a positive
note."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Macca on Monday
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald has branded West Ham United's week in Germany a huge success
30.07.2012
Neil McDonald was satisfied with a solid week's work in the heat of east
Germany after West Ham United wrapped up their tour with a 2-2 draw with FC
Energie Cottbus on Sunday afternoon. The assistant manager, who was jokingly
labelled 'Tour manager' during the trip to Dresden after travelling to
Germany to recce the facilities last month, was particularly impressed by
the second-half comeback by the young substitutes who were introduced in the
second half. Cottbus had been much the better side in the first half but the
Hammers found their feet in the second and two quickfire goals from Colin
Kazim-Richards and Sam Baldock meant the few hundred Hammers fans went home
happy. "It was a game of two halves. We didn't play very well at all,"
McDonald said. "The three games in a week and all of the training caught up
on us. The boys were a bit tired in the first half and never really engaged
or passed the ball. "We came in 2-0 down and changed the team at half-time
and the second-half team kept the ball and were a little brighter and when
the chances came along we stuck them in the back of the net. "It was nice to
not lose the final game. It's nice to comeback and show a little bit of
spirit there. The boys don't like getting beaten so they showed a bit of
fight and got back into the game."
With a 3-0 win against Rot-Weiss Erfurt in the opening game and a 3-0 defeat
to Dynamo Dresden in front of a 30,000-strong sell-out crowd completing the
week's fixtures, Sam Allardyce's side have been tested to the full. Despite
the fact that McDonald is happy with where the squad are at present, he
knows there is still plenty of hard work still to do before Aston Villa
visit the Boleyn Ground on 18 August to open the 2012/13 Barclays Premier
League season. "It's been a really good break. The facilities have been
great and we've been well looked after all the way through with the three
games we've had. We came for gametime and to keep topping up the fitness and
doing a bit of team pattern play which we've done in the three games. "We've
still got a lot of hard work to do with another couple of weeks and another
couple of games before the season starts so we'll still be working very,
very hard on the training ground making sure we're ready and we don't make
silly mistakes. "The three games that we've played have been good. The
competition's been excellent and the tempo has been brilliant. We've got
through the whole week with everyone much fitter and with more gametime
registered. It's been a really good week."
Although results mean very little at this stage of the season, the fact the
Hammers did not lose their final game was still important to Macca. Better
still was the fact the squad have got another week of hard work under their
belts and, with under three weeks, to go until the big kick-off, he is happy
with the way the boys are shaping up. "The players are where we want them to
be at this stage of the season. The last couple of weeks are always the
sharper work - the work in and around the box and the final ball and final
shot. We'll be building up the endurance and we need to hit the other areas
where we need to show a bit more speed and a bit more guile. We've got to
want to want the ball more and we'll be doing that over the next few weeks."
Modibo Maiga looked at home on his first start for the club, playing the
central striker role in a front three. He held the ball up well and showed
some really quick feet and lightning pace during one explosive run that saw
him get past three defenders. "He's shown in the two cameo games he's played
in that he's got a good touch and good understanding and is able to
interlink play. He's good in the air and looks like he's got a sweet left
foot so we're looking forward to working with him throughout the season and
we'll be aiming to get him fitter over the next few weeks."
Macca did save special praise for the young Academy graduates Rob Hall, Dan
Potts and Blair Turgott who have joined up with the first-team squad for the
trip as they slotted in seamlessly with the surroundings. They also had a
major part to play in the Hammers second-half comeback with Hall setting up
Colin Kazim Richards for the first. "It's a good experience for them to
watch the seniors not play very well in the first half and then come on with
a point to prove in the second half. It was a good performance and that
showed by getting back into the game and scoring two goals."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll: West Ham agree loan fee with Liverpool
BBC.co.uk
By Ian Dennis
BBC Radio 5 live senior football reporter
West Ham United have agreed a £2m loan fee with Liverpool for Andy Carroll.
The season-long deal for the England striker could result in a £17m transfer
at the end of the campaign, provided the Hammers stay in the Premier League.
However, it is thought the 23-year-old Carroll does not wish to leave
Liverpool on a permanent basis.
Andy Carroll career stats
Newcastle (2006-11): 91 games, 33 goals
Preston (loan Aug 2007-08): 12 appearances, 1 goal
Liverpool (2011-present): 56 appearances, 11 goals
England (2010-present): 7 appearances, 2 goals
The Reds, who paid a club-record fee of £35m for Carroll in January 2011,
have already turned down Newcastle United's bid to re-sign the player.
Carroll has struggled since his big-money move to Liverpool, scoring just 11
goals in 56 appearances. He now appears to be surplus to requirements at
Anfield following the arrival of former Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers and
Italian striker Fabio Borini from Roma. Rodgers had said Liverpool would not
consider a loan move for Carroll but now appears prepared to allow the
player to link up with former Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce at Upton Park.
Carroll had also been linked with a transfer to Italian side AC Milan. The
striker began his career at Newcastle, spending a season on loan at Preston,
before returning to the club and becoming top-scorer in the 2009-10 season
as the Magpies returned to the Premier League. Carroll collected a League
Cup winner's medal with Liverpool last season, starting in the Wembley final
against Cardiff City.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Baldock fee agreed
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 30th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
News is reaching us this lunchtime that West Ham have agreed a fee with
Bristol City for the services of striker Sam Baldock. The former MK Dons
forward, who has been West Ham's most prolific striker in pre-season is
understood to have been the subject of a bid by the Championship club a
fortnight ago. And KUMB.com understand that West Ham have now given City the
green light to proceed with negotiations having accepted the fee offered - a
fee thought to be in the region of £1.5million plus add-ons. Several clubs
have been vying to sign the 23-year-old Bedford-born striker during
pre-season, with the Robins joined by the likes of Crystal Palace and
Championship new boys Charlton as potential suitors. However West Ham had
refused to accept any offers from clubs for Baldock prior to today -
promoting speculation that United are set to sign another forward to add to
their existing front line options.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham deny Carroll deal
Liverpool striker has not agreed move away from Anfield
Last Updated: July 30, 2012 10:38pm
SSN
West Ham have denied a deal has been done to sign Liverpool forward Andy
Carroll. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is believed to be keen to add the
England target-man to his squad for the club's Premier League and was
reported to have offered £2million to take the player on loan. That deal was
also thought to include a £17m fee to make the switch permanent next summer
as the Reds are reluctant to allow the man they paid £35m for last year to
leave in a loan-only deal. But with Brendan Rodgers having offered Carroll
hope of a future at Anfield, West Ham have moved to distance themselves from
claims that a deal is in place. And Sky Sports sources understand Carroll
would not consider a permanent move to the Hammers. The 23-year-old striker
has scored six goals in 42 Premier League games for Liverpool since joining
from Newcastle in January 2011.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool Accept West Ham's Bid for Carroll, but will the Striker Play Ball?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
It has been widely reported this evening that Liverpool have accepted West
Ham's bid for Andy Carroll, which constitutes £2m for an initial season long
loan and a £17m permanent transfer if we remain in the PL next season.
However, there is a lot of accompanying speculation that Andy Carroll is not
keen on the move and would prefer to return to Newcastle Utd. Of course, if
true, that is highly significant as the player could very well scupper the
deal going ahead. Carroll shares the same agent as Sam Allardyce and that
could be a positive factor, as could the fact that, friend and former Toom
skipper, Kevin Nolan currently captains the Hammers. But the doubts will
linger and the club must make sure that Carroll is committed to the move or
it could all go horribly wrong. There is nothing worse than having a
footballer in your ranks, no matter how good, who does not want to play for
you!
Again, it is just one of those situations where we will have to wait and
watch developments. Great if it comes off and the player is keen to join us.
Not exactly surprising if Carroll pulls the plug on the move and tries to
orchestrate an alternative move to Newcastle Utd or digs in to stays with
Liverpool. As always, time will tell.
But if the move does come off it could be a real coup, although it has to be
admitted that he is no Carlos Tevez! (Only joking!).
As for the Ivan Ramis deal, what on earth is happening there? No doubt we
will find out soon, whichever ways it goes!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlos Tevez: No, It Couldn't Be, Could it?
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
Before you get too excited, I haven't heard any rumours and I have no inside
information at all, but I just keep getting a feeling in my water that
something special is about to happen and that we are about to sign Carlos
Tevez. Yes, I might be delusional, and no, I haven't been on the WKD again.
In the last transfer window an approach was made, but Manchester City
clearly had other ideas. It was said Tevez himself was up for it but City
and his agent put the kybosh on it. City clearly expected to be able to sell
Tevez but it never happened. Just as well for them, as when he got back into
the team he spurred them on to the championship. But now City have made
their intent clear and want to sign Van Persie. I suspect he will end up
over the other side of Manchester but if he doesn't go there they may well
sign another top striker. They tend not to sit still at Eastlands. Surely
then, they would dispose of either Dzeko or Tevez.
But even then, would be really join a team that has just been promoted and
hasn't exactly been splashing the cash. Yes, City would probably let him go
for £20 million, but I'd imagine there would be various teams in Italy and
Spain interested in him.
But if this marquee signing isn't Andy Carroll (and he clearly doesn't want
to join us) then who could it be apart from Tevez? Perhaps Iain Dowie is
making a comeback... Or Mike Newell. Or Marco Boogers. Or Joey Beauchamp.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam to dock in Bristol
Published: Today at 00:29
The Sun
WEST HAM'S Sam Baldock is set to join Bristol City in a £1.5million deal.
The striker, 23, only made 10 league starts in his first season with the
Hammers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll stinger
By DAVE WARD Published: Today at 00:27
The SUn
WEST HAM face a huge battle to persuade Andy Carroll to join them from
Liverpool. The Hammers are willing to cough up the £2million fee to loan the
England striker next season with the possibility of a permanent deal if they
stay in the Premier League. But Carroll, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle
for £35m last year, is not keen on a move to Upton Park despite the prospect
of playing with pal Kevin Nolan. Former club Newcastle are also in the hunt
for Carroll, 23, after he was told he did not feature in new Kop boss
Brendan Rodgers' plans at Anfield.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammer blow: Carroll rejects West Ham move after the clubs agree a fee
The Mirror
Andy Carroll will block attempts to offload him to West Ham, even though
Liverpool have agreed a loan deal with the Londoners. The Reds accepted an
offer of £2million to take Carroll on loan for the coming season and then
£17m to make his move permanent in 12 months' time - providing Hammers stay
up. However, the 23-year-old does not want to go to Upton Park. He has told
friends on his native Tyneside that he will only leave Liverpool to return
to Newcastle, the club he left for Merseyside in a £35m deal 18 months ago.
The England striker's stance has left him at loggerheads with Liverpool, who
want him to go to West Ham because their package is worth more than the Toon
are offering. Newcastle have so far only been prepared to pay £13m for the
striker. The Reds rejected that offer and are determined to strike a deal
closer to their £20m valuation. Toon boss Alan Pardew believes Liverpool
will soften their stance, havilg cheekily claimed last week that they should
"wipe their nose and move on" over the pony-tailed target-man . Pardew feels
Newcastle could still sign Carroll, who has scored just 11 goals in 56
Liverpool appearances, because he does not seem to fit in with Brendan
Rodgers' Anfield plans. Carroll's position is further complicated because it
is understood Liverpool have not yet paid Newcastle the final instalments of
his transfer fee. It is also understood the Geordies are entitled to a cut
of any deal, after inserting a 25 per cent sell-on clause into their
agreement with the Anfield outfit.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Home, James! Villa set to sell Collins back to West Ham three years on
The Mirror
Aston Villa have agreed to sell James Collins back to West Ham in a
cut-price deal. Villa are bringing in Holland international stopper Ron
Vlaar, 27, from Feyenoord on a three-year contract. And they have decided to
offload Collins to the Premier League new boys, where he played from
2005-09. Wales international Collins, who had also been linked with
Sunderland, has just 12 months left on his current £40,000-a-week deal - and
Villa have already told him hey will not be getting a new one.
And, rather than risk losing the 28-year-old for nothing on a Bosman next
summer, Villa have decided to cash in. Collins, who is due in London for
talks with West Ham on Tuesday, left Upton Park for Villa in August 2009 for
£5m. Last season, Collins was fined for being in a nightclub scuffle, and
also involved in a boozy row in March 2011. New Villa boss Paul Lambert is
also looking to offload full-backs Alan Hutton and Stephen Warnock in a
defensive shake-up.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll will resist £19m West Ham deal to sign him from Liverpool
Clubs talk about loan followed by signing at end of season
England striker would prefer to return to Newcastle United
David Hytner
guardian.co.uk, Monday 30 July 2012 23.21 BST
Andy Carroll will resist a move to West Ham United, even though Liverpool
have accepted a bid from the London club that appeared to signal the end of
the striker's time at Anfield. Liverpool have told West Ham that they can
have Carroll on loan for the season in exchange for £2m, but that West Ham
must then pay a further £17m to make the deal permanent if they retain their
Premier League status.
The Merseyside club had maintained that they would not loan out Carroll, for
whom they paid £35m to Newcastle United,but West Ham's proposal is an
acceptable compromise to them. There would be no mere option for West Ham to
buy Carroll next summer; if they remained a Premier League club, they would
be legally bound to sign him.
The deal would be a coup for West Hamon their return to the top division, a
signing to dwarf their previous record outlay, which was the £9m they paid
to Brescia for Savio Nsereko in 2009 during Gianfranco Zola's managerial
tenure. Nsereko did not settle and he was promptly sold to Fiorentina.
West Ham, though, have work to do to convince Carroll that he ought to move
to Upton Park. Carroll would like to prove himself at Liverpool and, if he
were reluctantly to accept that he had no future under the new manager
Brendan Rodgers, he would want to join a club that could offer European
football.
Newcastle have been prominent among the clubs to have monitored Carroll's
situation – the manager, Alan Pardew, has consistently spoken highly of him
– and Carroll would be receptive to a move back to St James' Park, even if
they will play only in next season's Europa League.
In agreeing to West Ham's £19m package, Liverpool have advertised their
bottom line price and they may hope to generate an auction, although it is
unclear whether Newcastle would agree to at least match the figure. Carr
oll's wages may also be a problem at St James' Park. His weekly pay went
from £20,000 to £80,000 when he joined Liverpool, and that puts him
considerably above Newcastle's basic wage ceiling. West Ham would be more
confident of satisfying Carroll's financial terms.
The West Ham charm offensive will be led by the manager, Sam Allardyce, and
the captain, Kevin Nolan, who have the same agent as Carroll. Nolan is a
close friend of Carroll's, having played with him at Newcastle, and he has
urged him to make the move to London. Rodgers has done his utmost to say the
right things about Carroll but he is prepared to plan for Liverpool's future
without him.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, July 31
Monday, July 30
Daily WHUFC News - Andy Carroll
Andy Carroll: West Ham agree loan fee with Liverpool
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United have agreed a £2m loan fee with Liverpool for Andy Carroll.
The deal for the England striker is with a view to a permanent transfer of
£17m, providing West Ham United stay in the Premier League. However, it is
thought Carroll does not wish to leave Liverpool on a permanent basis. The
Reds turned down a bid from Newcastle to re-sign the player, having bought
him from the Magpies for a club record fee of £35m in January 2011. The
England international, who scored one goal for his country at Euro 2012, has
struggled since his big-money move. And with former Swansea boss Brendan
Rodgers now in charge at Anfield, Carroll became surplus to requirements
after the signing of Italian striker Fabio Borini from Roma. Despite Rodgers
stating they would not consider a loan move for the player, the Northern
Irishman has allowed Carroll, 23, to link-up with former Newcastle manager
Sam Allardyce at Upton Park. Alan Pardew had suggested the Reds would need
to accept a significant loss on the Gateshead man, and the club look like
doing just that, providing the Hammers do not get relegated back to the
Championship.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to sign £35million striker
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Liverpool are reported to have accepted West Ham's loan offer for £35million
striker Andy Carroll. News breaking in the last few minutes suggests that
the Gateshead-born England striker is set to move to the Boleyn Ground for
the entirety of the 2012/13 season after the Merseysiders agreed to accept
United's £2million offer. A further £17million will follow to make the deal
permanent should West Ham retain their Premier League place - as reported
here on KUMB.com last week.
Carroll- whose agent Mark Curtis also represents Sam Allardyce, Kevin Nolan
and James Tomkins - cost Liverpool £35million when they signed the
23-year-old from Newcastle United just 18 months ago.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United have agreed a £2m loan fee with Liverpool for Andy Carroll.
The deal for the England striker is with a view to a permanent transfer of
£17m, providing West Ham United stay in the Premier League. However, it is
thought Carroll does not wish to leave Liverpool on a permanent basis. The
Reds turned down a bid from Newcastle to re-sign the player, having bought
him from the Magpies for a club record fee of £35m in January 2011. The
England international, who scored one goal for his country at Euro 2012, has
struggled since his big-money move. And with former Swansea boss Brendan
Rodgers now in charge at Anfield, Carroll became surplus to requirements
after the signing of Italian striker Fabio Borini from Roma. Despite Rodgers
stating they would not consider a loan move for the player, the Northern
Irishman has allowed Carroll, 23, to link-up with former Newcastle manager
Sam Allardyce at Upton Park. Alan Pardew had suggested the Reds would need
to accept a significant loss on the Gateshead man, and the club look like
doing just that, providing the Hammers do not get relegated back to the
Championship.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to sign £35million striker
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 30th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Liverpool are reported to have accepted West Ham's loan offer for £35million
striker Andy Carroll. News breaking in the last few minutes suggests that
the Gateshead-born England striker is set to move to the Boleyn Ground for
the entirety of the 2012/13 season after the Merseysiders agreed to accept
United's £2million offer. A further £17million will follow to make the deal
permanent should West Ham retain their Premier League place - as reported
here on KUMB.com last week.
Carroll- whose agent Mark Curtis also represents Sam Allardyce, Kevin Nolan
and James Tomkins - cost Liverpool £35million when they signed the
23-year-old from Newcastle United just 18 months ago.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Daily WHUFC News - 30th July 2012
Joey delighted to be back
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien was pleased with his third start in six days as the Hammers
drew with FC Energie Cottbus
29.07.2012
Joey O'Brien was happy with a tough week's work as West Ham United wrapped
up their Germany tour with a 2-2 draw against FC Energie Cottbus on Sunday
afternoon. The Ireland international defender started every game on the
trip, playing the first 45 minutes on each occasion. The matches were
O'Brien's first taste of action in pre-season and he looked comfortable when
playing at either centre-half or his more familiar position of right-back.
"For myself, as I missed the games at the start of pre-season, it has been
great for me to come out here and not only train fully but play in the
matches," he said. "It is all about getting some game time under my belt,
that is the most important thing for all of us. "I'm pleased the manager
picked me and it was another step in the right direction."
After the drama and atmosphere of Friday night's game against Dynamo
Dresden, Sunday afternoon's game was a more low key affair but still
provided plenty of excitement for 10,000 fans watching from the stands. Both
games succeeded in offering a solid test as the countdown to the Premier
League kick-off draws ever closer. "You need to work hard in training in the
heat so you feel better, fitter. The other night against Dresden, the
atmosphere was fantastic, with the way their fans were signing. "The Cottbus
game was another good match and that is good as we work towards the first
game of the new season against Aston Villa."
The Hammers have spent the week training hard in Dresden and O'Brien
believes that as well as getting fitter and fitter, the group have also
grown closer during their stay. For the likes of Modibo Maiga and Jussi
Jaaskelainen, it was a chance to get to know their new team-mates by
spending 24 hours a day with them.
"We have a great bunch of lads, some of whom now have been here a while.We
also have some good Academy boys here with us as well and it is good to have
them here and to see them blossoming. They're cheeky, yes, but all good
banter. "I have been here a year now and the thing that stuck out with
everyone last season was that the manager, staff and players stuckgether. We
had some tough times but sticking together got us through it all and we got
where we wanted to be in the end. "We will be doing that again to get us
through the new challenges this season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Energie Cottbus 2-2 West Ham United FT
WHUFC.com
All the action as it happened as West Ham United rounded off their German
trip with a draw
29.07.2012
FC Energie Cottbus v West Ham United
Pre-season match
Stadion der Freundschaft
Sunday 29 July 2012
Kick-off: 2.30pm
Final score: FC Energie Cottbus 2-2 West Ham United
Full time - And that is it as the referee brings the game to a close right
on 90 minutes. That second-half performance was a great way to end the
Germany tour and the Hammers players rightly go over to clap the away fans
to my right. We will bring you reaction from the game and the tour as a
whole later on.
89 mins - So can West Ham sneak a later winner here. It would be a great way
to round off their trip. Don't forget you can see highlights of this game
and all of the other pre-season fixtures on West Ham TV. The West Ham TV
cameras also filmed a special crossbar challenge with some of the younger
squad members this week, which you should be able to watch next week.
88 mins - The Hammers fans find their voice once more and they are singing a
song encouraging each other to 'Go mental', which I cannot repeat fully on
this site for obvious reasons!
84 mins - Well that was a great moment. Even if we are only in pre-season,
watching West Ham make a two-goal comeback just whets the appetite for the
new Barclays Premier League season.
79 mins - GOAL! And Sam Baldock makes it 2-2! What a comeback from the
Hammers. A cross from the right is met by the No7, whose looping header
falls perfectly into the far corner. The fans in the away end to my right go
crazy and we hear a brilliant rendition of 'Bubbles'. Game on!
77 mins - GOAL! West Ham are back in it as Kazim-Richards scores a brilliant
volley from the edge of the area. The ball dropped to him and he hit a
perfect, right-footed drive into the bottom corner.
74 mins - Big Sam makes a double change as Maynard and Taylor make way for
Robert Hall and Colin Kazim-Richards. Cottbus respond with three more
changes as Hunemeier , Kruska and Engel go off and Julian Borner, Alexander
Ludwig and Martin Dahm come on.
72 mins - Taylor makes another good break down the left and Baldock makes a
smart run to try and get on the end of it. He manages to beat Hunemeier to
the ball but it goes just wide of the post. Good chance for West Ham.
68 mins - Another good save from West Ham's No22 as he rushes out to thwart
Stiepermann, who was clean through on goal. Jaaskelainen made himself big
and the ball just flew into his chest.
65 mins - Maynard is brought down 25 yards out and West Ham have a free-kick
on the edge of the area. Taylor takes it but it hits Stiepermann on the head
and the danger is averted.
61 mins - Five changes for Cottbus here, coming on are Roger, Guillaume
Rippert, Dennis Sorensen, Stiven Rivic and Sebastian Glasneroff with
Bittroff, Adlung, Fenin, Banovic and Farina.
59 mins - Well it isn't! Jaaskelainen is forced into a more routine stop
from a Adlung free-kick from 25 yards out. It was a difficult one as the
ball bounced in front of him but the Finland international did well to get
his body behind the ball.
54 mins - Good double save by Jaaskelainen, first to keep out a header from
Uwe Hunemeier and then the follow up shot from the edge of the area. Let's
hope that's the most action he sees this half.
51 mins - Big Sam's side are looking much more of a threat this half and a
cross from Lameyis flicked behind for a corner. Noble takes it but it is
cleared and Cottbus go straight to the other end and should make it 3-0 as
Fenin puts a free header wide of the Hammers goal. Exciting passage of play
that.
49 mins - Well that's the closest West Ham have come to getting one back. A
fine run down the left by Taylor sees him open up some space 20 yards from
goal. He fires in a shot at the far post but it flies wide. Better from West
Ham.
46 mins - West Ham get us underway in the second period. West Ham have made
seven changes as the break. Jussi Jaaskelainen is on in goal, with Michael
Lamey at right-back, Jordan Spence and Bilal Mohsni in the middle and Potts
at left-back. In midfield, George Moncur has taken the place of O'Neil with
Blair Turgott and Sam Baldock on for Vaz Te and Maiga
Half time
44 mins - We have just a minute to go until the break and I am sure Big Sam
will be looking to change things around a bit after the break. The Hammers
have worked hard and defended well, but Cottbus have had the better of the
play.
42 mins - GOAL! The home side double their lead and this time there is
nothing Henderson can do about that one. Adlung, who has looked a threat all
afternoon, picks up the ball 20 yards out and lashes the ball into the
bottom corner.
41 mins - The rain has started falling here now as the sunshine we were
enjoying earlier on. That should make for a slightly easier afternoon for
the Hammers.
40 mins - Another great chance is passed up by the hosts. Fenin is totally
unmarked ten yards out after he is found but a cross from Adlung but he
cannot keep his shot down. Another let off for the Hammers.
38 mins - Cottbus have a free-kick on the edge of the area aftter Henderson
fells Stiepermann. The goalkeeper is booked and when the free-kick is
finally taken, Marc Andre Kruska fires well over from a cut-back.
36 mins - Good header from Reid again as he gets his head on a shot rasping
shot from Martin Fenin to send the ball over the bar. Noble clears the
corner but the ball goes behind again. This time Henderson takes control of
the situation and claims the ball cleanly. Good goalkeeping.
33 mins - Sanogo is back on his feet but cannot continue. No9 Marco
Stiepermann comes on to replace him.
32 mins - That has given us a break in play and the Hammers players come
over to grab a drink. Taylor is giving out some instructions to his
team-mates as I am sure they will be looking for a way back into the game.
30 mins - Strong header from Reid there as he wins the ball cleanly near the
halfway line. Sadly for Sanago, he got in the way of Reid and the ball so he
has taken a bit of a bang on the head and is sprawled on the floor.
28 mins - Some quick footwork from Maiga there sees him beat three defenders
but just as he races to get into the penalty area, he is tackled. Promising
work from the No21.
25 mins - Another effort, this time from Marc Andrew Kruska goes well over
the crossbar. West Ham have settled a bit now and I'm sure Big Sam will be
expecting to see his side work Kirschbaum before half time.
23 mins - Much better from West Ham now as they put a bit of pressure on the
Cottbus defence. Potts is getting forward well to support Vaz Te down the
left but as yet they cannot find an end product.
21 mins - The Hammers have not really found their feet yet but are defending
well as Cottbus launch attack after attack. McCartney does well to thwart an
attack with a strong, firm tackle.
17 mins - Well that really should have been 2-0 as Martin Fenin somehow
misses an open goal. The dangerous-looking Adlung sprung the Hammers'
offside trap before rounding Henderson and rolling the ball into the path of
the No22, who misses the target completely. Real escape for the Hammers
there.
16 mins - Well it does not look like that mishap has affected Henderson as
he pulls off a fine stop to keep out a rasping shot from Boubacar Sanago at
his near post.
14 mins - Brilliant bit of skill from Vaz Te that brings out a round of
applause from the home fans. After a Noble free-kick finds him in the area
he is forced wide with his back to goal but somehow manages to pull off a
chipped backheel that nearly catches Thomas Kirschbaum out. Great play.
10 mins - That goal was a little harsh on Henderson, who has had a really
good tour so far. I'm sure he will not let that moment affect him and has
already come out to make a good catch.
8 mins - GOAL! Cottbus take the lead early on and it is not one Stephen
Henderson will want to see again. Daniel Adlung breaks down the left and
curls in a shot on goal, which seems to be going straight to the No13 but it
slips through his grasp and into the net.
7 mins - Neil McDonald is out in the technical telling Gary O'Neil to push
on further as West Ham look to get a foothold in the game. Nicky Maynard has
taken a whack to the head but seems to be OK.
5 mins - Ivica Banovic takes it and tries to curl it into the bottom corner
but Henderson reads it well and makes a save low to his right.
4 mins - Good goalkeeping from Henderson as he comes out to punch a corner
away, but as the ball flies away it catches O'Niel on the arm and Cottbus
have a free-kick right on the edge of the area.
2 mins - Good defending from George McCartney as he slides in to make an
important challenge on the edge of the area.
1 min - And we're off! West Ham will be attacking the goal to my left in the
first half. The home support are in good voice as we have come to expect
from our host country. They really have been impressive this tour.
2.29pm - And here come the teams. Noble leads out the Hammers in the abcence
of Kevin Nolan with Uwe Mohlre captaining the hosts.
2.27pm - Talking of claret and blue, the Hammers, who are just getting
changed on the touchline in front of me, will be wearing the new Macron away
kit this afternoon, which has just managed to sneak some claret and blue on
it around the collar. To order yours, click here.
2.26pm - In terms of the set-up here, we have a near full stand away to my
left, with a more empty stand at the other end, which is where the West Ham
United fans are located. I would say we have around 100 fans here this
afternoon, who I'm sure will be looking forward to seeing what Maiga can do
on his first start in claret and blue.
2.25pm - It is turning into quite a nice afternoon now and the sun is
beaming down. We have just been entertained by a local band playing on the
pitch. I think the best way I could describe the music is 'German rock', but
it certainly seemed to get the crowd going.
2.15pm - We have now got the Cottbus team in, which is as follows.
FC Energie Cottbus: Kirschbaum, Banovic, Mohrle, Adlung, Farina, Bittroff,
Kruska, Engel, Hunemeiser, Fenin, Sanogo.
Subs: Renno, Rippert, Roger, Glasner, Stiepermann, Ludwig, Borner, Ziebig,
Rivic, Sorensen, Dahm
Good afternoon from Cottbus! We have about 45 minutes to go until kick-off
and the West Ham United team has just been confirmed. Sam Allardyce has made
four changes from the side that lost 3-0 to Dynamo Dresden two days ago.
Stephen Henderson returns in goal with a back four of Joey O'Brien, Winston
Reid, George McCartney - playing at centre-half - and Danny Potts. Mark
Noble will be sitting just in front of them with Gary O'Neil and Taylor
making up the midfield three. Up front the big news it Modibo Maiga starts
for the first time since joining from FC Sochaux last week. The Mali
international, who came off the bench against Dresden, will be supported by
Ricardo Vaz Te and Nicky Maynard on the flanks,
West Ham United: Henderson, O'Brien, Reid, McCartney, Potts, Noble, O'Neil,
Taylor, Maynard, Maiga, Vaz Te
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Lamey, Spence, Mohsni, Turgott, Moncur, Nolan, Baldock,
Hall, Kazim-Richards
It is a pleasant afternoon in east Germany and although it is not as bright
and sunny as previous days of the trip, it is still very humid and West Ham
United are likely to have a good workout.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pair continue Olympic challenge
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins and Mohamed Diame resume their quests for London 2012 Olympic
Gold on Sunday
29.07.2012
James Tomkins and Mohamed Diame continue their quests for Olympic Gold when
they play their respective second Group A matches at London 2012 on Sunday.
Tomkins will hope to make his first appearance for Team GB after missing
Thursday's 1-1 draw with Diame's Senegal at Old Trafford when Stuart
Pearce's side take on United Arab Emirates at Wembley. Earlier this
afternoon, captain Diame will hope to lead Senegal again when they face
Uruguay at the same venue. Centre-back Tomkins revealed that, as well as his
dream of winning a medal, he would love to bump into tennis legend Roger
Federer at the Olympic Village. The 23-year-old also revealed that Team GB's
players have turned to an unusual outlet to help stay calm -- playing
Scrabble! "There is a lot of down time so it's important we keep ourselves
entertained. It's nice really, as it brings the team together," said
Tomkins. "Federer is a massive hero of mine and it will be great to meet
him. We could play some Scrabble!" The final round of Group A matches will
take place on Wednesday, when Team GB face Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium
and Senegal tackle United Arab Emirates at the City of Coventry Stadium. All
the matches will be screened live by BBC television or BBC online.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers come back to earn draw
Last updated: 29th July 2012
SSN
Colin Kazim-Richards and Sam Baldock scored two goals in the space of three
minutes to earn West Ham a 2-2 draw with Energie Cottbus on Sunday. The
hosts took the lead in the eighth minute in a friendly match at the Stadion
der Freundschaft after Daniel Adlung broke down the left and curled in a
shot that slipped through goalkeeper Stephen Henderson's grasp and into the
net. The second division German added to their lead in the 42nd minute when
Adlung scored his second of the match with a 20-yard shot that nestled into
the bottom corner. But West Ham got back in the game in the 77th minute as
Kazim-Richards volleyed home from the edge of the area and they pulled level
just two minutes later with a looping Baldock header.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Talking Points - Do We Need a Proven Goalkeeper?
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
* My web designer is designing a great new look for the site. And nested
comments are next on the list to restore.
* According to the Daily Mail Ramis is going to sign for Wigan after all,
after a late intervention from Roberto Martinez!
* James Tomkins didn't exactly cover himself playing for Great Britain
tonight. Again.
* Sam Baldock was on the scoresheet again in a 2-2 draw with Energie Cottbus
this afternoon, with Colin Kazim-Richards scoring a 20 yard volley.
But the main point of this post is to pose the question - do we need to sign
a proven goalkeeper? I don't know about you but after the performances of
Stephen Henderson and Jussi Jaaskalainen in the friendlies so far, I remain
distinctly nervous. Henderson is unproven at Premier League level and Jussi
couldn't even keep his place in a relegated Bolton side. We have been linked
to Paul Robinson, but I wonder how many quality goalkeepers are really
available.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers Draw 2-2, as CKR and Baldock Come to the Rescue!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Colin Kazim-Richards and Sam Baldock scored two goals in the space of three
minutes to earn West Ham a 2-2 draw with German second division side Energie
Cottbus in this afternon's concluding match of the club's pre-season tour of
Germany. Energie Cottbus took the lead in the 8th minute after Daniel Adlung
broke down the left and curled in a shot that went beyond goalkeeper Stephen
Henderson's grasp and into the back of the net. Their lead was extended in
the 42th minute when Adlung scored a second with a drive into the bottom
corner.
The second half saw a number of West Ham substitutions, which sparked a
marked improvement in West Ham's play. But at 2-0 down going into the 76th
minute the match looked lost. That was until the intervention of Colin
Kazim-Richards, who got West Ham back in to the game in the 77th minute with
an excellent volley from the edge of the penalty area. And it got better for
the Hammers in the 79th minute when Sam Baldock equalised with a looping
header.
So, the record in Germany is: W 1/ D 1/L 1 and have we learnt anything from
the tour? Yes, amongst other things, we badly miss James Tomkins in central
defence; we probaby need to sign another two defenders, apart from Ramis;
it's a pity that these matches were not used to bed Diame in to the team
(although that could not be helped due to a certain distraction going on in
Stratford at the moment); we need at least one wide player and another
striker; Sam Allardyce should think again about selling/loaning Sam Baldock;
and CKR may have done well enough to be offered a contract with the club.
On the last point, I admit that I am surprised to find myself writing that,
because I did not feel that CKR would add anything extra to the squad.
However, he has done well since he has been with the club and maybe he could
do a job next season. I certainly feel that CKR has the best chance of
securing a contract of the three trialists on this tour. I would, however,
still endeavour to secure another wide man to ensure that we have adequate
width on both flanks. I know that both Vaz Te and Maiga can play wide, but
we probably still need more orthodox wide players in the squad to maximise
our selection and tactical options.
The reported move for Polish international Sebastian Boenisch seems to be a
good move. The 25 year old is a Bosman free agent after leaving Werder
Bremen. Rumour has it that Sam Allardyce met with the player during the
German tour and the club are keen to tie up a deal to bring him to Upton
Park, He seems to be a quality defender, who plays at left back, but can
also operate effectively at centre back. And that ability to cover at
centre-back would make him a valuable asset in the squad. Lets hope that
they sign him before other cubs wake up to his availability and guzump us!
On the striker front, Carroll does not seem keen on playing for West Ham, if
the rumours circulating are true? His objective seems to stay at Anfield or
move back to St James (or whatever it is called these days?). I would not be
opposed to signing Defoe from Spurs, but again the whispers are that the
player is not keen to go 'back to the future' by rejoining the club. If he
is worried about the reception from the fans, all he needs to do is publicly
state that he was a kid in 2002-03 and he was ill-advised about pushing for
a move in the way that he did. As well as stating that he is sorry and he
wants to come back and score 20 goals plus for his boy hood club and its
fanastic supporters. A presto, repproachment! Well, I suppose some elements
would not forgive and forget, but the vast majority probably would,
especially when the goals started flying in.
However, if that is not the reservation and he just does not want to come
back then we should move on! Instead, make an ambitious move for a young,
hungry striker of great ability and a track record of scoring in the PL. A
player like Sturridge, who probably needs to leave Chelski to realise his
potential. I know that this is slightly controversial, but if we could sign
a player like him, I would seriously consider selling Maynard to Leeds Utd
if they came up with the right bid and loan out Baldock to either Charlton
or Ipswich..
A meda source has suggested that the club could bring in three new additions
this coming week, and that is in addition to Ivan Ramis. If true this coud
be a very eventful week for the club. Of course, I like the number suggested
as we o need to boost our ranks, but lets also hope that they are in the
right positions (particularly defence and on the flanks) and that as well as
quanity, we are also convinced by the quality added to the squad.
I know that supporters have grown very anxious about progress on the
transfer front and I can understand that. But by hook or by crook, I am
quite confident that Sam Allardyce will get the players he needs by the big
kick off. I am also reasonably assued that we will survive next season under
his experienced management. For me the viable factor is whether we assemble
that extra quality that will mean the difference between a season knocking
around the bottom or raising our sights and ambitions that bit higher (ie. a
top ten finish)?
If we get the transfers right, the team gels and certain other viable
factors come together (a lack of injuries and one or two youngsters
exceling) then we could even be a bit of a surprise package next season. The
alternative scenerio ........ I will leave others to expound on that
subject!!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bristol City have a bid accepted for West Ham striker Sam Baldock
Monday, July 30, 2012
The Post
BRISTOL City are leading the race to sign West Ham United striker Sam
Baldock. The Championship club have had a bid of close to £1.5 million
accepted by the Hammers, who are looking to offload the former MK Dons
marksman following their promotion back to the Premier League. Baldock,
pictured, has already held talks with Robins officials and, contrary to some
reports that suggest he wants to stay in London, the 23-year-old is prepared
to move to Ashton Gate in his search for regular first-team football. As
reported in The Post on July 16, the Bedford-born forward is the man City
manager Derek McInnes wants to replace Nicky Maynard, the striker who was
sold to West Ham for £1.65m in January. Baldock last night returned from
West Ham's pre-season tour of Germany and was today expected to contact
McInnes, who is in Scotland with City's first-team squad. If agreement on
personal terms can be reached, a deal could be concluded in a matter of
days.
Media reports in the capital claim Charlton are ready to table an offer of
their own for Baldock and that the player himself is eager to remain in the
South East.
But The Post can reveal West Ham have not been approached by the Addicks and
Baldock is seriously considering joining City. Signed from MK Dons for an
undisclosed fee on a four-year contract in September 2011, Baldock was a
regular starter for the Hammers in the Championship last season, scoring
four goals before suffering an injury in a goalless draw against City at
Upton Park on November 1. Ironically, West Ham had signed Maynard from City
by the time Baldock regained full fitness, after which he cut a frustrated
figure on the bench, not starting a single game during the final three
months of the campaign as the Hammers won promotion back to the top flight
at the first attempt. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has since strengthened his
attack in the transfer market, forcing Baldock even further down the pecking
order. Rather than start next season in West Ham's reserve team, Baldock
wants to drop back down to the Championship in a bid to revive his career.
McInnes has confirmed he is in the market for a further "two to three"
players and he is continuing to pursue his targets while City are on tour in
Scotland this week. He said: "We have people lined up who we want to bring
in and, hopefully, we can do that. "I'm still on the phone every day and
nothing changes because we are in Scotland. "When it comes to transfers, you
have to keep your shoulder to the wheel, because things can change if you
take your eye off the ball.
"There are certain players – another two or three – that we want to get into
the club and we have to make sure we keep on top of things."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Late Martinez intervention steals £4m Ramis from West Ham's clutches
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 23:04, 29 July 2012 | UPDATED: 23:04, 29 July 2012
Daily Mail
Wigan are set to win the battle for Ivan Ramis after the defender agreed to
waive his part of the transfer fee to link up with Roberto Martinez. West
Ham had agreed a £4million fee with Real Mallorca for the 27-year-old and he
was due to have a medical on Monday morning, until Martinez intervened. The
27-year-old Ramis had been linked with a number of English clubs including
Aston Villa, Wigan and Sunderland.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers sign Ramis
by Setanta Staff , 29 July 2012
West Ham have hijacked Wigan's bid to sign Ivan Ramis, with Real Mallorca
confirming that the defender is heading to Upton Park. Wigan were hot
favourites to conclude a deal for the talented central defender but Hammers
boss Sam Allardyce has nipped in, and the 27-year-old is now poised to pen a
deal. West Ham have agreed an undisclosed fee with the Spanish side and the
player now just needs to pass a medical and agree personal terms before the
deal can be rubberstamped.
A statement on Mallorca's website read: "Mallorca and West Ham have reached
an agreement for the transfer of Ivan Ramis. The Mallorcan defender has the
permission of the club to have a medical with what will be his new team.
"From the board led by Jaume Cladera and Lorenzo Serra Ferrer, the coaching
staff directed by Joaquin Caparros, all his team-mates in the changing room,
employees of the club and everyone associated with Real Mallorca want to
wish Ivan the best of luck in this new stage of his career that he will
begin."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
RUMOUR MILL: WEST HAM AFTER TORRES
Posted on Sunday, 29th July 2012 by David Bowden
ForeverWestHam.com
West Ham United have been linked with a move for Torres, no not Fernando but
Getafe's attack minded right back Miguel Torres. The full back that is
comfortable on either flank has also been linked with a move to West London
rivals Queens Park Rangers as well as Blackburn Rovers. It is thought though
that Torres is more tempted by Premier League football which would put the
London clubs in a stronger position. Ever since we missed out on former
Crystal Palace right back Nathaniel Clyne to Southampton, the importance of
finding a full back has been of paramount importance in my opinion. And with
David Gold and David Sullivan jetting out to Spain to negotiate two deals
one for a star midfielder and the other a defender it makes this move look
likely.
So who is he? At 26 years old he has bundles of experience as well as having
youth on his side. A former Real Madrid player it is obvious he has the
quality. With 52 appearances under his belt at Madrid he moved to Getafe in
2009, where he continued to excel despite stiff competition from Juan
Valera, he still managed to appear 20 times.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien was pleased with his third start in six days as the Hammers
drew with FC Energie Cottbus
29.07.2012
Joey O'Brien was happy with a tough week's work as West Ham United wrapped
up their Germany tour with a 2-2 draw against FC Energie Cottbus on Sunday
afternoon. The Ireland international defender started every game on the
trip, playing the first 45 minutes on each occasion. The matches were
O'Brien's first taste of action in pre-season and he looked comfortable when
playing at either centre-half or his more familiar position of right-back.
"For myself, as I missed the games at the start of pre-season, it has been
great for me to come out here and not only train fully but play in the
matches," he said. "It is all about getting some game time under my belt,
that is the most important thing for all of us. "I'm pleased the manager
picked me and it was another step in the right direction."
After the drama and atmosphere of Friday night's game against Dynamo
Dresden, Sunday afternoon's game was a more low key affair but still
provided plenty of excitement for 10,000 fans watching from the stands. Both
games succeeded in offering a solid test as the countdown to the Premier
League kick-off draws ever closer. "You need to work hard in training in the
heat so you feel better, fitter. The other night against Dresden, the
atmosphere was fantastic, with the way their fans were signing. "The Cottbus
game was another good match and that is good as we work towards the first
game of the new season against Aston Villa."
The Hammers have spent the week training hard in Dresden and O'Brien
believes that as well as getting fitter and fitter, the group have also
grown closer during their stay. For the likes of Modibo Maiga and Jussi
Jaaskelainen, it was a chance to get to know their new team-mates by
spending 24 hours a day with them.
"We have a great bunch of lads, some of whom now have been here a while.We
also have some good Academy boys here with us as well and it is good to have
them here and to see them blossoming. They're cheeky, yes, but all good
banter. "I have been here a year now and the thing that stuck out with
everyone last season was that the manager, staff and players stuckgether. We
had some tough times but sticking together got us through it all and we got
where we wanted to be in the end. "We will be doing that again to get us
through the new challenges this season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Energie Cottbus 2-2 West Ham United FT
WHUFC.com
All the action as it happened as West Ham United rounded off their German
trip with a draw
29.07.2012
FC Energie Cottbus v West Ham United
Pre-season match
Stadion der Freundschaft
Sunday 29 July 2012
Kick-off: 2.30pm
Final score: FC Energie Cottbus 2-2 West Ham United
Full time - And that is it as the referee brings the game to a close right
on 90 minutes. That second-half performance was a great way to end the
Germany tour and the Hammers players rightly go over to clap the away fans
to my right. We will bring you reaction from the game and the tour as a
whole later on.
89 mins - So can West Ham sneak a later winner here. It would be a great way
to round off their trip. Don't forget you can see highlights of this game
and all of the other pre-season fixtures on West Ham TV. The West Ham TV
cameras also filmed a special crossbar challenge with some of the younger
squad members this week, which you should be able to watch next week.
88 mins - The Hammers fans find their voice once more and they are singing a
song encouraging each other to 'Go mental', which I cannot repeat fully on
this site for obvious reasons!
84 mins - Well that was a great moment. Even if we are only in pre-season,
watching West Ham make a two-goal comeback just whets the appetite for the
new Barclays Premier League season.
79 mins - GOAL! And Sam Baldock makes it 2-2! What a comeback from the
Hammers. A cross from the right is met by the No7, whose looping header
falls perfectly into the far corner. The fans in the away end to my right go
crazy and we hear a brilliant rendition of 'Bubbles'. Game on!
77 mins - GOAL! West Ham are back in it as Kazim-Richards scores a brilliant
volley from the edge of the area. The ball dropped to him and he hit a
perfect, right-footed drive into the bottom corner.
74 mins - Big Sam makes a double change as Maynard and Taylor make way for
Robert Hall and Colin Kazim-Richards. Cottbus respond with three more
changes as Hunemeier , Kruska and Engel go off and Julian Borner, Alexander
Ludwig and Martin Dahm come on.
72 mins - Taylor makes another good break down the left and Baldock makes a
smart run to try and get on the end of it. He manages to beat Hunemeier to
the ball but it goes just wide of the post. Good chance for West Ham.
68 mins - Another good save from West Ham's No22 as he rushes out to thwart
Stiepermann, who was clean through on goal. Jaaskelainen made himself big
and the ball just flew into his chest.
65 mins - Maynard is brought down 25 yards out and West Ham have a free-kick
on the edge of the area. Taylor takes it but it hits Stiepermann on the head
and the danger is averted.
61 mins - Five changes for Cottbus here, coming on are Roger, Guillaume
Rippert, Dennis Sorensen, Stiven Rivic and Sebastian Glasneroff with
Bittroff, Adlung, Fenin, Banovic and Farina.
59 mins - Well it isn't! Jaaskelainen is forced into a more routine stop
from a Adlung free-kick from 25 yards out. It was a difficult one as the
ball bounced in front of him but the Finland international did well to get
his body behind the ball.
54 mins - Good double save by Jaaskelainen, first to keep out a header from
Uwe Hunemeier and then the follow up shot from the edge of the area. Let's
hope that's the most action he sees this half.
51 mins - Big Sam's side are looking much more of a threat this half and a
cross from Lameyis flicked behind for a corner. Noble takes it but it is
cleared and Cottbus go straight to the other end and should make it 3-0 as
Fenin puts a free header wide of the Hammers goal. Exciting passage of play
that.
49 mins - Well that's the closest West Ham have come to getting one back. A
fine run down the left by Taylor sees him open up some space 20 yards from
goal. He fires in a shot at the far post but it flies wide. Better from West
Ham.
46 mins - West Ham get us underway in the second period. West Ham have made
seven changes as the break. Jussi Jaaskelainen is on in goal, with Michael
Lamey at right-back, Jordan Spence and Bilal Mohsni in the middle and Potts
at left-back. In midfield, George Moncur has taken the place of O'Neil with
Blair Turgott and Sam Baldock on for Vaz Te and Maiga
Half time
44 mins - We have just a minute to go until the break and I am sure Big Sam
will be looking to change things around a bit after the break. The Hammers
have worked hard and defended well, but Cottbus have had the better of the
play.
42 mins - GOAL! The home side double their lead and this time there is
nothing Henderson can do about that one. Adlung, who has looked a threat all
afternoon, picks up the ball 20 yards out and lashes the ball into the
bottom corner.
41 mins - The rain has started falling here now as the sunshine we were
enjoying earlier on. That should make for a slightly easier afternoon for
the Hammers.
40 mins - Another great chance is passed up by the hosts. Fenin is totally
unmarked ten yards out after he is found but a cross from Adlung but he
cannot keep his shot down. Another let off for the Hammers.
38 mins - Cottbus have a free-kick on the edge of the area aftter Henderson
fells Stiepermann. The goalkeeper is booked and when the free-kick is
finally taken, Marc Andre Kruska fires well over from a cut-back.
36 mins - Good header from Reid again as he gets his head on a shot rasping
shot from Martin Fenin to send the ball over the bar. Noble clears the
corner but the ball goes behind again. This time Henderson takes control of
the situation and claims the ball cleanly. Good goalkeeping.
33 mins - Sanogo is back on his feet but cannot continue. No9 Marco
Stiepermann comes on to replace him.
32 mins - That has given us a break in play and the Hammers players come
over to grab a drink. Taylor is giving out some instructions to his
team-mates as I am sure they will be looking for a way back into the game.
30 mins - Strong header from Reid there as he wins the ball cleanly near the
halfway line. Sadly for Sanago, he got in the way of Reid and the ball so he
has taken a bit of a bang on the head and is sprawled on the floor.
28 mins - Some quick footwork from Maiga there sees him beat three defenders
but just as he races to get into the penalty area, he is tackled. Promising
work from the No21.
25 mins - Another effort, this time from Marc Andrew Kruska goes well over
the crossbar. West Ham have settled a bit now and I'm sure Big Sam will be
expecting to see his side work Kirschbaum before half time.
23 mins - Much better from West Ham now as they put a bit of pressure on the
Cottbus defence. Potts is getting forward well to support Vaz Te down the
left but as yet they cannot find an end product.
21 mins - The Hammers have not really found their feet yet but are defending
well as Cottbus launch attack after attack. McCartney does well to thwart an
attack with a strong, firm tackle.
17 mins - Well that really should have been 2-0 as Martin Fenin somehow
misses an open goal. The dangerous-looking Adlung sprung the Hammers'
offside trap before rounding Henderson and rolling the ball into the path of
the No22, who misses the target completely. Real escape for the Hammers
there.
16 mins - Well it does not look like that mishap has affected Henderson as
he pulls off a fine stop to keep out a rasping shot from Boubacar Sanago at
his near post.
14 mins - Brilliant bit of skill from Vaz Te that brings out a round of
applause from the home fans. After a Noble free-kick finds him in the area
he is forced wide with his back to goal but somehow manages to pull off a
chipped backheel that nearly catches Thomas Kirschbaum out. Great play.
10 mins - That goal was a little harsh on Henderson, who has had a really
good tour so far. I'm sure he will not let that moment affect him and has
already come out to make a good catch.
8 mins - GOAL! Cottbus take the lead early on and it is not one Stephen
Henderson will want to see again. Daniel Adlung breaks down the left and
curls in a shot on goal, which seems to be going straight to the No13 but it
slips through his grasp and into the net.
7 mins - Neil McDonald is out in the technical telling Gary O'Neil to push
on further as West Ham look to get a foothold in the game. Nicky Maynard has
taken a whack to the head but seems to be OK.
5 mins - Ivica Banovic takes it and tries to curl it into the bottom corner
but Henderson reads it well and makes a save low to his right.
4 mins - Good goalkeeping from Henderson as he comes out to punch a corner
away, but as the ball flies away it catches O'Niel on the arm and Cottbus
have a free-kick right on the edge of the area.
2 mins - Good defending from George McCartney as he slides in to make an
important challenge on the edge of the area.
1 min - And we're off! West Ham will be attacking the goal to my left in the
first half. The home support are in good voice as we have come to expect
from our host country. They really have been impressive this tour.
2.29pm - And here come the teams. Noble leads out the Hammers in the abcence
of Kevin Nolan with Uwe Mohlre captaining the hosts.
2.27pm - Talking of claret and blue, the Hammers, who are just getting
changed on the touchline in front of me, will be wearing the new Macron away
kit this afternoon, which has just managed to sneak some claret and blue on
it around the collar. To order yours, click here.
2.26pm - In terms of the set-up here, we have a near full stand away to my
left, with a more empty stand at the other end, which is where the West Ham
United fans are located. I would say we have around 100 fans here this
afternoon, who I'm sure will be looking forward to seeing what Maiga can do
on his first start in claret and blue.
2.25pm - It is turning into quite a nice afternoon now and the sun is
beaming down. We have just been entertained by a local band playing on the
pitch. I think the best way I could describe the music is 'German rock', but
it certainly seemed to get the crowd going.
2.15pm - We have now got the Cottbus team in, which is as follows.
FC Energie Cottbus: Kirschbaum, Banovic, Mohrle, Adlung, Farina, Bittroff,
Kruska, Engel, Hunemeiser, Fenin, Sanogo.
Subs: Renno, Rippert, Roger, Glasner, Stiepermann, Ludwig, Borner, Ziebig,
Rivic, Sorensen, Dahm
Good afternoon from Cottbus! We have about 45 minutes to go until kick-off
and the West Ham United team has just been confirmed. Sam Allardyce has made
four changes from the side that lost 3-0 to Dynamo Dresden two days ago.
Stephen Henderson returns in goal with a back four of Joey O'Brien, Winston
Reid, George McCartney - playing at centre-half - and Danny Potts. Mark
Noble will be sitting just in front of them with Gary O'Neil and Taylor
making up the midfield three. Up front the big news it Modibo Maiga starts
for the first time since joining from FC Sochaux last week. The Mali
international, who came off the bench against Dresden, will be supported by
Ricardo Vaz Te and Nicky Maynard on the flanks,
West Ham United: Henderson, O'Brien, Reid, McCartney, Potts, Noble, O'Neil,
Taylor, Maynard, Maiga, Vaz Te
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Lamey, Spence, Mohsni, Turgott, Moncur, Nolan, Baldock,
Hall, Kazim-Richards
It is a pleasant afternoon in east Germany and although it is not as bright
and sunny as previous days of the trip, it is still very humid and West Ham
United are likely to have a good workout.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pair continue Olympic challenge
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins and Mohamed Diame resume their quests for London 2012 Olympic
Gold on Sunday
29.07.2012
James Tomkins and Mohamed Diame continue their quests for Olympic Gold when
they play their respective second Group A matches at London 2012 on Sunday.
Tomkins will hope to make his first appearance for Team GB after missing
Thursday's 1-1 draw with Diame's Senegal at Old Trafford when Stuart
Pearce's side take on United Arab Emirates at Wembley. Earlier this
afternoon, captain Diame will hope to lead Senegal again when they face
Uruguay at the same venue. Centre-back Tomkins revealed that, as well as his
dream of winning a medal, he would love to bump into tennis legend Roger
Federer at the Olympic Village. The 23-year-old also revealed that Team GB's
players have turned to an unusual outlet to help stay calm -- playing
Scrabble! "There is a lot of down time so it's important we keep ourselves
entertained. It's nice really, as it brings the team together," said
Tomkins. "Federer is a massive hero of mine and it will be great to meet
him. We could play some Scrabble!" The final round of Group A matches will
take place on Wednesday, when Team GB face Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium
and Senegal tackle United Arab Emirates at the City of Coventry Stadium. All
the matches will be screened live by BBC television or BBC online.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers come back to earn draw
Last updated: 29th July 2012
SSN
Colin Kazim-Richards and Sam Baldock scored two goals in the space of three
minutes to earn West Ham a 2-2 draw with Energie Cottbus on Sunday. The
hosts took the lead in the eighth minute in a friendly match at the Stadion
der Freundschaft after Daniel Adlung broke down the left and curled in a
shot that slipped through goalkeeper Stephen Henderson's grasp and into the
net. The second division German added to their lead in the 42nd minute when
Adlung scored his second of the match with a 20-yard shot that nestled into
the bottom corner. But West Ham got back in the game in the 77th minute as
Kazim-Richards volleyed home from the edge of the area and they pulled level
just two minutes later with a looping Baldock header.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Talking Points - Do We Need a Proven Goalkeeper?
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
* My web designer is designing a great new look for the site. And nested
comments are next on the list to restore.
* According to the Daily Mail Ramis is going to sign for Wigan after all,
after a late intervention from Roberto Martinez!
* James Tomkins didn't exactly cover himself playing for Great Britain
tonight. Again.
* Sam Baldock was on the scoresheet again in a 2-2 draw with Energie Cottbus
this afternoon, with Colin Kazim-Richards scoring a 20 yard volley.
But the main point of this post is to pose the question - do we need to sign
a proven goalkeeper? I don't know about you but after the performances of
Stephen Henderson and Jussi Jaaskalainen in the friendlies so far, I remain
distinctly nervous. Henderson is unproven at Premier League level and Jussi
couldn't even keep his place in a relegated Bolton side. We have been linked
to Paul Robinson, but I wonder how many quality goalkeepers are really
available.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers Draw 2-2, as CKR and Baldock Come to the Rescue!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Colin Kazim-Richards and Sam Baldock scored two goals in the space of three
minutes to earn West Ham a 2-2 draw with German second division side Energie
Cottbus in this afternon's concluding match of the club's pre-season tour of
Germany. Energie Cottbus took the lead in the 8th minute after Daniel Adlung
broke down the left and curled in a shot that went beyond goalkeeper Stephen
Henderson's grasp and into the back of the net. Their lead was extended in
the 42th minute when Adlung scored a second with a drive into the bottom
corner.
The second half saw a number of West Ham substitutions, which sparked a
marked improvement in West Ham's play. But at 2-0 down going into the 76th
minute the match looked lost. That was until the intervention of Colin
Kazim-Richards, who got West Ham back in to the game in the 77th minute with
an excellent volley from the edge of the penalty area. And it got better for
the Hammers in the 79th minute when Sam Baldock equalised with a looping
header.
So, the record in Germany is: W 1/ D 1/L 1 and have we learnt anything from
the tour? Yes, amongst other things, we badly miss James Tomkins in central
defence; we probaby need to sign another two defenders, apart from Ramis;
it's a pity that these matches were not used to bed Diame in to the team
(although that could not be helped due to a certain distraction going on in
Stratford at the moment); we need at least one wide player and another
striker; Sam Allardyce should think again about selling/loaning Sam Baldock;
and CKR may have done well enough to be offered a contract with the club.
On the last point, I admit that I am surprised to find myself writing that,
because I did not feel that CKR would add anything extra to the squad.
However, he has done well since he has been with the club and maybe he could
do a job next season. I certainly feel that CKR has the best chance of
securing a contract of the three trialists on this tour. I would, however,
still endeavour to secure another wide man to ensure that we have adequate
width on both flanks. I know that both Vaz Te and Maiga can play wide, but
we probably still need more orthodox wide players in the squad to maximise
our selection and tactical options.
The reported move for Polish international Sebastian Boenisch seems to be a
good move. The 25 year old is a Bosman free agent after leaving Werder
Bremen. Rumour has it that Sam Allardyce met with the player during the
German tour and the club are keen to tie up a deal to bring him to Upton
Park, He seems to be a quality defender, who plays at left back, but can
also operate effectively at centre back. And that ability to cover at
centre-back would make him a valuable asset in the squad. Lets hope that
they sign him before other cubs wake up to his availability and guzump us!
On the striker front, Carroll does not seem keen on playing for West Ham, if
the rumours circulating are true? His objective seems to stay at Anfield or
move back to St James (or whatever it is called these days?). I would not be
opposed to signing Defoe from Spurs, but again the whispers are that the
player is not keen to go 'back to the future' by rejoining the club. If he
is worried about the reception from the fans, all he needs to do is publicly
state that he was a kid in 2002-03 and he was ill-advised about pushing for
a move in the way that he did. As well as stating that he is sorry and he
wants to come back and score 20 goals plus for his boy hood club and its
fanastic supporters. A presto, repproachment! Well, I suppose some elements
would not forgive and forget, but the vast majority probably would,
especially when the goals started flying in.
However, if that is not the reservation and he just does not want to come
back then we should move on! Instead, make an ambitious move for a young,
hungry striker of great ability and a track record of scoring in the PL. A
player like Sturridge, who probably needs to leave Chelski to realise his
potential. I know that this is slightly controversial, but if we could sign
a player like him, I would seriously consider selling Maynard to Leeds Utd
if they came up with the right bid and loan out Baldock to either Charlton
or Ipswich..
A meda source has suggested that the club could bring in three new additions
this coming week, and that is in addition to Ivan Ramis. If true this coud
be a very eventful week for the club. Of course, I like the number suggested
as we o need to boost our ranks, but lets also hope that they are in the
right positions (particularly defence and on the flanks) and that as well as
quanity, we are also convinced by the quality added to the squad.
I know that supporters have grown very anxious about progress on the
transfer front and I can understand that. But by hook or by crook, I am
quite confident that Sam Allardyce will get the players he needs by the big
kick off. I am also reasonably assued that we will survive next season under
his experienced management. For me the viable factor is whether we assemble
that extra quality that will mean the difference between a season knocking
around the bottom or raising our sights and ambitions that bit higher (ie. a
top ten finish)?
If we get the transfers right, the team gels and certain other viable
factors come together (a lack of injuries and one or two youngsters
exceling) then we could even be a bit of a surprise package next season. The
alternative scenerio ........ I will leave others to expound on that
subject!!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bristol City have a bid accepted for West Ham striker Sam Baldock
Monday, July 30, 2012
The Post
BRISTOL City are leading the race to sign West Ham United striker Sam
Baldock. The Championship club have had a bid of close to £1.5 million
accepted by the Hammers, who are looking to offload the former MK Dons
marksman following their promotion back to the Premier League. Baldock,
pictured, has already held talks with Robins officials and, contrary to some
reports that suggest he wants to stay in London, the 23-year-old is prepared
to move to Ashton Gate in his search for regular first-team football. As
reported in The Post on July 16, the Bedford-born forward is the man City
manager Derek McInnes wants to replace Nicky Maynard, the striker who was
sold to West Ham for £1.65m in January. Baldock last night returned from
West Ham's pre-season tour of Germany and was today expected to contact
McInnes, who is in Scotland with City's first-team squad. If agreement on
personal terms can be reached, a deal could be concluded in a matter of
days.
Media reports in the capital claim Charlton are ready to table an offer of
their own for Baldock and that the player himself is eager to remain in the
South East.
But The Post can reveal West Ham have not been approached by the Addicks and
Baldock is seriously considering joining City. Signed from MK Dons for an
undisclosed fee on a four-year contract in September 2011, Baldock was a
regular starter for the Hammers in the Championship last season, scoring
four goals before suffering an injury in a goalless draw against City at
Upton Park on November 1. Ironically, West Ham had signed Maynard from City
by the time Baldock regained full fitness, after which he cut a frustrated
figure on the bench, not starting a single game during the final three
months of the campaign as the Hammers won promotion back to the top flight
at the first attempt. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has since strengthened his
attack in the transfer market, forcing Baldock even further down the pecking
order. Rather than start next season in West Ham's reserve team, Baldock
wants to drop back down to the Championship in a bid to revive his career.
McInnes has confirmed he is in the market for a further "two to three"
players and he is continuing to pursue his targets while City are on tour in
Scotland this week. He said: "We have people lined up who we want to bring
in and, hopefully, we can do that. "I'm still on the phone every day and
nothing changes because we are in Scotland. "When it comes to transfers, you
have to keep your shoulder to the wheel, because things can change if you
take your eye off the ball.
"There are certain players – another two or three – that we want to get into
the club and we have to make sure we keep on top of things."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Late Martinez intervention steals £4m Ramis from West Ham's clutches
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 23:04, 29 July 2012 | UPDATED: 23:04, 29 July 2012
Daily Mail
Wigan are set to win the battle for Ivan Ramis after the defender agreed to
waive his part of the transfer fee to link up with Roberto Martinez. West
Ham had agreed a £4million fee with Real Mallorca for the 27-year-old and he
was due to have a medical on Monday morning, until Martinez intervened. The
27-year-old Ramis had been linked with a number of English clubs including
Aston Villa, Wigan and Sunderland.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers sign Ramis
by Setanta Staff , 29 July 2012
West Ham have hijacked Wigan's bid to sign Ivan Ramis, with Real Mallorca
confirming that the defender is heading to Upton Park. Wigan were hot
favourites to conclude a deal for the talented central defender but Hammers
boss Sam Allardyce has nipped in, and the 27-year-old is now poised to pen a
deal. West Ham have agreed an undisclosed fee with the Spanish side and the
player now just needs to pass a medical and agree personal terms before the
deal can be rubberstamped.
A statement on Mallorca's website read: "Mallorca and West Ham have reached
an agreement for the transfer of Ivan Ramis. The Mallorcan defender has the
permission of the club to have a medical with what will be his new team.
"From the board led by Jaume Cladera and Lorenzo Serra Ferrer, the coaching
staff directed by Joaquin Caparros, all his team-mates in the changing room,
employees of the club and everyone associated with Real Mallorca want to
wish Ivan the best of luck in this new stage of his career that he will
begin."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
RUMOUR MILL: WEST HAM AFTER TORRES
Posted on Sunday, 29th July 2012 by David Bowden
ForeverWestHam.com
West Ham United have been linked with a move for Torres, no not Fernando but
Getafe's attack minded right back Miguel Torres. The full back that is
comfortable on either flank has also been linked with a move to West London
rivals Queens Park Rangers as well as Blackburn Rovers. It is thought though
that Torres is more tempted by Premier League football which would put the
London clubs in a stronger position. Ever since we missed out on former
Crystal Palace right back Nathaniel Clyne to Southampton, the importance of
finding a full back has been of paramount importance in my opinion. And with
David Gold and David Sullivan jetting out to Spain to negotiate two deals
one for a star midfielder and the other a defender it makes this move look
likely.
So who is he? At 26 years old he has bundles of experience as well as having
youth on his side. A former Real Madrid player it is obvious he has the
quality. With 52 appearances under his belt at Madrid he moved to Getafe in
2009, where he continued to excel despite stiff competition from Juan
Valera, he still managed to appear 20 times.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, July 29
Daily WHUFC News - 29th July 2012
Academy granted Category One status
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have been awarded Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) Category One status
28.07.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce that the club has been awarded Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) Category One status. The Hammers have been placed in the highest tier of Academies in English football following a successful audit by independent assessors earlier this year. Proposed by the Premier League, the EPPP is a new system aimed at improving all areas of youth football provision, including coaching, education, child welfare and medical care, with the aim of giving young players a greater opportunity to be coached and developed into homegrown stars of the future. Vice-Chairman Karren Brady and Academy Director Tony Carr MBE spearheaded West Ham's EPPP strategy, with the Board investing more than £1m in helping the Academy of Football to gain Category One status.
The process of gaining Category One status has seen a huge amount of hard work done by the Vice-Chairman, Carr and his staff. The Academy has grown with the addition of a significant number of full and part-time coaching and medical staff. The facilities used by the Academy have also been improved, with a stadium pitch and three training pitches developed at Rush Green and the installation of a new gymnasium and classrooms at both Little Heath and Rush Green. Off the pitch, the club has forged a full-time partnership with Sir Paul Grant, the headteacher at the Robert Clack School of Science in Dagenham, whose superb team of teachers will look after all the Academy's educational needs. These needs include full-time education provision for young footballers in years ten and eleven, and hybrid provision for teenagers who visit the Academy on day-release programmes during the school year.
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Gold said: "We are pleased that the independent auditors have seen fit to award West Ham United the top-rated Category One Academy status. "Having played for the Academy as a youngster and then followed West Ham United for my whole life I know only too well how important it is to the club. So from the moment the new EPPP system was confirmed, it was our Board's absolute priority to make sure our Academy maintained its world-renowned reputation as one of the best in the business. "The Board were quick to provide Tony Carr and his team with the appropriate funding for the additional resource and facilities they required. I would like to thank Tony and his team of staff, who all worked hard to ensure we achieved our collective aim. "We will not be resting on our laurels now though, as we will be continuing to invest and grow our Academy even further."
Academy Director Tony Carr said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that we have been awarded Category One status for the 2012/13 season, which is a culmination of months of hard work by a huge team of people. I would to thank all of my staff at the Academy who have put in countless late nights to make sure we achieved the top standing. "I must also pay tribute to the Board, who have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to West Ham United's Academy by providing the necessary funding for the upgrades to our facilities and staff at Chadwell Heath and Little Heath. This award will ensure the steady stream of talent we have coming through from our Academy will continue and we can go on to produce more and more world-class players for West Ham United."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jussi staying positive
WHUFC.com
Jussi Jaaskelainen is feeling the benefit of a tough week of training and matches in Germany
28.07.2012
Despite losing by three goals to nil, West Ham United goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen said there were still a lot of positives to take from the friendly defeat to Dynamo Dresden on Friday. While the Hammers stopper was not able to keep a clean sheet, he still had an impressive evening with some important saves including one from Dresden's Idir Quali late in the second half. but in addition to a promising solo night for the Finland international, there were other positives to take on a general note, with more match action for players returning from injury including club captain Kevin Nolan and defender Joey O'Brien. "Yes, it was disappointing to lose and to concede the goals that we did," he said. "But having said that, it was good to play here in front of a big crowd and there was a good atmosphere for a pre-season friendly. It was very good to play in front of such a crowd for a game like this."
The Finnish stopper was the chosen request of German television media to give his views on the game afterwards and to speak about the Hammers' week in Germany. Despite playing over 500 games for Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League at some of the best stadiums in the world, Jaaskelainen was still in awe of the vocal home support. "We are enjoying it here in Germany and have been working all week and while the results do not matter so much, we still want to win. We will continue to work hard on our fitness, on our game."
The Hammers face Energie Cottbus on Sunday in the final match of three-game German tour. Jaaskelainen feels that the game will provide another chance for the player's fitness to improve and to work on playing together before the new campaign begins on 18 August. "We have another friendly game here before we leave for home again.so that will be another good workout for us and we are looking forward to that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Taylor targets winning end
WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor is looking for a West Ham win when they face FC Energie Cottbus on Sunday afternoon
28.07.2012
Matt Taylor is hoping West Ham United can sign off their German tour with a win against FC Energie Cottbus. The Hammers were well beaten by a lively Dynamo Dresden side in Friday night's fixture after they impressed with a 3-0 win in their opening game against Rot-Weiss Erfurt. The 3-0 defeat in front of a full Glucksgas Stadion on Friday has left Taylor hoping for a winning performance at the Stadion der Freundschaft asWest Ham wrap up their tour on Sunday. "It was important in the run up to the start of the season that we play games like that. There were 30,000 fans in there so we knew it was going to be a wonderful atmosphere. It was a chance for the guys to play a tough game against some good opposition. "Now we go on to Sunday for what promises to be another tough game against quality opposition."
Regardless of Sunday's result, one thing for certain is that Taylor and his team-mates have enjoyed their time in Dresden and the superb hospitality they have been afforded by their hosts. "The town is beautiful and on Thursday we had an afternoon to ourselves. We went for a bike ride on Thursday morning and it was beautiful and some of the scenery was fantastic. That's as much of the city as we've seen as we're been working so hard. "
Upon the Hammers return to the UK, there will be under three weeks to go until the big Barclays Premier League kick-off against Aston Villa. Taylor knows that the step-up from npower Championship football last season will be tough, but is confident the Hammers can emulate the likes of Swansea City and Norwich City, who both caught the eye after being promoted to the top tier last season. "It's difficult to say what position we will finish in the league. What we want first and foremost is stability in the Premier League. It's going to be a difficult season for us and I would be foolish to sit here and state we're going to finish 8th or 9th because anything can happen in football. "What I do know is that the manager will assemble a squad that is good enough to compete week-in, week out. We've seen in the previous season from the teams that have just been promoted have given a great account of themselves. We want to try and emulate that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dev Squad defeated at Welling United
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon's side dominated their latest pre-season fixture, only to be undone by a set-play goal
29.07.2012
Ian Hendon was pleased with the performance of his youthful Development Squad, despite their 1-0 defeat at Blue Square Bet South side Welling United on Saturday.
The Hammers dominated large parts of the game but were undone in the 58th minute when Danny McGuire headed home from Jack Obersteller's corner. Speaking post-match, Hendon felt that while the scoreline was not what he had hoped for, positives could be drawn with the players' fitness levels continuing to improve ahead of the Professional Development League campaign. "Our main aim in pre-season is to get the players prepared, and that's what games today are all about," said Hendon. "We have had a good workout today, and a lot of the lads have got another 90 minutes under their belt."
Hendon was also without a number of his regular players, but praised the impact of the youngsters who took their places. "We're missing a number of players, but the ones that came in can hold their heads high. They've had a go and, to be fair, we were playing without a recognised striker. "Leo Chambers played very well, with Frazer Shaw and Kieren Sadlier also featuring upfront, so we essentially had 16 and 17-year-olds playing against men which was always going to be tough."
With players such as Rob Hall and Blair Turgott linking up with the first team, Hendon was also able to field a number of trialists and scholars, revealing he will make an imminent decision on where their futures lay. "It will be good to get the squad gathered next week as five of them have been away with the first team. "That's obviously where I want them to be, but if they're not I want to get my squad back together to prepare for our upcoming league campaign. "We've got another good look at the trialists so decisions will be made on what I've seen today."
Hendon did however voice his displeasure at the way in which his side conceded, stating that despite their age, his players need to obtain a higher level of focus.
"We have to be disappointed with the goal we conceded because that's two games on the spin now we've conceded from a set play. "We were in the ascendancy and then were suddenly hit by a sucker punch. That said, we could and perhaps should have prevented the corner, and from it we have to do better. "The lads have to start sensing danger a little bit quicker, making sure they organise themselves and don't allow the free header like they did today."
The Development Squad round off their pre-season with three away games against npower League Two opposition in AFC Wimbledon, Northampton Town and Dagenham and Redbridge. And Hendon admitted that his side will need to step it up when they face a higher caliber of opposition. "We've got three very difficult games coming now. I watched a lot of League Two games last year and we're going to be playing against teams that are very well organised and have experienced professionals within. "Going into the latter stages of pre-season it becomes more about the performance than fitness, so we need to make sure we get ourselves together and up our game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s edged out at Everton
WHUFC.com
Nick Haycock's team were narrowly beaten 1-0 at Everton in their third pre-season fixture on Saturday afternoon
28.07.2012
West Ham United Under-18s were edged out 1-0 at Everton in their latest pre-season fixture on Saturday. Nick Haycock's squad were up early for the journey to Merseyside, but shrugged off any travel weariness to produce a determined and decent display against the Toffees, only to lose out to a late goal. With many scholars involved in the Development Squad fixture at Welling United, Haycock took a 22-strong squad that contained only three second-year scholars and no fewer than 19 first-year scholars, schoolboys and trialists. With those circumstances in mind, the Under-18s coach was proud of his players' performance at Everton's Finch Farm training ground. "We lost 1-0 in what was a very tight game of football with very few chances," said Haycock, who picked out Josh Cullen and Kieran Bywater for special praise. "It was a great workout in terms of fitness and defensive shape. "We took a young squad with only three Under-18 players and a mixture of first years and Under-16 and Under-15 players! Certain boys needed a certain amount of minutes and came through with no injuries. We made eleven changes with 60 minutes gone to ensure all 22 players had a game, which is when we conceded. "We have worked hard for three weeks on the shape and fitness of the team and during the next three weeks we will be stepping up the preparation. The boys will be working on their speed and ability to open up teams up with their attacking play."
After three domestic pre-season matches, Haycock takes his team to the continent on Thursday for what promises to be a competitive tournament. "We go to Belgium on Thursday to play in the Eurofoot Under-19 Tournament, which is a 12-team competition where we are split into two groups of six. We play Cercle Brugge, FC Nordsjaeland AA Gent , SC Anderlecht and Hadjuk Split. "The games are played in two 25-minute halves with a squad of 18 players. All the boys will be rotated again, ensuring all get the minutes they need. If we qualify in the top two we play in a semi-final against first or second in the other group. We aim to try and win the tournament but, more importantly, we are to establish our patterns of play and enjoy giving the boys experience of travelling away from home, playing against foreign opposition using different styles and systems and getting away from the training ground to break the pre-season up! "On our return we have a team-building day with the Royal Marines to demonstrate to the boys what an elite environment is, followed by an away game at Manchester City on Saturday 11 August."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dynamo Dresden 3-0 West Ham United FT
All the action as it happened as West Ham United lose out to Dynamo Dresden
WHUFC.com
28.07.2012
Rot-Weiss Erfurt v West Ham United
Pre-season match
Glucksgas Stadion
Friday 27 July 2012
Kick-off: 8.30pm
Final score: Dynamo Dresden 3-0 West Ham United
Full time - And that is it.The referee blows the whistle right on 90 minutes and the Hammers suffer defeat in Dresden. That was a tough evening for the Hammers but the tough workout will set them in good stead for the slighty cooler climates of east London. West Ham are next in action on Sunday when they face Energie Cottbus.
88 mins - So close! Maiga could have marked his debut with a fine header then. O'Neil ran down the right and crossed the ball in but the Mali International could not keep his header down.
83 mins - GOAL! Dresden make it 3-0 as Cuneyt Koz is totally unmarked from a corner and is able to plant a low header in at the near post and park Noble's feet.
77 mins - The Hammers have definitely been better this half and have kept working hard on a really hot night out there. Even though it has now gone 10 it must still be 25 degrees in the City. I'm hot just from typing these notes so I do not want to think how tough it is for the players.
74 mins - Another great save by Jaaskelainen as he comes out to make himself big as Ouali bursts into the box again and fires in a shot with his left foot.
72 mins - And here comes Maiga from the touchline so we will be seeing him for the first time tonight. He comes on for Cole.
66 mins - The Hammers look like Modibo Maiga is warming up on the far side. Could he be brought on for his Hammers debut tonight?
63 mins - Good goalkeeping from Jaaskelainen there as he dives wide to his right to keep out a curling shot from Ouali. The No7 had turned Demel and was through on goal and that could prove to be an important save as I think it would have been all over at 3-0.
62 mins - Another great chance for the Hammers as Cole feeds Taylor. He plays a low cross in from the left behind the defender to Vaz Te but his shot is saved by the 'keeper. The flag is also raised for offside so it would not have counted anyway.
60 mins - Better from West Ham now as O'Neil feeds Vaz Te. His whipped cross is good but Cole cannot quite get enough on it to get it goalwards.
57 mins - Taylor so nearly pulls one back as his driven shot from all of 30 yards clips the top of the crossbar before going out. Great strike by the No14.
56mins - Big Sam makes his second change as Nicky Maynard comes on for Nolan. That should give the Hammers a bit more clout going forward.
51 mins - GOAL! The home side make it 2-0 as Hasan Pepic doubles their lead. After a bit of confusion at the back between Reid, Mohsni and Jaaskelainen, the ball breaks to Pepic and he has the simple task of prodding into an empty net.
49 mins - Straight up the other end and half-time sub Idir Ouali nearly finds the bottom left-hand corner of the Hammers' net but thankfully it flies safely wide.
48 mins - West Ham win a free-kick after Vaz Te is felled. Taylor takes it but it's too close to Kirsten, who comes out and gathers cleanly.
46 mins - The Hammers get us underway for the second half. One change made by Big Sam at half time sees Bilal Mohsni come on for O'Brien, who has looked solid in the centre of defence in the past 120 minute in Germany.
45 mins - Half-time. Well that was an entertaining first half with chances at both ends but is Dresden who have taken their chance. I'm sure Big Sam will have something to say in the dressing room at half time so I can see West Ham getting back into this in the second period.
43 mins - I was going to earlier but I did not get a chance but we should pay credit to the 200 or so West Ham fans who have the trip to Dresden. With the combination of this game, some fine German beer and lovely sunshine it could be quite a weekend for the away fans.
42 mins - Better from West Ham there. They strung about 10 passes together there but once again the final ball is lacking and Nolan this time gives it away.
40 mins - It looks like Neil McDonald is not happy with what he is seeing so he comes up to the edge of his technical area to bellow some instructions at Matt Taylor.
37 mins - Good chance there for Mickael Pote as Trojan's cross-shot finds the No10 three yards out but he cannot quite steer his header under the crossbar.
36 mins - Good goalkeeping from Jaaskelainen then as he comes out to claim a cross with real bravery.
33 mins - Matt Taylor and Koch have had a little coming together and the referee has to step in to keep the peace. The Hammers break up the other end of the pitch but McCartney's cross cannot pick out a claret and blue shirt.
30 min - The home side are come forward once more but Vujadin Savic's cross is far too strong. Meanwhile, behind the goal at the other end, the Dresden fans are all still singing like mad. Considering this is a friendly you have to say the home support has been superb thus far.
23 min - The Hammers have had some good chances up until then but sadly they could not convert them. Cole and Vaz Te have both not put good chances away. Cole headed over while Vaz Te's shot was tipped over by Kirsten.
21 min - Well all I can say is sorry. We have had some technical troubles over here in Germany but I'm glad to say we're back online. The bad news is Dresden have just taken the lead. Robert Koch has just volleyed in a sweet strike that left Jaaskelainen with no chance.
7pm - Good evening and welcome to the impressive surroundings of the Glucksgas Stadion for West Ham United's second game of their pre-season tour of Germany.
We have the West Ham United team and, as expected, Sam Allardyce has named a strong starting XI with ten changes from the 3-0 win against Rot-Weiss Erfurt on Wednesday. Jussi Jaaskelainen returns in goal with Guy Demel at right back, Winston Reid partnering Joey O'Brien, the sole survivor from the previous game, in the middle with George McCartney at left-back. The three in midfield are Mark Noble, Kevin Nolan and Gary O'Neil with Ricardo Vaz Te, Matt Taylor and Carlton Cole up front.
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, O'Brien, Reid, McCartney, Noble, O'Neil, Nolan, Vaz Te, Taylor, Cole
Subs: Henderson, Driver, Spence, Potts, Lamey, Mohsni, Moncur, Kazim-Richards, Hall, Turgott, Maynard, Baldock, Maiga
Dynamo Dresden: Kirsten, Savic, Gueye, Bregerie, Trojan, Fort, Pote, Losilla, Papadopoulos, Koch, Schuppan
Subs: Fromlowitz, Jungwirth, Ouali, Pepic, Koz, Subasic, Thoelke, Solga, Franke, Leistner, Fiel
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham agree fee to sign Ivan Ramis from Real Mallorca
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have reached an agreement for the transfer of Real Mallorca defender Ivan Ramis to Upton Park. According to the Spanish club, the 27-year-old can have a medical with West Ham although no fee has been mentioned. A statement on Real Mallorca's official website read: "Mallorca and West Ham have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ivan Ramis. "The defender has the permission of the club to have a medical with what will be his new team." Ramis had been linked with a number of English clubs but West Ham look set to win the race for his signature. The Spanish side also confirmed in their statement that they will "achieve the economic objective for which they have been working for over recent weeks."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ramis is a Hammer
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 28th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Real Mallorca centre half Ivan Ramis is on his way to England to undergo a medical ahead of a move to West Ham United. The Spanish club confirmed this evening that the two clubs have agreed a deal for the 27-year-old said to be worth €6million (Approximately £4.7million). A statement released on rcdmallorca.es tonight read: "RCD Mallorca and West Ham have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ivan Ramis. The defender has the permission of the Club to pass the medical examination with his new team. "Ramis is seeking a new challenge in the Premier League. After eight years in the first team at RCD Mallorca and two more in the reserves, has become one of the most important players in the team. "All club employees and fans wish the best luck to Ivan as he begins this latest stage of his career."
Ramis, who has represented his country at under 19, under 21 and under 23 level without ever winning a full cap was a product of the Mallorca youth system and has spent his entire professional career at the Iberostar Stadium. He was hotly tipped to be set to join Wigan Athletic last week but West Ham are understood to have jumped in to sign the player as the Latics dallied. Previously linked with both Sunderland and Aston Villa, Ramis also rejected a move to Everton two years ago after a deal had been agreed between the Toffees and his former club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dynamo Dresden 3 West Ham Utd 0
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
The frailty of West Ham's squad was exposed for all to see here in the Glücksgas Stadium as Sam Allardyce's side were well beaten. Goals from Koch, Pepic and Koz condemned United to a third defeat of pre-season following the reversals against Austria Wien and Oxford United. Missing players such as James Tomkins, Momo Diame and Jack Collison, West Ham's defensive weaknesses were creully exposed by the home side who were up against a central defensive pairing of Winston Reid and Joey O'Brien. It took just over a quarter-of-an-hour for Dresden to break the deadlock when Robert Koch, left criminally unmarked by Matt Taylor, volleyed home from close range. And although West Ham - who had missed two great chances prior to the first goal being scored - held on until the break a second goal was always on the cards. Just six minutes after the restart it arrived through Hasan Pepic who had a simple task of converting from inside the six-yard box as confusion reigned amongst the Hammers' defence; triallist Bilel Mohsni, introduced at half time for O'Brien being caught at sixes and sevens.
Shortly after Modibo Maiga had been introduced for his first appearance in a claret and blue shirt - and following a delightful Matt Taylor effort that hit the crossbar - the Germans made it 3-0 when Cuneyt Koz took advantage of some more dreadful marking to convert a corner from virtually under the crossbar. And that was how it stayed until the end, giving manager Allardyce plenty of food for thought as he weighs up his options ahead of the new Premier League camapign which begins in less than a month's time.
West Ham Utd: Jaaskelainen, Demel, O'Brien, Reid, McCartney, Noble, O'Neil, Nolan, Vaz Te, Taylor, Cole.
Subs: Henderson, Driver, Spence, Potts, Lamey, Mohsni, Moncur, Kazim-Richards, Hall, Turgott, Maynard, Baldock, Maiga.
Dynamo Dresden: Kirsten, Savic, Gueye, Bregerie, Trojan, Fort, Pote, Losilla, Papadopoulos, Koch, Schuppan.
Subs: Fromlowitz, Jungwirth, Ouali, Pepic, Koz, Subasic, Thoelke, Solga, Franke, Leistner, Fiel
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TC 'thrilled'
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 28th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Tony Carr has thanked the board for their support in West Ham's bid to achieve Elite Player Performance Plan category one status. As revealed exclusively here on KUMB.com last month, West Ham United have been placed in the highest Academy category - meaning that Carr and his team at Chadwell Heath can continue their stirling work. "I'm absolutely thrilled that we have been awarded Category One status for the 2012/13 season, which is a culmination of months of hard work by a huge team of people," Carr told whufc.com. "I would to thank all of my staff at the Academy who have put in countless late nights to make sure we achieved the top standing. "I must also pay tribute to the Board, who have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to West Ham United's Academy by providing the necessary funding for the upgrades to our facilities and staff at Chadwell Heath and Little Heath. "This award will ensure the steady stream of talent we have coming through from our Academy will continue and we can go on to produce more and more world-class players for West Ham United."
David Gold, whose financial backing was instrumental in the club gaining Category One status added: "We are pleased that the independent auditors have seen fit to award West Ham United the top-rated status. I know only too well how important it is to the club. "From the moment the new EPPP system was confirmed, it was our Board's absolute priority to make sure our Academy maintained its world-renowned reputation as one of the best in the business. I would like to thank Tony and his team of staff, who all worked hard to ensure we achieved our collective aim. "We will not be resting on our laurels now though, as we will be continuing to invest and grow our Academy even further."
The Premier League-driven scheme, which begins this coming season introduces a four-tier system which, critics argue, will increase the power of the country's elite clubs by ensuring that Football League clubs receive just a fraction of the fees they can currently command for promising youngsters. Category One clubs such as West Ham - aka 'Super Academies' - will be able to offer young players vastly suprior training programs whereas those clubs at the bottom of the scale - Category Four Academies - will only be able to take on players released by other teams.
Meanwhile selling clubs will now only receive between £12,500 and £40,000 for ever year a player has trained with them between the ages of 12 and 16 - whilst the existing '90-minute rule' - a rule that states a player must live within an hour-and-a-half of the club with whom he trains - will also be abolished.
The EPPP was ratified - reluctantly - by the 72 Football League clubs in October 2011 after the Premier League threatened to withhold a £5million annual youth development payment should its plans be rejected.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rodgers offers Carroll hope
Liverpool youngsters please their manager with improved displays
Last Updated: July 28, 2012 10:44pm
SSN
Brendan Rodgers has played down talk of Andy Carroll leaving Liverpool and says he has no knowledge of any bids for the player. The striker has been heavily tipped to leave Anfield this summer and has been the subject of reported interest from West Ham United. Sky Sports revealed on Friday the Hammers had offered to take the former Newcastle striker on a season-long loan with a view to a £17million switch. However, Rodgers appears to have given the £35m man some hope
"Not that I am aware of," Rodgers told Liverpool's official website when asked if there had been any offers for Carroll after using the England international as a substitute in Saturday's pre-season friendly against Tottenham in the USA.
Written
"Obviously, I'll know more when we get back. There has been a lot written about Andy, but you saw today he's happy to be here and he's worked very well since he's been here. "The reality is he's still a Liverpool player, he can fit into how I want to play, and he's happy here. "I'm certainly not wishing to push him out of the door." Liverpool completed their tour of America with a goalless draw against Tottenham. The tour has given new Anfield chief Rodgers an opportunity to see some of the younger players in his first-team squad, such as Raheem Sterling, Jonjo Shelvey, Adam Morgan, Peter Gulacsi, Jack Robinson and Dani Pacheco.
Talent
And he has been impressed with their performances, as he said: "I have been really, really pleased with them. "That was one of the key things today - the development of the youngsters and how they've taken on the concept. "If you look at Raheem Sterling over the last two weeks, he came as a young boy, 17 years old, and he only knew how to beat a defender - but if you look at today's game, he understood when to press and when to be inside. "He was playing against an experienced player in Sebastien Bassong and he actually gave him a hard time. "That's brilliant for me because it shows he's taken it on board. He's thinking about the game. If he does that, and you add that to his talent, he's going to be a very, very good player for the future."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers medical for Ramis
Allardyce wins race for Mallorca defender
Last Updated: July 28, 2012 10:47pm
SSN
West Ham United appear to have won the race to sign Real Mallorca defender Ivan Ramis after agreeing a deal with the Spanish club. The 27-year-old is heading to Upton Park for a medical after Mallorca announced they had agreed terms over his transfer. Ramis had been linked with a number of clubs in England, and it looks likely that Premier League newcomers West Ham are poised to beat off the competition. A statement on Mallorca's official website read: "Mallorca and West Ham have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ivan Ramis. "The Mallorcan defender has the permission of the club to have a medical with what will be his new team." Wigan Athletic, Everton, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Celtic had all been linked with Ramis. If the move is finalised, Ramis would become West Ham's sixth signing of an already busy summer for manager Sam Allardyce.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Confirmation - Ivan Ramis to Sign for The Hammers!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Real Mallorca have confirmed that centre back Ivan Ramis is due to arrive in London soon to undergo a medical ahead of a move to the Hammers. The Spanish club this evening confirmed on their club website that a deal has been agreed for the 27-year-old worth approximately £4.7million. A statement released on their website this evening states:
'RCD Mallorca and West Ham have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ivan Ramis. The defender has the permission of the Club to pass the medical examination with his new team. Ramis is seeking a new challenge in the Premier League. After eight years in the first team at RCD Mallorca and two more in the reserves, has become one of the most important players in the team. All club employees and fans wish the best luck to Ivan as he begins this latest stage of his career.'
Ramis came through the Real Mallorca youth system and has spent his entire career to date with the club. Ramis previously rejected a move to Wigan and two seasons ago also declined a possible move to Everton. He has also been capped by Spain at every level up to U-23s, but he has not yet won a full cap for his country.
Centre-back reinforcements for Tomkins and Reid at long last it would seem! What's next, a right-back perhaps?
SJ.Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spanish steal: Real Mallorca defender Ivan Ramis joins West Ham over Wigan
The Mirror
Real Mallorca have announced they have reached an agreement with West Ham for the transfer of defender Ivan Ramis to the Premier League newcomers. The 27-year-old Ramis had been linked with a number of English clubs but West Ham look poised to make him their latest summer signing. A statement on www.rcdmallorca.es read: "Mallorca and West Ham have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ivan Ramis. The Mallorcan defender has the permission of the club to have a medical with what will be his new team." Mallorca did not mention any fee for Ramis but said they will "achieve the economic objective for which they have been working for over recent weeks." Mallorca-born Ramis came up through the youth ranks at his local club and, aside from a spell on loan at Real Valladolid in 2005/06, has spent the last eight seasons with the senior team. Ramis announced earlier this month his desire to join a Premier League team and he has received support from Mallorca in his bid to move to England. The Spanish club added in their statement: "From the board led by Jaume Cladera and Lorenzo Serra Ferrer, the coaching staff directed by Joaquin Caparros, all his team-mates in the changing room, employees of the club and everyone associated with Real Mallorca want to wish Ivan the best of luck in this new stage of his career that he will begin."
If Ramis completes his move to West Ham he will join a host of new faces at Upton Park this summer, with manager Sam Allardyce having already brought in goalkeepers Jussi Jaaskelainen, Stephen Henderson and Raphael Spiegel, midfielder Mohamed Diame and forward Modibo Maiga.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM LEAD CHASE FOR WOLVES WINGER MATT JARVIS
Express.co.uk
Sunday July 29,2012
By Daily Express Reporter
WEST HAM lead the chase for Wolves winger Matt Jarvis but the £10m price tag is a stumbling block.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
GOLD-EN FUTURE FOR HAMMERS
Daily Star
29th July 2012 By Harry Pratt
DAVID GOLD has revealed his vision for West Ham – to turn them into a 'top-four' Premier League powerhouse. Do not worry – the Hammers joint-owner has not gone completely bonkers. He insists there is no mad rush for Sam Allardyce's newly-promoted side to scale such lofty heights. Gold is happy to set his sights a little lower by targeting top-flight consolidation – and a domestic cup triumph . Having steered the club back into the big time via the League One Play Off Final, Gold and fellow West Ham supremo David Sullivan are ready for part two of their master plan. Gold, 75, in charge at Upton Park since January 2010, said: "I would like to establish West Ham as a major force in the Premier League. "What level that takes us to only time will tell. Does it take us all the way into the top six or the top four? We will have to see. But that is my ambition. "Right now, I am realistic enough to know we need to stabilise the football club, bring back the pride – which I think is coming – and to ensure it is sound and strong in the Premier League. "And – on a personal level – I'd like to win the FA Cup. In fact, either of the domestic cups would be a success."
If those dreams are to come to fruition, Gold knows the club's controversial bid to uproot from Upton Park and re-locate at the Olympic Stadium is essential. He said: "I don't want to leave the ground. As a fan, my history, my life, it all started around the Boleyn. "But this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which we must explore to the end – and wait for the outcome of the process. I am told that should be in September. Then all of us fans and all the principals at the club must decide where we go from there. Sometimes you have to be brave in life and grasp the nettle."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mourinho opens the door for West Ham target to leave Real Madrid
By talkSPORT | Saturday, July 28, 2012
Jose Mourinho has left the door open for Kaka to leave Real Madrid after refusing to give the Brazilian playmaker any assurances about his future. Kaka has been linked with a shock move to Premier League new boys West Ham as they ambitiously prepare to return to the top-flight of English football with moves for big-name stars including Andy Carroll and Luc Castaignos. And Mourinho has admitted it is possible the 30-year-old former AC Milan star could depart the Bernabeu this summer, giving Sam Allardyce hope of completing a shock move. "I don't know what will happen with his future and neither does he, but between us there are no doubts because he knows what I think and the market is open until August 31," Mourinho told Marca. "Anything can happen. He could be a Real Madrid player next season and if he stays I would be delighted because we have a great relationship and he offers us things."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have been awarded Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) Category One status
28.07.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce that the club has been awarded Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) Category One status. The Hammers have been placed in the highest tier of Academies in English football following a successful audit by independent assessors earlier this year. Proposed by the Premier League, the EPPP is a new system aimed at improving all areas of youth football provision, including coaching, education, child welfare and medical care, with the aim of giving young players a greater opportunity to be coached and developed into homegrown stars of the future. Vice-Chairman Karren Brady and Academy Director Tony Carr MBE spearheaded West Ham's EPPP strategy, with the Board investing more than £1m in helping the Academy of Football to gain Category One status.
The process of gaining Category One status has seen a huge amount of hard work done by the Vice-Chairman, Carr and his staff. The Academy has grown with the addition of a significant number of full and part-time coaching and medical staff. The facilities used by the Academy have also been improved, with a stadium pitch and three training pitches developed at Rush Green and the installation of a new gymnasium and classrooms at both Little Heath and Rush Green. Off the pitch, the club has forged a full-time partnership with Sir Paul Grant, the headteacher at the Robert Clack School of Science in Dagenham, whose superb team of teachers will look after all the Academy's educational needs. These needs include full-time education provision for young footballers in years ten and eleven, and hybrid provision for teenagers who visit the Academy on day-release programmes during the school year.
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Gold said: "We are pleased that the independent auditors have seen fit to award West Ham United the top-rated Category One Academy status. "Having played for the Academy as a youngster and then followed West Ham United for my whole life I know only too well how important it is to the club. So from the moment the new EPPP system was confirmed, it was our Board's absolute priority to make sure our Academy maintained its world-renowned reputation as one of the best in the business. "The Board were quick to provide Tony Carr and his team with the appropriate funding for the additional resource and facilities they required. I would like to thank Tony and his team of staff, who all worked hard to ensure we achieved our collective aim. "We will not be resting on our laurels now though, as we will be continuing to invest and grow our Academy even further."
Academy Director Tony Carr said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that we have been awarded Category One status for the 2012/13 season, which is a culmination of months of hard work by a huge team of people. I would to thank all of my staff at the Academy who have put in countless late nights to make sure we achieved the top standing. "I must also pay tribute to the Board, who have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to West Ham United's Academy by providing the necessary funding for the upgrades to our facilities and staff at Chadwell Heath and Little Heath. This award will ensure the steady stream of talent we have coming through from our Academy will continue and we can go on to produce more and more world-class players for West Ham United."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jussi staying positive
WHUFC.com
Jussi Jaaskelainen is feeling the benefit of a tough week of training and matches in Germany
28.07.2012
Despite losing by three goals to nil, West Ham United goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen said there were still a lot of positives to take from the friendly defeat to Dynamo Dresden on Friday. While the Hammers stopper was not able to keep a clean sheet, he still had an impressive evening with some important saves including one from Dresden's Idir Quali late in the second half. but in addition to a promising solo night for the Finland international, there were other positives to take on a general note, with more match action for players returning from injury including club captain Kevin Nolan and defender Joey O'Brien. "Yes, it was disappointing to lose and to concede the goals that we did," he said. "But having said that, it was good to play here in front of a big crowd and there was a good atmosphere for a pre-season friendly. It was very good to play in front of such a crowd for a game like this."
The Finnish stopper was the chosen request of German television media to give his views on the game afterwards and to speak about the Hammers' week in Germany. Despite playing over 500 games for Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League at some of the best stadiums in the world, Jaaskelainen was still in awe of the vocal home support. "We are enjoying it here in Germany and have been working all week and while the results do not matter so much, we still want to win. We will continue to work hard on our fitness, on our game."
The Hammers face Energie Cottbus on Sunday in the final match of three-game German tour. Jaaskelainen feels that the game will provide another chance for the player's fitness to improve and to work on playing together before the new campaign begins on 18 August. "We have another friendly game here before we leave for home again.so that will be another good workout for us and we are looking forward to that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Taylor targets winning end
WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor is looking for a West Ham win when they face FC Energie Cottbus on Sunday afternoon
28.07.2012
Matt Taylor is hoping West Ham United can sign off their German tour with a win against FC Energie Cottbus. The Hammers were well beaten by a lively Dynamo Dresden side in Friday night's fixture after they impressed with a 3-0 win in their opening game against Rot-Weiss Erfurt. The 3-0 defeat in front of a full Glucksgas Stadion on Friday has left Taylor hoping for a winning performance at the Stadion der Freundschaft asWest Ham wrap up their tour on Sunday. "It was important in the run up to the start of the season that we play games like that. There were 30,000 fans in there so we knew it was going to be a wonderful atmosphere. It was a chance for the guys to play a tough game against some good opposition. "Now we go on to Sunday for what promises to be another tough game against quality opposition."
Regardless of Sunday's result, one thing for certain is that Taylor and his team-mates have enjoyed their time in Dresden and the superb hospitality they have been afforded by their hosts. "The town is beautiful and on Thursday we had an afternoon to ourselves. We went for a bike ride on Thursday morning and it was beautiful and some of the scenery was fantastic. That's as much of the city as we've seen as we're been working so hard. "
Upon the Hammers return to the UK, there will be under three weeks to go until the big Barclays Premier League kick-off against Aston Villa. Taylor knows that the step-up from npower Championship football last season will be tough, but is confident the Hammers can emulate the likes of Swansea City and Norwich City, who both caught the eye after being promoted to the top tier last season. "It's difficult to say what position we will finish in the league. What we want first and foremost is stability in the Premier League. It's going to be a difficult season for us and I would be foolish to sit here and state we're going to finish 8th or 9th because anything can happen in football. "What I do know is that the manager will assemble a squad that is good enough to compete week-in, week out. We've seen in the previous season from the teams that have just been promoted have given a great account of themselves. We want to try and emulate that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dev Squad defeated at Welling United
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon's side dominated their latest pre-season fixture, only to be undone by a set-play goal
29.07.2012
Ian Hendon was pleased with the performance of his youthful Development Squad, despite their 1-0 defeat at Blue Square Bet South side Welling United on Saturday.
The Hammers dominated large parts of the game but were undone in the 58th minute when Danny McGuire headed home from Jack Obersteller's corner. Speaking post-match, Hendon felt that while the scoreline was not what he had hoped for, positives could be drawn with the players' fitness levels continuing to improve ahead of the Professional Development League campaign. "Our main aim in pre-season is to get the players prepared, and that's what games today are all about," said Hendon. "We have had a good workout today, and a lot of the lads have got another 90 minutes under their belt."
Hendon was also without a number of his regular players, but praised the impact of the youngsters who took their places. "We're missing a number of players, but the ones that came in can hold their heads high. They've had a go and, to be fair, we were playing without a recognised striker. "Leo Chambers played very well, with Frazer Shaw and Kieren Sadlier also featuring upfront, so we essentially had 16 and 17-year-olds playing against men which was always going to be tough."
With players such as Rob Hall and Blair Turgott linking up with the first team, Hendon was also able to field a number of trialists and scholars, revealing he will make an imminent decision on where their futures lay. "It will be good to get the squad gathered next week as five of them have been away with the first team. "That's obviously where I want them to be, but if they're not I want to get my squad back together to prepare for our upcoming league campaign. "We've got another good look at the trialists so decisions will be made on what I've seen today."
Hendon did however voice his displeasure at the way in which his side conceded, stating that despite their age, his players need to obtain a higher level of focus.
"We have to be disappointed with the goal we conceded because that's two games on the spin now we've conceded from a set play. "We were in the ascendancy and then were suddenly hit by a sucker punch. That said, we could and perhaps should have prevented the corner, and from it we have to do better. "The lads have to start sensing danger a little bit quicker, making sure they organise themselves and don't allow the free header like they did today."
The Development Squad round off their pre-season with three away games against npower League Two opposition in AFC Wimbledon, Northampton Town and Dagenham and Redbridge. And Hendon admitted that his side will need to step it up when they face a higher caliber of opposition. "We've got three very difficult games coming now. I watched a lot of League Two games last year and we're going to be playing against teams that are very well organised and have experienced professionals within. "Going into the latter stages of pre-season it becomes more about the performance than fitness, so we need to make sure we get ourselves together and up our game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s edged out at Everton
WHUFC.com
Nick Haycock's team were narrowly beaten 1-0 at Everton in their third pre-season fixture on Saturday afternoon
28.07.2012
West Ham United Under-18s were edged out 1-0 at Everton in their latest pre-season fixture on Saturday. Nick Haycock's squad were up early for the journey to Merseyside, but shrugged off any travel weariness to produce a determined and decent display against the Toffees, only to lose out to a late goal. With many scholars involved in the Development Squad fixture at Welling United, Haycock took a 22-strong squad that contained only three second-year scholars and no fewer than 19 first-year scholars, schoolboys and trialists. With those circumstances in mind, the Under-18s coach was proud of his players' performance at Everton's Finch Farm training ground. "We lost 1-0 in what was a very tight game of football with very few chances," said Haycock, who picked out Josh Cullen and Kieran Bywater for special praise. "It was a great workout in terms of fitness and defensive shape. "We took a young squad with only three Under-18 players and a mixture of first years and Under-16 and Under-15 players! Certain boys needed a certain amount of minutes and came through with no injuries. We made eleven changes with 60 minutes gone to ensure all 22 players had a game, which is when we conceded. "We have worked hard for three weeks on the shape and fitness of the team and during the next three weeks we will be stepping up the preparation. The boys will be working on their speed and ability to open up teams up with their attacking play."
After three domestic pre-season matches, Haycock takes his team to the continent on Thursday for what promises to be a competitive tournament. "We go to Belgium on Thursday to play in the Eurofoot Under-19 Tournament, which is a 12-team competition where we are split into two groups of six. We play Cercle Brugge, FC Nordsjaeland AA Gent , SC Anderlecht and Hadjuk Split. "The games are played in two 25-minute halves with a squad of 18 players. All the boys will be rotated again, ensuring all get the minutes they need. If we qualify in the top two we play in a semi-final against first or second in the other group. We aim to try and win the tournament but, more importantly, we are to establish our patterns of play and enjoy giving the boys experience of travelling away from home, playing against foreign opposition using different styles and systems and getting away from the training ground to break the pre-season up! "On our return we have a team-building day with the Royal Marines to demonstrate to the boys what an elite environment is, followed by an away game at Manchester City on Saturday 11 August."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dynamo Dresden 3-0 West Ham United FT
All the action as it happened as West Ham United lose out to Dynamo Dresden
WHUFC.com
28.07.2012
Rot-Weiss Erfurt v West Ham United
Pre-season match
Glucksgas Stadion
Friday 27 July 2012
Kick-off: 8.30pm
Final score: Dynamo Dresden 3-0 West Ham United
Full time - And that is it.The referee blows the whistle right on 90 minutes and the Hammers suffer defeat in Dresden. That was a tough evening for the Hammers but the tough workout will set them in good stead for the slighty cooler climates of east London. West Ham are next in action on Sunday when they face Energie Cottbus.
88 mins - So close! Maiga could have marked his debut with a fine header then. O'Neil ran down the right and crossed the ball in but the Mali International could not keep his header down.
83 mins - GOAL! Dresden make it 3-0 as Cuneyt Koz is totally unmarked from a corner and is able to plant a low header in at the near post and park Noble's feet.
77 mins - The Hammers have definitely been better this half and have kept working hard on a really hot night out there. Even though it has now gone 10 it must still be 25 degrees in the City. I'm hot just from typing these notes so I do not want to think how tough it is for the players.
74 mins - Another great save by Jaaskelainen as he comes out to make himself big as Ouali bursts into the box again and fires in a shot with his left foot.
72 mins - And here comes Maiga from the touchline so we will be seeing him for the first time tonight. He comes on for Cole.
66 mins - The Hammers look like Modibo Maiga is warming up on the far side. Could he be brought on for his Hammers debut tonight?
63 mins - Good goalkeeping from Jaaskelainen there as he dives wide to his right to keep out a curling shot from Ouali. The No7 had turned Demel and was through on goal and that could prove to be an important save as I think it would have been all over at 3-0.
62 mins - Another great chance for the Hammers as Cole feeds Taylor. He plays a low cross in from the left behind the defender to Vaz Te but his shot is saved by the 'keeper. The flag is also raised for offside so it would not have counted anyway.
60 mins - Better from West Ham now as O'Neil feeds Vaz Te. His whipped cross is good but Cole cannot quite get enough on it to get it goalwards.
57 mins - Taylor so nearly pulls one back as his driven shot from all of 30 yards clips the top of the crossbar before going out. Great strike by the No14.
56mins - Big Sam makes his second change as Nicky Maynard comes on for Nolan. That should give the Hammers a bit more clout going forward.
51 mins - GOAL! The home side make it 2-0 as Hasan Pepic doubles their lead. After a bit of confusion at the back between Reid, Mohsni and Jaaskelainen, the ball breaks to Pepic and he has the simple task of prodding into an empty net.
49 mins - Straight up the other end and half-time sub Idir Ouali nearly finds the bottom left-hand corner of the Hammers' net but thankfully it flies safely wide.
48 mins - West Ham win a free-kick after Vaz Te is felled. Taylor takes it but it's too close to Kirsten, who comes out and gathers cleanly.
46 mins - The Hammers get us underway for the second half. One change made by Big Sam at half time sees Bilal Mohsni come on for O'Brien, who has looked solid in the centre of defence in the past 120 minute in Germany.
45 mins - Half-time. Well that was an entertaining first half with chances at both ends but is Dresden who have taken their chance. I'm sure Big Sam will have something to say in the dressing room at half time so I can see West Ham getting back into this in the second period.
43 mins - I was going to earlier but I did not get a chance but we should pay credit to the 200 or so West Ham fans who have the trip to Dresden. With the combination of this game, some fine German beer and lovely sunshine it could be quite a weekend for the away fans.
42 mins - Better from West Ham there. They strung about 10 passes together there but once again the final ball is lacking and Nolan this time gives it away.
40 mins - It looks like Neil McDonald is not happy with what he is seeing so he comes up to the edge of his technical area to bellow some instructions at Matt Taylor.
37 mins - Good chance there for Mickael Pote as Trojan's cross-shot finds the No10 three yards out but he cannot quite steer his header under the crossbar.
36 mins - Good goalkeeping from Jaaskelainen then as he comes out to claim a cross with real bravery.
33 mins - Matt Taylor and Koch have had a little coming together and the referee has to step in to keep the peace. The Hammers break up the other end of the pitch but McCartney's cross cannot pick out a claret and blue shirt.
30 min - The home side are come forward once more but Vujadin Savic's cross is far too strong. Meanwhile, behind the goal at the other end, the Dresden fans are all still singing like mad. Considering this is a friendly you have to say the home support has been superb thus far.
23 min - The Hammers have had some good chances up until then but sadly they could not convert them. Cole and Vaz Te have both not put good chances away. Cole headed over while Vaz Te's shot was tipped over by Kirsten.
21 min - Well all I can say is sorry. We have had some technical troubles over here in Germany but I'm glad to say we're back online. The bad news is Dresden have just taken the lead. Robert Koch has just volleyed in a sweet strike that left Jaaskelainen with no chance.
7pm - Good evening and welcome to the impressive surroundings of the Glucksgas Stadion for West Ham United's second game of their pre-season tour of Germany.
We have the West Ham United team and, as expected, Sam Allardyce has named a strong starting XI with ten changes from the 3-0 win against Rot-Weiss Erfurt on Wednesday. Jussi Jaaskelainen returns in goal with Guy Demel at right back, Winston Reid partnering Joey O'Brien, the sole survivor from the previous game, in the middle with George McCartney at left-back. The three in midfield are Mark Noble, Kevin Nolan and Gary O'Neil with Ricardo Vaz Te, Matt Taylor and Carlton Cole up front.
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, O'Brien, Reid, McCartney, Noble, O'Neil, Nolan, Vaz Te, Taylor, Cole
Subs: Henderson, Driver, Spence, Potts, Lamey, Mohsni, Moncur, Kazim-Richards, Hall, Turgott, Maynard, Baldock, Maiga
Dynamo Dresden: Kirsten, Savic, Gueye, Bregerie, Trojan, Fort, Pote, Losilla, Papadopoulos, Koch, Schuppan
Subs: Fromlowitz, Jungwirth, Ouali, Pepic, Koz, Subasic, Thoelke, Solga, Franke, Leistner, Fiel
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham agree fee to sign Ivan Ramis from Real Mallorca
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have reached an agreement for the transfer of Real Mallorca defender Ivan Ramis to Upton Park. According to the Spanish club, the 27-year-old can have a medical with West Ham although no fee has been mentioned. A statement on Real Mallorca's official website read: "Mallorca and West Ham have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ivan Ramis. "The defender has the permission of the club to have a medical with what will be his new team." Ramis had been linked with a number of English clubs but West Ham look set to win the race for his signature. The Spanish side also confirmed in their statement that they will "achieve the economic objective for which they have been working for over recent weeks."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ramis is a Hammer
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 28th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Real Mallorca centre half Ivan Ramis is on his way to England to undergo a medical ahead of a move to West Ham United. The Spanish club confirmed this evening that the two clubs have agreed a deal for the 27-year-old said to be worth €6million (Approximately £4.7million). A statement released on rcdmallorca.es tonight read: "RCD Mallorca and West Ham have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ivan Ramis. The defender has the permission of the Club to pass the medical examination with his new team. "Ramis is seeking a new challenge in the Premier League. After eight years in the first team at RCD Mallorca and two more in the reserves, has become one of the most important players in the team. "All club employees and fans wish the best luck to Ivan as he begins this latest stage of his career."
Ramis, who has represented his country at under 19, under 21 and under 23 level without ever winning a full cap was a product of the Mallorca youth system and has spent his entire professional career at the Iberostar Stadium. He was hotly tipped to be set to join Wigan Athletic last week but West Ham are understood to have jumped in to sign the player as the Latics dallied. Previously linked with both Sunderland and Aston Villa, Ramis also rejected a move to Everton two years ago after a deal had been agreed between the Toffees and his former club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dynamo Dresden 3 West Ham Utd 0
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
The frailty of West Ham's squad was exposed for all to see here in the Glücksgas Stadium as Sam Allardyce's side were well beaten. Goals from Koch, Pepic and Koz condemned United to a third defeat of pre-season following the reversals against Austria Wien and Oxford United. Missing players such as James Tomkins, Momo Diame and Jack Collison, West Ham's defensive weaknesses were creully exposed by the home side who were up against a central defensive pairing of Winston Reid and Joey O'Brien. It took just over a quarter-of-an-hour for Dresden to break the deadlock when Robert Koch, left criminally unmarked by Matt Taylor, volleyed home from close range. And although West Ham - who had missed two great chances prior to the first goal being scored - held on until the break a second goal was always on the cards. Just six minutes after the restart it arrived through Hasan Pepic who had a simple task of converting from inside the six-yard box as confusion reigned amongst the Hammers' defence; triallist Bilel Mohsni, introduced at half time for O'Brien being caught at sixes and sevens.
Shortly after Modibo Maiga had been introduced for his first appearance in a claret and blue shirt - and following a delightful Matt Taylor effort that hit the crossbar - the Germans made it 3-0 when Cuneyt Koz took advantage of some more dreadful marking to convert a corner from virtually under the crossbar. And that was how it stayed until the end, giving manager Allardyce plenty of food for thought as he weighs up his options ahead of the new Premier League camapign which begins in less than a month's time.
West Ham Utd: Jaaskelainen, Demel, O'Brien, Reid, McCartney, Noble, O'Neil, Nolan, Vaz Te, Taylor, Cole.
Subs: Henderson, Driver, Spence, Potts, Lamey, Mohsni, Moncur, Kazim-Richards, Hall, Turgott, Maynard, Baldock, Maiga.
Dynamo Dresden: Kirsten, Savic, Gueye, Bregerie, Trojan, Fort, Pote, Losilla, Papadopoulos, Koch, Schuppan.
Subs: Fromlowitz, Jungwirth, Ouali, Pepic, Koz, Subasic, Thoelke, Solga, Franke, Leistner, Fiel
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TC 'thrilled'
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 28th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Tony Carr has thanked the board for their support in West Ham's bid to achieve Elite Player Performance Plan category one status. As revealed exclusively here on KUMB.com last month, West Ham United have been placed in the highest Academy category - meaning that Carr and his team at Chadwell Heath can continue their stirling work. "I'm absolutely thrilled that we have been awarded Category One status for the 2012/13 season, which is a culmination of months of hard work by a huge team of people," Carr told whufc.com. "I would to thank all of my staff at the Academy who have put in countless late nights to make sure we achieved the top standing. "I must also pay tribute to the Board, who have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to West Ham United's Academy by providing the necessary funding for the upgrades to our facilities and staff at Chadwell Heath and Little Heath. "This award will ensure the steady stream of talent we have coming through from our Academy will continue and we can go on to produce more and more world-class players for West Ham United."
David Gold, whose financial backing was instrumental in the club gaining Category One status added: "We are pleased that the independent auditors have seen fit to award West Ham United the top-rated status. I know only too well how important it is to the club. "From the moment the new EPPP system was confirmed, it was our Board's absolute priority to make sure our Academy maintained its world-renowned reputation as one of the best in the business. I would like to thank Tony and his team of staff, who all worked hard to ensure we achieved our collective aim. "We will not be resting on our laurels now though, as we will be continuing to invest and grow our Academy even further."
The Premier League-driven scheme, which begins this coming season introduces a four-tier system which, critics argue, will increase the power of the country's elite clubs by ensuring that Football League clubs receive just a fraction of the fees they can currently command for promising youngsters. Category One clubs such as West Ham - aka 'Super Academies' - will be able to offer young players vastly suprior training programs whereas those clubs at the bottom of the scale - Category Four Academies - will only be able to take on players released by other teams.
Meanwhile selling clubs will now only receive between £12,500 and £40,000 for ever year a player has trained with them between the ages of 12 and 16 - whilst the existing '90-minute rule' - a rule that states a player must live within an hour-and-a-half of the club with whom he trains - will also be abolished.
The EPPP was ratified - reluctantly - by the 72 Football League clubs in October 2011 after the Premier League threatened to withhold a £5million annual youth development payment should its plans be rejected.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rodgers offers Carroll hope
Liverpool youngsters please their manager with improved displays
Last Updated: July 28, 2012 10:44pm
SSN
Brendan Rodgers has played down talk of Andy Carroll leaving Liverpool and says he has no knowledge of any bids for the player. The striker has been heavily tipped to leave Anfield this summer and has been the subject of reported interest from West Ham United. Sky Sports revealed on Friday the Hammers had offered to take the former Newcastle striker on a season-long loan with a view to a £17million switch. However, Rodgers appears to have given the £35m man some hope
"Not that I am aware of," Rodgers told Liverpool's official website when asked if there had been any offers for Carroll after using the England international as a substitute in Saturday's pre-season friendly against Tottenham in the USA.
Written
"Obviously, I'll know more when we get back. There has been a lot written about Andy, but you saw today he's happy to be here and he's worked very well since he's been here. "The reality is he's still a Liverpool player, he can fit into how I want to play, and he's happy here. "I'm certainly not wishing to push him out of the door." Liverpool completed their tour of America with a goalless draw against Tottenham. The tour has given new Anfield chief Rodgers an opportunity to see some of the younger players in his first-team squad, such as Raheem Sterling, Jonjo Shelvey, Adam Morgan, Peter Gulacsi, Jack Robinson and Dani Pacheco.
Talent
And he has been impressed with their performances, as he said: "I have been really, really pleased with them. "That was one of the key things today - the development of the youngsters and how they've taken on the concept. "If you look at Raheem Sterling over the last two weeks, he came as a young boy, 17 years old, and he only knew how to beat a defender - but if you look at today's game, he understood when to press and when to be inside. "He was playing against an experienced player in Sebastien Bassong and he actually gave him a hard time. "That's brilliant for me because it shows he's taken it on board. He's thinking about the game. If he does that, and you add that to his talent, he's going to be a very, very good player for the future."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers medical for Ramis
Allardyce wins race for Mallorca defender
Last Updated: July 28, 2012 10:47pm
SSN
West Ham United appear to have won the race to sign Real Mallorca defender Ivan Ramis after agreeing a deal with the Spanish club. The 27-year-old is heading to Upton Park for a medical after Mallorca announced they had agreed terms over his transfer. Ramis had been linked with a number of clubs in England, and it looks likely that Premier League newcomers West Ham are poised to beat off the competition. A statement on Mallorca's official website read: "Mallorca and West Ham have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ivan Ramis. "The Mallorcan defender has the permission of the club to have a medical with what will be his new team." Wigan Athletic, Everton, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Celtic had all been linked with Ramis. If the move is finalised, Ramis would become West Ham's sixth signing of an already busy summer for manager Sam Allardyce.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Confirmation - Ivan Ramis to Sign for The Hammers!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Real Mallorca have confirmed that centre back Ivan Ramis is due to arrive in London soon to undergo a medical ahead of a move to the Hammers. The Spanish club this evening confirmed on their club website that a deal has been agreed for the 27-year-old worth approximately £4.7million. A statement released on their website this evening states:
'RCD Mallorca and West Ham have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ivan Ramis. The defender has the permission of the Club to pass the medical examination with his new team. Ramis is seeking a new challenge in the Premier League. After eight years in the first team at RCD Mallorca and two more in the reserves, has become one of the most important players in the team. All club employees and fans wish the best luck to Ivan as he begins this latest stage of his career.'
Ramis came through the Real Mallorca youth system and has spent his entire career to date with the club. Ramis previously rejected a move to Wigan and two seasons ago also declined a possible move to Everton. He has also been capped by Spain at every level up to U-23s, but he has not yet won a full cap for his country.
Centre-back reinforcements for Tomkins and Reid at long last it would seem! What's next, a right-back perhaps?
SJ.Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spanish steal: Real Mallorca defender Ivan Ramis joins West Ham over Wigan
The Mirror
Real Mallorca have announced they have reached an agreement with West Ham for the transfer of defender Ivan Ramis to the Premier League newcomers. The 27-year-old Ramis had been linked with a number of English clubs but West Ham look poised to make him their latest summer signing. A statement on www.rcdmallorca.es read: "Mallorca and West Ham have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ivan Ramis. The Mallorcan defender has the permission of the club to have a medical with what will be his new team." Mallorca did not mention any fee for Ramis but said they will "achieve the economic objective for which they have been working for over recent weeks." Mallorca-born Ramis came up through the youth ranks at his local club and, aside from a spell on loan at Real Valladolid in 2005/06, has spent the last eight seasons with the senior team. Ramis announced earlier this month his desire to join a Premier League team and he has received support from Mallorca in his bid to move to England. The Spanish club added in their statement: "From the board led by Jaume Cladera and Lorenzo Serra Ferrer, the coaching staff directed by Joaquin Caparros, all his team-mates in the changing room, employees of the club and everyone associated with Real Mallorca want to wish Ivan the best of luck in this new stage of his career that he will begin."
If Ramis completes his move to West Ham he will join a host of new faces at Upton Park this summer, with manager Sam Allardyce having already brought in goalkeepers Jussi Jaaskelainen, Stephen Henderson and Raphael Spiegel, midfielder Mohamed Diame and forward Modibo Maiga.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM LEAD CHASE FOR WOLVES WINGER MATT JARVIS
Express.co.uk
Sunday July 29,2012
By Daily Express Reporter
WEST HAM lead the chase for Wolves winger Matt Jarvis but the £10m price tag is a stumbling block.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
GOLD-EN FUTURE FOR HAMMERS
Daily Star
29th July 2012 By Harry Pratt
DAVID GOLD has revealed his vision for West Ham – to turn them into a 'top-four' Premier League powerhouse. Do not worry – the Hammers joint-owner has not gone completely bonkers. He insists there is no mad rush for Sam Allardyce's newly-promoted side to scale such lofty heights. Gold is happy to set his sights a little lower by targeting top-flight consolidation – and a domestic cup triumph . Having steered the club back into the big time via the League One Play Off Final, Gold and fellow West Ham supremo David Sullivan are ready for part two of their master plan. Gold, 75, in charge at Upton Park since January 2010, said: "I would like to establish West Ham as a major force in the Premier League. "What level that takes us to only time will tell. Does it take us all the way into the top six or the top four? We will have to see. But that is my ambition. "Right now, I am realistic enough to know we need to stabilise the football club, bring back the pride – which I think is coming – and to ensure it is sound and strong in the Premier League. "And – on a personal level – I'd like to win the FA Cup. In fact, either of the domestic cups would be a success."
If those dreams are to come to fruition, Gold knows the club's controversial bid to uproot from Upton Park and re-locate at the Olympic Stadium is essential. He said: "I don't want to leave the ground. As a fan, my history, my life, it all started around the Boleyn. "But this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which we must explore to the end – and wait for the outcome of the process. I am told that should be in September. Then all of us fans and all the principals at the club must decide where we go from there. Sometimes you have to be brave in life and grasp the nettle."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mourinho opens the door for West Ham target to leave Real Madrid
By talkSPORT | Saturday, July 28, 2012
Jose Mourinho has left the door open for Kaka to leave Real Madrid after refusing to give the Brazilian playmaker any assurances about his future. Kaka has been linked with a shock move to Premier League new boys West Ham as they ambitiously prepare to return to the top-flight of English football with moves for big-name stars including Andy Carroll and Luc Castaignos. And Mourinho has admitted it is possible the 30-year-old former AC Milan star could depart the Bernabeu this summer, giving Sam Allardyce hope of completing a shock move. "I don't know what will happen with his future and neither does he, but between us there are no doubts because he knows what I think and the market is open until August 31," Mourinho told Marca. "Anything can happen. He could be a Real Madrid player next season and if he stays I would be delighted because we have a great relationship and he offers us things."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, July 28
Daily WHUFC News - II 28th July 2012
Academy granted Category One status
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have been awarded Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP)
Category One status
28.07.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce that the club has been awarded
Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) Category One status. The Hammers have
been placed in the highest tier of Academies in English football following a
successful audit by independent assessors earlier this year. Proposed by the
Premier League, the EPPP is a new system aimed at improving all areas of
youth football provision, including coaching, education, child welfare and
medical care, with the aim of giving young players a greater opportunity to
be coached and developed into homegrown stars of the future. Vice-Chairman
Karren Brady and Academy Director Tony Carr MBE spearheaded West Ham's EPPP
strategy, with the Board investing more than £1m in helping the Academy of
Football to gain Category One status. The process of gaining Category One
status has seen a huge amount of hard work done by the Vice-Chairman, Carr
and his staff.
The Academy has grown with the addition of a significant number of full and
part-time coaching and medical staff. The facilities used by the Academy
have also been improved, with a stadium pitch and three training pitches
developed at Rush Green and the installation of a new gymnasium and
classrooms at both Little Heath and Rush Green.
Off the pitch, the club has forged a full-time partnership with Sir Paul
Grant, the headteacher at the Robert Clack School of Science in Dagenham,
whose superb team of teachers will look after all the Academy's educational
needs. These needs include full-time education provision for young
footballers in years ten and eleven, and hybrid provision for teenagers who
visit the Academy on day-release programmes during the school year. West Ham
United Joint-Chairman David Gold said: "We are pleased that the independent
auditors have seen fit to award West Ham United the top-rated Category One
Academy status. "Having played for the Academy as a youngster and then
followed West Ham United for my whole life I know only too well how
important it is to the club. So from the moment the new EPPP system was
confirmed, it was our Board's absolute priority to make sure our Academy
maintained its world-renowned reputation as one of the best in the business.
"The Board were quick to provide Tony Carr and his team with the appropriate
funding for the additional resource and facilities they required. I would
like to thank Tony and his team of staff, who all worked hard to ensure we
achieved our collective aim. "We will not be resting on our laurels now
though, as we will be continuing to invest and grow our Academy even
further."
Academy Director Tony Carr said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that we have been
awarded Category One status for the 2012/13 season, which is a culmination
of months of hard work by a huge team of people. I would to thank all of my
staff at the Academy who have put in countless late nights to make sure we
achieved the top standing. "I must also pay tribute to the Board, who have
demonstrated their unwavering commitment to West Ham United's Academy by
providing the necessary funding for the upgrades to our facilities and staff
at Chadwell Heath and Little Heath. "This award will ensure the steady
stream of talent we have coming through from our Academy will continue and
we can go on to produce more and more world-class players for West Ham
United."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United statement
WHUFC.com
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady has spoken about the club's pride at hearing
'Bubbles' played in Stratford
28.07.2012
Karren Brady said: "We are delighted and honoured that the organisers of the
2012 London Olympics saw fit to include the West Ham United anthem 'Bubbles'
in the fantastic opening ceremony we witnessed on Friday night. We feel It
is testament to our standing in the community of the east end of London and
we are grateful that this has been recognised by Artistic Director Danny
Boyle and his team. "As I said earlier this week in my open letter to
Londoners, West Ham United is determined to ensure the legacy the Olympics
brings will live on in east London long after the last javelin has been
thrown and the final starting gun has been fired.
"We look forward to sharing more of our vision to help shape the future of
east London over the next few weeks and months."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have been awarded Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP)
Category One status
28.07.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce that the club has been awarded
Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) Category One status. The Hammers have
been placed in the highest tier of Academies in English football following a
successful audit by independent assessors earlier this year. Proposed by the
Premier League, the EPPP is a new system aimed at improving all areas of
youth football provision, including coaching, education, child welfare and
medical care, with the aim of giving young players a greater opportunity to
be coached and developed into homegrown stars of the future. Vice-Chairman
Karren Brady and Academy Director Tony Carr MBE spearheaded West Ham's EPPP
strategy, with the Board investing more than £1m in helping the Academy of
Football to gain Category One status. The process of gaining Category One
status has seen a huge amount of hard work done by the Vice-Chairman, Carr
and his staff.
The Academy has grown with the addition of a significant number of full and
part-time coaching and medical staff. The facilities used by the Academy
have also been improved, with a stadium pitch and three training pitches
developed at Rush Green and the installation of a new gymnasium and
classrooms at both Little Heath and Rush Green.
Off the pitch, the club has forged a full-time partnership with Sir Paul
Grant, the headteacher at the Robert Clack School of Science in Dagenham,
whose superb team of teachers will look after all the Academy's educational
needs. These needs include full-time education provision for young
footballers in years ten and eleven, and hybrid provision for teenagers who
visit the Academy on day-release programmes during the school year. West Ham
United Joint-Chairman David Gold said: "We are pleased that the independent
auditors have seen fit to award West Ham United the top-rated Category One
Academy status. "Having played for the Academy as a youngster and then
followed West Ham United for my whole life I know only too well how
important it is to the club. So from the moment the new EPPP system was
confirmed, it was our Board's absolute priority to make sure our Academy
maintained its world-renowned reputation as one of the best in the business.
"The Board were quick to provide Tony Carr and his team with the appropriate
funding for the additional resource and facilities they required. I would
like to thank Tony and his team of staff, who all worked hard to ensure we
achieved our collective aim. "We will not be resting on our laurels now
though, as we will be continuing to invest and grow our Academy even
further."
Academy Director Tony Carr said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that we have been
awarded Category One status for the 2012/13 season, which is a culmination
of months of hard work by a huge team of people. I would to thank all of my
staff at the Academy who have put in countless late nights to make sure we
achieved the top standing. "I must also pay tribute to the Board, who have
demonstrated their unwavering commitment to West Ham United's Academy by
providing the necessary funding for the upgrades to our facilities and staff
at Chadwell Heath and Little Heath. "This award will ensure the steady
stream of talent we have coming through from our Academy will continue and
we can go on to produce more and more world-class players for West Ham
United."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United statement
WHUFC.com
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady has spoken about the club's pride at hearing
'Bubbles' played in Stratford
28.07.2012
Karren Brady said: "We are delighted and honoured that the organisers of the
2012 London Olympics saw fit to include the West Ham United anthem 'Bubbles'
in the fantastic opening ceremony we witnessed on Friday night. We feel It
is testament to our standing in the community of the east end of London and
we are grateful that this has been recognised by Artistic Director Danny
Boyle and his team. "As I said earlier this week in my open letter to
Londoners, West Ham United is determined to ensure the legacy the Olympics
brings will live on in east London long after the last javelin has been
thrown and the final starting gun has been fired.
"We look forward to sharing more of our vision to help shape the future of
east London over the next few weeks and months."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
