Daily WHUFC News - 14th July 2012

Reid ready for Shrimpers test
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid and West Ham United head for Southend United on Saturday
14.07.2012

Winston Reid is giving everything to ensure he can hit the ground running in the Barclays Premier League. West Ham United's No2 has opted to remain with the Club for pre-season training rather than join up with the New Zealand squad for the London 2012 Olympic Games. While Reid admitted the decision was a difficult one to make, the 24-year-old wants to give himself the best possible chance of being in Sam Allardyce's starting XI when the Hammers host Aston Villa in their opening league game on 18 August. "Obviously I would have liked to have taken part in the Olympics but it won't be the case. I'm sure I'll get another opportunity to go and represent New Zealand in a major tournament so I'm fine with my decision to stay here and do my pre-season with West Ham and make sure I am ready to start come 18 August."

Reid and his club-mates will head down the A13 to Southend United on Saturday for their third pre-season match against Paul Sturrock's Shrimpers. Southend, who reached the npower League Two Play-Offs last season, will be playing their first pre-season fixture but the Auckland-born defender knows West Ham will face a tough test at Roots Hall. Two weeks after returning to Chadwell Heath and a week on from their training camp in Austria, Reid said the Hammers' fitness levels and sharpness are continuing to improve as each day goes by. "Everyone has been working hard and it's been tough, but that's what pre-season is about and we're enjoying it. "It is always good to get away with the boys and have some banter and Austria was a nice place. The surroundings were good and we had a few superb days there and now we have a few matches before we head away to Germany. "The first few games are all about getting the extra mileage in your legs - that's exactly what it is all about. When it gets closer to the start of the season, it'll be a little more important that we produce better performances, but we're getting there."

Big Sam is taking a squad mixing experience and youth to the Essex resort, with Wembley heroes Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble, Ricardo Vaz Te, Matt Taylor, Guy Demel and Reid, new signing Jussi Jaaskelainen and youngsters Ravel Morrison, Dan Potts, Rob Hall and Elliot Lee all set to take part. James Tomkins and Mohamed Diame are both absent on Olympic duty with Team GB and Senegal respectively. *whufc.com will have live text updates from Roots Hall on Saturday, while West Ham TV will have exclusive highlights and reaction.

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Proud night for Pelly
WHUFC.com
Pelly Ruddock led the Hammers out against old club Boreham Wood on Tuesday
13.07.2012

A year ago, Pelly Ruddock was awaiting his first-team debut for Blue Square Bet South newcomers Boreham Wood. Twelve months on and the midfielder was leading West Ham United's first team out as captain in a pre-season fixture against his old club. Ruddock, 18, joined the Hammers in December 2011 after coming through the ranks at Meadow Park, where Boreham Wood run a successful PASE (Programme for Academic and Sporting Excellence) coaching scheme. The youngster spoke of his pride at captaining the Hammers and his hopes of breaking into the first-team squad on a regular basis during the upcoming Barclays Premier League season.
"It was a good night. I thought we played well and it was good to come back to a place where it all started and I was proud to lead the team out," said Ruddock, who jetted off to Russia with the Development Squad for the VTB Lev Yashin Cup on Wednesday. "I was surprised at first when the manager said I would be captain, but I thought I could lead the team out and show what I could do. "The fans got to see what I can do so hopefully I can push on and see what the first-team manager thinks of me."

Ruddock was a regular in Ian Hendon's Development Squad following his arrival at West Ham, making 12 appearances, while he also turned out for the Club's Under-18 side in the FA Premier Academy League. The youngster admitted the style of football was different from that he experienced in the Blue Square Bet South during the opening half of the 2011/12 season, but felt he had adapted well to his new surroundings. "I thought the change was easier than I thought. I've been training every day, putting the work in and it's been really good. "I'm going to keep pushing in the reserves and I hope the first-team manager likes me and hopefully I can push on from there."

Ruddock also had words of praise and thanks for Boreham Wood - the club he joined as an Under-16, who funded his coaching and education and paved the way for his big move to West Ham eight months ago. "Boreham Wood have got some good players and they like to play football, which is strange for a team in the Blue Square Bet South. I thought they represented their league well against us on Tuesday. "They bring in the youngsters, educate them as well by putting them through college and train three times a week, so it's a good system to go through and it is paying off."

*Pelly Ruddock is part of the Development Squad which has travelled to Moscow for the VTB Lev Yashin Cup this week. Reaction, reports and highlights from Russia will appear on whufc.com and West Ham TV.

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Allardyce airs Carroll concern
Hammers boss not sure striker would want to join him at Upton Park
Last Updated: July 13, 2012 5:08pm
SSN

Sam Allardyce admits he would welcome the opportunity to bring Andy Carroll to West Ham United, but concedes any move will depend on the player. With Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers having hinted that he may be prepared to send Carroll out on loan, speculation regarding where he will be playing in 2012/13 has kicked into overdrive. Italian giants AC Milan are said to be keen, while West Ham have admitted to holding an interest in the England international. Allardyce believes Carroll could be a useful addition to his ranks, having already shown that he has what it takes to score goals in the Premier League.

Stature

The Hammers boss is, however, not convinced that the burly frontman would want to swap life at Anfield for that at Upton Park. "You can't say you wouldn't be interested in Andy Carroll, he's a player who has got great stature in the Premier League," Allardyce told Sky Sports News HD. "Whether Andy Carroll wants to come to West Ham is another matter." Asked if he would favour a loan move or a permanent deal for the 23-year-old striker, Allardyce added: "It depends on whether Andy Carroll wants to come to West Ham."

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Modibo Maiga to Sign Next Week?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die

A number of media sources have gone with the story that West Ham expect to sign Sochaux striker Modibo Maiga for €7 million early next week. Maiga, 24, is the latest striker linked with West Ham, but it appears that there may actually be some substance to the rumour on this occasion. The only potential 'fly in the ointment' is that last January he was due to sign for Newcastle Utd, but the deal collapsed due to a failed medical. We will just have to wait to see whether fitness is an issue this time round?

Maiga has scored 24 league goals in the past two seasons with Sochaux, since joining from Le Mans. He is described as a pacy and skllful striker who can also play out wide if required. Is he of the pre-requisite class to make a positive impact in the EPL? His signing is probably a bit of a gamble, but one that Sam Allardyce must feel worthwhile. And there is encouragement in the fact that Allardyce has a good prior track record of successfully introducing overseas players in to the EPL. In his Sky interview, broadcast today, Allardyce admitted something that we fans have long suspected, that West Ham have been unsuccessful in securing many of their priority targets so far this summer. Hence, no Zaha, Elia, Krasnic, etc, regardless of being the first club linked with them. So, it is possible that Maiga is some way down Allardyce's transfer target list. Still never mind, if he signs, he becomes an Hammer and we will get behind him and give him every encouragement to succeed. Who knows, he could have a major impact like Vaz Te had last January!

It seems that the indications are that Andy Carroll wants to stay at Liverpool next season. The deal's stil not 100% dead in the water, but the vibes that came from Allardyce, in today's Sky interview, were not positive. If Carroll stays put, we could do a lot worse than to put in an alternative bid for Fulham's Clint Dempsey. Dempsey is an experienced centre-forward, who is good both on the floor and in the air, something that cannot also be said of Carroll. He is in the last year of his Fulham contract and Wes tHam could get him for a reasonable fee, but they have the will to go out and make it happen.

I know that Maiga (if he signs) can play out wide or as part of a front three, but are we strong enough on the flanks? The Zaha, Elia and Krasnc deals have not materialised, so perhaps we need to make a definite move for a player like Matt Jarvis or seek to get Adam Johnston in on loan from Man City. Johnston would be a realy exciting loan signing and he might be prepared to come to Upton Park to get regular first team football next season. But again, we need to move quickly to tie up a deal. Otherwise, go for a quality wide player like Gamst Pedersen at Blackburn Rovers, surely he is a realistic target for the club? I do not believe that Kassim-Richards is the answer for West Ham and believe that we need to look elsewhere.

There are rumours that Palace's Nathan Clyne is in discussion with an unnamed PL club, although the general indicators are that it is not us. Well, we should be pulling out all of the stops to get this very promising young right-back, for what should be a nominal fee. Unfortunately, the Zaha deal now seems increasingly unlikely, mainly because Palace are being obstructive, as is their right with regard to a contracted player. So, perhaps the cub have now firmly decided to discontinue their overtures for his signature. We also need another centre-back and although we have been linked with a number of players, there has been no progress to date. Christopher Samba would be my first choice, but he is likely to prove too costly an option, even if his Moscow club can be persuaded to let him go in the first place. Although undeniably experienced, Gallas is also a bit injury prone these days. Nothing has happend on a potential move for Roger Johnson, at Wolves, or Scott Dann, at Blacburn Rovers, so we are left wondering where the centre defensive reinforcements are to come from? The latest name to surface is Curtis Davies at Birmingham City. Davies was a very well thought of prospect a few seasons ago, but his career stalled after leaving Villa. He has the ability and West Ham could be a good place for him to get back on track?

Finally, there are positive signs that Ravel Morrison is shaping up well in training and has applied himself in the two pre-season matches to date. If Morrison could emerge as a force this season it would be a huge added bonus for West Ham and a really positive development for England. A player of his technical ability should be a star for both club and country, he just needs to focus on his football and not be distracted by other factors. West Ham want him to succeed, to guarantee the gamblehey took on him last January, and if he applies himself and performs he can force his way in to the first team in the coming season.

SJ. Chandos.

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Chairman ready for battle over Newcastle, West Ham, Man City, Man Utd, Southampton, Fulham & Reading target
London 24
Saturday, July 14, 2012
8:00 AM

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish is determined to extract the club's value for want-away star Nathaniel Clyne. The 21-year-old is out of contract with the Eagles but is currently training with the south Londoners. "There is some interest in him," Parish told the Croydon Advertiser. "Nathaniel is back at the club training and we are dealing with agents, but there is nothing concrete yet. "We just have to try and reach a solution, but we have to get the right deal for everybody." If Palace and the buying club can't agree then Parish is prepared to go to a tribunal. "We have got a figure in mind," he added. "We think it is a fair value [for the player] and if we have got to go to a tribunal to get that, we feel that we have some solid arguments and we are happy to do that." Newcastle, West Ham, Manchester City, Fulham, Manchester United, Reading and Southampton are all said to be interested.

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Sam aims to be the man again at West Ham
Thametoday.co.uk
Published on Saturday 14 July 2012 07:08

Sam Baldock is determined to establish himself as a Premier League footballer as he gears up for the new season with West Ham United. The diminutive Aylesbury-born striker opened his pre-season account with a goal in the Hammers' 3-1 defeat against Austria Wien on Saturday. Life at his new club started so well for Baldock with five goals in his first five games helping him strike an instant rapport with the club's fans. But, having been left out of the starting lineup for much of the second half of last season, the former MK Dons star is itching to force his way back into manager Sam Allardyce's thoughts and make an impact in the world's top league.
"I don't see why I can't take this opportunity to stake my claim," Baldock told www.whufc.com "Everyone knows that during the second half of last year I was very frustrated. "I'm a footballer who wants to play football at the end of the day. "I've been working hard and hopefully I'll be given a chance to show what I can do."

Focusing on his goal, Baldock revealed that he had been slightly fortunate to score, but that there was no luck involved in him being in the right place at the right time to meet Carlton Cole's far-post cross. "I wasn't particularly pleased with my performance but I don't think anyone can say they played particularly well - it was more about getting a run out and seeing if you can get that match-sharpness after six days of training. It was a good end to the trip in a nice stadium with a good
atmosphere and quite a few travelling fans, which was nice to see."

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Maiga to make £5m switch to West Ham as Allardyce bolsters frontline
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 13 July 2012 | UPDATED: 22:31, 13 July 2012
Daily MAil

West Ham are close to a £5million move for Sochaux striker Modibo Maiga, 24, as revealed in Sportsmail. The 24-year-old Mali forward almost joined Newcastle in January but the deal collapsed amid concerns over a knee problem. Maiga is confident there will be no problems this time around and has also attracted interest from Stoke and Reading.

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Carroll to deliver Hammer blow as England striker pledges future to Liverpool
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 13 July 2012 | UPDATED: 22:31, 13 July 2012
Daily Mail

Andy Carroll will reject interest from West Ham and is ready to fight for his Liverpool future. The England international is also wanted by Fulham and Newcastle, but Carroll does not want to leave Anfield and is determined to win Brendan Rodgers over. Liverpool's manager has not given Carroll, 23, any assurances over what his role will be, but he is ready for the challenge and will speak with Rodgers when he returns from holiday. West Ham co-owner David Gold said earlier this week that official talks hadn't taken part between the two clubs, but admitted the London side are interested in signing Carroll. Speaking to BBC Sport, Gold said: 'I am not aware of any talks between ourselves or Liverpool over Andy Carroll. 'But that's not to say we don't have an interest should he become available.'

Fulham could yet hold a trump card with Clint Dempsey as Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is a confirmed admirer of the USA forward, who is in the final 12 months of his contract at Craven Cottage and could be used in a swap deal. There is also interest in Carroll from Italy, and not just from AC Milan but it is debatable whether a move to Serie A would appeal to him.

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West Ham 'aren't a route one team' despite Andy Carroll chase
Evening Standard
Ken Dyer
13 July 2012

Neil McDonald insists West Ham are not a "one-dimensional team" despite reports linking the club with a loan move for imposing Liverpool striker Andy Carroll. Brendan Rodgers, the new man in charge at Anfield, may not see Carroll as the perfect fit for his preferred playing style but there is no doubt about West Ham's priorities, hence the failed bids for Norwich's Grant Holt and this week's interest in Liverpool's big England striker. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce was frequently forced to swat away criticism of his team's perceived direct style last season and his assistant, McDonald, is equally strident now. "We're not a one-dimensional team," he said. "We played fantastic at times last season in what is a difficult league and we work hard in training on keeping possession. We also work on pressing the opposition and counter-attacking. "Last season teams came to Upton Park and tried to stop us playing. Sometimes they succeeded, which is why we broke our away results record but occasionally struggled at home. "Teams will come to us next season and try and win the game so we have to treat things differently."

McDonald was in charge during West Ham's first week of pre-season training in Austria and explained why, despite finishing last season late because of the play-offs, he and Allardyce decided to bring the squad back a week earlier than some clubs. He added: "The players have had a proper break but this time we wanted to factor in a few rest days for them during pre-season." When not involved in preparing the first-team squad, McDonald will be running an evening coaching course for part-time managers and coaches. "I want to give something back," he said. "Sometimes people have the coaching theory but they don't know how to make their sessions varied and entertaining. I believe I can help."

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