Daily WHUFC News - 19th July 2012

Hammers move for Maiga
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have completed the signing of Mali international forward
Modibo Maiga
18.07.2012

West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Mali international
forward Modibo Maiga. The 24-year-old has linked up with the Hammers from
French side FC Sochaux-Montbeliard for an undisclosed fee, signing on a
four-year contract with an option for a further two years. Maiga, who can
play as a centre forward or on the wing, has scored 24 league goals in the
last two seasons to become one of the hottest properties in Ligue 1. The
player, who becomes West Ham's fifth summer arrival following Mohamed Diame,
George McCartney, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson, told whufc.com
of his pleasure at completing his move to the Boleyn Ground. "I am really
happy and excited about joining West Ham United," said Maiga. "I know West
Ham are a big club in England and I'm really looking forward to representing
them. They have huge tradition and it is like joining part of a family and
that is one of the main reasons I wanted to come here. "I know some of the
big names that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be
part of a new team back in the Premier League."

Born in the Malian capital Bamako, Maiga began his career with Stade Malien
in his homeland at the age of 15 in 2003, but his undoubted talent and
potential saw him snapped up by leading Moroccan club Raja Casablanca the
following year. After winning the Moroccan League and Arab Champions League,
Maiga joined French Ligue 1 side Le Mans UC72 in 2007, where he played
alongside Arsenal forward Gervinho and Sunderland attacking midfielder
Stephane Sessegnon. The African netted 15 goals in 88 league appearances for
Le Mans before moving to Sochaux, where he quickly struck up a potent
partnership with Nigerian Ideye Brown.
Maiga netted 16 goals in his first season with Les Lionceaux, helping the
club to finish fifth in Ligue 1 and qualify for the UEFA Europa League. Last
term, the forward scored nine times in 23 league appearances as Sochaux
finished 14th, while he also made his debut in European competition. At
international level, Maiga featured regularly for Mali at age-group level,
appearing against England in the UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup Under-18 tournament
in Egypt in 2003. At senior level, he has scored five goals in 31
appearances and appeared at the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. However, he
contracted malaria while participating in the competition and was thus
hospitalized and had to miss the 1-0 semi-final defeat by Cote d'Ivoire.
Maiga becomes the second Malian to represent West Ham, following fellow
forward Frederic Kanoute. Now 34 and still playing in China, Kanoute scored
33 goals in 92 appearances for the Hammers between March 2000 and May 2003.

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Macca planning to pick up pace
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald is looking for the Hammers squad to continue to improve their
fitness in the coming weeks
18.07.2012

West Ham United assistant manager Neil McDonald drew on the positives after
a trip to the Kassam Stadium ended in a 1-0 defeat by Oxford United on
Tuesday night. After a 3-0 win over Southend United on Saturday, the Hammers
were hoping to continue their winning streak, but despite their dominance
they were unable to convert any of their chances. The only goal of the match
came in the 36th minute, when George McCartney's clearing header was met by
Deane Smalley, who fired home superbly into the top corner of the net. The
strike is sure to live long in the memory of the Oxford No10 and was worthy
of winning any game. Speaking to West Ham TV after the game, Macca said he
was pleased with the side's effort although he admits they just lacked a
killer instinct in front of goal. "It was a hard-fought game and Oxford
played a really good tempo," he said. "It was a good test and they scored a
great goal in the top corner. We made a few changes and for the young lads
to come on and press and make a couple of chances was great. "We're happy
everyone got through 60 minutes, which we thought they would, and it's
another step forward to making sure we're ready for our opening game against
Aston Villa. "We're just trying to get the players though and get them up 70
or 80 minutes next. Oxford provided a stern test and they were on their game
and caused us a few problems that we thought they would. We'll be working
hard to iron out those problems to make sure we're right physically and
mentally for the first game."

Rob Hall, who enjoyed two successful loan spells at Oxford last season, also
featured for the Hammers as a second-half substitute and came close to
grabbing an equaliser when he hit the outside of the post. "Rob looked very
sharp indeed. He's been away with England Under-19s and has had a couple of
cameo appearances for us. We know we've still got a bit to do individually
as well as a team and we'll be doing that on the training pitch over the
next few weeks."

Stephen Henderson made a welcome return from a thigh strain between the
posts. Macca was happy to see the Ireland stopper back in action as the
competition with Jussi Jaaskelainen for the No1 jersey hots up. "He looked
very sharp and was only beaten by a fantastic shot. He's not had too much to
do but he's been very comfortable. He's a good kicker of the ball so it was
an impressive 90 minutes from him." The second-half changes handed a host of
Academy products another chance of pre-season first-team football. The likes
of George Moncur, Blair Turgott and Eoin Wearen all looked at home in the
Hammers new away kit and Macca explained how the experience will do them
well in the long-term. "It's great they got some game time. They
complemented the team and we tried to stick them in with some older pros as
well so they didn't get overrun. A couple of them have played in some games
and it's a great experience for them."

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'We're getting fitter'
WHUFC.com
George McCartney believes the Hammers are building up well for the new
season
17.07.2012

George McCartney believes West Ham United are on track to be ready for the
start of the Barclays Premier League season. The Hammers were beaten 1-0 in
their latest pre-season fixture at npower League Two club Oxford United on
Tuesday evening, but the experienced left-back knows fitness is more
important than results at this stage. Oxford's players were clearly eager to
impress against their higher-ranked visitors and, during the first half
especially, the home side snapped into tackles all over the pitch. West
Ham's players did not back down from the challenge, making for a competitive
opening 45 minutes. For McCartney and his team-mates, it was simply a case
of ensuring they got a good workout against the U's and came home from the
Kassam Stadium unscathed and ready for the more important league battles
ahead. "I think we're training well and with each match we're getting fitter
and are gradually upping the game time and get ourselves prepared for the
start of the season," he confirmed. "It was a competitive game. Especially
in the first half, a few players were going a bit strong in the tackles and
things got a bit heated but thankfully nobody has got injured. "We've got
some more fitness work and sharpness out of the game and the passing and
movement and everything else will improve over the next three or four weeks.
Obviously we wanted to win the game, but the main thing was getting more
fitness. "For us, I think it's about getting as much hard work and fitness
out of it as we can, but for them it's a big game and they want to prove
themselves and test themselves. "No matter what team you play against, you
always want to do well and I think especially in the first half they were
biting into the tackles. "Games like this, their players want to prove
themselves, but from our point of view we want to come through without
getting injured and having improved our fitness. Saying that, football is a
competitive game and Tuesday was a tough one and we can move on and forward
to Colchester United on Saturday."

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West Ham sign Mali striker Modibo Maiga on four-year deal
By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport

West Ham have signed Mali striker Modibo Maiga from French club Sochaux on a
four-year deal for a fee of about £4.7m. The 24-year-old, who can play
centre forward or on the wing, has a contract option for a further two
years. "I know West Ham are a big club in England and I'm really looking
forward to representing them," he said. Maiga scored 24 goals in 52 games
for Sochaux after joining from Le Mans in July 2010.

"I am really happy and excited about joining West Ham United. They have huge
tradition and it is like joining part of a family and that is one of the
main reasons I wanted to come here," he added. "I know some of the big names
that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be part of a new
team back in the Premier League."

Maiga went on strike during the 2011 summer transfer window as he tried to
secure a move to Newcastle, but eventually failed a medical at the Magpies
in January because of a problem with one of his knees. Maiga becomes the
second Malian to represent West Ham, after fellow forward Frederic Kanoute.
Now 34 and still playing in China, Kanoute scored 33 goals in 92 matches for
the Hammers between March 2000 and May 2003. He is the fifth summer signing
at Upton Park following goalkeepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen
Henderson, defender George McCartney and midfielder Mohamed Diame. West Ham
were promoted back to the Premiership after beating Blackpool in the
Championship play-off final to return to the top flight after a year's
absence.

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Sam Allardyce files writ against Steve Kean and Blackburn
BBC.co.uk

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is taking legal action against former club
Blackburn and successor Steve Kean. Full details of the High Court case have
not been made public. Allardyce reportedly instructed solicitors after a
video clip was published on the internet in May which allegedly showed Kean
criticising him. A spokesman for Allardyce said: "He has issued legal
proceedings against Steve Kean and Blackburn Rovers but is unable to comment
further at this time." No-one from Blackburn was available for comment. The
case was filed at the High Court in London on 12 July. Kean, who replaced
Allardyce as Blackburn boss in December 2010, has stayed on at Ewood Park
despite the club's relegation from the Premier League last season and calls
from many supporters for him to be sacked. In the video, Kean appears to
make unguarded remarks about Allardyce to supporters in a bar during the
club's pre-season tour of Hong Kong in 2011.

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Sam Sues
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th July 2012
By: Staff Writer No.2

It is being reported this evening that Sam Allardyce is to take legal action
against former club Blackburn Rovers and their manager Steve Kean. Although
full details of the case have not been made public, the action is believed
to centre around critical remarks made by Kean to supporters in a bar during
a tour to Hong Kong last year. The comments later turned up on the internet
having been filmed on a supporter's mobile 'phone. According to the BBC a
spokesman for Allardyce confirmed that proceedings were commenced on 12 July
and that there would be "no further comment at this time".

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Talking 'bout Maiga
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th July 2012
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have completed the signing of Malian international striker Modibo
Maiga. As exclusively revealed here on KUMB earlier in the week, Maiga
arrived in London on Monday afternoon ahead of a medical. With that
successfully concluded yesterday, the former Sochaux forward completed his
contractual obligations earlier today and becomes West Ham's fifth signing
of pre-season. The 24-year-old, who is understood to have cost an initial
£5million told whufc.com: "I am really happy and excited about joining West
Ham United. "I know West Ham are a big club in England and I'm really
looking forward to representing them. They have huge tradition and it is
like joining part of a family and that is one of the main reasons I wanted
to come here. "I know some of the big names that have played for the club in
the past and I am proud to be part of a new team back in the Premier
League."

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Mohsni on down
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th July 2012
By: Staff Writer

Southend United's Bilel Mohsni could make his first appearance in a West Ham
shirt at Colchester this weekend. The 24-year-old central defender has
revealed that he is currently on trial with the Hammers - and he is in line
to make an appearance at the Weston Homes Stadium this weekend when Sam
Allardyce's side take on the Essex side in their latest pre-season friendly.
Speaking via his Facebook page last night, the Shrimpers defender - who can
also play up front - said: "I am leaving the club; I dont know where I will
sign and I only discovered that West Ham were taking me on trial a couple of
days ago. "I want to play at a higher level but I will never forget the
Blues, Southend United. Thanks to the fans for the support, the Chairman and
[manager] Paul Sturrock and the squad I played with. "I have some very good
memories and wish you all the best for the new season. I hope to see
Southend United in the Premier League [one day]."

Mohsni became a cult figure at Southend after joining them two years ago
having snubbed the chance to remain in France. A controversial figure, he
has been sent off three times in the last two years, twice travelled home
alone from away games having fell out with his fellow employees whilst
making a number of appearances in the local press for his off-field antics.
Speaking to the local press back in May, he said: "I can understand people
thinking I'm mad and crazy because I sometimes look back at videos of myself
in games and think the same. But I'm not crazy, I'm just me. "I just hate
losing and react badly to it. I think my temper has improved and I have
tried hard to not lose my cool. I have to say I find it harder to do that
when I'm playing as a striker - and I think maybe it's a good idea if I
don't play there again because that's when I get most annoyed."

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West Ham bid 'one of four'
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th July 2012
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United FC's bid for the Olympic Stadium is one of four currently
under consideration, it has been revealed. West Ham, the UCFB College of
Football Business, Formula 1 and Leyton Orient are the four parties who are
challenging to take the reigns of the stadium post-games. However Orient's
plans - tabled by Chairman Barry Hearn - would involve a ground share with
West Ham, something that has already been rejected by West Ham co-chairman
David Gold.

"There is no point dwelling on the design of the stadium and the faults of
the stadium," Hearn told the BBC. "We have to get on with it, we have to
make a fist of it and we have to make sure the Government and the people of
this country get maximum value for the investment that has gone into the
Olympic Stadium.
"Our idea does that and I think it forms part of a legacy that people in
this country can be proud of. Bearing in mind this is the only time in our
lifetime that we are ever going to hold the Olympic Games, we need to get
something out of it. "A mixture of usages and a mixture of opportunity
within the Olympic Stadium will give us the feeling that we have spent our
money wisely and that is really what we are trying to achieve. All sides
have to exercise common sense and move forward. I think we have created a
very interesting scheme that can do just that."

Gold responded to a question of the possibility of teaming up with Hearn's
club via his Twitter account by stating: "Absolutely not."

On your marks: the four contestents

West Ham United: Plan to turn the stadium into a 60,000-capacity venue for
football. Temporary seating, a new roof and various other amendments to the
existing site are planned as part of a redevelopment scheme.

Leyton Orient: Plan to allow West Ham to ground share with them should they
win approved status. West Ham Chairman David Gold has already said the club
wouldn't be interested in such a proposal.

UCFB College of Football Business: A partnership between Bucks New
University and UCFB offer degree courses, short courses, lecture series,
workshops and executive education in the practical setting of a football
business. Little is known about their plans for the stadium.

Formula 1: Plan to turn the stadium - and local area surrounding it - into a
Formula 1 track had been tabled by Intelligent Transport Services in
conjunction with F1.

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No Hammers move for Mangane
Senegal star joins Al-Hilal instead after negotiations fall through
By Giscard Gourizro. Last Updated: July 18, 2012 4:30pm
SSN

Rennes defender Kader Mangane has revealed his disappointment that a move to
West Ham fell through as he heads for Saudi Arabia instead. The 29-year-old
Senegal international had held talks with newly-promoted West Ham about a
proposed switch to the Premier League. But his agent's demands are reported
to have been the stumbling block for the Hammers. Mangane has now signed a
deal to join Al-Hilal but the former Neuchatel Xamax centre-back is still
frustrated that his transfer to London did not come off. "I am disappointed
not to join West Ham," he told Sky Sports. "I really thought the deal would
happen until the last minute.
"It is unfortunate for me but you never know and my ambition is to play in
the Premier League."

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Maiga makes Hammers move
Malian striker signs four-year contract at Upton Park
Last Updated: July 18, 2012 4:59pm
SSN

West Ham United have announced that highly-rated striker Modibo Maiga has
joined the club on a four-year contract from French outfit Sochaux. The
24-year-old joins the Hammers for an undisclosed fee in a deal which
includes the option for two further years in London should he impress. Maiga
was expected to be on the move this summer, and was strongly linked with a
switch to England. Newcastle United came close to securing his services in
2011, but missed out and left the door open for the Hammers to make their
move 12 months on. The Mali international becomes Sam Allardyce's fifth
signing of a busy transfer window, as West Ham ready themselves for a return
to the top-flight.

Tradition

Maiga joins Mohamed Diame, George McCartney, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen
Henderson in making a move to Upton Park. "I am really happy and excited
about joining West Ham United," Maiga told the club's official website. "I
know West Ham are a big club in England and I'm really looking forward to
representing them.
"They have huge tradition and it is like joining part of a family, and that
is one of the main reasons that I wanted to come here. "I know some of the
big names that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be
part of a new team back in the Premier League."

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Mohsni explains Southend snub
Last Updated: July 18, 2012 12:25pm
SSN

Bilel Mohsni has explained the reasons behind his desire to leave Southend
as he looks set for a trial with Premier League club West Ham. Shrimpers
boss Paul Sturrock revealed on Tuesday that the 24-year-old wanted a move
away from the League Two outfit and Mohsni has underlined his determination
to secure a transfer. "I think that after two years with Southend it is time
for me to move on because I want to play at another level," he told the
Echo. "I'm nearly 25 now so I'm not young anymore and I want to try and play
as high up as I can. I could only have another three or four years in the
game and I want to do the best that I can during the time. "If I was 18 then
I would definitely stay at Southend and play more matches to get experience.
However, I want to move on and I now have a chance to earn a transfer to the
biggest league with West Ham, which hopefully I can make the most of."

The defender-come-forward has had an eventful time at Roots Hall, impressing
with his performances while causing controversy with his conduct at times.
He failed to report for pre-season training in July and it appears as though
he has made his last appearance for Southend.

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Sam sues Kean
The Sun
By JON WEST
Published: 18th July 2012

SAM ALLARDYCE is launching a bitter court battle against Steve Kean as
football heads for the dock again. Days after John Terry was cleared of
racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, West Ham boss Allardyce has accused
Blackburn chief Kean of slander in a High Court writ. Big Sam's case follows
a foul-mouthed, off-field tirade by his former No 2 Kean that was captured
on camera by Rovers fans and posted on the internet. Terry's case laid bare
the abuse dished out amongst players — now the hatred between some managers
will be exposed. In the video, Kean questions ex-Rovers boss Allardyce's
integrity and also claims the credit for discovering Phil Jones, now at
Manchester United. Asked about his relationship with Allardyce since
replacing him at Ewood Park in December 2010, Kean is allegedly heard
saying: "I haven't spoken to him. He mullered me so I said f*** him. "I
worked my b***s off for him and then he had a go at me so f*** him."
Allardyce has instructed his solicitors to sue both Kean and Blackburn — who
sacked him. A spokesman for the Hammers chief said: "He has issued legal
proceedings but is unable to comment further." The footage was taken in a
bar on the club's trip to Hong Kong last summer. Kean also claimed in the
video that Rovers would be in the Prem's top half and win the Carling Cup.
But the reality was they were relegated with Allardyce's side replacing them
in the top flight.

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Into the Valley? West Ham striker pondering Charlton switch
The Mirror
Julian Finney

Charlton are keen on landing West Ham striker Sam Baldock to beef up their
Championship challenge. The ambitious League One winners are already
targeting a possible return to the Premier League under Chris Powell and
believe the 23-year-old Baldock could be the answer in a potential
£1.5million deal. Charlton's south London neighbours Crystal Palace are also
keen on Baldock, who scored 43 goals in 82 appearances for MK Dons before
his move to Upton Park last summer.
The striker scored six in as many games at the start of last season under
Sam Allardyce but after injury he lost his place following the arrivals of
Ricardo Vaz Te and Nicky Maynard. While Baldock wants to stay in the East
End and prove his quality he is understood to be keen for more first team
football and if he is surplus to requirements at Upton Park would consider a
change of scenery. The prospect of The Valley, where there is a renewed
sense of optimism under former Chalrton and England left-back Powell, would
appear the best fit if a formal bid is made and accepted by Allardyce.

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Sam Allardyce takes legal action against Steve Kean and Blackburn
'He has issued legal proceedings,' says spokesperson
Allardyce acts in response to internet video clip earlier in year
Guardian staff
The Guardian, Thursday 19 July 2012

The West Ham manager, Sam Allardyce, was replaced by Steve Kean when he was
sacked by Blackburn in 2010. Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images
Sam Allardyce is taking legal action against his former club Blackburn
Rovers and the man who replaced him at Ewood Park, Steve Kean. Allardyce is
reported to have acted after a video clip was published on the internet
earlier this year which allegedly showed Kean criticising him.

A spokesman for Allardyce told the BBC: "He has issued legal proceedings
against Steve Kean and Blackburn Rovers but is unable to comment further."
West Ham have completed the signing of Modibo Maïga from Sochaux on a
four-year deal.

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