Hammers sign Spiegel
WHUFC.com
Switzerland U20 goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel has agreed a three-year deal with
West Ham United
23.07.2012
West Ham United are delighted to confirm the signing of promising young
goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel from Grasshopper Club Zurich for an undisclosed
fee. Spiegel, a Switzerland Under-20 international, has signed a contract
until 2015 with an option for a further year and will arrive at Chadwell
Heath this week. The 19-year-old has represented his country at U17, U18,
U19 and U20 level and is regarded as one of his country's outstanding
prospects. The 6'3 tall goalkeeper's most-recent international appearance
saw him keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 U20 friendly victory in Portugal in
April 2012 - his second cap at that age-group level. Previously, he made
four appearances for Switzerland's U19s and travelled to the FIFA U17 World
Cup finals in Nigeria in 2009. Despite his tender years, Spiegel has already
amassed a decent amount of first-team experience at club level, appearing 17
times for SC Bruhl SG in the Swiss Challenge League - the second highest
tier in his homeland - last season. The previous two campaigns saw Spiegel
play a combined 41 games for Grasshopper Club's second team in the 1.Liga -
the third tier of Swiss football. The teenager is expected to provide
support and cover for senior goalkeepers and fellow summer recruits Jussi
Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson as Sam Allardyce shapes up his squad for
the new Barclays Premier League season.
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Touch down in Germany
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is hoping for a memorable week as West Ham United arrived in
Germany on Monday
23.07.2012
Sam Allardyce is looking forward to an exciting week ahead after West Ham
United landed in Germany on Monday afternoon. Big Sam, the rest of the
coaching staff and the first-team squad touched down slightly later than
planned in Dresden at the start of a six day tour that will include three
matches and intense training sessions in the sunshine. The Hammers will kick
off their trip with a friendly game against Rot Weiss Erfurt on Wednesday
evening before games against Dynamo Dresden on Friday and Energie Cottbus on
Sunday. "We know we are in for a series of tough games and have already had
some difficult games against teams from the lower leagues in England this
pre-season," Allardyce said. "We will not be taking any of the games
lightly."
Kevin Nolan was a welcome sight as the team assembled at the airport early
on Monday morning after he was forced off early in the first half of 2-1
victory against Colchester United on Saturday. After initial tests on the
West Ham United captain's foot showed promising news, he has travelled with
the team to Germany with further results expected later in the week. Nolan
was joined by the full complement of first-team players with only James
Tomkins and Mohamed Diame missing due to their Olympic football commitments.
Modibo Maiga is expected to join up with the squad later in the week after
signing on Thursday as the Hammers gear up for games in front of sell-out
crowds with hundreds of Hammers fans expected to turn out alongside the
large home support.
"We are all really looking forward to the games and the huge number of
spectators coming is exciting. We have brought a very strong squad with us
to Germany, with a few youngsters coming in to aid their development as
well. "I am hoping the fans will see some strong performances and hopefully
there will be some exciting games for everyone to watch."
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Kenzer revels in Torch Relay
WHUFC.com
Kenzer Lee has told of his pride at carrying the Olympic Torch through the
streets of his native east London
23.07.2012
Kenzer Lee has hailed carrying the Olympic Torch as one of the best
experiences of his life. The West Ham United first-year professional became
one of the 8,000 lucky runners to take part in the Torch Relay when he ran
along Dagenham Heathway on Sunday afternoon. After passing the Torch on to
the next runner, the Beckton-born centre-back caught up with young reporter
and Hammers supporter Willis Jamieson to talk about his big moment and his
hopes of breaking into Sam Allardyce's first-team squad this season.
How did it feel carrying the Olympic Torch?
KL: It was a great experience, unbelievable the amount of people that turned
up to line the route. There was a great atmosphere. When I got dropped off
by the Torchbearers coach to my waiting spot, my family were there to get
photos of me, then loads of others were crowding round to have their photos
taken, it was an amazing experience.
How did you get chosen?
KL: My sister put my name forward first of all, which was accepted. Then I
had to write an application about myself and it went through a number of
other stages and eventually I was told I was successful. I was an Olympic
Torchbearer!
You said that scoring the winner for West Ham United against Wolverhampton
Wanderers in last season's FA Youth Cup was the best feeling ever - how does
this compare?
KL: To be fair I think the Torch Relay just edged it. Carrying the Olympic
Torch is something I will never experience again, and an experience I'll
always treasure. Hopefully I will end up scoring lots of times for West Ham,
but that can never be repeated.
What are you looking forward to most about the Olympics?
KL: The track events interest me the most, the 100m and 200m competitions
are always good and I'm really looking forward to watching Usain Bolt
perform.
If we can find out about more about you now, tell us about your life before
West Ham United?
KL: I was quite late getting into football. I only really started playing at
the age of ten. I played Sunday league football for Royal Falcons in Beckton
for a year and then I got scouted by West Ham while playing for my school
team. I was playing in the year above and with that team we won the National
Cup which is when I was noticed by the West Ham scout.
You were also scouted by Tottenham Hotspur and Millwall, so how did it make
you feel having so many clubs wanting you?
KL: Well, I was quite young and of course it was exciting, but being young
my Dad was making the decisions and as soon as West Ham showed interest I
wasn't going to go anywhere else. I didn't know the scout was watching so
after the game he spoke to my Dad. On the way home Dad told me West Ham
wanted me to go over there - it felt really good!
Which player do you most liken yourself to?
KL: I don't know really, I suppose I'd like to think someone like [Chelsea
and England centre-back] Gary Cahill.
Since Sam Allardyce has been at the club it seems the Academy players mix a
lot more with the first team. How has that been for you?
KL: It's a great experience to play in front of him. We all try our best to
impress him, you have to treat each training session as if it's your last
especially if he is watching as we all want to impress him.
Which other young players do you think might make a good impression on him
and make a step up to the first team?
KL: Well Rob Hall and Dan Potts are both quality and we've already seen them
a bit last season, but I think we'll see more of them this time round. A few
others have the chance of making an impression - Matthias Fanimo, Blair
Turgott and Leo Chambers are all excellent players… and you never know,
hopefully myself.
Do you think you're in with a chance of making your first-team debut this
season?
Yes, why not? I just need to make sure I perform in training, perform when
the right people are watching me and if I do get the chance, maybe in the
Carling Cup, then I need to take my chance. I'd love to get a run in the
first team, maybe the Carling Cup is the most likely first of all. I might
end up going on loan, but I am working at getting into the first team as
soon as I can really.
*Follow Willis Jamieson on twitter @WillisJamieson
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West Ham sign a third 'keeper
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 23rd July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have moved to snap up a third goalkeeper within the space of
just six months. 19-year-old Raphael Spiegel, a Swiss youth international
has signed a three-year contract with the Hammers, joining Jussi
Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson - who both signed permanent deals earlier
in pre-season - at the club.
Effectively replacing the outgoing Marek Stech - who has joined Yeovil Town
- and Peter Kurucz, who has been on trial with Crystal Palace, Spiegal has
moved to London from Grasshoppers for an undisclosed fee. Despite his tender
years the youngster has already made 58 first team appearances in
Switzerland's second and third tier for the Zurich club's reserve team and
SC Bruhl.
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Trio keen on Barca gem
Club hierarchy to discuss Deulofeu's future
By Francisco Acedo & Graeme Bailey. Last Updated: July 23, 2012 2:59pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands that Liverpool, West Ham United and Queens Park
Rangers have all expressed an interest in Barcelona starlet Gerard Deulofeu.
The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the top prospects within the club's
youth system and has a contract to 2014. However, the young winger is
believed to want to play first-team football next year having spent the last
few seasons with Barca's B side. He is due to return to training this week
having helped Spain's Under-19 side to their second successive European
crown.
Contact
And, with Barca ready to open talks with him about his future, a host of
clubs have now made contact, including Liverpool, West Ham and QPR. Barca
are not believed to be considering a sale, but are looking at whether to
loan him or promote him to the first team. New first team coach Tito
Vilanova and sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta are due to meet this week
to discuss Deulofeu's future. Sources close to the player have indicated in
the local press he would prefer to stay in his native Catalunya. Deulofeu
made his senior debut for Barca last term, featuring twice under Pep
Guardiola.
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Hammers sign Swiss keeper
Spiegel to provide cover for Jaaskelainen and Henderson
Last Updated: July 23, 2012 1:00pm
SSN
West Ham United have improved their goalkeeping options by signing Swiss
youngster Raphael Spiegel from Grasshoppers for an undisclosed fee. Spiegel
has agreed a three-year contract with the Premier League club, with the
option of a further year, and is due to link up with the Hammers later this
week. The Switzerland Under 20 international has represented his country at
various youth levels and is regarded as one of their leading prospects. He
has previously featured for Grasshoppers' second team in the third tier of
Swiss football and last season had a loan spell with second division club SC
Bruhl SG. The 19-year-old will provide cover in Sam Allardyce's squad for
senior keepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson. Jaaskelainen joined
West Ham on a free transfer from Bolton Wanderers earlier in the summer,
while Henderson finalised a permanent move after finishing last season on
loan from Portsmouth.
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Leeds Try to Nick Maynard & Other Stories
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
So Leeds have put in a bid for Nicky Maynard. Cheeky buggers. It has been
rejected but I'd imagine they will persist. We haven't really seen enough of
Maynard yet to judge whether he will cut it in the Premier League, but
unless they are offering silly money (unlikely) I can't really see any
justification for considering getting rid of him. Same with Sam Baldock. The
only thing that would change my mind on that is if we brought in three
strikers of obviously superior quality.
Jermaine Defoe, eh? Last time I speculated on his return I was almost hung,
drawn and quartered. This time, I suspect more of you would agree with me
that we ought to jump at getting him back. Rumour is, however, that he is
not keen to move back to East London and may be looking to head west to
Queen's Park Rangers. That way lies madness, but it's a path quite a few
players are taking at the moment. He's 29 now, but would still command a fee
of £5 million I imagine. Jordan Rhodes or Jermaine Defoe. Hmmm. Difficult
one.
Robert Snodgrass, the Leeds winger, is the subject of a bid by Norwich City.
He is someone who we have been rumoured to be interested in, but then again,
we're supposedly also after a Barcelona winger on loan, as well as a Spanish
defender and striker.
And today we signed a young Swiss goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel from
Grasshoppers Zurich. He's 19 and has represented his country at very level
apart from the senior side. That makes 3 new goalkeepers and means it is
unlikely we'll be signing an established keeper like Paul Robinson. I assume
that means Stephen Henderson is seen as the Number One. Or not.
The first team has departed for a three match tour of Germany today. The
Hammers' first match is a friendly against Rot Weiss Erfurt on Wednesday
evening before games against Dynamo Dresden on Friday and finally, Energie
Cottbus on Sunday.
PS I'm very proud of that headline!
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Welcome, young Grasshopper: West Ham sign teenage keeper Raphael Spiegel
from Swiss side
The Mirror
West Ham have signed teenage goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel from Swiss side
Grasshoppers for an undisclosed fee, the newly-promoted Barclays Premier
League side have announced. The 19-year-old, who is a Switzerland Under-20
international, has penned a three-year contract until 2015 with an option
for a further year and will arrive at the club this week. The 6ft 3in
custodian made 17 appearances for Swiss second tier side SC Bruhl SG last
season, having played 41 games in the previous two campaigns for
Grasshoppers' second team in the third tier. Spiegel is expected to provide
back-up to senior goalkeepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson, who
both joined the Hammers this summer following the club's promotion from the
npower Championship. West Ham have also brought in defender George
McCartney, midfielder Mohamed Diame and forward Modibo Maiga as manager Sam
Allardyce shapes his squad for the new campaign.
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Will the real Barry Hearn stand up – and go away
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 23rd July 2012
By: Mr Preview Percy
The recent bout of sunshine has brought Preview Percy out of his close
season hibernation and he's fed up with the moveable feast that is Barry
Hearn...
Let me get a couple of things out of the way first. The Olympic Stadium – I
haven't a clue whether we should move there or not. This is simply because
for all the statements that come from the club which tell us all wonderful
it will all be when we get there, nobody is allowed to say how such Nirvana
is to be achieved due to "confidentiality". Fair enough but until I have
enough information on which to base an opinion I'll hang on until forming
one.
Secondly, I have no axe to grind with Leyton Orient fans per se – to be
honest I struggle to reach mild indifference as far as they're concerned.
No, it's Barry Hearn who gets on my nerves.
Hearn is a man of principle, it has to be said. The trouble is that he seems
to have more than most in that department – and they tend to change pretty
frequently. Throughout the whole Olympic process, at various times he has
been in favour of taking it over for his club, in favour of Spurs taking it
over, then nobody taking it over.
Until recently the place was said to be "totally unfit" for football before
the most recent change of mind saw Hearn revert back to his opening position
of wanting to move in, apparently totally oblivious to the irony of his club
making a move into another borough. Presumably his gracious invitation to
the club already located in the borough in question to share the place is
designed to disguise that particular logical inconsistency.
Hearn's latest pronouncement does rather plumb new depths though:
"I had a Martin Luther King moment. I had a dream. We are a community club
and we tick a lot of boxes. We are debt-free and have a sensible business
plan. I looked at the Olympic Stadium and said 'why not?'. If our dream is
shared by those people that are in charge of the Olympic facilities, who's
to say what can be achieved? Is it about money legacy, or the real ethos of
the Olympic Games, which is the community aspect?"
Now I realise that the world of sports promotion is prone to hyperbole and
that those involved are not exactly backward in blowing their own trumpets.
However to compare oneself to a Nobel Peace Prize winner who spent his life
– and indeed lost it - campaigning against injustice when your contribution
to the world in which we live includes 'Snooker Loopy' is a bit crass, to
say the least.
Still, he's doing it all for the "community" which must make it alright
surely? Well pardon me for being suspicious, but whenever I hear someone
wealthy use the word "community" my sensors start to twitch. You see, all
too often that word is used to cover a multitude of sins.
You know the sort of thing: "Yes, we're building the nuclear waste plant two
feet from your baby's window but the risk of polonium poisoning is minuscule
when you consider the wider benefits to the community" (translation – yes
it'll be full of radioactive waste but the council is getting shedloads of
money for allowing them to build it there).
Now I'll admit I'm one of life's more cynical coves so I took a step back
from it all thinking "maybe it's just me". However I'm not alone in holding
this opinion. My ally is a surprising one (or, more accurately if you've
been paying attention thus far, a totally unsurprising one). Speaking a few
years back guess who said:
"At the end of the day if someone is misguided enough to think I'm going to
risk my personal fortune for a football club then they should be in a funny
farm. I'm going to put enough in to keep it going and hopefully to have some
fun myself. It's quite selfish. I'm doing this for Barry Hearn. I'm not
doing it for the fans. The number of chairmen who say 'I'm doing it for the
community' - to be honest that's a load of b******s. I'm doing this for me
and I think that's the fans' best hope. I'm never going to fall out of love
with me."
For all Hearn's blustering about the effect of West Ham United moving a few
hundred yards closer to Brisbane Road (and if I were an Orient fan I'd feel
a bit insulted at the suggestion that I wouldn't already be able to find my
way the extra 0.9 miles to the Boleyn if I wanted to) the suggestion has to
be that Hearn's interest in the whole affair is governed more by the
sentiments expressed in his 2006 interview than his 2012 pronouncement -
especially given the fact that it's a matter of record that Hearn would be
the major beneficiary of any sale of Brisbane Road.
If Leyton Orient do go out of business after any move that we make it won't
be our fault – though we'll make a damn good diversionary scapegoat. Hearn
constantly states that their current attendances do not make the club a
viable prospect but conveniently omits the fact that we're on their doorstep
already.
He's fond of quoting the old "Tesco moving next door to the corner shop"
analogy. However given we moved into the Boleyn well before they nicked
Brisbane Road, perhaps a better comparison would be the grumpy old sod who
moves next door to Tesco, opens up a crap corner shop that nobody uses then
complains when they move to the house on the other side.
I have a dream, my a*se...
So do us some favours Barry.
1) If you must open your mouth on subjects other than the dodgy pub games
you make a living from, try and be consistent. Look up on the web to see
what your position was last week - it'll save everyone time in the long run;
2) Stop pretending that your position is prompted by altruistic motives.
Everyone knows they're not, you know that everyone knows that they're not
and it's an insult to everyone's intelligence to suggest otherwise;
3) If you do have to make public pronouncements, pick someone more suitable
to compare yourself to than someone who died defending human rights. And
finally;
4) If you want to curry favour with the public why not locate and destroy
every copy of 'Snooker Loopy' ever pressed. It won't put you in Martin
Luther King's league but it'll make the community a better place – which is
all you are after, isn't it..?
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Arsenal's Park and West Ham striker Piquionne wanted by Saudi club Al Halil
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 23:01, 23 July 2012 | UPDATED: 23:01, 23 July 2012
Daily MAil
Al Halil are keen on Arsenal striker Park Chu-young, 27, and West Ham
striker Frederic Piquionne, 33. The Saudi club, who have also made an offer
for Manchester City's Kolo Toure, want to take Piquionne on a free transfer
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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