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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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."

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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.

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