Daily WHUFC News - 2nd August 2012

Hammers return for 'Ginge'
WHUFC.com
Wales centre-back James Collins has re-joined West Ham United on a four-year contract
31.07.2012

West Ham United are delighted to announce the return to the club of Wales defender James Collins. Collins has signed a four-year contract after re-joining the Hammers from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee, three years after leaving the Boleyn Ground for Villa Park. Capped 39 times by his country, the popular centre-back was part of the West Ham side that completed a great escape from Premier League relegation in 2007, impressing the Boleyn Ground faithful with his power and commitment. Collins, who will challenge Hammer of the Year runner-up James Tomkins and New Zealand international Winston Reid for a place in Sam Allardyce's starting XI, said he was happy to be back in east London. "It's great to be back," 'Ginge' told West Ham TV. "Obviously having been here before and coming back and seeing some of the same old faces is great. "As soon as I knew the interest was there from West Ham I couldn't wait to get down and sign. I had a great affinity with the club and the fans when I was here the first time and I enjoyed my time here so much last time that it wasn't a hard decision to make, to be honest. "I think everyone knew that I didn't really want to leave when I did [in 2009] because I was enjoying my time here so much. I've come back and I'm a much better player this time around so I can't wait to get cracking and show the fans that I am a better player and can put in the performances on the pitch. "I've got so many good memories - getting into the FA Cup final in my first season and finishing so high [ninth] in the league and then the way we escaped relegation that year was one of my fondest memories in football. Hopefully I won't have too many more memories like that! "I just cannot wait to get back and show the fans what a better player I am now."

Now 28, Newport-born Collins began his career with Cardiff CIty, helping the Bluebirds to win promotion to the Championship in 2003 before being voted Welsh Young Player of the Year two years later. In July 2005, Collins and Cardiff team-mate Danny Gabbidon swapped the Welsh capital for the English one by joining West Ham for a combined £3.5m. The pair played a role as the newly-promoted Hammers finished ninth in the Premier League and reached the FA Cup final in 2005/06.
The following season, 2006/07, saw Collins break into the first team on a regular basis and show his outstanding talents as West Ham won seven of their final nine Premier League matches to stay up on the final day of the campaign. Collins suffered an unfortunate knee ligament injury in January 2008, but returned to action a year later before proving his fitness.

Aston Villa took the centre-back to the Midlands in September 2009 and Collins quickly forged a solid partnership with Republic of Ireland stalwart Richard Dunne at Villa Park. Over three seasons, the Welshman totalled 109 appearances and six goals for the Villans, including a start in the 2010 League Cup final defeat by Manchester United. At international level, Collins made his debut for the senior Wales side against Norway in 2004 and has since gone on to score twice in 39 appearances. He was an ever-present during Wales' 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign and has captained his country.

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Pair face Olympic deciders
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins and Mohamed Diame go for a place in the London 2012 quarter-finals on Wednesday
01.08.2012

West Ham United's London 2012 Olympic representatives will both play for a place in the quarter-finals on Wednesday evening. James Tomkins and Mohamed Diame go into the final round of Group A fixtures knowing positive results will take them through to the last eight. Tomkins' Team GB know a draw with Uruguay will be enough, while Diame's Senegal need to better Uruguay's result in their final game against United Arab Emirates to definitely make it through. Senegal would also reach the quarter-finals should they and Uruguay both be victorious, but that combination of results would put Team GB out of the tournament. Team GB and Senegal drew 1-1 in their opening match - a game that saw Diame captain his country but Tomkins left on the substitutes bench. Tomkins was called into the starting XI by coach Stuart Pearce for the second round of fixtures and was rewarded as Team GB beat United Arab Emirates 3-1. Diame kept his place, meanwhile, as Senegal defeated Uruguay 2-0.

Both final-round fixtures kick-off at 7.45pm, with Team GB facing Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and Senegal taking on United Arab Emirates at the City of Coventry Stadium. Mexico or South Korea, who play their final Group B matches against Switzerland and Gabon respectively on Wednesday afternoon, are likely to form the opposition should Team GB and Senegal advance. Brazil, Belarus, Japan and Honduras look most likely to be the four other nations to qualify for the quarter-finals.

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McCartney in confident mood
WHUFC.com
George McCartney is aiming for a 'good, solid season' back in the Barclays Premier League
01.08.2012

George McCartney believes West Ham United can survive in the Barclays Premier League, revealing that top-flight consolidation will provide a perfect platform for a very bright future. McCartney re-joined the Hammers on a permanent basis on 1 July after spending last season's promotion-winning campaign with the club on loan from Sunderland. The 31-year-old is under no illusions about the difficulty of the upcoming season or the enormity of the task, but believes hard work and commitment will see the club surpass all expectations. "It will be a tough campaign as there are no easy games," said McCartney. "At times we will have to grind out results, but the lads and all the staff will work through it to make sure that happens." "This season is all about consolidating Premier League football. We aim to have a good, solid season. If we do that, we will have already started building towards a successful future."

McCartney also revealed the positive change in atmosphere at the club over the past year, admitting last summer was a difficult time for the club. "It's a big difference to last year, the club had just been relegated and a new manager had just been installed. "The club did well to bring in some key players, and I'm sure the manager will be looking to do the same this summer."

Sunday saw the club's pre-season tour of Germany come to a close, and McCartney believes the importance of foreign training camps cannot be underestimated.
"As you get older pre-season is a lot harder on your body, especially your legs, that's why it's good to come to training camps like we have had in Austria and Germany as it definitely helps. "We had three games in six days so it's nice to come away and train in the warm weather. We have also had a few hours to ourselves which helps team bonding, and all the lads have been working hard both on and off the pitch."

Next up for Sam Allardyce's squad is a trip to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town on Saturday afternoon, and McCartney believes his side will put in their best performance yet against a team at a similar stage in their preparations. "We played teams last week that are starting their seasons very soon and we still have a few weeks to go to reach our optimum fitness and mental levels. "I'm sure the manager will be looking to field the strongest team he can in the final couple of pre-season games. "The Aston Villa game is still a few weeks away so have a little more time to get ourselves focussed, and hopefully sign a few more players to ensure we are fully prepared."

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Collins happy to be back
WHUFC.com
James Collins could not hide his delight at pulling on a West Ham United shirt again
01.08.2012

For James Collins, returning to West Ham United feels like coming home. The Wales defender, who has joined the Hammers on a four-year contract from Aston Villa, became a Hammers hero during a four-year spell at the club between 2005 and 2009. Now he is back at the Boleyn Ground, the 28-year-old has told West Ham TV of his delight at returning to east London and his high hopes of impressing on the club's return to the Barclays Premier League.

Welcome back Ginge! How does it feel to be a West Ham United player again?

JC - "It's great to be back. Obviously having been here before and coming back and seeing some of the same old faces is great. As soon as I knew the interest was there from West Ham I couldn't wait to get down and sign. I had a great affinity with the club and the fans when I was here the first time and I enjoyed my time here so much last time that it wasn't a hard decision to make, to be honest.

So, is it a bit of a case of unfinished business?

JC - "I think everyone knew that I didn't really want to leave when I did [in 2009] because I was enjoying my time here so much. I've come back and I'm a much better player this time around so I can't wait to get cracking and show the fans that I am a better player and can put in the performances on the pitch."

You must have great memories, particularly from getting to the 2006 FA Cup final and the 2007 Great Escape? What were your highlights first-time around?

JC - "I've got so many good memories - getting into the FA Cup final in my first season and finishing so high [ninth] in the league and then the way we escaped relegation that year was one of my fondest memories in football. Hopefully I won't have too many more memories like that! I just cannot wait to get back and show the fans what a better player I am now."

You have a great affinity with the supporters and also know a fair number of players from your first spell - Mark Noble, George McCartney, Cole, James Tomkins - and our Welsh contingent of Jack Collison, Martyn Margetson and sports therapist Taka Yamamoto! So, will it be easier to fit in among so many familiar faces?

JC - "It's easy to come back and fit back in. Even walking around the place today it was like I have never been away. The boys being here will help massively and I should slip back in nice and easily."

What do you think we can achieve on our return to the Barclays Premier League?

JC - "I think we can have a great season with the players we have signed in the off-season, and I'm sure the Board are trying to bring in a few more new faces as well, and the players already here who did so well in the Championship last year. I don't think we should have been down there and I think it was a bit of a false position for the club, so we're looking to get off to a good start and then anything is possible."

The club looks to be heading in the right direction under Sam Allardyce. Was the manager's presence a factor in your return?

JC - "My game is based on giving 100 per cent and even if I'm not doing so well in a game I'll always stick my head in and give 100 per cent. That's the way I've been playing since I was a kid and that's what the fans can expect from me. Hopefully I can bring a bit more to the team than what we have already got. I can see the improvements they have made around the training ground and around the stadium. The thing about West Ham is that it's a real family club and it's like I've never been away. Everyone is so friendly that it makes it a lot easier to perform on the pitch and hopefully we can do that this season."

James Tomkins and WInston Reid both did very well last season at centre-back. Are you expecting to have to fight for your place after a few seasons as a regular starter for West Ham and Aston Villa?

JC - "The two boys who are here at the minute have got the shirt and did very well last season. I watched West Ham last season and saw that they did very well so obviously it's going to be tough to get into the team in the first place. I'm going to train hard and hopefully I can get a place in the team."

Finally, a look at the fixture list and we have a games you must be looking forward to in our opening Premier League matches - Aston Villa at home!

JC - "It's crazy! When I was at Villa I obviously knew we were playing West Ham first game and I was looking forward to it so much. Now, it's even more so the other way because I'll be playing for West Ham and hopefully I can give the team an insight into how they're going to play."

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James Collins joins West Ham from Aston Villa for £2.5m
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have sealed the £2.5m signing of James Collins from Aston Villa. The 28-year-old defender, who left West Ham for Villa in September 2009, passed a medical on Tuesday and becomes Sam Allardyce's seventh summer signing. Collins could have left Villa Park on a free transfer next summer, but manager Paul Lambert has opted to cash in now. "As soon as I knew the interest was there from West Ham, I couldn't wait to get down and sign," said Collins. "It's great to be back." He added: "I had a great affinity with the club and the fans when I was here the first time and I enjoyed my time here so much last time that it wasn't a hard decision to make, to be honest. "I've come back and I'm a much better player this time around, so I can't wait to get cracking and show the fans that I am a better player and can put in the performances on the pitch."

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Konate: I need your lovin'
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 2nd August 2012
By: Staff Writer

Pape Moussa Konaté, Senegal's leading goalscorer at the Olympic Games has told West Ham to "show how much they love me". The 19-year-old striker, who has taken the Games' football competition by storm having scored four goals in the three group games thus far, has been linked with a move to London within the past few days. And according to the Maccabi Tel Aviv forward, it's a potential move that interests him greatly. Speaking after Senegal's 1-1 draw with the United Arab Emirates tonight that sent his country through to the next round the competition, Konaté said: "I hope I can move to the Premier League; hopefully I will get the chance. I hope my agent can fix something for me. "There is talk of interest from West Ham and that would make me very happy, but that they must do more. West Ham have to show how much they love me."

Also linked with a move to east London overnight are Sporting Lisbon midfielder Adrien Silva, a 23-year-old central midfielder and 26-year-old Colombian midfielder Carlos Sanchez, who goes by the nickname 'La Roca' (The Rock). Meanwhile the French media are once again linking the Hammers with long-term target Yannick Sagbo, who reportedly told reporters: "If I move to England it would be to West Ham; I like the English game, the full stadiums and the attacking play."

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JC: the second coming
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 1st August 2012
By: Staff Writer

Central defender James Collins has completed his return to West Ham United. The Welsh interntional defender, who celebrates his 29th birthday later this month has signed a four-year contract with West Ham having spent the last three seasons at Aston Villa. Collins, who is thought to have cost around £2million - double the £1million fee West Ham originally paid Cardiff City back in 2005 but less than half the £5million figure Aston Villa paid United four years later - averaged just over 36 games per season during his stint in the Midlands. That is considerably more than the 16 games per year he averaged during his previous four-year spell at the Boleyn Ground which was beset by a succession of injuries - including a cruciate knee injury that kept him out of action for six months. Speaking to West Ham TV about his return to east London, Collins revealed that he was disappointed to have been sold in the first place. "I didn't really want to leave when I did because I was enjoying my time here so much," he said. "I've got so many good memories; getting into the FA Cup final in my first season and finishing so high in the league. And the way we escaped relegation that year was one of my fondest memories in football. "I'm a much better player this time around and I can't wait to get cracking and show the fans that I can put in the performances on the pitch."

The flame-haired defender was first signed by Alan Pardew in a double-swoop on Cardiff along with fellow Welsh international Danny Gabbidon in the summer of 2005 following West Ham's return to the Premiership.

However he was sold to ease the club's financial worries in August 2009.

James Collins: Stat Zone

West Ham United

2005/06: Pld 19, Bkd 1, Gls 2.
2006/07: Pld 17, Bkd 4, Gls 0.
2007/08: Pld 5, Bkd 0, Gls 0.
2008/09: Pld 21, Bkd 4, Gls 0.
2009/10: Pld 3, Bkd 1, Gls 0.

Aston Villa

2009/10: Pld 37, Bkd 6, Gls 2.
2010/11: Pld 37, Bkd 7, Gls 3.
2011/12: Pld 34, Bkd 7, Gls 1.

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Collins makes Hammers return
Defender determined to make an important contribution
Last Updated: August 1, 2012 11:08am
SSN

West Ham have completed a deal to bring James Collins back to the club from Aston Villa on a four-year contract. The Hammers agreed a fee with Villa earlier in the week and Sky Sports revealed on Tuesday that Collins had travelled to London to undergo a medical. It has now been confirmed that Collins has returned to Upton Park, having spent four years with the club earlier in his career before moving to Villa in 2009. Sam Allardyce has been looking to bolster his defence since winning promotion back to the Premier League and Collins will now face the challenge of trying to establish himself as a regular member of the starting XI. The Wales international, 28, is thrilled to have joined the Hammers once again and hopes to make an important contribution over the next few years. "It's great to be back," he told the club's official website. "Obviously having been here before and coming back and seeing some of the same old faces is great.

Affinity

"As soon as I knew the interest was there from West Ham I couldn't wait to get down and sign. I had a great affinity with the club and the fans when I was here the first time and I enjoyed my time here so much last time that it wasn't a hard decision to make, to be honest. "I think everyone knew that I didn't really want to leave when I did [in 2009] because I was enjoying my time here so much. "I've come back and I'm a much better player this time around so I can't wait to get cracking and show the fans that I am a better player and can put in the performances on the pitch. "I've got so many good memories - getting into the FA Cup final in my first season and finishing so high [ninth] in the league and then the way we escaped relegation that year was one of my fondest memories in football. Hopefully I won't have too many more memories like that! "I just cannot wait to get back and show the fans what a better player I am now."

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No Ramis, No Problem!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die

It has been confirmed today that Ivan Ramis has completed a remarkable 'about-face-turn' and signed for Wigan. You will recall that Ramis originally rejected a deal to join Wigan because 'the deal was not right for him.' Besides which, he had also received an 'interesting offer' from another PL club. That club was West Ham Utd FC and we quickly agreed a fee with Real Mallorca, terms with the player and all that remained was the formality of a medical in London. Ramis duly passed the medical, eliminating the final obsacle to the move, and all that was required was his signature on the contract. At that juncture, things suddenly changed!

It would appear that Wigan persuaded Ramis that their club was a better destination for him. How did they do it? By using their Spanish manager, Martinez, to personally intervene to influence the player.. From today's comments by Dave Whelan, it would appear that they played on his lack of English language skills and the fact that Ramis would feel more at home with the Spanish speakers at Wigan. Least ways, that is my take on why Ramis so suddenly embraced a deal with a club, that 2 or 3 days earlier, had not been 'right for him.'

It all seems very strange, but we must remember that Ramis has hitherto been a 'one club man' at Real Mallorca. And he had previously pulled the plug, at the last moment, on deals to move to Everton and Celtic. Presumably, on both occassions he got cold feet at the last minute and clung to the familiar! Against that background, is his sudden change of heart really that surprising? Probably not. However, in basing his decision on the need to have Spanish speakers around him, lets hope that he also did his homework on Wigan. Or, on second thoughts, perhaps not! Whatever, we do not need a player who could potentially fails to settle and then demands an early move back to Spain; those type of complications we can do without.

And the club have moved quickly to secure an alternative target in the form of Villa's James Collins. He is a decent centre-half and will increase our options and provide experienced cover for Tomkins and Reid. Collins' form dipped at Villa last season and he was probably ready for a move away from the claret and blue side of Birmingham. He now needs to train hard, apply himself and regain both his fitness and form. He is on familiar ground, at West Ham, and he should do well playing under Sam Allardyce. So, lets hope it proves to be an inspired signing. Or at the very least a decent signing who does a solid job!

So, as far as I am concerned it is a case of no Ramis, no problem. We now have a replacement who is experienced in the PL and familiar with the club. Those are significant added bonuses. Now, who is next up to sign for the mighty Hammers?

SJ. Chandos.

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Collins: It's great to be back
Published: Today at 11:01
The Sun

JAMES COLLINS has completed his £2.5million move from Aston Villa to West Ham. The former Hammers defender returns to Upton Park on a four-year deal after leaving for Villa Park in 2009. Collins, 28, said: "It's great to be back. Having been here before and coming back and seeing some of the same old faces is great.
"As soon as I knew the interest was there from West Ham I couldn't wait to get down and sign. "I had a great affinity with the club and the fans when I was here the first time and I enjoyed my time here so much last time that it wasn't a hard decision to make, to be honest. I think everyone knew that I didn't really want to leave because I was enjoying my time here so much. "I've come back and I'm a much better player this time around so I can't wait to get cracking and show the fans that I am a better player and can put in the performances on the pitch."

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The rest is history: Carroll's omission from Europa squad shows move is on
The Mirror

The official story is that the West Ham and Newcastle target has a groin problem but Rodgers is scared he'll suffer an injury that will put kibosh on £20m sale
Brendan Rodgers has brought the curtain down on Andy Carroll's Liverpool career by scratching the striker from the squad that has travelled to Belarus for their Europa League qualifier. New Anfield boss Rodgers finally showed his hand on Wednesday, with the striker's omission from the trip into the unknown to face FC Gomel signaling that a deal to end his disappointing 18 months on Merseyside is imminent. Carroll was originally named as a member of the squad and was slated to travel, but sources within the club have suggested Rodgers did not want to expose him to the risk of injury with a deal now firmly on the cards. The official explanation as the squad touched down following their five-hour flight into eastern Europe was that the striker had felt a twinge in his groin. But the reality for Carroll is that his Liverpool career is over, leaving West Ham and Newcastle to fight for his signature. It was originally planned that the big Geordie would take part in the game, because Europa League preliminary round rules mean he wouldn't be cup tied for any other club playing in the competition proper.

However, Rodgers is keen to avoid an injury severe enough to scupper a deal he is keen to see go through. The Nothern Irishman wants to sell Carroll to raise funds for new signings, and he will do so if any club matches his valuation of around £20million. West Ham have come closest to that figure with a package that would see the 23-year-old move to east London following an initial 12-month loan spell. While Carroll has made his preference for a return to former side Newcastle clear, they have yet to get close to Liverpool's valuation and the Reds will push through an agreement with the Hammers unless that changes. While figures at St James' Park have been bullish in their assertion the player will only move to them, the reality is that Carroll shares an agent with West Ham boss Sam Allardyce and his mentor is the London club's skipper Kevin Nolan, who he played alongside at Newcastle.

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Big Sam in bid to beat old club Blackburn to Sporting ace Silva by launching £1m raid
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 1 August 2012 | UPDATED: 22:30, 1 August 2012
Daily Mail

West Ham have launched a bid to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Adrien Silva. The 23-year-old has been a target for Blackburn, who were desperate to persuade him to join their Portuguese contingent. However, Sam Allardyce has moved to beat his former club with a £1million offer. Silva is a box to box style player who impressed on loan at Academica last season. Meanwhile, West Ham target Sebastian Boenisch has held talks with Wolves.

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Mourinho hopeful of keeping Brazilian star at Real Madrid
By talkSPORT | Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Jose Mourinho has revealed he expects Kaka to be a Real Madrid player next season. Mourinho had previously admitted he was unsure if the Brazilian, who has only played a bit part role under him, would be at the club next season. And Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Manchester City and West Ham were all reportedly keen on signing the former AC Milan star. But their hopes of landing him appear to be at an end after Mourinho claimed he will 'probably' remain with Madrid. "While Kaka is a Real Madrid player, and he will probably be a Real Madrid player next season too, then he'll continue training with the rest of the squad and travelling with us," Mourinho said. "In any case, it has been good for me to work with him up until now."

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Ramis signs for Wigan
August 1, 2012
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
ESPN

Wigan have clinched the signing of Real Mallorca centre-half Ivan Ramis for €5.5 million. Ramis, who has played almost 200 games for Mallorca and Valladolid, had been linked with a host of clubs including Everton, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Celtic, while he had also agreed in principle on a move to West Ham. However, chairman Dave Whelan told ESPN: "He has passed his medical and it is being concluded. It's down to the influence of Roberto [Martinez] because the player doesn't speak English and didn't want to go to West Ham who had agreed a deal. "But Roberto asked me to go out to Mallorca where I met their chairman and with the club in receivership; they accepted my offer and then I went to see the player." Ramis is Wigan's first major signing of the summer and Whelan added that they are looking at other targets before the window slams shut.

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PR or purpose? What are West Ham up to?
Thepremierleagueowl.com
A Columnist

Kaka, Andy Carroll and Carlos Tevez are the latest Upton Park transfer targets. Brave stuff for a West Ham team that's only just been promoted. You have to wonder, though, whether co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan are being sincere. So far this summer West Ham have purchased Mo Diame, James Collins, George McCartney and Modibo Maiga; not exactly world beaters. So what's going on? Are the international strikers being used to boost season ticket purchases or are the co-chairmen showing serious intent to challenge for a Europa League spot? For proof, one has to analyse the 16 years they spent at Birmingham. Of the five largest transfer fees paid by the Midlands club, four came in that era. As promising as that sounds, they weren't in the Kaka league. David Dunn cost £5.5m from Blackburn, Roger Johnson £5m from Cardiff, James McFadden £4.75m from Everton and Clinton Morrison £4.25 from Crystal Palace.

Moreover, the Sullivan and Gold aegis saw players sold for higher values. Jermaine Pennant fetched £6.7m from Liverpool, Matthew Upson £6m from West Ham and Emile Heskey £5.5m from Wigan – thus implying that Birmingham were a selling club. So, now that the pair is in charge at Upton Park, has anything changed?

The short answer is yes. West Ham are on the verge of winning the Olympic Stadium. The best stadium in the capital of capitals should be more than enough to lure players and fans alike in an ever-more virtuous spiral. David Sullivan, the former owner of the Daily Sport, is shrewd enough to realise that. Worth in excess of £500m, he'll have recognised that players with the reputation of Kaka, Carroll and Tevez are needed to bridge the attendance gap from the current 35,000 to the new 80,000.

Assuming players of that stature join and have a positive effect on performances, they will in effect pay for themselves in the long run. Such an eventuality would never be possible if West Ham stayed at Upton Park. Although up to 90% of supporters want this according to Kumb.com, such motives are short sighted – putting the club's history ahead of its future is folly of the basest kind.

The simple truth is that the Cockney boys' dreams are dependent on West Ham winning first place in the race for the Olympic Stadium. From that, we may see the same spread of international talent that we're currently witnessing at the Olympics.

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On his way to West Ham? Rodgers leaves Carroll at home as Reds embark on Europe
By DOMINIC KING
PUBLISHED: 15:07, 1 August 2012 | UPDATED: 20:13, 1 August 2012
Daily Mail

Andy Carroll's future has been cast into further doubt after he was left out of Liverpool's Europa League squad for Thursday night's game in Belarus. The England striker, who is wanted by West Ham and former club Newcastle, was expected to be involved in the first leg of the third qualifying round against FC Gomel but he has stayed on Merseyside. Officially his absence was put down to a slight groin strain but, reading between the lines, it would appear that no chances are being taken with his fitness because he could soon leave. West Ham remain desperate to land Carroll, 23, but his preference would be for a return to the North East with Newcastle, who are also in this season's Europa League. Had Carroll played in Belarus, he would not have been cup-tied because UEFA rules allow players to represent one club in a qualifying round and another in the group stages. Thursday night's game will barely register in Liverpool's illustrious European history but there will be added significance for Jamie Carragher, poised to make his 700th club appearance, and Brendan Rodgers. After three friendlies in North America, new manager Rodgers will finally take charge in a competitive game and, as someone who grew up supporting Liverpool, he says it will be the ultimate honour. 'Maybe over the history of the club this will not be one of the most glamorous games but, for me, it will mean everything,' said Rodgers. Rodgers insists there is plenty going on behind the scenes to bring in some more fresh faces. He told the club website: 'There's a lot of great work going on, obviously with the board and Ian Ayre in particular doing a lot of work behind the scenes. I've got regular contact going with our American owners and, in particular, Mike Gordon from Fenway Sports Group.
'Obviously when it's a club like Liverpool prices are always increased and so on, but I always felt it was important by the beginning of the season we could have the squad we want - and certainly by the end of the transfer window I would hope that will be the case. 'There is lots of speculation. I've seen hundreds of names linked with Liverpool and there's very few of them that were even close to coming here or we have even looked at. 'Unfortunately for the supporters they've got to read it and put up with it. But the message is there is a lot of work going on, on a number of deals and hopefully we can get those completed by the end of August.'

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