Daily WHUFC News - 9th August 2012

Big Sam backs Stratford vision
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce has voiced his support for West Ham United's move to the Olympic Stadium
08.08.2012

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce believes it would be a 'Dream come true' if the Hammers' bid to move into the Olympic Stadium post-2012 is successful.
After watching the exploits of Team GB at the Games, Allardyce believes West Ham United could use their efforts as an inspiration to do bigger and better things on the football pitch should West Ham United be offered the chance to move to Stratford. The future of the Olympic Stadium is expected to be decided later this year, but Big Sam is excited about what the Stadium could provide if the Hammers were to make it their home. "It would be a dream come true and there is nothing I can say more certain than that," said Allardyce. "Everyone who is a part of West Ham United knows how much it would benefit the club if we were offered the chance.
"We've all seen the atmosphere, the surroundings, the walk up and it would take this club to another level if our bid is accepted."

Big Sam is an avid follower of all sport and has been inspired by Team GB's efforts, in particular Bradley Wiggins and Mark Hunter. He paid tribute to Wiggins, whilst stating that his side can learn from the 2012 Tour de France winner's hard work and dedication. "For me, the Bradley Wiggins story is a great one, you can physically see the difference between this Tour de France and the previous one. "It wasn't the gym, extra training and it wasn't physiological, he managed to lose three or four kilos so his body could stand the endurance at a lighter weight on the mountain climbs of the tour. "That takes huge dedication and is the kind of commitment our lads need to show in order to gain that extra advantage."

The club sent Olympic rower and lifelong West Ham United fan Hunter good luck messages ahead of his rowing final on Saturday and Allardyce hopes that Hunter's efforts in securing a silver medal will act as motivation for his players. "I know Mark is competing in the twos but he also rows individually," said Allardyce. "It's to his credit for the way in which he motivates himself to his particular sport. "We come in as a team and that means we can have a lot of fun, his training can be very lonely and pretty boring, but he still motivates himself to achieve his goal. "We have to do the same and make sure we don't become complacent, ensuring we get the maximum out of every training session."

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Alou Alou: Diarra on his way
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th August 2012
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are on the verge of signing experienced French international Alou Diarra, according to reports emanating from across the Channel tonight. The 31-year-old was due to arrive in London on Thursday evening, according to trusted French football outlet L'Equipe. The much-travelled Diarra, who currently plays for French Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille is said to on his way to the UK in order to complete a medical before finalising a move to West Ham. A defensive midfielder, who can also be utilised in the centre of defence Diarra spent three years as a Liverpool player when he was signed by Gerard Houllier, a fellow Frenchman, in 2002 from Bayern Munich.

However he failed to make a single appearance for the Merseyside club and spent the three years contracted to the club on loan at Le Havre, Bastia and Lens - who he eventually joined on a permanent basis in 2005. The 6'3" Frenchman's most successful years followed thereafter as he moved to Lyon in 2006 - where he picked up a league-winners medal - and then on to Bordeaux in 2007 where he spent the next four years. It was during this stage in his career that he captained his country at the 2010 World Cup Finals, in their opening game of the tournament against hosts South Africa. Linked with clubs such as Manchester City in the past, Diarra moved to current club Marseille in July 2011 for €5million.

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Hurst back stadium move
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th August 2012
By: Staff Writer

Sir Geoff Hurst has backed West Ham's plans to move to the Olympic Stadium in 2014. With the official decision as to who has won the rights to the Stratford-based arena still some weeks away, the 1966 World Cup hero says that he would be delighted if his former club were given the keys. Speaking via his personal website, Hurst said: "Even now, 55 years after I first pulled on the claret and blue shirt, I remain a committed supporter of West Ham United, the club that has played a significant role in my career and my life. "Like most other West Ham fans I have a special attachment to the old stadium with all its memories of great times playing alongside legendary figures like Bobby Moore, Martin Peters, Johnny Byrne, Billy Bonds and Trevor Brooking. "But I accept that in the modern game the club has to evolve and move with the times if it is to remain competitive at the highest level. "Careful consideration has gone into the proposed move to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford and I feel strongly that the club should, given the opportunity, move into this state-of-the-art facility. "There are so many advantages involved in moving to the Olympic Stadium," he continued. "Better facilities, easy access - and, of course, we would remain in our 'manor' preserving the unique East End identity of the club. I made 500 appearances for West Ham and would have loved the opportunity of playing regularly on such a magnificent stage. "Instead, the current team, newly-promoted to the Premier League, and all those players who follow in the years ahead may now have that chance. The challenge will be for them to fill the stadium with 60,000 cheering West Ham fans. It is an exciting prospect."

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Mohsni in limbo
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 8th August 2012
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are still hoping to conclude a deal with Southend United for defender Bilel Mohsni. The 25-year-old Frenchman, who has also featured for his current club as a striker was the subject of a bid, reported to be in the region of £150,000, from West Ham last week. And despit some sources claiming that Southend had rejected the offer, it is understood that West Ham's offer remains on the table. Mohsni is the only one of the club's latest batch of triallists that West Ham are interesting in signing on a permanent basis. Dutch defender Michael Lamey, who featured for the Hammers during their recent pre-season tour of Germany was released shortly after. Meanwhile Colin Kazim-Richards, who also represented United in four pre-season fixtures was similarly let go without being offered a permanent contract - despite scoring in the 2-2 draw against Energie Cottbus last week. The former Sheffield United striker, who has spent the last few years of his career playing in Turkey in now hoping to secure a loan move to Championship side Blackburn Rovers, who were relegated from the Premier League last season.

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Konate set for England
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 8th August 2012
By: Staff Writer

Reports from Senegal suggest that Moussa Konate is currently in London negotiating a move to England. The 19-year-old striker has been one of the biggest succeses of the Olympic football tournament, scoring five times in his four appearances during the games - making him the competition's second-highest goalscorer. Just last week, the Maccabi Tel Aviv forward revealed that he would be interested in a move to West Ham after he was linked with the Hammers. "There is talk of interest from West Ham and that would make me very happy," he said, adding ""I hope I can move to the Premier League."

This morning, reports from Senegalese media claimed that Konate was set to achieve his dream move - although his exact destination remains unclear. Speaking via Twitter, a journalist reporting on behalf of the Senegalese Football Federation said: "I can't confirm where yet but London 2012 star Moussa Konate is in the midst of negotiations for a transfer to England."

Senegal, who drew 1-1 with Great Britain - a game in which Konate opened his account for the tournament - were knocked out of the competition by Mexico in the first knockout phase. Further to that goal the young striker scored twice against Uruguay, once against the United Arab Emirates before closing his account with a goal against Mexico.

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Bye bye badman
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th August 2012
By: Staff Writer

Ravel Morrison has completed his loan move to Championship side Birmingham City. The 19-year-old midfielder has left West Ham just six months after joining from Manchester United in a cut-price deal - as revealed here on KUMB.com last night. The reasons for Morrison's departure remain shrouded in mystery although a string of unconfirmed rumours point to an altercation with a member of Sam Allardyce's backroom staff. The move was confirmed by the midlands club today; a short statement on bcfc.com reading: "The highly-rated 19-year-old arrives at St. Andrew's from the Barclays Premier League club looking to gain further first-team experience and will bolster Lee Clark's midfield ranks. "Morrison has been given first-team squad number 12 for the 2012/13 campaign."

The former England youth international made just one appearance for West Ham's first team following his move from Manchester, in the 1-1 draw at Leeds where he was an 81st-minute substitute.

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Moussa Konate - Destination West Ham?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die

Kumb have reported that Senegalese media sources are stating that Olympic striking sensation, Moussa Konate, is currently in London negotiating a move to a PL club. The 19-year-old striker impressed in the Olympic football competition, scoring five times in his four appearances for Senegal, including his opener in the 1-1 draw with Great Britain.

The Maccabi Tel Aviv striker recently revealed his interest in a move to West Ham. He was quoted as stating that: 'There is talk of interest from West Ham and that would make me very happy' he said, adding 'I hope I can move to the Premier League.' Certainly, West ham were the first PL club alerted to Konate's ability and expressed an early interest in signing him. However, there has since been interest from other clubs.

Consequently, it is as yet not clear just who Konate is currently negotiating with? West Ham would look to be favourites, but it could be that QPR or Spurs are involved? So, is Moussa's destination West Ham? I certainly hope so, as he is exactly the type of young, talented striker that we should be targeting. He is physically strong, leads the line well and scores goals. And unlike the likes of Andy Carroll he appears to want to play for the club; oh, and an added bonus is that he will not cost the club an absolute fortune!

Some would probably see the signing as a bit of a gamble, but personally I think he could be an absolute sensation in the PL.

SJ. Chandos.

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Stadium is key to Sam's plans
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today at 00:00
The SUn

SAM ALLARDYCE reckons West Ham will become a European football force if they get the keys to the Olympic Stadium. The Hammers expect to finally find out next month whether their bid to lease the acclaimed arena after the Games has been successful. And boss Big Sam said: "Everyone who is a part of West Ham United knows how much it would benefit the club. "It would take this club to another level if our bid is accepted." West Ham plan to honour Team GB rower Mark Hunter, who won silver in the double sculls. The Eastender is a big Hammers fan and will be invited to join the squad for a training session in recognition of his efforts on the water — and to provide Big Sam's players with inspiration. Allardyce said: "It's to his credit the way he motivates himself. "We come in as a team and we can have a lot of fun. His training can be very lonely but he still motivates himself."

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Emmanuel Adebayor an option for ambitious West Ham?
HereIsTheCity.com
by Dan Coombs
@hitcdancoombs

With respective deals for Andy Carroll and with Tottenham Hotspur seemingly falling through, could West Ham and Emmanuel Adebayor solve each others' problems?
Here's one to consider, and it might just work out all round. With Sam Allardyce seemingly giving up on his long winded pursuit of Andy Carroll, it's time he looked at other targets. A fruitless sojourn around Europe has already proved largely unsuccessful for Big Sam, and with the season two weeks away he would be wise to look close to home in the Premier League for an alternative. One of the league's most dangerous, if at times controversial, strikers is available - and that man is Emmanuel Adebayor. He was loaned to Tottenham last season, scoring an impressive 17 league goals in 32 starts. He may have his quirks but there is no denying his quality, and he would be a striker with the ability to turn the Hammers into contenders to even finish in the league's top half. An obvious concern to the chances of this deal is the financial implications, but just because Tottenham are being cautious, it doesn't mean West Ham have to be. Spurs are unlikely to move for the Togo striker until Luka Modric's future is sorted out, and as the days go by, him heading back to the Lane appears ever more unlikely. Manchester City are desperate to get rid of him. It was reported they were asking for a £6 million fee, but as time goes on this figure is only going to creep downwards. The important thing to consider here is the investment David Gold and Sullivan are ready to make for West Ham. They were ready to lay out big to sign Andy Carroll, and bringing in Adebayor would surely not work out more expensive. If West Ham cannot afford to bring in Adebayor permanently, they may wish to consider bringing him in on loan for the season with a view to buy, but stumping up the majority of his wages. This would keep Manchester City happy, and the player, who would not have to take a cut. His contract at City runs until 2014 and he is clearly keen to maximise his money, but a year on, City may be keener to buy him out of it when there is just one year remaining simply to get him off their books, but at present this would be too costly, even for City.

The striker may see West Ham as a step down considering 18 months ago he was playing for Real Madrid, but right now he has to be realistic about his options, and he doesn't have many, save for sitting in City's reserves. If West Ham can come up with the right package, which suits them, Adebayor, and Manchester City, then it is a deal worth pursuing. The Andy Carroll chase showed the club do have funds ready to commit if necessary, and Adebayor would be a further instant improvement to a side which already looks like it has the makings of being very capable this coming season.

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Nolan offers ultimate value to be West Ham's top scorer this season
News.ladbrokes.com

Kevin Nolan is a definite starter and has scored 10+ goals in each of the last three seasons. Considering Kevin Nolan was West Ham's second top scorer in the Championship last season, 10/1 looks massive value that he tops the scoring charts for the Hammers in their first campaign back in the Premier League. Carlton Cole has been West Ham's top scorer in three of the last four seasons and is 6/4 to end the coming campaign with this accolade again. Last season was his best ever goal return of 14 league goals in the Championship, but he has never managed more than ten in a Premier League season. Meanwhile, there is every chance that Cole will not be guaranteed as many starts this season, with West Ham likely to employ a single striker and Modibo Maiga arriving from Sochaux to provide competition. Manager Sam Allardyce arguably had his doubts over Cole at Championship level with 12 of his 43 appearances coming via the bench and he could spend more games there this campaign.

His chase of Andy Carroll was further proof that he is unsure about Cole's capabilities at Premier League level. Maiga's pace and dynamic style should be suited to the Premier League, but he seemed to enjoy greater success in France when in a two-man attack, so his potential may also be stifled if picked as a lone frontman.
Given that he may also need time to settle into England, 5/1 is a fair price that he is West Ham's top scorer. Nolan has no such issues and will be the first name on Allardyce's teamsheet as the Hammers' captain. The midfielder has once again proved his eye for goal by netting 41 league goals in his last three seasons, with his lowest total in a single campaign being 12. Nolan additionally has the advantage of having previously scored goals in the Premier League over countless seasons, which is not something that is true of the majority of the squad. Ricardo Vaz Te had a spell at Bolton, but found first-team opportunities hard to come by, while this is Nicky Maynard's first crack at England's top flight.

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Upton Park to provide West Ham home comforts in coming year
News.ladbrokes.com

With uncertainty still ongoing regarding the future use of the Olympic Stadium, Ladbrokes' 2/5 about West Ham playing all their Premier League home games at Upton Park next season looks a terrific bet. While most still expect the Hammers to eventually be granted permission to call the Olympic Stadium their home, it seems extremely far-fetched to suggest that it could happen as early as this season. Indeed, when initially outlining plans to move into the purpose-built ground, it was said by Hammers chiefs that they could envisage such a scenario 'as early as 2014.' The club's chief executive Karen Brady also told the London Evening Standard as recently as two weeks ago: "Nobody is better placed to deliver the legacy for London than West Ham United. "Our proposal would ensure a vibrant, busy stadium immediately upon the opening of the venue in 2014."

A decision on the future inhabitants of the stadium is expected in October of this year, though despite Brady's comments, it is not necessarily a foregone conclusion that West Ham will be chosen. Tottenham were initially thought to be at the forefront of potential candidates for the stadium, and maintain ambitions of redeveloping the National Sports Centre at Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Leyton Orient also lodged a bid to take over the stadium, and despite having a significantly smaller fan base than their competitors, a ground share with West Ham is not out of the question. Of course, such circumstances would delay the process of the Hammers moving into the stadium yet further. All things considered, it simply doesn't seem plausible for West Ham to complete a move into the Olympic Stadium prior to the end of this season, if they eventually do so at all. Therefore, the 2/5 odds about them hosting each of their home Premier League matches at Upton Park this term look well worth taking advantage of.

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