Daily WHUFC News - 5th June 2012

Barrera boosts Mexico
WHUFC.com
Pablo Barrera helped Mexico to record a fine 2-0 friendly win over Brazil in
Dallas at the weekend
04.06.2012

Pablo Barrera chalked up an assist as Mexico recorded a fine 2-0 friendly
win over Brazil in Dallas at the weekend. The West Ham United winger, who
spent the majority of the 2011/12 season on loan at Spanish Primera Division
side Real Zaragoza, provided the pass for Tottenham Hotspur's Giovani Dos
Santos to open the scoring. Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez
doubled El Tri's advantage as José Manuel de la Torre's side prepared for
their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in fine style. Barrera himself
was pleased with his 69-minute appearance and is looking forward to playing
his part as Mexico begin their quest to reach the finals, which will
incidentally be held in Brazil. "Every player always wants to bring his best
to the team and I have only that in mind," said the 24-year-old. "I have
played my best football for the national team and I hope to reach that level
again soon, but the important thing is to add something to the team
[whenever I play]."
Mexico start their 2014 FIFA World Cup CONCACAF third round Group B
qualifying campaign by travelling to Guyana on 8 June. Also in Group B are
Costa Rica and El Salvador. Barrera has enjoyed a fine career with Mexico
since making his debut against Guatemala in October 2007, earning 47 senior
caps and scoring six goals. He appeared at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South
Africa and won the CONCACAF Gold Cup in both 2009 and 2011.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sir Trevor excited by top tier return
WHUFC.com
Hammers legend Sir Trevor Brooking is looking up after enjoying his day out
at Wembley
04.06.2012

Sir Trevor Brooking was present to witness West Ham United's return to the
Premier League as they secured their first win at Wembley since Sir Trevor
himself headed home against Arsenal in the 1980 FA Cup Final. Ricardo Vaz Te
was the man who took over from the five-time Hammer of the Year as the last
player to score a winner for the Hammers at Wembley. West Ham TV was on hand
to catch up with Sir Trevor at the Home of Football and he admitted that he
was in awe of the superb turnout from Hammers supporters. "I think we could
have filled the stadium ourselves with the amount of ticket requests! All
the fans got here early as did I and Wembley Way was a sea of Claret and
Blue. "With the Bubbles floating around and the flags waving, West Ham have
created a fantastic atmosphere here."

That sensational backing helped push the Hammers on to a 2-1 victory over
Blackpool to seal their place back in the Premier League at the first time
of asking. Sir Trevor added that he is happy to now see the club heading
back in the right direction. "Financially it will be a big boost and the
next challenge will be staying up there. West Ham deserve to be in the
Premier League they are a huge club with fantastic worldwide support."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Samba Sam chasing Brazilian legend?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 4th June 2012
By: Staff Writer

As transfer rumours go it's a good one... West Ham are thought to be one of
the parties interested in signing free agent and former FIFA World Player of
the Year Ronaldinho. The 32-year-old Brazilian World Cup winner left
Flamengo - to whom he was contracted until 2014 - last week, in a row over
unpaid wages and image rights fees. He is currently suing them for
$20million in unpaid salaries. And Sam Allardyce, who is looking to rebuild
his squad for a second successive season is thought to have already enquired
into the ex-Barcelona star's availability. Speaking on Brazilian TV at the
weekend, Ronaldinho revealed just why he had parted company with Flamengo,
whom he only joined the previous year - and denied reports from head coach
Zinho that he had regularly skipped training. There were several delayed
payments," he told TV show Fantastico. "It was the final straw. "I have
always been professional and never arrived at a [training] session in an
unsuitable state. I have played nearly every game for the club this year. At
the worst I arrived at training tired sometimes, which is what happens to
many players."

Hammers boss Allardyce previously ran the rule over Ronaldinho - whose
international career is also in the balance having been dropped from recent
Brazil squads - when manager of Blackburn. However despite being linked with
Rovers plus clubs such as LA Galaxy, Corinthians and Palmeiras the 94
times-capped international ended up returning to his home country to join
the scarlet and blacks, the biggest club in Brazil. Already several
Brazilian clubs have said that they would not be interested in signing the
player who is considered to be damaged goods in his own country following
his decision to sue his former employers. However Spanish outfit Malaga -
plus two clubs in China - have already expressed an interest in signing a
player who just three years ago was widely considered to be the best player
in the world.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wally on 'keeper situation
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 4th June 2012
By: Staff Writer

First team coach Wally Downes has backed Stephen Henderson to fill West
Ham's vacant goalkeeper spot - if not now, in the near future. The Irish
shot stopper initially moved to the Boleyn Ground last February on an
emergency loan before signing a full-time contract in May. And despite Jussi
Jääskeläinen set to undergo a medical this week with view to replacing Rob
Green, who is currently out of contract having failed to agree a new deal
with West Ham, Downes insists that Henderson could be United's long-term
answer to the goalkeeping spot. "Henderson has been Rob's understudy and he
has been an excellent acquisition," Downes told Talksport."And we wouldn't
have had any qualms about putting him in if Rob would have got injured. "If
Rob does leave that would leave a position where he can go in as number one
or we get someone in and Henderson can understudy again for a while. "We're
quite relaxed about it, because if Rob stays we don't have to do it. But if
Rob goes we have got a goalkeeper who could go in and it wouldn't be a big
panic that we have to go out and get someone straight away."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam in for Le Sulk?
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 3rd June 2012
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are being linked with a move for former Arsenal and Chelsea striker
Nicolas Anelka. According to the Abu Dhabi-based Sports 360 website, Sam
Allardyce is weighing up a move for the player he took to Bolton back in
2006. Now 33, Anelka - once dubbed 'Le Sulk' - has been playing for Shanghai
Shenhua in China but is understood to be keen on a return to Europe just
five months after moving to the Chinese Super League club, despite having
recently joined the coaching staff. And Allardyce - who has been linked with
a string of 30-plus veterans since restoring West Ham to the Premier League
last month - is said to be keen to bring the former French international to
England for a second time. In other transfer news (or more accurately,
speculative paper talk) West Ham were rumoured to have had a second bid for
Norwich striker Grant Holt rejected. Having seen a £3million offer
apparently snubbed last week United are said to have returned with a second
offer of around £4million this weekend. However that too was reported to
have been knocked back by the Canaries, who are resigned to losing the
31-year-old forward after he declared his intention to leave the club last
week. But putting an even larger spanner in the works of any potential deal
was a Tweet from Norwich chief executive David McNally who said: "for the
record, we have not received a £4m bid for Grant from West Ham as apparently
is being suggested".

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
KUMB Awards 2011/12: it's Tomkins
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 3rd June 2012
By: Staff Writer

James Tomkins has been voted Player of the Year by readers of KUMB.com. The
23-year-old central defender wins the award for the first time, narrowly
beating off the challenge of Mark Noble who finishes runner-up - with
Ricardo Vaz Te grabbing third spot. Basildon-born Tomkins - who you voted as
your Young Player of the Year in 2010/11 - has enjoyed a wonderful season at
the heart of the defence during which he has emerged as one of the club's
most valuable assets. Meanwhile Danny Potts followed up his recent club
nomination by grabbing the KUMB.com Young Player of the Year award,
supported by Henri lansbury (second place) and Robert Hall (third). The full
list of winners are listed below; for full details - including all
runners-up, third place nominations and previous winners visit the 15th
KUMB.com 2011/12 Annual Awards.

KUMB.com Awards XV: 2011/12 season

Player of the Year: James Tomkins.

Young Player of the Year: Danny Potts.

Goal of the Season: Ricardo Vaz Te vs Brighton.

Best Signing: Ricardo Vaz Te.

Most Improved Player: Winston Reid.

Most Memorable Match: West Ham Utd 2-1 Blackpool.

Worst Player of the Year: John Carew.

Worst Signing: John Carew.

Biggest Disappointment: Seven successive home games without a win.

Hackett of the Year: Barry Hearn.

Most Missed: Demba Ba.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
McNally - Holt is not for sale
'There is no mutiny here', insists Norwich chief executive
Last Updated: June 4, 2012 3:03pm
SSN

Grant Holt is not for sale and there is no mutiny at Carrow Road, according
to Norwich chief executive David McNally. Holt put a transfer request in
last month after scoring 15 Premier League goals in the Canaries' successful
return to the top flight last season. Manager Paul Lambert then walked away
from Carrow Road to take the vacant manager's role at Aston Villa, leading
to speculation there could be a series of exits this summer. But McNally is
adamant that the club's 31-year-old target man will be staying at Norwich
next season. "The Grant Holt matter is completely unrelated to the Paul
Lambert issue," McNally told The Pink 'Un. "That is clear from the timing of
the initial transfer request. "Grant Holt, we would prefer absolutely to
stay at the football club. He has been magnificent for us. The first player
to win the Player of the Season trophy three years in succession, and
rightly so. "He was mentioned by many as a potential member of the England
Euro squad this year - 70 goals in three years, 17 goals last year including
15 in the Premier League. "He is not for sale - Grant Holt is not for sale."

Replacement

"How much will it cost me and the club to find a replacement, a centre
forward with 70 goals in the next three seasons? How much would that cost?
"Players do join football clubs and players do leave football clubs, but
Grant is not for sale. He has two years left on his contract and we look
forward to him completing the length of his contract. "There is not really a
split. He has asked for a transfer, it has been denied and that is where we
are, really. "I am sure when we have a new manager in, the new manager will
pick up the day-to-day management of the players once again." There has been
speculation that with Norwich facing the prospect of losing their star
player as well as their manager, this is the tip of the iceberg and there is
unrest at Carrow Road. But McNally is adamant that the problems at the club
are being overstated. "There is no mutiny here," he added. "The players are
fine - they will be saying, quite rightly, good luck to Paul Lambert, he has
been great for them, and they have enjoyed working with him. "But most of
the players that I have spoken to are saying they are really excited about
the new season, new face, new voice. "Good luck to Paul, I am sure he will
do well at Aston Villa, but we are really excited about the next chapter at
Norwich City Football Club. "And we are very lucky that we have so many
young, talented footballers whose careers are on the rise and we have got
them at the right age and we have time on their contracts."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Elmo tickles Big Sam's fancy
Sunderland's Egyptian winger set for loan move to West Ham
Last Updated: June 4, 2012 11:39am
SSN

Sunderland winger Ahmed Elmohamady has revealed he is in talks with West Ham
about the possibility of a loan switch to Upton Park. The 25-year-old has
been out of favour at the Stadium of Light, failing to make a single Premier
League start since Martin O'Neill took the reins in December. Speaking after
Egypt's 2-0 victory over Mozambique in a World Cup qualifier on Friday,
Elmohamady said: "West Ham are in talks with me. There could be something
next week." It is reported Elmohamady would be likely to move on an initial
season-long loan, with a view to a permanent deal next summer. West Ham boss
Sam Allardyce is keen to recruit players in order to prepare his team for
life in the top flight after gaining promotion through the play-offs late in
May. George McCartney also spent last season on loan with the Hammers and
could be set for a permanent move to Upton Park but it is Elmohamady that
Allardyce is prioritising for now. The Egyptian has two years left to run on
his Sunderland contract but O'Neill is keen to listen to offers for a player
brought in by his predecessor, Steve Bruce.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A Diamond in the Rough that Needs to Shine!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die

So, it seems that Rob Green will, indeed, leave the club on a Bosman.
Personally, I would not have chosen to replace Green, in our first season
back in the PL, but if that is the way that it must be then so be it. The
Goal keeper position is key in a successful team. A good keeper organises
his defence, gives team mates confidence and can save you 10 points a
season. A sub-standard or over the hill keeper can do exactly the opposite.
Think of the assurance provided by Phil Parkes and the uncertainty &
mistakes during Allen McKnight's tenure of the No. 1 jersey. So, it is vital
that Sam Allardyce get this one right.

My assessment of Rob Geen was that he is a good keeper. He is primarily a
reaction keeper, ike Shaka Hislop, who pulls off saves that others would
not. He organises his defence competently, but arguably fails to
sufficiiently dominate his penalty area. In particular, he is not always
strong enough in coming out and gathering high balls; while his kicking can
be a bit wayward at times. As I stated, I would have prefered the status
quo, with Green staying and competing with Henderson and, perhaps, Jussi,
but if not, lets ensure that we get it the changes right! Jussi is due to
come in and he is a very experienced keeper, who will be great back up and a
good influence on Henderson. And the factor X in all this is Henderson's
readiness to come straight in and perform in the first team. If he does then
we may even find ourselves with a better custodian? Is Henderson-Jussi the
right combination to take into the new season or do we need to add another
keeper as extra assurance? Its interesting that we have been linked with
Fulham's David Stockdale, although I cannot see the club paying £5m for his
services. Alternatively, experienced keepers like Robinson and Gordon are
also available on a reasonable fee/free transfer, if it is felt another
custodian is necessary.

Next season, we need to build upon the unity and team spirit established
during the ourse of last campaign It means adding some quality and strength
in depth and ensuring that the existing core of the squad perform to the top
of their ability. The likes of Tomkins, Noble, Reid, Va Te and Collison must
prove beyond any shadow of a doubt that they are quality PL performers;
others like O'Neill, and O'Brien must give 110% and make their contribution
in sweat and hard graft; more experienced players like Matt Taylor, Nolan
and Cole must bring it to the table and make it count; and, ideally, a
couple of the youngsters need to step up their development and make a first
team impact.

With the latter category, there is one player whose future at the club is
both tantalising and intriguing. A real diamond in the rough that needs to
shine! Of course, I am talking about Ravel Morrison, a player with enormous
ability, who could rmake a massive, positive impact next season. The issues
relating to Ravel Morison are well documented and I am not totally sure how
things stand with him at present? But if he could really apply himself,
start realising his massive potential and inject creativity in to our
forward line, then it would be a major factor contributing to a successful
season. Morrison has everything to be a top PL and international footballer,
including fanastic technique, pace, vision and the ability to score goals.
But all of that can come to nothing if the attitude, dedication and
application is not right.

It is a major challenge to Sam Allardyce and West Ham Utd FC to get this
young man 100% focused upon his football and producing the goods. Imagine
the enormous boost to the club if Ravel Morrison came through, with the
likes of Potts, Moncur or Hall also pushing on! We cannot rely it, in
formulating our squad for next season, but it could be a real factor in not
only surviving but having a good season.

SJ. Chandos.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vaz Te tells Big Sam to save his money as Hammers target Holt and Anelka
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 09:05, 4 June 2012 | UPDATED: 11:46, 4 June 2012
Daily Mail

Ricardo Vaz Te has told Sam Allardyce to save his cash this summer, and
stick with him up front with West Ham eyeing moves for Nicolas Anelka and
Grant Holt.
Vaz Te scored the winning goal in the Championship play-off final to secure
the Hammers passage back to the top flight with a 2-1 victory at Wembley
over Blackpool last month. The former Bolton striker now wants Allardyce to
think twice before splashing big money on another front man, because the
25-year-old believes he can score enough goals in the Premier League next
season. Allardyce has been linked with the potential signings of Anelka,
Norwich's Holt and Bas Dost, who left Heerenveen for Wolfsburg last week.
Allardyce was also on alert as Anelka - who played under the manager at
Bolton - has hinted that he is willing to leave China after leaving Chelsea
for Shanghai Shenhua in January. But Vaz Te scored 12 goals in 18
appearances after arriving at Upton Park from Barnsley in January, and
thinks he can do the job in the Premier League. The Portugese striker said:
'I have confidence that I can score more goals next season 'I am looking
forward to the challenge that being in the Premier League brings.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham to raid West Ham for Rob Green and James Tomkins
Tottenham are lining up a double swoop on West Ham in order to land both
Robert Green and James Tomkins.
Harry Redknapp has identified England's number two goalkeeper as a player he
wants to add to his squad this summer.
Metro.co.uk

Robert Green is one of two West Ham players Tottenham are aiming to sign
this summer (PA) Hammers co-chairman David Gold confirmed over the weekend
that Green will be leaving Upton Park on a free transfer after seeing out
his contract with the club. With 41-year-old Brad Friedel and Carlo
Cudicini, 38, among his goalkeeping ranks, Redknapp needs a younger option
in this area and Green seems to fit the bill. As well as entering
negotiations with the former Norwich stopper, Spurs have tabled a £5 million
bid for Tomkins, which their London rivals are currently considering.
Tomkins is rated as one of the country's best youngsters in the heart of
defence and played all but one of West Ham's matches last season as they
secured an immediate return to the Premier League. Caught Offside suggested
Spurs are keen to add two centre-backs to their squad this summer, with
Ledley King expected to retire and Ryan Nelsen due to move to the MLS.
Belgian Jan Vertonghen will be one and they hope to make Tomkins the other.
West Ham are expected to fight hard to keep the 23-year-old, but his head
could be turned by the prospect of European football at White Hart Lane.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United, Queens Park Rangers and Sunderland said to be interested in
former Wigan Athletic midfielder Mohamed Diame
Guardian Series
1:58pm Monday 4th June 2012 in News

West Ham are interested in signing Mohamed Diame but Queens Park Rangers and
Sunderland are also in the hunt for the Senegal international midfielder,
reports claim. The 24-year-old is available on a free transfer after leaving
Wigan Athletic and was thought to be heading to Liverpool until Kenny
Dalglish's departure as manager. There has also been interest from Europe in
Diame but the former Rayo Vallecano man is believed to want to remain in the
Premier League.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Elmohamady paves way for Sunderland exit and confirms West Ham loan talks
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 12:19, 4 June 2012 | UPDATED: 12:19, 4 June 2012
Daily Mail

Sunderland's Ahmed Elmohamady could be on his way to West Ham, after the
winger revealed he is in talks with Sam Allardyce's side over a potential
loan switch.
The 25-year-old has struggled to get any playing time since Martin O'Neill
took over at Sunderland, and has not started a Premier League game since his
arrival.
The Egyptian said: 'West Ham are in talks with me. There could be something
next week.' Elmohamady looks likely to join Allardyce's team on a
season-long loan, and could seal a permanent switch after that spell. After
gaining promotion through the play-offs to the Premier League, Allardyce is
looking to assemble a squad that can survive in the top-flight next season.
George MCartney spent the season on loan at West Ham, and he could be set
for a permanent move to Upton Park.
But Allardyce will be buoyed to hear that Martin O'Neill is keen to listen
to any offers for Elmohamady, who was signed by Steve Bruce.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com