Daily WHUFC News - 22nd June 2012

Big Sam and Momo on West Ham TV
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce has completed a superb week for West Ham United TV subscribers
21.06.2012

If you're missing watching West Ham United in action then West Ham TV is where you need to head. The club's very own web TV channel has had an incredibly busy week catching up with all of the people that matter to ensure Hammers fans all over the world are kept entertained during the summer break. First up this week was a two-part exclusive with Joint-Chairman David Gold, where he explained the pride he will feel at watching his boyhood club re-enter the Barclays Premier League once more. Gold also spoke about which areas the Hammers will be looking to strengthen this summer. Then Academy Director Tony Carr sat down to look back on another successful season for the Under-18s, while revealing his 'Ones to watch' this coming season and why he can see Danny Potts and Robert Hall making a first-team impact this season.

West Ham United's third summer signing Mohamed Diame was next to talk to the West Ham TV cameras about how much he's looking forward to life in east London and why West Ham United belong in the Premier League. He said: "They came up this year as we know last year they weren't in the league. We've got to try to do our best and show everybody that we can show everybody that we are in the Premier League."

Finally, to cap off West Ham TV's big week, manager Sam Allardyce dropped in to update fans on how preparations are coming along for the club's return to the Premier League and why he still feels pride at his side's victory at Wembley last month.

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Green thanks fans
WHUFC.com
Robert Green has paid tribute to the West Ham United fans after agreeing a deal with QPR
21.06.2012

Robert Green has thanked the West Ham United fans for their incredible support during his time at the club after agreeing a deal to sign for Queens Park Rangers.
The England keeper is set to embark on the next stage of his career in west London after six years with the Hammers. But before he leaves when his contract runs out on 30 June, he was keen to acknowledge the support he has received from the Hammers fans and staff during his time at the Boleyn Ground. "I would like to convey my thanks, especially to the fans, for the six years I spent at West Ham. The relationship I had with the West Ham fans was special and will be remembered with great fondness not only by myself but also by my family. "I must also say a thank-you to the manager, the players and all the staff for everything while I was at the club."

Green who made 241 appearances in the claret and blue in all competitions, also wished everyone at the club well on their return to the Premier League. "I would like to wish the manager, the lads and of course the fans, all the best for the upcoming season and beyond."

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Robert Green to join QPR from West Ham on free transfer
BBC.co.uk

Robert Green will join Queens Park Rangers when his West Ham contract expires at the end of this month. The 32-year-old goalkeeper, who is currently with the England squad at Euro 2012, will sign a two-year deal. QPR boss Mark Hughes said: "He's got all the characteristics of a top keeper and he'll be a huge addition for us."

Robert Green made the same number of appearances in his six years with West Ham United (241) as he did during a decade at Norwich City (1996-2006) "It's an exciting period for everybody connected to QPR and I can't wait to get started," added Green, who spent six years at Upton Park. "I'm excited about the challenge ahead and hugely encouraged by the direction in which the owners and Mark Hughes are looking to take the club."

The 6ft 3in keeper, who has won 12 senior caps, started his career at Norwich before joining West Ham in 2006 for £2m where he went on to make more than 200 appearances. His last game for the East London side shirt was at Wembley in May, when West Ham beat Blackpool 2-1 in the Championship play-off final. The Hammers were keen to retain Green, with joint-chairman David Gold writing on Twitter last month: "Robert Green is a free agent, he has chosen to move on.
"Nobody wants Rob to leave but nothing is forever, he must do what's best for him and we must do what's best for us."

After making his international debut against Colombia in 2005, Green was out of the England side until 2009 when he played a role in the successful qualification campaign for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Green became the first goalkeeper to be sent off for England when he was dismissed for a professional foul during England's final 2010 World Cup qualifier against Ukraine in October 2009 He retained his place in Fabio Capello's squad for the tournament and was picked to face the United States in England's opening group game. But that match will forever be remembered for Green allowing Clint Dempsey's 25-yard shot to squirm under his body and roll over the line in a 1-1 draw. Green has since recovered, and remains in the England squad as back-up to Manchester City's Joe Hart. He made his last international appearance against Norway in one of England's Euro 2012 warm-up games.

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Green's tribute
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st June 2012
By: Staff Writer

Robert Green has paid tribute to the West Ham fans after it was confirmed that he would be leaving the club after six years' service. The England number two, who enjoyed a special relationship with the Boleyn faithful since succeeding Shaka Hislop also added his best wishes to his former team mates as they prepare to face a first season back in the Premier League. "I would like to convey my thanks, especially to the fans, for the six years I spent at West Ham," Green told whufc.com.
"The relationship I had with the West Ham fans was special and will be remembered with great fondness not only by myself but also by my family. "I must also say a thank-you to the manager, the players and all the staff for everything while I was at the club. "I would like to wish the manager, the lads and of course the fans, all the best for the upcoming season and beyond."

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Big Sam going double Dutch?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st June 2012
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are still hoping to take young Dutch striker Luc Castaignos on loan for the season, according to reports emanating from Italy today. Respected journalist Gianluca Di Marzio revealed earlier today today that United are closing in on a deal to take the 19-year-old Internazionale striker on loan for the season with view to a permanent contract at the end of that commitment - a figure reported to be in the region of €8million. And according to Di Marzio, Sam Allardyce is hoping to make it a double-whammy by also landing Juve's Eljero Elia on similar terms. Allardyce, who was spotted in Italy last week - as previously reported here on KUMB - is hoping to sign several new players in addition to the three already captured on a permanent basis since the end of last season - Stephen Henderson, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Momo Diame.

With transfer fees unlikely to spent on anyone but established Premier League players - such as Norwich striker Grant Holt for whom a new bid is reported elsewhere to have been made - United will look to take as many players as possible on a loan basis in order to minimise the financial burden this term. Both Castaignos and Elia landed big money moves to Italy in 2011 - striker Castaignos moving from Feyenood for €3million and his fellow countryman from Hamburg for €9million. Neither have been in the first team picture for their club sides in recent months.

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More signings to come
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st June 2012
By: Staff Writer

Karren Brady has admitted that West Ham hope to sign several more players ahead of the start of the 2012/13 Premier League campaign. United's vice-chairm, speaking on Sky Sports News today confirmed that the board were hoping to sign 'a few' players to add to the trio already bagged - goalkeepers Stephen Henderson and Jussi Jaaskelainen plus midfielder Momo Diame. "We hope to bring in a few more significant signings to improve our team and increase our chances of remaining in the Premier League and really 'have a go'," Brady said. "We want to compete and make a contribution to this league. West Ham are a great club who deserve to play in the greatest league in the world. Sam [Allardyce] has made a very strategic plan; we have a comprehensive list of players we hope to bring in and we are working to do that."

Despite reports that the Hammers had made an improved bid for Norwich striker Grant Holt - a figure some sources have claimed equates to £5.5million - Brady stopped short of naming any specific targets. "It's not appropriate to comment on other people's players," she added. "We prefer to do our business face to face with the chairmen of other clubs, and that's what we'll do."

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Green joins QPR
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st June 2012
By: Staff Writer

Robert Green has left West Ham after six years at the club, it has been confirmed. The England international, who is currently on duty for his country at the European Championships has signed a permanent contract with fellow Premier League side Queens Park Rangers, according to reports emanating from West London this morning. A delighted Rangers boss Mark Hughes, speaking this morning said: "It was important we brought another quality keeper into the group."

Green, who was signed by Alan Pardew from Norwich for just £2million in 2006 has been a virtual ever-present for the Hammers in the last six years. However his refusal to sign a new contract despite being offered a healthy incentive to do so - reported to be double that of his existing salary - meant that he was always likely to leave on a free transfer this summer. The 32-year-old's departure means that Stephen Henderson and new signing Jussi Jasskelainen will now do battle for the vacant number one shirt. KUMB.com would like to wish Rob the very best of luck with his new career.

Robert Green: KUMB Awards
As voted for by the readers of KUMB.com.

Player of the Year: 2007/08
Player of the Year (Runner Up): 2006/07, 2010/11
Player of the Year (Third Place): 2009/10, 2008/09
Best Signing (Third Place): 2006/07

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Brady - Hammers have hit list
West Ham vice-chairman tells fans to expect more arrivals
By Rebecca Stephenson. Last Updated: June 21, 2012 3:15pm
SSN

Karren Brady says West Ham are working through a 'comprehensive list' as they look to build a squad to compete in the Premier League. The Hammers secured promotion through the play-offs after beating Blackpool 2-1 at Wembley in May and have already completed the signing of Mohamed Diame from Wigan and former Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. The vice-chairman is excited to have overseen the club's return to the top flight and says their aims go beyond simply staying there. She told Sky Sports News: "We hope to bring in a few more significant signings to improve our team and increase our chances of remaining in the Premier League and really 'have a go'.

Compete

"We want to compete and really make a contribution to this league. West Ham are a great club who deserve to play in the greatest league in the world. "Sam has made a very strategic plan. We have a comprehensive list of players we hope to bring in and we are working to do that." But Brady refused to comment on reports that Grant Holt is at the top of that list. She continued: "It's not appropriate to comment on other people's players. "We prefer to do our business face to face with the chairmen of other clubs, and that's what we'll do."

Dream

West Ham are also hopeful of taking over the Olympic Stadium, and Brady says the club are committed to preserving the venue's legacy. The former Birmingham City chairman added: "We still have a dream. The Olympic Stadium has been built. Someone has to use it, and provide the jobs. "Its legacy needs to be preserved. It needs someone to come into that community, ensure supporters come in and use the park, and do that on a global stage -that's what the Premier League provides.
"We're very hopeful and we're working very hard to get it."

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Green agrees QPR move
England goalkeeper handed two-year deal at Loftus Road
Last Updated: June 21, 2012 10:21am
SSN

England goalkeeper Rob Green has agreed a two-year deal with Queens Park Rangers after electing to leave West Ham. Green, who is currently on international duty at Euro 2012 where he is providing back-up to No.1 Joe Hart, will become an Rs player on 1st July when his contract with the Hammers expires. The 32-year-old joined West Ham in a £2million move from Norwich in August 2006 and made over 200 appearances during his time at Upton Park. QPR boss Mark Hughes is looking to reshape his squad to establish them in the Premier League after last season's relegation battle and sees Green as an important addition to his party. It was important we brought another quality keeper into the group," Hughes told the club's official website.

Vast experience

"Rob is obviously someone with vast experience at international and Premier League level and his pedigree speaks for itself. "He's got all the characteristics of a top keeper and he'll be a huge addition for us who will stimulate the goalkeeping group, which can only be good for the squad as a whole." Green added: "I'm delighted to be here. I'm excited about the challenge ahead and hugely encouraged by the direction in which the owners and Mark Hughes are looking to take the club. "It's an exciting period for everybody connected to QPR and I can't wait to get started." Green's arrival could see Paddy Kenny heading out of the Loftus Road exit door, with Leeds manager Neil Warnock linked with a move for the experienced shot-stopper.

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Transfer Announcements Soon?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die

According to various Twitter sources, West Ham are on the verge of clinching some exciting transfer deals. Firstly, they claim that a West Ham bid for Grant Holt has been accepted, the player has agreed terms and the deal should be confirmed before Saturday. Secondly, we are allegedly on the verge of agreeing a season long loan deal for Inter-Milan forward Luc Castaignos, with a view to a permanent move next summer, and a permanent £7m deal for Juventus winger Elias. Take or leave these twitter sources as you think fit, but lets hope that they are right this time!

Elsewhere, we are also being linked with a £4m move for Evian's pacy forward Yannick Sagbo. We shall have to see whether that one has any validity? But it has gone very quiet on the proposed deal for Wilfred Zaha. It wil be great pity if the deal does not happen, as Zaha is a player of enormous potential.

So, if the twitter speculation is correct, we can look forward to the unveiling of a trio of new forwards next week! And then David Sullivan can start turning his attention to transfer moves to reinforce the defence. There George McCartney, Scott Dann and Jonas Olsson are likely to be among his prime transfer targets.

SJ. Chandos.

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West Ham pick up pursuit of Evian's Sagbo as Allardyce bids to bolster his attack
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:45, 21 June 2012 | UPDATED: 22:45, 21 June 2012
Daily Mail

West Ham are back on the trail of £4million-rated Evian striker Yannick Sagbo. The pacy 24-year-old was a target in January and scored 12 goals last season in a struggling side. Boss Sam Allardyce has made offers for Norwich's Grant Holt and enquired about Inter Milan's Luc Castaignos on loan.

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Wigan Athletic midfielder Diame delighted with West Ham United deal
by Rob MacDonald. Published Thu 21 Jun 2012 16:30, Last updated: 2012-06-21
Click Lancashire

West Ham United midfielder Mohamed Diame has revealed he is happy with his move from Wigan Athletic. Diame has agreed a three-year deal with the Hammers, which will be rubber-stamped on 1 July. The 25-year-old told his new club's official website: "I'm very happy and very excited to have joined the club and I'm looking forward to the start of the season. "I know the fans here get behind the team all the time and I'm looking forward to showing everybody what I can do on the pitch."

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Former Spurs and West Ham striker Mido closes in on Barnsley switch
21 June 2012

Egypt international Mido is on the verge of completing a move to Barnsley from Zamalek. The well-travelled former Tottenham and West Ham striker is on the verge of ending a third spell with his boyhood club, where he has fallen out of favour following a wage dispute. It is understood that the 29-year-old is undergoing a medical at Oakwell this afternoon, with Barnsley hopeful of confirming their second signing of a productive week later today. Former Chelsea youngster Jacob Mellis, who was infamously released by the UEFA Champions League winners after letting off a smoke grenade at their Cobham training ground in March, joined Keith Hill's men on a two-year deal on Tuesday, while today winger Jim O'Brien signed a contract extension of the same length. Mido counts Ajax, Roma and Marseille among his former clubs but has been dogged by fitness issues over recent seasons and last played for his country in 2009. During his last spell in England with Middlesbrough he spent time on loan with Wigan and West Ham.

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