Daily WHUFC News - 30th June 2012

O'Neil targeting further success
WHUFC.com
Gary O'Neil believes the Hammers can start the 2012/13 Barclays Premier
League season strongly
29.06.2012

Gary O'Neil believes West Ham United can make a big impact on their return
to the Barclays Premier League. The midfielder, who has made more than 160
top-flight appearances for Portsmouth, Middlesbrough and West Ham, is
targeting a strong start to the 2012/13 season after helping the Hammers to
gain promotion from the npower Championship. O'Neil, who will return to
pre-season training with his team-mates on Sunday before jetting out to
Austria for a training camp early next week, is confident that West Ham have
the right manager, squad and fixture list to surprise a few people. The
Hammers kick-off at home to Aston Villa and face five clubs who finished in
the bottom half of the Barclays Premier League table last term in their
opening six matches. "I think we've got a good chance," said the
29-year-old. "We've strengthened already and I think we'll strengthen more.
We've got a good squad anyway. "We did well last season. We had a little
blip in the middle when we drew too many but we didn't lose many games at
all. I think we lost one game in the second half of the season and that was
to Reading at home.
"I think we've got a decent start with some winnable games there so I'm
really looking forward to it."

When asked if he thinks a mid-table finish is the 'least he was hoping for'
under the management of the experienced Sam Allardyce, the No32 was bullish
in his agreement. "Yeah, I think if we get off to a good start then
mid-table and upwards would be very good. The gaffer has been fantastic. He
is very meticulous and you don't go into any game or any training session
unsure of what he wants from you. "You know exactly what he wants so there
is no confusion. It's very simple and I think that was the basis to our
success last season."

O'Neil also pointed to the positive impact of the stability provided by the
Board and coaching staff in recent months. "I only joined in the January of
the relegation season [in 2011] but you could tell then that something
wasn't quite right. I know they had been through a tough time but we almost
managed to turn it around.
"It's much better now and a much better place."

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Sears departs
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm that Freddie Sears has left the Club by mutual
consent
29.06.2012

West Ham United can confirm that Freddie Sears has left the club by mutual
consent. Striker Sears, a product of West Ham United's famed youth Academy,
has been at the Boleyn Ground since the age of eleven and after a prolific
journey through the ranks, progressed into the Hammers' first team. He made
his senior debut in March 2008, making an immediate impact in the match by
coming off the bench to score the winner in a 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers.
Sears has made 58 appearances, scoring three goals in all competitions for
the Hammers, in between loan spells at Scunthorpe United, Crystal Palace,
Coventry City and Colchester United. West Ham United would like to thank
Freddie for his service to the Club and wish him well in his future career.

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Fred's dead, baby
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th June 2012
By: Staff Writer

Freddie Sears has become the second youngster to leave West Ham this week
'by mutual consent'. The 22-year-old striker, who barely featured for the
club last season has departed just over a year before the end of his five
year contract, which he signed in November 2008 - following goalkeeper Marek
Stech who also left this week. Clearly not a part of Sam Allarydyce's first
team plans - the Hornchurch-born attacker made just one appearance for the
Hammers in 2012 - Sears has been allowed to move on in order to find a new
club. Since bursting on to the scene in March 2008 when he scored the
winning goal against Blackburn Rovers on his first team debut, Sears has
scored just two goals for the club - both of which came in the 2010/11
season (against Wolves and Burnley) - in 60 appearances. Prolific at youth
and reserve level, Sears' introduction to the first team was the most
keenly-anticipated promotion for several years. However having scored
against Blackburn - which he followed by hitting the post in his next game
at Everton - he struggled to make an impact. That led to a string of loan
spells - at Crystal Palace, Coventry, Scunthorpe and last season, at
Colchester - but he looked just as unconvincing on loan as he had at West
Ham.

Speaking exclusively to KUMB.com about Sears' progress two years ago,
Academy Director Tony Carr - who had guided the striker's career at West Ham
since he was just 11 years of age - was stumped as to why his former protege
had lost his magic touch in front of goal. "The goals dried up; I can't put
my finger on it," said Carr. "I don't know, I really don't know. "Like
everything else I think getting into the team is all about having that
opportunity and timing is key. Maybe, just maybe, even though he scored the
winner [against Blackburn] that day the timing could have been too early for
him."

KUMB.com would like to wish Freddie the very best of luck, wherever he ends
up next.

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Return of the Mc?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th June 2012
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are still hoping to sign Sunderland's George McCartney from
Sunderland ahead of the new Premier League season. The 31-year-old full
back, who originally signed for West Ham in 2006 before heading to
Sunderland in a £6million deal two years later, returned to east London in
August 2011 on a season-long loan deal. The Irishman, who has proved to be a
popular figure with supporters during both spells and who was also named
Players' Player of the Year last season returned to Sunderland at the end of
his loan spell in May. However West Ham immediately signalled their
intention to try and bring McCartney back to the club on a permanent basis -
and according to co-chiarman David Gold, those plans remains very much in
place. Gold, in response to a question on Twitter this morning regarding a
deal for the Irishman replied: "I hope this will happen soon."

McCartney, speaking about a potential third spell at West Ham said recently:
"Of course I would like to be here next year. "I have regrets about leaving
a few years ago and I have got the opportunity to come back and things have
gone really well. So hopefully in a few weeks' time when everything has
settled down, we can sort something out."

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Cooking with Gallas?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th June 2012
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are attempting to sign Tottenham's experienced former French
international William Gallas, according to reports. A tabloid newspaper
reports today that United are hoping to take the former Chelsea and Arsenal
central defender, now 34, on a free transfer - adding that Spurs would be
willing to allow him to leave in order to free up a space in their squad for
the forthcoming 2012/13 season.

Other players linked with West Ham by the papers in the past 24 hours
include Clarence Seedorf, the 36-year-old former Dutch international plus
Sochaux striker Modibo Maiga, whom today's Mail insist West Ham have bid
£5million for. Meanwhile L'Equipe (via footmercato.net) suggest that West
Ham are in 'advanced talks' with Rennes captain Kader Mangane over a
potential permanent transfer. Mangane is said to have stated a desire to
play in England previously and is entering the final year of his current
contract with the Ligue 1 outfit.

In temrs of the British players linked with a move West Ham in recent days -
players such as Crystal Palace youngster Nathaniel Clyne, Birmingham's (even
younger youngster) Nathan Redmond, Norwich's Grant Holt or Sunderland's
Kieron Richardson - there is nothing new to report.

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Oh, Freddie, Freddie.... Freddie Sears Leaves
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die

I feel really sad about this. Freddie Sears has left West Ham by mutual
consent. It's just been announced on the Club website. It has been clear for
some time that Sears wasn't going to fulfill his early promise. Despite
scoring on his debut against Blackburn he has too often flattered to
deceive. He's been out on loan to Palace, Coventry, Scunthorpe and
Colchester and for some time it has been obvious that Sam Allardyce didn't
see him as part of the future.

He only played 45 games, scoring two goals.

I'm told Freddie's wages were ridiculously high, which is why his proposed
move to Crystal Palace as part of a deal for Zaha never came off. They
couldn't afford him. It seems odd that we won't get a fee for him, but I
suppose the main priority was to get him off the wage bill. I'm sure he will
fix himself up with a Championship club (or possibly Colchester United) and
on behalf of everyone I'd like to wish him all the best for the future.

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Hammers hover for Olsson
The Sun
Published: 29th June 2012

MARTIN OLSSON has handed in a transfer request at Blackburn Rovers. There
will be a scramble for sign the Swedish defender, 24, with West Ham and
Stoke interested.

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West Ham ready to bolster back four with Clyne and Mangane in sights
By SAMI MOKBEL and JOHN EDWARDS
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 29 June 2012 | UPDATED: 22:32, 29 June 2012
Daily MAil

West Ham hope to agree terms with Crystal Palace right back Nathaniel
Clyne, 21, whose contract expires on Saturday. They are also ready to
compete with Arsenal for Rennes defender Abdou Kader Mangane, 29.

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West Ham in for Seedorf
By Football Italia staff

Clarence Seedorf could be set for a go at the Premier League, with West Ham
United having reportedly offered him a contract. The Dutchman recently
confirmed that he would be leaving Milan after a decade with the Rossoneri
and hinted that he would like to play in England, if the opportunity
presented itself. Having played in the Netherlands, Spain and Italy, the
36-year-old could get his wish, with newly-returned top-flight outfit West
Ham. Reports in Italy suggest that the Hammers have approached Seedorf with
a one-year contract offer. This follows on from earlier rumours on Friday
that linked Tottenham Hotspur with the veteran, and his agent's assertion
that a decision is imminent. Seedorf is currently on holiday in the United
States and has spent the past week training with former Milan teammate David
Beckham's current side LA Galaxy.

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West Ham close in on deal for Sunderland defender
By talkSPORT | Friday, June 29, 2012

West Ham are expected to complete a deal to sign George McCartney from
Sunderland in the next 24 hours. McCartney enjoyed a successful season-long
loan at Upton Park last year and played a major role in helping the club
gain promotion back into the Premier League. The Northern Ireland
international failed to make any impact at the Stadium of Light and Martin
O'Neill was happy for the 31-year-old to make a permanent switch to the east
London club. This will be McCartney's second spell at West Ham after he
spent two-years between 2006-08 with the Hammers. A deal has been agreed
between the two clubs and he is expected to put pen to paper in the before
the weekend is over.

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West Ham Hoping to Land Holland Legend Clarence Seedorf
Sportsvibe.co.uk

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is hoping that he will be able to persuade
Clarence Seedorf to join the club in the coming weeks after deciding to
leave AC Milan.
The 36-year-old is one of the most successful footballers in recent history
and the first player to ever win the Champions League on four occasions,
with three different clubs. Seedorf won the competition with Ajax, Real
Madrid and twice with AC Milan, while he also has five league titles and
numerous cup winners medal from his time spent playing in Holland, Spain and
Italy. A former Holland international, Seedorf is currently training with
LA Galaxy as he attempts to stay fit and continue his hunt for a new club.
The Sun believes that West Ham are keen to bring the midfielder to the
Premier League and, despite being in the latter stages of his career,
believe he can still bring some quality to the club. Seedorf still made 30
appearances for Milan last season and was a regular starter in the Champions
League. Allardyce has often signed players who are in the twilight of their
careers and has enjoyed massive success with the likes of Youri Djorkaeff
and Ivan Campo.

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Former West Ham full-back Julien Faubert signs 3 year deal with Elazığspor
2012-06-29 05:33:15
Turkish-football.com

Julien Faubert has put pen to paper, signing a 3 year deal with newly
promoted Turkish Super League side Elazığspor. The financial details of
Faubert's contract are yet to be disclosed. Elazığspor have been busy in the
transfer market since being promoted signing; Gökhan Emreciksin, Herve Tum,
Bilica, İvesa, Spahija, Sezer Badur and Ali Zorlu. The 28-year-old fullback
was released by West Ham following the end of his contract. The Hammers
signed Faubert from Bordeaux in 2007 for £6.1 million on a five-year
contract. Faubert made 121 appearances for West Ham and secured a brief
spell on loan with Real Madrid in 2009. Elazığspor marked their return to
the top-flight after an eight year absence following their promotion from
the Bank Asya league. The Gakgoşlar are managed by Bülent Uygun, one of the
93 suspects in the ongoing match-fixing case. Uygun was jailed and held in
custody five months last year for his alleged involvement in the
manipulation of a Turkish Super League game when he was the Eskişehirspor
coach. The Professional Football Discipline Committee found Uygun not guilty
of involvement in match fixing. However, the report is independent of the
ongoing match fixing trial.

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West Ham make £4million bid for Arsenal target
By Jamie Sanderson | Friday, June 29, 2012
TalkSport

West Ham have made a £4 million bid for controversial Rennes defender Abdou
Kader Mangane. The 29-year-old centre back, who can also play in midfield,
has become something of a hate figure in France, following a series of
dangerous tackles, including one on Valenciennes midfielder Jonathan Lacourt
in 2009, that broke both his tibia and fibula, and ruled him out of the game
for two years. Mangane is often booed at most away grounds in France, but
that has not put off Arsenal, Newcastle and Sunderland, who have all been to
watch the Senegal international in action during the last 12 months.

However, despite their interest, Premier League new boys West Ham have now
jumped the queue, and lodged a £4 million bid with Ligue 1 side Rennes.
Mangane, known for his power, pace and nononsense approach, has secured a
French passport to help ease a transfer to English football, and with just
12 months left on his current deal, Rennes are desperate to do business.
Hammers boss Sam Allarydce is keen to add more experience to his squad this
summer, and has already brought in Bolton veteran Jussi Jaaskelainen, along
with and Wigan enforcer Mohamed Diame, with more to follow.

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West Ham keen on William Gallas
Evening Standard
29 June 2012

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is looking to sign defender William Gallas
from Spurs, according to reports. Gallas struggled with a niggling calf
injury at White Hart Lane season but West Ham are looking to boost their
defensive options and see the experienced Frenchman as an ideal signing as
they prepare for their Premier League return, the Sun reports. The Hammers
have already signed Mohamed Diame and Jussi Jaaskelainen this summer on free
transfers

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