Daily WHUFC News - 22nd July 2012

Macca on Colchester victory
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald told West Ham TV he was pleased with the way the Hammers
played in Saturday's success
21.07.2012

Neil McDonald has told West Ham TV he was pleased with the way the Hammers
played in Saturday's 2-1 pre-season victory at Colchester United. The
Hammers defeated their npower League One opponents thanks to first-half
goals from Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble, who converted from the penalty spot
after the lively Maynard had been brought down. Assistant manager McDonald
hailed the nature of the victory while also discussing captain Kevin Nolan's
toe injury and revealing that trialists Colin Kazim-Richards and Bilel
Mohsni will join the squad on their pre-season tour to Germany this week.

Macca, what was your assessment of the performance at Colchester United?

NMc - "I thought the first half was excellent. We really moved the ball well
and created chances. Our first goal was really good - good build-up play, a
good cross, good knock-down and Nicky was in the right place at the right
time to score. We split their defence open a few times and it was
disappointing that Nicky got brought down because I would like to have seen
him in a one-on-one situation as I'm sure he would have slotted it away. It
was a lot better and a lot brighter and sharper.
We still have lots to do but the psychological barrier has been broken
because a lot of them played a full 90 minutes."

What did you make of the performances of the two trialists Colin
Kazim-Richards and Bilel Mohsni?

NMc - "Colin did all right. He's been training with us for a few days and
he's going to come with us to Germany so we'll have a good look at him
there. Our first impressions are that he's not too bad. Bilel has been in
for a couple of days as well and I think he's going to come to Germany as
well. We're having a good look at players to try to complement the squad and
boost it up so we will see how that goes."

Captain Kevin Nolan was forced off after injuring his toe in the first
minute. What is the prognosis?

NMc - "We will assess that over the next 24 hours. It is sore, but we're
hoping that it's just bruising and fingers crossed it's nothing worse than
that. He doesn't come off the pitch lightly so we've got to get it checked
out and we will have more information later on."

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Colchester 1-2 West Ham United FT
WHUFc.com
Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble are on target as the Hammers record a deserved
win in north Essex
21.07.2012

Colchester United v West Ham United
Pre-season match
Weston Homes Community Stadium
Saturday 21 July 2012
Kick-off: 3pm

Final score - Colchester United 1-2 West Ham United

91 mins - Colchester win a late corner and the ball drops to Gilbey. He is
leaning back and is slightly off-balance as he shoots and the ball loops
well wide. The referee blows for full-time and that's it. West Ham record a
victory. The Hammers are off to Germany on Monday for three further
pre-season games. We'll have highlights and reaction from those three
matches, and today's game, on whufc.com and West Ham TV shortly.
88 mins - Oh! So close to an equaliser as Wright's low shot hits the outside
of the post after the substitute had run inside Reid and shot with his right
foot.
87 mins - Heath lets fly from 25 yards but his shot goes well wide.
84 mins - OK, as we enter the final stages it has been an improved West Ham
display. They have attacked with purpose and, one moment aside, defended
strongly and in an assured manner. Just as importantly, a number of senior
players have got a full 90 minutes under their belts.
82 mins - West Ham love an overlap at the moment. Taylor gets down the right
and holds up before dragging the ball behind him for Spence, who wins a
corner. Taylor himself takes and Cousins makes another assured catch. He's
had a good game, has the Colchester goalkeeper.
81 mins - Okounghae is replaced by Aldred.
80 mins - Close again. Taylor overlaps Maynard and tries to chip the cross
to the far post, but Cousins makes the catch.
78 mins - Nice from Potts, who races around Vaz Te before nutmegging Wright
as he makes his way into the box. Unfortunately, his low cross hits a pair
of legs and Colchester survive. Moments later, Mohsni helps on the ball
first-time for O'Neil, but the No32's touch lets him down as he tries to
beat the last defender.
76 mins - Demel is replaced by Jordan Spence.
75 mins - Mohsni raises some cheers with a pass to Potts with the old one
foot behind the other pass. I can't really explain it any better than that.
West Ham win a corner, but it's cleared.
74 mins - The crowd here today is 7,985, with 2,960 of them in the West Ham
end.
71 mins - The changes have not actually altered the game too much.
Colchester are pushing for an equaliser, but West Ham's back four is
standing firm. The Hammers are still carrying a decent threat too. Taylor
pokes the pass through for Maynard but it's just too strong. Maynard gets a
toe to the ball, but Cousins blocks before grabbing it at the second
attempt.

67 mins - Three more changes from the hosts with Wilson, Wordsworth and
Sears replaced by White, Rose and Gilbey.
67 mins - Kieran Sadlier has put the Development Squad back in front with
his second goal of the game. Back here, Demel just overruns the ball after a
marauding run down the right. His cross comes over and Mohsni slams the shot
over the bar.
65 mins - Half-chance for Mohsni as the cross comes over to the far post
from O'Neil following a good run from Taylor. The substitute rises but his
header is too strong and flies back across the face of goal and out for a
goal kick.
64 mins - Slight controversy as Sears goes down as he tries to go past Demel
inside the penalty area. Nothing given by the referee and the follow-up shot
flies over.
62 mins - We're going to see Mohsni in a few moments. He scored at both ends
for the Development Squad last night and will wear the No10 shirt this
afternoon. He is on now for Carlton Cole.
60 mins - Colchester force three corners in quick succession. The third is
caught well by Jaaskelainen.
59 mins - Four changes from Colchester. Bean, O'Toole, Morrison and Eastman
are off, with Bond, Izzet, Heath and Wright coming on.
58 mins - I understand there is a lot of speculation about Kevin Nolan. We
will get an update from the medical staff after the game and post it on
whufc.com as soon as anything is confirmed. I can tell you that he is
sitting on the bench watching the game with his team-mates.
54 mins - Strong play from Cole to win a corner. Taylor will whip it in
left-footed. He does, but Cousins is there to make the catch. Colchester
break but Potts defends well against Henderson. The left-back is looking
good in pre-season.
52 mins - Potts fouls Morrison. The free-kick is taken by Wordsworth, but
it's too close to Jaaskelainen and the Finn catches high above his head.
50 mins - Henderson and Wilson create some space down the Colchester right
before the full-back crosses deep. Morrison rises and heads the ball into
the back of Demel, but he'd already been whistled for a push on the Ivorian.
48 mins - There was a PA announcement just before the half-time break ended
telling people to move their cards from the services on the other side of
the A12. Presumably, Kazim-Richards and Duguid had both parked there...
46 mins - Noble lofts the free-kick over and Reid's header loops and just
clears Cousins and the crossbar. The No12 for Colchester is Henderson, who
is listed as No16 on the teamsheet.

Both teams have brought on a substitute apiece. For West Ham, Vaz Te is on
for Kazim-Richards. For Colchester, Duguid has gone off with the No12 coming
on.

Half-time score - Colchester United 1-2 West Ham United

46 mins - That's half-time. Well, Colchester started the brighter before
Maynard scored slightly against the run of play. West Ham took control and
doubled their lead through Noble's penalty. The home side did not give up
the battle, however, and were rewarded with Wordsworth's goal, which will
make things interesting after the break. However, we can expect to see
plenty of changes from both managers. We will also try to get an upate on
Nolan's injury, but it may well be too early to get a full diagnosis.
44 mins - Nice, patient build up from the men in claret and blue involving
no fewer than six players. Maynard tries to prod the ball through to Cole,
but his run is bent the other way and the chance is lost.
43 mins - Half-time is approaching and Big Sam will want this side to
reassert their dominance. Colchester are pushing at present looking for an
equaliser.
39 mins - GOAL! Colchester have a goal back through Wordsworth. The initial
break looked to have been snuffed out by Reid's tackle, but the ball was
worked back to O'Toole, whose low cross was controlled and finished low past
Jaaskelainen by the No22.
36 mins - Time for a drink as Demel has the physio on, but his trot along
the touchline is more successful than Nolan's and he'll be back on in a few
seconds.
34 mins - Instant response from Colchester, who force two quick corners. The
second is headed goalwards by Morrison, but Jaaskelainen makes a routine
catch.
32 mins - GOAL! No mistake from Noble, who slams the spot-kick high into the
right of the net as Cousins dives low to his right.
32 mins - Penalty to West Ham! Maynard collects a superb pass over the top
from Noble. He is brought down by a clumsy challenge from O'Toole and when
Cole's follow-up is saved by Cousins, the spot-kick is awarded.
30 mins - I reckon the Colchester manager John Ward might have been
somewhere warm and sunny this summer. He has a lovely sun tan. It's 1-1 down
at Thurrock, where Hassan Ibrahim has equalised for the hosts.
27 mins - A yes Guy Demel! The right-back uses some quick feet to nutmeg
Coker by the touchline. A burst of 'Oooohs' from the fans. You don't
normally see that sort of skill from the Ivorian!
25 mins - Cole flicks on and Kazim-Richards - who has swapped flanks with
Maynard - races on to the ball. He looks up and shoots low towards the far
corner. Cousins goes down and grabs the ball to his chest.
24 mins - Coker is forced to defend this time, but he stands strong and
tackles Kazim-Richards after initially losing out to Maynard. Meanwhile, an
ice cream seller is doing the rounds in front of me. I am tempted by a
raspberry ripple, but need to remember I am at work!
23 mins - Coker again, but this time the diagonal pass forces him off
balance and his cross is sliced behind for a goal kick. Demel is being
pulled inside by Sears' movement and it's giving the left-back space to run
into.
22 mins - The U's come forward for the first time since falling behind and
it's left-back Coker again providing the width. He crosses dangerously at
head height and McCartney makes a brave clearing ahead in front of Morrison.
Good defending.
20 mins - Cole forces Wilson to pass back to Cousins. His clearance goes
straight to O'Neil, but his long-range effort flies well wide of the
right-hand post. Colchester are all of a sudden unable to maintain any sort
of possession. They do say that goals change games...
19 mins - Kazim-Richards has the ball in the net with a cheeky backheel but
unfortunately he is offside from Cole's low shot. The Turkey international
had created the chance for Cole himself by controlling inside the penalty
area and laying off to the No9. West Ham looking far more comfortable now.
16 mins - GOAL! Maynard! Reid steps in with a strong challenge in midfield
and brings the ball forward before finding O'Neil in acres of space wide on
the right. O'Neil gallops forward before clipping a cross to the far post.
Cole rises above two defenders and heads down. Maynard shapes his body
superbly to fire a right-foot side volley past Cousins. That's Maynard's
second goal of the pre-season.
15 mins - The Development Squad are 1-0 up at Thurrock. Kieran Sadlier has
scored down at Ship Lane.
13 mins - You can see Sears is keen to impress this afternoon as he is
putting himself about all over the park. However, his team-mates are also
looking positive. Colchester have made a good opening. They play some nice
football on what looks to be a very good playing surface here in north
Essex.
10 mins - Taylor tries to play in Maynard, but his through ball is cut out.
Sears leads the counter-attack before the cross comes over for Wordsworth,
but his header loops harmlessly high and wide.
7 mins - There is a bit of a hush that has fallen over the stadium since
Nolan's departure. I'm sure a lot of the fans here today would love to have
see him in action, but it was the sensible move if he was feeling any
discomfort. The suggestion is that he had his foot trodden on. A couple of
diagonal balls are aimed at Kazim-Richards. The third is knocked down and
passed by Cole to Potts, but his shot is charged down.
5 mins - Colchester win a corner as the ball is headed behind from Coker's
cross. West Ham clear before right-back Wilson crosses behind for a goal
kick. Potts is on to replace Nolan.
4 mins No, he's going to have to come off. Meanwhile, Jaaskelainen makes a
save to push away a shot from distance. It'll be Dan Potts who comes on for
the captain. Taylor will go into midfield.
3 mins - Nolan has his right boot back on and is now having a quick drink. I
think he's going to come back on shortly.
2 mins - Kevin Nolan is over here speaking to the physio. It appears that
he's knocked his right foot somehow, maybe trying to challenge Sears during
that first-minute attack.
1 min - Colchester make a bright start, knocking the ball around patiently
before Bean finds Sears. He crosses from the right channel and Reid heads
clear.

3.07pm - Freddie Sears gets a good cheer from both sets of fans when his
name is read out. The Colchester No11 will have his own personal point to
prove this afternoon. Sears himself will kick-off with Clinton Morrison...

3.05pm - 'Right here, right now' has now finished and, just in time, the two
team emerge from the tunnel. I have no idea what the wait was all about, but
both sets of players receive a big round of applause as they stroll on to
the playing surface.

3.03pm - Still no players... This Fatboy Slim song will have finished before
they arrive on the pitch at this rate!

3.02pm - Erm, well the teams haven't emerged after all. The PA announcer
built it all up about three minutes ago, but so far nobody has come out of
the tunnel apart from the substitutes...

2.59pm - Here come the teams to some very grand-sounding music! There is a
decent crowd inside the stadium and I can report that at least half of them
are wearing claret and blue.

2.57pm - OK, the photographers are gathered at the mouth of the tunnel and
it will not be long before the two teams emerge. I'm told this is a near
first-choice Colchester team, so it'll be a good test for the Hammers. Big
Sam will have demanded an improvement after Tuesday's defeat at Oxford
United. It might be pre-season, but the manager will want a better
performance and result.

2.50pm - The Development Squad are also in action this afternoon at
Thurrock, where Ian Hendon is fielding a young side containing a number of
trialists. We will keep you updated of events at Ship Lane as best we can!

2.40pm - Most of you will know who Colin Kazim Richards is, but to refresh
your memories... The attacking midfielder and winger was born in Leytonstone
and turns
26 next month. After spells with Bury, Brighton and Hove Albion and
Sheffield United, he moved to Turkish football with Fenerbahce. From there,
he was loaned to French side Toulouse before joining Galatasaray in 2011. He
enjoyed a spell on loan at Greek champions Olympiacos last season. The son
of a Turkish-Cypriot mother, he has 35 caps for Turkey, scoring twice.

2.30pm - As a certain singer once sang, here come the Hammers! The West Ham
squad trot out on to the pitch for their warm-up. Colchester's players have
been out there for a while already and are currently doing some running up
and down the far touchline.

2.15pm - News from up the A12 in Ipswich where West Ham's Under-18s played
their first pre-season match. Nana Boakye-Yiadom was on target for the
Hammers, netting the equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Playford Road. We'll have a
full report and reaction on whufc.com soon.

2pm - We have the team news! For West Ham, trialist Colin Kazim Richards is
starting as one of the front three, while Bilel Mohsni is among the
substitutes. Freddie Sears starts for Colchester.

Colchester United: Cousins, Okounghae, Bean, Eastman, Coker, Wilson,
Wordsworth, Duguid, O'Toole, Morrison, Sears
Subs: Pentney, Aldred, Rose, Heath, Izzet, Bond, Henderson, White, Gilbey,
Wright

West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, McCartney, Taylor, Noble,
O'Neil, Nolan, Kazim Richards, Maynard, Cole
Subs: Larkins, Driver, Mohsni, Hall, Vaz Te, Moncur, Nasha, Morrison,
Spence, Potts

Good afternoon and welcome to the smart and modern Weston Homes Community
Stadium for today's pre-season match between West Ham United and npower
League One side Colchester United.
Today, Sam Allardyce's side are playing their fifth pre-season fixture and
the manager will be hoping for a better performance than the one he saw at
Oxford United on Tuesday, when West Ham were beaten 1-0. To aid his cause,
Big Sam has named a strong squad for the trip to north Essex, with trialist
and Turkey international Colin Kazim Richards set to appear for the first
time in a claret and blue shirt.
However, the U's have invested heavily in their squad over the summer
months, bringing in Freddie Sears from West Ham,. Republic of Ireland
international forward Clinton Morrison from Sheffield Wednesday and Jamaican
Marcus Bean from Brentford. At the same time, John Ward's side have also let
a number of players leave, including highly rated goalkeeper Ben Williams
who has moved to Scottish Premier League club Hibernian.
A crowd of around 7,000 is expected for this afternoon's game between two
teams who have never met in a competitive fixture. However, they did meet on
no fewer than three times at Development Squad level last season.
The team news will be confirmed at around 2pm.

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U18s open with Ipswich draw
WHUFC.com
Nana Boakye-Yiadom scores as the U18s open their pre-season with a deserved
draw at Ipswich Town
21.07.2012

Ipswich Town U18s 1 - 1 West Ham United U18s

West Ham United Under-18s got their pre-season schedule off to a good start
as they travelled up the A12 and gained a deserved draw with Ipswich Town.
Due to players having commitments at a number of other first-team and
Development Squad games this weekend, Tony Carr and Nick Haycock had a
younger than usual squad to choose from.

Before the game, Academy Director Carr had said that he believed this would
be good experience and a good test for the young Hammers side and that is
what it proved to be. A strong defensive performance in the first half was
turned into a more attacking display after West Ham had made ten changes at
half-time.
The first half saw very few chances made, with the best falling to the home
side. Schoolboy Jamie Harney and Australian trialist David Stokoe helped the
Hammers to see out the first 45 minutes without conceding, with the help of
a couple of excellent near-post saves from goalkeeper Sam Baxter. The best
of the West Ham chances were created down on the left wing between new
signing Nathan Mavila and Moses Makasi, who linked well together throughout
the first half.

West Ham's ten changes at half-time led to more in terms of attacking threat
with schoolboy Kyle Niley and first-year scholar Taylor Tombides - brother
of striker Dylan - linking up well on the right and creating chances on a
number of occasions.
However, the home side would strike first. After a Baxter clearance was
blocked by Jack Marriott, all he needed to do was slot the ball into the
bottom corner, which he did with ease.

Not long afterwards, Tombides made a great run down the right wing and then
managed to get a low cross into the box, only for Nana Boakye-Yiadom to see
his shot was blocked. More good work from Tombides then saw a ball cut back
to Kieran Bywater (pictured) on the edge of the box, but the resulting shot
went a few inches wide.

As the game was drawing to a close the continued West Ham pressure finally
paid off after an underweight backpass allowed Boakye-Yiadom to cut in and
round the goalkeeper before side-footing into an empty net. With just
seconds on the clock the best move of the game once again saw Tombides and
Niley combining brilliantly, Niley's overlap saw him collect a clever
through ball from Tombides and fire his shot against the post as the game
ended all-square.

Afterwards, Carr was happy with his team's display in their opening
pre-season game. "We would have been pleased with the performance even
without the equaliser, but it is always nice to come away with a result," he
said. "This was our first game of pre-season after three weeks of training
and it was good to give everyone playing time. Now we need to look ahead to
more games to get match fit for the start of the new season. "There were a
number of younger players in the squad and they were the ones that really
stood out for me. In the second half Grady in the centre of midfield and
Kyle Niley at right-back both impressed."

West Ham United first-half XI: Baxter, Makasi, Stokoe, Harney, Alexander,
Kofi, Carter, Cullen, Mavila, Gogo, E.Lee

West Ham United second-half XI: Baxter, Burke, Girdlestone, Manny, Niley,
Marlow, Bywater, Grady, Luretta, T.Tombides, Yiadom)

*This report was written by eleven-year-old schoolboy Willis Jamieson, who
has ambitions of becoming a sports journalist when he is a bit older. You
can follow Willis on twitter @WillisJamieson

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Torchbearer Kenzer
WHUFC.com
First-year professional Kenzer Lee will carry the Olympic Torch through
London on Sunday
21.07.2012

Kenzer Lee will be at the centre of the nation's attention when he carries
the Olympic Torch through London on Sunday. The West Ham United first-year
professional will run with the flame through his home Borough of Barking and
Dagenham after being selected as one of the 8,000 official Torchbearers,
joining the likes of Olympic greats Sir Steve Redgrave and Denise Lewis. The
18-year-old was selected to take part in the 8,000-mile, 70-day long relay
for his impressive achievements on and off the football pitch. After
captaining Kingsford Community School to Newham Cup success and skippering
the Newham and Essex schools representative sides, the Beckton-born
youngster was snapped up by the Hammers as a schoolboy. The centre-back was
a regular for the Under-18s last season, scoring a dramatic winner in an FA
Youth Cup third-round victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and made more than
ten Development Squad appearances. Lee, who signed his first professional
contract in the summer and appeared in the first-team pre-season match at
Boreham Wood earlier this month, is also a regular visitor to his old
school, where he mentors young pupils. "In my application to be a
Torchbearer, I just explained what I have achieved so far and that I want to
show to others, especially those from under-privileged backgrounds, that if
you work for something and have determination and enthusiasm that you can
get to be what you want. "I applied but I didn't really expect to be picked,
but then I found out the good news that I had been chosen. "I am really
excited about it. My family and friends will be watching and I think you get
to keep a replica of the torch after carrying it. It will be a great
experience and something to remember for the rest of my life!"

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Colchester Utd 1 West Ham Utd 2
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 21st July 2012
By: Staff Writer

Goals from Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble helped the Hammers to a narrow
victory over League One side Colchester United at the Weston Homes Community
Stadium this afternoon. However Sam Allardyce's side were left clinging on
at the end as the home side were the width of a post away from snatching a
dramatic equaliser. Having taken the lead after 16 minutes when Nicky
Maynard fired home from close range following good work from Gary O'Neil and
Carlton Cole, the Hammers looked a good bet for a second win in eight days
following the 3-0 victory at Southend last weekend. And when Mark Noble
doubled their lead from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark after
goalscorer Maynard was felled by a clumsy challenge from the U's O'Toole it
looked as if a repeat of that emphatic win at Roots Hall could be on the
cards. But having pulled a goal back before the break through Wordsworth the
home side, playing in front of a healthy crowd of just under 8,000, came
close on several occasions to equalising in the second half - and none more
so than when Wright's effort rebounded off the woodwork with just 90 seconds
of normal time remaining.

Colchester, featuring former Hammer Freddie Sears who recently signed a
three-year deal with the Essex club were up against several new faces in
claret and blue.
Bilal Mohsni, who played a full 90 minutes at Grays Athletic last night came
on as a second half substitute whilst Colin Kazim-Richards, who has been on
trial at Chadwell Heath recently also featured. There was also some worrying
news for manager Allardyce when club captain Kevin Nolan limped off after
just four minutes having taken a knock inside the opening minute of the
game.

Today's Results

Colchester Utd 1-2 West Ham Utd

West Ham Utd: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, McCartney, Taylor, Noble, O'Neil,
Nolan, Kazim Richards, Maynard, Cole.
Subs: Larkins, Driver, Mohsni, Hall, Vaz Te, Moncur, Nasha, Morrison,
Spence, Potts.

Colchester Utd: Cousins, Okounghae, Bean, Eastman, Coker, Wilson,
Wordsworth, Duguid, O'Toole, Morrison, Sears.
Subs: Pentney, Aldred, Rose, Heath, Izzet, Bond, Henderson, White, Gilbey,
Wright.

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Olsson keen on London move
KUMb.com
Filed: Saturday, 21st July 2012
By: Staff Writer

West Bromwich Albion's Player of the year Jonas Olsson has admitted that he
would like the opportunity to play in London. The 29-year-old Swedish
defender, who is entering the final year of his contract at the Hawthorns
has been linked with a move to West Ham for some weeks. And speaking in an
interview with aftonbladet.se today, Olsson hinted that he could be on the
verge of making the switch to the Boleyn Ground. Although he refused to
comment when asked whether West Ham was his most likely destination - "I don
not comment on specific clubs", he said - Olsson revealed that a move to the
capital could be on the cards. "There are three factors that come into play
when I choose a club," he said. "They are sporting, social and economic.
London is a city I like a lot, and one day I hope to play for a London club.
"Plus, I'm very happy with living in England and playing in the Premier
League."

Olsson, who featured for his country in the recent European Championship has
been at West Brom since 2008 when he moved to England from Eredivisie side
NEC Nijmegan for an intial £800,000. Three years ago he faced disciplinary
charges after a reckless challenge on former Hammers goalkeeper Rob Green
left the number one comatose. Olsson reportedly elbowed the England stopper
during a set-piece.

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Hammers too strong for U's
Last updated: 21st July 2012
SSN

First-half goals from Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble saw West Ham to a 2-1
pre-season victory at Colchester on Saturday. Maynard broke up play in
midfield in the 16th minute before latching on to Carlton Cole's knockdown
to finish the move. The former Bristol City forward caused problems once
more when John-Joe O'Toole brought him down in the area for Mark Noble to
convert after the half hour. Anthony Wordsworth converted O'Toole's low
cross to give the U's hope before half-time, but they could not extend the
Premier League new boys any further.

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West Ham Win 1-2, but Nolan injured!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die

West Ham secured a narrow win over Colchester Utd in today's pre-season
friendly. The Hammers won via a Nicky Maynard strike and a Mark Noble penaly
in the first half. Colchester pulled one back just before half-time through
Anthony Wordsworth and then came within the width of the goal post of
grabbing an equaliser in the final minutes.

Kazim-Richards featured for the Hammers and actually got the ball in the
back of the net at one point, only for the effot to be ruled off-side. Neil
McDonald, is quoted on the club's offical website, stating that Colin
Kazim-Richards 'did alright' and 'our first impression is that he is not too
bad.' Well, one would have thought a newly promoted PL club would be looking
for more than that from a new potential recruit? Fellow trialist Bilel
Mohsni, after his 'eventful' 90 minutes against Grays on Friday evening, got
in some more match time as a 2nd half substitute.

McDonald has confirmed that both trialists will be included in the squad for
the forthcoming pre-season trip to Germany.

It was another solid 90 minutes. West Ham played their best football in the
first 45 minutes, with some neat approach play.They were less impressive in
the 2nd half and ended up just about holding on for the win. However, the
worrying thing was that skipper Kevin Nolan picked up a toe injury. Nolan
was forced to leave the field after 3 minutes, after picking up the knock in
an early challenge on former Hammers team mate, Freddie Sears. Lets hope
that it is just bruising and nothing more serious than that.

The West Ham line up was:

Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, McCartney, Taylor, Noble, O'Neil, Nolan, Kazim
Richards, Maynard, Cole.

Subs: Larkins, Driver, Mohsni, Hall, Vaz Te, Moncur, Nasha, Morrison,
Spence, Potts.

Elsewhere, confusion seems to reign cncerning the potential move for
Douglas. The player has now been quoted as stating that he wishes to stay
with Twente FC, whilst his current club do not appear to be very certain
about the player's intentions. The result is that potential suitors, such as
Newcastle Utd, Fulham and ourselves are awaiting some clarity about the
player's situation and availability. One potential target that does appear
increasingly certain about his intentions, is Jonas Olsson. Olsson seems to
be militating towards a move from WBA and has spoken positively about a move
to a London club, although he would be drawn on which one!

The Daily Star have run a story that West Ham are being cagey about entering
in to negotiations with Mark Noble on a contract extension. Apparently the
player is keen to commit long-term to the club, but the club are delaying
until after the start of the new season. The article states that Mark Noble
is in the final year of his current contract. I find it hard to believe that
they would allow one of their major assets to get in to a potential Bosman
situation. After all, any one of a number of PL clubs would snap up Noble on
a Bosman deal. It is a dangerous tactic and one that could blow up in the
club's face if Noble ends up walking away for nothing. Alternatively, the
story could be totally inaccurate. We shall see?

The same source has also suggested that Sam Allardyce could make a bid to
sign Jermaine Defoe from Spurs, despite the recent signing of Mali
international striker, Maiga. Defoe is definitely a proven PL goal scorer,
although there is still some residual bitterness from Hammers fan at the way
in which the player conducted himself after the club's relegation in
2002-03. How likely is a move for Defoe? Can the fans forgive and forget and
welcome the former Academy product back in to the West Ham fold? The article
suggests that Defoe is keen to leave Spurs but stay in London.
Realistically, that means West Ham or QPR. I think it would be a very
positive signing, it would really increase competition and put pressure on
the likes of Vaz Te and Maiga to perform.

Finally, messrs Gold and Sullivan are currently engaged on their trip to
Spain to pursue interest in a target or three out there. It makes perfect
sense, as there are some decent players to be had in Spain, at reasonable
fees. So good luck to them. Who are the club's Spanish targets? That is a
matter of conjecture! Hopefully, all will be revealed before too long.

SJ Chandos.

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Toe much pain: Kevin Nolan forced off in West Ham friendly win at Colchester
The Mirror
Tom Dulat

West Ham captain Kevin Nolan is a pre-season injury scare for West Ham. The
midfielder was forced off just five minutes into the 2-1 win over
­Colchester with a damaged toe. He sustained the­ ­injury in a clash with
former Hammers' striker Freddie Sears. Nolan received intensive treatment on
the touchline but was unable to go on. "It is very sore and we can only hope
it is just bruising and nothing is broken," said West Ham assistant manager
Neil McDonald. Nolan will have a scan today and Sam Allardyce is hoping his
influential ­skipper will be fit for the tour of Germany and start of their
Premier League campaign next month. West Ham took the lead in the 15th
minute when Nicky Maynard drove home after Carlton Cole had knocked the ball
down from a Gary O'Neil cross. On the half-hour, Maynard accelerated through
the Colchester defence and was brought down by Magnus Okuonghae. Mark Noble
converted the penalty and West Ham were in total command. But just before
half-time, Colchester were handed a life-line when O'Neil gave the ball away
and Anthony Wordsworth shot past Jussi Jaaskelainen. Allardyce is hoping
triallists Kazim Richards and Bilel Mohsni will be able to join the squad in
Germany.

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Fulham and West Ham United join the race to sign highly rated defender
Footylatest.com

Fulham and West Ham United have reportedly joined the race to sign Newcastle
United target Douglas, but the player himself has claimed that he knows
nothing about a possible move away from FC Twente this summer. The
Brazilian-born player joined Twente in 2007, and has since built his
reputation as one of the best defenders in the Eredivisie. His consistent
displays at the heart of the Tukkers' defence has earned him a host of
admirers, with Newcastle widely tipped to be the favourites to capture his
signature this signature this summer. Douglas however told journalists
during an interview that he knew nothing about a bid for him from Newcastle,
and insisted that he wanted to stay on at the Dutch club. "I and my agent
know nothing of a bid from Newcastle," said Douglas. "I want to stay at
Twente this season." Those statements have confused Twente chairman Joop
Munsterman, who said: "It's unclear precisely what Newcastle and Douglas
want. One week he calls me and tells me he wants to leave and the next week
he calls me and tells me he wants to stay." Fulham manager Martin Jol, a
former Twente player, is also keen on the £3 million-rated defender, while
newly-promoted West Ham United are also monitoring the player's situation.

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WEST HAM CAGEY ON MARK NOBLE CONTRACT
Daily Star
22nd July 2012 By Daily Star Reporter

WEST Ham are playing hardball with inspirational midfield star Mark Noble,
25, over his new contract. Noble has just one season left on his current
deal and is eager to sign a long-term extension to the club he has served
for his entire career. He has been a key player in their return to the top
flight, taking over the leader's role after Scott Parker moved to Spurs.
Hammers are delaying any more talks until the season is well under way as
they put the pressure on one of their stars. A club insider said: "The
signing of Mohamed Diame from Wigan is going to increase the competition in
midfield. Let's see how Noble reacts to that. That will be pivotal in
whether he gets a new deal or not."

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JERMAINE DEFOE'S OUT TO EARN WEST HAM TRANSFER
Daily Star
22nd July 2012 By Tony Stenson

JERMAIN DEFOE is in line for a return to West Ham. The Tottenham striker is
fast becoming the hottest property of the summer – with a host of Premier
League clubs keen to sign him. Defoe rarely featured in the closing months
of Harry Redknapp's reign. And new Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas hasn't
given the forward any assurances over his future.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is on the lookout for extra firepower, despite
the £7million signing of Modibo Maiga, 24, from French club Sochaux last
week. Allardyce has taken a gamble on the 6ft 1in Mali international, who
saw a January move to Newcastle fall through when a medical showed up a knee
problem. Maiga also has a ­reputation for being a maverick, and fell out
with Sochaux fans after going AWOL last season. Defoe, 29, is high on
Allardyce's shopping list – and has a proven record as a Premier League
goalscorer. The striker spent five years with the Hammers before moving to
Spurs in 2004. He is understood to be keen to stay in London, which would
give the ­Hammers an edge in any talks. And Allardyce is looking at the
England forward as his hopes of bringing in Andy Carroll from Liverpool
fade.

Allardyce has been frustrated in his attempts to make new signings. Having
recruited keepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson, he has only
added George McCartney and Mohamed Diame so far this summer. Meanwhile, the
Hammers are ready to sue Brescia to get money they believe they are owed for
Alessandro Diamanti. The Irons claim they have not been paid money they were
due after selling the midfielder for £2m two years ago. Diamanti – signed
from Livorno for £6m in 2009 – was allowed to go home to Italy after just
one season, having failed to settle in London. He then moved on to Bologna
earlier this summer following Brescia's relegation to Serie B. West Ham are
unhappy because they asked for Diamanti's registration by the Italian
Football Federation to be suspended in July last year. The club acted
because they had not been paid a due instalment of their transfer fee by
Brescia. West Ham co-owner David Gold said: "We sold Diamanti to Brescia
because he was desperate to return to Italy. He was then sold to Bologna. We
are suing Brescia for the money."

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West Ham suffer Nolan injury blow after skipper limps off in friendly
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 19:19, 21 July 2012 | UPDATED: 19:21, 21 July 2012
Daily Mail

West Ham have dismissed fears Kevin Nolan suffered a broken ankle in
Saturday's pre-season friendly at Colchester United. The Hammers skipper was
left in agony off following a challenge on Us striker Freddie Sears after
just three minutes. Nolan had to helped off for treatment to a foot injury
before returning to watch the rest of the game from the sidelines. A West
Ham official later confirmed that Nolan had suffered a toe injury. The
visitors opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Gary O'Neil crossed from
the byline and Nicky Maynard headed home at the far post. Trialist and
former Sheffield United and Galatasaray striker Colin Kazim-Richards had an
effort disallowed for offside before West Ham doubled their lead from the
penalty spot just after the half-hour mark. Mark Noble sent Mark Cousins the
wrong way after Maynard had been clumsily brought down by Magnus Okuonghae.
Colchester pulled a goal back five minutes later when they pounced on
O'Neil's careless pass and John-Joe O'Toole crossed for an unmarked Anthony
Wordsworth to convert from close range. The second-half was a far more
subdued affair as the home side made 10 changes and West Ham held on for a
2-1 victory.

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