Academy granted Category One status
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have been awarded Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP)
Category One status
28.07.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce that the club has been awarded
Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) Category One status. The Hammers have
been placed in the highest tier of Academies in English football following a
successful audit by independent assessors earlier this year. Proposed by the
Premier League, the EPPP is a new system aimed at improving all areas of
youth football provision, including coaching, education, child welfare and
medical care, with the aim of giving young players a greater opportunity to
be coached and developed into homegrown stars of the future. Vice-Chairman
Karren Brady and Academy Director Tony Carr MBE spearheaded West Ham's EPPP
strategy, with the Board investing more than £1m in helping the Academy of
Football to gain Category One status. The process of gaining Category One
status has seen a huge amount of hard work done by the Vice-Chairman, Carr
and his staff.
The Academy has grown with the addition of a significant number of full and
part-time coaching and medical staff. The facilities used by the Academy
have also been improved, with a stadium pitch and three training pitches
developed at Rush Green and the installation of a new gymnasium and
classrooms at both Little Heath and Rush Green.
Off the pitch, the club has forged a full-time partnership with Sir Paul
Grant, the headteacher at the Robert Clack School of Science in Dagenham,
whose superb team of teachers will look after all the Academy's educational
needs. These needs include full-time education provision for young
footballers in years ten and eleven, and hybrid provision for teenagers who
visit the Academy on day-release programmes during the school year. West Ham
United Joint-Chairman David Gold said: "We are pleased that the independent
auditors have seen fit to award West Ham United the top-rated Category One
Academy status. "Having played for the Academy as a youngster and then
followed West Ham United for my whole life I know only too well how
important it is to the club. So from the moment the new EPPP system was
confirmed, it was our Board's absolute priority to make sure our Academy
maintained its world-renowned reputation as one of the best in the business.
"The Board were quick to provide Tony Carr and his team with the appropriate
funding for the additional resource and facilities they required. I would
like to thank Tony and his team of staff, who all worked hard to ensure we
achieved our collective aim. "We will not be resting on our laurels now
though, as we will be continuing to invest and grow our Academy even
further."
Academy Director Tony Carr said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that we have been
awarded Category One status for the 2012/13 season, which is a culmination
of months of hard work by a huge team of people. I would to thank all of my
staff at the Academy who have put in countless late nights to make sure we
achieved the top standing. "I must also pay tribute to the Board, who have
demonstrated their unwavering commitment to West Ham United's Academy by
providing the necessary funding for the upgrades to our facilities and staff
at Chadwell Heath and Little Heath. "This award will ensure the steady
stream of talent we have coming through from our Academy will continue and
we can go on to produce more and more world-class players for West Ham
United."
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West Ham United statement
WHUFC.com
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady has spoken about the club's pride at hearing
'Bubbles' played in Stratford
28.07.2012
Karren Brady said: "We are delighted and honoured that the organisers of the
2012 London Olympics saw fit to include the West Ham United anthem 'Bubbles'
in the fantastic opening ceremony we witnessed on Friday night. We feel It
is testament to our standing in the community of the east end of London and
we are grateful that this has been recognised by Artistic Director Danny
Boyle and his team. "As I said earlier this week in my open letter to
Londoners, West Ham United is determined to ensure the legacy the Olympics
brings will live on in east London long after the last javelin has been
thrown and the final starting gun has been fired.
"We look forward to sharing more of our vision to help shape the future of
east London over the next few weeks and months."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, July 28
Daily WHUFC News - 28th July 2012
Welling test up next for Dev Squad
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon's youngsters make the short trip to Park View Road for their next
pre-season fixture
27.07.2012
West Ham United's Development Squad will be making the short trip to Blue
Square Bet South club Welling United on Saturday as they continue their
pre-season preparations. Ian Hendon's squad will be hoping to bounce back to
victory at Park View Road following a 3-0 defeat at Blue Square Bet Premier
side Dartford on Tuesday. The Development Squad's pre-season fortunes have
been mixed with strong wins against Beskitas and Thurrock being countered by
defeats by Grays Athletic and Dynamo Moscow. However positives have
continued to emerge throughout, not least the performances of Republic of
Ireland youth international Kieran Sadlier, who scored two both goals as his
side beat Thurrock 2-1 on Saturday, and a number of other scholars and young
professionals. Hendon and his players will be hoping that victory against
the Ryman League side will be the first of many at the Rush Green Stadium,
which will stage the Development Squad's home Professional Development
League fixtures during the 2012/13 season. Welling will represent a tough
test for the Hammers, and the Blue Square South outfit impressed in their
last performance beating a Millwall XI 3-0. Managed by 32-year-old Jamie
Day, the Wings finished third in their league last season and were denied
promotion by a Play-Off final defeat to local rivals Dartford. That win
extended Welling's pre-season winning streak to four, and Welling have not
lost since their opening pre-season fixture that ended in a 4-0 defeat to
Charlton Athletic. Since then, Kent League Premier Division teams Cray
Valley (6-0) and VCD Athletic (3-0) and Ryman League Division One South side
Faversham Town (4-1) have all been brushed aside by the Wings. The home
side's main goal threat may come from striker Jon Main, who previously
enjoyed prolific spells with Tonbridge Angels and AFC Wimbledon. Following
Saturday's trip to Park View Road, the squad will finish their pre-season
with three away trips to npower Football League opposition in the shape of
AFC Wimbledon, Northampton Town and Dagenham and Redbridge. Tickets will be
available on the day for the 3pm kick-off, priced at £12 for Adults and £7
for Concessions.
*West Ham United's Under-18s continued their pre-season schedule with a trip
to Merseyside to face Everton on Saturday, with kick-off at 3pm.
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Dresden defeated
WHUFC.com
West Ham United overcame the might of East German giants Dynamo Dresden in
August 1986
26.07.2012
After finishing third in the Division One table in 1985/86, West Ham United
should have been packing their suitcases the following season for European
football.
Instead, due to the UEFA ban on English clubs competing in continental
competition following the Heysel Stadium disaster at the 1985 European Cup
final between Liverpool and Italian side Juventus, the Hammers missed out on
their chance to test themselves against Europe's elite for the first time in
six seasons. John Lyall's side did not go completely without facing foreign
opposition, however, taking part in the FC Groningen Tournament in
Netherlands in the lead-up to the 1986/87 campaign. There, the Hammers took
on East German side Dynamo Dresden in the semi-finals.
Dresden - who West Ham take on in Germany tonight at 7.30pm UK time live on
West Ham TV - had won six East German league titles, six East German Cups
and would go on to reach the UEFA Cup semi-finals in 1988/89. West Ham
travelled to Groningen by plane and coach, landing at Amsterdam's Schipol
Airport on Thursday 7 August 1986 before completing their journey to the
northern Dutch town with a 100-mile drive. The following day, the Hammers
took on Dynamo at Groningen's Oosterpark Stadion, but not before goalkeeper
Phil Parkes had been presented with a bouquet of flowers by the opposition
to mark his 36th birthday!
Whil Dresden may not have won a trophy or even qualified for European
football themselves in 1985/86, the East Germans still possessed plenty of
quality and senior internationals in their ranks, including long-serving
midfielder Andreas Trautmann and future stars of the unified Germany side in
sweeper Matthias Sammer and striker Ulf Kirsten.
Trautmann, who had played for East Germany at the 1980 Olympic Games in
Moscow, winning a silver medal, had been a first-team player for Dynamo
since 1977. In that period, he had won a league title and three East German
Cups, and would go on to collect two more league winner's medals in 1989 and
1990. Sammer and Kirsten were younger than their illustrious team-mate, but
their potential had already been noted on both sides of the Iron Curtain.
After making his debut in 1985, Dresden-born Sammer spent five years with
Dynamo before moving to VfB Stuttgart following the reunification of Germany
in 1990. Amazingly, he won the East German title with Dynamo before lifting
the unified Bundesliga title with both VfB Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund.
Capped 23 times by East Germany - scoring the country's last-ever
international goal - and 51 times by Germany, Sammer's crowning moment came
in 1997, when he helped Dortmund to win the UEFA Champions League. Voted
European Footballer of the Year for 1996, the 43-year-old is now technical
director of the German Football Association.
Short and stocky, Kirsten made his Dynamo debut in 1983, going on to score
57 goals in 154 matches for the club. Later, during 13 seasons with Bayer
Leverkusen, he finished as the Bundesliga's top scorer on three occasions. A
regular for both East Germany and later the unified side, the Riesa-born
forward earned 100 caps in total, scoring 35 times and appearing at two FIFA
World Cup finals and UEFA Euro 2000 at the age of 34.
Back in August 1986, Sammer was 18 and Kirsten 20, while Trautmann was the
club's undoubted star. West Ham's own young gun, Tony Cottee, had just
turned 21 and celebrated his birthday by firing the Hammers into an early
lead from close-range after 14 minutes. It took just four minutes for
Trautmann to show just why he was so highly rated as he took control of the
ball before ruining Parkes' birthday by slamming an unstoppable 30-yard
strike into the top corner. The scoring was completed before half-time by
Cottee's regular partner in crime, Frank McAvennie. The striker's fellow
Scot Ray Stewart created the winning goal, with the right-back's free-kick
punched into his path, allowing him to sweep the ball into the net from 12
yards.
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West Ham United in Germany: Friday
WHUFC.com
West Ham United geared up for Friday's big match with a morning training
session
27.07.2012
West Ham United's players were put through their paces ahead of tonight's
game against Dynamo Dresden. Looking to follow up the good performance and
3-0 victory over Rot-Weiss Erfurt earlier this week, the Hammers were
working hard as they look to Friday evening's match, which is expected to be
played in front of an estimated 30,000 crowd, including a strong core of
West Ham fans. Once again the players were involved in an intense session of
work before stretching and cycling back to the hotel. Ricardo Vaz Te was
lively following his brace of goals on Wednesday and captain Kevin Nolan was
once again back on the training pitches. There were a few faces watching the
Hammers training today, including youngsters from the Dresden Summer Soccer
School and a few autograph hunters, who the West Ham players were happy to
meet and oblige with signatures. Manager Sam Allardyce kept a close eye on
proceedings and is expected to field a strong line-up with a few changes
from Wednesday's match against Rot-Weiss Erfurt.
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Momo's hot
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
It was a good start to the Olympics for West Ham new boy Mohamed Diame as he
captained his country to a 1-1 draw aganst hosts Great Britain at Old
Trafford.
The 25-year-old midfielder, who signed a three-year deal with the Hammers
last month had an excellent game in the heart of the African nation's
midfield as they frustrated Stuart Pearce's side by snatching a draw in the
opening game of Group A. Great Britain, managed by former Hammer Pearce took
the lead when another ex-Hammer, Craig Bellamy, struck after 20 minutes to
open the scoring. 33-year-old Bellamy, who was a constant threat throughout
was then denied a blatant penalty midway through the second half when he was
chopped in half by Saliou Ciss. And with just nine minutes of normal time
remaining, Pearce's team were denied all three points when Moussa Konate
struck on the counter to earn a share of the spoils for an extremely
physical Senegal side. A disappointed Neil Taylor, who played alongside
Bellamy criticised the match officials after the game. "I've never seen
refereeing like it," he said. "In the Premier League we're looking at at
least four players sent off."
West Ham United's only member of the GB squad, James Tomkins, was an unused
substitute having been dropped in favour of Tottenham's Steven Caulker.
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Carroll bid goes in
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are reported to have offered Liverpool £2million to take
striker Andy Carroll on loan for the forthcoming season. The 23-year-old
looks set to leave Anfield with former club Newcastle also said to be
interested. However the Magpies are only interested in taking the player
back to the North East on a permanent basis and their valuation of Carroll
is said to fall some way short of Liverpool's.
All of which means that West Ham are currently in the driving seat, with
United having offered an initial £2million for the 2012/13 campaign with a
rumoured fee of £17million to follow in 12 month's time - on the basis that
the club wish to sign the England international on a permanent contract and
that Carroll agrees to move to London.
A message posted on the Twitter account attributed to Jack Sullivan - the
son of co-owner David Sullivan - on Thursday claimed that, "Dad is working
on the biggest signing in the history of the club - twice as big as anything
as the club have done before!"
Sullivan and fellow co-owner David Gold - who have spent the last few days
in Spain meeting business associates - are yet to make a significant
investment into Sam Allardyce's playing squad despite claiming at the start
of the summer that around £20million would be spent on boosting it prior to
the beginning of the forthcoming Premier League season.
The cost of recent signings such as Jussi Jaaskelainen, Momo Diame and
Malian international striker Modibo Maiga have thus far been offset by a
string of departures with the likes of Robert Green, Pablo Barrera and
Julien Faubert - all players on Premier League salaries - having left the
Boleyn since the end of last season.
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Hammers offer £17m for Carroll
Allardyce prepared to shatter club's record transfer fee
Last Updated: July 27, 2012 4:56pm
SSN
Sky Sports sources understand West Ham United have made a £17million bid to
sign Liverpool striker Andy Carroll. The Premier League new-boys have
ambitiously offered to pay an initial £2m loan fee before making a permanent
deal next summer. Liverpool are thought to be willing to listen to offers
for the permanent sale of Carroll, who they signed from Newcastle in a
record £35m deal under Kenny Dalglish in January 2011. Brendan Rodgers has
succeeded Dalglish this summer and is ready to sell in order to raise money
for new signings, including his £15m-rated former Swansea colleague Joe
Allen. Carroll has endured a difficult time at Anfield since becoming the
most expensive British footballer in history and he now appears to be
surplus to requirements.
Raise funds
Sam Allardyce's West Ham failed in an original approach to sign the England
international solely on loan earlier this summer but have returned with a
permanent option. Liverpool want closer to £20m as they aim to recoup as
much as possible on Carroll and his wages, which are reportedly close to
£80,000-a-week, but the fee would represent a record deal for West Ham. The
most the Upton Park club, who won last season's Championship play-offs, have
paid for a player in the past has been £9m for Savio Nsereko in January
2009. And West Ham co-owner David Sullivan's son, Jack Sullivan, has added
to the rumours by saying on Twitter: "Dad is working on the biggest signing
in the history of the club - twice as big as anything the club have done
before!" West Ham are also reportedly hoping the friendship between former
Newcastle team-mates Kevin Nolan, now West Ham captain, and Carroll can help
influence any potential move.
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West Ham Can Be At the Centre of a Sporting Powerhouse at Stratford - A
Personal Point of View!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
No one could fail to be impressed with last night's Olympic opening
ceremony. It was a powerful and intelligent visual representation of British
history and culture. The land enclosure and industrialisation images were
fanastically well communicated. It was probably a challenge to fit
everything of historical significance in to the allocated time and there
were no doubt political constraints to negotiate. Otherwise the fight of
social justice by the British trade union and labour movement would have
been referenced and there would have been some narrative about our colonial
and imperialist past (although perhaps that is represented in part by the SS
Windrush), but it would be churlish to criticise it too much on those
grounds. You can disagree with the priorities and what was excluded, but
ultimately you must respect the choices made and the quality of the final
product.
I warmly welcomed the references to our armed forces and the NHS. The
ceremony rightly honoured and celebrated both, but the irony is probably not
lost on those of us who know that those same vital British institutions are
currently at severe risk. This should serve as a wake up call to all British
citizens to defend them before they are fatally undermined by the,
ideologically driven, austerity zealots presently in government. Similarly,
the images relating to British children's literature were also inspired and
the art and stage craft most impressive. I also liked the commemoration of
all those fellow citizens who did not live to see the games, that really
struck a strong emotional cord with me.The section dedicated to the 'social
media generation' was very original and interesting. And of course it
provided the vehicle for the inclusion of our sacred 'Bubbles' anthem. That
was a real honour, accorded in a venue that will hopefully become our future
home. It also allowed us to celebrate the brilliance and power of the
British music industry and our mighty contributions to film, theatre and
popular culture.
The entry of the national teams was enjoyable. It showcased the diversity
and commonality that both differentiate and unite the human family. Yes, we
may have diverse skin colours , but these are a product of the pre-historic
migrations of homo sapiens from Africa and their physical evolution in order
to adapt to and survive diferent climatic conditions. We may have different
cultures, but these are largely social constructs. Ultimately, DNA science
teaches us that we are all brothers and sisters, under the skin, and that
there is really only one race on this planet, which is the Human Race! One
of the beauties of the Olympic philosophy and movement, Is the way that it
includes and unites humanity in healthy, sporting competition and the
aspiration for excellence.
The entry of the British team was a highlight on a night of many wonderful
highlights.The pride in and support for Team GB was clearly demonstrated and
it may be crucial in powering us to a record medal haul. How can the Team
fail to be inspired by that level of passionate support? The lighting of the
Olympic flame was beautifully done. The symbolism of illustrious British
past gold medalists nominating and handing over the lighting of the torch to
the next generation had a poetic quality. The actual mechanics of lighting
the flame was pure technical genius. Hard evidence that Britain's reputation
for technical innovaton and invention has not been lost, it has just become
somewhat obscured in recent decades. We need to recover it, because a high
tech, R&D economy is the pathway back to socio-economic salvation for this
country. We need to recapture the spirit and brilliance of Brunel and create
more Rolls Royces and high tech & cutting edge enterprises. We also need a
government that can support and facilitate it via economic stimulas,
promotion of enterprise and the use of the state and the public sector to
create a strong, innovative, just and socially responsible economy.
So take a deserved bow Mr Danny Boyle, one of our own, you did your country
proud. Now the games begin and we can all look forward to magic sporting
moments and a truly great 30th Olympiad. Britain deserves this honour. A war
wrecked and impoverished Britain did the Olympic movement a great service
when the Atlee Government took the decision to pick up the torch in 1948. It
was Europe's turn to host the event, but who could take on the event in the
grim early post-war period. As in 1939-40, Britain stepped up to the plate
and saved the day with an 'austerity' games that effectively re-established
the post-war Olympic movement. The 2005 IOC decision to award London the
games effectively repaid that historic debt in full. Yes, London was
ultimately successful because we submitted the best bid, but the romantic in
me likes to think that repaying the historic debt of 1948 could also have
been a subliminal factor.
And East London deserves it as well. The Olympics has transformed Stratford
and will leave a fanastic legacy of sporting and community
facilities/activity. Indeed, it will be instrumental in boosting employment,
business and community facilities in the area. Moreover, it has the
potential to transform East London in to a national sporting powerhouse.The
facilities are there to encourage sporting endeavour and excellence in
future generations. East London has always produced great sporting heroes
and these top class facilities can take that tradition to a whole new level.
And at the very centre of it can be a new and dynamic West Ham Utd FC,
anchoring the Olympic Park. As Karren Brady recently stated, the Olympic
legacy is key and West Ham Utd FC are key to the delivery of the legacy. In
turn, the OS is the means by which this great club of ours can progress to
become a future major player in the PL and a consistent challenger for
domestic and European honours.
We fans should always honour our past (as represented by Upton Park), but
now focus upon obtaining a better future. That means embracing the OS move
and its possibilities. I understand fears about the distance from the pitch.
And I am not asking for unquestioning support, it is only right that we push
for early access to the post-Olympic redevelopment plans and scrutiny of
their potential to create the best possble football environment for us the
fans. There are technical possibilities that can ameliorate and even
overcome the 'distance effect' created by the running track. And we must
push for concrete commitments that those possibilities will be pursued,
including retractable seating, giant screens in the stadium and any other
innovations that can assist. In return for this commitment to embrace
change, the fans should demand that the board recognise us as powerful
stakeholders who must be actively consulted and involved in decisions on the
future of the club. The fans fora should be given teeth and we should be
granted the right to a non-executive position on the board. That position
being elected by the fans themselves, who should form a new powerful
supporters association or trust. The board proably will not want it, but we
should lobby and collectively insist upon our voice being heard at the
highest levels of the club.
David Dein, the former Arsenal Vice-Chairman, was once reported as stating
that the prospect of West Ham installed in the OS made him nervous, And for
good reason, the OS can deliver the increased revenues, and the greater
status, to allow us to gate crash the top table of the PL. It is time to let
go of the emotional attachment to Upton Park in favour of brave new chapters
in the history of this famous club. What's the real choice, accept the
fetters upon progress inherent at Upton Park or go for the very real
possiilities at the heart of a, comunity based, sporting powerhouse at
Stratford. I know which option I favour and it is not Upton Park.
I hopeful that the opening ceremony will shift the balance of West Ham fan
opinion towards the OS. Why? Because it was far easier to discount the OS
when it was a large empty structure. But now it is a living, breathing
sports venue. We have seen the venue staging a major event and it has
brought the possibilities to life. That affect will only be reinforced over
the coming weeks. That is powerful, influential and not so easy to dismiss
or distort.
As stated in the title, this is very much a personal point of view. I know
that many fans will passionately disagree with me. That's fine in my book,
because very soon a decision is going to made on the occupancy of the OS
and, if West Ham are successful, the move from Upton Park could become a
stark reality. As such, fans need a definitive debate about a decision that
could easily be the most crucial in our club's famous history.
SJ. Chandos.
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His Name Is Rio... Should We Bid For Him?
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
I've always been of the opinion that one day Rio Ferdinand would come back
to Upton Park to finish his career. That moment should be now. What better
defensive partner for James Tomkins could there be? We know Rio still feels
a great affection for the club from his frequent visits and comments on
Twitter. If he feels he is not going to be a regular first choice at
Manchester United, perhaps he'd consider a return to his London roots.
I doubt whether at the age of 33 he would cost an arm and a leg either. Does
anyone know what his contractual situation is? How long has he got to run on
his existing contract?
For a 33 year old he has played comparatively few games - 460 in the league
and only 270 during his decade at Manchester United/ In the last four
seasons he has played 24, 13, 19 and 30 league games. Yes, he is prone to
the odd injury, but he could have five or six good years left in him.
The return of Rio. Discuss.
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Big Sam's £5m Ram raid
Published: 27th July 2012
The Sun
WEST HAM want to land Real Mallorca's Ivan Ramis for £5million. Wigan had
been hopeful of capturing the Spanish defender, 27, after tabling a £4m bid
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Ram raid: West Ham set to hijack Wigan's move for Real Mallorca defender
Ivan Ramis
The Mirror
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is poised to nick Real Mallorca centre-back Ivan
Ramis from under Wigan's noses. Wigan boss Roberto Martinez was hopeful of
landing the 27-year-old (above) after tabling a £4m bid but Hammers have
come in at the last minute. Ramis has now made it clear he does not want to
go to Wigan and said: "I have played my last match for Mallorca because
there is a new and very interesting offer for me. "Wigan is not the best
proposition for me."
Ramis's agent Magico Diaz is now expected to try and thrash out a deal with
West Ham who have made a better offer with more cash up and front and the
Mallorca defender is hoping to fly to London on Monday for a medical.
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West Ham deal for £18m Andy Carroll is '50-50'
West Ham United
Ken Dyer
Evening Standard
27 July 2012
West Ham believe their chances of signing Andy Carroll have risen
significantly. The club have been on alert since it emerged that Liverpool
manager Brendan Rodgers is prepared to allow the England striker to leave.
Earlier this month, a club insider put West Ham's chances of a deal at about
10 per cent but today the same source said it's about "50-50". Liverpool
want at least £20million for Carroll and West Ham are the only club to have
come near that. They are prepared to take him on loan for a season and pay
his £80,000-a-week wages before buying him for around £18m.
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FC Dresden 3 West Ham United 0 – a positive post.
Claret & Bluies.com
It was 'only' a pre-season friendly.
Our boys got 90 minutes under their belts with no injuries sustained.
We learned that it isn't worth signing Moshni
The transfer window is still open.
Well, that's me about done. Any of you watch the full 90 minutes? Thoughts?
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Dynamo Dresden 3-0 West Ham: Hammers fall to friendly defeat against strong
German outfit
Sam Allardyce's men endured a three-goal thumping at the hands of the 2.
Bundesliga side, despite the east London outfit fielding a strong XI
Goal.com
By Sion Cleaver
West Ham continued their pre-season tour of Germany with a 3-0 defeat to
second division side Dynamo Dresden on Friday night. A Robert Kock volley
put the hosts in front early on with Hasan Pepic doubling Dresden's lead
just after the break and Cuneyt Koz sealing the deal two minutes from time.
Sam Allardyce started with a strong Hammers squad for the friendly, but
their opponents looked to be the better team early on. Dresden broke the
deadlock after 20 minutes - Kock took a confident run before hitting a
masterful volley into the West Ham net, leaving Jussi Jaaskelainen with no
chance. The Hammers failed to put together a response to being a goal down,
with the majority of play favouring the Germans. The home side emerged after
the break in confident fashion by doubling their lead over a muted West Ham.
A combination of defensive errors and an obvious communication breakdown
gifted Pepic a run on goal, leaving the net unguarded with Jaaskelainen
nowhere to be seen. The striker slotted the ball into the net with ease.
West Ham replied to Dresden's second goal with a surprising amount of
attacking prowess. A terrific Carlton Cole pass found the run of Matty
Taylor, who whipped a cracking low cross to Ricardo vaz Te, but the
striker's shot fell directly at the 'keeper. Possession soon fell back into
Dresden's hands, however, with Idir Ouali turning Guy Demel at the back
before forcing an important save from Jaaskelainen in the Hammers goal.
Dresden guaranteed themselves the win with just two minutes left when Koz
found himself unmarked from a corner before planting a thunderous low header
in at the near post. West Ham must now look onwards and upwards, starting
with another friendly clash on Sunday against Energie Cottbus.
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Everton and West Ham miss out on Inter Milan star
By talkSPORT | Friday, July 27, 2012
FC Twente have completed the signing of Everton and West Ham target Luc
Castaignos on a four-year deal. The completion of the £4.7m move ends months
of speculation over the 19-year-old's future. Castaignos, who failed to
establish himself at the San Siro after arriving from Feyenoord last summer,
was heavily linked with moves to Everton and West Ham, as well as Liverpool.
The Premier League sides were given fresh hope earlier this week after
Twente chairman Joop Munsterman revealed his side were struggling to agree a
fee with Inter, but negotiations were successfully concluded earlier today.
Castaignos is now eligible to compete in Twente's upcoming UEFA Europa
League campaign after sealing his move before the necessary deadline.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon's youngsters make the short trip to Park View Road for their next
pre-season fixture
27.07.2012
West Ham United's Development Squad will be making the short trip to Blue
Square Bet South club Welling United on Saturday as they continue their
pre-season preparations. Ian Hendon's squad will be hoping to bounce back to
victory at Park View Road following a 3-0 defeat at Blue Square Bet Premier
side Dartford on Tuesday. The Development Squad's pre-season fortunes have
been mixed with strong wins against Beskitas and Thurrock being countered by
defeats by Grays Athletic and Dynamo Moscow. However positives have
continued to emerge throughout, not least the performances of Republic of
Ireland youth international Kieran Sadlier, who scored two both goals as his
side beat Thurrock 2-1 on Saturday, and a number of other scholars and young
professionals. Hendon and his players will be hoping that victory against
the Ryman League side will be the first of many at the Rush Green Stadium,
which will stage the Development Squad's home Professional Development
League fixtures during the 2012/13 season. Welling will represent a tough
test for the Hammers, and the Blue Square South outfit impressed in their
last performance beating a Millwall XI 3-0. Managed by 32-year-old Jamie
Day, the Wings finished third in their league last season and were denied
promotion by a Play-Off final defeat to local rivals Dartford. That win
extended Welling's pre-season winning streak to four, and Welling have not
lost since their opening pre-season fixture that ended in a 4-0 defeat to
Charlton Athletic. Since then, Kent League Premier Division teams Cray
Valley (6-0) and VCD Athletic (3-0) and Ryman League Division One South side
Faversham Town (4-1) have all been brushed aside by the Wings. The home
side's main goal threat may come from striker Jon Main, who previously
enjoyed prolific spells with Tonbridge Angels and AFC Wimbledon. Following
Saturday's trip to Park View Road, the squad will finish their pre-season
with three away trips to npower Football League opposition in the shape of
AFC Wimbledon, Northampton Town and Dagenham and Redbridge. Tickets will be
available on the day for the 3pm kick-off, priced at £12 for Adults and £7
for Concessions.
*West Ham United's Under-18s continued their pre-season schedule with a trip
to Merseyside to face Everton on Saturday, with kick-off at 3pm.
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Dresden defeated
WHUFC.com
West Ham United overcame the might of East German giants Dynamo Dresden in
August 1986
26.07.2012
After finishing third in the Division One table in 1985/86, West Ham United
should have been packing their suitcases the following season for European
football.
Instead, due to the UEFA ban on English clubs competing in continental
competition following the Heysel Stadium disaster at the 1985 European Cup
final between Liverpool and Italian side Juventus, the Hammers missed out on
their chance to test themselves against Europe's elite for the first time in
six seasons. John Lyall's side did not go completely without facing foreign
opposition, however, taking part in the FC Groningen Tournament in
Netherlands in the lead-up to the 1986/87 campaign. There, the Hammers took
on East German side Dynamo Dresden in the semi-finals.
Dresden - who West Ham take on in Germany tonight at 7.30pm UK time live on
West Ham TV - had won six East German league titles, six East German Cups
and would go on to reach the UEFA Cup semi-finals in 1988/89. West Ham
travelled to Groningen by plane and coach, landing at Amsterdam's Schipol
Airport on Thursday 7 August 1986 before completing their journey to the
northern Dutch town with a 100-mile drive. The following day, the Hammers
took on Dynamo at Groningen's Oosterpark Stadion, but not before goalkeeper
Phil Parkes had been presented with a bouquet of flowers by the opposition
to mark his 36th birthday!
Whil Dresden may not have won a trophy or even qualified for European
football themselves in 1985/86, the East Germans still possessed plenty of
quality and senior internationals in their ranks, including long-serving
midfielder Andreas Trautmann and future stars of the unified Germany side in
sweeper Matthias Sammer and striker Ulf Kirsten.
Trautmann, who had played for East Germany at the 1980 Olympic Games in
Moscow, winning a silver medal, had been a first-team player for Dynamo
since 1977. In that period, he had won a league title and three East German
Cups, and would go on to collect two more league winner's medals in 1989 and
1990. Sammer and Kirsten were younger than their illustrious team-mate, but
their potential had already been noted on both sides of the Iron Curtain.
After making his debut in 1985, Dresden-born Sammer spent five years with
Dynamo before moving to VfB Stuttgart following the reunification of Germany
in 1990. Amazingly, he won the East German title with Dynamo before lifting
the unified Bundesliga title with both VfB Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund.
Capped 23 times by East Germany - scoring the country's last-ever
international goal - and 51 times by Germany, Sammer's crowning moment came
in 1997, when he helped Dortmund to win the UEFA Champions League. Voted
European Footballer of the Year for 1996, the 43-year-old is now technical
director of the German Football Association.
Short and stocky, Kirsten made his Dynamo debut in 1983, going on to score
57 goals in 154 matches for the club. Later, during 13 seasons with Bayer
Leverkusen, he finished as the Bundesliga's top scorer on three occasions. A
regular for both East Germany and later the unified side, the Riesa-born
forward earned 100 caps in total, scoring 35 times and appearing at two FIFA
World Cup finals and UEFA Euro 2000 at the age of 34.
Back in August 1986, Sammer was 18 and Kirsten 20, while Trautmann was the
club's undoubted star. West Ham's own young gun, Tony Cottee, had just
turned 21 and celebrated his birthday by firing the Hammers into an early
lead from close-range after 14 minutes. It took just four minutes for
Trautmann to show just why he was so highly rated as he took control of the
ball before ruining Parkes' birthday by slamming an unstoppable 30-yard
strike into the top corner. The scoring was completed before half-time by
Cottee's regular partner in crime, Frank McAvennie. The striker's fellow
Scot Ray Stewart created the winning goal, with the right-back's free-kick
punched into his path, allowing him to sweep the ball into the net from 12
yards.
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West Ham United in Germany: Friday
WHUFC.com
West Ham United geared up for Friday's big match with a morning training
session
27.07.2012
West Ham United's players were put through their paces ahead of tonight's
game against Dynamo Dresden. Looking to follow up the good performance and
3-0 victory over Rot-Weiss Erfurt earlier this week, the Hammers were
working hard as they look to Friday evening's match, which is expected to be
played in front of an estimated 30,000 crowd, including a strong core of
West Ham fans. Once again the players were involved in an intense session of
work before stretching and cycling back to the hotel. Ricardo Vaz Te was
lively following his brace of goals on Wednesday and captain Kevin Nolan was
once again back on the training pitches. There were a few faces watching the
Hammers training today, including youngsters from the Dresden Summer Soccer
School and a few autograph hunters, who the West Ham players were happy to
meet and oblige with signatures. Manager Sam Allardyce kept a close eye on
proceedings and is expected to field a strong line-up with a few changes
from Wednesday's match against Rot-Weiss Erfurt.
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Momo's hot
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
It was a good start to the Olympics for West Ham new boy Mohamed Diame as he
captained his country to a 1-1 draw aganst hosts Great Britain at Old
Trafford.
The 25-year-old midfielder, who signed a three-year deal with the Hammers
last month had an excellent game in the heart of the African nation's
midfield as they frustrated Stuart Pearce's side by snatching a draw in the
opening game of Group A. Great Britain, managed by former Hammer Pearce took
the lead when another ex-Hammer, Craig Bellamy, struck after 20 minutes to
open the scoring. 33-year-old Bellamy, who was a constant threat throughout
was then denied a blatant penalty midway through the second half when he was
chopped in half by Saliou Ciss. And with just nine minutes of normal time
remaining, Pearce's team were denied all three points when Moussa Konate
struck on the counter to earn a share of the spoils for an extremely
physical Senegal side. A disappointed Neil Taylor, who played alongside
Bellamy criticised the match officials after the game. "I've never seen
refereeing like it," he said. "In the Premier League we're looking at at
least four players sent off."
West Ham United's only member of the GB squad, James Tomkins, was an unused
substitute having been dropped in favour of Tottenham's Steven Caulker.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll bid goes in
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are reported to have offered Liverpool £2million to take
striker Andy Carroll on loan for the forthcoming season. The 23-year-old
looks set to leave Anfield with former club Newcastle also said to be
interested. However the Magpies are only interested in taking the player
back to the North East on a permanent basis and their valuation of Carroll
is said to fall some way short of Liverpool's.
All of which means that West Ham are currently in the driving seat, with
United having offered an initial £2million for the 2012/13 campaign with a
rumoured fee of £17million to follow in 12 month's time - on the basis that
the club wish to sign the England international on a permanent contract and
that Carroll agrees to move to London.
A message posted on the Twitter account attributed to Jack Sullivan - the
son of co-owner David Sullivan - on Thursday claimed that, "Dad is working
on the biggest signing in the history of the club - twice as big as anything
as the club have done before!"
Sullivan and fellow co-owner David Gold - who have spent the last few days
in Spain meeting business associates - are yet to make a significant
investment into Sam Allardyce's playing squad despite claiming at the start
of the summer that around £20million would be spent on boosting it prior to
the beginning of the forthcoming Premier League season.
The cost of recent signings such as Jussi Jaaskelainen, Momo Diame and
Malian international striker Modibo Maiga have thus far been offset by a
string of departures with the likes of Robert Green, Pablo Barrera and
Julien Faubert - all players on Premier League salaries - having left the
Boleyn since the end of last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers offer £17m for Carroll
Allardyce prepared to shatter club's record transfer fee
Last Updated: July 27, 2012 4:56pm
SSN
Sky Sports sources understand West Ham United have made a £17million bid to
sign Liverpool striker Andy Carroll. The Premier League new-boys have
ambitiously offered to pay an initial £2m loan fee before making a permanent
deal next summer. Liverpool are thought to be willing to listen to offers
for the permanent sale of Carroll, who they signed from Newcastle in a
record £35m deal under Kenny Dalglish in January 2011. Brendan Rodgers has
succeeded Dalglish this summer and is ready to sell in order to raise money
for new signings, including his £15m-rated former Swansea colleague Joe
Allen. Carroll has endured a difficult time at Anfield since becoming the
most expensive British footballer in history and he now appears to be
surplus to requirements.
Raise funds
Sam Allardyce's West Ham failed in an original approach to sign the England
international solely on loan earlier this summer but have returned with a
permanent option. Liverpool want closer to £20m as they aim to recoup as
much as possible on Carroll and his wages, which are reportedly close to
£80,000-a-week, but the fee would represent a record deal for West Ham. The
most the Upton Park club, who won last season's Championship play-offs, have
paid for a player in the past has been £9m for Savio Nsereko in January
2009. And West Ham co-owner David Sullivan's son, Jack Sullivan, has added
to the rumours by saying on Twitter: "Dad is working on the biggest signing
in the history of the club - twice as big as anything the club have done
before!" West Ham are also reportedly hoping the friendship between former
Newcastle team-mates Kevin Nolan, now West Ham captain, and Carroll can help
influence any potential move.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Can Be At the Centre of a Sporting Powerhouse at Stratford - A
Personal Point of View!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
No one could fail to be impressed with last night's Olympic opening
ceremony. It was a powerful and intelligent visual representation of British
history and culture. The land enclosure and industrialisation images were
fanastically well communicated. It was probably a challenge to fit
everything of historical significance in to the allocated time and there
were no doubt political constraints to negotiate. Otherwise the fight of
social justice by the British trade union and labour movement would have
been referenced and there would have been some narrative about our colonial
and imperialist past (although perhaps that is represented in part by the SS
Windrush), but it would be churlish to criticise it too much on those
grounds. You can disagree with the priorities and what was excluded, but
ultimately you must respect the choices made and the quality of the final
product.
I warmly welcomed the references to our armed forces and the NHS. The
ceremony rightly honoured and celebrated both, but the irony is probably not
lost on those of us who know that those same vital British institutions are
currently at severe risk. This should serve as a wake up call to all British
citizens to defend them before they are fatally undermined by the,
ideologically driven, austerity zealots presently in government. Similarly,
the images relating to British children's literature were also inspired and
the art and stage craft most impressive. I also liked the commemoration of
all those fellow citizens who did not live to see the games, that really
struck a strong emotional cord with me.The section dedicated to the 'social
media generation' was very original and interesting. And of course it
provided the vehicle for the inclusion of our sacred 'Bubbles' anthem. That
was a real honour, accorded in a venue that will hopefully become our future
home. It also allowed us to celebrate the brilliance and power of the
British music industry and our mighty contributions to film, theatre and
popular culture.
The entry of the national teams was enjoyable. It showcased the diversity
and commonality that both differentiate and unite the human family. Yes, we
may have diverse skin colours , but these are a product of the pre-historic
migrations of homo sapiens from Africa and their physical evolution in order
to adapt to and survive diferent climatic conditions. We may have different
cultures, but these are largely social constructs. Ultimately, DNA science
teaches us that we are all brothers and sisters, under the skin, and that
there is really only one race on this planet, which is the Human Race! One
of the beauties of the Olympic philosophy and movement, Is the way that it
includes and unites humanity in healthy, sporting competition and the
aspiration for excellence.
The entry of the British team was a highlight on a night of many wonderful
highlights.The pride in and support for Team GB was clearly demonstrated and
it may be crucial in powering us to a record medal haul. How can the Team
fail to be inspired by that level of passionate support? The lighting of the
Olympic flame was beautifully done. The symbolism of illustrious British
past gold medalists nominating and handing over the lighting of the torch to
the next generation had a poetic quality. The actual mechanics of lighting
the flame was pure technical genius. Hard evidence that Britain's reputation
for technical innovaton and invention has not been lost, it has just become
somewhat obscured in recent decades. We need to recover it, because a high
tech, R&D economy is the pathway back to socio-economic salvation for this
country. We need to recapture the spirit and brilliance of Brunel and create
more Rolls Royces and high tech & cutting edge enterprises. We also need a
government that can support and facilitate it via economic stimulas,
promotion of enterprise and the use of the state and the public sector to
create a strong, innovative, just and socially responsible economy.
So take a deserved bow Mr Danny Boyle, one of our own, you did your country
proud. Now the games begin and we can all look forward to magic sporting
moments and a truly great 30th Olympiad. Britain deserves this honour. A war
wrecked and impoverished Britain did the Olympic movement a great service
when the Atlee Government took the decision to pick up the torch in 1948. It
was Europe's turn to host the event, but who could take on the event in the
grim early post-war period. As in 1939-40, Britain stepped up to the plate
and saved the day with an 'austerity' games that effectively re-established
the post-war Olympic movement. The 2005 IOC decision to award London the
games effectively repaid that historic debt in full. Yes, London was
ultimately successful because we submitted the best bid, but the romantic in
me likes to think that repaying the historic debt of 1948 could also have
been a subliminal factor.
And East London deserves it as well. The Olympics has transformed Stratford
and will leave a fanastic legacy of sporting and community
facilities/activity. Indeed, it will be instrumental in boosting employment,
business and community facilities in the area. Moreover, it has the
potential to transform East London in to a national sporting powerhouse.The
facilities are there to encourage sporting endeavour and excellence in
future generations. East London has always produced great sporting heroes
and these top class facilities can take that tradition to a whole new level.
And at the very centre of it can be a new and dynamic West Ham Utd FC,
anchoring the Olympic Park. As Karren Brady recently stated, the Olympic
legacy is key and West Ham Utd FC are key to the delivery of the legacy. In
turn, the OS is the means by which this great club of ours can progress to
become a future major player in the PL and a consistent challenger for
domestic and European honours.
We fans should always honour our past (as represented by Upton Park), but
now focus upon obtaining a better future. That means embracing the OS move
and its possibilities. I understand fears about the distance from the pitch.
And I am not asking for unquestioning support, it is only right that we push
for early access to the post-Olympic redevelopment plans and scrutiny of
their potential to create the best possble football environment for us the
fans. There are technical possibilities that can ameliorate and even
overcome the 'distance effect' created by the running track. And we must
push for concrete commitments that those possibilities will be pursued,
including retractable seating, giant screens in the stadium and any other
innovations that can assist. In return for this commitment to embrace
change, the fans should demand that the board recognise us as powerful
stakeholders who must be actively consulted and involved in decisions on the
future of the club. The fans fora should be given teeth and we should be
granted the right to a non-executive position on the board. That position
being elected by the fans themselves, who should form a new powerful
supporters association or trust. The board proably will not want it, but we
should lobby and collectively insist upon our voice being heard at the
highest levels of the club.
David Dein, the former Arsenal Vice-Chairman, was once reported as stating
that the prospect of West Ham installed in the OS made him nervous, And for
good reason, the OS can deliver the increased revenues, and the greater
status, to allow us to gate crash the top table of the PL. It is time to let
go of the emotional attachment to Upton Park in favour of brave new chapters
in the history of this famous club. What's the real choice, accept the
fetters upon progress inherent at Upton Park or go for the very real
possiilities at the heart of a, comunity based, sporting powerhouse at
Stratford. I know which option I favour and it is not Upton Park.
I hopeful that the opening ceremony will shift the balance of West Ham fan
opinion towards the OS. Why? Because it was far easier to discount the OS
when it was a large empty structure. But now it is a living, breathing
sports venue. We have seen the venue staging a major event and it has
brought the possibilities to life. That affect will only be reinforced over
the coming weeks. That is powerful, influential and not so easy to dismiss
or distort.
As stated in the title, this is very much a personal point of view. I know
that many fans will passionately disagree with me. That's fine in my book,
because very soon a decision is going to made on the occupancy of the OS
and, if West Ham are successful, the move from Upton Park could become a
stark reality. As such, fans need a definitive debate about a decision that
could easily be the most crucial in our club's famous history.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
His Name Is Rio... Should We Bid For Him?
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
I've always been of the opinion that one day Rio Ferdinand would come back
to Upton Park to finish his career. That moment should be now. What better
defensive partner for James Tomkins could there be? We know Rio still feels
a great affection for the club from his frequent visits and comments on
Twitter. If he feels he is not going to be a regular first choice at
Manchester United, perhaps he'd consider a return to his London roots.
I doubt whether at the age of 33 he would cost an arm and a leg either. Does
anyone know what his contractual situation is? How long has he got to run on
his existing contract?
For a 33 year old he has played comparatively few games - 460 in the league
and only 270 during his decade at Manchester United/ In the last four
seasons he has played 24, 13, 19 and 30 league games. Yes, he is prone to
the odd injury, but he could have five or six good years left in him.
The return of Rio. Discuss.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam's £5m Ram raid
Published: 27th July 2012
The Sun
WEST HAM want to land Real Mallorca's Ivan Ramis for £5million. Wigan had
been hopeful of capturing the Spanish defender, 27, after tabling a £4m bid
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ram raid: West Ham set to hijack Wigan's move for Real Mallorca defender
Ivan Ramis
The Mirror
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is poised to nick Real Mallorca centre-back Ivan
Ramis from under Wigan's noses. Wigan boss Roberto Martinez was hopeful of
landing the 27-year-old (above) after tabling a £4m bid but Hammers have
come in at the last minute. Ramis has now made it clear he does not want to
go to Wigan and said: "I have played my last match for Mallorca because
there is a new and very interesting offer for me. "Wigan is not the best
proposition for me."
Ramis's agent Magico Diaz is now expected to try and thrash out a deal with
West Ham who have made a better offer with more cash up and front and the
Mallorca defender is hoping to fly to London on Monday for a medical.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham deal for £18m Andy Carroll is '50-50'
West Ham United
Ken Dyer
Evening Standard
27 July 2012
West Ham believe their chances of signing Andy Carroll have risen
significantly. The club have been on alert since it emerged that Liverpool
manager Brendan Rodgers is prepared to allow the England striker to leave.
Earlier this month, a club insider put West Ham's chances of a deal at about
10 per cent but today the same source said it's about "50-50". Liverpool
want at least £20million for Carroll and West Ham are the only club to have
come near that. They are prepared to take him on loan for a season and pay
his £80,000-a-week wages before buying him for around £18m.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FC Dresden 3 West Ham United 0 – a positive post.
Claret & Bluies.com
It was 'only' a pre-season friendly.
Our boys got 90 minutes under their belts with no injuries sustained.
We learned that it isn't worth signing Moshni
The transfer window is still open.
Well, that's me about done. Any of you watch the full 90 minutes? Thoughts?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dynamo Dresden 3-0 West Ham: Hammers fall to friendly defeat against strong
German outfit
Sam Allardyce's men endured a three-goal thumping at the hands of the 2.
Bundesliga side, despite the east London outfit fielding a strong XI
Goal.com
By Sion Cleaver
West Ham continued their pre-season tour of Germany with a 3-0 defeat to
second division side Dynamo Dresden on Friday night. A Robert Kock volley
put the hosts in front early on with Hasan Pepic doubling Dresden's lead
just after the break and Cuneyt Koz sealing the deal two minutes from time.
Sam Allardyce started with a strong Hammers squad for the friendly, but
their opponents looked to be the better team early on. Dresden broke the
deadlock after 20 minutes - Kock took a confident run before hitting a
masterful volley into the West Ham net, leaving Jussi Jaaskelainen with no
chance. The Hammers failed to put together a response to being a goal down,
with the majority of play favouring the Germans. The home side emerged after
the break in confident fashion by doubling their lead over a muted West Ham.
A combination of defensive errors and an obvious communication breakdown
gifted Pepic a run on goal, leaving the net unguarded with Jaaskelainen
nowhere to be seen. The striker slotted the ball into the net with ease.
West Ham replied to Dresden's second goal with a surprising amount of
attacking prowess. A terrific Carlton Cole pass found the run of Matty
Taylor, who whipped a cracking low cross to Ricardo vaz Te, but the
striker's shot fell directly at the 'keeper. Possession soon fell back into
Dresden's hands, however, with Idir Ouali turning Guy Demel at the back
before forcing an important save from Jaaskelainen in the Hammers goal.
Dresden guaranteed themselves the win with just two minutes left when Koz
found himself unmarked from a corner before planting a thunderous low header
in at the near post. West Ham must now look onwards and upwards, starting
with another friendly clash on Sunday against Energie Cottbus.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton and West Ham miss out on Inter Milan star
By talkSPORT | Friday, July 27, 2012
FC Twente have completed the signing of Everton and West Ham target Luc
Castaignos on a four-year deal. The completion of the £4.7m move ends months
of speculation over the 19-year-old's future. Castaignos, who failed to
establish himself at the San Siro after arriving from Feyenoord last summer,
was heavily linked with moves to Everton and West Ham, as well as Liverpool.
The Premier League sides were given fresh hope earlier this week after
Twente chairman Joop Munsterman revealed his side were struggling to agree a
fee with Inter, but negotiations were successfully concluded earlier today.
Castaignos is now eligible to compete in Twente's upcoming UEFA Europa
League campaign after sealing his move before the necessary deadline.
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