Daily WHUFC News - 10th January 2012

Nolan aiming to tame Black Cats
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan is hoping West Ham United can maintain their unbeaten start to
2013 when they face Sunderland on Saturday
09.01.2013

Kevin Nolan says West Ham United will be looking for another strong
performance when they take on Sunderland on Saturday. The Hammers skipper is
confident the players can produce more of the same after a top-drawer
display against Manchester United in the FA Cup with Budweiser third round
produced a thrilling 2-2 draw. Nolan knows Martin O'Neill's men will provide
a similar stern test, but will be aiming to continue his own good run of
form against them, which includes the equalising goal in the 1-1 draw the
teams played out at the Boleyn Ground back in November. "We're looking
forward to playing Sunderland. I myself have had some good times scoring
against them. I scored at home here at the Boleyn Ground for West Ham
earlier this season and during my Newcastle days, scored a hat-trick against
them and had some good results. So hopefully that will continue. "It will be
a tough match. It is never an easy game for anyone at the Stadium of Light,
but we are delighted with how we have started the year. That included the
win over Norwich on New Year's Day and then against Manchester United on
Saturday, when we were not far away from winning. We have a few more bodies
and injured players hopefully on the way back, so that will be good."

Nolan was full of praise for his team-mates' stoic performances against the
Red Devils, which included a second club debut for Joe Cole and a start for
Academy graduate Dan Potts, who had literally just returned from his loan
spell at Colchester United. "Pottsy [Dan Potts] had gone out to Colchester
on loan to give him a bit more experience and he did well, which will stand
him in good stead despite some tough results while he was there. But he came
back, came straight into the team and was great. "He is a fantastic lad to
have around, on and off the pitch. He's a real credit to the club, a lad you
can rely on and his attitude is first-class. He belongs here with us and so
hopefully he can only get better and better. "Joe [Cole] speaks for himself.
He hasn't had the luck with playing games of late but you can see the
quality he has, which he showed in the game against Manchester United. He
set up the two goals and he's loving being back home already. "We want to
push on from this part of the season and hopefully if we can perform like we
have done in the last couple of games, we can bring something back from
Sunderland on Saturday."

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U18s start with Spurs test
WHUFC.com
Steve Potts begins his role as West Ham United U18s coach with the visit of
Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday
09.01.2013

Steve Potts begins his role as West Ham United Under-18s coach with the
visit of Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. The Hammers legend has been promoted
from his previous job as U16s coach after Ian Hendon and Nick Haycock moved
up to first-team coach and Development Squad coach respectively before
Christmas. The U18s have returned from their Christmas break ahead of the
start of Barclays U18 Premier League Tier One Stage on 12 January, when
Tottenham Hotspur will visit Little Heath for an 11am kick-off.

West Ham will also face Liverpool, Stoke City, Sunderland, West Bromwich
Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers home and away in the seven-team Tier One
Stage, with the group winners having the opportunity to play for the overall
title at the season's end. The Tier One and Tier Two winners will play-off
to meet the winners of the Elite Group in one semi-final, while the second
and third-place Elite Group finishers will contest the other. The winners of
the two semi-finals will contest the final. Admission and parking for all
Barclays U18 Premier League home fixtures are both free of charge. Potts'
Hammers youngsters will also host Tottenham in the FA Youth Cup fourth round
at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday 22 January, with kick-off at 7pm. Admission
on the night will be charged at £3 for Adults and £1 for Concessions.

2012/13 Barclays U18 Premier League Tier One Stage fixtures
(Home matches in Bold/West Ham United score first/All matches 11am kick-off
unless otherwise stated)
Sat 12 Jan Tottenham Hotspur
Sat 19 Jan Stoke City (12noon)
Sat 2 Feb West Bromwich Albion
Sat 9 Feb Wolverhampton Wanderers
Sat 16 Feb Sunderland
Sat 2 Mar Tottenham Hotspur
Sat 9 Mar Stoke City (12noon)
Sat 16 Mar Liverpool
30 Mar Wolverhampton Wanderers
Sat 6 Apr West Bromwich Albion
Sat 13 Apr Sunderland
Sat 27 Apr Liverpool
Wed 8 May Play-Off
Sat 11 May Semi Final
Sat 18 May Final
Home matches will kick-off at 11am at the West Ham United Academy, Little
Heath, Hainault Road, Romford, Essex, RM6 5RX unless otherwise stated.

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West Ham co-chairman David Gold in hospital with pneumonia
BBC.co.uk

West Ham co-chairman David Gold is in hospital suffering from pneumonia. The
76-year-old, who spent several days in hospital in 2011 with septicaemia, is
on strong antibiotics, said his daughter Jacqueline. "My dad had a good
night but is still on strong medication for his condition," she said on
Twitter. "He is still very poorly but in good hands and obviously won't be
at the game [at Sunderland] on Saturday."
He attended West Ham's 2-2 home draw with Manchester United on Saturday but
was taken to hospital by his daughter on Tuesday night. She tweeted on
Tuesday: "I think he's learnt a very harsh lesson - not to go to football
with bronchitis, he now has pneumonia. He is being assessed." Gold and
co-chairman David Sullivan, who had previously been owners of Birmingham
City, took over the east London club in January 2010. Gold was in hospital
in February 2011 with septicaemia and cholangitis - inflammation of the bile
duct - but made a full recovery.

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DG 'very poorly', says daughter Jacqueline
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 9th January 2013
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United co-chairman David Gold is in a stable condition today after
being admitted to hospital suffering with pneumonia. The 76-year-old
co-owner was taken to hospital last night, just 72 hours after he watched
the Hammers come within minutes of knocking Premier League leaders
Manchester United out of the FA Cup. And according to his daughter
Jacqueline, whilst Mr Gold had a comfortable night he is still being closely
monitored. Speaking via her Twitter account, Ms Gold said: "My dad had a
good night but is still on strong medication for his condition. He is on
very strong antibiotics. "Hopefully tests will reveal more tomorrow. He is
still very poorly but in good hands - and obviously won't be at the game on
Saturday."

It is the second time within the space of two years that Gold has been
admitted to hospital; in March 2011 he underwent surgery after being
diagnosed with cholangitis and septicemia. Gold, who travels around the
country to watch West Ham both home and away has barely missed a game since
buying into the club three years ago this month. You may leave a 'get well
soon' message for Mr Gold on the KUMB forum. You must be logged in to post.

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And here's to you, Mr Robinson
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 9th January 2013
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce is considering a bid for Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson.
Allardyce, who worked with the former England number one during his spell at
Ewood Park is said to be mulling over making an offer for the 33-year-old
goalkeeper, who is currently out of favour at the Championship club. With
only youngster Raphael Spiegal and Stephen Henderson, who has failed to
impress, behind current number one Jussi Jaaskelainen in the pecking order
at the Boleyn Ground, Allardyce is keen to improve his options. And should
Big Sam move for Robinson, it could represent a double swoop on his former
club with left back Martin Olsson still an option, despite Rovers having
rejected West Ham's opening bid of around £2million. In other player news,
Rob Hall has extended his loan at Championship club Birmingham City for a
further month - that's despite West Ham's Premier League under 21s programme
starting next week. Development squad manager Nick Haycock will also be
without Blair Turgott for the first few weeks of the Elite Group campaign,
with the young forward opting to remain with Carling Cup giantkillers
Bradford City until mid-February.

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West Ham co-chairman David Gold taken to hospital with pneumonia
Last Updated: January 9, 2013 1:39pm
SSN

West Ham co-chairman David Gold has been taken to hospital with pneumonia,
according to his daughter Jaqueline. Gold, who together with fellow
businessman David Sullivan took a controlling share of the club three years
ago, fell ill following their FA Cup game at Upton Park against Manchester
United on Saturday. Daughter Jaqueline tweeted: "Have taken my father into
hospital. "I think he's learnt a very harsh lesson not to go to football
with bronchitis. Now has pneumonia and being assessed." She added that her
father was on 'very strong antibiotics.' In March 2011, 76-year-old Gold
needed hospital treatment for cholangitis and septicemia.

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West Ham United have taken American international Graham Zusi on trial
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @graemebailey. Last Updated: January 9,
2013 11:44am
SSN

Sky Sports understands that West Ham United have taken American
international Graham Zusi on trial. The 26-year-old midfielder is currently
playing in Major League Soccer for Sporting Kansas City. Highly-rated Zusi
is considered one of the best attacking midfielders in the league, and was
named third in the MLS' Player of the Year awards recently. A number of
European clubs were understood to be trailing Zusi, but now he has agreed to
link up with the Hammers.
Zusi, who has three years left on his current contract, is now set to spend
the next week with West Ham with a view to him earning a move to Upton Park.

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Flirty Dozen: David Beckham has 12 solid contract offers and will choose
this week
The Mirror
9 Jan 2013 15:06

With a wand in each foot and a golden goose laying eggs in his underpants,
no wonder David Beckham isn't short of suitors for what is likely to be his
final playing contract. The former Preston North End star - who also
represented Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan, La Galaxy and England
- is mulling over 12 solid offers for his last hurrah, according to a Press
Association report, and will make his decision this week. There's been
plenty of interest in Becks from clubs in the Premier League, but the PA
report argues that a return to Blighty for a top-flight also-ran is not how
the former England captain wants to bow out.
The PA report states: David Beckham will make a decision on his future next
week after receiving 12 formal offers from around the globe - but the former
England captain is not expected to return to the Barclays Premier League.

Beckham has been made offers from Europe, South America, North America,
South Africa, Russia, China and the Middle East - though it is understood
not from Qatar. It is expected that Beckham, whose contract with Los Angeles
Galaxy ended before Christmas, will sit down with his advisors next week and
go through the offers in detail. The 37-year-old is viewing his next move as
potentially his last as a player and those close to Beckham say he is
attracted by the prospect of playing at a high level or in an environment
where his presence would have a similar impact as when he first moved from
Real Madrid to the Galaxy.

For those reasons, the chances of him joining a club involved in a
relegation fight or one mired in mid-table appear remote, and would rule him
out of joining QPR or West Ham, who have both been linked with the
midfielder. A report today said an offer of a two-year deal had been made by
Qatari officials, but it is understood that has not been received by
Beckham's representatives. There could be some Qatar involvement via Paris
St Germain, however, as the French club are effectively owned by the Qatari
government. They are also still in the Champions League, which would be
attractive to Beckham. Other options would be for Beckham to take a
big-money move to China or Russia, as Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto'o and
Nicolas Anelka have all done in recent months.

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An Interesting Rumour!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die

As supporters, much of our experience of the transfer window relates to
rumour and speculation. Most fans love it and some absolutely hate it. But
it is largely harmless fun (to those fans whose clubs are not in the midst
of in a dire relegation struggle!) as long as it is not taken too seriously.
In that spirit, there was an interesting reference to a possible West Ham
transfer move on the gooners blog site, Arsenal Latest! They have suggested
that West Ham are interested in signing Toulouse's Etienne Capoue.

The reason for Arsenal Latest's interest, in this particular Hammers
transfer story, is that Capoue has allegedly been a long-term target for
Arsene Wenger. Yet, it looks like the Hammers might be about to beat the
gooners to the punch, or are they? It is suggested that their failure to
make a move may be because Wenger is, instead, targeting West Ham's very own
Mo Diame! And, in turn, West Ham's interest in Capoue is being fuelled by
the need to find a top quality replacement. Both players are described as
powerful, box to box midfielders and it is argued that Capoue is probably
the better player. It is an interesting rumour, but is it a case of making 2
+ 2 = 5? Probably, but I thought I would share it with you as it has a
certain viable rationale underpinning it.

Now to a rumour of the opposite variety. There is speculation that Newcastle
Utd are interested in James Tomkins (which could be true?) and we are
looking to replace him with Everton's veteran centre half, Sylvain Distin! I
really do not believe that Sam Allardyce would willingly allow a young
centre back of Tomkins ability to leave. Yes, Collins-Reid has been the
first choice selection at centre-back for most of this season, although
Tomkins has still played regularly in midfield or at right-back. However, I
maintain that Tomkins-Reid is the future, in terms of West Ham's central
defensive partnership. I also do not believe that Tomkins is as unsettled as
some sources would have us believe. Yes, he will not be totally happy at not
playing consistantly in his favoured position, but he is far more likely to
get his head down, work hard at his game and wait for his chance to reclaim
the centre-back spot. And, in addtion, would Tomkins really fancy joining a
struggling Newcastle Utd outfit, under a manager whose position must be
subject to some doubt?

While I find it hard to believe that Sam Allardyce would allow Tomkins to
leave, I find it even harder to believe that he would replace him with
Distin. That is a move that is arguably a better fit with Harry Redknapp,
QPR and their current desperate relegation struggle. Distin would be a good
stop gap signing for QPR in their current situation. Redknapp also knows the
player, having managed Distin before at Pompey. So, that is a move that
makes more sense. At least, that is the way that it seems to me! But as
always, the unfolding of actual events will ultimately prove or disprove
that point of view.

Elsewhere, it is being reported that West Ham target, Nicolas Anelka, is
training with former club, PSG, whilst he seeks to confirm his free agent
status, following his move away from the Chinese League. Sam Allardyce is a
long time admirer of Anelka and he is definitely a striker that he would
like to bring to Upton Park. The obstacle to a move is whether we can reach
an accommodation on Anelka's wage demands. One club that can definitely do
that is the wealthy PSG! So, it begs the question whether Anelka training at
the French club has a deeper significance?

It seems that there is a growing trend to critize the signing of Wellington
Paulista, before we have even completed his six month loan deal. It appears
that this is being fuelled by ultra-critical internet comments by Brazilian
football fans, who obviously do not rate the player. Come on Hammers fans,
do not jump on their bandwagon, make your own assessment! At least Wait
until the player has actually appeared for the club, before making a
judgement. If the deal does not work out, so be it, but give the player a
chance. Who knows, he might prove to be a better signing than some suppose.

Finally, everyone at WHTID was very sorry to learn of club co-Chairman,
David Gold's illness. Accordingly, I would like to take this opportunity to
convey our best wishes for Mr Gold's speedy recovery.

SJ. Chandos.

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Too rich me Olsson
Published: 6 hrs ago
The Sun

WEST HAM have been scared off by Blackburn's £7million price tag for Martin
Olsson. SunSport revealed last Friday Hammers were in for the Sweden
left-back. But a Hammers insider said: "That sort of money is just not
realistic. If Rovers don't drop the price then a deal won't be happening.

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