Daily WHUFC News - 24th May 2013

Demel's delight at home record
WHUFC.com
West Ham United defender Guy Demel was happy to register another home
success last weekend
23.05.2013

Guy Demel believes the Hammers' pride in their home record throughout the
2012/13 season saw West Ham United grab all three points against Reading on
Sunday. The relegated Royals looked like they may derail West Ham's hopes of
sealing a top-ten finish when they came back from 2-0 down with a couple of
goals inside the first ten minutes of the second period. But only six teams
have taken more points at home than the Hammers this season, and the Boleyn
Ground crowd were reminded why with a superb final flourish that saw Kevin
Nolan complete his hat-trick with two goals in the closing stages. It means
the Hammers ended the campaign with 33 points from 19 home league matches
and Demel says that is a haul they can look back on with some satisfaction.
He told West Ham TV: "It was a good game on Sunday with a lot of goals
scored, but the most important thing for us was to win the game and get the
three points. "We did the job, Reading came back in the second half, but Kev
[Nolan] and Andy [Carroll] were superb. As a team we showed a good reaction
after the goals from Reading, so it's a really good way to go on our
holidays. "We knew that Reading wouldn't give us the game, that they would
try to come back after half-time and give us a hard time. They did, but we
responded and we've got a nice record from the home games this season.
"We're proud of that and we won't let any team beat us easily at home. We
showed the reaction, which was good."

Demel himself has come back from adversity, battling his way through an
injury-plagued first season in east London to make 32 appearances in
2012/13.
He credits the ease of his reintegration into the fold to the superb team
spirit in the Hammers camp. "Every player had a part to play this season,"
he added. "You saw on Sunday that Modibo Maiga came on after a while on the
bench and he delivered a good ball for Kev [to score his hat-trick goal with
a header].
"This is the atmosphere in the team, everyone gives their best and we know
we have to continue to work, because next season will be harder. "I think it
was a good season for me. My first season was difficult because I went
through many injuries, but you can feel that good atmosphere in the team so
it was pretty easy to come back in. "I'm quite happy for my season. I played
many games, but without my teammates that would not be possible."

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Pitching in
WHUFC.com
The groundstaff will spend the summer ensuring the pitches are in top
condition come pre-season
23.05.2013

While West Ham United's players take a well-earned summer break, the Club's
groundstaff will be busy ensuring that the pitches are in perfect condition
come the start of pre-season training. Head groundsman Dougie Robertson
(pictured) and his team have already started work on relaying the pitches at
Chadwell Heath, Little Heath and Rush Green, while the Boleyn Ground playing
surface will be replaced next month. Robertson said the hard work would
continue until every pitch is ready for use ahead of the 2013/14 Barclays
Premier League campaign. "We started relaying the pitches last week," he
confirmed. "The manager [Sam Allardyce] moved first-team training to the
stadium and that gave us an extra week of preparation time, repairing and
preparing the pitches for next season. "We began with the first pitch at
Chadwell Heath in mid-April, removing the existing vegetation and then
re-sanding and re-seeding the pitch. The grass on there is now up to an
inch-and-a-half in height so we will start slowly reducing that and keep
watering it every day. "We started on the other pitches at Chadwell Heath
last Monday [13 May] and finished on Wednesday by seeding them. In ten days
time, we'll see some grass coming through and can get it ready for
pre-season. These remaining pitches will be given back to the first team at
the end of July. "The squad goes away to Ireland in the first week of July
and then come back and train on the first pitch we stripped off, so the
times marry in. They will all have the required rest period."

While Sunday league football is often played on pitches that can resemble
ploughed fields, Robertson and his team utilise ultra-modern methods to
ensure their playing surfaces remain in perfect condition throughout the
season. "We use a product called Fibresand which has horse hair in it, which
strengthens the root zone of the grass and helps to stabilise the pitches.
This gives us a whole season's worth of play. We put down 18 to 20 bags of
grass seed per pitch and these will continue to grow over the summer."

Aside from relaying pitches, Robertson and his staff will be doing all
manner of maintenance jobs at the Club's training complexes, including the
new Academy facilities at Rush Green and the Boleyn Ground. "The groundstaff
will be working seven days a week now until the players come back. We need
to redecorate the buildings and strip the pitches off on every site and we
start at the stadium on 17 June after the very successful corporate events
have finished. It's a very busy time. "We took on Rush Green last year,
which is a 29-acre site used to train youngsters aged 14 and 15 and for
Under-21 matches. It's been a lot of xtra work successfully added on. The
first year of the Elite Player Performance Plan has had good results. "The
Boleyn Ground pitch has been fantastic this year. We got off to a bit of a
slippery start with the wet summer last year, but we more than fixed that
and the pitch has been fantastic all year. We've had great feedback from
West Ham and from the opposing teams, so I'm very pleased.

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Legends set for charity match
WHUFC.com
A charity match for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity will
take place on Friday 24 May
23.05.2013

A host of West Ham United greats will pull on their claret and blue shirts
again to raise funds for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's
Charity. The special match will take place at the Boleyn Ground on Friday 24
May, with kick-off at 7.30pm. There, managers Tony Cottee and Julian Dicks
will lead their respective Ex-West Ham and Great Ormond Street sides. Cottee
has already assembled an all-star line-up, with Frank McAvennie, Allen
McKnight, Kenny Brown, Nigel Winterburn, Steve Potts, Ian Pearce, George
Parris, Mark Ward, Alan Dickens, Don Hutchison, Rob Lee, Stuart Slater, Paul
Allen, Mark Robson, Martin Allen and Iain Dowie all set to grace the
hallowed turf one more time. The event has been organised by football event
organisers Football For Fans www.footballforfans.co.ukwho are themselves
lifelong Hammers fans. Spectators can pay at the gate on the night, with
tickets priced at £5 for Adults and free for Children aged under 16 who are
to be accompanied by an adult. Mascot packages are available, with a
donation being made to GOSHCC. Executive Boxes are also available at special
rates, as are limited hospitality 'meet the players' packages. For further
details please contact organiser Jeff Garner (not West Ham United) via
e-mail at jeff@footballforfans.co.uk or call 07941 877570.

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Joint-Chairman remembers Anne Frank
WHUFC.com
David Gold attended the opening of an exhibition telling the story of
Holocaust victim Anne Frank
23.05.2013

West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Gold was among the dignitaries to
attend the opening of a new exhibition telling the story of Holocaust victim
Anne Frank. Frank, who died of typhus at the Bergen-Belsen concentration
camp at the age of 15 in 1945 and remains of the most discussed Jewish
victims of the Holocaust, documented her experiences hiding during the
German occupation of the Netherlands during World War II in her now
world-famous diary. The Anne Frank +You exhibition, which will staged by the
Anne Frank Trust UK at Newham Town Hall until 6 June, gives Frank's story
and message a contemporary profile for today, focusing on the issues of
identity and moral choice we face in 21st century Britain. Starting from
Frank's writings and experiences, the free exhibition is a journey of
self-exploration for the visitor. Themes that the tragic schoolgirl wrote
about in her diary, such as racial hatred, war and conflict and the value of
democracy and freedom, are presented in a contemporary fashion, along with
filmed interviews with British teenagers discussing their own views,
concerns and hopes for the future. The exhibition features a near life-size
replica of her bedroom in the secret annexe to the Amsterdam house where the
Frank family hid from the Nazis for two years. The display also includes
newly-discovered photographs of Anne and her sister Margot with film footage
and historical artefacts.

Mr Gold attended the opening of the exhibition alongside anti-racism
campaigner Doreen Lawrence, Anne Frank Trust UK co-founder Gillian Walnes
MBE, Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales, Young Mayor of Newham Rebekah Dike and
local schoolchildren. He gave a powerful, unscripted speech at the opening
on how his own family had been victims of discrimination. Mr Gold revealed
how his great-grandparents and grandfather fled the Pogroms in Russia, in
which thousands of Jewish people were murdered, and came to the East End of
London only to face more prejudice which had tragic consequences. He said:
"My great grandfather thought he'd left all that behind and was coming to a
safe country but the East End was just as bad. It got too much for him and
he hanged himself in an East End synagogue."

The displays use film footage and historical artefacts about the Holocaust
to highlight the danger of ignoring intolerance which the Joint-Chairman
warned is still an issue for everyone. "There's no doubt we've made progress
over the last 70 years since the Second World War. But, of course, for most
of us we can't go back that far," Mr Gold said. "Yes, we've met the demands
of progress and there are some people who think we've solved this. The truth
is we haven't. Racism and intolerance still lurks, still there, under a
stone. We must remain vigilant. It won't take a lot for it to resurface.
There is an old saying 'evil only triumphs when good men do nothing'. It's
true."

The exhibition also tackles head-on the issue of racism in football which
the chairman believes is still a problem that everyone must challenge. He
said: "I support the Kick it Out campaign. Football has done a lot in this
area. We're winning but we're not there yet. Should we keep trying to do
better? Absolutely: it's important." The exhibition is hosted by young
ambassadors from local schools who impressed Mr Gold as they showed him
round. Mr Gold said: "I'm heartened by the young people that I've met. They
are the future and are a real inspiration. They can - and I hope will - make
a real difference." Anne Frank +You is suitable for adults and children
from age ten and up, while school groups can also visit for a special tour
of the exhibition by pupils. It will be open daily between 9am and 5pm until
6 June.

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Sullivan ponders 'devastating' strike force
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 23rd May 2013
By: Staff Writer

Co-chairman David Sullivan is back in the papers after he hinted at the
prospect of lining Andy Carroll up with Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku. Sullivan,
who has an uncanny knack of appearing in the press around season ticket
renewal time, told the Mirror that West Ham were seriously considering
making a move for the 20-year-old forward who proved such a success on loan
at West Brom last season. "Lukaku would be a loan again. We'd maybe buy him
a year later if Chelsea decide they don't want him," said Sullivan. "He has
been amazing for West Brom this season and I'd hope that he would prefer to
live in London."

And on the potential arrival of Carroll, on whom West Ham and Liverpool are
understood to have agreed a fee, he added: "If we sign Andy, it would be a
record signing for the club. He and Romelu would be devastating. The best
strike-force outside of the top six or seven." Elsewhere today, Italian
sources claim that West Ham have offered Massimo Ambrosini a two-year
contract should he fail to clinch a new deal with Milan, his club for the
last 17 years. The 35-year-old was in London earlier this week with his
agent for preliminary discussions with Hammers representatives. It is
thought that MLS side LA Galaxy are also monitoring Ambrosini's situation
carefully. Moving to Spain, and it is reported that West Ham have been
keeping tabs on Real Betis' defensive midfielder Benat Etxeberria. The
26-year-old, who emerged from the Athletico Bilbao youth academy has
represented his country on four occasions in the last 12 months.

The first Betis player to represent Spain for several years, Etxeberria -
whose last two appearances are reported to have been watched by West Ham
scouts - is valued at around 8million by his club, who are understood to be
prepared to do business should an offer in that region be forthcoming.
United are also said to be taking a look at Etxeberria's team mate Adrian,
Betis' reserve goalkeeper. The 26-year-old is a home-grown player having
emerged from the Betis youth ranks and was recently voted Man of the Match
in their 1-0 win over Real Madrid.

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Back to school for Bobby Moore
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 23rd May 2013
By: Staff Writer

A plaque in memory of Bobby Moore has been unveiled at the primary school
formerly attended by the ex-West Ham United and England captain. Moore, who
was born at Barking Hospital in 1941 was a pupil at Ripple Primary School in
Barking between 1946 and 1952. And earlier this week a blue English Heritage
plaque to celebrate his achievements was unveiled at the school by Moore's
former team mate, fellow Hammers legend Trevor Brooking. Brooking - another
former Ripple School pupil - told the Barking & Dagenham Post: "I am very
pleased to hear that my old school team are successfully carrying on the
[sporting] tradition and I am honoured to be part of today's ceremony to
celebrate Bobby."

During the visit Brooking - who was described by pupils he met as "a class
act" - also met a number of players who had represented West Ham at a recent
tournament staged at Liverpool's home ground, Anfield. The team - who had
been chosen to represent West Ham at the event after winning a local
competition, and who train on a concrete playground with the school having
no field - finished third in the tournament. West Ham United FC are
understood to have paid for the team's entire trip including accomodation,
travel and replica kits.

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Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers expects a quick decision on Andy Carroll's
future
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated: May
23, 2013 8:55am
SSN

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers admits he expects Andy Carroll's future to be
decided long before the end of the transfer window. The Reds have agreed a
fee with West Ham for Carroll after the striker enjoyed a successful spell
on loan at Upton Park this season. Any move could be delayed after Carroll
picked up a heel injury which could sideline him for up to six weeks, but
Rodgers does not expect any possible move to drag on after the loan move
only took place at the back end of the summer transfer window. Rodgers
revealed he has spoken to Carroll about his future and the Liverpool boss
expects a resolution soon. "It was just a general conversation in terms of
the experience of getting out and playing," Rodgers told the Guardian. "He
enjoyed that apart from the injury. "At the start of the season the whole
thing was about going and getting games because he wasn't going to be a
starter here. We will talk again with him and the club to see how it all
evolves. It's one of those situations where it will probably be resolved a
lot quicker than that for both parties."

"We will talk again with him and the club to see how it all evolves. It's
one of those situations where it will probably be resolved a lot quicker
than that for both parties." Rodgers admits he plans further talks with
Carroll during the summer to try and thrash out the player's future. "It's a
difficult one. I spoke to him and we had a good chat," added Rodgers "In
terms of the money, that's something out of my control. But he's a talent so
we will assess the whole situation. "The objective at the beginning of the
season was for him to go out and play. He's gone away to think of what we
spoke about and we will talk again through the weeks."

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End of Season Stat Awards
By twaldworth
West Ham Till I Die
From West Ham United Stats.

Now that the season has officially ended, I thought I'd take a look at
overall player stats for the season and give out some end of season awards.
There are seven categories, and we have a best and worst for each (think of
it as Oscars and Razzies). Players were only eligible if they appeared in
10+ league games, so there were 19 candidates in total.

For the full article, including some analysis and breakdown of figures,
please do head over to West Ham United Stats.

So here are your winners!
Most Clinical Finisher Award: Mark Noble (28.5%)
Least Clinical Finisher Award: Matthew Taylor (3.0%)

Most Likely to Hoof Award: James Collins (32.5%)
Least Likely to Hoof Award: Ricardo Vâz Te (0.96%)

Most Minutes per Appearance Award: Winston Reid (87.3m)
Least Minutes per Appearance Award: Modibo Maïga (24.7m)

Most Accurate Passing Award: Mohamed Diamé (84.1%)
Least Accurate Passing Award: Carlton Cole (59.7%)

Most Wasteful Award: Andy Carroll (5.2m)
Least Wasteful Award: Winston Reid (13.4m)

Most Involved Award: Mark Noble (1.18m)
Least Involved Award: Matt Jarvis (2.4m)

Most Defensive Actions Award: James Collins (5.44m)
Least Defensive Actions Award: Joe Cole (41.m)

Most Used Substitute Award: Jack Collison (85.7%)
Least Used Substitute Award: Gary O'Neil (38.8%)

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Ain't no Kopping it now
Don't drag your heels, Bren tells Carroll
The Sun
Published: 10 hrs ago

BRENDAN RODGERS insists Liverpool will move swiftly to sort out Andy
Carroll's future. Carroll was last night dragging his heels over his future
despite the Reds accepting a £15million bid from West Ham. Anfield boss
Rodgers yesterday held crunch talks with the Geordie striker. Carroll, who
spent the season on loan at Upton Park, is holding out to see if former club
Newcastle table an offer. But Rodgers said: "I spoke to him and we had a
good chat. "The boy is a talent. It's just something we need to assess
between now and the end of the window. "It was just a general conversation
in terms of the experience of getting out and playing. He enjoyed that apart
from the injury. "At the start of the season the whole thing was about going
and getting games because he wasn't going to be a starter here. "We will
talk again with him and the club to see how it all evolves. "It's one of
those situations where it will probably be resolved a lot quicker than that
for both parties. "The objective at the beginning of the season was for him
to go out and play. "He's gone away to think of what we spoke about."

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West Ham Set to Pounce For Spanish International Midfielder
by Mark Brus May 23rd, 2013
cuaghtoffside.com

Hammers in for Real Betis midfielder. West Ham could emerge as shock
contenders to sign Real Betis midfielder Benat, according to talkSPORT. The
Premier League club will make a contract offer to the 26-year-old Spanish
international, who is available on a free transfer in this summer's transfer
window.
The former Athletic Bilbao man, who has two caps for Spain, looked likely to
favour a return to his former club, but was also said to be attracting
interest from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham. However,
the Hammers are keen to strengthen their squad this summer, planning a
number of high-profile signings, and Benat on a free would certainly be good
business for manager Sam Allardyce if he can pull it off. The Spaniard could
join the likes of Andy Carroll and Romelu Lukaku at Upton Park this summer,
as Allardyce looks to improve on their 10th place finish of this campaign.
Benat would certainly add some quality in the middle of the park, with 4
goals and 8 assists from midfield in La Liga this season. With Arsenal adn
Tottenham target Mohamed Diame possibly leaving the club, Benat could prove
a very useful replacement.

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