Daily WHUFC News - 12th June 2013

Big Sam exclusive - Part 2
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce pays tribute to his backroom staff in the second part of an exclusive West Ham TV interview
11.06.2013

Sam Allardyce has paid tribute to his backroom staff in the second part of his exclusive West Ham TV interview. The Hammers manager has heaped praise on assistant Neil McDonald, first-team coach Ian Hendon, goalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson and Development Squad manager Nick Haycock after a successful 2012/13 season. McDonald and Margetson have worked closely with Big Sam since arriving at the Club alongside the manager in June 2011, while Hendon was promoted to his current role after leading the Development Squad to the Barclays U21 Premier League Group 1 title before Christmas. Former U18s coach Haycock took Hendon's old role in December and quickly settled into the job. Big Sam spoke glowingly of his backroom team and is looking forward to working with his colleagues again in 2013/14.

Gaffer, your backroom staff play a big role in the day-to-day running of the Club on the football side. Can you talk about how they assist you as manager of West Ham United?

SA - "Yes, there is a huge backroom staff, of course. The ones who are closest to me are the ones who I brought in to work with me and those who I have promoted up from the Academy to work with me. "That is firstly Neil McDonald and Martyn Margetson and I have decided, because of how well he has worked as first-team coach, to promote Ian Hendon on a permanent basis from Under-21 Development coach to first-team coach. Our Under-18s within the Academy, Nick Haycock, took over the Under-21 job when Ian moved up and Nick has done a fantastic job. "Nick can continue the very close links between the Academy, the Under-21s and the first team squad and I feel that link is a vital stage for the development of young players at the West Ham Academy, to try and push them as quick as we possibly can into the first-team squad and ultimately into the first team."

Presumably the demands on a Premier League manager these days mean you have to rely on trusted staff like your assistant and backroom staff to take training sessions and complete numerous other tasks?

SA - "Without a doubt, and there are other areas too. There is a whole field of people who are monitoring and taking data and results. We employ sports science and strength and conditioning coaches, as well as medical staff and interns from university who come in on a day-to-day basis to analyse the data we collect. "That is a hugely important thing for me going forward, to give me a full picture of every player and what they can achieve and can be expected to deliver. It allows me to make greater demands on a player knowing I have the data to fall back on and that is hugely important. "The analysis department calculate all the things that a player does in a game of football and they link with sports science and medical staff, as well as me as the manager and Lee Richardson, who has integrated really well as our sports psychologist. "I feel we've grown the whole package really well and we're even better and stronger off the field. I feel this helps the players to perform better on a matchday and to a more consistent level."

At what point in pre-season do you map out your planning and objectives for the new season?

SA - "In terms of mapping out, we have done that until the start of the season on 17 August. That's all mapped out apart from one more game we have to arrange. "I think the most important link we've got in the near future is between me, my head of recruitment Martyn Glover and Joint-Chairman David Sullivan. Certainly David and Martyn's work is greater than mine at this moment in time because they are constantly negotiating, seeing where players are available and whether they will come, asking what level of financial involvement is there, what is the player looking for, does the player want to come to England or fancy West Ham and what the agent's, player's and other club's demands are. "Martyn and David are doing a huge amount of work at this moment in time, which I'm linked into on a daily basis to ultimately make positive decisions to hopefully get new and better players than we have already got."

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Euro heartbreak for Hammers duo
WHUFC.com
Kieran Sadlier and Sean Maguire's Ireland U19 side were knocked out of the European Championships on Tuesday
11.06.2013

Young West Ham United pair Kieran Sadlier and Sean Maguire suffered UEFA U19 Championship heartbreak on Tuesday after the Republic of Ireland's 0-0 draw with Serbia meant they missed out on a place in this summer's finals. Following 2-2 draws with Switzerland and Slovakia in the previous two Elite Round fixtures, Ireland needed to beat hosts Serbia and hope for a Switzerland defeat to book their place in Lithuania. Switzerland were defeated by Slovakia, but Ireland could not find the goal they needed and Serbia progress from a tight group Two, They headed a clutch of three teams on four points, while Ireland were a solitary point further back on three. Sadlier started the match in Jakovo, Serbia, with Maguire replacing his Hammers teammate as a 76th minute substitute.

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Moncur targets first-team breakthrough
WHUFC.com
George Moncur is determined to keep progressing after a productive season at West Ham United
11.06.2013

The 2012/13 season has been another memorable one for West Ham United midfielder George Moncur. The 19-year-old marked 2011/12 by making his Football League debut at League Two club AFC Wimbledon. This term, while he has opted not to repeat that loan experience, Moncur has made his mark regularly for the Hammers' Development Squad in the Barclays U21 Premier League. Moncur made a team high 27 appearances - all starts - as West Ham wrapped up the Group 1 title before Christmas. Since the New Year, he has played a central role as Nick Haycock's squad launched an ultimately unsuccessful bid to win the Elite Group and qualify for the Play-Offs. Any disappointment was short-lived, however, as the teenager was picked as the Club's Young Hammer of the Year by Academy Director Tony Carr MBE, collecting the trophy from Scan Print's financial director Paul Yelland. "Obviously I'm really pleased to have won this award and I want to thank all the coaches who have nominated me for this," said a beaming Moncur. "I'm over the moon with it. "It's been a really good year for both me and the team. We progressed from the first stage of the Under-21 Premier League and if a few more results had gone our way, I think we could have gone all the way to the final. "It was lovely to win the title before Christmas."

Moncur was quick to praise the impact on his career made by the Club's backroom staff - in particular sports scientist Greg De Carnys, strength and conditioning coach Dan Bernadin and intern Adam Crossley. "To be fair, I have to give credit to all of the coaches because I think they have really developed me this year. I feel much stronger and quicker and I have got to give faith to Greg and Dan in the gym and to Adam with the heart-rate monitors and everything - all the people work hard behind the scenes for the Club and I really appreciate it."

It would be fair to say that Moncur is one of the biggest and loudest characters at the Club, both in terms of his personality and his dress sense. However, while his infectious sense of humour and bright clothing catch the eye, they mask what is a hard-working and committed young professional footballer who steers clears of the vices that affect so many people of a similar age. "I like to have a bit of banter, which is all part and parcel of the game, but I'm not one to mess about. My one aim in life is to be a professional footballer and, doing the stuff I am doing at the minute, hopefully I can carry that on and progress further and further to the first team. "If I keep working hard, maybe one day I can win the senior Hammer of the Year award. I have just got to keep going and going and see what I can do."

As a central midfield player, Moncur often lays on opportunities for his team-mates, none more so than striker Elliot Lee. Lee, who is in the year-group below the Young Hammer of the Year, scooped the Academy Player of the Year award for 2012/13 - an honour Moncur believes Lee richly deserved. "I love Elliot as a lad and he is one of my best pals at the Club. He is also a very good player. I rate him very highly and he is a pleasure to play alongside."

The two sons of former West Ham midfielders - John Moncur and Rob Lee respectively - both have the attitude and the talent to follow in their fathers' footsteps. Having made his debut in the Capital One Cup second-round win over Crewe Alexandra in August 2012, Moncur junior is determined to do just that.
"Obviously my Dad played at the Club and everybody rated him and loved him, so for me it's an honour to have the family name and follow my Dad through."

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Massimo attack
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th June 2013
By: Staff Writer

Milan legend Massimo Ambrosini is on his way to West Ham, according to agent Moreno Roggi. The 36-year-old ended a 17-year association with Milan recently after it was confirmed that the former Italian international would not be extending his contract. And recent speculation linking him with a move to east London looks to have some foundation after Roggi told calciomercato.it that his agent looks set to move to England. "Obviously Massimo wants to continue playing. There are some negotiations in place and we are evaluating every type of proposal," said Roggi. "His preference would be overseas clubs, but if an offer did come in from an Italian side, we would not ignore it completely." Roggi also revealed that talks with LA Galaxy came to nothing - leaving the Hammers with a clear run. "At this moment we are in talks with West Ham, but we have ruled out a move to Major League Soccer," he confirmed.

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Andy Carroll is West Ham's top target
Last Updated: June 11, 2013 8:45am
SSN

Sam Allardyce admits that wrapping up a permanent deal for Andy Carroll remains West Ham United's 'first priority'. The England international spent the 2012/13 campaign on loan at Upton Park from Liverpool. He endured his fair share of injury troubles, but ended the season fully fit and firing on all cylinders.
Allardyce has regularly expressed a desire to retain Carroll's services, but has also aired concerns regarding the costs involved - with a sizeable fee and a hefty salary required to land the striker. He is, however, prepared to keep pushing the issue as the Hammers start piecing together their summer recruitment plans.
Allardyce said: "Our first priority is signing Andy Carroll, if we can. "We have nearly finished our planning for pre-season and the players have all had their training programmes given to them so when they come back on 1st July they are ready to go. "Then it's about the recruitment of the other players who we want as quickly as possible. That will be the most difficult part of the summer."

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Cole could Bag reunion
West Brom deal in the offing for ex-Hammer
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 11th June 2013

CARLTON COLE is being lined up for a reunion with mentor Steve Clarke at West Brom. The Baggies boss is keen on the former West Ham striker, who has been released on a free transfer. But he faces competition from Scottish side Celtic. Clarke is credited with turning around Cole's career when he teamed up with Gianfranco Zola to manage at Upton Park. The pair also know each other well from their time together at Chelsea. Clarke needs a new striker as he must hand back loan star Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea — although any new man will have his work cut out to replace his 17 Premier League goals. Cole, 29, scored only twice for West Ham last season but was sidelined for much of the campaign by the arrival of Andy Carroll. He scored 15 times the year before to help fire the Hammers to promotion from the Championship. Cole earned around £40,000 a week at West Ham and could pick up a small pay rise by joining Albion because no transfer fee would be involved.

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I haven't got Around to deciding my future
Published: 11th June 2013
The Sun

AROUNA KONE insists he is yet to decide on his future despite major interest from Liverpool and Everton. The Ivory Coast star wowed the Wigan crowd in his debut season, scoring 11 goals in the Premier League. But despite winning the FA Cup, the Latics were relegated and a host of top-flight clubs are ready to activate the striker's £6.5million release clause. Toffees new boss Roberto Martinez is leading the chase, with Liverpool and West Ham also keen on the hitman's services. Kone, 29, said: "I have a contract until 2015 with Wigan and I settled very well there. "It is a brilliant community football club. The chairman is fantastic. "Yes, I want to be playing in the Premier League but it also depends on Wigan because I have a contract with them. "Everton? Just because the gaffer is in charge makes the link stronger but, to be honest, I don't know what will happen. After the international games I will know more."

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ANDY CARROLL READY TO SAY 'YES' TO WEST HAM
Daily Star
12th June 2013 By Adrian Kajumba

ANDY CARROLL is finally ready to say 'yes' to West Ham. The Hammers agreed a £15.5m fee with Liverpool for the England striker almost a month ago. Carroll, 24, has yet to agree personal terms with West Ham and has been mulling over the move since. But Starsport understands the hitman has told friends he is on the verge of signing a six-year deal. Carroll was hoping for a pay rise to £100,000 a week to join the Hammers permanently, after his season-long loan spell last term. West Ham matched Carroll's £80,000-a-week Liverpool wages last season but were reluctant to stump up another £20,000. But his revelation suggests a compromise is close to being reached.Carroll is on holiday and will meet his agent next week when he returns to thrash out his future.
Capturing the towering hitman will be a massive boost to Upton Park boss Sam Allardyce. The England striker is his No.1 summer target. He wants Carroll to be the first statement signing in his bid to build a team fit for the Olympic Stadium, which will become West Ham's new home from 2016.

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West Ham hope to strike deal for Milan veteran midfielder Ambrosini
By DAVID KENT
PUBLISHED: 22:38, 11 June 2013 | UPDATED: 23:14, 11 June 2013
Daily Mail

West Ham are hopeful of concluding a deal for former AC Milan midfielder Massimo Ambrosini. The 36-year-old held talks last month but continued to weigh up other options while the final few days of his contract ran down at the San Siro. Now it seems the player has decided to prolong his top level career, rather than move to the MLS. Speaking on Tuesday, his agent Moreno Roggi said: 'Obviously Massimo wants to continue playing. There are some negotiations in place and we are evaluating every type of proposal. 'His preference would be overseas clubs, but if an offer did come in from an Italian side, we would not ignore it completely. 'At this moment we are in talks with West Ham, while we have already ruled out Major League Soccer.'

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West Ham United's Brady unveils plans for "world-class football watching experience" at Olympic Stadium
InsideTheGames.biz
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
By Emily Goddard

June 11 - West Ham United chair Karren Brady has revealed detailed architectural plans for the Premier League club's new home at the London Olympic Stadium following the conversion of the ground to "a world class experience for watching football". In a video on a new microsite launched to keep the club's fans abreast of developments, the first lady of football talked through the particulars of the £190 million ($286 million/€222 million) transformation with post-conversion technical illustrations of the site that hosted the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The south east side of the stadium will feature a club shop and club ticket office - both will be open all year round, which will be completely dedicated to West Ham and run by the team's staff, while a community pitch will be situated in the foreground of the Stadium for the club's community projects. Brady confirmed that the ground will have multiple entry points around the stadium, with turnstiles, making it very different from how it operated during the Olympics where visitors were swiped in at the approach of the stadium.

The roof, which has already been unveiled as 84 metres in size, dips in slightly and is the largest spanning tensile roof in the world. It will cover every seat in the ground, including all those that are retractable, and aside from the weatherproofing benefits, Brady said that it also helps to ensure a lively atmosphere in the venue. "When you're inside, some of the visuals that we've seen from places across the world where they use this type of roof, you really get a sense of how intimate and enclosed it makes the entire stadium," she said. The southern approach of the Olympic Stadium is where fans have said they would like to see the champions' statue relocated Speaking about the southern approach of the venue, which is where many people have said they would like to see the champions' statue featuring Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Sir Geoff Hurst - three West Ham players who played in England's 1966 World Cup winning side - relocated, she explained that this is when you "start to get an idea of the real size and scale of the Stadium".

The automated seating system, which uses drive motors to move all four sides of the bowl, will either bring the seats forward and closer to the pitch in football mode or further back when in athletics mode to allow for the running track. "The seating distances compare more than favourably with the top stadia around the world including Wembley and the recently build Emirates Stadium," Brady said. "I can promise you that no seat will be further away than that offered at Wembley Stadium."

She also revealed plans for a bridge between the upper and lower stands on the east side of the stadium to create a kop style stand. "Because it was really important to us to create the kop style stand the east stand will have a bridge installed that will connect the two stands together to create one major stand," Brady added. She confirmed that two of the stands will be named after club legends Moore and Sir Trevor Brooking, and while the details will be finalised after a consultation with the fans, the club suggests that these will be situated behind each of the goals like at the Boleyn Ground. Meanwhile, Brady said there would be 995 toilets and twice as many catering units as there are at the current ground, which will be located within the stadium as opposed to kiosks outside as with the Olympics, with the aim being to cut halftime food and drink queues. How the converted Olympic Stadium will look in athletics mode with the running track The vice-chair finished by moving to reassure West Ham fans that the team's matches would take precedence over other events, but said that the commercial opportunities must be realised in order to develop a "world-class team". "When I came to West Ham in January 2010 and embarked on a journey for the Olympic Stadium for West Ham I had two things in mind," Brady explained. "One was that it absolutely had to be a world-class football stadium and secondly that our fixtures will always have priority over anything and everything else that happened in that Stadium.

"I hope in terms of the first thing, by looking at the visuals and understanding what this conversion means post Olympics, you get a real belief that when I said you could trust us that we would deliver a world class stadium, where the seats were close to the pitch, where there was a roof that covered those seats, that would provide us with an opportunity to be in one of the best stadia in the world. "I think and hope now that you could see that you could trust us and you knew you could trust us."

She did admit, however, that there have been obstacles to overcome in getting to this point. Karren Brady says she wants the Olympic Stadium for West Ham, but she also wants the fans to want it too "It's not been easy in the past three years trying to get that but I am proud and pleased to say that myself and my team have worked very hard for you to get you this kind of stadium," Brady told the fans. "There's lots of fantastic stadia in the UK but there's only one Olympic Stadium and that gives us a fantastic real chance to grow our business commercially. "And why would we do that? "We would do that so we can provide on the pitch the best team possible for our manager to go out there and win things for all of us. "That's our ambition, a world-class stadium with a world class team. "And through the commercial opportunities afforded to us by going to the Olympic Stadium, that money can be driven from the commercial revenue and it can be invested in the team so the team and the stadium are a powerful mix of the best that football has to offer in the United Kingdom. "This is a journey we have to go on together. "I want the stadium for West Ham, but I want you to want it too. "Therefore, your opinion is important, your belief and trust in us as people and as a board is incredibly important to us. "And if we can go on this journey together. "If we can deliver the Stadium and you're behind us I know it can be a tremendous success."

West Ham is expected to take up their tenancy of the stadium for the start of the 2016-2017 football season.

Contact the writer of this story at emily.goddard@insidethegames.biz

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