Potts relieved by England equaliser
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Dan Potts gave a penalty away in England's 1-1 FIFA U20
World Cup draw with Chile
26.06.2013
Dan Potts was relieved man as England came from a goal down to secure a
deserved 1-1 FIFA U20 World Cup Group E draw with Chile on Wednesday.
The Young Lions had suffered the disappointment of throwing away a two-goal
lead to draw 2-2 with Iraq in their opening Group E fixture in Antalya,
Turkey, on Sunday, and looked to be in trouble when West Ham United
left-back Potts brought down Manchester United forward Angelo Henriquez
inside the penalty area. Nicolas Castillo confidently converted the penalty
to give the South Americans a 32nd-minute lead, but Potts' blushes were
spared as England equalised on 64 minutes. Everton's Ross Barkley drove
forward and found Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane, who scored low into the
corner. With Iraq beating Egypt 2-1 in the day's other Group E fixture,
England go into Saturday's final round of games knowing they should progress
to the last-16 with a win over the Africans, who have already been
eliminated. Iraq and Chile have four points and England two, with Egypt
pointless at the bottom of the standings.
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Athletes excited by Stratford move
WHUFC.com
West Ham TV visited Woodford Green Athletics Club to discuss the move to the
Olympic Stadium
26.06.2013
West Ham United's move to the London 2012 Olympic Stadium will see the
Club's new home undergo a multi-million pound transformation to turn it into
a 54,000-capacity UEFA Category 4 venue. However, while the Olympic Stadium
will become one of world football's most iconic grounds, the innovative
retractable seating that will be installed means it will retain use for
athletics and a wide range of other sports. Alongside the world-class events
set to be held at the Olympic Stadium, local people of all ages will be able
to run in the same arena as Mo Farah and Usain Bolt at community and school
meets. West Ham TV visited the famous Woodford Green with Essex Ladies
Athletics Club, which has produced Olympic champion Sally Gunnell, Olympic
hurdlers Tiffany Porter and Sarah Claxton and six-times British 100m
champion Joice Maduaka. There, athletes of all ages spoke excitedly of the
prospect of sharing a venue with the Hammers. Among the club's members is
West Ham's chaplain, Rev Alan Bolding, who is still sprinting at the age of
72. "I do the 100m and 200m and last year, in my age-group, I was No3 in the
UK but I get slower each year!" said Rev Bolding. "I started sprinting when
I was 13 and stopped when I was 17, then took it up again when I was 62.
"About eight of our members officiated at the Olympic Stadium in the
Olympics and Paralympics track and field events, which was good for the
club. "What a wonderful opportunity we've got for West Ham to go into that
Stadium! My only dream is to run on that track in a proper event. I just
pray that I'm around in 2016 when West Ham play their first match there. I'm
so excited!"
One member to take part at London 2012 was team leader, coach and long
distance runner Alistair Holford, who led a group of Woodford Green AC Games
Makers who looked after the kit and other items discarded by athletes before
their event. "It was just a wonderful experience, both for me as a team
leader but also for my team of kit carriers who loved it," Holford
confirmed. "It is good news that there will be a permanent use for the
stadium and other sports and events will be able to take place there.
"Particularly for athletics, it is really, really important and I think it
would have been absolutely criminal if the stadium was knocked down to a
25,000 capacity, particularly with the World Athletics Championships coming
up in four years time. "My son Angus took part in the test event at the
Olympic Stadium before London 2012, running the 10,000m, and just to have
the opportunity to run on that track was great for him and for the
youngsters here who potentially could run on that track."
Many of Holford's fellow athletes agree that the ability to use the stadium
for both football and other sports will be central to its future success,
while also giving them the opportunity to experience world-class facilities
in a truly historic venue.
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West Ham set to sign Jefferson Montero
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 26th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are said to be 'close' to finalising the capture of Ecuadorian
midfielder Jefferson Montero. According to journalist Jamie Jackson, United
are on the verge of tying up a deal for the 23-year-old international winger
who currently plays for Mexican club Monarcas Morelia in the Liga MX
(Mexican equivalent of the Premier League). Should the deal go through,
Montero is expected to sign a four-year contract worth around £30,000 per
week. Born in Babahoyo - the capital city of Ecuador's Los Rios province -
in 1989, Montero began his professional career with local club Club Sport
Emelec at the age of 16 before joining Independiente José Terán. It was
whilst with second division Independiente that he began to attract
widespread attention after impressing in the first team. Following a short
loan spell in 2008 with Mexican side Dorados de Sinaloa, Montano was snapped
up by Spanish side Villareal in April 2009 on a five-year contract. His move
to Spain appeared to be proving fruitful when he was promoted from
Villareal's B team to the first team squad as back-up for Santi Cazorla, now
at Arsenal, at the start of the 2010/11 season. However having failed to
secure a first team spot, Montero was loaned firstly to Levante and then to
Real Betis (where he played alongside new Hammers signing Adrian) before
joining his current club Morelia on a permanent basis a year ago this month.
Montero is understood to have two years remaining on his current contract,
but West Ham are said to have triggered a £3million release clause.
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Where do West Ham need to improve next season?
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 26th June 2013
By: footballtips.com
No matter how successful a season is, you are always looking to improve in
the summer months. This is the case for West Ham United as they aim to build
on their top ten finish and something we have discussed at lengths with
fellow tipsters on footballtips.com.
First of all, it is worth mentioning that if the Hammers were offered 10th
again – they would take it. If the 2013/2014 season follows the same
pattern, there will not be too many complaints. West Ham cannot stand still
and expect to have the same success though. Teams around them will be
improving and they need too as well.
So, which weaknesses need addressing ahead of the new Premier League season?
Well, one of them already has been. The face that Andy Carroll was only a
loan signing last season was a problem. Who was Sam Allardyce going to get
to replace the England international in the summer? Luckily, he has got the
man himself. Carroll has agreed to sign permanently for West Ham and this is
fantastic news. He can become a Hammers legend and help the club push on –
no doubt about that.
What could be key though is finding an alternative to Carroll. Not only is
he injury prone – something that will hopefully improve – but you can't
always rely on his battering ram approach getting results. So, another
striker is needed. Carlton Cole has been released and this makes room for a
new recruit. Somebody proven at Premier League level would be ideal, making
Darren Bent a possible candidate.
The striker's time is definitely up at Aston Villa and there is no doubt,
given a run of games, he can make a handy contribution. This is as a partner
to Carroll or as an alternative. Demba Ba has also been mentioned and this
would be a similar capture to Bent, while Matej Vydra – who scored plenty
while on-loan at Watford last season – is a more youthful alternative.
Elsewhere, Kevin Nolan needs a hand with scoring goals from midfield. He
managed ten last season – a superb return once again – but when he has a dry
spell in front of goal, the team suffers. He finished with a hat-trick
against Reading of course. If he can continue this from August onwards, with
the help of another goal-scoring midfielder, West Ham are well set up to win
games of football.
In terms of potential candidates, how about Wigan's Shaun Maloney? He was
superb last season and can operate in a deeper role, but still be a
significant goal threat. Some may argue he hasn't got the best goal-scoring
record, but if he is playing as part of a dangerous West Ham team – this can
change.
Maloney would also give defenders somebody else to think about. He gets into
fantastic positions and can draw players away from his team-mates, opening
up plenty of space elsewhere. Then, the Scotland international proved more
than once that he is capable of producing a moment of magic. The last minute
free-kick against Queens Park Rangers definitely stands out.
It is then all about shutting out the opposition, something which was a bit
of a problem at times – particularly away from home. Allardyce's men had a
spell on the road when they conceded first and the floodgates opened. If
they are to have the best possible chance of a top ten finish again – the
amount of times this happened has to be reduced. A couple of defensive
recruits would be more than welcome.
Who could fit the bill in this regard? It's hard to say without knowing the
transfer budget the Hammers have to work with, but Ludovic Sane has been
linked and he wouldn't break the bank. One of the star performers for
Bordeaux last season, the 26-year-old is ready for the next challenge in his
career and could add some youthful steel to Allardyce's backline.
It musn't be forgotten that Romanian Captain Razvan Rat has already come in
too, so hopefully, a more experienced defence will have a solid look to it
in the 2013/2014 season.
Overall, there isn't a need for drastic changes. West Ham were excellent
last season and achieved more than they thought possible. It is about fine
tuning and improving the overall quality of the squad.
A couple of injuries last season and West Ham looked limited on options. If
they are to push on, this can't be the case from August onwards. An
experienced defender, alternative proven goalscorer to Carroll and a
creative midfielder to take the pressure off Nolan would be a great start to
building a brighter future.
Then, a few early wins would go down well too! West Ham have superb momentum
after finishing the campaign strongly and it is important to continue this
in the transfer market and the opening weeks.
Bring on the new season!
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The mine of talent and the minefield of life
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 26th June 2013
By: Julie Stewart
A mine of untapped talent has awaited treasure seekers over the years, at
the home of the claret and blue.
Unfortunately those seeking goal scoring, midfield magic-making or even shot
stopping excellence have come bearing their treasure maps of scouting
reports and plundered the Boleyn Ground. Their promises of honing gems into
sparkling diamonds to glisten in the shop window of the footballing world
have attracted many away from the Hammers.
One of the most famous is now part of the Chelsea vault of wealth, in the
form of Frank Lampard. The box-to-box midfielder, who has a current
international scoring record of a goal every 3.31 games, may have been
polished in SW6 but he was made in E13. It is not just moving on that can
affect a player's West Ham career, or his appearance on any pitch, though.
Injured to an End
Compared to many careers football is fleeting in its existence; injury can
make the timeline even briefer. Dean Ashton was an England international
when his career was interrupted in 2006 whilst training with his country.
The Hammers striker broke his ankle and although he returned to action for
the club in the 2007-2008 season the injury proved to be a weakness which
effectively ended his career following an ankle sprain in September 2008.
Ashton now lives his life away from the passion and physicality of football.
He still has his life off the pitch though, a fact sadly not true of former
wearer of the claret and blue Marc-Vivien Foé. Surely no-one can forget the
dramatic death of the Cameroon international whilst playing for his country
10 years ago to the day. It was tragic that a gifted life ended at the age
of 28, but he died doing something for which he had great passion.
The Addictions of Sport and Life
Injury is just one potential challenge to a footballer's career. In a world
full of pressure and temptation it is all too easy for addiction to become
an issue. Matthew Etherington spoke to the press in 2010 about the gambling
addiction which saw him lose approximately £1.5 million. Whether it was the
greyhounds, horses, or poker, Etherington had a problem which was only
addressed with the assistance of his family.
For anyone, footballer or not, addiction can seem impossible to overcome.
The absolute compulsion to partake of an activity or substance despite the
consequences can be life consuming, and most definitely life altering. In
the case of Matthew Etherington, Sporting Chance assisted him in dealing
with his issues. They provide help, for amateur and professional sports
people, in dealing with addiction issues.
Addiction can affect anyone in any walk of life the world over and dedicated
local recovery programmes exist to help those in difficulty. Details are
provided of potential recovery programmes and help for those affected to
regain control of their lives. There is discussion as to how long it takes
to control addiction and how that answer depends on the individual. Advice
on how to control addiction, and where to get assistance is available online
via addiction support.
The Survivors and Stayers
Just like people from all walks of life footballers can experience
difficulties along the way; they are not immune. There have been some West
Ham greats who have survived any pitfalls in life and gone on to be legends
for the club, and those who will always be in the hearts of fans.
There are few people who can truly be regarded as iconic in the world of
sport but Bobby Moore is one of them. Even those who are not Hammers fans
have to admit, however grudgingly, that he was a player who graced any pitch
he played on. The player that Pelé once said was the greatest defender he
ever played against captained the institution that is West Ham for 10 years.
In the modern age of massive transfer fees, and seemingly limited loyalty
which can often be bought, it is refreshing to remember that there are some
footballers who have dedicated their life and talent to one club.
There are those footballers who move to where fame and riches wait and there
are those who live their lives by their hearts. Some have their choices
taken from them by injury or worse. Several more struggle to control
addictive impulses which pressure and fame can exacerbate. One thing which
many share is how lucky they are to have played for the great club that has
been, is, and always will be, West Ham United.
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Transfer latest: 26 June
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 26th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
In just five days' time, the West Ham United first team squad returns to
training at Chadwell Heath.
And with 1st July rapidly approaching, transfer speculation is beginning to
pick up with the start of the new 2013/14 Premier League season less than
two months away.
Despite West Ham United's chairman-in-waiting Jack Sullivan having revealed
that the club do not expect to do any business within the next few days, the
media and the agents continue to flood the pages of your favourite websites
and newspapers with potential transfer stories - the latest of which we
bring you in a handy round-up...
* Udinese striker Matej Vydra, who spent last season on loan at Watford is
said to be interesting a number of Premier League clubs, one of whom are
said to be West Ham. The 21-year-old scored 20 goals for the Hornets in last
season's Championship and is likely to be made available for loan again this
coming season.
Vydra's agent, Ondrej Chovanec, told isport.blesk.cz: "Udinese don't want to
sell him for £8million, so they have given us freedom to discuss loan spells
with the Premier League clubs that are interested. At the moment we have
offers from four Premier League clubs - West Brom, West Ham, Swansea and
Sunderland. Udinese don't want Matej to have to get used to life in a
different country, so now it seems likely that he will be playing on in
England."
* Former Crystal Palace youngster Wilfried Zaha continues to be linked with
a move to east London, despite just having joined Manchester United in a
£15million deal. The 20-year-old, who is considered unlikely to be part of
David Moyes' first team plans next season is also said to be interesting the
likes of Everton and Aston Villa.
* Arsenal youngster Joel Campbell is reported to be a target of both West
Ham and newly-promoted Crystal Palace. The 20-year-old forward spent last
season on loan at Real Betis but is said to be wanted by the two clubs.
Betis would provide further competition for his signature, having already
told Arsenal that they want the youngster to return to the Benito Villamarín
next season.
* For a second successive summer, West Ham find themselves linked with a
move for Chelsea's Victor Moses. The former Wigan winger, for whom a move to
east London was first mooted last summer before he moved to Stamford Bridge
is a loan option for Sam Allardyce as he seeks to improve his attacking
options. Chelsea paid the Latics £9million whne signing the youngster last
August.
* Ravel Morrison is wanted again by Birmingham manager Lee Clark. The
19-year-old former Manchester United midfielder has seen just eight minutes
of first team football since joining West Ham 18 months ago and a return to
St Andrews would seem a likely option.
"It's well documented I want the loan players who were here last year to
return," Clark told birminghammail.co.uk. "We're in dialogue with their
clubs to try and get that happening again. The wheels are turning and the
main thing for me is that if they're not going to be involved with West Ham
and Newcastle respectively, they want to come back to us."
* Juventus striker Manolo Gabbiadini is being linked with a potential loan
move to West Ham after he revealed that he would be interested in spending a
year abroad. The Italian Under 21 international spent last season on loan
with Bolgna but would like to try his luck on foreign shores. "My priority
at the moment is Juventus," he said, "but we'll have to see what happens. It
is still early in the summer. I've always said that one day I would like to
experience life abroad."
* Long-term Hammers target Wilfried Bony could be on his way to Swansea City
after the Welsh club were reported to have made a £10million bid for the
Vitesse Arnhem striker. Interest in Bony, who was heavily linked with a move
to east London earlier in the year has cooled since Andy Carroll completed
his permanent move from Liverpool.
* Ipswich are keen to take West Ham's third-choice goalkeeper Stephen
Henderson on loan for a third spell. The former Portsmouth stopper spent
five months at Portman Road last season in two seperate spells - initially
from October to January, before returning at the end of the winter transfer
window for a further two months.
Speaking about the possibilty of bringing Henderson back to Suffolk, Town
boss Mick McCarthy remarked: "Stephen is under contract with his club, which
kind of makes life difficult. But he was really good for us and I need
another goalkeeper."
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It's Hall over
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 26th June 2013
By: Staff Writer
Rob Hall seems certain to leave West Ham for Bolton Wanderers - despite the
two clubs being unable to agree a fee. Once considered to be the brightest
prospect in West Ham United's Academy, the 19-year-old is on his way out of
the Boleyn Ground having failed to agree terms on a new contract. Hall -
whose only start for West Ham's first team came in the 4-1 home defeat by
relegated Wigan Athletic in last season's Capital One Cup - has
provisionally agreed to join the Championship side, managed by Dougie
Freedman, but will be unable to do until the two club's reach agreement over
his valuation. That now appears destined to be decided by a tribunal with
Bolton not prepared to meet West Ham's demands; West Ham are thought to
value Hall at the £1million mark, although the Trotters are not prepared to
pay more than half that figure. Hall, who has been at West Ham since
childhood and has represented England at all youth levels from Under 16 to
Under 19 spent two months on loan at the Reebok Stadium last season. His
only first team appearance came in a 2-2 draw against Blackpool at the
beginning of May.
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West Ham confident of signing Ecuador winger Jefferson Montero
• 23-year-old has also been linked with a move to Everton
• Morelia winger likely to accept £30,000-a-week contract
Jamie Jackson
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 26 June 2013 14.51 BST
West Ham United are close to signing Jefferson Montero by triggering the
Ecuadorian's £3m release clause that would take him from a Mexican club,
Morelia, to the Boleyn Ground. Roberto Martínez, the new Everton manager, is
also interested in Montero, who reportedly came close to signing for the
Spaniard when in charge of Wigan Athletic in January. But it is understood
that West Ham are confident of securing his services. The 23-year-old
Montero will earn £30,000 a-week in what should be a four-year contract,
having impressed the West Ham manager, Sam Allardyce, who hopes the winger
can help provide the service to the club's record signing, Andy Carroll,
next season. Montero, who has played for Ecuador more than 25 times,
impressed in the 1-1 draw with Argentina in a World Cup qualifier in Quito
early this month when a number of scouts from English clubs were present.
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