Jussi looks for big finish
WHUFC.com
Hammers goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen wants the tour of Germany to end on a high
27.07.2013
West Ham United play the third and final game of their German tour on Saturday, with goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen hoping to end on a high. The Hammers' sharpness visibly rose from their 4-1 defeat at Mainz to the 3-1 victory over Hamburg and the Finnish stopper wants that upward curve to continue. He says pre-season is a vitally important time between the posts as stoppers aim to get back to their best. Jaaskelainen explained: "The last couple of weeks have been a bit harder work and the games are getting tougher, but it has been a good pre-season so far. "It's important for the outfield players to get their match fitness and from a goalkeeper's point of view it's more about getting your eyes in and getting your shot-stopping and reactions going. "In the games it's all about the decision-making. If you make mistakes in the games, that's how you learn and get back to the level where you need to be."
The 38-year-old faces more competition for his place in goal this season with the arrival of Adrian from Real Betis, but he welcomes the challenge and says it will only help him improve. He continued: "When you play in the Premier League, everybody wants to play there and competition is always going to be tough.
"The gaffer has added one more keeper to the first team and we've got four now. We need that because the season is long. "You want to work together as hard as you can and as a keeper's union we look after each other and Adrian has settled in well."
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Eintracht Braunschweig match preview
WHUFC.com
All the key info ahead of Saturday's game at Eintracht Braunschweig
27.07.2013
EINTRACHT BRAUNSCHWEIG v WEST HAM UNUTED
PRE-SEASON MATCH
EINTRACHT-STADION
SATURDAY 27 JULY 2013
KICK-OFF: 3.30PM (CEST)
Introduction
• West Ham United play the third and final match of their Germany tour on Saturday when they take on newly-promoted Bundesliga club Eintracht Braunchsweig.
• West Ham returned to form on Tuesday to defeat Hamburger SV 3-1, having been beaten 4-1 by FSV Mainz 05 in their first match on tour. Matt Jarvis was involved in all three goals against Hamburg, supplying corners for Alou Diarra and James Tomkins to net, before winning the penalty which Ravel Morrison converted.
• It has been a productive pre-season so far for the Hammers, with the loss to Mainz the only reverse suffered since their return to pre-season training. Cork City (6-2), Boreham Wood (3-0), AFC Bournemouth (2-0) and Colchester United (2-1) were all seen off before West Ham departed for Germany.
• Eintracht Braunschweig were involved in two friendly matches last weekend, losing 4-0 to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, but beating Turkish club Caykur Rizespor by a solitary goal on Sunday.
Team News
West Ham United
• James McCartney and Andy Carroll remain the only Hammers players sidelined with knee and heel injuries respectively. The likes of Joe Cole, Mark Noble and Winston Reid will be looking for more game time after sitting on the bench against Hamburg..
Background
• Eintracht Braunschweig completed the long road back to the top flight last season after a 28-year absence. Having spent most of their history up to 1985 playing elite football and qualifying for the European Cup once and UEFA Cup three times, they dropped down to the third tier, but spent virtually all of last season in the promotion places of 2. Bundesliga and ended up finishing second.
• They won the German championship in 1967 and made the quarter-finals of the European Cup the following year, eventually being knocked out by Italian giants Juventus in a play-off, after the initial tie ended 3-3 on aggregate.
• They possess a familiar face in their ranks, having signed striker Simeon Jackson from Norwich City this summer. Jackson, a Canada international, notched 17 goals in 73 league appearances for the Canaries.
Last Time Out
Tuesday 23 July July 2013
Pre-Season Match
Hamburger SV 1-3 West Ham United
West Ham United: Henderson; Demel (Ruddock 79), Collins (Reid 61), Tomkins, Rat; Diarra (Noble 66), Diame (Whitehead 83), Nolan; Morrison (Taylor 66), Maiga, Jarvis
Goals: Diarra 15, Tomkins 28, Morrison pen 45
Sunday 21 July
Pre-Season Match
Eintracht Braunschweig 1-0 Caykur Rizespor
Eintracht Braunschweig: Petkovic; Reichel, Dogan, Henn, Elabdellaoui (Washausen 72); Kruppke (Pfitzner 72), Theuerkauf, Vrancic, Boland; Ademi, Jackson
Goal: Kruppke 42
All-time meetings
The clubs have never met in competitive football
Ten-year records
West Ham United
2012/13 Premier League 10th
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th
2008/09 Premier League 9th
2007/08 Premier League 10th
2006/07 Premier League 15th
2005/06 Premier League 9th
2004/05 Championship 6th (promoted to Premier League via Play-Offs)
2003/04 Division One 4th
Eintracht Braunschweig
2012/13 2. Bundesliga 2nd (promoted to Bundesliga)
2011/12 2. Bundesliga 8th
2010/11 3. Liga 1st (promoted to 2. Bundesliga)
2009/10 3. Liga 4th
2008/09 3. Liga 13th
2007/08 Regionalliga Nord 10th
2006/07 2. Bundesliga 18th (relegated to Regionalliga Nord)
2005/06 2. Bundesliga 12th
2004/05 Regionalliga Nord 1st (promoted to 2. Bundesliga)
2003/04 Regionalliga Nord 6th
General Information
• Eintracht Braunschweig play in the 25,540-capacity Eintracht-Stadion. Tickets are available on matchday with details here.
• Temperatures are expected to reach 32C on a muggy day in Germany, with a chance of rain in the late afternoon.
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West Ham full-back Razvan Rat hopes for European football at Upton Park
Last Updated: July 26, 2013 1:55pm
SSN
West Ham full-back Razvan Rat says that he hopes to play European football with his new side, following his move from Shakhtar Donetsk. The 32-year old was Sam Allardyce's first signing of the summer, joining on a free transfer having spent 10 years with the Ukrainian side, with whom he lifted the UEFA Cup in 2009. Rat was a regular fixture during Shakhtar's Champions League campaign, which saw them reach the knock-out stages last season, and the Romanian believes that experience will help him to adapt to life in the Premier League. "The Champions League is a great tournament; I think the Premier League is quite a similar level so it's not so big of a difference," he told Sky Sports News. "But I hope West Ham will perform much better this year than the previous season and to get a good place to play in Europe."
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Lille's Salomon Kalou appeals to West Ham, Sam Allardyce confirms
Last Updated: July 26, 2013 10:52pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has confirmed West Ham United's interest in bringing Salomon Kalou back to the Premier League from Lille. Kalou spent six years at Chelsea before making the move last summer to France, where he enjoyed a productive debut campaign. The 27-year-old has previously admitted that he misses Premier League football and has been linked with a number of English clubs, including West Bromwich Albion. West Ham are also keeping tabs on Kalou and Allardyce believes it would be a good deal for the club, but he is not sure whether it will happen. "As far as I know, back at West Ham, I think the chairman is speaking with the player's agent," Allardyce told Sky Sports News. "We understand the player wants to come back and play in England, whether that is with us or with whoever, we are having a look at it. "Obviously from his record at Chelsea, and his goalscoring record this season in France, and his age, he is very appealing to us. "But whether that will come off or not in terms or what regular position he wants to play, may be the stumbling block."
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West Ham co-chairman David Gold excited by Olympic Stadium move
Last Updated: July 26, 2013 3:03pm
SSN
West Ham United co-chairman David Gold believes the club's move to the Olympic Stadium could help transform them into one of London's top Premier League clubs. Earlier this year, West Ham were announced as anchor tenants for the stadium after agreeing terms on a 99-year lease with the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). The Hammers are planning to move to the stadium from Upton Park in time for the beginning of the 2016/2017 season, a prospect that excites Gold. "It's an opportunity. It's an opportunity that comes once in a lifetime," said Gold. "We have always been in the shadow of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham. "There's no denying it, they have always been bigger clubs, they have had bigger stadiums and that's been the key. "Our stadium all the way through the generations has never matched those three clubs. "Therein lies the difficulty because we are probably not that far behind in terms of fan bases. "You could argue Arsenal have reached their potential with their new stadium and everything. You could argue that with Chelsea with the huge money created by their owner. "With West Ham we are now on our move, our surge."
Gold feels this is an exciting period in West Ham's history. Under manager Sam Allardyce, West Ham finished 10th in their first season back in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship. The Hammers have signalled their intent to continue that progress by signing Andy Carroll on a permanent deal from Liverpool for a club-record fee of £15m. Gold believes the timing of the stadium move is ideal after the club recorded their highest average league attendance for home matches in their 118-year history last season. "I hope the fans are as excited as me," added Gold. "It gives us an opportunity to take our football club kicking and screaming into a new era. "A new era - and into a stadium that will be fit for purpose. "It will have a facility for 54,000 which will give us the opportunity to have more affordable seating and more affordable football."
Gold was speaking after attending an event for the football inclusion campaign Kick It Out ahead of their 'Season of Action' which begins next week. Kick It Out are organising a series of events to mark 20 years of campaigning to make football safer and less intimidating for under-represented communities.
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Give us a Kalou
By GEORGE LYONS Published: 26th July 2013
The Sun
WEST HAM have opened talks with former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou. But Hammers boss Sam Allardyce admits he faces a fight to clinch his signature.
Kalou, 27, is keen to return to England just one season after leaving Stamford Bridge for French outfit Lille. Allardyce said: "The chairman is speaking with the player's agent. We understand he wants to come back and play in England and we are having a look at it. "His record at Chelsea, his scoring record in France and his age is very appealing. But which position he wants to play could be a stumbling block."
Midfielder ALOU DIARRA has made his peace with Hammers. The £2million French star, 32, looked to be on his way out after making just one league start in his debut season. But after going to Rennes on loan in January he has made up with Allardyce. Diarra said: "I want to fight this season with West Ham. I will give 100 per cent in training and wait for my chance."
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Rat's tale
Published: 26th July 2013
The Sun
NEW West Ham signing Razvan Rat says he wants to be loved as much as TV namesake Roland. The laid-back Romanian has revealed how Joe Cole taught him all about the puppet on the Hammers' pre-season tour. And defender Razvan insists he has no problem with being compared to the famous rodent — as Roland was a telly hit. Rat said: "It's funny for me because I was sharing a room with Joe Cole in the first period of pre-season. "He was telling me everything about the character Roland Rat and I think it was loved by the people. "I hope to be loved by the fans of West Ham, so it is funny for me. "I was watching the song and I know many things about Roland Rat, so it will be interesting."
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West Ham line up former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou as Zapata move falters
20 Jul 2013 23:00
The Mirror
West Ham United are lining up a £2.5million bid for Salomon Kalou, writes the Sunday People. The Hammers want to get him back to the Premier League from French side Lille as Sam Allardyce bulks up his front options. Striker Andy Carroll is ruled out of the start of the season and Colombian Duvan Zapata failed in his bid for a work permit. It has led Allardyce to consider new targets - and 27-year-old former Chelsea star Kalou has emerged as a man he would love to sign. West Ham have discovered he has a buy-out clause in his contract so will now step up their interest. Les Dogues will be reluctant to lose any more attacking talent, with new signing Florin Thauvin already angling for a move away from Le Grand Stade Metropole.
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Southampton weigh up Duvan Zapata bid after work permit scuppers Columbian striker's West Ham transfer
24 Jul 2013 22:30
The Mirror
Colombian striker Duvan Zapata still hopes to land a Premier League club despite West Ham pulling out of a deal to sign him. The Hammers aborted a £6.7million deal for Zapata with his Argentine club Estudiantes due to UK work permit problems. Hot-shot Zapata, 22, has since returned to the Estudiantes' side and scored. And now top-flight rivals Southampton are investigating whether they could have more success beating red tape to land him.
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West Ham lose interest in Juventus frontman Quagliarella as Allardyce draws up list of alternative striking options
By JOHN DRAYTON
Daily Mail
PUBLISHED: 23:00, 26 July 2013 | UPDATED: 23:00, 26 July 2013
West Ham are unlikely to pursue interest in Juventus striker Fabio Quagliarella. Manager Sam Allardyce is working through a list of targets including Udinese's Matej Vydra who is also interesting West Brom. Quagiarella has been made available but his wages and £9m fee are considered too expensive for a 30-year-old. Juventus are also keen to sell Alessandro Matri, 28, who has attracted enquiries from Everton and Liverpool but will cost £10m.
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West Ham midfielder to get trial for QPR
By Paul Warburton Jul 26 2013
Fulham Chronicle
A MASS of QPR players are expected to turn out tomorrow (Saturday) in a behind closed doors friendly against Leyton Orient. Although the nucleus of the team expected to face Sheffield Wednesday in the season opener got a leg stretcher against Southend on Friday, the likes of Ali Faurlin and free agent Gary O'Neill plus others are hoping to get as many minutes on a pitch as possible to help manager Harry Redknapp make up his mind over their futures.
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Five Zapata alternatives for West Ham
by Nick Harris
Here Is The City
Having seen a move for Duvan Zapata break down due to problems regarding a work permit, West Ham United will have to look elsewhere to bolster their strike force this summer.
Here are five candidates to partner Andy Carroll next season...
Silvestre Varela
The Portugal international is reportedly available for around £6.5million, and has scored 25 goals in 90 appearances for Porto since 2009. Varela can play either on the wings or as a central striker, and has recently urged West Ham to follow up their reported interest in him.
Matej Vydra
The Udinese striker enjoyed a fantastic season on loan at Watford last season, scoring 20 times to be chosen as the Championship Player of the Year. Vydra is ready for a step up to the top flight, and the Serie A side apparently value him at around £8million, with West Brom also in the hunt for the 21-year-old.
Loic Remy
QPR are hopeful they will be able to keep the France international at the club, but they are also realistic that a Premier League club might swoop for the 26-year-old. Remy could be available for around the £8million QPR paid for him in January, and impressed in his short spell in the Premier League last season, scoring six times in 14 games.
Demba Ba
The Senegalese striker has said he would like to stay at Chelsea and fight for a place regardless of whether Jose Mourinho is successful in his pursuit of Wayne Rooney, but that decision might be taken out of his hands if the Blues are keen to move Ba on this summer. Ba scored seven times in 12 games for West Ham in the 2010-11 season, and has proven with Newcastle United since that when he plays regularly, he can be relied on to find the back of the net.
Fabio Quagliarella
The 30-year-old Juventus striker is reportedly available this summer after the Serie A champions signed Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez, and West Ham one of a host of English clubs interested in Quagliarella. Norwich City apparently had a bid of around £8million rejected recently, suggesting Quagliarella would not be the cheapest option on this list, but his experience and quality could be perfect for West Ham next season.
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