Cole focused on Hammers revival
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Joe Cole has his eyes solely on improving his
side's fortunes
27.11.2013
Joe Cole has reiterated that his focus remains on helping West Ham United
emerge from their difficult start to the campaign. The Hammers take on
Fulham on Saturday, with Cole and his teammates determined to begin a climb
up the Barclays Premier League table. The midfielder has overcome a
hamstring injury sustained in the first month of the campaign to make seven
Barclays Premier League appearances, and is hoping to add to that tally in a
winning effort against the Cottagers. He said: "I was as frustrated as
anyone after Saturday's game with Chelsea but my only focus at the moment is
on getting my head down, working hard and helping the team get out of the
difficult run we're going through at the moment. "As I said in the press at
the weekend, I'm really enjoying being back at West Ham United as it's a
Club that means so much to me. As a squad we've still got a lot to play for
this season and I'm determined to play my part in making sure we achieve the
goals we set ourselves. I'm happy at the Club and the only way I'll be
leaving is if they tell me they don't want me anymore. "The manager has been
great to me since I came back and supported me while I was out with a couple
of frustrating injuries. I now feel fully fit and I'm ready to help him and
the squad whenever I'm needed during a busy schedule in the coming weeks.
"We face a really important game against Fulham at Saturday and I have seen
from training this week how much the lads want to win it. If we can get the
three points that gives us the perfect platform to go into the away game at
Crystal Palace three days later and get a little run going. "I know the fans
will get behind us on Saturday and hopefully we can give them what they all
want to see. They're up there with the best in the land when they're on
song, so it's up to us to give them something cheer about."
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Olympic Stadium work begins
WHUFC.com
The next step in the conversion of West Ham United's new home at the Olympic
Stadium has begun
27.11.2013
West Ham United are celebrating another landmark step en route to the
Olympic Stadium, with preparations underway to facilitate the venue's
magnificent new roof. With the stunning conversion of the iconic arena
moving on apace, the first of 14 floodlight panels were taken down on Monday
evening, a moment captured in the photos below. Construction of the new
roof, twice the size of the original, is set to commence next spring. This
is but one of a series of fundamental changes that are to be implemented
prior to 2016, transforming a world-class athletics arena into a
state-of-the-art, UEFA Category four football Stadium. Vice-Chairman Karren
Brady explained: "The roof is a truly phenomenal design that will enhance
the iconic status of this sporting arena and help to lock in the
world-famous atmosphere that our supporters create when we play at home."
Meanwhile, following last week's visit to the world-renowned venue, Joe Cole
said: "It's a lovely Stadium, with it being an Olympic Stadium that gives it
an extra little bit. It's exciting, it's exciting for the Club and an
exciting start to a new era. "I think the atmosphere is going to be great.
It's not just the Stadium, it's the area around it. All the transport links
and all the things to do in and around here after the game. It's going to be
a great day out for the fans."
Measuring 84 metres at its deepest point, the world's longest cantilevered
roof will cover every single seat, thereby locking in the world-famous
atmosphere that West Ham have long been known to create. Additionally,
floodlights suitable for a football stadium will become a fully integrated
feature of the new roof, incorporating the existing lighting system. The new
floodlights will retain the look of the iconic triangular design made famous
during the 2012 Olympic Games.
While the roof will augment the acoustics and protect spectators from the
elements, the innovative seating solution allows intimate pitch-side views,
as well as the retention of a running track to honour the nation's Olympic
legacy pledge.
Work to construct the 45,000sq metres roof is set to be completed by spring
2015, prior to the fit-out of concessions, toilets, turnstiles and
hospitality areas.
The Olympic Stadium will firstly play host to five 2015 Rugby World Cup
matches, before becoming the Hammers' permanent home the following summer.
In the interim, a bespoke Ticket Office and Club Store are to be
constructed, while the most important items from our current home will make
the short journey with us to help fans, players and staff to settle in as
quickly as possible.
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'We'll keep our heads up'
WHUFC.com
Modibo Maiga says West Ham United are steeling themselves for two crucial
Premier League outings
27.11.2013
Modibo Maiga expects West Ham United's Barclays Premier League fortunes to
take an upward turn in the next week, with clashes against Fulham and
Crystal Palace coming sharply into focus. The Mali frontman entered the
fray shortly before half-time against Chelsea on Saturday, as he and Mohamed
Diame were tasked with plotting the Hammers' route back into the contest.
While there was to be no revival, Maiga at least proved a handful for the
Blues, twice going close to reducing the hosts' arrears. Saturday's
disappointment aside, Maiga is adamant his team-mates will stay positive in
the lead-up to two key fixtures.
"We'll keep working and keep our heads up. We've got good players and we've
got all that you need [to succeed] here. We'll be OK, it's going to come
next time," he told West Ham TV: "Chelsea was a very tough game,
particularly after the first 20 or so minutes. The penalty came out of
nothing, which gave them a confidence boost. "It wasn't just the penalty,
because when you look at the game as a whole, they were able to play, to
dominate possession. Anyhow, it's happened like that, which is obviously a
great shame for us."
"Even so, we were up against a big club and a great team. We'll get straight
back to work and we'll be alright. There are still plenty of games to come."
Maiga's surprise introduction after just 40 minutes might not, ultimately,
have had the desired effect, but it still prompted a much-improved
second-half display. The No11, however, struggled to glean any satisfaction
from a display that yielded neither points nor goals. The 26-year-old is
still to score this season and went desperately close to opening his
account, as he flashed Guy Demel's 64th-minute centre inches wide of the
post. He continued: "For sure, it was a really good chance. I don't know
why [I've missed]. I thought it was going in, but obviously it's slipped
just wide. That's how it goes sometimes and I'm not going to get too down
about it. There will be other chances and some will go in and some won't.
"When you come on like that, you immediately want to give everything to try
and help the team. I've helped a little bit but that's obviously not proved
enough. "With the two goals before the 40th minute, it was a bit difficult.
We gave our all but we've not got the result on Saturday and at the moment
it's all about results."
No more so than this weekend, when the Hammers entertain 18th-placed Fulham.
Maiga was not about to downplay its significance and insists Sam Allardyce's
men will do all they can to be in tip-top shape for the challenge.
"Absolutely, Fulham's going to be a pivotal match for us," he confirmed.
"For the next two games, we have to gather ourselves and we'll be bang up
for it to win them both. "Particularly, first up against Fulham, which is
going to be crucial for us. We'll be giving everything to get back to
winning ways. We've got a week and we'll prepare right, peacefully and
calmly and hopefully it's going to go well."
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Joe Cole quashes reports that he is set to leave West Ham
Last Updated: November 27, 2013 8:54pm
SSN
Joe Cole says he has no intention of leaving West Ham in January. The former
England midfielder has been linked with a move away from Upton Park after he
was substituted before half-time during the Hammers' 3-0 loss to Chelsea
last Saturday. However, the 32-year-old rubbished claims that he is unhappy
at West Ham, and under boss Sam Allardyce. Cole said: "I was as frustrated
as anyone after Saturday's game with Chelsea but my only focus at the moment
is on getting my head down, working hard and helping the team out of the
difficult run we're going through at the moment. "I'm really enjoying being
back at West Ham as it's a club that means so much to me. "As a squad we've
still got a lot to play for this season and I'm determined to play my part
in making sure we achieve the goals we set ourselves. "I'm happy at the club
and the only way I'll be leaving is if they tell me they don't want me
anymore."
Player Profile
Joe Cole
Appearances 5 (3)
Goals 1
Assists 0
Yellows 1
Reds 0
Cole says West Ham are desperate to atone for the home defeat to Chelsea and
plan on returning to winning ways against Fulham on Saturday. "The manager
has been great to me since I came back and supported me while I was out with
a couple of frustrating injuries," he said. "I now feel fully fit and I'm
ready to help him and the squad whenever I'm needed during a busy schedule
in the coming weeks. "We face a really important game against Fulham on
Saturday and I have seen from training this week how much the lads want to
win it. If we can get the three points that gives us the perfect platform to
go into the away game at Crystal Palace three days later and get a little
run going. "I know the fans will get behind us on Saturday and hopefully we
can give them what they all want to see. They're up there with the best in
the land when they're on song, so it's up to us to give them something cheer
about."
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THE BARRY HEARN INTERVIEW PART 1
By Sean Whetstone 27 Nov 2013 at 14:00
West Ham Till I Die
On Monday I received an Email from Barry Hearn saying "I read your last
piece on Leyton Orient which frankly I found a bit inaccurate. I think it
would be fun for you and I to get together for a question and answer piece,
so at least the West Ham fans can have the truth from our side."
The article he was referring to was 'the Double Standards of Barry Hearn'
article which can be found HERE
I took Barry up on his offer and on Tuesday afternoon I interviewed him for
75 minutes in his Match Room Sports offices in Brentwood, Essex. There is
too much material for one post so I will cover the interview in a number of
articles covering his Olympic Stadium challenge, the absurd '750 yards from
Leyton Orient' claim and whether he loves Spurs. In this article I will
cover what Barry has to say about his deal to buy Brisbane Road, the money
he made from selling the four corners, the ownership of the stadium and
whether he believes Leyton Orient received state aid.
I started with the simple question "Are you going to European Union to
complain about State aid for West Ham?"
Barry answered "No! I don't want to do it, I don't want to do it, the only
way I would do it is if I got into a vindictive mode and I'd lost anything
and I had nothing to lose"
I probed further asking "What conditions would you go to the European Union
to complain about state aid?"
"That's a really tough question to answer because I am not sure I can gain
anything, it is tough because I am trying to be truthful. I am using the
threat of Europe as a tactical manoeuvre at the moment but I want to be
taken seriously"
Barry said he talked to European lawyers last week and their advice is he
has a good chance of winning in Brussels.
He also had a meeting with Margaret Hodge Chairman of the powerful House of
Commons Public Accounts Committee last Thursday. He claims Margaret said to
him "We don't want this to go to Europe do we Barry?" This is a new twist as
he appears to be lobbying the House of Commons select committee which
overseas value for money for tax payers to look into our deal.
It is obvious Barry considers the threat of a European investigation as his
ultimate weapon of mass destruction, but like all nuclear weapons it might
be a case mutually assured destruction for many in football.
Providing me more details of how he acquired Brisbane Road stadium which I
still claim could equally to open of claims of state aid he proudly
explained he got 'the deal of the century' when Waltham Forest Council sold
him Brisbane Road Stadium for £350,000 after he threatened to leave the area
because Leyton Orient were losing so much money. Barry added "I couldn't
believe they sold it so cheaply, unbelievable price. I gave them a cheque
the same day."
He confirmed he does pay £1 a year for ground rent but says that is
immaterial as he has a 999 year lease so it is just a pepper corn rent and
claims he effectively owns the freehold of the land. I challenged him on
this to say if he effectively owned the freehold why did he have to go back
to Waltham Forest council to seek a variation in his lease and why did he
give the council a million pounds when he sold the four corners to property
developers in a deal worth £7.5M?
In a classic Barry Hearn answer said "I gave them a million pounds because I
felt guilty, I didn't have to give them anything" but he admitted the
council saw things differently.
He also confirmed his company Match Room Sports purchased the Brisbane Road
stadium for £6m in 2009 and now offers a 20 lease year back to Leyton Orient
with rent reviews every 5 years. He says the whole Brisbane Road area is
zoned for residential planning which could fetch significant value if
redeveloped but claimed he is only interested in getting his £6m back and
any excess profit would be ploughed back into Leyton Orient if he became a
tenant of the Olympic Stadium.
I am grateful to Barry for clearing things up but we disagree on the
difference of how his deal with Waltham Forest, West Ham's deal with the
LLDC or Spurs £41m deal with Haringey which the Guardian covered HERE last
month is any different!
If one is classed as state aid they all should in my opinion and Manchester
City's use of the Ethiad stadium now I come to think about it.
Further from the Barry Hearn interview soon.
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Joe Cole rubbishes West Ham transfer talk and sounds warning to Fulham
27 Nov 2013 22:29
The Mirror
Joe Cole claims West Ham are desperate to put their Chelsea misery behind
them – and take out their frustration on Fulham. The struggling Hammers
barely put up a fight last weekend in a 3-0 home defeat by Jose Mourinho's
side. But former England star Cole said: "We face a really important game
against Fulham on Saturday and I have seen from training this week how much
the lads want to win it. "If we can get the three points that gives us the
perfect platform to go into the away game at Crystal Palace three days later
and get a little run going. "I know the fans will get behind us on Saturday
and hopefully we can give them what they all want to see. "They're up there
with the best in the land when they're on song, so it's up to us to give
them something cheer about."
Cole also quashed reports he will leave West Ham in January. The former
England midfielder admitted he was frustrated to be hauled off before
half-time in West Ham's comprehensive 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday .
But the 32-year-old rubbished suggestions he is unsettled at the Hammers,
and under boss Sam Allardyce. "I was as frustrated as anyone after
Saturday's game with Chelsea but my only focus at the moment is on getting
my head down, working hard and helping the team out of the difficult run
we're going through at the moment," he told West Ham's official club
website. "I'm really enjoying being back at West Ham as it's a club that
means so much to me. "As a squad we've still got a lot to play for this
season and I'm determined to play my part in making sure we achieve the
goals we set ourselves. "I'm happy at the club and the only way I'll be
leaving is if they tell me they don't want me anymore."
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Chelsea Pair Among 20 Man West Ham Striker Shopping List
by The Newshound November 28th, 2013
CaughtOffside.com
West Ham's continued quest to bring in much needed striking reinforcements
has apparently seen Sam Allardyce draw up a 20 man shopping list according
to the Daily Mirror. The East London side have managed just nine goals in 12
Premier League fixtures and with Andy Carroll still out injured there is
certainly a need to bring in a player who can offer the Hammers the much
needed goals they need to steer clear of the drop zone. Among those on the
West Ham radar are Tottenham's Emmanuel Adebayor and Lyon striker Bafetimbi
Gomis as well as Chelsea's Demba Ba and Romelu Lukaku, who may well be a
longer term target as the Belgian is currently on a season long loan spell
at Everton. West Ham come up against relegation threatened Fulham, Crystal
Palace and Sunderland in the next few weeks and Allardyce will have to hope
that the players he currently has in his armoury will be able to collect
some much needed points.
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