Daily WHUFC News - 1st January 2014

Vice-Chairman made CBE
WHUFC.com
The Vice-Chairman has been made a CBE in HM The Queen's New Year's Honours
List
31.12.2013

West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady has been made a CBE in HM The
Queen's New Year's Honours List. The Vice-Chairman has been recognised for
her outstanding contribution for services to entrepreneurship and women in
business, a cause for which she has tirelessly campaigned throughout her
career.
Ms Brady, who has previously won a host of high-profile awards for her work
and championing the cause of women in business, spoke of her pride at being
made Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. "I am
truly honoured to have received this award," the Vice-Chairman said. "I have
been extremely touched by all of the kind messages of congratulations from
West Ham United fans since the announcement was made this morning. I would
like to thank my Board at West Ham United and everyone who has worked with
and for me over the years. "I am particularly proud that my work for women
in the workplace has been recognised as it is something I feel so
passionately about. We have seen real progress in that field since I began
my career but that work is far from over as I know there is still so much
more that can be done. "However my primary focus at present is doing all in
my power to help West Ham return to a more stable league position as soon as
possible to give us the platform to continue our recent growth."

Since arriving at West Ham United in 2010, the Vice-Chairman has brought the
Club back to its core values celebrating West Ham's role at the heart of the
East London community through the Moore than a Football Club brand and has
grown the Hammers' fanbase at grassroots and an international level. Her
ability to grow commercial revenue at every operational level of the
business saw the Club record its first operating profit in recent history.
While working tirelessly to attract investment, increase revenue and reduce
the Club's historic debt burden, one of the Vice-Chairman's greatest
triumphs to date came in March 2013, when Her Majesty's Government selected
West Ham United as the anchor concessionaire for the Olympic Stadium
following its transformation into a UEFA Category 4 Football Stadium in
2016. Ms Brady is also an indefatigable supporter of charitable causes as an
Ambassador for The Stroke Association, WellChild and Teenage Cancer Trust.
She adds this accolade to fcbusiness Magazine CEO of the Year, which she
collected for her work at West Ham United in 2012.
Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate the Vice-Chairman on
today's exciting announcement.

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Hammers to sign Gordon
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will sign forward Jaanai Gordon from Peterborough United on
New Year's Day
31.12.2013

West Ham United are delighted to confirm the signing of Peterborough United
youngster Jaanai Gordon, which will be completed on 1 January 2014. The
18-year-old striker impressed during a recent trial period with the Club and
has sealed a move from the Sky Bet League One Club. Gordon scored twice in
the Hammers' Barclays U18 Premier League victory over Aston Villa, while
also notching in first-team friendlies against Gillingham and Millwall
during the November international break. Northampton-born Gordon made his
first team debut for Posh in September 2012, aged just 16, and has played
seven first-team games for the London Road club. Following his trial period
at Chadwell Heath, Gordon notched the winner for Peterborough in the FA
Youth Cup at Wolverhampton Wanderers, helping Posh to maintain their cup run
which has taken them to a fourth round tie against Arsenal, before agreeing
to put pen-to-paper with the Hammers.

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The Big Interview - George McCartney
WHUFC.com
George McCartney is keen to show his versatility while filling the Hammers'
void at centre-half
31.12.2013

Stand-in centre-half George McCartney is no stranger to slotting in at the
heart of the back four and is happy to do so if it helps West Ham United
climb the Barclays Premier League table. The Northern Ireland international
deputised at centre-half against Arsenal, following James Collins'
departure, and played in the middle once more in Saturday's topsy-turvy 3-3
draw against West Bromwich Albion.

While he would gladly see the Club's regular centre-halves back in the fold,
McCartney is hoping to hold the fort in the interim, however the situation
dictates.

George, Saturday was a real rollercoaster of a game, wasn't it?

GM: "Yes, it was. I thought we started well, we got the early goal and I was
thinking it's going to be a pretty comfortable day. But it ended up being a
bit of a thriller, a good game for the neutral but not so good for the two
teams, with both looking for the win and trying to move up the table. After
going 2-1 down, we got ourselves back into the game again and ended up
getting a point, which is better than nothing."

You're not a regular centre-half, what was it like when you saw Tomkins limp
off, leaving you with no recognised centre-halves? Perhaps a bit daunting?

GM: "No, I wouldn't say it was daunting. I've played centre-half before in
my life, I started out a centre-half and I've played international football
as a centre-half and I know what's required. Obviously it's not great when
you have two or three regular centre-halves out injured, but I think
nowadays players have got to fill in when needed. "When Tonks went down, we
finished the game with four full-backs in defence. It's required these days,
you've got to be able play in more than one position and fill in when
players are injured or when the manager needs you to do a job. So, it wasn't
ideal to finish the game with game with four full-backs in the defensive
slots but there was no other choice."

You seemed to cope pretty well, but Anelka's a top-class striker...

GM: "To be honest, Anelka wasn't like in his Chelsea days, when he was an
out and out striker sitting up top. Now he's dropping back into midfield,
trying to get on the ball a little bit more. Obviously he scored twice on
Saturday. The first one went down the middle of myself and Joey, it was a
good ball. For the second, he's standing on the line, it's fallen down to
him and he's got the lucky break. "It was one of those games in the end
that could have gone either way, both sides had chances. We're probably
disappointed after going 1-0 up and then getting 3-2 ahead that we didn't
hold onto the three points."

At 2-1 down and with the fans becoming anxious, the team showed great
character to come back and get themselves in front…

GM: "It's understandable. The fans want to see the team doing well and it's
not a pretty situation that we're in at the minute in the bottom three. As
much as the fans want us to do well, the players on the pitch are giving
their all, trying to get the three points. We're all, the manager, the
coaches and players, trying to pull it together and get ourselves out of
this situation. We need the fans behind us through the 90 minutes and after
starting the game so well, I can understand when you go 2-1 down at
half-time, that they want to see an improvement in the second half and I
think we did that. "After Van [Modibo Maiga] had scored and then Nolan gets
you ahead, you think for the next five, ten minutes just keep it tight. We
knew they'd want to come at us and unfortunately they went down the other
end and got the equaliser. It was disappointing, but we'll take a point
after being 2-1 down at half-time and we did well to get ourselves back into
the game. I think we knew in this situation of being near the bottom you
don't have the luck, things don't go for you. I think on Saturday we just
needed that little bit of luck and we'd probably have got the three points."

Are you surprised to see West Ham in the bottom three, with the squad that
you've got?

GM: "You look at the team, you look at the squad, it's experienced, it's got
some great players in it. I think in the first, probably, eight to ten games
of the season, there were games where we were picking up draws. It goes back
to having that little bit of luck and turning that one point into three
points, but we just couldn't put the ball in the net. Eventually it catches
up on you, if you're not really scoring too many goals, other teams are
gradually maybe going to get one or two chances and nick a goal. I think
that's why we've found ourselves in this situation. "I could go back to the
Newcastle game, the Hull game, the Everton game at the Boleyn Ground, there
are five or six games where we should have had the three points, we didn't,
so now it's up to ourselves to all pull together.
"We've got winnable games coming up again and we need to try and get the
players that are injured back again. Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing, Winston
Reid are important players. They're all big misses, so I think once we get
everyone fit again we'll have a full strength squad, we'll hopefully be
moving up the table."

Is the confidence still there?

GM: "You look over the last few weeks at the teams that have sacked their
managers, the players haven't been happy with whatever way they were
playing, all different things. But our dressing room is great, confidence is
high, the spirit is high. We're all in it together and we're still doing all
the right things on the training ground. "It's after Christmas now and when
you find yourselves in the bottom three, everyone maybe gets a little bit
edgy and games you feel you should be winning you're just not getting across
the line. It eventually catches up on you. The dressing room's great and
we're just trying to move up the table again and get ourselves out of this
situation."

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'Fanzone' launched
WHUFC.com
West Ham United fans can have their views heard in whufc.com's newest
feature
31.12.2013

whufc.com and West Ham TV will be launching a brand new feature for 2014,
called Fanzone. The official website and West Ham TV will be seeking opinion
pieces from supporters on all things West Ham United. So whether you thought
an individual impressed in the previous match at the Boleyn Ground, you had
an away day to remember, a Club legend needs remembering or the Under-21s
are catching your eye, whufc.com and West Ham TV want to hear from you.
There are two ways to get your opinions heard on the Club's official
channels. Firstly, whufc.com will carry written blogs of up to 500 words
written in the first person by supporters. Similarly, West Ham TV will be
host video clips of up to 60 seconds of fans voicing their thoughts to
camera. The most interesting and original posts will then be carried on the
website for Hammers fans all over the world to digest and debate. Please
note all submissions will be subject to the usual editorial standards of
whufc.com. If you would like your opinion heard, send your blog of no more
than 500 words or videos (preferably .mov or MP4) to
whufc.com@westhamunited.co.uk
To launch the new feature, Joint-Chairman David Sullivan's son, Jack, has
offered his take on the year that was for West Ham United, in a special West
Ham TV video.

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Macca on: Fulham
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald took the press conference ahead of Wedesday's game against
Fulham
31.12.2013

Assistant manager Neil McDonald spoke to the media ahead of the game against
Fulham on New Year's day. Ahead of the trip to Craven Cottage, McDonald was
quizzed on the upcoming January transfer window, the latest team news and
for an update on the fitness of Andy Carroll.

Morning Neil, very nice to see you as always, but where's Sam?

NMc: "He's very busy on the phone at the minute, obviously we've got a few
defensive problems and with the window coming up his phone is non-stop so
he's just asked me to do it today."

So that's potentially good news on arrivals to fill some of the gaps?

NMc: "Potentially, yes. I think we need some reinforcements to try and boost
the players that we have here. Sam's working very hard behind the scenes
here with everybody else to try and do that so he apologises for not being
able to do the press conference today."

I guess it's central defenders that he's after?

NMc: "Of course, yes. We've got our three main centre halves injured at the
moment and we're obviously trying very hard to get them fit. We're trying to
bolster that area."

And I imagine you're looking to bring in strikers as well?

NMc: "Yes, of course. We're trying to improve the squad as much as possible,
they're the two main places that we're trying to strengthen."

And he has the board's backing for that financially?

NMc: "He's on the phone to the Chairman as we speak so you would imagine
so."

Do you feel that this game, like some described it, is a must-win game like
against West Brom?

NMc: "It's certainly don't lose the game, that's for sure. When you're
playing a team in and around you that's the most important thing to do.
We've scored three goals against West Brom but conceded three so we need to
stop conceding and keep scoring as we have been doing. We're creating lots
of chances but it's difficult when you haven't got all of your defenders
fit. Going into the Fulham game in this scenario it's a game that if you win
it puts you right up the table which is great, but it's more important that
we don't lose."

That difference between getting three points and not can really reflect on
your position in the table?

NMc: "It shows that even if we'd beaten West Brom that would have pushed us
right up the table, another back to back win over Fulham could have pushed
us right up to halfway so that's how very tight it is, how close it is and
how very important it is to pick up a point. You have to respect the point
if you get it because that could take you further up the league."

On the central defensive area, what's the news on James Collins and James
Tomkins?

NMc: "It looks as though they're not going to be fit for the Fulham game and
we will assess them straight after for the Nottingham Forest game. It's more
likely that they will both be fit, fingers crossed, for the Cardiff City
game."

What will he do in that area against Fulham?

NMc: "The plan would be to pick some players who are going to keep a clean
sheet and we're going to keep our cards close to our chest on that front."

What's the latest on Andy Carroll?

NMc: "He's done a training session yesterday which is very encouraging. It's
still early stages and it's a work in progress with him. Work one day on the
training pitch, massage and rehab the next day and let's see how it goes.
It's positive the fact that he's on the training pitch but it's slow
progress."

Do you hope that relatively soon he'll be able to play some part in the rest
of the season?

NMc: "When you've been out for seven months I don't think you can rush
anybody back. Obviously we're all desperate for him to come back into the
team as quick as we possibly can but we have to be sensible. He's getting
closer."

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O'Brien eyes Fulham success
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien is craving victory at Craven Cottage on New Year's Day
31.12.2013

Joey O'Brien says that every player is prepared to do whatever is asked of
them to help the team get the results needed to move up the league table.
The Hammers travel to west London to meet Fulham on New Year's Day, and
O'Brien moved into the centre of the West Ham defence alongside fellow
full-back George McCartney against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday after
centre-half James Tomkins had to come off with a groin injury. Despite
having not played in that position before in the Barclays Premier League,
O'Brien simply got on with it and alongside the rest of his team-mates did
all he could to make sure that West Ham took a share of the points. "It is
one of those things you do for the team. We had another injury in defence
and I was asked to do a job in another position to help the team. I went in
and my only thought was to put a shift in for the team and do my best, which
is what we were all doing. "In these times, when we have these injuries and
we are asked to play in another position, of course you do it, whatever it
takes to do your job for the team." O'Brien said that the team were
disappointed not to have taken all three points against the Baggies at the
Boleyn Ground and although they are missing players who would help
strengthen the cause at this time, he said it was simply a case of getting
on with it and aiming to get maximum points at Craven Cottage on Wednesday.
"Of course we want the players who are currently out injured back as soon
as, they are all important and with all your players fit and well, you have
a bigger chance of winning games. Earlier this season we had a lot of clean
sheets and defended well and on Saturday we were doing that, but not at the
same strength as we would have been normally. When we got to 3-2 after
coming back from behind, I felt we could win it so it was disappointing not
to. "I felt we were a bit unlucky in that their second goal, more often than
not that would have bounced back out instead of bouncing back into the goal
and there was a quality about the third goal that we couldn't do much
about."

The Republic of Ireland defender said that despite the position the Hammers
are in and with injuries to players, the squad are in good spirits and
remain steadfast on the job they have to do, and are more than capable of
doing. "Every game, not just the last one or the next one are all massive
games when you are in the position we are in. The manager with his record
knows what it takes to get out of it. It is not yet two years yet since we
were in the Championship, then got promoted and had a really solid season
back up last year and now we are having this dip which we are working hard
to get through. "But we know that we can only get out of it by winning more
games and the objective for us right now is to go to Fulham and play our
best to get three points."

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Fulham v West Ham
KO 15:00
31 December 2013
Last updated at 13:55
By John Motson
BBC Match of the Day commentator

TEAM NEWS

Fulham will hand late fitness tests to Dimitar Berbatov (groin) and Adel
Taarabt (ankle). Scott Parker returns to the squad and is expected to be one
of several changes from the side beaten at Hull.

West Ham have major defensive problems once again but James Collins (groin)
reportedly has a chance of playing. Winston Reid (ankle), James Tomkins
(groin), Andy Carroll (heel) and Stewart Downing (calf) remain out, and
Ravel Morrison (groin) is doubtful.

MATCH PREVIEW

This fixture is already a real relegation battle for me, and not just
because the two clubs are in the bottom three right now. "Fulham are
conceding an unbelievable amount of goals and the first thing they need to
do is make themselves difficult to beat. "West Ham are out of sorts too at
the moment. They got a point against West Brom on Saturday but the Baggies
came across as a much better team." Fulham have conceded 41 goals in the
Premier League this season, nine more than any other club. Regardless of the
6-0 defeat they suffered at the hands of Hull last weekend, the Whites have
been guilty of letting in far too many sloppy goals. New Fulham head coach
Rene Meulensteen has beefed up his backroom staff with the appointments of
Alan Curbishley as technical director and Ray Wilkins as assistant head
coach. Curbishley slowly built Charlton into a Premier League force and
ultimately led them to a seventh-place finish, while Wilkins knows the
division inside out. Both men must work on tightening up that defence and
help Meulensteen get to grips with matters at the wrong end of a Premier
League table. Fulham's new management trio will also be looking to get the
best out of Dimitar Berbatov, who has missed the last three games, and help
Darren Bent rediscover the form that made him one of the division's most
lethal strikers. Berbatov and Bent are key to Fulham's survival hopes. West
Ham's goalscoring problems are well documented but just six away goals in
nine games explains why they are struggling, and three of those came in one
game. No-one could have foreseen their terrible luck with defensive injuries
but with problems now at both ends of the pitch it merely highlights their
threadbare squad. John Heitinga and Asamoah Gyan have been linked in recent
days and the Hammers urgently need squad reinforcements. I'm expecting there
to be a lot of tension at Craven Cottage following the 6-0 defeat at Hull, a
result even the Fulham players called unacceptable. I believe it will be
close, I don't think there will be many goals and it will be a dog-fight,
maybe even right through until the end of the season for both clubs.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
Fulham's 3-1 win over West Ham last January was only their second victory
over the Hammers in 12 league and cup meetings at Craven Cottage since 1975
(W2, D3, L7).
Fulham did not manage a single shot on target against West Ham in November's
reverse fixture at Upton Park, a 3-0 defeat.
Thirteen goals have been scored in the last three league fixtures between
the two sides at Craven Cottage.

Fulham
Rene Meulensteen's men, beaten 6-0 at Hull on Saturday, have let in 15 goals
in their last four league games.
Fulham would be 11th in the table if only results against clubs in the
bottom half counted (W5, D1, L3).
The west London side have won all three matches when they have kept a clean
sheet. However no club has kept fewer clean sheets than the Whites.
Fulham have conceded the first goal (14) more often than any other Premier
League side this season.

West Ham
West Ham are winless in their last six league matches. Their only victory in
the last 12 games was November's 3-0 victory over Fulham.
The Hammers have one point fewer (15) than they did at this stage of the
2010-11 season when they were last relegated from the Premier League.
West Ham have kept eight clean sheets this campaign, the joint-highest in
the league along with Arsenal, Everton and Tottenham.
Carlton Cole has scored seven goals in his last nine league games against
Fulham. He also managed to score an own goal in a 3-2 defeat for the Hammers
in 2010.

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West Ham: Deal agreed to sign striker Jaanai Gordon
BBC.co.uk

West Ham will complete the signing of teenage striker Jaanai Gordon on 1
January after agreeing a deal with League One side Peterborough. Gordon, 18,
impressed during a recent trial with the Hammers, scoring in the Under-18s'
victory against Aston Villa and two first-team friendlies. He has played
seven senior games for Posh since September 2012. The Hammers have also been
linked with a loan bid for Ghana's Asamoah Gyan during the January transfer
window. Manager Sam Allardyce's side are short of attacking options because
of Andy Carroll's long-term injury-enforced absence. The club are 19th in
the table after winning just one of their last 10 Premier League fixtures.

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Petric: I would have left West Ham anyway
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st December 2013
By: Staff Writer

Mladen Petric has left West Ham United having failed to secure a first team
spot at the Boleyn. The 32-year-old Croatian striker made just four
substitute appearances in his four months with the Club but revealed that he
will not be returning to Upton Park having activated a release clause in his
contract.
"Both the club and I had a right of termination for the winter," Petric told
mopo.de. "If West Ham didn't made use of it, I would have done. When I
arrived I was told that we were going to play with two strikers - but that
was never the case so, I couldn't go on. "Now I must find a club where I can
play regularly, because I want to be be involved with the World Cup in
Brazil."

West Ham signed the former Fulham striker on a free transfer at the start of
September having failed to secure a forward of sufficient quality during the
summer transfer window. Carlton Cole, who also recently returned to the Club
on a free transfer remains hopeful of agreeing an extension to his current
short-term deal, which expires next month. West Ham have been linked with a
string of strikers in recent days including Ishak Belfodil, Mirko Vucinic,
Fabio Quagliarella and Asamoah Gyan. Earlier today it was confirmed that
Peterborough's teenage prospect Jaanai Gordon had completed his move to east
London, as previously revealed on KUMB.

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Here's Johnny
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 31st December 2013
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's defence could be featuring a new face before long if morning
reports are to prove correct. Everton's John Heitinga is the latest to be
linked with a transfer window move to east London, with the Hammers
desperate to increase their defensive options. James Tomkins, Winston Reid
and James Collins are all currently sidelined with various ailments, a
situation that prompted Sam Allardyce to call for the early return of Pelly
Ruddock from his loan spell with non-league Luton Town earlier this week.
However reports this morning suggest that the 30-year-old Dutch defender
could also be on his way to the Boleyn, with West Ham said to be set to take
the player on a free transfer. Earlier this week Heitinga, who has appeared
for the Toffees just twice this season - both in the early rounds of the
Capital One Cup - revealed that he was set to end his Everton torment
imminently, having been almost entirely overlooked by new manager Roberto
Martinez. "My contract expires in June, and there are many chances for me to
leave Everton," he said."I have played in Spain and England, and I'd also
try the Italian experience. There are a few Serie A teams interested in me
but I'm waiting for official news from my agents."

Heitinga, who has made 137 appearances for Everton since joining them from
Athletico Madrid for £6million in 2009 began his career in 2001 with Ajax,
with whom he spent the first seven years as a pro. In 2008 he moved to
Madrid in an £8.8million deal before he was on the move to Merseyside a year
later.

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Everton's John Heitinga claims West Ham are interested in him
By Gerrit van Leeuwen | Last Updated: 31/12/13 11:33am
SSN

Everton defender John Heitinga has told the Dutch media that he is flattered
by reported interest from West Ham United. The Holland international, who is
out of contract in the summer, is yet to feature in a league game this
season, instead having to be content with a place on the bench for most of
the campaign.
Now reports in his homeland claim that West Ham are closing in on a deal to
take him on loan for the rest of the season, as they are in desperate need
of defensive cover with Winston Reid, James Tomkins and James Collins all
ruled out. And Heitinga has been quoted in Holland as suggesting he is ready
to make the switch to Upton Park. "I am flattered with the interest of West
Ham," he is quoted as saying by Voetbal International. "Since this week the
market is open and it's clear that I have to make an important decision."

Heitinga admits he needs to be playing in order to try and maintain his bid
for a place in Holland's World Cup squad. "The chance of playing more
minutes is the most important," said Heitinga. "I want to be at the World
Cup and to realise that I have to play. Only then I can make it difficult to
Louis van Gaal."

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George McCartney believes morale remains high in the West Ham squad
Last Updated: 31/12/13 2:44pm
SSN

George McCartney insists West Ham's confidence has not been dented after
they slipped into the Premier League drop zone. The Hammers end the year on
a low with the team languishing in 19th place following the 3-3 draw with
West Brom at Upton Park on Saturday. A dismal run of six league games
without a win has left Sam Allardyce's side in a relegation dogfight, but
McCartney believes morale remains high in the squad. "You look over the last
few weeks at the teams that have sacked their managers," said the defender.
"The players haven't been happy with whatever way they were playing but our
dressing room is great, confidence is high, the spirit is high. "We're all
in it together and we're still doing all the right things on the training
ground. "It is after Christmas now and when you find yourselves in the
bottom three, everyone maybe gets a little bit edgy and games you feel you
should be winning you're just not getting across the line.
"It eventually catches up on you. The dressing room's great and we're just
trying to move up the table again and get ourselves out of this situation."

West Ham have been hampered by a shortage of centre-backs as Winston Reid,
James Collins and James Tomkins are all nursing injuries. McCartney was
moved from full-back to the heart of defence at the weekend and he believes
modern day players should all be versatile. "I wouldn't say it was
daunting," said the 32-year-old. "I've played centre-half before in my life,
I started out a centre-half and I've played international football as a
centre-half and I know what's required. "Obviously it's not great when you
have two or three regular centre-halves out injured, but I think nowadays
players have got to fill in when needed.
"We finished the game [against West Brom] with four full-backs in defence.
It's required these days. You've got to be able play in more than one
position and fill in when players are injured or when the manager needs you
to do a job. "So, it wasn't ideal to finish the game with four full-backs in
the defensive slots but there was no other choice."

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West Ham agree deal for Peterborough's Jaanai Gordon
Last Updated: 31/12/13 2:46pm
SSN

West Ham will complete the signing of Peterborough striker Jaanai Gordon
when the transfer window reopens on 1 January 2014. The 18-year-old frontman
impressed during a recent trial period with the Hammers and will seal his
switch from the League One club on Wednesday. Sam Allardyce has only one
striker available in Carlton Cole, with club-record signing Andy Carroll
still a couple weeks away from a return. Gordon, who made his first-team
debut for the Posh last September at the age of 16, has made seven
appearances for the London Road outfit. He scored twice in the Hammers'
Barclays U18 Premier League victory over Aston Villa, while also netting in
first-team friendlies against Gillingham and Millwall during the November
international break. Recently Gordon notched the winner for Peterborough in
the FA Youth Cup at Wolves, helping Posh to maintain their cup run.

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ohn Heitinga set for move to West Ham from Everton
Last Updated: 31/12/13 3:02pm
SSN

Sky Sports sources understand that Everton defender John Heitinga is set to
sign for West Ham this week. The Hammers are in need of defensive cover with
Winston Reid, James Tomkins and James Collins all ruled out. Now they have
made a move for Dutch international Heitinga, who has not played in a
Premier League game for Everton this season. New Toffees boss Roberto
Martinez is happy to let Heitinga leave, with his current deal due to expire
in the summer.
It is understood that West Ham are likely to take over the remaining six
months on the 30-year-old's contract. It is unlikely Everton will pick him
in the squad to face Stoke City on New Year's Day ahead of his expected move
to East London. Heitinga told the Dutch media on Tuesday that he was keen to
move on in order to secure a place in Holland's World Cup squad. West Ham
will also complete the signing of Peterborough striker Jaanai Gordon when
the transfer window reopens on Wednesday.

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WEST HAM SIGN PETERBOROUGH STARLET JAANAI GORDON
By Iain Dale 31 Dec 2013 at 12:36
West Ham Till I Die

West Ham have today announced the signing of 18 year old Jaanai Gordon for
an undisclosed fee. He is a striker who has played only four times for the
Peterborough first team without scoring.

Born in Northampton, England, Gordon signed his first professional contract,
with Peterborough United, in December 2012 on his 17th birthday. He had
joined the club in 2009 and had already made his first team debut, in a 2-0
home defeat by Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2012. In November 2013,
having made four league appearances for Peterborough, Gordon went on trial
with West Ham scoring twice in his opening trial game for West Ham under-18
side against Aston Villa under-18s and another two in a 9-0 defeat of
Gillingham in a friendly on 11 November 2013. In November, a West Ham bid
for Gordon was rejected by Peterborough United but an agreement has now been
reached.

It seems unlikely that he has been signed with a view to him solving our
striker problem, but he definitely seems to be one for the future.

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West Ham 'eye Inter Milan stiker Ishak Belfodil' as they look to resolve
Upton Park striker shortage
Dec 31, 2013 15:35 By Liam Prenderville 0 Comments
The Mirror

West Ham are looking to boost their striking options by signing Inter Milan
youngster Ishak Belfodil, according to reports. The Algerian international
signed for the Serie A club last summer from Parma but is yet to score in
his eight league appearances this season. However, that has not put off
Hammers' boss Allardyce - who is set to make a move in the January transfer
window - report the Times. Belfodil would be seen as a cheaper option to
other potential recruits as Allardyce desperately seeks to add extra
firepower to his front line. Club record signing Andy Carroll has returned
to training but is not thought to be close to first-team action, while
Carlton Cole and Modibo Maiga are only regarded as short-term fixes. Former
Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan is one of a number of strikers to be linked
with a switch to Upton Park - with a loan move reportedly in the pipeline.
The Ghanaian has already secured the UAE title with Al-Ain and could seek a
loan switch to maintain his fitness ahead of next summer's World Cup. Other
players linked include Everton's Nikica Jelavic and Marco Borriello as
Allardyce looks for a striker to drag his side away from the Premier League
danger zone. Meanwhile, Jelavic's Goodison Park team mate John Heitinga
appears close to a switch to Upton Park - having not featured for the
Toffees in the league this season. Incomings in East London could be funded
by the sale of Ravel Morrison - with Fulham showing a strong interest in the
England Under-21 midfielder.

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West Ham moving for out of favour Roma striker Marco Borriello to boost
firepower
Dec 30, 2013 11:10 By Alex Richards 0 Comments
The Mirror

West Ham United have opened talks with Italian club Roma over a January move
for striker Marco Borriello. According to various reports, the Giallorossi's
sporting director Walter Sabatini has been in London over the weekend,
discussing potential ins and outs at the Stadio Olimpico. And top of his
list was 31-year-old Borriello, who has struggled to hold down a regular
spot under manager Rudi Garcia this term. The seven-cap Italian
international has made 11 appearances so far, but only five starts.
Additionally, he has scored just one goal this season as unbeaten Roma have
moved to second in the race for the Scudetto. Borriello has already been
linked with a move to the Premier League this month, with his agent stating
that Tottenham Hotspur had opened talks over a January move. However, it's
reckoned that he could be set for the tenth loan move of his career, with
Sam Allardyce's side in pole position.

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Andy Carroll's West Ham comeback stepped up as striker eyes return for Man
City League Cup clash
Dec 30, 2013 22:30 By Neil McLeman 0 Comments
The Mirror

West Ham hope Andy Carroll will be back in action in a fortnight after
coming through his first training session with the first team squad. The
England striker has not played since completing his record £15million
signing in the summer - and broke down with a foot injury in his first
comeback in September. But in a rare piece of good news for the Hammers,
Carroll has taken another big step on his long comeback trail - and could be
back for the Capital One Cup semi-final with Manchester City. "It is very
good news but it is slow progress," said assistant manager Kevin McDonald.
"It is good that we have got him on the training field. That is a good sign
but it is slow progress. When you have been out for seven months, you can't
rush anybody back. "Obviously we are all desperate for him to come back and
get back into the team as quick as we possibly can but we have to be
sensible. He is getting closer."

Sam Allardyce missed yesterday's press conference as he had a telephone
conference with co-owner David Sullivan to discuss new signings. West Ham
need at least one more striker and go into tomorrow's relegation battle with
Fulham without a recognised centre-back. Co-chairman David Gold, who tweeted
that Carroll "could be available in 2/3 weeks", said: "Our primary and most
immediate aim is ensuring we stay in the Premier League. To that end, we
will be backing Sam Allardyce in the January transfer window to make sure we
stay at the top table."

Carlton Cole is on a short-term contract until January 13 and has yet to be
offered a new deal. "As it stands, I don't know what is happening right
now," said the former England striker. "Hopefully we can resolve something
so we'll see what happens."

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Fulham linked with audacious swoop for Ravel Morrison from relegation rivals
West Ham
Dec 31, 2013 11:36 By Ben Burrows 1 Comments
The Mirror

Fulham are set to for an audacious swoop for Ravel Morrison from relegation
rivals West Ham, according to reports. The Cottagers believe they can prize
away the highly-rated England Under-21 international from Upton Park in
January and are preparing a bid, reports the Daily Telegraph. Morrison has
an £18million release clause in his deal, as well as another which means
should the Hammers receive a £10million bid for him they would be forced to
QUADRUPLE his wages. While Rene Meulensteen will not stretch to such figures
it is understood the West Londoners may reluctantly cut their man loose in
order to raise money for new signings. With relegation a real possibility
and only 18 months left on his deal, they may see selling the 20-year-old as
the prudent course of action.
Fulham will reportedly begin negotiations with a £4million bid and a
significant increase on his current £15,000-per-week contract, with
Newcastle rumoured to be keeping a close eye on the situation.

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West Ham transfer target Asamoah Gyan plots January loan move back to
England
Dec 30, 2013 22:30 By Darren Lewis 0 Comments
The Mirror

Asamoah Gyan is still up for up for a January loan move to West Ham. The
powerful ex-Sunderland striker - now at UAE club Al Ain - responded to talk
of a return to England last week by pledging his future to his current
outfit. But Mirror Sport understands Gyan is open to a move back to England
and is set to hold talks with Al Ain within the next few days. The marksman
is a priority for the Hammers who are desperate to shoot themselves out of
relegation trouble. Gyan, confirmed as Ghana's captain for this summer's
World Cup, has already helped Al Ain to the UAE title as top scorer. He
moved to the club from Sunderland on an initial loan deal in 2011 and made
the move permanent last year, signing a lucrative five-year deal. West Ham
are already set to sell off several fringe players to free up cash on their
wage bill for two new forwards. They are also prepared to sacrifice talented
midfielder Ravel Morrison should they receive a big offer for the talented
20-year-old. Meanwhile Italian club Roma have emerged as rivals for Hammers
target John Heitinga. The east Londoners are keen on the 30-year-old
Dutchman who is surplus to requirements at Everton.

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John Heitinga set for West Ham move as Dutch defender looks to boost World
Cup chances
Dec 31, 2013 12:28 By David Anderson 0 Comments
The Mirror

John Heitinga is joining West Ham from Everton in the hope of reviving his
Premier League career. The 30-year-old does not figure in Roberto Martinez's
first-team plans and the Dutch defender has not played a single minute of
league action this season. Martinez is happy for Heitinga to leave Goodison
to boost his chances of playing for Holland in the World Cup. The
centre-half had six months remaining on the five-year £65,000-a-week deal he
signed when he joined from Atletico Madrid in 2009 and his departure will
save Everton £1.5million in wages. Sam Allardyce is desperate to strengthen
his injury-ravaged defence and feels the highly-experienced Heitinga will
slot straight into his backline. The West Ham boss is also interested in
Everton striker Nikica Jelavic, who is also on the fringes at Goodison, and
Martinez is open to the Croat leaving in January.

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West Ham striker Modibo Maiga says he's ready to shine - and reveals he
nearly quit for France last summer
Dec 31, 2013 22:30 By Neil McLeman 0 Comments
The Mirror

Modibo Maiga has refound his mojo – and is now in the mood to save the
Hammers from the drop. The Mali striker wanted to quit West Ham last summer
because of his lack of game time. But Maiga, who went a year without finding
the net, insisted he is finally showing his ability after scoring two in the
last three games as an impact sub. "I am happy and quite relieved," he said
ahead of the relegation clash at Fulham. "I was questioning myself. I was
not playing to my level. "You haven't seen the real Maiga. I know I have had
lots of chances to score, I was probably lacking in confidence." Maiga has
been deployed by boss Sam Allardyce as a lone front man in the absence of
the injured Andy Carroll. "It has been difficult because I am not used to
playing in this system," said the 26-year-old. "It really doesn't suit me. I
prefer to play deeper. But I know I am capable of playing well here." Maiga
scored only two Premier League goals last season following his £4.7million
switch from Sochaux – and nearly joined St Etienne in the summer. "It was
almost done," he said. "I wasn't happy. If a player doesn't play, and if you
want to progress, you have to leave. "The most ­important thing was to
rediscover the pleasure of playing again. The supporters have backed me very
well. When I hear them sing my name, it is a great feeling. It gives me
determination to work harder."

Meanwhile Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen is banking on ex-Hammers chief Alan
Curbishley to help beat the drop. Curbs led West Ham to a great escape in
2007, and joins former Chelsea coach Ray Wilkins at the Cottage. Meulensteen
said: "This is a relegation scrap. Alan Curbishley has been there. "Ray
Wilkins has been at different levels. I want to make sure I am well
prepared."

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West Ham target Rickie Lambert in shock £8m swoop for Southampton star
Dec 31, 2013 22:30 By Alan Nixon 5 Comments
The Mirror

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is making a staggering £8million bid for
Southampton's England striker Rickie Lambert. Allardyce is being backed by
owners David Sullivan and David Gold who are prepared to gamble a fortune on
a hit man to keep them up. And the Hammers are confident of success as
Lambert could be up for the move despite their lowly position. Lambert, the
fairy-tale success who made the Three Lions side from humble origins, needs
to play regularly to keep his World Cup hopes alive. Southampton cannot
offer him any guarantees of that right now because of the competition for
places at Mauricio Pochettino's side. Now the £8million offer may tempt
Saints supremo Nicola Cortese to sell - as long as enough of the cash is up
front and not based on staying-up bonuses. West Ham have laboured without a
top-class striker in the absence of Andy Carroll, whose return date is still
a mystery. Hammers have already agreed a deal for John Heitinga to join from
Everton to ease their defensive crisis. They will take over the remaining
six months of Heitinga's £65,000-a-week contract, saving Everton over
£1.5million.

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West Ham want Cisse but Newcastle United want to hang on to their No 9
1 Jan 2014 07:30
The Chronicle

West Ham United want to take Papiss Cisse on loan until the end of the
season. But sources in the East End say that Newcastle United have knocked
back their offer to give the No 9 first-team football. The Chronicle
understands that Cisse is one of the players that Sam Allardyce is
considering bringing during the January window and offer a loan deal until
May with a view to a permanent transfer. The enquiry means that Toon boss
Alan Pardew has a big decision to make with Cisse after leaving him on the
bench for THREE months. United do have money to spend in the window and are
thought to have players on their shortlist ahead of the January trading
period. However, there are a number of players out of the team that United
may have to deal with too with Jonas Gutierrez, Cisse, Steven Taylor and
Sylvain Marveaux all out of the side at the moment. Cisse did miss the start
of pre-season with United due to a dispute about wearing Wonga shirts. And
while many fans thought that was the end of any issues between United, Wonga
and Cisse, he has still spent the majority of the first half of the season
on the sidelines. Cisse's place has been taken by Shola Ameobi but even
though the Nigerian striker has been part of the team's winning run, the
long-serving Toon player did not find the net in the Premier League in 2013.
The No 9 on the other hand weighed in with 10 goals despite some games when
poor service was noted by supporters.

Cisse is understood to be concerned about his future at United after finding
himself frozen out of Alan Pardew's first team plans. The No 9 has not
started a game in the Premier League since the 2-1 win at Cardiff City at
the start of October. Since then Cisse has been restricted to cameo roles
from the bench with one sub appearance amounting to just 18 seconds in the
2-1 win against West Brom. West Ham are desperate for a striker to bolster
their bid for survival and would love to team up Cisse with ex-Toon stars
Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll in the new year. United's last piece of
business with the Hammers was when Nolan was sold to the Upton Park club for
around £4m in 2011. Should Cisse be left on the bench against West Brom he
would then understandably expect to play against Cardiff City in the FA Cup
third round on Saturday. Pardew may use the FA Cup tie to give the likes of
Steven Taylor, Jonas Gutierrez, Sammy Ameobi and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa a
run-out. However, with Geordie fans keen to see United approach the cup with
a bit of ambition this year Pardew won't need to be told he must get that
balance exactly right.

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West Ham prepared to gamble and bid £8m for Southampton striker Lambert
By SIMON JONES
PUBLISHED: 23:26, 31 December 2013 | UPDATED: 23:47, 31 December 2013
Daily Mail

West Ham are ready to change their transfer policy and make an £8million
move for Southampton striker Rickie Lambert in a bid to avoid relegation.
Sam Allardyce had been told he could only bring in two strikers on loan but
with options limited the board are willing to gamble and bid for the
31-year-old England international. Allardyce has tried before to sign
Lambert in the summer and could finally land his man if the player agrees to
move with a potential World Cup place at stake. West ham have agreed a deal
for Everton defender John Heitinga and are still looking to bring another
striker in on loan.

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