'Nobody gives you points for free'
WHUFC.com
Hammers defender Guy Demel knows the Hammers have to continue at
full-throttle
19.02.2014
Guy Demel is eyeing yet another clean sheet when West Ham United take on
Southampton on Saturday. The Ivorian has helped Sam Allardyce's men shut out
their last four opponents, and a fifth in a row could see them move into the
top half of the Barclays Premier League table. It represents a remarkable
turnaround for the Hammers, who were in the division's bottom three just two
games ago - but the No20 remains well aware that the recovery job is far
from complete yet. He said: "We've had some good results recently and that's
why we need to keep on getting points, to make sure we stay on the good side
[of the table] and keep the positive atmosphere. "The league is so tight and
that's one of the reasons that the Premier League is the best league in the
world.
"You look at Spain and there's three teams at the top, then the fourth is 16
points behind, but here in England it's really close, both at the top and
the bottom.
"That's why you have to perform in every game because nobody is going to
give you points for free."
The Hammers returned to home shores this week after a warm-weather training
camp in Dubai and Demel believes the chance to recharge their batteries will
have clear benefits over the final 12 games of the campaign. He added: "It
was important for the team to go to Dubai and relax a bit. It's the Premier
League, the best in the world, so it's really demanding. Sometimes you need
that few days just to be relaxed to get a fresh mind and come back with the
energy to finish the season strongly. "We did it last year and it worked
really well, so I think it was a good idea. It also makes the team be
together for the team building, so i think it's really important."
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Like my dreams - Nicholas Harvey
WHUFC.com
Nicholas Harvey was invited to visit Chadwell Heath as part of the Like My
Dreams initiative
19.02.2014
Nicholas Harvey enjoyed a day to remember when he was invited to spend a day
at the Club's Chadwell Heath training ground as part of West Ham United's
Like My Dreams initiative. The 20-year-old has endured a tough few months
after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma - a type of blood cancer - and
has since been undertaking a debilitating course of chemotherapy. While his
illness means it's difficult for him to attend the Hammers' matches, there
was no stopping Nicholas from making the long journey from Swindon for the
visit to the West Ham training base which took place earlier this month. He
told West Ham TV of his delight at being invited to take part in the day.
"It was a massive, massive boost when I found out about what had been
arranged. Before I found out about this I was heading into the chemotherapy
sessions without any motivation whatsoever to carry on. "It's really, really
tough going. I can be bed bound at the age of 20 for nine, ten days at a
time. The chemotherapy knocks me our big time and when I found out that I'd
be coming to meet some of my idols that I've only seen on TV before, it was
a massive boost, an absolutely huge boost. It's what kept me going over the
past week or so."
Driving through the entrance to Chadwell Heath at 9.30am, Nicholas was
accompanied by father Simon and girlfriend Mercedes who watched as he was
presented with his West Ham training gear shortly after his arrival. Once
changed, Nicholas was taken to the indoor pitch to meet the squad before
they began their activation session. After a group photo and some
autographs, Nicholas was kitted out in Big Sam's coat as he headed outside
to watch the rest of the training session, making for a day which lived up
to his expectations. "My work helped put this together for me, I received an
email from them telling me that they'd arranged for me to come and meet all
the players and coaching staff at West Ham. "They put this together for me
as a light at the end of a pretty dark tunnel at the moment so I've used it
as a motivational tool. It's got me through chemotherapy at the moment and
that was the purpose of the day.
With training finished it was time for lunch and something which wasn't on
the menu had soon been served up to the training ground guest. As Nicholas
sat in the canteen collecting his heroes' signatures, Spanish goalkeeper
Adrian came over to the table and handed the 20-year-old a pair of his
gloves, which he proceeded to sign. A special memento of a special day, a
day which provided a young Hammers fan with memories to cherish. "I've had a
tour of the training ground, seen what it's all about, had a look at what
the players do on a day-to-day basis and their match preparations. It's
amazing. "I've got all their signatures along the way which I'll keep
forever. It's a massive dream come true, definitely. It's been massive, a
really, really enjoyable day."
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Morrison loaned to QPR
WHUFC.com
Ravel Morrison has joined Championship promotion-chasers Queens Park Rangers
on a three-month loan
19.02.2014
West Ham United can confirm that Ravel Morrison has joined Sky Bet
Championship club Queens Park Rangers on a 93-day emergency loan. The
21-year-old could make his Hoops debut in their London derby at Charlton
Athletic on Saturday, where QPR will hope to end a run of three games
without a win and strengthen their challenge for automatic promotion. A
clause has been included in Morrison's loan agreement that would allow West
Ham to recall the England U21 midfielder after 28 days of his spell at QPR.
The terms of the deal will allow Morrison, who has made 21 first-team
appearances for the Hammers this term, to remain with QPR for the
Championship Play-Offs, should the west London side finish between third and
sixth in the table. Morrison joins a number of players with West Ham
connections at Loftus Road, including goalkeeper Robert Green, midfielders
Gary O'Neil and Yossi Benayoun and forward Bobby Zamora. Current Hammers
forward Modibo Maiga is also on loan at QPR, who are managed by ex-West Ham
player and manager Harry Redknapp.
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The Big Interview - Carlton Cole
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole is refreshed and ready to go after a week of warm weather
training
19.02.2014
West Ham United striker Carlton Cole feels refreshed and ready to fire after
a productive spell of warm weather training in Dubal. The Hammers made use
of a blank weekend in the fixture calendar to escape the miserable British
winter ahead of Saturday's game against Southampton. Now back in London, the
No24 feels ready to extend West Ham's fine winning streak.
Carlton, we're back training in London after that week in Dubai now - how
was it?
CC: "It was a much needed break for us. I think we deserved it too with our
run of form, to regroup and try and get refreshed for the hard games we've
got coming up."
After the hectic Christmas period and lots of games in January too, how
important was it to have that more relaxed time out there?
CC: "It is important that we went out there to get some warm weather
training. It wasn't a jolly-up, we went out there to work. I didn't know we
had so many fans out there too, so we got to meet them and it was a nice
experience to get all the fellas together and train in the warm weather."
With a few new arrivals at the end of the last transfer window, was it good
for them to get integrated in the team this way?
CC: "It was perfect for them. Obviously Marco and Antonio are used to their
warm weather anyway, and it was nice to be in that kind of climate for them
to get integrated into the team and get to know them as well."
Since Andy Carroll's red card, you and Marco Borriello have been sharing the
striking duties. Has that been good for you to push each other on?
CC: "Yeah, of course. Although I'd like to play more than a half, it's only
fair that we both get a fair share of the games and what the manager has
done so far is change us at half-time. It has worked because we've gone on
to score two goals in both games and keep a clean sheet. That's what we're
doing so well at the moment.
With the defence in the form they are, how helpful is it as a striker to
know that if you nick a goal, it'll more than likely be a winning one?
CC: "That's what we're focusing on and me as a striker, I'm always focusing
on trying to get a goal and soften up the defence. Marco has done a great
job when he's come on for me and our defence has been solid, and it's been
brilliant to win three in a row."
We're at home on Saturday against Southampton and after wins against Norwich
and Swansea do you feel the home form is starting to get there now?
CC: "Yeah of course. I think we played brilliantly against Swansea, and
against Norwich, that was a difficult game in the first half, but we got the
rub of the green and capitalised on a good situation with goals from James
Collins and Mo Diame. We're really in fine form at the moment and hopefully
we can progress and get more.
Just finally, you trained in front of Season Ticket Holders on Tuesday. How
nice is it to reward them with a behind the scenes look at how it all works?
CC: "The fans are very important to us. We need them singing for us because
they're the twelfth man and I really appreciate it when they're singing my
name and the other boys' names. That gives us a great boost."
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Ravel Morrison: QPR sign West Ham midfielder on loan
BBC.co.uk
Championship side QPR have agreed the signing of West Ham midfielder Ravel
Morrison on a 93-day loan deal. The 21-year-old, who can be recalled by the
Hammers after 28 days, will officially complete the move on Friday. Should
the loan run its course it means Morrison will be eligible to play for
Rangers in the play-offs should they miss out on automatic promotion. "I
just want to help QPR get to the Premier League - that's my objective during
my time here," he said.
"If we manage to do that, it would be great for everybody connected with the
club."
Morrison has made 21 appearances for Premier League West Ham this season,
scoring five goals. The England Under-21 international, who joined the
Hammers from Manchester United in January 2012, has missed out on first-team
action recently after featuring regularly earlier in the campaign. "All I
want to do is play football," he added. "I just want to show everyone what I
can do week in, week out. "The aim here is to get the club promoted and I
want to contribute in helping QPR to get there." Rangers currently lie
fourth in the Championship, four points behind second-placed Burnley.
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Hammers coach faces assault charge
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 19th February 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's first team coach Ian Hendon has appeared in court to face
a charge of assault. The 42-year-old, who joined West Ham from Gillingham in
July 2011 appeared at Colchester magistrates' court today where he was
accused of assaulting his now ex-wife in Witham last year. Hendon, whose
lawyer requested that a hearing take place before the end of the season due
to summer commitments with the first team was bailed until April 23, when he
will stand trial. The former defender, who hails from Ilford, enjoyed a
playing career that spanned more than 20 years with clubs such as Orient,
Notts County and Barnet, with whom he ended his career. He also made seven
appearances for England's Under 21s between 1992 and 1993. Having dipped in
and out of management with brief spells at Barnet and Skrill South club
Dover Athletic, Hendon became assistant to Andy Hessenthaler at Gillingham
before joining West Ham three years ago this summer.
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West Ham United sign 12-year-old striker
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 19th February 2014
By: Staff Writer
It's no misprint ... Cypriot Odysseas Spyrides, not a teenager until next
year, has joined West Ham United on a youth contract. Spyrides, who was born
in 2002 has moved to England in order to continue his dream of being a
professional footballer having emerged from the Island's
internationally-renowned 'Elite Players' football camp , according to a
report in the Cypriot Mail. The CM reports that Spyrides was one of three
young Cypriot hopefuls who travelled to London last September to take part
in a series of trials. Those ended with Spyrides being snapped up by the
Hammers and another 12-year-old - Charalambos Charalambous - being offered a
contract by Tottenham (which he rejected). Spyrides has since moved to
England on a permanent basis and is hoping to follow in the footsteps of
fellow Cypriot stars such as Ioannis Okkas and Constantinos Charalambidis,
both of whom enjoyed a pro career in mainland Europe. The pre-teen striker
is the youngest player to leave the Island in order to pursue a career
abroad.
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The lonely Ranger
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 19th February 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison has completed his temporary switch to Championship club
Queens Park Rangers. The 21-year-old Hammer has moved to Loftus Road for the
remainder of the current campaign having fallen out spectacularly with
administrators at the Boleyn Ground. Rangers boss Harry Redknapp told
qpr.co.uk: "Ravel is fit and ready to play and I'm hoping he can come in and
make an impact. He's got fantastic ability, there's no doubting that. "He's
got great pace, can dribble and score a goal. If we can get the best out of
him, he could make a big difference. He's certainly a talented footballer –
he's just got to step up now. He's got to come here and show what he can do
consistently. "He's got everything and we're pleased to have him here."
Meanwhile Morrison himself says he is pleased to have dropped a division in
order to play on a regular basis. "I just want to help QPR get to the
Premier League – that's my only objective during my time here," he said. "If
we manage to do that, it would be great for everybody connected with the
club. "All I want to do is play football. I just want to show everyone what
I can do week in, week out. The aim here is to get the club promoted and I
want to contribute in helping QPR to get there."
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QPR sign West Ham's Ravel Morrison on loan until end of season
Last Updated: 19/02/14 1:45pm
SSN
QPR have confirmed the signing of midfielder Ravel Morrison on a 93-day loan
deal from West Ham. Morrison will officially complete the move on Friday and
will stay with the Sky Bet Championship promotion chasers until after the
play-offs in May. The England Under-21 international got off to a fine start
to the season but has since struggled for playing time, making just one
Premier League appearance off the bench since Christmas. "I just want to
help QPR get to the Premier League - that's my only objective during my time
here."
But he is excited about the chance of taking the R's into the top division
and he could make his debut in Saturday's clash away to Charlton. QPR are
currently in fourth place, four points behind second-placed Burnley but with
a game in hand on them and Derby who sit in third. Morrison told QPR's
official website: "I just want to help QPR get to the Premier League -
that's my only objective during my time here. "If we manage to do that, it
would be great for everybody connected with the club. All I want to do is
play football. I just want to show everyone what I can do week in, week out.
"The aim here is to get the club promoted and I want to contribute in
helping QPR to get there."
QPR manager Harry Redknapp is hoping that Morrison can help the Hoops in
their promotion bid. "Ravel is fit and ready to play and I'm hoping he can
come in and make an impact," said Redknapp. "He's got fantastic ability,
there's no doubting that. He's got great pace, can dribble and score a goal.
"If we can get the best out of him, he could make a big difference. "He's
certainly a talented footballer - he's just got to step up now. He's got to
come here and show what he can do consistently. He's got everything. "We're
pleased to have him here."
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AGENTS HAVE GROWN ROTTEN WITH GREED, DOUBLE DEALING, LIES AND CHEATING
By Sean Whetstone 19 Feb 2014 at 08:23
West Ham Till I Die
Karren Brady has spoken about the world of agents in her weekly football
diary in The Sun.
Karren said:
"So far every attempt to limit the cut agents take from players from fees
and wages has failed. There is another bus in the distance driven by UEFA,
who are asking Prem clubs what they would think of a maximum three per cent
commission on both. We like it, of course – I'd like one per cent even more.
Currently agents' earnings from transfers in Europe is a staggering 30 per
cent or so and while I would hate to the poor dears without two pennies to
rub together, it really is time to the bus came to a halt. It is important
there is representation for players when vast sums of money are at stake –
but their business has grown rotten with greed, double dealing, lies and
cheating."
West Ham paid agents £4,169,134 and 9 pence between 1st October 2012 to 30th
September 2013 and ranked 9th in terms of agent spend in the Premier League
just behind Manchester United. In the past four years West ham have paid out
£ 17,552,764 and 8 pence to football agents.
In August 2012 David Sullivan told the Daily Mail he had no concerns about
the continuing close links between manager Sam Allardyce and agent Mark
Curtis. Mark Curtis is the agent for Sam Allardyce, Kevin Nolan, James
Tomkins, Jack Collison, Matt Jarvis and Andy Carroll. In the same interview
Sullivan confirmed Willie McKay received more in agency fees than Mark
Curtis in the summer of 2012. He revealed 'Mark [Curtis] receives five per
cent of the player's wages over five years, which is a lot of money but the
standard rate'.
Last year just after the January 2013 transfer window ended, David Sullivan
called for the FA to look into agents' conduct and cap fees. He said:
"I can see it spilling over into violence in the future, unless there is
legislation from the FA. I had an agent threaten me and one of our players
with physical violence, because he thought he was being cut out of a deal."
Sullivan claimed the financial demands by agents had got out of control
adding: "We are talking millions of pounds here around a transfer and not
enough deals to go around. There are too many agents and not enough
transfers to feed them. Agents who would once demand £50,000 for their part
in a transfer now want £500,000 to £1m to either bring a player or keep a
player. It is quite outrageous and the FA should cap the amount paid to
agents for their work"
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West Ham defender impressed by Pablo Armero in training
By Nick Wright
Thursday, February 20, 2014
7:00 AM
London24
Guy Demel has backed West Ham new boy Pablo Armero to make an impact at
Upton Park. Colombia international Armero became the Hammers' third loan
signing of the January transfer window when he joined from Napoli on
deadline day after the arrivals of Italian duo Antonio Nocerino and Marco
Borriello.
The left-back, who can also play on the wing, is yet to make his debut for
Sam Allardyce's side but was an unused substitute in their 2-0 wins over
Norwich and Aston Villa. Demel says Armero is looking sharp in training and
he expects the 27-year-old to shine when he gets his chance. "He's settled a
bit," Demel told London24. "You can see he looks really good on the ball.
He's a good left-footer and a good lad. "On the pitch he's going to be
great, he just needs to get used to the way we play and to the team. "I
think the fans are going to see him some time soon."
The in-form Hammers welcome Southampton to Upton Park on Saturday, when they
will be hoping to extend their run of three consecutive wins and four clean
sheets. Demel was speaking at West Ham's open training session, where season
ticket holders and corporate members were able to watch the first team in
action up close.
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