Daily WHUFC News - 24th July 2010

Parker back in Hammers triumph
WHUFC.com
Scott Parker played his first game of the pre-season as Thomas Hitzlsperger
hit the winner
23.07.2010

Panathinaikos 0-1 West Ham United

Scott Parker made a welcome return to action with a 45-minute run-out as the
Hammers made it three wins from three this summer. The England midfielder
was made captain for the rain-sodden match in Kitzbuhel, just across the
Austrian border from the club's Bavarian base. He lined up alongside Mark
Noble and Thomas Hitzlsperger in midfield, and it was his German colleague
who scored the only goal of the game. Just before half-time, Der Hammer let
fly with a pile-driver of a free-kick that raced into the goal.

The win was a hard-fought one with the Greek double winners and UEFA
Champions League contenders stepping it up after the break. Sotiris Ninis
was the danger man in the second half but could not find a way through.
Grant will be delighted to see Danny Gabbidon, Herita Ilunga and Kieron Dyer
all show their fitness over 45 minutes.

The Hammers had already won their previous two pre-season fixtures. A 2-1
win against Peterborough United was followed by last Saturday's 2-0 success
to kick off the Germany training camp against VfL Borussia Monchengladbach.
Friday's defeat of Panathinaikos was the second straight clean sheet as
well.
The squad will travel back to England on a high this weekend before
Wednesday night's trip to MK Dons and the Saturday week date at Ipswich
Town. The FIFA World Cup quartet of Robert Green, Jonathan Spector, Matthew
Upson and Valon Behrami will add to the mix as well as new recruits Pablo
Barrera and Freddie Piquionne.

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International date for Boleyn
WHUFC.com
Four-times World Cup winners Italy will meet Ivory Coast at the Boleyn
Ground on 10 August
23.07.2010

West Ham United are delighted to announce that Italy and Ivory Coast will
meet in a mouth-watering international friendly at the Boleyn Ground next
month.
The four-times FIFA World Cup winners will take on the Elephants at 7.45pm
on Tuesday 10 August, giving Hammers supporters the chance to watch the
likes of Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and AC Milan stars Andrea
Pirlo and Gianluca Zambrotta tackle Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and
Manchester City brothers Kolo and Yaya Toure.

Tickets for what promises to be an unforgettable night start from as little
as £20 for Adults, £15 for West Ham United season ticket holders and Academy
members, £10 for Young Adults and £5 for Under-16s.

Tickets are on general sale and are available by calling the Ticket Office
on 0871 222 2700 and selecting Option 1 or Option 3 or online at
whufcboxoffice.com
Alternatively, personal callers can purchase their tickets from the West
Stand Ticket Office at the Boleyn Ground, which is open 9am to 5pm, Monday
to Friday, and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Both nations will be seeking to bounce back to winning ways after enduring a
difficult time at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where they combined to win just
one of six matches between them. Reigning champions Italy and hotly-tipped
African challengers Ivory Coast were both eliminated at the group-stage in
South Africa and will have new coaches in the dugout in east London. The
Azzurri have appointed ACF Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli following the
departure of Marcelo Lippi, while the Elephants have yet to appoint a
successor to former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson.

Italy and Ivory Coast have met just once before at senior international
level, drawing 1-1 in Geneva on 16 November 2005. Drogba opening the scoring
on 68 minutes before Aimo Diana equalised with just four minutes remaining.
Ironically, Eriksson was one of the managers involved on the only previous
occasion on which the Boleyn Ground has staged a senior international
fixture - England's 3-1 defeat by Australia in February 2003 in a match that
marked Wayne Rooney's Three Lions debut. The international friendly is the
latest in a series of exciting sporting events to be held at the famous home
of the Hammers. In May, West Ham supporter Kevin 'The Hammer' Mitchell was
defeated by Australian Michael Katsidis in an explosive WBO interim
lightweight boxing championship fight.

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Benni back in business
WHUFC.com
His first goal for West Ham United has fired Benni McCarthy up for Friday
night's tough test
23.07.2010

Benni McCarthy is delighted to be off the mark in West Ham United colours
and is eyeing a repeat showing in Friday night's match with Panathinaikos.
The third friendly of the summer will take place just across the Austrian
border in Kitzbuhel and will mark the end of the squad's eight-day stay in
Bavaria. McCarthy has been pushing himself harder and harder every day to be
ready for the new Barclays Premier League season and his goal last weekend
has helped no end.
McCarthy rattled in a spectacular volley to seal a fine 2-0 victory against
VfL Borussia Monchengladbach, latching on to Julien Faubert's hooked cross
with a piledriver from the edge of the area. Since then, he has been out on
the training pitch every day, bidding to impress new manager Avram Grant and
his coaching staff.

"Everything is going very well," he said. "We are working hard. It is hot
but the boys have been giving everything. The spirit is coming back and
hopefully the way things are going with a good atmosphere and environment
now and everybody is looking forward to the 14 August. It has been a good
pre-season so far."
Reliving his goal after a hard Thursday morning out on the training pitch,
McCarthy paid tribute to the efforts of his team-mates. "It was instinct,"
he said. "It was great movement, we played with good inter-passing. Mark
Noble played in Julien on the right. Obviously you know with Julien you have
to get yourself into the box and just hopefully the ball will reach you for
a header or a shot.

"He always provides good crossing. I was just delaying my run a little bit.
Everybody was going to the near post and I just stayed a little bit back. It
was good for me that the ball came to the edge of the area. "Volleying is my
thing. I work on that in training regularly. I was thinking I might take a
touch because it was too high but the two defenders pushed up. I knew with
the pace of the game I wouldn't get much time. I thought if I have to hit, I
have to give it everything.
"It was great for me that it came off. I was happy with that and it was my
first goal for the club. I hope that we can push on against Panathinaikos."

It promises to be a tougher test on Friday with the Greek champions having
warmed up with a Tuesday defeat of VfL Wolfsburg. McCarthy, who joined the
club back in February only to see his first few months blighted by injury,
knows the main aim of the contest will be to build fitness but he wants the
team to maintain their run. "I am motivated for Friday, we want to win
again. We then have a couple more games next week and it won't be long
before the real deal of the Premier League. We have to be ready for that and
that is where we want to make our mark. We are working incredibly hard to
show the fans what we are made of in the new season. "I feel good. Fitness
wise I think we are all doing well. Everyone looks sharp in the routines and
in this heat, we are executing the training very well technically. We are
looking good physically and mentally. Hopefully against Panathinaikos we
will show that. "It will be a big squad. Some of us might not play as long
as we would like but if we get a run, for how ever long, we have to take it.
We have to get used to playing again and it will contribute to us getting
into the rhythm of competitive football."

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Reserves ready for Burton
WHUFC.om
Alex Dyer's reserves face a tough test at League Two Burton Albion on
Saturday
23.07.2010

West Ham United's youngsters are relishing the opportunity to take on
Football League side Burton Albion on Saturday. With the first-team squad
completing their training camp in Germany, Alex Dyer will take a youthful
reserve team to the Pirelli Stadium this weekend. While they will be giving
up plenty in terms of age and experience, Dyer believes his charges will
rise to the occasion against Paul Peschisolido's League Two outfit. "All the
boys are looking forward to going up to Burton to play against a Football
League side," Dyer confirmed.

"It's going to be a challenge for them, but hopefully they will go out there
and give a good account of themselves, work hard for one another and show
people what they can do. "It will be good experience for them to see if they
can play at that level themselves, because their goal over the next few
months and years is to play league football themselves, either by going out
on loan or by reaching the first team here."

The reserves began their pre-season schedule by making the short trip to
Thurrock last Saturday, going down 1-0 to a spectacular goal from former
Hammers schoolboy Matt Bodkin. Dyer named no fewer than six scholars in his
starting lineup at Ship Lane and his side is likely to have a similarly
youthful appearance at Burton. Young professionals Jordan Brown (pictured),
Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson, Olly Lee, Callum McNaughton and Ahmed Abdulla are
likely to start, while a host of second-year scholars will also be given the
chance to shine against the Brewers. Burton themselves have enjoyed an
encouraging pre-season so far, losing out narrowly to former manager Nigel
Clough's Derby County before defeating another Championship side, Sheffield
United, 1-0 on Tuesday evening.
The match-winner against the Blades was striker Greg Pearson, who began his
career at West Ham United before joining Rushden & Diamonds in 2005.
The 2008/09 Blue Square Premier champions also name former West Bromwich
Albion and Jamaica defender Darren Moore and experienced ex-Aston Villa
forward Richard Walker among their squad.

Tickets for Saturday's match, which kicks-off at 3pm, will be available on
the day.
Seats are priced at £10 for Adults and £5 for Under-16s, while standing
tickets are priced at £8 for Adults and £3 for Under-16s.

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West Ham 1 Panathinaikos 0
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd July 2010
By: Staff Writer

A solitary first half goal from new boy Thomas Hitzlsperger secured a third
successive pre-season victory for Avram Grant's Hammers. In the midst of a
torrential downpour here in Austria, Der Hammer's early strike was enough to
defeat a strong Greek side here in Kitzbuhel.

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Dorrans unmoved by Hammers
Baggies midfielder not unsettled by West Ham chase
Last updated: 23rd July 2010
SSN

West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans insists his head was never turned by
West Ham's persistent pursuit of him. The 23-year-old attracted three
unsuccessful bids this summer from the Hammers, who narrowly avoided
relegation from the Premier League last season. But Dorrans put an abrupt
end to their chase when he signed a new contract at the Hawthorns earlier
this week, which effectively commits him to Albion until 2015. All of West
Ham's three offers were below Baggies' valuation, but Dorrans insists he
never had any interest in a move to Upton Park. "It doesn't really have an
effect," Dorrans told the Birmingham Mail. "I was just coming in every day
and concentrating on training like anyone else would have done. "Until
anyone mentioned anything to me that was all I could do, and at the end of
the day I was contracted to the club. My mind was always here and I was
always focused on coming in and training, getting fit and getting pre-season
done. "There was no reaction to the bids either. I knew I was coming in here
to train every day and I always had a contract here. "About a week or two
before we went to Holland (for West Brom's pre-season training camp) it was
basically agreed and it was just about getting the papers written up. "The
contract came over to Holland and I signed it while I was over there."

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Hitzlsperger strikes for Hammers
West Ham claim 1-0 win over Panathinaikos
Last updated: 23rd July 2010
SSN

Thomas Hitzlsperger fired West Ham United to a 1-0 win over Panathinaikos in
a friendly encounter on Friday night. The fixture in Austria was played in
difficult conditions with the winner coming three minutes before half-time.
German midfielder Hitzlsperger scored with a trademark powerful shot as he
arrowed home a free-kick. Hitzlsperger joined the Hammers from Laziothis
summer as part of new manager Avram Grant's bid to turn the club's fortunes
around. The Hammers are in action again next week when they tackle MK Dons
and Ipswich Townon Wednesday and Saturday respectively.

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Prem clubs trail Silvestre
Hammers and Latics target Frenchman
Last updated: 23rd July 2010
SSN

Skysports.com understands four Premier League clubs are in the hunt for
former Manchester United and Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre. The
32-year-old was released by Arsenal at the end of last season and is
currently training in the South of France to keep up his fitness. West Ham
and Wigan are thought to be interested in his signature, while two other
top-flight sides are tracking his progress. Silvestre made 12 Premier League
appearances for the Gunners last term, but left upon the expiration of his
contract at the end of the campaign. Previous to his move to the Emirates,
the former France international spent nine years with Manchester United
where he appeared 249 times in the league. Silvestre has been targeted by
both the Hammers and the Latics as they look to bolster their defences
before kick-off in August.

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Wess Ham United
The Sun
Published: Today

STEFAN WESSELS has been handed a trial at West Ham. And the former Bayern
Munich keeper is set to play at Burton today. Wessels, 31, has been at Swiss
club Basel and is now in the frame to be No2 at Upton Park. World Cup
blunder keeper Robert Green is first choice for Avram Grant but the Hammers
boss needs experienced back-up.

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Hammers fear over Scott
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today

WEST HAM chiefs fear they are losing the battle to cling on to star
midfielder Scott Parker. Speculation is rife that Parker, 29, is set for a
move to Aston Villa, with Hammers' London rivals Tottenham also interested.
An Upton Park insider said: "There is growing anxiety that Parker is seeing
all the attention and that it will unsettle him. "The owners believe Scott
is best staying put but outside forces might be turning his head." Parker
played his first game since joining England's pre-World Cup training camp in
last night's 1-0 friendly win over Panathinaikos in Austria. New signing
Thomas Hitzlsperger scored his first goal for the club just before the
interval. And it gave new boss Avram Grant a third straight pre-season win.

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West Ham weighing up move for former Arsenal and Man United star
Published 15:58 23/07/10 By John Cross
The Mirror

West Ham boss Avram Grant is interested in signing former Arsenal and
Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre. Silvestre, 32, is a target for
West Ham after being released by Arsenal while Wigan have also made an
enquiry for the versatile defender. Former France international Silvestre
was frustrated when Arsenal would not let him go to Paris Saint Germain in
January and they could still be interested in signing him as a free agent.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - Panathinaikos FC v West Ham United

Panathinaikos match preview
WHUFC.com
All the team news and background information as West Ham United face the
Greek champions
22.07.2010

Pre-season friendly
Panathinaikos FC v West Ham United
Fussballplatz, Kitzbuhel, Austria
Friday 23 July 2010
Kick-off: 6.30pm

Introduction
. West Ham United will take on Greek champions Panathinaikos FC in the
Austrian town of Kitzbuhel on Friday evening.
. The pre-season friendly, which will kick-off at 6.30pm local time, will be
the Hammers' third outing since the squad returned to training on 5 July. So
far, Avram Grant's men have secured victories over League One outfit
Peterborough United (2-1) and German side VfL Borussia Monchengladbach
(2-0).
. The match will be the second of two contested by West Ham during their
pre-season training camp, with last Saturday's win over VfL Borussia
Monchengladbach taking place in the picturesque town of Ruhpolding in
south-east Germany.
Last meeting
. West Ham United took on Panathinaikos in the club's only previous meeting
at the Makita International Tournament at Arsenal's former Highbury home on
4 August 1991.
. George Parris gave Billy Bonds' side the lead, only for Panathinaikos to
equalise and take the third-place play-off to a penalty shootout.
Unfortunately, despite Ludek Miklosko saving the Greeks' first penalty,
misses from Ian Bishop, Simon Livett and Martin Allen meant defeat for the
Hammers.

Last time out
Saturday 17 July 2010
Pre-season friendly
VfL Borussia Monchengladbach 0-2 West Ham United
West Ham United: Kurucz (Stech 46), Faubert (Fry 59), Gabbidon (Da Costa
46), Tomkins (Spence 81), Ilunga (Daprela 46), Dyer (Kovac 46), Noble
(Montano 59), Hitzlsperger (Edgar 70), Boa Morte (Diamanti 59), Sears
(Stanislas 59), Cole (McCarthy 46)
Goals: Cole 33, McCarthy 51

Tuesday 20 July 2010
Pre-season friendly
Panathinaikos FC 3-1 VfL Wolfsburg
Panathinaikos FC: Karnezis (Galinovic 46) Bjarsmyr (Machlelis 84) Sarriegi,
Kante, Melissis, Marinos (Fetsis 84) Assets (Lagos 61), Gabriel (Black 61),
Leto (Rukavina 61), Cleyton (Dimoutsos 61), Petropoulos (Stampolzief 69).
Goals: Gabriel 8, 60, Rukavina 69

West Ham United
. Avram Grant's West Ham United will be aiming to continue the bright start
they have made to their pre-season schedule, which has seen them defeat
League One new boys Peterborough United (2-1) at London Road and German
Bundesliga challengers VfL Borussia Monchengladbach (2-0) in Ruhpolding.
. West Ham will continue their pre-season preparations with further trips to
MK Dons and Ipswich Town before completing their warm-up fixtures with the
visit of Spanish Primera Division club RC Deportivo La Coruna to the Boleyn
Ground for the SBOBET Cup tie on Saturday 7 August.
. Carlton Cole has been in fine form in pre-season scoring in both successes
so far. Benni McCarthy also enjoyed a fine evening against VfL Borussia
Monchengladbach, netting his first goal for the club with a fine
half-volley.
. Young professionals Matt Fry, Anthony Edgar and Cristian Montano have all
signed new contracts with the club and will hope to impress the new manager
if they are given the chance to do so against Panathinaikos.
. A number of players have departed from West Ham since the end of the
2009/10 season. Josh Payne, Bondz N'Gala, Ilan, Guille Franco, Davide
Ferrari, Danny Kearns, Terry Dixon and Tony Brookes have all moved on after
their respective contracts expired, while Mido's short-term loan from
Middlesbrough was not renewed.
. Grant's side will kick-off their Premier League campaign with a trip to
Aston Villa on Saturday 14 August.

Panathinaikos FC
. Athens-based Panathinaikos FC are the reigning Greek champions after
winning the Super League championship for the 20th time in 2009/10. The club
also won the Greek Cup to complete a domestic double.
. The Greens are coached by Nikos Nioplias, a former OFI Crete,
Panathinaikos and Greece midfielder who previously coached the Greece U19
and U21 squads before taking over at the Olympic Stadium in December 2009.
As a player, Nioplias won two Super League titles and three Greek Cups with
Panathinaikos and one Greek Cup with OFI Crete.
. The club provided ten players at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, meaning only
Barcelona, Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich supplied more. The ten were
Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva, France forward Djibril Cisse and Greece
internationals Giourkas Seitaridis, Nikos Spiropoulos, Giorgos Karagounis,
Loukas Vyntra, Alexandros Tzorvas, Dimitris Salpigidis, Sotiris Ninis and
Kostas Katsouranis.
. Panathinaikos have brought in France forward Sidney Govou on a free
transfer after the 30-year-old's contract expired at Olympique Lyonnais.
. The Greek champions will be hoping to succeed in Europe in 2010/11 after a
disappointing 2009/10 campaign in continental competition. Panathinaikos
were defeated 5-2 on aggregate by Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions
League play-off round and dropped into the UEFA Europa League. There, they
were knocked out in the last-16 by Standard Liege.

Team news
. .Manager Avram Grant is unlikely to use any of his four FIFA World Cup
players - namely Robert Green, Jonathan Spector, Matthew Upson and Valon
Behrami - as they only returned to training this week.
. .Scott Parker and Freddie Piquionne were also late arrivals into
pre-season training, so the manager may decide to hold them back for next
week's friendlies against MK Dons and Ipswich Town.
. Otherwise the manager has a full complement of players to choose from,
with everyone coming through a full week's training.
. Only Pablo Barrera and the injured duo of Jack Collison and Zavon Hines
are not with the squad in Bavaria.
General information
. The weather forecast is for an overcast day with a top temperature of
around 22C.
. Tickets will be available on the day, priced at 10 euros.

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Panathinaikos 0-1 West Ham United FT
WHUFC.com
23.07.2010

Pre-season friendly
Panathinaikos FC v West Ham United
Fussballplatz, Kitzbuhel, Austria
Friday 23 July 2010

There goes the final whistle. Another game, another win for Avram Grant. The
summer stay in Germany/Austria has gone very well and the Hammers will head
home at the weekend on a real high. Pablo Barrera and Frederic Piquionne
will add to the feelgood factor next week when West Ham United go to MK Dons
and Ipswich Town on Wednesday and Saturday respectively.

Full time - Panathinaikos 0-1 West Ham United

90min - A quick counter and Montano only just misses Stanislas's cross. We
are deep into two minutes added time here.

90min - Outstanding from Diamanti in a defensive position. Just as Vyntra
tried to work an opening in the area, the Italian timed his challenge well
before a bit of skill eased the danger.

90min - Last minute here and the Hammers might just pull off another
victory. Excellent work all round has been the order of the day, with the
defence standing firm. Hitzlsperger will take the headlines with his goal
but the return of Scott Parker is another major plus.

88min - McCarthy had done well to head clear Ninis's shot after the corner.
Ninis then had another go and it ran through to Kurucz. Good pair of hands
again from the keeper.

87min - Fry is penalised to the left of the Hammers area. ANother chance for
Ninis to attack the goalmouth with a free-kick. The ball hits two players
and runs out for a corner. That was close. 'Focus' shouts Keen from the
bench.

86min - Spence clears another Greek ball into the area. They are pushing
hard and the Hammers forwards have seen little of the ball. This is a
rearguard action for the young Hammers. Montano is penalised for a late
foul.

84min - Diamanti squares up to Vyntra. The Italian was unhappy with that
challenge.

82min - Kovac does well to deny Ninis, just as the youngster shaped to
shoot.

81min - Brilliant tackle from Sarrigi denies Dyer as he surged forward. He
had been played through superbly by a defence-splitting pass from Diamanti.

80min - Fry clears the danger from Ninis. The Greek side seem to be gaining
the upper hand as we enter the final ten minutes.

79min - Yellow card to Kovac for a foul on Dimoutsos.

78min - Petropoulos gets another shot away and this time it deflects off Fry
for a corner. McCarthy does the job at the near post and the danger is
cleared.
There is a big onus here on the likes of Dyer, Kovac, Diamanti and McCarthy
to help the younger lads. The Greek side are vastly more experienced.

77min - Great save Kurucz from Petropoulos's low shot. He was not to know
that the Greek substitute had been flagged offside.

75min - Understandably the game has become a little disjointed. The Hammers
fans are still in good voice, singing Twist and Shout. I have primed the PA
announcer to play the Beatles' version at the final whistle.

73min - More changes. Tomkins is off for Fry, Da Costa is off for Spence and
Noble is replaced by Cristian Montano. The Colombian youngster is the most
advanced, just ahead of McCarthy.

72min - A little period of pressure involving Ninis, ends with Da Costa
glancing the ball into Kurucz's hands. Not sure how much the imposing
centre-back meant that.

70min - Diamanti sends one that looks like it is going to the top corner
before Marinos blocks. The corner from Noble is comfortably claimed by
Karnezis.

69min - Stanislas fires in a cross from the right but Sears cannot get in
front of his marker. The ball is cleared.

67min - Haris Mayrias is coming on for Panathinaikos. Leto makes way.

65min - The match has to settle down again. The changes have disrupted what
flow there was.

63min - The Hammers are lining up with McCarthy just off Sears. Daprela has
gone to left-back while Diamanti and Stanislas will support the attack from
the
wide positions.

61min - Diamanti only just misses out on finding Noble with a deep cross.
Antonis Petropoulos is on for Rukavina and Robert Vyntra is on for Josu
Sarrigi. For us, Ilunga is coming off for Fabio Daprela, Boa Morte is coming
off for Junior Stanislas, Cole makes way for Benni McCarthy and Freddie
Sears replaces Faubert.

60min - It is a very overcast evening now and the floodlights are not
helping to lift the gloom too much. The brand new Macron away kit is looking
the part though and the Hammers are still unbeaten in it in this their third
match of the summer.

59min - Foul by Ilunga allows Simao to cross. He pings it across the penalty
area but no one can get there in time.

57min - Panathinaikos will be playing in the UEFA Champions League this year
after theri Greek double triumph last season. They also were superb in a 3-1
win against VfL Wolfsburg earlier this week. Ninis, fresh from the FIFA
World Cup, shows his class with a long-ranger that just goes wide.

56min - Cole misplaces a pass just as Diamanti threatened to beat the
offside trap. It is pretty even stuff this half.

55min - David Coles barks out support for Kurucz. The coaching staff are
constantly talking to the players, with Coles, Groves and Kevin Keen all
making their presence heard. Manager Grant surveys the scene and looks deep
in concentration.

54min - Dyer upends Ninis. A chance here for Panathinaikos to put pressure
on Kurucz. Young prodigy Ninis takes but the ball is well claimed by Kurucz.

53min - Dyer looks lively in the full-back role. It is a position he knows
well from his Newcastle United and England days.

52min - Cole tries to launch an attack down the right wing. He is supported
by Dyer but the Greek defenders do their job well.

50min - Spyropoulos wins a corner with a deflected effort of Dyer. The ball
is crossed in and Da Costa rises majestically to head clear. Another corner
is soon won by the Greek side but this time Cole does his job at the near
post.

48min - The fans are weighing in with the banter. They are all having a good
time. Panathinaikos are trying to build slowly. Bjarsmyr, Gabriel and
Cleyton have all made way for Sotoris Ninis - the young star of Greece -
Glin Dimoutsos and the experienced Giourkas Seitaridis.

47min - Faubert continues in his advanced role to the right of Cole.
Diamanti is in the advanced left-hand position and Boa Morte has switched to
central midfield.

46min - The Hammers get us under way. Peter Kurucz has replaced Marek Stech
while further forward Radoslav Kovac, Kieron Dyer and Alessandro Diamanti
are on for Danny Gabbidon, Scott Parker and Thomas Hitzlsperger. Dyer has
gone to right-back with Tomkins in the centre now alongside Da Costa.
You will have to bear with me in this second half. There will be plenty of
changes so apologies in advance if it all gets a bit confusing at times. I
am watching this game in a little wooden hut on the halfway line but half
the pitch is obscured by a cameraman.

Half-time - Panathinaikos 0-1 West Ham United

45min - The half-time whistle sounds. Well done West Ham United. If you get
the chance to see Hitzlsperger play against RC Deportivo La Coruna on
Saturday 7 August, you should be there. The midfielder looks the part and
has shown early signs of a good understanding with Noble and Parker.

45min - Da Costa rises above everyone else in the area to head away a Leto
corner. The former Liverpool man's delivery was good but Da Costa was not
letting that one past.

44min - Avram Grant will be delighted with the way his team have stuck to
the task in this half. They have been competitive and stuck to the task from
the first whistle.

42min - 'Well done Hitz' is heard and rightly so. The German midfielder has
been a revelation since the moment he has arrived. His first goal was just
reward for his positive play in all three pre-season matches.

42min - GOAL! - Hitzlsperger scores with a low free-kick from 18 yards. Boa
Morte touched it to him and Der Hammer did the rest. May have been a slight
deflection.

41min - Tomkins does brilliantly to advance to the edge of the penalty area
from the right wing. He was taken out just as he was about to cross, giving
a free-kick chance for Hitzlsperger.

40min - Parker tries to find Faubert on the left wing but the pass is too
strong. The No8 and reigning Hammer of the Year is doing well to find space
in the crowded centre of the pitch.

39min - Good feet from Gabriel works a shooting opportunity. His 20-yard
shot skims the turf and into Stech's grateful grasp. Good hands from the
Czech Under-21 keeper.

38min - Cole gets a chance to head for goal but his effort never troubled
Karnezis. Ilunga, seconds before, had nearly tricked his way past two
defenders and into the box before a desperate lunge saved the day for the
Greek side.

36min - Faubert and Boa Morte have swapped wings. Hitzlsperger just does a
lovely feint in midfield to pass his opponent. Despite the conditions, he
looks class.

35min - Parker, Hitzlsperger and Noble look a good midfield three. They are
trying to play one-touch football whenever they get the chance.

34min - This time it is Cole who is penalised for jumping too strongly
against Simao.

33min - Ilunga leaves Marinos on the floor with what looked a high boot. He
has not shirked one challenge.

32min - Still too many passes are going astray from both sides. The
conditions are having a huge impact on the teams' attempts to play a passing
game.

31min - Boa Morte and Ilunga are up for this. They are marshalling the
left-side with strong tackles that leave nothing to chance.

30min - Stech has been the busier of the two keepers and has coped well with
the slippery surface. We are playing with the Premier League ball, by the
way.
Another stoppage, this time for a Noble foul on Cleyton.

29min - Pablo Barrera will join up with his new team-mates on Monday, ahead
of the Wednesday trip to MK Dons. That's when Frederic Piquionne may well
make his debut, and the World Cup quartet of Robert Green, Jonathan Spector,
Matthew Upson and Valon Behrami could come back into contention.

28min - Boa Morte is being urged to push on by Groves. The Hammers have not
been able to find a way through yet, however. The Greek side look very well
organised.

26min - Well done Da Costa. The Hammers had been crowded out in midfield
after a promising move. A quick counter saw the Greeks surge forward but the
Portuguese defender times his tackle well.

25min - There is quite a sizeable crowd here now and most have thought to
bring an umbrella. Very wise decision. We have had a succession of
Panathinaikos throws here.

24min - Noble deflects the retaken free-kick and it loops up a Greek
attacker and just bounces wide of Stech's left-hand post.

23min - Gabbidon clears a crossed ball. The Wales defender has looked strong
this summer. Foul by Boa Morte on Gabriel gives the Greek champions a
free-kick right on the edge of the area. Gabriel takes it and Noble blocks
by running out too quickly. No yellow card to Noble, though.

21min - Still the rain comes down. The squad had about a 90-minute drive to
get here from their Bavarian base in Grassau.

20min - Corner ball after Hitzlsperger's drive is deflected wide by Josu
Sapriggi. Noble to take. Come on you Irons rings out. Excellent headed
clearance from Stelios Marinos.

19min - Foul by Simao on Hitzlsperger. Neither side has really clicked as
demonstrated by an offside call against Herita Ilunga. No, I stand
correction. Free-kick to the Hammers after a foul on Boa Morte. The ball is
back in midfield.

18min - Lovely pass from Hitzlsperger out to Faubert. The move eventually
breaks down with a chipped ball from Cole. The striker is being paid close
attention
and has not had much of a look-in just yet.

17min - Da Costa blocks again. The Hammers then get a period of possession
in midfield.

16min - Foul on the halfway line by Faubert on Sebastian Leto.

14min - An important touch from Da Costa as Mattias Bjarsmyr tries to start
an attack. Someone has a drum and is banging out a good beat. No vuvezelas
here
thankfully.

13min - Some security guards have forced the Greek fans to put out their
flares. Fun's over lads. Bubbles is still being sung while Paul Groves hands
out instructions to Noble and Luis Boa Morte.

12min - Lovely 25-yard effort from Noble that just was just tipped wide by
Karnezis. From the resulting Noble corner, Tomkins gets clattered in the
face and requires treatment.

11min - Another offside, this time against Ante Rukavina. The game is a bit
scrappy, perhaps understandably given the conditions.

10min - Some Greek supporters on the far side have lit a bright pink flare.
Meanwhile, the Hammers fans just keep on singing Bubbles.

9min - Danny Gabbidon executes a great sliding tackle to deny the dangerous
Gabriel. The same attacker is then just inches away from hooking the ball
away from Stech. Cole is clattered into by Christos Melissis. The No9 is
going to have a physical contest this evening.

7min - Dangerous cross from left-back Nikos Spyropoulos but no Panathinaikos
player can get on the end of it. A quick counter from the Hammers sees Cole
just fail to get to a ball that runs into the grateful arms of Orestis
Karnezis in the Greek goal.

6min - The pitch seems to be holding up well despite the constant rain. The
referee will have to keep a close eye on it, though.

5min - Tomkins clears well from Gabriel's cross. The youngster is playing at
right-back, the position he finished in last week's game against VfL
Borussia Monchengladbach.

4min - Offside Cole. The advancing Parker had fed Noble, but the resulting
pass through to the England striker was just too late.

3min - It looks like Mark Noble is playing in an advanced midfield role, in
support of Carlton Cole, who already has two goals from two games this
summer.

2min - Good save Marek Stech. It was a deep cross from Cleyton that nearly
just crept under the crossbar. Manuel da Costa then rose highest to clear
the resulting corner.

1min - We are under way with the Greek champions taking the kick-off. Bear
with me here as the view is not the best. Early foul from Julien Faubert
gives the Greek side a chance to play the ball into the penalty area.

KICK-OFF

6.25pm: Captain Scott Parker leads the teams out to the sounds of Eye of the
Tiger. We have already had Bubbles played here by our hosts.
Panathinaikos: Karnezis, Sapriggi, Rukavina, Mglissis, Leto, Bjarsmyr,
Gabriel, Marinos, Simao, Sypropoulos, Cleyton
Subs: Galinovic, Ninis, Mayrias, Stambolziev, Vyntra, Seitaridis,
Petropoulos, Katsouranis,Machlelis

West Ham United: Stech, Tomkins, Da Costa, Gabbidon, Ilunga, Parker,
Hitzlsperger, Noble, Faubert, Cole, Boa Morte
Subs: Kurucz, Spence, Daprela, Fry, Montano, Edgar, Stanislas, Sears,
Diamanti, McCarthy

Welcome to tonight's second friendly of the club's pre-season training camp
in Germany. We are actually just across the border in Kitzbuhel, Austria and
the bad weather has followed us to this picturesque stadium. The rain is
bucketing down and there has been some doubt about this game going ahead. A
strong starting lineup has been named with Julien Faubert being tried in an
advanced wide right position and Scott Parker making his first appearance
this summer.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 23rd July 2010

Testing time in training
WHUFC.com
The sun was out again in full force on Thursday but the squad did not let it deter them from working hard
22.07.2010

West Ham United's returning FIFA World Cup quartet may not be involved on Friday night against Panathinaikos but they have certainly been catching up fast with the rest of the squad. Robert Green, Jonathan Spector, Matthew Upson and Valon Behrami have been a constant presence in training all week, as well as taking part in the various swimming, cycling, volleyball, boxing and water polo activities staged to complement the pitch work. However, they are all likely to sit on the sidelines in Kitzbuhel against the Greek champions, while it remains to be seen if Scott Parker and Freddie Piquionne will be involved in the match.
Hammer of the Year winner Parker has been back in training for ten days, while striker Piquionne also linked up with the squad for the first time in Germany last Friday following his move from Olympique Lyonnais. Manager Avram Grant will have to consider whether to play them or whether to wait for next week's two friendlies at MK Dons and Ipswich Town on Wednesday and Saturday week respectively.

The squad were out early on Thursday morning, taking part in drills that tested defending against attacking in both halves of the pitch. Each side was overseen by either Paul Groves or Kevin Keen, while manager Grant spoke individually to players throughout. Much of the emphasis was on positioning and quick breaks from penalty area clearances. After that, there was a lively match-style session that saw the squad split into three 'teams'. The two goalkeepers remained the same, and a small round-robin tournament of matches was played. It was fast and furious, and the action included some sharp-shooting from Junior Stanislas and Freddie Sears. The highlight of the morning, though, was a crashing right-footed volley from Thomas Hitzlsperger that drew a spontaneous round of applause from the few fans gathered around.

Meanwhile, Pablo Barrera will not travel out to the club's Bavarian base with the Mexico winger having been back in his homeland earlier this week to finalise his move to Europe. The main beneficiaries of all of this will be the youngsters Grant brought away including first-timers Matt Fry, Anthony Edgar, Cristian Montano. The trio all figured against VfL Borussia Monchengladbach and Peterborough United in the first two friendlies and may get another chance to shine.

Check out WHUTV now for an exclusive interview with left-sided centre-back Fry. He was particularly praiseworthy of club captain Upson, who plays in his position and has taken time to help him along. Fry said: "It is good to be out here and involved. I have to take the opportunity.
"Having Matty Upson so close to me at West Ham and being able to watch him every day has been a big help to my career. He is a left-sided centre-half, the attributes are all there and for me to keep a close eye on him as helped me a lot."

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Pair all kitted out
WHUFC.com
Jack Collison and Zavon Hines were all smiles at the launch to the 2010/11 Macron away kit
22.07.2010

Jack Collison and Zavon Hines met West Ham United fans young and old as the new 2010/11 Macron away kit went on sale at the Stadium Store. The popular Hammers pair attended an exclusive shopping night for season ticket holders and corporate members at the Boleyn Ground, happily signing autographs and posing for photographs with supporters. The duo, who are currently on the road to recovery from knee injuries, also thanked fans for their continuing support and swapped some banter, with everyone giving the kit a thumbs up. When Collison asked one supporter what he thought of the kit, the gentleman smiled and pointed to his young son's buggy, which was filled with bags containing new shirts. Academy members were able to purchase the new away kit from 7am this morning before going on general sale from 9am.

The Wales midfielder was wearing one of the new shirts - which is inspired by the legends who were part of successful West Ham teams of the late 1950s and early 1960s - as he signed autographs and said he was impressed with the shirt the Hammers will wear on the road this season.
"I like it. It's nice to see it properly for the first time. It is a fresh new kit for a new season so it is good. We have a new manager, a new season ahead, I think it looks smart." Collison's thoughts were echoed by his team-mate Hines as the young striker inspected the shirt he was also wearing, adding: "The kit is nice, it looks good and I look forward to wearing it to play in. The fans we met seemed to like it a lot."

Both players were in buoyant mood as they spoke about the positive but steady rehab programmes they are both undergoing following surgery. "I had my operation (at the end of May) and this is the first time I have been off my crutches and can start to drive again, so it is nice to get to this stage," said Collison.
"I know I won't be starting the season but I am doing pool work now as part of my programme, so it's all positive. It's a slow process but at the end of it I will be fitter and stronger than before and I am just looking forward to getting back and playing my part for the team this season."

For Hines, it is also a case of taking it day by day on the road back to fitness. "The aim is to be back as soon as I can, but do everything in good time. It is all looking OK. There's a way to go yet but I am working hard, because as I said, I want to play again soon and wear this new shirt." The new 2010/11 Macron away kit is now on sale at the Stadium Store and Lakeside Store and can also be ordered from the online Megastore by clicking the above link. The Stadium Store is situated in the West Stand at the Boleyn Ground and is open 9.30am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. The Lakeside Store is situated in Unit 71 at Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock. It is open between 10am and 10pm, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 9pm on Saturdays and 11am and 5pm on Sundays. The store is located on the ground floor, next door to Debenhams, and can be contacted by calling 01708 890258.

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Home kit revealed
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble, Thomas Hitzlsperger and Junior Stanislas have all helped launch the new Macron shirt
22.07.2010

West Ham United are delighted to officially launch the club's new Macron home kit for the 2010/11 season. Following on from the hugely successful unveiling of the away kit - which is officially on sale in the club stores from today - there was much anticipation over the new shirt. That excitement grew with a sneak peek a fortnight ago, and whufc.com can confirm the new kit is one that nods proudly to Hammers history. Once again, the design is classic but cutting edge. Most striking is the stylish collar and the return to blue sleeves - while using modern material and state of the art breathable fabric. Like the away shirt, it is the result of the designers listening to fan feedback and an extensive review of photos of past Hammers heroes.

The shirt will be complemented by white shorts and white socks and will be worn for the first time when RC Deportivo La Coruna arrive for the SBOBET Cup in aid of the Academy on Saturday 7 August 2010. Carlton Cole, who has started the pre-season campaign in sparkling form with two goals already this summer, was one of the first to try it for size. He said: "It looks good, the material is nice and I think it will do well. I like the kit and hopefully we can win some games in it."

The kit can be pre-ordered now instore and online ahead of being available to buy from Thursday 5 August. Before then, a special launch event will be held at the Stadium Store at the Boleyn Ground, Upton Park. Season ticket holders and corporate members have been invited to another exclusive shopping evening on Wednesday 4 August to enable them to buy it first. Members will be able to get in store early the next morning - with both events following on from last night's hugely successful evening with Jack Collison and Zavon Hines to mark the away kit going on sale.

If you are a season ticket holder or member who did not receive notification about yesterday's store promotion, please contact the ticket office today to update your details. Call 0871 222 2700 or an even easier way to register your email address with us and never miss out on a promotion is to sign up for Claret & Blue e-Magazine here.

Macron are leading the way for kit innovation, providing bespoke shirts that allowed the club to respond to fan feedback as well as provide stylish training gear to complement. There has been strong attention to detail, particularly on the shirt with the design of the cut, the inserts and the combination of fabrics allowing better movement for optimum performance.

The leading Italian kitwear manufacturers will be the club's official technical partner for three years from the new season. Having recently joined forces with SSC Napoli, AS Monaco FC and SC Braga, Macron were keen to make West Ham United a major part of their growing portfolio of top-flight elite European clubs.

Founded in 1971, Macron is based in Crespellano, near the Italian city of Bologna. In recent years, the company has rapidly expanded its portfolio of clients, and as well as Napoli also kits out Serie A clubs Bologna FC 1909 and Cagliari Calcio 1920.

Macron also manufactures high-quality playing and training wear for basketball, handball, volleyball and rugby. It has links throughout Europe and operates under the message - work hard, play harder.

STADIUM STORE

Boleyn Ground
Green Street
London
E13 9AZ
Tel: 020 8548 2794
Non-matchday opening hours:
9.30am-5pm (Mon-Sat)
Please note store is closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays

LAKESIDE STORE

Unit 71 (by Debenhams)
Lakeside Shopping Centre
Thurrock
RM20 2ZP
Tel: 01708 890 258
Opening hours:
10am-10pm (Mon-Fri)
9am-9pm (Sat)
11am-5pm (Sun)

* West Ham United will only confirm the club's new squad numbers just before the start of the 2010/11 Barclays Premier League season.

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Second string set for Greek challenge
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd July 2010
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are preparing to play their final game of the brief pre-season tour against Greek champions Panathinaikos later tonight. The Hammers - who go into tonight's game with two wins under their belt following successes against Peterborough and Borussia Monchengladbach - face a far trickier task against a side that beat highly-rated German outfit Wolfsburg 3-1 earlier in the week. However there is disappointing news for supporters who have already travelled some considerable distance to take in the game with the revelation that first XI players Rob Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker, Valon Berami and new signing Frederic Piquionne are all likely to sit out the game. Additionally, it has been confirmed that Pablo Barrera will not be joining up with his new team mates ahead of their return to England, thus he will also not feature.

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'Pony' home shirt released
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd July 2010
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's new home shirt for the 2010/11 season has been likened to the Pony kit of the mid 1980s. The new shirt, designed by Italian firm Macron features a welcome return to the club's traditional colour scheme of sky blue arms with a claret body - although the long collar, in complete contrast to the new away shirt, bears more than a passing resemblance to the shirt which was designed for the club's centenary some 25 years ago. As with the new away kit, the home version has been generally well received by supporters.

* A number of adult supporters have been delighted to discover that due to an apparent cock-up by the manufacturers, they can easily fit into the large junior shirts. Why is this a bonus? Because the junior kits feature the Bobby Moore Fund logo rather than that of SBOBET, the club's main sponsors.

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Remy deal close, say Nice
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd July 2010
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are on the verge of capturing the signature of Loic Remy, say reports from France. According to a story in L'Equipe, Nice general manager Patrick Governatori believes that they close to reaching an agreement with United. "We received a new offer from West Ham which seems good and suits us," he said. "If Liverpool want him, we need clear arrangements and commitments. "West Ham are very keen. And we want to sort out that case before the end of the month."
Liverpool - who are said to be interested in a player swap deal only - entered the race to sign Remy last week. West Ham - who originally wanted to spread payments over the course of four years - are understood to have offered to pay the entire €13million fee immediately in order to secure Remy's signature.

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Transfer latest: 23rd July
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd July 2010
By: Staff Writer
Stoke City are once again being linked with a move for Carlton Cole.

ESPN's Harry Harris, who enjoys close links with West Ham joint chairman David Sullivan, reports tonight that United are willing to accept around £12million for the striker having reduced their asking price from £15million.

Stoke, says Harris, are willing to pay around £9million straight up with another £4million in bonus payments to follow depending upon certain criteria being fulfilled. However with Cole having previously rejected Stoke's advances on more than one occasion any mooted deal looks unlikely, regardless of the club's apparent desire to cash in on the player.

Sky Sports resort to that old chestnut 'West Ham are lining up a move' tonight with regards to Leicester 'keeper CHris Weale. The 28-year-old is said to have had an excellent season for the promotion-winning Foxes and is thought to have been keenly watched by a number of clubs. Long-term followers of KUMB.com may possible recall that Weale spent time here on trial back in 2004 whilst still at Yeovil.

Loic Remy's representatives appear to be working overtime, for Arsenal are now being cited by a number of French media outlets as being interested in the 23-year-old striker. West Ham have already lost out to the north Londoners on Marouane Chamakh, who joined the Gunners on a free transfer, but a move for Remy would appear unlikely despite the reports. West Ham are still thought to be in pole position as the only club to meet Nice's valuation of the player who appears on the face of it to be less than enamoured at the possibility of moving to east London.

Milton Caraglio is set to fly to England early next week for talks over a possible move to West Ham, according to the player himself. Speaking to Radio Rosario, the Argentinian said: ""At this moment I am in Italy to get some records of my European passport. I'll be in London from Monday to discuss my transfer with the English club." The 21-year-old 6'2" forward currently plays for Rosario in Argentina.

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Sulejmani keen on Hammers deal
Striker accuses Jol of trying to 'ruin' his career
By Gerrit van Leeuwen Last updated: 22nd July 2010
SSN

Ajax striker Miralem Sulejmani claims coach Martin Jol has blocked the opportunity to join West Ham United on loan. Hammers boss Avram Grant has targeted a move for the Serbian as he looks to improve his attacking options after taking over at Upton Park. Sulejmani had been lined up on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent deal, but Jolhalted the 21-year-old's switch to the Premier League. Jol reportedly feared he would lose Luis Suarez and did not want to see Sulejmani also leave Ajax on the back of several other key players moving on over the summer. The 21-year-old is unhappy with Jol's decision, although the transfer could yet materialise due to Fulham's interest in appointing the Ajax coach.

Sulejmani, who was left out of Serbia's World Cup squad, is keen to join the Hammers and is baffled by Jol's reluctance to sanction his departure. "I really don't understand why Jol has vetoed my move," Sulejmani told AD Sportwereld. "It looks like he's trying to ruin my career. I was looking forward to relaunching myself at West Ham. "Avram Grant sees me as a big talent and I'm keen to make a fresh start elsewhere."

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Hammers eye Weale move
Grant considers Foxes keeper
Last updated: 22nd July 2010
SSN

Skysports.com understands West Ham are lining up a move for Leicester goalkeeper Chris Weale. The Hammers are in the market for goalkeeping reinforcements with Robert Green the only experienced custodian at Upton Park. West Ham boss Avram Grant has taken Algerian keeper Rais M'Bohli on trial, but it appears he is also scouring the market for possible targets. Weale is believed to be on West Ham's wanted list after impressing during his debut season with Leicester last term. The 28-year-old played a key part in Leicester's promotion push and his performances have not gone unnoticed by a number of clubs.
West Ham are believed to have enquired about Weale's situation at the Walkers Stadium as they believe the keeper could provide cover and competition for Green. Leicester are reluctant to lose Weale, but could find it difficult to reject a sizeable offer for the former Bristol City keeper.

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Hammers looking at M'Bohli
Grant running the rule over Algerian shot-stopper
Last updated: 22nd July 2010
SSN

Skysports.com understands West Ham have invited Algerian keeper Rais M'Bohli to their pre-season training camp. The Hammers are currently in Bavaria as they step up their preparations for the 2010/11 campaign. Manager Avram Grant has been busy in the transfer market since arriving in the Upton Park hot-seat this summer, with the West Ham squad in need of fine tuning. The Israeli continues to keep his eyes peeled for potential new recruits and appears to have identified the goalkeeping department as an area which needs work. England international Robert Green is the undisputed No.1 for the Hammers, but he is the only experienced shot-stopper on their books at present. With that in mind, Grant has opted to run the rule over African ace M'Bohli, who figured for Algeria at the 2010 World Cup. His current employers, Slavia Sofia, are reported to be keen to cash-in on the 24-year-old and are willing to listen to offers. M'Bohli has prior experience of life in British football, although a forgettable spell at SPL outfit Hearts in 2006 saw him leave Scotland without making an appearance. He has also taken in trials at Newcastle and Manchester United over recent times, but has been unable to earn a contract with either club.

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Sullivan launches Villa jibe
Parker staying at Upton Park, according to owner
Last updated: 22nd July 2010
SSN

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan insists star midfielder Scott Parker is staying at the club as Aston Villa do not have enough money to sign him. The Hammers midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to Villa Park following rumours that fellow England international James Milner is on his way to Manchester City. Parker would be a like-for-like replacement in the Villa midfield, however Sullivan believes Villa do not have the cash required to prise the midfielder away from Upton Park. "Nothing has changed," Sullivan told the Birmingham Mail. "Aston Villa will not have enough money to tempt us to sell Scott Parker. "He really is not for sale."
New West Ham boss Avram Grant has been far busier than Martin O'Neill in the transfer market this summer having already signed former Villan Thomas Hitzlsperger from Lazio, Pablo Barrera from UNAM Pumas and Frederic Piquionne from Lyon.

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Just Loic at Sully Go
The Sun
Published: Today

WEST HAM supremo David Sullivan has flown to France in a bid to beat Liverpool to 23-year-old striker Loic Remy. Sullivan held talks with officials from Remy's club Nice.

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Stoke preparing club record £12m bid for Carlton Cole
Published 23:00 22/07/10 By James Nursey
The Mirror

Stoke are considering a club-record £12million bid for West Ham striker Carlton Cole. Hammers' supremo David Sullivan is willing to listen to offers for any player this summer apart from captain Scott Parker. And striker Cole, who has seven England caps, could be sacrificed to generate transfer funds. Potters boss Tony Pulis is desperate for more firepower and fancies 26-year-old Cole. Upton Park boss Avram Grant believes a bid of £12m would be too good to turn down for Cole, who has a history of injury problems. The cash from Cole's sale would enable West Ham to buy at least two new strikers of their own. The Hammers have a strong interest in Argentine striker Milton Caraglio as revealed by Mirrorsport on Tuesday. Caraglio, 22, who has an Italian passport, is set to be sold this summer by his club Rosario Central. He is in Italy talking to potential suitors but is due in England next week to talk to Hammers' officials.

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West Ham keen on Algerian World Cup keeper
Published 22:45 22/07/10 By Football Spy
SSN

West Ham boss Avram Grant is having a look at Algeria World Cup keeper Rais M'Bolhi. The 24-year-ol d, who plays in Bulgaria, has been invited to their pre-season training camp in Germany. Grant has only Robert Green as an experienced option between the sticks. Green was bombed out of the England side after just one game in South Africa when he gifted USA a goal. M'Bolhi came into the Algeria team after their number one made a similar cock-up in the opening game. And he kept a clean sheet as the Three Lions could only scrape a 0-0 draw. M'Bolhi's club, Slavia Sofia, are ready to listen to offers for the former Newcastle and Manchester United trialist, who was a flop in Scotland with Hearts in 2006.

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Piquionne: I will fire West Ham to a Top 10 finish and a Cup win
Published 22:45 22/07/10 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror

Frederic Piquionne will make his debut for West Ham tonight and has vowed to fire the goals to help the club secure a top ten finish next season. Piquionne completed a £1.5m move from Lyon last week and immediately joined up with the first-team squad at their pre-season training camp in Germany. The French striker has been re-united with Avram Grant after he scored 11 goals under the Israeli coach at Portsmouth last season. Piquionne has a battle to cement his place in the West Ham attack as Grant is close to securing the £13m signing of striker Loic Remy from Nice while Carlton Cole, Benni McCarthy and Zavon Hines are also fighting to be in the team. But Piquionne will get a chance to stake his claim when West Ham face Panathinaikos and feels he can become a major star at Upton Park next season. He said: "It is good for the club to have good players in the squad and competition. It depends how the manager wants to play - with one or two strikers - but I am training hard to be in the team. "I am happy to be here and everything is very good. I have been training two sessions a day for a week, and I am fit. "I think we have the team to compete in the top ten and maybe win the Cup. The Cup would be very nice. "I know a few players here; Herita Ilunga, Julien Faubert and Manuel Da Costa and the other players are very nice. "I know the coaches and the staff here and this is good for me. When Avram called me (to come and play) for West Ham I said 'yes'."

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Aston Villa can't afford Scott Parker says David Sullivan
Jul 22 2010 by Brian Dick, Birmingham Mail

LONG time nemesis David Sullivan has poured scorn on Villa's attempts to sign Scott Parker The West Ham supremo always delighted in goading Villa when he was in charge at Blues. And Sullivan has clearly lost none of his flair for mischief having yesterday dismissed Villa's ability to prise the midfielder away from Upton Park. "Nothing has changed," Sullivan insisted. "Aston Villa will not have enough money to tempt us to sell Scott Parker. He really is not for sale." Sullivan's sentiments are confirmation of his entrenched position over the three-cap England international. Almost as soon as last season finished the Hammers' co-owner declared everyone in the first team squad was up for sale. Everyone, that is, except Parker. Nevertheless with uncertainty surrounding the future of James Milner, Villa are constantly linked with the 29-year-old – who would readily fill the central position to which Milner adapted so well las season.

And the situation is also clouded by Sullivan's business partner David Gold claiming a couple of weeks ago that everyone has their price. Gold also expressed his reluctance to part with a player he described as Mr West Ham but he could not ignore the London club's parlous financial position. The former Birmingham owners came into West Ham with the club £100 million in debt and needing to sell before they could hand manager Avram Grant any significant transfer money. If anything, however, the Londoners have been more active than Martin O'Neill in the market place having already signed former Claret and Blue favourite Thomas Hitzlsperger from Lazio, Mexico winger Pablo Barrera from UNAM Pumas and Frederic Piquionne from Lyon. They are also close to securing Tal Ben-Haim and have entered a second bid, believed to be in the region of £13 million, for Nice striker Loic Remy. Which means despite what Sullivan says the likelihood is that the right offer will bring West Ham to the negotiating table, although the chances are O'Neill will have to pay in excess of £10m for a player who is 30 later this year. And clearly his ability to do that will depend if and when Milner finally goes to Manchester City. Publicly Villa remain mute about the prospect of losing their best player to Eastlands for the second time in two summers, following the transfer of Gareth Barry. But City remain desperate to sign the versatile 24-year-old amid unconfirmed rumours he has already told team-mates he wants to leave. And there can be no denying the £25 million the England man would bring would go a long way to financing O'Neill's overhaul of his squad. Meanwhile Villa headed to Dublin for a mini training camp yesterday ahead of Saturday's friendly against Bohemians.

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Stoke ready to bid £14m for Carlton Cole
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
July 22, 2010
ESPN

Stoke City are poised to make a £14 million offer for West Ham's forgotten England striker Carlton Cole. Soccernet can exclusively reveal that Stoke are contemplating lodging a bid of £9-10 million up front plus a further £4 million worth of add-ons, which will be based upon their success with Cole in the side.
Stoke were one of the first clubs to be linked with Cole earlier in the summer, but talk of an £8 million bid a month ago was never going to persuade West Ham to sell. The Hammers value Cole at £15 million as strikers demand a premium price, but with no takers so far the East London club revised their asking figure down to £12 million. Stoke are coming closest to meeting that asking price, even though £4 million will be based on Cole's appearances and how well Stoke do as a club. The race for Cole is sure to hot up with Stoke now making the sort of offer that could tempt West Ham to sell. Having brought in four new players, West Ham need to start balancing the transfer books.

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Join the WHTID Facebook Group
West Ham Till I Die

From time to time, people have asked for a wider forum to discuss matters related to this site. I have now set up a Facebook Group for readers of the blog, which will make it easier for people who read the blog to interact with each other, assuming you're members of Facebook of course. I've just set up the basic framework. It's up to readers to decide how the Facebook Group should develop. To jin the Facebook Group, click http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=136797316355057&v=wall&ref=ts

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Carlton Cole wanted by Stoke: Potters to make improved £10m offer for West Ham striker
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 12:31 AM on 23rd July 2010
Daily Mail

Stoke are poised to make an improved £10m offer for West Ham striker Carlton Cole. West Ham value the former England international at around £12m and could be willing to accept Stoke's revised offer - but the deal is still likely to fail as Cole wants to stay in London. Stoke are big fans of the 26-year-old and have been in touch with West Ham throughout the summer, previously offering £8m, but they may have to accept defeat if this bid is rejected. West Ham, meanwhile, are keen on Leicester goalkeeper Chris Weale, 28. Manager Avram Grant has taken Algerian keeper Rais M'Bohli on trial, but rates Weale after he impressed last season.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 22nd July 2010

Keen happy with progress
WHUFC.com
The challenges get tougher this summer but Kevin Keen is pleased with what he has seen from the Hammers
21.07.2010

Kevin Keen is looking forward to Friday night's meeting with Greek champions Panathinaikos as a chance to take one more step forward this pre-season.
Speaking in an exclusive interview to WHUTV from the training camp in Germany, the first-team coach said the match just across the border in Kitzbuhel, Austria would provide another chance for the squad to continue their positive progress. It will not be easy as the UEFA Champions League contenders are also in good form, having beaten VfL Wolfsburg with a 3-1 success on Tuesday. "We will have to be ready for Panathinaikos, they are quality opposition," he said. "It is just a training match, we have got to understand that, but it is nice to come through without conceding goals and winning because it breeds confidence.
"There is a bond growing between the players and the staff. I hope that builds because if we can get off to a good start with the fixtures we have got I think we can have a good season."

Keen was particularly looking forward to seeing Thomas Hitzlsperger in action once more with the Germany midfielder already looking every inch Der Hammer. "I am really hopeful that he can play and show West Ham fans what I have seen in training. "He is a West Ham player. He sees a pass, plays the right weight and angle, doesn't mind a tackle and has a great shot. I hope the fans see that over the coming weeks and months."

A former Hammers favourite himself, Keen is enjoying life on the sidelines although admitted that he never used to mind the intensity of pre-season work. "I don't think it is anywhere near as bad as when I played. There was always the anticipation of going back and working for three weeks as hard as you work for probably the whole the season. "As a coach it is different, it is all about planning, looking at your numbers and making. I think I would have enjoyed the training now. It has evolved over 10-15 or 20 years ago since I first started. It was a lot more long runs, slogs when you could be running ten miles. Now it is more football-specific, I would have enjoyed this more but I was always an OK runner."

Morale is certainly high in the camp and Keen said there was a very positive outlook for everyone connected to the club. "I wouldn't make any predictions but I do feel that Avram [Grant] has come into the club and it has all run very smoothly. There has not been a big upheaval.
"When a new manager comes in sometimes it can take time. That hasn't happened I think it has gone very smoothly with Avram, Paul Groves and David Coles. The coaching and football has been good. The players have responded well. It has been a smooth transition and I hope that translates into results at the start of the season."

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Dutch defeat for Nouble
WHUFC.com
Frank Nouble's England suffered a 1-0 defeat by Netherlands at the UEFA European U19 Championship
21.07.2010

Frank Nouble suffered disappointment as England fell to a 1-0 defeat by Netherlands at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship on Wednesday. The West Ham United forward had scored in England's opening Group A victory over Austria on Sunday, but could find no way past a staunch Dutch rearguard.
Indeed, it proved to be a hugely frustrating evening for Noel Blake's side at the ?? in Bayeux, with the Young Lions failing to create more than a handful of presentable chances. Aston Villa striker Nathan Delfouneso had England's best opportunity, only to see his shot blocked on the goalline by centre-back Bruno Martins Indi following an error by goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet. By then, Netherlands had already taken a sixth-minute lead through winger Steven Berghuis, who lost Manchester United defender Reece Brown before heading powerfully into the top right-hand corner. With Nouble playing on the left of a front three, England attempted to force an equaliser, but too often their play was too direct to trouble the Dutch back four. Netherlands, who were beaten 4-1 by host nation France in their opening fixture, held on to win with relative ease. With France thrashing Austria 5-0 on Wednesday, England must better the Dutch team's result against the Austrians when they take on the French at the Stade Louis Villemer in St-Lo on Saturday. France have six points from two matches, England and Netherlands three and Austria none. The make-or-break match will be screened live by British Eurosport, with kick-off at 5pm. In Group B, Spain booked their place in the semi-finals with a 2-1 win over neighbours Portugal, while Croatia and Italy kept their hopes alive with a goalless draw. Spain have collected a maximum six points from two matches, Portugal three and Croatia and Italy one apiece.

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Hammers winning Remy race
Improved bid swaying race for striker in Hammers' favour
By Patrick Haond Last updated: 21st July 2010
SSN

West Ham are winning the race to sign coveted Nice striker Loic Remy after making an improved bid. The 23-year-old has attracted interest from a host of clubs throughout Europe, with Roy Hodgson's Liverpool also linked with the striker. After having a couple of offers rebuffed, the Hammers have now reportedly agreed to pay the €13.5million fee for the player in just one payment, rather than in instalments which was originally proposed. This new offer seems to have swayed the race in their favour, with Nice's general manager Patrick Governatori confirming to L'Equipe that they are very close to an agreement with the Hammers. He said: "We received a new offer from West Ham which seems good and suits us. "If Liverpool want him, we need clear arrangements and commitments. West Ham are very keen. And we want to sort out that case before the end of the month."

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West Ham set to sign £14m Ajax striker
Published 23:00 21/07/10 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror

Avram Grant is set to pull off a transfer coup by signing £14million Serbian striker Miralem Sulejmani - when Martin Jol moves to Fulham. West Ham boss Grant has earmarked 21-year-old Sulejmani (above) as a future star and agreed a season-long loan deal - and a view to a permanent transfer - with Ajax two weeks ago. Jol blocked the move because he feared the impending departure of strike-partner Luis Suarez, targeted by a clutch of top European sides, would wipe out the club's firepower at a stroke. Since the row, Fulham have stepped in to lure the Ajax manager to London, leaving Sulejmani free to complete his move to Upton Park. Should he do so, then Grant would go into the new season with an impressive complement of strikers having already secured Freddie Picquionne to join Carlton Cole. Grant was also given fresh hope of sealing a deal for highly-rated French forward Loic Remy yesterday with an improved £11.3m offer from the Hammers accepted by Nice. Sulejmani was Ajax's record signing from Heerenveen at £13.8m two years ago. He said last night: "I really don't understand why Jol has vetoed my move. "It looks like he's trying to ruin my career. I was looking forward to relaunching myself at West Ham. "Avram Grant sees me as a big talent and I'm keen to make a fresh start elsewhere."
Hammers' keeper Robert Green, meanwhile, is taking out his World Cup frustrations by turning to boxing. Green's confidence took a battering in South Africa after his calamitous error for England against the USA. But he showed a mean side to his character when he joined up with the West Ham squad at their pre-season training base in Germany this week. The club's new goalkeeping coach David Coles is putting Green through sparring, shadow-boxing, skipping and working on a punchbag. Coles said: "It's a stimulus and the fitness relates to goalkeeping in terms of explosive movements, footwork and handling."

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Liverpool make player-swap offer for Nice striker - Exclusive
Published 23:00 21/07/10 By Alan Nixon
The Mirror

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is making a player-swap offer for Nice striker Loic Remy as he tries to raise funds and beat off West Ham to his signature.
Hodgson has offered the French club attacker Nabil El Zhar and midfielder Damien Plessis - both valued at around £700,000 - in a bid to afford £14.3 million-rated Remy. The Anfield outfit do not have the cash to buy talented Remy outright and are fuming that the Hammers have put more cash on the table for the exciting forward. The Kop are still counting their cash despite the better news of landing Joe Cole on a free transfer - and Hodgson wants to spend what he has on two new left backs after selling Emiliano Insua and losing Fabio Aurelio. Liverpool have asked Nice if they would take the player exchanges and have also pleaded to be given more time to come up with the cash, but they are running out of time to have Remy eligible for their Europa League qualifiers. Remy is keen to come to Liverpool and Nice would like to sell to the Anfield club, but they may deal with West Ham instead. Co-owner David Sullivan has offered £10 million up front plus extras. Hodgson is looking around for two left backs on a limited budget. He likes Uruguay World Cup star Jorge Fucile, but he is valued at £6.5 million and that would be too expensive for him right now.

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West Ham close in on £13m Nice striker Loic Remy
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER Last updated at 12:49 AM on 22nd July 2010
Daily Mail

West Ham are in pole position to sign Nice striker Loic Remy after making their improved £13m bid. The 23-year-old has attracted interest from a host of clubs but Nice's general manager Patrick Governatori said: 'We received a new offer from West Ham which seems good and suits us. If Liverpool want him, we need clear arrangements and commitments.'

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One Swallow and the Making of Summer?
West Ham Till I Die

I am aware that one swallow does not make a summer, but there does seem to be a definite lifting of the gloom that has long hung heavy over the club.

Unlike last summer's window, we do appear to be targeting and competing for players in the transfer market. And if the signing of Loic Remy comes off it could prove quite a coup. There is no doubt that the squad needed a transfusion of new blood; while the existing players seem to have adjusted well to Grant's management style. There was a slight concern that some members of the squad would retain a loyalty to Zola and Clarke and resent the new regime, but that does not appear to have occurred.

We fans never fully know 100% what is going on behind the scenes, but there is a positive vibe around the club. Pre-season, so far, has been promising, the Borussia MGB result being particularly impressive in the clinical nature of the performance. Lets hope that they continue in that fashion.

As well as getting in new recruits, I am hopeful that the youngsters will respond to the new challenges at the club. There are a number of prospects that need to step up their progress and increase the competition for first team places. Their objective should be to set the type of team selection dilemmas that Grant will welcome. We need a strong squad, with real competition for places in all positions, and they can certainly help provide that.

Perhaps that was part of the problem last season, too many players were guaranteed starting places? I hope that the whole squad come to realise that they must earn their places and perform consistently well or there will be another squad member pushing to displace them. That internal competitive ethos is healthy and it is the way that all top clubs should operate.

I anticipate that Carlton Cole will overcome his World Cup disappointment and start the season determined to get back in to the England reckoning. Cole improved greatly under Zola, but there is still a lot more to come from him. Whilst others such as Noble must conclusively prove that that they are, indeed, the players that we have long suspected them to be.

Most of the attention so far has been on the forward positions, but no doubt we will soon start to see movement in defence. There are rumours that we may sign Clerc and no doubt other names will enter the frame. A lot depends on Upson's future and whether he will sign the contract extension still on the table. The club need to try to resolve that issue, one way or the other, as soon as possible. Whilst decisive decisions also needs to be taken on the future of the likes of Spector and Gabbidon.

I am not getting too carried away just yet, I have been a Hammer far too long not to realise that the club often flatter to deceive. Last season it was was tough following the team, although we all continued to do so in a typically Trojan fashion. So, we would all warmly welcome a lifting of the gloom and the advent of an exciting and winning Hammers team to recharge our optimism and resurrect our belief .

There are many candidates for the role of arch-villain in the perilous recent journey that the club has undertaken. However, there is only one big, collective victim, the long suffering Hammers supporters. They are the best supporters in the land and they deserve some good times. Lets hope that they are just around the corner?

In hope, but without expectation! COYI.

SJ. Chandos.

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Bayern Munich admit English offers for West Ham target Klose
22.07.10 | tribalfootball.com

Bayern Munich striker Miroslav Klose has turned down Premiership interest this summer. However, he has vowed to stick with Bayern at least for the remaining 12 months of his contract having turned down those two approaches from England. "There were two enquiries from England which I passed on to his agent," revealed chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in Sport Bild magazine. "He informed me that Miro desperately wants to stay in Munich." West Ham United are among English clubs to have been linked with Klose.

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West Ham to sell Stoke target Cole to fund Remy deal
22.07.10 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United are ready to sell striker Carlton Cole. The London Evening Standard says West Ham boss Avram Grant will need to off-load other players if he is to strengthen his squad before the start of the season, with targets including Nice striker Loic Remy. The Upton Park club had one bid of £11m rejected and are waiting for the French outfit's reaction to a second offer, thought to be £13m. Hammers striker Carlton Cole is interesting several Premier League clubs, including Stoke, and his departure would help finance the move for 23-year-old Remy.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - II 21st July 2010

West Ham United - Daily Star
WHUFC.com
The Daily Star newspaper has published an apology in today's edition with regard to a report in May
21.07.2010

Today's issue of the Daily Star [Wednesday 21 July 2010] contained the following apology to West Ham United:-

"On May 5 2010, we said that we had obtained a document detailing the salaries of players and key managerial staff at West Ham.We are satisfied that the document was bogus and the published details contained a substantial number of inaccuracies. "We apologise to West Ham, the players and staff referred to in the article for any embarrassment we may have caused."

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Nouble up for Dutch test
WHUFC.com
Frank Nouble is ready to fire England U19s to a EURO 2010 victory over Netherlands
20.07.2010

Frank Nouble is planning to continue his perfect start to the UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals when England take on Netherlands on Tuesday.
The West Ham United striker plundered two excellent goals as Noel Blake's side defeated Austria 3-2 in their opening Group A fixture on Sunday, and is hungry to hit the target again against the Dutch. Netherlands lost their opening match 4-1 to hosts France on Sunday, but Nouble is still expecting Wim van Zwam's side to provide testing opposition. "The matches will get harder," the forward told whufc.com "We have Holland and France to come. It is just a case of trying our best to get another three points and then maybe think about the semi-finals, but we have to do the job first. It is about staying here as long as possible and showing we are a good side to everyone."

As you might expect for a squad that won their opening match, Nouble said team spirit within the England camp was excellent ahead of Tuesday's fixture at the Henry Jeanne stadium in Bayeux. With the game being screened live by British Eurosport, the 18-year-old said the players were conscious of their opportunity to impress the fans back home following the disappointment of this summer's FIFA World Cup. "It is a brilliant atmosphere. Everyone is up for it as well. We know there is a bit of coverage on us which is nice. We have been doing the business all year and regardless of how the senior side have done, we are just going to keep on doing what we do and sticking to the plan. We want to keep the winning mentality."

While Nouble is in action in France, his club-mates are enjoying a pre-season training camp in Germany. The striker might be out of sight, but he is certainly not out of the minds of his Hammers colleagues. "I am keeping in touch. I have been speaking to Anthony Edgar and some of the boys. They have been wishing me luck which is great and I know the club is behind me. "I was in a win-win situation this summer. If I went away I had a chance to play for my country and if I stayed behind I would get a chance to play for my club. All things have gone well and hopefully we can keep it going."

Wednesday's match will be screened live on British Eurosport, with kick-off at 5pm UK time. England complete their Group A fixtures when they face France at the Louis Villemer stadium in Saint-Lo on Saturday. Should they finish in the top two in their section, Blake's youngsters will face either Spain, Portugal, Croatia or Italy in the semi-finals.

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Squad getting stronger
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble and Thomas Hitzlsperger and the rest of the team are pushing themselves a little more every day
21.07.2010

The first-team squad got in gear for a punishing bike ride in the beautiful countryside surrounding their hotel in Bavaria on Wednesday morning. The squad was divided into three groups for the cycle challenge, which included time trials up a nearby hill. The first group of the morning included captain Matthew Upson, Scott Parker, Herita Ilunga and Julien Faubert. After the ride, the players took part in stretching exercises before jumping into the pool for another taxing session. The programme is very much about mixing the intensive football training out on the pitches under the supervision of Avram Grant, Paul Groves and Kevin Keen with a range of sports. As well as helping to test their fitness and protect different parts of the body, the activities are designed to keep the players' interest and enthusiasm up during a week-long stay on the German-Austrian border. The returning FIFA World Cup players - Upson, Robert Green, Jonathan Spector and Valon Behrami - have slotted in with ease, while new recruit Frederic Piquionne is focused on making his debut this Friday against Panathinaikos in Kitzbuhel. The striker has looked especially sharp in training. Other activities have included a sports quiz overseen by Kevin Keen, in which Kieron Dyer proved to be the sharpest sporting mind among the squad, and a head tennis/volleyball tournament which included particularly impressive displays from Alessandro Diamanti and Manuel da Costa.

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Green day in the gym
WHUFC.com
England goalkeeper Robert Green took part in a boxing workout as part of his pre-season schedule
20.07.2010

Robert Green is gearing up for another knockout season at West Ham United and is certainly ready to put in the hard work. At 8.30am on Tuesday, the England goalkeeper was to be found in the gym of the team hotel in Germany readying himself for a gruelling boxing routine with coach David Coles. It came after a couple of ball sessions out on the practice pitches the previous day - his first since arriving back with the squad after the summer.

Coles had begun by joining Green for an intensive burst on a cross-trainer as the rest of the hotel guest slowly got going in the summer sunshine. While many were just drinking their first cup of coffee of the day, Green was put through a rigourous hour-long session that involved working on a punch bag, sparring, shadow boxing and skipping. The routines were all repeated three times and there was no let-up - save for a bit of conversation with Radoslav Kovac as he worked out nearby. Green is renowned as being one of the fittest players at the club and his 126 consecutive Barclays Premier League starts is certainly testament to his conditioning. It is not just the No1 who is being put through his paces in Bavaria, though. Coles has been keen to mix up the work for all the club's goalkeepers, with swimming and tennis also integrated into their full football schedule. Coles said: "It is about doing something that is different. I like to keep them fresh mentally and physically. It is a stimulus and the fitness relates to goalkeeping in terms of explosive movements and certainly the footwork and handling. "It is also good for his upper body in terms of punching and coming for crosses, making saves and parries. Boxing is a fantastic fitness tool. The session was an hour long and even the shadow boxing was hard. He has to use his feet which is relevant to the game situation. Pre-season is about building up over a period of time to get ready for the matches. Rob is in very good condition.He has done fantastically well, he looks after himself. It is going to be a quick way back to full fitness."

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Clerc eyes English move
Hammers keen on Frenchman
Last updated: 21st July 2010
SSN

Skysports.com understands French defender Francois Clerc is hoping to win a move to the Premier League. Clerc is available on a free transfer after seeing out his contract at Lyon earlier this summer. A number of clubs are thought to be chasing the French international and Clerc is now weighing up his options as he looks to secure a switch to England. West Ham have been credited with an interest in the right-back and the player's agent Frederic Guerra, admits he has spoken with several sides about Clerc's situation. "I have spoken to three or four teams about Francois and West Ham are one of those teams," Guerra told skysports.com. "After speaking to these teams I am now waiting for their responses. "There has been a strong interest in Francois as he is a free agent and he is one of the best free transfers around as he has played for France and played in the Champions League. "Francois likes England and I think he would be a success in England so hopefully we can find an agreement."

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Hammers move for Argentine
Caraglio close to Upton Park switch
Last updated: 21st July 2010
SSN

West Ham are closing in on the signing of Argentine striker Milton Caraglio, skysports.com understands. The Hammers have turned their attentions to the Rosario Central hit-man as they look to bolster their attacking options. Caraglio has been called up to the Argentinanational team in the past, but saw injury prevent him from making his international debut. West Ham have been frustrated in their attempts to bring in a new striker this summer, with a number of Premier League sides hoping to beat them to the signing of Nice ace Loic Remy. Caraglio has now come onto West Ham's radar and the London outfit are believed to have agreed a fee in the region of £5million for the 22-year-old. Caraglio is also thought to have agreed personal terms on his switch to Upton Park and is awaiting the necessary paperwork before making the move to England.

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Villa's setback in Scott Parker chase
Daily Express & Star
Wednesday 21st July 2010, 10:57AM BST.

Villa's pre-season signing plans have suffered a serious setback today after West Ham slammed the door shut on selling midfielder Scott Parker. Hammers co-owner David Sullivan today ruled out the midfielder's exit, claiming Villa would not have enough money to force him to the negotiating table. It has been widely accepted that Parker, fresh from one of the best seasons of his career in leading West Ham to safety, was the man Villa boss Martin O"Neill saw as the ideal replacement for James Milner. But even though Milner is expected to fetch a fee in excess of £20million from Manchester City, Sullivan does not believe Villa will have the money to tempt West Ham. Sullivan said today: "The situation with Parker has not changed. Villa will not have enough money to tempt us to sell Scott. "He really is not for sale."
Sullivan's comments are the latest in a confusing series of signals from Upton Park, but suggest that the Hammers' £10million-plus valuation of their captain effectively rules him out for Villa. Their pursuit of Parker has been a sensitive issue at Upton Park, with him appearing to be the exception to the owners' end-of-season rule that their entire squad was effectively up for sale. But Sullivan's partner David Gold then appeared to suggest otherwise in an interview two weeks ago, openly discussing the prospect of selling the club's star player if the price was right. Sullivan's comments to the London media today now suggest another about-turn – simply because Villa will not have the financial clout to do a deal. Money is a problem for O'Neill this summer, after owner Randy Lerner tightened the purse strings. Only the sale of Milner gives him any real funds for replenishing a squad which, led up front by Thirtysomethings John Carew and Emile Heskey, is now in need of new blood. The manager can also spend what he raises from the sale of players isolated on the fringes of his selections, but so far only Steve Sidwell's impending £3million sale to Fulham is anywhere near completion. Having Parker removed from his calculations will be another setback for the Villa boss, even as he parks the Robbie Keane transfer from Spurs on the sidelines while he awaits an outcome to the Milner episode.

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Ajax striker Miralem Sulejmani slams Martin Jol for blocking West Ham United loan move
Serbian attacker unhappy with decision to turn down Hammers' offer...
By Stefan Coerts
21 Jul 2010 13:15:00
Goal.com

Young Ajax attacker Miralem Sulejmani is far from happy with head coach Martin Jol's decision to turn down a one-year loan move from Premier League outfit West Ham United for the Serbian international. The tricky forward had already agreed personal terms with the Hammers, but Jol vetoed the move, claiming that Sulejmani is an important first team player for the Amsterdam side. "I really don't understand why Jol has vetoed the move. It looks like he's trying to ruin my career. I was looking forward to relaunching my career at West Ham. Their manager sees me as a big talent and I'm keen to make a fresh start elsewhere," Sulejmani was quoted as saying by AD. Sulejmani joined Ajax from Heerenveen in the summer of 2008 for a fee of €16.25 million, but the 21-year-old has so far failed to live up to the high expectations in the Amsterdam ArenA. He has mainly been warming the bench under Jol. The Serbian youngster claims that Ajax had promised him that he could leave the Amsterdam titans if an interested club made an offer for him.

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Arsenal rival West Ham for Remy signature
ESPN Soccernet staff
July 21, 2010

West Ham have upped their bid for Loic Remy, dubbed the new Thierry Henry, to £13 million and made their payment structure more attractive - but they now face competition from Arsenal. Arsene Wenger is keen to bring the Nice striker to Emirates Stadium, just as he brought Henry to Highbury, and would be favourite to pull off a deal providing the Gunners match or better the bid from West Ham. Liverpool and Spurs have been tracking Remy for a while, but the Nice star would prefer to team up with compatriot Wenger at Arsenal. The battle has intensified since the Hammers became the first club to enter the bidding process. Liverpool have fallen short of even the Hammers' opening bids, while the price is becoming too rich for Spurs, leaving Arsenal able to nip in and beat West Ham to a deal, if they wish to. "On Tuesday we received a new proposal from West Ham, for a full payment in cash," Nice chief executive Partick Governatori told L'Equipe. "If Liverpool want to sign Loic, we need clear rules and commitments from them. But West Ham are hot for the player and we want to complete the transfer before the end of the month."

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Hammers could Kop Remy
The Sun
Published: Today

WEST HAM have made an improved offer for Nice frontman Loic Remy — but the French club want Liverpool to make a bid as well. Hammers boss Avram Grant has seen a number of offers for the striker rejected this summer, with Nice haggling over how much money is paid up front. But while a deal is now on the table that suits both parties, Nice chief executive Partick Governatori has opened the door for Liverpool to get involved. He said: "We've received a new proposal from West Ham which meets all our rules. "If Liverpool want Remy, we need a proposal from them which meets the rules." Remy, 23, hit 14 goals in 34 games for the Ligue 1 outfit last season.

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Former Birmingham loanee Benitez signs new deal in Mexico
Published 10:04 21/07/10 By James Nursey
The Mirror

Ecuador striker Christian Benitez has signed a new contract at his Mexican club Santos Laguna. Striker Benitez, 24, returned to South America this summer after only scoring four goals on loan at Birmingham. Premier League Brum decided against signing Benitez for a pre-agreed £6.5million. But both Sunderland and West Ham were interested in taking the forward on loan again this season. Now those hopes appear slim after Benitez penned a new three-year deal with Santos Laguna. They could yet send him out on loan in return for a lucrative payment. But Mirrorsport revealed earlier this summer Benitez twice failed his English test for a new UK work permit.

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West Ham set to beat Liverpool to Loic Remy
Published 11:06 21/07/10 By Martin Lipton
The Mirror

West Ham boss Avram Grant is poised to beat Liverpool to the signing of Nice striker Loic Remy. New Anfield chief Roy Hodgson wants the 23-year-old France frontman to bolster his ranks in the wake of the capture of Joe Cole and skipper Steven Gerrard's commitment to the Merseysiders. But despite Liverpool's interest, West Ham appear in the box seat to sign the player after Nice sporting director Patrick Governatori said the Ligue 1 club is prepared to accept an improved £11.3million bid from the Upton Park outfit. Governatori said: "On Tuesday we received a new proposal from West Ham, for a full payment in cash.
"If Liverpool want to sign Loic, we need clear rules and commitments from them. But West Ham are hot for the player and we want to complete the transfer before the end of the month."
Remy is now expected to join the Hammers after a farewell appearance for Nice in this evening's friendly with Grenoble.

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Hammers eye World Cup goalkeeper
Newham Recorder
21 July 2010

WEST HAM manager Avram grant is running the rule over Algerian World Cup keeper Rais M'Bolhi as they look to strengthen his squad in preparation for the new season. The 24-year-old, who played for Slavia Sofia last season, joined up with the Hammers at their training camp in Germany at the start of the week and has impressed the West Ham coaching staff. M'Bolhi was called into the Algerian team for the game against England at the World Cup, keeping his place for their final group game against the United States. A Marseille youth player, he represented France at under-16 and under-17 level, before opting to play for the north African side. The Hammers have also been looking at former Austria Vienna goalkeeper Lukas Konigshofer this week, but it seems that the Algerian has impressed them most. West Ham will decide whether to sign M'Bolhi at the end of the week, but it appears likely that he will be a back-up to Robert Green.
The England keeper's future is still up in the air, but Grant went on record last week to stress that he is still the Hammers' number one and that he had a very positive chat with him on the phone.
West Ham's international players flew into Germany on Sunday night and will hope to play some part in Friday night's friendly clash with Panathinaikos. One thing still unclear though is the future of skipper Matty Upson and with it the destiny of Portsmouth defender Tel Ben-Haim for next season. The Israeli defender was all set for a medical last Friday, and Pompey were keen to get the player off their books, but it appears to have been delayed, with the Hammers still waiting on a decision from Upson about his future at the club. The Hammers return from their German pre-season camp at the weekend.

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Hammers home in on Lyon stopper
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on:21 July 2010 - 11:51
Sport.co.uk

West Ham United are set to sign former Lyon right-back Francois Clerc on a free transfer, according to reports in the French press. The Hammers, who were yesterday tipped to swoop for Saint Etienne centre-back Yohan Benalouane, appear determined to add to their defensive options at Upton Park with Avram Grant worried about the reliance on Matthew Upson and James Tomkins. Clerc has played 13 times for France having spent the best part of a decade plying his trade at the Stade Gerland. An experienced operator he has also been linked with a move to AC Milan.

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Aussies support West Ham Olympic stadium move
22.07.10 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United's new stadium move has received a major boost. The Guardian says West Ham's bid to move into the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 games received a boost today after the company behind the huge shopping centre that will dominate the entrance to the site said it would back the idea.
There had been speculation that Westfield, the Australian company behind the 1.9m square foot Stratford City shopping centre that is seen as a key part of the bid to leave a legacy for east London, did not approve of the idea of West Ham taking over. But appearing yesterday before the Economic Development, Culture, Sport and Tourism Committee, Westfield's Stratford City director, John Burton, said it was already working with West Ham and Newham Council on their plans. "Clearly there are statements saying we are opposed to West Ham and that is simply not correct," Burton said. "We will work with West Ham or anyone else for that matter in the delivery of a further use. The only criteria we would put around that is, given our role around access, that we have regular communication and co‑ordination to deal with any organisational issues." "We're well-experienced in it, we simply want the opportunity to work with whoever the operator might be. We have had discussions with Newham and the West Ham group about how to take that forward."

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Sullivan: Villa can't afford Parker
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on:21 July 2010 - 02:10 PM
Sport.co.uk

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has told Aston Villa to forget about signing midfielder Scott Parker ahead of the new season. The Midlands club are reported to have made a tentative enquiry should they be forced to sign a new midfielder if Manchester City transfer target James Milner leaves Villa Park this summer.
However, Sullivan claims that Villa would not have enough financial muscle to persuade him to sell the 29-year-old England international. Parker was one of few Hammers players who impressed during a difficult last season which almost ended in relegation from the Premier League. "The situation with Parker has not changed," said Sullivan. "Villa will not have enough money to tempt us to sell Scott. "He really is not for sale."

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