WHUFC.com
Paco Craig believes West Ham United's U18s are ready to enjoy a successful season
27.07.2010
Paco Craig is eyeing a successful season after leading West Ham United to glory at the Southend United Youth Challenge Cup. The centre-back, 17, wore the captain's armband as the Hammers defeated hosts Southend and Arsenal at Roots Hall to lift the club's first trophy of the 2010/11 campaign. The tall defender could even afford the luxury of missing a penalty in Saturday's shootout victory over Southend before helping his side recover from a goal behind to down the hotly-tipped Gunners in Sunday's final. Craig told WHUTV he had been impressed with the side's ability to overcome the hurdles placed in front of them, whether they be a hostile home crowd, a penalty nerve-wracking shootout or the reigning FA Premier Academy League champions. "We had a game against the hosts on Saturday which was tough, in a way, because they had a big home crowd behind them. Our team haven't really experienced playing in front of a crowd so it was weird getting used to them cheering for the other team. "I think we played well. We were a bit shaky in the first half, but we managed to hold on. We came out a lot more confident and a lot better in the second half and the forwards - Rob Hall, Blair Turgott, Matthias Fanimo and Dom Vose - were linking up a lot better. "We were really unlucky and had chances to score but the game went to penalties. We got through, which was good. I wanted to take a penalty because I've taken a few before and no-one else wanted to take one. I was fourth and everyone had scored, so of course I missed and felt terrible. Thankfully Dave Wootton made a couple of good saves so we went through."
Having defeated Southend in dramatic fashion, the youngsters returned to Roots Hall less than 24 hours later to take on Arsenal. Boosted by the return of forwards Daniel Subuola, Daniel Purdy and Jack Werndly from reserve-team duty at Burton Albion, West Ham produced a fine performance to defeat Steve Bould's side. "It was really good. Like us, they had a lot of new first-year scholars on the pitch, but they were good. They passed the ball around and had a lot of possession and I guess you could say they were favourites. "They got a soft goal, which was a bit annoying, but apart from that we matched them. We had a few second years - Dan Subuola, Dan Purdy and Jack Werndly - back from the reserves to play and that gave us a bit of an edge. Watching the match, I think we were a bit better than them overall. "Even though you could say it's just a small cup in the pre-season, it doesn't matter because you should prepare for every game the same. It was great to win something and is one of the first pieces of silverware I've won with West Ham. To be captain as well was great. I was pleased with the boys because it's hard to play two games in two days, but we managed to dig in."
Having lifted the Southend United Youth Challenge Cup, Craig is hoping for more success when the FA Premier Academy League season gets underway on Saturday 21 August. The defender is sure to be an important figure in Tony Carr's side as he seeks to build on an impressive first year as a full-time scholar.
"I think the team is looking good for the new season. I think we should be strong contenders for both the league and the FA Youth Cup - fingers crossed."
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Hilts happy with U18s
WHUFC.com
Paul Hilton was delighted with the display of his young side at the Southend United Youth Challenge Cup
26.07.2010
Paul Hilton was full of praise for his young players following West Ham United's victory at the Southend United Youth Challenge Cup. With Academy Director Tony Carr working in the United States, Hilton took charge of the Under-18s at Roots Hall with spectacular results. The Hammers defeated the hosts on penalties before upsetting FA Premier Academy League champions Arsenal to lift the trophy, completing a fine weekend's work on the Essex coast. "We're pleased with the workout over the weekend with the boys," Hilton told WHUTV. "It's the first time we've played this season, having done two or three weeks of pre-season training. "It was a tough competition as the other teams had perhaps played a couple more games than us, but they all played a big part and we were very pleased to win."
Saturday's semi-final saw goalkeeper David Wootton steal the show, saving two penalties after captain Paco Craig had seen his spot-kick saved. Hilton said the stopper's heroics had inspired his team-mates to go on and win the tournament. "Praise be to Dave in the first game. He made a couple of great saves from the penalty spot and in open play as well. "We could have probably won it in normal time when we missed a penalty with five minutes to go, but we were pleased with the boys looked at the penalties. They were professional and they did the job. "In both games, we didn't pass the ball as well as we would have liked in the first half, even though they were the first games the lads had played. They grew a bit stronger in the second halves and performed better and created more chances. In the end, I think we possibly deserved the win."
Having worked with many of the new intake of first-year scholars in his regular role as U16 coach, Hilton believes the likes of England U17 forward Robert Hall, Blair Turgott, Matthias Fanimo, Dylan Tombides and Dominic Vose could flourish at FA Premier Academy League level. However, the former West Ham defender warned his former charges that they will not have everything their own way straight away. "Some of the lads have been here since U9s and the bulk of them have been here quite a while. They did some good things last year, there's no doubt about it. As a group, they have a good team spirit among them and a lot of ability. Hopefully, under Tony, they can grow into good professional players. "The biggest problem they might have is coming in against older players. Last year, in their age-group, they scored quite a few goals. There is a lot of ability and attacking prowess in the team, but they've still got to defend as well, which they'll find they will have to do a bit more of this year."
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Club committed to Fund
WHUFC.com
The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK and the club are still working closely together
26.07.2010
West Ham United would like to clarify that the decision to change the home pre-season match to the SBOBET Cup in aid of the Academy was not made for reasons of commercial gain by either party. Due to the financial situation at the club, West Ham United are unable to donate a significant percentage of its pre-season gate to the Bobby Moore Fund due to the necessity this season of focusing investment on the club's youth system and wider grassroots football. With the Bobby Moore Fund continuing to gain exposure across the club - such as childrens' replica kit bearing the name or the annual Barclays Premier League awareness match - it was felt it was right to also give due weight to SBOBET's fantastic efforts to endorse the club's significant investment in the Academy.
The work done by Tony Carr to develop talented youngsters goes beyond just providing the next stars for the first team. It provides a framework for education and growth that benefits dozens of local teenagers every single year. Not all will realise their dreams but all will grow up with the same values and traditions first instilled in Bobby Moore himself more than 50 years ago. The worth of this cannot be measured. The renaming of a match does not change Bobby's position at the heart of the club. There is the Bobby Moore Stand, the No6 shirt was retired in his honour and the Academy continue to play, with SBOBET's support, in shirts bearing his name. The owners knew him personally and the constant reminders to his magnificent life at the Boleyn Ground serve as fitting testament to his lasting legacy.
Furthermore, as a club, West Ham United have responsibility to work with many charitable causes. As well as the Fund being forever tied to West Ham, the club are linked with Richard House Children's Hospice, the Royal British Legion and newer organisations such as Help for Heroes and Tickets for Troops. Recent local initiatives have also seen the club help those with mental health issues and youngsters with Down's syndrome.
West Ham United will continue to donate significant funds through donating ten per cent of the proceeds from the BM6 merchandise range, as well as making other financial contributions through various auctions. Indeed the club recently confirmed a cheque for £4,000 will be sent to the Bobby Moore Fund, which was a share of a pre-season event at the stadium.
In addition, the club are committed to maintaining the high profile of the Bobby Moore Fund and the fight against bowel cancer - and the players and staff regularly give their time free of charge to support Fund events. SBOBET also continue to strongly back the charity with regular signficant donations of their own and backing fan initiatives.
With SBOBET's support, this club is working towards a more solid financial footing and - with the hope of being able to reinstate a financial share of the pre-season match next season - the ultimate aim is to ensure West Ham United remains stable for generations to come.
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Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Two wins and plenty of good work in training has seen the manager return to England on a high
26.07.2010
Avram Grant will welcome Pablo Barrera and Frederic PiqiuSonne to Chadwell Heath this week, but he has not finished his summer recruitment drive just yet.
Mexico winger Barrera and France international striker Piquionne, who spent last season on loan at Portsmouth from Olympique Lyonnais, will be making their first visit to the club's training ground. Piquionne has already enjoyed a profitable eight days with the squad at the hugely successful training camp in Germany that included two fine friendly victories.
While Grant runs the rule over his new men, he will also look to integrate his FIFA World Cup quartet of Robert Green, Jonathan Spector, Matthew Upson and Valon Behrami back into match action. The Hammers go to MK Dons on Wednesday night before their final away first-team fixture of the summer programme at Ipswich Town on Saturday.
Reasons for optimism are plenty with the feelgood factor stemming from positive work in Bavaria and 2-0 and 1-0 victories against VfL Borussia Monchengladbach and Panathinaikos respectively. "It was a very good week," Grant said. "The boys trained very hard, they showed a good attitude. Most of the training was in a high intensity which is not easy and they did it very well. "We also reached our targets in the games. The first was to be familiar to the system that we are going to play this season. Second was we wanted to improve our fitness as we prepare for the league. Everything went well."
In terms of tactics, the team have lined up often in a 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 formation since starting the summer with a 2-1 win at Peterborough United on 14 July, although it has not been rigid. Carlton Cole has scored two goals as a main striker, while Benni McCarthy is off the mark and youngsters like Anthony Edgar, Cristian Montano and Freddie Sears have shone. Thomas Hitzlsperger has slotted well into midfield - he started alongside Scott Parker and Mark Noble on Friday night - and scored his first free-kick against a powerful Panathinaikos side. Also encouraging is last year's injury-hassled trio of Kieron Dyer - a potential right-back it would seem - Danny Gabbidon, Herita Ilunga and Luis Boa Morte all coming through with no ill-effects.
Marek Stech and Peter Kurucz had 45 minutes each in both tour games and neither conceded, showing perhaps an immediate positive impact from David Coles. As well as Grant's new goalkeeping coach, and his assistants Paul Groves and Kevin Keen, the manager has also been quick to pay tribute to his medical and support staff for their efforts. "That pleases me," he added. "An important part of a club is the staff. We want to create a structure that can develop and improve the team all the time. We don't have the money of the top four, or top seven as it has become, but we can be a very good team with a vision for the next years. "We need to start with the staff - all the people that were here at West Ham a long time and the people that have just come. We are building a good structure for the present and for the future."
Grant may strengthen his backroom set-up further while he also suggested he might still bring in at least a couple more players before the Aston Villa awayday on Saturday 14 August that follows the glamour SBOBET Cup against RC Deportivo La Coruna seven days earlier at the Boleyn. Although pleased with the progress to date, he believed there were still areas for improvement. "It is encouraging. The squad is not complete yet, we told the players we want to make the squad as strong as we can. Even if the club are limited with money, because we are in debt, we know what we are doing and we know we want to do.
"The owners are trying to give their best for the team so we will buy or loan a few more players. Even if I don't like loans so much - most players here will be players for the long term."
For now, it is about the work with the likes of Barrera and Piquionne and integrating them into his version of the West Ham way, which remains at the heart of Grant's approach. "We are looking for the work on the training pitches. We set ourselves a few targets in Germany and the players were good and positive. They showed quality and many things for the future. Our aim is to be prepared for a long season. "It is about stepping it up. In three weeks we will play Aston Villa so we have done what we needed to do. Now we will go to the next stage. We will work on tactics and the style of the team. The physical side was very good. Also we needed to deal with the international players that have only just started to train and they are looking good."
The last word from the manager in reflection on the first three weeks of pre-season was to acknowledge the terrific support from the fans already - whether it be buying season tickets or memberships in their thousands or travelling across to Europe to show their support. "We will need them this season," he said. "When you come to a club and I am speaking about my club now - West Ham - you need to do everything to make the supporters happy and keep them supporting you. "We saw that with the fans that came to watch us. I hope it will be like this all season and I am sure that will be the case.".
* If you cannot wait for the Barclays Premier League season to get under way, remember the club has arranged a glamour fixture against RC Deportivo La Coruna at the Boleyn Ground at 3pm on Saturday 7 August. Click here for the latest ticket news for the SBOBET Cup.
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Barrera dressed for success
WHUFC.com
Flying winger Pablo Barrera was excited to try on the new Hammers kits for size
26.07.2010
Pablo Barrera will arrive at Chadwell Heath for the first time this week having already had the pleasure of wearing the famous claret and blue of West Ham United. The Mexico winger was given the privilege of being one of the first to wear both the new home and away kits for next season during a special photo-shoot on the Boleyn Ground pitch. The 23-year-old was joined by young Hammers fans for the event to promote the new Macron strips, which are already proving hugely popular.
FIFA World Cup star Barrera had the youngsters enthralled as he kicked a ball around with them on the hallowed turf and the kids - also all wearing the new strips - could hardly hide their excitement. Avram Grant's new summer recruit was equally enthusiastic and gladly posed for pictures and signed autographs.
Barrera said: "It is a good shirt. I am looking forward to playing in the shirt and of course, hopefully scoring goals in it as well. It is just nice to be here and meet everybody - it was a lot of fun, the children were very good. I am just looking forward to wearing the new kit and playing for West Ham. I will give everything for this club."
Both strips combine cutting edge continental ideas with the Hammers' homegrown history and are the first produced since Macron became the club's new technical partners. The home kit cannot be bought until Thursday 5 August but be sure to place your order now to ensure you have it as soon as available.
The away shirt is white with claret and sky blue hoops around the middle. The shorts and socks are both in matching sky blue, with the round neck enhancing the retro feel. The claret home top has a classic collar style with blue sleeves, with contrasting white shorts and socks to complement.
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.
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Pablo settles in
WHUFC.com
New signing Pablo Barrera was at Chadwell Heath for the first time on Monday
26.07.2010
Pablo Barrera was all smiles on his first day at Chadwell Heath as West Ham United got back down to work. The Mexico international met his new team-mates for the first time after joining the Hammers from UNAM Pumas a week last Friday. Barrera, who featured for his country at this summer's FIFA World Cup in South Africa, is set to add pace, flair and invention to Avram Grant's attack after signing a four-year contract with a further one-year option. The 23-year-old met his new colleagues for the first time on Monday, having returned from a visit to his homeland last week. The first-team squad were given a well-earned day off after returning from the pre-season training camp in Germany on Saturday morning. On their return, the group were put through their paces by fitness coach Eamon Swift and first-team coaches Paul Groves and Kevin Keen, while the goalkeepers - including German triallist Stefan Wessels - were kept busy by David Coles. The session saw France forward Frederic Piquionne train at Chadwell Heath for the first time following his arrival from Olympique Lyonnais, while the club's World Cup quartet of Robert Green, Matthew Upson, Jonathan Spector and Valon Behrami were also in action at the famous training ground for the first time this summer. After a short break for lunch, the players returned to the training pitch in the afternoon, taking part in small-sided matches and keep-ball sessions.
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Hitz right at home
WHUFC.com
London is Thomas Hitzlsperger's new base, but he was more than happy to be briefly back in Bavaria
27.07.2010
Thomas Hitzlsperger will look to help West Ham United to a fourth victory of the summer on Wednesday night with the squad on a high after their German experience. The man from Munich was right at home during the club's eight-day stay at a Bavarian base in Grassau last week. The aim was to build fitness and togetherness in the camp, and that was achieved with fine wins at the beginning and end against VfL Borussia Monchengladbach and Panathinaikos, the latter owing much to Hitzlsperger's solitary strike on Friday night. Hitz, as he is fast becoming known to his new team-mates, said the experience had been wholly positive - especially for him settling into a new squad. "It has been so easy," he said. "It is a good group of players and they make it so easy for new players to come in. "That is what I have felt from day one. I have enjoyed training and being with the lads. Hopefully it will continue that way and when the season starts we will be successful."
Next up for the Hammers is the trip to MK Dons on Wednesday night. With the team having won their first three games of the summer, Hitzlsperger has the winning mentality. However, that does not extend to everything as he was unable to help his side claim the Hammers sports quiz during a break from training last week. Unsurprisingly for a man with 51 caps for his country who is due to face Denmark next month, his top-level knowledge was coveted. "I came close to winning," he said. "It was a good experience. I hadn't done it before. It is an English tradition that kind of quiz. It was quite good. "I was in a good group, there was only one group that was better. The team welcomed me and they wanted me for the international experience. They knew everything about English football but I knew about badges and grounds from abroad. I was a good addition to the team, I think."
The strong showing of Hitzlsperger's side owed much to the brainpower of Kieron Dyer, with the midfielder showing a sharp sporting mind. His range of knowledge is such that he is intending to stage a Challenge Kieron quiz in each edition of the matchday programme next season. "I was surprised. He knew a lot," said Hitzlsperger of his team-mate's prowess in the Kevin Keen-penned competition. "It was a good hour and a half and I enjoyed it."
While the players took part in such relaxing pursuits in the evening, there was plenty of activity during the day. While football training naturally dominated, there was also volleyball, cycling, swimming, table tennis and water polo to be enjoyed - and endured at times - throughout. "It is good to mix it up. It is not all about two sessions of football a day. The staff try to change certain things and it is good to do things differently. You don't want to spend all the time on the pitch."
All in all, Hitzlsperger reflected on a very positive camp. "The conditions, the training pitches and the weather has been perfect. We had everything we need."
He also believed that the Hammers may have won a few more admirers in south Germany. "There is a big football passion. Bayern Munich - where I played for eleven years as a kid - is the biggest club but hopefully now there are some more West Ham fans in the area. That is the good thing about pre-season tours. [Local] people may not be too aware of the club but, when we spend a week, they are aware and hopefully they will support us, buy shirts and maybe come over to London to watch a few games. "They know the Premier League, it is by far the best league in the world. West Ham United, when you say the name it clicks, they know what it is."
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Piq to mix it with Depor
WHUFC.com
RC Deportivo La Coruna are the perfect opposition for a Boleyn bow, according to Freddie Piquionne
26.07.2010
Freddie Piquionne is looking forward to playing at his new home when RC Deportivo La Coruna come calling in the SBOBET Cup in aid of the Academy early next month. After wins away against Peterborough United, VfL Borussia Monchengladbach and Panathinaikos already this summer, the squad will be boosted for the first time by Piquionne's considerable presence this Wednesday. The French international striker, who scored in wins for Portsmouth against Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur last season, will hope to make his debut in the trip to Milton Keynes Dons, having just completed a successful training camp with the first-team squad in Germany last week. He may be targeting an impact at Stadium:mk but is particularly looking forward to his Boleyn bow for the Hammers.
There is less than a fortnight to go until the glamour meeting with Spanish giants Deportivo, former La Liga winners who made their name in European club competition over the past decade or so, and ticket sales - starting at just £10 for adults - are proving brisk. Fans are urged to snap up their usual seats fast or face being disappointed. For Piquionne, the Saturday 7 August fixture will be his first taste of his new home stadium in the claret and blue. He cannot wait for it to come around. He said: "It will be special for me to play my first game for the club at Upton Park. "It will be good for me of course and good for the fans to see the new team and the new manager. It is going to be an important match. I want to play and score goals. This season, we have the team for playing in the top ten and maybe we can a cup. It would be nice."
Having played for the likes of Olympique Lyonnais and AS Monaco and also competed in the UEFA Champions League, Piquionne knows the benefit of testing yourself against top continental opposition. He relished the prospect of meeting a club from a league that has just produced the new world champions.
"Spanish teams are very good," he said. "They will keep the ball well and we will need to do the same and play quickly. That will be the best thing. Spanish football is the best in the world so it will be a good game. I am looking forward to it."
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New no.2 to be named?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 27th July 2010
By: Staff Writer
Zeljko Petrovic is strongly tipped to be named Avram Grant's assistant manager later this week. 44-year-old Petrovic has, according to the Dutch media, signed a one-year deal with the Hammers - a deal that is set to confirmed within the next few days. The former right-back, who represented Yugoslavia between 1990-1998 spent his playing career at a number of top clubs across Europe, including Seville, PSV and Dinamo Zagreb. Upon hanging up his boots in 2003 Petrovic coached Feyenoord as part of a management team headed by Ruud Gullit before moving on to Boavista in a managerial capacity in 2006. However just six weeks after taking the post he was fired following poor initial results. In 2007/08 he took Waalwijk to runners-up spot in the Eerste Divisie before becoming assistant to former Spurs boss Martin Jol at Hamburg in 2008/09, where the duo achieved a fifth-placed finish in the Bundesliga. However that was also short-lived after Jol walked out following disagreements over transfer funds; he later joined Ajax.
* Further reports from the Netherlands insist that Petrovic has revealed fellow countryman Miralem Sulejmani is set to join him at West Ham on loan. The Ajax winger, who cost the Amsterdam-based club a Dutch record €16.25million Euros when they signed him from Heerenveen in 2008 has fallen out with Martin Jol, claiming the 54-year-old had 'killed his career'. The article adds that United will take Sulejmani on loan for the season with an option to buy for €6.25million next summer.
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Grant wants more new faces
Hammers boss not finished in the transfer market
Last updated: 26th July 2010
SSN
Avram Grant is hoping to make further additions to his West Ham squad before the start of the new season. With Thomas Hitzlsperger, Frederic Piquionne and Pablo Barrera having already moved to Upton Park since his appointment, the Hammers boss has had a busy summer so far in the transfer market. He has yet to land Tal Ben-Haim or Loic Remy, who are reported targets, but the Israeli insisted that he was not finished yet and wanted to make the squad deeper. "The squad is not complete yet, we told the players we want to make the squad as strong as we can," Grant told the club's official website. "Even if the club are limited with money, because we are in debt, we know what we are doing and we know what we want to do. "The owners are trying to give their best for the team so we will buy or loan a few more players. Even if I don't like loans so much - most players here will be players for the long term."
West Ham are unbeaten in pre-season having followed up an away win over Peterborough with victories over Borussia Monchengladbach and Panathinaikos while on the club's pre-season tour of Germany and Austria. Grant has been pleased with his team's efforts so far, but admits they will have to step up a gear if they are be ready to take on Martin O'Neill'sside at Villa Park in just under three weeks' time. "We set ourselves a few targets in Germany and the players were good and positive," Grant added. "They showed quality and many things for the future. Our aim is to be prepared for a long season. "It is about stepping it up. In three weeks we will play Aston Villa so we have done what we needed to do. "Now we will go to the next stage. We will work on tactics and the style of the team. The physical side was very good. "Also we needed to deal with the international players that have only just started to train and they are looking good."
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Sousa - No Weale offers
Leicester boss says keeper could go for right price
Last updated: 26th July 2010
SSN
Leicester manager Paulo Sousa has played down speculation that Chris Weale is set to leave the club, but admitted he could go for the right price. West Ham are thought to be interested in the goalkeeper after he enjoyed an impressive campaign for the Foxes last season. But the Hammers have yet to approach Leicester and Sousa says he has not been contacted by anyone. Sousa nevertheless accepts that everybody has their price and he will listen to any offers that do arrive. He told the Leicester Mercury: "No-one has contacted me about Chris. "When that happens, then everyone will get to know. With the right price, we can think about it, why not? "The club is bigger than everyone. Everyone can leave and everyone can come but for now we don't think about it."
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Barrera is up for his debut
Published: Today
The Sun
WEST HAM new-boy Pablo Barrera could make his debut at MK Dons tomorrow. The Mexico winger completed a £4million move from Puma two weeks ago but had to return home and missed a pre-season training camp. Barrera, 23, trained with his team-mates yesterday and said: "I am looking forward to playing in the shirt and scoring goals in it as well."
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Spurs plan shock bid for West Ham star - Exclusive
Published 23:01 26/07/10 By Alan Nixon
The Mirror
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp wants to sign Scott Parker – but West Ham are looking for a stunning £15million transfer fee. Spurs are keen to land midfield general Parker before the deadline for their Champions League qualifying game and they hope that the Hammers will do business. Redknapp would be given around £8m by chairman Daniel Levy to land Parker, the peak valuation they put on him because of his age and the size of his wages. But top Hammers insiders reveal that the asking price is almost double that, and that is also ruling Aston Villa out of the equation as the soon-to-be-rich Midlands club hovers.
Parker is a key player at West Ham and the club line is that he is one of those they would not sell. But now – with Redknapp heading the chase – those brave words will be put to the test. Redknapp thinks he needs three or four players and sees a midfield enforcer as a major necessity for the European and domestic campaigns. Tom Huddlestone has been tried out in the anchor role but Parker is more used to playing in the pivotal position, and Redknapp wants him despite his age. The Spurs chief sees Parker and Manchester City's Craig Bellamy as two of he players with knowhow who could take his team on from their excellent top-four finish. Both Parker and Bellamy have little to no re-sale value – something Levy always prefers – but that is not stopping the manager from plotting a big coup for them in the coming weeks.
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West Ham battling to sign former Newcastle defender
Published 23:00 26/07/10 By Football Spy
The Mirror
West Ham are battling with Hamburg to sign former Newcastle defender Jean-Alain Boumsong who is not wanted by French club Lyon. French international Boumsong, 30, has a year left on his Lyon deal but the club have told him they will not renew his contract when it expires. Lyon say West Ham have inquired without making an offer while Hamburg are also keen.
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Nice deny West Ham target Loic Remy is holding out for a better offer
By ASHLEY GRAY
Last updated at 4:05 PM on 26th July 2010
Daily Mail
Nice have dismissed suggestions that Loic Remy is not keen on a move to West Ham United. The 23-year-old has many suitors - including Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham and his former club Lyon - but the Hammers are the only club to table an acceptable bid to Nice. Remy has previously spoken of his desire to play in the Barclays Premier League, but it has been suggested he is holding out for a better offer than that on the table from Upton Park. However, Nice president Gilbert Stellardo insists: 'West Ham? Remy is definitely interested. I have heard about interest from Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal, but I've had no contact.
'The only clubs I have talked to are West Ham and Fenerbahce. Fenerbahce have also contacted Rennes about Asamoah Gyan and Lyon about Bafetimbi Gomis. If either of those players leave, it is not impossible that their clubs will turn to Loic as well.'
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Avram Grant promises to add to West Ham's summer signings after weeks of frustration
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 5:38 PM on 26th July 2010
Daily Mail
West Ham manager Avram Grant hopes to add more players to his squad before the start of the season. Grant has signed Thomas Hitzlsperger, Frederic Piquionne and Pablo Barrera since being appointed as Hammers boss on June 3. Co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan are keen to add more depth to the squad after the team only just managed to escape relegation under previous manager Gianfranco Zola last term. Moves for defender Tal Ben Haim, who Grant used to manage at Portsmouth, and France international striker Loic Remy have failed to materialise so far while the club's audacious attempt to sign Joe Cole on a free transfer ended in failure when he opted to sign for Liverpool. Grant held his first training session with the whole of the first-team squad at the club's training ground this morning, with Matthew Upson, Robert Green, Jonathan Spector and Valon Behrami all returning from World Cup duty. The Israeli has been pleased with how the team have performed in pre-season but is still determined to add more players to the ranks before the club's season-opener against Aston Villa on August 14. 'The squad is not complete yet, we told the players we want to make the squad as strong as we can,' said Grant. 'Even if the club are limited with money, because we are in debt, we know what we are doing and we know we want to do. 'The owners are trying to give their best for the team so we will buy or loan a few more players. Even if I don't like loans so much - most players here will be players for the long term.'
West Ham have reportedly made a £12million bid for highly-rated Remy, who is said to be on the radar of some of Europe's top clubs. Nice chairman Gilbert Stellardo confirmed that West Ham have been in touch with the French club about a potential transfer, and that the 23-year-old is interested in a move to Upton Park. 'West Ham? Remy is definitely interested,' said Stellardo. 'Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal? I have heard about their interest but I have had no contact.
'The only clubs I have talked to are West Ham and Fenerbahce. 'Fenerbahce have also contacted Rennes about Asamoah Gyan and Lyon about Bafetimbi Gomis. If either of those players leave, it is not impossible that their clubs will turn to Loic as well.'
West Ham are unbeaten in pre-season having followed up an away win over Peterborough with victories over Borussia Monchengladbach and Panathinaikos while on the club's pre-season tour of Germany and Austria. Grant has been pleased with his team's efforts so far, but admits they will have to step up a gear if they are be ready to take on Martin O'Neill's side at Villa Park in just under three weeks' time. 'We set ourselves a few targets in Germany and the players were good and positive,' Grant added. 'They showed quality and many things for the future. Our aim is to be prepared for a long season. "It is about stepping it up. In three weeks we will play Aston Villa so we have done what we needed to do. 'Now we will go to the next stage. We will work on tactics and the style of the team. The physical side was very good. 'Also we needed to deal with the international players that have only just started to train and they are looking good.'
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Transfer latest
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 27th July 2010
By: Staff Writer
Tal Ben Haim's postponed move to east London could be back on.
The Israeli international agreed terms with the Hammers, as we reported previously, only to fail a routine medical as a result of a persistent groin problem. However the Standard report that United are now looking to take the 28-year-old on loan from Portsmouth instead of offering Ben Haim a permanent deal, giving im the season to prove his long-term fitness.
Meanwhile little has changed with regard to Loic Remy's on/off move to West Ham, despite both clubs having reportedly agreed terms. The only hold up now appears to be as a result of the player's indecision - he has previously expressed a preference to join Liverpool ,from the teams currently linked with him.
As mentioned here, pacy winger Miralem Sulejmani is rumoured to be joining West Ham later this week along with a new assistant manager, Aeljko Petrovic. The two are well known to each other, having both emerged from the former Yugoslavia.
Another player expected to arrive at Chadwell Heath this week is Argentinian youngster Milton Caraglio. Like Ben Haim, the 21-year-old forward - who currently plays for Rosario Central in the Argentinian First Division has suffered his fair share of injury problems but is considered an extremely bright young talent, despite having barely played since sustaining a long-term knee injury last season. Proving his fitness could earn the player a move worth around £5million.
Oft-linked with a move to West Ham has been Chelsea's part-time right back Paulo Ferreira - and yet again the two names are being spoken together. Now 31, the Portuguese full-back made 20 appearances from the Blues last season to whom he is contracted until 2013. The Hammers are still looking to strengthen their defence, with others such as Lyon's out-of-contract 27-year-old Francois Clerc being mooted as a possible arrival.
Finally, Real Madrid legend Raul has revealed that his future lies in either Germany or England, having left the club where he spent the last 18 years. West Ham are yet to be linked with a move for the 33-year-old former Spanish international but given David Sullivan and David Gold's penchant for a 'marquee signing' don't be surprised to see that one crop up at some stage.
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West Ham trials for Rosario Central striker Milton Caraglio
27.07.10 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United are keen to run the rule over Argentine striker Milton Caraglio. The 21-year-old suffered a knee injury last season which kept him out of Diego Maradona's squad for the World Cup Finals. He is now reported to be fit and will join up with West Ham in order for them to assess his fitness. A provisional £5million deal is already in place with his club, Rosario Central.
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West Ham boss Grant targets right-back signing
27.07.10 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United manager Avram Grant is still on the lookout for another right-back before the start of the season. Julien Faubert played at right-back last season. But Grant moved the Frenchman to his original position in midfield on the club's two-match tour of Germany, preferring England Under-21 player James Tomkins on the right-side of the back four.
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Roma making offer for West Ham midfielder Behrami
27.07.10 | tribalfootball.com
AS Roma are making a bid for West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami. Corriere dello Sport says Behrami already given his word to Roma after being put on the transfer list at the end of last season. Behrami has received another couple of offers, but he would like to return to Italy just two years after leaving Roma's rivals Lazio. However, Roma need to sell before they can start negotiations for the 25-year-old player.
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