Tonks ready for Samba test
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins and his Team GB team-mates will face the mighty Brazil on
Friday
19.07.2012
James Tomkins and his Team GB team-mates will step up their preparations for
the London 2012 Olympic Games when they face Brazil at Middlesbrough on
Friday evening. The West Ham United defender and his colleagues will take on
the South Americans in their one and only warm-up fixture at the Riverside
Stadium in a game that will be screened live on BBC1 (7.45pm kick-off).
Tomkins will have a tough assignment against the Bazilians, who have
included AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato, FC Porto frontman Hulk and Santos
pair Neymar and Ganso in their squad. Naturally, the Hammers No5 cannot wait
to test himself against some of the finest attackers in world football. "You
know what to expect when it comes to Brazil," Tomkins told TheFA.com as Team
GB prepared for the Olympics at their training camp in southern Spain
earlier this week. "The will be technically very good and we'll have periods
of the game where we might not have too much of the ball, so we'll have to
be very disciplined as a team. "I've watched Brazil so many times over the
years and you know they bring up the young lads the exact same way. I'm
looking forward to it as an experience of another country I've not played
before and hopefully I can be part of the match."
The match at Middlebrough's Riverside Stadium on Friday is part of an
historic double-header match as Team GB Women's face Sweden earlier that
afternoon.
Tomkins, who was part of the West Ham team that won 2-0 at Middlesbrough in
the npower Championship in November 2011, is looking forward to returning to
Teesside. "It's a big pitch and physically demanding, but it's about what we
can get out of the game to help us in the tournament. Results come later on,
I'm sure this is going to be a great occasion, and it would be great to get
the confidence going early on."
Team GB have twice won the Gold medal, at the first-ever Olympic football
tournament in London in 1908 and again in Stockholm in 1912. However, Team
GB have not competed in the competition since 1960. This summer, Stuart
Pearce's side will kick-off their bid for Gold when they face Mohamed
Diame's Senegal in Group A at Old Trafford on 26 July. Team GB will travel
to Wembley to take on United Arab Emirates on 29 July before completing the
group stage with a fixture with Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium on 1
August. Sixteen teams will compete in the Olympic football tournament, with
the Gold medal match taking place at Wembley on 11 August.
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Duo join Douglas bidding
Fulham and West Ham lodge bids for Newcastle target
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated: July
19, 2012 12:42pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands that Fulham and West Ham United have both made offers
for FC Twente defender Douglas. Sky Sports revealed earlier this week that
Newcastle United had firmed up their interest in the Brazilian-born Douglas
by lodging a bid. But the Magpies have rival interest from the Premier
League and we can confirm both Fulham and West Ham have tabled offers.
Douglas, 24, will gain Dutch nationality next month which means he will be
able to play in the Premier League without any need for a work permit. He
has been linked with clubs in Italy and Germany, but it is believed he would
relish the prospect of playing in England.
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Hammers Bid to Sign Douglas!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham have made an offer for FC Twente centre-back, Douglas, following
the Dutch club's rejection of Newcastle Utd's £3m bid last week. The Geordie
interest in the player has been known for some time, although they appear to
have taken an inordinate amount of time to follow up on it. It seems that
the rejection of their offer has now sparked West Ham in to submitting an
alternative bid. However, West Ham are not alone in their interest,
apparently Fulham are also keen to acquire the defender..
Although Brasilian by birth, Douglas will gain Dutch nationality next month,
allowing him to play in the Premier League without a work permit. So, that
would be one very large obstacle to a deal out of the way.
It seems that the story about West Ham's interest in Southend Utd utility
man, Bilel Mohsni is perfectly true. The Frenchman, who has been training
with the Hammers since Wednesday, is to be included in West Ham Development
Squad for the pre-season friendly against Grays Athletic on Friday night.
For those that wish to attend, the match will be played at the Rush Green
Stadium, with a 7.45pm kick off. While the first team squad head off to
Colchester on Saturday for their next schedued pre-season fixture..
Regardless of his sharpness in pre-season, the strong rumours persist that
Sam Baldock is due to exit he club this summer, whether on a season long
loan or a permanent deal. Possible suitors include Crystal Palace, Bristol
City and Ipswich Town. Personally, I would like to see Baldock given his
chance at PL level, but failing that, loan him out to a decent Championship
side like Paul Jewell's and monitor developments. if, as alleged in some
quarters, it is a case of Sam Allardyce wanting to move the player on, then
a permanent exit is probable. It would be a very disappointing and premature
end to Baldock's time with the club, but at the end of the day, Allardyce is
paid to make these decisions! And he will be criticised if he gets it wrong.
Although previously lamented exits by the likes of Stanislas and Hines have
not exactly come back to haunt him, so perhaps we should just trust his
judgement?
Finally, it seems that some supporters are playing a guessing game of 'who
are the two defenders.' Twitter sources have stated that deals for two
defenders are at an advanced stage. If true, who are they, Simpson, Ba,
Olsson, Dann? As always, we must wait to see?
SJ. Chandos.
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Torr war
The Sun
Published: Today at 00:39
WEST HAM, QPR and Blackburn are in a fight to sign £2million-rated Getafe
star Miguel Torres. The former Spain Under-21 right-back, 26, said: "English
football is a paradise for any player. I believe my sporting future will be
there."
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TRANSFER RUMOUR: Paul Jewell reignites interest in West Ham's Sam Baldock
EADT.co.uk
By Dave Gooderham
Thursday, July 19, 2012
10:42 PM
IPSWICH Town have enquired about the possibility of taking West Ham striker
Sam Baldock on a season-long loan, with a view to a permanent deal next
year.
And we understand the forward is keen to join Paul Jewell's side rather than
sit on the sidelines as Hammers boss Sam Allardyce looking elsewhere for
firepower.
Baldock was first mentioned in connection with the Blues in May – even
before West Ham gained promotion via the play-offs. Since then, the striker
has actually impressed in pre-season, scoring in three consecutive
friendlies. But his chances of being a Premier League success at Upton Park
were hit this week when the Hammers signed Mali international frontman
Modibo Maiga for £5 million. Baldock might sit tight for a while – with
fellow striker Ricardo Vaz Te demanding a hike in wages after shooting the
Hammers into the Premier League. But Jewell is monitoring the situation
surrounding the 23-year-old very closely and is ready to pounce with
divisional rivals Charlton also showing interest. Speaking after tonight's
1-1 draw with Den Bosch, Jewell admitted he was looking for a big targetman
– but this might not stop him adding former MK Dons striker Baldock as well.
The Blues boss admitted he was hopeful of making a fourth summer signing
sooner rather than later saying he had "a few things going on". He revealed:
"We need a big centre forward, a bit of physicality." Regarding another
striking target, Steve Davies from Derby, Jewell added: "We have not made a
bid, but I spoke to Nigel Clough on Wednesday to say we do have other
targets. "We are hopeful of getting one in particular very quickly."
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Southend United's Bilel Mohsni set to play for West Ham's development squad
against Grays Athletic
Echo News
5:21pm Thursday 19th July 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips
BILEL Mohsni is set to play West Ham United's development squad in a
pre-season friendly against Grays Athletic on Friday night. The Frenchman,
who still has a year left on his contract at Southend United, has been
training with the Hammers since Wednesday. The match will be played at the
Rush Green Stadium and kicks off at 7.45pm. It remains to be seen if the
24-year-old will also line up for West Ham United when they head to
Colchester on Saturday.
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Revealed: The Truth about West Ham United new boy Modibo Maiga!
Posted on July 19, 2012 Claus
Footballrascal.com
It is not often West Ham sign a player that leave fans scratching their
heads thinking 'who?' or 'never eard of him'…my mistake, it is pretty common
practice at Upton Park (Marco Boogers anyone?). The arrival of Sam Allardyce
will do little to help this, there are generally only three types of players
that 'Big Sam' signs: Veteran's, former players or complete unknowns and for
many Hammers fans the clubs new gun, Modibo Maiga, fits in to the latter
category. But the big man from Bamako may have more in common with West Ham
than you would think.
Modibo Maiga arrives at Upton Park to become the second Mali international
to grace the hallowed turf, that's if you count Freddie Kanoute as he hadn't
defected from France whilst he was still at West Ham. It is no surprise that
the Hammers new boy is being compared to his Malian predecessor for obvious
reasons, but these two have more than their nationality in common. Maiga is
a forward that has some similar characteristics to Kanoute; they are both
skillful and strong with the ball at their feet, they hold the ball up well,
win headers and are both composed in front of goal, but the majority of
Maiga's attributes are more reminiscent of another former West Ham striker…
Demba Ba was supposed to be joined at Newcastle by Modibo Maiga during last
summer's transfer window and Maiga even went on strike to force a move. The
striker was then supposed to be joining Newcastle again last January before
Papiss Cisse arrived. The reason Maiga didn't sign wasn't down to his bad
attitude, no no no, it was down to the fact his knee failed a medical in a
very Demba Ba/Stoke-esq kind of way. The other theory I have is that they
made up an excuse because Maiga was too similar to Ba.
Both Ba and Maiga often find themselves in wide area's which would leave no
one through the middle, so technically it would have been difficult for them
to play them together. It is not just positionally where they are similar,
they score the same kind of goals; powerful headers, good finishes, whilst
neither one particularly likes defending. So far we have established that
Modibo Maiga is a cross between Freddie Kanoute and Demba Ba – doesn't sound
too bad? Well not all stories have a happy ending because there is another
current West Ham player that Maiga has something in common with…
The bad news is it is Carlton Cole. Firstly the good news, they are
different types of player and the bottom line is that Maiga doesn't look too
bad and is a far cry from Carlton Cole in terms of style and talent. But if
we compare the two's headline career stats, things are a little too similar:
Carlton Cole – total games: 298 – total goals 73 – goal to game ratio: 0.24
Modibo Maiga – total games: 149 – total goals 39 – goal to game ratio: 0.26
We also need to bare in mind that Maiga was playing in a league which is of
a lower standard, but over his career he has only produced a record similar
to that of Carlton Cole when it comes to goal return. His best season was in
2010/11 with Sochaux where he managed 15 goals in a very creative side where
he was supported by some classy midfielders and a good partner in attack, if
he is to get a similar return he will need similar service at West Ham.
It is not just all about goals, it is about what he contributes to the team,
so lets look at assists and we will use Carlton Cole again as the benchmark.
Carlton Cole has played 298 games and has 28 career assists – that a ratio
of 0.09 or one assist every 10 games. Maiga has played 149 games and has 14
assists, which also gives him an assist ratio 0f 0.09. The good news is
Maiga does have other actual playing stats that do go in his favour such as
his shooting accuracy which was the second best in France's Ligue 1 last
season and he was the third best striker in Ligue 1 at converting his
chances.
Like any foreign import that comes in to the Premier League, you don't know
what you are going to get. Maiga is only 24 and there is no doubt the man
has potential and his pace and power should suit the Premier League. If West
Ham surround him with the right type of creative players, and if he fits in
to a system that allows him the freedom to roam across the front line, he
should do well at Upton Park – besides he is hardly a gamble in today's
market considering he reportedly cost under £5m. The jury is out on Maiga,
but a couple of pre-season goals and a few will be putting him in their
Dream Team…he has everything going for him and the potential, it is up to
him if he realises it.
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Hearn dreams of Olympic ground-share with West Ham
Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
July 19, 2012«
ESPN
Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn has told ESPN that he wants the League
One club to share the Olympic Stadium with West Ham after this summer's
Games in London. Hearn has previously spoken out against the Hammers'
attempts to move into the ground in Stratford as he believes it would lead
to the demise of Orient, whose main fanbase and Matchroom Stadium are
located close by. However, the sports promoter is now ready to accept a
compromise - suggesting that Orient could be joint-tenants with West Ham.
Ground sharing is rare in English football with Fulham the last top-flight
club to do so when they moved into QPR's Loftus Road while Craven Cottage
was redeveloped between 2002 and 2004. Hearn believes, though, that AC Milan
and Inter Milan at the San Siro, and Roma and Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico,
provide examples of it working successfully. "We have submitted plans for us
to take occupancy of the Olympic Stadium and work our fixtures around any
other tenants, and I would share the stadium with West Ham in a heartbeat,"
Hearn told ESPN. "My Martin Luther King moment is that I, too, have a dream,
and rather than West Ham put us out of business it is to let us have the
Olympic Stadium. The real legacy, the real intention of a legacy is to allow
the east end clubs to prosper. "If AC Milan and Inter Milan can share the
San Siro, I cannot see the problem of ground sharing in this country. Our
plan is to have a football-friendly, vibrant stadium. The legacy for this
stadium is better suited to that idea, surely? "If they give it to West Ham
alone, it would put us out of business. If we can have the stadium, it can
help us invest in the team and aim to become a Championship side "We are the
Cinderella club of the east end, but it is time for us to go to the ball."
It has also been claimed that Leyton Orient were preparing to be a part of a
bid from Formula One, who are reportedly considering holding a Grand Prix
around the Olympic Park. However, Hearn dismissed the idea, adding: "I am
sure [F1 chief executive] Bernie [Ecclestone] has a clever scheme but F1
cars whizzing around and inside the stadium, I don't think so. Cars going
through the Olympic Park, again I doubt it."
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Abdoulaye Faye gives Hull City deal the thumbs up as Steve Bruce targets up
to four more signings
Thursday, July 19, 2012Hull Daily Mail
HULL City are close to tying up a deal to land Abdoulaye Faye after the
defender yesterday gave the thumbs up to join Steve Bruce's side. The
34-year-old free agent had been mulling over a contract offer from the
Tigers following talks with Bruce on Tuesday. Abdoulaye Faye blocks Matty
Fryatt during West Ham's 2-0 win at the KC Stadium last year. A one-year
deal was thought to have been tabled and after positive further dialogue in
the last 24 hours, it appears Faye is keen on becoming the latest addition
to City's quickening recruitment drive. The former Bolton, Newcastle, Stoke
and West Ham defender, who has racked up over 200 appearances since his
arrival in English football seven years ago, has received offers from
overseas and from a rival club in the Championship. However, with Bruce
persuading Faye he can be part of another push for the Premier League, the
former Senegal international has leaned towards the KC Stadium. Providing
any late hitches can be avoided, the capture of Faye should come as another
step forward for Bruce.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, July 20
Thursday, July 19
Daily WHUFC News - 19th July 2012
Hammers move for Maiga
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have completed the signing of Mali international forward
Modibo Maiga
18.07.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Mali international
forward Modibo Maiga. The 24-year-old has linked up with the Hammers from
French side FC Sochaux-Montbeliard for an undisclosed fee, signing on a
four-year contract with an option for a further two years. Maiga, who can
play as a centre forward or on the wing, has scored 24 league goals in the
last two seasons to become one of the hottest properties in Ligue 1. The
player, who becomes West Ham's fifth summer arrival following Mohamed Diame,
George McCartney, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson, told whufc.com
of his pleasure at completing his move to the Boleyn Ground. "I am really
happy and excited about joining West Ham United," said Maiga. "I know West
Ham are a big club in England and I'm really looking forward to representing
them. They have huge tradition and it is like joining part of a family and
that is one of the main reasons I wanted to come here. "I know some of the
big names that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be
part of a new team back in the Premier League."
Born in the Malian capital Bamako, Maiga began his career with Stade Malien
in his homeland at the age of 15 in 2003, but his undoubted talent and
potential saw him snapped up by leading Moroccan club Raja Casablanca the
following year. After winning the Moroccan League and Arab Champions League,
Maiga joined French Ligue 1 side Le Mans UC72 in 2007, where he played
alongside Arsenal forward Gervinho and Sunderland attacking midfielder
Stephane Sessegnon. The African netted 15 goals in 88 league appearances for
Le Mans before moving to Sochaux, where he quickly struck up a potent
partnership with Nigerian Ideye Brown.
Maiga netted 16 goals in his first season with Les Lionceaux, helping the
club to finish fifth in Ligue 1 and qualify for the UEFA Europa League. Last
term, the forward scored nine times in 23 league appearances as Sochaux
finished 14th, while he also made his debut in European competition. At
international level, Maiga featured regularly for Mali at age-group level,
appearing against England in the UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup Under-18 tournament
in Egypt in 2003. At senior level, he has scored five goals in 31
appearances and appeared at the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. However, he
contracted malaria while participating in the competition and was thus
hospitalized and had to miss the 1-0 semi-final defeat by Cote d'Ivoire.
Maiga becomes the second Malian to represent West Ham, following fellow
forward Frederic Kanoute. Now 34 and still playing in China, Kanoute scored
33 goals in 92 appearances for the Hammers between March 2000 and May 2003.
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Macca planning to pick up pace
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald is looking for the Hammers squad to continue to improve their
fitness in the coming weeks
18.07.2012
West Ham United assistant manager Neil McDonald drew on the positives after
a trip to the Kassam Stadium ended in a 1-0 defeat by Oxford United on
Tuesday night. After a 3-0 win over Southend United on Saturday, the Hammers
were hoping to continue their winning streak, but despite their dominance
they were unable to convert any of their chances. The only goal of the match
came in the 36th minute, when George McCartney's clearing header was met by
Deane Smalley, who fired home superbly into the top corner of the net. The
strike is sure to live long in the memory of the Oxford No10 and was worthy
of winning any game. Speaking to West Ham TV after the game, Macca said he
was pleased with the side's effort although he admits they just lacked a
killer instinct in front of goal. "It was a hard-fought game and Oxford
played a really good tempo," he said. "It was a good test and they scored a
great goal in the top corner. We made a few changes and for the young lads
to come on and press and make a couple of chances was great. "We're happy
everyone got through 60 minutes, which we thought they would, and it's
another step forward to making sure we're ready for our opening game against
Aston Villa. "We're just trying to get the players though and get them up 70
or 80 minutes next. Oxford provided a stern test and they were on their game
and caused us a few problems that we thought they would. We'll be working
hard to iron out those problems to make sure we're right physically and
mentally for the first game."
Rob Hall, who enjoyed two successful loan spells at Oxford last season, also
featured for the Hammers as a second-half substitute and came close to
grabbing an equaliser when he hit the outside of the post. "Rob looked very
sharp indeed. He's been away with England Under-19s and has had a couple of
cameo appearances for us. We know we've still got a bit to do individually
as well as a team and we'll be doing that on the training pitch over the
next few weeks."
Stephen Henderson made a welcome return from a thigh strain between the
posts. Macca was happy to see the Ireland stopper back in action as the
competition with Jussi Jaaskelainen for the No1 jersey hots up. "He looked
very sharp and was only beaten by a fantastic shot. He's not had too much to
do but he's been very comfortable. He's a good kicker of the ball so it was
an impressive 90 minutes from him." The second-half changes handed a host of
Academy products another chance of pre-season first-team football. The likes
of George Moncur, Blair Turgott and Eoin Wearen all looked at home in the
Hammers new away kit and Macca explained how the experience will do them
well in the long-term. "It's great they got some game time. They
complemented the team and we tried to stick them in with some older pros as
well so they didn't get overrun. A couple of them have played in some games
and it's a great experience for them."
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'We're getting fitter'
WHUFC.com
George McCartney believes the Hammers are building up well for the new
season
17.07.2012
George McCartney believes West Ham United are on track to be ready for the
start of the Barclays Premier League season. The Hammers were beaten 1-0 in
their latest pre-season fixture at npower League Two club Oxford United on
Tuesday evening, but the experienced left-back knows fitness is more
important than results at this stage. Oxford's players were clearly eager to
impress against their higher-ranked visitors and, during the first half
especially, the home side snapped into tackles all over the pitch. West
Ham's players did not back down from the challenge, making for a competitive
opening 45 minutes. For McCartney and his team-mates, it was simply a case
of ensuring they got a good workout against the U's and came home from the
Kassam Stadium unscathed and ready for the more important league battles
ahead. "I think we're training well and with each match we're getting fitter
and are gradually upping the game time and get ourselves prepared for the
start of the season," he confirmed. "It was a competitive game. Especially
in the first half, a few players were going a bit strong in the tackles and
things got a bit heated but thankfully nobody has got injured. "We've got
some more fitness work and sharpness out of the game and the passing and
movement and everything else will improve over the next three or four weeks.
Obviously we wanted to win the game, but the main thing was getting more
fitness. "For us, I think it's about getting as much hard work and fitness
out of it as we can, but for them it's a big game and they want to prove
themselves and test themselves. "No matter what team you play against, you
always want to do well and I think especially in the first half they were
biting into the tackles. "Games like this, their players want to prove
themselves, but from our point of view we want to come through without
getting injured and having improved our fitness. Saying that, football is a
competitive game and Tuesday was a tough one and we can move on and forward
to Colchester United on Saturday."
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West Ham sign Mali striker Modibo Maiga on four-year deal
By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport
West Ham have signed Mali striker Modibo Maiga from French club Sochaux on a
four-year deal for a fee of about £4.7m. The 24-year-old, who can play
centre forward or on the wing, has a contract option for a further two
years. "I know West Ham are a big club in England and I'm really looking
forward to representing them," he said. Maiga scored 24 goals in 52 games
for Sochaux after joining from Le Mans in July 2010.
"I am really happy and excited about joining West Ham United. They have huge
tradition and it is like joining part of a family and that is one of the
main reasons I wanted to come here," he added. "I know some of the big names
that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be part of a new
team back in the Premier League."
Maiga went on strike during the 2011 summer transfer window as he tried to
secure a move to Newcastle, but eventually failed a medical at the Magpies
in January because of a problem with one of his knees. Maiga becomes the
second Malian to represent West Ham, after fellow forward Frederic Kanoute.
Now 34 and still playing in China, Kanoute scored 33 goals in 92 matches for
the Hammers between March 2000 and May 2003. He is the fifth summer signing
at Upton Park following goalkeepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen
Henderson, defender George McCartney and midfielder Mohamed Diame. West Ham
were promoted back to the Premiership after beating Blackpool in the
Championship play-off final to return to the top flight after a year's
absence.
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Sam Allardyce files writ against Steve Kean and Blackburn
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is taking legal action against former club
Blackburn and successor Steve Kean. Full details of the High Court case have
not been made public. Allardyce reportedly instructed solicitors after a
video clip was published on the internet in May which allegedly showed Kean
criticising him. A spokesman for Allardyce said: "He has issued legal
proceedings against Steve Kean and Blackburn Rovers but is unable to comment
further at this time." No-one from Blackburn was available for comment. The
case was filed at the High Court in London on 12 July. Kean, who replaced
Allardyce as Blackburn boss in December 2010, has stayed on at Ewood Park
despite the club's relegation from the Premier League last season and calls
from many supporters for him to be sacked. In the video, Kean appears to
make unguarded remarks about Allardyce to supporters in a bar during the
club's pre-season tour of Hong Kong in 2011.
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Sam Sues
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th July 2012
By: Staff Writer No.2
It is being reported this evening that Sam Allardyce is to take legal action
against former club Blackburn Rovers and their manager Steve Kean. Although
full details of the case have not been made public, the action is believed
to centre around critical remarks made by Kean to supporters in a bar during
a tour to Hong Kong last year. The comments later turned up on the internet
having been filmed on a supporter's mobile 'phone. According to the BBC a
spokesman for Allardyce confirmed that proceedings were commenced on 12 July
and that there would be "no further comment at this time".
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Talking 'bout Maiga
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have completed the signing of Malian international striker Modibo
Maiga. As exclusively revealed here on KUMB earlier in the week, Maiga
arrived in London on Monday afternoon ahead of a medical. With that
successfully concluded yesterday, the former Sochaux forward completed his
contractual obligations earlier today and becomes West Ham's fifth signing
of pre-season. The 24-year-old, who is understood to have cost an initial
£5million told whufc.com: "I am really happy and excited about joining West
Ham United. "I know West Ham are a big club in England and I'm really
looking forward to representing them. They have huge tradition and it is
like joining part of a family and that is one of the main reasons I wanted
to come here. "I know some of the big names that have played for the club in
the past and I am proud to be part of a new team back in the Premier
League."
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Mohsni on down
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Southend United's Bilel Mohsni could make his first appearance in a West Ham
shirt at Colchester this weekend. The 24-year-old central defender has
revealed that he is currently on trial with the Hammers - and he is in line
to make an appearance at the Weston Homes Stadium this weekend when Sam
Allardyce's side take on the Essex side in their latest pre-season friendly.
Speaking via his Facebook page last night, the Shrimpers defender - who can
also play up front - said: "I am leaving the club; I dont know where I will
sign and I only discovered that West Ham were taking me on trial a couple of
days ago. "I want to play at a higher level but I will never forget the
Blues, Southend United. Thanks to the fans for the support, the Chairman and
[manager] Paul Sturrock and the squad I played with. "I have some very good
memories and wish you all the best for the new season. I hope to see
Southend United in the Premier League [one day]."
Mohsni became a cult figure at Southend after joining them two years ago
having snubbed the chance to remain in France. A controversial figure, he
has been sent off three times in the last two years, twice travelled home
alone from away games having fell out with his fellow employees whilst
making a number of appearances in the local press for his off-field antics.
Speaking to the local press back in May, he said: "I can understand people
thinking I'm mad and crazy because I sometimes look back at videos of myself
in games and think the same. But I'm not crazy, I'm just me. "I just hate
losing and react badly to it. I think my temper has improved and I have
tried hard to not lose my cool. I have to say I find it harder to do that
when I'm playing as a striker - and I think maybe it's a good idea if I
don't play there again because that's when I get most annoyed."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham bid 'one of four'
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United FC's bid for the Olympic Stadium is one of four currently
under consideration, it has been revealed. West Ham, the UCFB College of
Football Business, Formula 1 and Leyton Orient are the four parties who are
challenging to take the reigns of the stadium post-games. However Orient's
plans - tabled by Chairman Barry Hearn - would involve a ground share with
West Ham, something that has already been rejected by West Ham co-chairman
David Gold.
"There is no point dwelling on the design of the stadium and the faults of
the stadium," Hearn told the BBC. "We have to get on with it, we have to
make a fist of it and we have to make sure the Government and the people of
this country get maximum value for the investment that has gone into the
Olympic Stadium.
"Our idea does that and I think it forms part of a legacy that people in
this country can be proud of. Bearing in mind this is the only time in our
lifetime that we are ever going to hold the Olympic Games, we need to get
something out of it. "A mixture of usages and a mixture of opportunity
within the Olympic Stadium will give us the feeling that we have spent our
money wisely and that is really what we are trying to achieve. All sides
have to exercise common sense and move forward. I think we have created a
very interesting scheme that can do just that."
Gold responded to a question of the possibility of teaming up with Hearn's
club via his Twitter account by stating: "Absolutely not."
On your marks: the four contestents
West Ham United: Plan to turn the stadium into a 60,000-capacity venue for
football. Temporary seating, a new roof and various other amendments to the
existing site are planned as part of a redevelopment scheme.
Leyton Orient: Plan to allow West Ham to ground share with them should they
win approved status. West Ham Chairman David Gold has already said the club
wouldn't be interested in such a proposal.
UCFB College of Football Business: A partnership between Bucks New
University and UCFB offer degree courses, short courses, lecture series,
workshops and executive education in the practical setting of a football
business. Little is known about their plans for the stadium.
Formula 1: Plan to turn the stadium - and local area surrounding it - into a
Formula 1 track had been tabled by Intelligent Transport Services in
conjunction with F1.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No Hammers move for Mangane
Senegal star joins Al-Hilal instead after negotiations fall through
By Giscard Gourizro. Last Updated: July 18, 2012 4:30pm
SSN
Rennes defender Kader Mangane has revealed his disappointment that a move to
West Ham fell through as he heads for Saudi Arabia instead. The 29-year-old
Senegal international had held talks with newly-promoted West Ham about a
proposed switch to the Premier League. But his agent's demands are reported
to have been the stumbling block for the Hammers. Mangane has now signed a
deal to join Al-Hilal but the former Neuchatel Xamax centre-back is still
frustrated that his transfer to London did not come off. "I am disappointed
not to join West Ham," he told Sky Sports. "I really thought the deal would
happen until the last minute.
"It is unfortunate for me but you never know and my ambition is to play in
the Premier League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Maiga makes Hammers move
Malian striker signs four-year contract at Upton Park
Last Updated: July 18, 2012 4:59pm
SSN
West Ham United have announced that highly-rated striker Modibo Maiga has
joined the club on a four-year contract from French outfit Sochaux. The
24-year-old joins the Hammers for an undisclosed fee in a deal which
includes the option for two further years in London should he impress. Maiga
was expected to be on the move this summer, and was strongly linked with a
switch to England. Newcastle United came close to securing his services in
2011, but missed out and left the door open for the Hammers to make their
move 12 months on. The Mali international becomes Sam Allardyce's fifth
signing of a busy transfer window, as West Ham ready themselves for a return
to the top-flight.
Tradition
Maiga joins Mohamed Diame, George McCartney, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen
Henderson in making a move to Upton Park. "I am really happy and excited
about joining West Ham United," Maiga told the club's official website. "I
know West Ham are a big club in England and I'm really looking forward to
representing them.
"They have huge tradition and it is like joining part of a family, and that
is one of the main reasons that I wanted to come here. "I know some of the
big names that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be
part of a new team back in the Premier League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mohsni explains Southend snub
Last Updated: July 18, 2012 12:25pm
SSN
Bilel Mohsni has explained the reasons behind his desire to leave Southend
as he looks set for a trial with Premier League club West Ham. Shrimpers
boss Paul Sturrock revealed on Tuesday that the 24-year-old wanted a move
away from the League Two outfit and Mohsni has underlined his determination
to secure a transfer. "I think that after two years with Southend it is time
for me to move on because I want to play at another level," he told the
Echo. "I'm nearly 25 now so I'm not young anymore and I want to try and play
as high up as I can. I could only have another three or four years in the
game and I want to do the best that I can during the time. "If I was 18 then
I would definitely stay at Southend and play more matches to get experience.
However, I want to move on and I now have a chance to earn a transfer to the
biggest league with West Ham, which hopefully I can make the most of."
The defender-come-forward has had an eventful time at Roots Hall, impressing
with his performances while causing controversy with his conduct at times.
He failed to report for pre-season training in July and it appears as though
he has made his last appearance for Southend.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam sues Kean
The Sun
By JON WEST
Published: 18th July 2012
SAM ALLARDYCE is launching a bitter court battle against Steve Kean as
football heads for the dock again. Days after John Terry was cleared of
racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, West Ham boss Allardyce has accused
Blackburn chief Kean of slander in a High Court writ. Big Sam's case follows
a foul-mouthed, off-field tirade by his former No 2 Kean that was captured
on camera by Rovers fans and posted on the internet. Terry's case laid bare
the abuse dished out amongst players — now the hatred between some managers
will be exposed. In the video, Kean questions ex-Rovers boss Allardyce's
integrity and also claims the credit for discovering Phil Jones, now at
Manchester United. Asked about his relationship with Allardyce since
replacing him at Ewood Park in December 2010, Kean is allegedly heard
saying: "I haven't spoken to him. He mullered me so I said f*** him. "I
worked my b***s off for him and then he had a go at me so f*** him."
Allardyce has instructed his solicitors to sue both Kean and Blackburn — who
sacked him. A spokesman for the Hammers chief said: "He has issued legal
proceedings but is unable to comment further." The footage was taken in a
bar on the club's trip to Hong Kong last summer. Kean also claimed in the
video that Rovers would be in the Prem's top half and win the Carling Cup.
But the reality was they were relegated with Allardyce's side replacing them
in the top flight.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Into the Valley? West Ham striker pondering Charlton switch
The Mirror
Julian Finney
Charlton are keen on landing West Ham striker Sam Baldock to beef up their
Championship challenge. The ambitious League One winners are already
targeting a possible return to the Premier League under Chris Powell and
believe the 23-year-old Baldock could be the answer in a potential
£1.5million deal. Charlton's south London neighbours Crystal Palace are also
keen on Baldock, who scored 43 goals in 82 appearances for MK Dons before
his move to Upton Park last summer.
The striker scored six in as many games at the start of last season under
Sam Allardyce but after injury he lost his place following the arrivals of
Ricardo Vaz Te and Nicky Maynard. While Baldock wants to stay in the East
End and prove his quality he is understood to be keen for more first team
football and if he is surplus to requirements at Upton Park would consider a
change of scenery. The prospect of The Valley, where there is a renewed
sense of optimism under former Chalrton and England left-back Powell, would
appear the best fit if a formal bid is made and accepted by Allardyce.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce takes legal action against Steve Kean and Blackburn
'He has issued legal proceedings,' says spokesperson
Allardyce acts in response to internet video clip earlier in year
Guardian staff
The Guardian, Thursday 19 July 2012
The West Ham manager, Sam Allardyce, was replaced by Steve Kean when he was
sacked by Blackburn in 2010. Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images
Sam Allardyce is taking legal action against his former club Blackburn
Rovers and the man who replaced him at Ewood Park, Steve Kean. Allardyce is
reported to have acted after a video clip was published on the internet
earlier this year which allegedly showed Kean criticising him.
A spokesman for Allardyce told the BBC: "He has issued legal proceedings
against Steve Kean and Blackburn Rovers but is unable to comment further."
West Ham have completed the signing of Modibo Maïga from Sochaux on a
four-year deal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have completed the signing of Mali international forward
Modibo Maiga
18.07.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Mali international
forward Modibo Maiga. The 24-year-old has linked up with the Hammers from
French side FC Sochaux-Montbeliard for an undisclosed fee, signing on a
four-year contract with an option for a further two years. Maiga, who can
play as a centre forward or on the wing, has scored 24 league goals in the
last two seasons to become one of the hottest properties in Ligue 1. The
player, who becomes West Ham's fifth summer arrival following Mohamed Diame,
George McCartney, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson, told whufc.com
of his pleasure at completing his move to the Boleyn Ground. "I am really
happy and excited about joining West Ham United," said Maiga. "I know West
Ham are a big club in England and I'm really looking forward to representing
them. They have huge tradition and it is like joining part of a family and
that is one of the main reasons I wanted to come here. "I know some of the
big names that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be
part of a new team back in the Premier League."
Born in the Malian capital Bamako, Maiga began his career with Stade Malien
in his homeland at the age of 15 in 2003, but his undoubted talent and
potential saw him snapped up by leading Moroccan club Raja Casablanca the
following year. After winning the Moroccan League and Arab Champions League,
Maiga joined French Ligue 1 side Le Mans UC72 in 2007, where he played
alongside Arsenal forward Gervinho and Sunderland attacking midfielder
Stephane Sessegnon. The African netted 15 goals in 88 league appearances for
Le Mans before moving to Sochaux, where he quickly struck up a potent
partnership with Nigerian Ideye Brown.
Maiga netted 16 goals in his first season with Les Lionceaux, helping the
club to finish fifth in Ligue 1 and qualify for the UEFA Europa League. Last
term, the forward scored nine times in 23 league appearances as Sochaux
finished 14th, while he also made his debut in European competition. At
international level, Maiga featured regularly for Mali at age-group level,
appearing against England in the UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup Under-18 tournament
in Egypt in 2003. At senior level, he has scored five goals in 31
appearances and appeared at the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. However, he
contracted malaria while participating in the competition and was thus
hospitalized and had to miss the 1-0 semi-final defeat by Cote d'Ivoire.
Maiga becomes the second Malian to represent West Ham, following fellow
forward Frederic Kanoute. Now 34 and still playing in China, Kanoute scored
33 goals in 92 appearances for the Hammers between March 2000 and May 2003.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Macca planning to pick up pace
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald is looking for the Hammers squad to continue to improve their
fitness in the coming weeks
18.07.2012
West Ham United assistant manager Neil McDonald drew on the positives after
a trip to the Kassam Stadium ended in a 1-0 defeat by Oxford United on
Tuesday night. After a 3-0 win over Southend United on Saturday, the Hammers
were hoping to continue their winning streak, but despite their dominance
they were unable to convert any of their chances. The only goal of the match
came in the 36th minute, when George McCartney's clearing header was met by
Deane Smalley, who fired home superbly into the top corner of the net. The
strike is sure to live long in the memory of the Oxford No10 and was worthy
of winning any game. Speaking to West Ham TV after the game, Macca said he
was pleased with the side's effort although he admits they just lacked a
killer instinct in front of goal. "It was a hard-fought game and Oxford
played a really good tempo," he said. "It was a good test and they scored a
great goal in the top corner. We made a few changes and for the young lads
to come on and press and make a couple of chances was great. "We're happy
everyone got through 60 minutes, which we thought they would, and it's
another step forward to making sure we're ready for our opening game against
Aston Villa. "We're just trying to get the players though and get them up 70
or 80 minutes next. Oxford provided a stern test and they were on their game
and caused us a few problems that we thought they would. We'll be working
hard to iron out those problems to make sure we're right physically and
mentally for the first game."
Rob Hall, who enjoyed two successful loan spells at Oxford last season, also
featured for the Hammers as a second-half substitute and came close to
grabbing an equaliser when he hit the outside of the post. "Rob looked very
sharp indeed. He's been away with England Under-19s and has had a couple of
cameo appearances for us. We know we've still got a bit to do individually
as well as a team and we'll be doing that on the training pitch over the
next few weeks."
Stephen Henderson made a welcome return from a thigh strain between the
posts. Macca was happy to see the Ireland stopper back in action as the
competition with Jussi Jaaskelainen for the No1 jersey hots up. "He looked
very sharp and was only beaten by a fantastic shot. He's not had too much to
do but he's been very comfortable. He's a good kicker of the ball so it was
an impressive 90 minutes from him." The second-half changes handed a host of
Academy products another chance of pre-season first-team football. The likes
of George Moncur, Blair Turgott and Eoin Wearen all looked at home in the
Hammers new away kit and Macca explained how the experience will do them
well in the long-term. "It's great they got some game time. They
complemented the team and we tried to stick them in with some older pros as
well so they didn't get overrun. A couple of them have played in some games
and it's a great experience for them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'We're getting fitter'
WHUFC.com
George McCartney believes the Hammers are building up well for the new
season
17.07.2012
George McCartney believes West Ham United are on track to be ready for the
start of the Barclays Premier League season. The Hammers were beaten 1-0 in
their latest pre-season fixture at npower League Two club Oxford United on
Tuesday evening, but the experienced left-back knows fitness is more
important than results at this stage. Oxford's players were clearly eager to
impress against their higher-ranked visitors and, during the first half
especially, the home side snapped into tackles all over the pitch. West
Ham's players did not back down from the challenge, making for a competitive
opening 45 minutes. For McCartney and his team-mates, it was simply a case
of ensuring they got a good workout against the U's and came home from the
Kassam Stadium unscathed and ready for the more important league battles
ahead. "I think we're training well and with each match we're getting fitter
and are gradually upping the game time and get ourselves prepared for the
start of the season," he confirmed. "It was a competitive game. Especially
in the first half, a few players were going a bit strong in the tackles and
things got a bit heated but thankfully nobody has got injured. "We've got
some more fitness work and sharpness out of the game and the passing and
movement and everything else will improve over the next three or four weeks.
Obviously we wanted to win the game, but the main thing was getting more
fitness. "For us, I think it's about getting as much hard work and fitness
out of it as we can, but for them it's a big game and they want to prove
themselves and test themselves. "No matter what team you play against, you
always want to do well and I think especially in the first half they were
biting into the tackles. "Games like this, their players want to prove
themselves, but from our point of view we want to come through without
getting injured and having improved our fitness. Saying that, football is a
competitive game and Tuesday was a tough one and we can move on and forward
to Colchester United on Saturday."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham sign Mali striker Modibo Maiga on four-year deal
By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport
West Ham have signed Mali striker Modibo Maiga from French club Sochaux on a
four-year deal for a fee of about £4.7m. The 24-year-old, who can play
centre forward or on the wing, has a contract option for a further two
years. "I know West Ham are a big club in England and I'm really looking
forward to representing them," he said. Maiga scored 24 goals in 52 games
for Sochaux after joining from Le Mans in July 2010.
"I am really happy and excited about joining West Ham United. They have huge
tradition and it is like joining part of a family and that is one of the
main reasons I wanted to come here," he added. "I know some of the big names
that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be part of a new
team back in the Premier League."
Maiga went on strike during the 2011 summer transfer window as he tried to
secure a move to Newcastle, but eventually failed a medical at the Magpies
in January because of a problem with one of his knees. Maiga becomes the
second Malian to represent West Ham, after fellow forward Frederic Kanoute.
Now 34 and still playing in China, Kanoute scored 33 goals in 92 matches for
the Hammers between March 2000 and May 2003. He is the fifth summer signing
at Upton Park following goalkeepers Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen
Henderson, defender George McCartney and midfielder Mohamed Diame. West Ham
were promoted back to the Premiership after beating Blackpool in the
Championship play-off final to return to the top flight after a year's
absence.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce files writ against Steve Kean and Blackburn
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is taking legal action against former club
Blackburn and successor Steve Kean. Full details of the High Court case have
not been made public. Allardyce reportedly instructed solicitors after a
video clip was published on the internet in May which allegedly showed Kean
criticising him. A spokesman for Allardyce said: "He has issued legal
proceedings against Steve Kean and Blackburn Rovers but is unable to comment
further at this time." No-one from Blackburn was available for comment. The
case was filed at the High Court in London on 12 July. Kean, who replaced
Allardyce as Blackburn boss in December 2010, has stayed on at Ewood Park
despite the club's relegation from the Premier League last season and calls
from many supporters for him to be sacked. In the video, Kean appears to
make unguarded remarks about Allardyce to supporters in a bar during the
club's pre-season tour of Hong Kong in 2011.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Sues
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th July 2012
By: Staff Writer No.2
It is being reported this evening that Sam Allardyce is to take legal action
against former club Blackburn Rovers and their manager Steve Kean. Although
full details of the case have not been made public, the action is believed
to centre around critical remarks made by Kean to supporters in a bar during
a tour to Hong Kong last year. The comments later turned up on the internet
having been filmed on a supporter's mobile 'phone. According to the BBC a
spokesman for Allardyce confirmed that proceedings were commenced on 12 July
and that there would be "no further comment at this time".
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Talking 'bout Maiga
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have completed the signing of Malian international striker Modibo
Maiga. As exclusively revealed here on KUMB earlier in the week, Maiga
arrived in London on Monday afternoon ahead of a medical. With that
successfully concluded yesterday, the former Sochaux forward completed his
contractual obligations earlier today and becomes West Ham's fifth signing
of pre-season. The 24-year-old, who is understood to have cost an initial
£5million told whufc.com: "I am really happy and excited about joining West
Ham United. "I know West Ham are a big club in England and I'm really
looking forward to representing them. They have huge tradition and it is
like joining part of a family and that is one of the main reasons I wanted
to come here. "I know some of the big names that have played for the club in
the past and I am proud to be part of a new team back in the Premier
League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mohsni on down
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Southend United's Bilel Mohsni could make his first appearance in a West Ham
shirt at Colchester this weekend. The 24-year-old central defender has
revealed that he is currently on trial with the Hammers - and he is in line
to make an appearance at the Weston Homes Stadium this weekend when Sam
Allardyce's side take on the Essex side in their latest pre-season friendly.
Speaking via his Facebook page last night, the Shrimpers defender - who can
also play up front - said: "I am leaving the club; I dont know where I will
sign and I only discovered that West Ham were taking me on trial a couple of
days ago. "I want to play at a higher level but I will never forget the
Blues, Southend United. Thanks to the fans for the support, the Chairman and
[manager] Paul Sturrock and the squad I played with. "I have some very good
memories and wish you all the best for the new season. I hope to see
Southend United in the Premier League [one day]."
Mohsni became a cult figure at Southend after joining them two years ago
having snubbed the chance to remain in France. A controversial figure, he
has been sent off three times in the last two years, twice travelled home
alone from away games having fell out with his fellow employees whilst
making a number of appearances in the local press for his off-field antics.
Speaking to the local press back in May, he said: "I can understand people
thinking I'm mad and crazy because I sometimes look back at videos of myself
in games and think the same. But I'm not crazy, I'm just me. "I just hate
losing and react badly to it. I think my temper has improved and I have
tried hard to not lose my cool. I have to say I find it harder to do that
when I'm playing as a striker - and I think maybe it's a good idea if I
don't play there again because that's when I get most annoyed."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham bid 'one of four'
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United FC's bid for the Olympic Stadium is one of four currently
under consideration, it has been revealed. West Ham, the UCFB College of
Football Business, Formula 1 and Leyton Orient are the four parties who are
challenging to take the reigns of the stadium post-games. However Orient's
plans - tabled by Chairman Barry Hearn - would involve a ground share with
West Ham, something that has already been rejected by West Ham co-chairman
David Gold.
"There is no point dwelling on the design of the stadium and the faults of
the stadium," Hearn told the BBC. "We have to get on with it, we have to
make a fist of it and we have to make sure the Government and the people of
this country get maximum value for the investment that has gone into the
Olympic Stadium.
"Our idea does that and I think it forms part of a legacy that people in
this country can be proud of. Bearing in mind this is the only time in our
lifetime that we are ever going to hold the Olympic Games, we need to get
something out of it. "A mixture of usages and a mixture of opportunity
within the Olympic Stadium will give us the feeling that we have spent our
money wisely and that is really what we are trying to achieve. All sides
have to exercise common sense and move forward. I think we have created a
very interesting scheme that can do just that."
Gold responded to a question of the possibility of teaming up with Hearn's
club via his Twitter account by stating: "Absolutely not."
On your marks: the four contestents
West Ham United: Plan to turn the stadium into a 60,000-capacity venue for
football. Temporary seating, a new roof and various other amendments to the
existing site are planned as part of a redevelopment scheme.
Leyton Orient: Plan to allow West Ham to ground share with them should they
win approved status. West Ham Chairman David Gold has already said the club
wouldn't be interested in such a proposal.
UCFB College of Football Business: A partnership between Bucks New
University and UCFB offer degree courses, short courses, lecture series,
workshops and executive education in the practical setting of a football
business. Little is known about their plans for the stadium.
Formula 1: Plan to turn the stadium - and local area surrounding it - into a
Formula 1 track had been tabled by Intelligent Transport Services in
conjunction with F1.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No Hammers move for Mangane
Senegal star joins Al-Hilal instead after negotiations fall through
By Giscard Gourizro. Last Updated: July 18, 2012 4:30pm
SSN
Rennes defender Kader Mangane has revealed his disappointment that a move to
West Ham fell through as he heads for Saudi Arabia instead. The 29-year-old
Senegal international had held talks with newly-promoted West Ham about a
proposed switch to the Premier League. But his agent's demands are reported
to have been the stumbling block for the Hammers. Mangane has now signed a
deal to join Al-Hilal but the former Neuchatel Xamax centre-back is still
frustrated that his transfer to London did not come off. "I am disappointed
not to join West Ham," he told Sky Sports. "I really thought the deal would
happen until the last minute.
"It is unfortunate for me but you never know and my ambition is to play in
the Premier League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Maiga makes Hammers move
Malian striker signs four-year contract at Upton Park
Last Updated: July 18, 2012 4:59pm
SSN
West Ham United have announced that highly-rated striker Modibo Maiga has
joined the club on a four-year contract from French outfit Sochaux. The
24-year-old joins the Hammers for an undisclosed fee in a deal which
includes the option for two further years in London should he impress. Maiga
was expected to be on the move this summer, and was strongly linked with a
switch to England. Newcastle United came close to securing his services in
2011, but missed out and left the door open for the Hammers to make their
move 12 months on. The Mali international becomes Sam Allardyce's fifth
signing of a busy transfer window, as West Ham ready themselves for a return
to the top-flight.
Tradition
Maiga joins Mohamed Diame, George McCartney, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen
Henderson in making a move to Upton Park. "I am really happy and excited
about joining West Ham United," Maiga told the club's official website. "I
know West Ham are a big club in England and I'm really looking forward to
representing them.
"They have huge tradition and it is like joining part of a family, and that
is one of the main reasons that I wanted to come here. "I know some of the
big names that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be
part of a new team back in the Premier League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mohsni explains Southend snub
Last Updated: July 18, 2012 12:25pm
SSN
Bilel Mohsni has explained the reasons behind his desire to leave Southend
as he looks set for a trial with Premier League club West Ham. Shrimpers
boss Paul Sturrock revealed on Tuesday that the 24-year-old wanted a move
away from the League Two outfit and Mohsni has underlined his determination
to secure a transfer. "I think that after two years with Southend it is time
for me to move on because I want to play at another level," he told the
Echo. "I'm nearly 25 now so I'm not young anymore and I want to try and play
as high up as I can. I could only have another three or four years in the
game and I want to do the best that I can during the time. "If I was 18 then
I would definitely stay at Southend and play more matches to get experience.
However, I want to move on and I now have a chance to earn a transfer to the
biggest league with West Ham, which hopefully I can make the most of."
The defender-come-forward has had an eventful time at Roots Hall, impressing
with his performances while causing controversy with his conduct at times.
He failed to report for pre-season training in July and it appears as though
he has made his last appearance for Southend.
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Sam sues Kean
The Sun
By JON WEST
Published: 18th July 2012
SAM ALLARDYCE is launching a bitter court battle against Steve Kean as
football heads for the dock again. Days after John Terry was cleared of
racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, West Ham boss Allardyce has accused
Blackburn chief Kean of slander in a High Court writ. Big Sam's case follows
a foul-mouthed, off-field tirade by his former No 2 Kean that was captured
on camera by Rovers fans and posted on the internet. Terry's case laid bare
the abuse dished out amongst players — now the hatred between some managers
will be exposed. In the video, Kean questions ex-Rovers boss Allardyce's
integrity and also claims the credit for discovering Phil Jones, now at
Manchester United. Asked about his relationship with Allardyce since
replacing him at Ewood Park in December 2010, Kean is allegedly heard
saying: "I haven't spoken to him. He mullered me so I said f*** him. "I
worked my b***s off for him and then he had a go at me so f*** him."
Allardyce has instructed his solicitors to sue both Kean and Blackburn — who
sacked him. A spokesman for the Hammers chief said: "He has issued legal
proceedings but is unable to comment further." The footage was taken in a
bar on the club's trip to Hong Kong last summer. Kean also claimed in the
video that Rovers would be in the Prem's top half and win the Carling Cup.
But the reality was they were relegated with Allardyce's side replacing them
in the top flight.
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Into the Valley? West Ham striker pondering Charlton switch
The Mirror
Julian Finney
Charlton are keen on landing West Ham striker Sam Baldock to beef up their
Championship challenge. The ambitious League One winners are already
targeting a possible return to the Premier League under Chris Powell and
believe the 23-year-old Baldock could be the answer in a potential
£1.5million deal. Charlton's south London neighbours Crystal Palace are also
keen on Baldock, who scored 43 goals in 82 appearances for MK Dons before
his move to Upton Park last summer.
The striker scored six in as many games at the start of last season under
Sam Allardyce but after injury he lost his place following the arrivals of
Ricardo Vaz Te and Nicky Maynard. While Baldock wants to stay in the East
End and prove his quality he is understood to be keen for more first team
football and if he is surplus to requirements at Upton Park would consider a
change of scenery. The prospect of The Valley, where there is a renewed
sense of optimism under former Chalrton and England left-back Powell, would
appear the best fit if a formal bid is made and accepted by Allardyce.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce takes legal action against Steve Kean and Blackburn
'He has issued legal proceedings,' says spokesperson
Allardyce acts in response to internet video clip earlier in year
Guardian staff
The Guardian, Thursday 19 July 2012
The West Ham manager, Sam Allardyce, was replaced by Steve Kean when he was
sacked by Blackburn in 2010. Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images
Sam Allardyce is taking legal action against his former club Blackburn
Rovers and the man who replaced him at Ewood Park, Steve Kean. Allardyce is
reported to have acted after a video clip was published on the internet
earlier this year which allegedly showed Kean criticising him.
A spokesman for Allardyce told the BBC: "He has issued legal proceedings
against Steve Kean and Blackburn Rovers but is unable to comment further."
West Ham have completed the signing of Modibo Maïga from Sochaux on a
four-year deal.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, July 18
Daily WHUFC News - New Signing
Hammers move for Maiga
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have completed the signing of Mali international forward
Modibo Maiga
18.07.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Mali international
forward Modibo Maiga. The 24-year-old has linked up with the Hammers from
French side FC Sochaux-Montbeliard for an undisclosed fee, signing on a
four-year contract with an option for a further two years. Maiga, who can
play as a centre forward or on the wing, has scored 24 league goals in the
last two seasons to become one of the hottest properties in Ligue 1. The
player, who becomes West Ham's fifth summer arrival following Mohamed Diame,
George McCartney, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson, told whufc.com
of his pleasure at completing his move to the Boleyn Ground. "I am really
happy and excited about joining West Ham United," said Maiga. "I know West
Ham are a big club in England and I'm really looking forward to representing
them. They have huge tradition and it is like joining part of a family and
that is one of the main reasons I wanted to come here. "I know some of the
big names that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be
part of a new team back in the Premier League."
Born in the Malian capital Bamako, Maiga began his career with Stade Malien
in his homeland at the age of 15 in 2003, but his undoubted talent and
potential saw him snapped up by leading Moroccan club Raja Casablanca the
following year. After winning the Moroccan League and Arab Champions League,
Maiga joined French Ligue 1 side Le Mans UC72 in 2007, where he played
alongside Arsenal forward Gervinho and Sunderland attacking midfielder
Stephane Sessegnon. The African netted 15 goals in 88 league appearances for
Le Mans before moving to Sochaux, where he quickly struck up a potent
partnership with Nigerian Ideye Brown. Maiga netted 16 goals in his first
season with Les Lionceaux, helping the club to finish fifth in Ligue 1 and
qualify for the UEFA Europa League. Last term, the forward scored nine times
in 23 league appearances as Sochaux finished 14th, while he also made his
debut in European competition. At international level, Maiga featured
regularly for Mali at age-group level, appearing against England in the
UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup Under-18 tournament in Egypt in 2003. At senior level,
he has scored five goals in 31 appearances and appeared at the 2012 CAF
Africa Cup of Nations. However, he contracted malaria while participating in
the competition and was thus hospitalized and had to miss the 1-0 semi-final
defeat by Cote d'Ivoire. Maiga becomes the second Malian to represent West
Ham, following fellow forward Frederic Kanoute. Now 34 and still playing in
China, Kanoute scored 33 goals in 92 appearances for the Hammers between
March 2000 and May 2003.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have completed the signing of Mali international forward
Modibo Maiga
18.07.2012
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Mali international
forward Modibo Maiga. The 24-year-old has linked up with the Hammers from
French side FC Sochaux-Montbeliard for an undisclosed fee, signing on a
four-year contract with an option for a further two years. Maiga, who can
play as a centre forward or on the wing, has scored 24 league goals in the
last two seasons to become one of the hottest properties in Ligue 1. The
player, who becomes West Ham's fifth summer arrival following Mohamed Diame,
George McCartney, Jussi Jaaskelainen and Stephen Henderson, told whufc.com
of his pleasure at completing his move to the Boleyn Ground. "I am really
happy and excited about joining West Ham United," said Maiga. "I know West
Ham are a big club in England and I'm really looking forward to representing
them. They have huge tradition and it is like joining part of a family and
that is one of the main reasons I wanted to come here. "I know some of the
big names that have played for the club in the past and I am proud to be
part of a new team back in the Premier League."
Born in the Malian capital Bamako, Maiga began his career with Stade Malien
in his homeland at the age of 15 in 2003, but his undoubted talent and
potential saw him snapped up by leading Moroccan club Raja Casablanca the
following year. After winning the Moroccan League and Arab Champions League,
Maiga joined French Ligue 1 side Le Mans UC72 in 2007, where he played
alongside Arsenal forward Gervinho and Sunderland attacking midfielder
Stephane Sessegnon. The African netted 15 goals in 88 league appearances for
Le Mans before moving to Sochaux, where he quickly struck up a potent
partnership with Nigerian Ideye Brown. Maiga netted 16 goals in his first
season with Les Lionceaux, helping the club to finish fifth in Ligue 1 and
qualify for the UEFA Europa League. Last term, the forward scored nine times
in 23 league appearances as Sochaux finished 14th, while he also made his
debut in European competition. At international level, Maiga featured
regularly for Mali at age-group level, appearing against England in the
UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup Under-18 tournament in Egypt in 2003. At senior level,
he has scored five goals in 31 appearances and appeared at the 2012 CAF
Africa Cup of Nations. However, he contracted malaria while participating in
the competition and was thus hospitalized and had to miss the 1-0 semi-final
defeat by Cote d'Ivoire. Maiga becomes the second Malian to represent West
Ham, following fellow forward Frederic Kanoute. Now 34 and still playing in
China, Kanoute scored 33 goals in 92 appearances for the Hammers between
March 2000 and May 2003.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Daily WHUFC News - 18th July 2012
Oxford United 1-0 West Ham United FT
WHUFC.com
Deane Smalley's goal sends the Hammers to a narrow defeat at the Kassam
Stadium
17.07.2012
Oxford United v West Ham United
Pre-season match
Kassam Stadium
Tuesday 17 July 2012
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Final score - Oxford United 1-0 West Ham United
92 mins - Clarke clears upfield and the final whistle is blown.
91 mins - Last chance. Maynard is fouled. Hall wants to take the free-kick,
but seniority rules and Taylor will have it. Third-time lucky? No. He
smashes the ball wide and high and into the stand.
89 mins - Well, with a few minutes to go, let's sum up. West Ham created a
host of half-chances throughout the game, but could not fashion a real
clear-cut opening aside from Nolan's low cross that Vaz Te poked over the
top. On the plus side, it's been a competitive game and will have helped
boost fitness levels. The goal from Oxford was a special finish. Meanwhile,
the home fans are forecasting a difficult season ahead for their guests in
song. Let's hope they are very wrong.
87 mins - A decent film must just have finished. The cinema car park is full
of people returning to their cars. Either that, or it was a rubbish film and
everyone has decided to leave early.
85 mins - Oxford are still on the offensive and looking for a second goal,
but Craddock's shot is wayward this time. It flies well wide and out for a
goal kick.
81 mins - Henderson gets a bit lucky. He calls to make the clearance, then
mis-controls outside his box. He slips a bit but just about manages to make
a challenge on Constable. Spence gets back and ensures no further damage is
done.
80 mins - Boateng now shoves Taylor over on the left edge of the Oxford box.
Free-kick. Hall to take. Hall whips it over and Turgott heads goalwards.
Clarke tips over but the referee gives a goal kick. The home fans actually
cheered their goalkeeper for making the fingertip stop.
78 mins - Embarrassing. Boateng gets down the right and latches on to a
pass. He tries to take on Taylor before throwing himself to the ground
inside the box. It's a clear dive, and Mr Scott goes over to tell the
right-back to sort himself out.
77 mins - I know it's nearly over, but positionally, Nasha is at right-back
with Spence, Wearen and Taylor alongside him. Turgott, Moncur, Ruddock and
Porritt are across the midfield, with Hall supporting Maynard. Porritt has a
go with a side volley, but the ball loops into the hands of Clarke.
76 mins - Turgott is fouled about 30 yards out and Taylor can have another
go. It's almost exactly the same spot he fired over from about 25 minutes
ago. This time his low shot hits the wall and spins through to Clarke.
74 mins - Hall again, swapping passes twice with Turgott wide on the right
before getting to the byline and crossing high. Porritt gets there first,
but his header lacks direction and flies wide of the far post. Hall is in
the mood!
71 mins - Well, well, well. Porritt collects a deep cross and races forward
to halfway before picking out Hall with a pinpoint 40-yard pass. Hall
controls instantly and gets to within 22 yards before driving a low shot
with his weaker right foot that hits the base of the far post before
spinning away for a goal kick. The home fans cheer his name again.
70 mins - Oxford win a corner, but Henderson is there to make the catch when
the cross comes in at the second attempt. West Ham try to break, but Moncur
isn't as quick as the ball and Clarke catches inside his box.
68 mins - West Ham's youngsters will need to do something their senior
colleagues could not if the Hammers are to avoid defeat here. Hall is doing
his best as he picks out the run of Turgott. The winger crosses first-time
and low but Maynard isn't quite far enough forward to finish. Good move,
though.
66 mins - Rigg looks to get in on to a pass and he is bearing down on
Henderson. Fair play to Taylor who races back and makes an inch-perfect
sliding challenge inside the penalty area. No foul and Henderson can clear.
61 mins - Seven changes from West Ham. Noble, Morrison, Nolan, Reid, O'Neil,
Demel and Vaz Te go off. Moncur, Porritt, Ruddock, Turgotg, Wearen, Nasha
and Rob Hall come on. The Oxford fans welcome the latter with a chorus of
'Robbie, Robbie Hall'. He is a hero in these parts!
59 mins - A period of West Ham possession comes to nothing as Maynard tries
to spin on the edge of the D. Oxford try to break forward but Spence is
there to clear for a throw. From it, the U's build again before centre
midfielder Forster-Caskey launches a shot into the car park.
57 mins - Craddock cuts in from the Oxford left and shoots powerfully.
Henderson gets his body behind the ball and clutches it to his chest. Secure
goalkeeping.
55 mins - Nolan scoops the ball out to O'Neil, who cushions it back to
Demel. He crosses on the diagonal towards Nolan, but it's too high and the
ball bounces away for a goal kick. The second half hasn't really got going
as yet, and we're expecting a few West Ham changes soon...
51 mins - Morrison collects a pass in a central position 30 yards out. He
looks up, takes a touch but drags his low shot well wide of the left-hand
post. Today's attendance is 4,780, with 1,101 of them from West Ham.
50 mins - West Ham have a free-kick about 30 yards out and Taylor is all
over it. Meanwhile, Oxford have changed all ten outfield players. The back
four is now Boateng, Raynes, Tafazoli and Capaldi, the midfield is Smith,
Harris, Craddock and Forster-Caskey and Constable is partnering Rigg up
front. Taylor curls the free-kick a yard over the top.
48 mins - Oxford have made a load of changes. Constable, Forster-Caskey,
Raynes and Tafazoli are among those who have come on, but I've no idea who
has gone off as yet. I'll try to find out!
46 mins - Two changes at the break for West Ham. Maynard and Oxford-born
Taylor on for Cole and McCartney. Taylor is involved straight away, crossing
dangerously and forcing a corner. Noble takes but it's cleared.
Half-time score - Oxford United 1-0 West Ham United
There are 22 players warming up on the pitch at present, including eleven
West Ham players. I'm not sure all of them will come on at half-time, but I
expect to see one or two start the second half.
Meanwhile, Oxford's Under-6 side are getting a proper ovation as they do a
lap of honour! The West Ham fans give them a loud cheer as they jog past.
Under-6s are small!
47 mins - That's half-time. Oxford lead. Join us again in a little under 15
minutes for the second half.
45 mins - We're going to have one added minute. Big Sam is out in his
technical area. I would think he will demand an improvement at half-time.
He'll certainly want his players to be more clinical.
41 mins - Cole lays the ball off from O'Neil's long pass to Morrison. He
comes forward and does a step-over before trying to play in Cole, but the
pass is behind the striker. It's been a case of 'so near yet so far' for
West Ham - they've had the ball in plenty of encouraging positions without
exploiting one as yet.
39 mins - West Ham attack and McCartney's cross is only cleared as far as
O'Neil. He lofts the ball back in from the right edge of the penalty area.
Vaz Te rises and goes to ground. He wants a penalty, but Mr Scott is again
unmoved. Goal kick.
36 mins - GOAL! We have a goal and it's a great finish from Smalley. The
cross comes over from the left and McCartney wins the header above Pittman,
but the ball drops to the No10, who rockets the half-volley past Henderson
from the angle. It might only be a pre-season game, but Big Sam will want a
response from his players immediately.
36 mins - Morrison is seeing plenty of the ball for West Ham. The fans
didn't see much of him last season following his arrival from Manchester
United, but the youngster clearly has talent.
34 mins - The Oxford fans want a penalty as McAllister tries to cut between
O'Neil and Spence and goes down. Mr Scott waves the appeals away.
32 mins - The corner is cleared but West Ham have it back. Morrison shows
some neat footwork before Noble's pass is handled by Batt. Free-kick wide on
the left. It's taken short to Nolan, who holds off his man inside the box
and drills the cross over. Vaz Te is there, but the pace on the ball makes
it a bit more difficult and the No12's first-time shot flies high and wide.
30 mins - Another ball in the car park as O'Neil wins it back in midfield
and finds Cole. He waits for the overlap of Vaz Te, who shoots left-footed
and sees his effort deflected over the fence by Evans for a corner.
28 mins - Back to the football and Demel skips past his man on the right
touchline. The cross takes a nick of the head of Evans and is a bit awkward
for Morrison. He controls on his chest and pokes the ball forward for Nolan,
but it's difficult for the skipper and Clarke is there to collect.
27 mins - Mr Scott has a chat with Chapman and Noble, but no cards are
shown. He then has a chat with captains Nolan and Wright. Presumably, his
message was something along the lines of 'This is a pre-season match and I
don't want loads of paperwork to do!'.
24 mins - Erm, it has all got a bit tasty here. Noble goes in hard but fair
on Pittman and the Oxford players react angrily. One, Adam Chapman, charges
at Noble and there is a coming together. This leads to some handbags
involving at least 16 players, but it is all over as quickly as it started.
Now the officials are having a chat...
22 mins - Another half-chance. Nolan finds the overlapping McCartney and he
stands the cross up on the edge of the six-yard box. Clarke comes to claim,
but he drops the ball. Oxford try to break from the clearance, but Reid gets
in a strong sliding challenge. That gets the players going and the action
only ends when Morrison is brought down by Potter. Noble doesn't like the
challenge. Nor does the referee as Mr Scott talks to the former Havant and
Waterlooville man.
20 mins - West Ham come close twice. First, Vaz Te beats two men before
trying to trick his way past Wright inside the box, but he's challenged.
Then, Nolan crosses towards Cole and Evans clears at the near post.
16 mins - The corner nearly leads to a goal...for Oxford! O'Neil collects
the short corner and his cross is headed clear powerfully. Spence is
favourite to get there, but Pittman beats him to the ball and is in on goal.
He elects to shoot from the edge of the D, but he leans back and the ball
flies too high. Relief for Spence.
14 mins - Golden opportunity for the first goal as Demel plays a superb
one-two with Nolan and gets to the byline and beats his man. Cole is
unmarked for the pull-back six yards from goal, but Demel picks the wrong
option and the ball goes behind for a corner. The flag-kick is cleared. West
Ham come again and Morrison and Nolan force another corner.
12 mins - The West Ham fans on the far side sing Carlton Cole's name as West
Ham come forward once more. Vaz Te does well to shake off McGinty but his
cross is just a little too strong for Morrison. McCartney crosses from the
nearside but Cole is beaten to the ball.
8 mins - This is a decent game so far. The Oxford fans give it a bit of
noise after their team attack again and a couple of strong challenges go in.
Batt crosses and Pittman challenges. Spence heads the ball backwards and
Henderson is out again quickly to catch ahead of Smalley.
6 mins - West Ham break quickly and Morrison finds Vaz Te in space. He cuts
inside from the left and shoots from 25 yards. It's too high and clears the
crossbar, fence and three rows of cars before nestling next to a tree.
5 mins - West Ham look to be in total control until Morrison gives the ball
away in midfield. Oxford break and a low cross threatens until McCartney
puts the ball out for a corner. Heslop's corner is headed up into the air
before Pittman's header is held by Henderson
4 mins - A momentary scare as Smalley brings down Reid and the Kiwi clutches
his ankle. It's nothing to worry about though, as Reid is quickly back up.
2 mins - Oxford come forward but Reid makes the headed clearance. The
Hammers then win a free-kick as Demel is fouled. All very low-key so far.
7.49pm - West Ham kick-off shooting from right to left. Tonight, it means
the Hammers are shooting towards an end with no stand. Any wayward shots
could threaten aerials and wing mirrors in the cinema car park behind the
goal!
7.47pm - Rob Hall's name gets a loud cheer from the home fans. The Hammers
youngster really caught the eye of U's supporters during two loan spells
here last season, when he scored six goals in 14 games.
7.45pm - Here come the two teams, led by Kevin Nolan and Jake Wright. West
Ham are in their all Navy away kit. Oxford are in all yellow. The conditions
are better than they were at Southend on Saturday! The pitch here looks in
decent nick. A sizeable travelling contingent from east London are sat
directly opposite me.
7.44pm - It looks like kick-off might also be slightly delayed as there is
no sign of the Oxford team, while West Ham have now gone back to their
dressing room...
7.40pm - Due to West Ham's slightly delayed arrival, the Hammers are out
warming up and will stay out on the pitch for kick-off.
7.35pm - For those wondering who 'Porritt' is on the teamsheet, he is Nathan
Porritt. Now 22, the former England Under-18 international midfielder is now
unattached after a spell in Belgian football.
7.15pm - So, Big Sam has named a very strong team tonight, with Carlton Cole
returning to action for the first time since the opening pre-season game at
FK Austria Wien. The same can be said of goalkeeper Stephen Henderson, who
has recovered from a slight thigh injury. On the bench, the Development
Squad have returned from Moscow and the likes of Jake Larkins, Eoin Wearen,
Pelly Ruddock, George Moncur, Blair Turgott and Seb Lletget are available
tonight.
7.10pm - OK, sorry for the delay but the team coach was slightly held up on
the road to the Kassam Stadium. The team news is in -
Oxford United: Clarke, Batt, McGinty, Wright, Chapman, Heslop, Smalley,
Pittman, Potter, McAllister, Evans
Subs: Crocombe, Raynes, Constable, Rigg, Boateng, Capaldi, Forster-Caskey,
Tafazoli, Harris, Smith, Craddock, Long, Lynn
West Ham United: Henderson, Demel, Spence, Reid, McCartney, Noble, Nolan,
O'Neil, Morrison, Cole, Vaz Te
Subs: Larkins, Wearen, Maynard, Porritt, Hall, Taylor, Ruddock, Moncur,
Turgott, Nasha, Lletget
Good evening and welcome to the Kassam Stadium for West Ham United's fourth
pre-season fixture against npower League Two side Oxford United.
The Hammers won their first pre-season match on Saturday, producing a decent
all-round performance to win 3-0 at Southend United, with Nicky Maynard,
Jordan Spence and Sam Baldock on target.
Baldock's goal was his third in three appearances so far in 2012/13 and the
former MK Dons man will be eager to find the net again and continue his hot
start to the new Barclays Premier League campaign.
There are a number of links between the two clubs - West Ham forward Rob
Hall spent two spells on loan with the U's last season, while Oxford coach
Andy Melville was part of the Hammers squad which gained promotion to the
Premier League via the Play-Offs in 2005. Meanwhile, West Ham midfielder
Matt Taylor was born and raised in Oxford.
Squad-wise, Sam Allardyce has chosen a group mixing first-team regulars and
young professionals. The likes of Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble and Ricardo Vaz Te
are joined in the squad by Development Squad players Eoin Wearen, Callum
Driver, Pelly Ruddock, George Moncur, Jake Larkins, Blair Turgott and
Sebastian Lletget.
Summer signing Stephen Henderson returns from a minor thigh injury and could
start in goal after missing the trips to Boreham Wood and Southend, while
Guy Demel could make his first pre-season start.
Tuesday's fixture will be the first meeting between West Ham and Oxford
since 24 August, when Scott Parker's late goal saw the Hammers beat the U's
1-0 in the League Cup second round at the Boleyn Ground.
The Hammers will be making their first-ever visit to the Kassam Stadium.
West Ham United: Henderson, Demel (Nasha 61), Spence, Reid (Wearen 61),
McCartney (Taylor 46), Noble (Moncur 61), Nolan (Ruddock 61), O'Neil
(Porritt 61), Morrison (Turgott 61), Cole (Maynard 46), Vaz Te (Hall 61)
Subs: Larkins, Lletget
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Diame happy with start
WHUFC.com
Momo Diame has enjoyed his first few weeks as a West Ham United player
16.07.2012
Mohamed Diame believes he has already settled in east London despite only
being at West Ham United for a few weeks. The 25-year-old got his first
taste of life as a Hammer during the club's training camp in Austria,
playing the full 90 minutes in the 3-1 defeat to FK Austria Wien. The
midfielder will have to wait before pulling on the claret and blue shirt
again though, as he jetted off straight away to join up with the Senegal
squad for the 2012 Olympic Games. Speaking to whufc.com, the Senegal
international praised his new team-mates and colleagues for giving him the
perfect welcome. "It was great to meet up with the rest of the team and to
start pre-season training. Everybody has been very welcoming to me, the
other players and all the staff. It made me feel good and it was nice to
start getting settled," he said. "The week we had in Austria was very good -
it was very hot and we worked hard - it was nice to get started. "I think
everyone was happy with the work we did and there is also a great spirit in
the team, as I said, it made feel very welcome."
Diame, who became Sam Allardyce's third summer signing, now hopes he can
build on his Hammers' debut, believing that the Olympics will provide the
perfect platform ahead of the new domestic season. "We had a good week and
now we have to keep working hard towards the new season - I will be with
Senegal now for the rest of pre-season but I am looking to come back and
help play my part on the training pitch and for the team when the new season
begins."
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London 2012: F1 track plan among Olympic Stadium bids
BBC.co.uk
A scheme to turn the Olympic Stadium into part of a Formula 1 track after
the London 2012 Games is one of four now under official consideration.
Football clubs West Ham and Leyton Orient are bidding to be tenants, as is
the UCFB College of Football Business. An original deal for West Ham to
lease the £486m stadium was scrapped last year amid legal wrangling. The
London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) said bids will be assessed
before any negotiations begin. Plans for a grand prix circuit were tabled by
Intelligent Transport Services, in conjunction with F1. The proposal would
reportedly allow another British round of the world championship in and
around the stadium in East London. UCFB, which offers degrees in football
business, is based at Burnley FC's Turf Moor ground and is an affiliate of
Bucks New University. It is understood Orient's proposal is based on a
ground share with West Ham, although the Premier League club has previously
insisted it is not considering that arrangement.
OLYMPIC STADIUM TIMELINE
12 July, 2012: Extended deadline for bidders to submit proposals
27 July-12 August: Olympic Games take place
29 August-9 September: Paralympics take place
October: Decision expected on succesful bidders
2014: Stadium reopens with new tenants
F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone said last month that he had been consulted by the
Intelligent Transport Services company about plans to use the stadium for a
race.
Ecclestone told the Daily Telegraph: "This is a firm that happened to be
bidding for use of the stadium, not to own it. They came up with a scheme
whereby Formula 1 would race around the stadium, inside it, outside it. They
wanted to make sure I would be interested." He has separately said that
plans for a race on a 3.15 mile (5.1 km) London circuit taking in sights
including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Trafalgar Square were "no joke".
Orient chairman Barry Hearn refused to comment on a possible ground share,
but told BBC Sport he hoped the League One club's bid could succeed. "There
is no point dwelling on the design of the stadium and the faults of the
stadium," he said. "We have to get on with it, we have to make a fist of it
and we have to make sure the Government and the people of this country get
maximum value for the investment that has gone into the Olympic Stadium.
"Our idea does that and I think it forms part of a legacy that people in
this country can be proud of. Bearing in mind this is the only time in our
lifetime that we are ever going to hold the Olympic Games, we need to get
something out of it. "A mixture of usages and a mixture of opportunity
within the Olympic Stadium will give us the feeling that we have spent our
money wisely and that is really what we are trying to achieve. All sides
have to exercise common sense and move forward. I think we have created a
very interesting scheme that can do just that."
Essex County Cricket Club has dropped plans for tenancy at the stadium after
its partner, the University of London, pulled out of the process. It has
already been announced the 80,000-capacity Olympic Stadium will be reduced
after the Games to a 60,000 venue, which retains a running track, and will
host the 2017 World Athletics Championships. The LLDC says it is possible
more than one bidder could be successful, with a decision expected in the
autumn.
Meanwhile, preferred bidder status has been granted to iCITY for the Olympic
press and broadcast centres. It wants to them into a design, technology and
research base that might create more than 4,000 jobs. The scheme includes a
conference centre, pedestrian square, cafes, restaurants and bars.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham seek deal for Mali striker Modibo Maiga
BBC.co.uk
By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport
West Ham are hoping to complete the signing of Mali striker Modibo Maiga
from French club Sochaux for a reported fee of £4.5m. The 25-year-old is
understood to be in England for a medical ahead of his proposed transfer.
Maiga went on strike during the 2011 summer transfer window as he tried to
secure a move to Newcastle. He eventually failed a medical at the Magpies
in January due to a knee problem. Maiga has scored 24 goals in 52 games for
Sochaux since signing from Le Mans in July 2010.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tomkins thanks fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 17th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
James Tomkins has thanked the readers of KUMB.com for naming him as their
2011/12 Player of the Season. The 23-year-old central defender, who narrowly
pipped midfielder Mark Noble to the award said: "I was delighted to be
chosen as player of the year by everyone at KUMB. "Any award and support
from our fans is great and very important to all of us as players, as it
comes from our supporters who watch us week in week out. "I will always say
it is a team effort and last season was no different, everyone worked hard
to get the team back up in the Premier League and it was fantastic we
achieved that. "Our aim was to do that for our fans first and foremost, to
say thanks for the incredible support you all give us. "I have been here
since I was a young boy and came through the Academy, so I know a lot of our
fans have followed my career as I have made it through to the first team.
"I have always appreciated the support, people coming up to me and wishing
me well and wishing me success in the team and it is nice to know that
everyone is looking out for you. "It is great to have won this award and I
hope to repay this great support by playing my part in the team this season
as we look forward to being back in the Premier League once again. Thank you
again for everyone at KUMB for voting for me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mohsni set for Hammers
West Ham are Premier League club
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated: July
17, 2012 2:59pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands that the Premier League club ready to take Southend
ace Bilel Mohsni on trial is West Ham United. The 24-year-old defender, who
can also play as a striker, has been linked with a host of clubs over the
past 12 months. Stoke City and Blackpool have both seen offers rejected by
Southend, but now they have confirmed that they have agreed to let him train
with an unnamed club. Sky Sports can confirm that the team in question is
West Ham, and he is due to link up with them this week. Mohsni has just a
year left on his current deal, after Southend took up the 12-month option
they had on him at the end of last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam rules out Carroll & Berba
West Ham boss insists strike duo will not be heading to Upton Park
By Rob Parrish - Follow me on Twitter @skysportsrobp. Last Updated: July
17, 2012 8:26pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has admitted West Ham have given up on their hopes of signing
Andy Carroll and rejected reports of an interest in Dimitar Berbatov. Sky
Sports revealed earlier on Tuesday that England international Carroll has
been told that he does not figure in Brendan Rodgers' immediate plans, but
is reluctant to leave on a permanent basis. The £35million striker has been
targeted by former club Newcastle, who have seen an initial loan bid
rejected by the Reds and are considering whether to return with an improved
offer. The Hammers have also been linked with the 23-year-old and while
Allardyce admitted that discussions had taken place with the Reds, they
proved fruitless and the Upton Park boss is now moving on to other targets.
Nothing progressing
He told Sky Sports News HD: "I think that we're not in a situation where we
can secure a deal with Andy or Liverpool at the moment. "We talked to them,
we had some negotiation. But at the moment there is nothing progressing
forward on Andy coming to West Ham. "Andy is yet to make his mind up where
his future lies and the negotiation with Liverpool hasn't been a situation
where we've been able to agree. "We'll just leave it as it is and move on
with other players, as we have been doing on a daily basis through the
summer."
Pure speculation
Another striker to be linked with a switch to East London is Manchester
United forward Dimitar Berbatov, with the Bulgarian widely expected to leave
Old Trafford this summer. But Allardyce has flatly rejected suggestions that
the languid forward, who has been tipped for a move to Serie A, could be on
his radar. The West Ham boss added: "That's pure speculation in the media. I
haven't had any contact with Sir Alex. "There was a statement from Dimitar
saying he's available for £5million. Everybody knows we're looking for a
striker so they say we're in for him, but I've not had any conversations
with Sir Alex."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers close on Maiga
Allardyce confirms deal for Mali striker is in pipeline
Last Updated: July 17, 2012 9:08pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has confirmed that West Ham are hoping to complete the signing
of Mali striker Modibo Maiga from Sochaux. Sky Sports understands that the
25-year-old is undergoing a medical with the East London club ahead of a
proposed £4.5million move from Ligue 1. Maiga was linked with a move to
Newcastle last summer and a proposed move to St James' Park in the January
transfer window fell through. The Mali international joined Sochaux from Le
Mans in July 2010 and has since scored 24 goals in 52 games for the French
side. Allardyce admitted that a deal to bring in Maiga was in the pipeline
but insisted there were still some details to be finalised before he puts
pen to paper. The Hammers boss told Sky Sports News HD: "At the moment that
is progressing. That is going forward as we speak but is a little way off
being clinched."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Split decision: West Ham and Leyton Orient could SHARE Olympic Stadium
The Mirror
A ground share between West Ham and Leyton Orient is one of four proposals
now being considered for the Olympic Stadium. There are bids from West Ham,
Leyton Orient, the UCFB College of Football Business, and a plan to turn the
Olympic Stadium into part of a Formula 1 track, tabled by Intelligent
Transport Services, in conjunction with F1. Last year West Ham were in pole
position with a solo deal to lease the £486m stadium, but that was scrapped
amid legal wrangling. It is understood that it is Leyton Orient's proposal
which offers a ground share with West Ham, although the Premier League club
have previously rejected any such share. Orient chairman Barry Hearn refused
to comment on whether his proposal contained a possible ground share with
West Ham, but told BBC Sport he was hopeful of success. "There is no point
dwelling on the design of the stadium and the faults of the stadium," he
said. "We have to get on with it, we have to make a fist of it and we have
to make sure the Government and the people of this country get maximum value
for the investment that has gone into the Olympic Stadium.
"Our idea does that and I think it forms part of a legacy that people in
this country can be proud of. Bearing in mind this is the only time in our
lifetime that we are ever going to hold the Olympic Games, we need to get
something out of it.
"A mixture of usages and a mixture of opportunity within the Olympic Stadium
will give us the feeling that we have spent our money wisely and that is
really what we are trying to achieve. All sides have to exercise common
sense and move forward. I think we have created a very interesting scheme
that can do just that." It has already been announced that the
80,000-capacity Stadium will be reduced after the Games to 60,000.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham weigh up bid for ex-Chelsea wide man
By Jamie Sanderson | Tuesday, July 17, 2012
TalkSPort
West Ham are weighing up a move for out-of-favour Hamburg winger Gökhan
Töre. Töre has been told he is free to quit the Bundesliga outfit this
summer, despite a number of impressive displays, after falling out with new
manager Thorsten Fink. The quicksilver winger, who moved to Hamburg from
Chelsea just 12 months ago, turned out 22 times in the league last term, but
he has been omitted from Fink's first-team plans ahead of the new season.
Russian outfit Spartak Moscow have been strongly linked with a move, but it
appears the 20-year-old is keen to return to the Premier League, where his
agent has offered his services to newly-promoted West Ham. Töre would bring
an injection of pace, power and genuine width to the Hammers line-up, and
while boss Sam Allardyce is keen, he has requested a trial run out first,
something Hamburg have rejected. The news of Töre's switch away will be good
news for Chelsea, who will earn 50% of the fee Hamburg receive, after
including a hefty sell-on clause in the deal to sell him to Germany.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham in race for Olympic Stadium
Reuters - Today, 15:03
442.com
A bid linked to motor-racing group Formula One and football club West Ham
United are among four parties competing to take over the Olympic stadium
after the London Games, the London Legacy Development Corporation said on
Tuesday. The LLDC said it was assessing proposals from the two, as well as
from Leyton Orient Football Club and the UCFB College of Football Business,
without saying when a decision was due. Formula One supremo Bernie
Ecclestone told Reuters he was not directly involved in the motor-racing bid
which LLDC said was made in association with a company called Intelligent
Transport Services. "If they were to get permission to do it [use the
stadium for a Grand Prix], then we would be more than happy to do something
with them. But we have nothing to do with putting in a bid," he said.
The process to select a main tenant for the stadium in east London was
extended eight weeks in May after the LLDC said parties had been discouraged
from bidding because of unresolved issues including stadium-naming rights.
"London is further ahead in planning legacy than any previous host Olympic
city," LLDC chairman Daniel Moylan said. There has been speculation that
Formula One planned to use the stadium and neighbouring land to create a
motor-racing circuit. Some local politicians fear the 80,000-seat venue
could become a white elephant. A previous plan to sell the stadium to West
Ham fell apart in October with the government citing "legal paralysis" after
Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, which had a bid turned down,
challenged the decision. The LLDC also said a bid to turn the 1 million
square foot Olympic media centre into offices, research labs and a data
centre was now the preferred choice. A plan by the so-called iCity
consortium is the favourite after the only other bidder withdrew last week.
The consortium is backed by data centre manager Infinity and property
company Delancey. It plans to create more than 4,000 jobs. The LLDC said it
will name the residential developer selected to build the first
neighbourhood of housing on the park next week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
And Another Two Bite the Dust, But the Maiga Deal Seems Somewhat More
Promising!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Well, so two more bits of transfer speculation bite the dust. Apparently Sam
Allardyce has confirmed that the Andy Carroll deal is not going to happen.
While he has also poured some very cold water on the rumour that we were
ever interested in Berbetov. Neither development is much of a surprise in
all honesty. Therefore, barring a dramatic changed state of affairs, the
improbablity is not a possibility, and the 10% 'long shot' is not going to
come off. While, the Berbetov speculation appears to a case of the media
doing their standard trick of making 2 (west Ham need a striker) + 2
(Berbetov is available) = 5 (West Ham want Berbetov).
Elsewhere, things look somewhat more promising on the Maiga deal.
Negotiations appear to be at a fairly advanced stage, but Allardyce has
stressed that there are stiill some issues to be ironed out before the deal
can be completed. Hopefully, those 'issues' relate to personal terms, rather
than medical complications. We will just have to wait and see? Maybe Maiga
will prove to be an absolute gem, emerging out of 'left field' to barnstorm
his way in to the Hammers Hall of Fame! Goodness, how we could do with a
McAvennie or Devonshire scenerio of a 'low expection' signing turning out to
be absolute gold. Unfortunately those kind of deals are all too rare,
especially these days. Although the Vaz Te deal had a touch of that about it
last season. Similarly, Vaz Te bursting on to the PL scene, with a glut of
goals, would also be most welcome event. At a push, I might even settle for
him being a one season sensation, with 20 plus PL goals leading to a £10m
summer move to Porto!
Yesterday, amidst the inertia of the current transfer window, my mind
wanderered back to the pre-season of 1985-86. Now, everyone celebrates the
exploits of the Boys of 86, but the general apprehension that preceeded that
season is seldom recalled . West Ham had bumped around the bottom half of
the old First Division table in 1984-85, but we managed to pull clear of
relegation trouble with a bit to spare. But it was a decidedly underwhelming
season. The prevalent view was that we needed to 'buy big' to avoid a repeat
in the following campaign. Yet, instead of households names, our 'trophy'
signings were a winger from Oldham and an attacking midfielder from St
Mirren. Few had heard of them and many fans were left fearing the worst.
Yet, McAvennie and Ward slotted in beautifully and the rest of the team
gelled around them. And the rest as they say is history! I am not saying
that it will happen again, but it is still a comforting recollection. Oh,
yeah and they did not win a game in the 1985-86 pre-season, to boot!
(Tallking of which, we apparently lost 1-0 to Oxford Utd yesterday evening
in our latest pre-season friendly).
Finally, forget about Carroll and Berbetov. West Ham are said to be
interested in Southend Utd utility man, Bilel Mohsni. Mohsni appears to be a
Derek Johnstone type of player (hands up those who remembers him?) who can
operate as both a defender and a striker. Is it just another baseless
rumour, who can possibly say at present?
Anyway, keep the faith! If ever I needed to adhere to my favourite Gramscian
dictum 'Pessimism of intellect, optimism of the will' it is probably now.
And, of course, It is easy to forget that things could be a lot worse. If
those three early Blackpool sitters in the play-off Final had gone in, we
would now be faced with another tough season in the championship, having to
cope with dire consequences of 'financial fair play.' There, that's cheered
you up hasn't it. COYI!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham and Formula One lead grid in race for Olympic Stadium
Other bidders are UCFB College and Leyton Orient
West Ham remain favourites to move into stadium
Owen Gibson
The Guardian, Wednesday 18 July 2012
The London Legacy Development Corporation has named four bidders in the
bidding process for the £428m stadium. Photograph: Paul Gilham/Getty Images
West Ham United remain favourites to move into the Olympic stadium after the
Games after the club were named as one of four final bidders , while
ambitious plans to stage a Formula One race in the Park also remain on the
shortlist.
Following a board meeting, the London Legacy Development Corporation named
the four bidders that remain in the protracted bidding process for the £428m
stadium. Bernie Ecclestone has given his backing to the bid to use the
stadium as part of a Formula One track, a separate scheme from recently
floated plans to stage a race in central London, but he is not directly
involved.
"If they were to get permission to do it, then we would be more than happy
to do something with them. But we have nothing to do with putting in a bid,"
he said of the bid, submitted by a company called Intelligent Transport
Services.
The other two bidders are the UCFB College of Football Business and Leyton
Orient. The east end club, which along with Tottenham Hostpur and an
anonymous complainant to the European Union derailed an earlier attempt to
award the stadium to West Ham, did not put its name forward under the
initial bidding process. But when the deadline was extended by the LLDC,
partly because bidders had been discouraged by unresolved issues around
naming rights, the chairman, Barry Hearn, changed his mind and submitted a
bid.
West Ham remain favourites to move in, but have said they will only do so on
their terms. The vice chair, Karren Brady, wants to ensure the club and
their supporters feel as though they have ownership of the ground during the
football season and can benefit from sponsorship and commercial
opportunities as the main tenants.
The club will also have to invest in adding a roof and hospitality boxes and
want to investigate the possibility of installing retractable seating for
the running track.
UK Athletics is already guaranteed use of the stadium, which will host the
2017 world athletics championships. Newham Council, which will put £40m into
the project, will also be guaranteed a certain number of days access for
community use. The four bids will be now be evaluated before negotiations
begin, with the aim of coming to a decision by October. "London is further
ahead in planning legacy than any previous host Olympic city. Despite our
success this is no time to rest on our laurels. We have planned a superb
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and we are working to ensure we achieve the
right long-term future for all our permanent venues," said LLDC chairman
Daniel Moylan, who recently replaced Margaret Ford.
The LLDC has also made the iCity consortium the preferred bidder for the
cavernous international broadcast centre and main press centre on the site.
It will now enter into exclusive negotiations over its plans to house a data
centre, hi-tech start ups, post production companies and educational
establishments on the site.
The company will have to sign up to promises to deliver 3,800 jobs on the
site. It has said it could increase employment on the site and in the
surrounding area by up to 6,000.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Deane Smalley's goal sends the Hammers to a narrow defeat at the Kassam
Stadium
17.07.2012
Oxford United v West Ham United
Pre-season match
Kassam Stadium
Tuesday 17 July 2012
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Final score - Oxford United 1-0 West Ham United
92 mins - Clarke clears upfield and the final whistle is blown.
91 mins - Last chance. Maynard is fouled. Hall wants to take the free-kick,
but seniority rules and Taylor will have it. Third-time lucky? No. He
smashes the ball wide and high and into the stand.
89 mins - Well, with a few minutes to go, let's sum up. West Ham created a
host of half-chances throughout the game, but could not fashion a real
clear-cut opening aside from Nolan's low cross that Vaz Te poked over the
top. On the plus side, it's been a competitive game and will have helped
boost fitness levels. The goal from Oxford was a special finish. Meanwhile,
the home fans are forecasting a difficult season ahead for their guests in
song. Let's hope they are very wrong.
87 mins - A decent film must just have finished. The cinema car park is full
of people returning to their cars. Either that, or it was a rubbish film and
everyone has decided to leave early.
85 mins - Oxford are still on the offensive and looking for a second goal,
but Craddock's shot is wayward this time. It flies well wide and out for a
goal kick.
81 mins - Henderson gets a bit lucky. He calls to make the clearance, then
mis-controls outside his box. He slips a bit but just about manages to make
a challenge on Constable. Spence gets back and ensures no further damage is
done.
80 mins - Boateng now shoves Taylor over on the left edge of the Oxford box.
Free-kick. Hall to take. Hall whips it over and Turgott heads goalwards.
Clarke tips over but the referee gives a goal kick. The home fans actually
cheered their goalkeeper for making the fingertip stop.
78 mins - Embarrassing. Boateng gets down the right and latches on to a
pass. He tries to take on Taylor before throwing himself to the ground
inside the box. It's a clear dive, and Mr Scott goes over to tell the
right-back to sort himself out.
77 mins - I know it's nearly over, but positionally, Nasha is at right-back
with Spence, Wearen and Taylor alongside him. Turgott, Moncur, Ruddock and
Porritt are across the midfield, with Hall supporting Maynard. Porritt has a
go with a side volley, but the ball loops into the hands of Clarke.
76 mins - Turgott is fouled about 30 yards out and Taylor can have another
go. It's almost exactly the same spot he fired over from about 25 minutes
ago. This time his low shot hits the wall and spins through to Clarke.
74 mins - Hall again, swapping passes twice with Turgott wide on the right
before getting to the byline and crossing high. Porritt gets there first,
but his header lacks direction and flies wide of the far post. Hall is in
the mood!
71 mins - Well, well, well. Porritt collects a deep cross and races forward
to halfway before picking out Hall with a pinpoint 40-yard pass. Hall
controls instantly and gets to within 22 yards before driving a low shot
with his weaker right foot that hits the base of the far post before
spinning away for a goal kick. The home fans cheer his name again.
70 mins - Oxford win a corner, but Henderson is there to make the catch when
the cross comes in at the second attempt. West Ham try to break, but Moncur
isn't as quick as the ball and Clarke catches inside his box.
68 mins - West Ham's youngsters will need to do something their senior
colleagues could not if the Hammers are to avoid defeat here. Hall is doing
his best as he picks out the run of Turgott. The winger crosses first-time
and low but Maynard isn't quite far enough forward to finish. Good move,
though.
66 mins - Rigg looks to get in on to a pass and he is bearing down on
Henderson. Fair play to Taylor who races back and makes an inch-perfect
sliding challenge inside the penalty area. No foul and Henderson can clear.
61 mins - Seven changes from West Ham. Noble, Morrison, Nolan, Reid, O'Neil,
Demel and Vaz Te go off. Moncur, Porritt, Ruddock, Turgotg, Wearen, Nasha
and Rob Hall come on. The Oxford fans welcome the latter with a chorus of
'Robbie, Robbie Hall'. He is a hero in these parts!
59 mins - A period of West Ham possession comes to nothing as Maynard tries
to spin on the edge of the D. Oxford try to break forward but Spence is
there to clear for a throw. From it, the U's build again before centre
midfielder Forster-Caskey launches a shot into the car park.
57 mins - Craddock cuts in from the Oxford left and shoots powerfully.
Henderson gets his body behind the ball and clutches it to his chest. Secure
goalkeeping.
55 mins - Nolan scoops the ball out to O'Neil, who cushions it back to
Demel. He crosses on the diagonal towards Nolan, but it's too high and the
ball bounces away for a goal kick. The second half hasn't really got going
as yet, and we're expecting a few West Ham changes soon...
51 mins - Morrison collects a pass in a central position 30 yards out. He
looks up, takes a touch but drags his low shot well wide of the left-hand
post. Today's attendance is 4,780, with 1,101 of them from West Ham.
50 mins - West Ham have a free-kick about 30 yards out and Taylor is all
over it. Meanwhile, Oxford have changed all ten outfield players. The back
four is now Boateng, Raynes, Tafazoli and Capaldi, the midfield is Smith,
Harris, Craddock and Forster-Caskey and Constable is partnering Rigg up
front. Taylor curls the free-kick a yard over the top.
48 mins - Oxford have made a load of changes. Constable, Forster-Caskey,
Raynes and Tafazoli are among those who have come on, but I've no idea who
has gone off as yet. I'll try to find out!
46 mins - Two changes at the break for West Ham. Maynard and Oxford-born
Taylor on for Cole and McCartney. Taylor is involved straight away, crossing
dangerously and forcing a corner. Noble takes but it's cleared.
Half-time score - Oxford United 1-0 West Ham United
There are 22 players warming up on the pitch at present, including eleven
West Ham players. I'm not sure all of them will come on at half-time, but I
expect to see one or two start the second half.
Meanwhile, Oxford's Under-6 side are getting a proper ovation as they do a
lap of honour! The West Ham fans give them a loud cheer as they jog past.
Under-6s are small!
47 mins - That's half-time. Oxford lead. Join us again in a little under 15
minutes for the second half.
45 mins - We're going to have one added minute. Big Sam is out in his
technical area. I would think he will demand an improvement at half-time.
He'll certainly want his players to be more clinical.
41 mins - Cole lays the ball off from O'Neil's long pass to Morrison. He
comes forward and does a step-over before trying to play in Cole, but the
pass is behind the striker. It's been a case of 'so near yet so far' for
West Ham - they've had the ball in plenty of encouraging positions without
exploiting one as yet.
39 mins - West Ham attack and McCartney's cross is only cleared as far as
O'Neil. He lofts the ball back in from the right edge of the penalty area.
Vaz Te rises and goes to ground. He wants a penalty, but Mr Scott is again
unmoved. Goal kick.
36 mins - GOAL! We have a goal and it's a great finish from Smalley. The
cross comes over from the left and McCartney wins the header above Pittman,
but the ball drops to the No10, who rockets the half-volley past Henderson
from the angle. It might only be a pre-season game, but Big Sam will want a
response from his players immediately.
36 mins - Morrison is seeing plenty of the ball for West Ham. The fans
didn't see much of him last season following his arrival from Manchester
United, but the youngster clearly has talent.
34 mins - The Oxford fans want a penalty as McAllister tries to cut between
O'Neil and Spence and goes down. Mr Scott waves the appeals away.
32 mins - The corner is cleared but West Ham have it back. Morrison shows
some neat footwork before Noble's pass is handled by Batt. Free-kick wide on
the left. It's taken short to Nolan, who holds off his man inside the box
and drills the cross over. Vaz Te is there, but the pace on the ball makes
it a bit more difficult and the No12's first-time shot flies high and wide.
30 mins - Another ball in the car park as O'Neil wins it back in midfield
and finds Cole. He waits for the overlap of Vaz Te, who shoots left-footed
and sees his effort deflected over the fence by Evans for a corner.
28 mins - Back to the football and Demel skips past his man on the right
touchline. The cross takes a nick of the head of Evans and is a bit awkward
for Morrison. He controls on his chest and pokes the ball forward for Nolan,
but it's difficult for the skipper and Clarke is there to collect.
27 mins - Mr Scott has a chat with Chapman and Noble, but no cards are
shown. He then has a chat with captains Nolan and Wright. Presumably, his
message was something along the lines of 'This is a pre-season match and I
don't want loads of paperwork to do!'.
24 mins - Erm, it has all got a bit tasty here. Noble goes in hard but fair
on Pittman and the Oxford players react angrily. One, Adam Chapman, charges
at Noble and there is a coming together. This leads to some handbags
involving at least 16 players, but it is all over as quickly as it started.
Now the officials are having a chat...
22 mins - Another half-chance. Nolan finds the overlapping McCartney and he
stands the cross up on the edge of the six-yard box. Clarke comes to claim,
but he drops the ball. Oxford try to break from the clearance, but Reid gets
in a strong sliding challenge. That gets the players going and the action
only ends when Morrison is brought down by Potter. Noble doesn't like the
challenge. Nor does the referee as Mr Scott talks to the former Havant and
Waterlooville man.
20 mins - West Ham come close twice. First, Vaz Te beats two men before
trying to trick his way past Wright inside the box, but he's challenged.
Then, Nolan crosses towards Cole and Evans clears at the near post.
16 mins - The corner nearly leads to a goal...for Oxford! O'Neil collects
the short corner and his cross is headed clear powerfully. Spence is
favourite to get there, but Pittman beats him to the ball and is in on goal.
He elects to shoot from the edge of the D, but he leans back and the ball
flies too high. Relief for Spence.
14 mins - Golden opportunity for the first goal as Demel plays a superb
one-two with Nolan and gets to the byline and beats his man. Cole is
unmarked for the pull-back six yards from goal, but Demel picks the wrong
option and the ball goes behind for a corner. The flag-kick is cleared. West
Ham come again and Morrison and Nolan force another corner.
12 mins - The West Ham fans on the far side sing Carlton Cole's name as West
Ham come forward once more. Vaz Te does well to shake off McGinty but his
cross is just a little too strong for Morrison. McCartney crosses from the
nearside but Cole is beaten to the ball.
8 mins - This is a decent game so far. The Oxford fans give it a bit of
noise after their team attack again and a couple of strong challenges go in.
Batt crosses and Pittman challenges. Spence heads the ball backwards and
Henderson is out again quickly to catch ahead of Smalley.
6 mins - West Ham break quickly and Morrison finds Vaz Te in space. He cuts
inside from the left and shoots from 25 yards. It's too high and clears the
crossbar, fence and three rows of cars before nestling next to a tree.
5 mins - West Ham look to be in total control until Morrison gives the ball
away in midfield. Oxford break and a low cross threatens until McCartney
puts the ball out for a corner. Heslop's corner is headed up into the air
before Pittman's header is held by Henderson
4 mins - A momentary scare as Smalley brings down Reid and the Kiwi clutches
his ankle. It's nothing to worry about though, as Reid is quickly back up.
2 mins - Oxford come forward but Reid makes the headed clearance. The
Hammers then win a free-kick as Demel is fouled. All very low-key so far.
7.49pm - West Ham kick-off shooting from right to left. Tonight, it means
the Hammers are shooting towards an end with no stand. Any wayward shots
could threaten aerials and wing mirrors in the cinema car park behind the
goal!
7.47pm - Rob Hall's name gets a loud cheer from the home fans. The Hammers
youngster really caught the eye of U's supporters during two loan spells
here last season, when he scored six goals in 14 games.
7.45pm - Here come the two teams, led by Kevin Nolan and Jake Wright. West
Ham are in their all Navy away kit. Oxford are in all yellow. The conditions
are better than they were at Southend on Saturday! The pitch here looks in
decent nick. A sizeable travelling contingent from east London are sat
directly opposite me.
7.44pm - It looks like kick-off might also be slightly delayed as there is
no sign of the Oxford team, while West Ham have now gone back to their
dressing room...
7.40pm - Due to West Ham's slightly delayed arrival, the Hammers are out
warming up and will stay out on the pitch for kick-off.
7.35pm - For those wondering who 'Porritt' is on the teamsheet, he is Nathan
Porritt. Now 22, the former England Under-18 international midfielder is now
unattached after a spell in Belgian football.
7.15pm - So, Big Sam has named a very strong team tonight, with Carlton Cole
returning to action for the first time since the opening pre-season game at
FK Austria Wien. The same can be said of goalkeeper Stephen Henderson, who
has recovered from a slight thigh injury. On the bench, the Development
Squad have returned from Moscow and the likes of Jake Larkins, Eoin Wearen,
Pelly Ruddock, George Moncur, Blair Turgott and Seb Lletget are available
tonight.
7.10pm - OK, sorry for the delay but the team coach was slightly held up on
the road to the Kassam Stadium. The team news is in -
Oxford United: Clarke, Batt, McGinty, Wright, Chapman, Heslop, Smalley,
Pittman, Potter, McAllister, Evans
Subs: Crocombe, Raynes, Constable, Rigg, Boateng, Capaldi, Forster-Caskey,
Tafazoli, Harris, Smith, Craddock, Long, Lynn
West Ham United: Henderson, Demel, Spence, Reid, McCartney, Noble, Nolan,
O'Neil, Morrison, Cole, Vaz Te
Subs: Larkins, Wearen, Maynard, Porritt, Hall, Taylor, Ruddock, Moncur,
Turgott, Nasha, Lletget
Good evening and welcome to the Kassam Stadium for West Ham United's fourth
pre-season fixture against npower League Two side Oxford United.
The Hammers won their first pre-season match on Saturday, producing a decent
all-round performance to win 3-0 at Southend United, with Nicky Maynard,
Jordan Spence and Sam Baldock on target.
Baldock's goal was his third in three appearances so far in 2012/13 and the
former MK Dons man will be eager to find the net again and continue his hot
start to the new Barclays Premier League campaign.
There are a number of links between the two clubs - West Ham forward Rob
Hall spent two spells on loan with the U's last season, while Oxford coach
Andy Melville was part of the Hammers squad which gained promotion to the
Premier League via the Play-Offs in 2005. Meanwhile, West Ham midfielder
Matt Taylor was born and raised in Oxford.
Squad-wise, Sam Allardyce has chosen a group mixing first-team regulars and
young professionals. The likes of Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble and Ricardo Vaz Te
are joined in the squad by Development Squad players Eoin Wearen, Callum
Driver, Pelly Ruddock, George Moncur, Jake Larkins, Blair Turgott and
Sebastian Lletget.
Summer signing Stephen Henderson returns from a minor thigh injury and could
start in goal after missing the trips to Boreham Wood and Southend, while
Guy Demel could make his first pre-season start.
Tuesday's fixture will be the first meeting between West Ham and Oxford
since 24 August, when Scott Parker's late goal saw the Hammers beat the U's
1-0 in the League Cup second round at the Boleyn Ground.
The Hammers will be making their first-ever visit to the Kassam Stadium.
West Ham United: Henderson, Demel (Nasha 61), Spence, Reid (Wearen 61),
McCartney (Taylor 46), Noble (Moncur 61), Nolan (Ruddock 61), O'Neil
(Porritt 61), Morrison (Turgott 61), Cole (Maynard 46), Vaz Te (Hall 61)
Subs: Larkins, Lletget
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame happy with start
WHUFC.com
Momo Diame has enjoyed his first few weeks as a West Ham United player
16.07.2012
Mohamed Diame believes he has already settled in east London despite only
being at West Ham United for a few weeks. The 25-year-old got his first
taste of life as a Hammer during the club's training camp in Austria,
playing the full 90 minutes in the 3-1 defeat to FK Austria Wien. The
midfielder will have to wait before pulling on the claret and blue shirt
again though, as he jetted off straight away to join up with the Senegal
squad for the 2012 Olympic Games. Speaking to whufc.com, the Senegal
international praised his new team-mates and colleagues for giving him the
perfect welcome. "It was great to meet up with the rest of the team and to
start pre-season training. Everybody has been very welcoming to me, the
other players and all the staff. It made me feel good and it was nice to
start getting settled," he said. "The week we had in Austria was very good -
it was very hot and we worked hard - it was nice to get started. "I think
everyone was happy with the work we did and there is also a great spirit in
the team, as I said, it made feel very welcome."
Diame, who became Sam Allardyce's third summer signing, now hopes he can
build on his Hammers' debut, believing that the Olympics will provide the
perfect platform ahead of the new domestic season. "We had a good week and
now we have to keep working hard towards the new season - I will be with
Senegal now for the rest of pre-season but I am looking to come back and
help play my part on the training pitch and for the team when the new season
begins."
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London 2012: F1 track plan among Olympic Stadium bids
BBC.co.uk
A scheme to turn the Olympic Stadium into part of a Formula 1 track after
the London 2012 Games is one of four now under official consideration.
Football clubs West Ham and Leyton Orient are bidding to be tenants, as is
the UCFB College of Football Business. An original deal for West Ham to
lease the £486m stadium was scrapped last year amid legal wrangling. The
London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) said bids will be assessed
before any negotiations begin. Plans for a grand prix circuit were tabled by
Intelligent Transport Services, in conjunction with F1. The proposal would
reportedly allow another British round of the world championship in and
around the stadium in East London. UCFB, which offers degrees in football
business, is based at Burnley FC's Turf Moor ground and is an affiliate of
Bucks New University. It is understood Orient's proposal is based on a
ground share with West Ham, although the Premier League club has previously
insisted it is not considering that arrangement.
OLYMPIC STADIUM TIMELINE
12 July, 2012: Extended deadline for bidders to submit proposals
27 July-12 August: Olympic Games take place
29 August-9 September: Paralympics take place
October: Decision expected on succesful bidders
2014: Stadium reopens with new tenants
F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone said last month that he had been consulted by the
Intelligent Transport Services company about plans to use the stadium for a
race.
Ecclestone told the Daily Telegraph: "This is a firm that happened to be
bidding for use of the stadium, not to own it. They came up with a scheme
whereby Formula 1 would race around the stadium, inside it, outside it. They
wanted to make sure I would be interested." He has separately said that
plans for a race on a 3.15 mile (5.1 km) London circuit taking in sights
including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Trafalgar Square were "no joke".
Orient chairman Barry Hearn refused to comment on a possible ground share,
but told BBC Sport he hoped the League One club's bid could succeed. "There
is no point dwelling on the design of the stadium and the faults of the
stadium," he said. "We have to get on with it, we have to make a fist of it
and we have to make sure the Government and the people of this country get
maximum value for the investment that has gone into the Olympic Stadium.
"Our idea does that and I think it forms part of a legacy that people in
this country can be proud of. Bearing in mind this is the only time in our
lifetime that we are ever going to hold the Olympic Games, we need to get
something out of it. "A mixture of usages and a mixture of opportunity
within the Olympic Stadium will give us the feeling that we have spent our
money wisely and that is really what we are trying to achieve. All sides
have to exercise common sense and move forward. I think we have created a
very interesting scheme that can do just that."
Essex County Cricket Club has dropped plans for tenancy at the stadium after
its partner, the University of London, pulled out of the process. It has
already been announced the 80,000-capacity Olympic Stadium will be reduced
after the Games to a 60,000 venue, which retains a running track, and will
host the 2017 World Athletics Championships. The LLDC says it is possible
more than one bidder could be successful, with a decision expected in the
autumn.
Meanwhile, preferred bidder status has been granted to iCITY for the Olympic
press and broadcast centres. It wants to them into a design, technology and
research base that might create more than 4,000 jobs. The scheme includes a
conference centre, pedestrian square, cafes, restaurants and bars.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham seek deal for Mali striker Modibo Maiga
BBC.co.uk
By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport
West Ham are hoping to complete the signing of Mali striker Modibo Maiga
from French club Sochaux for a reported fee of £4.5m. The 25-year-old is
understood to be in England for a medical ahead of his proposed transfer.
Maiga went on strike during the 2011 summer transfer window as he tried to
secure a move to Newcastle. He eventually failed a medical at the Magpies
in January due to a knee problem. Maiga has scored 24 goals in 52 games for
Sochaux since signing from Le Mans in July 2010.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tomkins thanks fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 17th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
James Tomkins has thanked the readers of KUMB.com for naming him as their
2011/12 Player of the Season. The 23-year-old central defender, who narrowly
pipped midfielder Mark Noble to the award said: "I was delighted to be
chosen as player of the year by everyone at KUMB. "Any award and support
from our fans is great and very important to all of us as players, as it
comes from our supporters who watch us week in week out. "I will always say
it is a team effort and last season was no different, everyone worked hard
to get the team back up in the Premier League and it was fantastic we
achieved that. "Our aim was to do that for our fans first and foremost, to
say thanks for the incredible support you all give us. "I have been here
since I was a young boy and came through the Academy, so I know a lot of our
fans have followed my career as I have made it through to the first team.
"I have always appreciated the support, people coming up to me and wishing
me well and wishing me success in the team and it is nice to know that
everyone is looking out for you. "It is great to have won this award and I
hope to repay this great support by playing my part in the team this season
as we look forward to being back in the Premier League once again. Thank you
again for everyone at KUMB for voting for me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mohsni set for Hammers
West Ham are Premier League club
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated: July
17, 2012 2:59pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands that the Premier League club ready to take Southend
ace Bilel Mohsni on trial is West Ham United. The 24-year-old defender, who
can also play as a striker, has been linked with a host of clubs over the
past 12 months. Stoke City and Blackpool have both seen offers rejected by
Southend, but now they have confirmed that they have agreed to let him train
with an unnamed club. Sky Sports can confirm that the team in question is
West Ham, and he is due to link up with them this week. Mohsni has just a
year left on his current deal, after Southend took up the 12-month option
they had on him at the end of last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam rules out Carroll & Berba
West Ham boss insists strike duo will not be heading to Upton Park
By Rob Parrish - Follow me on Twitter @skysportsrobp. Last Updated: July
17, 2012 8:26pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has admitted West Ham have given up on their hopes of signing
Andy Carroll and rejected reports of an interest in Dimitar Berbatov. Sky
Sports revealed earlier on Tuesday that England international Carroll has
been told that he does not figure in Brendan Rodgers' immediate plans, but
is reluctant to leave on a permanent basis. The £35million striker has been
targeted by former club Newcastle, who have seen an initial loan bid
rejected by the Reds and are considering whether to return with an improved
offer. The Hammers have also been linked with the 23-year-old and while
Allardyce admitted that discussions had taken place with the Reds, they
proved fruitless and the Upton Park boss is now moving on to other targets.
Nothing progressing
He told Sky Sports News HD: "I think that we're not in a situation where we
can secure a deal with Andy or Liverpool at the moment. "We talked to them,
we had some negotiation. But at the moment there is nothing progressing
forward on Andy coming to West Ham. "Andy is yet to make his mind up where
his future lies and the negotiation with Liverpool hasn't been a situation
where we've been able to agree. "We'll just leave it as it is and move on
with other players, as we have been doing on a daily basis through the
summer."
Pure speculation
Another striker to be linked with a switch to East London is Manchester
United forward Dimitar Berbatov, with the Bulgarian widely expected to leave
Old Trafford this summer. But Allardyce has flatly rejected suggestions that
the languid forward, who has been tipped for a move to Serie A, could be on
his radar. The West Ham boss added: "That's pure speculation in the media. I
haven't had any contact with Sir Alex. "There was a statement from Dimitar
saying he's available for £5million. Everybody knows we're looking for a
striker so they say we're in for him, but I've not had any conversations
with Sir Alex."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers close on Maiga
Allardyce confirms deal for Mali striker is in pipeline
Last Updated: July 17, 2012 9:08pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has confirmed that West Ham are hoping to complete the signing
of Mali striker Modibo Maiga from Sochaux. Sky Sports understands that the
25-year-old is undergoing a medical with the East London club ahead of a
proposed £4.5million move from Ligue 1. Maiga was linked with a move to
Newcastle last summer and a proposed move to St James' Park in the January
transfer window fell through. The Mali international joined Sochaux from Le
Mans in July 2010 and has since scored 24 goals in 52 games for the French
side. Allardyce admitted that a deal to bring in Maiga was in the pipeline
but insisted there were still some details to be finalised before he puts
pen to paper. The Hammers boss told Sky Sports News HD: "At the moment that
is progressing. That is going forward as we speak but is a little way off
being clinched."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Split decision: West Ham and Leyton Orient could SHARE Olympic Stadium
The Mirror
A ground share between West Ham and Leyton Orient is one of four proposals
now being considered for the Olympic Stadium. There are bids from West Ham,
Leyton Orient, the UCFB College of Football Business, and a plan to turn the
Olympic Stadium into part of a Formula 1 track, tabled by Intelligent
Transport Services, in conjunction with F1. Last year West Ham were in pole
position with a solo deal to lease the £486m stadium, but that was scrapped
amid legal wrangling. It is understood that it is Leyton Orient's proposal
which offers a ground share with West Ham, although the Premier League club
have previously rejected any such share. Orient chairman Barry Hearn refused
to comment on whether his proposal contained a possible ground share with
West Ham, but told BBC Sport he was hopeful of success. "There is no point
dwelling on the design of the stadium and the faults of the stadium," he
said. "We have to get on with it, we have to make a fist of it and we have
to make sure the Government and the people of this country get maximum value
for the investment that has gone into the Olympic Stadium.
"Our idea does that and I think it forms part of a legacy that people in
this country can be proud of. Bearing in mind this is the only time in our
lifetime that we are ever going to hold the Olympic Games, we need to get
something out of it.
"A mixture of usages and a mixture of opportunity within the Olympic Stadium
will give us the feeling that we have spent our money wisely and that is
really what we are trying to achieve. All sides have to exercise common
sense and move forward. I think we have created a very interesting scheme
that can do just that." It has already been announced that the
80,000-capacity Stadium will be reduced after the Games to 60,000.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham weigh up bid for ex-Chelsea wide man
By Jamie Sanderson | Tuesday, July 17, 2012
TalkSPort
West Ham are weighing up a move for out-of-favour Hamburg winger Gökhan
Töre. Töre has been told he is free to quit the Bundesliga outfit this
summer, despite a number of impressive displays, after falling out with new
manager Thorsten Fink. The quicksilver winger, who moved to Hamburg from
Chelsea just 12 months ago, turned out 22 times in the league last term, but
he has been omitted from Fink's first-team plans ahead of the new season.
Russian outfit Spartak Moscow have been strongly linked with a move, but it
appears the 20-year-old is keen to return to the Premier League, where his
agent has offered his services to newly-promoted West Ham. Töre would bring
an injection of pace, power and genuine width to the Hammers line-up, and
while boss Sam Allardyce is keen, he has requested a trial run out first,
something Hamburg have rejected. The news of Töre's switch away will be good
news for Chelsea, who will earn 50% of the fee Hamburg receive, after
including a hefty sell-on clause in the deal to sell him to Germany.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham in race for Olympic Stadium
Reuters - Today, 15:03
442.com
A bid linked to motor-racing group Formula One and football club West Ham
United are among four parties competing to take over the Olympic stadium
after the London Games, the London Legacy Development Corporation said on
Tuesday. The LLDC said it was assessing proposals from the two, as well as
from Leyton Orient Football Club and the UCFB College of Football Business,
without saying when a decision was due. Formula One supremo Bernie
Ecclestone told Reuters he was not directly involved in the motor-racing bid
which LLDC said was made in association with a company called Intelligent
Transport Services. "If they were to get permission to do it [use the
stadium for a Grand Prix], then we would be more than happy to do something
with them. But we have nothing to do with putting in a bid," he said.
The process to select a main tenant for the stadium in east London was
extended eight weeks in May after the LLDC said parties had been discouraged
from bidding because of unresolved issues including stadium-naming rights.
"London is further ahead in planning legacy than any previous host Olympic
city," LLDC chairman Daniel Moylan said. There has been speculation that
Formula One planned to use the stadium and neighbouring land to create a
motor-racing circuit. Some local politicians fear the 80,000-seat venue
could become a white elephant. A previous plan to sell the stadium to West
Ham fell apart in October with the government citing "legal paralysis" after
Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, which had a bid turned down,
challenged the decision. The LLDC also said a bid to turn the 1 million
square foot Olympic media centre into offices, research labs and a data
centre was now the preferred choice. A plan by the so-called iCity
consortium is the favourite after the only other bidder withdrew last week.
The consortium is backed by data centre manager Infinity and property
company Delancey. It plans to create more than 4,000 jobs. The LLDC said it
will name the residential developer selected to build the first
neighbourhood of housing on the park next week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
And Another Two Bite the Dust, But the Maiga Deal Seems Somewhat More
Promising!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Well, so two more bits of transfer speculation bite the dust. Apparently Sam
Allardyce has confirmed that the Andy Carroll deal is not going to happen.
While he has also poured some very cold water on the rumour that we were
ever interested in Berbetov. Neither development is much of a surprise in
all honesty. Therefore, barring a dramatic changed state of affairs, the
improbablity is not a possibility, and the 10% 'long shot' is not going to
come off. While, the Berbetov speculation appears to a case of the media
doing their standard trick of making 2 (west Ham need a striker) + 2
(Berbetov is available) = 5 (West Ham want Berbetov).
Elsewhere, things look somewhat more promising on the Maiga deal.
Negotiations appear to be at a fairly advanced stage, but Allardyce has
stressed that there are stiill some issues to be ironed out before the deal
can be completed. Hopefully, those 'issues' relate to personal terms, rather
than medical complications. We will just have to wait and see? Maybe Maiga
will prove to be an absolute gem, emerging out of 'left field' to barnstorm
his way in to the Hammers Hall of Fame! Goodness, how we could do with a
McAvennie or Devonshire scenerio of a 'low expection' signing turning out to
be absolute gold. Unfortunately those kind of deals are all too rare,
especially these days. Although the Vaz Te deal had a touch of that about it
last season. Similarly, Vaz Te bursting on to the PL scene, with a glut of
goals, would also be most welcome event. At a push, I might even settle for
him being a one season sensation, with 20 plus PL goals leading to a £10m
summer move to Porto!
Yesterday, amidst the inertia of the current transfer window, my mind
wanderered back to the pre-season of 1985-86. Now, everyone celebrates the
exploits of the Boys of 86, but the general apprehension that preceeded that
season is seldom recalled . West Ham had bumped around the bottom half of
the old First Division table in 1984-85, but we managed to pull clear of
relegation trouble with a bit to spare. But it was a decidedly underwhelming
season. The prevalent view was that we needed to 'buy big' to avoid a repeat
in the following campaign. Yet, instead of households names, our 'trophy'
signings were a winger from Oldham and an attacking midfielder from St
Mirren. Few had heard of them and many fans were left fearing the worst.
Yet, McAvennie and Ward slotted in beautifully and the rest of the team
gelled around them. And the rest as they say is history! I am not saying
that it will happen again, but it is still a comforting recollection. Oh,
yeah and they did not win a game in the 1985-86 pre-season, to boot!
(Tallking of which, we apparently lost 1-0 to Oxford Utd yesterday evening
in our latest pre-season friendly).
Finally, forget about Carroll and Berbetov. West Ham are said to be
interested in Southend Utd utility man, Bilel Mohsni. Mohsni appears to be a
Derek Johnstone type of player (hands up those who remembers him?) who can
operate as both a defender and a striker. Is it just another baseless
rumour, who can possibly say at present?
Anyway, keep the faith! If ever I needed to adhere to my favourite Gramscian
dictum 'Pessimism of intellect, optimism of the will' it is probably now.
And, of course, It is easy to forget that things could be a lot worse. If
those three early Blackpool sitters in the play-off Final had gone in, we
would now be faced with another tough season in the championship, having to
cope with dire consequences of 'financial fair play.' There, that's cheered
you up hasn't it. COYI!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham and Formula One lead grid in race for Olympic Stadium
Other bidders are UCFB College and Leyton Orient
West Ham remain favourites to move into stadium
Owen Gibson
The Guardian, Wednesday 18 July 2012
The London Legacy Development Corporation has named four bidders in the
bidding process for the £428m stadium. Photograph: Paul Gilham/Getty Images
West Ham United remain favourites to move into the Olympic stadium after the
Games after the club were named as one of four final bidders , while
ambitious plans to stage a Formula One race in the Park also remain on the
shortlist.
Following a board meeting, the London Legacy Development Corporation named
the four bidders that remain in the protracted bidding process for the £428m
stadium. Bernie Ecclestone has given his backing to the bid to use the
stadium as part of a Formula One track, a separate scheme from recently
floated plans to stage a race in central London, but he is not directly
involved.
"If they were to get permission to do it, then we would be more than happy
to do something with them. But we have nothing to do with putting in a bid,"
he said of the bid, submitted by a company called Intelligent Transport
Services.
The other two bidders are the UCFB College of Football Business and Leyton
Orient. The east end club, which along with Tottenham Hostpur and an
anonymous complainant to the European Union derailed an earlier attempt to
award the stadium to West Ham, did not put its name forward under the
initial bidding process. But when the deadline was extended by the LLDC,
partly because bidders had been discouraged by unresolved issues around
naming rights, the chairman, Barry Hearn, changed his mind and submitted a
bid.
West Ham remain favourites to move in, but have said they will only do so on
their terms. The vice chair, Karren Brady, wants to ensure the club and
their supporters feel as though they have ownership of the ground during the
football season and can benefit from sponsorship and commercial
opportunities as the main tenants.
The club will also have to invest in adding a roof and hospitality boxes and
want to investigate the possibility of installing retractable seating for
the running track.
UK Athletics is already guaranteed use of the stadium, which will host the
2017 world athletics championships. Newham Council, which will put £40m into
the project, will also be guaranteed a certain number of days access for
community use. The four bids will be now be evaluated before negotiations
begin, with the aim of coming to a decision by October. "London is further
ahead in planning legacy than any previous host Olympic city. Despite our
success this is no time to rest on our laurels. We have planned a superb
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and we are working to ensure we achieve the
right long-term future for all our permanent venues," said LLDC chairman
Daniel Moylan, who recently replaced Margaret Ford.
The LLDC has also made the iCity consortium the preferred bidder for the
cavernous international broadcast centre and main press centre on the site.
It will now enter into exclusive negotiations over its plans to house a data
centre, hi-tech start ups, post production companies and educational
establishments on the site.
The company will have to sign up to promises to deliver 3,800 jobs on the
site. It has said it could increase employment on the site and in the
surrounding area by up to 6,000.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, July 17
Daily WHUFC News - 17th July 2012
Nolan happy with Jussi arrival
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan was delighted to see the Hammers sign his former team-mate Jussi
Jaaskelainen
15.07.2012
Kevin Nolan believes West Ham United have signed a top-class goalkeeper in
Jussi Jaaskelainen. The Hammers captain knows exactly what Jaaskelainen can
do, having spent ten years playing in front of the Finn at Bolton Wanderers.
The pair shared great times at the Reebok Stadium, achieving promotion to
the Premier League, reaching the League Cup final and twice competing in the
UEFA Cup. Having lined up in the same team more than 300 times for the
Trotters, Nolan believes Jaaskelainen possesses the experience and ability
to help West Ham to consolidate their place in the Barclays Premier League.
"Obviously Jussi's record speaks for itself," he told West Ham TV. "When we
were at Bolton and were at our height finishing in the top-eight in four
straight seasons, he was probably easily worth 12 points a season to us and
that was just in games that he won for us on his own by pulling off saves
when our backs were against the wall. "He is that type of keeper who can
pull of great saves. He is a good lad to have around the place too. "There
was no-one more disappointed than me to see Rob Green go. I was close to him
and consider him a good friend and we've stayed in touch. I wish him well in
his move but was disappointed not to see him stay because it would have been
interesting to see those two going at it for the No1 jersey. "Jussi is
someone the gaffer knows really well and I'm sure he'll warm the West Ham
fans' hearts quickly because he is that type of player and character."
Nolan was also pleased to see the Hammers acquire Senegal midfielder Mohamed
Diame following his departure from Wigan Athletic. The pair have enjoyed a
number of battles in the Barclays Premier League over the past few seasons
and the skipper believes Diame will also prove to be a shrewd acquisition
over the course of the season. "I don't really know much of Mohamed but I've
played against him and seen him on the TV. What I've seen of him over the
past week is that he is a good lad who has mixed in with the boys and I'm
sure he'll be a good signing for us. "He seems a very good player and is a
young kid - well, he's younger than me! I'm sure he's going to be a very
good player for us this season."
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Hall relishing Oxford return
WHUFC.com
One-time Oxford United loanee Rob Hall is looking forward to Tuesday's
pre-season match
16.07.2012
Rob Hall is looking forward to showing Oxford United supporters more of his
undoubted talent on Tuesday evening. The West Ham United forward enjoyed two
fruitful loan spells with the npower League Two club last season, scoring
six goals in 14 appearances and dazzling the U's faithful with his quick
feet and elusive dribbling and movement. Tuesday's pre-season fixture at the
Kassam Stadium - kick-off 7.45pm - will give the 18-year-old an opportunity
to illustrate again why he is considered one of English football's
most-promising young players. The player himself told West Ham TV he is
desperate to be involved in a fixture that is set to be attended by dozens
of his friends and family members, many of whom hail from Hall's hometown of
Aylesbury just 20 miles from Oxford. "Hopefully I'll be involved but I have
to take it step-by-step," he said modestly. "We're back in training today
and I'll work hard to try to get into the squad. "It would be great to go
back there and play again in front of the Oxford fans and nice to be in and
around the team and the club because I really enjoyed my time there."
Hall caught the eye during a 30-minute run out in Saturday's 3-0 pre-season
victory at Southend United - less than 48 hours after he had played 120
minutes in England's agonising 2-1 UEFA European Under-19 Championship
semi-final defeat by Greece. The Hammers teenager's disappointment was
compounded by the fact he saw his penalty saved with the scoreline standing
at 1-0 to Greece just before half-time. While Hall was naturally upset at
England's exit, he has vowed to learn from the experience and bounce back a
stronger character and a better player. "I got back from Estonia at about
6pm on Friday after a long day of travelling, but it wasn't too bad. I got a
nice 30-minute burst and felt fresh. "It was a long time away from home but
I learnt a lot out there. I had a lot of experience, some bad of course such
as getting knocked out in the semi-finals, but it was a good all-round trip.
"You see different cultures and learn to live different ways. We had a lot
of down-time out there where you have to look after yourselves, so you have
to learn from that. "I heard I was only playing 30 minutes on Saturday and I
thought it would be at the end of the game, but I came into the changing
room and saw my name in the starting XI and I thought I did alright.
"England-wise, I feel I am a penalty taker but I've missed my last two so
the next one needs to go in! I might have to change my technique but I'm
confident it will go in. "You've just got to step up and keep your head and
on the day the Greek keeper read where I was going to go, so I'll learn from
it and move on from that."
Tuesday's fixture will be the first meeting between West Ham and Oxford
since 24 August, when Scott Parker's late goal saw the Hammers beat the U's
1-0 in the League Cup second round at the Boleyn Ground. The Hammers will be
making their first-ever visit to the Kassam Stadium. *An allocation of 500
tickets will be on sale (cash only) to West Ham United supporters from the
Kassam Stadium North Ticket Office from 6.30pm on Tuesday evening.
Tickets are priced at £18 for Adults, £14.50 for Students (NUS card required
and in full-time education) and £10.50 for Over-65s/Under-16s.
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Maiga in London to seal switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Modibo Maiga has arrived in London to rubber-stamp his move to West Ham. The
Malian forward, who is set to cost United up to £7million arrived in the
capital late this afternoon before being whisked away to a hotel where he
will be staying ahead of meeting with Hammers chiefs and undergoing a
medical. The 24-year-old forward, who currently plays for French Ligue 1
club Sochaux began his footballing career in his home country with Stade
Malien before moving to Moroccan club Raja CA Casablanca in 2004. Having
been part of the Arab Champions League-winning side when Casablanca beat
Egyptian outfit ENPPI Club 2-1 in 2006, Maiga moved to France when Le Mans
came calling in 2007. Following three years with MUC 72, he was signed by
current club Sochaux, for whom he scored 15 goals in his first season. A
year ago last month Maiga looked set to move to Newcastle but he eventually
failed a medical ahead of a £7million deal. Having returned to France he
went on to score another 15 goals last season as he helped Les Lionceaux to
fifth place in Ligue 1.
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Sam on Andy
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce is still hopeful of landing Liverpool's Andy Carroll on loan -
despite the England striker's former club entering the race to sign him.
Newcastle United, who sold Carroll to Liverpool last January for a
record-breaking £35million are said to be ready to pay around £13million to
re-sign the Gateshead-born striker on a permanent basis - whilst West Ham
are hoping to take him on loan with view to a permanent deal. Key to West
Ham's bid is the close relationship between Carroll and West Ham captain
Kevin Nolan - and the fact that both are represented by agent Mark Curtis,
who has become an increasingly influential figure at West Ham in recent
months. The controversial Curtis also represents West Ham's central
defender James Tomkins - for whom he recently negotiated a new bumper
contract - and manager Sam Allardyce. Speaking to the local press earlier
today, Allardyce reiterated his desire to bring the 6'3" hit man to east
London. "We would dearly love to have Andy Carroll with us but it is a
complex situation and he is in no hurry," he said. "He doesn't have to make
a quick decision if he doesn't want to. If Andy is going to leave Liverpool,
he can wait and see how many are interested. "The fact, though, that Kevin
is a good friend of Andy's is a slight positive because, if he came here, he
wouldn't be going into a strange environment which would make it easier for
him to integrate."
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Sam 'frustrated' at lack of activity
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce is becoming increasingly frustrated at West Ham's inability to
land any of his favoured transfer targets, KUMB has learned. The West Ham
manager has seen a string of deals fall through already this summer due to
the board's unwillingness to pay high wages and is said to be disappointed
at the lack of backing he has received from the club's co-owners, Davids
Sullivan and Gold. Sunderland's Kieran Richardson, ex-Tottenham defender
Ryan Nelson (now QPR) and former Rangers forward Steven Naismith (now
Everton) are three of the players who Allardyce has failed to land having
seen negotiations fall through due to the board's insistence on refusing to
accede to extortionate demands. Sullivan - and to a lesser degree, Gold -
have refused to sanction such transfers, preferring instead to wait in the
hope that some of their targets remain available until later in the transfer
window when they are more likely to accept more agreeable terms. "We've
identified a number of players but, as yet, we've not been able to sign them
because of their demands," Big Sam said earlier today. "At the moment, we
have signed two out of 12 players we have gone for but I believe we need
another four. "I still believe we will sign the players we need but every
day that goes by makes me more anxious."
27-year-old Richardson, for example, is thought to have demanded circa
£45,000-per-week to join West Ham despite having failed to stand out since
moving from Manchester United to Sunderland for £5.5million in July 2007.
Despite the lack of activity in the past fortnight, West Ham have already
signed four players since confirming their return to the Premier League -
Stephen Henderson, Jussi Jaaskelainen, Momo Diame and George McCartney -
whilst Modibo Maiga is expected to join within the next few days. Allardyce
is seeking a full back, a central defender, a wide forward and a central
striker.
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Ferdinand: no match for West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammers target Kane Ferdinand says his Southend United team were
distinctly second best against Sam Allardyce's side at the weekend. West Ham
recorded their first win of pre-season with Saturday's 3-0 success at Roots
Hall; the goals coming from Nicky Maynard, Jordan Spence and Sam Baldock,
who maintained his record of having scored in every game of pre-season. And
Ferdinand - who was first linked with a move to Upton Park in June 2011 -
admitted that the two teams were a class apart. "I think the difference in
class between the two teams was there to see but it was good for us to get
out there again," the relative of former Hammers Rio, Anton and Les
Ferdinand told the Echo. "West Ham have been back in training a few more
weeks than we have and that showed as well, but it was nice to get a game
in. The matches help to break up the hard runs and training we're doing and
I'm sure this will have done us good."
Meanwhile West Ham's assistant manager Neil McDonald was once again pleased
with efforts of the team. They're getting stronger and they're getting
fitter which is what pre-season is all about," he told whufc.com. "It was
nice to get some goals as well, which was great. With another good week of
work under their belts and having played two games this week, it's building
up well in pre-season. "We passed the ball really well and kept it moving.
We've been working on keeping the ball and passing and moving during the
past two weeks and we now just need to build their fitness up. We played
some really nice stuff at times."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole: days numbered?
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 16th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Carlton Cole's days at West Ham could be numbered after he was told that he
may not necessarily be part of Sam Allardyce's first team plans for next
season.
KUMB understands that the former England striker, who scored the first goal
in West Ham's 2-1 play-off Final win against Blackpool back in May has been
informed that he will not be guaranteed a first team spot next season. With
West Ham chasing the likes of Liverpool's Andy Carroll and Sochaux's Modibo
Maiga - who some sources have suggested will complete a move to West Ham
this week - Cole is likely to be second choice, at best, for the lone
striker's role under Allardyce's system.
And the 28-year-old, who moved to West Ham from Chelsea six years ago has
been told to seek a new club should he wish to guarantee first-team football
on a regular basis. The Hammers are still in line to sign Mali striker Maiga
this week, with the club still seeking to land Carroll on loan from
Liverpool. However the Hammers face stiff competition from his former club
Newcastle.
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And the Latest Player Allegedly Being Pursured by West Ham is - Dimitar
Berbatov!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
The Daily Mirror have reported that West Ham's latest transfer target is
allegedly Manchester Utd's Dimitar Berbatov. It seems that Berbatov's time
at Old Traford is nearing its conclusion and there is speculation that he
could be allowed to move for a £5m fee. West Ham could undoubtedly afford
that level of transfer fee, but about his his wage package? Berbatov is
still a PL quality striker and he needs regular first team football. Are
West Ham genuinely interested in him? Perhaps, but it does begs the question
will the Board meet his wage demands?
Sam Allardyce's recently reported comments about his fustrations at failing
to secure the club's summer transfer targets have been illuminating. It
appears, as many of us have suspected, that potential deals are breaking
down because the Board will not meet the wage demands of the players. That
is a double edged sword, because while it is essential that the club is
competitive in the transfer market, no one wants to see the club paying
decidely average players heavily inflated wages. The truth is that quality,
above and beyond what we already have, will cost the club. As a general
rule, there is no getting away from that harsh reality. Yes, it is probably
right to take a stand on inflated player wages, but if you are doing it in
isolaion, as one PL club, there is every prospect that you will only end up
disadvantaging yourself in the transfer market.
Everyone knows how important the summer transfer window is in having a good
season. Get it wrong, and you need up on the back foot, trying to pull it
out of the fire with expensive and desperate transfers in January. That's
exactly what happened in 2010-11, we never recovered from a poor start and
the January transfers did nothing to turn the club's fortunes around at the
11th hour.
When history repeats itself, its first as tragedy and then as farce. This
club cannot afford another relegation farce this time around. Surely
everyone can agree on that? Personally, i am not overly pessimistic about
our current squad, the likes of Noble, Collison, Tomkins and Nolan give us a
reasonable fighting chance in the coming the season. Especially if the team
spirit and togetherness that emerged last season is carried over in to the
new season. But to perform better than expected we probably need an
injection of extra quality in key positions.
Hopefully, the quality in the current squad, the much improved team spirit
and Sam Allardyce's managerial nous will keep us out of any real trouble.
But would it not be nice to do a bit better and secure a top ten finish.
That is a quality often sorely missing at Upton Park over the decades
....... ambition.!
SJ Chandos.
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Hammers bid for Berbatov: New boys want the Manchester United misfit
The Mirror
West Ham have made an audacious bid to rescue Dimitar Berbatov from his
Manchester United hell. The promoted Hammers have moved for the Bulgarian
hitman as it appears Newcastle are set to win the race for another of their
targets, Liverpool and England striker Andy Carroll. Berbatov, 31, has made
public his desperation to quit the Reds in search of regular first-team
football next season. But United have taken out an option to extend his
contract by another 12 months in the hope of landing a fee for the striker
of around £5million. The east Londoners want to hand Berbatov a chance to
return to London, where he made his name with Tottenham, on loan – at least
initially – whereas the deposed champions are looking for a sale. Berbatov
took to Facebook at the weekend to make clear he'd rather cut his losses
than stay on the bench for another season at Old Trafford. Signed for £30m
from Spurs four years ago, Berbatov hit 14 goals in his first season at
United and 12 in his second. In his third, he rattled in 20 Premier League
goals to share the Golden Boot with Carlos Tevez of Manchester City.
However, the emergence of both Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez at United,
has since seen Berbatov plummet down the pecking order.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Show me the way home! Miffed Carroll ready for Toon return after snub
By DOMINIC KING
PUBLISHED: 23:00, 16 July 2012 | UPDATED: 06:22, 17 July 2012
Daily Mail
Andy Carroll has paved the way for a dramatic return 'home' by admitting
that he wants to re-join Newcastle. Having harboured hopes he would be able
to convince Brendan Rodgers of his suitability for the new Liverpool,
Carroll has now been forced to reluctantly accept that he must move on to
play regular football. Newcastle had an approach to take the England
international on a season-long loan firmly rebuffed by Liverpool on Sunday
night but they will now be expected to come back with another offer after
receiving encouraging noises from Carroll's entourage. West Ham United,
Fulham and Aston Villa have all stated their interest to varying degrees but
it would appear Carroll would only want to go back to the Sports Direct
Arena. According to an unnamed friend, who was quoted in Monday's Newcastle
Evening Chronicle, Carroll is annoyed that he hasn't had an opportunity to
impress Rodgers. 'From a professional point of view Andy is miffed that he
wasn't given the chance to show what he can do in front of new manager
Brendan Rodgers,' a close friend of Carroll's said. 'He was expecting to get
at least pre-season to show what he could offer him. He ended last season on
a high and wanted to continue that. 'Now Newcastle are interested and Andy
wants to come home. He's already told Liverpool that too. He's surprised
Liverpool don't want him anymore and doesn't want to be where he is not
wanted.'
Former Newcastle captain Alan Shearer believes returning to Tyneside would
be a 'great move' for Carroll
The 41-year-old said in The Sun: 'Andy is an England centre-forward and I
wouldn't say he has been a flop at Liverpool by any means. 'Yes, it took him
a bit of time to settle there but he finished the season strongly and
considering he only started one game at the Euros, I thought he did well.
'Make no mistake, he is a very good footballer. I can fully understand why
Newcastle are in for him and I think it would be a great move. 'When he was
there before he benefited from the fact that the team was always working to
get him the ball - and he thrived on that. That hasn't always been the case
at Liverpool and perhaps at times he suffered.' He added: 'There is an old
saying that you should never go back but, in Andy's case, I don't think it
would be a mistake at all. 'He was hero-worshipped by the crowd first time
around and they would warm to him again. Andy loved playing there and
whatever the fans felt about him leaving to join Liverpool, I'm sure he
would win them over quickly.'
As Liverpool paid £35million for Carroll in January 2011, they will play
hard ball with any club enquiring about the striker and will not sell him on
the cheap.
Liverpool would be looking to recoup at least half of what they initially
paid for Carroll and will only do business if they receive a serious
permanent offer or a loan deal with a commitment to buy. Rodgers is looking
to make additions to Liverpool's squad and is keen on both Fulham's Clint
Dempsey and Joe Allen of Swansea but he admitted last week that his
restructuring would not be done with huge amounts of cash. Were Liverpool to
offload Carroll, then, they would have more room for manoeuvre in the
transfer market but no deal will be done until their valuation is met.
Carroll was not on Liverpool's flight to Boston on Monday, as he is still on
holiday and is expected to report back next week following his exertions at
Euro 2012.
There is no suggestion that this saga will be resolved quickly and West Ham
boss Sam Allardyce is refusing to give up hope of luring Carroll to Upton
Park, despite the 23-year-old's reticence. 'We would dearly love to have
Andy Carroll with us but it is a complex situation,' said Allardyce. 'He is
in no hurry; he doesn't have to make a quick decision if he doesn't want to.
If Andy is going to leave Liverpool, he can wait and see how many (clubs)
are interested.'
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan was delighted to see the Hammers sign his former team-mate Jussi
Jaaskelainen
15.07.2012
Kevin Nolan believes West Ham United have signed a top-class goalkeeper in
Jussi Jaaskelainen. The Hammers captain knows exactly what Jaaskelainen can
do, having spent ten years playing in front of the Finn at Bolton Wanderers.
The pair shared great times at the Reebok Stadium, achieving promotion to
the Premier League, reaching the League Cup final and twice competing in the
UEFA Cup. Having lined up in the same team more than 300 times for the
Trotters, Nolan believes Jaaskelainen possesses the experience and ability
to help West Ham to consolidate their place in the Barclays Premier League.
"Obviously Jussi's record speaks for itself," he told West Ham TV. "When we
were at Bolton and were at our height finishing in the top-eight in four
straight seasons, he was probably easily worth 12 points a season to us and
that was just in games that he won for us on his own by pulling off saves
when our backs were against the wall. "He is that type of keeper who can
pull of great saves. He is a good lad to have around the place too. "There
was no-one more disappointed than me to see Rob Green go. I was close to him
and consider him a good friend and we've stayed in touch. I wish him well in
his move but was disappointed not to see him stay because it would have been
interesting to see those two going at it for the No1 jersey. "Jussi is
someone the gaffer knows really well and I'm sure he'll warm the West Ham
fans' hearts quickly because he is that type of player and character."
Nolan was also pleased to see the Hammers acquire Senegal midfielder Mohamed
Diame following his departure from Wigan Athletic. The pair have enjoyed a
number of battles in the Barclays Premier League over the past few seasons
and the skipper believes Diame will also prove to be a shrewd acquisition
over the course of the season. "I don't really know much of Mohamed but I've
played against him and seen him on the TV. What I've seen of him over the
past week is that he is a good lad who has mixed in with the boys and I'm
sure he'll be a good signing for us. "He seems a very good player and is a
young kid - well, he's younger than me! I'm sure he's going to be a very
good player for us this season."
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Hall relishing Oxford return
WHUFC.com
One-time Oxford United loanee Rob Hall is looking forward to Tuesday's
pre-season match
16.07.2012
Rob Hall is looking forward to showing Oxford United supporters more of his
undoubted talent on Tuesday evening. The West Ham United forward enjoyed two
fruitful loan spells with the npower League Two club last season, scoring
six goals in 14 appearances and dazzling the U's faithful with his quick
feet and elusive dribbling and movement. Tuesday's pre-season fixture at the
Kassam Stadium - kick-off 7.45pm - will give the 18-year-old an opportunity
to illustrate again why he is considered one of English football's
most-promising young players. The player himself told West Ham TV he is
desperate to be involved in a fixture that is set to be attended by dozens
of his friends and family members, many of whom hail from Hall's hometown of
Aylesbury just 20 miles from Oxford. "Hopefully I'll be involved but I have
to take it step-by-step," he said modestly. "We're back in training today
and I'll work hard to try to get into the squad. "It would be great to go
back there and play again in front of the Oxford fans and nice to be in and
around the team and the club because I really enjoyed my time there."
Hall caught the eye during a 30-minute run out in Saturday's 3-0 pre-season
victory at Southend United - less than 48 hours after he had played 120
minutes in England's agonising 2-1 UEFA European Under-19 Championship
semi-final defeat by Greece. The Hammers teenager's disappointment was
compounded by the fact he saw his penalty saved with the scoreline standing
at 1-0 to Greece just before half-time. While Hall was naturally upset at
England's exit, he has vowed to learn from the experience and bounce back a
stronger character and a better player. "I got back from Estonia at about
6pm on Friday after a long day of travelling, but it wasn't too bad. I got a
nice 30-minute burst and felt fresh. "It was a long time away from home but
I learnt a lot out there. I had a lot of experience, some bad of course such
as getting knocked out in the semi-finals, but it was a good all-round trip.
"You see different cultures and learn to live different ways. We had a lot
of down-time out there where you have to look after yourselves, so you have
to learn from that. "I heard I was only playing 30 minutes on Saturday and I
thought it would be at the end of the game, but I came into the changing
room and saw my name in the starting XI and I thought I did alright.
"England-wise, I feel I am a penalty taker but I've missed my last two so
the next one needs to go in! I might have to change my technique but I'm
confident it will go in. "You've just got to step up and keep your head and
on the day the Greek keeper read where I was going to go, so I'll learn from
it and move on from that."
Tuesday's fixture will be the first meeting between West Ham and Oxford
since 24 August, when Scott Parker's late goal saw the Hammers beat the U's
1-0 in the League Cup second round at the Boleyn Ground. The Hammers will be
making their first-ever visit to the Kassam Stadium. *An allocation of 500
tickets will be on sale (cash only) to West Ham United supporters from the
Kassam Stadium North Ticket Office from 6.30pm on Tuesday evening.
Tickets are priced at £18 for Adults, £14.50 for Students (NUS card required
and in full-time education) and £10.50 for Over-65s/Under-16s.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Maiga in London to seal switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Modibo Maiga has arrived in London to rubber-stamp his move to West Ham. The
Malian forward, who is set to cost United up to £7million arrived in the
capital late this afternoon before being whisked away to a hotel where he
will be staying ahead of meeting with Hammers chiefs and undergoing a
medical. The 24-year-old forward, who currently plays for French Ligue 1
club Sochaux began his footballing career in his home country with Stade
Malien before moving to Moroccan club Raja CA Casablanca in 2004. Having
been part of the Arab Champions League-winning side when Casablanca beat
Egyptian outfit ENPPI Club 2-1 in 2006, Maiga moved to France when Le Mans
came calling in 2007. Following three years with MUC 72, he was signed by
current club Sochaux, for whom he scored 15 goals in his first season. A
year ago last month Maiga looked set to move to Newcastle but he eventually
failed a medical ahead of a £7million deal. Having returned to France he
went on to score another 15 goals last season as he helped Les Lionceaux to
fifth place in Ligue 1.
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Sam on Andy
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce is still hopeful of landing Liverpool's Andy Carroll on loan -
despite the England striker's former club entering the race to sign him.
Newcastle United, who sold Carroll to Liverpool last January for a
record-breaking £35million are said to be ready to pay around £13million to
re-sign the Gateshead-born striker on a permanent basis - whilst West Ham
are hoping to take him on loan with view to a permanent deal. Key to West
Ham's bid is the close relationship between Carroll and West Ham captain
Kevin Nolan - and the fact that both are represented by agent Mark Curtis,
who has become an increasingly influential figure at West Ham in recent
months. The controversial Curtis also represents West Ham's central
defender James Tomkins - for whom he recently negotiated a new bumper
contract - and manager Sam Allardyce. Speaking to the local press earlier
today, Allardyce reiterated his desire to bring the 6'3" hit man to east
London. "We would dearly love to have Andy Carroll with us but it is a
complex situation and he is in no hurry," he said. "He doesn't have to make
a quick decision if he doesn't want to. If Andy is going to leave Liverpool,
he can wait and see how many are interested. "The fact, though, that Kevin
is a good friend of Andy's is a slight positive because, if he came here, he
wouldn't be going into a strange environment which would make it easier for
him to integrate."
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Sam 'frustrated' at lack of activity
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce is becoming increasingly frustrated at West Ham's inability to
land any of his favoured transfer targets, KUMB has learned. The West Ham
manager has seen a string of deals fall through already this summer due to
the board's unwillingness to pay high wages and is said to be disappointed
at the lack of backing he has received from the club's co-owners, Davids
Sullivan and Gold. Sunderland's Kieran Richardson, ex-Tottenham defender
Ryan Nelson (now QPR) and former Rangers forward Steven Naismith (now
Everton) are three of the players who Allardyce has failed to land having
seen negotiations fall through due to the board's insistence on refusing to
accede to extortionate demands. Sullivan - and to a lesser degree, Gold -
have refused to sanction such transfers, preferring instead to wait in the
hope that some of their targets remain available until later in the transfer
window when they are more likely to accept more agreeable terms. "We've
identified a number of players but, as yet, we've not been able to sign them
because of their demands," Big Sam said earlier today. "At the moment, we
have signed two out of 12 players we have gone for but I believe we need
another four. "I still believe we will sign the players we need but every
day that goes by makes me more anxious."
27-year-old Richardson, for example, is thought to have demanded circa
£45,000-per-week to join West Ham despite having failed to stand out since
moving from Manchester United to Sunderland for £5.5million in July 2007.
Despite the lack of activity in the past fortnight, West Ham have already
signed four players since confirming their return to the Premier League -
Stephen Henderson, Jussi Jaaskelainen, Momo Diame and George McCartney -
whilst Modibo Maiga is expected to join within the next few days. Allardyce
is seeking a full back, a central defender, a wide forward and a central
striker.
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Ferdinand: no match for West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammers target Kane Ferdinand says his Southend United team were
distinctly second best against Sam Allardyce's side at the weekend. West Ham
recorded their first win of pre-season with Saturday's 3-0 success at Roots
Hall; the goals coming from Nicky Maynard, Jordan Spence and Sam Baldock,
who maintained his record of having scored in every game of pre-season. And
Ferdinand - who was first linked with a move to Upton Park in June 2011 -
admitted that the two teams were a class apart. "I think the difference in
class between the two teams was there to see but it was good for us to get
out there again," the relative of former Hammers Rio, Anton and Les
Ferdinand told the Echo. "West Ham have been back in training a few more
weeks than we have and that showed as well, but it was nice to get a game
in. The matches help to break up the hard runs and training we're doing and
I'm sure this will have done us good."
Meanwhile West Ham's assistant manager Neil McDonald was once again pleased
with efforts of the team. They're getting stronger and they're getting
fitter which is what pre-season is all about," he told whufc.com. "It was
nice to get some goals as well, which was great. With another good week of
work under their belts and having played two games this week, it's building
up well in pre-season. "We passed the ball really well and kept it moving.
We've been working on keeping the ball and passing and moving during the
past two weeks and we now just need to build their fitness up. We played
some really nice stuff at times."
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Cole: days numbered?
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 16th July 2012
By: Staff Writer
Carlton Cole's days at West Ham could be numbered after he was told that he
may not necessarily be part of Sam Allardyce's first team plans for next
season.
KUMB understands that the former England striker, who scored the first goal
in West Ham's 2-1 play-off Final win against Blackpool back in May has been
informed that he will not be guaranteed a first team spot next season. With
West Ham chasing the likes of Liverpool's Andy Carroll and Sochaux's Modibo
Maiga - who some sources have suggested will complete a move to West Ham
this week - Cole is likely to be second choice, at best, for the lone
striker's role under Allardyce's system.
And the 28-year-old, who moved to West Ham from Chelsea six years ago has
been told to seek a new club should he wish to guarantee first-team football
on a regular basis. The Hammers are still in line to sign Mali striker Maiga
this week, with the club still seeking to land Carroll on loan from
Liverpool. However the Hammers face stiff competition from his former club
Newcastle.
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And the Latest Player Allegedly Being Pursured by West Ham is - Dimitar
Berbatov!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
The Daily Mirror have reported that West Ham's latest transfer target is
allegedly Manchester Utd's Dimitar Berbatov. It seems that Berbatov's time
at Old Traford is nearing its conclusion and there is speculation that he
could be allowed to move for a £5m fee. West Ham could undoubtedly afford
that level of transfer fee, but about his his wage package? Berbatov is
still a PL quality striker and he needs regular first team football. Are
West Ham genuinely interested in him? Perhaps, but it does begs the question
will the Board meet his wage demands?
Sam Allardyce's recently reported comments about his fustrations at failing
to secure the club's summer transfer targets have been illuminating. It
appears, as many of us have suspected, that potential deals are breaking
down because the Board will not meet the wage demands of the players. That
is a double edged sword, because while it is essential that the club is
competitive in the transfer market, no one wants to see the club paying
decidely average players heavily inflated wages. The truth is that quality,
above and beyond what we already have, will cost the club. As a general
rule, there is no getting away from that harsh reality. Yes, it is probably
right to take a stand on inflated player wages, but if you are doing it in
isolaion, as one PL club, there is every prospect that you will only end up
disadvantaging yourself in the transfer market.
Everyone knows how important the summer transfer window is in having a good
season. Get it wrong, and you need up on the back foot, trying to pull it
out of the fire with expensive and desperate transfers in January. That's
exactly what happened in 2010-11, we never recovered from a poor start and
the January transfers did nothing to turn the club's fortunes around at the
11th hour.
When history repeats itself, its first as tragedy and then as farce. This
club cannot afford another relegation farce this time around. Surely
everyone can agree on that? Personally, i am not overly pessimistic about
our current squad, the likes of Noble, Collison, Tomkins and Nolan give us a
reasonable fighting chance in the coming the season. Especially if the team
spirit and togetherness that emerged last season is carried over in to the
new season. But to perform better than expected we probably need an
injection of extra quality in key positions.
Hopefully, the quality in the current squad, the much improved team spirit
and Sam Allardyce's managerial nous will keep us out of any real trouble.
But would it not be nice to do a bit better and secure a top ten finish.
That is a quality often sorely missing at Upton Park over the decades
....... ambition.!
SJ Chandos.
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Hammers bid for Berbatov: New boys want the Manchester United misfit
The Mirror
West Ham have made an audacious bid to rescue Dimitar Berbatov from his
Manchester United hell. The promoted Hammers have moved for the Bulgarian
hitman as it appears Newcastle are set to win the race for another of their
targets, Liverpool and England striker Andy Carroll. Berbatov, 31, has made
public his desperation to quit the Reds in search of regular first-team
football next season. But United have taken out an option to extend his
contract by another 12 months in the hope of landing a fee for the striker
of around £5million. The east Londoners want to hand Berbatov a chance to
return to London, where he made his name with Tottenham, on loan – at least
initially – whereas the deposed champions are looking for a sale. Berbatov
took to Facebook at the weekend to make clear he'd rather cut his losses
than stay on the bench for another season at Old Trafford. Signed for £30m
from Spurs four years ago, Berbatov hit 14 goals in his first season at
United and 12 in his second. In his third, he rattled in 20 Premier League
goals to share the Golden Boot with Carlos Tevez of Manchester City.
However, the emergence of both Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez at United,
has since seen Berbatov plummet down the pecking order.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Show me the way home! Miffed Carroll ready for Toon return after snub
By DOMINIC KING
PUBLISHED: 23:00, 16 July 2012 | UPDATED: 06:22, 17 July 2012
Daily Mail
Andy Carroll has paved the way for a dramatic return 'home' by admitting
that he wants to re-join Newcastle. Having harboured hopes he would be able
to convince Brendan Rodgers of his suitability for the new Liverpool,
Carroll has now been forced to reluctantly accept that he must move on to
play regular football. Newcastle had an approach to take the England
international on a season-long loan firmly rebuffed by Liverpool on Sunday
night but they will now be expected to come back with another offer after
receiving encouraging noises from Carroll's entourage. West Ham United,
Fulham and Aston Villa have all stated their interest to varying degrees but
it would appear Carroll would only want to go back to the Sports Direct
Arena. According to an unnamed friend, who was quoted in Monday's Newcastle
Evening Chronicle, Carroll is annoyed that he hasn't had an opportunity to
impress Rodgers. 'From a professional point of view Andy is miffed that he
wasn't given the chance to show what he can do in front of new manager
Brendan Rodgers,' a close friend of Carroll's said. 'He was expecting to get
at least pre-season to show what he could offer him. He ended last season on
a high and wanted to continue that. 'Now Newcastle are interested and Andy
wants to come home. He's already told Liverpool that too. He's surprised
Liverpool don't want him anymore and doesn't want to be where he is not
wanted.'
Former Newcastle captain Alan Shearer believes returning to Tyneside would
be a 'great move' for Carroll
The 41-year-old said in The Sun: 'Andy is an England centre-forward and I
wouldn't say he has been a flop at Liverpool by any means. 'Yes, it took him
a bit of time to settle there but he finished the season strongly and
considering he only started one game at the Euros, I thought he did well.
'Make no mistake, he is a very good footballer. I can fully understand why
Newcastle are in for him and I think it would be a great move. 'When he was
there before he benefited from the fact that the team was always working to
get him the ball - and he thrived on that. That hasn't always been the case
at Liverpool and perhaps at times he suffered.' He added: 'There is an old
saying that you should never go back but, in Andy's case, I don't think it
would be a mistake at all. 'He was hero-worshipped by the crowd first time
around and they would warm to him again. Andy loved playing there and
whatever the fans felt about him leaving to join Liverpool, I'm sure he
would win them over quickly.'
As Liverpool paid £35million for Carroll in January 2011, they will play
hard ball with any club enquiring about the striker and will not sell him on
the cheap.
Liverpool would be looking to recoup at least half of what they initially
paid for Carroll and will only do business if they receive a serious
permanent offer or a loan deal with a commitment to buy. Rodgers is looking
to make additions to Liverpool's squad and is keen on both Fulham's Clint
Dempsey and Joe Allen of Swansea but he admitted last week that his
restructuring would not be done with huge amounts of cash. Were Liverpool to
offload Carroll, then, they would have more room for manoeuvre in the
transfer market but no deal will be done until their valuation is met.
Carroll was not on Liverpool's flight to Boston on Monday, as he is still on
holiday and is expected to report back next week following his exertions at
Euro 2012.
There is no suggestion that this saga will be resolved quickly and West Ham
boss Sam Allardyce is refusing to give up hope of luring Carroll to Upton
Park, despite the 23-year-old's reticence. 'We would dearly love to have
Andy Carroll with us but it is a complex situation,' said Allardyce. 'He is
in no hurry; he doesn't have to make a quick decision if he doesn't want to.
If Andy is going to leave Liverpool, he can wait and see how many (clubs)
are interested.'
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